Club Vampyr

Chapter 11

To recap:

"How did you know he was a vampire?" The interrogator asked Kerry.

"You've probably dug into my past, right? A simple google search will tell you that I was once abducted by a man who thought himself to be a vampire hunter. Well, he had killed this vampire's 'special friend' right before abducting me. So the vampire comes charging in, intent on getting vengeance or whatever, and I get caught in the middle of it. In the end, we broke a deal that if I lied to the police and said I accidentally killed Marsala, he would let me live. And that's the whole story."

"Why were you abducted?"

"I don't know," Kerry answered. "Maybe I was unknowingly talking to a vampire, or something. I've been wondering the same thing for years. The best I could come up with was that some lady stopped me after work one night just before all this happened and asked me directions to a local Laundromat. We talked for about five minutes before my dad picked me up. If she was the vampire who was killed, then maybe…." Kerry trailed off, letting her true meaning be inferred. She really, really hated lying. She could only hope she wouldn't mess herself up at some point with inconsistencies.

"Let me show you something," the vampire interrogator said abruptly, swinging the monitor of his computer around so she could see it. On the screen was a picture of herself. The image was inside the room where Nelle died, from a camera she had been too busy to notice. It was pointed straight at the spot where the woman vampire had been holding her best friend, and Kerry briefly wondered if they had been watched the entire time. The still image broke into a flurry of motion as the vampiress flung Nelle aside and lunged towards the standing image of Kerry. Watching it, two night later, was far worse than the reality. She could see the bloody spittle foaming from the vampire's mouth as she screamed and moved for the jugular. Kerry couldn't help but reflexively flinch backwards, trying to protect herself even though it was only a video. Her heart was pounding, even though the attacking mad-woman was still captured before she could do any further harm.

There was no sound in this video, and all Kerry could do was watch the images as they moved in an echo of a dance she had experienced so very recently, but what felt like years ago. The female vampire deliberately brushed against her in the movie, and Kerry was finally able to watch the reaction which had the vampires so intrigued. Her image changed, contorting into a snarl which appeared barely human. Her teeth were barred as though she had fangs to back up the threat, eyes narrowed, and back slightly arched like a feline. Though Kerry couldn't hear the noise, she could feel the way her soul had felt empty and smeared with darkness. There was a hollow feeling in her stomach, and Kerry just slumped against the chair she was sitting in and stared mutely as the video replayed across the computer screen.

"Disturbing, isn't it?"

Kerry merely nodded mutely, her ability to speak on par with the girl in the video's. This time watching, she noticed how the vampires around her reacted, not just the one she had been aiming the hiss at. They all flinched, some fascinated, others unable to look at her. "I don't understand," she said quietly, fingers unwittingly reaching towards the computer screen as if she could relive the scene again and be able to figure it out. "I know that it was a strange thing for me to do, but a hissing human shouldn't cause a reaction like that. See…" Kerry pulled her lips tight and breathed through her teeth, the air sizzling in a weak version of the noise she had made while cornered.

The vampire sitting across from her laughed, and it sounded like rusty hinges on a see-saw. "It wasn't the noise. It was the power behind it. You feel that sense of wrongness in your gut, do you not? That is just from a recording. You made the air bubble and burn with your threat, and we take things like that seriously."

Kerry really was screwed. She'd never be able to figure out a decent enough story to explain everything away. It was one thing to lie when you knew the truth, but another to pull things out of thin air. "Did it seem familiar to you?" She asked hesitantly, not sure if she wanted to hear his answer, and hoping she wasn't about to give him false ideas.

"Many things cause surges of energy like you. The old and powerful of my kind, which you are not. Wereanimals, which you are not."

"How…" Kerry started to ask how he knew. Her old curiosity was coming back, and she knew it would likely get her killed.

The vampire tapped his nose. "They leave a stench. There are also the fey, which you are…" he stopped, staring at her.

"Not." Kerry supplied helpfully. She had been willing to believe vampires were real, particularly in the face of one, but werewolves and faeries? This was starting to sound like something out of a Laurel K. Hamilton book – without the copious amounts of sex. "Anything else?"

"Magical users, but they always have magic residue clinging to them. Zombies. Ghosts."

Kerry forced herself to laugh. "I'm not dead," she told him.

The vampire executioner, whose name she still didn't know, just surveyed her carefully. He looked to be wondering about something, and Kerry instinctively knew he had only told her the theories he had already dismissed. "You're lying to me about something," he told her. "I want you to go 'ome and think about it, and what 'arm I can do without leaving a mark."

