Disclaimers and such:
WARNINGS:  Mild language, violence and other things children probably shouldn’t read. More warnings at the end.
DISCLAIMERS: All characters from the show Houston Knights belong to their creators and were used solely for entertainment.  All other characters and the story line are mine (please don't use these characters for they are in process of trying to be published)
RATING: PG17
ANTHING ELSE:  I hope you like this story and would welcome any comments or feedback. ENJOY!!

Learn some dark secrets about the Author

CHAPTER ONE

 

 “ ‘Beware the nights?’ That’s all this guy said LaFiamma?” Detective Levon Lundy asked the exasperated dark
haired man sitting across from him in the darkened booth. “That’s it?”

 Joseph LaFiamma forced himself to take a calming breath. “Yeah Lundy, that was it.” The dark haired Italian cop
rolled his eyes. “Look, it was 4:30 in the morning, I’d just gotten to bed after having to deal with your gripin’
about being bodyguards to that rock singer and this loser had the phone electronically scrambled so I couldn’t tell
who it was, so back off and figure out who it was.”

 The two Houston detectives had been partners for a while since LaFiamma had been transferred in from chicago
and had handled some weird cases but nothing that started like this could be good.

 Lundy, as a native Texan, still thought his partner made too much of things while LaFiamma tended to believe his
friend made too little out of things.

 “What did the Captain say?” Lundy asked while they ate lunch at Chicken’s place, like usual.

 The tall, blond haired Houston cop eyed his friend over the plate of Chicken’s Barbecue ribs and noticed the dark
circles under his eyes, which meant the Chicago native hadn’t slept well.

 “She said if it happened again, she’d have a trace put on my phone but it was probably a crank call.” LaFiamma
was obviously unhappy about that.

 “Anything else you’d like to share?” Lundy asked, noticing the way his friend played with the ribs instead of
devouring them like usual. “LaFiamma you’ve been closed up all week. Why?”

 “Bad vibes.” The Italian muttered, staring at the glass of club soda he had instead of the wine he was wishing
for. “Just had the weirdest feelings the last couple of nights, ever since we got handed this job.”

 The mere mention of their newest case was sure to set Lundy off since it was, in his loud, vocal, Texas way, out
of their area to handle a ‘protection job for a self’made rock’n’roll singer who fancies himself a vampire.’

 “Been reading this kid’s hype again, partner?” he needled as the bar phone rang and he, himself, couldn’t ignore
the cold chills he’d had all day.

 LaFiamma’s reply was mildly rude but he shook his head, frowning. “A 20-some year old singer who claims to be
a vampire needing police protection. I’ve seen the news clips of his concerts, Lundy. Mobs of fans, so the
protection I’ll buy but there’s something about this Zachery St. John that bothers me. Besides those stories about
his habits.”

 “Joann says his publicist demanded police protection due to some threats and attempts on his life.” Lundy
shrugged, scowling. “Still say we’re homicide cops not babysitters.”

 “Lundy, you are not listening.” LaFiamma gritted when Chicken let out a shout for them both. “Now what?”

 “Levon! Joe! That was Annie. Apprently, there was an attack over at the arena where your singer will be
performing all week!” Chicken was a large black man who had seen it all since he’d been running the
bar/restaurant in Houston but he’d never dreaded on telling anyone something as much as this.

 Both cops swore, starting to leave the booth when Chicken came over. “Annie said this St. John kid wasn’t there
but one of his out of town, Federal protection got attacked back stage is being rushed to Houston General.”

 “ ‘Out of town, Federal protection?’” Lundy repeated, almost dreading the rest as he reached for the white
Stetson he always wore.

 LaFiamma was already swearing about his luck not being bad enough to warrant them when Chicken put a large
hand on Levon’s shoulder.

 “It’s Morgan, Levon.”

 
 

    CHAPTER TWO

 

 “Damn, what the hell is she doing in town?” Lundy had been ranting the entire drive from Chicken’s to the
hospital since getting the news that his cousin, the only flesh & blood family he had, had been attacked.

 LaFiamma wisely kept silent, figuring he knew what was going on and why the 25 year old ½ British young
woman was back in Houston. “Keep driving like this and you can ask her from the bed next to her.” He finally
snapped as the red 4x4 pickup his partner drove screeched to a halt in front of the hospital where several
high-tech motocycles were already parked. “God, not these kids.”

 “Where Morgan is, the Queens Court Raiders usually are too, LaFiamma.” Lundy reminded his partner, knowing
how his friend got along with the globe-trotting mercenaries that worked with his cousin.

 “Yeah, except when they’re in Turkey.” Joe muttered as they entered the E.R. and came face to face with several
well-intentioned rifles. “Great to see you too Robinson.”

