by RL Edinger
Chapter 11
Talia was watching TV. She was in her comfortable sweats and hair unkept. Talia was munching on a bag of tortilla chips and sipping from a can of diet soda. The door bell rang.
“Are you kidding me?” Talia moaned. She put the chip bag and soda can down on the coffee table. Talia pried herself from the sofa and went to answer the door. She looked through the peep hole. It was Andrew. He looked very nice in his jeans and leather jacket. More importantly, he had food; real food. Andrew had a bag from Cranky Bill’s in one hand and a six pack of beer in the other.
“Just a minute,” Talia shouted and ran to her bed room. A few minutes later she returned with her hair brushed, wearing jeans and a black four button blouse. Talia opened the door.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” Andrew asked.
“No, no,” Talia stepped back to let him inside. She could smell the cheeseburger and fries. It made her mouth water. Andrew came inside and Talia closed the door behind him.
Andrew sat down on the sofa and Talia sat in the chair across from him. He had a wide grin on his face. He opened the bag and handed her a nice big…napkin.
“Hey!” Talia lowered her bottom lip. “Is this it?”
“Here.” Andrew handed her a cheeseburger and bag of fries.
Talia opened the wrapping on the burger and took a big bite. Ketchup and mustard oozed from her mouth.
“Th…bur…really…good,” Talia mumbled. Andrew snorted a laugh as he started in on his own burger.
“You’re welcome,” Andrew said. He put his burger down and cracked open a bottle of cold brew for each of them. Andrew handed Talia her beer. She took a big drink.
“So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Talia stuffed some fries in her mouth.
“Can’t I just stop over with beer and food?” Andrew looked wounded. “Or do I always have a motive?”
“Yes,” Talia giggled.
“It’s true,” Andrew laughed.
“So all of this is some sort of bribe?” Talia gestured to her food.
“Not a bribe,” Andrew said in his defense. “More like softening the mood.”
“What is it?” Talia was now more serious.
“Recently I was in Chicago to see Detective Nick Flannery,” Andrew began.
“Nick Flannery,” Talia’s face turned white.
“Yes,” Andrew went on. “Anyway to make a long story short we ran into three members of the Knights of VanHelsing. They attacked a group of teenagers in Jackson Park.”
“Knights of VanHelsing?” Talia repeated.
“I know you were one of them in your past,” Andrew calmly said. He looked at Talia, who turned away. “I also know you were the one who attacked me that night at the Higgins home.”
“What do you mean?” Talia answered innocently.
“You were the only that suspected I was there that night at the Higgin’s home,” Andrew said. “Logic dictates that it was you.”
“Yes, it was me,” Talia broke down sobbing. “I…I never meant to harm you. It was like I was outside my body watching me attack you!”
Andrew rose and walked over by her. He knelt in front of Talia. “How did you get involved in the Knights of VanHelsing?”
“I was recruited while in college,” Talia told Andrew. She stopped to collect her thoughts, and then went on. “I was flown to Berlin, Germany on a private jet. From there we took the train to a city by the Ore Mountains.” Talia took a drink from her beer. She continued, “We traveled for two days until we got to this castle. Once there, my training began. I spent two years learning various forms of marital arts; how to shoot a cross bow and other weapons. I also learned German and a couple other languages. When my training was complete, I was given my Knights of VanHelsing name.”
“So what happened next?” Andrew asked.
“I became the third member of my team,” Talia further explained. “We were assigned to South Chicago. From our training we were told to assume a normal identity during the day, and carry out our quests against the evil ones at night.”
“You became a police officer, why?” Andrew asked. He opened another beer for both of them. He figured they needed it.
