by Mary Abshire
“I know you dislike office work, but that’s what we need to do right now. Get the names and run them through our database. If we need to contact the DS and have them check, let me know. I also think we should check with the southern part of the Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio to see if they are having the same issue. Let’s get an idea how big of a problem we have. I can call them while you’re nose deep in research.”
Ray rose from his seat. “I’ll get started right away.” He headed toward the door.
“Ray,” Zale said, stopping him. “There’s more at stake than wild vampires roaming the streets. I hope you realize this.”
“You’ve always had the heart and skills of an Alpha. After what you told me about your family and the outbreak, I believe it more so now. I don’t like this assignment, but I will follow your instructions.”
Loyalty had always been strong among werewolves, which made it beyond difficult to hurt or kill another. Zale had worked with Ray for half a century and had trained the young man along with many other agents. Regardless of strong opinions and judgments, it was their bond as werewolves that sealed their allegiance to each other and the UoJ.
“Since you’re a fan of office work as much as I am, what do you say to us hitting a bar later?” Zale asked.
Ray gave him a wide grin. “Of course. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a woman to take home with you.”
Zale turned to face his computer screen. “We better get to work.”
After Ray left his office, Zale located the telephone number to the UoJ office in Cincinnati. He lifted the receiver and dialed the number. Although he had much to do, he wanted to get answers. The pieces of the puzzle were on the table and he aimed to put them together.
Chapter Four
Zale strode into the dimly lit pub with Ray behind him. The aroma of beer and popcorn greeted them. On the wall facing them, a flashing neon sign showed an outline of woman sitting on a rocket. A variety of pictures and vintage artwork from the 1940s and ‘50s hung on the same wall. The classic artwork always brought a smile to his face. Turning the corner, he passed the tables and headed for the bar.
Finding half the stools empty, he chose one near the center. Ray took a seat next to him. The tavern was one of few that kept hours until dawn. Since many supernatural creatures enjoyed the late hours, the business stayed busy. Zale and Ray had left the office after three in the morning. Given the hour, Zale had expected to find the establishment packed. Although clientele occupied many tables, several were vacant. Of course, he noticed the group of four ladies sitting together and chatting.
“Zale. Ray. What can I get you two?” Lauren asked.
The female bartender had short dyed-white hair. A gray t-shirt hugged her large breasts. Zale and many men had difficulty not looking at them first.
“Beer, please,” Zale said.
“Same for me,” Ray said.
She set two coasters on the counter before she walked away.
Laughter from a group in the back caught Zale’s attention. The group of men and women had a slight woodsy scent.
“They work in building three,” Ray said. “I recognize a couple of them.”
Zale twisted around to find Lauren setting the bottles on the coasters.
“I haven’t seen you in a while,” she said, glancing at Zale.
He reached for his drink. “I was out of town for a bit. Business.”
“After another one?” she asked.
Lauren belonged to the north side pack and had worked at the bar for almost forty years. Zale and other UoJ agents knew her and the other staff well since the establishment was located within a ten-minute drive from headquarters.
“Of course.” He pressed the bottle to his lips. After he took several gulps, he set the glass down and then rubbed his eyes.
“Tired?” Ray asked Zale as Lauren moved to the end of the bar to serve another customer.
“A little, but I think it’s from staring at the computer for so many hours. You know me, I prefer to be out in the field instead of sitting at a desk.”
Ray lifted his beer. “It’s one of the reasons I enjoy being your partner.”
Zale took his bottle and clanked it against Ray’s. “Thanks.” Together, they gulped their drinks.
“Do you ever regret walking away from an Alpha role?” Ray asked.
“No, never.”
“But you would be in control of the pack. You’d give orders instead of taking them.”
Due to the large size of Indianapolis, there were four packs, one for each side of town. Eleven others existed throughout the state. Packs were good for protection and raising families. Werewolves mated with one and stayed with their mate for life, often bearing multiple children. Ninety-nine percent of werewolves were born in packs. Few were born outside a pack. No werewolf had been created from a bite. Any member could switch packs at any time with approval of the Alphas. The pack encouraged family, partnership, strength, stability, loyalty, and over all, good morals. One could leave and become a loner. The pack would frown, but they wouldn’t turn a blind eye to the loner. Even though Zale had no plans of settling down to raise children, he stayed with a pack because he considered them his family.
In each pack, a single Alpha was responsible for all members. The Alpha gave orders, listened to everyone, portrayed a role model, dealt with problems and routinely met with other Alphas to resolve issues. Alphas also had to decide fates and punishments.
“I had thought about being an Alpha several times,” Zale said. “But after the outbreak, I knew I would never be satisfied in such a position. I don’t want to see the madness and death I witnessed and make those life or death decisions. I belong in the UoJ and I can accomplish more. I can save lives. And honestly, I prefer fighting versus dealing with everyone’s problems.”
“I guess that makes sense. But you would make a great Alpha.”
Lauren returned and removed their empty bottles. “Want another?”
