Gator Baitin' (The Grateful Undead series Book 2)

by Susan Stec

  I could tell Marcus really wasn't into this conversation. That didn't stop me. "How did you know her?"

  He looked at me with sadness in his eyes. "I first saw her at a masquerade in Thurzo's home, and she was beautiful and powerfully beguiling. I began to watch her from the woods outside of her castle in 1598 when several young women went missing after attending her school for young girls in Cachtice. She peaked my interest, evidently Dorius' as well. I was quick to realize I wanted no part of her after visiting her home."

  "Why?" I asked. The word "beguiling" echoed in my mind.

  He sighed. Resting his head on the back of the seat, his eyes bore into mine. "She noticed me one day while she strolled with the mirror Dorius mentioned. I stood at the edge of the woods bordering her gardens. She was talking to the mirror as though it were another person. I was mesmerized. She walked over to me and I struck her fancy. We had one sexual interlude. Her bed chambers reeked of death. I didn't go back for several years. When I heard the Lutheran minister, Istvan Magyari's, complaints about her in the courts in Vienna, I began to watch her again."

  Ho-boy, did I want to back up to the interlude in her chambers thingy, but I didn't want to stop him from talking. I wiggled with frustration. "And?" I asked trying to concentrate on the rest of what he had to say.

  "It was in 1610 when King Matthias began the inquest. It never went to court, though, and I had many concerns about the validity of the proceedings. In those days, it wasn't unusual for a count or countesses to administer cruel or even deadly punishment upon their servants. It was accepted as well as expected among the aristocrats. I was invited, by way of a bit of persuasion on my part, to view the testimonies of over three-hundred witnesses. I watched as they were beaten and tortured to get the information the King was looking for. I had to keep reminding myself of that day in her private chambers."

  There he went with the chambers thing again, and I was having a hard time holding my anger. I wanted details, baby, but for once in my undead life, I kept my mouth shut as I stared at him.

  I could feel Resi and Zaire. They squirmed with questions, pheromones flying all over the place, and they weren't coming from just them.

  I kept shooting Mom glances as she sat peeking between the seats. Her eyes bugged out as she asked, "So what happened?"

  "They began to dig around her properties and found many bodies buried in unmarked graves. Way too many to be deaths of servants during her life with Ferencz, and although he was a brutal man himself, I found it hard to believe in anything but blood lust. I knew at that time that she was immortal. In light of the current events, I have to wonder if Dorius is responsible for turning her."

  "So, did you see her again?" Resi asked. I wanted to kiss her.

  "No. Erzsebet did not appear during the questioning of her staff. She was sentenced to spend the rest of her life confined to her chambers. I took the information back to the other vampires in my cartel and we formed our own council which, in turn, wrote the rules you have all read. Dorius helped write them. I still don't want to believe he's responsible for all of this." Marcus closed his eyes as if he'd just purged himself of something vile.

  "Why didn't you just leave when you got to her bedroom?" I knew I was pushing it, but I just had to ask.

  He turned to me, but it wasn't amusement on his face; it was fear. "I knew what she was. I could feel what she was capable of the minute I walked into that room. Two of her servants, Ficko, an evil man, both in looks and sorcery, and a vile woman, a Dark Witch, Szentes, stood by, pleasuring themselves as they watched her take me to her bed. I knew I would not leave that room alive if I did not do as she expected. I satisfied her… curiosity, playing the part she anticipated, and left as soon as I was able."

  Okay, so that ended any further questions on my part. He was clearly disgusted with the event, not to mention scared shitless. This bitch was going down.

  Zaire slapped the seat behind my head. "All righty then, does anybody have a fucking clue how we fight something that only has a freakin' voice and a bitchy reflection in a mirror?" Zaire asked as Paul pulled in the parking lot of Faith World.

  ~~~

  Chapter 19

  Piety is for nothing and her tricks aren't free…

  ~~~

  Mom got out of the car and immediately started giving orders. "Alright, you guys know the drill. Paul, phase and guard the perimeter. If the old man comes out, follow him. Gibbie, get in the church offices and keep an ear open. Susan, Marcus, and Christopher can play a happy little family on the east side of the altar. Jake and I will go in as a couple on the west side. Resi and Zaire somewhere up front. Just try not to attract too much attention, okay? These holy-rollers don't take kindly to lesbos, so nix the carpet-muncher shit."

