Thanks for all who are still enjoying the story, and the guests who have reviewed. Let's see what's happening with Annie and Lance~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 12

Annie was glad Lance seemed disinclined to talk during the flight. It was long, and they had to stop and refuel at Dulles for the journey across the continent to LA. Charles hadn't fed her because she was worried about him, so she used the fresh blood Lance provided. Charles was seated in the front with several women donors that Lance had brought with him. The women seemed excited to be traveling with the French vampire, and she thought he didn't let them out much.

Her host seemed to be distracted, and she didn't engage him in conversation. Lance was closeted with a few of his entourage in the back of the jet. When she boarded, she'd seen he'd brought at least a dozen men, and that was a worry. She didn't say anything, but she had to let Josef know. Louis, the enforcer was with her, and she knew Lance wanted her watched. Now, she stood up and stretched.

"Mam'zelle?" He said as she started to leave her seat.

"I'm going to check on my human and see if he is ready for a snack," she smiled, her fangs showing.

Louis nodded, and let her pass. She casually walked up to the front of the plane. Charles was there, talking with another freshie, but noticed her approach. He stood, with a polite look.

"Mademoiselle?"

Annie ran her hand down his cheek. "How are you feeling, my dear?" she said. She knew they had an audience of Lance's sycophants, and wanted to make it look like she was enamored of the human.

Charles caught her intention, and took her hand, kissing her palm. "I am ready for you, mon cher," he said in a sexy voice.

From the look in his eye, she knew he was putting on a show for the women. She was amused, and thought perhaps he did have a chance in Hollywood, after all.

"Come with me," she said, leading him by the hand to the curtained front of the plane. She heard the women giggle and knew they were unused to having female vampires feed from males. She drew Charles into the darkened space, and whispered to him.

"When we land, I'll send you off on your own. I told Lance that was our deal. I'll give you the number of my friend Josef. He'll have you picked up and take care of you until you're settled. I can't go with you right now."

"I can see these vampires are serious men, Annee. Are you sure you will be safe?"

"Yes, I know what I'm doing. Tell Josef everything you've seen, and that I'll contact him when I can."

Charles nodded, "I will. Who is Josef?"

"He's the vampire I told you about," she whispered. "Don't mention his name here."

"The powerful one?"

Annie nodded, her eyes on the curtain. She wasn't sure how much time they had. "If I find out more, I'll come to you before we land," she smiled slightly. "You did a good job making those girls think we're involved."

"I am a good actor, mademoiselle," Charles grinned. "But it is not hard with one like yourself. I know we are business and I am grateful for your help to get to America."

"I'm glad of your help, too," Annie said. They returned to the common area of the plane and Charles took his place with the ladies, who chattered at him in French, asking impolite questions which Charles rebuffed.

Annie went back to her seat. Louis grunted as she climbed past him to sit down.

After another hour, Lance came down the aisle and gestured to her. Annie got up and followed the tall vampire to some empty seats.

"We're almost there," Lance said.

"Yes, what are your plans?"

Lance smiled, his black eye sparkling. "I want to see your warehouse. In the meantime, we will set up our base of operations at my sister's home."

"Your sister?"

"Yes, she has been to Los Angeles in the past, and she has a large house up in the hills. It has room for my men, as well as the ladies who provide us refreshment."

"Is she staying there?" Annie asked.

"Coraline? Non, but she won't mind me using it. There is no one there now. You will, of course, join us."

"No, I'll go home to my own place," she said, decisively.

"Until we kill Kostan, you need to be with me," Lance said grimly.

"Look, I asked you to help me, and I've done everything you wanted. I'll show you the warehouse, and how we can set the trap. But I'm going to my own home. No one will know I'm back." Annie could tell this wasn't impressing Lance, so she drew on her emotions. "I need to be alone, it's been so hard without ….. James." She let a small tear escape.

Lance could feel her strong emotion and decided it was easier to let the woman have her way. He was so close to his objective of taking over the western region of America, and he didn't want to alienate her at this point.

"Very well. but keep in touch with me. We have to finalize our plans."

Annie kept the triumph out of her voice. "Of course. Nothing is more important than getting Kostan. Nothing!" She said fiercely.

"Bon. When we land we all need to get some rest and feed. We will land about 7 pm California time. We couldn't bring weapons with us on this flight with all the airport security, so we will need to make sure we have the proper weapons to complete our mission. I know some people, but do you have any contacts?" Lance inquired.

Annie appeared to think. She needed to stall Lance as much as possible to allow Josef time. "If I try to get weapons from my usual sources, then everyone will know I'm back and there might be inquiries. I have some weapons and a few incendiary devices at my home, but not enough for all your men. I do know some sources where I can get them quietly, but it will take a day or so."

