Chapter .7.
The Frogg family comic shop was securely closed and the trolleys of frayed comics tucked inside. Michael peered helplessly through the window.
"Damn." He cursed under his breath and looked up to the upstairs windows. "How are we going to get in?"
A sound like ripping metal tore through the air. Michael spun round to see the bars around the door torn away and Gabriel fiddling with the lock. He stood in awe for a minute until Gabriel skilfully smashed the glass pane and unlatched it from the inside.
"You're stronger than you look." Grinned Michael, following Gabriel through the door.
"You don't know the half of it…" Gabriel picked up a comic and studied the cover.
"How did you get the door open without triggering an alarm?"
Gabriel looked up and grinned knowingly, "Talent."
Michael sighed heavily and looked around. Gabriel came down the stairs, hand and sleeve over his mouth. It was quite dark outside now, probably midnight. Michael looked at Gabriel hopefully.
"Any sign of him?"
Gabriel shook his head. "But the other boys beds are empty…" He mumbled from under his sleeve. Michael frowned.
"What've you been up to?" He said suspiciously.
Gabriel looked at him innocently, eyes wide. "Who me?"
"Yes, you! Who else?" Michael raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.
Gabriel smiled sweetly, "Oh, nothing…" He wiped the last speck of red from his lips before moving out of Michael's sight.
Michael pursued him; "You bit them, didn't you? Didn't you?"
Gabriel's brow furrowed, "Why are you getting so worked up? They didn't feel a thing and I don't kill when I feed…"
Michael rubbed his eyes wearily. "So, Sam's missing and so are the Frogg brothers…It just doesn't seem right…"
Michael opened his eyes to the concerned face of Gabriel. "Maybe we should call it a night. You look exhausted…"
Michael shook his head. "I need to find my brother." He said firmly, "No matter what it takes. If David really has taken him, well…" He trailed off and looked at his feet. He didn't even want to think about what David could do, let alone tell Gabriel.
"I'm sorry Michael…" Whispered Gabriel, "I wish I could tell you where he is, but…" He stopped and looked apologetic.
Michael's eyes turned to steel and he looked up. "Oh yes, because you'll get into trouble. My little brother is going to die because you're afraid of getting your own neck cut."
Gabriel looked horrified. "It's not just that, Michael. The fate of my clan rests in the balance too."
Michael rolled his eyes. "Of course, your 'clan'. If you're such a great clan leader why are you taking orders from David?"
Michael could see Gabriel's anger was rising. His features became more defined and his fists clenched into tight balls of fury. "For your information, Michael." He growled through clenched teeth, "David is more powerful than me because he is a more ruthless type of vampire. He drinks more blood, kills more people. My clan and I only take what we need."
Michael laughed, fighting back his anger, "I'm sure you do. Tell me the truth, your clan are just a bunch of weaklings who need David to protect them – "
He was cut off by Gabriel, who hurled himself at Michael, grabbing his throat in a tight grip. A blood-curdling hiss escaped the vampire's lips, revealing pointed fangs. Michael lay frozen with fear, gasping for air.
Gabriel leaned in close and whispered, "I may not be stronger than David, but I'm most definitely stronger than you!"
And in one fluent movement, Gabriel picked up Michael and flung him towards a nearby shelf. Michael's body flew through the shelf and slammed into the wall, severely winding him. There was a sound of movement upstairs and muffled voices. Michael looked back to where Gabriel had been, but he was gone.