The Cactus Killer (The Inglewood Chronicles)

by Jeremy Croston

  I heard her excuse herself from the meeting. “What is it, Vic? Did you find anything?”

  “Tucker isn’t using vampire blood anymore for his holy water. He is using werewolf blood. The last victim was drained completely. That’s why the last two monsters were nothing like the guys in the mine or the mess we found under the church. They are reacting better for some reason to the werewolf blood.”

  “I will pass this onto the rest. I do not like having to put this pressure on you, but right now I need you to find anything that can lead us to Tucker. The longer he is allowed to run free, the worse it is for all of us.”

  “I’ll do my best, boss lady.”

  I was running out of ideas. Tucker had so far avoided everything we did and even was able to get my cell phone number. The call had been from a burner that wasn’t traceable at all. But the guy had to have a trail somewhere.

  “Bernard, I have an idea on something. I think that church up in Elephant Butte still has secrets that are worth checking out. I can’t physically go in because they know me. But Billy here, he could probably get close without raising suspicions if anyone still involved is around.”

  Bernard looked at Billy before answering. “I think it is worth a go. Our first joint undercover operation then, inspector?”

  “It would be a pleasure, detective. I guess we just need to get our boss’s onboard, huh?”

  Billy looked at both of us, thinking we forgot he was there. “Hey, do I get a say in any of this?”

  “Deputy, you have a duty to your community, are you shirking responsibilities?”

  “No sir, detective!”

  Bernard knew Billy’s buttons too. “Well, that was easier than I thought.”

  “Yeah, unfortunately I don’t think dad will be as easily convinced as young Billy the Kid here.”

  “That is why you get to talk to him and I will talk to my bosses. Plus, I want to check out those Bibles one more time. Are they still in evidence back at the station?”

  Billy nodded, “Yeah, just where you left them.”

  “Perfect. Let’s head back and see if we can’t get this show on the road.”

  Chapter 22

  When I got back to Full Moon, I was greeted with two pieces of good news. First, Cristof and Phil were going to be stationed out of the Mayor Argent’s guest house for the time being, which meant I was now down to just two house guests. Second, both Cristof and Liz were on board with the plan to go to Holy Methodist one more time.

  According to Bernard’s text messages, dad took a little more convincing than my bosses. He finally relented and the sting was on. After a quick conference call, we set it up that we would have two teams heading up, one earlier to get in position and one showing up around eight tonight with Billy. The first team would be dad, Bernard, and Chaz and the second team along with Billy, would be me, Liz, and Reno. Phil would be staying behind with Cristof in case of an attack.

  On dad’s way out of town, he stopped by and dropped off the Bibles we had collected so far. I figured before we left, if I could get any more clues out of them it would be a great help tonight. The small pocket version off the drug addict didn’t turn up anything worthwhile. The first one, from the guy who assaulted Liz, however, proved to hold a lot of ramblings.

  “Find anything interesting, cowboy?”

  “Well, the guys that went after you the first night in town were the true blue converts of Tucker’s schemes. This Bible is filled with mad ramblings about how vampires are the heralds of the end times and how the Hammer of Jehovah is here to save them.”

  “Until our blood did not work as he had hoped and now werewolves are the monster of the day.”

  She was right. God help us if Tucker ever got his hands on something more potent. “Isn’t it ironic that the monsters are the ones trying to do the right thing here?”

  Liz chuckled and sighed. “Yes, it is quite a bit ironic in that fact. Who would have thought Bloody Lizzy and a werewolf who cannot embrace his inner wolf would be leading the charge.”

  “It doesn’t matter who we were or what we can’t do, let’s show everyone that together we make one badass team.”

  Her face lit up and just as we were about to enjoy another moment together, Billy came flying into the kitchen from the backdoor.

  “Hey guys, the front door was locked, so I just let…oh, am I interrupting?”

  We both were glaring at him, but then started to laugh. You just can’t help but laugh at his cluelessness sometimes. “You ever hear of using the doorbell?”

