A heavy glass stein filled with beer and a pack of smokes were Nick’s only companions. He had sat at the same booth, the same time and the same Hoffbrau for the past four days.
Things were not good. After his arrest at the Berlin train station, he was booked and placed in a holding cell. Even his Chicago police credentials bought him no special treatment. The one phone call he got to make was to his Captain back in Chicago. When Nick talked to him, to say he was angry was an understatement. He reamed Nick up one side and down the other that day for, being so stupid. He also told Nick that if he was not back in Chicago in week, Nick was out of a job.
After his bail was paid, the Berlin police informed Nick that he should go to the hotel, get his things, and be on a flight back to the States by the end of the day. Nick did not listen, and instead used his train ticket to travel to Zwickau. It was more important for him to find out what happened to Andrew, Talia, and Kara.
When Nick arrived in Zwickau, he immediately went to the police station. The level of cooperation he got there was zero to none. They did inform him that Captain Brewster was still out and recovering from an accident. They told Nick to just return home. Again, he did not listen.
Nick raised the glass to his lips and took a long drink. The beer tasted good. He put the stein down and lit up a smoke. Nick inhaled it deep into his lungs. He coughed and exhaled.
On the second day, Nick had found a mountain guide to take him up into the Ore Mountains. When the guide learned where they were going, he suddenly changed his mind. He informed Nick that he could no longer do it. Nick even tried to find out where Captain Brewster lived, but had no success at that either. So he decided to give up for the day and return to the Hoffbrau for the evening. Nick was seated at the bar that night instead of his usual booth. There were some tourists talking about an incident with the train almost a week ago. Nick heard them talk about a police officer from Berlin, and a young woman that were found dead in the baggage compartment. They talked about seeing a black helicopter and that the local police captain had been shot with arrows. Nick continued to listen as they talked about a man being arrested and taken into custody. Nick raised the glass stein and took a long, big drink. He finished and ordered another one.
On day three and four, Nick just toured the city and all its sights. He found a park and spent most of the day there watching the people walk by. His thoughts drifted to Kara. He had never let any one get close to him like that, in a long time. Nick thought back to the day they first met when Andrew introduced her to him. She was all dark and mysterious. Here was this gorgeous creature that was interested in him. Nick gulped down his beer, grabbed his smokes and left to go back to the hotel.
The night air was cold when Nick walked out of the Hoffbrau. He zipped up his coat and started back to the hotel. As Nick walked along, from time to time he would look up at the night sky. The stars sparkled and never looked clearer than tonight. But one of them appeared to be moving. Nick rubbed his eyes and looked again.
The star was moving and it was getting closer! Nick ran in that direction and was soon at the park. Just as he got there, Nick heard the sounds of rotor blades striking the air. The snow on the ground started to swirl as the black helicopter came in for a landing. Nick covered his face as the snow whipped faster and stronger. Nick peered through his hands and saw the helicopter finally land. He ran over and when the door slid open, Nick saw Andrew emerge. Nick couldn’t believe it. There was Andrew alive! Nick saw some kid lying unconscious on the floor of the helicopter. Where was Talia? Where was Kara? Nick felt a tap on the shoulder. When he turned around there was Kara. Nick picked her up in his arms and squeezed her tight. Nick kissed her for a long time. Andrew delightfully watched Nick and Kara’s reunion. He missed Megan so very much. But there was one more thing he had to do. Andrew had to go back to Gothica and retrieve Talia’s body. For that he needed help. Nick and Kara drew apart and looked at Andrew. Nick walked over to Andrew.
“Where is Talia?” Nick asked.
“She’s dead.” Andrew was very solemn.
“Where’s her body,” Nick was shocked.
“We had to leave her behind,” Andrew replied.
“You are going back, right?” Nick insisted.
“Yes,” Andrew answered. “But we need help.”
“Count me in,” Nick said.
“No,” Andrew ordered. “I want you to make sure that Kara and Wyatt get home safe and sound back to Bayport. I need you to do this for me, Nick.”
“What about you?” Nick inquired.
“I going to see Captain Brewster,” Andrew replied.
“Tonight?” Nick scoffed. “He wouldn’t see me.”
