INTRODUCTION

Hi, June. Wheres Drew?

Hes sleeping in the basement, and I must tell you that he is dead until sunset.

Oh, I can certainly understand that. Ive worked night shifts long enough to know that you do get used to sleeping in the daytime.

Not asleep; dead. Drew is a vampire. Hes my great grandfather, not my grandson.

Of course I hoped it was true. Wouldnt you?

Thus begins flaky Anna Woodruffs acquaintance with Andrew Lawless, the first vampire to enter her life, but not the last.

e-Book 2001

www.mittymax.com

Annas Pet Vampires

Chapter one

Im worried about my grandson, June fretted. He lives with me since his parents died and I dont know what hell do after Igo to my reward.

You look pretty healthy to me, June, I responded lightly, thinking that she was concerned about the thought of going to her reward. June was one of our Little Old Ladies; a regular slot machine player in the Golden Hind casino where I was employed as a change person. On slow nights such as this we often fell into casual chats.

Thank you, she answered. But Im not young, Im afraid. Drew is. Oh, hes not a child; I dont mean that. Hes about your age. Didnt you tell me youre twenty-three? I nodded. But he has a problem. Hes allergic to sunshine. Fortunately his father, my son, left him quite well provided for so he doesnt have to hold a job to support himself, but hes lonely. Its difficult for him to meet she paused, suitable people; also he needs someone who can function in the daytime. Even here in Las Vegas there are some things which are open only during business hours.

Now the warning bells in my head were telling me to back off; that I was being manipulated. I had always abided by the eleventh commandment for casino employees~ which is; Thou shalt not become personally involved with customers. Its unprofessional. But I was at loose ends, for my divorce was new; and the thought of a lonely, unattached, solvent young man was

hard to resist. Against my better judgment I said, I wouldnt mind meeting him sometime.

June pounced on that. Why not tonight? Dont you get off at midnight?

When my relief is on time. When hes late I just work overtime until he does show.

Well, Im in no hurry. Ill just keep playing the slot machine until you do get off, then you can follow me home. Ill call first to let Drew know were coming.

My relief, a nice fellow named Tommy, was on time that night. I fancied that my little four-cylinder pick-up felt shy following Junes elegant car to her stately home on Rancho Circle.

This is my grandson, Andrew Lawless. Drew, this is Anna Woodruff. She makes change at the Golden Hind. Drew was a tall young man with carrot red hair and the most remarkable eyes I had ever seen. They were the glowing blue of a gas flame and seemed to be expanding even as I gazed into them. With my first look into those eyes I knew the chemistry was right.

June knew it too. She suddenly clapped herself on the forehead in the manner of someone who has just remembered something.

Oh, dear. Ive got to make a trip to the little convenience store down the street. Ive forgotten something I really meant to pick up. I wont be gone long.

After she had hurried off Drew and I became better acquainted, as we both knew June had intended. He was a good listener and I found myself telling him a somewhat condensed version of the story of my life.

I was born in Oregon and grew up in foster homes. My birth mother left the hospital the night I was born and hasnt been heard from since. When she had checked into the emergency room she told them her name was Anna Woodruff. Obviously she made that up but the hospital gave it to me, for lack of a better one.

A calico cat, apparently the household pet, leaped into my lap and began to purr. It was a friendly thing. When I was sixteen I ran away from the foster home I was in at the time and got married, just to escape from the so-called system. My husband brought me to this town. I looked older than I was and he knew how to get phony identification so I went to work in a little dump of a place where they didnt check those things too closely.

The cat responded ecstatically when I absentmindedly scratched her behind the ears.

Nice cat. Whats her name?

Jericho. She has three kittens around here someplace. June has made an appointment to have her spayed in a few weeks. We didnt know she was pregnant when somebody dumped her on the driveway.

But go on, Anna. Im interested in your story.

Theres not much more to it. Im twenty-three now and recently divorced. It was nothing new when I caught my husband with another woman, but I had put up with it before because I had needed him until I got old enough to get my legitimate ID. I have it now, and of course a job in a much more respectable place.

I have a feeling theres a good deal more to your story and Ill be interested in hearing more when you feel like telling it. Did you never find out anything about your biological parents?

Nothing. Im undoubtedly a bastard. After I divorced I didnt want to keep my married name, so I went back to Woodruff.

I like that name; it has dignity. He glanced at the window. Do you realize that weve been up until almost sunrise? Im sure youre exhausted now, but can we get together again on your night off?

I thought youd never ask, Drew.

You feel it too, dont you?

Yes, I do.

Then well have a lot to talk about.

Well, he got that right. As arranged, I arrived at Junes house about half an hour before sunset. To my surprise it was June, rather than Drew, who greeted me, but I supposed that she would soon be leaving for her nightly slot machine playing.

Hi, June. Wheres Drew?

Hes sleeping in the basement, but you will be seeing him soon. Anna, Drew and I have had a heart to heart talk about you and we are in agreement. Youre the one we need. I could not decide whether this mysterious pronouncement was flattering or threatening in intent.

June continued, Now I must tell you that he is dead until sunset.

Oh, I can certainly understand that. Ive worked night shifts long enough to know that you do get used to sleeping in the daytime.

Not asleep; dead. Drew is a vampire. Hes my great grandfather, not my grandson.

Of course I hoped it was true. Wouldnt you?

We chose this time of day so you could see for yourself. Will you follow me to the basement, please. I did. The basement had no windows but the electric lighting was adequate and I saw Drew lying motionless on a rollaway bed in the corner. Heres a hand mirror, June handed it to me.

Yes, you can see his reflection in it. Theres no truth to the legend that you cant see vampires in mirrors, but if youll hold it under his nose youll see that he isnt breathing. But he will talk to you after sunset. You neednt be frightened. No one here is going to harm you. I tried the mirror, which confirmed that Drew was not breathing.

June, I believe you. So how come Im not scared?

I think she misquoted scripture somewhat; True love banishes fear. Perhaps you really are in love with my ancestor.

But I dont even know him. How could I love him?

How could you not? Have you ever seen a more beautiful man? (I had not.) She glanced at her wristwatch, But watch him now. In a moment the sun will be setting.

Drews awakening was as simple as opening his eyes. Seeing me, he smiled radiantly.

Anna; hello, Darlin.

Drew; hello, my sweet vampire.

As June quietly ascended the stairs he reached for the dressing gown on the small table beside the bed.

Youve accepted it, then? You dont mind that Im what I am? Whats to mind? Youre not gonna bite me, are you? I mean, surely youd have done it by now if you were going to.

No, Im not going to bite you. His smile now was indulgently surprised. I see that June has gone to her nightly gambling. Thats okay, you know. She can afford it. Why dont we go to the kitchen and see if she left the coffee on for us?

COFFEE?

He laughed delightedly. I like the stuff as long as its black. Black coffee has no food value. Food, as you understand the term, disagrees with me.

June had left the coffee on and as we sat in the breakfast nook drinking it I asked, Drew, how is this possible? Your being what you are, I mean?

I have no idea. Anna, do you read very much scientific literature?

Some; in the simpler lay science magazines.

Then youve probably read, as I have, the scientists conclusion that life itself is considered such an unlikely phenomenon that you wouldnt believe it exists except that, here you are. You cannot explain it. Neither can I explain my existence, buthere I am.

Yes, so you are. I tried to collect my thoughts, always a major undertaking for me. Well, I told you what little there is of my life story last night. Now its your turn. I want to hear all about you.

Its a somewhat lengthy story, he said with a thoughtful nod, but Ill try to make it as short as possible. Dont hesitate to interrupt if you have questions. I believe Im young as my kind go. I was born about two centuries ago in what is now Ohio. I dont know the year or month because my parents were what are now called White trash, who had a lot of brats and didnt bother with birth certificates.

You shouldnt say brats. It sounds as if you dont like kids.

Am I expected to? I am a vampire, after all. Were not supposed to be Santa Claus.

I giggled. I felt that I could relate to his feelings, for I, too, had been born more or less accidentally. I think I know how you feel. Actually, Im not too fond of the little monsters myself. It isnt just coincidence that Ive never had any. But go on, Drew. He went on. I think I was in my early teens when I left the farm. There was no melodramatic quarrel. I just told them I thought it was about time I hit the road. All either of them said was that I should at least wait until after the

spring planting was done. I didnt. I didnt even bother to try to tell them that from where I stood it didnt appear that I owed them ~ help with their farm work. Can you believe it still sometimes bothers me to think of how little they missed me?

I know that unwanted feeling. What did you do after you left?

I joined a gang of river pirates. Most people nowadays have never heard of them, but they used to be the scourge of the big rivers in the days before steamboats. Cant say that was a good life, but I couldnt even read then. Couldnt do anything but plant and plow and harvest. I knew that what I needed was some education. My parents had been the kind of people who never stopped making brats but never gave much thought to them after they were born. I believe its a sin for poor people to have children.

But if your parents had thought that way, you wouldnt be here.

Id be someplace else, Drew bridled. God makes the soul. The parents make only the bodies. Should I believe, on the one hand, that I have an immortal soul; but on the other hand, that my soul is of so little importance that it wouldnt even exist if my parents had been capable of restraint?

Do you believe in immortal souls?

Certainly, he was surprised. Dont you?

Ive never felt sure. Is your body immortal now?

Nothing physical is. I cant die of disease, and only in very specific circumstances can I die of old age, but I can be killed. I can easily kill myself simply by going to sleep where the sun will strike me when it rises.

How did you get such a nice suntan, then?

Thats odd, isnt it? My own theory, although its only that, is that my skin produces pigment. Perhaps its a kind of poetic justice; a compensation for the fact that before I died I sunburned quite easily, like most redheads. For lack of a better term, I call it moon tan.

Obviously some of the vampire legends are not true; so how can you be so sure that sunlight is fatal to you? Marimba had only one foot because the other was destroyed by the sun. But Im getting ahead of myself. Marimba comes a little later in my story. So does the possibility of death from old age. Ill get back to that. Where was I for now?

You were saying that you had needed education. You must have picked some up in the meantime. Id hardly call you ignorant now.

He refilled our coffee cups and continued, I changed my last name, of course, when I decided to give up pirating. Lawless was an obvious choice. I found a young schoolteacher and offered to pay her to teach me to read. Ive always had a feeling that she knew my money was not come by honestly, but she didnt ask and I didnt tell her. You can guess the rest, Anna. How could

I not have fallen in love with her? She was not a classic beauty, although thats always a matter of definition, but she was the first cultured and refined lady I had ever known. She smelled like soap. My falling in love with her was only to be expected, but the miracle was that it was mutual.

The calico cat chose this moment to stroll into the breakfast nook with her three offspring, two little calico replicas of their mother and one solid black. Jericho was proud in the way only a mother cat can be.

Drew regarded them fondly. Their names are Ditto, Calypso, and Geronimo. Geronimo is the black one.

Jericho did not seem to object when I picked up the tiny ebony kitten and sat it on my lap.

Go on with your story, Drew.

After we married we bought a mercantile store in Independence, Missouri. We had one child, a daughter who was the light of our lives. I dislike children, as a rule, but its different with ones own. When our daughter Huldah was three years old a flu epidemic took my wife. She justdied. His voice expressed a desolated grief, as if for a recent occurrence. I knew of nothing to say, so I said nothing.

You are saying the right thing, Anna. Your silence shows an understanding beyond your years. After my daughter grew up and married she wanted me to come to her house to live, but I felt the newlyweds should have their privacy. It was well that I stayed alone. I dont think Marimba would have chosen me otherwise.

He paused long enough to lift Jericho into his lap, for she was winding herself around his leg, as cats will.

Marimba. He virtually intoned the name. She was the only vampire Ive yet known, besides myself. One rainy night I answered a knock at my back door and there she stood, looking like a drowned rat leaning on her crutches, which she later told me she had stolen. Without a second thought I asked her to come in. After accepting the invitation she said, I need someone to help me. I know you must witness what Im about to tell you in order to believe it, but just be patient. You see, at sunrise Ill die. Thats nothing to be alarmed about. Ill wake up again when night falls. Sunshine is fatal to me and I need a safe place to hide from it through the day. If I dont wake up you can get off the hook from any blame for my death by just saying that you didnt know there was a body in your basement; that you dont go down there every day. But I will wake up. Then Ill explain everything. What can you lose? Well, Anna, I didnt know what to make of any of that, but I was entranced with her and perhaps a bit bored with my life so I agreed. What could I lose? If you find it hard to believe that I could keep quiet the next day about the dead body in my basement, please remember that I had once been a river pirate and they were not a squeamish lot. I suppose there is no need to try to tell you how I felt the next night when the cadaver started to talk to me. Youve just experienced that.

Jealousy reared its ugly head.

You were entranced with her?

Utterly besotted. I was middle aged and going through what is now called the male menopause. She looked about seventeen and she was lovely despite the fact, or perhaps because of it, that for the time being she was quite helpless. I suppose I could wax poetic about her sable hair and midnight

eyes and willowy form. She had a deep moon tan, which was attractive even though it was fashionable in those days for women to be pale. She handled her disability with admirable gumption, of which she had no shortage.

Jericho jumped down and came over to me to check on the black kitten, which was still in my lap. I was already becoming attached to it.

Drew continued, Marimba had been born in East Central England near a community called Lincoln, which was also her family name. She claimed no relationship to our president, although she did admire him greatly and supported the Abolitionist cause. So did I, for that matter. My store was a way station on the Underground Railway. She had been born in the reign of Edward IV. Do you know British history, Anna?

In a limited way. Wasnt Edward IV before Columbus?

He was, but in the same century. You know that my kind have no age. I, myself, was in my seventies when I ceased to breathe. I dont think you think of me as an old man and neither did I think of Marimba as anything other than an enchanting young girl. Her story was a long one. She had grown up in a convent, at considerable expense to her father, who wanted her to become a nun. She wasnt having any of that. She found a way to steal out of the convent at night and meet with a man she called Alexander. On one of their trysts she had a headache, probably migraine, which was too severe to be concealed from such a perceptive person as her Alexander apparently was. He said he had a nostrum, which would cure her tendency to have headaches, and on their next meeting he produced it, telling her that the entire contents of the vial must be consumed on the spot. She had no reason not to believe him and obeyed without question. Then he killed her in the textbook approved vampire fashion.

Just like that? What was she doing while he was doing this? Couldnt she fight or scream?

He moved too swiftly and was too strong for her. We are very strong, you know. Also it would be difficult to scream with two inches of fangs in ones neck. My own are retracted now, but I can extend them at will, as a cat does its claws.

She said his nostrum certainly cured her headaches, for she had not had one since. Her disappearance was never solved, and remained a mystery to her father to his dying day. Alexander took her to his sleeping place, which was a crypt because those are good places to hide from the sun. She told me that the transition from dead to un-dead takes a few hours, and is usually not completed until the next night, which I later found to be true. I guess theres no accounting for love. Despite what he had done to her, Marimba chose to return to her Alexander.

She had a choice?

We all do. I cannot make a vampire of you if you simply decide otherwise. When I died I had one of those so-called near death experiences. It was very much like the things one hears so much about nowadays; people who are clinically dead and then revived by doctors. I believe they are telling the truth. In my own case there was the thing with a journey through a dark tunnel toward a bright light, but when I got there I still wasnt there. Between the light and me was the strangest river you could possibly imagine. The side where I emerged from the tunnel was dark and cold, with a bitter wind blowing; but the other side was all blue and golden. The voice I heard was like my own, speaking inside my head. It told me that the choice was mine.

If I decided to cross the river I could, but could not return. If I wanted to go back I could, but it must be as one of the undead. I wanted to return to Marimba. Much good it did me, for when she found someone to take her back to England I was not invited. Well, she owed me nothing.

So his beauty had jilted him. He was aware of that and I saw no reason to rub it in.

What had become of her Alexander? I asked.

They quarreled and parted. Marimba admitted that it was her fault for being unduly possessive and inclined to jealousy. She had never had anyone she could call her own until she met Alexander. She knew that we need breathers to help and protect us, but she couldnt stand the thought that sometimes his helpers were female. When she began to threaten his breathing helper he told her he wouldnt tolerate that; that he wished her well but they ought to part company. So they did.

How did she get to the U.S.?

She found a wealthy man who shared her desire to see the New World. I dont suppose it was easy for him to make the arrangements to have her shipped over as cargo, but money does talk.

She went into hibernation for the few weeks of the voyage.

Hibernation?

Its a thing we can do, if were willing to pay the price. It is in those circumstances that it is possible for us to die of old age. The price for hibernation is that we grow older while were at it. If we hibernate for two years, for instance, we will become physically two years older. In Marimbas case it was only a matter of weeks. She told her subconscious mind to wake her up at a pre-arranged word from her helper, or in six weeks in any case. That last was because of the possibility of his dying on the voyage.

What if the ship had sunk?

She could not have drowned, since we dont breathe, but she would have had no way to be sure that her body would not float in the daytime, since dead bodies usually do. No doubt the sun would have finished her. When I pointed that out to her, she said, So be it. Marimba was courageous, and willing to take chances.

Obviously she was. What happened after they got to North America?

Disaster. Her breathing helper, who was not young, died of a stroke before she had even given a thought to the possibility of finding another. So there she was. Although we are helpless in the daytime she was determined to see some of this continent and she found her way to Missouri by sleeping under houses and, occasionally, in barns. When the sun rises we must sleep whether or not we want to. On one occasion she didnt find a crawlspace in time and the sleep overcame her before she could get all of her foot under the house. She awakened to find the entire foot neatly and bloodlessly amputated, just gone. Our bodies have no defense against the sun and cannot repair the damage it does to us. That was the state to which she had been

reduced on that rainy night when she knocked on my door. The next day I obtained some very lightweight wood and carved a foot for her. I fastened it to straps, which fit around her knee. With that, and her own very considerable determination, she was able to discard the crutches.

Was there no possibility that the man who had brought her to this country could have come back, as she had done?

Of course. Many do not choose to return. It is hard to explain to someone who has not been to the river, but when your time comes you will understand. Now he sounded very sad. Perhaps you wont come back either. Feeling uncomfortable with what was, after all, the subject of my own eventual death, I asked, For how long was she with you?

In round figures, about forty years; thirty before I stopped breathing and ten after. As one of the undead myself I could no longer be of any use to her as a daytime helper, but my grandson, Junes father, helped us both. My daughter never knew what I had become, but I saw to it that she consumed some of the ruby wine before she died, so that she would be given the chance to return if she chose to. She didnt.

If all this happened in Missouri, how did you get here?

My grandson brought me here early in this century. I was extra weight for his oxen to pull but he had the best. Heavy blankets shielded me from the sun and in the daytime I feel nothing, no matter what. My grandson, who was an astute businessman, had sold the store at a handsome profit and he was very curious about the Southwest.

This was before June was born?

Oh, yes. It was even before there was legal gambling here. There was talk of it, though, and my grandson invested in real estate. My Andrew knew what he was doing. Andrew? I take it he was named after you?

That he was. Huldah wanted to honor me. She didnt know anything about my pirating days or my becoming what I now am. June, on the other hand, has always known about the family vampire. As a child she was enjoined to keep quiet about it but occasionally, as children will, she mentioned me to some of her little friends, who only laughed at her. Junes mother died young and her father never remarried so, not surprisingly, I was the one in whom she confided most. Ive wondered sometimes if having an ancestor like me could have had something to do with her decision not to have children, although theres no way it could be hereditary. Could it?

No, of course not. Now tell me about that ruby wine.

Ill show you. He went into the pantry, which adjoined the breakfast nook, and returned with a long-stemmed wine glass. I watched in fascination as he extended his needle sharp canine teeth and sank one of them into his own wrist. The red drops like liquid rubies rolled into the glass. Then he closed the wound and it simply stopped bleeding. He handed me the wine glass.

It does look like wine. Not like blood at all. I said doubtfully.

My blood is not like yours. This is how we are made, Anna. It wont kill you; nor am I going to. This will only make it certain that you will be offered the choice when you stop breathing. I want you to join me when that time comes.

The red liquid had no taste at all.

***

Chapter two

Late again, huh? Drews irritation was obvious. It was only a few weeks since we had met but our dates were now a nightly thing. You ought to complain about that.

