’WPCń ńKŠløG*±”ę…RÖļģE#›~€s¦č ē€hh—Ż7Jßąn?øņ|ßO XłpgŠå Pö<“Õ”•/čĢ*1æćc’ŒK°¦jš:żįkŚ<ęåĘÕ£e„+Ÿ"õxƒĮTDż° šęžÉ–˜8_Ū=d,R²Ļ›»¬qó)<ęš1Pd.Ą~¦7āU ¦Gż¼7€ÅĄ×Ū\ęeqŲ xmß0±æõS°:ƒd‚-č©H'įM=kˆœĘŪ2<ȅry]†|Ÿzdŗźģk®ūŻWäńü{4ē9ĖiL™bŠ#&m „„@„Æ<4ŅurՐĢĘ2÷ ±Ā§½O"ż:ŻąŒ¤4әońRCtš·żb”96YÆüd²$‹>{«Jy•ļŪ”‡8%–?£I -¹‰pƒ®,Ż7xAÉéßwT¾…’ąŹņƌ%ßøä7Tō\›ešŒ–ŒØ”GłA4õ…¾“Ļ}­³‘’¶P{“ņß“üW9Ī4mĄY?ډŒŌWĪĄU{ĒS5¤'Y_Ą‰h޲—ł+õ09łóä^LAŌQŽįĄŹ†'ą<ĖĀ+1(_V\Øyēį'/Pˆīr!+ŸY¾®¼[Ģ‚É,l #Į¶UNw %Å^ Ė 0:×w4)8 m:žQNļ˜Fax0'Ör Z‹6Times New Roman RegularX¹&7 (üœ$””ŌUSUS.,ŌʓV6stbox93|xr’U‹’ĄĄĄ ×  ' $Administrator$0Administrator .   Ż ƒüœ!ŻŌUSUS.,ŌŻ  ŻŌ_ŌÓ€ÓĢĢThe€Vampire€and€MeŠ \¬ ŠĢĢChapter€OneŠ ^ ®  ŠĢą  ąLas€Vegas€is€a€perfect€setting€for€vice.€€Itššs€also,€sometimes€rather€surprisingly,€a€largeŠ  Z  Šcommunity€of€ordinary€people€quite€apart€from€the€tourists€who€come€to€watch€the€Rat€Pack€sing€atŠ `°  Šthe€Sands€and€the€Dunes€hotels€or€gamble€their€lives€away€at€any€of€the€flashy€casinos.€€OrdinaryŠ ¶  Šhomes€and€neighborhoods€creep€out€into€the€desert€from€the€central€areas,€Downtown€and€the€Strip,Š  \  Štentacles€of€life€pumping€blood€into€the€main€attraction.€€Theyššre€the€people€who€make€the€beds,Š b² Šclean€the€rooms,€guard€the€Ō_ŌcoatroomsŌ_Ō,€cook€and€serve€the€meals,€and€who€offer...€otherŠ ø Šentertainment.Š ^ Šą  ąBonnie€Ō_ŌMichaelsŌ_Ō€was€born€in€Vegas.€€Sheššd€grown€up€playing€in€the€heat„soaked€streets,Š d“ Šwatching€her€mother€in€her€glamorous€gowns€and€sultry€makeup€entertain€a€wide€array€of€men,€butŠ ŗ  Šthere€were€always€one€or€two€special€benefactors€who€took€care€of€them.€€The€house€sheššd€grown€upŠ `  Šin€had€been€provided€by€š šDaddy€Davis,šš€who€had€liked€to€come€on€the€weekends€and€relax€withŠ f¶" Šthem,€taking€Momma€out€to€dinner€and€shows.€€He€pulled€Bonnieššs€ponytails€and€teased.€€SheššdŠ ¼ $ Šliked€him€a€great€deal.€€When€he€left€forever,€š šDaddy€Alanšš€came.€€He€hadnššt€been€quite€as€nice,Š b& Špreferring€to€believe€Momma€didnššt€have€any€children€at€all.€€But€heššd€stayed€longer,€and€MommaŠ hø( Šhad€been€very€happy€while€heššd€provided€for€them.Š ¾ * Šą  ąBonnie€knew€nothing€of€her€real€daddy,€although€she€knew€Momma€kept€a€picture€of€aŠ "d, Šhandsome€soldier€in€uniform€tucked€between€her€mattress€and€box€springs,€along€with€a€faded€blueŠ j#ŗ. Šribbon€and€a€letter€that€read€only,€Š Ą$ 0 Šą0  ąą0` (#(#ąš šBelgium,€15€December,€1944.€€Š&f!2` (#` (# Šą0  ąą0` (#(#ąDear€Molly,Šl'¼"4` (#` (# Šą0  ąą0` (#(#ąI€think€this€is€very€nearly€the€end€of€it€all.€€I€donššt€despair,€though,€because€I€thinkŠ Ā($6 Šabout€you€and€the€wee€Bonnie€girl€and€it€gives€me€more€strength€than€you€couldŠ *h%8 Špossibly€imagine.€€I€can€hear€explosions€and€smell€death€but€through€it€all,€I€know€IŠ n+¾&: Šhave€something€so€important€to€live€for€I€canššt€stop€fighting€for€it.€€If€all€the€worldŠ Ä,(< ŠŌ_Ōblows€up€tomorrow,€at€least€I€know€Iššm€loved.€€Iššm€going€to€get€some€sleep€tonightŠ ° Šand€Iššll€write€more€tomorrow.ššŠV` (#` (# Šą  ąApparently,€tomorrow€never€came.€€Bonnie€didnššt€know€who€the€soldier€was,€but€once€sheššdŠ \¬ Šseen€Momma€crying€over€it.€€It€was€the€one€time€sheššd€asked€about€it,€and€Mommaššs€reaction€hadŠ ² Šmade€Bonnie€put€away€the€memory€herself,€and€she€never€asked€again.Š  X Šą  ąBonnie€always€knew,€in€a€way,€that€Momma€was€different€from€the€other€mothers€around.€Š ^ ®  ŠShe€heard€the€whispers€and€saw€the€sideways€looks,€but€it€never€really€affected€her€much€until€sheŠ “   Šturned€fifteen€and€Momma€started€to€train€her.€€How€to€attract€a€man,€how€to€interest€him,€how€to€beŠ  Z  Ša€proper€mistress.€€How€to€gain€a€benefactor,€a€man€who€would€take€care€of€her€but€not€for€marriage.€Š `°  Šš šMarrying€a€man€is€just€handing€him€all€your€rights,šš€Momma€would€say€with€a€sniff,€wheneverŠ ¶  Šthey€passed€one€of€Vegasššs€many€wedding€chapels.€€š šWhat€you€want€is€all€the€benefits€of€marriageŠ  \  Šwithout€those€foolish€entanglements.€€Like€I€have€with€your€Daddy€Alan.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šYes,€Momma,šš€Bonnie€would€reply.€€It€wasnššt€until€she€was€sixteen€that€she€reallyŠ ø Šunderstood€what€it€meant.Š ^ Šą  ąWhen€she€turned€eighteen€she€found€her€first€benefactor€and€moved€permanently€out€ofŠ d“ ŠMommaššs€house.€€He€was€an€older€man,€who€came€to€Vegas€rather€regularly,€and€liked€the€idea€of€aŠ ŗ  Šhouse€and€a€mistress€to€care€for€it€for€the€times€when€heššd€visit.€€Robert€was€much€older€thanŠ `  ŠBonnie,€full€of€fun€and€somewhat€mischievous,€and€Bonnie€liked€him.€€He€made€few€demands€onŠ f¶" Šher€physically,€although€he€enjoyed€that€part€of€their€arrangement€as€well,€and€cared€only€that€sheŠ ¼ $ Šaccompanied€him€when€he€wanted€her€to,€she€kept€his€house€nice€for€his€visits,€and€she€always€madeŠ b& Šherself€available€to€him€when€he€needed€or€wanted€her.€€In€exchange€he€set€her€up€with€a€place€toŠ hø( Šlive€and€an€generous€allowance€and€Bonnie€found€herself€living€the€way€her€mother€wanted€her€to.€Š ¾ * ŠIn€many€ways,€she€enjoyed€it€a€great€deal.Š "d, Šą  ąThen€he€died.€€She€found€herself€staggered€by€his€loss€in€many€ways,€the€first€of€which€wasŠ j#ŗ. Šthe€discovery€that€her€house€was€not€her€own.€€His€relatives€put€her€out€on€the€street€with€nothing€butŠ Ą$ 0 Šher€meager€savings,€which€had€given€her€fair€warning€not€to€rely€on€just€the€possibility€of€aŠ &f!2 Šbenefactor€always€being€there.€€Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąBut€Bonnie€had€several€things€going€for€her,€and€she€had€her€fancy€gowns,€her€wits,€and€herŠ Ā($6 Šlooks,€all€of€which€she€knew€how€to€use€to€her€advantage.€€She€knew€her€mother€had€lost€more€thanŠ *h%8 Šone€benefactor€and€had€always€bounced€back.€€Bonnie€could€do€the€same.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąThe€Sands€hotel€and€casino€was€a€grand€place,€filled€to€the€brim€with€high„roller€tourists€andŠ Ä,(< Šslack„jawed€yokels€who€came€to€gawk€at€Las€Vegas€and€all€its€glitz.€€Bonnie€knew€her€way€around€aŠ ° Šcasino,€of€course,€since€Robert€had€been€very€fond€of€gambling,€and€she€knew€that€men€of€his€Ō_ŌcalibreŌ_ŌŠ V Štended€to€congregate€around€the€high€stakes€areas,€baccarat€and€poker.€€She€had€planned€on€tryingŠ \¬ Šthe€baccarat€room€first,€just€because€it€was€generally€higher€stakes€and€she€figured€she€might€as€wellŠ ² Šstart€at€the€top,€but€the€poker€room€was€filled€with€players€and€spectators,€watching€a€fairly€hot€gameŠ  X Šin€the€center,€and€Bonnie€found€herself€attracted€to€it€as€well.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąSitting€at€the€table€were€six€men,€including€the€dealer,€playing€in€grim„faced€silence.€Š “   ŠBonnieššs€eyes€slid€over€each€of€them€appraisingly.€€The€dealer€she€discounted€immediately,€forŠ  Z  Šseveral€reasons;€she€knew€a€dealer€made€good€money,€but€he€was€a€working€man,€and€moreŠ `°  Šimportantly,€he€was€a€local.€€Such€entanglements€generally€led€to€proposals€if€a€girl€wasnššt€careful.€Š ¶  ŠBonnie€had€met€other€girls€like€herself€whoššd€made€that€mistake.Š  \  Šą  ąThe€man€to€the€dealerššs€right€looked€like€a€professional€gambler.€€He€played€with€a€blankŠ b² Šface€and€a€lot€of€money€and€didnššt€drink€much,€keeping€his€wits€sharp.€€He€was€probably€in€hisŠ ø Šfifties,€and€if€he€were€a€professional,€then€it€was€possible€he€was€also€a€local,€and€more,€made€hisŠ ^ Šliving€on€the€turn€of€a€card.€€He€was€definitely€out.€€The€next€player€was€much€more€promising,€aŠ d“ Šman€of€obvious€means,€in€a€nice€suit€with€the€collar€undone€and€a€good€stack€of€chips€in€front€ofŠ ŗ  Šhim.€€He€might€have€been€in€his€late€forties,€which€was€a€perfect€age,€and€he€didnššt€look€like€heŠ `  Šplayed€for€anything€but€fun.€€Still,€Bonnie€looked€around€the€rest€of€the€circle.Š f¶" Šą  ąAcross€from€the€dealer€was€a€tall€man€who€didnššt€look€like€he€was€even€old€enough€to€be€inŠ ¼ $ Šthe€casino.€€He€was€smoking€and€drinking€heavily,€but€his€expression€was€sharp€and€his€stack€ofŠ b& Šchips€was€as€impressive€as€the€older€men.€€He€played€with€as€much€cutthroat€determination€and€coolŠ hø( Šlack€of€expression€as€the€professional,€but€he€always€had€a€bright€smile€for€the€waitress€who€came€toŠ ¾ * Šfreshen€drinks.€€In€fact,€when€Bonnie€first€saw€that€smile€she€sat€dazed€for€a€moment,€unable€to€lookŠ "d, Šfurther.€€The€smile€turned€him€from€middle„attractive€to€heart„Ō_ŌstoppinglyŌ_Ō€handsome,€his€youthfulŠ j#ŗ. Šface€matured€by€the€slightest€crinkles€at€the€corners€of€his€enormous€eyes,€an€expression€that€was€soŠ Ą$ 0 Šnatural€and€honest€he€was€suddenly€and€oddly€breathtaking.€€When€those€huge€eyes€caught€her€gaze,Š &f!2 Šthat€smile€turned€its€million„watt€power€on€her.€€Bonnieššs€pulse€jumped,€her€heart€in€her€throat.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąGood€God,€the€last€thing€she€needed€was€to€be€attracted€to€some€boy,€probably€on€his€firstŠ Ā($6 Štrip€to€Vegas€and€spending€his€fatherššs€money.€€For€money€he€had,€and€apparently€copious€amountsŠ *h%8 Šof€it.€€He€bet€ruthlessly€and€bluffed€without€mercy,€and€he€was€wearing€a€well„tailored,€glitzyŠ n+¾&: ŠWestern€style€suit€and€had€a€gold€pocket€watch€slung€across€his€vest.€€There€was€a€heavy€gold€ringŠ Ä,(< Šon€his€hand€with€a€family€crest€on€it,€not€unlike€the€coat„of„arms€that€Momma€used€to€have€on€herŠ ° Šwall.€€His€hair€was€long€on€top,€curly€like€Dean€Martinššs€hair,€and€a€rich€brown€that€shone€a€little€inŠ V Šthe€light,€and€he€wore€long€Elvis„style€sideburns€that€edged€his€jaw.€€He€was€drinking€whiskey€on€theŠ \¬ Šrocks€and€it€didnššt€appear€that€it€had€dulled€his€senses€any.€€Several€of€the€hands€came€down€to€him,Š ² Šthe€dealer,€and€the€professional,€with€some€pots€going€one€way€and€some€the€other.Š  X Šą  ąBonnie€forced€herself€to€look€at€the€rest€of€the€players.€€A€tourist,€of€the€most€obvious€kind,Š ^ ®  Šwho€had€probably€never€been€to€Vegas€before€and€never€would€come€again.€€The€last€one€of€thoseŠ “   Šsorts€who€played€for€enjoyment€and€didnššt€worry€one€way€or€the€other€whether€he€won€since€heŠ  Z  Šwasnššt€betting€heavily.€€She€turned€her€gaze€back€to€her€most€promising€target,€trying€to€keep€fromŠ `°  Šlooking€again€at€the€handsome€boy.€€When€he€caught€her€not„looking€at€him,€he€winked€at€her,€notŠ ¶  Šshifting€his€real€attention€from€the€cards€in€his€hand.€€Bonnie€swallowed€and€looked€away.Š  \  Šą  ąThe€last€thing€she€needed€right€now€was€a€distraction€from€the€business€at€hand,€and€sheŠ b² Šnever€let€herself€think€that€what€she€did€was€anything€but€a€business.€€She€curled€her€legs€in€close€toŠ ø Šher€chair€and€watched€the€best€prospect€for€her€future€benefactor,€trying€to€banish€all€thoughts€of€theŠ ^ Šyoungster€with€the€dazzling€smile.Š d“ Šą  ąWhen€the€table€changed€dealers,€the€players€wordlessly€agreed€to€a€break.€€The€tourist€foldedŠ ŗ  Šand€gathered€what€remained€of€his€chips,€while€the€other€men€left€their€belongings€while€they€rose€toŠ `  Šstretch.€€Best€Prospect,€standing,€cut€a€fine€figure.€€Bonnie€nodded€to€herself€as€she€sized€him€up.€€HeŠ f¶" Šhad€a€pretty€good€face,€too.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąThen€the€youngster€stood.€€Heššd€looked€tall€while€seated;€standing,€he€loomed€over€everyŠ b& Šman€there.€€He€was€remarkably€thin€but€his€shoulders€were€broad.€€Bonnie€guessed€heššd€fill€out€quiteŠ hø( Ša€bit€as€he€got€older.€€He€hesitated€at€the€table,€his€long€fingers€resting€on€top€of€his€chips,€and€tookŠ ¾ * Šout€his€pocket€watch,€opening€it€to€look€at€the€time.Š "d, Šą  ąš šGot€some€kind€of€appointment€there,€sonny?šš€asked€Best€Prospect.€€The€youngster€glancedŠ j#ŗ. Šup€at€him.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌYessirŌ_Ō,šš€he€said€in€a€slow€drawl,€something€Southern.€€Bonnie€was€used€to€hearing€allŠ &f!2 Šmanner€of€accents€in€her€home€town.€€š šI€ainššt€Ō_ŌmissinŌ_Ōšš€Dean€Martin€tonight.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šAh,€lucky€boy,šš€replied€Best€Prospect.€€š šMy€wife€and€I€couldnššt€get€tickets.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąThe€youngster€grinned€and€stuck€out€his€hand.€€š šSean€Patrick€OššConnor.€€Been€a€realŠ *h%8 Špleasure€Ō_ŌplayinŌ_Ōšš€with€you,€sir.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šYouššve€got€a€pretty€damned€cool€head€for€a€kid€your€age,šš€replied€Best€Prospect,€shakingŠ Ä,(< ŠŌ_Ōthe€offered€hand.€€š šYou€took€the€throat€out€of€that€guy,šš€he€jerked€his€thumb€at€the€professionalŠ ° Šgambler,€who€was€taking€the€break€having€a€smoke€and€chatting€up€one€of€the€showgirls€who€hadŠ V Šgone€fluttering€by€on€their€way€to€the€main€lounge.€€š šI€wasnššt€expecting€that€level€of€play€when€IŠ \¬ Šcame€in€here.ššŠ ² Šą  ąOššConnor€grinned.€€š šWell,€Iššm€a€little€older€than€I€look.€€Iššve€been€playing€for€a€while.šš€€HeŠ  X Šlooked€at€his€watch€again.€€š šI€can€sit€in€a€few€more€hands.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šDamn.€€I€thought€maybe€we€could€shed€you€and€I€had€a€chance€here,šš€replied€BestŠ “   ŠProspect,€laughing.Š  Z  Šą  ąBonnie€was€sorry€he€hadnššt€introduced€himself.€€She€was€curious€to€know€his€name.€€SheŠ `°  Škept€her€eyes€on€him€as€the€men€returned€to€the€game,€wondering€the€best€way€to€approach€this€one.€Š ¶  ŠMarried,€that€wasnššt€really€a€problem,€but€how€happily?€€A€very€happily€married€man€was€lessŠ  \  Šlikely€to€want€a€mistress,€but€as€Momma€always€said,€every€man€secretly€wanted€one.€€Given€theŠ b² Šopportunity,€would€this€one€bite?Š ø Šą  ąShe€felt€someone€watching€her€and€turned.€€It€was€OššConnor,€his€huge€brown€eyes€nowŠ ^ Šappraising,€taking€in€her€figure€with€rather€more€than€the€cheerful€gentlemanly€demeanor€heššdŠ d“ Šshowed€before.€€The€look€made€her€insides€a€little€gooey€for€a€moment,€before€he€noticed€she€wasŠ ŗ  Šlooking€back€and€the€bedroom€eyes€abruptly€vanished,€the€expression€returning€instantly€to€what€itŠ `  Šhad€been€before.€€Whatever€else,€he€appeared€to€have€been€exceptionally€well€brought€up.€€ButŠ f¶" Šunderneath€it€there€was€still€a€pretty€randy€young€man.€€Bonnie€found€herself€wondering€what€itŠ ¼ $ Šmight€be€like€to€sleep€with€a€man€who€wasnššt€old€enough€to€be€her€father.€€Or€even€older€brother.€Š b& ŠThis€OššConnor€didnššt€have€a€single€grey€hair€or€line€on€his€face,€other€than€the€laugh€lines€aroundŠ hø( Šhis€eyes€that€showed€up€when€he€smiled.€€And€his€hands€were€beautiful,€long€and€fine,€man€enoughŠ ¾ * Što€have€had€a€manicure,€the€hands€of€an€aristocrat.Š "d, Šą  ąHow€rich€was€he,€anyway?Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šRidiculous,€Bonnie,šš€she€chided€herself€under€her€breath.€€Momma€had€always€said€thatŠ Ą$ 0 Šyoung€men€were€off€the€radar,€because€a€young€man€would€want€marriage€and€entanglements.€€NoŠ &f!2 Šyoung€man€was€ready€to€set€himself€up€a€mistress€in€another€city.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąThe€game€lasted€another€hour€before€OššConnor€cashed€in.€€Bonnie€tried€not€to€watch€him€asŠ Ā($6 Šhe€gathered€his€winnings€and€exited€the€poker€room.€€Instead,€she€refocused€her€attention€on€herŠ *h%8 Šprospect,€working€up€in€her€mind€the€best€way€to€approach.€€She€waited€until€he€finished€his€gameŠ n+¾&: Šplay,€although€it€was€getting€quite€late,€and€didnššt€exactly€follow€him€to€the€bar,€but€aimed€in€moreŠ Ä,(< Šor€less€the€same€direction.Š ° Šą  ąShe€found€him€seated€at€the€bar,€paying€for€a€drink€rather€than€sitting€at€a€slot€machine€to€getŠ V Ša€watered„down€handout.€€Bonnie€checked€her€reflection€in€the€mirror€behind€the€bar€as€she€sat€downŠ \¬ Šnext€to€him.€€š šBuy€a€girl€a€drink?šš€she€asked€softly.Š ² Šą  ąHe€glanced€sideways€at€her.€€š šSorry,€honey,€Iššm€not€looking€to€hire€a€hooker.ššŠ  X Šą  ąHis€flat€insult€was€delivered€in€a€patronizing€tone,€as€though€she€were€not€only€completelyŠ ^ ®  Šbeneath€him,€but€beneath€even€the€words€he€was€speaking.€€She€felt€them€cut€her,€much€more€deeplyŠ “   Šthan€they€should€have,€and€for€a€moment€she€was€struck€completely€dumb.€€She€swallowed€andŠ  Z  Šlooked€again€at€herself€in€the€mirror.Š `°  Šą  ąHer€dress,€while€somewhat€low€cut,€was€a€modest€rich€blue.€€It€was€a€classic€cut,€not€at€allŠ ¶  Šš šmod.šš€€Bonnie€preferred€styles€that€hearkened€back€to€the€late€fifties,€the€cool€elegance€of€the€post„Š  \  Šwar€years.€€Her€long€blonde€hair€was€swept€back€from€her€face€and€caught€in€loose€braids€behind€herŠ b² Šhead,€where€the€rest€hung€loose€to€her€waist.€€She€didnššt€need€to€wear€a€fall,€it€was€all€her€own€hair.€Š ø ŠHer€makeup€was€perfect,€as€fine€as€any€woman€here.€€She€wouldnššt€be€out€of€place€anywhere,€andŠ ^ Šshe€knew€it.€€Certainly€she€wasnššt€thin€enough€to€effect€Twiggyššs€fashions,€but€she€knew€she€lookedŠ d“ Šquite€good.€€The€insult€was€making€her€face€hot.€€She€could€see€high€color€in€her€cheeks.€€š šI€begŠ ŗ  Šyour€pardon?šš€she€managed.Š `  Šą  ąš šCome€on,€sweetie,€I€saw€you€checkinšš€out€the€guys,šš€her€ššbest€prospectšš€said€in€that€sameŠ f¶" Šderisive€tone.€€š šMove€on,€sugar.€€I€donššt€need€to€pay€for€it.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šIššll€thank€you€to€be€a€little€more€polite€to€the€lady,šš€came€a€slow€drawl€from€over€herŠ b& Šshoulder.€€Bonnie€whipped€around€to€see€young€Mr.€OššConnor,€a€crease€between€his€eyebrows€fromŠ hø( Šhis€frown€as€he€glared.€€Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šLady?€€Shit,€kid,€youššre€fooling€yourself€with€that€one,šš€was€the€reply.Š "d, Šą  ąOššConnor€seemed€to€move€like€a€blink.€€He€grabbed€the€other€man€by€the€shoulder.€€š šAinšštŠ j#ŗ. Šno€reason€for€that€kind€of€language€in€front€of€ladies,šš€he€hissed€in€a€low€voice.€€He€soundedŠ Ą$ 0 Šsurprisingly€menacing€for€someone€so€apparently€genial.€€š šAnd€if€youššre€so€perfect,€then€what€areŠ &f!2 Šyou€doinšš€hanginšš€out€in€a€bar€instead€of€headinšš€back€to€your€wife,€this€time€of€night?ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šMind€your€own€business,€son,€if€you€know€whatššs€good€for€you.€€You€might€be€one€hell€ofŠ Ā($6 Ša€poker€player,€but€Iššll€wipe€the€floor€with€you€if€you€canššt€keep€that€long€nose€out€of€what€doesnšštŠ *h%8 Šconcern€you.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šIššm€always€concerned€when€it€comes€to€defending€a€nice€ladyššs€honor,€you€dumb€shit,šš€heŠ Ä,(< Špaused€and€glanced€at€Bonnie.€€š šPardon€me,€maššam.ššŠ ° Šą  ąHer€eyes€widened.€€š šItššs€all€right,€you€donššt€have€to€protect€me.€€Iššve€been€insulted€by€betterŠ V Šmen€than€him.šš€€For€all€heššd€been€her€best€prospect€tonight,€he€was€obviously€no€longer€even€worthŠ \¬ Šwiping€her€shoes€on.€€Especially€not€when€she€was€wearing€high„quality€designer€boots,€too.€€SheŠ ² Špushed€herself€to€her€feet€and€sneered€as€convincingly€as€she€could€at€her€former€prospect.€€š šToo€badŠ  X Šfor€you.€€Iššm€fantastic,šš€she€said,€and€walked€off€with€as€much€sex€appeal€as€she€could€musterŠ ^ ®  Šwithout€looking€trashy.Š “   Šą  ąJust€like€Momma€had€taught€her.Š  Z  Šą  ąMaybe€she€should€have€gone€to€the€baccarat€tables.€€A€much€higher€class€of€gambler,€there.€Š `°  ŠPoker€was€for€the€lower€mob,€and€Bonnie€knew€she€should€have€known€better.€€The€worst€part€was€aŠ ¶  Šfull€dayššs€wasted.€€She€left€the€Sands€feeling€worn€out€and€more€than€a€little€bereft,€aiming€for€theŠ  \  Šcheap€motel€she€was€staying€at€until€she€could€get€her€feet€back€under€her.Š b² Šą  ąAs€frugal€as€she€was€living,€her€money€was€going€to€run€out€on€her€eventually.€€The€lastŠ ø Šthing€she€wanted€was€to€end€up€in€some€seedy€motel€out€on€the€desert€highway€away€from€bothŠ ^ ŠVegas€proper€and€the€Strip.€€š šParadise,šš€she€muttered€as€she€walked€the€blocks€to€her€hotel,Š d“ Šwrapping€her€coat€tightly€around€herself€to€keep€away€both€the€chilly€night€air€and€any€potentialŠ ŗ  Šassailants.€€It€was€stupid€walking€by€herself,€but€she€had€really€very€little€choice.€€A€cab€would€wasteŠ `  Šmoney.Š f¶" Šą  ąTomorrow,€though.€€Tomorrow€she€would€find€the€right€one,€and€she€would€have€a€newŠ ¼ $ Šbenefactor.€€She€couldnššt€last€too€long€without€one.Š b& ŠĢą  ąThe€next€evening€Bonnie€decided€to€take€on€the€Dunes,€the€next€classy€place,€down€severalŠ ¾ * Šblocks€past€the€Castaways,€the€Flamingo,€and€a€vast€area€under€construction.€€She€contemplatedŠ "d, Štrying€further€up,€perhaps€the€New€Frontier€or€Silver€Slipper,€but€eventually€continued€on€south€toŠ j#ŗ. Šthe€Dunes,€where€overflow€from€the€new€Aladdin€across€the€street€was€filling€the€casino€and€theŠ Ą$ 0 Šhallways€with€every€kind€of€prospect,€from€the€best€to€the€worst.€€It€was€nearly€time€to€take€whateverŠ &f!2 Šshe€could€get.€€Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąShe€stopped€at€the€ladiesšš€room€to€check€her€makeup€and€brush€the€dust€off€her€dress.€€SheŠ Ā($6 Šwas€wearing€a€soft€yellow€tonight,€and€she€was€certain€she€didnššt€look€any€more€like€a€hookerŠ *h%8 Štonight€than€she€had€yesterday.€€It€was€hard€to€believe€how€much€the€manššs€words€still€rankled,Š n+¾&: Šclawing€at€the€back€of€her€mind€like€a€canker.€€She€was€not€a€hooker,€not€a€prostitute.€€One€man,€thatŠ Ä,(< Šwas€all.€€Just€like€any€woman,€but€without€the€added€baggage€of€a€marriage€license.€€Š ° Šą  ąComing€out€of€the€restroom€area,€she€nearly€walked€into€someone€going€in,€who€caught€herŠ V Šshoulders€before€she€toppled€over€backward.€€š šPardon€me,€maššam,šš€said€a€soft€drawl.€€She€lookedŠ \¬ Šup€into€Sean€Patrick€OššConnorššs€gigantic€chocolate„brown€eyes.€€That€warm,€real,€sunshine€smileŠ ² Šblasted€over€her€with€the€impact€of€a€freight€train€when€he€saw€her€face.€€š šWell,€we€meet€again.€€YouŠ  X Šfollowinšš€me?šš€€He€was€teasing,€his€eyes€crinkled€merrily€at€the€corners.€€He€was€wearing€anotherŠ ^ ®  Šwell„tailored€suit,€with€rhinestones€glittering€on€the€shoulders.€€He€looked€like€heššd€walked€off€theŠ “   Šset€of€ņņHee€Hawóó.€€Š  Z  Šą  ąš šJust€luck,€I€suppose,šš€she€said.€€š šExcuse€me.ššŠ i¹  Šą  ąHe€winked€and€went€on€past€her.€€She€couldnššt€help€but€watch€him€as€he€disappeared€into€theŠ æ  Šmenššs€room.€€How€could€any€woman€resist€a€boy€that€cute?€€He€must€have€scads€of€girlfriends.Š e  Šą  ąThe€main€reason€Bonnie€had€chosen€poker€last€night€was€because,€frankly,€baccarat€was€soŠ k» Šhard€for€her€to€understand,€and€the€men€who€played€were€even€more€intense€than€poker€players.€Š Į ŠStill,€the€richest€men€played€baccarat,€and€sometimes,€the€loneliest.€€Daddy€Alan€had€been€a€baccaratŠ g Šplayer.€€Momma€had€always€gone€for€the€baccarat€rooms,€back€in€the€days€before€the€Strip€wasŠ m½ Šmuch€of€anything€but€the€mobsterššs€playground,€the€Desert€Inn€and€Bugsy€Siegelššs€Flamingo.Š Ć Šą  ąBut€prospects€were€slim€and€Bonnie€was€hungry.€€After€several€hours,€boredom€and€hungerŠ i  Šdrove€her€to€the€cheap€and€plentiful€food€at€the€buffet.€€As€the€host€led€her€to€a€table,€she€saw€herŠ oæ" Šcowboy€once€again,€just€sitting€down.€€His€plate€was€heaped€high€with€a€variety€of€items.€€HeŠ Å$ Šglanced€up,€saw€her,€and€smiled€again.€€He€jerked€his€head€toward€the€seat€across€from€him.€€š šWillŠ k& Šyou€join€me?šš€he€asked,€looking€briefly€at€the€host.Š qĮ( Šą  ąš šIf€Iššm€not€disturbing€you,šš€she€replied.€€Š Ē * Šą  ąWithout€comment,€the€host€shifted€gears€and€led€her€to€the€occupied€table,€made€a€politeŠ "m, Šnoise,€and€gestured€toward€the€buffet€proper.€€š šHelp€yourself,šš€he€said,€gesturing€to€the€buffet€spreadŠ s#Ć. 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Šsometimes€crossed€peopleššs€faces€when€they€found€out€she€was,€well,€a€courtesan;€and€she€didnšštŠ Ą$ 0 Šwant€to€drive€him€away€just€yet.€€Eventually€he€would€go,€but€it€was€nice€to€have€someone€to€talk€toŠ &f!2 Šat€dinner€for€a€change.€€š šHow€about€you?€€Are€you€a€regular€visitor€to€Las€Vegas,€or€is€this€your€firstŠ l'¼"4 Štime?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šThird€time,€actually,šš€he€replied.€€š šThis€is€my€birthday€trip.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šWell,€happy€birthday,šš€she€said.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąš šThanks.€€Itššs€actually€tomorrow,€the€16ņņthóó,€but€I€came€up€early€to€catch€some€of€the€shows€asŠ Ä,(< Šwell.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šAre€you€staying€at€the€Sands?ššŠ V Šą  ąš šYep.€€Thatššs€where€I€can€listen€to€Dino€sing,€of€course,€and€I€want€to€listen€to€anyone€else€IŠ \¬ Šcan€catch€tickets€for.€€And€I€like€to€play€poker,€just€in€case€you€didnššt€notice.ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šI€did,šš€she€replied.€€He€poured€her€wine€and€some€for€himself,€alternating€between€theŠ  X Šalcohol€and€his€soda€as€he€talked.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šI€live€in€Texas,šš€he€said.Š “   Šą  ąš šAh,€thatššs€the€accent.€€I€thought€it€was€Southern,šš€she€said.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šI€like€to€think€thereššs€a€distinct€difference€between€plain€ššsouthernšš€and€Texas,šš€he€repliedŠ `°  Šwith€humorous€dignity.€€š šSan€Antonio,€specifically.€€My€familyššs€got€a€spread€down€there.€€I€cameŠ ¶  Šup€to€Vegas€the€first€time€last€year€between€Thanksgiving€and€Christmas.€€My€neš!š€um,€my€cousinŠ  \  Šand€I€came€up€to€check€it€all€out.€€We€hear€about€it€down€home,€of€course,€and€had€to€see€it€forŠ b² Šourselves.€€Me,€I€went€nuts.€€So€I€came€back€in€January€and€now€again.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šThatššs€a€lot€of€trips€in€six€months.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šItššs€only€money,šš€was€the€offhand€remark.€€He€wiped€his€plate€with€a€roll€and€set€the€dishŠ d“ Šon€the€edge€of€the€table.€€š šIššm€gonna€fill€up€again.€€Be€right€back.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąShe€watched€him€get€back€in€the€buffet€line,€then€turned€her€attention€to€her€own€meal.€€ItŠ `  Šwas€really€very€nice,€having€dinner€with€someone€who€was€pleasant€to€talk€to,€someone€close€to€herŠ f¶" Šown€age.€€š šSo€what€do€you€like€to€do,€when€youššre€not€gambling€in€Vegas?šš€she€asked€him€when€heŠ ¼ $ Šreturned,€again€laden€with€as€much€as€his€plate€could€hold.Š b& Šą  ąš šMe?€€Oh,€Iššm€just€a€big€kid€at€heart,šš€he€replied€with€another€smile.€€š šI€like€to€read€andŠ hø( Šwatch€TV,€I€love€music.€€I€play€guitar€and€piano,€like€to€sing,€I€collect€books€and€some€art.€€I€like€toŠ ¾ * Šdance.€€How€about€you?ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šWhat€sort€of€books?šš€she€asked€instead€of€replying€to€his€query.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šEverything,šš€was€the€response.€€š šMy€favorites€are€just€a€good€story,€no€matter€what€youŠ Ą$ 0 Šcall€it.€€I€like€science€fiction€and€horror€and€mysteries,€I€like€history€stories€and€good€history€books,Š &f!2 Šyou€know,€stuff€that€brings€the€ancient€to€life.€€I€liked€Kennedyššs€ņņProfiles€in€Courageóó,€that€sort€ofŠ l'¼"4 Šthing.€€Iššm€reading€ņņIn€Cold€Blood€óónow.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąBonnie€blinked.€€She€was€more€of€a€light€romance€reader,€herself,€but€sheššd€heard€aboutŠ *h%8 ŠCapoteššs€new€book€and€read€some€of€the€controversy€in€the€paper.€€š šYouššre€more€of€a€heavy€readerŠ n+¾&: Šthan€I€am,šš€she€admitted.€š šIššll€bet€youššre€a€ņņHee€Hawóó€fan,€though.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąThat€made€him€laugh.€€š šYes,€I€watch€ņņHee€Hawóó.€€I€also€watch€ņņGunsmokeóó,€of€course€I€neverŠ ° Šmiss€the€ņņDean€Martin€Showóó,€I€like€the€ņņWild€Wild€Westóó,€ņņHoganššs€Heroesóó,€ņņBewitchedóó,€ņņAndy€Griffithóó,Š V Šand€yes,€I€even€like€ņņGilliganššs€Islandóó€and€the€ņņBeverly€Hillbilliesóó.€€Iššd€probably€watch€TV€all€dayŠ \¬ Šlong€if€I€didnššt€get€tired€of€sitting€in€one€place€too€long.šš€€He€was€smiling€as€he€spoke,€obviouslyŠ ² Špleased€with€the€topic,€cheerful€about€admitting€to€watching€even€the€worst€television€on€the€air.€Š  X Šš šHow€about€you,€honey?€€Do€you€like€wasting€your€mind€with€the€idiot€lantern?ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šThe€idiot€lantern?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šThatššs€the€English€term€for€it.€€A€friend€of€mine€back€east€calls€it€that,šš€he€replied.€€HeŠ  Z  Špoured€himself€more€wine€and€sat€back,€apparently€sated€for€the€moment.€€Š `°  Šą  ąš šI€watch€some€TV,šš€she€admitted.€€š šI€donššt€own€one€now,€but€my€room€came€with€one.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąHis€eyes€narrowed€a€moment,€slightly,€and€he€nodded.€€š šDo€you€like€to€dance?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šI€love€to€dance,šš€she€replied€before€she€thought.€€She€didnššt€want€to€lead€him€on,€this€niceŠ b² Šboy.€€She€couldnššt€be€more€than€a€momentary€dinner€companion€for€him.€€š šBut€I€really€should€getŠ ø Šback€toš!šššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šWhat?šš€he€asked.Š d“ Šą  ąBonnie€swallowed.€€š šI€have€work€to€do€tonight,šš€she€said€evasively.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šI€see.€€So€you€canššt€not€watch€the€gamblers€for€an€evening€and€sneak€off€to€dance€a€little?ššŠ `  Šhe€asked.€€He€was€leading€her€somewhere,€and€Bonnie€wasnššt€sure€she€should€go.€€She€suddenlyŠ f¶" Šwanted€to,€though.€€She€wanted€to€dance€off€with€him€and€forget€about€her€monetary€situation€andŠ ¼ $ Šher€motherššs€training€and€the€fact€she€had€probably€only€a€week€or€two€left€before€her€motel€kickedŠ b& Šher€out€and€she€would€have€to€turn€to€real€prostitution...Š hø( Šą  ąš šAll€right,šš€she€said.€€š šTake€me€dancing.€€I€might€as€well€have€a€little€fun€for€a€little€while.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šThatššs€the€spirit.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąHe€paid€their€bill,€ignoring€her€protests,€and€offered€her€his€arm.€€š šYouššre€out€for€an€eveningŠ j#ŗ. Šwith€Sean€Patrick€OššConnor.€€Feminism€be€damned,€pardon€my€language,€I€do€not€let€my€lady€pay,ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šhe€said,€in€a€horribly€high„handed€old„fashioned€manner.€€Bonnie€wanted€to€get€mad€at€him€for€theŠ &f!2 Šassumption,€but€she€couldnššt.€€He€was€smiling€too€much,€he€was€too€pleasant,€and€she€really€didnšštŠ l'¼"4 Šmind€saving€even€the€small€amount€the€buffet€cost.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąš šAll€right,€then,šš€she€agreed,€š šbut€I€must€draw€the€line€somewhere.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šJust€donššt€draw€it€too€soon,šš€was€his€mild€response.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąThere€were€still€a€number€of€real€ballrooms€in€Las€Vegas€where€people€danced,€that€hadnšštŠ Ä,(< Šyet€turned€into€rock„and„roll€go„go€joints.€€Bonnie€didnššt€really€dislike€rock€music,€but€she€definitelyŠ ° Špreferred€the€older€music,€the€warm€strains€of€Bing€Crosby€over€Crosby,€Stills,€Nash,€and€Young.€Š V ŠSean€Patrick€guided€her€to€the€ballroom€and€out€onto€the€floor,€proving€in€very€few€moves€that€heŠ \¬ Šwas€indeed€an€accomplished€dancer,€a€real€dancer,€who€knew€how€to€waltz€and€foxtrot€and€evenŠ ² Šsamba.€€He€never€seemed€to€get€out€of€breath.€€His€enjoyment€and€enthusiasm€was€invigorating,Š  X Šdelightful,€and€Bonnie€could€never€remember€ever€having€this€much€fun.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąIt€was€well€past€three€in€the€morning€by€the€time€they€finally€wove€their€way€out€of€theŠ “   Šballroom.€€The€casino€was€still€packed,€people€still€coming€and€going,€and€they€were€completelyŠ  Z  Šunnoticeable€as€they€walked€out€the€main€front€doors.€€š šMay€I€walk€you€home,€Miss€Michaels?ššŠ `°  Šasked€Sean€Patrick€gallantly.€€Even€though€sheššd€tried€to€avoid€telling€him€anything€about€herself,Š ¶  Šheššd€still€managed€to€ascertain€she€was€a€Las€Vegas€native.€€She€knew€the€town€as€only€a€nativeŠ  \  Šcould,€and€heššd€figured€that€out€fast.Š b² Šą  ąBut€to€walk€her€home?€š šOh...€no,šš€she€said,€shaking€her€head.€€š šI€can€get€there€myself€justŠ ø Šfine.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šAt€this€time€of€night?€€Pardon€me,€Miss€Michaels,€but€bull.€€Iššm€not€letting€you€walk€theŠ d“ Šstreets€by€yourself,šš€he€said,€keeping€proprietary€hold€on€her€hand,€nestled€in€the€crook€of€his€arm.€Š ŗ  Šš šDonššt€worry.€€I€can€handle€anything€that€might€come€up.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šOh,€I€donššt€doubt€that,€Sean€Patrick,šš€she€said,€although€she€did€wonder€about€it€somewhat.€Š f¶" ŠAfter€all,€he€didnššt€exactly€look€like€a€fighter.€€€š šItššs€just€I€know€the€streets.€€I€donššt€need€an€escort.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šTough.€€You€have€one,šš€he€said,€immoveable€as€a€brick€wall.€€Bonnie€bit€her€tongue,€butŠ b& Šshe€couldnššt€shake€him.€€She€tried€to€ease€her€hand€away€from€him.€€He€let€it€go,€but€put€his€armŠ hø( Šaround€her€shoulders,€drawing€her€close€against€his€bony€side.€€They€walked€up€the€street€to€SandsŠ ¾ * ŠBoulevard€and€crossed€to€the€Sands€Hotel.€€Š "d, Šą  ąš šThatššs€where€youššre€staying,€right?šš€she€said,€gesturing€at€the€expansive€hotel€and€casino,Š j#ŗ. Šthe€marquee€lit€up€brighter€than€day,€the€new€tower€glittering€high€above.€€š šYou€donššt€have€to€walkŠ Ą$ 0 Šany€further,€really.€€Youššve€already€given€me€an€amazing€night.€€Itššs€all€right,€I€can€make€it€homeŠ &f!2 Šfrom€here€just€fine.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąHe€looked€sideways€down€at€her.€€š šIššm€beginning€to€think€youššre€trying€to€get€rid€of€me,Š Ā($6 ŠMiss€Michaels,šš€he€said,€one€eyebrow€arching€up€high,€his€hair€starting€to€fall€over€his€eyes.€Š *h%8 Šš šWhatššs€wrong€with€me€cominšš€home€with€you?ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąBonnie€drew€in€a€deep€breath€and€tried€to€come€up€with€an€excuse.€€She€couldnššt€think€ofŠ Ä,(< Šanything,€and€they€walked€on€past€the€Sands€and€away€from€the€flash€and€dazzle€of€the€Strip.€Š ° ŠBeyond€it,€the€township€of€Paradise€was€a€dingy,€dark,€and€lonely€place.€€Resigned,€she€led€him€toŠ V Šher€motel€and€her€room.€€š šI€thought€you€lived€here,šš€he€said,€his€eyes€taking€in€everything€in€oneŠ \¬ Šsweep.€€If€he€was€judging,€he€said€nothing.Š ² Šą  ąš šI€do€live€here,šš€she€said€shortly.€€š šWelcome€to€my€home.ššŠ  X Šą  ąHis€eyebrow€had€arched€again,€missing€nothing€as€he€glanced€around€the€room€again.€€ItŠ ^ ®  Šwasnššt€the€most€glamorous€of€rooms,€certainly,€but€it€wasnššt€a€dump,€either.€€It€was€clean,€the€maidŠ “   Šhad€been€there€and€left€everything€in€its€place,€her€dresses€neat€in€the€closet,€her€shoes€in€a€tidy€line.€Š  Z  ŠShe€wasnššt€embarrassed,€but€she€did€feel€a€little€strange.€€š šIššm€hoping€to€get€a€more€permanent€placeŠ `°  Šsoon,šš€she€added.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šHmm,šš€was€his€noncommittal€response.€€š šWell.€€Thank€you€for€a€wonderful€evening,€MissŠ  \  ŠMichaels.€€I€have€to€be€getting€back€to€my€own€rooms.šš€€He€bent€over€her,€and€she€fluttered€insideŠ b² Šwhen€his€mouth€touched€hers.€€It€was€a€soft,€gentle€kiss,€almost€as€noncommittal€as€his€voice.€€HisŠ ø Šfingers€were€light€on€her€cheek,€and€then€he€straightened€up€again,€his€lips€smiling,€but€his€eyesŠ ^ Šintense€and€studying.€€š šHopefully€weššll€bump€into€each€other€again.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąBonnie€had€no€words€to€say€to€reply€to€that€one.€€He€touched€his€forehead€to€her€with€a€littleŠ ŗ  Šnod,€then€melted€away€into€the€darkness.Š `  ŠĢChapter€TwoŠ ¼ $ ŠĢą  ąš šYour€bill€is€seriously€overdue,€Miss€Michaels,šš€said€the€front€desk€clerk€as€Bonnie€hurriedŠ hø( Šthrough€the€lobby.€€š šI€do€hate€to€bring€it€up€with€any€of€our€long„term€residents,€but€you€are€on€aŠ ¾ * Šweekly€lease.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šI€know,€I€know,šš€said€Bonnie,€trying€not€to€let€the€catch€in€her€voice€be€heard.€€š šIššll€payŠ j#ŗ. Šyou€tonight,€I€promise.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąShe€had€to€come€up€with€something.€€Anything€at€all.€€Even€if€she€had€to€try€to€get€into€aŠ &f!2 Špoker€game€and€risk€what€meager€savings€she€had€left,€she€had€to€come€up€with€some€money€tonightŠ l'¼"4 Šor€everything€was€over.€€Bonnie€had€no€idea€what€she€could€do€other€than€be€a€manššs€mistress,€butŠ Ā($6 Šshe€was€afraid€it€would€involve€walking€the€streets€in€something€less€than€what€she€was€wearingŠ *h%8 Šnow.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąSheššd€avoided€the€Sands€since€the€night€sheššd€gone€dancing€with€the€Texan€Sean€Patrick,Š Ä,(< Šand€thus€avoided€running€into€him€again.€€But€surely€he€was€gone€by€now,€along€with€his€birthday,Š ° Šback€to€Texas€and€his€home€and€family.€€The€Sands€was€the€showplace€of€Vegas€these€days,€and€thatŠ V Šhad€to€be€where€she€could€find€a€real€benefactor,€someone€who€would€take€care€of€her€the€only€wayŠ \¬ Šshe€knew€how€to€be€taken€care€of.€€But€the€moment€she€reached€the€poker€room,€she€saw€SeanŠ ² ŠPatrick€was€still€in€town.€€And€the€moment€he€saw€her,€he€threw€in€his€cards.€€Bonnie€turned€andŠ  X Šstarted€away,€but€somehow€he€managed€to€catch€up€with€her.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šHey.€€Whereššve€you€been?šš€he€asked,€pulling€her€up€short€with€a€hand€on€her€arm.€€š šIššveŠ “   Šbeen€looking€for€you.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šWhy?šš€she€asked,€startled.Š `°  Šą  ąš šI€was€worried€about€you.šš€€He€frowned€a€little,€his€hand€going€to€her€shoulder.€€š šLook,Š ¶  Šhoney,€youššve€been€really€shy€about€talking€about€yourself,€but€folks€talk.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šTalk?€€You€mean€that€blowhard€the€other€night?šš€she€snapped,€feeling€the€blood€rushing€toŠ b² Šher€face.€€Damn€him!Š ø Šą  ąš šWell,€what€he€said€led€me€to€ask€around€a€little,šš€he€admitted,€and€to€her€surprise,€heŠ ^ Šblushed.€€š šYou€were€the€mistress€of€one€Robert€Blake€Samuels.€€He€took€care€of€you.€€He€passedŠ d“ Šaway€a€few€months€ago€and€youššve€been€trolling€the€casinos€since€looking€for€another€Bob€SamuelsŠ ŗ  Što€take€his€place.€€Am€I€right€so€far?ššŠ `  Šą  ąBonnie,€miserable,€nodded.€€š šYes,šš€she€hissed.€€š šYes.€€I€need€a€new€benefactor.€€So€leave€meŠ f¶" Šalone€and€let€me€get€on€with€it€before€I€get€myself€kicked€out€of€my€motel.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąHe€frowned€again,€the€slight€crease€reappearing€between€his€eyes.€€š šWhatššs€wrong€with€me?€Š b& ŠWhy€arenššt€I€a€prospect?ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šYouššre€just€a€boy,šš€she€said,€then€gently€touched€his€arm.€€š šA€very€nice€boy,€but€just€a€boy.€Š ¾ * ŠI€like€you,€I€really€do.€€But€I€canššt€expect€a€nice€boy€to€be€jaded€enough€to€want€to€set€up€a€mistressŠ "d, Šin€another€town.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šIššm€older€than€I€look,€Bonnie,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€He€guided€her€out€of€the€flow€of€footŠ Ą$ 0 Štraffic€in€the€casino€and€bent€over€her,€his€eyes€intense.€€š šIššm€rich,€and€Iššm€finding€I€rather€likeŠ &f!2 Štraveling€to€Las€Vegas.€€It€would€do€me€a€world€of€good€to€have€someone€waiting€here€for€me€whenŠ l'¼"4 ŠI€come.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąBonnie€stared€up€at€him,€incredulous.€€š šThis€is€ridiculous.€€What€happens€when€you€getŠ *h%8 Šmarried€and€start€a€family?€€The€men€I€look€for€already€have€finished€with€all€that.€€They€just€wantŠ n+¾&: Šsomething€apart€from€their€family,€and€I€provide€that.€€I€set€them€up€a€very€nice€second€household.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąHis€eyes€narrowed.€€š šHow€do€you€know€what€I€want?šš€he€asked.€€š šGive€me€a€shot.€€Iššm€rich.€Š ° ŠIššm€a€little€on€the€eccentric€side.€€You€never€can€tell.šš€€He€bent€down€close€to€her€and€breathed€onŠ V Šher€neck,€his€breath€oddly€cool€but€extremely€pleasant,€as€he€whispered,€š šIššm€told€Iššm€pretty€decentŠ \¬ Šin€bed,€too.šš€€Š ² Šą  ąBonnie€looked€at€him.€€He€was€blushing€again,€his€face€dark€red,€but€his€eyes€were€snappingŠ  X Šwith€mischief€and€merriment.€€He€certainly€was€attractive.€€š šOh,€really,šš€she€replied,€not€taking€hisŠ ^ ®  Šbait.Š “   Šą  ąš šYou€want€proof?šš€€He€gripped€her€chin€in€his€long€fingers,€tilting€her€head€to€his.€€SheŠ  Z  Šdidnššt€pull€away€when€he€kissed€her.€€This€time€it€wasnššt€brief.€€His€lips€were€insistent,€demanding,Š `°  Šand€hers€parted€beneath€them,€allowing€him€to€brush€the€inside€of€her€mouth€with€his€tongue.€€HeŠ ¶  Šbent€her€back,€over€his€arm,€intensifying€the€contact,€the€long€fingers€of€one€hand€tangling€in€her€hairŠ  \  Šwhile€the€other€arm€supported€her,€keeping€her€from€falling€helplessly€to€the€ground.€€The€noise€ofŠ b² Šthe€casino€faded€from€her€ears€and€an€intense€buzzing€filled€them.€€Š ø Šą  ąShe€wanted€it€to€last€forever.€€But€all€too€soon,€his€lips€left€hers.€€š šWhy€not€me?šš€he€asked.Š ^ Šą  ąBonnie€shook€her€head,€trying€to€clear€her€thoughts.€€No,€no,€no,€no.€€There€were€far€tooŠ d“ Šmany€problems€with€trying€to€be€a€mistress€to€a€young€man.€€š šIššm€flattered,šš€she€managed€toŠ ŗ  Šstammer,€š šBut€seriously.€€Youššre€not€the€type€Iššm€looking€for.€€I€need€someone€stable.šš€€SheŠ `  Šwiggled€away€from€Sean€Patrick€and€hurried€off€before€she€looked€at€him€again,€desperate€to€putŠ f¶" Šsome€distance€between€herself€and€temptation.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąBonnie€shifted€her€attention€to€visiting€businessmen,€trying€to€gauge€the€difference€betweenŠ b& Šmen€who€were€there€for€a€real€business€trip€who€would€appreciate€someone€to€hostess€his€meetingsŠ hø( Šas€opposed€to€a€mobster€who€would€rather€not€have€any€witnesses€at€all.€€By€sheer€luck€she€met€aŠ ¾ * Šgroup€of€Japanese€men,€one€of€whom,€Hayao€Nakamura,€was€delighted€to€chat€with€her€about€theŠ "d, ŠGeisha€ways€and€how€much€he€missed€them€when€he€came€to€America.€€Bonnie€wasnššt€sure€sheŠ j#ŗ. Šknew€all€the€finer€aspects€of€being€a€Japanese€manššs€š šgeisha,šš€but€it€certainly€sounded€intriguing,Š Ą$ 0 Šand€it€was€a€lot€closer€to€what€she€was€looking€for€than€being€some€manššs€hooker.Š &f!2 Šą  ąBut€all€Hayao€was€willing€to€pay€for€was€a€nice€evening,€a€bath,€a€massage,€and€a€meal.€€HeŠ l'¼"4 Šwasnššt€interested€in€setting€her€up€a€household,€and€the€very€idea€shocked€him.€€Bonnie€gathered€thatŠ Ā($6 Šgeisha€had€their€own€houses€and€took€care€of€their€own€bills.€€She€was€back€at€the€drawing€board,€noŠ *h%8 Šcloser€to€her€goals€than€she€had€been€before.€€Still,€it€gave€her€an€idea.€€Š n+¾&: Šą  ąShe€pawned€a€few€things€with€the€hopes€that€she€could€rent€a€nice€hotel€room€for€a€while€andŠ Ä,(< Šthere€host€a€man€or€two,€to€make€herself€seem€less€desperate€and€more€appealing.€€When€she€went€toŠ ° Šher€motel€room,€it€was€with€the€idea€that€she€might€possibly€skip€out€on€the€bill,€praying€to€herselfŠ V Šthat€they€hadnššt€already€locked€her€out.€€Unfortunately,€the€night€clerk€was€at€the€desk,€and€he€sawŠ \¬ Šher€come€in.€€š šReally,€Ted,šš€she€said,€lifting€her€hands,€š šI€have€the€money.€€Iššll€get€caught€up,Š ² Šhonest.ššŠ  X Šą  ąHe€waved€at€her.€€š šOh,€your€billššs€been€paid,šš€he€said.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąBonnie€stopped€dead.€€š šWhat?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šYour€billššs€been€paid,€up€through€next€week,šš€he€replied.€Š  Z  Šą  ąš šUm...šš€€Bonnie€swallowed.€€š šOkay,šš€she€said,€frowning.€€Should€she€ask€who€paid€it,€or€didŠ `°  Šshe€want€to€know?€€Or€did€she€want€this€guy€knowing€her€problems.€š šAh,€good,šš€she€covered.€€š šIŠ ¶  Šwas€hoping€that€went€through.šš€€Š  \  Šą  ąTed€smiled€at€her€and€nodded,€going€back€to€his€work.€€Bonnie€continued€through€and€to€herŠ b² Šroom,€musing.€€She€didnššt€have€to€hurry€to€pack,€now,€if€she€was€okay€through€the€week.€€Still,€aŠ ø Šfew€of€her€nicer€things€and€sheššd€head€to€the€Flamingo€or€the€Dunes,€to€set€herself€up€a€room€whereŠ ^ Šshe€could€entertain€a€gentleman€and€hope€beyond€hope€she€could€find€one€who€both€suited€her€andŠ d“ Šwhom€she€suited,€as€well.