Undying Vengeance (24 page)

Donovan saw the teardrop. His heart went out to Armani. The poor soul was struggling each and every minute of the day. “Armani, remember I lost my love in the same manner as you. I know exactly what you’re feeling and going through.” He stopped to face Armani. “Look at me,” he ordered. He waited until Armani’s gaze locked with his. “You are not weak. You have every right to mourn the loss of Simone for as long as you need to. Pain, agony and suffering have to be dealt with and there is no time limit on how long a heart takes to heal. I still feel the pain of losing my fiancée.”

Armani heard sincerity in Donovan’s voice and saw it in his eyes. He wasn’t alone after all. He knew Donovan would prove to be a true friend in the end. Victor, on the other hand, was not one Armani saw himself warming up to. He seemed to be more of a loner and happy being that way.

“Has Victor always been a loner?” Armani asked. “He just seems so cold and brash. Do you understand what I mean?”

Donovan laughed. “Of course I understand exactly what you mean and yes, Victor enjoys a solitary life. He’s a vampire who has little need for relations of any kind. Although, I will say that Victor is devoted to The Dark Ones with all of his being. He would die for each and every one of us vampires.” He took Armani’s arm leading him to the house and continued to talk. “I already discussed Victor’s childhood with you. It should give you an understanding of his issues with trust and love. I’m afraid he isn’t capable of neither of those two things immediately. Give him time and he’ll warm up to you. Contrary to what he displays, he does have much kindness and goodness in him.” Donovan pointed to the black hawk perched high in an oak tree overlooking the house. “Look at him. He’s my protector and my friend, a gift from Victor.”

Armani stared at the hawk like a lamb in the presence of a lion.

Donovan sensed Armani’s fear. “No need to fear him. He’s harmless to vampires and people who are good.” Donovan reassured him. “My point is that if Victor was cold and ruthless he wouldn’t have sent a hawk to be my protector. Do you see what I’m saying? Does that make sense to you?” Donovan questioned.

Armani thought for a moment and nodded. “I understand. If Victor was only evil and selfish he never would’ve cared enough for your safety by giving you that hawk.” He walked up the steps and opened the door. “Come on, it’s cold and I’m a mess. I want to wash Gabe’s blood off me.” He finished disgusted.

“You will be getting a hawk as well.” Donovan said once inside the house. “Don’t say I told you, though.”

Armani took his shirt off and threw it in the trash. “Do all the members of The Dark Ones have a hawk watching over them?” He asked.

“No, only a few of us do.”

“Why is that? Doesn’t Victor want all his vampires protected?” Armani asked a puzzled look on his face.

“He does want them all protected but he chooses a select few to have a hawk.” Donovan stated and sat on the couch. “I’m going to tell you something if you can swear to secrecy.”

Facing Donovan, Armani said, “Yes, I can. You can trust me.” He folded his arms over his bare chest and waited.

“Victor likes you a lot. He thinks highly of you just as he does me. When I first crossed over, Victor referred to me as his son.” Donovan paused and smiled. “He hasn’t said it but I know he views you as a son, too.”

Shrugging, Armani walked to the bar and poured two glasses of brandy on the rocks. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? To be honest it doesn’t.” He handed Donovan a glass and sat across from him.

“No, it’s not supposed to make you feel better. Only you can make yourself feel better. But, it should give you some encouragement in your new life as a vampire. Victor chose you because he sees so much potential and has great respect for you. He’s been watching you for years, my friend.” Donovan said taking a sip of brandy and licking his lips. “Ah, now this hits the spot. Thank you kindly.” He said raising his glass to Armani.

“If he has been watching me for years then why did he allow Simone to die? Why didn’t he stop it?”

“Armani, first of all, Victor is not God and never will be. He is not omnipresent. You and Simone were attacked at a hotel, not at your home. Victor was not your personal bodyguard and was not there to stop the horrific and brutal attack on you both. Believe me, if he had been there those men would have been unrecognizable to the human eye.”

“I guess I don’t understand why he couldn’t have stopped it before it happened then.” Armani stated angrily and rubbed the burnt side of his face. His face felt like it was on fire when he got angry. “Well . . . .” He trailed off waiting for an answer.

