Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
“I cannot help wondering if this trafficking situation is connected to the blast.” So many random pieces had fallen in his lap: the gods asking him for a favor, the Browns’ and Newberys’ festival, Sky haunting him when no one had done so before. The flurry of random events besieging his life could not be a coincidence.
But what was the common denominator?
He went on, “Take this festival in Miami, for example. I know they’re using it to gather up immortals, but why would any corporation be involved? How does the sex trafficking fit in? Why put on such an elaborate event only to gather up what is left of the immortal community?”
Very perplexing.
The festival would be a one-day event with three headliners. It was estimated that over one hundred thousand people would attend, along with any supernatural creatures who showed up. Point was, the festival appeared to be fairly costly and complex. All that just so someone could get off on torturing a fairy? No, it did not add up.
“Maybe this has nothing to do with sex.” MF opened her bag of peanuts and popped one in her mouth.
Damien felt a light bulb turn on. Perhaps she was right. All along, he assumed the women and creatures were being used for depraved and cruel sex acts because of Sky’s articles.
But what if that was all wrong? “Sky, do you know anything about the corporation sponsoring this event? Pet, what does she say?”
“Peanut!” Pet demanded.
He gave MF a look. His bag was empty.
“Go ahead,” MF said.
He took a peanut and made the offering to his pocket.
Crunch, crunch, crunch. “Sky says she doesn’t know. But as soon as we land, she’ll check her phone.”
Whatever they found, his gut was telling him this was the final missing piece. “Sky, also try to ascertain who was at Vincente’s fundraiser. The names might give us more information.”
“She says she already checked,” Pet said. “There was nothing other than a report that Vincente died in a housefire.”
“They covered up all the deaths?” Perhaps the people behind the operation did not want to be connected to the guests. Or the governor himself was attempting to hide his brother’s illicit dealings. Both were options.
“Well, we will have our work cut out for us when we land.” Including dinner with Boris tonight at his sister’s. “And, MF, I will only say this one more time. Tonight, we take measurements, we eat, and we leave. Do not speak other than to make polite, very respectful conversation. The Russian mafia is not to be toyed with.”
“God, I wish I were still a vampire.”
“Why?” he asked.
“I hear the tastiest people are the bad ones.”
“Yes, such a shame that you cannot murder people tonight at dinner,” he said drably.
I agree. Because I’m in a murdering mood, too, tailor.
The hairs on the back of Damien’s neck rose. He felt the power in the beast’s words. The darkness was rising to the surface, becoming more intent on taking over.
I just have to get through tonight and the festival tomorrow, he thought. Then, perhaps, Damien would have to let the beast out to placate him. Damien just prayed that whoever died, they had it coming.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
As a honeymoon gift to the newly married demon couple, Damien rented a small, but nice home right on the beach, with a balcony for enjoying the ocean views and a private front yard for sunbathing. He still held out hope that Bonbon and Gorgonzolina would see the benefits of being on their own. Perhaps right here in Miami, where there were many people to suck the love from. If that failed, maybe he would get lucky and a giant wave would sweep the two creatures out to sea.
“Are you ready?” Damien straightened his silver tie. This evening he wore a sleek black suit with hand-carved mother-of-pearl cufflinks. Classy but understated.
MF came from her room wearing a short black dress that flared out just below the knee, and a yellow tape measure around her neck. Her auburn hair was in a bun atop her head. No nipples on display or dog collars. A definite improvement.
“That is an interesting accessory,” he said.
MF glanced down. “Oh. I didn’t want to forget it.”
“Got the notebook?” He had given it to her earlier to record measurements.
“Right here.” She patted her purse.
“Pet,” he warned, speaking to the purse, “you must come out of there. You cannot go to the dinner.”
Her tiny blonde head poked out.
“How’d you get in there?” MF snarled.
“I want to go with you,” Pet whined.
“No. You will stay here and out of sight,” Damien commanded.
“Sky says you look very hot, and she would like to take your man parts in her mouth,” Pet smiled.
“Errr. Well, thank you, Sky?” Damien swallowed hard.
“She also says that I should go with you in case she needs me to speak for her,” Pet added.