Š ŗ  Šą  ąFive€days€passed,€five€frustrating€days€where€she€entertained€several€different€gentlemenŠ `  Šwith€varying€levels€of€success.€€The€problem,€as€her€girlfriend€Jeanette€told€her,€was€that€things€wereŠ f¶" Šsimply€different€now€than€theyššd€been€in€her€motherššs€time,€and€men€just€didnššt€DO€that€like€theyŠ ¼ $ Šused€to.€€But€Bonnie€knew€that€couldnššt€be€the€truth;€men€and€sex€would€always€go€along€together,Š b& Šhand„in„glove,€tighter€than€a€hangmanššs€noose.€€Sex€and€comfort€were€ambrosia€for€the€male€animal,Š hø( Šand€even€when€she€couldnššt€get€them€to€consider€the€added€bother€of€setting€up€a€second€household.€Š ¾ * ŠEvery€excuse€in€the€world€came€up€from€š štoo€expensive,€too€much€troublešš€to€š šwhat€if€my€wifeŠ "d, Šfound€out?šš€€That€had€never€bothered€Bobby.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąSometimes€she€really€missed€Bobby.€€Heššd€not€been€the€best€lover€in€the€world,€but€heššdŠ Ą$ 0 Šalways€been€fun€and€heššd€really€taken€good€care€of€her.€€Sometimes€she€secretly€suspected€his€wifeŠ &f!2 Šhad€found€out€about€them€and€killed€him,€and€the€fantasy€often€gave€her€a€few€hours€ofŠ l'¼"4 Šentertainment,€although€she€knew€heššd€died€at€his€country€club,€on€the€golf€course,€of€a€simple€heartŠ Ā($6 Šattack.€€That€heššd€been€surrounded€by€his€buddies€whoššd€tried€and€failed€to€revive€him€scotched€herŠ *h%8 Šgrim€notions€of€a€wifely€murder,€still,€thinking€of€the€former€Mrs.€Samuels€as€a€Black€WidowŠ n+¾&: Šsoothed€her€spirits€somewhat,€especially€the€hurt€when€she€found€that€Bobby€had€left€nothing€toŠ Ä,(< Šprovide€for€her.Š ° Šą  ąSheššd€been€charging€everything€to€her€room€and€was€dreading€the€day€sheššd€have€to€checkŠ V Šout€or€at€least€come€clean€about€what€little€money€she€had.€€Of€course,€worst€came€to€worst,€sheššdŠ \¬ Štake€a€job€as€a€waitress.€€She€could€make€out€pretty€well€on€tips,€according€to€Jeanette,€and€it€wouldŠ ² Šbe€š ša€sight€more€respectable€than€what€youššre€doing.šš€€Bonnie€wondered€if€they€were€hiringŠ  X Šanywhere.€€The€Dunes€wouldnššt€be€a€bad€place€to€work.€€The€costumes€were€cute.€€Could€she€evenŠ ^ ®  Šget€hired,€with€her€complete€lack€of€work€experience?Š “   Šą  ąShe€drew€a€deep€breath€to€gather€up€her€courage€and€walked€up€to€the€front€desk,€putting€onŠ  Z  Šher€best€smile€as€she€said,€š šCould€I€check€on€the€status€of€my€bill?šš€she€asked€as€angelically€as€sheŠ `°  Šcould,€š šIššve€been€charging€several€meals€to€the€room€and€I€wanted€to€make€sure€I€didnššt€overdo€it.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šCertainly,šš€said€the€clerk.Š  \  Šą  ąShe€gave€him€her€name€and€room€number€and€waited€a€moment€as€he€checked€the€records,Š b² Šflipping€through€the€cards€and€receipts€in€her€file.€€š šAccording€to€this,€Miss€Michaels,€your€bill€isŠ ø Šcurrently€paid€in€full.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąBonnie€blinked.€€š šAh.€€Well,€thatššs€good,€then,šš€she€said,€keeping€her€smile€plastered€on€herŠ d“ Šface.€€š šThank€you€so€much.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šAny€time.ššŠ `  Šą  ąIn€a€daze,€Bonnie€walked€through€the€casino.€€What€in€the€world€was€going€on?€€If€she€had€aŠ f¶" Šbenefactor€already,€where€was€he?€€She€hadnššt€seen€anyone€watching€her,€and€she€assumed€thatŠ ¼ $ Šanyone€who€was€willing€to€put€down€that€kind€of€money€for€her€would€make€himself€known.€Š b& ŠWouldnššt€he?€€€For€a€moment,€she€thought€about€Sean€Patrick,€with€his€earnest€expression,€but€sheŠ hø( Šhadnššt€seen€him€since€that€night€heššd€kissed€her€so€intensely€and€sheššd€run€away€from€him€after€veryŠ ¾ * Šdefinitely€putting€him€down.€€By€now€he€most€certainly€had€gone€home.€€In€a€few€months€heššd€haveŠ "d, Šforgotten€about€her.€€And€she€would€either€have€a€new€benefactor€or€maybe€she€would€be€wanderingŠ j#ŗ. Šthrough€the€casinos€with€a€tray€saying,€š šDrinks?€€Drinks?šš€as€she€passed€between€the€glassy„eyedŠ Ą$ 0 Šplayers€at€the€tables€and€slot€machines.Š &f!2 Šą  ąMaybe€there€were€worse€fates.€€Momma€would€be€disappointed€in€her.€€But€wasnššt€aŠ l'¼"4 Šwaitress€an€honorable€profession?€€There€was€nothing€wrong€with€her€choice,€with€her€decision€toŠ Ā($6 Šfollow€Mommaššs€path.€€It€was€just€as€honorable,€in€its€own€way,€and€it€was€just€a€moralistic,Š *h%8 Šjudgmental€society€that€made€it€š šwrong.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąBonnie€waited€at€the€steak€house,€where€she€was€going€to€meet€and€entertain€a€man€sheššdŠ Ä,(< Šmet€at€the€craps€table.€€Heššd€won€a€great€deal€but€bet€without€care,€he€dressed€well€and€had€goldŠ ° Šjewelry,€so€he€was€a€man€with€money.€€Heššd€declared€Bonnie€his€good€luck€charm€and€had€acceptedŠ V Šheartily€when€sheššd€asked€him€to€dinner.€€While€a€public€location€wasnššt€the€best€place€to€show€offŠ \¬ Šher€hostessing€skills,€it€was€a€good€place€to€shine€as€a€companion,€where€she€wouldnššt€have€to€worryŠ ² Šabout€serving€as€well.Š  X Šą  ąShe€smiled€when€she€saw€him€sauntering€through€the€restaurant€toward€her.€€š šHello,Š ^ ®  ŠRichard,šš€she€said,€rising.Š “   Šą  ąš šSit€down,€down,€girl,šš€he€said€in€his€jovial€manner.€€š šAnd€please,€call€me€Dick.€€The€wholeŠ  Z  Šworld€does.šš€€He€gripped€both€her€hands€and€kissed€them.€€š šHow€is€my€little€good€luck€charm?šš€heŠ `°  Šasked.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šDelightful,€now€that€youššre€here.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąThat€made€him€laugh.€€š šYou€are€one€lyinšš€woman,šš€he€said,€š šbut€I€like€it.€€I€like€it€a€lot.ššŠ b² Šą  ąHe€wasnššt€much€of€a€conversationalist.€€He€could€talk€endlessly€about€fishing,€about€craps,Š ø Šand€about€the€merits€of€ššgood€American€beeršš€over€ššthat€Communist€crap,šš€but€he€wasnššt€much€of€aŠ ^ Šreader,€other€than€fishing€magazines€or€the€Readerššs€Digest.€€š šI€like€the€jokes,šš€he€said,€wavingŠ d“ Šaway€her€comment€about€the€New€Yorker.€€Bonnie€never€had€thought€of€herself€as€an€extremelyŠ ŗ  Šliterate€person,€but€compared€to€this€man,€she€suddenly€felt€as€urbane€and€witty€as€Dick€Cavett.€Š `  ŠBoredom€was€making€her€head€spin.€€Could€she€deal€with€his€man€for€a€whole€weekend€every€monthŠ f¶" Šfor€essentially€the€rest€of€her€life?€€Oh,€dear€Lord,€please,€no.€€She€kept€the€smile€plastered€to€herŠ ¼ $ Šface,€her€eyes€on€his€as€though€she€were€drinking€in€every€word,€when€all€that€was€going€through€herŠ b& Šmind€was€how€to€escape€this€one.€€It€was€the€first€time€sheššd€really€gotten€a€solid€bite€in€weeks,€andŠ hø( ŠGod€knew€she€needed€him,€yet€she€couldnššt€even€imagine€spending€any€of€her€life€with€him.€€He€wasŠ ¾ * Šboring€and€boorish€and€so€deeply€conservative€she€could€feel€her€ears€burning€at€his€stunning€racism,Š "d, Šlack€of€compassion€for€anyone€or€anything,€his€views€on€womenššs€rights,€and€his€almost€casuallyŠ j#ŗ. Švulgar€tongue.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šYouššre€such€a€fun€fellow,šš€she€said,€instead,€when€he€told€a€joke€that€made€her€ears€burnŠ &f!2 Šlike€fire€with€savage€embarrassment.€€For€a€brief€moment,€she€thought€of€polite€Sean€Patrick,€whoŠ l'¼"4 Šapologized€after€saying€ššhell.šš€€Then€she€lifted€her€wineglass€to€her€lips.€€Maybe€she€could€get€drunk,Š Ā($6 Šthen€the€rest€of€the€night€might€go€by€a€little€easier.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šWell,€thank€you,€Lucky,šš€he€said€with€another€hearty€laugh.€€He€was€what€they€called€aŠ n+¾&: Šgood€man,€a€midwestern€upright€fellow€who€probably€sat€on€his€church€board€and€ran€successfulŠ Ä,(< Šbusinesses,€a€conservative€right„wing€war€supporter€who€undoubtedly€voted€for€Nixon€andŠ ° ŠGoldwater.€One€thing€Bonnie€did€not€want€to€get€him€on€was€politics,€but€on€the€other€hand,€it€wasŠ V Šthat€sort€of€decent€upright€man€who€ended€up€taking€mistresses.€€At€least,€that€was€what€MommaŠ \¬ Šalways€said.Š ² Šą  ąš šSo€whereššs€that€waiter?šš€said€Dick,€leering€a€little€at€her€before€looking€around.€€š šWe€gotŠ  X Šsome€business€here€tonight,€donššt€we,€Lucky?€€Hey,€there!€€Check,€please.€€Check!ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąThe€waiter€hurried€over.€€š šPardon€me,€sir.€€Your€billššs€already€been€paid.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šWhat?šš€Bonnie€said€it€at€the€same€time€as€Dick,€only€he€sounded€annoyed€while€she€felt€aŠ  Z  Šhuge€surge€of€relief.€€That€meant€her€mystery€benefactor€was€still€out€there€somewhere,€keeping€anŠ `°  Šeye€on€her.€€A€man€like€Dick€wouldnššt€appreciate€someone€paying€his€tab,€she€could€tell€that.€€š šWhoŠ ¶  Špaid€it?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šThe€gentleman€over€there,šš€the€waiter€turned,€pointing€to€the€corner,€but€the€table€there€wasŠ b² Šempty.€€š šAt€least,€he€was€sitting€there.€€He€said€he€was€a€friend.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šWhat€did€he€look€like?šš€asked€Bonnie.Š ^ Šą  ąThe€waiter€shrugged.€€š šTall,€I€think,€kinda€skinny.€€Wearing€a€cowboy€suit,€like€Roy€RogersŠ d“ Šor€something,šš€he€said.Š ŗ  Šą  ąBonnie€managed€to€not€squeal.€€Sean€Patrick€was€still€in€town,€and€he€had€to€be€the€oneŠ `  Šwhoššd€been€taking€care€of€her.€€He€was€trying€to€prove€he€was€a€good€choice€as€benefactor,€bless€hisŠ f¶" Šheart.€€Silly€boy.€€š šThank€you,šš€she€said€to€the€waiter.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šThank€you?šš€blustered€Dick.€€š šI€ainššt€havinšš€some€guy€pay€for€my€dinner.€€I€gotta€knowŠ b& Šwhoššs€payinšš€my€bills.€€You€know€this€fella,€Lucky?ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šI€think€so,šš€she€said€without€changing€her€expression.€€š šSounds€like€a€friend€of€mine.€€HeŠ ¾ * Šwas€probably€just€doing€something€nice€for€me.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šNo€one€buys€my€dinner€without€givinšš€me€his€hand,€little€lady.€€Where€is€this€friend€ofŠ j#ŗ. Šyours?ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šI€donššt€know,šš€said€Bonnie,€looking€around.€€š šI€havenššt€seen€him€in€a€while.€€Donššt€worryŠ &f!2 Šabout€it,€Dick.€€Iššm€sure€he€doesnššt€expect€anything€in€return.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąIt€didnššt€relax€him.€€If€anything,€Dick€grew€more€and€more€agitated€as€they€walked€throughŠ Ā($6 Šthe€casino€toward€the€elevators.€€Finally,€he€turned€to€her.€€š šI€donššt€know€that€Iššm€up€for€this,Š *h%8 ŠLucky,šš€he€said.€€š šI€think€Iššm€gonna€call€it€a€night.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąBonnie€was€torn€between€elation€and€annoyance.€€She€started€to€protest,€but€then€nodded.€Š Ä,(< Šš šAll€right,€Dick.€€Maybe€some€other€time.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šThanks€for€a€nice€meal,€Lucky.€€And€thank€that€friend€of€yours,€too.šš€€His€gaze€wasŠ V Šsuddenly€very€keen,€as€though€heššd€picked€up€something€Bonnie€herself€wasnššt€aware€of,€but€heŠ \¬ Šchucked€her€the€chin,€said€goodnight,€and€left€her€at€her€door.Š ² Šą  ąBonnie€sighed,€her€shoulders€drooping.€€She€hadnššt€wanted€Dick,€but€he€was€a€goodŠ  X Šprospect,€damn€it.€€She€couldnššt€just€let€her€š šmystery€benefactoršš€chase€off€every€man€she€tried€toŠ ^ ®  Šget€close€to.€€Certainly€that€had€to€have€been€his€plan,€he€must€have€known€the€sort€of€man€DickŠ “   Šwas,€who€wouldnššt€accept€a€free€meal€from€another€man.€€Bonnie€knew€that€testosterone€dance,Š  Z  Šsheššd€seen€men€squabble€over€who€would€pick€up€the€check€before.€€She€paused€with€her€key€in€herŠ `°  Šhand,€then€turned,€shoved€it€back€in€her€purse,€and€marched€back€toward€the€elevators.Š ¶  Šą  ąFinding€him€should€be€easy.€€A€man€like€him€stood€out€in€a€crowd.€€Not€only€was€he€a€headŠ  \  Štaller€than€most€people,€his€flashy€clothes€were€memorable.€€She€described€him€to€a€cashier€at€theŠ b² Šcage€and€was€rewarded€with,€š šOh,€yes.€€Mr.€OššConnor€was€here€earlier.€€Iššd€try€the€poker€room.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šMr.€OššConnor?€€Yes,€he€was€here.€€You€might€look€in€the€buffet.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šAsk€someone€to€check€the€menššs€lounge€for€you.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šI€donššt€know€if€heššs€still€here.€€He€may€have€gone€back€to€the€Sands.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąEveryone€knew€him€by€description€and€most€of€them€by€name.€€They€all€liked€him,€and€someŠ `  Ševen€viewed€her€with€suspicion€for€daring€to€be€looking€for€him,€as€though€they€wanted€to€protectŠ f¶" Šhim€from€her.€€But€she€knew€he€had€to€be€around,€because€no€matter€where€she€sat€down€to€eat,€herŠ ¼ $ Šbill€was€paid.€€Her€hotel€room€stayed€current.€€And€one€evening,€just€before€she€was€scheduled€toŠ b& Štalk€to€another€inviting€prospect,€five€dozen€red€roses€arrived€at€her€hotel€room,€with€a€card€whichŠ hø( Šread,€š šI€hear€youššre€looking€for€me.€€Sands,€Suite€175.šš€€It€was€impossible€to€explain€to€RogerŠ ¾ * ŠFitzsimmons,€billionaire,€where€all€the€roses€had€come€from€without€sounding€insane,€or€as€thoughŠ "d, Šshe€were,€indeed,€fishing€for€prospects,€and€he€didnššt€stay€very€long.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąFurious,€she€marched€across€the€street€and€up€the€block€to€the€Sands€Hotel.Š Ą$ 0 ŠĢChapter€ThreeŠ l'¼"4 ŠĢą  ąHe€was€waiting€for€her.€€The€infuriating€man€was€actually€watching€the€door,€as€thoughŠ *h%8 Šexpecting€her€to€come€through€it,€almost€as€if€heššd€known€she€was€on€her€way.€€It€made€her€evenŠ n+¾&: Šangrier€at€him€than€sheššd€been€before.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šHow€dare€you?šš€she€hissed€at€him.€€š šHow€dare€you?šš€€She€couldnššt€think€of€any€otherŠ ° Šwords,€things€bad€enough€to€say€to€him,€make€him€understand€how€infuriated€she€was.€€The€onlyŠ V Šweapon€she€had,€the€womanššs€weapon,€she€reared€back€to€slap€him€in€the€face.€€He€moved€fast,Š \¬ Šthough,€throwing€up€his€hand€to€catch€hers€before€she€connected.Š ² Šą  ąš šNow,€now,€honey,šš€he€said,€š šdonššt€make€a€scene.€€If€youššd€like€to€come€up€to€my€rooms,Š  X Šyou€can€slap€me€in€private.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šI€am€not€going€to€your€room,€Mr.€OššConnor.€€Iššll€thank€you€to€leave€me€alone,€and€stopŠ “   Šchasing€off€my€prospects.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąSean€Patrick€was€still€holding€her€hand,€and€he€pulled€her€close€to€him.€€š šLetššs€at€least€goŠ `°  Šsomewhere€a€little€more€private€than€the€main€casino.€€May€I€take€you€to€dinner?€€I€donššt€believeŠ ¶  Šyou€got€to€eat€your€own€meal.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šNo,€I€did€not,€thanks€to€you.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šListen,€Miss€Michaels.€€I€know€Iššm€not€what€you€envisioned,€and€I€know€Iššve€been€comingŠ ø Šat€you€a€little€like€a€freight€train,€but€honest.€€Give€me€a€chance€here.€€Iššd€like€a€mistress.€€I€reallyŠ ^ Šwould.€€Youššre€looking€for€someone€exactly€like€me,€and€I€donššt€see€why€you€want€someone€whoŠ d“ Šlooks€like€Bob€Samuels€did.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šBobby€was€a€good€looking€man!ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šHe€was,€in€his€day.€€But€he€was€pushing€seventy,€darlinšš.€€He€was€a€good€businessman.€Š f¶" ŠPretty€decent€sort,€really.€€But€he€had€one€big€flaw,€and€that€was€he€didnššt€leave€you€provided€for.€€IŠ ¼ $ Šswear,€if€you€choose€me,€honey,€thatššll€never€happen€to€you.€€Never.šš€€He€looked€serious,€his€eyesŠ b& Šintense.€Š hø( Šą  ąš šHow€do€you€know€Bobby?šš€she€asked.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šIššm€a€businessman,€honey.€€Names€cross€our€desks,€we€buy€and€sell,€we€know€each€other€ifŠ "d, Šonly€on€paper.€€He€owned€some€properties€I€bought,€and€he€bought€from€me.€€We€had€a€lot€inŠ j#ŗ. Šcommon.šš€€He€continued€to€lead€her€through€the€casino,€down€the€hallway€toward€the€main€towerŠ Ą$ 0 Šelevator.€€š šNow€listen€to€me,€honey.€€I€have€a€proposition€for€you.€€Let€me€take€you€out.€€Weššll€haveŠ &f!2 Ša€real€evening€out€on€the€town,€not€just€dinner€and€dancing,€but€the€whole€package.€€Even€theŠ l'¼"4 Šending,šš€he€gestured€toward€the€elevator,€his€meaning€clear.€€š šAnd€if€you€donššt€like€me,€and€stillŠ Ā($6 Šdonššt€want€me€around,€I€will€leave€then,€and€I€wonššt€bother€you€again.€€Come€on.€€Give€me€thisŠ *h%8 Šchance.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąBonnie€looked€up€at€him,€scowling.€€š šYouššd€stop€harassing€me?šš€Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šIf€taking€care€of€you€is€harassing,€then€yes,€Iššll€stop.€€Iššll€go€home€and€let€you€go€on€aboutŠ ° Šyour€business.€€Come€on.€€Give€me€the€chance.ššŠ V Šą  ąBonnie€sighed.€€Certainly€a€night€with€him€wouldnššt€be€horrible.€€He€could€dance,€he€had€aŠ \¬ Švery€nice€face,€and€he€definitely€had€the€money.€€š šGod,€if€only€you€were€a€few€years€older,šš€she€said.Š ² Šą  ąHe€repeated,€š šIššm€older€than€I€look,€darlinšš.€€I€swear.€€And€wouldnššt€it€be€nice€to€spend€theŠ  X Šnight€on€the€arm€of€a€not„too„bad€lookinšš€fella€for€a€change?ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šYou€donššt€think€too€much€of€yourself,€do€you?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šI€donššt€spend€a€lot€of€time€in€front€of€the€mirror,€darlinšš,€I€swear€that€to€you,€too.šš€€He€wasŠ  Z  Šsmiling€now,€those€nice€crinkles€at€the€corners€of€his€eyes.€€Close€up€she€could€see€there€was€a€slightŠ `°  Šcleft€in€his€chin,€and€his€eyes€were€just€astounding.€€š šWell?ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąShe€considered€a€moment€more.€€It€might€be€delightful€to€spend€a€night€in€bed€with€a€manŠ  \  Šwho€had€such€smooth€skin,€such€beautiful€hands,€was€such€a€very€good€kisser.€€š šAll€right,€all€right.€Š b² ŠTake€me€out.€€Show€me€what€you€have.ššŠ ø Šą  ąThat€brought€out€a€big€smile.€€š šAll€right,€darlinšš.€€So€what€would€you€like€to€do€first?€€See€aŠ ^ Šshow?€€Thereššs€some€good€stuff€playing€right€now.€€I€can€get€tickets€to€Dean€again€if€youššd€like.€€IŠ d“ Šcan€always€see€Dino.šš€€Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šYouššll€take€me€to€see€Dean€Martin,šš€she€said,€š šAnd€then€a€steak€dinner.€€Or€lobster.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šBoth,€if€you€want,šš€he€interrupted€amiably.€€Š f¶" Šą  ąš šThen€perhaps€dancing,€even€though€I€already€know€you€can€dance.€€Maybe€one€of€thoseŠ ¼ $ Štopless€shows,€Iššve€never€been€to€one€of€those.€€Then,€and€only€then,€shall€we€consider€ending€up€inŠ b& Šyour€room.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąHe€tucked€her€hand€into€the€crook€of€his€arm.€€š šAll€right,€then.€€Letššs€get€gussied€up€and€hitŠ ¾ * Šthe€town.€€Letššs€go€up€to€my€suite€and€you€can€look€at€the€glittering€view€while€I€change.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šWeššre€starting€at€your€room?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šI€want€to€change€my€clothes.€€I€like€to€get€dressed€up€for€these€things,šš€he€replied.€€š šYouŠ Ą$ 0 Šcan€wait€in€my€sitting€room.€€By€the€way,€if€you€want€to€change,€we€can€go€shopping,€too,€if€youŠ &f!2 Šwant.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šI€have€nice€clothes.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šAll€righty,šš€was€the€response.€€He€unlocked€the€door€and€lead€her€into€an€elegant€suite.€Š *h%8 Šš šHave€a€seat,€darlinšš.€€I€wonššt€be€long.šš€€He€vanished€into€the€bedroom.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąBonnie€didnššt€sit€down.€€She€looked€around€the€suite,€picking€up€the€heavy€greatcoat€thatŠ Ä,(< Šwas€laying€across€the€back€of€the€little€sofa,€then€setting€it€back€down.€€It€was€made€of€very€fineŠ ° Šfabric,€soft€to€the€touch,€in€a€warm€golden€brown,€far€too€heavy€for€April€in€Las€Vegas.€€There€wasŠ V Šanother€pair€of€fancy€cowboy€boots€set€neatly€beside€the€sofa,€where€he€had€probably€just€taken€themŠ \¬ Šoff€and€set€them,€tidy.€€The€suite€showed€signs€that€heššd€been€living€there€for€a€while,€but€he€wasŠ ² Šobviously€a€neat€fellow.€€His€things€were€all€in€place,€his€wallet€and€hotel€key€on€the€buffet.€Š  X ŠCurious,€she€picked€up€the€wallet.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąHis€Texas€driverššs€license€said€heššd€been€born€Sean€Patrick€OššConnor€on€April€16,€1940,Š “   Šwhich€impossibly€made€him€older€than€her€by€seven€months.€€There€was€a€lot€of€cash,€several€creditŠ  Z  Šcards,€and€several€pictures.€€A€handsome€couple€smiled€at€her€from€the€front€hall€of€an€impressivelyŠ `°  Šlarge€house,€two€young€men€scowled€from€a€sepia„toned€old€print,€and€an€older€woman€with€a€long,Š ¶  Šdour€face€but€warm€and€friendly€eyes€smiled€at€her€from€an€old€photo.€€Bonnie€put€everything€backŠ  \  Šand€set€it€down,€then€picked€up€his€watch.Š b² Šą  ąIt€was€heavy,€old,€and€undoubtedly€real€gold.€€When€she€opened€it,€she€found€it€was€keepingŠ ø Šgood€time,€and€in€the€inside€of€the€watch€cover€was€another€picture.€€It€was€an€old€black„and„whiteŠ ^ Šshot€of€a€very€pretty€woman€looked€at€the€camera€with€a€sweet,€sultry€expression.€€Bonnie€looked€atŠ d“ Šthe€woman€for€a€while,€feeling€something€stirring€inside€her.€€This€woman€meant€something€to€SeanŠ ŗ  ŠPatrick,€of€that€she€was€sure.€€But€the€womanššs€hairstyle€was€old„fashioned,€as€was€her€makeup,€andŠ `  Šif€anything€she€looked€like€she€could€be€his€mother€or€grandmother.Š f¶" Šą  ąYet€somehow€she€didnššt€think€that€was€the€case.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąShe€set€the€watch€down€as€he€came€out€of€the€bedroom,€absolutely€resplendent€in€a€black„on„Š b& Šblack€western€suit€with€shining€black€boots€with€silver€tips.€€He€was€fastening€silver€cufflinks€on€hisŠ hø( Šblack€cuffs,€and€there€was€a€shining€silver€bolo€tie€around€his€neck,€a€bright€star€in€a€circle.€€š šYou€doŠ ¾ * Šclean€up€well,šš€she€admitted.Š "d, Šą  ąš šThank€ya,€darlinšš,šš€he€said,€his€tone€jovial.€€š šNow€you€sure€you€donššt€want€to€go€change?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šIf€Iššm€stepping€out€with€this€very€fine€fellow,€I€suppose€I€ought€to,šš€she€agreed.€€š šI€have€myŠ Ą$ 0 Šbest€clothes€at€the€Dunes.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šBetter€than€that€joint€off€the€Strip.€€Do€you€need€that€anymore,€darlinšš?€€Youššd€saveŠ l'¼"4 Šyourself€a€few€bucks€if€you€moved€entirely€to€the€Dunes.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šI€had€planned€on€the€room€there€being€for€entertaining€gentlemen,€which€I€really€canššt€do€atŠ *h%8 Šthe€other€place,šš€she€replied.€€š šI€donššt€really€know€how€Iššm€going€to€pay€you€back€for€all€that,€youŠ n+¾&: Šknow.€€At€least,€Iššm€guessing€itššs€you€whoššve€been€sneaking€around€paying€my€bills.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šGuilty,šš€he€responded,€although€he€didnššt€look€at€all€guilty€as€he€said€it.€€In€fact,€he€lookedŠ ° Špleased€with€himself,€a€veritable€cat„who„ate„the„canary,€daring€her€to€be€angry€about€it.€€š šYouŠ V Šdonššt€have€to€pay€me€back.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šI€donššt€want€to€be€beholden€to€you,€Mr.€OššConnor.ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šSean€Patrick,šš€he€said.€€They€walked€across€the€street,€him€holding€her€hand€possessively€inŠ  X Šthe€crook€of€his€arm€again,€as€they€passed€the€construction€site€of€the€soon„to„be„opening€CaesarsŠ ^ ®  ŠPalace.€€š šThat€should€be€the€next€showplace€on€the€Strip,šš€he€commented.€€š šA€lot€of€goodŠ “   Šinvestment,€there.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šWhy€bother?€€Itššs€all€mob€money,šš€she€said,€a€little€dismissive€of€the€legendary€and€not„so„Š `°  Šsecret€heart€of€this€town.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šMaybe,€maybe€not,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick€with€a€shrug.€€š šMobsters€are€just€businessmenŠ  \  Šwho€get€a€lot€more€cutthroat€than€the€rest€of€us.€€I€wouldnššt€kill€a€competitor,€but€I€sure€donššt€playŠ b² Šentirely€fair€when€it€comes€to€trading.€€Thatššs€what€keeps€a€fortune€a€fortune.ššŠ ø Šą  ąShe€looked€up€at€him.€€š šYou€condone€the€mob?šš€€Her€voice€had€gone€soft,€as€though€thereŠ ^ Šwere€hit€men€lurking€about€listening,€conditioned€from€childhood€to€have€more€than€a€little€respectŠ d“ Šfor€the€š šFamiliesšš€who€had€founded€the€towns€of€Las€Vegas€and€Paradise.€€Sheššd€never€heardŠ ŗ  ŠMomma€ever€say€the€word€š šBugsy,šš€and€always€called€him€š šMr.€Siegelšš€whenever€any€of€DaddyŠ `  ŠAlanššs€business€partners€were€in€the€room.€€One€never€knew€who€might€be€listening.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šNo,šš€he€replied.€€š šI€donššt.€€But€I€acknowledge€them.€€They€are€businessmen,€businessmenŠ ¼ $ Šwho€are€even€more€ruthless€than€I€am.€€I€probably€wouldnššt€deal€with€them€if€I€could€help€it,€but€IŠ b& Šwill,€obviously,€gamble€in€their€casinos,€so€they€do€have€a€little€of€my€money.€€I€guess€what€IššmŠ hø( Šsaying€is€Iššm€not€going€to€go€around€accusing€someone€of€being€a€mobster€unless€Iššm€good€and€sureŠ ¾ * Šhe€is€one.šš€€He€held€the€door€open€for€her.€€š šI€donššt€have€a€clue€who€has€their€fingers€in€what€illegalŠ "d, Špies.€€I€know€exactly€whatššs€legitimate€outside€of€Vegas,€though.€€This€is€all€new€to€me,€but€I€sure€doŠ j#ŗ. Šlike€learning€about€it.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąBonnie€frowned€as€she€entered,€taking€the€lead€through€the€casino€toward€the€elevators.€Š &f!2 ŠSheššd€already€gotten€quite€used€to€the€layout€of€the€Dunes,€and€dug€out€her€key€when€they€reachedŠ l'¼"4 Šher€little€fifth„floor€room,€nothing€at€all€like€his€magnificent€suite€with€its€views€of€the€neon€of€VegasŠ Ā($6 Šand€the€vast€Mojave€desert€beyond.€€Like€the€other€room,€this€one€was€clean€and€serviceable,€but€itŠ *h%8 Šwas€much,€much€nicer€in€a€lot€of€little€ways.€€š šNow,€I€donššt€have€a€separate€changing€room.€€Shall€IŠ n+¾&: Šmake€you€wait€in€the€hall?ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šWhat€about€the€bathroom?šš€he€asked.Š ° Šą  ąš šYou€can€go€in€there.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šOh€ho,šš€he€laughed,€but€he€complied€without€comment,€disappearing€behind€the€door€andŠ \¬ Šclosing€it€behind€him.€€Bonnie€quickly€changed€into€her€best€dress,€a€classy€Chanel€sheššd€boughtŠ ² Šearly€in€her€relationship€with€Bobby,€when€his€allowances€had€come€regularly€and€sheššd€been€able€toŠ  X Šspend€lavishly€on€designer€wear.€€She€liked€to€think€she€looked€like€Jackie€Kennedy€in€this€dress,€asŠ ^ ®  Šshe€piled€her€hair€up€high€in€front€of€the€vanity€mirror,€pinning€it€carefully€in€place€before€touchingŠ “   Šup€her€makeup,€which€had€not€fared€well€under€the€punishment€of€her€temper€tantrum€and€marchŠ  Z  Šback€and€forth€from€here€to€the€Sands€and€back€again.Š `°  Šą  ąIt€was€a€very€good€thing€Las€Vegas€was€an€all„night€town.€Š ¶  Šą  ąš šYou€can€come€out€now,šš€she€said,€tapping€on€the€bathroom€door.Š  \  Šą  ąHe€exited€and€looked€her€over,€taking€her€elbow€and€leading€her€away€from€the€mirror€to€theŠ b² Šfull€light€in€the€main€entrance.€€š šNice.€€Now€it€occurs€to€me,€my€lady,€that€itššs€getting€late,€so€if€weŠ ø Šwant€a€show,€weššd€better€get€our€legs€under€us.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šI€suppose€we€could€have€driven€over€here,€if€you€have€a€car,šš€she€replied.Š d“ Šą  ąš šI€have,€but€I€also€have€it€in€a€parking€space.€€If€we€were€going€downtown,€then€Iššd€say€yes,Š ŗ  Šbut€as€long€as€we€stick€to€the€center€of€the€Strip,€like€this,€itššs€no€great€jog.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šItššs€almost€a€mile!šš€she€protested.€€š šAnd€Iššm€not€walking€it€again,€not€in€these€heels.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąHe€glanced€down€at€her€pink€pumps.€€š šYouššre€right,šš€he€said,€š šand€that€pale€pink,€theyššd€getŠ ¼ $ Šall€dusty,€too.€€All€righty,€then,€weššll€grab€a€limo€and€ride€up€in€style.šš€€He€glanced€down€at€his€ownŠ b& Šboots,€not€quite€as€shiny€as€they€were.€€š šI€might€have€to€stop€at€the€shoeshine,€myself.€€You€see,Š hø( Šdarlinšš?€€I€need€someone€to€point€these€things€out€to€me.šš€€Š ¾ * Šą  ąShe€couldnššt€tell€if€he€were€teasing€or€not.€€But€he€did€stop€at€the€shoeshine€stand€and€haveŠ "d, Šthe€dust€removed€from€his€boots€before€he€spoke€to€the€valet€and€had€a€limo€pulled€around€for€them.€Š j#ŗ. ŠHe€helped€her€into€the€back€seat€and€stretched€out€next€to€her,€his€long€legs€taking€up€all€the€extraŠ Ą$ 0 Šspace€in€the€central€sitting€area.€€š šSo€tell€me,€honey,šš€he€said,€š šhow€does€a€young€lady€end€up€inŠ &f!2 Šyour€profession?ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąIt€was€asked€carefully,€obviously€out€of€ordinary€curiosity,€without€any€interest€in€hurtingŠ Ā($6 Šher€or€embarrassing€her,€just€an€honest€desire€to€understand.€€Bonnie€considered€his€earnestŠ *h%8 Šexpression€and,€after€a€moment,€started€to€tell€him€about€Momma.€€He€listened€without€comment,€hisŠ n+¾&: Šeyes€never€leaving€her€face.€€She€paused€in€her€story€when€they€arrived€at€the€Sands.€€Bonnie€fellŠ Ä,(< Šsilent€as€he€helped€her€from€the€back€of€the€limo,€and€they€remained€silent€until€they€reached€theŠ ° Šqueue€for€the€show€tickets.Š V Šą  ąš šI€learned€everything€from€Momma.€€I€watched€her,€I€admired€her,€I€wanted€to€be€like€her.€Š \¬ ŠShe€taught€me€everything€I€needed€to€know.šš€€Bonnie€looked€up€at€him,€calculating,€studying€hisŠ ² Šface.€€His€expression€was€strangely€vast,€knowing,€as€though€heššd€lived€a€long€time€and€seen€a€greatŠ  X Šmany€things,€and€did€somehow€understand€what€she€was€going€through.€€But€he€was€a€privilegedŠ ^ ®  Šrich€man€from€a€rich€family€who€negligently€waved€away€money€concerns€with€a€shrug€and€an€š šitššsŠ “   Šonly€money.šš€€Š  Z  Šą  ąHe€couldnššt€understand.Š `°  Šą  ąš šHow€is€it€possible€youššre€older€than€me?šš€she€asked€him€suddenly.Š ¶  Šą  ąHis€eyebrow€arched.€€š šPardon?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šI€looked€in€your€wallet.€€Your€driverššs€license€says€youššre€around€seven€months€older€thanŠ b² Šme,€twenty„six.€€You€look,€oh,€maybe€eighteen.€€If€youššre€lucky.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šYou€know€I€have€to€be€twenty„one,€honey.€€You€found€me€gambling,šš€he€said.€€The€archedŠ ^ Šeyebrow€didnššt€come€back€down.€€š šWhat€were€you€doing€in€my€wallet?ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šBeing€nosy,šš€she€answered.€€No€reason€to€lie€about€it.€€š šI€was€curious,€and€I€looked.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šI€suppose€if€I€went€through€your€purse€youššd€not€like€it€much,šš€he€responded.Š `  Šą  ąš šNo,€I€probably€wouldnššt,€but€if€you€were€honest,€Iššd€at€least€understand€the€curiosity,šš€sheŠ f¶" Šsaid.€€š šBesides,€youššve€been€following€me.€€I€get€to€know€what€kind€of€man€you€are.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šYes,€you€do.€€But€I€have€a€few€secrets€yet,šš€he€said.€€He€took€her€hand€as€they€entered€theŠ b& Šshowroom€and€led€her€to€their€seats.€€š šWould€you€like€a€drink?ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šYes,€please,šš€she€said.€€š šScotch€and€soda,€with€a€twist.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šYou€got€it.šš€He€took€out€that€wallet€as€he€summoned€a€waitress.€€He€ordered€Jack€DanielsŠ "d, Šon€the€rocks,€and€12„year„old€Glenlivet€for€her.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šMy,šš€she€said€when€he€sat€back€down,€š šthe€good€stuff.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šLifeššs€too€short€to€drink€back€scotch,šš€he€replied.€€š šThereššs€nothing€worse€than€the€cheapŠ &f!2 Šjunk.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šAnd€you€drink€Jack€Daniels?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąHe€gave€her€a€sour€look.€€š šThere€is€nothing€cheap€about€Jack€but€the€price€tag,€darlinšš.€Š *h%8 ŠThereššs€a€world€of€difference€between€ššcheapšš€and€ššinexpensive.šš€€Now,€then.€€Was€Bob€SamuelsŠ n+¾&: Šyour€first€benefactor?ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šAs€a€matter€of€fact,€he€was,šš€she€countered,€once€again€defensive€as€he€went€back€to€theŠ ° Štopic€of€her€ššprofession.šš€€š šI€donššt€know€why€you€donššt€like€him.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šI€donššt€like€him€because€he€made€a€commitment€to€you€when€he€was€a€married€man,šš€heŠ \¬ Šsaid,€his€voice€taking€on€some€heat.€€š šAnd€then€he€backed€out€of€that€commitment€by€leaving€youŠ ² Šwithout€any€support€after€he€died.€€He€should€have€left€you€something€in€his€will.€€Having€made€anyŠ  X Špromises€to€you€at€all€he€should€have€dealt€with€the€fact€that€you€would€be€there€and€he€would€beŠ ^ ®  Šgone€and€the€fact€of€you€couldnššt€stain€his€reputation€once€he€was€dead.€€Hell,€pardon€me,€in€someŠ “   Šcircles€finding€out€about€you€made€him€a€freakinšš€hero.€€Old€Bob,€he€had€it€where€it€counted,€right?šš€Š  Z  ŠHe€paused€when€the€waitress€came€up€with€their€drinks.€€He€gave€her€a€five„dollar„bill€as€a€tip,Š `°  Šmaking€Bonnieššs€eyes€widen,€then€turned€back€to€Bonnie€with€an€intensity€in€his€face€sheššd€neverŠ ¶  Šseen€before.€€š šBut€he€didnššt.€€Oh,€sure,€he€made€himself€sound€like€some€big€man,€keepinšš€a€prettyŠ  \  Šyoung€thing€on€the€side,€without€his€wife€ever€once€suspecting,€but€what€happened€when€he€died?€Š b² ŠYou€got€nothing€except€scorn.€€It€ainššt€fair,€it€ainššt€right,€and€that€wonššt€happen€to€you€if€youššre€withŠ ø Šme.€€I€donššt€have€a€wife€to€hide€you€from.€€I€donššt€have€any€intention€of€ever€having€a€wife.€€And€if,Š ^ ŠGod€forbid,€something€happens€to€me,€I€swear€on€my€honor€that€you€will€be€taken€care€of.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąBonnie€stared€at€him.€€There€was€a€fire€burning€inside€his€eyes,€so€bright€she€was€certain€sheŠ ŗ  Šcould€see€it,€as€though€coals€were€glowing€inside€his€scalp,€and€she€swallowed,€hard.€€š šWeššll€see,ššŠ `  Šshe€managed€to€say,€although€her€throat€was€suddenly€very€dry.€€She€picked€up€her€drink€and€tastedŠ f¶" Šit,€thrilling€to€the€marvelous,€smooth€taste€of€really€good€Scotch.€€She€rolled€around€a€secondŠ ¼ $ Šmouthful€as€the€audience€hum€started€to€fade€to€silence€as€the€house€lights€dimmed€and€theŠ b& Šannouncer€made€the€introduction.€€Excitement€boiled€up€inside€her€as€Dean€Martin€swung€onto€theŠ hø( Šstage,€his€genial,€handsome€face€a€little€drawn€but€his€smile€as€usual€a€thousand„watt€one.€€HeŠ ¾ * Špicked€up€the€microphone€and€launched€into€š šThatššs€Amore.šš€€Bonnie€leaned€her€chin€on€his€elbowsŠ "d, Šand€watched.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąGradually€she€became€aware€of€Sean€Patrick,€who€was,€likewise€leaning€forward€on€hisŠ Ą$ 0 Šelbows,€his€expression€totally€enthralled.€€It€wasnššt€the€man,€she€realized€immediately,€but€the€music;Š &f!2 Šhe€listened€with€his€whole€body,€soaking€in€the€notes€like€a€sponge,€his€lips€moving€slightly€with€theŠ l'¼"4 Šwords€as€though€he€were€singing€along€in€his€head.€€She€couldnššt€help€but€smile.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąWhen€the€show€ended,€Sean€Patrick€took€her€hand€and€led€her€from€the€showroom.€€HeŠ *h%8 Štucked€it€back€into€the€crook€of€his€arm.€€š šDinner€time,€right?šš€he€said.€€He€was€wearing€a€warmŠ n+¾&: Šsmile,€still€glowing€from€enjoyment.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šYou€like€music,€donššt€you?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šI€live€for€music,€darlinšš,šš€he€replied.€€š šSometime€soon€here€Iššll€have€to€find€a€piano€andŠ V Štickle€out€a€few€tunes.€€I€havenššt€had€a€chance€since€Iššve€been€up€here.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šYou€play?ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šPiano€and€guitar,€mostly,€but€Iššm€pretty€good€with€instruments,šš€was€his€casual€response.€Š  X Šš šI€like€to€sing.€€I€get€called€up€every€time€we€have€a€family€gathering.€€My€folks€seem€to€think€I€haveŠ ^ ®  Ša€reasonable€voice,€and€I€enjoy€it.€€Iššm€big€on€joining€Christmas€choirs.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šIššd€like€to€hear€you€some€time,šš€she€said,€more€out€of€politeness€than€anything€else.€€SheššdŠ  Z  Šheard€š šfamily€favoritešš€singers€before.€€Still,€if€he€could€play,€perhaps€it€wouldnššt€be€a€chore€toŠ `°  Šlisten€for€a€while.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šWe€shall€see,šš€he€said,€and€smiled€down€at€her.€€š šIf€you€take€me€up€on€my€offer,€darlinšš,Š  \  Šyouššll€probably€get€tired€of€hearinšš€me€sing.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šOh,€surely€not,šš€she€said,€although€she€wasnššt€at€all€sure€about€that.€€š šSo€where€is€theŠ ø Šrestaurant?ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šDowntown.€€Best€steak€in€town,šš€he€replied.€€š šWeššre€gonna€drive,€after€all.šš€€He€guided€herŠ d“ Šout€of€the€hotel€and€across€the€parking€lot.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šYou€donššt€use€a€valet?šš€she€asked,€startled,€as€they€walked€past€the€valet€stand.Š `  Šą  ąš šOh,€no,šš€he€said.€€š šItššs€a€needless€expense.€€I€know€how€to€park€a€car.šš€€Š f¶" Šą  ąShe€watched€the€vehicles€they€passed,€trying€to€guess€which€one€was€his.€€Something€sporty,Š ¼ $ Šperhaps,€or€maybe€a€cowboyššs€truck.€€It€was€hard€to€gauge€what€he€might€like€from€what€sheššd€seenŠ b& Šof€him€so€far,€but€she€was€leaning€toward€the€sports€car.€€There€was€a€shimmering€Lambourghini€atŠ hø( Šthe€edge€of€the€self„park€area,€but€he€passed€it€without€a€glance.€€In€fact,€they€passed€several€sportsŠ ¾ * Šcars€she€thought€he€might€choose,€a€Rolls€Royce,€and€a€Cadillac,€until€he€angled€toward€aŠ "d, Šsurprisingly€small€Porsche€parked€next€to€one€of€those€enormous€sedans€that€were€clogging€the€roadsŠ j#ŗ. Šthese€days.€€She€started€to€go€to€the€Porsche,€but€he€went€to€the€boat.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šThatššs€your€car?šš€she€said€in€surprise,€as€he€fished€the€keys€out€of€his€jacket€pocket€andŠ &f!2 Šopened€the€passenger€door.€€It€was€a€huge,€square,€ugly€thing€with€a€front€end€as€long€as€its€backŠ l'¼"4 Šend,€from€what€she€could€see€in€the€pale€parking€lot€lights,€painted€a€nondescript€tannish€color,€withŠ Ā($6 Šleather€bench€seats€that€appeared€could€seat€most€of€the€members€of€a€college€marching€band,€asŠ *h%8 Šwell€as€the€football€team.€€In€full€gear.€Š n+¾&: Šą  ąThe€look€he€gave€her€was€just€as€surprised€as€she€felt.€€š šYeah,šš€he€said,€š šYou€donššt€likeŠ Ä,(< Šher?šš€€The€affectionate€feminine€spoke€volumes,€a€man€obsessed€with€his€vehicle,€in€love€with€hisŠ ° Šcar.€€Bonnie€tried€to€keep€her€eyebrows€down.Š V Šą  ąš šOh,€I€donššt€know.€€I€sort€of€expected€you€to€be€driving€something€sporty,€a€Ferrari,€or€evenŠ \¬ Šthat€Porsche,šš€she€gestured€to€the€little€car€parked€next€to€them.€€š šMaybe€a€Rolls,€or€a€Cadillac.ššŠ ² Šą  ąSean€Patrick€assisted€her€into€his€sedan,€although€really,€there€was€so€much€space€she€couldŠ  X Špractically€dance€in€there,€and€said,€š šA€few€things€you€should€know€about€me,šš€he€said.€€He€closedŠ ^ ®  Šthe€passenger€door€and€went€around€the€vast€hood€to€the€driverššs€side.€€He€unlocked€it€and€got€in,Š “   Šfilling€the€vast€space€between€the€seat€and€the€pedals€with€his€long€legs,€š šI€donššt€drive€foreign€cars,ššŠ  Z  Šhe€continued.€€š šThat€Porsche,€there,€itššs€nice.€€If€I€liked€keeping€my€car€in€the€shop€all€the€time€andŠ `°  Šdriving€with€my€knees€jabbed€into€my€neck.€€I€could€drive€a€Caddy,€they€have€a€good€engine,€lots€ofŠ ¶  Špower.€€This,šš€he€lovingly€caressed€the€hard,€smooth€dashboard,€š šIs€a€1965€Pontiac€GTO,€the€HurstŠ  \  ŠEdition.€€She€has€a€389€cubic„inch€engine€with€360€horses€and€a€top€speed€I€havenššt€even€gaugedŠ b² Šyet,€but€Iššve€buried€the€needle€out€there€on€the€highway.€€And€maintenance€is€next€to€none.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šWell,€I€suppose€it€is€almost€new,šš€she€said.€€š šAt€least.€€And€the€seats€are€comfortable.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šYou€bet€they€are.€€Iššve€had€her€about€a€year,€got€her€brand„new€off€the€showroom€when€theŠ d“ Ššš65€models€came€out,šš€he€responded.€€š šNow.€€Listen€to€this.šš€€He€gunned€the€engine.€€Bonnie€had€toŠ ŗ  Šadmit,€it€had€a€marvelous,€loud,€race„car€sound€as€he€revved€it€up,€settling€to€a€big„cat€purr€as€heŠ `  Špressed€the€brake€and€put€it€in€gear.€€š šNow,€Iššll€admit€she€does€suck€down€the€gas€but€she€gets€prettyŠ f¶" Šgood€mileage€out€on€the€highway€with€steady€driving,šš€he€went€on,€pulling€out€onto€Las€VegasŠ ¼ $ ŠBoulevard,€the€street€commonly€known€as€The€Strip,€and€started€for€the€downtown€area,€the€actualŠ b& Štown€of€Las€Vegas€proper.Š hø( Šą  ąš šI€just€expected€you€to€be€driving€something€a€little€less€common,€thatššs€all,šš€she€said.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šItššs€true,€I€didnššt€spend€a€lot€for€this,€but€itššs€a€car€thatššs€worth€the€money,€even€if€I€wantedŠ "d, Što€flash„and„dazzle€it€up.€€Itššll€drive€for€a€good€twenty€years€or€more€if€I€take€care€of€it,€and€Iššll€tellŠ j#ŗ. Šyou€something€else€about€it,šš€he€said,€and€grinned€at€her€sideways,€smoothing€his€hands€over€theŠ Ą$ 0 Šhard€plain€steering€wheel,€š šthis€is€not€a€major€target€for€car€thieves.€€My€nephew€bought€himself€aŠ &f!2 Šnice€little€Ferrari,€drove€it€a€while,€kept€it€in€the€shop€mostly,€and€then€one€day€came€out€of€a€store€toŠ l'¼"4 Šfind€it€gone.€€After€everything,€it€cost€him€and€his€insurance€company€probably€around€ten€grand,Š Ā($6 Šwhile€this€beauty€cost€me€only€about€four,€fully€loaded,€with€a€tape€deck,€even,šš€he€gestured€at€theŠ *h%8 Šradio,€š šand€the€only€reason€Iššve€ever€had€any€mechanic€look€at€it€is€for€regular€oil€changes.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąBonnie€didnššt€comment€about€his€preference€for€American„made€cars.€€Sheššd€met€manyŠ Ä,(< Špeople€who€felt€the€same€way.€€Nearly€everyone,€in€fact,€from€Mommaššs€generation,€all€her€friendsŠ ° Šand€Daddy€Alanššs€friends.€€It€had€something€to€do,€she€knew,€with€living€through€World€War€II,Š V Šwhich€had€occupied€everyone€for€the€first€five€years€of€Bonnieššs€life.€€If€he€had€been€raised€as€sheŠ \¬ Šwas,€he€had€been€indoctrinated€with€the€same€mentality.€€Instead€she€said,€š šWhat€else€do€I€have€toŠ ² Šknow€about€you?šš€she€asked.Š  X Šą  ąš šWeššll€get€to€that,šš€he€said,€turning€on€the€radio.€€The€fancy€cassette€deck€was€playing€an€oldŠ ^ ®  ŠElvis€song,€the€familiar€voice€growling€out€š šDonššt€Be€Cruel,šš€and€Sean€Patrick€started€to€singŠ “   Šalong.Š  Z  Šą  ąBonnie€almost€opened€her€mouth€to€protest,€to€complain€about€singers€who€sang€along€withŠ `°  Šthe€radio,€but€she€stopped€when€she€heard€his€voice.€€For€a€moment,€she€almost€turned€the€radio€offŠ ¶  Šso€she€could€just€hear€Sean€Patrickššs€voice€instead€of€Elvisššs.€€Far€more€than€just€a€š šfamily€favoriteššŠ  \  Šsinger,€he€could€really,€really€sing.€€She€smiled€in€pleasure€and€pushed€herself€deeper€into€the€leatherŠ b² Šseat€and€decided€to€really€enjoy€the€ride,€which€really€wasnššt€very€long.€€He€was€pulling€into€theŠ ø Šrestaurant€parking€lot€before€the€song€ended,€but€she€knew€it€would€have€taken€far€too€long€to€walkŠ ^ Šthe€distance.€€She€let€him€hand€her€out€of€the€car,€deciding€to€let€him€be€the€old„fashioned€gentlemanŠ d“ Šhe€was€and€be€treated€like€a€lady.€€Not€a€lot€of€men€would€treat€her€as€nicely€as€he€was€doing,€sheŠ ŗ  Šhad€to€admit€that€to€herself.€€It€was€far€more€likely€people€would€behave€as€that€man€had€the€firstŠ `  Šnight€sheššd€met€Sean€Patrick,€rude.€€Looking€down€on€her€because€she€chose€the€life€she€had.