Allyn and Ransom – 18

 

 

Late the next morning, once he was actually awake enough to think, Allyn called Liam. Because they'd talked about it, he knew his friend had planned on going to the film festival party. Liam was a movie addict and never missed the chance to become involved with anything having to do with films—and the possible chance of meeting one the actors or actresses who had appeared in movies he'd seen.

 

It was not Allyn's thing, so he'd opted for the ballet fundraiser, laughing when Liam had pronounced ballet old folks' entertainment. Something Allyn and Ransom had decided on their own at the end of their evening at the party.  

 

Now, Allyn waited impatiently for Liam to answer his call. When it went to voicemail he frowned then left a message. "Call me as soon as you wake up, sleepyhead."

 

Half an hour later, when Liam hadn't responded to his message, Allyn called once more, only to be sent to voicemail—again—and left basically the same message.

 

"This isn't like him," Allyn muttered, hanging up.

 

"Isn't like who?" Miranda asked, wandering into the breakfast nook where Allyn was at the moment.

 

"Liam. It's almost noon and he hasn't replied to either of my voicemails."

 

"Didn't you see him last night?"

 

"No. He went to the film festival thing, while Ransom and I were at the ballet fundraiser."

 

"You and Ransom? Interesting." She smiled wickedly at him.

 

"Purely business. I was helping him out with a case he's working."

 

"The one concerning the kidnappings?"

 

"Yeah." Allyn poured a cup of coffee, then one for her when she asked.

 

"So maybe while you were playing detective, Liam decided to try a new flavor of the month, so to speak."

 

"He wouldn't," Allyn protested. Although he wasn't so certain she wasn't right. After all, he and Liam weren't exclusive, despite the fact they seemed to spend at least one night a week in bed together.

 

"Stop worrying," Miranda said, patting his arm. "He'll call, all apologetic and with some excuse, like he got royally wasted and didn't even get home until morning."

 

"Probably," Allyn agreed, hoping it was the case.

 

Allyn and Ransom – 17

 

 

Half an hour later, Ransom said with a touch of dismay, "Almost everyone here is middle-aged or older."

 

"You're just noticing?"

 

"Yeah. Not too sharp, am I? The problem is…"

 

"They're not the type of people the man we're looking for targets. Have you heard anything from you men at the other venues?"

 

"Venues?" Ransom smiled, before saying, "I have, and so far, nothing." He chuckled softly. "Did you think the calls I've been getting were from a boyfriend?"

 

"Do you have one?" Allyn asked, realizing he hoped the answer would be no.

 

"No more than you do, from what you told me. There are a couple of men I hook up with occasionally, because I don't get off on picking someone up at a bar, but that's it."

 

"I totally understand."

 

Almost as if what they were talking about triggered it, a couple Allyn knew fairly well joined them. The woman, after being introduced to Ransom, whispered to Allyn, "Trading up from Liam?"

 

"No. We're just friends who happen to be interested in ballet," Allyn murmured.

 

"He looks more like the football type."

 

Obviously overhearing them, which wasn't surprising considering what he was, Ransom said, "Are the two mutually exclusive? Ballet dancers and football players have to be in peak condition. They both wear tight pants—or I guess tight tights when it comes to ballet—which makes them easy on the eyes." He waggled his eyebrows, much to the woman's amusement. "At least with ballet, the music is a lot better, which is a plus."

 

They continued chatting for a few minutes, even as Ransom surreptitiously scanned the other partygoers, as he and Allyn had been doing all evening.

 

Finally it was one a.m. and the party began to wind down. Since midnight, Allyn and Ransom had been on high alert because, Ransom had pointed out, the three abductions had happened very late in the evening, "When people were beginning to leave."

 

"I guess we should call it a night," Ransom said when the final people left and the staff of the Mansion began cleaning up.

 

"Unless you feel like collecting dirty glasses, it might be a good idea," Allyn agreed.

 

They exited as they'd come in, through the lobby. When they were on the street, Ransom said he'd walk Allyn to his car. For a moment Allyn bristled. Doesn't he think I'll be safe on my own?

 

Ransom squeezed Allyn's shoulder. "I'm not being overprotective. I'd just like to. Despite why we're here, it's been nice, being with you. I sort of want to prolong the experience without having to watch everyone else in the process."

 

"Seriously?" Allyn was more than a little surprised by his words.

 

"Yeah, seriously. So where did you park?"

 

"Right over there, by the cemetery."

 

They walked down the block and around the corner. Allyn's car was the only one on the short street—unlike when he'd first parked, and wondered where everyone else coming to the party would find spaces.

