The Meaning of Joseph Abrams: Jewish Vampire Detective; Chapters Six through Eight

All my posts will have the following so first time users will know a bit more than I could fit on the header but please go back to the older posts so you can start at the beginning (I know, stating the obvious):

Why Jewish vampires, you ask?  Why not.  I get to modify the rules because shouldn't Jewish vampires have some rules that are different.  There are also Gentile vampires and were-creatures (not just werewolves but werelions, weretigers and werebears, oh my).  While the vampires, both Jewish and Gentile, have some rules the same and some that are different, they all live, in a sense, a cursed existence.  I hope you enjoy my take on vampires.

Chapter Six

Marina PD Sergeant William Madison, a forty-two year old African-American of medium height, build and skin tone, entered into CCI’s office with three other men.

Before Joseph could even say hello and ask the reason for the visit, Sergeant Madison said in a solemn tone, “Joseph, this is Special Agent Joshua Sparks of the NCIS, Special Agent Frank Ortiz of the FBI and Mr. Felipe Alvarez from the Spanish Consulate in San Francisco.  We need to speak with you in your office.”

Joseph had known William nearly the entire time he lived in Marina and an excellent working relationship.  Joseph did not know Sparks or Alvarez but recognized Ortiz, thinking back to almost thirty years earlier.  Ortiz was fresh out of the academy and was partnered with Joseph in his previous incarnation as James Spencer.  The partnership lasted eight years until Joseph retired from the FBI.  He was correct in figuring Ortiz would go far in the Bureau.  Ortiz had developed an excellent track record in solving tough cases and knowing how to handle ones that required a “diplomatic” touch.  

“Well, good morning to you as well, Will, and hopefully a pleasure to meet all of you,” Joseph answered as they all walked into his office.  Agent Sparks, the last to enter, shut the door behind them.

“Sorry for being abrupt, Joseph, but we have something serious to tell you and Agents Sparks and Ortiz may need to ask you a few questions”, Will said and then continued, “You know Francisco and Josefina Aguilos and their son, Pablo.” 

Joseph answered, “Yes, I do.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know whatever happened at their home early this morning is the reason you are here but I can tell you all I don’t know what happened and no one will tell me a thing.”

“Well, you’re about to know but you have to promise to keep this confidential.  Early this morning the parents were attacked, mutilated, murdered and partially burned.  Their son Pablo was also attacked and the attacker or attackers had poured gasoline on him as well with the obvious intent of also burning him.  He’s at CHOMP in critical condition.”  Sergeant Madison saw the puzzled look on the faces of the other three and said, “Sorry, CHOMP is what us locals call the Community Hospital Of the Monterey Peninsula.”

“Agents Sparks and Ortiz are here to investigate as part of a joint investigation since this involves an employee of the US Navy and his family who are also foreign nationals.  Mr. Alvarez is from the consulate to observe and report back to the Spanish government as a liaison.  He is a former member officer of Spain’s National Police Force so he is familiar with law enforcement and in dealing with international situations.”

Joseph thought back when he first met the Aguilos family.  They had moved onto Parsons Circle from the island of Majorca, Spain.  Francisco had been a professor at the University of the Balearic Islands and had just been hired by the Naval Postgraduate School to teach in their computer science department.  Josefina was hired to teach Spanish at the Defense Language Institute.  Pablo was in productions put on by the Pacific Repertory Theatre along with his neighbors’ daughters.  It was through a gathering at the neighbor’s across the street that Joseph met the Aguilos family and they became good friends.

Agent Sparks then spoke up, snapping Joseph out of his reflection, “We know you are close to the Aguilos family.  We just found out they listed you as an emergency contact.  Did they ever say anything about having any enemies or someone who was angry with them?”

“No, they never said a word about any kind of trouble.  It’s utterly insane to even imply someone would want to hurt them”, answered Joseph.  “Truth be told, they didn’t even tell me I was listed as their emergency contact.”  Joseph paused for a moment, and then continued,  “They have no family here in the States.  I need to contact Josefina’s sister back in Spain.”

“We’ve already contacted them”, Mr. Alvarez informed Joseph.  “Mrs. Aguilos’ sister and brother-in-law are arranging a flight here as soon as possible.”

“In the meantime, it would be helpful if you could stay with Pablo for a while in case he wakes up,” Agent Ortiz added.  “A familiar face should be one of the first things he sees and he might open up to you more easily than someone like Agent Sparks or me.  Also, we know you would like to investigate this but we have to ask you to refrain from any such actions.”

“I understand”, Joseph quickly interjected.  “Pablo’s going to need me now as I’m the only person that comes close to being family.  I will promise not to do anything that would hinder your investigation but first I need to get to the hospital to be there for Pablo.  I think we can continue this discussion there.”

Before leaving for the hospital, Felicia and Kevin nodded to let Joseph know, thanks to their enhanced hearing, they were able to hear everything that was said.  Joseph also knew Kevin and Felicia would search for more information to find any possible clue.

Joseph drove to CHOMP in his own vehicle, between Sergeant Madison’s police cruiser and the federal government’s SUV.  He knew the FBI would head up the investigation with NCIS and Marina PD lending what resources and manpower they could.  The liaison from the consulate would relay information from the FBI and State Department to the Spanish government and vice-versa.  Given the nature of the crime and who the victims were it was natural the FBI would head up the investigation, Joseph thought to himself.  However, having all these federal agents and the news snooping around didn’t sit well with him as it could bring unwanted attention not only on himself but also on Kevin and Felicia.

