Free Black Heart: Wild On by TW Gallier Page B

Viegen once, when I was still mortal. They were twins. Talk about arrogant and condescending. They looked at me like I was pathetic, and would only speak to Dane. The other two Van Viegens were said to be worse.
                "How many times has he struck here in Dallas?"
                I pulled the pistol out of the holster. I didn't store my weapons with clips in them. So I picked up another clip and checked to ensure it was full of sanctified silver bullets.
                "Three times, counting that one we interrupted," Gabe said.
                "Where did the attacks take place?"
                I pushed the clip in until it clicked. Then I charged the pistol, chambering a round.
                "Deep Ellum."
                I pulled out the clip, and put another bullet in, before pushing it back into the pistol.
                "All of them?"
                "Yes," he said. "I've been patrolling the area and keeping an eye out for him."
                "I hope we didn't scare him off," I said.
                "We'll know soon enough," Gabe said. "He strikes about every other day. So he would kill again tonight, if we don't stop him."
                Nodding, I grimaced and pushed by pistol back into the holster. I put on my biker jacket.
                "I'm going to go talk to Jeff Howell tonight. If I can't find anything useful from him, and Dane and Sabrina don't learn anything, I'll come over and help you," I said. "Between the two of us we should be able to catch him."
                "Cool," Gabe said. He hesitated, looking serious. That was unusual enough coming from Gabe to make me pause. "You know, I really like working with you, Sable. I know you didn't really like me much before you...Changed."
                "You're a pig, Gabe," I said. "A sex-obsessed, chauvinist pig."
                "But you're cool with that now?"
                "I'm more open-minded and less judgmental since being Changed," I said. I kissed him. "Dying can do that to a girl, you know?"
                "Yeah," he said. "I approve."
                "You would. Pig."

    Chapter 7

                Once on the road I called Jeff Howell. He was a vampire council member. I had a cell number for him, though I didn't know if it was still good. About time to find out.
                The phone rang five times before he answered.
                "This is Jeff, how can I help you?" he said.
                I had a new cell number since last dealing with him, so he couldn't know it was me. If he did, I would've been doubly scared.
                "Jeff, Sable here," I said. "We need to talk."
    "We need to talk, or you need to talk?" he said.
                I could hear the smile on his face and wondered why my call pleased him. I doubt he was happy I called. The last time I said anything to him, it was a threat. I basically threatened the whole council. Not the brightest idea, but none of them have attacked me outright. Yet. Antoinette was trying to run me to ground.
                "I have a big problem, and it could mean an even bigger problem for you," I said. "Or not."
                "What are you yammering about, girl?" he said. "I'm busy right now. Is this a problem for me or not?"
                "I won't know until we talk," I said. "I'm available right now."
                "Hold on," he said, and put me on hold.
                I was heading east on Royal. I hoped Jeff would give me an answer before I reached Central Expressway. The intersection of Royal and Central was just a short hop to the High Fives cloverleaf, so I could head out north, south, east, or west, depending on where Jeff said to meet him. If he agreed.
                "Where are you?" Jeff said, surprising