Disclaimer: The Southern Vampire Mysteries are copyrighted to Ms. Charlaine Harris. All rights to characters and locations in the Sookie Stackhouse books belong to Ms. Harris. Copyrights to original characters belong to me. This work of fiction is not intended infringe upon rights held by others than myself, and I make no profit from this work.
CAETERA DESUNT (The Rest is Wanting)
Chapter 16: New Year's Carol
"They bound Christ's body to a tree, and wounded Him full sore; From every wound the blood ran down, Till Christ could bleed no more. His dying wounds, all rent and tore, were covered with pearly gore. So, God send you all a joyful New Year."—English Traditional
The penthouse suite at Eldorado Casino & Resort was sheer heaven after Chase spent most of the previous night in the emergency room at Willis-Knighton hospital. Since the doctors wanted to keep Meredith at least until midday, Chase arranged for Matthew to pick her up from the hospital and deliver her to the resort where she was ensconced in a beautiful, four-room suite on the top floor. Grace, too, was brought to the resort. The children under her care were handed over to the expert care of a nanny provided by the resort, so all Grace and Meredith need do was relax.
Matthew remained at their beck and call, reporting both women spent their time being pampered by attendants from the in-house spa: massage, mani- and pedicure, hair. The finest food, new clothes, books, movies—whatever the women wanted, they got. Meredith remained quiet, still slightly under the influence of drugs given to her by the hospital. Grace was her usual reserved self, but the indulgence of such luxury was enough to sway her for at least the day. It was especially nice not to have to worry about expenses—Chase covered the cost of everything.
Chase arrived at the suite shortly after sundown. He was dressed in a black leather suit and a royal blue silk shirt which made his eyes seem to glow. Matthew stood beside him, carrying bags and boxes. Grace was tucking a shawl around Meredith's shoulders. The girl looked much better than she had the night before. There were still telltale signs of her mistreatment, but she could at least offer a smile when he and Matthew entered.
"Good evening." Her voice was a little rough, but if that was the worse damage, then Chase would consider her lucky. "You didn't have to do all this, you know. Grace and I would've been fine at home." She looked to the older black woman who frowned at her. "But, thank you. It's been wonderful being here."
"You're very welcome, Meredith." Chase crossed the room as Grace opened the curtains on the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. "Happy New Year to you both, by the way." He sat on the sofa opposite hers, smiling. "Since I doubt you feel up to much celebration, I figured I'd bring the party to you."
"Party?" Her head tilted to one side, and she looked at Grace. The black woman shrugged. "What party?"
"Northman and Sookie will be here shortly, as well as a few of your friends from college. Pam has to oversee Fangtasia, but Dr. Gerhardt promised to be here." He turned to study the Shreveport skyline. "Should be quite a view of the fireworks from up here."
"Yes, they should be lovely."
Meredith sounded a little stiff and formal, which wasn't something Chase expected. He'd rather thought they were getting to know one another better, but perhaps she was still getting over her ordeal. Kidnapping and near death were bound to leave some kind of impression on a woman's mind. Perhaps this was Meredith's way of coping. He tried not to scrutinize her too closely, lest he make her feel uncomfortable. In the background, Matthew answered the door, letting room service into the suite. Three or four servers wheeled in carts filled with various party snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Matthew, in the mean time, delivered a large, flat box to both Grace and Meredith.
Grace eyed Brandon with a hint of suspicion in her expression, but set about opening her box without preamble. "Lordy, lordy—would you look at this!" She held up a lovely black dress with a star burst of rhinestones on the bodice. She sounded positively amazed, and her eyebrows knitted as she looked over at Brandon. "You wouldn't be trying to bribe me, now would you?" she asked.
"No bribe. I just think every woman should have a beautiful dress for New Year's Eve." Chase nodded toward the dress. "Why don't you go try it on? I hope I ordered the right size." He paused. "Oh, and there are more things in the bag."
The older woman smiled, nodding. "Just as long as you know you can't buy me, Chase Brandon." Grace rose from her own seat, heading toward one of the doors in the suite.
