Fallen Embers (28 page)

“Wait.” Hawk's hand shot out and stopped her just as she was about to step off the curb. “We need to figure out what we're getting into first. You can't just waltz in and pluck him out of there. Is he alone?”

Julie gritted her teeth. It was obvious Hawk had spent
a lot
of time with her brother. He had Marc's annoyingly bossy manner down cold. “I don't know. I can't exactly tell where one apartment ends and another begins.” She tried all the same, extending her senses outward once again. “It looks like there are two people nearby. Two men.” She arched an eyebrow at Hawk. “Sorry, I have no idea what color their eyes are.”

“Who gives a rat's ass about their eye color? What I wanna know is how they're armed. Do they have guns?”

“You really don't expect me to know that, do you? But I think they're watching television, so my guess is, it doesn't matter. If they have 'em, let's hope they're too distracted to go for them. Now can we get on with this?”

Hawk nodded. “Yeah, okay, but just one thing. Your brother'll kill me if anything goes wrong, so from here on in, I'm taking the lead.”

“Very well, what am I looking at?” Georgia asked wearily as she bent over the microscope. She'd taken a short nap, half-hoping Christian would be gone when she awoke. He wasn't. But at least now she felt well enough to give him one last half hour of her time. This wasn't quite the way she'd expected to spend it, however.

“Blood,” Christian replied unnecessarily. “Vampire blood.”

Georgia sighed. “I meant
why
am I looking at it?” She knew there was nothing he could show her that would change her mind, but she thought she'd be polite and hear him out anyway. She was not in the mood for games, however. She had little enough time left and didn't want to waste it.

“It looks healthy, does it not? Can you see any sign of disease?”

“No, I can't. It's exemplary. Dare I ask where you got it?”

“It's yours.”

“What?” Georgia reared back and stared at him. “Oh, nonsense. How could it be mine?” She knew very well what her blood looked like under a microscope. He'd shown it to her often enough. It looked like death. “Why do you waste my time with these childish pranks? Have neither of us anything better to do?”

“It's not a trick,” Christian insisted. “It
is
your blood. I just combined it with some of Julie's, let it incubate for a while, and this is the result. And, yes, I was just as surprised as you are when I first saw it. But wait, there's more. Let me show you another sample.” He replaced the slide she'd been looking at with another. “Here. This one is my blood after it has been allowed to mix with hers.”

“Christian. What have you done?” Georgia demanded. “How did you get access to Julie's blood? If Conrad were to find out…”

“Would you forget about bloody Conrad? What has the man ever done for you except to dash all your hopes? Just give me a chance to explain. I've only been able to run the most rudimentary tests, but you must admit this shows promise. And you must allow me more time to conduct experiments. This could save us! Don't you see?”

Georgia shook her head. “No. I don't see. As for my hopes. In that, at least, you are correct. They've been dashed too many times to ever rise again. I've nothing left.”

Chapter Fifteen

Repubblica di Firenze

Early Sixteenth Century

“I still don't understand what
I'm
doing here,” Christian whispered, shifting restlessly from foot to foot. The
sotto voce
delivery was probably meant to disguise the nervous tremor in his voice; it failed to do so.

“Quiet,” Georgia whispered back. “Not now.” It wasn't that she didn't understand his nervousness. Indeed, she would have thought him a fool if he hadn't felt some worry as they waited in this very uninviting foyer in hopes that Conrad would grant them an audience. Her old friend had grown very powerful over the years. Even Georgia felt daunted. For someone like Christian, still human although she had every hope that she might soon be in a position to change that, being this close to so much naked power must be unnerving.

She reached for his hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “It will be all right.” However angry Conrad might still be with her, she did not truly believe he would do her harm. But the odds were even more in favor of that being the case if there were others present—especially humans.

That was not the only reason she had brought Christian with her. She had come to ask her old friend for a favor—a rather large favor, life changing, in fact. Under those circumstances, it had not seemed wise to arrive empty-handed. She was willing to offer anything in trade for his help. But what did she have that he could want? Rumor had it his current lover was a man, so perhaps he might look upon Georgia as a change of pace. But, if not, it was possible Christian would be more to his liking.

The thought caused her only the slightest of qualms. Despite the bad blood that had come between them, she still trusted Conrad. She was certain Christian would be safe with him.

“Georgia?” Conrad's face was a study of curiosity as he strode toward her, wariness and disbelief, mixed with just a tiny tinge of pleasure. Or was she only imagining that last part?

At the sight of him—so solid and steadfast and strong—her heart began to race. Mindful of the presence of his servant, who had followed his master back out into the hallway, Georgia smiled politely and extended her hand with genteel calm. “
Buona sera,
signore
.”

“What's this all about?” Conrad asked as he bent low to kiss her hand. “Why are you here?”

So much for gentility. “I've come to beg a favor of you.”

