The Blood Red Rose

by Mark Stewart

  AMBER CLOSED the door to her apartment and walked over to the table where she sat in a chair. Haleton busied himself looking around the two-room apartment. He spied the computer and the broken vase in the rubbish bin.

  "Can I offer you something to eat?" asked Amber.

  "I haven't eaten food since I was changed into a vampire," explained Haleton. He walked across the room to sit opposite her.

  "What an absolute horrid thought. Never eating would be a nightmare."

  "It is. At first, it was hard. There are so many different styles of food I have longed to try. Everything looks and smells fantastic."

  "What about a drink?"

  "No thanks," he said raising his hands into the air. "It's the same deal. Though there's nothing stopping me from fixing you something special to eat."

  Haleton didn't give Amber a moment to decide before he sprinted into the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast. The meal consisted of bacon and eggs and a mug of hot chocolate. He placed the lot into the microwave, pressed the number fifteen on the front panel and dived out of the window.

  For nearly ten seconds Amber sat alone in the dark, watching the numbers on the microwave count off towards zero. She only just turned her head to look out the window when a shadow entered the room. It seemed to float along the wall on its way into the kitchen.

  "Alex Crompton, what are you doing here?" Amber snarled angrily.

  Haleton materialized and opened the microwave door when the number two changed to one. Taking out the meal he raced the plate to the table. He looked seriously at Amber.

  "It's only me. Crompton isn't here." Haleton bowed as he presented the meal and a blood red rose to Amber. "I found the flower in a florist not far from here. Before I came rushing back, I did pay for the flower; in case you were wondering."

  Amber's eyes shone brighter than diamonds in a jeweler's window. "Thank you. Are you always this fast?"

  "I do believe I'm slowing down. I expected to be back before the number seven was highlighted, on the microwave. It must be the vampire blood starting to be neutralized."

  "Do you want to explain about the scroll while I dig into this amazing meal?"

  "Sounds like a plan," said Haleton.

  Amber swallowed a mouthful of food. "Please, don't take my opinion the wrong way. Sometimes the words you use are extremely old fashioned. They are well past their use by date."

  "I must confess I'm having trouble remembering the changing dialogue. I'm positive once I am in a time zone to stay I will quickly catch up. I'll do my best to tone down my vocabulary and bring it into the modern era."

  Amber swallowed another mouthful of food before starting to giggle. "I believe it. Sorry for interrupting your story of the scroll."

  "Not a problem," replied Haleton. "I welcome it. When I started again in 1749AD after accidently killing an innocent person I tracked down Rose-a-lee Cantala. To be precise, the country happened to be England."

  "If this all happened overseas how were you able to discover the reason behind why you should come to Australia?"

  "It's easy to explain. Rose-a-lee married a man who stumbled across a considerable amount of wealth. It was legit money, though he wasn't the honorable man he led everyone to believe. He entertained quite a few women on the side. Rose-a-lee gave birth to one child; a girl. The family tree since 1749AD didn't alter. A girl was born out of wedlock. In 1946 after the second world war, I overheard the Cantala's were deciding to relocate to Australia."

  "I know I'm an only child and my mother never married," added Amber. "Is Rose-a-lee the reason why you love me?"

  "No," said Haleton seriously.

  "I reckon you couldn't marry Rose-a-lee, so you deliberately kept tabs on the Cantala's until you found a girl to fall in love with."

  "It's not true."

  "I think it is."

  "You have the same facial expressions as Rose-a-lee and the same stubbornness, but no, you are two entirely different ladies."

  "Do you sincerely mean it?"

  "Yes."

  "Crompton mentioned my DNA is the same as Rose-a-lee's."

  "Almost the same," corrected Haleton.

  "Thanks again for your honesty."

  "At this moment in time, I'll believe every word. If I ever find out I was conned, you'll feel my wrath."

  By lifting his hand into the air, Haleton stopped Amber from finishing what she wanted to say. "I've spoken the truth. I know in time you'll believe it. There's nothing I can do to speed up the process. It has to be your choice. I can wait."

  Amber leaned across the table to kiss Haleton on the lips. "I know in my heart you are who you've said. My brain is a little slow on the convincing side."

