The Vigiles Urbani Chronicles- Year One

by Ken Lange

  The note attached to the farthest monitor confirmed it. On a bright yellow Post-it, someone had scrawled:

  Please make your way to the 13th floor so we can be properly introduced.

  W. P.

  Well, that was just messed up. He’d literally left me an invitation into his inner sanctum. Hopefully, Alexander and his men were in place. I took the servers offline and cut the Wi-Fi and Internet access points, essentially blinding anyone watching elsewhere. Then I made my way up to the thirteenth floor of the middle tower. My mouth fell open as I took in the sight before me—row after row of stones in glass cases. It was like the room at Andrew’s, but on a grander scale.

  Walter sat at the far end, waiting for me to step out of the shadows. Getting to his feet, he smiled and waved me forward. “Glad you could make it.”

  Chapter 30

  His laugh was dark, ragged, and much more chilling than a man of his stature should’ve been able to command. “Come out of the darkness, boy. You look ridiculous just standing there.”

  Closing my mouth, I stepped into the lit room. “I’m guessing the cameras downstairs gave me away.”

  Walter’s cane tapped the floor, and he gave me a knowing wink. “When it became obvious you were a professional, I guessed you couldn’t miss them. You did disconnect them and disable the Internet access?”

  That he’d wanted me to do so was disturbing. Still, I painted on the most confident expression I could muster and waved with a flourish. “Of course.”

  Walter’s smile was dark, and his thoughts seemed to turn inward. “Good. I didn’t really want to share this moment with the others.”

  “Others?”

  Walter waved a gnarled hand dismissively. “Nothing to worry yourself with, boy.” He sighed. “You’ve been a very costly misjudgment.”

  Sarcasm at the ready, I said, “I aim to please.”

  Walter made a sidestep with a loud click of his cane against the floor. His frustration seemed to be growing. “When we first met, I assumed you were human, but your resourcefulness tells me otherwise.” His expression became almost pleasant. “I’m unsure what Andrew’s paying you, but I am sure I can more than match it. Name your price, and we can move forward as partners. What do you say?”

  Bewildered, I asked, “You’re offering me a job? I thought you’d be a bit more upset.”

  Walter’s cackle was cut short, turning into a ragged wheeze. “Kings don’t get upset about pawns.”

  He obviously wasn’t lacking in the confidence department. “King of what, exactly?”

  He puffed out his chest and gestured at the room. “Behold, my loyal subjects.” With a clack, he moved closer to his chair. “Can you see them?” His voice dropped, and he stared at me. “It’s Gavin, isn’t it?”

  Keeping my features serene, I stepped closer. “It is.”

  In the most serious of tones, he asked. “Well, Gavin, are you interested in the job?”

  Jesus Christ, this guy was out of his mind. “I’m not sure I care for the benefits package.”

  Walter huffed. “We can negotiate the perks, if that’s what interests you.”

  I sighed. “That was my polite way of turning you down, moron.”

  He hobbled back to his seat, making himself comfortable with hardly a care in the world. “How did you find me?”

  Well, that was uneventful.

  A chuckle escaped my lips as I realized the absurdity of the clue that had led me here. “Believe it or not, it was a random note on the corner of a piece of paper that led me to the place on Congress.”

  Walter made a derisive snort, his mood becoming foul. “Obviously my shit-for-brains son didn’t clean up the house like he was supposed to.”

  “Family. Whatcha gonna do?”

  Walter’s face twisted into a combination of disapproval and agreement. “I suppose you dispatched the creature guarding Aaron?” He snickered. “Or what was left of him, anyway.”

  I maneuvered through the cases to the expansive middle aisle. My voice was flat, and I gripped the hilt of the wakizashi. “I’m afraid so.”

  Walter clucked and shifted in his chair. “Are you sure you want to turn down my offer, son?”

  I had to give him credit for being persistent. “I’ve already got a job.”

