“We began our journey in a Rolls Royce and have since used all manner of transport, trekking about this wonderful world undaunted and victorious before our enemies. But I never imagined I’d find myself carted about like livestock on the final leg of the adventure.” Serene tossed and turned in a corner, trying in vain to get comfortable. “There’s a first time for everything, I suppose.”
“No worries, no worries! Fabio telling stories, singing songs. Ride being much fun. Little happy parties inside. Fabio very handies.”
“Not to burst your bubble, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” Alex said to the goblin. “I think you guys need to be as quiet as possible until we get to UEL headquarters.”
“Stupid goblin.” Moody rolled her eyes and plopped down onto the mattress, a bag of nuts in her little hands. “Should have left you at the train station. And don’t even try cuddling up to me, you little pervert. You’ll keep your distance if you know what’s good for you.”
“Precious hunchy-flower.” The goblin made “kissy lips” to his love and plopped down next to Serene.
“Well … I guess that’s everything, then.” Alex smiled and looked over each of his friends. “See you on the other side.”
“God speed, my boy!” Serene saluted Alex, looking much happier now that she possessed a chocolate bar in her hand. “I have utmost faith in you and my Spanish Stallion. I truly wish Inspector Hammett were with us now. I have no doubt in my mind that he would be proud of you, my good man. Proud indeed.”
Vega smiled to Serene, a mixed look of appreciation and sadness in his eyes. With a final nod to the three passengers he proceeded to attach the crate’s large side panel with hammer and nails, securely sealing them inside. There was something ominous to Alex’s ears as the pounding echoed through the silent lot. He had this terrible vision of nails hammered into a wooden coffin, an uneasy finality that crept into his skin.
With all preparations complete, Alex and Vega waited next to the crate, each preoccupied with their own thoughts. Whispers and scuffling could be heard from within, but since their ride had yet to arrive and the coast remained clear, the two men did nothing to silence them.
“Hey.” Alex rapped on the wooden crate with his knuckles. “The truck’s here.” The time was now almost half past 5:00 and the driver had arrived late.
“Sssshhh!” Fabio’s distinctive voice rasped.
“Oh “shush” yourself,” Moody growled. “Freaking goblin.”
The large truck came to a stop next to the crate, a high-pitched squeal accompanying the brakes. The large engine rumbled and rattled, filling the air with an acidic exhaust. The driver door swung open and a troll emerged from the cab and trudged forward. The creature did nothing to introduce himself, nor uttered a single word. He merely looked the two men over, nodded, trudged to the back of his vehicle and opened the cargo hold doors. Returning to the crate, the creature squatted down, wrapped its arms around the load and rose, acting as though the heavy weight were but a trifle. He placed the precious cargo close to the doors, as the cargo hold was already packed full with various merchandise. The troll then motioned to Alex and Vega, and the two men clambered inside.
Alex took a seat atop a low wooden box and watched as the troll swung the doors to, bringing absolute darkness. From this point on, their fate rested solely on the tenuous trust of Grundhulm’s word to deliver them to Nanthera safely. Considering their luck, Alex imagined just about anything could be waiting for them the next time the truck’s doors were opened.
Chapter 31- Black Market
The ride to Nanthera was far from pleasant. The powerful engine of the vehicle they were being hauled in made a tremendous amount of noise, frequently sending strong vibrations through the cargo hold, and the many boxes and crates creaked and groaned loudly with every turn or dip in the road. Alex had only gotten an hour or two of sleep the night before, but as exhausted as he was he could only manage short, uneasy naps. His discomfort played a large role to be sure, but more than anything he worried for their safety. Judging from the lack of noise coming from the crate his companions all must have fallen asleep. He hoped that they all had pleasant dreams, even a short respite during this unrelenting gauntlet. As for Vega, his silence was so complete that Alex would think he weren’t there at all, if he didn’t know better. He trusted full well in Vega, implicitly, but the trolls were another thing altogether. It wouldn’t take all that much coercion for Grundhulm to turn around and screw them over. After the horror of the train it seemed as though any calamity could befall them without warning. And all he could do was sit in the darkness and wait for it to come.
