The Plagues Series: Emergency

Chapter 5

That night I had a shift at the bank. It wasn't nearly as enjoyable or relaxing as there were extra and frequent police patrols around the bank. Vamps weren't allowed into government, including and especially law enforcement, so I was dealing with human officers all night. For the most part they left me alone, though there were times they'd linger and watch a little too long. I pretended I didn't notice. Although, back West and in Poland it wasn't uncommon for vamps to be detained and murdered without cause.

My spare time when not at work or training was spent with Jack looking for a property for this center. Cheyanne had gotten in contact with our AMICA council representative here in Poland and explained our project, and in return AMICA said they'd subsidize some of the cost, in partnership with the ICRV, if a property could be found.

Our trips into Warsaw seemed to make Jack nervous. I understood why– I never realized how tiny he was; maybe only five feet and change and densely packed into his frame. I had about a foot on him.

We started in Targówek as I knew that place best, but nothing could be found. The more we went into Warsaw after that, the more I made sure we were in range of an LR patrol. Cheyanne forbade us from interacting with them though, as they attack on Turzyn had already made things shaky enough.

After two weeks of searching, and as many weeks procuring the money and dealing with the government to get a deed, we acquired a building in the Wola area that had once been low-rise apartments. We used up most of the ground floor for our project. About a month after we purchased our space, we were ready to open. When it came to security, Polish law enforcement was standoffish and difficult to deal with AMICA reps requested increased patrols in the area, but they begrudgingly complied. The LR also passed frequently on the arterial road intersecting our side road.

This was a great victory for us, though we thought it unwise to have a celebration at the center so as to not garner unwanted attention.That night though, Marcus, Dmitri, and I went out to Moon's Light fora celebratory drink. I invited Jack along as a thanks for his support.

"This is a real big deal, guys," Marcus said. "Seriously, congratulations."

"How'd you get AMICA to go for it?" Dmitri said.

"Our meeting chair, Cheyanne, went to AMICA through the ICRV,"Jack said.

"She figured we'd be taken more seriously that way," I added.

"And the ICRV was all over this," Jack said.

"So when does it open?" Dmitri asked.

"Monday," I said. "The ICRV wants to take this week with us to figure out management and stuff like that."

"So, this is a real recognized thing," Marcus said, a sort of glow about him almost as strong as Jack and mine's.

"Yeah, pretty much," Jack said, him and I spontaneously looking to each other and nodding.

After a couple more drinks, and Marcus bragging about our accomplishments to other patrons, sunrise drew near. Jack and I waited outside at the truck while Marcus and Dmitri settled our tab.

"Thanks again," I said, "seriously. Without you, this wouldn't be happening."

"Hey, a good idea's a good idea." Jack smiled. "I think this'll help get the led out of our meetings as well."

I chuckled.

We dropped Jack at his place on the eastern edge of Targówek then headed home.

The next night, we all met at our meeting center promptly after dusk. I had booked the week off work for this occasion.