The Cure

by Loren Schechter

“Get out! You’re disturbing my horses!” Ms. Pelliger shouted.

  “And you’re disturbing me,” said Baneful. “Shut your mouth before Otto here rips out your vocal cords and bleeds you like a pig.”

  “Oooh, I so, so want to do that,” crooned the bearded Legionnaire.

  “Wait your turn,” said Bulch, pushing the door shut.

  Baneful smiled at the riding teacher. “Let’s not be hasty, gentlemen.”

  Pelliger sagged against the door of a stall. The horse inside kicked the boards.

  “You are such a commanding presence, doctor,” said Finkelstein. “But you’re wasting time and effort on us. We don’t have Quintz’s data.”

  “Don’t try to play me. You have Rose Blood.”

  “No, we don’t.“

  “Don’t lie, Isadore. Honesty was your only virtue. Why do you think we came to the barn? One of my men saw a girl come in here. I know her scent from her room. She’s back there right now with the horses.”

  Finkelstein looked sharply at Hector. “You told me, Tanya.”

  Hector shrugged. “I’m sorry. You’re not her counselor. I didn’t know what you’d do to her.”

  “You know what Dr. Baneful will do? He’ll have his Legionnaires suck her dry in more ways than you can imagine.”

  Baneful grinned. “Yes. And both of you will have the pleasure of watching.”

  44

  Questions and Answers

  “Sit over there,” said Major Winkish. He pointed to a folding chair in the far corner of the basement storage area the agents had converted into a war room.

  Gritting her teeth, Kathy sat down. The two agents, one male, one female, who had escorted them inside remained by the door. The four men already inside the room were seated behind a long table overburdened with computers, monitors and other black boxes. None of the four glanced up or showed a flicker of interest. They saw us coming on the monitors, she realized.

  What do I say to them? The truth? Then I’ll have failed Soo. Failed all the vampires who want a cure. Bunny will come after me. Then she’ll kill Mom and Dad. Even if we survive, I’ll never see Hector again. So lie? But if they search me, they’ll find the flash drive in my bra.

  Kathy bit her lip. She tried to rub the ache from between her eyes. What’ll they do?Put me in jail? Living with vampires was a lot more dangerous. So handle this the same: think fast, lie, and get the hell out.

  “Are you Kathy Campion-Swink?” asked Winkish.

  Kathy started. How does he know? Kathy shook her head side to side. “Susan St. Claire.” The surname had sprung unbidden to her lips. Forgive me, she silently begged the dead ex-nun and ex-priest who’d been her mentors.

  “Are you one of the kids who came here with, uh, others from Idaho?”

  “No. I’m from Connecticut.”

  ”Are you?” Winkish frowned. “Well, then wait here until we’re ready to sort this out.” He turned and walked out the door.

  Is therea way to get out of here? Along one wall, electrical cables snaked along the stone foundation, powering the electronic equipment. The wall shelves were stocked with paper goods, cleaning and school supplies. Hide the flash drive? Could we get back in here? Better than being caught with it. She stood up and stretched her arms outward.

  “Sit down!” said the male agent guarding the door. His dark hair was brush cut above a long face, a pointy nose and recessed chin.

  Rat man, thought Kathy. “I sat all through the banquet. I need to stretch.”

  “Major Winkish said ‘sit.’ So you sit. Now!”

  The other agents were looking at her. She sat down in slow motion. “You like bullying girls?”

  The woman at the door and a black agent seated behind the table smiled. The others turned back to their screens.

  “Only the ones that mouth off,” said Rat Man.

  For the next hour, she sat worrying about Hector and Rose and what Bunny might do to all of them. The flash drive felt like a rock in her bra.

  “Susan! Things have quieted down. The General will see you now,” said Winkish from the doorway. “Follow me.”

  It took Kathy a second to realize that he was talking to her. With a start, she popped up from her chair. “Wow, a General.” She tried to sound impressed. “That’s really cool.”

  Winkish ushered her out into the musty, cement corridor and through an office door guarded by two agents. Lit by a bulb overhead, the makeshift office held three chairs and a battered desk. On the desk were a laptop and Bunny’s clutch.

