Bloodlines Trilogy

Bloodlines Trilogy

J. Thiele

Copyright © 2018 by J. Thiele

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, places and events are either the

product of the Author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments,

events or locations are entirely coincidental.

Content Warning

The following eBooks contains Adult (18+) Themes, including graphic sexual scenes and language that may offend or disturb some readers.

All characters are fictional and portrayed as mature adults 18 years old and over.

Contents

Content Warning

BLOOD RUNS DEEP

BLOODTIES

LINE OF DESCENT

About the Author

Also by J. Thiele

BLOOD RUNS DEEP

Book #1

Dedication

For Melissa Bell

You asked me to write you a story about vampires, and here it is.

This book was written and dedicated to you with love.

Acknowledgments

Cover Designs by Melissa Bell

Formatting by Melissa Bell

CHAPTER

1

Casey sat at home like she did most nights lately. Her latest fling had ended during the week and she was in no hurry to step back into the dating scene just yet. Being a detective’s partner/lover wasn’t easy, and Casey was in no mood to put another woman through what Jen had just been through .

She’d been working on a case that had her going under cover for several weeks, trying to shut down a major drug ring.

On the last day of her investigation she'd been instructed to go to the old abandoned warehouse, that had sat empty for the past five years—next to the railway crossing on the west side of town. Everybody knew the location and most knew to stay away. There was something creepy about that place, perhaps they should have pulled it down when it was first abandoned.

The owner slash manager was murdered there, in a bizarre way that no-one liked to talk about. But it was common knowledge that his body was entirely drained of blood. People believed his soul was still inside the warehouse... searching for salvation. He was an evil bastard to work for, but everyone agreed that no-one deserved to die like that. The place was closed down and abandoned shortly after. No-one wanted to go back there. The air had shifted and his evil presence was said to be still lurking high in the overheads watching over everyone as usual waiting to pounce on every slip up.

Even the demolishers were too afraid to get close enough to destroy the structure. His assailant was never found, never brought to justice, and many questions remained unanswered.

It was a perfect hideout for the drug runners who thought they were above the law, above fear. They had their guns and were more often than not, too wasted to know fear, even when it had them by the throat.

Casey arrived a little after two-thirty pm. She walked up to the open door of the warehouse, already suspicious. It was unlike the gang to call her for a meeting out of the blue and on such short notice. She had her earpiece in and had already called for backup. She had an uncanny knack of knowing when something wasn’t right.

I’m almost at the door, is everybody in position? she spoke softly, barley more than a whisper.

Roger that sergeant. We’ll approach on your word. Came a voice in her ear, which she recognised as Lieutenant Ray Powell. A young officer that had been backup on several other cases that she’d previously led.

Ah, Lieutenant Powell, glad you could join us, she responded. Keep them back until I give the order. I don’t want any heroes, nor do I want a body count.

You got it, responded the young voice. Cheerful that she trusted him with that responsibility. He’d grown fond of Casey over the past two years. He admired and respected her, and though he would never admit it nor act on it, he had a slight crush on the well-known lesbian detective.

She stepped out of the sunlight and into the darkness of the warehouse, her piece tucked into the back of her jeans. She felt her heart rate quicken when from somewhere in the shadows she heard Tyson’s raspy voice. Ahh Rachel you’re here, come in, come in. there was something cynical about his tone.

Someone came from nowhere on her left side and patted her down, retrieving her weapon. He held it up by the butt dangling it in his fingers. He walked toward Tyson pushing her sideways as he passed.

What’s with the pistol, Rachel? Do you think you need protection? From us maybe? Come closer Rachel…. or should I say, Detective Casey Marks?

Casey glared at him as he approached her with her own handgun pointing directly at her. Did you think you could outsmart me detective? he asked through his half smart grin.

Did you think I’d be stupid enough to come alone? she snapped back at him.

