Tears of No Return Read online

  “I’ve released Boyd from my grasp,” Karen said. “Now, can we talk without the threat of another attack?”

  Ben nodded. “That, for now, we can do.”

  Morgan sat up slowly. Ben kept his weapon in hand while Jim tended to his brother.

  Karen explained Morgan’s situation, how The Murphy Group changed him into a vampire-killing machine. She knew Morgan wouldn’t be pleased. He needed to be able to blend in with the vampires, be a chameleon, taking out vampires when they least expected it. Informing the hunters was a dangerous risk, not that they would tell anyone, but simply having others know about Morgan made his secret that much closer to becoming public knowledge.

  “This would’ve been a lot less messy for all of us if you’d just told us the truth. You know, figured out a way of showing us like the missus here did,” Ben said to Morgan.

  Morgan stood and glared at Ben through narrowed eyes.

  “But,” Ben added, clearly seeing Morgan’s anger, “I can understand why you’d want to keep that a secret. You’d be useless if your own—excuse me—your former kind found out about you.”

  “You can’t tell anyone about this,” Karen demanded. “Not even the other hunters.”

  Ben considered the statement. “I agree. It won’t be easy, I’ll admit, but you can be assured neither me nor my boys will speak a word of this. We need someone like Morgan on our side.” He reached out and offered his hand.

  “We’ll see,” Morgan said. He stepped forward and accepted Ben’s gesture. The two men shook.

  “Glad you’re on our side,” Ben said. “And sorry for all the trouble we’ve caused you over the years.”

  Morgan shook his head. “I can’t blame you. You were doing your job.”

  “Well,” Ben began, “we better part ways. Wouldn’t want someone seeing this and getting the wrong idea.”

  Both parties said their goodbyes and began walking away when the big hunter turned around and said, “Hey, maybe we’ll work together some day in the future.”

  Morgan rolled his eyes. “I hope not,” he said softly to Karen as they walked out of the park.

  She smiled and was glad to see Morgan with a sense of humor again.

  Chapter 33

  Karen and Morgan arrived back at the house. Still needing sustenance, Morgan would find a vampire tomorrow night and restore himself to full health.

  Karen looked around the living room. The dead vampire was gone, only a small pile of ash remaining where the body had been. She didn’t understand much about the hidden world that existed alongside hers. Vampires were real. That much she was certain about. But what about other supernatural beings? With her world quickly merging with a new one, a dangerous one, Karen wanted answers.

  “What happens to vampires when they’re destroyed?” she asked as Morgan began pushing the paintings back into place and resetting the vampire trap.

  “Their blood dries up and they become ash.” After setting the last painting in place, he said, “I guess you’ll want to know a little bit about them…the former me.”

  Karen helped Morgan tidy the place up, almost laughing when he produced a dust pan and broom to sweep up the vampire’s remains. After the mess was cleaned, Morgan made tea—Earl Grey. They sat on the couch and talked between sips.

  “Vampires can be killed in a number of ways, and they have weaknesses.”

  “Like?” Karen asked.

  “Blessed items—the crucifix, Stars of David, Bibles, Torahs, Korans and whatnot can wound and keep vampires at bay. A blessed item, like a cross or a piece of wood soaked in holy water, can also be used to kill a vampire if stabbed through the heart. Chopping off the head works, as well as setting them on fire, or letting them roast in the sunlight for a few minutes.”

  “You make them sound so easy to kill,” Karen said.

  “Don’t fool yourself. But they’re not indestructible, as you know. Do enough damage to a vampire’s body, it will die.”

  Karen had seen the vampire trap in action, the power of the blessed crosses. And she’d witnessed firsthand what bullets could do. Remembering how bad Morgan looked mere hours before sent a shiver through her body.

  “What about garlic?” she asked.

  Morgan flashed a humorless smile. “Oh yeah. It won’t kill them unless you shove it down their throats, but it will keep them away. The stuff burns like acid would to a human.”