When they arrived at CHOMP, Ortiz, Sparks and Alvarez were dropped off in front of the hospital while Joseph found a spot in the visitor’s lot and Sergeant Madison found a spot reserved for law enforcement.  They both hurried to Pablo’s room after getting out of their vehicles.

When they arrived outside of Pablo’s room, which had two FBI agents standing guard outside, they saw agent Ortiz, agent Sparks and Mr. Alvarez with another person who was obviously a doctor.  In the background, doctors were being paged over the intercom.  Joseph could not help but think no matter when or where, the voice doing the paging sounded almost the same. 

After Joseph and William walked up and stood by the other three men, the doctor said, “Since it looks like everyone who needs to be here is here, I’ll introduce myself.  I’m Doctor Stuart Chapman.  I treated Pablo Aguilos when he came into the ER this morning and performed his surgery, even though, in retrospect, it looks like the injuries weren’t as serious as the EMT’s and police officers reported.  Right now, he is asleep and resting as comfortably as possible.  It appears he will pull through and, as strange as this may sound, make a full recovery within a week, which in and of itself will be nothing short of a medical miracle.”

“Wait a minute, Doctor Chapman,” Agent Ortiz interjected.  “I read the reports and even accounting for the EMT’s and officers overstating the extent of Pablo’s injuries, it’s not humanly possible for anyone to recover in twice that time from what was done to him and now you’re expecting us to believe he’ll miraculously make a full recovery within a week.  Also, while I can understand the police officers overstating the extent of the injuries, I have a hard time believing the EMT’s, who are trained for things like this, incorrectly stating the extent of Pablo’s injuries.  This is something, as my old partner would say, leaves me gahntseh fahmisht, entirely confused.”

I may have trained Frank a bit too well, Joseph thought to himself.  Frank was always one to choose his words carefully and saying “not humanly possible” made him wonder if he suspected something.  But he was glad Frank remembered the Yiddish he taught him.

“I’m equally confused,” Doctor Chapman replied.  “I’ve done tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as a combat surgeon and seen wounds similar to this.  When I tell you he should need at least six weeks to recover before going into physical therapy, it’s based upon real world experience.  Oh, by the way, it gets better and more confusing as the equally amazing part is I wouldn’t be surprised if he walks out of the hospital on his own two feet without even needing the slightest bit of physical therapy.

“This brings me to my next topic of conversation.  Mr. Abrams, since the FBI has informed me, in the absence of any family, immediate or extended, for Pablo being present, you have been given the power to make medical and other decisions on his behalf.”

“I’ve been informed of this as well.”

“Then I’ll cut to the chase.  If he is able to heal like this, due to some genetic anomaly or whatever, I want to run some tests.  This has the potential to be bigger than stem cells.  Imagine those with similar or even more serious injuries being able to heal like this.  I’ve seen too many young men die from battlefield wounds and not being able to do one thing to save them.  Pablo may be a link or a start to research for overcoming debilitating and fatal injuries.  I’ve seen too many flag-draped boxes and lives ruined.”

“Doctor, you make a convincing case but I’ll be straightforward.  I know I have the permission and legal right to say yes to your request but I want to discuss this with his Aunt Carmen and Uncle Raul since time doesn’t seem to be an immediate issue.  I’m not comfortable making this decision and I will not be a party to having him thought of as a freak.  Also, the fact he is a citizen of another nation, my making a decision in place of actual family matters could cause diplomatic issues if this leads to the breakthrough you hope it might.”

Mr. Alvarez then interrupted the conversation, “I received a call from the consulate and the aunt and uncle are both going to be on a flight over to here and they should arrive in Monterey tomorrow afternoon.”

“Can you wait until tomorrow or the day after, then, Doctor?  As you said, Pablo’s not going to go anywhere no sooner than Friday” Joseph asked.

“First, I would like to apologize.  I didn’t mean to even imply Pablo is a freak.  I just looked at how the entire world might benefit.  Second, I didn’t even take into account the international relations angle.  I would be willing to share all research with the Spanish government and would welcome their assistance and cooperation.  Perhaps Mr. Alvarez here can help get things going so we can start ASAP, if permission is given.  In fact, I would welcome doing a co-operative study with Spain’s leading researchers.”

“Doctor Chapman, I can assure you our bureaucrats are not faster nor more efficient than yours when it comes to getting matters done, such as what you speak of.  What I can assure you of is this, by the time a decision is reached Pablo will be bouncing grandchildren on his knee.”

“Tomorrow or the day after then for continuing this part of the discussion.”

Joseph’s mind was racing and he was doing all he could to hide his near panic.  He knew the reason for Pablo’s ability to heal but he couldn’t say anything.  He was also confident current technology would not reveal anything as to what Pablo had become but he was also worried what would happen if Pablo were exposed to direct sunlight for too long.

Agent Sparks spoke up, “Doc, if he should come to, can we get a statement from him?  Since he seems to be well on his way to mending, asking him a few questions shouldn’t be too much.  We’ll make sure Mr. Abrams is in the room with us to make sure we don’t push him too hard.”

“You can wait all you want but I’ll have to make sure Pablo will be strong enough and lucid enough to answer any questions.  If he is then fine, but I’ll be in there as well.”

