The Eyes of The Sun: The Eyes of The Sun, #1

By Christina McMullen

New Orleans certainly has no shortage of vampire legends and Lucy Soriano was sure she had heard them all. But after a date with a handsome stranger takes a deadly turn, Lucy learns that the truth is more terrifying than fiction, and that the real monsters are not the creation of vivid imaginations, but evolutionary advantage. After surviving the attack that should have killed her, Lucy is recruited into an elite organization of vampire hunters and learns that vampires are not the only ones with evolution on their side. But despite her own mysterious genetics, Lucy is not a soldier and vampire hunting does not come naturally. Her dangerous improvisations are quickly called out by Andre Garnier, a hunter who makes no secret of the fact that he is opposed to Lucy's recruitment. Adding to her worries is The Eyes of The Sun, the oldest and most dangerous collective of vampires, who are once again gaining ground and have infiltrated the very organization that is trying to stop them. Now, Lucy and Andre are forced to work together. Not only to keep New Orleans safe, but to stay alive. Unfortunately, The Eyes of The Sun have an agenda that no one was expecting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christina McMullen
• Release date: Nov 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9798223562030

Christina McMullen

Christina McMullen is a science fiction and fantasy author who dreams of flying cars, electric sheep, and one day having the means to adopt all of the world's rescue dogs. When she isn't writing, Christina enjoys travel, vegan cooking, modern and classical art (she fancies herself to be a somewhat competent artist as well as author), and of course, reading. 

Book preview

Chapter 1

Lucy Soriano awoke to the realization that the nightmare about needles being driven into her scalp was not a dream, but in fact the very real and very sharp claws of a hungry kitten. She carefully extracted the gray ball of demonic fluff from her sleep-tangled curls and cursed. It was still dark outside and the clock beside her bed showed that it was just after five in the morning. With a sigh, she set Gumbo, the kitten who had been using her head as a scratching post, on the floor and rolled over, determined to get three additional hours of sleep before work.

Gumbo allowed Lucy just five more minutes before deciding that breakfast could not wait. Lucy sat up with a groan and stared at the wide-eyed portrait of innocence stretching shamelessly on her lap. Giving in, she gently rubbed the kitten between the ears for a moment before she stumbled to the kitchen, poured fresh kibble in Gumbo’s dish, and started a pot of strong coffee.

After showering, Lucy wrapped herself in an oversized bathrobe and took a large mug of the dark brew to her balcony, just as the sky began to shift from darkness to light. It occurred to her that this was something she had never done before. As far back as grade school, Lucy would stay in bed until the very last minute, barely leaving herself time to dress, let alone sit down and enjoy the sunrise. As she sipped her coffee, the morning fog lifted, transforming the grey nothingness into the magnificent maze of wrought iron and Spanish Colonial architecture that defined New Orleans’ French Quarter. She felt as though she was witnessing the creation of the universe. When the Mississippi materialized, a paradox of sun-dappled sparkles and muddy ripples, winding its way to the gulf, she gasped at the simple beauty of her world. The calm sense of belonging that suddenly washed over her was both wonderful and startling. It had been a very long time since Lucy felt as if she truly belonged anywhere.

Many years ago, Lucy had a wonderful home with her mother in a small San Francisco apartment. They didn’t have much in the way of luxuries, but her mother had taken a third shift waitressing job so that she could spend all of Lucy’s after school hours helping her with her homework or taking her on walks through the park in their neighborhood. On Friday nights, they would bake cookies and Lucy would be allowed to stay up late enough to kiss her mother goodbye before she left for work. But on the night before her tenth birthday, everything changed. Her mother was killed in a car accident on her way home from work.

Lucy’s closest living relative was her grandmother, Emma Soriano, who had just begun her first term as a United States senator, and did not have time to raise a grandchild. Lucy’s life became a whirlwind of nannies, boarding schools, and bodyguards. She was given not one, but two large rooms in her grandmother’s Virginia estate and found herself suddenly provided with all of the advantages of wealth and influence that had been absent in her previous life. She was grateful, of course, and thanked her grandmother by being a model student with good grades, who kept out of trouble despite the many temptations that came with class, privilege, and little adult supervision.

But for all that she had, Lucy missed her mother terribly. She missed the familial closeness that no amount of wealth could ever replace. Outside of holidays, Lucy spent little time with her grandmother. Almost everything she knew about the woman had been gleaned from the newspaper and television. By the time Emma was ready to retire and spend time with her granddaughter, Lucy was on her way to law school to follow in Emma’s illustrious footsteps.

