Sorry I've been so long, it's been busy at work and home. Now Annie is getting Lance set up for Josef's plan.

Chapter 13

Mick and Beth walked out into the cold, damp San Francisco night, after spending a few hours at trendy club enjoying drinks and jazz. They both enjoyed the weather, which was so much cooler than LA.

Mick looked at Beth, admiring her short dress and heels. She had light shawl slightly draped over her shoulders, so it looked like she had some protection from the brisk wind. He was wearing his usual duster and jeans, looking sexy without trying. Beth thought it was more than the perpetual vampire cool. She glanced up at his handsome face and felt how much she loved this vampire who retained his humanity enough to love her back.

Mick put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him, looking down at her with his lopsided grin. She smiled back at him, their eyes meeting. "Having fun, sweetheart?" he said, softly.

"Yes," she replied. "I came to San Francisco on a class trip during high school, but it's better with you."

"Really? Why?" He asked with a self-satisfied smirk.

"Well, because I was paired up with another girl, Georgia, and she snored."

"I don't snore?"

She bumped him with her shoulder. "You don't breathe."

"Uh, yeah, I forgot."

"Anyway," she smiled. "It's much more fun here with you."

"Because I don't snore?" he teased.

"That and other things," she said, suggestively.

"Hmm. I was going to take you to Top of the Mark, but now I'm thinking we should go back to the hotel."

"Oh no, Mister. I was too young the last time I was here. They have a great view of the city and lots of Martinis."

"All right, since we're here," he said, with mock reluctance."

Her eyes flashed crystal at him, then back to sapphire blue. "It's not even midnight. I mean, how many times do I get to go to a romantic place with an amazing vampire like you?"

"It better be only with me," he growled, and she laughed as he took her hand, hurrying her to a taxi stand he saw up ahead.

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Lance stood looking out the window at the lights of the valley below, content at his progress. He'd just gotten off the phone with Coraline. She wasn't happy that he'd taken over her house, but he ignored her anger. He was still head of the Family, and she would obey him. He was particularly pleased when he found out Coraline had amassed a stash of weapons that were hidden in the basement. He hadn't felt quite safe even surrounded by his men.

He shook his head, thinking of the conversation. Coraline was only concerned that her precious Mick wouldn't be involved in the fight. He didn't understand how anyone of his bloodline could be so weak. He placated her by promising to tell her when he'd be engaging Kostan. He told her to that if was there, he'd have to take his chances. It was up to her to make sure that the vampire wasn't at the final confrontation.

Lance turned and called for several of his subordinates to follow him. He wanted to see what Coraline had hidden and arm his guards. At least they would have something to use while waiting for Annie's delivery.

Coraline slammed down her cell phone, not caring if it broke. Damn Lance, how dare he install himself in her house like he was the grand pasha. She was still stinging from his comments, and wanted to go up to the house and blast him. She kicked herself for telling him about her weapons cache. She'd gathered some defensive items when she was alone after Mick left. She'd actually forgotten about them until Lance asked if she had any armaments. Now he was here with plans to kill Josef. Coraline didn't care about Kostan, but she did care about Mick. He had called her and said he had to go out of town. During the conversation, she'd ascertained that Beth would be going with him. She kept up her façade of indifference, but inside she was boiling that he took the blond bitch with him. She wanted Beth dead, but she also wanted Mick safe. Now that she thought about it, she was glad Mick was out of town, even if he was with Beth.

Lance had promised her he would tell her when he was going after Josef. As long as Mick wasn't going to be involved, it was time to make her own plans. She didn't want Mick to think she had anything to do with Josef's death, so she decided it would be a good idea to leave town herself until Lance had completed his mission. Perhaps a few days in Las Vegas…..

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Annie finished her yoga and steeled herself to call Lance. Earlier, she'd spent an hour on the phone with James, and knowing he was back in town steadied her. She couldn't see him, because Lance was having her watched, but at least she could talk with James on her burn phone. She was relieved he was all right, and she brought him up to date on all that had transpired in France. He was encouraging, telling her that whatever happened, he would be close by.

Annie thought she'd give Josef another call before she spoke with Lance.

"Hello, Annie, is everything all right?" Josef asked, picking up her call.

"Yes, I thought I'd talk to you before I contact Lance. We're supposed to check out the warehouse tonight."

"Right, it's empty," he responded.

"Josef, why don't you just get your guys over there and take him out tonight?"

"Because he might be expecting that, and I don't want to spook him," Josef said.

"But they don't have any weapons, it should be easy enough to overpower them."

