Chapter 7: Birthday
The Knights of Lazarus had been searching for Dawid for days without success. How could he have disappeared? Surely someone was helping him.
Adding to the disquiet caused by the search for Dawid were several reports from covens and demon communities reporting to the congregation that several creatures were missing.
The Knights of Lazarus had offered to investigate, but had found no valid leads.
The missing creatures had nothing in common with each other and had no reason to wander off voluntarily.
Meanwhile, Baldwin who had fit perfectly into the role of family man was planning a birthday party for his daughter Miyako. Annika would have turned 29 two days later, so, he had planned to combine the celebration.
Annika had met Miyako a few years earlier when she traveled to Japan with Eva.
The Japanese vampire was still fond of her stepmother even though she had long since left her father.
That afternoon Baldwin and Annika had arranged to meet in front of one of New York's most expensive jewelry stores because he wanted some unspecified help.
"Baldwin, if it's for my birthday I prefer the surprise," she said slyly.
"I actually wanted to give your mother a gift too."
"Maybe a ring..." Annika immediately interrupted him amused.
In a little over half an hour they chose a diamond ring for Eva and a bracelet for Miyako.
They said their goodbyes a few minutes later and arranged to meet the following evening for a welcome dinner for Miyako.
The next day sitting at the table Eva, Baldwin, Annika and Miyako looked like any other family.
Neither Eva nor Baldwin thought the evening could be so pleasant, but instead, they had to think again.
They had been conversing amiably for a couple of hours; Annika and Miyako had teamed up against their parents and kept making jokes about their engagement.
The two did not give them satisfaction and denied any impending engagement.
However, Annika knew that Baldwin had purchased an engagement ring and was just waiting for the time to propose.
The previous day something had happened that had impressed her: just before purchasing the ring Baldwin had asked her if she approved of their marriage.
The request had pleased her because the head of the De Clermont family basically cared about her opinion, and he understood that for Eva's happiness he had to get along with Annika.
The same evening Annika returned to Boston and told an amused Gallowglass all that had happened.
She learned with dismay that several creatures had disappeared without a trace and believed that somehow Dawid's return had something to do with it.
Gallowglass insisted that she go to bed to rest, while she insisted on helping him with the investigation.
"But you're hyperactive, it's time for you to go to bed," he told her with a laugh.
She began to move his computer and documents around to tease him and get his attention.
Gallowglass realized he was not going to get off that easily, so he lifted her up, headed for their bedroom and closed the door behind them.
The Saturday of the double birthday party organized by Baldwin arrived.
Annika feared he had made things too big, but she was surprised.
Baldwin had rented the dining room of a hotel by having it decorated soberly without frills.
In the center was a very simple and elegant single table in shades of beige.
Annika wore blue palazzo pants with matching waistcoat and silver pumps.
Gallowglass had abandoned the usual bad boy outfit to wear a white shirt.
Baldwin had invited several Knights of Lazarus, Fernando, Sarah, Agatha, Marcus, Phoebe, Matthew, Diana, the twins, Jack and Ysabeau.
After 7 years of peace it was important to remember that the De Clermont family was still powerful and should not be challenged.
Annika had invited some friends and colleagues; after all, it was her birthday and she wanted to spend it with the people she loved.
The dinner passed pleasantly, the guests ate to their heart's content.
When it came time for cake Baldwin took the floor. He thanked everyone for attending and recalled the former glory of the De Clermont family and the power it still held.
After that, addressing mainly the members of his family, he told them that they should prepare themselves for the reception of new members
He brought his hand to his pocket and drew from it a small box that he handed to Eva, who visibly excited laughed with joy as she admired the beautiful ring.
He had gone from being one of the people she hated most in the world to her future husband.
"And so," she did, expecting a formal proposal.
"Well, I mean you know it's a ring," mumbled Baldwin.
"Mom, Baldwin wants to propose to you and it's okay for me. Miyako agrees too" intervened Annika making all the guests laugh.
The evening ended with a triple celebration. The dark times seemed so far away...
