Masquerade and Other Tales Page 17

  Feeling as though her heart would break, Kathy curled up in a corner of the sofa and watched the sun come up. Where was Jessie? What was it like for him during the day? Did he dream? How did he endure not being able to see his daughter? And what about the friends he had now? He had been in Vegas for five years. How much longer could he stay here before people began to notice that he never changed, never grew any older?

  Despair perched on her shoulders. She loved him so much, but did she love him enough to overcome the obstacles between them?

  “Jessie, oh, Jessie…what am I going to do?”

  Chapter 14

  Lying in bed, trapped in the netherworld between life and death before the Dark Sleep claimed him, Jessie heard her tears, sensed her pain and confusion. Whether she stayed with him or left, she would always be a part of him, bound to him by the blood he had taken from her. Such a small amount. She would never miss it. But it flowed through his veins, warm and sweet, binding them together, forever.

  He wondered, in a distant part of his mind, why he felt no such bond to Hester Greene. He had been taking her blood for years, yet he felt no link to her, no sense of connection. She meant nothing to him save as a source of nourishment. He knew what she was, as she knew what he was. He recalled the night they had met. He had been wandering the streets, searching for prey, when she called to him.

  “I know what you seek,” she said. “For the right price, I can give it to you.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he had replied. “Go away, old woman.”

  “My blood is strong. It will nourish you well.”

  He had stared at her, speechless.

  She had laughed softly. More like a cackle, he had thought at the time.

  “You are vampyre, are you not?”

  He started to deny it, but she held up her hand. “Come with me,” she said. “Let us talk.”

  “Aren’t you afraid to be alone with me?” he had asked bitterly. “Aren’t you afraid I might rip out your throat and drink you dry?”

  “My blood, taken by force, would poison you. Freely given, it will be sweet to the taste.”

  He had followed her home that night, and her blood had been sweet indeed. Though not as sweet as the nectar that flowed through Kathy’s veins. They had formed a friendship of sorts, the witch and the vampire. He had watched her work her magic, seen her cast spells. She sold love potions and charms, tonics to boost fertility and sexual potency. He had never believed in witchcraft, but he believed in Hester’s magic.

  Magic, he thought. Maybe that was the answer.

  * * * * *

  Hester frowned at the man sitting across the table. “Why do you wish to know? Has immortality lost its appeal?”

  “You could say that.”

  She looked at him through shrewd black eyes. “You’ve fallen in love.”

  Jessie nodded. “I don’t want to live another night without her.”

  “Make her as you are.”

  He considered that a moment, then shook his head. Even if Kathy would accept the Dark Gift, he would not wish it upon her. Not his Kathy. She was a child of the sun; she would wither and die in his dark world. Once, he had thought he wanted to live forever as he was, but no more. What good was immortality if he had to live without the woman he loved?

  “Does she know what you are?”

  Jessie nodded.

  “Then why not go on as you are?”

  I can’t. You know why.”

  “As your feelings for the woman grow deeper, the hunger grows stronger within you. You are afraid of what you might do, in a moment of passion, of weakness.”

  “Yes. Can you help me?”

  “It will be costly,” Hester replied, “But there is a way…”

  * * * * *

  Kathy didn’t see Jessie for the next four nights. She wasn’t surprised, but she couldn’t help feeling hurt. And lonely. He had become a part of her life in such a short time. Even when they weren’t together, he was constantly in her thoughts. She knew he was giving her time to think, but his absence hurt nonetheless.

  Think. That was all she did. She hardly left her room except for meals. Shopping had lost its appeal. The bright lights seemed dull and ordinary, the whir of the roulette wheel, the click of dice, all seemed to mock her loneliness. Everywhere she looked, there were people talking, laughing, having fun. She had never felt so alone in her whole life.

  On the fifth night without him, she went to the late show at the casino. Needing to see him, hear his voice, but not wanting to be seen, she took a table in a back corner.

  Her heartbeat increased the moment he stepped on stage. Hungry for the sight of him, her eyes devoured him. Jessie…oh, Jessie, how I’ve missed you.

  She sat in the shadows, her gaze never leaving the stage. She would leave as soon as the show was over, and he would never know she had been there. Or so she thought.

  He was half-way into his first song when his gaze swept the crowd and settled on her face.

  He went on singing, never missing a beat, but it wasn’t the words of the song she heard. It was his voice, in her mind.

  I’ve missed you, too, darlin’. Will you meet me after the show?

  She nodded, and a flood of warmth flowed through her at the mere thought of being close to him again. Four days without him was time enough to know she didn’t want to live without him. It didn’t matter that he was a vampire, didn’t matter that he couldn’t share her days, or give her children. All that mattered was that she loved him more than anything in the world. She would share his nights, and if he agreed, they could adopt a child.

  I love you, darlin’.

  And I love you!

  His eyes burned into hers, flooding her with heat. And then, incredible as it seemed, she felt his mouth on hers, his hands moving in her hair. She stared at him, wondering how it was possible for him to be on stage, singing, when she could feel his lips on hers.

