Thank you for all your great comments. Lots going on in France, but will Lance continue to believe Annie?

Chapter 9

"Oui, mon frère." Coraline said impatiently. Why was Lance always so irritating? "I heard you the first time. I told you I haven't heard from Mick for at least a day. If I keep calling him, he'll back away and I don't want that."

"Then go to the clubs. I'm sure the gossip has spread about the vamp Josef had killed."

Coraline sighed. "I told you I would do that. Her mouth turned down in disgust. "Anything the great Kostan does in this city is immediately known. You say he had one of his own security guards killed?"

"Non. It seems he sent this man on an assignment and it caused his death. I want details."

"Why?" Coraline asked.

"Because it may give me some leverage over him."

"How?"

"You ask too many questions, ma sœur. Just do as I say and call me if you hear anything."

"Very well," Coraline said, tight lipped. She hated being ordered by Lance.

"If things work as I plan," Lance said, soothingly, "your Mick will be in no danger."

She perked up at that statement. "Why do you think so?"

"Because Kostan has an internal enemy, and your former husband will not be involved at all." Lance was sure that would be the key to Coraline's help.

She knew better than to question him further. She'd have to get the answers a little at time from her brother. "It's just coming on midnight here. I'll get to one or two of the clubs and see what I can find out. I'll email you if hear anything."

"Very good, mon cher. Remember, you are still part of our family and your help is greatly appreciated."

Coraline rang off, and contemplated for a moment. She didn't trust Lance, of course, but he did sound sincere about Mick. She had no care what happened to Josef, since he was obviously supporting Mick and his marriage to that blond bitch.

A few hours later, Coraline was trolling the vampire clubs in Los Angeles, dressed to attract attention. She had drinks, and flirted with a number of attractive male vampires. If she had not been so fixated on Mick, she might have taken up any of their offers, but she was there for information. Finally, she sat with a group of vampires who were willing to talk. Her attention was caught when she heard them mention Josef Kostan. They spoke in low tones as they told of Kostan sending one of his security vampires into a dangerous situation.

"What happened?" she inquired.

One of the women said, "I've heard Kostan is getting paranoid about strangers in the area. I guess something happened on his trip to Europe with his new wife," the woman sniffed.

Coraline fended off the hands of the vampire next to her. "What did he do?"

"He heard there was a threat, and sent one of his guys to check it out. It turned out to be a human gang. He went in alone, thinking he could take them. After all they were only human," she said with distain. "But there were too many and they held him and cut him up and got his head," the woman shuddered.

One of the men nodded. "Even a vamp can't handle six or seven humans alone."

Coraline pretended to be sorry. "That's too bad. Did the humans find him?"

The woman who was speaking said, "No, I heard some of Josef's other guys went to look for him and called the Cleaners. It wouldn't do to have the humans find our messes."

"I'm sorry to hear it," Coraline said, quite satisfied. Lance had been right. Now she was ready to call it an evening. She disengaged herself from the vampire wrapped around her, and made for the door. She had enough information to confirm what Lance wanted to know and would email him when she returned to her hotel.

"xxxxxxxxxxx

"You mean Josef was using you to throw off Lance?" Beth fumed.

Mick knew his wife wouldn't be happy at the news, but hoped she'd be glad he didn't have to spend any more time with Coraline.

Beth watched her husband, who looked sheepish. Her anger collapsed and she hugged him. "You didn't know?"

Mick put his arms around her. "No. I guess I'm pretty dense."

She pulled back, looking up at him. "You are not!" she said, forcefully. "You're compassionate and try to help anyone, even Coraline. I can't say I was happy about it, but I knew you needed to find out what Lance was up to."

He hugged her, bending to kiss her head. "At least I don't have to see her anymore."

"Be careful," Beth murmured. "Don't let her know anything else is going on. You could tell her you've caught a big case and you're really busy."

"Good idea," He led her to the sofa, and they sat down. "How about we get out of town for a while?"

Beth gazed up with a brilliant smile. "Really? Where do you want to go?"

"How about San Francisco? We can't be gone for long, but I think a few days there would be fun."

"Hmmm. Too bad I can't enjoy the Ghirardelli chocolate anymore," Beth said, grinning. "How long do you think we can take?"

Mick sat back and looked serious. "I know Josef's planning something for Lance, so I don't want to be out of town for more than four or five days."

Beth frowned. "What does he have in mind?"

