Undying Vengeance

by Burnham, K. L.

  “Stop right there!” Donovan ordered. Rex walked faster and at the speed of light Donovan stood in front of Rex.

  “How did you get in front of me so fast?” Rex asked feeling frightened for the first time since he had arrived.

  Donovan loomed over Rex staring at him. “Magic,” he laughed. “I’m afraid I have not properly introduced myself.” He paused and extended his hand to Rex. “I am Donovan, a member of the Dark Ones. We are a group of vampire’s who act as vigilantes on the behalf of the dead. Our job is to seek and destroy those who escape the long arm of the law. We avenge the deaths of the innocent.” He smiled, fangs sparkling in the sun and released Rex’s hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Armani’s best friend, band mate and in a sense his brother.”

  Rex stared in disbelief.

  “I understand it’s a lot to take in at once but in time you will learn to like me.” Donovan reassured him.

  Rex stammered. “I-I-I’m afraid I don’t have to like you nor do I want to try and like you. I want to see Armani. That’s why I’m here and so help you God if you’ve hurt him.” He said clenching his fists, his anger resurfacing.

  Donovan took Rex’s elbow leading him to the dog kennel. “I want you to hear Gabe’s confession and maybe you won’t think I’m such a bad guy after all.”

  They stopped in front of the kennel door and it opened like an automatic door at a grocery store. Donovan entered first and motioned for Rex to follow. “Come and listen.”

  Rex did as told. Donovan walked to where Gabe lye on the cement. “Stand up, Gabe. This will be your first confession to a mortal.”

  Donovan called me a mortal? Rex shook his head, appalled. He was a human, for God’s sake, not some mortal.

  Gabe stood and screamed. “You did it! You and that other vampire admitted you gave Armani eternal life.” He lowered his head and put his hands behind his back. He would pay for that comment.

  Rex stared at Donovan. “Is that true? You killed Armani.” Rex balled his fists, drew his arm back ready to hit Donovan.

  Donovan grabbed Rex’s fist squeezing hard. “Put your hand down or I shall punish you as well.” He ordered.

  “Gabe what does that mean? Did these vampires kill Armani?” Rex asked.

  Gabe smiled. He had nothing to lose and when you’ve got nothing, you have nothing to lose. “They sure did, Rex.”

  Donovan jumped on Gabe and choked him. He then picked up his head and smashed it into the cement.

  Rex jumped on Donovan’s back and hit and kicked him. “Leave Gabe alone, you monster, you’ll kill him!”

  Donovan punched Gabe’s face and blood splattered. Donovan reared backward throwing Rex into the corner of the kennel. Rex yelped in pain. Donovan stood and glared at both men.

  “If you both insist on acting like mean dogs I shall take great pleasure in treating you that way.” Donovan said brushing off his black clothes. He walked to Gabe, picked him up by the head and stood him on his feet. “Now Gabe shall tell you exactly what is going on here and what role he played in the fate of Armani and Simone.”

  Donovan led Gabe to the corner of the kennel where Rex sat rubbing his elbow. “By the way, I apologize for my indecent behavior, Rex but you left me no choice.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I don’t take people disrespecting me well. Let that be a lesson to you both.” He stared at Gabe and said, “I believe Gabe would like to share the truth with you now.” The look in Donovan’s eyes dared Gabe to act out or lie again. Donovan was ready to kill him and if pushed far enough he would.

  Rex stared in disbelief at Donovan. The vampire had an unpleasant aura about him. That was for sure. “Why are you doing this to us?” Rex asked.

  “I’m doing nothing to you. Gabe is the one who is going to pay with his life for what he did to Simone and Armani. Now tell them Gabe lest I have to physically force you once again.” He squeezed the back of Gabe’s neck forcing him to look at Rex.

  Gabe swallowed hard. “I set up the whole incident to have Simone killed and Armani tortured.” He blurted out. “Are you happy now?” He asked Donovan, his face red as a tomato.

  Donovan activated Gabe’s shock collar. Gabe fell, his whole body jerked and shook. He curled into the fetal position too scared to speak or move.

