“Listen Billy, I would not have appointed you to the job if I didn’t think you could do it. You’ll have Talia as well and between you two, there will be no issues.”
“If you say so Vic, but people here respect you. I don’t feel like they really respect me.”
“You think they respected me when I first started? You have an advantage over me, you are a true wolf. Make them respect you, like I did.”
That seemed to cheer him up and he went back to his desk. After the way this afternoon had shaped up, I was looking forward to a few minutes of peace. However, that didn’t last long. Without even knocking, a very short and stocky man (almost like a bowling ball) covered in red hair, including a full beard that could rival any rock and roller’s, came barreling into my office.
“We need to talk now.”
I sighed. “Sit down dad, I can explain everything.”
Chapter 3
My dad had given me quite the headache. After hours of questions and his own personal opinions, he finally signed off on the idea. It was important because he was the leader of the Red wolves and, if he didn’t, and I went against him, it would mean banishment. Dad was hardheaded but he saw the reasoning to stop this guy now before our community was affected.
In our culture, the community was the most important thing. No wolf, not even the Alpha, was bigger than the community as a whole. With all three packs taking up residence here, and the fact that both Chaz and Archibald were on the same page, showed that importance.
To give it some perspective, when the town was first established many years ago, it was just a small Red wolf colony. It didn’t take long for the Blacks and Silvers to find us and want to settle away from humans as well. The Reds agreed and soon a pact was made between all three as a way to keep the peace. Each clan would get a vote on matters that affected the community and if it wasn’t a full agreement, then nothing was to be done. It wasn’t often that all three ever agreed on anything.
I was out on my back deck grilling up a steak and drinking a beer. Sunday was my day off anyway, so even without the added stress of the vampire’s proposal; I’d have had a longneck or two. The steak was sizzling nice, so I took an opportunity to sit down and let the evening breeze calm me.
I live in one of the smaller subdivisions only minutes from the town center. I originally picked this house due to the low HOA fees. After a few years of living here, this place turned into home. I just finished building the deck and was contemplating adding a pool.
“Would you like some company?”
My eyes snapped open and standing on my deck was Elizabeth. Not only did she not register on the old nose, but she had made no sound either. “I’d ask how you snuck up on me, but I feel it has something to do with being older than dirt.”
“Not many would say such things, but coming from you, one might think that was flirting. Yes, I can mask myself well; even you would not be able to detect me if I did not want you to.”
It looked like she had been out for a run, wearing workout clothes and sneakers. With her five inch heels gone, she was now a more appropriate height. Werewolves tend to be on the shorter, stockier side, so just like everything else, I was a bit different there too. At five-eleven and more lean than muscular, I was one of the taller people in Full Moon. “I never say no to good company, so pull up a seat. Just one rule though…”
“And what might that be, sheriff?”
“No shop talk here. I’m not the sheriff back here, just Vic Inglewood.”
She was good company. We didn’t talk about anything other than ourselves. I got the impression from her that she was very lonely. That was something I could understand. Most in Full Moon were pleasant to me if not downright nice. The problem is I’m the sheriff and I’m not your standard wolf. Most of the girls in the Red pack were worried if they tried to start a family with me that any kids would end up with my condition. It was a legitimate fear and one I respected. When I told Elizabeth that, she didn’t seem to understand.
“Why would you stay here, Vic if you do not have a chance for your own happiness?”
“Well, my family lives here and if I wasn’t here to keep this town in line, who would?”
“You should not sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of the others.”
I got what she said, but I called her crap on it. “Aren’t you just as lonely as I am? I might be from a little town, but I know how the world works.”
“Most vampires stay away from me. Certain reputations come with my title and my age. Unlike you, I am much too entrenched to change my path. Do not make the same mistakes I have.”
After that, we switched over to more pleasant conversations like baseball. I was surprised by how much she knew about the sport. Living in the southwest, it turned out we shared a love of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“After this is all over, you should come with me to a game. Being the head of a territory comes with certain perks, like box seats to any sporting event I want.”
“Shut the front door! You could get me into the luxury boxes for a game?”
“Of course, it would be nothing for me to call in a favor. My main office is only fifteen minutes from the stadium. I know plenty of people in town who owe me and could make it happen.”
“In that case lady, you got yourself a deal. I accept this case and after we put this scumbag away, me and you are going to a baseball game!”
“You drive a hard bargain. If I would have known it was this easy, I would have said something much sooner. As you said, let us put this scumbag away and then we will have a date at the ballpark!”
It didn’t escape me that she called it a date. Just how lonely was this woman? Anyway, the rest of the evening kept the pleasant touch and by eleven pm, I was ready to call it a night. I didn’t know if and when Elizabeth slept, but I offered her a spot on the pull-out couch in the living room. She politely declined and said she had some other things to do before she left tomorrow afternoon.
“Meet me at that lovely little diner you took me to tomorrow at noon. We will go over more there, once you are back on the clock.” She winked at me and waved farewell.
