Henri – 18

 

"It could work," Miranda said that evening, looking at the men seated in Taegan's living room.

 

"We'd have to come up with a theme that will excite people. Something like…" Allyn frowned. "What hasn't been done is the question."

 

"A vampire ball?" Henri suggested.

 

"Done to death, unfortunately," Taegan told him.

 

"Ghosts," John put in. "Come as your favorite ghost, or dead person I guess."

 

"That could be fun," Miranda said excitedly. "We could turn the parlor into—"

 

"You want to hold it on the estate?" John asked in dismay.

 

"Yes! If we want to pull this off as fast as possible. Poor Henri has been on tenterhooks since forever. Let's do this, get his photo in the newspaper and on TV and see if we can draw Xavier into our net."

 

"Hang on a minute," Ransom said. "Why go through all this hassle just to get him in the news?"

 

"Because a ball would be fun," Miranda replied.

 

Ransom snorted. "You can party every weekend if that's what you want to do. God only knows there are enough of them going on around the city. You don't have to throw your own. Just take Henri along with you to one of them. Also, pulling something like that together would take much too long."

 

Miranda sighed. "And it was going to be such a wonderful ball."

 

"You can do it for your birthday," John consoled her. "In six months."

 

"Even though this whole party idea was mine to begin with, I think you're right, Ransom," Taegan said. "There's an easier and faster way to achieve our ends."

 

"What do you have in mind?"

 

"I have a new artist whose exhibit opens this Friday. There's going to be a pre-opening party Thursday evening for invited guests and the press. Semi-formal, hors d'oeuvres, wine, the usual. Henri will be with me, which should guarantee his face ends up in the Arts section of the paper, at the very least."

 

"I don't own any formal wear," Henri said quietly, even though he liked this idea much more than the party one. I'd have been like a fish out of water at some gala. Doing this and have Taegan right there with me… He smiled, glancing at Taegan.

 

Taegan chuckled. "I suspect we can find something that'll work in the next couple of days. Right, Allyn?"

 

Allyn grinned. "And a shopping we will go."

 

"You are all on the guest list, as of now," Taegan stated.

 

"Great, but why?" Miranda asked. "The reception photos won't be on the paper's social page until Friday."

 

"True…" Taegan paused, looking thoughtful. "However, one of the news stations is doing a special about the artist—Mr. Williams—and the exhibit on their Wednesday early show. It will repeat on the nine o'clock news. Henri will be with me, as my assistant, when they're filming."

 

"I've been upgraded," Henri said, chuckling. When Allyn asked, Henri told him about the rental application for his apartment, where he listed his job as a clerk at the gallery. "At Taegan's suggestion."

 

"Now," Ransom said, "it all comes down to whether Xavier, or one of his people, actually watches the news and sees Henri."

 

Taegan nodded. "Given that he tried to abduct Henri here in the city, and captured him not all that far from New Orleans proper, I suspect he's at least keeping an eye on the area for sightings of him."

 

"They probably are since, as I told you, he knows what I look like in my human form—from the last day at the lab before I escaped."

 

"If he hasn't already figured out you're still here, Henri, this should do the trick," Ransom said.

Henri – 17

 

Henri – 17

 

The next morning, Henri gritted his teeth, girded his loins—as he thought of it—and went to catch the bus into the Quarter. By the time he stepped off, he had to clench his hands to stop them from shaking. But I made it without Xavier or his man trying to snatch me off the street. That's a plus, even if I did sweat off five pounds in the process.

 

His first stop was to pick up a cell phone. A cheap one, since he had no plans to use it for anything other than calling Taegan, Miranda, or Ransom and Allyn—once he had numbers for that last two. As soon as the phone was activated, he called Taegan to let him know he was on his way to the gallery. Then he checked in with Miranda, much to her relief. He asked her for the other numbers he needed, although he knew he probably wouldn't call them, except in an emergency.

 

Henri arrived at the gallery to find Taegan deep in a conversation with one of the customers, so he walked around, looking at the paintings, drawings, sculptures, and various other objects on display.

 

He was studying an impressionistic scene of one of the Quarter's streets, looking down toward the Cathedral, when he felt someone's hand on his shoulder. He stiffened instantly, whirling around, ready to teleport out of there.

 

"Damn, I'm sorry," Taegan said contritely.

 

"It's okay. I think my heart rate's returning to normal now," Henri replied with a grin, smacking his hand to his chest. "I really do have to stop being so panicky."

 

"With reason," Taegan said.

 

"Maybe." Henri lowered his voice. "I know we're hoping he'll come after me again, but I was thinking on the ride down here, what if we're going about it the wrong way?"