  "F' that!" Zaire said. "I'm sitting right up front! Screw these bigoted bastards! I have a right to worship just like all the infidelity-challenged Christians do."

  "We're not on a quest to morally enlighten anyone," Gibbie squeaked.

  Resi flipped her new hairdo, grabbing Zaire by the arm as they turned toward Faith World. "I'm sure they'll just love us."

  "Only if you keep your mouths shut," I scoffed.

  "We're just here to observe," Mom instructed. "Everyone keep your mouths shut and head right for the car after the show. When they close down for the night we're going to have a good look around inside."

  "Is there a necessity for all of us to enter the church, Chick?" Marcus asked, frowning at Christopher.

  "Yesss, I want the whole room covered in case the old man shows up. If he does, we follow him. I think he's the key to this whole Erzsebet thing." Mom turned, heading for the church with Jake in tow.

  I sat down two pews from the front on the side Julie usually made her entrance. Marcus slid in next to me as the choir took their position the stage.

  "Can I sit on your shoulders, Daddy?" Christopher asked, getting a smile from the couple next to us. The woman looked like she was ready to pop a kid out at any moment, her stomach so big she could hardly move.

  "Just sit between us, Christopher, and try to behave yourself this time." Marcus patted him on the head a bit too hard.

  Christopher leaned over me and tapped the woman's stomach. "Can you hear me in there?" he asked, putting his ear to the woman's navel.

  "Aren't you cute? Look, David, he's trying to hear her." The woman smiled at her husband.

  "Daddy says it's more fun making babies than having them. He said Mommy wouldn't talk to him for weeks after I was born. Mommy said it hurt like hell and it's been hurting ever since." Christopher kissed the lady's belly.

  I watched in horror as the woman's stomach moved under Christopher's lips. His fangs slid from his gums and quickly retracted. Thank God the couple's eyes were locked on me. I grabbed him with both hands and plopped him in Marcus' lap. "Sorry, he's going through a phase—so inquisitive. I think he spends way too much time on the Internet."

  "Umm well, goodness, he sure is a bright little boy," she stammered, rubbing her tummy as she slid as far away from me as she could get.

  My eyes riveted to her stomach, I said, "Too bright for his little britches. So, um, when are you expecting her?"

  "My due date was yesterday. But this is our first, so the doctor wants to let nature take its course." She eyed Christopher.

  "Maybe she just needs a little help." Christopher smiled, leaning out of Marcus' arms, his eyes playing along the bulging package. "I bet I can make her pop out. Exactly where will she pop out? I want to watch."

  The woman blinked several times grabbing her husband's knee. She smiled at me, clearly uncomfortable. "I see what you mean, goodness." She smiled at Christopher who looked like he was waiting for an answer. "Well, um… let me see… heavens… have you ever seen a mommy kitty have kittens?" she tried. Christopher grinned and shook his head from side to side. "Well then, oh my, well, um, maybe this is something your Mommy or Daddy should address?"

  "They never dress. They're always naked in the be
droom. So do we have to cut a big hole in your tummy, or do you just puke it out? I bet that would hurt, huh?"

  Marcus had a death grip on Christopher. "That's enough young man. Sit still or I will escort you to the men's room."

  "I'm not a man." Christopher giggled like a lunatic. "And Mommy says you're not either."

  The husband let out a huff of air as he protectively put his arm around his wife. I could tell he wanted to switch places with her, but was hesitant to do so.

  The piano came softly alive and everyone turned to the entrance, stage left. The door flew open and Julie strutted out.

  She waved her microphone as she danced across the stage. The minute she opened her mouth, the piano stopped and the room became quiet.

  "Halleluiah…" she breathed in a throaty voice.

  A resounding 'Halleluiah' came from the followers.

  "Are you ready to feel the power of my almighty Lord?" she whispered, her voice winding the black microphone as her lips teased it.

