“For her?” the Count replied. “She’s worth more to me dead than she is to you alive.”
“No she isn’t. Think about this.”
The Count hesitated.
Haley looked up towards him fearfully.
“Call off your attack,” the Count instructed. “Tell your men to stand down.”
Nadine turned slightly. “You still there, Riley…? Nadine. No, I don’t –”
“CALL OFF THE FUCKING STRIKE!” the Count screeched.
Nadine looked at him blankly. “You hear that, Riley? Yes. Tell Dino to stand down. Get as far away from here as you can…”
The Count let go of Haley.
He walked around the side of the bed towards Nadine.
“I saw what you did to Thessalia,” the Count said.
Nadine shrugged. “I ripped her head off. So what?”
“I kind of liked her head where it was.”
“Figures.”
The Count leaned towards her. “You’re not afraid of me, are you?”
“No.”
“Even though I could kill you right now, before you’d even have a chance to fight back?”
“I’m pretty sure there’d be a chance.”
Haley stood up. “If you fight her, you have to fight me too.”
The Count slowly turned.
Haley could see the thoughts forming in his mind.
“How many agents do you have under your command?”
“However many I need,” Nadine answered.
The Count turned back to her. “It will be almost midnight by the time you leave here. You can have two hours to put together a team and then come back here. From now on, I’m in charge of your operation.”
Nadine pursed her lips. “That’s awfully trusting of you. What happens after that?”
“What happens after is whatever I want to happen,” the Count said. “As for trust, you would not want to disobey me. I have insurance.”
“What insurance?”
“You have a traitor. Someone within the Paranormal Police has provided me with information that pertains to the inner-workings of your organization and its personnel. In other words, I know where you live.”
“Do you know where I live?” Haley asked.
The Count turned to face her. “Excuse me?”
Haley could feel her eyes widen.
She could feel them burn.
“I asked you, ‘Do you know where I live?’”
The Count glanced at Nadine and then walked round the side of the bed towards Haley.
“No,” he said, walking past her.
He left the room.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
It took a moment for either of them to register he had left. The tension in Haley’s eyes bounced around till it hit other parts of her body; trying to spread out, trying to evaporate. Nadine flexed the muscles in her neck, and looked back to the balcony.
“You really put yourself on the line for me,” Haley said. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Haley approached her. “We’re still thinking about going out there?”
“No, I guess not,” Nadine replied. “Unless you feel like jumping twenty feet.”
“Not really, no.”
“Guess we better see what’s left of this place then.”
Nadine trudged past and Haley followed her back out to the dining room and into the corridor.
There was no sign of the Count for the time being. As they came to his study Haley peered in at the wreckage, half expecting him to be there. Instead she was just reminded of Ms. Armistice’s demise. She wondered what had happened between her and the Count earlier. Why he had chosen to attack her…
They stepped over a series of dead bodies at the top of the stairs and made their way down to the second floor. There, several of Dino’s men were also among the dead. A small group of vampires were standing in one of the corners, talking amongst themselves. As they walked over the landing the vampires stared at them, ready for the fight again.
Haley couldn’t see if Nadine even noticed.
The ground floor was trashed with the dead.
Among the rubble, Haley recognized a few of the female guests – some wounded, some killed outright. They must have been caught in the crossfire.
The front doors were wide open.
Standing at the entrance’s edge was the Count, surrounded by several of his surviving men.
They looked over their shoulders as Haley and Nadine past through, but the Count dissuaded them from making contact.
They kept on walking till they reached the driveway.
“Two hours,” the Count shouted behind them. “Don’t forget.”
Haley looked back at him, feeling sick to her stomach.
Nadine pressed ahead.
Halfway along the drive, two dark figures emerged, walking together. Haley kept her eyes on the ground, not wishing to make eye contact with them, or even see who they were.
On passing however, she made out that one of them stopped.
“Haley.”
Haley looked up, turned.
It was Brock Ferns.
“What are you doing here?” he asked. “I thought you escaped.”
“I – I –”
Nadine had stopped.
So had Brock’s companion. As the light hit her face, Haley’s stomach jolted.
“Madame Nightshade? How –”
“You knew my sister?” the woman said accusingly. “How exactly did you –?”
Brock put a hand to her shoulder and said something in her ear.
“Important to you?” the woman said sharply with annoyance. “What in the world do you –?”
“Haley,” Brock said. “Can I talk to you a minute? Just off to the side…?”
Haley turned to Nadine.
She remained frozen.
“Just a minute,” Haley said.
Brock stepped away from his friend and led Haley towards the side wall. She glanced back at the others watching them anxiously.
“What’s happening?” he asked softly.
“Nothing,” Haley said, keeping it in.
“Tell me.”
Haley looked down at the grass. She didn’t know what to say.
Or how to say it.
