Pablo was right; Jan and Pieter weren’t happy with the change of plans, but more so because it took them out of the action and put them on the bench so they could play the part demanded of them by the vampires.
“Are we leaving one of the SUVs with you?” Jan asked as they sat around on the patio by the river, enjoying the afternoon warmth.
“No. I have a ride that’s not connected to you in any fashion. I think it’s best if we go completely off the grid. No contacting us, no support of any kind. I have enough documents and funds to take care of everything we need. Everyone here has spare aliases as well. I think you should head out first thing in the morning. Let the vamps go to bed, take the back roads until you can lose yourself in Brussels traffic then head home,” Luke said.
Pieter nervously tapped his foot. “Should we take care of the tickets from Portland? So they’re connected to us?”
“Yeah. Keep a receipt, you can bill me later when we get your father out of this and find your mole. Fly them first class. It’ll make it more important, plus whoever Sam gets to volunteer isn’t going to be one of our trained fighters, so I want to make the risk worth their while.” Luke popped a piece of hard cheese into his mouth.
Pieter chuckled. “We’ll be sure to show them a good time and make sure we’re seen. I’m confident they’ve got spies everywhere.”
Will, his brow furrowed, shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Do they know your name?” Seeing Luke’s confusion, he clarified. “Do I need to have everyone call me Luke?”
Luke shook his head. “I don’t think so. Anyone who might have heard my name is probably dead. It’s probably more important to be confident and let the rest of the team appear diffident toward you. It’s more important to look like the leader than to have a name that could just as easily be an alias.” Luke looked down at his phone as it buzzed.
“Maggie?” Sam asked.
Luke nodded. “I need to take this.” Luke grabbed his phone and walked downriver to stand under the shade of a willow, a smile spreading on his face as he answered the phone. “Good morning, Maggie.”
“Hi, Luke. How are you doing?” Maggie replied.
“Not bad. I’m glad to hear your voice.” Luke’s heart warmed at the sound of her voice.
“Me too. Sorry to cut to the chase so quickly, but I got your message. Gwen and I are here to gather up your stuff and feed Alfie, but, um… We can’t get into the house.”
Luke’s brows furrowed. “What? Is the lock not working?”
“I don’t know. We can’t even get that close to the house. If we move off the sidewalk toward the house, both of us feel…repelled.” Maggie sounded slightly frustrated.
“Oh, shit. I think I know what’s going on. I think my shrine has awoken.” Luke shook his head.
“What?” Maggie sounded confused.
Luke ran his free hand through his hair. “I’ll explain later, if that’s OK. I can call you back this evening. We’re in a planning meeting right now.”
“OK, understood. But how am I going to get in?”
Luke explained the pass phrase and had her recite it back to him. When she had it, she put Gwen on so Luke could relay it directly to her as well.
“Would it work on a recording?” Maggie asked.
Luke rubbed his bearded jaw, pondering the question for a moment. “I don’t know. I’ve never tried it. As far as I’m aware, it only works if you receive the words directly from me. Maybe from the caretaker’s family… I guess we should try it sometime—for science.”
“It’s worth a try. Anyway, here we go,” Maggie was silent for a few seconds. “We’re in. I look forward to your explanation later.”
“Thank you, Maggie. We’ll talk later. Give a hug to Gwen for me, please.”
“I will. We’re headed into the clinic today. She’s studying while I hold hours. I’m free from noon to two.”
“Perfect. That’ll be after dinner. I’ll call, and we can talk,” Luke replied.
“Bye, Luke.”
“Bye, Maggie.” Luke hung up and walked back to the meeting, a smile on his face and a bit of swagger in his step.
Pieter’s brow furrowed, confusion spreading on his face. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you so…”
“Happy looking?” Pablo supplied.
“Yeah,” Pieter replied.
“He’s got a girlfriend,” Pablo teased.
“Maggie? Wait. The pretty doctor with the Polish accent?” Pieter asked.
Luke nodded, smiling.
“Good for you, my friend.” Pieter smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Luke turned to Sam. “Maggie is picking up the gear. She’ll take it with her to the clinic, so let whoever our courier is know.”
“Okie dokie. If you don’t need me, I’m going to go make some calls. I’ve got a few emails back already on my volunteer email.”
