In Moonlight - Ch 17 - A Closer Look

"How are Knox and Clay?" Miranda asked.

It was evening, and Mariah and Demarco had just returned from the hospital.

"The doctors are keeping them overnight for observation," Mariah said. "Knox definitely has a concussion and broken ribs. Clay's really beat up too. The doctors are worried he might have internal injuries. He might be... what did they say? He could be bleeding inside his head."

"Subdural hematoma," Etta supplied. 

"That bastard Cletus could have killed him," Demarco growled. "I said I didn't want him doing anything dangerous!"

"You think this is because Clay was asking around at Evergreen Development?" Genie asked gently.

"I don't think Cletus and Jeb just decided to go beat him up for shits and giggles!" Demarco snarled.

"Hey, she's just asking," Mariah said.

"Sorry. I'm sorry," Demarco said, taking a breath. "I'm on still edge from the fight... and it's almost the full moon."

"It's OK. Sometimes I need to say the dumb, obvious thing just to make everything make sense," Genie said. "So, more dumb, obvious things. We're really thinking that the Dark Court isn't behind this, right?"

"You're sure about that?" Mariah asked.

"Caleb was pretty clear and so was Baron Bludvin, in his way," Etta said. "The Dark Court is in chaos. They can't afford to get into an open war with the Council."

"I thought you guys said the vampires and witches were already at war," Jenny said, puzzled. "That they'd been at war for, like centuries?"

"They are, but... it's complicated," Etta sighed. "Most of the time, it's like a Cold War. They fight but using mortal agents, or through proxies like the crime families. Usually it's a matter of undermining each other, the occasional assassination..."

"Or, you know, trying to slaughter your entire family," Miranda put in softly.

"Which could have spun things out of control," Etta said. "It didn't precisely because both sides are concerned about the war escalating. Among other things, there's a risk of it spilling over into the mortal world. The last time that happened, it ended with the Witch Hunts. The mortal world turned on both sides, killing witches and vampires and a lot of innocent mortals too." 

"The problem is, even if the Dark Court doesn't want open war, Baron Charm does," Miranda said grimly. "He's convinced that they're behind Shannon's death, because they've attacked House Charm before. Apparently, his father was killed by a Dark Court agent about twenty years ago."

"A Dark Court agent named Villareal," Genie muttered sourly. "Which, I guess, explains why he doesn't like me very much..."

"You're not your uncle Max, Genie," Jenny said encouragingly.

"No, you're not," Miranda said firmly. "Unfortunately, given the way Baron Charm feels about things, when it comes to Shannon's murder, he's not going to believe anything based on the words of a couple of Dark Court nobles."

"Or the word of an exiled, self-confessed Dark Court agent, even if you supported me," Etta sighed. "Do you think he can convince the Council?"

"I think he doesn't care," Miranda said. "For him, it's a blood feud. He wants vengeance and he's willing to break with the Council to get it. Worse, he believes there are enough people unhappy with the Council's rule who would follow him, and he might be right."

"He's really persuasive. You didn't hear him," Jenny put in. "I mean, I was ready to follow him. Like almost 'leaping to my feet and heading off to battle' ready to follow him. It was scary."

"Could that be the goal?" Etta mused. "The Dark Court in chaos. The Council broken. The shadow war escalating out of control..."

"Maybe," Mariah said. "But it doesn't explain the beatdown Cletus gave Clay and Knox." 

"Maybe it really is just a coincidence? What if this whole business with the Dark Court and Witches' Council and their secret war is just an unintended consequence?" Genie wondered. "Could this really all be tied back to Evergreen Development?" 

"So, what, we've all been distracted by a red herring and this really is about crooked land developers?" Jenny asked.

"Which would mean Knox was right all along? God, we'd never hear the end of that," Demarco groaned.

"That just doesn't feel right either," Miranda mused.

"Well, again stating the obvious, clearly something is going on that ties back to Evergreen Development," Genie said. "Do we have any idea what Clay was onto that might have led to... what happened to him?"

"Not specifically," Mariah said. "He and Knox were out of it, and Missy was pretty upset. From what I could get out of her, Clay was talking about Evergreen's big project. I guess it's called Crossing. Missy said something about a whole planned community up on the mountain. Houses, shopping, a school, the works. She also said Clay was saying something about investors and a facility but she didn't really understand it." 

"We need to know more," Miranda said. "We need something we can use to convince Baron Charm, to stop him from breaking the Council and escalating the war." 

"Yeah, but whatever this Crossing is and whoever is behind it - whether it's crooked developers or vampires or the Windenburg Bay monster - they're clearly willing to go to extreme lengths to keep their secrets," Genie said. "Sorry, stating the obvious again."

"Keep going," Jenny said with a smile.

"I intend to," Genie said firmly. "I'm going into Evergreen Development to find some answers."

"Um, Genie, remember the part where Clay almost got beaten to death just for asking questions there?" Mariah said.

"I didn't say I was going alone!" Genie said hastily. 

--------------------

They had spent most of the evening discussing ideas of how to get into Evergreen Development and, more importantly, back out again safely.

Jenny had presented a plan that, somewhat predictably, had involved disguises, nudity, precision timing and... a fire extinguisher. Through unspoken agreement, they had listened to every detail and then proceeded to come up with a plan that deliberately avoided all of Jenny's suggestions. 

