Forever Knight

The Birthday

"M-m-m-m-m"  Robyn Parker said as she settled into the hot tub.  "Now this is what I call a real birthday present.  It's extravagant.  It's frivolous. It has absolutely no practical long term use, but I love it just the same.  First, you took me to lunch at The Hilton, then a shopping spree on Rodeo Drive.  Now this.  What possessed you and Nick to give me a make over at Charles Penzone?"

"Because you're you."  Toni Knight said to her mother as she added a generous amount of aromatic salts to the water.  "Don't worry about the cost.  I have Nick's Platinum Express ...With his permission and blessing.  We both figure you've scrimped and saved all your life to get where you are, and you deserve to be pampered."

"You two are too much.  And I love you both for it."  Robyn settled back and let the steam surround her.

**********

Robyn looked at the stack of packages sitting on the floor.  They had hit nearly all the stores in Beverly Hills, including Fredricks Of Hollywood.  Some of the outfits they bought, Robyn knew she would never wear in a million years, but they had looked so pretty and Toni had insisted that she get them.  While she knew that Nick could easily afford ten times the money they had spent this afternoon, she still felt guilty.  She picked out one of the boxes and held up the pale blue chiffon cocktail dress.  It had a not-quite-see-through bodice with a satin lining that barely covered what it had to.  The puff sleeves were of the same filmy material as the bodice.  The skirt hugged her waist and thighs and then flared slightly.  Toni had said that Lucien would adore her in it ...  Well, maybe just a wee bit guilty.

"Would you care to model your purchases for me?"

Robyn jumped for a second before she recognized Lucien LaCroix's voice.  She had not heard him come in, but she knew that the old vampire could come and go as noiselessly as a shadow. 

"I did not mean to frighten you."  He said, kissing her lightly on the cheek.  "You were so engrossed in your thoughts, you obviously did not hear me come in."  He picked the cocktail dress from the floor where Robyn had dropped it.  "Why don't you start with this one?"

"Excellent!"  He proclaimed as she twirled around her living room.  Toni was right.  His eyes were showing just the barest hint of gold.  "That one will do perfectly."  He held out another one.  This was a dark maroon linen jumper with an ivory satin blouse.  "Now this."

"Do perfectly for what?"  Robyn asked as she took the outfit.

"You will see."  He smiled enigmatically.

An hour later, Robyn had shown him everything she had bought, including the ice pink nylon peignoir set.  He had been most insistent on seeing her in that.  She still had no more clues to what her son in law's father was up to than when they started.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"  She had asked numerous times.

"You will see."  Was his only answer.

He handed her the jumper and blouse.  "Here, put this on."

"Why?  And if you say 'you will see' one more time, I will stake you where you sit."

LaCroix only smiled.  "Humor me."

When she came out of the bedroom, LaCroix had repacked all of the outfits. 

"Now what?"  She asked.

"Dinner, of course."  He replied, still, there was a certain twinkle in his eyes that told her there was much more than a simple meal involved.  When he led her to the curb and the waiting limousine, she was certain of it.

"When do you plan on telling me what this is all about?"  She demanded as they got inside.

He only smiled and kissed her.  It was a long and passionate kiss.  "Dinner is for openers."  He declared.

The windows were darkened and she couldn't see anything through them as the limo sped through the streets.  Finally it stopped and the driver opened the door.  They were at the airport.  A private jet was in front of them, engines on, and ready for takeoff.  As soon as they were aboard, the plane headed to the taxiway.

"Now, will you clue me in?"  Robyn asked.

"I suppose it would be all right.  You do like French cooking, do you not?"

Robyn nodded.

"Well, there's only one place to get authentic French Cuisine, isn't there?"

"I don't understand."

"Paris, of course."

"You're joking.  We're going to France?

"Where else?"

"But ... "

"Everything's been taken care of.  While you and Atonia were ... doing your thing ... this afternoon, I had Milos go to your apartment.  He packed your toiletries, your passport and a few ... other necessities.  Most of the things you bought today are also in the plane's cargo hold, thanks to a few acquaintances of mine who are ... shall we say ... extremely fast."

"You mean Toni knew about this?"

"No.  But a few days ago, she happened to let it slip what she and Nicholas planned.  That got me to thinking that you really do need an extended pampering.  So ... "  He gestured the interior of the plane.  "I would also suggest you get some rest.  It will be an eighteen hour flight."

**********

Robyn finished the 'light' breakfast that the stewardess had brought.  It was eggs Benedict, hash browns, a small steak, Belgian waffles, orange juice and coffee.  She had left about half of it on the plate.  "If I eat one more thing."  She told the woman, "I won't be able to fit into the clothes."  She was wearing the peignoir.

Lucien LaCroix came out of the sleeping compartment.  The windows on the jet had been blacked out.  Robyn suspected that this was not a run of the mill chartered jet.  He was now wearing a black silk dressing gown.  Nothing else.  "Did you enjoy your meal?"  He asked.  "I didn't know what you wanted, so I told her to prepare a little of everything."

Robyn smiled.  "It was exquisite.  Just like you.  Do you want anything?"

"Oh yes."  He said, caressing her cheek.  "I am a bit hungry.  Would you mind if I took my ... nourishment directly from the source?"  He said as he planted butterfly kisses down her neck.  "Of course, the source would have to be properly prepared."  He cupped his hand over her breasts and kneaded them gently.

