Immortal Revenge

by Abshire, Mary

  “Why did you tell him we were staying at the Fairfield?” Jules asked.

  Katie twisted to face her. “I don’t believe anything will go wrong with my plan. However, if something should, I want to have time to get away.”

  “Good idea.” Riker commented, taking his eyes briefly from the road. “But a gamble.”

  Grimacing, Katie crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat. She’d risked Charles calling the hotel to confirm her stay, but it was one worth taking. The police had evidence. Charles saw how emotionally upset Jules was. Therefore, the odds of Charles checking that small detail seemed slim to none.

  “He has no reason to call the hotel since he has Jules’s number. Besides, I’ll check in with him later,” Katie said.

  The vampire sitting behind her steering wheel remained silent. Katie watched him and wondered if he’d leave soon after she claimed her victory. Once she beheaded the two vampires, he wouldn’t need to hang around Mishawaka. His idea about her being a war leader was bunk and she’d make sure to convince him, somehow. Given their unfavorable feelings for each other, surely he’d want to take off and forget about her. She sure as hell wanted his arctic presence to disappear.

  “You will need to rest during the day to keep your strength,” he said, his gaze pointed at the road.

  She inhaled a deep breath. “I’ll do my best.”

  The Tasmanian Devil lay two blocks ahead, the neon sign glowing brightly. Andy worked every night and would be there. He’d undoubtedly question why they wanted to listen to his police scanner. Katie hoped she’d have the chance to provide an explanation, but with Riker around, he tended to step in and take control of situations. Although having a vampire handy to tinker with minds was a benefit, a touch of guilt still pricked Katie. She preferred to fall back on mind control as last options, not first, unless it involved her losing her license for speeding. She’d have to be mindful of her driving from now on since Kyle wasn’t around to help her.

  “Let me talk to Andy before you insist on his compliance,” Katie said, staring at Riker.

  The vampire clenched his jaw, then turned into the Devil’s parking lot.

  “Did Joe really tell you I should runaway?” Jules asked.

  Katie closed her eyes for a few seconds. She’d hoped Jules wouldn’t bring up the conversation again. “Yes.” She twisted to face her friend.

  Jules rubbed her hand across her cheek. She pressed her lips together. Joe’s words clearly upset her.

  “I didn’t mention what he’d said because I knew it would sadden you. I’m sorry, Jules.”

  She nodded. “I would’ve done the same.”

  Riker took the keys out of the ignition. “Can we go now?”

  Not responding, Katie slipped the seatbelt away from her, then pushed her door open. She held it while Jules climbed out of the back seat.

  “If he’s alive and they take him to the hospital, I’d like to visit him,” Jules said, standing next Katie.

  She nudged the door shut, then headed for the sidewalk. “During the day should be fine.”

  Together, they walked around the side of the building. The lot had few spots open indicating it was another busy night at the Devil. Riker waited in front of the door with his hand wrapped around the handle. As Jules and Katie stepped closer, he opened the door.

  Chattering voices and rock music greeted them as they strode into the bar. Robin, unable to miss by her blonde hair, tended the bar. Amy stood near a table with a tray under her arm and a wide grin on her face as she faced two male customers. Her gaze shifted as Katie led Jules and Riker toward the back.

  “Hey!” she said a little too loudly and walked excitedly toward them. Her healed boots clacked on the hard floor with each step. “I thought you were on vacation.” She directed her gaze at Jules.

  “I am.” Jules looked at Katie as if she didn’t have a clue what to say next.

  “Is Andy in the back?” Katie asked.

  “Yeah…” She turned her attention to Riker and smiled. “Hello.”

  The tall vampire grinned for a change. His soft tinted green eyes appraised her tight red shirt and black skirt. “Hello, darling.”

  Darling?

  Katie shook the surprise from her head. “We’re going to talk to Andy.” She wrapped her fingers around Jules’s wrist and tugged.

  On the way to the back, Katie glanced over her shoulder. Riker was standing close to Amy as she spoke to him. She brushed her hair off her shoulder and peered deeply into Riker’s eyes. What on earth was the vampire doing? Sizing up his meal?