Ortiz, Sparks, Madison and Alvarez pulled up some chairs and sat down.  Joseph was about to do the same when he received a call from Felicia.  Excusing himself, he went around the corner and found a spot out of their hearing range.

“Hey, Felicia, what’s up?”

“Just checking in to see how Pablo is doing and to let you know what we found out.”

Felicia and Kevin never disappointed Joseph in finding out information.  He could also tell from the tone of Felicia’s voice that they found some important piece of information.

Joseph replied, “Pablo is doing fine.  In fact, he may be doing too well.  He is not just healing but he is healing at an accelerated pace.  It looks like he has been turned but his body hasn’t gone through the entire process as of yet.  However, when his body is completely healed I expect the transformation to be complete.”

“That’s what I want to talk to you about,” Felicia interrupted.  “It’s obvious Pablo was bitten by a vampire and turned.  However, It looks like he’s also descended from Jews.  His father, Francisco, was a Chueta.  You know, Spanish Jews forced to convert to Catholicism.  Aguilos is a common Chueta surname.  If this is the case, then perhaps he’s been turned into a Jewish vampire.

“I know there has been only one recorded case of a Gentile vampire’s bite turning someone of Jewish ancestry into a Jewish vampire and that was 839 years ago.  But if it happened once it could happen again.”

“Actually, Felicia, given how fast the vampire that got away ran, he had to be a Jewish vampire.  I’ll call you later.  It looks like I’m going to be spending the day here and I want to be here when Pablo wakes up.”

Joseph ended the call and went back to wait outside Pablo’s room.  He just sat down when Doctor Chapman, who had started to make his rounds, came walking back at a furious pace.

“I just got paged by the nurse that Pablo has just regained consciousness.  Give me a few minutes to see if he is up to any amount of questioning.”

Doctor Chapman went into the room before anyone could say a thing.  For what seemed like an eternity, even to Joseph, though it was just under four minutes, a nurse poked her head out the door.

“Mr. Abrams, you and only you may enter.  You will have the final say if Pablo is going to be asked any questions.”

Joseph sprang from his chair and entered the room.  He saw Pablo’s complexion still had its olive tone.  If he had lost as much blood as the initial reports had seemed to indicate then his skin should have had a more pallid color.  Joseph began to suspect things might get more complicated.

“Hi, Pablo.  I know you’ve got to be in a lot of pain right now.”

Pablo propped himself up, wincing in pain even though he tried to hide it.  He spoke in a voice that sounded detached, indicating he might be suffering a slight amount of shock.

“You got that right, Mr. A.  It hurts real bad.  My parents, how are they?  I remember seeing a demon rip them open to take their souls.”

Joseph took a deep breath.  It was obvious Pablo was hoping against hope itself that what he saw, his parents being murdered, wasn’t true.  And here he was, two thousand years old, having told more people than he cared to remember that a loved one passed away, and still it didn’t get any easier.  Joseph couldn’t even think of anything to say before Pablo spoke again, still sounding a bit detached.

“They’re dead, aren’t they?”

“Yes, Pablo, your parents have passed away.  But, tell me the truth, do you really believe a demon killed your parents?”

“Mr. A, don’t you believe me?  I know what I saw.  He looked like something out of a horror movie.  He had claws that were long, a crazed look like it was possessed, fangs.  It was straight out of hell.”

It was now obvious Pablo did not want to deal with his parents being dead.  Joseph decided not to push him at that moment.  He had to let Pablo deal with this on his own timetable.

“Okay, Pablo, I understand you believe what you’re telling me and we will talk about this later, I promise.  However, right now there are some men outside that want to ask you a few questions.  I’ll be here the entire time to make sure they don’t go overboard and you can tell them to stop anytime yourself.  Do you feel up to it?”

“Yeah, I think so.  But I’ll tell you this.  I remembered how you taught me in the self-defense classes you gave me to stay focused and I did.  But everything I tried was useless.  It easily countered everything I did.  It hurt me really bad.  I remembered to even focus then, to concentrate on not dieing, praying to God to pull me through.  You always said the mind can do amazing things and to believe in the power of prayer.

“I know vengeance is suppose to belong to God but I just don’t want the murderer caught, I want him to suffer.  I want to see the murderer beg while in total pain.  I wanna be the one to make him suffer but if someone else makes it happen that’ll be fine with me.  Tell me, Mr. A, does wanting the murderer to suffer make me evil?”

Putting his left hand on Pablo’s left shoulder, Joseph replied, “No, Pablo, it doesn’t.  It just means you’re still human and you love your parents very much.  I’ll let the officers in to ask you some questions so we can get this done and let you get back to resting.”

Joseph then went to the door, poked his head out and said, “Okay, gentlemen, you can come in.  Pablo is still in considerable pain but he seems to be lucid enough to answer a few questions.  However, don’t expect all of his answers to make sense right away.  And remember, I will end the interview if I feel it needs to be ended.”

They all went into the room.

“Pablo, this is FBI special agent Frank Ortiz, NCIS special agent Joshua Sparks, Marina PD Sergeant William Madison and Senor Felipe Alvarez from the Spanish Consulate in San Francisco.”

Agent Ortiz spoke first, “Pablo, we are all sorry for your loss and know this must be difficult so we appreciate you doing this.  Please tell us, do you remember what happened?”

