BACK TO FRASER'S FRACTURED FICTION

Complicated Lives

by A. Fraser and Jean Hontz

Part 11

© Copyright 2005 A. Fraser and Jean Hontz. All rights reserved.

Given the current state of affairs, Adele had been sent a trunk of clothes from Paris. Not to mention additional necessities

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Adele had dressed carefully now that she had clothes and makeup. She donned a long brown suede skirt that hit just above her ankles and an ivory silk blouse with slightly puffed long sleeves and a high collar that was embroidered with seed pearls. It was an outfit very much of her own time, and thus looked far more formal and severe than it otherwise might. She pinned up her hair also in an old fashioned way, only wispy tendrils escaping to frame her face. Her makeup was very much understated. She wore no jewellery. She stepped into brown boots and took a deep breath. She was as ready as she'd ever be.

She joined Alex in the hallway, standing tall and composed, a few steps behind him. Offering him support but acknowledging his the right of greeting each entrant first. She was drawing on all those endless lessons of her past. And, those of his past as well, no doubt. If he noticed her there he'd certainly recognize the societal decorum for what it is, and hopefully it would help him draw strength from her. It was all she could do for him now. Be there, where he could see her if he so chose to look.

He did so choose, just before opening the door to admit the Oakwoods Boys. He smiled, and gave her a tiny bow. He was rather regretting he hadn't dressed quite Regency enough to match her.

"I do love you," he said, then turned to the door. "Gideon. Joshua. Mitch. Evan. Thank you for coming. And thank you for the other night."

They all gripped his welcoming hand; and they all hugged Adele.

She would never, ever, tell anyone what Gideon whispered to her. "You look like you belong here," he'd said. "Lady of the manor."

Josh had kissed her. Mitch had tried, but Evan had pulled him away. "Is Gen here?" he asked as he held the fuming werewolf at arm's length.

"In the living room," said Adele, still a bit pink around the ears.

"Excellent. We will talk to you soon." And he hauled Mitch in that direction, the other two following, looking amused.

"What?" Alex asked her.

"Nothing."

And so they came in, soberly dressed, each touching Alex to reassure him, each hugging or kissing Adele...although Ray Griffin merely nodded to her, but she'd been told previously of his dislike of physical contact. Besides, the poor man had his arm in a sling and he was probably in pain.

Francis came in last, looking a bit furtive and worried. He did grasp Alex's hand, then tried to scoot past Adele without hugging her. She stepped into his path and drew him into a hug. "Thank you Francis for all that fun. You've no idea how badly I needed it."

He eyed Alex as if he was worried the tall dark one might be angry about this, then tried a rather awkward bow to Adele before he scampered past to join the others. Alex smiled, shaking his head.

Mrs Jenkins was doing the drinks and nibbles honours for those who wanted them. When Alex finally shut the door and turned, extending his arm to Adele, he smiled at her.

"This is your first official meeting of the Brotherhood of Darkness," he said to her. "Are you ready?"

She took a deep breath and met his eyes. "Remind me to tell you of the Rose and Cross some day," she replied. "Only mostly I had the sense to stay home."

She wore a faint smile and a high blush as they walked into the room, arm in arm, as all eyes toward them.

"Thank you all for coming," Alex addressed them. "And thank you all for your support the other night. I could not have gotten through it without you." He accepted the two glasses of wine Mrs. Jenkins gave him, and handed one to Adele. He searched the room with swift eyes, saw that everyone had a  drink in hand. "Please rise and join me in a toast."

There was a rustling of clothing, a creaking of chairs, but no conversation.

Everyone rose. Every glass was raised.

"To Janine," Alex said.

"To Janine," echoed every voice, and they all drank.

"I request a minute of silence," Alex then spoke.

Heads were bowed, eyes lowered. Only the ticking of the clock in the hallway could be heard. Tick. Tick. Tick. "Thank you," Alex said, voice getting husky. "One last toast before you sit down, please."

Once again glasses were raised, and eyes looked at him expectantly. "To the Brotherhood of Darkness," Alex said.

"To the Brotherhood."

When he'd drunk, Alex sank into a chair and put his head in his hands.

Adele placed a steadying hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Courage in front of your friends. Tears later," she said softly.

He braced himself and raised his head. "Thank you," he said again. "Would anyone like to say a few words?"

Francis... Francis stood up. He looked embarrassed, but cleared his throat.

