Betrayal (Mature Readers Only) by Kwelio Part 1

(10082 total words in this text)
(963 Reads)  

This was originally posted on www.abductor.com/forum where people responded to each section as it was posted. I did not write the story. The author is Kwelio at http://kweilo.chex-uk.net He never finished the story, much to our disappointment.

Prologue

I love you, let me go down on you…
I love you, let me go…
I love you, let me go down on you…
I love you, let me go…

I lust for a vampire…

I woke up, drenched in sweat, with the words to Halo’s Vampire Song ringing in my ears. I glanced at the clock, wiping my forehead.

2:34am

Not again. For the forth night in a row, I’d woken far too early, and for the same reason. My dreams where being haunted by images of violent death and a mysterious woman, dressed only in black. I remembered her bared fangs as they sunk into the soft skin of my exposed neck.

Once again, the words rung in my head…

I lust for a vampire…

I crawled out of the bed, got dressed, and stumbled downstairs.

Another night’s sleep wasted. I looked into the mirror, my pale features glowing in the moonlight. I looked like crap. My hair was too long, I needed a decent shave, and the dark circles under my eyes told the real story.

I was a mess. Whatever was going on in my head, it was really screwing me up.

And all because of that dumb vampire ***** Zara.

I had a score to settle. I needed my vengeance. And I needed it quickly, before I was driven mad by these nightmares.

Comments:
....
DrD[sq]
quote: Oh you never know...

You've a new streak of creativity in you! Great! And this looks to pick up soon after Prey left off! What luck!
....

Chapter One – Realisation

I flicked the light switch in the kitchen, and was half-blinded by the garish light. My eyes took a full minute to adjust, another sign I really wasn’t with it.

I felt sick.

I felt tired.

It was almost a month since my encounter with Zara. I hadn’t spoken Lisa since. Even Kris was keeping out of my way, especially after I saw Lisa break his nose when he asked what happened. He just nodded to me when I saw him, and then made a quick exit.

But Kris wasn’t the problem. Nor was Lisa. Zara, the long departed vampire, most certainly wasn’t the problem.

To put it simply – I was the problem.

My self-confidence was shot to hell. In the weeks directly after, I’d not thought about what happened. But now, nearly a month on, I’d sat down and thought about the whole thing.

I’d realised it was my entire fault. I had made an error of judgement. I’d almost got myself, and Lisa killed. I’d been blinded by my lust for an innocent.

Zara was dead. However the effects of what she had almost done where now destroying me. I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t sleeping, and I was constantly irritable.

I lit a cigarette from a packet on the counter, and stared at the empty beer bottles on the side.

I hated her.

I hated myself.

I inhaled deeply, feeling the smoke curl in my lungs. It was like the kiss of a forgotten lover. It was also the only thing that never changed. I exhaled, blowing smoke across the kitchen.

I opened the fridge, pulled out a carton of orange juice, and downed the lot in one.

And then I sat, in the kitchen until dawn. I watched the sunrise through the window, and then watched as it rose high above the steeple at the abandoned church.

Another reminder of what happened; the abandoned church.

And then, as I finished another cigarette, I suddenly realised what I need to do. Had to do, if I was to save myself from going mad.

I’d torture and kill every vampire I could find… Every last one of them. That would be my vengeance.

They would all pay for what she had done.

Comments:
....
squirmygal
OOUuU! Hooray moremoremore!!!! Buffy, move outta the way..
....
Katt
Hey! No making your Mistress nervous!
....

Chapter Two – The Meeting

I stubbed out the cigarette, a familiar feeling returning slowly. I had a purpose. I had a goal.

I went upstairs, and showered, the water soothing my aching muscles, and restoring some life to my tired body. For the first time in a week, I shaved, and then carefully cut my hair.

The face staring back at me in the mirror wasn’t the one I’d been used to lately. The eyes on the face were alert, twinkling in the morning light.

I managed a smile. It felt good to be me again.


I spent the day doing nothing imparticular, although I tried speaking to Lisa on the phone. She sounded mighty annoyed with me, but agreed to meet for a drink later.

Time passed slowly. I showered again, and finally got dressed.

At about 7pm, when the sun was finally setting, I slipped outside and into my car, a black BMW 325i. I wanted to travel in comfort tonight, so I was leaving the bike, a Honda CBR, at home.

The roads where quiet, now the rush hour had gone, and I reached Lisa’s house within an hour. She was already waiting for me, standing on the corner in her long velvet coat.

I opened the door, and she slid inside quietly.

“Hello Jake, nice of you to stop by.” There was a hint of coldness in her voice, but I guess that was to be expected.

I laughed.

“Oh you know how it is Lisa, I was in the area.”

“Jake, cut the crap. You want to see me about something. You need to talk. So just drive somewhere, and lets talk.”

I smiled. Lisa was the same, even if I changed dramatically in the last few weeks. I pressed the clutch down, hit first gear, and nailed the accelerator to the floor.

Nothing was said as I drove. It wasn’t until we drew near to our destination that Lisa spoke again. The abandoned church was half a mile away.

“Why here Jake?” There was no fear in her voice, just curiosity.

“Because Lisa, this place has everything to do with what I’m about to tell you.”

She shrugged, and reclined in the leather seat.

“If you say so.”

“Oh don’t worry Lisa, I just did.”
It was almost the same as that fateful night, as I drove into the churchyard; the crunching of the gravel, the imposing main building looming out of the darkness.

I could see Lisa shifting in her seat out of the corner of my eye. I was glad she was feeling as uncomfortable as I was.

I parked up and killed the engine, before opening the window and sparking a cigarette.

“Those things will kill you Jake.”

“Yeah, and so do vampires, but we’re both still here.”

Lisa managed a smile. “True, and I guess that’s why we’re here, isn’t it Jake?”

I nodded slowly, and then told her everything. The nightmares, the visions, the insomnia. Everything.

When I finished, we both sat in silence. Finally, Lisa spoke.

“You are crazy, aren’t you?”

“Probably, but then again, we both know what happened that night.”

“But Jake, this is stupid. You can’t hunt a vampire.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” she sighed. “Because you can’t. You wouldn’t know where to look. You don’t know how to recognise one. For fucks sake Jake, you almost got killed by one.”

“Lisa, I know that. I was there, remember?” I was getting agitated. I banged my fist on the steering wheel, opened the door, and kicked a nearby wall. I needed help, not a ticking off, like I was some naughty schoolboy who didn’t know better.

