by Nikki McCoy
“He has a facility about forty miles from here where he’s been since we broke into his house. From what I can tell, it’s a two level building with one floor underground that he’s passing off as a private research company under the ownership of humans. He’s been transporting the women individually to a different location. So far, I’ve counted five that have left with three guards each. There are approximately twenty-five people in the facility at any given time, but I can’t tell how many of them are captives.”
“Twelve,” Daneya said. She hurried back to the island and rifled through the files they’d stolen. “Take away five and that leaves seven women still at the facility. See here?” Saden and Blade looked to where she pointed at two different profiles. “Both are labeled as specimen 3-9, the only difference being the nine years that separates them. All of the others are labeled with a first digit that never goes above four, and a second that’s never above twelve. I think the first number represents the facility they’re in and the second a way to ID them out of a full dozen.”
“Then there are four facilities with a dozen women in each at all times,” Saden surmised.
“Exactly. This woman,” she said, pointing to one of the profiles, “became specimen 3-9 less than one month after the other one was supposedly discharged. He’s reusing their IDs whenever he replaces one with a new specimen.”
Blade set the laptop on the counter then gave the CDs to Saden. “Let’s see if these can give us any more information.”
Saden sat next to Daneya and powered up the laptop. Over the years, he’d developed skills on working with computer hardware and software. It had proven an effective distraction from the bullshit of his life and a way of dealing with the loss of his power.
He put one of the discs in the drive and saw a password window pop up with a timer in the corner counting down from fifteen seconds. “Shit!” he breathed.
Only once had he seen the like before. It was a customized data destruction program with a personalized timer and password. If the correct password wasn’t given within the allotted time, the program would not only destroy the operating system of the computer the disc was in. It would also delete the files on the disc and overwrite them with garbage files, ensuring they couldn’t be recovered.
Twelve seconds and counting.
He wracked his brain for the full date Gabriel’s wife had died and typed it in, ignoring Daneya’s and Blade’s alarmed inquiries as to what was going on. Nothing happened. The wife’s name didn’t produce results either. Something, damn it! It had to be something obvious. For all Gabriel’s schemes, he was not a complex man. Saden scrubbed his face then leaned back, meeting Daneya’s worried gaze.
A chill went down his spine. He typed in DANEYA. With two seconds to spare, the screen went to a desktop image with several folders lined up on the left-hand side.
“What was that?” Daneya asked.
He explained the type of program Gabriel had installed onto the disc, and likely the other CDs as well. When she asked what the password was, he could only stare at her. Caught between keeping his promise not to lie and protecting her from the truth. She was a smart woman, though, and her face blanched considerably as realization set in.
“You don’t have to be here—”
She put up a halting hand. “I’m okay. Let’s just get this over with.”
Saden went back to the laptop, seriously rethinking his decision to take Gabriel in alive. The man was beyond obsessed. Setting his password to a patient’s name then attempting to kidnap that patient from the middle of a DCM community was borderline addiction. Or possibly a compulsion to get back the daughter he’d lost. Either way, Saden was leaning dangerously toward delivering Gabriel’s punishment himself.
He opened a folder labeled ‘Final Proofs’ then clicked on one of the files it contained. It was a video starring a woman around the age of thirty. She was sitting on a plain, twin-sized bed and appeared to be in the last weeks of her pregnancy. Her hands were splayed over her distended belly and eyes teetered nervously from the camera to some point to the left of it.
Gabriel’s voice came from somewhere in the background. “Tell us who you are.”
“My name is specimen 2-6.”
“Your real name.”
The woman bunched her fists in the loose gown she was wearing and frowned. “L-Lana?” It came out as a question, as if she couldn’t quite remember.
“Why did you come to me, Lana?” When her expression remained confused, he prompted, “What made you decide to become a specimen?”
Her response was slow and deliberate, obviously rehearsed. “A friend told me about your kind and how you were dying out. She said you needed healthy surrogate mothers to help your race procreate and that I would be compensated for my time.”
“And how long have you been here?”
“Almost ten years, sir. This will be my eighth baby.”
“Very good, Lana.” Gabriel’s tone was sickly sweet and, at the same time, devoid of any tenderness. “You’re looking forward to your reward, aren’t you?”
She nodded perfunctorily then asked anxiously, “Can I go home soon?”
“Of course. Your contribution to my kind is greatly appreciated.”
He continued with another question but the woman interrupted him with a low groan. She gripped her belly and rocked forward. A man dressed in scrubs came into the camera’s view and began checking her vitals while another rolled a fetal monitor next to the bed. They quickly laid the woman onto her back and set about attaching an IV and several monitoring cables to her.
The camera panned out to allow the viewer to watch everything that was going on. Gabriel switched to a narrative standpoint and said, “As you can see, we have state-of-the-art equipment available to offer my specimens the best quality of care. A surgeon is on site at all times in case of emergencies and we have twenty-four hour access to the local pharmacy in case our supplies run low.”
