39: Truth and Consequence – Pt. 3

“Who’s a vampire gotta kill to get a bloody drink around here?” A tall, blonde haired man standing beside Victoria growled in a thick English accent as he turned and rested against the bar. Leaning towards her she could see the ice blue chill of his eyes and the fangs that stuck prominently from either side of his jaw as he smiled seductively at her.

The scent of his cologne drifted towards her as he moved and she noticed the resemblance in something Derrick also wore. He had a family ring on his middle finger with a royal crest and a tattoo peeked from beneath the black cotton shirt he wore that appeared rather intricate in design. “What’s say you, Doll? You interested in helping me quench my thirst?”

“I say I carry a gun loaded with wooden bullets and a cross carved into the head that I’ve had blessed and dipped in holy water that will surely burn a hole through your pretty little smile if you don’t back off.”

“Whoa-ho-ho feisty! You Americans certainly do enjoy your violence. There really is no need for you to be afraid of me, my dear. I’m really just a misunderstood lad on holiday from across the pond.” 

“Misunderstood?” Victoria grinned as the man leaned closer towards her. “I’d say you were a few things but I doubt anyone could misunderstand your intentions. And just so we’re clear, I’m not now nor will I ever be interested in being your dinner. And that goes for the other bloodsuckers in here.”

“Then might I ask, why come to a known vampire bar?”

“Well if you must know I’m friends with the owner and I only came out here to meet up with him. But if you’re trolling for easy targets perhaps you should try the dance floor or the downstairs bar. You’d undoubtedly have a better chance of finding someone to sate your appetite. I came to this particular side of the club because it’s usually less crowded and the fangy bunch keep their distance.”

“Do they? My and how do you accomplish such a feat?”

“Let’s just say I know a few tricks.”

“Well in that case I might be willing to take you up on your offer IF the handcuffs are included,” he grinned with implication towards the silver bracelets she often wore.

Victoria looked puzzled at first but shook it off assuming he must have been around one of the other times she’d come to Dante’s looking for Derrick. “Gee, you’re not the first vampire to say that to me, it’s like you guys are reading from the same script. And what is it with your type and handcuffs anyway?”

“It’s a dominance thing. We like to feel in control,” Derrick responded as he exited the hall leading to his office and started towards the two. Taking a stance between them in a protective manner he eyed Victoria with a side glance over his shoulder but watched the man in front of her closely.

“Derrick! I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make an appearance! Surely you were aware the moment I set foot inside your broody establishment. Luckily for you though I’ve found myself well entertained,” the blonde winked towards Victoria.

“Yeah well Victoria never would have given you the time of day, Rowan, she’s with me.” Victoria frowned slightly at the possessive way Derrick made claim on her as he motioned for the bartender to bring him a drink.

“Oh? I thought she smelled like you. Too bad; she looks like the kind of girl who loves action.”

“Well keep flirting with her like that and you’ll get more action than you can handle, and it won’t be the kind you’d expect.”

“Is it my fault you haven’t compelled her correctly, Mate? If she were mine, she’d never even look at another bloke.”

“That’s the difference between you and me, Rowan, I don’t have to compel anyone to be with me. What Victoria does or doesn’t do is of her own free will and I like her that way.”

“So I’ve noticed. She’s sassy!”

“Anytime the two of you want to stop talking about me like I’m not here would be nice,” Victoria remarked and slid from her barstool.

“I’m sorry about that, Victoria, where are my manners?” Derrick downed his drink in one gulp and slammed the empty glass on the counter hard enough he almost broke it. “Rowan, Victoria, Victoria, Rowan; now you two are properly introduced; come on, we should get…”

“Rowan? As in your Sire?” The word made Derrick’s jaw tighten, but he nodded his head yes in response anyway. “I thought he smelled like you,” Victoria replied and watched a sinister smirk grow on Rowan’s face as his words came back to him.

“Whatever. We have some where to be, Victoria.” Derrick forcefully took Victoria’s hand and began pulling her after him as he made a quick motion towards the exit.

