“Get off him. I mean it.” His hands were shaking, but his voice was firm.
“In two minutes.” Forcing the agent’s arms over his head, she bit into his neck. The agent screamed.
Remembering his own torment, Hector fired. The recoil of the pistol knocked him back on his butt. Miss Flowers swiveled about, scrambled up and charged.
Holding the gun in both hands, Hector pulled the trigger again and again.
51
Betrayal
Winkish twisted the knife in Corkle’s throat. The General’s wide-eyed surprise became an expression of agony. Spurting blood, he gave a soft gurgle of life disappearing.
“Nicely done, Major,” said Bart.
We may be done for, too, thought Bunny. Evil attracts evil. She tried to keep her body still as she strained to free her wrists from the handcuffs.
Winkish nodded to Harsh Voice. The agent released his grip and Corkle’s body crumpled to the ground.
“Now if you’ll please free Arthur and me,” said Bart. “We can get you Dr. Quintz and his daughter.”
Free them and they’ll kill you, thought Bunny.
“One thing at a time,” Winkish drew his pistol. “Free the big man first,” he told Harsh Voice. “No tricks, now,” he warned Arthur Bulch. “Stay seated until I tell you otherwise.”
Harsh Voice fished a key from his pocket, unlocked Bulch’s leg shackles and handcuffs, and backed away.
Hopeless. Bunny stopped struggling. Letting Bulch loose is asking for trouble.
Harsh Voice must have thought the same, for he drew his Glock from its holster.
Bulch grunted as he straightened out his legs and rubbed his wrists. “That feels better.”
“You’re going to go first,” said Winkish. He pointed toward Corkle’s body. “Take that vampire knife with you. I never want to see it again.”
“Makes no sense to give him a weapon,” muttered Finkelstein.
“If you don’t stay quiet, I’ll let him use it on you,” said Winkish. “Go ahead! Get up, take the knife and go. Your boss will be freed once you’re out of here.”
Receiving a nod from Baneful, Bulch got to his feet, went to the General’s body and pulled out the knife. He straightened up with a satisfied smile.
Harsh Voice and Winkish fired simultaneously. Bunny recoiled at the sound.
“No!” yelled Baneful.
Bulch jerked as if stung, then took two steps into a hail of wooden bullets before he fell and lay still
“You miserable excuse for a warmblood,” raged Baneful. “We had an agreement.”
“May I remind you that you failed to deliver most of what you promised?” said Winkish, reloading his weapon. “I did say I’d let both of you go, but I only guaranteed your safety, not his. Check the recording on your watch. No, on second thought, I’d better take that before you leave. I still expect the money and the names in exchange for burying both Dr. Quintz and his data.”
“How do I even know you’ll do that?” asked Baneful.
“Because neither we nor the government want to see an imperfect cure for an imaginary disease. We have to keep the public laughing at the notion that vampires exist while we eradicate this threat to our national security.”
“I suppose the General was a threat to national security,” said Bunny.
His lips curling with scorn, Winkish looked down at her. “He was an incompetent commander with politically powerful friends. Only vampires pose a bigger threat. Allowing you to get away from that Boston hospital wasn’t the first operation he botched. The man was so stupid he believed my account of my agreement with Dr. Baneful.” Winkish turned and aimed his pistol at the doctor. “Remove his shackles,” he told Harsh Voice.
Will he really let Bart go? “You think it was me at that hospital?” Bunny asked.
“You looked right into the camera. I don’t suppose you have an evil twin.”
Baneful stood up slowly. “Permit me to introduce my half-sister, Barbara. I assure you she won’t divulge the information you need. Even in shackles, she’s a threat to everyone’s security – even yours, after what she’s witnessed here. Please allow me to terminate her before I go.”
“I can take care of that myself, or perhaps spare her, if she tells us where Dr. Quintz is hiding. As for whatever else she says, my men won’t believe a vampire trying to fend off termination. Not after we arrange the evidence here to prove the General set you free and Bulch killed him despite the agreement you’d made with him. Terrible tragedy. Now please toss your watch over to me.”
