Tears of No Return Page 19

  Morgan felt the pain of loss, like a sharp dagger drenched in garlic, in his gut. Letting a true love go, Elise reduced to nothing more than an acquaintance, was pure agony, forever torturing his being. It tormented him to treat her as if their past together meant nothing. She still loved him, this he knew. He knew calling her would bring him pain—her as well—but he didn’t have a choice. The world and Karen depended on it.

  He’d been on the run for too long. Hiding and moving like a miscreant from hunters and the Murphy people. Now the latter were back in his life. He would not stop until he saw them destroyed.

  Morgan continued to lie in his bed, thinking about the past, then nodded off and dreamed of long ago.

  Chapter 41

  Elise phoned Morgan back just before sunrise, giving him the name and location of where the license plate number was registered before quickly hanging up. Morgan had wondered about the payment, but guessed this one was on the house, or maybe Elise would call on him some other time for something she needed. Either way, he was glad that part was over.

  He and Karen had discussed an idea, formulating it into a plan. They needed someone with inside information who would break easy. Morgan figured one of the civilian scientists would serve better for their purpose, where a guard might be much tougher to crack.

  “We’re here,” Morgan told Karen, who was lying in the backseat, making sure to keep out of sight. Morgan had wanted to leave her at his house, but Karen persuaded him to bring her along, convincing him that he might need her abilities during the kidnapping.

  The house of the soon-to-be captive appeared as normal as any on the block. Ranch-style, painted white, with a one car garage. A few small well-groomed shrubs sprouted in the front yard.

  “He must have parked his car inside the garage,” Karen said.

  “Yeah, I’m sure he did.

  The Murphy Unit would want their people to keep everything looking normal, but also to make sure everything was well-secured. Cars included, making them less of a target for bombs, tracking devices, or bugs.

  Morgan turned around. “You’re supposed to be keeping out of sight.”

  “I know,” Karen said, resignation in her voice. “Boy, I can’t wait until the day I can show my face again without having to worry about having it killed or captured.”

  “Soon enough,” Morgan assured her.

  “You seem a little on edge,” Karen said. “It’s not like you. You’re usually revved up for things dealing with The Murphy Unit.”

  Morgan didn’t want to get into his past about Elise, especially now. Maybe when this was all over he could share more of himself with Karen and get some of the weight of what he carried around off him. He’d never been able to tell anyone, not even Doctor Rivera. He and Karen had definitely bonded, becoming more than friends. Soulmates? Maybe. He wasn’t sure he believed in such things, but he’d think about all that at another time. Now he needed to focus and needed Karen focused as well.

  “Sorry,” he said. “I’m all right. Just had a rough night.”

  “Anything you want to talk about?”

  “Later, now’s not the time.”

  “True. Okay, let’s focus…or rather you focus while I lay here and stay invisible.”

  Morgan opened the car door and got out, then gently closed the squeaky thing behind him. This time, the method of transportation was a 1991 Lincoln Town Car. The Camaro was available, parked back where Morgan had taken it from, but he didn’t want to use the same vehicle for fear of it being recognized. Morgan had no idea if anyone had seen it along the road leading to the compound. Maybe he was being paranoid, but it was better to be vigilant than not.

  He walked up to the front door and knocked. A few seconds later a man opened the door. Morgan leaned against the doorframe, wanting to appear casual to anyone, a neighbor or mailman, that might be watching.

  “Yes?” the man said.

  Morgan was a little surprised. He hadn’t expected the guy to open the door. It was clear this man had no military training or street smarts. Maybe The Murphy Unit made him feel untouchable. Either way, Morgan grinned, revealing fangs.

  The man’s eyes widened and he took a step backward.

  “Don’t make me chase you,” Morgan told him. “You won’t like it when I catch up.”

  The man stopped. “What do you want? Are you with The Murphy Unit?”

  “Used to be. Now I’m on my own…well, actually I have a partner now. She’s waiting to meet you. You’re going to come with me. Quietly. And if you refuse, I’ll rip your arms and legs off and leave you to die slowly and alone.”