They heard a rustle and some commotion from the overhead beams behind them. Don’t just stand there you idiots! Go check it out, he bellowed at his comrades. Three of his men scattered inside the warehouse to find the source, but returned minutes later empty handed.

Must be rats or something, there’s nothing up there. said Wes, the youngest and shortest of the trio explained.

A moment later they heard it again. I told you I wasn’t alone, Casey repeated. Trying to trigger their nerves and convince them the noises coming from inside were her guys closing in.

Well your guys are a little too late. Tyson told her as he squeezed the trigger firing a bullet into her stomach. Casey clutched at her wound as blood seeped through her fingers and she fell to the ground. Tyson stepped closer to her until he was towering over her. She dragged herself toward the sunlight that was beaming through the open door.

You can’t escape Detective, it’s too late. As he took another step, his foot landed in a pool of Casey’s blood. Fuck! I just bought these shoes too. He aimed at Casey’s head ready to fire another bullet into her when he was interrupted by shouts and screams from his crew behind him. He turned to see what the commotion was and shouted, What the fuck is up with you guys? but his question was met with silence. It was dark in the warehouse; he squinted from where he was standing and tried to see what was going on with his gang. From the shadows came a figure covered in blood, a tall male had Tyson frozen on the spot. Sirens could be heard closing in fast. The figure moved swiftly back into the shadows as squad cars came in roaring to a halt. Casey had passed out due to loss of blood. Through the dust stirred by the cars, Lieutenant Powell squatted behind the safety of his opened door with his gun pointed at Tyson’s head. Freeze! Drop the gun and get down on your knees.

Tyson was already frozen, he was completely oblivious to the police cars behind him, or any instructions they were shouting out to him. Powell indicated to the other officers to come up behind him and take him by surprise.

Tyson made no attempt to resist. He simply stared into nothingness, tears streamed down his face as he was cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car.

Powell raced to Casey’s side, feeling for a pulse and shouted, We need a bus! Now! and an ambulance was called to the scene.

Powell looked over his shoulder to see other officers vacate the warehouse vomiting and heaving; he got to his feet and walked toward the interior drawing his flashlight and shining it into the shadows. His eyes widened with horror, there was blood and body parts strewn everywhere.

CHAPTER

2

Aweek later Casey was being released from hospital, she’d lost a lot of blood, but the wound was a through and through, missing all her vital organs. Tyson was in custody, charged with attempted murder of a police officer, along with several other charges, including possession and sale of illicit drugs, and the murder of his entire gang .

Tyson wasn’t talking. In fact, he hadn’t spoken a word since he was taken into custody that day at the warehouse.

Captain Pearce was at the hospital to escort Casey home and fill her in on the case so far.

He murdered them all? Casey asked.

Yep, bloody massacred the lot of ‘em - Ripped them apart, limb from limb, he replied.

How? He wouldn’t have had time, they were alive when he shot me and I must have been out for only a minute or two before the troops moved in.

Fucked if we can work it out, but the pricks not saying a word. Just keeps staring off into space, trying to pull a section eight over us. The bastard’s crazy if he thinks any of us are buying that crazy shit, The captain said as he helped Casey into her jacket and seated her in the wheelchair. Ready to roll? he asked as he started to push her out of the room and toward the lifts.

Get me out of here. Casey said, Before I’m sanctioned with a section eight.

Casey arrived home to find Jen had cleared out. A note was left in a sealed envelope on the breakfast bar. She took a deep breath before opening it.

Dear Casey,

I can’t live like this anymore. I can’t live from one moment to the next wondering if you’re going to come home in one peace or if you’re even going to come home at all. I know that this is your life; it’s what you live for. I just don’t want to be around when you die for it as well. I can’t and won’t ask you to change; I know that’s asking for the impossible, but a piece of me died when you were shot and I won’t keep losing you to the job. I’d rather lose you alive than bury you dead.

I love you always.

Jen

Everything okay? Pearce asked.

