Red Sunset Drive, page 26
47
Eyes closed, Dragos felt a warm body cocoon against his. He smiled until he remembered the chase and gunshots from the day before. Candy wrapped an arm about his waist and squeezed.
“Are you awake?” she asked. “It will be dark soon.”
He moved toward the edge of the bed before rising. Candy’s arm slid from him.
“Yes. I’ve been lying here thinking.”
He heard the rustling of sheets behind him. Candy rose on her knees and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pressing kisses on his neck.
“I didn’t hear you come in last night. What time did you guys finish up?”
He gently removed her arm and rose. His gaze skimmed her naked figure. He pushed away the temptation to crawl back into bed. “Late. I need to take a shower. We’re going out again tonight.”
He escaped into the bathroom and shut the door. As he waited for the shower to get hot, he braced his arms against the sink and stared into the mirror. What the hell am I doing? He knew he couldn’t have a lasting relationship with a woman. He’d had Brett look up known facts about vampires. Much was conjecture or myth—whatever one chose to believe. Supposedly he wouldn’t age. She would. How would he find blood once his dwindling supply was gone? No way would he take Candy’s blood.
Yet what really bothered him was Candy. Brett didn’t believe that he had seen the women trailing them the day before. He knew the truth. His newly improved vision had enabled him to clearly see the women. He wanted to forbid Candy to do such a thing ever again, but it was clear that today’s women were much more independent than what he was used to.
“Argh!” He raked fingers through his hair. He hated that Victor had robbed him of a chance for a normal life with his parents and friends. The fact that his parents died never knowing what happened to him filled him with rage. It was a struggle to adjust to this new life being a vampire. He detested this existence of relying on human blood. He found it repulsive—disgusting. How could Candy love him?
His mood had soured by the time he returned to the bedroom. Candy had dressed and gone. He assumed she was mad at him. He would make amends later, but she wouldn’t be following them again—not if he had anything to say about it. The house was silent. He pulled out a cell phone that Brett had given him and quickly punched in Brett’s number. One of these days, he’d need to learn how to drive one of the four-wheeled death traps that clogged the streets. Until then, everyone would be safer if he wasn’t behind the wheel.
Brett pulled up in Candy’s driveway and honked. Dragos hurried outside. A damp breeze permeated the car. He rolled up the window and pressed the horn again.
Dragos ran out and jumped into the front seat next to him.
“Hi,” said Brett. “Where’s Candy? I don’t see her car.”
Dragos shrugged. “I think she’s mad. She left while I was showering.”
“Don’t worry about it. She’ll get over it.”
“I’m not so optimistic,” Dragos sighed.
Brett pulled onto the street. “Anders called and wants to meet us at Allen’s dig site.”
“Now what,” groaned Dragos.
Brett shrugged.
Within minutes they arrived to see that the parking lot at the dig site was full of official city vehicles, including the coroner’s car.
“Hell. There’s at least one body here,” Brett swore.
“How do you know?”
“The coroner’s car. Once a body is discovered, we can’t move it until the coroner gives us the green light. C’mon; let’s find Anders.”
He cautiously made his way through the yellow tape and the detectives working the case.
“Hey, O’Shea! Why aren’t you working on this mess?”
He turned and chuckled. “Donnellson. About time you worked a real case.”
“Oh, this one is real all right—real bloody. Who’s your friend?”
He nodded toward Dragos. “Dragos Eldridge. He’s from England and is helping work the prostitute murders.”
Donnellson studied Brett’s partner. “Really. I hadn’t heard that. I guess I’m not sure how someone from another country can help us solve a local case.”
Dragos’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to Donnellson. “I assure you that my expertise is quite unique.”
Brett spotted Anders coming toward them. “Hey, there’s Anders. Catch you later, Donnellson.”
Brett lowered his voice as they walked toward the chief. “I was afraid you were going to mention the word ‘vampire’ to Donnellson.”
In a droll tone, Dragos muttered, “Just because I was not born in the twentieth-first century does not mean that I’m an idiot.”
Casting a sideward glance to Dragos, Brett winced. “Sorry. I wasn’t implying that you were. I guess I’m jumpy tonight. Let’s ask Anders why we’re here.”
Anders shook their hands and pointed down to the site. “We’ve got a hell of a mess again. We have two bodies, and you’ll never guess who. Damn, here comes the press.” Anders pivoted and walked away. “Follow me. I don’t want to be overheard.”
The men walked to the edge of the parking lot and stood beneath a streetlight.
“I’ll be quick. Once this hits the news, we won’t have much time. John Allen and his driver were both murdered. Their throats were ripped apart. Allen had numerous bites and cuts all over his body. It was a brutal way to die.”
Brett lowered his head, kicking the dirt at his feet. “Shit! You’re joking, right?” Ignoring the chief’s glare, Brett muttered, “Ironic isn’t it? The guy who was intent on proving that vampires existed ended up getting killed by vampires.”
“The coroner agreed to delay his report, so we’ll have a few extra hours before the mayor knows about Allen’s death—not that the coroner thinks a vampire killed the guy. Yet with Allen spilling his guts to the press about vampires, his death is bound to create questions. I want these bodies out of here ASAP. We don’t need the press getting any surprise shots.”
