Fangs for Freaks Read Online Free PDF Page A

stopped in front of the far bookcase. I found a big red book and pushed it forward; the bookcase made a clicking sound, popping out just a bit. I pulled it open the rest of the way using the hidden handle in the side of the door frame, and voilà, a secret staircase.
    “Cool,” Piper couldn’t help but murmur and I noticed the rest of the group nodded. Yeah, I thought of that, thankyouverymuch.
    The light flipped on automatically and they followed me down the stairs to a huge basement. It was divided into two rooms. One was the sleeping dorm, with bunkbeds lining the walls. A partition separated the dorm in the center, giving the quarters a little more privacy.
    The other half of the room was a place for everyone to kick back and relax. Plasma screen television and couches for chilling, a large conference table and chairs for house meetings and homework. There were even a couple of computers for the girls to surf the Web and check e-mail.
    “It’s not pink!” exclaimed Angie, who seemed delighted with the warm, inviting earth tones.
    “Yeah, well, I had to throw the decorator a bone.” Or she might have tried to suck me dry , I added to myself wryly.
    In the sleeping room, the colors changed again. The beds all had coordinating comforters and accessories in blue and lavender. Then on the other side of the partition the room colors changed to pale yellow and green. See, I could be reasonable about the pink.
    I let them walk around and just soak it all in, feeling a huge amount of pride in my work. It was all coming together now. My dream was finally becoming a reality.
    “Colby?” Lucy questioned apologetically. “Is there somewhere we can clean up?”
    I smacked my hand against my forehead, “Dude, I am so stupid. Of course you wanna take a shower and stuff. I suck. Sure, the bathrooms and showers are upstairs. There are robes and towels up there too. Let me show you.”
    I walked them back upstairs and pointed out where the trial-size shampoos and such were. I figured most people would bring their own stuff but was glad my mom suggested having some travel sizes on hand. Moms think of everything.
    “They’re going to need clean clothes,” Piper said, once they were in the shower.
    “Yeah, they don’t have anything. Thomas, why is that?”
    We both turned to stare at him, as though it were his fault since he was a Vampire Investigator and all.
    “I have no idea. They should have been escorted with all their belongings. This is a safe house, not a prison. I’m going to call my supervisor and see if I can’t get the details of their relocation.”
    He flipped open his cell phone and wandered downstairs, speaking into it and completely ignoring us.
    “Well, he’s nothing if not efficient,” Piper said to me after he was gone.
    “You have no idea,” I answered, rolling my eyes heavenward. When he was on task, nothing and I mean nothing could stray him from his goal. Not even a purple knit bikini.
    “Who’s open this late?” I said.
    “Hmm, the malls are closed but Wal-Mart is probably still open, or Fred Meyer?”
    Not two of the most appealing options but hey, beggars couldn’t be choosers. Especially if the goal was clean underwear.
    “Piper, could you … ?” I started to ask.
    “Yeah, yeah, I’m on it. Underwear, some sweats and tank tops? Something for a little support ’cause I’m not guessing bra sizes or anything.”
    “You’re a gem,” I said as I grabbed my purse. I pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. My mom and dad had given me emergency spending money before I left today and I was already using it. I promised myself that I would get reimbursed from the Tribunal for the undies and any new clothes the girls needed. This was their fault anyway.
    She took the money and said, “I’m buying myself some dinner too. I’m starving.” And with that sentiment, she loped down the stairs like a good little errand girl. I don’t know what I would do without Piper. Sure, she was a pain in the