Š f¶" Šą  ąShe€expected€theyššd€have€to€wait,€but€Sean€Patrick€apparently€had€a€little€pull.€€They€wereŠ ¼ $ Šseated€immediately,€in€a€beautiful€and€somewhat€secluded€table,€the€menus€placed€in€front€of€themŠ b& Šand€a€waiter€held€her€seat€for€her,€even€snapping€open€her€napkin€to€lay€it€across€her€lap.Š hø( Šą  ąš šAnything€you€want,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€studying€the€menu.€Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šI€take€it€youššve€eaten€here€before?ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šYep,šš€he€responded.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąHe€ordered€a€bottle€of€red€wine,€something€Italian€sheššd€never€heard€of€before,€and€anŠ Ą$ 0 Šelaborate€antipasto€appetizer,€while€he€continued€to€study€the€menu.€€The€waiter€brought€them€waterŠ &f!2 Šand€a€large€basket€of€bread.€€The€moment€the€basket€hit€the€table€he€was€opening€a€roll€andŠ l'¼"4 Šspreading€butter€on€it.€€Bonnie€reached€instead€for€the€ceramic€rectangle€that€held€packages€of€saltineŠ Ā($6 Šcrackers€and€opened€one,€quickly€eating€both€crackers€before€he€finished€his€roll.€€Theyššd€fallen€intoŠ *h%8 Ša€silence€but€it€wasnššt€uncomfortable;€Bonnie€was€just€liking€his€company,€she€found,€looking€at€hisŠ n+¾&: Šattractive€profile,€the€smooth€lines€of€his€face.€€He€really€did€have€the€nicest€skin€sheššd€ever€seen.€€Ō_ŌHeŠ Ä,(< Šfinished€his€roll€and€took€out€a€pack€of€cigarettes.Š ° Šą  ąš šDo€you€mind?šš€he€asked,€sliding€the€ashtray€toward€him.Š V Šą  ąš šNot€at€all,šš€she€responded.Š \¬ Šą  ąHe€lit€his€cigarette€and€smoked€for€a€while,€sipping€his€wine,€while€they€waited€for€theirŠ ² Šappetizers,€then€put€it€out€when€the€food€started€to€arrive.€€š šYou€donššt€smoke?šš€he€asked.Š  X Šą  ąš šNever,šš€she€answered.€€š šI€tried€a€few€times,€but€it€just€didnššt€grab€me.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šIššve€been€smoking€since€I€was€fourteen,šš€he€said,€then€gave€a€shrug.€€š šNow€they€tell€us€itššsŠ “   Šbad€for€you.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šDoesnššt€stop€anyone€doing€it,šš€she€answered.€€The€appetizer€tray€looked€inviting,€so€sheŠ `°  Šdove€in€just€as€he€was€doing,€the€crusty€breads€and€meats€and€cheeses€turning€out€to€be€even€moreŠ ¶  Šdelicious€than€they€looked.€€She€defiantly€ordered€the€t„bone€steak€and€lobster,€but€Sean€PatrickŠ  \  Šdidnššt€complain,€even€when€she€also€ordered€an€extravagant€rum€drink€with€fruit€juices€and€even€anŠ b² Šumbrella.€€He€stayed€with€wine€for€dinner,€a€rare€t„bone€steak€without€the€lobster,€then€had€JackŠ ø ŠDaniels€on€the€rocks€and€a€cup€of€strong€coffee,€with€a€lot€of€cream€and€sugar,€with€a€hefty€slice€ofŠ ^ Šchocolate€cake,€while€she€considered€the€cherries€jubilee€placed€in€front€of€her€and€her€overstuffedŠ d“ Šstomach.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šI€think€I€ate€too€much,šš€she€said,€poking€at€the€delectable€cherries.Š `  Šą  ąš šYeah,€the€potato€was€probably€too€much,šš€he€replied,€although€heššd€completely€polishedŠ f¶" Šoff€his€meal,€some€of€hers,€and€was€already€almost€finished€with€his€cake.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąBonnie€chuckled.€€š šDonššt€you€ever€stop€eating?€€I€still€donššt€believe€youššre€not€a€teenager.ššŠ b& Šą  ąHe€grinned.€€š šI€am€not€a€teenager.€€I€just€have€a€sincere€love€for€good€food.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šDo€you€want€this?šš€€She€pushed€the€cherries€at€him.€€He€grinned€extremely€boyishly€andŠ ¾ * Šfinished€that€off,€too.€€Then€he€sat€back,€lit€another€cigarette,€and€sipped€his€drink€while€she€leanedŠ "d, Šback€in€her€seat€and€wondered€how€she€could€ever€move€again.€€Much€less...Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąBonnie€drew€a€deep€breath€and€took€a€sip€of€ice€water.€€She€wasnššt€exactly€sure€why€she€wasŠ Ą$ 0 Šnervous€about€having€sex€with€him.€€She€knew€that€was€part€of€the€deal,€after€all.€€But€afterward,Š &f!2 Šwould€he€accept€ššnošš€for€an€answer?€€Could€she€continue€to€say€no€to€him?€€Did€she€even€want€to?€Š l'¼"4 ŠNo,€she€admitted€to€herself,€she€didnššt.€€He€offered€everything€she€wanted€and€his€handsome€face,€asŠ Ā($6 Šwell,€but€the€last€thing€in€the€world€she€needed€was€a€young€man€and€all€the€entanglements€thatŠ *h%8 Šwould€inevitably€follow€such€a€relationship.€€The€next€thing€heššd€be€coming€up€here€all€the€time,Š n+¾&: Šmaybe€even€moving€into€her€houseš!ša€house€heššd€paid€for,€so€heššd€feel€heššd€have€that€rightš!šandŠ Ä,(< Šdemanding€marriage,€or€children,€or€anything€else€that€she€didnššt€want.€€And€heššd€feel€entitled€toŠ ° Šthem€all€because€of€what€heššd€given€her.€€The€thought€made€her€shudder.€€But€how€did€one€say€no€toŠ V Ša€man€like€him?€€He€obviously€assumed€that€anything€he€asked€for€was€immediately€his;€it€was€theŠ \¬ Šattitude€that€got€them€the€best€table€at€the€restaurant,€preferential€seating€at€the€show,€and€hadŠ ² Šserving€people€swarming€around€him€like€bees.€€He€behaved€like€royalty,€and€didnššt€think€there€wasŠ  X Šanything€at€all€unusual€about€it.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąNow€she€was€really,€really€wishing€she€hadnššt€had€the€drink€on€top€of€all€the€food.Š “   Šą  ąš šI€donššt€feel€very€well,šš€she€managed.Š  Z  Šą  ąHe€gave€her€a€sharp€look.€€š šI€see,šš€he€said.€€š šShall€I€take€you€home?€€We€finish€this€eveningŠ `°  Šanother€time?ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąGod,€that€was€a€good€idea.€€That€was€a€magnificent€idea.€€š šThat€would€be€good....€€Yes,Š  \  Šplease,šš€she€said€in€a€tiny€voice.Š b² Šą  ąHe€nodded.€€She€watched€as€he€gave€money€to€the€waiter,€saying,€š šKeep€the€change,šš€beforeŠ ø Šhe€rose€to€his€feet€and€held€out€his€hand€for€her.€€He€didnššt€speak€as€he€drove€them€away€fromŠ ^ Šdowntown,€but€he€headed€into€the€Sands€parking€lot,€rather€than€the€Dunes.€€Bonnie€felt€her€faceŠ d“ Šheat€up.€€š šI€thought...ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šI€have€a€suite,€Bonnie.€€Plenty€of€space,šš€he€said,€pulling€his€long€sedan€into€a€space€nearŠ `  Šthe€side€entrance€of€the€hotel.€€š šCome€on.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šMy€stomach€really€hurts,šš€she€said.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šIššm€not€surprised,€considering€how€much€you€ate,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš,šš€was€his€easy€response.€€š šDonšštŠ b& Šworry.€€Iššll€respect€your€boundaries.€€But€I€want€the€whole€deal,€eventually.€€And€I€mean€the€wholeŠ hø( Šdeal€I€made.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąBonnie€swallowed€as€she€took€his€hand€and€he€heaved€her€out€of€the€car.€€Despite€theŠ "d, Šcoolness€of€his€words,€his€eyes€were€twinkling.€€He€was€cheerful,€even€amused,€by€her;€she€could€seeŠ j#ŗ. Šit€in€his€face.€€š šWhat€are€you€laughing€at?šš€she€asked.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąHe€drew€her€close,€his€eyes€boring€through€her,€laughter€in€them€as€his€arms€went€around€herŠ &f!2 Šwaist.€€š šYou,šš€he€replied.€€š šThe€professional€manššs€mistress,€afraid€of€sex.€€I€thought€I€was€theŠ l'¼"4 Šrepressed€one.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šYou?€€Youššve€been€pursuing€me€like€a€madman,šš€she€said.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šYes,€but€Iššm€a€Catholic€mamaššs€boy,€Ō_ŌfeelinŌ_Ōšš€mighty€guilty€about€it,€and€Iššll€probably€bringŠ n+¾&: Šthis€up€in€confession,šš€he€said,€š šbut€Iššm€also€Ō_ŌfeelinŌ_Ōšš€decidedly,šš€he€bent€his€head€down€close€to€hers,Š Ä,(< Šhis€mouth€close€to€her€ear,€and€whispered,€š šhorny.ššŠ ° Šą  ąBonnieššs€head€whipped€sideways€and€she€saw€he€was€blushing€deeply,€giving€truth€to€hisŠ V Šwords€as€was€the€expression€in€his€eyes,€a€look€that€was€part€guilt€and€part€desire,€mingled€andŠ \¬ Šseverely€at€war€with€each€other.€€She€didnššt€know€what€to€say,€feeling€her€mouth€move€wordlessly.€Š ² Šš šIš!š€ššŠ  X Šą  ąHe€took€her€face€in€both€his€hands,€his€long€fingers€caressing€the€sides€of€her€skull,€tanglingŠ ^ ®  Šin€her€hair,€tilting€it€towards€his.€€He€kissed€her,€first€tenderly,€and€then€with€increasing€intensity,€hisŠ “   Štongue€sweeping€past€her€lips€to€spar€with€hers,€his€arms€circling€her€again,€half„lifting€her€off€herŠ  Z  Šfeet€and€pressing€her€against€the€hard,€long€length€of€his€body.Š `°  Šą  ąFor€a€moment€she€wanted€to€pull€away,€keep€him€to€his€word€to€let€her€alone€tonight,€butŠ ¶  Šthen€her€body€rebelled.€€Her€arms€snaked€around€his€neck€and€she€was€kissing€him€back,€with€theŠ  \  Šsame€intensity,€wanting€to€be€even€closer€to€him€than€she€was,€wanting€to€feel€his€smooth€skinŠ b² Šagainst€hers.€€Slowly,€he€set€her€down,€their€lips€parting.Š ø Šą  ąš šSo.€€Come€on.šš€€He€took€her€hand€and€led€her€through€the€casino€to€the€main€towerŠ ^ Šelevators.€€The€glitter€and€the€glamor€of€the€Sands€faded€as€they€rode€the€elevator€to€the€top€floor,Š d“ Štwo€other€people€riding€part€of€the€way€with€them.€€At€his€floor,€he€took€her€hand€again.€€TheyŠ ŗ  Šwalked€silently€to€the€door€of€his€suite,€where€he€unlocked€the€door,€took€her€elbow,€and€guided€herŠ `  Šin.€€š šNow€then,šš€he€said,€tossing€his€jacket€onto€a€chair,€š šdo€I€sleep€on€the€couch€in€here,€or€do€weŠ f¶" Šshare€the€bed?ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąBonnie€considered€all€of€the€things€Momma€had€always€told€her,€the€problems€of€a€youngŠ b& Šman€and€how€much€she€didnššt€want€that€kind€of€a€mess.€€Her€stomach€felt€heavy,€but€she€was€almostŠ hø( Šas€horny€as€he€was,€damn€it€all,€and€she€wanted€him.€€She€wanted€him.€€She€unbuttoned€the€topŠ ¾ * Šbutton€on€her€dress€and€closed€the€distance€between€them.€€His€twinkle€intensified€as€he€reached€toŠ "d, Šassist€her,€striping€the€cloth€away€from€her€neck€and€shoulders,€bending€to€press€his€lips€to€her€pulseŠ j#ŗ. Špoint.€€She€felt€that€pulse€leap.€€Her€head€fell€back,€letting€him€have€greater€access,€her€back€arching,Š Ą$ 0 Šloving€the€feel€of€his€tongue€against€her€skin,€his€long€fingers€trailing€down€her€throat.€€He€slippedŠ &f!2 Šboth€arms€around€her€and€unclasped€her€bra,€growling€a€little€deep€in€his€throat€as€he€freed€herŠ l'¼"4 Šbreasts€to€his€lips.€€The€nipples€drew€to€hard,€tight€points€and€Bonnie€felt€herself€growling,€too.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąShe€fumbled€at€his€ņņóóthroat,€pulling€the€silver€coin€down€so€the€strings€of€the€bolo€tie€wouldŠ *h%8 Šcome€off€over€his€head.€€He€pulled€back€obligingly€to€allow€her€to€pull€it€off,€then€went€back€toŠ n+¾&: Šfondling€her€breasts,€half„carrying€her€to€the€bed,€where€he€laid€her€down€and€stripped€the€rest€of€herŠ Ä,(< Šclothes€off,€pausing€only€a€moment€to€pull€off€his€own€shirt,€and€fling€his€undershirt€after.€€HeŠ ° Šreturned€to€her€swiftly,€his€curly€hair€falling€in€his€eyes,€as€he€supported€himself€over€her€on€hisŠ V Šelbows,€his€mouth€tasting€every€inch€of€her€torso,€sliding€down€her€abdomen€and€belly€to€the€jointŠ \¬ Šbetween€her€hip€and€thigh.Š ² Šą  ąBonnie€gasped€when€he€slipped€between€her€legs,€his€tongue€eager€and€demanding,€his€handsŠ  X Šunder€her€ass,€tilting€her€so€he€could€gain€greater€access€to€her.€€She€writhed,€her€body€shuddering,Š ^ ®  Šand€she€was€completely€unable€to€hold€back€a€moan€as€a€wave€of€intense€pleasure€washed€over€her.€Š “   ŠShe€buried€her€fingers€in€his€crisp€curls,€her€muscles€tightening€as€he€continued,€his€mouth€doingŠ  Z  Šthings€to€her€body€sheššd€never€felt€a€man€do€before,€giving€her€that€intense€sensation€sheššd€only€everŠ `°  Šgotten€by€herself€before.€€Sheššd€come€to€the€conclusion€that,€no€matter€what€the€magazines€said,€menŠ ¶  Šjust€didnššt€know€how€to€get€a€woman€there.Š  \  Šą  ąBut€he€did.€€And€he€kept€doing€it,€until€she€cried€out€again,€sweat€pouring€off€her€body,Š b² Šclinging€to€him,€the€sheets,€his€hotel€bed,€anything€to€keep€the€orgasms€coming.€€She€felt€his€lipsŠ ø Štraveling€again,€back€up€her€body,€to€her€breasts€again,€his€hands€following,€fondling€her€heatedŠ ^ Šflesh,€teasing€her€and€toying€with€her,€until€he€was€face„to„face€with€her€again.€€It€seemed€as€thoughŠ d“ Šhis€eyes€had€that€glow€again,€although€she€thought€it€probably€was€the€lights€shining€on€his€faceŠ ŗ  Šfrom€the€Strip,€making€his€face€look€altogether€unearthly.€€She€gasped€with€renewed€pleasure€whenŠ `  Šhe€entered€her,€their€bodies€merging€effortlessly.€€She€sighed,€her€head€falling€back€again,€her€hipsŠ f¶" Štilting€up€to€meet€his,€her€legs€wrapping€around€his€slim€hips.€€He€sighed,€a€gentle,€almost€gutturalŠ ¼ $ Šsound€against€her€neck,€followed€by€his€soft€but€insistent€lips.€€She€thought€she€felt€his€teeth,€a€briefŠ b& Špinch,€and€his€mouth€was€pressed€to€her€neck,€his€hips€moving€steadily€against€hers,€a€demandingŠ hø( Šrhythm.€€Bonnie€could€feel€all€of€him,€inside€and€out,€the€astounding€feeling€of€being€him€at€the€sameŠ ¾ * Štime€as€herself,€the€way€he€felt€having€sex€with€her,€her€taste,€her€passion,€reflected€back€at€her€aŠ "d, Šhundred€times,€a€million€times,€the€dim€niggling€in€the€back€of€her€head€that€there€was€something€notŠ j#ŗ. Šquite€right€but€everything€was€so€perfect€how€could€anything€be€wrong€and€it€was€all€bound€togetherŠ Ą$ 0 Šand€he€was€inside€her€and€she€was€inside€him€and€his€skin€was€as€smooth€and€perfect€as€sheššdŠ &f!2 Šthought€it€would€be.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąThen€as€his€body€tensed,€his€tongue€slick€against€her€neck,€licking€her€as€though€he€were€stillŠ Ā($6 Štasting€her,€and€the€niggling€feeling€came€to€the€front€of€her€mind.€€š šOh,€no,šš€she€breathed,€trying€toŠ *h%8 Šarticulate€it,€š šNo,€Sean€Patrick,€no.€€Pull€out.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąToo€late.€€€His€body€Ō_ŌspasmedŌ_Ō,€arching€back€with€an€almost€audible€snap,€and€he€shuddered,Š Ä,(< Šhis€hips€tight€against€hers.€€He€started€to€pant€heavily€as€he€slowly€relaxed,€trembling,€to€re„mergeŠ ° Šwith€her.€€š šWhat?šš€he€breathed.Š V Šą  ąš šI€wanted€you€to€pull€out,šš€she€said,€irritated€and€exasperated,€even€as€the€glow€of€herŠ \¬ Šlovemaking€still€filled€her.€€š šI€donššt€want€to€get€pregnant.ššŠ ² Šą  ąHe€actually€had€the€nerve€to€chuckle.€€š šDonššt€worry,€Bonnie,šš€he€kissed€her€forehead,€š šyouŠ  X Šwonššt.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šYou€donššt€know€that.€€You€didnššt€use€anything,€you€selfish€jerk.ššŠ “   Šą  ąHe€lifted€his€head€and€gave€her€a€strange€expression.€€š šSelfish?€€You€know,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš,€thatššsŠ  Z  Šone€fault€no€one€has€ever€accused€me€of.šš€€Very€tenderly,€he€started€to€kiss€her€again,€first€her€cheeksŠ `°  Šand€then€her€eyes€and€nose€and€lips,€whispering€softly,€š šIf€by€some€astronomical€chance€you€were€toŠ ¶  Šget€pregnant,€and€believe€me,€Bonnie,€thatššs€not€going€to€happen,€but€if€you€did,€I€would€still€takeŠ  \  Šcare€of€you,€and€I€would€take€care€of€that€child.€€Now€tell€me€Iššm€selfish,€that€you€didnššt€enjoyŠ b² Šyourself.ššŠ ø Šą  ąShe€couldnššt€say€that.€€He€had,€in€fact,€been€the€most€generous€lover€sheššd€ever€evenŠ ^ Šimagined,€let€alone€shared€a€bed€with.€€He€was€even€still€pressed€tightly€to€her,€letting€the€littleŠ d“ Šcurrents€of€pleasure€continue€through€her€body.€€He€moved€his€hips€again,€as€though€he€knew€whatŠ ŗ  Šthat€was€doing€to€her,€shifting€and€still€managing€to€keep€them€tightly€connected,€his€eyes€intense.€Š `  ŠHe€caressed€her€face€with€one€long€hand.€€š šEnjoy€your€time€with€me,€Bonnie.€€I€promise,€you€willŠ f¶" Šalways€have€a€good€time.€€Thatššs€my€promise€to€you.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šEven€if€I€get€pregnant?ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šEven€if€you€get€pregnant.€€If€I€make€a€promise,€Bonnie,€I€keep€it.€€Iššm€a€man€of€my€word.€Š hø( ŠLet€me€be€the€one.€€Let€me€take€care€of€you.€€Youššll€see.€€Iššve€let€you€know€me,šš€his€head€bent€closeŠ ¾ * Što€hers€again,€his€lips€against€her€ear,€sending€thrills€coursing€through€her,€š ševerything€about€me,€allŠ "d, Šthe€way€inside.€€Think€on€it.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąShe€did.€€He€was€right;€somehow€she€knew€him,€knew€a€generous€and€gregarious€spirit,€aŠ Ą$ 0 Šheart€filled€with€honest€love€for€mankind,€a€man€who€honestly€believed€in€neighbor€love,€giving,€andŠ &f!2 Šturning€the€other€cheek.€€She€blinked.€€How€did€she€just€KNOW€that€about€him?€€They€hadnššt€evenŠ l'¼"4 Štalked€about€religion,€yet€she€knew,€maybe€just€from€his€comment€about€being€Catholic,€how€deeplyŠ Ā($6 Šspiritual€he€was,€how€much€he€believed€in€the€goodness€of€man.€€How€much€he€cared.€€She€took€hisŠ *h%8 Šface€in€her€hands€and€studied€him.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąHe€looked€so€damned€young!€€How€could€he€give€off€such€an€old€feeling,€such€an€intenseŠ Ä,(< Šmaturity,€even€while€being€so€desperately€childish?€€He€was€a€boy.€€He€was€a€man.€€He€was€ancientŠ ° Šand€young€and€it€was€making€her€world€tilt€oddly.Š V Šą  ąš šAll€right,šš€she€said.€€š šAll€right.€€Iššll€be€your€mistress.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąHe€snuggled€her€close,€pulling€them€both€under€the€covers.€€š šGood.€€Tomorrow€Iššll€tell€youŠ ² Šmore€of€those€things€you€need€to€know€about€me.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šIt€is€tomorrow,šš€she€said,€looking€at€the€windows,€where€she€could€already€see€daylightŠ ^ ®  Šstarting€to€break.Š “   Šą  ąš šAh.€€Thanks€for€reminding€me.šš€€He€rose€to€his€feet,€beautiful€and€slender€and€amazinglyŠ  Z  Ševenly€tanned,€and€pulled€the€heavy€blackout€drapes€no€good€hotel€room€would€be€completeŠ `°  Šwithout.€€š šThere.€€Thatššs€one€thing.€€I€sleep€days.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šI€sort€of€guessed,šš€she€replied,€as€he€climbed€in€bed€with€her€and€pulled€the€blankets€overŠ  \  Šthem€both.€€š šAnd€you€donššt€like€air€conditioning,€either.šš€€She€wasnššt€cooling€down€any€after€theirŠ b² Šlovemaking,€although€he€seemed€to€have€already.Š ø Šą  ąš šJust€shove€the€blankets€off€if€you€get€cold,šš€he€replied,€wrapping€his€arms€around€her.€€HeŠ ^ Šwent€to€sleep€almost€immediately.Š d“ ŠĢChapter€FourŠ `  ŠĢą  ąBonnie€woke€up€slowly,€hot€and€sticky€and€still€entangled€in€Sean€Patrickššs€arms.€€Carefully,Š ¼ $ Šso€as€not€to€wake€him,€she€wiggled€out€of€his€grip€and€slipped€free€of€the€bed.€€He€let€out€a€lowŠ b& Šbreath€and€turned€over,€but€didnššt€wake.€€He€looked€about€twelve€years€old,€laying€there,€as€he€flungŠ hø( Šone€arm€up€over€his€head,€except€for€the€light€dusting€of€hair€on€his€chest€and€armpit.€€She€shook€herŠ ¾ * Šhead.€€What€in€the€world€was€she€thinking?Š "d, Šą  ąShe€took€a€shower€and€washed€her€hair,€wondering€what€else€he€thought€he€had€to€tell€herŠ j#ŗ. Šabout€himself.€€So€far€he€was€a€pretty€standard€man,€who€loved€fast€cars€and€good€food,€who€liked€toŠ Ą$ 0 Šstay€up€all€night€and€sleep€all€day.€€In€short,€a€teenager.€€She€went€back€into€the€bedroom€and€lookedŠ &f!2 Šat€him€with€fond€amusement€for€a€while.€€Maybe€it€wouldnššt€be€a€bad€thing,€letting€him€be€herŠ l'¼"4 Šbenefactor.€€Doubtless€it€wouldnššt€last€very€long,€but€she€might€have€some€fun€with€him.€€He€wasŠ Ā($6 Šsweet,€he€was€rich,€and€he€was€very€good€in€bed.€€She€crawled€across€it€toward€him,€ruffling€his€hairŠ *h%8 Šwith€her€fingers.€€š šAre€you€planning€to€sleep€all€day?šš€she€whispered.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąš šProbably,šš€he€murmured,€rolling€over€and€tucking€his€arm€under€his€pillow.€€š šGet€someŠ Ä,(< Šroom€service,€if€you€want,šš€he€continued.Š ° Šą  ąš šCome€on,€get€up.€€Letššs€do€something,šš€she€cajoled.Š V Šą  ąš šGo€back€to€sleep,€Bonnie,šš€was€his€reply,€a€soft€smile€through€his€mussed€hair,€before€heŠ \¬ Šburrowed€a€little€deeper€into€his€pillow.€€š šWeššll€go€out€as€soon€as€the€sun€sets.ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šOh,€come€on.€€A€little€sun€wonššt€kill€you.šš€€She€pulled€open€the€curtains.€€Sean€Patrick€letŠ  X Šout€a€yelp€of€pain€as€the€sunlight€hit€the€bed€and€he€disappeared€off€the€other€side€in€a€flurry€ofŠ ^ ®  Šbedclothes.€€A€stream€of€swearing€unlike€anything€sheššd€ever€heard€in€her€life€came€from€him,€hisŠ “   ŠTexas€accent€thicker€and€peppered€with€Spanish€phrases€sheššd€never€heard€but€was€pretty€sure€theyŠ  Z  Šwere€bad.€Š `°  Šą  ąAfter€a€moment,€he€emerged€in€the€shadowed€area€of€the€room,€climbing€up€and€holding€upŠ ¶  Šthe€blanket€between€himself€and€the€sun,€and€said,€š šPardon€me,€Bonnie.€€I€normally€donššt€swear€likeŠ  \  Šthat€in€front€of€ladies.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šBoy,€when€you€said€you€donššt€like€the€sun€you€werenššt€kidding,šš€she€said,€pulling€theŠ ø Šcurtains€closed€again.€€Slowly,€he€lowered€the€blanket.€€Bonnie€gasped.€Š ^ Šą  ąHis€face€was€halved€by€what€looked€like€a€violently€red€sunburn,€as€though€that€side€hadŠ d“ Šbeen€exposed€to€the€sun€for€hours€rather€than€seconds.€€It€was€already€blistering,€all€the€way€downŠ ŗ  Šhis€neck€and€his€shoulder,€not€just€a€bad€sunburn€but€a€bad€burn,€period.€€His€eyes€were€welling€withŠ `  Štears€of€pain€and€he€was€panting€a€little.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šOh,€my€God,šš€she€breathed.€€š šWhat€the€hell?ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąSean€Patrick€self€consciously€put€his€hand€up,€then,€carefully,€touched€his€cheek.€€HeŠ b& Šwinced.€€š šDamn,šš€he€hissed.€€š šPardon.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąBonnie€closed€the€distance€between€them,€turning€on€the€lights€as€she€did€so.€€The€lampsŠ ¾ * Šgave€the€room€a€strangely€eerie€look,€that€electric„light„in„the„daylight€look€even€though€the€roomŠ "d, Šwas€submerged€in€the€artificial€gloom€given€by€the€blackout€curtains.€€Sean€Patrick€stood€still€andŠ j#ŗ. Šlet€her€look€closely€at€his€face€and€arm,€wincing€a€little€when€she€dared€to€touch€the€burned€skin.€Š Ą$ 0 Šš šHow€does€this€happen?šš€she€asked.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€guess€thereššs€no€better€time€to€tell€you€than€the€present,šš€he€said,€pulling€away€when€sheŠ l'¼"4 Štried€to€touch€his€burned€face.€€š šIššm€a€vampire.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąShe€blinked.€€š šWhat?šš€she€said,€a€weird€feeling€bubbling€up€inside€of€her.€€š šA€vampire?ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šVampire,šš€he€repeated.€€š šWalk„the„night,€drink€blood,€vampire.€€A€little€sunlight€can€hurtŠ n+¾&: Šme,€as€you€can€see.€€A€lot€of€sunlight€will€kill€me.šš€€He€gestured€to€his€face.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąThe€first€thing€Bonnie€wanted€to€do€was€deny€the€existence€of€vampires,€but€she€rememberedŠ ° Šsomething€sheššd€once€overheard€Daddy€Alan€talking€about,€with€men€who€had€come€to€the€house€forŠ V Šthe€evening.€€She€hadnššt€been€allowed€to€come€down,€but€she€had€of€course€snuck€out€to€listen€to€theŠ \¬ Šadults.€€They€had€been€talking€about€the€theories€and€forms€of€magic,€speaking€in€hushed€but€intenseŠ ² Švoices,€and€she€had€never€forgotten€what€she€had€overheard.€€That€magic€had€once€been€widespread,Š  X Šand€Ō_ŌmagesŌ_Ō€had€cast€their€spells€openly,€until€the€church€had€driven€Ō_ŌmagesŌ_Ō€and€magickal€creaturesŠ ^ ®  Šunderground,€until€most€people€no€longer€even€believed€in€either€magic€nor€true€Ō_ŌmagesŌ_Ō,€much€lessŠ “   Šmagickal€creatures.€€Like€vampires.Š  Z  Šą  ąShe€opened€her€mouth€and€whispered,€š šWhen€I€was€a€little€girl,€I€once€overheard€a€manŠ `°  Štalking€with€my€motherššs€benefactor.€€I€think€he€was€a€mage.€€He€was€saying,šš€she€struggled€toŠ ¶  Šremember€exactly€what€heššd€said,€š šhe€was€saying€that€the€movies€were,šš€she€closed€her€eyes,€goingŠ  \  Šback€to€that€night,€as€she€clung€to€the€back€of€the€chair€where€she€was€hiding€and€listened,Š b² Šbreathless,€trying€to€understand€the€big€words€the€men€were€using,€š šperpetuating€a€myth€created€byŠ ø Šthe€Hiera€Sacra.€€I€didnššt€understand€what€he€meant,€what€he€was€saying.€€I€still€donššt.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šI€donššt€know,€either,€Bonnie.€€But€I€am€a€vampire.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šIššve€seen€you€eat€food.€€Iššve€never€seen€you€drink€blood,šš€she€countered.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šJust€ššcause€you€havenššt€seen€me€feed,€doesnššt€mean€I€havenššt,šš€he€replied,€a€crooked€smileŠ `  Štouching€the€unburned€side€of€his€face.€€š šOn€you,€for€example.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąBonnie€thought€about€their€lovemaking,€his€mouth€on€her€neck,€and€she€stared€at€him€inŠ ¼ $ Šshock.€€š šYou€didnššt.ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šSorry,šš€he€replied.€€š šI€donššt€always€ask€permission€first.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąShe€wanted€to€be€furious€with€him,€but€wasnššt.€€After€all,€she€didnššt€feel€like€sheššd€been€hurt.€Š ¾ * ŠIn€fact,€she€felt€quite€good€today.€€š šIt€was€awfully€good€sex,šš€she€admitted,€which€made€him€smile,Š "d, Šbut€he€winced€when€his€eyes€crinkled.€€š šBut...€a€vampire?€€I€mean,€okay,€the€old€man€said€theŠ j#ŗ. Šmovies€were€wrong.€€But€youš!š€youššre€not€a€monster?ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šI€hope€not.€€It€probably€wasnššt€nice€of€me€to€feed€on€you€without€asking,€first,€but,šš€heŠ &f!2 Šshrugged,€š šI€like€to€feed€when€Iššm€having€sex.€€It,€um,šš€he€was€blushing€again,€which€seemed€toŠ l'¼"4 Šmake€the€sunburn€hurt€again,€š šenhances€the€experience.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąBonnie€couldnššt€deny€that.€€š šWhatššs€the€Hiera€Sacra?šš€she€asked.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šTheyššre€an€ancient€order€of€vampire€hunters,šš€he€replied,€and€dropped€the€blanket,€tossingŠ n+¾&: Šit€back€onto€the€bed.€€š šThey€seek€out€and€destroy€vampires€wherever€and€whenever€they€find€us.€Š Ä,(< ŠIššve€been€out€of€their€sights€for€a€long,€long€time,€and€I€want€to€keep€it€that€way.€€My€family,€downŠ ° Šin€Texas,€they€take€care€of€me.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šThatššs€nice,€your€family€took€you€back€in.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šMy€family€loves€me.€€They€protect€me.€I€protect€them,šš€he€said€that€with€a€fierceŠ ² Šexpression,€then€pressed€his€hand€to€his€burned€face.€€š šI€have€to€put€some€cool€water€on€this,€if€youŠ  X Šdonššt€mind.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šOf€course€not.€€You€ought€to€see€what€it€looks€like,šš€she€said,€following€him€into€theŠ “   Šbathroom,€where€she€got€another€shock.€€Š  Z  Šą  ąš šI€canššt€see€what€it€looks€like,šš€he€said,€gesturing€toward€the€mirror€where€she€could€seeŠ `°  Šherself,€but€not€him.€€He€bent€over€the€sink€and€turned€it€on.€€She€could€see€him,€she€could€see€theŠ ¶  Šbones€of€his€spine€sticking€up€when€he€bent€over,€she€could€see€the€smooth€pale€brown€of€his€skinŠ  \  Šand€his€hipbones€jutting€out,€but€none€of€it€showed€in€the€mirror,€just€the€handle€of€the€faucet€turningŠ b² Šitself€on€and€off€as€he€dampened€a€washclothš!šfloating€free€in€the€mirrorš!šand€held€it€against€hisŠ ø Šburned€face.€€š šBelieve€me€now?šš€he€asked.Š ^ Šą  ąShe€realized€with€a€start€she€hadnššt€really€believed€him€before.€€It€was€as€though€theirŠ d“ Šconversation€had€been€nothing€more€than€a€theoretical,€educational€discussion,€which€had€beenŠ ŗ  Šstrictly€hypothetical.€€But€there€was€nothing€hypothetical€about€his€lack€of€a€reflection.€€š šI€donšštŠ `  Šunderstand,šš€she€said.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šThis€answers€all€your€questions,€Bonnie„girl,šš€he€said,€setting€down€the€floating€washclothŠ ¼ $ Šand€turning€to€her.€€He€took€her€shoulders€in€his€hands€and€gave€her€a€little€shake.€š šIššm€much€olderŠ b& Šthan€I€look.€€Iššm€not€planning€on€getting€married.€€In€fact,€Iššm€fairly€certain€I€never€will.€€I€wonššt€getŠ hø( Šyou€pregnant.€€Thereššs€nothing€to€stand€between€me€coming€here€whenever€the€hell€I€want,€and€I€likeŠ ¾ * Šthe€idea€of€having€someone€here€to€meet€me€so€I€donššt€have€to€go€through€the€song€and€dance€ofŠ "d, Šhiring€the€right€girl€to€sleep€with€when€I€come€up€here,€because€just€in€case€you€didnššt€realize€it,Š j#ŗ. Šthatššs€why€I€started€Ō_ŌcominŌ_Ōšš€here€in€the€first€place.šš€€He€was€blushing€again€when€he€said€it,€making€aŠ Ą$ 0 Šstrange,€slow€throb€start€at€his€burned€temple.€€Bonnie€reached€up€and€touched€it,€carefully,€so€as€notŠ &f!2 Što€hurt€the€angry„looking€skin.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šBut€youššre€so€dark,šš€she€said,€her€fingers€moving€to€the€skin€that€wasnššt€burned,€the€even,Š Ā($6 Šsmooth€pale€brown.€€š šYour€skin,€itššs€not€pale€or€dead„looking.€€Youššre€tanned.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šWell,€first,€Iššm€not€dead,šš€he€said,€smiling€a€little,€š šthatššs€part€of€that€Hollywood€myth,€inŠ n+¾&: Šmy€opinion;€and€second,€itššs€not€a€tan,€Iššm€part€Indian.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šYou€are€not.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šOh,€that€you€find€harder€to€believe€than€me€being€a€vampire?šš€€He€chuckled€a€little,€thenŠ V Šreached€back€and€took€up€the€washcloth€again.€€š šI€am€part€Indian,€on€my€motherššs€side.€€Apache,€toŠ \¬ Šbe€specific.€€When€I€could€go€out€into€the€sun,€I€was€a€lot€darker.ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šAnd€youššre€not€dead?€€Or€the€Ō_ŌundeadŌ_Ō,€or€whatever€itššs€called?ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šAs€far€as€Iššve€ever€been€able€to€tell,€honey,€a€vampire€is€alive,€itššs€just€a€different€sort€of€lifeŠ ^ ®  Šthan€human€life.€€I€just€never€bothered€to€be€anything€other€than€myself,šš€he€said,€walking€back€toŠ “   Šthe€bed€and€sitting€on€it,€cross„legged,€his€bony€knees€sticking€out.€€Bonnie€followed,€curious€enoughŠ  Z  Što€want€to€keep€up€the€discussion,€and€climbed€on€the€bed€next€to€him,€putting€both€hands€on€hisŠ `°  Šlong€thigh.€€She€was€glad€that,€for€all€his€boniness,€there€was€evidence€of€a€solid€muscle€under€thatŠ ¶  Šsmooth€skin.Š  \  Šą  ąš šSo€how€old€are€you?šš€she€asked.Š b² Šą  ąš šMy€honest€real€birthday€just€passed.€€I€turned€103,šš€he€replied.€€š šI€was€born€in€1863,€notŠ ø Š1940.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šSo€how€old€were€you€when€you€became€a€vampire?šš€Š d“ Šą  ąš šI€was€nineteen.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąBonnie€nodded,€grinning.€€š šI€just€knew€you€didnššt€look€twenty„six€years€old.€€You€donšštŠ `  Ševen€look€nineteen.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šI€know,šš€he€laughed€with€her,€his€hand€covering€hers.€€š šItššs€been€rather€a€trial€in€the€lastŠ ¼ $ Šfew€decades.€€When€I€really€was€nineteen€it€wasnššt€a€big€dealš!šI€was€considered€a€man.€€But€thenŠ b& Šthey€made€the€decision€that€someone€had€to€be€twenty„one€to€drink€or€smoke€or€gamble,€and€I€had€toŠ hø( Šup€my€age€a€little.€€I€doubt€I€can€use€that€date€of€birth€much€longer,€and€Iššll€have€to€get€an€I.D.€thatŠ ¾ * Šmakes€me€closer€to€twenty„one.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šWhere€do€you€get€a€driverššs€license?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šThereššs€places,šš€he€said,€settling€in€a€little€more€comfortably,€š šthat€take€care€of€magickalŠ Ą$ 0 Šcreatures.€€Iššve€actually€done€very€little€of€it€myself,€but€one€of€my€nephews€knows€the€rightŠ &f!2 Šchannels.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šSo€it€is€your€real€family€that€takes€care€of€you?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šJust€like€I€said.šš€€He€leaned€over€to€the€edge€of€the€bed€and€picked€up€his€cigarettes.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šHow€in€the€world€do€you€smoke€so€much€when€youššre€so€easy€to€burn?ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šI€repeat,€Iššve€been€smoking€since€I€was€fourteen,€honey,šš€he€said.€€š šThatššs€eighty„nineŠ Ä,(< Šyears,€and€trust€me,€it€really€is€habit„forming.€€Besides,€I€donššt€have€to€worry€about€cancer€orŠ ° Šanything,€so€why€not?šš€€He€lit€up€and€blew€the€smoke€away€from€her.€€š šTell€me€your€bad€habits.ššŠ V Šą  ąBonnie€laughed.€€š šI€bite€my€fingernails,šš€she€displayed€her€carefully€manicured€fake€nails,€š šIŠ \¬ Šdaydream,€I€read€terrible€books,€I€watch€too€much€television...ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šIs€that€a€bad€habit?šš€he€interrupted.Š  X Šą  ąš šIššve€heard€it€is,šš€she€responded.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šDamn,€thatššs€another€one€I€have.€€Matter€of€fact,€I€think€this€may€be€the€longest€Iššve€everŠ “   Šbeen€awake€without€turning€it€on,€pretty€much€since€the€second€they€were€invented.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šOh,€thatššs€right!€€Youššd€remember€before€there€was€television!ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šAnd€I€canššt€tell€you€what€I€did€with€my€spare€time€before€that,šš€he€said,€but€he€wasŠ ¶  Šobviously€teasing,€so€Bonnie€stuck€her€tongue€out€at€him.€€He€leaned€back€on€the€pillows,€at€ease€inŠ  \  Šhis€nudity,€and€tucked€one€arm€behind€his€head€as€he€crossed€his€ankles.€€š šNow,€then,€Bonnie„girl,Š b² Šnow€that€you€have€indeed€accepted€the€fact€that€I€am€a€vampire,€do€you€still€mean€it?€€Youššll€be€myŠ ø Šmistress,€let€me€set€you€up?ššŠ ^ Šą  ąBonnie€studied€his€half„burned,€still€cute€face.€€Oh,€there€was€no€denying€he€was€an€absoluteŠ d“ Šdream€come€true.€€A€mature,€wealthy€man€who€was€also€handsome€and€appeared€young,€who€mightŠ ŗ  Šactually€like€to€play€as€much€as€anything€else,€who€might€enjoy€doing€more€than€just€having€sexŠ `  Šwith€her,€would€see€her€as€more€than€an€ornament.€€A€man€who€would€never€have€a€wife€to€š šfindŠ f¶" Šoutšš€about€them,€who€wouldnššt€use€her€to€buy€presents€for€his€wife€and€kids.€€š šI€said€yes,šš€sheŠ ¼ $ Šreplied,€nodding.€€š šAnd€I€mean€it.€€Yes.ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šAll€right,€then.€€Well,€down€to€business,šš€he€lit€another€cigarette€as€he€finished€the€first,Š hø( Šcrushing€it€out€in€the€ashtray€and€once€again€blowing€the€smoke€up€at€the€ceiling.€€š šYouššll€need€aŠ ¾ * Šhouse,€right?€€Do€you€know€where€youššd€like€to€live?ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šI€know€the€exact€house€Iššd€like,€butš!šššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šNo€buts.€€Letššs€go€look€at€it€as€soon€as€the€sun€sets.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šOh,€I€doubt€you€can€get€a€realtor€to€show€you€a€house€after€dark,šš€she€said,€shaking€herŠ &f!2 Šhead.€š šBesides,€itššs€been€on€the€market€a€long€time.€€Iššm€sure€itššs€too€expensive.€€Itššs€just€such€aŠ l'¼"4 Špretty€little€house.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šWell,€weššll€see€what€I€can€shake€out,€here.€€Let€me€shower€and€dress,€and€weššll€go€house„Š *h%8 Šhunting.€€Because,€Bonnie„girl,€just€in€case€you€hadnššt€noticed,€Iššve€been€pursuing€you€a€while€andŠ n+¾&: ŠIššve€been€here€on€this€trip€somewhat€longer€than€I€meant€to€be.€€I€need€to€get€home,€so€the€faster€I€getŠ Ä,(< Šyou€settled,€the€better.€€And€Iššm€sorry€to€do€that€to€you,€just€when€weššre€Ō_ŌgettinŌ_Ōšš€started,€but€I€promiseŠ ° ŠIššll€take€another€trip€before€the€holidays.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šYou€know€thatššs€what€I€expect€from€a€benefactor,šš€she€replied,€glad€he€was€comfortableŠ \¬ Šwith€exactly€who€and€what€she€was.€€She€squeezed€his€leg.€€š šAnd€your€face?€€Are€you€going€to€be€allŠ ² Šright?Š  X Šą  ąš šIššll€heal,šš€he€replied,€š špretty€quickly.€€Faster€if€I€feed.€€Fresh€blood€helps€when€I€hurtŠ ^ ®  Šmyself.šš€€He€rolled€his€eyes,€as€though€this€was€something€he€did€frequently.Š “   Šą  ąš šYou€need€blood?šš€€She€ran€her€fingers€along€her€neck,€considering.€€His€eyebrow€arched.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šI€try€not€to€use€the€same€donor€twice€a€week,šš€he€said,€then€leaned€forward€and€kissed€herŠ `°  Šon€the€tip€of€the€nose.€€š šBut€youššre€a€healthy€girl.€€If€I€decide€you€can€handle€losing€another€pint,€IššllŠ ¶  Štake€you€up€on€that.€€But€in€the€meantime,€you€gave€last€night.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šBut€itššs€my€fault€youššre€burned,šš€she€said.Š b² Šą  ąš šDonššt€worry€about€me,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš.šš€€He€rose€from€the€bed€looking€rather€like€a€spider€with€hisŠ ø Šlong€limbs.€€He€disappeared€into€the€bathroom.€€After€a€moment,€Bonnie€heard€the€shower€come€on.€Š ^ ŠShe€sat€on€the€bed€for€a€moment,€breathing€in€his€scent,€which€hovered€in€the€air€with€his€cigaretteŠ d“ Šsmoke,€then€got€up€and€finished€getting€dressed.Š ŗ  Šą  ąThis€time€she€said€nothing€about€his€car€when€he€took€her€to€it.€€In€the€glare€of€the€lights€heššdŠ `  Šparked€under,€she€could€see€that€it€really€wasnššt€a€nondescript€tan,€but€rather€gold€in€color,€andŠ f¶" Šprobably€beautiful€in€the€daylight.€€She€gave€him€directions€to€the€old€Vegas€neighborhood€whereŠ ¼ $ Šher€dream€house€was,€praying€softly€under€her€breath€that€it€was€still€on€the€market,€still€for€sale,€stillŠ b& Šseeking€that€buyer.€€Of€course,€she€couldnššt€really€expect€Sean€Patrick€to€pay€for€a€place€like€that,Š hø( Šnot€that€it€was€extravagant,€but€it€would€make€more€sense€to€put€her€in€a€nice€townhouse€or€condo,Š ¾ * Šsomeplace€a€little€closer€to€the€Strip,€not€out€here€where€faux€adobe€mingled€with€the€real€thing,Š "d, Šwhere€the€houses€remembered€that€this€was€the€desert,€where€cactus€gardens€rubbed€elbows€withŠ j#ŗ. Šlush€green€lawns€that€couldnššt€exist€here€without€human€intervention.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šNice€area,šš€he€commented.€€š šIs€there€a€Catholic€church€out€this€way?ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€think€so,šš€she€said.€€š šSaint€something„or„other.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šThat€narrows€it€down,šš€he€said€with€some€amount€of€amusement.€€š šWere€you€raised€to€anyŠ Ā($6 Šreligion?ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šNo.€€I€think€Momma€may€have€been€Methodist€or€Lutheran€or€something.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąHe€was€still€grinning.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šWhat?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šNothing,€nothing.€€Would€you€mind€coming€to€Mass€with€me€on€a€Saturday€or€WednesdayŠ V Ševening?ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šNo,€I€guess€not.€€Iššve€never€been€to€a€real€church,€not€that€I€remember,€anyway.€€Except€forŠ ² Ša€friendššs€wedding€that€was€in€a€church,€once.€€I€think€it€was€some€kind€of€Christian€church,Š  X Šanyway.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąHis€grin€split€into€a€delighted€chuckle.€€Bonnie€pursed€her€lips.€€š šOh,€donššt€worry,€honey,Š “   ŠIššm€not€really€laughing€at€you,šš€he€said,€š šYou€just€make€me€think€about€how€fragmentedŠ  Z  ŠChristianity€is,€that€you€donššt€even€know€what€the€churches€are€called.€€Itššs€just€kinda€funny.€€KindaŠ `°  Šcute.€€Kinda€sad,€in€a€strange€way.€€The€whole€message€was€supposed€to€unite€humanity,€not€push€usŠ ¶  Šfurther€apart.€€Is€that€it?šš€€He€pointed€to€the€pretty€little€white€hacienda„style€home€that€Bonnie€hadŠ  \  Šdreamed€of€since€sheššd€been€in€her€teens,€walking€past€here€on€her€way€to€school€and€wishing€sheŠ b² Šcould€go€into€the€courtyard€where€she€could€see€the€lush€gardens,€the€pretty€flowers,€the€gloriousŠ ø Šshade€trees,€and€the€trickling€waterfalls€and€fish€ponds.€€Outside€the€courtyard€walls€the€lawn€wasŠ ^ Šsere€desert,€a€few€stately€mesquites€and€creosotes€that€smelled€so€delightful€in€the€rain,€withŠ d“ Šmeandering€paths€of€native€stone€up€to€the€archway€that€led€to€a€front€door€of€native€wood,€bracedŠ ŗ  Šby€copper€pegs€and€a€beautiful€silver€knob€and€knocker.€€Bonnie€had€dared€to€come€up€to€the€porchŠ `  Šonce,€for€Halloween,€and€peered€past€the€owners€to€see€the€front€foyer,€softly€lit,€but€no€further.Š f¶" Šą  ąEven€if€she€couldnššt€live€here,€she€did€want€to€see€the€inside.€€š šYes,šš€she€said,€her€heartŠ ¼ $ Šbeating€a€little€faster.€€She€had€still€been€with€Bob€when€this€house€had€gone€on€the€market,€and€heŠ b& Šhad€no€interest€in€moving€her€from€her€Strip„convenient€condo,€the€condo€that€had€been€taken€fromŠ hø( Šher€by€his€family€after€his€death.€€š šThatššs€the€place.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šNice.€€Whatššs€wrong€with€it?šš€Š "d, Šą  ąš šI€donššt€know,šš€she€said,€startled€by€his€comment,€as€he€pulled€into€the€driveway€and€startedŠ j#ŗ. Što€prowl€around.€€š šI€donššt€think€thereššs€anything€wrong.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šHouse€like€this€doesnššt€stay€on€a€good€market€like€this€unless€thereššs€something€reallyŠ &f!2 Šwrong€with€it,šš€he€said,€looking€in€one€of€the€windows€under€the€mesquite€tree,€š šor€itššsŠ l'¼"4 Šastronomically€priced.€€Have€you€asked€the€price?šš€€He€looked€up€under€the€front€eave,€up€on€theŠ Ā($6 Šporch,€and€at€the€door.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šNo,šš€she€admitted.€€He€peered€into€the€courtyard,€dark€now,€the€waterfalls€silent.€€BonnieŠ n+¾&: Šhad€no€idea€how€long€the€place€had€been€empty.€€She€was€starting€to€get€nervous,€watching€him€pokeŠ Ä,(< Šaround.€€She€wasnššt€sure€what€he€could€see,€although€it€was€still€a€little€dusky€out,€it€seemed€tooŠ ° Šdark€to€her.€€But€he€was€unabashed€by€his€prying,€even€when€the€lights€next€door€flooded€on,€and€aŠ V Šwoman€came€with€a€flashlight€to€peer€at€Bonnie.Š \¬ Šą  ąš šMay€I€help€you?šš€she€said€in€a€cautious€voice.Š ² Šą  ąSean€Patrick€turned€and€immediately€flashed€that€thousand„watt€smile.€€The€neighborŠ  X Šrelaxed€almost€immediately,€and€Bonnie€was€glad€it€was€a€woman€and€not€a€man€who€had€come€toŠ ^ ®  Šcheck€on€what€they€were€doing.€€š šHowdy,€maššam,šš€he€said€in€his€polite€way,€holding€out€his€hand.€Š “   Šš šMy€nameššs€Sean€Patrick€OššConnor.€€Is€there€any€chance€I€could€use€your€phone?ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąThe€woman€obviously€wavered€between€good€sense€and€the€instant€liking€Sean€PatrickŠ `°  Štended€to€engender€in€people.€€He€saw€it€and€nodded€toward€the€realtorššs€sign.€€š šI€want€to€call€theŠ ¶  Šrealtor€while€Iššm€out€here,€see€if€heššs€free.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šOh,€they€donššt€usually€come€out€this€time€of€night.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šHeššll€come€out€for€me,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€Even€Bonnie€was€startled€by€his€surety.€€Š ø Šą  ąš šWell...šš€the€woman€wavered.€€š šI€have€a€phone€near€the€front€door.šš€€She€looked€at€Bonnie,Š ^ Šand€seemed€to€relax€a€little.€€š šAll€right.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąBonnie€wasnššt€sure€how€Sean€Patrick€managed€to€retain€the€phone€number,€since€she€wasnšštŠ ŗ  Ševen€sure€sheššd€seen€him€look€at€the€sign,€but€he€dialed€the€moment€the€receiver€was€in€his€hand.€Š `  Šš šYes,šš€she€heard€him€say,€š šIššm€interested€in€your€property€out€here€on€Madison.€€Nope,€Iššm€hereŠ f¶" Šright€now.€€No,€I€canššt€come€back€tomorrow.šš€€He€was€silent€a€moment,€then,€š šSo€how€much€youŠ ¼ $ ŠŌ_ŌaskinŌ_Ōšš€for€this€place?€€Ō_ŌSheeŌ_Ō„Ō_ŌootŌ_Ō,€youššre€kidding€me!€€No€wonder€no€Ō_ŌoneššllŌ_Ō€buy€it.€€Hell,€yes,šš€heŠ b& Šglanced€over€at€Bonnie€and€their€hostess,€š šPardon€me,€ladies,šš€then€back€to€the€phone,€š šIššll€give€youŠ hø( Šten€thousand,€right€now.€€No,€tonight,€if€you€give€me€a€chance€to€look€at€it€and€I€like€it.šš€€He€winkedŠ ¾ * Šat€Bonnie.