Luke nodded. “I think we’re pretty much done here, Sam.”
Sam stood and departed to find some privacy.
“Can you keep us up-to-date on your progress?” Jan asked.
“No. Let’s not risk it,” Luke replied.
“We could do burner phones,” Delilah suggested. “It wouldn’t be the first time. At least for emergencies.”
“She’s right. We need some way to communicate if something important crops up,” Pieter said.
“Alright. I’ll have the caretaker pick us up a couple.” Luke picked up his phone and sent a text, receiving a response promptly. “He says he’ll drop them off by dinner time.”
“That’s efficient,” Pieter said.
“They’re used to it when I’m in country. Émile and his ancestors have worked for me for a long time. I’m not here very often, so they live a pretty sedate life. I pay them very well, so they’re more than happy to take care of my needs when I’m here. When I’m not here, they take care of the property, which isn’t terribly arduous. The rest of the time, they pursue whatever other interests they have.”
“Is that why the caretaker’s daughter is an artist?” Delilah asked.
Luke nodded. “Yup. She has all the time in the world to paint and study art. I’m guessing she’ll take over when her father retires. Her brother doesn’t seem that interested—he’s a doctor.”
With talk of business done, they sipped German Riesling in the sun and enjoyed the sound of the river and nature, soaking in the peace while they had the opportunity. When the chef called them into dinner, Émile met Luke out front and handed him two boxes with burner mobile phones. Luke took them inside and set them up, giving one to Pieter.
Dinner was a big affair, the last they’d share as a full group for a while. Luke had let the caretaker know they wanted to celebrate, so the chef had planned accordingly. As drinks flowed, their laughter grew loud and more carefree. It felt bittersweet. The camaraderie they were developing, beyond Luke’s leadership cadre, showed great promise both for friendship and their ability to fight as a unit. Fortunately, those kinds of bonds would carry over for the occasions when times were tough.
When the alarm he’d set for nine went off, he refilled his glass from the bottle of Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape and strolled out to the chair he’d set up by the river.
He texted Maggie. Are you free to talk?
In answer, Maggie called him back.
“Hi, Maggie.”
“Hi, Luke. How are you?” she asked.
“Good. Just stepped away from dinner. Got a glass of wine, and I’m sitting by the river.”
“Your house is by the river?”
“Yup.” He clicked a picture and sent it to her. “Don’t share that with anyone. Maybe delete it when you’re done.”
“It’s beautiful. Do you have a picture of the house?” Maggie asked.
He turned around and clicked one of the house, light pouring from the glass walled seating area as his friends laughed and shared drinks.
“That’s your house?!” Maggie sounded shocked. “It’s huge.”
“It’s not small,” he replied. “If we have the opportunity, I’d love to invite you to stay with me here sometime.”
“I’d really like that. I hope we get the opportunity soon.”
“How’s the kiddo?” Luke asked.
“Good. She’s taking a break from studying and watching TV. When we’re done, I’m taking her out to lunch. So, what’s going on with your house?”
Luke leaned back in the chair, stretching his legs in front of him. “There was an incident last night of the religious type. I have a small temple here and being in proximity to it called down a visitation from Mithras. Well, apparently, it activated or strengthened my shrine back home.”
“It was weird. When I stepped on the path to the house, I got the urge to be elsewhere. It was fairly subtle. If I didn’t know who you were and what you are, I would have shrugged it off.”
“Yeah, it’ll repel anyone who isn’t welcome. It’s particularly strong and subtle on vampires. Mostly it just makes you want to keep moving, but not really aggressively so.”
Maggie chuckled. “It’s probably good to have some extra security while you’re gone. Will I need to call you again to get in?”
“You shouldn’t. Just think back to the phrase and you’ll be fine.”
“It’s not going to bring any…unwanted attention to me, is it?” Maggie asked, a bit of trepidation slipping into her voice.
“No. You’re safe unless you actively pursue an interaction with Mithras.”
“Good. I’m happy with my relationship with HaShem and am not looking for other interactions,” Maggie replied.
Luke chuckled, taking a sip from his glass and sighing happily. “You’ll be fine.” He took another sip. “Damn, I’ll have to remember to bring a bottle of this wine home to share with you.”
