The Cactus Killer (The Inglewood Chronicles)

by Jeremy Croston

  As I walked by, I gave her a kick to the ass. It left a nice dusty footprint there. “Victor, you will be paying for these pants to be dry cleaned!”

  “That’s what you get for pretending you have any other dates besides me. Now get in the car, we have some planning to do.”

  Chapter 28

  The four vampires sitting in my kitchen were all looking at me. Not one of them had offered a single thought to this process, which was a bit of a letdown. Weren’t these bums all at least hundreds of years older than me? It felt more like I was the adult here and they were my charges.

  “Alright, we all know that this is probably a set-up. Fact is, we don’t have a choice in going either, else he sends his goons out and compromises civilian targets.”

  “I thought his issue was with the supernatural community, not his own?”

  “The man is downright insane, Reno. I don’t think for a second he cares what he has to do to achieve his end game. His type always justifies the means to reach an end.” That brought back his encounter with his son. Everything was a tool.

  “What we need to do is make sure we have an escape route planned. I do not think it would be wise to try to engage him when he has the advantage.” Liz was right, getting into any altercation was a fool’s errand.

  “Victor, what do you think he hopes to gain from this meeting?”

  “If I had to take a wild guess Cristof, I’d say he hopes to kill Liz at the very least. His actions so far have shown more disdain towards her than me but, I reckon you never know.”

  “My problem with all of this is there is no reward for us, only the chance something bad is going to happen.” Reno turned directly to Liz, “When you gave me a chance all those years ago, I took a vow to protect you as best I could. Letting you run into this guy’s trap just doesn’t sit well with me.”

  “Trust in myself and Vic, we will come back alive. And the opportunity to actually see this Warren Tucker face to face offers plenty of incentive for us to go.”

  I could tell Reno was still opposed to anything. He folded his arms and silently fumed, but also knowing it was not worth arguing further. Phil still hadn’t said anything and appeared to be fine with any decision made.

  “So that part is settled, Victor and Elizabeth will go meet with Warren Tucker tomorrow evening. Now then, Reno and Phil, where should the three of us be in accordance to offer proper back-up?”

  “Wait just a second boss man, if he knows you guys are out there, he will send out the monsters! We have already been over this.”

  “Victor, if you are to assume that I will send one of my most trusted friends and someone I have become fond of in a very short time to their dooms without a proper plan B, then you sorely underestimate me.”

  Before I could even retort, Liz stepped in. “Cristof is right; we cannot be so naïve to think that if we show up alone that Tucker will honor that good faith.”

  “I don’t like it, but it seems my vote is already outnumbered.” I got up and went over to the old writing desk in what was supposed to be the breakfast nook. I pulled out on old map of New Mexico that broke down the different pack lines. I laid it out on the table so everyone could see.

  Liz pointed to a spot in the Sacramentos, “Is this where we are meeting him?”

  “Yeah, that is Benson Ridge. More than likely, we are only going to have an old dirt cart path to go on, so we will take my car.” Looking over the map, a thought struck me. “From the ridge, there is almost a three hundred and sixty degree view of the surrounding areas. Now this canyon a few miles back would provide ample cover.”

  “That seems to be quite a ways back. How long would it take us to get to you in case of an emergency?”

  I looked at Phil, the man was sharp and when it came to protection detail. He knew the questions to ask. “Keep in mind I don’t travel out that way often, but I would imagine probably thirty minutes depending on terrain.”

  “That is not ideal, but it is certainly better than the alternative of not being in the area. Would your father allow us to borrow a phone that we could use in walkie-talkie mode? I highly doubt cellular service is prevalent out there.”

  “I doubt it is Phil. I will get one from him tomorrow, that way if we need the cavalry you’re only a click away.”

  It was at this point the meeting was unofficially adjourned. Phil took Cristof back to Argent’s place, but not before they had a quick word with Liz on the way out. I pulled out a few beers and gave one to Reno. He said something about enjoying the nights on the deck and went outside.

  “I know you are upset cowboy, but they are right. The situation is bad enough as it is. To not let them come would be a disservice to both us and them.”

  I felt her hands on my shoulders as she started rubbing. I closed my eyes and tried my best to let my anxiety go. “I know it is a solid plan, I just worry that we are putting lives at risk when we don’t need to.”

  “We are putting lives at risk, including our own. If we are going to keep playing his game, we need to be smart about it, including our own safety. However, there is something else I think we need to discuss.”

  That didn’t sound too good. “Is everything okay?”

  “As you know, when you were attacked by that monster your father and I made the decision to use my blood on scene to give you a blood transfusion. After talking to both Cristof and Phil with what I have witnessed since then, I believe you gained some of our tendencies.”

  “What makes you say that?” I didn’t feel vampire-ish. I had no odd cravings for blood or the need to start feeling sorry for myself.

  “Back at the church, your eyes turned red for the briefest of moments. Plus, your hand speed when you drew your gun was incredible. Vic, you were always quick, but nothing like that.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  I could see there was more behind her eyes, “The night you were challenged at your pack meeting, Reno and I were watching, just to make sure everything was okay.”

