“That is the last thing I want to think about right now, Elsie. Spending 1,000 years with you sounds like what you call, a ‘bloodless hell.’”
“Oh, you joke about it now, but time heals all wounds, and we have nothing but time on our hands. You’ll learn, Drake, that as a Vampire you have the luxury of being patient. It’s kind of comforting to know you have time on your side.”
Drake broke his attention away from the frustrating conversation. He felt the pangs of hunger, but nothing close to the twitching stage, yet. This was a comfortable stage, when Drake knew that a meal was at hand and could drive and peak his hunger to insatiable levels, and then, feed…it was an amazing feeling. He wondered if feeding on the new planet would provide the same nourishment and pleasure that he was used to.
“What does my food source look like on this new planet?” he asked.
“It’s this disgusting, wart-hog thing, with 8 powerful legs that can rip a man to shreds. You’ll have to figure out a way trap them and drug them before you feed off their leathery hides.”
Drake looked over. “I do hope you’re kidding, although I didn’t have much of a better picture in my mind. Give it to me straight up.” Drake winced.
Elsie smiled. “Well, they’re not that bad according to my dad. I mean they live in poverty by our standards and that’s because they lack the intelligence to use the raw materials their planet offers. But they’re not entirely ugly my father says. But out of all the creatures on this planet, and apparently there are thousands of them, this is the only species that offers the required DNA makeup that you will require to extend your life, indefinitely. That’s why our Government is putting so much time and money into studying this planet and this race in particular. One last feed will hold you until you get there, but you’ll need to seek out your first kill as soon as you arrive. It’s a collection trip so they’ll touch-down in a rural area and pick up a curious observer. It works every time my Dad says. ”
“Are they wild beasts or civilized to some degree?”
“Not wild, no…but challenged in terms of comfortable living.”
Drake frowned. “That really tells me nothing. Can they communicate with each other verbally?”
“Yes, apparently they use a spoken communication and my father will provide a book of sounds and translations to our sounds, or something like that.” Elsie glanced at her watch and shook her head.
Drake gestured towards a pretty, dark haired woman collecting a tray and silverware, then waiting in the cafeteria lineup. “What about her. I could lure her to the cargo deck, find a secluded spot and that chore will be over with.”
Elsie looked at her watch and fidgeted. “Not until we reach the top, I told you!”
Drake slumped a bit and looked disappointed. “What if it takes hours to fix whatever the problem is?”
“We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it, and it better not, or you’ll miss your ride to safety. Damn it to hell, what is taking so long!”
***
Genn was ushered to a small area reserved for emergency vehicles while Lang was on the phone with their superior officer.
“I’m sorry, Lang, there’s nothing we can do until we get a formal warrant for Miss Fleck’s arrest. That will take at least 4 to 6 hours. Once we have the warrant, we will make the arrest…not ‘til then.”
“What about the space shuttle?”
“Look Detective Lang, personally, I believe you are on the right track. You and Detective Genn are doing an amazing job considering the complexity of the case but, we have to work on certainties and sticking to the letter of the law. You know that. There is absolutely no way I can get authorization to delay a space shot with no concrete evidence. I’m sorry, Lang.”
Lang could hear the revving of the engines as the lift prepared for liftoff. “Okay, thanks Captain.”
Genn could tell by the look on his partner’s face that things hadn’t gone in their favor.
“At least we made the lift-that’s the main thing. What about access to the space station?” Genn asked.
“He’s going to work on that, but we’ll need special authorization from a superior at the station before we are allowed ‘limited access.’ For the love of crimson, nothing is easy about this case is it, Genn?”
Genn shook his head. “It’s been a challenge, that’s for sure. But I feel we’ve done a pretty good job, all things considered.”
They left their vehicle and made their way to the lounge area.
“At least now I can have a little conversation with that conniving, murdering, bitch.”
“Not without me there, you can’t.”
Lang smiled over at her partner. “They won’t trick me again, Genn.”
