Vampire P.I., Double Trouble

Chapter 7: Making Arrangements

*Claire*

Nathaniel's eyes grow distant as he stares at the name of the caller I.D. on his phone. I don't quite see the name on the phone before Nathaniel looks at me, concern in his eyes. His finger hovers over the green button as he looks back into my eyes.

“Apologies, Claire. I need to take this," he states. I nod and slip off his lap just as he swipes to answer the phone call.

“Christopherson, old friend, this is a surprise," says Nathaniel as he stands and strides into the kitchen which is just in the next room. I stand there and watch him for several seconds before shaking my head and heading into the bathroom.

I want to listen in and see who this Christopherson guy is and perhaps hear the reason for his calling, but I refrain. Whatever it is, it may be private and personal. Ultimately, I know that if it is important Nathaniel will tell me.

Instead, I focus on my reflection and the words that Nathaniel just said. He said my absence would be the end of him. He said if he allowed himself to be selfish, we would get married right here and now and that he would help me change into becoming like him—a vampire.

He said he would never force these things—this kind of life—onto me.

He said it with such earnestness, passion, and conviction I am afraid I will never know.

I love Nathaniel.

I decided to let him into my life and chose to feel all that time ago. I also know that something deep in my chest is holding me back. I wish I knew what it was so I could extinguish it or work through it by talking to him.

Why am I hesitating? What is it that's making me feel like this?

I continue to stare into the mirror at my reflection, feeling frustration starting to creep up like the taste of acid in the back of my throat. Sickness churns my insides for a minute before I shake my head and continue my morning routine.

I splash water onto my face and clean it with my face scrub before combing through my hair. I shove a toothbrush with toothpaste into my mouth and start scrubbing in little circles, Nathaniel's words still swirling in my head.

Of all the things I know, I am certain that I love him with all my heart. I can only hope that this weird hesitation in the back of my mind goes away sooner than later.

I spit into the sink before slipping into my dress for the day. One last once over and I step out feeling optimistic for the rest of the day.

The sight in front of me, however, makes my heart sink.

Nathaniel is sitting on the edge of the bed, shoulders slumped and eyes distant. The phone is still up to his ear, and he is merely nodding slowly. He stops nodding just for a moment before reaching up and running his fingers through his hair.

“I anticipate quite a few old faces at the gathering," says Nathaniel, pausing just long enough to hear Christopherson on the other line say something about looking forward to seeing him and that he hated that it was under these circumstances.

“Yes, I can certainly concur. Thank you again for reaching out to me. Comrades from old ought to stay in closer communication," states Nathaniel. “I hope to see you."

With that, Nathaniel hangs up the phone and continues to stay crouched over ever so slightly. In a word, he almost looks defeated.

Concerned, I step up to him and sit beside him, pressing my leg against his leg.

“Everything okay?" I ask, trying not to prod before Nathaniel is ready. He doesn't respond immediately, which is not like him. Instead, he continues to look distant for several minutes before eventually turning and catching my eye.

“Unfortunately, no," he states quietly. “The individual who called, Christopherson Willicum, is an old friend of mine. He's like me. He just reached out to let me know some rather terrible news."

“Terrible news?" I ask, more out of reaction than trying to probe. Nathaniel's head hangs again as he nods.

“Yes. Another very old friend of mine, Samuel Carpenter, has just been found dead in his home," states Nathaniel. Immediately, my insides sink. Nathaniel does not have a lot of old friends that he keeps in contact with, and the thought that one of them has died is a true tragedy.

“Nathaniel," I say, my voice constricting ever so slightly so my voice barely breaks above a whisper. “I am so sorry. Do… you know what happened?"

“Evidently," says Nathaniel as he straightens up and clears his throat. “He had been missing for quite some time, but he was going to go and meet some friends for an annual get-together when he did not arrive at the designated time and place. Concerned, my friends went to his home and found him dead, or, rather, what was left of him."

My insides churn and, to comfort him, I lean over onto his shoulder and entwine our fingers. He clasps my hand in both of his, brings my hand up to his mouth, and kisses our combined fists before placing them back into his lap.

“What we find most concerning is that whoever went in and… well… whoever it was knew exactly what they were doing. He was targeted, but I do not know why. He lived a quiet life, much like me. He avoided bloodshed when the time was right, and I know he would not have made too many enemies while staying stationary," states Nathaniel. “Needless to say, Christopherson said that there is a funeral arranged in the next few days. They are trying to get together as quickly as possible because the weather is going to be optimal."

Nathaniel continues to grasp my hand as he shifts his body posture to face me.

“Claire, I would never ask this unless it was very important to me, but may I ask a favor?" says Nathaniel. I don't hesitate and nod as I look into his dark eyes. “Could we cut our vacation a little short to go back home?"

“Of course," I say reassuringly. “Of course! Nathaniel, this isn't even a favor. I want to go and help you honor your friend."

Nathaniel smiles sadly and nods.

“Thank you, Claire. Truly, I would not have our time together on this incredible vacation end so abruptly unless it meant something," says Nathaniel, gratitude saturating his tone. He reaches up and gently brushes a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “How did someone so incredible come into my life?"

I roll my eyes teasingly and kiss his cheek.

“I guess you must have done something right at some point or another, but let's focus on getting packed. I'm sure we've got a flight to catch," I say. I stand up and go to walk away, but Nathaniel snags my hand and pulls me in for a kiss, hands pressing against the base of my spine firmly before he sets me free.

The both of us hurry around the cabin and pack up as thoroughly as possible. I take some time to pack Nathaniel's things as he books our flight and manages the reservations ending early.

It isn't until I have our bags by the door that I remember Nathaniel's words once again, and I feel my insides churn.

Why was I ready, at the drop of a hat, to stop our vacation and go back to attend a funeral, but hesitant about telling the man I loved with every fiber of my being that I wasn't sure if I was ready for forever?

I would do anything for this man, so why am I hesitating now?