Ray retrieved his wallet from one of his front pockets in his khaki pants. He set a credit card on the counter. “Keep them coming. And put his on my tab too.”
“Sure thing.” She took the card and then headed for the register.
Female laughter captured Ray and Zale’s interest. The four ladies at the table were a mixture of two blondes, a brunette, and one with blue hair. One of the blondes noticed them looking and notified her friends. Within seconds, all of them were gazing at Ray and Zale. Ray waved at them while Zale smiled.
“Gentlemen,” Lauren said.
Zale twisted to face her. “Thanks.”
She leaned closer to them. “They came in about an hour ago. I think they’re human and slightly drunk.”
Odds were high the one with colored hair wasn’t a werewolf. When werewolves altered the shade of their hair, the dye transferred during changes. Sure, some had dyed their hair pink and blue. As a result, they’d been mocked, ignored, or beaten in their werewolf form. Male and female wolves learned to stick with natural tones to avert such harsh treatment.
Ray grabbed his beer and stood. “Let’s get to know them better.”
“Go ahead. Warm them up for me,” Zale said.
Lauren gave a crooked grin as Ray headed for the ladies.
Zale claimed his drink. “It’s a bit empty in here tonight.”
“Yeah, the last couple of mornings have been like this. Not sure what’s going on,” she said.
He swallowed and set the bottle on the counter. “Have you seen any vampires in here tonight?”
“A few. No more or less than usual.”
“What about demons?”
She leaned her elbows on the counter, close to him. “I’ve seen a few more than usual. Their tips suck.”
“Do you ever see any of them following vamps?”
“I don’t pay attention. I’m too busy.”
“But you have seen more come in lately?”
“Yeah.”
She shifted her gaze to the entrance.
Two tall men walked in. They wore long trench coats and had paler than normal skin tone. They claimed seats at the bar.
Lauren straightened. “Excuse me.”
As she headed toward the new customers, Zale spotted Gordon walking into the tavern. Gordon gave a nod to Ray in passing.
“Mind if I join you?” Gordon asked as he approached Zale.
“Not at all.”
Gordon took a seat on the stool Ray had vacated. “Why aren’t you with Ray talking to the ladies?”
“I will in a bit. I told him to warm them up for me.”
Gordon grinned. “I had to come and get a few drinks. After the list you sent me, I need something to help ease my worries, if even for a few minutes.”
Lauren showed up in front of Gordon. “What would you like?”
“Heineken please. Two of them,” Gordon said as he withdrew his wallet from a back pocket.
“I wanted to make sure I gave you something before I left for the day,” Zale said while Lauren satisfied Gordon’s order. “And the list isn’t complete. The names came from tip-offs given to us earlier in the month. We don’t have any names from recent reports.”
Gordon gave a shake of his head. “Damn. I suspect the list will continue to grow.”
“At least we can now confirm what some of the bodies were.”
“It’s a start.” Gordon lifted the bottle to his mouth.
“I called other UoJ offices in surrounding state. Agents informed me they are experiencing the same thing we are. This problem is widespread.”
Gordon set his drink down. “I suspected as much. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s in the infancy stage.”
“Ray and I will keep researching the current tip-offs.” Zale took a swig of his beer.
“If a call comes in, I don’t care if it’s a tip-off or from law enforcement, I want you on the scene. Maybe you can pick up a scent or clues. The sooner you can determine who is responsible, the faster I can report to the DS and other agencies.”
Lauren returned with his card and receipt. “If you need anything else, let me know.”
“Thank you,” Gordon said before she left to help other customers.
“Ray wasn’t too happy about letting our caseload sit idle, but I managed to convince him we have to look at the bigger picture,” Zale said.
“He’s young. He hasn’t experienced what we have. And I’m willing to bet he’s never dealt with demons.” Gordon consumed more alcohol.
“I told him details of what I saw during the Depression and what happened with my family. Every time those memories surface I realize how important this assignment is.”
“I remember when Meru appointed me three and a half centuries ago. Times were so different back then. The world has changed so much, but the goals of the AoA remain the same. Everyone is committed to peace among all species.”
“Do you ever miss being an Alpha?”
Gordon lifted one shoulder. “Sometimes, but my role in the UoJ fills me with a greater purpose than that of an Alpha.”
Zale lifted his drink. “I can see that.”
“I know you’ve been asked several times to be one.”
Zale set his empty bottle down. “And I still would turn the job down. Like you, I find my work at the UoJ more meaningful. I enjoy going after the bad ones and saving lives. I’m good at it too. I’ll leave the decision making to you and the elders.”
“Well, you would make a fine Alpha if you ever changed your mind. Or maybe you can take over my job when my time has run out.”
Although Zale appreciated his kind words, a leadership role held little interest to him. He wanted to be on the streets where his actions counted.
Giggles from the ladies stole his attention. Gazing at them from over his shoulder, two smiled at him. Ray waved at him to join them.
“You should go and have some fun while you can. Who knows what tomorrow will bring,” Gordon said.
Zale inhaled a deep breath. “Good point.” He slid from the stool. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
Gordon raised his beer and gave a nod before he walked away.
