And I heard, as it were thunder, and I looked and behold it was Death saying 'Come and see'…..

And behold a pale horse and his name that sat on it was Death…..

And Hell followed with him…

The sun was dipping over the Western sky as the Avenger rolled up to the parking garage. The rains had moved on cooling the Tidewater night air. Behind them the glaring outline of Washington D.C. lit up the rearview mirror. They were in Maryland, one of the many suburbs that melted together into overlapping lanes of concreted dotted with overpriced cookie cutter style houses and gaudy strip malls. The larger stars twinkled overhead, creating the outline of Orion the warrior. It was one one of the rare times anyone in the metro could step outside without feeling as though someone slapped them with a wet towel. The camera was perched above, glaring down with its ever watchful eye as the window rolled down and a slender finger extended out. Alex punched in the key code then waited for the gate to roll its metal door up and allow her in. It creaked as though it was protesting her command. She swore the damned thing was deliberately slow just to irritate her.

"Any minute now," she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel with impatience. "You know sometimes I think they do things like this to get a rise out of me."

"Alex," Henry cast a look at her.

"What I'm just saying," she shrugged off his stern expression. "I mean I did hear one of them say they never had this much trouble with a hunter before. I don't think I'm that bad."

Henry suppressed a small laugh as the last several inches of door vanished up into the wall.

Alex had to admit the Trinity did have a nice base of operations. The building was an older structure dated back to the 1700s, when buildings were constructed to last, with some modifications implemented over the years. At least they took advantage of modern technology and used phones and computers instead of staying stuck in the 18th century. Henry had embraced the scientific and cultural innovations but still couldn't understand the concept of reality television. Why would a bunch of people want to live on an island and deceive one another for money? Alex had been less than kind her opinion calling it scripted crap or waste of good television space.

She slid her car into the usual spot killing the engine as they headed for the door leading to the entryway. Henry knew she wasn't a fan of the Trinity but Alex was wise enough not to cross them either. He looked up noticing the first of many cameras that provided an additional set of eyes for security. They were a shakeup of human allies and vampires but even the former didn't pass up an opportunity to simplify their tasks. Alex still found it amusing as some vampires remained in awe of the modern era though she could understand as some were centuries old when electricity consisted of opening the windows if they wanted light.

Ahead the front guard was standing at attention. Alex knew he was a vampire but harmless around her. From what she understood he was at least 200 years old and served under Jackson in the War of 1812 in the Battle of New Orleans. He was also one of Henry's associates. The chiseled tan chin pointed down parallel to the upper torso. The jet black hair was close cropped in military fashion but then again once military always military. A faint road of light pink was paved below his left eye, an old scar from battles long gone. The cutting eyes of blue were the only part that moved as they tracked the hunter and vampire upon their approach.

"Hi Matt," Alex gave a short wave earning an equal smile in return. Henry acknowledged the figure with a nod of greeting and respect. Matthew or Matt to Alex had bristled at the nickname the first time the met but after time it grew on the vampire and the hunter was the only one permitted to use that name. Henry held the door open for the hunter though she groaned at his chivalry. Growing up, Alex preferred to do things for herself as she had seen the way the privileged rather spoiled girls would expect their boyfriends to open their doors, pull out their chairs, and pay for everything. Alex had vowed she would never devolve into an uppity bitch.


The elevator was modest with black railing around the interior with steel sides all around it. The lighting was neither bright nor dim but midway as some of the vampires were still sensitive to light. To Alex it was no different than being in her room back at the brownstone. The button marked P was pushed and light up in dim orange lettering followed by the silent closing of the doors. Alex leaned against one side and rested the back of her head on the cold slab of metal. Her guilt was residual, remaining beneath the surface waiting for one instant to resurface but Alex refused to bow down and forced the emotions back. There would be another time and place to weep.

The soft jolt beneath their feet announced the pair had arrived at their destination. Alex exited first with Henry tight beside her. The Trinity resided on the top floor, a way to watch the world as it had been joked. But Alex and Henry knew it wasn't a joke. Though Adam and his sister had been destroyed during the Civil War it didn't mean there weren't others salivating at the opportunity to fill the vacuum created by their deaths and fulfill the dream of dominating the human race. Alex found herself beginning to wonder if Henry heard from him at all. The last time eyes had been laid on the hunter Abraham Lincoln was during Dr. Martin Luther King's speech on the Mall in 1963. Henry didn't mention Abe's fate but he was still out there, somewhere in the world. If contact had been made it wasn't made known to her. But Alex respected her friend's private affairs and left the matter alone.

The double doors were ajar but Alex wasn't concerned. After all they were expecting the pair. The Trinity had been Lincoln's bodyguards and after the attempted assassination at Ford's Theater had parted, searching out the next threat or hunter.

Alex gripped the antique handle and tugged the heavy oak door towards her being greeted with the soft glow of several lamps inside. Taking a deep breath she crossed the threshold spying the vampires reclining in the plush couch and chair closest to the fireplace. The room was shrouded with heavy curtains to block out the sun while the walls were lined with paintings and frescos from long dead artists, famous and unknown. Alex recognized Munch's The Scream hanging over the fireplace. It wasn't a copy.