"Then I will rely on you to find the appropriate armaments. Once Kostan is dead, I will take over his offices and business." He looked at her sharply. "Will the other Cleaners be a problem?"

"They will be loyal to whoever holds the power," Annie lied. "Once you have control, the Cleaners will be no problem. We are there to keep the peace and ensure humans never find out we exist. It makes no difference who has the territory."

Lance sat back and nodded in satisfaction. "Very well, my dear."

She nodded, "I'll call you tomorrow night after I've had time to find out about the weapons I need. You have my number, you may contact me at any time."

"Very well. I understand your desire to stay at your home. I will text you the address to my sister's house."

"Good. I'll plan to have everything delivered there."

Lance got up, and signaled for one of the humans to bring them champagne. Annie was grateful, she felt she needed a drink.

Right before they landed, she went forward and led Charles behind the curtained area.

"Is all well, Annee?"

"Yes. Lance is letting me go to my home. When you call Josef, tell him they'll be at Coraline's house. Can you remember that?"

"Of course. You will be OK?"

"Yes, it will be all right now. I'm grateful for your help. I know you will be a hit in Hollywood," she said giving him a short kiss on the cheek.

Charles preened a moment and offered her his neck. "One last time, mademoiselle?"

She chuckled, and let her vampire out, biting down on his neck, letting the fresh blood flood her senses for a minute.

Both human and vampire were sated, and she led him back to his seat as the pilot announced their descent into LAX.

After a trip through Customs, Annie bid him goodbye and saw Charles disappear into the mass of people. She couldn't check on him, afraid Lance might have him followed. As she made her way to the taxi stand, she noted one of the vampires from the plane was shadowing her. She smirked to herself. He would have a boring time following her to her condo.

Josef was in his office, and his private phone rang with an unknown number.

"Yes?"

"Is this Josef?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"My name is Charles Dubois. Annee told me to call you."

"Annie? Where is she?"

"She is on her way to her home. She said I was to call you, and you would find me a place to stay."

"Of course," Josef said. "Where are you?"

"I'm at the taxi place at the los Angeles airport."

"All right," Josef said and gave Charles his address. "Take a taxi and I'll take care of the fare. I'll be home by the time you get there."

"Oui, I will do that. Annee said I should tell you all that has gone on."

"I'm looking forward to hearing it," Josef said. He rang off and left his office, telling his assistant to cancel all his meetings. When he got home, Simone was waiting for him, and as she kissed him, she noted his preoccupation.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"Annie's came back from France with Duvall. I'm expecting her human helper in few minutes."

Simone heard the doorbell, and knew Hale would get the door. Josef had filled her in on what he knew about Lance's plans. The door opened and a handsome blond entered, looking around. They could both scent Annie's bites on him.

"Monsieur Josef?"

"Yes. You are Charles?"

"Oui," Charles put out his hand and Josef took it. He wanted to make the human comfortable.

"This is my wife, Simone."

Charles inclined his head. "Madam, a pleasure to meet you."

"We have a room ready for you," Josef said. "If you're not too tired, I'd like to hear about what happened with Annie."

Hale took the human's suitcase. "I'll show you to your room when you're ready sir, and then have some food brought up."

Charles was dazzled by the opulence of the house and said, "Merci, thank you."

Josef led them to the lounge. "May I offer you a drink."

"Oui, that would be fine."

"Scotch?"

"Yes, whatever you are having."

Josef was impressed by the man, who didn't seem to be intimidated being surrounded by vampires.

He handed both Simone and Charles crystal cut glasses, and poured some liquor for himself.

They sat in leather chairs. "Tell me how you met Annie." Josef asked, starting slowly.

Charles told how they met at the club, and how he'd been the conduit between Annie and her lover.

Simone was puzzled when Charles kept referring to Peter. "Who's Peter?" She asked.

Josef said, "Peter is the false name for James."

Simone nodded, but now Charles was confused. "Who is James?"

"Peter's real name. He was undercover while he was in Paris."

"Oh, oui. He was most concerned about Meez Annee and gracious to me." Charles wasn't about to bring up his hopes of a movie career at the present. He sensed there was more going on right now.

Josef leaned forward, intently. "You flew from Paris. Did Annie say anything."

"Yes, she said to tell you that Lance was going to stay at…." He had to make sure he remembered precisely. "Lance was going to stay at Coraline's house."

"Ah," Josef said, sitting back.

Simone looked at Josef concerned. "Is that a problem?"

