Shannon Drake-Vampire 03 by Deep Midnight

Author:Deep Midnight [Midnight, Deep]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-10-13T21:24:12+00:00

Jared and Cindy arrived, and the introductions went around the table again. Jordan admired Anna Maria’s social talents as she saw how quickly and easily they all fell into conversation. At times, she thought, Roberto Capo wasn’t quite following everything that was said, but Raphael paused now and then to make a quick explanation in Italian. Waiters arrived to fill their wineglasses and they all trooped to the buffet table. “My name was Astrella before I married,” Mary Winston told Jordan as they stood in the line. “I do adore Italian food. My next book is on Tuscan cuisine. Perhaps you’d review it for your newspapers?”

“I’d be delighted.”

“My publishing house is small,” Mary said with a sigh, “and your reviews are so popular in syndication, they’ve not dared send you anything yet. Thank you.”

“Thank you. I didn’t know I was so popular.”

“Oh, have you tried this dish yet? In English, it’s cuttlefish—”

“Thanks. I have tried it,” Jordan said. “I think I’ll have the swordfish.” As conversations took off at dinner, Jordan was grateful to be next to Roberto Capo.

She spoke to him quietly. “I heard they found a severed head.” Roberto looked distressed. “You must not worry—”

“I’m not worrying.”

“You ... you think that you were right? That at the contessa’s ...”

“I’m not saying that. It’s just curious. Have they found out who the head belonged to?

Have they—” She broke off. He was looking at her, frowning. She realized that she was speaking too quickly.

But Raphael had heard her. He translated quietly, glancing at the others at the table, aware that Jordan wouldn’t want Jared to know what they were talking about.

Roberto shook his head and replied in Italian to Raphael.

“The head is still with forensics. They haven’t found the rest of the body, and they have no missing persons report with which to make a comparison. They will do an artist’s reconstruction and send the picture around Europe.”

Jordan was disappointed; she hadn’t learned anything new.

“I understand your concern,” Roberto said.

Jordan nodded. Jared was glancing her way suspiciously. As he turned his head she noticed that his features appeared lean and sharp. Maybe she had caused Jared a lot more trouble than she was willing to admit. Maybe that explained Cindy’s pallor and fatigue.

Still, she hadn’t been wrong. Either the contessa had hosted a group of murderous monsters, or her sense of humor and entertainment were warped beyond measure.

Dessert and coffee were served, and more activities for the guests were announced. On the ground floor, a rock band would be playing, while there would be ballroom dancing on the second floor. Tarot card readings were in the entry to the second floor ballroom. Palm readers would be there as well. Jugglers and magicians would travel to both levels. More coffee, sweets, and after-dinner liqueurs would be available at all the banquet tables. The

‘Pleasure Palace,’ for those who dared, would be in the back room of the second level.

“Shall we dance?” Raphael inquired immediately.

“I’ve never been asked by such a charming belle,” Jordan assured him.

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