A BLACK shadow peeled away from the doorway when a big man walked past the shop window packed full of home-wares. The shadow immediately mimicked the big man's movements by blending into his shadow. They walked across the street together and entered the train station. The big man stepped onto an escalator and descended to the floor below the road. Inside a minute, he stood on the platform waiting for the next train to arrive.
Haleton materialized behind the man to join in on the wait.
When the train screeched to a stop, the man and Haleton boarded. Before they sat opposite each other the overhead light above Haleton blew. He sat in the semi-dark watching the man start to read a horror paperback novel.
The train doors banged closed. There was a delay of a few seconds before the train started to pick up speed. The carriage they were sitting in commenced to sway from side to side. The big man housed the novel back into the side pocket of his brown leather carry case and spoke in a deep whisper.
"Are you right mate? You look a little seedy. I hope you don't chuck. The smell of vomit in a sealed train carriage ain't good."
Haleton looked directly into the eyes of the man. His distinct Australian accent sounded humorous. "I'm right. I'm only burning up time. Thanks for caring."
"I don't care at all mate; I just don't want to smell vomit for the next fifteen minutes."
Haleton decided to abscond the train at the next station. The moment he stepped onto the platform he dematerialized into a shadow. A truck driven slowly over the train line momentarily stopped behind the car in front. Haleton jumped onto the roof of the truck. In twelve minutes the main entrance to the Hospital came into view. He jumped off. Using the shadow of a large tree he materialized, waiting for Amber to step from the building.
He didn't have to wait long."
Haleton saw Amber look around and check her watch. He saw her shrug a shoulder before bouncing down the steps and marching towards the train station. He blended into the girl's shadow as she walked. He watched her purchase a train ticket. He even stood behind her as she waited for the train. He could smell the last of the perfume she dabbed on her neck hours earlier. He could also smell the shampoo she used the last time she washed her hair. It's tantalizing scent made his knees feel weak. Haleton could also smell the hospital on her clothes. He scrunched his nose at the sterile scent.
Amber entered the carriage closest to the engine. Haleton stepped into the carriage at the other end. From the last seat at the furthest point in the carriage, Haleton sat watching. The shadow of the person he sat next to helped to make a perfect hiding place. Every couple of minutes Amber studied the interior of the carriage as if she knew someone was watching then she'd bow her head and close her eyes.
It was late afternoon, the few people riding the train got off at the next station leaving Amber to ride the train carriage alone.
The moment the train traveled under a bridge Haleton materialized. He quickly pushed the button on the black disc. The carriage plunged into semi-darkness. He walked the length of the carriage and stood in the shadow of the wall. He cleared his throat ready to announce his presence.
"Hi, there, we meet again."
Amber immediately looked up. "William, Hi, I thought you would've been waiting for me at the hospital?"
"I have been waiting. I see you're carrying the red rose I gave you."
"A blood red rose," she corrected, muffling a giggle.
"Yes you're right," said Haleton. "May I have your permission to sit next to you?"
Amber palmed her hand at the next seat. "It's nice of you to give me the flower."
"Thank you for accepting it."
"Tell me, if you were waiting for me at the hospital why didn't you show?"
"The last of the day's sunlight happened to be still shining."
"Your reply sounds too much like a riddle. I'm tired. I haven't the strength to figure it out. Do you want to enlighten me?"
"Not at this moment in time. Before you anger, I will explain everything to you."
"Good. Start confessing."
"Not here. You deserve a nice quiet place. It'll help you to absorb the entire information."
Looking into Amber's eyes, Haleton fell into a trance. His mind flashed back to when he visited her in the hospital room. Standing in the dark at the foot of her bed, smelling her sweet blood while her heart pumped the scent around her body, he did everything he could to stop himself from lunging at her. Now here she sat on the same seat using a rigid posture. He needed to control himself. If he took her life, he'd never be free of the wretched curse, or for that matter, fall in love with possibly the only woman he might ever feel connected to. He'd come so close to freedom he didn't want to make a fatal mistake. Time was fast running out. He knew he must find Mitch for the last remaining kill.
"What on Earth are you thinking about?"
Haleton focused his entire attention on Amber. He started his explanation using a friendly natural smile. "Giving you the red rose has been no bother."
"You've picked a strange opening line for a confession."
"I'm not sure where to start."
Haleton looked deep into Amber's brown eyes. He could hear her heart starting to pound harder. He wondered if it were possible she may have feelings for him.
"Thanks for visiting me in the hospital."
"Again, it's no bother."
Amber's eyebrows angled to a point. "How is it possible you're alive when I saw the bullet hole in your shirt? It was an accurate shot to the heart."
Haleton looked over Amber's shoulder at the blurred scenery whizzing past the train. "I have yet to mention your name matches your pretty face."
"Thank you for the compliment," said Amber, her cheeks instantly flushing red.
"I apologize I didn't mean to embarrass you."
"I know you're skirting the question I just asked."
"Yes, I am. It is part of my explanation which is forthcoming."