  The crowd answered with an assortment of Amens, Yeses, Praise the Lords, and other glorious acknowledgements as groups began to stand.

  She smiled seductively, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

  She wore a short black dress, showing off long lean legs. Her feet were encased in three-inch black pumps accentuating her calves, and she pranced back and forth. Smiling at her congregation she signaled everyone to rise.

  The woman next to me struggled to stand. Her husband assisted her as we got to our feet. He took the opportunity to place her in front of him, his arms barely reaching around her bulbous torso.

  Christopher scaled Marcus, perching himself on his shoulders. "Hey, it's her! It's her! Hi, Pastor Julie! I love you!" he shouted, waving like mad.

  Marcus whipped him down, growling in his ear.

  The crowd hushed as she strutted to our side of the church. "Don't hush the child, brother. His shouts of joy are welcome here. Do I have an Amen?" Pastor Julie laughed.

  The room exploded with Amens and everyone turned to look at us. So much for fading into the woodwork. I could almost hear my mother cuss.

  Christopher turned and smiled at me. I wanted to slap the hellion out of him and he knew it.

  "Would you like to sing with me, little boy? Come up here and help me sing praise to my Lord." Julie beckoned Christopher.

  "Oh, hell no," I said under my breath.

  Marcus wrinkled his nose and shook his head, no, showing a lot of perfectly white teeth, all even, thank God.

  "Oh, come now brother, let the boy come up," Julie challenged.

  I spotted Resi and Zaire on their feet in front of the first pew, center stage. Resi was holding her mouth in place, Zaire was blatantly laughing.

  Christopher wiggled free and bolted for the stage.

  I was so busy watching them I almost missed Kim as she walked out and took a seat by the altar door.

  "What's your name, young man?" the pastor asked, putting the microphone in front of Christopher.

  "Christopher, and I'm a Knight of the Bloody-Immortals Rounded Tables, and I'm here to fight demons!" he yelled, making the speakers reverberate.

  I cringed at the word immortals. Marcus coughed. The church burst with laughter.

  I still couldn't see my mother, but I could feel her out there and we were in for some shit later.

  "My, such a big feat for such a small man," Julie stated, amused.

  "Yeah, well the demons sure better watch out with me around!" Christopher roared, his hand pumping. He looked so damn cute in his navy blue suit, white shirt and Marvel Heroes tennis shoes.

  I shot the woman beside me a sheepish smile.

  She gave me a frown. "I think children glean their behavior from their parents."

  "Uh-huh, well, you meet me here in five years and tell me you still feel the same way," I said, knowingly, my eyes running over her stomach.

  Marcus was boiling with anger.

  "Shall we sing, my little knight?" Julie asked.

  The piano cranked up and Julie encouraged Christopher as she sang, "I'll stomp that devil right out of my house!" Her heal clad foot stomped the stage as she sang again, "Right out of my house!"

  I didn't miss the reference and neither did Christopher. He grabbed the microphone out of her hands. With his little foot stomping, his arm swinging, he rapped in a loud resounding voice, "Put your hands together, people –stomp those feet—let's sing a song her demon can't defeat! Rise, you sinners and sing with me! I kill real demons with ten-ass-ity!" He strutted around the stage like a little evangelistic minister on a cocaine high, workin' his Marvel tennis shoes and clapping his hands. He unbuttoned his suit jacket, really getting into it. "I promise to stomp that demon the whole stomp, nothing but the stomp. So help me God! My God! Are ya with me people?"

  The room erupted with 'Amen' and 'Praise Jesus' clearly getting into his enthusiasm. I cringed in horror. Christopher took center stage and smiled a smile of the innocent as he stared into Julie's eyes.

  Julie eyed him with a watchful stare. Kim wiggled in her chair by the wall, and I wondered how in the hell we were going to get out of this one.

  Julie gently took the microphone, meeting Christopher's eyes in a feigned motherly look that had the hair on the back of my neck on end. "Well, that was quite fearless little man. But remember, demons are big and powerful. It takes someone very knowledgeable to keep them in their place. Do you know what that means?"

