Read Online 2 Sean Hayden by Sean Hayden - Free Book Online

wouldn't know anything about the attempts on his life would you?"
    "No, I don't. I know a vampire used a gun that shoots the silver stakes, because I saw him on the rooftop of the building next to the hotel, but I became so engrossed in watching you I didn't look for him until later. He fled, taking everything with him, so to answer your question, no, il mio piccolo tesoro. "
    "Thank you," I said politely.
    Vetters had been right. It seemed a vampire, or vampires, wanted Greer dead. I just needed to figure out why. I tried every plausible avenue I could come up with mentally and rejected each one. "Who would want to kill a vampire governor? We know it wasn't a human, so we can rule out any extremists who didn't vote for him. A vampire took the shot. A vampire wants him dead."
    Thompson looked at me while I pondered out loud. "But why kill another vampire? Maybe it's not because he's governor," he added to my train of thought.
    "Maybe it's because he's the master of Sacramento?" I tossed out there.
    "I'm not the master of Sacramento. I'm the master of San Francisco," Greer spoke up.
    Thompson looked at me and me at him. It couldn't be that simple. I knew from my studies that vampires were highly territorial, to say the least. If this boiled down to a turf war I would be pissed. Either way, we had our first lead.
    "Who is the master of Sacramento, Governor?"
    "Ramon Santiago," he supplied.
    "How does he feel about you being in his territory?" Thompson continued the questioning.
    "He's not happy about it, but he understands the necessity. We have a meeting scheduled next week. I offered to give him some sort of compensation for my being here. That seemed to make him happy."
    "Maybe not happy enough, Governor. Where can I find him?"
    "I can take you to him," Strozzini said, moving closer to where I stood. I really didn't want to have to spend any time with him or be indebted to him in anyway, but what the hell.
    "Ashlyn, can I talk to you alone for a minute?"
    I looked at Thompson and nodded. I made my way to the door. Thompson beat me to it and opened it, giving me a scowl as I passed through. Once out in the hall, I spun to face him, but he walked past me to the stairwell. Apparently, he didn't want anybody to hear us. He stopped at the top of the landing and turned.
    "I want you to go with the governor; I'll go with Marcel and Strozzini," he said, leaving little room for argument. Of course I did anyway.
    "No." I shook my head.
    "This isn't open for discussion. You're going with Greer."
    "I would, if I weren't better suited to questioning the vampire suspect and you know it. Plus, I want to, actually let me rephrase that, I need to be there when Strozzini wants his explanation. I know my body better than anyone and if he has questions, I'm sure I can come up with answers."
    "Ashlyn, I want you to trust me on this."
    "Thompson, I need you to trust me on this." He paused to think about it, sighed, and nodded. I couldn't believe I won the argument. I was proud of myself, but didn't jump around like I wanted to. Instead, I closed the distance separating us and threw my arms around the mountain of man. "Thanks, old man," I said and released him before he became uncomfortable.

 
     
    Chapter 8
     
     
     
    Marcel, Strozzini, and I stood by as the helicopter lifted off the ground carrying Thompson and Greer off to San Diego. I didn't have a clue when they'd be back, but Thompson told me he'd call when they touched down. I just hope they stayed safe.
    "Are you ready?" I didn't know if my question was meant for the two vampires standing next to me or myself.
    They nodded and we walked to the Suburban. I pulled out the keys Thompson gave me and clicked the unlock button. The hazards flashed and I opened the driver's door. Climbing in, I needed to scoot the seat forward all the way. I cursed being short as I started the ignition.
    "We have time to talk before we get to Santiago. I want to hear your explanation," Strozzini muttered from