"What's he doing in there?” she said.
"The kid's feeding. I brought a few packs over, didn't know how hungry she'd be."
"Why wouldn't Duncan let me stay?"
"The girl's embarrassed. She's young, but a vamp her age should be taking from the vein by now. It's like a six year old still sucking on a bottle. It's not her fault, of course, but...” He shrugged.
"So what now?"
"We wait for Duncan to decide what happens next."
Cyn didn't like the sound of that. “I think Mirabelle will be deciding what's next, not Duncan. I didn't break her away from that creep so someone else—"
"Save it, Cyn. The kid needs help."
She had to admit that was true. And Duncan had certainly come through for her tonight, so she was willing to listen to what he had to say. That's not to say she'd do it, but she'd listen. “So you guys are back in Malibu? I thought you all headed for the mountains after that mess with Pushkin.” The late, and definitely unlamented, Pushkin was the vampire who had tried to overthrow Raphael, kidnapping his sister Alexandra to use as bait.
"We did. It didn't last long. The big guy hates the cold weather."
"Raphael's here too?"
Lonnie gave her a sly look, then laughed, but sobered immediately when Duncan emerged at the top of the stairs, descended and strode toward them across the hangar.
"How is she?” Cyn asked him.
"As well as can be expected,” he said briskly, his Southern drawl back to its usual distant memory. “She is weak and undernourished; her former master all but starved her in his efforts to keep her in thrall, and that was on top of abusing her physically for years. We had no idea.” He shook his head. “We knew he had turned her too young; we suspected coercion, but this..."
"Have you ever met Jabril Karim?” Cyn asked.
"Not in so many words, no. I've seen him, of course, at meetings. The lords rarely socialize beyond the formalities, and Jabril Karim even less so than the others."
"Well, I have. The guy's a total sleaze ball. He keeps a harem of blood slaves in his basement, and I wouldn't be surprised if they've buried a body or two on that estate."
Duncan stared at her in alarm. “Did he, that is, were you—"
"No,” Cyn said shortly. “It was close at one point, but no."
"Thank God for that at least. We were worried when we couldn't reach you. You didn't answer my messages, and Raphael...” He stopped abruptly and sighed, rubbing his face with one hand. “Did you listen to any of my messages, Cynthia?"
"I told you—"
"Yes, I know, but did you listen to the messages?"
Cyn frowned and looked away, unable to meet his honest gaze. “No."
"No,” he repeated.
"I'm sorry, okay?"
He watched her for a few minutes, gave Lonnie a glance and said. “Lonnie, could you give us a moment?"
"Sure,” Lonnie said cheerfully. “I'll wait outside."
Cyn stared at her own feet, aware of Duncan's scrutiny while Lonnie strolled over to the door, closing it quietly behind him. She glanced up. “So?"
Duncan smiled in amusement, which only deepened her scowl. The smile grew to a grin. “I am glad to see you safe, Cynthia. Even if you do bring trouble with you."
"I couldn't leave her there, Duncan."