Chapter 48 – Open Mouth, Insert Foot
The moon was high, illuminating the landscape with its eerie pale light. All was quiet and still outside of Virgil and Allie's quaint cottage. Too quiet. Alex turned away from peering out the front window and carefully closed the curtain. As the hours ticked by she was becoming more and more nervous. Where are you now Malachi and what are you thinking?
She pulled her wristwatch out of her pants pocket and noted the time. It was getting late and she really should head back to the hotel to check on Angel and Spike. She also needed to get some more rest. The fatigue of the evening was taking its toll on her. She was sure if she stopped talking for five minutes she'd fall sound asleep.
They had been conversing for hours, but her friends were still too excited from all that she had told them this evening to let her leave. The items in her bag seemed to hold the most interest. She finally gave up trying to conceal most of the contents from them and had openly handed over the bag to Wyatt to explore. For the last hour they've been playing a kind of question and answer game, with her doing all the answering.
She leaned back against the window frame and watched them examine each item with care. It really was extraordinary how excited they were about some of the most ordinary things she always toted around. Everything from her fighting weapons to her flashlight was now on display and openly discussed. Watching them made her realize how much she had taken modern mechanics for granted.
Wearily, she tilted her head back until it rested against the window frame and closed her eyes. Blessed relief was immediately felt in her hot, tired eyes followed by a warm floating sensation in her body. She knew it was entirely possible she could fall asleep standing up. She couldn't help but silently laugh at the thought. Wouldn't Doc be in a state if I just tipped over and fell to the floor? She shook off her fatigue before she really did fall asleep and raised her head in time to see the object of her affection return from the kitchen with her toothbrush proudly held in one hand.
"Well," she inquired, "what's the verdict?
He smiled and waved the brush and toothpaste tube at her. "I'm keeping this." He stated firmly.
Her lips twitched at the corners as she worked hard to contain her amusement. "Why am I not surprised? So, does your mouth feel any cleaner then usual?" She asked as he stepped in close.
"Why don't you tell me?" He uttered in a sensual whisper right before he closed his lips over hers and kissed her.
Several moments later when he finally raised his head she gave him an over dramatized look of amazement. "Oh my! Definitely, much, much, much better."
He raised one eyebrow at her dry humor. "Don't get too carried away, darlin. You might want to use it next."
She moved to lightly punch his arm, which he easily block as he beamed at her. "Well, now that we're sharing a toothbrush I suppose we'll just have to get married." She lightly quipped.
The gaiety of the moment quickly faded when Doc gave her a firm look, grabbed her hand and pulled her back to the sofa. "If only it were that easy." He mumbled dryly.
"Alex, I'm dying to know about this small device with all the numbers. What does it do?" Morgan asked.
Alex smiled and reached for the cell phone Morgan held. "Tonight is kind of like Christmas, right Morgan?" She held the cell phone up for the others to see. "Everyone has one of these. It's the best little invention ever. It's a personal communication device called a cell phone. In my time I can call anyone anywhere throughout the world." She turned the phone on and handed it back to Morgan who held it like it was going to bite him any minute as he looked with wonder at the now illuminated screen and hot blue buttons.
"You don't really mean you can talk to people in the next state or the next country?"
"Not only the next state Morgan, but I can call Rome or China if I choose. Or I can call my girlfriend and ask if she wants to go to dinner. Oh, it can also play music."
"Music?" Morgan narrowed his eyes with suspicion as he glanced at the small device sitting in the palm of his hand. "Are you teasing me, Alex?"
Alex met his scrutinizing gaze with a slight shake of her head. "Honest Morgan, it can really play music." She reached for the phone again, pushed a few buttons, and suddenly a tune began to play and a man began to sing.
Hey girl what ya doin' down there Oh, my darling
Dancin' alone every night while I live right above you?
I can hear your music playin'
I can feel your body swayin'
One floor below me you don't even know me
I love you
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me
Twice on the pipe if the answer is no
Oh, my sweetness
(knock, knock, knock) Means you'll meet me in the hallway
Twice on the pipe means you ain't gonna show
Morgan squealed with delight and leaned in closer to get a better look. "I can't believe it. How does it work?" Virgil and Wyatt were not as thrilled as their brother. They continued to exchange wary glances with one another clearly intimidated by the futuristic device before them, but Allie seemed to share Morgan's enthusiasm as she leaned in to get a better look.
