MJ: what are you?
The girl, gave me a fierce stare even without the monster silver eyes.
Girl: I'm just hungry. And you chased away my meal for the night.
I felt appalled that that was meant to justify her attempt at murdering the woman from earlier.
MJ: I was just doing my job.
Girl: are you a cop?
MJ: No. I work for the Foundation for Law and Government.
Girl: so, you're not a cop? Yet, you helped that woman?
MJ: I'm a Knight. It's what I do. KITT, what can your scanners tell me about this girl?
The car's scanner pulsated back and forth.
KITT: our figure appears to be 12 year's old biologically. But there are elements of her genetic makeup that do not make any sense.
MJ: for example?
KITT: her metabolism is 10 times that of a human and she has no pulse.
How could she not have a pulse? It's not like she was a robot like, Randy Orton. But that's for another time and conversation.
MJ: but that's not possible. What are you? *demanding*
She contemplated her next move.
Girl: if you must know. I didn't want to kill that lady. But I need blood, to live.
Now, this was just getting ridiculous.
MJ: *disbelief* you mean to tell, that, you're a, vampire?
Did I just say that?
Girl: I never asked for this. All I know is I'll die without blood.
KITT: she's telling the truth, MJ. While I condemn her actions from earlier, this is sincerity in her tone and there are no stress variables.
Before I could even say anything the whaling of police sirens could be heard in the distance. No doubt someone had phoned the report and wanted it followed up.
And what happened next was beyond my normal judgement.
MJ: Go! *ordered*
The girl gave me a look of puzzlement. One moment I was interrogating her, the next I was giving her an opening to leave.
Girl: what?
MJ: do you want to get caught? GET OUT OF HERE!
The girl gave a firm nod and ran into the streets out of sight before we made our getaway. Knowing we had just let a potential murderer get away wouldn't exactly give us a decent rep' with the boys in blue.
KITT: what was that?
I thought for a moment before I gave my answer as we sped away from the immediate area.
MJ: you said that she was telling the truth?
KITT: Correct.
MJ: and that she didn't want to make that kill?
KITT: Yes?
I had a crazy notion that she could be helpful. If she wasn't the one who committed that murder on main street.
MJ: I have a hunch.
KITT: Oh, this should be, "fun". *sarcastic tone*
MJ: I know what you're thinking and it's understandable. But….what if she's not the one who made that kill earlier on Main Street?
KITT: That remote possibility does exist, but so does the possibility that we have a potential serial killer go loose.
An idea came to mind.
MJ: we're heading off to the blood bank.
I turned the super car in the North direction of St. Anne's hospital.
KITT: and what purpose will this serve us?
MJ: I have a contact that owes me favours.
KITT: is this the same contact, by the name of, James Parker? The ex-con?
Parker was a guy that was known by the Cops and cons that was able to get you what you, wanted, when you needed it. Lately he's expanded his operation into dealing out rare blood types for donning to people that want it, off the record.
MJ: you got it in one. He operates a small operation in getting rare blood types to people on the black market.
KITT: If you know this, then why have you not handed this information to the authorities?
My mind flashed back to when he had pulled my mother out of a burning building 3 years ago when she was visiting a friend for the day.
It wasn't a fire he had started, but the men that worked for him had set alight the wrong building and he made the effort to drag my unconscious mother out along with her friend. I was a rookie cop at the time and knew what his operation was about.
And when the cops were just about a mile from the area, I saw what he had done for my mother and I made a choice in letting him go.
On the one hand, I should have done my job and arrested the guy, another part of me told to let him go.
He got in contact with me weeks later and said he owed me his freedom and he only saved my mother realising the error that his men had made.
MJ: he saved my mother, KITT. That's all you need to know. Plus…it pays to have people in places that I can't go without compromising my position as a field agent.
The Trans Am computed quietly to himself, weighing up the answer I had presented with and understanding the moral weight with it.
KITT: I understand, MJ.
I arrived at St. Anne's Hospital and found my way to the staff entrance and bypassed my way in with my digital lock breaker that Maria developed for me in areas that KITT couldn't reach. I placed the small 4 digit red LED read-out black device on the door and waited til it had found the corresponding code which was 4921 and entered the staff area.
Quickly grabbing a nurse outfit, I made my way down to the blood donning office where James was working at a desk in a corner office he occupied.
MJ: I'm calling in a favour, James.
A look of disbelief washed over his features as he turned to see me hovering above his chair.
James: *annoyed* aw, dammnit, Knight! Why did you come here, now?
MJ: because you owe me favors. Favours that keep you out of jail and not making you someone's senorita of the month, in there. Like your buddy, Mikey. Who I think they call, "Mikaela" in there?
The last statement got his attention and just put his hands up, squinting his eyes in sheer fright not wanting to hear anymore.
James: What do you want?
I sat down on his desk looking very authorative about the situation.
MJ: I need at least a week's worth of blood. Enough to keep a potential contact healthy and from attacking any more innocents.
