CHAPTER NINE:
On the drive back to my apartment, I cannot help but feel something is amiss. What it is, I don’t have a clue. As I continue the drive, I once more delve into my past…
CRYSTAL FALLS: 1850
I awaken an hour later, still in pain from the sun’s rays. I feel Perry’s dried blood on my face, and find myself disgusted at what I have done. I cannot believe the situation I’ve landed myself in. About ten minutes later, Perry returns to the cave. From where I do not care, or even want to know. I feel nothing but burning hatred and contempt for him. I still do not know what prevented me from killing him earlier, or at least trying. Then I remember how easily he snapped the neck of the man he turned nearly a week earlier. That I believe is the reason. Perry smiles when he notices I’m awake. “How do you feel?” he asks, and I notice a tone of happiness in his voice. “Horrible. I’m in so much pain and can’t stop feeling this lust for blood.” I say furiously. Perry nods. “Yes. That is horrible at first, isn’t it?” he mutters. “But here’s the good news. It gets better Ash. And after awhile, you genuinely stop caring about the people you kill. If you even want to, you don’t have to kill them, but for me I ponder, where’s the fun if you don’t kill?” I feel the anger still burning up inside of me with every word I hear come out of his mouth. “Why didn’t you kill me then?” I ask him. Perry shrugs. “Didn’t see the sport in it. Besides, I wasn’t hungry at the time. Another reason, is because I truly do respect and admire your father. He is one of the only people who gives a crap about other people’s lives. He’s not sexist nor do you and your mother seem to be. He’s a genuinely caring person.” Perry trails off. “Remember what I said earlier? Before you passed out?” he asked. I do remember, and I know at this point it is pointless to lie about it. “You said you had a proposition for me, but whatever it is, I won’t take it. I’d rather die than help you in any way.” Perry nods. “I thought that you’d say something like that, which is why I’ve got a backup plan.” He says, and once again, I detect the note of happiness in his voice. “What’s your backup plan?” I ask. Perry smiles. “If you don’t take my proposition, your father will die like your mother, only worse.” He says smiling. “But I really don’t want it to have to come to that Ashley. Like I said before, I honestly have much respect for the man, but I’ll do what I have to. And if you try to kill yourself to stop my fun, your father WILL suffer.” He says smiling. “Fine Perry! I’ll hear you out. But might I say you are truly a sociopath you freak!” Perry smiles sinisterly. “I knew you’d see it my way Ash. And please, call me by my real name. Pike.” He says, showing his fangs.
CRYSTAL FALLS: OCTOBER 29, 1995:
I return to my apartment, once again feeling contempt for Pike. As I climb out of my car, I smell a scent. I know right then, a vampire is in my apartment. I sneak up the stairs and find the door open. Just when I think I’ve got the element of surprise on my side, I hear a voice. “You know Ash, I can sense you too.” I stop suddenly. It is Pike’s voice. I haven’t heard it in nearly thirty years. “Come in Ashley. We have so much to discuss.” I hear. “I didn’t come here to fight.” He replies. I can tell he’s telling the truth. This time, and reluctantly walk into the apartment. The scent of blood is all over. But I see no space it could be coming from. I see Pike sitting on the couch, smoking a cigar. “Ashley! It’s been too long!” he says, smiling. “Not long enough.” I mutter. Pike shrugs and stands up. “I’m sorry you feel like that.” He says casually. “Why is the scent of blood everywhere?” I ask. Pike shrugs. “Details. Hate ‘em. We’ll get to that in a moment. But first, I saw on the news that you killed my lackeys. Sure they meant nothing, but I created them. Just like I created you. And you let yourself live all these years.” I stare at him “I didn’t have a choice.” Pike smiles. “After your dad died you did. But let’s not stay stuck in the past. I want information out of you. And you’re going to help me.” He says smiling. “What information?” I ask him. Pike smiles. “I’ve heard there’s a telepath here in town. And that you know where he or she is.” I stare shocked, and realize I’ve just given away that I do know something. Pike smiles. “And you’re going to tell me who it is and where I can find them.” I shake my head. “Why do you need a telepath so bad?” I ask. He smiles. “Let’s just say my plans depend on it. Now you will help me, or you WILL pay the consequences. What’s it going to be?” he asks. “I’ll never tell.” I say, thinking of Harold and realizing he’s become involved whether I like it or not. Pike smiles. “Then it’s time to see what’s in your closet.” I watch as he walks over to the closet and opens the door. To my horror, Danny is in there, tied up and bleeding. Pike smiles. “You could’ve saved him Ash. You still can, but to do it, you’ll have to break a promise you made to yourself all those years ago.” Before I can do anything, he slices into Danny’s stomach. “You know the only way to save him now. “I’ve got to run. Do a bit more digging, then I’ll take out any other friends you’ve made here. And give you the choice again.” With that, Pike leaves the room. I swiftly take the tape off Danny’s mouth, and hear him groan in pain. “Help me! Call someone! Do SOMETHING!” he pleads. I dare not untie him, he would bleed out to quickly. I know he will be dead before help would ever arrive. I look at him sadly, and know I have a choice to make. If I do what Pike wants me to, I can save him. If not. He will die. I sigh. I ponder what to do, then against my better judgement, I make a decision.