  Haleton walked around the other side of the table. Taking hold of Amber's hands, he helped her to stand then he slipped his arms around her waist, reeling her in. Their lips welded. To him, her cherry red lips were the most amazing feeling he'd ever known. Haleton wanted to take Amber off to a land yet discovered. An island paradise would do nicely. It'd be a location only enjoyed by them. No one else will be allowed.

  Amber broke her hold, whispering. "I don't mean to be a party's wet blanket; time marches on. Let's pick up our conversation on Rose-a-lee and this scroll you mentioned. You have intrigued my curiosity. I want to learn more. Did you tell Rose-a-lee about her husband's extramarital going's on?" She chuckled. "I think I've been around you too long already. Your old-fashioned words are rubbing off you, and clinging to me."

  Haleton laughed in a polite gentleman's way. "Yes. I waited outside the castle where Rose-a-lee lived. I stood in the shadows for hours waiting for her husband to either go out or to fall asleep. The sun had almost gone before he saddled his horse. I watched him ride the beast at speed away from the castle towards the forest."

  "Do you have any idea where he went?"

  "At my first thought, I felt happy he left. I dematerialized into a shadow and easily slipped up the wall of the castle. I stood at the open window looking across the undulating hills. I saw Rose-a-lee's husband rendezvous with a horse and carriage. My vampire blood sent warning sirens through my brain. I tried to shake the emotion off by deciding to slip into the room, but I couldn't extinguish my burning curiosity. I cut across the land to take a closer look."

  Haleton noticed Amber was giving him her undivided attention. He loved her for it. He loved her intelligence, her will-power to succeed in anything she tried to do. To top it all, her beauty surpassed every woman he'd ever known. He sighed heavily, wondering how long it might take before she'd agree to be married to him. He chuckled. That idea was so old fashioned. Maybe the people of the world have changed more than what he knew.

  "Please continue," urged Amber.

  "I climbed a tree when the sun turned cold. I watched longer than I should have. Rose-a-lee Cantala's husband was most definitely having an affair. I discovered at a later time she'd been a woman of the night. She got paid extremely well by many men for her services."

  "You haven't answered my question from before. Did you mention all this to Rose-a-lee?"

  "I did tell her I have interesting news. I also made it crystal clear; I'd only reveal my secret after she promised not to go back on her word to help me. I reassured her I'd never return if everything went to plan."

  "You snuck into her room in the middle of the night. Wasn't it a radical move for the time?"

  "Yes. Rose-a-lee squealed the moment she saw me. Before I could protest, she ordered me to leave. I refused."

  "Did Rose-a-lee and her husband break up?"

  "I don't know. I don't think so. Things weren't the same then as it was in this time."

  "If I were her, I'd kick him out on his proverbial rear."

  "I'm sure you would've."

  Amber grinned at the man standing in the middle of the room. She started to enjoy his company. She walked across the floor to a beanbag.

  "What about this scroll?" Amber asked, making herself comfortable.

  "I convinced
Rose-a-lee to try to finish the antidote. She did confide in me if she ever actually discovered the correct dosage she'd write the antidote on a scroll, placing it in the coffin of a priest."

  "Why would she do something so morbid?"

  "I told her to. For a start, she couldn't place it in her coffin. The site of the casket belonging to a priest could be found quite easily, and the body would be safe from any grave robbers."

  "If it were possible I'd love to meet Rose-a-lee. To me, she sounds like a strong woman."

  "She's a lot like you in many ways. Unlike her, I believe you'd stand up to the council of four. It's something she never did."

  Amber's eyes looked to be full of excitement. "If you know the name of the priest all we need to do is to locate his grave and dig him up."

  "I might be a little bit behind the times. I know you can't just go into any cemetery to dig up a coffin," suggested Haleton.

  "A good point," grumbled Amber, slumping deeper into the beanbag. "Do you have any ideas?"

  "Before the council of four forced me to drink the vile, disgusting vampire blood, Rose-a-lee told me to remember the priest's name."

  "What fantastic news," Amber shrieked.

  "Not so great," replied Haleton. "I have twenty-four hours to complete this task. If I fail, I will start at the beginning again. Either way, I might never see you again."

