Sunrise at Sunset (22 page)

He nodded his head in understanding.

She asked him about his organizational skills, research experience, and a host of other questions about his interest in the position, as well as how much time he would have to devote to performing the research. Finally, she sat back in her chair and smiled at him. It wasn’t unnerving, but more in the manner of being appreciative. “Mr. Taylor,” she began.

“Please, call me Caleb,” he offered.

She appeared to be momentarily caught off-guard, but quickly recovered. The corner of one side of her mouth upturned slightly. “I must confess, Caleb, as I performed some research on your background prior to your interview today, I wasn’t precisely sure what to expect,” she offered candidly.

His eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent for the moment.

“However, I’m intrigued,” she noted appraisingly.

He smiled in a hopeful manner.

“Having heard my expectations and a little more about the nature of the position, are you still interested?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yes, Ms. Vargas. I’m very interested.”

She smiled in a satisfied manner and rose from her chair. “Congratulations, Caleb. You’re hired,” she offered while reaching out to shake his hand.

He smiled brightly and shook her hand. “Thank you, Ms. Vargas,” he offered sincerely. “I won’t let you down.”

She smirked and replied, “Somehow, Caleb, I don’t think you will.”

As she moved to guide him back to the closed office door, Caleb turned to her and noted the curious rise of her eyebrow in response.

“One question,” he ventured. “When do I start?”

“How about tonight?” she asked.

He was caught off guard, and his eyes reflected surprise. “Tonight?”

“Certainly. We can discuss the research in question over dinner tonight. You can even claim the time on your timesheet as a required business meeting,” she offered with a confident smile. “Let’s say eight o’clock at Tomasso’s Peak?”

He smiled nervously, realizing it was one of the city’s more elegant and exclusive restaurants. He was also suspicious of such an invitation over merely a part-time research position.

“Is everything okay, Caleb?” she inquired carefully.

“Well, yes. I mean, I’m flattered,” he began uncomfortably. “It’s just very unexpected, and I’m only a part-time employee.”

She barely seemed to contain her amusement. “I appreciate the contributions of all of our staff, no matter the position. And one hardly requires major occasions to be celebratory, Caleb. Let’s just say I have a positive feeling, and high hopes, for how helpful your contribution is going to be to my ventures here.”

He frowned slightly but managed an appreciative expression at the same time. “That’s very kind, thank you,” he replied.
This is very strange
.

Ms. Vargas opened the door and stated emphatically, “It’s settled. Eight o’clock, then.”

He shook her hand once more, and she looked to Maddox with a bright smile.

“Harry, I’m pleased to say that Mr. Taylor -- Caleb is joining our Atlanta venture,” Ms. Vargas announced.

Maddox smiled congenially and reached out to shake Caleb’s hand again. “Congratulations, Caleb,” he offered. “You just can’t know how much we’re going to appreciate your assistance here in Atlanta.”

Caleb smiled and left the office feeling somewhat relieved and surprised at the same time.
That was the strangest interview I’ve ever attended
, he thought as he drove away. Halfway home, he changed his mind and decided to go directly to Katrina’s to share the good news with her firsthand.

When he arrived at Katrina’s estate, he realized that it was one of the few times he had visited her during the daytime. As he stood outside ringing the doorbell, it occurred to him he hadn’t called ahead to let her know he was coming.

“Caleb?” came Katrina’s voice over the speaker at the front door next to a small video camera.

“Hi, Kat,” he greeted into the camera lens with a smile. “I hope you don’t mind my coming by unannounced. I’ve got great news!”

The front door clicked, and her voice replied, “Come in, my love. I’m in the lower level.”

“Ah, you’re in the ‘lair’ again,” he quipped with a grin as he opened the front door and entered.

The blinds and curtains in the house were shut, but some emanations of sunlight still glowed around the windows. He shut the front door, headed past the stairs leading to the upper level and into a lengthy hallway to his right. He heard the front door lock itself before he turned the corner.

The hidden sliding door to the lower level was open, and he immediately spotted Katrina sitting before her massive computer hutch where multiple computers were set up. He referred to the giant room as her “lair” because it was essentially a small windowless apartment, capable of supporting all primary living functions. He thought of it as a subterranean bunker, of sorts.

She smiled at him as he appeared in the doorway, and he practically glided down the short flight of carpeted steps to the floor level.

She took a moment to admire his sharply dressed appearance and rose to hug him as he approached her. She planted a kiss firmly on his lips once he was in her arms. “Somebody looks very sophisticated,” she complimented with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Thank you,” he replied, his arms still wrapped around her slim waist. “And this sophisticated gentleman in your arms has excellent news, I might add.”