  “Tell Rex why you did it Gabe,” Donovan ordered. He sympathized with Rex. The news was shocking and he knew it was slowly registering in Rex’s mind. In mere minutes, he knew Gabe would take a beating from Rex and Donovan would allow it. Gabe was a selfish man and deserved it. “Hurry up. You are trying my patience.” Donovan instructed.

  Gabe stared at Rex. “I did it for money, publicity and more fame, plain and simple.” Gabe said with pride. “We needed more attention so I thought this would fix that problem and it would have if that dim wit depressed lead singer friend of yours would have continued singing and touring. But no, he was too depressed. Waahh, a big baby!” Gabe shouted, angry lines creasing his forehead.

  Rex gritted his teeth. “You son of a bitch!” He screamed. “I’m going to kill you.” Rex lunged at Gabe, landing on him and hit and beat him. “How could you? You are a filthy excuse for a human.”

  Rex stood and stared at Gabe. Rex kicked Gabe several times. “This one is for Armani and Simone, you bastard,” Rex said. He brought his leg back as far as it would go and kicked with all his might, his foot landing in the center of Gabe’s gut.

  Gabe cried out in pain. “Stop, please.” He begged between ragged breaths.

  Rex snorted. “I bet Simone and Armani begged you to stop too.” Rex kicked him once more. Rex laid Gabe flat on his back and pinned him down with his knees. He balled his fists and punched Gabe’s face several times before wrapping his hands around Gabe’s neck until his face turned blue. Rex gritted his teeth and asked, “How does that feel?” Rex wanted to kill him.

  Donovan grabbed Rex’s hands. “That’s enough.” He said, pulling him off Gabe. “Come with me. We have much to discuss.”

  Despite the wintry cold, sweat beads covered Rex’s face. Wiping them away he got to his feet, not taking his eyes off Gabe once. Gabe’s tongue hung out of his mouth like a dog’s after a long run. Panting and breathing heavy, Gabe rolled onto his side gripping his neck. Blood pooled from his mouth and eyes and his nose was crooked. “It looks like he might die.” Rex stated satisfied.

  Donovan smiled. “Looks can be deceiving, my friend.” Taking Rex’s hand he shook it. “Well done, my friend.”

  Reluctantly, he took Donovan’s hand. “Thank you but I’m not sure I’m thrilled to meet you, I must say. Please tell me what’s going on here.”

  The kennel door shut and locked. Rex turned and stared at the door. “How did you do that?” He asked, startled.

  “Why must you mortals always ask such silly questions? Vampires can do that and so much more.” The idea of having Rex cross over entertained him, but only for a moment. He wouldn’t wish this curse on anyone.

  It was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in order to escape the realities of pain in your life, but a curse to know you could never be human ever again. Donovan longed for companionship, a lover, a wife and children. But, that would never happen. It was one of the negatives of crossing over. You were told these things only after you had crossed over and were a vampire. Had he known this before, his decision may have been different. 291 years ago, he would have just ended his human life and rested in peace forever with his beloved.

  “Well, I want answers Donovan.”

  A hawk cawed in the distance. Large black wings flapped in the sky. Rex stared at the giant bird. The hawk descended and landed on top of the kennel. Sitting upright, head held high, it looked like a king on its throne. Its gaze pierced through Rex’s soul. Rex shuddered, rubbed his arms and lowered his gaze.

  Donovan smiled wickedly fangs protruding. “Hello, my dear friend, keep watch over Gabe for me.” He pivoted and walked toward the house. “Come Rex, time is of the essence.”

  Rex was too shocked
to speak but followed like a baby duck following its mother, staying close to Donovan. He couldn’t explain it but the hawk scared him more than Donovan.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “Wake up, Adam.” Alex ordered. “We’re at the cemetery.”

  Adam opened his eyes and saw the Blakesley Cemetary sign at the entrance. The ground was covered in snow, tall oak trees scattered throughout and a few large pine trees. What would be beautiful rose bushes in the spring and summer lined the outer skirts. Lined in neat rows were tombstones where people’s loved ones rested in peace. The wind gusted and the car jostled.

  Alex lit a cigarette and rolled down the window. He shivered and turned the heat up a notch.

  Adam grimaced in pain. “That was quick.”

