Friends
**
Frank peered at the blue waters while his partner chatted with the witness. Another body in the water, he shook his head and gazed at his reflection. What was the city coming to? He went back to the edge of the dock where the witness had first said he saw the body. Scorch marks outlined the vague shape of a body followed by a broken chunk of the dock. The crime scene guys had said there were skin cells on the wood and hopefully they would match the body. Maybe they would give them a clue as to the motive or the cause of death.
"Well Frank?" His partner strolled up and peered at the scorch marks. " The man says the body was already on fire when it 'leaped like a frog' into the water." Sonny flipped his notebook closed while he rolled his eyes. " What do you make of it?"
"Looks like who ever did it, torched the victim and then tossed them into the water. Why would the guy say it jumped?"
Sonny shrugged " Let's go see what the good doctor knows."
Frank gazed at the black bag that held the partially burned corpse of a young woman. From the wallet she had on her, she lived in small town a few hours from here. Went by the name Ember Claremont and was 22 years old. Her picture had been a good one and she had been pretty before her face had been burnt.
"So much for the continued boom of tourism." Frank muttered as he looked away from the bag. " What can you tell us doc?" He asked the resident Medical Examiner.
She was a pretty woman with short dark hair and clear blue eyes. " Body shows signs of dehydration and starvation. Judging from the finger nails they were suffering from malnutrition and had some kind of blood poisoning. But I won't know the details until I do the autopsy."
"Thanks." Frank went back to Sonny who was reviewing his notes. " The doc says she had some kind of blood poisoning."
Sonny glanced at his partner, " Frank what if I said I knew what this was?"
Frank leaned against his car, " I'd ask if this was Kindred related?"
"If I said it was?" Sonny watched as they wheeled the body into to the waiting van. "Come with me for a second."
Sonny pushed away from the car and began to walk down the boardwalk. His pace was slow and he looked to be searching for clues. Frank followed after a moment's hesitation. They walked until well out of earshot and eyesight of anyone around.
"In the mid 1700's a radical group of Kindred decided to invent a more natural way to increase our numbers. They kidnapped twenty pregnant women from small towns, they were all at different stages when the testing began. The Kindred partially converted the women days before they were scheduled to give birth. Out of the twenty subjects only three had children that survived. In the late 1990's they escaped from their prison and scattered through out Europe and the United States. We found the two in Europe, they had gone insane and were killing too openly." Sonny paused and glanced at his partner.
"So what?" Frank shrugged, " You think the one in the States is killing our tourists?"
Sonny shook his head. " I think that body is our third." He pulled in a breath. " Under normal circumstances I wouldn't mention it. Except that Julian is very concerned about what this is doing to the Masquerade."
"Why?"
"Too many people are dying Frank. Just last night a gunman opened fire on Lilly's Haven. Julian's niece was nearly injured in the attack." Sonny studied the dock intently as he sighed. "I know you don't like us Frank, but you are a part of our world. There is a good chance that who ever is killing us will come after you."
"You just said that the body we pulled out just now was our- I mean- your third escapee. How can I be in danger?"
"The killer wasn't stopped Frank, as we were transporting the guy he woke up and escaped. Killing three of my clan in the process." Sonny paused as he stared at the rippling blue water. " Just be careful is all I am saying."
"So you don't think this body is going to pop back to life?" Frank found it irritating that Sonny wouldn't look at him.
"They were extremely resistant to normal means of...execution. It is possible that the girl will come back, but I wouldn't count on it. The sun got her pretty good Frank." Sonny finally met his partner's eyes. " I just wanted you to be aware of what was happening."
**
Time had become a useless tool by which to judge the days. For once Sasha didn't have to worry about getting up in time for school or a job. There was nothing to do but lay around and doze. There were times when she compared herself to a lioness. Strong and beautiful, the real power in the pride, the one who did the work, but was always under the rule of a male. If not Eddie then it was Cameron, and if not him then someone close to him. Then there was uncle Julian to think about. No doubt that she was angry at him, she had every reason to be angry at him. Look what he had done to her! Sasha sat up and glared at her reflection in the mirror. Yes, she thought, look at what he has done. He's made you immortal, forever young and strong. If not for him then you would have aged by now.
