“What’s going on? Who’s that idiot outside trying to break in?” Kat held the other gun in her hand ready to shoot.
Indie and Sam both held baseball bats. Little known trick is to keep those around. Since they’re sporting equipment, you can’t really get into trouble for having a deadly weapon. Who doesn’t have a bat, ball, and gloves in their house these days? It is the great American pastime, after all.
“Oh, good. That guy out there might be an acolyte. Look who showed up on our door claiming to have run away from vampires?” I pointed to the girl covering her neck and was curled up into the tightest ball she could get into, right under our counter.
Poor thing was rocking back and forth and shaking her head.
“No, No, NO! Don’t let him take me! Those vampires wanted to do awful things to me. Please don’t! Not again!” The girl was hysterical and sobbing between the words.
Sam kneeled down next to her. “Don’t worry, we’re going to protect you. Those vampires will never hurt you again.”
I wanted to look at my sister as she tried to calm the poor girl, but I had to keep my eyes on the door. The brute had already cracked the window in our door. It was made of glass and steel, mostly glass. Once he got those cracks bigger, he was going to get through.
“Great! Our shop survived a hurricane, but it’s going to be torn apart by some dipstick who serves agents of the devil! Just our luck.” Indie was mad. She tightened her grip on the bat and stood off to the side of the counter.
It only took a couple more hits by the demon lover with the gargantuan arms. I don’t know how someone gets that size. He had to be six feet, five inches tall with forearms the size of my thighs, if not bigger! He has some serious power in him.
I began to rethink my idea of not shooting. If I didn’t shoot, he would probably kill me, or worse!
There were four women all holding weapons, two of which were guns, but that didn’t stop him from breaking the door and running in.
He was like a mad-man on PCP or something. I heard a shot ring out, it wasn’t from me. Kat must have already shot him.
He wasn’t falling. The monster kept moving like getting shot in the shoulder was nothing. I saw the blood on his right shoulder, where I imagined Kat’s bullet hit him. She shot again and hit him in the chest.
The giant kept coming.
I shot, without even realizing it. The only reason I knew I shot off a bullet was because of the recoil on the gun. It wasn’t much but enough to let me know I had actually shot a human being.
My bullet got him in his gut.
I kept shooting. I’m not sure when Kat stopped, but I didn’t stop until the guy was no longer moving on the ground. It could have also been because I was out of bullets. My gun only held six. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I registered the fact I used them all up.
“Indie, give me your bat. Go upstairs and get more ammo. I keep it in my desk drawer. This monster should be dead, but I’ve never seen someone take so many bullets and keep going. I want more ammo just to be on the safe side.” Kat took the bat from Indie, before she ran upstairs.
The girl was still under the counter and sobbing.
“Hey, he’s not going to hurt you. Do you know if there were any more guys chasing you?” Probably something I should have asked sooner.
“I…I don’t think so. There weren’t very many men in the group. I don’t know. I can’t be sure.” She stopped rocking and looked up at me with her tear-stained face.
When she moved her hand to wipe the tears, I saw the marks. She had been in the clutches of vampires alright. I stooped down and moved her head back and forth slowly. The neck of her shirt had been ripped, and I counted at least four sets of bite marks on her neck.
“OH.MY.GOODNESS! How in the world did you survive this?” If she had that many feeding off her over the past few days, how was she still alive?
She shook her head and began crying again. I couldn’t blame her.
In the distance I could hear the sounds of sirens. I really hoped the cops would understand.
“Luke! Thank goodness! Were you close by?” Sam ran over and gave him a hug as he tried to make his way into our store.
“What happened? How did he break the glass on your door? That was an industrial strength door.” Luke examined the door frame before walking over and kicking the body.
“Is he dead?” Indie asked when she walked through the store room. She had a box of ammo in her hand.
Luke looked up at all of us. “You might want to put the ammo away out of sight. Also, I would put those guns on the other counter before the cops get here. Did you fire them both?”
I nodded and wished I hadn’t needed to shoot the gun in my hand. However, I was very grateful we had both guns and were able to use them today. If the monster lying on my floor had made it to us, I have no doubt I would be the next thing up on the vampire’s menu.
***
Two cops walked into my store with their guns drawn.
“We heard reports of guns fired. Where are the guns?” The cop on the left asked.
I pointed to the counter where Kat put both of our guns.
The other cop called in using the radio attached to his shoulder. He used numbers and code words that went right over my head.
“Jenna! Thank the good Lord you’re alright!” Rico ran right to me and hugged me tightly.
I’ll be honest, tears were streaming down my face, and I didn’t want him to let me go.
“Rico, he kept coming. He wouldn’t stop.” I blabbered in his chest.
“Shhh, be quiet. Don’t say anything until Damien arrives,” Rico whispered in my ear.
“Excuse me, but what happened here?” One of the cops asked Kat.
Before she could answer, the girl who had been hiding under my counter stood up. “They saved my life.”
“Hey, aren’t you Lisa or Gina? One of the missing college girls?” Cop number two slowly moved closer to her.
“Lisa, and yes. I was abducted when I tried to evacuate before the hurricane. These girls saved my life from that…that thing on the ground!” She pointed a shaky finger at the dead guy.
