Read Vamps And The City for Free Online

surprised laugh, then covered her mouth.
    Austin gave her a lopsided smile. “You don’t think I can win?”
    “Not unless you introduce yourself to a razor and a comb, first.” Ms. Stein picked up his contract with a disgusted look on her face. Then she smiled at Garrett as she gathered up his papers. “The auditions will begin at nine o’clock tomorrow evening at the Stars of Tomorrow Agency on Forty-fourth Street, two blocks from the Shubert Theatre. You should arrive early”— her gaze flickered back to Austin—“appropriately groomed and dressed.”
    “Thank you, Ms. Stein.” Sean walked back to the door. “It is imperative that both these men get on the show.”
    Her eyes widened. “But there could be hundreds of suitable young men auditioning.”
    Sean glowered at her. “You don’t understand, Ms. Stein. These men must get on the show. The security of our nation is at stake. The innocent people of our country are in grave danger.”
    She blinked. “From a reality show?”
    “This is no ordinary reality show. These men will be in constant danger.”
    “Oh, my.” She gave Garrett a worried look. “You— you’ll be dealing with terrorists?”
    Sean lowered his voice. “I’m sure you’ll understand, Ms. Stein, that we’re unable to divulge any more information.”
    Her face turned deathly pale. “I—I understand. I’ll make sure your men are chosen.”
    “Fine, do that.” Sean opened the door.
    Ms. Stein glanced nervously at the two men and then at her papers. “Which one of you is going to be Garth Manly?”
    “That’s me.” Garrett lifted a hand.
    “Excellent. A very macho name. It suits you.” She looked at Austin and frowned. “You need a decent haircut, Mr.”—she glanced down at her papers— “Little Joe Cartwright?”
    Alyssa and Emma snickered.
    “Austin.” Sean glowered at him.
    He shrugged. “She said a name suitable for television.”
    Ms. Stein’s frown deepened. “You must select another name.”
    “Hoss?”
    She chewed on her red power lipstick.
    “Adam?”
    “Adam will do. And you, young man, should have a better attitude toward the performing arts.” With a sniff, she left the room.
    Sean went with her, leaving the teammates alone.
    Garrett shook his head. “I can’t believe this. A reality show?”
    Austin shrugged. “Why should humans be the only ones with bad taste?”
    “It sounds dumb to me,” Garrett grumbled.
    Alyssa smiled. “At least you have a good name.”
    “Garth Manly.” Emma pursed her lips. “Ooh, it’s so sexy.”
    Alyssa giggled, then abruptly stopped when Sean strode back into the room.
    “All right.” He pinpointed Austin with a stern look. “Ms. Stein is concerned about your… rumpled appearance. So, she’s expecting you and Garrett at her agency in an hour. She’s calling in an emergency hair stylist and wardrobe consultant.”
    Austin grimaced. “What about my stake-out?” He had hoped to see her again tonight. And have his 35-mm ready so he could discover the truth about her once and for all.
    “Forget it,” Sean answered. “Emma can record DVN from here.”
    Emma made another note on her legal pad. “I’ll run those plates for you, too, Austin.”
    “Is this show really necessary?” Garrett lounged back in his chair. “Why don’t we just break inside DVN during the day and gather information while the vampires are sleeping?”
    Sean planted his palms on the table and leaned forward. “I want to know where my daughter is. I doubt it’s written down on an invoice. You’ll have to talk to the damned vampires and gain their trust. Working on this show will give you that opportunity. Am I clear?”
    “Yes, sir.” Austin’s reply was echoed by Garrett.
    “Good.” Sean gave Austin a wry look. “You do need a haircut.”
    He ran a hand through his shaggy, thick hair. “Sheesh. I thought the poodle place was doing so well.”
    Emma snorted. “Apparently not.”
    “Take this seriously,” Sean warned