As he turned to walk away he heard Roy shout, “Hey Rick, do you need a wake- up call in the morning? If so I’d be happy to arrange one.”
“No thanks, that won’t be necessary. I’ve been traveling all night and I probably won’t be up before dusk.”
“Dusk—right, then I’ll be sure to keep the place quiet when the patrons leave so you can get some sleep.” Roy said and Rick didn’t miss the sly smile that flashed across the man’s face.
As he moved down the hallway Rick noticed, from the corner of his eye, Roy whipping out his cell phone. Rick purposely slowed his pace so he could listen to what the man was saying. He couldn’t catch all of the conversation because of the noise in the bar but at least the band had stopped playing for the moment making it possible for him to catch a word or two.
“We have …visitor. He…a cabin…no…you’ll want to…this one. Okay…six tomorrow…bye.”
Great— I’d better sleep with one eye open this day, Rick thought to himself as he continued on down a passageway lit dimly by two small antique light fixtures. It was obvious that the building was old but well cared for. The decor for the bedrooms was the same as in the front of the building and he had to admit that he liked its rustic charm.
He found his room and, after unlocking the door, moved quickly inside. The room was small, as Roy had said, with a twin bed made of walnut, a matching dresser and nightstand. The tiny bathroom was near the back of the room. Rick looked longingly at the shower but there was one more thing he had to take care of before he could indulge himself. As his eyes scanned the area, Rick found what he was looking for.
Walking over to the bed, he pulled the bedspread from the top, the hunter green and black coverlet exactly what he needed as he moved towards the only window in the room. Luckily the window was on the other side of the nightstand; far enough away from the bed that Rick wouldn’t have to worry about the morning sunlight causing him any problems once he’d pulled down the shade. But, as an added precaution he closed the curtains, attaching the bedspread to the curtain rod and draping it across the window, blocking out any extra light that may have crept into the room.
Feeling satisfied with his efforts, he made sure the door was locked and the security latch in place. As an after-thought he pushed the heavy wooden dresser in front of the door as well. “You can’t be too careful,” he told the image looking back at him from the dresser mirror. Something in Roy’s demeanor, as well as the conversation he’d overheard, had Rick’s senses on high alert. He knew he would probably be safer spending his sleeping hours in some dark corner of the woods far away from the human population and the dangers they presented to one of his kind—but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.
He looked longingly at the bed and suddenly realized just how tired he was. He’d been walking for hours, covering hundreds of miles. I deserve a little pampering, he thought as he headed for the bathroom. Tomorrow he would look for a safer place to stay where he could settle in for a few days—get his bearings and decide what he was going to do with the rest of his life—such as it was. But for now he just wanted to feel human again—enjoy the things that most people took for granted on a daily basis.
After turning on the shower, Rick stripped out of the clothes he’d been wearing for—exactly how long he couldn’t remember. Walking naked back into the bedroom, he reached for the duffle bag and pulled out the paper bag he’d bought at the Trading Post. He emptied the contents onto the floor, picking up a black shirt and a pair of black jeans—one of three that he’d purchased. Stuffing his old clothes inside the discarded bag, he went back into the bathroom. “I’ll throw those filthy things away tomorrow—today—tonight—whatever!” he said out loud as he climbed under the hot water.
For the next few minutes he let the steaming liquid sooth and relax him. Then, reaching for the soap, he lathered his entire body, noticing as he did how hard and contoured his muscles had become. He’d always been a thin man never carrying an ounce of fat on his tall, lean frame but he hated exercise and working out had never been his thing. Now, he could feel the strength—the raw power coursing through his body and it began to sink in just how dangerous a creature he’d become. What am I going to do? How am I ever going to have any kind of a normal life again being what I am? he thought and a fresh wave of despair washed over him, bathing him in desperation like the warm water flowing over his body.