 

"Kind of spooky," Ransom said, glancing at the tombstones behind wrought iron fence.

 

Allyn grinned. "Afraid of ghosts?"

 

"Not afraid, but I have healthy respect for the fact they might exist." He turned his attention back to Allyn. "Thanks for coming with me tonight."

 

"You're welcome. I wish we'd been successful."

 

"Me too, but that's the way it goes. None of my people have called to say they found the guy, and it's still too early for any reports of someone missing, so maybe he took the night off."

 

"Or quit altogether, which would be nice."

 

"I wish." Ransom went silent momentarily before saying, "Look, if you're not busy Monday night, I'm off and, umm… We could maybe go to dinner? Really catch up on things?"

 

Despite his astonishment, Allyn replied, "Sure, why not?" He managed a grin. "McDonald's?"

 

"Smartass. You know Brisbi's? I figure it's sort of halfway between your place and mine."

 

"I do. It has a nice view of the marina and the lake. What time?"

 

"Seven? That way we might miss the main dinner crowd."

 

"Sounds good. I'll see you then."

 

"Great." There was a long, pregnant pause, then Ransom turned and walked away.

 

Getting into his car, Allyn wondered if dinner with Ransom was a good idea. Then again, why not? The worst that happens is we'll find out we were right to have separated, way back when. The best, we become friends again, and who knows…? He immediately erased that thought. Friends, he could deal with. More was not going to happen and he knew it. Still, he wasn't certain he liked the idea. He is one sexy man—and a good one too. I've always known that. He pulled out of the parking space and soon was heading back home, still pondering the idea. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could return to the relationship they'd had before things went south, and—given the chance—he might want it to happen.

Allyn and Ransom – 16

 

 

Allyn drew in a startled breath when he saw Ransom enter the lobby of Mystère Mansion. Ransom had always been a man who dressed casually when Allyn had known him all those many years ago. Tonight, in a tux, with his hair styled instead of looking as if he'd just run his hand through it, he was…incredibly handsome and sexy. Stop there, Allyn immediately cautioned himself. This is business. We're here to stop a kidnapping and catch the person doing them.

 

"You're quite impressive," Ransom said, once he joined Allyn. "But then, you always did manage pull off the playboy look very well."

 

"Thanks, I think," Allyn replied. "You look, to coin a phrase, 'to the manor born' as well."

 

Ransom shook his head. "That'll be the day."

 

Even as they were talking, Ransom was scanning the influx of people arriving for the fundraiser. So Allyn did the same, while suggesting they go into the Grand Parlor. "We can find a good vantage point to watch everyone."

 

The parlor was already beginning to fill, even though it was early. Since it was a warm evening, Allyn wasn't surprised to see the doors to the courtyard were open. People were already mingling outside, as well as in the two large interior rooms given over to the party.

 

"This is not going to be easy," Ransom muttered.

 

Allyn laughed. "You expected it would be? This is one of the premier events of the season."

 

"There's going to be dancing?" Ransom asked, glancing at the bandstand set up at one end of the Parlor.

 

"Yep. The theme for the evening is 'Midnight Tango', although I suspect they won't stop anyone from doing other types of dancing." Allyn looked mischievously at Ransom. "You do tango, don't you?"

 

"Yeah, right. I think, if pushed, I can still do the box step. That's the limit of my dance skills."

 

"You don't go to clubs?"

 

"Rarely. They're not my thing."

 

Allyn nodded. Now that he thought about it, they hadn't been. Of course fifty years ago, two men going to a club together, other than as pals out for a night of drinking, had been unheard of. When he and Ransom had done that, as part of finding the men targeting shifters, they had been very circumspect, even though they were in the beginning stages of their personal relationship. At least that's no longer necessary. I should drag him to one of the clubs on Bourbon, just for the hell of it. Allyn knew it would never happen. They weren't even friends now—not really. They were just two men on a mission to save another person from vanishing.

 

"Would you gentlemen care for a drink," a young man carrying a tray of champagne asked, bringing Allyn back to the present.

 

Allyn picked up a glass, while Ransom declined, telling Allyn when he looked questioningly at him, "I have to keep a clear head." Allyn almost put the glass back on the tray, then decided if he wasn't carrying one, people who knew him would wonder and comment.

 

Slowly the rooms and the courtyard began to fill with guests. The band appeared and began playing, after the leader invited everyone to "Dance to your heart's content".

 

"How many of these people do you know?" Ransom asked, after being introduced to yet another couple.

