The bright sun rose from the eastern sky dressed in hues of red, orange and yellow. Its light and warmth filtered into the room. Andrew woke, stretching every aching bone in his body. He got out of bed and strode into the bathroom. Andrew stopped to look; his upper torso was covered with bruises. He continued on and got in the shower. The soothing waters felt good. Andrew thought about his upcoming meeting today with author, Kara Sadler. He had done some further research on her last night. Andrew also had read her book Vampire Chronicles. She had gone into seclusion once her book was published, and that was one year ago. Andrew also found out that Kara lived in German castle that was transported stone by stone to somewhere in the outskirts of Woodstock. He further read that the castle was impenetrable and had the most up-to-date security systems in place. The question foremost on Andrew’s mind was, why did she need it? What was she afraid of?
Andrew finished his shower and grabbed a towel after turning the water off. He left and went back into the room. Andrew let the towel slip to the floor and strode to the closet. He picked out his favorite navy blue suit and laid it on the bed. Andrew opened the package of a brand new, white, dress shirt. Once dressed, Andrew put on a pair of black dress shoes. The room phone rang. Andrew picked it up and asked who it was. They told him that there was a car waiting for him in front of the hotel. Andrew thanked the desk clerk and hung up the phone. Once he was off the phone, Andrew left to go and meet his ride.
When Andrew exited the hotel, there was a black limo with tinted windows waiting for him. As Andrew approached the car, the rear door opened unassisted. As soon as he was seated, the door closed. The driver of the limo took off effortlessly into the early morning traffic.
The interior of the limo was decorated with black leather and silver fixtures. There was a bottle of champagne chilling and a single glass. There was a note attached to the bottle. Andrew removed the note and read ‘With my compliments, Kara’. Andrew tossed the note aside and opened the bottle. He poured himself a glass. Andrew knew it was early, but why should he waste a perfectly good bottle of champagne. Besides, he did not want to disappoint his hostess. Andrew downed the glass of champagne. Suddenly, he felt ill and things began to look blurry. He tossed aside the glass. It was laced with some kind of drug. Before Andrew could call out, he passed out cold.
Things still were a bit blurry when Andrew opened his eyes. He closed them again, trying to focus and to shake off the affects of the drug. When Andrew opened his eyes again, the room was much clearer now.
The room looked like something directly out of Camelot. Intricate tapestries were draped on each of the four walls, the furniture dark and heavy. A fire was roaring in the large stone hearth. And there amongst it all was Kara Sadler, seated in a high back leather and wood chair. She did not look the same as the photo on the book jacket. Gone was the golden hair and bright blue eyes; instead her eyes were dark brown and hair the color of night with streaks of red. Andrew further remembered Kara had worn a more conservative taupe skirt with white blouse and matching jacket in that photo. All of that had given way to a wardrobe of black.
Kara smiled at Andrew through sumptuous blood red colored lips, and twirled her hair with a slender finger and nail polish of the same color. A white blouse seductively opened revealed Kara’s ample bosom. A black leather vest was loosely tied; knee high leather boots and pants completed the look. Andrew knew he was in trouble.
“How are you?” Kara’s voice sang to him.
“I’m fine,” Andrew replied, sharply. “What was in the champagne?”
“I had to keep the location of my home a secret,” Kara touched her bottom lip.
“Why?” Andrew asked curiously.
“Since my book came out, well as you might imagine there are people who are quite upset with me,” Kara gestured with her hands. “I’ve made some powerful enemies.”
“It that the reason for all of the security?” Andrew asked the obvious.
“Yes,” Kara gazed at Andrew intently.
“In your book you talked about several things.” Andrew changed the subject. “One of them was about the Ravenclaw coven, specifically the Higgins. The other was the Knights of VanHelsing.” Andrew went further. “Isn’t it a strange coincidence that the Higgins family was murdered and that the Knights of VanHelsing are after you?”
“What makes you say that?” Kara scoffed with the wave of her slender hand.
“In your book you talked about the centuries old feud between those practicing vampirism and the Knights of VanHelsing,” Andrew explained. He looked at her intensely, “You interviewed the Higgins family along with the others from the clan. You even interviewed Ravenclaw himself. In the book you describe him as a ‘brooding monster ready to feed his blood lust at any moment’, is that not true?”
“It is true,” Kara answered coolly. “I even took part of a blood ritual. It was the only way I could truly understand why they do it.”