At long last, after a good many hours, the truck came to a full stop and the engine turned off. The cargo hold shuddered as the heavy troll exited the cab. Alex stiffened when the locks on the cargo bay doors clanged. The doors swung open, releasing a blinding light that flooded the hold. Alex squinted, shielding his eyes with the back of his hand.
“Come,” the troll commanded, motioning to Alex and Vega. “Out.”
“You’ve brought us to the market in Nanthera, right?” Alex asked. The troll gave no reply, but instead began lifting out his cargo and stacking it on the ground.
Vega hopped out of the truck and Alex followed with more caution. They were in a large warehouse, trolls moving about everywhere, pushing, pulling and lifting all manner of goods. Alex inspected his surroundings, fully expecting an ambush from the enemy. There were a small handful of men working in the area, mainly writing on clipboards and counting, but none of them looked at all like Cosa Nosferatu. In fact, not a single soul appeared to take note of Alex and Vega, all so engrossed in their work.
“Be careful with that!” Alex spoke up as the troll began to lift the crate. “I mean, please be careful. There’s live cargo in there.” The troll grunted, either in acknowledgement or irritation, Alex wasn’t sure which. Either way, the creature gently placed his load on the ground.
Vega motioned for Alex to wait by the “merchandise” and hastily walked toward a pair of massive swinging doors positioned on the far side of the warehouse. He could see a great deal of movement beyond them, as this was where customers were allowed and the selling of goods took place.
Alex waited for the troll to lumber out of earshot, then knelt down and whispered into the crate. “Hey. You guys still okay in there?”
“Fabio’s back aching. Also smelling very bad.”
“Quiet, dummy!” Moody hissed. “How do you think we’re doing, little man, stuck in a freaking smelly box for hours and hours? Plus this freaking perv keeps trying to cuddle up to me.”
“Good.” Alex chuckled, glad to hear the voices of his friends. “It shouldn’t be much longer. Just hang in there.”
“We’re all fine, dear boy.” Serene’s familiar voice came out in a whisper. “But the sooner you can release us the better. Our endurance is stretched to the limit.”
The troll had unloaded almost the entire truck before Vega came back through the swinging doors, pushing a wide, four legged dolly. Somehow the Spaniard had also managed to acquire a change of clothes, exchanging his suit for a pair of dirty overalls, such as the other human workers in the warehouse wore. A dented hard hat rested on his head, every strand of his long hair stuffed inside. Altogether he looked a completely different man.
“It took you long enough. You got it all figured out?”
Vega pursed his lips and moved his head from side to side, as if to say “pretty much.” The Spaniard pushed the dolly under the crate and pulled a lever, lifting the heavy weight several inches off the ground. He then turned to Alex, placed his hands on the young man’s shoulders and mouthed two words very slowly, so that he could easily read his lips: “Stay calm.”
“Oh … my … god,” Alex hissed. “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me. We are so screwed. Stay calm? Yeah ... ”
The two men had just pushed the dolly through the swinging doors and into the market. This center of commerce teemed wit
h activity, the air thick with the smell of money and sweat. Individual salesmen showed off piles of various stolen or illegal goods, from perishables to exotic pets to jewelry. In another area a small man in a bright red suit ran an auction, his high-pitched chant running so fast that you could hardly make out the words, while a three legged woman in a revealing dress strode about seductively, holding aloft the item for sale. Many dozens of Cosa Nosferatu milled about the large area, examining the various wares on display, haggling, exchanging monies and the like. Additionally, a couple hundred men, goblins, Cyclops and other races mixed with the crowd, almost all of them looking just as menacing as the vampires, if not more so.
“You’re out of your freaking mind,” Alex whispered to Vega as they pushed the dolly through the crowd. “Stay calm, my ass.”
Every individual they passed turned to size them up. Alex could almost see their creepy plans unfolding within their eyes, wondering if the crate contained goods worth stealing, or if the two men carried valuables that could be conned out of them. It took everything he had for Alex to refrain from shaking like a leaf. Vega kept his head bowed, making no eye contact, and continued to push forward, his back slightly hunched in a humble, unremarkable posture. Forward they pressed, moving slowly through the horde, inching their way across the expansive marketplace.