  Karen took another sip of her tea and stared into the mug. She was hesitant about asking the next question and placed the cup on the coffee table before blurting it out.

  “And what about you?” she asked. Their eyes met.

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you. Do the same things work on you?”

  “Beheading works against me,” he said.

  “I kind of figured that one.”

  “I burn up like anyone else when set on fire. Not feeding at least once a week will drain me and ultimately kill me. So I need to always be around vampires. Other than extreme damage and not feeding, there isn’t much. I don’t have a lot in common with them anymore.”

  “What about garlic?”

  “For some reason that stuff still bothers me. Maybe I’m just allergic.”

  “What about other beings? Other things out there?”

  “What is this, twenty questions?”

  “I’m curious and I think I ought to know. Especially now that I’m a part of this other, bigger world. I need to be prepared.”

  “There are other supernatural creatures out there besides vampires.”

  “What kinds of creatures?” Karen’s heart fluttered.

  “Zombies, werewolves,” he said, then added, “ghosts, demons, wizards.”

  “You’re screwing with me, aren’t you?” She shoved Morgan playfully. His face remained cold, serious.

  “No, I’m not. Those things are real. Very real. And very dangerous, especially to people who know about them.”

  “Tell me everything. Start with werewolves. I always loved them as a kid.”

  Morgan glared at her. “Karen, this isn’t the time or place. I promise we’ll go over all that stuff, but for now we need to concentrate on a bigger problem.”

  Karen’s shoulders slumped. Morgan was right. It was just nice to be able to talk about something other than their situation. She was sure if she had to face a werewolf or demon that it would be the scariest thing she’d ever have to do, but talking about that stuff distracted her from the Murphy business.

  “Okay, you’re right. So what do we do next?”

  “We plan a kidnapping.”

  Chapter 34

  The following morning, Morgan awoke early and went out. He left Karen behind, telling her it was safer than having her out on the streets. He purchased a couple of cheap throw-away phones, and on his way back, bought Karen breakfast. Her old phone could never be used again.

  She sat, legs crossed. “I didn’t like waiting around one bit,” she said heatedly. “I kept worrying that the agents found you or something.”

  He handed her a brown paper bag and a large cup of coffee. “I know, but it’s for the best. Wasn’t sure what you like to eat, so I went with eggs and a bagel.”

  “That’s fine. I’m starving.”

  Morgan pulled out a chair and sat while Karen ate. “I got these phones for us to keep in contact with. They’re fully charged.”

  “Good idea,” she said between bites. Then her face faltered. “Wait, are you going somewhere without me?”

  Morgan sighed, placing the phone back into his pocket. “About the waiting around. You’re going to have to do a little more of it.”

  Karen stopped eating. “Why?”

  “We’ve got the location of the Murphy base, and I’ll need to scout the area to see what we’re up against. I won’t be able to do that as efficiently if you’re with me.”

  “So I’m just supposed to sit here and do nothing, hoping you come back in one piece?”

  Morgan wiggled the cell-phone in front of h
er. “We’ve got these to stay in touch with should anything happen, which it won’t. I move fast and quiet and I don’t think you’d want to go traipsing around in the woods with me.”

  “I sure don’t.”

  Karen took another bite of bagel. She looked tired. Morgan wondered how well she’d been sleeping.

  “Stay here and get some rest,” he told her.

  “I’m fine. It’s you I’m worried about. You’re about to head off into the enemy’s den without backup.”

  “True, but you agree it’s best if I do this alone?”

  “Of course. But you better keep that damn phone on vibrate.”

  Morgan smiled. He could see that she was upset but strong nonetheless.

  “Speaking of which,” he began, “there’s something I want you to know.”

  Karen’s face paled, obviously expecting more unsettling news.

  “I left the bank account numbers and passwords to my offshore accounts, should I not return. They’re in a lock-box upstairs in a safe in the floor under the throw rug. I left the combination in the top dresser drawer along with a key. After finishing with the combination, remember to use the key before opening it or everything inside will be destroyed.”

