Night Kill (Private Investigator Andrew Knight Mystery Series) (37 page)

Andrew had finally reached the edge of the trees. He knelt down and took out his binoculars. He focused on the guard house. The two guards had their backs to him and were in the midst of a conversation. It was now or never. Andrew put away his binoculars and dropped down on his belly. He started his approach to the pine tree. Andrew crawled along slowly and would pause from time to time to blend in with the snow and barren ground cover. By now Andrew could see the guard house and security without his binoculars. This was the critical part in his plan. This was the part where it could all go bad and he would be discovered. Andrew had to slowly inch his way towards the pine tree. What should have normally only taken a few minutes, it had taken Andrew much longer. He was never so glad when the aroma of pine filled his nostrils.

Andrew moved to the opposite side of the tree, away from the guard’s view. Andrew quickly dug through the snow and as he suspected there was a ‘cave’ beneath the tree. Andrew took off his pack and lowered it into his ‘home’ and crawled in after it. He fixed the snow to make it look like it was before. Andrew left his pack and crawled on his hands and knees to the side of the tree that faced the gate. Andrew dug out a hole just big enough for him to look through and provide some necessary light. He could clearly see the security guards and the front gate. Andrew was about to go back for his pack, when a black Mercedes with heavily tinted windows, pulled up to the gate. You could not see the occupants at all. Just like before, the guard exited the guardhouse and approached the vehicle. But this time was different. As the driver lowered the window, the security guard never bothered to check his clipboard and immediately motioned for his partner to open the gate. Whoever it was, they were important. Once the gate was open, the car sped through and up its way towards the castle. Andrew went back for his pack and brought it with him to his spy window. He set the alarm on his watch and laid his head down on the pack for a pillow. Andrew was worn out and needed to rest. His eyes were suddenly very heavy and soon Andrew was snoring away.

Andrew woke in a panic. The sunlight was gone. His watch alarm did not go off! Andrew scrambled in the dark and crawled quickly to his spy hole. It was night and there were already a line of vehicles at the front gate. Andrew crawled back to his pack and grabbed it. He returned to his spy hole and shoveled the snow away like a madman. Soon the hole was big enough and Andrew climbed out. He ducked and sort of did a run crawl along the line of cars. So far he went undetected. Pretty soon Andrew was along side a black hummer. Andrew sat down for a few seconds to catch his breath, but it did not last long. The gates started to open and the hummer started to move! Andrew scrambled as fast as he could as the hummer picked up speed. If he did not move quicker, the guards would discover him. Andrew stumbled and fell as the hummer pulled away. He turned and looked. He was inside! The gate closed and with it, concealed his presence.

Not far from the gate was the groundskeeper building. Andrew scrambled to his feet and ran over to it. Andrew took out his lock pick set and bent down to examine the lock. He selected the right tools. Andrew had the lock picked and the door opened within minutes. He put the tool back in the case and back in his pocket. Andrew went inside and closed the door. Andrew removed his pack and set in on the floor. He removed his winter clothing to reveal a Knight’s of VanHelsing outfit underneath. He unzipped the pack next and took the scabbards with swords along with a long leather black coat. Andrew first put on the coat and then slipped on the scabbards. He reached inside the pack for one other thing. Andrew slipped on the hood and now he was complete. Andrew hid his winter clothing and the pack beneath some lawn product bags. Andrew left the groundskeeper’s building and headed for the main house.

Andrew used the landscaping for cover as he went directly to the rear of the castle where the deliver vehicles were parked. Andrew ducked into the bushes nearby and watched. He saw a pretty steady flow of catering staff that moved from the truck to the entrance.

He at first thought it would be too risky to try and sneak in between the catering workers. The windows were out as an entry point because they probably had some type of alarm. Andrew was stumped for the moment, but then opportunity knocked; there was a break in the line of catering staff.

Andrew bolted from the bushes and in through the open doorway. He was in the hallway which led directly to the kitchen. Now what Andrew thought? There was no place to go. Great, Andrew said to himself, he would surely be discovered. Andrew leaned against the wall, and before he could react the wall seemed to swallow him up! Andrew stumbled backwards and landed on his butt. The secret panel closed and a light immediately illuminated the area he was now in. It was a narrow passageway.

