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Chapter 12: The Culprit

"Culprit? What culprit?" Mick sat up and stared at Josef.

Josef grew serious and said, "That dream you had. Tell me, who was that little boy? Did you ever find out?" Mick looked around the cold, dark room that he called a bedroom and sighed.

"His name was Richard Fluget. I didn't know that was where his family lived, in that alley. I was walking down and he was attacking me, thinking I was after him and his family. I defended myself, but in doing so, killed him. His son, I think, was John. I have no idea where he is now, though."

Josef stood from where he was sitting and said, "I know how to find him." He then picked up his cell phone and walked away, talking into it.

Mick didn't hear him. Instead he got up and got in his clothes, thinking the whole time about the dream.

Then he heard, Will you quit thinking so loud, I'm trying to talk here! from Josef. Mick smiled to himself and continued thinking, only "quieter."

He was so busy with thinking, he didn't even notice someone new in the room…

…………………………………………………………..

Josef paced, waiting impatiently for his contact to get all information on John Fluget. He was not happy at the outcome, however.

"Nothing, sir."

"Absolutely nothing? Not even a pesky crime?"

"Negative."

Josef cursed under his breath, and then said, "There are other ways. Call you later." Then he hung up. Suddenly he stopped. Sniffed. He knew that scent, unmistakable. Another vampire. Not Mick, but someone else. His head twitched towards Mick's room and knew that Mick could be in trouble.

He took a step forward when he was thrown backwards by an invisible force.

He muttered under his breath that whoever broke into his house was going to pay big time.

He claimed that was his reason.

…………………………………………………………

Mick landed with a thud when a kick was thrown at his chest. He shook his head to clear it and saw someone jump on top of him. He had silver in his hand. Not good.

What made it worse was the stranger hit Mick with the silver on his shoulder. Mick yelled in pain, clutching his shoulder with one arm.

He rolled away just enough to miss the other silver stake, which was aimed for his head. The stranger grabbed Mick's shoulder, turned him back on his back, and tried again.

This is it. It's done for. He got what he wanted. Mick thought to himself.

Open your eyes, Mick! Oh ye of little faith, I have him. Otherwise, he would have had the silver through your heart and you would be dead. Josef thought back.

Mick opened his eyes and saw Josef had thrown the stranger, THROWN, out the window.

Mick slowly got up and flinched as he moved his shoulder. Josef went over to his friend in concern, only to be glared at.

"I'm fine, Josef. Just a little pain." Mick went back to his cradling, and Josef growled.

Mick looked up in surprise.

"No, you're not fine. Now, do we have to go through this again? I am going to look at that wound!" Josef could be stubborn when he wanted to be and he sure felt like it now.

Mick grunted in defeat, and took off his jacket, revealing a harsh and deep cut. Josef pt both hands around it gently and concentrated. "Yes, my friend, it will get infected."

Crap. Infected really bad, I'm afraid. Got to get new supplies. Josef thought, forgetting once again about the link.

"So what are we waiting for?" Mick asked, with a sparkle in his eye.

Josef shook his head and looked at Mick, saying, "What? I didn't say anything."

"I can hear your thoughts, remember?" Mick laughed.

………………………………………..

They just got out of the store and headed home. Josef turned to Mick and said, "So, was that guy that attacked you the one we were looking for?"

Mick looked at Josef and said, "I don't know."

"Why not?"

Mick rolled his eyes. "Maybe because he was a kid back then?"

Josef snorted. "Well then next time, we need to get his license, don't we?"

Mick was about to say more when a car veered right into their path and slammed on the breaks.

The last thing he remembered was Josef yelling, "Mick! Mick! Stay with me!"

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Ooh a cliffie! 1 review is 1 update.