The Succubus Factor

That Succubus Factor

1

That Succubus Factor By

Snowe Grey

ADVANCED READER COPY : DISCLAIMER This Advance Reader Copy is the property of Snowe Grey. The Advance Reader Copy may not be sold, rented, loaned, or copied. This is an uncorrected copy and may differ slightly from the final published novel, which will be available from Triskelion Publishing in September 2005 This work is copyrighted as of 2005 by Snowe Grey.

Snowe Grey

2

Chapter One

Des groaned, pried open one eyelid and peeked at the alarm clock. It wouldn’t ring for another twenty-five minutes. A huge yawn escaped her mouth. She closed her eyes again and rolled over, determined to sleep those extra few minutes. The blanket wouldn’t give as she rolled her body. She gave a gentle tug. It still wouldn’t budge. Opening her eyes to two flame-filled red pupils staring back at her, she scrunched her eyes shut again. “This is going to be a hell of a day,” she muttered. “When I wake up again, you’d better not be there.” She counted to ten and slowly raised her lids. He was still there. Lying on her bed, his head resting on a pillow that had never been used. In all her twenty-six years, no one had ever used that pillow. “Damn, Daneel, what do you want?” “Sirene wants to see you, sis.” “Sirene? What does your mother want with me?” “Dunno. I just know that our mother sent me to tell you she wants to see you. Like immediately. This bed is real cushy. I like it.” The seven foot two devil bounced slightly on the bed. His red skinned body was covered by a red latex jumpsuit that fit his powerful body like a second skin from the fitted hood to his ankles. His cloven hoofs stuck out over the end, and his arrow-headed tail drooped onto the floor. “Maybe I should get one for myself.” “Can’t have it. Feather beds aren’t allowed in Hell. You know. Pain? Suffering? Eternal damnation and all that?” “Pop might make an exception. Especially if I get him one too.” Des threw the covers aside and swung her feet to the floor and sat up on the side of the bed. It was indeed comfortable. Goose down mattress, goose down filled quilt, it was like sleeping on a cloud. She hated to get up. “Go away Daneel. It’s too early to deal with you.” She surged to her feet, raised her arms over her heads and stretched. “Don’t you have to be at work?” “No, I’m on vacation. Wow, what have you got on? Or almost on?” Des snagged the robe she had carefully folded over her chair and wrapped it around her. Turning to face her brother, she stuck her tongue out at him. “Hey, Des. If Sirene saw you in that sexy outfit, she’d be trying to persuade you to join the succubae. Hmm,” he looked her up and down, “you’d do well. You’ve got the figure for it. Maybe a little on the, uh, curvy side. Sort of a ripe plumpness. The succubus factor in your heritage and all.” “I’m fat? You woke me up, told me mother wants to me see and now you’re calling me fat? Go away, Daneel, just go away.” “Not fat. Just a, hmm, succulent ripeness.” “Fat enough to eat you mean?” “No. It just... Well...” “Say nothing,” Des held her hand up. “Say nothing, do nothing except depart.” “I never know what to say to women. I’m sorry, sis. I only meant you’re as pretty as any of those succubae. Prettier even. And you could beat them all if you wanted.” “Fulfill my destiny and all that? No thanks. Besides it’s a ratty, five year old Seahawks T-shirt, not some filmy negligee. Now go away or else.” “Or else what?” A faint smell of sulfur perfumed the air.

That Succubus Factor

3

“There’s a church on the corner. I’ll arrange an exorcism. Be gone when I come back.” Des walked into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. Angrily she wiped the steam off the mirror and picked up her toothbrush. Toothpaste in hand, she stopped and looked back at the mirror. Steam? She hadn’t turned the water on. Des reached out and pulled the shower curtain back. Scalding water poured down over a small green imp reclining in a deck chair set in her bathtub. One hand held a tall, iced drink festooned with fruit and topped with an umbrella. Little plastic monkeys draped arms and legs over the rim. Des sighed. It was barely six a.m. “Hey,” the scratchy little voice whined. “Close the damn curtain, sis. You’re letting all the heat out.” “Herky, get out of my shower. If you use up all the hot water again, I’ll skin you alive. From your oversize ears, all the way down to your hairy itty-bitty toes. Then I’ll use your green hide as a particularly ugly purse. Now out!” “Don’t bust a gut. I’m getting out. And these toes drive women crazy with lust.” He raised his foot and wiggled those fat little appendages. Then he rose to his full height of thirty-one and seveneighths inches. “Could I have some privacy here?” He pulled the curtain closed. She jerked the curtain back open. The imp was gone. The deck chair was not. “The chair too, Herky.” The chair disappeared in a plume of smoke. She turned the water off and faced back to the mirror and washbasin. Herky was now perched on the toilet tank, long skinny legs crossed, big feet dangling and oversize hands crossed behind his head. His yellow eyes watched her curiously. His long pointed ears quivered and his nose twitched. “What are you doing here?” she sighed. “And don’t tell me that mother sent you.” “Okey dokey,” he shrugged his shoulders. “I won’t. But she did. I had a hot date and she zapped in, materialized right in the middle of the kitchen. Only to me to tell me to get my keister up here and find you. I mean, there I was, slowly pushing my—” “Go away.” She put her hands over her ears and started to hum. “I’m not listening. The kitchen?” Her brows arched in disbelief. “Yeah. We were working our way though all the rooms in the house. Never got higher than the first floor. Ma really put a damper on the evening.” “That’s, that’s…” “Fun?” “Disgusting. Now scat and take Daneel with you.” “Whaat? Sirene didn’t tell me she was sending Daneel too. One brother should be enough. And it was a real, hot date, if you know what I mean?” His eyebrows wagged and he leered. “Can I help it if my schlong practically drags on the ground? I’m a stud muffin, sis. A veritable love machine for the lucky woman.” “Far too much info, brother mine. Don’t care. Don’t want to hear.” His little cherub face didn’t go well with a leer. She opened the door and pointed out. “You’re a pint sized letch. Now out. Both of you.” She shut and locked the door after him. “Completely out.” Later, fully dressed in her gray pinstripe suit–hem down past her knees–wearing sensible black heels with her hair tightly wound into a twist, she walked downstairs and down the hall, towards the kitchen. She was not smiling. Sure enough, the hot water had run out long before she rinsed the shampoo from her hair and the cold-water rinse had not been to her liking. Her father might have been mortal, but like any creature of the underworld, she hated cold. Pausing outside the kitchen door, she inhaled the rich smell of fresh perked coffee. She leaned her forehead against the wall in defeat. She did not own an automatic coffeemaker.

Snowe Grey

4

Pushing the door open she saw the most gorgeous man imaginable. Six foot two inches of finely sculpted muscle, with long dark wavy hair that fell past his wide shoulders, and golden oiled skin. He wore thick leather bracelets laced up the inside of his wrists, in gorgeous contrast to his long elegant fingers. Heavy gold arm rings circled his well-shaped biceps and leather sandals laced up his hard calves. A very brief leather thong, that left nothing to the imagination, barely covered a package that would be the envy of any mortal man, adding the crowing touch to his attire. She knew that when he turned she would see a broad, beautifully sculpted chest, sapphire blue eyes, a deep cleft in his square chin and one dimple in his right cheek. A veritable god was making pancakes in her kitchen. “Jean-Luc. What are you doing?” “Ah, my dear sister, I am making the slapjacks.” His French accented voice was low, sensuous and melodious. It beckoned, reaching out to lure an unsuspecting female into his arms; oozing out like warm, rich honey. Leaving women feeling like dazed moths flying freely into the deadly golden light. “They’re called flapjacks and why are you making them in my kitchen?” “For Herky and Daneel. Also for me. I love the flapsacks.” “Flap, oh never mind. Why are you wearing that outfit? Just come from work? “I am a marauding, wild, passionate barbarian, fighting, loving and looting my way through Ancient Rome. Forcing the decadent Roman womens to bend to my masterly will and fulfill my every sexual whim.” “Uh huh. That being the fulfilling your every sexual whim outfit?” “Naturally. She was not interested in a historically accurate reenactment of the Battle of the Rubicon.” “And you’re a barbarian.” “Exactly. I do barbarians well.” “Which barbarian? Attila the Hung? Why is it so dark in here? Let’s get some light in here before I fall over my own feet.” She headed towards the dining area window. Herky grabbed her by the hem of her skirt when she passed the table where he and Daneel waited, forks in hands, for their share of the breakfast treats. “No, Des. Vladrick’s here.” “Vladrick? In the daytime?” “Hello Des. Surprised to see me?” “Well as I can’t really see you, yes. Where are you?” “In the corner, under the big brimmed hat, behind the sunglasses and ski cap. And holding a stupid, red and yellow obscenely striped sunshade umbrella.” “The umbrella was my idea,” beamed Daneel. “I thought it added something to the occasion.” Herky snickered. She peered through the dark until she saw the tall, thin figure of her oldest brother. Vlad hunched his six foot one frame into a chair in the darkest corner. Not one bit of his pale skin showed. He kept his black eyes hidden behind black sunglasses with the knit ski cap hiding his face and shoved down over his golden curls. Gloves covered his hands and a huge scarf wrapped round his neck “Don’t tell me Sirene sent you, too? I can barely believe she kept an Incubus up into the day after a hard night’s work,” she waived her hand at Jean-Luc. “But to send a vampire into the middle world in daytime? I give up. Whatever she wants, I haven’t time today. I’ll see her on my next day off.” “You have no days off,” said Vlad. “You work twenty four seven” “If I want to make partner, I have to work twice as hard as anyone else. And I have the chance to get a new account that could just shoot me straight into a partnership. Our only competition is Trevellion, Ainsworth and Brenton.” Jean-Luc slid plates heaped with pancakes in front of his brothers. “Trevellion. Isn’t that your uncle?” Daneel paused a moment, fork half way to his mouth. “Doesn’t your cousin work there? Now that’s a nasty piece of work, even for a mortal.”

That Succubus Factor

5

“Yes. And Alan wants the account too. He’s been wining and dining one of the senior officers of Nuttal Paper, Inc., Arnold Gillespie. But, I’m in place to make my move. I want his business so badly I can taste it.” “Want Maman to help? She could slip into his dream, romance him and drop a hint or two in his ear? She could ace this for you.” Jean-Luc added. “Jean-Luc, don’t you even suggest it. Don’t any of you tell her a thing. I’ll get his business myself, though hard work and the benefits my company can offer him.” “Services of a succubus are nothing to turn down. And if he doesn’t want Maman, hey I can try. Between the two of us, we can get you anything you want.” Jean Luc smiled, his perfect white teeth flashed in perfect lips. Des was amazed. Even in the dark his teeth shot out a beacon of light like a sixties TV commercial. “Yeah, Trevellion, and whoever, can’t offer him that.” “No, Daneel. No funny stuff, no sneaking into his mind, or his dreams. I’ve got my presentation worked out and it’s the best I can do. It has to be enough.” “You know you could make partner much easier.” “Herky, no help. I really appreciate it that my brothers want to help. I couldn’t be crazier about all of you even if we had the same father, or the same species father. I want to do it myself. I want a partnership that I earned. Not one that someone else got for me by tweaking the senior partner’s mind. If I’m good enough, I’ll get it. If not, I won’t. Simple as that.” “Maman did get around.” Jean-Luc placed a plate of pancakes on the table; her brothers forked several onto their plates, slathered them with butter and poured streams of syrup over them. “Obviously none of you are worried about cholesterol or calories,” she said wryly. “Not us. You don’t have to either you know. Eat whatever you want and zippf slim and trim,” Jean-Luc said around a mouthful of pancake. “No reason to starve yourself you.” “I know I could. But I’m doing it the human way, thank you. And that means watching what I eat.” She dipped her finger in Herky’s plate, swirling it through the buttery maple puddle, and then popped it into her mouth. “And that’s probably twenty minutes on the stair-stepper right there.” “You know, sis,” Daneel said, as he filled his plate again. “Never did understand why you don’t just live in hell with the rest of us. It would be easier than working up here. We could use CPA’s too. Get a nice job at corporate headquarters, good pay, nice apartment, meet some nice demon, make us uncles.” He smiled though a mouth of sharp pointed teeth. “Now you sound like mother. And that’s exactly why I’ve been avoiding her. I don’t want to get married and have little, whatevers. I like it in the middle world. I like it a lot because Sirene doesn’t, and she would never just pop by. But, I also like it because everything is ordered so logically; no one disappears in a plume of smoke or snaps his fingers to materialize things, or conjures up wishes. Everyday is like the day before. It’s orderly. It’s planned.” “It’s dull,” broke in Jean-Luc. “No romance, no adventure.” “No fun,” added Herky. “I don’t need to go skulking around in some unsuspecting human’s dreams to get romance. If I wanted romance, I could find it myself.” “I don’t skulk,” pouted Jean-Luc. “I’m a Senior Level Incubus. And a darned good one. When I seduce a woman in her dreams, she wakes up with a very happy smile on her face and a sense of wellbeing in her heart.” “It’s not romance. It’s a dream,” Des pointed out. “It’s not real.” “Of course not, even I couldn’t keep up with it if it was all real. I’m only one Incubus you know.” Vlad raised a gloved hand. “And certainly the most skilled and successful one in all the levels of Hell.”

Snowe Grey

6

“Thank you, Vlad. I always mention to my friends that you are the best possible lawyer. The way you handled my last employment negotiation, was magnificent. I am certainly the best-paid in the Dream Division.” “Thank you Jean-Luc. I hope to do as well by Daneel now that his contract is almost up. You know, sister, I could work something out for you.” “Vlad, the senior partners of Monihan, McNeill and Goldschmidt don’t usually negotiate at night. And even if they did agree to meet you over dinner, having you sit there and drink goblets of blood through your fangs would undoubtedly make them just a trifle uneasy, and kill my career.” “I should think they would be used to it. They deal with lawyers every day.” “Mortal lawyers.” “I’m better. I am one of the upper echelon litigation attorneys in the whole of Hell and Purgatory. I do head up the Major Eternal Disposition Office. I could get you an excellent deal.” “No, I’ll pass. I’d rather do it myself.” “As you wish. Well,” he pushed his chair back, “I’m off. It’s late for me and my crypt is calling, got an early evening meeting with Mr. S.” “Wow, the big man?” “That’s right Herky, the Fallen Angel himself. Mr. Supremo. Bye now.” He leaned over and kissed Des on her cheek. “Can I come too, Vlad? I can carry your briefcase or laptop. Can I, huh?” Herky hopped up and down on one foot in excitement. “Yeah sure, half pint. But no talking unless someone talks to you first. And no pranks. Screw this up and I’ll personally hang you head down on a long bungee cord over a cesspit.” “I promise, bro. Will ya introduce me? Can I meet him?” “We’ll see.” “Wow, wait ‘till I tell the other imps. Whoopee, boy, boy.” “Pipe down. And, Des, let me know if you change your mind. Our office can always use a good number cruncher you know.” “Thanks, Vlad. I’ll be fine. Later then.” A puff of black smoke and he was gone. Des looked at the other three in turn as they continued to eat. Daneel snapped his finger and tomato juice appeared on the table in front of him. “Didn’t want to get Vlad’s hunger up,” he shrugged. “So I waited till he was gone. Can’t stand that sunny, funny orange juice. Eiccch. Much too cheerful.” “And healthy too. Never touch the stuff.” Herky took a drink of the juice. “Hey this hasn’t any vodka in it. What the―” “Well, I have to go to work.” Des stood up. “Bye, sis,” Jean-Luc waved his hand. “I want some more of these panjacks.” “At least, clean up,” she sighed. She picked up her briefcase and umbrella. Carrying her tan trench coat she walked to her door. “Did you hear me? Clean up after yourself.” As she stepped outside and closed the door she heard the muffled calls... “Yeah, right. Clean up.” She knew they wouldn’t.

That Succubus Factor

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Chapter Two

Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: Trevellion has left the Chicago area. Can’t locate him anywhere and none of our sources have seen him in days. Sorry. It took twice as many men to do surveillance on him than we’ve ever needed before, and we still kept losing him. My best guess? His brother is a senior partner at a major accounting firm in San Francisco. You might try there. Although, I can’t imagine that they would be welcoming him with open arms. But stranger things have happened. Isn’t Gideon Raines just sitting around doing nothing? Sorry, recuperating from the grievous wound he received in the line of duty at the shoot out, is what I meant. Why not send him? He should be antsy enough to want to escape the office for a while. And I’m still unclear -- exactly how did he get shot in the ass? I find it hard to picture a K-9 dog tripping over some rookie agent’s dropped gun. How in the world did it manage to knick him in the rear? Good luck on Trevellion. I know the man’s up to something, and unlike his usual MO, I don’t think this is bunco or some petty con he’s running. Find it hard to think of him as running with the big dogs (so to speak, ha, ha), but who knows? Peter PS: Tell Gid to take a real comfy pillow for the stakeout.

Snowe Grey

8

Chapter Three

Des contemplated the full-length reflection in her private bathroom mirror, one of the perks she’d earned as a senior associate. At this moment she was grateful. At least she didn’t have to traipse around the office in this outfit. She turned to the right and then left, craning her head around to see the rear from as many angles as possible. “You’re absolutely certain this is what women wear to play golf? How? The skirt is too short. When I bend over I’ll show, well things that no one else needs to see.” “Des, I’m sure.” Her secretary Julie’s voice came through the door. “It’s a skort. A pair of shorts and a skirt put together. My uncle is the head grounds keeper and he told me exactly what to buy.” “How does he know? I’m sure he doesn’t wear this get up.” “Because I asked him to watch and take notes. I know how important this golf game is. You want to be a partner? Well I want to be a partner’s secretary. Now come out and let me see.” Des opened the door and walked around her office. Her outfit consisted of a blue and white short sleeved polo shirt, a khaki colored skort, blue socks and golf shoes. She’d fastened her hair into a ponytail. The ponytail was stuck through a golf cap. Julie waived her finger at her to spin around. “I feel like a fool.” Des turned in a complete circle. “You look great. Pick up the clubs and let me see. Oh yes, you look like a natural. Are you sure you can bluff your way? I mean golf is a little tricky.” “I’m positive. I’ve been working out with an excellent pro and an instructional video. I’m sure I can at least fake it so I won’t embarrass myself.” Mentally she added, and with the Babe as the pro, the one woman sports team, it was only bending her own rules. “I hope it was a good video. Who made it anyway?” “Babe Dedrickson Zaharias.” “The Babe made a video? I never knew that.” “No, someone else made a video. Isn’t it about time to go?” “Okay. Well, change back into street shoes until you get to the course. I’ve already called for a rental car and driver. That should impress Gillespie a little more than your car.” “My car is dependable and it’s paid for. Call the hotel and tell Mr. Gillespie I’m on my way to pick him up. The reservations are made, right?” “My cousin called in several favors and got reservations for one p.m. today. Two for D.A. Trevellion with both club pros to make up the foursome. This is the primo course in the whole area; Gillespie can’t help but be so impressed, he’ll probably sign on the back nine. Now go, quick.” “Thanks, Julie.” “Yeah, sure, just make partner.” Des rushed out the door and punched the elevator button. “Follow though, turn, swing,” she muttered repeated under her breath. The mantra giving her courage. The Elysian Fields had the best golf courses around and even the inhabitants from ‘up there’ dropped down to play. That’s where she’d cornered Babe and got a few lessons. With any luck at all, this should work and there was nothing Alan could come up with to impress Arnold Gillespie more. She’d read he was a golf nut. She missed Gillespie at the hotel. He’d left already. Great, this was starting off well. She just hoped he wasn’t lost.

That Succubus Factor

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Her next challenge of the day arose with the time scheduler at the course. The smug little man stood there with his officious clipboard telling her he had no listing for her. Perhaps she meant some other course, this one was a private club for members and guests only, he informed her. His smug gaze swept across her slightly beat up clubs. Damn it, she should have gotten new clubs instead of borrowing Julie’s. Hell, she should have brought Julie. The petite redhead with the Barbie doll figure and sweetheart face could have wound this troll around her little finger. Des thought about winding him around something, but it was a torture rack currently located in a museum in hell. Him and his little clipboard, too. “You obviously aren’t understanding me. I do have a reservation. In fact I was told my guest had already left his hotel and would wait for me at the clubhouse.” “Sorry, miss, all the players with reservations have already checked in. There are no more foursomes ‘till after two. I know all of those members and you aren’t on that list either.” “That’s impossible. I have a reservation at one, myself, Mr. Gillespie and the two pros. It was made by…. Well never mind, look again, it’s got to be there.” “Oh there’s a reservation there alright. But like I told you, all the players have checked in.” “And as I told you, that’s impossible. I’m one of the players. Okay, we’ll take this slowly, whose name is on the one p.m. tee-off time?” “A. Trevellion. And he’s here.” “That’s the problem. The reservation is in the name of D. A. Trevellion. What?” her head came up and she stared at the man in disbelief. “Did you say he was here already?” “Yeah, we got the reservation wrong. It did read D. A. Trevellion, but it shoulda just read A. Trevellion. So we changed it when Mr. Trevellion and Mr. Gillespie showed up.” “A. Trevellion? A as in Alan Trevellion?” “Yep, that’s him. And his foursome has already left. So lady, no way are you getting on the course. He told me you might show up. Like he suggested, if you give me any problem, I’ll call security. Now you ain’t a member, so I’d suggest you just turn around and leave. No problems. Okay lady?” “Alan Trevellion stole my reservations. Those were mine. I demand to see the manager. How could you let someone steal my reservations? What kind of stupid idiot are you? Call your boss right away. Alan can’t get away with this.” “Lady, see them two guys? They have orders to physically escort you out if you don’t leave now.” “I’ll go. But he... You... You let... My cousin, ooohh.” Des turned and stomped away. “Hey watch those cleats. You’ll tear up our lawn.” Des’s head turned back to look at him, a wicked smile crossed her face. She turned back and stomped across the velvet-like green grass. She concentrated on shoving those cleats heavily and deeply across to where her car and driver waited. As the she drove out past the golf course, Des stared at the twitching water jet, spreading wet little drops in a spray over the green lawn. She stared intensely and whispered a few words and every sprinkler head on the entire course went off, full blast and uncontrollably. With a satisfied smirk she sank back down into the seat. Let them play through that on her reservation. ***** She never even noticed the rental car parked across the drive from her. The man in the front seat made a few scribbles into his notebook and watched her drive away. Wonder who she is, thought Gideon. Nice looking, got a bit of a temper. Could be nothing important, but I’ll keep an eye out for her. This gets more complicated by the day.

Snowe Grey

10

***** Back in her office, Des paced back and forth across the office, her anger not yet dissipated. “How did he know? That’s what I want to find out.” “I don’t know. I told my cousin not to tell anyone, and I’m sure neither you nor I said anything.” Julie paced the floor, crisscrossing with Des. “But how? I made that call three days ago, very quietly. No one here even heard me.” Des walked past the door, then backed up and looked out at Julie’s desk. She blinked her eyes a few times. “Julie?” “I know my cousin didn’t say anything. Could someone have overheard him making the arrangements? Maybe the pro said something, but why would he?” “Julie,” Des repeated a little louder. “Did you mark the appointment on your calendar?” “Of course, we live and we die by that appointment book.” “And did you leave it on your desk?” “Yes, but I always close it right after I check it. But I do leave it there. Hell, someone must have snuck in and read my appointment book. And I know when too. How could I have been so stupid? I should have known at once.” “Well? Tell me.” “Tuesday morning, I came in. My desk was cleaned off and stuff rearranged.” “But the cleaning staff has orders never to touch the desks.” “Exactly. I just figured it was a new person and let it go.” “That dirty, pond scum sucking weasel. He had someone sneak in our office and check on us. Then he showed up and stole my golf reservation.” “That, and did you know I had to pay for the reservations up front?” “What?” Des looked at her in horror. “Not only did that pile of slimy slug shit steal my reservation, and steal my client, but I paid for it? I paid for it?” Her voice rose. “Deep breath. Calm down Des. It’s over. And I,” she swooped up the book, “will keep this little goodie under lock and key at all times.” “Julie, it’s not your fault. I would never have expected this either.” She sighed and sank into a chair. “But what do we do now? By now Alan has Gillespie and Nuttal Paper, Inc, in his pocket. That reservation was my last idea. Now we fight fire with fire. We need to find out what my cousin is up to.” The two women sat in silence. Des drummed her fingers on the chair arm. “Well,” Julie picked up the phone and punched in numbers, “now I start keeping track of where he is and what he’s doing. I’m gonna throw a spike in that rat’s wheels yet.” “Let me know if you find out anything, I’m going to draft a memo to Mr. M and keep him posted.” Des went into her office and shut the door. This was going to be a bitch of a note to write to the senior partner. Much later, Des was still juggling the words when Julie popped through the door, her face wreathed in a big smile. Des looked at her and raised an eyebrow. “You look like you’re going to split open. Give, what is it?” “Alan, may he find a thousand parking tickets on his car, has all tomorrow blocked out for meetings. I pretended I needed to speak to him about an article I was writing on new tax changes for the newspaper and he couldn’t squeeze me in until day after tomorrow.” “That’s supposed to make me happy? The meetings are probably with Gillespie and they are negotiating the contract. Try again.” She dropped her head into her hands. “He’s in meetings, but Gillespie isn’t,” Julie’s voice was a singsong. Des sat up straight. Her hands fell away. She smiled. “And do we know where Gillespie will be?”

That Succubus Factor

11

“You betcha, chief. According to his hotel telephone operator, who is dating a second cousin of mine, he’s booked on an eight a.m. flight to Portland, Oregon, to discuss opening a new branch office.” “On a plane? Alone? For at least an hour, in one seat?” “Yep, and I got his seat number too.” “How’d you do that? I thought it was against some security law.” “Yeah, but my cousin works at The Ace Agency.” “The one that advertises itself as travel agent to the stars?” “That’s the one. And my cousin is the office manager. Little tinkling of the keyboard and all secrets are revealed. Never try to hide anything from your office manager. And the owners practically let my cousin run the office.” “This I can do something with. Which airline? Give, girl give.” Julie placed a piece of paper in front of her with all the information listed on it. Then seeing Des smile, she dropped another piece of paper on top. It was a confirmation of a ticket held in Des’ name, in the seat next to Gillespie. “Julie, you are a wonder. If–no when–I make partner, you get a bonus. And a big box of candy for your next family get together.” “Ohh, I like the way you think. My family would probably prefer a keg, but a bonus is my favorite gift.” “And, for this piece of work, take tomorrow off, go down to that spa you like so much, and bill it to the office!” “Yes,” Julie pumped her arm and raised her knee. “Direct shot. Into the other side’s basket. Our point. The crowd goes wild. We score. Now it’s almost five, get outta here, go home, pack and be at that airport early and win one for the Gipper.” The two women exchanged high fives and Des left for the day. By the time she reached her car in the cavernous garage, she was humming. Off key, out of tune, but happily humming. ***** Des held a triple shot, grande two-percent no-foam half decaf latte in one hand, while she juggled her briefcase stuffed with the Gillespie project portfolio; she was leaving a last minute message on her cell phone while she rechecked her PDA and clutched the ticket. That golden ticket, she felt like Willy Wonka. At the check in booth on the concourse, she scouted around for Gillespie. This was going to be sweet. At least an hour where no one could interrupt them. Life could be good. There he was. Standing next to a man arguing with the ticket agent. She zeroed in on Gillespie and crossed over to him. The man next to him turned and she paused for a nanosecond. It was Alan. Standing next to Gillespie. A bad feeling blossomed in her belly. Maybe Alan was just seeing Gillespie off? “Cousin. Whatever are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re going to Portland today too? What a coincidence.” Alan’s voice was smooth, like oil sliding off a dead slug. His teeth flashed in a big, white smile. “Yes, I have a client meeting up there. Mr. Gillespie.” She acknowledged him then faced her cousin. “Alan, what are you doing here? I thought you were in meetings all day.” “I am, the meetings are in Portland, cuz, how nice of you to keep up with my schedule. When I saw Arnie standing here, why you could have knocked me over with a feather.” “Don’t tempt me.” “Pardon me?” “Nothing. So you’re going to Portland, too. We’ll all have to get together up there for coffee.”

Snowe Grey

12

“No time, busy, busy, busy. That your ticket? Coach, huh? Thirty-two Aisle? Hey that’s right next to where you were sitting Arnie. The world gets smaller every day.” “Were sitting?” He voice was very still. “Hell, yeah, just so happens I had a load of frequent flier miles and decided on a whim to upgrade Arnie and me to first class. If I’d known you were going to be here, I would have upgraded you too. But there’s our boarding call, gotta go. Maybe next time, huh cuz?” “Yeah, maybe next time. Perhaps I’ll see you aboard, Mr. Gillespie.” “Nah, We’ll be kicking back in first class while you’re tucked into coach. But we’ll think of you with our first mimosa. Maybe we’ll see if we can’t smuggle one back to you. Have a really great flight, cuz.” Alan cut her off. He winked at her, threw an arm around Gillespie’s shoulder and the two men walked off down the boarding ramp. Des stood and visualized her cousin’s head decorating the blades of a propeller. Unfortunately, this was a jet. “Excuse me Miss. You’ll have to step aside. You’re blocking the boarding gate. Are you on the flight today?” Des glared at the picture pretty, perky stewardess and fought back a desire to land a punch in the middle of her expensive dental work, or perhaps her rebuilt nose, or maybe her silicone breasts. “No, I’m not flying today. I just cancelled my reservation.” She turned and talked back down the concourse towards the taxi-waiting zone. ***** The tall man in the dark blue suit lowered his newspaper and watched her walk away. Gideon folded the paper and tucked it under his arm, made a few scratches in his notebook and decided to follow her. His mind was recalling all the information he’d read in the files. Odd, nothing mentioned there being a female Trevellion. Hmm, how could there be another cousin? Alan Trevellion had called her cuz but there’s only a record of the two brothers and no sister. Could she be Hunt Trevellion’s daughter? Maybe he was staking out the wrong side of the family. At least she was a whole lot prettier to follow around than Alan. But from what he recalled yesterday, she hadn’t been happy with her cousin and his shanghaiing of the golf game. What was her stake in this scheme?

That Succubus Factor

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Chapter Four Internal Fax Transmit over secure line only. FBI HQ, Quantico, VA John: Trevellion still hasn’t shown up, but I can’t imagine he’ll be much longer. Gillespie is moving ahead and seems to have linked up with the Trevellion family accounting firm. The nephew has latched on to him and is showing him around, dinner, golf, and strip joints. I’ll keep the surveillance up. Something’s sure to give. One little wrinkle - twice a woman has shown up, just in time to miss meeting with Gillespie as Alan T waltzed him off. She seemed real pissed off. First time the only info I got was that she had rented a car and as I didn’t want to tip anyone off to the fact that the agency is around, I let it drop. Second time was at the airport. Alan T. referred to her as ‘cousin.” None of our records show that Hunt Trevellion has another sibling. I followed her back to her office, Monihan, McNeill and Goldschmidt. Big surprise, it’s another accounting firm, and on the firm’s register is listed one: D.A. Trevellion. Now isn’t that interesting? See if you can find anything in the records about this D.A. Trevellion. I can’t find anything on my laptop, but you guys have got the super power back there. Age approximately twenty-four to thirty, between five-eight and five-ten, around one hundred forty to one fifty pounds, medium length brown hair with red highlights, green eyes, dark, long lashes; wide full mouth; good figure being a little on the full side; nice smile (saw it for about fifteen seconds); slender, graceful hands; nice legs. Let me know what you find Gid PS: And it was not a dog, the rookie accidentally dropped the rifle and it went off. A dog did not shoot me in the ass.

