1305 & 1306 The Oracle & the Vampire (The 13th Floor) by Christine Rains Read Free Book Online Page A

aren’t going to hurt you.”
    “Harriet? Is that you?” Miller lowered the shotgun.
    Suppressing a groan, Kiral rose to his knees. The metal balls rolled to the floor as his flesh knitted together. The world was clear again. He rose to his feet as the crone stepped closer to Miller.
    “You’re not Harriet.” Miller rubbed her eyes.
    “No, I’m her grandmother. We’re actually looking for her, thinking perhaps she has come out to check on her clients as the city …”
    “As the city goes to hell?” Miller snorted before her tone softened. “Poor Harriet is missing. She’s such a sweet thing. I don’t remember her ever mentioning her grandmother, but you sound a bit like her.” She then gasped and covered her mouth with a hand. “Did I shoot the man who was with you? Oh dear Lord, please tell me I didn’t kill him.”
    Harriet wasn’t there. Kiral’s fingers dug into the drywall in the hall.
    “No, don’t worry.” Harriet came over to pat Miller’s hand.
    “No, I’ll be all right.” Kiral leaned against the door frame and tried to catch Harriet’s scent. Nothing. “I apologize for frightening you, Ms. Miller. I was only anxious to find Harriet.”
    “You a brother? Cousin?” Miller squinted as she gazed at him.
    He resisted the urge to snap at her. Did he look like Harriet’s brother? Or even part of the family? He wasn’t anything to Harriet. Not yet.
    “No, not family. Just … a friend.”
    Miller let out a sharp laugh and leaned back. “Just a friend, are you? No friend of mine ever tore down a door looking for me. And look at your fine physique, lad. You find Harriet and the next time I see her, I’ll find out just how much of a friend you are.” She then lost her teasing manner. “Are you sure you’re all right? I thought I had killed you.”
    With that little bit, he liked the woman immensely more.
    “Just a few buckshot hits. Nothing that will slow me down. I’m sorry about your door.” Kiral flashed her a smile. There was no time to dally, though. “Shall we get going to the next place, Grandmother? I think Ms. Miller has everything under control here.”
    “Will you be okay?” The crone laid a hand on the other woman’s shoulder.
    Miller patted her hand. “I’m fine, I’m fine. Here.” She held up the shotgun. “Take this with you. You’ve got a strapping young man accompanying you, but you never know. Dark things are going on in the city tonight.”
    “I couldn’t take your gun. I don’t want to leave you without anything.” Harriet shook her head.
    Kiral did his best not to cringe. The thought of the crone with a gun didn’t sit well with him. She was just as likely to shoot herself accidentally when her visions came as she was to shoot anyone else.
    “No need to worry.” Miller drew out a pistol from the cushion of her chair. “I have my late husband’s Luger. And my butcher knife too.” She thrust the shotgun at Harriet. “It’s loaded. Just point and pull the trigger. I haven’t any more shells, but one shot is better than none. Be careful. It’s got some kick to it.”
    “Thank you.” Harriet took the gun and leaned with its weight. “Thank you, Ms. Miller. Stay safe.”
    He gritted his teeth and retrieved the door to return it to its frame. The hinges and locked were broken, but Miller should be safe with her pistol. And if something other than a human came for her, a locked door wouldn’t stop them anyway.
    The crone paused in the hall and eyed his abdomen. “Are you certain you’re okay? I have some skills—”
    “Don’t worry yourself. I’ve healed. A little blood will help, though.” Kiral led the way to the stairs, peered down, and nodded that they were clear. Harriet was out there somewhere. He would find her.
    The crone touched the side of her neck. Much like a caress. “You could drink from me.”
    It reminded him too much that he almost did the previous night. Harriet wouldn’t forgive him if he did such a thing, and he