Red Dawn

by Bonds, J. J.

  “All the more reason for you to stay here,” Nik reasons, “where it’s safe.”

  I can’t believe he’s really going to try and play that card. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself!

  “I don’t have time for this macho pissing contest stuff. I’m going and Keegan’s going. End of story. Besides, he’s Shaye’s boyfriend so you have nothing to worry about.” I remind him. “Look, I don’t really know what we’re dealing with, but I do know we don’t have much time. Are you with us or not?”

  “Shape shifting scumbag? Inevitable expulsion? Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “Perfect,” I tell him smiling. “Can you charter a plane? We leave tonight.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Keegan and Nik chat mindlessly on the flight to Louisiana. I’m not really in the mood to join in. I’m worried about Shaye and what it means for her if we can’t recover the cure. I’ve already lost my parents. I can’t lose Shaye too. I just can’t. Despite all of her oddball habits, she’s like the sister I never had. I won’t give up on her.

  As we exit the plane, I’m thankful Nik’s parents have deep pockets. Not only did he get us a flight out, he also arranged for a car service to meet us at the airport. It’s obscene how much money these people have. Even living with Aldo, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. My parents were doctors, but we didn’t have this kind of money. I doubt Nik’s social mongering parents will even notice the charges on his credit card.

  “So why did we get car service again?” I ask as I hand the driver my overnight bag. He swiftly places it in the trunk with the guys’ bags.

  “It is Mardi Gras,” Keegan points out as we climb in the back seat of the dark sedan. “The city will be mobbed with tourists. It’ll be easier this way. Trust me, you don’t want to be driving through those crowds.”

  “I’ll take your word for it,” I tell him looking out the window. I’ve never been to New Orleans before, but I’ve heard the city is beautiful. Too bad we aren’t here to sightsee. “So what’s the plan?”

  “We head down to the French Quarter and start asking questions,” Keegan tells us. “That’s where we’ll find Ryder.”

  “Oh, good. It’ll be just like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack,” Nik quips. “This should be easy.”

  “I never said it would be easy,” Keegan replies, rubbing his hands together. “But it shouldn’t be that hard either. The guy has his hands in everything. We hit the right places and we’ll get a lead.”

  “I trust you know the right places?” Nik asks.

  “Aye. I know where to find Ryder’s ilk.”

  Oh, this is going to suck big time. The city crawls past as the streets become congested and nearly impassable with drunks, loose women and probably more than a few criminals. There are way too many people crammed into this city tonight. What a hassle. Maybe on a different day I could appreciate the ornate costumes, colorful masks, and air of festivity, but we’re here for one purpose only.

  The driver lets us out on the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon, and it’s all downhill from there. Everywhere I turn there are raucous partygoers hanging from balconies, stumbling around and just plain old being a nuisance. It seems every open doorway spills music into the street, competing for tourists’ attention. There are street vendors on every corner peddling beads, hats, frosty beverages and face painting from their makeshift booths, and even they are smiling with delight. It’s possible I’m the only one not enjoying Mardi Gras in all its glory.

  We weave our way through the crowds, following Keegan into one seedy bar after another as he grills the locals on Ryder’s whereabouts. Keegan’s got a lot of contacts, but getting a lead on Ryder is proving more difficult than expected. I have to give Keegan credit though, he does seem to know all the right places to connect with vamps in this city.

  “Did you actually live here?” I ask Keegan curiously as I dodge a street performer who’s eating flames as he dances about on the crowded street. The crowd ooh’s and aah’s before breaking into applause. Neat trick, but I don’t even want to know how he does it.

  “I lived here for a short while,” Keegan tells me as we put the performer behind us. “It’s a wonderful city full of mystery. It’s difficult to really appreciate all New Orleans has to offer when the city is crowded like this.”

  “Some day you’re going to have to tell me more about your colorful past,” Nik chimes in appreciatively. “I imagine you’ve got more than a few good stories.” He seems to be enjoying the nightlife a little more than Keegan and myself. Clearly he needs to get out more.