"Janine was my friend," he said simply. "I'll always remember the time we went to that Halloween party down in the village, and I was dressed a vampire," he grinned, "and she went as Jane Eyre, and we were putting cocktail wieners on the jack o'lanterns so they'd look like devils..."

Those who knew the story were already laughing, except for Mitch, who went beet red and took a swig of wine that nearly choked him. He'd ended up spending the night in the local dog pound on that occasion.

"She decorated the twins' bedrooms for us," Mary said when the laughter had died down, "after we moved them from the nursery. She did a great job, they were beautiful rooms that lasted them all through the toddler years. She had a real talent."

"She and Bess were good friends for awhile," Michael added. "Bess liked having someone a little bit older to hang around with who wasn't a parent.Janine was always good to her."

The spiel of memories went on, as the fire crackled in the grate and the level of alcohol went down. There was laughter. There were tears, and hugs. Alex got up and hugged Francis at one point, to much applause, although the younger vampire looked relieved when he was released.

Nobody was crass enough to mention that Ray probably had the most to remember Janine by. He mostly sat quietly, watching Estella, drinking coffee because he wasn't allowed alcohol to mix with the painkillers he was on.

Adele found herself sitting beside Gideon. Nobody was paying any attention to them. He smiled at her. He really did have beautiful eyes.

"Did you mean it?" she asked.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "About?"

"My looking like I belong here. Lady of the manor."

"Yes, Adele, I meant it. It's very obvious that Alexander loves you."

She looked over at Alex. He was better at the moment, talking with Evan, but he looked around when he felt her eyes on him. He smiled at her. She smiled back. Then she sighed.

"What is it, Adele?"

She looked at him, her eyes wide and shocky. "Oh, Gideon. I can't fall in love now."

His own eyes echoed her shock. "Whyever not?"

"It's..." she glanced where Gen was laughing with Maggie and Pandora about something. "Complicated."

"Is there someone else?"

"No," she said. Then, "well... Not .. I love Alex, Gideon. I do, but it's just that ... You know how it was back in my time. Women were ruled by their fathers and brothers, told who to marry, controlled..." her voice drifted off, until she finally added, "Julian gave me such a wonderful gift. Freedom. But he can't wipe out the chains that reach out for me even now." She met Gideon's eyes and added, "If I do that, I lose what little family I have."

And then he surprised her. "I was betrothed, too," he said. "Against my will. Young men of my class didn't have any more choice in the matter than women did, Adele." His eyes flickered towards Joshua, then back to her. "Nor was there any provision for same-sex marriage," he added drily. "But I don't really recommend you use the same method I did to get out of an unwanted betrothal."

"What do you recommend?" she asked. She didn't need to ask what his method had been. Nor did she really think he'd become a vampire just so he wouldn't have to marry a girl he didn't love.

"I don't know your situation," he said. "And here and now is probably not the best time for this discussion. You and I will talk privately some other time, yes?"

"Yes. Please. I'd like that. I need that. I don't want Alex to know, you see. Not now, I mean. I'd have told if if.. Well, if this hadn't come up. I'd planned to. But now... But I won't lie to him. I don't think I can. I don't want to. But he's enough to deal with now. And I need to be able to explain it right."

"Of course." He kissed her hand--heck, if Julian could do it--and stood up.

"Excuse me," he bowed, "but I think my husband is straying." He walked over to join Joshua.

Alex looked at Adele again, smiling. Evan nudged him.

"You can take your eyes off her occasionally, you know," the bodyguard snorted.

"Sorry," Alex said with a slight grin. "Guy..." he turned to the quiet newcomer in their midst. "I'm sorry, we've been rather neglecting you of
late. I know you didn't know Janine at all, but what must you think of our manners?"

Guy bowed as Adele drifted over to join them, taking Alex's arm. Then he turned his dark eyes on Alex. "It is difficult in the circumstances to worry about minor things like manners. And, quite honestly, I'm naturally a listener and an observer."

Adele smiled. "I shall make it my business to cure you of that, Guy. I'd be willing to wager you have much wisdom if we could only coax you into sharing it."

Guy bowed and looked mildly terrified.

"Do come over one evening when I'm here and tell me more of your world. I'd love to hear it," she enthused before the young man could beat a hasty retreat.

"As you wish. I would like that." And he was gone, heading for the relative safety of Josh and Gideon.

Adele forgot herself and laughed. Then blushed. "Oh, dear. We're supposed to be proper now, aren't we."