She was in her final year of undergraduate studies, at Georgetown University, when her grandmother died. Finding herself suddenly without a family, aside from some distant cousins she hardly remembered, Lucy withdrew from school and returned to California, spending a large portion of her inheritance searching in vain for the father she had never known. It was the first time that Lucy had given any real thought to the absence of her father. It was a subject that her mother never spoke of and Lucy had been too young to give it any thought. Unfortunately, Emma’s relationship with her daughter had been strained at the time, so she too knew nothing of the circumstances under which her only child became pregnant and dropped out of Berkeley in her freshman year.

The private investigator found nothing solid, though through Lucy’s second cousin, Ellie, they learned that Lucy’s mother had fled to New Orleans shortly after graduating high school. With nothing more to go by, Lucy bought a bus ticket and a month’s stay at a shabby hotel in the city that was only just beginning to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She did not really expect to find her father, but she was curious nonetheless about the city where her parents likely met.

It was love at first sight. In New Orleans Lucy found an unexpected sense of belonging, that neither Washington nor San Francisco had held for her. Shy, with few friends growing up, Lucy was amazed at how easy it was to strike up a conversation with complete strangers over cups of coffee at the many cafés the city boasted. Though still alone, New Orleans had taken away much of the loneliness that Lucy had lived with for the last fifteen years of her life.

Despite the early hour, Lucy felt more energized than she had in a long time, so she decided to make the most of her morning by taking a long walk. She had been lucky to find employment and an apartment in the same building, but the convenience had made it easy for her to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. Coupled with the fact that she lived within spitting distance of dozens of fantastic restaurants, Lucy could not ignore the fact that in the six months she had been in New Orleans, she had gained ten pounds and none of her jeans fit right anymore.

With Gumbo tucked securely into the large front pocket of her shirt, Lucy set out along Decatur Street. She passed Jackson Square and several restaurants where she had stuffed herself on crawfish and oysters. She found herself at Canal Street, surprised that the walk had only taken a few minutes. She turned right and marveled at how different this part of the city, with its fast food restaurants and retail chain stores, was from her small corner of the universe.

When she reached Royal, she took another left so that she could walk past the antique shops and galleries on her way back. After a few blocks, her senses were assaulted by the familiar scent of sweet, deep fried temptation, which only served as a reminder that she had not yet had breakfast. Before her mind could catch up, Lucy’s feet had guided her into Café Beignet, where she ordered a café au lait and a plate of the eatery’s sugar-bombed namesakes, and pointedly ignored the nagging voice in her head that told her she was about to consume far more than the few calories she burned walking.

She took her order out to the courtyard and took one bite of her beignet before Gumbo, who had spent the entire walk napping in Lucy’s pocket, sensed something tastier than kibble, and leapt onto the plate, creating a cloud of powdered sugar. Lucy pushed both the plate and kitten away with a sigh.

I suppose that’s twice today that you saved me from myself.

Gumbo, whose fur now resembled a magistrate’s wig, sneezed adorably. Well, go on, demon spawn, Lucy grumbled, brushing sugar from her shirt, they’re all yours. Shaking her head, she sipped her coffee, pulled out her brand new phone, and began browsing the internet.

Excuse me, miss? There’s a cat eating your beignets.

Lucy glanced at Gumbo, who had put a sizable dent into one of the beignets. "No, she’s eating her beignets. I am on a kitten-mandated diet." She set down her phone, looked up at the young man, and blushed. He was gorgeous, with dark blonde hair and ice blue eyes, dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt that would not have been out of place on the cover of a fashion magazine. She, on the other hand, had frizzy hair and a smock style shirt dress that hadn’t been fashionable since before she was born, and was caked with a fine layer of sweat and sugar that made her feel like a squashed, day old doughnut.

Mr. Gorgeous smiled. I think she might be setting a speed eating record. And here I thought there might be a junior division of crazy cat ladies that I was unaware of.

Lucy relaxed slightly. Actually, I’m in a training program for future crazy cat ladies. I’ve only just begun, so I just have Gumbo here, but every year I’ll acquire another until the insanity comes naturally.

Gumbo?

Oh great, Lucy groaned inwardly, now he thinks I’m nuts and food obsessed. I found her with her head stuck in a jar of roux, two weeks ago, when I was taking the garbage out. The name just fit.

