Luke nodded out of respect. “He looks so peaceful.”
Stephen looked at Noah, who in turn glanced at Luke. They all thought the exact same thing. Was Dracula really dead? They were still alive. The vampire race had not ceased to exist. But his skin had not turned to dust either. He was the original vampire so what his demise would look like was anyone’s guess. A crow cawed from across the brook and interrupted the sound of the rain. The Master was so still and so close that it was eerie seeing him lying there.
“That crow scared the shit out of me!” Luke admitted.
Noah turned to Stephen. “Well? Do you feel any different? Do you have his power or not?”
Stephen looked inward in an attempt to gage how he felt. Was he now the Master? All he could feel was a little sadness at the situation. The biter actually stared at both of his hands as if expecting to see something. “Don’t feel one bit different. Maybe it takes a while. Or maybe it didn’t work at all. Maybe Dracula made it up put the word out so that someone would eventually track him down and kill him.”
“Are you sure that’s him?” Luke rubbed the back of his neck. “That is Dracula? Right? I’ve never seen him in person.”
Stephen nodded. He was unsure of what to do or say but it was indeed the Master. It was a moment that should go down in the history books, but would it? Stephen sat on the bench and simply gazed down at the dagger sticking into his chest. Ten minutes passed as they continued to get wet. Thunder rumbled ominously and a bolt of lightning lit up the area.
Luke bent down to look closer at the corpse. “He doesn’t look dead to me. Why isn’t he bones?”
“He doesn’t look dead to me either.” Noah also bent down and placed his hand on the dagger but was too frightened to remove it. “I can’t do it.”
“He must have really been suicidal.” Stephen scratched the back of his head. “That was too easy. He didn’t even try to kill us.”
Luke couldn’t take his eyes off the body. “Should we just leave him here?”
The crow swooped down and landed a short distance from them and cawed, as if trying to tell them something. The bird walked around in a circle, cawing now and then. The vertebrate made the surreal situation even more so. They were perplexed as they continued to watch the bird. Noah thought that there was something seriously wrong with the animal.
Noah went over and sat on the other side of the bench. “Maybe that stupid crow wants to feed on him? They are scavengers and will eat road kill.”
Noah and Luke spoke simultaneously. “Do we bury him?”
Stephen considered how to dispose of the body. “We could get some gasoline and burn him. How are vampires going to know that we killed Dracula if we don’t show them proof? No one will believe what happened here. I’m not even sure I believe it.”
“We could bring him into his house, call some people and have a party. Get some photos taken. The more vampires that know what happened here, the more word will spread.” Luke also took his place on the bench as it commenced to rain harder.
“That won’t work because there’s no one there to invite us in.”
“But he’s dead. Doesn’t that allow us to just go right in?”
“I don’t know.” Stephen kicked at the Master’s shoes. “This location will become famous throughout the world. The exact place where Dracula died.”
They were becoming more proud of themselves at what they had accomplished something that no one else ever had. They were certain that their faces would forever be ingrained in history books. Stephen was visualizing statues of himself in different parts of the world. The crow started to dance, with its claws stepping out twice on one side, and then twice on the other. It appeared to have a tune in its head. It tried its best to shake its body and then its head. Dracula’s eyes opened but none of them noticed as they continued to stare at the bird.
Noah shook his head at the crow. “That crazy bird must have been someone’s pet.
Stephen pulled out his sword and showed everyone a devious smile. He approached Dracula with a great idea. “I’m gonna cut his head off. We’ll carry it around and show everyone.”
Luke agreed wholeheartedly. “Do it.”
Luke and Noah stepped back. They weren’t sure what exactly was going to transpire. Stephen raised his sword over his head and readied himself to decapitate the Master but then hesitated. He thought the situation to be so peculiar. He fought through those feelings and brought his sword down hard onto Dracula’s neck, hard enough to go straight through and dig into the ground. The blade of the sword broke in two.
Noah couldn’t believe it. “What the hell!”
Stephen stepped back to gather his thoughts. “His neck broke my sword! How the hell can that be?”
Dracula could no longer remain silent and commenced to laugh, deep and ominous. He stood and pulled the dagger out of his chest and the dagger slurped as it exited his chest cavity. He smiled. “I believe this belongs to you boys. It’s obviously not the genuine Hithroma.”
The three of them were temporarily unable to move because of fear. They knew they were dead and felt like fools. They blurred toward the Mill Road as fast as they were able. Dracula threw the dagger and caught Stephen in his left shoulder blade, exactly where he wanted to place it. The blow sent him forward and face down on the ground. His scream was cartoonish which made the Master’s smile even more pronounced. But he did not pursue them.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
THE TEN HAD GATHERED in a hotel suite a little over twelve miles from Jenny’s location. They were in the bedroom with the king-size bed, with a loveseat and sofa all in the same room; they had never seen anything like it. Beyond the doorway was an elegant living room that looked to be fit for royalty. Why Sharpton wanted the child dead was a bit of a puzzle to all of them, but the fact that he did was enough. He was a fellow of considerable power and influence, and doing him a favor was never a bad idea. Now that they had agreed to do the deed, backing out of the bargain would be unhealthy for all of them. Why they had chosen them was a bit of a puzzle.
