“Mike isn’t expecting you.”
“He never is.”
“Would you mind coming back tomorrow? He’s in the middle of something.”
“I’m content to wait here until he’s available.”
“Might be awhile.”
I shrugged. Barring some emergency, I wasn’t going anywhere.
The man grunted and walked off. Mike was never pleased to see me. I was careful to use him sparingly, because the last thing either of us wanted was for him to earn a reputation as a snitch. Then he would be no good to me whatsoever.
The man returned twenty minutes later and informed me that Mike was ready to receive me. I followed him through a maze-like hallway, which grew more disorienting at every turn. I didn’t care for corridors or locked doors. Even for the immortal, there was always the risk of capture and subsequent torture.
We arrived at Mike’s office, a fluorescent-lit box with computers and adding machines and a few small desks where I presumed he and his associates counted their money. Additionally, there was an array of video screens mounted on one wall that displayed every room and angle of his property, including the back alleyway where you were presently sunbathing on the hood of my car with your shirt off and your pants peeled down far enough to reveal the white waistband of your underwear.
“That one yours?” Mike asked, noticing my gaze.
I grunted. I should have left you at the hotel.
“Young sweet thing. Must have paid a pretty penny for him.” Mike smoothed his salt-and-pepper mustache with two fingers. His attention lingered for too long on the screen.
“Ignore him,”I growled, and Mike swiveled toward me, hopefully forgetting about you entirely.
“Have you seen this man?” I showed him the picture of Seneser’s human host. Mike donned his reading glasses and took a closer look. After a moment, he sat back in his chair and hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his pants.
“Nope,” he said.
“Take another look.”
Mike obliged but didn’t change his answer. I attempted a few more seductions, but the man remained steadfast in his denial. And yet, I sensed there was something he was hiding from me. I glanced up at the monitor again.
“Send your associate to fetch my companion,” I instructed him.
Mike picked up a walkie talkie and communicated the message. You looked uncertain when the man in the floral shirt approached you, so I assured you by radio that it was safe. A minute later you joined us in Mike’s tight quarters.
“You’re even prettier in person,” Mike said with a leer. The way he studied you was unnerving, like he was trying to estimate what you might fetch him on the black market. It made me want to gouge out his eyes. And there was something else in his expression… recognition? Impossible. You’d never visited Las Vegas, and I doubted Mike had business in Miami.
You looked at me questioningly and I nudged the photograph toward you. “I was just asking Mike if he’s ever seen this man. I thought maybe you could get a better answer.”
You grinned, excited to be included in your first interrogation. You perched on the edge of Mike’s desk like a lounge singer, crossed your legs, and reached for his hand. Your gaze locked with his while you placed his hand just above your knee with yours on top of it. Even though I knew it was necessary to your thrall, I chafed at the intimate contact.
“Hello, Mike,” you said in a dulcet tone. “I’m Vincent.”
“Hello, Vincent.” The gruffness in his voice disappeared as he stared up at you with wonderment.
“I’m looking for someone, and it’s very important to me that I find him. Will you help me?” You batted your eyelashes and pouted, projecting vulnerability and innocence. Your seduction reminded me of Lucian in his younger years, lovely and lethal.
“I can try,” Mike said almost shyly.
“That would be wonderful. I’m sure a lot of important people pass through your club. Would you take a look at his picture for me?”
Mike nodded, and I held it up for him in case he needed a refresher.
“I’m sorry, Vincent, I’ve never seen him.”
“That’s too bad,” you said sorrowfully, practically swooning. “I was really hoping you could help me.”
