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"Ah, poor Stephanie! You had no idea You would be thinking that such a powerful man as François de Venue would walk about as a leader of men, now as before But you must understand I knew that there would be soe my power So… to stay close, what else would one do? I had to do what I did to avoid those I did not want to see, and yet so easily have invitations to enter where I wished to go! Of course, come in, please…there I was, invited! And now…"

He raised his are black cloud rose all around her

She started to screairls were co for her now, lethal sirens as they rose fro to seek another line of escape

There was Doug He walked straight up to her as she nearly plowed into him, and his hand flew hard across the back of her neck

Stars appeared before her She began to stagger

Are, sizzling sound Soe

And then, "Ah, but such a s for… you are ill ht for consciousness in the s battle

"What do youis ever too late--it can’t be too late!" Grant shouted, gripping Jade by the shoulders

"What I mean is that you won’t find her at the hospital, and on’t find her at the resort What we have to do is find out how to get her back and why François wants her soabout?" Drew deroaned

"So on here--," Grant said

"Itto the dig! She’s there I just--I just know she’s there"

"All right, all right, but… you have to go prepared," Jade said "Let’s get back to Lucien’s cottage--I have a few things thatto explain this to

"No," they said in unison

"The explanation is too long, and you won’t believe me, anyway If anyone tries to bite you, stab at the from beneath her sweater and put it over his head

"Head for seawater, if you can; but just coasped "Seawater?"

"It can kill a vampire By the way, my real name is Jade My husband is Lucien He’s a vaood one"

"What? Wait!"

But Grant and Jade were already running He had to follow They made it back to Grant’s car He tossed the heavy sword in back as they piled into the front In seconds, they were back at the cottages

The lobby was eet Lena and Suzette," Drew said

"Do it, but watch out And if you see Doug… holler for help If anyone gives you any trouble, just start screa over his shoulder as he followed Jade, right behind her as she hurried ahead to Lucien’s cottage Bursting in, she called her husband’s name There was no answer

"Upstairs!" she said to Grant

He followed her She’d thrown open a suitcase on the bed

It was filled with sned wooden stakes

Staring at it, Grant shook his head "But I thought your husband was a vaed dryly "Takes one to kill one, sometimes Get over here, stock up" As he neared her, she drew out a large silver medallion on a heavy chain She slipped it over his neck "Fill your pockets with the vials Oh, and this!"

To his aun He stared at her

"Works wonders," she told hiot to try to find out exactly what powers Valeria has, and how they can be stopped Lucien should have been able to see a resurrected vampire He’s been blinded by Valeria’s power, and there has to be a way to defeat her--and you’ve got to be so careful We still don’t knoe’re up against! I’ll find you as quickly as I can," Jade assured hi desperate--and ridiculous He felt a terrible urgency to get back to the site of the dig--after that, he didn’t know All he kneas that he had to get there

As he started down the stairs, there was a tapping at the door He paused, looking back at Jade, who shrugged

One of the stakes firie was standing there "Grant!" she exclaiet to Stephanie… and I’o for her, help her!"

"How did you knohere to findabout?" Grant demanded

"I saw you walk in here, but Grant! Daet to Stephanie"