The Eville Protection Plan

by Holand Peterson

  As Hammett had been giving the last of his instructions, Fabio busied himself with dragging out his luggage and arranging them next to his trailer. Alex was none too pleased to see seven pieces of baggage, nearly all of them bulky and heavy-looking. Things could have turned out much worse as initially Fabio wished for Moody to walk at his side and not be “heavy with the clothings” so that he might “basking in her beauties.” She, however, insisted on grabbing the two largest pieces and distanced herself from the love-struck goblin. The remainder was divided between Alex and Serene, with Fabio kindly taking the smallest piece of the lot. All final preparations complete, Fabio locked his vehicle and led them deeper into the garage.

  After several minutes of trudging they reached the end of the garage, a solid wall with one massive, triangular piece of white stone set against it. Various symbols and words were attractively carved into the triangle, although Alex couldn’t make any of it out. Fabio approached the white stone, pulled out a flat card that looked to be made of the same material, and inserted it into a depression in the cavern wall. A grinding noise accompanied the gradual rise of the white stone, revealing a flat lift. This elevator offered plenty of space for all four of them as well as the luggage, and with the press of a button the white triangle slid back down and the lift descended even deeper.

  The ride down lasted several minutes, and once completed Alex saw that they had now joined a tunnel busy with people coming and going in each direction. “Be sticking to Fabio!” the goblin announced as he merged into the flow of foot traffic. Moody had no problem shoving people out of the way to keep up, while Serene closely followed, but Alex struggled to keep the goblin in sight in this sea of limbs and luggage. As he panted under the weight of the baggage, he kept imagining that he’d be separated from the group and forever lost in this chaos, or that one of the bags would be torn out of his grasp and he’d never hear the end of it. A few more minutes of jostling and finally the tunnel opened up onto the grand sight that was Andresholl Station.

  The central hub of Andresholl Station had been built within an expansive cavern, stretching out for miles in each direction, and possessing many hundreds of feet between the floor and ceiling. More than an illuminated cave, the station resembled a veritable palace. The entire floor had been polished to a lustrous shine, the natural elements of the rock glistening with a vast array of bewitching colors. Here and there skilled craftsmen had inlaid beautiful murals with various complementary stones. The subject for each of these works appeared to be the celebration of the cultural diversity of the UEL nations, and Alex easily spotted murals picturing goblins, hunchbacks, dryads, humans, Cyclops and many other races he couldn’t identify. Great stalagmites rose from the ground like majestic pillars, while glistening stalactites sparkled as silver liquid trickled down their smooth sides before falling down hundreds of feet. Cafes, gift shops and the like were carved right out of the stone, as were the benches, tables and chairs made available for the traveler’s comfort. Similar to an intricate anthill, dozens upon dozens of tunnels fed into the station, leading off in all directions. Indeed, Alex felt very much like he stood inside an anthill, looking upon the teeming mass of thousands of people coming and going in all directions, scurrying to reach the proper tunnel entrance and head to their next destination.

  Fabio appeared to know precisely where he needed to go and the goblin made his way through the crowds undaunted. Alex’s eyes darted back and forth, from Fabio’s back to the pageant swarming about him. He felt overwhelmed at the barrage of fascinating images swirling around. A goblin mother carrying six drooling, biting and crying babes on her back, both of her hands loaded with luggage. Upon a human-sized table at a café sat a small box covered with a napkin for a tablecloth and four thimbles for chairs, three laughing leprechauns drinking and eating merrily. A male and female Cyclops, arguing, blaming each other for missing their train, rushed past Alex in a huff. It was all he could do to keep his focus on Fabio and not get separated from the group, his senses enticed by the relentless and astonishing sights, sounds and smells bombarding him, luring him to break away and partake in this mesmerizing carnival. Many folks gawked as Fabio passed by, sometimes calling his name or waving, but Alex was far too entranced by his surroundings to notice.

