Angel of Reckoning

by Justin Sloan

  “But you said…?”

  “Oh yes, they will be able to go to the city, as long as they pass some tests my people will have for them. They’ll be kept on external defensive positions until their trust is earned, but they’ll be accepted.”

  “And you?”

  “My return would be awkward.”

  “You being dead and all?” Robin asked with a smirk.

  Valerie laughed. “That would be it. Well, that and the fact that I don’t know… it’s been over a month since I left. I thought more than anything that I’d miss a certain someone there, but, I don’t know. Yes, I miss him, but more in a friendly I-wonder-what-he’s-doing kind of way. If I go back, what life’s there for me? Hiding in the shadows? Will he expect romance, or do I hide from him too?”

  Robin shook her head, “This is all way over my head.”

  “Yes, I guess it would be.” Valerie laughed again. “I don’t suppose everyone you meet opens up like this?”

  “You did just go through a lot, it makes sense.”

  Valerie nodded, thinking back to everything she had gone through. Everything she had set out to do, at least on a high level, was basically accomplished. America was still in disarray, sure, and she would certainly do her part to see that groups like this and the CEOs didn’t rise up again. But the immediate problems she had been presented with all seemed to have been resolved.

  She leaned her head back, closing her eyes. “It’s actually over. I mean, I set out to do so much and, in a way, it’s over.” She opened her eyes again at the sound of the pod door opening. Robin was staring at her. “What about you? What’s your plan from here?”

  “I told you about my family. Well, I’m going to find them.”

  “Couldn’t they be anywhere by now, if they’re…?”

  “Still alive?” Robin bit her lip, but then said, “I’ve thought of that, but I have to know. I’ve heard rumors, about slavery up north. The warmer climate and all… Something to do with that, anyway.”

  “North?” A trigger went off in Valerie’s head. “I don’t suppose any of those rumors had to do with pirates?”

  “Actually, yes.”

  “We might just be headed in the same direction then,” Valerie said with a smile. “I mean, I have to see my friends home, we just found out one of them is pregnant, after all.”

  “Congratulations, I mean, maybe? In this world, is that a good thing?”

  Valerie nodded. “If we want to bring joy into this world, change it for the better, then yes. I can’t think of anything more joyful.”

  For a long moment, Valerie looked out at the surrounding vampires, a little less than two-dozen, it appeared, and nodded.

  “Who are you?” she asked. “I don’t mean, like what’s your name, but… who are you really? Do you remember?”

  “I do, but I’m scared I’ll forget. Parts are already hazy. The faces of my parents, for instance. I can see them laughing, and I have this image in my head that I’m certain will never go away, of my mother sobbing, my father holding her and stroking her hair. I remember that, even though I just reached adulthood, they were already searching for a spouse for me. Trying to marry me off. Not to get rid of me, but because they thought a man could protect me in this crazy world.” She scoffed. “Imagine that, considering what I’ve become. But even back then, I’m pretty sure I could’ve taken most men in this world. A couple tried, wanted their way with me without my permission… ask them whether I can hold my own or not.”

  Valerie laughed. “I’ll take your word for it.”

  “Who am I, though?” Robin continued. “I’m their daughter, and I’ll stop at nothing until I find them.”

  Valerie’s smile vanished as she said, “Hold onto those memories, Robin. They fade fast, and that’s when you start losing yourself.”

  For a long while, they stood there in silence, with Valerie struggling to find anything from her past. An image of herself playing by a river, then walking among tall reeds, staying low and hiding, her feet soaked, as a band of raiders passed.

  Life had been tough, and always would be. But if she could find a way to make it less so, she damn sure would.

  “It’s settled then,” she said to Robin. “You lead them, following the pod, back to Old Manhattan. Then you and I will head north, where you’ll embark on a journey to find your family, and I’ll bring justice to a bunch of slave-taking, shipment-stealing pirates.”

  “That sounds pretty damn good to me,” Robin said with a nod of her head.