Um yeah, she’s gone to stay with her mother for a while; it’s all getting a bit much for her. she lied. She was gone and Casey knew she was never coming back.

Oh okay. You need anything, can I call someone for ya? Pearce asked.

No, I’m fine thanks. But I’m tired, I think I’ll go and lie down for a while. Can you let yourself out? Casey asked, as she headed for the bedroom.

Oh yeah, sure. I’d better head back to the precinct anyway. That bastards got his snot-nosed lawyer coming in today. He’s even trying to convince him that he’s lost his marbles. Fucking fruit loop. The captain said as he exited her unit. Hey call if you need anything okay? were his final words as he closed to the door to leave.

Casey was lying on her bed. Sleep eluded her. Even though she was exhausted, something was keeping her mind from resting. ‘How the fuck did Tyson manage to slaughter his gang in that time? And why would he slaughter them? What’s with the silent act? If he didn’t do it, for Christ’s sake speak out. You’re going down for drugs and attempted murder; the body count will give you the fucking death penalty.’

Eventually the pain killers kicked in and Casey was in a deep sleep. She began thrashing slightly at first as the nightmare of that day in the warehouse revisited her in her dreams. She recalled the conversation with Tyson and felt the bullet enter her stomach again. She saw Tyson standing over her and felt her body tingling from loss of blood. She watched as Tyson walked over to the shadows, from the darkness she saw…… She sat bolt upright. She was wet from sweat and her breathing was rapid. She tried to remember what it was that startled her awake, but everything just drew a blank.

She got up and staggered to the kitchen for a glass of water. Then it hit her. There was someone or something else in the warehouse. She snatched up her phone and called the station.

Put me through to Captain Pearce. It's Detective Marks. She ordered the switch board operator.

Marks, why aren’t you resting? he blurted out.

Captain, I just remembered something. Tyson couldn’t have murdered his guys, there simply wasn’t the time. Especially if it was as gruesome as you say. But listen; there was something else in there that day, I remember cos he sent his guys out back to track down some noises that were coming from the overheads. They came up with nothing, but I heard the noises too. There was definitely something there, Casey rambled.

Something? Pearce sounded condescending, Casey, look, you’ve had a rough couple of days, and you’re taking a lot of medications. They came up with nothing because there was nothing; we’ve had our guys go over that place with a fine-tooth comb, there’s nothing there but dust and cobwebs. Now will you get some rest? The case is all but closed, and fuck face is going down for murder.

But Captain…

But Captain nothing. REST! he ordered as he hung up in her ear.

Casey looked at her phone. Really? she said out loud. You can be such a prick sometimes Captain Anthony Pearce, your fucking lucky I love you or Id make my way down there and pop a cap in your ass for that. She put the hand set back in its cradle and flicked her kettle on. Still uneasy about her suspicions.

It was getting dark out, Casey decided to plant herself in front of the T.V. Jen was gone and she was on leave due to her injuries. There weren’t many options for entertainment these days.

She turned to Channel 72 where she’d found a horror movie. Not much frightened her, she’d seen and done it all in the line of duty, so a good horror was always good to get her adrenalin flowing. About an hour into the movie she heard a noise out on her back-door step. She turned the volume down to listen for it again, but heard nothing. She decided it must have been the neighbour’s cat 'Jack' who often used her plants to piss in whenever Olivia had neglected to take him to the roof tops or change his litter tray.

She was well aware of how movies can play on the minds of women who were home alone and chose to indulge in horror films. When she was still in uniform and flat footing neighbourhoods, she responded to many a false alarm calls from frightened women watching scary films alone. She refused to become one of them and returned the T.V., to its original volume setting.

An add break came on and Casey got up to stretch, she had an uneasy feeling sweep over her as if someone was watching her. But she was several floors up and the landing was inaccessible from the streets, she shared it only with her neighbour Olivia, who rarely used it except when she wanted a cigarette. She didn’t feel it was her eyes on her at all. She pulled her weapon from its holster and kept it on the bench while she made herself another coffee.

