Night's Touch (Children of The Night 2)

As usual, the house was clean and quiet. She went into the kitchen in search of food, but she wasn’t really hungry, so she opted for tea and toast.

When she finished eating, she washed her dishes, then sat at the kitchen table, wondering what to do the rest of the day. Cara usually worked on Saturday, but the library was closed today while the floors were being refinished and wouldn’t open again until Tuesday.

Maybe she would drive into town and take in an early movie, or maybe she would go shopping—not that she needed anything. She had enough clothes and shoes to outfit a dozen women. Still, she liked shopping…and one of her favorite stores was located on Seventh Street, only a few blocks from Vince’s garage.

Happiness bubbled up inside her at the thought of seeing him again. Before she could talk herself out of it, Cara grabbed her keys and her handbag and hurried out the door.

Di Giorgio’s car followed her down the driveway.

She had butterflies in her stomach when she pulled up in front of Vince’s garage. It was a large corner building, with the entrance on Seventh Street. She sat there a moment, wondering if he would be happy to see her. Maybe he wouldn’t like her dropping in unannounced when he was working. Well, there was only one way to find out.

Taking the keys from the ignition, she got out of the car. There was a side door that led to an office. The door was closed. She discovered it was locked when she tried to open it. Maybe he was in the garage.

She walked around the corner to where the service bays were, but this door was closed, too. Perhaps he didn’t work on Saturdays, or maybe he was out picking up car parts or out to lunch.

Shoulders slumped in disappointment, she returned to her car. She waved at Di Giorgio as she slid behind the wheel, then drove to her favorite dress shop where she picked out a slinky black dress for her next date with Vince, whenever that might be, and a pretty pink silk dress to wear Sunday night.

She drove by the garage again when she finished shopping, but it was still locked up tight. Heaving a sigh of disappointment, she motioned for Di Giorgio to pull up beside her.

“I’m bored,” she said. “Do you want to go to a movie?”

“Whatever you want, Miss DeLongpre.”

“Okay, come on. I’ll buy the popcorn.”

It was dusk when Cara returned home. The sound of the upstairs shower told her that her parents were awake.

She tossed her handbag and packages on the sofa, then went into the kitchen. She had stopped at her favorite Italian restaurant on the way home. She didn’t like eating out of the take-home containers, so she transferred the lasagna to a plate, along with a couple of bread sticks, grabbed a soda from the fridge, and sat down to eat.

As usual of late, her thoughts turned to Vince. She had driven by his garage again after the movie, but he hadn’t been there.

She was rinsing off her dishes when her mother entered the kitchen.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hello, darling. How was your day?”

“It was okay. I went shopping and then Frank and I went to the movies.”

“And what did you buy?”

“A couple of dresses. Wanna see?”

“Of course.”

Going into the living room, Cara opened the boxes and held up each dress in turn. “What do you think?”

“I think that black one could get you into all kinds of trouble,” Brenna said. She motioned for Cara to come and sit beside her. “Your father tells me you’re in love.”

“I might be.”

“Does he make your heart sing? Do you think about him every minute of the day?”

Cara nodded.

“Dream of him at night?”

Cara nodded again, and then frowned, remembering the horrible dream she’d had the night before.

“I hope we get to meet him soon.”

“Me, too.”

“Be careful, sweetheart. Don’t go too fast. Do you know what I mean?”

“Mom, I’m a big girl. I don’t need a lecture on sex.”

Brenna took Cara’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. “I guess I should have given it to you sooner. You just grew up so fast.” She shrugged. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I know.” Cara kissed her mother on the cheek. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Your father and I are going out for a walk,” Brenna said. “We won’t be long. Are you going out tonight?”

“I don’t think so.”

“All right, dear. We’ll be back soon. Maybe we can play cards or something.”

“Okay.”

Brenna hugged her daughter, then left the room. Roshan was waiting for her by the front door.

Outside, Brenna and Roshan moved quickly and silently through the shadows. The downtown district was always a good place to hunt. As usual, they chose a young couple, took what they needed, and sent the pair on their way.

“Cara’s growing up,” Brenna remarked as they strolled back toward home.

“I think she’s grown,” Roshan said dryly.

“I guess I mean she’s maturing, changing. I can feel her distancing herself from us. I don’t like it.”

Roshan put his arm around his wife’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “I don’t, either, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” He wasn’t sure what he would do to the man she fell in love with. The thought of any man taking her away…He knew it was the natural way of things, for a young woman to marry and leave home. He just wasn’t sure he could allow it.

“Do you think we’ve been good parents?” Brenna asked. “Did I make a mistake, bringing her home all those years ago?”

“Here now, stop that. We’ve raised a beautiful, well-adjusted daughter. She’s smart and resourceful, and…”

“But she doesn’t really have any friends except for Sarah Beth. A young girl should have friends.”

“Maybe it’s time we let her invite people to the house.”

Brenna’s eyes widened. “Do you think that’s wise?”

“Our lair is secure. I don’t think there’s anything to fear.”

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe we’ve been overly protective of her for nothing.” She smiled up at him. “I want to share every moment we can with her, while we can.”

Cara was surprised by her parents’ announcement. “But why the sudden change?” she asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

“Your mother and I have decided we were being selfish, refusing to let you invite your friends over.”