  Uh-oh. How do I explain Vendetta’s knife? Did I get all the blood off? Sweat trickled down her back.

  The man who rose from behind the desk was wearing a black turtleneck shirt and trousers, and no mark of rank. He was short and potbellied, with white hair, large jowls, and beady eyes that belied his smile.

  “I’m General Tyson Corkle,” he said. “And you are?”

  “Susan St. Claire.” She deliberately shuddered and grimaced as if still afraid. “Why did that man outside attack me?”

  “Please sit down and perhaps we can find out.” Corkle waited until she’d seated herself, then perched on the edge of the desk and looked down his pudgy nose at her. “Are you a student here?”

  Why is Winkish still standing behind me? Her neck and shoulders tightened. “No. I was here for the Honors Banquet.”

  “With whom did you come?”

  “With my parents. We were visiting the school to see if I wanted to come here next semester.”

  Corkle stared at her, letting the silence build.

  Kathy fought the urge to bite her lip.

  “But you said you were here for the banquet.” Corkle’s tone was mild, but his eyes narrowed in accusation.

  “Our guide was a senior named Tanya Lyscovitch. She invited me to stay over tonight. She thought it would be cool for me to see her get the computer science medal and meet her parents, and then to meet some of the girls in the dorm. My parents said it was okay and went to stay in a motel.”

  “Which one?”

  “I’m not sure. They told me, but I wasn’t paying that much attention. It’s not like I listen hard to everything they say. I’d go nuts if I did.” These guys won’t let me go on my own. Bunny needs to be warned. “You have my cell phone. I can call them, if you like.”

  “In a bit. The man who attacked you? Had you ever seen him before?”

  “No.”

  “What did he want?”

  “The guy didn’t say. Everything happened so fast. Was he really a vampire? I mean they don’t exist, do they?”

  “How did you meet Rose Blood?”

  “Tanya was showing me the dorm. We went to Rose’s room and we spoke with Rose for a few minutes. I asked her whether her bed was comfortable; did she have privacy when she wanted it; how was the food? That kind of stuff.”

  “Why were you with her in the corridor outside the banquet?” asked Winkish from behind her.

  Kathy looked over her shoulder. “Isn’t it rude to stand behind me and ask questions?”

  Corkle looked over her head and nodded.

  Winkish came forward and turned the chair next to her so he could scrutinize her in profile. “Is this better?” He sat down and crossed one long leg over the other.

  At least I got him out where I can see him. She offered a curt nod.

  “Major Winkish asked why you were with Rose in the corridor,” Corkle said.

  “Rose wanted to tell me to leave right from the banquet, not to stay overnight. But she didn’t want to say it in front of Tanya. She told me she’d been mugged and her laptop stolen, and that a girl had been freaked out in the dorm. Rose was sure there were vampires on campus. I thought she was joking. But she kept insisting she was serious. That really freaked me out until I realized she was a little crazy.”

  “Did she say why the so-called vampires were here?” asked Winkish.

  Widening her eyes, Kathy jerked back in her chair. “You’re not saying they’re real, are you?�
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  “No. I’m asking if she said why they were here.”

  “She didn’t say and I didn’t ask. I thought she was a nut-job. But now with you guys here, I think she was telling me how it really is.” Kathy injected some anger into her tone. “If vampires are real, why aren’t you warning people?”

  “They may not be real vampires,” said Corkle. “You know how there are Civil War and Viking re-enactors? This may be a gang of vampire re-enactors. From whom did you get that wooden knife in your purse?”

  “Rose gave it to me. She was afraid I’d get mugged by vampires if I walked out on my own. I didn’t want it, but she was upset, so I took it to keep her from worrying.”

  Winkish shook his head. “I asked you outside if Rose gave you anything. You said she hadn’t.”

  “I was so frightened out there, I wasn’t thinking straight. She’d been nice to me and I didn’t want to get her in trouble.”

  “You know we’re going to check every part of your story with Rose and Tanya,” said Corkle. “We’re also going to have a female agent come in and search you. What statements would you like to revise?”

  “You can’t search me without a warrant,” said Kathy.

