89)

No one looked my way from the table, but I was sure at least Otaru and the Witch were listening in. I could still move a bit further away, but I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t make any difference.

“I can only think of one vampire with a reason to head my way, and someone let slip she was on the run. Can you pick up anything else about who it is Sheriff?”

Adora made a little growling sound of frustration. “We will be having a talk later about this someone. I call only tell by the feel that it’s one of them and that the people with it are under it’s control. I made the call to start getting people coming your way and I'll be there as soon as I can."

Her tone changed to one of chagrin. “But first, I have to gather my people together before we move in on them. They will reach you first. I need you to get you and your guests somewhere safe and lock your house down until I can get there.”

My son had made his way from the dining room and out into the hall with me, making no effort to hide the fact he could hear every word.

I gave him a nod. “Adora, you know who I have visiting me here, right? The kids I can hide away with their parents to keep them in hiding. But the others… They won’t hide and they will not be in danger, but the vampire and her people will be.”

There was a moment of silence on the line before Adora spoke up again. “I don’t really know enough about these people to judge that for myself, but I trust your judgment John. Getting a bunch of people under a vampire’s influence hurt is not something I want… But if it’s them or you. You are one of my people. Let them bleed if you must.”

Damn. Not sure how to feel about that, but she has chosen me twice over. Guess I got to take… us, as something serious.

“I’m pretty confident I can keep this a conversation instead of a confrontation for long enough for you to get here Adora. Which would be best since I think it will cost me more than I’m willing to give if I have to let my guests deal with this.”

My son nodded at me with a grimace.

I heard Adora growl as I felt something cold and rotting turn it’s attention to my domain. “She getting close to you John. Stay alive until I get there.” Then she hung up.

My son seemed to struggle with something inside himself before his shoulder’s slumped. “I can’t go out there to help you dad. They won’t get to the kids, and I will protect your brother and his son… but if you can’t protect your home...”

I nodded back to him. “Then we lose.” and sighed. “I already said this is your home now, take my seat and keep dinner going. I’ll be outside.”

So, guns?

No. I can’t fight an entire group with guns all by myself. I also didn't want to shoot anyone who had been brought here against their will. At least not if the kids weren't in danger.

Besides, if I walk out there with a gun it would be like I was looking for a fight and didn’t have anything else to fight with. I was better off keeping her in doubt as to what I was capable of.

Instead, I slipped off my jacket. Loosened my tie enough to take it off without losing the knot. And popped open the top button of my shirt.

I would have changed into something more like a tee shirt and some jeans, but I didn’t have the time. And looking classy but casual might hold things up long enough for my woman to save my wrinkly old ass.

I just had to hope that having allies among the locals counted as part of my ability to help protect the kids. Worst come to worst I could always claim I was their leader and hope none of the werewolves called me out on it.

Or worst. Decided it was a great idea. I really don’t know how all that works, but I'm guessing it would be a major pain.

Heading out the front door I slipped my hands into my pockets to keep them from shaking and walked over to the head of the drive and waited until I felt like something cold and wet with decay was breathing down my neck.

Then I pulled out my phone and opened the front gate.

I turned on the intercom. “No need to lurk out there in the darkness Constance. Walk across my threshold... We should talk.”

Damn, I hope that sounded confident. Because she isn’t the only one listening and judging my every word.