Deathgod: the Vampire

Chapter 1

Evan, Patrick called out as he walked into the office. Captain Stone is on the phone. The Sheriff of Nye county contacted him to ask the squads help in a murder investigation. The bodies of the victims were torn to pieces and he is hoping you will let him borrow a couple of our people, to help look the scene over so he doesn’t miss things. By the time he had finished he had moved to the chair across from Evan’s desk, cell phone in hand ready to call who Evan thought should go.

Picking up the phone, Evan not known for his phone etiquette said, Tell me what you know?

Scott shook his head, if he had not dealt with Evan before on the phone, he would of thought the man was a rude bastard, he knew differently because he took the time to find out why Evan was like he was on the phone. After all if you called him and he answered, his thought was you should know who you called so why bother identifying yourself. Sheriff Dobbins called me half an hour ago to see if we could help identify what attacked a group of college kids out on a archaeological expedition. Out of the eight students and still missing professor, we have two students in the ICU and the rest… pausing to look at his notes, The rest according to Dobbins description were torn apart and gnawed on. Until Adkins gets off his ass and makes his Alpha contact you so he can move here, I don’t have any officers on the squad that are Lycanthrope’s. Though Washburn, the rookie beat cop we snagged wants to sit down and talk to you and Drake.

Blinking several times as he heard Stone tell him one of his officers wanted to be turned, Evan tilted his head and pointed at Patrick, "What is Brad doing right now?

Raising an eyebrow because Patrick thought Evan would have asked for Tim, hitting speed dial he soon had Brad on the phone and asked how soon he could get to the office. He can be at the office in twenty minutes if he pushes it, he saw Evan nod and told Brad to make haste.

Swing by my office in twenty five minutes and I’ll have a team ready to go with you, Evan hung up after giving Stone a time he could have the experts he wanted.

I would have thought that you would have sent Tim, after all he has the criminology degree, Patrick inquired as Evan hung up the phone.

I am, Evan nodded as pushed the intercom button, Tim I need you to go look at a murder scene, and bring Brad’s gear along with your own to my office in fifteen minutes. You’ll be picked up by Stone, he needs our help with making sure they don’t miss anything at the scene of a slaughter in Nye county.

Be right down Evan, Tim’s voice came over the speaker.

Looking back at Patrick, Evan asked, Has Drake called in yet with an update on tracking down Samuel’s father?

Not yet, Glancing at the clock Patrick went over the itinerary in his head, He should just be landing in Atlanta if the plane was not delayed.

He would have preferred Drake drive to Georgia, but Evan supposed Drake had a point. For a scouting mission the sooner they got someone on the ground and searching the better. Neil was adamant that he did not mind Drake missing his graduation ceremony tonight, as long as Carl and Evan did not miss it. Neil would be surprised when the whole Clutch showed up, though Tim and Brad might be late if the crime scene was several hours away. I suppose Drake will check in by text message, when he does, tell him one of the local cops wants to talk to us about the possibility of being turned.

Since Drake knows I will be at your side while he is away, it is a good supposition that he will indeed check in after the plane lands by texting me, Patrick smiled at his proper enunciation, causing Evan to give him that look. A look that including a rolling of the eyes. But he never attempted to tell him he was being too precise and to loosen up and he loved that in him. Since I have already interrupted you, he flipped open the leather case to his tablet computer to look at the notes he had made. That was another thing he thought made Evan special, he was not stingy when it came to the technology those around him carried. While he might not carry all the high tech toys his Draken did, if it helped in the day to day activities, it was bought without thinking about it.

The Tigress of the Falls Clan wishes to meet with you on Monday at Eleven if possible to sign the treaty and be on hand as her clan commences the move to Vegas. Patrick ticked off the note and put down Eleven as confirmed when Evan nodded his head. We have confirmation that Papa Lo has been executed. Looking up at Evan he passed along what Matt had emailed him, The local Animator had served a Warrant of Execution signed off by the local Judge before Matt’s plane had arrived at the airport. Matt found out one of the Louisiana Judges had signed off on a Warrant when he went to register the one he was to carry out as your weapon. It seems word had made it to the locals that Papa Lo was committing Human Sacrifices and the local Judge did not wish to wait until you arrived to get rid of the man. Matt has accepted an offer to enjoy the day sight seeing at the city of New Orleans expense, the local Animator, Elvira will be his escort. His email update mentioned he had hoped to go recruiting after dinner and before he had to fly back in the morning.