  Karen stood up quickly. “That’s it. I’m coming with you.”

  Morgan shook his head. “No you’re not. We’ve been over this and it’s better if I go alone. I’m only telling you about my accounts in the event this all goes bad. I have enough money to last you several lifetimes. Use it to disappear and pray those bastards never find that ship or you.”

  Karen slumped back into her chair. “I can’t think about that. I’ve lost so much already. I couldn’t take it if I lost you, too.” Tears began to well in her eyes.

  “I’m going to be fine. It’s just a reconnaissance mission, nothing more. They won’t even know I’m there.” He smiled. “And I don’t want to lose you either.”

  Karen pulled away, wiping her tears, and smiled.

  “You better be careful, Morgan Hughes.”

  “I promise, I will. Now finish your breakfast and get some rest. I’ll be back soon. My cell number is programmed into your phone already.”

  With that, Morgan left the house.

  Chapter 35

  Morgan hotwired a ’98 Chevy Camaro. Modern cars were a bitch to steal, making the Camaro an easy choice. The car was tattooed with rust spots, but rumbled to life immediately, and Morgan didn’t have to worry about a tracking system like those in newer vehicles.

  The directions Karen accessed via the Murphy agent were spot on. The roads led through the back woodlands of the Kingston area. Pavement became dirt. A wake of dust trailed behind the car.

  Morgan didn’t pass another vehicle after leaving the asphalt. One dirt road led to another until he came to Walter Road—the location of the base, according to the Murphy agent. He set the tripometer to zero, traveled another five miles, and came across the unmarked entrance to the Murphy compound.

  It could hardly be called a road, resembling more of an old farmer’s trail with a line of grass growing down the middle. There were no deep or uneven ruts, potholes, or large crevices, indicating that the road was maintained, but camouflaged to appear like some backwoods path. Adding to the disguise were signs posted on both sides of the trail, warning that the property was private and trespassers would be subject to arrest.

  Morgan turned the steering wheel and slowly drove the Camaro down the unmarked road for about a quarter mile before coming upon a bend. Leaving the car running, he exited the vehicle and raced into the surrounding forest. Working his way around the bend, he poked his head from behind a trunk, getting a clear view of the road that lay before him.

  Far in the distance, beyond the sight of normal human vision, he saw that the road ended at a chain-link gate.

  The gate stood ten feet in height and was crowned by a malevolent slinky of razor-wire along the top. Two guards dressed in camouflage brandished M-4 machine guns in front of the gate.

  Morgan returned to the Camaro, slid the gear shift into reverse, and backed the car up and onto Walter Road. He drove the car a mile back the way he had originally come, finding a copse of thick foliage just off the road, where he hid the vehicle.

  Now on foot, he headed back down the road, keeping an ear out for approaching vehicles. He reached the unmarked road that led to the compound and darted into the woods.

  He moved quickly and quietly, not making any noise, like a hungry jungle cat stalking its prey. Within minutes he reached the base.

  Morgan crouched at the tree line. An old red barn sat in the middle of an open meadow about the size of a football field. If it wasn’t for the ten foot high electric fence and armed guards around the property, no one would think the place was anything other than it appeared.

  Along the top of the fence at intervals of about thirty feet, Morgan saw mounted cameras. Positioned at downward angles, the cameras pivoted slowly left and right, scanning the ground along the tree line. Morgan counted five guard towers within the fenced area: one near each corner of the property with the fifth at the top of the barn where the weathervane would be. The place was well protected.

  There was no way he was getting inside during daylight hours. He would have to wait for the cover of darkness. Karen’s abilities would also come in handy, knowing if the guards were truly alert or just going through the motions. For now, he would sit, wait, and observe.

  A few hours later and Morgan’s view remained unchanged except for the occasional guard moving about or bug flying past his face. Feeling well-hidden in the shadowy forest, Morgan sent Karen a text message, letting her know that he was okay and that he would text her again in a couple of hours. He told her not to call and to only text him in the event of an emergency.

