Beyond the Grave

by Lina Gardiner

  Now she was running through the city dressed like one of the female vampires in a 1950's Hammer film. That didn't appeal to her liberated feminism at all.

  Even though she couldn't see much more than the vampire's back as he raced away from her, there was something familiar about him. Her mind stretched out and tried to touch his.

  Nothing. He'd shut her out. He was very powerful. Usually vampires could at least sense each other's presence. With this vampire she felt nothing.

  He was on a dead run. For a vampire, that was fast enough to create a blurred image to humans.

  Even with bare feet she managed to keep up, but it would've been a hell of a lot more comfortable in her leathers than in a nightgown and a flapping, oversized trench coat.

  By the time she'd nearly caught up to the vampire, they had scaled several buildings, each one taller than the last. As he neared the edge of the final building, no other structures were close enough to jump to. She had him!

  He slowed long enough to look back at her, and she froze.

  Those eyes!

  She'd seen those eyes before. Although she couldn't remember where or when, just the sight of them nearly incapacitated her.

  She hesitated too long. He turned and sailed off the top of the building. Before she got the edge, she had no idea which way he'd gone. He'd disappeared into the dark below.

  As before, there was nothing to tip her off. No residual energy, very little scent.

  Nada. He'd gotten away.

  Now, standing at the precipice of the building with her chest heaving from exertion, Jess stared down into the blackness of the alley below. The vampire had been faster than any she'd ever seen. And he was like a ghost. He left no trail. Why?

  She closed her eyes to rid herself of the image of his evil gaze. It burned in her brain like a vicious scar.

  Not much frightened her anymore. But those eyes terrified her more than anything she could remember. Even more than becoming the monster she fought against every day. She hoped she never saw him again.

  When the sound of an evil laugh carried to her on the wind—her skin broke out in Goosebumps.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Left in the vampire's proverbial dust, Jess opened the doorway and descended two levels of stairs before deciding to take the elevator the rest of the way down.

  She'd let him get away and she had no freaking idea how he'd been able to do that—unless her episode on the bridge had hampered her abilities. The fact that he could actually frighten her left a bad taste in her mouth. She wasn't a timid vampire. She'd fought evil for fifty years. This dark demon could do nothing to her that hadn't already been done.

  She heaved a sigh, exited the elevator on the bottom floor and walked through the lobby to the sidewalk. Being barefoot caused enough stares, and she was thankful for Britt's trench coat. She buttoned it up again and pulled the belt tight.

  If she had her vampiric speed, she could cover more ground and get back to Britt quickly, but she was actually experiencing something else right now. Overwhelming fatigue. Another new experience.

  She blew out a breath and looked up at the buildings around her. Was the vampire back up there watching her? Laughing at her?

  Had he been the one she'd sensed in the park?

  She was a cop. A vampire hunter who was detested by every vampire in New York. If she lost her abilities completely, she'd be at the mercy of every vampire in the city.

  Several cars passed while she walked along the sidewalk. One man stopped and tried to pick her up. She allowed herself to transition enough to scare the wits out of him. Maybe he'd stay at home from now on.

  Another car pulled up next to her. She stopped and tightened the belt again so her chest wouldn't be exposed. The passenger door flew open.

  "Get in."

  "Britt. How'd you find me?” The GPS monitor sat on the dash pinging loudly. “Oh, right,” she said, her spirits deflating even more.

  Britt reached over and shut it off, his mouth set in a grim line. “Why'd you take off down that alley?".

  "Didn't you see the vampire? He was following us, and I wanted to find out what he wanted."

  She watched the muscles in Britt's arms knot. His fingers circled the steering wheel tightly. “No. I didn't see anyone."

  "Really?” She frowned. “How could you have missed him?"

  "Maybe because my attention was on you, not the sidewalk."

  How was that possible? Britt was a trained observer. If she saw the vampire on the sidewalk, he should have too.

  "Take me home. I'm tired."