“You also interviewed one of the Knights of VanHelsing, right?” Andrew continued.
“Yes,” Kara voice turned somber, almost to a whisper. Andrew wondered if it were out of respect or out of fear. “I interviewed the one called Moon Blade. She explained to me, the history of the Knights of VanHelsing. The order had its origins in the Ore Mountains of Germany. There is a secluded castle nestled high in the mountains called Gothica. All of the Knights trained there and then assigned specific areas in a country.”
“And there are only three, no more, or less,” Andrew added.
“How do you know that?” Kara was shocked.
“I fought two of them in a Chicago park last night,” Andrew answered. “One of them recited the mantra for to me.”
“And you survived?” Kara was still shocked.
“I survived.” Andrew forced a grin.
Kara stood up. She glided towards him as if skating on ice. Kara stretched out her hand towards Andrew. “Please come with me.” Kara said. Andrew took her hand and stood up from the chair. Kara’s hand felt warm, almost hot. She smiled, and revealed teeth white as snow. Andrew saw her fangs.
Kara led Andrew out of the great room and into an open air foyer. From there, they took one of the two stair cases which led to the upper rooms. All the while they walked; Kara kept a firm, but gentle hold of Andrew’s hand. Soon she stopped them in front of a heavy-looking wooden door. Kara turned the ornate door knob and pushed the door open. The large bedroom was decorated similarly to the rest of the furnishings in the castle.
Kara continued on with Andrew in tow towards the bed. Andrew saw some men’s clothing. Black pants and a white shirt, which were laid out on top of the bed. At the foot of the bed was a pair of black boots.
“I want you to dress for dinner,” was all Kara said. She left Andrew standing there and walked out of the room, and closed the door behind her. Andrew heard the sound of a key turning. He was locked in!
“Watch it,” Andrew scolded and also reminded himself. “She’s up to something.”
Andrew walked over to the dark maroon, heavily curtained, window. He drew aside the curtain. The window in the room faced toward the west. The sun was low in the sky, painted with shades of fire. It would be dark soon. Andrew wondered what the night had in store for him. He let the curtain loose and it swooned back in place. Andrew reached inside his suit coat and took out his phone. He was surprised that Kara let him keep it. Andrew slid the cover open and was immediately disappointed. There was no signal. He walked around the room, but it did not change. Andrew put the phone away, he would try later. Andrew returned to the bed and removed his clothing. He put on the clothing that Kara had laid out for him. He finished it off with the boots. Andrew walked over to the full length mirror. He looked like someone out of a vampire movie. Andrew left and sat down in the leather chair by the bed. The only thing he could do was to wait for Kara to release him from the room. He was not happy about it.
The banquet room was aglow with candle-filled crystal chandeliers. The long, wooden table was dressed like a bride on her wedding day with white linen and accents of silver. White roses, seemingly dipped in the color of blood, were arranged in several bouquets on the table. Place setting of fine china and crystal long-stemmed wine glasses were set across from each other at one end of the table of an intimate dinner for two.
Andrew entered the banquet room and took his place at the table. Kara had not arrived as of yet. An older woman, dressed as a servant and with gray hair tied up in a bun, brought in a bottle of wine. Andrew thanked her. She said nothing, not even a smile. Andrew opened the bottle with the cork screw and let it breathe for a couple of minutes. He was about to pour, when Kara made her appearance.
Kara had on a strapless black, flowing gown. Her fair skin was accentuated with a black onyx layered necklace. Kara’s lips matched her fingernails which were a shade of dark green with diamond accents. Her long hair was neatly swept up and held in place with a diamond encrusted hair comb.
Andrew swallowed hard and stood up to help Kara to her chair. The scent of her intoxicating perfume filled his senses. Andrew did his best to shake off the affects as he seated Kara and afterward re-took his own seat. He poured each of them a glass of wine. Andrew handed Kara hers and was about to take a drink. He paused and Kara noticed.
“Trust me,” Kara smirked slyly and raised the glass to her lips.
“Of course,” Andrew raised his glass as well.
“To unexpectedness,” Kara toasted and immediately took a sip.
“Salute,” Andrew said as he also took a sip.
The older woman returned with the first course. She set before each one a bowl of soup and a basket of dark rye bread. Kara offered up the basket to Andrew and he took a piece of bread. Kara took one and set the basket aside. Andrew tasted the soup. It was delicious beef soup. Kara tore off some bread and paused for a moment. Andrew stared as Kara opened her lips and seductively slipped the bread in her mouth. He quickly focused on his own, but Kara smiled devilishly.