The actress hadn't been the least bit offended, saying brightly that years of auditions had taught her how to deal with rejection.

Looking up at the converted warehouse that was the Evergreen Development offices, Genie hoped the plan they had come up with would work. At the very least, it didn't involve anyone taking their clothes off. Well, almost anyone, she thought with a glance at Demarco, but that was a worst-case-scenario thing...

"Hi, it's Mary right?" the man at the reception desk said as they entered the lobby. "Clay's friend? If you're looking for him, he's not in yet."

"I know," Mariah... no, Mary... said. Genie was a little surprised by the subtle shifts in her friend's manner, as if Mary had Mariah's strength but lacked her rough edges. "He's in the hospital actually."

"Crap, is he sick? He was just in yesterday and he looked fine," the receptionist said.

"He was mugged," Mary said. They had decided that staying as close to the truth as possible was the best approach.

"That's terrible." The receptionist looked genuinely concerned. "And he's in the hospital? Is he going to be OK?"

"I hope so," Mary said earnestly. "They're keeping him for observation... but he asked me to get some things from his desk. I think he wanted try to do some work."

It wasn't a complicated plan, really, and in the end that's what they'd all liked about it. Why risk getting caught sneaking in when they might be able to just walk in. If Mary couldn't get past reception, they'd reasoned they shouldn't be any worse off and could try something more sneaky.

"That guy works too hard." The receptionist shook his head. "Go ahead and get what he needs, I guess. I'm sure Bess would approve." 

"Thanks," Mary said with a smile.

"Bella li, I can't believe that actually worked," Mariah said quietly, slipping into the chair of Clay's cubicle.

The Evergreen Development offices were a little grim, Genie thought as she looked around. Cubicles. Motivational posters and bland art on basically every wall. An open floor plan conference room. People with fake smiles wearing office casual clothes. She been here less than five minutes and had already overheard a guy in suit use the word synergy. 

"I can't believe you know Clay's password," she replied softly as Mariah effortlessly logged onto his computer.

"I've watched him type it in at his place a few times," Mariah grinned. "People tend to reuse the same passwords. It's just careless, really."

"Yeah, it sure is," Genie said, resolving to change her passwords at the earliest opportunity. "Just copy anything that looks interesting, OK. We'll sort through it later."

"Si, certo, I'm doing that," Mariah muttered.

We might actually pull this off, Genie thought to herself. Later she would wonder if she'd thought it too loudly. In the moment, her only thought was a wordless flash of terrified recognition at the sound of a coldly dispassionate voice. The last time she'd heard that voice, it had been neatly explaining how she and Jenny Poole were going to die unless they returned the Altos' ledger of dirty deeds.

"Thank you, Ms. Sterling," Mr. Grey said, plainly in response to a greeting Genie hadn't really registered.

Genie started, glancing cautiously at the group by the entrance. She hadn't imagined her blood could run colder until she actually saw Mr. Grey's face. She barely registered the chubby, slouched man or the woman in the black hoodie standing with him. She simply couldn't believe this could get any worse, until her horrified eyes fixed on the thin, bald man in black standing next to Mr. Grey.

"Cazzo!" Mariah cursed in a whisper, all traces of Mary vanishing as her eyes fixed on Mr. Grey. "We need to leave. Now."

Genie nodded, trying to remember how to make her limbs work. Beside her, Mariah stood casually, tucking a memory stick into her pocket and laying a firm hand on Genie's arm.

"I believe you already know Mr. Harris and Mr. Hand," Genie heard Grey say over the chatter of the office.

"I do. It is a pleasure to see you both," the woman who Genie thought must be Bess Sterling said. "If you'd like to come with me. We're in the upstairs conference room."

"How do we get out?" Genie hissed. "They're between us and the exit." 

"Side door," Mariah said. 

The part of Genie's mind that wasn't screaming managed to wonder if Mariah had learned to locate every exit from a room during her brief stint with the Agency, her time as a gangster, or her days as a teen runaway. It suddenly seemed like a much more useful skill than knowing which fork to use with which course at a fancy dinner.

Trying to look tough, she let herself be guided toward the exit with what felt like glacial slowness rather than the casual walking pace she was sure Mariah was using. 

"We thought you'd come out this way," Etta said, meeting them by the side door. "We saw them go in. Cletus, with the grey-haired man and the woman in black he was meeting with the other day. I don't know who the man in the black suit was."

"Your 'grey-haired man' is Arvin Grey," Mariah said curtly. "Consigliere of the Alto crime family and the main reason Miranda and I are still in hiding. I don't know the woman or the other man."

"I do," Genie said, taking a deep, shaky breath. "At least, I've seen the man before. His name is Mr. Hand. I saw him three days ago. In my house! Meeting with my mother! About investments! Kassidy said he'd been there before..."

"Madonna," Mariah breathed.

"He's not human," Demarco said flatly. When Genie blinked at her, she added, "Hand. His scent isn't human."

"Vampire?" Etta asked.

"No," Demarco shook her head. "Not a vampire. Not a witch. Not a Wolf. I've never smelled anything like him before."

"Mr. Hand. Hand? Why does that sound familiar? Could it be...!? Madonna santa!" Mariah gasped. "I think I know who he is. What he is. If I'm right... We need to get to Miranda. Right now."

"What?" Genie said.

