Bound Through Blood by Alexis Kennedy Page A

"that's exactly what I'm looking for." Looking at her watch, she saw it was time to go to the funeral home. She quickly changed into a suitable black dress and headed out, with her eyes already swimming in tears.
    On her front porch, Salena found a black cat. She was certain it was the same one from before that had caused her to burn herself. Today, as if to apologize, it went right for her leg—rubbing and purring. "Shoo!" she grabbed the broom she kept there and swatted at it, but it just sat there looking up at her, purring. "Whatever," she said to the animal before going on her way. At the bottom of the steps, though, she turned and looked at the cat again. It was the same one from the night Eric was there, she was certain of it, but could it be the same one from the farmer's market? That is about six or seven miles from her house; could it be? Nah... She shook her head and got into her car.
    At the funeral home, Salena talked with Jane's friends and family. Salena had met her parents one time before. Their grief now, from the loss of their daughter, brought on a new onslaught of tears. She didn't know any of Jane's coworkers and Rob, the one Jane had wanted to fix her up with, wasn't there. Someone told her he had sent his regrets, but he was too ill to make it. Just as well, this isn't exactly the best place to meet guys.
    Soon, it was time for the vampire tour. Which also wouldn't be the best place to meet guys; so why is it that her soul mate is one?
     

Chapter 35
    Salena got in line with several eager tourists. She was probably the only one who didn't look eager—she was there for answers, but was afraid to hear them—and didn't really expect to find any here; she'd probably just find more myths.
    The tour guide, a tall and very dark man named Clive, was really into his character. He was wearing a long black cape over his eighteenth century attire and plastic fangs; at least Salena hoped they were plastic. His ensemble reminded her of a photo she'd seen online while doing her research. Apparently, Clive had done his research as well.
    Clive looked around the crowd, "How many vampires do we have with us tonight?" A few costumed individuals raised their hands, and laughter erupted from the others. Then Clive looked at all of them with a very serious expression. "Now how many real vampires do we have tonight? If you dare reveal yourselves that is," he said with a wink. Everyone looked around the group, and slowly, a couple of people raised their hands. This caused more laughter, especially when Clive said, "Well, please don't eat any of us tonight." He waved his arms in a grand gesture and bowed to the group. Looking into their excited faces, he spoke to them in a spooky vampire voice, "Shall we?"
    They proceeded to walk slowly down the dark streets of the French Quarter. With no moon or stars visible in the overcast sky, it was pitch-black out. Clive, however, seemed used to the darkness, while the rest of them bumped into each other and stumbled over pits and cracks in the quiet street.
    Salena could see fog rolling in as well. As they walked, she smelled garlic on the couple walking beside her. They must be believers. If they only knew.
    As they traveled the haunted streets, Clive regaled them with some vampire history; particularly how they came to New Orleans. He enthralled the group with the eighteen hundreds' story of the "Casket Girls." He shared the account of how French families sent their daughters here to marry. Supposedly the girls brought trousseaus with them which were casket shaped; thus, giving the girls their nickname. When the girls were matched to suitors, the trousseaus were presented to the men, but they were empty. It was rumored that vampires had been smuggled to the French Quarter inside them. "So, watch out!" he said to them, bringing his hands, adorned with long vampire fingernails, up to his chest and showing off his fangs. "Vampires may be lurking nearby; especially in one of the vampire