Take My Breath Away

by Lari Smythe

  Chapter 9

  The initial blur of images was staggering, but I was no longer aware of my body except for a gentle swaying from side-to-side. As Benjamin had suggested, together we were quickly transported to Lambs Knoll, but not the Lambs Knoll I knew—the one of monuments, plaques and communication towers—but the Lambs Knoll of 1864, a peaceful rural farming community.

  I gasped as the images skipped forward dropping us in the middle of the battle. Suddenly my side was on fire as a Yankee musket ball found its mark. I was hit twice more before I hit the ground. I was dying. As I lay there in the fog of death, I saw Tink fall on the outskirts of Sunken Road. Then, the images blurred behind a curtain of blood, but the sounds of men in agony continued, growing weaker as time passed.

  Slowly the battle moved away and silence took its place. In the darkness, there was an instantaneous flash of light and then burning—pain—I was being burned alive. As if that weren't enough, I couldn't move—cry out—and then I was being dragged—falling, I was falling. Muted thuds hit the area around me and fell against me—pressing—chocking—oozing bodies piled one on top of another.

  "Stop!" I interrupted. "Go back."

  Benjamin and I rewound his memory to just before the silent darkness.

  "Slowly this time."

  Almost like a slow motion DVR recording, the scene repeated. Crimson faded to blackness—the chaos faded to silence and this time as the darkness began to lighten, I saw it.

  I gasped, jerked away, collapsing into Benjamin's arms. When I looked up, Benjamin's eyes were as wide as mine. "Was that—"

  "What did you see?" Benjamin asked.

  "You didn't see it?"

  "No, we were repeating the memory of my death and you were suddenly gone." He lifted me back up on my feet.

  "I saw the face—the same face from Debbi's nightmare, still blurred, but definitely the same."

  "Your intuition was correct then, the well," Benjamin said.

  "No. Its the face of the vampire that changed you—that started all this."

  Benjamin froze. "But I don't know—I've never seen—"

  "But you did." I looked toward Tink. "I need something to draw with, quickly before it's gone."

  "Be right back." Tink raced down the tunnel the way we came. He was only gone for a moment before returning. "Will this work." He handed me a linen window shade and a piece of charred wood.

  "Perfect." I spread out the linen on the floor and began sketching. Benjamin, Elizabeth, Tink and Jason gathered around as I worked. "This is the man I saw." But the image was blurred, lacked distinguishing characteristics.

  Jason stooped down next to me. "Look here," he said pointing to the lower portion of my drawing, "the button." Jason took my hand and gently steered it to the face. "Close your eyes and try again. Shut everything else out, only the face."

  When I opened my eyes, it was the same blurry face. "I've lost it."

  "It was a remarkable effort," Benjamin said, stepping back. Elizabeth and Tink also stepped away.

  "Don't give up," Jason said. He moved my hand to the area where the nose would be. "Close your eyes again, but this time, concentrate only on the nose."

  When I opened my eyes, I'd added more detail—still vague, but better.

  "Okay, now the mouth." He moved my hand to the area of the mouth and I closed my eyes and sketched again.

  When I opened my eyes this time, like the nose, I'd added more detail. Benjamin, Elizabeth and Tink stepped closer.

  "Okay, one more time." Jason moved my hand to the eyes.

  Once finished, I opened my eyes to a more human looking face, but it still lacked sufficient detail. As I stared at it, I began to refine the areas I'd improved. Ever so slowly, the image gained detail.

  "The historian," Benjamin said.

  "The man in the corner booth," Jason added.

  "The face in Debbi's subconscious and the man who changed you. One in the same," I concluded.

  "Then it's true," Elizabeth said. "But why? I don't understand what he wants. Why destroy our past."

  "More importantly, how do we stop him?" Jason said.

  "And what about the human involvement?" Tink added.

  Benjamin thought for a moment. "It seems as though this revelation has brought more questions than answers, but it is a starting point. We know more now than we did."

  "Yes, that is true." Elizabeth said. She seemed to pick up on the lingering connection between Benjamin and me. "Boys, why don't we walk down to the well?"

  "But we just—"

  "Jason," I said with a wink, "they won't bite, I promise."

  Benjamin squirmed awkwardly once they were gone. It was a side of him I'd never seen. Gone was his usual commanding persona. The closest I'd seen him to this state was that night in the parlor when he described his painting to me and more recently as he stood in the ashes of his home.

  "How do you feel?" he said.

  "I'm fine," I said, but my voice gave away my uncertainty.

  "I'm sorry you had to see that. It is an unfortunate side of humanity that is not pleasant to witness, particularly for one of your gender."

