First her mother's call yesterday followed by Ell's this morning made Collie determined to find Sean. He and William once again were back in the states after having weathered the global economic meltdown in Europe. Sean said survival during that time had been gnarly. What an old fashioned term! He was so funny but what he told her about what it was like in the rest of the world during that dark time made her realize how really sheltered she had been by her folks, Spike and Uncle Josef. It made her that much more determined to track down the rumor's source and to help if possible in Josef's defense at the trial tonight.

Oh, come on, Sean, pick up your phone. He's probably asleep… lazy bum. Where did he say they were staying? Chateau Marmont, wasn't it? Arrgh. She's probably going to have to go over there and shake them awake. Get up!

No such luck. Collie got in her little flier. At least Los Angeles' traffic was tolerable now that flying cars had finally been allowed. As she was directing the car for the Chateau, she wondered why Sean had even called her in the first place. Might be a good idea to check into that one, too, although I know some from what bits and pieces he had given her over the phone.

Evidently William got to know some of the old world vamps after his unfortunate beating by Uncle Lance's henchman, Andre. That was way back when Collie had just been 19 and enjoying her time sometimes studying and mostly socializing at University in Paris. Her picture was in all the papers. Really it was so silly, being called Paris Hilton of the new age. William's roughing up had come about because of that horrible Cynthia Davis, Aunt Coraline's friend. Really, it was all over some digital snaps that the boys had taken of me in different poses. And they were supposed to be private! But I was feeding on a snack, at the Eiffel Tower. I guess she figured she could blackmail me. As if. Who cared, really? Anyway, I guess when Uncle Lance found out the truth, he apologized – can you imagine that? William and Sean were invited into the inner circle. I guess the old geezers were fascinated with the digital age and wanted to know more about photography and computers. So the goofballs obliged which saved them, going underground, for about ten years. Imagine. It made her shudder thinking about hanging out with those old creepy vamps in their coffins and God knows what else.

But one of them knew about this formula and was willing to help Shadow. Wonder why?

She had her work cut out for her but then investigating mysteries was in her blood. So to speak.

Rumors were rampant. It was to be the biggest World of Vampires council gathering since the 1600's, way surpassing the one back in 2009 that few had attended, since it was more of local Los Angeles problem. No, they whispered, someone very powerful was out to smash Josef Kostan. He wasn't even American! Of course, everybody took on multiple new identities. Nothing new about that. But this vamp was originally Russian. They were known to be especially vicious, maybe from the fearsome Mongols' heritage. Yes, intensely feral, those Rooskies. This should be very exciting to see him executed. Word was exotic talent had been brought in just special for the event.

Shadow's legacies were making sure it would be one never to forget.

How to put this delicately? Queried Josef to himself. He looked out over all the vamps, mortals, sycophants in lawyer's clothing crowding into the room. "Everyone! I've got this under control and I need my beauty rest. Get out."

There. That was done diplomatically. And it was true, he was sufficiently confident of his success. Funny, since Anushka's arrival he had felt his old power returning. Power he hadn't felt for ages, as if a power circuit had just come alive again. Must be the blood of their mutual sire coming through. He almost didn't want to sleep, but knew it was something necessary. He was heading for his secure hidey-hole when he looked up, ready to bellow his displeasure at the interruption. But he quickly went onto alert.

For Lance was here. His black-eyed-ness evidently wanted to parlay.