“It’s okay,” Brock soothed. “It’s me.”
Haley looked sideways. “We’re still searching for the killer.”
“What? Why?” Brock asked. “I thought you’d want to be done with –”
“He killed my fucking family.”
“What?”
“He knows me,” Haley hissed. “He found out where I lived and went back there before I had a chance to stop him.”
“I – how is that even –”
“I don’t know,” Haley shook her head. “I don’t fucking know!”
“So who is it?”
“I don’t know that either! Maybe it’s you.”
“Me?”
“Why not? Why shouldn’t you be fucked like everything else?”
Brock ran his fingers through his hair and leaned against the wall. “I’m sorry you don’t trust me. I thought we had something.”
“I can’t trust anyone,” Haley said, storming away.
Brock reached out, grabbing her wrist.
Pulling her back.
“I want to get this guy just as much as you do.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. So you – so you know it isn’t me for one.”
“Why is that important?”
“Because I love –” Brock stopped himself.
Haley stared at him, searching his eyes.
“Haley!” Nadine shouted behind them. “Finish up!”
Haley pulled herself away from him.
He quickly walked in front of her blocking her path.
“Can you meet me somewhere?” Brock asked.
“What?”
“Frankie’s Dinner on the Southbound Highway. It’s open all ni
ght. About fifteen minutes from here.”
“I don’t think I can –”
“One thirty. Be there.”
Haley forced her way past him.
“If you can trust me that is.”
Haley kept on walking, the words ringing in her ears.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The conference room stood still in darkness. The chairs at the table were all pushed in. The papers tidy and together. Moisture trickled down the large double windows at the back of the room. Outside, the lights were moving so fast it appeared that they weren’t moving at all.
Dermott Cresh opened the door and kicked back the stopper. He switched on the light and walked across the carpet to the head of the table, laying his briefcase on top of it. He undid the latches and removed his computer, as well as a stack of papers. A few minutes passed as he got settled.
“Knock, knock. Here for the meeting.”
Cresh looked up towards the door. It was Kendra Armistice’s assistant, Luna Evans.
“Please come in.”
She walked down the side of the table. “You didn’t say to bring anything, so I don’t have anything with me.”
“That’s fine. Just make yourself at home. The others will be here shortly.”
Luna walked behind him and went to the cupboard. She pulled a bottle of water from the pantry and unscrewed the cap off.
“So what’s this all about?”
“The assignment your team was working on, mostly,” Cresh answered. “Although, I do have some rather bad news to share with you.”
“Worse than calling me into work at half past midnight?”
Cresh looked over his shoulder. “Come. Sit down.”
Luna pulled up a chair beside him. “Okay. What is it? Things didn’t go well or –”
“Things haven’t gone well, but it’s worse than that. It’s … it’s Kendra. She’s dead.”
Luna’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking. No way.”
“I’m sorry. This is no joke.”
Luna went pale. “How?”
“It was the Count’s doing. She got into a fight with him. She lost.”
“Oh my God,” Luna gasped. She covered her mouth.
“Alright, get a grip,” Cresh ordered. “Save the breakdown for another time. We have work to do.”
“I’m … I’m in shock…”
Heads appeared in the doorway.
Cresh stood up. “Thank you. Thank you all for coming. Please, everyone come in. Take a seat.”
Maurice. Riley. Haley. Dino. Nadine. Jason.
“As I was just explaining to Luna, as I’m sure you’re all aware, Kendra Armistice has been killed in the line of action. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how devastating this is – how invaluable she was not only as an asset to this organization, but also on a personal level. She was our friend. A truly commendable champion for good. May her soul find rest in the afterlife. May her memory never be forgotten.”
Solemn gazes cast themselves across the room.
An interval of silence passed.
“After reviewing the footage of Kendra’s last moments, it seems evident that her decision to combat with the higher vampire, Count Julian Echo, was her decision and hers alone. It is not for anyone to say otherwise. As you’re probably aware Kendra and Julian have a history that extends well outside of the current mission. It was this history that played a part in Kendra’s decision to attack him. It was not our directive.”
“May I say something?” Riley interrupted.
“Go ahead,” Cresh replied.
“Just before she attacked the Count, Kendra made an accusation. She declared that he was the killer we’ve been searching for.”
“She did? I may have missed that.”
“It’s what she said right before she attacked him,” Riley said.
“Did she share her suspicions with any of you previously?”
No one replied.
“Do we have any evidence that implicates the Count?”
“Evidence,” Jason scoffed.
“Problem, Freelaw?”
“We don’t have any evidence on any of them. This whole investigation has been a fucking joke from the start.”
“I don’t think Kendra would share that assessment,” Cresh said coldly.
“I’m sorry, but it has been. Sending a first day recruit undercover into the Vampire Dating Agency? Yeah, she’s smart. Yeah, she can defend herself. But she has no experience in undercover investigation. And now look what’s happened.”
