Read Online Vintage Soul by David Niall Wilson - Free Book Online Page B

you little justice.”
    â€œYou brought me here to admire me?” she asked, turning toward him, but making no move to approach.   “Surely it would have been easier to contact my husband and arrange to meet.   He is a very social creature.”
    â€œAnd not,” the man countered, “overly bright.   He should check his guest lists more carefully.”
    â€œYou weren’t on that list,” she replied with certainty.
    â€œNo,” he admitted with a slow smile, “I was not.   However, appearances can be deceiving.   Your lover’s security was quite good – the best in the business, I’m told, but they were not looking for your guests, were they?   They were looking for something, or someone, unexpected.”
    Vanessa remained silent.
    â€œNo guesses?   Well, I’ll tell you then.   That old friend of yours, Margot, is that her name?   She took a new lover recently.   But of course, you knew that – the two of them were invited to the party.   He wasn’t long ‘in the blood,’ but he was certainly good for her ego.   I believe that’s how she put it, anyway.   It was a shame to end his existence so soon – so early in his second life.   Less than a hundred years since his death, and now he’s gone.   Margot never knew the difference.
    â€œIt’s not an easy charm, but for a certain amount of time, while a spirit lingers between worlds, their shape, identity, even personality can be stolen.   Did you know that?   Kline must have known it, but for some reason, he didn’t check.   I admit that he disappointed me.   It was arrogant of him to attempt the security for your party by himself, and even more foolish to assume that your guests were beyond reproach.   I wonder if Margot has found the remains, or if she’s had the courage to tell Johndrow about it.   Do you think he’ll kill her?”
    The man raised a long, slender eyebrow and glanced at Vanessa with what appeared to be real interest.   The conversational tone of his voice chilled her more than his words.   He was supremely confident, and if remorse was part of his makeup, he had hidden it well.
    â€œHe will kill you,” she said softly.   “The elders will not stand for this.   You may have gotten past Kline, and you may have sent one of the young ones to his final death, but you will not find Preston so simple to brush aside.”
    The man actually laughed at this.   His voice tinkled like broken glass; it was empty of mirth and dripped contempt.
    â€œDo you really think so?” he asked.   The sarcasm in his tone sounded brittle, like his laughter.   Vanessa didn’t want to know what would show through if it shattered.
    The man glanced over his shoulder, and then scanned the room, feigning nervous fright.   “Do you think they’re onto me yet?   I’d better go and check my security.   Maybe…” He hesitated, dropped his charade, and fixed her with an icy stare, “I should call Kline’s people.”
    Vanessa held herself in check.   Anger nearly drove thought from her mind, but he was still out of reach.   Then, as if reading her mind, or answering her silent request, he stepped forward.
    â€œWho are you?” she asked.   Her voice was low, and she fought to keep the anger out of her tone.
    â€œThat’s not really important,” he said. “You won’t be around to learn what it means, I’m afraid.   I have plans for you, my dear, and I’m afraid they don’t include further longevity, at least not for yourself.”
    He had taken three slow steps toward her as he spoke.   His movements were slow and languid.   Vanessa didn’t know if he was stupid, or if his arrogance was justified, but she knew that she would have to find out.   He might not give her a second chance.   Cocking