First Vivain and then Galen yawned. The twins both still looked pale and puffy-eyed, as if they weren't getting much quality sleep. Mary noticed them yawning and smiled apologetically at Alex and Adele. "I think that's our cue," she said. She gave Alex a hug. "I love you very much, Alex," she said. "You did well." Then she hugged Adele. "Be good to him. And to yourself. We'll see you soon."

"I nearly forgot something," said Michael, running out to the hall and coming back with a neatly folded sweater in his arms. He handed it to Alex.

"Thanks for the loan."

"You must have swum in it," Alex laughed. "Thank you, Michael. For everything."

"It's what I'm here for."

Adele gave him a big hug. "Take care of the ragamuffins," she said, then grabbed each twin before they could escape. "It will be all right," she whispered to them. "You were both very brave."

Guy came up to shake hands. "Goodnight," he said, bowing.

The Fairlawns and guest left. Then Nicholas and Pandora (who had wisely left Aisling with sitters on both occasion;, it was one thing to let fifteen year olds witness the execution and results, and another to let a six year old do it) made their excuses and left, both stopping to talk to Alex and Adele, both giving hugs and reassurance. Slowly the living room emptied; Maggie left, then Ray and Estella, then finally the Oakwoods Boys. Genevieve was last, as she had been first.

"If I am in the way," she said, looking from Alex to Adele and back, "I can stay at Oakwoods. I am sure you wish to be alone."

Adele collapsed into the nearest chair. "Oh, goddess," she murmured burying her head in her hands. "Gen... I...."

Alex put an arm around Adele and beckoned to Gen. He put the free arm around her. "Stay," he said.

And the three of them sat there, watching the fire turn to ashes. Ashes and gone.

----------------

Once she bade Gen good day and kissed Alex as he too withdrew into his cryptic bedroom, Adele took to her bed but found sleep elusive. After lying there for some time she got up, dressed warmly and decided to walk in the snowstorm that was blanketing the cliff road in the purity of new fallen snow.

She avoided Mrs J, who would have insisted she eat first, and instead slipped out the door. She tramped down the road to Fairlawn where she found Guy sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea and a book (Physics for Dummies).

She teased him, he laughed and then the two of them went off to hike through the lazy drifts. They'd tried to get Ruddigore to go with them but he'd given them a look like he thought they were out of their minds.

They did not speak of anything as they walked, well, not of anything other than the beauty of the landscape, how clean the cold felt, how silent the morning, with only the sighing of the wind in the trees accompanying the sound their boots made as they slipped and slid down the cliff to the beach below. They walked along the seashore, Adele with her face turned up to let the snow coat her eyelashes and eyebrows. Guy was tasting snowflakes and laughed a bit embarrassedly as she caught him at it.

They returned about noontime and found Michael in the kitchen at Fairlawn.

"You two look cold!" he said with a smile.

Adele's cheeks and nose were red but her eyes were sparkling with good health and happiness. He was glad to see it. Guy, far less exuberant than Adele, still smiled and helped Michael make hot chocolate.

__________

Alex emerged from his crypt, and Gen from her specially prepared guest bedroom, and met on the main floor. They smiled at each other and went to find Adele. She was at the piano again, frowning at some sheet music. She looked up as Alex leaned over her and kissed her.

"I still haven't had any Elgar," she pouted.

"Elgar?" Genevieve asked.

"He promised me Elgar."

"Why on earth would he do that?"

Adele burst out laughing. Alex joined in and so, after a moment of trying to see the joke, did Gen. Mrs. Jenkins found them there, all three of them trying to fit on the piano bench, totally destroying "Pomp and Circumstance".

"Telephone," she said. "It's the sheriff."

The laughter stopped instantly. Adele sought Gen's hand and squeezed it, she squeezed back. Alex took the phone.

"Sheriff Fletcher," he said, "good evening. What can I do for you? No, I haven't heard from Janine in several days. Last I heard, she was still in Toronto. No, she gave me no indication that she was coming for a visit. May I ask why... I see. How long ago?" He put a hand over the speaker on the phone, but inadequately, so that the sheriff could still hear what was going on. "They found Janine's car on the public beach," he said.

"But why?" Adele asked. "She wasn't coming for a visit, was she?"

"Not that I know of." Alex spoke into the phone again. "Sorry, sheriff, I have friends here with me. No, I'm quite sure she would have told me if she was coming, I don't understand it at all. There's no sign of her? She hasn't been seen in town? I don't know what to tell you, Sheriff. Yes, of course. I will be there as soon as possible. Yes, of course. Thank you for calling. I will see you shortly."