Snowe Grey

14

Chapter Five

“Julie, I’m stepping out for some lunch.” Des dug through her purse for some change. “I’ll just be downstairs at the Deli.” “It’s about time. It’s nearly one thirty and I personally heard your stomach rumbling.” “Thanks, it’s so nice to hear of my many ladylike qualities. I should be back soon. If Mrs. Lorner comes in, her file is ready to pick up. Again.” She handed the file to Julie who set it on the corner of her desk. “Has she decided where she wants to move her investments this time?” “No. I thought we had it made last time when I convinced her to put a lot of it into CDs, but it turned out she put her funds in six-month accounts. And now it’s time for all of them to roll over and therefore to move it all again.” Des rolled her eyes and grimaced. “As close as I can tell, Des, this is her entertainment. And at least she’s nice about it. A little annoying perhaps. But I hope I’m that sharp at her age.” “She’s not that old, just sixty-seven. But I know what you mean. I guess this is what she’s done for years and we won’t break her of it. But I keep hoping she will let it rest for a year or so. I’m running out of places for her to invest. At least it keeps her busy in her retirement.” Des laughed slightly. “I’ll take care of her when she comes in. I’ll put some water on so she can have her cup of tea, and I still have a few cookies in my desk drawer. Don’t worry, have a good lunch.” Julie opened her bottom desk drawer and pulled out a tin of butter cookies. “Thanks, be back soon.” Des closed the door behind her and hurried to the elevator, she was hungry and hated to eat in her office. What with the calls and visits, eating in your office was a meal destined to never be enjoyed. Des balanced a tray with a hot pastrami, swiss cheese on dark rye sandwich, chips and a Doctor Brown’s cream soda while she tried to find a place to sit. For being this late, Motzo Mamma’s was pretty busy. She could only see one empty chair. Unfortunately, it was at a table that was already occupied, but even now she could see someone else angling towards it. She moved quickly across the aisle. “Mind if I sit here?” she asked the man behind the book. “Uh no,” he looked around as if surprised to see every table full. “Of course not.” He moved some of his dishes so she had room to place her tray down. Des sat down, arranged her food and picked up the book she had brought. Lunch was a time to let her mind relax. Today she was rereading a Paul Theroux travel book. As she traveled on the Patagonian Express, she picked up her sandwich and ate, not really tasting it. She must have been hungrier than she thought because soon she was reaching for the second half. Her hand felt around the plate, but found it empty. “Not that I mind, but I don’t think you’ll find anything there.” The man’s voice was filled with laughter. Des lifted her eyes from the book and looked at the empty plate in front of him, and the plate with two half sandwiches in front of her. “Oh no. I’m so sorry. I ate your lunch. Do you like pastrami? This is really, really good. Mamma makes the best pastrami in the city.” She pushed the plate over in front of him. “Well actually, the pastrami was my second choice, so I guess I’ll just consider myself lucky to try both the roast beef and the pastrami. Except that if you couldn’t taste the difference between the two, that’s not such a great recommendation.” He smiled at her.

That Succubus Factor

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Des smiled back. His face was good-looking in a regular sort of way. No one feature stood out, straight, Roman nose, engaging soft brown eyes under straight brows that winged just a tiny bit at the end. Sort of like Mr. Spock, she mused. His mouth was full and curved into a ready smile, one with built-in laugh lines at the corners of his lips. She could tell he was tall and must work out, at least a little. All in all a man you’d notice across a crowded room He gave a small cough and she realized she’d been sitting there staring at him. “Oh sorry. Didn’t mean to stare at you. Please help yourself,” she pushed the plate closer to him. “I don’t mind if you stare, that just means I can too. And I think you’re much prettier to look at than anything I’ve seen lately. Except,” he picked the sandwich up, juices dripping back on the plate. “I’m hungry enough that this looks pretty darn good too. Of course,” he continued. “when the sandwich is gone, I’m betting you still look this good.” Des blushed a little and looked down. “I hope you like the sandwich. You haven’t had one before?” “No, I just, uh moved to this area and had to be in the neighborhood. When I saw this place, it looked like my favorite deli when I lived in New York and I couldn’t resist.” “So is it as good as your New York place?” “Food’s as good, scenery is much better.” Des looked around the inside of the deli. It was painted in warm colors and had lots of travel posters on the walls, especially of Israeli cities. “It is comfortable here. It always feels so warm and friendly.” “Well, I hadn’t meant the room, but I’ll agree with that too.” Startled Des looked back at him. His eyes were looking directly at her and he was smiling again. “Well, I’m done with my lunch, so I’d best be going. I have to get back to my office.” “Could I tempt you with half of my cheesecake?” He pushed it forward and moved it around in a small circle. “Yummm. But no, you enjoy it.” “I will, but not nearly as much as I would have if you’d shared it.” “Thanks,” she ducked her head and stood quickly. “I hope to see you again.” He held out his hand. “My name is Gideon.” “Gideon.” She took his hand. His handshake was firm, but not squeezy. Des got good vibes from it. “My name is Des. I hope to see you around too.” “And next time you’ll share my cheesecake?” “Perhaps. Bye now Gideon.” “Bye, Des.” At the doorway that cut into the building foyer she turned. He was still looking at her. She gave a small wave and took a step forward. She bumped right into the side of the doorway. Des reeled back and turned her head away, quickly walking into the foyer and the nearest elevator. Of course it was the wrong elevator and she was too embarrassed to go back to the lobby and transfer. She juggled the elevators around, jumping from floor to floor until she finally got back to her own. Her face was almost normal color by the time she entered her office. “Have a nice lunch?” Julie asked. “Why, what did you hear?” “Hear? Nothing. But I hoped you had a nice lunch, because I don’t think you’re going to have much of an afternoon.” “Why? Mrs. Lorner picked up her packet?” Des picked up the mail and idly sorted through it. “Sort of.” “Sort of? Why is my office door closed? Is she still here?” “Yes. I didn’t know what to do, I mean I tried to keep him out, but he just waltzed her in there telling her he would be happy to discuss investment opportunities with her.”

Snowe Grey

16

“Who? What investment opportunities?” “Your father.” “My father?” Des’ voice ended with a little shriek. She shut the door behind her. “My father is here? Huntington Trevellion? That father?” “As far as I know, it’s the only one you’ve got. And if you don’t get in there with him and Mrs. Lorner, who knows what he’ll talk her into.” “Oh lord.” Des strode across the office and flung her door open. “Mrs. Lorner, I didn’t expect you to wait for me. And Father, I certainly didn’t expect you here today.” “This lovely lady and I were discussing certain opportunities that have arisen recently among companies that I do business with. A way to increase her funds with little or no risk.” Des’ father rose from behind her desk. He certainly looked at though he belonged there, a tall man in his late sixties with iron gray hair, a neatly trimmed mustache, and dressed in perfectly matched clothing. His accent was just slightly English enough to be real, but not so much that people would wonder where he got it. “Ah my pet. How wonderful to see you again.” He came around the desk and kissed Des on her cheek. “I only hope I can assist you with this dear, dear lady. It is so rare that I am able to meet such an attractive, yet knowledgeable and entertaining woman.” He picked up the widow’s hand and bowed over it, kissing the air just slightly above it with a debonair, continental air. “Yes, Father. But I spent quite a bit of time coming up with some suggestions for Mrs. Lorner that will fit with her long-term strategies and level of risk. Thank you for your kind help, but perhaps we can discuss it further, Mrs. Lorner,” she turned to address the woman, “when we have our next appointment?” Placing her arm under the woman’s elbow she helped her rise from the chair and steered her towards the door. “Be sure to make an appointment with Julie on the way out. Perhaps in a week or two? That should give you plenty of time to study my recommendations.” She opened the door and gently shoved the woman through; letting loose of Mrs. Lorner’s elbow with a smile she shut the door to her office. “Now,” the smile left her face when she turned back to her father, “what are you doing here? How much do you owe and to whom do you owe it? I haven’t got very much but if that’s what it takes…” “Precious. Come give your papa a big hug. I’ve missed your sweet face.” “I’m sure. My face or my pocket book and refrigerator,” she crossed the room and gave him a brief hug. “What kind of trouble are you in now?” “No trouble. Can’t a man just visit his only child?” He crossed back over to her chair and started to sit in it. Des walked around the table and slid into her own chair while pointing to one of the guest chairs. “Certainly a man could. But we’re talking about you and we have a long history together. Now out with it. What have you been up to that has you using my home to hide out?” “A trifle, a mere bagatelle. Barely worthy of being discussed.” “Hmmm. Let’s discuss shall we?” “I may have accidentally walked away from a company I was considering investing in with a bit of their cash, but I assure you it was nothing.” “Now that sounds more like it. Do they consider it nothing? Or have they hired some thug to beat you to a pulp to get their money back?” “Nothing like that. Indeed they could scarcely tell anyone about the transaction as they are, well, moving corporation funds to more immediate personal use.” “Now I see. You conned someone who is embezzling from his own company?” “One could put it that way. In a rather crass statement.” “And now they are looking for you?” One of her fingers started to tap on the polished desktop.

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“They are one of the parties who might have an interest in locating me at the present time.” “One of the parties, let me see, who would the other one be? Police?” The fingers moved faster now, drumming one after another. “Dear me, no.” “Mafia?” “Never. Really Des I choose my marks, uh business partners with a great deal of care.” “FBI?” Her fingers fairly flew in a rhythm only she could hear. “They may well be the other one.” “The FBI is looking for you and you want me to hide you out.” “Hide me out? I am not Clyde and you are not Bonnie. I merely need a place to relax for a few days before determining my next course of action.” “Great. Now I can expect some SWAT team to charge into my house in the middle of the night, trample everything and arrest both of us. I can see our pictures on the front page. ‘Local CPA arrested as part of an FBI Scam Investigation.’ It should do wonders for my professional growth.” Her hand slapped flat on the desktop. “Such a thing would never happen. No one is aware that I’m here. You know how careful I am, especially around my dearest, only daughter.” “Yeah, I can remember the time I was eight and you were hauled away while I was staying with you. I was stuck in a foster home ‘till mother managed to get me out. With no legal papers stating that I even existed or that she was my mother, which took quite a while. And then I had to visit you in jail. No eight year old girl wants to see her father in jail.” Des stood and began to pace to the window, then turned and took a few steps back toward her desk. “Jail is such a harsh word. I prefer to remember that eventually I was incarcerated at this nice federal facility. Unjust though it was.” Her father fussed with his tie until satisfied that it was perfect. “Unjust? That’s not what the two widows you romanced and conned out of a small fortune claimed.” “It was not a con, my dear. It was...” He waved his hand in elegant gestures. “An investment opportunity?” Des voice was sarcastic. “Yes, and it would have made them quite a bit of money had they just continued on for a little longer. It was an excellent opportunity.” “It was a Ponzi scheme according to the federal prosecutor.” “A man of little wit and no humor.” He winced. “What a drab and dreary existence he must lead. I do worry about you my dear.” “About me? I’m not being investigated and sought by the FBI. I’m not going to see my picture on the inside of the post office. Why would you worry about me?” “You need to break out and sow some wild oats. Your life is so regulated and structured. It would do you some good.” “I think that my family is doing quite well at sowing wild oats. In fact they’ve sowed enough to last from now through the next millennium. I’ll pass.” “Shall I just pop round to your place ‘till you’re finished?” “I expect you should.” She opened the drawer on her desk and pulled out her keys. Separating one key from the lot, she pushed it across the desk. “Here’s the key to the house. And here” she rummaged though her wallet, “is enough for cab fare. I am assuming that you are, as usual, somewhat short of the ready?” “I could just take your car and pick you up after work if you’d like?” Des just looked at him, blankly. Then she shook her head slowly. “Last time you borrowed my car to run to the store, you were gone four days.” “Please, my dear, I had this inside tip on the dog races. A surefire winner. How could I not run up there and place a bet or two?”

Snowe Grey

18

“The races were in Portland. Portland, Oregon. Several hundred miles away.” “They have a very nice track.” “And when I got my car back, the brand-new stereo system was gone.” “I had another tip and simply had to place a bet. I did make sure they didn’t harm your car when they took the system out. Had the dogs won, I would have replaced it and you would never have known.” “But the dogs didn’t win, did they?” “They didn’t run well in a muddy track.” “The race was indoors. How could the track be muddy?” “Someone spilled a drink and the dog slipped. But he was in the lead when he went down. I almost hit it big.” “And that’s the story of our life, almost hit it big.” “I just wanted to make enough to give you a few things, help you pay your way though college.” “I know, Father,” Des sighed. She did know, he was serious. “But I’d rather you just had a regular job. “Perhaps it’s just a bit late. And besides if I were to get a position, given my skills it would certainly be one that paid well.” “I’m sure it would, Father.” “Yes, but that’s the problem.” “Problem? A well paying job is a problem?” “Yes, if I accept that position, then some younger man would not be able to vie for it. And he would probably have a family to provide for. If I took the position, he’d still be out of work. So by leaving the position open, he can apply and fill it.” “Let me see if I understand. Your not working is actually a philanthropic move on your part?” “Exactly. I leave the work to those who most need it.” Des looked at him, sighed loudly again and pushed the key and cash into his hand. “I’ll see you at home later, Father. I have to stop by the store to pick up a few groceries if I’m going to have company. Besides I’m out of pancake syrup.” “And speaking of pancake syrup, will your brothers be there?” “Possibly. They do tend to drop by.” “Excellent. I do like those boys. Great entertainment.” “And they like you too, Father. You fit in just fine with them.” “I wouldn’t mind if they were each one, my son. Well except I don’t think I’d enjoy being a vampire. Hate blood you know.” “That’s only Vlad’s father. The rest are just various demons. But sometimes it’s frightening how well you all get along.” “I’ve always thought of it as being one happy family for my daughter’s sake.” Hunt beamed at her with obvious paternal pride. “Oh then, you’ll want to see Mother too?” Des’ voice was too sweet. “Shall I let her know you’ve asked after her?” “Ah no. I don’t believe I have that much time, and I think she’s still a bit, uh miffed at me.” “Miffed? You were entertaining another succubus when she dropped by to see you. A rival so to speak.” “That is the problem with a succubus isn’t it? I mean they don’t drop in until after you’re in bed. And when you’re not alone, they do tend to over react. Well, best be off. See you tonight.” He father picked up his rolled umbrella, briefcase and suitcase and sauntered across the carpet. He opened the door, turned to blow her a kiss and shut the door behind him.

That Succubus Factor

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Des lowered her head into her hands. She had a headache now, and it was moving in with her for a while. Des tried to concentrate on the files on her desk, but finally decided she needed to work out at the gym. Maybe if she released some of her tension she’d feel better. ***** Sure enough, by the time she’d stairstepped, treadmilled and free-weight lifted she was sweating and feeling better. Of course with each step on the treadmill she had fantasized that it had been one step further away from her father. At least she was more relaxed now. Ready to face whatever came her way. Turning away from the weight bench she ran smack into a very nice chest. Letting her eyes travel up she smiled in recognition, and perhaps a bit of chagrin. “Sorry. If I’m not horning in on your privacy at lunch, or eating your sandwich, I’m causing you physical pain.” “No problem, Des. I don’t mind at all. In fact, I was wondering if I was going to run into you again. Although not, perhaps, literally.” “Me too.” She laughed. “Are you a member here?” “No, but my gym at home has an agreement for travelers. So here I am.” “I never did ask, is your wife with you?” Then Des realized how forward she sounded, “I mean it has a real nice women’s aerobics program. In case she’s interested. In the program. Aerobics that is.” Des wished she could sink down, just let the earth cover her up and sweep her from this conversation. Actually she could, but she wouldn’t. “No, no wife. Your husband come here with you?” “Me? No husband,” she waved her left hand. “Boyfriend then? Significant other?” “Nope, none. You?” “Same. Very, very single.” “Good. I mean nice. Uh, well I’d best go. I have to get showered and go grocery shopping. My father is staying with me for a visit and I have nothing in the fridge. I mean, I have some things, but well. Anyway. I’d better go.” “Yeah. Your father is staying with you?” It was probably her imagination but his voiced seemed to perk up. “Yes, just showed up and surprised me.” From the corner of her eye, Des could see a short, stout woman in purple lycra walk determinedly toward them. At the corner of her mind it flittered that she was somehow very familiar. “Hello, dear. Imagine running into you here. Nice to see you again.” The woman pinched Des’ cheek. “Isn’t she just the cutest thing in this whole world? I just wish I had a son to introduce her to.” Des stared at the woman, her eyes opening wider. Beneath the disguise she had no problem seeing Herky. Her brother was checking up on her. Not only had he never been to this gym before, the imp avoided all physical exercise that took place outside his bedroom. Or a reasonable facsimile thereof. “What are you doing here?” Des’ voice was sharper than she planned. She smiled at Gideon and the ersatz woman and continued with exaggerated politeness. “I mean, I didn’t expect to see you here.” “Oh you sweet girl. I was just passing through and saw you and had to stop and say hello. Maybe get an introduction to this nice young man. Such a good looking man, hopefully single?” The woman’s be-ringed hand grabbed Gideon’s chin and turned his face back and forth so she could see it from all angles. “What lovely babies the two of you would make.” “His name is Gideon,” she pulled the hand away. “And now I have to go. And I know you do too.” She frowned at Herky. “Of course. Just a quick shower and I’m out of here.” “Bye, Gideon. I’m sure I’ll run into you again.”

Snowe Grey

20

“I’m sure you will Des. We still have to share that cheesecake.” “What cheesecake? You have a date to eat some cheesecake? Des you never eat sweets,” Herky’s surprised voice trailed off as Des dragged him away. At the entrance to the women’s locker area they stopped. Des gave her pesky brother a little push. “Now scat. I’ll talk with you later about this.” “No time like the present. And a shower would do me a world of good.” “You are not going in there to take a shower. You know and I know you are a male and that’s a women’s locker area. Do your poaching on some other preserve. This is my turf, my gym, and my refuge. Now. You get out.” “If you insist, but, Des, who woulda thought you’d deny your own blood a quick shower?” “Take a shower at home.” “Hello, stranger. Would you spot me?” Even at this distance, Des’ keen hearing had no problem hearing that familiar voice. A muscular man sitting cross-wise on the weight bench was talking to Gideon. “I could use a bit of assistance here. My weight partner did not show up today.” The French accent was unmistakable. Des sucked in air between her clenched teeth. She swung around and took two steps towards the men. She abruptly stopped, looked at Herky heading into the women’s locker area and grabbed him by his shoulder. “You’re coming with me,” she hissed between her teeth. “But, Des, I’m all sweaty and--” “Forget it. Now come on.” The both walked over to the two men. “Sure. No problem.” Gideon walked to stand at the weight stand, ready to spot the lifter. “I’ve got a while before I have to be anywhere.” “You work around here? What type of work do you do? Me, I am interested because I like to learn about the people. Married? Ever been married? How much salary do you make? Enough to support a family?” Jean-Luc was grilling him. Des frowned at him behind Gideon’s back. Her eyes shot daggers at the speaker and her nostrils flared. Jean-Luc! How dare he? She turned back to the Herky woman. “Get out and take your brother with you before I kill both of you.” “Sis, we just wanted to make sure he’s all right. Wouldn’t want you dating some psychotic serial killer or something.” “Why not? He’d probably fit in with my family real well. Now out, both of you and don’t bother Gideon again, unless you want to tangle with me. Remember, I know your secrets, especially the ones you don’t want Mother to know about.” Des watched, making sure her two brothers had left before fleeing into the locker area. She still kept an eye open, just in case her brother snuck into the women’s shower.

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Chapter Six

Internal Fax Transmit over secure line only. FBI HQ, Quantico, VA John: Trevellion may have surfaced. I still have to check and eyeball him. I’m now tracking down that woman I spoke of. Actually shared a table with her at lunch today but didn’t pick up much info. I ran her name through the databases I have and no hits. Not only no hits, but no records at all prior to about 9 years ago when she got a driver’s license and passed the CPA exam. Can’t find birth certificate, school records, college, medical, nada. I’m wondering if this is an alias, but none of Trevellion’s prior records have him using a partner. See if you can find anything on her, would you? I’m sure you’ve got a database or two I don’t have access to, and I won’t ask where you got what you find out. She’s really quite attractive and speaks with a soft, sexy voice. Low and sensuous if you know what I mean. Blushes easily, kind of adorable when she’s confused. No wedding or engagement ring, her phone and utilities are in her name alone so I think she’s single. Nice laugh, cute little dimples. Well, surveillance continues. Let me know what you come up with. Gid

PS: You forgot to tell me that apartment you found for me is in a cesspit of a neighborhood. I mean I know there’s a budget, but for gawd’s sakes man, find me some place else. I could never invite anyone here. Not that I’m thinking of inviting anyone here, but just in case.

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Chapter Seven Damn, Des seethed, I hate being late for work. Given the chance I could just kill my father. Flipping the breaker off to make it easier to put the fire on top of the range out was bad enough, but if he’d told me, I could have reset my alarm. While I’m at it, I’ll kill Daneel too for his lame brain stunt. A reluctant smile crept up her mouth. Her brother had looked so guilty as he explained how the cookbook had said to roast the chilies over the top of the range. How was he to know they meant only if you had a gas range? He set the chilies on the burner, turned it on high and wandered away. At least the house didn’t burn down. She pulled into her parking place and dashed for the elevator. It wasn’t until she walked into the lobby that she realized she’d left Mrs. Lorner’s file in the trunk of her car. Wavering for just a moment, she finally reentered the elevator and pushed the ‘P’ button. Impatience urged her to push it several times. She exited the moment the doors opened and had to sidestep to avoid running into the man standing there. He grabbed her upper arms to keep her upright. “We seem to be destined to run into each other,” Gideon smiled down at her. “Sorry again. I don’t know why I seem bent on causing you a permanent disability.” “Leaving so soon?” “No,” Des pulled away. “I forgot something in my car and have to pick it up.” “Then I’ll hold the elevator for you.” “You don’t have to do that. I’ll just catch it when it comes back.” “I insist. Besides that way I can offer you a cup of coffee in the deli. And you’ll owe me?” His smile was devastating and sweet at the same time. She smiled back and walked quickly to her car. By the time she returned, he was leaning against the wall. The elevator door was closed. “Did I miss it after all?” “A very sour faced woman got on and I followed the path of least resistance and stepped out to let her take control. Besides I don’t mind waiting for you.” “Thanks, but I really can’t stop for coffee. I’m already late.” “Ah, partying last night?” “Nothing like that. My father–my brother–well actually both of them. I’m having a little household problem.” The door opened in the lobby and he followed her to the bank of elevators that serviced her floor. “Do you work in this building, too?” “No,” he answered slowly. “I just had an errand here today.” “Which floor do you want?” “Uh, nineteen please.” “That’s my floor too. What a coincidence.” “Yes. I’m looking for a new accounting firm and someone recommended Monihan, et al. So I thought I’d drop in and ask a few questions.” “I work at Monihan. Perhaps I can help you.” “I guess that’s the reason I keep running into you. I was fated to meet you. Do you have time now to discuss my needs? That is my tax and accounting needs.” “If I don’t, I’m sure someone does.” “Well, I think I’d rather wait for you.” “Oh, I’ll be in meetings most of the day, but I’d really like to service you. With your tax and accounting needs.” She blushed a tiny bit.

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“Perhaps over lunch?” “Can’t. I’m working through lunch and most of the afternoon in a planning session. Tax planning for next year.” “Dinner?” “Dinner?” “You do have to eat. I have to eat. We could kill two birds with one stone, eat and discuss accounting. I don’t want to put off deciding things too long. And I promise I’m not some crazy person who lures CPAs into dens of iniquity.” “I didn’t think you were. Well, I do have to eat. Do you like East Indian food?” “Never had it. But I’m up to try.” “Very well. Let’s meet at The Taj Mahal over on State at say, oh seven?” “I’ll be there. And here’s your floor. Since we’re going to meet later, I’ll just ride back down and see you later. See you in say,” he looked at his watch, “ten hours?” “Great. I’ll see you there.” Des watched as the doors closed and Gideon gave a small wave. She waved back feeling a little foolish. But she was humming when she opened the door to her office and passed Julie’s desk. “Mmmm, must be a good day. Did your dad leave?” “What? Oh no, he’s still here. Almost burned the kitchen down last night.” “And you’re still smiling? What gives? Don’t make me dig for it and sneak behind your back. You know I will and I’ll find out, but let’s do this the easy way.” “I just have a dinner meeting with a prospective new client.” “Gillespie? You got a meeting with Gillespie? I thought he was still in Portland.” “Who? Oh no, not Gillespie. A new client named, uh, named...Gideon. Gideon something.” She went into her office and began to unload her briefcase. “Where did you meet him?” Julie lounged in the doorway. “I shared a table at lunch with him yesterday. I ate half his sandwich by accident so had to give him half of mine. Then I ran into him last night at the gym. And this morning in the parking lot. It’s amazing; every time I turn around I bump into him. Literally bump into him.” “Cute?” “Why should that matter? He’s a client.” “Uh-huh. That cute, huh?” “Very well, cute. And nice, really nice. And single. We’re having dinner tonight at the Taj about seven.” “Seven is good. Time to make it home and change.” “Change?” Des looked down at her dark blue suit, neat ivory blouse and patterned scarf. “There’s nothing wrong with this outfit. It’s one of my favorites.” “And it looks like one of your favorites. There’s nothing wrong with it for work, but for dinner? I’ll run out at lunch and get my cousin, Luanda, to lend me something for you to knock his socks off.” “I don’t want to knock his socks off. And who is Luanda?” “If not his socks, then his pants? Luanda’s my cousin. She works at the Film and TV Costuming Agency. For when movies and such are made here, they rent out clothing and stuff. You know last month I saw the cutest dress on some show. I wonder if she has anything like that. Let’s see, a dress, bag, shoes, I wonder if a fur would be too much?” “No way am I wearing a fur. I’m hoping he brings us his investment business, somehow, I think wearing an expensive, dead animal might send a message about my fiscal priorities.” “You’re probably right. And he might not be Republican. Maybe just a pashmina wrap then. Sexy, but understated.” Julie held up her hands framing Des, forming a big “U” with her fingers, imitating Madonna singing in ‘Vogue’. “Sort of come hither and I’ll jump your bones, in a nice way of course. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.”

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“That’s what I’m worried about. Oh, gotta go or I’ll be late for the partner’s meeting. If you insist on doing this, be subtle, be conservative. Very conservative.” “Don’t worry. I will be. Now exactly how much cleavage would be pushing it?” ***** Des twitched the skirt down as far as it would go. She never should have let Julie pick out something for her to wear. The black sheath was nice, but a little short, and the neckline was an attractive sweetheart, but far too low. She wore her grandmother’s necklace of pearls and crystals, but it didn’t fill in the area. If anything it called out for attention, drawing eyes to her uncovered bosom. Looking around to make sure no one noticed, she concentrated on the dress until it expanded and covered her a little more. It lengthened just a bit, then a bit more. Now, that’s better. I don’t have to spend all night worrying that my hem is up around my thighs and my neckline down around my waist. She spotted Gideon right away. He stood as she walked towards the table, extending her hand. “Hi. Hope you haven’t been waiting too long.” “No matter how long, it would be worth it.” He squeezed her hand slightly, then dropped it and stepped around to help her with her chair. “You look extraordinary.” “Thanks.” She sat and he pulled the chair up, letting his lands linger just a bit on her shoulders. “Have you had a chance to go over the menu?” “Look at it, yes. Understand it, no. I think I’ll just let you choose.” “That might be best. Do you have any preferences?” “None, except not too hot.” Des ordered with fluency. Between her parents, she had lived all over the world and she’d eaten most every cuisine there was. Indian was one of her favorites. Gideon had ordered some wine and they sipped it slowly while talking. At first they discussed accounting, but gradually the conversation became less about work and more personal as they exchanged bits of their lives. Des censored hers strenuously, it was difficult to find a man to date, much less tell him she was only half-mortal and her brothers were, well, different. The chatted about college and the classes each had enjoyed the most and the least. They talked about saving the environment, gray whales and baby seals. They exchanged favorite books and music, finding many places of agreement. Des was amazed; she felt so in tune with Gideon and his thoughts and beliefs. She could have talked with him all night. The bus boy reached in front of her to refill her water glass. She drew back slightly, thinking to herself that he hadn’t been well trained. He should have walked around the table. Idly she watched him walk away. Her brow wrinkled; there was something about the way he walked, as if he were uncomfortable. Then he turned and looked at her. As soon as their eyes caught, he dropped his. Hers grew rounder as she stared at Daneel. No wonder he looked uncomfortable walking. His cloven hooves didn’t really fit into shoes. Not that he’d be having that problem for a while. After she got a hold of him and broke both his legs, he’d be doing a lot less moving. Perhaps she should crack an arm or two while she was at it. “Is there a problem?” Gideon half turned to see where her attention was fixed. “No. Nothing. I just saw someone I thought I knew. But I was wrong. How do you like your tandoori?” “It’s great. What are those egg roll like things?” “The Samosa? Aren’t they great? I’m glad you like the food.” “The food is second, only to the company.” He picked up his glass and swirled the wine. “So is it too early to ask you out for lunch tomorrow?”

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“I’d love to, but we have to plan for tax season. You have no idea what it’s like around an accounting office during tax season.” “Well, dinner tomorrow then?” “Late meeting with a client.” Gideon raised his eyebrows in unspoken question. “An elderly couple, estate planning and such.” “Ah good. Then, lunch Friday?” “How about dinner Friday? And since I know you must be tired of always eating out while moving, how about if I cook? My father will probably just stay up in his room and watch television.” “I’d really like that. No, don’t give me your address,” he held his hand out to stop her from pulling a pen from her purse. “If you give me your address now, I have no reason to call you and talk to you tomorrow.” “Very well.” “But I’d better tell you, sometimes I have to write something down two or more times, so I might have to call on Friday too.” “I think that would be alright. And you’ll make my secretary happy.” “By giving her more work?” “No, because she was more excited about our having dinner together than I was. Oh, no, I didn’t say that exactly right. I meant that she was happy too. Goodness what a terrible thing to say to you.” She and Gideon both laughed. He had a nice low laugh, a real laugh that warmed her all the way down to her toes. The busboy/Daneel started towards them, but she fixed him with a hard glare and he turned and left the dining room. Des was sure he’d given up and left now that she recognized him. It wasn’t until they were leaving and the valet had brought her car around that she recognized Vlad. He handed her the keys and held the door for her. The perfect parking valet. “Thanks. I see you’re working your way up in the world. Better job than your last one?” She snatched the keys from his hand, scraping their edges across the valet’s palm, and turned to Gideon. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow then and see you for dinner Friday.” “Great, I’m looking forward to it.” He leaned over and bent his head to place his lips on hers in a sweet, yet very, very chaste kiss. “I probably should have waited for that, but the suspense would have killed me. Do you mind?” “No, it does make it easier. Good night.” In a moment she was in her car, seat belt fastened under the gimlet eyes of her brother and driving away dreaming of mayhem. Painful ways to punish all the males in her family. Then a terrible thought struck her, what if someone mentioned this to Sirene? Contrary to what she expected, Des fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. It was warm and cozy and soon she was involved in a wonderful dream. It was incredible, riding the huge, white stallion along the ocean beach in the moonlight. It didn’t matter to her that the only time she’d every ridden before, she’d slipped off the back of the horse and fallen and broken her tailbone. This was the kind of horse that a knight might have ridden to rescue his lady. Or to kidnap her and carry her away. This was fantastic. She was riding bareback. The surf and spray dashed against the horse’s legs and gently blew over her legs. The air was warm and perfumed with exotic flowers and the wind blew through the long hair. Her hair whipped behind her in the wind, about twelve inches longer than the last time she’d looked at it in the mirror. The soft wind made her aware that she was naked in the night. She realized now that there was a man riding behind her. He pulled her tightly against him, his hard, naked chest warming her back. His hips fit around her, his upper legs clung to hers, holding them both safely on the galloping horse. Des was surprised to find that she now held the reins. She hadn’t noticed that before. The man behind her hand his arms around her waist, his hands moved up her silky skin until they cupped her

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large, firm breasts. Breasts that she didn’t recall being that large. His thumbs played across her nipples, bringing them to a ready point. His hand moved on her beasts, leaving tingly bolts of excitement behind them. Her head fell forward and his lips moved down the side of her jaw and onto her neck. Des moved her head to one side, not bothering to guide the horse, just riding and feeling as the warm, moist lips moved down, stopping where her collarbone dipped in. This was the most wonderful feeling. She could ride forever. She’d never know riding a horse could be so, well, so damned erotic. The man’s erection pressed hard against her thigh, riding slightly back and forth, the bit of moisture gathering on it’s head allowed it to slide and glide against her silken skin. It was hot against her; she could feel it, every bit of it. The feel of her clit hitting the horse’s spine each time she moved was driving her mad with desire. She was jogged up and then down, down and sliding along that special, warm place. Her head dropped back onto the man’s shoulder. The wetness began to spread; she could feel it on the inside of her thighs. And by shifting she could put pressure on that sweet spot, then release it, then pressure it again. Des wondered if she could swing her leg over, turn and face the man. If she did this, he could slide the long hardness inside of her and the horse would press him against her in a steady rhythm. Could they make love on a horse, was it possible? After a few moments, his fingers began to pull at her nipples and she became more aroused. Slipping her leg over the horses’ head with the grace and agility of a professional acrobat, she threw her arms around his neck. He clasped her and pulled her close, her sensitive nipples brushed against the hairs on his chest. His mouth came down on hers, slipping his tongue along the seam of her lips -until she parted them and he captured her mouth. His tongue twisted and teased, stroking the inside of her mouth in erogenous spots she never knew existed. He took command of the kiss and her head began to spin as his tongue moved in and out, mimicking the thrust of her hips. Softly she whispered against his mouth, “Gideon”. The head of his cock teased her entrance, sliding up and down the cleft between her nether lips. At the very peak, it entered her; just the barest of fractions, driving her wild with need and want. “Oh Gideon, take me. Join with me. Make love to me,” she breathed. Some tiny part of her mind had remained alert and now flooded her with alarm. This was wrong. She was alone. How had Gideon come into her house? Opening her eyes she saw that there was a man in her bed. He was leaning over her, kissing his way down her jaw and her neck, his hand playing about her thighs, stroking her gently, but firmly pressing down. She looked at him with clearing eyesight. His soft blue-gray eyes were clouded over with passion and he murmured phrases of longing in her ears, promises of delights yet to come. It was not Gideon. She had no idea who it was. But one thing she could tell, it was an incubus, not a mortal. “What the hell?” she pushed him away. “Who are you? What do you think you’re doing here in my bed?” She kicked him off her bed and dumped him unceremoniously on his ass onto the floor. His head hit the floor hard as he fell backwards. “My name is Giovanni,” he sat up rubbing his head. “That wasn’t nice of you. What is your problem? I’m here to give you pleasure,” his voice dropped and he drawled, “such pleasure as few women have ever had.” “I doubt it. Now get up and get out of here. And tell Sirene, forget it.” “Sirene? She didn’t send me, your brother did,” “Which brother?” She glared at him as he stood. His beautiful body was naked to the night air. Firm muscles tempted her to touch them, stroke them, and kiss them. She shook her head in denial. “Jean-Luc, of course. He offered to take my shift tonight if I’d come and entertain you. He sure got the better end of the deal.” Giovanni craned his head and twisted his body, trying to see his ass. “If you caused me to bruise I’m lodging an official complaint. I can’t work if you damage the goods.”

