Things are heating up in France, and what will Annie find out from Lance?
Chapter 11
Beth was in her office, finishing a report on the latest Internet blogs concerning vampires. Since the last Twilight movie had come out some months ago the comments had quieted down, but Beth was still monitoring them for anything that might be dangerous for actual vampires.
She was more than pleased when her irresistible husband came in, and gave her a sexy smile. "Hi, honey."
"Hi, handsome," she said, going up to him for a body hug. She never tired of feeling the connection with her sire.
"I'm not interrupting anything?" Mick asked.
"No, I was just winding up a report."
"Can you take a few minutes?"
"Sure, what's up?" Beth asked.
"I made our reservations in San Francisco, and I thought we should tell Josef we'll be out of town."
"Okay." She opened the door and they went toward Josef's office. Deborah was there, and smiled at the couple. "He's not busy right now, go on in."
She buzzed the door open, and they went in.
Josef looked up. "What brings you two here?"
Mick spoke, "I just wanted to tell you that Beth and I are going to San Francisco for a few days."
"Oh?" Josef said, raising an eyebrow. "Something going on?"
"No," Beth smiled at Mick. "We just wanted to get away for a few days. We'll be back before you go to Vancouver. We want to be there to help with Lance."
"All right, do you need my permission?" he said, with a sly smile.
"No," Mick responded. "We need your jet."
Josef's face lit up with a grin. "I thought you were my friends who didn't like me for my money?"
"We like you anyway, but you owe us for having to deal with Coraline," Mick smirked.
"Okay, I'll give you that one," Josef said. "When do you want to leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon," Mick replied.
Josef reached for his phone. "I'll tell the crew to be ready. They can stay in San Francisco until you come back."
Beth came around the desk, and gave Josef a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, we just need to get away for a bit. I've caught up on my work and I'll take care of the charity auction when I get back." The Kostan Foundation was working with several local charities to raise funds.
Beth went back to Mick and Josef said, "Have fun, you two. I'll let you know when we're ready to go to Vancouver."
They went back to Beth's office and she packed up her things, turning off her computers. She looked at Mick. "I hope you found us a nice place to stay."
"Of course," he smiled.
"Good, because since we can't enjoy the food at Fisherman's Warf, we'd better find something else to do."
Mick grabbed her up into a swift kiss. "Oh, don't worry about that, Mrs. St. John."
"I never worry with you, Mick," Beth said. They left her office, heeding toward the elevators.
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Annie paced her room in the opulent Duvall mansion, too agitated for the comfort of the freezer. What gave Lance the idea of going to California? Did he see through her story? After reflection, she didn't think so. She felt no threat from him, just determination. She stopped and sat down heavily in a chair. She knew he would expect her to have a plan when she got up the next evening, so she'd better work one out. Clearing her mind, she concentrated on the requirements Josef would need to get the better of Lance, and then she had to let James know.
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Across town in a small flat, Charles Dubois secreted the money Annie had given him, adding to his savings. He was delighted to meet someone from America who knew the right people, but he also liked Annie and thought she might be in some kind of trouble. He didn't usually go to the club two nights in a row, but he wanted to see if she would show up again. He would do what he could and hoped she could help him get to America and pursue his dream.
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Annie slept fitfully in the strange freezer. She woke, feeling a little sluggish, and decided to double her usual workout that evening. The yoga helped her focus, and after she showered and dressed for the club, she sought out Lance in his study.
He was sitting at his desk, texting on his mobile phone. he looked up, smiling. "Good evening Annie. I hope you slept well."
She slipped into a chair across from Lance and said, "I'm still getting used to the time difference, and a strange freezer."
Lance nodded. "Oui, I have the same trouble when I travel."
She leaned forward, knowing her cleavage would be revealed in the dark green dress she wore. She noted Lance's eyes taking in her breasts, and hoped he'd be distracted into agreeing with her.
"I thought about your plan. I'd heard you can't come to the US without special permission from the Council."