"When you choose how to relay your explanation I'd like you to add how you saved me from the fall?"
"It was no mean trick."
"I've come to the conclusion you must be a magician who preys on young ladies?"
"No, I'm not a magician and I certainly don't prey on pretty girls."
"I think you should quickly explain everything to me."
Haleton sighed. "A train carriage is not the ideal place to talk. Seeing how we are alone, I think I owe you at least a partial explanation."
Amber sat crossed legged and folded her arms across her waist. "I'm waiting. It needs to be good and believable. If your story isn't, we'll never see each other again."
Haleton smiled before painting an ice-cold expression on his face. "I knew before I dived out of the window after you scaffolding was directly underneath. I caught you just in time."
"I'm not sure if that washes, but it will do for now."
"The bloke who attacked you; was he your boyfriend?" asked Haleton.
"He's my ex-boyfriend. I've told him for weeks over the reason why I never want to see him again. He's so obsessive it's not a joking matter anymore. Where ever I go, I feel he's spying on me."
"If nothing else I'm glad to have helped you. Soon the lad won't be any more trouble."
The train pulled into a station, jolting to a sudden stop. Five mid to late male teenagers full of testosterone boarded. Each one stared at Amber. One brave lad walked over and sat opposite her.
"Nice night," he said.
Haleton didn't comment.
"I said it's a nice night," yelled the lad, the moment his mates joined him.
"We don't want trouble," suggested Amber.
The group started snickering. "Girl, you smell very nice. Let's all walk to the other end of the carriage so we can have a good time."
Haleton stood square to the group.
"Are you looking for a fight?" questioned the first boy, coiling his fingers into tight fists.
"What's your name son?"
"I'm not your so
n, so shove off. I'm going to get me some action by having a piece of the girl."
"I'd repeat my question, but I believe you won't answer. You're the one looking for a fight. By my reckoning, you won't stop until you find it."
"You got it in one, old buddy."
"My name's Haleton."
"Name's Lion," spat the boy.
"I suggest you and your friends leave this carriage at the next stop."
"Who's going to make us?"
"Lion, I'll be the one," suggested Haleton.
Amber shrunk deeper into the seat. After what she'd just been through, watching another fight put her nerves on edge.
Lion produced a pocket-sized knife. The train started to slow before stopping at the next station. Haleton moved at lightning speed. None of the boys knew where he was in any one second. When the door to the carriage opened, each member of the gang was found sprawled on top of the other on the concrete platform five metres from the train's door. They were moaning from bruises and sore ribs to sprained ankles and the concrete scraping across their knees and elbows.
The train door closed. The all too familiar came next and the train moved away from the station, leaving Amber staring through bulging eyes at the man who single-handedly defeated five louts.
Haleton noticed Amber slumped on the seat. Her arms were limp by her sides, and her hands were palm up. He strolled over, extending his hand, so his fingers were touching her arm.
"We need to talk."
"Get away from me." She pulled her arm free and pushed her shoulder blades further into the back of the seat.
"Please, we have to talk."
"I certainly don't want to be anywhere close to you. Leave me alone." Amber's voice sounded dry, almost hostile.
"Amber, whatever your thoughts are, they're wrong."
"You don't have a clue what I'm thinking."
"I can guess."
"I don't care if I never see you again. At the next station, I'm getting off the train. Be warned; you won't."
"I'm someone you can trust," confessed Haleton, smoothly.
"I doubt it," she growled.
"Please, you asked for an explanation. I think you owe me five minutes to explain."
"Who are you?"
"Before I answer, I need you to have an open mind."
Amber started to tremble. Her face drained of colour. She pulled her knees up to her chin to hide her head behind her legs. Haleton knew the meaning of her white face.
'Maybe it's for the best,' he thought. 'Maybe if he pushed a little harder she would faint.'
Haleton stared into her eyes. He could hear her heart pounding out of control inside her chest. Its melody sounded pitch perfect. The sound stirred and quickened his entire body to the core. It had been too long since he held a woman in a loving embrace. He couldn't wait for his killing days to be over. He thought back to the time when he was forced to consume the vampire blood and the feeling of helplessness waiting for the mosquito to bite into his flesh. It's an insane curse. One he was forced to endure whether he liked it or not. He still couldn't understand why the council of four never listened to his pleas for clemency, of his innocence. If Alex Crompton ever crossed his path, he'd certainly stand up to the man. He wanted to fight and kill him for ruining his life. Over the many centuries, he had wandered the planet and country after country watching mortals discover the continents. Then he was a spectator to the inevitable world wars and the rich businessmen as they made their millions, only to lose their wealth in the great depression of the 1930's. He quickly decided man's nature remained barbaric to the bone. To top it all he'd lived three lifetimes of long lonely nights without a woman in his arms. He certainly needed someone special he could hold, love and cherish for the remainder of his days.
Amber's eyes were glassy. They rolled back the moment she fainted. Haleton scooped her up like a rag doll before walking towards the doorway.