  "I've read about war—in history class—but I had no idea—no concept of the actual brutality—the fear it entailed. Honestly, it makes my death seem insignificant."

  "Death is never insignificant."

  I nodded. "That took more out of me than I expected and I haven't fed in days."

  Benjamin glanced at my eyes. "Yes, a hunt would seem appropriate."

  "What about Jason?" I asked.

  "There is a small structure south of the main house. It is still standing. Tink has a vehicle stored there, perhaps your young man might be capable of getting it operational."

  "Oh."

  He seemed to pick up on my uncertainty. "Is there a problem?"

  "I'm not sure—its just—well, I'll kind of be tucking him away while we hunt and—well—he sort of has this male thing—"

  "Ah." Benjamin chuckled. "A man has certain, shall we say, expectations."

  "It's not fair."

  He smiled. "All is fair in love and—"

  "It's not a war."

  "No, of course not." He turned toward the tunnel that led to the well. "I'll send young Jason back and we'll meet you at the river bank."

  It wasn't long before I heard Jason's footsteps. I really wasn't sure how I was going to make Jason understand. I hated that he felt inferior. Truth was, I'd give anything to be the weaker of the two of us. In some ways I was, after all it was Jason who had the strength to find me and set things right with my past. Even now, he was here in the midst of what could become a vampire war. I just wished he could see it.

  "There you are," he said as he appeared out of the darkness. "What's the plan?"

  "Not really a plan so much. We need to hunt and well—"

  His shoulders drooped. "Yeah, yeah, I have to stay behind."

  "I'm glad you understand. I'd hate for you to see me like—"

  "Like what, the incredible hunter that you must be? Are you kidding me?"

  I turned away. "There is never a time when I feel more distant from you than when I hunt. That's when I feel the least human."

  He stepped behind me and gently grasped my shoulder with his free hand. Slowly, he traced the outline of my arm, past my elbow and then wrapped his arm around my waist. "Don't be ridiculous." He plunged his face into my thick, curly hair. Finding the nape of my neck, he kissed me.

  I responded with a low growl—intentionally—but the sound fueled the fire in the back of my throat. "I really do need to hunt."

  "Sure." He let go and stepped back. "I'll hold up here until you're finished."

  "Oh, no, I forgot. Benjamin said there was a car in the barn south of the house."

  "Okay?"

  "He thought that maybe you could get it running."

  He flashed an I'm needed grin. "Yeah, sure, I'll give it a shot."

  "You want me to—" I was going to offer him a lift, but t
hought better of it. "Okay, we'll catch up with you there." We walked back through the tunnel until we reached the house. I gave him a reassuring kiss on the cheek and headed back toward the well.

  The hunt was uneventful although we stayed close to one another for protection. We still had no idea of why this vampire was hunting Benjamin. We needed a plan, but I was confident that given time, Benjamin would come up with something.

  Once we had disposed of our individual kills, we regrouped at a clearing on the far side of the plantation. From there, we could clearly see the barn. I could be sure Jason was safe.

  "If what you say is true," Tink began, "then this monster must have changed me as well. Does that mean he's after me too?"

  "I believe it does."

  "And Elizabeth?" Tink added.

  "I'm not sure. It is difficult to fathom his motivation."

  "I do not understand what possessed him to involve humans," Elizabeth said staring at me. "Surely after so much time he must know it is forbidden."

  "I don't think he cares," Tink said.

  "I agree," Benjamin added. "That makes him all the more dangerous. If, as you say, he has abandoned all reason then he is very dangerous indeed."

  "So what do we do?" I asked.

  Benjamin and Elizabeth exchanged a calculated glance as if they were agreeing on an unspoken conversation. "We don't do anything. I believe it is quite clear our adversary has no interest in you."

  "You don't know that," I argued. "For all we know he followed me here."

  "Ah, but considering that he also did this years ago, I doubt it. We've been here for weeks, he's had ample time to locate us."

  "So what are you suggesting?" I pressed.

  "I believe we should split up."

  "What! No—that's crazy—we're stronger together."

  "I won't have you in the line of fire," Benjamin said with finality.

  "So, what, you expect me to just walk away? I can't do that—I won't."

  "I believe the best plan is for us to lead them away. In that way, we will give you and young Jason a chance to slip away. At the same time we can verify that he is indeed following us. It is still possible our conclusion is wrong."

  "Wrong? What's wrong is this stupid plan. You said you wanted me to be part of this family, yet here you are trying to get rid of me. Elizabeth, tell him."

  "I'm afraid I agree with Benjamin. It is much safer for you if we—"

  "Tink?"