Alex passed Morgan the device to hold and watched with wonder has he carefully inspected every detail of the cell phone before passing it to Allie. "It's a recording of a song." She explained. "Stored on something called a microchip inside the phone." Of course he still looked confused and she didn't really expect him to understand the mechanics, which was a blessing, because she herself had only an elementary understanding of how the phone worked. "In a few years there will be something called a radio that will pick up music carried over the air from antenna to antenna. Then you will be able to hear a song sung from a stage in New York in the privacy of your living room. But that won't happen for a few years yet. Actually, I believe the telephone is just starting to make an appearance now." She looked toward Doc for confirmation. When he nodded she turned back to Morgan.
"What else do you want to know?"
"What about the gun and ammunition Doc saw you use?" Wyatt asked.
She reached over for her vest and pulled free her handgun. "Semi-automatic. The ammunition clip inserts here." She pressed a button and the clip fell out of the gun. "You can fill up the clip again and insert it. I always carry an extra clip or two." She handed the gun to Wyatt butt end first. "Be careful there's a round in the chamber."
"I hope you can learn to shoot as well as you cook Alexis." Doc teased.
"I shoot just fine, Mr. Holliday and any time you want to test that theory I'll be glad to give you a demonstration."
"What happened the other night then?"
"I was a little worked up. It was my first sighting of Malachi since my arrival, and to top that off he was coming out of your room. I managed to hit him with a dart and if he hadn't stumbled I would have struck him in the back with the third dart I tossed. By the way, you interrupted my chase that night, but I'm very glad you didn't shoot at me as I suspect you wanted to."
"Your power of deduction is sound. I almost did, but by then your alias was showing and Wyatt had already formed a strong theory about your reasons for being in town. Since I strongly suspected it was you under that black cloak I decided not to shoot."
He looked away from her as he fingered her toothbrush and toothpaste. Alex got the impression he was remembering what they had spoken about that evening. Finally, he looked up at her and the level of emotion displayed in his eyes confirmed her suspicions. "You really had me fooled that evening Alex, but I guess I don't have to wonder why you created such elaborate lies. Obviously, the truth would have been more disturbing then the fantasy."
She laid her hand on the small of his back hoping the subtle contact would sooth his injured pride. "I was very glad Angel was able to convince you to switch hotels. If anything had happened to you I'd never be able to live with the guilt."
"What a team you two make," he replied in a cool tone as he looked away and began to fill his whiskey glass again, "and how easily you manipulated me."
"Doc, it's not what you think…" She started to explain but he quickly cut her off.
"Wyatt, why don't you tell her how you unraveled her mystery?"
She continued to stare at Doc hoping he would give her an opening to explain herself, but he avoided her gaze as he proceeded to roll cigarette. Gently, she caressed his back, praying that physical contact would speak louder than words, then she looked toward Wyatt. "How did you figure it out, Wyatt?"
His blue eyes crinkled and turned upward at the edges as he smiled. "You forgot to change your shoes the night Doc took sick. When I saw your black boots I added up a couple of other things, like your size for instance, which allowed you to hide behind Ike that night. Throw in the fact that you disappeared right after we left for the Clanton ranch…."
"That was a very risky thing to do, Wyatt." She scolded.
Wyatt continued, unfazed by her interruption. "…and that your arrival in town was timed with the first appearance of the figure in black. I guess my theories are solid ones."
She sighed loudly with fatigue. "Well, now that my hand is showing, I suppose I don't need to sneak around anymore."
Wyatt nodded in agreement. "What's next on your agenda, Alex?"
"Hmm, that depends on what Angel and Spike discover tonight. Until then we wait for reinforcements."
"What reinforcements?" Virgil asked with obvious interest. "Do the Guardians have a cavalry to come storming to our rescue?"
"Actually, Virgil, they do. And with a little luck they'll be here in a day or two."
"You called for help?" Morgan asked.