"And the receiver as well."  She reached her hand under his shirt and gently tugged at the fine hairs on his chest.  Her index finger lazily circled his left nipple.  "Shall we continue these ... preparations in the other room?"  She said, nibbling on his lower lip.

Without taking his lips from hers, they both stood and headed to the bedroom.

**********

The plane taxied to the De Brabant Foundation hanger at DeGaulle.  A few minutes later, LaCroix and Robyn exited.  Because of the time difference, it was already dark here.  Another limousine was waiting on the tarmac.  LaCroix had insisted that they dress in their evening clothes.

"Where to now?"  Robyn asked as they got in.

"I know this charming little bistro on the Left Bank that serves the most elegant Chateaubriand.  You will adore it."

"It's not a ... "  She put her two fingers against her teeth.

"Of course not.  The owner is a friend of a friend of mine.  He is quite mortal, I assure you."  He smiled slightly.  "However, if you want a ... "  He held his fingers to his teeth.

"That's quite all right."  She said, taking his fingers and kissing them lightly.

"If you keep that up, I may have to stop somewhere for a little snack."  He growled softly and exposed his teeth.  His fangs were barely showing.

"If that's what you want ... "  She said as she traced the outline of his left ear with her index finger.  Her other hand caressed his thigh.  She could tell that her ministrations were having the desired effect.

**********

"Ah! Monsieur LaCroix!  Welcome."  The owner said as they entered.  "It has been much too long since we have seen you here.  Come this way.  Your table is ready."

The restaurant was everything Robyn had always imagined a French restaurant to be.  They sat at an outdoor table overlooking the Seine and listened intently as a strolling accordionist serenaded them.  The food was as exquisite as LaCroix had promised it would be.  The vampire even kept the illusion by moving the food around and occasionally dropping pieces into a small plastic bag that he kept hidden under his napkin.  Every once in a great while he would actually bite a very small portion off a piece and eat it.  Robyn smiled at this attempt to please her.  She had seen Nick do the same thing when they were dining.  Occasionally, he would pour from a flask into his glass of champagne.  The liquid blended perfectly with the straw colored elixir.

"I thought you had to use blood."  Robyn said.

"This is plasma.  While it is not as nourishing as the real thing, it will do in a pinch."  To emphasize, he reached under the small table and kneaded her thigh.

Far too soon, the meal was over.  Outside the restaurant, the limo was still waiting. 

"Where to now?"  Robyn asked as they pulled from the curb.  "Back to Los Angeles?"

"Oh heavens no.  The night is still young.  I thought we'd go to the opera.  I know you like Puccini.  They're performing Madame Butterfly."

"Do I get three guesses.  Since it is an Italian opera, the best place to hear it is ... "

"Italy, naturally, and the best place in Italy is at La Scala."

**********

Two hours later, the plane taxied to the hangar at Linate Airport in Milan.  As usual, there was a limousine waiting at the terminal.

"How could you get tickets for this on such short notice?  I understand there's a six month waiting list at La Scala."  Robyn said as the headed for the internationally famous opera house.

"My dear, I have a season box."

"You mean you've had a box all year?"

"Oh, no.  I've had mine since 1778. That's when the theater first opened.  Of course, the theatre management thinks that I am the great-great-something-or-other of the original purchaser."

"Oh."

**********

Robyn yawned as they left the opera house.  She had heard Madame Butterfly numerous times before, but Lucien was correct.  Until you heard it performed at La Scala, you missed half the opera. 

LaCroix's box was in a secluded area of the house.  While it had a full view of the stage, it was out of sight of nearly everyone in the audience.  Robyn wondered of that was done on purpose or was just a happy accident.  Either way, she and the elder vampire took full advantage of the darkness and the location to produce their own brand of music during the intermissions.

She pulled her stole tightly over her neck to cover the almost healed marks.

"If you are tired, perhaps we should retire for the night."  Lucien said as they rode through the streets of Milan toward the airport.

"Don't tell me you've made reservations at a hotel here."

"No.  I was thinking of my villa on the Riviera.  It's not as grand as some of the others, but it is quite adequate."

**********

Robyn stared open mouthed at the grand hall.  If this was adequate, she wondered what Lucien considered opulent.   The villa sat on a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean.  It had been only a short drive from the Monaco Airport to the villa.  Naturally, it was by limo.

The entire entryway was decorated in pink Turkish marble, inlaid with lapis lazuli mosaics.  These were outlined in gold alloy.  Above, the light refracted from an Austrian crystal chandelier.  The living area was paneled in Indian Mahogany and oriental rugs covered the oak hardwood floor.  The furniture was antique, Louis XIV, if Robyn guessed right.  A uniformed servant took her wrap and silently disappeared up the marble staircase to the second floor.

"Perhaps madam would like to refresh before she retires?"  Madame Harlierre, the housekeeper said.  "We have prepared the suite for you and Monsieur LaCroix."

Mme. Harlierre looked to be in her late fifties, but she had the type of face that bespoke ancient.  Her salt and pepper gray hair was pulled severely into a bun. She wore the traditional nondescript gray dress of a servant.

"Don't let her appearance frighten you."  Lucien said as they climbed the staircase to the second floor.  "Evangeline Harlierre is a very understanding and compassionate person."