  “Will she be all right?” Jules asked, her gaze pointed at Riker.

  “He’s a hard ass, but if he’s Kyle’s friend, then he won’t hurt anyone,” Katie answered, rounding the bar.

  “Hey you two,” Robin said with one hand on her hip. She wore a black Tasmanian Devil t-shirt, tight jeans and black boots. “Are you coming to work any time soon?” The lack of cheerfulness on her face and in her tone suggested she wasn’t keen on her requested employment.

  “Don’t count on it for a few more days,” Katie replied.

  She stepped closer with a slight sway in her hips and lowered her arm to her side. “Next time, can you give a little notice? I was in the middle of painting the inside of my house.”

  That explained her frustration. “Sorry, Robin,” Jules said, then tapped her fingers on Katie’s arm.

  “We have to see Andy about a matter, then we’re leaving.”

  Katie continued down the hall with Jules following close behind. As they passed the restrooms on the left, Andy stepped out of the office. He stopped upon seeing them. The heel of his foot blocked the door from completely closing.

  “Can we have a word with you, in your office?” Katie asked, coming to a halt in front of him.

  Expression serious, he looked from one to the other.

  “We need to ask a favor from you.” Katie added.

  He took a step back and then another, widening the gap in the door. “Come in.”

  The office hadn’t changed much from the last time Katie had visited. Two tall filing cabinets were in the corner. A desk with a computer faced the wall. Different types of equipment with red and green lights sat on shelving unit next to the desk. The wires stretched to a smaller device connected to the computer.

  Katie stopped in front of the outdated blue sofa to the side of the door. Jules stood next to her, gaze directed at the equipment. Riker remained out sight, which was fine with Katie.

  “Does your police scanner still work?” Katie asked as Andy shut the door.

  He strode in front of them. “Of course. Why?”

  “In an hour, there’s going to be some activity and we’d like to listen, if you don’t mind.”

  He shifted his eyes from Jules, then back to Katie. “Does this have something to do with Kyle or his property?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. For the past several days, she’d only spoke of Kyle to Jules and Riker. She’d completely forgotten Andy’s mind remained untouched from the vampires and Riker.

  “Yes, and no,” she replied.

  “What’s going on? I’ve heard officers saying they have to guard his property in case a woman shows up. Why would they do that?”

  “It’s difficult to explain.”

  He started rolling the sleeves of his dark shirt up. “Try me.”

  Katie stared at the saber tattoo on the inside of his forearm. Shortly after she’d started working at the Devil, he’d told her he got the tattoo when he joined the marines. If anyone could lead a war, she’d wager Andy could fill the job.

  “Maybe you should tell him,” Jules said, bringing Katie’s attention to her. Jules lifted a shoulder. “As long as I’ve worked here, he’s been pretty open-minded.”

  Katie faced her blond-haired boss and considered the suggestion. Compared to Ben, Andy seemed more receptive to unexplained things such as UFOs and aliens. He’d even mentioned he’d thought he saw a UFO when he served in the marin
es in Europe. He spoke of seeing ghosts on different occasions too. The man was honest, yet somewhat secretive. It wasn’t until Katie came in mourning the loss of Kyle and wanting a drink he admitted to being an alcoholic once. Maybe he could handle the truth and keep it a secret.

  “If I told you Kyle was a vampire, would you believe me?” Katie asked with a straight face.

  Strangely, he didn’t laugh or give her a crazy look. The man didn’t even blink.

  “Have a seat.” He extended his arm toward the sofa, then stepped toward his leather chair pushed under the desk. Grabbing hold of the back, he rolled it in front of Katie and then sat. “Yes.”

  One word. That was it. Katie stared at his poker face, trying to determine if his answer was straightforward or not. Odds favored he’d spoken the truth.

  “Told you he’d believe,” Jules said.

  He stretched his hand at the sofa. “Sit and I’ll tell you why.”

  Katie and Jules both sat at the same time. Andy leaned forward and pressed his elbows into his knees. Gaze directed at Katie, he said, “I’m not a dumb man. Did I know what he was before now? No, but I sure as hell knew something was different about him.”