 A grim-faced young man with long blond hair blinked until recognition hit and he sighed, motioning the guns
up. “I really could do without you, LaFiamma.”

 Kelly Robinson worked as leader of the Queens Court raiders, a world class mercenary unit and also #1
subsidiary to Harrison Enterprises. H.E. was owned by Lundy’s cousin but that didn’t make the ‘Raiders great fans
of either cop.

 Before Joe could think of a remark, his hot-headed partner had Robinson up against the nearest wall.

 “What the hell are you doing here, Kelly?” he demanded harshly, rare for him to get this mad this quick.

 “Ahh, Lundy? Kids with guns?” LaFiamma pointed to the wary young mercs waiting to see if they should defend
their leader when the Italian cop shook his head, moving his jacket a little to show his Colts in their
holsters. “Uh-uh, boys. Lets not get off on the wrong foot here. Lundy’s just a little concerned about the call that
said Morgan had been attacked. Truth, Kel?”

 Robinson swore as he fought briefly against the Texas cop’s hold before breaking it enough that he stepped to
one side, holding out a hand to ward off Lundy’s anger.

 “She’s in with the local docs now.” He muttered, blocking the hand that went to grab his neck. “Back off, Lundy! I
know Morgan shouldn’t have been alone in that place but we got held up.”

 “Why was she there in the first place?” Levon demanded angrily, accepting his cousin was an adult but hating to
admit that fully. Or to admit that she and her friends were freelance government agents. “LaFiamma and I got
assigned to be this St. John kids protection.”

 Several ‘Raiders exchanged looks with their leader as Robinson lowered his gaze. “Zach always gets Queens
Court Raider protection whenever he attracts the wrong kind of attention or someone starts getting too close to
him or he makes the wrong people in The Circle mad.”

 “Why?” LaFiamma asked, already pretty sure of the answer before he caught the looks going between Robinson
and his second in command. “I knew there was something about that kid that bugged me from the first time I
looked at his bio sheet.” He snapped his fingers, grinning at the look his partner was giving him. “St. John is one
of yours, right?”

 Lundy didn’t give Robinson the chance to answer. “Is she hurt bad?” he demanded with true concern.

 It had only been a few months earlier that he and his cousin had been reunited after years of estrangement when
an enemy of his had forced them both to face the past.

 “The doctor’s haven’t said but she didn’t regain conciousness on the trip here.” Pat Anderson, the ‘Raiders 2nd
responded from where he was sitting on the nurse’s station.

 “So, is Mr. High & Mighty here or what?” LaFiamma demanded, looking around but then recalling he wouldn’t
know who he was looking for since they’d never even seen a picture of the famous rock singer.

 The present mercs all looked at each other on that. “Ahh, no.” Robinson cleared his throat. “Zach’ll be here
later.”

 “She gets nailed by his enemy and he can’t even show his face at the hospital after it happens?” Lundy knew he
wasn’t going to like this kid. “Nice friends my cousin has. Friends like this, she won’t need too many more
enemies.”

 “Zach can’t come to the hospital until the sun starts to go down, Levon.” Kelly finally broke in, hating this
case. “If he did, I’d have more trouble than I already do.”

 “Really living into his reputation, ain’t he?” Joe snorted, rolling his eyes. “Vampires burst into flames in the sun,
right?”

 Anderson met the snickering dark haired detective eyes. “Actually, Zach would just burn REALLY, REALLY
badly but it would still be hard to explain.” He deadpanned.

 Both Houston detectives looked at each other but before either could reply, a white jacketed doctor came down
the hall.

 “Well?” Kelly demanded impaitently. “How is she?”

 Doctor Manuel Cotas nodded at Levon and Joe, both he had treated before and knew well, before looking at his
chart.

 “Miss Harrison has a mild concussion with some minor bruising to her face and rib section but my biggest
concern is the bump on her head. It’s making her very unsteady right now so I’m recommending a night in the
hospital.”

 “Can we see her?” Lundy asked, not happy with the diagnosis and sure there was something the doctor wasn’t
saying.

 “Oh, yes.” Dr. Cotas nodded. “She’s being moved upstairs then you can see her.”

 Robinson coughed hesitantly. “Doc, was there any blood loss?” he asked warily, expanding the question
cautiously. “I mean aside from the blow to her head, was she…..hurt anywhere else? Say, in the neck?”

 “Kelly!” Lundy snapped, not believing the question or the doctor’s answer.

 “Actually Levon,” Dr. Cotas pushed his glasses up further on his nose. “I did observe 2 very faint little marks but
they hardly broke the skin so I wouldn’t be too worried about them.”

