Sucker Punch (First Fangs Club #3) - Kristen Painter Page 0,12

governor’s sister, but she’s dressed like a nun.”

Brows bent in consternation, Charlie glanced at Donna. “What do you make of that?”

“That my sister has decided to pay me an unexpected visit. And that that we need to put her on the approved-visitors list.” She rose from the chair. “Send her up.”

Chapter Five

Donna went straight to the door and opened it before the elevator arrived. She leaned on the jamb, watching as the numbers above the doors lit up to show the car’s progress.

At last, the doors opened, and Cammie stepped out in her traditional black and white habit. Her eyes brightened when she saw Donna.

“This is a welcome surprise.” Donna held her arms out. “It’s so nice to see you.”

Cammie walked into the embrace and hugged her back. “You too. I hope this is a good time.”

“It’s always a good time and never a good time, but that’s what being governor is all about. Doesn’t matter, though. For you, I’ll make whatever time you need. Well, as best I can.”

As Cammie pulled away, she held on to Donna by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I’m glad to hear that, because we have to talk.”

“You look and sound very serious.”

“I am. Because it is.” She smiled. “But it’s nothing that can’t be managed, I promise.”

“That’s good to hear. I should tell you I do have to leave in about an hour. I hope that works?”

“More than enough time,” Cammie said.

Donna’s interest was certainly piqued. She couldn’t imagine what Cammie wanted to discuss. “Come on in. Hey, you haven’t seen the penthouse yet.”

They walked into the space, and Donna spread her arms like a spokesmodel. “What do you think?”

Cammie stared ahead at the wall of windows. Across the Hudson River, Manhattan was twinkling to life as dusk approached. “That’s a very impressive view. Seems fitting for a governor.”

“The view is definitely amazing. Come on, I’ll show you the rest.”

Charlie was in the kitchen, fixing a cup of tea. Temo was at the dining table, typing on his phone. He gave them a quick glance, blinked once at Cammie, then put the phone down and got to his feet.

“This is my admin, Charlene Rollins, and my head of security, Temo Danielson. Charlie, Temo, this is my sister, Sister Mary Lazarus Immaculata. Formerly known as Camille, so if you hear me call her Cammie, that’s why.”

Temo’s brow rose slightly as he smiled. “Very nice to meet you, Sister.”

Charlie stirred a spoonful of sugar into her tea. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You too,” Cammie said. “Both of you.”

Charlie set the spoon aside. “Would you like some tea? I’d be happy to make you a cup.”

“No, I’m fine, thank you.”

Charlie picked up her cup. “If you’ll excuse me. Work to do. Governor, I’ll be in the office if you need me.”

Temo edged toward the downstairs steps. “I should go make sure the car is ready. I’ll be back in a few, boss.”

“Sounds good.” Donna was sure Temo had already prepped the car, but her team seemed to understand she needed time alone with her sister. She turned to Cammie and hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “There’s a sitting room. We could go in there and talk.”

“That sounds perfect.”

Once they were in, Donna shut the door and sat across from Cammie. This was the same room where she’d first met Fitzhugh. But this would be a very different conversation. With him it had been all about gaining the upper hand. With Cammie, well, no matter what the topic, no matter how serious, she and Cammie were family. Sisters. Equals. “So, what do you want to talk about?”

Cammie smiled briefly, then her face settled into a grave, no-nonsense expression. “What I’m about to tell you needs to stay between us.”

Donna nodded. “Of course.”

“Swear on your crucifix.”

Donna wriggled the chain and cross out from under her turtleneck so she could hold it in her hand. “I swear to keep secret whatever you’re about to share with me.”

Cammie relaxed a bit, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t go to Nicaragua to work at an orphanage. I went there to clean out a nest of rogue vampires that were preying on nearby villages.”

The crucifix fell from Donna’s fingers. She stared at her sister. Her hundred-and-thirty-pound, pacifist, married-to-God sister. “It really sounded just now like you said you went to clean out a nest of vampires.”

Cammie nodded. “Because that is what I said. Rogue vampires, actually.”

Donna blinked a few times as she processed. “I know you knew about