"Uhm?" Kerry muttered. "You're letting me go?" This was the second time in the same amount of days that the vampires had surprised her with a dismissal. "There isn't going to be some creepy vampire waiting in my apartment to kill me, is there?"

"Not until I find the truth," he assured her, in a way which wasn't reassuring at all.

Kerry stood up slowly, thinking that at any moment he was going to revoke his word and make her stay. She was anxious about the entire meeting, as it had gone far easier than she thought it would. Kerry didn't think meeting a vampire torturer was one of those times that sounded worse than it actually was, like the first day of work, or exams. She had expected hot-irons, small knives, and vinegar torture, not pseudo-kind words, and gently asked questions. She had a feeling this was just a first test, and that she had failed it. "I'll uh…" she gestured towards the door. "Bye."

Kerry wasn't too fond of the idea of her bolting like a frightened rabbit, as it had no dignity or pride in it, but she did so anyway. After scrambling out the door, she quickly walked through the white corridors, paying no attention to where she was going. When she reached the spot where she had assumed the elevators were, she found a storage closet and realized she was hopelessly lost. Usually, there was always someone around to escort her to and from desired destinations, probably to avoid an instance such as this one where a human was wandering around a vampire compound with no protection. She wondered if this was also a test, one to see what she would do in certain situations. She could picture the hallways going on and on like a maze, with obstacles waiting to kill her like something out of a Greek myth.

She was doomed. She might get the sphinx's question, but she certainly couldn't beat the minotaur. Kerry loitered around the door to the storage closet, hoping it would magically transform into an elevator. Alternatively, a vampire minion coming to find her would be welcomed as well. After about two minutes, as her patience was never something she could brag about, Kerry turned the next corner in the hallway. If she was going to get lost, she may as well find some secrets or get in trouble on the journey. Instead, she came face to face with the elevators.

"Looking for something?" Michel's amazingly silky voice asked from behind her ear. She could hear his amusement, and she wondered how long he had been watching her.

"You?" She both told and asked, standing still and letting herself feel his body standing behind her, far enough so that she couldn't actually feel contact, but close enough so that she could sense his breath. It was driving her crazy, and she knew that this was the bottom of the scale. If Michel really put his mind to it, her brain would be turning into a pile of mush in no time flat. Kerry closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling the scent of his cologne and the danger emanating off him in subtle waves. Her head felt dizzy and airy all at once and she had to contain the urge to lean back against him. Instead, she moved forward and pressed the up button for the elevator. "If you're here to escort me out, then we may as well leave," she told him, lowering her eyes to the floor as she waited for the elevator.

The doors slid open quickly and silently, and Kerry couldn't help but compare them to the ancient ones in her apartment building which creaked when someone stepped into them. "First floor?" She asked him as they both entered the metal box. She looked over at him, waiting for a response. He nodded once, long black hair falling in front of his eyes. She didn't like it when she couldn't see them, as even when he was looking right at her, his thoughts remained a mystery. When his eyes were hidden, it made her slightly nervous. She pressed the button to the first floor, and instead of going down like they would in a normal elevator, they went up.

"Can I ask you a question?" She asked him, putting aside her natural curiosity to make sure that his answers wouldn't be censored because of where they were rather than the fact he just didn't want her to know.

"You ask permission now?" He asked, a slight grin pulling at his lips. The elevator doors slid open and he casually put his hand on the small of her back to lead her into the hallway. "I wouldn't suggest it," he told her, finally answering the question. If he answered truthfully like this to everything, she wouldn't have any problems telling his half-truths from his half-lies.

Kerry forced a laugh, "I hardly ever listen to suggestions. Even if they are for my own good. I just wanted to know if I… should know you from somewhere?"

Michel inclined his head towards her and for a second Kerry thought he might be pleased with the way she phrased the question. "I don't believe we have ever met," he told her in an extremely friendly voice. Kerry understood what he was telling her, just as he obviously quickly grasped the real question she was asking. They weren't supposed to have a past together, which meant she would have to be extremely careful about what she said to him, and where she said it.

"Are you sure, because you look… oh!" Kerry snapped her fingers. "You look exactly like this guy I had a total crush on in grade 10. Any relation to Chris Down by any chance?"

"Not that I know of," he replied with a smile.

Kerry pretended to be crestfallen. "Too bad, he was a total hunk, but never paid me the time of day…" she trailed off as if she just realized what she was saying. It was supposedly embarrassing on two accounts, one because she was admitting she thought he was hot, and two because his look-alike was not attracted to her. Michel was the reason she was now talented at subterfuge, as he had left her alone with the lie years ago and forced her to build on the talents he began teaching her during their time together. She may as well prove to him that she was quicker and sharper now than she was at sixteen. It would be comforting to both of them if he understood sooner rather than later.