“He will once I show him this,” Andrew retrieved a large leather bound book from the helicopter and showed it to Nick.
“What is that?” Nick asked inquisitively.
“This book contains all the names of each and every one of the Knights of VanHelsing,” Andrew explained. “It also contains every person the Knights have killed over the years in the name of their so called, justice against the evil ones.”
“Do they know you have it?” Nick was worried.
“Yes,” Andrew answered as he closed the book.
“I will do as you ask.” Nick shook hands with Andrew. “I promise.”
“Kara let’s go,” Nick said. He climbed aboard the helicopter and closed the door.
Kara walked up to Andrew and slipped her arms around his waist. She squeezed him tightly and did not want to let go.
“You need to go now,” Andrew whispered.
“I know.” Kara said. Kara let go and kissed Andrew on the cheek. She walked around the helicopter and took her place in the pilot’s seat. Kara closed the door and coaxed the engine to life. Andrew put some distance between him and the helicopter. He watched as it took off into the ebony sky. Now it was time to find where Captain Brewster lived. Andrew took off and did not look back.
Yuri could not sleep. The pain from his wounds still bothered him. He decided to get up and take another pain killer. He put on his robe and went downstairs. His wife was still asleep and snoring.
Yuri poured some water and opened the bottle. There was a knock at the back door. Who could it be at such a late hour? Yuri put down the glass and bottle. He walked to the back door and peered out the window first. Yuri saw a man with black hair dressed in black clothing and long leather coat. The man was holding a leather bound book tightly to his chest. Yuri opened the door.
“How may I help you?” Yuri asked looking the man over more closely now.
“My name is Andrew Knight,” he replied. “I am a private investigator from Bayport in the United States. I need your help.”
“You must be mistaken,” Yuri scoffed. “I have a man by that name in custody. Is this some kind of joke?”
“A while ago you were contacted by Lieutenant Gunderson of the Berlin police,” Andrew answered as he explained. “He told you of a joint operation between the Berlin police and yours to capture Wyatt Collins from a place called Gothica.”
“How do you know that?” Yuri demanded.
“The operation was planned by an American,” Andrew continued.
“Yes,” Yuri added.
“There was a code name,” Andrew said.
“Yes,” Yuri replied. “We had a code name because this fellow suspected that there was a spy in their midst.”
“The code name was ‘Night Kill’,” Andrew finally answered.
“Yes that was it,” Yuri was in shock. “Then who is in my jail?
“The real Eric Schultz,” Andrew replied. He opened the book and showed it to Yuri. “He is also a Knight of VanHelsing known as Gold Blade.”
“What do you want from me?” Yuri wondered.
“May I come inside,” Andrew shivered.
“Yes, yes.” Yuri stepped aside. He gestured for Andrew to come inside. Once he did, Yuri closed the door. He ushered Andrew to the sitting room while he went to make some coffee.
Andrew sat down on the small, but very comfortable sofa. He opened the book to the first page; the title page. It had the date the Knight’s of VanHelsing began, and the signature of Abraham VanHelsing. Along with his signature were the ones from each and every generation that followed. Andrew paused when he came to Ana’s. A feeling of regret washed over him. He couldn’t believe to what lengths she had forced him to. If he hadn’t defeated Ana, she would have killed him without any uncertainty. Andrew shook off the feeling and turned to the next page. Each country and city was listed alphabetically and so were the ‘knights’ that were assigned to them. Andrew could not even fathom the expanse of the Knights of VanHelsing. There were thousands of knights all over the world. Andrew flipped to the page for his home city of Bayport. Andrew’s eyes widened with revelation. Right there in front of him were the real names of Moon Blade, Star Blade and Night Blade. Andrew slammed the book shut when Yuri walked into the sitting room with a tray of coffee and two cups. He set it down and poured them each a cup. Andrew thanked him. The coffee tasted really good after all this time. He could feel the warmth as it filled his stomach.
“What do you purpose?” Yuri asked.
“We need to go back to Gothica and retrieve the body of Sheriff Talia Delsmann,” Andrew put his cup down. “We are also going to arrest Ana VanHelsing and her knights for the deaths of hundreds of innocent people.”
“Do you have evidence?” Yuri asked.
