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Chapter 12

When Tyson reached his apartment he steeled himself for what he knew would greet him. The four waiting had trouble wiping the grins off their faces. He knew they didn't have to witness what happened between himself and Savannah; they could smell her on him.

"I think our Tyson is smitten with Detective Lowe." The first volley came from Rayna.

"I like her," Beth said with a sweet smile.

"I didn't know you had a reckless streak," Mick commented. "I think getting too close to Savannah Lowe is playing with fire. She's a smart cop."

"I agree," Josef added. "But she certainly smells good. I know I like B negative as a change of pace." Wicked humor glinted in his eyes.

"I'm not looking to feed from her," Tyson protested. He felt a small pang of guilt for noticing just how tempting she had been when in his arms.

"Of course not," Rayna said sympathetically. "Savannah isn't freshie material. But she's definitely under your skin. And I like her too."

Tyson collapsed into his favorite chair and looked at the others in frustration. He was off-balance concerning Savannah and he didn't like it. The need to wipe her out of his mind was strong and he glowered at the rest of the room.

"Hey Tyson, I've been where you're at," Mick said with understanding. He smiled at Beth sitting close to him. "Sometimes things happen for a reason. Don't fight the universe Leggett."

"Can we just get to what we learned about Maurico tonight?" Tyson pleaded amid the laughter.

That brought everything back to seriousness abruptly.

"What we have now is a vampire who doesn't mind killing his elders and he has found a way to mask his scent. That tells us how he got close enough to Celeste to kill her," Josef said bluntly.

"That and Celeste often thought she was invulnerable," Granny observed from the doorway.

"Has something happened?" Tyson asked, not surprised in the least to see her standing there.

"No. I had a feeling something was up with you boy," she answered coming into the room and settling into a chair.



"It was just a little human encounter," Rayna teased, very much like a tattle tale sister.

"A human encounter?" Granny questioned, her eyes lighting up.

"Just the detective investigating the girl's murders. She went to the Quarter with us. It gave her a chance to ask her questions of Mick and Josef. I hope we've satisfied some of her curiosity," he replied. He sent a glare toward Rayna. She grinned back impishly.

Granny looked at him levelly.

"Don't lie to me," she said sternly. "I haven't lost my senses. We will discuss this human later. I received news this evening. Edward Rossier will be holding Celeste's Farewell tomorrow night."

"Farewell?" Beth questioned.

"A party," Tyson informed her. "We will say goodbye to an elder of the community."

Beth still looked puzzled.

"New Orleans doesn't treat death like the rest of the country," Rayna explained. "You've seen the parades that the humans hold at their funerals here, haven't you?" Beth nodded. Who hadn't seen the films of funeral parades with the bands playing and people dancing? "Well New Orleans' vamps hold a Farewell. It's a dressy party with music and freshies. Since Celeste was one of the elders it will involve the whole community."

"It's a shame the vamp in question misses out on the fun," Josef said.

"All vampires in the city are invited," Granny said.

"He wouldn't dare show his face," Rayna growled.

"Oh he most certainly will," Granny confirmed. "He has to. To not come would be the same as admitting his guilt."

"How do we handle his attendance?" Josef asked her. He took Rayna's hand and laced his fingers through hers. She smiled at him.

"I think it is best we pretend we suspect nothing. To behave any other way will tell him that we suspect him," Granny said.

"So we play cat and mouse," Tyson smirked. "Rayna, I have an idea. When we run into Maurico I think it would be useful to let him know you were once Rayna Kastle."

"What!" Josef exclaimed. "Why should we dangle Rayna in front of him like a prize?"

"Simmer down Josef. I see what Tyson intends," Granny scolded.

"Moriah, he's killed to acquire art. I won't risk her." Josef's eyes went silver.



"Josef, he won't hurt Rayna," Mick joined the argument. "He will want her to paint. He'll be distracted and we can use that."

"I think that it's a good idea," Rayna said softly. He looked at her in shock.

"Beauty?"