"Ah, enter Alexandra," the vampire on the left motioned for her with a quick wave of his hand. Thomas was the most reserve of the three, only speaking when necessary and spending the remaining time observing; ever the eternal wallflower. His clothing of choice was dark jeans, boots, and a rich olive t-shirt. His eyes were intense, taking in his entire environment down to the last detail. Keeping with the hairstyles of the 21st century his auburn hair was cut short but not like Matt's hair. Alex went rigid but remained calm on the surface in the presence of the older vampires. She knew they wouldn't harm her but being the only human present did warrant some innate apprehensions and fears.

"Have a seat," Markus gestured at the seat across from them. Markus was the leader of the trio. A tall impressive specimen, Markus wore his hair blonde hair short with a few spikes which reflected the current trends. On this night he wore black slacks with a white button up shirt that had top two buttons open revealing the rippled ridges of his chest and matching midnight jacket. His appearance reminded Alex of James Bond. The pale cerulean rings were open, inviting Alex into their domain. His body was relaxed into the suede cushions.

Alex perched at the edge of the chair with hands folded neatly in her lap. She knew they could read her body language and deduce she was anxious in their presence.

"Relax," the third one, James spoke up in a smooth tone. "You are in the presence of friends."

James was the strong arm of the Trinity. It was his idea to run through Baltimore with Lincoln's train in the daring deception. From what Henry had told her, Alex knew he had fought in the Crusades which had hardened him into the warrior he was now. Even his clothing choices reflected his long bloody existence: Cargo pants colored in khaki with long sleeved black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hands were clad in gloves, similar to what Indiana Jones would choose. She couldn't fathom the horrors that had fallen at his feet or the blood of his comrades that was shed across his flesh. It was the eyes. The embedded gems of sepia were sharp like the swords his hands had wielded in the Holy Lands. It was James that Alex feared the most.

"Alexandra," Markus started off. "I am sorry to hear about Nathaniel."

"Thank you," her eyes dropped to the carpet as the feelings of depression and blame welled in her chest and throat. His voice was empathetic.

"We know you are angry with us and place blame at our doorstep," he continued. Alex should've known better. The Trinity have spies everywhere. One of them must've tracked her to the bar. She cast a sideways glance to Henry who shook his head. Why did she even entertain that notion? It wasn't him!

Relax Alex…Henry wouldn't snitch to the Trinity like that.

"It was not Henry who informed us," Thomas spoke up as though he had read her thoughts. "We are concerned about your state of mind after what happened."

"I'll be just fine thank you," the hunter responded through gritted teeth. Henry leaned over grabbing her hand in his.

"It has been a dark time," James spoke up.

"Understatement," Alex snorted bitterly. The Trinity said nothing.

"Alexandra," Markus sat up in his seat. His fingers linked together and hung between his knees. "We have all lost someone close to us in this war. You are not the only one to feel the blade of agony. But more are about feel the same fate."

"What are you talking about?" Alex shot her head up with eyes wide open and alert.

"The killings have started again."

Markus rose to fetch a folder resting on the bureau. He extended his hand with folder staring the hunter down. Alex plucked the file from his hand watching as he returned his position on the couch. James was simply staring while Thomas eyed the manila folder. Whatever was inside it was creating unease with the Trinity. Alex flipped the top over to discover articles clipped from papers in Detroit and Windsor, Canada.

Violent weekend in Wayne County

Authorities baffled over spike in sudden deaths

Body found along the Detroit River

"You gotta be kidding me," she didn't have to ask what she was staring at. "How do know it's vampires and not some random gang going ballistic? This is Detroit we're talking about."

"Keep going," Markus tapped at the edge. Alex passed the clippings over to Henry who read through them. As Alex's eyes rested on the next article, she raised an eyebrow.

Detroit pawn shops experience shortages of silver jewelry and other silver items

"Oh," she glanced at Markus then to Henry. Still she continued catching the next headline:

Pawn shop owner found dead in store

"That gentleman was an ally of ours," Henry caught the name.

"He was also the only one in town that had silver. He refused to surrender any of it. The other bowed in and relinquished it all."

"So why Detroit and Windsor?"

"We don't know," James grumbled. "That's why you are going to find out. You're the best hope we have Alexandra."

"I get that," she snipped.

Henry knew she was growing tired but lives were at stake. He remained silent wishing not to incite the Trinity. There was a reason they were in the positions they held.

Alex picked up the next one and felt her blood turning cold.

Epidemic of Typhoid fever baffles health authorities

Health officials are stumped as to new strain of Typhoid fever has swept across the Detroit- Wayne Count Metro. With the first cases having been reported three weeks prior at the Detroit Medical Center. Officials stated the patients' families reported symptoms of a fever that started low then increased followed by delusions and severe cramping before convulsions set in and the patient slips into a coma and dies. Doctors have been unable to find a cure or treatment at this time.