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“Get out before I really damage the goods.” Des picked up her alarm clock from the bedside table. Then looking at it she realized she would need it to wake her up. Frowning she put it back down and reached to pick up a slipper off the floor. Brandishing it she rose on her knees in bed. “Out.” Giovanni moved quickly to the door, opened it and barely made it through before the slipper clipped the back of his head. ***** Her father peeked out the door of the guest room. He had heard the thump of something heavy falling in Des’ room. The naked man in the hallway strode away from his daughter’s door. “Well, I have never been treated this way. I will certainly complain and you can bet no Incubus will ever visit you again.” He stalked off down the hall, muttering and waving the slipper about. “Is there a problem?” Hunt asked, not quite sure how to address this man. “A problem? That crazy woman threw a shoe at me. I have never had anyone throw a shoe at me. I am insulted. Never has Giovanni been treated like this. I am the greatest Incubus in the entire Corps, even better than Jean-Luc. I refuse to be treated like this.” As the man moved down the stairs his body began to dissipate and by the time his foot reached the middle stair, he was gone. Dissolved into the air. Only a few muttered phrases drifted back. Hunt looked after him, then turned and eyed his daughter’s door. He picked up the slipper where Giovanni had dropped it and slowly walked up to the bedroom door and knocked twice. “Desiree, are you all right?” “Yes, Father. I’m fine. Go back to bed, I am.” “Very well. Good night, pet. I’ll just leave your slipper here. You’ll probably need it in the morning.” “Good night, Father.” It took Des a long time before she could fall back asleep. The picture of Jean-Luc, tied down over a red anthill, his body dripping with honey, the ants eating away at him, tiny painful bite after tiny bite, his voice hoarse from screaming, was giving her far too much pleasure. He’d best watch out, there were a lot of anthills in the world, and she already had the honey.

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Chapter Eight Internal Fax Transmit over secure line only. FBI HQ, Quantico, VA John: Trevellion is definitely here. But he hasn’t visited anyone except his daughter yet. I’m still trying to figure out why she and her brothers, undetermined number, have no histories of any kind. I’m not thinking of a terrorist sleeper, but you can never tell. I’m keeping surveillance on as many as I come across. So far that’s Trevellion, the brothers, the cousin, the daughter, and of course Gillespie. I assume somehow Gillespie is going to try to do some money laundering through the CPA firm and I’m trying to get someone inside both companies. I’ll keep you up to date. Gid PS: Made a mistake. The daughter has hazel eyes with a ring of green around them and what looks like gold flecks. Very unusual. I can’t see her as a part of anything illegal. She may in be over her head and I’m keeping track of her just in case.

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Chapter Nine

Friday night finally arrived. Des finished dressing for her dinner date with Gideon and floated downstairs. Butterflies swarmed inside her stomach–how long had it been since she’d had a date for dinner? One year? Two? Or more like three years? But she felt very assured, and everything was ready. The pot roast in the oven smelled wickedly good. Of course it should. One of Julie’s cousins was a gourmet chef. He gave her the recipe and even picked out the cut of meat and had it sent over from a small, family owned butcher shop. Her nose led her straight into the kitchen. She opened the oven and ladled a few spoons of au jus over the roast, then recovered it and went to check her table. She walked through the door into the dining room and stopped. There at her table were six place settings, and behind five of them were her brothers and father - all of them obviously waiting. Herky even held a fork in his hand, his nose and ears twitched. “Boy does that smell incredible, sis,” drooled Daneel. “I can hear my stomach begging right now. I didn’t know you could cook like this.” “Ummm, yes. I just hope part of it is really rare,” added Vlad. “But given the aroma, I don’t care. I just want to sink my fangs into it. Little sister, you’ve outdone yourself.” Herky and Jean-Luc nodded. Her father patted his belly and smiled expectantly. “Daughter, you are a marvel. Don’t know where you get it from; no one in my family can cook oatmeal without burning it. Can’t imagine you take after your mother. The only time we ever used the stove was… well perhaps that is a story for another time, it has very little to do with eating. Well food that is. When is dinner ready?” “Dinner will be ready as soon as my guest gets here. The guest with whom I am going to dine. Alone. Just the two of us. Him and me. Does that tell you anything?” “We have to eat in the kitchen?” Jean-Luc ventured. “I don’t mind. Are you sure that roast is big enough? Maybe the two of you should go out for dinner? I can give you a few ideas of where to go.” “Odd. That was my line. No, my dear brother whom I have not yet forgiven for Giovanni. It does not mean you are to eat in the kitchen. It means you will not eat anywhere in my house. This is a private dinner. None of you were invited. Father, you can have a tray in your room, but I don’t want to see hide nor hair of the rest of you. Go freeload somewhere else tonight. Why not visit Mother?” Des gave them a patently false smile. “I know she’d love to see every one of you.” “What?” her brothers roared in unison. Then babble broke out. Des heard phrases as they rushed by her, “Ma? No way. Leave? But I really wanted this roast. I am not leaving my baby sister alone with some unknown mortal.” “You cannot expect to have some stranger here for dinner without at least two of us here.” Vlad pointed out in what was for him a reasonable tone. “I think at least I should stay. I am the eldest.” “No. Vlad, I can have a dinner alone with a man, and I will. Now scoot. Gideon is due here very soon and I don’t want to have to explain any of you to him. Now go.” She pointed to the floor. “And no peeking.” “Well, what are you having for hors-de-oeuvres? A little caviar, oysters, prawns en brochette? Olives stuffed with blue cheese?” Jean-Luc sighed as he visualized each of his choices. “Nah, pigs in blankets. I love those pigs in blankets. Or angels on horseback. Raw oysters Rockefeller. Ouch.” Herky rubbed his head and stared balefully at Daneel. “Why did you clobber me?” “You want our sister, our baby sister, to serve some testosterone charged mortal raw oysters. Are you nuts?” “Oh, right,” said Herky. “Maybe you should go back to the caviar stuffed olives.”

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“Herky, please. That sounds gross. It is caviar on toast points with, oh, perhaps a smidge of marscapone crème, and delicate green olives stuffed with blue cheese and a silver of toasted almond. Now that’s worthy of this roast pot.” Jean-Luc licked his lips. “I’m serving some nice cheese and crackers before the meal. Now all of you get.” “Cheese and crackers?” Jean-Luc groaned. “What kind of impression are you making with cheese and crackers? Why not cheese in a little squirt can?” “What? I should serve flapjacks? Cheese and crackers will be fine.” “Caviar would be better,” muttered Vlad. “It’s a little more elegant. More refined. We don’t want him to think he can take advantage of you.” “I don’t want elegant, I want nice and normal. How would caviar stop him from taking advantage of me, if he were going to take advantage of me, which he is not? And if you keep bugging me, I swear I’ll serve gelatin mold salad.” Jean-Luc and Vlad groaned. Herky looked thoughtful. “The green kind with marshmallows and carrot shreds? Or the yummy kind with cabbage and pineapple?” The brothers picked Herky up and dragged him down the hall. They stuffed him into the special closet that was actually their entrance to the underworld. She could hear them grumbling about having to eat Hungry Demon dinners. Her father disappeared up the staircase, his nose flared and held high. She waited to hear his door shut. When she didn’t hear it, she called up to him. “Father? I didn’t hear your door shut.” It did, with a distinct click. She quickly changed the table to two settings, lit the candles and set out the wine. She finished just as the doorbell rang. ***** Gideon quickly ran the front of his shoes down the back of his pants leg, just to make sure there was no dust on them. He twitched his necktie for about the fiftieth time. For some reason he was nervous and wanted to look his best. He’d held the flowers in his hand so hard; he thought they might be wilting from heat and lack of oxygen. Do flowers need oxygen? He couldn’t remember, but as the door swung open, he certainly could have used some. Des was beautiful and tonight she looked so lovely his teeth hurt. Her brown hair was brushed out softly and it curled around her bare shoulders. She wore a knit sleeveless dress with a high collar, almost a turtleneck, in a deep green color that turned her eyes a dark green. Her only jewelry was a necklace and matching bracelet that looked to be antique. He panned down across her outlined breasts, round, full hips, gorgeous legs and even pretty toes shown off by strappy heels. “These are for you,” he thrust the flowers at her. Great, who else would they be for? And if I gave them to her of course they would be for her. I’m such an oaf. “They’re lovely,” she smiled at him and Gideon’s heart raced. “I really like wildflowers.” “Oh, no, I bought them. At a store. A flower store.” “Yes, I thought you did.” “Wild flowers. I thought maybe you thought that I just stopped and picked them because I didn’t remember to bring them. But I did. Remember them. Not stop to pick them that is.” He felt a line of sweat trickle down the back of his collar. Could I be any more cloddish? She moved out of the way and motioned for him to enter. He followed her to the living room and hurriedly seated himself before he did or said anything asinine. “Be right back. I’m going to put these in water and check on dinner. If you’d like a drink, that cabinet there has everything and there’s ice in the silver bucket.” “Can I get you anything?” He rose and crossed to the cabinet she had pointed out. A drink might calm him down.

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“No, not right now. I’ll just wait for the wine with dinner, but please go ahead.” He poured himself a whiskey and listened to her move around the kitchen. He cocked his head at the sound of a breaking dish and the whirr of the garbage disposal, hoping it wasn’t dinner. Des returned, her cheeks a bit flushed. “I hope you don’t mind. I had some cheese and crackers, but, there was, an accident. So perhaps we should just have dinner.” She pointed to the dining room, “Right through here.” “I don’t care much for filling up on things before dinner. I’m just glad you didn’t have a whole tray of exotic things. I’m pretty much a meat and potatoes man myself.” “Yes, as for me, a tray of something like caviar and stuffed olives and such wouldn’t be my choice either. In fact, I’d probably just run it down the garbage disposal.” Gideon pulled a chair out for her, and seated himself opposite her. Setting the napkin on his lap he inhaled the smells coming from the kitchen. Boy, whatever it was, it smelled good. “Umm, what is it?” “Just pot roast and roasted veggies. One of my favorite meals.” “It sure smells good.” He dug into the salad in front of him. “This tastes great too, but different. What’s in it?” He forked pieces of the salad around to identify them. “Baby greens, blue cheese chunks, honey-glazed walnuts, apple bits in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. It’s a family recipe.” “Your family must have wonderful cooks.” “Well, it’s actually my secretary’s family.” “Then you’ve got a great secretary.” Gideon was relaxed and chatted all through dinner without doing anything drastic, like dropping food on his tie or getting green stuff stuck on his teeth, the sort of things he always worried about. After the dessert of Swedish Rice-Raisin pudding, he insisted on helping her rinse and stack the dishes in the dishwasher. “See, I’m practically house-trained. My mother taught me to help, especially after someone has spent all day cooking a delicious dinner.” He smiled at her. “Well, we’d best dash or we’ll be late for the movie.” “I’ll just grab a sweater and I’m ready. I love old movies and ‘Mildred Pierce’ is one of my favorites. I’m glad you suggested it.” His hand felt very natural around her waist as he guided her to his car. She came to just under his chin, and by standing close to her, her scent of vanilla and honey wafted up to him. The more subtle underlying scent of woman sent his senses racing and his cock reared its unruly head. Great! Getting a hard on this early in the evening was not in his plans–in fact it would be very uncomfortable. ***** It was dark in the movie and Gideon had his arm around her. She was sitting as close as possible, feeling his hard body through the layers of clothing separating them. Actually, Des wasn’t really watching the movie and was surprised when Gideon leaned over to whisper. “As many times as I’ve seen this, I don’t remember those two guys in the restaurant scene. They seem to sort of stick out from the rest of the actors, but they do look a little familiar. How about you? Do you recognize them?” Des looked. Sure enough in the corner of Mildred’s Place, with plates of fried chicken in front of them were two men she recognized. And why shouldn’t she? It was Daneel and Jean-Luc. They looked out of the screen at Gideon and her. She glared back and they rose quickly and blended into the background, leaving the restaurant. “Oh, you know how these old movies are. Probably just two extras that were in a lot of movies. Look, there’s Eve Arden. I love this part.”

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“Excuse me,” a man walking up the aisle walked a little to close to Gideon and brushed up against his shoulder. “Sorry, it’s so dark in here. Hard to see.” “No problem,” whispered Gideon. Des had recognized the voice however. She leaned over Gideon and gave Vlad a hard look. “Perhaps you’d like to move along? We’re watching the movie.” She turned to smile at Gideon. “I hate people who interrupt movies.” He moved on and the rest of the movie passed in peace. Unfortunately Des couldn’t relax; she kept waiting for her brothers to show up again. She certainly wouldn’t put it past them to just sit down and start grilling Gideon. Maybe this was the reason it took her so long to date. The lights finally came up. “That was a great movie, I’m glad they didn’t try to colorize it. The black and white are so much more intense and a part of the story.” They rose and began to make their way up the aisle. Three men sat in the back row. As Gideon and Des approached they looked around uncomfortably. Vlad lowered his head above the box of popcorn and stuffed kernel after kernel into his mouth. Jean-Luc half turned his face away, covered his brow and tried to hide behind his hand. Daneel copied him, but seeing this Jean-Luc knocked his hand away. Daneel then looked around wildly and started waving his hands as if he were communicating with someone on the other side of the theatre. Des scowled at them as she passed. “Those guys look familiar? I wonder where I’ve seen them?” Gideon’s voice was puzzled. “I don’t usually forget faces.” “Them? Oh they just have those kind of everyday faces that look like anyone. Nothing stands out about them. I wouldn’t worry about it.” Vlad frowned, Daneel wrinkled his forehead and Jean-Luc scowled. “Ordinary? Everyday? My face? That is an insult,” said Jean-Luc. “I shall take this up with Des.” He began to rise and his brothers pushed him back down. “Later, you idiot,” muttered Vlad. “Not now.” Des had no problem hearing them, but was glad that the human ear wasn’t quite as acute as hers. She quickly turned her head and gave her brothers a smug smile. They emerged into the brightly lit lobby and started across. A movement caught Des’ eye, the men’s room door opened and her father walked out. Seeing his daughter look at him, he spun around shoving the man following him back into the restroom. The second man peered over Hunt’s shoulder and Des knew it was Herky wearing his mortal disguise. “Problem?” asked Gideon. “No, just daydreaming a minute, I guess. Shall we go?” As they passed through the lobby Gideon took her hand. Des smiled at him. She hadn’t felt this warm and just plain happy in a long while and she knew part of it was because of this very nice man beside her. She wondered if he would kiss her again before the night ended. And what scheme her brothers would come up with next. “It was good. I love those old movies. The actors seem larger than life. It’s still early, how about a cup of coffee? I still owe you a piece of cheesecake.” “Make that half a piece and you’ve got a deal,” Des agreed. The coffee was refilled, once, twice and the conversation never faltered. It seemed whatever subject one suggested; the other was able to talk about. It was a wonderful evening and Des didn’t want it to end. She knew she’d like to see Gideon again. They were in his car and not far from her house. Des was trying to find a way to mention that she wanted to see him again. She wondered if she should invite him in, but what if her brothers were there? How would she explain that lot to a mortal? No she’d better not take the chance. “How would you—” “What are you―” They both laughed. “Please, ladies first.”

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“Well, I was just wondering if you’d like to, maybe, go on a picnic tomorrow? I could show you around a little. Maybe give you a better idea of your new home.” “I think that sounds great. I was just going to ask if I could see you again, and a picnic sounds fun. Can you manage the rest of that pot roast in sandwiches?” “That can be arranged, but now I have to wonder which you want to see, me or the pot roast?” “It has to be you. You have the recipe.” They both laughed again. He helped her out of the car and then taking her arm he walked with her to the porch. Gideon cocked his head as the sound of male voices inside her house greeted their ears. A frown furrowed his brow. He pulled her closer and whispered. “You okay going in? You want me to check it out?” “No, those are my brothers. They often drop round at night.” “Making sure you got back from your date?” “Well, perhaps a little. You know how older brothers can be. Maybe just a tad protective. I had a great time tonight.” “Me too.” He leaned over her, took her in his arms and kissed her. The kiss was gentle at first, and then became more demanding. Des returned it fully, parting her lips and mating with his tongue. They held each other tightly and Des felt his shaft growing harder and pushing against her belly. She thrilled to know that she had the ability to make him aroused. The first bit of hot dampness began to seep out of her, dampening her panties as Gideon moaned far back in his throat. He moved his lips to her jaw and then to the hollow her neck. She dropped a few kisses on his temple and moved closer to him, rubbing against his iron length. “Damn, I wish my brothers weren’t here,” she whispered. “Me, too. And then again, maybe it’s for the best. We really don’t know each other very well, and I want to take things a little slowly.” He moved back slightly, the cool air rushing between them. “You’re too special to treat this casually.” “I feel the same. I don’t play bedroom bingo. And of course, they won’t be here all the time.” Des cleared her throat. “This was the perfect ending to a lovely evening.” “Perhaps the next time we find ourselves winding up an evening this way, it won’t be an ending.” “I’d like that. But for right now I’m sure my brothers know I’m home and one of them will stroll out here soon just to get a bit of air or some other flimsy excuse.” “True. I can understand why they would be so protective about you. I’d best be going. Good night now.” “Night.” Gideon stepped down one step, then turned and stepped back up next to her. Holding her tightly they kissed again. Deeply and passionately, their bodies melded together, their tongues stroking each other until they were panting. Gideon again stepped away. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it and turned away and walked back to his car. He climbed inside and sat for a moment in the driver’s seat just looking at her. Des’ hand shook as she turned the key. Then looking over her shoulder she entered the house and shut the door. Leaning back against it she waited until her breath had steadied before crossing to the staircase. As her foot moved to the first step, she paused and decided to check on what her family was doing. As she opened the door to the dining area, she coughed. A cloud of cigar smoke enveloped her and she waved her hand in front of her face. All four of her brothers and her father were at her table. Glasses, bottles and cans of beer were piled up on the table and a few littered the floor. Des shuddered at the mess, but decided she would deal with it later. Her father and brothers were seated behind stacks of poker chips. She looked at the five of them and shook her head.

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“You do realize, Father, that any of my brothers could read your mind and see what cards you have?” “Of course I do, but I trust them not to do that. Not much of a game if they do.” “And you,” she looked at her brothers, “realize that my father cheats. He can’t help it, he doesn’t know how to play any other way.” “Yeah, we know.” Daneel and Vlad chimed in. “We don’t care much, we cheat too.” Herky smiled at her. “But we keep it all in the family and that’s what counts.” “Whatever. I’m going to bed. You all stay here and cheat each other as long as you like, but clean up. And I mean it, if I see this mess tomorrow morning, I’m putting a geas on the house.” “A geas? What kind of sister would you be to put a spell keeping your own brothers out of your home?” “The kind who is tired of cleaning up after those same brothers. And what is this?” She touched an empty serving dish. “This looks like the dish I had the pot roast in, but of course it isn’t because I plan on using the leftovers tomorrow for a picnic lunch.” The five men at the table exchanged sheepish glances. “Well, we were hungry,” began Herky. “You went home to eat. When you left here, you were going to go have dinner.” Des looked around the table. No one met her eyes. “I think all of us had the intention to go eat dinner at home,” said Vlad. “But when we got back here,” continued Daneel. “None of us had eaten.” “Nothing smelled as good as the roast of pot you had. So we couldn’t resist and we ate it. And it was very, very good.” Jean-Luc kissed his fingertips and smacked his lips loudly. “It’s gone? All the left over pot roast is gone? There was enough there to feed all of you and still have leftovers. How can it all be gone?” “We were very hungry,” said Herky quietly. “And as Jean-Luc said, it was very, very good. I guess none of us could stop and before we knew it…all gone.” He raised his hands and turned them palm up. “Finished off.” “And now what am I going to have for my picnic tomorrow? I have some Spam, some tuna and a half jar of peanut butter. The Spam is out because it is spam, the tuna can’t be mixed with mayo and carried for a couple of hours, and peanut butter is somewhat lacking in the sexy lunch department.” “We’re sorry Des.” Daneel looked around. “All of us.” “Fine. I don’t want to hear it. I’ll think of something tomorrow. Just be sure to clean up and don’t make noise. I have a headache now.” She turned and wearily climbed the stairs, got ready for bed, and crawled under the covers. Des had no idea what she would fix for lunch. She made sure the alarm was set early enough to make something for the picnic. Mentally she ran through her freezer: diet TV dinners, frozen fish sticks, half a dozen year-old Popsicles, a half-full bag of ground coffee and two ice trays. Of course with the guys downstairs, there probably was no ice left. She turned over and one of her last thoughts was that at least the deli was open early enough to buy some chicken or sandwich filling. But, damn, she’d really wanted that pot roast.

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Chapter Ten

Internal Fax Transmit over secure line only. FBI HQ, Quantico, VA John: Project going well. Moving in for tighter surveillance on all subjects. Still no contact with Gillespie yet. By now they should have gotten together to discuss the finalization of the scheme. Are we still sure it’s going down at Nuttal in about a week to ten days? No evidence of any action on the money-laundering scene, my contacts have not noted any action at all. No idea what Gillespie is doing, but he’s got to be getting nervous. And the more he sweats, the more of a possibility it is that he’ll make a mistake. Gideon PS: And as to your last little note, I am not thinking with my little head. My John Thomas has nothing to do with this investigation.

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Chapter Eleven

When the alarm rang, Des rolled over. It was Saturday. Why had she set the alarm the night before? Her arm emerged from the cozy cocoon she’d made of her covers to turn the nagging sound off. She pulled the arm back inside, re-tucked the covers around her neck and fell back asleep. Sun shining on her face woke her up again. As soon as she sat up and stretched her arms out, she remembered why she’d set the alarm the previous night. She had to make sure the place was clean and get to the deli to buy some things for lunch. Looking at the clock, she was appalled to find it almost nine. Hell, she was really running late. She dashed through her shower, quickly washing her hair. She didn’t have time to blow it dry, so she tied it back into a ponytail. She tried pulling on her underwear while she brushed her teeth. Then stopped to grab a pair of jeans and a t-shirt as she made her way across her room and out the door. She finished zipping her jeans while running down the stairs. Walking into the kitchen, she was making a mental list of what she needed. The scent of fresh coffee assailed her nose and she breathed deeply. First, she needed caffeine. Luckily, her father got up before her and had already made it. She poured a cup and opened the fridge door to get the cream. She did a double take. She didn’t recognize several containers. She picked up the first one. It was a bag from The Devil’s Deli, located in the heart of Helltown. She opened the bag and looked inside. Roast beef. She smiled. This was Daneel’s favorite place to pick up a meal. She set it on the kitchen table and picked up the carton next to it. The small cardboard container had Le Deli American written in elegant gold script on the side. She knew the place. It was a small deli located on the left bank of the Seine in Paris. More than once she and Jean-Luc had eaten there. Looking inside, it was as she expected. Roast Beef. She set the carton next to the bag. The third container was a small snap lock plastic one. Opening it, she saw a rather unappetizing piece of meat that could have been roast beef. In another life perhaps. There was a note posted on the top. Sis. Hope you can use this. Who knew pot roast was so hard to cook? I mean, I sat up all night with this. After seven hours, I figured it had to be done. I hate it when food doesn’t come in a box with instructions on it. Love, Herky. Des poked it with her finger. Yeah, it looked like he’d cooked it on very low for a very long time. It was dried out and sort of grayish, but it looked wonderful to her. She snapped the lid back on and set it aside. The last container was foil, twisted into the shape of a swan. She smiled; only the fanciest of restaurants did that. Sure enough on the foil was a small label from the poshest restaurant in all of Hell, The Red Swan. Vlad’s favorite place. She had to chuckle, they didn’t do take out. It must have taken some fancy talking for Vlad to get them to do it. She leaned back against the sink and looked at the four containers. No matter how crazy they made her, she really loved her brothers. She turned her head at the sound of the back door opening, and her father came in. “What are you doing up so early? I didn’t expect you’d be out of bed before noon. Where have you been?” Des sipped at her coffee.

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“I got up extra early and, well, went to the store. Here.” Hunt shoved a small bag at her. She opened it. Inside was a zip locked bag filled with slices of roast beef. “The store is over a mile away. You walked the whole way to get this?” “Exercise is supposed to be good for you. And I wanted your picnic to be perfect.” He saw the containers on the table and his face fell. “I guess I didn’t need to do it. I’m sure some of those are much better than the grocery store deli.” “No.” she set the cup down and put her arms around him, resting her head against his shoulder. “None of them is any better than this. I love you, too.” “I know pet,” he patted her shoulder. “I get everything mixed up sometimes, but you’re my girl. My only girl. And I’d do anything for you.” “Thanks Dad.” “And you’d better hurry it’s getting near to ten. Your young man should be here in about an hour. Which one will you use?” “Which one?” Des’ hand swept all the containers. “Why, I’m going to use all of them. You can never have enough sandwiches for a picnic, can you?” “No, I guess you can’t.” Des bounded back down the hall and was halfway up the stairs before she slowed down. Looking down at her leg she the thought ran through her mind that this was twice, in two days, she’d shaved her legs. And today I have to shave above my knees. He’d best be worth it.” Gideon wiped his hands on his pants. Bad enough that her brothers were waiting up for her last night. Now, he had to make small talk with her father. What small talk? He didn’t know any small talk. He’d only been here five minutes and the man was grilling him like a trained interrogator. Des hurried into the room. She wore a pair of shorts and a sleeveless tee. Damn, she looks good enough to eat. He pulled his attention back to her father, Hunt. Yes, Hunt, the investigation. He had to make sure to pay attention to her father. After all, who knows what he might let drop in a casual conversation about his plans. Gideon was still an agent on assignment. He risked another hungry glance at Des, as much as he might not wish to be one right this minute. “There are a number of really nice places around here for picnics. When Des was little, we used to go on a lot of them and try to find new places every time.” “We did. And found lots, too. But as I recall, some of them weren’t so great so I think I’ll just stick to taking you to a nice place in the park.” She smiled at Gideon. “Want to come, Father? We have enough food.” “Me? No, you two go on. I have lots to do today. Herky and Daneel are dropping by and we’re going to the race track.” “They don’t know much about betting, uh, around here. It’s different at home. Don’t let them lose everything.” Des sounded worried. Gideon wondered why she would worry. Why was it different at home? He had an impulse to suggest they join Hunt and the brothers. Then he looked at Des again and abandoned it. “I know, I promised to show them how. Your brothers really want to learn.” Hunt laughed. “I just hope they bring money this time. Last time they brought dia… uh the checkbooks and it was difficult. Bookies don’t usually accept checks you know.” “I’m sure it will work out fine. Well we should go. Let’s hurry.” Des took Gideon by the arm, handed him a basket, tucked a blanket under her arm, and tugged him out the door. She remembered the last time they went to a casino. Herky had a pocketful of diamonds and Jean-Luc had brought ancient Spanish doubloons. They were very vocal when the dealer told ‘those

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things’ weren’t worth any real money. Right now, however, the last thing she wanted was to share the story with Gideon. Walking down the porch stairs, Des saw two bicycles on the back of the car. “You brought bikes?” “Yeah, I was hoping you liked to ride. I love it. I’m no racer though I like to poke around, looking at whatever crosses my path. Keeps me in shape and reconnects me to nature.” “I’m not much of a rider. Never learned as a child, but I think I can keep it upright and going forward.” Des smiled to herself. Her mind flashed on the vision of her childhood playmates, imps, devils, various demons, all riding through Hell on bikes. “Then we should have a good time,” Gideon opened the door for her. Taking the basket, he closed her door, opened the back door and set the picnic basket on the seat and climbed into the driver’s seat. “The basket seems heavy. How much do you plan to eat anyway?” Des laughed and told a modified story of how they ended up with five different types of roast beef sandwiches. “I couldn’t leave anyone out so I had to make a sandwich out of every package. I have no idea how some of them taste, but at least two of them should be delicious. My brothers, Vlad and Jean-Luc, are true gourmets.” “It’s amazing they found so many places open so late last night. I doubt I could find one deli after midnight and they found three. I guess I need to get your brothers to tell me their secrets.” Des noticed Gideon watching her out of the corner of his eye. “No secret really, they just know the area real well and don’t mind driving a distance late at night.” “Your family from around here then?” “Sometimes. We moved different places.” Des had no intention of telling him where she lived. How does one say she grew up in Orpheus Flats? And that it was located just outside Helltown, down the street from Hell, Inc., corporate headquarters? “Really, like where? My dad was in the military, maybe I’ve lived there too.” “Nowhere in particular. Oh, you have to turn right at the next corner, then straight for a mile and we’ll be at the prettiest park. It has a wonderful bike trail. I’ve hiked it several times just to enjoy the woods and birds.” “I’m sure I’ll like it too. Do your brothers come here often?” “No, not much. Why so interested in my brothers?” Des was alert now. His questions were setting her on edge. She was always aware of anyone asking questions about her life and especially her family. “No reason. Just thought if I knew more about you, I’d understand you better, and I could use that understanding to sweep you off your feet. To dazzle you with my charm and wit.” Gideon reached out and caught her hand, squeezing it slightly. “Good enough reason?” “I guess so. Maybe I should be grilling you.” “Did I sound like I was grilling you? Sorry. It’s just been a while since I’ve met anyone I was interested in and I guess I’ve lost some of my social veneer. I’ll try to polish it up a bit.” “No problem. The parking lot is there and I can hardly wait to show you around.” ***** Two hours later, Gideon pulled up beside her, sweaty and covered with trail dirt. But Des was radiant and still looked as fresh as she did earlier. How he hoped he was wrong about her and her family. Surely, she would never be involved with anything underhanded. “Ready to eat now?” He smiled at her as they coasted to a stop next to the car. “How about if I fasten the bikes back on, lock them down and follow you with the basket?”