  “You believe?” Katie asked skeptically.

  “If you say he was, then yes.”

  “How…Why did you–”

  “No one ever saw Kyle except at night.”

  “But that’s not—”

  “I’m well aware of how many speeding tickets you’ve had since you’ve lived here, and the speed your were driving. Your license should’ve been revoked years ago, Katie. Yet, the police let you get away.”

  “I could be secretly rich and paying off the police force.”

  “Then our officers should have better uniforms and cars.”

  Katie couldn’t dispute that.

  “There’s something else.” Andy added. “I’m friends with a couple of people at the airport. I collect valuable swords. When my shipments come in, Stanley notifies me.”

  “You know Stanley?”

  He nodded. “Known him a long time. He has a marijuana problem the police think they can curb.”

  Katie stared with amazement at Andy. While it was no secret Stanley smoked weed, she found it interesting Andy knew about her speeding tickets and he collected swords.

  He continued. “On one occasion, he knew of a package I was expecting–a long one containing a saber. Something happened after the package arrived and he couldn’t read the label. He believed it belonged to me, so I went to retrieve it.”

  Katie lifted her hand to her chest. “Was it Asian?” Five years ago, she showed up at the airport to get a package for Kyle. He’d informed her it was a sword and to expect a long box. She arrived to find it crushed and mangled. An opening on one end exposed the handle. Asian writing identified its origin.

  Andy tugged his lips to one side. He straightened. “I took one look and knew it was not my package. Stanley said the only other person who orders weird shit was Kyle and he paid handsomely.”

  “Wow, this just gets better,” Jules said as she sat up slightly and tucked one leg under the other. “I always thought you were some quiet ex-marine trying to make a living with a bar.”

  A devious grin formed on his face. “Keep thinking that.”

  Katie couldn’t believe her ears. She worked for Andy for many years and never suspected he had so many hidden qualities. Having him as a friend couldn’t have come at a better time. For another matter, perhaps he was the one Hector prophesized about, if his vision was accurate. Andy had the skills and the ability. Give the ex-marine vampire juice and he could probably chop off vamp heads with ease. She’d have to bring Andy up to speed about the Order later.

  “This is a nice town. Most people are hard working and honest, including you two ladies. The crimes are small. People are friendly, but everyone has a secret.”

  A knock at the door drew their attention to it.

  “That’s probably Riker,” Katie said as Andy rose.

  “A friend?”

  “Yes, and do not look at his eyes.”

  Andy’s brows rose as he reached for the knob. He withdrew his hand as Katie hurried to the door.

  “Let me.” Katie opened it and Riker stepped inside. He stopped near Jules.

  “We have this under control,” Katie said.

  Andy’s back faced them as he clicked on the power for the electronics. Riker studied the man’s movements. “Do you?”

  He crossed the room, heading for Andy. Katie pushed the door shut, then rushed toward the two men.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met,” Riker said, extending his hand.

  Andy didn’t turn around. Quickly, Katie stepped in front of Riker. She grabbed his arm and attempted to nudge him toward the sofa. “Andy’s a good guy. He’s on our team. We don’t need your help.”

  He yanked his arm from her grasp, twisted and faced Jules. Katie tried to rush around him, but her effort was in vein. Jules stared up at Riker. His green eyes glowed as he held her gaze.

  Katie stepped in front of Jules, blocking her line of sight. She faced Riker.

  “He believes?” His tense jaw warned her of an upcoming argument.

  She held her palms up, signaling to stop. “Yes, but he doesn’t know everything. He suspected something about Kyle years ago. It’s ok.” So leave him alone.

  “What exactly are you wanting to hear on the scanner?” Andy asked, his back still facing them.

  “I told him not to look at you.”

  “Obviously.”

  Katie tilted to the side. “The police are going to raid the Jennings orchard around midnight.”

  Andy stiffened. “I really dislike not being able to face the enemy.”

  “I am not the enemy.” Riker grumbled and stepped toward him.