  Alex smacked Adam’s head. “Of course it was quick. You were sleeping and it’s really not that far from the hospital.”

  Adam fought the urge to punch his dad in the face.

  “Let’s see, according to the Google directions Simone’s grave is in the back of the cemetery. Perfect place for that little princess,” he said laughing. “Her tombstone should say, ‘Spoiled little rich girl lies dead here.’ Gut laughter exploded from him.

  Adam laughed. “You got that right.” He and Simone had been childhood friends and when they got older he tried his best to persuade her to date him but she was never interested. She always told him, ‘Let’s just be friends. I don’t want a romantic relationship with you.’ Adam had heard that enough and when the opportunity arose for his father and him to do Gabe’s bidding, he was more than happy to volunteer. A grim smile spread across his lips. It was the best feeling in the world knowing the last face Simone saw was his. She begged and pleaded with Adam to let her live just as he had begged and pleaded for her to be his lover. It was such satisfaction. Karma was a wicked thing at times.

  “Wipe that smug look off your face, boy.” Alex ordered. Scanning the tombstones one by one he drove to the back of the cemetery. “You certainly can tell who has money and who doesn’t by the type of stone at the gravesite.”

  “For sure,” Adam agreed nodding his head being careful not to twist or turn his body much. His ribs hurt like hell.

  “Ah, there it is, son. Simone’s grave and no expense spared to give her a beautiful tombstone.” He said pointing.

  Adam stared, awestruck. The tombstone was black marble and sparkled and twinkled in the winter sun. The archangel sitting on top of the stone had large eyes that stared straight ahead, her wings pointed to the Heavens and in her arms she held a harp close to her chest. The angel wore a long flowing robe that appeared to be blowing in the wind. Adam’s gaze lowered to the inscription below the angel’s crossed feet, but he couldn’t read it from the car.

  Alex opened the car door. “Well, come on, let’s pay our regards.” Taking one last puff of his cigarette, he threw it on the ground and put his gloves on.

  Adam took a deep breath and slowly got out of the car, trying to baby his ribs. He stood for a minute but the throbbing pain in his head made him fall to his knees.

  “You’ve got to read what our friend, Armani had inscribed on her tombstone.” Alex said and chuckled. “What a joke.” He stared at the vase filled with multi-colored roses and cringed. “Son, get over here.”

  Adam scowled, cursing under his breath. Couldn’t his dad see he was in a lot of pain? Using the car for leverage, he rose to his feet and walked hunched over to where his dad stood.

  Adam read the inscription aloud. “Simone Richards. My Angel In The Night.” Disgusted, he spit on the ground where Simone lay six feet under. “My angel in the night, what the hell kind of thing is that to put on a tombstone?” He asked, his face as red as a beet. He noticed the vase of roses and picked up the note that was attached. “I’m going to be sick.” He said and handed the poem to his father. “Our musical genius, Armani wrote this to his beloved dead Simone.”

  Alex snatched the note from Adam like a starving man taking food. “You know what to do. Break the vase of roses.” He ordered.

  Adam picked up the vase, raised it over his head and threw it at the angel’s face. It landed hard smashing into a hundred pieces. He held his ribs and laughed, staring at the angel’s face.

  “What could possibly be funny?” Alex asked staring at his son.

  Adam pointed at the angel. “I chipped her nose.” He couldn’t stop laughing even though it felt like someone was jumping up and down on his ribcage. He felt like he was hurting Simone all over again and that felt good.

  “Yes, you did. Who cares?”

  Adam stared back at his dad as if he were some creature from another planet. He refused to say a word knowing what the consequences of that would be. Adam was unpredictable and always had been. There was no telling what his dad would do if he opened his mouth with a reply, even if what he said made sense.

  The dead rose’s lye scattered on the snow covering Simone’s grave. Alex stomped on the flowers, twisting his feet and grinding them into the snow. “I hope she can feel the hatred.” He said and spit on the marble platform the angel stood on.

  Adam smiled. “Did you bring the spray paint?” He held out his hand and waited for his dad to give it to him. He wanted the honors of putting a proper inscription on her grave marker.