  "On our way, Jess. We'll be there in a minute.” He accelerated the vehicle and sailed through the next three green lights. She could have kissed him for not drilling her with questions right now. It had been a long night.

  He obviously hadn't seen the vamp she'd chased halfway across the city. Why not? Had the vampire actually been there or was he another figment of her imagination? Britt had to be wondering the same thing.

  She looked at the spot on her arm where the tracking device had been implanted. Maybe it would be a good thing after all. Especially since she had no recollection of leaving the Rectory tonight and going to the bridge. Wandering outside without knowing what she was doing was the least of her worries. Without proper preparatory prayers, not getting home before dawn meant she'd die like any other vampire caught outside at sunrise.

  Britt had barely reached the next light when they lurched violently forward, the vehicle instantly forced to a stop. The sound of shrieking metal filled the night.

  "What the hell? Jess are you okay?” Britt reached for his seatbelt and unlatched it. His head had hit the window and he had a cut above his left eyebrow. She unwillingly inhaled his rich scent.

  "You should be more concerned about the fragile state of your own body, Britt. Not mine."

  She glanced at him, made sure he was intact, then stared out through the shattered windshield.

  The hood of their vehicle had a deep dent in it. The engine had been crushed. But how?

  "Something must have dropped onto the hood from one of the buildings.” Britt rolled down his window and leaned out for a better look. “There's nothing out there. No debris. Only one thing could have caused that much damage and disappeared,” he said.

  "A vampire,” she agreed. She sensed the vampire now. Why hadn't she sensed him before this? Because he didn't want her to?

  "He must've been damned fast if you didn't see him, Jess."

  She nodded and felt a surge of relief running through her like adrenalin. At least the vampire existed in the flesh—he wasn't a delusion. He'd jumped on their vehicle and crushed it, though. He was very strong. “Most likely the same one I chased down the alley."

  Was she crazy or did Britt suddenly look relieved too?

  "What the hell does he want?"

  Jess was able to laugh at that question and it felt good. “I'm guessing he wants me dead, just like the others we've encountered."

  "Like that's going to happen.” Britt reached for the stake he carried in a shoulder holster.

  Jess frowned. “I don't like this. I don't have a blade with me. Another thing I'm going to have to wear to bed if I keep sleepwalking."

  Britt stared at her, a haunted expression of his face. “Open the glove box. Your blade's in there."

  "What? Why didn't you tell me I left it at your place when I asked?"

  Britt started to open his car door. “This isn't the right time to discuss it, Jess. We need to focus on killing this bastard, and getting you home before the sun rises."

  Goosebumps rose on her already dead-cold flesh. “Yeah, that's a very good idea.” She had no desire to burn up in the sunlight. “But when we get back to the Rectory, I want a full report on how you got my dagger."

  "Ten-four,” he said and dove out of the vehicle, checking the roof on his way.

  Jess exited her side and scoped out the streets. Not a vampire in sigh
t.

  * * * *

  Britt's mouth formed a hard line as he scanned the area. Jess needed a weapon to fight the vampire who had crushed the engine of their vehicle and disappeared. Problem was, now he had to explain how he'd gotten her blade. At this point, lying to her was not an option. He might have done some unsavory things, but he would never lie to her.

  Luckily she was distracted by their attacker right now, but she'd be asking him for the details soon enough.

  "So where is this guy?” How could he jump on their vehicle and incapacitate it with such speed? And where had he gone? It didn't make sense that he'd leave after he had stranded them.

  Sounds of the city melded into oblivion as Britt focused on the fight ahead. “Come down here, coward,” he shouted. “Show yourself."

  Jess held up a hand. “Whoa, Britt. I don't think this is a vampire you want to piss off. He's powerful. More powerful than any vamp I've encountered before, if his speed is any indicator.” She pulled out her cell phone and dialed.

  "Who are you calling?"

  "James."