"Is the girl okay?" asked a young railway employee the moment Haleton stepped from the train.
He barred his vampire teeth, hissing his reply.
The young man raised his hands. He quickly gave Haleton room by backing away.
Haleton easily jumped the two-metre high wire fence. Leaving a small dust cloud behind, he sprinted to the nearest building. He hesitated only long enough to count the number of floors to the top.
There were thirty.
Gripping the girl around the waist, he ran vertically up the outside wall to the roof.
Even in the dark, the whole exercise took less than ten seconds.
Haleton gently sat Amber on the concrete roof, placing her back against the low wall. He side stepped so he could look down on the people walking past. No one noticed the stunt. Instead, they reminded him of ants he could easily squash.
Amber started to stir. Haleton turned so he could gaze at her. He knew he was already hopelessly in love. He needed to keep it a secret. He certainly didn't want the feeling to betray him too early. He must tread on eggshells. To explain his past life will undoubtedly unnerve the girl. The information might even take her to the edge of the cliff in her mind. He didn't want her to jump into the world full of doubt. A person's mind is a powerful tool. One minute you could be sane and in seconds through devastating shocks a person could go into an insane imaginative world with no hope of a pardon.
Haleton shook his head. "This will never work," he whispered. "How could she ever love me?" He walked to the other side of the building to yell. "I hate this curse. All I want is to find a way to love and be loved." He lifted his head to stare at the stars in the sky before shouting. "Hey, the being who says he is God of all creation, is it too much to ask that I be free from this wretched curse? If you're real, you'll do what I ask. Thanks for listening."
Amber opened her eyes. Slowly she got to her feet. Turning in circles, she studied the entire building's rooftop. Looking over the edge of the building to the road below, her eyebrows angled to a point. She spoke in a feeble whisper.
"William, if you're nearby where are you hiding?"
Haleton stepped from behind a large air-conditioning unit. He walked over, standing square to her. To help ease the stress of the moment, he displayed a caring smile.
"The last thing I remember was sitting on the train watching you fight those boys."
"I protected you. Every cell in my body wants you to feel safe. I must emphasize if you're with me you will never be harmed. It is my sincere vow."
"You have vowed a large promise."
"It is one I intend to keep. I will never fail to live up to my promise."
Haleton hoped by talking calmly, the act might start to melt Amber's heart, so she could move logic to one side. He'd stumbled upon a chance to explain his life. Failing wasn't an option. He couldn't afford to let Amber slip through his fingers. Somehow, he must find a way to convince her he'd fallen in love with her.
Amber looked at Haleton in the eyes. He backed away out of arm's reach. "You seem to be always in my line of sight. I remember you saying you wanted to talk. I don't know whether to yell at you, thank you for your interference at stopping a horrid crime or to scream at you so that you will leave?"
Haleton took two steps closer. "First, I need you to understand I mean you no harm."
"You keep saying it's your solemn vow to keep me safe."
"Thank you for understanding."
"I'm not sure what I need to understand. I think to satisfy my mind I want you to stay away. Go over there." Amber pointed to a seat three metres away.
"If you so desire," said Haleton. He walked across the roof and sat on the seat. "If you don't mind me saying, if you remember the train incident so clearly, you will realize the distance between us is nothing. I might as well be holding your hand."
"That's not an option. Stay away."
"I'd like to have our chat now."
"You sat next to me on the train, saying the same thing."
"I thought this rooftop might be a perfect place to talk," suggested Hal
eton.
"Did you bring me here on your own?"
"Yes."
"How did I get here?"
"At the moment, the answer is not important."
"Mister, it mightn't be important to you, but it is to me."
"I'm concerned when I tell you everything I'll never see you again."
"You might be right. Did you pick the roof of this building to keep me a prisoner?"
"No. You are free to leave at any time. I won't ever stop you. It's your choice," advised Haleton.
"Are you an alien from another planet?"
Haleton chuckled. "No. I don't believe in life on another planet."
Amber giggled and seemed to relax slightly. "If you're out to please me I need you to swap places. The seat looks more comfortable than leaning against a concrete wall."
The pair traded places. Amber folded her arms, staring at Haleton. Her cold expression appeared to be melting.
"Are you giving me a sign which reads I can be by your side?"
"I'm not willing to be so friendly. How did I get here?" questioned Amber.
"You've already asked that question?"
"You didn't answer me."
"I suppose the explanation is inevitable. Whichever way I say the answer you won't like it."
"Is that why you brought me to the roof of a fifteen storey building?"
"There are thirty floors."
"Straight for the jugular," stated Amber.
Again, Haleton chuckled. This time, it sounded more of a growl. He sprinted towards Amber. Before she could blink, he stood next to her.
She screamed. Haleton sprinted back to where he stood only a second before.
"How can you move so fast?"
"I've started my explanation."
Amber prepared to leave. "I think I agree with what you said earlier. I'm not going to like the answer to my question. I'm not sure I want to find out the truth either."