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“What am I to do then?” “Look decorative? You’re doing a great job of that already.” Des picked up a few leaves off the ground and threw them at him. He laughed and ducked. “So now you’re seeing my chauvinistic tendencies. Unfortunately, they’re there, but I work hard to keep them pushed way down. Hidden from sight until you know the real me.” “I expect, I can overlook them for a while. I’ll have to see how dreadful they are.” “I promise to keep them under control,” Gideon crossed his heart. “Now pick up that heavy basket, take the blanket and set up our picnic where I can loll about. Perhaps you should also tear me off pieces of sandwich and feed them to me. Did you bring any grapes to peel for me? We can play decadent Roman emperor.” He chuckled. “You know I rather like that idea.” “Dream on. I’m sure you learned long ago how to feed yourself. But I will take the blanket and set everything up. Hurry, I’m starving.” Gideon plunked the basket down on the blanket Des had spread out under a tree. The light and shadow dappled the blanket. To one side was a small hill with a briskly running stream beside it. He caught a glimpse of silver flickering water swirling around stepping-stones. “This is a great place. You picked the perfect picnic spot.” “Thanks, but I admit I’ve been here before. I used to wade in that stream. And let me tell you, it’s colder than it looks. Be careful when you go down there.” “How did you know I was planned to go wading? Were you reading my mind?” “What?” Des dropped one of the sandwiches. “Of course not. No one can read anyone’s mind. I just guessed. It wasn’t difficult; I saw how you looked at the water. Here, all the sandwiches are laid out and each one is cut into half.” “Hmmm,” this one looks good. He picked up the one on the left. “Smells good too. Ugh, I don’t think they cooked it. It’s awful rare.” He picked the bread apart and was looking at a very red piece of meat. “Oh dear, that’s Vlad's choice. He, uh, really likes rare meat.” “This rare? He might as well just cut a chunk off a cow. Or bypass the eating and just drink the blood. What is he, a vampire?” Gideon looked up at Des. Her face was pale. “Are you okay? What’s wrong? You have no color in your face at all. Are you ill? Too much riding? Maybe we should find the nearest hospital?” “No, no. I’m fine. Uh, just the sight of the meat set me off a little. I like my meat cooked better. The restaurant must have misunderstood what Vlad wanted.” “Someone did. Well, which one is this?” Gideon picked up the next sandwich and bit into it. “Not so bad. Not so great. Tastes like ummm, it tastes like deli.” “It is.” Des’ mouth was full of her half of the same sandwich. She chewed and swallowed quickly. “This is Daneel’s choice. From his favorite deli, they did a good job of it. Especially since they don’t do Middle, uh, regular deli sandwiches well.” “Ethnic deli? Now that I’d like to find. I love to experiment with different cuisines. Always trying some new dish. It’s surprising how often you find something that’s good. This one’s not bad,” Gideon looked at the sandwich, “but maybe the next.” Des picked up the next sandwich and handed him half. They both bit in and chewed in unison. “My father’s offering. From the supermarket.” They looked at each other, smiled and set the sandwiches down. Gideon selected the next and had it half way to his mouth when Des’s hand shot around his wrist. “That one is Herky’s. I love Herky, but I think it’s probably really, really bad. Unless you like overcooked, gray shoe-leather? Herky’s never cooked before. His favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations.”

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“I can see what you mean.” Gideon put the sandwich down and removed the piece of bread. “I think we might pass this one by. Although should I meet your brother, I won’t tell him.” “Thanks. I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. That’s why I brought one sandwich from each of them. I should have snuck out and bought some fried chicken. I’ll remember that next time.” “Does that mean that if I invited you on another picnic, you’d accept?” “That means, I’d think about it. Here, try this last sandwich. This one I know is excellent. I’ve had lunch at this deli with Jean-Luc before.” Gideon took a small, tentative bite. Then after chewing it, he took a larger piece. “Like it?” Des smiled. “Told you it was good.” “Do you always point out when you’re right? This one is good, but all the sandwiches lose since I’m comparing them with your pot roast last night. I totally understand why your brothers devoured it. Is there something to drink in that basket of yours?” After lunch, they both rested on the blanket and watched the clouds drift overhead. They played the silly children’s game of making up cloud pictures. Des, concentrating on the fluffy white lambs, didn’t realize at first that Gideon had fallen asleep. Carefully she sat up, gathered all the things back into the basket and pulled her book out of the basket and moved to lean up against the tree and read. Gideon stretched and moved. He sat up shaking his head. Des was leaning back against the tree, her head resting against the trunk, a book fallen from her hand. He watched her for a few minutes. She was beautiful. Oh not like those fashion models, or the women who strutted back and forth in the gyms, but in a real, earthy way. Her skin was tinged with gold where the sun flickered over it, and it looked as though it were made of a velvety silk. Her hair was shot with gold and red highlights. Gideon realized he was thinking of her, half-planning for a future that might not exist. But then, she wasn’t her father. He knelt in front of her and kissed her. “Wake up, sleeping beauty.” Des’ eyes opened and stared into his. He smiled a wide, slow smile. “Hello there. Finally decided to wake up did you?” “My goodness, how long have I been asleep?” “I’d say only about half an hour,” Gideon checked his watch. “I assume you grew tired of watching me snore. Or perhaps the gentle sound lulled you to sleep?” “No, you most definitely snore. But I just concentrated real hard and was almost able to ignore it. But it was difficult.” She smiled at him. “Right,” he threw some dandelion heads at her. “Just you remember missy, that I’ve had the opportunity to hear you snore, too. And snort and snuffle, and maybe just a little drool.” “No!” Des looked horrified. “Snort? I do not snort. And I never drool. You’re making that up. Confess.” “If you want me to say I’m making it up, then I will.” Gideon rose and began folding the blanket. “But you can’t change the truth. Although it might have been just a teensy snort and only a tiny bit of drool.” “You’re horrible. See if I make any more pot roast for you.” Des stood up. A piece of her hair stuck to the tree trunk. “Damn, I’ve got some tree sap in my hair. That stuff is miserable to get out.” “Let me see, maybe it’s just a little.” She turned and Gideon looked at the hair at the back of her scalp. “Ouch? I’m afraid there’s a good size piece of hair matted down. Best thing to do is wash it out as soon as possible.” “I guess so,” Des was still pulling at the mat. “It’s getting a bit late. Want to go now?” “No.” She looked up at him. “I’d rather not. But it’s getting a bit chilly here. That’s the problem with wearing shorts. Great while in the sun, not so great when it starts to cool off.”

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“And you need to wash the gunk out of your hair.” Gideon said slowly. “Yeah, the gunk.” Gideon put his hands on the tree on either side of her and leaned into her. Their lips met and opened and his tongue swept into her mouth. The kissed for a very long time, sliding down the tree to recline on the grass. They rolled together and each held the other close. Des’ nipples hardened and poke out, Gideon’s cock lengthened and hardened. “We should probably go.” Gideon whispered into her hair. “Yes, if we stay here any longer I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop.” “I think I passed being able to stop some time ago.” Gideon let a breathe out. “Time to get up.” He rose and helped Des up. Gideon took her hand and they walked back to the car. Later while driving, Des moved her hand over to rest on his knee. He looked over at her smiled, and moved his right hand to cover it. This is perfect, he thought, a great day and a wonderful woman. At her house, Gideon walked her to her porch, and then stood there, reluctant to leave. Des must have felt the same way, he noted, she was in no hurry to get into the house. “So would you like some coffee? Not coffee, that would keep you awake all night. How about a drink? It’s too early isn’t it? I, uh…” “Would I like to come in? Yes, I’d like that very much. Maybe a cup of tea and some great conversation? And in about an hour, it will be time to eat dinner and I could run out to the deli and buy some say, some roast beef? In case you feel like a change of pace for dinner?” “I do believe I’ll pass on the roast beef, thank you. If you don’t mind left-overs, we can raid the fridge. With my brothers in and out of there, I’m never quite sure what I’ll find. It depends on who has been in there last. Let’s hope it wasn’t Vlad.” “Because he likes that rare meat?” “Uh, yeah.” She turned and unlocked the door, stepped through and moved down the hall towards the kitchen. “Just lock it after you. In case someone drops by.” Gideon moved up behind her and caught her elbow. Dropping a small kiss on her neck, he enjoyed the shiver that ran through her body. “Maybe you should go up and try to get that goo out of your hair.” “I should. I’ll just nip up there and get cleaned up. You know where the kitchen is, and the remote is on top of the TV. I’ve got some great DVDs, just got a copy of Mel Brook’s ‘The Producers.’ It’s my favorite.” “I love that movie. But hardly anyone knows it. I should have guessed you’d like it, too. I’ll just clean myself up down here.” He opened the door under the stairs. “No,” Des yelped. “Not there.” “Oh, it’s a closet,” Gideon looked inside the space. “Sorry, I thought that might be where the guest bath was.” “Next door down.” She closed the door. “Boy, you keep a clean closet. There’s nothing in here. I jam all sorts of stuff into my spare places.” He wondered why she seemed nervous about the closet. Could something be hidden in there? A secret storage space? “Yes, well, I had some old things in there, but cleaned it out. Off to the Goodwill you know. Now I’m not sure what I’ll use it for.” She urged him down the hall. “I’ll just run up and be right back.” She leaned over the banister and kissed him, pulling her mouth away, she looked at him and kissed him again. He held her face between his hands and returned the kiss. They broke apart and she went slowly up the stairs. Gideon washed his hands and face. Turning off the water, he heard the shower above him. He stared at the ceiling for a few moments, and then decided he had nothing to lose. He walked to the staircase and up to the second floor.

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There was no trouble telling which room was hers, he could tell by the sound of the water running in her private bath. Opening the door, he saw the room was empty, her clothes draped over a chair. It took but a moment for his to lie on a pile on the floor, his gun and ankle holster carefully hidden. Taking a deep breath, he faced the door. Idly he noted that one portion of his anatomy was already pointing at the door, directing him to go through it. He pushed the door open and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around him. No sense scaring the girl if she wasn’t ready for this. At least with a towel he could retreat with some dignity, if necessary. Nervously he stepped up and took hold of the shower curtain. He could see the outline of her body through the sheer fabric and his knees went a little weak. He really wanted her; his whole body was more than ready. He only hoped he could last and not embarrass himself prematurely. Maybe this wasn’t a very good idea, he could still leave, then the shower curtain opened from the inside and it was too late.

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Chapter Twelve Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John; Sending this via cell phone display/interlink. Investigating new area of interest. Expect to be undercover for a while. And yes, I do owe some reports, I’ll get to them real soon now. But you know what a dedicated agent I am, the investigation is the foremost thing in my mind and I’ll take every opportunity to investigate it. It’s a tough, long job, but someone has to do it. Contact you later Gideon

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Chapter Thirteen

Des was rinsing her hair when the shower curtain billowed. Someone had entered the room. Damn whichever of her brothers it was. She hoped at least they’d done a good job of sneaking past Gideon, but they were about to be strongly invited to leave. The last thing she wanted was a chaperone. Or a voyeur. Although, knowing her brothers, they’d probably want to give her pointers on technique. Whoever it was, just stood there. Waiting. Well, she was in no mood to let this situation go on any longer. She pushed wet hair away from her eyes, grabbed the curtain and opened it just enough to see into the room. She took a half step back and the curtain opened wider. It wasn’t one of her brothers, it was Gideon. A nearly naked Gideon. Her eyes ran over him, from his well-shaped shoulders, down his firm abs, his straight thighs and past muscular calves. She admired his body, admired and wanted to touch. Her stomach fluttered. A thousand butterflies took wing and flew throughout her body, setting off tiny shivers of excitement. She smiled at him. “I, uh, thought you might need some help getting the tree sap out of your hair. I know that stuff is hard to remove.” His lopsided grin was disarming. ‘I think I got it all out. But, I could use someone to check and make sure it’s all gone.” “I can do that,” he lifted his leg to step into the shower, but stopped when Des held her hand up. Des could easily read the disappointment on his face. “Perhaps, you should take the towel off? I think you’re a little overdressed for the shower. Although, if you’re wearing it to keep things, uh, concealed, that’s kind of a moot point.” Her eyebrows rose as she looked at the bulge in the front of the towel. His eyes followed hers. He was practically bursting through the material. They looked at each other and laughed while she reached out and tugged the towel. It fell loose, pooling at his feet. His cock sprang free, heavy and hard. Des felt warmth spreading between her thighs. She looked up at Gideon’s face. He was staring at her breasts. He licked his lips and leaned close to them, breathing hotly on them, but not touching them. Her nipples were standing tall and proud. As tall and proud as his cock. They locked eyes and both laughed again. “It’s not that cold, so I expect that we’re both on the same wavelength.” Gideon smiled broadly. “We don’t want to disappoint our various, uh body parts.” “No, we don’t. Come on in,” Des held the curtain open wide and moved back. She left plenty of room for Gideon. He moved to stand close behind her, facing her back, naked and very ready. To Des it seemed that there was no space left, Gideon had filled it all up. Their two bodies rested against each other. “How about you move around this way and I duck under the water so we’re both wet? We should slide better that way.” Gideon spoke directly into her ear, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. “Good idea,” she managed to say. Gideon’s hands moved to her waist and he pulled her closer as he spun them in a half circle. His arousal brushed up against her to lie firmly between them, hard and hot. For a moment Gideon just stood there, holding her. “Hand me the soap?” His hot breathe on the nape of her neck sent a shiver down her back. Barely touching her, he was driving her wild. “No, I insist you let me help. Here, I’ll wash your back for you.” Des held the soap up and wiggled against him. “You’ll have to turn around to face the water.” She spun around, the front of her

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body pushing against his. Then, placing her hands on his shoulders, she turned him away from her. “Now I can reach your back.” “Good, and when that’s done, I insist on washing you.” “I already finished my shower.” “Perhaps, but you can never wash your back too much. And I’m sure there were places you couldn’t reach.“ “Ah, that’s true. There’s a lot of you to wash, perhaps I’d best get started.” Des held out the washcloth to one side and dropped it. “Oops, I’ll have to use my hand.” “I already am.” He put his words to action and his soapy hand slid down her arm. Des’ hand moved the bar of soap over his broad back, down until she reached the round globes of his ass. Then she used both hands to move over and around them. His cheeks were compact and tight. She slid down his thighs - hard, heavily muscled thighs. He must work out, she thought. Nice, very nice. “Okay, now it’s your turn.” Gideon turned to face her and putting his hands on her shoulders, moved her around so that her back was towards him. He moved her hair to one side and she felt his mouth against the nape of her neck. Then he bit her, a tiny bite yes, but definitely a bite. Des jumped when he trailed his tongue along her neck. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” He moved against her and whispered in her ear. “Sometimes it’s amazing how little will power I have. I find myself acting on all sorts of impulses when I’m near you.” His tongue circled her ear and he caught her lobe between his teeth. “Shall I tell you some of the impulses I have when you’re around?” “Y..yes. Please.” “Mmmm, no. I think I’d rather just show you.” His head moved around, and he gently pulled hers to face him. His lips settled on hers. She opened to him and he plunged into her mouth. Her tongue met his and they tangled. The kiss deepened and Des moaned into his mouth. She heard him making noises deep in his throat. He pulled his mouth away. “Now where is that soap?” His hand moved down from her shoulder. It skimmed her breast and he cupped it in his hand. “No, don’t think that’s the soap. Although it certainly is just perfect for my hand. And seems to be exceptionally beautiful from what I can see. Now let’s see if that’s not the soap where might it be?” He flicked the nipples with his fingers. “Just maybe down this way?” As he spoke his fingers danced down across her belly, through the triangle of curls and slid down the cleft between her legs. Sliding smoothly and letting his finger flick over the hidden pearl that now roused under his ministrations. He dropped small kisses along her jaw line. Des threw her head back. “Perhaps the soap is hidden around here. I can tell I shall have to do a most thorough search.” The heel of his palm moved down to press hard and massage her mons, then moving down between her thighs. It moved in circles, stretching the skin back and forth over the tiny button that now cried out for attention, growing and stretching towards him. Des had to lean back against him; her legs felt as if they would give way. Her whole body quivered in response to his driving hand. Feeling the solid column of his erection against her ass and back wasn’t helping matters any. “Ummm, can’t feel the soap. It’s possible you have it hidden, let me see, maybe here?” His finger played around the entrance to her now wet passage. “Seems to be pretty slick right here. If not soap then what?” His finger moved in slightly. “Maybe I should investigate further?” his tongue swept the edge of her ear. “Yes,” Des could hardly even whisper. “I think that might be an excellent idea. You need to be thorough about these things.” “So I do, so I do.” Gideon bent her forward until her palms touched the shower walls and held her up. He turned off the water that had cascaded over them. His mouth moved back to rest on her nape and began to play

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an exquisite symphony of kisses and bites down her back. Gently he fondled her ass and kissed the curve of it. He knelt on the shower floor and continued to trail kisses down her wet body. Des could not keep still. She strained back against him, shivering with anticipation until his hands forced her cheeks apart and his tongue slid over her damp and waiting feminine spot. Gideon gave a small satisfied growl as his tongue flickered in and out. Des rose up on her tiptoes,. His held her hips and followed, then pulled her back down to where his tongue could lick long, slow caresses up her cleft. Catching the tiny nubbin of skin between his teeth, he pulled on it gently, sucking at it and running his tongue over it. Des’s legs shook and she grabbed his shoulders as if to hold herself upright. Gideon pulled her hips back, opening her wider. Then he plunged his tongue deep into her. He rocked her back and forth, as his tongue reached deep inside and then pulled back. Des couldn’t stop the rocketing of her body. “I can’t stop. I have to. No, you too. Please.” Hopefully her disjointed words made sense to Gideon. Her body was moving in jerky motions and he had to hold her hips to keep them steady. “No, this one is just for you. I want to see you come. I want to taste your fulfillment. Smell your completion. I want to swallow your juices, let them flow all over my face. Now, come now.” His tongue flicked deep inside her, stroking the inside of the passage and Des shuddered, cried out, and came. And came. And came. ***** Her knees seemed to give way and she slumped a little. Gideon threw his arms around her hips and laid his face along side her ass, holding her. He felt the small tremors still rocking her body and his arousal grew, knowing it would be soon that he would feel these tremors again, only he would be buried deep inside her. Gideon stood and stepped out of the shower. He picked Des up and carried her across the bathroom, out the door and into her bedroom. Placing her gently on the bed, he knelt at the foot of the bed. Time to build up that sexual tension again. ***** Des watched the ceiling over her bed. It still moved just a little. Actually her whole world had been tilted and was just now righting itself. She wasn’t a virgin, there had been her big romance when she was eighteen, but this was so far beyond that experience. Her legs and knees felt like rubber and she was glad he had carried her. Her own limbs would never have made it. And they weren’t getting any better, good heavens what was he doing now? His tongue licked at her toes. He sucked each one of them. Pulling it as deep as possible with suction, then swirling his tongue around it in a delightful teasing motion. She almost came off the bed. She’d had no idea toes could be so damn erotic. Gideon was now licking and caressing her ankles. He crawled up on the bottom of the bed. Looking at her face, he placed his cock between her feet, right at her instep. Then holding her feet together, he moved his hips back and forth. She felt his long steel length against her skin. At the tip was a tiny bit of moisture. It lubricated his velvety hardness and slipped between her sensitive soles. Now he moved his body up, leaving his cock locked between her feet. The tender skin behind her knees jumped at his touch. His mouth gently pulled at it, smoothing it over and then pulling again. His talented mouth moved up her thighs. He held her knees close together and ran his tongue up the seam of her legs, forcing it down between her legs where she could feel every bit of it. Her body trembled, she couldn’t stop herself.

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Closer and closer came his face to the juncture of her thighs and she began to pant in anticipation. Beneath him, she squirmed and made small, desperate moans, urging him to move on. “Now, please, I want you now.” “What do you want Des. Tell me. Tell me everything you want.” “You. Inside me. Hard and hot. Drive into me over and over, make me come. I can’t stand it anymore. It has to be now. Now. Now.” Her voice was loud and harsh. “I want it now.” She shook her hips to move him up. “Maybe you aren’t ready. Shall I check?” He smiled. “Yes, I am, check. Put your cock into me and check that.” “In time, in time.” “No now.” Des sat up, pushed Gideon down and rolled over to straddle him. “Now we’ll do it my way.” “Whatever you say. I love it when a woman takes charge. I’m all yours baby, all yours.” Des smiled and ran her hands up and down his chest, moving out his arms. As she spread her arms out to match his, her breasts dipped down and swayed over his chest, barely touching him as they moved. She watched him lick his lips. “Did you want to touch these?” She sat up, straddling him, placing her body so that his cock lay between them, digging between her nether lips, to slide against her hot, slick, wetness. “Touch them, kiss them?’ Des wet her fingers and began to pull at her nipples. She pulled them, first the left, then the right. Making them harder and causing them to stand out like stiff points. “Mmmm, nice feeling.” She hefted her breasts in her hand, cupping them, playing with them. He reached up and she slapped his hand away. “No, no, no. Naughty boy. I get to lead now.” “We’ll see how long that lasts.” Gideon moved his hips and his hardness slid back and forth between her, riding against the button of skin. She moaned and moved deeper. Gideon reached up and filling his hand with the hair from the back of her head, pulled her close. His tongue glided over her lips, softly sweeping them from side to side. Then the tip of it pushed into her mouth. She opened and let him in, then began to use her tongue to welcome him and build heat. His other hand moved to cup her breast and play with it, one of her hands played with his nipple, the other dropped to reach behind them and cup his sac. After a few moments of this neither of them could wait. Des sat up and rising slightly she held his cock erect and placed herself over it. Then the two of them looked deep into each other’s eyes and Des slid down. He filled her slowly, and when she thought she could take no more, she shifted slightly and took all of him inside. “I can feel you all the way inside me. So very far.” “Keep talking like that,” Gideon began to thrust against her. “And I’ll grow some more. And be too big for you. I’ll reach right up to your throat and come out your mouth.” “You wish. I can take as much as you can give me. Take that.” Des began to thrust back. This was not making love, she thought. This was primal sex, mating at it’s most basic. Both of them were sweaty, their skins moved against each other’s like two pieces of fine silk. Faster and faster they drove each other, higher and higher. “Now. Now, coming now.” Des gasped out when the first quakes began rolling through her body. She could feel Gideon begin to pulse harder inside of her and knew he was on the cusp also. “Aaaeeh,” Gideon shouted. “Des, yes, ride me hard.” The world exploded. Fireworks and lights went off in Des’ mind and her breath caught and released repeatedly. Every muscle in her body tightened, held and shook, as though an earthquake took place where he was imbedded moved her whole body. Deep inside she felt molten lava, hot and forceful, shoot inside of her, filling her until she felt it drip out of her, making hot trails down her thighs and legs.

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She half-collapsed, half-fell over Gideon and lay there. Totally spent, used up. He put his arms around her, holding her tight while they calmed. His hands moved slowly on her back, bringing slow, regular breaths to them both. Des relaxed against him as his muscles softened and his breathing deepened. Gideon fell asleep, holding her closely. After that she knew nothing more.

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Chapter Fourteen Official Fax Transmit over secure line only

Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: Still investigating new areas of interest. Learning a great deal about Trevellion and family. Going deeper uncover soon, to intensify the investigation. Learn the subject thoroughly. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. Doing well, after all I want to reflect well on the agency. And no, I do not need more help. This is a one-man job. And I’m just the right man for it.

Gideon

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Chapter Fifteen

Th..thunk. Slam. Gideon rolled over, immediately awake from years of practice. He looked around not recognizing the room. It certainly wasn’t his rented rat hole. He wiggled his ass; there was no mistaking someone else’s warm behind was plastered up next to his. All at once, he remembered. Des. The shower. And afterwards. Wow, that afterwards. He had to smile broadly and dwelled for a moment on the nicest way to wake her up. He had several very good ideas that would please them both. Clunk! There it was again. Someone was downstairs. He knew Des’ dad was staying with her, but he remembered her saying that he’d spent the night at her brother’s house. So, who was downstairs? Gideon tensed as one option after another chased through his mind. Through Hunt’s recent con, Des might be in danger. Besides who knew how many others had a grudge against him? Very stealthily, he crept out of the bed, pulled on his pants and dug around the pile of clothes until his fingers closed around his gun. He checked to make sure it was loaded and clicked off the safety. Then he eased himself out of the room and crept down the stairs and along the hall to the kitchen. Putting his ear up against the door, he heard someone inside moving around and singing. Singing? What kind of housebreaker or hit man did a job while singing? He was pretty sure it was someone she knew, but he had to make sure. Gideon held his gun in both hands. He kicked the door open with his bare foot and burst through it, taking a classic firing position. “Freeze,” he yelled. There was a man standing at the stove. who turned his head and looked up and down at Gideon. His eyes opened in surprise and thoughtfully he looked at the ceiling, then back down at Gideon. He smiled broadly. “Ah, you must have spent the night with my little sister. Fine, I hope you were good in the sack. As long as she’s waited, you’d better have been. Well?” “Well, what?” Hearing the man describe Des as his sister, Gideon lowered the gun, put the safety on and tucked it into the back of his waistband. Which brother was this? “Well, were you any good? She deserves the best. I hope you weren’t a one-time Johnny, or worse yet, couldn’t raise the interest, so to speak, with her.” The man looked at him and frowned. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I don’t think your sister will have any complaints or regrets.” “Good,” the man practically beamed at him. “Our brothers will be glad to hear that. I assume Hunt already knows and I’ve no doubt Maman will find out in her own way. Everyone will be so happy for Des. You stayed the night, so I hope you started this morning off well also?” He raised his eyebrows in inquiry. “That’s, between Des and I, not you.” “What’s the problem? I thought you said you pleasured her.” The man at the stove frowned again. “Whatever happened is private.” “If you like to think that,” the man shrugged his shoulders. “You don’t know her family if you think it will remain a secret.” “And what are you dressed up as? Did you just come from some perverted sexual fantasy costume party?” Gideon looked him up and down. The man, tall and very good looking, seemed familiar. Gideon shrugged that off, he was Des’ brother and there was probably some resemblance. He was wearing a headdress that reminded Gideon of Rudolf Valentino in ‘The Sheik’. He had two leather bandoliers fastened across his wide, muscular chest

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and a long, flowing white coat draped over his shoulders, the arms rolled up to his elbows. Resting around his trim waist was a thick leather belt and a bright sash. His thighs and legs were encased in tight spandex that accentuated every bulge. Gideon raised his eyebrows, every bulge, muscular or ...otherwise. And it was quite an otherwise that was outlined in exquisite detail. Gideon, if he wanted to, could probably count the hairs on his balls. His lower legs and feet were poured into tight, black boots. Around his wrists were wide, decorated gold bands, and a third up on his bicep. “I am the Sheik,” the man informed him. “Do I not look like a wild desert chieftain? One who sees the woman he wants and takes her. Only his will matters and he expects all women to service him. Demands that it happen. Yet one who gives more pleasure to his love-captives than they have ever had before.” “You sound like you’re reading a memorized lecture.” “No,” the man’s finger caught a drip on the bowl he held and he licked it off. “It’s from the Rule book. So much to memorize, so many rules for each role. I know them all, of course. But then, I am the most in demand for my services. And I do get paid very well.” “Paid? You have sex with women and get paid?” “I won’t do it for free. What do you think I am, promiscuous? And,” he waved his finger in Gideon’s face. “You are being sexist. I also have sex with men. I am not sexist.” Gideon’s mouth dropped open and he couldn’t think of anything to say. Not one word came out of his mouth. He watched the man and realized what he was doing. The man, who was dressed as a cheesy Hollywood desert marauder, the one who had sex with men and women for money, was making pancakes. He had quite a stack of them being kept warm in the oven. “Who the hell are you anyway? I remember you from the gym.” “I am the hell, Jean-Luc. And you must be the hell, Gideon. And of course, I was at the gym, Des is my sister and none of us knew who you were. I would shake your hand, but I must flip these flipjacks” “Flapjacks.” “I want to flap them? I thought I needed to flip them?” His brow creased in concentration. “It is so confusing.” “The word is flip and, never mind. Why are you making them here?” “If I make them at home, Herky will eat them all.” The man’s voice was pointedly reasonable. “Herky?” “My brother. Des’ brother. He will come over and eat them and I will be lucky to get maybe two or three.” “Oh, of course, the one who cooked the roast. Just don’t tell him you have them.” “I don’t tell him of course,” Jean-Luc looked at him as if he were a demented fool. “I try very hard not for him to find out. But he does.” “How?” “I think he has me monitored.” Jean-Luc nodded his head slowly and scrunched his face in thought. “He is very good with computer things. He always knows when I make the pankooks and he arrives at my house before I eat them and voila! All gone.” “And making them here will help because…” “By the time he hurries over, I will have eaten my fill and he is welcome to the rest. Just in case, I make enough for Daneel also. And Hunt who is staying with Daneel. I think they may have the hungovers and may not wish to eat, but in case? I must be prepared. So I cook here. Is that not simple?” “Yeah, I guess. Who is Daniel? I know who Hunt is already.” “Tch, tch, you do not pronounce it correctly. But do not worry; I have the same problem sometimes. Our brother’s name is Daneel.” “I thought Des had four brothers?”

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“She does. You have forgotten Vlad. He is the oldest, and I tell you, I think he is the most intelligent. Not so good-looking as me, of course, but very smart.” Jean-Luc tapped his head meaningfully. “Don’t you make pankooks, uh pancakes for him?” “Non, he does not eat the panjacks. I think he would like them if he did, but he does not try. Not even does he eat the syrups with butter. I love the syrups with butter.” “He doesn’t have a sweet tooth?” “No,” Jean-Luc turned back to the griddle. “He has not the sweet tooth.” He chuckled. “I must remember to tell him that. He will laugh. Not the sweet tooth eh? Maybe some other tooth.” The final pancakes were done and Jean-Luc reached into the oven to pull the platter out. “Wait,” Gideon yelped. “You’ll burn your hand off. Here,” He grabbed a potholder and handed it to him. “Thank you.” Jean-Luc looked at him with a surprised look on his face. “Now over there, you will find a tray for the breakfast in bed. Des will like that. Maybe if you pour some of the syrups on you, she will lick it off. Perhaps you should pour it--” “Never mind. I can think of places to pour the syrups, uh syrup on my own.” “I was just offering to help. I am a professional, you know.” “I’d rather not think of it.” He found a tray, perfectly set up with two settings, two glasses of juice and two cups of hot coffee. “When did you fix this? I didn’t see you.” “I didn’t tell you it was there yet. How could you have seen it before?” “There’s a rose in this vase with some dew on it. How did you do that?” “Don’t be silly, if you take a breakfast tray to a woman and hope to have sexual intercourse with her, you must take her the beautiful flower. You do intend to have sex with…” “Stop. Say no more. I’ll just thank you for the tray.” He turned toward the door and started out. Jean-Luc followed him holding a large platter filled with pancakes. “I hope you have a good breakfast and Herky doesn’t show up too early.” Gideon started up the stairs, carefully balancing the tray. If he spilled the juice and coffee it would make quite a mess. And licking the tray clean wasn’t what he had in mind for the morning. He smiled and looked up the stairway. “Good bye, Jean-Luc it was nice….” He leaned over the railing and stopped. The hall was empty. He looked at the door, and then back towards the kitchen. No one. Gideon shook his head. Jean-Luc must have left really fast. But why hadn’t he seen him, or at least heard him leave? He walked up the stairs slower, and looked back at the hall twice. At Des’ door, he raised his leg and balanced the tray on it. Opening the door he slid in and pushed it shut again. He turned toward the bed and pushed a chair around to set the tray on. Climbing onto the bed, he spooned behind Des and began kissing her gently on the shoulder and neck. ‘Ummm,” she stretched. “Now this is a wonderful way to wake up in the morning. And,” she sniffed loudly, “I smell coffee. Did you bring me coffee in bed?” “No, I brought you breakfast in bed.” “What a divinely decadent idea,” Des rolled over onto her back. She pushed her hair back with her hands, trying to bring it into some order. Gideon thought she looked wonderful. “You’re beautiful. All tousle-haired, sleepy eyed, exactly what I want to wake up seeing. Well, that and other things,” he winked at her and leaned over to drop a quick kiss on her naked breast. “I think I could breakfast just on this.” “I couldn’t. I need food.” “Then I shall have to see that you are well fed before...” “Before what?” “Before we see what happens after you’re well fed. Then I get to be well fed. Now sit up and I’ll set the tray on the bed and we can feed each other.”

