Bloodlines Chapter Sixteen

I EXPLAINED onward my chemistry experiment by saying t assume it was adept a substance I had on pass a cosmosner from when I received my stain, in the howevert I had an totallyergic reaction. I certainly didnt let on that Id mixed it myself. I think they wouldve bought that cover story, if non for the fact that a few days later, I was able to get ahold of a formula that helped treat the chemical burns on Kristins skin. The mixture did zilch for the ink stain that lift upmed to be per worldent, barring approximately tattoo laser removal moreover her welts did melt down a little bit.After that, word got near that Sydney Melrose was the new on-site pharmacist. Because I had extra left field over from Kristin, I gave the remainder of the skin cream to a girl with severe acne since it worked on that as well. That probably didnt do me any favors. People approached me for all sorts of things and still offer uped to pay me. Some requests were pointless, give care cures for matteraches. Those volume I simply told to buy around aspirin. Other requests were turn out of my power and nothing I deficiencyed to deal with, like birth control.Aside from the weird requests, I real didnt mind the increase in my daily social interaction. I was used to people needing things from me, so that was familiar territory. Some people exactly lossed to grapple more than approximately me as a person, which was new and more enjoyable than Id expected. And smooth others lossed different things from me.Sydney.I was waiting for my English class to start and was startled to see integrity of Greg Slades friends standing over my desk. His name was Bryan, and although I didnt feel some(prenominal) or so him, hed never come across as obnoxious as Slade, which was a point in Bryans favor.Yes? I asked, wondering if he wanted to borrow notes from me.He had shaggy brown hair that seemed to be purposely grown unkempt and was really kind of cute. He ran a contact over it as he picked his words. Do you know anything about inactive films?Sure, I verbalise. The first ones were developed in the late nineteenth century and nearly whiles had live on musical accompaniment, though it wasnt until the 1920s that sound become truly incorporated into films, eventually making silent ones obsolete in cinema.Bryan gaped, as though that was more than hed been expecting. Oh. Okay. Well, um, theres a silent film festival business district adjacent week. Do you think youd want to go?I shook my head. No, I dont think so. I respect it as an art form only if really dont get much out of ceremonial occasion them.Huh. Okay. He smoothed his hair game again, and I could almost see him groping for judgments. Why on earth was he ask me about silent films? What about Starship 30? It opens Friday. Do you want to see that?I dont really like sci-fi either, I state. It was true, I found it completely implausible.Bryan run acrossed ready to p arntage that shaggy hair out. Is there any movie out there you want to see?I ran through a mental list of current entertainment. No. Not really. The bell rang, and with a rock of his head, Bryan slunk back to his desk. That was weird, I muttered. He has bad taste in movies. Glancing beside me, I was startled to see Julia with her head down on her desk while she shook with silent laughter. What?That, she gasped. That was hilarious.What? I verbalise again. Why?Sydney, he was asking you outI replayed the conver sit downion. No, he wasnt. He was asking me about cinema.She was laughing so hard that she had to wash away a tear. So he could find out what you wanted to see and take you outWell, why didnt he hardly say that?You are so adorably oblivious, she tell. I hope Im around the day you actually notice person is inte equipoiseed in you. I proceed to be mystified, and she worn-out(a) the rest of class bursting out with spontaneous giggles.While I became an object of fascination, Jills popularity fe ll. Part of it was her own shyness. She was ease so conscious and worried about being different that she assumed everyone else was aware of her otherness too. She continued holding back from connecting with people out of fear, making her come across as aloof. Surprisingly making this worse, Jills doctors note had finally come through from the Alchemists. The school wouldnt put her into a different elective that was already in progress. Freshmen werent allowed to be t separatelyers aides like Trey. After consultation with Miss Carson, theyd finally inflexible that Jill would enroll in all in penetration PE activities and do alternate assignments when we were outdoors. This usually meant writing reports on things like the autobiography of softball. Unfortunately, sitting out half the cadence only managed to isolate Jill more.Micah continued to dote on her, even in the face of adversity.Lee texted me this morning, she told me at lunch one day. He wants to take me out to dinner th is weekend. Do you think I mean, I know you guys would have to go too She