Chapter 6

 

Had she made a mistake? Should she have killed Terrence after all? He lay in front of her, vulnerable in sleep. Unable to sense her malicious mood at all. But all she could think of when she looked at him was his searing kiss from the day before. He hadn’t mentioned it, but it clung to her every thought.

Which was ridiculous. They’d kissed before. Shared a night, even. So why was this time different? Because she contemplated killing him? She should do it now, before he got the better of her again.

But, poised above him, she paused. Would killing him be any different than what he had done to those innocent people? It would make her a murderer, too. Was she weak for wanting to turn him in, rather than do the deed herself? If only there was some kind of vampire police.

She wouldn’t hold her breath on that count.

Slowly, she eased back. She needed to do some real searching while he was asleep. While he couldn’t trail or interrupt her.

She rushed to the same diner she’d visited the day before, hoping to meet with the waitress who had served her. But when she got there, a younger face greeted her. She cautiously sank onto a stool, glancing around.

“Another woman served me yesterday.”

The young woman nodded, her face twisting in pity. “Gloria. Her sister was killed, you know.”

“I heard.” Lori’s voice sounded distant to her own ears. After clearing her throat, she added, “I heard she was killed by”–Lord, did she really have to say it?–“the devil.”

The waitress laughed, though the sound was strained. “A mainlander like you probably thinks that’s ridiculous.”

You can say that again. Lori wisely sealed her lips shut.

The waitress shook her head and continued, “You folks don’t know what really goes on in this world. No human killed Mary. Or…” She looked away. “Or Officer Benton.”

Not a human, a vampire. But Lori had to know more. “How long has this been going on?”

The girl shrugged. Fear shone in her eyes. “It’s not constant. People just…die. Good, God-fearing folk. They didn’t do nothing to warrant it. Didn’t sin, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

It wasn’t.

“Have the murders increased in the past couple days?” Since Terrence had returned?

The waitress’s eyes grew wide. “Two killings in two days? That’s never happened.”

So what was different about this time? Both times, the victims had been trying to warn her about something sinister going on. While Terrence had been standing within earshot. That, if nothing else, proved he was guilty. Didn’t it?

Lori forced a smile. “Thanks.” She stood, ready to do what she had to.

As she prepared to step out of the diner, another customer entered. He wore a crisp black suit and tie. A businessman in this run-down town? It didn’t make sense. When she tried to walk past him, he blocked her path.

He pulled out a badge. Though she hadn’t done anything wrong, Lori tensed.

“Miss, do you know Officer Harry Benton? He was killed late last night.”

Lori narrowed her eyes at the detective. Had she left her prints at the police department? She couldn’t remember. “I spoke with him yesterday. He was investigating the death of another woman.”

“And did you know her, as well?”

Shit. “Not really. I spoke with her once. She told me not to go out after dark.” Lori paused. When the detective didn’t seem to be convinced, she added, “The officer seemed to think it was the work of the devil.”

Clearly, he didn’t share the same delusion. Unfortunately, if he didn’t think it was the devil, he wasn’t likely to suspect a supernatural force. Should she tell him?

“Where are you staying, Miss, in case I have a few more questions for you?”

Lori inwardly sighed, but gave him the room number. As he left, she stood poised. Debating. Earlier, she would have given anything to turn Terrence in, rather than dealing with the matter herself. But would the new detective be properly equipped to hold Terrence? Would he even believe her if she tried to tell him the truth?

Lori cautiously entered the open air. The detective was long gone, bound for whatever other lead he happened to have. The sun was still high in the sky. Should she take the opportunity to search for the Spenta Michos? But how could she, when her biggest lead slept in their shared motel room?

Her mind buzzed as she returned to the room. Terrence still lay dormant. She crouched before him. Her thoughts had come full circle, almost as though she’d never left. But she didn’t draw her stake, not yet. Time ticked. Every second brought her closer to sunset, and the time Terrence would awaken. Now, he was vulnerable. He might not be again. So why didn’t she do it? At least to hold him at her mercy when he awoke. The threat of death might just stun him into giving up the Spenta Michos. But Lori couldn’t be sure she’d be able to hold him once he awoke. She’d seen him move with superhuman speed. No, much better to kill him now and take her chances.

But if she did, she’d never know the purpose behind her second vision. She clenched her fists. What if it was important?

Hesitantly, she reached out to touch Terrence’s hand. She tried to relax, let her abilities flood her. Nothing happened. She ran her fingers over Terrence’s jaw. It was rough with stubble. Who knew vampires had to shave? She lowered her mouth to his slack lips, hoping. Still no vision. When she pulled back, he remained asleep, thank God.

Would she ever know what the vision had meant? Maybe that one, small glimpse was all she would ever see of it. She rocked back on her heels. What to do next? She could continue searching, and likely Terrence would catch up to her later.

Or she could climb back into bed and he’d never know she’d been gone at all. Let alone what little she’d found.