The Cactus Killer (The Inglewood Chronicles) (20 page)

“
Victor, if you are to
assume that I will send one of my most trusted friends and someone
I have become fond of in a very short time to their dooms without a
proper plan B, then you sorely underestimate me.”

Before I could even retort,
Liz stepped in. “Cristof is right; we cannot be so naïve to think
that if we show up alone that Tucker will honor that good
faith.”

“
I don’t like it, but it
seems my vote is already outnumbered.” I got up and went over to
the old writing desk in what was supposed to be the breakfast nook.
I pulled out on old map of New Mexico that broke down the different
pack lines. I laid it out on the table so everyone could
see.

Liz pointed to a spot in
the Sacramentos, “Is this where we are meeting him?”

“
Yeah, that is Benson
Ridge. More than likely, we are only going to have an old dirt cart
path to go on, so we will take my car.” Looking over the map, a
thought struck me. “From the ridge, there is almost a three hundred
and sixty degree view of the surrounding areas. Now this canyon a
few miles back would provide ample cover.”

“
That seems to be quite a
ways back. How long would it take us to get to you in case of an
emergency?”

I looked at Phil, the man
was sharp and when it came to protection detail. He knew the
questions to ask. “Keep in mind I don’t travel out that way often,
but I would imagine probably thirty minutes depending on
terrain.”

“
That is not ideal, but it
is certainly better than the alternative of not being in the area.
Would your father allow us to borrow a phone that we could use in
walkie-talkie mode? I highly doubt cellular service is prevalent
out there.”

“
I doubt it is Phil. I will
get one from him tomorrow, that way if we need the cavalry you’re
only a click away.”

It was at this point the
meeting was unofficially adjourned. Phil took Cristof back to
Argent’s place, but not before they had a quick word with Liz on
the way out. I pulled out a few beers and gave one to Reno. He said
something about enjoying the nights on the deck and went
outside.

“
I know you are upset
cowboy, but they are right. The situation is bad enough as it is.
To not let them come would be a disservice to both us and
them.”

I felt her hands on my
shoulders as she started rubbing. I closed my eyes and tried my
best to let my anxiety go. “I know it is a solid plan, I just worry
that we are putting lives at risk when we don’t need
to.”

“
We are putting lives at
risk, including our own. If we are going to keep playing his game,
we need to be smart about it, including our own safety. However,
there is something else I think we need to discuss.”

That didn’t sound too good.
“Is everything okay?”

“
As you know, when you were
attacked by that monster your father and I made the decision to use
my blood on scene to give you a blood transfusion. After talking to
both Cristof and Phil with what I have witnessed since then, I
believe you gained some of our tendencies.”

“
What makes you say that?”
I didn’t feel vampire-ish. I had no odd cravings for blood or the
need to start feeling sorry for myself.

“
Back at the church, your
eyes turned red for the briefest of moments. Plus, your hand speed
when you drew your gun was incredible. Vic, you were always quick,
but nothing like that.”

“
What are you talking
about?”

I could see there was more
behind her eyes, “The night you were challenged at your pack
meeting, Reno and I were watching, just to make sure everything was
okay.”

“
You were watching that
night? That was pack business, what gives you the right to do
that?”

“
You had nearly died you
big oaf; we were just concerned for your wellbeing!” When she put
it like that, I felt bad for insinuating anything. “The point is if
you are honest with yourself, you have notice subtle changes
too.”

Hmmm, I thought back to the
Omega challenge with Kano. Should it really have been that easy? At
the time, I figured he hadn’t taken my skills serious enough, but
maybe Liz had a point. “What does all of this mean?”

“
I do not have the
slightest clue. Elder vampires do not go donating their blood very
often, and your condition makes you an anomaly. As far back as
anyone can remember, this situation has never occurred before. From
what I have witnessed so far, it is not a detriment at all to you.
On the contrary, it seems to have enhanced your gifts even
further.”

Well, that was good news, I
think. “So I owe you quite a bit don’t I?”

“
We do not have debts to
each other; instead what has made this arrangement work is we can
share in each other’s strengths.”

I couldn’t help but smile.
“Sometimes it is hard for me to remember how to act around someone
I care about. It’s been a long time since something given to me
didn’t require a debt to be paid later.”

“
You will be paying your
debt in spades! I have all sorts of fun jobs that I do not feel
like doing that you can now handle for me!” Her evil grin said it
all. I should’ve asked for background references before taking this
job.

The back door opened, Reno
came walking in. He was on his phone, and it looked like another
night was about to be ruined. “Hang on Phil, I haven’t told them
yet.”

I took a long draft off my
beer and let Liz handle this one. “Told us what, Reno?”

“
Ma’am, the crazy drifter
the wolves found earlier, well, he’s dead.”

“
Put Phil on speakerphone.”
Reno snapped to it so we could hear him. “Phil, just what happened?
We left him in jail with a few of the pack’s people.”

“
According to what Mayor
Argent told Cristof, Sheriff Inglewood brought the man some water
and five minutes later when he went back to ask him if he needed
anything else, they found him with his neck snapped. Also, there
was a piece of cactus pushed into his face.”

“
Were they any other
casualties?” My thoughts immediately went to dad, Bernard, and
Billy.

“
No Inspector Inglewood,
there were not. Whoever it was came in and out without notice, even
to your pack Alpha. The situation is baffling.” In the background,
I could hear Argent’s and Cristof’s conversation.

