Dracula's Groom

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: The Choice

Dracula

The words no sooner rolled out of my mouth that I almost forgot what I said in the first place. It took me a minute and then afterwards, got dressed and walked right out the door without a word to Nathan. I was mentally kicking myself as I headed down the hallway and jabbed my thumb against the down arrow button for the main lobby. But when the doors opened a minute later, an elderly couple holding hands stared at me with wide eyes as if I looked like the Angel of Death.

"Evening," I muttered, as I stepped inside and pushed the button for the main lobby.

But none of them said a word. I could hear the cracking of their hands as they held onto each other. I optioned to say that I meant them no harm but then decided it was best just to let it go and let them get on with their lives. Down on the street, the air was crisp with sprinkles of rain still lingering amongst the clouds. I had a meeting to get to and I did not want to miss it. Where a few blocks over I asked the Detective to meet me at a coffee shop to discuss our arrangement.

The shop was nearly deserted when I arrived, except for the lonely barista standing behind the counter reading a magazine. I scanned the tables and chairs until I found my target sitting in the back corner, away from prying eyes and audible ears. He looked like he had seen better days. The bags under his eyes told me that he hardly slept since the last time I saw him. And the bleak look on his face was another matter in itself.

I pulled out the chair slowly and sat down. "Thank you for meeting me."

"Hmm. Like I had a choice."

"You do now. That's why you're here, isn't it?"

"You made that decision for me."

"Hardly. I just gave you a little push. Your mind did the rest."

The foam cup in his hands started to shake against the table as he raised the plastic lid to his lips and took a sip. "Can I ask you something?"

"Certainly."

"Why did you choose me?"

"Because I'm in need of a man like you, Detective. You're strong, intelligent, and a man who knows his way around the Law."

"If you're thinking about committing a crime. I would strongly suggest that you reconsider."

"I'm afraid I can't do that. There's a man who took something from me, and I want it back."

"And what is that?"

"My kingdom."

Not long after I was turned, a distant cousin of the man who raised me as a child took it upon himself to be crowned king. A king that was one day meant for me by my father. I tried everything in my newfound power to stop his ascent to the throne. But fate had other plans for me. So I went to sleep in hopes that time and history would do it for me in exchange that one day I would emerge from my tomb as the rightful heir to my family's lost legacy.

"Wait a minute," said Detective Gabor. "You're not talking about going after the Royal Family, are you? Because if you are, it would be suicide on your part. The Royal Family is protected twenty-four-seven with armed guards tailing their every move."

"See? I knew there was a reason I liked you."

"You're not listening!" He erupted then lowered his voice. "The king of Romania is a very powerful man. This crusade of yours is nothing more than a child's fairytale. You won't win."

I lean forward in my seat, my voice turning cold. "Watch me. Now. Have you made your decision yet?"

He sighed. "I don't know. The thought is heavy on my mind. I can't think straight, let alone give you a proper answer."