To see Abby with a much more elated smile on her face was pleasing that she had been reunited with Owen as it boosted her self-esteem.
The two of them were conversing with each other over their dinner for the evening, which they were drinking out of their glasses of O Positive in the kitchen.
I was in the lab looking at more reports of Bite and runs, as TMZ were dubbing it. So far, the body count was nearing treble figures with no sign of it stopping. About the only line of defence that people had were to stay in their own homes as Vampires knew they couldn't enter a private residence without being invited.
Which is safe to presume why Jebidiah wouldn't be able to enter the safe-house considering its private.
Some police departments were actually replacing bulbs on street lights with solar lights so that they would at least have some kind of protection if vamps were to try and attack local Officers or civilians.
MJ: Looks like we may have to be careful in certain areas of the city, KITT. According to local press reports they're replacing some street lights with solar lights.
KITT: that would be very harmful to Abby & Owen. But at the same time, you can't really blame the city for these measures considering they're actually accepting the existence of vampires.
MJ: that's a valid counter-point, pal.
KITT: which begs this question. Say, Los Angeles survives this ordeal….what becomes of Abby & Owen?
MJ: in what way, KITT?
KITT: Will mankind tolerate their existence?
MJ: As far as I'm concerned, buddy, they're nothing like them.
Unknown to me, Abby was listening behind the door and smiled at my response, pleased that I would not hand them over.
MJ: Furthermore; I understand the point you're making. But, it would change nothing. We don't abandon friends nor family.
KITT: Hearing you say that brings so much satisfaction to me.
MJ: Abby is a vampire in, name, only. She might not be human, but she's nothing like them. Sure, she needs blood to live. But her psyche and her soul are still human.
KITT: I'd imagine Owen is the same.
MJ: He seems like a good guy. Abby's just getting him fed on some IV blood. Poor kid looked real hungry an hour ago. I vacated the kitchen only because of what Abby had said before.
KITT: Just to get Owen adjusted?
This was merely a safety precaution as Abby wasn't sure how Owen would react to seeing blood in front of him like that with a human presence as well.
MJ: Pretty much. Those larger coolers should last them a few weeks. I think it might be worth trying to get them on a regular supply once this mess on the streets is resolved.
KITT: keeping mankind safe?
MJ: that, and allowing them to feed safely. Abby really wants to redeem herself, KITT, and I believe her. I really do.
KITT: You always see, good, in everyone, don't you?
MJ: That's because I see good in people, even if they don't see it in themselves, yet.
Abby walked in, feeling very touched by my words.
Abby: If only I had known people like you back in the day, MJ, I might have been spared having to do what I had to do.
MJ: how long have you been standing there?
Abby: Long enough. Did you mean that?
MJ: Of course I do. How's Owen?
Abby: He's fine. He feels better having had a full meal for a change.
MJ: I can only imagine.
Abby: Trust me, you don't want to. Anything worth reporting?
Obviously referring to the situation above ground.
MJ: the city's actually replacing some street lamps with solar lights as a means of combating vampires, which is actually smart. And as I was discussing with KITT, we'll have to be careful in certain areas.
Abby: We'll have to have KITT darken the windows.
MJ: Yup.
Abby: How bad is the situation up there, besides replacing the lights like that?
MJ: The number of people missing and turned is approaching treble figures.
Abby: It's like my uncle's making an army to over-ride the human race.
MJ: Not on my watch, he doesn't. I'll die trying before I allow that to happen.
KITT: MJ, I hope that doesn't come to pass.
Abby: *places hand on his shoulder* nor me. Next to Owen, you're very special to me, MJ. I don't want to see anything happen to you.
She wrapped her arms around my shoulders from behind me as like a little sister would, happy that an elder brother was looking out for her.
I had been so distant with people for years as I had blamed myself for Mara's demise and didn't want to get too close to anyone.
MJ: That's real sweet of you, Abby. I appreciate that.
Abby: You're welcome. Just how would you get a regular supply of blood for us?
KITT: And you tell me off for "eve's dropping"?
MJ: KITT, given how much sharper Abby's senses are than that of humans, it wouldn't surprise me that she would have heard our conversation. In answer to your question, sweetheart; Michael would set something up. And if he needs persuading, I'll get it done.
Abby: Thank you.
MJ: You're welcome. You've suffered enough with what you've had to live through. Like I said before; you didn't deserve this curse, and I will see to it that you don't have to carry this guilt any further.
Before anyone could say anything else, the TV news feed flashed showing a live stream from downtown LA of what was a news crew filming a vampire attack from a distance.
We watched on in horror as a pack of 12 vampires surrounded a family of 5 cowering in a purple ford focus.
