Night's Surrender (19 page)

Pearl's hand trembled as she set her wineglass aside. “I thought the crap was going to hit the fan when Rane found out Nick was a vampire again.”

Edna nodded, her own hands none too steady as she refilled her glass.

“I think we should get out of town right away,” Pearl said urgently. “In fact, I think we should get out of the state and away from everyone who knows us. Find a place where we've never been before. Where we don't have ties to anyone else.”

“You could be right,” Edna agreed. “Were you thinking of any place in particular?”

“Not really. Just some part of the country where no one would think to look for vampires. We need to alter our appearances, too. Maybe dye our hair and change the way we dress, and . . . and . . . I don't know. Get colored contacts or start wearing glasses . . .” Pearl snapped her fingers. “I've got it! I know just the place!”

“You do?”

Pearl nodded. “I was looking for something online the other night, I don't remember what,” she said, her voice rising with excitement. “And I found this cute little motel/café/bar for sale in Dune, New Mexico. . . .”

Edna frowned. “I've never even heard of the place.”

“My point exactly. And listen to this, there's a two-bedroom apartment over the bar. I remember thinking if we were ever in the market to buy a place, it would be perfect.”

“New Mexico?” Edna said dubiously. “Seriously?”

“Think about it, dear. From what I hear, the vampire population is practically zero, which means there probably aren't a lot of hunters there, either. If we change our appearance . . . and our names . . . what do you think?”

“A lot of wealthy men retire to New Mexico.”

“Boy crazy, I tell you,” Pearl muttered, grinning broadly. “I'm going to call the Realtor tomorrow and make an offer.”

“But . . . what about our old homes in Texas?”

“I think we should sell them. Cut all of our ties to people and places we've known.”

Edna frowned thoughtfully, then nodded. “Maybe you're right. We haven't been home in years. It's going to be hard to part with my house, though. So many memories there.”

“I know, dear. But I'm sure this is the right thing to do.”

Edna nodded absently. “I think I'll become a blonde. And change my name to Brittany.”

Pearl nodded. “And I'll dye my hair brown and change my name to . . . hmm . . . Pamela. Or maybe Anita.”

 

 

Brittany—formerly Edna—now sporting shoulder-length golden-blond hair and wearing a beige designer pantsuit, signed her name on the deed, then passed the pen to Anita—formerly Pearl—who wore a brown dress and matching heels. She signed her name with a flourish.

“Welcome to town,” the Realtor said, smiling broadly. “I hope you'll be happy here.”

“I'm sure we will be,” Edna said, batting her eyelashes at him. And who could blame her, she thought. She had always loved fair-haired men and James Harkness was tall and lean, with dark blond hair and vivid blue eyes beneath his black cowboy hat. And best of all, he appeared to be in his early to mid-sixties.

James smiled at her. “Forgive my impertinence, Miss Brittany, but are you married or anything?”

“Why, no, I'm not.”

“Then, begging your pardon if I'm out of line, but would you care to go out with me some night?”

“Why, I would love it.”

“If your business partner isn't opposed to blind dates, I have a friend for her.”

Edna glanced at Pearl, one brow raised.

“I'm not opposed to blind dates,” Pearl said, “as long as my date isn't blind.”

James threw back his head and laughed. “How about if we pick you ladies up tomorrow night at, say, eight?”

“That would be wonderful,” Edna said, rising.

James stood and came around the desk. “Are you staying at the hotel in town?”

“Yes, for now.”

“Until tomorrow night, then.” He shook hands with Pearl, then took Edna's hand in his and kissed her palm. “Until tomorrow night, sweet lady.”

Edna was all aflutter as they left the office. “I must say, this is the best idea you've ever had!” she exclaimed as they drove to the hotel. “That man is positively dreamy!”

“Yes, he is, dear. But please, try not to devour him on your first date.”

“Devour him?” Edna said, aghast. “Girlfriend, I'm going to marry him!”

 

 

“I'm as nervous as a cat,” Edna said. “Do I really look all right as a blonde?”

“You're lovely, dear.”

“Are you sure this dress is me? It's so . . . so . . .” Her shoulders slumped. “Ordinary.”

“It's very attractive. We agreed, no bold colors, nothing to draw attention. How do I look?” Pearl asked, turning this way and that.

“Black is very slimming, you know.”

Pearl fisted her hands on her hips. “Are you saying I'm fat?”

“Of course not! You've never been fat! And I've always hated you for it,” Edna said, and burst into giggles.

“I hope my date is as handsome as yours,” Pearl remarked, smoothing her hand over her hair. “And speaking of your date, did you notice anything strange about him?”

“Strange? What kind of strange?”

“For a moment I could have sworn I detected a hint of vampire.”

Edna's eyes widened. “Really?”

Pearl nodded. “Really.”

“Well, wouldn't that be something! Maybe we should spray ourselves with that awful stuff that masks our scent.”

“I think you're right,” Pearl said, stepping into a pair of low-heeled black shoes. “Better safe than sorry, I always say.”

 

 

James Harkness arrived at eight sharp, looking quite handsome in a blue plaid cowboy shirt, jeans with a crease sharp enough to cut steel, and black boots polished to within an inch of their life.

He winked at Edna, smiled at Pearl as he introduced her to his friend, Monroe Taylor.

“I'm mighty pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Anita.”

“Thank you.” Monroe was a little taller than James. He wore his light brown hair cut short. His dark brown eyes twinkled as he bowed over her hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you, too. Mr. Taylor.”

“Just Monroe, darlin'.”

“So, what would you ladies like to do this evening?” James asked.

“Why don't you decide?” Pearl suggested. “After all, we're new in town.”

“Well, there's the movies, or bowling, or we could go rowing on the lake.”