I dont think that would be the thing to do, Drew. Since his wife left him, hes having a hard time looking after his kids while working two jobs. In the daytime hes an automobile mechanic and he hopes to own his own shop some day. I dont mind working over to cover for him. It isnt as if he was just lazy.

Now youre defending him. What about me?

Drew, I asked with astonishment, are you jealous?

Yes. He was more agitated than I had ever seen him. You dont know what loneliness is, Anna. What the living knows is as nothing compared to the loneliness of the un-dead. Those who are still breathing have the whole world. I have only you, and I love you.

You dont. I was angry now. Im just handy for you. You still love Marimba.

Thats ridiculous. I havent seen Marimba in a century and I dont expect to ever see her again. You see this man every night. Is he good-looking?

Very. I think his wife must have been a fool to leave him. When he told me about it, he said, She found a rich boyfriend who wanted her, but not her kids; so she left them too, when she left me. Im well rid of her, for sure, but how do you explain that to a kid? I didnt really know how to answer him.

And just when did he tell you all this? There was suspicion in the question, as if Drew believed I had engaged in a protracted and intimate conversation with my co-worker.

Tonight; by way of apologizing for being late. Drew, you have no reason to be jealous of Tommy. Hes not my type. You are.

Tommy? Drews manner changed suddenly. Is that Tommy Jernigan?

Yes; howd you know?

I didnt, but I should have. Thats the one June wants.

I dont think I follow you.

Shes smitten with a change person who works at the Golden Hind. Ive heard her mention his name but not which shift he works; but I should have guessed. Thats why she gambles all night. Because hes there.

But hes young enough to be her grandson. Tommys only in his thirties. June is in her seventies.

Her eighties, actually, but it doesnt matter. Shell be young again after she dies and becomesas I am. She was attractive when she was young the first time and shell havegifts. She means to be to him as Marimba was to me.

Wont he have something to say about that? What if he doesnt go for it?

She believes she will be able to win him over. So do I. We can be very persuasive, when we need to be. I wasnt sure I liked the sound of that, but I found that my own anger had cooled and I wanted to make up with Drew.

Darling, lets not quarrel. Tommys okay as men go, but I hate men; the ones who breathe, I mean. Ive had some really bad experiences with them when I was a ward of the state.

As always he was an attentive listener.

Id be interested in hearing more about that. Were there none of the foster parents who wanted to adopt you?

There were, all right. One of the foster fathers couldnt keep his hands off me. After I called the caseworker about him, he denied it, saying I was just wanting attention. He was a respected pillar of the community so it suited

the caseworkers purpose to pretend to believe him. They did take me out of that home, though.

Jericho and her brood made their nightly appearance and I lifted Geronimo to his now-accustomed perch on my lap.

Then there were Felixs parents, I continued. Felix was their little tin god. From the day he was born he could do no wrong. Anything he did was automatically right just because he was the one who did it. Once the family and I were going somewhere by car and I was riding in the back seat with Felix. His parents were in the front seat. He was drinking, which wasnt unusual. They knew how much he drank but, because it was Felix, they pretended it was cute thats how they justified anything he did that they couldnt find any other way to excuse.

As we rolled along I suddenly felt a finger probing at the crack of my behind, through my jeans. I twisted away as best I could in the confined space and said, stop that. His mother told me to stop whining.

Why didnt you just tell them what he was doing?

I had already learned that I couldnt expect much from adults in the way of protection from other adults. I still dont understand what a grown man gets from feeling up a little girl; but he seemed so pleased with himself for getting away with something. Ive wondered sometimes if their real reason for taking in foster kids was just as a way of getting someone for Felix to use for a toy. They always wanted to give him anything he wanted, anything1

What happened for the rest of that trip?

More of the same. From time to time I would feel that probing finger again and whimper in protest again and be told to stop whining; while Felix kept looking both innocent and sly at the same time. I ran away from that home at the next opportunity. I was found and sent back but I just kept running away until the Carsons asked the state to take me off their hands because I was too much trouble. How old were you, Anna?

Ten. He was twenty-one.

Words fail me. My first impulse is to call him an animal but that wouldnt be right. I like animals. Where is he now?

Should I know? I certainly havent kept in touch with him.

Drews flame blue eyes now had a gleam, which could only be called unholy.

What about mutual acquaintances; other foster kids of that family, maybe?

There was one that I still keep in touch with; a nice girl named Shannon. Shes still up there somewhere and might know people who know Felix. But why would I want to find him?

You know why. Call this nice girl named Shannon. You said you still keep in touch with her so you undoubtedly have her phone number.

Drew, you cant

Why cant I? Do you think people like him ever change? Its called pedophilia, and all the research thats been done on it shows one thing. Its incurable.

Later that day I called Shannon and, after some desultory chitchat, asked, Do you ever hear anything about Felix or his parents these days?

Oh, yeah; I know where they are. The Carsons still live in the same house in Roseburg. As for him, they let him out of the slammer about a week ago. Thats a pity, isnt it? I tried to warn that woman before she married him, but she didnt want to hear it.

What did he do to her?

Not to her; to her kids. You know thats what he always goes for. When I heard that he was engaged to a woman with two little girls, I just had to try to warn her, but it did no good. I dont think shed believe it even now if there hadnt been a witness with a camera.

Howd that happen?

One day when the mother was at work and Felix was at home with the girls a neighbor walked in without knocking. He had his camera ready. The older girl had told him what was going on and that she would see to it that the door was unlocked.

Smart kid. Very few would think of anything like that.

She had an advisor; me. I made it my business.

You were always a spunky sort, Shannon. Whered the jerk go after they let him out?

To his parents home. They still pretend to think he was framed.

You say theyre still living in the same place in Roseburg?

Right.

So now I knew where Felix was. I did make a somewhat halfhearted effort to persuade Drew to forsake his plan.

Drew, what purpose can be served by trying to get revenge now?

Revenge has nothing to do with it. The purpose to be served is to stop him. You were not the only case, nor the worst. You know that.

I knew it. Although the number had not been changed from when I had lived there I could not remember it, but I had no trouble getting it from information. Felix answered the phone and was, to put it mildly, surprised to hear from me.

I just got to thinking about the old days, Felix. They were good times, werent they? I knew he was too shallow to be surprised that I remembered the old days as good times. So what have you been doing lately?

Working in a mill just out of town. Been there for years. Im divorced, no kids. What about you?

With Drews advice I had fabricated a story, which would be tempting to someone like Felix.

Well, I have a five year old daughter; no husband. Actually Ive been thinking that maybe youd like to come to see Las Vegas. You could stay here with me and pay your way by helping me out with my baby-sitting problem. Do you have any vacation time coming? knew he was not working.

I think so. Suppose I call you back.

He called back the next day and we agreed that he would take the bus and I would meet him at the station. Drew was pleased.

Good. No vehicle to dispose of.

When .1 picked Felix up at the bus station he wondered why I hadnt brought my daughter, an eventuality for which I was prepared.

Shes staying with a friend of mine for the night. I figured youd need some rest after your trip so I arranged to keep her out of your hair until tomorrow. I do have a friend Id like you to meet tonight, but he wont take up too much of your time.

Yes, I went through with it.

Shortly after sunset Drew knocked on my door.

Come in, Drew. I want you to meet my foster brother, Felix Carson. Ive told you about the great times we used to have. Felix, this is my darling vampire, Andrew Lawless.

Well, everybody ought to have one of those. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

And Im happy to meet you, Felix. Obviously you dont take Annas designation of me seriously, but Im used to that. Its what I count on. The thing is, I need you still breathing until Ive finished with you. Dead blood isnt nutritious. Would you rather Id have my dinner here, or out in the desert?

Felix shrugged impatiently, irritated but not yet frightened.

Might as well have it here and be done with it. He still wasnt taking it seriously.

But he soon did. Drew moved more swiftly than I would have thought possible as he grabbed the others shoulders and sank his fangs into the jugular. Felix squawked and struggled, but not for long. After he had lost consciousness Drew continued to feed voraciously, for he had fasted for a couple of nights in preparation. He was hungry.

After he had finished he picked up the body effortlessly. (We ARE very strong, you know.) I checked to make sure there were no loiterers in the parking lot and Drew carried the cadaver to my truck. Then we drove out to a remote part of the Mojave Desert, in which Las Vegas is located. Many bodies wind up out there. Some are found. I have no way of knowing how many are not. Again displaying his astonishing physical strength, Drew covered the body with large rocks.

Anna, I can see youre not feeling so chipper. Have you forgotten what kind of person he was?

No, I havent forgotten. Im glad hes dead.

You picked a good place to hide the body, Drew. Its been almost a week and nobody has found it yet. I had by now learned my way around Junes breakfast nook and I poured the coffee.

I cant find it either. It isnt where we left it.

WHAT?

A few nights ago I had a strange feeling; a premonition I suppose I must call it, about Felix.

I cant fly. Thats just one of the myths; but I can move very swiftly. I can also sustain the swift movement all night. I went out to the place where we left his body and its gone. There were just a few scraps of his shirt on one of the jagged rocks. Thats how I could be sure it was the right place, but he wasnt there.

Thats impossible. Dead bodies dont just walk away. Momentarily I had forgotten that I was talking to one, which had done exactly that. But, of even more importance, what was Drew trying to say to me?

I dont want to believe it either, Anna. Yet Marimba seemed to think there must be others like us on this continent.

Felix? Oh, no. Thats preposterous, Drew. If that was the case, wouldnt you feel it, somehow?

I did feel it; the premonition that sent me out to check the place where we had left the body.

How can we know?

I imagine that if Im right hell be looking for you soon. Hell want revenge. Anna, dont ever go out after dark without me. Never. Ill be waiting for you in the parking lot after you get off work every night, starting now.

We didnt have long to think about it. When I returned to my apartment that morning I found an envelope, which had been pushed, under my door. The note inside it said only, I want to see you. Be here at one A.M. F.

When I got off work the next night Drew was waiting for me just outside the casinos back door. Showing him the note I said, Theres no doubt about who F. is, I suppose. What should I do, Drew?

Well be there. Drews expression was full of subdued curiosity. It will be interesting to see how hes changed, if he has. Dont invite him into your apartment, no matter what.

Its true that we cant enter any home without an invitation from the breathing person whose home it is. We waited in my truck. As Felix strolled into the circle of light from the street lamp I saw that although he was still recognizably Felix, he had become startlingly handsome. The hair, which had been a rather dirty looking blonde, was now bright gold. His eyes had been hazel, and as he glanced up at the light I saw that they were now a glittering emerald. I stepped out of the truck and walked toward him.

You might as well bring Drew. Did you think I wouldnt know hed be with you?

I returned to the truck and brought Drew. The two of them surveyed each other with intense interest and Felix broke their silence.

Surprised to see me, Drew?

I guess you might say that. Theres a bench at the bus stop on the corner. Its usually deserted at this time of night, so why dont we sit there while we talk?

Felix looked at me. Arent you going to invite us in?

No. He nodded without surprise and we sat on the bench.

Why did you come back instead of crossing the river, Felix? Drew wanted to know.

Im surprised you even ask. Should I have gone to that fire across the river?

Now Drew was surprised. I saw no fire across the river. It looked like paradise to me; but I came back for love of a woman.

I thought it only fitting that Felixs hereafter had been hell. Now he asked Drew, How did you get this way? Have you known others like us?

One. Long ago and far away. Have you?

Never.

I interjected, Felix, past is past. Why dont we think about the here and now? I know that by this time you must have figured out that I dont feel any fondness for you, so I wont try to pretend to; but were here, so we might as well try to make the best of it. Ill help you if youll help me. Theres a coworker of mine at the Golden Hind who tries to make me unhappy, constantly, just because shes unhappy. I dont want her killed, but it would sure please me if she was scared into quitting her job. I could arrange that. But how do you think you could help me?

Youll need a safe place to spend your days. Ill get some blackout cloth from the fabric outlet store here in town and, eventually, a camper shell for the back of my pick-up.

Whats to keep you from double-crossing me again? You did once.

Obviously I didnt get very far with it. It only made things worse. I know when Im beaten.

Felix was susceptible to flattery and pleased to think he had outsmarted me by not staying dead.

Yeah, I guess the back of your pick-up will beat crawlspaces. Theyre kinda risky. When do I see this co-worker of yours?

Tomorrow night. Her shift is half an hour later than mine. Meet me in the parking lot of the Golden Hind after I get off work and Ill show you which car is hers.

Okay. What am I gonna do right now?

Come hunting with me. Drew suggested. Ill tell you my story while were looking for food on skid row. Theres no need to kill our donors. We dont want to be in the papers. When they wake up sober they either dont remember or they dont trust their own memories. But even if they told, so what. Nobody believes in vampires any more.

An hour later Drew, alone, knocked on my door again. Come in, Drew. Wheres Felix?

Still out stalking. Hes looking for children. Thats the kind of blood he hungers for. Hes evil, Anna.

I know.

We vampires cant kill each other. But it would be easy for you to do it. After tomorrow youll know where to find him in the daytime.

What is this cant kill each other bit? Why cant you?

How would we? Were already dead. Whenever Im awake he is too, and theres no truth to that wooden stake through the heart myth. Even if I could hold him still long enough to hammer one in, hed still be active in his undeath.

I poured the coffee. Tell me about your night, Drew. Did you find out how he became a vampire? No. He doesnt know either. Im inclined to think it was born in him. His mother played around and one of her boyfriends was never seen in the daytime. Anna, he said she called him Alexander. She didnt tell Felix any of this until he was thirty years old and then only because her husband had been diagnosed as having one of those hereditary heart conditions and she didnt want her little darling to worry about himself.

The name Alexander was not lost on me.

Drew, youve spoken about the loneliness of the undead. He might be able to help you find others like yourself.

Could be. Drews tone was maddeningly noncommittal.

What do you really want me to do?

Whatever you want to.

Ill hold off for awhile until you can find out more from him. This was not what I wanted to do, but I would do it. I knew that Drew didnt want me to destroy Felix yet, for if he had he would have simply said so.

He had another matter on his mind.

Anna, you mentioned a co-worker youd like to...not see around where you work any more. Why didnt you ask me? Id have taken care of it for you. He seemed genuinely hurt that I had never spoken to him about it.

Oh, it isnt that important. I just wanted to establish a relationship of some sort with Felix so you could get to know him if you wanted to, and so wed know where he is in the daytime. Fern doesnt matter one way or the other. Most of the time I just dont let myself think about her. I dont know why she dislikes me, but I can see it in her face every time I have to have anything to do with her, which I avoid as much as I can.

Shes probably jealous. Youre a knockout, you know, with your coppery hair and big gray eyes and shape like an hourglass. What does she do to you?

Finds fault. She looks for reasons to, and sometimes I think she manufactures em. Then because I didnt want him to think the fault was my own, I added, I am a good change person, although I do say it myself.

I know you are. June has remarked more than once about how hard you work and that some of your co-workers dont. Well, you wont have to put up with this Fern any more after tomorrow. Felix and I will use one of Junes cars. He still has a current drivers license.

I dont want her killed, Drew. She isnt a bad person, only a pain.

I wont let him kill her, if you dont want him to. Ill just suggest that he tell her hes your brother and that thereafter shed be well advised to steer clear of you. Hell also point out to her that shed only make a laughing stock of herself if she tried to tell anyone the truth about him. Then hell put the fear into her by having a little snack off her. Ill just stay hidden in the car while this is going on. Hell know Im watching and, Im sure, will feel that he must restrain himself from any impulse he may feel to kill her.

Two nights later the shift supervisor was semi-apologetic when I came to work.

Youre gonna have to work shorthanded tonight, Anna. Fern quit.

Oh, really? Without giving you any notice?

No notice; just called and told me to shove it. She called me a pompous jerk too, before she hung up.

That was rude. Oh, its true, of course.

You know that; but she should have shown enough class to come in and say it to your face.

He grinned ruefully, Thats one thing about you, Anna. I dont have to wonder where I stand with you.

***

Chapter Three

Shannon phoned to warn me.

Felix has disappeared. Hes on parole and not supposed to leave the state, but his mother seems to think he may be headed for Nevada. She says he mentioned you, and Las Vegas.

How do you find out all this stuff, Shannon?

By being a hypocrite. Felixs parents still think Im their friend. I let em go on thinking it so I can keep an eye on Felix. Thats how I came to be in a position to help the kids of that woman he married.

Way to go.

Just wanted to let you know he might show up down there.

Right. Thank you, Shannon.

Dont you think you should get in touch with your folks, Felix? I asked him.

Oh, yeah, sure do. Suppose I come in long enough to use your phone.

No. Use the pay phone on the corner. Heres a coin to get the operator. Thats all youll need. Theyll take a collect call from you.

If they come down here, can they stay in your place?

No. There are plenty of motels around.

He went to the corner telephone stand and Drew and I went into my apartment.

Do you think theyll come, Drew?

Probably. Id like to talk with his mother while shes here. He doesnt know what her Alexander looked like, but she would.

Did Marimba describe her Alexander?

In great detail. She went on at some length and even made a charcoal sketch of him. I painted him from it and she said my painting looked exactly like him. I could show that to Felixs mother.

I didnt know you could paint, Drew.

Never had any formal training. Ill show you some of my masterpieces, if youre interested, sometime when were in Junes house.

Felix knocked and we stepped out to talk.

Theyre coming down. I gave em your phone number so they can call you when they get here. He sulkily walked away.

What does he do for the rest of the night, Drew? I knew they had already fed.

Hes literally bloodthirsty. Hell go back down to skid row and see what he can find. Hes always hoping for a child to show up down there. Ive warned him about the kind of trouble he could cause with that, but I dont think he listens.

Thats certainly a sickening thought. Id like to get back to a more pleasant subject. Im interested in your paintings, Drew. We have a few hours before sunrise. Could I see some of them tonight?

Sure, if you like.

Not surprisingly, June was not at home. She seldom was at this hour.

My studio is in the basement. I work mostly from photographs, but Id like to paint you from reality, Anna.

Im very impressed by them, I could truthfully say after I had seen his paintings. Like the saying goes, I dont know much about art, but I know what I like. Well, I like these.

Thank you. Great artists are often not acknowledged until theyre dead.

What about those two that are turned face to the wall? Marimba and Alexander?

Thats them. Marimba from reality; Alexander from Marimbas description and sketch. You might as well see them. He turned the two pictures around, first a black haired woman and then a brown haired man. I looked first and longest at the woman. She was seated, with a mirror behind her; loose hair flowing to her waist. The mirror reflected a candle beside her and the sheen of her hair. Her eyes seemed to glow.

Was she really that beautiful?

Doesnt do her justice. His voice was expressionless. I could never get the eyes right. They seemed to get bigger as I looked at them.

Your eyes are like that, too.

Are they?

I switched my gaze to the brown haired man who looked, surprisingly, kind and sweet.

Yes, I murmured. I can see how she would love him. Do you think thats really Felixs father?

I believe it is. When his mother comes Ill show her the picture.

Is that possible? Can vampires produce offspring?

I think it would have to be only if we consciously chose to. We can control many of our own metabolic functions, hair growth, for instance. I was bald when I died. The one thing we cant change is the color of the hair. Thou canst not make one hair white or black. My own was not such a bright shade of red except when I was quite young, but I cant change it.

The years had not been kind to Belinda Carson. Though she had been flashily pretty in youth, she was now stout and faded, with eyes, which were empty and hopeless. Joe was the same virtual nonentity he had always been, except older. After everyone had been introduced Joe and June went out gambling. Belinda and I stayed with Drew. Felix was out hunting.

As Belinda looked at the painting of Alexander she struggled visibly with her emotions.

Thats him. Thats Felixs father. Oh, Alexander. She sobbed, sloppily.

Sit down, Belinda, Although I despised the woman, simple pity prompted me to add, Ill bring you some coffee. She did and I did.

Thank you, Anna. You were always a good girl.

Right.

Drew had coldly and silently watched her blubbering. Now he spoke, Belinda, tell us as much as you know about the man in the painting. I have reason for asking.