She smiled, appreciating the upbeat tone of his voice surrounding the mysterious news.

“I just landed a potentially lucrative part-time consulting job,” he announced proudly. “Best of all, it works around my available hours.”

She frowned, suspicious about how good it sounded. “And what’s the catch?” she insisted. “You have to leave town? You have to pay some money up front? What?”

He looked slightly taken aback and retorted, “I applied online and just finished my interview across town.”

“Okay, you’ve piqued my curiosity,” she admitted as she led him by the hand into a side alcove set into one corner of the room.

Caleb observed that the alcove contained a fully equipped wet bar and a leather couch set before a large-screen TV and multimedia surround sound system.
Impressive
, he admired.

She stripped his suit coat from him, laid it across the back of the couch, and pulled him onto the couch with her. Rolling him onto his back, she lay slightly atop him, staring at him with an amused expression.

“There, you’re trapped,” she said smugly. “Now tell me what this is all about, because it sounds too good to be true, my love.”
He smiled and recounted how he met Harry Maddox and interviewed with Alondra Vargas. He also related what he discovered about Corporate Research Enterprises, LLC.

She seemed intrigued, but frowned slightly when he got to the part about dinner with his new employer that evening.

“That’s one of the best restaurants in town, Caleb,” she said with a frown. “Just what is she expecting from you in return for dinner?”

His complexion flushed slightly at the thought. “Hopefully, just a ‘thank you’ for the dinner and the promise of hard work on some research project for her company.”

“Is she attractive?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “Be honest with me. I can read you like a book.”

He stared into her eyes and answered sincerely, “Actually, she is a beautiful woman.”

“Hm,” she replied somewhat evenly. “I want you to come by and tell me everything after dinner. And remember, if I detect anything more than the scent of her on your shoulder from a discreet hug, I’m going to kill her and likely bite you, but without the nice numbing sensation.”

His eyes widened slightly, and he swallowed hard.

Her eyes softened, and she smiled slyly. “Got you,” she teased.

He exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and rolled his eyes. “Aw, Kat!” he breathed with exasperation.

“I’m only partially kidding, however,” she clarified mildly. “I want you to call me after dinner. I’m curious to hear if there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

He bent his head up to kiss her quickly on the lips and admonished, “There isn’t a woman in the world that’s enough to compete with my beautiful vampire.”

She kissed him warmly, sensing the actual sincerity in his voice and expression.

“Good boy,” she teased him. “I see the potential for continued survival in your future.”

He smirked, shook his head at her, and suddenly glanced at his watch. “Ohmygosh,” he muttered. “I have just enough time to go home, shower, change clothes, and meet Ms. Vargas at the restaurant.”

She let him off the couch with a sigh and managed to get a last quick kiss from him before he raced back up the stairs to leave.

“I’ll call after dinner tonight,” he promised as he reached the hallway.

“You better!” she yelled back at him as she went to the computer and began pulling up any information she could find related to Corporate Research Enterprises, LLC.

Chapter 6

The Restaurant

T
omasso’s Peak was located at the top floor of the downtown Atlanta Hilton Hotel. It was a tasteful gathering place for the leaders in business and politics. As the elevator doors opened to the top floor, Caleb’s view opened into a grand waiting room that could hold upwards of fifty people. The lighting was subdued and presented an aura of cultured elegance.

He was amidst the movers and shakers of the day, those he had little chance of meeting under everyday circumstances. He felt out of place dressed in his off-the-rack, yet perfectly matching, royal blue Ralph Lauren dress slacks and blazer. It was the second best outfit he owned. After interviewing in his only suit earlier that afternoon, he was too ashamed to wear it again that night for the dinner with Ms. Vargas. He sighed as he made his way to the maitre-d’s podium.
I need to purchase another suit
, he realized.

“Good evening. May I help you?” asked a tall, middle-aged man dressed in a traditional black tuxedo with an air of superiority. He was obviously unimpressed with Ralph Lauren.

“Hello, my name is Caleb Taylor, and I’m expected at a table for Mrs. Vargas,” Caleb responded politely with a friendly smile.

The man looked down his nose at him and glanced at a small LCD screen set into the facing of the elaborate walnut finished wood podium.

“
Ms
. Vargas’ table is expecting you, Mr. Taylor,” he said, placing specific emphasis on her title.

Caleb winced inwardly at the oversight and responded, “Thank you.”
Great start
, he thought.
I can’t even announce myself properly
.

“Ms. Adams will escort you to Ms. Vargas’ table,” the stuffy gentleman added.