  Walter snorted. “As one of Andrew’s sniveling servants?” He slammed his cane into the floor with a loud clack. “I offer you a chance to lead. I offer you a place in what’s coming. You have no idea what’s about to happen, but you’d better believe you want to pick the right side of the line to stand on.”

  Holding up my right hand, I shook my head. “I’m referring to being the new vigil since you removed Martha from the position.”

  Walter glared at me. “You aren’t worthy to speak her name! Andrew wasn’t worthy of her! How dare you?”

  My voice hardened. “Like you were?” I forced a chuckle. “Deep down, you knew you were a piece of shit, and that’s why you settled for an imitation.”

  Walter’s expression turned hard, and he wheezed, anger filling him. “You are very well informed.” He shook his head. “She was a means to an end and gave me what I needed.”

  “Kids?” I growled. “Kids you gave up? Well, at least the one.” I paused, glaring at the old man. “I’ve met Brad, and believe me, I understand why you didn’t want him.”

  He slammed his cane against the floor. “That’s enough! I will not tolerate your insolence any longer.” Leveling a bony finger in my direction, he asked, “What’s your full name? I like to know the people I kill.”

  Calmness flooded me as I allowed the Grim to take over my senses. “Gavin Randall.”

  Walter’s eyes went wide, and he nearly choked on his own tongue. “I should’ve known Andrew fucked around on Martha. The worthless bastard.” He glared at me. “Who’s your mother, boy? I want to know who’s next.”

  Anger welled inside me. “You’re about thirty years late for that party.”

  Walter’s features went blank then understanding washed over him. “He’s your uncle. I have to admit, I didn’t see that coming.” He paused, lost to a memory. “Zack and Nadie’s kid. I hadn’t realized they’d even had a child.” He leaned his head from side to side, trying to size me up once more. “It’s obvious you’re not one of the filthy weres, or even worse, a human. Care to clarify your species?”

  Clucking my tongue, I shook my head. “I told you before, that information’s going to cost you.”

  Walter sneered. “You’re always good for a laugh. It’s a shame you’re about to die.” A wicked smile crossed his lips, and he shook an accusing finger at me. “You are a very interesting man. I’ve consulted those beyond the veil, and I have it on good authority that you’ve been very busy.” He nearly crumbled to the floor when pain wracked his body. “Gods have mercy.” He gasped. “You dare judge me after the death you’ve brought to this world?” He cried out and fell onto his knees, panting. “You arrogant, hypocritical bastard.”

  I’d been constantly moving, making my way closer and closer to Walter. About midway to the man, an unnatural cold swept over me.

  My voice hardened as the Grim awoke. “I’m aware of my past sins, if that’s what you’re referring to.”

  “All these years, I thought I was a master of death, but compared to the lives you’ve taken, I’m a rank amateur.” He chuckled. “Of course, the ones I’ve slain can’t harm me. A benefit of being one of the chosen.” Walter tapped the cane on the floor, and the shadows all around us took shape.

  The trick would’ve been more impressive if I hadn’t seen it twice before.

  Shaking my head slowly, I sighed. “Walter, I’m going to offer you a one-time opportunity to surrender. If you do, I’ll make sure your death is quick and painless.”

  He snarled and got to his feet. “And if I don’t?”

  “Then what happens next is entirely on you.”

  He returned to his makeshift throne and shook his head. “You’re as arrogant as yo
ur uncle.” He waved a hand, and power moved through the room. “When I’m done here, I’ll ship pieces of you back to him for the next hundred years, just to torment the bastard.”

  Walter waved his hand again, and the specters poured out of the darkness. As if God Himself were conducting a symphony, thunder struck, and the building rattled. The storm outside raged in rhythm with the swirling mass of souls before me. They closed in on all sides, seeking vengeance on the man who’d taken their lives… Me.

  I didn’t need to count them to know how many there were, at least in round numbers. If Walter had summoned them all, there would’ve been close to 6,600, all wanting nothing more than to finish what I’d started nearly thirty years ago. Stepping into them, I brought the wakizashi down in an angular slash, destroying three of the broken souls.