As she turned to take it back to the comfort of her recliner, something caught her eye from the landing. She placed the cup back on the counter and swapped it for her Glock.

Edging her way against the wall and hidden behind the curtains she held her piece against her face ready to flash out and draw it at who or what was on her landing.

A second later she was at the window and spun out with her arms extended with pistol ready to fire at the end of them. There was nothing there. She wondered if there was a 'Peeping Tom' laughing at her from a neighbouring building and the flash that caught her eye was nothing more than a light flicking on or off. Her mind must be playing tricks on her, perhaps her medication needed to be reduced.

She returned to the lounge and swiftly changed the station; resigned to the fact that her adrenalin had reached its peak for one night. Now she was bordering on paranoia.

She flicked off the television and called it a night, but not before checking and double checking her locks and making sure her Glock was loaded and tucked safely under her pillow.

CHAPTER

3

Two weeks later Casey was fit to return to duty. Pearce wanted to keep an eye on her until all her mandatory psych evaluations were complete, so he assigned her to a desk, outside his office until further notice. Casey was insulted and furious at the notion. But what could she do? It was standard procedure, and he was the Captain. She only had to suck it up; she didn’t have to like it .

Any more on the 'Grey' case? she asked as she seated herself at her desk.

What’s more to tell? Pearce asked in return, The bastards guilty and behind bars, just a waiting game now for the trial and sentencing.

He’s not guilty Captain, and if you give me a chance, I'll prove it. Casey pleaded.

Are you fucking kidding me? he asked. You’re the victim! Why are you trying to get this motherfucker off the hook?

Not off shooting me or the drugs charges, but captain, there’s no way he could have massacred those other men. She insisted.

You stay away from him; do you hear me? Case closed. Pearce was becoming flushed with his anger at her for trying to free the felon of the charges he himself had laid.

Captain, I believe it was my case, and it’s up to me to close it. Or am I to understand I’ve been relieved of the case? And if so I will ask for a letter of explanation. She pushed his boundaries.

My office, NOW! he shouted and everyone in the precinct spun toward the commotion.

Casey followed him through the glass door and he slammed it behind her. He promptly closed the blinds from the onlookers on the other side.

What the hell has gotten into you Marks? Are you questioning my authority? Are you still on your meds or what? Pearce asked, his tone indicating he was ropeable.

Forgive me Captain, but my gut tells me we’re missing something. I can’t let him go down for something he didn’t do.

Your gut? Your gut took a bullet and is probably still telling you to eat your sandwiches’ through a fucking straw.

Casey was shocked at the reference. He could see the hurt in her eyes and it pinched at his heart. He was not a man for apologies and was not about to start now. Lucky for her, he liked Casey, she was like a daughter to him and he just wanted to keep her safe. He knew she was a very capable detective, still he worried that she was too much like a bull at a gate. Her over-confidence was probably what bought her the bullet in the first place. She never knew when to fold and walk away.

Casey, look, you know I trust your judgement. But on this one? Let’s call it a day. He pleaded.

I can’t Captain. Please, just hear me out?

Pearce let out a large sigh, Sit down, let’s hear what you've got.

Casey quickly took up the seat opposite his, before he could change his mind.

The day of the shooting, I was called to the warehouse. I remember there was a noise coming from the high beams at the back of the joint. It was dark inside and I was standing in the sunlight of the open doors, so I couldn’t see much of what was going on in the shadows. The power’s been cut from there for years. But Tyson and his gang heard it too. He sent three of his men back inside to check it out, but they came back empty-handed saying 'they couldn’t find anything,' assuming it was rats. She went on. But captain, it must have been a rat the size of a large dog to make the scuffling sound that it did.

Pearce sat up, starting to show an interest. You’re sure you heard it too? he asked.

I give you my word. I can’t believe Grey hasn’t told you any of this. She said.