  “What about…?” Valerie glanced over to Brad, who was holding a pow-wow with some of the vampires.

  “Keep him in New York. He can keep the vampires in line.”

  “All that stuff about him being like a brother to you?”

  “Totally true,” Robin said, averting Valerie’s gaze and blushing, “but he seems to want so much more than that, and… it’s not exactly the way I work.”

  Valerie tilted her head, considering what that meant, then smiled knowingly. “Have it your way. It’ll be easier for us to get around with fewer people.”

  Robin smiled with a nod, and a look that roamed across Valerie’s body that made her wonder if the younger vampire was assessing the wounds, or checking her out in an entirely different way.

  This trip was going to be interesting.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Old Manhattan, Enforcer HQ

  Jackson glared at Colonel Donnoly and Sergeant Wallace, then leaned in and said, “Could you repeat that?”

  “They’re gone,” Wallace said. “Cammie and Royland. A Were and a vampire came to me this morning and told me they had been appointed by the two to take their place, and that they were off, but that they had every intention of someday returning.”

  “Well that’s great,” Jackson threw his hands up. “Someday? Real fucking specific.”

  “The point of us calling you here wasn’t so you could throw a tantrum,” Donnoly said, earning a smile from Wallace. “We need to know that you’re on our side, to see what you’ve heard on the streets.”

  Jackson leaned back, focusing on controlling his breathing. “Truth is, if they were going to leave, now’s the perfect time to do it.”

  “Your report is similar to ours, I take it?”

  “If by that you mean that we seem to have cracked down on all the bars that anyone might have hinted at as being involved in the blood trade. After the unfortunate event with Morgan,” he paused to see if they responded to the name in any way, interested to see the knowing look in Wallace’s gaze, but a blank stare from Donnoly, “infighting and internal terrorism has been non-existent. There’s still the issue of piracy of our goods, but that’s external, and something I’m sure we will be dealing with later.”

  “I’m sure we will,” Donnoly said with a pleased nod.

  “And… no word on Valerie?”

  Wallace shook his head. “It’s been too long. I think it’s best to assume she isn’t coming back. Don’t wait for her.”

  “Harsh,” Jackson said, but tilted an imaginary cowboy hat as he said, “Thank you for the kind words, pardner.”

  He stood and headed for the door, but was intercepted moments later by Wallace.

  “He’ll never find out,” Wallace whispered.

  “What?”

  “About the warehouse. We know you were involved. Well, at least I do. Point is, stay low, and please, try not to take the law into your own hands. We have the police force for a reason.”

  Jackson just smiled, nodded, and headed for the door.

  “Mr. Mercer,” Wallace called after him. “Remember, you’re not Valerie. Just because you were her boyfriend, doesn’t mean you will be able to go on unchecked. I hope I’ve made myself clear.”

  Jackson paused at the elevator, pressed the button, and turned around. The idea of saying “Yes” or “Crystal” made him want to shoot himself at that moment, so instead he just imagined himself giving Wallace the middle finger, while actually he smiled,
nodded, and then said ‘fuck it’ and took the stairs.

  With Royland and Cammie gone, he knew a lot of the underground protection of the city would fall to him and his people. Wallace had best just stay out of his way.

  Outside Old Manhattan

  The month-long journey back had been rather uneventful, aside from Sandra’s nausea and Diego’s over-protectiveness. Regular nomad groups must have known not to mess with such a large force with a pod at their lead, while members of the UnknownWorld would have sensed there were a large number of vampires and one Were among the group.

  It had been nice to meet TH and the others of Chicago. Before heading out, he had treated them to a steak dinner, a benefit of a recent farm they had started. She had to admit, fresh steak was a thousand times better than the imported meat they had in Old Manhattan. After eating, TH had taken her aside, given her a firm handshake, and told her he had heard all about the plans of the Black Plague, and what she had done for Chicago.

