Red Sunset Drive, page 24
Grabbing a cup of coffee and setting it before Candy, Brett muttered, “How would you know?”
“Never mind.” Michael snapped. “I need to tell you something.”
Settling into a chair, Brett reached for a roll, licking the sticky glaze off his finger. “So what do you want to tell me?”
“You’ve got someone watching your house.”
Forks clattered to the table. Candy gasped. Lisa reached out and gripped Brett’s arm.
“Who?”
Michael shrugged. He lifted Brett’s plate to his nose and inhaled. “I so wish I could eat one of these things.”
Brett grabbed the plate from Michael and dropped it on the table. “Damn it! Who was watching the house?”
“Calm down, sonny. You’re starting to irritate me. Now, as I was going to say, it was a guy dressed in black from head to toe. Kind of like our vamp here.”
Dragos’s eyes narrowed, and he started to rise from the chair before Candy grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back down.
“Damn it, Michael. Quit screwing around. Did the guy have short hair or long hair? What kind of car?”
Michael frowned. “I grew up in the early 1900s. How in the hell am I supposed to know what kind of car it was? It was black, okay—all shiny with four doors.”
Candy and Lisa looked at one another and bit back smiles. Brett grew impatient with his annoying ghost.
“Oh yeah, before I forget. The guy had long, dark hair. Like I said earlier, he reminded me of our in-house bloodsucker.”
Dragos roared and leapt across the table, reaching for Michael’s throat. Brett jumped up, ready to intervene. Michael smiled and disappeared. Dragos crashed to the floor as he grabbed thin air.
Candy jumped up and tried to help Dragos. He angrily brushed away her hand and rose to his feet. “I will enjoy killing that ghost,” he said.
Brett laughed. “Be my guest. I’ve wanted to do it several times.”
Muttering to himself, Dragos unclenched his fists before sitting down.
“Well, now that we know someone is watching us, let’s set a trap,” Dragos suggested.
“Just what I was thinking. I’m guessing that it’s one of Victor’s guys.” Brett grimaced. “Do you agree?”
“Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. We must proceed with caution. Victor is very methodical and leaves nothing to chance.”
Candy cleared her throat. “Excuse me; you guys need backup. Just tell us how Lisa and I can help.”
He and Dragos stared at her. Before Brett could say no, Dragos huffed.
“No! I will not allow you to endanger your life. You will stay home, where it is safe.”
Brett watched Lisa and Candy glance at one another. Oh shit! Dragos just lost the battle.
Dragos smugly stated, “I will not—”
“Hold on; there’s got to be a way you two can help,” Brett interrupted.
Lisa folded her arms across her chest and glared at Brett.
“Hmmph! Yeah, you men will let us know if we can help. Apparently you’ve forgotten how I helped you last year.”
Candy jerked her purse onto the table and pulled out her gun. “I can protect us quite fine without the help of you guys.”
Dragos grabbed the gun. “I do not like the idea of my woman carrying a gun. It is too dangerous.”
Brett winced. Dragos needs to keep quiet. He’s just adding fuel to the fire.
“Guys! Calm down,” Brett ordered. “Dragos, you need to listen. Candy is well qualified on how to use a gun. She’s a better shot than me, and that’s saying something.”
Grudgingly, Candy nodded before shoving the gun back in her purse.
“Thanks, Brett.”
He turned toward Lisa. “Lisa, remember the York Street case? Your strategy worked then. Any ideas on this case?”
Lisa nodded. “I think we need to fight the battle on their turf, not here at your house.”
“I agree. I don’t want Victor breaking in here.”
Dragos snorted. “That is well and good, but how can we take the battle to them when we do not know where they are?”
Brett leaned in, lowering his voice. “That is why we are going to follow them. If we’re lucky, they will take us right to Victor.”
“Dragos, you need to figure out how you can break Victor.”
Dragos shrugged. “I’m working on it.”
45
Allen paced the floor of his office. Humiliation burned inside him. How dare O’Shea and Anders make a public spectacle out of him. Payback was going to be hell for those two.
His phone hadn’t quit ringing with calls from television producers, gossip magazines, and lots of scared people in Des Moines. If he guessed correctly, less than a quarter of the callers took him seriously.
Maybe it had been a mistake to boldly announce that vampires existed. Perhaps he should have built up to it and provided more evidence. But it was too late now for regrets. He was determined to prove to the doubters that the creatures existed.
His cell buzzed, interrupting his ruminations.
“Terrence. Are you ready? Yes, I’ll meet you outside.”
Darkness fast approached. With Terrence, his driver, helping him, they would capture one of the vampires. There was no doubt that with his superior knowledge and abilities, they could get the killer. O’Shea and Anders would be fired by the time he was done.
The limo door was open as he ran out of the office. He climbed into the back. Excitement coursed through him. This was his opportunity to prove himself.
“Did you bring the guns and a stake?
Terrence met his gaze in the rearview mirror. “Yes, sir. I have everything you requested. Are you sure we brought the right things? Is it enough?”
He laughed. “I’ve carefully planned this. I’ve thought of everything.”
