Author Note: Sorry for the long hiatus with posting this. This chapter is a part two to the previous chapter as it directly follows where it left off.

Chapter Thirteen - Communications on a New Reality

The rest of the first day in Los Angeles ran its course without much incident. The fainting spell had been brief, but it left a lingering unease that dampened the otherwise carefree mood - a reminder that she could not always count on that being the case. Leticia's suggestion to take it easy for the rest of the day was sensible, although Amelia was reluctant to admit vulnerability. She did not feel very ill, just less energised than usual.

After they returned inside from the balcony veranda, Leticia disappeared to work on some of the tasks which she had ignored for the last two hours. Left alone, Amelia found one of the other reception rooms. It was simpler in style than the principal rooms but no less tasteful. Naturally, most of the rooms of the property were for LaCroix's personal use; not to be shared with them. She shut the door and switched on the TV, browsing through the channels before settling on something, but nothing in particular.

She stayed there for an hour or so before retreating to her room. Her bed was not yet made as she'd slept in late, nor had Leticia done anything to it either. Often on returning from her work in the first weeks at the New York house, Amelia had found her bedroom tidied; the bed expertly made up and often turned down in the evening, which Leticia herself seemed to have done this or at least organised. She'd been pleased by this hospitality, though some things began to perplex her. However, since no longer a temporary guest, Amelia tended to do most things herself. Initially, because she had barely left her room for several days following the revelation. In any case, it felt odd to be waited on by Leticia who was the only acquaintance and possible friend she had met so far within this strange world, apart from LaCroix himself.

She caught herself. LaCroix and friend in the same sentence, now that shouldn't go together. A remote idea that didn't seem right since he had taken her into this situation. Although, their interactions were usually affable and last night was nice even though he just wanted…

It was complicated.

That experience left her with a lot of confusing thoughts, but she had dwelt upon them enough today. She appreciated what geniality there was, cautiously accepting of its authenticity, but knew that it was not for the sake of courtesy or kindness alone, but rather artfully done for particular ends. And he was responsible for these worrisome circumstances in which she found herself. I should take care not to grow too attached.

Her luggage needed unpacking, so she made a start on that to occupy herself. It took a couple of hours to finish tidying and putting most of her belongings away, making the place her own rather than like a hotel suite. A good part of that time was deliberating over what to put where. She stood in the walk-in wardrobe, looking at the rails and drawers, unsure of where to start. Remembering what Leticia had said earlier, she was uncertain if this was to be a permanent or temporary residence for her.

Amelia woke up later, still in the same clothes as earlier, and could not recall falling asleep. The curtains were open to the night outside; her room bathed in darkness. She must have drifted off for a few hours. Glancing at the alarm clock, squinting to see the numbers which glowed faintly amber, it was almost 9:00 pm.

Shit. She jumped up from the bed and turned on the bedside table lamp. The sudden movement left her reeling and unsteady, but it passed. Leticia will be waiting. She had suggested they may have dinner at about 7 pm, but it had well passed that time now, and Leticia would probably conclude that she wasn't up to it. She wanted to hurry downstairs but a dilemma held her back.

He might be up now.

It was not quite fear of him. Nor was she unaccustomed to his presence, as she had grown somewhat used to it. But she remained cautious. There was an aura about him, and others she had encountered briefly, which made it difficult to feel truly at ease. Last night was a shift in the dynamic, disrupting the previous equilibrium between them. Now she thought he might label her as just food. Whereas before there had been some pretence and pragmatism in him putting aside his thirst, even if temporarily, which faded the lines between predator and prey. But this line had been crossed and there was no refuge from reality anymore. This languid feeling might become regular. She wasn't sure where she stood, nor how to negotiate this situation.

Then there was the nature of it. How it felt. How she had felt. The Kiss hadn't felt so bad, in fact, she… enjoyed it. Yet was not unaware of the reality. How to feel about that? She couldn't face seeing him just yet. The thought was embarrassing.

Looking out of the window and at her alarm clock, it was night but not terribly late. He may still have yet to rise, and this perceived impasse just imagined. She approached her bedroom door and opened it cautiously, peeking out of the doorway and found the corridor quiet and empty. Creeping lightly down the corridor, she reached the stairs in the central hallway, and hugged close to the bannister as she progressed down, cautious of any stair creaks; lingering on the last step and looked around. No sign of him.

She stepped onto the floor, softly traversing the wooden floor. With glances through the open doors of the adjoining rooms, it seemed that he wasn't here.

Her tension deflated. Either he wasn't up yet, or had already gone out. Perhaps to the Venture Tower? If awake, it made sense that he might not linger here. It seemed that this residence was mainly to be a safe resting place for the day, and he may be rarely found here during the night. His apparent absence relieved her, as it delayed the inevitable interaction until later. But there was a little disappointment layered within this relief, and that was troubling.

