Brad nudged me and nodded in the direction I was looking. The guy was on the tall side, lean, an ascetic face with an aquiline nose, dark hair, and gray eyes. I hesitated. Up until a month and a half ago, I would have just walked up to him. I knew I could take care of myself. But I'd seen where That had taken me, and, what with Nicholas putting the fear of... well, fear in me, I wasn't in any hurry to start a confrontation.

He took matters out of my hands by walking up to me. "Another student of the occult," he murmured with a smile. I noted a trace of an English accent. "I don't suppose you know a back way out?"

I explained how to get out of there without being seen. He pushed the book he had been reading into my hands along with some cash. "I'll find you and get it later. But I've gotta run before they find me. Put up some psychic defenses, and you never saw me, right?"

I nodded as he made his way out the back. What the heck? Then the bell over the door tinkled as two guys came in. I was glad I'd heeded the warning to put up my defenses. They didn't look friendly. I sank down into a clumsy faint. That brought Sherry over. With her on one side and Brad on the other, I felt pretty safe from their scrutiny. I said something about overdoing it, hoping that it was convincing.

As I heard the two guys leave, I allowed Brad to help me to my feet. I bought the book like I'd been asked. I flipped through a few pages as we walked out to Brad's car. There was a business card inside. It could have come from the store, since it was for a psychic, but I knew all of the ones Sherry had. The name on the card was Bryce Daniels.

Back at Brad's, I told him about the conversation I'd had with Nicholas. "No politics for this little girl," I stated. "Not for true artists, or so he says." I rolled my eyes.

"I have to agree with him on that one. It sounds like playing politics can get you killed if you're not careful, and we both know how "careful" you are."

"Yeah, yeah. But I'm getting better." I grinned at him. "There is one other important thing. He mentioned something about Golconda."

"Isn't that down state?"

"It's not a place. It's more of a state of being. I suppose you might consider something like Nirvana. Once a vampire has reached Golconda, he doesn't need blood as often. He becomes a good deal closer to being human. The only thing is, if anybody knows how, they're not telling. Maybe it's different for each person, but, from what little Nicholas could tell me, it's sorta trying to lead a good unlife. Keeping a conscience and learning control seems to be important. Nicholas seemed more concerned with Gehenna."

"Gehenna?"

"Vampire Armageddon. Only it's not as organized. It's not a matter of good versus evil..."

"I'd have never guessed," Brad put in, sarcastically.

"The ancient ones will awaken, and all hell, so to speak, will break loose. Personally, I don't want any part of it. I just wanna be left alone."

I glanced around the apartment. You ever wanna live in a house? I don't think I'll be living with Nicholas past November. So...."

He laughed. "Sure. If I can ever afford it, that is."

I shrugged. My grandparents had left me some money. "Shouldn't be a problem, especially if Nicholas comes through on his promises."

"Yeah, right. I'll start keeping my eyes open, though. A basement or cellar'd be best for you."

When Brad dropped me off, I set the book down on a table. Nicholas noticed the business card and picked it up. "So you've met Bryce, then," he commented. "I didn't even realize he was in town."

I shrugged. "He asked me about a back way from where we were and told me to buy the book for him. He said he'd find me again."

Nicholas laughed softly. "I have no doubt of that. He's a bit of a renegade. His clan isn't kindly disposed to some of his behavior. However, Bryce is the only one of the bunch that I don't feel I have to constantly watch my back around. They're warlocks, you know. At least, the first ones were. It's hard to say nowadays."

He picked up the book and flipped through it. "Typical. Bryce's taste in literature is so... stuffy. He actually enjoys reading from musty old tomes. Rather boring, I think, but to each his own. With your tastes, you might find him... interesting."