Bernard’s green eyes went to the black NIKE gym bag on the bed and imagined what was to be placed in it, Jenny’s head. He didn’t want any part in it but felt he was stuck. “So who’s gonna do it? I had bad dreams all day yesterday. Who does actually cut her head off?”
Archie approached the bag and sat next to it on the bed. “I guess I’ll do it.”
Gage was annoyed and on the border of being angry. “I ordered Bernard and Anthony to do it. Am I the leader of this colony or am I not?”
Bernard took the black bag and played with it. “Just because you want to be our leader doesn’t make it so.”
Gage closed his fists, cracking his knuckles in the process. Dissention this early in the game wasn’t good for anyone. “If we fight to determine who’s gonna be the boss, half of us won’t survive. What the hell will that accomplish?”
Anthony took the German glass decanter that had been previously filled with Woodford whisky and sank half of the blood in it. “Why do we need a leader?”
Gage was close to attacking Anthony for drinking his blood without permission. “That’s my blood you asshole. Why does a team need a coach? Bernard will kill the girl and Anthony will cut her head off and bring it back here.”
Bernard shook his head. “I told you I’m not killing that kid.”
Gage approached Bernard and they stood eye to eye. “You’ll kill her or I kill you right now. What’s it gonna be?”
Bernard considered it. “Okay, I’ll kill her but I’m not eating her.”
“Who the hell said anything about eating her?” Saliva actually jumped onto Bernard’s forehead from Gage’s angry mouth.
Bernard wiped the spittle off his forehead. “He just spit on my forehead. Do we want a saliva thrower for a leader?”
Uberto laughed. “Gage, he’s trying to be funny.”
Anthony spoke from his prone position on the bed. “Gage, why do I have to cut her head off
?”
“Because as the boss I delegate.”
“Why don’t you do it yourself? Maybe you’ll get extra brownie points for killing a little girl?” Anthony smiled and showed his teeth.
They all laughed. Bernard headed for the door through the living room but then suddenly halted. “Let’s get this thing over and done with. Anthony, are you coming or not?”
“I guess so.”
“Come on, I know the perfect place where we can set up the rifle.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
ALLISON SAT AT THE POLISHED KITCHEN TABLE with the scent of its lemon wax in the air; she sensed someone outside but she knew that she had to wait; her pretty eyes shifted to the left as she permitted a slight smile. She glanced past the white curtains but could see nothing, not being at the proper angle for viewing. Allison had a feeling of anticipation deep down in her stomach. She was not all that happy of a person, but for her daughter she was great at faking it. All the horrible things that were going on in the world weighed on her, not to mention the fact that her daughter was waist deep in it. Most nights were lonely. A profound breath was let out slowly and deliberately. A small dog barked in the area but suddenly stopped and commenced to sneeze. It had been one of those annoying little dog barks.
Allison was a little nervous although she knew she shouldn’t be.
Outside the figure stood tall and patient. He was as still as a tree in quiet air. He remained with his arms crossed as he went into Allison’s mind to poke around in there. She whispered from her mind to his for him to stop and so he did, but only after virtual kiss from one mind to the other was thoroughly enjoyed by both. A naughty smile lingered.
The kitchen was modern except that the walls were adorned with Little Yellow butterflies on butter wallpaper. The removal of the paper was always a job for another day, not that it looked terrible but she did want to have it taken down and the walls painted. A large ceiling fan was immobile. The cupboards were up-to-date and the kitchen also contained a new GE built-in dishwasher with hidden controls. The floor was shiny glazed white tiles that appeared clean enough to consume a meal off of its brilliant surface.
Jenny finished her cereal and noticed the look on her mother’s face but said nothing. The child got up from the table and emptied the remaining milk out of the purple plastic bowl into the sink. Her mother was impressed at how fast she ate. Jenny wore a black knee length dress that her mother had designed for her, with areas of the dress varying shades of black, from charcoal to ink to glossy obsidian. It was a myriad of patches brilliantly put together, and from a distance the colors seemed to dance in the light; it was accomplished with Jenny’s input of course. She preferred black as she was to become a red sheriff upon attaining adulthood, and to her it showed style and presence. Though other colors were okay she usually wore black on the weekends. It was her way of keeping the style a little special. She didn’t want to wear the typical trench coat of the red sheriff’s, although she knew that she would perhaps have to acquiesce if it was a rule that couldn’t be broken. The doorbell rang and it was her grandmother, Hannah. The only reason she rang the bell was because the door was locked, and Jenny ran to unlock it.
“Don’t go blurring in front of your grandmother; you’ll give her a heart attack.”
“I won’t.”
“She’ll think you’re a vampire if you do.”
“I said I won’t.”
“And control yourself at all times.”
“I will.”
“And try not to dispatch any vampires in front of her, unless absolutely necessary.”
Jenny stood akimbo and gave her the look. “Are you also going to remind me to breathe? You know Mother, you just might want to have a conversation with her explaining that I AM a little different, before something pops up and she sees it with her own eyes.”
