Hudsonville: Tales of the Hunted

Chapter 9: New Plan

Before now, the only time Andy grappled with death was when he had his mother there to comfort him—that was nearly a decade ago, when he'd discovered that Elvis Presley was dead—long dead. Presley was pretty much Andy's hero when he was a boy. He loved to sing his songs, learn his dances; when he got old enough, he even tried the ukulele. Once, when he was four, he'd begged his mother if they could go and see the man perform. Miriam ever-so-delicately broke it to the boy that the man had been gone for decades. Of course he took it hard, having the mental capacity he did at the time. He remembered crying into his mother's arms for what felt like hours.

The morning Andy told his friends about what had happened seemed to go on for just as long. Everyone's kind words and condolences seemed to blend together into a high-pitched shrill. Andy could no longer discern one from another, his ears had gone numb, his head as much of a swirling fog as the townsfolks' crystal balls.

Every 'I'm sorry' and 'my condolences,' while well-meant by Vick and Cici, only served to amplify the gnawing black hole inside him. It wasn't that he was indifferent, or cynical, but grief would only slow him down in his quest to salvage what little was left of his family.

Later in the afternoon, Andy walked alongside the river banks, accompanied by Vick and Cici. Vick's hand moved almost robotically back and forth through his hair with a comb. Cici maintained a close proximity to Andy, her mouth running a mile a minute—anything to distract him from the looming darkness. It was only when they reached the first of many park benches in the lush town square that Andy finally decided it was time to cut her off. Hesitantly, he cleared his throat.

"Hey, Cici?"

"Yo?" She turned.

He wondered if he should tell them the whole story—what he intended on doing with Davis when they got to his place—that his dad was working with their sworn enemy, that Andy was strongly considering doing the same. However, the stubborn resentment in his heart didn't allow for it. Andy looked up.

"I need to get out of town."

The two looked at him, humored, their brows upturned, nervous smiles breaking out on their faces. Andy continued.

"I need to speak with my dad, face to face. Can't risk him gettin' so close, the Rangers sniff him out. I have to get out of town and get to him and...and just...give 'im a hug or somethin, let 'im know I'm...gonna be okay. I think I know who can help me, but you guys really ain't gonna like it. Vick, I need you to set me up with Drew."

Cici's one eye goes wide. She turns her head away and seems to grow quiet for once. Vick throws his head back and rolls his eyes.

"Tep's sake, man," he groaned.

"He's the only feller here that seems to know a way out, an'—an' we need that. I need that."

Everything seems to grow tense for a moment. Weirdly so. Maybe this wasn't the slam dunk of an idea Andy thought it was—but why?

"I know you're desperate and all, man, but getting involved with Drew is a bad idea. People get hurt when they're with him." The Vampire looked back at Cici, his eyes softening for a moment. He sucked in a breath, all while Andy processed. There was a natural conclusion to be drawn here, but, you know what they say about assumptions. The boy decided to bite the bullet. No easy way around this conversation.

"...What did he do to you guys?" Andy asked.

The Vampire looked away.

"You know how he started like...a rebellion and all that?"

Andy nods.

"Yeah, well. My mom was a big supporter. Really believed in what he was saying. Hell, half the town did, before everything came to a screeching halt. When he led everyone out, she was right there with 'em. And then," he shrugged. "Then, she died."