Fire Within

Rita beamed at Ari. “Thanks for saying that.” She squirmed a little higher in her chair, crossed her legs and let one spike heel dangle. The corners of Rita’s mouth turned up, and she glanced around the room.

Recognizing the signs, Ari hid a smile. Rita was feeling a little snarkier after the small ego boost, and with Rita, feeling good meant she was ready to play. She’d soon have at least one of these dubious male specimens making a move. Ari decided it was time to get her questions answered. “Did you hear about the latest vampire murder?”

“Some hooker in the park?”

“Her name was Vanessa. A loner, I think. Did you know her?”

“Don’t think so. What’s she look like?”

“Taller than you. Big brown eyes. Long brown hair, reddish highlights. Worked for a guy named Jackson.”

“Wait a sec.” Rita sat forward, both feet hit the floor. “Could be Vani. She was really nice to me. At the shelter. She was new too.”

“Do you know where she lives?”

“You checked all the nests? Huh. Haven’t seen her since shelter days. Maybe they’ve got an address. Got to have one when you leave.” Rita looked doubtful. “But it’s been a while.”

“What do you remember about her?”

“Almost zilch. Vani never said much. Real nice but quiet. She wasn’t happy, hated being a vamp. I guess I’m not surprised she didn’t join a nest. She wanted her old life back.”

Yeah, well, there was no going back, only forward. For any of them.

Ari stood and laid a twenty on the table. “Have the next drink on me. I’ll tell Gordon I saw you—and that you’re doing great.”

Rita threw Ari a smile and raised her drink in a salute. Sisters in arms.

* * *

The New World Shelter was on State Street, five blocks up the hill from the nightlife and even further from the tourist sections of Olde Town. The modest brown frame building, with no outside designation except the address, sat well back from the curb. Just like the abuse centers, New World tried to restrict their location to those that needed to know. It didn’t always work, but it kept the casual crazies away.

Ari pushed the button, the security camera flashed green, and the gray-haired woman on the desk buzzed her in. Most of the staff knew Ari from her frequent orientation visits. She stopped by once a week to introduce herself to new residents, mostly werecreatures and vampires, and let them know that the Magic Council’s resources were available.

Mrs. Archer, one of the shelter’s dedicated retiree volunteers, greeted her with a smile. Short and solid, with salt and pepper hair, she was a no-nonsense human with a warm heart who always smelled like lilacs in Spring.

“It’s been a while since we’ve run into each other,” Ari said. “How are the grandchildren?”

“Oh, my goodness, they’re growing so fast. I have a new one.” The woman’s whole face twinkled. “That’s why I haven’t been around lately. I was there for the birth, and I have pictures. Would you like to see?”

How could Ari say no? It only took a couple minutes to ooh and aah. When the photos were put away, Ari asked about Vanessa and the shelter’s old records.

“Oh my, we got everything. Irene never lets us throw away a thing. Has this girl done something wrong?”

“No. It’s worse than that. She’s dead. Murdered.”

“That’s dreadful! Was she one of those poor victims on the news? I always hope our charges will do well, but I know it doesn’t always happen. How can I help?”

“An address. Her name’s Vanessa or Vani. We’re trying to locate her home, employer, or friends.”

“Well, let me see what I can find.” Mrs. Archer rummaged through the file cabinets and finally retrieved a slender brown folder. “It says here she stayed about three weeks.” The older woman leafed through the pages. “And then left to stay with a friend. But, oh, dear, it doesn’t list the friend’s name or address. Not even a phone. The ‘no contact’ box is checked, which means she refused any follow-up.” She handed Ari the file. “Just lists the classes she took, how much blood she got, an assessment of her risk level. Hers was low.”

Ari thumbed through the documents and handed the file back. “Do you remember her? Tall, long brown hair.” Ari showed her a copy of the photo.

“No, doesn’t look familiar. Pretty. We get so many.” She returned the file to the cabinet. “But Daniel’s in back. I’ll get him. He remembers all the pretty girls.”

Mrs. Archer was gone so long, Ari began to think she’d been forgotten. She was checking her watch for the tenth time in as many minutes, when she heard the older woman’s voice. Looking toward the hallway, Ari saw the volunteer encouraging an aging gentleman beside her to hurry his steps. Daniel’s once tall, thin frame had given into age, now slightly stooped and frail. His head was shiny bald, except for the brown age spots and a sprinkling of white hairs that Ari could have counted on her toes. He peered at Ari with a myopic look. A real lothario.