Pushing off the bed, she went to her door and opened it. Half expecting to hear Cash or one of her Brujah companions. But there was no one. She wasn't even in the city right now. Shrugging on her coat she left the room and ventured down the hall. The fine carpet had long since faded into gray and brown. Gilt wallpaper had given way to water stains and mold. Crystal lighting was now bare bulbs. The floorboards moaned as she walked lightly down the stairs to the once grand lobby. Here the floor was cracked and had weeds springing up, dust lay thick in the furniture. Even the desk that had once gleamed in the lights now sat dark and cold in the corner.
Sasha paused as she crossed the lobby, keeping a weary eye on the dark interior of the dinning room. Crossing it without incident she stepped outside and paused at the face slapping effect of fresh air. Breathing in the warm scented air she made her way along the abandoned walkway. Dark shops with broken eyes sat glaring at her as she walked quickly. Dim streetlights flickered off and on sending chaotic light patterns across her path. Instinct made her huddle inside her coat as she walked toward the brighter parts of town.
Setting foot on the real concrete and hearing the rush and noise of a busy tavern, jarred her back into reality. The darkness she had left was so quiet compared to this jingle-jangle of lights and sound. It was as if the people knew what could come out of the dark and tried to ward it off. Peering around the corner she saw the main 'fun stop' in town and the local store just down from that. Across from her was the barber shop, postal outlet, arcade and hardware. It truly was a small town from the Old West. Just like the people. In the city they spoke fast and loud with the understanding that you would not question them. Here it was slow, easy and comfortable. Too bad she was here on a personal mission. Or else she could have enjoyed the small town feel. Instead it was beginning to bother her, a lot.
Stepping out Sasha hurried to the windows of the Tavern, chances were good her query wasn't there. Which they weren't. The people that came here weren't the type of people she had hung out with once upon a time. Turning away from the drinking and party, Sasha ran across the small Main Street, to the arcade. It was filled with young faces and would perhaps hold the one she was searching for. Peering in through the neon framed windows the vampire couldn't see a damn thing. Pulling in a breath, Sasha stepped into the arcade and steeled herself against the annoying space games, the pinball machine, the racing games and the overall noise of too many kids having a good time at once. Hunching up she charged her way through the masses and quickly searched faces. Going by the X-Men/ Spiderman crossover game, cutting by the Ultimate Dance Off with it's feet twisting patterns. It wasn't until she was near the entrance that she spotted the face. Serious and focused, their dark eyes narrowed as tension held their hands steady. Sasha felt herself smile as she took in the tiny frame that was deceptively strong and the mass of chestnut curls that framed a beautiful face. She had to shake her head a few times to clear it as he smiled and controlled the urge to cry out with joy. She had found her!
It was then that Sasha caught the tail end of her query going out the door. Damn! She cursed and took off. Her ears followed the sounds of their steps as they retreated into the darkness around the too bright Main Street. Excitement and fear went through Sasha in a battle to control her. The beast in her wanted the hunt while the human had to remind her what was at stake here. Running back into the dark Sasha paused a moment to listen and couldn't hear anything but her own breathing. Exerting will she stopped and heard only silence. Frustration boiled in her blood as she stood there and tried to find her target.
As she turned back to the main street there was a tingle for a second before she was knocked to the ground. Instinct and training rolled her back to her feet and into a fighting stance. The attacker was no where to be seen. Sasha searched the darkness with eyes that saw into the deepest of shadows. There was no one here. Cursing again she turned to head back to the light when the sensation came again. This time she followed it and jumped back just as a two-by-four came swinging for her head. Sasha followed the motion as her hands grabbed it and wrenched it from their hands. There was a cry of pain and the vampire tasted blood on the air. Tossing the wood aside Sasha scaled the wall with her toes and fingers, dropping onto the fire escape landing. Her prey was already running up the last few flights as Sasha took out after them. Amazingly the human stayed just ahead of her. As Sasha burst out onto the ceiling she stopped dead and blinked twice.