She left the foot of the stairs and crossed the hallway, heading for the kitchen. Perhaps she had missed dinner, but there was no obstruction to her making something herself, assuming they had supplies. Once there, she had a look in the fridge and the store cupboard. They were not barren but remained limited in stock. Being in the kitchen, she noticed the lack of activity. No sign of anything, utensils or plates having been used recently. Nothing on the draining board, nor in the dishwasher in the adjoining utility room. Everything was tidy, unused and where it belonged. Leticia can't have had dinner yet.

Leaving the kitchen, she went down to the living room in which she had been earlier today. She assumed Leticia might be there, if not in her room. The door was slightly ajar, and Amelia peeked through. Leticia was sitting casually in one of the armchairs, her legs folded under her. The radio was on, a sultry nighttime radio show, but it was not the focus of Leticia's attention. Her head bowed down; strands of dark hair fell over her cheek, as she worked on something. Amelia pushed the door open further with a light creak, though Leticia did not look up until Amelia had entered further into the room.

"Hi," Amelia said softly, not wanting to interrupt her concentration. She could see now that Leticia was working on a knitting project, which she had begun on the flight. There were a couple of balls of wool yarns in teal and deep purple and a knitting pattern on the coffee table. "Sorry, I'm late. Fell asleep for a couple of hours though."

"You've been doing that a lot lately," Leticia observed, staring up at her for a moment. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah, I think so," Amelia replied, feeling mostly fine physically, but guarded with uncertainty and apprehension about what had occurred, what it meant, and what the fate of her current circumstances would be. "Have you had dinner yet?"

"Not yet," Leticia shook her head. "Figured I'd wait for you."

"Sorry, I've kept you waiting. I thought you might have had something already by now as it's pretty late."

"Oh, don't worry," Leticia waved off any negativity. "I started to think you might have gone to bed already. Thought I might bring you some soup up, or something if you weren't coming back down."

"Thanks. That would have been alright." Amelia didn't really feel like eating anything too substantial, but she was hungry. She glanced around tentatively as she rounded the sofa, "Um, is he not here?"

"No," Leticia said and looked up at the clock, "went out about oh, half an hour ago. You just missed him," her eyes narrowed mischievously.

"Oh, ok." Amelia sighed, relieved by his absence though still curious as to his whereabouts and plans. She sat down on the sofa adjacent to Leticia. "What are you making?" she peered at the knitting.

"Just this," Leticia indicated to the knitting pattern on the coffee table, which showed a picture of a knitted toy elephant. "Sweet isn't it?"

"Yeah. It's lovely," Amelia leaned over to look, thinking of the small collection of stuffed animals she had sitting, perhaps embarrassingly for a twenty-four year-old, on her bed and the chest of drawers. "I hope it turns out well. Do you do this often?"

"Not really," Leticia shook her head laughing. "It's just a hobby I have. It's quite relaxing, but I don't do it much."

"It looks pretty good so far."

"Thanks," she smiled and then continued with the knitting. "To be honest, I'm not especially good at it."

"Well, I wish I had the patience for it," Amelia replied. The creative aspect appealed to her, but she'd never had the inclination nor discipline to learn more than rudimentary beginnings. "I've had some knitting project kits because I like the idea of it, but never actually finished one."

"It's something you have to get into," Leticia suggested. "I could make you one too if you like?"

"Oh, yeah if you don't mind? That would be nice."

"Sure," she set aside the knitting. "Anyway, now that you're here do you want anything to eat? I don't know about you, but I'm starving! Anything you want?"

"What can we have?" Amelia wondered, thinking back to how their fridge and larder didn't have a lot of supplies in yet.

"Well, we could make something, but it'd be pretty basic. The grocery delivery I organised is not 'til tomorrow, so there's not that much in right now. We could order a takeout if you want?"

"Is that… ok?" she asked, thinking of whether LaCroix would be happy with them ordering stuff to the house or not. They had done so occasionally at the house in New York, but Amelia assumed this was allowed to suggest normality while she didn't know the whole truth of the situation. Or, because the residence was more established. But here they were only just arrived so it would not be a stretch to assume inconspicuousness would be preferred.

"Yes?" Leticia looked as if she wondered what Amelia meant at first. "We can get it delivered and security will take it."

"Won't he mind?"

"Oh," realisation dawned on her, "well, he's not here right now, is he?" Leticia replied playfully. "But seriously. It'll be alright. As long as we don't make a mess or anything, it's fine. He'll not visit this part of the house much at all anyway. Plus," she narrowed her eyes in a conspiratorial way, "it adds a bit of normality, you know? Makes the residence look less… suspicious."