  He sat down at the table, “Sorry, I guess I’m just a bit nervous about tonight.”

  “There is no need to be nervous, William. Reno, Vic, and I will be right outside to provide back-up. You just do your best and we will make sure you come away unscathed.”

  I could tell his confidence was still a bit rattled. “Billy, what happened to Talia was horrible, but she wasn’t prepared. We are now and heaven help anyone who tries a stunt like that with you.”

  He looked over and gave me a half smile. Talia and what happened to her would be our rallying call.

  “Well boys I do believe it is time for me to wake Reno and get ourselves on the road. We wouldn’t want to be late now, would we?”

  “No ma’am, I hate for that to happen on my second day now.”

  I knew she hated the ma’am line and I got the evil eye as she left to go get Reno. I got up and poured Billy a cup of coffee and sat back down. “You’ll be fine, man. Me and you started this whole crazy ordeal. It’s been about a week but it feels like a lifetime though, doesn’t it?”

  “You can say that again. Last Saturday it was me, you and Talia taking care of a small town. Today, you are some investigator for the vampires, Talia is dead, and we aren’t any closer to putting this guy away. It feels like we are chasing our tails.”

  “Some of us don’t have tails, so speak for yourself.”

  “I wish your dad had some of your sense of humor. It sure does help to have a good laugh before going into the fire.”

  “Don’t discount working for my dad yet. I think he is just under stress from both the office and at home for the situations I’ve gotten into. Once we get this cleared up, you will see working for him isn’t so bad.”

  “So anyway, what is up with you and the vampire queen? And don’t even give me that line that it’s just professional. I might be a little slow, but I can tell you two like each other.”

  “Well, yeah it’s not solely professional as you said, but it’s definitely complicated. When I know for sure, you’ll be the first person I call.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that, Vic.”

  We sat there finishing our coffee and soon Liz and Reno were coming down the stairs. Reno headed straight for the fridge and grabbed the last bottle of blood and went out back onto the deck. Billy got up and went with him, saying he would like to talk to him for a little while. I knew he was just trying to make up for barging in earlier.

  “How is William, Vic? Is he going to be up to the task tonight?”

  “Yeah, he’s got this. He just has what we call pre-game jitters. He is a good cop and an even better improviser. Once he is there, he will slip into the role and we will see what we can catch.”

  She looked out the window and Reno and Billy were laughing about something. “I too need to keep my head in the game. This Hammer of Jehovah individual has me quite on edge.”

  “Of course he does, that’s his game after all. You are getting too close so he needed to do something to get you out of whack. It’ll be okay, we will catch Tucker and then we will catch him.”

  I walked over and gave her a hug. She looked like she needed one. “I have said it before, but thank you Vic, for being you. The crazier this whole situation gets the more of my rock you become.”

  “It’s called doing the right thing.”

  Once again, we kissed and this time it was more feeling over passion. It gave me the chills, in a good way. Unfortunately all goo
d moments must come to an end.

  “Hey, are you two love birds going to come with us or should we put a do not disturb sign on the door?”

  “Reno Tavares! Is that anyway to speak to your boss?” Liz broke away and her glare was directed at the witty vampire standing in the door. Billy was right behind him looking just as guilty.

  “Someone has to keep you in line and with Phil watching the big guy, it’s up to me. Now get a move on, we have a wacko to catch!”

  He strolled off to the cars out front with Billy trailing behind. Liz and I kind of gave each other that hand in the cookie jar smile and we were quick to follow. When we got out there, we piled into Billy’s Navigator and were off to Elephant Butte.

  “Alright, let’s hit up the plan one more time. Billy is going to go in and talk to Pastor Michael Browne while the rest of us listen in.” I turned over to Billy, “You got your story lined up?”

  “I am going to tell Pastor Browne that I witnessed something that shouldn’t be real, like a vampire attack and see where it goes. I figured I would just play off of what he says.”