He regarded the kitten, which had finally stopped eating and was now attacking the sugar on her own fur. I suppose it does. He looked back at Lucy with an appraising glance. Do you go to school here? I haven’t seen you around before.

No, I work at Knights in Wild Satin, over on the other side of the Quarter. In fact... she checked the time. I should probably get going. My boss has a fairly casual dress code policy, but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t extend to sugar glaze. She stood, and dropped the slightly sticky kitten back into her pocket. It was nice meeting you...

Tim.

Tim. Lucy nodded rather than attempt to shake hands after picking up Gumbo. I’m Lucy. Well, maybe I’ll see you around.

I hope so, Lucy, Tim replied with a promising smile.

Lucy made a mental note to set her alarm for six the next morning and to leave Gumbo at home.

Bellona Knight, Lucy’s employer, was easily one of the most beautiful women Lucy had ever seen, and quite possibly one of the smallest, standing several inches below five feet. With waist length auburn hair, large green eyes, and an infectious smile, Bellona looked more like a fairy queen from a storybook than the up and coming fashion designer that she was. When Lucy arrived for work, after a second shower and change of clothes, she was greeted by the sound of Aretha Franklin singing about respect, and an unexpected revelation. Bellona Knight was the world’s worst dancer.

When she realized Lucy was watching her, Bellona twirled to an unsteady stop and broke into a sheepish grin.

Uh, Lona? Should I call 911? ‘Cause it sure looked like you were being electrocuted when I walked in.

Witch! Bellona flung a pencil at Lucy. Where’ve you been? I called you like, three times!

Really? Lucy frowned. I didn’t hear it ring and I’ve been up for a few hours. She rummaged in her purse, but the phone wasn’t there. Suddenly she remembered setting it down at the café. Oh crap, crap, crap! Dammit! I left it on the table at Café Beignet over an hour ago. I better call them and see if someone turned it in.

You’re kidding right? You waited in line for five hours to get that phone two days ago, it's gone.

Lucy knew Lona was right. The top of the line smart phone had sold out within minutes of its release and was already appearing on auction sites for over a grand.

Whatever, she sighed. I’ll report it stolen and reactivate my old crappy phone. So what’s up? Why were you calling me anyway?

Gee, I almost feel bad telling you my awesome news now, said Lona with an exaggerated pout.

No you don’t. Even though Lona was both Lucy’s boss and landlord, the two had become instant friends six months earlier when Lucy inquired about the help wanted sign in the window.

Okay, you’re right, I don’t. Take a look around, notice anything? Lona made a grand sweeping gesture about the room. Lucy’s eyes fell on two particularly empty racks near the front, which usually held historically inspired costuming that was popular around Halloween and with reenactment groups. Seeing the empty racks in late July was curious to say the least.

Wow, who bought all of that stuff?

Lona ran to the back office and returned waving a check for a large sum of money, paid out by a huge Hollywood production company.

Holy crap, Lona! Your stuff is going to be in a movie?

Yep! Lona nodded vigorously, bouncing on the balls of her feet. They’re filming here in New Orleans starting next month and the director wanted to use as much ‘local talent’ as possible. So not only do we get a fat check, but Knights in Wild Satin gets a credit to boot!

Damn, that’s some serious publicity! I’m so happy for you!

Well, don’t get too excited yet, we still have a lot of work to do. The wardrobe folks who came in today said they would probably need more once they start casting extras.

Extras, eh? Lucy rubbed her hands together in a perfect imitation of a scheming cartoon villain. Maybe you can put in a good word for your lovely assistant, whose illustrious theatrical career includes such diverse roles as a dancing toothbrush in the third grade and second flower from the left in kindergarten.

Cute. You totally should try out if they do an open call. But check this out. They told me they’d be doing most of the alterations themselves, but for some of the more complicated costumes they might send the actors here for measurements!

Are you trying to get a little inseam action behind my back?

Miles Bishop, Bellona’s fiancé, stood in the doorway. Lona didn’t have the decency to blush, so she winked instead.

What if I let you help with the hot actresses?

Miles lifted his fiancée off her feet and into a bear hug that swept her nearly a foot from the ground. While Miles wasn’t particularly tall, just a hair taller than Lucy’s five feet eight inches, Bellona was nearly a foot shorter. Like Lona, what Miles lacked in height, he more than made up for in looks. By contrast, his golden brown skin and Greek god physique made him the perfect Fae king to Lona’s queen.