I know you have. At least I know part of it. My son told me. Youre another vampire like my Felix is now, and you think his father may have been one too. She exhaled a shuddery sigh. Well, he may have been. I never saw him in the daytime. I met him one night as I was walking home from my job at a cafe. My car had broken down. He just seemed to suddenly be there beside me. His first words were, dont be afraid. Im harmless. I just

happened to be going in the same direction and youll be safer with someone walking beside you. The next night I hadnt got my car fixed yet so I was walking again and there he was again. After that I wasnt in too much of a hurry to get my car fixed. One night when I knew my husband wouldnt be home I invited my escort in. My husband worked mostly graveyard shifts so there were many nights when he wasnt home.

Keeping his voice neutral, Drew asked, How long was you acquainted with him?

Only a few months; the last time I saw him was the night I told him I was pregnant, and that it was his. He wasnt surprised. He just said, Care for it well, Belinda. If its a boy, name him Felix. If a girl, name her Felicia. Then as he left he said, Tomorrow night, my love, as usual. I havent seen him since. Ive always refused to sell the house, so hed know where to find me when he came back. I still hope, even though Im not so young now. She looked at Drew with something like awe. How old are you?

Couple hundred years. I was in my seventies when I stopped breathing.

Would I become young again if I became a vampire?

Oh, yes. But help me find Alexander first. Otherwise youd find youth a pointless thing. Do you find it pointless?

Not since I met Anna; but it was for a good many years before that. I had no one with whom to be in love. Surely you know how that is.

I do know. I think of Alexander constantly. But how can we find him? Dont you know Id already have done it if I could?

We let him find us...He knows the name of his offspring, who is now officially missing. Well run ads in the personals columns of the major newspapers in the bigger western cities. If they bring no response well expand our search into other parts of the country; but I have a feeling hes still in Oregon.

Why?

Why would he make a baby and not stay in the area to wait for his progeny to . . . to die and become what he is? The ads we will place will let it be known that Felix was believed to have come to Las Vegas before he vanished, so Alexander will come here to seek him, and his mother.

I have no doubt that last was thrown in as bait for Belinda, for I was sure Drew realized that Alexander had lost whatever interest he had ever had in her. It did capture her attention.

But that will take a lot of money; more than I have.

I have it.

Why are you so interested?

This Alexander is my own kind. There are not a lot of us. Why should we be lonelier than we have to be?

Belinda returned to her motel room and Drew and I were alone.

You didnt fool me, Drew. I know why youre so determined to find Alexander. You think hell lead you to your darling Marimba.

Marimba is no longer my darling. You are. And your reasoning is rather convoluted, isnt it? Suppose the three of us did find each other? Id be the one left out in the cold, you know. Do you think thats what I want?

I think you want her, under any circumstances, no matter what.

He looked stricken as he steered me to the sofa, where he sat and pulled me down beside him. Anna, times have changed since my courting days, and I was not so terribly good at it even then. What must I say to make you believe Im in love with you and only you?

He was saying what I needed to hear and my jealous anger faded.

I do believe you, Drew. Im just being childish.

We went into the kitchen to put the coffee cups into the dishwasher.

Come to think of it, what do you need Belinda for? You can conduct the search without her, you know.

Actually, I dont really need her any more. I did need her because she was the only one who could identify Alexander as Felixs father. But since she is here now; well, what do you think will happen with her and Felix?

I dont know. Hell probably help her become a vampire eventually, but not soon. Hell use her for as long as he can, for a protector. That was a disgusting exhibition she treated us to, wasnt it?

Sickening, Drew agreed. One cant help making comparisons; June feels that way about Tommy but she doesnt carry on about it. The only reason I know is because she told me, very matter-of-factly, when she explained to me why she wants me to help her die. I dont want to, but she doesnt want to wait. But first she wants to arrange things with a lawyer so that you will become the owner of all her property. Shes told you that, I suppose.

No, she hasnt. I was startled. Why would she want to do that?

She figures thats as close as she can come to leaving it to me.

Nonplussed, I said, June is quite well off.

More than you know, I daresay. Her father, my grandson, invested in real estate. June owns the property on which the Golden Hind sits. That doesnt mean she has anything to do with the casino itself. The casino owners lease the property. She also owns the apartment complex you live in, as well as some others. She has nothing to do with the running of those either. She has never had to work and neither will you need to. When this house becomes your home, I hope youll let me stay.

Was he kidding? With Drew I could never be sure. How could I stop you from staying?

By just not inviting me in. I can enter this house now whenever I like because I have an expressed standing invitation from June, but that will mean nothing after she dies. I can enter restaurants and casinos, for their invitation is implicit in the fact that they are open to the public. But private homes are sacrosanct, including rental units.

Will crucifixes repel you? I was prompted to ask by idle curiosity.

I could wear one around my neck, he laughed. Marimba often did.

Perhaps he saw my face darken at the mention of Marimba, for he promptly changed the subject by saying, But lets get back to the subject of Felix and his mother. Do you think hell go back to Oregon with her?

He probably will. OH! The thought had just occurred to me. I must warn my friend Shannon. She called to warn me when she thought Felix was still breathing and might be headed in this direction.

Tell me more about this friend of yours. Whats her full name? Shannon Doe Hallpane. We were foster children together in the home of Felixs parents. Shannons mother was a druggie, not married, and there didnt seem to be a father. From time to time the state would take her away from her mother; then theyd return her when her mother had been to one of those rehabilitation centers, and said things like, I want to get on with my life. I hate that hackneyed phrase.

I paused to disengage Geronimo the black kitten from my ankle, which he was enthusiastically attacking with mock ferocity. Good thing my jeans are sturdy. I thought.

Shannons a couple of years older than I am. I dont know how she found me after we both left the Carsons home but she sent me her address and we wrote to each other. Ive occasionally invited her to visit me here in Las Vegas, but she hasnt accepted yet. Should I ask her again?

Sure, why not. If she doesnt have any attachments up there, she might even decide to try to stay here in town. Hows the job situation in Las Vegas?

Oh, its very good. Anyone can find a job here; that is, anyone who doesnt have a police record. Shannon hasnt.

Why dont you use Junes telephone to call her and save a little on your own phone bill.?

I think shed be asleep right now. She works day shift at the mill. Ill call her early in the morning, but Ill use my own phone. Independent little thing, arent you?

I caught her before she left for work the next morning.

Shannon, I know youre too sensible to believe this story, but Im going to tell it to you anyway. I have to. I did, all of it. After I had, she was silent for a longish moment; then she spoke very thoughtfully.

You really do believe this, dont you?

What do you mean, believe? Its the truth.

Anna, is that invitation to come see you still open? I can get some time off.

I experienced a warm glow at the realization that my dear, good friend thought I was coming unbalanced and was willing to take time off from her job to come and try to help me. Yes, the invitations still open. Come on down.

She drove down within the week.

Its so great to see you, Shannon Doe. Youre even prettier than I remember. That was true. Her middle name had been well chosen, for she was delicately built and had the enormous brown eyes of a deer. I have to work tonight, but if youre game for it well go over to Junes house and you can meet Drew after sunset. Ill introduce you to June and she can take it from there.

Where are Felix and his parents?

I dont socialize with them so I dont know where his folks are. Felix is sleeping in the bed of my pickup. Hes covered with blackout material to keep the sun off him. You dont ever have to see him if you dont want to, but in any case you cant see him until after sunset.

June was expecting us and after making them acquainted I departed for work.

Shortly after sunset June came into the Golden Hind as usual to play the slot machines.

Hi, June. Whats new? I greeted her with what I hoped was nonchalance.

Oh, pretty much what youd expect.

That was her way of letting me know that Shannon had met Drew.

As my quitting time approached Shannon came into the place, presumably waiting for me to get off duty, and when Tommy came in to relieve me I called him over.

This is Tommy Jernigan, the fellow who relieves me. Tommy, this is my friend, Shannon Doe Hallpane.

His interest was undisguised and I left them deep in conversation while I went to the locker room to change from my uniform into my street clothes. When I returned, saying I was ready to leave, Shannon surprised me by saying, Oh, I think Ill stay and try my luck for awhile.

Are you thinking what I am? Drew asked when I had briefly recounted my evening.

Well, they do make a nice looking couple, and I could almost see the sparks, but Tommy and his kids are a package deal. Im not sure how Shannon would feel about that. I dont even know if she likes kids.

At this point June came home, early for once. She joined us and rather unhappily mentioned Tommy and Shannon.

The shift got slow, like graveyard usually does, and they had plenty of time to talk. They did. I was playing a machine on the other side of the row from them so I could eavesdrop shamelessly. When he told her about his kids she said, Id love to meet them. Im very fond of children. Cant have any of

my own for medical reasons. So hes going to take her with them when he takes his kids to the park on his day off. June sighed with resignation. Well, hes young and healthy. It was inevitable that shed meet someone. I must stop dragging my feet. Tomorrow Ill see the lawyer and sign the papers to put all my property in Annas name. Thats better than just leaving it to her in my will. No probate courts to fool with. Anna, this house will be yours, but I want your promise that youll tell Drew he has a standing invitation to enter it whenever he wants to.

I cant believe any such thing would be called for. To me, it is his house, but whatever. Drew, youre invited to enter my home whenever you like, forever, this house or any other. Hows that, June?

The intention is admirable, but unfortunately it can have no meaning now. It must be said after this home is yours. Thats why I ask only for a promise instead of the actual invitation. Do you promise? I promise, June.

Very well; having no choice, Ill trust you. But if you break your word I will kill you. I must get some sleep now. Ive a busy day tomorrow.

Tomorrow was almost upon us and I stayed until a few minutes before sunrise. After Drew had gone to bed I went upstairs to let myself out and saw June standing by the eastward facing window watching the sunrise. I went and stood beside her.

I just wanted to see it one more time. Her voice had no catch in it, but I felt that she was making an effort to suppress one. Ill watch it set tonight too, one more time.

June, you dont have to do this, you know.

Of course I know. Do you think I havent thought it over? I must do it, Anna. Someday youll be old, if you live long enough, and then youll understand. I want to be young again; and, yes, I want Tommy.

Todays my day off. Would you like me to stay with you?

No, dear. What I want you to do is establish an alibi... As the one who is gaining from my death you would be a natural suspect if the police thought they needed one. You go where there are people who know you and can verify that you were with them when I died, which will be tonight.

How do you say goodbye in such circumstances? She might decide to just cross the river instead of coming back, and I would never see her again.

I hugged her and managed to say, untruthfully, June, you know I love you.

I know exactly how you feel. Was there a slight emphasis on exactly? But theres no need to get maudlin about it. That isnt your style. Ill explain to Drew why you cant be with him tonight. You see to it that youre with breathing people all night, people who can vouch for you if need be.

I returned to my apartment and after a few hours of sleep Shannon and I went out to play tourist and wound up back at the Golden Hind. The house rules there allowed employees to come in the place on their own time so long as they didnt gamble; and I knew I would have witnesses who knew me in case I needed them.

I didnt need them, as it happened. The next day, which was the second of my two days off, I received a telephone call from a woman with a pleasant voice who identified herself as June Freemans attorney. Junes body, the attorney said, was in the morgue awaiting an autopsy, but the indications of suicide were virtually unquestionable. Her body had been found by the morning newspaper carrier, who had noticed that her door had been left open and (probably because June was a good tipper) had gone in to see if she was all right. The sound of running water had led him to the bathroom, where he had found Junes body in the bathtub. She had apparently slit her wrists and bled to death with the water running and the drain unplugged. Her suicide note said only that the decision had been hers and no one elses.

Clever, I thought. Running water and an unplugged drain to account for the lack of blood.

Im shocked, I said, remembering how I would be expected to feel. June is dead?

Shes dead. She seems to have left everything in order and youre a very wealthy woman.

Im not really prepared for that. She did tell me she was going to leave everything to me, or something like that, but I didnt take her too seriously. I dont know anything about handling money. Ill be needing a legal advisor about it. You want the job?

Of course I do. Of course she did.

Later that day I drove to Junes (my?) house to find that even the basement was deserted, but only a few minutes after sunset the back doorbell rang. I wasnt surprised.

Drew, come in. Where have you been?

In a crawlspace under a house down the street. I didnt have any authorization to stay here after June died.

Well, you have it now. Youre invited to enter my home any time you want to. For as long as I live.

Thank you, my darling. Whats been happening?

I told him of my day and concluded, The lawyer said Junes body is awaiting an autopsy. How will that affect her as a potential vampire?

I dont know. But I dont think she will stay there long enough for that. If she comes back at all it will be tonight, and I have no doubt June will be able to figure out a way to get out of the morgue. In fact, I think Ill go down there and wait for her. Will you be okay by yourself, Anna?

Yes, of course. Be careful, Drew.

In about an hour he was back, alone.

She got out but I dont know where she is now. The morgue has the appearance of having been broken into. By the time I got there the police were there too so I didnt hang around. Ive been trying to find June but havent yet.

When the back doorbell rang Drew cautioned me.

Better check the peephole before you answer it.

I did, and didnt recognize the stunningly beautiful young woman who appeared to be wearing a sheet.

Do you know this person, Drew? He checked and without hesitation flung the door open and stepped outside.

June, you did come back. He enfolded her in his arms. Was Drew weeping? Can vampires weep? Anna, will you please invite my great granddaughter in?

I didnt hesitate to issue the invitation, which by now seemed almost standard to me. I saw that June now looked so astonishingly like Drew that I could hardly believe I had not recognized her immediately. Red hair and blue eyes I should have expected, but this red hair was like a glowing flame as it cascaded to her waist. Her eyes were an exact duplicate of Drews and, like his, seemed to grow larger as I looked at them. When she spoke her voice had the low-pitched sound of water flowing over pebbles.

Thank you, Anna, she said as she entered. I suppose my clothes are still in my closet?

This sheet is, of course, the one they had me covered with in the morgue. It will be interesting to see if my clothes still fit me. They should, although Im proportioned differently now. I still weigh about the same.

June, how did you get out of the morgue? I asked.

It was not difficult. The place was not locked from the inside. I had to wreck things to make it look as if a vandal had broken in. I stole a couple of bodies, to confuse the investigation, and threw them into two dumpsters on opposite sides of town.

My hope is that this will make the investigators conclude that my own body was also stolen.

How could you carry two bodies across town without help?

I simply slung one over each shoulder. It was rather awkward, but not physically hard for me. Surely Drew has told you that we are very strong. I had to be especially careful to stay out of sight, but aside from that I had no trouble.

She excused herself then and went to her own room where her clothes were still hanging in her closet. She returned wearing a pantsuit of a soft gray, which set off her fiery hair as no other color, could have.

Thats a lovely suit, June, I complimented her. You certainly dont look like a vampire.

Thank you, I guess. Im not sure what a vampire is supposed to look like, but Im sure you mean well. I am one, though, and I think Ill go out now and practice being what I am... Granda, theres no need for you to come with me. I dont imagine Ill be in need of protection.

After she had left Drew and I sat in what was now the breakfast nook drinking coffee. He was still stunned.

She did come back. I didnt really believe she would. My daughter didnt; neither did my grandson. Once I tried to bring my wife back, you know. But it didnt work.

Something told me not to ask, but I did.

Would you like to tell me about that, Drew?

It was shortly after Marimba had gone back to England. I knew by then what the ruby wine was, and that my own body could produce it. I did not yet know all of its limitations.

But...your wife had been dead for decades by then!

I still missed her, and I knew where she was buried.

***

Chapter Four
Isnt that an odd coincidence, Drew? That Shannon should meet Fern?

Not really, if you analyze it. Shannons decided to try to stay in Las Vegas and theyre both looking for work. This particular temporary help agency is one of the most well known in town. What could be more natural than that they both go to it?

Theyre getting quite friendly. Should I tell Shannon that Fern has... has met Felix?

1 wouldnt. As things stand now, fear of not being believed keeps Fern silent. That fear will be decreased if it should happen the she finds someone else who knows. Id just leave it be.

Geronimo was attacking my ankle and I yelped as his tiny claws pierced my skin.

Drew was apologetic, June wanted to have them all de-clawed, but I talked her out of it. A cat without claws is defenseless in any sort of a fight; but theyre your cats now. I suppose if you want to have them de-clawed, thats up to you.

Oh, I dont see any reason to. I was only startled, not hurt; and youre right about it leaving them defenseless. I do want to have them all spayed and/or neutered though. Dont believe in overpopulation.

He nodded in agreement, and then said, I want to talk about you, Anna. When are you going to quit your job and move in here?

Ill be doing both within the week. Ive given notice already at the Golden Hind. Dont know what Im going to do with all that spare time on my hands.

What would you really like to do?

I thought about that.

Id like to get my GED. Thats the equivalent of a high school diploma. Then Id like to learn even more. But maybe Im too old, Drew.

Too old? TOO OLD? Im almost ten times your age and Im still learning. I didnt even learn to read until I was about the age you are now. What would you like to study? Did you have some particular subject in mind?

Astronomy, about that I didnt have to think. Galaxies and things like that. That turns me on. Hastily I added, I dont mean astrology. Thats only superstition. Astronomy is science.

Youre full of surprises, arent you? Astronomys also an interest of mine. Possibly you know that theres an observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. That isnt too far from here. Northern Arizona University is in Flagstaff. You get your GED. Then, if you like, well just move down there.

I dont want to leave Las Vegas. I love this town. Havent you noticed I never do call it Vegas without the Las? Most other people do, but I dont. I feel kinda the same way about that as people from San Francisco feel about hearing their town called Frisco.

Ive never given it much thought, but now that youve called it to my attention, Ill probably never call it Vegas again. If you dont want to leave, we wont. There are probably more educational opportunities here anyway.

But Im so dumb, Drew. What if I cant learn?

And what if you can? You ever stop to think about that? How are you going to know if you dont try? Drews seriousness was not feigned as he clasped my shoulders and gazed deeply into my eyes. I want you to go out tomorrow and make the arrangements to start taking whatever classes you need to get your GED. Im gonna miss you, Anna, Tommy was glum. Not that I blame you. I hear our June made you her heir. Was she a relative of yours?

No. Her only living relative was a niece and they werent close. I dont know where the niece is now. I had a reason for telling this lie. It could serve to explain the family resemblance, if anyone should notice it, when

June herself came into the Golden Hind; which she did almost immediately. With an effort I pretended to be unaware of the gorgeous stranger until she walked up to me.

Excuse me, she said. Could you tell me where to find Anna Woodruff?

Yes, as a matter of fact. Im Anna Woodruff.

Im Jan Short. June Freeman was my aunt. I just wanted to give you my good wishes and to reassure you that Ive no intention of trying to claim any of Aunt Junes property. Aunt June always knew what she wanted.

Why, thank you. How nice to meet you. I knew she was waiting for me to call Tommy over so she could meet him, so I obliged, with assumed casualness. Oh, let me introduce you to another friend of your aunt; Tommy Jernigan, Jan Short. Shes Junes niece. Tommys expression was puzzled, as if he sensed something wrong, but he greeted Jan/June cordially. After all we were on duty and she was a potential customer.

Tommy, Im so pleased to meet you.

As I took my departure my heart was heavy for Shannons sake. I believed her interest in Tommy was sincere, but what chance had she against such a woman as June now was? I went to my apartment, rather than my newly acquired house, for I had not yet finished moving. Shannon was waiting up for me. Defiantly I thought; this is my friend, and the house that used to be Junes is mine now.

Shannon, why dont you move into my house with me? Theres more room than one person needs.

Oh, no thank you, Anna, she answered with a smile. Ive already imposed too much on you. Actually Ive found a roommate and a job both. The job starts tomorrow; cashier at the Blue Velvet restaurant. Im going to try sharing an apartment with Fern. We get along very well.

That sounds interesting. How is Fern these days?

Shes having a hard time making ends meet and shes glad to have me to help out with the expenses. She does get by on the income from her temporary jobs, but only just barely. She seems to have suddenly developed an irrational fear of going out after dark and wont accept any job that isnt day shift.

Drew was preoccupied when I arrived with a couple of my suitcases. After we had carried them in, I said, Youre awfully quiet, Drew. Is something wrong?

No, I wouldnt say wrong exactly, but I do have a little more on my mind than usual. Anna, Alexander has found us.

Darling, how wonderful. Im so happy for you. It seemed the right thing to say, although I supposed that I was, perhaps, a little jealous at the prospect of sharing Drew. But if that were the case, I would just have to get used to it. Tell me about it. How did he find you?