“Armani, do you fully understand what we’re about?” Donovan asked not waiting for a reply. “The Dark Ones are about serving justice where it has been overlooked, ignored or is just not known to anyone. We cannot avenge the deaths of anyone if they are living. Our code prohibits us from killing someone without a justifiable cause, which in our circle of vampires means the guilty ones have murdered or abused someone. Victor could not kill Gabe, Adam or Alex without them having committed a crime. He heard their conversations about what they wanted to do but as they say, it’s only talk. As I’m sure you’re aware, talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. Talking of committing a crime is different than actually committing the crime. For all Victor knew, these men were full of shit and could have backed out of doing it in the end. That would make Victor a killer, a murderer. No worse than these men. We must never kill or avenge wrongdoings unless we see or witness the crime being done. Victor tends to target adults and people who abuse children and he witnesses the acts being done before he plans his attack. Believe me you never want to see Victor in action. He’s ruthless in his technique. He makes his victims suffer but rightfully so.”

“They should suffer. It’s what they deserve. Don’t you make your victims suffer for the crimes committed on innocent humans?” Armani asked. He set his glass down and stood.

Donovan thought for a second and answered. “Every member of The Dark Ones has their own technique. I make my kills swift and deliberate. I for one don’t care to waste my time playing games with the scumbags of the human race. The less time I have to see them and hear them cry out their innocence the better for me. I target a wide range of people who commit crimes, but all are murderers.”

Armani was silent allowing this new information to sink in.

Donovan smiled. All this questioning from Armani had to be a good sign. Why would he ask questions of this nature if he planned on killing himself once he avenged the death of Simone? He wouldn’t. Relief flooded his soul. He changed the subject and suggested that Armani take a shower.

“That’s a wonderful idea. I will be back in awhile.” Armani said walking to the stairs. “You’re welcome to use a bathroom and shower if you would like.” Halfway up the stairs, Armani stopped and looked at Donovan. “By the way, I think you should know that suicide is still weighing heavily on my mind. I’m a curious man and ask many questions. Don’t read into them and make assumptions.” That being said he turned and took the rest of the steps two at a time.

Donovan frowned. He had to convince Armani that suicide was not the solution. Armani was not a coward and by God, he was going to do everything in his power to keep him from taking the easy way out. The road to recovery was a tough one but well worth it. Donovan knew the pains of losing the one special person you loved like no other.

He knew what he had to do when Armani finished showering. The same thing he did for himself so many centuries ago. He must convince Armani to live for those he lost and will lose along the way. It was going to prove to be difficult but he had to try with all his might before it was too late.

A
lex sat on
a bench near the black horse statue in Manhattan Park. Where in God’s name was this son of a bitch named Victor, The Master of The Dark Ones? Alex scoffed. What the hell kind of joke was this? Alex stroked the gun hidden in the inside pocket of his long brown trench coat. This guy would prove to be an easy kill for him. He was probably on all sorts of drugs. Gazing at the seat beside him he patted the black briefcase full of money. He had no intention of losing this money. Not today and not for his son. To his surprise there were still people walking through the park at this time of night. Victor sure wasn’t too smart when it came to picking a spot to meet. This was a public place, not an abandon old building or someplace he would’ve chosen for a meeting of this nature.

A woman passed, glanced at him and smiled. Alex returned the smile. She sure was a pretty little thing dressed in a black sweat suit, jogging boots and a pink hat on her head. Long auburn hair flowed behind her back. He checked his watch, a few minutes before nine. Why not get this fine young woman’s number? Once this meeting was done he could call her and take her out for a victory celebration. Only she wouldn’t know what the celebration was about. He waved her over to him and stood waiting for her to jog his way.

“Hello. My name is Alex and you are?” He asked extending his hand.

“Michelle. It’s nice to meet you.” She said smiling sweetly. “What are you doing in the park at night?” She asked.

Michelle was a bit too nosy for Alex’s taste. It was none of her business what he was doing here. He had a right to be at the park just like anyone else. However one look in her eyes changed his mind. She was a beauty, a trophy for him and he planned to have his way with her tonight once he was finished meeting with the nutcase who claimed to have his son held hostage. Fuck his son. He’d kill Victor, get his son, beat the shit out of him and lock him up in the garage. His reward would be picking up this beauty, taking her out and bringing her home so he could make sweet love to her all night long.