 

"How so? Before you answer, let's go into my office."

 

When they were there, Henri continued his thought. "This is a big city. Just because I've made a move to be more accessible doesn't mean he's going to know I am. Right?"

 

Taegan nodded. "I see what you're saying. The chances that you and he will cross paths are fairly small. For starters, it's not as if you advertised the fact you moved into the apartment, even if we weren't exactly being secretive about doing it."

 

"Exactly. You know the idea that people might have gossiped about my being at the barbecue doesn't really hold water either. First off, I'm hardly worth talking about. It's not as if I was someone well known. Now if there had been reporters and photographers there from the newspaper, because it was a social event…"

 

"And you showed up in a picture on the society page. I wonder…" Taegan looked thoughtfully at him. "It would have to be something extraordinary enough to draw the crème-de-la-crème. We should talk with Miranda and Allyn. For the moment, however, one of the people from the security company I use is due here any minute now. He'll go back to the apartment with you to set up the alarm system."

 

"Why didn't you tell me…? Okay. No phone, until now. No way you could have called to let me know."

 

"Exactly."

 

There was a knock on the office door. It was the man Taegan was expecting and from there, things went as planned. The man even drove Henri back into the city when he was finished and had explained everything Henri needed to know to make certain his apartment would be secured against any intruders.

Henri - 16

 

Henri - 16

 

They left the restaurant, walking toward Bourbon Street. "Definitely crowded," Henri commented, as they dodged around people while looking into the various clubs lining the street.

 

"When isn't it?" Taegan said with a good-humored laugh.

 

"Four in the morning?"

 

"Don't bet on it. This is New Orleans during tourist season." After barely avoiding getting beer spilled on him by one intoxicated young man, Taegan suggested they head down toward the river.

 

"This I recognize," Henri said when they strolled by Saint Louis Cathedral. "Mind you, only from photos, but still… It's quite impressive."

 

"Now you get to see it up close and personal." From there, Taegan took Henri down to the edge of the river.

 

It was dark between the scattered lampposts along the path, and yet there were enough people for Henri to feel safe. He gazed across the wide expanse of the river to the lights on the far shore. "Can you imagine what this must have been like a hundred years ago?"

 

"Much calmer, for starters," Taegan replied, pointing to steps leading down to the river's edge. "Let's sit and watch the moon come up."

 

Henri had no problem with that idea. When they reached the bottom step, he sat, wrapping his arms around his knees. Taegan dropped down beside him, leaning back on his hands.

 

"I think," Henri said quietly, "I could learn to love this city."

 

"There's much to be said in its favor," Taegan responded, smiling at him.

 

The fact you live here being one of them. Henri turned away from Taegan's gaze to watch a boat moving slowly down the river. "I wonder where it's going," he said, pointing.

 

"It's one of the steamboats, so at this point, given the direction it's heading, I'd say it's returning to shore. The one farther out is a tanker—probably heading to the Gulf."

 

"It would be fun to go on one."

 

"A tanker?"

 

"No a..." Henri looked at Taegan, saw he was grinning and shook his head. "You like teasing."

 

"I do if it gets you to relax," Taegan replied.

 

"I'm relaxed. In fact," Henri realized, "I'm close to falling asleep, what with the sound of the water and quiet."

 

"Then let's get you home."

 

"I didn't mean that," Henri protested.

 

"I know. Still, it's been a busy day. I suspect you'll sleep like a log tonight." Taegan stood, offering his hand to Henri.

 

Henri took it, allowing Taegan to pull him to his feet. For a long moment they looked at each other, then with a smile, Taegan put his arm around Henri's shoulders. "Car…then your apartment."

 

They walked back to where Taegan's SUV was parked behind his gallery. By the time they'd made it to Henri's place, Henri really was almost asleep.

 

"When will I see you again?" Henri asked as he got out of the car.

 

"Right now. I'm walking you up so we can check the place out."

 

"You think…?" Henri whispered, a frisson of fear running down his spine.

 

"Not really, but it pays to be careful." Taegan led the way up the stairs to the porch, asked Henri for the keys, and unlocked the door. Staying slightly ahead of Henri, they walked through the apartment.

 

"Looks like it did when we left," Henri said with relief.

 

"I agree. Like a small hurricane hit the living room, since you haven't arranged the furniture yet."

 

"I'll do it in the morning."

 

"I'm sure. Then what?"

 

"I saw a bus stop a block over. Hopefully I can get one into the Quarter."

 

Taegan nodded. "Call me first, so I know you've left—and when you get off the bus."