“I joined the force to help people both by day and night,” Talia answered. “There was no conflict in my mind, until that night I told Nick who I was. He told me that I was breaking the law. He told me that I was killing innocent people. I just lost it and was sent to Whispering Pines, it was a mental facility in Glendale. I was there for over a year. During that time I learned about the Sheriffs job opening in Bayport County. I was given a clean psychological bill of health. I left Whispering Pines, but I also left the Knights of VanHelsing. I kept all of my gear and just put in away.” Talia eyes were sad and filled with remorse as she looked at Andrew. “That night at the Higgins something, just snapped inside of me and suddenly all of my former life came rushing back.” She put her beer down. Andrew put his down and Talia took hold of his hands. Talia’s bottom lip trembled as she spoke, “I never meant to hurt you. It was like I was watching someone in my body making me do those things”
“I forgive you.” Andrew let go of Talia’s hands and put his arms around her. Talia rested her head on Andrew’s shoulder. Andrew quietly said, “I know you have been through so much, but I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?” Talia lifted her head.
“We are going after the Knights of VanHelsing,” Andrew announced.
“Are you insane?” Talia shouted. “They are too strong!”
“Everything is in place,” Andrew said calmly. “The German authorities are on board with us. The only thing we still need is a diversion.”
“Me,” Talia added reluctantly. “You want me to be the diversion.”
“Yes,” Andrew said. “You would be the prodigal whom returns home. It is the perfect cover story in order to make this plan work. With you returning to the fold, they would never suspect we were there.”
“I don’t know if I could?” Talia turned away.
Andrew gently took hold of her chin and turned her to look at him.
“At the first sign of trouble, the police would storm the castle,” Andrew told her. “I would never let any harm come to you.” Talia took Andrew’s hand in hers.
“I want to show you something,” Talia said. They both stood and walked to Talia’s bedroom. She opened the door and they went inside. Talia closed the door behind them.
Andrew sat on the bed as Talia walked over to the closet. She opened the door and stepped inside. Minutes later, Talia stepped out again carrying a large, leather case. She carried it over by Andrew and set it next to him on the bed. Talia proceeded to open the case as Andrew stood up to watch.
Inside the case was Talia’s Knights of VanHelsing outfit: two swords with sheaths, crossbow and arrows, body armor, pants, shirt, full-length black leather overcoat, and boots.
“Just watch,” Talia said. She stripped down to her bra and panties. Andrew blushed at seeing Talia’s alluring, well-toned body. He watched as Talia first strapped on the body armor making sure it was snug. Next, she put on the pants, black shirt and boots. Once done, Talia strapped on the leather belt with the crossbow, and then the long, black leather overcoat. Finally, Talia put on the swords and sheaths. It was when Talia put on the hood, her transformation was finished. She drew both swords and had them at Andrew’s throat before he even had a chance to react. Andrew saw the cold look reflected in Talia’s eyes.
“I will do it,” Talia said as she withdrew the twin blades and put them away. She removed her hood and tossed it on the bed. Talia removed all of her gear and let it drop to the floor. She undid her pants and shirt and let them drop to the floor also. Talia came up to Andrew and slowly undid her body armor. She stared intently into his eyes as she loosened each strap. “I never did thank you for saving my life that day.” Talia finally removed her body armor and tossed it away. She stripped down to only her natural, striking self. She drew closer
to Andrew. “How can I thank you?”
Andrew quickly brought Talia into an embrace. He held her tight. “You don’t need to thank me,” Andrew said. “You need to get dressed. We have to meet the others in Chicago later today.” Andrew let go and left Talia standing alone in her bedroom. She simply gathered up her gear and one by one, put it back in the case. Talia returned to the closet and took out some clothes to wear. She was not sure about going back to Gothica. The thought of it scared her.
Chloe, along with Roxanne, followed the winding river of asphalt as they drove through the foreboding forest of shades of gray
After what seemed like an eternity, a gothic-looking mansion final came into view. Her dad had called Chloe and asked her to take over the interviews of Vlad Ravenclaw, Storm and the others. She agreed to help, but after asking what he was doing. Andrew informed her that he was traveling to Germany to find Wyatt, whom had fled there to avoid the authorities. So Chloe asked Roxanne to join her, hoping that her special talents would see through any shroud of deceit that Ravenclaw might throw at them.