MJ: KITT, is this happening live?
KITT: Affirmative. Near Main Street.
MJ: How quickly can we get there?
KITT: if we leave now and go at FPM, we can be there in 7.4 minutes.
MJ: That's 7.4 minutes they don't have. Abby, go get Owen, Now!
Abby: You got it!
3 minutes later, we rushed out to KITT and readily belted up.
MJ: Awright, KITT, close the doors, the INSTANT we're out.
KITT: Understood.
MJ: Cool. We clear?
The super car checked the outside surveillance and it was all quiet.
KITT: Clear.
MJ: *looks to Abby* Abby?
She swept the local perimeter checking for any possible vampires nearby. None.
Abby: *eyes open* we're good.
MJ: Let's do it. FPM.
The 5th red button was pushed under the monitors and the air foils and spoiler emerged. The doors opened and the Trans Am shot up the tunnel and out into the alleyway and onto the main road.
KITT headed west towards Main Street, in the direction of the potential feeding site.
MJ: I just hope we're in time. KITT, keep your scanners pealed for the replacement solar lights and darken the windows the instant you detect them. Unfortunately the seats and you are not fire proof on the inside.
KITT: Understood.
Owen: The city's actually been installing solar lights into the streets?
MJ: Yeah, Owen. The City's pretty desperate. But don't worry. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you two.
Owen: I'm glad of that. Abby says you're the first human she's trusted since me.
MJ: I kinda got that impression. Was the blood ok?
Owen: Mhm. Really took the edge off my hunger. Thank you.
MJ: You're welcome. We haven't got much time to go over the plan of action so I'll say this now; when I give the order to KITT to hit the solar function on the xenon, you two stay out of its beams.
Abby: Yeah. Owen, I saw what those beams can do to vampires. Don't go anywhere near them.
Owen: Is that how you're going to save that family?
MJ: Hopefully we will. But given a vampire's strength against a Ford focus?...i don't foresee it ending well.
3 minutes later, we arrived at the scene where the pack were peeling away at the trapped family, who now had no way of escaping as the engine had been ripped out.
MJ: Let 'em have it, KITT.
The Trans Am raised his head beams up and the solar Xenon pierced the darkness of the night and engulfed the attacking vampires who began to feel very warm whilst they were trying to get to the family. One-by-one each vampire went up in flames.
MJ: KITT, when I tell you to, c02 that fire. We don't want to let that family be at any more risk than they need to be.
KITT: I read you loud and clear.
It was a horrific site to see figures lighting up in flames, but then I kept in perspective that these weren't even people that were being destroyed around what remained of a family car. These were monsters that were intent on feeding off of human life just to sustain their own.
Some of them tried running to KITT to stop the flames, but it was too late, by the time they got even 5 feet they were already turning into crispy critters.
MJ: Alright, pal. That's enough. Now c02 the fire around the Focus.
KITT: You got it.
The Trans Am carefully edged forward and shot the fire extinguisher that was threatening to engulf the petrified family. After a few moments, the fire was far enough from the car to be of no threat.
MJ: Abby, I need you for this.
Owen: For what?
Abby: Just in case there are any more rogues out there. And also because I told him not to go into a danger zone without me again.
Owen: Do I want to know?
Abby: I'll tell ya later.
MJ: KITT, call for paramedics with a Police escort. Not knowing if this family has any injuries, we need to be prepared for the worst.
KITT: A very unsettling thought.
MJ: Tell me about it?
We exited KITT and approached the Focus cautiously. After what happened last time when we were looking for Owen, Abby didn't want me to take any unnecessary risks.
MJ: Alright, Abby. Are you sensing anything?
She closed her eyes concentrating intently for any psychic disturbances that would alert her for more rogues.
Abby: None. We're fine for now, but I wouldn't put money on it being peaceful for long.
KITT: *com-link* MJ, the ambulance is on its way. I suggest we're not present when they arrive just in case they ask questions about Abby and Owen.
MJ: Good point, buddy.
The family of 5 consisting of 3 females; 1 adolescent and pre-adolescent, a mother figure and one adult male, were quivering at what they just witnessed.
MJ: You guys ok?
They were scared so bad that they couldn't even speak.
MJ: It's ok, I'm not one of them. My name is MJ Knight. I work for the Foundation for Law and Government. We're trying to tackle this problem. An ambulance is on its way with a Police escort.
Something triggered Abby's senses as she detected that an enemy was approaching.
Abby: *eyes shot open* oh, that's not good. MJ, we got a problem.
MJ: *looks to her* what kind of problem?
Abby: something is approaching us, and it's extremely hostile.
