Mr. Bartlett joined them at the table and took a seat, “I hope it wasn’t too difficult for you to get here.”  Everyone at the table let out a sigh. “I see, so tell me what happened?  All I know is that some guests from the Institute were arriving tonight, and that I should care for them with the upmost respect.”  Mr. Bartlett took a sip of wine from his glass, “Anyone else for some wine?”  He poured some into Sam’s glass, “Great year this is.” 

Agent Flaurence spoke out of turn, interrupting Mr. Bartlett, “I came here for answers Mr. Bartlett, not food.  We were almost killed tonight by three different groups of, of, monsters.”  He turned to Andrelle, “No offense,” he turned back to Mr. Bartlett, “But I want answers.  We were supposed to pick up a package, but we got this girl instead.”  He stood up from his chair, “Then we come here and run into a one eyed man who wants us to eat food and relax.”  Joseph pointed to Mr. Bartlett, “I want answers not food, and I know you’re hiding something from us.” 

Mr. Bartlett set down his wine and wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin in front of him.  He leaned back in his chair and sat silent for a second. 

Agent Flaurence stood still, staring at Mr. Bartlett for a while; he was starting to get nervous about what he had said. 

The rest of the table was deathly quiet, and then Mr. Bartlett spoke, “If you wanted to get down to business, you just had to ask.  First things first though.”  He turned to the man that led them to the table, “You have already met Mr. Scott, my right hand man.  He is much appreciated here.”  He looked at Starr who seemed out of place among all the adults.  “I’m sure Starr here would like some new clothes.  I don’t think she enjoys running around in her skivvies now.”  Mr. Bartlett turned back to Scott, “Would you please find the young miss some nice clothes.” 

Scott nodded and walked off to an elevator situated behind the table.  Mr. Bartlett looked back to the table, “Starr if you would accompany Scott here, he will get you dressed and whip up some delicious food, while we adults talk.” 

Starr looked at Sam for direction.  Sam gave her a slight nod and she followed Scott to the elevator, and soon disappeared behind the closing doors. 

Mr. Bartlett looked Agent Flaurence in the eyes, “I appreciate your directness, but a little respect would do you good.”   His words sounded like ice and hit Joseph hard.

Joseph gulped and sat back down. 

Sam was surprised, Joseph was a tough man, yet he backed down so easily.

“I am here to help you after all.”  Mr. Bartlett’s mood lightened and he turned to Sam and winked, “You look gorgeous tonight, even with all the blood and grime.” 

Sam’s skin flushed, and she looked away from the table. 

Mr. Bartlett then loosened his tie a little and took another sip of wine, “I don’t have a clue why this girl here is the package you were supposed to deliver, and I have less knowledge of why everyone is after her.” He set down his wine glass, “That seems like a matter to take up with Breaburn.”

Sam’s eyebrows furrowed, it was Mr. Breaburn who gave them the mission in the first place.  She was now sure that this was somehow a setup.  Breaburn knew more than he gave them at the mission briefing, he was hiding something.

Andrelle took this time to speak up, “And I have told them that the orders to capture her must have come from the top of the vampire’s hierarchy.  No one knew about the mission, unless they were assigned directly from the top.” 

Mr. Bartlett sat back and scratched his chin. “Interesting.  Now tell me the whole story, I might be able to piece this mess together and find out what is going on.” 

While the others started conversing about what had happened so far during the night, Red sat back and closed his eyes.  He could feel a strange power here, something he had never felt before, something dormant but powerful.  He shivered at the thought.

He concentrated and listened to the energies that flowed about.  He slowly started picking up on a low raspy voice in the air.  At first he couldn’t understand the voice, it was too hazy.  He concentrated harder on the voice, letting everything else drown out. 

“The girl with the dark hair is a very old vampire, but don’t worry, her heart is on the mission.  She may have a dark past, but her future is very bright indeed.” 

Red’s eyes furrowed, the voice was clearly talking about Andrelle.  It kept going on for a moment, revealing facts about her.

“Her father was murdered long ago by the one you call Horus.  She has been set on revenge every day since her father died.  Her relationship with the Institute was bread out of this hate.”

Then it changed direction, “Agent Joseph Flaurence of the Institute.  He is frustrated at the Institute and feels that they have betrayed him on this mission, as they have in the past.  But he is strong and still wishes to help the girl above all else.  He won’t let any harm become the girl, even if it kills him.” 

Red had to concentrate with all his might not too lose the voice as it shifted again to Sam.             “Samantha knows something is not right about you, but her mind is clouded by your past together.  She will ultimately succeed in this mission, as she is the most resourceful of the group.  She keeps the talisman on her axe, close to her at all times, feeling your protection makes her happy throughout the day, even though she does not realize it.” 

Red suddenly connected the talisman to Mr. Bartlett.  That is why it could kill even vampires with a single blow.  Mr. Bartlett must know some strong magic or at least he knew how to get ahold of such items.  He certainly had enough resources to acquire such things.  Red’s suspicions were confirmed after all.  Something wasn’t right about Mr. Bartlett.

 Then a strange energy moved over Red. 

“The scrawny man has great psychic ability.  He listens in on us even now.” 

Red’s eyes shot open in a panic as he heard these words.  Mr. Bartlett was staring him dead in the eyes.  Red started to sweat, and he instantly began fidgeting with his fingers. 

Mr. Bartlett tilted his head to the side, “Be careful where you pry psychic.  Some things like to be hidden.” 

The rest of the table looked at each other wondering what this was about. 

Sam quickly spoke up to end the uncomfortable silence, “That is all that we know anyway.  Do you know anything that we don’t?  Is there something we looked past?” 

Mr. Bartlett let his stare on Red move to Sam, “I’ll have some people look into it.  I will look into different avenues myself.”  He stood from his seat and grabbed his cane, “But for tonight, I will have the waiters bring you some food.”  He turned to Agent Flaurence, “I know it would soothe your nerves if you would sit in the security room and monitor the restaurant’s security cameras.”  He turned to one of the guards by the rope blockade, “Mr. Tentin, please take Agent Flaurence here to the security room.” 

The guard nodded and waited for Joseph to meet up with him.  Joseph thanked Mr. Bartlett and followed the guard off to the security room. 

Mr. Bartlett held his hand out for Sam to take, “If you would please follow me to my office, we have things we need to… talk over.”  Sam took his hand and grabbed her bag at her side. 

Mr. Bartlett looked at Andrelle and Red, “You two enjoy your meal, order whatever you please.  It’s on the house.  Spare no expense.”  Mr. Bartlett chuckled at his own comment.