As you know, we ran ads in several widely circulated publications, including a newspaper based in Portland, Oregon. That was where Alexander saw the ad, for I was right in thinking that he wouldnt get too far away from the seed he had planted. Then he came to Las Vegas to see what he could find. He knows where our kind usually goes to find nourishment and thats where he found me. Hes very stealthy. No breathing person could have sneaked up on me unawares while I was feeding, as Alexander did. I eventually took him to Felix.

Id love to have been there. Was he pleased to meet his son?"

Somewhat less than enchanted, I believe. While the three of us were talking the subject of current events came up. Felix mentioned some really horrible kidnapping cases, which have been in the news recently. I dont know if he was that transparent in his breathing life, but his fascination with the most horrible aspects of child molesting is rather obvious now. After he had left us to go off hunting on his own, Alexander looked at me with what I can only describe as a stricken expression, and said, Hes a pervert, isnt he? Hes looking for kids. I could see it in his face when he spoke of those kidnappings. Ive never bothered children, never. I didnt know what to say to that so I tried to change the subject by asking him to tell me about himself, starting with when he was breathing. Hes old, Anna. He was born in the year A.D. 982.

When?

A.D. 982. He was born in Germany, which was then a part of what was called the Holy Roman Empire. You know, of course, that this empire was established by the Saxon King Otto I in A.D. 962, when he was crowned emperor at Rome by Pope John XII. I had, of course, known nothing of the sort, but it was gentlemanly of Drew to assume I did.

Where is he right now, Drew?

In the gazebo in your back yard. I must take him a sleeping bag to keep the sun off him. I hope you dont have guests coming over today.

Sleeping bag, your Aunt Fanny. Lets go get him.

Drew agreed readily for no doubt he had known what I would say. We went out to the gazebo and he introduced me to a man who appeared to be in his twenties.

Anna Woodruff, this is Alexander Shambray. Alexander, Anna knows what we are and doesnt object. Shell become one of us someday, I hope. Anna, will you do the formalities for Alexander?

Of course. Alexander Shambray, youre cordially invited into my home, at your own discretion, for now and always. My, I feel silly making such a pompous speech, but it seems to be necessary.

Very necessary; very well done and I thank you, Mrs. Woodruff.

Im nobodys Mrs. Please call me Anna. Why dont we go on in now? Do you drink coffee, sir?

Im nobodys sir. Please call me Alexander; and yes, thank you, Im fond of coffee.

Drew then excused himself, saying he must go find June, and Alexander and I went into the breakfast nook.

I really am pleased to meet you, Alexander. Id be interested in anything youd feel like telling me about how and when you got to this country.

I had a lot of help. A few years before the First World War my breathing protector was a wealthy noblewoman, an adventurous sort, may she rest in peace? She loved me and wanted me to remain near her in her stateroom; and Ive never objected to sleeping in a coffin, although we dont have to. My friend concocted a story about having an eccentric personal superstition regarding this particular coffin and arranged to have it in her stateroom. She was a fine lady. I hoped she would come back after she died but... .so many dont.

Alexander, I felt it was time to ask what was most on my mind. Drew has mentioned, in passing, a vampire named Marimba. She was born in the reign of King Edward IV. Did you know her?

I know that you know I did.

Yes, of course. Drew would have told you that. He loved her, you know.

So did I, within~ my capabilities. But she was unwilling that I have breathing helpers~, for she was very insecure and possessive. I could not be owned, Anna. Can you comprehend that? There was no defiance in this question. It was more like a plea for understanding.

Yes, I think I can. Was she a relative of yours?

No. Felix is my~ only relative, and I am disappointed in him.

Are you? I tried to keep my voice neutral. Bitterly. When I decided to reproduce I chose Belinda Carson to be my childs mother because she is controllable; and because I knew she would not have children by her husband.

How could you have known that?

My hearing is hyperacute and I prowl at night. I listened from beneath their bedroom window. Her husband is quite incapable of sex, due to the effects of an automobile crash, which happened on their honeymoon. She had been drinking while driving and was at fault, and therefore quite rightly blamed herself. I suppose that is why she stayed with him.

He knows Felix isnt his biological son?

He knows. Felix is my first offspring, and hell be my last. Alexander sat down his cup and walked to the window; then he spun around to face me; Why dont you kill him, Anna?

Thats an awfully cold blooded question.

Im supposed to be cold blooded, remember? Drew has told me that you have no reason to love Felix.

Thats true, but Ive already had a hand in trying to kill him once, and it only seemed to make things worse. I should have left him alone.

Anna, do you believe in predestination? The theory that we dont really determine our own fates?

Yes and no. I am always out of my depth in discussions about philosophy. Its true that we cant choose where or to whom well be born, but surely we have something to say about what we do or dont do.

Have we? Suppose you were born to be the catalyst, which would bring me here to Felix. In that case, youve already served your purpose. But we dont

know thats what you were born for. You can choose your fate now. You can kill him again, for real this time, and you should. You know hes evil.

Partly to avoid answering him, and also because it needed to be done, I busied myself rearranging some of the furniture in preparation for bedding down Drew and June and Alexander. With Alexanders help I moved a rollaway bed from the large hall closet into the basement. Drews painting of Alexander was still in view.

Whos the artist? He asked as he studied it.

Drew painted that, from a charcoal sketch that Marimba had of you. The one he painted of her is facing the wall. Would you like to see it?

I dont believe I could stand it, Alexander reflected. Hes very talented. He hasnt actually told me much about the sort of life he lived. Was he an artist when he was breathing?

No, a shopkeeper. How come that word is so often used as a putdown?

Partly snobbery, partly simple jealousy on the part of those who wouldnt have enough sense to run a shop if they had one.

At this point Drew, and June came in together and helped us with the screens for the basement. Then I put my un-dead friends to bed for the day. I had much to think about.

After sleeping for a few hours I went out and began to make some arrangements to take the courses to get my GED. Then I went to the Blue Velvet restaurant where Shannon was working.

Anna, she greeted me. Ill be taking a break in a few minutes if you dont mind waiting.

I waited, of course, and then tried to keep my tone offhand while telling her of my activities of the day.

Can you imagine that, Shannon Doe? Me trying to get educated?

Dont see any reason why not. Im eaten up with envy, but happy for you. What does Drew think?

He approves.

And June?

You know shes dead. I had thought that Shannon didnt know about either June or Alexander, and I had seen no reason to tell her.

She glanced around the restaurant to make sure we were not overheard.

I know shes Jan Short. Ive seen her in the Golden Hind and Im not fooled by that niece story. Tommy is, since he doesnt know about your pet vampires. Shes obsessed with Tommy. Leaning forward, Shannon now became quietly intense, But she cant have him, Anna. If he doesnt want me, thats his choice, but he needs a living woman; because hes alive and so are his kids. Life is for the living. So she knows. I thought as I excused myself and left. Its a good thing I didnt tell her that Fern knows about Felix. Better they dont talk about it.

That night Alexander and I had a chat while Drew and June were out vampiring. Alexander, I know you can tell me such interesting stories and I want to hear them all, but I might as well be honest. What I want to hear about first is Marimba.

Thats to be expected, Alexander concurred judiciously. Youre in love with Drew, arent you?

Yes. Why else would I be so interested in my rival?

Thats not a good choice of words, if I may say so. I dont believe anyone could rival y~ in Drews heart. Could he have realized how much I needed this kind of reassurance?

Geronimo came bouncing in, rambunctious as always, and leaped into Alexanders lap. Alexander was amused.

Hes perfectly harmless, I explained, just a bit high spirited. Do you think I should have the cats de-clawed?

No, I dont. Their claws are their cat hood.

I agree; but you were starting to tell me about Marimba. Ah, yes. Marimba. To my irritation he, as Drew once had, virtually intoned the name. Her parents named her Maria. I named her Marimba. Her father had been my breathing helper at one time and he was as un enlightened as might be expected for those superstitious times. He became troubled in his conscience for helping me after his wife died of some plague or other that had been going around. Plagues were constantly going around in those misbegotten times, but he never doubted that this case was on his account; that he was important enough to justify the suffering and death of a mere woman, and that her death had been sent as a warning to him. His idea of atonement was to sacrifice his daughter by sending her to a convent to be raised by nuns and eventually become one herself, whether or not she wanted to. It wouldnt have occurred to him that he could have joined a monastery himself.

You sound as if you didnt like him very much. How come he was troubled in his conscience for helping you?

He believed that my being a vampire meant I was in league with the devil.

Were you? I was not accusing, only interested.

I was not and am not. Im a sinful man, but no more so than most. For the most part Ive been a good Presbyterian since I became one in the seventeenth century.

How do you square that with being a vampire?

I see no contradiction. Have you not read the Gospel According to Saint Matthew?

No.

Read it. The King James Version; I have no need to bother with any other, since the English of the day of King James is no mystery to me. The twentyseventh chapter of Matthew, verse twenty-three, says that on the day of the Crucifixion, The saints came out of their graves. Granted, that was a unique occasion, but the point is; it is not against the law of God, for those coming out of their graves were still called saints. If one believes the Bible, which I do, the dead do sometimes bodily leave their graves, and walk the Earth for awhile.

Saints, huh? I guess youre in good company then. What do you think about the evolution versus creationism thing? I had read of this in the science magazines.

I believe in both. I see no reason to think the events related in Genesis were not chronologically consecutive, nor do they claim to be. How could there have been days before the creation of the sun which, according to Genesis, was not created until the fourth day?

Since I knew nothing about the Bible, I could not argue with him.

The Earth was not empty before Adam was created, Alexander continued. I believe the apes had evolved to the point of being able to interbreed with the children of Adam and Eve; and that, in fact, they did. The sixth chapter of Genesis, verse two, says, The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. Perhaps that is why some people seem almost more than human, and others almost less.

It didnt sound very likely to me, but I was sure he was better informed than I was. Being, as always, uneasy with any subject, which required thinking, I asked him to tell me more about Marimba.

Yes, of course, his voice softened.

She was so young; not more than sixteen, I think. She didnt want the life her father had consigned her to, and she begged me to take her away. What I did to her was not done without a good deal of thought. I was then about four centuries old and I had a pretty good idea of the sort of life she could look forward to as a nun in the middle Ages. So had the prioress of the convent, which helped us arrange our meetings. She wanted Marimba to escape. I think I gave her a better life than she otherwise would have had. Uncertainly then he asked, Didnt I, Anna?

I believe you did, I tried to reassure him. His odd vulnerability was appealing and on an impulse I found myself saying, Alexander I need to talk to somebody about my friends Shannon and June. Drew cant be expected to be impartial because June is very dear to him, as his only

surviving descendant should be; and I dont know too many others who know about you guys.

Us guys? He lifted an eyebrow.

Vampires; you know what I mean.

His smile was teasing. Well, lets hear it. Whats the problem?

Theyre both in love with the same man.

I told him the story and then said, Shannons only very pretty. Junes beauty is downright unearthly.

After a few moments of thoughtful silence he asked, Is this Tommy so shallow, then?

He isnt shallow at all, but hes a man. You know how men are; the ones who breathe, I mean.

Yes, I suppose they are. Anna, which one do y~ hope will get this man?

Shannon; shes my friend.

And June isnt?

Junes dead. I remembered Shannons words and repeated them, Life is for the living. Oh, no, Alexander, I havent forgotten that youre dead too, and so is Drew; but Im not talking about either of you, only Shannon and Tommy and June.

You neednt explain. One becomes accustomed. Tell me, does Tommy know what June is now? I shook my head to indicate no. Perhaps he should. Why dont you invite him over and show him?

Im not in the habit of inviting my male casual acquaintances into my basement. To my surprise Alexander roared with laughter.

You little Miss Prissy. Youre a twenty-something divorcee living on your own in Sin City, and youd be chaperoned, and you get prim about inviting a man into your basement?

Shannon was doubtful; Are you sure you want to do this, Anna? Have you cleared it with Drew and June?

Only Drew. Hes in favor. He says Tommy has a right to know. I think so too.

Tommy has a bad habit of telling the truth. What if he tells the truth about this?

So what if he does? Whos gonna believe him? But even if someone does, it isnt illegal to be a vampire, you know.

Thats true. It isnt, is it? Why do they hide, then?

As dead people theyd have no legal rights. They could be locked up; then how would they feed? Drew tells me they cant survive on un-fresh blood. Also, they often do illegal things, like night stalking, for instance.

Oh, killing people is frowned on in some circles but, actually, they seldom do that.

Tommy, I dont have designs on you, innocent or otherwise, but I know someone who has. You know her as Jan Short. Youre invited to come to my place on your night off to talk to her outside the casino.

Tommys got a what is this? look on his face.

I dont get personal with customers. You know that.

I know, but this really is different. Its kind of important. I can tell you a lot more when you get there.

He wavered. I am curious about her. Youre not gonna leave me alone with her, are you?

Im not, but I dont know why that thought should bother you. Youre almost big enough to make two of her.

He grinned. Ive gotta watch my reputation. There are some people I wouldnt want to hurt.

Shannon had declined to come, saying she felt it would be inappropriate for her in the circumstances.

When Tommy arrived I got right to the point.

There are two dead bodies in my basement, Tommy, but thats nothing for you to get upset about. One of em you used to know as June Freeman, although youll recognize her now as Jan Short. Now that Ive thoroughly confused you, Ill make it worse by telling you the whole story. But while I do, lets go on down there.

We did, and although I did not actually tell him the entire story, I did tell him about June and Drew. I knew that Alexander, who was on the other side of one of the screens, would awaken silently and listen quietly before moving, as was his habit.

After I had uncovered June and Drew, Tommy beheld them with an expression of regretful sorrow.

I dont need that mirror. He waved it away. I know a dead body when I see one. What happened to them? I had just told him that, but he had not believed a word of it.

Watch them while the suns going down, Tommy. They woke up quietly and simply, as always.

Tommy? June/Jan had not expected to see him. If she was surprised, he was dumbfounded.

Then he found his voice. Jan? June?

Yes, its me. Now she was irritated. I would have told you in my own good time. It was not sporting of Anna to spring this on you by surprise like this, but its done now. Where do you think youre going?

As far away as I can get. I dont want any part of this. He lost no time disappearing up the stairs and in a matter of minutes we heard his car leaving.

June was furious with me but Drew reasoned with her.

June, you know he had a right to know. Hes in shock now, but give him some time. We have plenty of that.

Hes gone to that...that...breathing woman. Ill kill her.

Calm down, June. Alexander spoke as he stepped out from behind the screen. To win by default isnt winning in this situation. You could kill her at night, but she could have killed you in the daytime. She didnt.

As for me, my heart was singing. Life had chosen life. But wasnt I in love with Drew? Ah, but that was different. Wasnt it?

June fumed, What should I do, then?

He loves his children, Alexander replied. You could quite truthfully warn him about Felix. Surely that would be taken for the gesture of friendship it, in fact, would be. He paused. People who breathe have a mental block about out kind. Show him that we are not all bad.

Remembering that it had been his idea for me to bring Tommy down here and show him what June had become, I couldnt help wondering whose side he was really on regarding this matter of June versus Shannon. But I supposed that he didnt necessarily have to be on anyones side. Perhaps he, like Drew, had merely felt that Tommy had a right to know what he was getting involved with.

Anna, Alexander turned to me. I thank you for keeping quiet about my presence while Tommy was here. Theres no need to broadcast everything to everyone. Ill go out now for my nightly hunting.

A little later, on the phone, June kept her voice under control.

Tommy, I havent forgotten that you said you didnt want any part of me. Thats hard to misinterpret; but Im worried for your kids sake. I know a vampire who hungers for the blood of children. When you leave them with your mother after dark, be sure she knows better than to ask anyone in.--No, it isnt either of us here. Yes, come on back over and well talk about it.

He returned as quickly as he had left.

Looking at June, he asked, How many of you are there? Ive seen two. And you tell me theres another one?

I dont know how many vampires there are in the world, but most of us are quite harmless. A successful parasite does not kill its host. I called you to warn you about the one I know of who is an exception. In his breathing life he molested children. Now that he is un-dead, his perversion takes the form of craving their blood.

How can I---put an end to him?

Find out where he hides in the daytime and expose him to the sun.

Thats all? No wooden stake through the heart?

A wooden stake through the heart would have no effect. Thats one of the many myths about us. Sunshine will kill him, but I dont know where he spends his days. Do you, Anna?

He sleeps in the bed of my pickup in the garage. Thats why I keep the junky little thing, even though I do have a better vehicle now. Tommy, Ive had personal reasons for offering him that protection, but they no longer exist. If you want to come around tomorrow, Ill show you where to find him. Hes out stalking now, but hell be there after sunrise.

You better believe Ill be here, too, Tommy replied. Then looking at June he hesitated momentarily before saying, June, that was good of you to warn me. Iguess I got huffy earlier, didnt I?

You did, but I understand. Im sure it must have been a shock to you. Her tone was sweetly reasonable and he, being a man, didnt see the triumph on her face, which I, a woman, couldnt miss.

You coming into the casino later tonight? he asked June. I still work the same shift, and right now Ive got to get myself in gear to make it on time.

She walked him out to his car and then left for her nightly wanderings. After they had gone Drew and I were alone.

You never told June where Felix sleeps? I asked.

No reason to mention it. Anna, have you thought this over? What about Alexander? Thats his son, after all.

Hes even stranger than most of you; uh, nothing personal. I think he meant it when he asked me to kill Felix. But even if he didnt, I want Felix truly dead. Drew, you dont object, do you?

Would it matter if I did?

Yes. Ill protect him if you want me to.

I dont want you to, but I thank you for the offer. You cant know how much that means to me. Darling, perhaps it would be as well not to tell Alexander until after the deed is done. That way he wont be tempted to try to prevent it by warning Felix.

I agreed and therefore, when Alexander came home after Drew had left, I was happy to allow him to do all the talking.

I suppose I must contact Belinda, he said with a marked lack of enthusiasm. We have Felix in common. Those who dont breathe cant sigh, but his face seemed to express a weary sigh. Why did I make him, Anna?

I dont know. Why did you?

I suppose it had always bothered me that I had never given my mother grandchildren. She used to expound a great deal about the joys of having a son. Of course, she was talking to me, so what else would she have said? I was her only child, you know; spoiled rotten. I wish I didnt know now what I didnt know then. Well, she shrugged. Do you have the phone number of the motel where the Carsons are staying?

Its in the phone book. Theyre probably out gambling now, but you can leave a message for them to call you back.

But they were there. The glitter of the casinos had quickly worn off for them. Alexander simply told the person on the other end of the line his name and where he was.

That was Joe. Hes never met me and doesnt know who I am. I didnt try to tell him. Let Belinda struggle with that. Ive no doubt shell be here soon. Which room do you want, for privacy? Ill stay out of it.

The den, if you dont mind. Thank you, Anna.

Belinda arrived so quickly that I was surprised she had not been ticketed for speeding. She was alone. I left them in the den and it was perhaps two hours later when I heard her car leaving.

Alexander came into the back yard and sat beside me in the gazebo.

We reap what we sow, dont we? He sounded tired. I wondered if Belinda had gone hysterical on him.

Was it bad? I asked.

Revolting. She cried. I suppose she didnt know that was the worst possible thing she could have done, as far as I was concerned. I turned my back and looked out the window until she became silent, which didnt take long after she realized that her noisy whining brought her no attention. Then she angrily blamed me for Felix. That blame I do have to accept. Do you think hes my punishment for cuckolding his mothers husband?

Ive never thought in those terms, Alexander; but for whatever its worth, I believe Joe Carson loved Felix and was gratified to call him son.

Thank you for that, Anna. He rose. It will be sunrise soon. I must go to bed now.

I tucked them all in and thought, in passing, that although vampires are not really very satisfactory pets, my own association with them had been a rather profitable one for me.

***

Chapter Five

I was awakened by the telephone shortly after eight oclock the next morning.

Anna, Joes dead, Belinda sobbed. It was his heart. When I got back to the motel room I found him dead and cold.

I felt nothing. Joe Carson had been no friend to me, but I forced myself to behave in a civilized manner.

Try to pull yourself together, Belinda. Where are you now?

