The Last Bell: The Weight of Magic, Episode 6 Read online

“I know, I kinda freaked out too. But who knows? Maybe it wasn’t even a vampire who killed Bruce.”

  My phone vibrated, and I looked at the message. “It was a vampire. Bruce was killed two days ago.”

  Connie and I met Nate and Logan at the Grill later, and Nate assured us Bruce had been killed during the party.

  “No one noticed the guy was missing because Friday, right before Bruce left for the party, his parents went out of town for the weekend,” said Nate. “When Bruce didn’t answer their calls or messages, they returned a day early and started looking for him. I’m sure it was the same vampires, and Bruce was already dead when they attacked you.”

  He had to be right. There were no sign of vampires anywhere, and the only reminder of them was Bruce’s photograph under his locker surrounded by flowers and candles in jars.

  10

  It was Christmas eve. The whole town was dressed in colorful lights, and the sound of christmas songs followed us everywhere we went. People rushed in and out of the mall, doing their last-minute shopping.

  My heart squeezed with memories of my mom and dad, of the smell of a pine tree and a cinnamon cookies in our house.

  Nate and Mr. Lancaster invited Gran, me, Connie, and Logan to have Christmas Eve dinner at the manson.

  “I know you didn’t want to do it at your place this year,” said Nate. “But I don’t want you to miss Christmas. A little food and drink doesn’t hurt anyone. So, yes, we’ll dress up, and have a normal Christmas Eve in the company of our closest friends.”

  When Gran drove by earlier to see if they needed help with the cooking, I told her I had something to do and would catch up later. Then I drove to the cemetery to have a moment with my parents.

  Where are you? I saw Nate’s message nearly fifteen minutes later.

  On my way, I replied. I got up from the cold ground. After one last glance at the names on the gravestone, I headed to my car.

  I drove back home, put on the black dress I’d prepared for the evening, refreshed my makeup to cover the redness of my eyes, and drove to the mansion.

  Connie’s car was already there, parked next to Nate’s on the front yard. I looked at the charming wreath on the dark-wood front door and pushed it open.

  “There you are,” said Nate, coming toward me. “Is everything okay?” His eyes narrowed as they looked into mine.

  “Everything is fine. It’s just cold outside.” Like that would fool him.

  “Come here.” He hugged me and pressed his lips to my forehead. He took of my coat and eyed me from head to toe. “You look smashing.”

  “You too.” I smiled, looking at his black shirt and black pants. “And I like that we match. It looks pretty here,” I added, looking around.

  “We didn’t do much. Just a few things, small reminders that it’s Christmas. I don’t remember when I last did this.”

  I glanced at the decorative fir tree border around the hallway arch, and another one around the large mantel with red bows and bells and a string of lights. There were also dozens of big candles lit all around. But the most eye-catching thing in the room was the table. It was already beautifully set up with delicious looking food and decorated with flowers and candelabras.

  “I love it.” I reached to his lips and planted a kiss on them.

  “Hi, Mr. Lancaster,” I said, coming forward.

  “Hi, Nicky. We’ve been waiting for you.” He smiled and opened a bottle of wine.

  I approached Gran, setting red napkins in golden rings on the table.

  “Sorry I didn’t come earlier to help,” I said. “I promise I’ll help with cleaning.”

  She hugged me. “I knew you would want to be alone,” she said into my ear. “That’s why I went there yesterday.”

  “I noticed,” I whispered back, remembering the fresh flowers on the grave.

  Connie and Logan came in, carrying wood for the fireplace.

  “Hi, guys.”

  “Hi,” said Logan.

  Connie dropped the bag with wood and rushed toward me. Chuckling, Logan picked it up.

  “Hi.” She pulled me into a hug. “You look so pretty.”

  “You too,” I said, looking at her wine-colored lace dress.

  “I called Dad,” said Connie as the two of us sat on the couch. “I thought maybe we should spend Christmas together so he wouldn’t be alone. But he said he was going out of town. I think he’s seeing someone.”

