Other Places 3: Detours Read Online Free PDF Page B

fly a bit.
    "I
think not. It was Vampires that took me, at least. I suspect Gene, of the
Council, The Wanderer. I have no real proof, but he's recently changed his mind
about the new blood rules. Before a week past he stood with me firmly, against it. Then he changed his mind, which isn't his normal way at all. It is, of
course, a trick of some kind. People forget his cunning, behind his cherubic
features. Regardless, those that subdued me were of our people, Lenore. No
matter how that happened. So at worse we need only see to an execution. That or
locking my fellow away for long enough that he recalls that it is not an
enjoyable experience." She waved toward Zack then, her hand never pointing
at him directly. "I called on the Line Walker, when I chanced to recall
that I had a new speaking device. As luck would have it, I managed to call out.
No other numbers answered, but Mr. Hartley was kind enough to come and retrieve
me. Now I have to ask if that was part of a plan? Perhaps to indebt myself to
you?" She looked down at the table, not at him.
    "That
wasn't a plan of mine, and I won't count it as a debt, past what we already
agreed to? That way, if it was someone's plan, they'll have failed already. I
do love messing with plotters like that. Or at least I think I do. It always
made people seem cooler, when they did that on television." He smiled,
which got one in return, from Lenore.
    "Thank
you, dear. Still, this does create a debt, which might be the reason? Who'd do
such a thing? Given... Well, Bey asked me not to mention Zachary's nature to
you, if you didn't bring it up first. Truly, I wouldn't have anyway, since
almost everyone knows already, but that might not mean he's behind it, or if he
is, that it was linked to other things. Not that he's incapable of planning
ahead like that, but he guards Zack rather zealously. He might play with you,
but not him , I don't think. He owes too much there, and Zack has been a
true friend to him, which would be enough all on its own. I once saw him fight
a hundred Vampires, for wronging a merchant that had offered him free apples, thinking
he was starving." She had a worried look on her face, which for once
didn't seem all that contrived.
    The
council woman nodded.
    "I
can see that for myself. Very few would come for me, even if begged. Mr.
Hartley did it without even discussion of price. Then, what is being asked...
Merely meeting a new contact? It doesn't seem like what your kind would do,
does it? Is this a trick, perhaps?"
    There
was a soft chuckle from behind the counter then, as the six treats, all in
large containers, came across the counter. Zack tried not to leap across the
room at them, but he was a bit hungry. He sat quickly and started to eat
without waiting, making a point to consider each of the dishes of frozen yogurt
carefully. There would be a quiz, after all.
    His
girlfriend fixed the Vampire Council member with a very frank look.
    "Truly?
I don't think so. He is a Greater Demon, and his powers are vast, but his word
has proved good so far. That may change, over time, or it might all be a trick,
but that could be said of anyone, might it not? I think you can trust him not
only as much as those on our own council, but more so. He seldom lies,
in fact. I think he can now, however, is that right, Zachary?"
    He
grinned, but swallowed his food before speaking.
    "Yep.
I have to make myself sort of believe it, but it's a thing I can do. I don't
bother most of the time. It's easier that way." For him at least, since it
took less energy.
    It
was about then that he noticed a rather furtive and disheveled form trying to
sneak into Candles and More. It was Lisa, and she seemed like she'd been up for
days, at least . She looked over her shoulder and froze, when she noticed
him watching her. For his part, he didn't do anything at all, except take
another bite of his food. That wasn't a mistake, since anything he did then,
including smile, or wave, would be taken as hostile by the