Chapter Fourteen (Romance Novels, Runaways and Rumbles..)
Josef Kostan had just traversed an entire Continent and one very mercurial Ocean. Understandably then, he was not in the best of moods at the current turn of events.
He waited more than impatiently for the incessant dial tone to end. It seemed he spent half his valuable time attempting to make connection with others who were never on the other of the line when he wished them to be.
FINALLY! 'The other end of the line' picked up. Josef wasted no time on preliminaries.. "She isn't here."
A coldness chilled Edwin Aldemeer's already considerably cold blood, which could be taken in context, of course. "What do you mean 'she is not..'"
"We are speaking English here although I am fluent in six other languages if you would rather." Josef snapped his waning patience. "What word didn't you understand, exactly? She...is..not..here!"
"That rather caustic wit you possess will be the death of you yet, Kostan..mark my word!"
Josef drew in a long breath. "Yeah, right, so...I'm assuming you have no clue as to where 'Pee Brain' might have fled?"
Edwin turned his attention to the problem at hand. "You know her better than I..you tell me."
Josef was taken aback by such logic, his anger put on hold for a minute. He fell quiet, easing into his 'contemplative mode'.
"She has the entire freakin world to choose from." He begrudgingly reminded.
"Narrow it down. Where would she NOT be?"
"Anywhere cold." Josef answered automatically. "She hates 'cold'."
"One would think, she would crave it." Edwin was constantly surprised by the enigma known as..Althea Adams.
"One would be wrong." Josef search his brain for the answer to the puzzle which eluded him for the moment. "..you don't think.."
"My students would have sensed them and alerted me." Edwin followed the younger Vampire's train of thought easily."
"I..can't 'sense' them." Josef reminded waspishly.
"You have not been under my tutelage." Edwin refused to be baited. "Which means, Althea did this deliberately. She does not wish to be found by any of us. Let alone..my brethren."
"She knows LaCroix can sense her where ever she is." Josef didn't think the female was that stupid at least, but..you just never knew with Althea.
"She believes she can reason with him or worse..that she deserves his anger." Edwin surmised
"Maybe she does." Josef brooded.
"It is talk like that which caused her to flee from you originally."
"She's an idiot!" Josef's worry manifested itself in the usual way. He became even more verbally insulting than usual. "I never once, in my wildest imaginings and believe me, I can get pretty far out there if I really put my mind to it..not once, did I think she would go against her own Sire to solve the problem presented!"
"She fancies herself enamored of you..which is a misnomer, of course." Edwin explained. "She is very loyal."
"She wasn't 'loyal' to LaCroix." Josef felt the need to 'vent'.
"She realizes LaCroix can weather any storm. Her main priority was..you."
Josef felt bad for the fact..for all of two seconds. He ran his hand about his aching neckline absently. "She's still an idiot."
Edwin gave him that much, remaining silent.
"..She might head for Vegas. She believes no one thinks to go there."
"It is a tourist attraction." Edwin was not following the logic of such a statement.
"Yeah..I know." Josef was embarrassed for Althea. "Anyway..she hates long flights so..where ever she is, it isn't all that far away." He mused. "So, somewhere..cold. Less than two..three hours flight by air, maybe?"
"You said..she hates..the cold."
"Yes, but she knows I know that. Work with me here, hum?"
Edwin leaned back against the nearest wall for support. This was getting progressively more irritating by the second.
"I'm going for Munich..LaCroix's estate." Josef made his decision. That's what he was..a decision maker. A damned good one.
"You believe..she would go to the one place that might conceivably put her in the worst possible dange..." The Enforcer halted, finally 'getting it'. "Of course..she would."
Josef shrugged mentally, having nothing to say on the matter. It was what it was.
"I can be there in two hours. I will have my people search other possible locations."
"Two hours?" Josef was confused. "Aren't you in Los Angeles? I have a Lear jet and it will take me that long and I'm in London!"
"Yes...I know." Edwin drawled sardonically.
Josef contemplated the logistics of such a statement. "..really?" He was impressed in spite of himself.