Did he fly commercial or take the Leer my company owns, Evan asked as he tried to decide why he felt unsatisfied with hearing Elvira handled matters. After all the voodoo priest was dead, and that was what he wanted.

We have a Leer? Patrick perked up hearing the question. He had not come across any mentions of airplanes in the two months he had been diving into the company computers.

That answers that question, Evan chuckled. Drake thought Matt took the jet, thats why he went commercial. Stretching as he glanced at his appointments screen and saw the only thing left for the day was one of the security specialists wanted to talk to him.

Last item from my notes, Patrick ran a finger up the screen to bring up the next page. A Doctor Lawrence, from Vegas Memorial wishes to talk to you about several patients that have made the request to find out more information on being turned.

On the one hand, the fact people are honestly seeing Lycanthropy as a valid choice is heartening, Evan was about to rain on the doctors parade so to speak. But that request is something Drake should handle. And he has already made the determination that he will not even consider talking to any patients unless they are gay or under sixteen and would die before they reach the age of consent. So, their choice is to talk to one of the other Lycanthrope groups out there that is willing to talk or to talk to Judge Adkins who will act as mediator and find a group that is willing turn them.

Walking into the office with his gear, Tim dropped Brad’s bag near the door along with his and pulled one of the chairs over. So, where are we going and what do you need us to do exactly?

Stone called, Evan switched gears as he pulled up the file of the person who requested some time to speak with him. He had a chance before Tim left to find out just what type of person this Luke Grainier was. All I know is there has been a grisly multiple murder over in Nye county. The local Sheriff for some reason suspects either Lycanthrope or preternatural involvement and called the Squad in to help police the crime scene. You and Brad are going to ride along and make sure Stone does not overlook anything important.

Frowning, as he glanced at the clock, Tim decided that the five hours they had until the graduation ceremony started was cutting it close if they had to ride along with Stone. We’ll take Brad’s Jeep. That way we can make sure we can get to Neil’s graduation dinner if things go badly.

Before you leave, Evan raised a hand to stop Tim as he started to get up. Luke Grainier asked for some time this afternoon to talk. Do you have any idea why?

No, Tim shook his head. Thinking about the person in question he said, He was assigned to Neil’s protection team a few months ago because of how young he looks. I’ve asked multiple times for reports on any of Neil’s team, because those are the ones we are testing to see if they would be a good fit so we could recruit them; all the comments I’ve been hearing so far have been positive. As far as the guys who interact with him on a daily basis are concerned, he’s a fun likable guy that they are testing to see what his attitude on gay people is like. We already know from being partnered with Brad he does not have a problem with Lycanthrope’s.

Closing his eyes, Tim brought up what he knew about the guy, He’s assigned to apartment three-o-four. There’s not been any complaints by any of the other guys living around him. He’s not been seen with too many visitors. In fact I don’t think the logs show he has had any visitor in the past two months since joining the firm. I personally don’t see him having a problem with gay people. Looking back at Evan, he grinned. He was one of the ones I was heavily flirting with while cruising the haunts outside the Air Force base. I can try to get a copy of his Air Force service jacket if you want.

All it will tell you is that I was discharged for cause, Luke entered the open door and joined in. Sorry, but the door was open when I came down to ask if we could move my appointment up. Seeing the big boss wave a finger in a come hither motion he did so and came to parade rest in front of the desk. Right next to that statement will be the word Homosexual stamped in red. I was discharged for breaking the Don’t ask Don’t tell policy. Entrapment is such a nasty tool investigators in the Air Force like to use.

In what way? Evan asked as he sat back in his chair. He found it odd that military units had become so homophobic in the last one hundred years. When before they were of the opinion as long as it’s not forced go for it.

The Air Force has a team of investigators that cruise the pick up areas, flirting with anyone with a pulse. If you fall into their trap of agreeing to go have some consensual fun then the cuffs come out and you’re in lockup and before a review board all within twenty four hours. You’re given the option of accepting the discharge or being tried and going to prison when found guilty.

Deciding to think about how they could use that when they went recruiting later on, Evan pointed to the empty chair in front of his desk, Sit. Then you can tell me what it is you wanted to talk to me about.