  Amber climbed out of the beanbag, walked across the room and placed her arms around Haleton's shoulders. She looked into his sad eyes. "We'd better hurry. I'll help any way I can. I certainly don't want to lose you, especially when you've waited all my life for us to meet."

  "Thank you for feeling the way you do."

  "It's no chore. When I'm around you, I feel something I've never felt before in a man. You seem to have a strength flowing out from your soul. The stream has captured my heart."

  "They are words of a strong woman. It's a trait I certainly love," hinted Haleton.

  "What's the first thing we need to do?"

  Haleton led Amber to the bathroom. "The first thing that has to be done is for you to have a warm shower and put on dry clothes. Your hair is still heavy from the rain." He backed out of the small room, closing the door.

  Eventually, Amber walked into the lounge-room, toweling her hair dry.

  Haleton looked her way.

  "When I stood under the shower I thought about how you can blow the overhead lights. Tell me how you do it?"

  "The answer is simple. The last time I was in the future I found a small black disc in the trash. It's called a 'Clicker.'" Haleton pulled the small oval disc from his pocket, clicking the button.

  The light in the kitchen instantly blew.

  "This small object releases an electronic pulse whenever the button on the side of the disc was pushed. A law was passed sometime in the future making it illegal to own one." Gathering Amber in close, he swept his lips close to hers.

  She didn't resist the advance.

  Haleton could feel her warm breath. He heard her quickening heartbeat. He wanted to take the young woman so he could love her for the remainder of what little time he might have left. Knowing she loved him back would help to fill the void of the endless years ahead until maybe their paths crossed again. By his reckoning, he believed he had about eighty percent control over what year he'd be sent into by totally concentrating on the four numbers which made up the new year at the precise moment of his transportation into another time. If he could out-smart the curse maybe there might be an outside chance he'd be able to stay in the year 2010AD. He scrunched his nose. It was indeed a long shot.

  Amber craned her neck, waiting for their lips to melt together.

  Haleton let her off the hook by stepping away.

  "If I need to control my destination when the time comes, maybe if I have to wait to taste your lips again, it might be the best chance I have of staying in this year. I need all the help I can get. It might be the edge I need."

  Amber slowly nodded, walked across the room and stood in front of the electric fire.

  "Have you thought of any fresh clues or exactly where the scroll might be?" she asked with a sigh.

  "Just before I was forced, into drinking the liquid which changed me into a vampire, Rose-a-lee whispered in my ear I must remember the name Macularta and the number 777. I've no idea what the numbers represent," confessed Haleton.

  "Those numbers are described as God's numbers," suggested Amber.

  "There are a lot of god's in this world."

  "The one I'm talking about is the God who created all things."

  "The only other clue I know; was years ago I tracked down a different priest who thought he remembers hearing about a scroll. The only thing he could tell me was a man known as the watcher insisted the scroll must remain in the care of a relative for eternity. The scroll must never be lost, destroyed or sold. I tracked down the last remaining relative of the watcher five hours after he died in a nursing home not far from a church right here in Melbourne Australia. I pieced together the remaining information when the woman in charge of the nursing home told me the relative of the watcher used to be the principal of a school in Queensland. She also claims the man's ancestor whose name was Macularta loathed being a priest so much he left the church and headed for Melbourne. It is how the watcher was born.

  "It sounds like the scroll might have been taken out of the coffin and placed somewhere else."

  "If you're right we might never be able to find it," hinted Haleton.

  "Do you remember the name of the nursing home?"

  "Yes. Its name is Lazy Pastures."

  "I'll ring them," said Amber, reaching for the phone. She tapped the numbers on the phone pad and sat back in her chair waiting for a response.

  "Hello," croaked the voice of a woman.

  "Good morning," chirped Amber. "I'm hoping you can help me. I'm looking for the name of an ex-patient of yours who died several years ago."

  "Do you know what time it is?"

  "6:57 in the morning."

  "Unless you're the police or a coroner the information is classified."

  The phone line went dead.

  "I've another idea," said Amber, looking up at Haleton.

  By 7:00am Amber sat in front of the computer, typing. She tried over a dozen times to log into the Lazy Pastures website.

  "I think we should go visit the nursing home," suggested Haleton. "We don't have a whole lot of time left. I think it might be quicker to be there in person."

  Amber looked up, giggling at his worried expression. "Technology, I don't know how you managed to get along without it."