 

"With what? In case you forgot, I don't own a phone at the moment."

 

"That's right. So you know what you're first stop is," Taegan said. "Do you have paper and a pen somewhere?"

 

"Doubtful. I don't think it was on Miranda's list of what I needed. Wait." Henri hurried into the bedroom, returning a moment later. "The gallery's number is on my copy of the rental forms, so I'm good."

 

"That works. If I'm not there, leave a message."

 

For a moment they stood, looking at each other. Then Taegan gave Henri a fast hug. "I'll see you sometime tomorrow?"

 

"You will," Henri replied once he got over his surprise.

 

"Lock the door after me and don't open it to anyone," Taegan cautioned. "We need to get you in touch with my security company to install an alarm system. Okay, I shouldn't have said that. You went as pale as a ghost."

 

Henri smiled grimly. "I'll mover the dresser in front of the bedroom door tonight. Anyone tries to break in I'll…teleport to your place."

 

"I'll look forward to that," Taegan told him, slowly grinning. "Not a break in, but…" He gave Henri another hug before stepping onto the porch. "I want to hear the deadbolt click in," he said.

 

"Yes, sir." Henri replied.

 

"Sorry. My bossy gene kicking in again."

 

"It's all right. I'm getting used to it." Chuckling, Henri closed the door, and made certain he actually did turn the deadbolt. For a moment he felt a wave of loneliness when he heard Taegan's footsteps going down the stairs. Then, reminding himself he'd see him tomorrow, Henri got ready for bed. He did slide the dresser in front of the bedroom door. And hope I don't have a sudden need to use the bathroom until morning.

 

Henri – 15

  

They went quiet when the waiter arrived with their food, thanking him before he left. Then Taegan said, "Not to sound conceited, but different in a good way?"

 

"I think so," Henri replied. "You're sophisticated, in control—"

 

"Meaning bossy?" Taegan broke in, grinning.

 

"Yes, but I think it's because you need to be, since you own your own business."

 

"You did too, from what you said yesterday, but you don't come across as controlling," Taegan commented.

 

"I was when it came to my clients. I had to be, to keep them safe while we were out in the bayou. Some people just don't get that gators aren't overgrown lizards. They want to get up close and personal."

 

"Sometimes tourists don't seem to have the brains God gave a squirrel, or the sense God gave a goose, from how they act."

 

Henri laughed. "That's for sure." He finally tasted his jambalaya, then took a bite of his sandwich, deeming them both excellent. "And not because I'm starving."

 

"Of course they are," Taegan replied. "Would I steer you wrong?"

 

Henri looked at him, smiling. "No clue, since I've only known you for—"

 

"A short time. You do keep stressing that."

 

"Sorry," Henri murmured, returning his attention to his meal.

 

"There's no reason to be," Taegan assured him. "It's true. It doesn't mean we can't be—attracted to each other and want to know more about one another, does it?"

 

"No. I suppose not." He looked up again. "I presume… I hope you're not in some sort of relationship."

 

"No. Henri, there's one thing you have to know about me from the start. I don't mess with people's emotions even though, when I want to, I can easily read them."

 

"Right. Miranda did say you're empathic."

 

"I am. I've avoided reading you as best I can, except to pick up on the fact you're very afraid, with good reason. I don't want to be influenced by what you're feeling and make more of it than I should."

 

Henri nodded. "Good to know. Being manipulated by you because you can is not on the top of my list of what I want to happen."

 

"I would never do that!" Taegan stated adamantly. "I try to help people when they're hurting—talk to them, get them to let it out and maybe suggest what they can do to make things better. That's the sum extent of it."

 

"You'd make a good psychologist, I suspect."

 

Taegan chuckled. "I was a psychotherapist in the eighties. Had a small practice with all that entails. Then, of course, as we all do, I had to move on before my patients realized I wasn't getting any older."

 

"And became an art dealer instead. That's quite a switch."

 

"What can I say? I love art. Always have. So why not channel that into something that makes me and my customers happy."

 

Henri held up his hand, ticking off on his fingers, "Spy, therapist, gallery owner. Any other careers you haven't mentioned?"

 

"In the late thirties and early forties I was a journalist. It kept me from being drafted." Taegan grinned. "I think the army doctors would have been more than a little shocked when they studied my blood."

 

"No kidding."

 

"In the twenties—and don't laugh—I worked on a farm in Nebraska."

 

"You have definitely lived a varied life."

 

"I'm sure you must have as well."