Andrew opened the book for Yuri to see. Yuri could not believe his own eyes. Right there is black and white was the names of all the missing persons from the last twenty years from Zwickau. He never realized that there were these killers in their midst. They were like wolves amongst the sheep.
“I will make a call and have my men ready in the morning,” Yuri stood up. He was angry.
“Is there somewhere I can get some sleep?” Andrew asked. He was drained.
“We have a guest room upstairs, second room on the right” Yuri answered.
“I’m sorry about shooting you,” Andrew finally apologized.
“I am glad you are a bad shot,” Yuri tapped his leg and shoulder.
“I’m not.” Andrew patted Yuri on the back. “Good night.” Andrew went to bed. Yuri swallowed hard when he realized that Andrew had wounded him by design, and not the alternative. Yuri put the cups on the tray and carried the whole thing back to the kitchen. He took his pill and water and headed off to bed.
Andrew set the book down on the bed. He took off his boots and coat. Andrew picked up the book and drew back the covers. He slipped into the bed and recovered himself. He placed the book on the night stand. The bed felt so comfortable and Andrew could no longer resist. He was exhausted and quickly fell asleep.
Thunder filled the valley early the next morning. A storm of retribution was coming against evil. The swift sword of justice poised to strike a blow for the innocent.
A squadron of law enforcement helicopters appeared on the horizon as the morning sun peaked over the mountains. The helicopters came in low and fast. Within minutes, they landed at Gothica castle.
The doors flew open. With their weapons at the ready, men in fatigues and body armor stormed the castle. Andrew was among them. He led a team with a stretcher to retrieve Talia’s body. They quickly entered the castle and rushed up the stairs to the third floor. Andrew was bothered by the fact that they encountered no resistance. Andrew left his team alone as they prepared Talia’s body for transport. There was one thing he had to know. Andrew left for the library.
Andrew had encountered no one on his way to the library. The Knights of VanHelsing had abandoned their home. Andrew shoved open the door and rushed into the room. He ran over to the grand table and to the side where the secret room was. His worst fears were realized when Andrew got there. The floor was open and Ana was gone! She was alive. Did they disappear as they had done in the past; gone into hiding at some other location? Or did they go after Nick, Kara, and Wyatt. He hoped and prayed that Ana had gone into hiding and that the fact that he had the book was enough to keep them away. Andrew did not see any sort of key in the slot. So how did Ana get out? He supposed that when the knights could not find Ana, she had to be trapped in the secret room. They must have had another medallion and used it to free her. Andrew descended the stairs. There was dried blood on the stone steps and a trail of more, leading back up. Andrew followed the trail of blood up until it stopped at one of the bookcases. There must be a hidden passage Andrew thought.
Andrew searched the shelves for the trigger. He found some more dried blood and one of the books. Andrew gave it a pull and part of the book shelf opened. He stepped inside the passage. As soon as he had done this, the panel instantly closed. Andrew followed the winding passage, not knowing where it led to. There were no lights, only darkness. Soon he came to the end. Andrew felt with his hands and could tell it was a stone wall. Where was the trigger to open it? He continued the search with his hand and in a few minutes had located it. Andrew pushed the trigger and the stone panel opened. The light from the sun nearly blinded him as Andrew stepped outside. He was somewhere on the opposite side of Gothica castle. It was a secluded area high in the Ore Mountains. Andrew discovered another helicopter landing area. It was camouflaged and would not have been detected from the air.
If there had been a helicopter there, it was gone. Andrew had no clue where Ana and her knight could have gone. He was relieved that they were more interested in seeking refuge than an attack. Andrew had defeated them and they were going in hiding to lick their wounds. But Andrew wasn’t finished. He had to make sure any Knights of VanHelsing that remained would be tried in court for their crimes. Andrew returned to the panel and found the key stone to open it. He stepped inside and the panel closed behind him.
When Andrew returned to the room, he saw them place Talia in a body bag, and then on the stretcher. He lowered his head and wept. All the frustration, all the fear, all the anger flowed out in his tears. Andrew raised his head and summoned up all the courage he had left. He led the way as they carried Talia’s body to the helicopter.