At the hospital, she specified which hospital. I knew he was dead but calling the ambulance just seemed to be the thing to do. Now theyve taken him to the undertaker.

It was his heart, you say?

Yes, theres been a lot of heart trouble in his family. Oh, Anna, I blame myself for not being with him.

Silently I agreed that she ought to have been with her husband; and unkindly I thought that Alexander had been right to call her blubbering repulsive. What are you going to do now, Belinda? I hoped she wasnt waiting for any offer of help from me. She would have a long wait.

I guess Ill have the body sent back to Oregon for burial.

Sent back? Not even the mention of going back with it.

Yeah, well; keep in touch, okay? I hung up. Cold? If you think so, perhaps you have not had the character building experience of being a child of ten

compelled to live in the same household with an alcoholic pervert twice that age. Try it sometime and then see if you can feel sympathy for the people who were in a position to protect you and did not do so.

I abandoned any thought of sleep and was dressed when the doorbell rang. Thinking that Tommy had lost no time coming here after getting off duty, I foolishly opened the door without checking.

It wasnt Tommy.

You selfish, thoughtless witch. Fern had a gun and her eyes were blazing. You thought you could sic your vampire on me and Id just do nothing about it. Now I have no job and I dont dare accept one that isnt a day shift and look at you. You dont even have to work.

Fern, please be careful with that thing. It may be loaded. I tried to think fast. Fern didnt know that Felix wasnt the only one; and I knew that I would protect Drew with my own life if need be. She must not find out what and where he was.

You bet its loaded. I took one of those courses at the shooting gallery, but they didnt teach me how to deal with vampires. Youre going to tell me that, right now.

What she wanted was exactly what I intended to do in any case, but I wanted to establish a better rapport with her, at least for as long as she had the weapon.

I wonder what Felix told you, Fern. He hasnt always told the truth.

He said hes your brother. I dont believe that. I had heard that you had no family.

I havent. He was the son of some foster parents that I stayed with for a while, and hes no brother of mine. The truth is, I hate him. It wouldnt bother me if you finished him off, but Id like it a lot better if youd point that gun someplace else. Inconsiderately she continued to point the gun at me.

Where is he and how can I finish him off?

Hes in the bed of my pickup in the garage. I have him covered to keep the sunlight off him. Sunshine is fatal to him.

Lets go. Fern was deadly calm now.

We entered the garage through a side door of the house.

As you can see, my little pickup looks very silly in this kind of background. Ill get rid of it after I get rid of Felix.

Uncover him.

Okay, but the lighting in heres artificial and wont have any effect on him. I folded back the protective flaps and removed the blackout cloth from Felix himself. To me he just looked dead. Ill drive the truck into the back yard. Its a sunny day, and theres a tall concrete block wall around the whole yard, for privacy.

Cover him again before you do. I want to watch when he...does whatever hes going to do.

At her command I climbed first into the passenger side, then slid over until I was under the wheel. Thus she was able to keep the gun on me as she followed me into the vehicle. The three-car garage in this sumptuous place boasted doors both front and back. The driveway extended in a full circle around the gazebo, thus eliminating any need for the driver to back the vehicle in order to turn around. I now drove into the enclosed back yard and parked in the sunshine. Still keeping the gun on me with her other hand, Fern yanked the cover off the thing in the truck bed. The result was startling in its simplicity. Felix did not move or utter a sound as his body began to smoke and emitted a smell of brimstone. His clothes were not even singed, as he seemed first to shrivel, then melt, and then just to evaporate. I was feeling oddly detached. I wondered if the fire he had seen across the river was still waiting for him.

Its over now, Fern. I wanted to find out how much she knew, and who else knew it. Have you discussed this vampire thing with anyone else?

My roommate, Shannon. She wanted to know how come I wouldnt take a night shift job after working nights for years, so one day after Id had a few

drinks I told her. I was surprised that she believed me. She even mentioned another one; a female vampire named June. Lets get that one too.

I cant believe Shannon wants June killed.

Shannon wouldnt want to take someone elses leavings, but in any case I must not allow Fern to come into my basement, where she would see the men as well as June.

I want June killed; and all the rest of her kind, if there are any more. Dead should be dead. Now take me to her. Fern raised the gun threateningly.

Dont you think youre getting a little tiresome with that thing, Fern? This voice was not mine, but Tommys. When he stepped out of the garage Fern gave me a look of pure rage. No, Anna didnt know I was here, but she didnt take time to close her front door, so I just strolled in. I came over here for the same reason you did, Fern, to put Felix out of his misery. Had to take a day off from my other job at the garage, too. But its done now, so how about putting that silly thing away before somebody gets hurt with it, will you.

Fern did not take the gun off me.

How did you know about Felix? she asked Tommy.

June told me. Yes, that same June you just mentioned. He had his eye on my kids.

I dont put up with too much of that. But he was an exception; most vampires are harmless. Think about it, Fern. If you donate blood it doesnt harm you, does it? They dont ordinarily do any harm, either. Now your best bet is to just go home and forget it. People see things all the time that they cant believe. Most of them, most of the time, just do the sensible thing and find some way to convince them they didnt really see it. You can do the same. It didnt happen. It was a bad dream, thats all. After awhile even you wont believe it.

Maybe she wont, but I will. Shes killed my son.

Tommy and I whirled around to see Belinda and Shannon stepping out of the garage.

What is this, Grand Central Station? Ferns outraged question echoed my own thoughts, although in this case I was gratified to have more reinforcements.

Anna, Im surprised at you, Shannon spoke disapprovingly. I know you know better than to leave your door standing wide open like that. Fern, youre my friend remember? Otherwise would I have let you know I was here while youve got that in your hand? Im not too nuts about the idea of getting shot, but I dont want you to get in trouble with the police, either. You know they frown on people shooting people.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a small black shape stalking Ferns ankle. I was about to warn her, lest she be jolted into pulling the trigger accidentally, but Shannons next words startled me into silence.

Fern, Annas my biological sister. Thats why I take care of her. She never knew it. Our mother told me when I was about twelve. Mom had found out, from the newspapers short paragraph about the case, that the hospital had kept the name Anna Woodruff for the baby she left there, so she didnt have too much trouble 1~eeping track of where Anna was.

Youre making that up, Fern said flatly.

I can prove it. Ive got a photograph of my mother in my purse. Shannon fished around in her purse and produced a photograph of a woman who did look a lot like me and who had a birthmark on her forehead which was the exact duplicate of one on my own; a small oval centered in the middle of the brow which looked rather like the ornaments worn by some Asian Indian women. Not too many people have that mark right in the middle of their foreheads. Not to mention the simple fact that they look so much alike even without it. I was hypnotized by the picture. I had never seen Shannons mother, for there had been no reason why I would have.

Shannon, why havent you ever told me this? I demanded.

I promised Mom I never would. Never say never.

Fern was unimpressed. She now looked at Belinda, who seemed indifferent to everything.

So whats your story? And who are you, anyway?

Im Felixs mother, Belinda replied dully. Anna and Shannon used to be my foster daughters. My husband died this morning, and now Ive lost my son, too.

Im sorry about your husband, but your son needed killing. Maybe youre no good, either. You raised him.

Should I take a chance and make a grab for the gun? As I was considering the possibility, Ferns eyes widened and she said, YOW! In that moment I acted, grabbing the gun and scooping Geronimo off her ankle. Good thing I didnt have him de-clawed. I thought.

In another setting Ferns stupefied expression would have been comic, for it was now I who held the gun on her, while cradling the surprised kitten in my other hand.

What now? I asked the assembled company.

Shoot her, Belinda babbled. She killed my son. Shoot her.

Dont shoot her, Shannon objected. Shes still my friend.

Tommy agreed with Shannon. Let her go. I dont think shell try anything like this again. Everybodys entitled to make some mistakes.

MISTAKES! Belinda was hysterical. She murdered my baby.

I realized that Fern had been instrumental in putting an end to Felix and that this was something for which to be grateful.

Go, I said.

In stunned silence Fern walked out through the garage, and we heard her car drive away.

We, too, were silent as we regarded each other. Then I remembered that, after a fashion, I was the hostess.

We might as well go in and have some coffee while we talk, I guess, I suggested. There was none made but I quickly remedied that while the others were seating themselves in the breakfast nook. Then I joined them.

What do you think Fern will do now, Shannon? Tommy asked. You know her better then we do.

I dont know, but I hope she wont go on being afraid to take night shift jobs.

Do you think shell talk about Annas friends in the basement?

I dont think so, but if she does well just all deny any knowledge of it, wont we? Shannon looked around the table questioningly and we all nodded, even Belinda.

Belinda, I wanted to know, How did you come to be here with Shannon?

I called her after I called you. She was much kinder and said she was so sorry to hear about poor Joe. I ignored the implied reproach in that much kinder and privately thought that Belindas grief had been short lived. She was already sounding detached about poor Joe.

She remarked that she was worried about her roommate, Belinda continued. She thought that Fern might be over here looking for Felix and Shannon knew Id be interested in anything concerning my son. It seems that Fern had mentioned having had an encounter with a vampire who said he was your brother. Shannon knew Fern owned a gun and she was worried.

About who? Felix or me?

About you, Shannon told me. Fern had been drinking. No telling what she might do.

After a short silence Belinda turned to me and I thought I knew what was coming.

Anna, can I move in here with you? You have plenty of room.

No. I made no attempt at excuse or explanation. I owed her neither, and to offer any reason for a refusal is to lay the groundwork for a future request. Belindas expression said that she had been ill doneby as she turned to Shannon. Do you have room for me?

Shannon was kinder, but no more helpful.

Im sorry, Belinda. It isnt really my apartment. Fern didnt move in with me; I moved in with her.

Are you going to go on living with her after this? Belinda was astonished.

Certainly. Shes going to need someone now more than ever.

Yes, I thought, thats Shannon.

Tommy regarded Belinda curiously. Dont you own your own home in Oregon, Mrs. Carson?

I do, but its in Oregon. Alexanders here.

I had never mentioned Alexander to either Shannon or Tommy, but that caught their attention.

So whos Alexander? Shannon asked.

Hes Felixs father, Belinda answered. No, Joe wasnt. Dont look at me like that. I was in love. I didnt have any way of knowing what Alexander was then. It was only recently that I found out. Now, of course, hes one of Annas vampires and sleeps in her basement.

My vampires? That was news to me, but whatever.

I said, Ill tell you about him later, Shannon; after you tell me about that sisterhood thing. Im proud to be your sister, if its true.

Its true. Ive known about it for years but Mom asked me not to ever tell you. She thought youd be better off not knowing. Me she had already had and decided to keep before you were born.

Belinda did not like the subject of the conversation to get away from her favorite topic, which was herself. Abruptly she said, I dont want to go back to Oregon. Ill just have to find a place to live here in Las Vegas. Anybody got any suggestions?

You might try the place I just moved out of, I said, somewhat indifferently. This was one of the many pieces of property I now owned, although I had nothing to do with the management of it. The lease paid to me was the same regardless of whether or how many tenants the place had.

Im pretty sure it hasnt been rented yet, and the locations convenient. I wrote the address and the managers telephone number on a note pad for her.

Ill look into it, she excused herself and left, thus freshening the air considerably.

Tommy obviously sensed that Shannon and I had a lot to talk about.

Hey, Ive probably got time to get a half days work in at the garage. I think I will. Shannon, Ill be wanting to hear about this Alexander after Anna tells you about him, okay? So saying, he left.

My sister and I regarded each other.

Did you know this when we were together in the Carsons home as foster kids?

Not for a certainty, but I suspected it. You do look a lot like Mom and she had already told me that I had a sister. There was no reason for her to have told me that, but she seemed to need to talk to someone when she was high on something, or blue, or both. I was there so I was elected.

Certainly seems odd that we were placed in the same foster home, I commented.

I used to think that, but I guess you have to consider the fact that Roseburg isnt really that big a town.

No, it isnt; is it? How did you find out who I was?

After I left the Carsons and went back to Mom I told her about you. She recognized your name. Then she helped me find out where you went after you left there. I dont know how she learned that, but I have my suspicions. I believe she had a boyfriend or two in high places. You know those things happen. She got your address so I could write to you and we could keep in touch.

I wish I could have known her.

You can, you know.

Shes still living?

Oh, yes. She was still in her early teens when I was born. Shes forty-one now. Ill give you her address and phone number if you like. The only thing is... I saw that Shannon wanted to add something, but didnt know how to put it.

What, Shannon? I prompted her.

Shes just out of rehab; yes, again. Her mental state is...fragile. Ill help you get in touch with her but; Anna, dont be judgmental. She doesnt need that. I think I know what youre thinking, What about my needs? But she cant help you. It isnt a matter of whether she should or not. What its a matter of is, reality. The reality is, she cant. If you cant accept that, then its better if you forget about contacting her. Im sorry, but I just dont want her hurt. Please try to understand that

Oh, Shannon Doe; I dont want to hurt her. I might even ask her to try living here with me. Do you think shed be interested in that?

Probably, but what would you tell her about your basement?

Ill cook up some story.

Well, whatever. Now, whos Alexander?

I told her. What else could I do?

Felixs father, huh? she mused when I had finished. So it can be hereditary. Id be interested in meeting him.

Come around tonight, if youre brave enough to be here when I tell him about what has happened to his son. If you dont care for that idea, I dont blame you. In that case, tomorrow nights fine. Youll like him.

I resolved to try to find some way to prevent Shannon and June from encountering each other.

Ill be here tonight. Youll be needing some moral support when you tell him about Felix.

Hopefully not as much as you might think, I countered. Hes one strange dude. He, himself, asked me to kill his son. Now I guess Ill find out whether or not he meant that, but I really think he did.

I wonder what Belinda will do now.

So do I. She wants to become a vampire, but she doesnt have Felix to help her with that now, and I dont think Alexander would. He despises her.

June might. She can understand how Belinda feels.

I had no classes that day, so after everyone left I lay down thinking I would just get a few hours of sleep. I was more tired than I had thought, for when I woke up it was almost sunset.

Shannon should be here any minute, I thought as I glanced at the clock, and as if on cue the doorbell rang.

Place looks great, Shannon remarked as she entered. Do you never give a thought to the possibility of your cleaning woman going down to the basement?

Its always locked, for that reason. Of course the lock is only one-way. It can always be opened from the other side. My friends down there will be up any minute now. Shannon, I dont want you to feel you have to stay here while I give Alexander the news. I wont be alone with him; at least not until Drew feels that its safe for me to.

Ive been thinking about things that are none of my business; more specifically, about you and Drew. Anna, this...thing can be hereditary. I think youre getting pretty serious about him. You want to be sure to use contraceptives.

That isnt very motherly advice, but its very sensible and I do appreciate the thought. I dont have sex with him.

In most circumstances and with most people I would not have felt that statement called for an explanation, but this, after all, was Shannon.

Hes never made any advances that way, and Ive never wanted him to. Ive kinda lost any enthusiasm I may ever have had for.... that. You know the

way we grew up. I dont know how it affected you, but I know how it affected me.

Pretty soon I got to thinking men are only interested in whats between my legs. Maybe thats why I feel the way I do about Drew. Hes so different.

The door from the basement opened and Drew and June emerged, wearing very strange expressions. There was an uncomfortable silence as Shannon and June regarded each other. Then June said, Shannon, lets try to get along. Ive nothing against you, and I hope you dont dislike me. We both have good taste in men, thats all.

I dont dislike you, June, Shannon answered, guardedly. This seemed to clear the air somewhat, although I had my doubts about how long the truce would last.

I spoke to Drew, I have to tell Alexander that Felix is truly dead.

No, you dont. He knows. He was the one who told us, when we were trying to figure out what we were smelling.

I gave him a questioning look, for how could creatures that dont breathe possibly smell, and how could the smell of brimstone have permeated down to the basement? He explained, We can smell through our skins, and we smell things you cannot; but neither June nor I had ever smelled the death of one of our own kind before. To us it is not like anything else: Alexander knew what it was. Anna, although he doesnt seem to be upset or even surprised, I think I had better not leave you alone with him tonight. How do we know hes not faking?

The door opened and Alexander entered.

Drew, I am not faking now, although I did last night, after a fashion. I owe Anna an apology, for Ive used her most unkindly. Surely you remember that it was I who suggested that Tommy be brought down to the basement to meet June, and then it was I who gave June the idea of informing Tommy about Felix. Do you not understand? I wanted Felix dead. Anna, can you forgive me?

Since I felt there was nothing to forgive, I simply changed the subject by introducing him to Shannon, although each of them already knew who the other was.

I suppose I must call Belinda, Alexander said then. She has no one else. Anna, may I use your phone? He knew perfectly well that he could, but Alexander was always polite.

While Alexander was making his call in the other room the four of us; Drew, Shannon, June and I, went into the breakfast nook for coffee.

Shannons my biological sister, I burst out, unable longer to contain myself. Then we told them about our morning. Im going to get in touch with our mother. I said in conclusion. If she wants to, she may come here to live. Would either of you object to that? If they did, they didnt say so.

Alexander emerged from the other room long enough to politely excuse himself and leave, offering no explanation about his conversation with Belinda.

***

Chapter Six

She wants me to make a vampire of her, Alexander was speaking to Drew and me before bedtime the following morning. I wont do it.

Right, Drew agreed. Shed only give the Persuasion a worse name than it already has. But what are you going to do; and tell her?

Ill lie, what else? Ill use red food coloring. She doesnt know what she should expect our blood to look or taste like. Anna, may I select some spices from your pantry to add to the mixture?

By all means. Id suggest castor oil. I was feeling mean. Shell expect some sort of a reaction.

Youre feeling mean, arent you? Alexander was bemused. My problem is going to be, how do I persuade her to go back to Oregon, or someplace.

Remind her that she should get her husbands affairs straightened out, including life insurance if he had any. Tell her that after she gets all that done she can call you at my number after she stops breathing; and that you hope that will be soon, so the two of you can be together.

If she believes you, it shouldnt be long before she finds some way to end it all.

And you think were cold blooded?

As he went downstairs June entered. She was concerned about Drew.

Granda, have you had nothing to eat all night?

I could have done well enough without anything for a night, but Anna was insistent that I take some nourishment. The marks on her neck will fade soon.

Ive called Mom and given her your phone number, Shannon told me on the phone. She was mad at me at first, but glad after she got used to the idea of your knowing. I think it was a relief to her. Shell probably be calling you soon so I dont want to keep your phone tied up.

How should I address her? Mrs. Hallpane? Michelle? Mom?

I dont know. I guess youll just have to ask her.

I was thinking of calling her first when the phone rang. Anna? This is Mom.

So now I knew what to call her. Our conversation was halting at first but before it ended I had invited her to come visit me and she had accepted,

saying, Ive just left the rehab center. Ive got myself straightened out and I want to get on with my life. Why did that sound so familiar?

Anna, how would you like to own a casino? Alexander tossed the question off as if in passing.

Good idea. They only cost a few billion. Ill just buy several of em.

Actually, Im serious. I havent been idle in the few weeks since Belinda went back to Oregon. That attorney you introduced me to is quite an interesting woman. Shes usually too professional to talk business with people other than the customer involved, but I get her distracted by pretending to be courting her. Then she tries to distract me from what she believes is the only thing on my mind. She knows, although only professionally, the people who own the Carolina casino, which sits on some of the real estate you own. It seems the Carolinas having a lot of trouble. Its always operated only just inside the law and is about to get caught up with. Since its going to have to close down, you could buy it for a song. It hasnt always even operated inside the law. That was the place where I worked under phony I.D. when I was still legally under age. I cant say it breaks my heart to hear theyre having troubles.

I suppose youd have to get a gaming license. My friend the lawyer would take care of whatever it would take to make it legal for you to own and operate a casino. It would give you a way to keep your mother busy. Hasnt she done some secretarial work occasionally?

Yeah, that would be good for her, wouldnt it? To my own surprise I found myself warming to the idea. I could try to get Shannon to run the

restaurant; and maybe Tommy to run the slot department. If I decide to go for this harebrained scheme, what should I call the place?

Draculas Den. The employees could wear short black capes lined with red satin.

I now seldom did anything without consulting Drew, who approved wholeheartedly of this idea.

But I dont really know anything about running a business, Drew. What if it just flops?