  As Keegan drags us into the fifth bar, an overly friendly frat boy grabs my ass and it’s all I can do not to rip his arm off and beat him with it. I am so not in the mood for this.

  “Touch me again and you’ll wake up a lefty,” I tell him as I twist his right arm behind his back and slam his face into the bar. He scampers away with a bloody nose and I’m fairly certain he won’t be molesting any more women in the immediate future. Surprisingly, I take little pleasure in reforming him.

  “That was so hot,” Nik whispers in my ear as he appears behind me. “I do love a girl who can take care of herself.”

  “Keep it up and you’re next.”

  “Talking dirty now?” He smiles naughtily. “You do have a fascinating way of keeping things interesting Katia.”

  “Keegan!” I whine. “My patience is wearing thin!”

  “What did you expect?” he growls, giving me an irritated look that effectively puts me in my place. “I would love to produce the man, but this is what happens when you show up unannounced.”

  I’m relieved when Keegan gets a hit at the next bar. I’m not sure how much more of this I can take, even for Shaye.

  We enter Moody Blues and I immediately write it off as another dive, despite the smooth jazz music that flows through the air. The bar is dark and has a rundown feel to it. It’s definitely seen better days, but Keegan seems to think it holds promise. I’m doubtful as I take in the sparse clientele. Despite the fact that the place is nearly empty, a thick cloud of blue smoke hangs in the air and I wonder if this is how the place got its name. We trail Keegan to the bar where he takes a seat on a wobbly barstool with a cracked leather seat. I immediately decide I’m better off standing.

  The bartender is a fat, greasy guy. When he approaches, Keegan asks him if Nikki is working tonight. Fat and greasy grunts in reply and then begins shouting over his shoulder in a highly professional manner.

  “Nikki! Get your lazy ass out here! You’ve got a customer!”

  Nikki bursts through the service door to the kitchen throwing insults of her own. “Shut the hell up Merle!” When he turns his back on her, she gives him the finger. “Fat, old bastard!”

  Moody Blues has a highly dysfunctional staff and although I’m amused, it might be the reason the place is dead when the rest of the city is thriving tonight. I give Nikki the once over, surprised to see she’s a human. She’s a busty, bottle-blonde with an orangish tan and a mouth full of veneers. Still, she looks like a nice enough girl and I can’t help but wonder what she’s doing in a hellhole like this one.

  “Sorry about that,” she starts before recognition sets in. “Get the hell out! Keegan?” She nearly climbs over the bar trying to get her hands on him. Keegan gives her an awkward hug that lasts a little too long, ending only when he pries her arms from around his neck.

  “Been a while!” she says, smoothing her white blouse. It’s a pointless exercise. The thing is wrinkled beyond help. “So what brings you back to New Orleans? Here to stay?”

  “Just in town for a visit,” Keegan says evasively as he leans on the bar. “I have to admit I’m a little surprised to still find you working here.”

  “Can’t be that surprised,” she returns cocking her hip. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be here, now would you?” She turns her attention to Nik and I step in front of him involuntarily, making it clear he’s off limits.

&nbs
p; “Too bad,” she says, giving me an appreciative smile before turning back to Keegan. “So if you weren’t looking for me, what’re you doing here?”

  “I’m looking for Ryder,” Keegan tells her. “I’ve got some business to discuss with him.”

  “Don’t waste your time,” she says, hardening her eyes. “He hasn’t changed, but I guess you’ve already figured that out, haven’t you?”

  “I don’t want any trouble,” Keegan assures her. “I just need to talk to him. I’ll make it worth your time.”

  “You ain’t looking for trouble, you ain’t gonna make it worth my time,” she says, laughing bitterly. If there’s no love lost between Nikki and Ryder, why she hasn’t given him up yet?

  “Come on, Nikki,” Keegan pleads. “How much?”

  “I don’t want your money,” she replies, slamming her fist on the bar. “I want Ryder’s head on a pike!”

  “That can be arranged.” I have no idea what Ryder’s done to her, but if all it takes to get his location and get out of this bar is the prospect of violence, I’m inclined to accommodate her wishes. “We’re not looking for trouble, but if we find it, well, I don’t run from anything. Ryder’s got something I want and I’m not leaving town without it.”