 The relieved looks that passed between the mercs didn’t miss Joe nor did the whispered comments between
Anderson and Kelly.

 “That means her immunity is still standing, but how could it have been another….” The blond Conneticut native
broke off at Joe’s look.

 “Look, Levon. You and LaFiamma go stay with the boss. I need to make some calls before I come up. Brian and
Justin will be close if she needs anything.” Kelly spoke in distraction as his mind centered on how to handle this
job with too many civilians around.

 Neither cop cared about that so they glady left the young mercenaries to whatever was distracting their leader.

 “Something is seriously not right with those boys.” LaFiamma muttered to himself as he and his friend rode the
elevator up to the 6th floor. “Lundy, you’ve know ‘em longer. Has Robinson always been so…stupid?”

 Silence answered the Chicago native as he seen his friend staring at nothing. “Yo, Lundy! You in there?”

 “Huh? Sorry, partner. Just Kelly and boys aren’t acting right. Morgan was hurt. Usually Kelly would be tearing
apart downtown looking for who did it. Why would somebody attack her anyway?"

 “Don’t take this the wrong way Lundy, but seems like everyone attacks that kid.” LaFiamma replied, frowning as
he seen the additional security in the halls. “What bothers me is that they seem to be buying into this vampire
stuff.”

 Nothing more was said or could be said as a scream tore through the hall. A scream that radiated true terror.

 “What the hell?!” Lundy swore as he and LaFiamma broke into a run as mercs and security followed close
behind. “Morgan?”

 The Houston native had already pulled the Colt pistol he carried when LaFiamma gave the hospital door a hard
kick to shove it open, both expecting a threat but neither expecting what they found.

 Morgan Harrison was hanging limp like a rag doll from the grasp of tall, cloaked man who was holding the girl by
the throat with one withered hand while the other held a ruby handled knife close to her heart.

 “Freeze!!!” LaFiamma snapped, aiming both his Colts at the shadowed man but nearly dropping them as figure
turned to face them with two blazing red eyes and sharp fang-like teeth bared in a feral snarl. “Lundy?”

 Levon seen the same thing but he also seen his cousin in a life threatening situation. That’s what concerned him
most. “Drop her and raise your hands, mister!! Houston PD! Drop her or we shoot!!”

 The man holding Morgan smiled, a cruel sneering smile, as he lowered the blade but instead of releasing the
unconcious young woman he snarled something in a strange tounge and started to sink razor sharp teeth into the
exposed part of her neck.

 “Shit!” both Levon and Joe fired at the same time, catching the insane man in the chest and head and succeeding
in making him loose his grip as he fell to the floor dead.

 “Oh yeah, I loved that.” LaFiamme muttered as Lundy shoved his Colt back in its holster while kneeling beside
Morgan where she’d fallen to the floor, beginning to come around slowly. “Hey, guys!! Better call your leader
and tell him your security really sucks!” he called out the door to the swearing mercs.

 Lundy ignored his partner as he knelt beside Morgan, gently easing her into a leaning position against him. Aware
of her injuries and the additional shock this attack had probably caused, especially since he was still shocked
himself.

 “Easy sugar. You’re safe.” He soothed when he felt her hand gripping his arm as Morgan’s blue eyes opened
slowly to stare at him, fear and confusion clear. “It’s alright now, Morgan. Joe and I are with you. You’re
safe. That guy’s dead.”

 Morgan’s mind wasn’t fully clear yet but she was certain of one thing: the danger they were still in.

 “Levon….” Her breath caught as pain hit in her ribs and she doubled over in pain. “No…you have to…he isn’t….”

 As his partner worked on settling Morgan down, LaFiamma had knelt down to check their assailant for ID or
something when his attention was drawn to the struggling girl, seeing the fear in her eyes.

 “Morgan, chill. Lundy’s with you and I’ve yelled for Super merc. Calm down before you rip something. This guy
is…”

 The black haired Italian’s words stopped when movement by him caused him to look down just as the cloaked
man, an actually old looking thing with withered yellowed skin, that had been cold and dead not a minute before
hand suddenly opened his eyes and who’s hand lunged to grab the startled cop by the throat.

 “Now, Outlander, you die.” He snarled teeth flaring just as Morgan screamed.

 Lundy had whirled at his cousin’s cry to see the man they’d killed grab his friend by the throat and prepare to rip
joe’s neck open with teeth too real looking to be fake, knowing there was no way he could draw his handgun and
fire in time to save his partner when a bright light flashed and the man screamed as fire enveloped him and Lundy
grabbed LaFiamma’s shoulder to pull him back away from the suddenly disapating flames.

