The Fabled (15 page)

I joined the band on stage as I started to
sing and for a fraction of a second the entire club was silent
other than my voice with the band behind me. I put as much emphasis
as possible on feeling tranquil and happy which was harder than you
would think since so many people watched me with obvious fear and
hatred but as I continued to sing I could visibly see the crowd
relax and begin to enjoy the music. By the end of the first song
the dance floor was packed and many stopped to applaud before we
started the next song. I caught Tristan’s eyes and he gave me a
thumbs up. I couldn’t help my smile as I started the next song. A
glance toward VIP showed Roman looking at Tristan with narrowed
eyes. I ignored him and sang on.

At the end of the night Roman came on stage
to address the crowd.

“Our very own Sunny Dubois.” He pointed
toward me and, to my surprise, the crowd broke into applause “You
sing beautifully, Sunshine.” He kissed my cheek.

“Um, thanks everyone.” I said into the
microphone before quickly exiting the stage.

I could hear Roman say something else to the
crowd but I didn’t stick around to listen. I went through the back
exit to the employee lot. On one side of the club was an empty lot
while on the other there was another building butted right up next
to it. I saw a fire escape on the back of the building next door so
I climbed it and jumped across to the roof of the club. Then I sat
on the edge and looked over. Here I could see the coming and goings
of the partygoers.

“Like the view?”

I turned to find Charles hidden in the
shadows at the other end of the roof. He moved closer and leaned
against the edge several feet away.

I shrugged. “I would much rather be up here
than down there.”

He nodded. “Heard you sing tonight. You’re
really something, for a psychotic killer that is.”

“Was that supposed to be a compliment?
Because I gotta say. You suck at it.”

He laughed. “You’re not the first to notice
my inability for casual conversation.”

“So is that what the word on the street is?
I’m the council’s psychotic killer.”

He shrugged. “Some say that. I’ve heard a lot
of stories. You’ve been accused of being everything from a banshee
to a yeti.”

“A yeti? That’s a bit extreme don’t you
think. I mean, I’m not even that hairy.”

“They thought you shaved. Your whole
body.”

I laughed. That was just crazy. “Apparently
whoever said that hasn’t seen an actual yeti. They look more ape
than man and if you start comparing my facial features I might have
to throw you off this roof.”

He held his hands up to ward me off. “I’m
just saying what I’ve heard. I will admit that guy was drunk as a
skunk as he made that absurd accusation.”

“And, what do you think?”

“Me? I’m just a lowly Vamp working security.
It isn’t my place to make assumptions.”

“What, no psycho killer thoughts?”

“Nah, you’re too straight for that.”

“Huh. Too straight. I’ll have to work on
that.”

He laughed.

“You can take a break, Charles. I’d like to
speak with the psycho for a few minutes if you don’t mind.”

Roman was standing behind us on the roof. I’m
not sure how he got there without either of us noticing. Hell, he
could have flown for all I know. I’ve heard some of the ancient
ones have that ability.

“Sure thing boss. I could use a break.”
Charles made quick work of exiting the roof.

“You could talk with me in VIP if you wanted
to continue watching everyone.”

“I needed a break.”

“So you climbed onto the roof?”

“Yeah, I can still watch the people coming
and going but from a distance.”

“Did you like your talk with Charles?”

“He seems okay. I figured it was likely
someone would be on the roof watching. I just didn’t know it would
be him. He seems to be fine with following your orders. How long
have you known him?”

“He is the child of my sibling so I have
known him since he was turned over a century ago. When he left his
sire he moved to the area and asked me for a job. I knew he was
dependable so I gave him one. Why the interest?”

Whoa. I didn’t know he had a sibling. There
was no mention of another when I was researching his business
information. Apparently, the other Vamp didn’t get any share of
their sire’s assets.

“I was just asking. He seems nice enough and
it’s apparent you rely on him as the leader of your security
detail.”