One diva in my life is plenty.

Lucy pretended to gag. It’s getting thick in here. I guess you know all about the big news?

Let’s see... Miles pulled his phone out of his pocket. Three calls and about twenty text messages from my betrothed in the last hour. Why no, looks like a typical day to me! He winked. Seriously, this is major. Any idea what the film is about?

Bellona shook her head. Early nineteenth century costumes, filmed locally. I’ve got a meeting with the wardrobe department next week to see if they need any custom orders.

Lucy gave them a sarcastic look. Hmm... Period costuming, filmed locally, probably a vampire flick, aren’t they all? At least we can rule out zombies... I hope.

Miles raised his eyebrows. This from the girl who professes her favorite books to be Dracula and Frankenstein?

"A love of classics is not the same as teenage vampire mania, Lucy informed him sternly. Something about perfectly sane women falling in love with a five hundred year old corpse who drinks blood doesn’t really bring out the romantic in me. Besides, Lucy shrugged, I’m half vampire anyway. It’s a pretty boring existence."

Miles’ eyes narrowed. How could you be half vampire? he asked cautiously.

Lucy glanced at his serious expression and laughed. You look like you actually believe in vampires, Miles. I must be part vampire, I can’t go out in daylight without my sunglasses, and I burn after five minutes, even on cloudy days. How many other Italians have you seen with skin this pale?

Bellona studied her for a moment. Italians don’t have yellow eyes either.

My eyes are brown! Lucy protested.

Amber, Miles added. They are pretty light.

No lighter than yours, Lucy shot back. Miles had eyes of such a pale shade of gray that they were usually the first feature anyone noticed, which was saying something, considering that there was nothing unattractive about Miles.

Miles shrugged. It ain’t no secret my father is white. My grandmother reminds my mother of that every chance she gets. Didn’t stop her from moving in with them after Kat took out half her neighborhood though, did it?

Yeah well it ain’t no secret my father is MIA. For all I know he’s a purple alien. But your eyes are light for any race, so if I’m abnormal, you are too.

But this isn’t about me. Miles wagged a finger at Lucy. Vampire or not, how serious is your photo sensitivity?

Pretty bad, Lucy admitted. It’s been that way all my life. I just keep a pair of sunglasses with me at all times. My eye doctors said there was nothing wrong with them, but without my father’s history, they couldn’t tell me if I’ve got some sort of genetic problem. Lucy did not miss the veiled look that Miles and Lona shared, as if they knew something that she didn’t. Okay, what was that about?

Miles grinned at her. Nothing gets past you, does it? We’ve been doing some studies on the subject up at work. If you don’t mind, I’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Glassman. For all I know they’re already working on treatments. Miles worked for EJC, a research company that held patents on everything from weapons to medical equipment. Though she had not yet met him, Lucy knew that Dr. Glassman was Lona’s father. In fact, I’m headed to the office right now. I’ll set up an appointment for tomorrow if you like.

The bell over the door chimed before Lucy could reply. She peeked around the corner and was surprised to see Tim, the hottie from the café, standing at the counter. I got it. Lucy waved her hand at Lona, who was about to walk up front. You guys can get your grope-y goodbyes out of the way in private. She took a deep breath, too aware of the flush that was creeping over her. Well, hello again! Lucy said and tried to smile casually.

Tim smiled back, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out Lucy’s phone. You know, most girls would just give a guy their phone number, he said in a suggestive drawl.

Fred! Lucy grabbed the phone and kissed the screen before clasping it to her heart. I thought you were a goner! Thank you, Tim!

Tim gave her a lopsided smile. Fred?

Lucy blushed, realizing that for the third time in as many hours, she managed to say something completely off the wall in Tim's presence. Well um, I’ve always named my electronics since my grandmother wouldn’t let me have pets. Would it make it better if I told you I spelled Fred in ones and zeroes instead of letters?

I suppose. Tim shook his head, unsure what to make of her. I uh, happened to notice that the sign on the door says this place closes at six. Would you perhaps like to grab some coffee or something later? That is, if Fred won’t get jealous.

Lucy could not believe it. Tim was hot and he had a sense of humor, and apparently, he was asking her out on a date!

Um, yeah! That sounds great! Do you want to come back here or should I meet you somewhere?