€€š šIššm€serious.€€I€wonššt€be€this€interested€tomorrow€night.€€Hey,€man.€€Itššs€only€sevenŠ "d, Šoššclock.€€Are€you€interested€in€a€potential€sale?€€All€right,€then.€€Iššll€be€here.šš€€He€set€down€theŠ j#ŗ. Šreceiver€and€turned€to€thank€their€hostess€extravagantly.€š šThank€you,€maššam,šš€he€said,€taking€herŠ Ą$ 0 Šhand€in€both€of€his€and€smiling€again,€widely.€€š šYouššll€be€a€mighty€fine€neighbor.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąShe€blushed€and€smiled€back,€obviously€charmed.€€š šIššm€glad€I€could€help.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šWeššll€be€hovering€around€out€here€for€a€while,€until€Mr.€Peterson€comes€around,šš€he€said.€Š Ā($6 Šš šSo€donššt€mind€us.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šI€wonššt,šš€she€said,€her€eyes€never€leaving€Sean€Patrickššs€face€as€she€closed€the€door€behindŠ n+¾&: Šthem.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šHow€did€you€do€that?šš€asked€Bonnie,€as€soon€as€they€were€back€on€the€porch€of€her€dreamŠ ° Šhouse.Š V Šą  ąš šIššm€a€businessman,€Bonnie„girl.€€I€know€how€to€hook€ššem€and€land€ššem,šš€he€replied,Š \¬ Šlighting€a€cigarette€and€leaning€on€the€arch€of€the€front€porch.€€š šThis€is€a€mighty€pretty€place.€Š ² ŠŌ_ŌHowššdŌ_Ō€you€know€about€it?ššŠ  X Šą  ąBonnie€told€him€about€how€sheššd€walked€past€this€house€when€sheššd€been€in€high€school,Š ^ ®  Šand€how€much€sheššd€loved€it€and€yearned€to€see€inside.€€š šI€even€went€out€trick„or„treating,€and€I€wasŠ “   Šfar€too€old,€just€so€I€could€see€the€inside.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąHe€chuckled.€€š šWe€all€have€our€dreams,€Bonnie„girl.šš€€He€fell€silent,€staring€up€at€the€stars,Š `°  Šwhich€were€easily€visible€out€here,€beyond€the€glare€of€the€Strip€and€the€downtown€lights.€€š šRealŠ ¶  Šestate€here€in€Vegas€is€gonna€explode€in€the€next€couple€of€decades,šš€he€said€after€a€moment.€€š šAllŠ  \  Šthe€desert€cities,€I€think.€€Los€Angeles€is€already€heading€that€way.€€My€own€San€Antonio,€evenŠ b² Šthough€weššre€a€little€more€tropical.€€Phoenix.€€Vegas.€€Itššs€gonna€happen.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šNo€one€will€come€here€while€the€mob€owns€it,šš€said€Bonnie€in€a€hushed€voice.Š ^ Šą  ąš šTake€my€word€for€it,€Bonnie,šš€he€said,€grinding€out€his€cigarette€under€his€heel€on€theŠ d“ Šgravel,€š šŌ_ŌThingsššllŌ_Ō€change.€€Canššt€really€say€how.€€I€should€buy€property€along€the€Strip,€too,€whileŠ ŗ  ŠIššm€at€this.€€But€Iššll€tell€Ō_ŌyaŌ_Ō,€if€I€spend€fourteen€grand€here,€and€thatššs€what€Iššm€thinking,€itššll€beŠ `  Šworth€it€a€hundred€times€in€a€few€years.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šFourteen?€€You€told€him€ten,šš€said€Bonnie.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šI€see€youššre€not€a€bargainer,šš€he€replied,€his€teeth€flashing€white€at€her€in€the€darkness.€Š b& Šš šHis€asking€price€was€twenty„five.€€Twenty„five!€€God,€Bonnie,€there€ainššt€a€family€alive€right€nowŠ hø( Šwho€could€put€that€into€a€single„family€house€like€this€right€now.€€But€itššs€worth€fourteen.€€So€IŠ ¾ * Šoffered€ten.€€We€may€end€up€splitting€it€between€us€somewhere.€€I€want€to€see€the€inside€first.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąA€long,€sleek€dark€Cadillac€El€Dorado€idled€up€behind€Sean€Patrickššs€Pontiac€and€stopped.€Š j#ŗ. ŠA€heavyset€man€with€a€balding€head€gleaming€in€the€moonlight€stepped€out.€€He€was€dressed€almostŠ Ą$ 0 Šas€Western€as€Sean€Patrick€himself,€with€a€bolo€tie€around€his€neck€featuring€a€scorpion€in€Ō_ŌluciteŌ_Ō€andŠ &f!2 Šsilver€ends,€shiny€black€cowboy€boots,€and€a€belt€buckle€even€bigger€than€Sean€Patrickššs€š šlone€star.šš€Š l'¼"4 ŠHe€put€on€a€gigantic€smile€and€extended€his€hand€as€he€came€up€the€stone€path.€€š šMr.€OššConnor?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šMr.€Peterson.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąBonnie€could€see€Mr.€Peterson€sizing€Sean€Patrick€up,€taking€in€his€suit,€his€boots,€and€hisŠ n+¾&: Šyouthful€face.€€A€sly€expression€flashed€in€his€eyes€and€his€huge€fake€smile€got€bigger€and€even€moreŠ Ä,(< Šfake€as€they€shook€hands.€€š šHowdy,€there,€son.€€Now€what€is€this€about€you€needing€to€see€this€placeŠ ° Šafter€dark?ššŠ V Šą  ąš šI€canššt€come€out€here€in€the€daytime,€sir,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick,€instantly€taking€on€aŠ \¬ Šdeferential,€respectful€tone.€€Bonnie€frowned€a€little,€trying€to€figure€him€out,€but€she€hung€back,Š ² Šlistening,€as€Mr.€Peterson€produced€the€key€and€opened€the€front€door€of€her€dream€house.Š  X Šą  ąš šWell,€weššre€fortunate,€thereššs€power€on,šš€said€Mr.€Peterson,€š šfor€just€such€an€event.€Š ^ ®  ŠYouššre€a€lucky€man.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šAlways€have€been,€sir,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€Š  Z  Šą  ąš šPoweršš€amounted€to€a€light€that€just€barely€illuminated€the€front€foyer,€since€apparently€theŠ `°  Šplace€completely€lacked€overhead€wiring€and€would€require€lamps€in€every€room,€but€Sean€PatrickŠ ¶  Šseemed€to€do€all€right.€€He€prowled€through€the€rooms,€poking€at€things,€turning€on€pipes,€andŠ  \  Špeering€into€the€gloom.€€š šWhen€was€it€built?šš€he€asked.Š b² Šą  ąš šI€believe€šš52,šš€replied€Mr.€Peterson.€€š šSolid,€some€adobe€construction.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šIt€lacks€lighting,šš€commented€Sean€Patrick,€š šand€the€pipes€sound€off,€too.€€Thereššs€a€lot€ofŠ ^ Šnew€houses€out€in€these€subdivisions,€arenššt€there?ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šWell,€yes,€but€this€one€ainššt€exactly€antique,šš€replied€Mr.€Peterson,€obviously€taken€abackŠ ŗ  Šby€Sean€Patrickššs€apparent€knowledge€of€real€estate.€€š šIf€you€folks€are€Ō_ŌlookinŌ_Ōšš€to€start€out€withŠ `  Šsomething€reliable,€this€is€your€place.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąSean€Patrick€made€a€noncommittal€sound€as€he€paced€out€the€size€of€the€main€family€room,Š ¼ $ Šchecked€the€windows,€and€peered€out€each€of€them€at€the€neighborhood€view€and€into€the€courtyard.€Š b& Šš šIššll€tell€you€what,€Mr.€Peterson,šš€he€said,€turning€and€shoving€his€hands€in€his€pockets,€š šIššll€standŠ hø( Šon€that€ten€thousand€offer.€€You€ainššt€gonna€get€better€tonight.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šBut€I€might€get€better€later.€€No,€sorry,€son.€€The€family€wonššt€part€with€it€for€less€thanŠ "d, Štwenty.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąBonnie€caught€the€drop€in€price€and€saw€Sean€Patrickššs€expression€go€completely€bland,€thatŠ Ą$ 0 Šface€that€won€him€those€poker€games€sheššd€been€watching.€€Sheššd€seen€him€bluff€his€way€past€aŠ &f!2 Šprofessional,€and€had€a€sudden€feeling€he€was€going€to€get€this€place€for€the€price€he€wanted.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šHowššs€about€we€talk€about€the€cracked€tile€in€the€bathrooms€and€those€old€ponds€out€in€theŠ Ā($6 Šcourtyard,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€his€tone€idle.€€š šGet€those€fixed€up€for€me€and€we€could€talk€maybeŠ *h%8 Štwelve.šš€€He€came€up€further€than€she€expected.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąš šOh,€certainly€thereššs€gonna€be€a€few€improvements€before€the€sale,šš€said€Mr.€Peterson,Š Ä,(< Šrubbing€a€hand€over€his€bald€spot,€š šBut€honest,€boy,€the€best€I€can€get€you€is€eighteen„five.ššŠ ° Šą  ąSean€Patrick€stuck€his€tongue€into€the€corner€of€his€mouth€and€looked€up€at€the€walls€and€theŠ V Šceiling.€€š šI€like€the€plaster,šš€he€said,€š šbut€thereššs€some€touch„up€needed€to€the€paint.€€And€really,€isŠ \¬ Šthe€place€ready€for€modern€wiring?€€I€mean,€hell,€pardon€me,€Bonnie,€thereššs€only€one€outlet€in€theŠ ² Škitchen.€€Howššs€a€woman€in€todayššs€world€supposed€to€deal€with€that?ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šWe€can€have€that€looked€at,šš€replied€Mr.€Peterson,€and€for€a€second,€Bonnie€could€see€himŠ ^ ®  Šactually€getting€desperate.€€Sean€Patrick€was€obviously€voicing€all€the€troubles€heššd€had€with€thisŠ “   Šproperty,€putting€him€just€where€Sean€Patrick€wanted€him.€€Bonnie€saw€only€the€briefest€of€lilts€toŠ  Z  ŠSean€Patrickššs€lips€before€he€turned€serious,€frowning.Š `°  Šą  ąš šAnd€come€on.€€Look€at€that€garden.€€Half€the€plants€are€dead.€€How€long€as€this€place€beenŠ ¶  Šempty?€€A€year?€€More?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šItššs€only€been€about€nine€months,šš€said€Mr.€Peterson,€but€he€was€starting€to€sweat,€andŠ b² ŠBonnie€had€the€idea€that€Sean€Patrick€was€probably€closer€to€the€mark.Š ø Šą  ąš šPull€the€other€one,€Mr.€Peterson.€€Sorry,€sir,€but€this€place€hasnššt€been€home€to€someone€forŠ ^ Ša€lot€longer€than€youššre€Ō_ŌlettinŌ_Ōšš€on,šš€Sean€Patrick€continued.€€š šWhat€happened€in€here?€€The€folksŠ d“ Špass€on?€€Folks€think€itššs€haunted?šš€€He€was€grinning€a€little€as€he€said€that,€as€though€a€hauntingŠ ŗ  Šmight€actually€be€a€selling€point€for€him.Š `  Šą  ąš šThere€was€an€incident,šš€said€Mr.€Peterson,€š šbut€thatššs€all€in€the€past€and€anything€peopleŠ f¶" Šsay€is€just€superstition,€you€gotta€know€that,€son.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šIššm€not€Ō_ŌsayinŌ_Ōšš€I€believe.ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šWhat€kind€of€incident?šš€asked€Bonnie,€speaking€up€for€the€first€time.Š hø( Šą  ąMr.€Peterson€darkened€a€little,€his€eyes€looking€everywhere€but€at€them.€€š šA€shooting,šš€heŠ ¾ * Šsaid€after€a€minute.€€š šThey€say€the€old€man€killed€his€wife€and€then€himself,€and€they€didnššt€find€theŠ "d, Štwo€of€ššem€for€more€than€a€week.€€It€took€months€just€to€get€the€stink€Ō_ŌouttaŌ_Ō€the€place.€€There,šš€heŠ j#ŗ. Šglared€a€little€at€Sean€Patrick,€š šhappy€now?ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šIššll€give€you€fourteen„five,€right€now,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€taking€his€checkbook€out€of€hisŠ &f!2 Šjacket.€€š šYou€think€the€family€will€take€that€deal?€€Will€you€get€anything€better€in€the€next€year?ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šYou€bought€yourself€a€house,€son,šš€said€Mr.€Peterson.€€The€men€shook€hands.€€Bonnie€feltŠ Ā($6 Šher€heart€leap€inside€of€her,€and€she€didnššt€care€if€there€had€been€a€murder„suicide€here.€€It€was€herŠ *h%8 Šdream€house,€and€she€would€make€it€her€home.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąHer€own€home.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąMr.€Peterson€started€to€talk€about€down€payments€and€financing€as€he€led€them€out€of€theŠ ° Šhouse,€but€Sean€Patrick€shook€his€head.€€š šNo,€sir,€Iššm€going€to€write€a€check€flat€out€for€the€fullŠ V Šamount,šš€he€said.€€š šSoon€as€you€tell€me€who€to€make€the€check€out€to.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąThe€realtor€stared€at€Sean€Patrick.€€š šBeg€pardon,€son?ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šFull€amount.€€Right€here,€right€now.€€Close€escrow€as€soon€as€you€can,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€Š  X Šš šIf€you€want€me€to€fill€out€all€the€paperwork€tonight,€thatššll€be€fine.€€If€you€donššt€want€to€open€yourŠ ^ ®  Šoffice€tonight,€Iššll€send€a€man€over€tomorrow€to€take€care€of€everything€with€the€check.šš€€He€clappedŠ “   ŠMr.€Peterson€on€the€shoulder.€€š šDonššt€look€so€surprised,€man.€€You€must€have€done€cash€businessŠ  Z  Šbefore.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šBeen€a€long€time,€son,€Iššll€admit€it,šš€replied€Mr.€Peterson,€still€looking€flustered.€€š šAre€youŠ ¶  Šsure?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šOh,€Iššm€sure,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick,€taking€Bonnieššs€hand.€€š šBut€I€do€want€some€of€thatŠ b² Šstuff€we€talked€about€taken€care€of.€€Get€the€gardens€up,€and€the€tiles€fixed,€and€I€want€a€full€reportŠ ø Šon€the€roof,€sewer,€all€of€that.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šOh,€of€course.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąBonnie€listened€to€the€further€discussions€of€the€men€while€standing€in€a€haze€on€theŠ ŗ  Šsidewalk€where€sheššd€once€stared€at€the€house€and€dreamed.€€It€was€true.€€He€was€buying€her€THISŠ `  Šhouse,€this€wonderful€house.€€It€couldnššt€be€true,€but€it€was,€it€really€was.€€Soon€they€were€sitting€inŠ f¶" Šthe€realtorššs€pleasant€office,€drinking€coffee,€while€Sean€Patrick€talked€on€the€phone€to€someone€inŠ ¼ $ ŠTexas€and€Mr.€Peterson€busied€himself€with€the€paperwork.Š b& Šą  ąš šI€tell€Ō_ŌyaŌ_Ō,€Dave,€itššs€a€good€buy.€€You€know€I€know€my€properties.€€Yeah,€it€needs€someŠ hø( Šwork,€but€I€have€someone€living€in€it€already,šš€he€winked€at€Bonnie€again,€š šbut€Iššll€need€someone€toŠ ¾ * Šhandle€the€daylight€stuff€until€escrow€closes.€€Yes,€Iššm€sure€I€want€to€pay€cash.€€I€donššt€need€aŠ "d, Šmortgage€when€I€can€start€building€equity€in€Vegas€right€now.€€Iššm€positive,€Dave.€€Itššs€going€to€beŠ j#ŗ. Šone€of€the€places€to€own€property€in€the€Southwest.€€In€the€next€couple€of€years€I€want€to€pick€upŠ Ą$ 0 Šsome€properties€along€the€Strip,€because€that€is€where€itššs€going€to€really€blow.€€No,€I€canššt€be€sure,Š &f!2 Šbut€you€know€my€hunches.€€Have€I€ever€steered€you€wrong?€€Good.€€Iššll€write€the€check€tonight,€soŠ l'¼"4 Šbe€sure€the€cash€is€in€my€personal€account.€€Yes,€I€want€it€on€my€personal€account,€this€is€not€goingŠ Ā($6 Što€be€paid€with€by€OššConnor€money.€€Itššs€my€investment.šš€€He€was€silent€for€a€while,€listening€toŠ *h%8 Šsomething.€€š šYou€know€why,šš€he€finally€said.€€š šOkay,€if€Mattššs€there,€put€him€on.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąWhoever€Matt€was€made€Sean€Patrickššs€easy€self„confidence€change.€€He€sat€a€littleŠ Ä,(< Šstraighter.€€š šYes,€sir,šš€he€said.€€He€glanced€sideways€at€Bonnie,€turning€away€slightly.€€š šIššm€Ō_ŌsettinŌ_ŌššŠ ° Šher€up€now.€€I€know€what€you€said,€Matt,€but€damn€it,šš€he€mouthed€a€ššpardonšš€at€her,€looking€guiltyŠ V Šand€contrite,€š šI€need€this,€and€you€know€it.€€Please.€€Donššt€come€down€on€me€until€we€talk€face„to„Š \¬ Šface.€€I€do€know€what€Iššm€doing.šš€€His€voice€lowered,€š šIššm€a€grown€vampire.šš€€He€sucked€his€lips€inŠ ² Šand€got€a€bullheaded€expression€on€his€face.€€š šItššs€my€money,€Matt.€€Iššm€not€putting€any€of€theŠ  X Šfamily€finances€in€danger,€and€youššll€all€thank€me€when€the€boom€happens€like€I€say€itššs€gonnaŠ ^ ®  Šhappen.€€It€did€in€Los€Angeles,€and€where€are€we€there?€€Thatššs€right.€€Okay.€€Thanks.šš€€He€hung€upŠ “   Šthe€phone,€then€raised€his€voice€so€Mr.€Peterson€could€hear,€š šItššs€all€set.€€My€man€will€be€here€in€theŠ  Z  Šmorning€to€take€care€of€everything.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąDriving€back€to€the€Sands,€Sean€Patrick€was€chipper.€€š šNow,€then,€honey,€Iššll€write€you€aŠ ¶  Šcheck€and€you€can€go€buy€your€furniture€and€anything€else€you€need€while€Iššll€gone.€€Iššll€leave€youŠ  \  Šmy€office€line€back€home€and€if€you€call€most€nights,€Iššll€be€the€one€to€answer€it.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šSo€what€does€a€vampire€do€for€a€living?šš€she€asked,€feeling€extremely€chipper€herself.€€SheŠ ø Šdidnššt€know€what€all€of€what€sheššd€heard€was€about,€but€she€didnššt€care.€€Heššd€bought€her€not€just€aŠ ^ Šhouse,€but€the€one€house€in€all€the€world€sheššd€wanted€to€live€in€most.Š d“ Šą  ąš šI€told€you,€Iššm€a€businessman,šš€he€replied.€€š šMostly€we€deal€in€real€estate,€which€is€part€ofŠ ŗ  Šwhat€you€overheard.€€I€tend€to€be€the€gambler,€and€Iššve€tossed€away€some€money€on€kinda€riskyŠ `  Šdeals.€€Some€have€paid€off,€others€havenššt.€€My€nephew€ainššt€all€that€keen€on€investing€in€Las€Vegas.€Š f¶" ŠHe€was€iffy€about€Los€Angeles,€but€Iššve€been€proved€right€about€that€one.€€So€far.€€Knock€wood.šš€Š ¼ $ ŠHe€smiled€at€her.€€š šWe€also€have€cattle,€a€number€of€stock€investments,€and€a€lot€of€other€little€thingsŠ b& Šthat€keep€money€where€it€belongs.€€When€I€became€a€vampire,€I€vowed€Iššd€do€everything€I€could€toŠ hø( Šmake€sure€the€OššConnor€family€fortune€stays€a€fortune.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šWhat€did€it€mean,€your€own€money?šš€she€asked.Š "d, Šą  ąš šI€was€the€oldest€son,€Bonnie,šš€he€replied,€his€expression€turning€serious.€€š šWhen€I€became€aŠ j#ŗ. Švampire,€and€realized€what€that€meantš!šyou€know,€no€passing€the€family€legacy€from€father€to€sonš!šIŠ Ą$ 0 Šgave€my€inheritance€to€my€little€brother,€Matthew,€to€ensure€the€OššConnor€money€continued€on,Š &f!2 Šmade€the€dynasty€our€grandfather€wanted€from€us.€€That€was€his€son€I€was€Ō_ŌtalkinŌ_Ōšš€to,€my€nephew.€Š l'¼"4 ŠHeššs€the€head€of€the€OššConnor€family€now.šš€€He€saw€the€expression€on€her€face€and€smiled€a€little,Š Ā($6 Šhis€long€fingers€curling€around€his€steering€wheel€a€little€more€tightly.€€š šYes,€of€course€heššs€youngerŠ *h%8 Šthan€me.€€But€thereššs€a€weird€dynamic€between€me€and€Matt€Jr.€€Before€he€was€born,€when€hisŠ n+¾&: Šdaddy€was€still€just€a€boy,€I€became€a€vampire€and€ran€off€to€Europe€for€a€long€time.€€When€I€finallyŠ Ä,(< Šcame€home,€Matt€Jr.€was€a€grown€man,€so€I€never€knew€him€as€a€boy,€never€watched€him€grow€up.€Š ° ŠHe€was€on€his€way€to€being€the€head€of€household€already.€€When€his€daddy€died,€he€just€naturallyŠ V Štook€over.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šAnd€you€defer€to€him?šš€she€asked.Š ² Šą  ąš šThatššs€the€way€it€is,šš€he€replied,€but€there€was€a€strange,€almost€resentful€look€in€his€eyesŠ  X Šthat€gave€way€instantly€to€regret€and€a€thousand€other€things€she€couldnššt€name€and€didnšštŠ ^ ®  Šunderstand.Š “   Šą  ąš šHow€old€is€Matt€Jr.?šš€she€asked,€curious.Š  Z  Šą  ąHe€thought€about€it€a€second.€€š šHeššll€be€seventy„one€this€year,šš€he€replied,€as€though€thatŠ `°  Šsurprised€him.€€š šLord€God,€how€the€time€does€fly.šš€€He€pulled€into€the€Sands€parking€lot,€thenŠ ¶  Špaused.€€š šHoney,€do€you€want€to€go€over€to€the€Dunes€and€check€out?€€We€can€bring€your€stuff€overŠ  \  Šhere.€€You€can€stay€in€my€suite€until€you€move€into€the€house.šš€Š b² Šą  ąThat€startled€her,€but€it€made€a€certain€amount€of€sense,€especially€since€he€was€paying€forŠ ø Šboth€now.€€š šAll€right,šš€she€agreed.€€He€reached€over€and€put€a€hand€on€her€knee.€€She€smiled€at€him.Š ^ ŠĢChapter€FiveŠ ŗ  ŠĢą  ąIt€took€longer€than€sheššd€thought€it€would€for€everything€to€be€fixed€in€the€house€and€forŠ f¶" Šwhatever€š šescrowšš€was€to€close.€€Bonnie€lived€in€the€Sands€suite€after€Sean€Patrick€went€back€toŠ ¼ $ ŠTexas,€spending€the€money€heššd€left€her€selecting€furniture€she€loved€that€would€suit€her€new€place,Š b& Šsometimes€stopping€by€and€asking€questions€of€the€workmen.Š hø( Šą  ąPeople€whoššd€assumed€they€were€a€young€couple,€either€just€married€or€just€about€to€beŠ ¾ * Šmarried,€were€confused€by€her€being€alone,€but€Bonnie€didnššt€say€anything€about€him€to€anyone,€justŠ "d, Šhummed€her€way€through€bright€days€and€neon€nights,€when€she€didnššt€have€to€do€anything€forŠ j#ŗ. Šanyone€but€make€her€life€exactly€the€way€sheššd€always€wanted€it.€€She€talked€to€Sean€Patrick€everyŠ Ą$ 0 Šother€night€it€seemed€like,€his€cheerful€voice€making€everything€even€better€as€he€passed€onŠ &f!2 Šinformation€about€the€house„owning€process,€how€the€repairs€were€coming,€and€generally€what€heŠ l'¼"4 Šwas€doing€back€on€the€Ō_ŌflatlandŌ_Ō€plains€he€came€from.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąIt€was€over€a€month€before€keys€were€put€into€her€hand€and€she€opened€the€door€of€her€ownŠ *h%8 Šhouse€by€herself€and€walked€over€the€threshold.€€Euphoria€gripped€her€as€she€finally€walked€throughŠ n+¾&: Šthe€rooms€in€the€daylight.€€For€the€first€time€she€got€to€look€at€the€antique€moldings,€the€brightŠ Ä,(< Šwallpaper€Ō_ŌedgingsŌ_Ō,€and€oh,€that€garden.€€Sean€Patrick€had€made€sure€the€waterfalls€and€ponds€hadŠ ° Šbeen€restored,€all€the€trees€and€flowers€placed,€beautiful€in€the€late€May€sunshine.€€She€strolled€theŠ V Špath€that€curled€around€the€Ō_ŌkoiŌ_Ō€pond,€already€populated€with€colorful€fish.€€Inside€there€was€aŠ \¬ Šbooklet€on€how€to€care€for€them,€as€well€as€which€plants€needed€what.€€She€touched€her€roses,€herŠ ² Šhibiscus,€her€Ō_ŌvincaŌ_Ō.€€It€was€all€hers.Š  X Šą  ąThe€furniture€started€arriving€within€that€first€week,€populating€her€dream€house€with€herŠ ^ ®  Šdream€furniture,€lovely€leather€and€hardwood,€polished€to€a€high€shine,€and€everything€smelled€soŠ “   Šgood!€€Her€dishes€were€good€china,€with€pink€roses€edged€with€gilt,€that€included€a€full€tea€serviceŠ  Z  Šand€settings€for€twelve,€although€she€wasnššt€sure€if€a€vampire€would€do€much€formal€entertaining.€Š `°  ŠStill,€the€main€dining€room€could€seat€that€many€at€the€lovely€long€table,€plus€there€was€a€breakfastŠ ¶  Šnook€where€she€knew€sheššd€be€taking€most€of€her€solitary€meals,€although€she€hoped,€somewhere€inŠ  \  Šthe€back€of€her€head,€that€she€might€end€up€with€at€least€one€good€friend€she€could€invite€over.Š b² Šą  ąBonnie€had€never€wanted€nor€needed€anything€more€than€what€she€had€right€here€and€now,Š ø Šand€she€was€overwhelmed€and€delighted€and€so€many€emotions€she€couldnššt€even€give€voice€to€themŠ ^ Šall.€€She€found€herself€in€her€master€bedroom,€spinning€around€with€glee.€€This€oversized€bed,€suitedŠ d“ Što€her€six„foot„four€benefactor,€was€hers€unless€he€wanted€to€share€it€with€her.€€This€cedar€chest,€thisŠ ŗ  Šwardrobe€full€of€clothes,€this€beautiful€view€of€Mount€Charleston,€all€of€it€was€hers€because€heššdŠ `  Špromised€her€heššd€never,€ever€take€it€back,€and€she€knew€in€her€heart€that€Sean€Patrick€wouldŠ f¶" Šalways€keep€his€word,€no€matter€what€happened.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąShe€was€home.Š b& Šą  ąSean€Patrick€sent€gifts,€too,€not€only€a€beautiful€desk€set€for€the€room€that€would€be€hisŠ hø( Šoffice,€but€also€a€massive€floor„model€console€television€for€the€living€room€and€another€for€his€den,Š ¾ * Šas€well€as€little€things€he€thought€she€might€like;€crystal€glassware€and€a€matching€bar€set€with€aŠ "d, Šrolling€bar€that€opened€fully€for€serving€drinks;€small€kitchen€appliances€like€a€fancy€blender€and€aŠ j#ŗ. Šjuicer,€making€her€comment€to€him€when€he€called€next,€š šOne€might€think€you€were€a€drinker.šš€€ItŠ Ą$ 0 Šmade€him€laugh€at€her.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šMe?€€Nah,€everyone€knows€I€never€touch€the€stuff,šš€he€replied,€then€said,€š šWhen€I€drop€by,Š l'¼"4 Šmake€sure€itššs€stocked.€€You€know€what€I€drink.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šI€do,€indeed,šš€she€responded.€€Before€the€week€was€out€she€made€sure€to€have€a€fifth€of€JackŠ *h%8 ŠDaniels€in€the€bar€for€him,€as€well€as€a€bottle€of€Glenlivet€for€herself€and€miscellaneous€otherŠ n+¾&: Šliquors.€Š Ä,(< Šą  ąOn€a€warm€Monday€morning€at€the€top€of€June€she€was€reading€a€romance€novel€on€the€sideŠ ° Šporch€when€a€truck€pulled€up€and€an€enormous€crate€was€removed€and€brought€up€her€front€walk.€Š V ŠBonnie€was€used€to€getting€deliveries,€but€she€had€really€no€clue€at€all€what€it€was€nor€how€it€wasŠ \¬ Šgoing€to€be€brought€into€the€house.€€š šExcuse€me,€what€is€this?šš€she€asked.Š ² Šą  ąOne€of€the€workmen€tilted€back€his€ball€cap.€€š šDelivery€for€OššConnor,šš€he€said,€pulling€anŠ  X Šinvoice€out€of€his€back€pocket.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šThatššs€the€right€place,šš€she€admitted,€glancing€at€the€side€of€the€truck,€which€read€š šDavis€&Š “   ŠDavis€Music€Store.šš€€Music?€€š šBut€what€IS€it?ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šPiano,šš€was€the€reply.Š `°  Šą  ąš šA€piano?šš€€Bonnie€gasped.€€š šI€donššt€think€that€crate€is€going€to€fit€through€any€of€theŠ ¶  Šdoors!ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šDonššt€worry,€miss,šš€said€the€delivery€driver.€€š šWe€know€what€to€do.ššŠ b² Šą  ąShe€watched€in€fascination€as€the€pianoš!ša€beautiful€mahogany€upright€with€mother„of„pearlŠ ø Šinlay€and€silver€trimš!šwas€Ō_ŌunboxedŌ_Ō€on€her€lawn€and€carefully,€expertly,€moved€inside.€€She€had€noŠ ^ Šclue€where€to€put€it,€so€even€though€it€was€just€past€noon€in€Las€Vegas,€making€it,€she€thought,Š d“ Šsomething€around€two€in€the€afternoon€in€San€Antonio,€she€called€Sean€Patrick.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šYour€piano€is€here,šš€she€said€when€he€answered€the€phone.Š `  Šą  ąš šWonderful!€€I€was€Ō_ŌthinkinŌ_Ōšš€that€good„sized€room€off€the€main€living€area€would€make€aŠ f¶" Šgreat€music€room.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąBonnie€considered€that€a€moment,€then€directed€the€waiting€workmen€to€move€the€piano€thatŠ b& Šway.€€š šAll€right,šš€she€said€into€the€phone.Š hø( Šą  ąš šYou€didnššt€already€have€plans€for€that€room,€did€you?ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šI€was€contemplating€a€sewing€room,šš€she€said,€then,€š šbut€I€admit,€I€donššt€do€that€muchŠ "d, Šsewing.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąHe€chuckled.€€š šThereššs€plenty€of€space€for€that,€too,€honey.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šHow€do€you€remember€these€things?€€You€only€saw€the€house€once,€in€the€dark.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€see€pretty€well€in€the€dark,€remember,€and€I€have€a€floor€plan€of€the€place€right€in€front€ofŠ l'¼"4 Šme,€anyway.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šCheater.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šYeah,€right.€€How€does€the€piano€look?ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šItššs€beautiful,€Sean€Patrick.€€But€I€donššt€play.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šI€do.€€Iššll€have€tuners€come€in€before€Iššm€up€there€next,šš€he€replied.€€š šHoney,€I€gotta€run.€Š ° ŠIššll€call€you€later.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šAll€right.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąBonnie€directed€the€piano€into€the€corner€by€the€window,€turning€it€so€the€back€was€againstŠ ² Šthe€north€wall€and€the€light€from€the€west€window€streamed€over€the€shining€keys€and€inlay.€€SheŠ  X Šalready€knew€to€tip€delivery€men,€and€had€a€wallet€set€aside€with€cash€just€for€tips,€something€SeanŠ ^ ®  ŠPatrick€had€recommended.€€When€they€left,€she€went€back€into€the€new€music€room€and€sat€down€atŠ “   Šthe€bench€which€had€come€with€the€piano,€and€placed€her€fingers€on€the€keys.€€What€better€time€thanŠ  Z  Šthe€present?€€She€now€owned€a€piano,€why€not€use€it?Š `°  Šą  ąLessons€werenššt€cheap,€but€they€fit€very€tidily€into€her€budget.€€She€found€she€enjoyed€theŠ ¶  Šwork€as€she€did€her€exercises€and€attempted€to€follow€all€the€instructions€her€teacher€gave.€€It€wasŠ  \  ŠAugust,€and€past€her€sixth€lesson,€when€she€heard€the€door€open€and€Sean€Patrickššs€voice,€doing€aŠ b² Šfairly€credible€John€Wayne€impersonation,€say,€š šWoman€of€the€house!€€Whereššs€me€ta?ššŠ ø Šą  ąBonnie€slid€off€the€piano€bench€and€hurried€through€the€house€to€the€front€entrance,€whereŠ ^ ŠSean€Patrick€caught€her€and€picked€her€up€so€they€were€eye„to„eye.€€š šWhat€in€the€world€are€youŠ d“ Šdoing€here?šš€she€asked,€after€he€finished€kissing€her.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šI€do€own€the€house,šš€he€replied,€grinning,€his€eyes€crinkling.Š `  Šą  ąš šI€mean,€itššs€only€an€hour€past€sunset.€€And€I€didnššt€even€know€you€were€coming.€€I€have€noŠ f¶" Šdinner€ready,€nothing€onš!š€ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąHe€glanced€down€at€her€Ō_ŌcapriŌ_Ō€slacks€and€soft€blouse.€€š šYouššve€got€something€on,šš€heŠ b& Šinterjected.Š hø( Šą  ąš šI€mean€something€NICE,šš€she€said,€toying€her€fingers€through€his€curls.€€š šHow€did€you€getŠ ¾ * Šhere?ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šI€drove,šš€he€replied,€deliberately€teasing.€€He€walked,€still€holding€her€off€the€ground,€intoŠ j#ŗ. Šthe€front€room.€€Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šYou€know€what€I€mean,šš€she€said.Š &f!2 Šą  ąHe€started€to€kiss€her€again,€languidly,€before€he€finally€said,€š šI€misjudged€my€time.€€ThereŠ l'¼"4 Šwas€an€accident€just€below€Ō_ŌKingmanŌ_Ō€and€I€got€stuck€for€almost€an€hour.€€I€was€pulling€into€BoulderŠ Ā($6 ŠCity€just€after€sunup,€and€I€thought€about€bulling€through,€but€decided€it€was€probably€better€to€holeŠ *h%8 Šup€for€the€day€and€get€here€as€soon€as€it€was€safe€to€drive.€€So€here€I€am,€after€a€day€in€a€reallyŠ n+¾&: Šsubstandard€Boulder€City€motelš!š€ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šWhy€didnššt€you€find€a€nice€hotel?šš€she€asked.Š ° Šą  ąš šBecause,šš€he€kissed€her€again,€š šI€pulled€into€the€first€place€where€I€could€park€in€the€shade,Š V ŠI€paid€cash,€and€I€was€in€a€hurry.€€I€didnššt€want€to€find€someplace€nicer.€€But€here€I€am€now.€€AndŠ \¬ ŠIššm€mighty€hungry.šš€€His€raised€eyebrow€told€her€exactly€what€he€was€hungry€for.€€That€heššd€madeŠ ² Šit€from€Boulder€City€here€in€just€about€an€hour€said€volumes.€€Bonnie€smiled€at€him€and€lifted€herŠ  X Šlips€to€his€again.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąBonnie€wasnššt€sure€how€he€managed€to€get€both€of€them€undressed,€but€somehow€they€wereŠ “   Šboth€naked,€his€long,€hard€body€pressed€against€hers,€exciting€her€to€those€extremely€pleasant€wavesŠ  Z  Šof€sensation€over€and€over€again.€€It€was€nice,€sharing€their€new€bed,€tangled€together€in€the€sheets,Š `°  Šhis€skin€cool€and€smooth€except€for€his€scratchy€face€since€he€hadnššt€shaved€before€making€his€finalŠ ¶  Šdrive€from€Boulder€City.€€But€even€nicer€was€being€with€a€man€who€not€only€enjoyed€sex€himself,Š  \  Šbut€obviously€enjoyed€making€the€woman€enjoy€it,€as€well.€€Sex€with€Sean€Patrick€was€not€theŠ b² Šš šwomanly€chorešš€her€mother€had€told€her€sex€was,€it€was€a€delicious,€delightful€activity€that€left€herŠ ø Šwanting€more€even€when€she€wasnššt€sure€she€actually€could€take€any€more.€€And€oh,€the€feelingŠ ^ Šwhen€his€vampire€fangs€pierced€the€skin€of€her€neck!€€Bonnie€couldnššt€find€words€for€it.€€Now€thatŠ d“ Šshe€knew€what€to€expect€and€when,€that€little€pinch€sent€floods€of€pleasure€through€her,€the€sharingŠ ŗ  Šof€her€blood,€their€heightened€desire€and€passion€shared€through€that€blood„bond€so€she€could€feelŠ `  Šherself€with€him€and€the€joy€he€was€giving€her,€and€she€knew€he€could€feel€the€same€from€her.Š f¶" Šą  ąIt€was€not€a€chore€in€the€slightest.€€She€lay€in€his€arms€after€he€was€finally€sated,€absentlyŠ ¼ $ Šrubbing€her€forehead€against€his€rough€jaw.Š b& Šą  ąš šSorry€about€the€sandpaper,šš€he€muttered,€lightly€kissing€her€on€the€temple.Š hø( Šą  ąš šIššm€curious€how€you€shave€yourself,šš€she€replied,€tracking€a€hand€over€his€skinny€chest.€Š ¾ * ŠShe€sometimes€wondered€what€he€might€have€looked€like,€if€heššd€gotten€older€than€nineteen,€if€hisŠ "d, Šmuscles€would€have€filled€out€the€promise€his€bones€made.€€š šConsidering€you€canššt€see€yourself€in€aŠ j#ŗ. Šmirror.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šI€make€do,šš€was€his€lazy€response.€€He€stretched,€tucked€his€arm€behind€his€head,€andŠ &f!2 Štightened€his€grip€on€her€shoulders.€€š šDo€you€like€cats?ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šIššve€never€had€a€pet,šš€was€her€answer.€€Sheššd€never€really€thought€about€it,€one€way€or€theŠ Ā($6 Šother.€€š šI€donššt€know.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šI€like€cats,šš€he€said.€€š šI€like€having€cats€around.€€Weššll€think€about€it.€€See€if€we€can€findŠ n+¾&: Šyou€someone€youššd€get€along€with.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąDespite€his€hurry€to€get€here,€he€seemed€not€at€all€inclined€to€get€up€and€do€anything.€Š ° ŠEventually€he€rose,€pulled€on€his€jeans,€and€went€out€to€the€car.€€In€a€moment€heššd€returned€with€aŠ V Šgentlemanššs€overnight€case,€which€he€carried€into€the€bathroom.€€He€showered€and€emerged€a€half„Š \¬ Šhour€later€looking€his€usual€self,€his€cheeks€perfectly€smooth€and€his€sideburns€even,€his€curlsŠ ² Šslicked€back€into€a€semblance€of€order,€still€wearing€his€jeans€and€a€fresh€plain€blue€western„cutŠ  X Šshirt.€€His€feet€were€bare.€€Bonnie,€long€finished€dressing€and€puttering€around€in€the€kitchen,€turnedŠ ^ ®  Šwhen€he€grabbed€her€around€the€waist€and€looked€up€at€his€face.€€š šI€may€have€to€watch€you€do€that,ššŠ “   Šshe€said,€caressing€his€chin.Š  Z  Šą  ąHe€jutted€his€jaw€forward.€€š šYou€get€used€to€it.€€As€long€as€my€sideburns€are€even.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šThey€are,šš€she€told€him.€€š šNow,€what€would€you€like€for€dinner?ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šWhatever€you€make€is€good€by€me,šš€he€responded.€€š šIššm€gonna€drag€in€my€junk€in€fromŠ  \  Šthe€car.ššŠ b² Šą  ąBonnie€considered€what€groceries€she€had€on€hand,€wishing€she€had€steak€or€somethingŠ ø Šactually€worth€putting€in€front€of€him,€as€he€carried€in€a€medium„sized€suitcase,€an€ice€chest,€and€aŠ ^ Šguitar€case.€€The€first€he€put€into€the€bedroom,€the€last€he€left€in€the€living€room,€and€the€ice€chest€heŠ d“ Šcarried€into€the€kitchen.€€In€it€were€several€bottles.€€š šWhatššs€that?šš€asked€Bonnie.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šBlood,šš€was€the€casual€response.€€š šNot€as€good€as€fresh,€but€definitely€useful€when€I€canšštŠ `  Šget€easy€access.šš€€He€opened€one€of€the€bottles€and€tilted€it€to€his€lips.Š f¶" Šą  ąIt€wasnššt€as€though€he€were€feasting€on€flesh,€or€anything€gruesome€or€gory;€it€looked€merelyŠ ¼ $ Šlike€he€were€drinking€from€a€wine€bottle.€€Still,€despite€having€felt€him€drink€blood€from€her€ownŠ b& Šbody,€Bonnie€had€never€really€considered€what€that€meant.€€When€he€swallowed€and€lowered€theŠ hø( Šbottle,€his€eyes€were€glowing,€and€his€fangs€had€extended,€altering€the€shape€of€his€face€somewhat.€Š ¾ * ŠStill,€he€smiled€at€her€as€he€licked€his€teeth.€€š šI€have€a€friend€at€a€hospital€who€supplies€me€withŠ "d, Šexpired€blood€thatššs€scheduled€to€be€destroyed.€€So€not€only€is€it€loaded€with€really€disgusting€anti„Š j#ŗ. Šcoagulants,€itššs€old.€€But€it€keeps€me€going€if€I€donššt€have€someone€to€bite€around.šš€€He€winked.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šWhat€aboutš!š€šš€Bonnie€gestured€to€her€own€neck.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€need€probably€around€five€or€six€pints€a€day,€depending€on€what€Iššm€doing,šš€he€said,Š l'¼"4 Šloading€the€bottles€into€her€refrigerator.€€When€he€turned€back,€his€face€had€returned€to€normal.€Š Ā($6 Šš šSometimes€more.€€I€very€often€feed€less,€which€drives€my€family€nuts.€€Itššs€not€really€good€for€me,Š *h%8 Šyou€see.€€If€I€donššt€feed,€then€I€canššt€heal€properly,€I€get€lethargic,€lose€my€strength,€all€those€thingsŠ n+¾&: Šthat€happen€whenever€you€starve€yourself.€€The€kicker€there€is€I€could€finish,€oh,€say,€something€likeŠ Ä,(< Šthat€buffet€you€saw€me€at€and€still€starve€if€I€didnššt€actually€feed€on€human€blood.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šWhat€about€animal€blood?šš€she€asked.€€For€some€reason€she€felt€a€little€faint,€but€sheŠ V Šwasnššt€sure€why.Š \¬ Šą  ąš šItššs€okay.€€Iššve€survived€on€it€in€a€pinch,€but€human€blood€is€better.€€Stronger.€€YourŠ ² Šblood,šš€he€caressed€her€shoulders,€š šis€very€strong.€€You€have€a€lot€of€fortitude,€Bonnie.€€More€thanŠ  X Ševen€you€know.šš€€He€kissed€her€temple.€€š šWhatššs€for€dinner?ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šSo€how€do€you€get€fresh€human€blood?€€Just€from€people€you€know?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šA€pint€here€or€there,€nothing€more€than€your€body€can€handle,€from€friends€and€familyŠ  Z  Šwhen€they€offer,šš€he€replied,€leaning€on€the€kitchen€counter€and€crossing€his€bare€ankles,€tucking€hisŠ `°  Šthumbs€into€the€corners€of€his€jeans€pockets,€š šbut€if€I€really€need€to€feed,€Iššll€go€out€and€find€donors,Š ¶  Šif€you€will.€€Muggers,€thieves,€rapists.€€I€stop€ššem,€hypnotize€ššem,€feed,€and€see€if€I€can€maybe€turnŠ  \  Šššem€around€while€theyššre€under.€€Canššt€save€everybody,€but€at€least€I€do€what€I€can.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šHypnotize?šš€she€asked.Š ø Šą  ąš šItššs€a€vampire€thing,šš€he€responded.€€š šIššll€show€you€someday.€€What€do€you€have€forŠ ^ Šdinner?ššŠ d“ Šą  ąBonnie€wanted€to€know€more€about€vampires,€but€Sean€Patrick€kept€steering€theŠ ŗ  Šconversation€back€to€everyday€normal€things,€and€eventually€worked€with€her€to€create€a€reasonableŠ `  Šcasserole€of€macaroni€and€ground€beef,€with€peas€and€cheese,€not€something€she€would€haveŠ f¶" Šnormally€made€for€her€wealthy€benefactor,€but€apparently€a€dish€he€liked€quite€a€bit,€since€he€ateŠ ¼ $ Šmost€of€it.€€Then€he€opened€a€bottle€of€wine,€camped€out€in€her€recliner,€and€watched€TV€until€theŠ b& Šsign€off,€playing€his€guitar€during€commercials.€€Bonnie€eventually€went€to€bed€alone,€leaving€himŠ hø( Šreading€a€book€while€polishing€off€the€last€of€the€wine.Š ¾ * Šą  ąHe€stayed€for€four€days,€basically€getting€underfoot€and€doing€very€little,€obviously€a€manŠ "d, Šwho€was€really€on€vacation.€€He€Ō_ŌŌ_Ōate€all€of€the€chocolate€in€the€house,€most€of€the€cookies,€and€drankŠ j#ŗ. Šall€her€wine,€as€well€as€most€of€the€whiskey€sheššd€bought€for€him.€€Ō_ŌHeŌ_Ō€played€the€piano€heššd€sent,Š Ą$ 0 Šproving€there€was€a€reason€for€it,€as€he€could€play€everything€from€ragtime€to€classic€symphony.€Š &f!2 ŠHeššd€play€her€any€song€she€asked€for,€and€sing€it€in€that€magnificent€voice€of€his.€€He€knewŠ l'¼"4 Šapparently€every€song€every€written,€and€could€learn€anything€new€after€hearing€it€once€or€twice€onŠ Ā($6 Šthe€radio.€€He€played€her€cowboy€music€on€the€guitar,€or€Mexican€songs€that€he€sang€in€his€perfectŠ *h%8 ŠSpanish,€and€on€Saturday€night,€he€dressed€up€and€said,€š šYou€can€come€to€Mass€with€me€if€youššdŠ n+¾&: Šlike.€€Sometimes€getting€to€know€folks€is€as€easy€as€walking€into€a€church.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąBonnie€was€somewhat€doubtful€of€her€reception€at€any€š šrespectablešš€place;€she€knew€all€tooŠ ° Šwell€exactly€how€the€moral€righteous€felt€about€š šwomen€like€her,šš€and€didnššt€really€want€to€even€tryŠ V Što€rub€elbows€with€them.€€Still,€if€it€made€him€happy,€that€was€her€business,€so€she€wore€a€nice€dressŠ \¬ Šand€entered€the€Catholic€church€on€his€arm,€watching€in€fascination€as€he€dabbled€his€fingers€in€aŠ ² Šfont€of€water€at€the€door,€made€the€sign€of€the€cross€on€his€head,€heart,€and€shoulders,€then€he€bowedŠ  X Štoward€the€somewhat€gruesome€crucified€Christ€at€the€front€of€the€church€before€he€slid€into€the€pew.€Š ^ ®  Šš šShould€I€do€that?šš€she€whispered.Š “   Šą  ąš šYouššre€not€Catholic,€itššs€not€required,šš€he€whispered€back,€smiling€at€her€mostly€with€hisŠ  Z  Šeyes.€€He€handed€her€the€missive€heššd€collected€at€the€front€and€she€read€about€the€churchššs€activitiesŠ `°  Šand€the€eveningššs€program€for€the€service.€€The€chatter€around€her€seemed€casual€and€friendly,Š ¶  Šalthough€everyone€was€dressed€very€nicely€and€there€was€a€very€formal€solemnity€at€the€front€altar,Š  \  Šwhere€robed€and€smocked€men€and€boys€lit€candles€and€carried€giant€tomes€and€massive€goldŠ b² Šgoblets€around.€€The€organ€gave€out€a€thunderous€ovation€and€everyone€stood.Š ø Šą  ąShe€didnššt€really€follow€everything€that€went€on,€since€it€was€spoken€in€a€foreign€language.€Š ^ Šš šLatin,šš€Sean€Patrick€whispered€back€to€her€when€she€timidly€asked.€€It€was€certainly€pretty€to€listenŠ d“ Što,€but€she€didnššt€know€anything€that€was€being€said.ą  ąShe€tucked€her€hair€behind€her€ears€and€triedŠ ŗ  Što€pay€attention,€but€kept€nodding€off,€missing€calls€to€stand€or€kneel,€and€she€jumped€when€peopleŠ `  Šstarted€to€get€up€and€move€out€of€the€pews.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šIs€it€over?ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šNo,šš€he€whispered,€putting€his€hands€over€hers.€€š šI€take€communion.€€Those€of€us€to€do€willŠ b& Šgo€out€this€side,€up€the€main€aisle,€receive,€and€then€come€back€on€the€outside€aisles.€€Just€sit€tight,Š hø( Šlet€folks€through€who€need€to,€and€Iššll€be€right€back.šš€€He€rose€in€his€turn€and€slid€out€to€stand€in€theŠ ¾ * Šline€that€formed.€€Bonnie€watched€the€priest€hold€up€the€big€gold€goblet,€make€gestures,€and€placeŠ "d, Šcircles€on€the€tongues€of€each€person€who€stood€before€him,€then€theyššd€take€a€drink€from€the€cup.€Š j#ŗ. ŠHer€religious€education€had€been€absolutely€nothing,€so€she€understood€none€of€this.€€All€she€knewŠ Ą$ 0 Šwere€a€few€Bible€stories€from€books€sheššd€checked€out€of€the€library€and€the€fact€that€CatholicŠ &f!2 Špriests€couldnššt€get€married.€€Or€be€benefactors,€the€one€thing€her€mother€told€her€about€thisŠ l'¼"4 Šparticular€denomination.€€It€didnššt€seem€as€exuberant€or€fun€as€the€hand„clapping€services€one€sawŠ Ā($6 Šsometimes€in€movies€or€on€TV,€Baptist,€she€thought€they€were.€€No,€this€was€formal€and€dignifiedŠ *h%8 Šand€deeply€serious.€€As€each€person€received€their€circle€and€swallow€from€the€cup,€they€shuffledŠ n+¾&: Šback€to€their€pew,€where€most€crossed€themselves€again€and€knelt€to€pray.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąAt€least€the€kneeling€benches€were€padded,€in€a€reasonably€comfortable€leather.€€The€pews,Š ° Šon€the€other€hand,€were€not.€€Sean€Patrick€made€his€way€back€to€her€side,€lowered€the€kneelingŠ V Šbench,€and€bowed€his€head.€€In€his€hands€he€clutched€a€string€of€beads,€of€the€sort€sheššd€seen€inŠ \¬ Šmovies€at€the€waists€of€nuns.€€A€couple€of€people€here€had€them.€€She€didnššt€want€to€interrupt€hisŠ ² Šprayers,€so€she€waited€until€heššd€moved€the€beads€through€his€fingers€once,€then€twice,€then€finallyŠ  X Šhe€crossed€himself€and€sat€back€on€the€pew,€just€as€the€last€people€were€receiving€their€circles€andŠ ^ ®  Šreturning€to€their€seats.Š “   Šą  ąš šWhat€is€that?šš€she€asked,€daring€to€reach€out€to€touch€the€beads.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šMy€rosary,šš€he€replied,€and€handed€the€strand€to€her.€€Š `°  Šą  ąIt€was€heavier€than€she€expected,€the€beads€felt€rich€as€stone€in€her€fingers,€the€gold€thick.€Š ¶  ŠShe€flipped€over€the€large€medallion€that€connected€the€circle€to€a€single€strand€which€ended€in€aŠ  \  Šlarge€gold€crucifix€and€read€engraved€there,€š šSean€Patrick€Timothy€Titus€OššConnor,€1876.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šHow€many€middle€names€do€you€have?šš€she€whispered.Š ø Šą  ąHe€grinned.€€š šIššll€explain€later.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąThe€service€seemed€to€be€winding€down.€€The€priest€spoke€in€English,€giving€out€a€messageŠ d“ Šof€love€and€peace,€whereupon€everyone€in€the€pews€started€to€turn€and€shake€hands€with€theirŠ ŗ  Šneighbors,€or€brief€kisses,€saying€š šLove€and€peace€be€with€you.šš€€She€found€herself€shaking€handsŠ `  Šwith€people€she€didnššt€know,€and€Sean€Patrick€gave€her€a€brief€kiss€after€heššd€turned€from€shakingŠ f¶" Šhands€with€the€people€on€his€side.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąThen€it€was€over.€€The€priest€and€all€the€others€on€the€altar€filed€out€with€a€banner€and€someŠ b& Šcandles,€and€the€people€in€the€pews€slowed€followed.€€Sean€Patrick€took€her€hand€and€headed€out,Š hø( Špausing€as€the€others€did€to€one€again€bow€to€the€altar.€€š šWhat€is€that?šš€she€whispered.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šWe€always€genuflect€before€entering€and€after€exiting€the€pew,šš€he€replied.€€There€was€aŠ "d, Šline€waiting€to€exit€the€church,€most€people€stopping€to€shake€hands€with€the€priest€and€tell€himŠ j#ŗ. Šš šlovely€servicešš€while€hearing€š šso€pleased€you€could€comešš€in€reply.