  Texting could prove dangerous enough, but making a call was out of the question. High-tech military telecommunication equipment could catch cell phone calls out of the air like a frog with flies. Text messages were a much more difficult form of communication to steal from the air waves. And unlike a verbal conversation, a text message was virtually silent communication, deaf to any sensitive listening devices.

  Two more hours passed, and Morgan remained stationary, one more part of the forest. He could remain motionless for days if need be; boredom, however, unavoidable. Finally, after waiting for hours and seeing nothing of consequence, movement stirred.

  Diesel powered big rigs rumbled in the distance. The growl of their engines grew louder, like an approaching storm, as they drew nearer. Peering through the trees, Morgan saw three large tanker trucks coming down the road. The vehicles were completely absent of any writing or identification, leaving Morgan to guess what was inside.

  Two soldiers that had been standing guard approached the first truck. Six more armed guards came from the barn. After opening a door in the gate and coming through, they broke into groups of two, with each group approaching a different vehicle. After speaking with the drivers, they began inspecting the outside of the vehicles, using mirrors attached to long handles to view the undercarriage. The Murphy people took no chances.

  When they finished, the six armed men returned to the compound’s grounds with the gate guards returning to their posts to either side of the entrance. The gate trundled open, and the lead truck drove onto the compound’s grounds. It pulled alongside the barn and stopped. The other two trucks waited to enter.

  The driver for the lead truck exited the cab, pulled a hose from the side of the tanker and connected it to a port in the ground. He then pulled a lever on the side of the tanker.

  Morgan guessed they were pumping fuel into the base. The scene looked identical to when fuel trucks pumped gasoline into the tanks at gas stations. A surly grin spread across his lips. He might not need to break in and spend time sneaking around. No, he had a better idea.

  The Murphy compound was a self-contained unit. There were no wires running to the place, at least none that Morgan had noticed, keeping the base off th
e grid. The whole place was a giant generator, hence the reason for so much fuel. For The Murphy group to operate its labs, it would need a large supply of power, and that would draw attention. He and Karen would infiltrate the place, leveling it to the ground and creating such destruction that in no way could the Murphy people cover it up. Morgan grinned, his cheeks almost aching from delight.

  Chapter 36

  It was getting late, and dusk would soon cast its fingers over daylight. Karen sat on the couch, nervously rubbing her hands together. Morgan had sent her a text message three hours ago but nothing since. No longer able to sit still, she got up and paced the living room. She was hungry, but wouldn’t have been able to eat—even if there was actual food in Morgan’s house—until she knew he was all right.

  “You need to stay calm, Karen,” she told herself, digging in her heels.

  She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, supplying her red blood cells with as much oxygen as possible. All the worrying in the world wasn’t going to change a thing. Maybe some fresh air would. Her shoulders sagged. Going out was not a good idea. She walked over to the living room window and pushed the shade aside.

  The day was still beautiful, picturesque, the sun low in the sky, about to disappear below the horizon, but she could still feel its warmth. She remained at the window for some time, letting her mind take her where her body could not. She counted six black birds in a small maple tree across the street. Then she waited for cars to drive by, trying to come up with a game she could play by herself. Seven vehicles passed by before she grew bored, realizing the time of games for her was ended. She watched an elderly couple stroll by, holding hands. Sighing, Karen was about to turn away, the view only making her want to leave the house more, when she spotted a teenage girl crying. She stared at her until remembering her abilities, and began reading her thoughts.

  The girl was upset. Her boyfriend had dumped her. She kept repeating the same words over and over like a stuck recording. She was meticulous, replaying everything the boy had said to her. His name was Jimmy and he no longer liked her. He liked someone else. Suddenly the girl stopped crying and looked up as if someone had called her name. She began looking around, growing nervous, thinking someone was watching her. Karen broke contact and backed away from the window.