"I think... I think he's a svartalf," Mariah said. "I think he's an alien." 

In Moonlight - Ch 16 - Evergreen Developments

"So, Baron Charm is convinced the vampires did it, but the vampires claim they didn't," Mariah said skeptically into her phone. "Do you really believe that?"

"Well, Claudette... I mean Etta... believes it," Miranda replied.

"And you believe her?" Mariah asked, trying to hide her surprise. "We're trusting Claudette... or, I guess, Etta... now?"

"Genie trusts her. I trust Genie, so... yeah," Miranda sighed. "Convincing Baron Charm of that is another matter entirely. Are you and Demarco managing to get along? Were you able to learn anything more?"

"In order, yes and not a lot," Mariah admitted. "We had a little luck tracking down the hotel the woman in black and the grey-haired man stayed in..."

"Are you sure the desk clerk told you the right room?" Demarco asked.

"For a twenty, I'm pretty sure that guy would sell out his own mother," Mariah said. "Room 201, registered to M. Rider and A. White, who match the descriptions you gave... such as they are. He said they checked out late last night. Housekeeping hasn't had a chance to clean yet."

"Someone has. This place stinks of cleaner. Pine-y cleaner," Demarco said with a small grin. "You're right though... I can just barely catch their scents under that."

"They scrubbed the room," Mariah mused. "Erased all traces of themselves. I bet you wouldn't find a usable fingerprint on any surface. Probably nothing in the trashcans, or the bathroom either. Feels like tradecraft."

"You sound like Etta, with that spy-talk," Demarco said with a snort.

"Different sides, same skills," Mariah shrugged. "We should look around anyway. They might have missed something."

"They hadn't," Mariah said into the phone. "The room was probably the cleanest it's been in years."

"So, in addition to being a sinister mystery couple, they're neat," Miranda said.

"You say neat, I still say tradecraft," Mariah replied. "There's just something about it that screams covert training."

"So, by leaving no clues, they left a clue," Miranda said. Mariah could hear her smile. "Did you find anything else out watching Cletus?"

Mariah sighed. "Well..."

"Stakeouts are boring,"

They had been sitting there for hours, watching Cletus's house. Nothing was happening.

"Rory says a big part of hunting is watching and waiting for your prey to reveal itself," Demarco said.

"Being bored," Mariah sighed.

"So very bored," Demarco agreed.

The waiting dragged on.

"Yellow car," Mariah said at last.

"What?" Demarco blinked. "Why did you say that?"

"A yellow car drove by," Mariah shrugged. "That's how you play Yellow Car. It's a game."

After too much silence, Demarco groaned. "I know I'm going to regret this, but how do you play Yellow Car?"

"You wait and watch and when you see a yellow car, you say 'yellow car,'" Mariah explained.

"Ok," Demarco said hesitantly. "How do you win? I mean, how does the game end?"

"It never ends," Mariah replied with mock seriousness.

"That's idiotic," Demarco pointed out.

"Si," Mariah chuckled. "Passes the time though."

The waiting silence settled over them again. 

"Yellow car," Demarco said at last.

"You got Demarco to play Yellow Car?" Miranda said, clearly stunned. 

"Si," Mariah chuckled. "She's pretty good at it."

"You are evil and must be stopped," Miranda laughed. "Have you heard anything from Knox and Clay?"

"Not yet," Mariah said. "We're going to meet them today, after Clay gets off work. After another fun-filled day of watching Cletus's house."

"We should be back by then," Miranda said. "Hey, don't go crazy and try to get Demarco to play Traveling Lemon or something."

"How that one would work on a stakeout, I wonder," Mariah grinned. "Anyway, I've got to go and meet her for another fun day of waiting and watching. Ti amo."

"I love you too," Miranda said. "Stay safe."

----------------

"Hey Bess, you got a minute?" Clay asked.

It was almost the end of the day, and the Evergreen Development offices were uncharacteristically quiet, except for the hum of the central air and the clack of a keyboard. Over by the breakroom, Clay could hear a couple of the guys talking about synergies and investment portfolios. Knowing those two, he wasn't sure if it was company business or just small talk.

"What can I do for you, Clay?" Bess said warmly, despite not looking up from her tablet.

Clay took a deep breath and hoped he wasn't about to do something stupid. "I have some questions about Crossing," he said carefully.

Bess hesitated a moment, then, setting her tablet aside, she turned her thousand-watt, confident smile on Clay. 

"Our biggest project," she said brightly. "It's a huge opportunity, completely revitalizing the mountain community. We're all so lucky to be part of it." 

"Yeah! Yeah, I'm... I'm thrilled. You know... to be part of it," Clay stammered. "Really, thrilled... but... umm... you know Knox Greenburg, right?"

"How is he?" Bess said, her voice positively dripping sympathy. "I was so sorry to hear about his loss. The poor guy. You know, we should send flowers. Why don't you take some money out of petty cash and take care of that, OK?"

"Yeah... yeah, I'll... I'll do that," Clay nodded.

"Anyway," he continued. "You know Knox. He gets these ideas in his head. I guess he heard this... this rumor that some of the property owners, you know on the mountain, were being threatened if they didn't agree to sell. I told him that... that couldn't be true."

"Of course not," Bess said. "What a thing to think. Just the idea that there might be holdouts. I mean, why wouldn't someone take a fair price for their land and a chance to move someplace better."

