The Cactus Killer (The Inglewood Chronicles)

by Jeremy Croston

  Huh, another vampire trick I’m guessing. “Well then, if you two want to take a quick look around, I’d be more than interested to see if I missed anything.”

  Phil gave a grunt and Reno followed him. As they started looking around, Elizabeth and I took a seat at one of the tables.

  “Another exciting night in the southwest it would seem, Vic.” Even though she smiled, I could tell this was disturbing to her.

  “Whoever this Cactus Killer is, I think he has bigger goals in mind than just causing some panic.”

  “That would make sense, seeing how the murders went from one or two over the course of many years to a rash of them in such a short amount of time. Do you think it is this Warren Tucker?”

  “I don’t know. I wouldn’t be surprised, but I would expect more from a man of the cloth. They take a vow and if it is him, he won’t be answering to us.”

  She stared at me for a few moments before responding. “Are you a believer?”

  “Of course, I’m Irish after all. Just because I am a werewolf doesn’t mean I don’t have a soul. Even you have one ma’am.”

  “Oh Vic,” she started laughing, “I’ve seen many things in my life, but nothing to suggest that faith is any more than a myth.”

  “If it was easy, than it wouldn’t be worth it in the end now would it?”

  I could see she was still amused with me, “Now I know the lifespan of an average werewolf is about three hundred years, with exceptions of course. You seem to be quite young for your town.”

  “My generation is the second youngest in Full Moon. The population was starting to shrink so all three packs asked families to bring the numbers up. They didn’t quite get where they wanted to, so not too long after mine, there was another population boom. Felix, my younger brother, was a part of that one.”

  “How old are your colleagues William and Talia?”

  “Billy was a part of my generation, so he is just a few months younger than me. Talia, on the other hand, is a little over one hundred I think.”

  “It is so hard to judge your ages. You blasted wolves all look the same, no matter how old you are.”

  I was about to point out that vampires have the same problem when I heard something, like metal being crunched. “Do you hear that?”

  “No, should I be hearing something?”

  “I could’ve sworn I heard the sound of metal crunching up. Sometimes my senses are more of a curse; I hear every bloody thing within…”

  I didn’t have time to finish my thought. I grabbed Elizabeth and dove to the floor. Reno and Phil turned around to see what the commotion was, but before either could react, a car came crashing down through the roof of the building. When the dust settled, I looked up and saw it was a police cruiser and inside were two police officers. Or what remained of the two officers that is.

  “Those were the cops Ruud and I met outside!”

  Reno and Phil were okay, which was good. I picked up on a very strange yet familiar scent and it was moving fast towards our location.

  “Get ready everyone. I think whatever did this is coming here to take care of us.”

  All three vampires did their thing from the red glowing eyes to the kitchen cutlery growing out of their mouths. Me, I just pulled Roscoe out and un-tucked my blasted shirt. It might not have been as impressive, but if it got the job done, that was all that mattered.

  I followed the scent and it stopped moving just in front of the doors to the recreation hall. All of us looked at each other. By now the vampires had picked up on its smell and movement.

  “I don’t think it’s coming…” Don’t jinx us Reno, for crying out loud!

  I don’t know if it was some sort of roar or scream, but the noise that broke the air ruined my hearing. I dropped my gun and had to cover up; the sound was just so terrible.

  “Vic, what is wrong?”

  “The sound, it’s too much! Oh God, my ears!”

  When it finally stopped, the pressure building behind my ears also stopped, but I couldn’t hear a thing. I saw the others talking, but whatever they were saying didn’t matter. I was about to tell them as much when they all freaked out and looked towards the door. I had been so focused on hearing, that I stopped paying attention to the scent. It hit me like a freight train. Of course, it was the same musky scent from both scenes, but this time it was on overload. I looked over and saw where it was coming from; the thing that came barging in looked like Frankenstein’s monster.

