Again, she followed the pattern she had used with the Altaire woman. She thanked her and then moved on. There was one left to deliver and thankfully it was someone she knew quite well.The scene is the conclusion of the auction at Lancaster's on Halloween night. Jennifer Hayes, Zodiac's assistant manager, has been charged with passing out the prize cards to the winners of the readings that had been auctioned off this night. Phoenix and Mora have already been given theirs.
Three: Chaindog
Her final delivery would not be hard at all. The man was one of those easy to spot in a crowd types and this one she could relax around. For going on two years she had seen him arrive at the shop to work once the sun was down, and while their conversations were mostly brief and to the point, she had never had a reason to feel afraid of him. Also, he respected her position within Zodiac's business empire. The first time she was in the position to tell him something had to be done, she was ready to run in case he blew up in a vampire rant 'How dare you tell me what to do you stupid blood sack!' but instead he looked over the work order, nodded his head and gave her an estimated time it would take. Several times when a customer had gotten too out of hand and she was trying to defuse the situation Jennifer would suddenly discover the man standing behind her asking if there was a problem while giving the troublesome customer (human or vampire) a look that would send most running. She liked the guy. Not in a romantic sense, of course, but she knew she could depend on him and he did not treat her like a walking sack of fast food. 'Why do you think I hired him?' Zodiac had told her over tea once when the subject came up.
She waited till he was not talking to someone and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned, she grinned at him.
"You know, you could have sweet talked the boss into doing one for you for far cheaper than this," she teased as she handed him the last envelope. "But since you did it this way, you have to play by the rules. Everything you need to know is in there. So when you ready, let me know and I will set up your appointment for you, and I will see you again tomorrow night when you arrive. Happy Birthday, by the way. Zo told me." The last part she said in a low tone of voice.
With a smile, and a inward sigh of relief, she turned and made her way to where her employer was waiting.
"See? That was not so hard, was it?" Zodiac smiled.
"I hate you." she growled softly when she was close.
"No, that's not right. You love me. I know these things." she giggled as she took Jennifer by the arm. "Now we must be off. Several parties to put an appearance in yet this night, plus the coven gathers later. Busy, busy. Is there anywhere special I can drop you off at? If not you are welcome to come with me."
"I'd have to go and change if I did," She had not worn any kind of costume to the auction.
"I am not in costume either, though some might say otherwise. Come, let us bedazzle ourselves and make the world drool in envy." she laughed as the pair exited and went off into the night.