He’s still not talking. Got his lawyer convinced he’s a head case. Even got the shrink convinced of it. But me? I’m not buyin’ it. he said with conviction.

I don’t know Captain, after I took that bullet I dragged myself further out the door, Tyson followed me, we both heard screaming and shouting from behind him, coming from inside. We couldn’t see anything because of the shadows. But it drew Grey away from me, I could feel myself getting light headed and heard the sirens closing in I knew they wouldn’t be far away, if the noises could just keep him distracted a minute longer. I watched him as he got closer to the shaded outline of the doors then he stopped in his tracks. Captain, I saw something. she paused.

What? What did you see? Spit it out Marks, I don’t have all day. he was sitting up with expectation.

I… I don’t know. It was a face, a mask or something. It was pale, evil looking... she said as she stared down searching for words to describe what she’d seen. A monster.

Okay, that’s enough. You just lost me. Ya know what I think? Your drugs are too strong and you’ve heard too many ghost stories about that old place. I’m not sure you’re ready to return to active duty just yet, and unless you want to see the same shrink that idiot Grey is seeing, you’ll keep that story to yourself, he said as he got to his feet. Take some more time. And stay away from that warehouse. It’s still a crime scene.

Captain, I’m not crazy, please don’t send me home, just let me talk to Grey, I’m sure I can get him to talk. She asked.

Hell, no! he scoffed at the idea. He’s not going to add any more credence to your imaginary ‘Monster,’ now go home and get some more rest. You’ve got plenty of time up your sleeve, it’s all paid leave, now go. He insisted.

Casey collected her bag and badge from her desk on the way out, she passed Lieutenant Powell as she headed for the lift. He was carrying an evidence bag that looked like it contained heavy bling, similar to what Wes had been wearing it jogged her memory of when he was sent back into the building to look for the ‘rat’.

Hey Detective, how are you? he asked as she caught his eye as well, but for very different reasons.

I’m good lieutenant, what’s that you’ve got there? she inquired as she stretched her neck for a better look.

This? Oh, this is something one of the guys picked up at the warehouse, you know? Where you… well you know? he stopped himself unsure of her mental progress regarding the trauma of being shot point blank with her own gun.

Yeah-yeah, I know, all good. May I? she asked, reaching for the bag.

Just as the words escaped her lips Pearce’s voice bellowed from across the precinct. Powell! Is that evidence for me? Lucky it’s not a pizza, or I’d get it for free.

I’d better get this to him, he told her. But hey, it’s good to see ya.

Good to see you too, and thanks, you know? For…. Her words fell short.

All in the line of duty, he smiled as he turned away, only to be startled by the Captains voice again.

POWELL! I’m not getting any younger ya know? he snorted at the young officer.

Casey turned toward the lift and pushed the button. Her mind had already shifted into overdrive. She needed answers and was going to do whatever it took to get them.

CHAPTER

4

It was 3:30pm. Casey knew Powell would be leaving the precinct soon. She sat across the road waiting for him to exit. When he finally did, she followed him cautiously. He pulled into a small deli close to his home, which was on the other side of town from where she herself lived, but she walked in behind him and plotted their ‘accidental’ encounter. As he came down an aisle, she circled back and planned to run into him from the opposite end .

Hey, fancy meeting you here. She said.

Detective? What are you doing here? he asked. Bit of a Déjà vu, he chuckled.

Yes indeed. I have a sick friend that lives near here, she explained. I was just going to grab a few things and drop them in, seeing as I’m off duty again until further notice.

You’re off duty? Why? he enquired. Oh, I’m sorry detective; it’s none of my business. Forgive my intrusion.

No, it's fine, I’d like to talk to you about it. Do have some time? Can we maybe grab a coffee? she asked. Knowing full well he was attracted to her and would jump at the opportunity to have a private meeting with her.

Sure, he said. There’s a coffee shop next door. My treat. He said as he abandoned his trolley and escorted her to the coffee house.

