Industrial Magic
Page 90
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Like my statue? I said. The not-so-cunning vampire swooping down on his not-so-unsuspecting prey.
I see your binding spell has improved. She looked at John and sighed. Let him go.
I released the spell. John fell on his face. Cassandra sighed again, louder. John scrambled to his feet and brushed off his pants.
She trapped me, he said.
No, I said. Your ego trapped you.
John adjusted his coat, then scowled at a line of grease across his white shirt.
This better come out, he said.
Hey, I didnt do that, I said. Thats what you get crawling around dumps like this.
I wasnt crawling. And I didnt duck out the back door. I
Enough, Cassandra said. Now, John
I prefer Hans.
And I prefer not to have to chase you through abandoned buildings, but it seems neither of us gets our wish tonight. I came to speak to you about
The Rampart. John rolled his eyes and slouched against the wall, then noticed his shirt creased and adjusted his slouch. Let me guess, youve been to see Saint Aaron. Such a waste of a gorgeous vampire. I could reform him, of course. He grinned, all teeth. Show him the error of his ways, or the way to delicious errors. Show him what that perfect body
Youre not g*y, John. Get over it. Now, I dont know what beef Aaron has with the Rampart, but I know nothing about it and I saw no cause for concern myself.
John straightened. Oh?
The matter I came to discuss involves the Cabals.
The Cabals? Johns brows knitted. What about the Cabals?
Thisshe flourished a hand at meis Paige Winterbourne. Youve met her mother.
Recognition sparked in Johns eyes, but he dowsed it and shrugged.
Cassandra continued, Of course, I dont expect you to remember a nonvampire, but Paiges mother was the Leader of the American Coven. Though Im sure you dont follow spell-caster gossip, Paige is involved with Lucas Cortez, Benicio Cortezs youngest son and heir.
From Johns expression none of this was news to him, but he gave no sign of it and let Cassandra continue.
Young Lucas has some ethical disputes with his fathers organization and is actively involved in anti-Cabal activities. Thats why Paige approached me. As a fellow council member, shes well aware of my strong anti-Cabal stance.
I nodded, though the thought of Cassandra taking a strong stance on anything had me struggling to keep a straight face.
Paige wanted me to join their little crusade, but Im hardly about to join forces with spell-casters. She then told me that you and yourassociates have formed your own anti-Cabal league. Naturally, Im intrigued, though I cannot understand why you wouldnt have approached me about this yourself.
Iwedidnt someone tell you? I asked Ronald
For now, Ill accept that excuse, though I wouldnt suggest you try it again. As for this campaign, I hear that youve been quite busy. Busy and successful.
John hesitated, then shrugged. Not surprising, really. Theyre such an easy target.
But this latest assault? Truly inspired.
Again, John hesitated, and I saw by his expression that he had no idea what Cassandra was talking about. He coughed to cover his confusion, then pressed on. Yes, well, it was a team effort. Months of planning. We were pleased with the results, though, and we hope to build on that success for our next effort.
Im sure you will.
Cassandra walked to the window and looked out, regrouping and plotting her next move. I left her to it. That fake phone call had tested the limits of my deceptive abilities.
John shot up the sleeves on his coat. Weve let these Cabals go on too long. It was an amusing exercise to watch, but theyve forgotten their place in the supernatural world. We should have taken a hand in the Cabals right from the start, demanded tribute, something to remind them whos in charge. Not that I blame you
Cassandra looked at John. He lifted his hands and stepped back.
Not at all. You were misled, like the rest of us. When they said they didnt want vampires joining up, we didnt care. Why should we? Vampires certainly arent going to punch time cards for spell-casters. We just didnt see where that would lead.
Where that would lead Cassandra murmured. Yes, of course. Im assuming youre referring to the recent problems weve had with the Cabals.
Sure. Right.
Cassandra glanced at me, my cue to play the clueless outsider.
What problems? I said.
Cassandra waved to John, as if to grant him the floor.
Well, the, uh, general problems they have with vampires. They know we could rise against them at any time. Too long weve lain dormant, complacent with our place in the world
Cassandra strode to the door and disappeared into the hall. John hurried after her.
Did you hear something? he asked.