“This is Daniel,” Mrs. Archer announced loudly. She lowered her voice. “He doesn’t hear so good.” Then, she turned up the volume up again. “Says he remembers Vanessa. Tell her, Daniel.”

“You just did.” The elderly man’s voice was gravelly, his manner still brusque. “And you don’t have to talk so loud. Not completely deaf.” He turned his whole body to face Ari. “You’re that Guardian gal. Seen you here before.”

“I come quite often, but I don’t think I’ve met you.”

“They keep me in the back. Sorting things. These old bones are still good enough for that.” He scowled. “This getting old stuff’s no fun. But as they say, better than the alternative.” He tee-heed at his timeworn joke. “So you want to know about Vani. Now that one could’ve been a movie star. Sorry to hear she died. Real pretty gal. Wasn’t here long, but I always remember the babes. That’s why I remember you.” He twinkled at Ari.

She smiled at the old man’s flirting. “The records say she left with a friend. Do you know who that was?”

“Well, now.” Daniel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “A young gal came several times to see her, if I remember the right person. Could have been a volunteer or social worker.”

“Can you describe her?”

“Human. Brown hair, I think. Average. Not one of the beauties, but real pleasant. Can’t really picture her face.” He squinted at Ari. “Myrtle says Vani was murdered. You be careful now. A little gal like you shouldn’t be chasing criminals.”

“Thanks for the concern, but I’m tougher than I look. If you think of anything else, please call.” She gave each of them a business card and left.

Although the social service agencies would be closed tonight, Ari planned to follow Daniel’s suggestion and start with them first thing in the morning.

With the evening still young, she decided to stop at the club, check in with the werelions, see if everything was secure. OK, so maybe she really wanted to see Andreas. If he was talking to her. She hadn’t intended to start a fight last night. Ari sighed. Maybe she should take that as an omen. And yet, here she was.

Club Dintero was busy. Marcus was manning the front door.

Ari looked around but didn’t see Andreas. “Where is he?”

“You mean, Andreas?”

“Of course. Is he around?”

“I think he’s in his office, but…” Marcus looked uncertain. “Did he know you were coming? Someone’s with him right now. Let me find you a table. I’ll send him in as soon as he’s free. I’m sure he won’t be long.”

Something in Marcus’s voice made her ask, “Who’s he with?”

“Uh, why don’t I tell him you’re here?”

Ari frowned. What was wrong with Marcus? She’d never seen him so ill at ease. She’d begun to suspect something was wrong, when feminine laughter erupted from the direction of the office. As she turned to look, Andreas and Ms. Slinky from the charity auction exited into the hallway. Both were smiling. The vampiress was draped on his arm.

Ari’s first thought was to leave, but she decided not to let him off the hook so easy. She stepped forward with a bright smile on her face.

“Ah, there you are,” she said. “Marcus has been telling me you were busy, and I shouldn’t interrupt.” Ari turned to Ms. Slinky and took a deliberate look. White tube top, black leather skirt, long legs. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Arianna Calin.”

Andreas’s companion returned the scrutiny, making Ari very aware of her faded jeans. “Glorius,” the vamp responded coolly.

Glorious! Give me a break, thought Ari. Who had a name like that and admitted it?

Andreas displayed an instant of hesitation, then watched their exchange with a smile tugging at his mouth.

Ari had a sudden urge to remove his smug look. “Since I was working late, I dropped in to report the latest developments.” She looked pointedly at Ms. Slinky and smiled. “But I see you’re otherwise occupied. Lt. Foster can bring you up to date. Tomorrow or the next day, whenever you’re available.” She turned to leave, but Andreas deftly caught her arm.

“Glorius and I are finished, for the moment, and I always have time for you.” Still holding her arm in a firm grasp, he spoke to his companion, “Glori, I will get back to you as soon as I know more. Please, have a drink, enjoy the show. Marcus can find you a table.”

“I appreciate the invitation,” she purred. “But I never drink alone. Conduct your business, darling. I’ll be back another time.” She gave him a sizzling smile and tossed a half-hearted nod in Ari’s direction before departing.

Darling? Huh. Good riddance. Ari yanked her arm away from Andreas and marched toward his office. Once inside, Andreas closed the door and stepped back, as if he expected her to take a swing. She regarded him with a bland face.