“You’re a private investigator?”
“Yes,” Andrew answered.
“Do you like it?” Kara asked. “I mean is it what you’ve always wanted to do?”
“Yes,” Andrew answered again.
“Not much for conversation this evening,” Kara teased with a seductiveness look in her eyes. She found Andrew extremely handsome and was attracted to him. It had been a long time since she was intimate with someone. Kara had noticed the wedding band on Andrew’s finger, but it didn’t matter. He was hers for at least this night.
“What made you want to write about vampires?” Andrew asked, pushing his empty bowl aside. “Why is there this fascination with it?”
“I think it is the idea of eternal romance; to live forever,” Kara answered. She drank some wine. “I wrote the book to let people know that this whole culture exists and has done so for centuries. It is a fascinating world of loyalty, romance, and a respect for life.”
“And now you are part of that world.” Andrew drank some more wine.
“As they say, my transformation is complete.” Kara lips spread into a sly grin.
“And the Knights of VanHelsing are after you because you revealed them to the world and they no longer can act in secret,” Andrew said. He poured some more wine. He was about to go one, when Kara’s servant came in and removed the empty bowls. She returned a short time later with the main course of roasted lamb, braised red potatoes and glazed medallion carrots. Andrew could have dined on the aroma alone. But he was starving and immedatedly dove in. Kara ate a fork full of potatoes as she watched Andrew eat his fill. She was aroused by the way he moved. Kara dipped her fingers in the glass of wine and ran them over her lips. She was no longer hungry for dinner, but instead wanted to feast upon Andrew.
Kara and Andrew had retired from the banquet room to the more intimate surroundings of her bedroom chamber. The flames from the fire danced across the logs burning in the hearth. A small round table with two linen cloths and a knife was surrounded by two chairs with Andrew in one and Kara in the other.
Kara had let her hair down and was tousled about her shoulders. She was completely entranced with Andrew and hoped he felt the same about her. If it was his desire to have her, Kara was willing to give in with all her heart and soul.
Andrew watched as Kara effortlessly rose from her chair. She walked over and stood in front of him. Kara undid the back of her dress and let it cascade to the floor. Her body glistened in the firelight. Kara stepped out of her dress and approached the table. She picked up the knife. Andrew quickly stood and took his place behind Kara. Her chest heaved with anticipation. Andrew slipped his one arm around her waist and drew her closer to him. Kara could feel his warm breath as it drifted down her neck. Andrew leaned closer and kissed Kara’s shoulder. Her body tensed with anticipation and it was consuming her. Kara tingled as Andrew’s other hand massaged her shoulder blade. She finally heard him murmur, “There it is.” Kara felt a slight twinge of pressure. She looked at Andrew and seconds later closed her eyes. Kara went limp in Andrew’s arms. Andrew lifted her up and laid Kara on top of the bed. Andrew drew back the covers and put Kara underneath. He recovered her. Andrew leaned down and kissed Kara on the forehead. She would be unconscious for several hours. Years ago he had traveled to China to learn kyusho jitsu. He studied under a kyusho jitsu master. The old master had taught him the pressure points to use for both defense and attack. Kara was comsumed with seducing him, and she never suspected that he was on to his game from the moment he arrived. Andrew felt bad, but it was the only way he could explore the rest of the castle. As far as he knew there was only the one servant. Now she could possibly also be the chauffer, but if not, he would have to be extra careful. Andrew gently caressed Kara’s soft check and took off.
Andrew cautiously walked down the hallway. There were three more rooms beside Kara’s on the second floor of the castle. He tried the second door on the left. It was not locked. Andrew opened the door and slipped inside. He was in the library. There were floor to ceiling book shelves on three of the walls. On the other was a massive window with no curtains. In the middle of the room were a retangular wooden table and four chairs.