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“Ahh, coffee,” Des picked up the cup and started to sip from it. “Why are you laughing?” “Just remembering something your brother said.” “My brother!” “Hey watch that coffee. An inch more to the right and our morning would have been cut short. Second degree burns do not lead to a nice, long morning in bed.” “Yes, sorry. You met my brother? Here?” “Downstairs in the kitchen. He was making--” “Pancakes.” They both said the word together. “Oh no,” Des said. “What did he say to you?” “Well after being a little too inquisitive about things which didn’t concern him...” “Sex.” “That’s it. He explained about Herky? That’s the name right?” “Herky? What did he say about Herky?” “That the reason he cooked the pancakes at your place was so his, your brother that is, wouldn’t see him and rush over to eat them all. He was making some for your dad and the brother he stayed with last night, uh, Danil?” “Daneel.” “Right. And seemed amused when I asked if your older brother ate pancakes too. Vlad, that was the name. I just remembered where I’ve heard that name before. Vlad the Impaler, he was the original vampire. What a name.” “Yes, Vlad’s father is Romanian.” “Romanian? Hunt doesn’t look Romanian.” “No, Hunt’s my father. Each of us has a different father, it’s complicated, I know. But they are all my brothers, as we have the same mother. She just has a, a commitment problem I guess you could call it.” “Sounds like it. Anyway if your other brothers are like this one, you must have had a very unusual childhood. I know this is none of my business, but Jean-Luc, he, well, is he...” “Is he what? What exactly did he say to you? Oh no, how was he dressed? I mean, what was he wearing?” “That was odd. He told me he was the Sheik, and he did look like Rudolf Valentino. Except no censor in Hollywood would have let that outfit through. What there was of it didn’t leave an awful lot to the imagination. I thought he’d been to a costume party, but he told me that he was…” “Was what?” Des’ voice was strangled. Gideon thought she sounded more like she was choking. “That he was well-paid to have sex with women. And men sometimes. He was quite proud of it.” “Yes, he would be. He’s...a...sex therapist.” “Sex Therapist? Oh then HE doesn’t have sex with the people, he just helps them over their hang-ups and such. I thought he was telling me that he was a gigolo, a prostitute. Thank God I had it wrong.” “That’s really quite funny. A gigolo.” “That would explain why he was so interested in what we, in last night. It was a professional interest so to speak.” “Yeah, professional. Boy does this smell good. And you don’t have to tell me, if Jean-Luc was in the kitchen, it’s pancakes. Right?” “Right you are. Well discuss your reward later.” “Ohh, dessert with breakfast.” “These are wonderful pancakes. I’ve never tasted better.” “Yeah. Jean-Luc experimented forever until he finally came up with this current recipe. He claims that one day he’ll open a high-class pancake house right in the middle of…some big city. And it will be a smashing success. Probably will be. My brothers have a knack for doing well.”

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“Whole family of overachievers huh? I’ll bet if I found your high school yearbooks your faces would be all over them.” “Didn’t have yearbooks.” “No, where did you say you lived again? I thought all high schools had yearbooks and proms and stuff.” “Not us.” Des appeared a little uncomfortable. Gideon decided to drop the subject; eventually she’d mention something. “Now,” he said taking her plate away, “we’re finished with breakfast, and it’s time to address our other needs.” “Oh my, what big eyes you have.” “The better to see all of your naked body.” “And what a big tongue you have.” “The better to lick and nibble all those tender little spots you have.” “And what a big, really big, cock you have.” “The better to do this with,” and he rubbed his hard rod up and down her cleft until she squirmed. Then smiling she rolled over on top of him and began to kiss her way down his body, across his abdomen and down. She circled the head of his cock with her cheek, letting it brush quickly across her lips. Then smiling she opened her mouth just a little. Gideon’s body clenched in response. Her tongue came out and she used it as if he were a Popsicle and it was a hot, summer day. Her tongue was up and down, round and round. She nibbled at the base of his cock, just above his sac, until he squirmed for relief under her touch. Then looking up at him and smiling, she poised her mouth over the tip, then so slowly he could not breathe, her lips lowered until they slid over the red, tight head. Her tongue slid across the weeping eye of it, tasting the salty drop that gathered there. “Yumm, almost as good as pancakes.” “Almost,” he barely got the words out. She was working over him like a professional, but he was sure she’d never been one. Must have a learned a few things from her brother’s books. Gideon made a mental note to read those same books. Using her mouth, lips, tongue and teeth she brought him to the brink of madness, his heart raced in his chest and his whole body shook. He tried to pull her up, but Des resisted. “No, this one is all for you. I want to feel the hot jets of come hit the back of my throat, I want to feel you fill me up with steaming rivers of come, and have my mouth so full it drips out and runs down my chin. Then I’m going to take it and smear it all over my chest and smell you all over me.” “Now, I’m coming now,” Gideon yelled. He threw back his head and screamed. He came in a river that pumped into her, time after time until all that was left was a few drops that still shot out in response to his thrusts. Finally he fell back, boneless and drained. He smiled, he’d read about people screaming when climaxing, but until this day he’d always assumed it was exaggeration. Now, I know it’s true. But it never happened before, and I don’t think it ever will again with anyone but Des. He pulled her close to him and closed his eyes. “Just let me rest for a minute and we’ll take care of you. Just a minute.” “Sure, you rest now,” Des kissed him gently and held him in her arms. He was alone in bed when he awoke. His clothes had been neatly folded over a chair and his gun sat neatly on top of his shoes. Damn, I meant to hide that. How am I going to explain this? He dressed slowly, and went into the bathroom. A brand new, unwrapped toothbrush lay on the sink, along with a shaving kit. Since the kit had the initials HT on it, it must belong to her father. He rubbed his jaw, the stubble needed to go and this would give him more time to think of what to tell Des about the weapon. He found her sitting on the back porch, looking at the garden and drinking coffee. She looked up as he walked out and nodded her head towards the table where a cup and air pot sat. Taking his own cup, Gideon sat on the railing and watched her.

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“About the gun,” he began. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I know that people carry them for protection. And I guess I don’t have a problem with it. I’d rather not see it if possible.” “I’ll put it in the trunk when I’m here. How’s that.” “Thank you,” she smiled up at him and his heart caught in his chest. The sun shone off her face, warming it and making it seem as if it were dusted with gold. The gold and red highlights danced in her hair, and she tossed it back, out of her face. Unable to resist, Gideon reached out and touched her cheek. “I was rather hoping to find you in bed when I awoke.” “I waited, but you were so sweetly asleep, I finally got up to do my Sunday chores. Maybe next time?” “I’m glad there’ll be a next time. I just hope it’s soon. But Des, I have something I have to tell you. About me and what I do for a living.” “Desiree? Desiree, darling where are you? Mother’s here to visit and have a lovely chat with you.” ***** Des’ feet hit the porch deck and her face turned toward the door. She knew she must have a look of horror on it. Her mother. Here! Her mother hated Middleworld and never came here. Ah, she thought, never unless she wanted to hear all about last night. Des looked at Gideon, he was smiling politely as Sirene came through the door. She needed to get him out of here, fast. Who knew what Sirene would say? Oh mercy, what if she started in about babies again? “You’d better go now.” Des could have bitten her tongue. Both Gideon and Sirene looked at her. “Desiree, you have better manners than that. Perhaps we should just introduce ourselves. I’m Desiree’s mother, Sirene.” “How do you do Mrs., uh...” “Not Mrs. anything, please, just call me Sirene.” She breathed her name out and glided closer to him. Gideon appeared rather dazed. Sirene’s long blonde hair swirled around her beautiful face and the curls reached to the top of her round, high breasts. Her model slim figure was tightly held by a short, red dress. The short skirt showed her perfect legs off to advantage and the very, very high heels allowed her to claim she was five foot six. Des knew how beautiful her mother was. Every male who came within fifty feet of the Succubus would get a dazed look, then follow her with his eyes and often the whole body would move after her. She was surprised to see that Gideon was able to tear his eyes away and focus in on Des. “I guess you’d like some time to talk with your mother and I’d best be going. Call you later?” “Of course. And Gideon?” She went up on tiptoe and gave him a little kiss on his cheek. “Thanks. I’ll see you soon?” “Very soon.” He smiled down at Des, then turned and held his hand out to shake Sirene’s. “Nice to meet you Mrs., uh, Sirene.” Sirene looked down at where his hand grasped hers. She had presented her hand as if she expected him to bow over it and kiss it. She smiled weakly as he shook it. “So very nice to meet you, Gideon. I do hope to see you again. My daughter is a lovely girl you know, so intelligent, such a good housekeeper, she’ll make a wonderful…” “Good bye Gideon,” Des broke in. “See you later then,” Des waited until Gideon left before she turned to Sirene and said, “Mother, why don’t we go in the house? I know how you hate to sit in the sun. Those wrinkles are just a sunbeam away.”

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“Oh dear, you’re right, quickly into the house. Maybe I should put on some more sun block. I hate the sun; if it’s not burning your skin it’s causing wrinkles. It would be so much nicer if you just moved back to Hell. There’s a really nice apartment in the next building from where I live. And such nice single men live there. Professional men, one is a darling devil, so gallant. There’s the nicest shape shifter, such a dashing man. I met the handsomest were-wolf in the park there, he was playing some game with a round, flat thing. I don’t know the game, but he was gorgeous. At first I wondered if he was an Incubus, but no, he told me he was a were-wolf. And the two of you would have the sweetest little pup babies. I told him all about you…” Des didn’t even bother listening. As her mother went on and on, her sole function was to interject an obligatory, ‘hmm’ or ‘really’. Eventually Sirene would tire of being here and take herself off. Des tuned in her mother for a moment. “If you would just take a bit more care with your hair and your makeup. I could get you in to see Robert; his scalp massage would make a new woman of you. And the things he could do with your hair. There is no reason to just leave it go like you do. A little curling...” Des smiled to herself remembering last night. It had been fantastic. She hadn’t even known sex could be so wonderful. Gideon was so responsive, and spent so much time making sure she climaxed too. Not only was he great in bed, but also he was interesting to talk to, concerned about a lot of the same things she was. Still, she had this nagging feeling that there was something he wasn’t telling her. What if he was married? No, she couldn’t believe he would lie about that. “Des? Desiree?” “Oh sorry, Mother. I was just thinking about it and you are right.” “Of course I am. It wouldn’t take much to get you an all-new wardrobe. And I’m glad you agree with me, something with a little more pizzazz, sex appeal. You dress like, I have no idea what like. Your clothes are literally hanging on you. You have a fine figure and you should show it off. Soon enough you’ll meet the right man and he won’t want you to dress…” The right man. Was Gideon the right man? She’d given up thinking that there might be one. Imagine any mortal trying to get along with her family, but Gideon had met Jean-Luc and Hunt and seemed to accept them. Surely meeting the others wouldn’t be so bad. And she might not even have to explain everything to him, he did know who Vlad the Impaler was after all. There was, she allowed, a little difference between knowing about the first Vampire and meeting one related to her. Des sighed, and then tried to cover it up. Had her mother noticed? “Babies. I know you think you have lots of time, and you do, but imagine how wonderful it would be. A sweet little baby, smelling of that special baby smell. I would so like to be a grandmother. Well, not be called a grandmother, I really wish the boys wouldn’t call me mother, but I guess it’s too late to train them. A baby now, we could just teach him or her to call me Sirene. Why I’d look like his older sister. And what a sweet little bundle. I could take him for walks; men go crazy over a beautiful woman with a baby. I think one or two would be sufficient for you, no sense going overboard.” I’ll bet Gideon would be a great father. He sure knows how to plant the babies in style. I could just see the three of us. Biking the paths, picnicking and wading in the little stream. Then playing on the kiddieland playground. That little slide was the cutest thing. Good night. Des shook her head. Now she was thinking like her mother. Gideon was a nice guy, but no way should she be sitting her thinking of how many children they should have. “Anyway, dear, I really have to run. There is a sale at Beau Brummel’s and you know how Vlad likes their suits. I think I’ll just pick him up another tux. Perhaps a blue one. What do you think? All that black is so, so, funereal. I think a bit of color might lighten his mood. Sapphire blue. It would go well with his eyes. Well I’m off dear, give your mother a kiss.” Dutifully Des rose and kissed Sirene just above her cheek, it wouldn’t do to muss the perfect makeup. Sirene hugged her slightly and kissed the air near her.

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“Have a good day sweetie. That Gideon looked very nice. He’d make nice babies too. Well it’s your life, I never interfere. I always tell my friends that my children are so lucky; I never, ever interfere with their lives. It’s not my business to be giving them advice all the time, trying to run their lives. You are all grown-ups and know what to do. Now I’ve got to fly. I want to buy a new set of towels for Herky. I was appalled to notice that his didn’t match. And when I admired him for getting trendy gray ones, he told me they used to be white.” Des could hear her mother continue to talk as she entered the closet and shut the door. Des just stood for a moment in the silence. The blessed silence.

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Chapter Sixteen Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: OK, so I haven’t returned your call. Don’t do a trauma-drama on me. I told you I was going deep undercover. When I do get home, I’m pretty exhausted. You know how tiring some of these assignments can be. I’m anxious to do a great job here. I’ll try to keep in touch more often. But my first allegiance has to be to my cover story. Gideon PS: And yes, those reports are done and on their way to you. They were mailed tomorrow.

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Chapter Seventeen

Des walked quietly through the hallway. The silence was wonderful, but finishing her Sunday chores wouldn’t wait. She needed to put a load of linens into the washer, do the shopping, weed out the side garden, dry and fold the sheets and towels. Then she needed to wash a load of her lingerie and hang it out to dry. All she really wanted to do was crawl back into bed and sleep a few more hours. She headed up the stairs determined to strip the beds and get started. At the guest room door, she paused, knocked, and entered. Des was surprised to see her father sitting in an armchair by the window, reading. “Sorry, didn’t know you were in here. I need to strip the bed and get the wash started. I’ll be quick.” “Was that your mother I heard?” Her father looked over the top of his book. “I decided to stay out of sight until after she left.” “It was, and she was in excellent voice. I just tuned her out ‘til she was finished. I can almost recite all of her lectures.” Des smiled. “But I know she means well.” “You look tired, hon. Why don’t you let me do the laundry and shopping? I can do it and you can take a bubble bath and a long nap. Then when you wake up you’ll be done.” “I don’t want to ask you to do that.” “Sweetie, I don’t mind at all.” Hunt rose from the chair and walked over to her, took the sheets from her arms and pushed her towards the door. “Go, enjoy, relax. Don’t worry about it at all.” “If you’re sure…” “I’m positive. Now obey your father and scoot.” “Thanks Father, I will,” she kissed Hunt on his cheek, walked back to her room directly into the bathroom. In less than five minutes she was chin deep in bubbles in her bathtub. La Traviata played on the stereo while scented candles lit the room; she leaned back totally relaxed. When the water finally grew cool she yanked the plug and got out. She was wrinkled as a prune, but felt laid back. Wrapping a bath sheet around her, she went into her bedroom, opened the drapes and sat on the bed. It had been made, but Des knew she hadn’t done it. Turning back the coverlet she saw that her father had changed the sheets already. Lifting the top sheet, she could smell the scented talcum powder he had sprinkled there. He used to do that when she was little, He would tuck her into bed and tell her ‘sweet dreams’. She smiled; he really was a great dad. With this thought, she curled up in the sunshine, pulled the top sheet over her and fell asleep. The last rays of the setting sun woke her. Sitting up, she felt much better, rested and ready to go. From downstairs, she heard the hum of male voices, which could only mean her brothers were there. Wondering what she had for dinner she could stretch to feed them all, she dressed in her baggy jeans and an old, outsized t-shirt. Deciding to be casual, she parted her hair down the middle and braided it. She caught a glance of herself in the mirror. She looked like a twelve-year-old. She made a face at herself in the mirror and laughed. Barefoot she padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. She heard the conversation in the dining room, but they couldn’t see her yet. “Well, Jean-Luc, I’m glad you helped me shop, but I don’t remember a lot of these things being on Des’ list. For instance, this bottle of imported artichoke hearts in extra virgin olive oil.” “Wonderful things, and they will go so well with these canned sardines in Dijon mustard sauce. And look at this cunning little can of syrups. It looks like a little log house.” “Yes, but it was dreadfully expensive.”

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“One expects to pay for good food. Look at how much this European butter cost. And still we bought it. Des will not mind.” Jean-Luc airily dismissed mundane concerns. “The better things of life cost more. She knows this.” “I don’t know. She said to use her credit card, but I don’t think she expected us to spend so much. And what is this? It wasn’t on her list.” “I bought that especially for Vlad. See, on the label it says, ‘Blood Pudding.’ He should like that.” “Did you buy something special for me?” She could hear Herky’s voice and the sound of rummaging through paper bags. “I did. I got those little wieners in cans. The Viennese sausages.” “Wow, I love those things. Where are they? I want to open them right now.” “Non, you do not deserve them. One task you had to do. Wash the linens and look what happened.” Jean-Luc’s voice was stern. Des leaned closer. What had happened? She closed her eyes. All her sheets were 100% Egyptian cotton. She couldn’t afford them, but she loved to sleep on them. That’s why she only owed four pairs of sheets. Well maybe two now. “I explained. It would have taken hours to wash everything in this dinky little washing machine, so I took it to the Laundromat I always use, The Dirty Demon Laundry, Nail Parlor, Tanning Salon and Espresso Stand. I knew that they had that big, industrial washer. All her stuff would fit in one load, save time and money. I do it all the time.” “You wash your laundry that often?” Daneel’s voice was sarcastic. He needn’t have bothered, thought Des, Herky didn’t ‘get’ sarcasm. Sure enough, he answered in a normal voice. “Of course, Daneel, I wash laundry every month.” “Every month, that figures. But why did you wash her… delicate things?” Vlad’s voice questioned. “Those silky things never get washed by machine.” “I didn’t know. Heck, I don’t own any silky things. I never even dated anyone who owned silky things. I just stuffed them in the machine and put it on extra hot and washed everything. Hey, I even remembered to put in the super bleach.” “That would explain the white splotches on her pink sheets.” Daneel spoke up. “But who is going to explain this? ‘Des, here’s your lacy bra, only it now has holes in it, and the strap fell off?’ I don’t plan on telling her.” Vlad was definite. “Don’t expect me to do it,” put in Jean-Luc. “These silk panties are splotched and ruined. She’ll never be able to wear them again.” “I knew I shouldn’t have taken that nap,” Des walked into the room. Vlad was standing holding her apricot lace bra by what was left of one cup. Sure enough the lace was shredded beyond repair. Turning red, he pulled it off his hand and stuck it in his pocket. Daneel dropped the sheet he was holding, and Jean-Luc shook the panties off his fingers. He wasn’t able to do it because he’d stuck his fingers through the multiple holes left by the bleach. He pulled them off and shoved them on the table. “Sorry, sis. It was my fault. I thought I could do it. I just ruined everything.” Herky sounded to sad and forlorn that Des’ heart went out to him. She put her arms around him and hugged him. “Don’t worry, bro. Mother wanted to do some shopping for me. She’ll be thrilled when I tell her I need new underwear.” “And, some of your blouses,” Hunt held up her cream chiffon blouse, now smudged with splotches of red and purple, the arm half torn off and the collar misshapen. “Well, that will only make her happier, I guess.” Des ran her hand over her once favorite blouse and sighed. “It’s all right Herky. They’re only things. They can be replaced. You,” she hugged him hard, “can’t.” “I’ll go with Mother and help her pick out new ones for you.” Herky smiled at her. “I can be a big help. I watch women all the time and I know what they wear.”

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“NO! No, that’s not necessary. It’s mother-daughter type of thing. You’d have to go into all sorts of stores that sold women’s…never mind. It’s just a mother-daughter thing.” “If you say so. I’m still sorry.” He looked down at her feet. “Hey, I could give you a pedicure and paint your toes.” “No, I do not want…” then she looked at how his face fell. “Well, just a bit of paint. And be careful.” “I shall help you, little brother. It is one of the many things I do to please the women. I shall show you the painting and the massage. Then you can drive the women mad for you.” Jean-Luc dropped his hand on Herky’s shoulder. Herky craned his head up to look at his tall brother. “Gosh, will ya, Jean-Luc? Hey, that would let me bag lots of babes. And once they’ve got their shoes off, well that’s a start isn’t it? This could be the beginning of a whole new sex life for me.” “Now that’s something to be deliriously happy about,” Vlad drawled. “We’ll have to listen to all your new stories. Real and not.” “I promise to tell you whatever you want to know.” Herky crossed his heart. “That should be easy, I don’t want to know anything.” Vlad smiled wanly. “I look forward to not knowing anything.” “Come, Herky, first we must use the special oils and creams to massage the feet and ankles. I will show you. Sit down, Des.” “I don’t know Jean-Luc, I don’t really want…” “Sit. I, Jean-Luc, the man with the magic hands will show my little brother how to pleasure women with your fingers. However, tonight, only the fingers on the feet. The other pleasures, perhaps some other time. So we begin.” Actually the massage was quite soothing. Jean-Luc and Herky wedged nice, soft, rolls of cotton between her painted toes. They even did a creditable job of painting them. Des didn’t really like the crimson color, but it would be covered with her shoes. And Herky was so thrilled, she was glad she had agreed. Not wanting to stop, and to get more practice in short order, Herky continued onto the others around the table. Des bit the inside of her mouth in order not to laugh at the sight of the impeccably clad vampire sitting next to her. Vlad sat with his Armani pants rolled up in perfectly formed and shaped folds, his skinny, white legs below them. He sat primly on a chair, knees prissily together, staring in disbelief at his deep rose painted toes. Hunt’s toes were a soft mauve, and even Daneel’s hooves had a line of chili-pepper red around the edges. Not to be left out, Jean-Luc painted Herky’s toes a bright orange, and now the incubus sat in a chair, one leg twisted to rest against the table in front of him, brushing on clear lacquer. Des wasn’t sure how he twisted his body into that form, and didn’t wish to hear how beneficial it was to him to be able to do that. They sat around the table waving their feet, helping the paint dry. Except for Herky who lay on the floor, legs lifted high so he could watch the orange nails. “Do you think they will glow in the dark? That would be so cool. Hey, I could buy one of those human penis covers in orange and glow in the dark all over. Wow, what a great idea. I’ll bet the ladies would love it.” Des opened her mouth to answer Herky, but before she could day a word, the doorbell rang. Five pairs of eyes slewed around to Des. “I wonder who that is? I wasn’t expecting anyone.” “Maybe someone ordered food?” Daneel’s sounded happy. “I’m hungry and could eat a pizza or something right about now.” “I’ll go,” Jean-Luc swung his foot off the table, rose and walked off through the living room. Des stood and hobbled after him. That cotton between her toes really made it hard to walk. “Who is there?” called out Jean-Luc. “Answer please.”

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“Just look out the peep hole. You can peep out and see who’s standing there.” Des pointed to the small glass covered hole in the door. “Please, Des. I never do the peeps. Such a thing to say. And why do you have a peeps hole in your house?” “It’s in the door, Jean-Luc. It’s a security thing so you can see who is on the porch before opening the door.” “Ah, well, that makes sense.” He looked through the hole. “I see no one. Whoever it was, is gone.” He turned away from the door and the bell rang again. Jean-Luc looked back at the door and scowled. “Perhaps, they play the games.” “Here, let me.” Des flipped the lock off and opened the door. “No, Des. You didn’t look through the peeps.” Gideon stood on the porch. In his hands he held a flat box full of Chinese take-out cartons. He looked at her and smiled sheepishly. “Don’t you just hate people who drop in? The least someone could do was call. But your phone was busy and I was getting Chinese for dinner, and you needed to eat too, and I wanted to see you again. So, voila!” He pushed the box at her. “But so much? How long are you planning on staying?” “How long will you let me? No, seriously, I didn’t know what you liked so I went wild. I figured whatever we didn’t eat, your brothers probably would.” Jean-Luc moved to the open doorway. “I thank you, Gideon. We were just saying how hungry we were. This will make a wonderful dinner.” Jean-Luc took the box and started to walk away. After he’d taken about three steps he turned back around. “Would you like to eat with us? It looks like we have enough.” “I think, Jean-Luc, he wanted to have dinner with me.” Des answered dryly. “Good. Come along then. No, I will hurry to tell our brothers we have a guest. Do not wait too long. It has a good smell and I like the fried prawnfishes with the hot mustard. Ummm, delectable.” He walked away lowering his nose to the tray he held at shoulder level. “This one is the rice. This one has noodles. I come, brothers, with food. And Gideon will eat with us. Be prepared.” Gideon and Des watched him walk away, bearing the box high, a hunter home with his kill. She shook her head and smiled. “Come in. If we hurry, there might be some left.” “Is it all right? Or should I get lost?” “Well...” Des grabbed his coat, pulled him close, put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, and kissed him. He kissed her back and she responded, her tongue dancing around his. “Des, hurry. We are starved.” Herky’s voice cut through the air. “Does that convince you that you’re welcome?” Des laughed. “It sure does. How soon did you say before your brothers left?” “Let’s see how fast we can make the dinner disappear.” Hand in hand, they walked through the living room and into the dining room. Des quickly checked, Daneel and Herky had assumed their human disguises. “Well, I guess it’s time to meet the family.” “Everyone, this is Gideon. Gideon, this is my dad, Hunt. My oldest brother, Vlad, my second brother Daneel, my next brother Jean-Luc and the youngest brother, Herky.” “I know some of you. You,” he pointed at Jean-Luc and Daneel, were at the movie. Hell, you were in the movie. No, that couldn’t be. You’re much too young.” “Relatives.” Daneel put in. “We have lots of relatives.” “Jean-Luc I’ve already met, and it’s nice to finally meet the rest of you.” “Let me go and get some plates. I’ll be right back.” Des was halfway into the kitchen when she stopped and without turning added, “and if I find any fingers have been in the cartons before I get back, the guilty party will lose them. And I don’t mean the cartons.”

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***** A general laugh went up around the table, but Gideon noticed two of the brothers pushed the cartons they had been opening back. “Please sit.” The pale, skinny one named Vlad indicated a chair. Gideon froze halfway down, staring at the man’s brightly colored toes. Looking around, he saw that all the men had painted toe nails. He looked away from the man’s toes, wondering why they were painted. Then sat down clamping his lips together. “You are wondering about these,” Vlad wiggled his toes. “No, please, not at all. Well, yes. Truthfully, I’m curious as hell.” “It’s a long story, but Herky was learning—” Vlad began. “It’s a killer way to get the babes into my place. Jean-Luc taught me how to do it. Now, I’ll have a way to pick up the girls. My friend, Bennie, gets them every time we go out. He just sits there and uses his tongue to lick his lips. Of course, it is a really long tongue. If you know what I mean?” Herky raised and lowered his brows. “We all know, Herky, and it’s not dinner table talk.” Des put the plates down, She opened the cartons and put spoons in them. “Hon, you don’t need the serving spoons, we’ll just use our forks.” Daneel reached for a carton. “You’ll use the spoons, and keep them out of your mouths. We have a guest, try to pretend you have manners. He’s an only child and doesn’t understand about siblings.” “Hmm, perhaps it’s time he learned,” Jean-Luc, said. “If he intends to keep bouncing in your bed, he’ll have to―” “Jean-Luc! First, it’s not your business; second, this is the dinner table; third, I’m your sister for Lucifer’s sake and lastly, again, it’s none of your business. Now, everything is ready. Pass the fried rice.” “Would you like something to drink, Gideon?” Daneel pulled some cans from an ice chest next to him. “We always bring some along with us. Let’s see, Three-Headed Dog Pale Ale, Devil’s Hoof Lager and Hellfire Brew.” He read off the labels. “I don’t know any of those brands. Are they local? Gideon picked up a can of the Three-Headed Dog Pale Ale. “If I remember, a three-headed dog guarded the gates to Hell, right?” “Uh, they’re from a micro-brew. Very small brewery. Not real well known.” Herky rushed in. “Hard to find. It has to be imported. Imported from, uh, someplace.” “Maybe I’ll just have a glass of tomato juice.” “Tomato juice? I don’t know if we have any. Do we, daughter?” Hunt said. He moved the cans off the table and back into the ice chest. “I’m pretty sure we have OJ.” “I just thought, since Vlad was drinking it, you might have some more.” “Vlad? Drinking tomato juice?” Gideon pointed to the glass of red liquid in front of the pale man. The others stared at it as if they had never seen it before. “Oh, that, I brought it with me. It’s a special blend. Unfortunately I have none left. I’d offer you a drink of mine, but I’m getting a cold.” Vlad coughed and hit his chest with his fist. “Don’t want to spread germs.” “That’s fine. How about one of the beers then. You pick which one.” He smiled at Daneel. “Give him the Hellfire Brew. It’s more like Middlewo-, middle America beer. Some of the other is a little harsh to mor-, more people’s palates.” “Good, that’s fine.” Gideon looked around the table; everyone was busy not looking at him. He wondered why. There was obviously something going on in this group. His level of suspicion rose.

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Dinner passed quickly, the group teased gently. They told stories on each other and soon all of them were laughing. Gideon noticed that Daneel was steadily drinking the beer. When he finally fell off his chair, laughing at some story, Vlad stood and said it was time to leave. The brothers rose, draping Daneel over Jean-Luc and Vlad’s shoulders, they walked him out into the hall. Then they stood there awkwardly. “I’ll get the door for you,” Gideon offered. He clutched the doorknob to the front door. Odd, he thought, Jean-Luc was looking around a bit wildly. “Perhaps you could help me clear the table. My brothers can see themselves out.” Des smiled at him. She offered her hand, he took it and they walked back to the dining room. Hunt was talking on a cell phone. He saw them, said goodbye into the phone and closed it. “I have some things I have to do tonight, dear. Don’t wait up for me. I most likely won’t be home till morning.” “Are you sure, Father? You’re spending a lot of time somewhere else.” “Don’t worry,” Hunt kissed her on her forehead. “I’m a big boy and promise to stay out of trouble. You two have fun. I mean, a good time.” He winced. “It’s okay, Father. You take care of yourself.” Hunt left the room and Gideon could hear the front door open and close. “Let me help you with these dishes.” “Thanks, I’ll just rinse them off and set them in the dishwasher. I usually run it in the mornings.” Gideon and Des carried the dishes out to the kitchen sink. Then he turned and went back to see if there were any cartons that belonged in the fridge. Picking up the only two with food left in them, he crossed over to the fridge and opened it. As he reached in, his hand rubbed up against a plastic bag. A plastic bag filled with blood. He looked at it again. It was just like the ones used at the blood bank when he gave blood. But what was it doing in Des’ refrigerator? He set the cartons down and turned to find her watching him. “There’s blood in your fridge. A whole bag of blood.” “Yes. I know. It’s, uh, not mine, it belongs to, uh...” She rubbed her left ear. “Vlad,” Gideon snapped his fingers. “It belongs to Vlad doesn’t it?” Des nodded her head slowly. “That explains it. Why he looks so pale and washed out.” “Explains what?” Des’ voice was quiet. “Vlad’s hemophiliac isn’t he?” “Hemophilia? Vlad? Yes, that’s it. It’s his blood because he’s hemophiliac.” “But, I thought they just used clotting factor or whatever.” “Most do, but Vlad needs the whole blood.” “Gosh that’s terrible. I hope I didn’t make any jokes about being a vampire.” “V-v-vampire?” “Yeah. Because of his name, and he’s so pale. I sure hope I didn’t say anything to upset him. Your brothers seem like nice guys.” “You didn’t say anything. There I’m finished with the dishes. Since it’s still early, want to watch some TV? I’m not sure what’s on, but Saturday nights usually have some great Brit comedies.” Des shut off the light in the kitchen and moved to the dining room. Gideon followed her into the living room. “Sounds good. Share the couch with me?” “Of course. Sit here and I’ll find the remote.” *****

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When Gideon finally looked at his watch, he was shocked to discover it was just after midnight. The time he spent with Des passed so very quickly, they never seemed to run out of things to say, secrets to share. It was like talking to a life-long best friend. Although, he thought, I still have a long life in front of me we could share. “Goodness, I had no idea it was that late.” Des grabbed his wrist and looked at his watch. “It does seem rather late to be sending you out in the dark. You could stay here, if you’d like?” “If I’d like,” Gideon felt like he’d won the Boston Marathon, grinning from ear to ear. “I’d like very much. But I don’t want to make you feel crowded.” “I don’t. If I didn’t want you here, I’d just wish you goodnight and shove you out the door. I’d like it if you stayed.” “Then,” he kissed her, “I’ll stay.” Gideon made sure the doors were locked as Des turned off lights and set the coffee pot up for the morning. They met at the foot of the stairs. With an extravagant bow Gideon swept her up into his arms. Des squealed in mock fear. “Allow me, fair maid.” “Why gallant sir, I’m impressed. Just don’t drop me. I’m not such a light weight.” “You’re as light as air and if I could I’d bound up these stairs at a single leap. But just in case, don’t wiggle around a lot.” “Leaping tall buildings at a single bound. Just so long as you aren’t faster than a speeding bullet.” “Never, I only have the good super hero attributes. Wanna see how long I can hold my breath? How ‘bout using my super stretch abilities?” “This should be a good evening. You can show me all your super powers. I’m already impressed by the ones I’ve seen.” Gideon slowly climbed the stairs, claiming a kiss for each one. At the top of the stairs, he put her down and they continued to kiss as they walked down the hall. Their clothes littered the hall behind them. They fell on the bed and kicked the covers aside. Des cuddled close and they held each other, just running their hands up and down each other’s bodies. Exploring the warm body of a lover. She was so soft, yet underneath he could feel firm muscle. She had a will of iron, and Gideon realized he liked that. She’d never be a shrinking violet, but would be a good, dependable wife. Mentally he shook his head. Wife? Where had that come from? He’d never believed that an agent should marry until he was ready to come out of the field. But perhaps he was wrong. Locked deep in a passionate kiss, it took a minute before the pounding at the front door and the ringing of the bell to filter through his consciousness. He half rolled over, automatically reaching for his gun. “Who the hell is that?” said Des. “I’m going down there and give them a good piece of my mind. It’s nearly one a.m. Even Herky wouldn’t come visiting this time of night.” “No, stay here,” Gideon stood up and took a step towards the door, gun in one hand and his pants in the other. “I’ll go down there. You never know who it might be.” Suddenly, without warning, the window flew open wide. The bedroom curtains flew wide, fluttering white in the dark of the night. Out of the inky darkness a lone bat flew in through the window. He circled around the room, his eyes bright. Gideon tried to get the bat in his gun sights. Des rose up on her knees and hit the gun so it pointed at the ground. “Never, ever shoot a bat in the nighttime. You don’t know who you’ll hit.” Then she drew the sheet up to her waist and addressed the bat.