"Yes... I see what you mean," Amelia digested this information. The idea entered into her head that while it seemed generous that they had the run of most of this fabulous house to effectively house-sit, the real purpose of them being here was rather more mercenary. Part of which was to create a misdirection that the residents were mundanely human and living. "What did you have in mind to order?"

"There's a lotta choice. Mexican, Chinese, Sushi, Italian," she rattled off a few possibilities. "What do you want?"

Several thoughts of favourite foods and the various cuisines available here which she would like to try flickered through her mind, "Well, I don't really feel like eating too much right now, since I still feel a bit… off," Amelia said with a perplexed look, still feeling a little fragile. The thought of the stereotypically unhealthy and huge portions of American takeaway food made her queasy, although she'd found great food choices in New York and imagined California would be similarly good. "Do you know anywhere that's good? I mean, we've not exactly been here long. Not even left this place yet, so I've no idea," she shrugged.

"I had a look, and Mercurio gave me a few suggestions, although he's mostly in Santa Monica. Anyway, this is a pretty exclusive part of town, so there's lots of good restaurants around. How about we just get something simple. Pizza?" Leticia suggested. "I've found a place that's good."

"Yeah, sounds alright," Amelia nodded. She'd not had pizza for a while, and it was one of her favourites; the type of comfort food desirable when she felt lazy or down. "It is thin crust pizza, like Neapolitan or New York style, isn't it?" Amelia's brow creased, thinking of the first time she'd seen a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, something almost impossible to come across in Britain, and which to her looked more like a supersized quiche than anything like the authentic Neapolitan pizzas she loved.

"Yeah, of course," Leticia rolled her eyes in mock offence, "come on, you think I wouldn't know how to find a good pizza place?"

"Oh no," Amelia laughed. "I trust your judgement." She had never really doubted it, as she had faith in Leticia's choice. "I'm surprised we're not making it ourselves," she teased.

Leticia smiled, "next time maybe. Need to get the ingredients. Now, come take a look at what sort you want to order."

Leticia got up and gave her a menu. They browsed the selection and settled on the prosciutto, mozzarella and olive pizza with a salad to share. Leticia called on the phone to order it.

There was a thirty-minute wait before it arrived. The intercom phone rang, which Amelia answered as Leticia was in the kitchen putting out the plates on the dining table there. It was security letting them know the delivery was here, so she went to collect it. Going to the door she stopped. She didn't have a key yet. Her hand hovered over the handle, then dropped to her side. She made a mental note to herself to make sure this would not become a permanent thing. Feeling a little useless and helpless, she retreated to the kitchen and looked through the doorway. "Umm, Leticia? It's here."

"Oh, right," The other woman responded, her eyes snapped up suddenly as she'd been in her bubble for the preceding moments, "I'll get it."

They had dinner on the balcony as it was a warm night and there was a wonderful view of the city at night. Amelia returned to her room close to midnight and changed out of her jersey dress to go in the shower. Her laptop was left open on the desk in her bedroom, but she hadn't checked the emails since the previous day. She hadn't heard it ding, the familiar notification sound of an update or email, but wandered over to check.

...

Subject An update

From LaCroix

A. Siddall

I trust that you have found the living arrangements acceptable, and are rested from last night.

As you should recall, there is a suitable position in a relevant department of ours which you may start in the coming weeks, but we can have further discussion on this later. For now, you should remain where you are and assist Miss Bianchi, perhaps related to some tasks you did previously.

There is also a small errand for you to complete, for which you must meet with an agent of mine, Mercurio in Santa Monica. You will, I think, find it quite instructive to meet with him given that you are still quite new. This can wait until tomorrow if you are able. - SL

...

She noted the time on the laptop and the time of the email. It was the middle of the night, but as LaCroix functioned on a nocturnal schedule, to him it was not unusual. The email was a couple of hours ago. Her heart skipped as she'd only seen it now.

There was only a small reference to last night and limited enquiry about how she was. So, he's not letting me rest too much then, Amelia reflected, though today had been given over to it. However, it was good to have something to occupy her time rather than listlessness. Having a job in the area she was qualified for would be a welcome normality, and she looked forward to going outside on a little adventure, although she wasn't exactly sure what it involved. There was a slight suggestion that it depended whether she felt up to it or not. What should I reply?

Typing a few words, then stopping; looking off into space thinking of what to say and how to say it, then deleting or typing a bit more. Sitting for a few minutes with no more words. She deliberated over what and how much to write about how she was after the Kiss since he had made little reference to it beyond subtle allusion. His email was instructive, relatively impersonal, and mostly business-like, so she was reticent to be too personal.

...

Subject Re: An update

From Amelia

To LaCroix

Thank you. I'm sorry for the late reply. Yes, my room is nice, and it all seems fine. I feel ok today. The extra rest was welcome.

I look forward to starting work, but I'll ask Leticia if there's anything to do in the meantime.

As for this task you mentioned, are there any more details?

