by D L Greeley
“Come on Babe…”
“DID YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WERE WALKING INTO?!”
“NO, I DID NOT!” I gathered myself up, pulling back my anger at being interrogated like this. “Careful Alex, she has a right to be upset.”
“And I don’t? Being treated like an unruly child?”
“Proceed with caution, all I’m saying”
“That’ll be a bloody first…”
Returning my full attention back to the girls, “If I had known the true situation and had come prepared, I probably would have just bombed the building from the outside.”
“HEY!” Shelly gave me the hairy eyeball. I shrugged, “That’s what Mai wanted to do.” Shelly’s eyes widened. “BITCH!”
“You’re an ass!”
“Bottom line, I went in for Shelly. True, exposing myself to the incantation could have potentially made Bastet’s plan a roaring success but I was going to be damned if I was going to abandon my little sister. That’s just how I roll, Babe. You know that.” Shelly’s expression softened, Claire’s did not. It was worth a shot.
“How can you be so cavalier about all this, Mack? How can you be so dismissive about the kind of peril you were in?” I reached over and took her hand. “I’m not being dismissive, Claire. Tying it up with demons and battling supernatural movers and shakers is the world I live in. I’ve come to start expecting the unexpected and I survive. More importantly, Shelly is fine.” I looked back at her and squeezed the tiny hand she had permanently clamped onto my shoulder. “That was my mission, mission successful, end of story.”
“And what about US? What if you had been killed?” Claire asked as she got the big truck moving again. I shrugged. “Then, I would haunt the both of you for as long as you would tolerate me.” I grinned. Claire and Shelly both were not amused. “I’m serious, Alex.” I flinched for a second and then remembered Shelly knew my true identity. “I know you are, Claire, and I wish I could give you some assurances. One thing I can tell you is that an Oracle, a real one, once told me that I would accomplish great things to the betterment of all mankind. I asked her how I would know when I had done it. She told me that I would know when it happened and it would be then, my restless spirit would be at peace. I don’t feel at all peaceful, so onward and upward. Besides, Mai and I feel, it’ll probably be decades from now, maybe even centuries.”
“Are you serious?” Shelly asked. “You believe you’ll live for hundreds of years?’
“Yes, Shelly, I do. I’m immortal, that’s a fact.”
“Then how come you died tonight?”
“Immortal is not the same as invincible. I can heal from just about anything as long as my heart is beating and my head stays attached. But if either one of those changes, my physical body will die.”
“But for right now you think you won’t die because some Oracle told you that you would do great things?”
“Right.”
“So what if those great things are the result of stuff you did tonight and later on, when you’re dead, they’ll come to fruition and THEN your spirit will be at peace?”
“Bloody hell, I hadn’t thought of that…”
“I knew I really liked this girl for a reason. She’s a smart cookie and she could be right.”
I relayed what Mai said to Shelly. ”Thank you, Mai! I think we are going to get along just fine. You obviously have great taste, really looking forward to meeting you. As long as you don’t endorse bombing me anymore.”
“You’re going to pay for that later, you know that right?”
“I would expect nothing less, Mai.”
“God help us all, the day that alliance is made… But you have a point. I’ll be more careful from now on, you have my word. Though I really don’t feel like I was being reckless tonight and there was no way in Hell I was going to let that thing out or leave you behind. If I ever get to the point where I can do that, I don’t want to live. Is everyone on the same page now?” Claire gave my hand a squeeze. “I suppose you wouldn’t be the man I love if you were capable of that. Just be more careful, OK?” I nodded my assent. Claire leaned back and took a deep breath. “Alright, just keep in mind, it you EVER pull a stunt like that sleeping beauty thing on me again…I’ll…let’s just say that would be a prime example of you being reckless, lover.”
Isn’t it funny how a woman can call you lover and yet you hear “jackass”?