Slamming his fist against the wall Rick reached for the faucets. He twisted them violently stopping the water immediately. Stepping from the shower he quickly dried and dressed himself again. Storming into the bedroom, he threw himself upon the bed just as the first ray of light appeared on the horizon. “Get some sleep, you fool,” he told himself as he tossed and turned, praying for sweet oblivion to take him—hoping he could forget everything just for a little while.
Forearm thrown across his eyes, he hadn’t realized just how exhausted he really was. He fell to sleep in a matter of seconds, not awakening until his internal clock set off its own alarm telling his body that dusk had arrived and it was time for him to feed. Rick’s eyes flew open, all his senses alert as he stared around the room in confusion. Where am I? he wondered and then everything came rushing back to him, filling his mind with memories of the night before—walking for miles, the couple at the Trading Post, the strange man at the Inn.
Rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands he blinked once—twice—before launching himself from the bed. That’s when it hit—like the point of a blade sinking deep into his flesh. The hunger was like a physical pain, sharp—stabbing—threatening to overwhelm him if he didn’t do something to satiate the savage beast rising within him—and soon. He fought for control, moving to the window with a sensual grace. Pulling the thick bedspread away, he stared into the darkness.
He had to feed before he faced Roy, and anyone else the man might have told about his strange boarder. He’d have to be quick about it, just enough blood to satisfy the blood lust until he could hunt properly later in the evening.
Moving to the bedroom door he listened. He could hear some conversation coming from the dining area and the gentle tinkling of glasses coming from the bar but it didn’t seem like the large crowds had arrived yet. Trying to be as quiet as possible he turned the knob and opened the door to his room. The interlocking door in the hallway was closed and he could pick up no other sounds coming from the other bedrooms. He noticed the exit door directly to his left so, moving faster than was humanly possible; he slipped outside and down the steps of the back porch.
Looking around, he focused—trying to get his bearings. He was directly behind the building. There was a large lake on one side and deep woods on the other. “Perfect,” he whispered. His sensitive hearing picked up the sound of a vehicle pulling into the parking lot, the scent of fresh blood hitting him like a ton of bricks. With a snarl he threw himself against the building peeking around the corner to see where the scent was coming from. That must be the truck I heard pulling in, Rick thought as a beat up Ford F-150 pulled to a stop. He continued to watch, the scent of blood growing stronger when he realized the driver must be a hunter who’d just snagged his first deer. The buck must be in the back of the truck, he thought as a roar rumbled deep inside his throat.
The hunter, a tall man and slightly obese, slid out of the truck talking excitedly to himself about the stag he’d just shot. The man was so pumped Rick could hear his heart pounding—his blood boiling. I need to feed—now! he thought as the hunger threatened to overwhelm him. Rick had to literally drag his eyes away from the man—from the pulse beating wildly in his throat. Half crazed from the blood lust, the vampire took off at a run disappearing deep into the woods. In a split second he was miles away from the Inn and its human occupants, his eyes and ears alert for the source of his next meal—the poor animal that would unwillingly donate its life’s blood so that this vampire could satisfy his craving and live another d
ay.
Senses alert, Rick listened, a smile appearing on his handsome face when he heard a twig snap. Hidden behind a large boulder, the vampire closed his eyes and sniffed. Bear, the scent told him. Searching the darkness, he saw the animal, a large black bear, off in the distance sipping the water from a nearby stream. The creature was unaware of the danger creeping towards it—silent—deadly. The hunger roared to life inside of Rick as the predator took over. He moved quickly through the trees, until his quarry was just a few feet in front of him.
It was over before the bear even realized what had happened. The predator in Rick struck quickly, felling the animal as he drank, feeling its life’s blood flowing through him. He could feel the raw power growing within him as his craving—the hunger inside of him— was satisfied. He was strong, invincible—he was vampire. But Rick also had a small thread of human decency still buried deep inside his soul and that was what set off the warning bells in his head telling him to stop—NOW—before the creature died in his arms.