I had a nasty feeling in my gut and I really hope it's not what I think it is.
MJ: KITT, how close is that ambulance?
KITT: VERY, close.
MJ: And how close is the enemy, Abby?
Abby: Extremely.
MJ: It's possible that some vampires have hijacked that ambulance and escort.
Abby: What do we do?
MJ: we can't leave them here.
Abby: agreed. *com-link* Owen, you and I will jump in the trunk. We need to get this family to safety. KITT, get over here.
Owen: Understood.
KITT: Right away, Abby.
The 2 young vampires got into the trunk and hit under the tanned cover whilst I willed the family to leave their near enough destroyed focus, even proving that I was human by having the solar xenon shine on me with nothing happening.
I managed to get them into KITT minutes before the ambulance came around the corner.
And sure enough, they were vampires. Bemused that their potential victims had left.
Vamp medic 1: looks like they were slaughtered. 2 other vampires were here and from what I can smell they did nothing to assist our brothers.
Vamp medic 2: I can smell a human as well. And this one has heart! Pure heart!
Vamp medic 1: Master Jedidiah will not be pleased.
Vamp medic 2: what else is new? Ever since that guy and that Trans Am showed up it's been difficult for us.
Vamp medic 1: Trans Am?
Vamp Medic 2: Yeah. A black Pontiac, 2002 model, I think someone said. With the License plate KNIGHT.
Vamp medic 1: then we got problems.
Vamp medic 2: How?
Vamp medic 1: Does the Foundation for Law and Government, ring any bells to you?
Vamp medic 2: Them?!
Vamp medic 1: yup.
Vamp medic 2: In which case, it can only be their top operative. M-J Knight.
Vamp medic 1: Please tell me I did NOT just hear that name?
Vamp medic 2: You know him?
Vamp medic 1: I know of him. He put my brother away last year for fraud and embezzlement.
Vamp medic 2: That's typical Knight for you. He never backs down. And if he's got those 2 vampires in league with him, then we are going to struggle. He won't rest. Especially with that car.
Vamp medic 1: Yeah. I've heard about that car. Supposed to be something out of science fiction made real.
Vamp medic 2: They said the same about our kind not too long ago.
Vamp medic 1: True.
10 minutes later, we had dropped the family off at a local church in west Los Angeles as I had a feeling that was the safest place that the family could be at this point.
I waited until I was in the Church entrance hallway before proceeding back to KITT.
MJ: *com-link* Abby, is it safe?
The girl and her boyfriend had gotten back into their seats after I had escorted the family safely inside the church and she was feeling the area out.
Abby: It appears safe. But, I'd rather you wait until KITT is by the gate, that's the least amount of distance to walk from the door, or run.
MJ: I hear ya.
Abby: KITT, get closer.
KITT: Understood.
The super car pulled up to the gate where it was more lit. Abby felt the area out once more just to be extra sure.
Abby: OK. Come now, but be quick.
MJ: Got it.
I quickly yet cautiously made my way along the footpath to the gate where KITT was waiting and got into the driver side and promptly shut the door.
Abby: Are the family ok?
MJ: they're very shaken up, but the Reverend in there is comforting them. I called the Foundation to send over a Detective I know specifically for her to pick them up at first light.
Abby: How do you know she can be trusted, and that she's not one of them?
MJ: Because I phoned her up 10 minutes ago and told her of the situation and she said that several of her officers had disappeared mysteriously with reports then of figures matching the descriptions of said officers attacking and draining civilians of blood.
Abby: Is she one of them, though?
Ashley had been keeping tabs on the situation and made the point of only sending officers out onto the street if absolutely necessary. She's a street-wise cop since her rookie days and being a detective since getting promoted since last November she's only gotten more competent and successful in her role.
MJ: No. That much I know. And in answer to your question; she can be trusted. She was a close friend of me and Mara back in the day. She was the first person I saw after Mara was murdered. Ashley's a good friend. We can trust her.
Abby: If you trust her, MJ, that's good enough for me.
A sensation overcame Abby as she felt something dark, cold and sinister come into the area.
Abby: Oh, this is not good.
MJ: an enemy?
Abby: Many of them.
Something caught my eye in the side view mirror of what looked like a mass of people walking towards us.
I turned and looked to the back and saw dozens of figures with glowing eyes.
MJ: Abby….how fast can you run as a vampire?
Abby: Not certain. But faster than most conventional vehicles.
MJ: Good thing KITT's not conventional. Awright, pal, I'm gonna test your limits tonight.
KITT: OOhhhh, dear. I don't like where this is going already.
MJ: you're not going to like where this will go if we don't put the pedal to the metal.