  The group walked for many minutes before entering a new tunnel far from their point of entry. Once on this new path, conditions became extremely cramped once more, and Alex was greeted by an unpleasant mixture of bizarre body odors and competing perfumes. Fabio turned down branching tunnels here and there, and as they moved farther away from the central hub, the crowds grew less overwhelming. Before long a lonely security checkpoint appeared and Fabio brought his entourage to a halt.

  “Ah! Fabio! Welcome back.” A tall man rose up from behind a small desk, bowing to the goblin. Pinned to his shirt hung a badge, signifying some degree of authority, as did the gun holstered at his side. On the wall behind him a black, arched segment rippled, like water disturbed by a gentle breeze. “Did you have a pleasant visit this time?”

  “Fabio always having pleasant visitings.”

  “Of course. And who might this be?” The security guard looked Moody over from head to toe, then shot Fabio a funny look.

  “Her sexy not make it obvious? Fabio’s lover she is.”

  Alex caught his breath and quickly turned to see Moody’s reaction. He could just see her losing her temper and ruining everything, or at least making a terrible scene. But Moody’s goblin face remained emotionless. Could it be the calm before the storm? In the end, Moody smiled at the guard and nodded her head politely, refusing to look anywhere near Fabio.

  “I must say you are stunning, my lady,” the guard bowed. “You are one lucky goblin,” he added to the singer.

  “Fabio is blessed by the love of the womens.” Fabio nodded in agreement.

  “Then I won’t keep you waiting any longer. If you would be so kind as to provide your travel documents I’ll quickly have you on your … amorous way.” The guard winked at Fabio as he said the last bit.

  Four sets of documents were handed to the man. He flipped through each of the passports to verify that the pictures matched the people in front of him, but only shot quick glances at Alex and Serene. Hammett had been correct in stating that Fabio’s entourage would be virtually ignored. The guard then passed each of the boarding passes under a yellow beam of light on his small desk, studied each briefly, and then handed all of the papers back to their owners.

  “Always a pleasure. See you next time, Fabio. And you take good care of her.”

  “Fabio giving his word.”

  The security guard pressed a button on his belt and the black, rippling segment on the wall dispersed, revealing yet another tunnel. Fabio waved courteously to the guard, and then motioned his entourage to follow. Once everyone had passed through the black barrier returned, a curious bubbling noise erupted behind them.

  “See? Fabio get you through. Always trust in Fabio. Fabio very handies.”

  “So far so good. How many more of these checkpoints do we have to go through?” Alex asked.

  “No more. Fabio is most amazing, yes?”

  “What? That’s it?”

  “No more.” Fabio looked over his shoulder and smiled. “Fabio and friends now wait for train and relax.”

  “I don’t believe it,” Serene said. “The last time I went through here I had to be strip-searched twice, underwent three body scans and had my belongings confiscated. Damned imbeciles.”

  “That’s because you were trying to smuggle out a dozen basilisk eggs in your bra. Or have you forgotten?” Moody rolled her eyes.

  “I’ve said it time and again, Quasimoody, just because something’s illegal doesn’t make it fundamentally wrong. It would have been, after all, for the greater good. Fools. People these days get so bent out of shape over the most frivolous details. Anyway, I bet you I could have filled dear Fabio’s luggage to the top with basilisk eggs and nobody would ever bother to look i
nside. You know, once this is all over, you and I might be able to do a little business, my dear goblin … if you know what I mean.”

  “Word to the wise,” Alex spoke up. “Just say no. Don’t even let her get started.”

  The goblin laughed. “Fabio like Necrosia lady.”

  “Just you wait until you get to know me better. Your appreciation for my many charms will grow exponentially.” Serene patted Fabio on the head and gave him a playful scratch behind one of his ears. “I think the two of us deserve a good drink while we wait to board.”

  As the inventor and goblin laughed away, Alex instinctively looked over his shoulder again. He fully expected to see the security guarding chasing after them, waving his firearm about, or more likely a mob of Cosa Nosferatu goons rushing in. Ever since his arrival in Eville nothing had gone this smoothly and it alarmed him to no end. “Man … I don’t mean to be a killjoy here but … am I the only one who feels that was way too easy?”