Pablo took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, trying to gather not just his thoughts but also his courage and composure before answering, “I do, Agent Ortiz.  I was woken up by noises coming from my parents’ bedroom.  I get there and open the door to see this demon that looked like a cross between Wolverine and Freddy Krueger or something that had to be right outta hell itself, ripping my parents open with its bare hands, as if it was trying to take their very souls.  I remembered Mr. A’s self-defense lessons, got focused, then went in to save my parents.  Everything I tried failed, it blocked every swing of the bat, every kick I tried and every punch I threw.  Then it, he or whatever picked me up and threw me so hard I landed in the hallway on my back.  Then it came after me.  I remember it saying something that sounded like German, sticking its claws into my gut.  I remember trying to focus on staying alive, surviving.  Next thing I remember is waking up here.”

Agent Sparks then said, “We all realize you may still be in shock about what happened but you are sure there was only one person you saw and he or she did not have any weapons or tools or anything?”

“I’m positive, Agent Sparks.  This demon definitely looked like a ‘he’.  I’ll never forget the look on its face either, like it was possessed by the devil itself.  If you’ll excuse me now, I’m tired and the pain is getting worse.  Can we finish this later?”

Pablo leaned his head back, closed his eyes and slid back down into a resting position.

“Gentlemen, you heard him.  Time to go, NOW,” Joseph stated. 

Before the three law enforcement officers could try to squeeze in another question, Joseph started to usher them out, adding, “Let us all speak OUTSIDE for a moment.”

They left and stood outside the room.  Joseph spoke first, “Look guys, Pablo is still trying to come to grips with what happened.  He’s holding up amazingly well, all things considered.  However, let’s not fool ourselves, he is trying to sort out what is pretty much the most horrible experience one can go through.  Right now, his mind is framing things in ways that make it easier for him to come to grips with what’s happened. 

“I’ve known Pablo for several years and he is level-headed.  I know he believes what he told us is the truth but we have to be willing to concede it’s just his mind trying to deal with what happened.  It’s possible there was only one person involved.  The murderer could have had on a disguise, been high on something, etc.”

“But ripping apart the bodies with bare hands is still bordering on the impossible even if the murderer was high on something,” agent Sparks interjected.

Joseph replied, “Perhaps.  Maybe the person had on some kind of metal claws like the villain used in that Bruce Lee movie ‘Enter the Dragon’.  Look, I’ll stay with Pablo.  I’ve got nothing special slated for today and I can have Kevin or Felicia bring my laptop so I can get work done.  If Pablo should remember anything I will call in one of the agents outside to be a witness and contact you all as well.  Sergeant Madison can vouch for me when it comes to aiding law enforcement.  And who knows, maybe Pablo will open up to me.  That way you guys don’t have to hang out around here.”

The other four nodded in agreement and left to see how the investigation was going.  Joseph was about to go back into the room when agent Ortiz stopped, turned around and asked, “Mr. Abrams, I’ve been meaning to ask you if we ever met before because there is something familiar about you.”

“I don’t think so.  Our agency has helped the FBI before so perhaps my name came up in a report you read.”

“Maybe that’s it.  Still, there is something else I just can’t quite put my finger on.  Maybe it’ll come to me later.”

Agent Ortiz then turned back around and left.  Joseph sent a text to Kevin and Felicia for one of them to bring his laptop as he would be staying at the hospital the rest of the day and then went back into Pablo’s room.

“Hey Mr. A, aren’t you suppose to keep your voice down in hospital?”

“Yeah, Pablo, you’re suppose to.  Why do you ask?”

“I heard everything you guys said out there.”

Doctor Chapman and the nurse looked at each other, their expressions indicating they couldn’t figure out what Pablo was talking about since they didn’t hear anything.

“Doc, may I have a few moments alone with Pablo?”

“Go ahead.  Take all the time you need.  He seems to be doing well enough and we are monitoring him from the nurses’ station.  However, there is something I want to discuss with you after you are done speaking with him.”

Doctor Chapman and the nurse left.

Joseph waited until they left the room and said, “Pablo, we need to talk.”

“Mr. A, I want to talk but I really am tired.  Promise you’ll find my parents’ murderer.”  Pablo then fell asleep.

Joseph then stepped outside to see Doctor Chapman waiting.

“What is it you wanted to discuss, Doc?”

“I heard Pablo talking about focusing and how you taught him how the mind can do amazing things, which I also believe the power of prayer relates to as well.  I’ve read many studies that talk about how patients who healed faster than was thought possible said they focused their mind on getting better.  Of course, there are those who also credit prayer.  I believe the two are related. 

“The studies I’ve read say when people believe they can get better then their mind can aid in that.  It’s as if they can will their bodies’ natural healing process to focus on a specific area needing to be healed.  This may explain, at least in part, as to what is happening with Pablo.  Still, I would like to run those tests, with his aunt and uncle’s permission, of course.”

“I understand, doc, and I promise to talk to them about it but not to try to prejudice them against it.”

“Thanks, Mr. Abrams.  I have other patients to see and you can stay with Pablo as long as needed.  I’ve already cleared it for you to stay past normal visiting hours.”

Chapter Seven 

The lot is cast into the lap;But the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord
Proverbs 16:33

“James, do you really have to leave tomorrow?” Shelly asked.

James knew his wife was patient and gave her full support to his being a purifier.  She put up with him being gone for days at a time even when it meant missing important family events.  However, Shelly also knew James did all he could to make up for those times. 