He clicked the key to end the conversation. "How was that?" he asked.

"Very convincing," said Adele.

"I have to go into town to positively identify the car," Alex said. "And he wants to come out here, just to be sure she's not trapped in a snowdrift or something."

"Oh, god. How seriously do you think he's going to investigate?"

"I don't know," Alex frowned. "Why?"

"Both Gen and I are here without passports, without airline tickets or reservations home. That might be hard to explain if he starts getting
curious."

Alex cast his memory back to the sheriff's sorting out of the whole legal mess with BOO the previous year. "Gainsborough doesn't ask too many inconvenient questions," he said. "He took an entire stand of oaks growing up overnight in his stride. I doubt he's going to start calling airlines to find out why I have two beautiful women in my house."

--------------


Adele paced the entire time Alex was gone. She was pale and Gen thought she saw a tear or two.

"Cherie, it will be all right."

Adele managed a rather pathetic little smile. "Yes, of course it will." The pacing began again immediately afterwards.

"He is past the worst of it," Gen assured her.

Adele stopped where she was and turned to Gen. "Do you think so? He won't... I mean, he can sometimes go from quite happy to miserable so quickly it scares me."

Gen, amused at the worries of the young, reminded Adele, "He's managed for quite a few years, Adele. And he knows it would hurt you if he allowed himself such sadness."

Adele did not look convinced. But she said, grudgingly, "Yes, true."

They heard a car door, then a second. Mrs J went to the front door. Adele composed herself and suddenly looked as if she hadn't a care in the world. She sat on the sofa near Gen and was flipping through a magazine as Gainsborough Fletcher was shown in, Alex on his heels.

Gen rose to her feet for formal introductions. Adele remained seated, her feet tucked under her, looking for all the world like a carefree young woman on holiday.

"Sheriff, please meet my friends, Genevieve de Monet, Sheriff Gainsborough Fletcher." Gen's smile nearly knocked the poor fellow backwards it was so stunning.

"Ma'am," Gainsborough said with a tip of his hat to her.

"And Adele. Adele Blakesley." Being a sheriff meant Gainsborough caught that faint note in Alex's voice. His smile broadened. "Miss?" he asked.

Adele giggled. "Yes."

"Pleased to meet you Miss Blakesley."

"And you, Sheriff. Can we be of assistance?" Adele asked with just that right note of willingness and confusion.

"Well," said Gainsborough, looking from face to face, "Mr. Goldanias here identified the car we found as his cousin Janine's. But it seems nobody's heard from her in several days. Either of you two ladies happen to hear from her?"

Adele shook her head. "I've never met her, Sheriff." This was, according to Adele's thinking, strictly true. She did not consider someone running toward her with a stake in her hand a formal introduction.

"I have not seen Janine since she returned to Toronto," Genevieve replied.

"Where was the car, Sheriff?" Adele asked.

"At the farthest end of the public parking on the beach," he replied. "One of my deputies spotted it and reckoned it was a bit strange for a car from Toronto to be there this time of year. So we ran the license plate."

"It was Janine's car," said Alex, "no doubt about that. But she seems to have disappeared."

Both women gave a satisfactory performance of concern and puzzlement. But
not panic or alarm.

"It does look like she might've wandered off," Gainsborough admitted. "The fresh snow covered any tracks she might've made, but she was parked pretty close to the barrier fence. Pretty near anybody halfway fit can climb that fence." He looked only at Alex now. "Any reason you can think of why she'd go an' do that?"

"Sheriff... you know that Janine was a bit... unstable when she moved back to Toronto."

Gains snorted. "Ayup," he said. "I heard plenty from Fox. He was really itchin' to whup her."

"She found out about ... well, about me and Adele." Alex went over and put his hand on Adele's shoulder. "She seemed distraught in her last few messages."

"Jealous, you think?" asked Gainsborough. He saw Genevieve's assessing look at him, and smiled at her. "I knew the girl a bit," he explained. "An' I knew she an' her cousin here were more than just cousins. So I reckon she was mad as a wet hen when she found out you had a pretty new girl."

"I suppose she must have been," Alex admitted. "But I had no idea she'd come down here uninvited and unannounced. Where could she have gone?"

The sheriff's face lost any trace of humour. "Big ocean right out there, Mr. Goldanias. I hate to say it in front of the ladies, but if Janine was upset enough, why it just might've looked like the answer to her."

Genevieve gave a credible gasp of horror and sank into a chair. "No," she said.