She nodded. "I asked Father Martin to let the Guardians know we have a situation here that needs immediate assistance."
Virgil looked at Wyatt and then turned back to Alex. "How many are you expecting?"
"I asked for a dozen or more. Hopefully it will be more. Until they get here I want you to declare a seven o'clock curfew in town. I'd like to see as few people on the streets after dark as possible."
"Curfew hell!" Virgil snapped. "How the hell do we defend ourselves against these things, Alex?"
"You don't. That's my job." She replied firmly. "Once the sun sets you get your family and friends inside. The boundary I placed around your house should protect you, and they can't get inside unless they're invited. So, don't let anyone in after dark. Friend or foe, it they can't walk through those doors without being asked then close the door on them. After dark you won't able to tell who is a vampire and who isn't. So don't try."
"Boundary? Do you mean the lavender and sage?" Doc butted in much to Virgil's annoyance.
"The very same. I dusted your room, Wyatt's and the outside of both Virgil's house and Morgan's. Please, stay inside at night."
Her confession seemed to unnerve him for a moment. Doc turned to Wyatt to gage his reaction before turning back to Alex. "How do the herbs prevent them from entering."
"The herbs are considered to be pure. They've been used for centuries in blessings, baptisms, and burials. They're crushed and made into incense to fragrant the air during mass. Why those two herbs combined form such a strong protection is a mystery, but some theological scholars believe they were used to anoint the body of Christ. I used the herb and a strong protection spell. I doubt you'll be disturbed. They can't enter your home unless you invite them in. Fire, sunlight, and holy relics will hurt them maybe even kill them. Decapitation and a wooden stake through the heart will definitely kill them. Shoot them and you'll only piss them off."
"We discovered that for ourselves last night, Alex." Doc added in a somewhat irritated tone. "What about Fly's, Malachi got in there?"
"Rooming houses and hotels have an invite sign on the front door, welcoming the undead inside. I tried to get access to your room earlier, but you made things very difficult, Doc." Within seconds she realized her mistake – she had said too much. Open mouth and insert foot.
As he looked back at her his eyes suddenly narrowed and lit with fire from within. "I don't fucking believe it!" He jumped up from the sofa and turned to tower over her as he vented his anger.
"Doc, it's not what you think." She stammered.
"Not what I think, Alex? Why you conniving little whore. I believe you think faster on your feet than Kate does." He leaned down, grabbed her by the arms and hauled her to her feet. "Did I foul up your plans by being at home when you called? Let me guess… if I hadn't answered the damn door, you would have let yourself in, performed your little task and left? I'm I right?"
"Yes." She answered so softly only Doc heard her. He let her go by pushing her back onto the sofa. "Tell me Alex, how much do you miss me now?"
"I meant every word I said, you knucklehead, and don't you think for a moment I didn't." Doc's violent movements had brought Virgil to his feet, but Allie wisely restrained him by holding tight to the sleeve of his shirt.
Doc scoffed loudly and turned away as he tried to compose his temper. He rubbed his hand over his forehead as if the sour conversation had suddenly given him a headache. "God, what a damn fool I've been." He said with his back still turned. "You've done nothing but lie to me from the beginning. At every opportunity you've lied." He spun around and Alex could tell from the heat in his eyes he was still in a rage. "Even in my bed! You fucked me and lied to me at the same time!"
A noise from the rear of the cottage told Alex that Doc's shouts of rage had disturbed Louisa and Josie. They hovered in the doorway afraid of walking into the middle of the argument. Doc glanced briefly in their direction before he stalked over to where his coat and hat lay.
"Not even Kate was this cruel." He cried as he punched his arms through the sleeves of his coat.
Just as soon as he reached for his coat Alex jumped to her feet. "Please John, let me explain. Things are not as they seem."
"You've done enough explaining tonight, my dear. I've heard all that I can bear." He placed his hat on his head and then checked his weapon.
"Where are you going?" She asked as she grabbed his arm.
He threw off her hold and moved to the door. "I'm going back to the hotel to get good and drunk."
Quickly, she blocked his path and placed both hand on his shoulders. "Not alone you're not."