As Andrew and his team returned to the helicopter, he was met by the commander of the assault team. He informed Andrew that Captain Brewster radioed that Eric Schultz escaped while being escorted to see the Magistrate. He had managed to overpower the officers escorting him. One of the officers was dead and the other was rushed to the hospital. Andrew felt sick. He had a feeling where Eric was headed.
“I need to get to Berlin,” Andrew said.
“I can have one of the pilots fly you there,” the commander answered. He radioed one of the helicopter pilots. He looked at Andrew once he had gotten a response. “Take that chopper,” the commander pointed out the one closest to them. “Do not worry about your friend’s body; we will make arrangements for it to be shipped back to the states.”
“Have her transported to Berlin,” Andrew replied. “I want to bring her home.”
“Very well.” the commander gave a salute.
Andrew thanked him and walked over and got in the helicopter. Soon they were airborne and headed to Berlin.
Nick checked the locks on the hotel room door. They were still secure. Their flight home was not until tomorrow night. They had not received any word from Andrew on how the attack on Gothic went. This worried Nick to no end. The other thing that worried Nick was that fact that Andrew still had that damn book in his possession. His gut instinct told him that Ana and her knights might try killing him and Kara and taking Wyatt into hiding with them. Nick felt it was safer to order room service. He returned to the sitting area and sat down on the sofa. Kara was asleep on the bed and so was Wyatt. The difference between them was that Wyatt was handcuffed and Kara was not. Although Nick thought it would be pretty kinky if she were. Nick picked up a newspaper and had just started to read it when there was a knock at the door. He tossed the newspaper aside and grudgingly went to answer the door. Thank goodness the food he ordered had finally arrived. Nick was starving. He never bothered to peer through the peephole and just opened the door.
A taxi cab came to a screeching halt in front of the hotel. Its lone occupant tossed the driver the fare and quickly exited the cab. He rushed through the doors of the hotel and did not even bother to acknowledge the desk clerk. He hoped that it was not too late.
Nick woke to find himself tied to a chair. Kara was next to him tied up as well. They both were gagged. Wyatt was free and talking to someone dressed in a Knight’s of VanHelsing garb, right down to the deadly weapons. Nick cursed himself for not being careful and letting his hunger get in the way. Kara looked very frightened and it made Nick even sicker knowing he had let her down.
Wyatt and the other person stopped talking and walked over by Nick and Kara. Wyatt looked smug and Nick did not like it.
“We’re leaving now,” Wyatt announced. “Tell Mister Knight that he had better return our book to us. Otherwise Gold Blade here will take it from him.” Wyatt leaned closer Nick and whispered, “You see, Gold Blade has orders to use whatever means necessary to retrieve it.” Wyatt was defiant now, “Gold Blade is the best and I doubt Mister Knight is any match for him.” A knock at door interrupted Wyatt’s speech. He looked at Gold Blade, who nodded for him to answer the door. Wyatt went to answer as Gold Blade took up a position on the backside of the door. Wyatt peered through the peephole. There was no one there. “What the heck?” Wyatt cursed. He opened the door and stepped in the hallway to take a look.
Nick and Kara saw as Wyatt flew backwards and strike the door. He was instantly knocked out.
Gold Blade witnessed this as well and came around the door. He entered the hallway. Seconds later, Gold Blade followed the same path as Wyatt, but rolled and stood to face the mysterious attacker. Nick and Kara’s hearts leapt with joy when they saw Andrew step boldly into the hotel room to face Gold Blade. Andrew was dressed in police fatigues and carried a backpack across his left shoulder. He was pointing a gun at Gold Blade.
“It’s over,” Andrew announced.
“Not yet.” Gold Blade drew his swords.
“Then come and get it.” Andrew took off.
None of them could believe what Andrew had just done, especially Nick and Kara.
Gold Blade took off in pursuit of Andrew, who had just reached the door for the stairwell. Andrew opened the door to the stairwell, paused just long enough to make sure Gold Blade was following, and headed for the roof of the hotel. Gold Blade was only minutes behind Andrew.