"Yeah, right, of course," Clay nodded. "And the investors certainly wouldn't stand for anything like that."

"No, they would not," Bess nodded seriously.

"Yeah, those investors. Like...?" Clay said, utterly failing to sound casual.

"You know, Knox can be a bit of a conspiracy nut, can't he?" Bess said, ignoring his probing. "I'm just glad he isn't saying something really crazy, like we knocked off his girlfriend to stop the protests."

"Yeah, that would be crazy," Clay chucked weakly. "I mean, who would think that? So, I'll take care of those flowers and I'll reassure Knox about the... the whole 'no holdouts' thing. Maybe fill him in a little on... you know... the truth about Crossing and... and our investors."

"Well, don't say too much, Clay," Bess said with a smile. "Remember, the deal is still confidential. Don't go breaking your NDA now... but you can certainly tell him there's nothing untoward going on. You have a good evening now."

"Right, well, good evening," Clay said. 

Watching him go, Bess pulled out her phone and hit speed dial.

"It's me," she said coldly. "You told me to call you if anyone starting asking questions. Well, someone's asking questions..."

----------------

"Oh, no! No!" Missy gasped, shocked. "Stop! Help!"

The two guys had come up suddenly, leaping from a beat-up old pickup and rushing at Clay and Knox.

"Clay, look out!" she shouted. "Oh, Knox... No! Stop it! Stop hitting them!" 

The beating was swift and brutal. Clay was no fighter and was quickly outmatched. Knox, despite having been in a couple of rough spots in his life, was no match for Jeb.

"Stop it! Oh God! Stop it!" Missy screamed. "Someone! Please! Help! Help!"

"Damn it, I told you they were getting too far ahead!" Demarco snarled.

"Oh, like you could have driven faster," Mariah snapped back at her as the pair of them raced toward the fight.

"Help! Oh, please someone help!" Missy cried.

"I could have run here faster!" Demarco yelled, blocking Cletus's punch. 

"Fine! Next time, go ahead and run!" Mariah panted, slamming her foot into Jeb's gut.

"Demarco and Mary to the rescue!" Knox cheered weakly. "Hulk smash!"

Cletus recognized quickly that the tables had turned. Beating up a chubby office worker and a scrawny tree-hugger was one thing. Taking on the likes of Demarco and her tough friend was something else.

"Come on, Jeb," he called, making a hasty retreat.

"Oh no, you don't!" Demarco snarled, racing after them. 

"Demarco! Proco Cane! Get back here," Mariah called, dropping to her knees to check on Knox's injuries.

"Hey, Mary," Knox groaned weakly. "You kick ass. Are you going to kiss me? Shannon probably wouldn't like it if you kissed me. Missy's kissing Clay."

"Missy kisses everybody," Mariah muttered. "Let me see your eyes. I think you have a concussion." 

"They got away," Demarco huffed as she came trotting back. "Cars are cheating."

"I thought you'd like chasing cars," Mariah quipped. 

"I'm a Wolf, not a golden retriever," she snorted.

"I'm calling emergency services," Mariah said, pulling out her phone. "Both of these guys need an ambulance. I hate to say it, but I'm guessing this means Clay got onto something important."

"Damn it, I didn't want either of them doing anything dangerous," Demarco snarled. "We need to take a closer look at Evergreen Development."

----------------

Author's Note: Both Yellow Car and Traveling Lemon are brought to you by way of the BBC radio series Cabin Pressure by John Finnemore. If you're look for some good laughs, you could do worse than looking it up. Be warned though, once you start playing Yellow Car, you will never stop.

Action poses by Simmerianne93. 

In Moonlight - Ch 15 - Interviewing Vampires

"So, we're meeting a vampire. In a library. At noon?" Genie asked.

As they crossed the cobblestones of Windenburg's Olde Platz, Genie noted that Etta appeared more focused and confident than she had been. Whatever understanding she'd come to with Miranda appeared to have eased at least some of Etta's tension. Which was good, Genie thought, what with the whole 'meeting a vampire' thing.

"Would you prefer meeting a vampire in a creepy cemetery at sunset?" Etta asked, a touch of mischief in her dark eyes.

"No, thank you. Been there, done that. It nearly went very badly for me," Genie said with a shudder. "But, you know... Vampires. Sunlight."

"Vampires don't really burn up in daylight," Etta explained. "That's a myth, and a fairly modern one. I think it was started in the 1920s by a silent movie, Nosferatu. Later movies popularized the idea."

"You're a bit of geek, aren't you?" Genie teased quietly as they entered the library.

"No, I'm not," Etta said calmy. "I'm a nerd and that's a secret. If you tell anyone, I'll have to kill you."

Genie smiled. Etta was definitely feeling more herself if she could joke around. At least, Genie thought, I hope she's joking.

The interior of the library was all dark wood, antique furniture and old books. It had been the manor house of some noble family once, Genie remembered. Many of the old noble families had lost their fortunes in the last century. Estates and manor houses had been sold off and converted to other uses. Genie found herself wondering if there was a converted building somewhere in the city that had once been the manor of Etta's Blackwood ancestors. 

The library was quiet and nearly empty, apart from a pair of young women playing chess and a lean man watching them politely.

