Chapter 10: Left Standing on the Steps

Liliana's POV

"Awesome! My notice that I made the lottery to run in the Cherry Blossom ten miler."

The coveted placement among over ten thousand runners was one that Liliana had almost forgotten. She wondered if Darick would be interested in attending the festivities the night before the run. It was a tradition that participants picked up their number badges and T-shirts at the Building Museum and feasted on a community meal of heavy pasta.

Continuing through the mail, she singled out another piece.

"Guess the annual fee for storage on mom and dad's stuff is coming due. Maybe it's time to sort through everything. Start thinking about a real home."

Entering the front door, she kicked off her shoes and pattered into the kitchen. Pushing around the half-filled jars of pickled foods and an empty carton of cream, a stale glass of wine was finally settled on. Then, picking up her phone, she saw that Aubrey had called.

"Hi. What's up? Didn't get a chance to listen to your message."

"Do you have a minute? I've had some time to do some digging around on the web. First, this thing about the House of Strigois. They are some kind of an old family linked to the real mafia. And added to it, they have been connected to that murder of the senator leaving the Capitol last month. I had to dig pretty deep to find that information. "

"What? I don't understand what any of this means? Do you think I should call Darick and just ask him about this woman?"

"Heck no. You start sounding like a jealous snoop; he'll be gone in a flash. And, guys like him aren't growing on trees."

The two chatted for a bit longer, coming to non-sensical conclusions. Finally, with forehead in hand, Liliana ended the call with a promise to think if any details had been forgotten.

What Aubrey didn't know is that Liliana had not told her about finding Darick Xander's name among the six hundred-year-old parchments in California. She also hadn't told her about the references to vampyres. And dhampirs. And the House of Strigois.

**

Eventually, later in the week, Liliana heard from Darick. It was another late-night call from a distant city.

"Hello? Darling? Liliana? Bloody travel again and an impossible time difference."

Ecstasy flooded through her sense. Liliana had grown fond of the stoic warmth in his voice. It was becoming an insatiable need.

"Where are you? Thank you for the roses. They keep my mind from spiraling down a silly staircase of loneliness."

The smile in his voice flooded through the phone's speaker. Everything she needed to know suddenly replaced the conversation with her best friend. How could those ridiculous thoughts of murderous gangs and vengeful exes hake taken hold?

"I'm back in DC this weekend. Can I see you?"

A hint of uncertainty in a usually commanding voice came over the line. Liliana leaned back and twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

"Of course. I'm running the cherry blossom ten miler. We have a party on Friday night at the Building Museum. Why don't we meet there? Say 8 p.m.?"

The phone was silent for a moment, and the subtle sound of pages being turned was heard. Incredulously, Liliana asked.

"Do you keep a paper appointment book? I would have thought that too archaic for the busy life you lead."

A mild chuckle resonated, followed by a smart reply.

"This small leather journal means I never have to rely upon a power plug. Yes, I am a tad on the old-fashioned side. I guess it comes from years of practice."

The call ended shortly after that with Darick promising to see her soon. And Liliana yearning to feel his lips lustily roving over her neck.

***

Friday evening came quickly. The pending last will and testament clients had repeatedly rescheduled, leaving Ms. Jenkins uttering a few choice words.

"This family is about ridiculous. I can't help wondering if their ties to the Strigois clan have anything to do with it?"

Shocked, Liliana looked up. Her assistant was standing in the doorway with hands-on-hips and a well-shod foot tapping.

"What did you just say? Not about how ridiculous but the thing about the Strigois family? What do they have to do with this?"

Shaking her head, Ms. Jenkins returned to the office carrying an expanded box folder overflowing with papers.

"I guess you never looked at the BCC line of the emails going back and forth. One of their family members has been included in all the communications".

Looking dazed, Liliana read through the list of recipients listed under BCC. There it was. About halfway into a long list of names, Millicent Strigois. How could she have missed this?

"I think I need to get my head back in the game and dig further into these documents."

With a curt headshake, Lucy Jenkins turned and left the office throwing over her shoulder.

"Yep. My guess is spring is in the air. And you know what is not too far behind? Love."

***

The Building Museum was packed with runners, partners, and lots of friends. Unfortunately, the crowd did little to ward off the cool temperatures of the evening. In Liliana's mind, it was a perfect night to be meeting a lover.

Pulling the folds of the camel-colored shawl wrap tighter, she moved to a better spot from which to scan the crowd. Standing on the top step of a short flight of stairs leading into the large foyer, her eyes checked for Darrick. The velvety cashmere laid bare over her pale cleavage with an occasional sparkle from the string of diamonds on the chain around her neck.

Her eyes roved over the boisterous group celebrating their luck in being selected to participate in the annual running race. A Tyvek numbered badge was already stowed in her bag. Unease began to replace the flurry of butterflies in her chest as the minutes turned into forty-five. It seemed unlike Darick to be late by even a few minutes.

"Miss."

There was a hand upon her arm. Liliana turned and drew her focus to the individual, mildly shaking her wrist.

"I have a message from Mr. Xander."

The odd, overdressed man extended an envelope. The familiar glint of Darick's stationery blazed up at Liliana. Her heart did a flip, immediately sinking to her heels.

"He's very sorry about this evening."

Reaching for the note, a demure 'thank you' was mumbled and the man disappeared into the crowd.

Dearest Liliana-

Have a most excellent run under the cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, my schedule has taken me away again.

Please forgive me. I will call as soon as I can.

Until we meet again-

D.

Pinning a false smile upon a face that was slowly crumbling, Liliana pushed back tears. How could she be so stupid? Did she really think this man cared for her? It was just a stranger-filled party. Why did she think he'd come on a silly date with her when he had so much responsibility?

Then, that tiny, nagging voice inside glibly asked, "And what exactly does he do?"