I went back in my house and hit the sack. It didn’t take long for me to fall right to sleep. I was in the middle of a very pleasant dream, involving Elizabeth and I attending game seven of the World Series, when I was rudely interrupted by my phone.
“Sheriff Inglewood here.” I wasn’t sure if that came out coherent, but at one thirty in the morning it was the best I could do.
“Vic, I’m so sorry to wake you!” It was Billy. “But you need to get down to the hospital quick. The lady vampire who was here to see you today has been attacked and is in critical condition!”
Wasting no time, I told Billy I’d see him soon. I got dressed and grabbed my gun. I had a bad feeling about this. It was a quick drive through town to the hospital. I flashed my badge and one of the nurses led me to the room. Elizabeth was a mess, but she was still alive.
“Billy, is she responsive?”
“Barely, she lost a lot of blood, but so far she has reacted poorly to any werewolf blood transfusion. I think she needs to feed on a human!” He whispered that last part like it was some taboo subject.
“Doctor, can you wake her?” He shook his head yes and I turned to Billy. “We can’t let her die, no way no how. Go down to the station and inform the mayor and DA of the situation. I will stay here and oversee the operation.”
With Billy gone and Elizabeth finally coming to, I also asked the doctor to leave. He started to protest but I told him I had a plan and it wasn’t going to be pretty. It dawned on him what I was planning to do and he said he would be right outside should I need immediate attention.
“Elizabeth, are you there?”
“Vic…” She started coughing up more blood.
“Don’t talk okay? Just do what I say. I’m going to put my arm down and I need you to take what you can. You aren’t dying on my watch.”
Before she
had time to say no, I put my forearm in front of her mouth. Instincts must have taken over and her fangs latched on. I wish I could say it didn’t hurt and I took it like a man, but it hurt like hell. The only good thing is I wasn’t conscious very long. After a few minutes, I too must have lost enough blood and blacked out.
Chapter 4
The sun came glaring in and it woke me up. As my eyes came into focus, I noticed I was in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV. Sitting in the corner asleep were my parents and younger brother Felix. Dad must have heard me rustle, as he started to sit up. Soon the entire family was coherent.
“Son, you saved that vampire lady. You’re a bloody idiot, but you did your job and well.”
Before I could even respond, Felix wanted to know all the gory details. At sixteen years old, the gore and blood fascinated him. I did my best to give him the PG version for mom’s sake, but we were soon interrupted by Mayor Argent.
“Callum, Moria, a pleasure as always. Might I trouble all of you for a word with Victor?”
“Of course mayor, we were going to go grab something to eat. Victor, we will see you this afternoon.”
When they left, Argent pulled a chair up to the bed. “The situation has gone from concerning to serious overnight. Whoever is attacking vampires just attacked a territory ambassador in a werewolf community. Thank God she survived or we would be up the creek bad. Vic, whoever this is needs to be put down no matter the cost. As soon as you get out of here, Operation Cactus Killer goes into effect.”
I did my best not to roll my eyes at his ridiculous code name for the serial killer and instead told the mayor I would start as soon as possible. He told me to heal up and went to get all the information possible on last night’s attack. He said it would be on my desk as soon as he had it. My stay in the hospital was uneventful and Doctor Higgins released me around noon. I sent a text to my family and Billy telling them I was heading home. When I got to my Mustang though, I was in for a surprise.
“There is no way you can be healed that quickly.” Elizabeth looked like nothing had happened to her. I remember very vividly her condition last night; she was covered in cuts and bruises.
“What you did for me was unexpected and will never be forgotten. I am not sure why your blood worked, but it accelerated my already fast healing process.”
“You are a guest in my town; saving your life was never a question. The fact that it was required is a problem. It seems that maybe your friend has tracked you here.”
“I am not sure how this person found me, but they did not finish the job last night. Something tells me they will not stop until they do.”
She was right. Once a serial killer chooses their target, they generally don’t stop until they are successful. “Right now we need to get you down to the office for a statement. Plus, we need to get a safe house set up. This operation is now going to take place in Full Moon and until we get this guy, you are under my protective custody.”
I took out my cell phone and gave Billy a call. I told him to get Jacobs in and that I would be down to the station soon with the victim from last night’s attack. I knew he wanted more information, but I told him to wait, there was more going on than I felt comfortable sharing on the phone. After I finished the call, I tossed Elizabeth my phone.
“I’m sure you have people to get a hold of too. Use my phone until we get your stuff back okay?”
“Thank you, once again you are on top of matters. My faith in you was well placed I see.”
I sure hoped it was. We got into my car and the entire drive down she was letting different people know what was going on. When she asked me if I had international calling, I nearly choked but she promised to pay back any bills incurred. I knew for a fact my phone never dialed an area code outside the state, let alone country.