"Please, stay for five minutes. I believe, come what may, you deserve the explanation. I'll try to explain it in simple terms. I ask only one thing, please, keep an open mind."
"Okay. I'm ready. Let me warn you, the moment you've finished explaining, I'm walking to the lift door. Once it closes, we'll never see each other again."
"Tough choice to make," Haleton stated. "You will win no matter what."
"It's my idea; it's my deal. If you don't like it; then as they say in the movies, 'suck it up, bro.'"
Haleton's chuckle caught Amber off guard. She joined in on the laugh. Haleton finally felt she might be starting to warm to his presence.
"Firstly, I know what I'm about to tell you will sound like I've escaped from the insane asylum. Let me reassure you I'm not crazy. Second, when I reminisce over my life, it does sometimes sound like I'm crazy. I have to convince myself what I'm enduring is not a dream or a nightmare. It is real."
"Now I'm scared," hinted Amber slowly, starting to walk towards the lift door.
"You promised I could have five minutes."
Amber froze in mid-step. "I did."
"Do you recall when I spoke to you about Rose-a-lee Cantala?"
"Yes, you said you knew her."
"I did. To me, it seems like an eternity since I held her hand when we sat talking under the Pepper bush tree. The sea breeze teasing the ends of her hair helped her face to glow. Each time I saw her she took my breath away."
"I thought you stated she was married?"
"Yes, I did."
"You and the woman were having a fling. What has it got to do with me?"
"Everything," replied Haleton.
Amber placed her hands on her hips. "Here I am standing on top of this building hoping the rain won't fall any harder than what it is, eagerly waiting for your five minutes to be up so I never have to see you again and you're talking in riddles. I'm not a priest who you can confess your sins to just because you feel guilty about an affair you've had with a married woman."
Haleton chuckled, looking sideways at her. She didn't seem to be amused. "I love the way each long strand of your hair captures the fine drizzle."
Amber blushed slightly. "I'm undecided whether I should stay or run like the wind. Do you understand what the word, fling means?"
"Of course, I do. The young lady wasn't my 'fling' as you call it in these modern times."
"Mistress then?" questioned Amber.
"She wasn't anyone's mistress."
"You're not having too much success in confessing the affair."
"I would never consider such a thing; though she'd have made a great wife."
"If she isn't anyone special why do you talk like she meant the world to you?"
"She wanted to unburden herself on me."
Amber let go of a whispered chuckle.
"I heard you laugh."
"I didn't laugh. I chuckled."
Haleton chuckled at being laughed at. "You think I sound funny at the words I use?"
"They do sound a tad old fashioned," confessed Amber. "I can't say I've ever heard the word unburden said before."
"Back in England, I used to say the word quite frequently. The woman I'm referring to thanked me wholeheartedly when I agreed to listen to her problems. All this happened twelve months before my forced exile. Before you ask, her husband had been working. He didn't have a clue about me calling on her. Though come to think of it, maybe that's why I was picked to be one of the thirteen."
"I'm not following a word you're saying," advised Amber.
"It'll be easier to explain myself if I give you another demonstration."
Amber didn't look impressed. She shrugged. Her raised eyebrow wrinkled her forehead. "Your time is nearly up. If you think this demonstration of yours might help, go ahead. It's your five minutes."
"Do you believe a man can jump from this building to the next?" questioned Haleton palming his hand at the gap that easily looked wider than a two-lane road.
"What are you trying to say?"
"It seemed like a simple question."
"You're not thinking of trying such a dangerous stunt; it is suicidal? There's no way anyone could make it let alone get past the road."
Haleton stepped onto the top edge of the wall. Amber started to walk backwards towards the lift call button.
"You're insane," she yelled, feeling more nervous by the second.
"Before you have a chance to enter the lift, I'll be by your side to stop you."
Haleton lunged for the building across the double lane road. Amber screamed. She reached out and pressed the lift call button. Haleton jumped back from the other building, landing by her side.
The lift door opened. Amber sprinted into the lift, quickly pressing the ground floor button.
"I can't allow you to leave until I've finished my explanation," said Haleton preventing the door from closing.
"I'm warning you, stay away from me," yelled Amber, pushing her back into the wall of the lift.
Haleton entered the lift, determined to have his say.
"Please, don't hurt me."
"Amber, I'd never hurt a hair on your head. Of all the women, I've known in my long, exhausting life; you'd have to be the most pleasing to the eyes."
"I'm not a stupid girl. This is the only life a human can live. You can't be more than twenty. I don't call it a long, exhausting life. Even if I don't recall any medical information, I've been studying, there's no way anyone on the face of the Earth could have jumped from one building to the next and back again from a standing start. Either you're from another planet, or I'm in a nightmare."
"Neither assumption is correct," answered Haleton.
"Who or what are you? Before you, answer let me give you a last warning. After you've answered my question, I never want to see or hear from you again. Got it?" She wagged her finger at his face. "Got it?"
"I'll do my best."