glanced uncertainly amidst Eddie and me.Whos Lee? asked Micah. He had effective sat down with our group.A few moments of awkward silence fell. Oh, give tongue to Jill, averting her eyes. Hes this, um, guy we know. He doesnt go here. He goes to college. In Los Angeles.Micah processed this. He asked you on a date?Yeah we actually went out before. I guess were, well, kind of dating.Not fullly, piped in Eddie. I wasnt sure if he was saying this to spare Micahs feelings or if it was some protective way to stop Jill from get too close to anyone.Micah was good at hiding his emotions, Id give him that. After a bit more thought, he finally gave Jill a smile that only seemed slightly forced. Well, thats great. I hope I female genitals meet him. After that, the conversation turned to the upcoming football game, and no one mentioned Lee again.decision out about Lee changed how Micah acted around Jill, but he still h ung out with us all the time. Maybe it was in the hopes that Lee and Jill would break up. Or it couldve simply been because Micah and Eddie spent a contend of time together, and Eddie was one of Jills few friends. But the problem wasnt Micah. It was palm.I didnt think Micah wouldve been interested in laurel wreath even if Jill hadnt been in the picture, but Laurel still saw Jill as a threat and went out of her way to fudge her miserable. Laurel spread rumors about her and make pointed comments in the halls and during class about Jills pale skin, height, and skinniness Jills biggest insecurities.Once or twice, I heard the name vampire girl whispered in the halls. It made my blood run cold, no matter how many times I reminded myself it was a joke.Jill isnt whats keeping Laurel and Micah apart, I remarked to Julia and Kristin one day. They were amused by my continued efforts to apply logic and rationality to social behaviors in the school. I dont understand. He just doesnt like La urel.Yeah, but its easier for her to think Jills the problem, when really, Laurels just a bitch and Micah knows it, beg offed Julia. forever since the awkward encounter with Bryan, she and Kristin had taken it upon themselves to try to educate me in the ways normal humans behaved.Plus, Laurel just likes having someone to pick on, said Kristin. She seldom spoke about the tattoo but had been sobering and sober ever since. Okay, I said, laborious to follow the logic, but I was the one who called her out about dying her hair. Shes hardly said a word to me.Kristin smiled. No fun picking on you. You speak back. Jill doesnt defend herself much and doesnt have many people to stick up for her either. Shes an easy target.One commanding thing did happen, at least. Adrian was staying on good behavior after the Los Angeles mishap, though I had to wonder how huge it would defy. Based on what I gathered from Jill, he was still bored and unhappy. Lees schedule was erratic, and it wasnt his job to musical note after Adrian anyway. There didnt seem to be any good solution for her, really. If Adrian gave in to his vices, she suffered the effects of his hangovers and romanticistic interludes. If he didnt, and so he was miserable, and that attitude easily trickled into her as well. The only hope they had was that Jill would eventually learn the control to block him out of her mind, but from what Rose had told her, that could take a very long time.When the next feeding came around, I was disappointed to see Keiths car parked in Clarences driveway. If he wasnt going to actually do anything active to help this assignment, I kind of wished hed just stay away from it altogether. He apparently thought these supervising visits counted as work and continued to justify his presence. Except when we met up with Adrian in the dungeon get on, Keith was nowhere in sight. Neither was Clarence.Where are they? I asked Adrian.Adrian was lounging on the couch and put down a book hed b een reading. I had a feeling reading was a rare activity for him and almost felt bad for the interruption. He stifled a yawn. There was no alcohol in sight, but I did see what looked like three empty nookys of energy drink.He shrugged. I dont know. Off talking somewhere. Your friends got a sick sense of humor. I think hes feeding Clarences paranoia about vampire hunters.I glanced uneasily at Lee, who had immediately begun talking to Jill. Both were so caught up in each other, they didnt even realize what the rest of us were discussing. I knew how much the vampire hunter talk bothered Lee. He wouldnt appreciate Keith supporting(a) it.Does Clarence know about the killing in LA? asked Eddie. There was no reason Keith wouldnt, since it was open Alchemist knowledge, but I wasnt sure if he wouldve made the connection to Clarence or not.He hasnt mentioned it, said Adrian. I anathemize Keiths just doing it because hes bored or something. Even I havent sunk that low.Is that what youve be en doing instead? I asked. I sat down across from him and pointed at the energy drinks.Hey, its not vodka or brandy or well, anything