by Cas Martin
‘Okay. You’re right, this didn’t come straight from Mother Nature. But I don’t think that the obvious candidates are behind this.’
‘I thought the government was the obvious candidate?’
‘It’s one of your own.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘Not your family. You don’t have to worry about that. This isn’t another Ivan. But it wasn’t human. Another vampire started this.’
‘You’re crazy,’ Monica grabbed her glass and marched across the room. Elizabeth saw her hand shake as she refilled her glass. ‘That’s just plain stupid.’
‘Not if you stop to think about it.’
‘So you’re saying that some crazy with a sense of self-loathing has decided to wipe us all out?’ Monica threw the cork across the room. Elizabeth watched as it bounced off the wall and came to rest in the middle of the floor.
‘Monica, sit back down and be rational about this. I don’t like it when you get pissed off.’ The anger radiated from her in waves. Elizabeth’s heart sped up, a primal response to the danger. She swallowed and pulled her emotions back under control. ‘Sit back down.’ Elizabeth locked her eyes with Monica’s and refused to look away.
‘Fine. But you need to tell me what you know.’
‘I will if you’ll calm down and listen. Rationally.’ Elizabeth took another sip of her wine.
‘I’m all ears.’
‘We both know New York has more families than normal in such a small space. So what if you were a small family with no real power, but a big sense of ambition. What if you wanted to muscle in on this prime piece of territory? What would you do?’
‘You would have to issue a challenge to another family. Most likely, my family. Either that or you would have to launch a surprise attack. My family or another, it would defend itself. If you’re a small family then it’s suicide to make a play for a family stronger than yours.’
‘What if they didn’t know they were being attacked?’
‘Vampires fight messy Elizabeth. It would be hard not to notice.’
‘What if you were able to bring a family down from the inside? Nothing as obvious as an outright attack. What if you weakened them until they didn’t have the strength to defend themselves? They wouldn’t even see it coming.’
‘Oh my god.’ Elizabeth saw Monica’s eyes widen as she grasped the full implication of what she had said.
‘I bet you’ve been so worried about this disease, you haven’t been focused on other threats.’
‘But…there are rules. There always have been.’
‘Someone has decided they don’t care about the rules anymore.’
‘You said you had a name,’ demanded Monica.
‘Yes, I did. But you made a promise. Remember?’
‘You can’t expect me to do nothing. Not if you know who it is.’
‘Yes I can. There is no concrete proof. If you rush in, you’ll be the aggressor. Not to mention you have no ideas if your family will still be strong in a week’s time from now. All you would do is play straight into their hands.’
‘I know, but I have to stop it.’ Monica began to pace like a caged animal.
‘You would be starting a war that you might not win. Your family wouldn’t support you in the long term if they thought you led them to death.’
‘I don’t think you know my family as well as I do.’ Monica stopped pacing for a second to glare.
‘I probably know them better than you think I do. You say you’re rational and level-headed but your first instinct is to kill. This is what makes you what you are. I’ve never expected you to change, but you need to acknowledge you’re not as different to the rest as you think you are.’
‘Screw you.’
‘They would back you right now, if you told them.’ Elizabeth refused to let Monica’s anger derail her. ‘They always approve of violence. But when you didn’t get a quick win, they would resent you. They would see people dying, from the disease as well as the fighting. Suddenly, you would be the sole one responsible. It’s your job as the head of the family to bear that responsibility. Think about it Monica. Don’t start something you won’t be able to finish.’
‘Oh God,’ Monica put her head in her hands, as the fight drained away. ‘You’re right. Why do these things just keep happening to me?’
‘I don’t know. I wish I did. We live in troubled times, all of us.’
‘How am I supposed to look the rest of my family in the eyes knowing this? How can I lead them?’
‘I don’t know. But we can work on it. Together. I’ll help you come up with something sensible. We’ve been in tighter spots than this before now. Oh, good, is that dinner?’ Elizabeth was thankful for the sharp knock at the door. ‘I’m starving.’
Elizabeth watched as Monica sorted the cartons and chopsticks with shaking hands. ‘When was the last time you ate?’
‘I had a sandwich for lunch. And I’m eating this now.’
‘I don’t mean that kind of ate.’
‘I had some microwaved crap the other night, but I haven’t had anyone since the night I found out about Lawrence.’
‘Was it someone you knew?’
‘No, she was a hit and run.’
‘Oh.’ Elizabeth shifted in her seat. ‘How do you feel about that?’
‘Are you trying to psychoanalyse me over Chinese food?’
‘I’m just trying to make sure you’re okay. Monica the person, not Monica the leader of the family yadda yadda yadda. You can talk to me.’
‘That’s not fair. I didn’t drag you here so I could unburden myself. I thought you wanted boundaries in place?’
‘I want to help. I finally feel like I’m useful again.’
‘You were always useful.’ Monica looked bemused.
‘I’m not sure I can explain. But it doesn’t matter. I’m here for you. As a friend. So tell me. How are you feeling? Just you. Ignore all the other responsibilities.’