Dragos had remained silent as Anders updated them. Brett watched Dragos clench and unclench his hands several times, as though he wanted to punch someone.
“I will kill him! I swear to God I will kill the man before he takes one more human life.”
Brett laid his hand on Dragos’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Victor’s days are numbered.”
“I wish I were as confident,” Dragos mumbled.
Anders grabbed Brett’s sleeve and pulled him away from the scene. “Let’s go. We’re going to hit the streets every night until we find this guy.”
Brett couldn’t believe it. Allen—dead. He hadn’t cared for Allen, but he hadn’t wanted the guy dead either. As Brett passed the other detectives working the scene, Donnellson raised a questioning brow. Brett shrugged back in response. The less other cops knew about the case, the less chance for a leak to the press.
“O’Shea, you drive,” Anders ordered. “First head somewhere so I can get a coffee.” Tearing his fingers through short hair, Anders cursed. “God, I hate this shit. Damn vampires. I’m really getting sick and tired of all this paranormal crap in Des Moines.”
Feeling Anders’s intent gaze on him, Brett snapped, “Don’t look at me like this is my fault.”
“Fucking shit magnet,” muttered Anders.
Brett bit his tongue. It was clear the chief was worried. The man had a lot of weight on his shoulders, and his job was on the line.
After retrieving coffee for Anders, he climbed back into the car. “Where to?”
Brett saw Dragos staring out the back window. Now what?
“Hey, guys, which way do you want to go?”
“Where’s Michael? I haven’t seen him lately. He always seems to know what to do in these situations,” Anders asked.
“Damn ghost,” Dragos hissed.
Anders glanced over his shoulder and chuckled. “Gets on your nerves, does he? Don’t worry; Michael can be an ass, but he was a big help with solving the last big case.”
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him much. We definitely could use his help.” Brett pulled out of the convenience store parking lot and drove west down Grand Avenue and past Terrace Hill, the Victorian mansion where the governor lived.
“O’Shea, a car is following us,” Dragos growled.
Brett’s gaze darted to the side mirror. “Anyone you recognize?” He hoped Dragos didn’t see Candy’s car again. That was getting old.
“I do not believe so. It appears to be a larger car.”
Anders turned in his seat and stared at the car behind them. “Might be nothing. Turn south on Terrace Drive. With the winding roads there, we can lose them.”
Brett stomped the accelerator and made a sharp left turn. The road was a succession of turns. Anyone not familiar with these streets could easily get confused. After making a quick turn, he shut off the car lights and pulled up a driveway. The large, affluent homes south of Grand Avenue were graced with manicured yards and mature trees and bushes that provided natural privacy barriers—an advantage for them tonight. Brett drove up a circle drive and parked next to a garden shed.
Minutes ticked by. Only the sound of their harsh breathing filled his ears. Brett took out his gun and set it on the console between him and Anders. The windows of the car grew tainted with the warm moisture trapped in the car, obscuring their vision. He leaned over the steering wheeling and wiped the windows with the palm of his hand.
He glanced at the chief. “It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a car. Do you think we’re clear?”
“Yeah, I think we’re good. With Allen’s body fresh on our minds, we’re all jumpy,” Anders rationalized.
Brett eased the car down the driveway, glancing down the street. It appeared to be empty. Anders leaned forward in the seat. His leg nervously tapped up and down.
“You okay, Chief?” Brett asked.
With scrunched-up brows, Anders turned to stare at him. “Of course. Why?”
“Nothing. Just wondered.”
He turned the corner and drove toward the main intersection. He felt his body relax a second before Dragos yelled out a warning.
“Brace yourselves!”
48
“Where did they go?” Lisa asked “You said you knew this area of town.”
Candy stared at the empty streets. “Damn it! I do. They’re hiding somewhere close by.”
Lisa felt tears gathering in her eyes. She angrily swiped her face with the back of her hand. “How do you know that?”
“Because that’s what I would do if someone were tailing me. Besides, Brett knows what he’s doing.”
“Candy, we’ve got to find them. Do something.”
Her friend sighed before yanking the wheel to the right, taking them down a narrow winding road.
Lisa could barely make out the outlines of the houses on the street. The trees blocked the views of the homes. The streetlights were few, creating a splattering of small orbs of amber light down the road.
Candy gasped as a car pulled out of a driveway ahead of them and turned in the opposite direction.
“It’s them. It’s them.” Lisa gripped Candy’s arm. “I was afraid that something had happened to them.” Her good mood faded as Candy scowled at the car ahead of them. “What’s wrong?”
“That’s not their car. It’s bigger. Maybe an SUV. Could they be following Brett and the guys?”
Lisa trembled. “What if it’s the vampires?”
She stared at the vehicle ahead of them. No, it has to be Brett’s car. It just has to be.
Candy laid a comforting hand on Lisa’s. “Don’t worry. We’ve got to stay focused.”
They continued to follow the car through the darkened streets. As they took a curve, there was a split second where Lisa saw farther down the road. Another car pulled out in front of the car ahead of them. Lisa squinted, trying to make out the details of the car.
