Oh God, I’m getting sucked in again.
Chapter Two
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
The noise of my television set wakes me up. I turn over beneath the covers irritably, wondering how on earth it got switched on. I don’t remember leaving it on before I went to sleep last night. This makes me suspicious. Even more so when I feel the weight of someone sitting beside me on the bed, the recognisable click of the remote as they change the station. I peek my head out from under the duvet.
Finn’s sitting stretched out on my bed, with nothing on but a t-shirt and a pair of boxer shorts. I distinctly recall locking my bedroom door. Then again, that isn’t much of a defence when you’re dealing with an expert lock picker.
He glances over at me, grinning. “You know, you really should keep your TV out in the living room, it’s rude to leave guests sitting around with nothing to do.” Then he continues flicking through the stations.
I rub at my eyes. “What time is it?”
“Nine-thirty,” Finn answers. “I took the liberty of making breakfast, it’s waiting for you out in the kitchen. I left it in the oven to keep it warm.”
I actually perk up at the mention of food, and my stomach does a little hungry morning grumble. I sit up and get out of bed, pulling my long t-shirt down as far as it will go so that Finn can’t see my underwear. Still, he
whistles at the sight of my legs. I turn around and scowl at him before going out to the kitchen.
There’s a pot of fresh tea on the counter, and in the oven I find a plate containing bacon and scrambled eggs. I take a fork from the drawer and pour myself a cup of tea before sitting down at the table to eat. I could almost forgive Finn for showing up and ruining the incognito life I’ve made for myself when I taste his cooking. So, so good, I nearly sigh as the salty bacon and perfectly seasoned eggs slide down my throat.
At this Finn emerges from my bedroom, hair all messy from being slept on.
“I take it you like the breakfast then,” he says, going over to get a cup of tea for himself.
“Just because you cooked me breakfast, doesn’t mean you’re in my good books. And don’t ever come into my room when I’m sleeping again. It’s an invasion of privacy. In fact, your whole being here is an invasion of my privacy.”
“Big fancy words from the university graduate,” says Finn with amusement. “What, does having a degree suddenly make people twice as self-righteous?”
“How did you know I finished my degree?” I ask, shovelling down another mouthful of eggs.
“That’s how I traced you. I actually can’t believe the vampires didn’t think to look up your educational records. Then again, a lot of them died in the war after you left. I saw that you’d attended Tribane University, but that you hadn’t finished your degree. Then I began searching the databases of other colleges all over the world who taught your subject. I’m fairly handy with a computer you know. Finally I came across your picture in your student file here in Manchester, but you’d been going by your middle name Alexandra, instead of Tegan.”
“Damn, I’d forgotten about that stupid photograph.” I reply regretfully. If only I hadn’t allowed myself to be bullied into having it taken then maybe I would have remained hidden for that much longer. The woman at the registrar’s office had been so adamant.
“Yeah well, it was a godsend for me. Do you know how mind-numbingly dull it is going through thousands of student files?”
I snort. “Do you know how illegal it is for you to go through those files?”
“Myself and the law have always been at odds,” says Finn casually.
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”
He takes a sip of his tea and watches me closely before saying, “So, have you decided to come with me back to Tribane?”
I’m just finished up with my breakfast. I push the plate away and fold my arms. “What’s in it for me?” I feel terrible for asking, since there’s a little girl’s life at stake, but I don’t want Finn to think I’m giving in easily. Even though I am so entirely curious to go back and see everybody.
“Well I spoke to Governor Pamphrock before coming here, he said you’ll be generously compensated if you can help get his daughter out of there safely. He’ll pay you three grand up front, and another ten if you manage to get to Rebecca.”
“Wait a second, Pamphrock knows about me? You said you hadn’t told anyone, Finn.”
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, he doesn’t know about your blood. I just told him I knew a human girl who’s friendly with Cristescu, and who might be interested in helping us.”
“You should have said that in the first place. Jesus, I’m jumpy enough as it is.” I tell him, rubbing away the goose flesh on my arms.
Finn raises an eyebrow, watching as I rub my arms. “Will you quit being so tense?” he asks, and then a slow grin forms on his lips. “You should really think about getting off with someone, it will help you to relax.”
I stare at him for a moment before replying sarcastically, “Oh yeah, what are you volunteering your services or something?”