Read To Catch a Vampire for Free Online Page A

into the computer age.
    I sit in the tall chair across from him. “All my credit cards are in my bags,” I lie. I doubt Beatrice Smythe has one.
    “There’s no need. Your companion already wired the first three night’s fee into the account.”
    “Of course he did,” I say. “I’m sorry, I’m totally tired. Long night, long flight.” And my hangover headache is creeping back.
    “Then I will try to make this as fast as possible,” he says typing away. “I have you in 303 with an excellent view of both the garden and front lawn. Mr. Puccio and his consort are the only others on that floor.”
    “Will they be able to hear us?” Vampires have super-hearing, and I don’t want Mr. Puccio to hear shoptalk … or us not having sex. “I mean …”
    “All the rooms are soundproof, ma’am.” The printer starts whirring and spitting out papers.
    “Great.”
    With a smile, Cole hands me the pages and a fountain pen. “Please sign on the second page.”
    I scan the first page. Blah, blah, blah, responsible for all damages. Blah, blah, blah no fires or holy items allowed. Blah, blah, blah when in town must follow all laws and decrees of Lord Frederick St. Clair without question. Breaking the last rule is punishable by death. Death? That seems a bit harsh.
    “I’m sorry, but what laws and orders are the death ones?”
    “All. It’s a standard clause. It just means we can’t intervene on your behalf should something happen. You haven’t seen it before? It’s standard at all hotels.”
    “Um, my husband is usually the one who handles these things,” I say, doing my ditz impression. With a smile, I sign. “Are there any strange rules the Lord has that I should know about? Am I allowed to wear white shoes after Labor Day, or will he chop off my feet?”
    Vampires have their own type of government, or I guess aristocracy is a better word. Each territory has a Lord or Lady who oversees the others and keeps the peace, like a governor. Other vamps pay taxes and basically do whatever the Lord wants; in return, they get protection and community. How big a territory depends on how much a Lord is willing to face off against other equally powerful vamps to expand. According to my reading, it doesn’t happen often. The last documented case was fifty years ago when the Lord of Phoenix fought the Lady of Tucson. The Lady now controls the entire state of Arizona. The biggest territory covers Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, but it’s not the most happening spot.
    More common is the fight to become a Lord or Lady. Vamps give the phrase “hostile takeover” a whole new meaning. The only way to kill the reigning monarch is in a duel, Musketeer style, until only one stands. If you poison them or something else sneaky, it doesn’t count. Regardless, these duels don’t happen often. Lords act like Tony Soprano, banishing or just plain killing anyone they see as a threat. I’d rather be a rogue like Oliver, without allegiance.
    The only vamp higher than a Lord is the King or Queen, depending what land mass you’re on. North America has two, one supposedly in New York and the other in Vancouver. They split the continent right down the middle. Their identities are secret and they only reveal themselves when you’ve been naughty and they’ve come for your head. Literally.
    “When your husband rises, he’ll have to sign too.”
    “Not a problem.”
    “Good, then let me show you to your room,” he says, standing.
    I rise, wobbling a little. “Thank you.”
    I follow him out and up the stairs. “Right now we have three other couples staying, including a celebrity.” He leans in and whispers, “Jim Morrison.”
    “The Doors’ Jim Morrison?”
    “Yes, but he’s checking out first thing tonight.”
    “Oh. Too bad.” Him, I’d like to meet.
    We start down a dark hallway where gas candelabras hang from the ceiling. The flames flicker inside the glass bulbs. Reminds me of the gas lamp district in San Diego. Quaint, but