“Good?”
“Very. Hey, you mind putting the kid on for a minute? I want to say hi.”
“Sure.” Maggie called Gwen over.
Luke and Gwen talked for a few minutes, Gwen asking for him to bring her some chocolate and waffles before she said goodbye.
Maggie took the phone back. “She’s been studying Belgium’s products. She’s not interested in sprouts or endive, but very much is into the waffles and chocolate.”
Luke laughed. “I’ll make you both proper waffles when I get home; it’s kind of hard to transport a waffle. But there will be loads of chocolate. You prefer dark, right?”
“You noticed?”
Luke could practically hear her smile through the phone. “Of course. I’ll bring you some tasty stuff. I should get back to everyone.”
“Yeah. I’m kind of hungry, and I’m sure the kid is starving. I should take her to lunch.”
“Maggie… I miss you.”
“I miss you too, Luke. Be safe.”
“I will. Talk to you soon.” Luke hung up and headed back in. Their mission had gotten off to a bad start, but tonight they’d enjoy their camaraderie while they could. Tomorrow would start the next phase in their war against the vampires of Belgium and France.
Pieter and Jan and the other half of the Portland team left later in the morning than they intended after staying up later than planned, enjoying Luke’s fine collection of wine and liquor. They still looked a bit fuzzy when they climbed in their vehicles and drove off with waves and a promise to keep each other informed if anything important popped up.
Shading his eyes from a sun shining outrageously and entirely too bright, Luke waited until they’d made it up the narrow road and disappeared.
“So what’s our ride situation while we’re here?” Delilah asked.
Luke smiled and gestured for everyone to follow him. He walked toward the rock cliff and the building next to his hidden entrance to his Mithraeum. Punching in his code, he opened the garage doors, revealing a shiny black Volvo 242GT and a red and white VW Van.
“Huh. Another old Volvo and a VW hippie van?” Delilah shook her head. “Bruh. You’re killing me here. Can’t you own like a new beemer or something? Do these things even run?”
Luke looked shocked. “Of course they do. They are scrupulously maintained.”
Pablo walked up behind them and put a hand on Luke’s shoulder. “Cherry rides, dude.”
Sam stood quietly to the side. “I like the style, Luke, but Delilah might be right. We may need something that can go faster than a VW bus and easier to get into than a two-door 242GT.”
Luke sighed. “Y’all are cramping my style, but you’re probably right this time. I’ll arrange something a little more suitable, but if you’re ready, let’s at least go get some lunch and take a swing through Cambrai. I’d like to do some surveillance before we just plunge in.”
“It’s not quite lunch time yet,” Sam said.
“I know a place. It’s a nice drive there, then we can head south to Cambrai after,” Luke replied.
“Alright,” Delilah said.
Sam folded her arms across her chest. “Isn’t this all a bit casual? It feels like we should have more of a sense of urgency.”
Luke shrugged. “Cambrai is tiny. We have plenty of daylight to get there and do a basic look around. We really can’t do much against the vampires until after dark—not until we get an idea where their lairs are. Nothing says we can’t enjoy our jobs a little along the way.”
“I like European Luke. It’s refreshing.” Pablo patted him on the shoulder.
Luke snorted and smiled at his friend. “Let’s meet down here in twenty minutes. Bring your gear with you in case we need it.”
Twenty minutes later, they loaded a locked trunk into the back of the van. Pablo had declared it the vehicle he wanted to ride in, especially since it was roomier than the backseat of the Volvo 242GT. Luke fired up the old VW and pulled out of the garage.
The ride to Brasserie Au Baron, out in the countryside on the border between Belgium and France, was a quiet affair. Everyone enjoyed the scenery while feeling the need for solitude after last night’s raucous dinner. Wanting something to keep his mind focused, Luke hit play on his music app, opting for the airy sounds of The Shins “Sleeping Lessons.” By the time they arrived, they were ready for lunch on the patio by a small creek. Once they got back on the four-lane D649 heading west, Pablo sat forward, resting his elbows on the backs of both the front seats.
“How about another round of versus?” Pablo asked.
“You got a good one?” Sam asked.