“Yes. He is very reliable. Not to mention
extremely observant which makes for an excellent guard.” He sat
down next to me and dangled his feet over the side. He looked the
epitome of a rockstar in his designer jeans and t-shirt with dark
hair and eyes sitting on the edge of a roof. All he needed was some
guy-liner and he’d be good to go.

“Did you know about my ability?”

“Yes. I have kept in touch with your father
over the years. When he first learned of how your magic affects
others, he consulted me on my thoughts. I had no more explanation
than anyone. I knew there was a reason I always wanted you more
after you would sing to me.” He reached over and stroked a lock of
my hair. “Now I know it was because you were sending that emotion
out with the lyrics.”

“So because I was horny and sang to you it
made you horny? That’s kinda fucked up.”

I thought back and realized that there was
never a time we didn’t have sex after I sang to him.

“I was always horny when it came to you,
Sunshine. The songs just made it less controllable.”

“Well, I guess if I ever lose my job at the
council I could always go to work at a strip club. The girls could
dance while I sing and the guys will never stop coming.”

“If you will be stripping, I will buy the
gentleman’s club.”

“I think I’ll stick with the council for now.
I’m sure the pay’s better.”

“I would pay you whatever you wished.”

Whoo! There was some major heat in his eyes.
I need to take this conversation out of such dangerous territory
because my thoughts were running wild and I know his were.

“I’m not going to be doing any stripping
anytime soon thanks so you can keep your pole to yourself. So, what
are your thoughts on these disappearances? Really. No
bullshit.”

“I really don’t know. I have spoken with all
of my contacts and no one knows anything. I understand why you
think it might be someone after me personally but it might just be
coincidence. The killers could know Vampere frequent the club and
be using it because it’s convenient.”

“I don’t know. I think it’s a little more
personal than that. There are several bars that cater to Fabled in
the area. The previous bodies washed ashore in Dallas. Why have the
killers moved to Ft. Worth and targeted only your club?”

“Excellent question. From the report I saw.
It looked like the Vampere taken last year were stolen from within
a two mile radius but none of them frequented the same club or
anything.”

“When did you get the reports?”

He smiled. “It is nice to have friends in
high places.”

“Did my father give them to you?”

“I requested them after the investigation
showed a direct link to my place of business. He thought it was
prudent that all parties involved have all the necessary
information.”

“And he knew I wasn’t going to give you
jack.”

“That would be correct.” We sat there in
silence for a minute with me stewing and him contemplating. “Do you
think you could ever forgive me?” He asked softly.

I thought about it. Roman was a jerk who saw
what he wanted and took it but the truth be told I wasn’t mad that
he had changed me anymore.

“Yes, I forgive you. For a long time I hated
that I lived while my children grew old. Faking my death was the
hardest thing I ever had to do. But now I’m glad. I don’t have a
perfect life by any stretch of the imagination but if you hadn’t
changed me, I would have never found Tristan and for that I’m
grateful. He needed me and the truth is, I needed him too. So,
thank you.”

I looked over at him to see he was pissed.
Did I say something wrong? I just told him I forgave him for what
he did to me and he’s mad?

“Why are you mad?”

He jumped up to stand on the ledge faster
than I could blink. “You are grateful I made you immortal because
of that child? I gave you everything and you choose him?!”

Oh, I totally forgot I was supposed to be
pretending Tristan was my boyfriend. I just told him the truth
about why I didn’t hold a grudge anymore.

“Look Roman, I lied abou…”

“Hey, so this is where you disappeared to.
The club is almost empty if you want to patrol some.”

I turned to see Tristan on the other side of
the roof. Obviously there’s a fire escape there. Before I could
respond though Roman flew across the roof at Tristan. I jumped up
and ran over as fast as I could. Roman had his hand wrapped around
Tristan’s throat and was holding him over the side of the
building.

“I could end him now. I would never have to
look upon his face again. Who would you love then?”

“Roman, release him! Let him go now or I WILL
kill you.”

He looked at me sadly. “You would, wouldn’t
you? You would end me to save him.”