Nick struggled at his ropes as he tried to get free. Suddenly police swarmed in, and had the room secured it in a matter of seconds. They took Wyatt into custody and released Nick and Kara from their bindings. Nick tried to explain what had transpired, but the officer in charge informed him that they already knew. Nick and Kara found out that Andrew called ahead to the Berlin police and set up the whole operation by phone. Kara, along with Nick, suddenly realized that Andrew had planned on killing Gold Blade. Nick tried to get past to stop Andrew, but the police officers would not let him. Nick was shocked that the authorities had agreed with what Andrew was about to do.
Gold Blade cleared the open stairwell door.
“Ich weib, dass du hier bist.” Gold Blade said he knew Andrew was here. He continued and asked why Andrew hid like a disobedient child, “Warum verbergen Sie sich wie ein unartiges Kind?” Gold Blade paused at the corner of the stairwell structure. “Es wird den Tod zu Ihnen und Ihrer Familie bringen.” He told Andrew that the book would only bring death to him and his family.” Gold Blade spun around the corner with blades slashing. He only struck air. Gold Blade crouched down and examined Andrew’s boot prints in the freshly fallen snow.
“Wir haben jetzt Ende es.” Andrew’s voice came from above, that they finish it. Gold Blade looked up in time to see Andrew jump down off the top of the stairwell structure. Andrew struck Gold Blade in the chest with both his boots. The force of the blow sent Gold Blade sprawling down in the snow.
“We can end this now,” Andrew said. “And no one has to get hurt,”
“I cannot do that,” Gold Blade stood.
“I am unarmed,” Andrew dropped the gun.
“Last time we met, you took advantage of me,” Gold Blade rubbed his jaw. He tossed Andrew one of his swords. “But I am an honorable man and will give you a fighting chance.”
“Thanks,” Andrew retrieved the sword from the snow. Instantly, Gold Blade lunged at Andrew, who blocked, spun and hit Gold Blade in the back with a karate kick. Gold Blade stumbled to his knees, rolled and stood up again. Andrew did not attack, but waited for Gold Blade to make a move. Gold Blade shook off the affects of Andrew’s kick. Andrew was able to anticipate his attacks. Of course Gold Blade thought Andrew must have learned how to fight from all of his battles with the Knights of VanHelsing. Gold Blade had to come up with another pattern of attacks. They circled each other for a long time, each waiting for the other to initiate an attack. Gold Blade’s frustration level was about to reach a boiling point. What was Andrew waiting for? Why did he persist in this bizarre dance of theirs? Suddenly, Andrew bolted and headed for the edge of the roof. Gold Blade fought the urge to purse at first, but then took off.
Andrew jumped up on the ledge and turned to face Gold Blade.
“Wo ist das Buch?” Gold Blade demanded to know where the book was. He turned for a moment and saw the backpack lying on top of the stairwell structure. Gold Blade left Andrew and ran as fast as he could to where the backpack was located. He paused to look back and saw that Andrew was still standing on the ledge of the roof. Why did he not try and stop him?
Gold Blade retrieved the backpack and quickly opened it. The backpack was empty! Gold Blade screamed and tossed the backpack down. His rage comsumed him and Gold Blade charged at Andrew full force. Gold Blade raised his sword to strike Andrew down he as was only inches away. Andrew sprung from the ledge and somersaulted over Gold Blade, who realized too late he had been tricked. Gold Blade tried to stop, but his momentum carried him still forward. Gold Blade slammed into the ledge and flipped over it. His screams pierced the air as he plummeted to his death. Andrew walked to the ledge and peered over it. He saw Gold Blade’s body lying twisted in blood. Andrew knew Gold Blade would be obsessed with retrieving the book. Andrew had counted on the fact that once Gold Blade discovered the book missing from the backpack that he would simply think of nothing else but to attack. Andrew stepped away from the ledge and he walked over to one of the air-conditioning units. There tucked safely away, was the book. Andrew returned to the stairwell structure and also retrieved his backpack. He put the book back in it and left the roof. It bothered him of what he was capable of and of what he had become. All of the bloodshed had poisoned his soul; turning it dark and vengeful. Andrew was not sure if he would ever come back. Through it all, he had forgotten the reason for it all. An innocent family had been murdered in their home. Andrew would finish what he had started. But for now he was tired and just wanted to go home.