  Alex reached into the duffel bag and pulled out a can of red paint. “This will show up wonderfully. Black and red always have been a great contrast to one another.” He said and threw the can to Adam, a wicked smile on his face.

  Shaking the can a few times, Adam pulled off the cap. He stood close to the marble stone, held the can upright and painted the word ‘WHORE’ in large letters over the inscription.

  Adam laughed. “Well, Simone you now have your name written on here for the world to see.” He said. He took a few steps back and stopped where he assumed her chest would be lying in the coffin and fell to his knees. He put his face as close to the earth as possible. “Simone, you whore, how do you like me now? I hope you’re burning in hell.” He stated and raised his hand to Alex. “Help me up.”

  Alex took his sons hand and hoisted him to his feet. “Let’s get out of here before we get caught.” He rubbed his chin and said, “It probably wasn’t the smartest thing in the world to do this during the day.”

  “You’re right.” Adam agreed.

  They walked toward the car. A cold wind blew bending the trees. The branches made an eerie creaking and cracking noise like an old rocking chair on a wood floor.

  Alex zipped his jacket to his chin and folded his arms to keep warm. “It feels like it dropped ten degrees out here.”

  “I know. I feel chilled to the bone.” Adam said. Something didn’t feel right. He had a strange feeling they were being watched. He turned and saw nothing. The slamming car door brought him back to reality.

  Alex motioned for him to get in the car. Adam slowly eased himself into the passenger seat and cradled his ribs as he did. He tried to shake off the feeling of being watched but it was hopeless. Something or someone was out there. Maybe Gabe wasn’t lying and something was after them.

  Alex started the car. “What’s on your mind?” He asked and lit a cigarette.

  Adam dismissed the question with a shrug. “Oh, nothing I’m just thinking.” He looked out the window and watched the giant oak trees sway, their branches like skeletal hands reaching out to the car. Goosebumps prickled his arms. He rubbed his arms trying to forget the stories Gabe told them a couple nights ago.

  Alex shifted the car into drive. “Bid Simone farewell.” He said saluting with his middle finger. “I did this for you, son.” He smiled and squeezed Adam’s cheek. “No one rejects my son.”

  ‘Except you,’ Adam thought. He grimaced and looked at Simone’s gravesite as they drove away.

  Adam’s jaw dropped. The angel’s eyes glowed red and she was staring at him. He blinked twice and looked again, not wanting to believe what he saw. He watched in horror as she smiled. Fangs like a vampire’s protruded from her mouth. T
he angel held the harp in one hand and pointed to him with the other and mouthed ‘you’ to him.

  Adam sat forward, breathing rapidly and put his head in his hands. ‘This did not just happen,’ he told himself.

  Alex stopped the car. “Is something wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost.” He pounded the steering wheel and repeated the question.

  There was no way he would tell his dad what he had seen. “No, I’m fine,” he said flatly. “I think the pain is getting to my head, that’s all.” He lifted his head and stared straight ahead. “Let’s get out of here now.” He wished he were driving so he could press the accelerator and speed like a bat out of hell.

  Alex drove to the cemetery exit. “Well, we’re headed to the pharmacy next.” He laughed and added, “then the gun store. I need more bullets and I’m thinking I’ll buy a special gold one to shoot that hawk when I see it on our property.”

  Adam and his father were gone. Simone heard and felt every insult they did to her and her grave. She had reached out to Armani and pleaded with him to help her but he was in a deep sleep. He would wake to become a vampire. He thought it was temporary but it was forever. She knew because her spirit was connected to his, even in death.

  Simone’s heart ached. She was dead but her spirit was not at rest. Why did Adam hate her so much? The night he killed her was etched in her memory; the stone cold look on his face, the hatred blazing in his eyes and the way he talked to her, calling her a whore. Why would he say these things? He had always been her friend since childhood. They would play games like make believe for hours on end and share secrets.

  Deep in her soul she knew the reason. Adam fell in love with her and she didn’t share those feelings with him. Jealousy and anger were a deadly combination. He never failed to announce his hatred of Armani. Even when she and Armani would visit Adam, he was never civil towards Armani, only cold and rude.

  She should’ve seen the warning signs but she never would have believed in a hundred years that Adam and his father would end up killing her and torturing Armani.