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Dmitriy sighed and said, "You know, Gabrielle already was visited by two of the Oiym."
“After Hamburg, yes...”
“No, six months past.”
That, I had not known. "Which two?"
"Nethys and...what the male's name? Anileh! So attractive. And so completely uninterested."
I shrugged in agreement.
"They met with...with Gabrielle...to warn her of perhaps turning another Blood Angel without their authorization.”
I frowned. The Oiym having to restate the police? "Due to the slaughter of the Sosenthen clan..."
He chuckled and said, "This, we are told. There are many who think you the reason for this edict."
Oh. Well. That was not unexpected, but all I could think to say was, "I pay no attention to gossip."
"You should. It is much better than that found in today's newspapers..."
“No doubt,” I murmured, caressing his belly.
“I tell you this because...oh, Léon, you may be too late.”
“How so?”
“The Oiym met her in New York. Before she sent me here.”
Then it hit me. "She sensed another Blood Angel."
He sighed and nodded.
I sat up and asked, "Is she still there?"
"No. She is now gone to Korea."
"Korea?! But...but that's a closed society. They even told the French to get lost."
"This time the Americans it will be."
"Is the man military?"
He nodded. "Passing through New York, we were, when we felt his presence. A fine young naval officer in a deep blue coat. Very attractive. The moment she saw him, she dismissed me."
Which angered me. She turned Dmitriy without thought and now treats him as though he was an irritant, only? Before I could even think to stop myself, I said, "I wish it had been me who found you, first."
"As do I." He kissed me. "Then I would not be the one to police idiots. And keep the Oiym satisfied. Demand, over and over, to feed on those none will miss and not the monied class."
The expression I gave him must have been priceless, for he chuckled and continued, "One idiot fed on a girl at a debutante ball because she was hearty and hale. Causing much concern with those of her class. The Oiym know and agree to let Gabrielle deal with him when she returns. Which is soon, I hope. Scotland Yard gets on the case. They do not stop until they find her body. Which will be never...but still, we may have to relocate. Gossip in the local pub is very strong."
I caressed his face. His eyes so sad, again. "When does she arrive in Korea?"
"No idea. In New York, events would interfere with her taking him before he departed on his ship. The Colorado."
“The Oiym warned her and she tried for him, anyway?”
He nodded and shrugged.
I sighed. "When did his ship depart?"
"Two months since. For him, I believe the journey is three months. Perhaps four. Depends on which cape they travel past. It is a three-master but with the turnscrew, so I know not how fast those things go."
"I hear they can make the Atlantic crossing in fewer than two weeks."
"No matter, Gabrielle will be in position to take him when he arrives. Do you know America has built a transcontinental railroad from east to west? She has travelled it. Her ship left San Francisco perhaps a month, six-weeks past. Also a steamer."
I chuckled. "She didn’t just stow away?"
He patted my belly. "On a naval vessel? With so many ripe and ruddy sailors and marines and their lovely, lovely blood?"
I laughed. "The Colorado...drifting into harbor without a crew."
"Or all like me. Hundreds of men. Alone in the middle of the ocean for months. None but themselves and their asses and their dicks and their mouths..."
We rolled about with laughter for a full minute before I was able to say, "She left from San Francisco?"
"Yes."
"Then I'd best head along. I want to get to her before she finds the man."
"You cannot stay a day or two? To go east through the Suez? A bit faster, perhaps. We could make a visit to Ireland. The silly British have much trouble, over there. And I know of a nice Army garrison near Cork. The idiot Sergeant-Major in charge has provided me with sustenance, thanks to his hate and arrogance. And I assure you, the soldiers treat the locals abominably."
"Well...it will take me some time to arrange my passage..."
His eyes grew bright, again. "I will help."
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