  Jessie…oh, Jessie!

  She was breathing heavily when he broke the bond between them.

  Later, darlin’.

  Yes. Oh, yes.

  She glanced at her watch, willing the hands to move faster.

  It had been four night since she had watched him perform. Only four nights, yet he seemed more vibrant than she remembered. More alive, she thought, and laughed out loud. Alive. That was funny. More undead? No, that didn’t work either. But something had changed. And she knew, somehow, that it was because he had taken her blood.

  No, darlin’. His voice again, whispering in her mind. It’s knowing you love me.

  That night, every song he sang seemed to have a message that was just for her. Playing for Keeps. Pocketful of Rainbows. Today, Tomorrow and Forever. Anyway You Want Me. Tonight Is So Right For Love. Always On My Mind.

  Burning Love.

  He closed with I Want You, I Need You, I Love You. By then, her heart was pounding with anticipation.

  The crowd was on its feet, applauding wildly, when he left the stage.

  As though drawn by a string, Kathy stood up and hurried toward the side door that led backstage. Walter was waiting for her, a huge grin on his face.

  “It’s good to see you again, Miss Browne.”

  “Thank you, Walter.”

  “He’s missed you.”

  “And I’ve missed him.”

  And then he was there, sweeping her into his arms. The crowd was still applauding, and she knew he had cut his curtain calls short, knew that tonight he wouldn’t go back and sing just one more song.

  “The car’s waiting,” Walter said.

  Jessie nodded. “Good, let’s get out of here.”

  As soon as they were in the car, Jessie drew her into his arms again. “Four nights without you was four too many, Kathy darlin’.”

  “I know.”

  He kissed her then, the heat of his lips chasing away the last vestiges of doubt.

  “Miss me?” He murmured the question between hungry kisses.

&
nbsp; “You know I did.”

  “I’m glad you came tonight.”

  “You weren’t supposed to know I was here.”

  He laughed softly. “Ah, darlin’, I will always know when you’re near.”

  “Jessie, let’s get married. Now. Tonight.”

  He laughed again. “I guess you really did miss me.”

  “More than you can imagine.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I can imagine quite a bit.”

  She went suddenly still as his lips nibbled the tender skin behind her ear. She shivered when his teeth grazed her neck.

  “Relax, darlin’. It’s just a kiss.” But he could smell her blood flowing warm and sweet, calling to him. He felt the prick of his fangs against his tongue, and he drew back.

  “I’m sorry.” She took a deep breath. “Do you want to….need to…?”

  Did he want to? Foolish question.

  “It’s all right, if you do.”

  He shook his head, afraid one taste wouldn’t be enough.

  “Really, it’s all right.”

  He cupped her face in his hands, loving her more in that moment than ever before. “Kathy…”

  She looked deep into his eyes, her expression earnest. “What do you do when you…you know?”

  “A little old lady takes care of it.”

  Kathy frowned as images from old Dracula movies flashed through her mind. In the movies, the vampires always ravished innocent young women, stealing their blood and their virtue.

  “It’s not like in the movies. This little old lady is a witch.”

  “A witch!”

  Jessie nodded, suddenly serious. “Kathy, she thinks she can make me mortal again.”

  “Really? Oh, Jessie, that would be wonderful!” Excitement raced through her as she imagined a life with Jessie, a real life, a whole life. And then, seeing his expression, she frowned. “Is it what you want?”

  “Yes.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “It carries an element of risk.”

  “What kind of risk?”

  Jessie lowered the window that divided the front seat from the back. “Walter, take us to Hester’s.”

  “Yessir, boss.”

  Kathy waited until the window was up again before she asked, “Is she the witch?”

  “Yeah. I think she’d better explain it to you.”

  Hester Greene didn’t look like a witch, Kathy thought, more like an old-fashioned grandmother, with her gray hair neatly tucked into a bun.

  “So,” Hester said as she led them into the parlor. “This is the one.”

  Jessie nodded.

  “Have you told her?”

  “I thought I’d let you do it.”

  Hester smiled as she sat down in a wooden rocking chair. A large black cat jumped into her lap. She stroked it absently. “Mr. Singer has asked me about the possibility of becoming human again,” she began. “I have told him there is a way.”

  “He said it could be dangerous. Is that right?”

  “Yes, there is a risk.”

  “What kind of risk?”

  “It is an ancient cure, based on love.”

  “That doesn’t sound so dangerous.”

  “To restore his humanity, he will need the blood of one who has nourished life…” She inclined her head. “My blood. And the blood of love. Your blood. We will add a few ingredients…” She laughed, though Kathy thought it was more of a cackle. “Not eye of newt or the tail of a lizard, I assure you. Merely some rare herbs.”

  “And then what?”

  “He must drink it.”

  “At midnight during a full moon?” Kathy asked, and instantly regretted her words. But it all seemed so bizarre. Vampires and witches and magic spells.

  “I understand your hesitation, your skepticism,” Hester said. “Your fear.”

  “What will happen if it doesn’t work?”