"Hey there," Came a laughing voice tinted with the drawl they all had here.
Sasha gaped at the grinning face of her former best friend and didn't understand entirely. "What the hell were you doing?"
"What?" The girl asked with a shrug, " I didn't know who you were and this is a small town. Everyone knows everyone, so when a stranger turns up I get a little jumpy."
Sasha tossed her curls, " Why is that?"
The girl crossed her arms, " Never you mind. What are you doing here City Mouse?"
The vampire grinned at the reference to her childhood name. "I need your help with something."
"Really?" The girl arched a brow, " It must be big if you come all the way from your city to here."
"It is." Sasha waved to the ground, " If it's not too much trouble this would be better discussed in my room."
The girl gave a regal wave with her arms, "Why of course."
**
Sasha pushed open the door of her hotel and didn't pause to look around. She went directly to her suitcase and settled it on the bed. Zipping it open she pulled out the false bottom and tossed the package to the girl.
"Read it and tell me what you think." Sasha ordered as she quickly began to pack her things. With the query found she didn't need to stay here any longer.
The girl sat on the edge of the bed and looked through the photos and pages. Occasionally she would pause and then continue with a solemn look on her face. She finished and tossed the package into Sasha's suitcase. The Brujah looked up and eyed her friend for a long time.
"Well?" She asked finally.
"That is some serious trouble you got there. That being said I don't know how I can help you."
Sasha frowned, " Ember, you are the best."
"Correction I was the best, I quit years ago Sasha and no offence, but I am not keen on helping you, period."
"Why the hell not!?!" Sasha knew the answer but wanted to hear her say it.
"You know why." Ember stood up and moved to the door. "Sorry you wasted your time City Mouse."
The sharp snap of the door as it closed sounded all too familiar to her. Too much of the past and too much of the present. People kept leaving her, they kept walking away from her. Sasha stuffed the last of her clothes into the case and headed down to the back of the hotel. Her bike sat unmolested on the street corner. Swinging on she glared at the instrument panel and up at the hotel. Now came the tricky part; explaining her prolonged absence to Uncle Julian.
**
Frank peered at the blue waters while his partner chatted with the witness. Another body in the water, he shook his head and gazed at his reflection. What was the city coming to? He went back to the edge of the dock where the witness had first said he saw the body. Scorch marks outlined the vague shape of a body followed by a broken chunk of the dock. The crime scene guys had said there were skin cells on the wood and hopefully they would match the body. Maybe they would give them a clue as to the motive or the cause of death.
"Well Frank?" His partner strolled up and peered at the scorch marks. " The man says the body was already on fire when it 'leaped like a frog' into the water." Sonny flipped his notebook closed while he rolled his eyes. " What do you make of it?"
"Looks like who ever did it, torched the victim and then tossed them into the water. Why would the guy say it jumped?"
Sonny shrugged " Let's go see what the good doctor knows."
Frank gazed at the black bag that held the partially burned corpse of a young woman. From the wallet she had on her, she lived in small town a few hours from here. Went by the name Ember Claremont and was 22 years old. Her picture had been a good one and she had been pretty before her face had been burnt.
"So much for the continued boom of tourism." Frank muttered as he looked away from the bag. " What can you tell us doc?" He asked the resident Medical Examiner.
She was a pretty woman with short dark hair and clear blue eyes. " Body shows signs of dehydration and starvation. Judging from the finger nails they were suffering from malnutrition and had some kind of blood poisoning. But I won't know the details until I do the autopsy."
"Thanks." Frank went back to Sonny who was reviewing his notes. " The doc says she had some kind of blood poisoning."
Sonny glanced at his partner, " Frank what if I said I knew what this was?"
Frank leaned against his car, " I'd ask if this was Kindred related?"
"If I said it was?" Sonny watched as they wheeled the body into to the waiting van. "Come with me for a second."
Sonny pushed away from the car and began to walk down the boardwalk. His pace was slow and he looked to be searching for clues. Frank followed after a moment's hesitation. They walked until well out of earshot and eyesight of anyone around.