"Is she ... "

LaCroix nodded imperceptibly.  "This villa is one of the principal resorts for the Community.  Do not worry, my dear.  There are no vampires here this weekend."  He smiled broadly.  "Yours truly excepted.  Just to balance the scales, I do lease it to the De Brabant Foundation as a conference center on occasion."

**********

Robyn slid into the hot tub.  Like everything in the master bathroom, it was made of Turkish Marble, this time in an almost transparent blue.  And like almost everything else in the villa, it was big enough for at least two persons.  The fixtures looked to be gold plated, but knowing Lucien LaCroix, they were probably fourteen carat gold.

"You need someone to wash your back."

She looked up to see Lucien standing before her.  His lithe body was covered with only the skimpiest of towels.  She smiled at him.  She had to constantly remind herself that he was two thousand years old, not forty five.  His well formed muscles rippled beneath his alabaster skin.  His eyes twinkled as he dropped the towel and slid into the tub behind her.  Yes.  He was very well formed. 

"This should put you in a proper mood for bed."  He said as he made lazy circles on her back with the English lavender scented soap.  It blended in well with the sandalwood bath salts and the jasmine incense that permeated the bathroom.  He moved slightly and his soapy hands were washing her chest and stomach.

She shivered with delight.  "Only if I get to return the favor."

"Of course."  He shifted so that his back was to her.  She turned and started to massage his back.  Slowly, she worked her way until she was soaping his chest.  She began to work her way down his abdomen.  When she reached his groin area, she had the distinct impression that this bath would take much longer than necessary just for cleanliness sake.

**********

She rolled over on the king sized waterbed in the master suite.  The silk sheets caressed her bare skin.  She had half expected to find Lucien wound around her, for that is how she remembered falling asleep last night, or rather early this afternoon.  She knew that vampires slept most of the daylight hours, but the elder vampire had kept her awake ... and occupied ... until well past noon.  She searched for the alarm clock, but the only timepiece in the enormous room was an antique grandfather clock against the far wall.  According to it, it was after seven.  She assumed that was PM.  She felt for the cool form that should be beside her, but the other side of the gigantic bed was empty.  She sat up quickly.  This brought about a sudden wave of dizziness and a slight queasy feeling. 

Presently, the door to the master suite opened.  Lucien came in followed by another vampire.  Robyn quickly pulled the sheets tightly around her neck.

"This is Dr. Martien Delouis.  I want him to examine you."

"A vampire doctor?  I didn't know that vampires needed the services of a physician.  And why do you think I need a doctor?"

"Normally, vampires don't require medical attention."  Dr. Delouis said as he opened his signature black bag.  "I was a doctor before I came across, and I have kept my skills up."  He extracted a digital thermometer and inserted it into a plastic sleeve.  "Open wide."  He placed it under her tongue.  "LaCroix asked me to check on your health.  He felt that this weekend might put a strain on you."  He removed the thermometer and read it.  He made the universal clucking sound of doctors everywhere.  He took her wrist between his fingers and concentrated on his watch as he took her pulse.  More clucking.  He examined her eyes and ears, all accompanied by more clucking and an occasional "Hmmm". 

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Since the Millennium Symposium, the council has asked me, and many of the other doctors, to monitor the mortal-vampire relationships.  Up until now, most of those ... encounters have been little more than ... how can I put it delicately ... one night stands?"  He smiled broadly. "Since the Symposium, many vampires have entered into long term stable relationships with their mortal partners.  The council wants to ascertain the effects of these trysts on both the vampire and their mortal counterparts."  He took her hand and put it in his mouth.  She was startled as she felt his fangs descend, and felt a prick as he bit into her finger.  She was embarrassed by this.  She knew that vampires were not the least bit concerned about sharing blood, but the thought of this stranger taking her blood with LaCroix looking on was unnerving, to say the least.  It also was mildly erotic.  At last, he took the hand from his mouth and licked the finger.  "Much faster and much more accurate than a hematology workup."  He explained.

"Well ... ?"

"All I can find is that you are slightly anemic.  From what LaCroix has been telling me of your activities lately, that would not be unusual."

Robyn blushed deeply.

"Do not be embarrassed.  That is not uncommon in the mortal partner.  I am going to prescribe some iron supplements and a potent multivitamin.  That should take care of the problem.  If it persists, we may have to transfuse."

"Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to just go ahead with the transfusion now."  LaCroix suggested.

"And who is the doctor here?"  Delouis asked sarcastically.  "That is, unless you plan to take her blood every hour on the hour."

LaCroix only smiled wickedly. 

**********

Robyn walked along the private beach.   The night was unseasonably warm, and she was dressed in only a cotton T-shirt and shorts.  She dug her bare feet into the sand at the waters edge and stood still as the waves lapped over them.   It was true that there was something magical about the Riveria.  Even in the moonlight, the sands seemed to glow and the water reflected the luminescent orb in a million formless facets.

The transfusion Dr. Delouis had given her had the desired effect.  It just so happened that LaCroix had a supply of A positive blood on hand.  He explained that they kept a variety of blood types in stock for their 'special guests'.  She felt vibrant and very exhilarated.  She took a deep breath and reveled in the salty wet smell of the water.

Lucien had declined to accompany her, but she could feel him watching her from the veranda of the villa.  She smiled softly and reached out to him through the small bond they shared.  < Come, join me for a midnight swim. >  She knew he could mentally communicate with her much more easily than she could with him, but she sent just the same.   Seconds later, he was at her side.