  “You ever need my help, you let me know,” he had said. “In fact…”

  “Yes?”

  “If you’re interested, depending on how it’s going in New York and all, I don’t mean to overstep my place, but I think it would be fine if you came with us.”

  “I’m not sure I’m following, Colonel.”

  TH smiled and said, “We have plans… big plans. The type that involve a journey that way.” He pointed to the sky, and smiled. “Ever dreamed of going into space, Valerie?”

  Honestly, she never had. The idea made her dizzy, and she told him that would be a very big life choice, one she would have to think about. He told her that she had time, and gave her some more specifications before saying farewell. Then he mentioned one name, a name that made her more interested than ever: Bethany Anne.

  She had such a curiosity around the legendary vampire, the woman Michael would, as she understood it, be reconnecting with once Akio and Yuko found him. She promised TH to try and return, if everything else worked out.

  Then they had set out, the group of vampires with their tents and protective clothing. They rested under shelter during the day as much as possible, wearing their protective clothing otherwise.

  This worked fine for Sandra, as Valerie had insisted she only walked when riding in the pod was becoming too much and she wanted to stretch her legs. As if taking her on this journey while pregnant wasn’t enough guilt.

  On their way back, they stopped in Cleveland, Ohio, and paid their respects to Gerald. He welcomed the news of what had happened with the Black Plague, and agreed that he and his people would start expanding, looking for others who they could take into his flock, to prepare for an America that would rise from the ashes.

  That night, Valerie had found Robin at the edge of the nearby lake, staring out across the water.

  “They’re somewhere out there,” the young vampire said. “Possibly looking back toward me right now.”

  “We’re going to find them.” Valerie wrapped an arm around her and squeezed.

  “We?”

  Valerie shrugged. “You. Me. We. I mean, if I’m going that way to deal with the pirates anyway, I figure it makes sense to stick with you, at least at first.”

  Robin looked up at her, hopefulness mixed with uncertainty, and nodded. “Thank you.”

  They waited a day, resting and enjoying casual conversations with the members of Gerald’s flock, and the next night were back on the road. The more time Valerie spent with Sandra and Diego, the more time she realized how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. Because of that, she ended up walking and talking with Robin more and more. At least she knew the journey north wouldn’t be with someone she couldn’t stand.

  They finally reached the outskirts of Old Manhattan, where a scout had noticed them coming and sent for Wallace. He arrived to meet them, waiting under the sky that was still purple and blue in the pre-dawn.

  Valerie was holding Sandra, who seemed to be fighting back the tears.

  “You’re going to be an amazing mom,” Valerie said.

  “Don’t say it like that.” Sandra pulled back, glaring. “You say it like you’ll never come back to find out.”

  “I’ll try, but who knows how long this pirate shit will take, right?”

  Sandra nodded. “No, I get it, I just don’t want you to verbalize it. Makes it seem more real.”

  “Deal. Avoid reality when around Sandra. Check.”

  “Shut up,” Sandra said, then gave her a light punch in the arm. “Stay safe out there.”

  Valerie scoffed. “The word safe should never be used when addressing me.”

  “Too true,” Diego said, reminding the women he was there. The rest had all gone on ahead, all but Robin, who waited at Valerie’s side.

  Other than that, Wallace was the only one they had told about this new addition to the forces. Valerie reminded him to be extra diligent, and ensure their trustworthiness before giving them any independent roles.

  Valerie gave Sandra another hug, and then it was Diego’s turn, but he just smiled and said, “We’re gonna miss you, Val.”

  “And I’ll miss you two, most of all.”

  Wallace stepped up next, and asked, “North, huh?”

  She nodded.

  “I’m not sure how you would’ve heard, but… Cammie and Royland just went that way themselves. Only left a few days back, you might even catch them.”

  “I leave them in charge of the city, and they take off on a… what? Don’t tell me they’re a couple now and this is like some honeymoon thing.”

