Free Jar of Souls by Bradford Bates Page A

some real work.”
    “Do you really think so?”
    “I hope so. I’m tired of being stuck here.”
    “Me too.”
    We shared a quick look and a little laugh and picked up our pace as we headed to Adam’s office. When we got there, the door was open, and with no one else in sight, I stuck my head inside.
    Adam was behind his desk, and when he saw me, his eyes shone with a faint sparkle. “Please come in, April.”
    I walked into the office, Britta trailing right behind me. Both of us found seats facing Adam and waited.
    “It’s good to see both of you again, and this time under less dire circumstances.”
    Britta and I shared a look and then looked back at Adam. Neither of us said a word.
    “I called you to my office because I have a task I’d like to send you on. It’s a little dangerous for students in training, but I think the two of you would be perfect for it. We have a contact at the Grotto who wants to pass us some information. He requested a meeting, and right now, there isn’t anyone else I can spare.”
    “The Grotto?” I asked.
    “You’re sending us into a club run by the Fallen?” Britta asked.
    “Well, yes, but only to pick up the information our contact wants to pass along. I expect there will be little to no trouble for you. Both of you will blend in, grab the info, and leave. Think you are up to it?”
    Britta looked over at me. She was biting her bottom lip. I could tell she was nervous, but the damn look just made her seem cute. I shot her a look back that I hoped said this is what we have been waiting for . She nodded once to confirm she was in.
    “When do we need to go?”
    “As soon as you are ready. Hopefully within the hour.” He gave both of us a look that said he thought it would take longer. “I’ll have one of our team open a portal for you. There will be a car waiting to drive you back.”
    “We can do that,” Britta said.
    “Isn’t it a little early for a club to be open?” I asked.
    “The Grotto never closes. It’s an interesting place,” said Adam.
    “Interesting is one word for it,” Britta said with a smile.
    “So you have been there already. That’s perfect. April, by interesting I mean it’s basically your average human club upstairs. Each level going down becomes a little less human and a little more like a lair. The bottom three levels of the club can only be accessed via secured channels, and that is where you will be going.”
    “So they use this place as what, some kind of hunting ground?” I asked.
    “They are more like willing donors, for the most part. It’s that goth-meets-I wanna-be-with-Edward type crowd. There have been rumors of a few disappearances, but nothing we can substantiate.”
    I looked over at Britta. She had a little smile on her face. She was excited not only about going clubbing but about the mission. That was good because I was excited too. “Isn’t this the kind of thing we should be shutting down? I mean, we can’t just let the Fallen snack on people, can we?”
    “As deplorable as it is, that’s exactly what we must do. Like I said, most of them are willing, or at least were at one point. You are going to probably see a few things that make you sick or uncomfortable. It’s a dark place. Prepare yourselves as best you can.”
    “So if we see something that is out of place or against the accords, we just let it pass.”
    “That is exactly what I expect you to do. You go in, meet the contact, and get out. That’s it.”
    “We can do that. Come on, April, let’s go get ready,” Britta said, almost squealing with excitement.
    When Britta stood, I moved to follow her. “Adam, what is the name of our contact?”
    “You are going to love this one. He goes by the name Vampire Lestat.”
    “You have to be kidding me. Like the fucking movie.”
    “Just like the movie. Do not be fooled by his choice of names. He is older and faster than most of his kind. If he does engage you in combat, take him out as quickly as you