Richard stood, his hands behind his back as he paced in front of her, just like he might in a courtroom. "First, Aglaophonos-"
"Call me Aggie. My real name is such a mouthful. Now that I"m mortal, I want to be called just Aggie. I need to pick a last name too. Still thinking about that."
"All right, Aggie. Here"s the bottom line. You don"t have any rights here. This isn"t an American court of law. This is the vampire council. You can"t plead the Fifth. Second, if Ian knows this information you"re withholding and it helps his case, he"s going to tell it anyway. Best if it came from you."
"Well, h.e.l.l." She nibbled on her thumbnail, a bad habit she"d started recently. "This doesn"t seem fair, just vamps deciding things. Where"s the jury of my peers?"
Richard shook his head. "Correct me if I"m wrong but didn"t you ask for this hearing?"
Aggie sighed. "Yes. I thought...Never mind. Here"s what happened. I used my song to make him love me." She stared down at her lap. She went on, telling of a temper fit by Ian, her fear when he found out the truth. Big dramatic story. She wiped tears. I should have loaned her my waterproof mascara.
Then she segued into the blood slave thing, big emphasis on the forced feeding and no cheekbones. Finally she ended with a flourish. "And he said, "At least you have blood I like. I"ll keep you until I get tired of you. Then I"ll just drain you dry!"" She bent her head and covered her face with both hands.
"Very affecting. Tell it just like that." Richard nodded to me. "The tears are a nice touch."
"Richard! Come on. You"re supposed to be on her side." I patted her back, sure that last line was pure fabrication. Ian was more likely to toss her out on the streets to starve when he tired of her.
Aggie looked up. "You don"t believe me?"
"Oh, I"m sure that"s probably your version of what happened. The problem is no one up there is going to like a Siren, Aggie. And the fact that you tricked Ian isn"t going to play well." He frowned. "Glory, what happened when you got involved?"
"I saw Ian before and after he was under her spell. As soon as Aggie was made mortal it became obvious the spell had worn off. He got interested in her blood. Just like we all do when a mortal is around. He"d lost that loving feeling." I gestured at Aggie. "I agree that what she did was despicable." I ignored the noise she made when I said that. "But then he held her prisoner. She had to sneak out of his place, past his guards, and hitchhike to town."
Ian nodded. "I can use that. Then I a.s.sume he came after her."
"Yes, practically knocked Glory"s door down. Was going to drag me back whether I wanted to go or not." Aggie had the indignant act down pat. "Coercion!" She held up a finger.
"Why didn"t he take you back? He"s certainly powerful enough to overcome a mere mortal."
Aggie smiled. "Ian"s afraid of Glory. She has mad skills." She patted my knee. "Like I used to have." Oh here came the waterworks again. "She gave me sanctuary. Such a wonderful friend." She threw her arms around me, soaking my good black dress with her tears.
"Dry up, Aggie." I peeled her off of me. "You chose to leave the Sirens and give up those powers. But she"s right. Ian figured she owed him some donor time for deceiving him." I dug a handful of tissues out of my purse and thrust them at Aggie. She blew her nose and wiped her cheeks.
"Arrogant b.a.s.t.a.r.d. It"s like I was an ent.i.tlement!" Finger up again. Where was she getting these words?
"Aggie, did he take your blood every night? Leave you weak? Force you to do other things? s.e.x, for example?" Richard had a tablet computer like Ian"s and made notes.
"I wasn"t weak because he practically force-fed me. Mesmerized me when I tried to go on a hunger strike. More coercion." She gestured down her body. "Made me fat against my will. It was all about my blood for him. The minute he found out I"d tricked him into loving me, he-he wouldn"t touch me again. Like that."
"No rape then." Richard just kept writing. Obviously this kind of intimate detail didn"t bother him.
"No. I wish..." She looked up. "Instead he"d look into my eyes, use that d.a.m.ned mind control and I"d be helpless, just sit there while he drank my blood. He"d use my wrist. I could have been a stranger." She wiped her eyes. I was going to have to steer her to the bathroom with a makeup bag before the hearing. She looked a mess.
"So what are you after here?" Richard set the tablet aside.
"I want him to suffer. He held me prisoner. He should pay for that. For my pain and suffering. I need money, Richard. He"s rich. Have you seen where he lives? The cars in his garage? He can afford to throw a few million my way and never miss it." Aggie jumped up and grabbed Richard"s arm. "He said many times that he"d turn me vampire. Then he didn"t. That"s breach of promise."
I knew she"d gotten that straight from Judge Judy.
