Stalking the Vampire Read Online Free PDF

“Well, now that the case is over, let's pop in here for a victory drink. Your treat.”
    â€œThe case isn't over,” said Mallory. “Knowing his coffin is somewhere in a city of seven million people and finding it are two different things.”
    â€œNot as different as busty naked ladies and Swedish temples, or 78 RPM records and left-handed golf clubs,” said McGuire. “But let it pass. Let's think of our next move over a drink.”
    â€œI'm starting to think that knowing everything there is to know about vampires is not going to help you pull your weight,” said Mallory dryly.
    â€œYou should be a little more appreciative,” said McGuire defensively. “I'vealready told you something you didn't know about Draconis, and I've only been on the case for ninety seconds.” He paused. “Now let's get that drink.”
    â€œAchmed Hamib's Desert Oasis,” said Mallory, reading the flickering neon sign Achmed Hamib's Desert Oasis above the door. “I have a feeling they don't serve blood here.”
    â€œJust as well,” said McGuire. “I hate the stuff.”
    â€œI thought you were a vampire.”
    â€œI am.”
    â€œWell, then?”
    â€œWhen you were a kid didn't your mother make you eat your greens?”
    â€œWhat's that got to do with anything?”
    â€œYou didn't like ‘em, but they were good for you. Me, I don't like blood, but every now and then I have to drink a little. I find I can fool my body for days on end by drinking Bloody Marys.”
    â€œAll right,” said Mallory. “But just one.”
    They entered the bar, passed through an arched doorway past a truly impressive display of swords, some of which weren't made in Japan, and found a small table in the corner. A turbaned waiter approached them.
    â€œA beer and a Bloody Mary,” said Mallory.
    â€œVery good, Sahib,” replied the waiter. “And for your friend?”
    â€œI'm having the beer; he's having the Bloody Mary.”
    â€œAnd a pinch of the specialty,” added McGuire.
    â€œFive dollars extra,” said the waiter.
    â€œ Inshallah ,” said McGuire.
    â€œ Inshallah , my ass!” snapped the waiter. “You pay up front or you don't get a damned thing! We know you around here, Bats McGuire!”
    McGuire turned to Mallory. “I hate to mention it, but you are treating.”
    Mallory pulled a five out and held it up. The waiter snatched it, stuffed it in a pocket, and walked off.
    â€œWhat specialty costs as much as the damned drink?” asked Mallory.
    â€œ Ouch! ” shouted the waiter from the back room. “ Goddamn, that smarts! ”
    â€œWhat the hell was that? ” demanded the detective, startled.
    â€œThe specialty,” said McGuire. “He pricks his forefinger and mixes a couple of drops of blood in with the drink. That'll hold me until tomorrow.”
    â€œWhy his forefinger?” asked Mallory. “Seems to me a thumb would be easier, or at least a little less painful.”
    â€œ By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes ,” intoned McGuire. “I'll stick to forefingers, thank you.”
    The waiter, a bandage on his finger, emerged from the back room, carrying their drinks.
    â€œI hope you choke on it!” he muttered as he handed McGuire his Bloody Mary.
    â€œKeep it up if you want a nickel tip,” shot back the vampire.
    Suddenly the waiter's entire attitude changed. “A thousand pardons, Sahib,” he said, bowing low to Mallory. “I hope I have done nothing to offend. May Allah give thee many strong sons and beautiful daughters.”
    â€œI'll settle for a fast track at Jamaica tomorrow,” said Mallory.
    â€œIt's coming up muddy,” said the waiter. “May Allah lend wings to the feet of Lowborn Prince.”
    Mallory held up a bill. “There's twenty in it if you and Allah can tell me where to find Aristotle