“Less now than it did,” she allowed reluctantly. “You have winnowed down some of the troublesome personalities. But I like to make sure…” She trailed off, biting her lip.
He gave her a long look. “Are there many vampires who make life difficult for others with regularity?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“And Rupert never did anything about it.”
“No. He favored a top-down approach to ruling and so didn’t care what a maker did to those of their blood. Besides, most vampires of status try to pretend we don’t exist.” Her lips pursed.
“They abused those of their own making?” Kendrick asked. The burn started in his chest again. “I can see by your face that they did.” And it was entirely possible that Miss Dryden had been on the receiving end of such hurt. He came to a decision. “May I accompany you on your rounds, Miss Dryden? I would like to get to know the portion of my population some would prefer I pretend not exist.”
ChapterTwelve
Am I really doing this?Genevieve kept asking herself the question as she and Kendrick approached the Ossuary entrance and the guards at the door.
One of the guards reflexively held up a hand before he realized who was with her. “S-Sir,” he said.
“What is your name?” Kendrick asked.
“A-Athos, sir.”
“Ah, a Dumas aficionado. Well met, Athos.” Kendrick smiled affably, but his keen gaze warned onlookers to be wary. The broad shoulders and sword hilt didn’t hurt, either.
“Thank you, sir.” The guard’s gaze flickered from Kendrick to Genevieve and back again. “Ah…”
“Yes?” Kendrick said. His smile grew sharper.
“Begging your pardon, sir, th-the woman did not exit by this door.”
“Lady.” Kendrick’s growl sent a shiver down Genevieve’s spine. “Theladydid not exit by this door. But now she is returning through this door. With me. Is there a problem?” His voice made it clear that if there were, he would not be keen on the result.
Cowed under the weight of personality, the guard bowed and stepped out of the way. His counterpart did the same, staring silently.
“That was an example of guards exercising control, I suppose?” Kendrick asked once they had passed down into the tunnels below.
“We are not supposed to exit and enter by different doors. The guards keep track to monitor that all who have left return. Those with repeat infractions are reported to their makers and eventually to the Master. You now, I suppose.”
“And what happens then?”
“Punishment.”
Kendrick’s face hardened, but he did not press for clarification. “You did not come via this door?”
“I did. They just didn’t see me leave.” Genevieve met his eyes steadily.
“You are a woman of many hidden depths, Miss Dryden.” A reluctant smile spread over his face.
“A veritable catacomb’s worth,” she said in a dry voice.
His laugh boomed out, rich and deep, echoing through the tunnels. It sent shivers of heat down her spine.
“It’s just down here,” she said quickly, not wanting to dwell on the sensations that his laugh conjured within her. “Let me—” She let go of his arm and hurried forward along the narrow passage. “Elspeth! Are you there?”
“Is that you, Genevieve? You’re back early?—”
“We have a visitor,” Genevieve said hurriedly, poking her head into the bolt hole. “Is everyone decent?”
“Yes, of course,” Elspeth said, frowning.
