Kara left the bedroom, Andrew bounded out of bed and over to the phone. He picked up the receiver, and upon hearing a dial tone, Andrew made a call. “Hi Nick, this is Andrew,” he said. “I’m with Kara Sadler right now, but will meet you later today.” Andrew hung up. He quickly got back in bed.
Kara returned some time later carrying a tray with a plethora of breakfast delights. She put the tray down at the foot of the bed. Kara walked over to Andrew, leaned down and kissed his forehead.
Andrew awoke, yawning and stretching. He smiled at Kara. “Good morning.”
“Good morning indeed,” Kara smiled back. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved,” Andrew said, and sat up.
Kara retrieved the tray and brought it over to him. Andrew took hold of it as Kara came around and joined him in bed. Once she was settled, Andrew set the tray between them. Kara uncovered the first plate. A flavor-filled steam rose to reveal steak and eggs benedict for two. Andrew handed Kara a fork and knife as he took his own. He sliced off a sliver of the tender meat and put it in his mouth. It just melted in a taste explosion.
“Delicious,” Andre leaned over and thanked Kara with a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you,” Kara said, blushing.
“Listen Kara,” Andrew turned more serious now. “I have come up with a plan.”
“What?” Kara asked putting down her own silverware. She had a forlorn look in her eyes as she focused on Andrew. “What kind of plan?”
“I am going to strike at the home base of The Knights of VanHelsing,” Andrew put his utensils down.
“You can’t do that,” Kara’s voice strained. “They’re too powerful; too many to stop.”
“Not if they don’t know we are coming,” Andrew took hold of Kara’s hand and looked deeply into her soulful eyes. “Their blood lust of the destruction of the innocent has to be put to an end.” Andrew moved closer. Kara sought his embrace with welcomed desire. “People like you, the Higgins and other who practice vampirism, just want to be left alone to your beliefs; way of life. We all celebrate life in different ways. We all want to live in peace and not fear.” Kara rested her head on his chest. She felt the beating of his heart. It was soothing to her. It, for some strange reason, gave her a sense of peace, hope. Something she did not have. Andrew continued. “The Knights of VanHelsing have out lived their usefulness. I’m going to stop them.”
“How are you going to do that?’ Kara asked lifting her head to look at Andrew.
“I have something to show you,” Andrew let go of Kara and got out of bed. She watched him retrieve one of his boots. Kara saw Andrew pull a folded piece of parchment paper out. He climbed back in bed. Andrew unfolded the paper to reveal a map.
“Where did you find this?” Kara asked as she pointed to it.
“I found it in the book The Legend of VanHelsing,” Andrew replied.
“I never knew it was there,” Kara’s face showed her surprise.
“We can use it to find the castle and it all to an end,” Andrew refolded it.
“What do you want from me?” Kara asked.
“I have set up a meeting with Detective Nick Flannery, from the Chicago police” Andrew replied.
“What can he do?” Kara further asked.
“Let’s just go see him and I’ll explain later,” Andrew said as he picked up his fork and knife. He sliced off some more of the steak. He put it in his mouth with a moaning sound. Kara laughed and punched him in the arm. Andrew faked a cry of pain and went back to eating. Kara took up her own fork and knife and began to eat her food. She looked at Andrew and thought, today, after all, may just turn out to be a good day.
Nick got up off the sofa when he heard a knock at the door. It was already late in the afternoon.
He peered through the peephole and saw Andrew. But there was someone else with him. All he could see of her was streaked hair and a leather jacket. She looked very pretty.
Nick opened the door.
“How’s it going?” he shook Andrew’s hand.
“Nick this is Kara Sadler,” Andrew introduced her.
“A pleasure.” Nick shook hands with Kara. She was more than pretty; she was smoking hot. Andrew and Kara entered Nick’s apartment and sat down on the couch.
Nick closed and locked the door. He joined them and sat in the recliner.
“So what’s up?” Nick asked.
“You know those guys arrested in the park that night?” Andrew began.
“Yeah,” Nick replied. “They’re still in custody, waiting for a preliminary hearing.”
“They are part of a secret society called the Knights of VanHelsing,” Kara spoke up. She unzipped and took of her coat off. Nick’s eyes were instantly drawn to her revealing peasant blouse. Kara noticed Nick looking her over. She thought he was striking with his brooding looks. She felt an instant attraction. Kara went on, “They are responsible for countless deaths, but have never been exposed to the light of justice.”
“Well, those three in the Cook County jail will be facing justice,” Nick announced. He stood up unexpectedly. “I’m sorry,” Nick apologized. “Did you want something to drink?” Nick excused himself and went in the kitchen.
“Is he single?” Kara inquired to Andrew.
“He is,” Andrew replied.
“Thanks,” Kara leaned over and gave Andrew a peck on the cheek.
“Thanks for what,” Andrew faked innocence.
“You know,” Kara nudged him as Nick returned.
“Here you go.” Nick handed them their drinks.
“So what are you planning on doing?” Nick asked settling down. He took a drink from his bottle of beer.
“We have a map of the location of Gothica Castle,” Kara said. “Andrew has already contacted the German police. We leave for Berlin in two days. From there we go by train to Zwickau. Gothica Castle is located in the Ore Mountains.”
“You’re freakin’ insane,” Nick scoffed.
“I also telephoned Peter at the Bayport police department before coming here to see you,” Andrew explained. “Peter told me that a person matching Wyatt’s description boarded a plane to O’Hare”
“What do you want from me?” Nick asked pointedly.
“We want you to join us,” Kara looked at Nick.
“But they know karate and s- like that,” Nick protested.
“I… we, can teach you some basic moves,” Kara stuttered.
“Well, I need to finalize all the arrangements.” Andrew rose. He finished his beer and put the empty bottle down. “I’ll be back later.” Andrew thanked Nick and flashed Kara a quick smile. Nick didn’t notice. “See you two later.” Andrew left, and closed the door behind him.
“So what now?” Nick was a bit nervous.
“What do you want to do?” Kara flashed Nick a full smile. He saw her fangs.
“We’ll think of something,” Nick joined Kara on the sofa. He moved closer to her. Nick took a chance and leaned in for kiss. Kara gladly accepted as their lips coupled in a long, breath-taking kiss.
Chapter 11
Talia was watching TV. She was in her comfortable sweats and hair unkept. Talia was munching on a bag of tortilla chips and sipping from a can of diet soda. The door bell rang.
“Are you kidding me?” Talia moaned. She put the chip bag and soda can down on the coffee table. Talia pried herself from the sofa and went to answer the door. She looked through the peep hole. It was Andrew. He looked very nice in his jeans and leather jacket. More importantly, he had food; real food. Andrew had a bag from Cranky Bill’s in one hand and a six pack of beer in the other.
“Just a minute,” Talia shouted and ran to her bed room. A few minutes later she returned with her hair brushed, wearing jeans and a black four button blouse. Talia opened the door.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” Andrew asked.
“No, no,” Talia stepped back to let him inside. She could smell the cheeseburger and fries. It made her mouth water. Andrew came inside and Talia closed the door behind him.
