| "Chapter 11" |
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Heylo sat on the side of her bed and as she stretched, she thought about all the things that were on her agenda for the week. She shook her head to herself as she reached for her fur slippers and slide her feet into them. She was soooo busy these days. She, of course, managed her beloved Black Forest Inn. She had expanded things immensely over the past several years. Without her dearest Sire Vilona or her sweet Cantaria, she had poured herself into her work. Her Inn was now rated as a Five Star Inn...and the Shadowhouse Cafe was known throughout the state of Colorado for its fine food and its amazing Head Chef, Jacques. Although she had left most of the running of the Inn to Elizabeth, her mortal Inn Manager, there was still quite a bit of coordination she had to do herself. She was the owner, and although Elizabeth and the rest of her staff did a fine job with the mortal part of the business, there was still the Kindred aspects that required her utmost attention. Since purchasing the Inn several years ago, and becoming a loyal supporter of the Prince, Aurora Rapture, Heylo has made many concessions to accommodate the Prince. One such provision that Heylo made was to expand her underground complex so that Kindred visitors could have safe hotel accommodations. She also installed a private airport on the back side of the 80 acres. There are several hangers to accommodate any helicopter or private jet that bring Inn visitors. For the Kindred arrivals, there are special elevators inside darkened hangers to whisk them away from prying eyes and sunlight. All in all, she does a very healthy business between her own customers and those arriving to visit Ms. Rapture. Heylo also owns two private lear jets to provide an extra level of service to both Kindred and Kin, alike. As a side business, Heylo worked with Harry Black and his sister, Allura Black Dupree, to set up several "Blood Banks" or "Clinics", both in Colorado Springs and in Denver. These were set up under the auspices of Ms. Rapture's umbrella of interests, but were funded by Heylo and run mainly by Harry. These clinics provided collecting areas for willing donors, and then the supplies are shipped to a larger processing plant. Once the raw blood is delivered, it is processed and stabilized by a secret technique and bottled to retain its fresh quality...under the label of Elven Bloodwine. It can then be shipped refrigerated to any place, but it mainly is purchased by the Prince for use in her club, The Snake Pit, and it is also used at Black Forest Inn, purchased by the many Kindred guests. Heylo deposited her clothes into the hamper and then stepped into the steamy shower. Her luxury bath rivaled any private bath in the world. It was generously decorated with imported limestone, lodgepoles, and glass and had every updated gadget available for use in the bath. Imbedded in the glass wall at one end of the shower was a flat screen TV, which could be turned on by the wave of a hand. She could watch the latest in weather or news while she enjoyed the full body shower massage, available from the multi-heads located throughout the limestone grotto. Upon exiting the shower she stepped into full body dryer, then stepped into her multilevel closet and donned her clothes for the evening. As she dressed, she reached over and pressed the intercom. "Yes Madame?" came the reply to the small buzzer she had pressed. "Could you send someone in for my makeup and hair?" "Yes, right away!" Heylo left her dressing area and went to her office, flicking on her computer as she seated herself in the large wood and leather desk chair. She wanted to quickly check her email before her hairdresser arrived. She skimmed through the usual notifications that she received every day, but one email in particular jumped out at her...it was from Vilona Dark! She clicked and read eagerly. Her joy was almost overwhelming! How delighted she was that her beloved Sire wanted to come for a visit!! Heylo quickly dialed Ms. Rapture's office and connected with the muscle bound Steven, Aurora's personal secretary. "Is she in?" Heylo asked quietly. "She's entertaining at the moment," Steven announced...but then added, "May I relay a message, Ms. Heylo?" "Yes, please. I just have one quick question, if she can answer me without too much trouble. I'm interested in having my Sire for a visit and wondered if that would be acceptable to Ms. Rapture?" Heylo heard Steven's muffled voice as he respectfully asked Heylo's question. Within a minute, Steven returned to the phone and announced a formal invitation for Heylo's sire to come for a visit. She thanked Steven and asked that he relay her thanks to Ms. Rapture, too...then pressed the button to hang the phone up. Heylo quickly typed a return email to Vilona.  As she pressed the send, there was a quiet knock at the door and Heylo beckoned entry to her hairdresser. It was time to turn her attention to the business of the evening. There was lots to do before Vilona's arrival. Elizabeth wanted to hurry and complete her tasks for the day. It was already late and she was ready to go home. She dialed the number for the Denver Post. It was the last thing on her to-do-list. After connecting with the Classifies, she had them post a short listing to appear in the paper for the whole week, and requested they bill the Inn, as usual. Elizabeth replaced the receiver and turned off her desk lamp. She pulled her office door closed as she tugged her raincoat on. "Have a good evening," she said to everyone at the check-in, as she hurried out the double doors to the parking lot. Faoland lay on the floor of her living room. The fire was blazing in the fireplace and she watched as the light from the fire danced across the ceiling. Her head ached. She had spent the better portion of the day on the phone with various people. She had even called her father and asked for his help. She had not been able to find out ANYTHING definite about Trevor. She felt sooooo disappointed that she couldn't do anything for Vilona. Faoland had never really had a REAL friend before and she thought that Vilona was trying to reach out to her. Alas, though, there wasn't any news on Trevor...she couldn't confirm whether he was alive or dead...or other. That would have to do for now. She had all sorts of contacts nosing around...maybe they would turn up something soon. She pulled a floor pillow towards her and stuffed it under her head. The phone lay on her chest...she watched it move up and down with her breathing. Faoland needed to call Vilona, but as she reached to pick up the phone, it rang. "Hello?" Faoland said in a hushed voice. She waited for a response from the other end. Classified Ads: "Waitresses Wanted. Apply in person at the Shadowhouse Cafe, Black Forest Inn, Colorado Springs." “Eccentric Night person wanting a travel companion. All expenses paid. Monitary compensation to be negotiated. Respond to paper in reference to box 875432” “House keeper needed to watch house while Owner travels. Relocation required. Expenses to be paid in full. Trustworthy individual with the ability to keep confidences only. Respond to paper in reference to box 875432” Vilona closed her eyes as she lay on her pillow. The drapes pulled, her door bolted, she could relax and allow herself the privacy once more. As she released herself into sleep her hair began its daily change. The black dye of her morning routine slowly ebbed from her tresses to reveal the glistening golden locks that her beloved so enjoyed. The mere sight of them each morning as they slip passed her shoulders to hang down to her waist, is a dreaded reminder of her loss. She will have what she desires. Heylo has invited her to the Inn, so the plan has begun. No one will stop Vilona, not this time!
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