Authorities are cautioning citizens to remain calm and not to panic. If anyone displays the symptoms stated above seek medical attention immediately.

"Why feed fool's blood? It doesn't make sense."

"The victims were either family or close friends of humans in prominent positions who refuse to sway to the vampires. They are sending a message to the rest."

"Aren't they taking a risk?"

"The ones behind this are not stupid," Markus shook his head. "There are humans covering for them. Ever since the vampires emerged there have been humans willing to be their servants in the hopes of power and prestige."

"I'm well aware of that. Remember the mayor of Athens, Georgia? He was a piece of work."

Henry tightened his lips as he fought to stave off a laugh. He had been with her when the mayor had turned certifiable. The man had been convinced he would get to run the country if he allowed vampires to take over the town.

"We are well aware of that," Markus lightly chuckled.

"Well now is a guest of the Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia."

"Alex if we may," Henry pointed at the list that resided at the bottom of the pile. "This is the list of the victims. The media did not get this which will help us."

"Man they aren't screwing around! Look at this list! It's like reading an A list of who's who!"

"Which is why you are to go to Detroit and Windsor and stop the ones responsible for these deaths," James pointed a slender calloused finger at the human. "There have been several more deaths reported within the last two weeks but the vampires are being smart. They're preying on the outcasts, destitute, homeless and hopeless of society."

"Until one of them screws up and orders off the menu from Komi instead of McDonald's."

Alex laughed at her own joke but the Trinity were not amused.

"Sorry," she rubbed her neck feeling awkward all of a sudden.

"Your flight leaves in four hours," Thomas spoke up. "In the envelope before you are your boarding passes, itinerary, and of course money. Your accommodations have been reserved at the Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center."

"Gotta love modern technology," she smiled at Henry who shared in on the tiny jab. "One click of the mouse and you can have a Russian woman on your doorstep the next day."

Once again the stares of doom caused Alex to sigh.

"No sense of humor," she gathered the documents and envelope in her bag and turned to leave.

"Alexandra," Markus called out using her full name. Alex froze and winced before turning around. "You must understand the importance of this task."

"I do," she crossed her arms. "But you must also understand that I can't just forget what happened either. A few hours ago I was two steps from being full blown drunk because I had to bury Nate. You weren't there, in the rain, as the 21 gun salute was going off and his fellow Marines folding the flag that draped his final resting place. You say you all have lost someone in this war, well this is my time to mourn my loss. Respect that much please."

Henry knew Alex was right in her accusations as he was present for the burial that day. His presence had been concealed in in the crowd with the relentless deluge further shielding his identity.

"If you excuse me I need to pack and get ready."

"Gentlemen," Henry bowed slightly before going to catch up with the hunter.

"Alex," Henry latched onto her forearm causing her to stop.

"Before you say anything I didn't say a single word that wasn't true and they know it. They need to realize that a part of me died that night and that part won't be revived. It's not something I can just get over in a day."

"You don't need to tell me that," Henry was sympathetic in his words and collapsed his hands atop her shoulders pulling her into a tight hug. Alex instantly wrapped her arms around his back and buried her face in the crook of his neck and shoulder.

"You stood your ground back there. Sometimes the Trinity needs to be reminded even hunters have their limits and that they too experienced their own emotional turbulences."

"Thanks for being there," Alex pulled back as the elevator doors slipped open.


Alex was little more upbeat on the drive to Dulles International Airport. The traffic was light making it easier to find a spot in the economy lot. Alex liked to travel light so all her belongings were packed military style in one bag. She carried her blade sheathed and secure in its case as it would have to go as checked luggage. Luckily the TSA allowed martial arts weapons as checked luggage so she didn't have to worry about it getting lost or stolen. If anyone asked she would reply she was a student of a local black belt training class and her sword was equipment for the class and tournaments.

They waited under the fluorescent lighting of the terminal for the shuttle to pick them up. Alex looked down at the boarding passes.

Delta 1504 Atlanta

Delta 4857 Detroit

"Fun," she sighed as the diesel engine rumbled in the distance. "I suppose I shouldn't gripe. I can read these articles and make notes."

"Atlanta, once a haven for vampires but now a bustling metropolis," Henry said with a smile. "General Sherman was a staunch ally of ours."

"Really now?"

"Oh very much Alex," he grinned. "When he had declared total warfare he was directing towards the vampires and their human allies. In reality he hated to see the humans that had no part in the war suffer as they had."

"I always thought of him as a bit on edge."

"He was that too but when the promotion that was meant for you go to a vampire and hated rival, it will do that do a man's psyche."

Alex just laughed as they boarded the empty shuttle. It was a deep soulful laugh, one that had been missing from her persona. For Henry it was as though he was listening to Beethoven's finest symphony being played as if it was the maestro himself conducting it.

Thank you to those who reviewed but are guests...They make my day! And to Katara Melody Cullen for your review!

I wanted to mention that Komi is a high end restaurant in DC, Detroit Medical Center is a real hospital, and the flights listed on the boarding passes are actual flights. And Central State Hospital in Georgia is a real mental hospital.