  “Perfect, give him details too that no one who hasn’t witnessed something like this could. The more you play this up, the better chance we can see if he breaks his defense and see if he’s involved.”

  Liz took this opportunity to speak up. “What if he truly is not involved, where do we go from there?”

  “I don’t have an answer for that. This was Tucker’s old stomping grounds, so we just have to hope that he left us something behind to go on.”

  I know my words didn’t encourage a lot of hope, but I truly believed what we needed to find was at that church. The rest of the ride was a quiet affair. It was a little before eight when we passed the sign welcoming us to Elephant Butte. I gave Bernard a quick call and they were in position at the diner across the street. Chaz had done a quick walk around the block right before I called and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

  About fifteen minutes later, we were pulling up in front of the church. Thankfully, Billy’s Navigator had darkened tint on the windows and no one could see in. We placed the wire on him and all of us put our ear pieces in. I switched my phone over to walkie-talkie mode.

  “Bernard, dad, do you copy?”

  “We are here,Vic. Is Billy all set?”

  “Roger that, he is wired and ready.”

  “Billy, this is Callum. Don’t worry lad, we have you covered. Do what you can and we will take care of the rest.”

  I handed the phone up to him. “Yes sir, I won’t let you down.”

  We disconnected and now it was time. “You got this, man. This is for Talia; remember that and you will be fine.”

  His look hardened and at that moment I knew everything would be alright. “You got that right, this is for Talia. Let’s go catch this bastard.”

  Reno and I both slapped him on the back and Liz gave him a kiss on the cheek. One last radio check and Billy opened the door and walked right up to the church.

  I opened my phone, “Dad, this is Vic. Billy has just left. Be prepared, this could go to hell in a hurry.”

  Chapter 23

  **Billy**

  When I walked into the church, it struck me as just your normal place of worship. Nothing screamed demented serial killer or occult activity. Maybe it was the fact it was so normal, but something about this place put me on edge. There was just something in the air I guess.

  I sat down in a pew and pulled out one of the Bibles in the seatback. I did my best to go to church every Sunday and right now it felt like a good time to take a moment to say a quick prayer. I prayed for myself and the success of this mission, and also for Talia. She did not deserve her fate.

  “Can I help you, son? You seem like a soul who needs to talk.”

  I looked up into the face of a kindly older gentleman that matched the description of Michael Browne. “Are you the Pastor of this church?”

  “Yes I am, son. We do not get too many visitors at this hour. I hope I am not interrupting your personal time with God.”

  “No, it is okay. I was just saying a prayer for a friend. It has been a very long week.”

  His smile was just so genuine. I really hoped he was not part of this. “Turning to the Lord in times of need is a good habit to practice. Is there anything you wish to share with an ear willing to listen?”

  I looked around the church and it was empty except for the two of us. “Pastor, I have seen something that has shaken my faith. I am from Dallas visiting family, but I needed to find a house of God to get solace in.”

  “What have you seen that could have shaken your faith so? Looking into your eyes and the resolve you possess tells me you have great character.”

  “God help me Pastor, but I witnessed an attack last night. I believe the attacker was a vampire.”

  His eyes went wide, “Son, what you are saying does not sound plausible. How can you be so sure?”

  “He saw me; his eyes were as red as blood and he had fangs that had to be at least three inches long. The longing of bloodlust in his eyes is a sight I will never forget. I called the police department and they hung up on me. They thought I called in a practical joke.”

  He looked away and spoke quietly to himself, but I heard him. “My God, Tucker was right.” He turned back to me, “Listen my son, what you saw was most definitely not a hoax. The reverend of this church before too had seen things.” He stopped talking, his face getting even whiter.

  “Father, is there a way for me to contact this reverend? What I saw last night will haunt me for the rest of my life unless I seek aid.”

  “I do not think there is a way to contact him, but last I had heard he had taken refuge in the Sacramento Mountains, at an old cattle ranch.”

