The Cactus Killer (The Inglewood Chronicles)

by Jeremy Croston

  Wow, the way the story ended made it sounded like there wasn’t much cause for celebration. “He is still there then? Alive and well?”

  “Oh yes, him and his band of misfits still rule that forsaken island. Rod goes out there every ten years to make sure the barrier is holding. Peter is always waiting for him in the same spot too, just glaring at him. To be honest, I have no idea how they are all still alive without a reliable blood source, but that is a mystery I am not interested in solving.”

  Another vampire tale and all it did was bring about more questions for me. “So it took place in England, but you never said who sired Peter?”

  “It is a little close to the heart, but Jonathan was the vampire who sired him. It was his first and last attempt at creating another.”

  “Oh wow, your brother, huh?”

  “Yes, he was trying to do the right thing. He had made a vow to never bring another into this life, but he broke it to save the boy. I tell him all the time it was not his fault.”

  Another fate that wasn’t mentioned was the human who didn’t die. “You said three humans died and one was critically injured, did he end up dying too?”

  “No, I was on scene for the capture of Peter and came across the young man who was lying there bleeding out. He asked me to save him so I did.”

  “So far the attempts at saving lives by turning them into vampires haven’t worked out so well. How did this guy fare?”

  “For once, this one did not end in travesty. The young man was a Spanish immigrant who had not enjoyed an easy life so when I turned him I also gave him employment.”

  “Was that guy Reno?”

  “Yes, Reno Tavares was there that awful day. Do me a favor and never bring up Peter’s name in his company. That day, Reno was gutted like a fish by Pan.”

  Chapter 20

  After that story, I quickly switched the topic back to Cristof and what I needed to know. I know I should have been paying attention, but the idea of kid vampires causing so much destruction was quite unsettling. Not that werewolves didn’t have problems, because we did, but being that young forever was something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

  “So basically just be yourself around him. His personality is quite laid back and he does not feel the need to throw his power around for show.”

  “Well, that’s good. Me being me is one of my top talents.”

  “I have firsthand experience; you do not need to remind me.”

  I looked at the clock and time sure had flown by. It was a little after six and lead foot had gotten us into Santa Fe quicker than I expected. “We are about fifteen minutes from the airport. I suggest we grab a bite to eat and then get up there and case the area. I doubt Tucker would try anything here, but being in the city isn’t the most comfortable of feelings. Too many things happening for my liking.”

  “Do not worry, this is my area of expertise and I will take the point here. I have been blending into cities for a long time; I know what to look for.”

  She was right, this was her area and I would have to just drop back into support and back-up in the recon stage. Once we got Cristof in the car, I would be a lot more comfortable and could get us out of here in a moment’s notice, if needed.

  We popped into a local sub shop and a Philly cheese steak later, I was feeling good. We continued on to the airport and made a few laps around the terminal outliers. So far, everything seemed normal. Nothing jumped out at Liz as not belonging and no funny scents hit my nose. I knew not to be too optimistic though, things with vampires were never easy I learned.

  “Let’s park the car and go to the terminal. I would feel better about meeting him as soon as we can and providing an escort all the way.”

  “An excellent idea. I take it you have your gun with you?”

  “It’s like a credit card, never leave home without it. What about you? I doubt we can hide one of my grandfather’s tantos anywhere on you. By the way…”

  “If you are about to lecture me on the way I dress, you have a long night coming cowboy. Last time I checked, it was considered a good thing to wear nice, form fitting clothes. Look at you in those dusty old jeans and that buttoned down shirt that may in fact be older than myself.”

  I looked down and I thought I looked pretty damn good. But I opened a can of worms I shouldn’t have and the entire walk into the terminal was a full-on lecture. By the time we got to the information board, I had another headache. Liz finally stopped critiquing me and was looking for Cristof’s flight.

  “The flight is on time. Excellent, that means in about thirty minutes we should have contact with him.” She handed me the keys to her car. “Would you mind driving back? You know the way better than I and if anything should happen, your driving skills are superior to mine.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” I couldn’t even help but grin, I enjoyed driving her car. “But for here and now, let’s each take a side and do a quick perimeter scan. Meet back by the board in fifteen.”

  Liz went her way looking like an FBI agent. After the comments about her clothing, I certainly wasn’t going to tell her to take her sunglasses off if she didn’t want to. Sighing to myself, I went my way and soon it became apparent that no one was here for any vampire business. It was all families and business people. Satisfied, I made my way back over to the board and saw that Cristof’s plane was coming in for its final descent.

  “I did not spot anything unordinary, but I did hear something fascinating.”

  I turned around and Liz was walking right up to me. “I can only imagine what you consider fascinating.”

  “A family just landed from Florida and the children were going on about this place that is full of magic. When Cristof gets here I should inform him immediately.”

  It took me a moment, but then I started laughing, and hard. People were starting to look over at us and Liz punched me in the arm. I composed myself enough to tell her what that magical place was. “Liz, those kids were talking about amusement parks, not real magic.”