"You did that very well, my love."  He whispered.  Tiny shivers of delight traveled up and down her spine as she felt his cool breath on her ear.  "Many do not learn that until they are least a hundred years.  Nicholas has only recently mastered telepathy. "

"He and Toni could do that almost from the start."  Robyn protested.

"Yes, but only if one of them was extremely emotional, as in danger or fear."

"Perhaps you're right.  Still ... "

"You will make an excellent addition to the family."

"Lucien."  She said.  "We have discussed this before.  I am not ready to make that decision just yet."

"I know, dear heart.  And I will not push the subject.  I can wait.  I have eternity, but you do not."

"I realize that.  I want to be with you for all eternity, but I don't know if I'm ready to give up all the things I would have to give up in order to make the transition from mortal to immortal."

"And what, exactly would you be giving up?  You know that Nicholas can do almost everything a mortal can do, and I can do many of the same things.  Since the Symposium, things have changed radically."  He held her close and took a deep breath.  The scent of hazelnuts filled his senses.  He had never tasted many of the modern foods, but if her blood was any indication, Hazelnut Mocha Cappuccino must be a most wonderfully exotic beverage.

"Yes, but you are nearly two thousand years old, and Nicholas is over eight hundred.  I would be a baby compared to you.  There would be many things I couldn't do for so many years ... "

"But you would have forever to learn."  He nuzzled her neck.  "And think of the fringe benefits.  If you think our life is great now, just wait ... "

"It's tempting.  Give me a little more time. As you said, you have eternity to wait for me."

"But I am an impatient man."  He began massaging her back.  At the same time, he started to slip her shirt over her head.  "This beach is completely secluded.  I know you have never made love in the Mediterranean Sea.  It is sublimely erotic."  He kissed her deeply as he eased her onto the wet sand of the tidal area.

**********

He handed her an enormous bath towel.  They had swum in the waves for hours, It did not matter that they wore nothing.  At first, she was a little embarrassed, but Lucien had no qualms about the body, and she had to admit, he had a body that wouldn't quit.  After a few minutes, she too was frolicking among the breakers, completely oblivious to the fact that she was in the altogether.

"Where to now?"  Robyn said as she rubbed the moisture from his lithe body.  After the swim, they had relaxed in the hot tub.  She kissed his scalp and inhaled the sweet sandalwood fragrance from the water.  From the feelings stirring within her, she would have been happy to stay here the rest of the night.

"One cannot go to Monte Carlo without a visit to the Casino.  If you will go to our rooms, you will find that Mme. Harlierre has selected a suitable ensemble for you."

**********

Mme. Harlierre had done an excellent job of picking out her outfit.  It was a mist green cap sleeved brocade dress, longer than cocktail, but not floor length.  It clung alluringly to her curves and was cinched at the waist with a hunter green velvet sash that perfectly matched her bag and shoes.  Around her neck was a single strand of miniature jade beads strung on a gold filigree chain. 

The housekeeper had expertly combed her dark auburn hair and she had wound thin strands of green velvet ribbon among her tresses.  At fifty one, there was only the slightest traces of gray hair, and that wouldn't be noticed unless she pointed it out. 

"May I ask you a question, Madame Harlierre."  Robyn said to the housekeeper.  "Since you are a vampire, why do you stay on as a housekeeper?  Wouldn't you do much better in some other field?"

Evangeline Harlierre laughed.  "Oh, no!  I have been Monsieur LaCroix's housekeeper for almost two hundred years.  Unlike in the Americas, here a housekeeper is a very noble and respected profession.  I supervise a staff of thirty six people.  Half are creatures of the night.  Most have been in service since they were brought across.  For many of the mortals, their parents and their parents before them were household staff.  Besides, Mssr. LaCroix pays very well, and when there are no guests, we have access to the entire villa.  I could not even think of doing anything else."  

LaCroix was waiting in the foyer.  He was impeccably attired in the traditional black tuxedo, but his tie and cummerbund were of the same hunter green velvet as Robyn's accessories.

**********

The doorman bowed as he held the door to the Casino for the couple.  A man, obviously one of the senior employees, came to them.  "Ah!  Mssr. LaCroix!  It is always a pleasure to have you with us.  Would you like your usual place at the tables?  Unfortunately, your favorite dealer, Mssr. Dremieux, died last spring, but the new dealer there is very skilled and completely trustworthy."

"I thank you, Henri."  LaCroix answered.  "But I think I will just wander around for a while. This is Mme. Robyn Parker.  This is her first time here."

Henri took Robyn's hand in his and bowed slightly.  "Enchante, Madame Parker. Welcome to the Casino.  If there is anything ... "

" ... I will call."  LaCroix finished the sentence.

They walked the main casino for a while.  LaCroix had given her the 'small sum' of thirty thousand Francs, almost five thousand American Dollars, for 'mad money'.  She had thrown a few rounds of dice and had won almost as much as she had lost.  Next was the Roulette wheel, but they were three deep to place bets.  LaCroix offered to clear a space for her at the table, but she refused.  She knew his methods.  Next came the Baccarat tables.  She lost about five thousand Francs in less than a half hour, but won that back and another two thousand playing Blackjack.  She liked that game much better.

They passed a closed door.  Sitting outside was a guard of some sort.  He rose as soon as LaCroix came near and opened the door slightly.

"Not tonight, Marcel."  LaCroix said. "I am only here to show this beautiful lady your lovely casino."

