There had to be an answer, she thought desperately. There just had to be. But she had no idea what it might be. And time was running out.
She was close to tears when someone knocked at the door.
“Bry? It’s me.”
“Ronnie, come in.”
“You’ve been crying again,” Veronica remarked as she stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. “I wish there was something I could do.”
“Me, too.”
Veronica settled on the bed. “I know you love him—Stefan, I mean. And I’m sorry you can’t marry him. He seems nice, even though he’s, well, you know, although I still can’t believe it’s true.” She paused, her gaze resting on the painting of the vampire on the wall. “I guess he won’t be at the wedding.”
“No,” Bryony said bitterly. “He’s locked in a cage.”
“A cage! Where? Why?”
Bryony took a deep breath, debating whether to tell her sister the truth about their father. And then she shrugged. “Father used to be a vampire hunter. He had his friends lock Stefan up to force me to marry Bloodworth.”
Veronica stared at her. “I don’t believe you. Father would never do anything like that. As for being a hunter…” Her voice trailed off at the sober expression on her sister’s face. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes. It’s all true. I made Father take me to see Stefan a couple of days ago. Oh, Ronnie, I know they’re going to kill him,” she wailed, and burst into tears.
For a moment, Veronica stared at her. And then she put her arms around Bryony and hugged her close.
With a sigh, Bryony closed her eyes and prayed for the courage and the strength to do what had to be done.
Leyton Barrett stared at Charles, unable to believe what he was hearing. “How the hell did he escape?”
Charles shook his head. “I don’t know. Sinclair was on guard. He swears the last time he checked, the vampire was secure.”
“Well, he’s not secure now!” Barrett slammed his fist against the wall. “Damm, he’s sure to come here looking for vengeance.”
Charles nodded. “Should I call in the team and tell them to keep an eye on the house?”
“Yes, although I’m not sure it will do any good. And he’s bound to be more vigilant now than ever. I doubt if we’ll ever be able to take him unawares again.”
“I’ll get in touch with our men,” Charles said. “In the meantime, you should stay close to home.”
“Right. Thanks.”
“We’ll be in touch, Barrett. Good luck.”
“I’ll need it.” After seeing his friend out, Barrett paced the floor. He had rescinded the vampire’s invitation but if the bloodsucker got in touch with Bryony, she would no doubt invite him in. With that thought in mind, he hurried up the stairs to her room. He found her sitting on the bed with Veronica.
“Bryony, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“I told Ronnie all about you. Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of her.”
Anger flashed in her father’s eyes and was gone.
“You are not to invite that vampire into this house,” he said, his voice flat. “Not under any circumstances. That goes for you, too, Veronica. Is that clear?”
“What are you worried about” Bryony asked, her voice tinged with bitterness. “He’s chained up in a cage hardly big enough for a child.”
When her father didn’t answer, she frowned. “He’s free, isn’t he? Somehow, he got out of that dreadful cell and you’re afraid he’ll come after you. Or maybe you’re afraid he’ll lockyouup inside that cage so you can see what it’s like.”
“You’d enjoy that, wouldn’t you?”
