Free Gypsey Blood by Lorrie Unites-Struff Page B

jacket. She held out her palm. “This is from his blazer. Will it help?”
    “We find out.” Uncle Dragus examined the gold-domed button. He threaded the smaller end of the chain through the looped hole until the button lay touching the top of the crystal, then handed the amulet to Rita. “Now you try.”
    Rita felt the tension pushing at her from all gathered around the desk, watching, hoping. She sensed the fear and anguish radiating from her family. Again, Rita sucked a bracing breath and sent a silent prayer to all her forbearers. With trembling fingers, she held the clear crystal over the map and concentrated on Lucien. The amulet swung in wide circles, then each circle grew smaller, tighter. The chain stiffened as if starched. The amulet had stopped dead center on a blue-circled town.
    “Yes, yes.” Anna clapped. “Look, it is pointing to Braddock. That’s not far away.”
    Uncle Dragus moved with newfound energy. “We have big street map on shelf. I look for it.” A few minutes later, he brought the map to the desk.
    A small square stopped the crystal cold. Matt checked the address. “Y’all know where this is?”
    Rita nodded. “Carnegie Hill. A few run-down mansions are up there. Used to belong to the bigwigs when the steel mills were in full swing. County plans on demolishing them.”
    The button slid off the chain and clattered onto the desk. Matt re-clasped the crystal around her neck. She tucked the amulet under the neckline of her sweatshirt.
    Matt looked out the window, then at his watch. “Enough daylight left. How do I get there?”
    Rita shot Matt a brazen glare. “I’ll take you. You lost a partner, and Lucien almost killed you the last time you caught up with him. Meet your new backup.”
    “No!”
    “Don’t tell me no. He can’t take my blood, remember?”
    “Maybe not your blood, but he can use his strength to kill. It’s too dangerous.”
    “But not for you? Tough shit. I know the area and I’m going, so get over it.”
    Dragus grabbed his gray flannel jacket from the closet. “We have same blood. You will have familia help.”
    “This is my job.” Rita placed her hand on Uncle’s shoulder. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
    “We all go.” Anna raised her voice, “Don’t you see? We are his grandchildren. This must be finished today. You know he will kill again tonight if he isn’t stopped.”
    “Be sensible, Ma. How do you expect to help?”
    “With my gifts.” Anna lowered her head. “I know the legends best, the ways of the undead.” She peered up at Dragus. “I’ve made my decision now, my brother.”
    “No, Anna,” Dragus shouted. “Please, I beg. I go take your place.”
    Anna shook her head. “I am the only one who can use the spells.”
    “Damn it.” Matt glared at Rita. “I don’t like this.” He looked at Dragus and Anna, his eyes shadowed with worry. “If y’all are determined, I can’t stop you, but here’s the plan. I have the weapons to face him. Let me try to do my job first. Wait some place near and safe. Call for backup if things go south. Let’s hope no one has to find out what we’re dealing with.”
    “We only ones will know,” said Dragus.
    Anna rummaged through the office closet and retrieved a large cloth tote, set it on the desk next to the orb, then wrapped a heavy wool shawl about her shoulders.
    The set expression on Anna’s face chilled Rita. Uncle Dragus looked about to cry. They were determined. Both knew how to find the old house and were stubborn enough to follow on their own.
    Outside, Matt opened the back of his SUV, hoisted his black duffle bag over his shoulder, and they all crowded into the wheelchair-accessible van. Uncle Dragus drove.
    Rita worried for her family. She felt the icy-cold shooting straight into her bones from the amulet. Other than danger ahead, what more was the crystal trying to tell her?
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
    Dragus steered the van to the narrow road that wound up the