“I see.” Conrad eyed her coldly. “Well, one cannot accuse you of lacking in directness. Tell me, is this favor something you are asking for yourself? Or are you once again under orders?”

“This is strictly personal. But first—” she gestured at Christian, “—allow me to introduce my friend to you.”

Christian bobbed his head in a decidedly grudging manner as he murmured a half-hearted, “Good evening.” He didn't bother to use the local dialect, or make any effort to show respect.

Georgia found herself biting back a sigh of annoyance—mostly at herself. She'd been hoping Christian would display a little more charm. But why had she thought that he would? It was this very arrogance, this same stubborn refusal to bow to life's limitations that she'd found so attractive when they'd first met. In a way, she realized now, Christian had probably reminded her of Conrad.

“As it happens,” Conrad said, “I was just on my way out. But if you stop back here tomorrow, I will give you a few minutes to plead your case.”

“Please,” Georgia begged. “It's a matter of some urgency. Will you not hear me now? I promise it will not take long.”

Conrad gazed thoughtfully at them both for a moment. Eventually he nodded. “Very well, if you insist. But remember, though I promise to listen, I cannot guarantee you will find me amenable.”

“I am surprised to see you so far from home,” Conrad said once they were seated.

Georgia shook her head. “Alas, home is wherever my sire determines it should be. Perhaps you had not heard that Rupert has relocated his House here to Florence?”

Conrad's brows drew together. “No. I had not heard. And I am very sorry to learn of it.” His gaze flicked to Christian and back. “Is he importing all his food now as well?”

“I mislike your tone, sir,” Christian snapped. “And the implication.”

“Christian!” Georgia glared at him until he had once again subsided. Then she turned once more to Conrad. “Rupert has no idea Christian is here—indeed, he does not even know he exists. And it is imperative that he not find out.”

Conrad scowled. “He'll not learn it from me. But
why
is this young man here? It's not like you to be so foolish.”

Georgia sighed. “As you might imagine, it was not my idea. Christian and I knew each other before. In England. Against my advice, he followed me here in hopes of continuing our association.”

“Let me guess. You were lovers who were untimely parted, now you find yourself thrown together yet again. It seems I've heard this story once before.”

Georgia sighed. “You find it amusing, do you?”

“Not at all. But why come to me? Are you asking for advice? That's easily done. You must send your young man home. At once. I'm surprised you have not done so already. You cannot hope to hide him forever. And you know what will happen were Rupert to learn of this. Is that truly what you want?”

Christian sprang to his feet. “I will not be ‘sent' anywhere.” He held out a hand to Georgia. “Come, darling, let us go. This is a waste of time, as I told you it would be. We will find another way.”

Georgia shook her head. “Christian, please. Sit back down now and do be quiet. There
is
no other way.

“I apologize,” she said, addressing her next remarks to Conrad. “Christian is young and impetuous. I pray you will not hold that against him.”

Conrad leaned back in his chair. He gazed thoughtfully at Christian, a grim smile slowly forming on his face. Georgia felt her throat tighten. On Rupert, such a look would suggest he was contemplating entertainment of the cruelest kind. Could she have been so wrong about Conrad? Could he possibly be doing the same?

Then he turned to her, and his smile was wry and warm—nothing like Rupert's. “As it happens, I too have had some dealings with impetuous, young men. You have my condolences. But let us speak plainly. Tell me what this is all about, for I still do not see how I can assist you.”

Georgia returned his smile, though her own felt shaky. “Oh, my friend. You have accused me of being too direct and yet you would force me to come to the point so quickly? I would have much preferred to have explained all of this once you were in a more willing frame of mind.” It was clear from the smile on Conrad's face, the warm glow in his eyes when he spoke of “impetuous, young men”, that he had indeed moved on. She had no right to feel anything but happiness for him, no reason to be anything but relieved. Yet jealousy stabbed at her heart all the same. She shook her head in mock sorrow. “I am even more reluctant now than ever to broach the subject with you, for I fear I have very little with which to entice you anymore.”

At that, Conrad laughed. “Is that so? Well then you have changed far too much for my liking. The girl I once knew considered a torch to be a proper tool for enticing men into doing her bidding.” He leaned forward then and grasped her hand. “Now, come. Tell me what you need from me. I am forever in your debt, as well you know, so unless your request is for something heinous or impossible, I am already inclined to grant it.” He shrugged. “And even the impossible is not beyond consideration.”

“Thank you for that.” Georgia sighed in relief. Though the matter was far from settled, Conrad's words had given her the courage she needed to continue. She slipped her hand from his and then got to her feet. “As you can see,” she said, as she started to pace, “I have little hope of convincing Christian to return to England.”

“You have
none
,” Christian injected, looking sulky once again. “Unless you are willing to return there with me.”

“And, if I'm to be honest,” Georgia continued, “I find I do not wish to be parted from him either.”