  Britt's heart lurched. She didn't think he could cut it? Damn it all, he'd proven himself over and over again. What did it take? Anger spiked and his lips curled back. He couldn't wait to get his hands on that damned vampire who was playing with them. He'd show Jess just what he was capable of.

  She spoke quickly into the phone then clicked it shut. “He's on his way."

  "Great,” Britt spat out. Even more determined to find the vampire, he turned slowly with the spike in his right hand while he monitored the surrounding rooftops.

  Apparently Jess felt she needed James to fight this vampire. Britt wasn't a good enough vampire hunter enough for her.

  "It doesn't make sense. Where is he?” she said.

  "I think he's playing with us. This is reminiscent of the latest murders in the park. I'm beginning to think this may be the vampire we're looking for."

  Jess stepped up beside Britt. She looked hesitant as she said, “I'm pretty sure I saw him back at the bridge, too."

  It took a minute for the possibilities to sink into Britt's brain. When they did, he felt even more worried about what was going on with Jess. He continued to scan the dark shadows around them. Tall buildings circled them like towering chess pieces. He could be anywhere. “You think he had something to do with you being on that bridge, don't you?"

  "If he didn't have something to do with it, it was a hell of a coincidence that he happened to be at the same place."

  "He could've been following you."

  "Do you believe he got that lucky?"

  Britt peeled his attention from their surroundings and looked into Jess's eyes. They were wide and beautiful. Mirrors to her soul?

  Maybe. But right now he could see another reflection mirrored in them as her gaze shifted fractionally. Someone was behind him.

  He spun, arm tensed, stake out and ready to impale. He slammed the sharp tip of the hawthorn wood into the vampire directly behind them.

  "Britt, wait!” Jess screamed.

  Britt missed his mark, and his knees went weak when he saw who he'd nearly fatally impaled.

  "Damn it, Britt. You could've killed me,” James shouted. The stake was buried into his flesh all right, but thank God it was only in his shoulder. James cursed when he pulled the stake out. He put pressure on a wound that looked nasty now, but would heal in a couple of hours.

  "Jeez, James, I didn't expect it to be you. How the hell did you get here this fast?"

  "Regent phoned me right after he phoned you. I've been having a devil of a time finding you. When Jess called me and told me where you were, I was just a couple of blocks over. I thought turning up quickly would be a bonus, especially if you were fighting a big, nasty killer vampire.” He looked around. “You already kill him?"

  "No. He disappeared,” Jess said. “Jumped onto the hood of our vehicle, crushed it and left. He was so fast, I didn't even get a look at him."

  They stared up at the obsidian glass windows glinting under the light of the half moon. Obviously no one believed it could be that simple. He had to be there—somewhere.

  "That's a strange thing to do.” James said in his usual calm way.

  "Goddamn it, James, if I'd killed you, Terry and the baby would be alone. I came way too close.” Britt exhaled shakily.

  James grinned. “Don't worry. It was my mistake to misjudge your abilities. Next time I'll give you warning before I sneak up behind you."

  At that, Britt couldn't help grinning. Compliments like that didn't come every day. James had given him the boost he sorely needed right now.

  Jess plunked down on the curb and propped her elbows on her knees. “Somebody phone Regent and get him to come pick us up."

  For a second Britt thought she'd said that for his benefit—the human who couldn't move at their speed. But then he saw her face. Pale and exhausted.

  James's gaze met Britt's and they both frowned.

  * * * *

  Jess sighed and wanted to run and hug her brother when he pulled up in his SUV and rolled down the window. “Hello, children.” He looked at the crunched vehicle sitting at the red light. “What about what's left of your car, are you going to leave it in the street?"

  "I phoned the station. The police wrecker is coming to pick it up,” Britt said.

  They climbed in, Jess in the front and James and Britt in the back.

  "What happened?” Regent asked on the way to the Rectory.

  "Britt found me just before I jumped off a bridge,” Jess said in a bland tone.

  "Oh dear Lord. What do you mean jump off a bridge?"