“Haley? Isn’t it?”
Haley put up her hand.
“Stand up, dear.”
Haley stood.
“On behalf of the paranormal police, I first want to congratulate you for your service tonight. Despite Mr. Freelaw’s criticisms, I’m told your efforts were outstanding.”
Haley didn’t reply.
“I of course, also wish to apologize for putting you … and your family, in such danger. You aren’t obligated to participate any further in the investigation. One of our drivers will take you to wherever you desire.”
“No,” Haley said. “No fucking way.”
“I’m sorry?”
She leaned across the table. “I’m not going anywhere until this bastard is caught.”
Cresh hesitated.
“I can vouch for her,” Nadine spoke up. “She’s the real deal. She’s gonna see this through.”
“Well, I…” Cresh began. “I wouldn’t take it upon myself to stand in your way.”
Haley glared back sourly.
“You can sit back down.”
She complied.
“Now as much as some of you wish to bring this killer in, or get retribution against the Count, Nadine has informed me of something more pressing. The Count is holding us to ransom. He claims someone within our division has betrayed us, and given him access to our database, including reports on all of you. He has threatened to use this information against us, unless Nadine assembles a team for him which he apparently has orders for. I’m not sure as to the full extent of his intentions, but obviously this puts us all in a horrible position.”
“How are we to proceed?” Maurice asked.
“I vote we pull our resources, and launch another attack on the agency,” Jason said.
Dino stood up. “You can count me and my guys out.”
“Your guys?” Nadine challenged. “You all work for us –”
“My team was twenty-six strong when we went in tonight,” Dino said. “Only eight guys made it out of there alive. Not that anyone seems to give a fuck.”
“We’re in crisis here, Dino,” Cresh fired. “We have to prioritize –”
Dino gave him the finger. “Fuck you.” He glanced round the room. “I’m done with this bullshit.”
He went for the door.
Nadine went after him. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“Get off me,” Dino said shoving her back.
“Hey, hey, hey,” Cresh shouted. “Enough of –”
Nadine was moving in for a fast attack.
“NADINE!” Cresh shouted. “SIT THE FUCK DOWN!”
Her fist went past Dino, slamming into the door behind him and knocking it off its hinges.
There was a loud crash.
Dino pointed his finger at her. “You want to know who your traitor is? This bitch here. She’s a fucking nutcase, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get the fuck away from here.”
He stormed out.
“Let him go,” Cresh said. “That’s an order.”
Nadine put her hands to her hips, fuming.
“Sit down.”
She reluctantly sat.
“Now, I’m not going to stop any of you from leaving, like he did,” Cresh said. “It’s been an emotional night. I’m not in a position to tell you what to do. But we should figure this out together.”
Jason put his hands through his hair.
Riley’s chin was on the table, eyes clo
sed.
Haley couldn’t stop fidgeting.
“I for one, trust the Count,” Nadine said. “I don’t think he’s the killer. And I don’t think he’ll abuse his privilege if we side with him.”
“What?” Jason gasped. “Are you fucking serious?”
“That’s a bit of leap,” Maurice remarked.
“Look, nothing beats evidence,” Nadine continued. “But right now I’m going with my gut. In my experience, dealing with killers, and vampires, and people. I can often tell when someone’s being dishonest. And I don’t think its him…”
Riley lifted her face up off the table. “Kendra would say otherwise.”
“Kendra’s dead,” Nadine replied. “And she –”
“Nadine,” Cresh said rising from his chair. “Can I have a quick word?”
She looked at him irritably. “I guess so.”
Cresh addressed the group. “Five minutes everyone. There’s food and drink around somewhere. Try and … relax.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Director Cresh and Nadine left closing the door behind them. Jason was first out of his seat walking across the room to the back cupboard. Luna stood up from her place but made no move to go elsewhere. Haley looked from Riley to Maurice, the latter of which stood up and went to the door in an attempt to eavesdrop.
“Tonight fucking sucks,” Riley said stating the obvious. “When I get home I might have to hang myself.”
“Which way are you guys leaning?” Luna asked. “Do you want to join that – what’s her name?”
“Nadine,” Haley answered.
“Are you thinking about going along with whatever she proposes? Or … what…”
“She’s pretty convincing,” Haley said.
“Yeah, convincing,” Riley said with sarcasm.
“You don’t think so?”
“All I know is I’m not going anywhere near that Count Monster thing.”
Luna turned behind her. “Jason?”
Jason poked his head out of the cupboard. He had a glass of whiskey in his hands. “What?”
“Are you following Nadine into the abyss?” Riley asked.
Jason took a drink. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Maurice stepped away from the door. He approached the table. “If it’s true the Count has access to our database, we’re fucked.”
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