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The old vampire was Colleen, and she was a member of the MacPherson clan. Where the Variks were closed and secretive, the MacPhersons were open and aggressive. But then, they tended to back up their claims with action.
Prior to moving to Hartford, Marcus had warned Bel that the MacPherson clan was in the area. But Bel had been adamant. Something to do with his research. Marcus had likely completed some careful negotiations with the MacPherson leader so that there would be peace between the clans when they arrived. Not that Rafe had been too worried about it at the time. The arrival of the Variks meant that Rafe would be opening another club, which benefited nearly every vampire in the area.
If he remembered correctly, Colleen had been quite a fan of his place when the MacPhersons and the Variks last overlapped.
The two women stopped when they were still several feet away. Colleen’s dark eyes swept over Philippe and Rafe for a moment before settling on Rafe. As she stepped forward, she subtly moved the younger vampire behind her. At least she didn’t reach for the large knife resting in the sheath on her hip.
“Rafe, it’s been decades,” Colleen greeted. “I heard a rumor that the Variks had come to Hartford.”
“Delighted to see you again, Colleen. I hope you and your companion stop by my newest pet project.”
“You’ve got a new club?” Her eyes widened, betraying more interest than she let show in her voice.
“Blush. Downtown. Just follow the crowds. I really think it’s my best yet.”
Colleen clicked her tongue. “I don’t think you can beat The Red Room.”
“So passé.” Rafe gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “The Red Room was a triumph in its time, but I’ve surpassed it. But where are my manners?” Rafe turned toward Philippe and smiled. The clan leader gave an almost imperceptible nod of his head, indicating that he should complete introductions. “Colleen of the MacPherson clan, may I introduce Philippe, head of the Arsenault clan?”
The older vampire stood stunned for a solid two seconds before remembering herself. She lowered her head while her fledgling followed her cue.
“Forgive me, Master Arsenault. I didn’t realize it was you. It’s an honor to meet you,” Colleen said formally. Rafe had to bite the inside of his cheek at the “master” talk. The MacPhersons really were too formal when it came to the clan leaders. He almost pitied Marcus in his dealings with the head of the MacPherson clan.
“Am I not what you expected?” Philippe asked lightly.
“No, I…” Colleen’s words trailed off, her eyes darting over to Rafe for a heartbeat and then back again.
“What Colleen is too polite to say is that she wasn’t expecting the illustrious Philippe Arsenault to be slumming with such a purveyor of fleshly pleasures. Namely me.”
Philippe cleared his throat, though Rafe felt as if he was trying to mask his laugh. Philippe had no problems with his club or the fact that he loved to revel in those things that brought joy.
“Out for a little hunting?” Philippe asked, obviously trying to redirect their conversation.
“Yes. Just a light snack.”
“Do you happen through this park often?”
“No.” Colleen closed down quickly before their eyes, and Rafe nearly growled. The MacPhersons were a difficult bunch under the best of circumstances. It didn’t help anyone to get on their bad side.
“That’s a shame,” Rafe sighed extravagantly. “We’re looking into a possible vampire encounter in this park. Possibly someone unfairly preying on a weaker vampire as a bit of cruel sport.”
“You can’t possibly think a MacPherson would have any part in that!”
“Do I think a MacPherson would turn a blind eye to such a heinous action? No, definitely not.” Rafe took a careful step closer to Colleen. She was nearly a foot shorter than him, but absolutely bristling with indignant rage. “Do I think a MacPherson would keep valuable information from us that would help us achieve justice for the poor vampire? I certainly hope not.”
Colleen held his stare for a couple of seconds before giving the smallest nod. She broke their gaze and turned her attention to Philippe. “I know nothing of this encounter. We’ve come to this park only a few times in the past year, and this is the first time we’ve met others of our kind.”
“Thank you, Colleen. Your assistance is most appreciated by the Arsenault clan.”
“Ezra has spoken highly of you to our clan. I’m happy to help.”
With all the pleasantries taken care of, Colleen and her nameless fledgling were quick to continue on their way. Rafe and Philippe resumed their trek along walking path through the park to Rafe’s car. It was only when they were a safe distance from Colleen that Philippe spoke.
“That is why I requested your help,” Philippe said, nudging Rafe with his elbow.
“Because I know everyone?”
“It’s not just that. You also know how to talk to them. I’m sure Marcus is well acquainted with all the clan leaders and can diplomatically handle them. I wanted you because you know how to handle everyone else. Those are the people who might know what happened to Piper.”