“Are you not at all curious as to why I’m here?” Rowan inquired, his accent rolling elegantly off his tongue.

“No but I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough,” Derrick tossed over his shoulder as the two exited to the parking lot.

“Let go of me!” Victoria wiggled free of his grasp and rubbed her arm where he’d held her. “What the hell is the matter with you? That hurt!”

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean…I’m sorry.”

“I’ll heal,” she sighed and looked back at the doors leading to Dante’s. “So I take it the two of you aren’t on friendly terms?”

“Not so much.”

“Aww and he seemed like such a great guy,” she moaned sarcastically.

“Oh yeah, you don’t know him well enough, give it time.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Later. Come on, we should get to Devereux’s.” He responded and started towards his bike.

“You want me to get on that thing in this?” she asked referring to her evening gown to which he simply smiled. Kicking his leg over the side of his motorcycle, Derrick waited for Victoria to join him before starting the engine and circling out of the parking lot. With her arms wrapped tightly around Derrick’s waist, Victoria inched closer, pinning her face into the crook of his neck to combat the wind as it ripped at her; whipping her hair about fiercely. 

And as he pulled into the already overcrowded front yard of the large sprawling mansion, she gave a sigh of relief as the ride came to an end. “Remind me next time to bring a wrap for my hair,” she frowned as she fixed her bun so that it didn’t look so windswept.

“Relax, Victoria, you look beautiful,” Derrick remarked without a smile as he lifted his leg off of the bike. “And if I forgot to say that sooner, I’m sorry.”

“Well of course I do I had to look good for our date. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you tonight,” Victoria responded hoping it would loosen Derrick’s tongue. Instead he directed his gaze towards a couple walking up the front steps of Devereux’s home waiting on the butler to guide them inside. “You know what, it’s ok. Your thoughts are obviously a little preoccupied. But you know you can talk to me right? I mean I may not have tail feathers and wings but I’m a pretty good listener.”

Derrick sighed and wrapped an arm around Victoria’s waist, “Let’s go,” he replied, ushering her forward.

Hesitantly he looked around the threshold as Devereux’s butler held the door for him and tentatively tested one foot inside first before joining Victoria near the parlor entrance. “Mr. Devereux has been expecting you, Miss Carson, please follow me.”

He led them through a series of hallways, bypassing the lounge where most of the guests had gathered and the study where some of Devereux’s friends had retired before stopping at a door leading to Brad’s private office. As the door opened, Devereux turned with a smile to greet the two, dismissing his butler in the same breath. “Victoria, you don’t mind if I call you that do you? It’s so nice that you could make it!” He spoke once the door had closed. “My you look lovely! And who’s your escort this evening?” he continued without waiting on an answer to his first question. 

He smelled of chocolate and marshmallows and Victoria assumed he’d been shoveling more sweets into his belly shortly before their arrival. “Brad Devereux, I’d like you to meet Derrick Constantine, he’s a…”

“Vampire,” Devereux assessed as he stared at Derrick standing beside the door behind Victoria.

“Well I was going to say a friend of mine but…I suppose you types have a way of feeling out when you’re in the presence of another.”

Devereux’s face remained stoic as it had when Victoria first accused him of being supernatural; he was good. But there was no denying he had some element of the otherworldly whether he wanted to admit to it or not. “Well when I asked that you be considerate of who you invited, I hadn’t in my wildest dreams thought you would associate with…his kind.”

Derrick took a threatening step forward at the implication in the man’s voice and Victoria quickly redirected. “As I said Derrick is a friend and has been quite helpful to me these past few months. I would appreciate it if you would treat him respectfully as you would all of your guests,” Victoria smiled when Devereux’s gaze fell back on hers and he returned the expression with a swift peck to her cheek.

“Water under the bridge.” His hand fisted inside his pocket and he retrieved a piece of hard candy that quickly went into his mouth. 