Haleton walked to the other side of the building. Amber followed and stood behind the seat. She pushed her fists onto her hips, staring at the man.
>
"You have exactly one minute, before your five minutes is up."
"Okay, but this is hard to say. Hell, I can't understand it sometimes, and I'm living in my nightmare. I'm from this planet. I'm nineteen, the same age as you."
"You don't look it."
"Thanks, I'll take your words to be a compliment."
"You're stalling, and it's raining harder. Make it fast."
"It's difficult to explain when I know you will never want to see me again."
"I'll be the judge."
"Do you understand I never want to see harm come to you?"
Amber rolled her eyes. "I guess. You did save me from falling out of the building and from the louts on the train. Seeing how you're having trouble explaining, try these questions. "Why do you wear top hat and tails? They never seem to get wet. I must add the bullet hole in your shirt has gone?"
"What if I explain to you, one plus one is equal to three?"
"Your words have explained nothing. Besides, the equation isn't correct."
"Okay. Let's try it this way. When you were eight-years-old, you fell off your bike. It happened when you rode a pushbike for the first time. You lost your balance, stabbing your knee into the wall. You cried for ages and needed five stitches in your kneecap. You thanked the doctor, whispering in his ear you wanted to be a doctor too."
Amber stood frozen to the concrete, her eyes bulging at hearing the words.
"Please, you must have an open mind."
"How did you know about the bike?"
"I've been watching."
"What else?"
"I was around when you were on your first date. You kissed the boy after he walked you home."
"How old were we?"
"You were both fourteen."
"What time did we get home?"
"You arrived home after nine in the evening. Your mother was very upset. She informed you she placed the roast chicken dinner in the fridge."
Amber folded her arms and frowned. "I thought I sensed somebody watching. I do believe I saw a shadow moving, but I couldn't be sure. Come to think of it, I've seen a shadow moving about me many times over the years."
"I was that shadow."
"How could it have been?"
"We are now at the part which is hard to explain."
Amber relaxed her arms by letting them drop by her side. "I've figured out you're not trying to kill me and you believe you want to look after me."
"It's a good start," suggested Haleton.
"In regards to my life, how far back do you believe you went?"
"I watched your birth."
"It's not possible. In my opinion, you need to see a shrink."
"I don't need a psychiatrist's kind of help. I'm telling you the truth."
"I understand you believe in your mind what you're saying is the truth."
"Again, thanks for the compliment. What I've explained so far is all true," added Haleton.
"If what you say is correct you'd have to be immortal. You certainly don't look old. Can you grasp the concept your brain is living in a fairytale?"
Haleton looked at the sky. The rain had finally stopped. A few stars started to brighten. "Okay, the only way to explain all this quick and easily is to say. I'm a vampire. There you go, I've said it."
Amber backed away. "Stay away from me you fruit cake. Leave me alone."
"I can't. I have loved you since the moment you were born. I have followed the Cantala genealogy from Rose-a-lee Cantala who lived in 1749AD right through to this year."
"You believe in your twisted mind you were in love with my ancestor. You couldn't have her, so you wanted to live life through me." Amber massaged her temples. "What am I saying? I'm having a nightmare. I don't believe a word of all this."
"What about the accident on the pushbike?"
"A lucky guess," suggested Amber.
"What about the jump I made?"
"I've yet to make up my mind on that one. You probably hypnotized me into thinking you jumped."
A tall, slim figure wearing a black top hat and tails stepped out from behind the air-conditioner unit on the other side of the building and commenced clapping.
"Doesn't he paint a pathetic picture?" he called.
Haleton faced the uninvited guest. "Who might you be?"
"I'm surprised you haven't tried to guess. It has been a long time. I'm shocked you don't remember. I'll get a tad closer."
The figure moved like lightning. Both men stared at each other in the eyes. They were standing so close their breaths would have mixed if Haleton didn't turn his head to the side.
Amber screamed. "Will someone tell me what's going on?"
"She's a trifle slow. Shall I intervene and try my tact at explaining our past?"
"Alex Crompton, you, old shady character, it has been a long time. I vowed the next time we crossed paths your life will end."
The man ignored the taunt by pointing directly at Amber. "The chick has a strong resemblance to the woman you wanted to marry way back in 1749AD. She looks vaguely similar however her DNA is off a few degrees." He sighed. "Rose-a-lee's DNA lingers in your mind. This chic's blood smells the same as her ancestor. It's been a long time since I saw the woman. I can scarcely remember the date. It's a shame you didn't want my help. I told you I'd fix it so she'd be a widow."
"I think in your best interest you should leave."
Crompton tilted his head back and started to laugh. The moment he stopped chuckling he lowered his head again and stared at Amber.
"I take it William hasn't told you the story?"
Amber made a fast retreat away from the two men. She stopped walking backward when her shoulders slammed into the wall.
"William I'm shocked. Have you forgotten the clock is ticking? Our time is precious. Take my advice, stop being so slow when you meet a woman and go straight for the jugular. If you allow me to help, I'm more than willing to give a small demonstration." He faced the girl wearing a sarcastic grin.
