The Cowboy and the Vampire: A Darkly Romantic Mystery by Clark Hays;Kathleen McFall

Author:Clark Hays;Kathleen McFall
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-01-16T06:20:00+00:00

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

OCTOBER 11, 10:07 P.M.

HE STOOD AT THE window, resting his hands on the cool adobe, the sweet smell of sagebrush and night washing over his face. A shooting star fell, blazing fiercely, then disappearing. The silver glow of the moon lit up the hills and twisted juniper silhouetted there. It brought a smile to his weathered face.

There was movement behind him. He turned too late to see who it was, but on the table was a tray with a steaming mug of coffee.

"Thank you," he called into the air and pulled up a chair. He took a sip and continued to look out the window. A coyote howled.

There was a knock at the door and a tall, youthful man with wise eyes and pale skin stood in the shadows under the arch. He was dressed simply in blue jeans and a plain cotton shirt.

"Carlos. Come in."

Carlos bowed respectfully and pulled up another chair. "It's a beautiful night." The older man nodded. Carlos continued. "Any news?"

"According to Jenkins, the turning has taken place. Shortly thereafter, she escaped. Elita believes it was by her doing."

"We should be there," Carlos said.

"We must not allow impulse to rule. Every action taken now will have serious implications."

"He will try to get her back," Carlos said.

"Of course."

"What if he is successful?"

"It is a distinct possibility. New York is his element. The more important question, however, is can he convince her to follow him?"

"Julius can be quite persuasive. Naturally, she will be confused at this early stage."

The older man sighed. "If she believes him, chooses to follow him, then she will have chosen her destiny, as well as that of billions of Adamites. But the choice must be hers and we will wait." Smiling benevolently at his young friend, he added, "After all, what meaning has time to us?"

Carlos rested his elbows on the table and cradled his head in his hands. "I can't help but fear for her," he said sorrowfully. "I remember my own turning well. If you had left me to my own devices, I would have lost my mind."

The old man contemplated his cup, harkening back to his past. "There are worse things than the turning." His eyes clouded darkly like the shadowy cave that still, after so long, made up the bulk of his memories. He pushed his chair back and stood, returning to the windowsill, leaning against it.

"Her lover is alive and seeking her in New York. He is aware, to a limited degree, of what he is up against and yet has gone anyway.

"He is either very brave or very stupid."

The old man shook his head. "He is in love, that is all."

"What will that mean to us?" Carlos asked.

"He loves her, and she him. That is all I know. Who can predict the effects of love, even with the unique historical perspective that you and I enjoy?"

Both men were silent for a time, the softness of their words barely missed by the wind outside. At last the old man turned from the window.

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