Free Judas and the Vampires by Aiden James Page A

for Alistair to become proficient at Hebrew or Yiddish slang so we could discuss this matter in semi-privacy.
    “You are really him.” Amy eyed me coolly, though I’m sure more on account of my sternness than the revelation itself. “Based on everything he told me, it makes sense...especially when I consider some of the amazing things my father discovered and actually witnessed through his research.”
    “When did you tell her?”
    I determined right then to keep my tone calmer. I was seething inside, since not even Michael or the rest of the CIA knew this information about me. My cover had just been blown by the only person I trusted.
    “Last night,” he said, to which she again nodded confirmation. “Last night Amy and I shared some incredible information both ways, while you practically had your face inside the ample bosom of the girl named Pirma!”
    Ooh, I forgot all about that...although I can assure it was nothing serious. No more scandalous than a gentleman getting a lap dance from a stripper.
    “Okay...but why did you feel compelled to tell her about me, son?” I managed to reduce my voice to a harsh whisper while I casually looked around me. Keep it cool, William...don’t let on to the general public that anything’s amiss. Especially stay mindful of the gallery audience still studying our area from the second floor landing. “Why’d you tell anyone? Do you realize how very serious this shit is??”
    “Yes, I do!” he responded angrily, though like me, he kept his harshness hushed. “But we can trust her, Pops—believe me. She’s been exposed to far more incredible things than a man who simply can’t die!”
    His bottom lip quivered as he looked away. It made me want to comfort my son as Amy did right then, with her arms wrapped around his broad shoulders. Sweet, decent lady.... I wondered if she saw the same little boy deep within this man who was certainly old enough to be her grandfather. (I know this must be difficult for most folks to keep straight.... Me, ‘father’ and the ancient man whose body is in the prime of life as compared to Alistair, my son, who’s just a few years away from academic retirement.)
    “Can you keep it a secret?” I sought to close the wound of exposure as quickly as possible. “It literally can become a matter of life or death.”
    Alistair sat up straight in his chair, and the surprised look he gave me was as if he heard this advisement for the first time.
    “You know it’s the truth, son—we’ve been over this many times.” I hoped my expression was one of compassion. He nodded thoughtfully.
    “You can trust me, William,” said Amy, her voice soft, sultry...and unmistakably serious. “I know you don’t know me well enough to make a completely sound judgment at this point, but I swear I will never say a word about what I’ve learned to anyone else. I’ll only speak of it to Ali, and you—should you be gracious and comfortable enough to share your experiences and wisdom with me at some point in time.”
    Such flattery. Yet, the keen sense for determining the truth that I’ve developed over the years confirmed her sincerity to my heart. At least for now. Money, glory, and pleasure are three vices I’ve seen firsthand change sincere promises to bygone arrangements. Ms. Golden Eagle bore the mark of previous wealth, so that meant the only immediate dangers to alter her pledge were her vanity and whether she had any physical addictions. Not necessarily substance problems per se, it could just as easily mean a sexual or intellectual itch too deep to protect for loyalty’s sake.
    “Okay...we’ll give it a whirl and see,” I told her, hoping the smile spreading across my face was more devilish than sardonic. “Our food will get cold if we let it sit much longer.”
    “Once Amy shares the experience she had with a pair of angels, I think you’ll forgive my indiscretion, Pops,” said Alistair, giving me a knowing look while taking a hefty bite out