Lisa got out the car, and sat on the wall, looking down on me. “Look Jake, if you want to go off on a hunt, then I’ll help you however I can. But I’m not fighting a vampire, nor am I going to be the bait. Don’t drag me into it. Again.”

I bit my lip. She was of course right. I had no business dragging others into a mess of my own creation.

“Ok. Just me. I understand.”

We sat in silence, waiting for the moon to come out. I felt better; despite the telling off I’d received. I needed someone to do that, lest I go out of control. For all her posturing and harsh words, I knew Lisa still cared about me, in her own way.

“Lets get you home, I need to go think on my own for a while.”

Lisa nodded, and stepped off the wall, sinking back into the wraparound seats in the BMW. I followed, slipping into the driver’s seat.

The drive back to Lisa’s was silent, just the low purr of the engine as I worked the gearbox smoothly. As I pulled up to hers, Lisa leant over and kissed my cheek.

“Jake, whatever happens, I’ll be here for you. You know that, don’t you?”

I nodded, not looking at her, only the road ahead. Lisa sighed, and opened the door, stepping out quietly.

“Lisa… I’m sorry. For everything. Really, I am…” She cut me off mid-sentence.

“Cut that out. We both know you’d do the same thing again.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” That at least got a smile.

“Be seeing you Jake.” And with that, she shut the door and walked off down the road, back towards her house.

I pressed the clutch down, selected first gear, and nailed the accelerator once more. It was time to get started.

Within half an hour, I was cruising along the deserted seafront, drab 1960’s buildings (some of which needed a serious lick of paint) to my right, and the expanse of the North Sea to my left. Ahead, neon lights cut into the darkness from various arcades, nightclubs and bars.

I was almost at my destination.

‘The Strip’ as it was known locally, ran the entire length of the commercial seafront. The town planers, in their great wisdom, had built a dual carriageway along its entire length.

Each and every night, cruisers, modders and general car enthusiasts met up to talk cars, cars and cars. And for those that dared risk hassle from the Police, there was something even better – street racing.

I parked up in the first available bay, boxed in between Merc and a plush TVR.

Exhaling sharply, I got out of the car, and looked across the dark ocean. I was tingling.

The hunt was on.
....
Chapter Three – The Race

“Well well, if isn’t Jake Knight, back from the dead.”

I turned sharply, recognising the voice. It was Max Brenner. We shook hands firmly, nodding to each other.

Max and I had been friends for almost our entire lives. It was ridiculous really, considering how different we were. I was tall, slim, with short black and blue hair. Max however, was almost half a foot shorter, but had almost two stone on me. His blonde hair was tied in a tight ponytail, and was way past his broad shoulders.

We stood there for a few moments, grinning like idiots. Finally, we walked down the strip, nodding a few greetings, shaking a few hands, and exchanging pleasantries.

Finally, we reached Max’s car.

“***** me Max, where the hell did you find that?” I was impressed with his new car. It was a Vauxhall Calibra, 2.5 V6.

“Well mate, you know how it is, these things just turn up from time to time.” He was grinning like a spoilt child.

“Any mods then?” Every serious racer spent almost as much as they did on a car on tuning components.

“Of course.” His eye’s gleamed in the neon lights from the arcades. “Hi-torque cams, new throttle bodies….

Max carried on talking, listing in precise detail what he had done. I wasn’t really listening now. Something had caught my eye. Well, someone had.

About 50 metres down the road, a group of guys where talking to a dark haired girl. I recognised a few of them from the Club, but I’d never seen her before. She saw me looking and smiled, clearly bored with the unwanted attention from her new set of admirers.

“… RamAir filter, modified air box… “ Max was still jabbering away. I cut him off in mid-sentence.

“Max, who is that?” He followed my gaze.

“No chance mate, that’s Jackie.”

“Last name?”

“No-one knows. She turned up a few weeks ago, right after you’d stopped coming.”

I pointed towards a silver Evo VI beside where she was standing. “That her motor?”

Max nodded, looking at his list. “You haven’t got a hope in hell mate, that’s a 2 litre 16v, with a full HKS upgrade. She’ll spit you out like chewing gum.”

“I don’t care about that Max, just tell me if she is down to race.”

He thumbed through his list, while I lit a cigarette, watching her intently. She kept glancing at me, but I didn’t acknowledge I’d seen her. Max tapped my shoulder.

“Well, if you fancy it, she is down to face all-comers.”

I nodded, smiling.

“Put me down for it then.” I said, flicking ash onto the floor. Max sighed.

“Are you crazy? That thing will eat you for breakfast.”

“Yes I’m crazy Max. But I’ve also got something up my sleeve.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“One word Max, just one word… NoS.” I flashed him a grin.

NoS, or Nitrous to those in the business, is simple stuff. Basically, you connect a bottle of it to the engine, and flick a switch to inject it into the cylinders. NoS is a really dense cold mist when compressed, but as it heats up in the engine, it releases Oxygen. This in turn allows you to inject more fuel into the engine… and the rest is fairly obvious; a massive jump in power. Of course, the bottle runs out quickly, and the sudden increase in pressure can shred your head gasket, seals and pistons if you don’t upgrade them. But for any serious racer, who could handle it, it was the best way of stealing a win.

“Ahhhhhh…” He smiled, biting his nail. “This could be fun. I’ll slot you in for 10:45, so just get to the start line for then.”

I knew the drill; I’d done it a thousand times or more. We’d line up, wait for the road the clear, and then nail it. Simple. The winner was the first to reach the end of The Strip.

I started walking back to the car, turning my head to face Max. “Be seeing you Max.”

He nodded, and started sorting out the other racers. I’d had a decent run of results before my self-imposed absence from the scene, and Max would probably drum up a decent crowd to watch.

I unlocked the car, and opened the boot. I’d only had the NoS installed a week after my experience with Zara, and it hadn’t even been tested. ***** it. It would work.

I connected the various lines carefully, double tightening them to be sure. NoS wasn’t exactly legal, and there were good reasons for it. NoS was explosive stuff, and the last thing I needed was to blow the back of the car off.

Checking the lines a final time, I closed the boot and jumped into the driver seat.

I drove carefully to the starting line, arriving dead on time at 10:45pm. Jackie was already there, her silver Evo VI glinting a multitude of colours. I thumbed the ‘Live’ switch, bringing the NoS online.

I let the car idle, occasionally pumping the accelerator, revving the engine to clear any crud from the cylinders.

I saw Jackie going through the same process on my right hand side. It was the first time I’d had a good look at her. She was about 24, with long straight dark brown hair. Her pale olive skin suggested she was of Mediterranean descent, but I couldn’t certain of that. She was pretty, in an unconventional way, but nothing I hadn’t seen before.