  “I’m afraid Mr. Singer will die.”

  Kathy shuddered. “Isn’t he already…?” She couldn’t say the word.

  “In a manner of speaking.”

  Kathy took Jessie’s hand in hers and stood up. “Let’s go.”

  “No, Kathy. I want to do it.”

  “Now?”

  He nodded.

  “No. I’m not willing to risk your life.”

  Hester stood up, cradling the cat against her shoulder. “I think you two need to discuss this in private,” she said, and left the room.

  “Kathy, I’ve thought it over. I can’t ask you to give up everything you want out of life to be with me. It isn’t fair.”

  “You’re everything I want. I won’t let you do this.”

  “I thought you loved me.”

  “I do! You know I do!”

  “Then it will work. If our love is as strong, as true, as we think it is, everything will be all right.”

  Kathy shook her head. “No, please, Jessie, I’m afraid.”

  “Kathy, I want to share all your life. Not just the nights, but the mornings and afternoons. I want to give you children. Lots of children. I want to show you the world.”

  “Can’t we wait awhile? There’s no rush, is there?”

  “With every day that passes, I lose a little more of myself. Do you understand?”

  “No.”

  He drew her back down on the sofa. “I don’t need much blood to survive, but I find myself wanting it, craving it more and more. I don’t want to lose what’s left of my humanity, Kathy. I’m afraid I might hurt you.” He took a deep breath. Even now, the beast within him was stirring, making itself known.

  “I’m not afraid.”

  “But I am.”

  “Let’s go, Jessie. I don’t want to decide tonight.” She looked up at him.

  “Please.”

  “All right, darlin’.”

  Hester materialized in the room as if she’d been conjured there, and walked them to the front door. “Let me know what you decide.”

  When they reached the hotel, Jessie sent the car away. Hand in hand, they crossed the lobby toward the elevators.

  Kathy’s heart was pounding in her ears when they entered her suite.

  As soon as Jessie closed the door, she moved into his arms, her mouth seeking his.

  There was no need for words, not now.

  Jessie carried her into the bedroom, gently removed her clothes, then quickly shed his own. She drew him against her when he slipped into bed beside her, buried her head in the hollow of his shoulder.

  “I’ve got to do it, Kathy,” he said quietly. “Please try to understand.”

  “I am.”

  “I believe in you,” he said, stroking her hair. “In us. I’m not afraid.”

  He made love to her ever so gently, as if they had all the time in the world, as if it didn’t matter that dawn was only a few short hours away. He held her and caressed her, and all the while he whispered that he loved her, would always love her.

  She wept bittersweet tears, knowing that if her love wasn’t true enough, if Hester’s witchcraft wasn’t strong enough, this would be the last night they spent together.

  With a cry, she drew him closer. The spark between them ignited again, burning hotter, brighter, than the sun he had not seen for over a decade, and burned yet again, until she felt him go suddenly still.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “Dawn…”

  She glanced at the window and saw that the sky was growing bright.

  “Kathy, go.”

  “What?”

  “Leave me. Now.”

  “But why?”

  “I don’t….” He took a deep breath, as if it was effort to speak. “Shouldn’t have come here. Don’t want you to…to see me…”

  She started to scoot out of bed, and then stopped, hypnotized by what was happening to him. His eyes closed and he went still all over. She placed her hand on his chest. She could detect no heartbeat, no sign of life at all. His skin was cold.

  “Jessie? Jessie!”


  She scrambled off the bed, shaken to the very core of her being by the sight of him lying there. As still as death.

  Time and again, as the day wore on, she went into the bedroom to look at him. He never moved. What if he really was dead? In the movies, the vampire always had to return to his coffin before dawn. What if Jessie had to sleep in his own bed?

  It was the longest day of her life. She tried to read, tried to watch tv., but she couldn’t concentrate on anything, think of anything, except the man sleeping the sleep of the dead, or the undead, in the next room.

  She had considered asking Jessie to make her a vampire, but after today, she knew that a vampire’s life – or death – or whatever it was – definitely was not for her.

  Slowly, oh so slowly, the minutes ticked by. She was standing at the window, watching the sunset, when she felt his presence behind her.

  “Kathy?”

  “What?” She didn’t turn around, just stood there, staring out the window.

  Jessie took a deep breath. No one had ever seen him while he was caught in the dark sleep of the undead. He didn’t have to wonder what Kathy had thought. He could sense her revulsion, see it in the set of her shoulders, the way she refused to look at him.

  He took a deep breath. “Are you ready to go see Hester now?”

  Chapter 15

  Kathy felt a sharp stab of trepidation as she crossed the threshold into Hester Greene’s house. Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly….

  She reached for Jessie’s hand as she sat down on the sofa beside him, her heart pounding wildly as she watched Hester move about the room. Tonight, the old woman looked like a witch. She wore a flowing black dress. The skirt was embroidered with bright yellow moons and silver stars. A heavy gold pendant in the shape of a half-moon hung from her neck. Silver bracelets adorned her wrists. A large black cat followed at her heels like a puppy.