That still leaves an unsolved death, practically on Simon’s doorstep. Giddiness melts away, and Simon halts at his closet door. He needs more information. Precisely how close is this dead body? Are human authorities working with paranormal authorities yet? The local hunters’ guilds must already be talking to local pack leaders. Suspicious animal attacks are a warning sign older than Simon.
He should start with the pile of unanswered text messages. Rumor travels faster than ever with newfangled technology, and every vampire in the time zone woke to the same news.
Including Dima, who knows about Cody.
Simon doesn’t want to think about that now. Dima was the one who forced a bodyguard on Simon in the first place. Now he wants to take Cody away. Familiar hurt burns with a new edge of anger. If Dima expects Simon to roll over and comply this time, he’s mistaken.
Disagreement might be good for their relationship. They both need to remember Simon isn’t a fledgling anymore. Simon needs to remember he isn’t infatuated anymore, either.
Or lonely.
Not for now, at least. There’s the pesky matter of time, ever shambling forward. Cody will grow and live and change. Simon will remain as always, a statue carved by the shadow-gift.
Someday, by choice or necessity, their paths will diverge.
Simon flips past hangers of clothing. He can deal with his sire tomorrow. He can deal with the onslaught of time even later than that. First, there’s everyone else who knows Simon was hanging out with a werewolf recently. Perhaps causing a scene at the Broken Cross was a mistake. He should start with Kimiko. Because he likes her the most, and because he’ll literally never hear the end of it otherwise.
Decision made, he changes clothes with unnecessary speed—he’s missed the rush of paranormal haste. The pajamas are comfortable, but he wants to feel a little more prepared for the day. He chooses a soft gray sweater…
…and his red leather pants, to surprise Cody with later. Who needs mirrors when he can see the reaction in Cody’s face?
Pleased with himself, Simon shuts his coffin, then perches on the lid. A long heartbeat steadies his emotions. Mustn’t call his friend all giddy and blood-drunk. Then he makes the call.
Kimiko answers on the fifth ring. “Hello, dear friend.”
The familiar voice takes Simon aback. “So, you do know how to use your phone.”
“‘Hello, my beloved Kimiko! Your voice is an unparalleled melody in my ears!’” Kimiko says, in a falsettothat sounds nothing like Simon. Then her voice drops back to normal. “That’s what you’re supposed to say.”
“My mistake,” Simon says politely. “Hark! What a unique noise.”
The sound she makes in reply is not polite at all. “I sent Andrea on an errand. I’m operating this damned contraption myself, and you should be grateful. Don’t tell Andrea I answered the phone, by the way. She does like to feel important.”
Simon swings his legs. They could small-talk all night, but he’s impatient. “To what do I owe the honor?”
Kimiko hushes, though she’s hopefully alone in her office. “There was a mysterious mauling five miles from your home.”
A dramatic pause ensues.
“I’ve heard,” Simon says obligingly.
“The night of the full moon.”
“So it was.”
“And you’ve adopted a new pet,” Kimiko concludes, with gossip-hungry glee.
“The mauling wasn’t Cody,” Simon says, for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. Though the assumption is more reasonable on Kimiko’s part than Cody’s own.
“Oh.” Kimiko pauses, processing the information. She at least trusts Simon without arguing. “Quite the coincidence, then.”
That’s the real problem. Cody is innocent, but coincidences are suspicious. “If you happen upon the gory details, I’d appreciate a call. Especially since you clearly know how.”
“I never should have answered,” Kimiko grumbles, then sighs in deliberate affectation. “But it can’t be helped. My dear Andrea is still miffed about your visit last month.”
Simon frowns, thinking back. Far more exciting things happened that night—the second attack, Cody bleeding, Cody almost kissing him. Using his years and power to pull rank on Andrea had been rather rude, though.
“She was rude first,” Simon points out. “Does she want an apology card?”