“Rowing sounds like fun,” Pearl said.

“And romantic, too,” Edna said, locking arms with James. “As long as Jimmy and I get our own boat.”

 

 

Pearl sat with her hands folded in her lap as Monroe picked up the oars and rowed out toward the center of the lake. It was a beautiful, star-studded night presided over by a bright yellow moon. A faint breeze chilled the air. Of course, being a vampire, the cold didn't bother her.

It had been decades since she had been on a blind date. She scarcely remembered what it had been like to be young and insecure, hoping a boy would like her, wondering if he would kiss her good night. But it all came back to her as Monroe made small talk, asking about her past, if she had children . . . children. They were all gone now, she thought sadly. Most likely her grandchildren, too. She had great grandchildren somewhere in West Texas, but she had lost touch with them years ago.

“Anita?”

She stared at Monroe blankly.
Who is Anita?
she wondered, and then realized he meant her. “I'm sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”

He smiled, revealing a dimple in his cheek. “Remembering something pleasant, I hope.”

She shook her head. “Just an old memory, best forgotten.”

“I have a few of those myself,” he remarked. “I guess, when you get to be our age, there are bound to be some things you wish you could change, or do over.”

Pearl nodded. She didn't regret becoming a vampire, but she was sorry she'd lost touch with her children. At least they had all been grown and married with children of their own when she was turned. She didn't know what she would have done if she'd been a young mother at the time. It was all water under the bridge now, she thought. If not for Edna, she didn't know how she would have endured becoming a vampire.

“I was wondering if you'd like to go dancing?” Monroe asked. “I know a little after-hours place not too far from here.”

“That sounds like fun. I just hope I remember how. I haven't been dancing in years.” She glanced around. “I don't see Ed . . . er, Brittany anywhere.”

“They went ashore a few minutes ago.”

“Oh.” She really had been lost in thought, Pearl mused, if she hadn't even noticed. Leave it to Edna to want to spend time alone with James. She just hoped her friend was looking for a kiss in the moonlight and not a midnight snack.

“Is that a problem, if it's just you and me?”

“No, not at all.” The problem was that she really liked Monroe. It surprised her to realize that without much effort, she could easily find herself falling in love with him.

Monroe rowed swiftly to shore. After returning the boat to the rental place, they drove a few miles out of town. The Midnight Blue Tavern was located on the side of a dirt road. A green neon sign blinked
OPEN ALL
NIGHT
. Perhaps a dozen cars and trucks were parked in the empty field across the way.

The unmistakable scent of vampire reached Pearl's nostrils as soon as she stepped out of the car. All her senses went on high alert. “Do you come here often?”

“Probably a couple times a week,” Monroe replied, taking her by the hand.

Pearl nodded. There was nothing to worry about, she thought, her gaze darting right and left to probe the shadows. She was quite capable of taking care of herself. Or so she thought. Until she stepped into the dimly lit nightclub. Inside, the scent of vampire was overpowering.

Monroe guided her to a table for two in the back. After holding her chair for her, he took his own seat, then reached for her hand again. “So, tell me,” he said, his thumb lightly stroking her palm, “how long have you been one of us?”

Pearl stared at him. How could he possibly know? She had sprayed herself liberally with Sophie's Scent-Be-Gone, which should have made it impossible for hunters—or vampires—to recognize her for what she was.

And then she realized he must have used a similar spray. “How did you know?”

“I recognized your brand of scent-be-gone.”

She tensed, ready to defend herself if need be, her mind whirling. Had she and Edna fallen into some kind of trap? Did Monroe know who she was? Was he planning to collect the reward being offered by the coalition? Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. She was just being paranoid.

“Relax, Anita,” he said, squeezing her hand. “You're perfectly safe with me. How long have you been a vampire?”

“A woman never tells,” she said, lips twitching. “You?”

“About eighty-five years.”

“Is James one, too?”

“Uh-huh. Brittany?”

“Yes.”

“What brought the two of you to New Mexico?”

“We heard there were only a few vampires here.”

“Yeah,” he said with a wry grin. “That's what most people think. Pretty much everybody in here tonight is a vampire, including Al, the bartender.”

“I don't believe this.” She shook her head. They had come to New Mexico in hopes of getting away from the vampire community. If there were vampires here . . . “Are you troubled by hunters?”

“We get one now and then.”

She nodded. From the way he said it, she knew any hunter who found his way into this sleepy little town never left. “Where did James take Brittany?”

“Probably bowling. That man loves to bowl.” He looked up when a waitress came to take their order. “Hey, Diane, bring us two of the house specials, will ya?”

“Sure, Monroe,” the waitress said with a wink. “Just got a fresh batch in tonight.”

“What's the house special?” Pearl asked.

“Pinot Noir with a dash of AB negative.” Sitting back, he regarded her a moment. “You don't meet many vampires who were turned late in life,” he remarked. “Who brought you across?”

“An old enemy turned me for spite. You?”

“My son, Clayton.”

Pearl stared at him, unable to comprehend such a thing. “I . . . I don't know what to say.”

“It's not what you're thinking. I asked him to do it.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “I was dying and I wasn't ready to go.”

Pearl nodded. She could understand that. At first, she had hated Rafe for turning her, but now, years later, she was grateful.

The waitress returned carrying two crystal goblets on a wooden tray. The liquid inside was dark red and smelled divine.

“Just put it on my tab,” Monroe said. “And give yourself a generous tip.”

“Will do, honey. Ya'll have a great night.”

“Have you known James a long time?” Pearl asked.

“You could say that. I brought him across a week after I was turned. At his request,” Monroe added quickly.

“What happened to your son?”

Sadness flickered in Monroe's eyes. “He was killed. Some hunter named Lou McDonald took him out not long ago.”