"In the mid 1700's a radical group of Kindred decided to invent a more natural way to increase our numbers. They kidnapped twenty pregnant women from small towns, they were all at different stages when the testing began. The Kindred partially converted the women days before they were scheduled to give birth. Out of the twenty subjects only three had children that survived. In the late 1990's they escaped from their prison and scattered through out Europe and the United States. We found the two in Europe, they had gone insane and were killing too openly." Sonny paused and glanced at his partner.
"So what?" Frank shrugged, " You think the one in the States is killing our tourists?"
Sonny shook his head. " I think that body is our third." He pulled in a breath. " Under normal circumstances I wouldn't mention it. Except that Julian is very concerned about what this is doing to the Masquerade."
"Why?"
"Too many people are dying Frank. Just last night a gunman opened fire on Lilly's Haven. Julian's niece was nearly injured in the attack." Sonny studied the dock intently as he sighed. "I know you don't like us Frank, but you are a part of our world. There is a good chance that who ever is killing us will come after you."
"You just said that the body we pulled out just now was our- I mean- your third escapee. How can I be in danger?"
"The killer wasn't stopped Frank, as we were transporting the guy he woke up and escaped. Killing three of my clan in the process." Sonny paused as he stared at the rippling blue water. " Just be careful is all I am saying."
"So you don't think this body is going to pop back to life?" Frank found it irritating that Sonny wouldn't look at him.
"They were extremely resistant to normal means of...execution. It is possible that the girl will come back, but I wouldn't count on it. The sun got her pretty good Frank." Sonny finally met his partner's eyes. " I just wanted you to be aware of what was happening."
**
Time had become a useless tool by which to judge the days. For once Sasha didn't have to worry about getting up in time for school or a job. There was nothing to do but lay around and doze. There were times when she compared herself to a lioness. Strong and beautiful, the real power in the pride, the one who did the work, but was always under the rule of a male. If not Eddie then it was Cameron, and if not him then someone close to him. Then there was uncle Julian to think about. No doubt that she was angry at him, she had every reason to be angry at him. Look what he had done to her! Sasha sat up and glared at her reflection in the mirror. Yes, she thought, look at what he has done. He's made you immortal, forever young and strong. If not for him then you would have aged by now.
Pushing off the bed, she went to her door and opened it. Half expecting to hear Cash or one of her Brujah companions. But there was no one. She wasn't even in the city right now. Shrugging on her coat she left the room and ventured down the hall. The fine carpet had long since faded into gray and brown. Gilt wallpaper had given way to water stains and mold. Crystal lighting was now bare bulbs. The floorboards moaned as she walked lightly down the stairs to the once grand lobby. Here the floor was cracked and had weeds springing up, dust lay thick in the furniture. Even the desk that had once gleamed in the lights now sat dark and cold in the corner.
Sasha paused as she crossed the lobby, keeping a weary eye on the dark interior of the dinning room. Crossing it without incident she stepped outside and paused at the face slapping effect of fresh air. Breathing in the warm scented air she made her way along the abandoned walkway. Dark shops with broken eyes sat glaring at her as she walked quickly. Dim streetlights flickered off and on sending chaotic light patterns across her path. Instinct made her huddle inside her coat as she walked toward the brighter parts of town.
Setting foot on the real concrete and hearing the rush and noise of a busy tavern, jarred her back into reality. The darkness she had left was so quiet compared to this jingle-jangle of lights and sound. It was as if the people knew what could come out of the dark and tried to ward it off. Peering around the corner she saw the main 'fun stop' in town and the local store just down from that. Across from her was the barber shop, postal outlet, arcade and hardware. It truly was a small town from the Old West. Just like the people. In the city they spoke fast and loud with the understanding that you would not question them. Here it was slow, easy and comfortable. Too bad she was here on a personal mission. Or else she could have enjoyed the small town feel. Instead it was beginning to bother her, a lot.