Scowling like a man cheated of his prize, Bart complied. “If you tire of government service, you could go far in the Satanic Legion.”
Winkish offered him a thin smile, then looked at Harsh Voice. “Go tell the guards that Dr. Baneful is to be escorted safely off campus. If he’s seen again, he’s to be terminated on sight.”
“They won’t see me.” Bart glared at Bunny. “I hope to never see your ugly face again.”
“Better keep looking over your shoulder,” she said. “One day, I’ll be there.”
“I sincerely doubt that,” said Winkish.
52
The Way It's Going to Be
Bunny heard a door open and close as her half-brother left the barn. She doubted that Winkish heard Harsh Voice start back and the soft thud seconds later. She sniffed a faint woodsy odor but no new warmbloods. LittleHawk?Or an errant breeze and a clumsy agent?
“This is the way it’s going to be,” Winkish said looking down at her and Finkelstein. “If either one of you starts talking about what you witnessed here, I’ll terminate you immediately. On the other hand, tell me where Dr. Quintz is being kept and I’ll free both of you after we have him in custody. Stay silent or lie, and we’ll extract your fangs and other parts of your body. Believe me, you will end up pleading for termination.”
“Having been on this earth for two centuries, I am always impressed by people who can predict the future with certainty,” said Finkelstein. “Had I been that smart, I would have been a billionaire.”
He heard it, too, thought Bunny. He’sproviding distraction.
“Me, too,” she said. “But unexpected things always seem to happen. For example, Major, did your backup go A.W.O.L.?”
Winkish glanced behind him. “Marcus!” he called. Hearing no response, he shouted “Guards!”
“Didn’t you order them to stay outside, no matter what they heard?” asked Bunny. “You’re going to have to go outside to get them.”
The Major stiffened. He looked down at her with narrowed eyes. “What’s going on?”
“How would I know?”
He went to the stall door, crouched down and poked his head out cautiously. Bunny heard an arrow thud into wood. Winkish jerked back and pointed his pistol at Bunny. “I should terminate you two, right now.”
“Lose us and you lose Quintz,” said Bunny. “As hostages, we’re the only leverage you have to get out of this barn alive.”
“Provided you treat us nicely,” added Finkelstein.
“I can terminate them before you get to me,” Winkish called loudly.
“Then I will kill your man Marcus and cut your heart out in front of your eyes,” said Edna LittleHawk from another stall. “Your only hope to stay alive is to trade hostages and agree to safe conduct for both sides.”
“It’s my gun against your bow and arrow,” said Winkish. “I believe I have the advantage.”
LittleHawk barked out a laugh. “I have your man’s automatic rifle. You cannot leave that stall without dying one way or the other.”
Winkish turned his head and pistol toward his hostages. His face was grim, but his eyes and gun wavered.
“As a guidance counselor, I’d hate for you to make the wrong decision,” said Finkelstein. “Edna’s been tracking and hunting for more than a hundred and fifty years. You’d have to hit her heart to stop her. And strange as it may seem to you, she teaches Ethics, so her word is her bond, even if given under duress. Not m
any of us can say the same, can we, Major?”
53
The Project
Finding it impossible to play ostrich, Kathy paced the perimeter of the circular room. She’d tried to get close to Tanya to see what she was doing, but the Russian girl had angrily waved her away. So Kathy walked round and round, her gaze flitting from one filled bookshelf to the next, her brain seeing Tanya in the grasp of the female vampire in the bathroom, Rose going down in the vampire’s last charge, Agent Breen struggling in vain to keep Miss Flowers from his throat, those visions bringing back her fear and horror, the odors of lilac cologne, vampire blood, grisly death. And in between visions, the worries: Where is Hector? Where is Rose? Are they dead? Are they safe?
The sound of an outside door closing was followed by footsteps. Kathy pivoted toward the archway through which Hector limped forward, a pistol tucked into his belt.
“Hector!” Kathy raced around tables and chairs to meet him halfway. She ploughed into him with such force that he would have toppled over had she not pulled him into her arms.
