Zen and the Art of Vampires

'I think… yes, I think that's just what I mean,' I said slowly. 'Detective Jan told me Denise claimed she was on the tour because she wanted a perfect cover for being here without members of her religious group knowing she was checking up on them, and that as a tourist she could nose around without anyone thinking anything of it. But honestly, Magda, doesn't that seem a little thin to you?'

'Maybe,' she said, her nose wrinkling as she thought. 'I suppose so. But it could just as easily be true.'

'And then there's the lies she told at the ruins,' I said, blindly staring at the coffee cup. 'She was lying through her teeth, I know she was. And Frederic knew it as well—that's why he shot her.'

'I don't understand what you're trying to say. So she lied about why she killed Anniki. If she was nuts, maybe she believed her own little fantasy.'

'But she didn't. That's how I knew she wasn't telling the truth—she knew she was lying, and that's what I picked up on.'

'OK.' Magda shrugged and set down her empty cup. 'So she lied about why she killed Anniki. What does that prove? The only reason she'd lie like that is if she…' Magda's gaze jumped to mine.

I nodded. 'If she was covering up for someone else, someone for whom she was willing to be convicted of a murder she didn't commit.'

'Frederic?' she asked.

'I don't know. Possibly. I don't know if we'll ever really know the truth. Frederic evidently refuses to say anything, and so far as the police are concerned, it's all just part of a weird religious cult filled with wackos.'

'Well, I don't see that there's anything to worry about, then. Denise is dead.'

I said nothing. Magda hadn't been at Anniki's side when she lay dying in her own blood.

'Change of subject. Have you heard from either of your vampires?'

I made a face. 'They're not mine, and no. Alec left Iceland before the police were done talking to me.'

'That's a weaselly thing to do,' she pronounced.

I smiled, amused despite my glum mood. 'Evidently Kristoff did the same.'

'That's different. He's tortured and tormented and suddenly found himself in possession of a bodacious babe, and hasn't quite come to his senses yet.'

'You like him,' I said, suddenly realizing the truth.

'Yeah.' She grinned. 'He's got that bad-boy thing going for him that I love. And his voice—dear god. That Italian accent is so sexy it makes me want to rip off my clothes and throw myself on him.'

'He killed a man in front of me,' I reminded her, my smile fading.

'He saved your life,' she countered.

'He's a vampire.'

'And you're his soul mate. Cheer up, Eeyore. The vamps who wanted you dead a day ago have cleared your name. You got all the ghosts but one to heaven. You cleared out a nest of Brotherhood fanatics, and saw that Anniki had the justice you promised her.'

I fingered the moonstone hanging from the chain looped around my wrist.

'And there's one hell of a sexy man out there who I guarantee is thinking about you right this very minute. From where I stand, life is looking pretty good for you.'

I wondered if Kristoff was thinking about me. I hadn't seen Alec or him since I'd gone off with Christian to the police, and although I was tempted once or twice to try to mind talk to Kristoff, in the end, I hadn't. It was clear he was upset. I didn't need to make things worse.

'Speaking of ghosts, what are you going to do about this?' Magda touched the moonstone.

'Nothing. I did what Anniki asked of me, and now I'm finished. I'd turn the stone over to one of the Brotherhood people, but they're either in jail or the vampires have them, so I'll just hang on to it until I can find someone to take it off my hands.'

Her lips pursed. 'You're giving up being a Zorya altogether? Why? I mean, obviously you're not going to go around offing any vampires, but there is the other part of the job that I thought you liked—helping the dead people.'

'There are other Zoryas who can do that,' I said, fingering the stone. 'I did what I promised to do, and now I'm done. This brief but very odd chapter in my life is over.'

Which didn't explain why my heart felt like it was made of lead when I considered turning the moonstone over to the rightful authorities.

'I think it's a shame you're giving it up, but I suppose you are justified in not wanting to have anything more to do with the Brotherhood,' Madga admitted. 'I shudder to think what those vampires'll do to them.'

'Me, too.'

'Why don't you come to San Francisco? I'd love to have you stay with me for a bit. Eek! Is that the time? I was supposed to have my things packed an hour ago.' She leaped to her feet, her face concerned. 'You sure you're going to be OK?'

'I'm sure. My plane leaves tonight. Have a wonderful trip, and say hi to everyone for me.'

She accepted my hug, and gave me a little squeeze. 'I'll call you when I get back, OK? Don't think you're going to be rid of me so easily. I want to be there to say I told you so when Kristoff comes crawling back.'

I said nothing, just smiled and waved as she dashed out of the room. The sea beckoned me, blue light flashing deep in its depths, reminding me of the last look Kristoff had cast my way.

Perhaps there was hope after all.