“Ahhhh!” the vampire roared as he threw his head back in anguish. This time he’d come close. This time the monster he’d become had nearly drained the very life from the poor beast and the human emotions buried deep within him couldn’t have dealt with the guilt. “Rest, my friend,” he said as he lowered the animal to the ground, his hands gently stroking the soft fur as he whispered softly. “Sleep—your strength will return to you.” Finally, the animal’s breathing became slow and steady as it fell into a deep sleep.
Rick knew the animal would be fine and it was about time he got back to the Inn. He didn’t want anyone wondering where he’d been. He was supposed to talk to Roy about a more permanent living arrangement after he’d had some sleep. So, with one last look at the bear resting peacefully, he turned and was back at the Lakeview Inn in a matter of seconds. Stopping near the edge of the woods, he again checked to make sure no-one was around. Feeling that the coast was clear, he re-entered the building through the back entrance and slipped back into his room.
Rick straightened the bed and cleaned the bathroom, gathering his belongings as he did so. He’d always been a neat person choosing to pick up after himself during his days as a parish priest living at St. Mary’s Rectory. I guess some things never change, he thought with a sarcastic laugh as he stuffed everything back inside the duffle bag. Satisfied that all was in order, he cast one last look around the room before stepping out into the hallway. There was no-one around but his sharp hearing picked up two voices, one male one female, talking in hushed tones on the other side of the connecting door. Roy, he thought but who was the other person? Well, you’re about to find out. Reaching for the doorknob, he was glad to find it unlocked.
As he entered the dining area, Rick saw two people having coffee at one of the smaller tables situated near the dance floor. Roy he already knew. Rick examined the other person with great interest. She was an extremely beautiful woman, somewhere between 40 and 60, but it was hard to tell her exact age just by looking at her. She was tall and elegant, with long wheat colored hair and the most unusual golden eyes.
As Rick walked towards the table a strange sensation came over him as he looked from Roy to the woman and back again. Two pair of the most unusual eyes he’d ever seen stared back at him curious—but alert, suspicion of the stranger in their midst evident on both their faces. They’re alike, Rick thought as the vampire within warned him that something was off—that the two people seated before him—watching—waiting—were something extra-ordinary—and definitely not human.
His instinct for self preservation roared to life but Rick fought to keep it under control. The feeding he’d just had helped as he forced his fangs to recede once again. He had to appear human to whoever—or whatever—these people were. He didn’t want to tip them off to the power he barely held in check until he knew what he was dealing with. The element of surprise would give him the upper hand if there were any kind of confrontation—he hoped.
As he reached the table Roy stood to greet him. It was then Rick noticed a few others hustling around the bar area getting things ready for the evenings activities.
“Mr. Franco, you seemed to have slept well—and long. It’s nearly dark.”
“Yes, I was more tired than I thought. Yesterday was a very long day.” Rick explained never taking his eyes off the man before him.
“I trust the room met all of your—needs?”
“Yes—yes, everything was fine.”
“Well, as part owner of this place, that’s good to know. Do you think you’ll be staying another night or—perhaps you decided against staying altogether?” Roy asked and Rick couldn’t help but wonder if the man was trying to get rid of him.
“Oh no, I’ll be around for a little while.” Rick replied with a smile. “I like it here but—a place that’s a little more private and a little more long term would suit my needs even better. Do you have anything like that in the area, Roy? You mentioned something about a cabin last night.” In the middle of their verbal sparring Rick heard the chair next to Roy scrape the floor as its occupant prepared to stand.
“Mr. Franco, my name is Jaclyn Duvall and Roy here, as well as being part owner of my Inn, is also head of security. We have a thriving business that we’re very proud of but the hunting, fishing and hiking, offered in the state parks around here tends to attract a lot of strangers to our establishment. It’s Roy’s responsibility to—watch out for us. I’m sure you understand and I apologize if his questions make you a little uncomfortable,” the woman said as she stretched out her hand towards him.
