Midnight Lover. Rosemary Laurey

over Piet and was well out of earshot when Zeke turned to Toby, one bushy eyebrow raised. “Think she’s telling the truth, the whole truth?”

      Knowing darn well he was also under scrutiny here, Toby replied, “Not the whole truth. She left out a minor detail, more out of embarrassment than anything else, I imagine.” He filled Zeke in with the precise details of his entry through the window. No point in sharing the events of the evening prior to his awkward and enraged arrival.

      He expected the laugh and the wicked, knowing grin. “Man! That must have been some sight.” The annoying grin widened. “Was she impressed?”

      “I didn’t ask! Hardly seemed apropos at the time.”

      “You Brits miss all the chances with your tight-assed attitude.”

      Time to steer the conversation back on track. “What do you think about this second Radcliffe? Coincidence or something more?”

      Zeke shrugged. “Hard to tell. The boss is taking it seriously. Told me to look around and be careful. That French dude is on his way too.”

      “Larouselière?”

      “Yeah. That was his name. Some sort of expert, right?”

      “Yes. Expert in vampire lore, vampire and human history and seduction.” And if he as much as smiled at Laura…“He’s coming here?”

      “On his way as we speak. The boss said you know something about these rogue vampires too. Characteristics, habits…”

      “I was present when Etienne Larouselière briefed us in London over Laran. If this one’s the same, they are vicious and predatory. The sort of vampires who give the rest of us a bad name. Origins in South or Central America. They eat mortal food and thus pass easily among them. Are repulsed by silver, and about the only way to kill them is magic.” At least that took care of Laran Radcliffe—with side effects, he amended to himself, thinking of Piet’s sorry condition.

      “Yeah! Vlad mentioned the silver. He’s having a few toys made to help if needed. Lucky dude getting to eat. I sure miss having a nice double bacon cheeseburger and fries once in a while. And bring on the ketchup!”

      “My hankering is for grits and collards with ham hocks, like my mother used to cook.” And he could still smell them even though he barely remembered his mother’s face.

      Zeke went quiet. Definitely out of character. “You were sure lucky. I never knew my mother. Grew up in foster homes.”

      Zeke needed educating about the realities of slavery, but not right now. “Tough luck that.”

      He shrugged, much more the Zeke Toby knew and slightly mistrusted. “It’s the breaks. Some were good. Others the pits, but it’s history. Better get busy on this Axel dude. Ever seen him?”

      “No, but you’ve Laura’s description and the addresses she gave you. I can give you a map and directions.”

      “Thanks, man! I’ll indulge in a couple of blood bags and set off in a couple of hours. Easier to pry around at night when the pesky mortals are in bed.”

      “Be careful. We don’t exactly know what we are dealing with here.” Perhaps he should have mentioned the chupacabra, but he didn’t want Adela yanked into this, and what earthly connection could there be?

      Zeke grinned. That look must have driven teachers and authorities batty. “Man! Don’t worry about me. I’m a big bad vampire dude. No one gets the better of Zeke Randolph!”