  He laughed. “No, though rumor is they’ve been more friendly lately, in that trying not to let others see way, and failing miserably at that. Another shipment issue, so I think they figured it was best to try and cut the issue off at the knees. And besides, don’t worry. We’ve got this, and they left backfills in place.”

  “Backfills,” Valerie snorted. “Have we become so corporate?”

  Wallace laughed at that. “Honestly, we kind of have. Corporatizing the peace. But this time, let’s leave any talk of CEOs out of it.” He looked at her a moment longer, then said, “You don’t want to say goodbye to anyone … er … else?”

  She shook her head. “The rest will get it, and Jackson... it would be weird, you know?”

  He shook his head. “Not exactly. When it comes to relationships, lately, I feel like I’m a wave that just keeps crashing against the rocks. It fucking hurts.”

  “You’ll make it happen,” she assured him. “Just, maybe avoid the Enforcers next time, you know?”

  “Trust me, I do.”

  They shook hands and she pulled him in for a hug.

  “Thank you for everything,” she said. “And please, protect this city. It means a lot to me.”

  “I will,” he said, and then with a nod to Robin and the others—all in their protective gear to ward off the sun—turned to follow the rest of them into the city.

  Without another word, because she wanted to be left to her thoughts for the time being, Valerie turned north and started walking. She knew Robin wasn’t far behind, because occasionally the wind would bring her sweet scent, vampire mixed with molasses. An odd one for sure, but pleasant.

  It wasn’t long before they reached a small hill where Valerie stopped to look back at the city. It was crumbling apart at the edges, with buildings that had never been rebuilt after the great collapse forming a circle around the pristine buildings such as Enforcer HQ.

  “You sure you’re ready for this?” Valerie asked when Robin joined her and stood at her side.

  Robin glanced over, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes mostly hidden by the protective goggles, and said, “You could say I was born ready, if you count vampire life as being reborn. Reborn ready, I guess.”

  Valerie smiled, wrapped an arm around her new friend, and watched the sunrise come up over the city again. Robin rested her head on Valerie’s shoulder, and together they watched the city go from purple to red to yellow, and then the rays of sunlight
shoot past the buildings in an almost angelic symbol of the good fortune their journey would bring. Valerie brought her hand up as the rays of light hit them, so as to protect Robin, and then they turned to find some shelter and rest.

  They had no idea what this adventure was going to look like, and had a long way to go. For now, they simply enjoyed the moment.

  Kicking ass could be left for another day.

  FINIS

  Author Notes - Justin Sloan

  Written April 2, 2017

  The fourth book in a series is always a challenge, especially when it’s the end of one arc and the setup for the next. Are all the loose ends closed, or closed enough that readers will feel content to take a breather until they are opened up again in the next set of books? Do readers know what’s coming next, and is it engaging enough to make them want to go out and buy book five when it finally comes out?

  I certainly hope I have achieved this, and would love to hear from you all about it. JustinSloanAuthor@gmail.com for this or any other author communications.

  But let’s back up a step and fill you in on where I was when finishing this book. For years now I’ve been writing on the side, whenever I could, and this was especially challenging for the last four, or since my daughter was born, and then two years later with my son. It has been A LOT of sleepless nights. I mean a lot. To get my writing done, I would take lunch breaks to write, stay up until midnight, and sometimes wake up at 4:00 am to write some more.

  But all this is changing… kind of. Because of you AMAZING readers and Michael Anderle, I am focusing on these collaborations and have decided to give the author thing a go—I quit my job and am going to be a full-time author!

  I hope this means that, since I’m writing all day, I can get more sleep at night. My editors know what I mean when I say that my writing will improve. So much of my writing the first three books in this series happened while I was nodding off to sleep. I would drink coffee, write a couple of paragraphs, and then realize I had fallen asleep, because a bunch of SSSSSSssss…. JUST JOKING! But like that, I would see those lines of letters or whatever, and realize I had fallen asleep. This happened A LOT.