Blood Street

by Alves, Carl

  “Cover him like a blanket. Don’t let him out of sight even for a minute. Ya hear?”

  “I hear ya.”

  “If he leaves, follow him. If you got a free shot, take it. Understand?”

  “You got it.”

  Tony hung up the phone. He was no longer hungry. He was now hyped on adrenaline from the excitement of the chase. Caught up in the moment, he nearly forgot he had to immediately notify Enzo.

  Enzo slid into the Jacuzzi. “This is nice.”

  His wife was inside, holding a glass of wine. “You didn’t want to get a Jacuzzi.”

  “I thought it was a bit much.”

  “But now you’re glad we bought it.”

  Enzo picked up his glass. “I am.”

  Having just put little Eddie and Angela to bed, they finally had time to themselves. Their oldest daughter, Donna, was allowed to stay up later. Enzo was experiencing angst because Donna had just asked for her own cell phone. At age nine, she acted like a teenager. She even wanted a manicure. She was growing up too fast.

  “I was talking to Uncle Gino today. Aunt Carla’s surprise party is next Sunday.”

  Enzo sighed. “I’m busy that afternoon.”

  Gina gave him a sad, puppy dog look. “She’ll be upset if you’re not there.”

  “All right, I’ll be there. I'll be late, so you’ll have to take the kids without me.”

  “Thanks, Enzo.”

  As she leaned in and put her arms around his neck, his cell rang. “Don’t answer it.”

  Enzo kissed her forehead. “I have to.”

  He answered the phone. “Yeah… Where?” He got out of the Jacuzzi. “Is he still there? We can’t let him get away… I’m coming over.”

  Gina propped her arms on the ledge of the tub and rested her face on her hands. “Don’t leave. We were just getting started.”

  “I’m sorry, baby, but I have to go. This is urgent.”

  Gina sunk back into the Jacuzzi.

  “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I didn’t want to tell you yet, but I booked that Champagne suite in the Poconos. It’ll be just the two of us. No interruptions.”

  “You promise?”

  “Cross my heart.”

  Enzo toweled off, put on his clothes and left the room. As he was leaving, he called Special Agent Mark Andrews.

  Mark looked at the clock. It was time to go home. He put his file away. Victoria was understanding about his late hours, but this past week had to test her limits. His obsession with the Vampire Killer was unhealthy.

  His agents were looking for Alexei. They were to canvass the neighborhoods and go to all the bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and high-end shops. Thus far they had no promising results.

  As he was packing his briefcase, the phone rang. “Mark Andrews… When did this happen? Was he alone? Okay. I’ll get right on it… I’ll call you later.”

  His body surged with adrenaline after talking to Salerno. It would take fifteen minutes to reach the club. Agents Staples and Barton could get there quicker.

  He called Agent Barton, who said they would be right there. Mark loaded his gun and took a deep breath. This was his chance to capture Alexei. He was determined to use whatever means necessary to stop the vampire killer.

  “Sorry ladies, but we gotta go,” Vinnie said.

  “What do you mean, you gotta go?” Rita asked. “You always pull this crap. Something happens and you have to leave.”

  “The night’s still young.” Stacy winked.

  “I wish we could stay,” Mike said. “But something’s going down.”

  “You don’t know what you’re missing,” Stacy said.

  Rita crossed her arms. “Just leave. Us girls will have more fun without you.”

  “Whatever.” Vinnie led the others toward the bar, where Alexei was having a friendly conversation with a young man and woman.

  “Each of you cover an exit,” Vinnie said. “I’m gonna stick close by him.”

  They split up. Vinnie tried to act casual as he edged toward the bar. He glanced at his two associates, who were in position. He felt a chill when, for a brief moment, Alexei stared at him. Vinnie was locked in a trance. He broke free when Alexei turned.

  Alexei and his two friends walked toward the rear exit, where Tony stood. As discreetly as he could, he gestured for Mike to follow.

  Vinnie pursued Alexei as they weaved through the crowd. By the time he reached the exit, Alexei was outside. Fortunately so was Tony, who pretended to talk on his cell.