Josef sighed. "Maybe not, but I don't know what he's planning and he has contacts here. I want to take him by surprise, and it will be better at Coraline's place. He doesn't have enough men to guard the grounds and I know the house well. Bella has a couple of people watching, and I'm thinking we'll go in tomorrow."

"Okay, Josef. I'll find out as much as I can and call you when it's safe."

"Thanks, Annie," Josef said, sincerely. "I know I've asked you and James for a lot and I'm grateful. But if things go wrong, get out and head for the Cleaner's headquarters or my office. Lance won't have any mercy if he finds out we've been playing him."

"I know," she replied. "Don't worry about me. That Frenchman is on my turf now."

Josef chuckled. "Call me when you can."

Annie hung up, feeling better. She picked up her regular cell phone and dialed Lance.

"Oui?"

"Hello, Lance," Annie responded.

"Yes, Annie. Are you ready to show us the warehouse?" Lance asked.

"Yes. Why don't I meet you at 15th and Pacific in Long Beach and I'll show you from there."

"Very well. We'll be there at midnight."

"The building is empty and not close to any human businesses," Annie said.

"Bon. Until tonight." Lance said shortly, and hung up.

It was dark in the neighborhood where storage warehouses held goods and supplied the ships in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles. Annie was waiting in her car when she saw three large SUV's pull up silently. Damn, she said to herself. Lance brought all his enforcers. She went over to the first vehicle and saw Lance in the back seat. He moved over and gestured for her to get in. She did, and Lance said, "So, my dear, where are we going."

"Follow this road for two blocks then turn left. It's an alley that takes us to the back of the building."

"Go now," Lance commanded and the car leapt forward. The other cars followed close behind.

They drove to a dead end, and stopped. "This is it," Annie said, and got out of the car. Lance was right behind her as she found the keypad next to the door and dialed in a number, pushing open the large metal door.

"Who else has the combination?" Lance asked.

"Just the Cleaners and Josef," Annie answered, over her shoulder. She went further into the building, throwing a switch. Even though they could see in the dark, Annie thought it would be better with the lights on.

She turned, and saw Lance in the doorway gesturing to the cars outside. Suddenly, she was surrounded by vampires, brandishing handguns and machetes. They took a defensive posture, examining the area around them.

Annie turned to Lance, "What the hell is going on?" she hissed.

Lance came into the building, clanging the door shut. "Just taking precautions, my dear. You never know what you might find in an empty building."

She drew her arms across her chest, letting her fangs down. Apparently, Josef was right. "And what did you think you would find?"

"Hopefully nothing," Lance said, as he watched his men search the building. "I needed to make sure you weren't leading me into a trap."

Annie vamped fully now, her hands balled into fists at her side. "Lance, if I'd wanted you dead, I'd have killed you in Paris."

"Really?" he said with amusement.

She let her power out. "Yes, really. Remember, I'm a Cleaner and at least two hundred years older than you."

Lance felt her dominance then, and was a little taken aback. The female had always seemed so controlled, but now he could see how dangerous she was. He started to backpedal.

"I apologize, my dear. I have a suspicious nature, I admit. But no harm done," he glanced around the empty warehouse. "Yes, this would be a good place to ambush Kostan."

Lanced turned back to Annie, who had returned to her human face, but still stood tensely. "After all, that's what we both want, correct? To destroy the man who killed your James."

She nodded. "Yes."

Lance's men had combed the building and one of them came back and started speaking to Lance in rapid French. Annie wished she knew what they were saying. She looked at Lance questioningly.

"He says there are several places higher up to hide and there should be no problem with the attack."

"Good," Annie responded. "Where did you find the weapons?"

Lance gave a Gallic shrug. "Ah, my sister had a few things up at the house. But we will still need your supplies. When will they be here?"

"In 48 hours," she said. "I couldn't go to the Cleaner's regular supplier, I had to have them brought up from Mexico."

Annie told him in detail about the firearms, silver ammunition, swords and crossbows that were in the fictitious shipment. After this, she had to tell Josef that she couldn't stall Lance any longer. Josef needed to make his move soon.

Lance escorted her out of the warehouse, and offered her a ride back to her car. She promised to keep Lance apprised of the arms shipment so they could plan the ambush. He said he intended to make some business calls and wished her a good night.

When she returned to her condo she noted that one of Lance's men was still stationed outside. She called Josef on her untraceable cell.

"Annie?"

"Yes, Josef. I just got back from the warehouse. You were right, Lance was expecting something. He brought all his men and they had guns and machetes they found at Coraline's place."