"The council won"t go for that. They have a rule-"
"d.a.m.n their rule!" She took a deep breath. "I heard him say that many times. He laughed at the council and their rules. Use that against him. He was really going to do it. Turn me. But then he got mad and refused. I never would have left the Sirens if I"d known I"d be stuck as a mortal." She batted her eyes at Richard. The effect wasn"t what she hoped since her black mascara decorated her cheeks in splotches. "Can you imagine? I lost everything because he"d promised me my immortality back. Now I"m dying every day."
"You made the choice." Richard removed her hand from his sleeve. "I"m just telling you what you"ll hear from the council. Now, Aggie, when we get up there, follow my lead. Try not to let Ian goad you. It will only make the council turn against you. Honestly? You don"t have a very good case." He looked at me like "what have you gotten me into?"
"Aggie, here, take my makeup bag and hit the bathroom. There"s one by the front door. You look terrible."
"Gee, thanks, Glory." She made a face but took the bag and walked off.
"I"m sorry, Richard. She set this up. I"ve had her living with me and I was desperate to get her out of there. Maybe with some income."
"I don"t know, Gloriana. It"ll be difficult. The one thing we"ve got going for us is that n.o.body here likes Ian either. Are you willing to testify?"
"Sure. If you think it will help."
He glanced out the window. "I"m not sure anything will. Just stand by. Here comes Florence. You knew she wouldn"t miss this, didn"t you?"
"Will they let her watch the proceedings?" Flo waved and I saw her walk around to where I knew there were gla.s.s doors into the house.
"These hearings are usually closed to spectators, but she"s Damian"s sister. She talked him into letting her sit in. She promised to stay quiet." Richard led the way out into the hall.
"Glory, what"s going on? Richard wouldn"t tell me anything. Attorney-client privilege. Pah!" Flo waved her hands. "This has got to be good. I heard him mention Aggie and Ian. You know I love gossip."
"Flo! Are you here for moral support?" Aggie grabbed Flo from behind and hugged her. She"d just washed her face, obviously going for the pale and pitiful look. "Remember how I stood up for you at your wedding? Just the best bridesmaid ever! And the wonderful bridal shower I threw for you. The water spouts, the high dives!" She leaned back, her eyes shining. "You can help me now. Testify. As a character witness."
"Your character? I remember other things you did not so nice." Flo sniffed the air. "What is this? You are mortal now. Disastro! Who did this to you?"
"I did it to myself. For love!" Aggie put her hand to her heart. There was nothing like watching two drama queens at work. Flo gasped and grabbed Aggie"s arm. Then the former Siren proceeded to tell Flo the whole tale with appropriate gestures. All of it ended up being in rapid Italian. I really needed to download that free translator app for my phone.
"Keep your voices down. You don"t want the council to hear all of this." Richard pulled them toward the staircase. "Remember what I said. Follow my lead, Aggie. Answer the questions. Don"t get carried away. Tears won"t sway them."
"Ricardo. We must help her. To be stuck in this dying body." Flo held on to Aggie. "My heart is breaking." She turned to her new buddy. "If you lose, there are people, rogue vampires, who will do anything for a price."
"My G.o.d, Florence. Am I going to have to send you home?" Richard stopped on the stairs.
"I don"t have any money. The Storm G.o.d took everything from me. I told Glory once that there was a Siren fortune. Turns out the treasurers in Olympus won"t give anyone who"s fallen from grace-that"s what they call it, Glory-a dime. I checked before I decided to take the plunge. Of course Ian"s rich so I didn"t think I"d have to worry." Aggie sighed then checked out Flo"s designer pantsuit. "Now look at me, wearing an outfit sc.r.a.ped together from Glory"s shop. G.o.d knows who wore this last."
Flo patted her hand. "I understand. It is hard. But if you want to win money, it is good to look pietosa." She frowned. "You look a little bigger than the last time I saw you. What size is that?"
Aggie jerked her hand away. "Never mind. Shouldn"t we get up there? Richard? I"ll say whatever it takes to get what"s due me." She stomped up the stairs. Her only pair of Manolos looked a little worse for wear even though she"d spent an hour trying to repair a gouge in one of the heels.
I followed the rest of them up the wide staircase. I could hear Aggie and Flo whispering together about black market vampires. If Flo offered to pay...
Richard stepped in. "That"s it. Not another word, you two. Or I walk. Understood?" He glared at his wife. "You will not be helping her in any way, shape or form."