“I come here to relax after a long days work at the office.” He stated smiling warmly at her.

Michelle eyed him up and down. “I assumed you had been working. You’re dressed in business attire.” She chuckled and cocked her head to the side. “It’s funny I’ve never seen you here before.”

Alex dismissed her comment with a wave of his hand. “I don’t work late every night and I most certainly don’t come to the park every time I’m stressed. A lot of times I prefer the local bar and a nice cold drink for relaxation.”

“That’s understandable.” Michelle said. “I best get going. I have one more mile to run.”

Alex pulled a business card out of his pocket careful not to expose the gun. Handing it to her he smiled and asked, “Could I interest you in a drink with me later tonight?”

Michelle smiled. “Sure, that would be lovely.” She reached into her coat pocket and sighed frustrated. “I guess I didn’t bring my business cards with me. Do you have a pen?”

“Sure do.” Alex said handing her a pen and another business card. “Just write your number on the back. Either you call me or I’ll call you and we can either meet somewhere or I can pick you up, whichever you prefer.”

Victor watched from a few feet away and growled in disgust. Who did this Alex think he was? “Sorry buddy you’re not going to live to see the break of dawn.” He smirked. “Your day of judgement is about to begin. He swirled his cloak behind him with a sweep of his hand and approached the two deep in conversation.

“Excuse me folks I’m afraid I have to break up this happy occasion.” Victor stated not taking his eyes off Alex. Hatred filled him.

“Who are you?” Michelle asked staring at Victor smitten by him.

Victor extended his hand. “Pardon my rudeness, my dear beauty. I am Victor Ramirez. And you are . . . ?”

“M-M-Michelle,” she stammered taking his hand in hers. She couldn’t stop staring at Victor’s eyes. For the first time in years she was speechless.

Alex glared at Victor. He dare interrupt his conversation. “Excuse me, sir. I’m afraid neither of us know you so do you mind giving us a moment?” He asked with an authoritative tone.

Victor averted his gaze to Alex and smiled a wicked smile. “By all means I sincerely apologize for my rudeness.” He motioned with his hand and said, “Carry on, my dears.” Cold evil eyes bore into Alex’s. “But first let me remind you of our meeting.” He pointed to the clock in the park and said, “Tick-tock, tick-tock, it’s nine o’clock. I don’t like to wait.”

“I’m sorry, Victor.” Michelle said. “I’m going to scoot so you two can have your meeting.” She said and slid Alex’s number in her pocket.

Alex dismissed Victor with a wave of his hand. “Don’t rush on account of him. He’s nobody to me. We’re having a quick meeting and I’ll be giving you a call when we’re finished.” He smiled at Michelle.

Victor rolled his eyes, his fangs growing. He wished he could kill Alex instead of bringing him to Armani’s home but it was closure for Armani and a necessary step in the healing process. Armani had to kill Alex and Adam. Self-control would have to be of the utmost priority. It didn’t mean Victor had to refrain from a little abuse. Alex had it coming for his lack of respect. Victor floated next to Michelle and placed his arm around her shoulder. He silently put her in a trance. He could wait no longer to deal with Alex.

“Take your arm off her you freak!” Alex ordered lunging toward Victor.

“Stop while you’re ahead you filthy excuse of a human being.” Victor shoved Alex in midair forcing him to fall down. “Stay seated there and be a gentleman for once in your pathetic life. That is if you care an ounce about your son’s life.” He pointed at Alex and continued his rant. “I have no problem leaving right now and killing your son. I don’t need your money.”

“What are you going to do to Michelle?” Alex asked.

“I am going to do nothing, absolutely nothing. She’s an innocent lady who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We are going to bid her farewell like gentlemen and then do our business.” Victor said making sure Alex understood before releasing Michelle from the trance. “Nod if you are in agreement with me.” He ordered. “And for God’s sake, stand up. You look like a cowardly fool sitting in the snow.” Victor chuckled.

