The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires 2)

Make up your mind, Claire said. Her voice sounded low and kind of cool, actually. Maybe it was easier doing this here in public, where she felt more comfortable. Or maybe she was actually getting used to facing down Monica. Are we g*y, or did she sleep with her brother? Cause you know, kind of not making much sense.

Monica actually blinked. Logic wasnt her strong suit, anyway. Claire could almost see the Dont confuse me with facts flicker across her brain. You laughing at me?

Yeah, Claire said. A little.

Monica smiled. A big, genuine smile. How about that? she said. Claires grown a pair. I guess having a badass Protector hanging over your shoulder must be a real comfort. She threw a glance at Eve. But it wont last. My family means something around here. You freaks are just temporary. Andsad.

She flipped her hair back over her shoulders, picked up her latte, and walked away. Guys heads turned as she passed, with Gina and Jennifer in a flying-V formation behind her.

Huh, Eve said as she wiped down the machines with maybe a little bit more force than was necessary. She doesnt usually back down that easily.

Maybe shes got class.

Eve snorted. Trust me, she said. That girls got no class at all.

How weird is it that we have our own personal cop limo service? Eve asked. She and Claire were standing on the sidewalk in front of the UC, and the campus looked mostly desertedit was seven clock, and the sky had darkened to a deep twilight. There were even a few premature stars out already. The sun had just gone down, and there was still a fiery orange and yellow glow on the western horizon. I mean, its not like I dont have a car. I can drive.

I dont think theyll keep it up, Claire offered. I mean, its just a special thing. Until they catchwhoever killed that girl.

Eve sighed and didnt answer. A blue car turned and cruised around the circular drive, pulling to a halt in front of them. Joe Hess was driving, and Travis Lowe got out and opened the back door with a dumb-looking overdone bow. It was kind of cute, actually. Claire climbed in and slid over, and Eve got in next to her.

Hello, girls, Hess said, and turned to look back at them. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he seemed like he hadnt slept at all. Thanks for the coffee.

Claire and Eve looked at each other. Sorry, Eve said. I always smell like coffee; its the perfume of the barista. I didnt actually bring any for you. But if you want, Ill go back and No way, Lowe said as he got into the shotgun seat. Dark already. Lets get you gals home. Joe and me, well grab some later.

Thank you, Claire said. For the ride.

Neither of the cops answered. Detective Hess drove the other half of the circle, turned out onto the campus main drag, and within two blocks was off campus and into the dark Morganville night. Most shops were tightly closed already. As they passed Common Grounds, Claire and Eve both looked. It was full, of course, an oasis of light in the dark, empty street. No sign of Oliver. No sign of Shanes dad, either, which made Claires conscience twinge hard. I need to tell Shane. Soon. She didnt see how blabbing it to Eve would help, except to make Eve even more worried. And from the pensive way Eve was staring out into the dark, there was enough of that going on already.

They were only one block from the house when a sleek black carwith tail fins, like a sharkpulled in front of them and, with shocking speed, turned sideways. Hess jammed on the brakes, and the sound of screeching tires was like a banshees wail. He didnt hit the other carquite. Claire thumped back against the vinyl upholstery, panting from shock, and exchanged a wide-eyed look with Eve.

In the front seat, Hess and Lowe were doing the same things. Only with a full helping of grim, and a side of tense.

Whats happening? Eve asked, and leaned forward. Detectives?

You stay here, Hess said, and popped his door. Trav. Stay with them.

Joe

Ill be fine. He got out, slammed the door, and walked toward the other car. A dark-tinted window rolled down, and in the glare of the headlights, Claire saw a dead-pale face she recognized.

Hans, she whispered. The vampire detective. She looked at Detective Lowe, and saw something strange; he had his gun out, held in his lap. And a cross in his left hand. Right? Its Hans.

You girls stay put, Lowe said. His eyes didnt move from the scene playing out in front of him. Just a routine check.

Claire didnt know much about police procedure, but she was pretty sure it wasnt routine for one cop to block another one off in the road, right? Not even here.

And it wasnt routine procedure for a detective to have his gun out, either.

Whatever conversation Hess was having, it wasnt making him happy. It was also short. He shook his head a couple of times and then finally nodded.

As he walked back to the car, Claire had a real bad feeling. His expression was too serious and too angry for it to be good news. Shane. Oh God, maybe its about Shanesomethings happened to Shane.

Hess opened the back doorClaires sideand leaned in. Girls, he said. Youre going to have to come with me.

The hell? Lowe barked. I thought we were taking them home.

Change of plans, Hess said. He was trying not to look angry, or worried, but Claire could still see it in his eyes. Youre wanted down town, girls. Ill come with you. Trav, I need you to take the car in.

The two men exchanged a long look, and then Lowe let out a slow breath. Right, he said. Sure. You look after them.

You know I will.

Claire got out of the car, feeling more exposed and vulnerable even than usual. Hess was right there, big and comforting, but stillshe saw Hanss eyes on her, and it made her feel cold.

His partner, Gretchen, got out of the passenger side and came around to open the back door. In, she snapped. Claire swallowed hard and moved forward, but Eve got there first, sliding inside and all the way across. Hess followed Claire. When Gretchen slammed the door, the three of them barely fit in the backseat.

You all keep your mouths shut until youre asked to speak, Hans said, and put the car in gear as Gretchen got back in. He turned the big car with a squeal of warm rubber and accelerated fast down the street.

They passed 716 Lot Street. All the lights were on, and the door was open, and someone was standing in the doorway, watching them roar by. It was too quick to tell whether it was Shane or Michael, but Claire hoped it was Shane.

She hoped that if something happened, she at least had gotten to see him before the end.

I thought we were going to the police station, Eve whispered as the car took some turns and wound through the confusing maze of streets.

Were not? Claire whispered back.

Passed it back there. I guess were going somewhere else. Eve sounded flat-out scared, and when Claire reached over, she found Eves hand was cold and shaking. They held on to each other as the car made more turns, and then slowed for some kind of barricade. Oh God. Were going to the square.