  Chapter 19- Followed

  The moment Hammett and Vega stepped out of Fabio’s trailer the two inspectors split up, moving as hastily as possible without drawing undue attention. Hammett’s exceptional eyesight would be best served from a high vantage point, rather than at ground level amidst the roiling sea of travelers. Additionally, of the two detectives, the Cyclops was by far the easiest to spot in a crowd and the farther away he was from potential CN agents the better. The solution to both of these issues lay in the expansive network of maintenance and security tunnels surrounding the station. While the architects of Andresholl Station made every attempt to retain a natural look, highlighting the rock formations and awesome stones, lighting, power, plumbing and the like all had to be incorporated behind the scenes to make the transportation hub functional. An access point to this tunnel network had been spotted close to Fabio’s parking spot. The door, of course, was well secured to keep unauthorized people out. Fortunately, high-ranking UEL officials were provided full access, and with a wave of his badge over an electronic panel, Hammett slipped through the door.

  Unsurprisingly, the maintenance tunnels were not afforded the same love and attention as the publicly visible portions of the station. Thick wires, hoses, tubes and the like lined the ceiling and walls of the dimly lit tunnel. Debris, grease and assorted trash mixed with rodent droppings littered the path before him. Hammett coughed as he inhaled the humid, sewage-tainted air. After several moments of clicks and swipes, he pulled up a schematic of the station’s maintenance network on his handy electronic device.

  “I’m currently heading north-northeast. Another three minutes and I’ll be in position.” The detective spoke directly into his device in a low, clear voice as he walked forward.

  In time the Cyclops came upon a series of panels and glowing buttons, along with a marked increase of wiring. He grasped a conspicuous metal handle set into the wall, and with a tug pulled it inward. Brilliant light poured into the tunnel as the clamor of the central hub appeared far below him. Carefully he stepped out of the tunnel and onto a short stone ledge which supported a giant light. The heat emanating from the light source was oppressive, and Hammett hastily removed his coat and rolled up his sleeves before stretching out on his stomach. He peered down into crowd, alternating between looks through a small spyglass and concentrated pans with his naked eye. Vega had reached his position, sitting inconspicuously on a bench near a shop.

  “I have you in my sights. Can you hear me well enough?” In response, Vega stretched, nodding his head slightly. “Very good. I imagine it will be a few minutes yet before they arrive.”

  Hammett panned the scene below, eyes peeled for anyone who even remotely looked like a potential Cosa Nosferatu agent. He’d already spotted dozens of men and women who could easily fall into that classification, but from this distance there would be no way to know for certain. On top of that was the fact that hundreds of vampires mixed with the diverse crowd below, the vast majority of them all law abiding citizens. Ultimately, it would be their behavior which would expose their CN affiliation. Until then, all Hammett could do was patiently watch and wait.

  “I see them now. Descending on your left. Exit 23-F.”

  Several yards to Vega’s left Fabio and the fugitives appeared, making their way down a ramp joining the central hub. Without turning his head, the Spaniard’s eye darted back and forth, searching for any sign of unusual activity, someone trailing them or paying undue attention. It was difficult to pinpoint anything specifically, as a good portion of the crowd reacted with great surprise upon seeing Fabio, waving, gawking and the like. Vega let the fugitives pass him by before rising to his feet, following in their wake from a safe distance.

  “Okay. On your right. Man drinking coffee next to the yellow trash bin. Near the woman with the bright red purse.”

