Missing Vampire: Reward Available (Hypernaturals 6)

Arrival

Fiona stuck her head into the main dining hall and announced "Adrian? The rest of your family has arrived and rolled through the front gate moments ago, and they will be at the house in a few minutes."

I stood up and told the group "We have been at this for fours hours. Pardon me, please. I have not seen the rest of my family for a very long time."

Jaqueline waved me away. "Of course Adrian. We have a great deal to discuss from the detailed information you gave us in today's session. So many things to investigate. Money to trace. Mercedes vans to find. We'll talk to you tomorrow sometime."

"Sounds good. As usual, please let my staff know if you have any needs. Whatever you need is yours for the asking, except for more time from me this evening. Help yourself to all the wine you desire: We'll make more! Also, Agatha loves to feed lots of mouths, so enjoy. Whenever there is a plan, you may not be able to be nearly so comfortable. My last op in Mexico involved tents and camping. Take my word for it: Castle with WIne, food, and pools are better."

"Thank you. I believe you. Oh: I forgot to tell you: The repayment arrangements went through without a problem. Your copious notes made it easy to locate all of the business affected. Crew entered the establishments overnight with payments and untraceable notes. We observed the various establishments from a distance to ensure they were all properly received. They all were. One woman fell to her knees and cried, holding the note to her chest. I believe you restored a few peoples faith in their fellow beings. The various letters mentioned life or death need and desperation, but not wanting them to suffer because the mysterious you had a problem. I borrowed your words."

"Jaqueline: short of my family arriving, that is the best thing I heard all day. Thank you again for making that happen. I am happy to hear they are happy with the repayment. That is... It's awesome. Now I need to leave before I cry in front of you!"

That got some smiles. Crew and Council alike.

I zoomed out of the room, and if this had been a looney toon cartoon the chair would have been spinning.

Helen waited for me in the front foyer, and I kissed her with extreme intent, which she returned. I told her about the repayments. She smiled. "Jaqueline is good people. Still: That was fast. Very nice!"

Fiona waited, apparently used to having to watch PDA. She ran a school. Assuming Irish schools are like American ones. she saw PDA galore, and that does not even count last nights refueling operations.

When we stopped kissing, Fiona told Helen "I spoke to the roaster and they will bring a few samples by to see which ones Adrian prefers."

"Thank you, Fiona. I appreciate you taking that one. Jessica and Morgan also prefer a lighter roast so it won't go to waste." Helen assured her.

Fiona shrugged "That's why they make Ice Cream in so many flavors."

"I have heard about this idea, that there is something besides chocolate toffee, chocolate peanut butter, or Strawberry. I am not sure I believe it, however." I said.

Fiona replied "No. Those are the only ones. There is a rumor about one called Vanilla, but it has never been seen in the wild."

Helen looked at the floor in disgust. "I am surrounded by idiots."

"Why: What flavor do you think there is?" Fiona asked.

"Chocolate? Raspberry?" Helen offered

"Chocolate is included in both the toffee and the peanut butter. It's an ingredient. Also a sauce. Raspberry is a Sherbet. That's different." I pointed out.

Fiona added "I did not know we are talking about sherbets. There are lots of kinds of those. Also Sorbets. Rumor has it those are also fun to eat off one another. Something that I am sure you will try if you have not already. Again. Napping. Pool. Me. Strawberry. Hint."