"Yeah, I had a call from Bella's people. They saw three cars roll out of there. What kind of guns did they have?"

"Semi-automatic handguns, but I'm sure they had silver ammo. They had machetes but not silvered."

"What did you tell Lance about your supposed shipment?"

"That it would be here in 48 hours. He accepted that, but I don't think I can string him along any further."

"No," Josef said, frowning. "It's time. I think tomorrow during the day when they're in their freezers."

How will we get in? Annie asked.

"Don't worry. Mick and I know that house well."

"Will Mick and Beth be back?" She knew the couple was out of town.

"Yeah, I'm going to have them get here right away. Both Beth and Simone would have my head if I didn't let them in on this. I told Bella I didn't want her involved in case it blows up, and she wasn't too happy."

Annie curled her lip in amusement. "I think all of us feel the same about Duvall."

"Is Lance's guy still watching you?"

"Yes, but I've seen him leave about 10 am, and no one relieves him. It guess they figure I'm in the freezer by then." Being older, Annie didn't have to spend more than a few hours a day sleeping in the cold.

"Good," Josef responded. "Be at my house a noon tomorrow."

"All right. Will James be there?"

"Yes, it's time to bring him back from the dead. He deserves to be in on the finish."

"Okay," Annie said with satisfaction. "I'll bring my extra weapons."

"I have plenty, but I'd rather have too many than not enough."

"A Cleaner is always prepared," Annie said, chuckling.

"Don't I know it," Josef responded.

"I'll see you tomorrow. I can't wait to take these guys out."

They hung up, and Annie sat back with satisfaction. Soon this would be over, and she could relax with James back in her arms.

Josef smiled as he called Mick. It was only 3 am and with any luck, he hoped to interrupt his friends in an intimate moment.

The phone rang as Mick and Beth were walking down the street toward their hotel. Mick answered, seeing it was Josef.

"Hey, man," Mick said, in fine humor. Several drinks at the Mark Hopkins Hotel with Beth had put him in a good mood.

"Mick, how are you? Having a good time in San Fran? Hope you're not in the middle of something."

"Just getting back to the hotel," Mick snorted, knowing Josef's penchant for awkward.

"Oh, good," he said, but then turned serious. "You and Beth need to get back here. We're going after Lance tomorrow afternoon."

Beth could hear the conversation, and they both stopped dead on the sidewalk. "Tell us what's going on."

Josef outlined the plan, and Mick said. "Fine, the jet and the crew are still here, so we can make it back by then."

"When will you leave?"

"Right away," Mick responded. "We'll want some freezer time before tomorrow."

"Tell the crew they get a bonus, and apologize for getting them out in the middle of the night."

"Right," Mick said. "Where is Lance?"

This was the tricky part, and Josef knew they wouldn't like it. "He's staying at Coraline's house."

Beth heard Josef, and her heart went cold. That was where Coraline had kept her as a child and the last time she was there, she'd found the pink and white room and drove a stake into the human Coraline's chest. Mick's memories were longer and more painful.

During the pause, Josef said, "I know it's tough, buddy, but you know how to get in and where the freezers are. Lance has brought a dozen men with him, as well as some freshies. We need to get in and take them out with as little collateral damage as possible."

"Don't worry, we'll be fine." He took Beth's hand, squeezing it.

"Okay, be at my house at noon tomorrow, and we'll go about 2:00 pm."

"We'll be there." Mick hung up, looking at his wife, who seemed paler than her usual vampire continence.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

She slid her arms around him, not caring they were still on the street. "Yes, but I don't want you to be hurt."

He nuzzled her hair. "I won't be, sweetheart. It's time we're done with Lance."

She looked up at him. "You don't mind that I go?"

"Of course I mind, but I know I can't stop you. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I will. I know you and Josef have my back."

"Always," he growled, drawing her up closer to him.

"Good," she said, her sapphire eyes sparkling. "Then let's go call the crew. We need to get back to LA."

Mick sighed, a little disappointed. He'd had other plans for the rest of the night.

Beth picked up on his thoughts, and said, "You know, we'll be the only ones on the plane and it takes over an hour to get back to LA."

"You're thinking of joining the Mile High Club?" he smiled.

"I don't know. Will the flight actually be a mile high?"

He started them toward the hotel. "If it's not we'll pretend it is," Mick said, dialing the number for the Josef's air crew.

TBC

Looks like Josef is ready to make his move. Will Lance be caught off guard? Hope you enjoyed, and thanks for sticking with the story!