“I’m fine, physically, and excited to see our friends again. But I’m also scared. It’s going to be horrible. I’m not sure I can watch. Are you sure it’s the only way?”
“Think about it Megan…the story of the devil dog has been around for centuries. And that’s all it is, a story. And the legend is squashed pretty well by the supervisors. We have the unique opportunity to demonstrate. It’s the only way. This is war now, Megan. There are going to be lots of casualties-on both sides. Let’s just hope we can get the ball rolling and keep it rolling.”
Megan hesitated momentarily. “So, do you know who it will be?”
“No, not yet.”
“It needs to be the right choice, doesn’t it?”
Drake looked over to her, surprised by her comment.
“I mean if it’s someone that people like and respect, then it may kind of backfire. And what if they just think that you are the dreaded devil dog and kill you on the spot.”
Drake smiled. “You’re right, the selection is important. And the demonstration will need to be very small, with close and trustworthy friends. Friends that know our character and can spread the word to their closest friends. This is it, Megan-our chance to end this craziness.”
“I hope and I pray we can do it.”
***
Elsie Fleck and her father entered Pless county. They, too had heard the news of the missing supervisor and knew that Drake and Megan would be home soon.
“We’ll avoid any supervisors and just ask the humans if they’ve seen Drake. We should be able to find him a lot easier than those detectives can.” Elsie took her eyes off the road for a moment and glanced over to her father. “Dad? I’ve been thinking. I’m going to propose something to you that I want you to consider. But don’t just react to it, okay? Think about the idea while weighing in all of the percentages.”
“I’m sure you have all of the numbers right at your mental disposal?”
Elsie smiled. “You know I do. Okay, so for the past several months you’ve been talking about the most recent planetary probe launching next month and I know you have a big say in the organization and selection of the representative that will go and collect information about the society there. Why couldn’t it be, Drake? You just hire someone who is qualified and looks similar to Drake. You’ve always told me, there’s no shortage of candidates for the position. You physically hire no one, but on paper, someone is hired, and that someone never shows up because he is never notified. We just insert Drake at this point and no one is the wiser. The sooner we get him off the planet the better. Right?”
Fleck shook his head. “Now you want me to risk my career for you? You’re unbelievable, Elsie. I don’t know how we’re going to do this, but it won’t be with that ludicrous plan. Let’s just concentrate with finding him first. We are going to have to stay close to where he is and scrutinize the situation as it evolves. More options may present themselves as we progress through this mess.”
***
Lang had her meeting with all of the area supervisors and asked them to be on the lookout for a man that looked like, Ulah. It was so awkward to try to explain to people who actually knew him that a serial killer was in the area that looked like Drake. They were confused, and rumors started to fly. She stressed to the Vampire women to be on their guard if they met up with him. ‘His ability to charm is numbing,’ she told them.
Lang drove back to her quarters. This area of Plesston was the most populated and there were lots of humans out enjoying their time off after their work shift. It was a Friday night and the long workweek was now rewarded with a carefree weekend. Lang stopped at a light and watched the pedestrians walk by. So many beautiful young men, Lang thought to herself as she looked at the veritable smorgasbord of male stock. Pless did a good job at keeping his humans happy, well fed and rested. Lang could easily see it in the mood of the people. A beautiful boy around about 15 years-old ran by just in time to catch the light. Lang shook her head at her inappropriate thoughts, but thought that it would be fun to watch young human males grow quickly into men. Her mind instantly morphed the adorable boy into the image she had stored away of the handsome man she had seen at the Balmoral Hotel. Elsie is surrounded by this, daily, Lang realized. I don’t know how she does it…well actually she didn’t; she messed up, terribly. Lang re-played the reel of that striking young man that had sat beside her back at the hotel.
***
Drake and Megan approached a small farmhouse tucked in the middle of many corn fields. They had friends that lived there. Drake and Megan waited for the lights to dim and crept as quietly as possible towards the house.
“Wait here for a little while, Megan. I’m going to check things out and make sure it’s safe.”