Lance tore his gaze away from her body and sneered. "Bah, I pay no attention to those old imbéciles. I have several sets of identification that allow me to come and go as I please."
Annie sat back now. "Why risk it? I've told you where Kostan will be, and yet you still want to go to California."
"You are very smart, mademoiselle. Your plan was a good one, but didn't suit my needs."
She cocked an eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Once Kostan is dead, his region will be up for, how you say it? For grabs. I intend to be the one to take it for my family."
Annie nodded, astounded at the French vampire's audacity. "You think you can do that?"
"Why not?" Lance shrugged. "I know that others in Europe and Asia would like to have a foothold in America. With Kostan dead, it will be easy to step into his place. My family has the money and connections with those in high places. We won't be contested."
In a flash, Annie saw what Lance intended and was glad she would be able to help stop him. Her fury rose, and she couldn't stop Lance from noticing.
"Ah, I can feel your anger against that pig Kostan."
Grateful that he misinterpreted her thoughts, Annie clamped down on her rage. "Yes, I see how you would be able to take control."
"Do not fear for your position, ma cherie. I will make you head of the Cleaners there, and we will work together to rule the vampires in Los Angeles."
She remained silent, and Lance took it to mean she agreed with him. He looked at her with sharp expectation.
"What thoughts do you have for drawing him out?" Lance asked.
Annie was ready for this question. She'd pondered long and hard during the night. "There is a warehouse on the outskirts of Los Angeles, in Long Beach where the ships dock. The Cleaners use it sometimes when we need to store things. It's not used much, but if I could get Kostan to come, there are many places for an ambush. Even if he brings some security, they would be easy to take out."
"Hmm. How many men would I need to bring."
She didn't want him to think it would be easy, but she didn't want him to bring an army with him. "I think half a dozen would be sufficient. There are catwalks and closed off areas for storage where we could hide."
Lance frowned as he contemplated her information. "Won't Kostan be able to scent us?"
Annie waved his objection aside. "Josef knows that vamps are in and out of that place all the time. The smell of strange vampires won't cause a problem."
"How many men would he bring with him?"
She raised her eyes to the ceiling, as she thought. "I don't know all his habits, but I'm sure it wouldn't be more than three, and his driver will probably stay in the limo. He usually uses a limo when he's going somewhere out of LA."
"What ruse will you use to lure him there? Are you sure he trusts you?"
Annie grimaced. "He never knew about James and me. I'm on leave from the Cleaners and no one knows why." She looked at Lance and forced her eyes to harden. "If I call and tell him I've discovered a plot to steal his new formula, he'd be very interested."
"Oui," Lance responded. "Does he know you have knowledge of the formula?"
"Yes, James and I," Annie made her voice choke, "helped him escape from that crazy doctor and we found the formula. I had no idea that just a few months later, James would be dead….."
Lance came over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. She wanted to cringe back, but kept herself steady.
"I'm sorry about your loss, ma cher. But we will avenge your James, and Kostan will die for his crime."
Annie felt a surge of triumph, knowing Lance would take it as her knowledge of Josef's death. "Thank you, monsieur, she said, softly."
Lance moved back to his desk, checking his calendar. "So, when does Kostan leave for Vancouver?"
"Not until next week. We have time to get to LA and set up our plan."
"Bon," Lance said, with satisfaction. "And now you should go feed." He pressed the button on his desk and the enforcer, Louis, came into the room.
"We will leave in two nights. I will have a plane for us, with freezers ready to go at dusk. I hope you will be able to use bottled blood until we return to Los Angeles."
"I have before, when I've had to," she said with a smile. "But while I'm here, I hope I can continue to enjoy the humans you have here. They are different than at home and it's a nice change."
Lance nodded at her compliment. "But of course. I want you to be comfortable here."