I turned the stereo on, blasting out KoRn’s Here To Stay. I faintly heard Jackie’s stereo pumping out a nameless hard house tune beside me.

I looked up, and saw Max giving both of us the thumbs up. I returned it, and saw Jackie do the same.

I revved the engine, pressed the clutch down, selected first and brought the clutch up till I hit the biting point. My hand was resting on the handbrake.

This time I'm taking it away, I've got a problem
With me getting in the way, not by my side
So I take my face and bash it into a mirror
I won't have to see the pain

Max raised his arms, counting down from three with his fingers.

This state is elevating.

Three

As the hurt turns into hating.

Two

Anticipating all the fucked up feelings again.

One

I revved hard, almost topping out at 6000rpm.

Max lowered his arms.

I was faintly aware that I let the handbrake go, and brought the clutch up.

My hurt inside is fading.

I held the wheel tightly, tyres screeching, the car desperately seeking grip.

This shit's gone way too far.

I nailed second gear, holding it to the rev limiter. Jackie was beside me, doing the same. A crowd lined The Strip, cheering and shouting.

All this time I've been waiting.

I saw tyre smoke in the rear view mirror.

Oh I cannot breath anymore.

Third gear. The road opened up slightly. Jackie was staring ahead. I snapped my eyes back to the road.

For what's inside awaking.

We’d covered about half a mile in less than 45 seconds. Forth gear.

I'm not, I'm not a whore.

I held forth gear, the revs spinning up.

You've taken everything and
Oh I cannot give anymore

4000rpm.

Jackie was pulling ahead. I heard the faint whistle of a dump valve. Max hadn’t mentioned the turbo.

5000rpm

There was less than a mile to the end of the strip.

My mind's done with this
So hey, I've got a question
Can I throw it all away?
Take back what's mine
So I take my time
Driving humbly down the line
Each cut, closer to the vein

5500rpm. I pressed the bright red NoS button.

I actually felt the car jolt, and for a minute I thought the engine mounts had shorn off. I was gripping the wheel tightly, sweat dripping from my brow from the effort.

I was gaining. It worked… the damn stuff worked…

This state is elevating, as the hurt turns into hating
Anticipating all the fucked up feelings again

135mph. 5750rpm. I was close to redlining, as the NoS continued to rush through the engine.

I was alongside now, and looked over.

Jackie was concentrating hard, but she must’ve seen me from the corner of her eye, as she flashed me an evil grin.

I looked again. Fangs. She was a vampire.

The hurt inside is fading
This shit's gone way too far
All this time I've been waiting
Oh, I cannot grieve anymore

I pulled ahead slightly. 145mph. The red warning light flashed on the dash, indicating I was pushing the engine far too hard.

I ignored it.

The road narrowed, and I pulled closer to Jackie. We couldn’t have been more than a foot apart, driving at almost 147mph. Her headlights where now level with my door.

I had her.

We crossed the line at almost the same time. Almost.

I flicked the NoS off, dropped the car out of gear, and slammed the brakes on. The tyres squealed and protested, but I held the car in a straight line. It took almost 120 metres to finally stop.

For what's inside awaking
I'm not, I'm not a whore
You've taken everything and
Oh I cannot give anymore

I'm here to stay (bring it down)
Bring it down!
Gonna bring it down
Gonna break it down
Gonna break it down.

I choked on the acrid rubber tasting fumes now washing over the car.

I felt the shockwave and saw a silver blur, as Jackie’s Evo VI shot past me.

Where the ***** was she going?

I saw a crowd running up from the finish line; no doubt wanting to congratulate me, and then find out what set up was running on the car.

I didn’t have time for that. I needed to find out more about Jackie. Max and the others could congratulate me over a beer tomorrow night.

I selected first gear again, and nailed the accelerator, chasing the brake lights that where already half a mile down the road.

I managed to glance at the clock on the dash.

10:48pm

The race had lasted fewer than 3 minutes.

Comments:
....
DrD[sq]
And the hun it on indeed! Between this and the race chapter, I sense the excitement on redline. I hope to see this roar to a quick, slick and twisty finish like Prey!
....
wolfiee
Wahooooooo!!!! That race scene was superb!!! Soooo well written...i was on the edge of my scene and didn't even realize how very long that last chapter was!!

I really like this main character, and actually, I didn't really like Lisa in Prey, but she's not really such a bad egg....

Can't wait to see how he tackles lil miss Jackie....*grins*
....
Lobo
When you start vengeance’s trail; dig two graves one for your victim, and one for yourself.

I suspect he’s about to become what he hates most.
....
Yosarian
Hmmm...I wonder what he has planned if he actually catches this vamp...I hope he's well armed...

And of course, the biggest danger he's in is his own obsession...

Great story. Really want to see how this one goes.
....

Chapter Four – Chasing Forever

I left Max and the others behind in a cloud of tyre smoke. If I had to wheel spin anymore, I’d need new tyres within the week.

The Strip narrowed into a single carriageway, and I checked the status of the NoS. The indicator on the dash suggested I had about a third of a cylinder left. Not even enough for a quick boost, so I’d save it for when I really needed it.

Houses blurred into nothingness as my speed wound up again. The lights from the Evo VI where still in sight, which was a good thing. The last thing I needed was a chase around the town, with its narrow and pot-holed streets.

135mph.

This was ***** stupid. I was chasing someone I’d never even said a word to. Yet still my foot was locked down onto the accelerator.

140mph.

The road now opened up slightly, as I left the town behind. The brake lights from the Evo VI burned brighter. She was definitely slowing down for some reason. There were no roads in the area though, nor any speed cameras. (Although I doubted they would bother her, like most racers, she’d have already put fake plates on.)

Soil’s My Own was now playing, and I found myself grinning, despite the fact I was chasing a vampire, who could very easily kill me.

Feel my angst
Deep within me
Feed my strength
Your words are empty

I slammed the brakes on, allowing the ABS to cut in this time, slowing me down quickly, but saving the tyres. The Evo VI was turning onto a gravel road.

Shit, I knew what the ***** was up to.

In some misguided attempt to reduce flooding after the ‘Great Flood’ of 1953, the local council had dug a number of concrete trenches to try and channel the water away from built up areas.

Look inside and you will see
Break inside break inside

32mph. I was crawling now, looking for the turning. This ***** had really done her homework. The trench she had chosen eventually passed under the A13, a massive trunk road between the town and London. If she hit that before me, I was sure to loose her.

