Read Dance on Fire Page 35


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  In the alley behind the Jackson house, Vanessa Jackson’s large Saturn Outlook SUV was parked. She had loved Barbara’s so much that she had talked Mark into letting her buy one of her own. Their only anguish had been that she and Mark had yet to fill it with children.

  While Barbara’s model was gray or Quicksilver, hers was a shade of dark red called Red Jewel Tintcoat. This morning, and considering all that had transpired during this week, one might say that it appeared to be blood red. The car came with ONSTAR and was equipped with XM satellite radio as well as a hand’s free cell phone and special cell phone number. The car seated eight comfortably with plenty of room for luggage or merchandise or diaper bags and whatever else a set of twins might require. All of the doors were conveniently open, interior lighting on, as if it were an escape vehicle for a large family or group. The ignition key was engaged and the motor running.

  So it was when Vincent leaped from the roof of the house, landed in the back yard and quickly shot through the gate that had been left open, a trashcan braced against it to hold it there. The vampire had arrived just in time it appeared because the vehicle was still empty. He grinned to himself as he retreated to the shadows of the alley, preparing to spring the trap.