2 Sean Hayden (14 page)

"Absolutely! When I received the invitation, I just knew I couldn't pass up the chance to see it in all its glory," the governor replied. I could barely stand listening to him. His voice held a lot of power and its sickly sweetness almost stifled the air in the room. I turned back and saw the reporter rubbing her eyes and smiling like a small child. I rolled my eyes and continued to watch for the bad guys.

"Verminator," the reporter said, trying to get my attention. It worked, but not in a good way. My head snapped to the side and my eyes narrowed as I looked at her like a chocolate covered éclair. I couldn't eat her, but she didn't know that. "Ashlyn," she started over, "are you here as the guest of the governor, or is he still in danger?"

"I really can't say." Let her make what she wanted from my statement.

"I don't think they'll try any funny business tonight. If any assassins did show up, they'd probably be too engrossed in the movie to try anything." Greer's talents were wasted as a governor. He should be in public relations.

"We agree! Thank you for your time, Governor. You too, Ashlyn," the reporter said and backed up, allowing us to make our way into the theater, finally.

* * *

Greer sat to my right in the crowded auditorium. I insisted on the aisle seat in case I needed to get him out of there quickly. He seemed totally engrossed in the cheesy movie shining on the glistening screen. I sat there trying not to barf as I kept an eye on everyone and everything. I don't think I've ever been so bored in my life. I should have stayed outside and looked around and let Thompson sit in the theater with the governor.

The thing that really bothered me was the smell of popcorn permeating the air. I stopped breathing about the time we hit the lobby, but the scent still lingered in my nose. Imagine going to a theater and not being able to eat popcorn, not fun. I don't think any human food ever struck me as so enticing before, and I sighed at the unfairness of it all. From now on, I'd stick to DVD's.

Finally, after what seemed like days, the movie screen faded to darkness and the credits started rolling on the screen. Everybody in the theater started clapping and I joined in, although my reasons probably differed from everyone else's. I stood and the governor did the same while I stepped out into the blue rope-lit aisle and made room for Greer. He began talking animatedly to the couple on his right though, probably discussing the merits of the fine film.
This should be a short conversation
.

He finally turned and beamed at me. I fought not to roll my eyes as I made a "this way, Governor" sweeping gesture with my arms. I wanted him safe just as much as I wanted the evening to go off without a hitch. A dead governor would definitely ruin that. I flipped open my cell and texted Thompson that the movie finished and to bring the car around. I could almost taste victory.

With him behind me, we skirted around the other patrons and made our way out into the brightly lit lobby. The others who exited before us began milling about in small groups as the rest slowly followed. I knew there must be some sort of after movie party, but so far the governor had not yet received an invitation. My plan was to get him out of the theater before it happened. He called the shots, but that didn't mean I wouldn't manipulate him when I could.

"Ashlyn, I need to pay my respects to Wagner before we leave. If I don't it might make things more difficult." I stopped and looked at him and could see the hope in his eyes. I guess he could manipulate me, too. I didn't like it, but I understood his need.

"Absolutely, Governor." We made our way over to one of the columns littering the lobby, giving us something to put at our backs.

"Thank you."

We waited where we stood for the better part of ten minutes while the crowd slowly made its way out of the theater. I tried really hard not to fidget as I expected danger to come from everywhere and everyone. I'd need a vacation after this assignment finally ended. My nerves of steel felt a little more like tinfoil from all the stress. Finally, Claude Wagner, the master of Los Angeles, made his way out with his entourage.

I expected . . . well, honestly I didn't know what to expect, but Claude overshot the mark by a mile. He had to be at least seven feet tall. Okay, maybe not that tall, but when you're barely five feet, really tall people look like giants. He wore a black tuxedo that must have cost a fortune just from the amount of material alone. Long blond hair flowed unfettered around his head like corn silk and the model worthy beauty of his face made him quite alluring.
Quite
alluring. Too bad the appearance of Governor Greer darkened his features. He didn't look happy at all to find us waiting for him.