A young woman in black tuxedo slacks and ruffled shirt accented by a simple black bow tie appeared seemingly from nowhere to escort him into the dining room, which was not quite as dimly lit as the entrance, but equally elegant. The rich scents from a host of finely prepared foods permeated the room. Crystal flower vases filled with varieties of freshly cut flowers adorned fine white linen table cloths. The elaborately designed crystal glassware and elegant fine china on each table was impressive. The silverware was the finest he’d seen, and, of course, everyone seated at their tables were dressed very dapperly. It was the second time in less than ten minutes he felt inadequate to his surroundings.

His silent escort led him to nearly the middle of the large dining room where he saw Alondra sitting patiently in an elegant red silk dress. Her neck was adorned by an elaborate cascading platinum necklace inlaid with an array of diamonds. Her hair was elegantly raised in a style that must have taken hours to arrange. She looked completely exotic, like someone out of another time and place.

Alondra smiled at him as the escort announced simply, “Ms. Vargas, your guest has arrived,” before smiling and smartly departing.

Caleb noted absently that he hadn’t even earned the announcement of his name, but he smiled brightly as he greeted his employer, “Ms. Vargas, you look amazing.”

I should’ve rented a tuxedo
, he silently lamented.

“Please, sit, Caleb,” she offered with a flourish of one hand as she held a small menu in the other. “And please call me Alondra.”

As he sat, a young waiter appeared to fill one of the crystal glasses at his place setting with water. “May I offer you something more to drink, sir? Perhaps some wine or a cocktail?” asked the waiter politely.

“Iced tea would be fine, thank you,” Caleb replied simply before turning his attention back to Alondra. He was once again struck with how beautiful and elegant she appeared. After perusing the options on the menu, he shook his head at all of the tasty selections. He was having a hard time deciding.

Alondra regarded him closely and asked, “May I recommend something?”

He smiled and politely nodded as she gestured by holding her hand up slightly to signal the duty waiter across the room. The man smartly nodded and gestured sharply to the waiter who had served them their drinks earlier.

Caleb sat his menu down onto the table as his cell phone vibrated. He slipped the phone out and glanced at his text message. It was from Katrina.

Call me. Now.

“Um, I really need to call my girlfriend,” he explained. “Do you mind?”

He started to rise from the table, but Alondra’s eyebrows twitched ever so slightly, and she inclined her head and offered, “Of course, but please stay for your call. There’s no reason to leave on my account.”

He smiled at her and muttered a quick, “Thanks,” as he casually scrolled down to Katrina’s directory entry.

She picked up after only one ring.

“Caleb?” she asked intently.

“Yep, it’s me,” he replied. “We’re at the restaurant, and I just got your text message.”

“I’m concerned, Caleb,” Katrina urged.

He heard keys being clicked furiously on a keyboard.
She spends a lot of time on the computer
, he noted absently. “Oh?” he asked. “Um, perhaps we could talk about this later tonight.”

“How may I serve you, madam?” the waiter queried Alondra as he appeared beside their table.

“We’re ready to order. He will have the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta,” she responded.

“CRE has only been around for a short time as a company,” Katrina quietly muttered. Something suddenly triggered in her mind, though subtly, but she couldn’t quite place it.

“Oh, and please add some garlic-sesame bread for him as well,” Alondra added.

“And yet they’re international already,” Katrina muttered absently, and her typing fell silent. She frowned while listening to the background noise at Caleb’s end.

“And for you, madam?” the waiter inquired.

“I’ll have the Mandarin Jade Salad,” Alondra replied. “But please, no dressing.”

“Very good, madam,” the waiter replied.

“Hello?” Caleb asked as the silence drew out on the other end.
Maybe the connection dropped
.

“And an appropriate vintage of your best wine, please. I’m feeling particularly celebratory tonight,” Alondra announced.

Katrina nearly gasped as she realized what was bothering her. It was a voice from her past. “Caleb, listen to me very closely,” she stated in a hard, flat voice.

He struggled not to let his surprise show as his eyes darted to Alondra’s face. His heart skipped a beat, and his mind was immediately racing.
Why is she sounding so strange all of the sudden?

Alondra’s eyes darted to his face for only a fleeting moment, but he noted it nevertheless.

“Yes, madam. I’ll see to it immediately,” the waiter replied crisply before departing.

There was prolonged silence on the phone, and Caleb pressed it to his ear so firmly he thought it might meld to his skin.

“I’m going to be very unhappy when we see each other again,” Katrina informed him in a level, hard, and lethal voice. Then the line went dead.

Caleb’s eyes widened with complete surprise, and Alondra’s eyes momentarily narrowed before returning to a more sedate state.
Could she have heard somehow?
he wondered. He swallowed hard as his hand dropped away from his ear, and he almost dropped the phone as he missed the cell phone pouch at his hip trying to put it away. He glanced up at Alondra somewhat tentatively.
Was there the hint of a smile on her lips?

