The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three))

by Simmons, D. N.

  Darian drew back from the wound, licking his lips. He bit into his tongue and, leaning forward, sealed the puncture wounds in David’s neck. He opened the driver’s side door of David’s sport car and gently placed him behind the steering wheel then closed the door.

  “What about the money?” Elise asked teasingly.

  Darian looked down at the briefcase and picked it up.

  “He won’t be needing it, but we can use it.” He waved his hand to let Elise and Xander know he wanted them to move away from the car.

  Xander picked the trunk from the ground and placed it on his shoulders with ease. He started walking towards his automobile, followed by Elise. Darian backed away from the car and with his mystical mental powers, he lit the gas tank and the car exploded with such a force, it lifted the once beautiful sports car several feet off the ground as the thunderous noise from the blast echoed throughout the area. A huge fiery cloud shot upwards as the roaring fire raged on filling the sky with thick black and gray smoke.

  Darian walked back towards Xander and Elise.

  “He really didn’t know much at all. As a matter of fact, he didn’t even know his contact’s real name. The name he gave us is his contact’s code name, they had never met before. This deal was supposed to have been their first meeting.” He gave them the contact’s telephone number.

  “My, my, they are cunning,” Xander mused.

  Elise’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Darian. “You could have gotten all of that information from them earlier, couldn’t you?”

  Darian nodded.

  “So why didn’t you?” she asked.

  “Because I was curious and I found the situation entertaining, to say the very least. I wanted to see what was going to happen. I would be lying if I said that none of this intrigued me.” Darian acknowledged the angry wrinkles distorting Elise’s features and decided to offer an apology before she’d rightfully demand one. “But you are quite right, we don’t have time to waste.”

  Elise frowned. “No, we don’t.” She gave Darian a scolding look.

  He took the hint. She was right, their members were in trouble and time was of the essence.

  “I apologize,” he said.

  “We have members in danger who are depending on us. I know I don’t have to stress that to you,” Elise said, reiterating that she would no longer tolerate his desire to be entertained.

  Oh, she just wasn’t going to let this go without a fight, was she? Darian thought. He admired her strength. In this moment, she was justified in her anger and he couldn’t argue her point.

  “I understand. I think the next meeting should be held as soon as possible. We have their ammunition, but I really don’t think that will prevent these people from killing our members. And furthermore, I’m sincerely hoping we’re on the right trail. It seems as though we are… but I’ve learn in my lifetime that things aren’t always as they seem.”

  “I agree. But this is the best lead that we have right now… we have to see it through,” Elise said.

  “I’m going to take this trunk back to my home. Would you care to ride with us or fly?” Xander asked Darian courteously.

  “I’ll fly, I enjoy the sensation it brings me. I already have an idea on how to deal with this Brian Phillips. Once we’re done with what we need to do, I’ll be returning to my own home. There are several things I need to attend to. For starters, I must inform my coven on tonight’s turn of events,” Darian said.

  “Very well, we will meet you there,” Xander responded.

  “Until then,” Elise said.

  Darian then vanished.

  “Goodness, he’s fast,” Xander said in awe.

  Only when he needs to be, Elise thought wickedly to herself, remembering her sexual exploits she once shared with Darian nearly a year ago.

  “He should be, Natasha told me his age,” she teased as she walked over to the passenger side of Xander’s car he opened the door for her and she climbed in.

  He closed the door behind her and walked over to the driver’s side, climbing in and starting the car simultaneously. He looked at her.

  “Are you going to tell me?” he asked.

  “Well, I seriously doubt attempting to blackmail you would be successful, so yes, I’ll tell you,” Elise said smiling coyly. “He’s sixteen hundred and fifty years old. Natasha told me this morning that when all this is overand she prays that all will go well, poor thing, she’s worried sick about our loved ones. You know… I admire her bravery, loyalty and selflessness. So many beings, both human and supernatural only care about themselves and have little regard for anyone else. It’s refreshing to meet someone who isn’t, so I can see why they love her. I’m sure she has her own reasons why she loves them.”