 

"Most of them?" Allyn replied with a grin. "After all, I do, as you so unsubtly put it the other day, spend my time living the life of the idle rich."

 

"Yeah. Sorry about that. I didn't know…" Ransom spread his hands.

 

"No problem, since it's what I do when I'm not," he chuckled, "off saving the world."

 

Ransom laughed. "Are you trying to emulate Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne?"

 

With a sudden insight, Allyn realized, No, just you. Not that he would ever say it to Ransom. In spite of everything that had happened between them, he had always admired Ransom's dedication to protecting those who needed it most.

 

"Not hardly," Allyn replied to Ransom's question, just as another couple came over to greet him.

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.

Allyn and Ransom – 14

 

 

"We have three parties we need to cover," Ransom said, looking at the officers assembled in the conference room the task force was using at the police station.

 

"Three parties and five of us. This ought to be fun," Thornton said.

 

"Hey, not my fault we're all the department can spare, even with Mr. Patterson still raising hell. The captain thinks it's a long shot our guy will show after all the publicity about Ellis Patterson's being missing."

 

Hanna Lane shook her head. "If anything, it might make the guy try, so he can thumb his nose at us."

 

Ransom nodded. "I agree, but the captain doesn't see it that way."

 

"If we had a clue what the man looked like," one of the other officers said. "Tall with dark hair isn't much of a descriptor."

 

"No shit," Thornton muttered.

 

"All we can do is the best we can," Ransom said. "You and Daniels take the film festival party, Thornton. Lane, you and Johnson get the animal shelter charity bash, and I'll take the ballet fundraiser."

 

"On it," Daniels said. "Do you even own a tux, Ransom?" he asked with a smirk.

 

"Yep, believe it or not. Okay, let's end this. We have three hours to get ready." Ransom smiled wickedly. "Have fun and stay sober."

 

As soon as everyone was gone, Ransom went back to his office. He had a call to make. One he wasn't certain was a good idea but… The only number he had was the one to Allyn's home phone. When he called, someone answered, saying, "Warwick residence."

 

"Is Mr. Warwick available?"

 

"Let me check. Who shall I say is calling?"

 

Ransom was tempted to say "whom", but resisted. "Detective Carlyle."

 

"If you'll hold, please."

 

Ransom did, wondering if Allyn would tell whoever had answered that they should say he wasn't at home. He was a bit surprised when, a moment later, Allyn said cautiously, "Why are you calling?"

 

"Because I need your help, if you're willing, and if you're free tonight."

 

"Actually, I'm not. I'm attending an event at Mystère Mansion."

 

Ransom sucked in a breath. "The ballet fundraiser?"

 

"Yes. How do you know about…?" Then the penny obviously dropped. "You think the guy who abducted Ellis and the others might show up there?"

 

"There, or at one of the other big shindigs going on this weekend. I've got people at the other ones, but that leaves me to hit up the Mansion on my own."

 

"And you're wondering if I'd be willing to help you out."

 

"Yeah. I know you're good at it. Or you were back when we worked together last time."

 

There was a long pause. "Do you have a tux? One that isn't twenty years old?"

 

"Why does everyone think I'm too plebeian to own one?"

 

Allyn laughed. "Because you're a cop?"

 

"Thanks a lot. And it was one of my guys who asked the same question."

 

"Maybe it's your rough-and-tumble look. No one can picture you dressed to the nines."

 

"You'll see. I'll pass as one of the upper crust. That is, if you're willing to help. If nothing else, you can tell me who couldn't be our man, since you probably know a lot of the people who will be there."

 

"I suppose I do by this point. God only knows, I go to enough of these things."

 

"Why? If you don't like them, and it sounds as if you don't."

 

Allyn shrugged. "Gives me something to do. But more importantly, it reinforces I'm truly so benign and idle that when I vanish for a while, no one really misses me."

 

"No one? I don't believe that. Surely Miranda's not the only person in your life."

 

"True. There's the people who work for us. But they're used to my gadding about. Other than that, yeah, there is a man I'm with—sort of on-again, off-again. If we're in the same place at the same time, we usually end up going home together."

 

Ransom had the urge to strangle this other man, which shocked him. He'd long ago tamped down the feelings he'd had for Allyn. They were too different. The grasshopper and the ant, as he thought of if. Or at least he had until Miranda's revelation about Allyn. Was I wrong to give up on him? I had no reason—before I walked away—to think he was anything more than what he seemed to have become. A spoiled boy who found the life of a dilettante too much to his liking to give it up.