‘Honestly? I’m scared shitless. There’s nothing I can do to protect everyone else because I can’t protect myself. I need to feed, just like everyone else does. I could pick anyone in the city and fall unlucky.’
‘If only there were some kind of human symptoms. Excellent choice in food by the way.’
‘Thanks. These are my favourites. You’d be surprised how many nights I spend here alone. Actually, you probably wouldn’t.’
‘When this is all over, you can take me out for a night on the town. We can let our hair down. We will drink tequila and dance with random strangers and remember what it feels like to not have a care in the world. How does that sound?’
‘Right now, that sounds like heaven.’
‘In that case, it’s a deal.’
‘What do I do until then?’
‘Well, that is something we need to work on.’
‘I’m open to suggestions.’ Monica dug to the bottom of her cardboard tub and pulled out a shrimp with her chopsticks. ‘Anything to stop me from losing my cool.’
‘Bide your time. Given the history we have with this other family, they’ll be waiting for you.’
‘Thank you,’ said Monica with a smile, putting down her chopsticks and picking up her glass of wine.
‘What for?’
‘Telling me which family it is.’
‘I thought you said you wouldn’t use any of your vampire mind tricks on me.’
‘I don’t have to. There’s only one family we share any history with. I haven’t forgotten that night either.’
‘Remember what you promised.’
‘Oh I do. And I only have twenty-three hours left now before I can act on it.’
‘Which means I only have twenty-two hours to talk you out of doing something crazy.’
‘I admire your optimism.’
‘Talking of optimism, how did it go with Harlan? Other than establishing that it was a man-made disease?’
‘The chances of coming up with a quick vaccine are small. Even with the resources I
can provide. He’s doing the best he can, but it’s going to take time and patience.’
‘Garth said you slept with him,’ Elizabeth leaned back as Monica choked on a piece of noodle.
‘He said what?’
‘I’m guessing from your reaction it’s the truth.’
‘What’s that got to do with anything?’
‘Come on, we can’t spend all our lives talking about the depressing stuff. Give me details. Unless there’s something gory and embarrassing about it?’ Elizabeth was almost hopeful. A scandal would take their minds of the current situation, if only for a short time.
‘Of course not!’
‘Don’t pretend to be all holy and virtuous with me.’
‘I’m not pretending to be anything.’
‘Well then, you won’t mind talking about it.’
‘There’s nothing to talk about.’
‘Is he good looking?’
‘In a nerdy kind of way, yes.’
‘How long did it last? I mean, I assume you’re not still seeing him? You didn’t get down and dirty in the lab or anything?’ Elizabeth couldn’t stop herself laughing as she said it.
‘I can’t think of anything less sexy than being surrounded by test tubes. Any one of which could contain a disease fatal to me. Forgive me if that’s not kinky enough for you.’
‘No, that’s a valid point.’
‘Besides, I got the feeling he’s seeing someone.’
‘I thought you said he was living somewhere remote? I kind of assumed he’d be the only vampire in town.’
‘Oh, I don’t think the woman he’s seeing is a vampire. I think he’s in love with his regular girl.’
‘I thought that wasn’t the done thing?’
‘Not if you want something long lasting and happy with the two point four fangy children.’
‘But if it makes him happy for the short term…?’
‘Then I’m happy for him. I know what it’s like to be alone. It must be even worse where he is. If I want to be surrounded by people I only have to walk outside my door. For him, it’s not quite as simple.’
‘So you’re not in the least bit jealous?’
‘Of this other woman in particular, or the fact he isn’t alone?’
‘I meant the other woman, but the second option is perfectly valid.’
‘I’m not jealous of the other woman. What we had was short and sweet but it was never going to last.’
‘These things happen.’
‘Speaking of which, who was the gentleman who’d stayed over at your house? You don’t get to be the only one with a secret.’
‘How did you—’ Then Elizabeth remembered Monica had worn the robe Saul had used. ‘It was a one night thing,’ she admitted.
‘I’m not one to judge. You deserve a little excitement every now and then.’ Monica waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
‘What about your last feed? Did you…with her?’
‘Does it matter?’
‘No, I’m just asking.’ A thought hovered at the edge of Elizabeth’s mind, but she pushed it away.
‘Don’t worry, there’s only one woman who’s getting me into trouble right now and that’s you. The council weren’t impressed when I told them I’d brought you back from England with me.’
‘You make me sound like a puppy.’
‘Oh, they made it clear that they see me as more of the puppy. Doing what you want rather than the other way around.’
‘We can both agree that’s definitely not the truth.’
‘I don’t know, you’ve been the one calling the shots tonight. Quite rightly too,’ Monica acknowledged. ‘I would have left here all guns blazing if you hadn’t made me promise not to.’
‘I quite like the idea of being the voice of reason. But why did you tell them? Surely it would have been better for me to stay under the radar until we had something useful.’
‘I wasn’t going to tell them. I knew exactly how they would react. They already knew. I had no choice but to tell them the truth.’
‘So how disappointed in you were they?’
‘Very. They don’t trust you and I get the feeling they don’t even trust me right now. I think,’ Monica lowered her voice, ‘they still have some suspicions about Ivan.’
