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sharp intakes of breath.
    ‘You can’t do that.’
    ‘The law states clearly that anyone recruited to be a vampire must do so independently and of their own free will.’ He smiles benignly at Michael and gives him a brief bow. ‘My Lord, did you approach Ms Blackman to join you?’
    I don’t think I’ve ever seen Michael look so angry. The skin around his mouth is white and his shoulders are hunched. ‘You need to get the hell out of my house,’ he growls.
    ‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ D’Argneau says. ‘You placed undue pressure on Ms Blackman to be recruited. Not only that, but you implied that she would not have to be a bloodguzzler.’ He allows himself a small smile. ‘Pardon me. A vampire. You made it quite clear that she could be Sanguine. A term, I believe, for someone who possesses some vampire characteristics but who has not completed the turning process and is more human than vampire. Ms Blackman is not Sanguine, is she?’
    Michael doesn’t answer. I get the impression that he’s barely holding himself back from snapping D’Argneau’s neck right here in front of everyone. I’m confused as to why his anger is directed at the lawyer. After all, I’m the one who asked him here. I’m the one who’s going to break the Family law and leave.
    D’Argneau continues. ‘In which case, Ms Blackman’s contract is null and void.’
    Everyone is so quiet, I swear I can hear Michael’s teeth grinding. He turns to me. ‘What is this about, Bo? That bloody feather?’
    I shake my head. ‘No.’ I step up to him until he’s so close I can inhale his masculine scent. ‘It’s about me,’ I say quietly. ‘These walls are closing in on me. I can’t do this. Not for the time it’ll take to become used to the sun.’ I look down for a moment, take a deep breath and raise my eyes. ‘I know you’ve tried to help me. You’ve done far more for me than anyone could have expected. But you’re right. You can’t break the rules for me. It’s not fair on anyone else. And I can’t stay here like a prisoner. It’s not just the trauma from what happened before. If I stay, this Jekyll and Hyde stuff I’ve been pulling isn’t going to get any better. I didn’t choose this life, Michael. What happened just now in your office…’
    ‘Was nothing to do with being a vampire or being here.’
    ‘I know,’ I answer quietly. ‘But being here makes it worse. If there was any other way…’ My voice trails off.
    ‘I understand,’ interrupts D’Argneau, ‘that the circumstances surrounding Ms Blackman’s recruitment were unique. In every situation, your recruits‒and those recruits from the other Families‒ make the initial approach. Therefore for them, there is no case to answer. That means there will be no repercussions from this for any other vampires. And there should be no repercussions for Ms Blackman.’
    ‘You’re still a vampire,’ Michael says to me, ignoring D’Argneau. ‘Nothing’s changed.’
    ‘I know.’
    ‘You still need to drink.’
    ‘I know.’
    ‘Bo, you won’t manage this on your own.’ His face is a mask; I can’t tell whether he’s angry or worried.
    Instinctively I reach a hand up to touch his cheek, think better of it and withdraw before I connect. ‘I will.’ I look at the door then glance back at Michael. ‘I really am sorry.’
    Then D’Argneau and I walk out.
     

Chapter Five: Crime Scene
     
    When I wake up, I’m completely disorientated. I can’t remember where, or even who, I am for a few seconds. My disturbed dreams keep playing out in some nightmarish loop. That’s another thing Arzo was right about: I need professional help if I’m going to prove I can do this on my own. I sit up, running my hands through my hair and doing my best to ignore their visible tremor. Then I check my reflection in the rear view mirror and grimace. Even if vampires aren’t really undead, I certainly look like I am. I pinch my cheeks to get some colour into them but all