Page 85 (1/2)

Relieved to have the subject switched from Natalie, he said, "No, not really"

"GioI’ve known Katya for years She’s calculating, but fair One of hter’s children lives near Portland Very happy there"

It shouldn’t surprise him that Carwyn knew the vampire leader of the Pacific Northwest At over a thousand years old, the immortal knew practically everyone, at least in the Western Hehter’s child Does she work for Katya?"

"No no Well out of politics She owns vineyards Excellent wineood occupation, in ood to hear froave a more balanced impression of what it was like to live in a certain immortal’s territory "And not much intrusion?" Some vampire leaders could be nosy about the others who lived on their land Ernesto was not, and Baojia irate under too much scrutiny

"Practically none Quite a hands-off kind of leader from what I can tell She keeps to herself Has a very close circle of confidants--not unlike your sire--but mostly leaves others alone I’ve only met her socially, and she seems lovely Been mated to a Dutch water vampire for years Can’t remember his name…"

Baojia took it all in What would it be like to live somewhere he could make his oay? Where there would be no expectation of loyalty because of blood? He could be… an employee Or simply a resident The idea appealed to him He would need some occupation to keep busy, but perhaps a real job in security consulting would be entertaining Perhaps he could even lure Luis away from Ernesto The human had been an excellent assistant And any of the major cities would have newspapers where Natalie could work Yes, an introduction to Katya would be worth asking the Italian for a favor

"Thinking about taking Natalie with you?"

"She can’t remain in Southern California She’s not safe here"

Carwyn chuckled >Carwynkletalie Does she know that?"

"I think she’s figuring it out"

"Best of luck I have faith you’ll work everything out After all, if Brigid and I can learn to live with each other, then you two should be able to e You seem quite well-suited"

Baojia tried not to squirm It wouldn’t do for the other immortal to see how uncos for Natalie were clear in his own ed with him She had even said she loved him But it was no one’s business but their own He tried to change the subject

"This priest, Father Andrade, his church is located very near the clubs and bars in Ensenada Many of the girls who come to the city from the country don’t do well He and his church help , he is likely to have noticed I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s aware of what’s going on, or at least suspicious"