The Far Reach (Southern Vampire Mystery)

Chapter 7 - A Low Swell

Nautical Note: A low swell at sea signifies that some event has happened somewhere beyond the horizon that has carried enough force that it has created huge, underwater waves. These waves can travel hundreds of miles and end as tsunamis or record surf on distant shores. The more regular the swell and the longer the time interval between them, the more force the unseen water that moves just below the surface carries with it.

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Sookie looked around her at the lovely potted trees that dotted the rooftop garden. Above her the trailing scarlet honeysuckle flowed up and over the pergola. Sookie had been led from the bedroom area to a large industrial kitchen on the ground floor. Once she had been delivered, her escort had turned and left without another word. Sookie had approached a man in the kitchen who was near the stoves and asked if she could have breakfast. In no time at all he had prepared her a plate of fresh fruit and eggs with toast. The man who had done the cooking had suggested she might wish to eat on the rooftop terrace and Sookie had followed him through corridors and up two flights of stairs to this place.

When she introduced herself, the man had told her he knew who she was but he had made it clear that he wasn't going to share his own name. "Just an employee," he'd said with a smile. Sookie peeked into his head and although he wasn't a clear broadcaster she got the impression that he was purposely avoiding knowing anything about her; like he was afraid of getting too involved. He set her up at the table and asked if there was anything else she needed.

When Sookie asked for coffee the cook left and then the coffee had appeared after a short delay with a different man. This new person set down a tray that included milk, sugar and one cup in addition to a coffee pot. As he turned to leave Sookie asked whether there were hummingbirds here but the man shrugged and told her he didn't know. As Sookie watched his back retreating down the stairs she peeked in his brain too. He was the same as the first; not negative, just not wanting to get to know too much about her.

Sookie decided she would wait until Eric rose and then ask him about it.

The sunlight filtered through the leaves and the air around her was heavy with the perfume of blossoms and the lazy buzzing of hundreds of bees and wasps. Sookie closed her eyes and found herself thinking of her Gran's rose bushes in Bon Temps and the way the bees used to fly, fat and full from one blossom to the next. She found herself missing the scent of the pond in back of Jason's house and the way the air moved heavy and rich in the cemetery where her Gran was resting. Sookie sent a quick wish that everything at home was good and that she would see her friends and family soon. Her eyelids were bright with the light of day and she took a deep breath as she allowed herself to truly relax. And then, without warning the light went dark.

Sookie opened her eyes and jumped. There was a tall thin woman standing in front of her, her hair outlined by the sun.

Sookie held a hand up over her eyes to try and cut back the glare. "Well, hey," Sookie said.

The woman didn't say anything, she just continued to stare and Sookie got the feeling she should be worried. Sookie felt her smile settle into something a little less welcoming but then she decided that she would follow her Gran's advice and press on her best manners. "Can I ask the folks downstairs to get you something?" Sookie asked. "I have some coffee right here. I'm sure that I can get you an extra cup."

"I don't do breakfast," the woman said. There was something about her nasally voice that told Sookie that this had to be Twy, Eric's publicist from New York.