  "Sure, I fight demons on my Wii all the time. I always win. I got the knowledge. I'm the old soul," he pointed to the bottom of his shoe, "and I read the picture books." Christopher smiled, meeting her challenge.

  The unsuspecting crowd giggled more than a few Amens.

  "Fighting real demons is not a game little one. They may take your soul. I think you'd be safer sticking with your Wii games, don't you?" Julie's eyes locked on his with a warning.

  The room became quiet. I held my breath expecting a show down, my eyes frantically searching for the rest of the group. I was ready for a fight.

  Marcus squeezed my hand. I yanked it free. He put his arm firmly around my shoulder, leaned down and whispered in my ear, "All's well, darling. Be patient."

  Patient my ass, I was ready to jump the bitch. My lungs ready to explode, I let out a long breath and noticed Zaire edge toward the stage. Julie's eyes shifted to her for a brief moment, then back to Christopher. I took in another whopping breath and waited.

  Christopher shuffled his feet and turned his head up to her smiling red lips. "Well maybe for today, but one night I'm gonna kick the darkness, make it bleed daylight." With that, he ran from the stage, looking about as cute as a sleeping Cotton Mouth.

  Julie watched him run off and smiled at me when Christopher jumped on the pew beside me. She looked strange, her eyes dark and vacant. The crowd sensed it and became frighteningly quiet.

  "Well let's hear it for our little demon-fighting young man, people!" she said with just a smidgen of insanity lacing her voice.

  She turned abruptly to the blond man at the piano and nodded. I could clearly see this wasn't rehearsed. The piano player's eyes searched her questioningly.

  Julie took two steps toward him as if in threat, and he began to play softly.

  She stood with her back to us for a good five beats then turned with a forced smile on her face. "I have something important to tell you this evening," she whispered into the microphone. The lights dimmed and the chorus started humming softly in the background.

  "Today, all day, I prayed because there are evil forces against us, people. And I get down on my knees when I have council with my Lord." Her eyes jerked in our direction. "I don't sip blood-red wine or lounge around during the day when I pray. Oh no, that would be unworthy, because kneeling is humbling and my Lord is almighty," Julie preached, building to a crescendo, accentuating it with a snarl, her eyes glaring as she played them around the church.

  No one moved and I don't think anyone was breathing.

  I played
my eyes over the rest of my family. I could only see the back of Resi and Zaire's heads, their faces fixed on the altar and Julie. Mom's lips were pressed to Jake's ear.

  Julie's eyes danced over Resi and Zaire, and then ventured to Mom and Jake's side of the church. The piano softly filled the room with a dreamlike quality.

  Marcus lifted Christopher and placed him on his lap. "Good job, Christopher, you seemed to have accomplished what you set out to do," he whispered.

  Before I could comment on that asinine remark, Julie got my attention big time.

  "People in my church are being murdered!" she yelled, lowering her hand abruptly, motioning for everyone to take a seat.

  Her eyes shot daggers at Christopher.

  The crowd sat and mumbled anticipation. Not me. I was jakin' for a fight. Marcus pulled me down beside him as Julie continued. "I prayed on my knees for hours, people, because I wanted answers! I wanted guidance! 'Why, my Lord?' I begged. 'Why the good men and women of my church?'" She paused for effect. She didn't need to.

  "My Lord, OUR LORD… gave me the answers, but it was not what I wanted to hear, people. He told me those women that served on my choir…" she screamed, her arm pumping toward the choir behind her, "…and pastors…" she pointed to a group of pastors sitting uncomfortably in chairs beside Kim, "…were preaching the gospel, but were not what they appeared to be. They are fornicators! Sinners! Prostituting themselves in the back streets of our city," she ground out.

  The crowd gasped. Not me. I wanted to grab her by the throat and sink my fangs into her neck. Everyone settled as she went on.

  "He also gave me the solution, my friends. Yes, he did. And I burst with joy!" Julie raised her arm to the ceiling, her face joining it, putting on a really good show as she choked out, "Thank you, Lord!"

  The followers cried. They cheered. They yelled their support.