“Everyone of importance knows what is going on. If it is okay with you sheriff, I have asked for two of my top men to come in and assist you. Consider them field agents to be used at your disposal.”
“If they can help us, I have no problem with that. Now when we get to the station, just give your official statement to Billy and we can go from there.”
“Should I inform them I was at your house last evening?”
That would get me some looks but, we could not start this investigation off with any lies. “Tell them everything. What I do on my time is none of their business.”
When we got to the station everyone was there. I sent Elizabeth into our conference room with Billy to give her statement. As she started her story with leaving my back deck, I got all sorts of looks from the mayor, DA, and Talia, but I told them to knock it off. My personal life was not going to catch a killer.
After leaving, Elizabeth was on her way back to where she was staying which turned out to be the White Fang Motel on the edge of town. It gets some travelers here and there, but it is far enough away from town that no one ever wonders in.
It was the dark patch of road between the city limits and the motel where the attack happened. She was hit by a car and knocked down into the ditch. Her attacker then got out and started slicing her up, trying to bleed her out. The only good thing is he did not know how old a vampire she was. Elizabeth was able to collect herself just long enough to punch him in the side and break a few ribs. The attacker relented but not before dropping the cactus branch that Billy found at the scene. As the first responder on the scene, it was just luck he was driving out there at that time.
“So Vic, what do you think we are dealing with here? Do you really think a human could be capable of pulling this off?”
“That I don’t know, mayor. We could be dealing with a very well organized one that has known about the community for a while now or maybe we need to consider this is an internal vampire problem. Either way, they are in Full Moon now and they aren’t leaving. Not until she is dead anyway.”
“I don’t like it, not at all. Either option is not desirable but at least if it is a rogue vampire, we don’t have to worry about further discovery.”
“Let’s not worry about what could happen. I’m going to head out to the crime scene and take a look, see if I can pick up anything. While I do that, can you set up a safe house for our vampire friend?”
“Of course, I actually think I have a good place in mind.” He kind of stared off into space for a second before coming back down. “Once you give the scene a good look over, give me a call. You’re the best at this Vic, don’t forget that. Our perp doesn’t know what he is messing with.”
The mayor and I shook hands and we were both off. Billy said he would keep an eye on Elizabeth until the mayor got her set up. I hopped into my car and was off to the crime scene. It didn’t take too long to get there, and once out of the car I walked the scene.
You could see the tire marks where the car hit its brakes after initial contact. Dried blood was everywhere as well. The amount of blood she must’ve lost was incredible. Now that I was here, I closed my eyes and took in the scene through my other senses. Once I was able to get passed the smell of blood, I noticed a few things. The strongest was the smell of garlic, which I thought was a bit odd. Also, lingering was gas, some sort of scented oil, and burning rubber from the tires.
I followed the smell of garlic over into the grass where the majority of the attack happened. Once in the grass and off the road, I picked up the musky scent that would have belonged to the attacker. I took a detour and followed that for a ways until I came back to the road, about a mile from the scene. It seemed two people were in on this, a driver as well as the attacker.
Just as I was getting ready to head back, something caught my eye a bit further back. It looked like someone threw something back off the road. I walked over and lying on the ground was the last thing I would’ve guessed to see here. Our first clue in this whole investigation was a well worn King James Bible. I opened it up, and sure enough there was a name and even a church listed. It seemed I would be heading up to Elephant Butte and paying Rev. Warren Tucker of Holy Methodi
st a visit.
Chapter 5
“You did what, Mayor Argent?” It took all my self-restraint not to tell this man off.
“Calm down Vic, it is only temporary. Besides, you are the one who said it needed to be the safest place in Full Moon. No one would be stupid enough to try and murder someone in the sheriff’s own home.”
You got it; the mayor’s idea of a safe house was my house. “Where is the ambassador right now?”
He was trying not to laugh. “Your mother picked her up from the station. She was taking her over to your house to get her settled.”
“Thank you for that lovely surprise, mayor. I will email you the report with everything we went over from the crime scene tonight.”
He was now laughing at my displeasure as I hung up. I was driving home and could only imagine what awaited me there. My mom, the Alpha female, and a thousand year old vampire were in my house doing who knows what to my stuff. Argent would get his one day; I would make sure of that.
I made good time and when I arrived at my house, I didn’t see my mom’s car in the driveway. I assumed she wanted to get out of Dodge before I got home. I quickly sent her a snarky text and got out of my car. I grabbed all the samples of evidence from the crime scene and came in to find dinner was already made. I was too taken aback to start complaining.
“Your brother, Felix told me the best way to get on your good side was to make sure I had lots of fresh meat cooked up. I hope you like hot dogs and something called tater tots. It was all I could find.”
“Well you certainly know how to diffuse a situation.” I couldn’t help but laugh; I loved hot dogs and tater tots. “Let’s not let all this food go to waste. We can talk about what I found after dinner.”
The Cactus Killer (The Inglewood Chronicles) Page 2