  “I like her,” Nikki says, nodding her head at me. She keeps her gaze fixed on me as she speaks to Keegan. If looks could kill, Ryder would be a dead man. This is one seriously pissed off chick. I wonder what he did to make her so mad. “Ryder’s been shacking up at Ava’s place. Guess the bastard figured it was easier to just pay for it than to take me as his mate. That’s why I’m still here.”

  “Thanks, Nikki,” Keegan tells her as we turn to go. “I’m glad to see you’re still… alive. It’s better this way. Believe me.”

  Stepping back out onto the street, I gulp in the fresh evening air, thankful to be free of the smoky bar. “At least we know where to find him now.”

  “Should’ve known,” Keegan responds looking disgusted with himself. “Stupid git is at a brothel.”

  “I’ve never been to a brothel before,” Nik offers helpfully as a deviant smile spreads over his face. “This should be fun.”

  “Down boy,” I scold him. “Or have you forgotten why we’re here?”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “You know, bribing the girl downstairs seemed like a good idea right up until now,” I say, studying the scene in front of us. The room itself is nothing special. It’s little more than a rundown love shack. Stained carpet, dingy curtains, and the coup de grace, a king size bed complete with whips and chains. But it isn’t the unimpressive room that triggers my gag reflex, it’s the inhabitants. A half-naked vamp- I have to assume it’s Ryder- is chasing a small Asian girl around the room while another rolls around on the satin draped bed. Despite the fact that he’s paying for sex, Ryder isn’t a bad looking guy. He’s got the slender build of an addict and a mop of stringy dark hair that’s balanced out by a well-kept goatee. “Who’d have thought kicking in the door would end like this?”

  “Babe, you do know what they do in a brothel, right?” Nik asks, grinning from ear to ear. It’s obvious he’s not nearly as grossed out by the scene before us. Actually, he looks pretty amused. Whether he’s laughing at my reaction or the situation, I’m not sure.

  “Ryder. Long time, no see.”

  “Keegan O’Malley?” Ryder looks pretty annoyed at our intrusion. Judging by his state of undress and the two working girls, I’d have thought the more, the merrier. Guess I still have a few things to learn. “I don’t like being interrupted when I’m with my girls, but I must admit, I am curious as to what you’re doing back in The Big Easy after all this time.”

  “We need to talk,” Keegan tells him. I’m kind of impressed by his authoritative tone. Too bad it doesn’t work.

  “Can’t you see that I’m busy?” Ryder grabs the fleeing hooker and licks her neck. She sighs with pleasure. The whole thing is totally creepy.

  The girl on the bed giggles and I decide it’s time she and her friend take a walk. I’ve seen more than enough and it’s clear Ryder can’t focus with them present. I grab their skimpy clothes from the nearby table and promptly throw them out the open window.

  “Unless you can fly, I suggest you get the hell out of here,” I growl, baring my fangs. “Now.”

  The girls begin to scream and frantically clamber for the door, tripping over one another in their platform stilettos. Nik steps aside to let them pass and I give him a look that I hope says ‘that was easy’.

  “You know, I’d ask why you’re here, but I really don’t care,” Ryder says, pulling on his shirt. Like Keegan and myself, he’s of mixed-blood. Ryder’s got the Grimm Reaper tattooed on his back with an inscription that says ‘Death comes to us all’. Apparently he was just as creepy when he was a human. He continues to ignore us and downs a bottle of blood from the top of the nightstand.

  “You’d better start caring,” Keegan tells him. His dark eyes flash angrily. It’s the first time I’ve seen him lose any semblance of control. I doubt it will be the last, knowing Shaye’s life is on the line.

  “Why? Because you’ve so politely dropped in here unannounced and chased off the entertainment?” Ryder asks. He actually has the audacity to look outraged. “Those girls were paid for!”

  “They looked classy enough,” Keegan returns. “I’m sure they’ll give you a rain check.”

