Either his head or his heart must be removed. These were the only ways to kill him.

Most of the world wished they had the advantages of immortality. Most of the world hadn’t lived long enough to see the firsthand travesties humanity committed.

The world and those in it weren’t particularly getting along these days. Then again, when did they?

This was the reason he’d chosen to retreat.

While others might wish to be him, being immortal wasn’t all fun and games. Time crawled by with excruciating exactness. Today, it was crawling more listlessly than usual.

Garrett Bloodnight stood in his study and gazed out the large windows, past his expansive garden. The hills surrounding his estate loomed like castle turrets. They were older than time. Older than even him.

For some in his position, this estate might seem a prison. For him, nothing could be further from the truth. If time seemed heartlessly boring these days, at least he could be in the one place he loved.

Bloodnight Hall was home. Despite the ghoulish name, it was one of the most beautiful estates in all Britain. At least, that was what all the magazines said. How the magazine editors would know, he hadn’t a clue. No one from any of the gossip rags ever entered his abode, nor would they. He assumed they judged his property from outside appearances alone, as they were so shallowly want to do.

Editors of gossip publications would be better equipped to judge if they could see the inside of his domicile. For him, it was perfection. Furnishings were the best to be had. Every nook and cranny was in order, from top to bottom. Even the old basement had been turned into a state-of-the-art gymnasium. Indeed, this was his private place away from the world. No one would ever enter without his permission even if that meant his so-called ratings in social forums went down. That crap came and went. He’d outlive it all along with the people who originated it.

Since he never wanted to move, and would never change his name again for any covert mission, he indulged himself. He took the age-old estate title as his surname.

The name Bloodnight seemed quite appropriate. Oddly, locals expressed pleasure over his having embraced that moniker. His presence, along with taking that blood-curdling appellation, meant permanency. Tourists. Jobs. Money. Stability. He hired and paid well for the finest staff. Almost all local. They responded with utter loyalty. They didn’t quit every time work got difficult, or if it interfered with some social engagement. No, his people were mature professionals. The newest of his employees had been with him for over fifteen years. Because of how he treated them—with respect and dignity—they responded in kind.

A month ago, the most trusted and beloved among his staff died in his sleep, upstairs. Now, the law required him to hire another claviger. Whoever took Edmond Durington’s place would have big shoes to fill. As with many new hires, the ones who succeeded were those who fit in these surroundings. Since this replacement wasn’t his choice, this was one of those occasions when he doubted the hired individual would be on the premises long.

He turned when he heard footsteps. His current housekeeper and general go-to for everything, Anna Gast, hesitated at the doorway. Her normally relaxed and friendly countenance was now clouded with concern. At the age of fifty, she was one of those people who’d earned every bit of trust and respect any employer could possibly bestow.

“Sir…Tate called. He’s picked the woman up and will be home by lunch. He’s complaining about several massive trunks in her possession.”

“Then it’s a good thing I told him to take the truck. When someone moves in forever, you expect a few nic nacs to come with them…photos, that sort of thing.”

The tall, svelte and ever efficient Mrs. Gast simply stared. As always, her short brown hair was as in perfect order as was her tweed suit and sensible brown pumps. She was the model of efficiency. It didn’t feel right that she had misgivings about their new resident.

Garrett—or Gart—as a few of his compatriots called him, spoke slowly. He tried to sound confident, even if he wasn’t. “When they arrive, have Tate refuel the car and clean it. Have Ben take the girl’s belongings upstairs. You get her settled. See to her lunch and so forth. Afterward, you can take the rest of the day off. Go do something with Ben. Have some fun for a change.”

“Thank you,” Anna Gast told him as she smiled in acknowledgement. “I’ll have the kitchen staff leave food in the fridge for the larger meals, but what about tea?

“Don’t mind me. I believe I can still open a can of biscuits and heat a kettle,” he admitted with a broad grin.

She nodded. “Very well. Any other instructions for Miss Long?”

He sighed heavily and put his hands on his hips. “Remind her of the house rules. She can wander where she wishes. Nothing’s off limits except my suite and staffs’ personal quarters, of course. If anything comes up, I’ll be here…going over this month’s accounts.”