“Now then let’s get down to business. From what I understand Victoria you are still hunting down your thieves and murderer for that tragedy at the museum is that correct?” Victoria’s face didn’t flinch although her interest piqued at the sudden inquisition. The smell of cherry drifted from his lips as he spoke and the biting scent tickled her nose. “Well it just so happens I’ve come across some information that might interest you.” Brad walked over to his desk and pressed the button for the intercom. “Seymour, bring him in please.”

Moments later the door opened up and the butler was escorting a man inside who had already been handcuffed and beaten by his appearance. “Thank you Seymour, you may go.” Brad waited until the four of them were alone again before turning towards Victoria and motioning at the man beside the door. “Martin Vann,” he calmly introduced. “I believe he is the man you’ve been looking for.”

“What is this?”

Before Victoria could question further, the man began speaking. “My name is Martin James Vann. I live at 1703 Oak Leaf Circle. I, along with three of my associates, entered the Museum of Natural History and proceeded to rob it. During the course of our actions we were fired upon by museum guards. Returning the shots we unintentionally and accidentally shot and killed a guard. The man responsible for his murder was subsequently killed on the loading docks out back.”

“Wait a second, you’re confessing to the recent homicide and theft but I haven’t made you aware of your rights. Anything you say won’t be admissible in court.”

“No worries, Victoria, Mr. Vann here is ready to give his statement as many times as it takes to see justice done. Isn’t that correct?” Vann nodded and Victoria looked between the two men before continuing on with her concerns.

“So you’re saying that you’re fully aware of the charges you are confessing to and are ready to make a statement?”

“Yes, Ma’am, Detective.”

Quickly Victoria read him his rights to ensure the law was upheld and Vann repeated the information he’d confessed earlier. “And the gunman found at the scene is the one who murdered the guard? You’re laying all the blame for his death on the fallen thief?”

“Yes, Ma’am, Detective. Adam was aware of his actions and knew about our no-kill policy. He unfortunately had to be taken care of; a life for a life.” Victoria glanced at Derrick who appeared just as shocked as her before turning towards Devereux standing beside her.

“You see, Victoria, after I had the distinct pleasure of meeting you I came to like you and I realized that a grave injustice had been done to you. I checked up on your career at the Avondale Police Department and found that you have a 96% close and conviction rate. I knew that if this ghastly scene at the Museum went unsolved, it would forever tarnish that record. I didn’t want to see that happen.”

“So you’re admitting to bank rolling these men to rob the museum, killing two men in the process? One of them was a guard, four months away from retiring; did you know that? He had a wife, three kids and a newborn grandson.”

“I admit to nothing, Victoria. I had no part in what these men did as Mr. Vann and his other associates can attest to once you’ve arrested them as well.” Devereux responded and plied his taste buds with yet another piece of hard candy before offering a piece to Victoria.

“You know there are easier ways to go about getting what you want. Beating people up and bullying them and murdering innocent men to make a point is not going to get you anywhere but the top of my shit list.”

“And I would hate to be anywhere on that list. Now then, I have guests to attend and a party to host. I trust you will get Mr. Vann safely to lockup. If you need any further assistance from me, please don’t hesitate to call.” Devereux smirked and straightened his tie as he stepped away from Victoria. “Again it was a pleasure having your company, my dearest Victoria. I do hope to meet under more agreeable circumstances next time. Feel free to help yourself to food or drink or dance; it is after all a party.”

Devereux excused himself and Victoria immediately called the station to arrange transport for her suspect. Once they’d arrived and taken custody of Martin Vann, she set her sights on Brad Devereux and figuring out his end on the whole robbery/homicide. Her conjuring of the spirit who she now knew as “Adam” had led her to Devereux’s doorstep in the first place. He spoke the man’s name and she was determined to uncover his role. “You’re going after him still aren’t you?” Derrick asked watching the wheels spinning in the detective’s head. “You know he won’t go down without a fight.”

“I’m counting on it.” They stood at the doorway of the large ballroom watching Devereux make his rounds with the men and women he’d invited. She noticed the Mayor and a few councilmen inside the study they’d passed earlier and knew Brad Devereux was going to be a contender.