  “It doesn’t bother you, does it?”

  “No, I think it’s good. We don’t see each other much, and it will be a relief to know he’s not alone.”

  “Here we go,” said Mr. Lancaster, placing the still steaming turkey on the table. He picked up the knife and handed it to Nate. “Maybe you should do the rest.”

  The atmosphere during dinner was warm and cozy, and I noticed interesting looks being exchanged between Gran and Mr. Lancaster, sitting opposite each other at the heads of the table. The way Gran smiled was different too. There was a new spark in her eyes.

  “Alan has been in a very good mood lately,” said Nate when we started cleaning the table. “I think something has happened between them.”

  “You noticed that too?” I suppressed a shriek. “Oh my God, I think they finally took the next step.”

  “It’s a Christmas miracle,” chortled Nate. “Come here,” he said, taking my hand.

  He led me to the kitchen’s fireplace, then pulled me into his arms and kissed me.

  “Seriously?” I laughed. “You brought me here so you could kiss me?”

  He looked up. There, from the yellow lamp, hung a mistletoe.

  I laughed again. “Do we really need that to kiss each other?”

  “We do at Christmas.” He looked at me, his black eyes glowing. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” I run my hands up his chest, and my lips reached to his for another kiss.

  We set up the dessert table, and the moment we all took our places, Nate pulled out his phone and looked at the screen.

  “It’s Sam,” he said, narrowing his eyes. He pressed the button and put the phone on the table. “Tell me you just called to say Merry Christmas.”

  “Are you alone?” asked Sam.

  “No. We are all here, and you’re on speaker.”

  “Well, Merry Christmas, guys. I hope you’re having a nice evening, and I hate to interrupt, but . . .” Sam cleared his throat.

  The smile vanished from everyone’s faces, and we all stared at the phone.

  “What is it?” asked Nate.

  “Something is going on at the house,” said Sam. “Two men are sniffing it out, trying to get in.”

  “Trying how?”

  “They checked under the pots, the door frame, the whole yard looking for keys.”

  “The house has been empty for months now,” said Logan. “Maybe they’re just burglars?”

  “If they were burglars,” I said, “and they knew no one lives there, wouldn’t they try to pick the lock?”

  “Or have some bags with them?” said Sam. “No, I don’t think they’re burglars. Wait a second.” He paused for a moment. “Guys, I think they are vampires.”

  We all stared at each other.

  “Vampires can’t get in. Why would they look for a key?” asked Connie.

  “That’s a good question,” said Nate. “Can you see their faces?”

  “Not clearly. It’s dark outside, and they’re wearing caps.”

  “I don’t get it. If it’s the Order, they know no one would leave the keys of that house lying around,” said Nate.

  “So you think it might be the Order?” said Sam.

  “Why would they send them?” I asked. “Just to find the keys?”

  “That’s one reason,” said Nate. “Probably they don’t want to be seen snooping around themselves. The second reason is to find out if the house was passed on to someone. If the vampires could get in, it would mean the house doesn’t belong to anyone.”

  “That’s an interesting w
ay to do research,” Sam scoffed, but his tone became serious at once. “Guys, one of them pulled out a crowbar. They’re breaking in. Wait,” he paused for a moment. “Yep, vampires. Stuck at the threshold. And they don’t like it. I can see their fangs now.”

  “I know most of the New Orleans vampires,” said Logan. “Send me a screenshot, I’ll see if I can recognize them.” Logan pulled out his phone, and after a moment it glowed with a notification.

  “See anyone you know?” asked Nate.

  “No,” said Logan. He thought for a moment, then said, “Maybe Ruby could—”

  “No,” Nate cut him off.

  “It doesn’t have to be you,” said Sam. “I could just ask her to look at the picture. You trusted her to watch my bar when I was in River Stones.”

  “And that’s what I owed her the drink for. Even I had to promise her something so she would stop asking questions. What are you going to offer her?” said Nate. “I said no.”

  My ears burned. Connie and I exchanged a glance.

