Gillian smiled sadly. Then she spoke matter of factly. “Because we believe the vampire we’ve been chasing for the last approximately eighteen years is your father. We believe that he’s the same vampire that impregnated your mother as he destroyed her humanity, stealing her life from her. And if I’m not mistaken, he’s the reason you’ve been training all your life. You’re out to deliver justice.”
Solange didn’t react, her heart thumped in her chest, but otherwise she gave no sign that the words Gillian had spoken had even been heard. She watched Gillian, and Gillian watched her.
Finally Solange spoke. “What can you possibly offer me that I can’t achieve on my own?”
“Alliance, camaraderie. Support. Intel on his last whereabouts and where we believe he is now. An intricate web of cells and well-trained operatives that will assist you in any way you ask,” Jude jumped to explain.
“Can’t your other operatives meet your objectives?” Solange asked.
“Some can, but this is not the only vampire we’re hunting. Some are as dangerous as he is, others more so. But this vampire is without a doubt the most brutal, the most ruthless killer we’ve ever encountered. He’s gone off the deep end, and we believe you are the best chance at finding him, and with your identity, possibly even getting close enough to kill him,” Gillian explained.
Solange didn’t answer, as she sat quietly thinking over everything they’d told her.
“Solange, our operatives are the best in the world. But that’s just it… they’re spread all over the world on missions of their own. We are always on the lookout for additional agents to add to our teams, to our forces. You fit. You more than fit, you were handmade for us, for our missions and our goals. And we’ve watched you grow into a young woman whose talents would be wasted on any other path,” Gillian said.
Solange nodded her head to indicate she’d heard Gillian's words. Solange offered no more comment on the subject, and only moments later, Marceline steered the conversation to weather, of all things as she moved the dinner along.
Jude complained of the rain that had been nonstop throughout the greater New Orleans area as was the norm for this time of year. “It has been raining since I arrived in New Orleans,” he said. “I was very glad of the break in the rain this afternoon. Fortunately for me, the rain stopped in time to make it to your lovely home for dinner tonight, without being drenched on our way,” Jude said.
“The rain does make for a messy travel, no matter where you are,” Grandmama agreed.
Dinner continued and finally, a short time later dessert had been finished and their visit was at an end. Marceline and Solange walked their guests to the front door, chatting as they went.
As the door was opened, and Gillian and Jude stood with their backs to the courtyard, thanking Marceline for a delicious dinner, Jude brought up the main reason for their visit again. “What say you, Solange? Will you join our cause?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll have to consider it,” Solange answered.
“What is to consider? Vampirism needs to be stamped out,” Jude said with conviction. “You could be a part of ending the ‘other’ that hunts humankind. You could be a part of that noble end!”
Solange lifted her chin and adopted the stance and posture she’d seen Marceline use when looking down her nose at someone. “Part of the reason you were aware my mother died, and I was born, is because we are ‘other’ as you say. We are not bad. We are just a family, with a few extra gifts. Not all ‘other’ is bad. I’m not sure I want to be associated with an organization who decides that just because something is different, it’s bad.”
“I’m very sorry if you’ve misinterpreted what I’ve been trying to say. I don’t in any way think you or your family are bad. We’ve been aware of the LaCelle Coven for centuries as are most organizations who are aware there is more to life than simply humankind. You only came to our attention because of the circumstances surrounding your mother’s disappearance, your birth and then her death. We’d tracked the vampire Alastair to New Orleans, and shortly after your mother went missing. All evidence pointed to Alastair being responsible for her demise. The level of focus we placed on you was to determine that you were not a cold-blooded killer like Alastair.”
“And once I was proved to be no more than myself, just a girl with certain skills, you watched still,” Solange accused.
Jude smiled at Solange. “You have never been just a girl, Solange. You are so much more, and have the opportunity to excel even further.”
Marceline, proud of Solange’s defense of her family, and assured that Solange could handle herself and see their visitors off, inclined her head and took her leave. “I’ll say my good nights now. Safe travels home,” Marceline said before leaving them standing just outside their front door, not even waiting for their responses.
Solange remained where she was. The front door was open with Gillian and Jude standing in their courtyard, having just stepped outside the front door. They were facing Solange where she stood just inside the door, watching them, with the expansive staircase behind her.
“Think about it, Solange. That’s all I ask,” Gillian said. “Here’s my card,” Gillian said, taking a card out of the pocket it was tucked into on the outside of her purse, “call me at any time, day or night. I’d be honored to have you join my cell. You don’t have to work with a partner. In fact, most don’t, preferring to work alone. But we’d always have backup available to you if you desired it. I’m centered here, in New Orleans, right over on Baronne Street.”
Solange accepted the card. After reading it over quickly, she raised her eyes to Jude. “And you? You work out of this location, too? Is it headquarters?”
“No, I’m just in for a quick meeting with a prospective new agent and then back to New York,” he grinned at her, knowing she knew he referred to herself. “Our headquarters is in New York. If you prefer, you are welcome to work out of New York, or any other cell you may choose. We have them established in most major cities around the world.”
Solange looked down at the card in her hand again. She was going after the vampire Alastair. There was never any question of that. But, did she want backup in case she needed it? That was the question. Along with just how closely they’d watch her. She had her own reasons for insisting on complete privacy, and not anyone on the face of this planet but herself and Grandmama needed to know those reasons.
“I’ll think about it. If I decide that I’d like to become a part of your organization, I’ll contact you,” Solange said, looking directly at Gillian.
Jude couldn’t just let things lie as they were. He’d obviously offended Solange, and he’d honestly not meant to. “Solange, I didn’t mean to offend you in any way. I know not all ‘others’ are bad or evil. But vampires? Their history, their actions… they are without a doubt evil. They hunt humans like they are no more than livestock. They have to be eliminated at all costs.”
Solange just glared at him. “Thank you for coming to dinner. It was quite… informative,” she finished. Solange simply stood quietly, waiting for them to realize she was done with their visit. Finally they turned and started their walk out of the courtyard toward the street which lay a good distance beyond. Solange noticed when Jude, in his very expensive loafers and suit, made every effort to avoid the puddles collected on the flagstones as he made his way through their courtyard.