“I understand.”
Orion Mercier entered the garage level of the Center, where he was met by a guard who accompanied him to the surveillance room on the first floor. The room was manned by one attendant, who was dismissed upon entering.
The building was unnaturally quiet and clean considering the violence and destruction of the previous day. The authorities were not involved, and all evidence had been dispensed with. Mercier did not complicate his life and work with laws and regulations.
The building appeared empty, but Orion had a full team of guards on duty along with some specialists. He also had a backup force that would come into play if needed. He doubted anyone would be back since it appeared that they got what they wanted, apart from Dr. Vance. Everyone was looking for Elias.
He sat down at the main board and began searching through the building, checking every nook and cranny. “Have you found anything to further identify the attackers?”
The theory was that Alexander Stone of Crimson Corp had ordered the attack, and that could very well be true, but Orion wanted more information. He had not done the deep dive that Blackstock had suggested because he had a feeling he already knew who Crimson was and what the attackers were.
“There was blood on the scene that was determined to be non-human.” That caught Orion’s attention, and he stopped scrolling through the building.
“Vampire?” He asked, already knowing that they were.
“Yes, it possesses the same markers as the samples you have preserved.”
“Was it in the lab? Could it be part of one of Dr. Vance’s batches?”
“It was in the garage.”
“Where is it being held?”
“Mr. Blackstock took custody of it.”
“Good, good.” Blackstock would have deposited it in the bunker. He would have Elias test it once they brought him back here. The vampire world was beginning to seriously open up for him. He couldn’t wait to get DNA markers on a Crimson member. It wouldn’t be long, and he would have all their secrets, and with Elias’ serum, he would also have their power, and the possibilities from there would be endless.
He put in a call to Blackstock as he continued to survey the Center. “Tell me that you’ve found him.” He stated the demand clearly in his voice.
“We saw him on a street camera, and it looks like he’s headed back into town. Not sure where he was previously, but the dark man is with him. I’m pretty sure he’s part of Crimson.” Blackstock was in his car and apparently following.
“Do you have eyes on him?”
“Not yet, but I have every street covered between here and the Center.”
“You think he’s headed to the Center?”
“He isn’t going home, so where else would he be going?”
“Why would he return with so many looking to kill him?”
“Maybe he forgot something, maybe something important, or perhaps the man with him has plans.” Blackstock made valid points, but it didn’t matter. If Elias was on his way, then Orion would definitely organize a welcoming party for him and his friend.
Kael drove defensively, having noticed the tail and also the interest from two other black sedans. They were being followed, but Kael easily lost them in the confusion of downtown Norfolk. Unfortunately, they could probably make an educated guess about where they were heading. There was nothing in this direction that would interest Elias apart from the Mercier Center.
“We were followed. I lost them, but I’m sure they know where we are going.” Kael stated as he made his way expertly through the streets to their destination.
“Mercier?” Elias asked, tense and worried.
“Yes.”
“He’ll be waiting for us.”
“Most likely.”
Kael pulled into a parking garage a couple of blocks north of the Mercier Center. He parked, reached into the back seat, and grabbed a black knitted cap. He leaned over and put it on Elias’s head, pulling it down to just above his eyes.
He stared at him for just a beat and then pulled him in for a hard kiss. He loved this man, and there was no getting around it. He would do anything for him, and he would kill anyone who threatened him.
