“A year, more or less,” Susan answered vaguely.  Her symbiotic relationship with Jo had grown into something else as of late.  Something not as scary, but just as satisfying.  She just didn’t know what it was.  It wasn’t difficult to find blood players, but selecting ones that were discrete enough not to reveal who and what Jo was…that took a little more effort.  Susan kept her part of the bargain, as did Jo.  But things felt different between them after banishing the vortex, not in any way Susan could put words to, just different.  If Jo was feeding, it was without Susan’s knowledge and knowledge was power in her circle of life.

            “What’s your…. relationship?” Helena gave her a leveling gaze, her eyes watching Susan’s face carefully.  Susan couldn’t tell whether Helena’s interest was in Jo or herself, or both.

            “Business,” Susan said abruptly.  “She…leases me the space for my club downstairs.  She’s a silent partner in the Lost ‘n Found.  She’s also helping Marina and I open a new place on the north side of town.  She’s very well….  Connected.”  Susan put in, thinking she was filthy rich to boot.

            “She’s an interesting woman.”  Helena said, letting her gaze sweep over Susan.

            You have no idea, Susan thought to herself before agreeing, “Yes, she is.  And she has skills no one else has.  That’s why I know she’ll find your children.  She’s also relentless.”  Susan added with a chuckle.

            “I should hope so,” Helena breathed slowly, eyes averted.  “I can’t tell you how much I miss them.  Do you have children?”

            “No,” Susan steeled herself against the memories, the abuse that rendered her sterile.  The pain of finding out, the pain that she relished and still did seek out.

            “Did you want to?”  Helena asked softly, trying to make that connection, the one that allowed you to having not just a meeting of the minds, but of the body also.

            Before Susan could try to talk her way out of where this conversation was headed, she felt warm moist lips on her neck.  She recognized the perfume instantly, Escada.  Soft and light, soft like Doyle in so many ways.  She smiled.  “Hello, Doyle.”  The soft pink tongue lapping at her neck, leaving a soft wet spot.