Alex met the sheriff's eyes, then bowed his head. "It just might," he agreed heavily.

Adele didn't have to act. Her face went pale. She hadn't thought of Janine during her walk.

Gainsborough saw it and leapt on it immediately. "Miss Blakesley?"

"I... Guy Wolfe, the young man who's staying with the Fairlawns?" Adele explained.

Gainsborough knew who he was, of course. He'd spoken with the young man.Quiet, studious type. A bit strange, granted, that tattoo, and those rather unsettling black eyes, but he was friendly enough and hadn't ever caused a problem for Fletcherville. And, well, nearly everyone on the Cliff Road was a little strange.

"Yes, what about Guy?"

Adele swallowed and continued. "This morning, he and I were walking in the snowstorm. We climbed down the cliff and walked along the beach. I was.. I thought it was so beautiful. I didn't think..."

"Ah," said Gainsborough. His deputies had seen footprints down there. A man and a woman's. "Might we see your boots? I'd like to make sure we can rule out any footprints as not belonging to Miss Goldanias.

Alex tensed but Adele replied, "Of course. I'm sure Guy will be happy to provide his boots as well."

"Thank you, ma'am, most helpful."

Gainsborough was assessing Alex, wondering if the man might just be a wee bit jealous to find out his pretty new lady had been out with another man. He was pretty sure this was news to Alex. And not only because Alex wasn't exactly ambulatory during daylight hours.

Alex looked at Adele. "Did you take Ruddi?" he asked mildly. Maybe he did feel a wee bit jealous, but he'd never admit it in front of Gains.

"No, he thought we were insane." She stood up. "I'll go get those boots."

"Thank you, Miss Blakesley. Mr. Goldanias, I wonder if you'd give me a hand searchin' the grounds. You know 'em better'n I do." As Gen started to rise again, Gains shook his head at her. "No, ma'am, I wouldn't dream of makin' you go out on a night like this."

"I'm not as delicate as I look, Sheriff," Gen replied with a smile, but she remained seated.

Alex grabbed a jacket for the look of the thing and walked outdoors with the sheriff. He automatically reached for his cigarette case and offered it to Gains.

"Thanks," replied the sheriff, allowing it to be lit for him.

They stood smoking in silence for a moment, the smoke curling up into the cold night sky.

"Well, this isn't getting us very far in a search of the grounds, is it?" Alex asked.

Gainsborough glanced at his watch. "D'you know, I reckon I just went off duty," he said conversationally. "An' just between the two of us, I don't reckon there's much point in searchin' the grounds."

"Really?" Alex's hand as he took another drag was rock steady.

"She's gone, isn't she? Janine, I mean. She's dead. Am I right here, Alex?"

He looked at the sheriff for a long time before answering. Surely, after last summer, they could trust the man.

"Yes," Alex finally replied. "She's dead, Gains."

"And nobody'll ever find a body?"

"There is no body to be found."

"I see." The off-duty sheriff stubbed out the panatela butt on a convenient rock and threw it away. "Would you say it was suicide?"

"In... a manner of speaking."

"Alex." Gains looked up at the sky. "Did you kill her?"

"Yes. It was an execution, Gains. There were no options."

"God rest her poor little soul. Now listen, that conversation was strictly off the record. You'n I, we understand each other, ayup?"

"Ayup," Alex agreed solemnly.

"I can't guarantee things mightn't get a touch sticky," said Gainsborough."But if you stick to the story you told me--the official story--you'll get through this an' they'll probably rule it a suicide. No other evidence."

"How can I thank you, Gainsborough?"

"You can't. I ain't allowed to accept bribes." Gains sighed. "Poor girl. She was some confused."

"Now there's an understatement."

"Heh. We'd best get back inside so the ladies don't fret. Fetchin' young lady, that Miss Blakesley, you better look after her."

"Oh, I will."

"Tell me, the other lady, Genevieve," he gave it the English pronunciation rather than the French, "is she married?"

Alex nearly choked. "Why, no," he said when he could trust his voice. And, just because it felt so good to be able to tell the truth after so many lies, he added, "She's a widow, actually."

"Hmm."

_______________

Adele returned with the boots to find only Genevieve in the room.

"They went out to search the grounds," said the blonde vampire. "I think that went well."

"Poor Alex," said Adele, trying to look out the window to see if she could spot him. "That sheriff doesn't miss a thing, does he?"

Gen picked up Adele's discarded magazine and mock fanned herself with it. "He could arrest me anytime he liked," she admitted.