“Whoa, chica. I’m not in mint condition. I just had to — I think I term – ”
She silenced him with a kiss. His lips were dry, his body sticky, he smelled of horse, and it was wonderful. Thank Godhe’s alive! Joy fused their bodies together.
“I knew Rose could never have such a boyfriend,” said Tanya. With a self-congratulatory nod, she resumed typing at the computer.
Hector broke off the kiss, but not his embrace. His jaw quivered; his smile disappeared beneath a tide of grief. “The feds killed Arvin. They captured Bunny and Finkelstein. Baneful, too, but his Legionnaires may have killed Rose.”
“Oh, God.” She tightened her grip on him. Tears welled in her eyes. “Both Arvin and Rose?”
Tanya hunched forward in her chair, a hand on her chest. “Rose dead? That is so awful.“ Tanya’s cheeks reddened, her tone became angry. “Her father threw her into the boiling water. He is responsible for her death. Rose tried so hard to do right.”
Shaking her head, Kathy let go of Hector. “I should’ve done a better job of persuading her to come meet Bunny.”
“I don’t know for sure that Rose is dead,” Hector said. “She saved us by letting the horses loose in the barn before she ran off. Baneful sent three vampires after her. There was a lot of gunfire, but maybe she was captured.” He pressed a fist to his mouth for a moment, then let out a ragged breath. “An agent took me – we were attacked – I terminated a vampire.” He shook his head as if to clear it. “We have to get away from here! Get our families moved before the vampires go after them.”
“Listen to me.” Tanya sprang to her feet and came toward them. “My father has chartered a plane for after the graduation. Come with us to California. You do not live so far from Stanford University, Hector. Perhaps Kathy and I can share an apartment.”
Kathy rolled her eyes.
“Your parents would take us?” asked Hector.
“Certainly. I will tell them Kathy saved my life.”
“We saved each other,” said Kathy. “And we may have to do it again to get off this campus. I doubt there’ll be a graduation ceremony tomorrow.”
“We have to go now,” said Hector. “While everyone’s focused on the barn.”
“What about Rose?” asked Kathy. “If she’s alive, we can’t just leave her.”
Tanya went back to her chair. “Alive or dead, Rose would want me to finish this.”
“What are you doing?” asked Hector.
“It is for Rose to say. She told me not to tell anyone unless she died. And you are not certain.”
“Even if she’s alive, no matter which side has her, there’s nothing we can do about it.” Hector’s voice rose. “It’s crazy to risk sacrificing our lives for a girl we hardly know.”
“You did it for me,” said Kathy. “And I for you.”
“Because I loved you and you – well, I guess I’m not sure why you came back to the school for me.”
She stared at him. “Do you have to ask? I was worried sick about what was happening to you.”
“Worried.” Hector’s tone was sad, his smile rueful. “Not torn up like you were about Conrad?”
Her cheeks got hot. “That’s not fair! We don’t have time for this, now.”
“No? If you and Tanya won’t leave, our only time may be here and now. So what’s not fair?”
Jealousy, thought Kathy. She heaved a sigh. “Sure, I was torn up after Conrad killed himself — but with guilt more than anything else. I couldn’t save him. But he committed suicide for himself, Hector, not as an act of love for me.” She took Hector’s hand. “You sacrificed yourself for me, and I’m truly grateful. I don’t deserve that kind of sacrifice.”
“Yes, you do,” he said.
“No, really not. You’re my best friend, but I don’t know about love.” Seeing his face go taut, she squeezed his hand. “It’s not because of you. I just don’t know where guilt and gratitude stop and love begins. Maybe I’m just scared.” She let go of his hand. “I don’t know if I can love anyone the way you or Conrad loved me – without any doubts.”
His arms spread wide. “Who says I don’t have doubts? The difference is I’m not afraid to love, and I think you are.”
“I am not! I loved the St. Claires!”
“That’s different.”
“It is different,” she conceded, “but it’s all mixed in, somehow.”
“It’s very hard to concentrate on my project here,” said Tanya.