  I could tell this creature had been human once, from the underlying scent I was still able to pick up. It wasn’t human anymore; from the green skin to the scars everywhere and the black as a moonless night eyes, this thing was a true monster. Either he was a big dude before, or they grew him into the close to seven foot body.

  I grabbed my gun off the floor and started firing at the beast but all I did was irritate it. Reno, Phil, and Elizabeth all looked over at me. I couldn’t hear if they said anything but their eyes made it clear, we would be doing this the old fashioned way. I holstered my gun and rolled up my sleeves. It was time for a fight.

  Chapter 10

  Big and ugly just stared at all of us. Well, I think he was snarling too, but I can’t confirm that. I looked over at Reno and I saw him pulling on an extendable metal rod to its full length. Phil was putting a pair of brass knuckles on as well. I’m sure glad they’re on my side.

  I too had a way to defend myself. I didn’t use them often and not too many people knew I could, but when necessary, my hands can form into claws. To be honest, I was quite embarrassed by it, because the side effect of using them was the hair on my hands stayed there for a few days and made me look ridiculous. However, staring into the face of this monster and my gun being all but useless, I would deal with it.

  I pushed hard and after a few moments of pain, my hands were hairy wolf claws. Not pretty, but certainly effective at defending myself. It was a good thing too because our new friend was no longer standing around.

  Reno and Phil wasted no time in engaging, but it didn’t go too well for them. They were fast for sure, but Frankenstein was just as quick. He grabbed Reno by the arm and tossed him aside like he was a kid. Phil used the situation to give him a solid punch to the gut, but nothing really happened. Not one to let others take a whooping, I jumped in too.

  In a coordinated effort, Phil and I went to work. Using the brass knuckles, he turned this into a fist fight. He was actually really good, able to duck and dodge everything the monster threw at him. I snuck around to the back and jumped on. I dug my claws into any part of the monster I could find. Even though the skin was tough, I was still able to rip him up. I thought I was doing well until a giant hand grabbed me and tossed me right on top of Reno. A few seconds later Phil landed right beside us.

  The impact jogged my senses and my hearing was starting to return. I had to strain, but I could hear Reno.

  “You don’t want to miss this Vic, Elizabeth is one angry lady.”

  All of us were getting up and getting ready to jump back in, but what we saw told us to wait just a few seconds.

  “I’m no expert on vampires, but I don’t think that’s normal.” I couldn’t take my eyes off of what I was seeing.

  “No, that is far from normal. Only the oldest and strongest of our kind can pull a stunt off like that. Something must have sent her over the edge.”

  For the first time, I heard Phil’s deep rumble of a voice. “This sheriff, is called the bloodletting. When one is old enough, they can harness the blood of the last donor they had. But I have never seen a reaction quite like this. I wonder who her last donor was.”

  “Gentlemen, that was me.”

  **Elizabeth**

  It had been decades since I last used the bloodletting, but this creature called for such measures. Usually when used with the blood of a human, a vampire gets a quick boost of adrenaline. But this, this was incredible. I had forgotten that Vic was the last person who gave me blood and the effects were something I could n
ever have dreamed of.

  My senses had opened to the world. Scents and sounds were magnified a thousand times over and everything was much brighter and brilliant than I have ever seen. If this is how he truly sees the world, his gift is priceless. In addition to that enhancement, my legs felt lighter and I had a craving for meat.

  I looked over and saw all three boys were glaring at me. Phil Ruud should be old enough to know what is going on, but Reno and Vic were probably confused. I had no more time to waste; it was time to see what these new powers could do.

  Moving with speed and clarity like I never experienced, I lunged at the monster’s legs. I had planned on punching him, but mid swing my fingernails extended to something like claws and I slashed the knee in half. It howled its horrible growl and for the first time since it arrived, it felt pain. It tried to punch me but missed and I did the same to the other leg. It could not keep up with my movements; so while it grabbed at air, I continued to slice it up.