‘Oh.’
‘Yeah.’
Elizabeth didn’t know what else to say. The wrong word overheard could get them both killed. Some things never went away completely. Ivan was one of them. They both jumped as her phone vibrated next to her. ‘Hi Garth, I didn’t expect you to call so soon.’ Monica stood up and selected another bottle of red from the wine rack. Elizabeth knew she would still be able to hear, even across the room.
‘Yeah,’ said Garth down the line, ‘things moved a little faster than I thought they would. I dropped lucky on a few things tonight. But I haven’t been able to account for one instance of the Sekhmet family getting sick.’
‘Damn it.’
‘Either these guys have some kind of natural immunity, they know about it, or they’re just damn lucky. They’re the options.’
‘I sense option number two.’
‘So do I. I’ve never liked those guys. They play dirty.’
‘Stay safe on the streets out there Garth. Don’t make yourself a target if they’re going to make a move.’
‘Don’t worry, I’m turning in early tonight. Where are you? Is it safe?’
‘I’m at Monica’s.’
‘Oh.’
‘What?’
‘Nothing. Stay safe getting home. You’d make a pretty tasty target for them yourself.’
‘Don’t worry, she’s about to open another bottle of wine. By the time I head to the hotel, the sunlight will provide all the protection I need.’ Elizabeth ended the call and accepted the refilled glass of wine.
‘So, Garth agrees.’
‘You heard?’
‘I’m going to kill them.’
‘No you’re not. We made a deal. You’ll thank me in the morning when you’re still alive and not in the middle of a civil war.’
31
He could feel it in the air.
Fear.
His heart quickened in response. The blood sped within him. His teeth began to slide forwards and with supreme self-control he forced them back.
Lance was not alone. But he was the one in charge. He was the leader of this hunt.
Soon it would always be like this. The thrill of doing what he wanted to do, when he wanted to do it. There would be no one to stop him. Not humans. Certainly not other vampires.
This was his reward. He promised himself that if his experiment was a success, then he would allow himself a full hunt. He had not done that for many years, not since he had been in his homeland. There, every vampire engaged in one true hunt as part of their coming of age. It gave them a taste for the power. It was a different experience when you could see the fear in human eyes. Not a quiet acquiescence because you had made it easy for them. That was not the real way of their kind. They had been muted by roles and constraints and society. Other families had been quick to bend and neuter themselves for a place in the world. A place several rungs lower than where they belonged. What they deserved.
He knew that would end soon, even if they hadn’t realised it yet. He would cross the state line this evening and then return to his home town before the morning light.
The Giordano family had been his last and greatest target. In the heart of the city no one would escape unscathed.
Tonight he had completed his last experiment. He had done his bit. He could finally allow himself the release. He had spent every waking moment perfecting his plan, perfecting his strain of destruction. Haemoglobin was the key to it all. It was enough now to make their hearts slow. All he had to do now was sit down and wait.
He looked across to his eldest brother. They were of the same kind, of the same mind; they loved the taste of terror in the blood. His brother was not of the same scientific predisposition. He
worked construction, doing the night builds that the men with families didn’t want to do. It was good money and it burnt up a lot of his excess energy. Without it, Lance suspected, his brother would have not been able to wait this long before the kill.
Lance had planned this reward for them both. He was even prepared to share the kill with an old family friend. The son of a council member, his very presence meant the family were willing to condone his actions. Why should the laws and actions of one family be forced onto theirs? It was unfair, but they had always been outnumbered over here. Not for much longer. No one would be able to tell them they weren’t allowed to kill in any way that they wished. No one would care at all. They would be too busy mourning.
It had been his brother who had found the most suitable candidate. A fellow construction worker, he was tough and fit. Not Lance’s usual type, but he was conscious of the fact it was going to be three against one. A woman on her own would have been more to his taste, but the three of them would overpower her too easily. There would be the fear they craved, but it would be fleeting. He wanted someone to fight back. He wanted to feel the power when they no longer could. It was one thing to kill, it was another to conquer.
The man had worked a few night shifts with his brother, but was mainly a day worker. He had recently divorced his wife and was living in a shitty apartment over the river. He finished work and spent what remained of his pay at a local sports bar. He wandered home late at night when he was drunk enough to no longer care. He was over six foot tall and pure muscle. He had nothing to fear from anyone else. Only a gun could stop him.
At least, that was what he thought. Lance was about to prove him wrong.
In the darkness, the three men had followed him down the street. At the right moment they had pounced, pulling him into an alleyway at the back of a Mexican restaurant. The music was pumping so loud no one heard him cry out.
A drunken homeless man had peered up from behind a dumpster. Lance’s brother had picked him up by the remains of his collar and sent him packing with a warning not to come back, if he valued what was left of his miserable life.
Then it was just the four of them.
The man had recognised Lance’s brother immediately. He called him out, using a few choice words, but that only made the situation worse. His first instinct had been to come out fighting. It was what Lance had hoped for. The rage needed to come before the fear. They needed to feel the fight.