“Everything okay?” she asked gently, but with an amused smile that didn’t match the look in her eyes.

“I-I think my girlfriend is a little upset with me,” he replied quietly. His mind raced for answers to numerous questions at once.

“Why? Whatever’s happened?” Alondra inquired.

“Well, she’s really big on rules,” he mused absently with a frown.

“Really?”

“Yes,” he stated simply while glancing into her eyes. “But I’m not sure which one applies in this instance.”

“Sounds a little harsh, if you ask me,” she observed with amusement.

Caleb just sat there with a bewildered look on his face.

“Tell me about her,” she pressed. “You haven’t mentioned her yet.”

“Well, it started with a history class I was teaching,” he began and proceeded to relate what he thought were the safe parts of his past with Katrina. He conveyed the benign aspects nearly anyone would talk about when discussing their partners or spouses. Alondra seemed to hang on his every word, which made him feel more comfortable. She smiled mildly at some points and nodded at others, portraying the consummate good listener.

The waiter returned with the garlic-sesame bread and poured the wine for them as Caleb described his teaching position at the college, as well as the way he looked forward to being a researcher for Alondra’s company. Still, in the back of his mind he was mulling over Katrina’s earlier reaction over the phone.

Alondra took a small sip of her wine as Caleb reached for additional bread and noted he had consumed half of it.

“Wouldn’t you like some?” he asked. He felt guilty for being such a bread hog.

She merely smiled and replied, “No, thank you. I’ll wait for my salad.”

Something seemed familiar, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of their food. His pasta smelled delicious as the plate was placed before him. He glanced over to her salad. While fruity looking, it nonetheless looked rather plain.

She smiled at him and insisted, “Go ahead. Try it.”

He smiled back and eagerly sampled his entree. It tasted as amazing as he hoped. He must have been hungry because he suddenly realized he’d taken numerous bites before looking up to reach for some more bread.

“How’s your salad?” he politely inquired.

She regarded him with an amused expression. “Actually, I’m more excited about dessert.”

His eyes glanced down at her salad. It had barely been touched. He frowned, and the waiter interrupted the silence by suddenly appearing at the table. Alondra looked up with a displeased expression, apparently not welcoming the interruption.

“Ms. Vargas,” began the head waiter apologetically. “There’s someone waiting at the front desk who seems insistent to see you.”

Katrina, wearing a pressed black pantsuit, appeared to stand beside Caleb, and his head whipped to the right to stare up at her with surprise. Her long red hair cascaded around her shoulders like a mantle. But most notably, her face looked particularly displeased, almost stony. Her left hand fell firmly onto his right shoulder and gripped it like a vice. His eyes widened with alarm from the anger her strong grip implied.

“Kat?” he asked dumbfounded.

Alondra’s eyes narrowed to slits, and she glared up at Katrina while muttering to the waiter, “That’s fine. She won’t be any trouble at all.”

The head waiter observed the exchange with a note of surprise. “Of course, madam. I’ll set another place.” He retreated in an almost eager manner.

“Hello...Katrina, isn’t it now?” Alondra offered with a narrow-eyed expression. “It’s been a long time.”

“Not long enough,” Katrina muttered through clenched jaws.

Caleb was confused. “You two know each other?”

Katrina growled slightly and ordered, “Later, Caleb.”

“Still possessive about your pets, I see,” Alondra observed pointedly. “You haven’t taken one in for a while, and I’d almost grown tired of waiting...almost.”

His eyes shot up to look at Alondra with a startled expression, but her eyes remained focused on Katrina’s face. The woman’s manner had changed completely from a few minutes ago.

“The last one committed suicide, as I recall,” Alondra said absently. “He preferred not to betray you. And something tells me this one has a similar quality about him.”

Caleb’s eyes widened at Alondra and darted to look at Katrina’s face, which displayed a momentary expression of pain before turning stony again.

“So…Alondra, isn’t it? You’ve been doing a lot of international traveling lately,” Katrina noted. The explanation for what had happened to other vampires around the globe was suddenly becoming clear to her. Unfortunately, the common thread among all the missing vampires was also clear, and Katrina was part of that commonality.

“Just visiting old friends,” Alondra said.

A different waiter appeared with a chair while another held items for a new place setting, but Katrina waved them away with her right hand while ordering, “Take it away. We’re not staying.”

The waiters exchanged confused glances and withdrew. Nearby patrons observed the exchange with curiosity.

Caleb felt Katrina’s grip shift to his upper right arm and barely had time to engage his legs before he was being hauled upwards out of his chair.