Turnings (Southern Vampire Mysteries)

Chapter 22- What Lies Beneath

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Eric had gone quiet behind him in that creepy way Rick noticed with vampires. They became so still you almost felt as if you were standing all alone in a forest. It was during these times Rick felt the difference between what he was and other vampires. He was finding that in other ways it was easier to forget. Well, except for the blood thing. And the violence thing.

And the calling thing. Rick almost jumped out of his skin when Pam was suddenly beside them. He even felt the breeze of her coming. "Jeez!" he exclaimed, but Pam wasn't looking at him. She was staring at Eric.

Rick couldn't help it. He had to give them both a once over. Their hair and clothes were crusted with blood and clots of something he didn't even want to guess at. They looked as if they'd both walked out of the worst horror movie he'd ever seen but, at the same time, it just wasn't bothering him the way it had before. Rick figured Mr. Hermosa must have been right. Maybe you just got over noticing it after awhile.

"I will need transport," Eric was telling Pam. Pam was staring at his Father's face like he was the only thing in the world, and Rick realized there was something more going on than what he could see with his eyes. Rick had already figured out that Eric could call Pam without using words or texting. What was going on now was something extra. It wasn't telepathy, but it seemed kind of close.

"For one?" Pam asked.

"Two," Eric replied.

"Is someone going to tell me what's going on?" Rick interrupted.

"It may be hard to find that out here," Pam continued, ignoring Rick's question.

"Ask Amy," Eric also ignored Rick. "She will have access to something that will work. She must have it for her hospital."

While it pissed Rick off, being treated this way wasn't unusual. These were adults. They ignored kids like him all the time. When his Mother kept talking as if he wasn't standing right there, he knew it meant she was having a conversation and he was going to have to wait until she was done before she'd acknowledge him, so Rick settled back on his heels, crossed his arms, and grit his teeth.

"Will you stay here?" Pam was asking.

"No," and Eric looked away into the darkness, "Call Anubis. Tell them I want an emergency flight. It shouldn't be a problem. We will return to New Orleans tonight. I can best do what is needed there."

The longer they spoke, the more Rick felt as if they were speaking in some code. Pam glanced in his direction a couple of times. She looked sympathetic and the fear Rick felt earlier returned. He was sure that whatever they were discussing, it had to do with his Mother.

Eric laid his hand on Rick's shoulder and Rick was so tense, he jumped at the contact. "Go with Pam," Eric told him.

"I'm not going anywhere until someone tells me what's going on." Rick knew it was a false threat. He'd seen how these vampires moved and as strong as he was, he was pretty sure he'd be no match against either Pam or Eric, but he had to try. "I can tell something's happened. Is this about my Mom?" and Rick stomped his foot. He drew a shaky breath and fisted his hands. "Look! I've been really patient and I've seen shit tonight I... I just want to know."

"We are all too upset to discuss this any further at the moment," Eric said tightly. "Return to the house with Pam. I need to do something here, but when I'm finished, I will come to the house and I will explain."