 

Henri shrugged. "Not really. As I said, I stuck to small towns. Sometimes I'd clerk in a store. Other times I'd work for a logging company or the local foresters."

 

"It gave you the freedom you needed."

 

"Absolutely. I don't like being stuck indoors if I can help it, even more so now," Henri added dryly. He looked at his meal, surprised to see that he'd managed to eat most of it while they were talking. He finished the last of the muffuletta and gave a contented sigh. "I'm finally full."

 

"I am as well," Taegan replied. "To the point I think I need to take a walk to work off some on the calories."

 

Henri tensed, but still responded with, "That would probably be a good idea."

 

"It should be safe enough," Taegan said, reaching across to grip Henri's hand for a moment. "Xavier isn't likely to try something when the streets are full of tourists."

 

Stiffening his resolve, Henri nodded and beckoned to the waiter for the check.

 

 

Henri - 14

 

 

Henri and Taegan picked up the furniture—more than he probably needed in Henri's opinion, but Miranda was adamant that he take it all. He also remembered to pack up his clothes and personal belongings. Returning to the apartment, he and Taegan wrestled everything up the stairs—which Taegan swore got longer each time they climbed them.

 

When they finished, it was the middle of the afternoon. As a result, Henri told Taegan, "No arguments from you, I'm taking you out for dinner. It's the least I can do for all the help you've given me."

 

"It's not really necessary, but I accept. Did you have someplace in mind?"

 

Henri grimaced. "Not really. Where would you suggest?"

 

"A restaurant I dearly love in the Quarter. We can drop off the truck at my place and walk there. Oh, before you have a panic attack, it's also very reasonably priced."

 

"Money is no object," Henri said airily, getting an 'uh-huh' look from Taegan.

 

Twenty minutes later, as he looked at the Napoleon House menu, Henri was quite relieved to find that Taegan had told the truth. Henri could afford their meals, as long as they stuck to non-alcoholic drinks. They each ordered half a muffuletta, jambalaya and coffee.

 

When the waiter left, Henri suddenly felt tongue-tied. It was one thing to talk with Taegan about things having to do with stopping Xavier and everything that involved. It was another to try to make casual conversation with a man he had to admit interested him—a man he still wasn't certain was gay. He did sort of flirt with me at the barbecue, and Miranda hinted he's gay.

 

"Cat got your tongue?" Taegan asked.

 

"I guess." Henri smiled ruefully. "I'm not much of a talker."

 

"Could have fooled me."

 

"But that was about Xavier and…and…"

 

Taegan nodded. "Not making idle chatter. I understand. Okay, we'll start with the fact I get you're not all that familiar with the city."

 

"Not terribly. I came here… Well, you know why."

 

"To hide from Xavier. And before that? Had you ever visited? You didn't live too far from here."

 

"True, but I wasn't interested in visiting the—" Henri made finger quotes, "—big city. I've always been a country boy at heart. I like room to run whenever the spirit moves."

 

"You grew up in Paradis?"

 

"No. I was born in Maine and lived there until my parents were killed. Then I began traveling—looking for somewhere to settle. I saw a fair amount of the eastern half of the country, working my way south. I'd find a small town, settle in for a while and move on. Nowhere really appealed to me until I got down here. I fell in love with the bayous, found a house for sale outside of Paradis and lived there ever since." Henri smiled dryly. "Well, until Xavier decided to screw up my life."

 

"You've always been on your own?"

 

Henri nodded. "Pretty much. There was a time when I thought I might have found someone but she couldn't handle the fact she was growing older and I wasn't."

 

"I see." Taegan seemed a bit puzzled. "I thought… Oh well, no matter."

 

"What?"

 

"For some reason, I thought you were gay."

 

"I'm bi."

 

"Oh. Oh. That explains it."

 

"Why you thought I was gay?"

 

"Why I'm attracted to you," Taegan replied. "I'm usually pretty good at figuring out when a guy is… Okay, available sounds wrong, but you get what I mean."

 

"When he might find you interesting in return?" Henri chuckled. "I was wondering the same thing about you. Oh sure, you were flirting with me at the barbecue, but Miranda said you do that with everyone, male or female. She implied it was just the way you are."

 

"I'm afraid it is," Taegan admitted wryly. "It's…fun. Most people don't take it seriously because they know me."

 

"I didn't, once I figured it out." He studied Taegan with new awareness. "Are you really interested in me?"

 

"I said I was. I might flirt in public, but one-on-one I'm honest about my feelings."

 

"That's good to know."

 

"How so?" Taegan asked. 

 

"Despite the fact we barely know each other, I'm intrigued by you. You're very different from any man I've known."