Thanks for your patience, work has been intense lately and taking all my time. Now, Coraline puts her plan into action~~~~~

Chapter 20

Beth looked around the bedroom of the girl Mick was trying to find. They'd met with the parents, and her heart went out to the couple, whose only child was missing. Mick was downstairs, trying to console them.

Beth found a diary, surprised that in this cell phone age, a teenager would still keep something so prosaic. There was nothing else of interest to be seen so she went downstairs to join her husband and the girl's parents.

"Emily wouldn't have left without saying anything," her mother said tearfully. "She was so focused on her studies, and she was going to get a scholarship at UCLA, and was planning on modeling part-time."

Beth felt the woman's heartbreak and reached out to take the human's hand in her cool one. "We don't believe she ran away, Mrs. Wilson. I found a diary of Emily's upstairs. Did you know she kept one?"

Mrs. Wilson squeezed Beth's hand in appreciation. "Yes, I told her that keeping a written diary would be a good thing for later on when she wanted to see her own history and it's more personal. I thought it would be better than a computer. But, please take her computer if it will be useful. She has her cell phone with her, but she's not answered our calls."

Beth nodded. "We have the ability to trace her phone, and we need to talk to her friends, and if you could give us their names…"

"Yes of course, anything you need," Mr. Wilson said. "You think she's all right?"

Mick didn't want to tell the couple what he thought might have happened to their daughter, but he said, "I hope so. My wife and I will do everything we can to get Emily back safe."

"Thank you both," Mrs. Wilson said, tears coming again. "We'll tell you whatever we can."

Beth questioned them about Emily's friends, and made note of the names. They left, promising to keep the sorrowing parents informed of their progress.

Mick and Beth had both donned sunglasses and got into the shaded confines of Mick's car quickly. He started it, and turned up the air conditioning to high, cooling them. He could feel Beth's sadness, and took her hand. "We'll find her."

"I know," she said, smiling at Mick wanly. "It just reminds me of…."

"What happened to you," he finished for her.

She shook herself to escape the memories. "Except I don't think any vampires are involved in this."

"You didn't scent anything unusual the house?" He asked.

"No, did you?"

Mick shook his head. "I think Emily left on her own, or was fooled into thinking she was going on a modeling assignment."

Beth was flipping through the diary, she had brought away with them. She skimmed quickly through the pages. "The last entries she made mentioned she had been contacted by someone."

"We have her computer, and I'll get Logan on her cell phone records."

Beth smiled at Mick. "This reminds me of when we found that young vampire going after the prostitutes."

"Yeah, you wouldn't stay in the car, even then."

"But at least I'm not offering you non-garlic chips."

Mick smirked, remembering their conversation.

She moved closer to him on the seat of the Benz. "And I still think 85 looks pretty good from where I'm sitting," she said with a little growl.

He felt her small hand caressing his thigh, and his jeans felt suddenly tight. "Sweetheart, I'm trying to drive here."

"Can't you multitask?" she asked sweetly, her hand moving toward his groin.

"No, I mean yes, but not when you're doing that."

Beth continued to stroke him, and he growled, "I'm heading back to the loft and you're going to pay for this."

"Oh, I hope so."

"We have to get—we have to get Logan onto the cell phone number and find out about her recent calls," Mick said, barely thinking.

Beth stopped her ministrations, and replied, "Yes, that would be the first thing."

Mick was relieved his wife had stopped tempting him, but as soon as he called Logan, all bets were off. It was just getting dark, but he planned to take her to bed and show her the consequences of her actions.

Mick tuned in on Beth's feelings. "You miss this, don't you?"

"Miss what?"

"When we were on cases together. The detective stuff."

Beth sighed and leaned back on the leather seat. "I suppose I do. When I was with Buzzwire, I was always on the run, finding stories and flushing out the bad guys." She looked up at his handsome profile. "Then I came across an exciting vampire and everything changed."

Mick put his arm around her, and pulled her close. "You can help me, if you want. You don't have to work for Josef." He felt her conflict and said, "I know he'd understand."

"He's depending on me."

"Well, how about once you have the vampire directory done, consider helping me part-time, and working for Josef on an as-needed basis."

Beth lit up, and said, "You want me to?"