KITT: I read you loud and clear.
MJ: Let's get out of here!
I fired the engine up and activated FPM.
The air-foils and spoiler elongated and the car sped off at 189 MPH. The roads were clear until we got within 100 feet of another vampire mob.
Owen: You're not going to drive through them, are you?
MJ: Not exactly. More like…go over them.
KITT: aw no…
The girl knew what we were talking about and turbo boosting was not something she was looking forward to reliving this soon.
Abby: Oh, here we go again. Owen, brace yourself. The landing will be rough.
Owen: Landing? This car can fly?
MJ: No. But he can jump. Tell me when, KITT.
We got to 30 feet from them and the car calculated, now, was the best time.
KITT: Now, MJ, now!
I hit turbo boost promptly and we jumped 20 feet over the vampire crowd and they were taken aback that a muscle car soared over them before landing on the other side and continuing our escape.
Owen felt the impact from landing from a turbo boost.
Owen: *rubs neck* you weren't kidding when you said this would be rough.
MJ: there's a first time for everything.
A thought occurred to me, of which I was not too fond of.
MJ: Check the current surveillance outside the safe-house, pal. I wanna see if it's safe for us to go back.
KITT: you're thinking if we're seen going in that they'll find a way of tunnelling in?
MJ: That. And it's one of the few places of safety we have at the moment and I don't want it compromised if we can help it.
KITT: I read you loud and clear.
The Trans Am linked up with the security feed and displayed on the monitors of the current activity in the alley approach to the doors.
Abby: It looks clear.
MJ: I would suggest having someone during the day install solar lights to the alley but then that would create suspicion.
Owen: he has a point.
Abby: Even if they were to tunnel in, they'd still need an invitation to come in, otherwise they'd bleed to death.
Owen's memory flashed back to a fateful night in 1983 he had told me about when Abby had entered his apartment without inviting her in and saw her bleeding from every pour before he couldn't stand the thought of her dying anymore and invited her in.
Owen: Yeah, that's an image I don't need reminding of.
MJ: No. I can't say I blame you, Owen. Having only known Abby for a short amount of time, the thought of her dying is not something I want to think about either.
Abby: Nor do I want to see you die, MJ. You're our first real link at a chance of a normal life in nearly 30 years.
MJ: I'll make it happen. And if not, I'll go out swinging trying to make it happen.
Her mind recollected our conversation on our second meeting when we talked about redemption.
Abby: would you feel you would have achieved redemption if you did give us a normal life?
To be able to give those kids a life without death, misery and leaving a trail of bodies in their path….i suppose that would be redemption for me to give them a life of peace.
MJ: I think it will. I know Mara would be proud of me if she could see that.
Abby: She is proud of you, MJ. I saw the look in her eyes in your memories. She loved you. She knew of the greatness you would achieve.
Owen: Abby told me about what happened to her, MJ. I'm sorry for your loss.
MJ: I appreciate that, Owen. Thank you. ETA for safe-house, KITT?
While I appreciate the sympathy given I felt changing the subject would be best as I wasn't really up for discussing sensitive subjects after that little situation with the vampire army.
KITT: 10 minutes. I'll get the doors open when we're close enough so we can get in promptly.
MJ: Very shrewd. One thing we will have to consider is another potential food-source for you guys. As Parker might have been compromised.
Abby: there is that.
KITT: MJ, you are aware that the Foundation still has good relations with the Blood bank in North LA?
MJ: Yes! Partly because the Foundation still funds it. I'll call them when we're back in the safe-house.
8 minutes later we were approaching the safe-house and sure and fortunately enough, it was clear and we promptly descended into the tunnel as the doors closed quickly behind us.
KITT stopped on the turntable and was turned round facing the tunnel door.
MJ: KITT, security check. Were we seen entering?
The scanner pulsated as he checked the parameter security feed. The hidden cameras checked every inch of the alley and could find nothing.
KITT: all safe.
I looked to Abby as she then closed her eyes making her own sweep of the area with her super human senses.
Abby: We're fine
She said with a relief of certainty.
MJ: alrighty. First things first, we get you two fed so that your hunger is satisfied for now. Last thing we need is for you to starve.
Abby: It wouldn't end well for you.
MJ: Yeah, I know. Anyway, let's go in. I'm tired. KITT, stay in surveillance mode.
KITT: Got it.
We exited the car and walked back into the safety of the safe-house. The vampires made for the kitchen and took in their meal for the early morning whilst I went into the Lab and contacted the Foundation.
MJ: *telecom* Maggie, you there?
The screen lit up and Maggie, a 28 year old, red-haired Asian-American flashed up.