Chapter 35
“The fact remains, that her actions posed a significant risk to this Clan and constituted multiple violations of the Covenants of Occultation! An investigator hired by the local authorities, who by the way is friendly with a reporter, was made fully aware of our existence, as well as a large group of humans of rather dubious pedigree. We were completely exposed! Violations of this sort are punishable by death for a reason, Master Kolann! They are in place to protect us all! I am truly sorry, but I must agree with Stavros. Svetlana should be put to death.” A roar erupted from the gallery of the cave-like underground meeting chamber. Both dissent and affirmation were being shouted, at the little dark skinned man. Funny, you don’t see a whole lot of DARK skinned vampires. It’s not like they tan or anything.
I knelt down next to Kolann’s chair at the big conference table. Shrouded and speaking telepathically, I Focused on him, easing my way into his powerful mind. “I’m assuming this is why you asked me to attend?” He started but covered it nicely. “Mack! Don’t do that! I was expecting you to walk in the council chamber doors with everyone else, as a full member of the clan.”
“I’m thinking in light of present circumstances it wouldn’t have been a good idea. I take it things are not going our way?”
“Not at all. Four members of the council are arguing for Svetlana’s death. Two are siding with me out of their sheer loyalty to the both of us.” I looked around the room. It appeared to be some sort of Kangaroo court. The council members apparently heard evidence and passed sentence. Run, a bit like the Supreme Court with “judges” being able to debate facts and opinions. Svetlana was on a bench in front of the table, hands cuffed and under guard. One of the guards was Dent. The other, I didn’t recognize. “A vote was taken, four to two and your vote didn’t count. Now the fireworks start?”
“Exactly, Mack, I’m afraid my power and influence isn’t enough to sway this decision and if I refuse to accept their judgment, I have men that will fight to the death to free her but—”
“That would cost you your position and one of these wretches would take your place, possibly causing a civil war within the Clan?” I was guessing, but it was an age-old problem. “Yes, I was hoping you would speak on her behalf.”
“I was delayed. It’s too late now?”
“The vote was taken. It’s out there now. There is very little anyone can do.”
“Hey, how’s it going? The name’s MacFade. Have we met?”
“Mack, what are you going to do?” Kolann was radiating anxiety. “I’m going to watch and see how this plays out. Afterward, if it doesn’t go our way and it probably won’t; I’ll step in.” Kolann began to relax a little. “Thank you, my friend.”
“Don’t thank me yet, Kol. This could go wrong eight different ways and if I have to intervene it’s going to be a HELL of an introduction to the rest of the clan, if you know what I mean.”
“The same way you introduced yourself to Dominic?”
“Yeah, sure Kol, let’s hope it goes THAT well.”
I noticed a red permanent marker Kolann was using to mark the holes in the prosecution’s case, on what looked like a copy of an official record. It struck me as funny for some reason. I had always pictured vamps as being old school, using ink wells and quills but certainly not markers or laser printers. I placed my Shrouded hand over Kolann’s right. He stopped writing. “May I borrow this? I’ve got an idea.” I asked pulling the marker out of his hand. “Be my guest, Mack. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“You and me both, brother.”
“What?”
“Sorry Alex, I forgot the partition. Do you have ANY idea what you’re doing?”
“For the most part...”
“What do you mean FOR THE MOST PART?!
Kolann began to grow anxious. “Mack? You still here?”
“I am, just trust me, Kolann. Have I ever let you down in the entire four days we’ve known each other?”
“That’s not funny... The last time you tried not to let me down, you got yourself killed.
“Oi! Tough room.”
I could see Reggie and Archie in the gallery, sitting quietly and casting their eyes about the room.
“They’re looking for us, Alex.”
“Smart boys…
“I’m here guys, try to relax. I may do something a little crazy here and it would be helpful to have someone watching my back. You two up for a little mayhem?”
“Damn straight!” thought Archie.
“We’ll follow your lead, Mack,” thought Reggie.
“Aces, gentlemen, sit tight for now. I want to see where this goes. I think we might need a little show of force.”