"Well," Michel responded, holding open the garage door for her. She hadn't even noticed the fact he had guided her through the corridors. Usually she was paying attention to her surroundings in the hopes she would learn how these hallways worked. He was a distraction to her, and she couldn't help but wonder if she distracted him as well. If only a little bit. Michel continued, "why don't I treat you to some ice cream to make up for my new-found cousin's stupidity?"

"Are you asking me on a date?" Kerry asked coyly, a slight grin hinting to the jubilation she felt inside.

"Are you agreeing to go?" He responded.

"I'd love to," Kerry told him, even though they both knew what her answer would be before the question was even voiced.

"Come on then," Michel grabbed car keys out of his jeans pocket and flicked the open button. A silver Lexus LS460 flashed its headlights in accord. Michel started to walk towards it. Kerry followed, musing that this was a car she expected from him.

"Not very understated. Is it?" She asked, nodding towards the car as he held the passenger door open for her.

"Now isn't the time for subtlety," he responded carelessly, with a shrug. Kerry sat, swinging her legs into the passenger side as he closed the door.

Michel climbed in the driver's side. "I'm Michael, by the way," he told her.

"Kerry," she responded. "But then again you probably knew that." She wasn't sure what he meant by introducing himself, except for carrying on the charade that they were strangers. If he was still doing that, then Kerry inferred that the car was probably bugged or something. "Can I ask you another question Michael? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"Sure," he replied with another half-grin, half-shrug. Kerry knew he never answered questions he didn't want to, and if he did, it was never with the truth.

"Are you a vampire?" She asked him.

He looked at her, face beautifully devoid of all emotion. Kerry wondered if she managed to annoy him a little, or if he was merely acting a part like she was. She couldn't help but remember when she had learned what he really was, and the way he had backed her up against a wall and put his mouth to her pulse. She had been terrified then, but she was sure if he did it again now, her heart would be beating just as quickly.

"Yes," he answered after a moment of thought.

"Oh," she told him, as if she was trying to pretend it didn't matter, but did. It was easier to pretend with him, as they were basically reliving the emotions she had felt years ago. She couldn't help but turn away from him in the car, wondering if there were cameras hidden somewhere which could physically see her as well.

"We're here," he informed her finally, turning into a moderately busy parking lot. He turned the car off, and she could barely hear the engine stopping. She didn't have much experience in luxury cars, but she was sure that was a good thing. Just as she was sure Nathaniel would be jealous. Kerry opened the car door before Michel could do it for her. She couldn't stop him from opening the door to the restaurant for her, but woman's lib could only go so far before it became ridiculous. "The usual?" he asked, the moment they entered the building together.

Kerry smiled at him, ridiculously pleased by the idea of them having a usual anything. She understood the implications of what he said, of course. He was telling her they were now free to talk, and she was more sure than ever that someone was monitoring them somewhere. Her level of paranoia could only go so far before she started to be right. Kerry nodded to him. "Sure, and I'll even try to eat it this time."

He grinned at her, and for a moment they were just a young couple out on a date. Kerry parted from his side for a moment to grab them a booth. She watched as he went to the counter and ordered, paying for both her sundae and a disposable cup of coffee. This time, they looked to be exactly the same age. He was keeping his hair longer now, and though she had noticed it the night before, it hadn't really registered in her mind with all the activity going on. Michel stood at ease, chatting with the overworked girl at the counter, and probably making her whole week. He walked back towards her, and for the first time she noticed how silently predatory his walk was. You couldn't see the danger he exuded as it was subtle like the rest of him, but it was there.

"Hot fudge, right?" he asked without really asking, placing the ice cream in front of her. "I got extra sprinkles just for you." His blue eyes twinkled cheerfully at her, and though it was probably a fake expression, her chest tightened painfully.

"God, I missed you," the words blurted out before she realized what they said. Kerry's eyes immediately sought his out, looking for a reaction, and then they darted away in embarrassment. Leave it to her to put her foot in her mouth almost immediately.

Michel basically ignored her, taking a sip of his coffee. What did she expect? For him to immediately declare how much he missed her too? Maybe he could then tell her how much he loved and need her as well. She'd add it to the list of things that would never happen. "Taking any interesting electives this term?" He finally asked.

Kerry forced a laugh. "Still trying to judge the worthiness of my life?" She replied. Quickly continuing with, "only Philosophy of Computer Ethics."

"Oh?" Michel's eyebrow shot up, and he looked genuinely interested. "Is it any good."