I dont think it will, but if it does, it will be a good tax write-off, and---well, you can afford it. Your mother does need something to keep herself occupied, you know.

Yeah, I know, I sighed. Shes bored. I dont know what I expected when I talked her into coming down here. I guess I just wanted to get to know her.

Do you like her, Anna?

Why yes, I do. I think Id like her even if I didnt know shes my mother. She has a kind of appealing helplessness about her, the kind that makes me feel like Ive got to protect her. Isnt that odd?

She affects me that way, too. I think its partly because shes so tiny. She looks like a smaller version of you, Anna, with some of Shannon thrown in. This was said so fondly that I found myself feeling almost jealous and chided myself. Moms a generation older than he is, you know. For I thought of Drew as being my own age; but I reluctantly reminded myself that he was in fact two centuries old and my mother was only forty-one.

I bought the casino. The details were hassle-some but my lawyer knew her business. When the deal was certain I called Tommy and told him about it.

Tommy, I want to steal you from the Golden Hind, but not as a change person. What I need is someone I can trust to run the slot department. I know youre not planning on making a lifetime career of casino work, but youll be able to buy your own business a lot sooner on the salary a manager makes than as a change person. How about it?

Im flabbergasted. How soon can I start? I dont want to give you any wrong ideas about my intentions. Just so you really do understand that I wont be staying with casino work indefinitely.

Understood.

Everything will be set up in a few days, Shannon. I sure hope youre not even thinking of changing your mind about running the restaurant part for me. I need people I can trust who know what theyre doing.

Oh, Im not going to change my mind. Say, Moms really into it, isnt she?

Yeah, I think its good for her to have something to do.

It seems strange to me that she hasnt even mentioned your basement. What have you told her about it, Anna?

Mafioso. Thats how I got so rich; by fronting for them by letting some of the most wanted ones hide out down there. Dont cock your eyebrow at me like that. I know how unlikely that sounds, but ~ know people will believe anything if you say it happened in Las Vegas. I Just tell her that the less she knows about the basement, the better off she is. Thats even true, as far as it goes.

Anna, Im worried about your sister. Shes keeping bad company.

How do you mean, Mom? I thought, silently, that Mom was a little late to be thinking of the sort of company her daughter was keeping, but I had promised Shannon that I would not be judgmental.

Ive seen her talking quite chummily with that red haired woman from the basement. I dont think she knows what kind of people they are. Should I tell her?

If you want to, but be sure youre not overheard. I had no idea that Shannon and June were getting friendly. That is troubling. To myself I added, Puzzling too. I have to admit, though, Mom confessed, That I kinda like that young redheaded man who comes and goes down there. Theyre brother and sister, arent they?

I imagine so. Relatives of some sort, anyway.

Alexander, maybe you can help me figure this out. Whats with June and Shannon? Mom says theyre getting chummy, of all things.

I take it you disapprove? Alexander and I were alone, for Drew had stopped fearing for my safety after a few weeks with no sign of anything resembling ill will from him; and Mom was out playing tourist.

I neither approve nor disapprove, really. Im just mystified. Theyre not supposed to like each other. Theyre rivals for Tommy.

You know that life is not so simple, Anna. Perhaps you are too close to the subject to be really objective about it. Perhaps theyve even decided to share him.

That makes no sense at all. I didnt say this scornfully, only with total perplexity.

It does, you know, if you think about it. Should Tommy be left to the tender mercies of a woman...like June; against whom he has no defenses? Would it not be better for him to also have a breathing woman to be his friend in the daytime, someone to pick him up when he falls out of love with June? As he surely will.

But maybe he wont. Drew never fell out of love with Marimba. I think he loves her still.

I dont think so; but in any case he had no other love in his life when Marimba came into it. Thats my point. I cant pretend to second guess Shannons thinking, but possibly she loves Tommy enough to want to be sure he knows that he is not alone, with or without June.

She does have her pride, you know.

Of course; but she has sense as well. Enough to know, surely, that there is no disgrace in sharing a man with a dead woman. If there was, widowers would have a hard time getting married again.

I had to think about that; for I was, in a sense, sharing Drew with the schoolteacher he had married in his youth. She smelled like soap. How wistfully he had made that simple statement, and I had forthwith stopped using cologne. I was not jealous of Drews first love, but I was almost obsessed with jealousy of Marimba.

When Drew and June came home Mom was with them. I suppose my face expressed a question mark for Drew said, We happened onto your mother in one of the casinos downtown. No place for a lady alone do we rescued her.

Anna, did you know this young man is an artist? Mom asked. Hes going to paint me. You dont object to our using the basement as a studio, do you?

Indeed? No, Mom, of course not." They went downstairs and Alexander quietly, and tactfully, changed the subject.

Tell me about your classes, Anna. You are still going to them, arent you?

Oh, yes. I grasped gratefully at this distraction. Im only a few weeks away from getting my GED.

I fed the cats and went to bed, trying not to think of my mother downstairs being painted by the man who had once expressed a wish to paint me but who had, so far, not done so.

The casinos doing very well isnt it. I remarked to Shannon as we watched Tommys children feeding the ducks in Lorenzi City Park, a few blocks from downtown Las Vegas. Tommy was working and Shannon had taken the day off.

Yes, surprisingly well, she agreed. Tommy knows how to run a slot department. The little boy ran up to get more toasted oat cereal to throw to the ducks.

These float when I throw em in the water, the three-yearold explained, so the ducks can find them.

Hows Mom these days? Shannon asked me. Is the painting going well?

Well enough, so far as I know. I think June disapproves of it. She gets an even strangerthan-usual look on her face when Drew and Mom go downstairs. Could she be jealous?

Quite possible, Id think. She had Drew all to herself for a long time. Shes probably jealous of you too, Anna, but she needs you. She doesnt need Mom. Has Drew ever painted June?

Not that I know of. I didnt mention that hed never painted me, either.

When the painting was completed I was invited (?) into my own basement for the unveiling. It was well done. Mom had been painted dressed in blue jeans and cuddling a calico cat. I recognized the background color as the mint green of a set of my sheets. One of them had been thrown over the easy chair in the basement and another tacked to the wall behind it.

Its beautiful. I tried to suppress my bitter feeling of having been rejected in favor of my mother.

Very artistic, June murmured, then she turned to Mom. Michelle, perhaps youd like to come to the little convenience store with me. We really should get to know each other better. Junes smile was disarming and Mom readily agreed.

After they had left I expressed my puzzlement to Drew.

Thats very odd, isnt it? What do you suppose June has in mind?

Why, exactly what she said, of course. She just wants to become better acquainted with your mother, as I did by painting her. Shes a very cooperative subject, too. Apologetically he added, I guess you noticed I borrowed a couple of your sheets. The color is perfect with that coppery hair.

Drew went out for his nightly foraging and I joined Alexander in the breakfast nook. Junes eaten up with jealousy, he remarked without preamble. So are you, Anna, but you handle it better.

Youre amazingly perceptive, Alexander. I cant believe June would be jealous of Mom. Surely she knows her Granda dotes on her.

Thats part of the problem. Its the princess syndrome, which incidentally is not confined to vampires. When she was growing up ~ spoiled her and now she regards him as her own private property.

Alexander, I wonder if I should be worried. June and Mom are together now. June asked Mom to go to the convenience store with her. She pretended that she wanted to be friendly.

He snapped to attention at that.

How long have they been together?

About half an hour.

Did they drive or walk? Any idea, which way they went? They walked. All I know is that June mentioned the little store down the street where she buys lipstick.

Now I was thoroughly frightened. Would June really harm my mother? What makes you think she wouldnt, you fool? You know what June is. I walked the floor for what seemed like hours but could have been no more than fifteen minutes, until Alexander returned carrying Mom in his arms.

Call 911. Shes still breathing. June got away. If Drew comes before the ambulance gets here, show him her neck. He wont want to believe it of his great granddaughter unless he sees it. Call Shannon too. Youll need her to sign forms at the hospital since youre not officially your mothers

daughter. That was true. There had been no reason to go through the paperwork with the birth certificate.

I made the calls and Shannon arrived while the paramedics were working with Mom. It was Shannon who signed the forms.

I dont know what happened to her, I told the paramedics. She had gone out earlier. I woke up when I heard a strange noise and I found her this way when I came into the front room to investigate. I can only guess, but I think she tried to kill herself again, then had second thoughts and just barely managed to stumble home from wherever she was.

But Shannon knew, for she had seen the fang marks below Moms ear. Like all vampires, June could extend her fangs at will.

As the ambulance pulled out Drew entered the house from the back door.

Anna. He ran to me and embraced me almost fiercely. Oh, Anna, I was down the street a few blocks when I heard the sirens. I thought something had happened to you.

Not to me, Drew. It was Mom. June tried to kill her and Alexander saved her.

June tried to kill her? Drew was incredulous. Thats impossible. My baby isnt like that.

Yes she is, Drew. Alexander entered from the basement stairs. Annas mother was almost dead before I found them in the vacant lot behind the store down the street. June had some uncouth words for me before she ran away. I had no time to chase her.

Im pretty sure Michelle will recover.

She was jealous. I kept my tone matter of fact, albeit with an effort. Have you ever painted June? Painted June? Why no; I... Drews voice trailed off as realization began to set in. But why isnt she jealous of Anna?

She is. She knows she needs me.

That sounds so calculating. Drew looked at Alexander. She just ran away? No word about where she might be going?

Of course not, Alexander refrained from commenting about the utter silliness of such a question in the circumstances.

Ill find her. Anna, I hope your mother is okay. Drew wheeled around and left.

Alexander, ever perceptive to the feelings of others, seemed to know that I felt forsaken.

Anna, Id like to hold you, if youd allow it.

I ran into his arms and sobbed.

Oh, Alexander, Im sorry, I managed to say after I had regained some control of myself. I know how you feel about blubbering females.

Youre not blubbering. Honest crying is an entirely different thing. Im honored that the shoulder is mine. His manners often still retained the courtliness of the Old World.

Shannon called from the hospital.

Moms very weak but shes going to recover. Theyre giving her transfusions. Im worried that shell just try to tell them the truth. At this point I dont care if she does, except that she wouldnt be believed. Theyd think shes nuts and try to treat her accordingly; So Im staying right in the room with her until she regains consciousness, so I can tell her that she tried to commit suicide. Shes tried that before, so they wont have any trouble believing it. Whats been happening there, Anna?

Drews been out looking for June. I think I hear them coming in now. Give my love to Mom, okay?

As I hung up Drew and June came into the house handcuffed together.

Where did you get those handcuffs? Alexander asked. Stole em from a policeman years ago, Drew replied. He didnt like it, but there was nothing he could do about it. Theyve been on the shelf in the hail closet. I picked them up on my way out. Granda, you dont understand. June was not struggling yet. I rescued Michelle. It was Alexander who was hurting her.

It was you, June, my tone was flat now. I got a close look at the marks on her neck while I was waiting for the ambulance. Alexanders teeth wouldnt fit them, but yours would.

The night was now far advanced and, with the sunrise near, the irresistible sleepiness was coming upon the vampires.

Alexander, Drew now spoke with an effort, Will you befriend my sweet Anna if---if anything untoward should happen to me?

Certainly. I believe we are already friends. But why should anything untoward befall you?

Never can tell, can you? Anyway, I think its past your bedtime.

Unwilling to leave, but knowing he could not stay awake Alexander went downstairs.

Granda, you never painted me, June now spoke almost whiningly. After Michelle came, you were hardly even aware of me.

I didnt realize you were thinking that way, June.

Its getting lighter. Lets go downstairs now and talk about it after we wake up.

No. Drew was very somber. No, June. Were going out to the sunshine. We wont be waking up in this world, but well go together and find out whats across the river. His meaning was unmistakable. It was I who shrieked, Drew, I need you.

Alexander will be with you, Anna. June and I must go. Some of us live too long. I dont know what to tell you now about whether or not to cross the river when you come to it. Youll still have the choice for thats a gift which, once given, cant be un-given.

Granda, dont do this. June was struggling now, but his strength was greater and the handcuffs held as he forced her out the back door.

But he wasnt holding me. I remembered that there was a large bolt of blackout material under one of the benches in the gazebo. I literally ran for it and tore off the string with which it was tied as I ran back, to throw it over Drew just as the sun was rising. I did not try to save June, who, unlike Felix had, saw her end coming before she evaporated.

I made sure placing heavy chairs on the corners of the cloth securely covered Drew and as I was finishing this chore the doorbell rang.

Tommy, come in. I hope youre feeling strong for what Ive got to tell you.

I already know some of it. Shannon called me from the hospital. I went there and was only in the way so I came here.

I told him the rest of it as we went out to the back yard. His presence of mind surprised me.

Junes hand, he spoke as he regarded the lumps of various shapes under the protective covering. It shouldnt be left there for Drew to find when he wakes up. I had not thought of that.

I dont know how wed get it out, I muttered.

Shouldnt be hard, Tommy was completely in charge now, and I was glad. Depends on how much of her arm was vaporized. If the elbows gone, the wrist will slide out of the handcuff. You hold that material down while I feel for it. I did and as he groped, a baffled expression came over his face. It isnt there. His hand is here but the other half of the handcuffs empty.

That is odd. Drew once told me that when sunshine got the foot of a vampire he had once known, none of the rest of her was affected. I had to

think about this for a short while before it came to me. Of course. Marimba wasnt killed. I mean, not the true death. I think that the source of their life power is in their brains. When that goes the rest of them goes. Thats only my theory.

Sounds logical to me. Maybe you should ask your friend Alexander about it.

I will. I wondered how Tommy could be so calm. Youre certainly keeping your cool very well, I commented.

Somebodys got to, he shrugged. Nowadays were told that its okay for a guy to show his feelings and all that, but Ive got to think of Shannon. Shes got plenty on her mind with her mother in the hospital. So have you, of course. I had the feeling this last had been added only as an afterthought, but I didnt mind. It was good to know that Tommys concern was for Shannon. He regarded Drews form beneath the blackout cloth. I dont think it would be a good idea to leave him where he is. If anybody came out here, youd have some fancy explaining to do.

Yeah, and this is the day the guy comes over to mow the lawn. Theres a hand truck in the hall closet. Ive used it for moving light furniture.

Why dont we go have a look?

Tommy wheeled the dolly out and, very carefully, tucked the material around and under Drew.

Got any more of this stuff?

I had, for I had purchased a lot of it with which to cover Felix when he was sleeping in my pickup. It was now under the benches of the gazebo and I fetched it. We slid it under Drews body, and then wrapped it around him, mummy style. We strapped the body to the dolly in an upright position and, with some help from me; Tommy wrestled it down the stairs to the basement. Then we lay Drew on his rollaway bed and I removed the wrapping. In sleep he was, to me, still very beautiful.

Arent you going to cover him with a blanket or something? Tommy wondered.

No need. He doesnt feel anything now. Lets go on up and have some breakfast. Im no cook but I have instant stuff and cereal.

I dont think I could eat, but coffee would be great.

As we sat drinking it I tried to imagine how he must have been feeling about Junes passing. I tried to tell myself it was none of my business and that I shouldnt ask, but he brought it up himself.

So June is really dead; again. I remember her as our Little Old Lady. She was a nice customer. I gotta admit I had a strange feeling about that so-

called niece, though. Even before I found out she wasnt for real, I just felt like there was something not right there somewhere.

It was the opening for which I had waited.

And after you found out?

It seemed to me that I had reason to be grateful to her for warning me about Felix. But come to think of it, there wasnt really any reason to think it was the kids he was after, but I guess that didnt matter. It would have been somebodys kids. Then he looked at me questioningly.

Did you think I had a thing about her?

You did, didnt you? Well, I didnt; not even before I found out what she was.

But she was so beautiful.

Thats a matter of opinion, but even if she was, it isnt the most important thing in the world. Personally I think Shannons the most beautiful woman in the world. That reminds me, maybe we should call her at the hospital to find out how Michelles doing.

Good idea, but I wouldnt try to tell her any of---of this, on the phone. You can never depend on telephones to be private.

He called the hospital and, after some waiting, spoke to Shannon and arranged to pick her up for lunch.

You gonna be okay here by yourself, Anna?

Yes, thank you. I wont be here all day, though. Ive got a class later this afternoon.

That night I was in the basement when Drew opened his eyes. I waited, silently, while he, silently, digested the situation; then he said, Okay, tell me.

I had some sun proof material left over from when Felix used it in my little pickup. It was under the bench in the gazebo and I threw it over you just in time. Tommy and I together bundled you up so we could strap you to a dolly to bring you down here.

Looking at Junes unoccupied bed he held up his arm, from which the empty handcuff still dangled.

True death?

Yes, Drew. I couldnt say I was sorry, yet I felt that something should be said. I realized that I was twisting my hands tightly.

Drew, if you need to be alone for awhile Ill leave you for now; or if youd rather go out alone yourself Ill try to understand. But please dont do any more suicidal things. I still need you.

I have never seen anyone look so totally lost.

1 do need to go out alone for awhile. Dont worry; Ill come back. His unfocused glance around the basement settled momentarily on the painting of Mom. As if in afterthought he asked, How is your mother?

Shes going to recover. Shannon is staying near her to try to persuade her that she didnt see what she saw, since she wouldnt be believed about it anyway. Ive tried to plant the seeds of a suspicion of attempted suicide by saying that she seemed to be just stumbling home when I found her. Couldnt say it happened here because of the absence of blood on the place.

After Drew went upstairs Alexander emerged from behind the screen. I waited for him to say that he knew how Drew felt but he said instead, Im glad your mother is going to be all right. That makes quite a lot of you breathers who know about us. Unwise, but I dont suppose it can be helped.

I think Mom can be persuaded to believe she only imagined that part of the experience. The fang marks heal very quickly.

Thats true, he agreed. Our bites exude a sort of disinfectant with an anesthetizing effect. Ive been told that they are not at all painful.

No, theyre not. I didnt feel a thing when Drew took a bite of me.

What have you done with Junes belongings?

I just put them out of sight for now, until Drew adjusts. If youll give me a hand Ill put her rollaway bed upstairs. Tommy had such a busy day ahead of him, I felt I had already taken too much of his time.

While we moved the bed Alexander turned the conversation to my casino.

Hows the Dracula motif going over?

Great. The customers love it. We call the cocktail lounge the Transylvania. Gives a whole new meaning to the term Bloody Mary, although so far we havent started using that line in the logo.

You should. I rather like it. Are Shannon and Tommy good managers?

Oh, yes. For his number one assistant Tommy stole the best floor person the Golden Hind had; a black lady named Debbie. The Hind was giving her the runaround instead of the promotion she deserved.

Why did they do that?

Shes female and black. No use trying to pretend that kind of discrimination doesnt still happen. We know it does. Having her for a floor person was double tokenism. With a woman whos also black they get two tokens for the price of one. Debbie deserves better, and shes better at her job than any two of the men she worked with at the Golden Hind. Tommys training her to take over his job when he gets enough money together to open a garage of his own.

Shannon came over, looking as tired as might be expected in the circumstances.

Alexander, pardon me if I sound trite but how can I thank you for saving my mothers life?

There is no need. I had a mother too, you know.

Why had I learned so little about Alexander? I wondered. It had not been that he was unwilling to talk, but rather that I had not asked. I did now.

Why dont you tell us about your mother, Alexander?

Well, to make it brief, I was an only child and my parents were in their forties when I was born. My father died when I was ten and I was all my mother had, so when I returned to her, after my own death, I stayed near her until hers.

She was not poor and I had to keep out of sight of her servants, so I learned to be even more stealthy that we ordinarily are in any case.

Now he looked at my sister. Shannon, youre exhausted. Id suggest you go home and rest.

I second the motion, I said, trying rather unsuccessfully to use my Im your employer, tone of voice. Hes right. Take the day off and sleep in. Thats an order.

As a rule she was unimpressed by my orders but this time she gave me no argument.

I think I will. Alexander, thank you again.

I hope shell be all right driving herself home, Alexander remarked after Shannon had left.

So do I, but I want to talk about you now, Alexander. How old were you when you died?

Sixteen. Ive added a total of about five years since then by occasionally hibernating, mostly for ocean voyages.

Sixteen? You never experienced old age! Tell me how you came to be a vampire.