  I could tell she felt stupid afterwards and me laughing at her didn’t help. We didn’t have long before the big boss man showed up and I didn’t want him to see any chinks in the armor, so I wandered over to an airport shop and bought some grossly overpriced flowers. When I came back over and gave them to her, I saw her smile return.

  “You are an impossible man Victor Inglewood, but at least you have charm and heart. I accept your bought apology but I will get you back later.” Well shit, that didn’t sound good for yours truly.

  “Can’t we call it even? Or at least consider my much shorter lifespan as fair punishment?”

  “You have at least a good two hundred and fifty to three hundred years left! I have plenty of time to exact a fair measurement of punishment!”

  I knew I was beaten and put my hands up in protest. “You can’t treat your new chief inspector like this. Show some respect for the job.”

  “Vampires do not believe in human resource departments. Any complaint you have you can file with your immediate supervisor, me.”

  “I’d like to file a complaint then.”

  “Sorry, it is passed normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday eight to five. I would be more than happy to address this tomorrow.”

  “You’re a bloody vampire! Ninety-nine percent of your business happens at night!”

  “Hmm, that sounds like insubordination. I might have to write you up.”

  I had a lot to learn. It was her little world and I was now along for the ride. Thank goodness Cristof’s flight had landed and people were now coming off. We stopped our nonsense and went back into protection detail. I inspected every passenger as they came through security and nothing tripped any alarms with me. Liz was doing the same thing and she seemed to be calm, which I took as a good sign.

  Then he caught my eye. An impressively large man, easily six foot three and well over two hundred pounds came walking into the room. Perfectly combed blonde hair and a suit that probably cost as much a
s my house told me this was Cristof. His shoes shined so bright, I could only guess how long he spent polishing them. He caught sight of us and in three strides was walking up with his hand extended.

  “You must be Victor, a true pleasure!” I shook his hand and his strength put dad’s to shame. “Elizabeth, looking as stunning as ever! Alicia sends her regards and wished she was here to see you again as well.”

  “A pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  You could tell right away he was not a born vampire, even though Liz tipped me off already. He looked to be around the mid thirties range. I assumed born vampires looked to be around Liz’s age.

  “We can talk more in the car back to Full Moon. I am most eager to meet with Mayor Argent at his first available convenience.”

  “I can arrange that, sir. Do you have any bags to be picked up at the luggage claim?”

  “No Victor, I will arrange my needs to be shipped overnight once I get to your residence and have an address for my assistant. I hope that poses no problems?”

  “Of course not, I am already hosting Liz and her two agents here.”

  “Oh, I did not realize you already had a full house. Maybe your mayor can set me up with a temporary situation. Anyway, that is something to figure out when we get there. Too much has happened recently to linger in public for too long.”

  “You are right, Cristof. Vic, would you mind taking point and getting us to the car quickly.”

  I nodded at Liz’s suggestion and we were off. We were able to navigate the airport pretty easily and soon made it to the car. I jumped in and got the engine going and we were on the road to Full Moon. Cristof and Liz were playing catch up for the first leg of the ride home. About an hour outside of Santa Fe is when I started to feel better.

  “We have about three hours to Full Moon. Liz, could you text dad, Chaz, and Argent and let them know we are on the way back?”

  She pulled out her phone and within moments all the texts were sent with confirmation replies. Argent was calling a meeting at six in the morning for everyone to attend. These people are their penchant for early morning nonsense was out of control.

  “So, Elizabeth, Victor, can you catch me up on this Cactus Killer case? There seems to be so much in play right now.”

  We both took turns telling him what we had discovered. Leaving no details out, including Liz using me as a donor and vice versa, Cristof took everything in. We finished our account with the discovery of Tucker’s Holy Water experiments and how it is made of vampire blood.

  “This is not good, especially when coupled with the news I received from London last evening after my phone call with you.”

  Liz’s ears perked up at the mention of London. “What news did you receive?”

  “Jonathan came to Roderick’s office with news of a disturbance in Rome. Someone broke into your parent’s tomb.”

  “But there is nothing in it, all the family heirlooms are either with me in Arizona or Rod has them locked up in the Tower of London.”

  “Nothing from what we can tell was disturbed, just that someone broke in and carved this.” He handed his phone up to Liz. After she looked at it, she turned it to me and I saw the same engraving from the church, just on a much larger scale.

  “Does that say what I think it says?”

  “Yes Vic, it says the Hammer of Jehovah.”

  Chapter 21

  Cristof was talking to Reno and Phil and getting their input on the situation. Meanwhile, it was up to me to get Liz’s head back in the game. “Listen, I know it’s disturbing that the sign appeared in your parent’s tomb, but we got to remain focused. Whoever this guy is, he’s playing mind games now.”

  “I know this, but still for someone to go to these lengths is disheartening.”

  “Our first order of business is to put Tucker down. Once he is out of the picture, then we can turn our attention to what your brother found. Tucker is just as dangerous as this Hammer guy is, maybe even more.”

