Undying Vengeance

by Burnham, K. L.

  Katrina heard a touch of sorrow in Victor’s voice when he said ‘children.’ She wondered why. He didn’t seem to be a caring vampire in the least. And this would prove the level of monstrosity in Victor. There was no way she could get out of this room. Gordon was an evil despicable man but it didn’t mean she wanted to watch this gruesome torture and murder.

  Victor removed the sock from Gordon’s mouth with a fierce tug and threw it on the ground. “I want to hear you scream in pain and agony.” Victor rose so he was level with Gordon’s ear and whispered, “It will be music to my ears, like a symphony.”

  Gordon cried out in pain. “My God, save me! Please stop this. I’ll change, I promise.” His eyes bulged.

  “You’re a funny man but I highly doubt that.” He scoffed. Victor revved the chainsaw. “You are the violin and this is the bow.” He said raising the chainsaw above his head. He pointed at himself and said, “I am the composer and conductor.” Facing Katrina he said, “That beautiful woman is the audience we are playing for. Let us make beautiful music together.” He held Katrina’s gaze, the hatred left his eyes. Victor scolded himself. That woman was making him soft. Damn it all to hell. Katrina was making his heart feel things he didn’t want it to feel. He turned back to Gordon and all the hatred and coldness returned to his heart.

  “You won’t get away with this.” Gordon said. “They’ll find you and make you pay for killing me.” Tears streamed down his face. “Fuck you, Victor.” Victor stared at Gordon. “No, I’m afraid they won’t find me dear friend. I have been doing this for 491 years and not once have I even been a suspect in an investigation.” Victor placed the chainsaw on Gordon’s foot making a small cut.

  “AAAHHHH! I’m going to bleed to death before you finish. Why don’t you just do it quickly?” Gordon asked, his face ashen.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t let that happen.” Victor set the saw down and stood next to Gordon. “You’re going to suffer for a time, but not too long because quite frankly I’m already sick of looking at your disgusting self.” Victor reached up and tightened the rope around Gordon’s neck making him wince and yelp. “Now tell Katrina what you did to your family.” He ordered jerking the rope one more time.

  Gordon caught his breath. Avoiding eye contact he told Katrina the movie was real and that he had in fact been beating all of them for years.

  “Why? How could you do that to the people you’re supposed to love more than anything in the world?” She asked horrified at his confession.

  Victor punched his face. “Speak when spoken to. Answer her. I too would like to know what made you tick.”

  Gordon stuck his lower jaw out and moved it back and forth.

  “Because I could, that’s why and I loved every minute of it.” Gordon responded, no emotion on his face.

  Katrina balled her fists. If she weren’t in handcuffs she would be up there inflicting pain on this monster. “You’re sick. I hate you.”

  Victor was pleased with Katrina’s response. Smiling at her he said, “Time for him to die, my love. You’ve seen enough for one day.”

  Taking the saw he started it up and waved it in front of Gordon’s face. “Here we go.” Eyes gleaming red, he plunged the saw deep into Gordon’s chest sending pieces of flesh flying in all directions. Gordon screamed in agony, his face twisted. Victor was smart and didn’t hit any major arteries. He pushed a button on his hang man’s ensemble and hoisted Gordon into the air. A few seconds later he let him drop and his body jerked, plunging up and down like a yo-yo. “Don’t worry my dear friend Gordon, the plunge wasn’t enough to snap your neck, only cut off your air. You will die of asphyxiation.” Victor revved the chainsaw and said, “But not before I do this.” He placed saw at the center of Gordon’s ribs and sawed his way in. Gordon’s bones separated sounding like wood being cut. Gordon’s face paled and he puked. Victor threw the saw to the side, reached into Gordon’s chest cavity, ripped out his beating heart and held it in front of Gordon’s face. “This is the last thing you shall see. Now die you sick son of a bitch.” Victor shoved the heart into Gordon’s mouth and walked away.

  Katrina’s blood ran cold. She sat silent afraid to talk, afraid to move. This would haunt her forever. Gordon deserved the fate Victor dealt him but why did Victor have to make it so torturous and gruesome? It would’ve been a lot easier to shoot Gordon, right?

