That appeared to fit in with the news she got from Marc. He always replied with long and boring narratives filled with numbers. Those were references to words within a book. That’s why I dragged a library with me.

At least the man was not trying to sugar coat the conflict. It was his way of confirming that Evelyn had grown enough to be trusted. Sometimes her chest tightened when Evelyn realized that she was on her own. There’s also a thrill that’s hard to describe.

“How does a vampire old enough to get noticed by Drusilla have a living sister….” Evelyn said.

“According to the staff this one is apparently especially for her cruelty,” Grace added.

Evelyn cocked a brow as that was hard to believe. Drusilla made Evelyn’s crime scene appear amateurish… how sadistic does she have to be to be noticed by Drusilla?

“Did you get a name?”

“No,” Grace said. “Simply that she had steel-grey eyes and a cruel smile.”

That was not much to go on. So, there must be more to these rumours.

“They said the woman left abruptly after hearing that her sister was somewhere in France.”

“What happened to her… buyer?”

Grace smiled in a way that showcased just how proud she was of finding this bit of intelligence. In truth there was more to it than she initially divulged.

“It seems that Drusilla sent an agent here to assess their progress?” Grace said.

That was one of Drusilla’s greatest strengths, several agents were constantly hiding in the shadows. They lived where the light did not shine, ever hidden, and used the shadows to strike with impunity. That’s why we’re never far from one another.

Money was not an issue at the moment. Marc had invested for centuries in the selling and manufacturing of arms and munitions. The Great war was expanding their wealth faster than they could realistically absorb. I have no idea how he keeps track of all those dummy corporations he uses to hide our interests.

The idea had merit. From here they could ensure some were saved, and ready to be put to use when they returned home. I’ll send word of our plan back home to secure a few properties.

“We’re lucky you’re on our side,” Evelyn said.

Grace was about to say something, but Evelyn’s mind dwelled on an unfinished thought.

“What happened to her… buyer?”

“Grace,” Evelyn began. “You’re a gem, but you know how they’ll perceive you will play against you.”

Grace let out a long sigh and stared at her feet. Evelyn was not trying to be cruel, but the truth was beginning to be a sore point. It can’t be easy for her.

“Start your operation here,” Grace said. “Recruit her, make her feel wanted, and give her a way out.”

“Where would we get new recruits?” Evelyn said, but immediately knew where this was going.

“The kitchen,” Grace said. “Although we may need to start paying for our choice cuts.”

Evelyn and Grace were here for a reason and it would be a while before their tasks were done. Besides, the staff were beginning to see them as their own, and that meant more secrets were being spilled. Nothing that directly helps the war, but we’re getting to know more about the players on both sides of the conflict.

“I could peek in from time to time,” Grace admitted.

For what she was, Grace was more than capable of looking over such an operation. The trouble was that the Johns would never take her seriously leading to a noticeable amount of dead or missing men. One could not sell flesh if people feared death. Respect will get you far.

If one leveraged a prominent politician then policies could be changed to weaken Drusilla’s influence. It was easier said than done, but that was why her men and women would not necessarily be whores.

They would be given a lavish lifestyle, the ability to rub elbows with the rich and influential. Security would keep a watchful eye, and make an example of those who crossed the line. I was hoping to take an active part in that last one…

“Who will head the operation?” Evelyn asked.

Evelyn learned that lesson well as a courtesan in France. The madame certainly wore clothing and perfume that were well above her station. Whereas I was lucky to have a hand-me-down dress to my name.

Evelyn had no wish to subjugate other women, or men to her fate. Sex was only part of the equation because a moment of weakness for the powerful could become a lifetime’s worth of leverage.

Whereas Drusilla and her ilk wanted to dominate and enslave through power and fear. Evelyn sought out the ability to gain power, for financial gain or intelligence.

“I figure in a week or so the hotel’s gate will be active.”

Grace was implying the model should be shipped off when give her an opportunity. I’m not sure that dropping her off in a big city after nearly being served as the main course would be setting her up for success.

“I’m not following,” Evelyn said.

Grace smiled, a mischievous little smile that hinted at her true vampire nature. She’s been buttering me up for this.

“They offered her to you as a bonus,” Grace said. “Something about the quality of your work.”

Evelyn’s eyes opened wide and she lunged at the younger vampire. Grace’s eyes practically popped out from her head because of the strength of that hug.

“Ouff,” Grace said.

“Oh,” Evelyn said. “I forget my own strength.”

“I figure in a week or so the hotel’s gate will be active.”