Marcel returned to his seat.

"And just what is in there?"  Robyn asked.

"That is for the exclusive use of the preferred guests, some would call them High Rollers.  I'm afraid that it is a little too rich for you.  While I know your prowress with a deck of cards, these people play for keepsies, and for a lot more than the monopoly money I gave you."

"They seem to know you very well.  Couldn't we just go in and watch for a while?"

"I suppose that wouldn't hurt."  He approached the door and Marcel once more sprang to his feet and opened it.

He spread his senses through the room.  Yes, there was at least one other vampire present.  Then he spotted him. < Achille. >  LaCroix smiled.  < Payback Time. >

**********

Monte Carlo 1962

"Oh, Come on, Nicholas."  LaCroix said as he prodded his reluctant son toward the door of the villa.  "I know you are still depressed about losing your job at Chicago University.  If you had only let me take care of that investigator from the House Un-American Activities Committee ... "

Nick only hissed softly.  "I don't want to go out."

"I don't care what you want. You will go just the same.  My friend Achille is judging a beauty contest at the Casino this evening and he has asked me to attend.  I will not leave you here to brood all alone.

"Is this the same Achille who took you for forty thousand Deuchmarks at the Berlin Olympics by betting on the Americans?"

"But the Germans were so insistent that they were the superior race that it seemed like a sure thing."

"So was the stock market in 1929.  As I remember it, he took you for a bundle on that phony stock deal."

"Must you rub it in?  This time, I have a plan that cannot fail."

Nick only stared intently at the ceiling.

**********

Achille was waiting for them in the ballroom of the Casino.  He was of Eastern Mediterranean descent, possibly Greek or Lebanese.  He had a huge shock of tightly curled ebony hair framing a wide smiling face.  His portly figure was encased in an exquisite hand made Italian silk tuxedo.  His pudgy fingers sported a myriad of large and obviously expensive rings. 

He smiled broadly as LaCroix and Nick approached.  "Ah, Lucien, my dear friend."  He said, pulling LaCroix into a bear hug and pelting him roundly on the back.  Only the fact that this vampire was almost as old as the General kept him from being drained on the spot.

LaCroix flinched visibly at this gesture.  Achille did not seem to notice.  "And this must be your son, Nicholas."  He said repeating the scene with Nick.

"Come, Lucien."  Achille said, showing the elder vampire to a chair.  "Wait until you see the beauties here today.  It will make your mouth water.  I guarantee.  And, as an added attraction, we can have our choice of the losers."

"Achille, I know you too well.  You did not invite me here out of the goodness of your little black heart.  What do you have in mind?"

"Ah, Lucien, you wound me to the core.  But, if you want, we could make this a little more interesting.  I am willing to wager ... say twenty thousand Pounds ... that the next five ladies on the runway will be blondes."

"Of course, as one of the judges, you have the advantage of previous knowledge of the next five contestants.  Including their hair color.  Therefore ... I ... shall bet that the next five are blondes."

Achille spread his hands and bowed.  "As you wish."

The ladies started out on the runway.  The first was a redhead.  Second and third were brunettes and the last two had black hair.  Reluctantly, LaCroix took out his chequebook and wrote a note for twenty thousand Pounds.  He tore it out and handed it to Achille.

"I thank you for the small donation."  Achille said as he folded the cheque.  "I think I will put this in the safe in my room.  I shall be back in a few minutes."  With a slight rush of air, he was gone.

"I think you were taken."  Nick said.  He went to one of the ladies and removed the brunette wig, revealing blonde hair underneath.  "I spotted a wisp of hair sticking out.  And I'm willing to bet the others are wearing wigs as well."

"Do not use that word ... bet."  LaCroix snarled as the others took off their wigs.  They all had blonde hair.   "How?"  He asked one of the ladies.  The look alone made them tremble.

"Please, Monsieur.  We did not know we were involved in anything wrong."  The woman said.  "Your friend asked us to play a little joke on you.  He said that if he bowed, we were to put on the wigs, and if he clapped his hands, we were just to come out on stage."  She was visibly shaking.

"I will deal with that fat little ... "  LaCroix seethed as he left the ballroom.  His eyes were glowing a fluorescent orange and if he had not had his back to the mortals, they would have seen his fangs protruding from beneath his upper lip.

The clerk at the registration desk had no rooms registered to anyone by that name.  LaCroix tracked down the manager of the beauty contest.  The manager informed him that there was no judge by the name Achille or anything close to that.  Neither of them was able to identify anyone who fit Achille's description.

**********

Monte Carlo, Present

LaCroix took Robyn aside.  "There is a person in that room who has been a thorn in my side for more centuries than I care to count.  With your help, I believe it is now my turn to exact some small revenge.  Here is what I want you to do ... "

LaCroix pasted a smile on his face as he approached the table where Achille was seated.  "Ah, my friend.  How have you been?"  LaCroix patted the rotund vampire on the shoulder.  Achille drew a loud breath and stiffened.  "Is that any way to greet me?"  LaCroix continued.  "After all, we have known each other for almost two thousand years."

"Then you're not angry about the last time?"

"Why should I be angry?  It's only money.  I tell you what.  How about I give you another chance.  This time, I will name the wager and you can call the amount.  Agreed?"  He held out his hand. 

Achille slipped his meaty hand into Lucien's slender one.  "Agreed."