  They turned into tendrils of smoke, wrapping themselves around me in the death shroud of the Grim. Their power coursed through me as the frayed robes shot out in every direction, tearing the enslaved spirits apart. My view of Walter was obscured by the mass of specters swirling between us.

  Sweat stung me as hundreds of claws ripped through my back and chest, but the wounds closed almost as fast as they were opened. It was like an all you can eat buffet for the Grim, and the sensation was intoxicating.

  I wanted to lose myself in it, but I couldn’t let that happen. If I lost control, I’d become far worse than the likes of Walter Percy.

  With every soul I destroyed, thunder crashed against the building. The violent music spread through the city, rocking its very foundation.

  Slowly but steadily, I worked my way through the horde of ever-thinning specters until I broke through the line separating me and Walter. By the look on his face, he hadn’t seen my transformation until now. He turned an impressive shade of white, got to his feet, hefted his cane like a baseball bat, and swung it at my head. He was surprisingly fast, and I barely ducked in time.

  He pulled something out of his jacket pocket and dove at me, forcing his gemstone into my palm then clamping his hand over mine in a vice. My head exploded in agony. Screams echoed through the room, and it took several minutes to realize they weren’t my own. Or not only my own.

  The few remaining souls in the room howled, calling out in pain. My hand was locked around the smooth, hot stone that funneled power from the specters, the stones, and Walter directly into me.

  One by one, the remaining specters faded from sight, either being absorbed into me or simply vanishing. As the stone cooled, Walter’s strength faded with it. I wasn’t sure how long it took, but in time, he slid to the floor next to me, eyes open, unmoving.

  As the last of his life ebbed into me, my suffering eased, and he whimpered. Power flooded through me as I got to my feet, towering over his broken form. When I jerked him off the floor, blue flames wrapped around his neck. He howled, windows shattered, and a torrent of wind whipped around us. Thunder struck and shook the building as a blinding white light crashed through the room.

  Walter’s body had given up on life, but his soul was still trapped inside. I tore it free, and the building shook again. Then it was over.

  Chapter 31

  Friday June 12th

  It took the better part of two days, with Alexander’s clan working in shifts, to move all the stones and the rest of Walter’s things from Charity Hospital to the Elmwood facility. They would stay there for safekeeping until I could find a more suitable place. Gabriel wasn’t exactly pleased to have a bunch of people traipsing in and out of his domain. But the clan wasn’t all that keen on working with a nephilim either, so…there you have it.

  During the move, I’d had time to review the security footage from Walter’s lair. He’d been kind enough to keep a log of what he called “the highlights.” One of those was Robert Broussard plotting his wife and daughter’s death. He’d hired Chan to remove them at the wedding in hopes of gaining access to the wards around Andrew’s property via some sort of key.

  Because of this, I’d barely left my room in days, deliberately avoiding the two women. Making matters worse was that Heather was intent on attending the triumvirate meeting today, which only served to make what I had to do that much more difficult. Given how the others viewed the position of the vigil, I had to make a statement.

  Shortly after 10:00, I made my way through the house and to the large meeting room. Alexander and Isidore were dressed in dark blue suits and stood on either side of the door.

  Isidore reached for the knob, and I shook my head. “Did Robert show up?”

  Alexander growled as he gave me a curt nod. “Him and his little manservant.”

  “You two should be aware I’m not going in there just to be recognized as the vigil. I’m going to pass sentence on those involved with Walter.” After letting that sink in for half a second, I said, “Call whoever you need to ensure no one leaves here until I’m done. Am I clear?”

  Alexander stood up straight. “I’ll see to it.”

  Isidore held up his hand. “It’s my duty to protect Andrew.”

  “You’re welcome to come with me. I’ve got a feeling things will go south very quickly. So quickly, in fact, that no one will have much time to complain about a werewolf in their midst.”