"Of course, sweetheart. You're the best investigator I've come across."

"Oh, I think I'd like that. I should be done with the directory in a few months and then I'll work out something with Josef."

Mick didn't say anything as they drove though the darkening streets, content to be with each other.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Coraline found herself again on a plane crossing the ocean. Her brother Louis prevailed upon a client to lend them the jet, so she could travel in comfort. Luc was a silent companion, but Coraline felt an unexpected safety in his presence.

She would have to stay at a hotel and consider her next move. She didn't want to tangle with the Cleaners about the state of her house in the hills. Asking about her house would be a good excuse to call Mick.

Coraline hardened her heart. She was going back to kill Beth and Simone. It didn't matter if Mick hated her after that. He had left her numerous times, and finally tried to killer all those years ago. Maybe if Mick suffered the same loss, it would ease the pain of his rejection.

She was deep in thought when the pilot announced they were landing at LAX. She looked around and Luc came over to her and held out his hand to help her up.

Standing up and squaring her shoulders, Coraline headed toward the exit of the plane. She had much to do.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mick came into the loft to see Beth sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace, frowning over some files on her lap. As always, when he saw her, his heart lifted when she looked up and smiled.

Immediately, she sensed his discomfort. "What's wrong, sweetie?" She asked.

He sat next to her and said, "Coraline is back in town. She called me."

Beth frowned again. "What does she want?"

"Just to ask me about what happened up at the house. I told her to call the Cleaners and it should be in good shape."

"Does she want to stay there?"

Mick shook his head. "No, she said she's at one of the vamp hotels in town."

"Oh," Beth said, blankly. "How long is she staying?"

"She said she'd be going back to London soon, but wanted to finish up some work for her agency before she left."

"Well, that's good," Beth commented and put down the files, moving closer to Mick. "Did Coraline say anything about Lance?"

"She said they had a service in France, and then she changed the subject. I'm sure she didn't want to talk about it." Mick put his arm around his wife, and drew comfort from her closeness. They were quiet, enjoying each other's presence for a few minutes.

"So you don't think the Duvall's will be trying to come after us?" Beth asked.

"I don't think so," Mick said. "Coraline sounded distant, almost like a different person. Before she always wanted to know what I was doing and tried to get me to see her. This time, she seemed detached. Maybe she's finally realized I'm done with her."

Beth snuggled into Mick's side. "I hope so."

He kissed her on the head. "You never have to worry about that, sweetheart. I'm all yours."

"And I'm all yours," she replied.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Coraline looked out the window of the suite she and Luc occupied in downtown Los Angeles. She'd spent the last few days completing her plans for the demise of the two women who were her targets. She'd talked to Mick and was sure she convinced him she had no interest in pursuing him as she had before. She'd spoken frequently to Henri in France, apprising him of her scheme, and he encouraged her. Luc was a silent shadow and she was surprised at his patience. She'd come to like the enforcer, appreciating his quiet ways and unquestioning loyalty. He had been with the family for over a hundred years, and treated her with the deference due her royal background.

Coraline refused to think about Mick, other than her desire to have him suffer as much as he hurt her. With Beth dead, he would be alone. Perhaps after a century or so, she might seek him out again. She would make him want her as much as he did when he was human.

Now she made sure everything was prepared. Their escape route was set, because Coraline knew the minute she killed the women, both Mick and Josef would be after her. She and Luc would drive to the Orange County airport and take a flight to Mexico City. From there, they could fly back to Europe via any number of routes. The luggage was already in the car that would take them to the airport.

Now all she waited for was a call from Luc. He had been watching Mick's building for the last few days, noting when Mick left and when he returned. Mick was usually gone several hours at a time. Sometimes Beth went with him, but not always. Coraline was waiting for Mick to leave Beth alone.

Her impatience got the better of her and she called Luc on her cell phone.

"My lady?" Luc answered.

"Has he left yet?"

"Non, madam."

She made a quick decision. "I'm going to come over there now. I'll see you in a few minutes. Keep watching and call me when he goes."

"Oui, madam."

