No Such Thing

The Why

Paul was sitting at his desk. Listening to the bustling of his family getting ready for bed. He heard his sweet wife’s voice and thought of how absolutely blessed his life is. He had a hard time focusing at home, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He could close the large double doors that separated his office from the rest of the house. But he liked the noises. Soon, the house would be quiet and he would be able to work but for now, he skimmed his duties with his eyes and listened to his home kaotically function.

The house slows down and finally lays quiet. He knows his children are all in bed and his wife will be heading that way soon. He looks at his desk. At the letter that arrived earlier today via courier. That is the usual choice for his father. Grant Gaufe was the head of the family business. He inherited it after his father decided it was time to retire. Long past time for Grant to retire but he lived for this business. For the tasks given him every day. Grant had led the company into the 21st century and expanded it to assist all creatures. In some cases, even humans. As specially if they were affiliated, married, adopted, etc. by a non human being. Once Paul was old enough, he started taking him on his assignments. Teaching him the ways, the focus, the achievements and direction of the company. Of course, Paul supported his father and his vision. In fact, he agreed. He was delighted the day Grant had placed him in a position of authority, prestige, and ultimately set him up to take over. One day. No time soon. Grant is still walking. Still breathing. And, still running things. Paul didn’t mind. It gave him more time with his family. He did not want to be an absent parent, husband, guide. So, he was more than happy running the projects and cleaning up the messes. He was good at it. He had a knack for the hard stuff. In fact, it wasn’t hard for him. He cleaned things up without issue, he closed cases without flaw. He never had an issue with the client, assignment, duty, or otherwise. He was clean, he was determined, and he was…. In a way….. Ruthless. He worked from his office in the evenings. But never brought his work home. He separated as best he could. Normally the Gaufe men would desire their offspring to follow in the family footsteps. Paul knew his children did not want this life. He had hope in Abby and Herran. They were still young. But his older children are choosing a different path. Gabe, maybe. But he’s not ready. Paul thought, ‘he should start to train him.’ 19 was the age he began training with his own father. He will ask him tomorrow, or the next. He knew his oldest was already on her path. Sometimes they come back. Sometimes they will attempt their own adventure in life and will come back to their roots. ‘Will she?” He thought. She would be amazing at this. Her mother’s intelligence, his wit and quick thinking. She would dominate this business. He could only hope.

Paul straightened himself in his chair, broke the wax seal and opened the envelope.

‘Paul.’ It began

‘Aunt Bethany did not die of natural causes. As you are aware, vampires do not simply ‘expire’. Someone killed her. She was found in her hotel room in Los Angeles while visiting some of our family there. She hardly ventured out of Landsend Port. She was invited to visit and decided she needed a change of scenery and accepted Lucille’s invitation. Lucille called me after she called the FBPI. When I arrived, Sgt Cappel informed me she had been poisoned. The Bureau has no leads. This is what your talent is my son. Please find the killer. As stated in the will, the house is yours and everything with it. Please take care of it. It has been our family for centuries. I apologize for giving this to you. I know you were ready to settle down and manage the business quietly. But our family needs you this time. Our family needs answers, actions. The FBPI will only go so far. They may not have jurisdiction in the area that will need scouring. Please use any and all resources you need for this. Bethany was a wonderful woman and your mother’s closest sibling.

Our love,

Your mother and father.’

Paul placed the letter back in the envelope and tossed it in the fireplace and watched it burn. He spoke briefly with his father over the phone about the possibilities. Without confirmation, he couldn’t begin his research. This, letter. The burning piece of paper is his key to opening that door. He knew what he had to do. He knew who he could trust with this and would walk at his side when it got rough. He turned his light off on his desk, stood and headed for the stairs. ‘Who would it be?’ He thought as he ascended the ancient stairwell. ‘Who would want that sweet old lady dead?’ Opening his bedroom door he was instantly surrounded by the sweet smell of his wife. He slowly entered the room and watched her in silence as she brushed her long, blonde hair. He loved her more today than he did 25 years ago. He was truly, completely, and passionately in love with this amazing woman. He silently walked up behind her and gently placed his hand on her neck. He traced his fingers down her shoulder, feeling the delicate fabric that covered her skin. He kissed her neck, she turned and looked into his eyes. Holding his hand she stood.

“What’s wrong?” She asked pointedly. She knew him too well.

“Nothing my love. I’m just enjoying the scenery.” He smiled.

“Lies!” she responded without changing her facial expression. “You tell me the truth now, sir.” Her German accent is thicker when she is serious. It makes his heart beat faster. ‘Even when she’s serious she is intoxicating.’ he thought.

“Ok.” He sighed. “I received a letter from my father this morning.” He began. He walked to their bed and sat on the corner, removing his shoes. “I read its contents a few moments ago.” She walked to him, sat next to him on the bed and held him close. She looked into his eyes. ‘I could lose myself forever in those eyes.’ Paul lost his train of thought as he gazed. “Paul.” He heard her softly say. “You need me.” It wasn’t a question. It was a fact, and she knew it. “What did it say?” She asked. He told her everything. “Well. Let’s get some sleep. We’ll send the children to school and sit down to make our plan.” Without missing a beat, she was there for him. She was his rock.

He held her close to him that night. Feeling her next to him helped him to steady his anxiety. Settle the storm that was building inside. The storm that would help him with this job. This family urgency. She calmed him. He slept.