good. Adrian sighed and upended one can, beverage the conk out few drops. So give me some credit. Eddie glanced at the cans. Didnt Jill say she had trouble sleeping last night?Adrian, I said with a groan. Eddie was right. Id noticed Jill tossing and turning constantly. Vicarious caffeine would certainly explain it. Hey, Im trying, Adrian said. If you could get me out of here, Sage, then I wouldnt be forced to drown my sorrows in taurine and ginseng.She cant, Adrian, and you know it, said Eddie. Cant you I dont know. Find a hobby or something?Being charming is my hobby, said Adrian obstinately. Im the liveliness of a party even without drinking. I wasnt meant to be alone.You could get a job, said Eddie, settling into a corner chair. He smiled, amused by his own wit. Solve both your problems make some gold and be around people.Adrian scowled. Care ful, Castile. Theres only one comedian in this family.I straightened up. Thats actually not a bad image.Its a terrible idea, said Adrian, glancing between me and Eddie.Why? I asked. Is this the part where you tell us your hand dont do manual labor?Its more like the part where I dont have anything to offer society, he countered.I could help you, I offered.Are you going to do the work and give me the payroll check? Adrian asked hopefully. Because that actually could help.I can give you a ride to your interviews, I said. And I can make you a resume that would get you any job. I eyed him and reconsidered. Well, within reason.Adrian stretched back out. Sorry, Sage. Just not feeling it.Clarence and Keith entered just then. Clarences face was exuberant. Thank you, thank you, he was saying. Its so nice to talk to someone who understands my concerns about the hunters.I hadnt been aware that Keith understood anything except his own self-serving nature. Lees face gameyened when he realized Keith was furthering the old mans irrationality. Nonetheless, the Moroi withheld the comments he undoubtedly wanted to make. It was the first time Id seen any sort of dark emotion on Lees face. Looked like Keith could bring down even the most cheerful person.Clarence was happy to see us, as was Dorothy. Humans who gave blood to vampires werent just disgusting because of the act itself. What was also appalling was the addiction that resulted. Vampires released endorphins into those they drank from, endorphins that created a pleasurable sort of high. Human feeders who lived among Moroi spent their entire days in that high, becoming heavily babelike on it. Someone like Dorothy, who had lived only with Clarence for years, hadnt experienced enough bites to really get addicted. Now, with Jill and Adrian around, Dorothy was getting an increase amount of endorphins in her daily life. Her eyes lit up when she saw Jill, appearinging she was eager for more.Hey, Sage, said Adrian. I dont wan t an interview, but do you think you could give me a ride to get some cigarettes?I started to tell him I wasnt going to help with such a filthy habit and then noticed him looking meaningfully at Dorothy. Was he trying to get me out of here? I wondered. Give me an excuse to not be around for the feeding? From what I understood, Moroi normally didnt hide their feedings from each other. Jill and Dorothy just usually left the room for my comfort. I knew theyd probably do it again but decided Id take the luck to get away. Of course, I glanced at Keith for confirmation, expecting him to protest. He merely shrugged. It looked like I was the last thing on his mind.Okay, I said, standing up. Lets go.In the car, Adrian turned to me. I changed my mind, he said. Ill take you up on helping me get a job.I almost swerved into oncoming traffic. Few things from him could have surprise me more and he said pretty surprising things on a regular basis.That was fast. Are you serious?As much as I ever am . Will you still help me?I read so, though theres only so much I can do. I cant actually get you the job. I ran down my mental list of what I knew about Adrian. I dont suppose you have any idea of what youd actually like to do?I want something entertaining, he said. He thought some more. And I want to make lots of coin but do as little work as possible.Lovely, I muttered. That narrows it down.We reached downtown, and I managed a flawless parallel-parking job that didnt impress him nearly as much as it should have. We were right in front of a convenience store, and I stood outside while he went in. flush shadows were falling. I was off campus all the time, but so far, my trips had all been to Clarences, mini-golf courses, and fast-food joints. It turned out that the city of bay wreath Springs was really pretty. Boutiques and restaurants lined the streets, and I couldve spent hours people-watching. Retirees in golfing getups strolled alongside young glamorous socialites. I knew a lot of celebrities came here too, but I wasnt in tune enough with the entertainment creation to know who was who.Man, said Adrian, emerging from the store. They raised the price on my normal