She left the hotel, and entered her waiting limousine. The vehicle pulled away from the curb and Coraline found the disposable cell phone she'd purchased. It was time to get Kostan's woman over to Mick's penthouse. She texted Simone Kostan. "Hi, it's Beth. I'm using a burn phone, but come to the loft as soon as you can. Don't tell Mick or Josef. I'll let you know what's going on when you get here."

She sent the message to Simone's cell number. Coraline smirked to herself. Josef wasn't the only one with talented techies to find personal cell numbers. She saw the car was approaching Mick's loft. Luc was standing a block away, half-hidden in a doorway. The limo stopped for him to get in.

"He just left, madam."

"Was the woman with him?"

"Non, madam."

Coraline smiled wickedly. "Good, now we have to wait for Kostan's wife to arrive." Coraline sat back in the limo seat. Her nerves were taut and each minute that passed seemed like an hour.

Finally, she looked at Luc and said, "I don't want to wait any longer. Mick may back anytime. You stay here and call me if you see Mick coming back."

Coraline got out of the car and went up the elevator to the penthouse floor.

Beth heard the door buzz and came downstairs from her office. She'd been catching up on some work since Mick told her he had needed to follow up some leads on the missing teen. She asked if he wanted her to go with him, but he said it was just leg work, and he'd be back in a couple of hours.

As Beth got closer to the door, she scented Coraline. Damn, what did she want? Beth checked the camera over the door and saw it was indeed Mick's ex-wife. By now she knew that Coraline had scented her too, so there was no use pretending no one was at home. With a sigh, Beth opened the door.

The dark-haired vampire smiled at Beth, "Hello."

Beth leaned against the door, not letting Coraline pass. "Mick's not here right now."

Coraline shook her head and shrugged. "That's all right. If I could come in for a few minutes, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

Beth frowned. "I'm kinda busy right now—"

"It will only take a minute and I'm leaving town later tonight."

With that inducement, Beth opened the door and Coraline passed into the loft. Coraline hardened herself against the overpowering scent of Mick, and focused on her plan. She slipped off her light coat, which showed her dressed in a loose silk shirt and slacks, with comfortable flats.

Beth closed the door, turning to Coraline. "What do you want?" As she looked across the room, she was shocked to see Coraline's eyes silvered and her long fangs out. Before she could move, Coraline sprang at her and pushed her against the closed metal door, holding her shoulders with fangs an inch from Beth's throat.

Beth's brain went on autopilot and instinctively she swept her foot against Coraline's legs, knocking the older vampire off balance. Beth jumped away to the other side of the room. "Stop this, Coraline," Beth ordered, gathering her thoughts.

Coraline laughed, her fangs still evident. "Oh no, you bitch. You're going to pay for my brother. I'm going to kill you and leave your body for Mick to find."

Beth felt the venom and hatred coming from Coraline, and cursed herself for being lulled into a thinking Coraline was harmless. "If you kill me, Mick and Josef will come after you."

With another laugh, Coraline edged closer, while Beth kept the furniture between them. "They'll never find me and I no longer care if Mick hates me. With you dead, he'll be alone, as he deserves."

Now Beth was afraid. Mick and Josef had trained her, but Coraline was hundreds of years older and had more power and strength. Beth continued to move around the room, trying to think of a way out. Since Donovan Shepard had broken into the loft, Mick had the skylights as well as the windows reinforced. No one could break in, and she couldn't get out.

Coraline kept herself between Beth and the door seeing that the younger vampire sought escape. Coraline reveled in the fear she felt from Beth, and lunged at her again, ripping Beth's chest with her talons, drawing blood, shredding her shirt. She grabbed at Beth, overturning a side table, and Beth moved toward the sofa.

The smell of blood seemed to enrage Coraline and she came at Beth again. This time Beth was ready and caught Coraline by surprise, tossing the brunette over her shoulder. "You cheinne," Coraline screamed, and flew across the room at vampire speed.

Suddenly Beth remembered the weapons she'd stashed around the loft. She rolled away as Coraline jumped toward her. Beth reached under the sofa cushion, desperately feeling for the silver machete hidden there. She touched the silver blade and pain shot through her arm, but then she found the wrapped handle, and pulled it out. Coraline was almost on her and she slashed a wide arc that hit Coraline in the right arm and chest. Coraline screamed in pain, blood bursting from the wound. She stumbled away, but was still blocking Beth from the door.