  I did my best to look crestfallen. “That is not the news I had been hoping to hear. I have no idea what I am to do now.”

  “Continue to pray, my son. That is all we can do.”

  **Vic**

  We were listening intently to Billy’s conversation with Pastor Browne. It seemed he was not involved but he gave us a location, some sort of cattle ranch up in the Sacramentos. I was about to walkie-talkie dad and Bernard to give them the latest when my phone rang. It was an unknown caller again.

  “I think Tucker is calling me.” Both Liz and Reno turned their attention to me as I answered. “Hello, this is Vic Inglewood.”

  “Congratulations on your promotion Victor, you must be so proud being a slave to such monsters.”

  “Hello Rev. Tucker, how are you doing this fine evening?”

  “I am doing quite well, Victor. I am just enjoying the show Pastor Browne and William are putting on in my old home. It seems you and your flock of friends are enjoying it too.”

  I didn’t like this one bit. “Where are you Tucker? I think it is time we met face to face for a little conversation.”

  “Oh, I am close, but I would rather not be in the presence of someone who so openly defies God’s word. But I do have a gift for all of you. You will be able to see my perfected work in the war against the daemons up close!”

  I had a witty retort to throw back but he hung up. “Reno, go into the diner and get those guys briefed. Liz, it’s time we went back in and said hello to Pastor Browne.”

  “What do you think he meant by his ‘perfected work’ Vic?”

  “I have no idea, but we have to be ready. Reno, tell them to arm themselves to the teeth. They will know what it means.”

  We all got out of the Navigator, Reno to the diner and Liz and I to the church. I had Roscoe close by incase of a surprise and I knew Liz had one of the tantos somewhere on her. When we entered, Billy and Pastor Browne were in prayer, but he broke away and looked up.

  “My heavens, Sheriff Inglewood and Agent Swansea, what are you doing here?”

  “Pastor, it is time we cut the bull and were honest with you. We are after Warren Tucker for his crimes against our people.”

  He gave me a funny look. “What do you me
an your people?”

  “Pastor, Billy and I are werewolves and Liz Swansea is a vampire. Warren Tucker is killing our friends and family for no reason other than he thinks we are a blight to the planet.”

  His face went even whiter. If I wasn’t careful I could send this poor guy over the edge. “Daemons in the house of God! How blind I have been in this matter!”

  “No Pastor, you are not blind. Billy and I both attend church regularly on Sundays and Agent Swansea is just an atheist, not a bloodthirsty monster.”

  “Hey, I am not an atheist; I just need a little more proof before I give my convictions freely.” It was funny to see her get worked up.

  He sat down in the pew, “So you aren’t here to kill me?”

  “Why would we do that?” Billy had spoken up; he seemed genuinely hurt at that suggestion.

  He looked up at Billy, “I’m sorry for that insinuation. I told you before I saw conviction in your eyes and I truly believe that. However, you are asking me to believe a whole lot more here.”

  “I got it Pastor, but we are the good guys here. When I came in and started talking to you, I prayed that you weren’t involved in this nonsense and you have proven yourself. It is Warren Tucker that we need to find. He is the one hurting us.”

  The rapport Billy had made with Pastor Browne in such short order was amazing. The older man seemed to trust in his words. “Please forgive me; Warren was my friend for many years before he went off the reservation with his ideology. At first, we turned a blind eye to what he was doing. We are as guilty as he is.”

  “You’re right, Michael; you’re guilty of not listening to my father.”

  We all looked up to the altar where the voice had come from and a young man was standing right in front of it. He had come in undetected, which worried me. Only Liz had been able to do that. Pastor Michael Browne knew who he was though.

  “Austin, what are you doing here? And is what these folks saying true? Is your father murdering innocents?”

  His laugh was borderline insane, “Innocents? Look at those monsters, Michael and tell me they are innocent! Father and I have had are eyes opened to the world and now we are here to reshape it in his image! These creatures have no place in that new world.”