  When I pushed the door open, the conversation in the room stopped as they all turned to look at me, with Isidore trailing behind. “Sorry I’m late.” Keeping a steady pace, I headed straight for Robert and Bradley. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Gavin Randall, your newest vigil.”

  Robert got to his feet and slammed his fist into the table. “Weres can’t be a vigil. It’s against the law.”

  Holding up my right hand for all to see, I kept marching toward Robert. “Good thing I’m not a were then.”

  Robert strode around the table, his face turning from red to purple. “How dare you? You’re nothing.” He readied himself to attack. “I’ll destroy you!”

  Until now, I’d gone out of my way to keep the Grim a secret, but I wanted to make sure the others realized that their actions had consequences.

  Living shadows wrapped themselves around me in a death shroud the instant Robert sent a spell hurtling my way. His eyes bulged and his mouth dropped open as he froze in horror. His magic rolled over me like a gentle breeze, and was quickly absorbed.

  A glint of sunlight reflected off the silver blade Bradley pulled out of his bag. Long shadows stretched between us, slicing off the offending hand and dragging him closer. I slammed my flaming left hand into his throat, and he howled in pain. His body burned, and power poured from him into me as I absorbed all that he was, leaving only the charred skeletal remains of a man behind.

  Robert dropped to his knees. “What are you?”

  “Judgment. You conspired with Walter to kill your wife and child. It was your intention to betray this council and murder Andrew. For these crimes, you will be sentenced.”

  Clapping his hands together, he bowed his head, pleading for forgiveness. “You don’t understand. Walter forced me into it.” He pointed at the still-upright, smoking Bradley. “That was his son. He was sent to keep tabs on me.”

  My voice boomed through the room. “Lies.”

  Robert’s voice came through the speakers, and the scene played out. He had practically begged Walter to kill Heather and Kimberly, and Walter actually refused several times before Robert convinced him of its benefit—a key into Andrew’s home.

  Robert sneered, and he glared at the shocked faces in the room. “What of it? I’m a member of the triumvirate, and there isn’t anything you can do about that.”

  I flashed across the room and pulled him off the floor. A second later, there was a clink as the ancient coin Robert carried hit the floor.

  Robert struggled free of my grasp, scrambled back, grabbed the silver dagger I’d taken off Brad, and shoved it through the side of his neck, sending a spray of arterial blood through the room. I reached out, plucked his soul from his body, and tore it into hundreds of pieces.

 
The door opened behind me, and I turned, ready for any surprise. Or so I thought. Gabriel strode into the room a few steps behind a tiny man.

  The newcomer was unnaturally pale, and his dark brown hair was swept back at the top, giving him a very early-1920’s kind of vibe. He wore a long brown robe that trailed on the floor behind him. He was so thin he appeared frail, but the light gray eyes told me he was a vampire.

  He held up a hand, and everyone in the room took a knee. Taking a step forward, I allowed the shadowy Grim to fade from sight.

  “And just who the hell are you?”

  His face twitched, clearly unaccustomed to smiling then he opened his mouth and broke into a deep belly laugh. He got control of himself quickly as he straightened his robe, still trying not to smile.

  He pointed a bony finger at Robert’s prone form, and shining silver manacles appeared on his wrists and feet. Looking back at Gabriel, he nodded. “Take him away. I would like some time to speak to the dead man.” He paused as he looked more closely at the body and then back at me. “It appears that won’t be possible.” With another flick of his wrist, the manacles were gone. “Remove it, and have it burned.” Then he turned his attention to me. “As to who I am…you may call me Lazarus. The others know me better as Caesar.”

  You ever have that moment when you know you’ve messed up in a big sort of way? Yeah, that. What the hell was I supposed to do? I started to take a knee, and he sped forward and caught me. The guy was surprisingly strong.

  Lazarus shook his head. “You don’t kneel.” He looked at the others. “You may rise and bear witness. You are my vigil, and as such, you do not kneel to me.”

  Blinking several times, I stood there dumbfounded. “Are you sure?”

  He laughed. “You’re a funny one… Of course I’m sure.”