Andrew stood and walked to the end, since he had no other choice. It was there that he saw a set of stone step that spiraled upwards. Andrew ascended the stairs and finally came to another wall. He felt around for the trigger device. Just as his right hand hit a raised section of the wall it opened. Andrew was on the second floor of the castle. The area was familiar to him. He had been here the last time he was at Kara’s. Her bedroom chamber was just a short walk down the hallway. Andrew strode at a quickened pace and was soon at the door of Kara’s room. He listened first and upon not hearing a sound, opened the door. Andrew immediately stepped inside and shut the door again. Andrew stood there and surveyed the room. Now where would Kara have hidden the book? It was probably in a safe. But where would the safe be?

The main hall was brimming with Kara’s invited guests. They were all there to celebrate a victory; a victory against their age old enemy.

The room-length table was adorned in deep red linen with gold accents. Crystal fountains cascaded with tuica, a plum brandy usually enjoyed before a meal along with some appetizers. It varies in strength, dryness and smell according to the region. But if you attempt this drink, beware it does have a kick to it! The table was also filled with Romanian national dishes not to be missed, such as Coirba, a sour soup made from fermented bran, bacon, potatoes and beef or chicken. Then there were also Mititei, minced meat rolls with aromatic herbs, along with Tochitura, a hearty meat stew seasoned with onions and/or spices. Also served was muschi poiana, which consisted of mushroom- and bacon-stuffed beef in a puree of vegetables and tomato sauce. Guests could also sample the traditional Romanian fish dish of grilled carp called saramura. And Kara did not forget the dessert lovers. There were plenty of apricot ice cream, merengue layered cake, cherry compote turkish baklava and apple strudel.

Kara wore a red velvet flowing gown accented with a gold lace bodice and diamonds. Her hair was swept up and held in place with a gold hair comb, which complimented the features of her face.

Kara milled about the room as she greeted her guests. She was the perfect hostess. Once in awhile, Kara would glance across the room to make sure he was still there.

Vlad also greeted his honored guests; members of not only the Ravenclaw Clan, but other clans across the country and from Europe. Tonight, Vlad would share with them the prize he had finally won; the book of The Knights of VanHelsing.

Vlad walked across the room and came up behind Kara. He caught a whiff of her essence and it drove him insane. But no, he would wait until the blood feast later this evening. Vlad drew Kara closer and tenderly kissed the back of her neck. He desperately wanted to partake of her lifeblood, but again there would be time for that later.

“It is time for you to get the book,” Vlad whispered his command.

“Yes my love,” Kara murmured.

Vlad released his grasp of Kara, and she left to go upstairs to her bedroom chamber. Kara ascended the stairs as Vlad watched. A smile of fulfillment was on his face.

Kara reached the top of the stairs and went to her room. She opened the door and went inside.

Kara walked directly to the painting on the wall next to her bed. She swung the hinged painting aside.

Kara entered the access code on the safe key panel. Once the safe was open, Kara took out the book. She re-closed the safe and turned to leave. Kara was about to scream, but Andrew quickly silenced her with a blow to the head. As Kara fell, she let go of the book. Andrew ignored Kara and grabbed the book before it hit the floor. As Andrew held the book in his hands, a realization suddenly hit him; one he had been afraid to admit. The book was far too dangerous for any one to possess. Andrew had to destroy it.

Vlad wondered where Kara could be. She was gone far too long. He excused himself and went to go and bring her back. He hurriedly ascended the stairs to the second floor and to the door of Kara’s bedroom. Vlad did not bother to knock since the door was open. He boldly stepped into the room and immediately saw Kara lying unconscious on the floor. Vlad sensed another presence in the room. He scoured the room; there was someone in the shadows.

“Come out,” Vlad hissed. He cringed when a Knight of VanHelsing stepped forward with the book in his hands. “How did you get past security?” Vlad angrily demanded. There was no response. This infuriated Vlad and he screamed, “Give me the book. It will do you no good to have it.” Still there was no reply. Vlad kept his eyes on his adversary as he walked over to Kara. Vlad knelt down and checked on Kara. She was still alive. Vlad rose again to his feet.

“What is your name?” Vlad inquired. His lips curled into a satisfied smile, “For I know them all.”