  She looked up and saw Victor standing in front of her with his hand extended. “I’m sorry you had to witness this.” Katrina realized her handcuffs were gone. It must be more vampire magic. She didn’t know what to do so she took his hand. His grip was cold and uncaring. “This is what The Dark One’s do. Gordon was an evil man who escaped the justice system one too many times. We take it into our own hands and execute these kinds of people.” Cocking his head he smiled. “His wife and children will now have peace. We give people peace.”

  Katrina huffed. “Why did I have to watch this?” She asked shaking her head disgusted.

  “Katrina, you defied me and I told you there would be a punishment. Watching this execution was your punishment and it also gave you an understanding of what us vampire’s stand for.” He moved a stray piece of hair from her face and kissed her cheek. “I promise you will never have to go through this again.” He stared into her soul. “As long as you never defy me or go against my wishes again. Promise me.”

  Katrina stared into his dark eyes. She didn’t trust him. “I promise,” she said. The smell of blood, death and decay made her feel dizzy. She looked away from Victor and stared at Gordon. His body was nothing but a tangled mess of flesh and blood with bits of bone scattered on the floor. His mouth was open and his heart lay at his feet. Heat and nausea swept over her and everything went black.

  Victor bent down and gently picked her up in his strong arms holding her close to his chest. He stared at her pale face, his heart warming. He kissed the top of her head and drifted out of the theatre his black cape swirling behind him.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Armani stood in the cemetery watching a black hearse lead a group of cars to a burial site. The orange flags attached to the cars waved in the breeze as if saying good bye to the deceased one. Armani’s excellent vision allowed him to clearly see the passenger in the first car. It was an older woman, more than likely the wife of the deceased. She held a tissue to her nose as tears fell. His heart broke in two for her and for himself. What he would have given to be able to attend Simone’s funeral. But he had been trapped in a drug-induced coma lying in a hospital bed.

  He balled his fists and stared at the sky asking God why He would do this to him. It wasn’t fair. His mission was to find the ones who destroyed his life and reason for living and make them suffer. Death to them would be peace for him.

  Armani watched the funeral procession again. “At least you people have a chance to say a final goodbye. God rest your loved ones soul.” He said softly and did the Hail Mary.

  A black shadow moved beside him. Armani looked and saw the black hawk standing, its head upright and face courageous like a guard dog protecting his master.

  “Hello friend,” Armani said amazed at the beauty of the hawk up close. Its sleek black coat covered its large frame. The hawk turned its head upward staring into Armani’s eyes. The hawk’s black eyes stared into his soul. The hawk averted its gaze back to the funeral procession standing in reverence like an English soldier protecting a castle. Armani shivered and shoved his hands into his coat pockets. The hawk’s beak was long thick and sharp. It could easily tear someone to bits. No wonder Donovan chose this bird to be his eyes and protector.

  Armani crouched to his knees not taking his eyes off the hawk. He held his hand out waiting for the hawk to notice and come to him.

  The hawk twisted its head and stared at Armani.

  “Come here fella,” Armani said. “I won’t hurt you. I just want to touch you. It seems I’ve seen you around my home for such a long time.”

  The hawk listened to no one except Donovan,
his master. He was an intelligent hawk and was taught to trust no one, especially not a new vampire. The destiny of the new vampires remained a mystery for a time according to Donovan. The hawk had seen many newly born vampires choose evil instead of good. These new vampires who chose evil were killed but close encounters had almost cost the hawk his own life. The great and mighty black hawk was a gift to Donovan upon his cross over and the hawk’s destruction would limit Donovan’s powers and would leave him partially paralyzed. The hawk was fiercely loyal to Donovan. Victor promised the hawk eternal life as long as long as he obeyed Donovan and adhered to the cause of The Dark One’s. Over time the hawk had developed a deep love and devotion to Donovan and he would do nothing to jeopardize their relationship.

  Armani inched closer to the hawk. The hawk spread its large wings and flew away at light speed. Armani flinched and stared into the sky. The hawk circled high above. How did he fly so high and so fast?