Etta did nothing to announce them, but as they walked closer, the lean man turned and came over to meet them, moving with a languid grace that drew Genie's eye. OK, so he's hot, she thought. Stay focused, you're supposed to be meeting a vampire, not picking up random guys in a library.

"Lady Blackwood." The man greeted Etta in a faintly accented voice that sent shivers down Genie's spine. "So good to see you again."

"Caleb," Etta replied. "Thank you for agreeing to meet us. Allow me to present Genie Elderberry. Genie, this is Caleb Vatore."

"Caleb Vatore, like the author?" Genie said, taking the man's strong, cool hand. "You know, the one who wrote all those vampire novels... except he'd be in his sixties or seventies and you're... Oh God."

"Actually, I'm a hundred and twenty three," Caleb said softly. "But don't tell anyone."

"You're a vampire," Genie whispered.

"And you are the reporter who helped take down the Alto crime family," Caleb said, leading them over to one of the dark wood tables. "An impressive feat for anyone, especially a young woman barely out of university... but I would expect nothing less from someone who keeps company with people as remarkable as Claudette Blackwood and Miranda Goth."

"I can also tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue," Genie said. Oh my God, she thought a moment later, did I actually say that out loud?

"Good to know," Caleb smiled.

"I hate to interrupt, but if we could spend just a moment talking about that whole murder investigation business," Etta put in.

"Of course," Genie said. Get a grip, woman, she thought to herself. He's a vampire for God's sake.

"So concludes the light banter portion of today's entertainment," Caleb smiled, brazenly unashamed.

"Behave yourself," Etta said firmly.

"My dear Claudette, you of all people know that my behavior is always beyond reproach," Caleb said. "At least in comparison to my peers."

"It's a low bar, Caleb," Etta countered, but Genie noticed she smiled as she said it.

"Touché," the vampire smiled in return.

"The murder of Shannon Charm, Caleb. What do you know?" Etta said firmly.

"Not much, I'm afraid," Caleb said. "Just what I read online. A young woman, killed in broad daylight in Gesellschafter Square. Police suspect a mugging gone wrong. You think it was a vampire kill. You wouldn't be asking me otherwise... but why? Was she fed upon?"

"I don't think so," Genie said. "She was stabbed multiple times and bled out in the square. The witness I spoke to didn't mention anyone lingering around to... um... drink, and the medical examiner's report doesn't say anything about... well... biting."

"Probably not a vampire kill then," Caleb said. "With that much blood, and there would have been a lot, I'm afraid one of us would have had a hard time resisting the urge to drink. Mind you that doesn't completely rule out the Dark Court's involvement. I know a few Houses who keep killers in their stables, and even a minor House would know how to hire one... but, again, why? What would make this Shannon Charm a target of the Court?"

"She was a witch," Etta pointed out.

"Ah, well... wait, Charm? As in Baron Charm?" Caleb looked suddenly serious.

"His daughter," Genie nodded. 

"God's Blood," Caleb cursed. "That's... that's bad. That's very bad. For someone to attack one of the Old Families, now of all times. It's madness."

"Why 'now of all times'?" Genie asked. 

"Because of you," Caleb replied. "Because of what you did with the Alto family. You have to understand, with Lady Hel destroyed and Nick Alto in prison, most of the Houses were maneuvering to get influence over the Alto family, the last major crime family in the Republic. Whichever House had them in their stable would be a force to reckoned with. When you took them down, all the Houses started blaming each other, and that just dragged up all the old grudges, vendettas and petty rivalries they've nursed over past few decades or centuries... "

"The Dark Court is in chaos," he continued. "The Houses are coming down hard, trying to keep their vassals under control, which only makes some of them more rebellious. Rumor is there's open fighting between the Willow Creek barons. For someone to challenge House Charm now? They may as well build a pyre and throw themselves into the flames. It would be quicker and probably less painful."

"We need to know for sure," Etta said firmly. "Who can we talk to?"

"Bludvin would know," Caleb said grimly. To Genie's blank look he added, "Baron Bludvin of House Straud. He's Count Straud's most loyal vassal, and effectively Master of Windenburg in the Count's absence. If someone is killing witches in Windenburg, they're either doing it on Bludvin's orders or in defiance of his authority. Either way, he'd know." 

"Can you arrange a meeting for me? Today?" Etta asked. 

"Do you know what you're asking? Never mind, of course you do," Caleb sighed. "I know someone close to Bludvin. I can try to call in a favor, but I can't promise anything... safe passage least of all."

------------------

"You don't have to come in with me," Etta said.

Looking at the creepy, old, vine-covered mansion, Genie didn't think either one of them should go in there. It didn't look safe from a purely structural standpoint, forgetting about the fact that it was supposedly full of vampires. A creepy, old, vine-covered mansion at sunset was definitely the kind of place to meet vampires. In a horror movie. 

"I said I'd back you up. I'm backing you up," Genie said with more confidence than she felt. At least, she thought, if this is a horror movie, I'm probably safe. I'm not a top heavy coed and I haven't had sex in months. Who knew that might turn out to be a good thing?

"Genie, I want you to understand," Etta said firmly. "The only things keeping us safe in there are an ancient tradition of hospitality, which they might or might not feel compelled to honor in our case, and their fear of my powers."

"I thought you didn't have powers anymore," Genie said.

"Precisely," Etta replied.

The smiling butler who met them at the door was pale, thin, and as creepy as the mansion. As his eyes roved over her, Genie couldn't decide if she want to slap him or run away screaming.