Why don’t we meet down at Café Du Monde? That way I don’t look suspicious hanging around out front.

Alright. Lucy was well aware of the stupid grin that had been plastered on her face since the moment Tim showed up. It usually takes us about fifteen minutes to close up shop, so I’ll see you around six thirty-ish?

See you then. Tim gave her a wink and a sexy smile. Lucy leaned on the counter and stared at the door for several minutes until Lona tapped her on the shoulder.

And just who was that handsome little devil that was sizing you up?

Lucy let out a nervous giggle. His name is Tim. And I have a date!

And Fred’s back, Lona noted. I take it you met this Tim fella this morning?

Lucy nodded. I’m pretty shocked. I wasn’t exactly stunning when we met, and I figured he thought I was crazy.

You are crazy. Lona swatted her arm playfully. But that’s part of your charm. I’m happy for you.

Miles, who had been watching their exchange with a slight frown, added, Just be careful. You just met him and even now the streets aren’t entirely safe at night.

Of course, Lucy said with surprise. We’re meeting over at Café Du Monde, which is three blocks from here and always packed with people. It’s not like I asked him up to my apartment or anything.

I know Lucy, but you’re like a little sister to me, I can’t help but be concerned about you. But I mean it, stay in the neighborhood, at least for now.

No problem, Lucy reassured him. You know I’m not very adventurous.

Good, Miles told her before turning back to Lona and kissing her lightly on the cheek. I’m off to check in at the office and then I’m going to bed. Miles worked third shift, so he had just come off of work. I’ll let you know about that appointment, Lucy.

Sure thing! Lucy went back into the office to give Lona and Miles their privacy yet again. She was taken aback by Miles’ concern and declaration that she was like a sister. She had never been anyone’s sister for real or in the spiritual sense. Her life previously did not give her much room for making lasting friendships. She blinked, thinking herself foolish because she just might start crying.

What’s up Luce? Lona interrupted her thoughts.

Don’t laugh, she turned to Lona with glazed eyes, but that was a really nice thing for Miles to say and it kind of choked me up a bit.

Oh Lucy, Lona drew her into a warm hug. We’re both mad about you! It’s completely true. I know you don’t have any family here. Miles, well, he’s got good parents who love him, and me, but you heard him. His grandmother isn’t the only bigot in the family either. Most of them think that by marrying me he’s trying to breed the black out of his line completely. We can’t choose family, but we can choose who to love.

Lucy giggled nervously. Thanks Lona, I mean it. Sorry to go all mushy on you, but it means a lot that you two care.

Be as mushy as you want, Lona said and winked, but get moving! We’ve got a lot of empty space that needs filling.

Alright, Lucy put up her hands in defeat. Then you have to help me fix my hair. Did I mention I have a date?

Chapter 2

After rejecting everything in her closet at least twice, Lucy finally settled on a pale blue cotton shirt and a white peasant skirt that she felt would hide her newly acquired belly fat. Even so, she checked her reflection in every store window on the three-block walk to Café Du Monde. She spotted Tim immediately, lounging casually at one of the tables near the street. He stood up when she approached.

Hey there, how’s Fred?

Lucy patted her purse with a smile. Suffering from separation anxiety, it’s been almost five minutes since I’ve used him.

Should I feel honored that you agreed to our date?

Lucy’s stomach fluttered at the word date. I promise to give you my undivided attention. So, have you ordered anything yet?

No. I thought we would go have dinner then come back for coffee afterward, if you don’t mind.

Not at all. Lucy smiled warmly to cover her excitement about the prospect of spending more time with Tim. Where would you like to go?

Tim looked up and down the street. Do you mind a bit of a walk? There’s a really good Indian place up Canal, just outside the Quarter.

Lucy remembered Miles’ warning and hesitated, but the lure of Indian food, something she hadn’t had since she left Washington, was too much.

Sounds great, lead the way.

Tim’s idea of ‘just outside the Quarter’ was farther than Lucy would have ever ventured alone. Some of the areas they passed were more run down than any she had previously seen, but the sun hadn’t yet completely set and there were people out everywhere. Though after fifteen minutes of buckled sidewalks, Lucy had grown to regret the decision to wear strappy sandals, and prayed that she wasn’t visibly sweating.