“Look, sweetheart, this is more than important, it’s about being able to fulfill perhaps the most holy mission ever.  We have the chance to purify the world of the oldest vampire known to be in existence.  This is Yosef ben-Avraham himself.  And if we are fortunate, he may lead us to Ai Tian and Meskie baht-Yahkov as well.”

Shelly gave James the look he was all too familiar with, the one that said he better tread with great care.  When she pursed her lips as well, it was as if his father had called him by his first and middle names, that he was on the verge of being in real trouble.

“James, you know I believe as strongly as you do in ridding the world of all vampires but this is different.  The agreement that prohibits any such action against this accursed chosen prey and any of those directly associated with him is a solemn vow made between the Purifiers and Yosef ben-Avraham.  You can’t go against that, even though ending his existence would be an act of righteousness.”

“But it is the very righteousness of ending his existence that supercedes the agreement.  I know in my heart Yosef ben-Avraham backed the governing board of the time into a corner, they had to make that agreement.  It’s the only thing that makes sense.  That is the reason which allows me to go against the agreement.”

“But why don’t you present your case that Yosef ben-Avraham violated the agreement?  After all, you saw how he murdered a mortal.”

“It would be my word against his.  He could spin a lie about how the mortal he murdered had it coming.  I have no proof, nothing to back me up.  And by the time it got to the governing board Yosef ben-Avraham could easily move on to somewhere else.  No, the time to act is now while we still have things in our favor.”

“And if Ai Tian and Meskie baht-Yahkov are back together with him, you would need the help of at least three more cells.  The righteousness of the cause and all the planning in the world won’t make up for the fact those three combined far outstrip you, Oscar and Christine in skill and capabilities.”

“I know that.  Hell, we all know it.  But I doubt Yosef ben-Avraham is expecting to be attacked by the Purifiers because of the agreement.  This means we have surprise on him and odds are his guard will be down in respect to us.  His only real fear is Yehuda ben-Micah.

“I can promise you this.  If we can’t be sure of having the odds heavily in our favor I will personally scrub this mission.  No one has to tell me how dangerous Yosef ben-Avraham is by himself and if Ai Tian and Meskie baht-Yahkov are with him then we have to be damn sure of success.”

”It doesn’t feel right.  I can’t help but feel this is more than a mistake, that it will be your undoing.”

“But I have a chance to rectify one of the greatest wrongs ever.”

“Is that what it’s really about, you?  And what about Oscar and Christine?  And what about their families?  And what about our family?  You seem all caught up in yourself and not to have given even the slightest thought about the others involved.”

“Oscar and Christina are in full agreement about this.”

“They would follow you anywhere and do anything for you.  They don’t know how to say no to you.”

“We have to prepare now.  And I’ve made arrangements to make sure you, the kids, Oscar’s family and Christina’s father will be taken care of.  Look, I’m ready to pull the plug if it looks like we can’t succeed, especially if all three of the cursed chosen prey are there.”  James then held Shelly close to him and whispered, “I promise not to try and be a stupid hero.  You know I’m not afraid to scrub a mission.”

Meanwhile, Oscar was telling his wife, Marta, about the cell’s trip.

“Oscar, why your cell?”

“Because the cell in the area probably would abide by the unholy agreement.”

“I know the agreement is an insult and goes against everything we’ve come to believe.  But I also know how dangerous this can be, especially considering who the chosen prey might be.”

“I know how dangerous this might be but I also have a very good idea as to the current identity of Yosef ben-Avraham.  I got fortunate in my research and stumbled across some things very quickly.  If I can help save his soul by ending his unholy existence then I have to do this.”

“He has lead a cursed existence and has no doubt done many unspeakable things but I believe he has a soul and struggles with the evil he has done.”

“You know I feel that way also, Marta.  If I have a chance, I will help him repent and let his soul find eternal peace.  If he doesn’t repent then he will get what he deserves when his soul is judged.  Either way, I will be doing God’s work in helping good win over evil.  My fervent prayer is that our daughter will be able to inherit a world without any type of prey, chosen, night or animal.”

“It is both of ours prayer.  And I will pray most of all for the safety of you, James and Christine.  Just promise me you will not be foolish.”

“I promise you that and also I will come back home.”

Also that evening, Christina was sitting with her father at his house in front of the fireplace in his study.  The fire gave off a bright glow that lit the room as well as any lamp.  Together, they drank krupnik.  Christina’s father, Stanislaw Jablonski, had been a shooter for the Purifiers for over thirty years before arthritis crippled his shooting hand.  He had also worked with James Newland for several years before being forced to retire.  When Christina was willing to step into the role as the cell’s shooter, he couldn’t have been more proud.

“Papa, I have to tell you that I’m both excited and scared.  The thought of ridding the world of Yosef ben-Avraham is a dream come true.  The only thing that could equal it would be exterminating Yehuda ben-Micah.  I know Yosef ben-Avraham knows every trick, strategy and tactic that the Purifiers know.  But you also taught me well.  I’m sure you taught me a thing or two he has never seen.”

“Christina, you also need to have some fear of and respect for Yosef ben-Avraham.  There is no prey more powerful than him.”

“Why should I respect him?  He is not worthy of any respect.”

Stanislaw took a double swig of his krupnik, put the glass down on the coaster, placed his elbows on his thighs and leaned forward as he pointed his left index finger at his daughter.