Saden ended the clip and went on to the next. The following two were nearly identical to the first with the same script and environment, the only difference being the ages of the women. The youngest was in her mid-twenties and pregnant with her fifth child. All were timid, giving him the impression that Gabriel was videotaping only the ones who’d already given up their will to challenge him.
Saden closed the folder then turned to Daneya. “Do you remember this going on when you were at one of the facilities?”
She shook her head. “He kept us isolated for the most part. The only time I saw the other women was for two hours a day in the underground gym and cafeteria. It doesn’t matter, though. These recordings are all fabricated. None of the women I met wanted to be there. Except…” Her lips twisted in revulsion. “A few of them were seekers. Apparently, they’d been promised the opportunity to become preyunas to Gabriel’s men if they completed their terms without complications.”
“Did they say how long they had to serve before their term was up?” Blade asked.
“No. I couldn’t stand to talk to them long enough to find out.”
Saden opened another folder labeled ‘Medical Records’. Inside were four more folders named after the states of California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Each of those contained numerous files categorized by specimen and date. They listed the pharmacies, prescriptions and equipment used for each of the women.
Blade peered closer. “Looks like he’s got a facility set up in all four of those states with connections to a pharmacy and medical equipment stores for each of them. Doesn’t the house of Avram rule all of those areas?”
“The entire west coast,” Saden confirmed.
“From the dates,” Daneya chimed in, “he keeps the women for an average of ten years before disposing of them. That coincides with the testimony of the first woman in the videos. She said she was pregnant with her eighth child. It’s conceivable that all of them give birth to about eight babies within the timeframe of their imprisonment.”
Saden skimmed thr
ough the rest of the folders on the disc. They contained receipts, money logs and only the first names of the Vampyre families half of the babies went to, concealing their identities. The other half was simply reported as given to the Djinn. The same information with different dates was found on all three of the other discs.
Daneya sat back with her brow furrowed. “There’s just one thing I don’t understand. Why would Gabriel keep hard files of everything and risk exposure?”
Blade shrugged a shoulder. “Never assume intelligence. You’ll always be disappointed.”
“He’s building a case,” Saden said, even as his mind began piecing it together. “The receipts, the staged interviews. He’s planning on informing the Rei’jin of the house of Avram once he has enough gains to justify the means. That’s why he’s forcing the women to lie and working with human medical companies instead of buying them out to ensure privacy. To establish a rapport with humans and make it seem like they would work in cooperation with Vampyres for the sake of Gabriel’s goal. He wants to come out of hiding and expand his operation.”
All of the color washed out of Daneya’s face. “How would he explain killing the patients after their term?”
“He wouldn’t have to once his operation was sanctioned. There are Vampyres with the ability to manipulate chemicals in the body, including those in the cerebrum where our memory lives. With the women’s memories erased, there could be no substantial proof that they were ever involved with him. It’s probably what he’ll tell Lady Ilsa and her council he’s been doing all along.” Saden didn’t mention the fact that wielding chemicals might be the very power her daughter had used to heal him. He could almost feel the calculated rage emanating from Daneya as it was.
Blade shifted beside him. “So what’s your plan?”
“Gabriel has likely removed all evidence of his involvement at the nearest facility. From what I saw, he’d sent his leisonguardes and poignots with the females he was transferring, leaving only the Djinn to run the place. We’ll need to infiltrate one of the others. Did you happen to follow one of their vehicles when you were on watch?”
“Only for an hour. It hit I-10 going east. I’d say it’s safe to assume they were headed for the facility in Phoenix, Arizona. About a six hour drive from here.”
“Then that’s where we’ll go.” He slanted his gaze to Daneya. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to stay here this time?” Her droll stare gave him his answer. “We’ll leave tomorrow before dawn.”
Blade inclined his head as he moved to leave. “I’ll get my assignment done and be back by then.”
Daneya went to the sink and began washing the dishes. Saden stood and watched her, trying to think of a way to broach the subject of their relationship.
Everything inside screamed at him to ignore his doubts and enjoy what she offered. Accept it for the brief interlude of happiness it was. It would be the last he’d get to experience it no matter the outcome of his assignment. But nothing in his life was that easy or without repercussions, and he didn’t want her to share in the aftermath.
“Don’t,” she said. After placing the last clean dish on the rack, she turned around. Fiery resolve blazed in her expression. “You’re going to tell me that what we’ve been doing is a mistake, right? That I would be better off with someone who could give me what I need.”
Saden was taken aback by her blatant perception. “How did you know?”
“Because it’s what Marco would’ve said if he were you. The two of you are so alike, it’s no wonder you were the one he chose to look after me.” She huffed in exasperation then walked slowly toward him. With her hair pulled back in a ponytail, the sharp angles of her face were accentuated, highlighting the spark in her eyes when she narrowed them. “Did you ever stop to think that maybe what I need is standing right in front of me? I get that you want to protect me and I respect the promise you made to Marco, but don’t use that as an excuse to push me away. I’m a big girl who can make her own decisions.”