No, Ive heard enough. Paige? Come on.
I followed her from the house.
I see your binding spell has improved. She looked at John and sighed. Let him go.
I released the spell. John fell on his face. Cassandra sighed again, louder. John scrambled to his feet and brushed off his pants.
She trapped me, he said.
No, I said. Your ego trapped you.
John adjusted his coat, then scowled at a line of grease across his white shirt.
This better come out, he said.
Hey, I didnt do that, I said. Thats what you get crawling around dumps like this.
I wasnt crawling. And I didnt duck out the back door. I
Enough, Cassandra said. Now, John
I prefer Hans.
And I prefer not to have to chase you through abandoned buildings, but it seems neither of us gets our wish tonight. I came to speak to you about
The Rampart. John rolled his eyes and slouched against the wall, then noticed his shirt creased and adjusted his slouch. Let me guess, youve been to see Saint Aaron. Such a waste of a gorgeous vampire. I could reform him, of course. He grinned, all teeth. Show him the error of his ways, or the way to delicious errors. Show him what that perfect body
Youre not g*y, John. Get over it. Now, I dont know what beef Aaron has with the Rampart, but I know nothing about it and I saw no cause for concern myself.
John straightened. Oh?
The matter I came to discuss involves the Cabals.
The Cabals? Johns brows knitted. What about the Cabals?
Thisshe flourished a hand at meis Paige Winterbourne. Youve met her mother.
Recognition sparked in Johns eyes, but he dowsed it and shrugged.
Cassandra continued, Of course, I dont expect you to remember a nonvampire, but Paiges mother was the Leader of the American Coven. Though Im sure you dont follow spell-caster gossip, Paige is involved with Lucas Cortez, Benicio Cortezs youngest son and heir.
From Johns expression none of this was news to him, but he gave no sign of it and let Cassandra continue.
Young Lucas has some ethical disputes with his fathers organization and is actively involved in anti-Cabal activities. Thats why Paige approached me. As a fellow council member, shes well aware of my strong anti-Cabal stance.
I nodded, though the thought of Cassandra taking a strong stance on anything had me struggling to keep a straight face.
Paige wanted me to join their little crusade, but Im hardly about to join forces with spell-casters. She then told me that you and yourassociates have formed your own anti-Cabal league. Naturally, Im intrigued, though I cannot understand why you wouldnt have approached me about this yourself.
Iwedidnt someone tell you? I asked Ronald
For now, Ill accept that excuse, though I wouldnt suggest you try it again. As for this campaign, I hear that youve been quite busy. Busy and successful.
John hesitated, then shrugged. Not surprising, really. Theyre such an easy target.
But this latest assault? Truly inspired.
Again, John hesitated, and I saw by his expression that he had no idea what Cassandra was talking about. He coughed to cover his confusion, then pressed on. Yes, well, it was a team effort. Months of planning. We were pleased with the results, though, and we hope to build on that success for our next effort.
Im sure you will.
Cassandra walked to the window and looked out, regrouping and plotting her next move. I left her to it. That fake phone call had tested the limits of my deceptive abilities.
John shot up the sleeves on his coat. Weve let these Cabals go on too long. It was an amusing exercise to watch, but theyve forgotten their place in the supernatural world. We should have taken a hand in the Cabals right from the start, demanded tribute, something to remind them whos in charge. Not that I blame you
Cassandra looked at John. He lifted his hands and stepped back.
Not at all. You were misled, like the rest of us. When they said they didnt want vampires joining up, we didnt care. Why should we? Vampires certainly arent going to punch time cards for spell-casters. We just didnt see where that would lead.
Where that would lead Cassandra murmured. Yes, of course. Im assuming youre referring to the recent problems weve had with the Cabals.
Sure. Right.
Cassandra glanced at me, my cue to play the clueless outsider.
What problems? I said.
Cassandra waved to John, as if to grant him the floor.
Well, the, uh, general problems they have with vampires. They know we could rise against them at any time. Too long weve lain dormant, complacent with our place in the world
Cassandra strode to the door and disappeared into the hall. John hurried after her.
Did you hear something? he asked.
No, Ive heard enough. Paige? Come on.
I followed her from the house.