Terrence shook his head. “I don’t doubt it, but from the things that I’ve seen in the movies and TV, vampires are hard to kill. Plus they’re supposed to be fast.”
Allen leaned forward and patted his driver on the shoulder before leaning back in the seat.
“They may be fast, but we’re using the latest technology. By tomorrow morning, we will have the proof we need.”
After the fiasco with Michael earlier in the day, Brett retreated to his bedroom as soon as the women left. Dragos was already encamped in his room, barely speaking to him. The women grumbled as they left, clearly unhappy about not going on the ride tonight.
Brett plopped onto the bed. Knowing Lisa and Candy as he did, he’d have to come up with something for them to do; otherwise, they would get into trouble.
Dusk turned the sky into shades of pink and red. Even though it was almost time to leave, he was on the verge of falling asleep.
Pounding on the front door jarred him. Reluctantly, he got off the bed and went to the door. Anders stood on the porch, peering at him through the peephole. His normally combed salt-and-pepper hair was mussed, as if he’d run his fingers through it.
Brett opened the door. “Chief. What’s going on?”
Anders stepped inside and walked toward the kitchen. “Where’s the coffee?”
“On the counter. Pick the flavor you want.”
After watching his boss stare at the coffeemaker for several minutes, he chuckled.
“Here, give me that. I’ll do it. I know you’re not here for coffee, so what’s going on?”
Anders pulled out a chair and sat down. His lips pulled taut. His usual smile was absent tonight.
“Things are bad. I met with the city manager today. A committee has been organized to search for a new chief. They’re on a fast track.”
Brett’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “You’re shitting me. Does Foster know?”
Anders got up to grab the coffee and returned to his seat. “Yeah, he knows. The city council wants this case resolved now. As if we don’t! I know you’re doing everything possible to catch the vampire, but I would feel better knowing that I am out on the streets helping. So, starting tonight, I’m working with you.”
Several objections were on the tip of Brett’s tongue. “I know it’s your prerogative to do that, but what about your other job duties? We’re working nights.”
Anders waved his hand. “The assistant chief is getting some on-the-job experience. Besides, I miss this type of work. Do you have a problem?”
How was he supposed to respond to that question? “What about your wife? She was upset last year when you were injured.”
Anders took a sip of his coffee. “I already talked to Caroline about doing this. She’s on board. Listen, I know you probably don’t want me to tag along, but if we can expedite this situation, then everyone wins.”
Dragos sauntered into the room, pausing when he saw the chief.
“Good evening, sir.” Dragos cast a questioning look in Brett’s direction.
“Sit down and join us.” After Dragos took a chair, Brett cleared his throat. He was worried about what Dragos would say in front of the chief.
“The city manager is looking for a new chief.”
Dragos’s eyes widened. “Why?”
“They don’t think we’re doing enough to catch the killer. So the chief has decided that he is going to work the case with us.”
Dragos glanced at the chief and then at him. “Work with us? You mean go out and search for Victor with us?”
The chief smiled. “That’s exactly what it means. Do you have a problem with me going with you guys?”
Dragos shook his head. “No. I will be honored. Brett told me how the two of you caught the last serial killer. Your experience will be helpful.”
The chief clapped his hands together. “Great. When do we leave?”
Brett rose. “We were just getting our gear together. Dragos, have you eaten?”
Dragos nodded. “I had a couple of bags a few moments ago.”
“Okay, let’s load up and see if we get lucky tonight.”
“Get down,” yelled Candy. “They’re pulling out.”
Minutes later, the girls sat up in time to see Brett’s car turn the corner. Candy quickly turned on her car and followed the guys.
“Hurry up before we lose them,” Lisa hollered.
She was careful to stay several hundred feet behind the car. She leaned forward, hunching over the steering wheel.
“Hey, there are three men in the car.”
Lisa’s eyes narrowed as she strained to see in the darkness. “I wonder who the other person is?”
Candy sped up, easing closer to the other car.
Lisa gasped. “That looks like Anders!”
Candy stared at the car again. “It does, but why is he with them?”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is not getting caught following the guys. If the chief sees us, Brett could lose his job.”
“Did Brett give you the third degree the other night?”
Lisa giggled. “I didn’t give him a chance. I kind of surprised him while he was showering.”
“You’re bad, girl. Dragos quizzed me about what we did all night. I think he’s suspicious.”
“Then we’d better be careful.” Lisa frowned and turned to her. “Why are you dropping back so far? We’re going to lose them.”
“No we’re not. I can see them just fine.”
Lisa folded her arms across her chest. “Just don’t blame me if you lose them.”
The night dragged on. They followed the car as it drove through the northeast side of town. The men pulled into a crowded diner. The smell of barbecue filled their car parked across the street.
Lisa’s stomach growled. “Damn it! Do you think I could sneak up to the take-out window and grab us something to eat? I love their chicken tenders.”
Candy popped open the glove compartment and tossed several protein bars onto Lisa’s lap.
“Here’s our supper.”
Lisa picked up a bar and stared at it. “This is so not fair.”
“Tell me about it,” Candy sighed. “Those things have been my dinner more times than I can count.”