“Sir…I believe she’ll want to see you, whether you’re busy or not. And for more than just instruction in household rules. The debriefing, you see—”

“Oh. Quite right!” He shrugged. “It’s been so long since I had a new claviger that I forgot about the formalities.”

“I can inform her that you’re simply too busy, and that you’ll see her tomorrow morning.”

“Perhaps that’s best. However, if the woman really wants to get down to business after her drive from London, then we’ll oblige. Just let me know, either way.”

His general house manager hesitated for a moment longer, wringing her hands.

“Out with it. What has you worried, Mrs. Gast?”

“Sir, I’ve had no direct contact with this person. From what I’ve gathered…using my own sources…Miss Long seems to fit the bill. She’s said to be very intense.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Mrs. Gast stepped much closer and lifted her chin.

Gart had known his housekeeper for years. She got straight to points, and always made them count. If there was something amiss, then the cause was worth hearing.

“This woman,” Mrs. Gast began, “she’s been very thoroughly vetted. I daresay every law enforcement agency in the kingdom has had a go at her personal business.”

“Nothing new there.”

“It takes more than a clean background check and professional bearing to do the job. This life is isolated. Mr. Durington knew that and never minded. I’ve gleaned enough of the matter to know that this is a young woman. These days, young folk…even clavigers…might find existence here rather dull. You and I both know that there are days when the internet just doesn’t work. How will she amuse herself? We have secrets to keep. You, of all people, know this.”

“I’ve had similar thoughts on the subject, Mrs. Gast. Still, nobody’s forcing her into this. Plus, you’ll be happy to hear that I’ve been in touch with the internet provider. I’ve been told we’ll see great improvements in service.”

“That stunning news being delivered, I’ve had word her mental suitability. That’s what I really came to talk to you about.”

His brows shot up.

“As you’re quite aware, sir, my friends at home office were very fond of Mr. Durington. They’re making comparisons,” Mrs. Gast affirmed.

“I’m not sure that’s appropriate, but continue.”

“It’s said that this woman wasn’t given the option to be claviger. She’s been told that she really has no choice in joining the agency.”

Gart froze. “How can that happen? I wasn’t aware that home office had that kind of power or ever did!”

She shot him a supercilious look as she simultaneously tilted her head.

“All right. As an immortal, they own me…but I agreed to the terms of my existence a very long time ago. I’m not exactly being punished for it,” he said as he gestured to his grand surroundings. “This woman can resign her post anytime she pleases. No one can make anybody else work when or where they don’t want to. Not even an office filled with damned government bureaucrats. Why would they send her all this way against her will? For that matter, why would she agree to come?”

“I said as much to my sources. However—”

“Spit it out, Mrs. Gast.”

“My people at home office tell me there’s something in her past that makes leaving the agency impossible. Whatever that issue is, it has put her in the position of being forced to take this post.”

“Bloody Hell! Shouldn’t I have been informed of this issue sooner?”

“Sir, I’d have told you straight away, except that the call was received at almost four o’clock this morning. You’ve been out in the hills since before dawn. By your orders, you weren’t to be disturbed…not that I could at any rate. Cell phones still don’t work in many places up there.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s barely seven. This information I’m passing along isn’t exactly on the back burner.”

He sheepishly nodded. “Point taken, Mrs. Gast.”

She took a deep breath before continuing. “The fact is, if the girl had no choice, then we don’t. Though I’ve only heard good things about her character, it’s her mental steadiness I’m talking about. It takes certain qualities to be a claviger in an isolated post, as you well know. Furthermore, she’s replacing a man whose integrity was unquestionable. So, just as she’ll have to get used to this situation, we’ll have to get used to her and not judge too harshly. Otherwise, we might all be in for a very difficult life!”

He frowned. “I don’t like this. I don’t like the secrecy or chicanery involved.”

“It is what it is, sir. You know home office.”

“Yes, I do,” he sarcastically admitted. “I’ll get this sorted, straight away.”

“That might be prudent, but don’t expect a reversal of decisions.”

“Whatever happens,” Gart told her, “I’ll be sure to lead into the subject so as not to implicate you or your chatty friends in London.”

“I’d be very grateful, sir. Now, will there be anything else? I need to make sure the meals are squared away.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Gast.”

* * *

As soon as the older woman left, and the door to the study was closed firmly behind her, Gart got on the phone.