  The man closed his eyes. “If you’re going to kill me, then just do it.”

  “It doesn’t have to be that way. All I need from you is information then you’re free to go.”

  The man opened his eyes. “Guess I don’t have much of a choice?”

  “No, not really.” Morgan stepped aside. “After you.”

  The man walked out of the house, closing the door behind him. They approached the Lincoln.

  Morgan took a look around. Only two houses had a view of where the car was parked. Using his incredible vision, he scanned the two houses’ windows, seeing no one.

  “Okay,” he said, opening the trunk to the Lincoln. “Climb in.”

  “Please, I’ll behave. I’ll do whatever you ask. Let me ride in the car up front with you. I hate small spaces.”

  “Get in before I shove you in,” Morgan demanded, wanting to put fear into the man. Without another word the man climbed inside the trunk. “Comfy?” Morgan asked.

  The man simply lay there, not uttering a word.

  “Good.” Morgan gently closed the lid.

  He despised The Murphy Unit and all its employees. Whether they knew what they were doing working for an organization like that or not, he didn’t care. But for some reason he felt pity for the man in the trunk. The guy seemed genuine. Shaking off the feeling, Morgan opened the driver’s side door and climbed in.

  “Well?” Karen asked.

  “Step one complete,” he said, raising an eyebrow and grinning.

  Chapter 42

  Morgan drove to an abandoned warehouse in the downtown Kingston area. He parked the car behind a mound of rusted oil drums and packing crates.

  The warehouse itself was run down, shabby, the windows broken out. Graffiti lined the walls like sun-faded tattoos. Morgan had stumbled upon the place a few years ago after following a vampire, hoping it would lead him to a lair.

  The building had served as a hangout for druggies, miscreants, prostitutes and their johns, and lower echelon vampires. He staked out the place, scaring away the humans and feeding upon the bloodsuckers. Eventually, all forms of life and un-life stayed away while rumors of the place being haunted by a malicious spirit spread.

  The interior of the warehouse matched its exterior. Graffiti decorated the walls. Grime and filth covered the floors—everything from used needles, gum wrappers, and newspapers to condoms and a mildewed blanket.

  Morgan released his prisoner from the trunk and fast-marched him into the warehouse. A table with four chairs sat in a corner of the airplane hanger-sized area. The Murphy employee, Paul Necroski, was directed to one of the chairs. Karen sat across from him while Morgan paced.

  Paul stood about five-foot-eight, had a frail build, and was balding on top of his rather large head. Karen thought he resembled the prototypical scientist, especially with his John Lennon glasses.

  Karen introduced herself pleasantly, the man acknowledging who she was.

  “How long have you worked for The Murphy Unit?” she asked, already tapped into his mind.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, sternly. “I’m only a consultant. My real profession is with Marist College. I’m a biology professor.”

  Karen heard Morgan hiss. In the blink of an eye, his face was an inch from Paul’s, fangs bared.

  “We don’t have time for this, Paul,” he said, through grit
ted teeth. The man leaned back, visibly shaken and clearly petrified. Morgan’s face suddenly went slack. He turned away.

  Karen immediately tapped into Morgan’s head. He didn’t put the blackboard up, knowing Karen was there, showing her what had happened. She tried not to laugh at what she saw—the crotch of the man’s pants darkening when Morgan confronted him. Paul had pissed himself.

  Turning back, Karen said, “You know who I am and I’m sure you know who he is.”

  The man nodded.

  “I know what he is,” he said, nervously. “Please, don’t let him bite me.”

  Karen grinned. The man thought Morgan was a vampire. He didn’t know who he truly was.

  “Tell us what we want to know and I’ll make sure he doesn’t harm you.” Karen leaned forward, trying to imitate a fierce detective she’d seen on television.

  Paul’s face scrunched up, confused. “Wait a minute.” He turned around in his chair to look at Morgan. “You were out in the sunlight. What are you?”