  Tink just shrugged.

  "Think of Jason," Elizabeth said. "How would you feel if something happened to him? Could he ever forgive you if he were changed?"

  "He'd probably thank me," I huffed.

  Elizabeth gawked. "I had no idea, you said—"

  "I said I have no intention of letting this happen to him, but I didn't say he felt the same." I was angry and kept going. "He said he'd accept spending the rest of his life with me if he had to, but he'd prefer we were forever."

  "I see. I don't believe that changes anything." She turned to Benjamin for concurrence.

  "I agree. To your point, it probably makes it even more imperative we separate. For his safety."

  Benjamin, Tink and Elizabeth folded toward one another, excluding me.

  I jumped up. "Seriously! Now? You expect me to just let you walk away—just like that?"

  "Of course not," Elizabeth said. "You are a very important part of our family and I—no we will miss you terribly, but as your parents, it is our responsibility to see to your safety."

  "By leaving me?"

  "By drawing the danger away," Benjamin reaffirmed. "Once you are safe, say in the morning, you and young Jason can head back to Boonsboro."

  "I can't believe I'm hearing this. Boonsboro, like the vamp doesn't know about Boonsboro? Hello, the photo Jason took, the tracking, he's been there."

  "From all we have learned, he and his gang of cyclists will follow us."

  "What if you're wrong? Jason and I will be alone."

  "She makes a valid point," Benjamin said, obviously concerned he missed such a key point. "Very well, as you wish. Tolliver, you will join Izzy and Jason as far as Melanie's. By then we'll have a clear idea of our adversaries response." He looked to Elizabeth for final approval.

  "Very well, fine," she huffed, wagging her finger at Tink. "You keep her safe."

  "I shall Ma'am."

  "I still think this is a mistake," I complained.

  "Think of young Jason, from what you've said of the bikers, our adversary would hold no quarter with him. He could be killed, or changed. You said you love him, could you live with yourself?"

  That wasn't fair and Benjamin knew it, but he had a point. I could never let anything happen to Jason. Benjamin and Elizabeth wasted no time with only short goodbyes and a hug, and then Tink and I were alone.

  "Well, hope three's not a crowd," Tink said. "Lets go see if he's made any progress with the car."

  We followed our normal pattern, hugging the tree line, avoiding the open areas, until we were outside the small barn—more of an oversized shed really. I knocked before we entered.

  A short grinding noise was followed by a popping, sputtering sound that stopped almost before it started. Jason swung out of the driver's seat.

  "Oh, there you are. I see we have a chaperone. Your mom and dad not to keen on us being alone I take it."

  "Something like that."

  "They're joining us, right?" He picked up on my hesitation. "No?"

  "They think it's best if they lead them away, then once it's safe, they want us to go home."

  "Home? Have you all forgotten the photo, the bikers?"

  "No. What do you mean the bikers?"

  "Don't you remember, the date, the blindfold?"

  "Blindfold?" Tink smirked.

  "Wait," I said, "I do. We passed a whole lot of motorcycles. I thought it was weird because it was so cold. It doesn't matter though Benjamin and Elizabeth are already gone. Do you think the fact that the bikers were in Boonsboro changes anything, Tink?"

  "Nah." Tink plucked a piece of straw out of a hay bale by the door and stuck it in his mouth. He turned to Jason. "Won't start?"

  "So Tink, you don't mind if I call you Tink do you?"

  "Nah."

  "It'll start if I pour gas down the carburetor, but it won't stay running."

  "Sounds like water in the gas or a plugged fuel line."

  "That's what I was thinking. I had water in the gas in the Jeep once."

  "Does that mean you can't fix it?" I asked.

  "Did you check the fuel line yet?" Tink asked Jason.

  Jason pointed to his sling. "Couldn't really climb under the car, sorry."

  "How about if I lift it?" Tink offered.

  "Sure, piece of cake then. There are some tools over here on the bench. Gas tank's in the front of this one.

  Tink went around to the front of the strange looking little car and lifted the nose. Jason was on a roll around chair in the back with a wrench and a bucket. Soon I could smell gas—old gas, almost like kerosene.

  "Looks like the fuel line is clear," Jason said.

  Tink set the car down. "Looks like I'm going for gas." Tink grabbed a metal gas can from a shelf in the garage.

  "And leave us—alone—without a chaperone?" Jason mocked.

  Tink grinned. "I think she can handle you."

  "That is so true," I cooed.

  "Maybe I should send you." Tink pointed a finger at me. "I'll make this quick—too quick, got it."

  I pulled Jason up from the seat and wrapped my arm around him. "Run along now."