Annie and Louis left, leaving Lance behind. He grinned with glee. He needed to call on his sources to arrange for the men he would need to take down Kostan. Even though Annie had thought only six vampires would be necessary, Lance was looking ahead, and knew he needed more back up to take over Kostan's region once the bastard was dead. He started making calls.
Annie told Louis she had to go get her purse and ran upstairs to her room. She wrote a note quickly and hid it as before. Making sure she had money, she was downstairs in a few minutes.
Louis waited stoically, and guided her to the waiting limousine. "I'd like to go back to the club we went to last night," she told him. Louis spoke briefly to the driver in French, and she sat back, hoping that Charles would be at the club again.
Charles sat at the bar, looking expectantly around for Annie. He'd eaten heartily that day, and drunk lots of fluids. If Annie showed up, he wanted to be able to feed her.
It was almost midnight and he was beginning to get discouraged when he saw the beautiful American enter the club. She scanned the room and saw him, making her way over to him immediately.
"Mademoiselle," Charles smiled and stood as she approached. "Please sit down and let me offer you a drink. A martini, yes?"
"Yes," she said, as the bartender served her. "How are you?" she asked.
He sipped his Perrier and said, "I am well." He lowered his voice. "I spoke to your friend Peter last night. I read him the paper, and he asked how you were. He seemed concerned, but I told him you were OK," Charles replied.
Annie grinned, "That's good. Did he have any message for me?"
"He asked me to call him again if I saw you."
Annie nodded, sipping the cold martini. "I have another message for him, it's most important."
Charles smiled and tried to look unconcerned. He saw the large vampire who was watching them. He said, "Are you sure you are not in trouble, mademoiselle? Is there any way I may assist you?"
In a split second, Annie made a decision. "I'm working on something, and I could use your help."
His eyes opened wider, and even though he looked casual, she could feel his attention. "What can I do?"
"I'm leaving for Los Angeles tomorrow night. How would you like to come with me as my personal donor?"
"Y-yes," he stuttered. "I would like that."
Simone smiled, and put her hand on his arm. "I'm traveling with a powerful vampire and things could get rough. I need you to be able to communicate with my friend Peter."
Charles nodded slowly. "This vampire, he is dangereux? Dangerous?"
"Yes," Annie replied. "But you would be safe. He regards humans as worthless except for their blood. Once we're there, I'll make sure you have a place to stay and set you up with whoever you need to start your career."
He sat back in astonishment. "You know such people?"
Annie sipped her martini and shrugged. "I am close to the most powerful vampire in Los Angeles, and he has many connections in the entertainment industry. I can only promise to get you the contacts. You have to prove your talent to succeed."
He fought to keep himself on the barstool in his excitement. "Yes, I can do that," he said, barely able to breathe. "I will help you, and you may rely on me," he swore.
She nodded her head and said, "Are you up to feeding? I will only take a small amount tonight."
"Oui, but of course," Charles said, standing and offering his arm.
They made their way to the darkened alcoves in the back of the club, and as before, Annie slipped him her pre-written note. "Make sure you call Peter as soon as you can. Have him get you to Orly at 6 pm, and meet me at the terminal for private planes."
"I have my passport," he said, baring his neck to her.
"Good," she said, and bit down. As before, his blood was sweet, but tonight it was laced with excitement. She fed briefly, glad that her age allowed her to take only a small amount.
"I will see you there. I will call your friend and be at the airport," he said seriously.
"Thank you," she responded, and made her way back to her vampire guardian.
Louis looked disgruntled. "You talk to zees human a long time."
"Yes," Annie said, breezily. "I like him very much and he's going to come with me when we leave."
Louis looked at her suspiciously. "Why?"
She threw back her head. "Because I like his blood, and I need a companion right now."
"My master won't like it," the hulk pronounced.
"What I do in my private time is none of his business. I will explain to Lance. Do you want to feed, or are you ready to go?"
"Bon, we go."
Annie, got up and left, without looking at Charles. She knew he would be calling James soon.
Charles went out into the alley, dialing the number.