He contacted the ultra-secret part of the British government that was situated in London, as it always had been.

Home office.

That moniker had always sounded so much more professional than POSI, or the Paranormal Office for the Surveillance of Immortals. Someone had a penchant for the ridiculous, or a better name should have been selected.

The phone on the other end rang, putting his mind back on the task.

As usual when dialing the home office, his name came up for the receiving operator to see. Because of this, a secretary picked up and identified him immediately.

“Yes, Mr. Bloodnight?” a female quickly responded.

“I need to speak to David Harrington.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll put you through.”

At least things were efficiently and quickly handled. He had only a few seconds to wait. No complaints there.

“Hello up there in the wild lands?” David Harrington amicably greeted. “What can I do for you, Gart?”

“Just asking after that new claviger, David.” He hesitated. “Should I be… concerned?”

“Ah, yes! Anna Gast has implemented her rather extensive radar, and now has her nickers in a knot. I understand.”

Gart grinned. Everyone knew his general house manager had special contacts at home office. He and David still understood her to be the most trustworthy of all individuals. As good a job as she did, no one ever questioned her questioning superiors. It was just Anna Gast’s way and always had been.

“What’s up with this claviger, David?”

“If Mrs. Gast told you that she’s a bit…squeamish…about this job, well…”

“David…is that hesitation I hear in your voice? Are you trying to say that this woman really doesn’t want to be here, as I’ve been led to believe?” Gart asked.

“I would have told you the truth earlier, old boy. I was afraid you’d send her packing and we need her there. With you.”

“Why would I have sent her…David, just tell me what’s up. Please? This intrigue isn’t making for a good day.”

“Are you sitting down?”

“Do I need to be?” For Gart, the word concern suddenly took on a whole new definition.

“Gart…she’s an immortal. We kept that information secret. Even from the most rigorous fact-digging expedition Mrs. Gast could muster. As to that, Anna Gast will be told what I’m telling you. Right after our conversation!”

Gart lowered the phone for a long moment. He heard David Harrington’s voice calling, but it took at least a full minute to force himself to respond. When he did, he reacted with less tact than usual. “Why the bloody damned hell are you sending an immortal…to guard another immortal?”

“You and I both know that the term guarding is very loosely implied. Clavigers are meant to watch immortals. They’re meant to report back to home office on what their immortals are doing. They’re willing spies. We all know it, so let’s not pretend otherwise.”

“I understand the job description, David! I’m not implying their powers are more than they ever have been. I agreed to be watched. Durington agreed to be the watcher in my case. As a gentle reminder, he was my clavier and he’s dead. I was supposed to be sent another normal human to replace him. Isn’t that the agreement I made with the government…about a century ago? Isn’t that the law?”

“Calm down, old boy…calm down. I know this seems highly irregular. But just listen to me, will you?”

Gart took a very deep breath before responding. “All right. Go on. But don’t interpret my having listened as approval of the situation,” he quickly and adamantly added.

“Quite right! Now…let me explain about Jean Long. There’s a story to tell in that respect. It’s a sad one, actually.”

“Sad?”

“She’s only been immortal for a few months.”

“How?”

“Traffic mishap. Her parents were killed. She was with them, and woke up in the ambulance…healing. It was as if her broken legs, shattered backbone, and punctured pelvis never occurred. Of course, the law requires physicians encountering such oddities—”

“The doctors called the government straight away,” Gart finished. “Get to the point.”

“Gart, she needs guidance. She’s having a very hard time accepting what is clearly her lot in life. The organization took her under their wing. We’ve explained the laws and her responsibilities. She is trying, but the entire affair has been quite tragic and devastating.”

He shook his head. “She’s not a claviger, David. I’m supposed to have an ordinary human watcher. That’s the law,” he reminded.

“Dear boy, I know all this. We all know it. But this girl—”

“Why is she getting special treatment when no other newly discovered immortal would? She’s supposed to be assigned a claviger to watch her actions. She’s supposed to be given compensation for working with the authorities, if she chooses a legal life. And that compensation should be far more than enough. Why are you sending her here?”

“Well…that’s uh…a bit of a…you see…”

“David!”

“She’s James’s great granddaughter.”