"No," Haleton growled, a microsecond too late.
Crompton took off his hat, tossing it over the edge of the building like someone disposing of an old ripped cloth.
"What are you doing?" screamed Amber. "Your hat looked brand new."
Crompton started to whistle before breaking out into humming a slow tune which quickened as the seconds ticked off. Amber's eyes bulged the moment she saw the black hat materialize back on his head. The man's smirk matched his confidence.
"Are you a magician too?" asked Amber, not sounding too convincing. "Wearing top hat and tails you look the part." Her eyes looked sideways at Haleton. "The gag has gone on long enough. Confess you two are magicians and are having a good laugh at my expense."
"We are both from the year 1749AD," hissed Crompton in a matter of fact voice. "Hasn't my cousin explained anything to you?" He sighed. "What a sweet innocent child. I'd never waste my unique ability on being a magician."
"She's no child," jeered Haleton. "Let me warn you away from any more demonstrations."
"Tut, tut, tut," snickered Crompton wagging his finger. The sarcastic tone of his voice sounded more evil the longer he talked. "I've two more demonstrations."
"If you're not a magician, kindly explain your presence?" growled Amber.
"What a feisty, sweet, lovable girl. I can see why you two have been attracted to each other," snarled Crompton. "You would make the perfect couple. If I dare say, it will never be."
"What are you implying?" whispered Amber.
Crompton slowly extracted the long bladed knife from his left black boot. He lifted it so he could study the sharp metal blade. He slowly twisted it circles.
"I love the way this particular blade has been forged. I made the blacksmith repeat the creation four times before it felt perfect. It stays sharp as a razor blade. Effortlessly slices through flesh. I've lost count how many victims the blade has known. If you slide the edge across the victim's skin slow enough, one can hear the tearing of the cells."
&nbs
p; Glancing at Amber, Crompton threw the knife, blade first directly at her.
Amber screamed. Haleton reached out his hand, managing to bump it. He watched it soar through the air and strike the wall.
Crompton started to whistle. He placed his hands behind his back. "Keep watching the knife," he whispered.
Haleton looked uninterested. Amber opened her mouth to scream again when the knife disappeared in a small puff of black smoke. She glued her gaze on the smoke wafting through the air, materializing into the knife and back in Crompton's boot.
"Anyone for a replay?" he snickered. Slowly extracting the knife again, he stared directly into Amber's eyes. "I know Haleton doesn't care for a repeat performance. Judging by the number of tears falling from your lovely eyes, I guess you don't either."
Crompton chuckled, replaced the knife in his boot and reached for the small short stem rose sitting rigidly in the button hole of his coat. His eyes shone like bright beacons on a dark dead flat sea. The ends of his lips curled upwards as he stroked each petal in turn.
"This beauty is a blood red rose. Miss Cantala would you like to own it?"
"Don't agree," warned Haleton.
Amber shook her head.
"Such a lovely flower should belong to someone. This glass rose is a lovely piece of art. Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
"No. I don't want anything from you."
Haleton used a deep stern voice, causing Amber to tremble from head to feet. She looked behind her at the stairs and the lift door.
"I know what both of you are thinking," hissed Crompton. "Miss Cantala, you think you can sprint for the lift, but it will take far too long before it arrives here on the roof, so your next best option is the stairs. There's the problem. You are wondering if my cousin, William, will stop me long enough for a successful escape. Part two of the problem is; will he want to fight his cousin? What will happen if he doesn't? What if he's in cahoots with me? Haleton my dear boy you are thinking why haven't I fought you as yet? What of this beautiful glass rose I want so desperately to give the young lady?"
Haleton took a slow step towards Amber.
"Don't move again. If you do things will turn ugly," hissed Crompton.
"Give it up Alex; I've heard you say the same line to countless women before."
"You're quite correct. Do you know how many times they have fallen into my trap? Women can't resist the man who gives them a flower."
"I can," croaked Amber.
"Are you sure?" Crompton whispered. "You don't sound too convincing."
"I'm positive your charm won't work on me."
"What a pity." Crompton extracted a small round plastic container from his side pocket.
"What are you up to?" Haleton spat.
"I almost forgot to explain what I'm going to do next."
"I doubt it," said Haleton.
"You've seen through me yet again," injected Crompton. "I'm too much the professional to forget a thing. Please, give me a moment of your time. My explanation is short lived."
"We've given more minutes than you deserve," jeered Amber.
"Change your attitude girl. You sounded too much like Rose-a-lee."
"Get on with it," barked Haleton.
Crompton's smirk reeked of evil. He seemed to relish in the sudden fame of his captive audience. He lifted the small opaque canister no larger than a thumbnail to shoulder height. He gently twisted the cap off, sniffing the liquid contents.
"What's inside the canister?"
"Amber Cantala you are a very nosy person. This little container is the highlight of my show. You can see from where you're standing the small container is filled with a liquid. Do you know how an inkwell works?"