  “Yes we can,” said Winkish. “Not only are you a minor, but you may be an immediate threat to national security.”

  “Me? That’s ridiculous!” Her stomach clenched. “I just came to visit the school. I’m no threat to anyone. I was just trying to do her a favor because she said she was in trouble. I felt sorry for her. She gave me this. She wouldn’t tell me what was on it.” Kathy pulled the flash drive from her bra. Which one do I give it to? She displayed it on her sweaty palm. Traitor! she thought. Her heart felt heavy. Her eyes welled with tears.

  Winkish snatched up the drive. “Who did she want you to give this to?”

  “She made me promise to mail it to the New York Times – the science editor. Is Rose in trouble with you guys?”

  “You don’t want to be part of that trouble, Susan. So come clean. What else are you lying about?”

  Quivering inwardly, she displayed an expression of blue-eyed sincerity. “Nothing. You can check it out with anyone you want. But when you’re done, I’d like my parents to come for me. I don’t want to stay at this terrible school a minute more than I have to.”

  “Why didn’t you have any ID in your purse?” asked Winkish.

  Oh, shit. “I don’t have a driver’s license yet, but I had forty dollars in my wallet and I was afraid some girl might steal it while I slept. I figured I didn’t need a student ID or any money here for the night, so I left the wallet with my parents. Can I call them to tell them I’m safe?”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” said Winkish.

  Corkle raised his eyebrows.

  Kathy appealed directly to him. “I told them I’d check in with them before I went to bed. My mother’s a worrier.”

  “Okay.” Corkle opened the clutch and handed her Bunny’s phone. “But I want to speak with them after you do.”

  “Sure.” She pressed the buttons and put the phone to her ear.

  “Yes,” said Vendetta.

  “Hi, Dad. Something bad’s happened here at the school, but I don’t want you to worry. I’m not hurt and I’m perfectly safe because Homeland Security guys are guarding me here in the Admin building.”

  “Are they on the line?” asked Vendetta.

  “No. General Corkle is right here and wants to speak with you in a minute. What happened is that I got attacked outside by some big guy who they tell me was a vampire re-enactor, but he’s dead, so tell Mom not to panic, I’m not hurt.” She smiled at Winkish. “I was rescued by this amazing Major Winkish and I’ve got a half-dozen strong men devoted to keeping me safe, so don’t worry.”

  “Let me talk to him, now,” said Corkle.

  “First floor?” asked Vendetta.

  “No. No need to come down here until they’re ready to let me go. Love you. Here’s General Corkle.” She handed him the phone.

  “Hello, Mr. St. Claire?” The General listened for several seconds. “No thanks are necessary. We’re just doing our job. We – Sir? Hello?” With a puzzled look, he clicked off the phone.

  “What did he say?” asked Kathy.

  “He hung up. I don’t think he understood the situation. He said he’s coming to get you.”

  45

  Otto

  Make a run for it? Hector glanced at the double doors at either end of the barn. Taking a bullet in the head is better than being beaten and bled day after day.

  “Are you thinking of leaving us?” Dr. Baneful’s voice cut through the whinnies and stomping made by spooked horses. “Otto, please encourage my bloodboy to stay.”

  Slinging his AR-15 over his shoulder, the bearded vampire moved behind Hector and clamped a hand on his neck.

  “Cabrón!” Hector pivoted and swung at Otto’s face, but the vampire caught his arm and twisted it.

  “Ouch!” Hector grimaced and stopped struggling.

  “Before anyone else acts in haste,” said Finkelstein, “I think you ought to take stock of your situation. I didn’t come in here without backup.”

  “Is that right?” Baneful’s tone was sarcastic. “So where are the others? I left two Legionnaires outside. They’ll call out.”

  “Never again,” said Finkelstein, standing in the cross aisle. His tone was calm, his hands remained at his sides, but there was no mistaking his defiance.

  “You’re bluffing,” said Baneful. “You’re good at that in cards, but it won’t work here.”

  “Here I don’t bluff. Go out and take a look.”

  “If Bunny or your friend LittleHawk’s there, that would be risky,” said Baneful. “But I still think you’re bluffing. Otto, use the boy as a shield and take a look out the door.”

