The Devil's Heart

And I do love you, my darling. As much in this world of mine, His world, as I did as a mortal.'

And the mist became a blanket that covered her with a gentleness, a love so pure, it could only come from above.

THIRTEEN

It was as if nothing evil had taken place, or was about to occur at Falcon House. The late breakfast was all smiles and cordiality, with everyone present speaking and smiling at Sam and Nydia, each group inviting them to sit and have breakfast with them.

Sam and Nydia declined each offer, electing to sit at a table by themselves, after serving themselves at the buffet line. Roma appeared at their table, assuring them the food was not drugged, and would not be again. Up until midnight Thursday. She added the disclaimer with a slight smile.

'Your friends will join you momentarily,' the beautiful witch said. 'And be assured, they are all right.'

'The young girls who came with the new group?' Nydia asked.

'Alive and well,' her mother assured her.

'Where are they?'

'In a safe place.'

'Why aren't they allowed to dine with us?' The daughter held on to the subject like a bulldog.

'Why … they might decide to run away, hurting themselves in the process. They might run off into the woods, and get lost.'

'Better that than what you have planned for them, Mother.'

The two women stared daggers at each other.

'Drop the other shoe, Roma,' Sam said, chewing slowly, reflectively, a thought just popping into his mind.

Roma helped herself to a piece of her daughter's toast, nibbling at it. 'Why, whatever do you mean, Sam?'

'You know perfectly well what I mean. But it won't work, Roma. I won't come over to your side because of the kids.'

'I see,' she said, her smile suddenly very evil. 'Oh … wait until you hear them screaming, Sam, dear, then make up your mind.'

'You said no violence, Roma,' he reminded her.

'No physical violence directed against either of you,' Roma corrected. 'And has anyone been ugly toward either of you this morning?'

'It won't work, Roma.'

'I think I'll give one to Karl this evening.' The evil smile became more malevolent. 'Yes … Janet, I believe. The youngest one. Twelve, I believe she is. What a tight, tender cunt she must have. Oh, my … how she will wail.'

Sam looked at her, the loathing for her blistering through his eyes. 'And if I choose to interfere?'

'Why, darling … then we must defend ourselves. It would be only right and proper according to the rules. After all, we would not be assaulting you, would we?'

'You just have to be, Roma, the most despicable bitch I have ever encountered.'

She patted his hand. 'Of course, I am, darling. And I am so looking forward to you making love to me.'

'Never!'

'Never say never, darling.' She patted his cheek and laughed as he slapped her fingers away. 'Ta-ta, ciao, and all that, dears.'

She walked away, a regal bearing to her stride. She stopped at each table, chatting for a few seconds with each Coven member.

'She acts like this is some sort of fucking social gathering,' Sam said.

Lana, Linda, and Judy appeared in the archway to the dining area. Black and Susan just behind them. 'Judy looks very pale,' Nydia observed.

'Take a look at her neck when she sits down,' Sam said, the words popping from his mouth. As before, he wondered where they came from. Then he said, 'Your mother is a vampire.'

Nydia dropped her fork on the plate. 'Don't ask me how I know, Nydia. I just do.'

'Then Black … ?'

'Must be the same. Falcon, too.' And the vision came to him, numbing him: the events of the black mass replaying vividly in his mind. 'That's what she was doing kneeling by Howard, hidden by the stones. Remember what I said to her in the room: Howard was one of them, now?'

'My mother drinks … blood!'

'Gross, isn't it.'

'I don't believe it, Sam. I … just can't. That kind of thing … I mean …' She shoved her half-eaten breakfast from her. 'Who is telling you these things, Sam?'

'The same person … thing … whatever, whose voice I heard earlier. The one I told you about. The message about the period of testing.'