In what I believe to be the usual way. A Greek vampire who called himself Philip Spicer took an interest in my mother and me after my father died. I was not a healthy child and he saw that I was unlikely to survive to adulthood. He saw to it that my mother and I consumed what he referred to as an elixir, which he said would cure anything. Of course it was what Drew refers to as ruby wine, so that we could choose to return if we wished. I did. My mother did not.

He went out and I decided to put all of Junes belongings out of sight by moving them to the attic. While I was thus engaged I found the letter from Marimba.

The envelope, itself an antique, had been addressed to Andrew Freeman. That, I remembered, had been the name of Drews grandson and Junes father. Certainly I read it. I found it oddly disappointing, for it said only

that the writer was well and hoped the same was true of Andrew. Andrew was urged to give the writers regards to every member of his family. The letter was signed, With warmest regards, Marimba Lincoln. It had been among Junes possessions, not Drews. Was it possible that he did not know of its existence? Well, he would now. I would see to that by leaving it on the small table beside his rollaway bed.

I finished moving Junes other things to the attic and, having nothing else to do for the moment, lay down thinking that I would just close my eyes for a few minutes.

***

Chapter Seven

Anna? Drews voice calling my name awakened me and a glance at the bedside clock told me that I had slept until almost dawn.

Drew. How long have you been home?

Several hours. Long enough to have found and read my mail from Marimba. I had never been told of it before. Its bitter to know that both Andrew and June would deceive me so.

I sat up. Why would they, Drew?

Andrew never approved of Marimba and I suppose June was jealous. Yes, Ive accepted the fact that she was afflicted with that malady.

But why would Andrew disapprove of Marimba?

He believed she was only using me for her own self preservation. I think it never occurred to him that self preservation is the most fundamental urge in the universe, both for the living and the undead.

I thought, but did not say, that his own urge for self-preservation had not been very active the previous morning. Are you feeling better, Drew?

Yes, Anna. And thank you for leaving the letter where Id be sure to find it. That was a tactful way to make sure I knew of it without seeming to accuse my relatives of deceiving me. Darling, I woke you up only to reassure you before going downstairs. Ill be all right now, and youd better get some more sleep.

Yes, I will. Fat chance, I thought. He went downstairs and for the first time I felt a bitter kind of resentment. He would sleep after sunrise, no matter what. I must somehow cope with the days affairs. But I quickly recognized this self-pity for what it was and shook it off.

Good morning, Debbie. Hows it going? Tommy off? I hoped I sounded offhand.

Yeah, Shannon too, poor lady. She called and explained about her mother being in the hospital and that she was up most of the night because of it.

That does sound like a rough night. Well, thank heaven for y~, Debbie. The slot departments in good hands. I guess Tommy still plans on leaving pretty soon. He may be able to leave sooner than he expects. I may offer to loan him enough to set up his own shop. Do you feel ready to take over his job yet? A fleeting expression of surprise crossed her features and it occurred to me that perhaps she had not believed the offer would actually be made.

Are you sure you want me to?

Certainly Im sure. Ill be sorry to lose Tommy but not as sorry as Id be if I didnt have somebody like you to replace him. Are you ready?

As ready as Ill ever be, except for being nervous.

Suddenly I found myself wishing intently that I could confide in Debbie about my very private life with my friends in the basement. Drew and Alexander were not available in the daytime, and I wanted Tommy and Shannon to get their sleep. No one else knew. Except Fern. Fern? Well, why not Fern?

Debbie, I think Ill do like everybody else and take the day off. The place seems to function just as well without me, anyway. Have fun, okay?

Fern and Shannon were still sharing an apartment but they had moved into a larger one and each of them had her own bedroom telephone. I could call Fern without disturbing Shannon.

It was still early morning and she had not yet left for her daily job hunting.

Fern? Its Anna Woodruff. Do you have time to meet me someplace for a chat?

We met in a small cafe a few blocks from where she lived. It was the first time I had seen her since the day Felix had departed this world. I must remember that she did not know about Drew and Alexander.

I guess Shannons keeping you posted, isnt she? I wondered exactly how much Shannon had been telling her.

She says your casinos doing very well. But you didnt call me to talk about that.

No, I called to let you know that the one named June is out of the picture. She had an unfortunate encounter with some sunshine.

Im not sorry to hear about that. Was she the last of - - them?

Im sure she was. Sometimes I lie.

I remembered suddenly that Fern had not been such a bad change person.

Fern, why dont you go to my casino and talk to Debbie? I guess Shannons told you that shes working for me now. Didnt you and Debbie always like each other? Ill call her and suggest she hire you. I was as surprised as Fern to hear myself making this offer to a woman who had held a gun on me and, for all I knew, had been prepared to squeeze the trigger.

But the offer was made; and accepted. Before the day was over, Fern was as employee of mine, as a change person on graveyard.

Im sure youre nuts, Shannon assured me when I told her what I had done. But I am glad that shes not afraid to work the night shifts any more. Graveyard relief, huh? We were visiting Mom in the hospital.

Yeah, if youve ever worked it, you know its probably the worst shift to work. But it was the only one that was immediately available. She can work her way up to better ones.

I glanced at Mom, who was sleeping lightly as we talked.

Have they said how long theyll keep her here? I asked.

Probably only until tomorrow. Should I take her to my place when they release her? She might feel more comfortable there?

I still have more room. Since June isnt there any more theres no reason why she shouldnt feel comfortable in my house. But we could just ask her, when she wakes up. Presently she did and we did.

You say that woman isnt there any more? Mom regarded me uncertainly. What if she comes back?

I promise that she wont, ever. The rest of my guests are still down there, but Junes gone.

Well, Ill come back to your place then, if I may.

After Mom drifted off to sleep again Shannon drove me home and on the drive I told her about the letter from Marimba.

Youve never told me much about this woman; only that she was the one who made one of Drew, then left him. How old is the letter?

Quite old; Id guess about a hundred years. It seems to have been written soon after she got back to England. Drews very hurt that his family never told him about it.

Cant say I blame him for that.

Where do you think Marimba might be by now, Alexander? I asked him the following morning?

It would be interesting to try to find out, Alexander replied. Ill try to contact Philip.

Philip? After a moment of thought it came to me. Thats the one you mentioned who was a vampire before you were? What could he have to do with Marimba; and how do you contact him?

With great difficulty, I imagine. He talked of trying to form a vampires organization of sorts, to be based near Geneva, Switzerland. He had not formed it yet the last I knew, and it may be that it did not work out.

That sounds interesting; a vampires organization. Drew doesnt think there are many of you.

Neither do I, actually. That subject was what Philip and I were discussing when he got the idea of trying to create a kind of central clearing house for us. Although I was not impressed with the idea I didnt say so. This was shortly before I came to North America. I really ought to try to get in touch with him again anyway. Weve usually found some way to communicate about once a century or so. He is rather like a father figure to me. If his organization has been successful it is not impossible that Marimba has heard of it and could be located through it.

I suppose Drew would be interested in that. He could find more of his kind of people. I could not suppress a sigh. Id be an outsider then, to be sure, but only until I die. But how are you going to find out about all this?

The last I knew of him he was associated with a family in Geneva; one of those old, established families which had lived in the same place for many generations and was not likely to leave. Ill write to them, saying that I obtained their address from an American tourist. Ill pretend to want a pen pal. Anna, may I use your name and address?

If you want to.

Thank you. Ill compose the letter and mention my own name somewhere in it. Ill say... Alexander was now deep in thought and talking as much to himself as to me. Ill say, as you, that Im trying to learn a bit about world history and mention ancient Greece. If Philip is there, someone in the household will surely tell him about that. If he then reads the letter and sees my name, youll be hearing from him; a long shot, Anna, but it might work.

And hear from Philip I did, about a month later. The letter I received was addressed to me but with admirable restraint (in my opinion) I did not open it, for I knew it was intended for Alexander.

Ill make myself scarce while you read your mail, Alexander.

Dont be ridiculous. Youre dying of curiosity and you know it. Lets have our coffee as usual and well both read it.

Thats what I was hoping youd say.

The coffee as usual to which he referred was part of the routine we had fallen into, without really thinking about it. Drew had already gone out. After he returned Alexander would go out.

The letter was a short one and oddly worded, saying, in part:

We have a household member named Philip Spicer who is interested in corresponding with your friend Alexander Shambray. Philip, too, is musically inclined and interested in the instrument called the marimba. He has heard of a community in your country where a truly remarkable marimba may be located. We are sending you the name of this community.

Independence, Missouri, I read. Thats where she met Drew. But hes never mentioned her having said anything about any organization like this. Surely she would have mentioned it to him.

I rather think it hadnt been formed yet at that time. My guess is that she has only recently returned to this continent hoping to find Drew again. Abruptly then he said, Anna, I shall go to Missouri.

Ill take you. Ill buy a motor home tomorrow and well all go; you and Drew and Mom and me.

You do surprise me. I know you know that I think to find Marimba there; and by your own admission you feel threatened by what you think is Drews interest in her. Yet youre prepared to take him where you know she may be?

Yes. If he still - - cares - - for her, he should have her. If he doesnt, he should find that out.

Perhaps you are the one who needs to find out?

Could be.

Very well, then, if Drew agrees.1

Drew did not agree. She left me. Why would I want to go traipsing after her?

Maybe for Alexanders sake. Hes determined to go and I dont want him to go traipsing by himself. If I buy a big enough motor home, the two of you can sleep in it all day while Im driving. Ill park near heavily populated communities for your nocturnal activities while Im sleeping.

Whats with you, Anna? Drew was still not allowing any interest to show. Why would you want to interrupt your schooling to make this tedious drive?

It wouldnt interrupt anything. Ill get my GED next week, with any luck at all. Its too late in the year now to start autumn classes at the college. (For Halloween was near.) I may take some prep courses in the spring or summer but I dont have anything planned for the winter.

What about your casino; and the cats?

The housekeeper would feed the cats. As for the casino, I own it, not vice versa. I didnt buy it just so I could program my whole life around it. Also, it will be in good hands.

Well, you seem to have all the bases covered here, but thats still a lot of driving for one person.

Maybe Ill as}~ Mom to come with us and help me with it. Shes a good driver when shes not high, and shes been keeping herself straight lately. We could call a temporary help agency for a secretary to take her place at the casino.

I discussed the project with Shannon while we were having our morning chat in the casinos restaurant.

How do you feel about the idea of Mom coming to Missouri with us? I asked.

Moms her own woman. Ive never had any real influence with her. No reason why I should expect to now. You have some~inf1uence with me. If you dont think its a good idea for her to make~ this trip with us, Ill just not invite her.

It may do her good, come to think of it. She does enjoy driving.

Why dont you come too, Shannon? I asked impulsively.

I think not, but thanks for asking, she smiled. Then for no apparent reason she added, Ive been getting along really well with Tommys kids. Although this last seemed to be a non sequitur I had a feeling it was relevant to her reason for wanting to stay in Las Vegas instead of making the trip to Missouri.

Mom was not surprised when I told her that she hadnt imagined any part of the experience with June; and she was only moderately surprised to learn that June hadnt been the only strange one.

Alexander and Drew, too? Any others?

Not in Las Vegas that I know of. But there are others in the world, probably more of em than even I would imagine. That brings me to why Im telling you about these two. We think there may be another one in Independence, Missouri and we want to make a trip there to try to find her. The trip will be in a motor home and Ill need someone to help me with the driving. Someone means you, of course. I then told her all I knew about Marimba.

Mom thought that over for a while.

Dont you think maybe youre just asking for trouble by trying to find this Marimba?

Undoubtedly, but Im going to do it anyway.

Well, thats my daughter. Whos going to select the motor home?

You are, if you decide to come along and help me with the driving.

Really? Now she resembled nothing so much as a child who has been given carte blanche in a toy store, and I knew she would be making the trip with us. I was happy to let her hassle with buying the motor home and I had no doubt she would choose a good one.

In the meantime I had my studies to attend to. To my own surprise I had no trouble passing the exams and getting my GED.

*** Chapter Eight

We both drove very carefully on the trip for we felt that we had even more reason than most people to want to avoid being stopped by the police; although the vampires were well hidden and a routine traffic ticket would have posed no threat to them.

The first night, on Interstate 40, we stopped just outside Flagstaff, Arizona, where we stayed for an extra day so that Mom and I could drive up to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Many people have made many inadequate attempts to describe that wonder, and I shall not. After that, we did nothing but drive; the next day, we made it to Albuquerque, New Mexico; the next, Amarillo, Texas; and the next, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There we switched to Interstate 44. The next night after that we stopped near Joplin, Missouri, where we switched to State Highway 51, on which we proceeded to our destination.

Drew was neither surprised nor disappointed at the appearance of the community, which had once been home to him.

Things change. Realistic people expect that. Alexander, you have~ the gift of even more stealth than most of us. You will probably have better results than I at finding our long lost. Shall we separate or stay together tonight?

Lets stay together the first night. If we have no success we can separate on the second night.

It was the third night before their quest was successful and then they did not find Marimba; she found them. To be more precise, she found Mom and me.

Drew and Alexander had only just departed when we heard the doorbell. Although I assumed that one of them had returned for something I did check through the side window to be sure.

Mom, I believe my eyes are deceiving me. Maybe its because shes on my mind. Does this woman look familiar to you?

Mom took a look. Weve both seen the painting. Thats Marimba. Of course she looks different in blue jeans and a parka, but look at those eyes.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and we stood face to face. For a fraction of a second I hesitated before saying,

Come in, Marimba.

Thank you, she said and came in. Obviously you know who I am. You have the advantage of me there. I know the gentlemen who just left, but not you.

My name is Anna Woodruff. This is my mother, Michelle Hallpane. Were friends of Drew and Alexander, and we came here to try to find you. Would you care for coffee?

Mom took Marimbas parka and we all sat at the fold down table.

We have so much to talk about, Marimba said with a smile. You came here to try to find me, you say? Why dont you tell me about that?

Cagey, I thought. She doesnt know I know what she is, and she wants to find out how much I do know before she says too much.

We know youre a vampire, Marimba. We know that Drew and Alexander are likewise. Im their breathing helper. I told her, quickly, the rest of what we knew about her and why we had thought she might be in Independence. Now its your turn. How come you didnt approach Drew and Alexander first?

I needed to figure out where I stand with you. Women should stick together. She looked at both of us questioningly. I was afflicted with jealousy when I knew Alexander way back when, but Ive changed now. I still love Alexander, but if either of you wants him, thats okay. My kind of love is no threat to any breathing woman. Ill share him with you.

It was Mom who said, I dont think either of us wants Alexander, although hes charming enough. But, Marimba, what about Drew?

What about him? Well, she owed me nothing. Drew had said.

I found that I was flooded with a sudden liking for this woman and I spoke warmly.

Marimba, youre invited to come back to Las Vegas with us. Theres plenty of room in my basement. Drew and Alexander sleep there.

Momentarily she appeared to be thinking it over.

Im trying to decide whether to act cool and detached or just jump at the offer immediately. Although her dark eyes were glowing now, a shadow crossed her face. What if one of them objects to my sleeping in your basement? It isnt their basement. Its mine. I was glad that my offer had been accepted but much was still bothering me. You love Alexander, not Drew; yet you came here to the last place where you had known Drew. That puzzles me. Im sure you didnt expect to find Alexander here? My question mark was only just barely expressed but she heard and responded to it.

I didnt expect to ever find Alexander again, anywhere. Drew and I had a good friendship and I wanted to renew it. Did you know he was the one who carved my first artificial foot for me? I wear a plastic one now but the one Drew made served me well for a long time.

I knew about your foot but you walk so gracefully I could have forgotten. This simple truth was no attempt at flattery.

Marimba tilted her head in a listening pose.

Someone is approaching your door.

I had heard nothing, but almost as she spoke the door was quietly opened and Drew entered. This little motor home had a small divider between the table and the door. Marimba and Mom were seated on the side, which it concealed from Drews view. I was facing the entrance.

Oh, youre awake, Drew nodded at me. I didnt know whether you were asleep or not and I didnt want to wake you if you were. I only came back to get a coat. I dont feel the cold and didnt realize how conspicuous I am with just my shirtsleeves until I overheard someone whisper to a companion and say, That poor man must be freezing. I dont want to attract attention.

Looking at Marimba I realized that she had recognized Drews voice but was waiting for me to speak first. Drew picked up on the silence.

What is it, Darling? he asked me, for he could not see the other two.

Drew, stay right where you are. Mom and I have to go out for a short stroll. No, dont move; Ill get our coats. Well be back soon.

Thoroughly mystified, he stood just inside the door as I handed Mom her coat and we left.

You have a lot of self control, Anna, Moms tone was both admiring and exasperated as we walked the few blocks to the all night diner near the RV Park. Now well never know exactly what his face looked like when he saw her.

So? We wouldnt have seen his first reaction if he had found her out on the street somewhere, would we? After all, hes entitled to some privacy. Anyway, I saw her face when she realized it was Drew at the door. She was disappointed. When she heard someone coming she had hoped it was Alexander.

Youre smiling.

Am I?

When we returned no one was there, but Drew had left a note on the table.

Thank you. Weve gone to try to find Alexander. Love, Drew.

Whats he thanking us for? Mom wondered.

I thought, not for the first time, that my mother was perhaps a little shallow.

For allowing him his privacy by leaving the premises before he realized Marimba was here.

Oh, Moms reply was indifferent. It would sure be interesting to be there when they find Alexander, if they do.

They did, and the three of them returned together shortly before sunrise. Mom was snoring on the bottom bunk and I, on the top, had been drifting in and out of sleep. I awakened instantly when the door opened, although it was done almost without sound. How silent they can be~, I thought as Alexander and Marimba slid into their respective sleeping bags. Drew covered them and arranged his own preparatory to retiring. Then he glided to the bunk where I lay. His voice was not a whisper so much as it was like the sound of a radio or television with the volume turned very low.

Anna, my love, you may or may not be asleep. If you are sleeping, I dont want to wake you.

For an answer I reached out and took his hand. Not wanting to wake my mother, I climbed down without saying anything. He held my coat for me and we stepped outside into the November night, which was crisp and cold.

Darling. Drew held me protectively. I know that you do feel the cold. Im glad you werent asleep. I think I know how you think and I wanted to tell you what I felt when I saw Marimba.

What did you feel, Drew?

Absolutely nothing. Whatever I once felt for her is dead.

I snuggled into his arms, thinking that for me there could be no warmer place.

How can you feel so warm, Drew?

Perhaps you and Alexander are right in thinking that the power source is in our brains. My blood seems to circulate, even though I dont breathe and my heart doesnt beat.

Lets go in. You must be sleepy.

I am, he assented. Good thing you had the foresight to buy extra sleeping bags.

Yeah, I had a feeling we might need em. I guess Marimba told you guys shes coming back with us. Do you feel okay about that, Drew?

It was almost inevitable, wasnt it?

I know, but do you feel okay about it?

Yes, very okay. It will be good for Alexander.

I slept late, after finally getting to sleep, and my mother was up and about before me. Im not a bad cook, when I put my mind to it, Mom remarked brightly. Want some French toast and bacon?

I sure do. I didnt realize you had noticed thats what I always order in restaurants.

Coming right up.

She was, in fact, a good cook.

Well, Mom, I guess weve done what we came for. Do you have any sightseeing you want to do while were here in this part of the country?

Ive heard a lot about the Gateway Arch. Could we go over to St. Louis and see it?

We did, and well worth the drive it was, even though St. Louis is on the other side of the state from where we were. Then we made the rather tiring return trip to Las Vegas.

I think we were all very thankful to be home. It was past sunset when we drove into my garage but the vampires, though awake, would not stir until Mom or I gave them the okay. I was, by this time, completely under Marimbas spell myself and I had no trepidation about inviting her into my home---For now and always.

Your basement is quite impressive. Her tone was appreciative as she surveyed it. I tried to disguise my pleasure at the compliment by being offhand as I responded.

Im sure the castles youve seen in Europe would make this place look like an outhouse.

Theyre not so great. Theyre big, but not built for convenience. If you want to, well go see some of them after you die; but I hope that wont be any time soon. Im going to like staying here for awhile.

Her belongings were pitifully few and as we rearranged the basement I resolved to draft Moms aid in replenishing Marimbas wardrobe.