  “You were watching that night? That was pack business, what gives you the right to do that?”

  “You had nearly died you big oaf; we were just concerned for your wellbeing!” When she put it like that, I felt bad for insinuating anything. “The point is if you are honest with yourself, you have notice subtle changes too.”

  Hmmm, I thought back to the Omega challenge with Kano. Should it really have been that easy? At the time, I figured he hadn’t taken my skills serious enough, but maybe Liz had a point. “What does all of this mean?”

  “I do not have the slightest clue. Elder vampires do not go donating their blood very often, and your condition makes you an anomaly. As far back as anyone can remember, this situation has never occurred before. From what I have witnessed so far, it is not a detriment at all to you. On the contrary, it seems to have enhanced your gifts even further.”

  Well, that was good news, I think. “So I owe you quite a bit don’t I?”

  “We do not have debts to each other; instead what has made this arrangement work is we can share in each other’s strengths.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “Sometimes it is hard for me to remember how to act around someone I care about. It’s been a long time since something given to me didn’t require a debt to be paid later.”

  “You will be paying your debt in spades! I have all sorts of fun jobs that I do not feel like doing that you can now handle for me!” Her evil grin said it all. I should’ve asked for background references before taking this job.

  The back door opened, Reno came walking in. He was on his phone, and it looked like another night was about to be ruined. “Hang on Phil, I haven’t told them yet.”

  I took a long draft off my beer and let Liz handle this one. “Told us what, Reno?”

  “Ma’am, the crazy drifter the wolves found earlier, well, he’s dead.”

  “Put Phil on speakerphone.” Reno snapped to it so we could hear him. “Phil, just what happened? We left him in jail with a f
ew of the pack’s people.”

  “According to what Mayor Argent told Cristof, Sheriff Inglewood brought the man some water and five minutes later when he went back to ask him if he needed anything else, they found him with his neck snapped. Also, there was a piece of cactus pushed into his face.”

  “Were they any other casualties?” My thoughts immediately went to dad, Bernard, and Billy.

  “No Inspector Inglewood, there were not. Whoever it was came in and out without notice, even to your pack Alpha. The situation is baffling.” In the background, I could hear Argent’s and Cristof’s conversation.

  Liz took the phone from Reno and took it off speaker. She issued him a few orders, all of which had to do with Cristof’s security the rest of the evening. After hanging up with Phil, she gave the rundown to Reno too. While she did that, I texted dad asking if everything was okay. It took a moment, but he responded saying everyone was unhurt, except the dead human.

  I walked into the living room, shaking my head. How did this guy keep doing things like this? Before I could even put another thought together, I heard a strange sound, like someone banging on the door.

  “Liz, get in here, we might have company.”

  Liz rushed in, “What is going on?”

  “I heard a sound, not quite a knock on my door. Like someone may have punched it.”

  I didn’t like this at all. There were no other noises or odors to tell us what might be waiting for us on the other side. I grabbed my gun and tossed Liz a knife. Slowly, we walked over and opened the door. No one was there and a quick glance down both directions confirmed we were alone.

  “I think it is okay to assume who killed our drifter at the station.” Liz pointed to my door

  The Hammer of Jehovah symbol was carved into my front door. Right in the center stuck to it was a piece of paper. I pulled it down and read it.

  “It’s from Tucker and all it says is ‘see you tomorrow.”

  Chapter 29

  The next day went about as well as you would expect. Argent and Cristof were both vehemently against us going to Benson Ridge after the latest round of shit Tucker threw at us. I was actually more determined than ever. He proved last night he’s a coward by sulking in the night. If he really could kill us, he had more than one opportunity already.

  Dad had concerns too, but knew what was at stake. He was worried by the fact that either Tucker or someone within his group was able to get so close without even alarming my senses. On the drive out to Benson Ridge, I passed those concerns on to Liz.

  “So far only two things have ever escaped my senses, really old vampires and the latest round of Tucker’s monsters.”

  Her eyes told me she knew what I was thinking. “What are you implying?”

  “Those monsters don’t exhibit self control, even Austin. They would have attacked everyone in the precinct. I know you aren’t going to like this, but I think Tucker is in deep with a vampire. Probably a pretty old one too, if I had to guess.”

  “Believe it or not, elder vampires are not a dime a dozen. If you are right on this assumption, then we really do have a traitor in the midst.”

  How could I explain this, “It’s like you and Cristof are ghosts. When you guys aren’t in my line of sight, you don’t register. I hear and smell nothing.”

  “What about Reno and Phil?”

  “With those two it is pretty hard. Phil, I don’t think tries to hide himself and let’s his presence be known. Reno, on the other hand, generally wears some awful body spray that gives him away.”

  “And last night you heard nothing until the sound banging on the door? There were no scents that you could pick up?”

  “Not a thing, the person or whatever that was outside my door left no indications. Tough question coming; if Tucker has an elder vampire on his side, just how screwed are we?”

  The only sound for a few moments except that sound of a radio station barely coming through. Finally, “It depends. I have tried to think of someone who would be so bitter to join with a human and at an age where they would bypass your senses.”