  "How can sitting behind a computer help to uncover the information we need?"

  "You've been through time to the future and back, didn't you ever use a computer?"

  "No. The moment I witnessed the trouble the little box can give, I ran."

  "You have a lot to learn."

  Amber's fingers hovered motionless over the keyboard. She looked puzzled.

  "What's wrong? Is the box giving trouble?"

  "It's a recurring problem, but not this time. I'm wondering what the future is like?"

  "It's not much different than what it is today. The only difference is; there are more people, who are rushing about trying to get where they're going faster than possible; growing more impatient each day. There are fewer trees and more buildings. People expect everything in seconds. No exceptions. To help speed things up they own small two-person flying automobiles. They buzz around in the air like flies. When they arrive at a multi-level car-park, the driver navigates into and lands in his reserved parking bay. The people take the lift down to the ground. They sprint across the street only to enter a high-rise building where they sit behind computers all day before going home. The only difference between 2010AD and the future is the people don't use the keyboard. It's only touch screen stuff, or they talk directly to it. The flat screen monitor has been discarded, replaced by an invisible screen."

  Hearing Haleton'
s description of the future, Amber appeared to be lost in her thoughts. She seemed oblivious to the monitor's stark red cursor flashes. She eventually realized the problem.

  "I've been trying to search the births and deaths on the website belonging to Lazy Pastures. A password error has blocked me."

  "Are you positive going to the nursing home isn't quicker?"

  "I'm sure. Once we get through the password error part, it'll only take seconds to find the answer. Come on. I know someone who can help."

  Amber led Haleton to the lift. The moment they stepped onto the roof they marched to the opposite side of the building. A fog settling over the area made visibility poor by swallowing the dull light of the sun. Amber gazed at the street below, gulping down the lump forming in her throat. There were few people walking around. The cars parked in front of the building resembled abandoned toys.

  "Tell me something truthfully. Did you carry me to my apartment from the train carriage?" asked Amber, looking directly into Haleton's eyes.

  "Yes."

  "How did you manage to find access to my room? You should never have made it past the security guard in the lobby. He's a stickler for paperwork. Everyone who enters or leaves the building must sign his ledger book."

  "You don't weigh much, so I easily ran up the outside of the building."

  Amber started to massage her temples. "I had hoped that's what happened. I'm glad I didn't know." She caught Haleton chuckling. Amber shook her head. Smiling, she said. "My friend we need to see lives in the building opposite mine. We can either both use the lift and run down the street, or you can carry me." She pointed to a window directly across from where they were standing. It looked small, but the light was on.

  "I'll take the shortcut if you don't mind," advised Haleton. "It'll save a lot of time."

  "Are you sure this will work? I'm staking my life on the fact everything is true, and you aren't a crazed nut who has escaped the mental institution."

  "Search your heart; you'll find the answer." Haleton scooped Amber up in his arms. "Don't let go. Please don't scream. Ready?"

  "No, not really, but I'll only die once."

  Haleton squatted. He saw Amber close her eyes. He leaped from the rooftop, landing at the window of the next building. Amber's eye lids snapped open. Her scream drowned in her throat. Haletonwas clinging to the narrow window ledge using his fingertips of his free hand.

  Amber exhaled, staring at the man holding her by one arm. "Everything you've said is the truth," she stated.

  "Yes, one-hundred percent."

  "At the momment, I have no qualms against you. Every question I've thought of up to now has been frozen somewhere deep inside my mind."

  "Good to hear."

  Amber tapped on the partially open glass window. While waiting for a response, she looked at Haleton.

  "I'll give a quick run-down on my friend. His name is Craig Benyon. He likes fresh air at all times. Even in the dead of winter, the window remains open. He's probably wearing earphones which are connected to any one of his many music players while he's sitting at his beloved computer. I swear the man loves the machine more than anything in this world."

  "It sounds like he doesn't have a girlfriend or any time for lady visitors," hinted Haleton.

  "You're right: his days are full. Any leisure time he accrues he devotes to assembling old computers."

  Haleton easily lifted the window while securely holding Amber. He slid her through the gap before joining her.

  Amber looked down the short hallway to the study room. She saw no light oozing from under the door.