"It's not a secret to the community here that I was an artist in the 1890s. If he asked around he would learn the truth. Maybe if we tell him it will force him into making a mistake," she pointed out.

"I don't like using you for bait with a crazy killer," Josef said vehemently.

"Josef, we need all the help we can get," Tyson argued. "He's too well prepared to take on directly. We need to find his weak spot and art is his Achilles heel. I don't want Rayna alone with him. You must be with her so he knows she won't be easy to attain. We want him distracted. Rayna, tell him you no longer paint."

"That part will be easy," Rayna mumbled and a sad look flashed briefly in her eyes.

Josef noted the look but said nothing. He'd save that for later.

"I still don't like it," he grumbled.

"I didn't get to my age by not being able to take of myself," Rayna pointed out and kissed his cheek. "And you will be right by my side."

"Count on it," he growled softly. "I promised myself when you returned four years ago that I would not risk our relationship again."

Beth watched the exchanged between Josef and Rayna and settled closer to Mick. He draped his arm around her shoulders. The contact helped her relax and made it clear to her that she needed Mick's presence. She had talked bravely earlier about distracting Maurico but she didn't want to be taking on any vamps alone. Not right now. She couldn't imagine surviving on her own as long as Rayna had. Mick sensed her concern and stroked her arm reassuringly. Beth sighed contently.

"I would not worry about Rafael doing anything aggressive at the Farewell. This is his first chance to see the reactions to his opening move. He will be studying his opponents," Granny advised. "What we don't know is who else in our community is aligned with him. Be careful what you say to others. We need to watch everyone closely."

"If we need to be cordial, should we make contact with him?" Mick asked.

"You do not need to initiate a conversation. But since Tyson told me that Rafael spoke to you Mick, it would not be suspect for you to seek him out," Granny said thoughtfully.

"Perhaps Mick should let Maurico know I'm willing to discuss my missing Faberge with him," Josef suggested. "We would leave it up to him if he wishes to speak with me."



"A sound plan," Granny agreed and the others nodded. "But Josef, you must not allow him to goad you into anything rash. He will try to set you up to make a mistake and he will use Rayna to do it."

"How do you know he will?" Rayna asked.

"I know he will. The stolen art work is his personal interest; it has nothing to do with the drugs. Your being here will be a strong temptation," Granny told her.

"And how will you, Robert and Edward deal with him?" Tyson asked.

"I do not presume to tell Edward or Robert how to deal with Rafael. As host, Edward cannot avoid speaking to him. I will avoid speaking to him unless he presses the matter," she said coldly. Again Tyson wondered about her reaction. There were still things she was keeping from him but he wasn't ready to push her for answers yet. She rose to her feet. "I will see you tomorrow. This is an important event in our community. I want my girls to shine," she added to Rayna and Beth. "Don't let me down." She swept out of the apartment without further comment.

The other five exchanged looks.

"It still seems strange to hold a party when someone has died," Beth murmured.

"It's our way cher," Tyson said. "Think of it like an Irish wake."

"And I wouldn't be surprised if Maurico didn't plan on exactly this result when he killed Celeste," Josef brought up. "He knew what would follow."

"At least we are prepared," Mick said. "It will help to see who he meets with. We have many sets of eyes."

"Well I think Rayna and I need to work out how we reveal her history," Josef announced. He turned to Rayna. "So Beauty, shall we do some rehearsing?"

"Is that what you call it?" Mick grinned wickedly.

"You call it what you want," Josef smirked. "We will see you all at twilight." He pulled Rayna to her feet and they left.

"They always leave first," Beth said to Mick.

"Well, you know, they're older. Earlier freezer time," Mick laughed.

"Don't let Josef hear you," Beth giggled. "Thank you for the French Quarter tour Tyson."

"I enjoyed showing it off," Tyson responded.

"We will see you at dusk," Mick said getting to his feet and drawing Beth up with him. "And I like Savannah too."



He patted Tyson on the shoulder as they passed him.

"And what do I do about her?" Tyson murmured to himself after the door closed.

End chapter.

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