Stepping out Sasha hurried to the windows of the Tavern, chances were good her query wasn't there. Which they weren't. The people that came here weren't the type of people she had hung out with once upon a time. Turning away from the drinking and party, Sasha ran across the small Main Street, to the arcade. It was filled with young faces and would perhaps hold the one she was searching for. Peering in through the neon framed windows the vampire couldn't see a damn thing. Pulling in a breath, Sasha stepped into the arcade and steeled herself against the annoying space games, the pinball machine, the racing games and the overall noise of too many kids having a good time at once. Hunching up she charged her way through the masses and quickly searched faces. Going by the X-Men/ Spiderman crossover game, cutting by the Ultimate Dance Off with it's feet twisting patterns. It wasn't until she was near the entrance that she spotted the face. Serious and focused, their dark eyes narrowed as tension held their hands steady. Sasha felt herself smile as she took in the tiny frame that was deceptively strong and the mass of chestnut curls that framed a beautiful face. She had to shake her head a few times to clear it as he smiled and controlled the urge to cry out with joy. She had found her!
It was then that Sasha caught the tail end of her query going out the door. Damn! She cursed and took off. Her ears followed the sounds of their steps as they retreated into the darkness around the too bright Main Street. Excitement and fear went through Sasha in a battle to control her. The beast in her wanted the hunt while the human had to remind her what was at stake here. Running back into the dark Sasha paused a moment to listen and couldn't hear anything but her own breathing. Exerting will she stopped and heard only silence. Frustration boiled in her blood as she stood there and tried to find her target.
As she turned back to the main street there was a tingle for a second before she was knocked to the ground. Instinct and training rolled her back to her feet and into a fighting stance. The attacker was no where to be seen. Sasha searched the darkness with eyes that saw into the deepest of shadows. There was no one here. Cursing again she turned to head back to the light when the sensation came again. This time she followed it and jumped back just as a two-by-four came swinging for her head. Sasha followed the motion as her hands grabbed it and wrenched it from their hands. There was a cry of pain and the vampire tasted blood on the air. Tossing the wood aside Sasha scaled the wall with her toes and fingers, dropping onto the fire escape landing. Her prey was already running up the last few flights as Sasha took out after them. Amazingly the human stayed just ahead of her. As Sasha burst out onto the ceiling she stopped dead and blinked twice.
"Hey there," Came a laughing voice tinted with the drawl they all had here.
Sasha gaped at the grinning face of her former best friend and didn't understand entirely. "What the hell were you doing?"
"What?" The girl asked with a shrug, " I didn't know who you were and this is a small town. Everyone knows everyone, so when a stranger turns up I get a little jumpy."
Sasha tossed her curls, " Why is that?"
The girl crossed her arms, " Never you mind. What are you doing here City Mouse?"
The vampire grinned at the reference to her childhood name. "I need your help with something."
"Really?" The girl arched a brow, " It must be big if you come all the way from your city to here."
"It is." Sasha waved to the ground, " If it's not too much trouble this would be better discussed in my room."
The girl gave a regal wave with her arms, "Why of course."
**
Sasha pushed open the door of her hotel and didn't pause to look around. She went directly to her suitcase and settled it on the bed. Zipping it open she pulled out the false bottom and tossed the package to the girl.
"Read it and tell me what you think." Sasha ordered as she quickly began to pack her things. With the query found she didn't need to stay here any longer.
The girl sat on the edge of the bed and looked through the photos and pages. Occasionally she would pause and then continue with a solemn look on her face. She finished and tossed the package into Sasha's suitcase. The Brujah looked up and eyed her friend for a long time.
"Well?" She asked finally.
"That is some serious trouble you got there. That being said I don't know how I can help you."
Sasha frowned, " Ember, you are the best."
"Correction I was the best, I quit years ago Sasha and no offence, but I am not keen on helping you, period."
"Why the hell not!?!" Sasha knew the answer but wanted to hear her say it.
"You know why." Ember stood up and moved to the door. "Sorry you wasted your time City Mouse."
The sharp snap of the door as it closed sounded all too familiar to her. Too much of the past and too much of the present. People kept leaving her, they kept walking away from her. Sasha stuffed the last of her clothes into the case and headed down to the back of the hotel. Her bike sat unmolested on the street corner. Swinging on she glared at the instrument panel and up at the hotel. Now came the tricky part; explaining her prolonged absence to Uncle Julian.