I could hear more sirens coming to my shop. Damien walked through the broken door with another cop on his heels.
This one must have been a detective. He was in plain clothes but wore a badge on a rope around his neck, like in the movies.
“Officers, I’ll take it from here. Please make sure to prepare a fifteen foot perimeter of the shop. Keep out anyone who doesn’t belong.” The new guy had a look on his face which told me he was not to be messed with. His eyes were narrow, and his lips were pursed.
“Rico, it’s good to see you again. I see you and your friends have gotten me into another unexplainable mess. At this rate, I’ll never make Captain.” The detective walked around the body after he put on those blue booties and matching blue latex gloves.
“I’m Detective Adams. Who wants to tell me what happened here?” He looked right at me when he asked.
“I was working in the shop early, trying to re-stock the shelves before we opened. I heard someone screaming for help outside, so I opened the door and that poor woman ran inside.” I continued to tell my story until the paramedics arrived.
“Detective, this woman needs medical treatment. We’re taking her to the hospital.” The paramedic had his arm around Lisa and began to walk her outside.
“Wait, what’s your name?” The detective stood in their path.
“Lisa. Lisa Greenwood.” She kept her gaze on me while she stood in front of the detective.
“You’re one of the missing girls. Were there others where you were?” The detective had taken out his pen and pad.
“Yes, I think there were three more girls still alive.” When Lisa dropped that bombshell, the entire room went silent.
Chapter 13
Jenna
“Oh!” I gasped into Rico’s chest.
“Detective, you can’t let her leave yet. We ne
ed to know where the girls are located. If they are still alive, we have to find them. Now.” Rico let me go and walked over to Lisa.
“I can grab my kit and start to treat her here, if you want to question her. Is there a cot or a sofa we can sit on?” The paramedic’s eyes were still bugged out as he looked Lisa up and down.
“Yes, we have a back room here in the store or our apartment above. Feel free to use whatever space you need. Please, let me know if we can help. We all have some first aid training.” Kat motioned to the back room where we had a very small break room that housed a sofa and a few chairs.
“You might want to go upstairs. It will be quieter and more comfortable there.” Rico led the girl and the detective to the back stairs.
“Damien, what do we do now?” I watched as the CSI guys took photos of my broken shop.
I wondered how many of the voodoo dolls would have to be trashed. Stupid, I know, but my mind was having trouble processing what was going on. A human was dead, and a missing girl had just turned up in my shop claiming there were more girls still alive.
This meant there had to be something really big going down with the local vamps. I hoped this wasn’t the beginning of the impending war. A few months ago we learned there were some vampires working with witches on a plan to overthrow the vampire queen. While she wasn’t going to win any popularity contests, she kept her vampires in line, mostly.
“Does this mean war?” This was so over my head.
“I don’t know yet. My guess is yes. I just hope there is something else going on here, like some feral vamps who were never claimed and taught how to feed. It’s the best we can hope for at this time. Otherwise, I don’t want to even think what might be coming.” Damien ran a hand through his hair and put his other hand on my lower back.
“Come on, we should go upstairs and let the crime scene investigators do their job. Besides, Detective Adams will need a statement from each of you as well. Don’t be surprised if more cops and detectives show up.” Damien led us up to our own apartment.
“Word of caution, if anyone other than Adams wants to question you, don’t say anything without me present. I’m your lawyer. Got it?” Damien looked me in the eye.
“I didn’t know you were an attorney. How long have you practiced law?” Indie stopped on the steps and turned around to ask.
“I only represent our pack, which includes all four of you girls. If you are ever arrested, just tell them I’m your attorney, and you won’t say a word until I arrive. Got it?” Damien was one interesting guy.
I bet he had a lot of stories to tell. One of these days I had to sit him down and ask him to share.
***
It was after eight at night when we returned from the local police department.
“I can’t believe they made us go down to the station and fill out forms and be recorded.” I blew my bangs out of my eyes and plopped down on the sofa.
“I’m starving. Do we have anything to eat? I don’t feel like cooking. Maybe some Chinese leftovers?” Sam went into the kitchen and opened the fridge door.
“Not enough leftovers for all of us. Can we send Rico or one of his guys to Uncle Wong’s?” Sam pulled out a bottle of water for each of us.
“Sure, I’ll call him and see who’s patrolling.” I pulled out my phone and dialed Rico.
“Hey, I just dropped you off. Is everything alright? Or do you just miss me already?” I really didn’t feel like our usual banter.
“Actually, we’re all starving, and there’s nothing quick to eat in the house. Can you send someone to Uncle Wong’s for us? I’ll call in an order.”
“Really? You aren’t going to go and get it yourself? I’m surprised, Jenna.”
“I would, normally. Tonight, I’m too tired to deal with anything. I just want food and my bed. That’s all. Maybe not even in that order.” A headache was starting to develop.
When I was really stressed, I would get tension headaches. Today totally qualified for a mega stressful day. It’s not every day you kill a man and get hauled into the police station to give your testimony.