  "From here I can tell Craig's not perched behind the computer. He must be asleep." She walked down the hall and stood outside the first doorway on her right. "Craig, are you awake? It's me, Amber."

  The lump under the blankets moved. The lump groaned. A dark haired twenty-year-old bloke opened his eyes. He hastily placed dark framed glasses on the bridge of his nose.

  "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

  "There's no time to explain. I need your help."

  "Come back in the daylight," yelled Benyon pulling the blankets over his head.

  Amber opened the door and marched in. Reaching out she yanked back the covers. She squealed. "Do you always sleep naked?"

  The boy shrieked. He lifted his hands to hide his manhood. "I'm awake. Leave my room. I'll be there in a minute."

  Haleton hustled Amber out of the room, pulling the door shut.

  A couple of minutes ticked off before Benyon walked into the lounge. His face drained of colour at the sight of Haleton.

  "Who's this, your boyfriend? Did you two meet at a masquerade party? Amber, where's your fairy costume?"

  "Craig, don't start."

  "Why are you here, to gloat; to rub my nose in the mud? You could have at least told me you were seeing someone. The knowledge would've saved me from the embarrassment of having downed my knee to ask for your hand in marriage; correction to the statement, my complete humiliation. Amber, how could you?"

  "Craig you're so melodramatic."

  "You took advantage of me when you realized how much I love you."

  "It's not true," said Amber.

  Benyon dragged himself into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator door, swiping an unopened wine bottle off the middle shelf. Rummaging through a cupboard, he found a large glass.

  "What do you think you're doing?" jeered Amber.

  "What's it got to do with you?"

  "Everything," she replied.

  "I can only take so much. Did you know you only talk to me or come knocking on my door when you can't get your computer to work?" Craig poured half a glass of wine, swallowing the liquid in one long gulp. "I've only seen you once this week. It happened when your old worn out machine stopped working."

  "I didn't know you were keeping count!" exclaimed Amber going red in the face. She walked over and gently prized the wine bottle out of his hand. "Craig, I don't know why you grabbed the bottle, you don't drink." She watched him start to sob. Focusing on a tear rolling down his cheek, she whispered. "I'm sorry if I've offended you."

  "I'll forgive you. Love always wins." Craig wiped his eyes. He looked at her widening smile. "If the only reason you talk to me is when your computer breaks down, I'm happy you're here." He wrapped his arms around Amber, kissing her on the cheek.

  "You're completely right about the computer deal. I apologize."

  "I have a feeling you didn't come barging in here at this early hour bringing a gorilla for a bodyguard so you can say sorry."

  "You're right."

  "I knew it. Your computer is acting up."

  "You're sort of on the right track."

  Amber followed Craig into the lounge-room. Haleton brought up the rear.

  Craig wore an angry expression when he faced Amber. "How did you gain entry? My front door is locked."

  "Through the window," confessed Amber, lifting both hands into the air. "It's a long story."

  "I feel it's going to be a long day."

  Glancing at Haleton, Amber giggled. "I'm stuck on something. I need your help," she said.

  Craig lifted his gaze so he could look directly at Haleton. He, in turn, barred his eye teeth, hissing. A growl quickly followed.

  "I don't believe in werewolves."

  "Please, don't insult me. I'm a vampire."

  "I'm correct, this is going to be a very long day. Fella, news flash, vampires don't exist. Amber, you picked him for your boyfriend over me? I am so thoroughly disappointed I don't know where to begin. What does he have that I don't?"

  "It's not important."

  "Are you sure?"

  Amber tugged at Craig's arm. "This is my friend William Haleton; Craig Benyon."

  "Take no offense. I don't usually shake a fake vampire's hand."

  "Suck it up," jeered Amber, banging her foot on the floor. "I need you to hack into a website."

  "If he's looking over my shoulder; I don't think so. How do I know he
's not a cop?"

  "Trust me, he's no cop," said Amber.

  Haleton took a step closer. "I'm no cop, but I must insist you help." He turned his attention to Amber. "I'd like to have a minute alone with Craig?"

  "Be gentle," she replied scooting into the kitchen.

  Amber started to rummage through the refrigerator as Haleton spoke.

