Chapter 2
The doors to Bill's office swung open as he strode in. He threw his jacket to a simpering vampire maid who delivered a peculiarly awkward rendition of something between a curtsey and a bow.
'Where's Pam?'
She's in her room, your majesty. With a human. She said that...'
'I want her in my office in five minutes.'
Bill sank down into the plush leather chair behind his desk and shouted for a Tru Blood. He sat perfectly still and tried to focus, tried to control his anger. If Pam saw him in this state after a visit to Merlottes, she'd guess the reason. She had never met Sookie to his knowledge, but his obsession with the Bon Temps bar maid was legendary amongst Louisiana's vampires. He couldn't display that kind of weakness to Pam. Christ, what was happening to him? The woman should mean nothing to him, less than nothing. But the sight of those weres leering and sniggering at her, and the sight of her stood there submissively smiling like she had no other choice for her whole fucking life but to wait tables in that shifter's bar. She should be well away from here by now. He'd planned to send her to college, offered to pay her fees and buy her an apartment. It never occurred to him she'd refuse; it was the very least he could do for her, she must see that. It was his way of ... what? Saying sorry? But of course she'd refused. Sookie and her damn pride; for God's sake, she'd barely been able to tolerate him buying her dinner so why the big surprise? It wasn't as if he didn't admire her pride, her spirit, but she was still human. He never figured a creature with a life-span of seventy years would put their pride before their safety. At least she'd moved to Shreveport, but she still insisted on working at that fucking dive of a bar and every minute she spent in this parish put her closer to death. It didn't matter that they were no longer lovers, that she hated his guts, that she probably wished the true-death on him every time their eyes met. By association, she was implicated in the coup that had exiled Eric Northman and set up a bitter enmity between Bill and some of the most powerful sheriffs in the state. Eric still had his loyal supporters. Pam was one of them, she was simply one of the more pragmatic. He settled his expression and stared indifferently at his finger nails as Pam slid into the chair in front of him. Her evident irritation was concealed by a smooth, compliant smile. She had blood on her chin. Bill sighed inwardly, but decided to be diplomatic.
'The New Orleans weres are in Bon Temps, Pam. They were at Merlotte's tonight and according to Gloria they're staying at the Carson Motel on the Shreveport highway. I need to know why they're here. I want you to investigate.'
'Why me, your majesty? Why not send a human? They blend.'
'Because any human I sent would be terrified and the weres would smell their fear a mile away. They'd come back in pieces. You are vampire and they are no match for you. Plus, you are well positioned for this assignment, with your connections to...'
'To Eric.'
'To Northman, yes. You will recognise the New Orleans pack, by sight or smell at least...'
Pam rolled her eyes, incredulous. Yes, as if she could ever forget...
'So it will take only a brief survey of the territory for you to establish how many of the pack are here. Then, make enquiries at the motel. Ask questions of the human staff, glamour them if necessary.'
Oh please, and this was Bill talking? Pam had to hand it to him, he was growing into the role. He was getting smarter, more cunning, more ruthless... more like...
'You know, sir, I'm not the best person for this assignment. I'm the most disciplined of the hysterical, senseless bunch you've got right now and, yes, I guess I'm flattered you're trusting me to do this in the light of all that's happened. But if you still had Eric...'
Bill raised his eyes slowly to Pam's. They registered absolutely no emotion. 'Pam, I understand your loyalty to Northman and I forgive it. It is entirely natural and in other circumstances I would commend it. But your remark puts you very close to treachery against your king and I will not hear Northman's name in my presence again, you understand? You will do what I say and you will do it without complaint. You are lucky your maker is still alive.'
Pam nodded deeply in a show of submission. 'When shall I go?'
'Tonight. Now. The weres left Merlottes hyped up and aggressive, they will have gone hunting. You'll be able to track them easily, but don't be seen. And Pam? Wipe that blood off your chin. It's human, I assume? They'll smell it a mile away.'