  Armani kissed his fingertips, placing them on Simone’s tombstone. He closed his eyes, sighed and walked to his car.

  “I love you, Simone.” He whispered and wiped fresh tears that fell.

  Simone longed to reach out to Armani. ‘Please know I love you, too.’ Simone mouthed, unable to speak.

  “What’s going on?” Rex asked concerned as he studied Donovan’s face.

  Donovan set the crystal ball down. “Rex, you really need to calm down. I understand your concern for your friend but I have everything under control.” He said in an ‘end of discussion’ tone.

  Rex cleared his throat. “Excuse me for being concerned.”

  Donovan turned to Rex. “You’re excused. Let’s go outside and check on Gabe,” he said and walked toward the door. “Armani will be arriving shortly as well as Victor.”

  Rex stood and stretched his hands over his head. He followed Donovan. Hatred flowed through his veins like venom from a snakes bite. “Do I get the honors of torturing Gabe some more?” He asked and chuckled.

  “You sure do, if that is what you desire.” Donovan answered. Rex was the sort of man Donovan took a liking to immediately. Maybe one day Rex would agree to join The Dark One’s. He would be an asset to them and their cause.

  “Oh, believe me I more than desire it. I wish I could kill him.”

  Donovan smiled, holding the door open for him. “I always let the finest gentlemen go first.” He said ushering him through with a wave of his hand.

  “Thank you,” Rex said. Stepping outside he shivered in the cold air. “Gosh, I think I need my jacket. I’ll be right back.”

  “Here you are,” Donovan said handing Rex his jacket. “Let’s get moving before our friends arrive.”

  Rex stood open-mouthed, took his jacket and slipped it on grateful for the warmth it offered. “How did you do that?”

  Donovan smiled. “Magic.” He laughed. “You keep forgetting I’m a vampire and have many powers.” He stated. “Hell, I could rob a bank for you and leave no trace of evidence.”

  Rex liked that idea. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Biting his lip he thought aloud. “It’s not like Armani is going to tour with the band anymore so I’ll need to make money somehow and that sounds like a perfectly logical idea.”

  Donovan and Rex walked slowly to the dog kennel. “Rex, you’re a funny guy. Let’s get this straight. The Dark One’s do not commit crimes. We promote and deliver justice and only justice for the crimes people commit which they get away with.”

  Rex held his hands up. “O.K., O.K. I get your point.” With a shake of his head he walked past Donovan calling out for Gabe as he neared the kennel.

  Donovan watched Rex while listening for the sound of Armani’s engine. “I know you get the point because I can hear your thoughts.” Donovan laughed. “Gabe, come out of the doghouse. You have a visitor.” He ordered.

  Gabe crawled out on all fours, a distraught look on his face. “I’m hungry. Get me some food to eat or I will die out here.” He stood swaying like a drunken sailor. “I’m so cold.” He squelched wrapping his arms around himself.

  Rex sneered. “Good. Allow me to warm you up a bit.”

  Donovan opened the kennel door allowing Rex to enter. “Gabe, consider this your refresher course. Let’s call it Revenge 101.”

  Gabe looked confused. “What do you mean?”

  Donovan’s head rolled back, laughter escaped him. “You’re really that stupid? Armani will have his revenge for what you did to him. This is the first class, so to speak. Don’t worry, when this over you will have graduated to the 401 level and get your diploma in Hell, my friend.”

  Rex marched toward Gabe, fists clenched, filled with rage. “I’m your professor, Gabe. Let’s begin our first lesson.”

  Gabe ran to the corner trying to escape. He dropped to his knees and held his hands in front of his face begging and pleading for Rex to have mercy. Rex punched and hit Gabe in the face a few times. It made him feel powerful and good.

  The sound of a car racing toward the house halted Rex. It was Armani and he was driving like a bat out of hell.

  Donovan smiled.

  “Oh shit,” Rex stated racing out of the dog kennel. “Why are you smiling?” He asked Donovan.

  “I want Armani to see this.”

