Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas by Bartlett, Gerry (white hot kiss TXT) 📕

tote out of the back seat. “Here. Finish it while it’s warm.” I knew it wasn’t the best way to eat but obviously Valdez didn’t care. He stuck his head in the tote and got busy. I started driving again, remembering this time how to get home. The lights from the city helped.

“God, that was good.” Valdez finally emerged from the tote, wiping his face on the outside of it. “Sorry if that was gross, but a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”

“I get it. I’m just sorry you had to eat it out of a bag. I wonder why Caroline doesn’t start her own restaurant.” I would like to talk to her about that.

“She’s stuck in the family business. She’s saving for the day when she can strike out on her own. Then she’ll have to tell her grandparents she’s leaving them.” Valdez burped softly. “She’s enjoying the travel in her job, too. Caro’s not sure that’s where she would want to put her restaurant. Her parents live in London. That’s an expensive place to start a business.”

“I feel for her. Look how much I’ve travelled, moving around when I needed to change my identity. If I do open my own business, put down roots, I’ll have to think long and hard about where that would be. An economical place. I don’t think it will be Las Vegas. There’s too much competition here.” I was getting close to home and still had lots of night left. Was there anywhere I wanted to go? My phone buzzed and there was Karla Falk’s phone number. I decided to go ahead and use it.

“Hallå.”

“Karla? This is Glory Simpson. I was with Dominic Mayer earlier tonight.” I waited for a burst of profanity, something.

“Ah. And you are not with him now?”

“No, I left after I found out he kept the existence of the council from me. I’d like to meet and talk to you about business. Are you available later tonight?” I pulled into our parking lot and turned off the engine. My old car didn’t have hands free phone capability and I was relieved to be able to sit and not juggle my phone while driving with one hand.

“Actually, I am available. Meet me at 4500 West Flamingo Road. In one hour. Can you make it?”

I glanced at the clock on my dashboard. Stupid. It hadn’t worked in years. “Sure, I’ll make it. Is it a hotel? Casino? What will I be looking for?”

The answer was a throaty laugh. “You’ll see. Come and bring your shape-shifter. He will enjoy the company as well.” She disconnected.

“I’d better hurry.” Now I could see the time on my cell phone. I grabbed my clothes from the back seat and opened the passenger door for Valdez. “You need to grab that filthy tote in your teeth. We can stop at the dumpster and drop it in.” I wrinkled my nose. I’d had enough of the garlic smell. No, you can’t kill or repel a vampire with garlic, or a cross. But some of us just don’t like it.

Valdez did as ordered and we were soon upstairs. I washed his face with a wet cloth then jumped in the shower before I changed clothes. The outfit I’d worn to Dom’s place seemed a little casual compared to Karla’s satin pants suit. I found a deep purple dress with sheer long sleeves and a short skirt. High heels on my night off weren’t fair but I wanted to be taken seriously as a potential businesswoman, so I stuffed my feet into them.

“You look pretty. Are you sure this is a good idea?” Valdez trotted down the steps ahead of me. We were using the leash just to be on the safe side. You never knew when Animal Control might decide to make a sweep through here again.

“Karla is a successful businesswoman, according to Dom.” I patted my hips. “Plus, he says she sells something that can squeeze ten pounds out of me. I’m interested.”

“That’s ridiculous. You look just right. Bad enough you’re hobbled by those high heels, though I have to say they make your legs look good. But start squeezing your butt into some kind of torture panty?” Valdez shook his furry head. “Forget about it.” He’d put on a New York accent. Like he was a gangster.

“Torture panty.” I grinned. “You’re probably right. We suffer for beauty. Haven’t you figured that out about women yet, Valdez?” I let him into the car and strutted around the car. “I look pretty? Thanks. I’ll take the compliment. Karla said other shifters will be there so watch yourself.”

He put his paw on my arm. “I’m sorry about letting you down with Davenport. I failed you. If there wasn’t something that …”

“I get it, V. We’re dealing with the Devil. That’s one reason I reached out to Karla. We need allies. We can get to know more vampires here in Las Vegas and maybe they can help us.” I pulled out the paper map I had of Vegas and checked for Flamingo Road. It crossed the Strip so it should be easy to find. There was a North Flamingo and South. I just had to watch for signs.

“Valdez, forget you’re a man for once and watch for street signs, okay?” I pulled out of the parking lot and headed for the Strip. Low on gas. I stopped and checked my purse. Low on funds too. I stopped and put ten bucks worth in my tank. That left me stinking of gasoline. I was in a bad mood by the time we were back on the road. I was going to be late, which was not the way to make a good impression.

“Turn here!” Valdez suddenly yelled from beside me.

“Which way?” I braked and horns started honking. As usual, there was traffic no matter how late it was.

“Right, no, left. Did you say North or South Flamingo?” Valdez was peering at the street signs, made harder to