"Hello?" Charles' voice came through Bones' mobile later that day.
"Charles. Do you and Denise have any plans for the holiday?"
Charles chuckled. "Nothing much other than opening gifts and staying inside. Bloody cold out."
Bones outlined the conversation that had taken place that morning. Then he launched into his idea.
"I want to throw Cat and Katie a traditional, make-the-Hallmark-channel-look-like-a-bunch-of-bums celebration. And who does one celebrate with but your loved ones?"
Charles chuckled again at Bones' description. "I know Denise would love to see Cat, and it's been too long since we've had a visit, as well. Yes, Crispin, we would love to come."
"Excellent. I'm going to call Ian and Menchares as well."
"Where will you hold it? Surely not at your home?"
"No, I'm not sure yet in fact. Perhaps Menchares would have a thought on that. It would be too dangerous to invite people here." Bones thought a moment. "Besides that," he continued, "I'd like to do it somewhere with snow. White Christmas and all that, you know."
"Crispin, I believe fatherhood has made you sentimental."
Bones scoffed softly. "Mate, if you only knew."
They disconnected and Bones dialed Menchares next. He recounted his story and his hope to give Cat and Katie a holiday to remember.
"Not sure yet where to have it, though," he finished. "Charles thought perhaps you'd have a suggestion."
Menchares was silent for a moment, then said, "I may just."
XXXXXX
"Menchares," Vlad said by way of answering his phone.
"Vlad," Menchares responded. "I know we had planned to spend some time together this holiday season, but now I have a different proposal, and a question."
"Yes?" Vlad asked, slightly wary. There was something about Menchares' tone that set him on edge.
"Bones wishes to hold a Christmas celebration for Cat and Katie. It seems that Katie is wholly unsure about what a Christmas celebration is, and Cat… well. As you know, Cat has a somewhat tenuous relationship with her mother but holds fond memories of the holidays from her childhood."
"Go on," Vlad said carefully.
"Bones invited Kira and I, and asked if I had any ideas about a safe place to hold such a gathering. It would be far too dangerous to have it at their home, no matter that the guests are all trusted friends and family. Someone could be followed or traced. I said that I may have one idea."
"You want to use one of my homes for a party that street rat is throwing?" Vlad was slightly incredulous.
Menchares' tone was conciliatory. "It is well known that you and Cat are friends. It is also well known that to attack one of your homes, while you have guests present, is suicide. That is why I thought I would ask you. I did not tell Bones, instead wishing to speak with you first."
Vlad was quiet for a time. Menchares let him stew, mentally calculating other venues that could potentially be made safe enough for the event.
"Fine." Vlad said finally. "But I'm agreeing for Cat, who is a friend, and for Katie, who is an honorary member of my line and who I look forward to siring in the future when she tires of her humanity."
"I appreciate your help, Vlad. I will speak with Bones."
