Interviews With My Vampires:  Specter

     It's 8pm when I find myself standing outside the purple door to Specter's lair.  As it swings open by itself and I step inside the jade green studio I am reminded how age has only strengthed the immortal's powers.  Crash (You'll meet him later.) is out on the town tonight. Specter wanted it this way.  And as the lock clicks shut behind me I wonder if this interview was a good idea.  Where is he?  Then I smell leather and musk and I hear that cocky Cockney chuckle.

     "Welcome to the rumpus room, Baby.  Care for a little rumpus?"

     He's reclining on the cheetah-print sofa, his '54 Stratocaster nearby.  The amp's still humming.  He's been playing.  And that grin tells me he's just getting started.

     I take a seat on the chair opposite him and watch him roll a cigarette-- at least I hope it's a cigarette.  Specter is the wildest looking vampire --tall, lean,  long blond hair, pierced ears and emerald green eyes that have seen so much since his turning.  He smiles at me and pushes his rose-colored granny glasses up so he can hold my gaze.  Those eyes make me shiver, I'll admit to you right now.  But we're wasting time so I begin.

Me:  "Evening, Specter.  Thanks for this."

Sp:  "No problem, Love.  Glad to be of service."

(That east-end accent sends me but I've always had a thing for Brits.  He winks at me at I feel my heart thump.) 

Sp:  "Let's get started.  I'm meeting Crash at the S & V at nine."

(He lights up and takes a drag.  No.  Not a normal ciggy.  But then I consider the source.)

Me:  "No prob.  People know you as an excellent guitarist." 

Sp:  "Ta."

Me:   "What else do you want people to know about you?"

Sp:  "I'm a pretty basic male.  When it comes to me what you see is what you get.  I've seen it all-- from Black Plague to Black Sabbath.  All I ask is for those who hang with me to accept me as I am.  When you get to be my age you get tired of explaining yourself.  Surely you're cool with that."

Me:  (As I nod)

"Understand.  What do you think about how I've told Jared's tale?  Anything you want to add?"

Sp:  "Pretty accurate, Babe.  You kept it real.  That's all we ever ask.  You Irish chicks tell a good story.  Maybe one day you'll do mine."

Me:  "I'd be honored.  What's it like rooming with a werewolf?"

(Crash is Jared's drummer and Specter shares the apartment.)

Sp: "I'm a night owl and so is he so he doesn't bother me too much.  It gets a little crazy when I bring a female home, both of us bein' single and all, but once I'm mated I'll find my own place."

(His gaze scans me up and down and I smell his mating scent again.  )

Sp:  "You, ah, still spoken for Lovely?"

Me:  "Y-eah."

(I've been married for years but when Specter looks at me I must admit my mind starts wandering.  I'm sure he knows the affect he has on me. The corners of his mouth turn up and as his mouth opens slightly his canines drop into place.  I hear his voice echo in my mind as his eyes glow red.) 

Sp:  "Then I'd better go meet Crash.  I need to feed and though you look tasty I don't want to ruin our friendship.  We'll finish this later."

(Hearing him in my head is something I can't explain.  I can't help but reply silently,)

Me:  "Where and when?" 

Sp: "Trust me.  You'll know when.  And I know where to find you."

     As he disappears, leaving me in a haze of purple smoke,  I know when I've been given fair warning.  Sometimes I think he envies my life and the fact I've someone to share it with.  He's reminding me I should go home, hug my hubby, play with my dog, write a chapter, plus I have laundry to do.  

     Leaving my encounter with Specter behind,  I jump into my SUV and crank on Bowie as I speed down 1604. 

     It's a long ride home.  But a longer night's ahead.

Note:  All characters, ideas and plots are protected by law and are property of Mary Brand.  

Specter

Stats:

Actual name:  Joseph Tanner

Age:  Older than you think.

Height:  6'

Eyes:  Green

Hair:  Blond

Marital Status:  Widowed. Now single...and looking.

Any distinguishing marks?  Yes.

Where:  N.O.Y.B.

Nationality:  English

Birthplace:  Old London

Immortal Type:  Vampire

Profession:  Lead Guitarist for Beyond Dead

Habits:  Smoker, drinker, and snores.

Favorite Color:  Purple

Favorite passtimes:  Playing, listening to music, reading,

leathercraft.