 “Damn.” Was all Joe breathed, feeling his neck to see if there was any holes as Morgan suddenly grabbed onto
both him and Lundy. “What the hell was all that about?” he demanded.

 “Don’t know yet, partner but I sure will soon.” Lundy promised looking up at the doorway and the tall slender
young man with long black hair and amazingly bright blue eyes who was standing there with Kelly
Robinson. “Morgan, you o-kay?” he asked, looking down at his cousin as she tried to talk but finally just curled up
shaking against Joe’s shoulder. “It’s o-kay, sugar. We’ll sort this mess out right after we get you and Joe looked
at. Won’t we, Kelly?”

 There was no denying the edge in the Houston cop’s voice or the dangerous glint in his eyes as he lifted his
cousin up into his arms before extending a hand to his partner.

 “I want her in a new room and then I want some damn answers, brat because I didn’t like what just happened here
Kelly and I won’t have it happen again.” He spoke low as he passed the stoney faced merc leader in the door. “You
might have all of Houston scared of you and your people Kelly but this is my family and when it comes to my
family being hurt I’ll shoot you now and all this garbage can go straight to hell.”

 Robinson blinked, for once not saying anything as Lundy stalked away from him, dragging LaFiamma along.

 “Gee Kel, I’m not sure that detective Lundy is real thrilled with us right now.” The young man with him spoke
with just a hint of accent.

 “Shut up Devan.” He growled, yelling as he followed the cops. “Pat, tell Zach to get his butt over here ASAP and
then call New Orleans.  I want either Marius or Lestat here now. I knew this was going to be a bad day.”

 

   CHAPTER THREE

 

 “I just told him off via a telephone and told him a few choice insults. You’ve called him every name in the book,
most of which I don’t think even my uncle has used, in the past hour and a half. Lundy, I’m getting worried about
you.” Joe LaFiamma spoke carefully from where he was sitting slouched in a chair in Morgan Harrison’s new
hospital room watching his partner stalk and fume. “Lundy, stop before you scare her.”

 This warning did slow the furious Texan a little as he glanced to where Morgan was curled on the bed, sleeping
uneasily.

 “We both shot the guy LaFiamma. Dead. He was dead but he just woke up and tried to rip your throat out.”

 LaFiamma winced, not needing the reminder. He’d be seeing that in his dreams for weeks to come. “I know,
pal. Believe me I know. What I want to know is how he did it and why did he burst into flames like that?”

 Neither cop had the answers nor were the answers easily available since Kelly Robinson had been very scarce
since getting this new room and telling them he’d get the answers soon.

 Lundy’s anger turned to concern for his friend, though he’d rather die than admit that to Joe. “Are you sure
you’re alright?” he asked again, slightly relieved to see the color returning to the Italian’s face.

 “Lundy, back off. I’m fine. Is she?” Joe’s gaze strayed to Morgan’s pale, bruised face. “That medic of Robinson
was talking so fast, most of which was in German.”

 “Stan said she’d been drugged or something but that Morgan should be alright once it wears off” Lundy sighed,
sitting down on the edge of the bed as Morgan stirred. “Darlin’?”

 Morgan’s breathing calmed down at her cousin’s voice, her eyes opening slowly to stare at him. “Hi.” She
whispered, eyes straining. “Joe?”

 “Right here, kid.” LaFiamma assured her, moving into her line of sight. “Where else would I be? Somebody has
to keep Lundy from killing Robinson.”

 “I…thought that was your job.” Her voice was soft, strained to the point where her British accent was
heavier. “Killing Kel.”

 Both cops exchanged grins. “We switched.” Joe replied, lightly squeezing her hand and was surprised when she
held on. “Easy.”

 “Sugar, can you tell us what’s going on?” Lundy asked carefully, gently brushing a hand through her aubrun hair
like he’d always done. “Kelly’s being a pain about this case. You were attacked at the arena by whoever’s after this
Zachery St. John and then some thing attacked you here. We killed the thing but it came back and nailed
LaFiamma.”

 Morgan bit her lower lip, relaxing unconciously but not releasing Joe’s hand and reaching for her cousin until
Levon sat closer to her. “The attack at the arena was cause I got careless. The one here….he came back because
he wasn’t dead.”

 “Kid, we shot that guy in the heart and in the head. He was DEAD.” LaFiamma assured her, frowning when the girl
only shook her head then tensed suddenly. “Morgan?”

 “What’s wrong, sugar?” Levon demanded when he seen her eyes go hazy then clear again. “Blast it,
Morgan. What’s wrong?” he started to reach for his pistol when Kelly opened the door.

 “Zach’s here.” He announced carefully, speaking to Morgan then yo the two detectives. “That’s what happened.
She felt his arrival.”