I may be ok tomorrow, but I'll see how I am. - Amelia

...

It had taken many more minutes than it should have to type so few words, but she pressed 'send'.

For several long seconds, she just watched her email inbox. Her mind would be on this now until there was an answer to her question, as the mystery intrigued her. She did not expect an immediate reply, as it was doubtful that he was waiting on tenterhooks for her response. For now, she left the laptop on and would check again later. She wasn't tired yet, having slept most of the day.

Looking in the dressing table mirror, she pulled out the band holding her high ponytail, letting her dark hair fall around her shoulders. It needed washing, and she thought it best to do now while there was time to spare.

Her bathroom had a walk-in shower, with a wide shower head from which the water fell like rain. The first time she'd tried it since they had arrived late last night, the water was warm and inviting; it was a welcome indulgence and relaxation.

When she came out of the bathroom, some time had passed and it was almost 1 am, so she went over to her laptop to check emails, but there was still no reply. I guess I'll find out tomorrow then, Amelia decided that she would have to check her inbox in the morning. She shut the laptop down and closed the lid.

When Amelia woke up mid-morning the next day, she did not immediately check her emails. Not until after she had fully woken up and finished her usual morning routine in the bathroom and got semi-dressed. Her inbox had a few new messages, including a reply which she gingerly opened.

...

Subject Re: An update

From LaCroix

To A. Siddall

Considering this late hour, it likely that you will not read this until the morning. Please do check your emails more promptly in future, so that we may not encounter this issue again.

By now, there should be another message for you from my agent Mercurio, who will give you some more details. Otherwise, you may ask Ms Bianchi about it since I, as you know, will not be available.

I'm glad that you are well, if perhaps still a little indisposed. Fortunately, it is not an urgent matter, however, it would be appreciated if you would ensure that it is completed by the end of this week. - SL

...

He'd sent this just after 3 am last night. A little aggravated in tone, but there could be no realistic expectation that she would read it in real-time. It gave her pause for thought, however. It was advantageous to him that she could be active in the day - something he couldn't do. Yet she foresaw how this may make communications difficult. She couldn't reasonably be expected to be available all night too. Were they effectively expected to be on call 24/7? Although he seemed accepting of their differing circadian rhythms, she suspected that he did expect her availability at all hours. This made the situation a worrisome long term prospect.

Anyway, she proceeded to tidy up her inbox. There were a handful of uninteresting marketing emails, which she deleted, and some bizarre junk mail, which were a laugh. There was also an email from Mercurio.

...

Subject Welcome

From Mercurio

To A. Siddall

Hey. I hope you had a nice flight here, and have got situated comfortably. So, I hear you're becoming a more permanent fixture, huh? Hope you've been ok since I last saw you.

LaCroix told me that you'd be sent over to pay me a visit. Give you an introduction, so to speak. Santa Monica's pretty quiet compared to Downtown. Should be less overwhelming for you.

I've got some stuff for you to collect, and there's something for you to bring over for me too. You might need to ask Leticia about that.

When you're ready, let me know. I'm at 24 Main Street, in number 4. - M

...

This email left her intrigued. There were a few more details, but this errand remained rather vague. It appeared that she was to be sent over to visit Mercurio for him to provide an introduction of sorts to this new and quite disturbing situation she found herself in. Why Mercurio rather than Leticia? Well, he'd been out here longer and was, therefore, more knowledgeable about the area. In any case, she looked forward to seeing him again since they had only met briefly in New York.

She sent a reply before getting dressed.

Going downstairs, Amelia found Leticia in the home office. Lingering in the doorway, she wanted to ask her about what Mercurio had mentioned. "Hi, Leticia."

"Morning. You ok?"

"Yeah," Amelia replied, "um, LaCroix sent me an email last night, about an errand he wants me to do. And wants me to meet Mercurio."

"Oh, really?" she responded.

"Why do you think that is? Do you know anything about it?"

Well," Leticia reflected, stopping what she was doing at the computer. "He tends to do more 'field work'. Maybe the boss is gonna have you do a bit at some point. Although you and Mercurio have quite different areas of expertise," she laughed. Amelia didn't know precisely what she meant by that. "But Mercurio's been out here a few months, so he's probably got a pretty good overview of things. Actually, let me know if he tells you anything useful - I could use a bit of intel about some of the Kindred here."

Amelia wondered, what for? She didn't think there was any real harm in it, but she was a little dubious of sharing information as LaCroix had not instructed this. "Maybe," she answered. "But, I think it's more to give me a crash course in serving a vampire, rather than anything particularly important."

"Perhaps," Leticia replied. Her expression was blank for a moment as she seemed to be thinking about something, before speaking again. "You know, he's been doing this a long time. When I, er, was first brought into this, he gave me a few pointers, and it's worth listening to. You'll like him."