Allyn and Ransom – 15

 

"Did I lose you?" Allyn asked.

 

"What? No. I was just thinking, umm, where we should meet."

 

"At the Mansion?" Ransom could hear the smile in Allyn's voice.

 

"Yeah, wiseass. But where there?"

 

"The lobby."

 

"All right. Can you be there in two hours?"

 

"That's a bit early. Make it at eight."

 

Ransom chuckled. "So that we're fashionably late? Supposedly, it starts at seven."

 

"Meaning the people who aren't anybody will show up then. The rich and famous will wait until there's enough guests to witness their grand entrance."

 

"Jesus," Ransom muttered, although he knew Allyn was right.

 

"Way of the world, Ran. Or at least the world I inhabit."

 

"True, but since we're looking for the abductor, it would make more sense to be there from the get-go."

 

"You have a point. All right, I'll be there at seven, in all my glory."

 

"Do not tell me you're wearing something that will make me feel like a peasant next to you."

 

"Umm. Well. Just your classic midnight blue Brioni with black satin lapels."

 

"Like that tells me anything. I'm wearing a classic After Six, I think."

 

"You think?"

 

"I bought it two years ago for a wedding so, yeah, it was an After Six."

 

"There's nothing wrong with that."

 

Ransom chuckled. "At least it's not from the eighties. All right, we both should get moving if we're going to be there on time."

 

"Yep. See you in a couple of hours."

* * * *

"Which extravaganza will I honor with my presence?" Grigore asked his reflection while he straightened his bow tie.

 

He had several choices. The only question being, which one was most likely to net him a young, healthy man or woman for the hunt. He instantly eliminated the ballet fundraiser. Ballet equates to older people. At least from what I remember, having gone to a few many years ago.

 

The animal shelter charity event might pull in a mix of ages, but there was also the possibility there would actually be dogs and cats there—to remind the partygoers why they should be donating to the cause. Some animals were sensitive to supernatural beings. The last thing I need is a dog howling or a cat screeching, if I get too close to their cage.

 

That left the film festival party. Movies these days cater to youth. Noise and action for the young men, who get off on that sort of thing, or mawkish romances. What do they call them? Chick flicks? Yes, there should be a plethora of the young and agile attending. Surely I'll find the perfect prey there.

 

With that decided, Grigore checked one more time to make certain he was sartorially acceptable for mingling with the rich of the city—not that he had any real doubts—and then left. He had one stop to make before the party. He needed to find an acceptable vehicle, since, as always, using his own for the actual abduction was not an option.