Megan kneeled down and thought about the food in the back pack. She was always so hungry. She couldn’t wait to get into a comfortable house again and have a hot shower and launder her clothes properly. She had met Drake’s friend, Herb Grey a couple of times before and knew he must be getting close to his time to become blood stock. He was a couple of years younger than they were and Drake had formed a really close bond with him over the years. Drake had always said, “You can always count on Herb.”
Drake came back soon. “It looks okay. Herb looks like he needs some company. Let’s go surprise him!” Drake beamed.
Megan’s face brightened and she sprung to her tired feet.
Herb Grey stirred a big pot of stew on the stove when a knock at his door diverted his attention. “Who’s that?” he said quietly to himself. Opening the door produced the biggest surprise he could have ever imagined.
Chapter 16
The Demonstration
And so it happened, for the first time in Empire history the terrible truth is exposed to blood stock at the base of the dome where millions of humans feel free, safe, and secure.
“It’s such an incredible story that if it was anyone but you guys, I probably wouldn’t believe it. But that brings up our next challenge-getting others to believe it. What kind of game plan do you have to prove your claim?”
“The only way that I can see it is to get a Vampire to demonstrate a kill,” Drake explained.
Herb winced. “But how can we convince a Vampire to do that. You said yourself that they’re not even allowed to feed down here. And wouldn’t we have to sacrifice someone in order to achieve this?”
“What if I told you that I knew a Vampire who would be more than willing to demonstrate a kill. And who ever said that the victim had to be human?”
Herb looked puzzled.
Drake stood up and paced slowly. He stopped and looked directly at Herb. “I’m that Vampire.”
“You’re not kidding, are you?” it was more a statement.
“No, I’m afraid it’s true. A tough break in one way but a break that may end this madness.”
Herb looked closely at Drake.
Drake noticed, smiled and continued to pace. “There is no perceptual difference; after all, they were all once human, too. The only physical noticeable difference is the fangs. They’re usually dormant, but when the Vampire is aroused, the fangs unsheathe and extend. It requires an emotion, driven by the Vampire’s libido and the need for sustenance. That’s why supervisors have such short shifts down here; there’s just too much temptation. Elsie told me once that supervisors are trained to control their fangs so that they do not accidently reveal them.”
Herb gave his head a shake; so much information coming at him from all angles. “It’s hard to believe that Ms. Fleck…and oh my god, dear Farmer Pless.”
“Not so dear after all, is he? He’s known for the best quality crops in the Empire, and I’m not talking corn and grain and fruits. All the care he puts into making his workers content results in prime bloodstock.”
Herb looked intently at Drake. “You don’t mean to execute Pless, do you?”
Megan interjected, “No, he would be a bad choice; too many people love him. And Drake won’t feed from a ma
le Vampire, anyway. It’s got to be a woman. What about Draper; she and Grimshaw always gave us a hard time.”
“Well, Draper only gave you a hard time,” Drake reminded.
“That’s because she had a crush on you,” Herb said. “She was jealous of Megan. But she is actually well liked by most. Grimshaw though-he is universally hated. Man the way he used to ride you was almost criminal.”
Drake quivered inside. “How long to set up the meeting, Herb?”
“Not too long. A few days tops. Like you said, better slow and careful at this point. Hopefully, reckless abandon will come later. Can I see your fangs?”
Drake smiled. “What, still don’t believe me?”
Herb blushed. “It’s just such an unbelievable story. And obviously you wouldn’t make something like this up. And it all makes sense when you look at all of the evidence, but, man, my head is just spinning right now.”
Drake understood Herb’s reluctance to believe such an incredible story. “Well it shouldn’t be too hard to get them to show themselves, I haven’t fed for a few days.”