Chloe parked her car next to the portico of the main entrance. Both women exited and walked up to the impressive door built of wood and metal. Roxanne grasped hold of one of the metal rings and announced their arrival. Soon the door creaked open and an older gentleman, attired in a black suit and tie greeted them.
“May I ask who is calling?” He looked at them with stern-looking eyes. It was as if he were scolding them for interrupting the household.
“Chloe Hawkins,” Chloe gestured towards herself, and then Roxanne. “Roxanne Turner, my assistant.”
“I will announce you to the master,” the man said closing the door.
“Creepy,” Roxanne commented.
“Yeah,” Chloe added.
The door opened again. A bony, thin hand appeared gesturing for them to enter.
The two girls stepped through the open doorway and it seemed into the past. The grand foyer resembled the architecture of medieval times.
“Follow me please,” the man said. He led them from the foyer down the hallway to the right. Portraits were hung on the wall, presumably ancestors of Vlad Ravenclaw. The one thing that struck both women, were the golden hues of the eyes in each painting. It made the men look surreal.
“Here we are,” the man gestured towards an already open door. He left them.
Both of them entered.
The grand hall was overwhelming with its stone and mortar fireplace. And in spite of the warmth of the fire, the room seemed cold. Dark wood and heavy-looking leather furniture were arranged to face the hearth.
Chloe made note of where everyone was in the room. All of the youth were seated quite properly on the furniture. All were presentably attired in suits and dresses, respectively. It was as if the room itself had commanded their respect. Next to the hearth was Vlad Ravenclaw. Chloe didn’t know what to make of the man standing there with long, straight black hair, well defined features and eyes which were dark and not a golden hue. His suit appeared to be of the finest material, tailored to show off his physically fit form. It wasn’t the room that demanded the respect of those youths; it was him.
Chloe briskly walked over to Vlad and presented herself to him; Roxanne followed.
“Chloe Hawkins,” Chloe extended her hand.
“A pleasure,” Vlad took her hand and bowed. “Vlad Ravenclaw.”
“Roxanne Turner,” Roxanne said.
“A pleasure Miss Turner,” Vlad now took hold of her hand. Roxanne shuddered.
“We would like to ask all of you some questions,” Chloe announced taking out her tape recorder. “Would that be alright?”
“Direct, aren’t you?” Vlad smiled, with stained fangs revealed. “I like that.”
“May we begin?” Chloe took charge.
“By all means.” Vlad gestured to two empty chairs in front of the hearth that faced towards the others. It was as if they had already been arranged that way on purpose.
Chloe and Roxanne were seated. Chloe loosened the buttons of her dark blue suit jacket. Roxanne did the same with her own dark brown one. Thus far she was disappointed at being unable to read the feelings of the others in the room. It was as if someone put up a psychic energy field to block her.
“I would like to start with Storm,” Chloe announced, as she reviewed her case notes. She looked up and at Storm, whom was seated right in front of her on the long sofa. Storm drew her eyes up from the floor and on Chloe. She was ready.
“Is there anything out of the ordinary that you recall on the night your family was attacked?” Chloe asked.
“You mean callously murdered,” Vlad interrupted.
“I’m asking the question here sir, not you,” Chloe chastised him. “You will not interrupt me again.”
“How dare you speak to me like this in my own home,” Vlad eyes narrowed and his lips curled, fangs revealed.
“I’m here to find out why Storm’s family was attacked,” Chloe stood her ground. She continued, “My father and I were hired by Wyatt’s’ mother to find him and prove he had no involvement in the events of that night. That’s what I am here to do sir. Are you going to let me conduct my investigation, or shall I go right now and turn this entire questioning over to the authorities? The choice is yours!”
“As you wish,” Vlad sat back down. He was unaccustomed to being told what to do.
“Now,” Chloe said as she pressed the record button again. “Please continue.”