"Very well.  The bet will be that the next woman through the door will be wearing a green dress."

"I will take that part of the bet, Lucien.  I will bet the next woman is in green.  Just to be certain that you do not try anything underhanded.  And the amount will be five million Yen."

"Yes, you would know all about underhanded, wouldn't you?  Then I bet that the second one will be dressed in green."  < Robyn. >  Lucien sent.  < Let one lady come through the door and you come in second. >

As Robyn started to the door, Marcel motioned for two women to enter. 

LaCroix eyes nearly popped when he saw the women come in before Robyn.  He swallowed hard.  Then he breathed an internal sigh of relief.  The gods of ancient Rome had smiled on him.  The first wore a slinky black crepe dress and the other was dressed in a midnight green velvet outfit.

With a low growl, Achille handed him a note for five million Yen.

"I'm afraid that is not enough."  He said, handing the note back.  "You owe me ten million Yen."

"What do you mean ten million?  The bet was for five million Yen"

"The first part of the bet was yours, that the next lady would be wearing green.  You obviously lost that one.  That's five million.  The second part ... mine, was that the second lady would be in green, which she was.  You lost that bet as well.  That makes ten million Yen you owe me, and if you don't mind, I'll take it in cash.  Either American Dollars or Pound Sterling."

"You don't trust me, Lucien?"  Achille's face had a look of mock simplicity.

"About as far as I can throw you.  The international bank at the airport is open twenty four hours a day.  I'll accompany you there now."

As he left the private room, he covertly slipped a bewildered Robyn another fifty thousand Francs.  < I'll be back soon. >  He sent through their link.  < Enjoy yourself, my love.  I know I will. >

**********

LaCroix walked into the private room to find Robyn ensconced at one of the tables.  In front of her was a sizeable stack of blue and gold bars, each worth one to two hundred thousand Francs.  There was also a considerable pile of chips lying loose.  A quick count gave him the amount of nearly ten million Francs.

< Nine million, Nine hundred fifty seven thousand, five hundred.  Give or take a thousand. >  Robyn sent.

"Lucien, I do believe you have planted a ringer in our midst."  One of the players at the table said.

"I had nothing to do with this.  She was specifically told she was not to play in this room."

"But you did tell me to have fun."  Robyn said batting her eyes as innocently as possible.

"After that comeuppance you gave that slimeball Achille, we can overlook anything."  A second player interjected.

"Do not be too hard on her."  Another player said.  "I haven't lost to a card shark who is this lovely in many years."

"Are you ready to go, my dear?"  Lucien asked, offering his hand.

Robyn nodded.

One by one, the players came to her.

"Enchante, Madame."  One kissed her hand.

"You are welcome here at any time."  Another embraced her.

"A pleasure."  A third kissed her lightly on both cheeks.

At last, they were ready to go.

**********

It was almost dawn when they returned to the villa.

"LaCroix."  Robyn said as they snuggled in the huge bed.  For some reason, the sight of other men paying attention to her had driven LaCroix to an extreme state of excitement.  It had taken several sessions to get him calmed down.  "Would it be possible to go back to the Casino tomorrow?"  She asked.

"I think that can be arranged.  After all, I have secured a week's vacation for you from your supervisor.  May I ask why?" 

"If Achille is still there, I think I'd like to have a crack at him.  After all, he has never seen me and I'm sure that the other players wouldn't betray me."

"Robyn, darling, you have an evil and devious mind."

"Why, thank you, Lucien.  Coming from you, that is a high compliment."

"He most certainly will be there.  He has got to win back some of the money he lost to me.  If for nothing more than to assuage his pride.  Now, I need your assistance."  He licked at her neck.  "I feel another session of jealousy coming on."

**********

Robyn walked hesitantly into the casino.  She was wearing a 'Typical Midwestern Hick' outfit that Mme. Harlierre had picked out for her.  A beige tweed suit, not too expensive, a plain brown leather handbag and a beige pillbox hat.  Her hair was pulled into the same severe bun as Mme. Harlierre's.  To complete the look, she had popped the lenses from a pair of large tortoise shell sunglasses and replaced them with clear glass, cut and shaped by one of the staff at the villa.  She waved timidly at Henri.  The staff had been alerted to her ploy and had agreed to cooperate as far as they could.  Apparently, Achille had been driving business away with his lopsided wagers for some time and they were enthusiastic about seeing him get his due.

She spotted Achille, attempting to fleece one of the customers.  She began to make her way toward him.  When she was nearly even, she called one of the croupiers over.  "Tell me, young man, where can I find some high stakes games?"  She asked in a trembling voice.  "I just came into an extremely large inheritance, and this is my first trip outside of Ohio."  She reached into her purse and pulled out several one thousand Franc bills.  Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Achille's face light up like a Christmas tree.

"Of course, Madam."  The croupier said.  "The tables on the second floor have betting limits of ten thousand Francs.  I'm sure that would be to your satisfaction."

Robyn allowed her face to fall.  "Thank you."  She said. "I was hoping for something more."  She said in a whisper just loud enough for Achille's hearing.  Slowly she walked toward the staircase. Achille was right behind her.  In a few steps, he had caught up with her.

"Excuse me, Madame ... ah ... "

"Dilbertson.  Miss ... Emily Dilbertson."  Robyn replied.  "From Munks Corner, Ohio." 