Once she left, Chase looked at Meredith. "Why aren't you opening your gift?" he asked, his tone gentle.
She remained silent a moment, then lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. "I was wondering why."
"Why what?"
"Why all this?—the suite, the pampering, the gifts. Why are you doing all this?" There was a hint of distress in her voice. "Why come after me, why—why care?" Her voice broke slightly. "I'm pretty much a stranger—"
Chase was taken aback by the questions. "Because—"
He stopped, not sure how to respond. From his centuries of experience, he knew these questions would lead into deep, dangerous waters. They would make him explore motives and examine emotions he'd rather not face at the moment. Better to keep the answer light.
"Because it pleases me to do so," Brandon replied. "You experienced something horrifying, and the least I could do was make New Year's Eve pleasant for you and Grace." He paused, seeking her eyes. "Forgive me if I offended you in some way."
"No, no—I'm not offended. I was just—" It was Meredith's turn to hunt for the right words. "—taken aback by your generosity. You're always being nice to me, and unconditional kindness is rare these days." She pressed her lips together, then added, "I'm sorry I thought you had an ulterior motive."
"Forgiven before it was even thought." Chase poured on the charm, nodding to the box. "Please, make me happy by wearing the dress tonight—even if you toss it in the trash tomorrow."
Meredith nodded, rising slowly. She was, apparently, still in pain. "I'd never do that," she promised, turning toward the opposite doorway than the one Grace entered. "I'll be right back."
Alone, save for Matthew and the servers, Chase studied the view. The twinkling lights of casinos and downtown decorations (which would come down over the next few days) held his attention while he silently congratulated himself on dodging that particular bullet. There would undoubtedly be others over the course of his "courtship" of Meredith, but this was a good step. She owed him her virtue—if not her life—and made him her hero.
Never a bad thing when a woman owes you a vast debt.
Grace was first to step out of her room. The dress fit her perfectly, suiting her tall, statuesque frame. Chase had never really paid much attention to the black woman, having regulated her to that nebulous position of "servant." It wasn't that he disrespected her, but he was still a product of his noble rank. Still, he'd been in America long enough to know Grace was considered his equal socially. Chase was also smart enough to realize he would have to make the woman trust him if he was ever to reach his goal with Meredith.
"You look very lovely, Grace," Brandon said, rising. "Ready to celebrate the New Year in style."
Grace was attractive in her own way. She carried herself erect, and seemed articulate—when she wasn't frowning at him. The dress slimmed her down a bit, disguising the "middle-aged spread" around her abdomen and hips. With her hair nicely done, and wearing the shoes and jewelry he'd bought her, she was quite a handsome woman.
She was also just as susceptible to flattery as any other female. "Thank you, Mr. Brandon." If her shy smile was anything to judge by, it appeared Chase was winning the battle. "I haven't had anything this lovely in years. Too bad I've got no where to wear it except to this party."
"Perhaps that will change someday soon." Yes, Chase had the seed of an idea sprouting.
Meredith would have taken his breath away if he still breathed. Chase had chosen well for her. That particular shade of azure enhanced the fairness of her skin, and brought the blue of her eyes. A sweetheart neckline showed off her long neck, making Brandon long to stroke her throat with his fingers—or fangs, either would do. Lace softened the shape of the bodice, and formed long sleeves which hid her bruised arms. The floor-length skirt was form-fitting to her hips, then fell to the floor in graceful folds. She really needed no other adornment, but Chase had bought her small sapphire earrings and a tear-drop shaped pendant that hung from a platinum chain. She wore her hair loose, silky stands framing her face.
"You look—" (Delicious?) "—amazing."
Chase studied Meredith for several minutes before he turned away. He didn't dare let her see the sheer want in his expression lest he scare her away. He would have to tread carefully; she was still spooked after her ordeal, and Brandon had to regain ground he'd lost. Thankfully, those barbarians hadn't brought their horrifying intentions to fruition, but no telling what she'd been through for the time Monty had her at his mercy. She might even need counseling after that experience.