Instead, his adversary drew the twin blades of death.

“Will you strike me down as you cowards have always done?” Vlad opened his arms in a gesture of submission. “Or will you give me a chance to defend myself?” His adversary tossed one of his swords. Vlad caught it by the handle. He swung the sword to see how it felt in his hand. “I have killed many of your brethren,” Vlad confessed. “As I am sure you have killed many of mine.” Vlad took up his stance. His eyes narrowed, “I believe it is your move.” Vlad expected an attack, but instead his advesary grasped his hood and removed it.

“You!” Vlad was taken aback.

Andrew bowed gracefully, with his gaze on Vlad.

“I want the truth,” Andrew demanded.

“Are you certain of that?” Vlad’s top lip curled to reveal his fangs.

“Tell me,” Andrew said, his sword at the ready.

“The plan was simple,” Vlad began his tale. “We wanted the book you hold in your other hand.” Vlad walked backward and closed the door. He locked it. Vlad continued, “Kara and I became lovers soon after she interviewed me for her book. It was actually her idea to go to Gothica and retrieve it. She setup the interview with Ana VanHelsing. Unfortunately, Kara was not successful. So we had to come with a new plan. We had to get someone on the inside Ana would trust. Wyatt was more than eager to help us retrieve the book. We suspected that Doctor Straussman was a Knight of VanHelsing. So I went to the council of elders and told them that Wyatt violated the laws of the coven. They voted to excommunicate Wyatt from the clan for not adhering to our bylaws. The next part of the plan was up to Wyatt. In one of his sessions with Doctor Straussman, Wyatt confessed his excommunication. He also confessed his desire for revenge. Wyatt later told me, that Doctor Straussman was in fact, one of our most hated enemies. She took Wyatt under her wing to train him, but did not take him to Gothica.” Vlad kept his place by the door; there was no way he was going to let Andrew simply walk out of the room with the book.

“Why were the Higgins’s murdered?”

“They never agreed with my plan to obtain the book,” Vlad was practically giddy. “And I knew we needed something that would force our enemy to protect Wyatt. A sacrifice had to be made. Because of Higgins’s lack of courage, the choice was easy.” Vlad laughed out loud. “Wyatt even volunteered to do it, but I would not let him. The honor was mine.”

“You spilled innocent blood,” Andrew held up the book and spewed forth his disgust. “And you killed them all because of this?”

“It was worth it,” Vlad was solemn. “Every life.”

“Even Talia’s?” Andrew cursed.

“The authorities believed Wyatt was responsible for the killings, because of evidence I planted at the house,” Vlad continued. “He had the motive and the opportunity. Because of the chance of their order being exposed to public knowledge, Doctor Straussman sent Wyatt to safety at Gothica.”

“But things did not go as planned,” Andrew surmised. “Did they?”

“No,” Vlad said with bitterness. “He could not find the book either.” Vlad eyes fixed on Andrew, “That’s where you came in.”

“Me?” Andrew scoffed at Vlad’s suggestion. “I was part of your plan?”

“Yes,” Vlad nodded. “You were a very important part indeed.” Vlad switched his sword back and forth front of him. “I long knew of your reputation as an investigator. Actually, it was quite impressive.”

“Really.” Andrew was sarcastic.

“The trouble was we had to convince you to get involved,” Vlad was full of pride. “It would have to be an authentic performance. And what better way to accomplish that than a very worried and desperate mother. She even convinced Father Michael by confessing to him the dire situation Wyatt was in. It was joyous news when Nedra told me you accepted the case.” Vlad took a few paces closer to Andrew, who immediately raised his sword. Vlad stopped. He went on, “From there we just let you do what you do best, use your skilled deductive powers to look beyond the ordinary. Unlike the bumbling authorities, who focus on the usual, you can see beyond the usual. When you contacted Kara to interview her about her book and how it related to the case, my heart lept for joy. If not, the plan was for her to use a cover story to contact you. The only loose cannon were Sheriff Delsmann. I never suspected she were a Knight of VanHelsing. We did not count on her hatred for you. We were very concerned the plan was dead when you were nearly killed, and suffered from amnesia.” Vlad took a step back, as if he were anticipating an attack. He eyed up Andrew and continued. “It was a glorious day for us when you recovered it.”