€€Bonnie€smiled€warmly€as€theŠ Ą$ 0 Špriest€gripped€her€hand€in€his,€made€an€appropriate€comment,€then€made€a€very€blessed€escape€intoŠ &f!2 Šthe€parking€lot.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šYou€didnššt€enjoy€yourself€much,šš€commented€Sean€Patrick€as€he€opened€the€car€door€forŠ Ā($6 Šher.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šThe€music€was€nice,šš€she€said.€€š šI€thought€Ō_ŌthereššdŌ_Ō€be€more€of€that.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šDepends€on€who€leads€the€service,€how€much€singing€there€is.€€I€like€more€music,€myself.€Š Ä,(< ŠSome€more€progressive€congregations€do€things€a€little€differently.€€This€oneššs€pretty€formal.€€IŠ ° Šhavenššt€heard€a€mass€in€Latin€in€years.šš€€He€stretched€out€in€his€driverššs€seat,€his€bones€popping€asŠ V Šhe€did€so,€and€he€gave€out€a€contented€sigh.€€š šLetššs€go€home.€€I€wonššt€make€you€come€anymore€ifŠ \¬ Šyou€donššt€want€to.ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šI€think€it€was€interesting,šš€she€replied,€š šand€it€certainly€gave€you€pleasure.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šIt€gives€me€peace,€which€might€be€the€same€thing,€at€that,šš€he€said.Š ^ ®  ŠĢChapter€SixŠ  Z  ŠĢą  ąChristmas€time€came€without€a€visit,€but€with€a€lot€of€presents,€including€cards€from€hisŠ ¶  Šfamily,€which€was€something€Bonnie€definitely€did€not€expect.€€She€sat€in€her€dining€room€with€herŠ  \  Šoverly€large€Christmas€tree€and€her€pile€of€boxes€from€Sean€Patrick,€all€bearing€names€like€š šChanelššŠ b² Šand€š šTiffany,šš€and€wondered€why€she€felt€so€empty.€€The€pictures€of€him€and€his€large€family€felt€asŠ ø Šthough€they€were€mocking€her,€teasing€her€with€smiling€faces,€joy,€and€love.€€Bonnie€hadnššt€evenŠ ^ Šrealized€sheššd€wanted€those€things€until€she€saw€them€there€in€those€family€photos.Š d“ Šą  ąShe€was€drinking€rum„soaked€eggnog€and€listening€to€Bing€Crosby€sing€Christmas€carolsŠ ŗ  Šwhen€the€phone€rang,€startling€her€nearly€out€of€his€skin.€€She€answered,€expecting€a€wrong€number.€Š `  Šš šHello?ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šHey,€Bonnie„girl,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€his€Texas„accented€voice€taking€on€a€slurred,€happy,Š ¼ $ Šsomewhat€drunk€sound.€€š šWhatššre€your€plans€for€New€Yearššs€Eve?ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šIššm€wide€open,šš€she€said,€somewhat€startled€at€the€cheer€that€entered€her€voice,€and€herŠ hø( Šmind,€at€the€sound€of€his€voice.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šGreat.€€Iššve€made€us€reservations€at€the€Sands.€€Dancing,€drinking,€whooping€it€up,€theŠ "d, Šwhole€works.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šYouššll€get€her€the€night€before,€I€hope?šš€she€said,€trying€not€to€think€of€him€going€out€intoŠ Ą$ 0 Šthe€sunshine€just€to€make€it€to€Vegas€sooner.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šThis€time€Iššll€try€and€time€it€better.€€Iššll€see€you€in€a€week.€€Merry€Christmas,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš€girl.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šMerry€Christmas.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąThe€week€dragged€horribly,€as€Bonnie€tried€to€decide€exactly€what€to€wear€for€their€NewŠ *h%8 ŠYearššs€date.€€She€didnššt€have€a€clue€why€she€felt€so€Ō_ŌflutteryŌ_Ō,€why€food€tasted€so€funny,€or€why€sheŠ n+¾&: Šwas€marking€down€each€day€as€she€eagerly€anticipated€his€arrival.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąHe€came€just€before€sunrise€on€New€Yearššs€Eve,€tired,€but€eager,€as€usual.€€He€opened€aŠ ° Šbottle€of€Riesling€and€a€large€bar€of€chocolate,€drank€most€of€the€former€and€devoured€all€of€theŠ V Šlatter,€before€unpacking€his€clothes€and€carrying€her€to€bed.€€He€made€love€to€her€until€she€wasŠ \¬ Šexhausted,€but€he€was€still€awake€before€she€got€up.€€She€found€him€in€the€music€room,€strummingŠ ² Šhis€guitar€idly.Š  X Šą  ąš šHey,€girl,šš€he€said€when€she€came€in,€wrapped€in€her€pink€robe.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šDonššt€you€ever€sleep?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šOh,€sure.€€But€I€donššt€need€as€much€sleep€as€humans€do,šš€he€replied.€€š šIt€was€a€good€trip.€Š  Z  ŠGreat€ending,šš€he€grinned€at€her.€€š šSo€howššs€things€around€here?ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šWonderful,šš€she€said,€taking€the€seat€next€to€him.€€š šSo€how€much€time€do€I€have€to€getŠ ¶  Šready?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šCouple€of€hours,šš€he€said.€€š šWe€have€time€for€a€shower,€shave,€and€everything€we€need€toŠ b² Šdo€to€get€gussied€up€before€we€head€out.šš€€He€set€aside€his€guitar€and€rose,€unfolding€his€long€limbs,Š ø Šand€stretched.€€His€arms€wrapped€around€her€as€they€came€down,€pulling€her€close.€€š šEnjoyingŠ ^ Šyourself€so€far?ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šWhat,€today?ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šNo,€I€mean€with€me€as€your€benefactor.€€Iššm€doing€a€good€job,€right?ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šA€very€good€job,šš€she€replied,€turning€her€face€to€his.€€š šYouššre€the€best€benefactor€I€couldŠ f¶" Šever€have.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąHe€smiled,€bending€his€head€to€kiss€her€deeply.€€His€tongue€searched€her€mouth€thoroughly.€Š b& ŠHe€tasted€like€coffee€and€pastry,€giving€her€an€idea€of€what€heššd€already€had€for€breakfast.€€š šIs€thereŠ hø( Šcoffee?šš€she€asked.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌYepŌ_Ō,šš€he€responded.€€š šAnd€more€of€those€wonderful€chocolate€croissants.€€Good€stuff.€€DidŠ "d, Šyou€have€a€good€Christmas?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąThe€question€came€at€her€from€a€direction€she€wasnššt€entirely€prepared€for,€but€she€hoped€sheŠ Ą$ 0 Šdidnššt€falter€too€much€as€she€replied,€š šOh,€yes.€€Everything€was€lovely.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šWell,€then,€hop€into€one€of€them€new€dresses€and€letššs€hit€the€town,šš€he€said,€his€toneŠ l'¼"4 Šcasual,€but€his€expression€showed€heššd€seen€more€than€sheššd€let€on.€€Bonnie€hurried€away€from€himŠ Ā($6 Šbefore€anything€awkward€could€come€up€between€them.Š *h%8 Šą  ąNew€Yearššs€on€the€Strip€was€turning€into€one€massive€party,€with€revelers€in€their€finestŠ n+¾&: Šfilling€the€ballrooms€of€the€Sands€and€the€Flamingo,€with€more€casual€visitors€flooding€the€streetŠ Ä,(< Šbetween€the€hotels.€€Sean€Patrick,€resplendent€in€a€rhinestone„studded€jacket€and€slacks,€with€highlyŠ ° Špolished€Ō_ŌsnakeskinŌ_Ō€boots,€stood€out€somewhat;€he€wasnššt€the€only€man€in€formal€western€wear,€butŠ V Šhe€was€probably€the€tallest,€and€in€Bonnieššs€estimation,€quite€the€handsomest.€€He€squired€her€to€theŠ \¬ Šdance€floor,€humming€in€her€ear€as€he€swirled€her€around.€€Her€heels€brought€the€top€of€her€headŠ ² Šlevel€with€his€eyes,€which€she€liked€quite€a€bit,€and€she€didnššt€mind€the€pressure€on€the€balls€of€herŠ  X Šfeet€yet.€€It€was€just€pleasant€dancing€with€him,€since€he€was€very€good€at€it,€and€knew€all€the€realŠ ^ ®  Šballroom€dances,€from€the€waltz€to€the€samba.Š “   Šą  ąThey€were€sitting€at€the€piano€bar€having€drinks€and€waiting€for€the€Vince€Ō_ŌLombardiŌ_ŌŠ  Z  Šcountdown€on€the€television€over€the€bar€with€a€packed€crowd€of€cheerful€party„goers,€all€in€variousŠ `°  Šstages€of€drunkenness,€when€someone€shouted€near€her€ear,€š šBonnie?€€My€God,€it€is€you!ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąBonnie€spun€to€see€one€of€her€oldest€friends,€a€girl€who€had€been€raised,€like€her,€with€aŠ  \  Šmother€and€a€š šdaddyšš€benefactor.€€š šJoyce!šš€€She€flung€her€arms€around€the€beautiful€woman,€whoŠ b² Šhad€grown€only€more€sultry€and€gorgeous€in€the€time€since€Bonnie€had€last€seen€her.€€She€was€withŠ ø Šan€older€man,€distinguished€and€masculine,€with€silver€peppering€his€dark€hair€and€a€suit€that€anyoneŠ ^ Šcould€see€cost€a€fair€fortune.€€Bonnie€felt€her€stomach€clench,€but€she€steeled€herself€to€theŠ d“ Šintroductions.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šThis€is€my€dear€friend,šš€said€Joyce,€smiling,€š šRaymond€Ō_ŌBraniganŌ_Ō.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šVery€pleased€to€meet€you,šš€said€Bonnie€shaking€his€big,€square€hand.€€š šThis€is€my€dearŠ f¶" Šfriend,šš€code€for€š šbenefactor,šš€of€course,€š šSean€Patrick€OššConnor.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šThe€third,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€shaking€the€manššs€hand€with€a€big,€guileless€smile.€€BonnieŠ b& Šgave€him€a€confused€look,€but€her€unspoken€question€was€answered€by€Ō_ŌBraniganŌ_Ō.€€Š hø( Šą  ąš šOššConnor?€€I€think€I€do€business€with€your€granddaddy,€son,šš€he€said,€his€tone€jovial€andŠ ¾ * Šmore€than€a€little€drunk.Š "d, Šą  ąš šYes,€sir,€I€believe€you€do,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€giving€Bonnie€a€significant€little€nudge.€€SheŠ j#ŗ. Šunderstood€immediately.€€Sean€Patrick€had€to€become€his€own€grandson€when€confronted€byŠ Ą$ 0 Šbusinessmen€who€may€have€been€seeing€his€name€on€ledger€sheets€for€decades.€€In€moments,€the€menŠ &f!2 Šwere€in€a€tight€discussion€about€business,€and€Joyce€tugged€Bonnie€away€from€them.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šWhat€are€you€doing?šš€she€said,€her€eyes€bright€and€her€expression€incredulous.€€š šHeššs€justŠ Ā($6 Ša€boy!ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šItššs€not€how€it€looks,€honest,šš€said€Bonnie,€grinning€at€her€friend.€€š šSeriously,€itššs€goingŠ n+¾&: Šextremely€well.€€He€bought€me€that€house.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąJoyce€laughed.€€š šSeriously?€€Oh,€my€goodness,€darling,€you€have€gotten€yourself€in€deep.€Š ° ŠYou€know€what€a€young€man€can€do€to€you.€€Next€thing€you€know€heššs€going€to€want€to€marry€youŠ V Šand€his€family€is€going€to€raise€Cain€and€youššll€be€out€on€the€curb€in€front€of€that€pretty€house.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šNot€this€time,€Joyce.€€I€canššt€tell€you€how€I€know,€but€trust€me,€darling,€heššs€the€best€thingŠ ² Šthat€could€have€ever€happened€to€me.€€So€how€are€you€and€Raymond€doing?ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šOh,€heššs€a€delight.€€Iššm€really€surprised€he€pulled€himself€away€from€his€wife€and€kids€onŠ ^ ®  ŠNew€Yearššs,€but€I€love€him€for€it.€€You€know,€that€kind€of€love,šš€she€winked,€significantly€wigglingŠ “   Šher€right€hand,€where€a€flashy€diamond„and„sapphire€ring€sparkled.€€š šHeššs€good€to€me.€€And€yourŠ  Z  Šlittle€boy?ššŠ `°  Šą  ąBonnie€gestured€to€the€Chanel€original€she€was€wearing.€€š šWhere€do€you€think€this€cameŠ ¶  Šfrom?€€And€you€have€to€come€by€the€house.€€The€furniture€is€to€die€for.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąThey€chatted€until€the€crowd€counted€down€to€the€New€Year,€when€Sean€Patrick€grabbed€herŠ b² Šand€kissed€her€deeply,€causing€Joyce€to€yet€again€voice€caution€before€the€night€was€over.€€š šA€boyŠ ø Šfrom€a€family€like€that,€well,€they€arenššt€going€to€be€too€happy€with€you,šš€she€whispered.Š ^ Šą  ąBonnie€was€fairly€certain€Sean€Patrick€could€hear€almost€everything€that€was€said€in€the€clubŠ d“ Šwith€his€keen€vampire€hearing,€but€she€just€patted€her€friend€as€she€thought€about€the€cards€fromŠ ŗ  ŠSean€Patrickššs€family.€€š šEverythingššs€going€to€be€all€right.€€Honest,€it€will.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šIššll€hope€for€you,€honey.€€And€I€will€come€by€and€visit,€I€promise.šš€€They€hugged€andŠ f¶" Šclasped€hands,€then€parted.€€Bonnie€threaded€her€arm€through€Sean€Patrickššs€as€they€strolled€back€toŠ ¼ $ Šthe€car.Š b& Šą  ąThe€sun€was€starting€to€come€up€as€he€pulled€his€massive€car€into€her€driveway,€but€heŠ hø( Šseemed€in€no€hurry€to€get€inside.€€He€watched€the€sky€lighten,€ignoring€her€suggestions€that€heŠ ¾ * Šshould€get€under€cover,€his€face€calm.€€š šDid€you€have€a€good€time€tonight?šš€he€finally€asked,Š "d, Šlighting€a€cigarette€as€he€casually€opened€the€car€door€and€stepped€out€into€the€warming€light.€€TheŠ j#ŗ. Šsun€was€almost€over€the€edge€of€the€mountains.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šI€did.€€We€really€should€get€you€inside,šš€she€hinted.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šWeššll€get€there.šš€€He€let€a€stream€of€smoke€out,€standing€still€as€though€waiting€forŠ l'¼"4 Šsomething,€his€keen€eyes€scanning€the€neighborhood€as€the€light€continued€to€strengthen.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąš šDonššt€blame€me€this€time€if€you€get€a€sunburn,šš€she€said,€throwing€her€hands€up€inŠ *h%8 Šannoyance.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąThat€made€him€chuckle.€€š šI€wonššt.šš€€He€tossed€the€end€of€the€cigarette€into€the€street€andŠ Ä,(< Šturned€to€her.€€š šBonnie,€are€you€bothered€by€what€people€say?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šIššd€better€not€be,šš€she€replied€with€a€shrug.€€š šI€am€what€I€am,€after€all.€€Itššs€not€like€I€didnšštŠ V Šchoose€this€life.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šBut€you€didnššt,šš€he€said,€shrewdly,€his€gaze€coming€to€her€face€and€lingering€there,€gettingŠ ² Šinside€her€in€much€the€same€way€he€did€when€he€drank€her€blood.€€Bonnie€could€feel€it€all€the€wayŠ  X Šdown€in€her€belly,€as€though€he€was€honestly€seeing€straight€through€her.€€š šYou€didnššt€choose.€€YourŠ ^ ®  Šmother€raised€you€this€way,€expected€you€to€do€what€she€did,€become€what€you€are.€€SomethingŠ “   Šapparently€so€vile€in€this€society€that€we€dance€around€the€words€and€pretend€it€doesnššt€exist€whenŠ  Z  Šobviously€it€does.€€Men€like€Ō_ŌBraniganŌ_Ō,€leaving€their€wives€over€the€holidays.€€At€least€the€family€IššmŠ `°  Šaway€from€knows€exactly€where€I€am.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šAre€they€happy€with€this?šš€she€asked€him,€the€uncomfortable€feeling€in€her€stomachŠ  \  Šincreasing.Š b² Šą  ąš šDepends€on€who€you€ask,šš€he€said.€€He€turned€his€head€as€the€first€rays€of€the€sun€cameŠ ø Šover€the€mountains.€€Prudently,€he€took€her€arm€and€walked€inside,€pausing€only€to€throw€a€friendlyŠ ^ Šwave€at€the€neighbor€woman€who€had€first€lent€them€her€phone€on€the€night€heššd€bought€the€house.€Š d“ ŠBonnie€saw€her€face,€shocked€a€moment,€but€still€managing€to€smile€back€at€Sean€Patrick.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šWell?šš€Š `  Šą  ąš šMost€of€my€folks€think€well€of€you.€€They€know€why€I€come€up€here,€wink€behind€myŠ f¶" Šback,€all€that.€€But€they€all€know€itššs€better€I€have€you€than€I€compromise€anyš!š€šš€He€stopped€talkingŠ ¼ $ Šabruptly,€his€face€turning€dark€red.Š b& Šą  ąš šAny€nice€girls?šš€she€finished€for€him.€€He€turned€his€head€away.€€š šSean€Patrick,€I€knowŠ hø( Šwho€I€am.€€I€know€what€I€am.€€If€I€hadnššt€ended€up€with€you,€it€would€have€been€someone€else,€andŠ ¾ * Šwho€knows€what€might€have€happened?€€My€friend€Joyce,€there,€sheššs€just€like€me.€€And€weššre€notŠ "d, Šthe€only€ones.€€Why€not€allow€yourself€a€chance€to€be€happy?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąHe€turned€back€to€her.€€š šAnd€you?šš€he€asked€softly.€€š šWhat€about€you?ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąBonnie€closed€the€distance€between€them€and€put€her€arms€around€his€neck.€€š šYouššve€givenŠ &f!2 Šme€everything€I€expected,€and€a€good€deal€more€that€I€didnššt€even€know€I€wanted.€€Youššre€keepingŠ l'¼"4 Šyour€part€of€the€bargain€and€then€some.€€If€I€donššt€mind€the€sidelong€looks,€then€why€should€you?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąHe€rested€his€cheek€against€her€hair€a€moment,€swaying€a€little€to€music€only€he€could€hear.€Š *h%8 Šš šYou€give€me€a€real€measure€of€happiness,€Bonnie,€I€want€you€to€know€that.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šAnd€you€give€me€both€happiness€and€security,€and€thatššs€all€I€ever€wanted.€€Come€on.€€LetššsŠ Ä,(< Šgo€to€bed.ššŠ ° ŠĢChapter€SevenŠ \¬ ŠĢą  ąThere€was€little€Bonnie€hated€more€than€being€sick.€€The€last€several€months€had€beenŠ  X Šlovely,€with€beautiful€weather€and€infrequent€but€always€welcome€visits€from€Sean€Patrick,€re„Š ^ ®  Šformed€friendships€with€Joyce€and€all€the€girls.€€They€called€themselves€the€š šBetter„Than„WivesššŠ “   Šgroup,€and€rotated€whose€paid„for€house€or€condo€they€shared€stories€in,€serving€whatever€they€feltŠ  Z  Šlike€and€generally€having€a€good€time.€€Bonnie€loved€having€friends€again,€her€own€friends€thatŠ `°  Šseemed€to€like€her€for€herself,€although€all€of€them,€hands„down,€said€she€was€insane€for€herŠ ¶  Šrelationship€with€a€š šyoungsteršš€like€Sean€Patrick.€Š  \  Šą  ąToday€sheššd€woken€up€planning€to€go€to€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ōššs€house,€where€there€would€be€a€š šformalššŠ b² Štea€and€the€afternoon€movie,€since€channel€four€was€showing€š šŌ_ŌPeytonŌ_Ō€Placešš€today;€but€BonnieŠ ø Šwoke€up€with€her€throat€sore€and€her€nose€running,€and€after€calling€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō,€she€went€back€to€bedŠ ^ Šwith€a€tray€of€tea€and€Ō_ŌsaltinesŌ_Ō€and€a€book.€€The€tea€finished,€sheššd€only€nibbled€on€her€favoriteŠ d“ Šcrackers,€and€the€book€laid€aside,€now€she€just€lay€there€feeling€miserable€and€staring€at€the€ceiling,Š ŗ  Šwondering€how€sheššd€allowed€that€cobweb€to€grow€in€the€corner€and€why€her€maid,€Anna,€hadnšštŠ `  Šspotted€it€with€her€normally€keen€eyes.Š f¶" Šą  ąHalf€asleep,€she€heard€the€door€open€and€close€and€struggled€to€rise,€wondering€if€Anna€hadŠ ¼ $ Šcome€on€her€day€off,€or€if€Bonnie€herself€had€forgotten€to€lock€the€front€door,€letting€in€who€knewŠ b& Šwhat€kind€of€person,€but€then€Sean€Patrick€appeared€at€the€doorway.€€š šHey,€there,€girl,šš€he€said,Š hø( Šconcern€in€his€voice.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šYou€didnššt€call,šš€she€accused,€reaching€for€her€bathrobe.€€š šLet€me€get€you€something.šš€Š "d, ŠBefore€she€could,€he€was€easing€her€back€between€the€sheets,€his€hands€blessedly€cool€on€herŠ j#ŗ. Šforehead.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šYou€are€burning€up,šš€he€said€gently.€€š šLie€back€down,€now.€€You€donššt€have€to€doŠ &f!2 Šanything€for€me.€€Iššm€the€one€who€came€unannounced.šš€€He€tucked€the€blanket€up€around€her€neck,Š l'¼"4 Šloose€enough€so€she€could€move€comfortably,€then€lightly€laid€his€hand€on€her€head€again.€€š šPoorŠ Ā($6 Šbaby.€€Is€there€anything€I€can€get€for€you?ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šIššm€okay,šš€she€said,€giving€him€a€wan€smile.€€š šReally,€you€should€have€called.€€If€I€hadnšštŠ n+¾&: Šhad€a€cold€I€might€not€have€been€home.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šIššm€a€big€vampire,€I€could€have€entertained€myself€until€you€came€home,šš€he€replied,Š ° Šsmoothing€her€hair€back€from€her€face.€€š šYou€hungry?ššŠ V Šą  ąš šStarve€a€fever,šš€she€replied.Š \¬ Šą  ąHe€grinned.€€š šI€never€can€remember€if€itššs€starve€a€cold,€feed€a€fever,šš€he€said.€€š šYou€justŠ ² Šstay€there€in€bed€and€let€me€do€the€taking€care€of€for€a€change.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šHow€long€are€you€here€for?šš€she€asked.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šCouple€of€days,€at€least.€€Now€until€youššre€better.ššŠ “   Šą  ąShe€slept€a€lot,€waking€to€find€him€often€sitting€beside€her.€€He€read€to€her,€from€her€book,Š  Z  Šnever€once€making€fun€of€the€steamy€romantic€passages,€his€Texas€accent€often€smoothing€out,€evenŠ `°  Štaking€on€other€flavors,€as€he€read€dialogue.€€He€could€do€more€than€a€passing€English€accent,€hisŠ ¶  Štalent€at€mimicry€not€at€all€surprising,€she€considered,€when€she€thought€about€how€good€his€ear€forŠ  \  Šmusic€was.€€He€played€his€guitar€and€sang€for€her,€and€at€night€he€slept€in€the€same€bed,€but€he€wasŠ b² Šobviously€waiting€until€she€felt€up€to€it€again€before€making€any€advances.€€She€found€it€a€littleŠ ø Špeculiar€that€he€even€owned€pajamas,€but€apparently,€he€did.Š ^ Šą  ąHe€wasnššt€the€best€cook€in€the€world,€but€he€could€make€a€rather€delicious€chicken€soup.€Š d“ ŠApparently€heššd€made€rather€a€lot€of€it,€because€they€ate€it€almost€every€day€until€he€declared€herŠ ŗ  Šwell€enough€to€join€him€in€the€dining€room.€€When€she€saw€the€jars€of€soup€lined€up€neatly€in€theŠ `  Šrefrigerator,€she€gasped.€€š šMy€Lord,€how€many€people€did€you€think€you€were€serving?šš€she€asked.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šProblem€with€chicken€soup€is€it€grows,šš€he€replied,€grinning.€€š šBesides,€I€learned€to€make€itŠ ¼ $ Šat€a€ranch€where€the€family€alone€numbered€at€least€fifteen€at€any€given€time,€plus€ranch€hands€andŠ b& Šdomestics€and€friends,€so€weššre€Ō_ŌtalkinŌ_Ōšš€sometimes€thirty€or€forty€people.€€This€was€a€small€batch,šš€heŠ hø( Šlooked€apologetic,€but€he€still€wore€that€wide€š šah€shucksšš€grin€that€made€him€so€damned€irresistible.€Š ¾ * ŠBonnie€couldnššt€help€but€laugh€with€him.Š "d, Šą  ąš šI€suppose€sometime€youššll€have€to€learn€to€cook€something€besides€soup,šš€she€said.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šOne€of€these€days,šš€he€replied€vaguely.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąThey€sat€and€talked€in€the€living€room,€mostly€about€his€family,€his€nephew€Matt€and€MattššsŠ &f!2 Šson.€€š šHe€was€Matthew€for€a€long€time,€but€when€he€made€high€school€he€wanted€his€nickname.€Š l'¼"4 ŠCanššt€say€I€blame€him,šš€Sean€Patrick€said.€€š šSo€we€call€him€Matt€Three€around€the€house.€€ThatššsŠ Ā($6 Ševen€how€he€signs.€€He€got€married€couple€years€back.€€Pretty€woman.€€Just€beautiful,šš€he€wasŠ *h%8 Šshowing€her€a€picture€of€them,€Matt€III€a€tall€man€with€the€same€general€features€as€Sean€Patrick,Š n+¾&: Šbut€a€much€longer€face€with€somewhat€heavy€eyes,€standing€with€a€dusky€woman€of€breathtakingŠ Ä,(< Šbeauty,€when€the€doorbell€rang.€€š šIššll€get€it,šš€he€said,€rising€and€handing€her€the€photograph.€€SheŠ ° Šstudied€it,€trying€to€see€more€of€Sean€Patrick€in€his€great„grandnephew,€when€she€heard€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_ŌššsŠ V Švoice€in€the€foyer.Š \¬ Šą  ąš šWe€were€wondering€how€our€invalid€is€doing,šš€she€said.Š ² Šą  ąš šCome€on€in.€€Sheššs€sitting€up€in€the€living€room,šš€came€Sean€Patrickššs€voice,€as€alwaysŠ  X Šdeferential€towards€a€woman,€he€was€his€charming€self.€€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ōššs€expression€as€she€came€in€theŠ ^ ®  Šliving€room€was€half€bemusement€and€half€envy,€her€eyes€still€trying€to€take€in€Sean€Patrickššs€clean„Š “   Šlined€profile.€€She€wiggled€her€eyebrows€at€Bonnie,€a€knowing€š šoh,€wow!šš€look,€as€Sean€PatrickŠ  Z  Šgallantly€offered€her€one€of€the€armchairs€and€said,€š šCan€I€get€you€some€tea?€€We€only€have€twoŠ `°  Šcups€here.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šPlease,šš€said€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō.Š  \  Šą  ąAs€soon€as€Sean€Patrick€left€the€room,€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō€leaned€forward€and€gripped€Bonnieššs€hand.€Š b² Šš šYou€ARE€crazy!šš€she€whispered,€a€delighted€light€in€her€dark€eyes.€€š šHeššs€absolutely€delicious!€Š ø ŠWhat€in€the€world€were€you€thinking?ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šYou€would€not€believe€how€many€times€I€told€him€no,€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō,€but€really,€when€he€told€meŠ d“ Šall€his€reasoning,€I€eventually€gave€in.€€Itššs€very€hard€to€explain,€butš!š€šš€she€left€off€as€Sean€PatrickŠ ŗ  Šreturned€with€more€tea€and€cookies,€as€well€as€crackers€for€her.Š `  Šą  ąš šHard€to€explain€what?ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šYou,šš€she€said,€smiling€up€at€him€as€he€handed€her€the€plate€of€crackers.€€He€already€knewŠ ¼ $ Šher€that€well.€€He€sat€down€and€started€to€munch€on€chocolate€cookies,€his€eyes€crinkled€with€delightŠ b& Šas€he€smiled€at€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō.€€š šHow€I€ended€up€with€you.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šIššm€persistent,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick,€š šand€a€terrible€cook,€Iššm€afraid,€or€Iššd€offer€youŠ ¾ * Šdinner,€as€well.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šOh,€donššt€worry€about€that,šš€said€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō,€lifting€the€basket€she€was€carrying,€š šI€wasŠ j#ŗ. Šbringing€the€invalid€something€anyway.€€We€can€share.€€Itššs€roast€chicken€and€all€the€trimmings.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šYouššre€a€lifesaver.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąSean€Patrick€flirted€outrageously€with€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō,€speaking€Spanish€to€her,€which€made€herŠ l'¼"4 Šgiggle€with€girlish€delight.€€After€dinner€and€a€bottle€of€wine€he€played€piano€and€sang€until€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_ŌŠ Ā($6 Šfinally,€regretfully,€said€it€was€time€for€her€to€be€heading€home.€€š šI€have€had€the€best€time,€mi€Ō_ŌamorŌ_Ō,ššŠ *h%8 Šshe€said,€as€he€took€her€hand€in€both€of€his€and€kissed€it.€€She€spoke€in€Spanish€to€him,€a€few€wordsŠ n+¾&: Šof€which€Bonnie€understood,€such€as€š šŌ_ŌmuyŌ_Ō€macho€hombrešš€and€š šŌ_ŌvenidoŌ_Ō€con€mi,šš€which€made€himŠ Ä,(< Šlaugh€and€respond€in€kind,€flirtatious€but€not€at€all€serious.€€He€winked€at€her€as€she€gathered€up€herŠ ° Šbasket€and€left.Š V Šą  ąš šYou€make€women€feel€good,€you€realize€that,€donššt€you?šš€said€Bonnie,€taking€his€handŠ \¬ Šwhen€he€sat€down€next€to€her€on€the€sofa€again,€taking€her€legs€onto€his€lap.Š ² Šą  ąš šItššs€just€something€that€comes€naturally,€I€think,šš€he€replied,€running€his€fingers€through€hisŠ  X Šhair€and€sipping€the€last€of€his€wine.€€š šI€never€really€try€to€do€all€that.€€Mexican€girl,€I€just€naturallyŠ ^ ®  Šstarted€speaking€Spanish€to€her,€she€responded,€next€thing€I€know,€weššre€acting€like€teenagers.€€IŠ “   Šdonššt€think€any€of€it€was€serious.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šI€know€it€wasnššt.€€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ōššs€too€smart€to€get€tangled€up€with€a€little€boy€like€you,€even€ifŠ `°  Šyou€are€Ō_ŌmuyŌ_Ō€macho,šš€she€grinned€at€him.€€He€chuckled.€€š šYou€know€what€Iššm€feeling€like€I€mightŠ ¶  Šbe€up€for?šš€€She€teased€one€bare€foot€up€his€arm,€then€to€his€chest.€€He€tucked€the€tip€of€his€tongueŠ  \  Šbetween€his€teeth€as€he€looked€at€her,€and€his€eyes€started€to€glow.Š b² Šą  ąš šSeriously?šš€Š ø Šą  ąš šCarry€me€back€to€bed€and€letššs€see€how€much€energy€I€have,šš€she€replied.Š ^ Šą  ąHe€was€slow€and€methodical€and€didnššt€wear€her€out€unduly,€but€he€made€sure€they€both€gotŠ d“ Što€where€they€wanted€to€get.€€Feeling€all€tingly€and€happy,€Bonnie€stretched€out,€letting€her€bodyŠ ŗ  Šfloat€back€to€the€sheets,€which€needed€to€be€changed,€but€she€could€do€that€later.€€Sean€PatrickŠ `  Šsighed€a€pleasant,€happy€sigh€and€cuddled€her€close.€€She€knew€that€was€the€main€reason€he€came,Š f¶" Šbut€she€couldnššt€help€but€be€happy€he€was€gentleman€enough€to€have€stayed€by€her€side€while€sheŠ ¼ $ Šwas€sick,€taking€care€of€her.€€He€was€just€too€nice,€too€nice€for€words,€and€certainly€too€nice€to€beŠ b& Šreal.€€Which,€she€knew,€was€exactly€what€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō€would€say€at€the€next€social€gathering€of€theŠ hø( Šš šBetter„Than„Wivesšš€group.Š ¾ * Šą  ąWho€cared?€€He€might€be€too€good€to€be€true,€but€he€was,€at€least€when€he€was€in€Las€Vegas,Š "d, Šall€hers.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąShe€woke€up€before€sunset,€feeling€very€much€her€old€self€and€wondering€how€long€heššd€stayŠ Ą$ 0 Šnow€that€she€was€better.€€He€was€sleeping€beside€her,€his€head€tilted€slightly€away€from€her€so€sheŠ &f!2 Šcould€admire€the€long€line€of€his€neck.€€His€hair€was€messy,€falling€in€his€face,€his€breathing€slowŠ l'¼"4 Šand€even.€€As€she€watched,€she€could€see€there€was€a€slight€pulse€in€his€neck,€but€it€took€so€long€forŠ Ā($6 Šthe€next€beat€she€wasnššt€sure€sheššd€seen€it.€€Sheššd€already€been€certain€his€heart€didnššt€beat,€butŠ *h%8 Šsomething€obviously€moved€the€blood€around€in€his€body.€€Carefully,€she€reached€out€to€smooth€hisŠ n+¾&: Šcurls€away€from€his€forehead,€but€as€light€as€her€touch€was,€he€still€woke€up€instantly,€his€eyesŠ Ä,(< Šopening€wide€and€focusing€on€her€as€though€he€hadnššt€been€asleep€at€all.Š ° Šą  ąš šHowdy,šš€he€said.€€š šWatching€me€sleep?ššŠ V Šą  ąš šYeah,šš€she€said,€still€playing€with€his€hair.€€š šYou€look€about€twelve€when€youššre€sleeping,Š \¬ Šyou€know.ššŠ ² Šą  ąHe€grinned.€€š šIššve€heard€that.šš€€He€stretched€languidly.Š  X Šą  ąš šSean€Patrick,šš€she€said,€her€fingers€sliding€through€his€curls€and€lingering€on€his€smoothŠ ^ ®  Šforehead,€š šyou€never€have€told€me€how€you€ended€up€becoming€a€vampire.€€Did€you€seek€it€out?€Š “   ŠAnd€how€long€have€you€been€a€vampire?ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąHe€shrugged.€€š šYou€remember€how€long€itššs€been,€I€told€you,šš€he€said.Š `°  Šą  ąš šThatššs€right.€€You€became€a€vampire€in€1882.€€You€were€nineteen.€€But€why?€€How?šš€sheŠ ¶  Šasked.Š  \  Šą  ąš šWell,€I€could€tell€you,šš€he€said,€sitting€up€and€reaching€for€his€cigarettes,€š šor€I€could€showŠ b² Šyou.ššŠ ø Šą  ąBonnie€almost€pulled€away€from€him,€her€hands€going€to€protect€her€neck€before€sheŠ ^ Šthought.€€He€laughed€at€her€and€bent€forward,€impulsively,€to€kiss€her€on€the€cheek.€€š šI€didnššt€meanŠ d“ Šit€that€way,šš€he€said.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šIššm€sorry,€it€was€a€knee„jerk€reaction,šš€she€said€a€little€sheepishly.Š `  Šą  ąš šNo€problem.€€No,€I€meant€why€not€take€a€road€trip?€€You€and€me€havenššt€been€out€of€LasŠ f¶" ŠVegas.€€I€could€take€you€there,€show€you.€€I€havenššt€been€in€a€while,€myself.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šTo€Texas?šš€she€looked€at€him€in€confusion.Š b& Šą  ąš šNo,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš,šš€he€said,€chuckling€again.€€š šArizona.€€Tombstone,€specifically.€€To€the€placeŠ hø( Šwhere€I€became€a€vampire.€€Because€if€you€see€it,€if€I€go€there€again,€I€think€itššll€be€easier€toŠ ¾ * Šunderstand.€€Maybe€for€both€of€us.šš€€He€rose€from€bed,€stretching€again,€his€long€limbs€snapping€aŠ "d, Šlittle.€€š šGet€dressed.€€If€we€hit€the€road€in€an€hour,€we€can€be€there€before€sunrise.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šNOW?šš€she€asked.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šWhy€not?€€Youššre€feeling€better,€and€the€fresh€air€will€do€you€good.€€Besides,€itššll€be€fun.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąShe€guessed€that€it€might€be,€at€that.€€Hastily€she€packed€a€few€things€in€her€overnight€bagŠ l'¼"4 Šand€called€Joyce€to€make€sure€sheššd€not€worry€about€her€being€gone,€and€have€her€look€in€on€thingsŠ Ā($6 Šwhile€Bonnie€was€gone,€including€feeding€Ō_ŌZachŌ_Ō,€the€black„and„white€spotted€cat€heššd€brought€forŠ *h%8 Šher,€dressed€and€brushed€her€hair,€then€made€sure€everything€was€in€place€and€locked€up€before€theyŠ n+¾&: Šclimbed€into€his€oversized€car.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąAs€soon€as€he€was€freed€from€the€town€limits€and€out€on€the€Boulder€Highway,€he€opened€upŠ ° Šthe€powerful€engine€and€they€roared€toward€Henderson€at€a€rather€breathtaking€speed,€making€theŠ V Šshort€trip€to€Hoover€Dam€even€shorter.€€Since€it€was€past€eight€in€the€evening,€traffic€was€very€lightŠ \¬ Šat€the€dam€itself,€and€they€raced€over€it€into€Arizona€swiftly.Š ² Šą  ąš šHave€you€ever€had€a€chance€to€look€at€the€dam?šš€Bonnie€asked.Š  X Šą  ąš šNever,šš€he€replied.€€š šIššve€never€been€able€to€cross€it€during€the€day.€€Iššve€stopped€a€fewŠ ^ ®  Štimes€to€take€a€look€at€the€reservoirs,€but€everythingššs€closed€after€sundown,€so€I€donššt€see€much€butŠ “   Šthe€lake.€€Itššs€nice,€though.€€Pretty€territory,€this.€€Makes€up€for€whatššs€coming.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šIššve€never€been€past€the€dam.€€Whatššs€the€Arizona€side€like?ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šItššs€a€long,€long,€flat€stretch€of€desert€between€the€dam€and€Ō_ŌKingmanŌ_Ō,šš€he€replied.€€š šAndŠ ¶  Šthen€more€beyond€that.€€Arizonaššs€pretty€sparsely€populated,€and€it€gets€a€little€monotonous€duringŠ  \  Šnighttime€drives.€€Thatššs€why€I€have€a€tape€deck,šš€he€shoved€a€cassette€into€the€deck€and€ElvisŠ b² Šstarted€singing€š šViva€Las€Vegas.šš€€Š ø Šą  ąBonnie€laughed.€€š šYou€like€his€movies,€right?šš€she€teased.Š ^ Šą  ąš šI€do,šš€he€said,€š šespecially€this€one.€€Not€only€do€I€also€love€Las€Vegas,€but€I€like€Ō_ŌlookinŌ_Ōšš€atŠ d“ ŠAnn„Ō_ŌMargretŌ_Ō.šš€€He€winked€at€her,€saucy,€and€hit€the€gas€a€little€harder,€taking€them€speeding€offŠ ŗ  Šsouth€into€the€Mojave€desert.€€She€glanced€at€the€speedometer€and€wasnššt€sure,€but€thought€theyŠ `  Šwere€doing€something€like€a€hundred€miles€an€hour,€so€she€just€hung€on€a€little€and€enjoyedŠ f¶" Šwatching€what€she€could€see€of€the€scenery€whipping€blurrily€past.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šDonššt€you€worry€about€speeding€tickets?šš€she€asked.Š b& Šą  ąš šYes,€of€course,šš€he€responded,€š šbut€I€have€a€pretty€good€eye€for€whatššs€lying€ahead€of€me,Š hø( Šat€least€on€these€flat€desert€roads.€€I€do€have€a€few,€of€course;€I€have€to€be€careful€or€Sean€Patrick€theŠ ¾ * ŠThird€will€find€himself€with€a€suspended€license.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šI€take€it€this€has€happened€before?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąHe€grinned€a€little,€a€wicked€look€of€boyish€mischief.€€š šWell,€yeah,šš€he€said.€€š šI€do€like€toŠ Ą$ 0 Šdrive€fast.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€noticed.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąThey€sped€through€the€tiny€town€of€Ō_ŌKimgmanŌ_Ō,€Arizona,€and€onto€Route€66,€taking€them€eastŠ Ā($6 Šand€then€to€a€deserted€turnoff€that€headed€south€through€the€desert,€dotted€with€the€dark€lumps€thatŠ *h%8 Šmarked€where€the€pinon€pines€and€creosote€bushes€stood,€before€they€passed€through€the€clump€ofŠ n+¾&: Šlights€that€indicated€Ō_ŌWikieupŌ_Ō€and€entered€the€darkened€skeletal€stands€of€Joshua€trees.€€š šI€loveŠ Ä,(< ŠJoshua€trees,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šIššve€never€seen€one€up€close.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šWant€to€look€at€one?šš€he€asked.Š V Šą  ąš šDonššt€we€have€a€time€table?šš€she€replied.Š \¬ Šą  ąš šWell,€if€we€cut€it€too€close,€we€can€always€stop€for€the€day€in€Tucson,šš€he€said€with€a€shrug.€Š ² ŠHe€pulled€off€the€highway€and€drove€a€little€into€the€desert,€until€they€reached€a€stand€of€Joshua€treesŠ  X Šthat€seemed€to€reach€all€the€way€to€the€sky€when€she€was€under€them,€looking€up€at€the€sky€and€theŠ ^ ®  Šspiny,€beautiful€branches.€Š “   Šą  ąš šWow,šš€she€breathed.€€š šI€never€dreamed€they€were€this€big.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šPretty€impressive,šš€he€said,€standing€next€to€her€with€his€thumbs€hooked€in€his€belt.€€š šIŠ `°  Šnever€really€stop€to€admire€the€scenery€in€these€parts,€myself,€since€I€never€get€to€see€ššem€in€theŠ ¶  Šdaytime.€€Theyššre€mighty€pretty.šš€€He€wrapped€an€arm€around€her€shoulders€and€hugged€her€as€theyŠ  \  Šwalked€a€little€ways€over€the€sand,€picking€their€way€carefully€around€the€trees€and€shrubs.€€HeŠ b² Šexcused€himself€and€disappeared€around€one€of€the€trees,€coming€back€zipping€up€his€jeans.Š ø Šą  ąš šSorry€about€that.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šVampires€are€people,€too,šš€she€said.€€š šI€hope€you€donššt€mind€if€I€wait€until€we€make€theŠ d“ Šnext€town.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šSure.€€We€can€get€a€soda€there€if€thereššs€anything€open,šš€he€said.Š `  Šą  ąš šI€should€have€packed€up€a€cooler,šš€she€replied,€when€they€made€it€back€to€the€highway€andŠ f¶" Šthe€car.€€š šNot€that€you€gave€me€a€lot€of€time,€though.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šWell,€youššll€enjoy€this,šš€he€said.€€š šA€road€trip€is€always€fun,€even€in€the€middle€of€theŠ b& Šnight.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šAt€least€with€you,šš€she€said€with€a€smile€as€she€got€back€into€the€passenger€side.€€HeŠ ¾ * Šchuckled,€closing€the€door€for€her€before€coming€around€to€his€own€side.€€He€slid€back€into€theŠ "d, Šdriverššs€seat€and€started€up€the€powerful€engine,€and€pulled€back€onto€the€highway.€€They€raced€offŠ j#ŗ. Šsouth,€through€the€small€town€of€Ō_ŌWickenburgŌ_Ō,€where€they€found€a€little€gas€station€open.€€SeanŠ Ą$ 0 ŠPatrick€had€the€engine€filled€up€and€bought€them€a€couple€of€Cokes,€since€that€was€the€only€thing€theŠ &f!2 Šsleepy€attendant€had€to€hand,€before€continuing€on€south€to€Phoenix,€where€they€continued€on€downŠ l'¼"4 Šthe€highway€through€town,€past€miles€of€cute€little€motels€in€each€of€the€small€towns€that€filled€theŠ Ā($6 Šlarge€valley,€from€Phoenix€to€Tempe€to€Mesa€and€through€Apache€Junction,€before€the€road€openedŠ *h%8 Šup€again€before€them€and€carried€them€on€through€much€darker€Sonoran€desert,€between€ranges€ofŠ n+¾&: Šhigh€mountains.€€Š Ä,(< Šą  ąThe€sky€started€to€lighten€when€they€passed€through€the€tallest€mountains€yet,€and€SeanŠ ° ŠPatrick€pulled€into€the€parking€lot€of€a€large€hotel.€€š šIššm€gonna€stop€while€itššs€still€dark€enough€forŠ V Šme€to€chose€where€I€want€to€stay,šš€he€said€with€a€weary€smile.Š \¬ Šą  ąThey€checked€in€as€š šMr.€and€Mrs.€OššConnoršš€and€were€shown€to€a€suite,€of€course,€with€noŠ ² Šone€in€the€entire€hotel€looking€askance€at€them.€€Bonnie€liked€the€feeling€of€legitimacy,€liked€the€factŠ  X Šthat€no€one€here€knew€any€different.€€To€them€she€was€a€lady,€and€she€had€to€admit,€she€enjoyed€thatŠ ^ ®  Šfeeling.€€She€held€Sean€Patrickššs€hand€when€they€walked€into€the€suite.€€He€swirled€her€around€asŠ “   Šthough€in€a€dance€and€caught€her€in€his€arms.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šYou€like,€pretty€lady?ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šI€like,šš€she€answered.€€He€drew€her€close€and€started€to€kiss€her.€€They€made€love€while€theŠ ¶  Šsun€rose,€then€slept€through€the€day,€emerging€for€dinner€just€before€sunset.€€After€an€excellent€mealŠ  \  Šat€the€hotelššs€restaurant,€they€hit€the€road€again.Š b² Šą  ąš šShouldnššt€be€more€than€four€more€hours,šš€he€said€cheerfully.€€š šBoy,€itššs€been€a€long€timeŠ ø Šsince€Iššve€been€in€Tombstone.€€I€hear€itššs€quite€a€tourist€attraction€these€days.šš€€They€tooled€out€ofŠ ^ ŠTucson€on€the€newly€completed€Interstate.€€Sean€Patrick€drove€at€around€a€hundred€miles€an€hour,Š d“ Šsinging€along€with€the€Beatles€and€Elvis€and€Hank€Williams,€whoever€came€up€on€his€eclectic€mixesŠ ŗ  Šof€music€on€the€tape€deck.€€When€they€turned€south€at€Benson,€Bonnie€watched€as€the€desert€gaveŠ `  Šway€to€lovely,€lush€cottonwood„lined€streams€and€lowland€valleys.€€They€drove€through€tiny€littleŠ f¶" Špicturesque€towns€and€over€beautiful€streams,€then€up€and€onto€the€highland€desert.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šThis€is€it,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€starting€to€slow€down.€€He€pointed€to€a€rounded€hill€that€stoodŠ b& Šall€alone,€away€from€the€town€which€sparkled€a€little€in€the€night€beyond,€and€slowed€to€turn€into€aŠ hø( Šgravel€drive€that€led€up€to€a€small€building€and€a€fenced€cemetery€that€looked€lost€and€lonely€thereŠ ¾ * Šon€its€hill.€€š šBoot€Hill,šš€he€said.€€š šThat€fence€wasnššt€always€there.€€I€guess€they€put€it€up€as€a€touristŠ "d, Šthing.€€I€wonder€if€theyššre€open€after€sundown.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šItššs€too€late€tonight,šš€she€said.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šBut€itššs€a€cemetery,€a€real€one.€€There€must€be€an€open€gate,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šTheyŠ &f!2 Šdonššt€close€cemeteries.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šThey€do€sometimes,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šLetššs€find€a€hotel.€€We€can€really€see€the€townŠ Ā($6 Štomorrow.€€Iššm€sure€things€are€open€in€the€early€evening.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šYouššre€no€doubt€right,€my€dear.€€Letššs€see€whatššs€available€for€us€to€stay€in€tonight.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąHe€drove€them€down€into€the€town€itself,€searching€what€seemed€to€be€the€main€street€forŠ Ä,(< Šboth€parking€and€for€a€hotel€he€wanted,€his€eyes€searching€the€street€as€though€he€was€expectingŠ ° Šsomething€specific.€€Finally€he€found€a€parking€spot€and€said,€š šCome€on.€€Weššll€walk.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šWhat€are€you€looking€for?ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šIššm€looking€for€the€hotel€where€I€became€a€vampire,šš€he€said.€€š šIt€was€the€Grand€Hotel.€Š ² ŠThis€is€Allen€Street...€€Yes,€thereššs€the€Occidental€Saloon...€€I€was€playing€poker€there€that€night.€Š  X ŠThereššs€a€B€and€B.šš€€He€pulled€into€a€wide€vacant€lot€where€a€lot€of€other€cars€were€parked€andŠ ^ ®  Špopped€out,€racing€around€to€open€her€door€for€her€before€she€could€do€it€for€herself.€€He€handed€herŠ “   Šout€into€cool€high€desert€air.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šWe€should€probably€make€sure€thereššs€a€room€available€before€you€drag€in€our€luggage,ššŠ `°  ŠBonnie€said,€taking€his€hand€before€he€could€open€the€trunk.€Š ¶  Šą  ąš šGood€point.€€These€little€places€sometimes€need€reservations,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€He€gaveŠ  \  Šher€hand€a€squeeze€and€they€went€into€the€little€house€that€had€been€converted€into€a€bed€andŠ b² Šbreakfast.€€Despite€the€hour,€there€was€a€pleasant„faced€woman€at€the€front€desk,€who€smiled€warmlyŠ ø Šat€them€when€they€entered.Š ^ Šą  ąš šHello,šš€she€said,€š šWelcome.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šEvening,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€returning€the€smile.€€€š šGot€any€rooms€available,€maššam?ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šWe€have,€actually,šš€she€replied,€taking€his€offered€hand,€her€smile€growing€more€genuineŠ `  Šand€less€š šwelcoming€visitorsšš€desk„Ō_ŌclerkishŌ_Ō.€€š šWelcome€to€Tombstone.€€Have€you€been€before?ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šBeen€a€long€time€for€me,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€taking€out€his€wallet.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šIššve€never€been€before,šš€replied€Bonnie.Š b& Šą  ąš šWell,€thereššs€lots€to€do€and€see€around€these€parts,šš€said€the€woman,€taking€Sean€PatrickššsŠ hø( Šcredit€card€and€signing€them€in€as€š šMr.€and€Mrs.€OššConnor.šš€€š šHope€you€enjoy€your€stay.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šThank€you,€maššam.€€What€is€there€to€do€after€dark?šš€asked€Sean€Patrick.Š "d, Šą  ąš šThereššs€a€few€things€that€stay€open€pretty€late,šš€she€replied,€thinking€about€it,€as€sheŠ j#ŗ. Šgathered€up€fliers€from€a€stand€behind€her.€€š šThereššs€a€couple€of€the€saloons,€of€course.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šThe€Occidental?ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šOh,€that€hasnššt€been€an€operating€saloon€in€some€time,€honey,šš€she€looked€at€him.€€š šBeforeŠ l'¼"4 Šyour€time.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šWell,€I€was€reading€about€Wyatt€Ō_ŌEarpŌ_Ō,šš€he€said€without€batting€an€eye.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šThere€are€a€few€things€still€around€from€then,€but€the€O.K.€Corral€is€only€open€during€theŠ n+¾&: Šday.