  “They’re leaving,” said Sam.

  “Are they driving?” asked Nate.

  “Nope, walking away. They might have left their car somewhere behind the corner. Brian is on his way. Maybe he would be able to catch them.”

  Nate heaved a sigh.

  “Holy smokes,” Sam gasped suddenly. “There are four others. They’re heading to the house.”

  “Did they get in?” Nate’s face darkened.

  There was a short pause.

  “Yes,” said Sam. “All of them.”

  “That’s the Order.” A muscle jumped on Nate’s jaw. “Call Brian. Now. Tell him to get back.” He hung up.

  There was a moment of silence. My heart squeezed as I imagined those people turning my parents’ house upside down. Gran and I exchanged a glance, and I could tell it hurt her as much as it hurt me.

  “I suppose the time-out is over,” said Nate. “They’re back in business, and we need to come up with a plan. The good news is, they’re still looking. It means they don’t know anything about Nicky, and they haven’t located the tomb yet. But I don’t think they’re done with River Stones.”

  “I’ve been thinking that too,” said Logan. “If all the vampires that showed up here were sent by the Order, it would become suspicious that none of them returned.”

  “I know,” Nate sighed. “Next time they might show up themselves.”

  “Nathan, maybe it’s better if you and Nicky left town,” said Gran.

  “No.” I shook my head. “It’s not just about me. The vault is here. And the Order knows you too, Gran. I’m not leaving you here alone.”

  “Nicky is right,” said Nate. “We should all stay together.”

  “In that case . . .” Gran glanced at Mr. Lancaster, and when he nodded, she looked at me. “You asked me to think about . . . Well, Alan and I, we talked, and I think we’re ready to move in together.” Her cheeks turned pink as she said it. “So Nathan can move in with you.”

  Connie’s eyebrows jumped up. Grinning, Nate and I exchanged a glance. We were right, something has changed.

  “I’m glad to hear it, Gran,” I said, and then looked at Mr. Lancaster. “I’m very happy for you two.”

  “I’ve asked Bree many times before,” he said, “and she always refused. But your safety means everything to her.”

  “I’ll pack my bags as—”

  “No,” said Gran. “I’m the one moving out.”

  “Gran, you don’t have to. I know you love our house.”

  “The Order might know about the mansion. I’ll be fine here, honey. You don’t need to worry about me. But, of course, we should ask Nathan if he’s okay with this decision.”

  “Hey,” Nate chuckled, “I’ll go get your bags right now. I’ll even pack them for you.”

  We laughed.

  11

  Gran decided to move out after the new year. There were still a few things she needed to take care of: sort out my parents’ clothes, a task which she kept putting off, and pack up things from her own place.

  “Are you going to sell this house?” I asked as the two of us sat in her living room, sorting her books into two different piles: the ones she was going to take with her, and the ones that would go to the store.

  “No, honey. This place is as much mine as it is yours. Your name has been on this property deed with mine and Richard’s since you were born. You know that. Vincent bought his house much later. ”

  “You lived with me most of the time. I don’t know why you kept it for so long.”

  “Well, we lived here when your grandpa was still alive. And also,” a nostalgic smile appeared on her face, “when you were little, you were so used to me that even when your parents were home, you kept running to me when you needed hot cocoa or a bedtime story. It wasn’t fair to them; that’s why when they were home, I left and came back here so you could have quality time with your mom and dad.”

  “Yeah.” The memories of my childhood washed over me. “And when I was finally getting used to them being there, they had to leave again.”

  “I’m sorry, honey.” Gran put the book she was holding aside and took my hand. “You can’t imagine how hard it was for them to leave you. They missed you so much.”

  “I know,” I said, laying my free hand over hers. “You don’t need to defend them. Maybe I didn’t understand it before, but I do now. They did the best they could. I also want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and how lucky I am to have you. You put your whole life on hold because of me. So I need to know that what you’re doing now is not just for my safety. Is it? You do like Mr. Lancaster, right?”