  After a few more passes, I figured the creature would be close to death. I was wrong; yes it was in pain and I was doing damage, but it was also no nearer to death than when I started. I saw the boys start to come over, their eyes full of panic and worry.

  “Stay where you are! I will continue to fight this abomination!”

  I had filled my voice with persuasion; even Phil was not immune to its effects. All three stopped in their tracks. If I could not defeat this creature, than there was no hope. I was starting to tire as well. This power was good for a quick boost, but never intended to be used for long stretches. Vic said he had faith, so I hoped he was calling on it. We might need a miracle.

  **Vic**

  I don’t know what she did, but I felt compelled to stay where I was, even though I knew she needed help.

  “Don’t fight it; the persuasion she used is strong enough to stop a charging bull, like Phil.”

  I looked back at Elizabeth and the wolfish features she had shown were slowly fading away. Her eyes were no longer yellow, but had faded back to vampire red. The claws she had produced were also shrinking back in. Whatever boost she had received from me was no longer there. I think the creature sensed it too. I don’t know what sort of brain function it had, but I think I saw it smile. We needed a bloody miracle here.

  I picked up a scent, one I knew quite well. It was coming from the north fast, but unlike this creature’s smell, this was the scent of the Reds.

  “Boys, I think the cavalry is about to show up.”

  “What are you talking about; no one else knows we are here!” Reno was upset, but he forgot about the folks who called us for help.

  The pack broke through every entrance they could find. Some came in the door, others broke through the windows. Soon the room was filled with fifteen angry wolves, and they wasted no time. They pounced on the monster and just by sheer volumes, were able to pin him down and proceeded to tear him apart. There is a reason they say nothing is as strong as a pack of wolves, and the three vampires got to see it firsthand. Judging by Elizabeth’s look, I don’t think this was the first time she had seen an angry wolf pack. Poor Reno though, he looked like he was close to puking.

  After all the carnage calmed down, there wasn’t much left except lots of little pieces of monster. It was a shame, I wanted Dr. Tello to have a chance to study this, but the alternative probably was us ending up as monster food.

  One by one, the wolves transformed back into their human selves and I thanked each one. Most looked at my hands and I think it dawned on them just how bad I had it. The ones who looked at me with contempt earlier now gave me pity. I’d rather deal with contempt. Finally, the Alpha Josh Greenfoot approached.

  “Sheriff Inglewood, I am glad to see you are safe. We were finishing our run when a strange scent hit us all. Stars above, what was that monstrosity?”

  “Well it used to be a human Chief, but not anymore. The smell you picked up on was something I’ve come in contact with before, just not to the magnitude that this thing produced. Also, the human who killed our fellow Red is connected to what is going on up in my territory.”

  “So whoever is behind this foul evil is now coming into Texas. I pity anyone who tries to do this to us again. Now we know what to expect, we will not be caught off guard again.”

  “No, I suspect you won’t.” I looked back at the vampires; I think it was time for us to head back. “Chief, I am very glad to have met you. Next time we meet, it will be in a bar with beer, not a crime scene.”

  “That is a meeting I will be looking forward to.”

  Chapter 11

  It was well past midnight and we were driving back. I felt better about being in New Mexico, but dang, could a guy get a break somewhere. I had a feeling today would be no better with the trip up to Elephant Butte looming.

  “Phil said that what you did today was unusual, even for a vampire of your vintage.”

  “I thank you for your coy way of calling me old, but yes, it was quite different than anything I have experienced before.”

  “To be honest, you looked rather wolfish, with the yellow eyes and the claws growing out.” Out of habit, I gave a quick look at mine and saw my hands overrun with reddish fur. Uhhh…

  “Considering most werewolf blood is quite toxic to us, I am sure that was a first for the record. I do think for the time being we need to keep this under wraps. I would hate to think about other vampires wanting to use you as some sort of cow.”

  That didn’t sound pleasant at all. “Can we count on Reno and Phil to keep it to themselves?”