Mick realized he shouldn't have said anything about Lance, and cursed silently to himself. "He's trying to get Lance to Vancouver so he can kill him."

Beth sat up, her eyebrows rising in surprise. "When did you find this out?"

"Just tonight."

"So Josef thinks he's going to get Lance by himself? What about us?"

Mick sighed. He should have known Beth would want to be involved. "He plans on an ambush without all of Lance's thugs."

"That's fine, but we should be there to back him up. I'm sure Simone will be."

Privately, he thought Josef would probably try to keep his wife far away from the trouble, but Simone was as stubborn as Beth. "I'll talk to him. He hasn't shared all the details."

"Well, he'd better know we'll be there. After all, Lance almost killed us and I'm not going to let that pass."

Mick could understand his wife's determination. "Then we'll both be there, sweetheart. I want to make sure Lance never gets that chance again."

"Good. Are you certain we should go out of town?"

Mick was still a little pissed that Josef had kept him in the dark, and really wanted to spend some time alone with Beth. "I'll find out exactly what Josef has planned, and the timeline. We'll go if it's possible."

"Well, let's see him later tonight. I want to make sure he won't go after Lance until we're back," Beth commented.

"I agree. In the meantime, how about a drive up the coast to that beach we like."

She smiled wickedly. "The one you can only get to by jumping down the cliff?" It was totally private and they had spent time there skinny dipping, and he knew it was one of her favorite places.

"Uh-huh," he replied. He ran his hand down her leg. "I like that place, no need for a bathing suit."

"And the water is so deliciously cold," Beth said.

"C'mon, let's go, then we'll stop by Josef's on our way home."

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Annie was with James in her room at the Paris hotel when her cell phone rang. She answered, knowing James wouldn't make a sound.

"Hello?"

"Mademoiselle, its Lance. I have confirmed what you told me, and I wanted to offer my sympathies again for your loss. I hope you're not offended that I needed to confirm what you told me."

Annie sighed, so that she knew Lance would hear. "I don't have any problem with that," her voice became flat. "James is gone and I still want to see Kostan dead. Will you help me or not?"

"Oui, mon cher. Between us, I know we will be able to kill the cochon who murdered your amour."

"I know where Kostan be in a week. We can get him there."

"I am fascinated to hear your ideas. Why don't you come to the masion later tonight and we will discuss them."

"Fine. About midnight?"

"Oui. I look forward to our collaboration. Adieu." Lance rang off, and Annie turned to James who had heard the conversation.

"It looks like I'm in," Annie said to him.

"All right. I got a text from Ewan that he's in Paris, but he's staying with a Council member in the Paris suburbs. He's ready to help with whatever we need," James smiled. "He said he's skilled with combat if it comes to that."

Annie smiled back. "I hope we won't need him." She ran her hands through his shorter blond hair. She had always liked his longer brown locks, but the blond look was growing on her. James nuzzled her neck, and growled, "Do we have time for one more go?"

Annie stretched out on the bed. "I think so. I can take a shower before I leave. Even if Lance scents you on me, I'll just say I met an interesting vampire at the hotel and was trying to drown my sorrows."

Several hours later, Annie presented herself at the Duvall's castle. She was ushered into Lance's office, and he greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks, a singular honor. He pulled back with a knowing look.

"So, Annie, you have not been lonely here in Paris?"

She shrugged. "There was an attractive vampire at the bar and one thing led to another." She shook her head, allowing a small tear to fall. "I thought some company would help, but …"

Lance led her to a chair. "Oui, I understand. It is a difficult thing to lose the one you love."

Lance was being supportive, because he needed Annie's cooperation to get to Kostan.

She had her shields up, and looked at Lance. "I take it you believe me now."

"Yes," he said. "I'm afraid the story is all over Los Angeles."

Annie slumped in her seat, and pretended to be sad. Then she let him feel her anger. "Then you'll help me take down Kostan?"

"Of course. I value your information."

She sat forward eagerly. "I know he'll be in Vancouver for a meeting in a week. He'll be alone. He's trying to sell the formula for vampires to be in the sun."

Lance was stunned. So Kostan had stolen the research from the doctor in Geneva. "How did he get it?"

Annie told the truth. "When he was rescued, they stole the computers from the laboratory and found the formula. It increases his power to have it, and he's going to use it to gain more control."

Lance sat back, contemplating. He wanted the formula back, and he wanted Kostan dead. "I need to think on this," Lance said, standing. "In the meantime, I want you to move into the masion here, to ensure your safety."