  Morgan took a step forward, his piercing blue eyes cutting into Paul’s psyche. “How long have you worked for them?”

  “Five years,” Paul said, seeming to shrink in the chair. “Only five years. I’m fairly new.”

  Morgan looked to Karen; she nodded. The man was telling the truth.

  “I won’t lie,” Paul continued, turning back to face Karen. “I know who you are.” He had frightened but curious eyes. “By now your abilities are working and you’ll be able to tell if I’m lying. We all thought you were dead.”

  “Still?” Morgan asked quickly.

  “Yes,” Paul said, craning his neck to face Morgan. “It was said she was killed by a vampire. I assume that vampire was you, although it’s clear you didn’t kill her.”

  Morgan took another step toward the man. “You really don’t know who I am?”

  “No,” Paul said, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. “Should I?”

  “Moving on,” Karen said, wanting to stick with the plan she and Morgan had discussed earlier. “When do the fuel trucks deliver to the compound?”

  “What?” the man asked.

  Morgan shot forward, grabbing Paul by his head.

  “I’m not sure. I think once a week.”

  “You think?” Morgan asked. “Don’t lie to us.”

  “He’s telling the truth,” Karen said.

  “Damn,” Morgan yelled, letting go of Paul’s head. “We’ll need to take a guard then. One of them will know the delivery schedule.”

  “I see your abilities have come along quite well,” Paul said once Morgan’s threat passed.

  Karen sprang to her feet. Her chair flew backwards. “You’re happy about this, aren’t you?” She spat on the floor, something she couldn’t ever remember doing. “You disgust me.”

  “Please,” Paul said. “I’m a scientist and anything this extraordinary is simply fantastical in nature. Science is in my heart. I would love to help you.”

  “Help me?” Karen asked incredulously. She took a step forward and leaned on the table, facing Paul. “Let me help you.”

  “Karen,” Morgan yelled. “Don’t.”

  Not heeding the request, Karen burrowed deep into Paul’s mind and exhumed a dreadful memory of the abusive step-father Paul suffered under growing up. She yanked it to the surface and let loose all the horrible and torturous scenarios, showing them to Paul as if they were happening again.

  Suddenly the scientist was balling, begging for help. He bent over, falling off the chair onto the grimy floor. “No, no,” he said. “You’re dead. You’re supposed to be dead.”

  Morgan placed a hand gently on Karen’s shoulder. “Karen,” he said, softly. “We need him coherent.”

  Karen was in a trance-like state, intently focused on her subject and not much else.

  “Please, Karen,” Morgan reiterated as Paul lay crying on the floor. “Let him go.”

  Karen blinked and shook her head. She disconnected from Paul, her environment coming back into view. Holding her hand to her face, taking a step backward, she said, “What have I done?”

  Morgan bent down to check on Paul. He’d passed out after Karen disconnected from him. “He’s fine, just unconscious.”

  “I can’t believe what I did.” Karen’s eyes were wide with fright. She felt confused, ashamed, and angry all at the same time. Morgan came to her.

  “It’s okay. With everything you’ve been through, your anger is natural. You just have to learn to control it and not give in to your rage.”

  Morgan drew Karen toward him, but she pushed away. “Don’t come near me,” she told him, holding a hand over her eyes. “I might start crying.”

  “Come on,” Morgan said, motioning to the chairs. “Sit, relax. I’ll go to the store and get us a couple of hot drinks.” Karen walked over to a chair and sat, resting her head in her hands.

  An hour later Morgan returned with coffee, bagels, and candy bars. Paul was awake, sitting on a chair, looking tired.

  “Did you two make friends?” Morgan asked.

  “We got to know each other a little better,” Karen said, before filling Morgan in on the details.

  Paul had never married and had always loved the sciences. He was hired by The Murphy Unit after his previous employer, a bio-engineering company, laid him off due to cutbacks.