"You are expected," he purred. His accent reminded her of Caleb's, but the shiver that went through her when the butler spoke was very different. "Please come with me."

The very last thing Genie wanted to do was follow him deeper into the house, but she'd promised to back Etta up. The fair-haired ex-witch just nodded imperiously, as if she had already dismissed the butler as unworthy of notice. It was a look that reminded Genie uncomfortably of her mom.

With a last glance back at the door and the fading sunlight, Genie followed Etta into the creepy mansion. Too late to back out now, she thought.

"Ms. Faust, or do you prefer Lady Blackwood? Welcome to Bludvin House," Baron Bludvin greeted them in smooth, cultured tones. The vampire, in his old-fashioned suit, seemed to match the antique elegance of the crumbling sitting room and its lavish portraits. Genie recognized that painting of Count Vladislaus Straud, prominent behind the Baron.

"Thank you for agreeing to see us," Etta replied formally, managing to look at home in the strange room despite her rustic clothes.

"I am, of course, always honored to have the great Doctor Faust's protégée as a guest, and dear Faith tells me that you wish to speak with me on an urgent matter," Bludvin said, gesturing to the slim, dark goth woman lounging on a couch, managing to look at once sultry and bored.

"Yes," Etta said. "An urgent matter concerning the death of Shannon Charm, daughter of Baron Darrel Charm."

"So, you are here on behalf House Charm, are you Lady Blackwood?" Bludvin sneered. "Have you finally tired of tumbling with the dogs of the Moonwood? I gather in recent years it has become fashionable for young witches to... entertain themselves... among such beasts."

"Hey," Genie snapped.

Etta gestured her to silence, not taking her eyes off the master vampire. 

"Was Shannon Charm killed on your orders?" she asked almost conversationally. "Or have you become so dissipated and depraved that your vassals no longer consult you before they act?" 

"Your father would reward me richly for your broken body, Lady Blackwood," Bludvin replied with a snarl. "And there are many in the Court who would hail me a champion if I were seen to drink the heart's blood of Genie Elderberry, whose actions have so frustrated all their goals."

Genie was suddenly very aware of the pounding of her heart. She wondered if the vampire could hear it. Was it making him hungry? Glancing behind her, she saw the pale butler and another man... another vampire... standing in the doorway. Am I going to die here, she thought.

"Was Shannon Charm killed on your orders?" Etta repeated calmly.

"No," Bludvin snarled. "No vassal or thrall of my House ended her life, nor did any paid killer employed by me or mine. No other member of the Dark Court is responsible for her death either, because none of them could commit such an act in my domain without my knowledge, nor would they dare to go against my will. Tell Baron Charm that if he wants open war with the Court, he will need to manufacture another excuse!"

"As for the two of you," Bludvin continued. "If I let you leave here alive, it will enrage your father and infuriate the other Houses... which is reason enough for me to allow it. Begone, while this still amuses me."

Genie blinked, shocked by the vampire's sudden change. A moment ago she had been certain she should be screaming and running for her life. Now, he seemed to have almost lost interest in them.

"The courtesy and hospitality of your House have been all I have come to expect from a lord of the Dark Court, Baron Bludvin," Etta said with a slight mocking bow.

Please don't taunt the vampire, Genie thought, desperately hoping Etta didn't goad him into changing his attitude again.

"And your elegance and dignity are as memorable as ever, Lady Blackwood," Bludvin replied with the same mocking bow. At least he still seemed to be amused.

Etta turned on her heel, with what Genie considered to be a lot of elegance and dignity. Though it did put them face to face with the two vampires blocking the exit. Genie's heart hammered in her chest. She was certain the vampires could hear it.

"Move," Etta commanded softly.

"For a minute there, I thought we were in real trouble," Genie said when they finally reached the outside, desperately breathing in the cool, damp evening air.

"Don't kid yourself," Etta said with a slight smile. "We were in real trouble from the moment we arrived."

"Do you trust him?" Genie asked.

"Bludvin? I trust him about as far as I can comfortably spit out a rat," Etta said. "If you mean, do I believe him when he says he isn't responsible for Shannon's death, and that he doesn't think anyone else in the Court is either, I do. Caleb's right. He's genuinely worried about open war with Glimmerbrook. With the Court in chaos, they don't want that. 

"If you mean do I think he's actually serious about letting us get out of here alive," Etta added. "Well, I think it would be a very good idea for us to get to a public place. One with a lot of people. Quickly. Come on, it's getting dark."

------------------------------

Author's Note: Thanks to snuffybucket for the cameos of April, Melinda, Faith and Seth. 

Check out their original versions in the dark and wonderful SimLit, Almost Eternal. 

In Moonlight - Ch 14 - The Charming Baron Charm

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Jenny asked.

Once back in the Old City, she and Miranda had taken the bus out to Stoneridge House in the Windenburg hills. It wasn't as big as the Elderberry's sprawling estate on Crumbling Isle, but there was an air of antique majesty about the house. Jenny couldn't help feeling a little intimidated, especially now that she knew Baron Charm, on top of being a wealthy and powerful nobleman, was a witch. 

"I mean, I've been thrown out of a few places before," Jenny continued. "Believe me, the bouncers always remember you."