  "Not on purpose. I wasn't exactly thinking clearly at the time."

  Regent sucked in a quick breath and his brow furrowed with worry. “Thank the Lord that Britt was able to find you on time,” he said.

  Now that she knew what he'd done, she could hear the guilt in his voice. “I know about the implant, Regent, so don't worry. This time you both did the right thing. If I'm going to wander off without knowing what I'm doing, someone's got to keep track of me.” She sounded grateful but at the same time bitter.

  "Jess, we..."

  "Don't apologize, Regent,” Jess cut in. “You did what you had to do. What you've always done in order to protect me."

  When they reached the church, they entered the Rectory and went straight to Regent's office. The house smelled different and Jess sniffed loudly. He looked at her. “Got it cleaned today."

  "A definite improvement.” Jess felt comforted, as always, when Regent's faded blue eyes met hers. But she also knew this was an attempt to change the subject.

  "If I hadn't agreed to implant that tracking device, who knows what might have happened to you tonight.” Regent ran a weary hand over his brow. “It was the hardest decision I've ever made."

  "I think you had help making that decision, brother.” She cast a sideways glance at Britt. He appeared unruffled, as if he had no qualms about doing what he felt was right.

  "Always knew Britt was the right man to be your protector,” Regent said.

  "Her other protector,” James interceded. “She has two."

  Both Regent and Jess turned to James. “That's very true,” Regent touched James’ shoulder in a fatherly manner. “You've been by Jess's sides for decades. None of us have forgotten that, my son."

  James nodded tightly.

  Suddenly, Jess felt another wave of dizziness and she put out one hand to steady herself against the wall. James had an arm around her waist instantly, and she leaned into him. She'd never had to rely on anyone before. This was getting to be a pain in the ass.

  "You're ill again!” Regent cried. “Set her down on the couch.” He instantly grabbed the phone and started dialing.

  Jess groaned. She hated being weak. “Who are you phoning?” she asked.

  "Sampson, of course."

  "No way. I don't need a doctor."

  "You're joking, right? You've never had a moment of illness in
fifty years, and now, in a few days time, you've been ill a half dozen times. Even you must realize this could be serious, Jess."

  "It probably won't kill me."

  "Don't be so sarcastic, dear. You have no idea what's going on. Something is very wrong."

  James pressed closer to Jess, giving her a critical perusal.

  "I'm fine James, you can go home to Terry and the baby."

  He didn't move, and his severe expression didn't change.

  "What? Are you my bodyguard now, too?” Jess snapped. Having three men hovering over her was more than she could take tonight.

  "If that's what you want to call me."

  Regent spoke quickly into the phone, then hung up and held up his hands in protest. “Don't fight children. Now, tell me exactly what happened tonight, Britt."

  "I found Jess about to leap off the Brooklyn Bridge into the cold, dark water below."

  "A little dramatic, Britt.” Jess crossed her arms over her chest and blew out a breath.

  "If I hadn't gotten there on time you might have jumped,” he said.

  Regent gasped. “Dear Lord in heaven, girl, what were you thinking? Is this about being a vampire? Can't you take it any more? Why didn't you tell me?"

  Jess's heart nearly burst with sadness for her baby brother. She'd caused him so much pain in his lifetime. “No Regent, I'm not suicidal. You don't have to worry about that. Besides, no matter how unpleasant it would have been to end up in that water, we both know it wouldn't have been fatal."

  "That's not the point, dear. If you're not suicidal, what were you thinking?"

  Jess's lips thinned and she swallowed. If she didn't tell Regent, Britt would. He'd already proven that earlier. “I wasn't thinking. I have very little recollection of the last four hours."

  "You can't be serious."

  "Deadly."

  Regent ran a hand through his gray hair, messing it up enough that a tuft remained standing on end. “This is no time for puns."

  "Sorry, Rej. You know I can't help myself where you're involved.” She smiled at him and watched some of the worry lines fade away at her attempt to make a joke.