  The Murphy Unit promised him state-of-the-art equipment and the most up-to-date facility in the world. This of course came with a stipulation: Paul’s outside life would be virtually non-existent while working on highly classified projects. Unfortunately for Paul, all of his projects were classified and the Reader project involving the alien mind-reading serum was the most important project to date.

  Paul had thought The Murphy Unit was a blessing. The only thing he’d ever cared about was science, making incredible breakthroughs and furthering his studies. The Murphy Unit gave him all he could have ever wished for, and Paul gladly accepted their terms, until the day he found out he had a daughter.

  He’d reluctantly attended a party hosted by one of the guards from the compound. What seemed to be unlimited amounts of alcohol were present, along with the evening’s entertainment—strippers, with most of the women doing more than simply taking their clothes off.

  Paul had gotten laid that night, and had actually met a young woman who was putting herself through college. She was going to be a doctor. After having sex, he and the woman chatted for hours.

  “Aren’t you going to be missed?” Patricia asked.

  “No. I usually don’t come to these things. I’m more of a lab geek, hanging with other lab geeks. I think those guys out there thought it’d be funny to bring me.”

  The girl smiled at him. “Well, I’m glad you came. It’s nice being with someone normal.”

  “Normal? Me?”

  “Yeah.” She tapped his small chest. “You’ve got a heart in there. Most of these guys are pigs. All they want to do is screw and drink. Some of them can’t even get it up they’re so wasted. And after they’re done, they get up and leave. Not even a ‘had a nice time’ or ‘it was fun.’”

  “Meatheads,” Paul said.

  “Yeah,” Patricia said, laughing and tickling him.

  The two remained in the room for the entire night, continuing to talk. He’d told her his real name and where he lived. He genuinely liked her, wondering if he’d ever have a chance with such a beautiful person. It was a shame that she had to sell her body to afford school. For as brief as it was, Paul had found his second real crush, but it was the last time he’d ever see her.

  A few years later, he found out that the woman, Patricia Keyes, had given birth to a girl. It turned out that after that night with Paul, Patricia left the hooker business. Paul had liked that, smiling at the news, but then felt like a piece of him had died with the next revelation. Patricia, after deciding to tell Paul about the baby, was killed in a car accident, hit by a drunk driver.

  To be certain about the baby, Paul had a DNA te
st performed, allowing Patricia’s parents to meet him in secret; The Murphy Unit never would have allowed such a distraction. The baby girl, now three and named Annabel, was his.

  It was as if nothing else mattered anymore after finding out that he was a father. Annabel had become his reason for living. Science was still his passion, but it was no longer his driving force in life.

  Knowing what he had to do in order to be a father, a proper parent, Paul went to Commander Keegan. He explained everything and told the commander that the girl wouldn’t be a disruption. Commander Keegan denied his request to be a father, forbidding Paul to see his daughter. Paul’s place of residence was moved, all traces of his existence wiped away like dust on a windowsill. He was then threatened and told that if he decided to leave or contact the grandparents, they and the little girl would be killed. Paul had signed on as a member of The Murphy Unit, and for the next twenty years he was theirs.

  “It’s all true,” Karen confirmed when Paul was done talking. “I was tapped into him the entire time he was speaking.”

  “Then it seems we’ve lucked out in choosing you,” Morgan told him. “Sounds like you want out of the Murphy Unit and for you and your daughter to have a life together.”

  “Very much so,” Paul said.

  “He wants away from the company as much as we want to destroy it,” Karen confirmed.

  “If you have a way,” Paul said, “I’m onboard.”

  “What about the spaceship?” Karen asked. “Have they found it yet?”

  Paul looked shocked. “You know about that?”

  “Yes,” Karen said, leaning over her chair and peering into Paul’s mind.

  “They haven’t found it yet, but I would guess it won’t be long. With them thinking you’re dead, all resources will be focused on finding that ship. General Krueger gets what General Krueger wants.”

  “Who is General Krueger?” Morgan asked.