Alex bit his tongue and glared at Victor. He couldn’t wait to put a gold bullet straight into this lunatic’s heart. He stood and wiped the snow off his butt. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

“I call the shots here, Alex. Not you. Get that through your head and things will go much smoother.” Victor said. “I’m the Master, not you.”

Placing his hand in his coat pocket Alex gripped the gun. Good, still in place. He couldn’t wait to use it. What a fun evening this was going to be.

Victor snapped his fingers in front of Michelle’s face.

“That was odd,” she said. “I felt like I blacked out for a minute. Pardon me,” she apologized.

“No apology needed my dear.” Victor said kissing the top of her hand. “Alex and I must have our meeting so if you’ll please excuse us.”

“Oh, by all means,” she blushed smiling at Victor. “Good bye, Alex. Give me a call when you’re finished.” Waving to both of them she jogged out of sight.

“Now, where were we, Alex?” Victor asked rubbing his chin with his index finger and thumb. “Ah, I remember. You were going to pull your gun out and try to shoot me.” He pointed at Alex. “Correct me if I’m wrong.”

“No, you’re right.” Alex said and reached for his gun. “Today is your day to die.” He pulled it out and aimed it at Victor, his hands shaking. How did Victor know he planned on shooting him?

Victor looked around the park. “Have you gone mad? There are still a few people here. You could accidentally shoot and kill an innocent bystander.”

“I guess that would mean they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Alex laughed like he was the funniest man on the planet. He lowered the gun. “Before I kill you tell me where my son is.” Alex ordered.

Victor was losing his patience with this fool. Cat and mouse was something he had no time for. He would love nothing more than to play predator and prey with this Alex but only if he would be the one to kill him. Alex was Armani’s kill and that changed everything.

“I’ll do even better than that. I’ll take you to him.” Victor said trying to sound stupid so Alex would agree.

Alex thought for a minute but it was a minute too long for Victor. He was on top of him in a second and punched him in the jaw. “This game is going to be played my way or no way. Do you understand?” Victor asked baring his fangs at Alex.

Alex tried to scream but Victor covered his mouth with his hand. The gun was gone. Realizing he must’ve dropped it he panicked and started kicking Victor.

“That wasn’t nice, Alex.” Victor said. He reached back, grabbed Alex’s leg and twisted it.

Alex tried to signal to people walking past but they ignored him like he was an invisible ghost. Victor moved his hand from Alex’s mouth and laughed at him.

“Why are you laughing? One of these people will help me.” Alex said. He turned and hollered at a young couple.

“You could try all night to get help but guess what? They can’t see or hear you. You don’t exist to them thanks to me.” Victor said pointing at himself. “Now, stand up and I shall take you to your son.”

Fear was written all over Alex’s face. “What do you mean they can’t see me?” He asked. “Of course they can. They’re just choosing to ignore me.”

Victor forced Alex to stare into his glowing red eyes. “Tell me, what do you see?” He asked.

“I see the eyes of a drug addict.” Alex shot back.

Victor laughed. “Good one, Einstein.” He stopped laughing. “Now what do you see?” He asked baring his fangs.

Alex laughed. “I see a left over prop from Halloween.” Rolling his eyes he picked up the briefcase. He had no intention of losing his precious money.

Victor grabbed his face and squeezed. “What you see is the face of a vampire and tonight you are going to die, plain and simple.” He released Alex’s face and tapped his temples. “A thought just came to me. I know you don’t want to lose your precious money so how about I teach you a lesson on generosity before we go to your place of execution.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Alex asked confused. He glanced from the left to right looking for his gun. No luck. It couldn’t have gone far. Damn him for not holding it tighter. No way was he going to give his money away.

Victor held the gun and asked, “Looking for this?”

“Give me my gun!” He shouted. “That’s mine.”

Victor laughed so hard he thought his insides would fall out. “My, my you sound like a child. That proves to me that you do need a lesson on giving and sharing.”

“I need no such thing. That’s Adams ransom money. If you’re going to kill me at least leave it for my son.” He pleaded with Victor.

“No need for that. Your son is going to die with you.” Victor grabbed Alex’s arm forcing him to walk beside him. “Keep up with me.”

“What do you mean? We have done nothing to deserve this.”