Adele's silvery laughter could be heard when the door opened to readmit Alex and the sheriff. Gains grinned to himself when he saw Alex's face light up at that sound.

Gains thanked everyone, said he'd stop by Fairlawn to have a chat with Guy, then, as he was taking his leave he asked, "You two ladies plan to be here awhile?'

Adele frowned. "I do need to return to Paris. I'm at the Sorbonne."

"Might be better if'n you stayed for a bit. Look better that way."

"Yes, of course," Adele replied.

"And you, Ms de Monet? Have you had a tour of Fletcherville lately?'

Gen smiled. "Why no, I haven't. I'd love one though."

"I'll see if I can't break away tomorrow night, then," Gains said with a gallant bow.

"That would be lovely," Gen replied with a smile.

Alex saw Gains to the door then, and the two ladies let themselves relax. Adele looked a bit worried.

Just as Alex returned, Mrs J appeared to announce dinner.

As they trooped to the table, Adele turned to Gen. "A date with the sheriff," she teased. "Make sure he brings the handcuffs."

"Adele!" said Gen, pretending to be shocked. "Not on the first date."

Alex didn't look amused, but both women were nearly choking. He pulled out Adele's chair for her, then Gen's, and then sat down himself. It looked like there might be a good brood in the making, from the expression on his face.

"No sulking at the table," Adele chastised him. "Things went well with the sheriff, didn't they?"

"He knows exactly what happened," Alex replied. "But he's going to help us pull it off as suicide."

"He is a very clever man," Gen nodded. "Not to mention handsome."

"Hmm." He toyed with his wineglass full of the specialite de maison. He looked at Adele. "So, you went for a walk with Guy?" he asked. "What did you talk about?"

Adele was startled by the question. She'd assumed the dark mood that seemed to be growing on him to be a product of having to think about Janine again. Because she was so startled by the change of subject she hesitated.

Alex look a bit darker yet, when she didn't respond immediately. His eyes locked on hers, as he obviously awaited an answer.

Adele's mind was racing. She didn't really know how much Alex missed being alive. She and Guy had spoken of the beauty of the sunrise, they'd shared a remembrance or two of riding across dew-bespecked fields at dawn and of their enjoyment of watching the fog burn off as the sun beat it into submission. They'd spoken of the silencing of the world through snowfall, of the beauty of the wild sea as it met the silent shore... Would that depress him even further she wondered?

"Uhm, not much really. Nothing really important," was Adele said, making herself busy with her dinner.

Genevieve, veteran of many a lovers' quarrel (and indeed, knock-down, drag-out fight) with Jean, kept silent. She knew that Alex was jealous; but she also understood that there was far more involved here than mere petulance because Adele had gone for a walk with another man. Let them work it out.

"'Nothing really important'," Alex repeated.

Adele looked at him in puzzlement. "Yes, that's right."

"How long were you out walking with him, talking about this nothing really important?"

A flush which started beneath her blouse spread up her neck and to her face. Her eyes narrowed. "Am I to understand that my promise alone is not enough? That I am requested and required to detail the hours I spend away from you? Perhaps I ought provide you a detailed diary of my every day? Especially in Paris. God knows you can't trust French men. My professor in classics made a pass at me the other day. Ought I to write down his exact words so you will know?"

Before he could answer she stood up, threw her napkin onto the table and said, well rather hissed, "I will not be mistrusted. I do not find jealousy in the least bit romantic, nor do I find attempts at control acceptable. Perhaps you ought reconsider your promise to me. I am most certainly reconsidering mine."

She turned and said to Gen, "Do excuse me. I'm not feeling well." With that she walked stiffly out of the room.

"That went well," said Genevieve.

"Ahhh!" Alex screamed with frustration. "I didn't mean it... oh, gods, Gen! Why can't you women come with instructions?"

"Perhaps because we are not machines?"

"She didn't have to take so much offense, damn it."

"Alexandre," Gen replied. "Yes, she did. She is not your possession. Adele is a strong, free-spirited woman who deserves better than to be treated with jealousy and suspicion. I know," she raised a hand to forestall his argument, "that you are grieving, that you are hurting, but do not take it out on Adele. You should go and apologize. What I heard was that she took an innocent walk on the beach with a quiet young man in an attempt to find some healing. I hardly think she has betrayed you."

He stood up, hands gripping the edge of the table, and stared down at the grain in the wood. "Why," he asked through clenched teeth, "do you always have to be right?"