  Tink grunted with displeasure, but started for the door.

  "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on a minute," Jason said. "Didn't we agree that Tink might be a target? I'm thinking maybe I should go."

  Tink scratched his head. "Nah, closest gas is three or four miles away and besides, you were seen at the biker bar. I'll keep out of sight and everything should be fine."

  "Well," I chimed in, "in that case—" I
pulled Jason closer.

  "Ouch!" Jason grimaced.

  "Sorry," I said.

  "Yeah, nothing to worry about." Tink winked and then left.

  "You really shouldn't tease him like that," Jason said, "the guy's got to be wound pretty tight."

  "Wound pretty tight?"

  "You know, no girls—the two of you weren't—you didn't—"

  "God no—he's like a brother."

  He tried to hide it, but I could see Jason's smile. "Oh, well I just figured—you know."

  "Well you're wrong—besides—I haven't."

  "Same here—if you mean what I think you mean."

  "Hello, Tink said quick." I let Jason push me back against the car and kiss me. He was sweaty from working on the car, and his musky, masculinity was intoxicating, especially after the hunt. I was on fire, the good kind of fire and the burn in my throat was totally under control.

  Jason slid his sling to the side, exposing his unbuttoned shirt. My blouse was still wet from the river and I swear it sizzled when Jason pressed his body against mine. I pulled his face down against the nape of my neck. His hot, wet lips kissed me over and over until they reached my earlobe.

  Some kind of sound, half animal, half human escaped from my lips echoed by Jason. I was losing control—not of my thirst, but of my lust and I was pretty sure Jason had already lost control. Either way, I couldn't stop—I didn't want to—but I had to. I lifted Jason up off the floor, spun around and slammed him against the side of the car. He winced, but wrapped his legs around my waist, leaning forward, pressing his abdomen against my face. It sizzled against my skin, like bacon in a frying pan.

  "Jason!" I moaned.

  "Izzy!" he moaned.

  "Tink."

  "Tink?" I released Jason and stepped back.

  Jason slid down off the roof of the car. His face was red enough for the three of us. "So like is it hot in here or is it just me?"

  Tink was a gentleman and pretended like nothing happened. "We'll need to drain the tank before we put in the new gas."

  "On it," Jason said, sliding his sling back around in front of him. "Probably need to lift the front again."

  Tink went around to the front and lifted the car while Jason put the bucket under the open fuel line in the back.

  "This may take awhile," Jason speculated.

  We stood there, silently, for an awkward eternity.

  "Oh, hey, I know," Jason broke the silence, "Izzy, go around to the front and blow on the filler tube. That should speed it up."

  I went to the front next to Tink. "Where's the fuel filler thing?" I asked. I looked up and Tink looked like he was about to burst out laughing. I mean really—he was like a brother.

  "That ought to do it," Jason said, as I heard air escape from the rear fuel line.

  Tink set the car down and went to fetch the gas can as Jason reconnected the fuel line to the engine.

  "Got it," Jason said. "Go ahead and fill her up." Jason gave me a peck on the cheek when we met at the driver's door. "Ready?"

  "Let her rip," Tink said.

  Jason slid onto the driver's seat. The engine cranked over, sputtered a few times and then caught. It had a raspy sound, much different than my Malibu—like a jackal instead of a lion. The exhaust pipes pointed upward out of the rear wheel wells, spewing oily, blue smoke into the air. Jason gunned it a few times and then shut it off.

  "Good to go." He climbed out of the car. "High five." He winced when he slapped his good hand with Tink. "Gotta remember that."

  Tink just laughed.

  I stepped back and took in the car. The car looked like it had been stepped on. The windows were small, the roofline wasn't much higher than Jason's chest and the patina—what was left of it—satin black primer over rust. Probably the strangest thing was the skinny, red, wire wheels wrapped in wide, whitewall tires. "What is this thing?"

  "An old VW," Jason said. "They make dune buggies out of them in California."

  "A Volksrod," Tink corrected.

  "Why'd it sound so funny?" I asked.

  "Air cooled, no insulation from a water jacket."

  "A water jacket? Oh, never mind. You sure we can all fit in there?"

  "Yeah," Jason said, leaning over to look in the window. "No back seat, but I don't figure Tink will mind."

  "Who said I'm riding in the back?" Tink challenged.

  Jason laughed. "Cramped quarters are going to make for a long trip."

  "The back seat is over there," Tink said, pointing to a pile of old fenders and parts obviously taken off of the car.

  "Good deal."

  The boys went back to work on the car as if I wasn't even in the room. What was it about boys and cars anyway?