"It's not a nightclub, Jenny, and he's a butler, not a bouncer," Miranda smiled easily. "Trust we, I can get us in. That's the easy part."

"Is my outfit OK?" Jenny asked, rocking to a halt. "I mean... I decided I wanted something that looked professional but also a little boob forward... but not too boob forward. It's too boob forward, isn't it? Or maybe it's not boob forward enough? Do you think we have time to go back to Genie's so I could try another outfit?"

"You look fine," Miranda said soothingly. "Just like your first two outfits looked fine. Baron Charm's not an ogre, Jenny. He's a witch, just like me. He's not going to eat you. So just take a breath, OK."

"Sorry, I know I don't usually freak out like this but... " Jenny sighed. "I've just never really dealt with, like, a lot of aristos or... what did you call him... old witches? The whole aristo old witches thing is kind freaking me."

"Witches of the Old Blood. Basically, yeah, aristo witches," Miranda replied. "You'll do fine. Just... if he offers you anything to eat or drink, accept graciously, but don't say 'thank you.'"

"Ummm, about that, you know I've had this thing with like booze and... you know... substances," Jenny said. Three years clean and sober, she reminded herself. 

"Don't worry, I've got your back," Miranda said gently. "Also, don't make any promises or offer him anything."

"Right," Jenny nodded. It's like a role, she thought. These are just the director's notes. I've had weirder director's notes. "OK, so... what do you need doing? Am I being flirty? Distracting? Are my boobs OK?"

"Your boobs are fine," Miranda chuckled. "But really, I think curious would be better than flirty. You're mortal but you know about us. Witches, I mean. At the same time, you don't know a lot about our world. Ask questions and we'll see where his answers take us."

"Can I help you?" The same pale-skinned, red-haired, weird-looking butler as the last time answered the door with the same tone of voice. One which suggested the very last thing he wanted to do was to help anyone. His sharp green eyes narrowed in recognition at Jenny, but before he could open his mouth to say anything else, Miranda spoke up. 

"I am Miranda, daughter of Cassandra, of House Silveroak," she said in a ringing voice. "I request an audience with Darrel, son of Augustus, of House Charm." 

Jenny couldn't help grinning. She could hear the echoes of Miranda's community theater days in her voice.

Still, the butler seemed to buy it. His entire manner changed instantly, and he made a deeply respectful bow. "Lady Silveroak. Stoneridge House is greatly honored by the presence of a Guardian of Glimmerbrook Watch."

"I am Cole," the butler said smoothly. "If you and your... companion... would follow me."

"Of course," Miranda nodded politely. 

Jenny could see her friend's suppressed grin and bit back a laugh as they followed Mr. Snooty Cole into an impressive looking room, complete with fancy bookshelves, stately portraits that reminded Jenny of the Elderberry's, and antique but comfortable-looking couches.

"I will inform Baron Charm of your arrival," Cole said. "Please wait here."

Miranda nodded her agreement, leaving Jenny wondering about the whole "don't say thank you" thing. 

"OK, I have so many questions already," Jenny said as they took a seat on one of the couches, which she was pleased to see were even more comfortable than they looked.

Miranda grinned. "Go on then."

"OK, first, House Silveroak? Guardian? What's all that about?" Jenny said.

"Silveroak is Gwen's family," Miranda said. Even knowing she was a witch, Jenny always just thought of  Miranda's other mother as someone who was nice and a little out of it, like most artists. 

"In the mortal world, the Goth name is big, between mom's fame and the old family money," Miranda continued. "Among witches, those don't mean much, and it's Gwen's name that's a really big deal. House Silveroak is one of the Old Families and Gwen's uncle Simeon is on the Council. As for the whole Guardian thing, it's... complicated and also tied up with Gwen's family. It's usually just terrifying, honestly, but it's also a really big deal to people like the Charms."

"OK, second, what's with Snooty McSnootyPants's ears?" Jenny said. "He looks like an extra in the Lord of the Rings."

"He's alfar," Miranda said. At Jenny's blank look, she added, "He's... well yeah, kind of an elf. Elf-blooded anyway. The alfar... the elves... were the first witches. They had children with mortals and, after generations, you get witches like me, who are mostly mortal... but some witches, especially the older Glimmerbrook families, still have enough alfar blood for it to show."

"So, there are elves? Like real Lord of the Rings style elves?" Jenny blinked. Ghosts, witches, werewolves, vampires, aliens and now elves? No matter how much she pretended to be cool about it all, it was a lot to take in. What's next, she wondered, mermaids in Sulani?

"Not many," Miranda said, "and most of the alfar have at least some mortal blood. There are only a few of the High Alfar left who don't. Gwen is one. You're about to meet another."

A door in the opposite wall swung open, and Cole stepped through looking, if anything, even more snooty than before.

"Darrel, son of Augustus, Baron of House Charm, Lord of Stoneridge," the butler announced formally as he bowed once again.

The man who followed him into the sitting room was, Jenny thought, kind of cute. He was younger than she'd expected, until she remember that the other witches she knew - Miranda's moms Cassie and Gwen - both looked a lot younger than they actually were. His long, dark hair covered the tips of his ears, effectively hiding any supposed high elf heritage. He looked a little uncomfortable in his formal, old-fashioned suit, and Jenny found herself imagining him looking better in jeans and a hoodie.

"Lady Miranda," Baron Charm said in a rich, cultured voice. "Welcome to Stoneridge House."