“Christina, you must remember how powerful, how skilled he is.  You need to respect that.  You need to respect how he has outsmarted the Purifiers for centuries on end.  Do not underestimate him or hold him in too low of regard because of what he is.  But do not think for even an instant I’m telling you to respect him as a person.  I would never do that.”

“Papa, how would you approach this?  What do you think would be the best general approach?”

“Well, I would try to lure him to a relatively isolated spot on a day when he has his powers.”

“Why would you want to take him on when he has his powers?”

“Because he would not expect a trap.  Think about it.  Between that cursed unholy agreement and him having his powers he would not expect an attack from any Purifier.  But mind you, this mission is dangerous in many ways.  I’m not just talking about the personal danger to the three of you but to all Purifiers.  Succeed or fail, breaking this agreement could start an all out war between the Purifiers and both chosen and night prey.  How the were-creatures will react is anyone’s guess.  And if enough of the prey decides to actually unite then the Purifiers could very well lose such a war. 

“And don’t think the prey will stop at just actual Purifiers.  They would most likely come after our families, young and old alike.  It would be a bloodbath that might just expose the existence of our organization and all the prey.  Have you, Oscar and James even thought about any of this?”

Christina expected her father to play the devil’s advocate even though he also felt as strongly as she did about how unholy the agreement between Yosef ben-Avraham and the governing board was and is.  His points were sound and legitimate.

“Papa, we know it has to look like Yosef ben-Avraham violated the agreement.  If we fail we will have the Purifiers themselves to answer to.  If we can’t make it look like he violated the agreement then we will not proceed with the mission.  It’s as simple as that.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Stanislaw said as he refilled their glasses with more Krupnik.  Then, raising his glass with Christina following suit, he said, ”As my papa, your grandfather, always like to say when toasting, ‘To the Russian navy, may their captains always have a reason to bravely go down with the ship.’”

They downed the content of their glasses before retiring for the night.  Christina knew she had to make sure her weapons were in true perfect working order before leaving the next day and she wanted to be sure she was as alert as possible.  There would be no margin for error on this mission. 

Chapter Eight 

“How the fuck did you let him kill all three of ‘em and not even try to do something?” Manuel yelled at Jaime.  Manuel was the one leader that did not go to that fateful meeting.  Jose wanted to make sure someone would be around to run things just in case another gang attacked. 

Jaime, who stared off in the distance, answered with a voice to match, “I’ve never seen anyone move so fast.  It didn’t even take him five seconds.  He did it all with his bare hands. I tell you, he can’t be human.”

Manuel grabbed Jaime by the hair on the back of his head, pulled his head back, placed the business end of a Glock nine millimeter right up to Jaime’s eye and said, “Look, you little fucker, start makin’ sense and not some bullshit to get out of joining Jose, Hector and Alberto.”

Jaime replied with a voice that still sounded distant, “It doesn’t matter.  We’re all as good as dead.  I can’t believe I’m the only who knows it.  Oh, yeah, Ivanov also said to tell you we must become part of his organization with him in charge, no questions asked and total obedience or we will all die.  Thing is, we’re all already dead, we just don’t know it yet.”

“You little fucker, Jaime, quit saying we’re all already dead.  And this bullshit act of yours isn’t gonna help you either.  Start making fuckin’ sense or I’ll blow your brains out!”

Bonifacio Alvarez, who was Manuel’s best “friend”, blurted out, “Manuel, don’t shoot.  He’s not faking it.  My brother, Chuy, was just like that after coming back from Iraq, only worse.  His sergeant told us it was, shit, what did he call it, oh yeah, the thousand-yard stare.  He said it happens sometimes to someone who sees too much death or a close friend die in combat.”

Just then Manuel’s cell phone rang.  He didn’t recognize the number but decided to answer it so he could find out who was calling and beat the crap out of him or her for daring to interrupt him.

“Who the fuck are you?” Manuel yelled.

“Now, now, Manuel, mind your manners”, Yehuda said.  “This is Vladimir Ivanov and I figure by now Jaime should have related to you what happened.”

“Look, Ivanov, you’re a dead man for what you did, you fuckin’ hear me, a dead man!” Manuel yelled back, his level of anger increasing because he couldn’t believe how much of an arrogant prick Ivanov was.

“If anyone is going to be a dead man, it will be you”, Yehuda calmly replied.  “It seems Jose’s vehicle was just used in a drive-by shooting that killed four and wounded another three of the Brown Recluses gang.  Now the problem is that gang still outnumbers yours three to one and you can bet they will want revenge.”

Manuel yelled back at the top of his lungs, “What?!?!?  Are you trying to get us killed?”  Manuel had to call upon all of his willpower so as not to be confused, to try to somehow regain even a slight control of things before they went from bad to worst.

“My dear Manuel, I don’t want you all to die.” Yehuda answered.  “After all, dead men can’t make my organization stronger.  I just want to demonstrate how being a part of my organization will be to both of our benefits.  I will show you how I take care of those who swear total allegiance and obedience to me and in return, by all of you being the next to swear total allegiance and obedience to me, get more preferred treatment. I reward those who have the wisdom to see the truth of the coming of the new order and become a part of it.”

“So why should I say yes?” Manuel then asked.  “How will I know you’ll keep your promise to protect us?  How will I know you won’t screw us up the ass?”

“My dear boy”, Yehuda replied, “you know you will surely die if you say no but you will have a chance to stay alive if you say yes.  There really is no choice but to say yes.”