I'll give him credit though, if I saw somebody waiting for me who I didn't want to talk to, I'd pretend I didn't see them and make my way out the door. Wagner didn't do that. He steeled his obvious distaste and made his way over to where we stood, motioning for his followers to stay where they were.

"James, how good to see you," he obviously lied as he approached us. His smile looked more fake than his girlfriends' boobs. Yes, I meant girlfriends, as in more than one. Claude appeared to be quite the slut.

"Claude, it's good to see you too. I apologize for encroaching on your territory unannounced, but the duties of governor are as widespread as they are many. I hope you can forgive me?"

"Just don't make a habit of it, and all will be well. I understand your new role will cause a lot of friction, but a phone call would have been nice."

"Again, my apologies, but I seem to have misplaced your number…"

Claude laughed and rolled his eyes at Greer's obvious attempt at humor. "Everyone is headed to my home in the hills for an after-party celebration. Would you and your…guest, care to join us?"

"We would be delighted," Greer said with obvious interest. I groaned very, very quietly. Not quiet enough, apparently. Wagner gave me a quick glance and a brief nod.

"Not interested in a party, Verminator?" Claude said it surprisingly amicably. Like he thought the name I had earned was a joke. It made me like him a little more. I thought about the party and all the possible security threats to Greer, and this time, my groan wasn't very quiet.

Chapter 14

The limo traversed the winding driveway behind the twenty-odd other limousines. The whole scene seemed very snake-like, or funeral-like. Take your pick. The one thing the procession didn't resemble was anything I wanted to do before I died. Nope, going to an after premier party wasn't on my bucket list. Go figure. Most eighteen-year-old girls would give their firstborn for the opportunity. I, on the other hand, would have traded anything to get out of going. So far, I'd managed to keep the governor safe for the entire evening, not killed anyone, or gotten anyone else killed. It was a record for me since Thompson and I touched down at LAX. I wanted to keep it that way.

Thompson stayed in line and gave Greer and me the rundown while he waited for his opportunity to dump his passengers at the front door of Wagner's mansion. Stay away from the windows, don't drink anything given to us (apparently it was chic for vampires to serve blood in goblets), and don't get dead (his words not mine).

"Agent Thompson, since we didn't know we would be attending this party, how could anybody else?" Greer sounded smug from the back seat. I sighed and refused to backhand him for being stupid. I hope Thompson appreciated my restraint.

"Governor, twenty black limousines traveling in a line from the premier might have given someone a clue. Please be careful." Even Thompson kept it together enough to be polite. I appreciated it.

Our turn came up and just like the premier I stepped out of the limo first and took a look around before motioning Greer to come out after me. I didn't expect any danger at Wagner's home (If he wanted Greer dead he could have ripped his face off at the theater), and put the governor in front of me. I just hope nobody opened fire. I'd grown pretty tired of taking silver stakes for the man. They might not kill me, but they hurt like a bitch.

We made our way up the steps from the covered drive, through the frosted double glass French doors, and into the marble-floored Mecca of California wealth without incident. Waiters with little silver serving trays wandered through the forest of people with tall glasses of champagne and thick, red liquid I didn't think was Kool-Aid. My stomach rumbled a little, but I told it to be quiet, remembering Thompson's party rules.
He says I never listen, sheesh
.

Greer mingled and schmoozed while I stood behind him with a wary eye on the exits and the guests. I kept in contact with Thompson via text messages. He sat outside the mansion keeping an eye on things. I thought about it a minute, and I felt safer with Thompson outside than I would if there were an entire field office of FBI agents instead. That said a lot about Thompson. I just hoped he shared my feelings. Since I was usually the one
causing
problems, I doubted it. It didn't stop me from wishing it.

The man of the house finally arrived. Nothing says fashionable like showing up late to your own party. He practically glowed from within, though the girls with the breast implants accompanying him to the premier looked drained and pale.
Wonder what he did in the limo on the way home?
I felt a little jealous. My hunger kept rearing its ugly little head and Wagner looked more like a nice juicy T-bone every minute. I should have eaten something before we left the hotel. Sometimes I just wasn't the brightest bulb on the string. Maybe I should start keeping a "to do" list in my pocket.