"Yes," James answered. Once again, he was down the block from the club.
"Monsieur Peter, I just met with Annie at the club."
"Yes, what did she say?"
"Her note says, He is going to LA, to meet J. Will bring 6 with him to the warehouse on Alameda." Charles wasn't sure he pronounced it correctly, but the line was silent, so he continued. "Will tell you the time and date when I know."
"How is she going to do that?" James said under his breath, but Charles heard.
"Do not worry, mon ami," Charles said cheerfully. "I am going with Meez Annee to Hollywood."
"You are?" James said, surprised.
"Yes, I will be, 'ow you say, your go-between. She has promised to help me with my career."
James felt a momentary jealousy, but realized Annie was using the only way she could to communicate with him. "Was there anything else in the message?"
"Oui, it says 'postcard.'"
James sighed, and knew by the code word the message was genuine. "When are they leaving?"
"Tomorrow night. She said you would take me to the airport, and I would meet them at the private terminal at dusk."
"Oui." His mind raced as he thought of all he had to do. He refocused on the conversation. "Let me have your address."
Annie entered Lance Duvall's office, and sat down. He looked up from his computer.
"You have had a good time, cherie?" he asked.
"Yes. I wanted to tell you there will be another human on our trip."
Lance frowned. "Who is that?"
"A young man I met at the club. He wants to be in the movies, and I offered him a ride to LA."
She felt the vampire's suspicion rise. "Who is he?"
Annie gave a little shrug. "He's a model who thinks he can become a big star. I know you have bottled blood, but I prefer fresh and he is delicious. He will accommodate me, and I will take him to America."
"I thought you were in mourning for your lover?" Lance said.
Annie sat up. "I am. But feeding has nothing to do with feelings, as you know."
Lance nodded. He liked that this woman was not one of those vampires who wanted to save the humans around her. "Very well, you may bring him, but he can't interfere with our business."
"Of course not," she said airily. "Our deal is that I get him to Los Angeles, then he's on his own." Since she didn't have the opportunity, she hoped James would make arrangements for Charles until the business with Lance was over.
She stood and Lance stood with her.
"I'll go pack and be ready tomorrow afternoon." She looked fiercely at the black-eyed vampire. "I can hardly wait to get back and give Kostan what's coming to him."
Lance chuckled. "As am I, my dear. Go, and be rested. The plane flight will be long. If your freshie can't serve you the whole trip, we will have fresh blood for all."
Annie smiled, "Thank you." She went to her room, planning how she could keep in contact with James. She started packing and hoped her lover was doing the same.
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Josef picked up the phone, seeing it was James.
"Yes," he said, tensely.
"Josef. I just heard from Annie. Duvall isn't going to Vancouver."
Damn. "What's he doing?"
"Annie says he's coming to LA to ambush you. He will bring vamps with him."
"Where?"
"She said the warehouse on Alameda. You know, the one the Cleaners use for storage sometimes."
"Yeah, I know it. How did you find out?"
"She's got a human freshie who's been passing messages. She's bringing him with her so she can keep in contact with us. I guess Lance has her on a short leash."
Josef sat back and thought for a moment. "When are they leaving?"
"Tomorrow night. I have to pick up the human and deliver him to the private terminal at Orly."
"Get back here as soon as you can. Use my name and charter a jet. Have Ewan come back with you."
"All right. I'll call you when we're in the air. She said Lance will be bringing six guys with him, but I'll bet it's more."
"Count on it," Josef said, thinking furiously.
"I'm hoping Annie or this human will be able to call or text us more information."
"Let me know what you find out. I'll set up the warehouse. I don't want Duvall to escape this time."
"On it, boss." James wanted Duvall dead, but more importantly, he wanted Annie safe.
TBC
Lance thinks he has Josef on the defensive, but will things work out as he wants? Next, the bad guys get to LA, and try to plan Josef's downfall. Thank you for reading and reviewing, you guys make my day!