Allison crossed her legs under the table and could feel him poking around in her mind yet again. “I know, but the exact words escape when I get close to broaching that subject. You know what your grandmother is like. She’s very old fashioned.”
“She doesn’t seem all that old fashioned to me.”
Allison batted her stunning green eyes at Jenny in an exaggerated manner and wondered what kind of teenager she was going to make, because with her talents puberty could end up being a nightmare. She was an exceptional kid and hoped that the transition to adulthood would be as smooth as a skating rink though not so cold and unforgiving. The kid had a kind heart and she knew that was unlikely to change, but a neighbour’s kid from across the street had started into drugs almost as soon as she had gained the status of a teenager. They were now living a nightmare with their unruly child. The police could be observed in front of their house at least once a month, and at times more. It was difficult to change the mind of a child that was on a one-way track heading for a cliff.
Jenny’s grandmother stepped in with her large black and white purse; she reminded the neighbors a little of Mother Theresa in style and stature. She was less than five feet tall with stylish gray hair, and even at her age she was cute. Hannah was a gentle soul and a devout Catholic. Anyone that dared to curse in her presence would receive a full lecture and might as well take a seat because it wouldn’t be brief. She had once frightened off a vampire with her words alone; he didn’t dare bite her lest he end up in the searing fires of hell. “Allison, we’re going to do a little shopping and then back to my place. Jenny’s going to help me organize my old photos. She’ll be home for dinner, unless she wants to have dinner with me. Maybe I’ll call for pizza. Anyway, I’ll call you dear.”
“All right mother.” Allison opened the New York Times and pretended to start reading. She continued to be aware of the presence outside and was distracted. She could sense his thoughts and it excited her. Her heart had already started to melt but she tried hard not to show it. “I’ll see you around six then. Make sure that you call if you’re going to be late.”
“We will.” Jenny ran out the door as Hannah closed the door behind them.
The back door opened and Dracula stepped into the kitchen dressed in his Armani suit. He was a formidable presence and towered over Allison. His heart smiled at the sight of her, so beautiful that she actually made the day worthwhile. Even after all this time she was so attracted to him that she could almost scream. They hugged and she closed her eyes tightly. Dracula looked down at her and then lifted her off the floor, and with his strength it was as if he was lifting a feather. They shared a long passionate kiss and it was heavenly to both of them. She reached up and touched his cheek lovingly.
Outside on the sidewalk, Jenny realized that she forgot her purse, telling her grandmother that she’d return in a second. Allison was surprised when Jenny ran into the kitchen and caught them.
“Jenny!”
Jenny’s mouth hung open. “Oh my God! That’s, that’s, that’s Dracula. You’re dating Dracula! You have got to be kidding me! What the hell Mother! Are you kidding me? Is this a joke? Is that the real Dracula? Why couldn’t I feel his energy?”
Allison was instantly angry with Dracula as she moved away from him. She knew that he could sense Jenny from miles away. “You knew she was coming back in! Why would you do that?”
Jenny couldn’t trust her own eyes. Her mouth hung open as her mind raced around. It was perhaps the moment of a lifetime that she was experiencing. She couldn’t wait to tell her friends. “You’re dating Dracula? The king of the vampires? You know he’s going to eat you.”
Dracula pulled up a chair and sat down, and even sitting he remained an impressive presence. He was so strong and so handsome. The Master was going to enjoy seeing how it played out as he assumed that it could get very interesting. Dracula had always loved the fire in Allison. “Don’t you think it’s time that she knew, especially if we’re getting back together.”
Jenny was transfixed. “Back together? You two were a couple in the past?” It was overwhelming for Jenny and then her mind shifted to getting his auto
graph, and how so very impressed everyone would be. She knew of absolutely no one that could say they had Dracula’s autograph. “First things first. Autograph! Can I get your autograph? Please, please, please!”
“I don’t do autographs.”
Jenny’s face turned to utter disappointment. Her heart was crushed. Jenny couldn’t compel him to give her his autograph. Or could she? She attempted to get into his mind, but it was as if a steel door slammed shut, a ten feet thick door. She wanted to throw a temper tantrum but didn’t dare. Her face was such a sad one. She tightened her lips as she considered that there might be no solution.
“Oh for heaven’s sake. You’ll get the autograph. Jenny, this is your real father. The other one I simply made up.”
Jenny looked at Dracula and then back at her mother. “What? Not funny Mother. Martin is my father.”
“Who the hell is Martin? I’ll eat him if I have to.” Dracula was attempting to be humorous.
“You’d eat my father?”
“Jenny, I am your father.”
“No freaking way?”
Jenny stared at her mother examining her face; it actually appeared as if she could be telling the truth. She looked at Dracula and he gave her a slight smile and raised his eyebrows at her. He nodded slowly and slightly.
“It’s true sweetheart. I am so sorry. I made the other guy up. It’s probably best that you don’t go around telling people that your father is Dracula. They’ll never look at you the same again and it could be very dangerous.”
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