by Tim Kizer
Graham cast a satisfied look at him and nodded. “Good guess.”
“Okay.” Frank was a little surprised by how quickly he agreed.
“Sure, boss.” Grinning, Graham opened the box, which contained four bags of human blood and two plastic cups, and proceeded to fulfill Frank’s request.
When Frank had devoured the cup, Graham asked, “Is this your first time?”
“Yes.” Frank nodded.
“You’ll need more than one cup, buddy. You’ve got to be hungry as hell.” Graham laughed softly. “We’ll take care of you, Frank, don’t you worry.” He patted Frank on the shoulder. “So how is it?”
“I can see what all the fuss is about.”
“Do you like it?”
“Well, it’s not so bad.”
He was playing down the pleasure the blood had given him. This was the most exhilarating drink he had ever tasted; he could physically feel the energy spread throughout his body as the blood traveled down his food tract.
While his blood was collected, Frank called Marilyn.
“Did you get in?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m inside.”
“Is Alex there?” Frank bated his breath.
“Yes, He’s here. He’s asleep, just like you thought.”
“Don’t touch him. Go back to your car and wait for me. I’ll be there in two hours.” Frank squinted at the ice box. “I’ve got something that will wake him up.”
Then Albert and Ron showed up, almost simultaneously, and Graham spent a minute explaining the situation to them. As soon as he was done sampling Frank’s blood, Albert approached Frank with a stunned expression on his face and said, “No hard feelings, bro?” He outstretched his right hand.
After a momentary hesitation, Frank shook his hand. “Water under the bridge, Al.”
“Yes, water under the bridge!” exclaimed Ron. He walked up to Frank and gave him a quick hug.
“Albert, Ron—you can go home and relax,” said Frank. “I’m taking Graham with me. I have some business to attend to.” He turned to Albert. “We’re going to need more of this stuff from you, Al.” He shook the cup in the air. “We’re not kidnapping anyone anymore, okay?”
Albert shrugged. “Whatever you say, chief.”
“Any objections, comments?” Frank exchanged glances with Graham and Ron.
“Whatever you say, Frank.” Ron smiled and gave him an approving nod. “We’re going to make a great team.”
“Very well. See you tomorrow.”
Frank got in the back of the Ford Expedition and motioned Graham to take the seat behind the steering wheel, which he immediately did.
There was no time to waste. He and Alex had a lot of underwater searching to do.
THE END
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