Disclaimer: I do not own Blood Ties or any of its characters. They are Tanya Huff's creations.
Characters thoughts in italics
Thanks to my beta, Lena! Also thanks to all the readers and reviewers for continuing to follow this story.
Chapter 9
As soon as Brock Evers returned to his motel room, he checked the video feed from the spy cam. He almost had a heart attack when he saw Henry Fitzroy walking around as if the attack had never occurred.
That's impossible. I was thorough. He didn't have a pulse. I'm sure of it. There has to be a logical explanation for this.
He dialed his current employer.
"Is the transaction finished?"
"No."
"So why are you calling me?" She said with a slightly irritated tone.
"I don't like when clients hold out on me." He hissed into the receiver.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me! You know exactly what I'm talking about."
She went silent for a moment. Then spoke. "I don't want to discuss this over the phone. Let's meet."
"That's not how I work. I don't meet clients until the transaction is finished," Brock insisted.
"Well unless you don't want your final installment, you'll make an exception and meet me in Queen's Park at noon tomorrow. I'll be standing by the statue of George Brown."
"I see you then," the contracted killer reluctantly agreed.
Henry returned to the leather chair opposite Vicki.
"Can you think of anyone who would want you dead?" the blond haired private investigator inquired.
"I have come across many adversaries through the centuries. It would take a lifetime to narrow that list. Maybe we should try tracing this clock."
Henry rose from the chair, grabbed the miniature grandfather clock and settled back into the chair.
"I guess great minds do think alike." Vicki sighed. "Unfortunately it's too late to check out the messenger service."
The vampire rested the clock on the cocktail table. His eyebrows rose. "Are there any other leads we might pursue tonight?"
The former homicide detective mulled over that question for a brief moment. "Unless you've become psychic all of a sudden, no."
A smile spread across Henry's face. "I have many talents but unfortunately that isn't one of them." The smile vanished from his pale face. "Since my attacker's identity is still a mystery, I think it would be wise for me to order in."
"There is another option," the private investigator offered.
Henry's countenance wore a puzzled expression as his blue eyes looked at her.
"There's still blood left from Coreen's trip to the blood bank."
The vampire wrinkled his nose in disgust. "I prefer my meals directly from the source."
"I guess that's my cue to leave." Vicki rose from the sofa and slid into her jacket. She reached into her front jeans pocket and handed Henry a key. "While you were under the weather, I had your lock changed. Whoever attacked you had a key. I figured it's better to be safe than sorry."
"Thank you, Victoria." Henry walked her to the door.
"Be careful, Henry. Since we don't know who tried to kill you, everyone's a suspect even your snacks."
"I'll be vigilant and I will inform the doormen that I am not to be disturbed during the day except by you with proper identification, of course."
"Of course," Vicki grinned. "Night, Henry."
"Night, Vicki."
Henry stood in the doorway and watched as Vicki walked down the hallway.