Manuel saw the writing on the wall and relented.  “O.K., I guess we can discuss a deal.  I want to meet at a neutral place so you can’t pull any of those fancy Ruskie tricks.”

Manuel wanted to say a lot more but knew Ivanov had pointed a gun, both in the figurative and literal sense, at the Tres Equis gang’s heads.  He also had to make it look like he was still in control of the situation or he would not just lose control of the Tres Equis but he would lose his life to someone wanting to replace him from within.

“My, my, Manuel.  I have to admire how, what is the street vernacular term, ah, yes, ‘ballsy’ you are in thinking you’re still in position to dictate terms.  Very well, in order to allow you to save face in front of your underlings, since you still have a role to play in my overall grand plan, how about we meet at a place of your choosing.”

“Meet us at what used to be the Hobson farm, in the field, in forty minutes.”

“Nicely played, Manuel.  An isolated area, wide open so you can see who and what is coming, and you will be able to get there well before we will, allowing you and your underlings more than sufficient time to prepare.  I have no doubt this will not be the first time the Tres Equis have used this location.”

“Shit, Ivanov, you love to hear the sound of your own voice.  Just meet us there in thirty-nine minutes.”

Manuel ended the call and gathered up half the Tres Equis to go with him.  He told the other half to lay low and avoid any confrontations with the Brown Recluses. 

“Bonifacio, take Jaime with us and see if you can at least get him to start making sense again.  We need to know what kind of tricks that asshole faggot Russian may try to do.”

Manuel then hit a speed dial as they drove to Hobson’s farm.  The voice on the other end answered, “Who the hell is this and how did you get this number?’

“Saul, this is Manuel of the Tres Equis.  We need to talk.”

“You got cajones, calling me after you guys broke the peace treaty.”

“Look, Saul, it wasn’t us.  We know Jose’s car was used but Jose is dead.  That faggot Russian, Ivanov, killed him for no reason.  We just set up a meet with Ivanov so we can get our revenge.  Just hold off and I’ll prove to you it was Ivanov’s people using Jose’s car, which they stole.”

“So my sources were correct about Jose being dead, as are Hector and Alberto.  That leaves just you in charge.  Hmm, all one has to do is get rid of you and the Tres Equis will fall apart.”

“Saul, you know you can’t do that without starting a general war and you’re in no shape to win that kind of war.  Like I said, let me show you proof that it was Ivanov behind it all.  I’ll even bring you his head.  Then we can talk about changing the peace treaty into an alliance, as long as I get to be number two or three.”

Manuel was no fool.  He knew he couldn’t survive as the head of the Tres Equis without experienced lieutenants to back him up.  He also knew that by willing to settle for being number three as part of a combined gang would make him look less of a threat.  In turn, it would make it easier for him to stay under the radar until he was ready to make his move and it would be too late to stop him.

The Tres Equis arrived at the abandoned farm and were driving up the path to park behind what had been the barn when several shots rang out, blowing out all the tires in both vehicles.  Both cars spun around for a few seconds until the drivers regained control and brought the cars to a dead stop.  However, that didn’t stop the passengers from going into a near panic and scream obscenities at the top of their lungs.  Before anyone could even draw their guns several individuals armed with AK-47’s popped up and let loose a short burst into the engines of both cars, rendering them useless.  Just then Yehuda walked into view, dressed in what looked like a tailor made firefighter’s outfit with perfectly fitting gloves on each hand.

“Manuel, you are too predictable”, Yehuda shouted.  “We knew this so-called neutral place is a favorite of your gang.  I figured you would wish to suggest a discussion here in the hopes of establishing an ambush and bushwhack us as we arrived.  But I am sure it is now all too obvious we have turned the tables. 

“What I want is for the windows to be opened, everyone to show their empty hands through said opened windows and exit the vehicles very slowly, opening the doors from the outside.  Then stand in a line side by side along the white chalk line in front of me.”

The Tres Equis members in both cars, eight in all, complied with all the commands.

Jaime, who was next to Manuel, whispered in a still distant voice, “I don’t see the white bowl with water or any white towels.  I hope that is a good sign.”

“Now, Manuel, as you can see you have lost control in both a figurative and literal sense.  I suspected you would try to lay a trap.  I do have to admire how you didn’t accept the situation as impossible.  Nearly everyone else would have given up but not you.  You kept thinking and planning, attempting to extricate you and the gang from a situation that was not winnable.  Someone like you could go very far and accomplish much.

“I could use someone with your capability.  However, I fear your loyalty would always be in doubt.”

“Okay, Ivanov, you win.  The Tres Equis will join and become a part of your organization.  I’m sure you have a number two guy already so I’ll settle for being a number three guy.  After all, I have experience and I know the major players in Salinas and how they think.  I can be very valuable to you.”

“Didn’t you make a similar offer to Saul, the head of the Brown Recluses?”

Manuel stood there with his mouth opened.  Not only had Ivanov outsmarted him in setting the trap instead of being trapped, he knew about his conversation with Saul.  He had to have bugged his car or phone but that was impossible unless someone in the Tres Equis had sold them out.

“How did you know about what I said to Saul?”

“I did not until now.  I was simply going on a fishing expedition and had merely conjectured.  I figure you are the type of person who knows he does not quite command the necessary level of respect to really run things but you would offer your services in exchange for a relatively high rank but yet not too high so as not to appear too ambitious or as a threat.  However, you would want a high enough position so you could start to garner support for yourself and begin to undermine the established leadership.