Bouncing out of his chair, Tim waved goodbye, Brad should be about here by now. So I’ll grab our gear and meet him in the parking lot. I’ll let you know as soon as I can how long we’ll be.

Once his boss had left, Luke sat down, remaining stiff postured. Sir. If I may, can I get clarification on housing. I may be in need of a place for my younger brother to stay for a while. I don’t want to sound ungrateful or pushy, because you literally saved my life when you offered me a job that included housing. It’s just I noticed when we escorted Neil home that you have been building new housing at the Ranch and if possible I would like to see about transferring out there so there are less distractions for my brother while I figure out what to do.

Your apartment is just that, your apartment. You are free to have whomever you like over at anytime. The only reason we ask you to sign guests in and out is because of the fact the apartments are two floors above my office. The paranoid types like to know who is in my vicinity. Evan responded as he scrolled through Luke’s file on his computer. Stopping on the page that had family information he asked, as far as the new apartment building under construction on the Ranch, it was mainly designed to house any new recruits that want to join the Draken.

Leaning forward eagerly, Luke tried to show how sincere he was, I have no problems with Lycanthrope’s. I think I’ve shown that in the past few months.

How about becoming a Lycanthrope yourself, Patrick asked. Interrupting the conversation and reminding Luke he was sitting there in the room.

I… Luke sat back abruptly as he seriously considered his answer. I of course have had my share of fantasies growing up that involved me being a Lycanthrope. I did notice the three people that you singled out when I was hired. They moved to the Ranch within a week of being hired. So I assume they were turned into a Lycanthrope and living at the Ranch was part of the deal. I guess I am more open to the idea now, than when I was a kid. After all Lycanthrope’s are legal citizens with all the same rights as everyone else. It sure would make the job of being a bodyguard easier. But I think the big sticking point would be that I’m gay. From what I’ve heard, being gay is not in any way, shape or form welcome in the Lycanthrope community.

Evan let Patrick handle the questioning while he watched both of them go back and forth. Luke seemed desperate and that could lead to him doing something rash.

For the most part, the Draken are gay, the two members of the Clutch that were turned earlier than sixteen were turned by permission of the court to save their lives; well they are Bisexual for the most part. Patrick tilted his head as he glanced back and forth between his tablet computer and Luke. Could your brother handle being around Lycanthrope’s full time? But more importantly, can he handle being around gay people all the time?

From what my father told me when he called to tell me he was putting Jason on a plane to get him out of town, Luke sighed softly as he met Patrick’s eyes, Jason has been targeted by a Lycanthrope gang. The Los Lobos Wolf pack is after Jason. They want him as a member and have threatened to turn him against his will. I think he would be cool with living with Lycanthrope’s, and he’s never had a problem with me being gay…

Knowing the Draken are gay, and for the moment forget about your brother and only think of yourself, Patrick asked, If given the invitation to become one of us, would you take it?

I…I think so, Luke had started out sounding unsure, but half way through his answer held conviction.

When does your brother's plane land? Evan nodded at Patrick when he lifted an eyebrow his way after Luke answered.

Dad is escorting him to the airport, the flight leaves at three thirty our time and lands tonight at ten p.m., Luke answered quickly. Hoping he would be one of the ones asked to join the Draken, and that he could hide his brother at the Ranch until he figured out what the hell was going on.

Spend the rest of the afternoon until it is time to meet your brother’s airplane packing up your apartment and moving your stuff to one of the condo’s at the Ranch. It looks like you and Patrick are sharing a bed tonight, Evan smiled as he saw Luke go all bug eyed.

Chapter 2

Pulling in behind Stone’s cruiser, Brad parked next to the unmarked car easily enough. Hopping out of the Jeep he started to pull his shirt off as he walked towards the back of the Jeep; replacing his shirt for the armor and gear Tim threw in the back seat.

I’ll be glad when the department orders the armor you guys wear, Scott said as he pulled out two squad vests and handed them to Brad and Tim.

Reaching into the backseat Brad came out with another set of chest armor and handed it over to Captain Stone stunning him, I brought an extra vest for you to use while with us, Brad told him as he grabbed the vests Stone offered and threw one to Tim.

Embarrassed look on his face, nevertheless Scott thanked Brad for the use of the protective armor, I appreciate it that you thought of me.

Yeah, well Evan does not want to have to train up a replacement, Tim held back the laugh. Glad his trademark sunglasses hid the laughter in his eyes.