Liz took the phone from
Reno and took it off speaker. She issued him a few orders, all of
which had to do with Cristof’s security the rest of the evening.
After hanging up with Phil, she gave the rundown to Reno too. While
she did that, I texted dad asking if everything was okay. It took a
moment, but he responded saying everyone was unhurt, except the
dead human.

I walked into the living
room, shaking my head. How did this guy keep doing things like
this? Before I could even put another thought together, I heard a
strange sound, like someone banging on the door.

“
Liz, get in here, we might
have company.”

Liz rushed in, “What is
going on?”

“
I heard a sound, not quite
a knock on my door. Like someone may have punched it.”

I didn’t like this at all.
There were no other noises or odors to tell us what might be
waiting for us on the other side. I grabbed my gun and tossed Liz a
knife. Slowly, we walked over and opened the door. No one was there
and a quick glance down both directions confirmed we were
alone.

“
I think it is okay to
assume who killed our drifter at the station.” Liz pointed to my
door

The Hammer of Jehovah
symbol was carved into my front door. Right in the center stuck to
it was a piece of paper. I pulled it down and read it.

“
It’s from Tucker and all
it says is ‘see you tomorrow.” 

The next day went about as
well as you would expect. Argent and Cristof were both vehemently
against us going to Benson Ridge after the latest round of shit
Tucker threw at us. I was actually more determined than ever. He
proved last night he’s a coward by sulking in the night. If he
really could kill us, he had more than one opportunity
already.

Dad had concerns too, but
knew what was at stake. He was worried by the fact that either
Tucker or someone within his group was able to get so close without
even alarming my senses. On the drive out to Benson Ridge, I passed
those concerns on to Liz.

“
So far only two things
have ever escaped my senses, really old vampires and the latest
round of Tucker’s monsters.”

Her eyes told me she knew
what I was thinking. “What are you implying?”

“
Those monsters don’t
exhibit self control, even Austin. They would have attacked
everyone in the precinct. I know you aren’t going to like this, but
I think Tucker is in deep with a vampire. Probably a pretty old one
too, if I had to guess.”

“
Believe it or not, elder
vampires are not a dime a dozen. If you are right on this
assumption, then we really do have a traitor in the
midst.”

How could I explain this,
“It’s like you and Cristof are ghosts. When you guys aren’t in my
line of sight, you don’t register. I hear and smell
nothing.”

“
What about Reno and
Phil?”

“
With those two it is
pretty hard. Phil, I don’t think tries to hide himself and let’s
his presence be known. Reno, on the other hand, generally wears
some awful body spray that gives him away.”

“
And last night you heard
nothing until the sound banging on the door? There were no scents
that you could pick up?”

“
Not a thing, the person or
whatever that was outside my door left no indications. Tough
question coming; if Tucker has an elder vampire on his side, just
how screwed are we?”

The only sound for a few
moments except that sound of a radio station barely coming through.
Finally, “It depends. I have tried to think of someone who would be
so bitter to join with a human and at an age where they would
bypass your senses.”

“
Is there
anyone?”

“
Not anyone who should
still be alive. I hate to even consider this, but if one of the old
ones survived the purge, this would be the kind of plot they would
employ.”

Old ones? Was she talking
about the group her parents belonged to? “You mean the ones you and
Rod rebelled against back in the day?”

“
Yes, the original Council
of Five. As you know, my parents were two members along with their
leader, Cesar Alexis. The other two members were Baron Forte and
Duchess Romina. I was at the battle when Baron Forte was killed,
but Duchess Romina’s death was a bit more unclear.”

“
I know you said you
assassinated them, but is there anyway one of those three
survived?”

I felt her put her hand on
my right hand. “I do not know if that is possible. I torched the
north tower of my father’s castle where my parents and Cesar Alexis
were planning their final attack. After the flames extinguished, we
found the three charred remains of their bodies.”

“
I hope you’re right.” The
sun was starting to set on the desert. It gave off a reddish light
that made the whole area beautiful. You would’ve never known we
were on our way to meet someone so vile on such a peaceful
day.

“
Victor, Elizabeth, can you
hear me?”

Dad had given Cristof his
phone right before we had left. We had no cell service out here and
the walkie-talkie mode was as good as it was going to get. “Yes
sir, boss. We are about five minutes out from the base of the ridge
and will soon be starting our trip up.”

“
Okay, we are about thirty
minutes from our spot in the canyon. Reno is waking up now, so we
will be at full strength. Remember, be careful and do not engage
unless necessary.”

I’m not sure if that last
comment was directed at me, but the look in Liz’s eyes as she
glared at the phone suggested probably not. “You got it. Vic and
Liz out.”

“
If given the chance Vic, I
will end this today.” The ice from her voice gave me chills.
“Tucker has done quite enough. To suggest we let him walk away from
this is complete rubbish.”

She gave me headaches. “If
we get the right opportunity, then we take it. But we can’t go up
on the mountain by ourselves and trigger a trap. Promise me you
won’t do anything without my consent?”

I didn’t think I was going
to win this one, but resignation replaced the look of death. “I
promise, if you do not feel we can do anything, I will restrain
myself.”

“
Good, because here we are.
This is the road that leads to the top of Benson Ridge.”

I turned my Mustang onto
the dirt road. Dusk was starting to set over the mountains and
valleys. Any feeling of peace I got earlier from the scenery was
soon replaced with anxiety. At the top of this ridge waited the
most dangerous person I had ever come into contact with.

“
Do not be nervous. He is a
man, a highly skilled and dangerous one, but just still a man.” Liz
had a point.