“Thanks for the warning…now please leave.”
Elsie stood up. “Oh! You’re so infuriating.” She turned to Megan and snarled, “Talk some sense into him!” then stormed out.
“What if she does cut us off?” Megan asked.
“She won’t; at least not yet. It’s the only way she has to track us. But she’s right, we do need to move.”
“When?”
“Pack our bags. The detectives will be called away soon. I’m just going down to the lobby to make sure.”
Elsie took the lift down to the lobby and looked around for the detectives. She saw them off to the side and they saw her, too. Lang was on her phone and didn’t look too concerned; she looked away, uninterested, but Genn’s body went stiff and his eyes were glued on Elsie. She looked down and walked briskly towards the door.
“Do we follow her?” Genn asked.
“No, what’s the point. We know where to find her and we know where she was just now. To question her is useless because she would only lie. As soon as I talk to Kamber, we should have a picture available to us. Yes, hello Mr. Kamber. We’ve come across a human that we have interest in and were hoping you could provide us with a likeness. His name is Ulah-Drake Ulah. Do you recognize the name? No? Well just a picture of him may be helpful. How long do you think it will take? Hmm. That long, huh. Okay, but as soon as you can provide it, please. And if you could send us his complete file it may prove helpful as well. Thanks, Mr. Kamber.”
“What did he say?” Genn asked.
“He said it may take a day or so to get it. It’s funny, though. He didn’t ask why we wanted a human’s file, or how we came upon the name. I suspect he may be in no hurry to provide us with Ulah’s file.”
“So, is there any point in waiting here? We really don’t know who we’re looking for. Although we could just go up to his room and possibly find him there. Just get acquainted and maybe provide ourselves with a visual ID that we may be able to match to the picture.”
Lang was distracted by the same handsome man she had seen in the lobby earlier. He exited the lift and walked out the front door. “Good thinking, Genn. Just a friendly chat brought about by false pretence.”
The plan was interrupted by the ring of Genn’s phone. “Genn here. Yeah, okay, we’re not far from there. We can be there in 5 minutes.”
“What is it?”
“A murder, in a park not far from here.” Genn raised his eyebrows as he spoke.
They moved quickly towards the door.
Lang was too focused now to notice the same handsome man standing close by, this time watching.
Genn and Lang arrived at the murder scene. Genn pulled out his DNA tester and scanned the wound.
“The same DNA profile as the Elizabeth Bower murder. Ulah.”
“Or so we assume. Just think Genn; this is a recent murder. While we were at the hotel looking for him…he was here.”
Lang thought back to that same man that she had noticed twice in the lobby of the hotel.
***
Drake checked out of the Balmoral and into the Excelsior, then the Regency, then the Imperial. Being more cautious now, he made sure to only stay overnight in each. Life seemed hectic now with changing accommodations and feeding his voracious appetite; killing at least once a day. Drake loved the intoxicating feeling of feeding from another Vampire, and the thought of one less Vampire in the dome. He dreamed of that glorious day, when he would gladly give himself up as the last Vampire. To be a hero, yet the enemy, curiously intrigued him.
Drake would leave Megan for many hours at a time, spending a lot of time at the transfer lifts. The security going down was strict, but not impenetrable. While growing up in the dome, Drake had periodically heard fables about blood sucking creatures that lived in the forest. He realized now that it was likely a clever Vampire that had stowed away in one of the lifts down to the base that had lived the good life, feeding on humans that were beyond his financial means up above-the cream of the crop, right there for the pickin’-free of charge. I wonder what the penalty is for that? Probably pretty serious; they couldn’t afford to have their food supply spooked. Drake discovered a lift that only transferred lumber, where security seemed to be the most lax, and concentrated his attention on it.
