Blood Talisman by J. P. Bowie Read Free Book Online Page A

uh—many things.”
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    BLOOD TALISMAN J.P. Bowie 34
    Andorra fixed Andrew with long look. “You mean the Talisman of Ardocan?”
    “You’ve heard of it, then?”
    Andorra switched her gaze to Marcus. “Heard of it enough to be sceptical as to its
    existence. It most likely does not exist. Right, Marcus?”
    “Some pesky demon told Andrew is was for real.” Roger cut in before Marcus could
    reply. “He also asked Andrew to share it with him when he found it.”
    “Which of course I would not do,” Andrew said hastily. “Besides, as there is no actual
    proof the Talisman exists, it’s all a foolish notion on my part.”
    “May I ask why you wish to find this Talisman?” Andorra asked.
    Andrew grimaced. “Two reasons. It is said the Talisman of Ardocan can reverse time. I
    had hoped if that were true that I could change the past and have my brother, Michael, live again.”
    “And the other?”
    “That there was a way to undo my immortality so that my lover, Tommy, and I would
    face the future together on equal terms.”
    “That is foolish indeed,” Andorra snapped. “Such a thing has never been done—is
    impossible, probably dangerous!” Her expression softened a little as she gazed at Andrew.
    “You must love him very much.”
    “I do. I would do anything for him.”
    “Reversing time has been done,” Andorra said. “Marcus can tell you all about that. The
    wish to bring back your dead brother is understandable, but whether the Talisman—if it
    does exist—has that power I do not know. However, there is no need to give up your
    mortality, Andrew. Tony is human, as I’m sure you know. He and I have been loving
    companions for over one hundred years, and see how young he still looks.”
    Tony chuckled. “Yeah, but I’ve been noticing some grey hairs recently.”
    “That is a concern for Tommy,” Andrew said quietly. “About how he can explain away
    his ongoing youthfulness to his friends and family. It’s like The Picture of Dorian Gray in a way.”
    “And we know that didn’t end well,” Roger remarked, rolling his eyes.
    “Roger…” Marcus gave him a reproving look. “That isn’t helpful.”
    Roger shrugged. “Just kidding. But maybe while we’re here we could check out the
    ruins of Babylon. Maybe find some old writings on a wall.”
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    BLOOD TALISMAN J.P. Bowie 35
    “I don’t imagine it would be that simple,” Andorra said. “And from what I understand
    the excavation to install the bunker weakened whatever buildings were left. It’s a ‘no go’
    zone. Only military personnel and, of course, the VIPs will be allowed near once the
    meetings start.”
    “Which is when?” Marcus asked.
    “Tomorrow morning. If you will excuse me, I have to make a full report to the Secret
    Service agents about what took place earlier—minus your involvement of course. They need to be on the alert for any further infractions of security.” She rose gracefully from the couch and headed for the bedroom. “Will you stay, Marcus?”
    “If you think we can be of use.”
    She paused at the doorway to the bedroom. “I will talk with the Secretary of State. She
    knows of you and under the circumstances might welcome your added muscle—figuratively
    speaking of course.” She smiled ruefully. “I may have some opposition from Mr
    Hollingsworth, the Secretary of Defence. He isn’t quite as on board with vampire
    involvement—he tends to be, if you will excuse the pun, rather defensive.” She chuckled
    then closed the bedroom door quietly behind her.
     
    Andrew left them a few minutes later and went down the hall to the room Tony had
    acquired for him at the front desk. Once there he pulled out his cell and quickly punched in Tommy’s number. When Tommy answered there was a wall of sound almost drowning out his voice.
    “Where are you?” Andrew asked, already dreading the answer.
    “I’m in LAX. My plane for Baghdad leaves in a half hour.