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“Oh, please. I feel like I’m some extra in an awful B-movie. Those are really, cheesy special effects, I expected better of you Vlad.” The bat hovered for a moment then swooping near the ground it grew and changed until Vlad stood there, black tux, long black cape swirling around him. “Can I help it if the special effects come already loaded with the shtick? I would much rather appear in a thoroughly dignified manner, perhaps a small poof of neat, gray smoke, but no. Vampires must fly through open windows, billowing curtains, yadda, yadda. Gideon’s jaw dropped and he froze. He rubbed his eyes with his fist. “Also, I believe I hear our beloved brothers thundering up the stairs. You might wish to uh, well,” he waved at Des’ naked breasts. Gideon and Des both looked down, Des pulled the sheet up. Gideon stared at Vlad. “What the bloody hell is going on here? Where did you come from? What are you anyway?” he shouted. “I should have thought it was patently obvious.” Vlad brushed down his cloak. “I am a vampire.” “Impossible.” “Illogical. I am here; I flew in through a window as a bat, and turned into a man. Perhaps this is a common occurrence with you, but I doubt that many mortals could claim it was familiar. Outside the movies that is.” “There’s no such thing as vampires. They never existed.” “Well then, if there are no Vampires, I’m sure you’ll tell me there are no Devils, Imps, Demons and so forth.” “None. Don’t exist.” “Then you’d best sit down, because I hear them at the top of the stairs and they should arrive just about...now.” His last word corresponded with the door opening. Gideon stared at the men, no, beings, that tumbled in. He recognized Jean-Luc in yet another of those odd outfits. Tonight he was a Viking, complete with horned helmet. The ones Gideon was sure no one wore outside an opera. A short, hairy green being with big ears followed him. His toenails were painted bright orange. Gideon began to feel queasy. Looking at the Vampire’s feet he somehow knew that in those handmade shoes were painted rose red toenails. The last being through the door was a tall, red devil. Gideon started from the horns on his head, down past the long pointed tail to the cloven hoofs. It was a devil, a real devil. His first thought was what was in that Chinese food? Had someone mixed up the LSD with the MSG? This was some dream. The men all clamored around Des, speaking at once in loud voices. She covered her ears with her hands and gave a loud, piercing whistle. “Quiet. I can’t hear a thing. And poor Gideon, I have no idea what he’s going through.” The brothers all turned to look at him, standing naked holding his gun and pants. Jean-Luc looked at his groin and raised his eyebrow. Daneel opened his eyes wide and leaned back as if to measure with his eyes. “Not bad, for a mortal,” said Herky. “And it’s not fully erect,” said Daneel. “Mine is bigger,” put in Herky. “But it’ll do.” Gideon realized he was naked in a room full of Des’ brothers, dropped his gun into one of his shoes and pulled his pants on. Tossing Des her jeans and shirt so she could dress, he pulled his polo over his head. He slid his feet into his shoes and felt better; just having clothes on righted his world. Somewhat. He still felt like this whole scene was too bizarre and any moment Rod Sterling would appear. He recognized voices and knew they were Des’ brothers, but honestly, a devil? An Imp? And what about that Vampire? Nothing in the FBI guidebook covered situations like this. Hell, he didn’t even know there were situations like this.

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“So, why are you here? And without disguises? You must have known Gideon would still be with me. I hadn’t planned on telling him anything unless it was necessary.” “It is necessary, Des,” Jean-Luc all but yelled. “Hunt’s been kidnapped. Right off the street. Herky saw it all.” “Herky, what were you doing with my father?” “I was following him. He’s been acting kinda weird. Vlad thought someone should keep an eye out on him, so I’ve been watching him. And then tonight, zowie, they took him. Just shoved him in the car and zoomed out of there.” “What are you talking about? My father was kidnapped? Herky, you must be mistaken, you probably thought you saw him being pushed into a car. Maybe it was a cab he called?” “Nah, Des. Two big men jumped outta this Lincoln Town car. Boy was it primo. Dark blue, almost black. I could see the inside, cream leather seats, nice carpet. And the engine purred...” “Herky, tell us about the car later. Right now what about Hunt.” Gideon broke in. “Well, I tell you, if someone kidnapped me, I’d want it to be the caliber of criminal who would use a classy car. Imagine being kidnapped in a sub-compact. Now that would be tacky.” “Herky! The kidnapping?” Gideon clenched his hands to avoid throttling the little imp. “Hunt was just leaving Mrs. Lorner’s apartment…” “Mrs. Lorner? She’s one of my clients. Hunt’s been seeing her? Why?” “Yeah, he goes over there a lot, I think they’re—” Daneel cleared his throat loudly. “Oh, yeah. Anyway he walked out. There was this car parked outside. Two men jumped outta the car, grabbed Hunt, shoved him inside the back seat, then jumped in and slammed the doors and it was gone. Whoosh,” Herky slid his hands across each other. “The were real fast. I tried to follow them, but I couldn’t run that fast. I’m sorry Des, I didn’t mean to let them get away.” Herky started to cry. “I know, hon. There’s no way you could have kept up with the car. I understand. Come here. I need a hug from you.” Des and Herky hugged and he sat next to her on the bed, her arm around him. “But why would someone kidnap my father?” “Could be some of the con’s he’s done. The mafia could have been looking for him, some crooks he fell out with. Lots of possibilities.” Gideon was running through the many choices he had. “My father doesn’t do the big con. And how do you know what he does?” “We need help. Maybe we should call the FBI, or CIA. Better yet, call the DBI and the DIA. They’ll find him.” Daneel was trying to get Des’ attention. “What are the DBI and the DIA?” Gideon had never heard of these agencies. “Demon Bureau of Investigation and the Devil Intelligence Agency. They don’t have authority up here in Middleworld, but they might do it if Vlad asked.” Jean-Luc turned to his older brother. “You’re the only one that’s got the clout.” “I could do it, pull a few strings. The Board of Directors won’t like it, but that will be after we find Hunt and I can deal with it.” “Thanks, Vlad. Please ask,” Des was holding back tears. “I don’t want him hurt.” “It’s not necessary to call anyone. The FBI can handle this.” Gideon said. “The FBI, how do we get a hold of them? How fast can they be here? I don’t want to wait around for them. I want to find my father now.” “You don’t have to wait around for them. They’re already here.” Gideon pulled out his wallet and flipped it open to show his gold badge. “I’m them. Gideon Raines, Special Agent.”

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Chapter Eighteen Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: Hunt’s been kidnapped. Not quite sure what is going down. Des and I are going to track him down. Her brothers are already out searching. Will call if I get any leads. Until then, hold the guys in white hats ready. The best thing for Gillespie would be for Hunt to disappear, but damn if I’m going to let that happen. Gideon

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Chapter Nineteen

There was absolute silence in the room. Five pairs of eyes swiveled to focus in on Gideon. He shrugged his shoulders depreciatingly. “Excuse me? I don’t believe I heard what you just said.” Des’ voice was the extra polite one no one really used. “I’m an FBI agent on special assignment. I showed you my badge. What more do you need?” Gideon palms grew damp. “What special assignment? Oh, oh! You mean my father. That’s how you knew he was a, umm, an independent entrepreneur.” “A con man.” “My family prefers not to use that word.” “The federal prosecutor had no problem using it. No,” he lifted his hand. He could see that she was about to burst. “First, let’s concentrate on finding Hunt, then we can talk.” “But you came here to spy on my father.” “Not spy, I’m FBI not CIA.” “Spy, creep around, watch him, take notes, report his actions. All true?” “Yes, but―” “No buts, you put the moves on my sister to get at her old man?” Herky glared at him and drew himself up to his full height of thirty-one and seven-eighths inches. “Even I wouldn’t do that.” His face filled with consideration. “Maybe that might work for me. Can I borrow your badge one night?” “Herky! For shame.” Des shook her finger at Herky and got a suitable chastised look from him. She faced Gideon. “That’s right. You seduced me to get at my father. I slept with you; I made love with you in a shower. You’re a dead man.” Des lunged off the bed at him. Gideon took a step back, she looked angry, and he believed she might try to kill him. He was relieved to see Jean-Luc grab her around the waist in mid-air and hold her. At least he had someone who could see his point of view. “Not now, Des,” Jean-Luc held her tight as she fought to get loose. “First let us see what he can do to assist us. You will not kill him. It is not for a lady to do. I will kill him for you. If not me, then Vlad or Daneel or—” “There’s no reason to kill me at all.” Gideon eyed Jean-Luc’s outfit. For a being whose job was making love not war, he wielded that huge double-sided axe a little too easily for Gideon’s peace of mind. “I admit, when I first met you, I only wanted to find your father, but then it all changed. I, well, I care for you. A lot.” “A lot?” asked Vlad. “What happened between you―” “The hot sex,” put in Jean-Luc helpfully. “Yes, “ Vlad cleared his throat and continued hastily, “the uh, intimate contact between you and our little sister.” “That means hot sex,” clarified Herky. “Vlad’s kinda shy. He doesn’t get much sex, it’s kinda hard for Vampires to date you know. One, two kisses and they’re puncturing your vein. He mostly has to take himself in hand and—” “Enough Herky,” Vlad turned a glare on him. “We are discussing this mortal and Des.” “I just thought I could make things clearer.” “Nothing about my sex life needs to be any clearer. Now, if I may return to the subject at hand.” “With you the sex usually is at hand.” Daneel whispered in a stage whisper to Herky and the two of them smirked and giggled.

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Vlad looked at both of them and waited for them to finish. He then stood there a full minute, just looking at them. Daneel and Herky began a careful examination of their feet. He drew his lips into a straight line and turned back to Gideon. “You care for Des?” “Very much. I would never do anything to hurt her. And if I can, I’ll help Hunt out of this mess. Just because I don’t want to see him go to prison and make her unhappy.” Gideon looked at Des, “I really mean that.” She stopped struggling and Jean-Luc released her. “I’ll call a truce for the time being. But you got lots of ‘splaining to do, mister. And you can start with why you were looking for him.” “How much do you know about his most recent con?” “Not much. He said it was a small play. He cut it clean and only later found out the marks, uh, other investor, was looking for him. That’s why he came here. To let the heat die down.” “The company he conned was Nuttal Paper, Inc. I know you’re aware of the company and of one of the two officers that your dad conned, Arnold―” “Gillespie. Then it wasn’t by chance he came here and contacted my uncle’s agency. He found out my father’s real name. Dad never did have a knack for picking a good alias.” “Exactly. He assumed your father would show up and your uncle would help him out, or was a part of the scheme. But what Hunt doesn’t know is that Gillespie and his partner, John Moore are embezzlers. It took them six months to set up their final touch on the company. Your father’s con messed it up for them.” “Final touch? Is it big?” “Two point five million. And you dad’s con, when exposed, would lead straight to them and their whole plan would crumble around them. And his con wasn’t that good. One look at it, and you know it’s a con.” “Damn Father. I told you to get out while you could.” Des bit her thumb. “How dangerous are these men? I mean, Gillespie seems like a cold fish.” Des shuddered. “Let’s just say, we need to find Hunt now. We have a little time though, they’re going to have to set up some story to explain his con, disappearance and such, but, well.” With every instinct, Gideon wanted to put his arms around her. “The only way Gillespie and Moore are going to get out of this with the cash is to have everything lead to a dead man.” Des spoke up. “I’m right, aren’t I? They have to get my dad out of the way permanently.” “Yes. I’m sorry, Des. These two aren’t kidding. We think they may have ties with the Mafia, and if they are involved it’s going to be hell to get Hunt. Oh, sorry.” “Sorry?” Vlad asked. “I mean, saying hell. It just sorta slipped out. Didn’t mean any disrespect to any of you.” Gideon smiled weakly at the brothers. “No problem, we say it all the time.” Herky patted Gideon and his knee. “How do we know they haven’t, uh, you know?” He dragged his thumb across his throat. “They’ll want to find out exactly what he knows and who he has told,” Vlad’s voice was reflective. “They have to control the situation as much as possible. And if they know about Des, which we have to assume they do, they might come looking for her.” Gideon finally walked over to Des and put his arms protectively around her. “No one is going to hurt Des unless they go through me first.” Des snorted and shrugged his arm off her shoulder. “Get away from me.” Gideon backed away and jammed his hands in his pockets. How was he ever going to get her to see he loved her?

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“They’ll have to go through all of us,” Herky took up a stance in front of Des. He crossed his long arms and planted the big feet at the end of his long, skinny legs firmly on the floor in front of her. His cherubic face twisted into a scowl and he bent his head forward in determination. “Yes, but why wait for them to come to us? Let’s find them first. Vlad, what should we do?” Daneel asked eagerly. The two horns on the top of his head quivered and his tail swished back and forth in excitement. He bunched his hands into fists and waited. “Gideon, I realize that you are the professional, but you have no idea of what powers or abilities any of us may have. So if you will allow me?” Vlad inclined his head slightly towards Gideon who nodded back to him, sweeping his hand toward him. “Please, there’s no way I can get agents out in the field for a couple of hours. And I’d rather we didn’t wait so long.” Gideon threw up both his hands. “Yes, well I believe we will prove more effective than your agents.” Vlad pointed to Daneel, “You’ll start where Herky last saw Hunt. Track him, I know it will take longer with so many mortals, but if anyone can do it, you can.” “Track? How can Daneel track Hunt? Sorry, Daneel. I didn’t mean to sound doubtful about your skills, but it’s night, and the middle of the city. There won’t be any tracks to see.” Gideon had a bad feeling about this. It was not a good start to the rescue. “Weren’t you a Boy Scout?” Des asked. “Yes, and I wasn’t bad at tracking, but at night, on cement? No one could track in that situation.” “Night or day, it doesn’t matter to a devil. And Daneel can sense/smell Hunt. Even if he was in a car. It’ll take longer because of the car, but he’ll do it.” Herky smiled up admiringly at his tall, red brother. “He was the best Demon Scout ever. He made Vulture Scout.” “Jean-Luc, since you’re already armed, you go with Des. In case they do try to take her, you’ll stop them.” “Excuse me, Vlad,” Gideon cleared his throat. “He has an axe and a sword. They have guns.” “So? Their bullets won’t hurt me. I’ll just have to dig them out, maybe lose a little blood. And until you’ve threatened someone with a big, swinging axe or whirled this broad sword around your head, you have no idea what intimidation is. They’ll be afraid of me all right.” “Yes, I guess they will. I would be,” Gideon acknowledged, grateful at being on the friendly side of the weapons. “Well if you were playing around with Des, you may still find out.” Jean-Luc smoothed his hand along the sword and smiled showing too many teeth. “What do I do, Vlad? Should I get a weapon too and protect Des? Maybe you want me to sneak around? Just tell me.” Herky danced around Vlad. Then he jumped into a martial arts pose. “I seen all them movies, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, that one with the kid and the cars, ‘Wax on, Wax off.’ I know all of them. My hands should be lethal weapons.” He slashed at the air in front of him, jumping and making yells. Unfortunately, his foot caught on a chair and he would have landed on the floor if Daneel hadn’t caught him. “Now, Herky,” Vlad sunk down to sit on his heels. “We need you to go back to your office and wait for us to contact you.” “My office! I don’t want to go to my office. That’s no fun. Don’t you think I can help, Vlad?” The imp’s yellow eyes filled with tears. “I know I make lots of mistakes, but that’s part of being an imp. I can do this, honest I can. I love Des and I want to help.” “You will be helping, Herky.” Vlad put his hand on the green shoulder. “We are going to need your skills on the computer to make sure that no lock keeps us out. When we snatch Hunt, we need to make sure that the bad guys stay locked up, and their car doesn’t start to follow us. You do this better than anyone.” “Yeah, but I want to help, really help.”

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“Think Herky. What if the bad guys do kidnap Des, and lock her up? You could be the only one to get her out. I admit I could use you with me, but we really need your abilities with machines and electronics.” “Of course, I can do it. Imps are good at that stuff and I’m one of the best. Okay, I’ll go back to my office and wait, but you better let me know what is happening.” “Of course we will,” Daneel made a fist and punched his brother lightly on the shoulder. “You’ll be like our communications center. Coordinate us, so to speak.” “The communications center? The coordinator? I can really do that. Yeah,” the imp began strutting around the room. “That will be my special job, to keep track of you all and coordinate you by… well by coordinating.” “Excellent, little brother, you will have a very important job,” Jean-Luc smiled down at him. “I am proud of you.” “Yes, Herky, we all are.” Vlad directed the conversation back to their plans. “I will fly out and contact any our kind I can see to find out if anyone knows anything.” “Fly?” “Flying?” “You’re gonna fly?” The voices rose. “Why are they surprised?” Gideon asked Des in an undertone. “I thought vampires always turned into bats and bats flew. Come to think of it, don’t vampires fly in their bodies too?” “Yes, but you see, Vlad has a little problem.” “Problem?” “He gets airsick. He hates to fly. He only does it when he really has no choice. He’s a little sensitive about it.” “He’s a vampire and he gets airsick?” Gideon’s eyes grew round. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. What am I saying?” he slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. “Until tonight I never believed in vampires.” “I know,” Des patted him soothingly. “I know how difficult all of this is for you.” “You have no idea. But you better know that I’m not writing any of this in my report. And speaking of it, we do need to run by my office.” “Why, we don’t need anything?” “Communications? Portable radios? Talk to each other?” Gideon pulled his cell phone out. “These won’t work as well as the radios I have.” “Oh, yes. Communicate. We don’t need anything to communicate with each other. That’s sort of, built in.” Daneel had the grace to look somewhat embarrassed. “Demons can read minds. Especially of relatives.” “Read minds. You’ve all been reading my mind? This whole time you’ve been reading my mind? Then you already knew about me, being FBI.” “No, just because we can doesn’t mean we do. We tune others out unless we have to talk to them. No one has been reading your mind. It would be... impolite.” Des patted him on the arm. “Your thoughts were always private. No one listened in.” “I have,” said Herky, still swinging his arms in karate moves. “Herky? How could you? For shame! You need to apologize. Now.” “Well, to tell the truth, hon,” Daneel nervously shuffled his hooves. “I’ve done it a couple of times. Just to check in and see how he was treating you. Then I left real quick.” Jean-Luc rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “I will admit, me too. But you were having the sex so I only listened for a few minutes. To see if I could learn anything. But it was pretty ordinary. Then I left.” “A few minutes? That’s sick. It’s like, like a voyeur or something.” Gideon felt queasy. “What a time to read someone’s mind. Disgusting. Wait a minute! Ordinary!” “It doesn’t matter who did what, when. We just need to put it all behind us,” Vlad quickly put in. “We have other things to think about.”

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“Vlad, you too? All of you. Mother would box your ears but good. Oh, I wonder if she…? No, she wouldn’t, would she?” “Your mother may have listened in while we were... You know. Oh gawd, don’t tell me that.” “Has everyone forgotten why we are here? Hunt? Kidnapping?” Jean-Luc broke in. “If we all plan to sit around and talk of Gideon’s pedestrian sex techniques, we’ll never find Hunt.” “Pedestrian? I’ll have you know that many, many women have told me I was one of the best, most creative lovers they’d ever had.” “Many, many?” Des’s voice rose. “How many is many, many? I am just another notch on your… your... gun belt!” “No, Des, with you it was different. I didn’t have feeling for those women...” Des and Jean-Luc yelled at him together. “That’s supposed to be better? You had sex with women you didn’t care about? What kind of mortal are you anyway?” “Des! Jean-Luc! Gideon!” Vlad yelled and gave a piercing whistle. “Hunt?” “We’ll finish this conversation later.” Des glowered at him. “If the Mafia’s involved we need to check with Tony. He’ll know if any contracts have been put out.” “Great idea, you and Jean-Luc head over there and find out what he knows. And take Gideon, as long as he doesn’t get in the way. If he does, tie him up and stick him in the trunk.” “Nobody will be sticking me in the trunk. I have been doing this longer than any of you.” “Almost as long as the ‘many, many women’?” Des’s voice was acid. Gideon looked at her in exasperation. He wasn’t looking forward to the conversation she had in mind. He shook his head and turned back to Vlad. “Who is Tony? Why would he know about the mafia?” “Just go with Des.” Vlad jumped into the air and a small bat appeared, circled once, brushed it’s wing by Des’ cheek and flew out the window. Gideon sighed. What an exit. How was he ever going to show Des his skills as an agent and regain her love, if he had to compete with her brothers’ unearthly powers? Daneel snapped his fingers and in a cloud of red smoke disappeared. Gideon felt a headache coming on. “Come now, let’s go.” Jean-Luc herded them all out the door and down the stairs. At the bottom, Herky turned away from the group and approached the closet door. “I’ll be in my office in a minute. You promised to keep me informed.” “We will, Herky. Thanks for doing this. You’re the best.” Des threw him a kiss. Herky caught it, and made a production of tucking it inside his hand. Then he opened the closet door, entered it and shut the door. Gideon saw a bright light under the door. “What’s that?” “That’s the family entrance. We use it for flitting back and forth, Hell to Middleworld to visit Des and such.” Jean-Luc opened the door and they hurried down the sidewalk to the car. “I shall drive. I am an excellent driver.” “Jean-Luc, you’re a terrible driver. Gideon’s car is bigger and more powerful than mine, so I shall drive his car.” “Wait, I’ll drive. I am a trained agent and part of that training was driving in emergency conditions. Besides I won’t give you my car keys.” “Don’t need them. I’m sure you had loads of training, but you have no idea where we are going, now get in or we’ll leave you here.” Des climbed behind the wheel and started the car. Gideon sat in the front and Jean-Luc pushed him over, trying to wedge his body inside. “Jean-Luc, you should sit in the back.” Gideon pushed Jean-Luc’s arm from the front of his throat. “Careful, you’re choking me.” “Des, I need to sit up front to protect you.” “Yes, but if you sit in the back, you can protect me no matter which door they approach. If you sit in the front you can’t guard the driver’s door.”

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“Very good, Des. You are right. I will sit in the rear seat to guard you.” Instead of exiting the car, Jean-Luc crawled over the seat, dragging his naked hip and leg across Gideon’s face. “Jean-Luc drag your naked body across someone else’s face, would ya?” “There is no one else here? I should think you would be honored to have my perfect, well-paid body drug across your face.” “You’re wrong. Now move,” Gideon pushed the rest of the incubus into the back seat with a big shove. Gideon fastened his seat belt. "Des?” “What?” He gestured to her seat belt. “You’ll be safer with that on.” She stared at him as if he were crazy and shook her head in disbelief. “Hold on, here we go.” Des gunned the engine and the car peeled away from the curb. “I love driving fast. And tonight there’s no limit.” Her sudden take off slammed him back against the seat with the force of a three-g rocket assisted launch. “Uh, Des?” Gideon grabbed onto the handhold above the door, his other hand braced against the glove box. “We shouldn’t speed. A ticket would mess everything up.” “We won’t be getting any tickets. This car can’t be seen on radar or laser. Herky fixed it.” “Should have known,” said Gideon to himself. “Why would anything make sense? This whole thing stopped making sense hours ago.” He winced and closed his eyes while Des careened up and down the streets and alleys. “Did you say something, Gideon?” Jean-Luc leaned over the seat. “No he didn’t,” answered Des. “Just ignore him. We’re almost there.” Gideon opened one eye and peeked at the speedometer. Sure enough they were cruising along at the sedate speed of one hundred twenty-five miles per hour. “I’m sure I don’t really want to know, but where are we going?” “We are going to see Tony the Troll. If the Mafia is involved, he’ll tell us who and where and all the details.” “Tony the Troll? Like in the Mafia boss? Like in the only guy the Families are afraid of? The one who would as soon kill someone as say good day? Please, you don’t mean that Tony.” Gideon’s stomach did a flip-flop. “He hates FBI agents and swears he’ll skin the next one he sees alive and make a pair of gloves out of him. That Tony?” “Please. He has lots of gloves. He doesn’t need another pair. Here we are.” Des pulled up to a large gate, and a heavyset man stepped towards the car, the flashlight in his hand blinded them all. “Get that thing out of my face, Otto, or you’ll be plenty sorry.” “Sorry Des, didn’t know it was you. Oh hi there Jean-Luc. Seeing how it’s you, I’ll just let you roll through.” “Thanks Otto. Is Tony is a good mood?” “Not really. But he’ll be happy to see you.” Des blew him a kiss and pulled away and through the gate. She followed a brightly lit drive up to the mansion. It was huge, wrap around porch and pillars up and down the front. The three of them got out of the car and walked towards the oversized door with the devil faced knocker in the middle. “Stay on the path. Be very careful not to step off it.” Jean-Luc’s voice was solemn. “Why?” asked Gideon. “Security precautions, just don’t step off the path.” Gideon was aware that more than one pair of eyes followed his every movement. He stepped in the same places Jean-Luc did. He could hear things growling and rustling in the dark and didn’t want to know what was out there.

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The door opened. A hulk of a man stood there. He sported a military hair cut, which left the scars on his neck and face easier to see. His jacket bulged under this arm and at his waist. Packing at least two pieces, guessed Gideon. Probably more. “Come in my little ones, I’m so glad to see you. It’s been a long time since you visited Vicente.” He held his arms out and Des hugged him and kissed his check. Then Jean-Luc grabbed the man around his middle and picked him up. “Vicente, good to see you. Is Uncle up?” “Yes, as soon as I saw it was you, I sent someone to wake him up. He won’t be happy to have his sleep disturbed, but I know you wouldn’t come here this late unless it was important.” The craggy face of the man smiled down at Des, then his eyes turned to Gideon and examined him, head to foot and back again. “And who is this? Do you bring a sweetheart for your uncle to meet?” “Him? No, not exactly.” “They have been having sex.” “Thank you Jean-Luc. There’re still a few people who don’t know my private business. This is Gideon. He’s with the FBI.” As soon as Des spoke the letters, Gideon heard the cocking of guns all over the room. Men stepped out from doorways, behind a screen, on the bottom of the stairs and Vicente drew his gun. “No, why are you bringing your hardware out? This is my lovely niece and my handsome nephew. For shame pulling your guns on them.” The big man on the stairs moved down, slowly. He stood probably six foot five and weighed maybe three hundred seventy pounds. His hair was dark and plastered to his head, and his dark eyes, darted everywhere, seeing everything at once. He had already seen, examined and judged Gideon. “This man is FBI.” Vicente waved his gun. “But, he is here with my own family. Put your weapons down and let the four of us go into the library where we will talk. Vicente bring some drinks and maybe a few sandwiches. Young people are always hungry.” Tony the Troll, for Gideon had recognized him at once, showed them into his library and shut the door standing up against it. “Sit, relax.” Tony stared at Jean-Luc’s outfit and raised his eyebrows. “My nephew, why are you wearing such a costume? You are an ordinary human man, have you been to a masquerade party this evening?” “It’s all right Uncle Tony, Gideon has seen everyone in their real skins. It’s not a secret to him.” “Desiree, you tell me that he is aware of the uniqueness of your family?” “Yes, Uncle, he’s even seen Vlad as a bat.” Jean-Luc laughed, “And he saw Vlad fly off.” “Then, there is no reason I cannot make myself more comfortable.” Tony’s form shimmered and undulated. Gideon shrank back in his chair. Before him stood a being approximately seven feet, weighing maybe four hundred fifty pounds, long hair spouted all over the body under his loose pants. His hands almost reached the ground and his feet were the size of garbage can lids. His beady, black eyes drooped and slime dripped out of his nose. Gideon opened his mouth and shut it. Then unable to hold it in he asked. “What? I mean, who?” “Of course Uncle,” Des put in, “we hadn’t told him about you. But that seems to be rather a moot point right now.” “What am I?” The Tony thing bellowed, “What the hell did you think I was? I’m a troll, you idiot. Tony the Troll should be a flower fairy or a pixie?” “I hadn’t realized the name was so, so descriptive,” managed Gideon. “I just thought it was a nickname of some sort. Not what you were.” “Humph. So Desiree, why are you here? And with him?” Tony’s thumb aimed back over this shoulder towards Gideon. “Couldn’t you find a brighter one? I told Sirene when she let you live up here this would happen. But when has my sister ever listened to me? A mortal.”

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“You’re Sirene’s brother?” Gideon could only stare. “She’s so, beautiful and you are…a troll.” “Yeah, that’s the way it goes sometimes, Sirene got all the beauty and I got the muscle. So what, you wanna make something outta it?” “Don’t get him angry,” whispered Des. “Trolls have very short tempers and get really violent when angered.” “Yeah, listen to my niece FBI man, or I’ll roll you up and have you for a late night snack.” “Ha, ha,” Gideon laughed nervously. Then stopped when he realized no one else was laughing. Hell, maybe this troll really would eat him. Gideon quickly ran through a list of agents in his mind, wondering if any of them were missing. “Now, I know you come about Hunt. Ain’t Mafia, some guys from outta town. Back east. Don’t like them moving in on my turf. I’ve got men out looking for them already.” “Any ideas of where we should start searching, Uncle?” Jean-Luc pushed Gideon behind him and said in a low voice, “Just stay out of his sight and you’ll be fine.” “Yeah, I know they were at Golda’s today. Maybe somebody there knows where they’re holding up. I couldn’t go in and ask, but Golda knows Des and women will tell you anything, eh nephew?” His oversized hand reached out and jabbed Jean-Luc in his belly. “Tell you anything you want.” The troll turned and walked away laughing. “Let me know if you need anything. You got it. I’ll let you know if I learn sumpfing. And get him outta here. This is a class operation and I don’t want no stinkin’ FBI men in here.” With that Tony slammed the door behind him. “That didn’t go so badly. We’ll go to Golda’s next. Hopefully the bad guys won and let something slip while they were celebrating. Come on, Gideon. Don’t just stand there.” Gideon’s feet were fixed to the floor, watching the library door. No wonder they’d never been able to catch Tony the Troll. Hell, he didn’t want to catch him now. He’d make mincemeat of the whole bureau. Gideon followed Des and Jean-Luc out. Still aware of the eyes fixed on his back.