“Things were pretty normal that day,” Storm said. “My parents were getting things ready for the winter solstice party. Since I was grounded, I spent most of the day in my room working on my missing assignments for school. My brother was helping my parents out.”
“So nothing was out of the ordinary?” Chloe asked.
“No,” Storm answered.
Chloe next turned her attention to the others. She decided to start with the boy with the thick and black hair. He had several earrings in his left ear with a beaded chain running to one in his nose.
“What’s your name?” Chloe asked.
“Seth,” he answered respectfully.
“Tell me what happened that night at JFK Prep?” Chloe asked.
“We all snuck out that night,” Seth glanced at his uncle, Ravenclaw, who gave a look of disapproval. Seth continued, “We decided to take my sister Amber’s boyfriend with us. When we got there, we all headed to the upstairs of the old dormitory. There we played with the Ouji board game. Afterwards we all went to make out.” Seth stopped and looked at the others. He saw by the look in their eyes that they were still as much afraid as he was. If it hadn’t been for Mister Knight finding them, they would all have died. He never had a chance to thank Mister Knight. Seth continued, “Gabriel and I were making out, when there was a knock at the door. I was pissed off at the interruption and got up to see who it was. As soon as I opened the door, this person in a mask, punched me in the face. I fell to the floor as they went after Gabriel. I jumped up and was about to go after them, when two more dressed the same, grabbed me. One of them was touching my shoulder blades, almost like they were giving me a massage. Well, all of a sudden I felt this weird tingling and then I blacked out. The next thing I knew, I was in this dark, stinking room.”
“That’s what happened to us,” added the boy with frizzy black hair.
“And you are?” Chloe asked.
“Jazz,” he answered.
“Jazz is right. We were attacked the same way,” the other girl answered. She had a Victorian look but still wore the black makeup and hair like the rest.
“And you are?” Chloe asked her.
“Melissa,” she replied.
Chloe looked at Roxanne. She was hoping that Roxanne would use her special gift to pick up on the vibes in the room. Roxanne sensed what Chloe wanted.
“May I use your bathroom?” Roxanne asked Vlad.
“You may,” Vlad replied. He pointed in the direction of the bathroom. “There is one just down t
he hallway on the right.”
“Thank you,” Roxanne said. She left the room.
“Please explain to me about who you are,” Chloe turned her attention to Vlad.
“What do you mean?” he asked for clarification.
“Explain what kind of vampires you are.”
“Is it important to the investigation?”
“It so that I have a better understanding, that’s all.”
“Very well,” Vlad agreed. He began, “There are two types of vampires. There is Sanguine, which need to feed off of the blood of others, and cannot achieve satisfaction through any other feeding methods.” Chloe shivered at the thought of it. Vlad continued, “Psychic are vampires that feeds directly upon the vital energy of a being, and cannot achieve satisfaction through the intake of blood.” Vlad moved closer to Chloe. He went on, “Psi feeding methods can be long ranged or up close. The families in the clan are a mix of both.” He smirked, “We are known as hybrid and require both blood and vital energy to satisfy our needs.” Vlad glanced in the direction where Roxanne had gone. His lips spread into a thin smile and with narrowed eyes said, “You’re assistant’s psychic energy is strong. We could feed off of her forever.”
Roxanne did have to use the restroom. Once she was done though, Roxanne stood in the hallway and closed her eyes. She slowed her breathing and concentrated on the energy all around her. At first, there was nothing but blackness. Roxanne cleared her mind to open it up to reach a higher plain of physic energy. It worked and a swirling of images filled Roxanne’s mind. She saw a castle high in the mountains. There was a feeling of danger associated with it. Roxanne saw Andrew and some others she did not know sitting in a forest. The same feeling of danger filled Roxanne. She snapped open her eyes. Roxanne knew she had visions of the future. She immediately returned to the room were the others were.
Chloe was relieved to see Roxanne return. Roxanne retook her seat. Chloe sensed something was bothering Roxanne, but didn’t know what it was. Vlad moved back over by the fireplace.