Chapter Ten (The Big..BAD...Wolf...)
The shadowy figures, faces hidden behind what LaCroix considered ridiculously theatrical robes with overflowing hoods, were seated. The small dais elevated their physical bodies 'above' everyone else that stood before them as if..by doing so, it would miraculously prove they did, indeed..deserve such 'lofty' status.
The silence was ominous. The chamber reeked of pungent incense. A multitude of candelabra flicked shafts of lights throughout the entire area, casting a dome of gloom over the proceedings taking place.
LaCroix was less than impressed with such measures. It reminded him of an unpleasant time in history. Without electricity and modern conveniences certainly, but moreso..when he, himself had been brought before just such a tribunal.
He had not been impressed at that time either, he recalled.
"It is regrettable a thing that your son has chosen to involve himself yet again with such a distasteful matter. In the past.." LaCroix recognized the voice, of course, just as he knew each and every identity present. "We have chosen to overlook his youthful exuberance even when it defiled our laws. We did so out of respect for you, his Sire."
LaCroix intensely disliked how pompous such a statement sounded. He waited impatiently for the idiot to cease speaking. He would settle the matter in his own way but first, he allowed that the fools just might save their own pitiful lives by deciding in favor for Nicholas, but..it was beginning to appear, that was not to be.
"Times are perilous for our kind. The danger to our race increases with each passing decade. We can no longer afford to be so cavalier in our approach to such transgressions."
LaCroix scanned the dais absently, his thoughts well shielded from scrutiny.
"When Edwin appeared before us, refusing to obey our decree, we were made to realize the gravity of the situation." The voice continued to drone on and on. LaCroix had stopped listening. "It is, therefore, with due respect and extreme regret, we must now inform you of our revised decision."
"...Which is?" The Ancient Vampire lifted a noble brow, the question a rhetorical one to his mind.
"At first, one of our own's involvement with a human female was certainly cause for grave concern but your son's words convinced us that no real harm could come of the matter or at the very least..an extended review of the case might conceivably be warranted."
"Nicholas was ever the advocate of lost causes." LaCroix drew in a cleansing breath.
"That can be over-looked. The fact that his human female remained true to us even to her death brought favor upon his request."
"How very..magnanimous of you."
The sarcasm was subsequently noted but ignored.
"Edwin is another matter. His is our champion. His refusal to obey can only be construed as out and out rebellion. Your intelligence must tell you of the consequences of such actions."
LaCroix remained silent.
"The Council's decrees must never be a source for speculation or refusal." Another 'voice' reasoned. "What would be the outcome of such disobedience? Chaos would reign supreme. There are many who believe they possess the power or arrogance to rule our society. The Enforcers dissuade such stupidity. They police our numbers."
"And now..our chief advocate questions our commands." Still another more indignant being stated his anger in no uncertain terms. "Refusing them. How much longer will this remain merely one incident? We should have nipped this rebellion in the bud."
"We were wrong to be so lenient and forgiving."
"We are sorry, LaCroix, but..the decision is unanimous. All involved..all, LaCroix..must be..eliminated. It is our hope that we can speak with your son, reason with him and convince him to remain neutral on the matter."
"Really." LaCroix wished them good luck with that outcome.
"This provision is being issued for your sake alone. You must know this. Which is a sign of respect..for you, our brother...our kindred."
"This is your final decision?"
All sort the council of the other but..in the end, a solemn vote was cast. "Regretfully..yes."
"Oh Well." The Ancient turned, crossing the dust of centuries on the marble floor beneath his shoes. He halted his trek slowly, having reached the wide doors that guarded the underground chamber. He turned back, releasing his hold on the ornate handles, observing those inside the room for a brief second. "....so be it."
LaCroix reached into the pocket of his stylish black leather coat, his hand curving about the object needed. He pushed the activator button with no more thought than he would the remote on his state of the art home entertainment center.
The room exploded with flame, and noise, a blinding light which caused the being to shield his eyes, enveloped the surrounding area with it's brilliance. The noise recoiled him several steps, the heat blast hitting his chest full force, staggering him backward yet again.
He lowered his arm, the heat licking at his face but..this was too good to miss.
He watched the beings inside the room vainly attempt escape. Flames billowed up the walls, dancing merrily across the ceiling and floor, a roaring lion devouring everything ..and everyone..in it's path.
His eyes moved calmly from one victim to the next.
Several bodies lay silent..still, luminous blobs of burning debris, scattered here and there, where ever they had happened to fall in their quest to escape.
Two struggled valiantly attempting to reach the opened doorway, crawling inch by inch..closer, their disfigured faces marred with malice and hatred, their eyes alight with the greenish glow of transformation.
LaCroix stepped, kicking the heavy doors shut. The hallway was uncomfortably hot, the air filled with the stench of burning flesh and rotting decay.
"Ah..." The being stared for a brief second at the design upon the door facing. The crest of the Brethren. Unity..Power...Eternity. "Napalm..a miraculous invention. Rather nasty stuff for all that but..most effective."
He turned, striding out of the area with an unhurried gait..
Seven down...five to go.
He had time.
The underground placement of the hidden chamber worked in his favor. It would take hours for the humans to extinguish the flames. Longer still to place together what had happened here.
