if you didn't have the synthetic blood available. Neither of you can help what you need to live."
"I wonder. I'd like to run a chemical analysis on our DNA, among other things. The genetic changes since I've been turned vampire. The whole thing is fascinating. Our metabolism. You name it. Since my old research isn't satisfying me anymore, I figure I need to move on to something new." Penny opened her window, turned on a fan, and shut the bedroom door. She led the way to the living room. "Ray texted me. Ian MacDonald is here and will meet with me later tonight. I'm definitely going. I think I'd like to work with him."
I sank down on the couch. Of course I knew Ian was here. I'd talked to him at length about Ray's rehab. For once, I felt in sync with the Scottish doctor, though I hadn't shared that information with Jerry. My Campbell still had the MacDonald prejudice and couldn't see past an old feud.
"Oh, Penny, you have no idea what you'd be getting into with Ian. As much as I respect his brilliant mind, he has a pretty unique perspective on science. Instead of lab rats, Ian experiments with mortals and other vampires."
"That's radical." But instead of being horrified, Penny looked intrigued. "Not good that he uses mortals, though I can see he'd need blood samples for comparison. But the vampires are immortal, so how could he hurt them?"
I threw up my hands. "We're talking about people, Penny. Vampires are still human, my dear. And you're not going near Ian MacDonald without me."
Penny smiled. "Great. I admit I was a little scared about it. You and Mr. Blade keep throwing out dire warnings, though Ray thinks Ian's cool."
It didn't escape me that Penny was still calling Jerry "Mr. Blade" but had gone to "Ray" immediately.
"What time is this meeting? And how are you supposed to get there? Are you driving? The paparazzi are still camped outside, you know. Though they won't bother you, I don't think." They'd gotten shots of Ray leaving in his SUV out back. Some still followed me every time I left the apartment. They'd got a swell shot of me with a wet head after our visit to the beauty shop tonight. I kept hoping they'd give up. Business was still booming, though, which was why I really needed to get down to the shop.
"I'm meeting them at three." Penny sighed. "I guess I'm getting used to these crazy new hours. I didn't think twice when Ray told me that. The meeting's at his house on the lake and he said it was hard to find so he's sending a car for me before then."
"True. You're adapting very quickly." I gave her an encouraging smile. We were settled on the couch in my newly refurnished living room. The chairs were a beautiful caramel leather and the coffee table was a sturdy black enamel that could hold a man if he landed on it. My favorite new addition was the lamp. It was an Oriental ginger jar decorated with a red, caramel and black dragon design. I was grabbing it at the first sign of trouble next time. I figured Jerry had called a high-end furniture store and had a decorator pick these things. The only problem was that it made my thrift store couch look pretty sad. I was going to have to at least splurge on a new throw and some pillows.
I was about to comment on it when Penny's phone rang.
"It's my mom. She's been leaving messages. She wants to come check on me, especially after I told her about the rats being stolen and my research trashed." Penny kept staring at the phone.
"Answer it. We'll figure something out." I leaned back. Obviously I was going to be really late to the shop.
"Hey, Mom. Sorry I missed your other calls."
"Penny, why didn't you tell me you were moving?" Penny's mother had none of the Texas drawl I expected as I leaned close to listen in. I guess she was a Yankee transplant as they called them around here.
"It was kind of spur-of-the-moment. Glory and I clicked and she needed a roommate. It was a good deal for me." Penny rolled her eyes.
"Well, Daddy and I want to come up and meet her, see the new place." Mom obviously wasn't taking no for an answer. "How about Saturday? I'll bring a pot roast and we'll have lunch. I know how you miss