"Now, Ricardo. If she loses a few pounds, I could let her shop in my closet. How about that?" Flo ran her fingers along the lapels of his gray suit.
"Fine. Now not another word. Go inside and sit in the back. Aggie, you"re with me. Gloriana, sit next to Florence. If I need you as a witness, I"ll call you." He opened a door at the top of the stairs. "Everyone just stay calm."
Aggie nodded. "You sound like Judge Judy. So...official. Will I get to go first? I"m the plaintiff, right?"
Richard sighed. "G.o.d save me from reality TV." He glanced at Flo. I knew she watched it too. "Yes, Ian is the defendant. Now hush."
We walked into the large room and saw a long table at the front. Damian sat in the center, facing us. He was flanked by two other male vampires. I knew them by sight, but not well. Two rows of gold and white chairs divided by an aisle down the middle faced the table. I could see Ian and two of his surfer type bodyguards sitting in the front row on the left side. Richard ushered Aggie to the right front, pointing to the back row for Flo and me.
"Shall we get started?" Damian said as soon as Richard stood in front of him, Aggie seated next to him. "Are you here representing Miss Aglaophonos, Mr. Mainwaring?"
"I am, Your Honor."
"Perhaps I should explain that we don"t take oaths here, Miss Aglaophonos. As vampires we expect to be able to read each other"s minds for the truth. If a witness chooses to block his or her thoughts, we take that as an admission of guilt." Damian was as serious as I"d ever seen him. "You, a mortal, of course are no challenge to us."
"Can we dispense with the formalities, Sabatini?" Ian stood. "I came here as a courtesy to the council. I like Austin and plan to stay. Why don"t you explain to me what this is all about?" He turned to Richard. "Mainwaring, what is she claiming now?"
Richard glanced at Damian, who nodded. "That you kept her prisoner and used her as a blood slave. She"s asking damages for pain and suffering."
Ian laughed until he had to sit down and wipe his eyes. "Pain and suffering?" He jumped to his feet so fast his chair toppled over. For the first time I noticed four guards at the door, obviously there to protect the council. They moved down the aisle.
Ian held up his hand. "Relax. I"m fine. But let me tell you what happened."
"Your Honor, I object. This is out of order. The plaintiff should testify-"
"Relax, Rich. Your client isn"t a vampire. We"ll hear from MacDonald first. Go ahead, sir." Damian nodded.
"Thank you. This creature, a Siren, tricked me. I was put under a spell, a victim of her Siren"s song." He pointed a finger at Aggie, his finger shaking. "It"s the kind of thing we all dread. To be made a fool of. But I"m a man with a weakness for a beautiful and willing woman and she was both. I would have said and done anything to have her. I was ensorcelled." He shook his head as if ashamed. The council members stared at Aggie, probably trying to see what she had that made her so irresistible.
Aggie lowered her head into her hands and sobbed. Richard kept a firm grip on her shoulder, probably to keep her in her seat.
"But her little trick backfired. She thought I"d turn her vampire so she asked to be released from the Siren harem." He curled his lip. "Yes, gentlemen, that"s what they call it. I should have paid attention to that."
"b.a.s.t.a.r.d!" Aggie struggled against Richard"s hold.
"Order!" Damian banged a gavel. "If you want a fair hearing, Miss Aglaophonos, you will control yourself. Counselor."
"Sorry, Your Honor." Richard pushed her down into her seat and whispered in her ear. We could still hear her furious hissing.
"She became mortal and her spell was broken. I saw her for the manipulative b.i.t.c.h she was." Ian held out his hands. "Of course I wasn"t going to turn her vampire. You have rules against that sort of thing. But I felt the least she owed me after such a humiliation was a few nights" feeding." He smiled, showing fang. "I"m sure any of you would have done the same."
"And what about this accusation that you held her prisoner?" This was from one of the other council members.
"Gentlemen, I have the latest in high-tech security around my home. As I"m sure all of you do. We are vulnerable during the daylight hours and I have valuable equipment and priceless art in my home as well. I brought witnesses here who can testify to the extent of that security." He gestured at his two companions. "And I have an affidavit here from the company where it was purchased." He pa.s.sed papers to Damian, who barely glanced at them.
"Go on." Damian and the other two council members were riveted.
"Honestly? Aggie never could have escaped from my estate if I hadn"t allowed it." He looked over at her and smiled. "I"d be happy to share the video of her "escape" if you"d like to see it." He reached down and pulled out a laptop. "But I have to warn you, the part where she climbs over my gate is X-rated. Miss Aglaophonos doesn"t wear underpants." He set the laptop in front of Damian, opened it and pushed a b.u.t.ton. The three men leaned in and watched.