Drake closed his eyes and concentrated on memory images in his head. His mind flashed through all of his kills. He didn’t allow his memory access to his 2 first kills though, beautiful human women. But somehow, an image of Megan crept into Drake’s head and he fought hard to block it by focusing on his first Vampire kill, re-calling the vivid memories. He remembered the beauty of the curves of her neck, but again the vision transitioned to Megan and her long graceful lines. He fought to regain the image of his victim. Drake’s mind jerked back to Elizabeth Bower’s bedroom, recalling the raw energy of life that it had infused, and the glorious feeling of revenge. He could sense the warmth of her blood through his fangs. Drake’s gums began to swell as imagination once again plunged his fangs into the soft flesh and drank in the crimson bounty that coursed within this work of art. Drake’s fangs appeared and Herb sat transfixed, leaning in to have a closer look.
“Amazing,” Herb said looking over to Megan.
“Satisfied?” Drake asked, but with a hint of a smile.
“Yeah, of course.” Herb tried to stifle a shudder. “Let’s get you guys settled in. I think you should stay away from the windows. Megan you look like you wouldn’t mind a shower. And Drake, you smell like you need a shower.”
Drake grabbed Herb and put his arm around him, pulling him as close as possible.
Herb squirmed and grimaced. “Get, off me, man. You stink!”
***
Elsie walked into the Plesston Hotel and threw her purse and jacket onto a chair. “No word out there yet,” she said to her father who paused the television program he was watching. “So either they’re not here yet or everyone is keeping the secret well. But I know these people pretty well and I haven’t seen any evidence of anything other than surprise that we’re looking for Drake.”
“I thought you said he would be easy to find?”
“No, I said it would be easier for me than the cops, but I never, ever said that it would be easy.” Elsie paused for a moment. “Have you given any more thought to what we talked about the other day?”
“The scheme to send Drake off to the planet we’re thinking of colonizing?”
“Yes…the scheme.”
“I could get into a lot of trouble, Elsie.”
“More than already?”
Fleck took a breath, “No, I suppose we’re both in it up to our necks. Yes, I have given it some thought and all I can say is that I wouldn’t completely rule it out as an option.”
Elsie seemed satisfied with the response. “I’m starting to get a feel for the mood of these people as I keep talking to them; they aren’t stupid. They know something big is happening. No human have ever come back home, and now there is suddenly lots of interest in a human that left them over a year ago. I’ll keep probing. I’m pretty good at reading them and I’m confident I’ll be able to sense any change in their demeanor. I’ll go out again later. Drake has to show up here soon. He’s made it pretty obvious that he’s coming here and, it makes sense-his best chance of starting a rebellion is here with people who know him and look up to him. Tomorrow is Sunday, their day of rest and a general meeting in the name of religion; lots of humans together talking about current events. I’ll be there, too.”
***
It was Sunday, a day of rest and a chance to spend time with friends. Herb Grey picked up his girlfriend at the usual time and continued on to church.
“I had a visitor last night.” Herb said and waited for a response.
Carol looked over. “Well, are you going to tell me who it was?”
“Drake.”
“Ulah?”
“And Megan.”
“What the hell. Oops, I guess I shouldn’t say that on Sunday. That’s unheard of. No one ever comes back after they leave for the upper dome. Is everything all right?”
“It’s the worst you could ever imagine. And I don’t think anyone has ever even considered this. It’s a nightmare really.”
Carol’s expression changed from curiosity to apprehension. “What’s going on, Herb?”
“Well, you know all of those ridiculous devil dog stories that have always circulated around? Since we were kids, really. Well there is a basis of truth behind them.”
Carol’s eyebrows raised and her bright blue eyes widened. “I knew it! You always said I was being paranoid. There was actually another attack not far from here a couple of days ago. Ginny Croften said that a friend of hers had actually seen it. There was a lumber truck accident and amidst all of the logs that littered the hi-way was a woman with the marks of the devil dog on her throat!”