“At least you two can eat them. I just watch all of you eat!”
Both of them screamed and turned toward the backseat. Instinctively, Candy threw her bar at the speaker.
“Ow!” yelled Michael. “What was that for?”
She reached out and swatted his leg. “Damn it! Why did you have to scare us?”
“Yeah,” growled Lisa. She tossed her bar at Michael’s head.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.” Michael held up his hands in surrender
Candy narrowed her eyes and glared at Brett’s deceased relative. “Why are you here?”
Michael shrugged. “Something bad is going to happen.”
Lisa gasped. “Is Brett going to be hurt?”
He shook his head. “You know I don’t always know the specifics. The big guy only gives me hints.”
“Big guy? Who’s that?” asked Candy.
Michael grinned and pointed upward. “My boss.”
She shook her head. “Boss? What am I missing?”
“The guy in charge of angels, heavenly things, and good ghosts—like me.”
Good lord. “Does this mean that we’re going to get hurt?”
“Ladies! Calm down. I’m here to help you. Don’t worry.”
Candy watched Lisa tear into a protein bar. “‘Don’t worry,’ he says. I remember the last case you and Brett worked. There were plenty of reasons to be worried on that one.”
“Tsk, tsk,” Michael murmured. “Don’t worry about the details. That’s why I’m here.”
Candy pointed out the window. “Look! There’s a guy doing something by Brett’s car.”
Just as Lisa started to open the car door, Candy pulled her back into the seat.
“Wait. You can’t go running up there. The men could come out any second.”
Candy reached under her seat and pulled out a pair of night-vision binoculars. She bit her lower lip in concern. “I don’t like the looks of this,” she whispered.
Lisa stared at the man. “What? What’s he doing?”
“I think he’s putting a tracking device on the car. I can’t tell without getting closer.”
“Screw this! I’m telling Brett right now.”
She grabbed Lisa’s arm. “Are you crazy? They will know we’re following them.”
Michael leaned forward in the seat. “I’ll go check it out. Be right back.”
Michael disappeared. Intently watching the man, they saw Michael appear behind the guy. The man dressed in dark clothing crouched low and ran back to his car.
Minutes later, Michael reappeared in the backseat. He stuck his closed fist toward the women and opened the palm of his hand to reveal a small metal item.
Candy grabbed the item. “I was right. A micro GPS tracking device.”
“It’s so small. I can’t believe the magnets will hold it to a car,” Lisa muttered, staring at the small rectangular device.
Michael removed his fedora and set it on the seat. “So this little gadget lets someone know where Brett’s car is at all times?”
Candy nodded. “The bigger question is, who is tracking Brett?” Candy opened the window and tossed the microchip on the ground.
Lisa’s lip quivered. “Listen, Candy. We need to tell Brett about this.”
“No, we will wait. No one can track him now, since we’ve got the device. As long as we keep checking his car, we can keep him safe. Besides, you’re the one who wanted to follow them. We’re not going to blow it now. They need us to keep them safe.”
Lisa’s eyes welled up with tears. “What do you think, Michael? You’re close to Brett.”
He leaned forward and put an arm around each of them. “I can keep your secret a little while longer, but no guarantees for the future. I’ll hang out with you and see what happens.”
Ignoring Lisa’s sniffles, Candy pierced Michael with a glare. “You said something bad was going to happen. Was the tracking device it? Is everyone safe now?”
Michael tugged the fedora down over his brow and folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know? Your great-grandson’s life could be in danger.”
Michael’s lips tightened. “Listen here, Missy, I know who the hell Brett is. I wouldn’t jeopardize his life or yours. But there are things in this universe that you don’t know shit about. So just sit back and let things ride.”
Lisa burst into tears. Candy’s hand curled into a fist. Never had she so wanted to hit a man. That damn ghost! She figured he’d disappear if she took a swing.
Candy jerked forward. The men came out of the restaurant, got into their car, and headed west on the interstate. Traffic was heavy tonight. A pair of semitrucks roared up the road and cut in front of her car, blocking the view of Brett’s car.
“Damn. I can’t see the guys.” With that, she stomped on the accelerator and passed the trucks.
The speedometer showed eighty miles per hour. Candy was grateful that no highway patrol cars were visible. Suddenly a sleek silver sports car tore past them. It came from out of nowhere. She glanced toward the driver, hoping to flip him off, but could see nothing. The windows were tinted black. The car cut in front of her, causing her to slam on the brakes. The silver car closed in on Brett.
“Who the hell is that?” Lisa asked.
“Who knows? The idiot almost ran us off the road.”
Candy sped up, hoping to get the license number of the car ahead of them. Unbelievably, they were now pushing eighty-five miles an hour. The risk of discovery or an accident was too much, so she eased off the pedal. She was wound as tight as a firecracker. Nothing was going right tonight. Even Lisa was starting to get on her nerves.
She watched the silver car roar closer and closer to the rear of Brett’s car. What are they doing? Is the driver trying to cause a wreck? Oh shit! This is what Michael warned us about. As one, they gasped when the sports car rammed into Brett’s car.