Miraculously they passed out of the market and into a crowded parking garage without causing a disturbance, nor did they pick up any unwanted followers in the process. Vega snaked his way through the lot searching for an isolated area that also contained a vehicle suitable for their needs. He finally spotted a spacious hatchback large enough to fit the crate in and well-concealed by larger vehicles and several support pillars. The detective took one last look around before fiddling with the lock until the hatch rose up quietly.
“Okay guys, just a little more,” Alex whispered. “We’re loading you up now.”
The detective took yet another cautious look around, but still detected nothing to be alarmed about. Vega pulled a lever on the dolly and the crate slowly rose higher, stopping just a few inches below the vehicle’s bumper.
“Hey! Hey! What in the bloody the hell do you two harpy-humpers think you’re doing?” The worst possible thing had happened: a Cosa Nosferatu goon strode up from around a parked van, gun in hand, a look on his face clearly showing he meant business. “That’s Sebastian’s vehicle you filthy goblin lickers. You know what happens to ballsy bastards like you who screw with the Cosa Nosferatu? I’m going to enjoy watching Sebastian drain you dry … after he’s had his fun with you.”
“Of course this is Sebastian’s car. You think we didn’t know that?” Alex couldn’t believe he just blurted that out. Something inside suddenly kicked in. Survival instinct, perhaps? “What are you, stupid or something?”
“I am what? Do you know who you’re talking to? Explain yourself and do it quick, you runt.”
“Sebastian bought this … merchandise … and we’re delivering it to his vehicle.” His heart raced so fast he imagined he might faint at any moment. Yet somehow his words came out with confidence.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it is. The thing weighs a freaking ton, too. So don’t you be coming around here busting my ass about crap you know nothing about. Now put your gun away and pretend to be a big boy somewhere else.”
The vampire looked the two men over a moment. The anger in his face gradually ebbed. “You need a hand?”
“Uh…well…since you’re offering …” Alex contemplated the least suspicious answer. “Sure. We could use the extra muscle.”
The CN returned his weapon to its holster and placed himself between the two men. “All right, we’ll lift on three. Got it? One … two … three. Ah, screw me, this is heavy. The hell did Sebastian buy? Smells like a griffon died trying to choke down a rancid goblin.”
“Some kind of … critter. Best not to know. At least we got her in.” Alex immediately began pulling the hatch downward as soon as the crate had been pushed far enough inward. “Thanks for your help.”
“You’re welcome. Sorry about the … misunderstanding.”
“All in the past. Anyway …” Alex smiled at the vampire, who appeared to have no intentions of walking away. “Yeah … we’ve got to get back to work. A lot more deliveries to make and all that.” Alex paused a moment then began walking away from the vehicle, motioning for Vega to follow.
“You know … you look really familiar.”
Alex stopped dead in his tracks. “I’m not surprised … you’ve likely seen me here at the market before.”
“No. Not you. You.” The vampire strode up to Vega, pointing his finger. “I swear I’ve seen your face.”
“Oh. Manuel has been working here for…years now. If you frequent the market I have no doubt you’ve seen him before as well.”
“No. That’s not it.” The vampire drew closer to the Spaniard, staring into his eyes. “I know you. I’ve … I’ve seen … wait … son of a—” The CN drew his weapon in a flash and held it inches from Vega’s face.
“Hey! Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing, man?” Alex yelled in protest.
The vampire grabbed Alex by the lapel and tossed him aside. “Don’t even think about doing something stupid,” he added with a sidelong glance to the young man. “Both of your hands up. Now. It can’t be …” the vampire whispered, turning to Vega. The CN continued studying the Spaniard’s face and with a flick of his wrist knocked the hard hat off Vega’s head with the barrel of his gun. “Say something for me.”
Vega smiled back at the vampire, not a hint of fear in his demeanor.
“You see, normally he won’t shut up but …” Alex began.