Zale pushed aside his concerns as he approached Ray and the ladies at the table. Demons wouldn’t take over the human race in the next few hours. Why not enjoy a little fun while he still could? He’d take one or two of the ladies home with him and then relieve some stress. Investigating vampire corpses could wait until the evening.
Chapter Five
May 15th
Zale strode at a casual pace from the elevator. Hands in the pockets of his jeans, he headed to his office by taking the route on the side so he could see if Gordon was at his desk. The cool air from the vents soothed him. Outside the temperature had reached the mid seventies. Since werewolves ran a higher temperature than normal humans, he suspected maintenance had activated the air conditioning system. He’d worn a gray t-shirt like normal, but he still felt hot. If he could wear shorts he would. UoJ rules dictated field agents had to dress business casual or better. Gordon allowed some flexibility, but he wouldn’t permit any type of summer clothes. Unless there was an important meeting to attend, most of the staff wore comfortable attire.
The door to Gordon’s office was closed. Light spilled out from the crack underneath. The room sounded quiet. If Gordon had been on his phone, Zale would’ve been able to hear him. Either Gordon was reviewing something important or he was on an Internet chat. The latter was the only way to ensure privacy since they had exceptional hearing abilities.
Zale entered his office with a sense of calmness. He’d rested well during the day after he’d acquainted himself with Jenni and Sarah in his bed. Sex always relieved his stress and gave him a boost of energy. As he took a seat behind his desk he was more than ready to start the night shift.
Within fifteen minutes of logging into the system, Ray walked into his office. He’d dressed in khakis and an army-green shirt. The werewolf always wore lighter pants instead of denim.
“About time you showed up to work,” Ray said.
“What can I say? I needed my R and R time.” Grinning, Zale leaned back and threaded his fingers behind his head.
Ray stopped in front of his desk. The lack of amusement on his face alarmed Zale.
“We had a new tip-off come in from the local police,” Ray said.
“Already? The sun has only been down a little over an hour.” Zale lowered his arms as he sat upright.
“Gordon took the call. He wants us to go to the site and check it out.”
“Is there a body?”
“I didn’t question him. I assume there is since he wants us to go.”
Zale stood. “Shit. Why didn’t you call me?”
“I figured you were on your way, which you were, and the departed aren’t going anywhere.”
“Still, you could’ve sent me a message. Let’s go.”
Zale led the way out of his office.
“Are we taking your car?” Ray asked, walking beside him.
“Since I drove the Explorer, yes.”
“I thought you might ride your Harley into work. The weather is perfect for riding a bike.”
“I almost did.” Zale had decided against the Harley because he’d thought he might have to go to different areas of town to investigate scenes or talk to people, perhaps even local law enforcement. Showing up on a motorcycle gave a less than professional image, so he chose the SUV.
“Do you think we need to bring any weapons with us?”
Reaching the elevators, Zale pressed the call button.
“I have a couple of Tasers and other weapons in the back of my Explorer,” Zale said. “I don’t think we’ll need them, but you know me, I like to be prepared.”
“Do you still have a pair of clothes for me?”
“Of course.”
Once in a while they needed to change in a split-second’s notice to go after
a criminal vampire. It was easier to store an extra set of clothes in each other’s vehicles than ride around naked and have to go somewhere to buy new ones. Time was often of the essence to follow trails.
The elevator announced its arrival. Once the doors parted, they stepped inside.
“Did Gordon give you many details?” Zale asked.
“Not really. He gave me the address and said city police found the scene when they were chasing after someone who was selling drugs on the corner. The officers took pictures and told their commander.”
“Did Gordon see any pictures?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t give me a file or send me an email. All he said was to check it out and be quiet.”
They arrived on the main floor.
“Did he really say that?” Zale asked as they strode from the elevator.
“I wouldn’t have made it up. Oh, and he wants to hear from us right after we’ve visited the site.”
Zale shook his head. If his boss had said to be quiet, then something bad had happened. But he should’ve at least handed a file to Ray or sent an email.
Within minutes they were leaving the parking lot and heading to the interstate.
“Go west. The address is a little outside the Speedway area,” Ray said, sitting in the passenger seat and staring at his phone.
The drive to the west side took longer than expected due to the traffic. From the exit, Zale steered down the main thoroughfare for several miles. Past the Motor Speedway, the area of town had deteriorated over the last thirty years. Many businesses had shut down. Homes had been boarded up or were in a deplorable shape. The city had yet to do anything to improve anything past the racetrack, but they sure poured money into expanding the city’s main tourist attraction.
“That’s it,” Ray said as he pointed.
“The warehouse?” Zale asked as he slowed his vehicle.
“It matches the address.”
The large two-story brick building sat on a dark corner. It had windows at the top level and a flat roof. An auto-repair garage and a used-car lot were across the street. Lights outside the two businesses provided some security, but not much. A small strip mall with four businesses sat on the right side of the street. Judging from the empty lot and lack of lighting in the shops, they were either closed for the night or shut down for good.