His hand snaked out to grab her by the throat as he pushed her away. "Well, I'm certainly not going with you."
She let him push her not wanting to make the situation any worse by getting physical with him. Carefully she kept her distance as she talked in a calm steady voice. "Don't be stupid. Malachi has tried to kill you twice. I'm not letting you out of my sight."
He issued a cold cynical laugh. "Not a chance Alex. You're not welcome in my bed anymore. Go find some other fool to fuck around with." Then he turned and walked out the door.
Wyatt was instantly behind him. "Doc, she's right. Stay here with us. There's safety in numbers. Wait until the sun's up before you go out into the streets."
Doc stopped walking but didn't turn around to face his friend. Wyatt heard him exhale loudly. "I know she's right, Wyatt. But at the moment, I'm too damn angry to stay in the same room with her. Besides, I can take care of myself. I don't need a woman to protect me." Then he continued on his march back to the hotel. Within moments Wyatt lost all sight of his form as it blended with the evening shadows. He turned back to the open door and found Alex fully dressed with her bag over her shoulder.
"I'll make sure he gets home safe. Come see me after the sun's up. We'll continue our talk then."
He nodded once and watched her disappear exactly as Doc had.
By the time Doc was just a few blocks from the hotel he was more hurt than angry. He had truly believed she cared for him. How foolish he had been. It had all been part of her job. She hadn't really been harboring romantic feelings for him, she had just been protecting him and he fell for her like a schoolboy. He issued a bitter laugh. He had even proposed marriage. What a fool and what a fool's dream.
A small sound to his right stirred him from his thoughts. He turned to look toward the dark alleyway but all he saw were shadows. Alex, he thought. Of course, she's following me. Well, he wouldn't make the job too hard for her. He reached into his pocket for his tobacco and began to roll a smoke. When he flicked his thumbnail across the match head he heard the sound again. Angrily he tossed the match to the ground. "Come out where I can see you Alex!" There was a small scoffing noise followed by a short laugh.
Doc quickly shifted his weight as he threw open his coat and rested his hand on his gun. "Alex, I mean it." He threatened but with less conviction this time. Somehow he was feeling that whoever was watching him was not Alex. He waited a moment more before he turned away. He had only walked two or three paces before he was attacked.
The weight of his attacker told him immediately it wasn't Alex. He was knocked face first to the ground. When his gun went flying from his hand he began to feel the first trembling of fear, but his attacker didn't give him much time for that emotion to take hold in his heart. His head was immediately pulled back exposing a large portion of his neck. From the corner of his vision Doc saw the demon's face.
"Not Alex." It giggled. "Name's George."
Doc jerked back his elbow, landing a solid blow to the demon's gut, knocking his attacker backward. Then he turned, and rolled to his feet. His gun was too far from his reach and would do him little good against the creature standing before him. Instead, he reached behind his back for the long blade that had been a constant friend since his departure from Georgia. He pulled the knife free of the sheaf and when the demon came at him again he was ready. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, George. My name's Doc Holliday."
Rather than slashing his opponent in a sideways motion, Doc's hand shot straight out, taking the vampire by surprise. The razor sharp blade sank into the demon's neck like hot metal passing through warm butter until the tip emerged out the other side. Doc jerked his arm to the left and George gurgled loudly as blood poured from his mouth. Then he jerked his arm to the right and George went 'poof'. An auspicious breeze blew and carried what was left of George into the night air.
Doc would have been very pleased with his victory if it hadn't been for the other two vampires now flanking his right. "That gentlemen," he declared as he switched the knife to his left hand and pulled out his other gun, "was poor George. Would you care to join him?"
They came at him so fast he barely had time to step to one side before he pivoted on his heel and readied himself for another attack. Alex, I'll never be able to tell you how sorry I am, he thought as the vampires separated and began to circle around him.
Song lyrics taken from "Knock Three Times" by Tony Orlando & Dawn. Written by Brown/Levine.
A/N - Well, I was finally able to get this posted. Sorry for the delay. I'm not sure if I'll get another one up before Christmas, so I want to wish each of you all the best for the holiday. Peace, Happiness, Love!!
As always, thanks for reading and please leave me a review.