"Madamoselle Dilbertson.  If you want to get in on some really high stakes gambling, I think I can help you."

Robyn's face brightened considerably.  "Why yes, Mister ... "

"You may call me Achille."  He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gently guided her toward the private room.

The croupier picked up a small cell phone and punched in a few numbers.  It was answered on the second ring.  "The fish has taken the bait."  He whispered.

Achille led her to an unoccupied chair at one of the gambling tables in the private room.  By prearrangement, everyone in the room except Achille was aware of what was about to transpire.

"What are they playing at this table?"  She asked shyly.

"Poker."

"Oh yes.  I've played that before.  Our Lions Club has a Las Vegas night every month.  I usually do quite good."

One of the players handed her the deck.  "Would you like to deal the first hand?"

"Why thank you.  How about Best Five of Seven.  Black fives and Treys wild.  Jacks or better to open, and red Queens disqualify."

Several of the 'players' hid their faces in their cards to keep from laughing.

Achille closed his eyes and smiled.  A huge neon sign in his mind repeatedly flashed SUCKER!!!

Achille smiled broadly.  "Oh no, my dear."  He said patronizingly.  "I'm afraid the gentlemen at this table don't know anything as complicated as that game.  All they play is five card stud.  Nothing wild.  Why don't we move to that table over there."  Achille pointed to a nearby 'empty' table.  "You can teach me the rules and then I will teach the others."

"That sounds like fun."  Robyn said as she followed him to the table.

Once seated, Robyn dealt a 'Hand'.  "At the Lions club, opening bid is a dollar.  I don't know how much that is in French money, but I'll bet this."  She slid a hundred Franc chip into the middle of the table.

"Are you sure you want to bet that much?" 

She nodded.   

"Very well.  I will see you and raise you two chips."  He looked at his cards.  With what he had, he could easily make anything from a low straight to a full house.  Whatever it took to beat her.  He didn't want to scare her off.

Robyn raised him back and he upped the ante.  When the betting finally ended, there was a fair sized pile of chips in the pot.

Robyn showed a spade flush.  Achille chose the straight.

"You are very skilled, Mister Achille.  I do believe you have played cards before."  Robyn said coyly as he raked in the chips.  "Are you sure you've never been to Munks Corner?  I think perhaps we should try that game over there.  What did you call it, five card stud?"

Achille nodded.  This was going to be fun.  He easily won the next four hands.  Before long, he had a considerable stack in front of him.  His inner voice said to quit while he was ahead, but this mark was so gullible, he just had to see it through.  "I have not been quite truthful with you, Madamoselle Dilbertson."  He said as Robyn began to deal the next hand.  "We have been playing for a hundred a bet.  That's what the green chips are worth.  In Munks Corner, that would be high stakes, but here it is penny ante.  The minimum bet in this particular room is a thousand Francs.  That's the gold chips."

"Oh."  Robyn said.  "In that case, I wouldn't want to be breaking any of the rules."  She handed one of the 'players' a cheque.  "Get me this many gold chips and a few of those pretty little blue bars as well."  The cheque was for five hundred thousand Francs. 

In about an hour, the situation had gone from bad to worse to disastrous for Achille.  He had lost nearly three million francs to this so called bumpkin.  Fortunately, the casino had honored his IOU's.  He had a spade flush to her four-six-seven-eight high possible straight.  The odds that she had the five in her hole were astronomical.  He pushed another twenty thousand into the pot to call her raise.  "I have a spade flush."  He said laying down his hand.  He reached for the pot.

"Not quite."  She said as she turned over the five of hearts.

"Madame.  I do believe you are a card shark."

"Give the man a rubber cigar."  She said with a smile.  "You are a cheat and a scoundrel.  That makes us even.  Just to show you that I hold no ill feelings. One last time.  Pat hand.  Winner take all."  She pushed her stack of chips and bars into the middle of the table. 

His eyes glowed.  There was enough there to easily make up the ten million Yen he had lost to LaCroix the night before and to cover his markers.  There might even be a tidy little profit as well.  He nodded and put his meager stock in as well.  He reached for the cards.  Robyn put her hand over his.  "Casino dealer.  Casino deck."  She said.

He checked his hole card again.  That filled the straight.  He couldn't loose this hand.  She had three kings, queen high.  No way could she have the fourth king, since it was in his hole.  He laid out his hand.  "You'd need a royal reception to take this pot.  You see, I have a King high straight.  This, by the way is your other King."  He held up the King of Diamonds.

"I don't know about any receptions, but I do have a royal party.  I have the King of Spades with his Queen ... "  She laid out those cards.  " ... The King of Hearts cheating on his Queen ... "  She put down the Heart King and the Queen of Diamonds.  " ... And the King of Clubs going stag.  I believe that is called a full house, and in Munks Corner, that beats a straight any day of the week."

Achille saw red, literally, as LaCroix and Henri came into the room.  He put his arms around Robyn and kissed her loudly.  "Good work, my love."  He said, beaming.

"LaCroix!"  Achille said angrily.  "I should have known you were behind this."

"Why, my friend, how can you say that?  I've been nowhere in sight.  In fact, Henri and I were in the security room the entire time, watching the monitors to be sure there was no cheating."  He pointed to a tiny hole in the ceiling directly above the table.  "You will be happy to know we found no irregularities of any kind.  We have the entire session on tape, as well as these witnesses here to attest to that.  You were beaten fair and square."