1. Eat

2. Protect Governor Greer from bad vampires

Then again, maybe I shouldn't.

I saw Greer give a little wave to Wagner as he strode into the party. I saw Wagner try to keep his meal down.
Why would he invite Greer if he holds such an obvious distaste for him?
I wondered if his distaste was strong enough to murder for. Maybe he invited Greer here to make it easier to kill him. If he could do it in such a manner that he could get rid of Greer and still seem innocent in front of all his guests, Wagner would be in the clear.
Oh shit.

My fingers flew over the keys of my cell. I had a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, or at least the big empty hole where my stomach used to be. I wanted to call Thompson, but Greer stood right by me and Wagner moved closer with every step. Probably not a conversation he would want to hear. Finally my message reached completion and I hit the little send button. I shoved my phone in my pocket and smiled at Wagner as he approached. His blond hair looked truly amazing and I wondered what it would feel like in my fingers. Wagner's hair saved Greer's life.

His hair was so fine, the tiny dot of laser light shining on it made almost all of it glow red Somebody had been targeting Greer and Wagner stepped in the way, fouling the shot. I grabbed the governor with my arm and pushed him behind me to keep him safe.

The look of horror on my face clued in Wagner as to what was happening. He spun, searching for danger just like I had. The laser had to be coming from somewhere; I just couldn't spot the location. Wagner crouched, and I fully expected a shot to ring out, or a silver stake to come crashing through one of the multitude of windows in the mansion.

I didn't expect a small explosive tipped projectile.

Everything in the room slowed. I followed the trail of the tiny missile, but couldn't move to stop it. I expected it to sail over Claude's head and take out the governor and myself, but it didn't. It impacted full force in Wagner's chest and before it could lift the enormous vampire off his feet and hurl him backwards, it exploded.

* * *

A rhythmic tempo being kept on my cheek woke me up from my missile-induced slumber. I drew in a deep breath and opened my eyes to find Thompson kneeling over me, slapping me lightly on my cheek. "You okay, kid?"

"Huh?" I saw his lips move, but I couldn't hear a word.

"Are you okay?" This time I heard him. It sounded like he was talking underwater, but I could hear. Yay.

"I'll live. How's Greer?"

"Fine, between you and the tall vampire, he lucked out enough to be almost completely shielded. I got your text in time to make it to the front door and watch the fireworks. Ambulance is on its way. Good thing the missile didn't pack that much explosive. There was only one fatality. The humans in the room might take a while to get over the shock and flying debris, but they'll be okay."

"Wagner?" I had to ask, knowing the answer before I made his name a question.

"Yeah, he didn't make it."

I nodded and tried to stand. I failed miserably, but I'd tried. Thompson's gigantic paw of a hand made an appearance in front of my face so I grabbed it and hauled myself up. The room spun for several minutes, but it finally ceased its rotation and I got a good look around. I thought my vision had gone red, until I realized Wagner pretty much coated the room. Guess he wouldn't be getting a decent burial, unless somebody got a squeegee.
Eww
. I looked down at my black silk suit and realized I'd probably need one too.

The room started to strobe in reds and blues and the muffled sounds of sirens filled my ears. The cavalry had shown up. They entered through the front door with guns drawn. The EMT's with stretchers and orange tackle boxes full of medical supplies followed right behind. Thompson and I pulled out our badges and let the police know what happened while the governor stood behind us looking rather green and somewhat grateful. If I were him, I'd be grateful I didn't get blown up, too.

By the time the house cleared out, Thompson and I ushered the shaky governor back to the limo and we returned to the hotel. The police had asked us so many questions I'd lost count. I didn't even know what time it was, and I didn't have the energy to reach into my pocket to pull out my cell phone and check. So much for breaking my "haven't gotten anybody killed today" record, life can be a real bitch at times. I'm pretty sure most of the pieces of Claude Wagner would agree with me.