The Vampire’s Kiss(14)
Author: Cynthia Eden

Jack didn’t move. He stared at her, eyes blazing. “You’re putting yourself in danger. Don’t you understand what he’s capable of?»

«I understand him very well.” And she did. She knew William. She knew what he was really like. “You’re wrong about him. He’s not the one you’re after.” She believed that, with every bit of her heart. She believed in William’s innocence.

Jack walked toward the door. He paused, staring down at her. “For your sake, I pray you’re right.” He pulled a worn business card from his wallet. “But if you’re wrong, call me. It doesn’t matter what time it is. Call me, and I’ll come to you.»

Savannah took the card. A faint frown marred her forehead. “You’re planning to stay in town?»

«I’ll be around,” he said vaguely. “Remember, just call me. Don’t let him hurt you. Don’t let William do to you what he did to the others.»

«William didn’t do anything to the others.” Her voice was firm. “You’re wrong about him.»

«We’ll see.” His gaze roamed over her face. “We’ll see.” He walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Savannah locked her door and hurried to the bedside phone. She wanted to find out more information about that detective.

She punched in the number and waited impatiently for the call to be answered. One ring. Two. Thr—

«Hello?” A crisp feminine voice answered.

Savannah smiled at the sound of her friend Mary’s voice. “Hey, Mary. It’s me.»

«Savannah? Savannah!” Her shriek was loud and clear. “I’ve been worried sick about you, woman! Why didn’t you call me sooner?»

Savannah winced at the reprimand. “I’m sorry. Things have just been moving really fast here. I meant to call you the moment I got into town.” Had that really been just two days ago? She took a deep breath. “Mary, I met him.»

«Him? You mean William? You met William?” Mary sounded both incredibly thrilled and incredibly frightened.

Savannah sat on the edge of the bed and stretched her legs out in front of her. She was still wearing her outfit from the night before. And her high-heels were killing her. She toed them off and let her feet sink into the worn carpet. “Yeah, I met William.»

«And?»

Savannah closed her eyes. “He’s everything that I thought he’d be.” And he was.

«Savannah…” Mary definitely sounded worried now. “I know you think you know this guy, that you understand him because of that book you read—»

Savannah frowned. “It was a diary, Mary. A diary that you gave to me.»

«Yeah, well, when I gave it to you, I had no idea it would lead to this!»

Savannah had known. From the moment that her hands had touched that diary, she’d known it would lead her to William.

«Is he really a … um…” Mary’s words stumbled to a halt. Savannah was certain that a dull flush was staining Mary’s cheeks at that moment.

«A vampire?” Savannah queried softly.

«Yes…»

«What do you think?»

Mary didn’t answer.

A door slammed in the background and laughter drifted softly across the line. Mary swore. “Damn. My roommate is back. I’d better go.»

«Wait! I need a favor.»

«What do you want me to do?»

Savanna’s lips twisted. That was Mary. Always willing to help. “I need you to check someone out for me. Can you do one of those Internet searches again?»

«Sure. Who do you need me to research?” Mary was a true hacker. She’d graduated from college with a degree in information technology at the age of nineteen. Give the woman a computer, and there was nothing that she couldn’t do with it. She’d found William for Savannah. She could easily find out information on Jack Donovan.

«His name’s Jack Donovan. He said he was a private detective.»

Silence hummed on the line. “You don’t believe him?” Mary finally asked, her voice soft. She was obviously afraid that her roommate might overhear her words.

«I don’t know. I want you to find out for me. Find out everything that you can.»

«Sure. Is there a number where I can reach you?»

«I’m staying at the Traveler’s Inn, room 718. I’ll be here until nightfall.” Then she would have to go back to William.

«Okay. It might take me some time to track this guy, but I’ll call you as soon as I know something.»

«Thanks, Mary. Thanks for all of your help.»

«Anytime, Vannie,” Mary said using Savannah’s old nickname. “Anytime. You just be careful, okay?»

«I’m always careful.” And she was, usually.

«Don’t forget your meds.»

As if she could. “I’ll remember.” Mary always reminded Savannah to take her meds. No matter where they were, or what they were doing, Mary always reminded her.

It was good to have a friend like Mary. Someone she could rely on, someone she would trust with her secrets.

«I’ll talk to you soon.»

«Bye, Vannie.»

As she replaced the receiver, Savannah’s stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since the day before. And then she’d only had time for a quick bite.

She glanced at the bedside clock. It was just a little past noon. She would have plenty of time to grab lunch, pack, and return to William’s by nightfall.

She stood and stretched her tired muscles. Maybe she would even be able to fit a small nap into her schedule. She couldn’t afford to let her strength wane, not while she was finally so close to her goal.

She glanced down at her clothes. First things first. While her outfit may have been appropriate for a place like Jake’s, she would definitely stand out if she tried to walk in the diner wearing these clothes.

Savannah headed resolutely toward the shower. She’d clean up, and then she’d eat. And, maybe, while she was at the diner, she could get one of the locals to tell her a bit more about William. Maybe.

* * * *

William’s body lay perfectly still. His chest did not rise. His heart did not beat.

His mind, shadowed by the cobwebs of his deep sleep, flickered faintly. Unease moved though him.

Something was coming. Someone. He could feel it.

He could feel the evil. So close. Too close.

* * * *

«Hi, honey!” A tall, matronly woman with steel gray hair appeared at Savannah’s table. “What can I get for you?” Her pencil was poised above a small, white pad.

«Ah…” Savannah floundered. The woman’s quick appearance had startled her. “Do you have any specials?»