Lang and Genn were running all over the place to the most recent murder and to the latest hotel to accommodate Drake and Megan. They were always too late. They still didn’t have a picture of their suspect; Kamber had destroyed the only picture the police had access to and claimed that none existed in their files. After getting a few similar descriptions of Ulah from staff of the various hotels, Detective Lang again thought about the young man she had seen loitering in the lobby of the hotel Balmoral a couple of weeks back. She racked her brain for a new angle to focus their attention on. Surely he can’t hope to keep this up indefinitely, she surmised. What’s his next move? She thought about Elsie and her unwillingness to help them. She was their best resource for information…she and Tasha Murdock, but neither one was talking-understandable, considering how it would affect them if what Lang strongly suspected finally came out. But she may have confided in someone over the years; someone who would understand the gravity of what was going on; someone not completely selfish like Elsie and Tasha. Lang found the name of Elsie’s DNA donor, Phineas Fleck, and thought how close she was to her own father.
“I’m tired of treading lightly and being polite. Thirty-eight murders, Genn…that’s mind blowing. He’s exceeded our worst serial killers by 31 and we’re still no closer to catching this low life. There’s probably another body out there right now that we’ll have to attend in the next few hours. I want to bring in Elsie Fleck’s father. The Captain has warned us not to spread rumors and unfounded accusations but I think it’s time to take a risk; to really turn the screws on him. Can you handle that?”
Genn smiled. “Oh yeah…I’m up for that.”
***
The next day Phineas Fleck visited his daughter.
“Hi Dad, what’s up?”
“Well, I’ve been called into the police department for an interview. It seems this new Vampire serial killer that’s on the loose has somehow been linked to us. Can you shed any light on why they would even think this?” Fleck plopped himself into one of Elsie’s plush living room chairs.
“I have no idea. They seem to have an unregistered Vampire that’s committing the murders and think the conversion department is the best place to start looking for the identity of this man. They’ve been pestering me relentlessly for weeks and I’m getting fed up with the whole thing.”
“They must have a reason for questioning us. And actually Drake’s name came up in the conversation. Is he around?”
“No, I took your advice and fed from him.”
Elsie recognized her father’s look of disappointment.
“You did? I find that hard to believe considering the talk we had just recently, when you said there was no way you could part with him. How long has he been missing and how in the blood of the dome did he escape?”
Elsie turned away to avoid her father’s probing gaze. “I told you, I’ve killed him!” Elsie spoke in an annoyed tone.
Fleck recognized the mood and backed off. “All right, but you realize this man, whoever he is, has killed 38 innocent women in the last month and a half and if there is any way that I can help to put an end to his reign of terror, I will.”
Elsie’s jaw tensed. “You do whatever you feel necessary.” Elsie crossed her arms.
Fleck stood up. “Well, I can see I’m not going to get anywhere here. Maybe I’ll be able to get more answers from the cops. I’ll see you later.”
***
At the police station Fleck cracked like a coursing artery on a cold night and the information the detectives received was just what Lang and Genn were looking for-insight into the personality of this man and the obsession that Elsie had allowed herself to be pulled into.
“You do realize of course that if
what we suspect is true, we may charge you as an accessory after the fact, and, for withholding information pertinent to a murder investigation,” the stern faced detective said.
He looked down at a clip board, running his finger along the page. “It’s been 6 weeks since the Elizabeth Bower murder. And since then, 37 more murders, by the same killer. A killer with no DNA records. The worst serial killer in Empire history, and the only killer, ever, that we have absolutely no idea who he is. Thirty eight beautiful, innocent women, with a millennia of experiences to look forward to, drained of their life blood in the prime of their lives. How many more will this wack-job butcher before we catch him. Come now Mr. Fleck, surely you don’t want any more murders on your conscience.”