"It took me centuries to learn and..understand." Edwin stated. "Our true abilities are limitless. Your time will come."
"Something to look forward to...besides dropping Althea Adams into La Brea tar pits....what fun!" Josef had a goal again.
Edwin..hung up.
"GO!" Edwin had stalked the entire length of the long corridor, his strides purposeful, his expression and manner transmitting 'urgency'. "Get back inside!" His tone rather authoritarian in nature.
Althea had been lounging on the plush divan, reading, when she heard more than sensed another's presence.
She knew instinctively it was not her Sire who approached. She had listened to the sound of the approaching footfalls clicking ominously on the marble of LaCroix's ancient home.
The female put aside her novel, arising slowly, tentatively making her way across the spacious living quarters with it's tasteful decor. Althea peeked around the massive oak doors of the room, her system keenly attuned to the possible danger approaching.
"OBEY ME!" Edwin shoved the female roughly, turning his back on her instantly, swirling about, his hand producing from within the confides of the floor length leather coat he sported, the lethal weapon Althea had witnessed him brandish so effectively once before.
She heeded the warning in his voice, standing exactly where his shove had landed her. Inches behind his stocky frame, her nerves on edge.
The silence was tenuous to say the least. Her survival instincts were tingling alarmingly. She listened, once again..to the sound of approaching boot heels, her mouth suddenly very dry. She swallowed hard when the foot steps..halted.
She noted Edwin's shoulders tensing, preparing herself for something which would make this being..display such a failing.
"I do not come.." A definitely male voice filtered down the hallway into the room. "For her."
Edwin lifted his head slightly, nothing more. Althea watched his body language carefully.
"Nor have I permanently harmed your students." The voice continued. "Consider my..arrival, a contribution to their learning experience, yes? A training exercise, as it were."
Althea leaned, holding on to Edwin's shoulder for support, peering down the shadowed hallway. Poised against the back drop of light from the grand old chandelier which graced the main foyer was a slender, tall..very masculine shape.
Dressed in similar garb as Edwin, the long duster concealed much, Althea thought. As yet, however, she could not make out any features. She found..she did not mind if matters remained at a status quo.
"We must speak..do you not agree?"
"Speak." Edwin instructed abruptly.
"I do not challenge..not yet, at least. There has been no commandments passed down."
Edwin's body emitted a 'force' suddenly. Althea's hand dropped from any contact as the 'feeling' swept through her own body. She cut her eyes to the Enforcer, stepping a few steps back from such..disturbing reality.
"The Council is being systematically destroyed."
Edwin's face showed no emotion. He did, however..lower his weapon to his side. "...I am aware."
The other being stepped the remainder of the corridor slowly..warily. Edwin retreated just as slowly..almost casually, Althea thought later on..after her nerves had a chance to..revive themselves. His arm 'herded' her behind him as he went, keeping a safe distance between themselves and..the advancing 'danger'.
The female stared at the new arrival, her head on Edwin's shoulder. The odd 'feeling' had left his body. The other being was inordinately handsome..too much so. Almost perfect in face and form. Perfection had never set well with Althea..she did not trust it.
"I thought you might be interested to know the latest news." The starting green eyes were turned to.. "You are LaCroix's daughter?" 'He' observed Althea for a beat. "Well..." His tone had altered to one of charm and delight. "Greetings."
Edwin observed the other being quietly, nothing more.
"I am honored.." 'He' bowed gracefully. "To make the acquaintance of such a beautiful female. I would expect nothing less of..your Sire's excellent taste, of course."
"..yeah, whatever." Althea did not impress so easily. She sensed this ..thing's power. 'Graciousness' was not a word she would have applied to it.
'He' smiled disarmingly. "I mean you no harm. There is nothing personal in this for me. I assure you."
"Let us hope it remains so." Edwin suggested evenly.
"What does he mean..the Council is being.." Althea had some questions of her own along about now.
"Not now, Althea." Edwin cautioned.
"Since formal introductions do not appear to be forthcoming.." 'He' chastised Edwin with a 'look'. "Allow me do the honors. I am.."