Andrew ran his hand over the leather bound books as he walked along the premeter of the room. It appeared there was nothing worth looking for, and he was about to leave when the title on the binding of one book in particular caught his attention, The Legend of Abraham VanHelsing. Andrew took the book and sat down at the table. He lit one of the reading lamps and opened the book. According to the author of the book, VanHelsing was a real person and that he did in fact, hunt those who were ‘vampires’. It further claimed that Bram Stoker base his book on the true adventures of VanHelsing. From what Andrew read, Vlad the Impaler’s Grandson was the first of many ‘vampires’ and that VanHelsing killed him. Years later, as VanHelsing grew older; he could no longer carry on the fight by himself. So VanHelsing and his son Joseph formed the Knights of VanHelsing. Since his homeland of Holland opposed violence, the VanHelsings purchased a remote castle in the highlands of Germany. There they brought in teachers of all the ancient arts of combat. In fact the book stated that VanHelsing’s daughter, Mary, was one of the first Knights. Once trained, a threesome of knights was assigned a territory to protect. For centuries, the Knight of VanHelsing hunted down and killed those who practiced vampirism.
There was a period of time from 1860–1960 were both the Knights and those practicing vampirism, disappeared. According to the book, vampirism experienced a rebirth in the seventies with a man by the name of Vlad Ravenclaw, a direct descendent of Vlad the Impaler. With this resurgence, the Knights of VanHelsing was also reborn. Andrew read further that once you joined the order, you could never leave, and if you did, you were marked for death if your identity was ever discovered. How could such hatred consume someone like this for centuries? The more Andrew learned about all of this, the more surreal it became. Andrew was about to close the book when he noticed the inside of the cover had previously been slit open. Someone had re-taped it to look like the original binding. Andrew used the knife he had removed from Kara’s room and carefully split the tape. He found a folded piece of parchment paper. Andrew took paper and opened it up. It was a map of the location of the Knights of VanHelsing castle. The map contained a detailed description of where the castle was located, along with a mark where one could enter the castle undetected. Andrew refolded the map and tucked it in his shirt. He closed the book and quickly put it back in the shelves. Andrew quietly left the library and returned to Kara’s room.
Andrew found Kara still unconscious. He walked swiftly and silently over to the bed. Andrew removed his shirt and then his boots. He folded the map and slid it into the toe of one of the boots. Andrew quietly slipped beneath the covers. He thought Kara looked beautiful and peaceful as she lay there. Her full lips were inviting to kiss, but Andrew abstained. Andrew drifted off into sweet slumber.
The next morning Kara woke to find Andrew in her bed. She smiled, remembering Andrew’s arms around her. After that it was not so clear. Kara shrugged it off and got out of bed. She walked over to her large walk-in closet. Kara flung open the doors and went inside. She selected a sheer, full length black night gown. Kara slipped in on and left the closet. She saw that Andrew was still asleep. Kara smiled again and left to make them breakfast.
Andrew was aware of Kara’s movement even with his eyes closed. He pretended to be asleep. As soon as Kara left the bedroom, Andrew bounded out of bed and over to the phone. He picked up the receiver, and upon hearing a dial tone, Andrew made a call. “Hi Nick, this is Andrew,” he said. “I’m with Kara Sadler right now, but will meet you later today.” Andrew hung up. He quickly got back in bed.
Kara returned some time later carrying a tray with a plethora of breakfast delights. She put the tray down at the foot of the bed. Kara walked over to Andrew, leaned down and kissed his forehead.
Andrew awoke, yawning and stretching. He smiled at Kara. “Good morning.”
“Good morning indeed,” Kara smiled back. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved,” Andrew said, and sat up.
Kara retrieved the tray and brought it over to him. Andrew took hold of it as Kara came around and joined him in bed. Once she was settled, Andrew set the tray between them. Kara uncovered the first plate. A flavor-filled steam rose to reveal steak and eggs benedict for two. Andrew handed Kara a fork and knife as he took his own. He sliced off a sliver of the tender meat and put it in his mouth. It just melted in a taste explosion.
“Delicious,” Andre leaned over and thanked Kara with a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you,” Kara said, blushing.
“Listen Kara,” Andrew turned more serious now. “I have come up with a plan.”
“What?” Kara asked putting down her own silverware. She had a forlorn look in her eyes as she focused on Andrew. “What kind of plan?”
“I am going to strike at the home base of The Knights of VanHelsing,” Andrew put his utensils down.
“You can’t do that,” Kara’s voice strained. “They’re too powerful; too many to stop.”
“Not if they don’t know we are coming,” Andrew took hold of Kara’s hand and looked deeply into her soulful eyes. “Their blood lust of the destruction of the innocent has to be put to an end.” Andrew moved closer. Kara sought his embrace with welcomed desire. “People like you, the Higgins and other who practice vampirism, just want to be left alone to your beliefs; way of life. We all celebrate life in different ways. We all want to live in peace and not fear.” Kara rested her head on his chest. She felt the beating of his heart. It was soothing to her. It, for some strange reason, gave her a sense of peace, hope. Something she did not have. Andrew continued. “The Knights of VanHelsing have out lived their usefulness. I’m going to stop them.”