€€Iššm€not€sure€how€late€the€Birdcage€is€open.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šWell,€we€shall€just€have€to€see,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šThank€you,€maššam.šš€€Š ° Šą  ąš šFollow€me,€kids.ššŠ V Šą  ąShe€led€them€up€a€narrow€flight€of€stairs€to€a€nice€set€of€rooms,€a€living€room€with€a€tinyŠ \¬ Škitchenette€and€a€bedroom€under€a€sloping€roof.€€Everything€was€clean€and€pretty,€with€old„Š ² Šfashioned€furniture€and€floral€wallpaper.€€š šThis€is€beautiful!šš€said€Bonnie,€happily€touching€theŠ  X Švelvet€of€the€old€sofa€that€faced€a€tiny€fireplace.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šWe€do€try€to€keep€it€as€authentic€as€possible.€€Tourists€like€the€Old€West€feel.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šLooks€good€to€me,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€smothering€a€little€grin.€€š šBut€Iššll€bet€that€indoorŠ  Z  Šplumbing€in€the€bathroom€isnššt€too€authentic.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąShe€laughed€with€them.€€š šHave€a€good€night,€dears.€€If€you€need€anything,€just€ring€the€desk.€Š ¶  ŠIššm€Mrs.€Ō_ŌBrennenŌ_Ō.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šThanks,€maššam.šš€€Sean€Patrick€closed€the€door€behind€Mrs.€Ō_ŌBrennenŌ_Ō€and€turned€to€look€atŠ b² ŠBonnie,€his€eyes€grinning.€€š šItššs€a€reasonable€recreation,€actually.€€They€did€a€pretty€good€job.€€ItŠ ø Šlooks€just€like€a€room€from€my€time.€€Just€a€little€larger€and€more€comfortable.€€And€indoorŠ ^ Šplumbing.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šI€never€thought€about€that.€€You€used€to€have€to€go€to€an€outhouse,€didnššt€you?ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šOh,€yeah,šš€he€replied.€€š šI€cannot€even€begin€to€tell€you€how€much€I€loved€the€advent€ofŠ `  Šindoor€plumbing.€€Not€to€mention€the€real€improvements€that€have€been€made€since!€€Hey,€letššs€goŠ f¶" Šget€our€luggage€then€cruise€down€the€main€streets€and€see€what€is€open.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šItššs€cold€out€there,šš€Bonnie€protested.Š b& Šą  ąš šWear€a€sweater.€€Itššs€not€even€midnight€yet.€€We€have€a€lot€of€night€ahead€of€us.€€And€ifŠ hø( ŠTombstone€really€emulates€the€ššold€west,šš€honey,€then€thereššll€be€drinking€and€poker€playingŠ ¾ * Šsomewhere€all€night.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šIššll€bet€they€have€to€stop€serving€alcohol€when€the€state€requires€them€to,€though,šš€saidŠ j#ŗ. ŠBonnie.€Š Ą$ 0 ŠĢChapter€EightŠ l'¼"4 ŠĢą  ąDespite€her€protests,€she€went€with€him€after€he€pocketed€their€room€key,€down€the€stairs€andŠ *h%8 Šout€to€the€car.€€He€carried€their€luggage€up€to€the€room,€so€Bonnie€could€dig€out€a€sweater,€then€backŠ n+¾&: Što€the€streets€of€Tombstone.€€A€lot€of€people€were€out€and€about,€looking€in€the€store€windows€andŠ Ä,(< Štalking,€some€stumbling€a€little,€everyone€dressed€like€Sean€Patrick€did€normally,€the€western€vestŠ ° Šand€jeans€and€the€pearl„snapped€shirts€that€she€loved€him€wearing,€and€she€loved€to€take€off€him,€theŠ V Šsnaps€giving€way€easily€when€she€tugged.€€She€wanted€to€take€him€back€to€their€quaint€little€roomŠ \¬ Šand€play€around€some,€but€for€a€change€he€was€more€interested€in€seeing€the€sights€than€he€was€inŠ ² Šsex.€€He€peered€in€the€windows€of€buildings,€he€paused€on€the€wooden€sidewalks€and€looked€up€atŠ  X Šthe€stars,€and€finally€they€reached€an€open€saloon,€which€had€the€unlikely€name€of€š šBig€NoseŠ ^ ®  ŠKateššs.šš€€Š “   Šą  ąš šShe€was€Doc€Ō_ŌHollidayŌ_Ōššs€girlfriend,šš€he€said€to€her€when€she€commented€on€it.€€š šŌ_ŌLottaŌ_Ō€stuffŠ  Z  Šchanged€around€this€place.€€There€was€a€big€fire€a€few€months€before€I€came,€took€out€a€good€part€ofŠ `°  ŠAllen€Street€out€there,€and€it€was€all€cleared€away€and€rebuilt€by€the€time€I€got€here.€€This€place€wasŠ ¶  Šhard€to€keep€down.šš€€They€made€their€way€to€the€bar€and€ordered€drinks,€her€usual€Scotch€and€hisŠ  \  ŠJack€Daniels€on€the€rocks,€and€found€a€table€where€they€could€sit€while€Sean€Patrick€seemed€to€justŠ b² Šdrink€in€the€atmosphere€more€than€the€alcohol.Š ø Šą  ąš šSo€here€we€are,€Sean€Patrick.€€Are€you€going€to€tell€me€what€we€came€here€for?šš€she€asked,Š ^ Šgrinning€at€him€over€the€rim€of€her€glass.Š d“ Šą  ąš šYes,€here€we€are,šš€he€said,€stretching€out€his€long€legs€under€the€table€and€sitting€way€back,Š ŗ  Šcrossing€his€ankles.€€š šIn€late€July,€1882,€my€daddy€decided€I€was€the€best€man€to€ride€out€toŠ `  ŠCalifornia€to€round€up€a€herd€of€good€stock€horses€to€add€their€blood€to€ours€back€home.€€I€wasŠ f¶" Šriding€out€with€my€buddy€Luke,€one€of€our€hands,€and€we€were€planning€on€making€a€few€stopsŠ ¼ $ Šalong€the€way,€then€bringing€back€the€horses€by€train.€€It€wasnššt€just€the€business€Daddy€wasŠ b& Šwanting€for€me€to€do,€something€for€me€to€get€my€hands€right€on,€but€it€was€his€notion€that€I€wasŠ hø( Šgoing€to€get€a€little€of€the€wild€streak€out€of€me.€€I€think€Daddy€didnššt€want€me€to€take€the€GrandŠ ¾ * ŠTourš!šyou€know,€go€to€Europe€and€all€thatš!šso€he€was€trying€to€get€the€travel€bug€out€of€me.€Š "d, ŠFigured,€I€guess,€if€I€did€some€traveling€around€the€country,€working€for€him€for€a€while,€Iššd€get€intoŠ j#ŗ. Šworking€for€myself,€get€into€being€the€next€head€of€the€OššConnor€family,€all€that.€€It€probably€wouldŠ Ą$ 0 Šhave€worked.šš€€He€leaned€forward,€elbows€on€the€table,€and€said,€š šIt€might€have€worked,€if€only€sheŠ &f!2 Šhadnššt€seen€me€playing€poker€that€night€in€early€August.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šShe?šš€asked€Bonnie,€feeling€her€mouth€go€dry€despite€the€Scotch.€€There€was€an€air€ofŠ Ā($6 Šmenace€about€Sean€Patrick€as€he€said€that€pronoun,€and€a€darkness€came€over€his€expression€unlikeŠ *h%8 Šanything€sheššd€ever€seen€in€him€before.€€His€jaw€had€tightened,€and€his€mouth€set€in€a€fierce€line,€asŠ n+¾&: Šthough€he€were€about€to€aim€a€gun€and€fire€a€bullet€through€someoneššs€heart.€€š šWho€is€she?ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šššShešš€is€the€vampire€who€made€me€what€I€am,šš€he€whispered,€the€expression€getting€evenŠ ° Šmore€vicious.€€š šShe€calls€herself€Amanda.€€I€know€sheššs€been€a€thousand€other€names,€made€dozensŠ V Šof€other€vampires€to€be€her€constant€companions.€€I€was€playing€poker€over€in€the€Occidental€SaloonŠ \¬ Šand€she€saw€me€there.šš€€He€sat€back€again€and€finished€the€Jack€Daniels€in€his€glass,€then€shrugged.€Š ² Šš šYouššll€get€the€rest€later.€€Letššs€enjoy€some€of€tonight.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šAll€right,šš€she€said.€€š šIt€is€kind€of€nice€traveling€together.€€Iššm€having€a€good€time.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šGood.ššŠ “   Šą  ąIt€was€nice€to€just€sit€and€chat€just€as€they€did€at€home,€only€out€in€public€where€no€one€at€allŠ  Z  Šknew€them.€€She€relaxed€with€the€Scotch,€watching€when€he€took€a€seat€with€a€set€up€of€the€OldŠ `°  ŠWest€game€faro,€a€game€that€the€dealer€said€was€š šone€of€the€most€complex€and€competitive€gamesŠ ¶  Šplayed€in€Tombstone€in€the€eighteen„hundreds.€€It€caused€more€gunfights€than€booze€or€women.šš€Š  \  ŠHe€grinned€at€those€who€stepped€forward€to€play,€including€Sean€Patrick,€who€set€down€a€hundred„Š b² Šdollar€bill€to€buy€into€the€game€and€settled€into€his€chair.€Š ø Šą  ąBonnie€sipped€her€drink€and€watched€in€confusion€as€she€tried€to€work€out€the€rules€of€theŠ ^ Šgame.€€Sean€Patrick€played€faro€as€well€as€he€did€poker,€although€it€seemed€to€Bonnie€there€wasŠ d“ Šmore€luck€involved€in€this€one€than€there€was€in€poker,€still,€Sean€Patrick€seemed€to€be€the€only€oneŠ ŗ  Šbesides€the€dealer€who€really€understood€what€was€going€on.€€He€left€the€table€with€his€hundred€andŠ `  Šthree€more€besides,€impressing€the€dealer€and€everyone€who€was€watching.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šGood€God,€son,€it€was€like€you€lived€back€then€or€something,šš€said€the€dealer€with€a€laugh,Š ¼ $ Šcounting€out€Sean€Patrickššs€winnings.Š b& Šą  ąš šJust€a€historian,€thatššs€all,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick€with€a€grin.€€š šGotta€keep€your€eyes€on€theŠ hø( Šcards,€thatššs€all.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šYou€werenššt€counting€them,€were€you?ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šNo,€sir,€not€that,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€throwing€his€hands€up.€€š šI€play€clean,€honest€to€God.šš€Š j#ŗ. ŠHe€put€one€hand€on€his€heart.€€Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šHard€not€to€believe€that€face,€isnššt€it?šš€the€dealer€said€to€Bonnie,€grinning€back€at€them.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šOh,€heššs€every€bit€as€honest€as€his€face€implies,šš€said€Bonnie€in€reply,€laughing€a€little.€€š šIŠ l'¼"4 Šdonššt€think€he€could€cheat€if€he€were€set€up€for€it€and€you€were€looking€the€other€way.€€Heššs€theŠ Ā($6 Šmost€honest€person€I€think€Iššve€ever€met€in€my€life.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šGood€to€know,€good€to€know.šš€€Š n+¾&: Šą  ąSean€Patrick€hugged€her€shoulders€and€winked,€both€at€her€and€the€dealer,€as€well€as€theŠ Ä,(< Šwaitress€that€had€been€serving€them,€before€steering€them€both€out€of€the€closing€saloon€and€backŠ ° Šdown€the€street€toward€the€bed€and€breakfast.€€š šI€know€itššs€early,€but€we€can€get€to€bed€now,€IŠ V Šthink,šš€he€said,€š šplay€around€a€little€for€a€while,šš€he€winked€at€her€again,€š šthen€get€up€early.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šYou€canššt€go€outside,šš€she€cautioned.Š ² Šą  ąš šNo,€but€thereššs€plenty€I€can€do€in€the€shade,šš€he€said.€€š šWe€can€explore€whatever€side€of€theŠ  X Šstreet€keeps€me€out€of€direct€sunlight.šš€€He€hugged€her€more,€pressing€her€comfortably€to€his€side,Š ^ ®  Šš šAnd€that€makes€sure€Mrs.€Ō_ŌBrennenŌ_Ō€doesnššt€think€weššre€weird,€you€know,€if€we€go€out€a€littleŠ “   Šduring€the€day.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šI€suppose.€€But€you€will€be€careful,€my€man.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šOh,€yes,€I€promise,€Ō_ŌmššdarlinŌ_Ōšš.šš€€Š ¶  Šą  ąWaking€up€in€the€early€afternoon€was€a€little€strange,€Bonnie€knew,€but€still€Mrs.€Ō_ŌBrennenŌ_ŌŠ  \  Šdidnššt€say€anything€as€she€served€them€a€nice€midday€luncheon,€sandwiches€on€crusty€nice€breadŠ b² Šfilled€with€thin„sliced€steak€and€nice€hot€horseradish€for€her,€thick€barbecue€sauce€for€him,€withŠ ø Šthick„cut€fried€potatoes€and€coleslaw,€a€down„home€meal€that€Bonnie€could€have€had€every€day€ofŠ ^ Šher€life.€€Sean€Patrick€ate€like€he€normally€did,€stuffing€down€food€as€though€it€had€just€beenŠ d“ Šinvented,€wiping€out€his€sandwich€and€sides€with€a€lot€of€dill€pickles€and€then€a€gigantic€slice€of€Mrs.Š ŗ  ŠŌ_ŌBrennenŌ_Ōššs€š šworld„famous€chocolate€cakešš€and€a€big€glass€of€milk.€€He€pleased€the€older€womanŠ `  Štremendously€with€his€appetite,€as€well€as€his€extravagant€compliments,€which€had€turned€them€intoŠ f¶" Šthe€favorite€guests€of€the€bed€and€breakfast,€behind€the€fast„speaking€but€friendly€New€York€doctorŠ ¼ $ Šand€his€wife€and€the€young€couple€from€Illinois.Š b& Šą  ąš šYou€were€the€youngster€who€wowed€everyone€at€the€faro€table€last€night,€werenššt€you?ššŠ hø( Šasked€the€New€Yorker.€€š šI€watched€some€of€that€game.€€Never€saw€anyone€play€that€before.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šItššs€not€the€most€common€game,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€š šbut€itššs€not€completely€unfathomable.€Š "d, ŠJust€takes€a€little€study.€€Say,€whatššs€the€weather€like€today?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šBeen€better,šš€said€Mrs.€Ō_ŌBrennenŌ_Ō.€€š šA€little€cloudy,€and€itššs€still€cold.€€Donššt€think€itššll€warmŠ Ą$ 0 Šup€too€much€today.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šAh,€well.€€Weššll€make€the€best€of€it,šš€he€said,€but€he€was€smiling,€and€Bonnie€knew€it€wasŠ l'¼"4 Šbecause€it€meant€he€could€wear€his€heavy€leather€coat€without€raising€any€eyebrows,€and€here€hisŠ Ā($6 Šwide„brimmed€cowboy€hat€wouldnššt€make€people€look€twice€at€him.€€They€were€free€to€go€out€intoŠ *h%8 Šthe€afternoon€without€risking€too€much€sunshine€on€his€sensitive€vampire€skin.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąThey€were€able€to€make€good€use€of€the€scurrying€clouds€to€get€from€the€bed€and€breakfastŠ Ä,(< Što€the€Birdcage€Ō_ŌTheatreŌ_Ō,€escaping€into€its€darkness€to€look€with€interest€at€the€crumbling,Š ° Šdeteriorating€walls.€€š šAnd€you€know€what?€€It€wasnššt€even€built€when€I€was€here,šš€Sean€PatrickŠ V Šwhispered€to€Bonnie.€€š šI€missed€its€glory€days.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąThey€looked€into€what€remained€of€his€Grand€Hotel€and€the€Occidental€Saloon,€walking€upŠ ² ŠAllen€Street€and€back€down€Fremont€and€to€the€car.€€š šWeššll€drive€up€the€cemetery.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šSo€whatššs€up€there?ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šThe€rest€of€my€story,šš€he€answered.€€š šHop€in.€€Letššs€head€on€up.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šYou€really€know€how€to€show€a€gal€a€good€time,šš€she€teased.Š  Z  Šą  ąThe€cemetery€was€further€out€than€she€remembered,€but€Sean€Patrick€said€the€same€thing€heŠ `°  Šalways€did€about€Las€Vegas,€š šI€bet€you€anything€that€someday€that€town€is€going€to€be€all€the€wayŠ ¶  Šout€here.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šI€donššt€see€it,šš€she€said.€€š šWho€would€want€to€build€so€far€out€of€town?ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šIt€wonššt€be€one€day.€€Mark€my€words,€honey.€€I€am€never€wrong€about€these€things.€€IššveŠ ø Šseen€it€happen€too€often.€€My€house€was€miles€and€miles€from€San€Antonio€when€I€was€born.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šThat€was€a€hundred€years€ago.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šAnd€in€a€hundred€years,€our€house€went€from€standing€alone€on€a€half„million€acres€toŠ ŗ  Šbeing€lucky€we€manage€to€hold€onto€a€few€hundred,€with€more€and€more€getting€sucked€up€byŠ `  Špeople€every€year.€€One€of€these€days,€and€I€tell€Matt€this€all€the€time,€the€city€will€take€the€last€ofŠ f¶" Šour€lands.€€We€may€still€own€ššem,€but€people€will€be€living€on€them€and€working€on€them.€€ThereššsŠ ¼ $ Ša€pasture€I€used€to€fish€and€ride€thatššs€a€high„rise€office€complex€now.€€Itššs€progress,€and€there€ainššt€aŠ b& Šdamned€thing,€pardon,€anyone€can€do€to€stop€it.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šWell,€Iššll€believe€it€when€I€see€it,šš€she€said,€as€he€turned€up€the€drive€once€again€to€theŠ ¾ * Šbuilding€outside€of€the€cemetery.€€The€setting€sun€was€peeking€out€from€the€clouds,€but€Sean€PatrickŠ "d, Šwas€able€to€avoid€it,€going€directly€into€the€small€but€extremely€crowded€tourist€shop€that€led€to€theŠ j#ŗ. Šentrance€of€Boot€Hill€Cemetery.€€Picture€postcards,€showing€scenic€views€of€the€mountains,€the€highŠ Ą$ 0 Šdesert,€and€the€cemetery€itself,€all€its€colorful€tombstones,€filled€racks€surrounded€by€fake€IndianŠ &f!2 Šcrafts€and€real€Indian€jewelry,€leather€moccasins€and€hideous€scorpions€encased€in€Ō_ŌluciteŌ_Ō;€really,Š l'¼"4 Šmostly€the€same€junk€sheššd€seen€in€every€tourist€shop€in€Las€Vegas€sheššd€seen€her€whole€life,€at€theŠ Ā($6 Šlittle€store€where€she€used€to€stop€to€buy€a€soda€and€candy€when€she€was€a€little€girl.€€It€was€theŠ *h%8 Špostcards€that€caught€her€eye,€but€Sean€Patrick€caught€her€hand€and€led€her€outside,€into€theŠ n+¾&: Šcemetery€itself.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šDoesnššt€it€cost€anything?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šItššs€a€real€cemetery.€€People€are€permitted€to€view€graves,€especially€people€who€haveŠ V Šrelatives€buried€here,šš€he€responded.€€š šThey€make€their€money€in€donations€and€that€gift€shop.€Š \¬ ŠCome€on.€€Itššs€right€over€here.ššŠ ² Šą  ąHe€walked€her€through€the€gravel€paths,€past€the€cheerfully€macabre€tombstones€such€asŠ  X Šš šHere€lies€Lester€Moore,€four€slugs€from€a€.44,€no€less,€no€morešš€and€š š.šš€€He€didnššt€look€sidewaysŠ ^ ®  Šat€those,€but€stopped€at€a€very€simple€wooden€marker€which€read,€š šSean€Patrick€OššConnor,€1882.€Š “   ŠTexan.šš€€The€stones€that€covered€the€grave,€like€all€those€around€it,€rose€in€a€simple€mound€over€theŠ  Z  Šgrave,€impossible€to€tell€if€they€had€ever€been€disturbed.€€A€hawk€circled€above€them,€clear€againstŠ `°  Šthe€early€dusk€sky.€€She€shivered.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šThere€you€are,€Bonnie.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąShe€stared€at€the€marker,€then€at€the€man€next€to€her.€€š šWhat€happened€next?šš€she€askedŠ b² Šsoftly.Š ø Šą  ąš šAmanda€took€me€to€her€hotel€room€at€the€Grand,šš€he€said,€huddling€in€his€coat€with€hisŠ ^ Šhands€tucked€deeply€into€his€pockets.€€š šShe€seduced€me.€€I€really€thought€I€was€something€elseŠ d“ Šagain,€nice,€high„class€lady€like€that€taking€me€home.€€But€sheššd€already€figured€out€I€had€money,Š ŗ  Šand€it€was€the€money€she€wanted.€€She€seduced€me€and€she€turned€me€into€a€vampire€after€asking€meŠ `  Šif€I€wanted€to€see€the€world.€€Hell,€pardon,€of€course€I€did.€€She€didnššt€say€ššdo€you€want€to€be€aŠ f¶" Šbloodsucking€monster?šš€€She€also€didnššt€make€any€promises€about€anything.€€She€left€me€layingŠ ¼ $ Šthere,€in€a€vampire€coma€I€couldnššt€come€out€of€once€the€sun€roseš!š€ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šBut€you€get€around€just€fine€in€the€daytime,šš€said€Bonnie,€stating€the€obvious.Š hø( Šą  ąš šI€do€now,€but€I€couldnššt€then.€€The€sun€came€up,€and€I€went€out,€like€a€light.€€I€couldnššt€doŠ ¾ * Šanything.€€The€hotel€staff€found€me€when€Luke€raised€the€alarm.€€I€hadnššt€come€back€to€our€room,€ofŠ "d, Šcourse.€€He€worried€about€me,€because€I€wouldnššt€have€just€disappeared€without€telling€him.€€TheyŠ j#ŗ. Šfound€my€apparently„dead€body.€€Luke€wanted€them€to€keep€me€until€he€could€have€me€shipped€toŠ Ą$ 0 ŠTexas,€of€course,€but€it€was€August.€€No€one€had€any€ice,€no€place€to€keep€a€body.€€So€they€decidedŠ &f!2 Što€put€me€in€the€ground€as€fast€as€possible.€€Luke€had€all€my€money,€so€he€bought€me€a€suit€and€aŠ l'¼"4 Šcoffin,€put€me€in€it,€and€then€boxed€up€all€my€things€and€the€cash€to€ship€it€back€to€Texas.€€He€wasŠ Ā($6 Šgoing€to€ride€back€fast€as€he€could€with€his€horse€and€mine.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šHe€just€didnššt€count€on€me€Ō_ŌclimbinŌ_Ōšš€out€of€that€grave,šš€he€gestured€to€the€ground.€€š šWhich€IŠ n+¾&: Šdid,€of€course.€€And€she€was€there,€waiting€for€me.€€Told€me€she€was€sorry,€she€got€caught€out€by€theŠ Ä,(< Šsun€and€had€to€take€cover.€€I€believed€her.€€Then.€€I€thought€I€didnššt€have€a€choice.šš€€His€voice€gotŠ ° Šbitter.€€š šAnyway,€I€broke€into€the€morticianššs€place€and€stole€back€my€stuff,€then€into€the€stable€andŠ V Šstole€back€my€horse,€then€Amanda€and€I€took€the€train€back€to€Texas.€€I€introduced€her€to€my€familyŠ \¬ Šas€my€wife,€but€couldnššt€keep€from€them€what€I€was,€especially€in€light€of€the€fact€that€Luke€hadŠ ² Šwired€them€he€was€coming€home€with€ššbad€news.šš€€Said€later€he€couldnššt€just€tell€ššem€in€a€telegram.€Š  X ŠIššm€sure€glad€he€couldnššt.€€I€got€home€first€and€was€able€to€take€care€of€everything.€€Most€of€myŠ ^ ®  Šfamily€accepted€their€favorite€son€as€a€vampire.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šMost?šš€she€asked.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šWell,€everyone.€€My€great„grandfather,€he€was€proud€of€me.€€I€guess€for€Apaches€becomingŠ `°  Ša€ššnightwalkeršš€is€a€great€honor.€€Daddy€was€happy€about€it,€too.€€Mama€was€a€little€scared,€herŠ ¶  ŠCatholic€upbringing€overshadowed€her€Apache€blood.€€And€my€baby€brother,€Michael,€he€was€neverŠ  \  Šreally€too€happy€about€it.€€I€went€with€Amanda€to€Europe,€and€when€I€finally€got€free€of€her€andŠ b² Šcame€home,€Michael€had€severed€ties€with€the€family.€€I€gave€up€my€inheritance,€gave€my€place€inŠ ø Šthe€family€to€my€little€brother€Matt,€and€became€essentially€the€second€son€and€favorite€uncle.€€SoŠ ^ Šthere€it€is.€€Thatššs€how€I€became€a€vampire.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šSo€thereššs€no€one€down€there?šš€she€asked€softly.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šNope.€€Just€an€empty€coffin€with€a€broken€lid.€€Of€course,€itššs€probably€completely€decayed,Š `  Šyou€know.€€It€was€pine.€€And€the€suit€Luke€bought€me€didnššt€fit,€too€short€in€the€leg.€€I€was€glad€IŠ f¶" Šwas€able€to€steal€back€my€own€clothes.€€I€would€have€hated€to€be€stuck€with€that€suit.€€I€got€rid€of€itŠ ¼ $ Šas€soon€as€I€could.€€Now€come€on.€€I€saw€something€on€the€way€in.€€I€didnššt€even€know€those€wouldŠ b& Šstill€be€around.šš€€Š hø( Šą  ąBonnie€trailed€after€him€back€to€the€gift€shop,€where€a€lot€of€the€tourists€had€already€left,Š ¾ * Šleaving€only€a€few€diehards€and€the€clerks,€one€of€whom€was€an€older€fellow€with€a€sharp,€interestedŠ "d, Šface.€€Sean€Patrick€went€right€to€the€front€desk€and€pointed€to€a€hand„drawn€š šwantedšš€poster€whichŠ j#ŗ. Šshowed€a€rendition€of€an€attractive€woman.€€š šThatššs€her,šš€he€whispered.€€š šAmanda.€€Luke€describedŠ Ą$ 0 Šher€as€my€killer.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąBonnie€stared€at€the€cold,€expressionless€face€and€shivered€again,€as€she€had€when€SeanŠ l'¼"4 ŠPatrick€first€mentioned€her.€€The€hand„drawn€eyes€seemed€as€intense€as€if€they€had€come€from€aŠ Ā($6 Športrait,€much€more€real€than€the€police€drawings€she€saw€on€television€when€they€were€looking€forŠ *h%8 Šsomeone€based€on€some€eyewitness€description.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąš šWanted€for€the€murder€of€Texan€Sean€Patrick€OššConnor.€€REWARD,šš€the€poster€read.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šHow€much€was€the€reward?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šLuke€didnššt€know€how€much€to€say.€€Daddy€told€me€he€would€have€put€up€fifty€thousand,Š V Šand€that€was€like€a€million€back€then,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€Š \¬ Šą  ąThe€older€clerk,€who€had€been€watching€them,€came€up€and€said,€š šI€never€forget€a€face,€son.€Š ² ŠYouššve€been€around€here€before.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šNot€lately,€sir,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šWhatššs€your€name,€son?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šSean€Patrick€OššConnor,šš€he€said,€not€even€thinking€about€it€as€the€name€that€was€on€theŠ  Z  Štombstone€outside.€€At€the€shocked€look€on€the€clerkššs€face,€he€automatically€grinned€and€continued,Š `°  Šš šI€was€named€after€my€great€granddaddy€out€there.šš€€He€gestured€toward€the€darkening€cemeteryŠ ¶  Šoutside.Š  \  Šą  ąš šAh€ha!€€And€you€look€like€him,€too.€€Thatššs€where€Iššve€seen€that€face.šš€€He€bent€down€toŠ b² Šreach€under€the€counter.Š ø Šą  ąBonnie€looked€up€at€Sean€Patrick,€startled.€€š šThereššs€a€picture€of€you?šš€she€mouthed.€€HeŠ ^ Šgestured€her€to€hush€as€the€clerk€reappeared,€lugging€a€book€filled€with€sepia„toned€daguerreotypes,Š d“ Šmostly€horribly€macabre€photos€of€dead€people,€either€laid€out€in€state€or€in€their€coffins,€althoughŠ ŗ  Šsome,€like€children,€were€posed.€€š šThatššs€terrible!šš€Š `  Šą  ąš šIt€was€popular€back€then,€honey,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€looking€at€the€pictures€as€the€clerkŠ f¶" Šflipped€through€the€pages.€€š šPhotography€was€new,€and€folks€wanted€keepsakes€of€their€lost€lovedŠ ¼ $ Šones.ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šBut€the€children!€€Thatššs...€itššs€just...ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šSometimes€it€was€the€only€picture€the€family€ever€had€of€the€child,šš€said€the€clerk.€€š šPoorŠ ¾ * Šfamilies€couldnššt€afford€to€take€pictures€of€their€kids,€until€they€paid€the€mortician€to€do€it€for€them.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąSean€Patrick€nodded.€€š šŌ_ŌYepŌ_Ō,šš€he€said.Š j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šHere€it€is.šš€€The€clerk€stopped€and€turned€the€book€toward€them.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąBonnie€stared€at€the€picture€of€Sean€Patrick,€laid€out€in€a€narrow€pine€coffin,€his€face€still€asŠ &f!2 Šsheššd€seen€it€when€he€was€deep€in€his€vampire€sleep,€the€one€where€he€didnššt€wake€instantly,€and€hisŠ l'¼"4 Šresponse€during€the€day€was€minimal;€he€called€it€a€š švampire€coma,šš€Bonnie€tried€not€to€think€aboutŠ Ā($6 Šit€much€at€all.€€She€knew€how€they€would€have€mistaken€him€for€dead,€although€she€never€thoughtŠ *h%8 Šhe€really€looked€dead,€even€when€he€was€like€that.€€Heššd€worn€his€hair€short€then,€clipped€up€closeŠ n+¾&: Šaround€his€ears,€no€sideburns,€and€a€long,€curled€moustache.€€Very€much€like€any€of€the€men€thatŠ Ä,(< Šwere€emblazoned€on€all€the€posters€in€Tombstone,€Wyatt€Ō_ŌEarpŌ_Ō€and€his€brothers€and€theirŠ ° Šcontemporaries.Š V Šą  ąš šHe€was€a€dandy„Ō_ŌlookinŌ_Ōšš€fella,šš€said€the€clerk.€€š šHeight€of€fashion.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌYepŌ_Ō,šš€said€Sean€Patrick€again,€just€as€laconic€as€he€often€looked,€which€wasnššt€his€usualŠ ² Šstyle€at€all.€€š šMy€granddaddy€was€just€a€kid€when€he€died,šš€he€embellished.€€š šHe€never€came€homeŠ  X Šagain.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šI€like€to€learn€as€much€as€I€can€about€the€folks€buried€in€this€graveyard,šš€said€the€clerk.€Š “   Šš šNot€just€the€famous€residents,€but€all€those€ordinary€folks,€the€ones€who€died€normal€instead€ofŠ  Z  ŠŌ_ŌgettinŌ_Ōšš€shot€or€hung.€€I€couldnššt€find€anything€about€what€killed€your€great„granddad.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šThey€donššt€know,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šNever€did€find€out.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šHow€come€they€never€posted€the€reward?€€Never€came€and€took€him€home?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąSean€Patrick€wasnššt€the€worldššs€best€liar,€but€somehow€he€managed€to€slickly€pull€a€storyŠ b² Šout€of€thin€air,€š šMy€great„Ō_ŌgrandmamaŌ_Ō€decided€that€the€dead€should€stay€buried.€€She€had€a€son€toŠ ø Šraise€and€a€ranch€to€take€care€of,€and€figured€as€long€as€he€was€buried€Catholic,€he€could€stay€whereŠ ^ Šhe€was.€€She€was€more€concerned€that€his€kit€never€made€it€home.ššŠ d“ Šą  ąš šThereššs€a€story€about€that,€too,šš€said€the€clerk,€pulling€a€notepad€from€behind€the€gruesomeŠ ŗ  Špicture€of€Sean€Patrick€in€his€coffin.€€š šI€read€it€somewhere€and€made€some€notes.€€I€guess€there€was€aŠ `  Šbreak„in€at€the€mortuary€the€night€he€was€buried,€the€thieves€made€off€with€everything€the€poor€fellaŠ f¶" Šowned.€€I€guess€it€was€the€gal€what€killed€him,€getting€the€stuff€she€missed€out€on.€€No€one€knowsŠ ¼ $ Šanything€about€her,šš€he€looked€at€the€wanted€poster,€š šcouldnššt€find€another€thing€about€her.€€Oh,€andŠ b& Šthe€fellaššs€horse€was€stolen,€too,€and€another€horse€with€it.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąSean€Patrick€looked€sideways€at€Bonnie,€his€lips€twitching€slightly.€Bonnie€hid€a€smile€andŠ ¾ * Šcontinued€to€look€at€his€face€laying€there€in€the€coffin,€the€sepia€tone€of€the€photo€very€wellŠ "d, Špreserved.€€Sean€Patrick€and€the€clerk€continued€to€chat€for€a€while,€until€the€younger€of€the€twoŠ j#ŗ. Šclerks€locked€the€doors€behind€the€last€of€the€tourists€who€had€left.€€š šI€suppose€we€ought€to€headŠ Ą$ 0 Šback€to€the€B„and„B,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€taking€Bonnieššs€hand.€€š šHave€some€dinner.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€am€getting€hungry,šš€she€said.€€š šThis€whole€town€smells€like€steak.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šThat€it€does.€€Thereššs€nothing€like€a€town€full€of€steak€restaurants€to€get€the€appetiteŠ Ā($6 Šgoing,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šMr.€Grimes,€I€wanna€thank€you€for€all€the€info€you€got€on€my€family.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šAnd€thank€you,€too,€son.€€I€always€wanted€to€know€about€the€rest€of€the€Ō_ŌOššConnorsŌ_Ō.€Š n+¾&: ŠTexans€didnššt€come€out€this€way€too€often€unless€they€were€just€on€their€way€through.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šWell,€he€was€just€Ō_ŌpassinŌ_Ōšš€through,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šHe€was€Ō_ŌaiminŌ_Ōšš€to€get€to€CaliforniaŠ ° Šon€business€when€the€mystery€lady€stopped€him€cold.€€It€was€a€shame,€wasnššt€it?ššŠ V Šą  ąš šSure€was.€€He€couldnššt€have€been€too€much€more€than€twenty.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šNope,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€He€shook€Mr.€Grimesšš€hand,€then€the€younger€clerk€let€him€andŠ ² ŠBonnie€out€through€the€front€door,€locking€it€behind€them.€€š šIt€gives€you€a€strange€feeling,€honey,Š  X Šstanding€on€your€own€grave,šš€he€said.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šYou€dug€your€way€out?šš€she€asked.Š “   Šą  ąš šYeah.€€Fortunately€the€combination€of€brand„new€vampire€strength€and€my€own€sense€ofŠ  Z  Špreservation€just€made€me€want€out€enough€to€get€there.€€I€broke€through€the€lid€of€the€coffin€andŠ `°  Šdragged€myself€out€through€the€clay.€€It€was€clay,€it€had€rained,€and€this€dust€turns€hard€and€heavyŠ ¶  Šas€dead€weights.€€And€then€thereššs€those€rocks€piled€on€top.€€Plus,€you€know,€I€didnššt€have€a€suitŠ  \  Šwith€me,€of€course,€so€Luke€had€to€buy€one,€some€off„the„rack€piece€of€shit,€pardon,€that€was€aboutŠ b² Šsix€inches€too€short.€€The€coffin€was€too€short,€too.€€They€werenššt€worried€about€my€comfort,€youŠ ø Šknow.€€So€I€was€crammed€into€a€box€with€my€knees€cinched€up€and€my€elbows€crammed€into€myŠ ^ Šribs€and€I€was€lucky€I€could€move€at€all.€€Once€I€got€out€I€had€to€steal€my€stuff€back€just€so€Iššd€haveŠ d“ Špants€that€fit.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šCan€you€even€buy€clothes€in€a€store€like€a€normal€person?šš€she€asked,€sliding€her€armŠ `  Šaround€his€waist€and€bumping€her€hip€against€his€long€thigh.€€š šYou€have€legs€longer€than€my€wholeŠ f¶" Šbody.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąHe€chuckled.€€š šI€can€once€in€a€while€find€pants€that€fit,€but€itššs€rare€and€I€like€to€wear€themŠ b& Šlong€because€of€my€boots,€so€finding€a€forty€Ō_ŌinseamŌ_Ō€is€a€tricky€prospect.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šIššve€never€even€seen€a€forty€Ō_ŌinseamŌ_Ō.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌYepŌ_Ō,€and€you€have€to€look€long€and€hard€for€ššem,€too.€€Letššs€go€find€that€steak€dinner,Š "d, ŠŌ_ŌmššgalŌ_Ō,€and€then€we€can€think€about€starting€back.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šHow€far€can€we€get?ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šOh,€far€enough.€€Or€we€could€spend€another€day€in€Tombstone.€€Either€way.€€Foodššs€goodŠ &f!2 Šhere,€at€least,€and€we€havenššt€really€done€any€shopping.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąAt€the€restaurant€Sean€Patrick€ordered€a€gigantic€rare€T„bone€with€a€baked€potato.€€He€ateŠ Ā($6 Šalmost€the€entire€basket€of€garlic€bread€while€Bonnie€ate€Ō_ŌsaltinesŌ_Ō,€as€she€usually€did,€waiting€for€herŠ *h%8 Šfilet.€€That€was€one€thing€about€Sean€Patrick€as€benefactor,€he€never€minded€when€she€ordered€filetŠ n+¾&: ŠŌ_ŌmignonŌ_Ō€or€lobster€or€anything€else€expensive.€€In€fact,€heššd€already€ordered€a€bottle€of€wine€to€goŠ Ä,(< Šwith€their€meal,€in€addition€to€the€beer€he€was€drinking,€and€he€didnššt€say€a€word€about€her€orderingŠ ° Šthe€best€Scotch€the€place€served.€€She€was€getting€used€to€living€like€this.Š V Šą  ąš šSo€what€do€you€wanna€do,€honey?€€Head€back€tonight,€or€take€another€day?ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šIf€we€leave€after€dinner,€we€should€be€able€to€get€all€the€way€to€Phoenix,šš€she€said.€€š šIššveŠ ² Šnever€really€seen€Phoenix.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌHmmmŌ_Ō.€€Iššd€still€like€to€see€more€of€Tombstone,€but€I€will€admit€itššs€hard€to€really€do€theŠ ^ ®  Štourist€stuff€when€you€canššt€get€around€easily€in€the€daylight.€€Weššve€already€seen€the€entire€shadyŠ “   Šside€of€the€street.šš€€He€sat€back€when€the€waiter€delivered€their€steaks,€then€picked€up€his€fork€andŠ  Z  Šknife€and€started€slicing€bites,€reaching€for€the€salt.€€š šI€guess€we€can€head€out,€then.€€Provided€Mrs.Š `°  ŠŌ_ŌBrennenŌ_Ō€doesnššt€mind€us€pulling€stakes,€so€to€speak,€in€the€middle€of€the€night.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šProvided€we€leave€before€ten,€I€donššt€think€sheššd€mind.€€We€did€arrive€about€the€sameŠ  \  Štime,šš€said€Bonnie.Š b² Šą  ąš šThatššs€why€I€love€Las€Vegas.€€It€keeps€a€vampireššs€hours.šš€€He€mashed€up€his€potato€withŠ ø Šthe€lump€of€butter€that€had€come€with€it,€along€with€the€sour€cream€and€chives.€€š šBonnie„girl,€youššveŠ ^ Šbeen€a€mighty€good€friend€to€me.€€Iššve€never€been€able€to€come€here€alone,€but€Iššve€wanted€to.€€IššveŠ d“ Šwanted€to€stand€there€again,€and€remember€that€night.€€It€was€a€time€I€both€wanted€to€forget€and€amŠ ŗ  Šglad€I€never€did.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šYouššre€a€good€man,€Sean€Patrick.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šI€do€my€best.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąShe€impulsively€reached€across€the€table€and€gripped€his€hand.€€He€smiled€so€his€eyesŠ b& Šcrinkled€and€he€squeezed€her€hand€in€his.Š hø( Šą  ąHe€drank€almost€the€entire€bottle€of€wine€and€simply€seemed€to€relax€into€his€chair,€listeningŠ ¾ * Što€the€music€being€played€on€the€stage€by€the€house€four„piece€band.€€His€ankles€were€crossed€underŠ "d, Šthe€table,€and€he€gave€no€indication€at€all€that€he€was€interested€in€leaving.€€In€fact,€Bonnie€guessedŠ j#ŗ. Šthat€what€he€really€wanted€to€do€was€join€the€group€on€stage.€€He€was€humming€along€with€the€song,Š Ą$ 0 Šhis€lips€curled€up€slightly€on€the€sides,€his€fingers€tapping€on€the€glass€he€held€in€his€hand.€€BonnieŠ &f!2 Šdecided€she€might€as€well€relax,€too.€€If€they€didnššt€get€out€today,€they€would€tomorrow.€€Sheššd€beŠ l'¼"4 Šhome€before€the€end€of€the€week.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąBut€it€was€almost€four€days€before€Sean€Patrick€seemed€at€all€inclined€to€leave.€€BonnieŠ *h%8 Šmade€several€long„distance€calls€to€the€girls€back€home,€letting€them€know€she€was€all€right€andŠ n+¾&: Šchecking€in€on€the€house€and€Ō_ŌZachŌ_Ō.€€Both€Joyce€and€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō€seemed€deeply€jealous,€but€only€teasedŠ Ä,(< Šand€said€she€had€nothing€to€worry€about,€theyššd€keep€her€place€entirely€in€order.€€š šAnd€your€littleŠ ° Škitty€is€fine.€€Heššs€a€darling.€€If€youššre€not€careful€Iššll€have€to€take€him€home€with€me,šš€Ō_ŌJuliettaŌ_Ō€said.Š V Šą  ąThe€night€they€left,€Sean€Patrick€flirted€outrageously€with€Mrs.€Ō_ŌBrennenŌ_Ō€and€left€her€anŠ \¬ Šenormous€tip€for€the€staff,€who€had€kept€them€in€clean€linens€and€good€breakfasts€the€whole€timeŠ ² Štheyššd€stayed.€€Then€they€packed€up€the€Plymouth€and€headed€out€into€the€darkness.Š  X Šą  ąThe€moon€had€gone€and€they€drove€under€a€completely€dark€sky€strewn€with€a€million€stars.€Š ^ ®  ŠBonnie€leaned€her€head€on€the€window€watching€them,€distracted€once€in€a€while€by€the€lights€thatŠ “   Šreflected€from€the€dashboard€on€the€glass.€€She€dozed€off€once,€hearing€the€song€shift€suddenly€fromŠ  Z  ŠDean€Martin€singing€š šReturn€to€Mešš€to€the€Beatles€warbling€some€tune€she€didnššt€know,€but€itŠ `°  Šwasnššt€really€a€bad€song.€€š šWhere€are€we?šš€she€asked,€sitting€up€and€stretching.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šSomewhere€between€Las€Cruces€and€El€Paso,šš€he€replied.Š  \  Šą  ąBonnie€blinked.€€š šTexas?ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šThatššs€where€El€Paso€is,šš€he€readily€agreed.Š ø Šą  ąš šBut€thatššs€the€wrong€way,šš€she€protested,€frowning.€€š šWhy€are€we€going€to€Texas?ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šWell,€it€occurred€to€me,€honey,€that€we€were€more€than€halfway€home€as€it€was,€so€why€notŠ d“ Šgo€all€the€way?ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šBut€MY€home€is€in€Las€Vegas,šš€she€said.Š `  Šą  ąš šWeššll€fly€you€home€from€San€Antonio,šš€he€relied€carelessly.€€š šIššd€like€to€introduce€you€toŠ f¶" Šmy€family.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąPanic€crawled€up€Bonnieššs€throat€from€her€stomach€and€started€to€strangle€her.€€š šMeeting€theŠ b& Šparentsšš€was€for€wives,€for€girlfriends,€not€for€the€mistress.€€She€was€supposed€to€stay€in€theŠ hø( Šshadows,€hidden,€and€true,€he€didnššt€do€things€quite€the€same€way€as€other€benefactors€might,€still,€itŠ ¾ * Šwas€just€wrong,€wrong,€wrong,€so€very€wrong,€she€could€not€meet€his€very€proper€and€high„classŠ "d, Šfamily,€she€couldnššt,€even€if€they€did€send€her€Christmas€cards.€€š šNo,€I€canššt,šš€she€managed€to€chokeŠ j#ŗ. Šout.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šNonsense,€honey.šš€€He€reached€across€the€vast€distance€of€the€front€bench€seat€to€pat€her€onŠ &f!2 Šthe€knee.€€š šYouššll€be€fine.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šThe€mistress€does€not€meet€the€family,šš€she€said.€€š šItššs€just€not€done!ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šItššll€be€done€this€time,€honey,šš€he€replied,€in€that€š šI€have€made€up€my€mindšš€voice€thatŠ *h%8 ŠBonnie€had€never€yet€been€able€to€argue€with.€€š šJust€enjoy€the€ride.€€We€should€make€OššConnorŠ n+¾&: Šland€before€sunrise.ššŠ Ä,(< ЇChapter€NineŠ ° ŠĢą  ąTexas€spread€out€before€them€much€like€the€landscape€before€it,€but€Sean€Patrick,€like€thatŠ \¬ Šfellow€from€the€Greek€myths,€seemed€to€gain€in€strength€and€delight€as€they€crossed€deeper€into€aŠ ² Šslightly€more€lush€desert,€where€things€seemed€a€little€more€dense,€trees€more€thick,€and€the€soundsŠ  X Šof€the€night€grew€louder€outside€of€the€car.€€After€passing€through€the€military€border€town€of€ElŠ ^ ®  ŠPaso,€Bonnie€fell€silent€and€watched€the€landscape€blur€past,€trying€to€still€the€nervousness€in€herŠ “   Šstomach€and€the€fluttering€of€her€heart.Š  Z  Šą  ąMeeting€the€family€scared€her.€€She€admitted€it€to€herself€and€all€the€demons€of€herŠ `°  Šimagination€burst€loose€and€whirled€around€her€head€in€a€frenzy€of€hideous,€and€likely€imaginary,Š ¶  Šscenarios,€all€of€them€involving€the€names€they€would€call€her€and€ending€with€the€very€unlikelyŠ  \  Švision€of€Sean€Patrick€actually€asking€her€to€marry€him,€which€really€scared€her.€€She€liked€her€lifeŠ b² Šthe€way€it€was,€and€she€had€no€wish€to€settle€down€as€a€wife.Š ø Šą  ąOr€did€she?€€Was€that€what€really€scared€her,€deep€down,€was€that€she€wasnššt€š šbetter€thanšš€aŠ ^ Šwife?€€That€she€secretly€wanted€to€be€one?€€That€she€was€in€love€with€Sean€Patrick?Š d“ Šą  ąBonnie€gripped€her€hands€in€her€lap€and€dared€to€look€sideways€at€Sean€Patrick,€singingŠ ŗ  Šalong€with€some€pop€song€she€didnššt€know€and€tapping€his€hands€on€his€steering€wheel,€relaxed€andŠ `  Šhappy€in€his€own€environment.€€He€pointed€out€things€along€the€way,€rivers€and€streams€heššd€crossedŠ f¶" Šlong€ago€on€horseback,€little€towns€bearing€family€names,€stands€of€wild€oak€and€pine€where€heššdŠ ¼ $ Šhunted€for€squirrel€and€javelina.€€This€was€the€land€where€heššd€been€able€to€walk€in€the€sunshine,Š b& Šand€he€obviously€never€forgot€it.Š hø( Šą  ąShe€did€love€him,€she€realized,€but€it€was€a€comfortable€love,€not€a€romantic€love.€€CertainlyŠ ¾ * Šshe€liked€the€sex,€but€more,€she€liked€being€with€him,€talking€with€him,€spending€time€with€him.€€SheŠ "d, Šliked€his€taste€and€his€sense€of€humor€and€his€singing€voice.€€She€liked€his€boyishness€and€hisŠ j#ŗ. Štwinkling€eyes€and€his€keen€intellect,€miles€ahead€of€hers.€€He€could€always€be€counted€on€to€answerŠ Ą$ 0 Šquestions€she€had€about€almost€anything.€€He€was€there€when€she€needed€someone€to€open€a€jar€butŠ &f!2 Šheššd€never€once€gotten€in€her€way€when€she€just€wanted€to€be€herself.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šSean€Patrick,šš€she€said€at€length,€when€she€could€see€the€lights€of€San€Antonio€ahead€ofŠ Ā($6 Šthem,€smeared€against€a€night€sky€which€was€faintly€starting€to€turn€purple€with€the€first€hints€ofŠ *h%8 Šsunrise,€š šJust€take€me€to€the€airport.€€I€can€leave€right€away,€this€morning.€€I€think€we€have€timeŠ n+¾&: Šbefore€the€sun€rises,€donššt€we?ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąSean€Patrick€turned€his€head€from€the€straight€roadway€a€moment,€the€look€in€his€eyesŠ ° Šundecipherable.€€He€was€silent,€revving€the€engine€slightly€and€taking€on€speed,€before€he€suddenlyŠ V Šslowed€down€and€pulled€to€the€side.€€He€put€the€car€in€gear€and€turned€to€her,€closing€the€spaceŠ \¬ Šbetween€them€on€the€bench€seat.€€š šBonnie,€I€donššt€ask€a€lot€from€you,šš€he€said€in€a€very€soft€voice.€Š ² ŠShe€had€to€admit€that€was€true.€€Heššd€given€her€everything€sheššd€ever€wanted€but€all€he€ever€reallyŠ  X Šasked€for€was€sex.€€She€felt€the€blood€rush€to€her€head.€€š šBut€Iššm€asking€this.€€Itššs€not€going€to€hurtŠ ^ ®  Šyou€any€to€meet€my€folks.€€Thatššs€all€I€want.€€Okay?ššŠ “   Šą  ąShe€swallowed€hard.€€š šAll€right,šš€she€squeaked€out.€€š šIššll€go.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šThanks,€honey.€€Honest,€itššs€not€gonna€hurt€any.€€Theyššre€good€folks.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šThatššs€the€part€Iššm€afraid€of.€€Nice€folks€donššt€usually€ššcozy€upšš€to€women€like€me,šš€sheŠ ¶  Šsaid€as€he€put€the€car€back€into€gear€and€pulled€back€onto€the€highway.Š  \  Šą  ąš šJust€hold€onto€your€horses,€honey.€€Youššll€see€when€we€get€there.€€Itššs€not€too€muchŠ b² Šfurther.ššŠ ø Šą  ąThe€lights€of€San€Antonio€grew€closer,€but€they€hadnššt€passed€into€the€city€limits€when€SeanŠ ^ ŠPatrick€pulled€off€at€an€exit€and€turned€north,€drive€a€few€miles,€then€turned€west.€€The€road€wasŠ d“ Špaved€for€several€more€miles,€then€gave€way€to€fine€and€deep€gravel€that€crunched€beneath€theŠ ŗ  Šwheels,€leading€up€a€sweeping€driveway€shadowed€beneath€a€canopy€of€enormous€cottonwoods,Š `  Štrees€so€big€around€Bonnie€was€certain€she€couldnššt€put€her€arms€around€them.€€š šMy€daddy€plantedŠ f¶" Šthem€trees€when€I€was€just€a€baby,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąShe€looked€again€at€the€huge€old€trees€and€then€at€the€man€beside€her€with€a€renewedŠ b& Šunderstanding€of€just€how€old€he€really€was.€€The€drive€opened€to€curl€around€a€wide,€emerald„greenŠ hø( Šlawn.€€To€the€left€wide€pastures€spread€out€behind€a€fence€where€a€couple€dozen€beautiful€horsesŠ ¾ * Šwere€grazing.€€A€man€on€a€gorgeous€Ō_ŌappaloosaŌ_Ō€lifted€a€hand€toward€the€car€as€Sean€Patrick€pulledŠ "d, Šaround€and€up€to€the€deeply€shadowed€front€porch€of€the€gigantic€main€house.€€He€waved€backŠ j#ŗ. Šbefore€putting€the€car€in€park.€€A€boy€of€about€ten€or€so€shot€off€the€porch€shouting,€š šUncle€SeanŠ Ą$ 0 ŠPatrickššs€back!šš€€He€slammed€into€Sean€Patrick€at€full€speed,€but€Sean€Patrick€caught€him€easily,Š &f!2 Šheaving€him€into€the€air€effortlessly.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šHey,€Ō_ŌkiddoŌ_Ō!šš€he€said€heartily.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąA€swarm€of€children€of€all€ages€flooded€out€of€the€house,€thundering€down€the€steps€like€aŠ *h%8 Šherd€of€cattle,€although€the€cattle€themselves€appeared€to€be€very€well„behaved€and€standing€mildlyŠ n+¾&: Šin€the€pastures€to€the€right€of€the€house.€Š Ä,(< Šą  ąWhile€the€children€greeted€their€obviously€well„beloved€uncle,€Bonnie€looked€around€at€theŠ ° Švast€pasture€lands.