He must journey to France. The cool night air refreshed the being. He glanced to the beauty of a full moon, pausing to allow his senses to take in the quiet of the night. It was his favorite time. He felt nothing other than a sense of relief. Because of his weakness so many years ago..Nicholas was in danger. He would set matters to right. It was the very least he could do after having deceived his son as he had.
Sabien had said Ashton Crofton was in Lisbon. Ashton was no real threat but Felix Wynman..he was a worthy opponent.
Felix must be dealt with immediately. All was going as planned.
Mick packed the small satchel absently. The trip would not take long. One day up, one back, depending on flight schedules. He could ask the loan of Josef's company jet but this time, Mick wanted to do the job alone.
He crossed, extracting a pair of socks and underwear from the top drawer of his chest. He tossed them aside, glancing at the items on the top of the furniture.
The King's emblem key chain reminded him, he had yet to make a spare for the trunk of his car. Every time he went into the hardware store, he would drive away without the spare in his hand. Oft times, when he had made the trip expressly for that purpose but usually, he found so many other cool 'guy' things that the key slipped his mind.
His wallet, holding an updated photo of Beth, his credit cards, licence..both P.I. and driver's, a couple hundred in cash, the receipt for a parking fine he had recently paid, a movie stub to 'Avatar'. He and Beth had gone a couple weeks prior. Good movie, especially if you were a tree hugger..or smurf.
He glanced at the dust layering the dresser, sighing mentally. He would get to it later but he knew, in his heart..the same dust plus any other that might accumulate would still be here next time he checked the area.
A housekeeper, he was not. But a damned good Private Eye..he was. And that instinct was driving him forward even now.
His reverie was interrupted by a sweet voice calling out from the front living area of his apartment. Mick smiled, stuffing the socks and briefs into the carry on, his mood mellowing automatically. "In here, Beth."
He had heard her insert the key into the lock of his front door, that was one 'spare' he had not forgotten to have made. It was almost second nature now..her presence in his domain. It felt..right.
The woman appeared in the opened doorway of his bedroom, her smile bright and welcoming. Something undefinable passed between them as their eyes met. Mick fought the awkwardness determinedly, their last encounter still very fresh in his mind's eye.
"...Hello." The soft salutation washed over him like a warm caress.
"...Hello yourself, Reporter Girl."
"Former." She corrected, stepping further into the room, tentatively searching about the sparsely furnished area. "Is this the latest model?" Her hand trailed along the refrigerator unit that constituted his 'bed'.
Mick glanced at her meaning. "Want to give it a try?" The quip feel heavy between them, both reminded suddenly, of just how far apart their worlds were. He sensed Beth was trying hard to pretend nothing had happened between them. He realized his faux pas instantly, shaking his head for his own stupidity. "...Hey..I'm eh..that was.."
"Is that the line you've been using for all the ladies that come here?" She eased his embarrassment with a teasing lift of her stylish brows. "It needs a little..polish." The beautiful face dimpled adorably.
Mick..relaxed. "Hey, I'm a little out of practice. What can I say." He appreciated her efforts, feeling more comfortable. "At least it's not a coffin. That was a definite 'mood killer'."
She giggled infectiously. "Had to move it down to the basement, hum?"
"Well, who doesn't have one down there, though..these days. I'm not unique in that aspect. The Goth movement made our lifestyle rather..passe."
"Poor baby." She commiserated, her curiosity kicking in. She perused the shaving kit, tooth brush and bag. "Going somewhere?"
"Running down a lead on this 'Nicholas' guy. It may be 'empty' but I have to give it a shot."
"What do you hope to accomplish, Mick, by finding this man?" Beth shook her head, the long blond curls swishing gently with the movement, the blue eyes wide and questioning. "I'm not sure how he fits into the picture..are you?"
"He went to bat for us..complete strangers. First?" He answered. "I'd like to ask him 'why'..and secondly? I'd kinda like to thank him. Wouldn't you?"
"Well..yes but..."
"I just have a hunch about this one, Beth. I can't explain it."
"Then..I'm going too."
"Ok by me." He halted her objections before they could materialize.
"...No.. 'it's too dangerous, Beth?'" she was thrown completely by his acceptance. "'I'm walking into the unknown here, Beth..it would be better if you stayed behind?'...Nothing??"
"...Nope." He answered cheerfully. "I'm good."
She swept his body with a sensual consideration. "...I know." She grew quiet, her gaze telling him all sorts of things a male likes to know about himself. He liked her all teasing and relaxed and...flirting. He was a little taken aback by such open honesty but..in a good way. A very..good way. "Yeah?"
"Definitely 'good'...yes." She forged ahead stalwartly, having finally breached the barrier between them. "More than...good. Amazing is a..nice word..actually."
Mick St. John lowered his eyes for a brief moment, his grin one of pure male pride. "It's a very nice word." He could not but agree. "I was happy with 'good'."
He stared at her, taking in her beauty. "..I thought you just wanted me to..let it go."
"You thought..wrong." Beth informed him in no uncertain terms.
"...Good." He let her know just how..good..it was by his manner and his tone of voice and...his 'look'. "...Freakin..amazing..actually."
She smiled for him and..his mood soared and his heart began to..beat rapidly, the blood rushed through his veins and..his world..fell into place.