What do you know about the massacre that occurred that day? she asked.

Not much, it’s all been hushed up. We took Grey into custody and everybody on sight was given counselling. Including me. He told her, It was a bloody horror story in that place. There was blood and body parts everywhere. No-one walked away the same, he was an animal—a man processed. I still have nightmares. Some of the guys even turned in their badges. He went on and I’ll admit it, I even thought about it too.

Don’t you think it’s strange? she asked.

Strange? he looked at her. Detective, you’ve been at this game longer than me, you of all people should know how these animals can turn on each other. Nothing surprises me with human behaviour any more. I am surprised though that it surprises you.

No... You’re not hearing me, she interjected. What I mean is, you had ears on me that day. You must have heard the interaction between Grey and his guys. You heard him send his men to investigate some noises, didn’t you?

Yes but…

When you heard the gun go off didn’t you hear the screaming in the background?

Yes... but they were being slaughtered, he told her.

Exactly. But there was only one round shot off, and that was aimed at me. We all know Grey’s the man that shot me at the same time as those men were being killed. How is it humanly possible to shoot me and rip six men apart the way they are saying he did, all at the same time?

FUCK! We’ve missed something, Powell said as his eyes met hers. We have to fix it.

I’m trying, but I’m hitting walls. No-one will listen. I’m on my own with this one. She told him.

No, you’re not, he assured her. What do you need?

‘Bingo!' she thought to herself. 'Game on motherfucker!’

Wait, a minute? He thought of something. Detective, you said six men. There were only five bodies recovered and pieced back together. Grey himself was the sixth man. Are you sure you’re not mistaken?

Five? she recalled. There were definitely six men Three went back to search for the noise. Wes, Scotty and Benny. Jake was the one that patted me down and took my gun.

Right well that’s four, and Grey makes five. Who were the others? he asked.

Joe and Louie. I’d been working with those guys for weeks. I know them all and they were all there. She was certain of it.

You know what? You’re right; I’ve been tracking you for the entire case. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it, I’ve got notes on all of them and I.D.’s. That was part of my assignment, to stay on you and collect data on all the suspects. It’s all in my notes. I’ll go back and work out whose missing; I’ve got access to the autopsy reports. I can’t believe I missed it. he was disappointed and embarrassed at his error.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. A traumatic experience can cause us all to slip up. She assured him, But hey, if I’m seen to be still investigating this, I’ll probably lose my badge, she played on his attraction to her.

Mum’s the word. Let’s meet back here tomorrow at the same time. I should have something by then. he suggested.

That’s sounds great, here’s my card in case something comes up.

Detective, I already have you on speed dial. he laughed.

She looked at him as if his admission struck her as a little creepy.

It’s not like that Detective, I was assigned to watch your back on this case, remember? I was given all your details by the department.

Of course, she sighed. I’m sorry; I’m still a little on edge. She admitted, but she didn’t mention that she’d been feeling like there were eyes watching her every night since she’d left the hospital. For a second there, she suspected the young lieutenant of being her 'Peeping Tom.'

The following day Casey waited at the coffee shop for Powell. She was getting a little anxious that after almost twenty-five minutes he still hadn’t shown up. Her phone buzzed.

Am running late

Be there soon, emergency at the remand centre.

Fill you in when I get there.

Ray

Casey ordered another coffee and continued to wait another twenty minutes later Lieutenant Powell arrived, with a manila folder. It’s Moresby—Wes Moresby's the one that’s missing. He said, as handed over the folder and sat opposite her. Casey went to open the folder, but Powell’s hand slammed it shut. Not here, the evidence in there will blow you away. I’ve got pictures autopsy reports, statements the lot. It’s not safe to open it here. My badge is on the line too now, he told her. Let’s go back to my place. I live alone, no-one will interrupt and it’s secure.

Casey agreed to follow him. "Lieutenant, what was the emergency? You