“While your mental skills and intelligence is considerable, your loyalty and the trust that is its companion are sorely lacking.  That is why I must make an example of you to the others.”

Yehuda then lunged forward faster than any of the Tres Equis members, save Jaime, had ever seen before.  Yehuda plunged the fingertips of his index and middle fingers of his right hand into Manuel’s left eye socket, grabbed hold of the eye and ripped it out of the socket.  Manuel fell to his knees, both of his hands covering the now hollow socket, screaming in sheer agony.

“Oh, I do hate to hear people suffer needlessly”, Yehuda said in a matter of fact tone.  He then knelt down, swung his left hand from underneath and grabbed Manuel’s throat.  Yehuda then ripped out the larynx to end the screaming.  Manuel went into a death spasm as the combination of shock and the inability to breath caused him to pass out in less than a minute.  Yehuda then snapped the spine at the base of the neck, both for good measure and for show. 

Jaime was the sole Tres Equis not to faint, throw up or soil himself.  This impressed Yehuda.  Perhaps Jaime had the makings of a leader after all. 

Unknown to all, Jaime was turning into a different person.  He was becoming numb to violence, having already witnessed several incidents of gang violence before the events of yesterday.  His mind had first reacted with shock to the violence he witnessed done by Vladimir, as if this was the once too often incident.  But now, after today’s incident, after realizing he was not going to die but instead live, his mind readjusted.  It started to put up figurative walls to compartmentalize what happened to his uncle and the others, to keep them in tiny spaces and separate so they would no longer bother him.  He also realized he could get back at those who made fun of him, who made him feel like shit all those times before by saying he was nobody.  They all said he would amount to nothing but he proved them wrong.  Now, he was going to be somebody, he would get back at them and have his revenge.  His moral compass now pointed in a different direction.  He was becoming like Yehuda without realizing it.  As for Yehuda, he did not realize he was creating a mortal version of himself.

“I see why the need for the slick material outfit”, Jaime muttered aloud, his voice no longer sounding distant.

“Jaime, you are not only observant but you quickly adapt.  I am glad I decided to let you live.  You have the makings of a good leader.  Just remember if you do not see something that was a bad omen previously look for something else that might be.  But I do believe you have learned that lesson as well.”

Jaime smiled but one that was tinged with malevolence.  He knew he was no longer some kid that everyone else tolerated because of his uncle.  He proved himself to someone who mattered and was becoming more powerful.  The day may have started bad but it was ending well.

Then, like being struck by a thunderbolt, Jaime remembered Manuel’s conversation with Saul and blurted out, “Mr. Ivanov, if you’re going to protect the Tres Equis then you have to do something quick!”

“My dear Jaime, whatever are you talking about?”

“I heard Manuel call Saul Rodriguez, the head of the Brown Recluses.  He said to hold off on taking revenge against us because he was going to prove you were behind the drive-by against them.  He also said he would deliver your head to Saul.”

“And did he call him on his cell phone?”

“Yes, he did.  It was the last call he made.”

At that, Michael Vincente came up, searched Manuel’s body, found the phone and auto-dialed the last numbered called before giving the phone to Yehuda.

“So, Manuel, you already got rid of Ivanov and have his head ready to be delivered?  And remember, you’ll have to start taking orders from me.”

“Tsk, tsk, Saul.  What makes you think Manuel was even capable of getting rid of me?  However, I do have Manuel’s head ready to be delivered to you.”

At that, one of Yehuda’s minions started up a chain saw and proceeded to separate Manuel’s head from its body.

“What the hell, Ivanov?  Did you just kill Manuel by cutting off his head, you sick bastard.”

“Oh, heavens no, Saul.  He was already dead.  And as for giving orders, it is I who will be giving the orders to you or you will end up like Manuel.”

“Fuck you, Ivanov,” Saul yelled and ended the call.

Michael approached Yehuda and informed him, “The tracking devices have been placed on the Brown Recluses’ vehicles and our ‘eyes’ in the area are ready to let us know how many are being sent.  I have to say, Mr. Ivanov, using the old people in their territory to feed us information is a stroke of genius.  Saul Rodriguez would never suspect such a thing.”

“He has a stunted mind that produces tiny ideas, Michael.  He does not realize how valuable everyone can be if properly utilized and motivated.  By putting my money where mouth is, in guaranteeing their families will be taken care of, means everything to them.

“Just make sure we stay vigilant so that Saul doesn’t surprise us.  I know I really don’t have to tell you that, though.”

Michael smiled, nodded his head in deference and turned to give orders to the other minions.  He then motioned to Jaime to come stand next to him, faced the remaining six Tres Equis members and said, “You all saw what Mr. Ivanov is able to do with his bare hands.  He can kick ass just as well with any weapon.  You also saw how Jaime here kept it together and how Mr. Ivanov believes in him.  He is now in charge of the Tres Equis, who also answer to Mr. Ivanov.  Is this clear to all of you?”

They all mumbled yes and nodded their heads.

“What the fuck was that shit”, Michael yelled, pulling out a .357 magnum revolver.  “Is this clear to all of you?”

At that, they all yelled “Yes, sir!” and nodded vigorously.

“Very good.  Wait here while we make sure Jaime knows what is expected of him and the Tres Equis.”