He gave a very confused look as to why I would make such an odd request like this. Normally, I pump the guy for information when racketeering gigs are going down. Which to this day, I'm still surprised that kind of non-sense is still at play.
But, this world I live in, is not, without complication.
James: a week's worth of blood?
MJ: Yeah. Preferably, clean, untainted and the kind that no-one will see go missing.
He gave another weird look, not exactly sure wanting to know what I was up to.
MJ: And did I mention, $200 in cash. *pulling money out*
He smiled at that.
James: How soon do you need it?
I thought might that change his attitude.
MJ: Now! Preferably.
James: That could take a while *hesitantly*
MJ: well I can always add another $400 if it'll sway you.
He tapped away at his computer locating a ready amount in a cooler.
James: Be back in 2 minutes.
MJ: That's more like it.
Sure enough. 2 minutes later, he came back with 2 coolers of blood packs from storage.
James: there are 2 fillings of Double O and A positive in these coolers. All clean. No crap in them at all.
I dumped the $600 cash on his desk and took the coolers off him.
MJ: and no one's gonna miss this?
James: There are literally dozens of coolers with these in. I'll just correct the stock.
MJ: I know you will. Also. Play further nice. And I might just see if I can have your record, amended.
He swallowed. Hoping that this would be a good turn of events for him.
James: In what regard?
MJ: well. Let me put it to you in this way. You keep having some of this on standby as and when this new contact of mine needs it…I might just see to it that your brother, Mikey, makes parole. And I happen to know he took the fall for one of your operations 2 years ago in Studio City. Aannnddd, seeing to it that your record is a little cleaner. Am I coming across clearly?
James: *nods enthusiastically* perfectly.
MJ: Goood. *smiling* now. Which is the fastest way out of here without being seen?
James: Out that fire exit there *pointing down the hall with 2 fire extinguishers on either side*
MJ: Thanks, James. I'll be in touch.
I quickly made my way to the aforementioned exit not wanting to be noticed carrying out 2 coolers of precious blood.
MJ: *com-link* KITT, meet me out by the back door.
The Tran Am's dash and engine came to life and moved from the parking Lott out front of the hospital to where I exited in the alleyway.
KITT: I see you got what you came for?
MJ: yup. Pop the trunk.
The car did as instructed and the back opened as I delicately put the 2 medical coolers in and safely fastened them down to the floor knowing that these would be needed.
MJ: *gets in and starts up* alright. Now, we head for, home from home.
KITT: and what should happen if we run into that "girl" again?
MJ: if my hunch is right, and they tend to be, we're inviting her in and find out what she knows?
KITT: Are you sure that's wise?
MJ: Probably not. But, you said she was truthful? If she's being legit with us, then we could use her help in looking for this other figure.
KITT: that disturbs me that there are potentially more than 1 of these figures walking around the city.
A very unsettling notion.
MJ: I have to agree on that. Let's just hope we can find her.
By this time it was near midnight and we had been through enough this evening. We were just a mile from the safe-house and just about to turn the corner, when the hooded girl from earlier, literally, jumped down from a street lamp and landed in front of the car. Thank goodness for KITT's braking system being able to stop so quickly.
MJ: WOAH!
KITT: Looks like she saved us the trouble of looking for her.
MJ: Yup.
Girl: *mumbles* found you!
What got me was she was barefoot. How could anyone walk around like this and not get cold?
She cautiously walked to the driver's window, not sure if I could be trusted or not. But in turn I was having that same hesitation whether this "girl" was a friend or foe.
Girl: I thought I might find you if I waited around long enough.
I reached for the intercom button but made the point of dialling the volume back as not to draw attention to ourselves.
MJ: *intercom* you found me.
Girl: you let me go earlier. Why?
MJ: I think you can help me. And if you are, what I think, you are. I can help you.
She wasn't sure what to make of that response and her facial features re-enforced that reaction by looking so confused.
Girl: and, what…do you think, I am?
I couldn't believe I was going to utter these words. But after what I've witnessed tonight, I'm prepared to believe anything. Like good TV?
MJ: I think you're a vampire. That's the only logical explanation I have.
She nodded to herself, agreeing that was the only conclusion I could reach.
Girl: Ok. Say, I believe you. How can you help me?
I smiled, knowing that this next part would probably please her.
MJ: you need blood, right?
Girl: right?
MJ: but you don't want to kill anyone. Right?
Girl: *puzzled* yeah?
MJ: I can feed you. Without people going missing and getting the authorities onto you.
She looked interested. A slight smile appeared as she preferred the idea of getting her meals without adding more fatalities.
Girl: *intrigued* o, k. how are you going to do this?
MJ: I have got, 2 coolers, of blood packets. It'll keep you from attacking people and you get to satisfy your needs.
As an attractive offer this appeared, she knew there had to be something in return for me.
Girl: what's the catch?
MJ: you help me solve some murders of a very similar nature that's been happening in LA, tonight. KITT told me through reports he's been monitoring that at least 3 more people have disappeared tonight and found dead with the pattern of the victims being drained of blood and being torn to pieces around the neck.
