Chapter 42

Sophia arrived back at the nightclub. It was a Monday night and things were usually quiet. There was live music in the bar, a blues band with a singer, Marian Ellis. Vampires of the new world. Things had changed dramatically over the centuries. Old rules forgotten and new ones carved. Clans formed and leaderships were fought for. Caine was a relic in the eyes of some of the new vampire broods. Some even believed him to be a myth. An origin story to try and make sense of the world. As for Lillith, well, she was just a fairytale for most.

Caine was in his private chambers with Isaac. They were discussing the details for Halloween night. There was a lot to plan, every detail had to run smoothly if he was to get Lillith back. There was no room for error. This was possibly the last chance they had of finding her. Everything hinged on making sure both of the human players made it there. They needed to formulate back up plans just in case. They knew the feast had been organised by Katya, so they would have to prepare a separate chamber for the ritual. And then figure out how to get Lillith’s human vessel there. Also, they needed the crusader present and a minimum amount of struggle or fuss. All of the details were lining up and they each knew what they had to do. All they needed was his identity.

Just then, Sophia entered the room and threw the wallet down on the table. Both Caine and Isaac looked slightly bemused. Isaac lifted the wallet and examined the contents.

“Sophia, I didn’t think you were desperate for money, or that you’d have to resort to theft.” He laughed and she smiled sarcastically.

“No, that’s him. The crusader, his name is Detective Robert Stevens. I swear sometimes Isaac you can be so childish.” She said raising an eyebrow at him. Caine sat forward. He had known she would be able to find him, he just didn’t think she would be this fast.

“Are you sure?” Caine asked.

“I told you I’d be able to spot the family resemblance.” She said proud of the fact that she had dispensed with his father and would have no trouble getting rid of him if needed. But that wasn’t Caine’s plan. He needed him alive, for now.

“So, now we have both of them. We just need to find a way to ensure he makes it here.”

Outside the door listening into the conversation was Katya, annoyed at being excluded from their hushed planning sessions, curious as to what they were up to. Jacob hadn’t been much use to her, despite him being so heavily involved, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Now that she had the name of the crusader, she could bargain with him for Lillith. She knew what night they were planning the return, all she had to do was give the information to Detective Stevens, and the rest would be up to him. She resolved to speak with the detective, she still had a few days. Suddenly footsteps from inside, they were moving towards the door, she needed to disappear.

As she made her way back towards the club, from the shadows stepped Jacob, he’d been watching her. He knocked on the door to Caine’s room, he needed to warn them.

“Sire, it’s Katya. She was listening outside. Whatever you were discussing, she overheard it.”

Caine gave Jacob a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I had my suspicions that she wouldn’t like being kept on the outside. We’ll use her to our advantage. Thank you Jacob.” He walked towards the large window and looked out over the city. “Isaac, keep your distance, but stay on her. I want to know ever move she makes. From here on, we leave nothing to chance.”

Isaac bowed in acknowledgment, kissed Sophia on the lips and left the room to go watch Katya for the rest of the night. He was a natural stalker, despite his striking appearance, he blended well into the shadows.

Jacob too bowed, showing respect to Caine before leaving the room to go find an evening meal. He was feeling tense, Katya was really bothering him these days. Maybe it was because there were so many other vampires around from the old world sparking his insecurities. He made his way down to the bar where Marian was singing. Her voice was intoxicating. Her rich tones washed over him with tales of unrequited love that made him feel less alone. Maybe tonight it was best to be alone, wallow in the pain a little. He made his way through the bar, into the main part of the club where the music was distinctly heavier. Just as he was about to make his way back to his room, he saw her.