Fleck would never admit that Drake was still alive or implicate Elsie in any way, but his body language and nervous demeanor told a different story. The devotion towards his daughter wasn’t touching at all…it was frustrating to the detectives. But even in his guarded state, Fleck painted a picture of a desperate woman in love with a human that couldn’t be converted into a Vampire as she had hoped and planned for. A woman that had at her disposal the means to illegally convert this human and thus keep her hopes alive. The interview reinforced their theory and added to their trepidation; this wasn’t just a Vampire tired of life out for one last blast of life, this was a Vampire on a mission. And it was obvious that he didn’t intend on feeding from humans ever again. Ulah had a hate and a focus that she had never experienced; he wanted to murder the entire Vampire race. But singlehandedly? He was too intelligent to believe he could achieve that monumental task. He needed help. The only place to get help was the base. And Drake’s ability to personally validate his incredible story made the plan credible, and scary. Lang and Genn explained to anyone that would listen, the danger that their society now faced from one rogue Vampire. To her relief-they listened. Security would be stepped up at all transfer stations.
Chapter 13
The Journey Home
Drake had discovered that a certain model of lumber transport truck had a good spot under the deck; just enough room for two people to hide.
“We don’t need to be panicky about it, just cool. We’ll pick our time and just walk by like a couple out for a walk. The trucks sit for a few minutes while the driver checks in and while the truck is being inspected. But the inspection is not very systematic. They do check under the truck, but our hiding spot is really obscured and there is no way to see us unless the inspector crawls right underneath and thoroughly checks-which they never do.”
They sat across the road in a comfortable hiding spot within a thicket of bushes. A truck of the proper make and model pulled up and parked.
“There’s one now,” Drake said as he scanned the area. No one was in sight.
“This could be it. We’ll wait until he goes inside. He’ll only be in there for a few minutes, so we’ll have to move right away.”
The driver did just as Drake had said.
“Okay, let’s go.”
They emerged from the bushes and crossed the street; walking at a comfortable pace. Drake looked front to back for anyone who may be in the area. The truck was so close now.
“Just look straight ahead,” Drake instructed Megan.
At the crucial time Drake pulled Megan with him towards the truck and ducked behind it. Just then a car rounded the corner and pulled up to the terminal. Four men climbed out and walked directly into the office.
Drake frowned. “Hmm, that’s out if the ordinary, but let’s go for it.” He led Megan under the empty deck of the truck. The truck would return with a load of lumber in a few days. They hoisted and wedged themselves into a secluded cavity that existed only because of the design of this particular truck. Drake put his index finger to his lips and said a silent prayer. They had only just settled into their spot when the driver returned with the inspector.
“Glad to get out of there,” the inspector said to the driver.
“What’s with all the suits?”
“Oh, every so often they step up inspection on the trucks. Usually right after a Vampire has smuggled himself down to the base and gone on a gluttonous spree.” He smiled.
The driver laughed. “What a way to go-a veritable free smorgasbord of young talent right at the tip of your fangs.”
“But, when they get caught, and they all do, it’s the death penalty.”
“Yeah, not quite worth it, but it’s nice to fantasize.”
“I’ll just be a few minutes. You’re the last, were almost full. Be nice to get the lift away in time, before the agents get in there. The inspector gave an even quicker check than usual, with his eyes always on the office door.
“Yeah, you’re good to go. Hopefully we can get you out of here on time,” the inspector said gesturing to the office.
The driver smiled. “Thanks Henry…see you next trip.”
“No problem, Jimmy. Have a safe journey.”
The diver climbed into the cab and fired up the engine. The lift was full of trucks. There was one void that the driver expertly backed into.
The inspector got on his radio. “Okay Fred. Let’s get this load away as soon as possible. A bunch of agents just pulled in and they’ll delay us for hours if they get a hold of it.”
Inside the office, the transport manager talked to a group of 5 men that crowded his office. “Yes of course. We always cooperate with the police. Just let me know what you want to do and we’ll try to accommodate. Just keep in mind that we have schedules to keep and deadlines to meet.”
“Like always, thank you for your cooperation. We’ll try to be as little of a disruption as possible. Every transfer site is to be reinforced with two more inspectors. The transport lift that is leaving now, can we catch it, and get 2 of my inspectors aboard?”
