My heart sank. These two fools were the partners Simon was searching for.
Simon cleared his throat and the pair turned their attention to him. "If you wouldn't mind, I have a proposition for you both."
Specter folded his arms and crossed his legs, but his head remained level with ours. "What kind of proposition?"
"I wish to employ you for a job to steal the Comstock bracelet," Simon revealed.
A smile spread over Maeve's face. She swept over to Simon and latched herself onto his unoccupied arm. "Do you really want to work together, my love?"
Specter rolled his eyes. "He's joking. He already stole that thing a week ago."
Simon glanced at him. "It's to be returned today, so there will be ample opportunity to steal it again."
Specter scoffed and waved his arm at Simon. "Like hell we could do that. It's going to be guarded better than Fort Knox when it was used."
Maeve turned to the ghost and glared at him. "If you're too scared to take the job then that's fine! We'll do the job just fine without you!" She looked back to Simon and her eyes fell on me. They narrowed and she pursed her lips. "Who's she?"
Simon chuckled. "Miss Faith Luvena, this is Maeve, a practicing witch."
"And the best one in the city," Maeve added. She sized me up with her eyes and turned up her nose. "What are you here for? Moral support?"
Specter swept up to me and sniffed me. I cringed and scowled at him. "Actually, she's an aspiring undead. I can smell the grave dirt on her already."
Maeve's mouth dropped open and she whipped her head to Simon. "You. . .you didn't, did you?"
Simon smiled and clasped Maeve's chin in his fingers. He leaned down so their lips nearly touched. I felt a touch, but it was of jealousy as Simon used his whispering voice on this other woman. "That changes nothing between us. Will you still come with me?"
Maeve's eyes sparkled and she opened her mouth in a wide smile. Her head bobbed up and down like a doll. "Yes! Yes, of course, my darling!"
Specter floated away from us and leaned back so he reclined with his hands behind his head. "What's in it for us?"
Simon released Maeve's chin. She stumbled forward, but caught herself. "Wealth means little to you, I suppose."
Specter nodded. "Yep. Kind of hard to buy stuff that I can't eat or wear."
"What about the challenge?" Simon suggested.
Specter shook his head. "Not interested." He glanced at me and grinned. "It's more fun to scare people than to steal from them."
Simon sighed and shrugged. "Then I'm afraid we must call off the arrangement. The job could hardly be done without you."
Maeve swung around and marched over to the floating Specter. She stuck her face literally into his and glared at him. "Just do it!"
He started back and glared at her. "Why should I?"
"Because I want to do it, so you're going to do it! Got it?" she growled.
Specter rolled his eyes, but shrugged. "Fine, fine. When's this heist, anyway?"
"Certus will give you the details when I have them prepared," Simon told him.
Maeve swung around and clasped her hands together. I could imagine her in a schoolgirl outfit with bouncing curls and a high-pitched squeal. "This is going to be so wonderful! I can't wait!"
Simon smiled and bowed his head to her. "Nor can I. Until then, au revoir."
I didn't have to imagine Maeve's squeal. She gave a pretty good one that made Specter roll his eyes.
Maeve caught his movement and spun around to glare at him. "Don't you have somewhere else to go?"
"This is my graveyard," he reminded her. He pointed off in the distance. "I died here, remember?"
"That doesn't mean you have to stick around here!" she argued.
"You go somewhere else," he growled.
She crossed her arms and scowled. "You should know there's no stronger magic than in this graveyard. It brought your worthless soul back to the land of the living."
Simon slipped his arm over my shoulders and turned us away from the squabbling pair. "There was never a more perfect chance to leave," he whispered.
We left our two newest partners to their bickering and strode back up the path. Simon took the partial lead and I followed.
My narrowed eyes flickered to Simon. "You two have a thing going?" I asked him.
He smiled and ducked beneath a branch. "I don't know what you mean."
I jerked my head over my shoulder. "You and that Maeve woman. Are you two an item?"
Simon chuckled. "On the contrary, we are only close acquaintances."
