You Promised Forever XXI
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Chapter 21
"So, do you plan to strike first?" Beth asked curiously. She knew how deeply reluctant Mick was to kill anyone. His determination to begin this war on HEM surprised her.
"I want you safe. If I thought this Santiago character could be reasoned with I would handle it differently. I'm afraid that telling him to leave us alone won't work. Ryder's research paints him as more ruthless than Tejada and a lot smarter," Mick said grimly. "As much as I hate killing, there is a certain element I'll make an exception for. Santiago, Tejada and others like them do not value human life they only look to profit off it."
Beth left the couch and hurried over to him, hugging him tightly.
"I wish we could point that out to the Sentinels. Their definition of what is a threat to humanity is completely wrong. The human species holds a fair number of monsters as well," she said with a sigh.
"Too bad they won't listen," Mick replied and kissed her forehead. He smiled at her and changed the subject. "What would you say to going over to visit Kira's club later tonight? I would rather you were with her than sitting alone here, even with my security system."
"Won't Ben and Carl become suspicious if Santiago ends up dead the same day that we report a threat against me? Shouldn't we let some time pass and create a plan that either looks like self-defense or doesn't expose us at all?" Beth asked in concern. She didn't want Mick arrested for murder, even if Santiago deserved it. It was vital that they come up with a foolproof plan.
"I'm only planning on doing some recon tonight. I promise I won't act foolishly. I have no intention of doing anything stupid and getting arrested," he assured her lightly. He smiled but quickly faded when she didn't respond. "Honest Beth, I'm not so careless that I'd kill without a cover story. I just want to see this man and learn more about him. Josef also warned me about not making the news, several times."
"He's right and he is an expert at maintaining vampire secrecy." She hugged him again and then went to get a drink of water. "I know you want to keep me safe but I don't want you risking your secret because of it. You know, this could all work out if Coraline fixes this mess on her own." She took a drink and then smiled at him. "And yes…..I would love to spend the evening with Kira."
"Maybe I should warn Coraline about the police interest, she could compromise our secret," Mick said thoughtfully.
"Let her worry about herself. She has Cynthia to control her," Beth said bitterly, then bit her lower lip, looking remorseful. "I'm sorry, I thought I was past the anger."
"It's okay," Mick smiled. "I have those moments myself. I worry about her acting with no thought for the community's safety. I'm not ready to leave LA just yet."
Beth beamed back at him.
"I'd rather not move either so I guess we'll play it by ear for now. Would you like to see what I've learned about Javier Santiago? We can compare it to what Ryder sent over," Beth said as she headed back to the couch. Mick went back to his office to collect the research of Ryder's that Josef had faxed over and joined her.
*ML*
Later that same day Ben Talbot sat at his desk, debating his next move. He had met with Carl Davis and learned far more about the HEM cartel than he had known before. Since Tejada disappeared and was presumed dead, the cartel's presence had grown but they had become harder to pin down. The anonymous tip they had just receive about Javier Santiago was the first solid lead the police had as to who was leading the cartel. They could now begin working on a plan to put HEM out of business.
Now he was faced with the problem of whether he should brief the Sentinels on this or keep quiet for a while longer. It was disquieting to find himself on the vampire's side in this instance but he couldn't see the justice in punishing the vamps if they destroyed this drug dealing cartel. Certain elements of humanity didn't deserve protection. Not wanting to end up on the bad side of his new associates, Ben decided to place a call to Charles Patterson's personal cellphone.
"Hello Ben, it's good to hear from you. Is this business or pleasure?" Charles greeted him warmly.
"I have a question for you Charles. In our duty to defend humanity, are there exceptions to that rule? Are there human groups that don't fall under our protection?" Ben said trying to keep things vague for now.
"Are you asking if we could let the vampires kill certain humans without retribution?" Charles asked curiously.
"Yes."
"Have you discovered such an action?"
"I deal with many nasty human beings who didn't deserve to walk the earth in my job. You have given me several of examples times where our leaders have turned a blind eye to our target's actions. In fact, just recently they've expressed no interest in making Kostan or St. John pay for the Carrington's deaths," Ben pointed out.
"Our leaders are not required to explain their decisions Ben," the older man said patiently. "Do you know something that will involve those creatures? Are there some humans in danger?"
"The police have been informed of the identity of the leader of a rather violent drug cartel whose murders include Josh Lindsey who was my friend and held this job before me. I know you are aware of how St. John tried to prevent Josh's death and he is most likely responsible for Tejada's disappearance as you have stated before. The group has again threatened Beth Turner's life. If more HEM members happen to die or disappear, would we feel the need to avenge them?"