She began questioning further why I was helping her.
Girl: why are you helping me?
MJ: The, question.
She nodded.
MJ: Because I think, you want to be saved. You don't have to feel guilty about being able to live in a way where you DON'T have to kill.
She thought carefully about what I had said. I had the idea from what she had said earlier that she didn't want to kill that lady.
Girl: how do you know I'm not fooling you?
I smiled. I knew.
MJ: Because I'm a good judge of character. And also, because I have a car that can tell if people are lying or not.
KITT: You know, I really hate it when I'm referred to as "convenience" for you, MJ.
MJ: KITT, you know full well I can't pull off even half of these assignments without you.
KITT: true.
MJ: is she telling the truth?
KITT: affirmatively.
I thought very carefully about my next move.
MJ: I'm going to exit the car. I want to know if you're going to attack me.
She backed away cautiously. I don't know if it was a case she didn't know if I could be trusted or more importantly, herself.
Girl: I don't want to hurt you. But I will if you give me a reason.
I cautiously opened the door and stepped out and waited for her to make the first move.
MJ: *arms folded* Then I guess I'd better not give you a reason.
She was amazed at such a brave move I was using. I was trying to gain her trust and in order to do so, sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.
MJ: I'm MJ Knight.
Girl: I-I'm Abby.
I could see her in body language that she was very uncertain about what to do.
Abby: I don't want to hurt you, MJ.
MJ: Then don't. It's that simple, Abby.
Abby: If only that were true.
I held my hand out as a means of letting her know that I was genuine in wanting to help her out.
MJ: I can help you, Abby. But you gotta say it.
Slowly but surely, she summoned the courage to move forward until she reached her hand out and took mine.
Abby: Please. Help, me.
I was pleased that she accepted.
MJ: Then, help you, I will. *smiles* C'mon. Let's get outta here.
I walked her over to the passenger side. She was still very hesitant.
MJ: KITT.
The passenger door opened on command and her face lit up in dismay that the door moved without my intervention.
Abby: How did…?
MJ: He's just special. That's all you need to know.
Cautiously, she stepped into the passenger side. I guess she was still taken in what had taken place this evening along with me wanting to help her.
MJ: right. *gets in. Door closes* before we go any further, I will need you to put this on.
I presented a blindfold to her. She gave a very surprised look, not sure what was going to happen.
MJ: the safe-house we're going to is a secret and until I know I can fully trust you, you cannot know the location of it.
She nodded understanding my concern. She wrapped it on her face.
MJ: no peeking. *enforcing tone*
I fired the car back up and continued the rest of the journey down to the safe house. Which by this point we wouldn't even take minutes to get there. Given how the traffic was little to non-existent by now this would be, extremely, smooth, sailing.
Considering the state of her clothes, she had to have been on the streets for some time now.
MJ: mind if I ask you something?
Abby: That depends on the question.
MJ: That's fair. In which case; is it ok to ask how long you've been on the streets like that?
Abby: I suppose that is fair. I've been here in LA for a week now mainly picking off drug dealers who I saw beating women up.
Interesting.
MJ: so, you're selective with your meals?
Abby: even as a vampire….I won't go after the innocent. But….i was so hungry tonight….that….I'm not proud of that.
A vampire that still has her humanity? Hmmm, that certainly paints a different picture compared to what has been told in fiction down the years.
Abby: Mind if I ask you something?
MJ: That depends on the question.
Abby: why do you want to help me?
MJ: Didn't I already answer that?
Abby: I just want to be sure.
MJ: Fair enough. Because I think you want to be helped, but just didn't find the right person to help you up until now.
Abby: And you think you can?
MJ: I'll sure try.
I pulled KITT into an alley way and pushed the 3rd left button in the overhead console that opened up a 2 steel door doorway after 2 dumpsters parted from it that would lead into a tunnel going beneath the buildings into a complex that the Foundation had setup in the last year or so as a means of continuing operations should the main headquarters ever become compromised to an enemy.
The tunnel lights lit up one by one as we descended below ground with the entrance closing moments after the large secure doors closed with the dumpsters returning to their place in front of them.
We came to a stop at the end of the tunnel by entering into a garage where KITT would rest on a turntable.
The door to the garage closed as KITT was turned facing it.
MJ: Ok, we're here. You can remove the blindfold now.
The vampire removed it with a relieved sigh in her tone as it came off and she was taken in by her surroundings with the clean looking white walls and mechanic tools behind the car some 10 feet away.
Abby: Where are we?
MJ: Foundation safe-house. This is where we go when we need to go off the grid and continue working.
I got out and went for the passenger side taking the supplies that would be necessary to exist down here until the situation could improve.
MJ: KITT, pop the trunk.
The rear door opened, revealing the medical coolers that had been fastened to the trunk floor.
She got out, and made the point of confronting me.
Abby: Before we go any further…you, need, to invite me in.
I knew enough from fiction and movies about vampire lore that they could only enter someone's home or place of safety if they are verbally allowed in.
MJ: Abby. Would you like to come in?