“Say that again and I will be forced to hurt you.” Victor said picking up the pace. “You know what you did and so do I.”

“I did nothing.” Alex replied. “We did nothing. I want you to leave me alone. Let me go.” He said struggling to break free of Victor’s grip.

“You and Adam both wiggle like weak worms. You’re both such spineless humans. You won’t escape me now so stop fighting. Your destiny is in my hands now.” Victor faced Alex, putting both of his hands around Alex’s neck and lifted him off the ground. “I can either crush your windpipe right this second or you can confess to me the crime you committed.” He held him for a few more seconds and threw him on the ground. “We both know what you did so don’t try to lie to me.”

Alex looked up, a scowl on his face. “I didn’t kill Simone. My son, Adam did it. The whole thing was set up by Gabe Davis, Armani’s band manager.” He stood and held his hands in the air. “You got your confession. Am I free to go now?” He asked and smoothed his trench coat. “This is sickening and a waste of my time.”

“Not so fast slick.” Victor said. “You left an important detail out about that fateful night.” He stood with his arms crossed waiting for Alex to speak. “You may as well come clean. You’re going to die for being an accomplice at this point anyway.”

Frustrated, Alex slicked his hair back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wasn’t in that hotel room with Adam when he killed Simone.”

Victor pointed his finger at Alex. “Who said they were in a hotel room when she died?” He smiled at Alex but he was not happy. “We both know your son isn’t capable of carrying out an execution on his own.” Victor patted his head and said, “He lacks the mental ability to handle such a responsibility. What do mortals say?” He asked. “Oh, I know,” he stated snapping his finger. “He’s twenty three crayons short of a full box and I’m talking about a box of twenty four crayons.” Victor laughed.

Alex laughed. That was the wrong thing to do. Victor stared at him. This man had no compassion. He was willing to let him son take the fall for both of their actions. For that Victor decided he’d have to inflict pain. Alex could’ve at least acted like he gave a damn.

“You’re not too bright yourself, Alex because if you were you would confess and be done with it. Now I will have to hurt you.” Victor stated walking toward Alex.

Alex tried to run but Victor grabbed his trench coat ripping it in two. Alex fell forward and Victor grabbed a handful of hair, jerking his head back.

“Stop this! Please!” Alex begged.

“Stop what, Alex. You did this to yourself. Didn’t your mother teach you that every action has a consequence? You should have thought of this before agreeing to the plan Gabey devised.” Victor pulled Alex’s hair harder.

“Ahh. Gee, that hurts.” Alex cried. “What do you want from me?”

Victor put his lips next to Alex’s ear and whispered, “A confession.”

“No way.” Alex said defiantly. “Never.”

“Excuse me I don’t think I heard you correctly.” Victor seethed jerking Alex’s head back even farther and ripping out a handful of hair. He shoved Alex’s head into the snow. “Are you ready to confess now?”

Blood oozed from Alex’s head turning the snow red. He covered the back of his scalp and rolled onto his back looking up at Victor, tears in his eyes.

Victor stared at him. “Well? Please don’t try my patience.” Victor knew Alex would confess. After all he was crying, something Victor thought he was incapable of. Was Alex a sociopath? It was a huge possibility, but Victor wasn’t here to play shrink. He was here to bring Alex to justice at the hands of Armani.

“Ok, ok, I’ll tell you the truth.” Alex said his voice shaky. “I was a part of it. I didn’t kill Simone but I tortured Armani in horrible ways, even burned half of his face.” He finished and closed his eyes.

“Stand up now.” Victor ordered. “I appreciate the honesty but it will not save you. You will be executed tonight.”

Alex stood, his shirt saturated with blood. Victor grabbed his arm and the briefcase. “We’ve got a delivery to make before going to Armani’s house.” He walked fast forcing Alex to keep up with him.

“Where are we going?” Alex asked. “I’m cold.”

“Deal with it, Alex. You’d still have your jacket if you were smarter. One must never try to outrun the long arm of the law.” Victor stated. “And for your information we are going to a woman’s home who was recently widowed and has been left to raise two young children ages five and three alone.”

“Why do you care about this woman and her children?” Alex asked. Vampires didn’t seem the types to care about anything but blood lust.