After the basement rearranging was completed we sat in the breakfast nook and Marimba discussed hunting arrangements with Drew and Alexander.

I have to keep up with what the child prostitutes are wearing, she explained, because I always dress like one when Im out hunting. I find some really depraved wouldbe customer, then I do my thing. Oh, I dont kill them. Im tempted to, but I dont. I feed until the creep is unconscious, then I leave him someplace where hes sure to be found before he dies of exposure. When theyre found its always just assumed that theyve passed out from drinking. They never brag about what theyve really been doing.

Arent you taking quite a chance about the police? I asked. Dont the ones called hooker bookers ever bother you?

Oh, I can smell the constables; I mean literally, not just as a figure of speech. When I know theyre near, I make myself scarce.

That hunting arrangement seemed to work very well on our trip back home, Alexander remarked. I have to admit that I, too, was often tempted to just finish them off while I was at it. To think, Marimba, that there are so many grown men who are out looking for kids on whom to prey; and breathers think were predatory. Uh, no offense meant, Anna.

None taken, I spoke from my heart. In fact, I agree with you.

Since one donor is not enough for three of us, Alexander continued, suppose we go on as we began on our trip; first Drew and Marimba, then Marimba and me? Marimba, do you object to being the bait?

No, I like it. How do you feel about the thing, Drew?

Sounds good to me. I usually go out almost immediately after waking and Im hungry now. Suppose I show you our fair city? I am rather proud of it.

They left and Alexander and I were alone, for Mom had gone to bed. It was our first really private conversation since before the trip.

Well, Anna, so weve really finally found Marimba. I hope youre not sorry, for I am very glad.

Im not sorry. Quite the contrary, I like her. Alexander, Ive restrained myself for a week and a half, but you know whats in my heart. Tell me how theyve acted together.

I suppose you mean Drew and Marimba. Theyve been good companions and rehashed what they think of as old times, meaning before and during the American Civil War. Drew has probably told you that they were both ardent Abolitionists and that they often created opportunities to help escaped slaves. Their justifiable pride in that memory creates a bond between them. He paused thoughtfully. But, Anna, they are not in love in the romantic sense. Their friendship is friendship, period.

I wanted to ask him about himself and Marimba, but I knew that was none of my business.

No doubt you are wondering now about Marimba and me, and are too sensitive to ask. I, too, am wondering. Vampires in love do not have exactly the same experience that breathers do. Sex, as such, is nothing to us; but we do occasionally fall in love. I think the fact that we often fall for breathers is simply a result of the law of averages, simply because there are so many more breathers. But I cant tell you now how I feel about Marimba, because Im not sure myself.

I didnt ask. How proud I was to be able to say that.

You didnt, did you? Perhaps I only presumed because it had been on my own mind.

But there is something Id like to ask you about; your friend Philip and his central clearing house for the UNdead. Did that fly?

Ah, yes. Im so glad you reminded me. I must write to him. His organization did fly, as you say, but he and Marimba still have not met.

She heard of him from another vampire and wrote to him, telling him of her intention to return to the New World. The intention was carried out before he had time to answer her letter, for we must be very careful with our correspondence. But, in any case, he wouldnt have been able to tell her where to find me, for he didnt know where I was. I can take a bow for that. Ive been lax about keeping in touch with him. Ill write to him before another sunrise, if I may use your name and address again.

Of course.

Before going to bed I set my alarm clock for an hour before sunrise, in order to have some time to spend with Drew. He was alone in his accustomed place in the breakfast nook when I entered.

Anna, he smiled in welcome. I didnt want to wake you, but Im glad you are awake. Do you realize how long its been since weve been alone together?

Too long. Alone together is a contradiction in terms but I know what you mean.

Youre a snot. He was amused. A contradiction in terms, is it? If you want to sound educated, say oxymoron.

Ooh, that is snotty. It felt good to be back to our old lighthearted banter.

I wont keep you on the phone long, I said to Shannon when I called her in the morning. Just wanted to let you know were back safely.

Did you find what you went there looking for?

We did; and brought her back with us.

Im looking forward to hearing all about it. Will you be coming to the casino today?

No. Mom and I are going to rest; were kinda tired from the trip. Will you have time to come over here after work?

Ill be there. Is it okay if Tommy comes too?

Sure.

Well, is Marimba half as pretty as her picture? Shannon asked after she and Tommy arrived that afternoon.

Shes beautiful. Do you both have time to listen to my rambling about our trip? I think you already know how and why we went. Looking at each other, Shannon and Tommy smiled and nodded.

My kids are spending the night with my mother, Tommy explained. The show were going to see doesnt start for a couple of hours, so ramble on.

I rambled on, occasionally helped and prompted by Mom.

This Philip sounds interesting, Shannon mused after I had told them the whole story. A central clearing house for vampires; I wonder why none of em ever thought of that before.

Im just guessing, I conjectured, but I imagine it had something to do with the fact that long distance communication was a lot harder in the good old days.

Yeah, good guess, Shannon, concurred. Its too easy nowadays. Belinda Carson called me the other day. She got her house sold and shes coming back to Las Vegas.

I dont think Alexander will be pleased to hear that. Come to think of it, neither will Marimba. Come to think of it, neither was I.

This is the woman who was supposed to be mothering my girls while I was outa my mind on drugs? Mom, by this time, knew the story of Felix. I had told her all of it before our trip to Missouri for I had felt that she should know before embarking on a cross-country motor trip with Drew and Alexander. How do you think I feel about her coming here?

She wont be coming to our house, Mom. She did ask me once if she could. I said no.

She wont be staying with me either, Mom. She asked me when she called me. I should have followed Annas example the first time she

asked. If I had given her a flat no then, she probably wouldnt have asked again; but I did tell her no this time, point blank.

After Shannon and Tommy had left Mom was unusually quiet for a while. Mom, talk to me. What is it?

Guilt; pure guilt. I thought I was doing the best possible thing for you by giving you away. How could I have known youd be one of the ones who fell through the cracks?

Mom, let it go. Youve been doing so well lately. You dont want to lose back any of the ground youve gained. Then I did something, which is really not my style; I hugged her.

I love you, Mom.

Oh, Anna. I love you too; and Im going to be very unladylike when I meet this Belinda.

***

Chapter Nine

I love these long nights, Alexander remarked as he stroked Geronimo, who loved the attention. Sometimes I think of emulating an arctic tern in reverse.

How come? Ornithology is not my field.

Arctic terns travel from pole to pole twice a year, following the sun. Thus they have more daylight hours than any other creature. If I reversed their pattern I would have longer nights all year.

You mean something like, go to Australia or South America when its springtime up here and vice versa?

Yes, exactly. I am, of course, only thinking aloud, not really considering any such thing. I have no practical need, since time means nothing to me.

I was not really listening and Alexander, ever perceptive, knew it.

Anna, you have something on your mind. This was a simple statement with no question mark.

I have, and it isnt good. Belindas coming back to Las Vegas.

Ah. If he could have sighed, he would have. I suppose I deceived her too, while we were both deceiving her husband. I never actually told her I loved her, but I never told her I didnt. I knew she was assuming and I knowingly allowed the assumption to stand. Well, I cant abandon her now. I dont know much about her financial situation. Do you, Anna?

Shannon tells me that she isnt rich, but shes what they call financially comfortable. Shes just sold her house, which was what she went back to Oregon to do; and she gets a widows pension from where Joe worked. I think he had life insurance, too.

Im glad to hear that. A well-to-do widow shouldnt have too much of a problem finding a replacement for her husband. Ill make it my business to try to see to it that anyone who wants to defraud her will think better of it. Perhaps she will meet someone from out of town and leave with him- his voice trailed off. Im dreaming, of course. Shell do no such thing. He looked very disheartened.

Maybe she will, I tried to say what I believed he wanted to believe. The worlds full of people whod like to just be taken care of and not asked to give too much in return; and Belindas not likely to question a mans motives very closely, if hes singing her tune.

As I did, he sounded glum.

You seem to be in a self-berating mood, Alexander.

Only painfully honest. Ive always tried to tell myself that I am a better man than most breathers. A breathing man will break a womans heart and use her body for his own physical and egotistical gratification. I pretended I was different simply because my motivation was different. I needed a mother for the child I had decided to make. I used Belindas body and broke her heart. I owe her, Anna.

Excuse me while I play Hearts and Flowers. I said acidly. Then I added, Alexander, please tell me youre not going to change your mind about making Belinda a vampire. That scenario was almost unbearable to me.

No; not that. But I will stay with her until she finds someone else.

What if she never does?

Then Ill stay near her until she dies. That wont be so long as I reckon time, Anna.

But Marimba thought it would be entirely too long by anyones reckoning. The following night she came out to the gazebo to have a chat with me before she and Drew went out.

Alexander told me about Belinda, she said as she handed me the cup of coffee she had thoughtfully brought for me. It wasnt news to me exactly, since you and Drew have mentioned her in passing, but he told me the whole story, including the fact that shes coming back to town. I dont like that, and I dont like the way hes feeling about it.

Im not too nuts about it, either, I replied. Im not sure I even understand the way hes feeling about it. Do you, Marimba?

Oh, yes. I understand men very well. Hes bragging, although he doesnt know it. He gave this woman better sex than any breathing man could, and she hasnt stopped thinking about him since. He doesnt realize the fact that hes actually just bursting with male pride because of it, but he is. So he disguises his ego as guilt. That way he has an excuse -- what he thinks of as an acceptable reason -- to hang around her and feed his hubris.

Hubris? The word was new to me.

Arrogant pride; sinfully arrogant. Marimba had, I remembered, been taught in a convent.

She would know such words. The story is told that a steward on the Titanic said to a boarding passenger, Madam, God Himself couldnt sink this ship. If the story isnt true, it should be.

Do you really think Alexanders like that?

All men are, her cultivated voice was not bitter. It was as if she was simply discussing a fact. Youre young now, Anna, but when youve lived for half as long as I have, youll know.

Drew isnt, I protested.

Yes, he is. His ego hasnt been fed as much yet. Dont ever have sex with him, Anna. It would mean nothing to him, but his pride would swell to monstrous proportions.

But didnt you go to bed with him when he was still breathing?

Certainly. He was breathing. I wasnt. I dont think he grasps even now that what he used to think of, as love was nothing of the sort. It was physical. Then after he died, I was the only other vampire around, so who else did he have?

I was now thoroughly befuddled and I found it a relief when she left with Drew for their nightly prowling. Drew has accused me of being secretly proud of Belindas infatuation with me. Alexander and I were now having our usual conversation after the other two had gone out. How could he think that?

Is it true? Convince me that it isnt. I silently pleaded.

Certainly not. I despise the woman. I had only contempt for her even when we came together when she was young. Perhaps my knowing that is why I feel so very downcast now. I caused her to love me, Anna. I caused it. Alexander obviously believed himself.

Guilty feelings are counter productive, Alexander. They do no one any good. Where had I picked up that bit of psychobabble? In any case, I thought it sounded educated.

Youre wise beyond your years, Anna.

Wise beyond your years? It was the same phrase Drew had once used to me. I suppose twenty-three years is not a lot to those who think in terms of centuries.

When Belinda called the following night, I knew the timing was not accidental, for the phone rang only minutes after the sun sat. Oh, Anna, Im sure Shannon told you I was coming back. I just got into town this morning and Ive been busy all day, looking for a place to live. Didnt find one yet so Im staying in a motel for tonight. May I speak to Alexander, please? She knew he would still be here at that time of night.

If thats Belinda, Alexander asked when I called him to the phone, have I your permission to ask her to come over here for a short visit?

Of course.

I went into the other room, from which Drew and Marimba were preparing to leave.

Thats Belinda on the phone, isnt it? Marimba asked.

I nodded and Alexander, whether intentionally or not, waited until they had left before entering the room.

Shes coming over, was his comment.

I must go out for awhile.

I had no plans for the night but it seemed to be the diplomatic thing to do so I went to my casino. After all, I owned the place. Mom was working late in her office, as she often did. What a pleasant surprise, Anna, she greeted me.

She didnt ask why I was there so I told her anyway.

I need a place to get some sleep, I concluded. That sofa looks inviting.

Be my guest. If I get sleepy too, Ill use the other one. Moms office was well and comfortably furnished. It had its own bathroom and shower and could have been used as an apartment in cases of emergency.

I awoke after a few hours to find that Mom had fallen asleep on the other sofa, so I left her a note and went home.

Drew, the only one there, was in the home library reading. I didnt want to disturb his concentration, but he was aware of me immediately and put the book aside.

Drew, I sat on the arm of his chair. Whats been happening?

You wont like it; I certainly didnt. When Marimba and I got home we could hear them in the spare bedroom. Alexander made no noise but Belinda did, unmistakably. She was enjoying herself.

Belinda and Alexander in my spare bedroom? And she was enjoying herself? Does that mean what I think it means? He nodded. Thats obscene.

I agree. We had got home earlier than expected. Marimba wanted to shame them thoroughly by simply opening the bedroom door, but I insisted that we make some noise to let them know we were here. We turned on some music and danced a bit, in the old fashioned way, until Belinda came out, looking embarrassed but oddly triumphant. She left without saying a word. Then Alexander came out, looking even more embarrassed and not at all triumphant. He said nothing either as he changed the sheets or remade the bed while we finished our dance. Some situations do seem to discourage conversation but Marimbas expression said a great deal as she and Alexander left together. I wouldnt want to be in his shoes right now.

Im interested in the idea of what you call dancing in the old fashioned way. How do you do that? I asked, with total irrelevance.

Waltzing. I could teach you very easily.

He put waltz music on and began to teach me. I found it a very romantic dance and we were still waltzing when Alexander and Marimba came in.

Im afraid Im in no mood to be fit company, Marimba apologized. Will you excuse me if I retire early?

And I also, Alexander chimed in. We have more quarreling to do, but it can wait until another sunset.

They both went downstairs.

Shes jealous, no doubt about that. I was thinking of June and her way of dealing with what she thought of as a rival. Do you think shell harm Belinda?

Probably. I hope she doesnt get caught at it. Bad image for the Persuasion.

She did get caught at it, but not by any breather and not in time to save Belinda.

The following night Drew came home early and alone. He nodded to me and addressed our friend.

Alexander, Im concerned that Marimba may be up to something unwholesome. She said she felt the need to be alone. This was before we had had time to feed so obviously shes still hungry.

Alexander sprang up. Anna, may I use your phone? Without waiting for my consent he picked up and started dialing, then after a few minutes he hung up the receiver. No answer. Obviously Belinda isnt in her motel room. Ill drive~ over in that direction by the same route shed take if shes coming here, so I wont miss her if thats what shes doing. He did not sound hopeful.

It isnt like Alexander to just grab the car keys from the wall without asking for my permission, though I certainly dont object, I noted after he had left. Hes quite upset, isnt he?

I fear he may have good reason to be. I dont think I should leave you alone, Anna. Marimbas crazy. Theres no telling how she thinks or what she might do. Good thing your mothers staying in her office for the night.

Im grateful for your concern. You came home so early, I dont think youve had anything to eat.

I do well enough without.

But I knew he was hungry. I insist, Darling.

After he had fed we went to my movie room where I selected a light hearted musical film for the projector, but the movie had not progressed very far before Drew cocked his head as if listening.

Theyre back; and theyre not trying very hard to be quiet.

Indeed they were not, if he could hear them even here; for the movie room was acoustically insulated. Drew switched on the intercom and announced, Just want to let you know I can hear you. Switching it off he then explained to me, Simple common courtesy; in case they thought no one was home. That did quite them down.

How much did you hear? I was prompted by curiosity to ask.

Apparently he didnt make it to the motel in time to save Belinda. I heard Marimba say just now, dont worry, you wimp. When they find her in the bathtub the water will be running and the drain unplugged. No mystery about the lack of blood then, so it will look like suicide. I got that idea from Drew, who got it from a relative of his. Thats when I let them know I was listening.

She killed Belinda? What bothered me was not Belindas death but the fact that the murder had been done by someone I now considered one of mine. I now knew that the invitation to enter ones home could not be rescinded so long as the home continued to be that of the inviter.

She did, and perhaps it would be a good idea to find out more.

We turned off the movie and went to the library, following Drews hyperacute hearing.

Elegant Marimba and gentle Alexander were no longer elegant and gentle. Now they looked like what they were; enraged vampires with fangs extended.

You two retract your fangs. You look like a couple of B-movie Draculas, Drew informed them disgustedly. I heard enough to know Belindas dead. No great loss there; but Id like to know more about it.

Alexanders fangs slid back up into his gums until only what appeared to be normal, albeit needle sharp, canines were visible. Marimbas did likewise.

Marimba killed her. I thought she had come to terms with that unreasonable jealousy of hers, until last night. Tonight I hoped to find Belinda before Marimba did. But I was too late. Marimba, how did you get into her motel room?

I told her I worked there and had forgotten to check the towels. It didnt sound very convincing to me, either, but I looked harmless so she just said, Oh, well, come on in and check them then. How did you get in?

An unoccupied motel room doesnt count as anyones home, and this one was not occupied after Belinda died. She had told me which number was hers and I simply walked in. Marimba, how could you? Did you?

You...you man, she flung the word like an epithet. Youre all alike. Youre no different just because youre dead. You wanted to keep her around to feed your own conceit.

I did not. If I had why would I have stayed away from her for three decades?

You didnt realize then just how obsessed with you she was. After you found that out you couldnt get enough of it. Her fangs reappeared. But Im stronger than you now; Ive refueled and you havent. She sprang on him and sank her teeth into his neck.

Marimba! Drew was horrified. We dont do that to each other!

He linked his arms around her waist and, because Alexander was also trying to push her away, the two of them got her off him. Now she looked indeed like a B-movie Draculas bride, for her fangs were dripping red. She retracted them and swallowed, then wiped her mouth, daintily, with a tissue from the box on the coffee table. A dazed expression replaced her look of rage.

Im so sorry. Youre right. We dont attack each other. Alexander, please forgive me.

Im shaken, Alexander replied. Ive never been attacked by another of my own kind. I didnt even know it was possible, but I suppose Ill recover; and, yes, of course I forgive you. He then turned to us. Drew and Anna, will you excuse the two of us while we go out to the gazebo to talk things over?

They went out and we went to the breakfast nook.

I can still hear them, but theyre not speaking English. I cant tell for sure what language it is, probably French. Anyway, they both sound calmer now. Anna, Im very worried about this situation.

I shouldnt have let you bring Marimba here.

You didnt let me. I didnt ask you remember? I told you. The fault is mine.

And Alexanders; for finding out where to find her. Well, so far as I know theres only one way you can get them out of here. Move out and make the house someone elses home by renting or leasing it. Id have to leave too, or course, but thats okay. Its your safety Im thinking of. Marimbas unpredictable.

You wouldnt have to leave if I rented the place to Mom. Shed invite you in. Id just make the rent low enough so she could afford it, and Id find an apartment to call home.

So it was tentatively agreed and Drew went downstairs, for morning was approaching. When I went out my back door to warn Alexander and Marimba of the nearness of sunrise, I was surprised, although I shouldnt have been, to find her feeding on him. He was lying on a bench in the gazebo and she was kneeling beside him with her fangs buried in his neck and her eyes closed. In ecstasy, I wondered, or denial? His eyes were open but he was not seeing and he was very pale beneath his moon tan. Marimba, dont kill him, I pleaded. Slowly she rose and turned to face me, not retracting her fangs.

Youre brave, arent you? she asked with a kind of admiration. You know that I could kill you too, but here you are, for his sake. Well, I wont kill you. Drew will be needing you even more now, without either Alexander or me for companionship.

I dont understand you.

Its time for me to die; Alexander too. She fingered the crucifix she was wearing around her neck. My time in purgatory will be long, but I dont believe it will be forever. The nuns in the convent from which I escaped will have offered prayers for my soul. Surely they were heard.

You dont have the right to make that decision for Alexander.

Yes, I have. Dont you know that he killed me once? Very kindly she added, stay out of it Anna. It has nothing to do with you. The sun is almost up now and time is short.

Facing the east, she knelt again by Alexander and embraced his still form, murmuring endearments as the sun rose.

THE END

BUY THIS BOOK