The story didn’t faze Herb a bit. “That was actually, Drake.” Herb looked over so he could see Carol’s expression. “Drake was changed into what is called a Vampire. That’s why no one ever comes back; most of us are used for food by these devil dog Vampires. It is of the utmost importance that you keep this completely to yourself. Let me handle this. It is crucial that this is kept amongst our most trusted friends, with no gossip or chatter about it. There will be a meeting set up for tomorrow. I’ll let you know the time and location. There may be authorities looking for Drake and Megan and they will be put on high alert if there is any sign of excitement or panic. It is essential to the entire human race that we stop this atrocity. So if we can raise a rebellion quickly and emphatically, we may catch them off guard. Drake says their leaders are set in their ways and comfortable that a revolution could never happen…that’s our ace in the hole. Every supervisor you know and may even like, admire or call a friend…is actually a cold blooded killer.”
The car went silent as the shock settled in.
“And it makes sense when you look at all of the evidence. It’s overwhelming,” Herb finally added.
The break in quiet opened up a flood gate of questions. “Why has no one ever come back to help before? How was Drake changed? Is Megan one of these Vampires, too?”
Herb did his best to answer and fill her in on Drake’s plan. He was terrified, as was Carol…their quiet lives turned suddenly into a fight for survival.
Elsie Fleck had arrived at Plesston United Church an hour before the service. She wanted to make eye contact with as many of the parishioners as possible, to see if she could discern any kind of panic or nervousness in their gaze. Detective Lang was there, too. She smiled at the sight of Elsie, while Elsie fought her urge to look skyward.
“Why Ms. Fleck, what a surprise to see you here.”
“As you must know, Detective, this is my district. It’s my job to keep tabs on these people.”
“I thought it was your job to inform the board of the best candidates for acceptance into the Empire? That requirement ended with the Great Edict.”
Elsie looked down. “Old habits die hard, I guess. And besides, it’s still my job to ensure a good crop each and every year from this district.”
“It couldn’t be that you are here looking for Mr. Ulah, could i
t?”
Elsie bristled. “I told you before. He’s dead.”
“Well, personally, I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to have some company, and after all, we are looking for the same person, whoever it may be. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other around, Ms. Fleck. Happy hunting,” Lang said and walked down the wide stairway.
Vehicles soon began coming and Elsie knew all of the practitioners, most by name. She felt the pressure of Det. Lang’s gaze on her from the stairs down below. Elsie nodded politely to some and shook hands with others. Most who made eye contact were a little surprised to see her there but nothing out of the ordinary. All the while, Det. Lang studied Elsie’s face for any clues. After all, Drake could just saunter right into the church and Lang wouldn’t even have a clue that it was him. Her only hope was with a tell from Elsie’s expression. Elsie saw Herb Grey and Carol Tanner walking along the sidewalk, but she wasn’t sure if Herb and Drake were close enough friends for Drake to confide in him. A couple more good mornings were shared before Herb glanced up the stairs and noticed Ms. Fleck looking right at him. His heart seemed to skip a beat and he looked away immediately. Herb whispered something to Carol and her change of expression was the most obvious. Carol managed to fight the urge to look up, but her face betrayed the panic she was feeling. Herb was disappointed in himself for not being more prepared. Herb managed a forced greeting but Carol kept her head buried. Elsie on the other hand had quickly prepared herself for the possibility of a reaction from someone and remained stone-faced, giving nothing away to the prying eyes of Det. Lang. Moments before the service, just prior to entering the church, Elsie looked over and smiled smugly at her adversary. Lang, as always, took note.
After the service the practitioners would mill about and chat for a while before dispersing. Elsie watched through shaded glasses from a secluded alcove at the top of the stairs, her attention on Herb and Carol. Herb noticed a woman that he didn’t recognize hanging around the periphery as well. He tried his best to ignore them and went about his business.
Herb smiled and extended his hand to another man, “Bill, good to see you again.” And with a smile still on his face, “Big things going on, Bill. We need you to attend a secret meeting tonight at 9, at my place. It’s imperative that you come. It’s a matter of life and death. People are watching now so let’s keep this cordial until then. It is of the utmost importance that you keep this completely to yourself. Be very careful not to be followed. If you are, lose them before coming my direction, and if you can’t lose them-please, opt out. I’ll fill you in later. Secrecy is our only chance. All of our lives depend on it.”