  “You are right, of course. It is just hard to fathom that someone is out there and can pull the strings from the shadows so well.”

  “If he has to use puppets to try and kill us, it seems to me that he can’t do the job himself.”

  She smiled again, “I never thought about it like that.”

  “This is why you hired me, I do fine work.” I couldn’t stifle the yawn that snuck up on me. “Well, I think it is time for some shut eye. We have the blasted meeting at six with Argent. Obviously, that guy doesn’t consider the needs of others.”

  She got up and stretched herself. “Goodnight Vic, and thank you for looking out for me.”

  “You got me into this mess and now it is up to me to get us out of it.” I winked at her and headed up to my room. I saw Reno and Phil in the living room with Cristof and waved at them as I went up the stairs. My roommate situation was getting a little overwhelming.

  Sleep deprivation was an ongoing epidemic, I didn’t get nearly enough sleep and, before I knew it, I was driving Liz and Cristof to Argent’s office for an early morning pow wow. Both made remarks that I was not a morning person, which I responded with my best snarl. Cheery vampires in the morning seemed to go against the natural order of things.

  It didn’t get better once we were all gathered in Argent’s office. Dad and Bernard were coming from a crime scene; we had another dead body.

  “Callum, just what is going on?” Argent was almost in a panic.

  “We have another dead wolf, Archibald. This time it was a Black wolf, Caleb Boeing. We were tipped off again by an anonymous phone call where to find his body. Dr. Tello has it right now in autopsy, but she thinks we will find the same thing as we did with the Alvarez body.”

  “Dad, do you need me to go investigate the scene?”

  He looked over at the two vampires. “It would be a big help if Victor could go.”

  “I think it is a wonderful idea, Callum. Just because your son is now in my employ does not mean he is not his own person. You can call on him anytime.” Liz just melted my dad’s heart. The old wolf still had a pulse I guess.

  “Perfect, Bernard, would you mind going with him and seeing if he can spot anything we missed?”

  “You got it, dad.” Bernard turned to me, “Come on Vic, it’ll be just like old times.”

  “I’ll text you guys if we find anything.”

  I followed Bernard out of the office and we took my car. My brother is a spitting image of my dad, just a lot younger. He has the traditional family red hair and the stocky build. I look more like our mom, with my thinner frame.

  “I miss these days Vic, the police work you know? I hated working in the mayor’s office, nothing but boredom city.”

  “Why didn’t you take the sheriff’s job when dad was ready to retire then? As the lead detective, you were more qualified than me.”

  “Unlike you and dad, I don’t do well in the spotlight. I also knew if I was there, people would question your judgment, so I wanted you to have your freedom too.”

  “It looks like we both got into places we are happy. I tell you what, those vampires know their stuff, man. I wouldn’t have taken this job if they were a half assed operation.”

  Bernard looked at his phone, “Text just came in from dad; all available Alphas are coming here tomorrow. The scary vampire guy and Argent have decided that this is bigger than all of us.”

  I frowned a bit when I heard this. “Too many hands in the pot. I might be paranoid again, but I think this guy wants us to get bogged down and screw ourselves over. Good old fashion police work is all this case needs.”

  “The problem is too many bodies are surfacing. Now the guy is targeting wolves and we have to do all we can to protect our people. You, on the other hand, have free reign. You need to use that to your advantage.”

  As we pulled up to the crime scene and the sun was rising off in the east, I took my brother’s words to heart. Billy was there taking pictures and flagged us over.

  “Vic, am I glad to see you
! Not that I don’t enjoy your company Bernard, I do.”

  “It’s good to see you too, Billy. Wish it wasn’t at a crime scene, but que sera my friend. Now tell me what we got here.”

  He went over the scene with me, where the body was found and everything that was associated with it. The musky smell was present once again, along with blood. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought the body would have been a slaughtered mess.

  “Bernard, was our victim bled dry?”

  “Yeah, how did you know?”

  “I can smell it; the smell of blood is everywhere. Alvarez wasn’t completely drained so what changed on this one?”

  No one said anything; we just looked at each other. I had heard of vampire’s being drained, which made sense because his holy water concoction was made out of it. But to do this to a werewolf could only mean…

  “He’s using werewolf’s blood now. That is the difference!”

  Billy looked up from his camera, “What did you say?”

  “He had been using vampire’s blood before, but from what I could tell it had been unstable even in the best cases. The last two monsters I came in contact with weren’t nearly as bad as the mess of bodies I found under the church. He changed the Holy Water.”

  “So those beasts that nearly killed you are humans injected with that chemical mixture I read about in Dr. Tello’s report?” I was glad he read the report and was up-to-date on everything.

  “The original recipe Dr. Tello did a lab report on used vampire’s blood. He used Alvarez as a sample and when it worked out so well, he needed more. That is why our victim was killed and drained. They needed more blood to make more of those things.”

  All three of us just looked at each other. If this was the case, then the werewolf community was in bigger trouble than we had first thought. I grabbed my phone and called Liz.

  “Liz, it’s Vic, I need to talk to you right now.”