Amber displayed a blank stare.
"I'll take your silence for a no. Allow me to explain. You dip the ends of the feather into the ink so you can create poems. You write the words down for all to read. This liquid is similar. I place the stem of the glass rose into the liquid, wait a few seconds for the liquid to be sucked up into the tip before carefully screwing the small lid back on the container and placing it safely into my pocket. You must have nimble fingers to accomplish such a feat. Now I've done that; I will again attempt to hand the rose over to you."
"I don't want it," growled Amber.
"Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
"Positive."
"Let me try to convince you another way. The liquid I transferred from the container to the stem of the rose has three parts to it. One part is venom from a tiger snake. The second part came from a brown snake. The third part came from a red-belly black. The three slithering creatures are from right here in the Australian bush. If I may add, they are highly venomous. I captured each of the three snakes and milked them. The venom is no more than an hour old. One scratch will see me planting a rose bush at the foot of your grave."
Without warning, Crompton threw the rose, stem first, at Amber's neck. Its sharpened point was deadly accurate. It struck hard, easily piercing the skin on Haleton's hand. He closed his fingers. Shards of glass cut into his palm. When he uncoiled his fingers, Amber watched the coloured glass fall like dust to the roof of the building, leaving the tip of the flower embedded firmly in Haleton's hand. He pulled it out and sniffed the blackened tip.
"There is fresh snake venom on the tip."
"You have a keen nose; an eye for detail. If you were any slower, the dart would have entered the girl's jugular vein. Her death would have been something exciting to watch," hissed Crompton.
He sprinted across the rooftop, closing the gap between himself and Haleton in less than a second. Using a tight fist, Crompton pushed his opponent across the concrete roof. Haleton slid through the closed lift doors. Before he fell down the lift well, he reached out and grabbed the edge of the roof. Haleton looked down into the dark lift well and watched the doors plummet to the ground floor.
Crompton dashed across the rooftop. Hovering over Haleton, he readied himself to kick his cousin.
"After you have gone from here it will be a pleasure to extinguish the lifeline of the woman. Your pathetic vow you made to Amber Cantala means nothing. I Alex Crompton am immortal. I cannot die. You and I both know I have the upper hand and I always will. Haleton you're weak. Let me remind you of the fact you have never defeated me."
"Get a grip, Crompton. This is the council of four's plan. They're the insane ones."
"Do you honestly think your thoughts are correct?"
"Yes. The council of four have pre-ordered dates, so both of us will eventually meet."
"How did you come across the information?" jeered Crompton.
"You forget, I listened each night to Rose-a-lee Cantala's problems."
"Why would the council of four want pre-ordered dates?, We can't die."
"It's a way of wasting our time."
Crompton growled. The expression on his face turned slate cold. Murder was written in his eyes. At speed, he kicked Haleton in the ribs which sent him crashing head first into the black void. Crompton cupped a hand around his ear, listening for the dull thud.
He wasn't disappointed.
"My first problem is now solved if only or a moment." Clapping the dust from his hands, Crompton turned his attention to Amber Cantala. "All there is left to do is kill the female." He gave himself a victory clap. In a heartbeat, he'd sprinted across the roof, reaching for Amber's throat. "I can hear your young, fit heart quickening. It's music to my ears," he whispered. "Did you know every heart has a tone of its own? Its rhythm is unique. Yours, my dear, must be the sweetest sounding beat I've ever heard. Shame it won't beat for too much longer."
Crompton lifted Amber off the ground by the neck and started to examine her blue face. Her eyes were bulging from their sockets.
Amber lashed out at her attacker using weakening punches to his shoulders. Realizing her life was slipping away, she changed tact. Grabbing hold of his wrists, she attempted to pull his arms away. Crompton looked bored at her pathetic effort.
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"Your time, walking on this planet is almost exhausted. Your life flame is all but, extinguished. Your feeble struggles will be over in seconds."
He tightened his grip further. Amber's eyes closed.
"I'd reconsider your statement."
Crompton turned and glared at Haleton. "I thought I'd have at least seven more seconds before you interrupted my victory."
"Sorry for the intrusion."
"You always were a party stopper."
"The girl is with me. Place her gently on the ground, feet first."
"Since when have I ever listened to you?"
Crompton tossed Amber across the building's roof. She resembled a pile of rags as her torso and limbs got to the side concrete wall. Haleton only just managed to grab her before her head turned to pulp.
"There's your big mistake," hissed Crompton. "You're weak."
"It's the love I have inside me trying to escape. The feeling is lacking in your nature. In a way, I pity you. Loving a woman is the missing gap in your trait. You can't understand the meaning."
The clouds again moved at speed across the sky, blotting out the stars. A sun-bright blue flash pierced the black ink sky. A deep rumble that vibrated the building quickly followed. Looking at the sky, Crompton outstretched his arms. "I love the smell of the air just before a storm hits, don't you cousin?"
"I've never thought about it."