"Not always," she replied placidly. "But in this case, you know I am. Go and make up. Making up is always the fun part." She also stood up. "And while you are making up, I shall give you the privacy you need and go to visit Oakwoods. I am neglecting my own dear fledgling."

He winced, but she did not regret using the word. Some hurts have to be dealt with.

"Go," she said more softly. "The longer you wait, the more Adele will hurt. Do not do this to her."

He sighed and leaned over to kiss her. "Gen, where would we all be without you?" he asked. "Say hello to the Boys for me." He turned and went in search of Adele.

-----------------

He looked in the music room, she wasn't there. He went upstairs to her bedroom and she wasn't there. He was rather at a loss as to where next to look when Mrs J seeing his hurried passage down the hallway offered, "She's on the front porch smoking one of those vile black cancer sticks of yours. Apparently she takes cooling off periods literally. You might take out a coat for her."

Alex took the coat Mrs J offered him and hurried toward the front porch. There she was her shoulders curved, huddled a bit against the cold, sure enough smoking. Rather furiously smoking, the red end of the small cigar lit brilliant red, as she inhaled, moved it away from her lips, exhaled, then immediately took another deep drag.

At the sound of the door opening she'd turned, which interrupted the rapid rhythm of the toe of one of her shoes tapping on the boards of the porch.

He gently placed her coat over her shoulders.

"Thank you," she said between drags.

He lit himself a panatela and then ....

"The truth is," he said, "I _am_ jealous. Jealous of every minute of daylight because I cannot share it with you. I... it's not like sleep,
where you can dream and maybe wake up to find your lover snuggled against you. It's death. I used to wish that I would not wake with the setting sun, that the death sleep would last forever. Now... I find myself wishing like hell it could have been me walking with you on the beach. There is so much we can't share because I'm a god-damned vampire." He took a deep drag. "I had to teach myself how to smoke," he said. "Again. How to pretend to breathe. One thing I can't seem to teach myself is how to shut up and not say the wrong thing. Adele... please. Forgive me. I... I didn't really think you were doing anything wrong with Guy. I just hate the fact that there's so much we can't do together."

She continued to smoke but it was slower now. Her foot had stopped tapping. Alex hoped a bit desperately that was a good sign. Fleetingly he even considered throwing himself at her feet.

But she turned about then. There was enough light coming from the lit windows that she could see his face. He, of course, could have seen hers in near total darkness.

Then almost without warning, a pretty fair feat to take a vampire unawares, she was in his arms. "I know," she said, her voice muffled as she as leaning into his shoulder. "That's why I couldn't say! I was thinking about all we'd never get to do, too. But you know, Alex, if we want this bad enough we can make it work. But you have to trust me. I can't bear to be watched over and questioned. You've got to ... And I've got to ... Have faith....Trust each other."

"I'll try, if you will."

"Deal. Now carry me inside and ravish me."

"On the dining table?"

"I'd prefer something softer. What have you got?"

"Well, I think Mrs. J has gone to bed, and Gen went over to Oakwoods, so we have the entire house to choose from. Last time I counted, there were seventeen rooms."

"All of them."

"All of them?" Except that he half-laughed, half-choked, so it came out as "Ah-haul of them?"

"You heard me."

He shook his head, laughing, and they went hand in hand back into the house.

Five rooms seemed to be about their limit.



-------------------

Another sunset.

Once again, Alex and Genevieve met on the ground floor. She looked a question at him. He nodded. Only then did she grant him a smile.

"Did you have a good visit at Oakwoods last night?" Alex asked.

"Oh, yes, they were very happy to see me," Gen replied. "And very amused to learn of my plans for tonight. I fear I shall never live this down."

"I think you and Gains would make a very cute couple," Alex grinned.

"If you say one word about handcuffs..."

"No, that's my prerogative," said Adele, having come in search of them.

"Oh look!" Adele said with a happy smile, as she opened a letter she had in her hand.

"I've gotten an invitation. To a Ball. A Masque Ball. In Venice. I can take a date. Gen, how would you like to go to a Ball! Wouldn't we have fun?" Adele let the invitation flutter to the floor. Alex picked it up and stared at it. Take Gen? Not him? Of course he'd missed the wink Adele had aimed at Gen.

"Oh, cherie! Girls on the town, in Venice. Masked men to flirt with!"

Alex gulped.