€€Beyond€the€main€house€were€other€buildings,€stables€and€barns€and€car€garages,Š V Šsmaller€houses€where€brown€children€played€in€the€dust,€although€they€had€started€to€migrate€towardŠ \¬ Šthe€front€of€the€main€house,€along€with€all€the€white€children.€€Although,€she€considered,€some€ofŠ ² Šthem€were€almost€as€dark,€just€like€Sean€Patrick€might€look€if€he€were€able€to€go€into€the€sun.Š  X Šą  ąš šSenor€Sean€Patrick!šš€€A€middle„aged€Mexican€man€came€from€the€depths€of€the€porch.€Š ^ ®  ŠSean€Patrick€tossed€him€the€keys€to€the€big€Pontiac.€€š šWelcome€home!ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šHey,€Miguel.€€Park€her€for€me,€would€you?ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šOf€course,€Senor.€€Iššll€have€Juan€haul€your€stuff€upstairs.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌGraciasŌ_Ō,€amigo.šš€€Sean€Patrick€waded€through€the€mass€of€kids€to€assist€Bonnie€through€theŠ ¶  Šcrowd.€€š šClear€the€way,€clear€the€way,€you€bunch€of€curtain€climbers,šš€he€said€with€good€cheer.€Š  \  Šš šPresents€late,€I€promise.€€I€never€forget,€do€I?€€Matt€Three,€you€Ō_ŌsonofagunŌ_Ō!šš€€Š b² Šą  ąA€tall€man€with€shaggy€dirty€blond€hair€and€an€oddly€plain,€long€face€with€sleepy€eyes€hadŠ ø Šappeared€on€the€top€step€of€the€porch.€€The€porch€itself€was€reached€by€three€shallow,€wide€steps,Š ^ Šwith€beams€on€each€side€that€appeared€to€be€the€trunks€of€massive€oaks.€€The€porch€circled€theŠ d“ Šoutside€of€the€house,€with€similar€beams€set€at€regular€intervals.€€Comfortable€chairs€and€tables€wereŠ ŗ  Šset€here€and€there.€€The€windows€were€large,€and€the€massive€front€door€was€wide€open,€leading€intoŠ `  Šan€arched€front€foyer€with€polished€hardwood€floors.€€A€rustic€braided€rug€decorated€the€floor€underŠ f¶" Ša€simple€drop€lamp€which€was€lit€against€the€early€morning€dimness.€€The€rising€sun€had€cast€mostŠ ¼ $ Šof€the€front€of€the€house€into€shadow,€so€Sean€Patrick€didnššt€seem€to€be€worried€about€it,€as€thoughŠ b& Šreturning€to€the€safety€of€his€own€home€had€given€him€invincibility.Š hø( Šą  ąSean€Patrick€and€the€other€man€gripped€hands,€then€embraced.€€š šAbout€damned€time€youŠ ¾ * Šcame€home,šš€he€said,€his€accent€as€slow€and€laconic€as€Sean€Patrickššs€own.€€He€smiled€at€Bonnie,Š "d, Šhis€smile,€like€that€of€his€uncle,€dazzling€enough€to€make€his€plain€face€rather€attractive.€€š šNone€ofŠ j#ŗ. Šyou€kids€heard€me€say€that.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šOkay,€Matt€Three,šš€said€the€oldest€boy,€who€looked€about€fifteen.€€Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šMatt€Three,€this€here€is€Bonnie.€€Bonnie,€this€is€my€grand„nephew,€Matthew€OššConnor€theŠ l'¼"4 ŠThird.€€We€call€him€Matt€Three.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šJust€until€I€find€a€name€thatššs€all€my€own,šš€he€said€with€that€same€wonderful€smile,Š *h%8 Šgripping€her€hand€in€both€of€his€and€kissing€it.€€š šThereššs€way€too€many€Matts€on€this€ranch€as€it€is.€Š n+¾&: ŠBut€I€think€youššre€the€one€and€only€Bonnie.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šSheššs€a€Scot,€but€donššt€hold€it€against€her,šš€said€Sean€Patrick€cheerfully.Š ° Šą  ąš šI€never€said€I€was€Scottish,šš€she€protested,€instead€of€saying€š šnice€to€meet€you,šš€which€wasŠ V Šwhat€sheššd€meant€to€say.Š \¬ Šą  ąš šYour€name€is€Bonnie€Ō_ŌMichaelsŌ_Ō,€honey.€€Youššve€just€walked€into€a€big€Ō_ŌolŌ_Ōšš€nest€of€IrishŠ ² Šfolk,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick€with€a€grin.Š  X Šą  ąš šWho€is€she,€Uncle€Sean€Patrick?šš€asked€one€of€the€Ō_ŌkiddsŌ_Ō,€a€little€boy€with€a€shock€of€curlyŠ ^ ®  Šbrown€hair€like€his€uncleššs.Š “   Šą  ąš šThis€is€my€friend€Bonnie,€little€Bobby,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€ruffling€the€boyššs€hairŠ  Z  Šaffectionately.Š `°  Šą  ąBonnie€smiled€up€at€Matt€Three.€€š šIt€is€nice€to€meet€you.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šIššm€glad€Sean€Patrick€brought€you€to€see€us,šš€he€said,€his€voice€warm.€€š šWeššve€been€eagerŠ  \  Štoš!š€ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šSize€me€up?šš€she€supplied€helpfully.€€He€laughed.Š ø Šą  ąš šNot€just€that.€€Anyone€who€makes€Sean€Patrick€that€happy,šš€he€jerked€his€thumb€at€theŠ ^ Švampire,€who€was€on€his€knees€amidst€the€smallest€of€the€kids,€listening€raptly€to€a€very€importantŠ d“ Šstory€about€lizards,€š šis€very€all€right€with€us.šš€€Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šHey,€all€you€kids,€Ō_ŌvamoooseŌ_Ō€Ō_ŌouttaŌ_Ō€Ō_ŌheeyahŌ_Ō,šš€came€a€slow€drawl€in€a€voice€that€was€very€likeŠ `  ŠSean€Patrickššs,€only€weighted€with€age,€and€an€old€man€appeared€at€the€other€opening€of€the€foyer.€Š f¶" ŠThe€kids€immediately€dispersed,€scattering€before€the€old€man,€and€Sean€Patrick€rose€slowly€to€hisŠ ¼ $ Šfeet€to€turn€to€face€him.€€š šAbout€damned€time€you€got€your€skinny€ass€back€Ō_ŌheeyahŌ_Ō,šš€said€the€oldŠ b& Šman.Š hø( Šą  ąš šLanguage,€Matt,šš€said€Sean€Patrick€mildly.€€š šMatt,€this€hereššs€my€friend€Bonnie.€€Bonnie,Š ¾ * Šthis€is€Matthew€OššConnor€Jr.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąDespite€Sean€Patrickššs€cavalier€attitude,€she€could€feel€the€vast€respect€he€had€for€the€oldŠ j#ŗ. Šman,€and€she€immediately€felt€it,€as€well.€€š šPleased€to€meet€you,€sir,šš€she€said,€managing€to€resistŠ Ą$ 0 Šdropping€into€a€curtsey.€€She€was€fixed€by€his€stern,€brown„eyed€gaze.€€His€eyes€were€enormous,€likeŠ &f!2 Šhis€uncleššs,€but€they€didnššt€have€the€same€sparkle.€€Age€had€made€him€fiercely€adult,€rather€thanŠ l'¼"4 Šboyishly€childlike.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąš šGood€to€meet€Ō_ŌyaŌ_Ō,€young€lady.€€Sean€Patrick,€I€wanna€talk€to€you,€boy.€€Matt,€boy,€take€theŠ *h%8 Šlittle€lady€and€let€your€wife€settle€her€in€good,€would€you?ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šWill€do,€Daddy,šš€replied€Matt€Three.€€Matt€Jr.€grabbed€Sean€Patrickššs€arm€and€draggedŠ Ä,(< Šhim€off.€€Matt€Three€took€Bonnieššs€elbow,€but€in€a€much€nicer€way.€€š šCome€on,€Bonnie.€€Letššs€see€ifŠ ° Šwe€can€find€my€lovely€bride€and€she€can,€as€Daddy€said,€settle€you€in.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šHow€long€have€you€been€married?šš€she€asked€him,€looking€at€his€face€as€they€followed€theŠ \¬ Šothers€out€of€the€foyer€and€into€the€main€front€room€of€the€house.€€Š ² Šą  ąHer€attempt€at€small€talk€faded€and€she€barely€heard€his€answer,€š šAbout€a€year€and€a€halfššŠ  X Šas€she€stared€in€awe€at€the€exquisite,€massive€ballroom,€which€seemed€to€stretch€the€entire€length€ofŠ ^ ®  Šthe€house.€€Two€more€wide,€shallow€steps€led€down€to€a€highly€polished€hardwood€floor€whichŠ “   Šspread€out€to€a€pair€of€sweeping€staircases€that€made€semi„circles€up€the€far€end€of€the€room,€leadingŠ  Z  Šup€to€balconies€that€overlooked€the€room.€€Beneath€each€of€the€balconies€were€raised€daises,€one€ofŠ `°  Šwhich€had€an€arch€behind€it,€leading€off€deeper€into€the€house,€while€the€other€simply€had€richlyŠ ¶  Šbrocaded€drapes€at€the€back.€€There€were€a€couple€of€tabby€cats€sleeping€on€the€velvet€divan€againstŠ  \  Šthis€wall,€next€to€the€arch.Š b² Šą  ąš šThis€is€lovely,šš€Bonnie€breathed.Š ø Šą  ąš šThanks,šš€he€said,€so€casually€she€realized€it€didnššt€even€occur€to€him€that€a€stranger€mightŠ ^ Šbe€flabbergasted€by€his€home,€the€place€he€walked€through€every€day€without€even€seeing€it.€€He€ledŠ d“ Šher€to€the€left„handed€stairway€and€called,€š šŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō!€€You€in€earshot,€honey?ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šIššm€coming,€Iššm€coming.€€I€wasnššt€dressed€when€the€kids€sounded€the€Return€of€theŠ `  ŠVampire,šš€came€a€cheerful€feminine€Texas€accent,€slightly€different€from€that€of€the€other€membersŠ f¶" Šof€the€OššConnor€family.€€The€voice€was€followed€by€the€most€beautiful€woman€that€Bonnie€had€everŠ ¼ $ Šseen€in€her€life.Š b& Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€OššConnor€was€a€little€shorter€than€Bonnie,€with€a€warm,€dusky€complexion€andŠ hø( Šsultry,€dark€brown€eyes.€€Her€heavy,€thick,€black€hair€was€swept€up€in€a€loose,€casual€knot€on€theŠ ¾ * Šback€of€her€head,€and€she€was€dressed€in€plain€jeans€and€a€manššs€checked€shirt,€wearing€the€sameŠ "d, Šdusty€cowboy€boots€that€apparently€everyone€here€wore,€and€the€plain€clothes€only€made€her€evenŠ j#ŗ. Šmore€beautiful.€€She€wasnššt€too€thin,€but€her€figure€was€perfect,€her€apple„red€cheeks€softly€rounded,Š Ą$ 0 Šher€elegant,€graceful€arms€decorated€with€several€brightly€jangling€bangle€bracelets.€€She€appearedŠ &f!2 Što€be€quite€young,€no€more€than€twenty„five€at€the€most,€making€Bonnie€look€curiously€at€MattŠ l'¼"4 ŠThree.€€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ōššs€appearance€had€made€him€sparkle,€his€whole€face€lighting€up.€€š šHey€there,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš,ššŠ Ā($6 Šhe€said,€š šSean€Patrickššs€brought€us€a€guest.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šBonnie!šš€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€cried€as€though€greeting€an€old,€dear€friend.€€Bonnie€reached€out€a€hand,Š n+¾&: Šexpecting€to€shake,€but€was€instead€enveloped€in€a€warm€and€rib„crushing€hug.€€š šItššs€so€good€toŠ Ä,(< Šmeet€you€at€last!ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šIššm€gonna€head€back€down€to€get€the€hands€out€to€the€fields,€honey,šš€said€Matt€Three,Š V Škissing€his€wife€on€the€cheek,€š šif€youššll€take€care€of€Bonnie.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šI€will€certainly€do€that.€€Donššt€you€have€any€bags,€dear?ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šSomeone€was€bringing€them€up?šš€said€Bonnie,€making€it€more€of€a€question.€€She€wasŠ  X Šfeeling€a€little€overwhelmed,€but€so€far,€everyone€was€marvelous€in€the€enormous€OššConnor€house.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šOf€course,€probably€Juan€or€one€of€the€other€boys.€€Come€on€this€way,€sugar.€€Iššm€Ō_ŌassuminŌ_ŌššŠ “   Šyouššll€be€Ō_ŌstayinŌ_Ōšš€in€Sean€Patrickššs€room,€right?ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šI€guess€so.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šUnless€you€want€your€own€room.€€The€good€Lord€knows€we€have€enough€space.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šItššs€a€beautiful€house,šš€said€Bonnie.Š  \  Šą  ąš šOh,€I€thought€so,€too,€sugar,€when€I€first€came€here€with€Matt,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€sliding€her€armŠ b² Šthrough€Bonnieššs.€€š šThereššs€miles€of€house€to€explore,€and€every€nook€and€cranny€is€filled€with€littleŠ ø ŠŌ_ŌOššConnorsŌ_Ō.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šI€noticed.€€Are€any€of€them€yours?šš€asked€Bonnie,€before€remembering€Matt€Three€had€saidŠ d“ Štheyššd€only€been€married€a€little€over€a€year.€€But€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€didnššt€appear€offended.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šNot€yet.€€Weššll€get€there,€though.€€If€thereššs€one€thing€these€boys€can€do,€itššs€fatherŠ `  Šchildren,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€with€a€laugh.€€š šSean€Patrickššs€room€is€the€third€door€on€the€right,€here.€€TheŠ f¶" Šmaster€bedroom€is€the€first€door.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šAnd€the€second€one?ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šThey€call€that€Matt€Jr.ššs€office,€but€Sean€Patrick€told€me€once€it€was€his€motherššs€dressingŠ hø( Šroom€when€he€was€a€boy.€€I€donššt€think€any€of€the€ladies€of€the€house€have€used€it€that€way€sinceŠ ¾ * ŠMaria€died.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šMaria?ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šSean€Patrickššs€mother.€€I€know€Letty€didnššt€use€it,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šThat€was€Matt€Jr.ššs€wife,Š Ą$ 0 ŠLetty.€€She€was€a€sure€firebrand,€that€one.€€I€am€so€sorry€I€didnššt€get€to€know€her€better,€but€sheŠ &f!2 Špassed€on€before€Matt€and€I€married.ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šWhat€happened€to€her?šš€Š Ā($6 Šą  ąš šShe€took€a€fall€from€her€jumper,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€š šbroke€her€neck€straight€out,€wasnššt€a€thingŠ *h%8 Šanyone€could€do€for€her.€€But€I€gotta€say,€she€sure€died€as€she€lived.€€This€is€Sean€Patrickššs€room.šš€Š n+¾&: ŠShe€opened€the€solid€dark€wood€door€into€a€large,€gloomy€room.€€She€crossed€to€the€windows€andŠ Ä,(< Špulled€back€the€heavy€drapes,€letting€in€the€cool€morning€light.€€š šFortunately€for€him,€it€faces€west,Š ° Šso€he€can€leave€the€drapes€open€part€of€the€day,€provided€heššs€awake€to€close€ššem€before€the€sunŠ V Šcomes€over€the€house,šš€she€said.€€Š \¬ Šą  ąWith€the€drapes€open,€Bonnie€could€see€the€room€was€actually€rather€warmly€furnished,€forŠ ² Šall€its€size;€the€wood€was€dark€but€the€bedclothes€were€rust„and„gold,€the€rug€a€bright€gold€color€andŠ  X Šthere€were€several€nice€paintings€on€the€wall,€featuring€landscapes€and€animals€much€like€those€sheŠ ^ ®  Šcould€see€right€out€the€window.€€There€was€also€a€rather€complex€Ō_ŌgeneologyŌ_Ō,€with€the€OššConnorŠ “   Šcrest€on€it,€starting€with€Liam€and€Maria€OššConnor.€€Sean€Patrick€was€the€first€name€beneath€theirs,Š  Z  Šalong€with€Matthew€and€Michael.€€š šThatššs€the€start€of€our€impressive€dynasty,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,Š `°  Šnoticing€where€she€was€looking.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šAs€soon€as€your€things€are€here,€you€can€freshen€up,šš€she€went€on.€€š šThe€washroom€is€inŠ  \  Šhere,€and€there€is€fortunately€indoor€plumbing.€€Matt€Jr.€had€it€installed€back€in€the€forties,€had€theŠ b² Šwhole€place€piped€and€plumbed.€€Apparently€it€was€quite€the€project.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šThereššs€no€mirror€on€the€vanity,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šBecause€Sean€Patrick€isš!š€ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šOh,€no.€€I€asked€him€the€same€thing€once,€and€he€told€me€it€was€broken€when€he€was€a€boy,Š d“ Šand€his€folks€never€replaced€it,šš€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€replied.€€š šHe€wouldnššt€tell€me€how€it€got€broke,€though.€Š ŗ  ŠMaybe€you€can€get€that€out€of€him.šš€€She€grinned,€dimpling€a€little,€and€squeezed€Bonnieššs€handsŠ `  Šagain.€€š šIššm€so€glad€youššre€here.€€Iššve€been€just€dying€to€meet€you.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šReally?€€I€mean...€I€am....šš€€Bonnie€hesitated.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šOh,€donššt€you€fuss€about€that,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šYou€make€Sean€Patrick€happy,€and€thatŠ b& Šmakes€all€of€us€happy.€€We€know€what€he,€well,€what€he€needs€from€you.€€That€doesnššt€make€you€aŠ hø( Šbad€person.€€I€just€hope€you€donššt€mind€if€that€doesnššt€get€bandied€about€outside€the€family,€though.€Š ¾ * ŠWe€all€keep€the€secret€about€Sean€Patrick€being€a€vampire.€€Him€having€a€mistress€is€just€anotherŠ "d, Šfamily€secret.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąBonnie€smiled.€€š šThank€you,€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.šš€€Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€winked.€€š šGet€some€rest,€honey.€€Iššll€see€if€I€can€pry€old€Matt€Jr.€away€from€SeanŠ &f!2 ŠPatrick€and€let€him€come€up€to€you.šš€€She€closed€the€door€behind€her€as€she€left.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąBonnie€looked€around€at€the€huge€room.€€It€seemed€bigger€than€her€whole€house.€€SeanŠ Ā($6 ŠPatrickššs€bed€was€much€narrower€than€sheššd€expected,€but€it€was€also€long€enough€to€accommodateŠ *h%8 Šhis€tall€frame.€€There€was,€not€unexpectedly,€a€calico€cat€crouched€in€the€center€of€the€thick€coverlet,Š n+¾&: Šblinking€steady€whiskey„colored€eyes€at€her.€€The€vanity,€desk,€and€tall€bureau€all€matched,€darkŠ Ä,(< Šsolid€walnut€wood,€she€guessed,€or€maybe€mahogany,€with€a€great€many€scrolls€and€engravings€andŠ ° Šflourishes,€well„polished€and€oiled€but€cracked€and€worn€with€age.€€The€struts€on€the€vanity€stillŠ V Šstood,€showing€there€had€been€a€mirror€once;€in€its€place€Sean€Patrick€had€hung€a€decorative€displayŠ \¬ Šof€arrowheads,€set€on€red€velvet€in€a€gilt„edged€wooden€frame,€which€had€a€neat€description€at€theŠ ² Šbottom€stating€they€had€all€been€found€on€OššConnor€lands.€€The€whole€room€felt€like€him,€as€thoughŠ  X Šhis€presence€had€permeated€the€very€wood€of€the€floor,€the€beams€of€the€ceilings,€the€faded€paper€onŠ ^ ®  Šthe€walls€and€the€cherished€photographs€on€the€vanity,€desk,€and€bureau;€photos€of€a€couple€sheŠ “   Šguessed€to€be€his€parents,€of€Matt€Three€and€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€at€their€wedding,€of€Matt€Jr.€and€a€blondeŠ  Z  Šwoman€who€could€only€be€Matt€Threeššs€mother,€for€she€had€his€same€long,€attractive„plain€face.€Š `°  ŠThere€were€pictures€of€many€of€the€children,€of€men€on€horses,€and€many€other€faces,€all€with€thatŠ ¶  Šstamp€of€familiarity€that€told€her€they€were€all,€somehow,€Ō_ŌOššConnorsŌ_Ō.Š  \  Šą  ąIt€was€a€tidy,€well„loved,€comfortable€bedroom,€long€used€and€very€like€Sean€Patrick,€neatŠ b² Šwithout€being€fussy,€masculine€without€being€overpowering,€smelling€slightly€like€whiskey€andŠ ø Šspearmint€and€cigarettes.€€It€spoke€of€wealth€without€being€garish,€the€home€of€old,€proud€money,Š ^ Šlike€the€rest€of€the€house.€€She€looked€at€his€bookshelves,€not€at€all€surprised€by€the€wide€range€ofŠ d“ Šliterature€there,€then€sat€at€his€desk.€€From€here€she€could€see€out€at€the€fields€spread€out€as€far€as€theŠ ŗ  Šeye€could€see,€a€line€of€more€trees€that€must€mark€a€river,€the€crystalline€blue€sky€beyond.€€ThereŠ `  Šwas€a€smallish€portable€television€on€a€stand€next€to€the€desk€which€could€be€easily€seen€from€theŠ f¶" Šbed,€stacked€beneath€with€copies€of€TV€Guide,€most€of€them€a€few€weeks€old€since€of€course€heŠ ¼ $ Šhadnššt€been€home€in€a€while.Š b& Šą  ąWhen€the€door€opened€it€was€just€a€young€Mexican€man€hauling€up€their€luggage.€€HeŠ hø( Šsmiled€at€her€and€spoke€in€Spanish,€but€all€she€understood€was€š šSenor€Sean€Patrick.šš€€She€smiledŠ ¾ * Šand€said€š šŌ_ŌGraciasŌ_Ō,šš€though,€as€he€put€down€all€the€bags€he€carried.€€He€closed€the€door€behind€him.€Š "d, ŠBonnie€found€her€own€small€suitcase,€which€had€now€only€dirty€clothes€in€it€with€her€overnight€bag,Š j#ŗ. Šand€sighed.€€Sean€Patrick€had€given€her€the€idea€this€would€be€a€short€trip.€€Theyššd€already€beenŠ Ą$ 0 Šgone€over€a€week.€€She€had€nothing€at€all€to€wear,€and€the€only€woman€sheššd€met€thus€far€wasŠ &f!2 ŠŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€who€couldnššt€possibly€share€clothes€with€her,€they€werenššt€anywhere€near€the€same€size.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąAnd€sheššd€never€been€able€to€be€one€of€those€women€who€could€wear€her€boyfriendššsŠ Ā($6 Šclothes.€€Sean€Patrickššs€shirts€barely€closed€over€her€breasts€and€she€couldnššt€even€try€to€squeeze€herŠ *h%8 Šhips€into€his€narrow€jeans.€€Hopefully€there€was€someplace€she€could€do€laundry.€€Well,€no€doubtŠ n+¾&: Šthere€was,€sheššd€just€have€to€find€it.€€She€unpacked€what€she€had€and€put€her€overnight€bag€into€theŠ Ä,(< Šwashroom,€a€nice€if€old„fashioned€setup,€then€laid€down€on€his€bed.Š ° Šą  ąShe€woke€up€when€Sean€Patrick€finally€came€back€in.€€He€had€a€stubborn€scowl€on€his€face,Š V Šbut€he€brightened€when€he€saw€her.€€š šHey,€Bonnie„girl.€€I€sure€am€glad€you€came€home€with€me.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šWhatššs€going€on?šš€she€asked.Š ² Šą  ąš šWeššre€going€to€get€a€little€sleep€while€the€house€gets€on€with€its€daily€activities.€€The€rugŠ  X Šrats€know€better€than€to€come€up€here€during€the€day,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€closing€the€heavy€drapesŠ ^ ®  Šagain€and€shutting€out€the€endless€Texas€scenery.€€He€turned€to€her,€starting€to€pull€off€his€shirt.€Š “   Šš šAnd€we€might€do€some€other€things.šš€€He€was€grinning,€but€his€eyes€were€still€a€little€angry,€theŠ  Z  Šhappy€crinkles€didnššt€show€at€the€corners.€€Bonnie€slipped€off€the€bed€and€went€to€him,€sliding€herŠ `°  Šhands€up€his€chest€to€his€shoulders.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šAre€you€all€right?šš€she€asked€softly.Š  \  Šą  ąš šIššll€be€fine,€honey,šš€he€responded,€relaxing€a€little€at€her€touch,€š šjust€a€little€welcome„homeŠ b² Šfracas.€€Matt€Jr.€thinks€he€can€run€my€world€and€at€his€age,€itššs€hard€to€argue€with€him.€€He€thinksŠ ø ŠIššm€just€a€kid.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šWell,€I€suppose,€to€him,€you€kinda€look€like€it,šš€she€said.€€š šMatt€Three€is,€what,€nearlyŠ d“ Šforty?€€And€he€gets€treated€the€same€way.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šYou€noticed€that,€did€you?€€Matt€Three€is€not€forty,€heššs€only€thirty„seven.€€Or€will€be,€inŠ `  ŠNovember.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šOh,€only,šš€said€Bonnie,€teasing,€hugging€his€neck.€€š šYou€do€realize€I€havenššt€any€clothes€atŠ ¼ $ Šall.€€Everything€I€brought€Iššve€worn,€some€of€them€twice.€€I€didnššt€realize€this€was€going€to€be€a€longŠ b& Šššroad€trip.ššššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šAh,€yes.€€Well,€hold€that€thought.šš€€He€Ō_ŌdetangledŌ_Ō€himself€and€snapped€his€shirt€shut€again.€Š ¾ * Šš šŌ_ŌGimmeŌ_Ō€your€laundry.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šI€can€do€it€later.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šGive€me€your€laundry,šš€he€enunciated€more€clearly,€opening€his€own€bags€and€taking€outŠ Ą$ 0 Šthe€clothes€heššd€worn€on€his€trip.€€He€took€her€clothes,€too,€and€set€the€whole€pile€outside€in€theŠ &f!2 Šhallway.€€š šThere.€€Itššll€be€done€by€supper.€€Now.€€Where€were€we?šš€€He€turned€to€gather€her€backŠ l'¼"4 Šinto€his€arms,€bending€over€her.€€Bonnie€eagerly€kissed€him€back.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąš šAre€you€sure?€€I€donššt€want€to€put€anyone€out,šš€she€said,€when€their€lips€parted.Š *h%8 Šą  ąHe€frowned€a€little,€as€though€sheššd€asked€quite€a€puzzler.€€š šWhat?€€Oh,€no,€honey,€thatššsŠ n+¾&: Šjust€standard€practice.€€One€of€the€maids€will€take€care€of€it.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šOf€course€you€have€maids.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šHouse€this€big,€we€need€ššem.šš€€He€was€as€casual€about€it€as€Matt€Three€had€been.€€š šI€pay€aŠ V Šmaid€for€you,€donššt€I?ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šCertainly,€but€she€only€comes€in€three€times€a€week€and€I€do€my€own€laundry,šš€repliedŠ ² ŠBonnie.Š  X Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌNothinŌ_Ōšš€wrong€with€that,šš€he€said,€and€picked€her€up.€€š šYou€know,€Iššve€never€made€love€toŠ ^ ®  Šanyone€in€this€bed.ššŠ “   Šą  ąShe€caught€the€way€he€qualified€that€sentence.€€š šI€take€that€to€mean€there€has€been€sex?šš€sheŠ  Z  Šquestioned.Š `°  Šą  ąš šYou€know,€honey,€you€sell€yourself€short€when€you€say€youššre€not€bright.€€You€pick€upŠ ¶  Šstuff€pretty€quick,šš€he€replied,€kissing€her€on€the€nose€as€he€laid€her€down€on€the€extraordinarily€softŠ  \  Špale€rust„colored€sheets,€disturbing€the€cat,€who€jumped€down€and€vanished.€€š šAll€Iššll€say€to€that€oneŠ b² Šis€yes,€there€has€been€sex.€€Weššre€gonna€make€that€all€better€now.ššŠ ø Šą  ąMaking€love.€€It€seemed€a€strange,€almost€alien€concept,€and€yet,€Bonnie€didnššt€mind€it€whenŠ ^ Šhe€said€it,€especially€since€he€did€make€her€feel€loved,€even€a€little,€when€he€gently€caressed€her€andŠ d“ Šdrew€her€to€those€lovely€highs€he€could€always€take€her€to.€€She€had€worried,€especially€when€heŠ ŗ  Šwanted€to€bring€her€home,€about€the€word€š šlove.šš€€It€wasnššt€supposed€to€be€love,€althoughŠ `  Šsometimes€when€she€looked€at€him€and€her€heart€gave€a€leap€and€started€to€race,€she€found€herselfŠ f¶" Šconcerned.€€The€last€thing€she€wanted€to€do€to€herself€was€fall€in€love€with€him.€€But€oh,€when€heŠ ¼ $ Šmade€her€glow€like€this,€from€the€inside,€it€was€so€hard;€and€when€he€did€that€vampire€thing€with€hisŠ b& Šsharp€fangs€against€her€neck,€instead€of€fear€it€made€her€yearn€for€more€and€more€of€him€because€itŠ hø( Šmade€her€know€him€so€well.Š ¾ * Šą  ąBonnie€woke€up€much€later€with€only€a€moment€of€disorientation.€€She€was€getting€used€toŠ "d, Šsleeping€in€strange€places.€€Sean€Patrick,€on€the€other€hand,€stayed€deeply€asleep€when€she€moved,Š j#ŗ. Šinstead€of€coming€instantly€awake,€and€she€guessed€it€was€because€he€was€so€relaxed€at€being€in€hisŠ Ą$ 0 Šown€bed.€€She€smiled€at€his€sleeping€face,€which€always€looked€so€very€young€and€innocent,Š &f!2 Šcompletely€relaxed€and€carefree.€€Obviously,€he€loved€being€at€home.€€It€gave€her€the€chance€to€doŠ l'¼"4 Šsomething€sheššd€never€been€able€to€but€had€always€wanted€to,€touch€the€smooth€skin€of€his€faceŠ Ā($6 Šwhile€he€slept,€smoothing€the€unruly€curls€off€his€forehead.€€He€murmured€a€little,€but€didnššt€wake,Š *h%8 Šshifting€a€little€on€his€pillow€and€turning€toward€her.€€He€let€out€a€low€breath€and€said€clearly,Š n+¾&: Šš šMoira.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąSomething€cold€gripped€her€stomach.€€That€only€happened€in€fiction,€didnššt€it?€€Oneššs€loverŠ ° Štalking€in€their€sleep,€speaking€an€unfamiliar€name.€€But€Sean€Patrick€had€never€given€her€anyŠ V Špromises.€€€She€knew,€sheššd€always€known,€that€despite€his€courtesy,€despite€his€kindness,€despite€allŠ \¬ Šthe€wonderful€gifts€he€showered€on€her€and€the€loving€way€he€treated€her,€he€did€not€love€her.€€SheŠ ² Šknew€that.€€It€shouldnššt€bother€her€that€he€whispered€another€womanššs€name€in€his€sleep.€€It€didnššt.€Š  X ŠYet€somehow€it€did.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąWho€was€Moira?€€Was€he€dreaming€about€her?€€Was€she€real?€€Bonnie€lightly€touched€hisŠ “   Šface€again.€€He€sighed,€but€he€didnššt€speak€again.€€He€seemed€to€sink€a€little€deeper€into€sleep,€even.€Š  Z  ŠBonnie€carefully€slid€out€of€the€somewhat€narrow€bed,€not€disturbing€him,€and€went€into€the€littleŠ `°  Šwashroom.Š ¶  Šą  ąThere€was€no€mirror€here,€either,€and€this€she€guessed€was€likely€deliberate,€since€when€theŠ  \  Šroom€was€added€it€was€with€the€knowledge€that€its€vampire€inhabitant€would€not€need€one.€€SheŠ b² Šbrushed€her€hair€and€washed€her€face,€then€rinsed€her€mouth€and€brushed€her€teeth.€€Naked,€sheŠ ø Šlooked€around€the€room€and€found€a€heavy€red€velvet€robe.€€She€slipped€it€on€then€carefully€crackedŠ ^ Šopen€the€door.€€As€heššd€said,€this€wing€of€the€house€appeared€to€be€empty€of€people,€no€one€wantingŠ d“ Što€disturb€the€sleeping€vampire,€but€on€the€carved€wooden€valet€that€stood€in€the€hall€outside€theŠ ŗ  Šdoor,€she€found€all€their€clothes€already€cleaned,€his€suit€and€her€dresses€neatly€and€expertly€pressed,Š `  Šhanging€on€heavy€wooden€hangers,€the€rest€of€the€clothes€folded€into€tidy€piles,€hers€and€his.€€BonnieŠ f¶" Šgathered€them€up€and€brought€them€inside,€pulling€on€a€pair€of€slacks€and€a€blouse€before€returningŠ ¼ $ Šhis€robe€to€the€hook€sheššd€found€it€on.Š b& Šą  ąMoira.€€Moira.€€The€name€chased€itself€around€in€her€head€no€matter€how€hard€she€tried€toŠ hø( Špush€it€out.€€Someone€heššd€known€when€heššd€been€human?€€Another€vampire?€€Not€his€sireŠ ¾ * ŠAmanda,€she€knew€somehow€heššd€never€whisper€that€name€in€his€sleep,€not€with€that€happy,€lovingŠ "d, Švoice.€€Yes,€the€name€had€been€caressed€by€his€subconscious€voice,€said€with€such€affection€BonnieŠ j#ŗ. Šcouldnššt€put€words€to€it.€€She€wondered€if€she€should€stay€in€the€room€or€if€it€would€be€all€right€toŠ Ą$ 0 Šexplore€the€house,€and€after€only€a€moment,€decided€on€the€latter.€€Surely€he€wouldnššt€mind€if€sheŠ &f!2 Šlooked€around€a€little€at€the€impressive€mansion.€€Hacienda.€€Whatever.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąThe€hallway€led€either€back€to€the€stairs€down€to€the€large€main€ballroom,€or€the€other€way,Š Ā($6 Šleading€all€the€way€around€the€house€in€a€square€until€she€arrived€at€the€opposite€stairway€down.€Š *h%8 ŠAlong€the€way€she€passed€doors€on€both€the€left€and€right,€some€opened;€she€peered€into€some€ofŠ n+¾&: Šthem€and€found€the€ones€on€the€right„hand€side€looked€out,€into€the€pastures€and€fields,€while€theŠ Ä,(< Šones€on€the€left€looked€down€at€a€massive€courtyard€that€the€house€was€built€in€a€square€around,€aŠ ° Šgarden€that€put€her€own€to€shame.€€There€was€a€large€fountain€in€the€center,€with€white€gravel€pathsŠ V Šleading€through€flowering€plants€and€cacti,€with€decorative€statues€of€animals€here€and€there€and€aŠ \¬ Šfew€large€shade€trees€with€benches€under€them.€€One€of€the€benches€was€occupied€by€a€young€coupleŠ ² Šwho€were€kissing.€€Bonnie€left€them€their€privacy€and€continued€around€the€square€until€she€reachedŠ  X Šthe€ballroom€again,€then€went€down€the€stairs€and€started€to€circle€the€house€on€the€ground€floor.€Š ^ ®  ŠPast€the€ballroom€was€a€large€main€parlor,€deeply€shadowed€with€all€the€drapes€closed,€and€then€aŠ “   Šwarm€and€welcoming€actual€family€room,€where€there€was€a€large€console€television€set,€a€ping„Š  Z  Špong€table,€and€a€piano.€€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€was€here,€curled€in€a€chair€by€the€wide„open€window,€reading€aŠ `°  Šbook.€€She€looked€up€as€Bonnie€came€in.Š ¶  Šą  ąš šOh,€good,€youššre€up,šš€she€said,€putting€a€bookmark€between€the€pages€she€was€reading€andŠ  \  Šsitting€up.€€š šHungry?ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šI€am,šš€replied€Bonnie.€€š šSean€Patrick€is€still€sleeping.€€I€thought€Iššd€look€around€a€little.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šSometimes€when€he€gets€back€from€these€trips€he€doesnššt€stir€until€after€sundown,šš€saidŠ ^ ŠŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€dismissing€Sean€Patrick€with€a€wave€of€one€hand.€€She€sat€forward,€patting€her€handsŠ d“ Štogether.€€š šFirst,€letššs€get€you€a€little€breakfast.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šDo€you€call€it€breakfast€at€this€time€of€the€day?šš€Š `  Šą  ąš šOh,€in€this€house,€itššs€called€breakfast€any€time€Sean€Patrick€wants€to€eat€it.€€He€really€doesŠ f¶" Šmake€the€whole€place€light€up€when€heššs€here,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€She€rose€and€took€Bonnieššs€arm,Š ¼ $ Šthreading€it€through€her€own.€€š šCome€on.€€The€kitchenššs€this€way.€€We€can€find€you€something€to€eatŠ b& Šand€we€can€chat.€€Iššm€hoping€that€tomorrow€you€might€get€up€a€little€earlier,€though.€€Maybe€youŠ hø( Šand€I€can€go€into€town€and€do€a€little€shopping.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šYou€want€to€go€shopping€with€me?šš€Bonnie€asked,€startled.Š "d, Šą  ąš šWell,€of€course,€honey.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šItššs€not€a€bad€idea.€€Sean€Patrick€didnššt€really€warn€me€about€coming€out€here.€€I€onlyŠ Ą$ 0 Špacked€enough€for€a€couple€of€days,€and€we€passed€that€a€couple€of€days€ago,šš€said€Bonnie.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šI€always€like€to€find€new€shopping€partners,€honey,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€with€a€grin€that€was€not€atŠ l'¼"4 Šall€unlike€the€expressions€Bonnieššs€friends€back€home€wore€when€talking€about€shopping,€š šIššll€beŠ Ā($6 Šhonest,€sometimes€I€get€crazy€out€here€in€the€sticks.€€I€was€born€and€raised€in€Dallas.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šI€couldnššt€help€but€notice€that€youššre,€well,€a€little€younger...šš€Bonnie€started€hesitantly.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąš šThan€my€Three?€€Yes,€yes.€€Heššs€almost€sixteen€years€older€than€me.€€Weššre€actuallyŠ Ä,(< Šliterally€a€May„November€romance.€€That€is,€my€birthdayššs€in€May€and€his€is€in€November.šš€€SheŠ ° Šgrinned,€winking€at€Bonnie.Š V Šą  ąš šSo€how€did€that€come€about?šš€asked€Bonnie.€€Š \¬ Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€led€her€into€the€huge,€mostly€stainless„steel€kitchen€and€sat€her€down€at€a€welcomingŠ ² Šnook,€where€it€was€clear€the€family€often€had€impromptu€snacks.€€She€rummaged€in€the€refrigerator,Š  X Šignoring€the€cats€who€milled€around€her€feet,€as€she€answered,€š šWell,€Three€was€an€invitee€at€myŠ ^ ®  Šcoming„out.€€He€was€an€ššeligible€bachelor,šš€so€he€got€an€invite€just€like€all€the€others.€€A€coming€outŠ “   Šis€just€like€the€princeššs€ball€in€Cinderella.€€They€parade€you€like€bait€to€catch€the€best€husband.šš€€SheŠ  Z  Šgrinned€again,€pulling€out€a€tray€of€cold€cuts€and€loaf€of€homemade€bread.€€She€set€them€on€the€tableŠ `°  Šin€front€of€Bonnie,€then€followed€it€with€a€jar€of€dill€pickles,€a€crock€of€fresh€mayonnaise€and€a€lumpŠ ¶  Šof€butter,€which€Bonnie€guessed€was€also€homemade.€€š šWhat€do€you€like€to€drink?€€We€have€theŠ  \  Šusual,€Dr€Pepper€and€this€morningššs€milk,€and€thereššs€beer,€of€course.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šMilk,€I€think.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šOh,€and€thereššs€some€lemonade,€too,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€putting€both€a€pitcher€of€milk€and€aŠ ^ Špitcher€of€lemonade€on€the€table€with€the€glasses.€€š šDig€in.šš€€She€started€to€make€herself€a€thickŠ d“ Šsandwich.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šYou€had€a€coming„out?ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šYes.€€My€daddy€wouldnššt€have€it€any€other€way.€€Mother€wasnššt€as€keen€on€it,€but€she€wasŠ f¶" Šwilling€to€go€along€with€tradition.€€Daddy€comes€from€one€of€these€American€royal€families,€too,€soŠ ¼ $ Šitššs€not€like€I€wasnššt€prepared€for€it.€€Anyway,€Three€says€he€saw€me€and€it€was€love€at€first€sight,Š b& Šyeah,€right.€€I€know€what€he€saw.€€There€I€was,€just€as€cute€as€could€be,€a€little€girl€in€a€pretty€whiteŠ hø( Šdressš!š€ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šYou€do€know€what€you€look€like,€donššt€you?ššasked€Bonnie,€smiling.Š "d, Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€rolled€her€eyes.€€š šWhatever.€€Anyway,€we€got€to€talking€that€night€and€I€found€outŠ j#ŗ. Šthat€heššs€probably€the€nicest,€greatest€man€in€the€world.€€So€he€went€the€old„fashioned€route€andŠ Ą$ 0 Šasked€Daddy€for€my€hand,€and€my€parents€made€us€wait€until€I€was€twenty,€or€rather,€they€wantedŠ &f!2 Šus€to€wait€for€me€to€turn€twenty.€€We€ended€up€getting€married€just€before€my€nineteenth€birthday.šš€Š l'¼"4 ŠShe€looked€at€the€big€diamond€on€her€finger€and€smiled.€€š šMy€parents€really€just€wanted€to€makeŠ Ā($6 Šsure€it€was€a€right€match,€and€not€just€a€good€match.€€Three,€he€was€certainly€eligible.€€Rich,€well„Š *h%8 Šplaced,€one€of€the€best€names€in€central€Texas.€€But€for€me,€heššs€just€special.€€I€fell€in€love€with€him,Š n+¾&: Šand€Iššm€one€lucky€girl.€€Depending€on€how€things€go€with€San€Antonio,€someday€this€place€will€beŠ Ä,(< Šours.€€But€you€know,€Iššd€love€him€if€we€were€living€in€a€hovel€somewhere.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šThatššs€wonderful,šš€said€Bonnie,€trying€to€imagine€someone€actually€falling€in€love€withŠ V Šher,€making€him€light€up€the€way€Matt€Three€did€when€he€saw€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€She€made€her€own€sandwichŠ \¬ Šand€ate€hungrily,€enjoying€the€amazing€freshness€of€everything,€the€Ō_ŌcoldcutsŌ_Ō€obviously€home„roastedŠ ² Šmeats,€possibly€even€raised€right€here€on€the€ranch.€€Even€the€pickles€had€been€put€up€by€someoneŠ  X Šhere.€€It€was€all€spectacularly€delicious.€€They€were€finishing€up,€chatting€about€books€and€winesŠ ^ ®  Šand€Bonnie€was€telling€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€all€about€Las€Vegas,€when€Sean€Patrick€showed€up€at€the€door,Š “   Šdressed€in€a€plain€grey€shirt€and€worn€jeans.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šAh,€there€we€are,šš€he€said,€running€his€hand€through€his€hair.€€He€hadnššt€bothered€toŠ `°  Špomade€it€at€all,€so€the€curls€were€loose€around€his€face,€giving€him€a€casual,€homey€appearance.€Š ¶  Šš šOh,€man.€€Themššs€Mariaššs€pickles,€ainššt€they?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šMariaššs€pickles€and€Bridgetššs€bread,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šJoin€us,€handsome.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šBelieve€I€will.€€Is€there€any€wine?ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šOf€course€there€is.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąHe€bent€and€opened€a€wine€cooler€next€to€the€refrigerator€and€took€out€a€bottle,€then€took€outŠ d“ Ša€corkscrew.€€š šSo€you€Ō_ŌenjoyinŌ_Ōšš€yourself,€there,€Bonnie„girl?šš€he€asked,€pouring€himself€a€glass€ofŠ ŗ  Šthe€semi„sweet€white€wine€she€knew€he€favored.Š `  Šą  ąš šI€am.€€And€the€food€is€amazing.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌNothinŌ_Ōšš€like€ranch€food,šš€he€replied€with€a€nod.€€š šŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€honey,€youššre€a€consummateŠ ¼ $ Šhostess,šš€he€said,€kissing€her€on€the€cheek.Š b& Šą  ąA€Mexican€woman€came€in€through€one€of€the€other€doors,€one€that€lead€outside,€andŠ hø( Šdropped€a€basket€of€laundry€when€she€saw€him.€€š šSenor€Sean€Patrick!ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šMaria,€my€sweet,€you€are€a€sight€for€sore€eyes!šš€he€replied,€catching€the€heavy„set€olderŠ "d, Šwoman€in€his€arms€and€lifting€her€as€easily€as€he€had€the€little€boy.€€š šI€donššt€know€how€I€liveŠ j#ŗ. Šwithout€your€cooking.šš€€He€kissed€her€tenderly,€somewhat€enthusiastically,€making€BonnieššsŠ Ą$ 0 Šeyebrows€go€up,€but€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€just€chuckled,€going€back€to€her€sandwich.€€The€door€opened€again€andŠ &f!2 Šan€elderly€Mexican€man€came€in.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šSenor€Sean€Patrick,€mi€amigo,€Iššll€thank€you€to€drop€mi€Ō_ŌesposaŌ_Ō,šš€he€said€in€a€mild,€cheerfulŠ Ā($6 Švoice.€€Š *h%8 Šą  ąSean€Patrick€laughed€and€set€Maria€on€her€feet.€€š šHowdy,€Ō_ŌGuillaimeŌ_Ō.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šGood€to€have€you€home,€Senor.šš€€The€men€shook€hands.€€Š Ä,(< Šą  ąSean€Patrick€picked€up€his€glass€and€sat€at€the€table€with€Bonnie€and€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€settling€in€nextŠ ° Što€Bonnie€and€hugging€her€shoulders.€€š šThis€is€one€of€my€favorite€places€in€the€whole€wide€world,Š V ŠBonnie„girl,€right€here€in€this€kitchen.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šThatššs€because€he€eats€like€seven€men,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.Š ² Šą  ąš šIššve€noticed,šš€said€Bonnie.€€She€saw€the€way€the€two€looked€at€each€other,€and€gave€SeanŠ  X ŠPatrick€a€curious€look.€€Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šDonššt€worry,€Bonnie„girl,šš€he€said.€€š šŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€and€I€just€flirt,€Ō_ŌnothignŌ_Ō€further.€€Sheššs€so€firmlyŠ “   Šattached€to€that€horse„faced€fella€of€hers€she€doesnššt€even€see€me€most€of€the€time.ššŠ  Z  Šą  ąš šHorse„faced?šš€Matt€Threeššs€voice€came€from€behind€them,€and€Bonnie€had€the€idea€SeanŠ `°  ŠPatrick€knew€he€was€there€before€heššd€said€it,€especially€the€way€he€grinned€into€his€wine€glass.€Š ¶  Šš šLook€whoššs€talking.šš€€Matt€Three€settled€into€the€nook€next€to€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šIššve€never€seen€anyone€asŠ  \  Šugly€as€you,€vampire.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šJealousy,€jealousy,šš€Ō_ŌtskedŌ_Ō€Sean€Patrick.Š ø Šą  ąMatt€Three€helped€himself€to€Sean€Patrickššs€wine€bottle.€€š šSo€whatššre€the€plans,€my€girls?ššŠ ^ Šhe€asked,€pouring€himself€a€glass.Š d“ Šą  ąš šI€want€to€take€Bonnie€to€town€tomorrow,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šGood€idea.€€She€didnššt€bring€a€lot€of€clothes€with€her,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€Š `  Šą  ąš šWell,€besides€that,€itššs€a€good€time€to€start€Christmas€shopping,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€sticking€outŠ f¶" Šher€tongue€at€him.€€š šShe€might€have€brought€enough€if€youššd€told€her€she€was€coming€here.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šYeah,€if€Iššd€warned€her€what€I€had€in€mind,€she€wouldnššt€have€come.ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šYou€planned€this?šš€squeaked€Bonnie.€€š šYou€bastard.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šLanguage,€language,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šYes,€I€planned€this.€€I€did€want€to€go€back€andŠ ¾ * Šstand€on€my€grave,€though,€so€you€gave€me€that€opening.€€I€would€have€figured€out€something€elseŠ "d, Ševentually,€though.€€I€wanted€to€bring€you€home€to€meet€everyone.€€You€just€have€to€deal€with€it,Š j#ŗ. ŠŌ_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš.€€Now,€then.€€When€you€head€off€to€town€tomorrow,€donššt€forget€to€pick€me€up€a€couple€ofŠ Ą$ 0 Šchocolate€bars.€€I€wiped€out€what€was€here€this€morning.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąš šWhen€did€you€do€that?šš€asked€Bonnie.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šBetween€talking€to€Matt€and€coming€up€to€bed,šš€replied€Sean€Patrick.€€He€finished€the€wineŠ Ā($6 Šin€his€glass€and€refilled€it.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šI€would€guess€that€Daddy€drilled€you€down€and€you€needed€to€relax,šš€said€Matt€Three,Š n+¾&: Šdoing€the€same€with€his€glass.€€š šI€swear€to€God,€thereššs€a€power€in€chocolate€that€soothes€the€savageŠ Ä,(< Švampire€breast.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šOh,€maybe,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.Š V Šą  ąš šThat€explains€how€he€managed€to€wipe€out€an€entire€box€of€Seeššs€Candies€in€fifteenŠ \¬ Šminutes,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šBut€then,€I€also€watched€him€eat€most€of€a€roast€turkey€along€with€a€sweetŠ ² Špotato€the€size€of€my€head€at€our€little€Thanksgiving„before„Thanksgiving€party.ššŠ  X Šą  ąSean€Patrick€grinned.€€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€perked€up.€€š šSeeššs?€€He€brought€us€some€of€that€once.€Š ^ ®  ŠDelicious€candy!ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šSome€of€the€best,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šNot€quite€as€good€as€Ethel€Mššs,€but€then,€Iššm€a€VegasŠ  Z  Šgirl.ššŠ `°  Šą  ąSean€Patrick€reached€for€the€platter€and€built€himself€a€massive€sandwich,€layering€meat€andŠ ¶  Šbread,€pausing€a€moment€and€looking€around.€€š šNo€mustard?€€No€tomatoes?€€No€lettuce?ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šWe€ate€the€tomato,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šI€didnššt€want€to€cut€too€much.ššŠ b² Šą  ąš šAnd€you€donššt€like€mustard,€I€know,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€going€back€to€the€fridge€forŠ ø Šmustard€and€lettuce.€€š šIššm€surprised€Bonnie€didnššt€ask.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šI€liked€the€fresh€mayo€and€butter,šš€she€said.€€š šThe€butter€is€amazingly€delicious.€€Iššve€neverŠ d“ Štasted€anything€so€good.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šBest€cows€in€the€state,€OššConnor€cows,šš€said€Sean€Patrick.€€š šAnd€considering€Iššm€talkingŠ `  Šabout€Texas,€that€means€some€remarkable€cattle.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąThe€small€talk€continued€until€Maria€announced€dinner,€but€since€the€foursome€were€stuffedŠ ¼ $ Šwith€sandwiches,€only€Sean€Patrick€actually€ate€much.€€Bonnie€shared€the€wine€with€Matt€Three€andŠ b& ŠŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€and€felt€very€much€at€home€by€the€time€they€went€back€to€bed.