In the rain, thunder, and lightning, Crompton laughed a deep animal growl. Both men glared at the other. Large drops of rain fell about Haleton's feet. Every muscle in his body tightened. He knew what was going to transpire next. He needed to be ready. He must win. Haleton glared at his opponent. This time, there will be no hiding. No cowering in a corner or backing away. Haleton made a promise to Amber which he intended to keep. This, is where he will stand his ground.
Crompton walked in circles staring at his cousin. When he stopped, he stood square to Haleton.
"So, it's come down to this?"
"You can always back away," hissed Haleton. "It's your choice."
Crompton tilted his head back, laughing as the rain fell in torrents.
Amber stirred, forcing one eye open. She appeared to be watching the scene, unable to move.
Haleton signaled her to stay still.
Crompton slipped out of his coat, throwing it over the side of the building. "This torment has gone on far too long. I should have killed you back in 1749AD."
"Why didn't you?"
"I used you as my scapegoat."
"Your little plan to frame me backfired," snarled Haleton.
"Maybe it did. There's a reason behind everything."
Crompton launched himself across the roof of the building. Haleton did the same. They collided in mid-air about five metres above the concrete. Both came crashing onto the building's roof. Water was forced into the air in every direction. Amber struggled to a sitting position. Slowly she started to crawl away.
Crompton growled his bone-chilling words. "Thinking back over my plan when we happened to be tangled up in the net, I might have made a miscalculation. I should have killed you and pleaded self-defense."
"Maybe you should have. Now it's too late."
"You're right, neither of us can die."
"I've one more soul to catch, and I'm free of the curse," yelled Haleton.
"Me too," hissed Crompton. "I'm going to make sure the victim is innocent." He looked across at Amber, grinning. "She'll do just fine."
"Why does it have to be her? Why an innocent? Don't you ever want to be rid of the curse?"
"Don't you get it? Being a vampire has made me invincible. Why do I want to be a mortal?"
"Our meeting is to waste time. We'll be so locked up in fighting, our valuable time will end. We'll have to start all over again. Can't you see it?" jeered Haleton. He landed a punch to his opponent's ribs.
"Yes, I want to waste time. Yes, a thousand times, yes." Crompton grabbed Haleton by the throat and lifted him into the air. He walked slowly to the edge of the building. "Once you're out of my way there will be no one to stop me or my gang. We will rule the world, year by year. When I find the antidote to the vampire's curse, I'll alter the formula. Slowly everyone on the face of the earth will be changed into a vampire."
"You don't know the where-a-bouts of the formula."
"Yes, I do. You forget, I've started again numerous times in 1749AD. I went and found where Rose-a-lee Cantala lived. I persuaded her to tell me the formula. To make sure she didn't lie I tried it out on a good friend of hers. I have a persuasive nature to help people see things my way. The only thing I have to do is find the note she left. You will have no choice except to join me in my quest to populate the world with vampires."
"You're insane," spat Haleton. "The curse has caused you to lose your mind."
"I don't disagree. I should feel compassion when I watch you fall from the roof to the road below. I don't think I can muster the thought."
Crompton threw Haleton from the roof and watched him fall.
"That should at least give me enough time to rid the girl of her life." He sprinted to where Amber decided to take refuge. "It will be a shame to see you die; you're such a pretty little thing, but I must sever the bloodline so that the Cantala name will be no more. I'm bound to keep my promise I swore to Rose-a-lee." He picked Amber up by the collar. "You'll be landing next to Haleton very soon."
Haleton flew over the wall, king hitting Crompton on the back of the shoulders. Amber fell to the concrete. Haleton managed to catch her in time. He gently placed her into a sitting position before facing his cousin.
Crompton jumped to his feet. He ran to the other side of the building to shake off the hit he received. In seconds, he came back. Standing in front of Haleton, he pushed a fist towards his throat. Haleton ducked, grabbing his wrist. He heard it snap.
"I've some sad news to tell you," said Haleton. "I've thirty hours remaining before I'm in another time. If I don't find my victim, I'll be back at the start in 1749AD."
Crompton ceased his struggles. Both men stared at each other, nose to nose. It was a stalemate, neither wanted to concede defeat.
"If what you say is true about the council of four bringing us together they'd know when the two of us are locked in a battle, neither one of us will back down," growled Crompton. "We'll both be back at the start at the same time."
Haleton looked at the sky, laughing. "The first one to come to his senses will be the one to back away."
Crompton stood his ground. He pushed his wrist straight. He coiled his fingers on both hands into tighter fists and yelled. "I'm not weak. I will never back down. I've nothing to lose."
Haleton stepped away. He strolled over to Amber. Looking at her tear-filled eyes, he said warmly. "Come."
She looked scared and almost out of her mind. Haleton took her gently by the hand, pulling her to an upright position.
"You're weak Haleton. You've always been the weaker. This love thing you so desperately want to cling to will be your down fall."
Crompton watched his opponent scoop Amber up in his arms and sprint for the edge of the building.
In seconds; both had vanished.
CHAPTER ELEVEN