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Then don’t try to live my life for me!” She clasped his waist with both hands and stared up at him. “I can’t say what will happen tomorrow or next week. Whether I’ll ever see you again when this is over. All I do know is that, for the first time, I’m not afraid to be happy, and I owe that to you.” Their breath mingled as she pressed her body to his. “Do you want me?”
Gods, yes! He was dizzy with the heat of her soaking into his skin through the fabrics that separated them. This was what he craved. What kept him from the edge of madness. Her passion, her courage and fortitude. For so long, he’d admired it all from a distance. Up close, she was absolutely mesmerizing. A force of calm in the storm of his existence.
And everything he couldn’t have.
He gently detached her fingers from his shirt, hating himself more and more with each second that passed.
Daneya’s face clouded over with a mixture of emotions that speared his gut. She lowered her head and took a step back. When she looked at him again, cool acceptance shone in her gaze. Wordlessly, she strode from the room, leaving suffocating silence in her wake.
Chapter Twelve
Saden curled his fists and clenched his jaw. It took every ounce of his strength to keep from smashing the CDs on the counter. It all led back to Gabriel. The events of their pasts that had brought them together. The twisted paths of their fates. All of it was linked to that murderous psychopath. Yet, Saden couldn’t blame the man for everything. It wasn’t Gabriel that had made Daneya care for him.
Would his life have been better without her in it?
He shook his fists loose then pulled out the piece of paper Mckenzie had handed to him. At the bottom of the list was written, The Best of Bill Withers. A talented blues artist and one of Daneya’s favorite. She listened to him whenever she needed to unwind from a hard day. He recalled the many nights he’d spent sitting outside her bedroom window, hearing her sing along to the songs. Her voice alone could relax him no matter what mood he was in.
Mckenzie had chosen well. He slid the paper back into his pocket then gathered the laptop and information and went upstairs. After putting it in the top drawer of the dresser in his room, he headed for the front door of the manor, wanting fresh air to clear his thoughts. Mckenzie was sitting on the bottom step of the porch. A squirrel scampered away from her for the cover of a line of bushes to the side of the driveway. She glanced up at him with a small smile.
Saden sat down beside her and stared into the distance.
“I heard you talking to my mom,” Mckenzie said quietly.
He looked at her sharply. If she held any disdain for him, he couldn’t find it.
“Am I the reason you don’t want to be with her? Because of what I am?”
“No!” The word came out a little too harshly. He took a deep breath then touched her chin, making her look directly at him. “It has nothing to do with you. I’ve done some things that can never be forgiven. My soul is damned. Your mom deserves better than anything I could give her.”
“I don’t get it. Even if you were bad, you’ve changed, haven’t you? I know you think I’m just a kid, but I’m not stupid. I can tell you two like each other. Mom says when you care about someone, you should hold onto them. Don’t you care about her?”
He chuckled lightly and crossed his arms, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re the smartest kid I’ve ever met. I care about you and your mom more than anyone else in this world, and I wish I could stay with you. What I did in my past makes that impossible, though. I’m a criminal with a sentence to serve. No amount of changing will erase that. Do you understand?”
Her thin shoulders slumped in defeat. “I guess.”
“Hey.” He bumped his leg into hers then gestured toward the bushes. “What were you doing before I came out?”
She brightened slightly at his inquiry. “If I concentrate hard enough, I can make animals feel warm. They come to me and want to pl
ay.”
“That’s good. Do you know what an aethra is?”
“It’s the soul of a Vampyre, right?”
“Yes. It’s also the source of a Vampyre’s power which embodies his or her natural talents. Think of it as an extension of yourself that can be used for good or evil. You have to be careful when you send it out. Your power feeds from your emotions and can do harm if you lose control. The gift of healing is unique and treasured among Vampyres.”
“Really?” Her beaming grin lit up her beautiful features.
He tucked a lock of her hair behind one ear. “You have a special talent. By altering the chemicals in a living being, you can boost its immune system and promote regeneration, allowing the body to heal itself rapidly. However, your power comes with a lot of responsibility. Giving life is only one side of it.”
She chewed on her bottom lip in deliberation. “You mean I could take life away as well?”
“If you wanted to. You have to promise me you’ll never use your power for that purpose.” He put the full weight of his authority behind his tone.
“I promise,” she said solemnly.
“Good. Now let me show you how to have a little fun.” He spent the next half-hour teaching her how to send a portion of her aethra into the animals nearest them to sense their emotions. She caught on quickly and was soon able to cast her own feelings through the links she established. When a skittish doe pranced up to her and nibbled her fingers, she gasped in amazement. Her peal of laughter afterwards was like the sweetest music.
A faint sound made Saden turn to find Daneya standing in the doorway watching them.
Mckenzie followed his gaze then clapped excitedly, causing the doe to bolt toward the trees. “Did you see? Mom, did you see that? Saden taught me how to communicate with the animals, sort of.”
Daneya joined them on the steps. “I saw.” She peered at him over her daughter’s head, her face unreadable. “He must be a good teacher.”
Saden moved to leave but stopped when she reached around to touch his arm. To Mckenzie, she said, “Show me what else you can do.”