“God help us, all!”
“Now what’s that supposed to mean, Arch?”
“Sorry, did you hear that? You haven’t exactly demonstrated a penchant for restraint.”
“A fair point, not helpful at this time, but a fair point.”
A young female vamp took up the Rayner’s cause. “Surely any reasonable person can see an argument can be made for ‘not guilty by reason of mental defect’. Someone cannot be held responsible for actions taken while under the influence or control of a demonic possession. You’re not being reasonable, Elder Stavros. This is not the spirit in which these laws were written.” She looked like she was turned in her late twenties. Stavros apparently wasn’t impressed. “Be that as it may, Lady Phoebe, her actions prior to the alleged possession ENABLED her to be possessed,” He sounded bored, like this argument had been rehashed several times already. “Thereby, setting the whole chain of events in motion. She’s directly responsible. We have no evidence to prove a possession even took place other than the word of her family members and their retainers. This Walker fellow, from what I’ve been told, is a charlatan. Nothing but parlor tricks and sleight of hand, his word is meaningless even if he had, had the courage to attend this trial.”
“That’s one, Stavros.”
Lady Phoebe seemed to be more than a little frustrated, with this stubborn old fang in the ass. “Worshiping a deity is not a violation of clan law, last time I checked, Elder Stavros. I have spoken to Mistress Svetlana at length. The possession wasn’t voluntary and the preceding events were beyond her control. This whole trial is nothing more than a political ploy, a despicable attempt to usurp Master Kolann. You knew he wouldn’t accept such a ludicrous judgment and I believe you were counting on it.”
“Well said, Lady Phoebe. Beauty, this girl has balls as big as mine.” Stavros fixed her with a malevolent stare. “You should be careful making such unfounded and wildly inappropriate accusations, Lady Phoebe. I have been sitting on this council for a great deal longer than yourself and it would be a mistake to show me such disrespect.” Kolann leaned forward with his palm resting on the hilt of his elaborate broad sword. “Clan law clearly states that council members are allowed and expected to freely share their opinions. I’ll have none of your threats, Stavros.”
“Stavros has clearly made a career of threats and coercion, Alex. There is not a single person in this room that doesn’t fear or hate him”
“Everyone here has something to lose by crossing him—except me, Mai. Which is why I reckon Kolann wanted me here.”
“Oh, my,” feigned Stavros, placing a hand over a heart that stopped beating hundreds of years ago. “No threat was intended, Master Kolann. I was simply giving the child the benefit of my experience. We must guide the young after all.”
“What a snake. He doesn’t even have the backbone to stand behind his own threats.”
“The back alley politicians never do, Mai.”
“Now if there is no other opinion to be shared or further evidence to be presented, we can proceed with finalizing the vote and carrying out the sentence.” Stavros smiled at Svetlana hungrily like she was a roast suckling pig with an apple in her mouth. “No one? Good the v—”
“I HAVE NOT HAD MY SAY!”
I projected my voice so it was heard from all directions. Walking out into the middle of the room, I stood behind Svetlana, slowly allowing my Shroud to fade out. Most people don’t possess this skill. Most Shrouds either flick on or flick off. The effect was perfect. Intimidation is 90% theatrical 10% violence.
I placed my hands on Svetlana’s thin shoulders to calm her shivering. She reached up and clutched at my left hand. “I believe the final judgment of this council to be CORRUPT.” Whispers started up all around the room. Most people were trying to identify me. I Focused on each member of the council for a split second. Sure enough the three siding with Stavros where feeling guilt and fear. “I believe Lady Phoebe is correct. This council has been coerced. Your verdict is specious at best. It’s simpler to dismiss the possibility of demonic possession, lazy really and certainly easier, so is discrediting the witness, although unwise, to slander ME in public, Stavros. To be honest, you have cut me to the quick. Charlatan? Me? I think I’m going to cry.” A low round of laughter rippled through the gallery. I had scored a few points. Little baby Stavros didn’t like that at all. There is only room for one bully on this playground and that bully is ME.