The dark car ahead of them decreased its speed. What is going on? Candy tapped the brakes.
“What are you doing? Pass them?”
“Damn it, Lisa, I can’t pass them on this road.” Candy bit her lower lip. “Besides, what if that other car is Brett’s? Do you really want to get between the police and the vampires? We’re not equipped for that. If we survived, Brett would kill me for dragging you into this.”
Lisa smacked her fists on her thighs. “I feel so helpless. We’ve got to do something.”
“I know that,” Candy snapped. “I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances. It’s not like I deal with vampires every day.”
Lisa let out a breath and tried to calm her pounding heart. “I know. I’m sorry to be a bitch. I’m just worried.”
Candy stared at the road ahead. “So am I. We need to stay alert and be patient.”
They continued to trail behind the car through the twists and turns south of Grand.
Lisa gazed out the car window, absently staring at the dark houses they passed. Would the night never end? All she wanted was Brett back safe in her arms, lying in bed by her side, pressing kisses to her.
Suddenly her body flew forward as Candy hit the brakes.
“Ow! What is going on?”
Candy pulled the car to a complete stop and pointed ahead. “Look.”
Lisa gasped. The car in front of them had rammed into another car. From this distance, she couldn’t tell who they had hit. Did they do it on purpose? Is it Brett’s car? She grasped the door handle, ready to run toward the cars. She had to know whether Brett was in the car. As the car door opened, Candy grabbed her arm and pulled her back inside.
“What are you doing?” Candy hissed. “Get in here and be quiet.”
She shook loose from Candy’s grip. “Let go! We’ve got to go see what’s happening.” Tears blurred her vision.
Candy pressed the automatic locks. “For God’s sake, Lisa, calm down. Do you want them to hear you?”
She swung her gaze to Candy. Her lips tightened into a line as she pressed the unlock button and tumbled to the ground before Candy could stop her. Crawling on all fours, she scrambled to a row of bushes. She saw men exiting the large black SUV and walking toward the car. Cursing under her breath, she scurried forward and flattened against a large oak tree.
With nerves ready to fray, she struggled to draw in a breath. As she peered around the tree, someone slammed into her body. When she opened her mouth to scream, a hand suddenly covered her mouth.
“Shh. Be quiet,” warned Candy. “Follow me, and don’t get yourself killed.”
Lisa trailed after Candy, trying to imitate her movements. Candy had a gun and knew how to use it, so she was sticking close to her friend.
The rear end of the car was crumpled. Four men stood around the damaged car. It was Brett’s car.
“Brett,” Lisa cried. She couldn’t take her eyes off the men. Their threatening size and demeanor would make anyone run.
Candy reached over and pinched her arm. “Be quiet,” she hissed.
Lisa’s eyes widened when the four men each grabbed a car door and pulled it from the frame. They then tossed all four of them into the street. Shit! Who does stuff like that? Vampires? Vampires were supposed to have superhuman strength. Crap!
The vampires standing near the right side reached into the car and yanked a man to the ground. The vampire on the driver’s side dragged a limp body and dumped it near the other still body.
Lisa rose to her feet, but Candy jerked her back to the ground. Her throat burned from holding in her cries. She had to help Brett. Fear threatened to overwhelm her. Her stomach clenched. She struggled to break free, but Candy held her in a tight embrace.
“Brett. Brett’s lying in the street. He’s hurt.” Unshed tears broke free. “We’ve got to help him.”
Candy whispered, “Dragos and Anders are out there too. They could all be seriously injured. My phone’s in the car. Do you have yours?”
Her voice cracked. “No, it’s in … in my purse.”
“Shit! We don’t have time to go back.” Candy’s gaze was pinned to the wrecked vehicle. “Have you seen Dragos?”
Aghast, Lisa pointed toward the wreckage as two of the vampires dragged Dragos out the other side of the car. Dragos’s head slammed onto the cement. He looked stunned and seemed to be unable to move. One of the vampires walked over and stared down at Dragos. A smile broke out on his face—an evil smile. He drew back his leg and kicked Dragos’s stomach. A low groan escaped from the semiconscious man in the street.
The vampire took a vial out of his pocket. Using his teeth, he pulled out the cork and spit it to the ground. He pried open Dragos’s mouth and poured the liquid down his throat. Dragos choked and rolled to his side.
Lisa heard Candy swear under her breath as her friend jumped to her feet. She jerked Candy down to the ground next to her.
They heard one of the vampires ordering the rest of them to load Dragos in the car.
Lisa sucked in her breath. “Hell. Brett’s getting to his feet. What’s he doing?”
Candy swore. “Stay down, stay down.”
Helpless, Lisa had no choice but to watch Brett stagger to his feet. Wavering from side to side, he drew a gun, aiming it at the vampires.
“Stop right there!” Brett ordered. “Let him go and move away.”
“Damn it, Brett,” Lisa swore.
All four vampires straightened and turned to stare at Brett. The tension in the air crackled. A crooked smile broke on the leader’s face. The vampire seemed to be annoyed. He nodded at the other vampires who had just stuffed Dragos into their car.
“I’m going to go back up Brett. Stay here,” Candy whispered.
