Blood Sisters_ Vampire Stories by Women - Paula Guran Page 0,76

permit Roger to enjoy his breakfast in peace.” He indicated the passage toward the main hall and waited for James to accompany him.

Once they were out of the kitchen, James said, “I don’t mean to sound stupid, but I thought Roger was …”

“A vampire?” Saint-Germain finished for him. “No.”

Apparently needing to explain himself, James went on. “It’s only that you seem to be so … used to each other.”

Saint-Germain turned toward the front reception room where tall windows gave a view of the rising mountains behind the promontory where Montalia sat. “I did not say that he is … unchanged, simply that he is not a vampire. Do sit down, if you wish, and be at ease. No,” Saint-Germain said, resuming his topic, “Roger is not like us, but he has died and recovered from it. You were right; we are old friends. We met some time ago in Rome.”

“If he’s died and … what is he?” James knew that he ought to be bothered by these revelations, or to admit he was in the company of madmen, but after his night with Mirelle, he could not bring himself to accuse Saint-Germain of anything.

“He is a ghoul,” Saint-Germain responded matter-of-factly. He saw James blink. “Don’t imagine him back there tearing that poor fowl’s carcass to bits with his teeth. There is no reason for it. He eats neatly because it is easier and more pleasant. The only restriction his state imposes on him is that the meat—for he only eats meat—be fresh-killed and raw.”

James shuddered and looked away. “I see.”

“I’m not certain of that,” Saint-Germain said quietly.

Eager to change the subject, James asked, “Why was he trying to look at Madame Kunst’s valise?”

“Because she guards it so zealously,” he answered at once. “I am curious about a woman who says that she avoided arrest by being out shopping when the rest of her family were taken, and yet carries a large valise. Did she take it shopping with her? Then for what was she shopping? If she picked it up later, why that bag, rather than another? She says that she has three changes of clothes. Good. But where did they come from? Did she buy a dress while shopping, and take it with her when she fled? Did she buy it later? If Roger says that the valise is heavy, then you may believe him. In that case, what is in it?”

“Maybe she went back to her house and grabbed the only valise she could find, stuffed clothes into it, and something of value, say, silver candlesticks, so that she could pay for her passage. She wants to go to Scotland, and I don’t know if it would be safe to pay for her trip in marks.” James turned the questions over in his mind as he answered, enjoying the process. “What if she got as far as Zurich, had to buy some clothes, but could only afford to buy a cheap valise? If she’d gone to the train …”

“And where did she get her travel permit?” Saint-Germain inquired evenly. “Whether she is going to Scotland or Poland, she would have to have the proper papers, or she would not be able to get a ticket, let alone come this far.”

“But if she didn’t come by train? If she had a car …” He thought this over. “She would require proper documents to get over the border, that’s true, and if her family was arrested, her name would probably be on a detain list.”

“Yes. And where does that leave Madame Kunst?” With a shake of his head, Saint-Germain drew up a chair. “You are a journalist, James, and you are used to examining persons and facts. If the occasion should arise, and you are able to draw out Madame Kunst, I would appreciate your evaluation. Don’t force the issue, of course, because I don’t want her alarmed. If she is truly nothing more than a refugee determined, for reasons best known to herself, to get to Scotland, it would be a shame to cause her any more anguish. If she is not that, it would be foolish to put her on her guard.”

“Are you always such a suspicious bastard?” James asked with increased respect.

“I am not suspicious at all. If I were, I should not have allowed her to come here. But I have seen enough treachery in my … life to wish to avoid it.” He studied the tall American. “You would do well to develop a similar