"Do you usually have guards on your gate?" Damian had to clear his throat before he got that out. One of the other men pushed a b.u.t.ton. Obviously for a replay.
"Of course. I was tired of her complaining so I decided to see if she would take off if given the opportunity. I let her overhear me giving them the night off. She proved to be surprisingly enterprising." Ian looked back at me. "No surprise that she ran straight to another former Siren, Gloriana St. Clair."
"I think we"ve heard enough." Damian slammed the laptop shut when the man next to him started to replay the tape a third time. "We"re going into the next room to deliberate now."
"But, Your Honor, you haven"t allowed my client to speak. Or heard her side in this." Richard was on his feet.
"Do you really think that will be necessary, Counselor?" Damian stared at Aggie. "Do you deny you used your Siren"s song on Dr. MacDonald?"
"No." Aggie didn"t look up at him. She was probably afraid of his ability to use mind control.
"Did anyone try to stop you the night you escaped from Dr. MacDonald"s home?" Damian pa.s.sed the laptop back to Ian.
"No." Aggie spoke so quietly it took vampire hearing to pick up her answer.
"We"ll return with our findings shortly." Damian stood.
"Wait. He promised to turn me vampire. What about that?" Aggie struggled against Richard"s hold.
Damian shook his head. "He didn"t do it. That"s all we need to know." He led the other two men out through a side door.
"I can"t believe you." Aggie glared at Ian. "You let me hitchhike in the middle of the night. I could have been killed! Worse!"
Ian smiled. "Worse than being killed? What"s a fate worse than death? Oh, I suppose you mean some man might have taken advantage of you. Poor Aggie, stuck in a mortal body and no powers." He snarled. "Serves you right."
"That"s enough." Richard stood between them when Aggie came out of her chair. "I don"t suppose you feel like offering her a settlement. She gave up being a Siren for you. She did love you, Doctor."
"The woman doesn"t know the meaning of the word." Ian turned his back on her. "She made her bed, let her lie on it and earn her living that way. Her talents always were in that direction."
"I hate you! Yes, I started our affair with my song, but I was sure you had real feelings for me, Ian. How can you be so mean?" Aggie stared at his rigid back, tears streaming down her face.
He whirled around and glared at her. "You wouldn"t know a real feeling if it bit you on your a.s.s, which is a bigger target now, isn"t it?"
"Ack!" Aggie tried to claw her way past Richard. "You made me fat. This is all your fault!"
"Better shut up, Aggie. The council members are coming back in already. Not a good sign for you, my dear." Ian smiled and stood.
"Sit, please." Damian and the other two members settled into their chairs. "We have discussed this case and have come to a decision." He picked up a paper. "Miss Aglaophonos, we find that you were not held captive and are not owed damages. However, you are guilty of deceptive practices and have cruelly injured Dr. MacDonald. Because of this we are awarding him one hundred thousand dollars in damages. If you cannot pay this amount in cash, you will have to arrange a method of payment satisfactory to Dr. MacDonald. So ordered by this council. Court is adjourned." He banged his gavel, stood and walked around the table to shake Ian"s hand.
"Good luck. You are quite right. We cannot condone paranormals using their powers to entrap the vampire citizens of our town. I think this will send a message that we have zero tolerance in these matters." Damian didn"t smile. "But be careful promising women to turn them vampire, even if it"s just to get into their biancheria intima. We have zero tolerance for making new vampires too. Understand?"
"Of course. We are men of the world, you and I." Ian slapped Damian on the back and offered him a cigar. "Pillow talk is just that. I have made many promises I never intended to keep when my blood is running hot. Know what I mean?" They both laughed.
"I can"t believe this. My very own brother treating Aggie like she was a criminale. He will so hear from me." Flo and I were waiting in the back of the room for Richard and Aggie. The former Siren hadn"t moved yet. I wondered if she had fainted. Richard was arguing with the other council members but all he got were negative head shakes. They were more interested in sharing a cigar with Ian than in Aggie"s plight. Richard finally grabbed Aggie"s arm and almost dragged her down the aisle.
"Let"s get her out of here. This was a joke." Richard was furious.
"Aggie, are you all right?" I grabbed her other arm. She seemed barely able to walk.
"A hundred thousand dollars. Are they kidding me? Where am I going to get that kind of money?" Aggie looked dazed.
"It was a kangaroo court. Vampire all the way. You never stood a chance, Aggie." Richard hurried us down the stairs.