  “Those two are loyal to a fault. Some question why I keep them around. I am sure you can tell they march to the beat of their own drummer, however, they are very good at protecting me from threats.”

  “No offense, but I don’t think you need a lot of help in that area.”

  “Tonight was a straight forward problem that needed a solution. Most threats in the vampire world come from the shadows. If you cannot see the threat, you cannot defend against it.”

  Huh, well said. Werewolves weren’t sneaky creatures, so I didn’t think about it like that. “I also wanted to talk about what happened right before we got the call. I hope no lines were crossed and if they were…”

  “Would you just shut up!” I stopped midsentence and just gawked. “I like you, you like me, everything is quite alright. Better than it has been in years actually.”

  “Oh, well then, I feel stupid.”

  “Most men are stupid, but at least you admit it and are a good man.” I didn’t know if I was being put down or complimented. “We will enjoy the ride we are on, that is all one can do.”

  Which ironically enough is what we did the rest of the way home. Once back at my place, Reno and Phil took up posts and said they would watch until sunrise. I told them they could bunk in the smaller spare room during the day, as it was on the west side of the house and the sun wouldn’t bother them. Before I could crash, I wrote a report up on the incident in El Paso with Elizabeth’s help and sent it off to Argent so in the morning he would have a good read.

  “Well, I think it is time for this old dog to hit the sack. Thank you for the lovely, yet exciting evening.”

  “Anytime sheriff.” Then she kissed me again. “Something to remember me by. Now go to sleep.”

  I needed no more motivation and within minutes, I was good and out. Bliss only lasted a few hours and I was awoken by my alarm clock at six thirty. The aroma of breakfast filled the air again and that always took the edge off of such an early morning. Just like the day before, I had a plate full of eggs and bacon waiting with a cup of coffee.

  “Keep this up and I’m going to hire you on here.”

  “As lovely as that would be, I highly doubt you could afford that on your salary.”

  She was right there; I certainly wasn’t in this for the money. Everything was pleasant until I got a knock on my door. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so when I opened the door and saw all three Alphas standing there, I felt a headache comi
ng on.

  “Victor my boy, Argent sent your email over to me and Chaz. What the hell were you doing in El Paso and, more importantly, what did you get yourself involved in?!” Chaz and Argent were standing behind dad; I figured those two bums got him riled up.

  “Callum Inglewood, please allow me to explain what is happening. It was my fault that your son was dragged into this messy affair.”

  Just like that all of dad’s bluster was gone. “Of course Lady Ambassador, I would be most interested to hear your take on the events.”

  I just shook my head as they all sat down in my living room and soon were listening to Elizabeth. I was still hungry so I went back into the kitchen to finish my breakfast. After I had my fill, I reluctantly went back into the fire that was my living room. All three of them were hanging on to her every word like little kids being told a story.

  “All four of us were no longer in fighting shape and it looked bad. Through the good relationship forged between your son and the local Reds’ Alpha, they came back to check on us and saved us all. Within minutes of their intervention, the monster was torn to shreds.”

  Dad looked over at me as I walked in. “Is that true my boy? Look at you forging bonds with other packs!”

  “Yeah, Chief Greenfoot is a good guy. I think you two would get along rather well, dad.”

  “While I am all for good relations Callum,” Argent was a negative Nancy, “the point to Miss Swansea’s story is that this Cactus Killer seems to either be expanding his territory or recruiting. By the way sheriff, Munoz from Howling Canyon is going to be up today to check out the Alvarez body.”

  I shrugged my shoulder. “I’ve no issue with that mayor. Have him work with Detective Jacobs on the matter; she is leading the investigation on him. I’ll coordinate with her once I get back from Elephant Butte this afternoon.”

  “With all due respect mayor, I think we need to start reaching out to the other packs. Whoever is behind this nonsense is turning humans into monsters!” Chaz, I could tell was getting worried.