  “Right.” Gran smiled, and I saw those sparkles in her eyes again. “I was just afraid to admit it.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Gran.” I pulled her into a hug.

  “Thank you for giving me the strength, honey. Now,” she kissed my forehead as I let go of her, “isn’t Nate waiting for you?”

  “Yeah, we’re meeting Connie and Logan. But it’s okay, I can go after we finish.”

  “Alan is almost done at work. We’ll finish this with him and then take the books to the store. Go.”

  We were going to meet Connie and Logan to discuss our next move, but I didn’t want to tell Gran. Now, when she was finally doing something for herself, I wanted her to enjoy every moment and every step into her new life without worries and talks about the mission.

  Before meeting Connie and Logan, I wanted to talk to Nate. I sent him a message telling him to come to my house.

  I lay on my bed wrapped in his arms, and as his lips wandered around my neck, I wished we didn’t have to talk at all. But I couldn’t put off this conversation any longer.

  “Nate,” I said, pulling myself away from his chest, “we were going to talk, remember, about—”

  “You talk, I’ll listen.” He turned me on my back and kissed me. “I love to listen when you talk,” he whispered, and as my lips parted, he kissed me again before I could say a word. My eyelids slid down from the touch of his hand moving up my thigh.

  It was already dark outside when we came downstairs. I checked my phone, lying on the coffee table in the living room. There was a message from Connie.

  Are you guys coming or what?

  Will be there soon, I sent in reply.

  “What is it you wanted to talk about?” Nate sat on the couch.

  “It’s about the map.” I dropped down next to him. “I know you said we have to wait—”

  “We can’t wait any longer. That’s exactly what I was going to talk about today. I just wasn’t sure if you would want to share this information with Connie and Logan.”

  “Yes, I think we should tell them. If the Order is looking for us, maybe it’s better to have some back up.”

  “You mean you want them to come with us?”

  “You think it’s a bad idea?”

  “No. I trust them. But I thought you didn’t want to tell anyone. You hav
en’t even told me where—”

  “I wasn’t trying to hide it from you. It’s just . . . it might be a sensitive subject for you.”

  “For me?” Nate frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Nate, promise me that you won’t . . .” I heaved a breath.

  “Nicky, just say it.”

  “Okay. The three remaining pieces of the map are hidden in three graves. Henry’s, Joseph’s, and . . . ” I took another deep breath, “and your mother’s.”

  Nate’s gaze froze on me.

  “But that means Joseph trusted her,” he said after a few seconds, looking stunned. “That means . . .”

  I know I was going to say it, but then I decided not to give him any hints, thinking it wasn’t the right time for him to learn the truth.

  He got up, pushed his hands into his pockets, and stood looking into nowhere.

  “No,” he said after a moment. “It doesn’t mean anything. He couldn’t know that she—Oh God,” he gasped. “I remember. Joseph was the one who organized my mother’s funeral, and before closing the casket, he put something in it. A small capsule with a gold carving.”

  His eyes froze again.

  “Nate, I know how hard this must be for you. That’s why I thought maybe Logan should be the one to get the capsule out of her grave.”

  Still deep in his thoughts, he nodded.

  “We’ll do it together,” he said, frowning, and then he finally looked at me. “Don’t worry, I can handle it.”

  “Do you know where Henry and Joseph are buried?”

  “Yeah, of course I do. Henry’s grave is in Lynchburg, at the Old City Cemetery. Joseph is buried in Pittsburgh.” He frowned again. “And so is my mother.”

  “I think we should start from Henry.”

  Nate nodded.

  “And to get the capsule from Henry’s grave would be the easiest,” I said. “That piece isn’t in the casket. Henry’s grave was nearly a hundred years old by then, and instead of digging out the casket, Joseph decided to bury the capsule under the gravestone. I don’t know how deep, though.”

  “It doesn’t matter. If it’s there, we’ll find it. But it’s a pretty big gravestone, so we do need Logan in case we have to remove it.”