Francisco Airport on my own, with only the sketchiest of maps on the back of a brochure to guide me.
Luggage first , I reminded myself. Then, to passenger pickup, where someone would find me. Afterward, a drive to San Rafael, where I would meet those with whom I'd be working.
I hoped a meal would be provided somewhere along the way—I found I was hungry.
* * *
Opal
You did this on purpose, didn't you? I sent mindspeech to Bree. I don't need a distraction , I added.
His name and title is Lord Kellik of Abenott , came the reply. He created the Rith Naeri. I doubt he'll be too much of a distraction . I heard her laugh before she cut it off.
Trust the Mighty Heart to know what your heart needs most , I fumed. The timing—well, that could have used improvement.
* * *
Kordevik
"Have room for one more?" Davis was at the door with someone new. "He's vampire, but he can walk in daylight," Davis held up a hand.
"Kell," the newcomer held out a hand.
"Kell, I think we can find a bedroom somewhere," I said. "This place is full of them."
"He's also starving," Davis announced as I stood aside to let them through the door.
"Lexsi may have some salmon left," I said. "She makes really good salmon croquettes."
"Anything would be welcome," Kell said.
"Then give me your bags and follow your nose to the kitchen," I told him. "Lexsi and Anita are in there, cleaning up after dinner."
"You are most kind," Kell nodded and walked toward the kitchen.
"What is it about old vampires?" Davis asked as we watched Kell disappear. "You never hear their footsteps. Like they're walking on air a millimeter above the floor."
"Could be," I shrugged. "Maybe I ought to give him my room and move in with Lexsi."
"I wouldn't—not without asking first," Davis grinned.
"Then he gets the mother-in-law suite behind the garage," I said and turned to go in that direction.
* * *
Lexsi
Kell enjoyed his food. I understood about modified vampires and wondered who'd given him blood. It took special blood to neutralize the part of vampirism that required darkness and a blood diet.
Kell still had his strength, his sense of smell and unless I missed my guess, other abilities he wasn't willing to talk about.
"This salmon is delicious," Kell nodded his appreciation. "Your skill in the preparation is extraordinary."
"Thank you," I said, taking the empty plate from him. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's one of the easier things I cook."
"I hear we have a journey ahead of us tomorrow—to a prison in Colorado," Kell said, placing his napkin on the island in front of him.
"I hadn't heard that yet, but it's not a surprise," I said. "There are several prisons we're expected to visit. We think quite a few prisoners were swapped with innocent victims of a duplication spell."
"Is there an underlying reason for duplication spells—other than money?" Kell asked.
"We think most of the prisoners involved were serving time for drug related offenses," Anita explained. "The ones we're after are probably growing drugs in Peru, so they wanted experienced help. At least one of the innocents was put to death in the guilty one's place, because the guilty one had money, and his family has even more money. They weren't willing to answer questions afterward, and we believe the real criminal killed again after he was set free—in Texas."
"How did you determine that an innocent died in his place?" Kell asked. "I'm familiar with the duplication spell—a high Third-level witch or warlock is capable of casting it—provided they have an eye for detail. It only affects the outside appearance, including fingerprints and such," he added. "It does nothing to change blood type or basic scents, but those are generally subtle enough that humanoids fail to notice. I once identified a duplication spell by the taste of the victim's blood. It did not compare to the original in many ways."
"Wicked," Anita whispered. "Lexsi, here," she turned toward me, "Can tell if what they say is truth or
Lis Wiehl, Sebastian Stuart