4
“Attacked them?” Falcon snorts on the other end of the line. “You’re sure?”
“You heard what I said,” I snap, “and you know how this game’s played. I can’t leave this fucking hell-hole mansion to investigate.”
“Mmmm,” Falcon says quietly, “very odd. I’m glad you called, though. I’m more than happy to help.”
I ignore his reference to the fact that this is the first time I’ve phoned in decades, twenty-eight years to be exact.
Time has yet to heal the wounds between us, and we both know it.
It’s going to take more than that, way more.
Still, I know he’ll see me being in this game and making this call as a step in the right direction.
“Falcon, you said the Queen had distanced herself from the selection process for fear of discovery…”
“She has. Angie and I confirmed it through Attracta. The royal cunt hasn’t dabbled in any fixing or rigging of the show since my court case.
That’s not to say there aren’t others out there who might wish to sway the outcome.
And that’s also not to say that our intelligence is foolproof.
You and I both know the Queen’s games never really stop. ”
“Yes,” I frown. “Although I see no advantage for your queen to manipulate whom I marry; a lesser noble from a little-known French house…”
“That means nothing,” he snorts. “She’s manipulated all the houses for centuries for her amusement and as part of some diabolical breeding program.
And your house has always been connected to mine, which makes it spin in her evil orbit.
But, like I said, as far as we know, her manipulation of the selection has either stopped or gone ridiculously underground since the court case.
That aside, I find it unlikely she’d approve of knocking off contestants — after all, she considers these Games to be of the highest importance in maintaining human, vampire relations. ”
“Then who’d have the balls or the motive to attack a car full of contestants in the biggest game show on earth?” I scowl.
“I think we both know where the blame most likely lies,” he sighs.
“The Free Men? It seems outside their gambit of tricks.”
“I doubt it was them, but we can’t rule them out. I’ll put out some feelers. Yin still has connections to the group.”
“Mmm. Since every other limo arrived unscathed, I can only conclude that someone, somewhere, doesn’t want me to marry one of these last six women.”
“Or maybe they were simply waiting for their chance, and the last car gave them an opening?”
“Perhaps,” I frown.
“Any of the contestants in the last car pique your interest or seem particularly special?”
“If by special you mean mentally challenged, I expect all of them would have to be if they’ve voluntarily put their names into the hat for this crap shoot.”
“Jag,” Falcon chuckles.
I sigh.
“No, no one special. But either way I’d like to know who was behind the attack and whether I can expect further bullshit.”
“Oh, undoubtedly there’ll be bullshit. On the bright side,” he adds wryly, “you might not have to break your vow and kill anyone if these attacks continue.”
I look at the stars and shake my head.
“You know I haven’t sucked the life out of a woman in centuries, and I don’t expect to start now. But having the contestants killed by some outside force isn’t what I anticipated — or will tolerate. If I must choose one of these women to be my bride, then I will choose.”
“Of course,” Falcon says indignantly, “it’s entirely up to you. They’re your women to dispose of as you will. Did you lose any in this incident?”
“No one was killed. I’m waiting to review the footage from inside the vehicle, but from what I can ascertain, the shots were aimed at the driver. Most of the contestants were a little shaken. One had a small nick on her chin.”
‘And one who, despite her dress being blood and paint-splattered and crumpled to buggery, seemed completely unruffled.’
I frown as I think of the curvaceous Italian with the big, dark, haunted eyes and expressive hand gestures.
I’d stiffened and leant away as she approached, the smell of the blood all over her making me hungry.
Fortunately, she hadn’t wanted to get too close anyway.
She’d come out last from the limo, giving the others plenty of opportunity to fall into my arms, feigning relief at their survival.
Some had played the tears card, others the; ‘fate allowed me to live because we’re destined,’ card.
They’d all obviously been ordered not to reveal what had happened.
The only one to break the rules straight away and not use the attack to their advantage was the Italian.
“Anyway,” I frown into the line, “look into it, will you? You know my hands are tied for the next few months while I take part in this charade. I’d like to know who’s trying to knock off my potential brides.”
“Potential brides,” Falcon says, his tone now serious. “I never thought I’d hear those words from your lips.”
“You forced my hand,” I mutter, “you knew I’d say it sooner or later.”
“Twenty-eight years since I gave that ultimatum,” Falcon grunts. “I’d call it later, wouldn’t you? Anyhow, let’s not reopen old wounds. I’ll look into the attack. You just concentrate on finding yourself a wife.”
“Shouldn’t be too difficult,” I snap.
“Brother,” Falcon sighs, “I know you don’t trust The Game. Christ, I understand, believe me, I do. But let yourself relax into the process and you might be surprised. You wouldn’t be the first to find the love of your life on a reality TV show.”
“If you, or anyone else, tells me one more time to ‘trust the process’ or ‘enjoy the journey,’ I’ll make your first season look like a fucking fairy-princess tea party — vow be damned!” I snarl.
His laughter booms out across the line as I hang up.