***
Elsie was relieved when she finally heard the lift motors amping up.
Drake lazily watched the lovely Vampire women and felt his hunger intensify. He squinted slightly and then chuckled. “Guess who’s here. That’s probably why the lift was delayed.”
Elsie’s heart jumped.
Lang strode over assertively with her watchdog close behind. “Why, Elsie, Mr. Drake, what a surprise to see you on this lift. Got a deadline to meet?”
Elsie managed a weak smile. “No, just visiting my Dad at work, not that it’s any of your business.”
Lang bristled but composed herself. “Well, Miss Fleck, it is Empire business, which makes it our business. Not that you have any interest in what’s best for the Empire. Interestingly enough though, we have just recently been handed some damning information thanks to one of your close friends.” Lang glanced over at Drake but looked away immediately, feeling the instant tug of attraction that she knew was so dangerous.
Standing as large and imposing as he could, Genn stepped forward and glared at Drake.
“A male supervisor’s body was just found at the base. His corpse is several days old; apparently planted at a strategic time.” Again she glanced at Drake with a stern expression, this time lingering on those hypnotic brown eyes. She forced herself to look away. “And guess who’s DNA we found on the murder wound?”
Elsie shrugged, keeping a cool expression but feeling her insides churn. “I’m sure I don’t know.”
“Yours, Miss Fleck.” Lang felt satisfaction of finally having some solid evidence.
Elsie squirmed in her seat. “There must be some kind of mistake. I’m not a murderer.”
“Well, the evidence says otherwise and in a few hours we’ll be coming for you with an arrest warrant. And that reminds me, Mr. Drake, did you happen to bring your identification with you today?”
Drake just shrugged.
“I thought not. So hopefully we’ll be coming for you shortly after.”
“I always look forward to seeing you, Detective Lang,” Drake said in his best manipulative tone.
Lang felt Genn’s comforting presence and used it as an excuse to linger on that captivating face. A sharp tug of reproach snapped her out of her indulgence and Genn glared at both his partner and the man he wanted to kill.
Lang quickly regained her composure. “I have a feeling there may be one more murder for us to attend before all is said and done considering your last plan was spoiled,” Lang said.
“I have no idea what you are implying, Detective, and I assure you that all I ever do is for the good of the Empire. Now, if your business with us is concluded, could you please stop bothering us.”
Lang’s anger seethed, “I’m going to take great pleasure in arresting you and seeing you go to trial for your crimes against Vampires and the Empire…if there is an Empire left to defend, thanks to your extreme selfishness.”
Lang wheeled and walked away. Genn hesitated momentarily in order to glare one more time at the man he hated so much.
Elsie glowered at Drake. “Thanks for complicating things so much for me.”
Drake shrugged. “You had to nourish yourself, didn’t you? I certainly couldn’t provide you with a human feed and I couldn’t watch you star
ve.”
Elsie folded her arms in a sulk and Drake smiled.
Chapter 21
The Final Feed
After departing the lift Elsie sped to the space center.
“Lucky there’s not too much traffic yet; we can’t be late. And, we still have to get you fed,” Elsie fumed.
“Yes, let’s not forget that very important requirement.”
“It will have to be at the space center and I will have to leave it totally to you. My dad won’t be happy about it but I don’t see another way.”
Elsie showed her credentials to security and quickly passed through. It was early enough that there was still plenty of parking.
“Doesn’t look too busy in here yet,” Elsie said as they walked down a hallway towards her father’s office.
He was there and visibly nervous. “It’s about time you got here. What happened?”
“The lift was delayed. And Drake hasn’t had his last feed yet.”
“He won’t survive the trip without a final feed, and he can’t feed now…it’s too late. We’ll have to abandon the plan.”
“This is happening today,” Elsie growled. “There is too much at stake. Drake can find someone here.”
“You’re not serious. Let’s just lead the authorities right to our doorstep.”