Beth came at Coraline again with the blade but Coraline jumped over her, landing behind. Beth turned quickly, and Coraline's fangs raked her shoulder, just missing her neck, blood soaking the remnants of her shirt.

The two women fell to the floor, and with Coraline wrapped around her, the blade in Beth's hand was useless. Both their eyes were crystal, and their blood mixed as they struggled. Beth was barely holding Coraline off her and had to drop the machete. They bumped into one of the club chairs, and Beth knew she had a handgun loaded with silver hidden there.

Just then, there was pounding on the door and a woman's voice. Beth recognized it was Simone, and saw Coraline was distracted for a moment. She reached up to the chair and extracted the gun hidden between the cushion and the arm. It was a snub-nosed revolver so there was no safety catch to worry about. She put it to Coraline's side and pulled the trigger. The blast rang in her ears, and Coraline slumped over her, bleeding from the wound. Beth pushed her off, and got up quickly to get to the door. She unlocked it and flung it open. Simone came in, her eyes wide, smelling the blood.

"Beth, what's going on?"

Gesturing at Coraline, Beth gasped, "She attacked me." They both looked at Coraline lying on the floor.

"You need to call Mick….and the Cleaners. Is she dead?" Simone asked, in a whisper.

Just then Coraline moved and stood, blood dripping from her wounds. She looked wildly at the two younger vampires, then moved at quickly past them, out the open door. Simone and Beth stared as Coraline went through the stairway exit leading down to the street.

Shocked, Simone turned to Beth. "Do you want to go after her?"

"No—no," Beth responded, shakily.

Simone slammed the door shut, locking it, and noticed the blood and Beth's ripped clothing. "Are you all right?"

"Yes." Beth sat heavily on the sofa. "Could you get me some blood?"

Without a word, Simone went to the secret refrigerator and got out the blood packets, bringing one to Beth. "You'd be better off with some fresh," Simone commented.

"I know," Beth said, drinking down the life-giving elixir. "We ran out of fresh last night, and Mick's picking some up today from the donation center." The influx of blood helped her to steady herself. Feeling better, Beth looked at Simone. "What are you doing here?"

Simone frowned. "I got a text from you asking me to come by."

"I didn't send you a text."

Pulling out her phone, she showed it to Beth. "See, here it is."

Beth examined the text and said flatly, "I didn't send this."

"I wondered," Simone said. "It didn't seem like you, but I didn't know."

The blood was having an effect on Beth, and her thought processes became clearer.

"I think Coraline set this up. She called you to come here, pretending to be me. I think she wanted to kill us both."

Simone nodded. "Call Mick and I'll call Josef. She can't get away with this."

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Coraline barely made it to the limo. The door opened and she fell in on the floor. "Get us out of here," she growled.

Luc spoke through an intercom to the driver and gave an address.

"I need some blood," Coraline rasped.

He reached down to the fridge near the seat and brought out a pitcher of fresh blood. Luc knew that when you were going into battle, there were injuries, and though he hoped Coraline would escape being hurt, it was better to be prepared.

Coraline drank deeply from the glass, and felt her wounds healing. Luc picked her up and sat her next to him.

"Are you much hurt, my lady?"

"Not now," she replied. The blood healed her but she knew she needed a freezer. She was soothed by the large vampire's sympathy. Her failure to kill Beth rankled and she sat back on the leather seat. Both vampires were silent as they soon came to a house on the outskirts of the city, and stopped.

Coraline looked at Luc. "What is this place?"

"My Lord Henri arranged for a safe house in case you needed it before we leave. There are freezers and we have a blood supply here in the car we can take with us."

Coraline was overwhelmed, and Luc put his arms around her and picked her up like she was no more than a feather. Just because he was an enforcer didn't mean he was immune to Coraline's charms.

"I'll take care of you, my lady," he said, softly, lifting her and carrying her to the door, while the driver handled their luggage.

Coraline settled into Luc's embrace and decided not to think about her failure until tomorrow.

TBC

Coraline has burned her bridges and Beth and Simone dodged Coraline's plans. But what will Josef and Mick do about it?