What is he talking about? Claire whispered to Eve. Sometime in the last few minutes, Eve had gotten up to stand next to her, and their hands were clasped. Claires fingers felt cold, but Eves were like ice.
Hes going to put a stake in his heart, Eve said numbly. Right?
And garlic in his mouth? And
You dont need all the details, Mr. Collins interrupted. Lets get this done, then. And once were finished, Shanes going to draw us a map of where to find the high-rolling vampires of Morganville.
Dont you know? Claire asked. You lived here.
Doesnt work like that, little girl. Vamps dont trust us. They move aroundthey have all kinds of Protection to keep themselves safe from retribution. But my boys found a way. Right, Shane?
Right, Shane said. His voice sounded absolutely flat. Lets get this done.
ButShane, you cant
Eve, shut up. Dont you get it? Theres nothing we can do for Michael now. And if hes dead, it wont matter what we do to him. Right?
You cant! Eve yelled it. He isnt dead!
Well, Mr. Collins said, I guess thatll be his problem when we plant a stake in him and chop off his head.
Eve screamed into her clenched fists, and collapsed to her knees. Claire tried to hold her up, but she was more solid than she looked. Shane instantly whirled and crouched next to her, hovering protectively and glaring at his father and the two motorcycle dudes standing guard over Michaels body.
Youre a bastard, he said flatly. I told you, Michael was no threat to you before, and hes no threat now. You killed him already. Let it go.
For answer, Shanes father nodded to his two friendsaccomplices?who then reached down, seized hold of Michaels body, and dragged him out and around the corner to the kitchen door. Shane bolted back to his feet.
His father stepped into his path and backhanded him across the face, hard enough to stagger him. Shane put up his palmsdefense, not offense. Claires heart sank.