“Well, they’re actually already at our doorstep-they followed us up. And something else, Dad. They’re going to come and arrest me for murder once they have a warrant. Drake forced me to feed while I was being held captive at the base.”
Fleck rolled his head. “Oh, that’s just great, the worst serial murderer in Empire history gets away and you get arrested. It’s fitting actually, it really is.”
“Anyway, we’ll deal with that when the time comes. I’m sure we can beat it due to extenuating circumstances. I’ll just say that I was kidnapped by the fugitive murderer while I was attending to my job while visiting the base and he forced me to feed. The evidence will support my claim. They’ll have a record of my feeding schedule alarm warning me to return to the dome to feed. Even if they have to give me a token number of years in prison as punishment it’ll be worth it. Our main focus right now is getting Drake off the planet. I’ll need to borrow your master key for less than an hour.”
“What for? No wait, I don’t even want to know.” Fleck paced frantically, his mind spinning, confused and panicked. “I can’t believe I let you get me involved in your crazy schemes.” He glared at Drake. “And they’re all because of, you!”
Drake took a chair as far away from the battle zone as possible. “Hey, not my doing, boss…remember? I’d have been somebody’s lunch a long time ago if it wasn’t for Elsie’s meddling.”
“He’s right you know. Your obsession has possibly led to the demise of our race. I should stow away instead of Drake. Why should he be the one Vampire that survives your selfish desires?”
Elsie looked annoyed. “Why do you keep harping on that ridiculous assumption? You know as well as I do that humans couldn’t possibly outsmart Vampires. Now let’s look at this logically. Drake needs to survive for the better of our race…he is brilliant and you know it.”
Fleck glanced at Drake who shrugged off the compliment.
“He needs a final feed and when you think about it, the only two people that are going to connect the dots are Lang and that big oaf detective. And they don’t have enough real evidence to convince their superiors about their theory. And as soon as Drake is gone, the murders will stop and everyone will be happy and relieved. I need you to pull yourself together, Dad.”
Elsie could tell from her father’s slouch of surrender that action was imminent; she had manipulated him many times in their 200 years as blood kin.
“Crimson drought, Elsie, why do you put me through this. One victim will have to be enough.”
“As long as she’s a plump one,” Drake quipped.
“Bloodless hell, we’re planning a murder here, have a little respect.”
Drake’s eyes narrowed and Fleck had to look away.
“The kitchen would be the best area. The baking staff comes in early. But you must be cautious, early discovery of the body would jeopardize our plans and put us all at risk. Do you understand?” Fleck asked.
“I don’t care what succulent morsel of Vampire beauty I feed from…as long as I get fed.” Drake stood up.
Fleck opened his desk drawer and snatched-up a set of keys. “There should be a janitorial room close to the kitchen where you can lure your victim.” Fleck shook his head in disgust. “The cleaning staff have already gone home.”
“You need to be back in my office in no more than 1 1/2 hours or it will be too late to get you stowed away and the plan will definitely be abandoned.”
Taking the keys Elsie led the way out of her father’s office, with a hungry Vampire close behind.
A few floors down the delicious smell of baking came wafting down the hallway.
“Here is the janitorial room dad mentioned, and here is a master key.”
Drake motioned to the closed door. “Let’s check out the room first.”
Feeling comfortable and confident Elsie inserted the key into the lock. She had no doubt Drake could lure a woman into the room and feed with plenty of time to spare…she had seen him in action. She opened the door and a light immediately shone from above. A kind of a musty, lemony, chemical smell greeted them.
The small room seemed bigger than it was, due to its organization. The cleaning and buffing machines were lined up neatly for easy access. Mops and buckets were hung and stacked tidily, containers of cleaning supplies categorized on the shelves.
Elsie looked up and down the empty hallway and closed the door. She scanned the room distastefully. “Sorry it’s such a grim spot; but honestly, we’re lucky to get it.”
Drake looked upward and squinted. “Not the most sensual of settings but I guess I can make it work.”