  “You were going to tell me what Natasha said,” Xander reminded.

  “Oh! That’s right. Well, the only reason I decided to tell you is because she wants to throw Darian a...” Elise giggled. “…Birthday party. Bless her little heart,” she said with a chuckle. “She’s planning on inviting you and your Pack, so it’s no harm in you knowing Darian’s age.”

  Xander chuckled, the masculine sound reverberating through the air.

  “His secret is safe with me.” He shifted the gears as he increased his speed along the highway. “Natasha’s gift is remarkable; to be able to see the future. I can’t imagine what she has to endure in order to help Warren solve his cases. The horrible things she must see, it’s a wonder she’s willing. I would think it’d be difficult for a person who isn’t used to seeing the atrocities one being can do to another, especially for someone as sweet and gentle as she is. ...I like her,” he said calmly.

  Elise nodded.

  “I do wish the three of them happiness,” she said with the utmost sincerity as she smiled to herself. She looked over at Xander. “If you don’t mind my asking, how long have you and your wife been together?”

  “I don’t mind you asking. My wife and I have been together for forty years. She is my heart and soul, I truly believe that we would be life partners even if we were not wolves,” Xander said sincerely.

  He pulled his car in front of his home and turned off the engine. After emerging, he assisted Elise and both walked towards the front door.

  “Are you sure your wife won’t mind you crusading in the middle of the night with a beautiful female such as myself?” Elise teased.

  Xander chuckled softly as he pulled his house keys from his pocket. “Believe me; I only have eyes for her, though you are beautiful.” He kissed the back of Elise’s hand gently.

  She arched an eyebrow. “Okay, I’m convinced.”

  Adrian opened the door for them before Xander could put his key into the slot.

  “I heard everything and I’m telling,” Adrian teased.

  Xander smiled. “I’m pleased to see that you are in better spirits tonight,” he commented after making his observation on his son’s demeanor.

  “Oh, I’m still pissed, don’t be mistaken. But you were right, as always, there are more important matters at hand,” Adrian said. “Oh Dad, Mr. Alexander is waiting for you in your study.”

  Xander thanked his son. He and Elise walked past Adrian as he closed the entrance door behind them. He turned, facing his son. “Adrian, I need to speak with you, Nagesa, and your mother in my study.” With that, he walked off towards his study with Elise in tow.

  Three minutes later, Tatiana entered the study, followed by Adrian and Nagesa. Darian was sitting in one of the high back leather chairs that adorned the room. He appeared to be relaxed as he watched everyone else take their seats.

  “I’ve gathered you all here because we have new information,” Xander said, he then began to tell Adrian, Nagesa and Tatiana about the event that took place that evening.

  “My goodness!” Tatiana said as she placed her hand delicately over her chest. “I know that I probably shouldn’t feel this way, but I pity Jesse. That kind of betrayal from one you trusted.” She closed her eyes and shook he
r head sadly.

  “Fuck him. If he wasn’t trying to commit a crime, he wouldn’t have been betrayed. People get greedy, Mom, that’s how it is sometimes,” Adrian said dismissively.

  “Compassion, my darling,” Tatiana reminded. Adrian only shrugged his shoulder. “Why do I even bother,” she stated dejectedly.

  “Because you can’t help yourself,” Adrian teased, smiling sweetly at his mother.

  “Let us get back to the matter at hand.” Xander looked at his wife and son who nodded. He continued. “Now, assuming we are on the right trail and I believe we are. They are unaware of the information we now know. This gives us the advantage as far as planning our counter-attack.”

  “Exactly. This leaves us an opening. Tonight, we’ll call this contact, see what we can arrange,” Darian said, the deep, exotic tone of his voice floated in the air demanding attention. He pulled out David’s silver cell phone.

  “What are you going to say to him?” Xander asked.