  "I'm not interested in what you have to say, or what you think of me or the request. I don't even care if you believe I'm a crazy insane person who thinks I'm a vampire. The only thing you have to understand is the fact I can wipe your head from your shoulders in a blink of an eye. Nothing can kill me so save your strength. I need you to do what Amber has asked. Do you have any questions?"

  Craig gulped down his fear, glaring at Haleton. "Okay, I'll do it for Amber."

  "Thank you for your understanding. I thought the reason for your refusal to help might be due to the fact you aren't intelligent enough."

  "Do you always get your way?"

  "Yes."

  "What about when you were a kid?"

  Haleton barred his long eye teeth again. He commenced a long low growl which seemed to rumble around the room.

  "Forget I asked. I don't want to open an old wound. What's the name of the website you want me to hack into?"

  "You've made a wise choice in deciding to help. The website is the 'Lazy Pastures' nursing home," said Haleton. "I need to locate the name of a dead person."

  "I'm not even going to ask. What's the name you want me to find?"

  "The man's name was Macularta."

  "I've never heard of a name so old-fashioned. I'd be surprised if it is a name."

  Haleton grabbed Craig by the collar, lifting him effortlessly off the floor. "Amber asked you to help. You agreed. I take men on their word."

  "Okay, okay, I'll do it the moment you put me back on terra firma."

  Haleton placed the man in a vertical position, straightening his shirt. "Are you clear on everything?"

  "I sure am. Hey, are you a true vampire?"

  "Yes."

  "Is there any chance of a demonstration?"

  "Yes, after the task you have been given is completed."

  Craig sat at the computer in the corner of the room and started tapping the keyboard. A small flat screen hanging on the wall lit up. Lazy Pastures nursing home website came into focus.

  "Password declined," said the computer's metallic voice through a speaker.

  For the next ten minutes, Craig heard the same result. When he took a quick break, he stared at the wall in front of him.

  "What are you doing?" asked Amber, walking over.

  "I'm thinking."

  "Think faster," urged Haleton.

  "What exactly am I searching for? Don't tell me the name Macularta. There's more to all this."

  "I'm searching for a scroll which has the vampire antidote written on it. Once discovered, I'll be free from my curse. The scroll might be inside a coffin. The dead man was a guest at Lazy Pasture's nursing home."

  "Could the antidote have been placed somewhere else?" asked Craig.

  "No. I'm positive it will be in the coffin," said Haleton.

  "Forget about the antidote for the moment, concentrate on the task at hand," said Amber.

  Craig lowered his fingers onto the keyboard and started moving them at speed. On the eleventh minute, he successfully opened the website.

  "Access granted," said the speaker.

  "Talk about doing it easy," boasted Craig.

  Amber leaned forward to view his handy work. "Well done."

  The tone in her voice sounded soft and luring. She kissed him on the cheek while Craig sat motionless as if frozen in time.

  Haleton clicked his fingers under his nose, making him blink.

  "Where am I?" mumbled Craig.

  Haleton looked sideways at Amber. "Do you have special powers to render a male incapable of moving?"

  "No, Craig thinks he loves me."

  Craig started to scroll down names on a list while Amber and Haleton looked over his shoulder.

  "What are those numbers next to the names mean?" asked Haleton.

  "I suppose they represent the number of people who have died. We're up to number three-fifty-one," said Craig.

  "Scroll down to the number 777," suggested Haleton.

  "If it goes that far," said Craig. He scrolled down the page, stopping at the number. "The grim reaper has been busy visiting the Lazy Pastures nursing home these past twenty years."

  "There were too many deaths," reported Amber.

  "Maybe foul play," suggested Craig.

  Haleton leaned closer to the monitor.

  Craig looked sideways at the man. "You smell of garlic."

  Haleton growled. "What are you implying?"

  "I'm only joking. Amber, can't your boyfriend take a joke?"

  She rolled her eyes. "Yes, but not cynical ones."

  "Craig, Macularta was the 777th death at the home," stated Haleton. "He'd been given explicit instructions his name must never be changed or altered in any way for all eternity."

  "You sound like you know more than what you've told me?" growled Craig.

  "I have to confess, I do."

  "Why didn't you say?"