“No, no—believe me I understand being cautious.”Rick replied as he clasped her hand firmly, his eyes locking with the woman’s as they studied each other. Much to his surprise, Jaclyn seemed unaffected by his hypnotic gaze as he tried to probe her mind and get a feel for what this woman was all about. Instead he felt as though those golden eyes were boring into his very soul. “Please—call me Rick and it’s— a pleasure to meet you.” He wasn’t sure what the situation was at The Lakeview Inn but it was obvious by her actions that this woman, though elegant and refined, was definitely in charge and definitely not someone to be taken lightly.
“Oh, the pleasure’s all mine, I assure you.” Jaclyn replied. “So—you’ll be spending some time with us. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask where you hail from, Rick.”
“I don’t mind at all. I come from a small town just outside of New York City called Winwood. I’m —doing a little traveling, something I’ve never had the opportunity to do until now. This place suits me. It’s seems peaceful—quiet—and that’s what I’m looking for right now so I thought I might hang around a while—if that’s not a problem.” Rick stopped there, reluctant to say anymore.
“I don’t foresee any problems, do you, Roy?”
“That depends on Mr. Fran—Rick here.”
“No problems on my end.” Rick said.
“Good—we all agree then.” Jaclyn said, never taking her strange eyes off of Rick. “You know, Mr. Franco, most of us left the New York area ourselves for a quieter, simpler life. Other than during tourist season, that’s usually the way it is around here—much less noise, much less crime—peaceful and we’d like it to stay that way. That being said I just happen to own a cabin that is presently un-occupied. It won’t stay that way for long so, if you’re interested, and, if you meet my—qualifications—I’d be happy to show it to you. I assume you can give me a reference of some kind should I need one.” Jaclyn asked him.
“Yes—of course…” Rick agreed trying hard not to show either of them how much Jaclyn’s request had disturbed him. I should’ve expected this. It’s normal human procedure. Everyone checks references when renting. I’ll have to let her contact Simon—maybe even Julian. Damn—how could I have been so stupid? “…and the cabin sounds—perfect.””
“Good,” she said as she seated herself again. “Sha
ll we get down to business then? Tell me all about yourself, Mr. Rick Franco. I want to know everything —especially what’s brought you to our little corner of the world.”
Their discussion lasted about an hour. Rick was careful not to divulge too much information while still answering all of Jaclyn’s questions. When they’d finished, Jaclyn leaned back in her chair,
“Well, Rick, it seems you’ve just rented yourself a cabin.”
“Great—thank you.”
Jaclyn nodded, “Is that all of your belongings?” she asked when she noticed the black duffle bag next to Rick’s chair.
“Yes—I like to travel light.”
“Hmm, well—if that’s everything Roy will get the key for you.” Turning to the man seated next to her she asked, “Who’s around that can take us up to the cabin?”
“I’m free. Josh can open for me tonight.”
“Good.” Then, turning back to Rick, she continued. “Roy and I have a few business matters we need to discuss. We should be ready to leave in about fifteen minutes. Go on over to the bar and Josh will pour you a drink.”
As Rick left the table, Jaclyn’s golden eyes followed him.
“What are you thinking?” Roy asked as he leaned close.
“I’m thinking you’re right— definitely a vampire but…” she said as she stopped for a moment, deep in thought. “…there’s something decidedly different about this one. He wasn’t turned that long ago but he’s well trained for a newborn. Still—he could be dangerous. We need to know what he wants and why he’s here. The cabin’s the perfect setup. He’ll be far enough away from the local population that he shouldn’t be a threat to anyone but close enough for us to keep an eye on him—monitor his every move and Roy—send a scout to New York and the surrounding areas. See if his story checks out. We need to get a more detailed background on our night-walking friend—especially if he truly did live anywhere near the city. ”
A Soul in Torment Page 4