  Mike hurried out the exit door, and they closed the distance on Alexei.

  They walked in step, trailing Alexei. Vinnie pulled out his gun and pressed it against Alexei’s lower back. Mike and Tony grabbed Alexei's two friends.

  “We got business with your friend here,” Tony said. “Take a walk.”

  They gaped as if they had seen a monster and weren’t just talking to one.

  “You best leave quickly,” Mike said.

  Alexei smiled. “Everything is all right. I’ll meet up with you later.” His friends left without arguing. “So to what do I owe this rude interruption? You claim we have business, but I’ve never met you. Perhaps you have mistaken me for someone else.”

  “No mistaking here, Alexei,” Vinnie said.

  “Ah, so you do know who I am. However, I don’t know you. Perhaps you can enlighten me.”

  Vinnie kept the gun pressed on his back. “Keep walking and shut the fuck up.”

  “As you wish.” They walked up Spring Garden past Second Street. “Thus far you have been rude, something I frown upon. Now tell me what this is about.”

  “This is about a friend of ours, Johnny Gunns,” Tony said.

  “Yes, Johnny,” Alexei said. “A most unfortunate situation.”

  “It’s time for a little payback, you son of a bitch,” Vinnie said. “We’re gonna go somewhere nice and secluded where no one will be able to hear you scream.”

  They made a left onto Third Street and then a right up a side street.

  “You shouldn’t underestimate me.” Alexei was a blur. He turned, grabbed Vinnie by the neck, lifted him off his feet and hurled him. Vinnie flew head over heels in the air and landed on his back. After he hit the concrete, his gun flew onto the street.

  Alexei punched Mike with lightning quick fists that sent him reeling backward.

  When the vampire turned around, Tony shot him. The bullet pierced Alexei’s chest. Its impact knocked him to the ground.

  Tony helped Mike to his feet. “You alright, buddy?”

  Mike had a dazed look, but he nodded. “What happened?”

  “I killed the son of a bitch,” Tony replied. “We gotta get rid of the body.”

  “Right. How’s Vinnie?”

  “I don’t know.”

  As they moved toward their friend, they stopped in their tracks when Alexei stood before them. “You really shouldn’t have done that. Do you realize how angry that makes me?”

  “What the fuck?” Tony said. “I just shot you.”

  “Didn’t work out for you, did it?” Alexei lunged at Tony and tore out his larynx, causing blood to erupt. He took a long drought of blood.

  Tony fell to the ground and convulsed.

  “Motherfucker!” Vinnie charged Alexei from behind, knocking the unsuspecting vampire off his feet.

  Mike jumped on Alexei and smashed his head on the concrete. Alexei snarled, grabbed Mike by the throat and squeezed. Mike’s face turned an unhealthy shade of red.

  Vinnie grabbed his gun, prompting the vampire to release Mike. Alexei moved with preternatural speed and struck Vinnie with an open hand with such force that it shattered his sternum. With both hands he grabbed Vinnie’s head and twisted his neck, snapping it instantly. Vinnie slumped to the ground, a blank expression on his face.

  Alexei turned his attention to the remaining mobster and approached with a look of cold steel in his eyes. In the background a car came roaring in their direction.

  Agent R
oss Staples drove behind the rear entrance of Club Egypt. He couldn't find a spot, so he double parked alongside another car.

  Gunfire sounded.

  “Where?” Ross asked.

  “Up Spring Garden,” Agent Barton replied.

  Ross put the car in reverse and backed away, nearly running over a civilian. He made a sharp left onto Spring Garden. “Where to?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t know if it was to the left or right.” Agent Barton opened his window and leaned out his head.

  Ross drove slowly until a shout sounded.

  “To the right,” Barton said.

  The car screeched as he turned onto Second Street.

  “Up ahead,” Barton said. “Make a quick left.”

  Ross pulled into a narrow street. One man was on the ground, blood streaming from his neck. A tall blond held another man by his throat. Son of a bitch. It was the Vampire Killer. Alexei released the man. Ross blinked in disbelief when Alexei moved impossibly fast and punched a third man in the chest. He watched in revulsion as Alexei snapped the man’s neck with ease.

  Alexei strolled toward the remaining member of the trio he had been fighting when he made eye contact with Ross. His gaze captivated Ross, who momentarily forgot what he was doing. Alexei leaped into the air, disappearing from sight, causing Ross to slam on the brakes.

  “Holy shit!” Barton yelled.

  Alexei landed on the hood of their car. Ross undid his seat belt and reached for his gun when Alexei’s fist shattered the windshield. He pulled Barton out of the car, raking him against the crushed glass. He held Barton over his head, then hurled him like a projectile. Barton sailed through the warm night air and landed head first against the brick wall of a building. A sickening crunch sounded upon impact.

  Not bothering to get out of his car, he fired at Alexei, hitting him three times; the third shot sent Alexei staggering off the car.

  Ross took a deep breath, relieved that Alexei was dead. He exited the car at the same time the last surviving member of the trio fighting Alexei approached him.

  “He ain’t dead yet,” the man said.

  “What are you talking about?” Of course Alexei was dead. He shot him three times at point-blank range.

  Ross searched for Alexei’s body until his car lifted off the ground on one side.

  Ross shot forward, avoiding the car as it tipped over.

  Alexei walked forward as if nothing happened.

  “What the hell are you?” Ross muttered.

  Alexei approached them when three police cars roared onto the scene. He smiled. “I would love to stay and chat, but it appears I must go.”

  Right before his eyes, Alexei vanished.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Nora Brooks folded her arms and pouted as Alexei watched the news.

  “The neighborhood is in shock in the aftermath of tonight’s brutal violence.” The camera showed a wide angle shot of the bodies being led away in gurneys. “Although it has not been confirmed, Channel 10 has information that leads us to believe that this is the work of the Vampire Killer.”

  The reporter interviewed a gray-haired woman who had been in the vicinity during the fight.

  “Three in all are dead tonight at the hands of the Vampire Killer,” the reporter said. “One is believed to be a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent. At this point it is unclear whether or not the agent was involved in the investigation of the Vampire Killer. The identities of the other two victims are still unknown."

  Alexei turned off the television and paced around the room. He muttered a curse in Russian. If only he knew they were FBI agents, then he would have killed them both despite the sounds of police sirens drawing closer. Letting one live was the worst possible scenario. He would face unwanted repercussions, both from within his family and from outside. He smashed his fist into his palm. He couldn’t have possibly screwed up the situation any worse, and now he was a marked man. “I have to go.”

  “You just got here.” Nora provocatively showed her legs, the same ones that earned her model of the year by a European fashion magazine.

  “I realize that, my lovely, but I have to clear my head.”

  Nora grabbed his shoulders and rubbed her body against his. “You weren’t lying. You really are a vampire.”

  “Why would I lie to you?”

  “You’re the one they’re talking about in the news, right?”

  Alexei smiled and bared his fangs. “Guilty as charged. Does that bother you?”

  “No.” She pressed her lips against his. “The media’s wrong about you. You didn’t kill those women in cold blood.” Nora lifted her head, exposing her neck.

  “No, I didn’t.” Alexei ran his tongue along her throat and closed his eyes. She was there for the taking, so sweet, so inviting.

  “They wanted you to take them.”

  “They cherished every moment. Those men I killed tonight got in the way. I had no choice but to deal with them. I didn’t ask for this trouble.”

  Nora drew him closer. “So what are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. Needless to say, some people aren’t pleased.”

  The phone rang, and Nora answered. He ignored her chatter and contemplated fleeing. He wasn’t one to cut and run if the situation got dicey. That was what Magnus did, old, stale, pathetic, barely living Magnus. Let them pursue him. He was an ancient vampire, one of the most powerful in the world.

  Nora clicked off the phone. “I don’t want you to leave. I thought you might be coming so I invited a friend. She’s nice. I think you’ll like her.”

  His senses were already flaring from Nora’s blood. This further piqued his interest.

  “Won’t you stay? She’ll only be a few minutes. She’s dying to meet you.”

  Alexei wrapped his arms around her slim waist. He pricked her neck slightly with his fangs and took in a few drops of her blood, any thought of leaving gone. When Chelsea Sheppard, a seventeen-year-old aspiring model, arrived he was glad he stayed.

  “So what do you think?” Nora asked, standing by Chelsea.

  “I like what I see.” Maybe this was what he needed, fresh young blood. He put a premium on beautiful people, and these two women were most exquisite. Alexei draped his jacket over a chair and made himself a drink. When the night was over, what occurred outside of Club Egypt would be a distant memory.

  A tired and frustrated Mark Andrews sat in Enzo Salerno’s office on Market Street. He had not slept last evening.

  “We have to rethink this whole thing,” Salerno said.

  “What do you mean?” Mark asked.

  “Alexei the Vampire Killer. Our game plan’s all wrong.”

  Mark finished his fourth cup of coffee and threw the cup in the trash. He chewed on two Tums. “What’s wrong with the plan? We waited for Alexei to show up, and he did.”

  “Wake up, Mark. If we didn’t capture or kill him tonight, then we’re not going to use those tactics.”

  “So we send more men.”

  Enzo’s voice rose. “Why? So more people can die? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want any more of my men getting killed by this bastard.”

  “I don’t want mine to die either.”

  “You have to face facts.”

  “And what are they?” Mark asked.

  “That Alexei is a real life, honest to God, fucking vampire.”

  Mark and Salerno each spoke to their men and compared notes. They had them go over every detail of what occurred in agonizing detail. Mark spent a few hours at the scene of the crime while Salerno had every available associate prowling the streets looking for Alexei.

  “Come on,” Mark said.

  “What more do you have to fucking hear? Both Mike and Staples’ stories mesh, for the love of God. If what they’re saying is true, he can’t be human. No human could do the things they said this bastard did. If you can’t acknowledge that he’s a fucking vampire, then we're done here.”

  Mark threw his hands in the air. �
��All right. He’s a goddamn vampire. If he’s not a vampire, then he’s some super being. It’s just hard to accept.”

  “The first step in solving this problem is knowing our enemy.”

  “Great, we know our enemy. Now what do we do?”

  Enzo paced around the room and pulled out a cigarette. “It’s obvious that conventional tactics are useless. Hell, we shot the son of a bitch so many times, and it just pissed him off.”

  “We have to find out everything we can about Alexei.”

  “Exactly.” Enzo clenched his fists.

  “The question is how. We don’t know where he is, or how to find him.”

  “We start with the basics. If he really is a vampire, then we know a good deal about our friend. There are legends of vampires in almost every culture going back thousands of years.”

  “One little problem with all that. Out of these legends, myths and stories, how can we decipher what’s real and what’s bullshit. There has to be a better way,” Mark said.

  “If you got one, let me know, because I’d love to hear it.”

  Mark shrugged. “I don’t think I’m about to tell my bosses I’m hunting a vampire. They’ll think I’m nuts and they might be right. I’m going to have to come up with a good cover.”

  Enzo patted his shoulder. “Get some sleep. You look like shit.”

  Mark laughed. “You don’t look so hot yourself.”

  “What a fucking night. We’re going to get Alexei. By God, we’ll get him.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The Goat was sprawled out on Vladimir Ustanov’s sofa in a drug-induced haze. The crazy concoction he took last night when he was out with some friends had been a bad idea, but at the time he had an overwhelming need to numb himself. Now, he felt like he had been on the wrong side of an encounter with the Vampire Killer. He swore to himself he would never do that again.

  As he feared, he told them Johnny’s attacker was a vampire, and they laughed at him. They hadn’t been there the night he encountered Alexei. They had made a foolish mistake pursuing Alexei like he was a normal person. If they listened to him, Vinnie Casso and Tony Giordano might still be alive. Now, even the most skeptical had to admit the truth—Alexei was undead.