"Gen, now we've got to get you dressed for tonight. I know you just brought a few clothes. I can relate to this problem. But now I have this great vast trunk of clothing. Come with me." She took the unprotesting blonde by the hand and sashayed towards the stairs. She turned to look back over her shoulder at the flabbergasted Alex. "Sorry, girls only. You'll just have to wait your turn."

Disgruntled, he stared at the invitation. Venice. His city! And she wasn't inviting him! He stalked away towards the living room.

Sooner or later, he knew, he was going to have to reopen the den.

Later.

---

 Meanwhile up in Adele's room giggles were loud enough to reach even Alex's envious ears. Clothes flew every which way. Options were discussed, rejected, re-submitted. Discussion mainly surrounded the limitations of the options Gains had to entertain a girl in Fletcherville. Gen stared at her image in the mirror. And not just because of the outfit, but because she could _see_ the image. Adele, impatient with vampire restrictions, had managed to solve one.

Genevieve had not seen her own reflection in over 500 years, and was mildly impressed by how good she looked for an old woman.

She'd never have chosen the ensemble on her own. But she had to admit she did look fetching. Not that she wouldn't have looked anything other than fetching. She thought the hairdo a bit much though. But Adele giggled so happily about it Gen didn't have the heart to refuse to leave it this way. She could always release the pins once she'd left the mansion.

Alex boggled a bit when he saw them descend the stairs. Adele had played dress up too and was dressed as a fashionable Parisian woman might for a night at her favourite sidewalk bistro. It was a far cry from the jeans and modest slacks she'd worn when he'd seen her at Fairlawn.

"Doesn't she look lovely?" Adele gushed. "Poor Gains."

Alex swallowed.

Gen was dressed in a flared skirt that fell just below her knees and a form-fitting ribbed sweater, plus high heels and that elaborate hairstyle. She looked... younger, softer. Alex was trying hard to reconcile the woman he was seeing on this visit with his mental vision of the elegant, sophisticated lady he had always thought her. He was astounded to realize he liked this Gen much better. He'd always loved her, but now he liked her, too.

Of course, next to Adele in a pleated miniskirt, with what looked like go-go boots, white, and a frothy nothing of a top, Gen did look elegant and sophisticated.

Good lord. Alex swallowed again.

"You both look wonderful," he said.

"Don't look quite so terrified, Alex, dear. This is my just my usual garb in Paris. Oh, and Gen tells me she regrets she can't go to the Masque. Will you go with me?" She batted her eyelashes at him and ran a hand along his lips. "Pretty please? Oh, and don't get all huffy about being my second pick."

The doorbell rang, and a moment later, before he could answer, Mrs. Jenkins ushered in the sheriff. Being off-duty, Gains had dressed for his date on the town in black jeans with a Lands End sweater over a button-down shirt. He stopped short at the sight of the two ladies.

"I... I brought you your boots back, Miss Blakesley," he managed to say. "Ms de Monet..." he gulped.

Mrs J relieved the poor man of the boots and walked away shaking her head.

She laughed. "Please, call me Gen."

"You look beautiful." Gains sighed.

"Merci, Gains." She turned on that multi-watt smile.

It was with an effort that Gains turned to Alex. "I need to speak to you for a minute, Alex."

"Certainly. I have no secrets from these ladies."

"Well, I reckon, after some thinkin', that we ought to just file a missing persons report for Janine. The FBI will probably poke around since it's international, but there ain't no sign of foul play, so there ain't nothin' to worry about. She'll just be another missin' person, with suicide the most likely answer to her disappearance. You can come down to the office an' sign the paperwork."

"Yes, thank you, Gains. Adele and I are going out on the town tonight, too, so I'll just drop in. I assume your deputies have it ready?"

"Ayup, all ready to go. Thanks. So, you're goin' out, too?"

Adele was trying not to look like this was news to her.

"I know it will probably look bad," Alex replied, "but since I have to go in to sign the paperwork, anyway, who would blame me for wanting to show Adele a good time?" He grinned at the sheriff. "Don't worry, we don't want to double date. You two go off and have a good time now."

"A bien tot," Gen smiled, taking the sheriff's arm.

"Have fun," Adele said, kissing Gen on the cheek.

"You have her back by midnight, you hear?" Alex joked to Gains. They left, Gains looking like he couldn't believe his luck.

Alex turned to Adele. "Sorry to spring that on you," he said, "but if I have to spend another night cooped up in this house, I am going to scream." Adele laughed then leaned into his arms. "Oh, I am sooo happy to hear you say that! I am going crazy inside these walls. Let's go!"

_________

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