“Sorry, I should have thought of that. I am glad you called me first. I’ll go by and pick it up. Just call Jimmie with your order.” Rico hung up before I could even ask him if he wanted anything.
After we all had full tummies, my sisters drew numbers to see who would get a long, hot bath tonight. We all loved our baths, but we only had one tub.
“Yeah! I think.” Indie drew the short straw, meaning she got the first bath.
“I know, part of me just wants to go to bed and deal with a shower in the morning.” Kat dragged herself up and headed to the shower first.
Since Rico was still here, I agreed to shower last, if I even lasted that long. But, it meant I could take the first bath tomorrow.
“How long before we can open up the store again?” Rico had dealt with the cops, when we were at the station, while I was giving my testimony over and over with the detectives.
“CSI still isn’t done with your store. They did put up some plywood to cover your open door, but I think they might want another day to investigate. You and your sisters will have to stay away until they give you the all clear.”
“Once they do, let me know. I’ll bring over a few guys to help clean up. You might want to get a new door ordered tomorrow. I’m not sure how long it will take to get it.” Rico had become like family to us.
He always looked out for me and my sisters.
“Thanks, Rico. I really appreciate everything you and your pack does for us. I doubt we thank you enough. Just know we are here if you need anything.” I would never be able to repay his kindness.
“How about a hug?” Rico moved next to me on the couch and pulled me up next to him.
He felt so good and warm. This was what it felt like to be truly protected and cared for. Why couldn’t I let my heart open up to him?
Rico leaned over and kissed the top of my head.
I sighed and relaxed against him.
Chapter 14
Jenna
The next thing I knew, it was morning, and I was lying on the couch wrapped in Rico’s arms.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Rico whispered in my ear. He was behind me with his back against the rear of the sofa, and my rear was up against his body. It was kinda hot. Not in the I need a cold drink kinda way, it was more in the I need a cold shower kinda way.
Wolves must be really warm-blooded. We didn’t have a blanket on us, but I was warm and toasty. Not to mention I slept better than I could remember since being dragged into the seedy underbelly of New Orleans and magic
“Mmm. Good morning. Did I fall asleep in your arms last night? You could have left me here on the couch, or woken me up. I doubt it was very comfortable for you.” I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
“It was more than comfortable.” He nuzzled my neck, and I grabbed his arm which was wrapped around my waist.
“I think I need to get up and hop in the shower. Your pack is probably wondering where you are right now.” My breathing was shallow, and I knew in that moment I was about to make a big mistake if I didn’t get moving.
My entire body screamed for me to turn around and kiss him.
I jumped up and moved across the room from him before my instincts, or his, took control. I knew he wanted me. The feeling was mutual. However, this was not going to happen.
I always screwed things up or chose a guy who screwed things up. None of my past relationships ended on a good note. Not one. If I started something with Rico and it ended badly, like I expected, I would be losing out on the best friend I ever had.
There was no way I was going to take that chance.
“Jenna, what’s wrong? I know you feel the way I do. Why do you keep pulling back?” Wow, Rico wasn’t playing any games this morning.
Was he always so direct first thing in the morning? Or just when he woke up with me in his arms?
“Rico, of course I have feelings for you.” I ran a
hand through my hair and tried to figure out how to put my thoughts into words.
“I…You…We have gone through so much. Over the past seven or eight months I have come to depend on you so much. Other than my sisters, you’re the closest friend I have. I couldn’t stand to lose your friendship.” My heart was breaking, and my mind was screaming at me to shut up and kiss the guy.
“Jenna, no matter what…” Rico was interrupted when Indie and Sam walked into the room half awake.
“Hey, did you two stay up all night?” Indie’s forehead scrunched up when she noticed Rico on the couch.
“We fell asleep out here. Sorry if we woke you. It’s early, and we can’t get in the shop, so you might as well go back to sleep.” I noticed both of my sisters were still in their pajamas. Hopefully they would take my advice.
“Nah, we still have a lot of work to do. I imagine a lot of the voodoo dolls, and even some of our potions and charms, were destroyed. Indie and I decided to get up early and get a head start on making up more inventory.” Sam walked into the kitchen.
“You want coffee?” Sam called over her shoulder while she set up the machine.
“Yes! Please.” I needed caffeine in a bad way.
“I’ll go and see if any of the local cafés are open. Who’s up for a beignet?” Rico asked when he stood up.
All three of us raised our hands. Kat was still in her room.
“Might as well get one for Kat, too. I’m sure she’ll want one.” I looked at Rico’s back when he made for the front door.
The second the door closed behind Rico, both of my sisters boxed me in against the wall. “Spill. What happened last night?” Sam’s eyes sparkled with her mirth.
“Nothing happened, I just fell asleep, and for some reason, he stayed.” I looked between my two sisters who both wore smirks.
“Uh, huh. And I have a bridge to sell you.” Sam crossed her arms over her chest.
“You might as well tell us. We aren’t letting you go until you do.” Indie winked.
“Ugh! Please! If something happened I would totally tell you. No, it’s not what you think. I’m sure he stayed here to keep an eye on us all overnight.” I pushed against my sisters and went to the kitchen for some fresh coffee.
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