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I shrugged, not wanting him to think it over so much that he mentioned my curiosity to Menol y. "Nah, probably not. But thanks just the same."
Camil e tugged on my arm, but I shook my head and led the way out of the bar. When we were outside, I pul ed my jacket tighter against the gusting wind and led the way to my Jeep. We jumped in, and after fastening seat belts, Camil e turned to me.
"So what was that al about?"
"Just this--I found a note on Menol y's desk. It was an invitation . . . no--make that a demand--that she go to a vampire bal at the Clockwork Club with someone named Roman. Fancy paper, parchment, sloping cal igraphy. If it was delivered by a man in a limousine, then he's probably rich."
She turned over the thought in her mind--I could almost see the wheels grinding away. Then she snapped her fingers. "Roman! I remember her mentioning him. He's some ancient vampire that she went to see when we were investigating Sabele's disappearance. I think she said he's even older than Dredge was. Which means . . . he's very powerful. What the fuck does he want with Menol y? I mean, I love her, but he's like . . . what . . . a rock star among vampires?"
"I don't know, but I have a very odd feeling about it, and I want to know what the hel 's going on. We can't afford to keep secrets anymore." I turned the ignition and pul ed out of the parking spot as the rain hit again, and speeding along the glistening city streets, we were off for the hotel.
Amber had checked in at the Jefferson Inn, a moderately priced hotel with a standard diner attached. Families on vacation stayed here, people dumped unwanted relatives here during holiday visits, and salesmen who weren't making enough to afford the Hyatt scored rooms at the inn.
Luke had told us that Amber was paid up for several days, so we wandered over to the registration desk. Camil e unmasked her glamour, and we leaned across the counter.
"Yes, may I help you?" The clerk turned around and blinked. Twice. His harried expression dropped away as Camil e let out a bril iant smile.
"We need some information, and you're just the man who can help us." She winked, and he blushed. Yep, bottle her sex appeal, and we could rule the world. That, together with Luke's deodorizer, were two of the best inventions since sliced bread.
"What do you want to know?" He leaned over the counter to meet her gaze, and his eyes grew big and dark and wide as he breathed in the pheromones coming off of my sister. He inhaled deeply and held his breath, closing his eyes for a moment.
"We need information on Amber Johansen, who checked into the hotel yesterday. Do you know who we're talking about? She's seven months pregnant."
I held out the picture of Amber and her husband. "And have you seen the man who's with her in this picture?"
The clerk stared at the photographs for a moment, then slowly nodded. "That's her--I recognize her. I don't know if he's been around."
"Can you give us a passkey and her room number? We need to check on Amber and make certain she's okay. And of course, we know you'l keep this our little secret." Camil e smiled again and licked her lips.
The clerk just about fel over himself coding another key card for the room. He handed it over and let out a long sigh.
"Room 422. Just bring it back when you're done, please." He cocked his head and looked expectantly at Camil e. She languorously kissed her fingertips and blew the kiss to him. He let out a happy shudder, and I quickly looked away. Some men were so easy . . .>A shaft of sunlight peeked through the clouds then, splashing through the window to fal across the table, and the late autumn light bathed the room in a golden glow. I closed my eyes for a moment, enjoying the sudden quietude the light brought to the room. But al too quickly, it vanished as the clouds moved in again.
"Wow. So . . . just . . . wow." Camil e put down her fork and stared at me. "The Nectar of Life hit him hard. I feel sorry for the man."
Iris smiled softly. "It makes sense, my dear. Think if you were expecting another thirty or forty years of life, and then you're mortal y wounded. And the only thing that saves your life--that can possibly save you--suddenly throws you into staring at a thousand or more years stretching out in front of you now.
Such a thing is bound to mess with the mind, especial y when he wasn't properly prepared for it."
I hung my head. "Why do I feel like a failure, then?"
Camil e grabbed my hand. "No--don't say that. Not every relationship is going to work. And you . . . Delilah, you're incredible. Chase just needs time to figure out his new life now."
I stared at her. It al made sense, but that didn't make it any easier to hear.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," I said. "And I guess I just make it harder on him, with al the issues facing us."
"I think Chase needs to simplify his life right now. Let's face it: You can never be the little woman who waits at home for him at night with dinner and his slippers. You're not just eye candy; you're not here to stroke his ego," Iris said. "And right now, even that is probably even more than he can handle."
"Thank you . . ." After a moment, I added, "I'l be okay. It hurts, but when I think about it like this, it makes so much sense." I looked up, my gut twisted in knots. "I guess my dance card's wide open again."
Just then the door opened, and Vanzir and Rozurial came traipsing into the kitchen. They looked weary, but their eyes widened when they saw the spread on the table.
"Wash your hands," Iris said automatical y.
After obliging her, Rozurial set two plates on the table, while Vanzir got the silverware from the drawer. They scooted in beside us.
"Were you by chance up when Menol y came home?" Roz asked.