"Thank you." Her smile was shy, and she blushed. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever owned."
Fortunately, they were all spared further awkward conversation by the timly arrival of Northman and Sookie. Both were dressed to the nines, as the saying goes, with Northman in a stylish black jacket, pants and a red silk, Mandarin collared shirt. Sookie's halter dress was the exact same shade of red, which flattered her figure. She wore glistening diamonds and rubies in her ears, and a matching tennis bracelet on her wrist. At least the couple weren't arguing, although there was a faint hint of tension between them. Chase tried not to be curious, but he couldn't help himself. He and Sookie both undoubtedly faced some form of punishment for disobeying the Sheriff of Area Five. Yet, when asking, they'd both been told not to worry about it until after the first.
The Stackhouse girl went first to Meredith, giving her a gentle hug. Northman, however, remained standing beside Chase. Both men watched the women, then stepped away to admire the view from the huge window—or, at least seem like it.
"There are loose ends." Chase's voice was soft so the women wouldn't hear. "Did the police back off after your attorney got through with them?"
"They did, though Sookie has to see Detective Lee tomorrow. He didn't really give her a hard time. Things were pretty self-evident, and it was self-defense."
"That it was," Chase agreed. Things happened fast after the Bossier Parish Sheriff arrived and took confessions from the rednecks. After making statements, Sookie, Eric and Chase were allowed to accompany Meredith in the ambulance to the hospital. Fortunately, she wouldn't have to undergo questioning by police for a few days. Not until she was deemed of suitable mental stability, at least. Chase had already retained Douglas Murrell to deal with any legal aspects of the case. He wanted Meredith protected from any repercussions.
"We still don't know what the 'vampire treasure' is."
"No, we don't. Nor do we know where Menéndez is." Northman paused a moment. "Bill didn't find any sign of him purchasing a way out of town, which means he's either hiding out or he found some other kind of transport."
"Well, there was the Anubis Airlines van at the shack."
Northman shook his head. "He's legit. Lives in Benton, works for Anubis—though probably not for long after his part in last night's debacle."
The arrival of other guests prevented further conversation regarding the previous night. A few of Meredith's fellow students—all hunted up by Matthew during the day—showed up to party like there was no tomorrow. (At least they were respectful to the vampires, and there were no pissing in the punch bowl antics.) Helga arrived with Ingrid and another instructor at the college, Dr. Antony Dicocco of the Black History Department. Of an age with Grace, the two seemed to hit it off well.
Meredith seemed happy enough surrounded by friends. Chase watched her laugh at funny stories and generally enjoy herself. There were only a couple of times he caught her staring off into mid-air, as if she were distancing herself from every thing and everyone. But, moments later, she'd be herself again: one part happy, one part under the influence of pain killers, and two parts shy. Her friends avoided asking questions about her ordeal, though Chase could see curiosity written on each face.
Brandon and the Viking were objects of conjecture on the part of at least half the girls, but Sookie made it plain Eric was off limits. Unfortunately, Chase and Meredith had no such relationship, and he was beset by flirtatious girls throughout the evening. He smiled and laughed, but slipped through their fingers like a greased eel.
The giant, flat-screened TV was turned on about a quarter to eleven so everyone could see the Ball in Times Square drop. They all counted down from ten as the East Coast rang in the New Year. Central Time Zone still had another hour to go, and some of Meredith's friends sadly said they had other places to be for midnight. She bid them goodnight with a smile and a hug, and seemed genuinely pleased to have seen them. By midnight in Shreveport, there were only eight people left in the suite: Helga and Ingrid, Eric and Sookie, Grace and Antony, Chase and Meredith. Plus Matthew, but Chase's manservant had already been dismissed to enjoy his own New Year's Eve.
