All That Baby Business

Chapter 12

TheoryofaDeadGirl

Claire just blinked down at her bloodied jeans for a long moment before she snapped back to reality and regarded the two unconscious vampires at the other end of the room. She found herself getting a headache all of a sudden as she wondered just how the hell she was going to save them. Instinctively, she ran to Myrnin first - she liked to think she was thinking logically as he was more valuable to Claire's task but really, she just liked him a whole lot better than she did Oliver. She still found his hippie facade to be a little too creepy. Claire wrapped her hand around the silver tipped arrow jutting out of Myrnin's chest and winced. Taking a deep, steadying breath she had almost began the painful process of ripping it out of her boss's chest when there was movement behind her. Claire spun around just in time to see Oliver's pale hand yank the arrow from his heart. He groaned as he got to his feet.

"Oh, um…sorry," Claire mumbled quietly, "I just thought i'd get Myrnin first, cause, y'know…" She trailed off, lamely, not sure what to say. It didn't matter really, Oliver was ignoring her though his scowl spoke volumes to Claire. He was pissed. He adjusted his clothing and tried to smooth out his grey hair before pushing past her to get to Myrnin. Claire panicked for a moment but then logic kicked in and she realised that Oliver couldn't hurt Myrnin even if he wanted to. He was under the command of Amelie, as was everyone in this town. Now, there's a happy ending, Claire thought to herself grimly. She tried to wipe the blood off her hands but just stained her jeans evenmore. Oh, great, she was going to have trash these now.

She watched as Oliver swiftly pulled the arrow from Myrnin's chest and life flooded back into his brown eyes. He let out a quick puff of air and stood up. Claire could have laughed as she watched him inspect his bunny slippers for damage.

"Well, that was unexpected," Myrnin said. "Dramatic, but surprising."

"Oh, please," said, Oliver," We all had to expect something like this, with that kid around. He's nothing but trouble. Always has been, always will be."

"What exactly was that?" Claire said.

"A rescue, it would seem." Remarked Myrnin.

"Did you know those vampires, the ones that did the rescuing?"

Both vampires shook their heads.

"We have to find him, before Amelie does." she said, starting to panic just a little.

If Amelie knew what had happened in the lab, she would abort the project, meaning Claire's head would be on a stick and Myrnin's would be in a jar next to her. She didn't think that would sit well in the Glass House and the last thing they all needed was another attempted mutiny against Amelie. She guessed they made for good stories afterwards, but at the time? Less fun and more terrifying.

"Yes, great observation, Claire. We need to have him back here in chains this very moment or i'm afraid Amelie will dispose of you, Claire." Myrnin said as he paced the small amount of floor space in the lab.

"Me?" Claire practically squealed. "You're at risk here, too!"

He snorted at here and waved her off.

"Do we have any idea where he might have went?" Claire said.

"I might." Oliver said as he started towards the door. "Meet me at Founders Square in no more than ten minutes. Let's get this little rodent." And with that, Oliver was off and she was left with Myrnin and the infinite mess of books.

She looked at him, eyebrows raised. "So, how do we get there?"

He smirked at her.

She immediately shook her head. "Myrnin, no, "she whined, "can't we just get a cab like normal people. Your way of travel makes me bring up my breakfast."

"Oooh, what'd you have?"

"Myrnin! Be serious."

"What choice do we have! I am not using that damned portal after that business and there are a grand total of two taxis in this town. This is the only way."

She jutted her lips out. "Fine."

"Wheeeeeee." Myrnin scooped her up and before she knew it, they were halfway down the street. Claire closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on not adding vomit to the list of reasons why she needed to throw these jeans out immediately.

After a few minutes Claire's feet touched solid ground again and she swayed a little - Myrnin placed a hand on her elbow to steady her. It actually helped. Oliver was near them, standing ominously under a streetlamp in the square. He waved them over.

"That was eleven minutes." He said, shortly.

"Oh, sorry," Claire said, "I have that condition...ah, what's it called? Oh, yeah, human."

Myrnin chuckled at that.

Oliver's hard eyes snapped to her and she wondered why she tried to give one of the scariest vamps she's ever met sass. She always wondered if she actually had a death wish but she thought she knew for certain now. She might as well be two feet under at this point, at least.

Oliver tilted his head and regarded her for a minute longer. Claire felt like her face was going to melt off with the sheer white hot rage sunburning her face.

She cleared her throat. "So, where we going?"

"A few weeks ago, I had business in the Square and I thought I heard a commotion from this area. I went to investigate and found a hatched door behind the taxes building. It lead me down a series of corridors connecting to various rooms and tunnels. Jason Rosser was an occupant of one of these rooms. I saw him but he did not see me. I believe this is where he is now?"

"How could you not know about this place before?" Claire asked, trying to sound unassuming and polite.

Myrnin answered. "We're ancient vampires, Claire. Not psychics."

"Enough chat. Let's go." Oliver snapped, still pissed. Claire liked to think it was the whole arrow in the chest thing that was bothering him and not her presence, although she knew she was kidding herself. She followed the two vampires across the square until they were all standing in front of a wooden latch door. She tried not to think about what could be waiting below as she crawled down the rickety ladder and into the dark, dingy corridor that lead to Jason Rosser's lair. She could only hope there were no bodies down there...