The manager looked out of his window. “The doors are already closed, and every truck was meticulously inspected. Can we start the procedure off with the next load?”
“Yes, of course. I’m not sure what’s going on but the elders seem very intense about this particular crackdown. Hopefully it won’t last too long.”
“Me too. These crackdowns always put us behind by days…sometimes even weeks.”
The doors of the massive elevator clanged shut and Drake breathed a sigh of relief.
“We’ll be the first ones off,” Drake whispered. “So we’ll have to stay put until the truck reaches its destination. Then we’ll have to find our way home somehow. It could be tricky. We won’t blend in as well as we did up top. It’s unusual for a supervisor to travel with a worker…particularly on foot.”
Drake could feel Megan’s warmth beside him and he felt a familiar desire stir. It would be more difficult to feed down there. There were more humans than Vampires at the base. For now, Drake just wanted to be off this truck and enjoying the feeling of being home again. His thoughts drifted to the rolling green meadows, chattering brooks and trees reaching towards the ceiling lights.
“How long will it take?” Megan asked.
“Only ten minutes or so.”
Megan’s excitement grew at the notion of getting back home to familiar people and surroundings. She put her hand down to her abdomen and said a short prayer. Life had taken so many radical twists and turns since she had left the base. Oh, if only Drake was still as he was before. She had a blood thirsty Vampire laying beside her…the father of her unborn child. It all seemed so impossible. She felt herself press closer to the steel frame of the truck. Drake noticed the subtle shift and felt his jaw tighten.
The elevator slowed, came to a halt and the doors groaned open. Before the roar of the motors, the welcome sound of song birds was a comforting music for the soul. The truck pulled out of the lift and hit the road, bound for the logging area not far off. Both Drake and Megan longed to get their first peek of the countryside, but right now just the green highway blurred below. The vehicle slowed and turned onto a logging road that twisted its way into a wooded area. In the distance an
d getting louder by the minute was the sound of saws and heavy equipment. The truck stopped and the sound assaulted their ears.
“Let’s wait a few minutes,” Drake spoke in a loud voice over the din.
“Okay-let’s go,” he said as he rolled himself off the platform and onto the scarred earth. He helped Megan down and they crawled out from under the transport. A quick peek around revealed a very busy work area. They slunk away…unnoticed. Wiping the dirt from their knees and hands the couple walked back to the highway. The trees towered around them, but it took a few minutes for them to be able to enjoy, and realize that they were now home. They smiled at each other, but didn’t allow themselves too much contentment. Hundreds of miles still lay between them and their familiar locality.
“We should be able to travel freely for awhile. We’ll certainly raise curiosity and questions, but until I start to feed, we should be okay.
Megan looked up at Drake. “Just Vampires, right?”
“Yes, Megan-just Vampires. It will be tricky though. There aren’t too many female supervisors, and we’ll raise questions wherever we go. I’ll have to hold off as long as we can. I tried to gorge myself before we left the dome because I knew it would be difficult. The problem is; as soon as I feed and the body is discovered, they’ll know that we are now on the loose down here. And we really stand out. A soon as word is spread, every Vampire at the base will be on the lookout for us. I’m not even sure how far from home we are.”
After a long hike the woods thinned and eventually the pair emerged into the open. Drake got his bearings by locating one of the massive ceiling supports looming in the distance. They were all constructed in a linear pattern so as to make it easy to find your direction. It’s either this way or that. Which way should we try first…we have a 50-50 chance. Megan selected the direction and they waited for a vehicle to hopefully hitch a ride.
“Can you please fix your hair,” Drake instructed as he wiped some dirt from her face.
“We may be able to use your looks to our advantage.”
Finally a truck laden with logs came down the road and Drake waved his arms at it. The driver stopped and opened his passenger door.
“Don’t see too many hitchhikers. Where you headed?” He eyed Megan and she looked down.
The Nectar of Eternal Life Page 14