  "I don't know anything about you. For all, I know you might be working for Crompton. I need to be certain my cousin can't get his hands on the where-a-bouts of the original antidote. If he did nobody will ever be able to stop the man. He mentioned he knows the formula. The problem is he doesn't know where the original was placed. I also guess Rose-a-lee told him a formula that wasn't correct."

  "Who's Rose-a-lee and this Crompton dude?" asked Craig.

  "Rose-a-lee was allegedly my ancestor back in 1749AD," said Amber.

  "Alex Crompton is someone you don't want to meet," stated Haleton.

  "Is he a vampire too?"

  "Yes and he's rotten to the core."

  Craig sat holding his head in his hands. "I have a headache."

  "Quit the act," Amber grumbled. "Look up the local cemetery ledger. We need to find the exact location of where Macularta has been buried." The moment she glanced at Haleton's concerned face her loving grin looked to have melted his anxiety. "It's okay we'll find the scroll real soon."

  Haleton bowed, took hold of her right hand and kissed her knuckles. Craig rolled his eyes and started to work. His fingers again moved at speed over the computer keyboard. Haleton paced the floor. Amber kept a close watch on both men.

  Craig ceased tapping on the keys, looking up at the pair. His eyes were ablaze. "We haven't discussed payment yet."

  At lightning speed, Haleton grabbed the man by the throat. "I can snap your neck like a toothpick in a second. Cough up the information. The clock is ticking."

  "You've said those words before. If you carry out your threat, you won't be able to extract the information I've uncovered. Try decoding the answer. You might be able to in about fifty years."

  Amber leaned on the desk. "Please, Craig you have to say what you found."

  "What about the gorilla?"

  "I'm not into groveling. Craig this is important to me. I thought we were friends?" quizzed Amber.

  "We are. You know I wanted something more."

  "We've discussed this already. The best I can do is for us to stay friends."

  Craig paused to weigh his options. Eventually, he sighed heavily before speaking.

  "Okay. I'm an easy-going bloke. I've two conditions."

  "What have you got in mind?" asked Amber.

  "You have to kiss me on the lips for ten seconds. Next, I need a successful lesson from the gorilla on how to track down, wine and dine a woman who will want me in her life forever."

  "Deal," blurted Haleton.

  "Wait a minute," yelled Amber. "I'm not too thrilled with the deal."

  "Why not, it sounds good to me?" said Craig. "You and the gorilla get what you want. I get what I want."

  Haleton released his hold on Craig to take up
staring into his eyes. "I'll agree to the blackmail if Amber accepts."

  "Craig, you've finally figured out a way to steal a kiss. I have no option, but to agree."

  "You won't marry me, so the least you can do is give me a kiss."

  Amber folded her arms across her chest. "I'll consent only if you supply the information first."

  "How can I trust you?"

  "Craig, I take what you've just said as an insult," growled Amber. "I have never gone back on my word."

  "I've already made it known I live by my words. What I say I expect to do. It's a good trait you should adopt," Haleton advised.

  "Do you always talk using ancient phrases?" asked Craig.

  "Yes. I can't help it. I happened to be born in the 1700's."

  "Naturally; you're a vampire. You'll live forever."

  "Hopefully, if everything goes to plan I will die one day."

  Craig Benyon wore a wide grin. He swiveled in his seat to face the computer. He started to push several keys on the keyboard. In a matter of seconds, he stopped to dig his nose out of the monitor. "This might take a while." He stood and started to walk out of the room.

  "Where do you think, you're going?" called Amber.

  "I'm thinking about the password and how to get around it. I'll bypass it soon. I just need to stretch."

  "I thought you already did and it's encrypted?"

  "I used a bluffed hand."

  Haleton was still shaking his head and chuckling when Craig settled back at the computer. He slouched forward engrossed in tapping the keyboard. He abruptly stopped. His fingers appeaered poised in mid-air ready to strike the next key. His face seemed mummified, staring at the monitor. He looked to be scarcely breathing. When he finally managed to talk, his voice sounded shocked, surprised and excited.

  "I did it. Amber, this is the first time I have ever been able to bypass a blocked website. I always knew I could do it, but never wanted to test my ability. It's as though my fingers knew what to do." Craig stood bracing himself against the table to hold up his wiry frame. He cleared his throat, portraying an all-knowing expression. "The bloke named Macularta is buried in the cemetery not far from here in the rear south-west corner. It has the number '777' written on the tombstone."