She shrugged. "It has a bunch of CompuSci majors, and sometimes I can barely follow what they're talking about. You'd probably like it." The moment the words were out of her mouth, she realized how true they were. He taught himself Japanese for fun, on the off chance he would visit Japan some day. She wondered if not being able to take the majority of classes offered by colleges bothered him, or if he was just thankful he was able expand his horizons in ways he wouldn't have as a human. If he wasn't willing to give up vampirism for her, would he do it for a real education? Probably not.

"Probably," he responded, putting down his coffee. "You never did improve your conversationalist skills, did you?" His jibe was gently put, but she immediately realized he was right. Conversation between them was rarely simple. There had always been undercurrents in it, whether she was angry at him for not being more concerned about her family, or terrified he would kill her, she hadn't really paid attention when he was talking about his favourite book, or the current TV show he taped religiously. Though they were probably lies anyway, she actually wanted to know.

"Ok then. Favourite movie?"

"Easy," he said with a grin. "Interview with a Vampire."

She almost choked on a sprinkle. "Are you serious?"

"Only if I get to count it as a comedy."

Kerry grinned, shoveling another spoonful of sundae into her mouth and meeting his eyes as her lips closed around the spoon. For a second, she forgot how to swallow. Though he wasn't looking at her in any particular way, and oh how she wished he would, there was still something seductive about the way their eyes met and it jolted her to the core. She could feel sexual tension boiling up between them, and it scared her that it might only be one-sided.

"What do you like?"

Kerry narrowed her eyes, knowing he wasn't referring to what her perverted brain immediately jumped to. What had they been talking about? Oh. Movies. Right. His eyes crinkled at the corners in laugh lines that would never permanently stay, and she wondered if his ambiguous wording had been deliberate. "Comedy, I guess," she told him. "I'm not really fond of that crude, embarrassing stuff though. Romantic comedy is great, as almost every girl could tell you. I guess it depends."

"On?" He urged. She wasn't used to just frivolously saying things to him for the point of conversation. It was a novelty.

"The actor," Kerry said frankly. "Movies are always made better if you have eyecandy in it."

Michel chuckled. "I can think of many films which would prove you wrong."

"Almost anything that has ever won an Oscar," she agreed.

"Ok," he responded equably. "Favourite actor?"

"Depp, definitely."

"I'm not surprised," he looked at his watch, and Kerry immediately began to worry that he was bored with her. "If you hurry up, we can probably make it."

"Where?" She asked, already shoveling the cooled, thick fudge into her mouth.

"The late show of his latest movie," Michel responded, speaking to her as if she should have realized that.

"Aussum," she muttered, the fudge sticking in her mouth. She had to scrape her tongue against her teeth and swallow as few times before most of it was gone.

Michel was amused. He was looking at her with that slightly curled smile and eye-crinkle. His eyes focused on her mouth, and suddenly he was no longer smiling.

"What?" Kerry asked defensively.

"Don't forget your purse," he tossed over his shoulder as he began to walk away. Kerry grabbed the bag, darting a quick glance in the reflective surface of the window to make sure she didn't have anything on her face. It was odd to think they were strangers who barely knew each other. She almost had to scramble to keep up with his long strides. After leaving the restaurant, he ignored his parked car and began walking down the sidewalk. Kerry wasn't familiar with this part of the city, but it stood to reason that there would be a movie theatre nearby.

"Did you have this planned?" She asked him while they waited at the sidewalk for the crossing-light to change to a walking man.

"Partially," he admitted.

She really didn't have anything to say to that. His honesty confused her. "Thanks."

"Maybe I'm just trying to lull you into trusting me again."

"Are you?" She wouldn't tell him that she did trust him, that it frightened her just how much.

"Am I?"

"No, I bet you just think a date will charm me enough that you can easily get into my pants." She wagged her finger at him. "Lemme warn you buddy, I'm on to you."

"Damn," Michel said with a grin. He was holding open the door for her. Those excellent manners must really be ingrained in his head.

"Besides," Kerry told him, waltzing past him and into the surprisingly darker interior of the theatre. The outside had been well-lit by streetlights and passing cars, so she didn't expect to walk into a building with dimmer lighting. "There really isn't much of a contest between you and Johnny."

That was true, she realized once they snuck into the movie late and sat in the first two vacant seats they could find. Michel actually won.

©RelenaFanel.Nov25.2006

I've been trying to upload this since last weekend. Apparently this site has been having some problems. I'm sure you've noticed, what with the lag in the email alerts and all. So, this chapter had some cute Kerry/Michel interaction, right? Hopefully it'll last.