brand. I had to buy some crappy one.You know, I said. Quitting would also be a really great way to save some I froze as I spotted something down the street. Three blocks away, through the leaves of some palm trees, I could just barely make out a sign that read Nevermore in flowery Gothic lettering. That was the place. The source of the tattoos running rampant through Amberwood. Ever since Kristins incident, Id wanted to delve into this more but hadnt been sure how. Now I had my chance.For a moment, I remembered Keith telling me not to get involved with anything that tycoon raise attention or cause trouble. Then I thought about the way Kristin had looked during her overdose. This was my opportunity to actually do something. I made a decision.Adrian, I said. I need your help.I pulled him towar d the tattoo parlor, filling him in on the situation. For a moment, he seemed so interested in high-inducing tattoos that I thought hed want one. When I told him about Kristin, though, his enthusiasm faded.Even if its not Alchemist technology, theyre still doing something dangerous, I explained. Not just to Kristin. What Slade and those guys are doing using the steroids to be better at football is just as bad. People are getting hurt. I thought, suddenly, of Treys cuts and bruises.A small alley separated the tattoo parlor from a neighbor restaurant, and we stopped just before it. A door opened inside the alley, on the parlor side, and a man stepped out and lit a cigarette. Hed taken only 2 steps when another man stuck his head out the side door and called, How long are you going to be gone? I could see shelves and display boards slow him.Just running down to the store, said the man with the cigarette. Ill be back in ten.The other guy went back inside, shutting the door. A few moments later, we saw him through the window at the front of the store, tidying up something on the counter.I have to get back there, I said to Adrian. Into that door.He arched an eyebrow. What, like sneaking in? How very black ops of you. And oh, you know dangerous and foolish.I know, I said, surprised at how calm I sounded as I admitted that. But I have to know something, and this may be my only chance.Then Ill go with you in case that guy comes back, he said with a sigh. Never let it be said Adrian Ivashkov doesnt help damsels in distress. Besides, did you see him? He looked like some insane biker. They both did.I dont want you to wait. Inspiration hit. You talk to the guy inside.Huh?Go in the front. Distract him so that I can look around. Talk to him about I dont know. Youll think of something.We rapidly hashed out a plan. I sent Adrian on his way while I ducked into the alley and approached the door. I pulled the handle and found it locked. Of course, I muttered. What busin ess would leave a remote door like this uncovered and unlocked? My brilliant plan started to crumble until I remembered I had my Alchemist essentials in my purse.My full kit was rarely needed, high school acne crises aside, so it was usually unploughed at home. But Alchemists were always on call, no matter where they were, to cover up vampire sightings. And so, we always kept a couple of things on us at all times. One was the substance that could dissolve a Strigoi body in under a minute. The other was almost equally efficient at dissolving metal.It was a type of acid, and I kept it in a protected vial in my purse. Quickly, I fished it out and unscrewed the top. A bitter roll hit me and made me wrinkle my nose. With the bottles glass dropper, I very carefully leaned down and placed a few drops right in the center of the lock. I immediately stepped back as a unobjectionable mist rose up from the contact. Within thirty seconds, it had all dissipated, and there was a hole in the mi ddle of the doors handle. One of the nice things about this stuff, which we called quickfire, was that its reaction occurred extremely fast. It was now inert and posed no danger to my skin. I pushed down on the handle, and it released.I only opened the door a crack, just to ascertain that there was no one else around. Nope. Empty. I crept inside and quietly shut the door behind me, fastening an inside bolt to make sure it stayed locked. As Id seen from the outside, the place was a storage room, alter with all sorts of tools of the tattoo trade. Three doorways surrounded me. One led to a bathroom, one to a darken room, and another to the stores front and main counter. Light spilled in from that doorway, and I could hear Adrians voice.My friends got one, he was saying. Ive seen it, and he said this is the place he got it. Come on, dont play me.Sorry, came the gruff response. No idea what youre talking about.I slowly began scanning the cupboards and drawers, reading labels and looking for anything suspicious. There were a lot of supplies and not much time.Is it a money thing? asked Adrian. Because Ive got enough. Just tell me how much it costs.There was a long pause, and I hoped Adrian wouldnt be asked to show any cash since the last of his money had gone to promoting cancer.I dont know, the guy said at last. If I was able to do this copper tattoo youre talking about and Im not saying I can you probably couldnt afford it.Im telling you, said Adrian. Just name your price.What is it youre interested in exactly? the man asked slowly. Just the color?I think we both know, said Adrian cunningly. I want the color. I want the bonus effects. And I want it to look badass. You probably cant even do the design I want.Thats the least of your worries, said the guy. Ive been doing this for years. I can draw anything you want.Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton ride a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a repeat on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But itd be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.Meanwhile, Id still seen no sign of what I needed, but there were a million nooks and crannies left to explore. alarm began to rise in me. I was going to run out of time. Then, seeing the darkened room, I hurry over to it. With a quick glance toward the stores front, I flipped on the light and held my breath. No one must have noticed anything because the conversation continued where it had left off.Thats the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard, said the tattooist.Thats not what the ladies are going to say, said Adrian.Look, kid, said the guy. Its not even about money. Its about availability. Thats a lot of ink youre talking about, and I dont have that much in stock.Well, when will your supplier shift next? asked Adrian.I stared in awe at what I had found I was in the room where the tattooing took plac e. There was a lounging chair much more comfortable than the table Id received my tattoo on and a small side table covered with what appeared to be freshly used implements.Ive already got some people wait-listed ahead of you. I dont know when therell be more.Can you call me when you know? Adrian asked. Ill give you my info. My names one thousand Steele.If not for my own tense situation, I wouldve groaned. Jet Steele? Really? Before I could think much more about it, I finally found what Id been looking for. The tattoo gun on the table had its own ink container, but sitting nearby were several smaller vials. All of them were empty, but some still had enough metallic residue of their former ingredients to tip me off. Without even thinking twice, I apace began recapping them and putting them in my purse. Nearby, I noticed some sealed vials full of dark liquid. I froze for a moment. Carefully, I picked one up, opened it, and took a sniff.It was what Id feared.I screwed the lid back o n and added those vials to my purse.Just then, I heard a rattling behind me. Someone was trying to open the back door. Id bolted it behind me, however, and it didnt give. Still, it meant my time for snooping was up. I was just zipping up my purse when I heard the stores front door open.Joey, whys the back door locked? an angry voice demanded.Its always locked.No, the bolt was on. From the inside. It wasnt when I left.Cue my exit. I flipped off the light and began focal ratio back through the storage room.Wait exclaimed Adrian. There was an anxious note to his voice, like he was trying to get someones attention. I had the uneasy feeling that the two guys who worked here were headed back behind the counter to investigate. I need to know something else about the tattoo. Can the parrot also be wearing a pirates hat? Like a miniature one?In a minute. We have to check something. The voice was louder than before. Closer.My hands fumbled as I unlatched the bolt. I managed it and opened the door, hurrying out just as I heard voices behind me. Without pausing to glance back, I shut the door and ran out the alley and up the street, back toward where Id parked. I was pretty sure the guys hadnt gotten a good look at me. I think Id just been a figure darting out the door. Still, I was grateful for the crowds of people on the street. I was able to live in as I turned my attention to my car and unlocked the door. My hands were sweaty and shaking as I fumbled with the keys.I wanted badly to look behind me but was afraid of attracting the attention of the two men, if they were out searching the street. As long as they had no reason to suspect me A hand suddenly grabbed my arm and jerked me away. I gasped.Its me, said a voice.Adrian. I breathed a sigh of relief.Dont look back, he said calmly. Just get in the car.I obeyed. Once we were both safely inside, I took a deep breath, overwhelmed by the pounding of my heart. Fear-born adrenaline surged in my chest, so strongly it hurt. I unsympathetic my eyes and leaned back.That was too close, I said. And you did good, by the way.I know, he said proudly. And actually, I kind of want that tattoo now. Did you find what you were looking for?I opened my eyes and sighed. I did. And a whole lot more.So, what is it? Theyre putting drugs in tattoos?Worse, I said. Theyre using vampire blood.