  Amber placed her arm over his shoulder. "Craig, you are an amazing man. Thank you for helping." She swept her face close to his. Pushing both hands behind his head, she welded their lips. They were locked tight for at least thirty seconds. Haleton watched in disbelief. He threw his hands into the air before marching towards the door.

  Amber finally pushed Craig to arm's length. She looked directly at him. His eyes were shut as he swayed from side to side.

  "That was some kiss," mumbled Craig. "What did you think of the kiss?"

  Amber giggled, running towards the door.

  "I don't want to be a party damper. Did you have to kiss the bloke longer than ten seconds?"

  "William, do I hear a jealous tone?"

  On the other side of the door, Haleton grabbed Amber in both hands and gathered her in close. He stared into her eyes, dipping her gently halfway to the floor, allowing her hair to fall from her shoulders. Without saying a word, he showed the young lady the correct way to kiss. He held her suspended in his arms for well over a minute. Their lips melted into each other for the same amount of time. Haleton watched the girl for a sign of finalizing the moment. She gave no indication. When he finally brought her back to a vertical position, Amber felt breathless.

  Haleton didn't speak a word or asked her to compare the difference between the two kisses. He allowed her to churn the two romantic moments over in her mind. He knew when she was ready to choose which kiss she enjoyed more, he felt confident she'd pick the right answer. Leaving Amber to make up her mind by remaining silent was his trend. In hundreds of years, the style never let him down. Only a long-term relationship blocked the idea he wanted to be a surgeon. Of all the women, he'd known none wanted him to be so brutal.

  Amber's eyes widened. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Her lips parted slightly, but she couldn't bring herself to talk. When she did, Haleton would devour every word of her opening sentence. Eventually, Amber gave up and led the way out of the building.

  The drizzle and fresh air revitalized Amber's thoughts. She tugged on Haleton's shoulder. He faced her wearing a mischievous look.

  "You didn't ask which kiss I thought might have been the best. All the boys I've ever kissed insist I tell them immediately."

  "Just like you said, boys want to know. They need to find out the answer so they can build their ego. I have no need to find the answer to the question when I already know the answer."

  "You seem sure of yourself," said Amber.

  "I never say a word after kissing a girl. Eventually, curiosity gets the better of her. She hesitantly brings up the subject. Small talk starts then the conversation changes to in-depth dialogue. Slowly the wheel turns. When the cogs stop the arrow always points to love."

  Amber giggled. She was still shaking her head when Craig came sprinting up behind the pair.

  "You forgot to give me a single hint on how to love a woman," exclaimed Craig.

  Amber's eyebrows shot up. She gave Haleton an astounded look which said, 'I don't know how you did it. I think the arrow has stopped on the word love.'

  Haleton politely excused himself from Amber's side. He escorted Craig across the street to the shadow of a brick wall. For a full two minutes, they were talking in the grey dawn and the rain. Craig eventually slapped Haleton on the shoulder. They shook hands before parting. Craig ran back towards his apartment. Haleton sprinted across the street to where Amber waited for his return.

  "What advice did you give Craig? He looks the happiest I've ever seen."

  "I suggested after he kisses a girl he doesn't say a word. He has to allow the young lady to digest the feeling. The moment the girl mentions the subject she will be yours."

  "Is that right?"

  "It works every time."

  Amber resumed giggling while they marched in the direction of the cemetery. The few men they walked past studied her womanly shape. Haleton could hear their whispers. Each comment was of the girl's magnificence and how majestic she moved. One middle-aged man, a young lady, hanging off his arm couldn't take his gaze off Amber. His whispered comment echoed in Haleton's ears.

  'The girl walking next to the man wearing the top hat and tails could easily be awarded the Miss Universe crown.'

  Amber looked sideways at Haleton. "To raise the question, you already know the answer to," she started. "You were the best kisser. Craig didn't kiss me back. It's the reason why we are only friends. You, on the other hand, William Haleton, are the most amazing kisser and the most interesting person I've ever known."

  "I've had plenty of time to practice."

  Amber let go of his hand to run ahead. "I guess I've fallen in line behind all the others!"

  "Now who's the jealous one?" he called.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN