Especially since Vanderhorst hasn’t shown. Why not? Why hasn’t he answered my plea for help?
Several hours pass and still nothing.
By dawn, I am beginning to think I overplayed my hand. Vanderhorst doesn’t care if I live or die. I was a fool to think otherwise.
In a way, I’m glad he didn’t come. I do not wish Miriam and Stella to be left without a protector. Not that Freddy would allow that, but it is not the same as having Michael around. Love him or hate him, he is an excellent fighter when he’s not too busy overthinking things. It is rumored that Vanderhorst’s maker had to teach him to completely turn off his emotions in order to fight in the Great War. Once he did, he became a killing machine. A legendary assassin. The Executioner.
Later, he’d regain his emotions and become Mr. Morality again. Blech! The irony is that Miriam loves both sides of him. Or perhaps it is a blessing. No matter if he is the apex predator or pussy-whipped husband, she is down with it.
Love is blind. It is also life changing, and I had a taste for a few precious moments thanks to Brandi.
I watch with dread as the sun comes up and the morning rays push through the cracks in the barn’s siding. Hugo, who left hours ago to get more sleep, returns with chains.
“I’m flattered, Hugo, but I am already taken,” I say.
“Shut up.” He looks upset—red face, flat lips, pulsing jaw. “Your friends didn’t come, and if they do, we’ll be ready, but there’s no point in keeping you two animals alive.”
“What about your daughter?” I ask, hoping she is far enough away that they cannot nab her again. The deal with her father obviously fell through. Perhaps she is off on some beach or maybe robbing a bank with her new vampire skills—something fun and exciting like that.
“She’s gone, but we’ll find her,” he says.
Doubtful. Brandi is smarter than the lot of them.
Hugo hooks the cage up to the chains and then attaches them to a horse outside. Well, not the actual horse. It’s wearing a yoke.
Our cage is dragged outside behind the barn to a clearing where a large group has gathered. Men, women, and even a few children. Everyone is dressed like they are ready for a barn dance. Crisp white shirts, pressed pants, and petticoat frocks.
“I feel so special,” I say. “Are you all here to watch the end of the glorious Mr. Nice? Let the record show that I changed my name to Mr. Sweet, and I was not a bat-shit crazy vampire in the end.”
The crowd mumbles among themselves.
I notice Nails staring through the bars. I follow his gaze to a woman in her late forties, early fifties, standing at the back of the crowd. She has Brandi’s round face and pouty lips. Same dark hair, too.
My gaze toggles between the two. Forlorn woman. Nails. Forlorn woman. Nails.
“You just had to fang the cult leader’s wife, didn’t you?” I shake my head. “You really are an idiot, Nails.”
He stares at her, as if reaching with his eyes and emotions. “She came on to me. We belonged to the same bowling league.”
I flash him a look. Never struck me as a bowler. But I guess that’s the thing about vampires, especially the evil ones. They’re unpredictable. I know from personal experience that my erratic, irrational behavior scared the hell out of everyone. People and vampires want to know the rules are consistent and fair. When they’re not, it sparks fear.
Wait. That’s it.
I push myself against the bars as Hugo and his men ready the gas cans for the grand cook-off. “Hugo! I appreciate you bringing some of my vampire friends to watch my execution! Very kind not to let us die in the company of only humans.”
He glances my way but ignores me and continues with the setup, including unloading firewood from a crate.
“Joe! So nice to see you. How’s the broken fang?” I say to a young man in the front of the group, wearing a white cowboy hat.
The young man looks around, wondering who I’m talking to.
“Why did you join this cult?” I ask “Joe.” “You were so good at the whole throat-ripping thing.”
Joe’s eyes toggle back and forth. “I don’t know you.”
“Really now? You’re going to pretend you didn’t come to my fangtastic party the other night with Bob?” I look at another man next to him.
“Stop. I know what you’re doing,” says Hugo. “No one here is a vampire.”
“Well, not anymore,” I say. “But with so many vampires having taken the cure, ex-vampires are everywhere.”
“If anyone here was ever an unholy creature, I would know. And there is no cure for an unholy soul.” Hugo continues placing wood around our cage.
“But your wife doesn’t agree,” I say. “Isn’t that right? She has a thing for Nails here.”
From the tightness in his body, I know that pushed his buttons. Excellent.
“Why is it that you are such a hater and your wife is such a lover?” I ask.
“You shut up, blood sucker. Foul demon! Everyone knows your kind can’t be trusted.” Hugo throws his arms in the air and starts to chant. It’s in Latin.
I wonder if he knows he’s asking the God of Scrotums for a new backhoe.
The downside of using the internet for translations.
“Perhaps I cannot be trusted,” I say, “but I’m not the one who wanted to burn his daughter alive. All because she was attacked by a vampire while trying to save a man’s life. It wasn’t her fault she turned. In fact, she was doing exactly what you taught her to do. Help others. Defend them from ‘the monsters.’ And that is precisely what she did. She protected an unconscious man, and she paid the price for trying to make you proud. But you turned your back on her. Didn’t you? Just like you would turn your back on every person here, including Joe and Bob. Even if they’re human now.”
“I was never a vampire. And my name is Steve. Not Joe,” says the guy.
I wink at him. “Your secret is safe with no one.”
He shakes his head.
Meanwhile the others start speaking amongst themselves. They are starting to see that their leader might not be worth following if he has no mercy for his flock. Especially if they are “injured” in the line of duty.
I clear my throat and address the crowd, whose expressions are increasingly uncomfortable. “Do you all honestly believe that Katarina would fall in love with a vampire if Hugo’s hate wasn’t so toxic? Because, trust me, I know. I was once the most toxic creature on the planet. I drove everyone away.
“I would kill anyone, say anything, and do anything if it pleased me. I didn’t care. Until one day, I became human again, and Hugo’s daughter showed me kindness. Yes, I am the man she helped. And yes, I am a vampire again. But that doesn’t change how her goodness has made a difference in this world. Yet her own father won’t acknowledge her or look her in the eyes. And he calls me a demon?”
The quiet murmurs of the crowd turn into impassioned debates. Suddenly, Hugo is yelling, and they are yelling back.
There are questions around why his wife betrayed him, why he refused to help Brandi. No one likes the fact that if they were somehow turned while serving his cause, he would burn them alive. Then the yelling starts.
Hugo is a hypocrite!
This is not what we signed up for!
Suddenly, the mob turns angry, and fights break out.
Katarina marches over and pops open the cage. “Nails, run! I will see you in our secret place.”
“I am not leaving here without you,” he says and flings her over his shoulder before zipping away.
So sweet, I think and step outside as they all start to brawl amongst themselves. I don’t bother coming to Hugo’s defense when he’s thrown to the ground. “Reap what you sow, friend.”
I am about to take off when five cop cars pull up, sirens blazing.
What the…
Vanderhorst hops from the back of the first car. “Steviuus!”
“Vanderhorst? What’s going on?”
Everyone stops their
fighting, and the officers start throwing people to the ground, handcuffing them. Hugo is the first to be arrested.
“What the hell do you think is going on?” Vanderhorst snaps.
My head whips around. “You called the police? The actual police?” Very smart. Hugo’s people would attack vampires, no problem. But human police? Not likely. And to the authorities, I am just another law-abiding citizen in need of assistance in a hostage situation.
Vanderhorst gives me a look. “I knew this was a trap. I knew you were setting me up. I just don’t know why.”
See, friends, here’s the thing about life; you can change your colors, you can change your heart, but changing people’s minds? Well, that is another story.
Once you lose a person’s trust, it can take an eternity to get it back. They will always doubt you. They will always question your motives.
This is why it is paramount to believe in yourself. Know who you are. Do not let the world dictate. Because, at the end of the day, you cannot control what others think. Ah, but you can use it to your advantage. I was counting on Vanderhorst not trusting me and taking the appropriate precautions. He did not let me down.
My grin stretches ear to ear. “It wasn’t a trap. Nor did I set you up. I simply knew that you will never change. Even if I have.”
I walk off, lifting my chin.
“Nice! You still made a promise! I expect you to be in Cincinnati!” Vanderhorst calls out.
“I will be there.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
I was able to retrieve my phone before leaving the compound, but when I attempt to reach Brandi, the number is no longer active. I assume she ditched her cell so she could not be tracked.
I just hope the vampire nation will do what it always does, gossip like mad, and word will reach her that I am safe and sound. And behind bars. The same goes for her father and his cult members. I was obliged to make a statement to the authorities before my departure from Missouri, but I do not know if I will return for the trials. If there are any. Hugo and his people might tell the police the truth, in which case they will be committed.
It’s where they belong anyway. And far better than this place. I look around the drab gray cell located in the basement below vampire headquarters. Ironically, this is where it all began—my journey to reclaim my humanity. The laboratory is just down the hall and is the very spot where I took the cure.
“You ready?” One of the guards appears at the door.
“I am.” I have been up all night preparing. Today the charges against me will be read, and I will make my plea. After that, there will be a trial unless the king decides I do not deserve one. Either way, I do not expect to walk away a free man.
“Just one guard, huh?” I say.
“I’m really more of an escort. If you wanted to run, you would have, and I’m not about to fight you.” He leans in. “I heard you drank Freddy Vanderhorst’s blood. Impressive.”
I shrug. To my surprise, I simply do not care how powerful I am any more. It will not get me what I want.
The guard leads me to the elevator, and we step inside. He hits the button for the ground floor. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“The great hall.”
That can only mean one thing. Many have come to witness the proceeding.
The doors slide open, and we are greeted by a crowd of vampires, many of the faces familiar. Everyone is bobbing their head back and forth, trying to get a look at me.
“Wow. He really does look sexy.”
“I’m so taking the cure now. I want a do-over too.”
“I heard he’s the third-strongest vampire in the world now.”
“Mmmm…I want me some Mr. Sweet.”
The old me would have soaked it up, but the new me ignores them all. I only want to see Brandi again. And to apologize to Miriam. I suppose Stella and Michael, too.
I enter the great hall, which is packed tight. Up on the platform, sitting at a table, is Freddy Vanderhorst and Gretta, his wife. Acting king and queen of all vampires.
I take my seat in front of them below, the room to my back. I have no lawyer. I did not want one.
One of the guards calls the room to attention. That’s when I notice Miriam, Stella, and Vanderhorst seated in the front to my right. I did not expect them to come.
The room quiets, and Freddy stands to address the crowd.
It is uncanny how he has mastered being his brother. The stern gaze in his dark eyes. The smug demeanor.
I think he is very brave to allow a public hearing for me. He and his brother know I could use the forum to disclose their secret.
“Mr. Nice, you are accused of a multitude of crimes by nearly every person in this room. As is the law, we will read the charges one by one, and then you will have the opportunity to make a plea for each. Do you understand?”
I turn my head and look at all the faces. “All of them? They all filed complaints?”
Freddy shrugs. “They heard you were going to be put on trial and decided to pile on. Guess you’ve got a few centuries to answer for.”
I swallow a lump in my throat. This is going to be interesting.
“Racker!” I hear Brandi’s sweet voice echo from the back of the room.
I turn my head to see her standing in a lovely pink dress, her long dark hair pinned up, her cheeks flushed. My insides tighten, my cold heart warms. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see her again. And she just had to show up now? Damn my luck.
I give her an awkward wave.
“Ma’am, please be seated,” Freddy says.
Brandi comes forward to the bench behind me. “Move!” She pushes everyone over with her ass and sits.
Wonderful. Now she won’t miss a word. I face forward.
Freddy gives the nod to the clerk, who comes over with a book as thick as my arm.
“Eh-hem. In the case of…of…well, pretty much everyone versus Mr. Nice—”
“Excuse me,” I say. “I no longer go by that name. I am Steviuus Nicephorus Racker.”
The clerk blinks. “Um, in the case of everyone versus Mr. Racker, formally known as Mr. Nice, I hereby read the following charges: Animal cruelty, arson, attempted murder, attempted treason, burglary, disfiguring a vampire with his own genitals, dismembering a member of the royal guard, dismembering a vampire official, three hundred counts of illegal dusting, impersonating a celebrity…
Five hours later…
“And, last but not least,” says the clerk with a yawn, “five counts of zoning violations.”
I have not dared to look at Brandi this entire time. I am certain that she could never love me now. I was quite the ambitious evil vampire. Though, I will say, ninety percent of the acts I committed were justified or they happened long, long ago. Times were different then. Some of these items weren’t even crimes yet.
The clerk slaps the book closed and looks at the glossy-eyed king. “And that concludes the last ten years. Shall we take a break, sir, before we get to the next decade?”
Oh. I finally turn and look at Brandi, who doesn’t return my gaze. Her eyes are locked straight ahead, her pouty lips puckered tightly. She is in shock. On the bright side, she is still here. That could be a positive sign?
Who am I kidding? I am doomed. I look the other way toward my family—ex-family. Miriam shakes her head at me. I know what she must think. How could she ever have let me in her home? Trusted me? And she would be right. She shouldn’t have, and making her sit through all this is not what I want. It’s pouring salt in her wounds. Nor does Brandi need to hear more and wonder what is the matter with her for thinking she might want to be with such a bad, evil, cruel man.
I stand. “In the interest of saving everyone time, I ask that we skip the rest of the reading. I plead guilty to all of it. Well, except the animal cruelty part. The horses, ducks, and other animals in my menagerie were never harmed when I had them painted red. I only used food coloring.” It was a Fanged Love theme party. What can I say? “But I do not wish to put
those I care for through more. Let us simply get on with sentencing and be done with it.”
Freddy gives me a hard look. “I appreciate the gesture; however, don’t you wish to say something in your defense? Or explain your behavior?”
I turn and look around at the faces in the room. Yes, I recall a few unpleasant interactions with some. However, most lined up to attend my legendary parties or to do my evil bidding because they wished to have a powerful vampire on their side.
And of course they all forget that I ended the Great Coup, when our entire leadership council was gutted and everything vampires had worked to build over three centuries—prosperous businesses, integration in the human world, an end to societal wars and turf disputes—was about to be taken away by a group of vampires led by Cluentius Boethius, Michael’s maker. I killed him. War over. Thousands of lives saved. Did I commit a few crimes during that time, too? Maybe. But they all benefited from it.
Bottom line, the world needs evil vampires, but no one wants to admit it. And, frankly, I’m tired of playing the role. I got no appreciation.
“No, I do not wish to say anything.” I pause. “Well, except.” I turn to face Miriam, Michael, and Stella. “Thank you for taking me into your home. I am truly sorry for any pain I caused you. It was an honor being part of your family; even if Vanderhorst is an annoying fool, he was a very good father. And Miriam, you are a phenomenal mother. The way you care for everyone around you, including your community, is genuinely inspiring. And Stella, you are the bravest little girl I have ever known.” It is not easy being a half-vampire child who doesn’t fit in anywhere.
I turn to Brandi, who still refuses to look at me. “I am very sorry you had to hear all this, Brandi. I know this is not what you needed after everything you have been through. But thank you for giving me a reason to change my ways and learn what it truly means to be a man. I will always love you.”
I face the front of the room, chin held high.
“Take him back to his cell,” Freddy says to the guard. “We will call him back once we have decided his punishment.”
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