Turning her attention towards the man in her company, Victoria nudged him lightly with her elbow and he turned with a half smile before redirecting his eyes back towards the partygoers. “You really seem out of it, Derrick.” He shrugged but made no sound. “Does this have anything to do with your blonde friend’s visit?”

“There are a lot of different Supernaturals here and I want to make sure none of them have ill intentions towards you.”

“Yes well you’re not here as my bodyguard, Derrick, you’re here as my date,” she tried again, hoping to at least get a smile to crack his stony exterior but her efforts again bore no fruit. “Derrick, did you hear me?”

“I did, Victoria. And I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself but I’m always your bodyguard. I can’t let something happen to you.”

“I…what? That’s not what I said.”

“Forgive me alright? Everything is ok. I’m just…focused is all,” he replied behind a forced smile, shaking off her attempt to pry once again. The vibration in her handbag tickled her arm and Victoria placed her drink down to check the caller ID on her phone before stepping away from Derrick to answer.

“Vik?”

“Mike? Let me guess, we got a case. Why is it you only call me when someone’s died,” she joked as she stepped into the hall away from the music playing in the lounge. “Mike? Mike, what’s wrong, you sound out of breath.”

“We got him!”

“Got who?”

“The Breeze! While conducting a raid on one of the suspected 30^th street meth labs, Vice came upon a member of the Family who apparently went into hiding. He’s willing to turn State’s evidence for protection; Mason is in with him and the DA now. But from what I previewed he’s giving them all up!”

“That’s great news, Mike!”

“Yeah, this guy has information on a lot of the dealings within the family, including what happened to Benny.”

“Oh, Mike.” There was a brief silence over the line and Victoria realized Mike was trying to keep himself composed as he finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel for his brother. She felt a tinge of relief for him as well. “Do you need me to come in?”

“Absolutely! We’re gonna be going through a lot of his testimony, it’s an all hands on deck call.”

“Alright, give me twenty and I’ll be right there.” She turned to find Derrick entering the hallway behind her, the gloom on his face still present. “Hey that was, Mike,” she started, deciding not to meddle once more behind the morose demeanor of the normally facetious vampire. “I gotta get to the station, something big is going down and he needs me.”

“Then you should go to him,” Derrick responded, his words laced with the same brooding tone. Taking one last look at Devereux, Victoria followed Derrick outside to his bike and quickly sped from his home.

“How did you get in here?” Derrick asked without turning around as the shadowy figure moved more into the light of the kitchen behind him.

“Come now, Derrick; I taught you everything you know,” Rowan smiled and waited for his old friend to pour him a drink as well as he joined him near the bar. “How was your evening with the very lovely Victoria? You old bean. You never told me how deliciously exquisite she is. And here I thought we were chums. She’s feisty! I must say I was greatly impressed with her…assets; not to mention how remarkably divine she smelled. Just makes me want to sink my teeth in and have a little nip. Have you had the pleasure? I imagine she must taste just as incredible as she looks.”

“What do you want, Rowan?” Derrick asked, ignoring his crude comments about Victoria.

“I think you know the answer to that question, Brother. They sent me,” he leaned forward with a serious look on his face. “They believe it’s taking too long for results and thought you were maybe going a bit soft as it were and I can see why. So I’m here to…”

“Complicate things. Well you can go home and tell them that it’s all taken care of. They can’t expect a rush job here. Victoria was unaware of her powers until she met me and she’s just now getting used to her magic. They shouldn’t worry. When the time comes she’ll be ready to do what she needs to.”

“She’d better be, Mate. Otherwise, it’s both our heads and I’ve become somewhat attached to mine!”

“I said she’ll be ready. I can get her to do what I want when I want.”

“And how is that, might I ask? Forgive me for being skeptical but she’s not compelled and seems quite strong-willed.”

“No, it’s better than compulsion. She trusts me.”

“Nicely done. Very nicely done,” Rowan remarked behind him. Derrick quietly sipped from his glass as he thought about the days ahead. Victoria had better be ready. If they were getting nervous back home that could only mean one thing; the Cultists were growing closer and soon the Destroyer would return.

Continue---->