Free Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between by J. A. Saare Page A

My perfect vision faded until everything was blurry, sounds were distant and slurred, and smells were no longer evident.
    “All better?” He didn’t turn from the glass, pretending to look outside at the fantastic view.
    “Mmm hmm.” I vocalized, afraid to speak and hear myself purring.
    “Pardon me,” a deep voice interrupted from behind, and we both turned to greet the stranger. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.
    He was a big guy who devoted serious time to the gym, with long hair that fell down his shoulders in soft brown waves, and caramel brown eyes that went beautifully with his tanned skin and handsome face. His suit was formal, but he didn’t wear a tie, the collar loose and comfortable at his neck.
    “I don’t believe we have.” Goose-stepped up to the plate, more seasoned than a award-winning actor from Julliard. He extended his right hand and introduced himself, “Brad Hamlin.”
    “Jude Mason.” He shook Goose’s hand forcefully and turned his attention to me.
    Goose didn’t seem to appreciate the interest generated in my direction when he placed his arm gently around my waist and said, “Allow me to introduce my wife, Janet.”
    “The good ones are always taken.” Jude grinned, full lips parting to reveal perfect white teeth.
    He reached for my hand and brought it to his mouth. It took all of my control to keep from complaining that I didn’t know where those lips had been or what they’d been doing. He brushed them gently across the tender part of skin directly below my knuckle and let go.
    “Who told you about our private party this evening?” The question was cordial, but the undertones were blatant. He didn’t recognize us, and that pulled a red flag.
    “Marcus Delmar,” Goose answered.
    Marcus was the supplier for these little gatherings, and when Disco threatened to shut down his little operation, he’d gladly given up the goods on tonight’s extravaganza.
    His was one name the people here wouldn’t question.
    “I see.” The suspicion evaporated from Jude’s face. “Then allow me to introduce you to a few of the other guests.”
    I stuck to Goose like a bad rash, keeping my body in close contact. I could handle a drunken asshole with over one-hundred pounds on me, but I was mortified of social interaction with these people.
    Jude led us to a large group standing along the far wall, and I knew I was staring at a living billboard epitomizing wealth and sophistication. They reeked of superiority and affluence. Each of the men stood leisurely, accompanied by hard-bodied dates.
    “Timothy.” Jude breezed into their circle, sweeping around to face us. “We have new faces tonight. Allow me to introduce Brad and Janet Hamlin.”
    Timothy stepped away from the group. I guessed he was in his forties, but only because of the grey that tinted the black at his temples. His face was still smooth, with only a few wrinkles appearing around the slate grey eyes that matched his suit. He extended his hand, and Goose gave another firm shake before he stepped back.
    Everyone quickly made introductions. Timothy’s wife, Sarah, appeared years older than her husband, but it wasn’t from lack of trying. I could tell when someone worked out, and this woman would give me a run for the money. She was lean and cut; the direct result of personal chefs and trainers. Her black hair, bobbed to her chin, matched her onyx eyes.
    Next on the menu were Mark and Sabrina Smith. They were the youngest of the couples, in their late thirties, and extremely well spoken. Mark was handsome with bronzed skin and dark brown eyes, but Sabrina was a real looker. Curly blonde hair surrounded her face in ringlets, deep blue eyes huge inside her heart-shaped face.
    Last were Carson and CeCe Parker, both of which gave me a mondo case of the willies. Each had blond hair, blue eyes, and could easily pass for brother and sister. They finished one another’s introductions, clung to each other like floatation