“One more word out of you and I swear it’ll be your last,” the vampire growled, pointing a finger at Alex. “Now, Manuel, say something for me. Say … I don’t know … UEL swine. No? Sphinx got your tongue?” He looked through the hatch’s rear window at the crate and shook his head. A wicked smile slithered across his lips and he fired one shot directly at the window, but away from the crate. Shards of glass scattered everywhere and the loud snap of the weapon discharge echoed through the garage. Cries of fear and alarm shrieked out of the crate, along with a loud curse from Serene. “I’ll be damned. Unbelievable.” Reaching into his pocket the vampire pulled out a communication device with his free hand. “Shut up and listen. You’re not going to believe this. I’m in the parking garage with the Cyclops’ partner. What freaking Cyclops do you think I’m talking about, idiot? The goblin-licking UEL bastard we’ve been searching high and low for. Yes, I’m serious. They’ve got the woman in a crate and were in the process of escaping in Sebastian’s car. Yes. I don’t know where the Cyclops is, but I guarantee you he’s nearby. Send word out to all the boys: I want half a dozen here right now in the garage with me. The rest need to scour this place for the Cyclops. Yeah. We’re taking no chances here. And get our superiors on the line. Tell them we’ve finally got her. Tell them I have Necrosia.”
Chapter 32- End of the Line
“It’s the end of the line for you, quiet man.” The Cosa Nosferatu agent gloated over his catch, snickering, wagging his weapon in Vega’s face. The fearless detective stood defiantly, hands in the air, calm, unwavering. Alex stood next to his companion, hands in the air, shaking as though in the throes of a seizure. Moody, Fabio and Serene were yelling and screaming, kicking against the boards of their cage. “Cocky bastard. You know how many of my brothers have been killed these past weeks because of you and your goblin-licking partner?” Vega made a face as if calculating, then smiled proudly. “Smile all you want, maggot. We’ll just see how long you can keep that up once my superiors get their hands on you. And you,” he turned to Alex, “you think you’re afraid now? You’ve yet to experience true terror. Shut your mouths in there!” he yelled at the crate.
Alex knew that any second now a mob of vampires would come rushing into the garage. He expected Vega would spring into action momentarily, ta
ke the enemy down and save them all as he had done so many times. Half of him even imagined that Hammett might come rounding the corner, alive and well. No. Hammett would never come. And what could Vega do with a gun inches away from his face, his own hands held above his head. He could never grab the enemy before being fired upon, much less reach for his own weapon. The angry, desperate screams of Moody and Serene pierced Alex’s heart. And within this tumult he could perceive the pitiable whimpering of Fabio, a kind, gentle soul faced with the terror of inescapable pain and death. Everything suddenly snapped together and the situation became crystal clear: this was the end. Really and truly, the end. He’d spoken of it, feared it many times since becoming entangled with Serene’s lunacy. His whole life for weeks had been focused almost entirely on self-preservation. Now, strangest of all, having come to the end of the line, Alex no longer felt afraid. His hands steadied and his pulse slowed. Terror was replaced by a deep anger boiling within. The realization that his friends were assuredly going to suffer ignited a rage, an overwhelming fury the likes of which he had never experienced in his mild-mannered existence. This savage storm grew and grew, overriding all logic. And like a balloon overinflated, stretched to the extreme, Alex suddenly popped in a startling, deafening frenzy. He lunged at the vampire, roaring. His howl rippled through his body, burning his chest with primordial savagery. Latching to the enemy’s chest, he set about pounding, biting, scratching, like a rabid beast.
Nobody would have expected such a fearless reaction out of Alex, least of all the enemy. The young man’s weight and strength were hardly a test for the vampire’s superior might and skill, yet it was just enough to send the villain reeling, off balance. The gun fired in an earsplitting pop, but Vega’s reflexes were so attuned that the Spaniard had already begun his downward drop the instant he detected Alex’s movement in his peripheral. As the vampire’s bullet ricocheted impotently through the garage, the enemy grabbed Alex by the neck with his free hand and flung him against the car. The young man bounced off the vehicle and onto the ground face first. Before he even realized what had just occurred, Alex heard a singular bang and the Cosa Nosferatu crumpled to the ground, a smoldering hole straight through his heart.
The Eville Protection Plan Page 17