  Armani parked his car and saw Rex and Donovan in the doghouse. He gasped when he saw Gabe lying on the floor taking a beating. Armani didn’t know what to think. Too many things he didn’t understand were happening . . . and now this. Why in the world was Rex beating Gabe? Why was Gabe in the doghouse cooped up like an animal? Armani shoved the car into park and ran to where Donovan and Rex stood.

  Armani grabbed Rex and shoved him to the ground. “What is wrong with you? Have you gone mad?” He asked, his voice boiling over with anger. He turned to Gabe and asked, “Are you alright? Gabe, what are you doing in my kennel?”

  “Help me, Armani!” Gabe screamed his face swollen and bloody. “These men have gone mad.”

  Donovan and Rex laughed. “Mad? Are you kidding me, Gabe? You’re the one who is mad.” Rex stated flatly and stood. “Tell Armani what role you played in the death of Simone and his self-mutilation and then we’ll discuss who’s mad.”

  A confused look plagued Armani’s face. “What is going on? Is someone going to explain this to me?” He asked. “Not to mention a thousand other questions I have for you Donovan.”

  The great black hawk flew overhead and circled the men. Donovan waved his hand and stretched his arm out like a tree branch. “Come, my faithful friend.” Donovan ordered.

  Rex and Armani watched in awe as the hawk descended, gently landing on Donovan’s outstretched arm. The hawk’s gaze pierced through the two men. Rex turned away. Something about the bird gave him the chills.

  Donovan reached into his pocket with his free hand and pulled out a cracker. The hawk took the food in its sharp beak and flew toward the house landing by the front door. It watched them while eating its treat.

  “I’m sorry but your hawk friend gives me the creeps.” Rex said.

  “You have nothing to worry about, my dear friend Rex. If you are a friend of mine, you are a friend of the hawks.” Donovan said. “Now, come with me men. Victor will be here soon and I know Armani has many questions for me.”

  Armani didn’t move. “I want Gabe to be released. It’s insane to leave a man caged up like this,” he said pointing at the kennel.

  Rex walked beside Donovan and turned to see if Armani was following. “Come on, Armani. Let’s go. You’ll understand what ‘s going on soon.”

  Armani trusted Rex but was reluctant to follow.

  “Armani, please don’t leave me out here to die.” Gabe begged.

  Donovan silenced Gabe with a wave of his hand.

  “Please Armani. You must trust Donovan and me.” Rex said. “Listen to Donovan. If not for us, do it for Simone.”

  That hit a nerve in Armani. Just the mention of her name tore him apart. “I will follow.” He said. He stared at Gabe and said, “I’m
sorry, Gabe.” He turned and marched to where Donovan and Rex stood.

  ‘Not as sorry as that son of a bitch will be,’ Rex thought. He knew in time Donovan would open Armani’s eyes to the reality of the situation and why Gabe was locked up like the wild animal he was.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “Can we go home now?” Adam asked popping a Vicodin in his mouth and chasing it down with water.

  Alex laughed. “You sound like a toddler. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? I want to go home . . . .” Alex turned right onto a busy street in town. “Two more stops and then we’ll go home.”

  Adam groaned and stared out the window.

  “You knew full well the pharmacy was the first stop, son. Our next stop is the gun store.” Alex smirked. “I’m going hunting when we get home. I don’t care how long it takes to shoot that son of a bitch black hawk. I’ll sit out in the woods and wait for a chance to kill it forever if I have to.”

  “Can’t you let it go?” Adam asked. “It happened and now it is what it is.”

  Alex smacked his son’s face. “Watch your tongue. Respect me and you may get respected in return.”

  Adam flinched and rubbed his face. His dad managed to miss the wound. Thank God for that.

  “I’m thinking maybe I’ll skip the body shop today. I can always have the car fixed tomorrow.” Alex said.

  Alex pulled the car in front of the gun shop, parked and jumped out. “Be right back.” He hollered and slammed the door.

  Adam rolled his eyes. He didn’t care if his dictator dad ever came back. He could die for all he cared.

  “Would you really want that now Adam?” A deep voice asked.

  Chills ran up and down Adam’s spine. He held his hands in front of him and they were shaking. Maybe it was the Vicodin causing him to shake, hallucinate and hear voices.