Josef thought a moment. "It gives me some ideas."

Charles continued, "This Lance let Annee go to her home. She thought she might be followed and didn't want me to come with her." He smiled at the two vampires. "I am grateful for your kindness to let me stay."

Simone said, "We're glad to have you."

"Is there anything more?" Josef asked.

"Non. I hope I have helped, monsieur," Charles responded.

Josef pushed buzzer on his desk, summoning Hale. "I want you to be our guest for a few days, just to be safe. Then we can discuss getting you a visa and proper papers."

Charles broke out in a grin. "Merci, monsieur." He stood up as Hale came into the room.

Simone said, "I'm sure you won't be bored. We have a movie room, a swimming pool, and a large library. Just ask Hale for anything you need."

Charles bent over her hand, kissing it. "You are very kind madam." He gave her a wink and followed Hale out of the room.

Simone turned to Josef and smirked. "Ah, Frenchmen."

Josef gave a little growl in pretend jealousy. He actually admired the human who had risked himself to help Annie. "What did you think about his story?"

Simone poured herself another drink, coming over to sit near Josef. "I'd like to hear from Annie. We don't know if Lance really let her go."

Josef nodded. "Yeah, until I know what he's up to, I don't want to do anything that might blow her cover."

"Do you know when James will get back?"

Josef checked his watch. "They're still in the air, but should touch down anytime. If they—" Just then, his phone rang. He looked at it, and didn't recognize the number. He raised his eyebrows at Simone. "Looks like I'm popular tonight."

"Yes?"

"Josef, it's Annie."

Simone sat up, and Josef asked, "Where are you?"

"I'm at home. I'm calling on a disposable phone, just in case Lance has bugged my regular cell. Were you able to find Charles?" She asked.

Josef was relieved Annie was safe, back in LA, where he could provide back up for her. "Yes, he's here and we're going to have him stay until this is all over."

Now Annie sighed with relief. "Good. He's an adventurous sort of human, but I don't want him getting hurt."

Simone, who could hear the conversation, grinned and said loud enough for Annie to hear, "He certainly is charming."

"Yes," Annie responded. "Did he fill you in on what happened on the plane?"

"That Duvall is going to stay at Coraline's house? Did you know why?"

"Apparently it's a big place and is set up for vampires and the freshies he brought from France. Do you think Coraline is in it with him?"

Josef frowned. "I don't know, but I can't rule that out."

"Lance wants to see the warehouse and I'm supposed to be getting him armaments for his men. I said I couldn't use my Cleaner sources so it might take a few days."

"Good," Josef replied.

"He wants to see the warehouse. Is it clean?"

"Yeah, I talked to Bella and she had everything moved out and has made it off limits for the duration."

"All right. Have you heard from James?" she asked, anxiously.

"He and Ewan are on a plane and will probably be landing soon," Josef said. "He'll be at a hotel since he's supposed to be dead. He can't be seen by anyone."

Annie sighed. "I know I can't see him, but at least we can talk. Sorry, I don't mean to whine."

"I realize it's been hard on you both," Josef replied. He had more sympathy for the couple since being with Simone. He couldn't imagine being away from her for an extended period of time. "How about when this is over, I send you and James on a holiday. You both deserve it."

"I think we'd love it, thanks Josef." Another thought struck her. "Oh, could you have some blood sent over?" She went to the window in her faux-bedroom and checked the street. Sure enough, there was a car parked there, and she recognized the driver as one of Lance's minions. "Better have him come in the back way. Lance has someone watching the front."

"Doesn't surprise me."

"I'll contact you as soon as I know anything else. You can call on this phone, but I'm going to keep it off in case Lance comes over. Leave a message and I'll call you back," Annie said.

"Fine, now go call James before you both blow a gasket," Josef chuckled and hung up.

Simone came over and sat on her husband's lap. "That was nice of you to give them a vacation," she said, nuzzling his ear.

"That's me, a romantic at heart," he responded with a crafty smile.

"Speaking of romance, are you going to call Mick and Beth back from their trip now that Lance is here?"

"I don't know yet," he said, slowly.

"Beth will stake you if you take care of Lance without letting her know."

"I have to figure out how everything is going to work first."

Simone pulled back and gave him an inquiring look. "What are you thinking, Josef? You look positively devious."

He settled Simone more comfortably on his lap and gave her a wicked grin. "I'm not going to wait for Lance to ambush me. I'm going to attack him—at Coraline's house."

TBC

Things keep getting more complicated. I hope Lance doesn't have any more surprises. Hopefully not, and Josef will tell mick and Beth in time for them to be part of the plan. Thanks for reading and reviewing.