Annie was frozen for a moment. She had not anticipated this. "I'm fine at the hotel."

"Non, mademoiselle. While you are here, you are under my protection. Even now, your belongings are being packed and will be here within the hour."

Annie knew when she had to back off. She nodded, "Very well. I thank you for your courtesy."

"Of course. Let me show you to your suite. we don't have visitors often, but we maintain several rooms for our special guests."

Lance offered his arm, in the old-fashioned way, and Annie took it and allowed him to show her to an opulent suite of rooms.

After she'd looked around, Lance asked, "Do you need some refreshment?"

"That would be nice."

"I will have one of the girls come up immediately."

Annie saw her chance. "Girls? Do you have any male donors?"

Lance looked disconcerted. "Ah, non, we only have the ladies."

Annie thought quickly. If she stayed at Duvall's castle she would probably be watched and couldn't communicate with James. Lance was insisting, and she didn't have any good reason for staying at the hotel. Annie raised her eyebrow. "Oh, I don't feed from women. I had a bad experience once. I need a human male."

He was at a loss for a moment. "I'm sorry, mademoiselle."

Annie shook her head. "I can't feed from females. It isn't as good."

Lance was a little surprised, however, he quickly countered, "I can find a few males while you're here."

Now Annie shook her head, and smiled with fangs showing. "That's all right. I prefer to hunt my food."

"Ah, well." Lance sputtered. He wasn't used to such fierce females, but he remembered Annie was a Cleaner. Perhaps they kept to a different lifestyle. "I hope you will be discrete. We don't need any trouble or people wondering who you are."

Annie nodded. "I usually go to the clubs, there are plenty of willing men there." When she was out of the castle she would be able to contact James or Josef. "I use freshly donated blood sometimes," she conceded, "but I've been so upset..."

"I fully understand ma cher. Are you all right for the coming day? Your suite has a freezer, of course."

She glanced around the room. "Yes, I'm fine for tonight. But tomorrow night I'd like to go out."

They were interrupted by servants bringing her luggage from the hotel. She wondered if James had seen them bringing her things from her room.

"Perhaps I should call my superior in the LA Cleaners," Annie said.

Lance smiled, "I'm sorry, there is no mobile telephone service here. The only place that has that capability is my office." He saw her disbelief. "My family does not like the modern conveniences. I'm the only one who has need of the internet or mobile service. If you wish to make any calls, you may use that room."

Annie thought quickly. She didn't trust she wouldn't be overheard, or her texts hacked if she used Lance's office.

She shrugged at him. "It doesn't matter."

She saw Lance relax. "I will make sure anything you need will be provided, mademoiselle."

Annie gave him a small smile. "You are most considerate, monsieur. I am feeling tired. Perhaps I can rest a few hours and we can speak later."

"Oui, please enjoy your rest and I will speak with you tomorrow afternoon." He walked out and closed the door after him.

Her room was a suite with a living area, a bed, and a fully-equipped bathroom with an adjacent freezer room. It was decorated in the same Rococo furnishings and Annie decided she liked the look. After Lance left her, she got out her cell phone to try and call James, but found Lance was correct. She had no signal in this part of the house. She hoped James wouldn't be worried. She would have to wait until she was away from the house to call him.

For a few seconds she felt anxious, but then shook it off. They had a plan and she would do her part to get Lance to Vancouver as Josef wanted. She sat down in a Louis Quince chair and thought about how she would contact James tomorrow night.

James glanced at his watch for the fourth time in as many minutes. He'd followed Annie to the Duvall stronghold in a rented Fiat, and waited far enough away so they couldn't scent him.

Annie had been in the castle for several hours, and it was almost dawn. A car pulled up to the gate, and he heard the driver say into the intercom, "I avez des bagages de la femme."

James stiffened. If they were taking Annie's luggage into the castle, that meant she was staying with Lance possibly against her will. His immediate instinct was to jump on the back of the car and gain access to the house to find Annie. He pushed back the impulse, knowing he would be outnumbered and it would ruin the operation. James needed to believe that Annie would take care of herself and contact him as soon as she could, but now he needed freezer time,

With a last look, he drove away. James knew Josef wanted to kill Duvall, but at this point, James would be glad to do it himself.

TBC

Now Annie is in the lion's den. Can she convince Lance into Josef's trap? Lance may have other plans. Thanks for reading and reviewing!