I frowned. "But you said nothing's changed between you."
"And nothing has. There was never anything between us but professional work. She just fails to realize that," he told me.
My face drooped. "Right. So when is this professional work supposed to get started? You haven't given any details."
"If all goes well, we'll-we'll move forward in a day or-" Simon stumbled over both his words and the path. He leaned to the left and his shoulder fell against the trunk of a tree.
"Simon!" I yelled. I ran up to him and grasped his shoulders. His face was paler than usual and he clutched his chest in one hand. "What's wrong?"
Simon grimaced and bowed his head. "The. . .the sunlight. I've been. . .awake. . .far too long."
I slipped under his right arm and slung it over my shoulders. "Come on. The car isn't that far."
I pulled him off the tree and he leaned his great weight against me. It was my turn to grimace, but I bore his burden and we shuffled down the path.
"I'm sorry. . .to be your burden," he murmured.
I frowned at him. "It's fine, I guess, but if you knew you couldn't stay out here then why'd you do it?"
He chuckled. "Mere foolishness. I wished to remain in the sunlight as you do, but even the blood supplied by our foes isn't enough to keep the sunlight from draining my energy."
I cringed. "Speaking of foes, did you-well, you-know to the other guys following us?"
He nodded. "Yes, though I fear this won't be the end to their annoying presence. I was quite careless in letting them see the car."
I raised an eyebrow. "Can they trace the plates to you?"
He shook his head. "No, at least not me directly. The car is also under an alias."
I snorted. "How many of those things do you have?"
Simon smiled. "As many as I need."
We crested the hill and stumbled down the other side. Certus stood beneath the cover of the porch, but when we came into view he hurried over to us.
He took Simon's other arm and looked him over. "What's the matter?"
Simon closed his eyes and shook his head. "Merely my carelessness. A long rest will set matters right."
"Then let me carry you," Certus insisted.
Simon glanced down at me. "That's quite all right. My current support will do, but if you could bring the car to the front of the house."
Certus pursed his lips, but bowed his head and hurried off.
I glanced at Simon. "Why do I get the feeling he doesn't like me?"
"He is weary of you, but I don't believe it's dislike," Simon assured me.
We walked through the house and onto the front part of the porch. The car awaited us, and Certus helped me get Simon into the back. I ignored my usual spot for a seat next to Simon. Certus shut the door and we were enveloped in the cool darkness.
Simon leaned back and closed his eyes. His hat came askew. I reached up and plucked it off his head. He opened the eye that lay on my side and smiled at me. "Pampering me?" he teased.
I tossed his hat onto the seat opposite us and leaned back to shrug. "I just didn't want it falling down on me." He closed his eye and chuckled. My eyes flickered to his face and I pursed my lips. "What's so funny?"
"One doesn't need to read minds to know you're a terrible liar," he told me.
I crossed my arms over my chest and turned my face away. "Well, I didn't want it to fall on me," I insisted.
He looped his arm behind my waist and pressed me close against his side. I stiffened as he lay his cheek on the top of my head and breathed in my scent. "Like fresh roses on an autumn evening," he murmured.
I blushed and shrank beneath his attentions. The familiar heat of lust welled up inside me. I pressed my hands against his side and tried to push myself away, but he held me tight. "Y-yeah, well, you smell okay, too, now let go."
There was no reply, not even a simple snarky comment. I tilted my head up and noticed his other cheek rested on the top of the seat. His eyes were closed and he wasn't breathing.
"Simon?" I pushed against him, but he didn't stir. My shoulders drooped and my face fell. "Perfect. He's fallen asleep. Or he's dead."
Either way I couldn't help him. A yawn hit me and I had trouble stifling it. The night had been long, and the first half of this day even longer. I set my cheek against the seat and closed my eyes.
Sleep offered me a bit of comfort as thoughts of the coming days and nights were replaced by wonderful dreams of sunsets.
CHAPTER 10
The next thing I knew a hand was gently stroking my hair. I smiled and sighed. A familiar chuckle came from above me.