"Lord Charm, allow me to introduce my companion, Jenny Poole," Miranda said. "I hope you will forgive our intrusion. I only recently learned what happened to Shannon and..."

"It is no intrusion," Charm said easily as he took a seat opposite them. "I know Shannon considered you a friend. She would be pleased you came. Cole, bring something for our guests. Some of the Tartosan summer wine, perhaps."

Jenny flinched, remembering the crisp floral taste of summer wine. Three years, clean and sober, she thought, fighting the sudden longing.

"Actually, Lord Charm, do you have any fresh spring water," Miranda said smoothly. "I've been in the mortal world a long time and I miss it."

"Of course, from the headwaters of the Glimmer itself," Charm smiled. "Cole?"

"At once, my lord," the butler nodded.

"Shannon often said you inspired her," Lord Charm said a short while later.

Glimmerbrook spring water was amazing, Jenny thought. Almost enough to make her forget about summer wine.

"I... I can't imagine how," Miranda stammered in response. "We were friends at the Academy in Glimmerbrook, yes, but... inspired?"

"Your stories of the mortal world," Lord Charm replied. "Even the... unfortunate incident." A nice way to describe getting kidnapped, Jenny thought. "The way you were involved with the outside world. It was all inspiring to her."

"Was Shannon not involved in the real world? I mean our world, the... mortal... world?" Jenny asked.

"Not as a child," Lord Charm said. "My mother wouldn't allow it. She was determined that Shannon be raised in the strictest propriety, as a daughter of the Old Families. Perhaps she hoped everyone would forget the scandal."

"Scandal? I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry," Jenny added hastily. 

"Emilia, my wife, was one of the Ascended," Lord Charm said.

"A mortal with enough magic in her blood that it could be awakened with the proper rituals," Miranda explained. "It's called Ascension. It's rare but it happens sometimes."

"Among the more... let us say more traditional... members of our community, it is frowned upon," Lord Charm said. "An Ascended witch is considered little more than a mortal who has gotten above her proper station. I was, at the time, the son and heir of one of the most respected of the Old Families... Well, dalliances with mortals are expected, even encouraged... but to marry one. Oh yes, it was a great scandal.

"But I loved Emilia and I would not be swayed," he continued, gesturing at the family portrait behind them. "So we married and we had a child, Shannon, but shortly before she was born, my father was taken from us. I was required to assume his duties as Baron. I offered to bring Emilia and Shannon here to Stoneridge House, but my mother insisted Shannon be raised among our own people. Sadly, in Glimmerbrook, Emilia could not escape the whispers and the snide looks. She was always so determined to prove herself. I believe that is what led her to the experiments and ultimately to the accident that took her from us. Shannon was only a child."

"I'm so sorry," Jenny said sincerely.

"Forgive me, Ms. Poole, but you can scarcely imagine it," Lord Charm sighed. "We are immortals. My father, whose portraits hang throughout this house, led our family from the Dark Ages through to the modern era, and should be leading it still. I myself have lived longer than this Republic has existed. I should have had centuries with my wife. Centuries to watch my daughter grow into the great woman I know she could have been.

"Instead, they have been taken from me," he sighed. "Emilia, lost to the arrogance of my own people. My father and Shannon, lost to the savagery of the Dark Court."

"You believe the Dark Court killed Shannon?" Miranda asked carefully.

"Can you, of all of us, doubt it?" Lord Charm said, suddenly fierce as a blazing fire. Jenny thought she could actually feel the heat of his anger rolling across the room. "When the Dark Court has twice in a mere quarter-century committed bloody slaughter against House Silveroak. When they have struck at you, personally, even more times than that! All while the Witches' Council stands idle, calling it a private feud between House Silveroak and House Straud. Cowardice!

"Now they have struck at my House again. They have dared to take my daughter from me!" His voice was like trumpets and a driving martial drumbeat. "It will not stand. My agents are already hunting for the proof of it, and when they find it, I will address the Council. And they... they will ignore it. They will make excuses. They will plead for peace... but they will not have it! House Charm will stand with House Silveroak. The minor Houses, the scions of Lost Families, the Ascended... all those the Council and the Old Families look down upon... will rally to our banners. We will have our vengeance on the Dark Court and their murderous agents."

Jenny quivered.  

For a moment, she was ready to leap to her feet and follow him. She imagined herself marching into some glorious, epic battle alongside Baron Charm. In that instant, she would have done anything he asked and done it gladly. Her next breath shocked her back to clarity. When she'd come here, she'd been nervous to meet the magical Baron Charm of the Old Families. When she had actually met Darrel Charm, she thought he was cute, sweet and a little sad. Now, she was terrified... not just of what he wanted to do, but of the undeniable fact that Darrel, son of Augustus, Baron of House Charm, Witch of the Old Blood, might actually be able to do it.

"We're also looking for the truth of what happened to Shannon," Miranda said, her voice like the soft whisper of violins after Charm's drumbeat, soothing but somehow no less compelling. "I hope that with that truth, we can give Shannon the justice she deserves."

"I pray the Goddess brings good fortune to us both then," Lord Charm said, visibly calmed. "But, I must warn you... be careful who you trust in your search. For some years, I did not know the truth of how my father died, but I eventually learned the name of the Dark Court agent who murdered him.

"That name is Villareal."