***** it. Time to start driving properly. The time for ***** footing around was long gone.

I yanked the handbrake up sharply, twisting the wheel and sliding onto the gravel road. I slammed into first gear and shoved the accelerator down hard. Stone chips and gravel flew in every direction as the rear-wheels struggled to find any grip.

I am, My own
And that's something to me
I've grown, Too strong
To be under your feet

Finally the gravel road opened up and joined onto the trench. It was about 7 metres wide, with walls about 2 metres high. Up ahead I saw the brake lights from the Evo VI. I was still with her.

I finally hit 5th gear. 142mph. I was in two minds; use the NoS now and catch her, or save it in case I really did need it later.

See the hands
That try to hold me
Read the past
I never was free

Damn. We where probably travelling at the same speed, but I’d never gain on her without the NoS.

Deeds of shame
The world around me
Know my pain
The world that I see

I swerved wildly, avoiding an abandoned oil drum. What the hell was I playing at? Water sprayed over the windscreen, and the wipers kicked in automatically.

I gripped the wheel tightly, adrenaline pumping through my system.

The brake lights where still ahead. I snarled. I was running out of ideas, fast.

Sod it. I pressed the NoS button, and felt the car jolt as it kicked it.

147mph.

152mph.

The warning light blinked rapidly.

156mph.

The warning light stayed on, the engine screaming at 5950rpm.

158mph.

The noise from the tyres, the wind rushing over the car, the engine, and the stereo, now playing Soil’s The One, was deafening.

How long have I been standing here my friend
Has it been so long
I've been spreading myself so thin
And I've been so wrong

I was gaining. Slowly, but surely, I was clawing back the distance between Jackie and myself. It was only a matter of time.

160mph.

An oil warning light lit up on the dash.

I wanna be the one you run to
And I wanna be your only one
I wanna be the one you turn to
And I wanna be the one

The NoS control panel blazed red. I was down to less than 1/10th of a cylinder. I kept pushing the accelerator down. I was committed.

Why did all the good times turn to sin
And has it been so long
I've been standing here in my footprints
And I am so wrong

Was I wrong now? The thought had crossed my mind.

161mph. The dash blazed with warning lights – rev limiter, oil warning, and coolant temperature.

You shine on me all the good times with you
Where all the smiles belong
You trust in me to save the last tear for you
Cause I've been so wrong

162mph.

The car jolted. I checked the NoS control panel. The cylinder was empty.

50 metres. I could even see Jackie checking her rear view mirror.

What I didn’t see however, until almost the last second, where the headlights blazing towards us.

What the hell…

The Evo VI swerved left. The oncoming vehicle swerved into the centre, aiming itself at me.

Frustrations...My aberrance
My time...In my life
I can't be what you see in me
I can't be…

Seconds turned into hours, as time slowed.

I yanked the handbrake on full, and span the wheel full lock to the left. There was no doubting the intent of the oncoming driver. He or she intended to run me off the road.

At almost 161mph, just my momentum alone would’ve demolished both vehicles. I had no desire to die just yet.

The car span wildly to the left, tyres screaming, clouds of smoke engulfing the trench.

I only hoped the other driver went to the left as well… otherwise I was about to enter a world of hurt.

I closed my eyes, taking my hands off the wheel. What happened now was down to luck and fate.

It’s strange really. I remember the first impact clearly. The horrible sound of metal scrapping along concrete, then shattering. The airbags deployed almost at that moment, almost enclosing me.

I felt sick.

The car span more.

More sounds of metal, plastic and glass shattering.

The tyres exploded under the strain, lowering one side of the car just enough for it to roll violently.

After going through a couple of 360-degree rolls, I blanked out, slipping into the welcoming quiet of unconsciousness.

Comments:
....
Kweilo
Hmmm, not sure how that turned out really. Not a single piece of dialogue either.

*pondering*
....
Katt
I think it was good! Can't wait to find out who the other driver was or what happens to him. (gets deja vu)
....

Chapter Five - Cast Adrift

Claws of death, grips my life
Empty my mind and my knowledge is deceased
Mindless and dumb, instinct gone.

I clawed at the ropes round my neck.

Running in circles
Not knowing where my fate lies...

The ropes pulled tighter, dragging me backwards across the steel floor.

Blinding, running through the eternal maze
Surrounded by people the same
Not knowing this place as the darkness falls above...
Will we ever see the sun deteriorate away?

The floor was slick with blood.

I felt my neck, as the ropes pulled tighter.

I felt the slick warmth of fresh blood.

Feelings disappear
Your eyes stare blank
Another world to greet
Life now ends...

The blood on the steel floor was mine. The ropes pulled me backwards.

I clawed at them, hands slick with my own blood.

I screamed.

The rope kept pulling…

I screamed again…

Comments:
....
DrD[sq]
Engrossing, enthralling, entrancing. More twists, more turns and more momentum than I dared dream.
....
squirmygal
Different..that's for sure! Cars, Lyrics.. almost no dialog... you seem to be making this work, though I DO wish I knew more about cars and also the kind of music this is... I am an old fuddy duddy type..grin.. I don't suppose he listens to any Simon and Garfunckle? I too can't wait to find out who the other driver was..most probably another vamp, out for revenge? The two of them plotting to lure him away to this deserted place? If so, seems like it worked!
....
Lobo
That’s why vengeance is seldom good when it’s hot.
....

I apologise in advance for the next chapter. I've been up 39 odd hours now, but I needed to write this.

*******************************************

Chapter Six – Stunned and Shocked

I woke up.

I was alive, just.

I heard voices; softly spoken, never rising above more than a whisper. I couldn’t recognise either voice, but I was still groggy.

My pulse drummed in my head, and I risked opening my eyes.

From what I could see, I was in a small room, barely 6’ by 7’. A single nicotine stained light hung limply from the ceiling, providing just enough light to see into the corners of the room. I could just notice a low wooden door, on the wall directly opposite me.

I inhaled deeply. The room stank of rotting wood, dried blood and human sweat. I imagined the last two of those were from myself.

My hands were covered in dried blood, and I could feel the sticky warmth down my back as well. I was still clothed, if you could call the shreds of cloth that hung limply from my body clothing. My trousers, shirt and jacket had more holes and cuts than actual material.

Even in the dull, dirty light, I could see I was in a bad way. Underneath the torn remnants of my shirt, I could see massive bruising. No doubt about it, I had some cracked ribs. My throat was swollen, and it hurt to breath, but I guessed that was from thrashing against the rope, not the crash.

Still, at least nothing major seemed broken. I’d lived through worse.