 Neither cop replied or bothered to understand just yet. “Morgan, what do you mean the guy we kill, who later
busted into flames, wasn’t dead?” Joe asked.

 “You didn’t cut his head off.” The girl responded through a yawn, blinking when her cousin’s hand touched her
face. “What?”

 “Why would we cut his head off, sugar?” he demanded, sure she’d been through too much when her eyes locked
on the door as it opened.

 “Because Detective Lundy, that’s the only TRUE way to kill a vampire.”

 The voice that spoke belonged to a young man in his mid-to-late twenties with shoulder length black hair and
mirrored glasses that hid his eyes. His worn leather jacket and jeans didn’t speak of the wealth he’d amassed in
his life nor did his voice carry the accent of his birth. Too many years had passed that the British lilt had
moderated into a nondescript accent that vanished totally when he sang.

 “Zach.” Morgan relaxed slightly as the young man entered with Kelly Robinson close behind him.

 LaFiamma and Lundy both exchanged looks. THIS was the singer they were supposed to protect?

 “Another spoiled yuppie?” Joe groaned, shaking his head and tapping Morgan’s arm. “Is that the only kind of
people you know?”

 Lundy noticed the young man’s body tense at their presence until Kelly put a hand on his shoulder.

 “Detectives Levon Lundy and Joseph LaFiamma. Two of Houston’s finest. They were supposed to be your
bodyguards without being told that we normally protect you.” He explained, adding in a firmer tone. “Lundy’s
Morgan’s cousin, Zach.”

 Morgan must have caught the tension because she tried to sit up to look closer at the new arrival. “You shouldn’t
be here.”

 “You were hurt because of me. I would have been here sooner if it hadn’t been for the blasted heat of the sun in
this city.” Zachery St. John finally spoke, slipping the glasses into a pocket and looked at both cops then at the
girl. His gaze deepening as he noticed the bruises. “Kel told me about the attack here. This is brazen even for the
Circle.”

 “Kid, you said we should’ve caught that guy’s head off. We’re cops.” Joe stated firmly, feeling something odd in
the back of his head.

 “Zach!” Morgan snapped suddenly, sitting up fully and glare at the world famous singer. “Joe and Levon are
friends. No tricks and no mind stuff. Have you eaten?”

 The question seemed out of place to both joe and Lundy as the singer shrugged, easily moving across the room
to stand in front of the bed so the girl could see him better.

 “Not yet.” He admitted, hearing Kelly groan and pulling what appeared to be a plastic bottle from his jacket. “I’ve
brought a snack. The seen what happened tonight?”

 “I seen some creep try to kill my cousin and partner and come back from the dead.” Lundy corrected, turning to
Kelly. “What’s going on? Forget the fairy tales about vampires Kelly and try the truth.”

 “I’m still working on the truth myself Levon.” Robinson admitted, throwing a dark look at the singer. “You have
anything to add? I agreed to come here without knowing that some VERY nasty people were gunning for
you. Humans or what?”

 LaFiamma watched the scene carefully until Morgan’s fingers curled in his hand. “That thing that attacked her
here wasn’t human, Kel.” He sought to remind the merc sourly. “It had teeth like a wolf or something and a ruby
knife….”

 Zach’s jade eyes flew to his. “A ruby knife?” he demanded roughly, turning away from them quickly as his anger
took hold. “Damn. I haven’t done anything to warrant the Council’s interferance.”

 “Forget the knife kid and worry about whatever trick or makeup that thing had on cause he was seriously
off-balanced.” Joe commented. “Who is trying to kill you St. John?”

 “Who? I have a lot of enemies Detective LaFiamma.” Zach laughed dryly, turning back around as he
added. “When you’ve been alive 200 and some years, you pick up an enemy here and there.”

 Silence lasted until Lundy chuckled. “This vampire thing might be cute for your fans and image kid but not with
us.” He declared, adding. “If you want our help, you’d better level with us about exactly who you are and who’s
trying to kill you. Especially now that you’ve involved my family.”

 “Ohh, boy.” Morgan breathed, closing her eyes even before she caught Zach’s look. She knew him well enough to
know how he’d take that challenge and also knew her cousin and friend weren’t ready to hear the truth yet. “Guys.”

 “Alright, Detective Lundy. You are right.” Zach agreed as he took as the leather jacket, reached into the hip
pocket of his jeans to remove a small switchblade. “I do owe you and your partner the truth about a few things but
I wonder if either of you are fully prepared for the truth.”

 The blade flicked into place as the dark haired singer who had performed in front of royalty and diplomats slowly
sliced the razor sharp blade down the center of his palm, allowing blood to gush forth.

