Vampire World (VAMPIRE WORLD #1)

Part 26 Deeper Into Trouble

Chapter 25: Deeper into Trouble

            “What do you know about this!?” I demanded, pointing to the triangle and fang emblem that struck so much fear in me.

            He tried to shrug it off. “Oh, that was just something I was drawing. Every once in a while I try to be an artist, just for fun. But honestly, I don’t think I could make it as a professional. That’s why I’m a senator instead.” He gave a laugh like he'd just cracked a great joke.

            I tried to wipe off my frown. But I couldn’t. All I knew was that my opinion of someone I thought to be a kind and righteous senator had nosedived.

            “I didn’t mean for my drawing to get in there,” he said to Mr. FreeCut. “Must have slipped it in by mistake. Sorry.”

            We said goodbye. I shook hands with him and faked a good smile. But could I trust him now? I didn’t think so. What a lying douche.

            After leaving the senator's office, we headed even higher up the building until reaching a restaurant deck. From here we were able to enjoy some spectacular views of downtown. Mr. FreeCut spent the few Carns he had with him by treating us to a plate of hot millifangs smothered in bloody gravy. Yet even this delicious meal could not erase the bewildered expression on my face.

            “What’s the matter?” he asked.

            I questioned him about the emblem.

            “No, never seen it before,” he responded. “Why? Is it bothering you?”

            For a few frantic moments I considered telling Mr. FreeCut everything. Then I remembered being told keep what I'd discovered a secret.

            “No, I’m fine,” I lied. “I just thought I'd seen it before, but I could be wrong.”

            Mr. FreeCut wiped some gravy from around his mouth. “Trust me. I’ve known Senator BloodHunt for years. He’s a good man and always tries his best to fight corruption.”

            I wondered if Senator BloodHunt was secretly at war with TriFang. But if so, why had he lied to me? Possibly because he didn’t want anyone knowing what he was trying to do. However, I could be wrong. He might even be a member of the organization himself. I just didn’t know.

            On the way home I could not get TriFang off my mind. Keeping all these secrets to myself was driving me crazy. I called Brett on my cell, saying that I wanted to spend the afternoon with him at Blood River Park. I was going to tell him everything, and I couldn't care less what my freakin messenger told me.

            After saying goodbye to Mr. FreeCut, Brett picked me up in his car.

            The afternoon was gorgeous as we strolled in the park holding hands, his alternating icy chill and warmth flowing pleasurably through my body. We passed trees that I'd once thought looked dead and dismal. But now, even in the daytime, their dappled vegetation made life in Vampire World only sweeter. Scarlet birds with visible skeletal bones coasted around above us, while a tranquil river of smooth emerald liquid with quaint bridges mounted over it ran lazily by.

            Brett and I climbed one of the bridges to peer down at the peaceful river. Our arms locked together and I basked in his sultry caress.

            “There’s something I have to tell you,” I said.

            “You can tell me anything,” he replied.