If he wanted that voracious bitch Cricket as a cocktail, he’d have to do without the main course.

seven

Blood the One You’re With

I took the airport shuttle back to my loft and shuffled in my handbag for my keys. The key chain had come unlatched. I dumped my entire bag out on the front steps as I searched for my house key, before I remembered that my bag had fallen over at Wil’s.

Luckily I kept an extra set of keys with my neighbor, who let me in the building. I had a refreshing blood spritzer as I put away my things. Then I drove to My Dive. It was only five o’clock, and the box office girls unlocked the front door for me.

“Helloooo!” I called into the empty club.

I heard a yelp and then scampering as Rosemary came from the back hall. He wagged his tail and I sat on the floor and rubbed his brown coat.

Mercedes came out a minute later and watched our reunion with a smile.

“Hola, muchacha,” I said. I gave her a big abrazo and said, “I’d jump around, too, but things on me bounce too much.”

“Thanks for not licking my face either. Rosemary thinks it’s a great way to wake me up. How was your trip?”

“Fantastic. I nekkid blood wrestled some sexy chick in a vampire club.”

“I thought you’d be going to plays and museums.”

“I did that, too. I wasn’t completely nekkid. I was wearing a bathing suit and it was fake blood, but the effect was riveting. I got the writing job, too. As usual with Don Pedro, I can’t talk about it, but I demanded and got mucho dinero.”

“That’s good. I was afraid you’d try to incite someone to try to kill you just for another settlement.”

“No such luck, although I almost got hit by a car when I was waltzing in the middle of a street one night.”

“I hope you’re exaggerating. Did you meet Wilcox Spiggot?”

“Yes, and he’s fabulous and we had a torrid affair.”

“Don’t tell me anymore,” she said. “You know I have to deal with Ian, and it’s upsetting for me even if it’s just dramatics for you.”

“Cariña, I need to share with someone, and I was your friend before he was your partner, so I have seniority.” I put my arm around her and leaned my head on her shoulder. “I brought you expensive Scottish tea and jam. I also have the demos of totally bitchin’ bands, and they’re interested in playing here.”

We went to her office and I recited my travelogue. Mercedes shut her eyes during some of the more graphic details.

“And in conclusion,” I said, “Wilcox is not only sexy and delightful, but Wilcox is also a deep thinker and open-minded.”