The restaurant was off Canal, on a narrow street and didn’t look like much from the outside, but the food was heavenly. Lucy found conversing with Tim to be extremely easy, despite the fact that she nearly spilled her wine several times due to nerves. If he noticed her nervousness, Tim did not let on. When a chirping sound emitted from Lucy’s small handbag, indicating she had a text message, Tim took the opportunity to poke fun at her about her phone dependency once again.

Oh please! Lucy laughed. You act like you don’t even have a cell phone. Come on, what do you got? Don’t tell me, an iPhone? No, you look more like a Blackberry kind of guy.

Tim smiled and pulled an ancient Motorola from his back pocket, which drew a gasp from Lucy.

Oh wow! I think I’ve seen one of these at the Smithsonian!

Very funny. Tim put the phone away. It still works and besides, I’m a poor student, not a glamorous fashion designer.

Lucy nearly choked on her wine. Me? A fashion designer? Oh heavens no! I’m just a lowly shop assistant. My boss is the designer. I’m a college dropout.

Really? What were you studying?

Law, Lucy answered with a grimace. Not my choice, actually, which kind of explains the whole dropping out bit. How about you?

I’m pre-med at the moment, but I’m thinking of specializing in genetics.

Impressive. Lucy searched for something to say on the subject and drew a blank. Science was definitely not her forte.

Tim shrugged. Perhaps, if spending hours at a time sitting around a lab and babysitting cultures is your thing. Everyone I talk to outside of the department gets really bored when I bring up my projects.

I know the feeling. When I was in school I would annoy my friends every time I brought up some obscure law.

Are you planning to go back?

Eventually, Lucy said wistfully. As soon as I figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Figuring out what to do with your life is a pretty big decision. Tim set his empty wine glass on the table next to Lucy’s. However, figuring out where to go next is easy. So how long have you been in New Orleans, Lucy?

Lucy blushed. About six months, is it that obvious?

Well if your accent didn’t give you away, the way you were looking around like a tourist on the way up here was a dead giveaway. Have you ever been outside the Quarter before?

I hardly leave my own corner of the Quarter. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but this morning when you met me, that was the farthest I’d been from my apartment since I moved here.

No kidding! Tim looked scandalized. Right then, I think you’re going to need a guided tour. I happen to know the perfect guy for the job!

Oh? Lucy mocked. And who might that be?

Tim stood up and held his hand out to her. Why, me, of course!

As a native, Tim knew the city pretty well and pointed out places of interest that she would have otherwise walked past without knowing their history. Between cursing her aching feet and getting wrapped up in Tim’s stories, Lucy hadn’t paid any attention to where they had been walking, or that the streets had gotten progressively darker and the buildings were more run down than where they had come from. The only other person around was an elderly black man, who was playing a trombone on a doorstep across the street, and Lucy could have sworn he was the same man who had asked for a cigarette outside of the restaurant. In fact, she was pretty sure she had seen the same man sitting a few tables away at Café Du Monde. Despite the humid night, Lucy suddenly felt chilled.

Maybe we should be heading back, she suggested.

Sure, Tim said with a dismissive wave of his hand, but we have one more stop.

He gestured at the crumbling concrete wall that stretched a block ahead of them. I just thought, seeing as you live in tourist central, that you might want to see some of the more interesting places. Come on, just one more haunt and we’ll head back.

Lucy thought back to Miles and the warning he gave her. Tim was already walking a few paces ahead of her. She started to follow, but turned to glance at the man across the street. He stopped playing, and gave her a nod, just like the man in the café and outside the restaurant. So he was following them! Lucy wasn’t sure whether his presence disturbed or comforted her. She hurried to catch up with Tim, who had stopped at a broken gate that led into whatever the crumbling wall was hiding.

Come on. Tim grabbed her hand and Lucy froze.

This is St. Louis Number Two! She whispered.

Yep, come on, I want you to meet my relatives. Tim’s smile was taunting. Unless you’re afraid of ghosts.

Lucy didn’t budge. She had heard stories about the cemetery, but not ghost stories. Unlike St. Louis Number One, Two was a dangerous place to visit even during the day.

It ain’t ghosts I’m worried about. I’ve heard about people being mugged here and even some gang activity. We should leave.

No one’s here, Lucy. At least no one who would mess with me, come on.

Warning bells went off in Lucy’s head. While the date had gone pleasantly enough, and Tim was definitely attractive, Lucy wasn’t foolish enough to trust that his outward appearance couldn’t be hiding a darker, more unstable personality.

No. She stepped back away from the gate. I’m not going in there.

"Suit