  Katie rushed in front of Riker again and brought him to a halt. “Let it go.” When he refused to remove his steel cold glare, Katie added, “Please?” She hoped her request would encourage him to back off. Past experience showed determination and willfulness led to heated arguing and fighting. In such a critical moment with the police on the way to storm the orchard, the later was unacceptable.

  “We will discuss this later.” Riker said in a fatherly tone.

  “Fair enough.” In time, maybe she could devise a plan to convince Riker to leave Andy alone. She extended her arm toward the sofa. “Care to sit?”

  Slowly, he sauntered to the sofa.

  Katie headed toward Andy. She stopped at his side.

  “Nice friend?” he whispered.

  “I heard that,” Riker said.

  “A vampire.” One of Andy’s brows arched.

  “He was a good friend to Kyle for several centuries. They were partners. There is a lot you don’t know.”

  “And shouldn’t,” Riker said loudly. “You will be wasting your breath, Ms. Dillinger. Don’t.”

  She sighed heavily. Dealing with him took more than her breath.

  “Can he control you?”

  A chuckle came from behind her. “I wish. It would make everything much easier.”

  “Kyle taught me a lot. I have shields he can’t penetrate.”

  “I know someone who can.”

  A chill snaked down her spine from hearing his words. Kyle had told her only blood relatives could break through one’s shields. Her parents were dead and only mortal, so they were out of the picture. Kyle’s blood ran within her veins, but he too no longer existed. Could his creator still exist? If the vampire did, he or she couldn’t be in the near vicinity. Relief trickled through her while anger spawned. Riker was instigating trouble. She’d have to control her temper.

  “Not to worry,” she said assuredly to Andy.

  “Why are the police raiding the orchard?”

  “Jules’s boyfriend is a hostage. The Jennings’ might also be held against their will.”

  His brows closed in together. “By who?”

  “The vampires who destroyed Kyle.”

&n
bsp; Voices came from the speakers. Andy turned a knob and the volume increased. “How many are there?”

  “Two are left.”

  He lifted his eyes to meet Katie. “Can the police kill them, or get rid of them?”

  She hesitated. “No. This is all a set up I devised to save the hostages. I’ll have to face the two vampires tomorrow night.”

  He shook his head. “We need talk.”

  Yes, they did, but since they didn’t have much time left, she doubted she could bring him up to speed on everything. Still, some knowledge was better then none.

  She took a seat at the end of the sofa. Riker showed his frustration by glaring. His tense facial features were another indicator. Katie leaned her head to check on Jules, sitting on the other side of Riker. She leaned her head into her hand while her elbow dug into the armrest.

  Andy rolled his leather chair closer to the desk, then sat. He glanced at Katie. “My ears are ready.”

  “I highly recommend we sit and wait,” Riker said.

  Katie rolled her eyes. The raid couldn’t come quick enough.

  22

  “She should be here soon,” Steven said, his eyes directed to his cell in his hands. The time reflected twenty minutes until midnight. Their meals should be arriving soon. Smiling, he slid the phone in his pocket.

  Brandon stood above him on the staircase, tightening the wire around Joe’s wrists to keep him from falling. Joe’s feet touched the ground, but the man couldn’t stand up for more than a minute, if that. Dried blood stained Joe’s arms. Pale skin, chapped lips and the stench of sweat and urine reflected his poor health. The heartbeat within the mortal thumped lightly. It wouldn’t take much to over exert it, then bye-bye Joe.

  “I still think Katie is a vampire. There’s no one else who could’ve severed Debbie’s head,” Brandon said. “And the way Debbie’s body was displayed…Kyle’s woman had to do it.”

  Steven ran his hand through his dark locks. He’d racked his brain trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Katie seemed the likely suspect to prop up Debbie’s body as a message to them, but surely, Kyle would’ve shared with his girlfriend to clean up traces of their existence since he worked for the Order many, many years ago. Perhaps her love for Kyle trumped all other loyalties. Even though Steven found this difficult to believe, he could accept the reasoning. What stumped him the most was the idea someone fought Debbie and won. The Asian’s fighting skills were top notch. How could Kyle’s girlfriend have bested Debbie? It would take years for any vampire to learn how to fight to match Debbie’s level.