  “Cut the crap!” I interject, losing my patience with their stupid banter. “We came for information and we’re not leaving without it.”

  Nik snickers behind my back, but I ignore him.

  “Who’re the kids?” Ryder asks, eyeing Nik and me. I hold my ground as he approaches, looking me over like a piece of meat. “This one may be cute, but she needs to learn her place.”

  “Like she said, we’re here for information,” Keegan responds. “I’m looking for a shifter. This guy would have recently taken a job against one of the pharmaceutical companies. He nicked something very valuable to the Elder’s Council. I need to find him.”

  “Are you here as a representative of the Council, then?” Ryder asks, keeping his eyes fixed on me. My skin actually crawls at the thought of his touch.

  “Tell us what you know,” Keegan orders, ignoring Ryder’s question.

  Ryder doesn’t even notice. His mind doesn’t really seem to be on business. The leer on his face suggests he’s still preoccupied with play.

  “You have beautiful skin.” He strokes my face and I’m through playing nice.

  “And you don’t,” I return, grabbing Ryder by the neck. I drive him across the room, slamming his back against the wall. The force leaves a crack in the plaster. As it crumbles to the floor, I pin him there, putting my forearm across his neck. He struggles to free himself, but he’s no match for me. His feet dangle inches from the floor. No big surprise, he’s underestimated my strength. Sometimes a youthful appearance can be an asset. There’s no way he could expect me to have the strength of a thousand year old elder, but I do. Thanks to Aldo’s blood, and the element of surprise, Ryder doesn’t stand a chance.

  “How do you like me now?” I ask, applying additional pressure to his throat.

  “Who the hell are you?” Ryder sputters. He looks pretty pissed. I guess I’d be embarrassed too if I were the one with my back against the wall.

  “That’s not important,” I tell him. “What’s important is that you answer Keegan’s questions because I’m done screwing around. I want answers. Now.”

  “Piss off!” he screams. “I’m not telling you jack!”

  “Wrong answer.” I punch him in the face and find myself pleased at the sight of blood trickling down his jaw. Nik and Keegan watch quietly. “Let’s try this again.”

  “Even if I knew something, I make my living selling secrets,” he screams. “If you aren’t paying for the information, then we’ve got nothing to discuss. Besides, I’m no snitch. I talk to you and I’m dead.”

  “You don’t talk to me and you
’re dead tonight,” I promise him, steeling my resolve. “Make no mistake; you will not live to see the sun rise.”

  He looks skeptical. His eyes seek confirmation from Keegan and Nik.

  “Look. At. Me,” I command. “I will do whatever it takes to find out what I want to know, even if it means tearing you limb from limb.”

  He calls my bluff. “I’m not afraid of you, you little bitch!”

  “I warned you.” I break his left arm and Ryder screams like a little girl. Anything for Shaye.

  “Katia!” Nik yells as he races forward. Keegan steps between us, blocking Nik’s path.

  “Don’t,” he tells Nik, placing a hand on his shoulder to hold him back. “This needs to happen for Ryder to understand the gravity of his present situation.”

  “He’s fine,” I assure Nik. “That arm will be good as new in a few minutes. If he cooperates.”

  Ryder gets the message and starts talking. “Maybe I did hear something,” he squeals. “There’s been some talk. There’s always talk about a job this big.”

  “We’re listening,” Keegan says, releasing Nik.

  “There are maybe five guys who could do the kind of job you’re talking about. I know two of them personally. One is based here in New Orleans. He could be your guy.”

  “Keep talking,” I say, pleased with our progress. Now we’re getting somewhere. I let him go as a show of good faith. After all, Ryder can probably think more clearly when his life’s not hanging in the balance. He rubs his neck, giving me a dirty look.

  “The guy is lethal and expensive and fairly new on the scene. They call him The Shadow. He’s an independent contractor. Most of his work has been for humans and while I hear his resume is extensive, this was an important job.”

  He points to the nightstand and I give him the okay to grab another bottle of blood. He downs it in seconds, no doubt hoping it will expedite the healing of his fractured arm.