“Oh, yeah. I think I do,” Pablo replied, a broad grin on his face.
“Go for it, wolfboy,” Delilah said.
“OK. Luke versus Dean and Sam Winchester.” Pablo sat back into the bench seat next to Sam.
“Wouldn’t we be natural allies, though?” Luke asked. “We’re all three exceptionally handsome monster hunters.”
“You watch Supernatural?” Delilah asked, incredulity staining her tone.
“Yeah. Maggie introduced me to it. We’ve been working our way through the series, so no spoilers.”
Sam laughed. “I wouldn’t think of ruining Maggie’s fun.”
“So how we measuring this one, Pablo?” Delilah asked, turning so she could more comfortably address Pablo and Sam in the middle row.
“Categories,” Sam said. “Let’s start with easy ones. Hair.”
“Sam has to be the winner there,” Luke supplied.
Everyone looked at Luke funny.
Luke shrugged. “What? He’s got nice hair.”
“Round one goes to young Samuel. Fashion next?” Sam asked.
“I’m going to have to give it to my boy Luke on this one,” Pablo said.
“You’re very welcome,” Delilah said, taking rightful credit for helping Luke update his wardrobe. “And please don’t mix in a bunch of plaid flannel so you can cosplay for Maggie.”
Sam snorted while Pablo laughed loudly.
“Why do I need to cosplay a monster hunter? I’m the real deal. Sam and Dean should cosplay me,” Luke said.
That only set Pablo to laughing harder, Sam and Delilah joining in. After merging onto E19 and passing through the southern outskirts of Valenciennes, the road carried them southwest on the last leg to Cambrai.
“I’ve got the next category,” Delilah said, eyeing Luke. “Car.”
“Hands down, Baby is the winner there,” Sam said.
Pablo patted Luke’s shoulder. “No contest. That Impala is a sweet hunk of Detroit steel.”
“So three to one?” Delilah asked.
Luke sighed. “Four to none,” he admitted begrudgingly.
“I will say, Luke has way better lairs than the Winchesters,” Sam said.
“The Men of Letters base is pretty cool,” Luke countered.
“Yeah, but it’s in the middle of fucking Kansas, which is conveniently a two-hour drive to everywhere in the US.” Delilah rolled her eyes. “And you have a manor house on a beautiful river in Belgium. I firmly put the win in Luke’s column here.”
Sam and Pablo nodded vigorously.
Luke chuckled, a devious smile spreading across his face. “Who’s got the best rag-tag group of misfit sidekicks?”
“Oh, we win that one hands down,” Sam said.
“I’m not so sure about that…” Luke said. “None of you are angels. Although Pablo is a cooler werewolf sidekick than DJ, but just barely.”
“Thanks, buddy,” Pablo said sarcastically.
Luke smirked. “Plus, no wise cracking lesbian computer geniuses here.”
“Mmm, Charlie,” Sam said, a smile spreading across her face.
Luke caught her serene expression in the rearview mirror.
Delilah’s eyebrows furrowed as she pursed her lips and looked back at Sam and Pablo. “Wait. Did Luke just get us debating who has the best sidekicks, as if we’re sidekicks?”
“Yup,” Luke said smugly.
Pablo chuckled. “I guess Luke gets the win on that one.”
They paused the spirited debate as Cambrai appeared in the distance, the VW bus slowly eating up the kilometers as faster and more modern cars whizzed by them on the left.
“We’ve got a plenty of time before it gets dark. There’s a small tank museum around here somewhere. One of the bigger tank battles of WWI took place here,” Luke said.
“Were you involved in that one, buddy?” Pablo asked.
“No. I was engaged elsewhere.” Luke didn’t elaborate.
Neither did they ask for any further details, having learned enough about Luke to know he’d suffered terrible trauma in the trenches and still didn’t want to talk about in any kind of detail with them.
“I think we can skip that one. The art museum looks neat, though,” Sam suggested.
“As much as I hate to rain on the fun parade,” Luke said. “We really should take a spin around town and get a feel for the layout while it’s still light. If my feelings are correct, we may be here for a while. We can check out the museum later. We do have a war to fight, after all.”
“Luke’s right,” Sam replied. “We have work to do.”
Pablo and Delilah nodded somberly.