  Darian tossed him a unconcerned expression. “I’ll tell him news I’m sure he won’t want to hear and give him the opportunity to set the stage, thus giving us more ground.”

  He dialed the telephone number and, lifting the cell phone to his ear, he waited.

  “Yeah?” A harsh male voice answered, his tone letting Darian know that this contact was not at all pleased at the moment.

  “Greetings to you as well,” Darian retorted with a hint of humor. He thickened his Greek accent adding a little more seduction to his words, making his voice sound even more foreign.

  “David, you better have some good news for me,” the man demanded.

  “I’m not David and I suppose we can skip the introductions if that’s all right with you, Brian.”

  There was a pause.

  “Who the fuck is this, and how in the hell do you know my name?!” he responded.

  Keeping to his words, Darian continued to skip the introductions, getting right down to business.

  “I have your merchandise,” he said. “But I’m willing to make a fair trade. I don’t need the ammunition, what I want is money.”

  “This is a fucking joke. Where’s David?”

  “David is dead. I already have the hundred-thousand dollars, but I want double that amount.”

  “You want another hundred grand?”

  “I’m sorry, I was sure I was speaking English,” Darian said smugly. “Two-hundred thousand dollars in addition to the hundred grand I already have. Is that clear enough?”

  “Crystal.”

  “Good. Now, the question you must now ask yourself is; how badly do you need the ‘product’”? Darian remained calm as he spoke to the contact.

  Elise gazed at him with a mixture of intrigue and a hint of lust. Xander was impressed as well, but his face was free of all emotion. Tatiana stood beside her husband and listened.

  Both Adrian and Nagesa simply watched, secretly impressed as well.

  “Who is this?” Brian asked once more, this time more calmly.

  “That is not important. I have your merchandise, do you want it? If not, I’m quite sure I will not have any difficulty finding another buyer,” Darian threatened.

  “No, no. I want it,” the man said, there was another short pause. “An extra two-hundred grand, am I right?”

  “That is correct,” Darian replied.

  “Fine, but I can’t get that kind of money tonight. I can have that for you by tomorrow.”

  “That’s acceptable. Tomorrow evening”

  “I think I’ll pick the time and place,” Brian said, cutting Darian off.

  “Very well,” Darian agreed.

  “Okay, tomorrow afternoon, at two, I’ll be waiting by the abandoned parking lot where the old steel mill used to be on Torrance Avenue.” He gave Darian the address and instructions. “Nice wide open spaces where we can see each other clearly,” Brian stated.

  “Agreed,” Darian said, ending the conversation. He slipped the cell phone back into his pocket.

  “I’ll talk to Natasha. I would like her to go with you. This ‘Brian’ will lead us to the others.”

  “I will have my best on it,” Xander said reassuringly.

  Darian nodded, rising from the chair. “May I ask this one thing of you?”

  “Of course,” Xander said.

  “Please watch over her. I want her to be well protected.”

  “You need not worry, she will be well protected,” Xander said politely.

  “Thank you,” Darian replied then he left.

  Elise and the others discussed the situation further. Darian had obtained a face to face meeting, and with Natasha being there, a connection could be made that could possibly lead them to the kidnappers. They didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

  Chapter Nine

  “Mr. Houston, we have a problem. No pun intended,” Brian, whose real name was Adam Vincent, told his boss, using his Boss’ alias.

  “How big of a problem?” Richard Parker asked.

  “David’s dead. Right now, I’m staring at a crime scene and the firefighters are putting out the charbroiled remains of what used to be his Viper with him still inside. But that’s not what’s important. The merchandise was stolen, the thief or thieves have the money, and now they want more,” Adam said annoyed.

  “How much more?” Richard asked his voice was steady.

  “Two hundred-grand.”

  Richard sighed. “Who are ‘they’ and what would ‘they’ want with my merchandise? How did ‘they’ find out about it?”