"I know who you are." Althea interrupted frostily.
"My reputation proceeds me." He again..cast Edwin a disgruntled glance. "What have you been telling her? I assure you, Madam..I do not bit.." He chuckled lowly. "Well, that is just a ridiculously inane statement, isn't it. Of COURSE, I bite. But only those with which I truly find favor...correct, Edwin?"
"Why are you here, Stefan?" Edwin demanded an answer.
"You must admit! This is all quite alarming." The other Enforcer spread his hands wide, palms out. "To whom do we report? What is our role here? Do we attempt stop this..malcontent? Do we place our differences aside in order to present a united front as protectors of the 'Realm'?"
"What is he talking about?" Althea demanded answers as well.
Edwin debated the questions in his own mind, ignoring her altogether.
"How long before we are thus targeted? Are you not curious, Edwin?" Stefan asked plaintively.
"If I am targeted, I will defend myself. Until then..I have received no recompense to hire out my talents."
"You are so mercenary. Surely a united front is better to a one on one confrontation." Stefan reasoned, grinning for the other being's attitude. "We are dealing with a most powerful entity, agreed?"
"We both know who is behind this." Edwin did not mince words. "They threaten his son.." He motioned behind him. "And his daughter. What did they expect?"
"LaCroix." Stefan nodded. "Then if that is the case..he has no quarrel with us. As long as we do not interfere or take sides..correct?"
"Dad??" Althea was stunned. "Dad is.."
Edwin pushed her back behind his form irritable yet again.
"Stop pushing me!" She snapped.
"Seven are gone. It is rumored Felix Weyman has..disappeared. As has Ashton Croft." Stefan held his smile for the rejoinder.
"Disappeared..as in..gone to ground?" Althea wrung her hands unconsciously, her nerves starting in again.
"Perhaps." Stefan shrugged. "But the Council convened this night. Word has it..the chamber was torched..none survived."
Althea gasped, her hand snaking out to clutch Edwin's sleeve. It was one of her worse nightmares...being burned alive. "..T-Torched.." Another horribly heinous thought struck her..an even more unthinkable one. "LaCroix!"
"Is alive and well." Edwin put her mind to rest. "You would have 'felt' if he were in peril."
She relaxed slightly. "..Oh, but.." She grimaced, feeling a bit nauseated suddenly. "Torched..ewwww!"
'State your sources." Edwin directed his inquiry to Stefan.
"The Cleaner..the humans beat them to the scene but..the stench was unmistakable. The blood scent was on the air."
Edwin nodded. That 'source'..he trusted.
"What the HELL..is going on??" Althea was completely lost.
"Have the take overs begun?" Edwin asked.
"Surprisingly, no. It is my thought..they all await the outcome. They fear anyone that would attack the Council itself."
"Fear is healthy." Edwin nodded.
"True..true." Stefan acknowledged.
"I have to go find Dad."
Edwin pushed the female back yet again, his brow furrowed darkly. "STAY!" He demanded she listen for once.
Stefan chuckled his amusement. "You treat her much as a favored pet, Edwin. Really! That is a little archaic even for you."
"HEY!" Althea's shackles raised. "Eat shit and die..both of you!" She pushed from any contact with Edwin Aldermeer. "You aren't my keeper! I hate you...BOTH!"
"What did I do??" Stefan asked innocently.
"As you can see.." Edwin sighed heavily for his lot in life. "She clearly needs..a keeper."
"Refreshments anyone?" Stefan, for one..needed a good, stiff drink. He crossed, searching out LaCroix's famous brandy stock. He grinned, chuckling throatily as Althea rushed from his path, seeking shelter behind..her keeper. Stefan shook his head woefully. "This should be entertaining if nothing else. The liquor please?" He inquired of Althea.
She timidly..pointed out the location, her eyes wide and wary as she watched the being carefully from her place of safety. She bit her lip anxiously, her fingers once again..locked tightly around Edwin's biceps. She never took her eyes off..the new arrival.