  Otto wrapped an arm around Hector’s neck and forced him toward the small door. Arthur Bulch opened it and stepped aside.

  “Choking me,” croaked Hector. “Ease up.”

  Otto pushed him forward. The outside barn lights were on but Hector was unable to look around.

  From behind Hector’s head, Otto peeked out. “Seth?” he called.

  “Don’t just stand there,” said Baneful. “Go look!”

  Otto forced Hector two steps forward. “There’s a body out here,” the vampire called back.

  The Legionnaires inside the barn cocked their weapons.

  “Didn’t I tell you?” said Finkelstein in a loud voice.

  Something whizzed by Hector’s ear and thunked into Otto. The vampire yelped and grabbed for the arrow protruding from his eye. “I’m hit!” he shrieked. Hector clawed at the arm that remained around his neck. Otto didn’t let go of him as they fell back into the barn.

  “LittleHawk!” Bulch slammed the door, reached down and yanked Hector up from Otto’s grasp. “Shut up!” he told his blubbering comrade.

  “The stupid fool’s using arrows,” said a vampire who looked to be in his teens.

  “I don’t mind lead,” said another Legionnaire, “but arrows are mostly wood.”

  Baneful scowled at them. “I thought the Boston Legion would have higher admission standards. LittleHawk has hunted with the bow for over a hundred and fifty years. Not only is she deadly accurate, she’s avoiding noise and muzzle flashes.”

  “Help me!” Otto wailed. He lay on his back, one hand on the arrow, the other slapping the floor.

  “You’re not going to die,” said Baneful, walking over and looking down at him. “In your case, losing an eye and a bit of brain is not going to make that much difference.”

  “Spoken like a true neurologist,” said Finkelstein. “But I’d ask for a second opinion.”

  Baneful pointed to two of his Legionnaires. “Grab that mouthy Jew and shut him up. And open his jacket and shirt.”

  Hector twisted his neck against the pressure of Arthur Bulch’s forearm as the huge vampire turned him to witness Finkelstein’s humiliation.

&nbs
p; The two burly vampires designated by Baneful handed their automatic rifles to their companions and warily closed in on Finkelstein. He gave them scornful looks but offered no resistance as they tore off his chauffeur’s jacket and pinned him between them.

  Bulch grunted his disappointment. Maintaining his chokehold on Hector, the enforcer turned back to his leader. But Baneful’s attention was elsewhere.

  “Take your hand off the arrow, Otto,” said Baneful. “I’m a doctor. I know what to do.” He glanced back at Finkelstein. “Before we’re done here, I’m going to jam your friend’s arrow into your heart.” He bent over, grasped the arrow and yanked upward. Otto screamed as gleaming fragments of eye and brain splattered over his face and chest.

  Bile rose in Hector’s throat. He averted his eyes. Miss Pelliger was on her feet, at the door of a stall. On the other side of the aisle, the door to Placidus’s stall was open. Don’t come out, Rose! Even as he thought it, he looked down at Otto, so as not to draw attention to what the women were doing. The wounded vampire was writhing and whimpering, his hands cupped over where his eye should have been.

  “Go out the other doors?” asked Bulch.

  Baneful shook his head. “Bunny and Vendetta are probably out there, too. Those two are trained killers. We’re no match for professionals. We’d be picked off before we got to the parking lot. I prefer to wait for our friends in DHS.”

  “You’ll have a long wait,” said Finkelstein.

  “They want to terminate us, too,” said Bulch.

  “Not yet,” said Baneful. “We give them the scientist, the girl and the data. They give us a free pass out of Massachusetts.”

  “You don’t have Dr. Quintz or his data,” said Finkelstein.

  “Oh, we’ll have enough.” Baneful walked over and poked the arrow under Finkelstein’s jaw, then scraped the point down his victim’s shirt toward his heart. “We’ll rope Hector and the girl upside down, bite where it hurts worst, and bleed them slowly. Believe me, they’ll give up anything we want. You!” he ordered one of the Legionnaires holding Finkelstein. “Find some rope.”

  “Leave them alone. They don’t know where Quintz is,” said Finkelstein.