Maggie: right here, MJ. How are you keeping over there?
MJ: we're ok for now. Listen, I need to see if we can have access to the Foundation Blood Bank in North LA?
Maggie: Michael has briefed me, discretely, about this situation involving Abby and her companion that you updated us on, and I think that can be arranged.
MJ: Oh, that's excellent. Any update on when Michael's returning?
Maggie: The jet landed at a private air-strip yesterday afternoon but due to present circumstances we told him to wait at Maria's house as it would have taken too long to get to the Foundation by then.
That's now one concern off my mind, as considering there was no guarantee that LAX was safe considering how busy that place was during the night.
MJ: at least we know he's safe.
Maggie: Yeah. We know we're safer for being in on the inside considering these things can't enter without an invitation.
MJ: At the moment, that's one line of defence that people have. Furthermore, Abby's knowledge of how vampires think and move has been invaluable to us.
Maggie: To think what that poor girl has gone through.
Abby was eve's dropping behind the door once more, as she taking a keen interest in what was being said.
MJ: I know. It turns my stomach just thinking about what her uncle wants to do to her.
Maggie: And what does he want to do?
MJ: Do you really want to be disturbed any further at this hour?
Maggie: Point taken.
MJ: I'm gonna get some sleep for 6 hours and then head to the Foundation Blood bank later this morning. I promised Abby that she would never have to kill again to feed herself, and I meant it.
Maggie: MJ…..i commend what you're doing, but why are you going so far out of your way to help her?
There was a long pause as I weighed up what I would say in response.
MJ: Because we're both seeking redemption. She wants a chance at a normal life without having to take any more lives, and…..I owe this to Mara.
Maggie: Are you still blaming yourself for that?
MJ: Yes and….no. I want the chance to save someone's life and do what I couldn't do for Mara. Mara gave her life to save mine. The least I can do to honor her memory is to save Abby.
Maggie: You feel that strongly about this?
I don't think I've ever wanted to help someone as badly as I do right now for those 2 poor kids stuck forever at that age when all they've ever wanted is a peaceful, happy existence and not be bound to the night.
I know when someone is good and is longing for something better than what they are burdened with and Abby has suffered long enough with her current life, and I intend to give her a better life where she no longer has to put up with the guilt or pain of having to kill someone just to sustain herself.
MJ: The look, I saw, in her eyes….it was a lost soul, crying out for help. She's a good person. Not, a monster. She has never taken pleasure in feeding off live prey and she hates herself for it. I want to be the difference maker. I don't want to see her in pain anymore.
Maggie shed a single tear at my declaration. Abby also shed a single tear as she smiled at what she was hearing in the hallway.
Maggie: MJ….Michael chose well, when he handpicked you, to replace him.
MJ: One Man Can Make A Difference. I'm going to be that difference maker for Abby. She's practically my little sister.
Maggie: If anyone can make it happen, MJ, it's you.
MJ: I appreciate that, Maggie. Stay safe.
Maggie: You too. *call ends*
Abby walked in smiling from ear-to-ear.
Abby: Have you eaten yet?
MJ: not yet. I'll probably go grab a sandwich in a while.
Abby: You need to keep your strength up.
MJ: I know, I know.
Abby: Did you mean what you said just then?
I'm guessing she was listening in again. But given her heightened senses, it would have been difficult not to hear any conversation in this place.
MJ: Mean what?
Abby: You know what I'm talking about?
I turned round in my chair and was startled that she was even questioning this considering how far we had come in this situation.
MJ: am I going to go the distance and be the difference maker, is that what you're asking?
Abby: Yes!
MJ: why would you even ask that, when you already know the answer? Of course I'm going to go the distance, Abby. What makes you think I would back out now?
Abby: I just needed to know.
MJ: *sighs* Abby, I made a promise to you that I would help you and Owen toward a more normal life for the both of you. I meant it.
Abby: MJ,
MJ: Yeah?
Abby: would you mind if I called you my Guardian Angel?
That's something I've never been called in my time on this earth.
MJ: I don't mind at all. I'm flattered.
Abby: I'm flattered that you think of me as your little sister. Other than Owen, I haven't had anyone to call family in generations.
MJ: well, you've got more people that look out for you now, ok? You got me, KITT, and you got Michael as well once he gets over here safely in the daylight.
Abby: Is that before or after you get to the Blood bank?
MJ: probably after. I'm getting out there at first light. Given how quiet the roads are likely to be, it should be plain sailing.
Abby: How long will it take you to get there?
MJ: in a normal situation? It'd take an hour at least. But given how Jebidiah seems to have built an army through a growing portion of LA? No time at all.