Š hø( Šą  ąSheššd€been€at€the€ranch€for€four€days€before€she€saw€Matt€Jr.€again.€€The€old€man€was€sittingŠ ¾ * Šon€the€back€porch€in€the€late€afternoon€shadows,€whittling,€his€knife€drawing€out€the€herd€ofŠ "d, Šgalloping€horses€trapped€within€the€pretty€wood.€€He€saw€her€as€she€walked€past€and€said,€š šŌ_ŌCššmereŌ_Ō,Š j#ŗ. ŠMiss€Ō_ŌMichaelsŌ_Ō.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąUnwilling€to€disobey€him,€Bonnie€came€and€sat€on€the€chair€he€indicated.€€š šYes,€sir?šš€sheŠ &f!2 Šasked€politely.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šI€wanna€talk€to€you€a€little,šš€he€said.€€š šYou€donššt€have€any€ideas€about€Sean€Patrick,€doŠ Ā($6 Šyou,€gal?ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šIdeas,€sir?ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąHe€blew€shavings€away€from€his€carving€and€set€the€horses€to€one€side.€€š šSean€Patrickššs€notŠ Ä,(< Šyour€common€fellow,€you€know.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šIššm€aware€of€that,€sir,šš€she€said,€wishing€she€could€gain€some€amount€of€traction€with€him,Š V Šbut€she€felt€so€very€much€a€little€girl€with€him€it€was€hard€to€not€call€him€ššsir,šš€hard€not€to€defer€toŠ \¬ Šhim.€€š šIššm€his€mistress.€€Nothing€more.€€He€comes€to€me€for€something€he€needs.€€Something€heŠ ² Šquite€frankly€canššt€get€from€the€women€here.šš€€Might€as€well€be€frankly€honest€with€him.€€Surely€theŠ  X Šold€man€understood.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąHe€seemed€to.€€He€nodded.€€š šŌ_ŌYepŌ_Ō,€I€know,€honey,šš€he€said.€€š šAnd€I€know€he€brought€youŠ “   Šhere€because€heššs€a€stubborn€jackass.€€Plain€truth€is,€weššre€a€family€pretty€comfortable€with€ourŠ  Z  Švampire.€€But€itššs€a€lot€more€than€that,šš€he€looked€hard€at€her.€€š šWe€protect€him.€€Heššs€important€toŠ `°  Šus.€€We€wouldnššt€be€who€we€are€if€it€werenššt€for€him.€€I€want€you€to€be€aware€of€that,€little€girl.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šI€know€what€he€is.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šBut€you€donššt€know€what€he€is€to€our€family,šš€said€Matt,€and€he€reached€forward€to€takeŠ b² Šher€hand.€€š šSean€Patrick€has€his€needs.€€I€know€that.€€But€I€donššt€want€him€getting€involved€inŠ ø Šanything€he€canššt€get€himself€out€of.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šDonššt€worry,€Matt,šš€said€Bonnie,€feeling€that€coldness€in€her€stomach€again.€€š šHe€doesnšštŠ d“ Šlove€me.€€He€wonššt.€€Iššm€just€someone€he€likes€whoššs€convenient€for€sex.€€Thatššs€all.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąMatt€gave€her€a€squint„eyed€stare.€€š šSean€Patrick€falls€in€love€easy,€girl.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šNot€with€me,šš€she€said.€€š šWho€is€Moira?ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąMattššs€cheeks€colored€slightly.€€š šWhereššd€you€hear€that€name?ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąš šHe€said€it€once,€in€his€sleep,šš€she€replied,€trying€hard€to€quell€the€weird€feelings€thatŠ b& Šadmission€made€in€her€stomach.€€š šI€donššt€know€who€she€is,€but€I€think€she€means€a€great€deal€toŠ hø( Šhim.€€We€at€least€share€the€blood„bond.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šYou€and€I€have€that€much€in€common,€girl,šš€he€grunted,€rubbing€his€neck.€€How€manyŠ "d, Špeople€here€had€Sean€Patrick€fed€on?€€How€few€didnššt€want€to€feed€the€vampire€who€bound€theirŠ j#ŗ. Šfamily€together?€€š šMoira€was€a€woman€he€knew,€back€in€the€thirties.€€They€used€to€write€to€eachŠ Ą$ 0 Šother.€€I€remember€when€heššd€get€letters€from€her.€€Heššd€fly€to€England€to€visit€her.€€And€then€she€gotŠ &f!2 Šmarried,€to€someone€human.€€I€donššt€think€he€ever€got€over€it.€€Obviously€not,€if€heššs€still€dreamingŠ l'¼"4 Šabout€her.€€You€see,€Bonnie,€I€donššt€want€him€going€through€that€again.€€I€donššt€want€him€to€beŠ Ā($6 ŠŌ_ŌfallinŌ_Ōšš€in€love€with€you€and€Ō_ŌkillinŌ_Ōšš€himself€like€that€again.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šHe€doesnššt€love€me,šš€said€Bonnie€again,€her€voice€tight.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąMatt€patted€her€on€the€shoulder.€€š šBut€you€love€him,€Ō_ŌdonšštchaŌ_Ō,€girl?ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąIt€wasnššt€really€a€question.€€Bonnie€shook€her€head,€denying€it,€but€no€amount€of€denialŠ ° Šcould€change€the€way€her€stomach€flopped€about,€or€the€lead€weights€on€her€heart€at€the€casualŠ V Šdiscussion€of€the€love€that€had€followed€Sean€Patrick€for€at€least€thirty€years.€€She€swallowed€againstŠ \¬ Ša€lump€in€her€throat.€€š šI€donššt,šš€she€whispered.Š ² Šą  ąš šKeep€on€saying€that€to€yourself,€sugar.šš€€He€patted€her€again,€then€picked€up€his€carving,Š  X Šdismissing€her.€€Bonnie€swallowed€her€tears,€rose€to€her€feet,€and€went€back€into€the€house.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šI€really€ought€to€be€heading€home,€Sean€Patrick,šš€she€said€later,€resting€in€his€arms€in€hisŠ “   Šbed,€her€cheek€against€his€chest,€feeling€the€slow,€steady€vampire€pulse€against€her€face.€€š šI€love€itŠ  Z  Šhere,€but€Iššve€been€away€for€a€long€time.šš€€She€managed€to€say€it€without€her€voice€catching,Š `°  Šwithout€sobbing,€as€she€wanted€to.€€Sheššd€realized€after€talking€to€Matt€Jr.€that€she€had€beenŠ ¶  Šdreaming,€pretending€she€wasnššt€a€mistress,€but€a€wife;€a€real€wife,€like€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€But€she€wasnššt.€€SheŠ  \  Šwas€his€mistress,€and€she€needed€to€get€out€of€Cinderellaššs€castle€and€back€to€her€own€little€home€andŠ b² Šher€lack€of€ambition.€€š šI€miss€Ō_ŌZachŌ_Ō.ššŠ ø Šą  ąš šYeah,€we€need€to€get€you€back,€I€suppose,šš€he€said,€although€he€didnššt€sound€at€all€asŠ ^ Šthough€that€was€high€on€his€list€of€priorities.€€š šI€was€kinda€hoping€youššd€stay€with€us€through€theŠ d“ Šholidays.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šThatššs€almost€three€months,€Sean€Patrick.€€I€canššt€keep€asking€my€friends€to€take€care€ofŠ `  Šmy€house€all€that€time.€€Why€donššt€you€come€for€a€visit€during€the€holidays?€€We€could€haveŠ f¶" Šanother€Thanksgiving„before„Thanksgiving€feast,€just€the€two€of€us.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąSean€Patrick€shifted€and€looked€down€at€her,€a€slight€frown€putting€that€crease€between€hisŠ b& Šeyebrows.€€š šAre€you€sure€youššre€having€a€good€time?ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šIššm€sure,šš€she€said,€stroking€his€chest,€liking€the€feel€of€the€crisp€curls€there,€his€chest€hairŠ ¾ * Šsparse€either€due€to€the€youth€of€his€human€body€or€his€Indian€blood,€she€wasnššt€sure€which.€€Š "d, Šš šTell€me€more€about€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€Sheššs€so€forthcoming€but€I€just€feel€so€odd,€asking€her€questions.€€SheŠ j#ŗ. Šwas€telling€me€about€her€coming€out€party,€when€she€met€Matt€Three,€and€I€knew€I€was€with€aŠ Ą$ 0 Šwoman€of€some€quality.€€I€didnššt€want€to€pry...€but€I€am€curious.ššŠ &f!2 Šą  ąSean€Patrickššs€stomach€bumped€as€he€chuckled.€€š šSheššs€quality,€all€right.€€Her€daddy€wasŠ l'¼"4 Šthe€American€ambassador€to€India€for€a€while.€€Thatššs€where€he€met€her€mama.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šThatššs€why€sheššs€so€dark!šš€€Bonnie€lifted€her€head.€€š šYou€knew€thatššs€what€I€wanted€toŠ *h%8 Šknow.€€Sheššs€got€such€an€exotic€look!ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šSheššs€half€Indian,€Ō_ŌyepŌ_Ō.€€And€not€the€same€sort€of€Indian€that€Matt€Three€is,€either.€€I€alwaysŠ Ä,(< Šjoke€that€their€kids€is€gonna€be€Indian€all€around,€redskin€and€brown.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šBut€Matt€Three€is€almost€blond,šš€she€said.Š V Šą  ąš šYeah,€his€mama€was€mostly€Danish€or€Swedish€or€some€such.€€She€came€down€to€TexasŠ \¬ Šfrom€the€upper€Midwest,€one€of€them€Norwegian€farming€families.€€Letty€was€some€woman,šš€heŠ ² Šsaid€that€in€a€way€that€made€her€a€little€jealous€again,€and€she€steered€the€conversation€away€fromŠ  X Šthe€subject€of€Matt€Threeššs€mother.Š ^ ®  Šą  ąš šSo€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€is€an€ambassadorššs€daughter.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šYeah,€Robert€James€Ō_ŌKinsellaŌ_Ō.€€Nice€man.€€Good€head€for€business.€€It€took€some€work€forŠ  Z  ŠMatt€Three€to€win€him€over€to€marry€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€Half€the€men€in€the€country€wanted€to€marry€her.€Š `°  ŠMade€quite€a€stink€when€she€and€Matt€up€and€announced€their€engagement.€€I€think€folks€thought€heŠ ¶  Šwas€having€a€mid„life€crisisš!šhell,€pardon€me,€at€only€thirty„fiveš!šand€she€was€some€kind€of€goldŠ  \  Šdigger,€but€itššs€not€like€the€Ō_ŌKinsellasŌ_Ō€donššt€have€money€of€their€own.€€It€was€a€love€match.€€AnyoneŠ b² Šwho€looks€at€ššem€can€see€that.ššŠ ø Šą  ąBonnie€nodded.€€Maybe€that€was€what€was€affecting€her€so€badly,€watching€two€people€soŠ ^ Šobviously€in€love€as€Matt€Three€and€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€OššConnor€were.€€They€couldnššt€pass€each€other€withoutŠ d“ Štouching,€each€always€looked€for€the€other€when€they€walked€into€a€room,€they€had€looks€meantŠ ŗ  Šonly€for€each€other,€whispered€jokes€that€made€only€them€laugh,€and€they€could€finish€one€anotherššsŠ `  Šsentences€without€it€being€weird€or€awkward.€€Bonnie€had€managed€thus€far€to€keep€her€ownŠ f¶" Šannoying,€weird€feelings€away€from€Sean€Patrick,€but€he€was€so€observant€it€was€only€a€matter€ofŠ ¼ $ Štime€before€he€noticed,€and€then€what?Š b& Šą  ąShe€was€not€a€wife,€no€matter€how€much€she€wanted€to€be,€and€with€him,€she€never€could€be.€Š hø( Šš šI€am€kind€of€homesick,€though,šš€she€said€suddenly.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šWell,€honey,€itššs€selfish€of€me€to€keep€you€away€from€home.€€Iššll€get€you€a€plane€ticket€andŠ "d, Šweššll€get€you€back€to€Ō_ŌZachŌ_Ō€and€your€girlfriends,šš€he€said€it€sadly,€and€it€made€her€feel€a€little€betterŠ j#ŗ. Šinside€to€know€heššd€miss€her.Š Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šIššve€never€flown€before,šš€she€said.€€Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šReally?šš€the€admission€made€him€give€her€an€incredulous€look,€as€though€sheššd€said€ššIššveŠ l'¼"4 Šnever€breathed€before.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šWhy€would€I?€€Iššve€lived€all€my€life€in€Las€Vegas,€Iššve€never€really€traveled€anywhere€thatŠ *h%8 Šrequired€a€plane.€€Until€I€came€here,€of€course.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šWell,€then,€Iššm€glad€Iššm€able€to€give€you€something€youššve€never€had€before,šš€he€said,Š Ä,(< Šgrinning.Š ° Šą  ąš šYouššve€already€done€that.ššŠ V ŠĢChapter€TenŠ ² ŠĢą  ąBonnie€expected€things€to€go€back€to€normal€once€she€was€home,€but€it€never€really€did.€Š ^ ®  ŠŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€and€Matt€Three€had€become€friends,€real€friends,€and€often€ņ ņó óa€week€didnššt€go€by€when€sheŠ “   Šdidnššt€get€a€call€from€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€who€loved€to€just€chat.€€In€May,€for€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ōššs€birthday,€the€couple€cameŠ  Z  Što€Las€Vegas,€and€it€was€Bonnieššs€turn€to€be€the€hostess€and€take€them€around€to€see€the€sights.€Š `°  ŠThey,€and€Sean€Patrick,€stayed€for€almost€a€month,€and€for€a€time,€Bonnie€did€feel€like€a€real€wife,Š ¶  Šexcept€for€those€odd€times€when€she€found€herself€looking€at€an€oblivious€Sean€Patrick,€admiringŠ  \  Šhim€in€the€secret€safety€of€her€mind,€and€realizing€that€he€never€looked€at€her€that€way.Š b² Šą  ąShe€got€back€together€with€her€š šBetter„Thanšš€group,€but€she€had€the€feeling€they€whisperedŠ ø Šabout€her,€wondering€if€she€really€was€like€them.€€After€all,€she€didnššt€have€to€hide€in€the€shadows;Š ^ Šher€benefactorššs€entire€family€knew€her€and€accepted€her.€€Most€of€them,€anyway.€To€be€honest,€sheŠ d“ Šnever€felt€Matt€Jr.€disliked€her;€he€was€just€wary€of€her,€and€she€understood€his€reticence.Š ŗ  Šą  ąThe€months€turned€into€years,€continuing€to€bring€Sean€Patrick€for€his€regular€visits€andŠ `  Šalways€phone€calls€from€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€who€also€sent€gifts€and€cards€all€the€time.€€Bonnie€had€thereforeŠ f¶" Šbeen€waiting€by€the€phone€every€night€since€the€passing€of€another€Thanksgiving,€waiting€to€hearŠ ¼ $ Šfrom€the€Ō_ŌOššConnorsŌ_Ō€on€the€pending€birth€of€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ōššs€first€child.€€Since€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€was€so€close€toŠ b& Šdelivering,€Sean€Patrick€hadnššt€come€for€the€holidays€this€year,€but€Bonnie€understood;€sheššd€alsoŠ hø( Šdeclined€the€invitation€to€come€back€to€Texas,€knowing€Matt€Jr.€wouldnššt€be€happy€with€that.€€š šIššllŠ ¾ * Šbe€by€the€phone,šš€she€told€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō,€š šjust€make€sure€someone€calls€me€as€soon€as€you€knowŠ "d, Šanything.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąLate€Christmas€Eve€she€sat€by€herself€and€listened€to€a€tape€of€Sean€Patrick€singingŠ Ą$ 0 ŠChristmas€carols€that€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€had€sent€her,€sipping€warm€apple€cider,€and€despite€expecting€the€phoneŠ &f!2 Što€ring,€she€still€jumped€when€it€did,€grabbing€the€receiver.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šMerry€Christmas,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€sounding€jovial€and€more€than€a€little€tipsy,Š Ā($6 Šof€course.Š *h%8 Šą  ąš šMerry€Christmas!€€How€is€everyone?ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€just€went€into€labor,šš€he€said,€š šlooks€like€itššs€gonna€be€a€Christmas€baby€after€all.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šOh,€thatššs€wonderful!šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šIs€everything€going€well?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šAs€far€as€I€know.€€Matt€Three€took€her€to€town€a€few€minutes€ago,€and€left€me€to€make€theŠ V Šphone€calls.€€So€just€hang€tight,€there,€honey,€while€I€call€the€rest€of€the€family,€and€Iššll€call€youŠ \¬ Šback.ššŠ ² Šą  ąš šAll€right,šš€she€said,€and€let€him€go.€€She€knew€it€could€be€hours€before€she€heard€more,€andŠ  X Šdecided€to€try€and€get€a€little€sleep.€€It€only€worked€a€bit,€since€she€was€more€excited€than€she€used€toŠ ^ ®  Šbe€when€she€was€a€little€girl€and€Christmas€was€Santa€Claus€and€early€morning€presents.€€She€keptŠ “   Šdozing€off€and€waking€up€fitfully€at€every€noise€that€Ō_ŌZachŌ_Ō€made€as€he€jumped€up€on€the€bed€andŠ  Z  Šback€down,€doing€his€usual€nightly€wanderings.€€The€morning€dawned€without€news,€so€BonnieŠ `°  Šfixed€herself€some€eggs,€carrying€the€phone€as€far€as€it€would€go€and€switching€to€the€dining€roomŠ ¶  Šextension€when€she€could€get€the€kitchen€phone€no€further.€€She€didnššt€care€how€anxious€it€made€herŠ  \  Šlook,€she€snatched€up€the€receiver€the€second€it€rang.Š b² Šą  ąš šThereššs€another€OššConnor€boy,šš€said€Sean€Patrick,€sounding€sleepy€but€victorious,€asŠ ø Šthough€he€were€the€father.€€š šMother€and€baby€boy€are€doing€fine.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąš šAll€the€vitals,€spill,šš€she€demanded.Š d“ Šą  ąš šEight€pounds,€two€ounces,€twenty„two€inches€long,€what€hair€heššs€got€is€actually€cotton„Š ŗ  Šwhite,€and€we€think€his€eyes€are€gonna€be€plain€OššConnor€brown.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šThere€is€nothing€plain€about€my€son,šš€came€Matt€Threeššs€voice,€also€sounding€sleepy€andŠ f¶" Švictorious.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šHi,€Three!šš€called€Bonnie.€€Š b& Šą  ąš šHey,€Bonnie„girl.€€We€have€to€have€you€come€out€again€and€see€the€wonder€and€the€gloryŠ hø( Šthat€is€our€first„born,šš€said€Matt€Three.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šAnd€I€take€it€heššs€Matthew€the€Fourth?ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šMy€boy€comes€fourth€to€no€one,šš€said€Matt€Three.€€š šHis€name€will€be€Matthias.€€MatthiasŠ j#ŗ. ŠSean€OššConnor,€the€first.€€He€can€then€be€Matt€in€his€own€time,€if€he€wants,€to€satisfy€tradition,€butŠ Ą$ 0 Šheššs€gonna€be€his€own€man.šš€€The€pride€in€his€voice€was€enormous.Š &f!2 Šą  ąš šIššm€so€happy€for€you€both,€Three,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šHowššs€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō?ššŠ l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šAlready€eating€a€big€Christmas€dinner,šš€he€replied,€š šand€proud€as€punch.€€Sheššll€call€you€asŠ Ā($6 Šsoon€as€we€get€home.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šIššll€be€here,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šCongratulations€again.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šLove€Ō_ŌyaŌ_Ō,€sugar.šš€€He€handed€the€phone€back€to€Sean€Patrick.Š Ä,(< Šą  ąš šSo€when€will€I€see€you€again?šš€asked€Bonnie.Š ° Šą  ąš šI€think€Iššll€be€there€for€New€Yearššs.€€Have€to€ring€in€nineteen„seventy„one€in€Vegas.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šYou€havenššt€missed€a€year€yet.€€Itššll€be€our€fifth€together,€you€know.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąš šThatššs€why€I€have€to€come,šš€he€said.€€š šIššll€bring€pictures€of€the€baby.€€See€Ō_ŌyaŌ_Ō€in€a€week,Š ² Šhoney.ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šSee€Ō_ŌyaŌ_Ō.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąAfter€the€birth€of€Matthias,€pictures€came€at€regular€intervals,€so€Bonnie€felt€like€she€wasŠ “   Šgetting€to€watch€him€grow€up€even€from€a€distance.€€She€continued€to€make€her€house€into€a€home,Š  Z  Šentertain€her€friends,€and€keep€in€contact€with€the€Ō_ŌOššConnorsŌ_Ō,€finding€she€looked€forward€mostly€toŠ `°  ŠSean€Patrickššs€visits,€living€her€life€around€them.€€She€cared€for€her€flowers,€tended€her€garden,Š ¶  Šlearned€how€to€sew€and€crochet,€and€continued€to€play€piano,€improving€with€each€lesson.€€ThenŠ  \  ŠSean€Patrick€would€come€and€when€he€played€it€felt€like€she€knew€nothing€about€music.€€Š b² Šą  ąNot€quite€three€years€after€Matthias€was€born,€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€had€a€daughter€they€named€Ō_ŌSeanaŌ_ŌŠ ø ŠPatricia,€after€her€uncle,€and€when€she€was€old€enough€to€make€the€trip,€the€whole€little€family€cameŠ ^ Šback€to€Las€Vegas€to€visit€Bonnie.€€Motherhood€had€rounded€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€still€more,€but€she€was€stillŠ d“ Šgloriously€beautiful,€so€much€so€that€men€often€stopped€and€turned€to€look€at€her€when€they€wentŠ ŗ  Šout€to€restaurants€or€shows.€€Matthias€proved€to€be€a€solid,€sturdy€toddler€with€bright€honey„yellowŠ `  Šhair€and€a€fiery€temper€his€mother€continually€tried€to€keep€in€control€lest€he€fly€into€a€tantrum,Š f¶" Šwhile€Ō_ŌSeanaŌ_Ō€was€a€smiling€bundle€of€joy.Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šThis€makes€me€the€happiest€woman€in€the€world,šš€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€told€Bonnie,€catching€Matthias€asŠ b& Šhe€hurried€past€them€and€pulling€him€into€a€tight€hug.€€š šRight,€pretty€boy?ššŠ hø( Šą  ąš šNo,šš€demanded€Matthias,€struggling€to€get€out€of€his€motherššs€grasp.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šHeššs€wonderful.€€So€is€Ō_ŌSeanaŌ_Ō,šš€said€Bonnie,€holding€Ō_ŌSeanaŌ_Ō€on€her€lap,€watching€withŠ "d, Šfascination€as€the€tiny€fists€gripped€at€the€sides€of€the€bottle€Bonnie€held,€her€little€red€mouthŠ j#ŗ. Šworking€furiously€on€taking€in€as€much€formula€as€she€possibly€could.€€š šSheššs€just€perfect.ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šą  ąš šYes,€she€is,šš€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€agreed.€€She€let€go€of€her€son€and€let€him€race€off€to€attempt€to€terrorizeŠ &f!2 ŠŌ_ŌZachŌ_Ō,€who€was€smart€enough€to€know€to€hide€from€the€overactive€toddler.€€š šAre€you€ever€sorry,Š l'¼"4 ŠBonnie?€€That€you...€well,€you€decided€not€to€have€children?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šIššll€tell€you€the€truth,šš€said€Bonnie€a€little€wistfully,€š šI€would€have€been€happy€to€haveŠ *h%8 ŠSean€Patrickššs€children.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€smiled.€€š šI€think€any€woman€would,€really.šš€€She€leaned€forward,€her€dark€eyesŠ Ä,(< Šsparkling€with€mischief,€š šIššm€just€guessing€here,€but€Iššm€Ō_ŌthinkinŌ_Ōšš€heššs€pretty€good€in€bed.šš€€BonnieŠ ° Šfelt€her€face€heat€up.€€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€laughed€at€her€blush.€€š šI€take€that€as€a€validation€of€my€guess.ššŠ V Šą  ąBonnie€swallowed,€then€returned€her€friendššs€mischievous€look.€€š šHe€is€so€very€good€in€bedŠ \¬ Šit€staggers€the€imagination,šš€she€said,€shifting€the€baby€carefully€and€glancing€down€at€her,€feelingŠ ² Šsuddenly€wrong€about€talking€about€sex€in€front€of€her.Š  X Šą  ąš šShe€doesnššt€understand€word€yet,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šCome€on,€spill.€€Iššd€never€tell€Three,€but€IŠ ^ ®  Šonce€had€fantasies€about€Sean€Patrick.€€Heššs€got€those€wonderful€hands.ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šMusicianššs€hands,šš€agreed€Bonnie.€€It€occurred€to€her€suddenly€that€she€was€with€a€friendŠ  Z  Šthat€she€could€confide€everything€about€Sean€Patrick,€including€the€blood„drinking.€€She€talked€in€anŠ `°  Šexcited,€slightly€hushed€voice,€delighting€in€the€high€color€on€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ōššs€cheeks€and€feeling€her€ownŠ ¶  Šblood€stirring€wildly€at€the€memories.Š  \  Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€let€out€a€sigh.€€š šAh,€I€knew€it.€€There,€I€can€live€a€little€vicariously€through€you.šš€€SheŠ b² Šreached€out€both€hands,€pressing€them€to€Bonnieššs€knees.€€š šYouššre€in€love€with€him,€arenššt€you?ššŠ ø Šshe€asked,€her€tone€tender.Š ^ Šą  ąBonnie€started€to€deny€it,€just€as€she€always€denied€it€to€herself,€but€tears€stung€her€eyes€andŠ d“ Šher€throat€closed€up€as€she€looked€at€her€earnest,€dear€friend,€and€found€herself€whispering,€š šI€am.ššŠ ŗ  Šą  ąš šItššs€all€right,€Bonnie.€€I€canššt€imagine€not€loving€Sean€Patrick,€damn€him.€€Heššs€the€kind€ofŠ `  Šguy€every€girl€dreams€about€but€doesnššt€really€exist,€you€know?€€But€no€one€can€have€him.€€Heššs€allŠ f¶" Šcuddly€and€easy„to„touch,€but€he€still€keeps€his€distance.€€But€heššs€so€capable€of€love,€so€warm€andŠ ¼ $ Šgiving,€I€was€so€glad€he€found€someone€like€you,€but€he€just€refused€to€take€that€next€step.ššŠ b& Šą  ąš šI€made€him€promise€he€wouldnššt,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šThatššs€what€I€wanted,€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€Iššm€aŠ hø( Šmistress.€€Thatššs€what€I€was€raised€to€be.€€I€know€how€to€make€a€married€man€happy€away€fromŠ ¾ * Šhome.€€Sean€Patrick€knew€that,€and€thatššs€what€he€wanted.€€A€woman€he€could€come€to€when€heŠ "d, Šneeded€sex,€and€in€exchange,€I€got€security.€€Heššs€given€me€everything€he€ever€promised€to€give€me.€Š j#ŗ. ŠI€canššt€ask€for€more.€€I€know€he€canššt€give€it€to€me.šš€€She€wiped€her€cheeks€hastily,€annoyed€andŠ Ą$ 0 Šsurprised€at€her€tears.€€Š &f!2 Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€moved€over€to€sit€next€to€her,€putting€her€arms€around€her.€€š šItššs€all€right,€sugar.€€YouŠ l'¼"4 Šneed€to€let€it€out.€€Why€donššt€you€tell€him?ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šI€donššt€want€to€ruin€things.€€Theyššre€good€the€way€they€are,šš€said€Bonnie.€€š šAs€long€as€heššsŠ *h%8 Šwilling€to€give€me€some€of€himself,€then€thatššs€all€I€can€expect.€€I€know€he€doesnššt€really€haveŠ n+¾&: Šanyone€else.€€At€least...ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąš šNo€one€he€ever€sees.€€Just€a€picture€and€a€memory,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.Š ° Šą  ąš šA€picture?ššŠ V Šą  ąš šYouššve€seen€the€inside€of€his€watch,€havenššt€you?ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąIt€clicked€instantly.€€That€was€Moira,€the€pretty€woman€whose€sepia„toned€face€smiled€out€ofŠ ² Šthe€inside€cover€of€Sean€Patrickššs€pocket€watch.€€If€he€had€loved€her€back€in€the€thirties,€she€must€be,Š  X Šwhat,€€nearly€seventy€now.€€How€long€had€it€been€since€he€had€seen€her?€€Had€touched€her?€€He€noŠ ^ ®  Šlonger€had€that€woman,€but€he€had€Bonnie.€€Was€there€any€chance€at€all...?€€She€bent€her€head,€herŠ “   Šeyes€closing€on€a€fierce€headache.€€š šI€know€who€she€is.€€And€sheššs€why€he€wonššt€fall€in€love€again,ššŠ  Z  Šshe€said.€€š šHe€canššt€risk€his€heart€falling€in€love€with€someone€whoššll€grow€old€and€die,€when€heŠ `°  Šwonššt.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€said€nothing,€but€rested€her€forehead€against€the€side€of€Bonnieššs€head,€rocking€herŠ  \  Šand€Ō_ŌSeanaŌ_Ō€back€and€forth.Š b² Šą  ąLove€was€a€strange€thing.€€Bonnie€knew€she€was€right,€it€was€better€to€have€Sean€Patrick€asŠ ø Šthings€were€than€not€at€all,€and€telling€him€flat€out€how€she€felt€would€ruin€everything.€€It€would€hurtŠ ^ Šhim,€and€she€couldnššt€do€that€to€him.€€Leave€well€enough€alone,€and€it€would€be€better€than€wellŠ d“ Šenough.Š ŗ  Šą  ąAnother€holiday€season,€another€year,€and€there€was€another€OššConnor,€as€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€deliveredŠ `  Šanother€daughter,€whom€they€named€Tara.€€A€few€months€after€Bonnie€got€the€joyous€news,€SeanŠ f¶" ŠPatrick€arrived€without€warning€in€the€middle€of€the€morning,€having€braved€the€morning€sunlight€toŠ ¼ $ Šget€to€her€place.€€He€was€in€a€foul€mood,€and€after€a€brief€and€cursory€kiss€for€her,€he€stampedŠ b& Šthrough€the€house€to€his€office€where€he€slammed€the€door€so€the€dishes€rattled,€not€even€giving€herŠ hø( Šthe€chance€to€chide€him€for€the€dangerously€bad€sunburn€heššd€gotten€on€his€face,€which€was€alreadyŠ ¾ * Šblistered€and€peeling€like€lizard€skin.Š "d, Šą  ąIt€was€hours€before€he€emerged,€during€which€time€she€could€hear€his€voice€raised€on€theŠ j#ŗ. Šphone,€occasionally€shouting,€and€heard€fragments€of€the€conversation.€€She€guessed€he€was€yellingŠ Ą$ 0 Šat€Matt€Jr.,€and€perhaps€being€yelled€at€in€return,€and€his€mood€only€got€darker€as€the€dayŠ &f!2 Šprogressed.€€It€was€only€later,€laying€in€bed,€that€Bonnie€dared€to€ask€him€what€was€happening.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąš šAs€you€may€have€guessed,€honey,€Iššm€having€a€little€disagreement€with€Matt€Jr.,šš€he€saidŠ Ā($6 Šsoftly,€running€his€hands€through€his€hair.€€In€the€last€few€months€it€had€gotten€longer,€he€was€lettingŠ *h%8 Šit€grow€over€his€ears,€and€his€sideburns€were€thick.€€She€wasnššt€sure€if€he€were€emulating€Elvis€or€ifŠ n+¾&: Šthere€were€some€other€new€country€singer€he€liked€that€she€didnššt€know€about,€although€she€hadŠ Ä,(< Šnoticed€all€the€fellows€on€š šHee€Hawšš€were€wearing€their€hair€long€and€their€sideburns€longer.Š ° Šą  ąš šA€little?šš€she€teased€lightly,€touching€her€fingers€to€his€face.€€It€made€him€smile€slightly,Š V Šbending€his€head€to€rest€it€against€hers.Š \¬ Šą  ąš šOkay,€a€lot.€€We€had€a€pretty€flat„out€knock„down€fight€and€I€had€to€walk€out€of€thereŠ ² Šbefore€it€came€to€blows,€because€I€wasnššt€going€to€hit€an€old€man.€€Matt€Jr.ššs€a€strong€man,€but€Iššm€aŠ  X Švampire,€and€Iššd€have€probably€put€him€through€a€wall.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąš šAnd€so?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šIššm€moving€away€from€Texas,šš€he€said,€his€voice€a€little€hoarse.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šWhat?€€But€you€love€Texas!ššŠ `°  Šą  ąš šI€love€the€OššConnor€Ranch,€Ō_ŌdarlinŌ_Ōšš,€and€I€always€will.€€Part€of€my€heart€will€always€restŠ ¶  Šthere.€€But€the€plain€truth€is€weššre€too€prominent.€€Too€important.€€And€itššs€way€too€noticeable€thatŠ  \  Šyoung€Sean€Patrick€never,€ever€changes.€€Itššs€to€protect€them€and€me€that€I€leave.€€Besides,€everyŠ b² Šyear€more€and€more€of€the€lands€are€being€annexed€by€San€Antonio.€€Thereššs€a€condo€complexŠ ø Šwhere€I€used€to€ride€with€my€brothers€and€an€office€building€going€up€where€our€church€was€in€ourŠ ^ Štown.€€Our€townššs€gone,€now,€and€the€cityššs€spreading€out.€€Matt€Jr.€is€holding€out,€but€Iššm€guessingŠ d“ Šitššs€not€going€to€be€long€before€the€family€really€starts€to€disperse,€and€we€accept€San€AntonioššsŠ ŗ  Šoffer.ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šWhat€offer?ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąš šTo€make€the€main€house€a€museum,€and€the€remaining€lands€a€state€park.€€Itššs€really€Ō_ŌtheŌ_ŌŠ ¼ $ Šonly€way€to€save€it.€€Progress€is€bound€to€take€it€all€otherwise.€€I€couldnššt€bear€Ō_ŌseeinŌ_Ōšš€that€landŠ b& Šplowed€under,€them€trees€torn€down,€and€my€family€dug€up€and€moved€to€a€state€cemetery.ššŠ hø( Šą  ąHe€sounded€so€sad€as€he€spoke,€so€defeated,€Bonnie€wanted€to€cry€with€him.€€Instead,€sheŠ ¾ * Špulled€him€close€into€a€tight€hug€and€held€him€as€silent€tears€rolled€down€his€cheeks.€€He€was€seeingŠ "d, Šthe€end€of€an€era€only€heššd€lived€all€the€way€through.€€Progress€could€never€be€stopped,€but€usually,Š j#ŗ. Šthe€founders€didnššt€live€to€see€the€ending.€€š šWhere€will€you€go?šš€she€asked,€for€a€moment€hoping€theŠ Ą$ 0 Šanswer€was€here,€that€he€would€come€to€be€with€her,€always,€and€sheššd€never€have€to€say€goodbye€toŠ &f!2 Šhim€again.Š l'¼"4 Šą  ąBut€instead€he€said,€š šLos€Angeles.€€Burbank.€€Iššve€already€found€a€place.€€Iššm€gonna€open€aŠ Ā($6 Šbar.€€Someplace€I€can€play€and€sing€music€I€like€for€people€who€enjoy€it€with€me.ššŠ *h%8 Šą  ąš šA€bar.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šYes,€maššam.€€I€think€Iššll€like€it.ššŠ Ä,(< Šą  ąBonnie€stared€at€him.€€š šAre€you€nuts?ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šIššve€been€talking€to€folks,€honey.€€I€chose€L.A.€because€itššs€a€big,€big€city,€and€Iššd€be€ableŠ V Što€hide€in€plain€sight€there.€€No€one€would€know€me€or€care€if€they€did€notice€I€never€age.€€Besides,Š \¬ Šitššs€a€good€business€right€now,€country€bars.€€Country€music€is€pretty€popular.€€Iššm€pretty€sure€IŠ ² Šwonššt€get€it€open€in€time€for€the€Bicentennial,€but€Iššll€be€out€in€Burbank€by€then.€€Iššve€alreadyŠ  X Šstarted€construction€on€the€building.€€It€was€a€beatnik€club€and€wine€bar€back€in€the€fifties€and€thenŠ ^ ®  Šspent€a€few€years€as€a€go„go€joint€in€the€sixties,€and€itššs€been€empty€for€years,€but€now€itššs€gonnaŠ “   Šhouse€the€best€country€music€I€can€afford€to€put€in€there.€€And€maybe€folks€will€like€to€listen€to€meŠ  Z  Šsinging€a€little,€too.šš€€He€smiled€his€real€smile€this€time,€wide€and€cheerful,€with€the€crinkles€aroundŠ `°  Šhis€eyes,€š šItššs€really€the€only€way€I€can€justify€standing€up€in€front€of€an€audience€to€sing,€you€know,Š ¶  Šoutside€of€church.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąš šIt€sounds€crazy,€but€you€know€what?€€I€think€if€anyone€can€do€it,€you€can,šš€said€Bonnie,Š b² Šquelling€the€disappointment€in€his€choice€of€cities€to€live€and€hide€in.€€Las€Vegas€was€also€big€andŠ ø Šboisterous€and€didnššt€care€what€its€neighbors€did,€as€long€as€they€dressed€well€and€tried€not€to€driveŠ ^ Šdrunk€if€they€had€long€distances€to€go.€€And€he€knew€that,€and€still€chose€Los€Angeles€over€LasŠ d“ ŠVegas.Š ŗ  Šą  ąIt€was€as€though€he€were€deliberately€keeping€her€at€armššs€length,€even€as€he€pulled€her€closeŠ `  Šand€held€her€tightly€against€his€chest.€€š šItššs€a€tough€choice€for€me,€Bonnie.€€Do€you€knowŠ f¶" Šsomething?€€Iššve€never€lived€alone.€€Itššs€a€challenge.ššŠ ¼ $ Šą  ąThat€was€maybe€it,€she€thought,€combing€her€fingers€through€his€long,€soft€hair,€enjoying€itŠ b& Ševen€more€than€she€had€when€it€was€short€and€crisp€with€pomade.€€Maybe€he€just€wanted€to€take€thatŠ hø( Šchallenge€for€himself,€not€that€he€was€trying€to€keep€away€from€her.€€š šI€canššt€believe€that€yourŠ ¾ * Šfamily€doesnššt€have€enough€money€to€keep€that€ranch€intact.ššŠ "d, Šą  ąš šOh,€we€could€probably€keep€the€house€and€the€immediate€property.€€Money€has€a€lot€ofŠ j#ŗ. Špower,€Ō_ŌyepŌ_Ō,€but€people€still€do€have€louder€voices.€€Thatššs€still€part€of€the€joy€of€Ō_ŌlivinŌ_Ōšš€in€thisŠ Ą$ 0 Šcountry,€isnššt€it?€€Sure,€we€might€keep€the€house,€but€the€wider€lands,€the€pastures€and€fieldsš!šweŠ &f!2 Škeep€getting€hit€with€zoning€variations€and€a€whole€lot€of€other€real€estate€stuff.€€The€horses€andŠ l'¼"4 Šcattle€would€have€to€go,€and€I€just€donššt€think€we€could€continue€with€our€way€of€life€in€just€a€plainŠ Ā($6 Šmillionareššs€mansion,€because€thatššs€what€it€would€end€up€being.€€A€house€with€a€big€lawn,€allŠ *h%8 Šneeding€care.€€But€itššs€a€working€ranch,€and€all€our€hands€couldnššt€just€hang€up€boots€and€spurs€andŠ n+¾&: Šbecome€butlers€and€gardeners€full€time.šš€€He€sighed,€leaning€against€her.€€š šIššve€known€for€a€longŠ Ä,(< Štime€that€the€city€might€creep€close€enough€to€take€a€lot€of€the€land,€but€I€never€imagined€that€peopleŠ ° Šwould€have€the€power€to€complain,€ššall€those€cows€stink!€Get€rid€of€them!šš€and€actually€win€theŠ V Šfight,€when€they€knowingly€bought€or€built€a€house€close€to€a€working€cattle€ranch.€€We€werenššt€justŠ \¬ Šthere€first,€itššs€only€because€we€sold€or€leased€parts€of€our€property€that€they€have€a€house€there€inŠ ² Šthe€first€place.€€If€we€were€further€out€we€could€stave€off€the€inevitable€for€a€while€longer,€but€itššsŠ  X Šgonna€happen,€and€we€might€as€well€bend€with€the€wind€rather€than€stand€tall€and€get€broken€down.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąBonnie€voiced€her€thought,€š šWhy€not€get€a€place€here?ššŠ “   Šą  ąš šOh,€I€thought€about€it,€honey.€€I€really€did.€€The€main€reason€I€chose€L.A.€for€a€music€bar€isŠ  Z  Šthatššs€actually€where€some€of€the€new€sounds€are€coming€from,€up€around€Bakersfield€and€so€forth.€Š `°  ŠVegas€has€its€own€style€of€entertainment€and€while€Iššd€bet€there€are€some€good€country€bars,€andŠ ¶  Šmay€be€in€the€future,€itššs€where€people€come€to€listen€to€your€kind€of€music,šš€he€grinned,€tilting€hisŠ  \  Šhead€so€his€eyes€sparkled€at€her.€€š šNot€cowboy€music.ššŠ b² Šą  ąBonnie€hugged€him.€€He€seemed€to€gain€a€little€energy,€either€from€teasing€or€from€finallyŠ ø Šgetting€all€of€this€off€his€chest,€but€he€rolled€her€back€on€the€bed€and€started€to€kiss€her.€€After€theirŠ ^ Šlovemaking€left€the€sheets€in€a€big€tangle€around€them,€Bonnie€struggled€out€from€under€him€andŠ d“ Šdragged€the€blankets€up€on€the€bed€since€he€got€cold€so€easily€and€she€was€starting€to€shiver€as€theŠ ŗ  Šcool€air€dried€the€sweat€on€her€body.€€š šYour€fight€with€Matt€Jr.€was€more€than€just€about€realŠ `  Šestate,šš€she€said€after€a€moment,€resting€comfortably€in€his€arms€again.Š f¶" Šą  ąš šYeah,€it€was.€€He€thinks€sometimes€that€his€position€as€head€of€the€family€means€heššs€myŠ ¼ $ Šboss,€and€he€forgets€sometimes€that€Iššm€not€only€older€than€him,€Iššm€my€own€person€and€Iššm€notŠ b& Šthere€to€be€shoved€around.€€Iššm€not€one€of€the€kids.šš€€His€jaw€jutted€out€stubbornly,€ironicallyŠ hø( Šmaking€him€look€like€a€recalcitrant€child,€and€Bonnie€chuckled.€€š šIššm€not!šš€he€protested,€a€littleŠ ¾ * Šweakly.€€š šLook,€heššs€been€on€me€ever€since€I€bought€this€place€for€you.€€He€watches€all€my€businessŠ "d, Štransactions,€he€keeps€tabs€on€my€inflow€and€outflowš!šhell,€pardon,€heššs€the€head€of€the€family,€butŠ j#ŗ. ŠIššve€always€been€the€one€trusted€with€handling€the€money!€€The€worldššs€getting€smaller,€honey,€andŠ Ą$ 0 ŠI€can€handle€that€from€Los€Angeles€just€as€well€as€I€could€in€San€Antonio,€just€like€I€do€when€IššmŠ &f!2 Šhere.€€And€I€told€him,€if€he€thinks€he€can€do€a€better€job,€if€he€thinks€Iššm€so€frivolous€and€emotionalŠ l'¼"4 Šinstead€of€rational,€then€he€can€just€take€the€reins€and€Iššd€stop€messing€with€the€OššConnor€moneyŠ Ā($6 Šand€he€could€just€leave€me€mine,€but€oh,€that€gave€him€pause.šš€€He€drew€a€deep€breath€and€took€hisŠ *h%8 Šown€sweet€time€letting€it€out.Š n+¾&: Šą  ąš šHoney,€I€donššt€want€to€talk€about€it€anymore,šš€he€said€at€length.€€š šI€think€Iššd€like€to€have€aŠ Ä,(< Šgood€time€while€Iššm€here.€€Besides,€it€wonššt€happen€for€a€while.€€Iššll€keep€my€eye€on€things€and€weŠ ° Šmay€save€the€house€and€a€good€part€of€the€property,€after€all.€€I€just€donššt€think€itššll€be€much€of€aŠ V Šranch€once€those€fields€are€gone.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąBonnie€hugged€him€again.€€š šAll€right,€then.€€I€suppose€weššre€seeing€Elvis€tonight,€sinceŠ ² Šyouššre€here?ššŠ  X Šą  ąš šIf€I€can€wrangle€tickets,šš€he€replied,€the€thought€of€seeing€his€favorite€singer€making€hisŠ ^ ®  Šeyes€brighten,€as€always.€€Bonnie€figured€that€would€be€a€good€way€of€distracting€him€from€hisŠ “   Štroubles.€€Sean€Patrick€hadnššt€missed€a€show€at€the€Las€Vegas€Hilton€since€Elvis€started€performingŠ  Z  Šthere€a€few€years€ago,€when€it€was€still€the€International,€if€he€was€in€town€during€any€of€theŠ `°  Šperformance€runs.€€Sometimes€theyššd€sit€through€both€shows,€Sean€Patrickššs€gaze€never€leaving€theŠ ¶  Šstage,€drinking€in€every€aspect,€not€just€Elvis€himself,€but€the€orchestra€and€the€band€and€the€singersŠ  \  Šand€the€arrangements.€€He€memorized€everything€that€had€anything€to€do€with€music€and€filed€itŠ b² Šsomewhere€in€his€head,€always€able€to€sing€it€himself€as€soon€as€he€could€get€to€his€piano€or€hisŠ ø Šguitar.€€It€didnššt€matter€to€him€when€Elvis€put€on€weight€or€dropped€the€pounds€again€or€lookedŠ ^ Štired,€as€long€as€he€sang,€that€was€enough€for€Sean€Patrick.€€And€he€never€didnššt€manage€toŠ d“ Šš šwranglešš€tickets€for€those€shows.€€Bonnie€wasnššt€sure€how€he€did€it,€and€she€never€asked.€€She€justŠ ŗ  Šenjoyed€the€ride.Š `  ŠĢChapter€ElevenŠ ¼ $ ŠĢą  ąSean€Patrick€invited€her€out€to€Los€Angeles€to€see€his€new€place€when€he€opened€the€bar,€butŠ hø( ŠBonnie€said€sheššd€wait€until€the€excitement€settled€down.€€He€had€missed€the€Bicentennial,€as€heššdŠ ¾ * Šexpected,€with€his€grand€opening€scheduled€for€September,€instead.€€He€sent€her€pictures€of€hisŠ "d, Šbeautiful€underground€apartment€below€the€bar,€which€he€had€converted€from€the€placeššs€old€wineŠ j#ŗ. Šcellar.€€š šItššs€perfect€for€a€vampire,€honey,šš€he€said€enthusiastically€over€the€phone€as€soon€as€he€hadŠ Ą$ 0 Šhis€lines€installed.€€š šI€hide€away€during€the€day€and€come€out€at€night,€just€like€Dracula.šš€€HeŠ &f!2 Šsounded€so€happy€she€couldnššt€be€mad€at€him€for€choosing€Los€Angeles€anymore.€€She€laughed€atŠ l'¼"4 Šhim.Š Ā($6 Šą  ąš šLike€you€have€anything€at€all€in€common€with€Count€Dracula,šš€she€said,€š šother€than€beingŠ *h%8 Šroyalty,€of€course.ššŠ n+¾&: Šą  ąš šOh,€ha€Ō_ŌhaŌ_Ō.€€Say,€honey,€since€these€holidays€are€gonna€be€my€first€out€here,€I€want€you€toŠ Ä,(< Šcome.€€Matt€Three€and€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€and€the€kids€will€be€out€here.ššŠ ° Šą  ąš šYouššre€all€going€to€leave€Matt€Jr.€alone€during€the€holidays?šš€she€said,€startled.€€š šOh€no,Š V Šmister.€€You€and€them€are€going€to€the€ranch€for€the€holidays.€€I€wouldnššt€have€it€any€other€way.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąSean€Patrick€chuckled.€€š šYou€know,€you€have€a€point.€€Iššll€tell€you€what.€€If€you€come€andŠ ² Šjoin€us€there,€I€will€say€we€need€to€stay€in€Texas€with€the€old€man.ššŠ  X Šą  ąBonnie€thought€about€it,€and€finally€agreed.€€š šAll€right.€€Iššll€come.ššŠ ^ ®  Šą  ąHe€sent€her€a€plane€ticket€so€she€could€meet€them€there,€and€there€was€a€limo€waiting€for€herŠ “   Šat€the€airport,€since€she€arrived€in€the€middle€of€the€day.€€Things€had€changed€in€the€years€since€sheŠ  Z  Šhad€been€here,€she€saw€immediately€that€the€city€had€come€out€a€good€way€further€than€it€had,Š `°  Šalmost€to€the€gravel€drive,€which€had€been€paved.€€The€cottonwoods€still€stood,€and€there€were€stillŠ ¶  Šhorses€in€the€fields,€but€most€of€the€cows€were€gone.€€The€view€looking€toward€the€city€had€changedŠ  \  Šforever,€wiping€rolling€hills€out€beneath€tidy€subdivisions€and€rolling€lawns.€€At€least€they€wereŠ b² Šattractive,€as€subdivisions€went.Š ø Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€was€waiting€on€the€front€porch€with€Tara€on€her€lap.€€The€toddler€wiggled€off€whenŠ ^ ŠBonnie€got€out€of€the€limo€at€the€foot€of€the€steps.€€She€and€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€embraced.€€š šIššve€missed€you,ššŠ d“ Šsaid€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.Š ŗ  Šą  ąš šIs€Sean€Patrick€here?ššŠ `  Šą  ąš šHe€got€in€early€this€morning.€€Heššs€sleeping€in€the€family€room.šš€€More€that€had€changedŠ f¶" Šwas€the€lack€of€children,€the€crowds€of€family.€€Š ¼ $ Šą  ąš šWho€all€is€still€living€here?šš€Bonnie€asked.Š b& Šą  ąš šMostly€just€the€immediate€family,€now,šš€said€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šThe€back€wing€is€all€but€emptyŠ hø( Šthese€days.€€Itššs€quiet.ššŠ ¾ * Šą  ąš šI€couldnššt€believe€how€much€the€city€has€grown.€€It€doesnššt€seem€like€all€that€long€sinceŠ "d, ŠIššve€been€here.ššŠ j#ŗ. Šą  ąš šGood€grief,€Bonnie,€Matthias€wasnššt€even€born€when€Sean€Patrick€dragged€you€out€here,ššŠ Ą$ 0 Šsaid€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€š šItššs€been€more€than€seven€years.šš€€Š &f!2 Šą  ąBonnie€wrapped€her€arm€around€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ōššs€waist,€a€little€thicker€now,€and€hugged€her€friend.€Š l'¼"4 Šš šIššm€sorry.€€I€should€come€more€often.ššŠ Ā($6 Šą  ąš šYes,€you€should,šš€agreed€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō.€€They€walked€into€the€family€room.€€The€ping€pong€tableŠ *h%8 Šwas€gone,€having€been€replaced€by€a€play€area€which€was€fenced€off€from€the€rest€of€the€music€roomŠ n+¾&: Šand€contained€toys€and€books€and€Ō_ŌSeanaŌ_Ō,€who€was€playing€with€a€party€of€dolls,€all€seated€around€aŠ Ä,(< Štable€and€having€a€morning€tea€party.€€The€little€girl€looked€up€as€her€mother€came€in€and€smiledŠ ° Šwinningly€at€both€her€and€Bonnie.€€š šHello,€my€angel.ššŠ V Šą  ąš šHi,€mama.ššŠ \¬ Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€gestured€to€the€reclining€armchair,€where€Sean€Patrick€was€wedged€next€to€a€giantŠ ² Šmulti„colored€cat€with€a€smaller€matching€one€on€his€lap.€€He€was€fast€asleep,€his€hair€even€longerŠ  X Šthan€it€had€been€the€last€time€sheššd€seen€him.€€Laying€across€his€knees€was€a€boy€of€about€six,€withŠ ^ ®  Šsilky€blond€hair€and€a€sun„tanned€face.Š “   Šą  ąš šIs€that€Matthias?šš€whispered€Bonnie,€staring€at€the€boy.Š  Z  Šą  ąš šThatššs€my€boy,šš€Ō_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€whispered€back.€€š šHeššs€going€to€be€the€handsomest€man€alive,€IŠ `°  Šthink.ššŠ ¶  Šą  ąš šOf€course€you€do,šš€Bonnie€replied,€smiling.€€š šYouššre€his€mother.ššŠ  \  Šą  ąŌ_ŌBlytheŌ_Ō€smiled.€€She€set€Tara€in€the€playpen€with€her€sister€and€squatted€down€next€to€theŠ b² Šsleeping€boy.€€She€stroked€the€blond€hair€off€Matthiasššs€face.€€š šWake€up,€sugar„pie,šš€she€whispered.€Š ø Šš šMiss€Bonnieššs€here.ššŠ ^ Šą  ąMatthias€stirred,€rolling€off€Sean€Patrickššs€legs.€€It€woke€the€vampire,€who€shoved€his€bangsŠ d“ Šoff€his€forehead€and€grinned€when€he€saw€Bonnie.€€š šHey,€my€girlššs€here,šš€he€said,€shifting€the€catsŠ ŗ  Šand€struggling€to€his€feet.€€He€stomped€a€couple€of€times,€getting€the€vampire€circulation€going€againŠ `  Šafter€playing€cot,€and€then€pulled€Bonnie€close€for€a€tight€hug€and€a€kiss.€€š šWelcome€back.ššŠ f¶" Šą  ąBonnie€kissed€him€back.€€Everything€became€warmly€right€with€the€world€when€she€felt€hisŠ ¼ $ Šarms€around€her,€tasted€his€mouth,€smelled€his€distinctive€scent.€€He€was€just€as€perfect€as€always,Š b& Ševen€with€his€messy€curls€falling€in€his€eyes€and€his€sideburns€thicker€and€longer€than€Elvisššs€wereŠ hø( Šnow.€€š šMy,€havenššt€you€gotten€shaggy,šš€she€said€with€a€laugh,€tugging€at€them.Š ¾ * Šą  ąš šI€knew€youššd€love€ššem.šš