36 - ‘Come gentle night…’

“And that brings you up to date,” Kemp said as he finished his story. “I’m here and I’m staying until I find him.”

“Not to throw a spanner in the works, but what happens if you do find him and he’s no longer interested, or even has a boyfriend now?” Trevor asked, watching Kemp’s shoulders slump at the question.

“I’ve thought about that, believe me, and I don’t have an answer. I’m hoping that his feelings were, are as strong as mine and that he trusts me to keep my promise.” Kemp sighed, staring down at his clenched hands. “But I’m honest enough with myself to know that after a year with his Sire drumming into him that he’s better off without me, he may well have decided that’s the truth and moved on.”

“A definite possibility I’m afraid. Do you even know where to start looking for him?”

“Somewhere in the Garden District.”

“That’s a pretty large area to cover Kemp, especially if they don’t actually have a house there but are living in one without the owners knowing it. It’s possible with some of the bigger homes.”

“I got the impression that Rikard does own the place and that it’s not one of the fancier ones, though I could be mistaken.”

Trevor nodded. “Well for starters I can put out some feelers among a few acquaintances of mine who might know this Rikard, or at least know where he goes to ground. Let me point out though that even if we find his place there’s a good chance Owen will no longer be living with Rikard. It’s been well over a year since he was turned which means he should have been sent out to fend for himself.”

Kemp’s features darkened in despair. “If that’s the case he could be anywhere, or dead. How many dhampir are around here Trev?”

“Two besides me, not counting you. So yeah it’s more than possible your Owen could have run into one of them. They aren’t as willing to make a decision about the morals of a vampyre before dusting one as I am.”

Running a hand through his hair Kemp said quietly, “And Owen is young and one of the innocents in this world. Not a very good combination when it comes to staying alive.”

“In his case, not at all. Although from what I remember, he did seem to have a good head on his shoulders when he wasn’t mooning over you. So don’t give up hope quite yet.”

“I’m not giving up hope period, end of discussion. I’m going to keep my promise and find him.” Kemp fought back a yawn and lost.

“I think it’s time for bed for both of us. Since I only have one bedroom you get the sofa, which isn’t all that uncomfortable. I even have extra sheets and a blanket believe it or not. The result of Del domesticating me.”

Kemp yawned again. “Right now I could probably sleep on the floor and be happy.”

“Whichever works for you but trust me the sofa’s more comfortable,” Trevor said with a chuckle as he went to find bedding. By the time he returned a couple of minutes later Kemp was sprawled out, sound asleep on the sofa. Trevor smiled as he draped the blanket over him and then headed to bed himself.