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Chapter Twenty Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: Keep the troops ready, we’ve got a few leads and are going to work them. I know it’s against policy to let civilians go along, but I have no choice. They are going and are allowing me to accompany them. I can’t tell you anything more now, Des has given me two minutes in the office and she’s leaving. She’d do it too, and I have only fifteen sec to get out of here. Gideon

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Chapter Twenty-One

“Hold on, I’m running that light.” Des’ fingers were white, clenched on the steering wheel. “Gideon, your car is fantastic to drive. It really hugs the road!” “I don’t know how. You seem to be trying to get my car to fly. Probably could do it too. Who knows what you could do if you tried? Don’t ask me. I’m just here for the ride.” “What did you say Gideon?” Des yelled over the sound of the squealing tires. “Nothing! Watch the damn road would you? There, watch that pedestrian. Don’t turn up that road, it’s a one w… Never mind. I’m just gonna sit here and try to remember every prayer I’ve ever heard.” Gideon started humming “Shall We Gather at the River?” to take his mind off the kamikaze driving. He hoped she knew where she was going. He’d lost his way several dark alleys ago. “Almost there, my friend.” Jean-Luc called from the back seat. “With Des driving we will make record speed, eh? This is fun! I love the speeding car. Maybe I can drive next.” “Do you have a license?” Gideon could not force himself to look away from the view through the windshield. “License? Why does one need a license? You get into the car, turn the key, and push the floor thingys and you go. One of the floor things stops the car. However, if you pull the emergency brake, that works also.” “No.” “No? I know the emergency brake works because I use it. I wish to stop the car, therefore it is an emergency. Voila, I pull the little lever and it stops.” “No, you may not drive my car without a license.” “You are very picky my friend. You should learn how to relax. Like me.” Gideon sighed as the car started to slow. They were in a dark alley, and a light shone from beneath a lone door. “This looks like an excellent place to be mugged.” “No, Tony would never allow it.” Des’ voice was cheerful. “This place belongs to Tony?” Gideon could believe it. The dank area, with its piles of garbage and black scurrying figures looked like someplace a troll would live, but Tony did seem to like the elegance of his huge mansion. “I must remember to ask for his decorator.” “Not Tony. His wife, Golda. She owns this place. Let’s go. Be very careful where you step.” “I will.” Gideon followed them up to the door. “Is Golda also a, well you know? What Tony is?” “Mafia? No. She just owns this business. She and Tony are separated.” Des’ rapped on the door. “Haven’t lived together ever that I know of. Bad tempers you know. Fight all the time.” “I meant is she a troll?” “Oh, certainly.” A small hole in the door was opened and an eye appeared in it. Des smiled up at the watery orb and waved. “Hi, Dougal. We’re here to see our Aunt. Open up. It’s dreadful out here.” “I’m opening the door, Des. Golda will be glad to see you. Won’t be happy to see that one though.” The man jabbed a thumb towards the Incubus. “Last time he was here, he caused quite a cat fight.” “Don’t worry. I had a long talk with my brother and he won’t flirt with any of the women while we’re here. Will you?” Des stared fixedly at Jean-Luc. “No, I will not flirt in any way. I will tell not one women how soft and round she is, how much I want to stroke her skin, caress her beautiful breasts, make love to her until the light of the morning shows her body in the warm, dawn—”

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“That’s enough. “ Gideon broke in. It was hard to be around Des without having her brother put ideas into his head. And his cock. The cock that was now standing at full attention, ready to go. “We should find your aunt.” “You’re right. Don’t leave the door, Doog. We’ll look for her. What part of the house was she in last?” She rested her hand on Gideon’s shoulder balanced precariously on tip toes to peer around the room. “Hmmm,” Dougal was looking skeptically at both men. “She was at the craps tables a bit ago. Try the roulette wheel. She said she didn’t trust the new croupier.” “Thanks. This way Gideon,” Des pulled him along with her. He stared around him trying not to be too obvious. This was a gambling paradise. Card tables were in front of him, one-armed bandits stood off to one side. He heard a roulette wheel in the next room. Des grinned at him. “Isn’t it great? I mean Golda packs so much in here. Over there are the parimutuel windows and TV screens. That part has football and sports betting. Around there are the Blackjack tables and Banco. Not a spare corner to waste.” “Great? This place is full of illegal activity. It should be shut down. I should shut it down. I’m an FBI agent, sworn to uphold the law. I can’t be in here and see this and do nothing.” “Oh pooh. People are just blowing off a little steam.” “Steam? Looks like they are blowing off every penny they have. Des,” he caught her by the arm and pulled her around to face him. “This is serious. I have to do something. I’m an officer of the law.” “Well, I wouldn’t try anything here. If Tony’s men don’t pound you to a mush, my aunt Golda will. You do not,” she leaned close to his ear. “let me repeat that, do not want to make a female troll angry at you. One in full fight mode scares even male trolls.” “Oh, well, I guess. Later will be all right.” Gideon scanned the room as if expecting to see a female version of Tony bearing down on him, ready to remove body parts from him. “I’ll just remember where this place is and come back later. With reinforcements.” “Won’t do you any good. Soon as we leave, you’ll forget how to get here.” “What? What kind of stuff are you doing to my mind?” “Nothing, just a little forget spell. For instance, can you remember how to get to my Uncle’s?” “Sure, it’s right off…Over near…I was just there, I have to remember.” Gideon scratched his nose. As hard as he ran through his mind he had no memory of how to get to Tony’s. “Hell, Des, keep out of my mind.” “I have to protect my family. It’s nothing that will hurt you.” “All of this hurts me,” Gideon waved his arm. “This is illegal. Every single bit of it. From each table to the illegal machines, and I don’t want to think about the roulette wheel. Where did your aunt get this stuff? It’s illegal to sell it to individuals.” “She didn’t buy it locally. If you must know, she brought it from…Home.” “Home. You mean,” he glanced down at the floor next to his wingtips. “There?” “Yes. So just get over it. Oh, look, Auntie Golda. Aunt Golda. There,” she pointed to a pretty overly-blonde woman approaching them. “Here comes Golda.” “Des,” the woman put her arms around Des and pulled her close. “I heard what happened to Hunt. You poor girl. Whatever I can do to help you, just ask. Who is this nice looking young man? Don’t think I don’t see you lurking back there, Jean-Luc. If I catch you inciting another riot, you can believe your career is over because I’ll cut it off. And I don’t mean your career. Got it?” “Yes, Golda, and I won’t. I haven’t even spoken to anyone since I got here.” “Good, don’t. And you?” she twirled to face Gideon. “I’m not an in, uh, I’m ..” he whispered the word, “mortal.” Golda gasped and pulled back. She put her plump hand over her very full bosom. “I told Sirene this would happen if she let you live up here. I told her, ‘Sirene, I said, ‘Sirene, the girl will end up falling in love with some you-know-what, and then where will we be?’ That’s what I

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told her. But did anyone listen? No, of course not, not to a troll. Everyone thinks we’re stupid. But what’s stupid is letting your daughter live up here and meet undesirables? Now that…” “Uh, Aunt?” “What? You sweet boychik you.” She pinched Jean-Luc’s cheek and shook it between be-ringed fingers. “Hunt? Do you have any news of him?” “No, wait, maybe, yes. I know you’re looking for two men, what do they look like?” “You’ll have to ask Herky, he’s the only one who saw them.” “Very well, wait a minute and I’ll ask to see his memories. Oh there he is, my sweet little dumpling. Show your auntie the bad men.” Gideon actually looked around for Herky. “She’s talking to him mentally, Gid.” Jean-Luc whispered. “She is looking at his memory of the men.” Golda was silent for a long moment. Her forehead was furrowed as if in deep thought. Gideon shook his head. There was so much to learn about Des and her family. And he wasn’t sure he wanted to learn any more of it. “Oh them! I saw them today.” Golda opened her eyes. “They came in here with, what is his name?” Her painted talon tapped her lips. “Alan. They came in here with your cousin Alan. I don’t like that weasel. One day I hope I catch him cheating just so I can watch my men turn him into hamburger.” Gideon and Des exchanged looks. “Alan? Are you sure it was my cousin?” “Of course I am, he comes here a lot. Slimy little bastard. Puts his hands where they don’t belong, on the cocktail servers. He’s a lousy tipper. If he didn’t lose so much, I’d deep six him permanently.” “Alan couldn’t really hurt my father. Yeah he’s lowlife, but he doesn’t have the gonads to do it.” “Well, we have to consider that either he’s a part of it. It’s bound to be a problem for us.” Gideon frowned. “Golda, do you have any idea where they went afterwards? Did they say anything at all?” “Of course, I gave them directions myself. The two from out of town wanted to meet some girls, so I sent them over to Mrs. Milton’s. Your cousin wouldn’t spend five dollars to get his rocks off, so he disappeared. Said he’d catch up with them later.” “Mrs. Milton’s? What’s that?” Gideon dreaded the answer. “A brothel. Pretty high class.” Des explained to him. “A brothel. Another illegal establishment. Why am I not surprised? And, let me guess, we go there next?” “You betcha. Where is Jean-Luc?” Des rose on her tiptoes and looked around. “Do you see him, Gideon? If he’s in trouble, I swear...” At that moment a loud scream echoed through the air. All eyes turned to the roulette table where Jean-Luc stood, one woman on each arm and a third in front of him. “Oh no!” Des grabbed Gideon and hurried towards them. Golda followed, cursing loudly and fluidly in English and some other language he’d never heard. Gideon found himself listening to her colorful pejoratives. There were several he’d never heard “I told you to get your hands off him. He was standing next to me, you cow. Now move.” A bottle blond pushed the woman on Jean-Luc’s right arm. Then she turned to the other woman. “You too, cheap ho.” “Don’t you call me no cheap ho, you bitch.” The standing woman doubled her fist and slammed it into the blonde’s face. Blood began to drip from her nose. “I paid a fortune for that nose. I’ll have you know it was a classic.” “It looks like a famous movie star. Miss Piggy.” The brunette scrambled up from the floor where she’d been pushed. “You better beat it before any more fake parts fall off.” She took Jean-Luc’s arm and tried to pull him away. “Come on honey.”

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“The hell he will! He’s going with me. I won’t charge him.” The punch thrower shoved the brunette. “That’s because no one would buy anything you’re selling. Old and musty isn’t in demand you know.” At that the three women threw themselves into each other, throwing punches, pulling hair and yanking pieces of clothing off. A crowd quickly gathered around to root for their favorite fighter. Golda sighed and signaled two of her men to come close. “Place your bets here. Bets here.” The men started calling. Des grabbed at Gideon and her brother. “We’d better get out of here, now. Come on. If we’re here when this winds down, Golda will personally take us apart.” “But Des, it is not good form for me to leave. I must stay and be the prize of the winner and console the losers. Is that not so, Gideon? You agree with me, surely, I cannot leave now.” “You will leave now, or Golda will leave you in no condition to ever console anyone again. Now come on,” Des tugged at him and almost knocked him off his feet. “Let’s get out of here while we can.” At that moment two of the women rolled onto the roulette table and brought it crashing to the floor. Gideon jumped, then turned and hurried towards the door. Pausing only a moment he said, “You two had best hurry. That fight might get out of hand, and we have Hunt to think about.” Des looked at him as if he were a slug crawling across the floor “Pardon me? I wasn’t the one standing there, with my tongue hanging out, watching that disgraceful exhibition. Don’t talk to me. Either of you.” No one spoke a word, even after they climbed back in the car and it pulled away from Golda’s. ***** Des gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on the steering wheel. How dare the two of them just stand there watching the fight? Jean-Luc believing he should stay, probably Gideon agreed with him. She didn’t think she would ever understand men. Right now she wasn’t sure she wanted to put forth the effort. Not until they pulled up outside a small, neat brick apartment building, did anyone speak. “We’re here. I hope the two of you can resist sampling the goods? You were sure getting an eyeful at Golda’s.” “We are men, Des. It is our duty to look at naked women. Even semi-naked women. We were only doing what any man would do, right Gideon?” “No,” Gideon held his hand up, palm out, “leave me out of this. No matter what I say it’ll only get me in trouble. The only naked woman I want to see is Des.” He smiled smugly. “Me? So that’s why you’re still hanging around? You think you’ll jump back into the sack with me? Well you’ve got another think coming Mister Raines. There will be ice-skating in Hell before you get in my bed again.” Des’ lips closed into a tight line. “Uh, sister? Have you forgotten? We do have a big skating rink now. It is very popular with the young demons. I think I shall open a small flapjacks stand there. It should do very well.” “Shut up, brother.” Des glowered at him “And you too.” She glared at Gideon. “Of course, Des,” both men chimed in. “This doesn’t look much like a brothel. It looks more like a place I might rent an apartment. Actually I do need a new place.” Gideon’s voice was thoughtful. “Believe me, you won’t meet the qualifications for this building.” She put all her sarcasm into her voice.

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Jean-Luc hurried into the silence. “On the first floor are Mrs. Milton’s rooms, the entertaining rooms, kitchen and dining room. Second floor are the commercial rooms, and the third and fourth are the girl’s apartments.” “And how, my dear brother, do you know so much about this place?” Des stopped and looked at her brother. He was an Incubus, he shouldn’t have to frequent a brothel for sex. “I’ve been here with Vlad. He brought me.” “Vlad? Our older brother Vladrick comes here? This place?” “He is a vampire, Des, not a dead man.” “He comes here and actually pays a woman to, to, uh, be with him?” “Pays.” Jean-Luc’s face twisted with a grimace. “Of course he does not pay. And I do not pay. Several of the women are quite taken with him. He ‘dates’ them on their nights off.” “It’s still icky. They have relations with lots of men. How can you, how can Vlad do it?” “They are some very hot dates. I, too, had one of the very hot dates. She was very skilled,” his voice became a little dreamy. “She was a contortionist. Imagine, she put her feet behind her neck. And then she...” “Never mind,” Des held her hand up. “I think I can guess the rest. I do not need to hear a description. And behave yourself. No scenes like the one at Golda’s.” “I did not cause the scene.” Jean-Luc drew himself up to full height. “Yes, you did. You flirted with them, and then poof it all blew up.” “It was not my fault. I did not encourage those womens. I was an innocent besidestander.” Des shot him a black look and compressed her lips until they were a thin line. “However, I shall behave myself here.” He walked towards the door and added in a soft undervoice, “Although I did nothing at the other place.” “I expect you to behave too.” She pointed at Gideon. “Me? I didn’t flirt with anyone. And a working girl isn’t my idea of a good time.” “No, just women you meet them in your line of work, not hers.” Des whirled about on her heel and stalked to the entrance. Jean-Luc knocked and it opened. An older woman stood in the door. Her gray hair was pulled back into a demure bun. She wore a dark print housedress, thick nylons and lace up thick-heeled shoes. As soon as she saw Des and Jean-Luc she smiled. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and lips fell into folds. This was a woman who smiled a lot. “Why look who’s here. Come in, my dear. I haven’t seen you for ages, Des. My, don’t you look lovely. The profession lost a great deal when you decided to become a CPA.” She waggled her finger in front of Des’ face. “One day, my girl, you’ll break out of that stuffy life.” “Not hardly, Mrs. Milton.” They entered the house and were ushered into the main reception room. It was dim in there, but Des took no notice of the overstuffed furniture and the half-naked women lounging around. Quickly she checked off the lingerie in her mind, Victoria’s Secret, Fredericks, Nordies, Leather R Us. “Now tell me what you want. I know you didn’t come to visit anyone.” Mrs. Milton laughed. “Who is this good looking man? Someone special?” “I’m Gideon Raines, FBI.” He shook Mrs. Milton’s hand. “But, I’m not here on business. I mean my business. Not for your business either. Well it is my business...” Gideon’s voice trailed off as a woman clad in a scarlet teddy, thong, garter belt with seamed hose and four inch red heels walked in front of him. His head followed her as she passed, until his eyes looked straight into Des’. “Sorry. I, uh, where was I?” “Never mind. Obviously testosterone and brains don’t go together. Golda sent some men over earlier and we need to find them.” “We believe they have kidnapped Hunt.” Jean-Luc broke in. “Is that little dark-haired girl still here? You know the one.” He lifted his leg and ducked his head toward his knee.

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“No, she moved to Fresno. But I have someone very special for you.” Men!! Des quickly stepped in, otherwise they would get nothing done. “No, you don’t. He has quite enough and doesn’t need any more.” Des voice was very firm. “About the men Golda sent to you?” “Them. Schmucks. Lousy tippers. See if they get in here again. Let them show up on my door stoop, and I’ll smack them so hard they’ll see stars for days. Oh, oh yes. Well they dated Ruby and Tiffany. But they’re both busy right now. You can interrupt them or wait there. It shouldn’t be too long.” “We’ll wait.” Des moved over to the overstuffed sofa and sank down into the center cushion. Gideon and Jean-Luc sat beside her. “Hello there.” A low purr came from Gideon’s side of the couch. A foot appeared on the red velvet arm. Gideon looked up. A long leg clad in thigh high, black leather boots with four inch spiked heels approached him. Moving his eyes further he saw black leather hot pants, a silver belly chain, black leather sleeveless vest and a black leather motorcycle cap. The woman was tall, at least six foot, pale skinned with long, blonde hair. She filled out the clothes nicely, and overflowed them in areas. “Wanna come,” she leaned over and, taking the crop she had hanging from her waist, she ran the end of it over his check, down his chest and tapped the bulge that had started in his pants. “Play with me? I like to play.” The crop traced the now visible shape. Des sucked in a deep breath and counted to ten. She was in Mrs. Milton’s house. She must control her anger. Too bad Gideon wasn’t controlling himself. His cock looked like it was going to burst through his pants. “You look like a bad boy. I like to spank bad boys.” She leaned over and made sure Gideon could see down the front of her vest. Her cherry tipped breasts flowed towards him. “I promise to kiss it and make it all better though.” Gideon sank into the back of the couch. “I’m, uh, I’m not alone.” “Yes, I saw you come in with Jean-Luc. He plays nice and shares his toys well. We can all play together. That’s my favorite kind of sandwich.” “No, uh, I meant uh.” He looked around wildly and pointed at Des sitting next to him. “This she. This is her. I’m here. With her. Me and her are here. Together.” “Too bad, she’s no fun at all. You and I could have a real good time.” Des reached over and pushed the shoe off the couch. “Down, girl, down. Lola, how…nice to see you again. And I do hope you take this exactly as it’s meant, leave him alone. Go bark up some other bone. No one here is interested in your tired old…offer.” She smiled sweetly. “Des, you darling little goodie two-shoes. How I’ve missed seeing you. Aunt Sirene never had a chance did she?” “Aunt Sirene?” Gideon looked at Lola in disbelief. “Sirene is your aunt?” “Yes, I’m a succubus, and much more talented than my poor, little cousin. Try me one time and I guarantee you, you’ll never look back.” A long, red fingernail trailed down Gideon’s arm. “Gideon, my friend. Stay away from that one. People used to believe that a succubus would drain the soul of a man, that wasn’t true. But this one, she is bad news.” Jean-Luc glared at his cousin. “So nice to see you too, dear cousin.” Lola made a face at Jean-Luc. “Not working tonight? Or have women suddenly shown more class?” “I am the most popular Incubus in all of Hell and Middleworld. Go away. You’re looking a little…used.” “Party poopers. Still, if you want to slip your leash, come around any time. I’ll let you wear mine for a while.” Lola languidly moved away. Des stared after her, a little growl at the back of her throat. “Des?” Mrs. Milton leaned over the balcony. “Tiffany can see you now. But please don’t take long. She’s got a gentleman caller waiting for her.” Mrs. Milton pointed to a chair where a man sat impatiently tapping his fingers.

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“Sure, no problem. We’ll hurry.” Des stood up and took two steps towards the staircase. She looked over her shoulder and frowned. Who knew what trouble those two could get into if left to their own devices in this place? She wasn’t so much worried about her brother, but Lola was watching Gideon like a hungry cat hunting koi in an evaporating pond. “You two better come with me.” Jean-Luc flashed one of his hundred watt smiles. “No, Des, you and Gideon go. I will wait here.” She put her hands on her hips. “No, you will come with me. Now move it.” The two men exchanged looks, rose and followed her up the stairs to Mrs. Milton’s side.. The demure brothel keeper beamed at them. “Second door on the left. I’ll go down and visit with her caller until she’s ready. Remember, not too long.” Mrs. Milton descended the rest of the stairs. “We’ll be right out.” Des rapped on the door. “Come in. I’ve been waiting for you and I’m soooo lonely.” The voice from inside the room was melodious. Des opened the door and they entered. A short, well-endowed woman sat on the bed in a half reclining pose. Her red hair flowed down her shoulders, over her naked breast and onto the bed. Her plump thighs shyly crossed, hiding her brown triangle. She giggled slightly, but upon seeing Des and the two men, she sat up and shook her head. “It’s you. Whatever it is, hurry. I’ve got someone waiting to see me. What do you want?” “Hello, Tiffany. Nice to see you too.” “Yeah, yeah. So much for doing the nicey nice. Now spit out what you want and don’t let the door slam on your ass.” “We need some info about a previous client. One who was here earlier today?” “So?” “I understand he didn’t tip well.” “That one. Curse him. Five lousy dollars. Like I was some cheap streetwalker. I told him to get out and next time try for a car date. What do you want him for?” Seeing Gideon over Des’ shoulder, she ran her hands through her hair. “Looks like you got plenty with you already.” “We think this one kidnapped my father. We have to find them.” “Hunt? Hunt’s been kidnapped.” The redhead wailed. “Oh, poor baby. That dirty rotten louse! If I had him here I’d show him what to do with his lousy five dollars.” “You know my father? He’s been here? With you?” Des reached back, grabbed Jean-Luc’s arm and pulled him forward. “You brought my father here?” “Hey, Jean-Luc. Looking good, honey. Want me to tell my next date to get lost? I will for you, tall, dark and wowee.” “No, I don’t think so. We have to find Hunt.” Jean-Luc was firm. Then he whispered, “Maybe later?” Des cleared her throat loudly and slapped her brother on his bicep. “Yes, about Hunt. We may have brought him here once. Maybe twice.” He was busy picking a piece of lint off his sleeve. “Perhaps a little more.” “I trusted you and Vlad. We’ll talk about what you believe constitutes a proper place to take my father.” “That is not necessary, Des.” “You may count on it, brother.” The redhead continued to wail. Gideon sat down, maintaining a careful distance between them. He reached his hand out awkwardly and patted her hand. Des bit her lip. Finding her father was more important than the fact that Gideon was sitting next to Tiffany. “Did the john, uh lousy weasel say anything at all?” “No. He was real closemouthed. Wait, some guy pounded on my door and yelled at him to hurry. They only had a couple hours daylight to find the cabin. Some other guy, what was his name?

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Alvin? Alan! Some guy named Alan gave them a map but the guy outside my room thought it was a pretty piss poor map and he wanted to get going.” “Then what happened?” Gideon tried to draw her out. “The guy stood up, zipped up and zipped out. Oh.” She giggled at the joke she had made. Gideon and Jean-Luc laughed with her. Des sighed. At this rate they’d be here all night. “Cabin? You’re sure he said cabin and Alan? Positive?”. “I’m pretty sure-” She shrugged her bare shoulders and her breasts swayed lazily drawing the eyes of both men. “That will do. Gentlemen? Time to leave.” Both men turned and looked at her, then as Tiffany shrugged again their eyes swung back. “Let me put this clearly. I am leaving now and going to the car. There I will get in, wait thirty seconds and drive away. Anyone who wishes to accompany me should be there at that time. Thanks for the help, Tiff.” “No prob. Des? If they stay here, can I have them?” “Yes,” Des threw over her shoulder. “With my best wishes.” Gideon and Jean-Luc had to scurry to catch up with her. The three of them sat in the car, thinking. “Do either of you have any idea where this cabin of Alan’s is?” Gideon said. “Gideon, Alan hates the country.” Des was sure of this. “The worm breaks out in hives if his hotel doesn’t have twenty-four hour room service. It can’t be his cabin.” “I agree with my sister. Never would Alan go somewhere where there might be dirt. Or animals. At least not without a compelling reason.” “Perhaps we should assume that he has a compelling reason. Or was compelled.” Gideon drew the thought out. “Alan would never take part in a kidnapping. Unless he was the victim. That’s it! You think Alan was kidnapped with my father?” Des spun around to look at Gideon. “I think it’s a possibility. You know, I just realized they’ll need someone to help launder the money and your Uncle’s firm would be perfect for that.” “No, even though I don’t like him, my Uncle would never do something like that. He never steps even the least little bit outside the law.” “Would he do it if someone had his son as hostage?” Gideon pointed out. “Then, yes, he would.” Des admitted. “You’re right that’s probably it. They’ve got Hunt and Alan. Well I guess we have to rescue both of them.” “We could leave Alan there? They might not find him for days, or weeks, even.” Jean-Luc beamed at them. “But no, we will have to rescue him, unhappy thought it is.” “But where? Des, have you been to the cabin?” “Once, twice, when I was little. I just don’t remember how to get there. If I got near, I could probably find my way, but I have no idea which direction.” “For the direction we should ask Daneel.” Jean-Luc suggested. “By now he surely has the scent and can tell us which way he is headed. From there you might be able to find it.” “Jean-Luc, you’re a genius. That’s it. I’ll talk to Daneel now.” She fell silent, her face a study in concentration. Daneel’s thoughts flowed into her mind. She picked carefully through the bit and strands of conversation until she found the center of his mind. Then she let loose her thoughts for him to read. Silence was in the car until she gave a small jump. “Yes, I think I remember that way. Wait there, Daneel, I’m on my way. We’ll meet you there. Be sure to get in touch with Vlad and have him meet us, too.” “Gentlemen, we are out of here.” Des started the engine and pulled away from the curb. The car raced down the street into the night.

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Chapter Twenty-Two Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: OK, I’ll transmit the location to you. No address, but you’ll have the coordinates to locate me. As soon as you get it, dispatch agents. I’ve coordinated with Hunt and we’re going to have to move quickly, the two kidnappers should be there. If the big guys aren’t there now, they should be arriving soon. There’s a chance we can get them all. Tell everyone to be careful with their weapons. I do not want a repeat of the last fire fight I was in. Gideon

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Chapter Twenty-Three Des pulled the car over about a quarter mile from the cottage. They left the paved road about two miles back. Gideon had watched her fight the wheel, yet still keep up a decent pace. She was a good driver, one of the best he had seen. “This is probably as close as we should go,” Des stopped the car. “Any more and I’m afraid everyone in the cottage will hear the engine. Either that or the bottom of the car will scrape off.” Gideon gave a brisk approving nod. “Good thinking. Now remember, be quiet and don’t disturb anything.” Gideon’s voice was low. The three of them crept as quietly as possible through the underbrush. Tall, dark trees rustled in the breeze. It was easy to believe that someone was following, armed and waiting to get the drop on them. Every patch of darkness could hide a shooter, aiming at you. This far out, there were no lights and the night wove fantastic shadows with the moonlight. Des and Jean-Luc stepped into the clearing surrounding the small cabin. Gideon pulled them back into the shadows. “First, let’s see what’s up. Then we can formulate a plan of attack and go in. It won’t do any of us, including your father and cousin, any good to just charge in.” “Excellent plan,” came the low voice over his shoulder. The hot breath blew on the nape of his neck and caused him to jump. Quickly turning, Gideon dropped into firing position and sighted his gun– on Vlad. “Geez, Vlad. Don’t sneak up on me like that. I almost blasted you all over the place.” “Sorry, Daneel just said to get here now. We came as quickly as possible.” “We?” Gideon looked around. I’m here too. I’m coming up to you now. “What the hell was that?” Gideon looked sharply. He knew he hadn’t heard anyone speak, but the words were clear to him, and then he realized why. “Don’t do that. Don’t read my mind and talk to me.” “I didn’t want to surprise you. I figured if you got scared again you’d wet your pants.” Daneel smiled at him. “That wouldn’t be pleasant.” “I wasn’t scared. I don’t get scared. I’m just very cautious.” “I get afraid,” offered Des. “Me too, sometimes,” put in Vlad. “Can we get back to the rescue and cut out the unnecessary chatter? Thank you. This is like no other assignment I’ve ever had. Give me a trained squad of agents any time.” “They in that cottage?” Vlad waved his hand towards it. “Tacky little thing isn’t it? It’s so cute it makes your fangs hurt.” “And what is that thing? A garden gnome pushing a wheelbarrow? How cheesy can you get? I wonder who’s bright decorating idea it was to put him there?” “No one put me here, Mr. Knows-all-about-decorating-devil.” The gnome turned and walked toward them. “I owed one to Tony, and I saw them grab the old man and recognized him from Tony and Golda’s. Followed them out here. Glad you’ve finally arrived. Every now and then one of the goons looks out, and I sure didn’t want him to catch me doing this.” The gnome lifted his jacket, pulled out his penis, held it in his right hand and let go with a long, loud stream of steaming piss. “Damn, that feels good.” “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that. Can we shake and be friends?” Daneel offered his right hand; the gnome gave his penis a shake, slid it back into his pants and held his hand out to Daneel. The devil looked at the gnome’s hand, looked at his hand, and gave a weak smile. “We’ll just let it be.”

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“Fancy pants.” The gnomes said with a tone of disgust. “Just like all the other la-de-da’s from Hell.” “My brother was just surprised to see you.” Des flashed a friendly smile to soothe the little man. “We didn’t realize anyone was out here, watching them.” “Surprised? He wants surprised? I’ll shove that wheelbarrow someplace that will really be a surprise to him.” “Thanks for watching the place for us, Mr., uh, well thanks. How many are in there? What have you learned?” Gideon bent towards the little red cap. “I cannot believe I am standing here talking to a garden decoration.” “Not me, I let go of that gig years ago. Let my cousins do it, I need a little more adventure than, ‘Woooo, the wind is blowing. Ahhhh, it’s raining.’ Give me a firefight any day of the week. Rat-a-tat-atat.” He mimicked spraying the area with a machine gun. Great, a homicidal gnome. Gideon hoped this one had good aim otherwise he’d end up walking around with another bullet in his ass. He pointed at the cabin, “Where’s Hunt?” The gnome looked him up and down, knowing he was mortal. Grudgingly he acknowledged Gideon’s obvious authority. “Her dad is locked up in that first bedroom. He’s not hurt or anything. There’s two goons in the main room. As for her cousin." The gnome spit to one side. “What a weenie he is. Whine, whine, whine. He’s in the back bedroom, they tied him up.” The gnome smiled broadly. “Thanks, but you don’t have to stay. I’m sure Uncle Tony wouldn’t want you to put yourself in any danger. We can take it from here.” Des gave him a sweet smile. “It might get a little dangerous.” “Leave? Hell, no. The fun’s just beginnin’ I haven’t spent all day standing here like a statue only to miss out on the good part.” Gideon watched in disbelief as the gnome, surely no more than two feet tall reached into a sack by his side and pulled out an Uzi. He checked it over, cocked it and took up a firing stance. In everyway he looked just like the gnome his mom had in her front yard - red peaked cap, blue pants, yellow jacket, red cheeks and a ski jump nose. Exactly like it. Except for the Uzi. “I’ll go watch the rear. Just let someone try to get out that way and I’ll blast ‘em from here to next week.” This appeared to make the gnome happy as he whistled and walked around to the back. “Stay away from the back door,” warned Vlad watching the gnome walk away. “At all costs. Those little guys are hot-headed and not known for thinking before acting.” “You got it,” Gideon slanted another wary glance at the cheery figure now chuckling a merry ‘hehehe’. “We need to check the house for ourselves.” “No problem, I’ll fly around the windows, see what I can find. If I get a chance I’ll get in and talk to your dad, sister. I’ll tell him what we’re doing. Then I’ll come back to let you know where they are.” With that, Vlad held his cloak out and jumped. Changing into a little bat he flew off towards the cottage. It was only about three minutes, but he was sure it was the longest time in Des’ life. Gideon took her cold hands and rubbed them between his. “You’re freezing. Here.” He took off his coat and draped it around her. Des bent her head over and inhaled from his coat. “Thanks, it smells like you. Funny, but I feel safer just wearing it.” “Don’t worry, Des. I’m going to get your dad out of there. He’ll be fine. I promise you. And I never break my promises.” Gideon chucked her under her chin. Then he leaned over and gave her a soft kiss. She smiled back at him. Jean-Luc beamed at them and gave them a thumbs up. “Excuse me, bad time?” Vlad returned and landed next to them. “Hmmpf, ugh,” He turned aside and leaned into a bush. When he stood again, he face had a greenish tinge. “Just a minute.” He held up a finger. “Got to get in touch with Herky.” “Herky? What can he do?” Gideon was confused.