“But, if he stays…”

She nodded. “Yes, yes, I know. You need not remind me. I have already considered all the very many ways that things could go wrong. While it's true I can offer him some small protection from others of our kind, against Rupert, I am powerless. Nor can I ever risk turning him.”

“You're not asking me to do so, I hope?”

“No, no,” she replied quickly. “While that would eliminate one worry, I would only be exchanging one set of problems for another. No, there is only one solution I can think of.” She swallowed hard before she continued. “Rupert must die. It's the only way I can be free. I must end his life and take over the rulership of his House. Only then might I hope to live life on my own terms—even as you do.”

“Impossible.” Now it was Conrad who sprang to his feet. He took hold of her shoulders and shook her gently. “Are you so eager to throw your life away? I have some experience with what it is to kill one's sire. It is not something you plan. One is either compelled to do so—by forces far stronger than even the hatred you harbor toward him—or one is not. Without compulsion, it is not even conceivable to think of it.”

“And yet, as you see, I
have
thought of it.”

“Then I misspoke. It is not conceivable that you should
act
upon those thoughts. Don't play games with me. This is far too serious. Or is there more you haven't told me? Is Rupert so weak that you believe you can best him?”

“He is as strong as ever he was, or nearly so. The depredations of the past century, disease and war and persecution, may have taken a toll. We have suffered losses—hence the move here—and he may be feeling that more than he shows. But perhaps you know naught of these things? Your strength has clearly not diminished. Indeed, I believe you have grown stronger since last we met. I can see these perilous times have not affected you adversely.”

Conrad released her. “I know of these troubles of which you speak.” He shook his head wearily. “And what I know of them only makes me question Rupert's motives all the more. Out of all the places he could have gone, why come here? Does he not know that this is where the blood plague is most rampant—here, and in the surrounding area? In the past few years, rarely a month has gone by without someone coming to seek my aid. Most have been frantic, fearing they, or their sire, or someone else close to them, has contracted the disease. Do you know how many have begged me to kill them, or to kill someone else who's been infected—including the sires of some of the smaller Houses—before they had the chance to go mad and start slaughtering their own people? So, yes, my strength has grown, but such was not my intention.”

Georgia shook her head. “I did not mean to suggest it was.”

“No. But I wonder if, perhaps, that isn't Rupert's motive. Is he here to prey on the weak and the desperate? Does he seek to increase his strength in this same manner?”

“It is very possible. Though I am not privy to his thoughts, it would not surprise me at all. But is that not yet another reason why I should move forward with my plan?”

Conrad scowled. “Oh, indeed. And if your wish is to die, then by all means try and attack him. Though I dare say there are easier ways to arrange one's own death. But, again, why come here? Why tell me of your plan? Are you seeking assurance that someone shall remember you, once you are gone? That someone will grieve over your death? If so, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you in this capacity yet again. You may now die happy.”

Georgia took a deep breath. “I do not wish to die. That is why…” She broke off, her courage failing her once again.

“Yes?” Conrad glared at her. “Yes? Out with it!”

“Someone…
you
, if you're willing…must fight Rupert for me. He must be weakened to the point where I
can
attack him and hope to survive.”

“Ah, at last.” Conrad sighed. “Now we understand one other.”

“And?”

“And while there is little that would give me greater pleasure than to contribute to Rupert's demise, there is yet the small matter of my
own
life to take into account. Shall I remind you of your words to me, when last we met? How you counseled me not to benefit Rupert by throwing my life away? How you considered love to be an insufficient reason for so great a risk? Strange, is it not, how that shoe fits differently when it's upon someone else's foot?”

Georgia swallowed hard. “I would never ask you to throw your life away.”

“No? Well, unless Rupert is now in the habit of going about unprotected, I do not see how any other outcome is possible. I may be stronger than before, but I am not yet so strong that I can hope to take on his entire nest by myself!”

“Yes, yes, I know. I have considered all of that.”

“Have you also considered that I am still unwilling to sacrifice those who rely upon me? Were I to die at Rupert's hand it is not just my own life that would be forfeit. I would be leaving every member of my House at Rupert's mercy. That will not happen.”

“I understand. But just consider. If you were to provoke him, if you were to make him angry enough so that he were to lose control of his temper, then might he not attack you without forethought, without thinking to call anyone to his aid? I promise you, unless he orders it, no one in his House shall come to his defense. Would that not change things?”

Conrad hesitated. “It might work. I see your logic, but I don't know how much I trust such tactics. Would it not be simpler to arrange for me to approach him at some point when he is alone?”

Georgia shook her head. “Listen to me, Conrad. It is more complicated than that. It's not just a matter of fighting each other one-on-one. He is far older than you, with all the wisdom and experience that comes naturally with that state. Strength alone is not enough. Impressive though it is, your strength will be
useless
if he can trick you into making careless errors. You need an advantage.”