 “Dman, Lundy! This kid’s as crazy as that other guy.” LaFiamma swore, starting to move when Morgan’s hand
gripped his arm to stop him.

 Levon started to call for help when he stopped upon seeing that the blood was stopping. In fact, the deep 2 inch
gash Zach had cut in his palm was slowly disappearing. “What the hell…?”

 When the wound was fully closed, Zach wiped his palm on his jeans then showed it to both detectives. “My name
is Zachery Alaister St. John, detectives, I was born in Manchester England in 1742. In 1765, on the day I turned
23 years old, I was killed in London by a man who would see to it that I survive to be his heir. I have been alive for
well over 243 years and in case you haven’t figured it out yet or if you think I got these teeth in a hobby shop, I
am what is commonly called by popular culture…a vampire.”

 The young man’s calm smile revealed what he’d kept hidden before, the set of razor sharp teeth he’d gained as a
result of his ‘gift’. The jade eyes vanished as he showed the two Houston police officers the truth they wanted

Turning into a yellowish green like they always did when he switched to V-mode, as he called it.

 “Now, if you are both satisfied, I think we should really get Morgan out of here and back to the house where it’ll
be safer for all of us.” Zach sat back in a chair to await the reaction he knew was coming.

 “Shit.” Joe swore, not sure if what he was seeing was real or not. “Lundy?” he wanted his partner’s thoughts
before he even faced this.

 Morgan grabbed her cousin’s arm before he moved away, quickly trying to talk fast enough to calm them down
and swearing violently at the smirking young singer. “Levon, wait. I can explain this.  Damn you, Zach. I was going
to tell them and…” pain caught the girl’s words and broke them off in a gasp.

 “No sugar. Lie still until the pain stops.” Levon gently eased her back on the pillows, keeping his hand on her
face until she looked at him and he seen the fear in her eyes, recognizing it easily. “I’m not angry at you,
baby. Just a little confused.”

 “Shocked is a better word.” Joe put in, finally looking at their objective and seeing his eyes were normal again
and the teeth had receded. “How’d you do that?” he had to know.

 Zach laughed a full, deep laugh that held true amusement. “The teeth only come out when I want to make a point
or I get too mad and that’s when my eyes change color as well.” He explained, frowning when he seen how upset
Morgan really was. “Blast. Boss, I didn’t mean to scare them or upset you but I….reacted the wrong way. Not
enough sleep I guess. I’m sorry.”

 Lundy heard the pain in the young man’s apology and sensed he was genuinely sorry. “O-kay. I guess LaFiamma
and I’ve seen it all now. So, if you’re a….” he paused to swallow before going on. “A vampire. What the hell was
that thing earlier? Was he the same thing?”

 Neither Zach nor Kelly answered that one right away. “No, he was something far different and far worse.” The
same black haired, blue eyed young man Lundy had seen earlier walked in the door, tossing Zach another bottle of
something the texas native really didn’t want to think about.

 “Gerad was a creature born of darkness and served the Inner Circle of the Shadow Council. If he’d been a pure
vampire, he wouldn’t have been able to touch Morgan since she’s immune to vampires.”

 Kelly muttered about stupid, interferring twits before motioning to the new arrival. “Devan MacShayne, H.E.
subsidiary in New York, bookstore owner and…mystic.”

 “A witch to you and Levon, Joe.” Morgan yawned, raising a finger to stop the smart retort about to thrown her
way. “No time to be fancy about your title, Dev. Master warlock if you want but you still had better tell the
Council to chill.”

 “Robinson, how about Lundy and I take the kid and you handle all the weird stuff.” LaFiamma suggested, figuring
this case couldn’t get any weirder.

 The merc leader shook his head. “Sorry Joe. Whoever is behind these attacks knows they can get to Zach through
Morgan which is odd.” He stated, adding grimly. “Besides, whoever attacked her at the arena wasn’t from the
council because they attacked during the day.”

 “Probably those same jokers who have been hounding me, the Harker Clan, named after legendary vampire hunter
Jonathan Harker.” Zach muttered sourly. “They like to spray paint the arenas I sing in with slogans like: BEWARE
THE NIGHT. And…”

 LaFiamma suddenly looked up. “Beware the night?” he repeated, meeting Lundy’s gaze. “That’s what the guy who
phoned me last night said.”

 “What guy?” Morgan asked, more awake now and itching to get out of the hospital.

 “Joe got a crank call last night. It was electronically scrambled and they told him to ‘Beware the nights’.” Lundy
explained, frowning. “How could this be related when nobody should have known we were on the case yet?”

 “I hate it when things get this complicated this early in a case.” Joe muttered while Kelly spoke into his radio,
giving orders for Pat to check things out with their contacts downtown.

