Free 2 Sean Hayden by Sean Hayden

Ramon had to unlock. I assumed we were at his private office. He pulled the door open and ushered us in and we stepped into old California. Frescos of Mexican villas and pueblos adorned every wall. Red clay tiles lined the floor. Even the ceiling looked like clay roof tiles. I ran my finger along the wall expecting textured dry wall, but Ramon had spared little expense and used real stucco to complete the effect.
    "What can I do for you folks?" His voice seemed much more pleasant without the blaring hard rock music prevalent throughout the club.
    "I'm Agent Ashlyn with the FBI," I said and produced my credentials for him to look at. He declined, so he must have believed me.
    "I saw you on television; I know who you are, agent. What can I do for you?"
    "I'm sure you know Governor Greer. Do you know who's trying to kill him?" I tried my best to make him think I suspected him.
    "Yeah, I saw that on the news too. I have no idea," he said calmly. "I have no beef with him. He encroached on my territory, but he offered me compensation."
    "What sort of compensation."
    "I don't know yet, we have a meeting to discuss that next week. Agent, I don't mean to be rude, but I have a lot to do. Is there any way we can speed this up?"
    "Make him tell you the truth, il mio piccolo tesoro ," Strozzini chimed in from behind me. Ramon seemed to notice him for the first time and frowned.
    "Who are you? I only know of one vampire who works for the FBI. She has dispensation to be in my territory, you two do not."
    "I am sorry," Strozzini said in a sarcastic voice. "I forgot to introduce myself, Antonio Strozzini at your service."
    As soon as he said it, Ramon stood from behind his desk and bowed low to Strozzini. "It is I who am sorry, enforcer. I had no idea The Council had sent an envoy. My territory is yours."
    I stared open mouthed at both of them. Marcel reached over and pushed my chin up, effectively closing my mouth. When I looked at him he gave me a little wink. I had so much to learn about the vampire world.
    "It is quite all right. I am not here for you. I am here for…other reasons. Are you sure you have no idea who tried to kill the governor?"
    "You have my word, enforcer," he said and bowed again.
    "He had nothing to do with it," Strozzini turned and said to me. I remembered the first time he questioned me. I had been compelled to speak only the truth. I so wanted to learn how to do that.
    "Thank you, Mr. Santiago, I appreciate your honesty," I said both sarcastically and emphatically, a fact not wasted on Marcel who gave a short chirp of laughter.
    "Please, won't you all stay and be my guests?"
    It was a little hard to say no, but I didn't trust myself in the strip club either. I hadn't eaten for two nights and the chances of me trying to satisfy my hunger with one of the naked dancers seemed pretty high. "I'm sorry, Mr. Santiago, I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass. I have more work to do, and I'm afraid I must feed. I thank you for your cooperation and your hospitality," I said and reached out to shake his hand.
    "You cannot thank me for my hospitality, agent, until you accept it. Please, I insist on you all staying as my guests this evening," Ramon said and closed his eyes.
    "It would be our honor, Master Santiago," Strozzini and Marcel said in unison. It came out like a well-rehearsed response that I didn't get. I turned to look at Marcel and he glanced from me back to Santiago like he wanted me to do something. He mouthed the exact words he and Strozzini said and gave a small flick of his finger to point at me.
    "It would be my honor, Master Santiago," I said trying not to make it a question.
    Marcel gave an almost imperceptible nod from his spot to my right. I knew I responded appropriately. Santiago opened his eyes and smiled at me. "It is the honor of the host to provide for his guests," he said and Marcel and Strozzini bowed low. I did the same.
    The door to Santiago's office opened and a tall vampire walked in. He stood well