“Look, Kathy. I don’t think anyone or any relationship is perfect. I just think we need a chance to see how we feel about each other in normal life. Come with me to California and meet my family. Get to know me as I am there.”
“And then what?” Kathy raised her hands in appeal. “What if it doesn’t work out? What do we really have in common in normal life?”
“That’s for us to find out, isn’t it?”
“For how long? A week? A month? I’ve never felt real close to anyone except the St. Claire’s. What if I want to split? I don’t want to hurt you like that.”
“I think you’re more afraid of your own hurt, not mine,” said Hector.
She shook her head. “It doesn’t help to compare. I’m stuck with my feelings, you’re stuck with yours. We can’t sort this out here and now.”
“So say yes and be done with it, Kathy,” Tanya scolded. “That way his heart will not break and his mouth will stop running. I must have some peace to finish my work.”
“Let Kathy decide for herself,” snapped Hector. “Who gives a shit about your work?”
“I do.” The voice came from behind them.
“See!” Tanya pointed.
Hector and Kathy pivoted. Rose stood under the arched entryway.
“Rose!” Kathy ran to give her a hug. “We’re so glad you’re alive. We were all so worried. I didn’t even hear you come in.”
Rose smiled. “Sounded like you were busy with other stuff. Thanks for worrying about me.” She gave Kathy a hearty squeeze, then let go to address all three. “On the way here, I was stopped by a DHS guy. He insisted the campus was locked down and I had to go back to the dorm. They were guarding every exit, so it took me a while to get out.”
“How did you pull that off?” asked Hector.
“I convinced a girl on the second floor to scream, ‘Vampire’s here! Help me!’ When the guards rushed upstairs, I just walked out.” Rose stepped over to Tanya. “Are you done?”
“It is ready for you to send,” said Tanya. “You will not mind that I’ve added my name to your father’s paper as a research associate.”
Rose frowned. “That’s not right. I thought you wanted to stay out of it. Not even use your own computer.”
“I had seconds of thoughts. Haven’t I done research here? It will help me be known at Stanford.”
“Will you two tell us what’s going on?” asked Kathy.
“I’d like to know, too,” said Dr. B
aneful from the archway that Rose had come through.
Tanya froze, her mouth open.
Breath caught in Kathy’s throat.
“Oh, Christ! You escaped,” said Hector.
“A wise commander always keeps some troops and weapons in reserve.” Followed by two Legionnaires who looked to be in their teens, Baneful strode into the room. His hair was messy, his expression fierce. An automatic rifle was slung across his back. His rumpled black uniform bore patches of dirt and wisps of straw.
Hector pulled Kathy back behind a table.
“A futile gesture, bloodboy,” said Baneful.
The male Legionnaire rushed to guard the second entrance but the cadaverous female stayed beside her leader.
Baneful leered at Rose. “Thank you, dear girl. I hoped you’d lead us to your father’s data. I never expected such a bonanza of young blood.”
Rose glanced at Tanya. “Send it!”
Tanya’s fingers flew to her keyboard.
“Shoot her!” Baneful ordered as he reached for his pistol.
“Which one?” said the female, raising her AR-15.
“Sent!” Tanya dove under the table.
“Don’t shoot anyone,” cried Rose. “It’s too late. The data’s been sent.”
Baneful raised his hand to stop his Legionnaires. “To whom?” he demanded.
“To BuzzFeed and every genetics lab and medical school Tanya could find on Wikipedia,” said Rose. “The path to a cure for vampirism will be all over the Internet. Both you guys and the DHS can now leave us alone.”
“What have you done?” screamed Baneful. “Once the warmbloods find we’re real, they’ll hunt us down like vermin.”
“There’s a cure?” asked the male Legionnaire from across the room.
He looks stunned, thought Kathy. “There will be,” she told him. “You’ll be able to return to your previous life.”
“Shut up!” yelled Baneful. “There is no cure yet. And there may never be one. Seize that girl!” He pointed to Rose. “We’ll get Dr. Quintz to tell the world his data is fraudulent, a hoax perpetrated by an embittered scientist.”
The Cure Page 30