“Silence! You’re this, Mack, I presume?”
“You may presume only what I grant you permission to presume. I am Mack, to my friends, Mr. Walker to my acquaintances. YOU may call me, SIR.” Another round of quiet laughter made its way around the room. “Nice one, Alex keep him off balance.” Anger flashed in Stavros’ eyes. “Testimony and evidence have already been presented. This council is for clan members only. Besides, you’re too late.” I allowed my eyes to catch the light and glow. “Really? I somehow seem to remember you saying the vote still needed to be FINALIZED.”
“I have merely to declare it final and it is. The Vote is—”
“Not so fast, you fat old leech.” I did a quick probe into his mind. “I realize you 17Ns are used to throwing your weight around and getting your way because of it, but I think there might be members of your council that are uncomfortable with the number of unresolved problems with this verdict. I certainly know Master Kolann and Lady Phoebe are.” Stavros was temporarily stunned. “Who told this man I’m a 17N?” He had been turned on the battlefield. Whoever did it must have been desperate for a friend or servant. It sure as Hell couldn’t have been his looks or character. “Problems? What problems?”
“Problem number one, Mr. Torinartis is that four of you are lying. Who told me you’re a 17N? You did.” Another low mumble circulated the room. “No, Stavros, we’ve never met before. But, then again, your real name isn’t Stavros, now is it?”
“Jackpot, Alex! This idiot has the worst mental defenses I’ve ever seen and he’s desperately trying to put them up. Go for it!”
Kolann looked to his fellow council members and his head of security, Dent. Everyone was flummoxed. “What are you talking about, Mack?” I decided to play dumb. “Oh, what’s this? Nobody knew? Hmmm… Seems like the charlatan knows a little something.” Stavros jumped to his feet, “Now see here!”
“SILENCE!” I roared! Slamming my fists on the table in front of him. The Voice of Compulsion lashed out, the telepathic power knocking Stavros back into his chair. My eyes blazed, to two pits of Hell Fire. “I’ll tell you when you can speak.” The elder vampire cringed under the intensity of my glare. “Mack?” Kolann asked in a quiet voice. “Yes, chief Rayner?” I replied without taking my eyes of Mr. Big Shot. “The court needs to know what you are talking about.”
“Of, course, if it pleases the court. This man is an im
poster and a TERRORIST.” The room went perfectly silent. “This man is not Stavros Torinartis.” Stavros’s mind opened like a flood gate in the throes of his panic. I was more than happy to exploit it. He kept gushing entire time I spoke. “This is Karter Vlahos, former lieutenant in the Greek terrorist group 17N. He fled here to the states when his involvement in the group caused his clan to be exposed to local authorities.” Excited murmurs ripped through the crowd. “I’m not finished, speaking,” I growled as my fierce gaze swept the room. The hall went silent once again. “Karter here, shipped himself to Washington University Med School as a cadaver with a rare genetic disorder.”
Stavros stared at me. “How could you know ANY of this?” I gave him a derisive smile. “You’re talking again…” He fell silent, avoiding eye contact. I was now the alpha in the room. “I know all this because I’m inside your head. In fact, I can read every last one of your minds and you’re all together, in delivering this false verdict. Two of you have been threatened, one of you is complicit and you, KARTER VLAHOS, are the mastermind.” Stavros blustered and leapt to his feet. “How dare you!” I fixed him with a glare so intense everyone at the table squirmed. “Shut up and sit down, old sod. You’ll know when I’m done talking and if you interrupt me again, I’ll burn the tongue from your mouth in such a way, it’ll not regenerate. Do I make myself clear?” I growled at him, leaning forward and broadcasting my malice at full strength. Kolann’s mind pushed to the forefront of my consciousness. “Mack, you’re still in control of your temper, aren’t you?”