There was a long pause before Patterson replied.
"I would have to explore that Ben. That is a very grey area and I would have to consult with our leadership."
"Charles, I want no part of defending a group of scum like HEM even if they are human. I took an oath to put their kind in prison. I'm afraid I would side with Kostan and St. John on this issue," Ben said heatedly.
"Calm down boy, as I said, this is a grey area. We have not made a habit of defending criminals, however vampires rarely fight crime so it hasn't been an issue very often. A threat to Ms Turner would put a different light on things," Charles said firmly.
"Beth being in danger is not the only reason to want this group shut down. If we are concerned with the safety of humanity then HEM is an organization that should not be allowed to exist. They are more dangerous than any of the vampires I've met," Ben declared.
A low chuckle came over the connection.
"Ben, I knew you would bring a breath of fresh air to our organization. You have made a valid point and I do agree that HEM is not worthy of our protection. I promise I will seek guidance on this subject. It is very possible that they will happily look the other way while the vampires remove HEM from our city," Charles acknowledged. "I have no personal objections to them doing so. Maybe these bloodsuckers can be useful at times, something our leaders should consider."
Ben let out a deep sigh.
"I don't enjoy playing games Charles. Some issues are not black and white. St. John may be a bloodsucker as you call him but his actions often protect the innocent and he seems to have a moral core. I'm on his side in this case."
"Be careful about falling under the spell of these creatures. St. John protects innocents when it suits his purpose but in the end he is still a monster who lives off our blood. When forced to choose, he will pick his tribe over humanity," Charles cautioned.
"I don't think you know him as well as you think you do," Ben said seriously. "I don't like him but there is more to St. John and the others than our leaders realize. They are more than the creatures you have declared them to be."
"Ben…..I'm warning you son, be very careful what side you choose. I would hate to see your promising career ruined. I will contact our leaders as to the HEM but you need to think long and hard about who you side with. Don't be foolish."
"I don't plan to shoot myself in the foot Charles," Ben said wearily. "Please look into this and get back to me. Just know that I won't be a closed minded follower, I have questions and an open mind."
"Just be cautious son, I've grown fond of you," Charles warned.
"I will sir," Ben promised and hung up.
Once again he 1questioned what his ambition had gotten him involved in. He didn't care for Mick St. John and the fact that vampires were not some horror movie myth disturbed him but he wasn't comfortable making generalizations about any person. The Sentinels tended to place all vampires into one very small group and that could prove dangerous in the long run. He was worried he was in over his head and his career could go up in smoke if this went wrong.
*ML*
Mick escorted Beth into Dusk to Dawn as night began to fall. The crowd was light, mostly human at that hour and a duo was playing the blues on stage. Eli noticed them and motioned them over to the bar.
"Kira is on the phone with a supplier, she'll be out in a moment. So Beth, it seems you will be hanging out here this evening. Would you like to request a song from the entertainment?" Eli asked with a smile.
"No thanks, I'm sure I'll like anything they play," Beth said hopping up on a stool. Mick took up a position at her back as he scanned the crowd protectively.
"Would you like some wine?" Eli asked and at Beth's nod he went to pour her a glass of her favorite label. He returned and placed it before her then looked at Mick. "It's safe here Mick. This place isn't frequented by the likes of HEM, they would stand out in this crowd. Tara has been checking on the customers and hasn't noticed anything unusual. Most of these people are regulars," he assured Mick.
"Glad to hear that," Mick acknowledged, knowing that Tara was a trusted employee and had an ability to read people. Her people skills usually generated generous tips for her and helped keep things calm with the mixed cliental in the bar. She saw Mick watching her and smiled reassuringly.
"Walking, talking lie detectors," Beth murmured before taking a sip of wine. She felt Mick's hand stroke her shoulder and looked back at him. "I'm not worried about me in here, you're the one who is going out looking for trouble."
"I can take care of myself and leaving you here makes me feel better," Mick replied. He squeezed her shoulder gently.
"Don't worry, he's not going out alone Blondie," Josef said coming down behind the bar. "I've decided someone needs to keep an eye on him." He looked prepared for action in black jeans, T-shirt and an expensive leather jacket.
"So you think you will be able to keep me out of trouble," Mick questioned with a laugh.
"I'm here to watch your back boyo….someone has to run interference with Coraline in the mix. She needs help remembering she is an ex," Josef said with a grin.
End chapter.
So we are reaching the end of this with a few complications in the mix. I'm with Ben on this situation, the Sentinels would be fools to protect HEM. Please share your thoughts. Thanks for reading.