 “If we have 2 groups of bad guys, this could be a lot more difficult to solve.” He cursed, eyeing his friend. “Why
couldn’t you retire after your first 10 million like Lestat?”

 Zach offered a well thought out response which he gave via telepathically to the merc boss rather than upset
Morgan or the two Houston detectives.

 “Morgan’s in danger so I want her out of here.” Lundy decided firmly. “They know she’s in the hospital.”

 “Her house in Houston is the most prepared right now, plus it has vampire protection against any that we don’t
know.” Kelly answered, agreeing that his boss would be safer someplace else and also wanting to get Zach away
from a place with so many bodies.

 Neither cop was quite sure what was going on right then but did agree that they had to move this entire meeting
someplace safer.

 “I guess, get Morgan settled and then sit down and figure out just who is more capable of handling this stuff.”
Lundy sighed, grabbing kelly by the shoulder. “One thing, I will not see her hurt or turned into a midnight snack.”
He warned in a low voice. “Got it?”

 Robinson didn’t reply, knowing that it would be safer and also knowing that the two Houston detectives hadn’t
seen anything yet.
 
 

    CHAPTER FOUR

 

 The main Houston house of Harrison Enterprises was just outside the city limits. A ranch style hacienda with two
floors(visible) and 15 rooms not including the out buildings and barns.

 The main gate was a good mile or so away from the house with a paved road lined with trees.

 “Lundy, this is the sort of driveway you need.” LaFiamma declared, always dreading a trip to his partner’s house
due to the unpaved dirt driveway he had.

 “Real Texans don’t like ‘paved’ driveways, LaFiamma.” The Texan returned, following the motocycles up the
road. “Place this big is gonna be hard to defend.” He muttered.

 Morgan Harrison stayed quiet about her security, figuring it was better for them to learn by themselves. “You and
Joe don’t have to stay, Levon. This job is a bit out of your league.”

 “Vampires, weirdos, mystics, people bursting into flames, cults, etc, etc.” LaFiamma recited, seeing the lights of
the house come into view and noticing the cars already present. “Babe, the first time I met you I was out of my
league.”

 Lundy gave his partner a warning look, figuring it was time to talk with his friend about a few things. Like flirting
with his cousin.

 “Kel expecting company?” he asked warily, stopping the truck behind Robinson’s bike.

 “Just the usual boys.” Morgan yawned, blinking sleep, pain and drugs away as she stepped out of the truck and
noticing that Zach and Kelly were having strong words by the front door. “Great.”

 “Robinson doesn’t make friends easy, does he?” LaFiamma smirked as they approached the bickering pair.

 “Kelly, I have enough problems without you calling ‘HIM’ into this.” Zach was growling, eyes darkening.

 The merc leader rolled his eyes, noticing that his leader was staying closer than usual to LaFiamma and figuring
that if Lundy didn’t handle that situation soon he’d have to.

 “Zach, I’m a little light on vampire muscle. Besides, depending on his mood, he probably didn’t even come.”
Robinson’s hand had barely opened the large heavy oak front door when a blur whizzed past his shoulder, grabbing
a startled Zachery St. John by the throat and throwing him into the house with a loud growl and thunderous
bellowing to follow.

 “Well, I could be wrong and he did come.” Kelly finished with a grimace, stalling either detective from pulling
weapons as Morgan swore under her breath and ran into her house to find the fight. “My back-up.”

 “Kid, if that’s how your back-up reacts to him I hate to see what his enemies do.” Lundy sighed, following his
cousin.

 The fight was easy to locate, if one followed the sounds of crashing furniture and loud voices.

 What would have been the living room was the center of what would have been a brawl if more than two people
had been involved.

 Zach was pinned against a wall, his leather jacket was half off but he didn’t have a chance to defend himself
against an opponent already enraged.

 The man you had the singer pinned couldn’t have been very much older in looks but the glaring eyes and showing
fangs made it obvious to Lundy and LaFiamma that he was probably older.

 He was a good 6 inches taller than zach with long white blond hair and gray eyes, dressed in what had been a silk
jacket and jeans as he easily held the struggling young singer/vampire against the wall with one hand, his other
hand was curled in Zach’s long hair holding his head up to eye level.

 “I warned you that one of these days your stunts and insistence on investigating things would get you in trouble
but I also warned you about endangering her!” he snarled, fangs clearly shown in his anger.

 “This a friend, Kel?” LaFiamma asked warily, holding back with one hand and not to sure if he shouldn’t try
shooting this new man.

 “Depends on who you ask, LaFiamma.” Robinson sighed, leaning in the door. “I’m not paying for this damage, L.”