  Vega quickened his step, closing the distance between himself and Alex, who gazed about in awe. Thirty feet away, a well-dressed man sat on a bench, his dark eyes scanning passersby intently. No baggage at his feet. Clothes unwrinkled and fresh. Was he not a traveler? Pale skin. The drink in his hand, no longer hot, signified he’d been waiting a good while. The slight hunch in his posture could indicate the possession of a firearm under his coat. Absolutely suspicious. Vega slowed his pace, carefully watching the man’s reaction as Fabio and the others passed. The dark eyes lingered on the goblin for a moment before quickly jumping to Moody, Serene and Alex. Vega paused but a few feet away from the man, carefully studying him in his peripheral. The dark-eyed man let the fugitives pass, his eyes jumping forward to another traveling group. Vega waited a while more to see if the man would turn around to catch another glimpse at the fugitives or reach for a communication device. Nothing. The Spaniard scratched his cheek, shaking his head slightly in the negative.

  “Okay. Catch up with Necrosia’s group again. Twenty yards straight ahead.”

  Several minutes passed, Vega following the group unnoticed, nothing of note seen or heard.

  “The crowd ahead is thinning. Put some distance between you.” Hammett studied the area around the fugitives through his spyglass, drifting his view down slightly to verify that Vega had slowed his pace. “Everything is … wait … son of a—Vega, I’m picking up a potential tail. Hell. Tall man. Brown suit. Dozen feet behind you. ”

  The Spaniard’s muscles tensed slightly, but he did not alter his pace or look behind.

  “It might be nothing … slow down a bit more. Let’s see what he does.”

  Vega brought his pace to a halt. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his boarding pass, then turned around and gazed off at the numbers on the tunnels he had just passed, as though he might have missed his exit. In the corner of his eye he made out the man Hammett had described. Almost certainly CN.

  “Damn it! The goblin licker stopped as soon as you did. He’s definitely following you.” Hammett hastily turned his attention back to the fugitives, now a good ways ahead and to the right of Vega, working toward their exit tunnel. He couldn’t spot anyone suspicious in their general area, nor in the direction they were headed. Back to Vega, the Spaniard alternating his focus from his ticket to the numbers on the exit tunnels, a confused look on his face. The man in the brown suit had now sat down, fumbling about with a communication device. “All right. Head left.”

  Vega placed his boarding pass back into his coat and began walking in the opposite direction the fugitives had gone, footsteps steady and with purpose.

  “Son of a harpy’s back on his feet. Goblin-licking …” Hammett turned back to Fabio’s group. They were now entering the exit tunnel and there appeared to be no one following them. “Pick up your pace a bit. We need to try and lose him in the crowds. All right, if you keep going in that direction you’ll come onto a particularly congested area. Just keep on … hell … .gorgon loving. Vega, I believe I’ve spotted another agent. The bastard’s heading straight for you. Looks as though he’s trying to cut you off before you can get to the crowd. Head toward … son of a … head toward the
information station farther ahead. Damn it.” Hammett hastily turned his spyglass to the tunnel the fugitives had exited through. Alex, the straggler of the group, was long gone. Still no signs of Cosa Nosferatu in pursuit. Back to Vega, now standing in front of an information booth, a large, circular space lined with pamphlets and forms, while several service representatives stood within the circle to assist travelers. The Spaniard began casually thumbing through pamphlets. “They’re keeping their distance. One’s just circled around to the other side of the information booth. See him?” Vega coughed and nodded. “The other has taken position a dozen feet behind you. Just stay there for a bit. Let me … let me think. Cocky sons of harpies. Well, if nothing else we can keep them distracted as long as … what the hell?” Hammett caught his breath. The CN agent positioned behind Vega was looking directly at Hammett’s position. The vampire glanced down at the communication device in his hand and then back up toward the light where Hammett had positioned himself. “Something’s wrong … there’s no way they could … I don’t know how, but…” The CN agent raised his right hand, forming his thumb and index finger into a “gun,” and pointed it straight at the Cyclops. Hammett could clearly make out the smug look on the vampire’s face as he motioned his hand and “fired” the “gun.” “Sons of harpies! I don’t know how but they’ve pinpointed my position. They’re tracing my signal! Terminating communication now!” Before the words even escaped his mouth, the Cyclops already felt the presence of someone quickly closing in from behind.