“How are you going to do that?’ Kara asked lifting her head to look at Andrew.
“I have something to show you,” Andrew let go of Kara and got out of bed. She watched him retrieve one of his boots. Kara saw Andrew pull a folded piece of parchment paper out. He climbed back in bed. Andrew unfolded the paper to reveal a map.
“Where did you find this?” Kara asked as she pointed to it.
“I found it in the book The Legend of VanHelsing,” Andrew replied.
“I never knew it was there,” Kara’s face showed her surprise.
“We can use it to find the castle and it all to an end,” Andrew refolded it.
“What do you want from me?” Kara asked.
“I have set up a meeting with Detective Nick Flannery, from the Chicago police” Andrew replied.
“What can he do?” Kara further asked.
“Let’s just go see him and I’ll explain later,” Andrew said as he picked up his fork and knife. He sliced off some more of the steak. He put it in his mouth with a moaning sound. Kara laughed and punched him in the arm. Andrew faked a cry of pain and went back to eating. Kara took up her own fork and knife and began to eat her food. She looked at Andrew and thought, today, after all, may just turn out to be a good day.
Nick got up off the sofa when he heard a knock at the door. It was already late in the afternoon.
He peered through the peephole and saw Andrew. But there was someone else with him. All he could see of her was streaked hair and a leather jacket. She looked very pretty.
Nick opened the door.
“How’s it going?” he shook Andrew’s hand.
“Nick this is Kara Sadler,” Andrew introduced her.
“A pleasure.” Nick shook hands with Kara. She was more than pretty; she was smoking hot. Andrew and Kara entered Nick’s apartment and sat down on the couch.
Nick closed and locked the door. He joined them and sat in the recliner.
“So what’s up?” Nick asked.
“You know those guys arrested in the park that night?” Andrew began.
“Yeah,” Nick replied. “They’re still in custody, waiting for a preliminary hearing.”
“They are part of a secret society called the Knights of VanHelsing,” Kara spoke up. She unzipped and took of her coat off. Nick’s eyes were instantly drawn to her revealing peasant blouse. Kara noticed Nick looking her over. She thought he was striking with his brooding looks. She felt an instant attraction. Kara went on, “They are responsible for countless deaths, but have never been exposed to the light of justice.”
“Well, those three in the Cook County jail will be facing justice,” Nick announced. He stood up unexpectedly. “I’m sorry,” Nick apologized. “Did you want something to drink?” Nick excused himself and went in the kitchen.
“Is he single?” Kara inquired to Andrew.
“He is,” Andrew replied.
“Thanks,” Kara leaned over and gave Andrew a peck on the cheek.
“Thanks for what,” Andrew faked innocence.
“You know,” Kara nudged him as Nick returned.
“Here you go.” Nick handed them their drinks.
“So what are you planning on doing?” Nick asked settling down. He took a drink from his bottle of beer.
“We have a map of the location of Gothica Castle,” Kara said. “Andrew has already contacted the German police. We leave for Berlin in two days. From there we go by train to Zwickau. Gothica Castle is located in the Ore Mountains.”
“You’re freakin’ insane,” Nick scoffed.
“I also telephoned Peter at the Bayport police department before coming here to see you,” Andrew explained. “Peter told me that a person matching Wyatt’s description boarded a plane to O’Hare”
“What do you want from me?” Nick asked pointedly.
“We want you to join us,” Kara looked at Nick.
“But they know karate and s- like that,” Nick protested.
“I… we, can teach you some basic moves,” Kara stuttered.
“Well, I need to finalize all the arrangements.” Andrew rose. He finished his beer and put the empty bottle down. “I’ll be back later.” Andrew thanked Nick and flashed Kara a quick smile. Nick didn’t notice. “See you two later.” Andrew left, and closed the door behind him.
“So what now?” Nick was a bit nervous.
“What do you want to do?” Kara flashed Nick a full smile. He saw her fangs.
“We’ll think of something,” Nick joined Kara on the sofa. He moved closer to her. Nick took a chance and leaned in for kiss. Kara gladly accepted as their lips coupled in a long, breath-taking kiss.