 The man attacking Zach didn’t move or even look back at them as he suddenly jerked Zach away from the wall and
started to slam a fist into his face when another Morgan suddenly grabbed his wrist.

 “Shit!” Lundy swore, reaching for his Colt but knowing his cousin could be hurt even before he could pull the
gun.

 “That’s enough, Lestat.” The girl directed firmly, holding onto the trembling wrist.

 The name struck LaFiamma until it gelled. “That singer a few years back that wrote all those books.” He recalled.

 “An event that endangered Morgan and all of us far more than Zachery has done.” A tall, slender blond haired man
walked down the curving steps slowly, eyeing the damaged room with a casual air. “Lestat, calm down before
Kelly has to tranquilize you again.”

 The hand holding Zach’s throat loosened and he stepped away from him slowly, eyes still glaring and obviously a
mental fight was going on.

 “No!” Morgan snapped, stepping between the two. Zach, stop it!”

the pain suddenly hit in her side and she doubled over in pain.

 Both cops started to move when the girl was picked up gently and layed on the plush sofa.

 “At least I never got her attacked by the Council or some crazy cult fancying themselves Vampire Hunters.” He
muttered, looking up as Lundy knelt beside his cousin, gently feeling for her pulse and not liking it.

 Robinson seen the look and cut it off. “Friends.” He intoned, pushing Zach back a few steps as he went toward the
taller man.

 Levon and Joe, meet Lestat deLioncourt and Marius. Both are ‘friends’ from New Orleans.” He declared,
hesitating before adding the obvious. “They’re also vampires.”

 “Gee, what would give them that idea?” Lestat rolled his gray eyes in disgust at the merc. “Sometimes you’re a
master of understatement, Kel.”

 Lundy ignored the growling around him as he concentrated on Morgan, who was getting more pale with every
threat threw until finally a sharp yell from the 2nd man, who by his actions and movements, was obvious older
than either Zach or Lestat.

 “ENOUGH!!” Marius had finally heard all he would have. “You both are doing nothing but upsetting her. Zach and
Lestat, if you want to kill each other I suggest you do it back in New Orleans, after this is settled.”

 Zach glared a few seconds longer but finally broke it and stalked over to the mini bar and jerked off the cap to a
bottle of red liquid. “I don’t need him condemning my actions. I didn’t want Morgan to get hurt.”

 “We each take responsibility for her, boy.” Lestat snapped, but waved it away with another glare from his
mentor. “Fine, fine. I’ll leave him be for now.”

 “Lundy, I think we need to be more choosy in the cases we accept from now on.” He muttered to his frowning
partner.

 Lundy nodded his agreement as Morgan’s eyes opened slowly. “Sugar, you and me will need serious words about
all this.” He sighed, lightly brushing her cheek. “I can work with mercs, but vampires might be tougher than Joe
and I thought.”

 “If you can work with the ‘Raiders then vampires are no different, except for the sunlight thing, of
course.” Lestat grinned, his fangs had receded slightly so not to be so obvious.

 LaFiamma sat on the back of the sofa, watching the gray eyed vampire cautiously. “I read your books at one time
or another.” He spoke carefully, shaking his head. “Didn’t believe them though.”

 “Nobody did, Detective.” Lestat laughed, relaxing more when Morgan was able to sit up slightly but he’s gaze
darkened when he seen the marks on her face and the obvious shock. “Modern civilization is more inclined to
believe in fairy tales and fiction than the real truth of history and folk tales. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, etc,
all exist if a person’s mind is open enough.”

 “Don’t get him started lecturing or we’ll never get anything done.” Morgan sighed, eyeing the vampires in her
damaged living room. “One of you is fixing this.”

 Lestat’s hand moved over her hair in a familiar move, as he easily sat on the floor against a broken cabinet. “Of
course, darling. Before I leave this dust infested city I’ll repair the damage Zach and I did.” He promised, then
turned serious. “So, what’s going on and how do you plan on fixing it?”

 “Pretty obvious we have 2 sets of people after him. One human and the other not so.” Robinson sighed, slightly
sure the fighting was over if Lestat was willing to talk about the matter at hand.

 “Might be easier to deal with the human aspect of the case first.” Lundy stated, still watching his
cousin. “especially if that call LaFiamma got last night is connected.”

 “Actually, I believe the first place to look would be the best bet to find both set of foes.” Lestat announced,
standing quickly and easily and reaching for his jacket.

 Both cops looked at each other before finally asking the obvious. “I know I’m going to hate this answer but, what
exactly is that?” LaFiamma asked slowly.

 Lestats’ gray eyes lit up in amusement, a sure sign to Morgan that this was not good. “We’re going bar hopping.”
 

Continued on part 2...

 
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