  Richard’s voice was cold as ice and Adam actually felt a chill ripple down his spine.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, well, well, this is a pretty big problem. Make the drop. I want to know who these people are. Put them on surveillance, I want to know what they look like. Have them followed, I want to know where they live, do you understand?” Richard asked his tone leaving no room for disagreements.

  “I understand.”

  “You’ll meet Eric tomorrow morning at Sandy’s to pick up the money. Don’t disappoint me.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t,” Adam said. “Um, Mr. Houston?”

  “What?”

  “Where can I find you tomorrow to drop off your merchandise? You know, when I get it?”

  “The Esquire Hotel on Grand, room 1238.”

  “Okay, see you then.”

  “Good.” Richard said ending the call.

  He sat calmly in his chair, considering the new situation. “Who are these people?” he asked himself. He called Governor Andrew Wallace.

  “Good evening Andrew, we need to talk,” he said once Andrew answered the telephone.

  “About what?” Andrew asked in a groggy voice.

  “The two cops are dead, as was the plan. In an unexpected turn of events, however, DavidGeorge’s contact is dead. But the real problem is that our merchandise has been stolen. Now, I have the thieves selling our merchandise back to us, doubling the fee, which was already doubled to begin with,” Richard said angrily.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “Yes. I’ve waited until this crucial moment to play a practical joke on you. By the way, I’m being inappropriately sarcastic, must be because I’m in such a bad mood.”

  “Do we have any idea who these people are?” Andrew asked, ignoring Richard’s abrasive attitude. He sat up in his bed, becoming more alert.

  “No, we do not,” Richard replied calmly. “But I’m going to find out.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Brian will be meeting them tomorrow, they will be under surveillance. I want to know everything about these people. They obviously have no idea who they’re fucking with, but they’re going to find out soon enough.”

  “Let me know of the outcome. In the meantime, the media is going to go into a frenzy once it gets wind of the double homicide of two of the S.U.I.T. divisions decorated cops,” Andrew said.

  “Which we anticipated. I woul
d assume you have your speech already prepared?”

  “Of course I do. But I wasn’t planning on the fiasco that went down tonight.” Andrew sighed, “doesn’t matter, it may actually offer me a better explanation.”

  “So what are you huffing and puffing about, just say what you politicians are used to saying,” Richard stated.

  “And that is?”

  “‘We’re looking into it.’”

  “Very funny.”

  “I wasn’t trying to be funny. Goodnight.”

  Richard hung up and walked down the hallway to the door of his secret room. He slid his key into the slot, unlocking the door. The lights came on automatically when he entered. He walked towards the octagon-shaped desk with multiple monitors and watched the three captives trapped in their cells. The camera for the fourth monitor had been ruined, leaving the screen black.

  He chuckled. “Fucking wolf.”

  He looked at the other monitors and smiled. The pretty female leopard laid on her side, hunger pains ripped through her body causing her to cry. The beautiful blonde, male vampire clawed at the walls, his sharp nails scraping the paint from the walls with ease. The last was an exotic tiger, a child, but just as good as the other three for the hunt. This child cried in the darkness, he was frightened, hungry and lonely.

  “Don’t worry child, soon all of your problems will disappear... forever.” Richard chuckled as he left the room, the light going off as he exited. He went to his bedroom to complete his packing. He and his others comrades would be flying to his huge estate for the hunt. They wanted to get there before the full moon. It wouldn’t be any fun at all if they didn’t hunt their prey at the height of their powers.

  Even in their weakest condition, the shifters in animal forms would provide their teams with much sport. The vampire was the real treat. The hunger that he must be feeling made him the wild-card. Richard grinned in anticipation as he packed away a pair of cotton socks. He had no idea if the vampire would try to flee, or hunt. Only time would tell. They would wait until the full moon to hunt their prey together, allowing the vampire, along with the others enough time to weaken, balancing out the hunters own chances for survival. No sport in being outmatched, they wanted the ball on their side of the court and so it would be.