I opened my eyes and found myself lying on Simon's bed. He sat beside me and it was his hand that stroked my hair.
"Good evening," he greeted me.
My eyes widened and I sat up. The curtains to my right were opened and revealed the last rays of the sun on the horizon. I checked my watch. Five o'clock. I'd slept for over six hours.
"What the hell?" I murmured.
"Not quite," he commented. "Your body was exhausted from last night's adventure, and needed rest."
I ran a hand through my wild hair and frowned. "This isn't going to happen every day, is it?"
He smiled and stood. "Very likely, as we have a very important date tonight."
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean that job?"
Simon nodded. "Yes. The others should be here any minute."
There came the faint sound of voices from beyond the closed bedroom door, and they grew louder when the front entrance opened.
"I don't know why he doesn't just live the high life of blood and women," I heard Dolf comment.
"It's the thrill of the adventure, you bag of fur," Maeve replied.
Dolf snorted. "It's stupidity, that's what it is. The guy's asking to be staked."
"It's better to be a ghost, anyway," Specter spoke up. "No worries about food and rent."
"Or sex or being able to play the guitar," Dolf added.
I was startled from their conversation when Simon held his hand in front of my face. "Shall we go greet our guests?" he suggested.
I shrugged and took his hand. "Why not?"
He helped me to my feet and together we stepped out of the bedroom. Our three acquaintances lounged on the couch and chair, or floated above them. They turned at our entrance, and a sly smile spread across Dolf's lips.
"I thought vampires were supposed to avoid strenuous exercise during the day," he teased.
"Will you shut up?" Maeve hissed.
Simon led me to the seating area and held up his hand. "You all know why I've gathered you."
Dolf nodded. "Yeah, because you're nuts and want to get caught by the police."
Simon smiled. "I won't challenge the first part, and I would like to avoid the second. I've gathered you to give a challenge to the Eres security system. No doubt they've improved on it since my success a few days ago."
"Fort Knox might be easier to break into," Dolf commented.
"But not nearly as interesting," Simon argued. "Government facilities rely on a show of force to deter thieves while personal security systems must rely on coverage."
Specter raised a transparent eyebrow. "Coverage?"
Simon nodded. "Yes. It must cover every inch of the protected item. Otherwise, the system fails and the item is stolen."
"So you're saying this is harder than Fort Knox?" Dolf guessed.
Simon chuckled. "And much more exciting."
"So how can we succeed?" Maeve wondered.
Simon swept his eyes over his guests. "Each of you has a particular set of skills that is invaluable in thieving." His gaze fell on Dolf. "Your strength means no vault can keep you from your purpose."
Dolf grinned and shrugged. "It's a gift, and a curse."
Simon turned to Maeve. "Your magic can detect any electronic traps and eliminate them."
She smiled and covered her mouth to stifle her giggle. "It's just so foolishly easy."
Simon looked to Specter. "And your ability to control the bodies of humans eliminates that threat."
Specter shrugged. "It's not that hard if you know what you're doing."
"Together you make a perfect team of thieves, and tonight we will test that theory," Simon told them.
Dolf raised his hand. "That's all fine and dandy, but what about the family? Specter can only possess one guy at a time."
Simon chuckled. "That is my specialty. The bracelet was returned today and I received a call from Miss Eres informing me of a celebration dinner tonight. Faith and I will attend, and distract the family while you three perform your jobs."
"You're making this sound like it's easier than it really is," Dolf argued.
Maeve glared at him. "I'm sure Simon's got everything planned out." She turned to him and smiled. "Don't you?"
Simon returned her smile and bowed his head. "Quite." Certus entered the room, and in his hands was a large rolled up print. He set it on the table and stepped back. Simon opened the print and revealed a layout of the grounds and house. He swept his hand over the water. "I've rented a boat for you to use to land here-" he pointed at a spot on the shore. "There will be security guards, but Specter can take them out one by one."
"No problem," Specter agreed.