I looked into his eyes so he would know the
truth. “Yes.”

In the blink of an eye Tristan was lying on
the roof gasping for air and Roman was gone. Only a slight breeze
remained from his quick movements as he left the roof. I don’t know
where he went and I don’t really care. If he ever tries to hurt my
boy again, I will make good on my promise.

“Are you alright, son?” I knelt beside
Tristan. He nodded in response. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”

I helped him from the roof and to the car. We
were going to have to find some other way to find this killer.
Working with Roman obviously isn’t going to work out. I felt like
saying I told you so but I would only have myself to say it to and
I try not to have conversations with myself if avoidable.

We didn’t say anything all the way to his
house. When he started to get out of the car I stopped him.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let him believe
a lie about us for so long. We will start patrolling outside the
club from now on. I told you Vampere are unstable and I won’t
compromise you getting hurt to catch a killer.”

“No.” His voice was hoarse. “You tell him the
truth about our relationship and he’ll leave me alone. We’re not
going to let killers walk because of this.”

I sighed. “Alright. I’ll tell him as soon as
we get to the club tomorrow.”

He nodded. “Goodnight mom.”

“Goodnight son. I am sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault. For the record, next
time I’m stabbing him with my knife.”

My eyes grew as he pulled out the six inch
blade he kept in the sheath sewn into his jacket. He could have
killed Roman tonight. I didn’t even think about the possibility of
him defending himself. I smiled.

“That sounds like a good plan.”

He nodded once then shut the door.

“
Pour me a stiff one”

The Djinn opened the door for us again the
next night. I didn’t say anything to her as I passed and headed
straight for the main club. Roman wasn’t there so I started up the
stairs.

“He isn’t there.”

I looked down at Carly. “Where is he?”

She shrugged. “He took the night off so I’m
in charge.” She smirked.

Great. Now I have to deal with her attitude.
“He just took a sick day in the middle of a murder
investigation?”

“He’s entitled. Being the boss comes with its
rewards.”

“I’m sure it does.”

I’ll look on the bright side. At least I
won’t have to deal with him tonight. I do need to tell him the
truth about Tristan before he tries something again. I pulled out
my cell and dialed the number he had called me from the other
morning. It rang without an answer or voicemail so I hung up. I
would try to call him again after the show. The sooner I set him
straight, the better.

The band greeted me warmly when I went over
to talk with them about the night’s performance.

“Hey Sunny. How are you?” Keith, the drummer
asked.

“Uh, good. And you?”

“Great. Everyone’s been talking about last
night’s gig.”

“Who’s everyone?”

“Everyone. Like as in the whole city
practically. My phone hasn’t stopped.”

“Mine either,” Dan, the guitarist said. “Word
gets around fast and you are the word right now.”

“Great. What’s the headline? Psycho killer
can sing.”

They started laughing until they saw I
wasn’t.

Dan cleared his throat. “Um, no.”

I laughed. He was a horrible liar. They
joined in and we all had a laugh at my expense. I don’t mind. At
least they’re talking and laughing with me instead of cowering. I
didn’t even have to sing them into it either.

When the club opened I had to remember to
close my mouth as the people poured in. There were so many the
bouncer outside had to finally stop letting them through the door
because the club had reached maximum capacity. And there was still
a long line outside waiting for the chance to get in. I couldn’t
believe that many people had come to hear me sing but the band
members assured me that was the sole reason for the excess crowd.
Unfortunately it made it almost impossible to keep up with everyone
and I wouldn’t be able to differentiate between the regulars and
the others.

At ten the band started and once again I
waited to go onstage. Primarily because I was kind of freaked out
with so many people watching me but I would never let anyone else
know that. I joined the band as I started to sing and I just
managed not to be tripped up by the fact that all eyes were on me.
No one was dancing or drinking or talking with their buddies while
listening to the music. I had every single one of their attention
and it was eerie. Never have I been the center of attention and
never have I wanted to be.