"Also, the Casino will collect on your promissory notes at this time.  That will be nine hundred thirty thousand Francs.  You have twenty four hours."  Henri said.

"I don't have that kind of money available."  Achille pointed to the pile of chips that Robyn was stacking.  "That was all I had."

Henri nodded several times in the direction of the ceiling camera. "I have just authorized the Interbank to freeze all of your assets until we can collect the amount.  I will also notify every casino and gambling establishment not to extend you credit until the debt is paid off.  I'm sure these gentlemen will pass the story by word of mouth to other high rollers around the world.  By tomorrow morning, you will not be able to bet on the time of day.  I do believe you have been thoroughly disenfranchised.  Good evening, Achille.  Marcel will see you out."

As he passed him, LaCroix leaned to him.  "Achille."  He whispered.  "Embrassez mon ane. (Kiss my ass.)"

**********

"What will happen to Achille?"  Robyn asked as they strolled along the narrow beach at the bottom of the cliff by the Casino.  They could have driven back to the villa, but the night was much too pretty for a car ride, even in a limo.  In addition, Robyn was far too excited to sit still for any length of time.   "I hope he won't do anything foolish."

"He won't.  He is a vampire, after all.  He has been broke before and he will be broke again.  In another decade or so, I can almost guarantee he will be back to his old tricks again.  In the meantime, he will survive.  Of course, it may mean that he might have to do some actual work in the interim."  That thought made LaCroix smile broadly.

"While I remember it."  Robyn reached into her bag and handed him the cheque from the casino for the six million Francs.  "I have the rest, minus the seed money for tonight, in the safe at the villa."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you lent me the money in the first place, so ... anything I've won is really yours."

"I gave you the money.  It was part of your birthday present.  The money is yours."

"Do you realize just how much fourteen million Francs is?  Almost two million Dollars!  That's more than I could earn in ten lifetimes.  I could live like a queen on the taxes alone."

"One million, eight hundred thirty eight thousand, nine hundred and one dollars and seventy cents, to be exact.  And it is all yours.  You won it fair and square.  If you wish, I can arrange to open a Swiss account for you.  That way you would not have to pay taxes on it until you actually use it.  We could set up some sort of a trust to pay you a modest sum every year out of the interest."

"Well, when you put it that way ... "

"Happy Birthday, Love."  LaCroix said handing her back the cheque.  He guided her toward a small cove that was partially hidden from the cliff.  He stopped at the entrance.  The incoming tide had already deposited a thin layer of water on the sand.  He took off his shoes and Robyn did the same.  

"Now that that is settled, what do you say to some water therapy to ease your exuberance."  He began laying butterfly kisses down her left cheek.  At the same time, his right hand was unbuttoning her blouse.  His left hand already had the skirt pulled around her knees.

Robyn arched her head to give him better access to her face.  All the while, she was unbuttoning his shirt.  Within minutes they were immersed in the tidal pool.  Their clothes, dry, lay on a rock at the entrance.

**********

The ever present limousine was waiting as they taxied into the hanger at LAX.  They had left Monaco in the wee hours of the morning.  After a short stop at the World Bank in The Hague, they headed for Paris.  While LaCroix slept, Robyn treated herself to a shopping spree.  After all, it would be a hideous sin to go to France and not buy at least one outfit.  She had spent a small chunk of her first years trust allowance on clothes.  Maybe LaCroix would have to bring her across just so she could wear all of them.

"Well, I guess the fairy tale is over and Cinderella goes back to being just plain Robyn Parker. "  She said as they disembarked from the plane.  It was still daylight in Los Angeles, so they had to exit the plane in the safety of the hanger. 

"I keep telling you ... "

She put her fingers on his lips.  "No more of that."  She cautioned softly.  "I still have some things I want to do on the sunshine before I'm ready to make that ... that ... "

"Decision?"

"Yes.  That step.  After all, I'm only forty eight years old."

"Fifty one.  As of yesterday, you are fifty one."

"Fifty one?  Are you sure?"  She tilted her head as she pondered.  "Yes.  You're right.  I am fifty one.  After all, it's a woman's prerogative to shave a few years off her age periodically, isn't it?"

LaCroix only nodded.  His expression of concern quickly faded.  He held the door open for her.

**********

Tracy drained the last of the can of Surge and lined it up with the other containers littering the Knight kitchen table.  It stood on the top of a pyramid of Coke, A&W, and Mountain Dew cans.  Beside that were a few Red Deer Premium cans.  These were balanced atop two Pizza Hut boxes, which were anchored by two empty bags of chips.

"Okay, Robyn, We've fed you.  Now, give with the details."  Clarisse said taking a sip of her 'wine'.

"Yeah, Mom, don't leave out even one juicy little tidbit."  Tony said, leaning toward her.

"We want to know everything."  Tracy declared.  "Like for instance, does he really wear a thong?"

Robyn smiled.  "There are some avenues that are best not explored.  The General's preferences in undergarments is one of them."

"Maybe you're right."  Toni said, suppressing a giggle as the mental image of her father in law in nothing but a thong flooded her thoughts.  Come to think of it, it wasn't such a bad image after all.  "Still, we want to hear all about the weekend.  Where did you go?  What did you do?  Spill it.  Everything."

"Well ...We started out right here in Los Angeles ... "

The others crowded in so as not to miss a word.

**********

The End

We know better, don't we?