"Hear me, Romanov." Rudy's eyelids fluttered and then lifted. It took a few minutes for him to realize he was dangling helplessly in the air with those unearthly pale eyes staring unblinkingly at him. "You're real." Rudy's voice was weak, and his body felt like lead. "Tell me about Von Halen. Your father sent him Dubrinsky's picture. As if a vampire could have his picture taken." Gregori shook the man. "How can you be of worth to me if you are so stupid?"