I eased myself off the floor, quietly, and wincing in pain. I’d taken a beating, that much was sure, and probably lost a lot of blood. Whatever happened after the crash, and I barely remembered most it, it wouldn’t have been pretty.

Wherever the ***** I was, I needed to get out.

Quickly.

I walked to the low wooden door, pressing my ear against the damp wood. The voices were distant, and I couldn’t make out any of the words.

I pulled gently on the door. It was unlocked, and opened smoothly. Maybe the luck was on my side now.

I stepped outside, pressing my body against the wall. It was darker in this passage, but at least I had an escape route now. The voices were coming from my left, and I struggled to make out the words.

“How did you know he would come?” A soft feminine voice was asking a question. It seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place it.

“It was obvious. He has seen one of us now, he’ll be able to recognise us a lot better than any other mortal.” This was a harsher voice, still feminine. I had to assume this was Jackie.

I eased myself away from the voices, down the wall to my right. Confrontation at this stage would result in another beating, and maybe even death. Not good.

I kept easing myself away from the voices, until I came to the end of the passage. Directly opposite was another room, but this didn’t have a door. I peered inside carefully, and almost threw up, bile rising in my throat.

The floor was polished steel. It was covered in blood.

I gagged. That was my blood. I swayed uneasily, holding onto the doorframe for grip, my head spinning. I felt sick to my stomach.

I stumbled backwards, and fumbled with the door at the end of the passage, stumbling through it, tripping and falling onto a cold marble floor. I lay there, panting, head throbbing, ribs aching, for a few moments.

Where the ***** was I?

What the ***** was I doing here?

I got back on my feet, surveying this new room. It was well lit, and appeared to be a medical room of some sort. Various drugs bottles where stacked in shelves, and there was another locked metal cabinet on the far wall.

I wasted no time in taking full advantage of my newfound supplies. I dry-dropped 5 codine tablets, and chucked in a few pro-plus tablets as well. That should null the pain, and hopefully get my body back up to speed.

I checked the shelves for other first aid supplies, and managed to find a roll of bandages. I stripped my jacket and shirt off quickly, and wrapped the bandages round my chest. The St John Ambulance wouldn’t be impressed, but it made me feel a little bit better, which was the main thing.

I put the blood-soaked shirt on, but left the jacket off. I was sweating too much already. I was probably on my way to having a major infection after being in that room. I found a packet of anti-bacterial tablets, and knocked back 5. Better to be safe than sorry.

Now, what could possibly be in that metal cabinet? I levered the door open with a chair leg.

A smile crossed my face.

The cabinet was stacked with Berettas and ammo clips. As Al Capone said; 'You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun.'

I took two guns (I never do things in half measures), flicked them to live, and then shoved them into the top of my trousers, and shoved as many ammo clips as I could into my pockets. Each gun was new, with a fresh clip already inserted.

This was one fucked up place; there was enough ammo in the cabinet to wage war on a decently equipped drug baron or three.

“WHAT THE ***** ARE YOU DOING?”

I froze. It was a male voice, but again, I’d never heard it before. My right hand was resting on the butt of a Beretta.

“Make one move mother *****, and you are going to end up in a world of hurt.”

“Ok… but can I ask a question?” I replied, as a diversionary tactic.

“Don’t ***** with me…”

I yanked the Beretta from my trousers, spun, and unloaded an entire clip into my mystery adversary. He never finished his sentence, but I saw his eyes go wide with shock as the bullets blew his chest cavity into the far wall.

I blinked, looking at the broken body on the floor; so much for fleeing quietly. The echoes from unloading an entire clip could wake the dead, let alone Jackie and her female friend, down the passage. I ejected the clip from the used Beretta, and shoved another one home. I pulled the other Beretta from my trousers.

It was time to go postal.

I bolted through the open door, through which my attempted capturer had come. The adrenaline pumping through my system, combined with the codine, would null the pain in my chest and throat for now.

I bolted down the corridor, tracking ahead for any other targets. I heard alarmed screams and shouts from behind me. Jackie and her female friend had just discovered the mess I’d made of their male associate. The problem was I didn’t know how many more of the fuckers where lurking in this maze.

I followed the corridor, as it zigzagged left and right. I was running blind now, hoping I could find an exit somewhere.

Finally, I crashed through a half-open door, and was spat out into a torrential downpour. I stumbled forwards and rolled, sliding across the muddy surface. I had no doubt Jackie and her female friend would be following me out that door soon.

I jumped up, training the Berettas on the door, and looked round for some form of transport. A battered motor cross bike was leaning against a wall. It wasn’t a CBR, but it would have to do.

I shoved the Beretta in my left hand back into my jeans, and ran to the bike, yanking it from its stand. The keys where still in the ignition. These people didn’t think much about security, what with open doors, and keys in ignitions. Well, maybe they’d learn not to make such a simple mistake after this.

I turned the key, and revved the bike hard. The two-stroke engine spluttered and coughed. I transferred the Beretta from right hand to left, and quickly got the bike into gear. The front wheel bucked violently as I accelerated off, almost throwing me backwards off the bike.

I turned round and saw Jackie and her friend staring at me. I unloaded a full clip from the gun in their direction, but I was moving, and my aim was off. Still, it gave me another few seconds head start. I tossed the empty Beretta away and focused on keeping the bike straight, heading towards the only obvious exit road.

I piled on the revs and kept the bike accelerating, the tyres squirming across the wet road surface. Rain lashed against my face, almost blinding me. This wasn’t my idea of a night on the town.

I turned my head, and saw a set of headlights burning behind me.

Shit, I recognised those lights; they where from a Ducati, probably a 950. I turned my head forward and focused on staying on the road.

I rounded another 90-degree bend, and glanced backwards. The Ducati was gaining, and fast.

***** it. I hadn’t been shot yet, so whoever was on that bike hadn’t had any forethought to grab a gun. The road levelled out and straightened, so I let my right hand work the accelerator, and pulled my remaining Beretta from my trousers. I held the bike as steady as I could, and reached behind with my left arm.

I slowly let off the shots, counting down my ammo. There was no way to reload at this speed; the road was too slippery to trust the bike would hold the road.

The Beretta clicked onto empty, and I tossed it aside. I glanced backwards, and saw the familiar headlights of the Ducati, closer still. It hadn’t worked. Now it was only a matter of time.

I turned forwards and saw a rapidly approaching bend. I yanked on the brakes hard, but it was too little, too late.