Memories of eighty years ago came flooding back. Gart was suddenly drawn to a place of horrible, life-altering decisions. At that time, WWII was very close or fully involved in some places. People were dying everywhere. James Long was a soldier and a very great friend. A very human one.

“Are you there, Gart? Gart!”

“I’m h-here.” He swallowed hard. “How could such a thing happen?”

“My dear friend, there’s never been any DNA or other precursors denoting immortality, as you well know. You’ve known many regular humans whose offspring became immortals. It happens and no one knows why,” David reminded. “Since she has become what she’s become, I owe the girl an allegiance that can never be repaid. So do you.”

“We all owe James! But I don’t know anything about this girl. She shouldn’t be here. She needs to be taught how to live within the laws governing any immortal in any country. Since she’s here, in our country, she’s got to learn how to live by UK standards. As for me, I need a human claviger. There’s nothing this woman can get from me.”

“That’s not true. You know it! I will restate how very much we all owe James Long. That debt extends to his family.” David paused. “I wasn’t there, but I know Major Long’s history. You’re aware of his heroism and sacrifices. You more than anyone know what he did.”

“Of course I—”

“Gart, this agency has orders to make sure she’s taken care of. In every possible way.”

“What orders? From whom?”

“From the highest source!”

Buckingham Palace had its influence, elbow deep, in this situation. Gart knew it even if David wouldn’t say so.

“Gart, please! She’s all alone in the world. You, more than anyone, can understand what it’s like…you know how hard it is to wake up one day, and find out you’re not going to die, but watch everything change around you. For eternity.”

“I came to grips with my circumstances a long time ago, David. If I hadn’t, I’d have had somebody cut my head off, or would have contracted some thug to take out my heart. Unlike some other immortals, I don’t see my situation as anything other than a blessing…though, at times, I wonder about the future.” He slowly shook his head. “This girl should be told to get on with her life in accordance with the laws.” He paused. “I don’t know what you want from me, but I want my claviger lest I be in violation of the very laws I help enforce! Immortals are feared. Our powers are feared. The laws, as they are, keep people from fearing us even more. The idea behind human clavigers was devised so that everyone can live in peace. With a human watching us, other humans sleep better at night. What part of this arrangement don’t you understand?”

“Orders, old friend. I’ll reiterate that you have them, and that they come from the same place mine do.” David paused. “There’s nothing to be done, old boy. The girl needs tutoring. She needs help understanding this new life she’s entering. You’ve been deemed the one to help her do so. Her Majesty believes she and this country’s residents owe Major James Long every full measure of respect. Since this girl is the last of that family line, the respect falls to her. In James’s memory.” He cleared his throat. “Furthermore, Mrs. Gast will be promoted to claviger. I’ll call and tell her the circumstances straight away so you won’t have that issue to sort. Orders installing someone as a claviger must come from me anyhow. Anna knows that and will certainly accept the situation. In this new role, Anna can still maintain her presence in your household, and without any of the usual upheavals that transferring a new employee might bring. That’ll certainly satisfy the regulations, and the queen won’t be on my doorstep wondering why I didn’t flaming do as she ordered!”

“David…I can’t make someone accept immortality if they don’t want it. I assume that’s the main problem in this case?”

“Precisely.”

“What do you want me to tell ‘er? And how long is this situation supposed to last?”

“As far as the position of claviger goes, Mrs. Gast’s promotion in final. I daresay she’ll be thrilled. We, at home office, believe that she’ll do remarkably well. As far as the girl goes…that’s up to you. Train her. Talk to her. But, above all, have the common decency to understand that she didn’t ask for this. Your orders are to get on with it. Finally…do quit whining. It’s very unseemly…that’s a good chap!”

The line went dead.

Gart stood there a full five minutes before putting his cell back in its holder on his desktop. The dressing down he’d just been given filtered away. In its place, old memories surfaced.

Memories came flying back like birds winging by his office window.

It was late 1938. The entire world was about to explode.

Back then they’d all been different people. The world was peopled with men and women who acted and believed differently.

He’d even had a different surname.

Most of the planet back then had a cause. People had a common enemy.

As he’d just been so brusquely and suitably reminded, he owed James Long everything. How could he forget that his every breath these days was due to that brave man? How could he forget, indeed?