The first of the fireworks drew everyone to the window. It was an incredible display, lasting an entire 30-minutes from start to finish. The finale was spectacular; the entire sky was lit up with sparkling waterfalls of fire. Star bursts, wheels, fountains, fans—all types of the most popular pyrotechnics available. Sponsored by Shreveport and Bossier City, the display was witnessed by thousands of people on the streets and rooftops, in upper story apartments and hotel rooms, even from boats in the river. It might not have been Times Square, but it was beautiful.
Just before the fireworks signified the New Year, Chase maneuvered himself next to Meredith. When it came time for the traditional hug and kiss, it was to her he turned, whispering "Happy New Year" in her ear as he took her into his arms. The sheer rush of wanting nearly overwhelmed him, but he restrained himself, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips instead of a passionate liplock like Sookie and Eric. Meredith at first stiffened when Chase embraced her, but seemed to relax only seconds later. She returned his New Year's greeting, smiling as she left his arms to similarly hug Sookie, then Northman, then all the others.
As the strains of Auld Lang Syne faded from the closed circuit TV broadcast live from the Eldorado's premier show lounge, Helga lifted her glass of True Blood. "Meredith!—dear one, sing the New Year's Carol."
Chase saw Meredith blush as Ingrid added her voice to the request. "I don't have my lute." It was easy to tell who'd heard her sing before; they quickly informed her she didn't need the lute, and wouldn't accept that as an excuse. Finally, reluctantly, Meredith agreed. Her voice was as lovely as every other time Chase had heard her sing, albeit slightly huskier. The carol he recognized from England. Though not nearly as old as himself, it brought back memories of nearly 500 such nights as this: some spent as a human, but many, many more spent as he was now. He watched Meredith with eyes full of need.
Chase abruptly realized she was part of both his worlds, the ancient and the modern. She knew his past and his present. It suddenly occurred to him, he wanted her to see his future, as well. Like a few others in his life, he could nurture her intellect, and draw her slowly but surely into his world. He might even consider opening his home to parties, smiling at the thought of Meredith acting as mistress of his house. With her knowledge of history, she'd be the perfect addition to his—
Applause interrupted his thoughts. Chase saw Sookie watching him, and moved over to her. "Enjoying yourself?" he asked her.
"I don't know."
At least the answer was honest. "Not having a good time?" Chase frowned.
"It's not that." She met his gaze. "I was just thinking what I'd hear if I could read your mind."
The statement completely caught Chase off guard. "What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure, but I've got a feeling you need to cash a reality check." Sookie paused, then added, "She isn't a possession, she's a human being. She has free will."
Chase creased his brows, not entirely happy with this conversation. "She needs—"
"—to make up her own mind. Don't confuse her the way—"
Again Sookie stopped before she finished her sentence, but Chase had an inkling of what she was going to say. "I am not Northman."
"No, you're not, but you will be if you're not careful. Give her the freedom of choice neither Bill nor Eric ever gave me."
Sookie turned away, leaving Chase alone with his thoughts. He heard her laughing with Eric moments later. He watched the Sheriff with his bonded for a few minutes, then looked for Meredith. She was standing near the window, watching the city below. The sight of her brought to life something inside Chase he thought had died many centuries past. Brandon considered many things from many different angles in only a few seconds, at last coming to one conclusion: he would have her.
With her back turned, Chase knew she hadn't seen his features harden, or his eyes fill with calculation. Outside the window, New Year's Day would soon dawn. Inside, there were still loose ends to tie up, and questions to be answered. Unfortunately, neither would happen overnight.
Chase cast his mind back to the last new year's celebration before Henry set aside Catherine for the Boleyn witch. Everyone knew he wanted Anne, but knew better than to put voice to their thoughts. Even Chase was cautious, keeping his opinion to himself. He remembered one of the church legates remarked upon the king's desires, and how it seemed to sum up everything so perfectly.
Caetera desunt—the rest is wanting. . . .
-fin-
AUTHOR'S NOTES: There it is, folks. This part of Chase Brandon's story is told. There will be a sequel. Thank you all for the reviews and encouragement. I could not have done it without all of your kind words.