The bike slid out from under me, and I let go. I rolled and skidded violently across the road, crashing into the muddy undergrowth, thorns ripping my remaining clothing, and my skin, to shreds.

I lay there, drenched in blood, rain, sweat, and mud as the Ducati rolled to a stop in front of me.

The figure removed its helmet, and walked over towards me.

Through the downpour, I recognised the face immediately.

“Hello Jake.”

It was Lisa.

Comments:
....
nova
Buh-loody hell!!!! (Literally in this case )

Well sweetie, this kind of thing usually isn't my bag baby (apart from vampires of course ) but such is the skill and power of the writing that i am totally hooked. i just read the lot from the beginning tonight and it really got the pulse racing! One word...MORE!!!!!!
....
Kira
EEEEEEEEK!!!!! Don't tell me she's a vampire now, or maybe just a timely rescuer?
Sleep now, but please, MORE SHORTLY!!!!!!
or else!
....
wolfiee
LISA??!!?? LISA??!!?? Yikes!!! Whoa....was not expecting that tidbit...no I most certain was not!!!

I have to comment on some of my favorite elements in this...1...the use of the song lyrics...it adds a nice ambience and in my mind, i can hear a sound track, if that makes sense, and 2...Jake's mental musings...his mindset...

It all makes this story so edgy, raw and just...entertaining as hell. Great job with this...but, please explain Lisa's presence there...post haste!!!
....
Katt
WOW

(speechless)
....

Chapter Seven – A Killing Smile


I must’ve been dreaming.

This wasn’t happening.

It couldn’t be happening…

“What’s wrong Jake, feeling a little bit confused?”

“Yeah, I don’t know how I’m going to kill you yet.”

It was a bold statement, coming from someone who was sprawled in a muddy thorn bush. I saw her laughing, and I shivered, not from the cold either.

Lisa stepped closer; her motorcycle boots barely a foot from the edge of the road.

“You silly prick Jake. I tried to warn you off, but you wouldn’t listen, would you?”

I squirmed backwards into the hedge, cutting more of my clothing and skin. The pain in my chest was returning, and my entire body felt like it was on fire.

“What are you trying to say Lisa?”

“Isn’t it obvious Jake, or did that crash knock the sense out of you?”

I bit my lip. This couldn’t be true. She couldn’t be one of them.

“Come on Jake speak up. You had no problem earlier. In fact, we almost had to gag you.”

The *****. I’d been ***** set up. She was driving the car that almost hit me. Whatever had been done to me after that, it was her and Jackie that had done it.

“You… *****… you miserable piece of…”

“Enough Jake, I’ve heard this all before.”

She stepped closer still. I had no room to run, and nowhere to hide. I’d tried flight once tonight, and it had failed. I didn’t fancy the option of fight much, but right now, it was all I had.

“I’m going to ***** kill you, *****.”

“No you are not. You have internal bleeding, cracked ribs, and judging from the state of you, I’d say you are hurting pretty badly right now.” She was clearly enjoying this – the roles reversed.

I pulled myself out of the muddy hedge, thorns piercing the skin on the underside of my hands.

Lisa stepped back, watching me closely. The rain continued to pour down, and I saw a flash of lightning in the distance.

My head throbbed, and despite the freezing cold downpour, I could feel warm fresh blood seeping down the bandages on my back.

Time to do something, and stop ***** around.

I roared and flung myself at her, slamming my shoulder into her stomach. We both tumbled onto the road, pain flaring in my chest. The sound of Lisa’s head hitting the tarmac was audible, even above the thundering deluge.

“Bastard!” she screamed. I managed a smile, and rolled to my left, trying to kick-start my abused body.

I crawled towards the Ducati, scrapping my hands and knees along the tarmac. I hadn’t noticed Lisa getting up, but I certainly knew she had when I felt a violent kick to my right hand side, sending me flying sideways, onto my back.

I lay there, winded.

“What the ***** are you playing at Jake? Are you trying to die?” Lisa sounded pissed off. I couldn’t have cared less.

I rolled onto my back, trying to see her. My vision was going blurry. No amount of codine was going to fix my body enough for me to beat her now. I swore inwardly, wishing I hadn’t tossed those Berettas away. I’d made a simple mistake, one that could now prove fatal.

I spat blood onto the wet road. Internal bleeding? That was the proof, not that I needed it.

“Did you expect me to go down without a fight Lisa?” I needed time to form a plan, or at least recover from the winding. It was best to keep her talking.

“To be honest Jake, I expected you to die like a man, and accept your fate.”

I laughed, and then cringed when it hurt too much.

“Did turning into a vampire make you stupid Lisa, or have you always been this ***** thick?”

I could just make out Lisa snarling, baring her fangs. Not a good thing to say.

Lisa ran forwards, slamming her boot into my chest.

“I should’ve let Zara kill you…” She pressed down on my chest hard, almost standing on it. I groaned, squirming against the wet road.

“You piece of shit, always wanting to be the best… always wanting more than you could handle.” ***** hell, I’d seriously underestimated her. She wasn’t being driven by a blood lust; she wanted out and out revenge.

She stood there, staring down at me for a few moments. I had nothing to say, my mind was working overdrive trying to think of a way out.

My train of thought was cut short, as a pair of headlights blinked over the horizon. I turned by head, watching them draw closer, and at some speed too. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lisa watching the headlights too. This couldn’t have been part of the plan.

While Lisa tried to work out what was going on, I grabbed her boot and yanked her leg out from under her. She slammed into the tarmac and moaned.

“Lisa, do you know what… ***** you!” I screamed.

I growled and stumbled to my feet, diving into a ditch by the side of the road as the headlights drew closer.

The approaching vehicle, a 4x4 from the looks at it, didn’t even brake as is swung round the corner. I could just see Lisa rolling out of the way, as the 4x4 smashed straight into the Ducati, sending it flying with a horrible crunching sound.

The 4x4 braked sharply, and I heard the driver’s door open. Lisa was already on her feet, caught in two minds – attack me, or face the driver.

I was shaking by now, the combination of blood loss, internal injuries and hypothermia taking hold. I lay there, in the ditch, watching her walk closer.

As I watched her evil smirk grow wider, but then I heard a familiar noise, and saw Lisa’s body stumble forwards. She’d been shot…

Lisa roared, blood splattering across the road surface as the front of her chest exploded outwards. She twisted, facing the driver of the vehicle. I swallowed hard. Even from this distance, I could see his face, illuminated by the interior lights of the 4x4.

Kris.

Again gunshots rang out, as the bullets tore Lisa’s body to shreds. I counted at least ten shots, before Lisa collapsed onto the road, screaming and yelling.