Holy FUCK, Sheriff Dobbins spat out, he had come over to see what was taking so long and about swallowed his chew as he spotted the three officers donning medieval armor. Not only that, two of them were putting shiny god damned long swords down some type of harness along their spines. Not to mention, instead of sidearms they were sticking shiny knives all over the place. The corpses are already torn to bits. No need for those damn pig stickers…Whatever the Fuck do you need those things for?

Taking in the uniform top, Tim nodded his head slowly, You’re probably right Sheriff. But the thing is, protocol states we have to gear up at the scene of a possible preternatural crime. And even though it is daytime, and the perpetrator is most likely long gone. I am not about to break something that needs to be ingrained as a habit. Touching the pummel of his sword he explained, Beside being a god dammed pig sticker as you called it. He chuckled at the name, The sword protects my spine from damage. It also has a solid cold iron core inside the sterling silver sword. So if I would cut a Lycanthrope, they are not only going to feel it, they are going to back off quickly. The same as all the knives we use. If I have to grapple with something furry, I damn sure am going to make sure I have more than enough sharp silver objects within reach.

Fastening his nine millimeter’s harness on next, he double checked the loads in the magazine before chambering a round, Sterling Silver bullets with a hollow core filled with holy water. Brad smiled at the awe struck look on the Sheriff’s face. We provide back up to Animator Falchion when he serves his warrants of execution. So we get to carry these loads.

Looking up at the sky, Sheriff Dobbins shook his head, You both know its daylight out right? No Vampires can be out and about during the daylight hours. He mumbled paranoid bastards under his breath.

True, Tim told him as he came around the Jeep. But holy water is a good deterrent for ghouls. And a ghoul feeding frenzy can be described as your murder scene. We won’t know until we take a look. And ghouls can and do ignore the fact it is daylight out.

Fuck me standing, Sheriff Dobbins twirled to look at the scrub brush in the distance.

Tim and Brad shared a smile as they shook their heads at the old Sheriff and his vulgar mouth. When they looked at Stone they saw he too was looking amused.

Looking back at Captain Stone, the man he had called for help, Dobbins commented on the way he was armed, I see you are not carrying one of those pig stickers.

They won’t let me, Scott chuckled at the expression on the Sheriffs face. At least until I learn which end to pick up.

Turning and walking back to the crime scene, Dobbins muttered, Great, just fucking great. I call for back up and they send me fucking Jackie Chan and the Knights of the Round Table.

You’re about to view a grisly crime scene and your chuckling, Scott said as he glanced at his two partners in this investigation as if they lost their minds.

Glancing at Stone, Tim whispered low enough Stone could hear, Well, we blew his mind. That and he is comparing us to Jackie Chan and the Knights of the Round Table. The real questions is, he looked at Brad then Stone, Who he thinks looks like Jackie Chan?

Stone opened and closed his mouth several times as they finally made it to the crime scene. Seeing the hastily erected tents to shade the bodies, or what was left of them, he snapped his mouth shut before the smell caused him to choke. Following along behind, as Tim and Brad started circling the scene, while looking at the ground, he cataloged in his mind what they pointed out to each other.

By the time Tim had planted the third small yellow flag next to a print he would want to document later, if his examination of the body pieces turned out to prove his suspicions were correct, he had gathered a group of forensic techs who were following him and mixing plaster to pour into the prints.

Hand going to the hilt of his sword as he stopped near the scrub brush, Tim took several sniffs of the air to determine if anything was lurking near by. Which of course caused the crew following him to stiffen in fear. Ignoring the scent of the techs rising fear, he told said without looking behind him, I’ll check the bodies, while Brad tracks down the trail through the brush. Glancing at the techs following him he locked eyes with a deputy, You might want to ride herd on the techs, Brad can take care of himself, but someone needs to protect the techs if they follow him through the scrub.

Leaving Brad to it, Tim knew Brad was more than up for it, being an Army Ranger before he was recruited, after being drummed out of the service because of his choice of bedroom partners. Moving quickly to the side of the tent where the station was set up with protective gear, to keep the crime scene untainted, he handed a pair of plastic shoe covers to Stone. Gloves on, he strode carefully to the first body pile.

What are you looking for? The coroner asked as he spotted the sunglass wearing figure kneel near the closest pile of body parts.