  “Is there anyone?”

  “Not anyone who should still be alive. I hate to even consider this, but if one of the old ones survived the purge, this would be the kind of plot they would employ.”

  Old ones? Was she talking about the group her parents belonged to? “You mean the ones you and Rod rebelled against back in the day?”

  “Yes, the original Council of Five. As you know, my parents were two members along with their leader, Cesar Alexis. The other two members were Baron Forte and Duchess Romina. I was at the battle when Baron Forte was killed, but Duchess Romina’s death was a bit more unclear.”

  “I know you said you assassinated them, but is there anyway one of those three survived?”

  I felt her put her hand on my right hand. “I do not know if that is possible. I torched the north tower of my father’s castle where my parents and Cesar Alexis were planning their final attack. After the flames extinguished, we found the three charred remains of their bodies.”

  “I hope you’re right.” The sun was starting to set on the desert. It gave off a reddish light that made the whole area beautiful. You would’ve never known we were on our way to meet someone so vile on such a peaceful day.

  “Victor, Elizabeth, can you hear me?”

  Dad had given Cristof his phone right before we had left. We had no cell service out here and the walkie-talkie mode was as good as it was going to get. “Yes sir, boss. We are about five minutes out from the base of the ridge and will soon be starting our trip up.”

  “Okay, we are about thirty minutes from our spot in the canyon. Reno is waking up now, so we will be at full strength. Remember, be careful and do not engage unless necessary.”

  I’m not sure if that last comment was directed at me, but the look in Liz’s eyes as she glared at the phone suggested probably not. “You got it. Vic and Liz out.”

  “If given the chance Vic, I will end this today.” The ice from her voice gave me chills. “Tucker has done quite enough. To suggest we let him walk away from this is complete rubbish.”

  She gave me headaches. “If we get the right opportunity, then we take it. But we can’t go up on the mountain by ourselves and trigger a trap. Promise me you won’t do anything without my consent?”

  I didn’t think I was going to win this one, but resignation replaced the look of death. “I promise, if you do not feel we can do anything, I will restrain myself.”

  “Good, because here we are. This is the road that leads to the top of Benson Ridge.”

  I turned my Mustang onto the dirt road. Dusk was starting to set over the mountains and valleys. Any feeling of peace I got earlier from the scenery was soon replaced with anxiety. At the top of this ridge waited the most dangerous person I had ever come into contact with.

  “Do not be nervous. He is a man, a highly skilled and dangerous one, but just still a man.” Liz had a point.

  “He’s been able to do so much to us. Sometimes it is easy to forget that fact. It is rather ironic that we are supposed to be the monsters, yet the name Warren Tucker in our community might as well be the Boogie Man.”

  “That is what he uses, fear. Fear has motivated him to take up this cause because he does not understand and fear is his main weapon. Do not let him become more than what he is, because if you do, he has already won.”

  One of these days I would be the one who was right and full of wonderful insight and she would be the eye candy. Unfortunately, that day was not today. “You can stop being right all the time. It’s not cute, no matter what anyone else says.”

  She flashed a fangy smile at me, “Everything I do is cute. The real question at hand is why I think most of your foolishness is cute? And the answer is I enjoy being right and you give me ample opportunity to do that.”

  I couldn’t retort due to the road becoming increasingly bad. Dirt was soon replaced with loose rock and the higher we got, the narrower the ‘road�
�� became. I was starting to think his plan was for us to fall to our doom. What an anticlimactic end that would be. Just when I figured I would have to park it for a few minutes to reclaim my nerve, the road opened up and once again became dirt.

  “I think we are here.” Liz pointed off in the distance and sure enough as the road leveled off, a ranch surrounded by a tall, barbed wired fence loomed off in the background.

  “He sure does like to go for stereotypical doesn’t he?”

  We continued driving and as we made our approach, I saw the front gate was wide open. Upon closer inspection, there were three buildings that made up the complex. There was a main house, a giant barn, and what looked like an old butcher/processing plant. The place also looked abandoned.

  “Is this the place?”

  “I think so, Liz. I didn’t see a mail box outside that said Tucker on it, but I don’t see any other places in the area.”

  I pulled the car up to the main house and parked it. We got out and both of us started to look around. A quick sniff of the air told me there was a lot of blood in the area. It was coming from the direction of the old processing plant.

  “I think that might be where he is doing all of his experiments.” I pointed at the old building and Liz took a look.

  “Should we go over there and take a look?”

  I wasn’t sure what to do. It was dusk and we were at the only place he could be. I figured he was making us sweat for dramatic purposes. “I don’t know. This whole situation is so eerie. I think maybe it is time we made him come to us.”

  I leaned up on the hood of my car. I half expected a phone call, but remembered that I had no cell service out here. He might have a way of getting reception (probably satellite calls), but I didn’t think he had any voodoo to get me a signal. Liz started to snoop around the main house area in the meantime. I didn’t know what she expected to find, but nothing except blood hit my nose. Worse, there was no noises either, not even the sound of electricity.

  Just as I was about to call this a waste of time, I heard a generator kick on off in the distance. Soon, a light came from in the main house too.