I watched it all happen in slow motion, unable to look away, unable to cover my eyes and stop it from happening in front of me…

Lisa’s writhing body, on the soaked road.

Kris, walking round from the 4x4, a wooden stake in his hand.

The rain falling, lightning flashing all around, thunder booming distantly.

The smile on Kris’ face as he slammed the stake in Lisa’s body.

The violent screaming and thrashing.

The flames as her body incinerated.

And then; nothing.

Just the rain, falling onto the road, carrying Lisa’s blood away.

I started sobbing quietly, my tears mixing with the rain, as I lay there in the ditch. I’d never felt so tired in my life.

I was still sobbing when Kris finally helped me into the front seat of his 4x4. He hadn’t said a word, just helped me into the passenger seat.

He shut the door, and passed me a lit cigarette.

I inhaled deeply, and nodded to him.

“Anytime Jake.”

I smoked quietly, slowly drying off in the heat inside the 4x4. Jake reversed back down the road carefully, until the road finally opened out into a wide concrete trench. So that’s where I was; Jackie had never planned to hit the A13, but lead me to this point.

Kris drove in silence, until finally we came to the wreck that used to be my car. It looked fit for the scrap yard only.

“That’s how I knew you’d come this way.” He said softly.

“You were following me?” I asked, surprised.

“Jake, I’ve been following you since that night with Zara.”

If there was one thing about Kris, he didn’t mix his words.

“I knew you’d get into trouble at some point.”

“But how did you work it all out?” I couldn’t believe he’d known about Zara.

“Jake, I’ve known about Zara for a year. If you didn’t close down and lock people out, you’d realise things a lot quicker.” Even if he didn’t mean it to sound that harsh, it felt like it was an insult.

Ok, he had a point in some respects – I’ve never been one to readily accept other people into my life, or make an effort to get to know others.

“But you knew Lisa was a vampire? And that Zara was… I don’t understand.”

“I’ve been following Zara for a year now, stalking her. Once you know what to look for, it becomes easy enough to work out. As for Lisa… I’d noticed a change in her since that night with Zara.”

I nodded, chewing my bottom lip. This was all too much to take in right now, and the pain was really flaring up again. Kris must’ve noticed my discomfort, because he drove on past my car, accelerating.

“Time to get those injuries looked at Jake.”

“Yeah, I reckon so.”

It took an hour to reach his house, and by then the rain has finally stopped, leaving a clear sky.

I looked up at the stars, burning brightly, a single tear slipping down my cheek for Lisa.

I followed Kris inside, lost in my own thoughts. As I walked passed the mirror I caught my reflection; I looked like I’d been to hell, gone twelve rounds with Satan, and come back again.

I walked into the kitchen, and found Kris sorting through a box of medicines.

“Right, I want to give you a morphine shot, and a high dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs. After that, I’ll sort the rest of you, but right now you look like the pain is pretty nasty.”

“That’s one way of putting it Kris.”

He laughed, flicked the needle off, and gave me the shot.

It took 15 long minutes for me to drift off into a drug-induced sleep, but when it finally happened, I was almost grateful.

I’d had enough of the real world for the moment.

Comments:
....
Lobo
Forever Knight or Kindred the Embraced as filmed by John Woo?
....
wolfiee
Wahooooo!!!

quote: 'Anytime, Jake.'

*grins*...I'd come to your rescue to, Jake...not that you seem to need it....

I knew there was some reason I didn't like Lisa...Hmmm

Let's see, cars, bikes, 4X4's....it's time for a boat chase scene I think...hmmm...definitely!!!!
....
Kira
WOWSA! Admittedly I predicted this, however the writing is superb....but hadn't Jake better get to hospital? Oh yeah forgot to mention, MORE PLEASE!!!!!!
....

Chapter Eight – Wounds

“Jake?”

The voice was too loud.

“Jake? You with me?”

I wished that voice would leave me alone.

“JAKE!”

I opened my eyes, and saw Kris standing in the doorway.

“For fucks sake, don’t you knock?”

“Sorry Jake, I forgot this was my own house for a minute.”

“Oh. Shit.”

He laughed and sat beside the bed in a battered leather armchair.

“How long have I been out?”

“About a day, but most of that was from the morphine.”

I nodded and sat upright.

“Time?”

“Just past 6am, and before you ask its Monday.”

I nodded. I’d met Lisa on Thursday night, which meant I had spent Friday and Saturday being ‘entertained’ at Jackie’s.

Shit.

The memories came flooding back… the steel floor… the blood… escaping… Lisa’s death.

I swallowed hard.

“Jake?” There was concern in his voice.

“Sorry, just thinking about Lisa.”

He nodded, looking at the wall above my head.

“It had to be done Jake. You and I know you’d be dead otherwise.”

“Why did you come?”

“Because despite the fact you are an arrogant, selfish prick…”

“Don’t hold back on my account, will you Kris?”

“As I said, arrogant, selfish prick… that doesn’t deserve whatever they had, and would have put you through.”

I leant backward against the pillow, looking at Kris. I’d broken his nose, cracked his ribs, and almost killed him in fights before now. Yet he saved my life. I wondered if I could do the same for someone like… me.

“Just what did they put me through Kris?”

He managed to fake a laugh, but my mentioning of Lisa had clearly shaken him up.

“Well, the crash was responsible for cracking your ribs, and you probably got a hefty concussion out of that was well.”

I nodded for him to go on.

“But that’s nothing compared to what they did. You must’ve put up something of a fight, because you received a number of severe blows to your lower abdomen and upper chest. I think that’s was caused the internal damage, but I’m not a trained professional, so I can’t be sure.”

He lit a cigarette, and threw the packet to me. I took one, and lit it.

“Thanks.” I inhaled deeply.

“As I said, anytime. I don’t know what they used to cut your back with, but you are going to have a nice set of scars for a long time. You’ve probably already felt the damage from the rope they had round your neck.”

“I remember struggling, that’s about it.”

“Well, at some point they also injected you with an anticoagulant. That’s why your back was still bleeding, and the internal damage wasn’t healing. Other than that, and judging from the bruising across your body, they generally beat the shit out of you.”

“Anticoagulant?”

“I know, not exactly over the counter medicine. Most hospitals use heparin, or a derivative, I imagine they got Martin to get that, he works in A&E.”

“Martin… who is he?”

“He is Jackie’s local slave labour, from what I’ve found out.”

“Was.” I bit my lip.

“Was?” Kris had a questioning look on his face.