Drake looked directly at Elsie. “Maybe you should join me in a couple kill…you like those. Remember the one we shared a few months ago. It seems like a lifetime ago.” He fought to hide his revulsion.
Elsie looked over and smiled. “What are you up to? You want to make me an accomplice to murder? Is that it?”
“You’re already considered a murderer. This would just be a parting gift for you, for getting me hooked up with a ride to safety,” Drake’s voice was deep and smooth, his eyes seductive. “I could lure two in a row in here-until we’re both satisfied. Only my DNA would be on the victims. You could latch onto me.”
Elsie hesitated. “Ooh, you’re so bad to tempt me like that.”
Drake smiled, “They were sensuous, though, weren’t they?” he spoke softly.
“Yes, we had some good times in the beginning. I really did enjoy those moments together.”
Elsie’s passion took over, as a gentle silky draping of serenity made her muscles and mind, relax. She smiled and allowed her mind to wander back. She longed for those times again…to be closer than ever to Drake. His eyes and gentle expression relaxed Elsie and she felt the need to be held. That face that she had fallen in love with, years ago fascinated her. The feeling of excitement escalated with every inch Drake drew nearer. She wanted to give herself completely, until the distant thought of treachery crept slowly into her limited consciousness. Elsie’s mind fought to regain control, so carelessly lost. But her mind wanted this…more than anything at this moment. An internal battle waged inside of Elsie and she lifted her chin slightly. She could feel Drake’s hot breath on her neck and she raised her head with a sigh.
Drake moved in with a multitude of emotions. But all that really mattered was, another Vampire was gone and he was fed. Mission accomplished. He dragged Elsie’s corpse behind the line of machines and listened for footsteps before exiting the janitor’s room.
Drake took his time before going back to Fleck’s office. He sat in the cafeteria and sipped a coffee watching all of the pretty Vampire women bustling about getting the baking r
eady for the morning crowd. A cloud of depression descended on him as his thoughts wandered to Megan, and his impending trip. Starting a new life in a new world was a daunting thought.
Drake waited until Fleck’s time limit was 1 minute past, and showed up in his office. He found Fleck pacing.
“It’s about time. We have about an hour to get you stowed away before the morning shifts starts. What took so long? Never mind, I don’t want to know.” Fleck’s brow puckered. “Where’s Elsie?”
“It took a while to find a victim; right up to the deadline pretty much. I had to sprint to be back in time. Elsie stayed behind to conceal the body. She should be back soon if you want to wait.”
Fleck shook his head. “There’s no time-I’ll see her later. Here, put these on.” Fleck passed Drake a white shop coat with a space center security card hanging on the breast pocket. Drake looked at the picture and memorized the name. The subject’s picture resembled Drake, but if scrutinized, it could be questioned.
Fleck fidgeted and stood at the door as Drake adjusted the sizing on his hard hat which was stamped at the front with the space center logo.
“Come on let’s go. You can adjust that on the way,” Fleck barked.
Drake smiled and calmly placed the sized hat on his head. “How do I look?”
“Like the worst nightmare the Empire has ever experienced.”
Drake smiled. “You always know just what to say the cheer me up.”
“Come on,” Fleck said in an exasperated tone.
“Just let me do all the talking. It’s not likely anyone will even ask what we’re doing. They all recognize me so there won’t be any suspicion. And quite frankly, nothing like this has ever happened or even occurred to any one as a possibility, so everything is pretty loose around here.”
The halls were still empty as Fleck led Drake to the launch room. Fleck nodded to the few security guards at their posts as they passed. A lift took them to the very top of the dome and opened on the launch room. Drake tried to hide his amazement when he saw the ship. The security guard glanced at their I.D. as more of a formality than an actual fear of intruder check. He recognized Fleck.
“Good morning,” Fleck said. “I just wanted to get an inspector in here early, before all of the rushing around begins. He may be a couple of hours. I’ll show him the way and then leave him on his own.”