Simon glanced at Maeve. "You'll have to find the cameras and infrared detectors."
She shrugged. "I suppose I could."
Simon turned his attention to Dolf. "The safe is made of solid steel, but that should be no problem for you."
Dolf leaned back and grinned. "Not a problem at all. I could carry it away."
Simon chuckled. "I have no doubt, but focus only on the bracelet located in the safe in the study. I'm sure that will be reward enough."
"Speaking of reward, what's thirty percent of the value of that thing?" Dolf wondered.
Simon rolled up the map and gripped it in one hand. "I have the bracelet priced at two million dollars."
Specter whistled. The noise sounded like an eerie wind. "That's not bad, but what do I get?"
Maeve rolled her eyes. "You get to do something other than bother me."
Specter grinned and floated down so his body wrapped around her. "On the contrary. We have all night together."
She scowled at him and leaned away. "Just don't mess things up for us."
"And you don't have all of the night," Simon spoke up. Everyone's attention was drawn back to him. "The Eres parties generally end around ten. You have from six until that time to complete the job."
Dolf stood and grinned. "Piece of cake."
Maeve rose and folded her arms as she smiled sweetly at Simon. "For you, it can be done."
Specter sighed and shrugged. "I guess."
Simon bowed his head. "Excellent. There's a car in the garage in berth twenty-two. You're to take that to the pier and take boat forty under the name of Sanguine. Here are the keys and the receipt for the boat." He handed the keys and the map to Dolf.
He snorted. "Seriously? Sanguine?"
Simon smiled. "As financier of this venture I am allowed some liberties."
Dolf turned to the others and tossed the keys into the air. "All right, troops, let's go."
Maeve and Specter rolled their eyes, but followed Dolf out of the penthouse. After the door shut behind them Simon turned to me. His eyes swept over my attire. "Perhaps a short white skirt with a blouse will do for this evening," he mused.
> I blushed beneath his intense gaze and frowned. "I hate to break it to you, but I don't exactly have that kind of setup here, or anywhere else."
His sly smile slipped onto his lips. "Come with me."
He led me to his bedroom and the closet therein where he opened the sliding door. My mouth fell open when he revealed a wide assortment of women's dress clothes and casual wear. Everything looked to be my size, and name-brand. The whole wardrobe must have cost more than my first car.
I turned to Simon and jerked my head towards the attire. "When'd you get these?"
Simon stepped forward and took out the skirt and white blouse he suggested I wear. "While you slept. Certus is very knowledgeable in the latest fashions." He turned around and held them out to me. "Shall I help you try them on?"
I frowned and snatched the hangers from him. "I think I can manage, and I don't think you'd help me on with anything."
He chuckled. "Perhaps not, and we have such a short time. The dinner begins in an hour. I'll wait for you outside."
He slipped from the room, and I dressed myself. The long skirt and blouse fit perfectly, and a little digging found socks and shoes to match. When I was finished I felt like a million bucks, and was probably dressed in something that was as outrageously priced.
I stepped into the living area. Simon stood in the kitchen with a wine glass in hand. I didn't have to ask to know the red contents.
"Well?" I asked him as I walked up to him. I spread out my arms to show off the whole attire.
Simon smiled and raised his glass. "Beautiful, as always." He half-turned to the counter behind him and took another filled wine glass from the top. He offered the glass to me. "Will you have an early supper with me?"
I cringed and shook my head. "I. . .I don't think I'm quite ready for that step." He shrugged and downed the contents of both glasses. I watched him with morbid fascination. "Can we-I mean, can vampires eat food?"
He chuckled. "Fortunately for us, the old stories about a blood-only diet are greatly exaggerated. Blood is our only source of nutrition, but we are able to digest normal food," he assured me. He set the glasses on the counter and offered me his arm. "Shall we go?"
CHAPTER 11
We met Certus in the garage. The black limo was our steed, and we rode it to the estate of the Eres family. I couldn't help but be nervous, not only for this second meeting of the wealthy but for the three acquaintances who would arrive later on their daring mission.