“I killed him. In fact, I unloaded an entire clip into him.”

“Oh.”

I nodded, inhaling deeply on the cigarette.

“Not a good night for either of us really.”

What the ***** was I on about? Was I trying to go for King of Understatement 20003?

“So what kind of shape am I in at the moment?”

“Well, I think I’ve flushed the heparin out of your system, and the morphine has obviously done its job for the pain. Other than that, you’ve got above 2 miles of stitching holding your back together.”

Kris got off the chair and walked to the doorway.

“There are fresh clothes in the drawers, I had to cut the others off you. I’ll be downstairs.” He turned round and went to walk away, but I stopped him.

“Kris?”

“Yes Jake?”

“This probably means nothing to you, but thanks. And I mean it.” I did mean it. I can’t say, even now, that I ever liked him, but what he’d done was probably the only reason I wasn’t alive or knocking off teenagers for a mid-morning snack.

He nodded and walked downstairs.

I slid out of the bed, looking at myself in the mirror. For all his efforts, it was plainly obvious what I’d been through. My neck wasn’t too red, but my chest was covered in violent purple and blue bruises. I also had nasty blue and green marks across my upper thighs.

I turned, checking out my back. Kris hadn’t been kidding about the amount of stitching; I had ten or twelve long gashes running from my shoulders to the base of my spine. It was almost as if a hand had been run down my back, but instead of fingernails, this hand had razor blades.

I shivered and got dressed.

I didn’t even want to think about what might have happened if I hadn’t escaped, or Kris hadn’t come to a timely rescue.

When I finally walked down into the kitchen, Kris was already smoking and drinking coffee. He shoved a full English breakfast in front of me. The plate was piled high with bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, tomatoes, beans and hash browns – the works.

“Don’t even think of anything on that plate Jake. Eat it, and then we’ll talk. You need to get your energy levels back up.”

I faked a mock salute. “Sir, yes Sir!”

I ate the whole lot in 10 minutes flat. I was amazed how hungry I was.

Kris made a fresh cup of coffee and placed it beside me.

“I still don’t understand why Kris… I’m not sure I would have done the same.”

“I read a book once Jake, with a very interesting quote; ‘Sometimes you have to take what is given, and that must be enough.”

I laughed. The quote was from Altered Carbon, a popular book among cyber fetishists, and while he didn’t have the quote spot on, I understood the sentiment.

“Besides, you would’ve done the same. For all your posturing, and the way you come across as an uncaring bastard, you’ve got a heart.”

“Maybe.” Kris’ completely matter-of fact way of dissecting my character was because slightly more than annoying. If he knew so much, why wasn’t he out there, fighting vampires?

I sipped the hot bitter coffee and lit another cigarette from the packet on the table.

“How are you feeling then?”

“Physically, I’m ok. Mentally… that I’m not so sure about.”

Kris nodded.

“Understandable. But as we both know, shit happens. Normally in large doses as well.”

I took another drag on the cigarette and blew smoke across the room.

“I’ve just killed someone, and you’ve just killed Lisa. How the ***** can you be so unemotional about this?” There was a definite touch of anger to my tone, but if it bothered Kris, he didn’t let it show.

“Martin might not have been a vampire Jake, but he was a low-life scumbag. As for Lisa… well, a vampire is a vampire. Maybe she wouldn’t have become one if it wasn’t for you, but I’m not getting into that now.”

Now it was my turn to nod. He had a point; there was nothing either of us could do about the past.

“Your car is officially a write off by the way, I had it picked up yesterday.”

“Guess my credit card is going to take another big hit then.”

“Already has Jake. I broke into your place yesterday and ordered a new one for you. Keep this up, and Barclays will be your new best friend. Still, at least you’ll get some air miles.”

It was a pathetic attempt at humour, but I laughed anyway. ***** it; this entire situation was one big joke.

“Breaking and entering, fraud, first aid, character assassination. That’s quite a skill set you’ve got.”

He laughed and pulled a gun from the counter.

“Not only that, but I’ve got another Beretta to go with those rounds you stole.”

“Well if you see Jackie, do tell her to phone the police about my stealing, won’t you?”

“But of course.” He smiled.

This idle chitchat wasn’t getting me anywhere - It was time to get that burning question answered. I couldn’t wait any longer.

“Kris, if you know so much, and are clearly capable… why are you not the one fighting them?”

He smirked.

“Oh that’s simple Jake. For all your faults, you have two things I don’t; the first is an amazing physical and mental ability to take pain and punishment, the second is a burning desire to finish something once you’ve start it.”

“In other words, I ***** up, get hurt, and then get so pissed off I smash myself and everything else up until its sorted.”

“If that’s how you want to interpret it, fine. But I mean no disrespect. You can physically outmatch me in almost every department. You are also quick thinking, even if those thoughts can sometimes be… how shall I put this… ‘interesting’.”

He did have another valid point. Instead of letting Jackie go, I’d tried to chase her down. Instead of taking it easy along the trench, I’d used the NoS. Instead of merely shooting Martin, I’d practically turned him into a human sieve.

“So maybe my methods are not as subtle as some, but ***** it, I don’t believe in pissing around.”

Kris relaxed in his chair.

“Having felt your fist a few times, I know full well what your idea of subtle is.”

I coughed, looking at a mildly interesting print on the wall.

“Yeah, sorry about that.”

“Don’t be, it just reinforced my cover more.”

“You really are a clever *****, aren’t you?”

I had no problem complimenting him; I’d no idea the drunken idiot I’d fought with was really something completely different. I imagined no one else had guessed either.

I saw Kris glance at the clock.

“I guess I am, as you put it a ‘clever *****’ but you can compliment me more later. Its 7:30am, and time we go you to Fairfield’s to pick up that new car.”

Within 5 minutes I’d packed up my stuff, the Beretta resting snugly inside the coat Kris had leant me.

We got inside his other car, a battered Fiesta. I assumed the 4x4 was off getting repaired.

As we pulled up outside Fairfield’s an hour later, and said our goodbyes, I made a mental promise to pay for those repairs.

What I didn’t know was that I’d never get the chance to repay Kris.

Or even see him alive again.

Comments:
....
Lobo
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but I fear not evil. For I’m the biggest, baddest SOB in the valley.
....
wolfiee
awwwww....it's nice to have friends...and sometimes, even the hardest of hearts, just needs a wake up call to see it....

Nice to see that Jake is human afterall....
....
DrD[sq]
Damn, good downbeat on the ending. Now that you've got me hooked, you better deliver, or I've a few V''Vampires to sic on you.
....

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3