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Des grinned. “Oh, clever Vlad.” “What? He didn’t say anything.” Gideon glared at her. “Right. Well, Vlad overheard the men in the living room talking. Gillespie and Moore are due here any minute. Wait. Listen.” In the distance the faint sounds of a car engine could be heard now. “Herky’s going to cut off the power to the car. That way they won’t be able to get any further.” Daneel explained. “They could open the door.” Gideon pointed out. “Power doors.” Des’ smile spread across her whole face. “Power windows. He’ll also cut off their cell phones, car phone and the emergency service contact.” “They’ll stay there until someone lets them out. Now the cottage.” Vlad rubbed his hands together. “It’s all starting to fall together. What’s the plan?” In a few minutes Gideon laid out his plan. He motioned them to approach the cabin. The five crept up under the windows. Des crouched under her father’s window. Jean-Luc stood next to the door, Gideon, Daneel and Vlad knelt in the dirt under the main room windows. They could hear the muffled voices inside. “I gotta go. Be right back.” “If you’re planning on eating with me, be sure to wash your hands. I ain’t sharing no sandwiches if you don’t” “Wait,” Daneel hissed to Gideon. “I’ll contact Herky and have him electrify the lock on the door to the bathroom so the guy can’t get back out.” Gideon looked at him. “This being able to jimmy stuff works out pretty good. Wish there was some way for the Bureau to do it. But, since I’m never going to tell them about this rescue, they’ll never know.” “You’ll not tell them anything?” Daneel murmured. “Oh, I gotta make up a story, but no way is it going to bear any relation to the truth. They’ll believe a fake story a lot faster than if I told what really happened. And I’m afraid they’d lock me up in a padded room for a real long time if I told the truth..” It’s done. Herky just told me. Daneel’s voice rang in his mind. “Well then, coordinate with your brothers. Tell the pint size Al Capone at the back door to hold his fire. We’ll count to three and everyone goes in, loud and dangerous. Right?” Gideon put his hand on Daneel’s shoulder. “On three.” “You got it. One, two, three.” Daneel counted slowly. On the last number the men broke through windows and door. The thug in the living room jumped to his feet and pointed his rifle. “Don’t even try. You’re outnumbered.” Gideon dropped to one knee and aimed at the thug’s heart. “Ed? Ed get in here. We got company.” The man yelled over his shoulder. “He’s not coming to help. It’s just you and me. And them.” The brothers had donned their human disguises, each stood armed with a semi-automatic they had conjured up. Gun wavering, the kidnapper looked at each one in turn. “Whatever.” He let his gun dangle from his fingers. Then as he went to place it one the table, he threw it at Vlad as he tried to charge out the door. Daneel threw himself in his path but the kidnapper pushed him aside. Daneel jumped on his back and held on. “Looks like you’ve got in under control,” Gideon grinned. “I’ll get the one in the bathroom. Be sure to tell that gno- guy at the back door not to fire.” Vlad nodded. “I’ll tell him he can go now. Need some help with the other guy?”

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“No, I can do it. I think you might want to break that up.” He pointed at Daneel riding the kidnapper around the room. “I’ll do it, right away.” Vlad leaned up against the wall. “In a minute.” Gideon smiled, shook his head and went down the hall to persuade the one in the bathroom to give up. In the main room, the kidnapped whirled around. Daneel tearing at his hair, yelling. The man kept rubbing up against doors and into walls so Daneel was thumped and bumped around the room. “Help me. Oogh! I could, aggh, use a little assistance here. Uggh.” Daneel’s side slammed into a doorway. “I shall help you, Daneel.” Herky ran in, undisguised. “I am here at last to save Hunt. Let me take care of this one!” The green imp moved to bob and weave in front of the thug. Daneel kept hitting the thug on the shoulders. The thug looked down at the moving blur of green and growled. “What the devil is that?” “I’m not the devil, you idiot. Now let my brother go.” While the man kept staring at Herky, Vlad knocked him over the head with a particularly ugly vase. The man slumped to the floor. “Good, two things done at once. He’s out cold and that vase no longer exists. Whoever decorated this place,” he turned, his cape whirling around him, “had incredibly bad taste. Herky could do a better job than this.” “I always wanted to be an interior decorator. I bet I could do a gooder job than this. I know I could.” “Yes,” Jean-Luc patted Herky’s head, “But being a decorator is a very hard job. It takes long hours, and we would miss your company.” “Well, maybe, I won’t then.” Herky smiled at them all. “I sure wouldn’t want to miss this kind of fun. I don’t think that interior decorators get involved with guns and fighting and stuff.” “Most of them, no.” Vlad shivered. “Although if you take it up, that might be subject to change.” “All secure in there?” Gideon looked at the bedroom door that Des and Hunt were shutting behind them. “Yes, those two are tied up good and tight and their heads are covered with pillowcases.” Hunt dusted his hands off. “They’re lucky I didn’t kill them. When I saw my precious little girl come through that window, I almost died.” “Pillowcases? Why did you put pillowcases on them, Hunt? They weren’t fighting, I doubt they’ve even regained consciousness yet.” “That’s true, they’re still dead out. But it was just in case. We don’t want anyone to catch a glimpse of the boys now do we? All kinds of long, complicated explanations would be needed, and no one would believe them anyway.” “Good thinking. Now the rest of you, get outta here fast.” Gideon pointed to the door.” Hunt, you’ll have to stay. We still need to let Alan loose. I don’t want him to see any of you. I’ll have to come up with a story to explain what happened, and none of that explanation can contain denizens of Hell.” “Right. I expect that the judge will give me a long sentence this time. Odd, the one time I was able to help the law, and that will put me far away.” “Father.” Des put her arms around him. Hunt patted her back. “No, we’ll come up with a story that features you as the hero of this escapade. I, I can’t take a part in sending you to jail.” Gideon looked into Des’ eyes. “I just can’t do it. I wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up getting a reward.” “Wow, Hunt,” Herky danced around the room, his eyes wide. “All this fun and they’re gonna give you a reward! What do you think it is? A car, yeah a real new, sports car. One of them cars from some drug czar, a foreign jobby. Sleek, fast, expensive.”

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Herky held his hands in front of him as if he was driving a car and made the noises of a racecar, squealing tires around corners. He pretended to work the gearshift and made appropriate noises for that too. “Little brother,” Vlad’s voice was gentle. “I believe the reward will probably be cash. That’s generally how mortals make rewards.” “Cash?” Herby stopped, put his hands on his hips and a disgusted look crossed his face. “What kind of reward is cash? If Hunt needs cash, I can get that for him. He needs a real reward.” “Well, cash will do nicely for me,” laughed Hunt. “But, I’m thinking that you need a reward.” “Me? Me? I get a reward?” Herky hopped around Hunt. “What kind of reward? And I don’t want no stupid cash. I want a real reward.” “Let me think,” Hunt put his hand to his chin. “It seems to me that only the other day I saw a bright red skateboard in a store. I’m thinking that might be a good reward.” Herky stood with his mouth open. It took him two tries before he got a word out. “I saw that. I was with you when you saw it. I pointed it out to you. And it was beauty-full. The most beauty-fullest thing I ever saw.” The imp squealed in pure joy and spun around and around. “Father, he’ll get hurt. Those things are dangerous.” “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll be sure he gets all the safety gear.” Gideon smiled. He could picture in his mind the trouble that a wheeled Herky would cause, on Middleworld and in Hell. But the sheer joy beaming from the yellow eyes was heart warming. He was really beginning to care for the whole family. And Des? He loved Des. He wanted to spend his whole life with her. It would certainly never be dull. Each day would be a new experience for them. And someday when they had a child, who knew what it would be? Gideon’s heart fell. Children? How could he have children that his own parents might never be able to see? What if they weren’t mortal looking? Could babies make a disguise? Would it hold very long? What if they weren’t mortal acting? His parents had done everything for him; his dad worked the farm and took two part time jobs to help put him through college. His mom had sold her prize quilts, and Gid had worked part time. But they were all working for something. They were working for him to become an agent. He remembered the day he’d graduated. His mom had never been on a plane before, but his parents took a packed lunch and flew from Iowa to see him graduate at the head of his class. They were very proud that day. The director even stopped by, slapping Gideon on the shoulder, telling them they’d done a fine job raising him and should be proud of him. They were. Proud of their son. Their son the FBI agent. Their son who now had to choose between the woman he loved, and the career he loved. If he chose her, he’d disappoint his family. The doctor’s said his dad’s heart wouldn’t hold out too much longer. How could he do that? How could he give Des up? He looked at each of her brothers. Vlad, tall, pale, he could have posed for the cover of any vampire novel and been believable. But deep in his chest beat a gentle and kind heart, and he cared very much for his family. Daneel was bright red from his pointy horns, down to his cloven hooves. And that didn’t even take into account his long, pointed tail. But he always had time for his littlest brother, and wanted to protect his sister. One look at Jean-Luc and it would be obvious he wasn’t human. No man looked that good. But he was funny and charming and truly did love everyone he met. After meeting him, everyone carried a smile on their face, feeling just a little better about themselves. What his parents would think of Herky, Gideon didn’t want to think. The friendly, loving imp who seemed to attract trouble. Their rejection would hurt Des’ brothers. And they would reject them. There was no place for them in his orderly, by the book, FBI life. “Now, out all of you. Gideon’s already called for agents and you have to be gone when they get here.” Hunt started shooing them toward the door. “Des,” Gideon was right beside her. “Walk with me to the car?”

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“Yes, I guess it’s time.” She looked at his hand, sighed and took it. They walked out the door towards the trees. Behind her, she heard her brothers go quiet and make for the car. They stopped, and Gideon put his arms around her and held her close. He felt her, smelled her, wanted her. But he could not have her. His arms tightened. Des’ head was on his chest. “I guess this has to be the end then.” Her voice was very small. He bit his lip. She knew. Of course she did, she could read his mind. “I guess it has to be. I don’t want it to be, Des. I, I love you. I’d give almost anything if I could wake up with you everyday, share your life. Even share the chaos your family creates.” “But you can’t.” “No” he sighed. “I can’t. I have too many people depending on me. My parents are old. They gave me everything and now they’ll need me to help take care of them.” “They might like us. Hell isn’t a bad place to live. My family would make them welcome there.” “They would like you, but they wouldn’t understand. They’re both very religious. My dad’s a deacon in the church they’ve attended each Sunday for over forty years. The only devil they know is the most evil thing in the world. How can they change? And when children came what if they weren’t human looking?” “They probably will be.” “But no guarantees?” Gideon touched her cheek so very lightly. He stroked it gently. “No guarantees.” Des’ voice was sad. “I don’t know what to do. If I let you go, my life will never be the same. But what kind of life would it be? I can’t disappoint my family and friends. My becoming an agent was a big deal for them. It is a big deal. How do I tell them I gave it up? It fulfills me in a way no other career could.” “I understand you know. I really do. After all, with my family, not everyone would be able to accept them completely. And I couldn’t live without my family. Every crazy one of them.” “And that love has made you the woman you are. The woman I love.” “Gideon, I love you, too.” “I know. And we’ll go on loving each other, Des. I’ll love you always.” “But not together,” she whispered. “Not together,” he acknowledged.. “Gideon, I have to go now. Before the others get here. Take this, keep it with you.” She put something into his pocket. “What is it?” “My grandmother’s necklace. My grandfather loved her very much and gave it to her, then she gave it to my father to give to the woman he loved. Instead he gave it to me. I held on to it until I found the man I would always love. That’s you, so I want you to take it.” “I’ll always keep it with me.” He leaned over and gave her one, last, sweet, gentle kiss. Des pulled out of his arms. She raised her hand to touch his face. She followed the track of one tear as it ran down. Catching the tear on her fingertip, she touched his lips, then brought it to hers. Then she turned and walked to the kidnapper’s car. Slowly she opened the door, climbed in with her brothers and solidly shut the door after her. As Vlad drove away, she looked ahead of her. Not once did she turn around to see him. Gideon watched her until the tail lights disappeared. Then he straightened his shoulders and walked into the cottage to await the other agents. Idly, he thought. Everyone lied. A broken heart doesn’t hurt. Not at all. It doesn’t have any feeling. It’s just numb, everywhere. And he knew that every day without Des would be like this for him. Numb.

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Chapter Twenty-Four Official Fax Transmit over secure line only

Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: It’s all over. The fat lady sang. I’ll be heading back shortly. I need a new assignment right away. Something to keep me busy. Maybe somewhere I can be by myself and sort some stuff out. Gideon

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Chapter Twenty-Five

The restaurant door opened. The bell hanging on the back tinkled. Des poured the pot of water into the coffee maker and turned to face the customer, a smile fixed on her face. Only seven in the morning and her feet already hurt. Life as a waitress in a diner wasn’t easy, but at least she was sure no one would be looking for her here. Jean-Luc was slumped on the end counter seat; head in hand, looking very dejected. She picked up a coffee cup, the fresh pot and poured him a cup. “What’s up, oh favorite brother of mine?” “Nothing.” “Really?” Des raised her eyebrow. “It doesn’t look like nothing to me. Looks like it might be a pretty big something. Want to share?” “No. Yes. I am a failure. A laughing post. I shall have to resign from the Corps and take up pumping the gas for a living. It is too humiliating.” “It can’t be that bad.” Des chuckled at the thought of Jean-Luc pumping gas. He couldn’t even drive much less know how to work the gas nozzle. “It is worse. Never has such a thing happened to me. Perhaps I should just kill myself and wipe the stain off my family.” Dramatically he threw out his arm and dropped it to his side. “But, I should no doubt fail in that also.” “Give, bro. What’s so terrible?” Maybe she should be a little worried; Jean-Luc was taking whatever it was very hard. “Last night,” he shuddered. “I was romancing a very beautiful woman in her dreams.” “You think all women are beautiful.” “They are. Each woman has her own unique beauty that sets a man on fire. It takes only the right man to see it. But I digress. I was a pirate king, bold and brave. Dashing and cruel, and yet with a passionate heart. There I stood on the deck of my ship, the beautiful woman tied to my mast…” “Did you have an eye patch?” Des broke in. “Of course. If you are a pirate, you must have an eye patch. It’s in the rulebook, pirate - eye patch. Anyway, I was slicing off bits of her clothing, slowly exposing her soft, silken skin to the eyes of my lustful crew. They cheered at every bit of the clothing I threw on the deck.” “Ah, the usual fantasy then.” “As I was saying,” Jean-Luc frowned at her, “and for your information, there is nothing usual about any fantasy I am in. I had reduced her clothing to her chemise. Tattered, the skirt hung around her legs; the breeze blew it from side to side, exposing her long, shapely legs, the delicate ankle and the gentle arch in her foot. She was delectable. “Her breasts were almost bare, the material barely hung off her nipple, baring, yet covering the swell of the soft skin. She took a deep breath and the material tightened and slipped a fraction of an inch.” “Sounds, uh, hot. Perhaps we should just jump ahead?” “Very well. I threw my shirt on the desk and stood before her, eager for her greedy inspection. My skin was damp and glowing with the sweat I had worked up. I could see her eyes fix on the front of my tight pants, the place where my very large co--” “Move it along a bit, bro. I do have customers.” “Of course. Anyway, she could see the head rising above my waistline. She licked her lips. I moved in, slowly moving my hardened length along the side of her thigh, brushing heavily so she could

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feel the size, the hardness, and the heat waiting for her. I felt her shiver beneath my touch. Gently I brushed my thumbs over her waiting peaked nipples and leaned over to whisper in her ear. ‘You are mine,’ I told her. I am here to give you what you wish. To give you what you desire. To take you to physical peaks such as few women have ever known.’ “I leaned into her so she could feel my rod, I moved to face her so it fell between her legs, up against the place of her pleasure. I rubbed it up and down, taking her with me into the beginning of the celestial ride into ecstasy. ‘Come with me. Let me pleasure you. Let me serve you. Let me fulfill your fantasy. Tell me the thing you wish most, the thing I can do for you, something that no man has ever done.’ “ Jean-Luc sighed and took a sip of the coffee. Then sighing again, he continued. “She was hot and trembling as I moved against her. ‘Tell me what you wish the most. What do you wish me to do? Give me three words. With those three words you will tell me what you wish.’” Jean-Luc stirred his coffee, raised it to his lips, and set it carefully back down on the saucer. “Then, she said it and my career was over. I am a failure.” “You can’t be a failure. Remember, I hit Giovanni with a slipper. Can’t be worse than that.” Des smiled remembering the incubus’ outrage. “It was worse. I can’t tell you, I can’t tell anyone.” “Yes, you can. What was so awful? It sounds as if she was ready for you. What happened to make you so down on yourself?” “Very well. I will share my greatest shame. My body was tight against hers, I could feel her need in the dampness that crept between her legs. ‘Tell me what you want me to do for you.’ Then she did. ‘Will you do anything if I can say it in three words?’ she asked me, ‘anything?’ ‘Yes cherie, ask and it will be done.’ Then she said,” he stopped unable to continue. “She said, ‘Clean my house.’” “Clean. Her. House? She wanted you to clean her house instead of making love to her?” Des clenched her lips tight, sucked her cheeks in, opened her eyes wide, and twisted her face trying vainly not to smile. “I, uh, have to go to the kitchen. Right now.” She whirled and fled through the door into the kitchen. Once there, she tried to muffle her laughter, leaned against the wall to help hold her up, but slowly she sank to the floor. Unable to control her convulsing body. “Lord a mercy, Des. What is wrong?” Anna, the cook, turned, spatula in hand. “Something wrong out there? Are you crying? You tell me what happened and I’ll take care of it.” “Not crying. Laughing. Can’t stop.” Anna stood there looking at her in confusion. The door swung again and Jean-Luc stalked into the kitchen. He halted and struck a dramatic pose, finger pointed accusingly at his sister. “Aha! I knew you would be laughing. I am finished. I am only fit to have people laugh at me. I should become a comedy man. I am a failure.” “Honey, you’re not a failure. Now, I don’t rightly know what it is you do for a living, but JohnLuke I can tell you, you are one good looking guy.” Anne gave his a quick hug. “Thank you Anna, the queen of pancakes. I am a…” “Romance book cover model,” broke in Des. “What?” Jean-Luc and Anna both turned to her. “He models and a photographer takes a picture that appears on the covers of romance novels. He’s very, very successful. Tops in his industry.” “Oh, that would explain why he dresses like that.” Anna waived her hand toward him. “He looks for all the world like a pirate today. And I swear the other day he was one of those Spanish Tarry-odoor-rays.” “Exactly. He has to wear costumes for the photo sessions. It all depends on what the book is about.” “Well John, honey, you are probably the most famous model in the world. Heck, I don’t even read and I’d buy a book with you on the cover, just to have the picture. You, devil you.”

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“I am not a devil. My brother...” “Our brother is his photographer. Jean-Luc does swashbucklers, pirates, Vikings, barbarians and the like. Men without shirts mostly.” “Well, you’ve got to be good at it, sugar.” “Thank you, Anna. I feel better.” He took her in his arms. “You have such beautiful eyes. Like dark pools of melted, warm chocolate. Deep enough and inviting enough that a man might wish he could immerse himself in them. Eyes that a man dreams about seeing.” He lowered his face and kissed the cook, long and deep until she was clinging to him, unable to stand. “Oh my goodness,” Anna leaned against the wall. “In all my fifty years I never had no man tell me that or kiss me like that. And I’m gonna do something about it.” She pulled her apron off and threw it on a shelf. Picking up her purse, she walked to the back door and opened it. “My husband’s at home sleeping late and I mean to get there afore he wakes up. Gonna be one hot time in our house this morning. See you later, Des.” Des and Jean-Luc watched her walked out, looked at each other and laughed. “I think that means you haven’t lost your touch Jean-Luc. She certainly seems to be caught up in your spell.” “Yes. I am still the best. Even when a woman is completely awake, I am able to move her to feel her sexuality.” He preened. “You sure can. But since the cook is now gone, I have to cook and you get to make sure everyone is fed because you’re the waiter.” She tied an apron around his waist. “Now get out there and get to work.” “I cannot do this thing. I am an artiste.” “And now you’re an artiste working as a waiter. Go.” She slapped him on his ass. “I can’t do it all and it’s your fault Anna floated out of here on a cloud of supercharged passion.” “Very well, but only to help my little sister.” Several orders later Des watched him for a minute. She had to admit he was good. He moved around the room, serving coffee, flirting with men and women. As he swiveled around the tables, the level of lust rose in the room. Des could almost taste it. And she knew that Jean-Luc wasn’t even aware of what he did. “Another order, Des. These people are all so nice.” “Who is that pouring coffee?” “Oh, that is one of the young womens at the first table. I was busy and she said she would like to help. She is so sweet, I gave her a big hug and nice kiss.” Jean-Luc waved at the woman who blushed and over poured coffee into a cup, spilling it all over the table. Neither she nor the customer noticed, so entranced were they by her brother’s smile. Des had to chuckle. “And that one?” A young man was busing a table, wiping it carefully with a bar towel. “Who is he?” “Ah, he is from that table with the good looking men. He lowered his voice, “I think that they are the homosexuals. Ehh,” he shrugged his shoulders, “it does not matter to me. Sometimes, I like the mens.” Jean-Luc smiled fully at the man and watched as he tripped over a chair leg almost dropping the dish tub. Des shook her head. It was obvious that her brother had everything under control. Everything and it looked like, everyone. She looked at the order he had given her. “Jean-Luc?” “Yes? I am busy Des. My public awaits,” he flung his arm out. “Yeah, well your public can wait a minute. This is the fifth order you’ve given me and every one is for flapjacks.”

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“Everyone eating today has great taste. They are eating the bestest food there is. In fact the American government should make it one of the major food groups. Fruit, vegetables, bah! Pancakes, butter and syrup. Now that is food.” “Whatever. But don’t tell the customers what to order. Let them choose, all right?” “If you insist, but if they were to ask me to select a wine for them, I would do that. Why not pancakes?” Des looked around the restaurant. It was a friendly place, very clean. But it was a hole in the wall. Tourists drove past, not even stopping to use the restroom. Only local people ate here. “If anyone here, ever, asks you for your wine recommendations, be sure to let me know.” “If we had choices of the syrup, I could recommend those.” “We don’t. The owner has maple and that’s it. If you have so many good ideas, why don’t you open your own restaurant?” “I have thought about that.” Jean-Luc looked around to make sure no one was listening. “But not in this world. I think Hell could use a good flapjacks restaurant. Nice decorations, well-dressed waiters and waitresses, syrup served in silver pitchers. Everything first class.” “A pancake place in Hell? Fine. Use these people to practice on and get going. The range is calling me.” Des was facing away from the door so when the bell jangled again she didn’t bother looking. Not until she saw Jean-Luc’s face grow dark with anger. He raised his arm, pushed back his sleeve and formed a fist. Scowling he stepped around her and blocked her from the door. “I must kill you. You surely know that. I will beat you to a tiny pulp. It is my duty as the big brother. Then after I have killed you, my brother Vlad will kill you. He will suck all the blood out of your body and leave you a withered husk. Then my brother Daneel will kill you. He will...” “Move, you oaf.” Des pushed him out of the way and froze in place. No words came from her open mouth. In the entrance, holding a bouquet of wildflowers, stood Gideon. Just like the bouquet he’d given her before. In the other hand was a small white bag marked “Motzo Mamma’s” and she could smell the roast beef. He smiled at her with a crooked smile. “I was hoping you might like some flowers.” He gave her the flowers. Then he raised the white bag. “I stopped off in San Francisco to buy the roast beef for a few sandwiches in case I could talk you into a picnic. I know it’s been a long time, but it took six months to find you.” Des looked down at the flowers then up at Gideon. She opened her hand and dropped the blooms to the floor. She went back into the kitchen. ***** Gideon watched her walk away through the swinging door. He stood there for a moment then turned to Jean-Luc. Gideon’s whole body had slumped. Jean-Luc opened his fist and slapped Gideon against his shoulder. “My sister is very angry at you. You made her cry very much. I really should pound you until you call for your aunt. But you look as unhappy as she does, so how can I do that?” “Hey,” one of the customers called out. “Where’s our breakfast? You told us these were the best flapjacks in the world and we’re waiting.” “I, myself, will make the slapjacks. You will be amazed at my culinary offerings. I have excellent skill and am noted for my technique.” The ersatz busboy let out a small moan. Gideon snorted in disbelief. He’d heard about Jean-Luc’s techniques and expertise and it had nothing to do with pancakes. Jean-Luc looked at him through narrow eyes. “My hands,” the incubus raised and flexed them, “are very dexterous and talented.” The girl holding the coffee pot sighed and smiled.

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Gideon could hardly hold the chuckle in. “You are a philistine. I wonder that my sister desires you.” “Does she?” Gideon caught his sleeve. “Does she still want me? I am so afraid I’ve screwed this up royally and lost any chance with her forever.” “You ask me? I have no knowledge of keeping the women. But if I did have this knowledge, I would say she is waiting in the kitchen for you to explain to her and tell her all the things she wishes to hear. About how you feel about her, about how you wish to be with her, about how the sex will be fantastic. About how you will pleasure her and drive her mad with passion and desire. About--” Gideon put his hand over the Incubus’ mouth. “This is your sister you’re talking about. Although,” he winked, “I plan on doing all those things.” He straightened his shoulders and tilted his head forward. “Here I go, wish me luck.” He started towards the kitchen. After three steps he felt a body closely following him. He looked behind and realized that Jean-Luc was walking on his heels. Behind him was the coffee girl. Behind her was the bus boy. Behind him were two other customers, and several others were rising in their chairs. Gideon turned around and put his arms out. “I don’t intend for this to be a spectator event. You will all have to wait here.” The customers groaned and stepped back. Jean-Luc turned and shooed them all away. “Go, go back to your tables. This man will fix everything with my sister and they will find a dark closet and sate themselves through a long, strenuous bout of sexual feasting. We will not be able to see this. Hopefully, we shall hear the sounds from this closet, but maybe not.” “Not, definitely not. I mean, I have no intention of making love to your sister in some closet.” “Ah, you have a big backseat in your car? And dark windows maybe? She would like the dark windows.” Jean-Luc craned his head to try to see out the front windows. “No, I do not. Not in my backseat or any backseat.” “The hotel then. That has so little imagination. But,” he gave a Gallic shrug, “my sister is more shy than the rest of her family.” “Gypsy Rose Lee was more shy than the rest of your family. Now I’m going in there, and you aren’t.” “But, the pancakes. All these people wait for the eating of the most marvelous food in this world. And in the others. This I know.” “Give me five minutes. Then you can come in the kitchen. If all has gone right, we won’t be there.” “Very well, five minutes. Now I sit and have the café.” Gideon took a deep breath and went into the kitchen. Des was in front of a window, staring outside. By the shaking of her shoulders Gideon could tell she was crying. He felt like some low life. Des didn’t deserve to cry. “Hon. Don’t cry. I’m sorry. I’ve been miserable without you. No, don’t turn around. Let me talk. I started out interested in arresting your father, but you have to admit he is, was, a crook. And then I found a family of people with no background. Naturally I was concerned. But then I met you and fell in love with you. “I’ve never been in love before, and it wasn’t anything like what I thought it should be. I was worried every moment. I was concerned I would lose my career, everything I had ever worked for. My family would be disappointed in me and frankly, I was afraid of your family.” “Yeah, they are a bit to take on.” Des’ voice was very small to his ears. “A bit? I didn’t know what to do. But then, when I was back in Quantico, I realized I missed you. I more than missed you. My life was nothing without you. Every morning I woke up and there was no reason to even get out of bed. Then one day I saw your grandmother’s necklace. At that moment I knew you wouldn’t be with me ever. And I knew I wanted you there. Finally, I just got in my car and drove.”

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He laughed. “When I reached Calgary, I checked into a hotel. Made a reservation on the plane and flew to San Francisco. Hell, my car’s still in a parking lot in Calgary International Airport. When I arrived in San Francisco do you know what I found?” Des shook her head. “Nothing. You were gone. I went to your house and Julie lives there now.” “I needed to move and she took over my lease. I couldn’t just leave my landlord without anyone.” “She thought I was crazy. I pushed every inch of every wall under the stairs looking for that special closet. I thought if I went to your brothers, one of them could tell me where you were. But it was gone. Nothing there but real walls.” “I couldn’t very well leave the entrance there. We closed it up.” “I didn’t know what to do. I wandered around and finally found a restaurant to eat. Looking at the menu I saw it, Pancakes. And then I realized that might be the only way to find you.” “Find me?” Des turned around and stepped close to Gideon. “How did you find me? I thought I was well hidden.” “You were. I called the headquarters and got an entire class of recruits to do a search project. They called every pancake house in California. Then Nevada and finally Arizona. It took ages. But at each one they asked, ‘Has a beautiful woman and the handsomest man in the world come in for pancakes?’ Finally someone said yes.” “Anna. She said someone was making crazy phone calls.” “It was all my doing. And here I am. And I’m not leaving ‘till you agree to go with me.” “But what about your career?” “If your father gets into more trouble, I can deal with it. Why are you giggling? The thought of getting your father out of trouble over and over doesn’t make me laugh.” “Father won’t be bothering you every again. Mrs. Loren’s first husband was also a con artist and she converted him to do good works. Then one day when he was delivering meals to shut-ins in a cityowned apartment building, he stepped through an elevator door and fell down the shaft and died.” “How dreadful.” “Well, yes, but she got a mint. When Father approached her with one of his ‘investment opportunities’ she knew exactly what he was doing. Don’t ask me how. They got married last month, and now he has to do charitable works or she won’t give him money for betting.” “You’re pulling my leg. He’s retired?” “He had to give it up. His days are filled with charity. On weekends they go to the track. It’s crazy but they seem to be happy.” “So I won’t have to hunt down my father-in-law. But, I can help your brothers.” “My brothers? Help? How?” “It can’t hurt to have a brother-in-law who is agent in charge of his own office.” “Agent in charge? When did you get promoted?” “As soon as you agree to marry me, we move to Taos. But if you’d rather, I’ll resign and live wherever you want. Here, Hell, anyplace that’s good for you.” “You’d give it all up for me?” “For us. Marry me. Today, tomorrow, whenever. But soon, make it soon.” “Then how can I say no? Yes, I’ll marry you.” She threw herself at Gideon and they clung together. ***** Five minutes later Jean-Luc entered the kitchen. The back door was open and he peeked out. His sister and Gideon were walking towards the rental car, their arms around each other. He smiled, and turned back to the grill. Pancakes awaited.

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***** Gideon held Des close as they walked. “Shall we drive straight through to Las Vegas and marry there?” The ground under their feet trembled. He looked around, a puzzled look on his face. “An earthquake? And only here?” “Not an earthquake. My mother telling you she wants a big wedding. Do you mind?” “No, yes. I mean no, but what do I tell my parents? “ “Don’t worry. We’ll come up with some way to manage both our families. And I have a wonderful idea for a honeymoon. How do you feel about riding naked on a horse down a tropical beach in the moonlight?” “Sounds great.” “Good, I’ve been taking acrobatic lessons.” “What?” “Never mind. Just kiss me again.”

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Chapter Twenty-Six

Official Fax Transmit over secure line only Office of the Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Quantico, VA Re: Investigation Trevellion, H 050103 John: My wife-to-be and I are on our way to the new post. I love Taos. I love New Mexico. I love my job. Heck, I even love you. Wish me well! We’ll be sure to send an invitation to the wedding. Start saving for a very expensive gift. Only the best for my gal. Gideon