The sun was just starting to set when Gloria and Irene arrived at her house. Gloria's mannerisms left Irene feeling both uncomfortable and a bit perplexed. However, she just wanted to get inside and put her plan into action. Her stomach fluttered, as she knew she was escalating an already volatile situation. But she was tired of waiting.
"Are you really sure you want to let these people into your home? You said you wanted your privacy back, and once you let them in, they take liberties," Gloria warned as Irene swung the car door open.
"I won't have any privacy at a safehouse, either," Irene muttered. She squinted at her front door. Some curiosity, and some vengeance, had fuelled her resolve. Pausing, standing with her hand on the car door, Irene watched as a white sedan pulled up behind them.
"What did you want to show me?" Simmons asked as she stepped out of vehicle. Irene tilted her head towards the front door. Simmons hesitated, but then grabbed her cellphone. "I'm just updating Emmerson."
Gloria crossed her arms and arched her eyebrows, staring off into the distance. The briefcase was left in the car, but now she had a large purse slung across her shoulder. Once Marci ended her call, Irene looked at her. "I guess it would be protocol to wait for him to arrive?" Irene asked, staring at the overcast sky. "It will be dark soon..."
"It is… but sometimes we need to be flexible for victims," Simmons responded, drawing her words out with some uncertainty. "Alright. Show me what you need to show me."
As Irene fought with the lock, the two women waited, giving each other surreptitiously hostile glances. Am I doing the right thing? Irene shook off the thought. Agonizing over right and wrong no longer seemed relevant; she had little left to lose but her life. "I don't know if he is there… but he usually is…"
"Who?" Simmons asked, a bit of alarm showing in her face. Irene looked at Simmons.
"Irene, is there someone else living with you? It's not on any of our records," Gloria asked, seeming equally concerned.
"Do you wonder why I am still alive?" Irene asked. Simmons knitted her eyebrows together. Gloria's lips parted, her teeth briefly showing, before she closed it again.
"Perhaps I should come back later when you've had a rest," Simmons suggested.
Irene shook her head adamantly."No! I am done resting and waiting for things to improve! I am tired of hiding because I'm afraid of being ostracized, ridiculed, or sent for 'specialised care'," Irene spat. Both of the women looked at each other, unnerved. Gloria held her purse close. Irene held out her hand, exposing the stump that used to be a finger. "I've already lost this. But so much more is at stake."
"Irene, let's just take this calmly..." Gloria cautioned.
"Rationale all you want. I tried. I failed. I am not crazy," Irene swore.
"I never said that you were, Irene," Gloria's hand disappeared into her purse.
"Neither is Merle. Vampires are behind this," Irene said, fixing her eyes firmly on Marci. Marci looked bemused. Gloria's eyes widened and her eyebrows slowly spread up and away from her normally narrow eyes.
"I am sure there is some scientific explanation for what you've seen," Marci assured resolutely.
"Vampires, Irene, really. I think we've heard enough. Just get your things... I'm sorry about this Nurse Simmons," Gloria said, placing her hands out dismissively.
"Work with me. A vampire has been living in my basement. I don't want to put you in danger, but I need someone who isn't a cop, someone who DOES understand science, to help me!"
"The man who has been living with you?" Marci asked, folding her arms and drawing back her chin, worry lines creasing her forehead. Irene nodded her head gravely. Marci Simmons looked around alertly, and Gloria held her purse protectively.
"Follow me to the basement. Stay behind me, and keep your back to a wall whenever possible," Irene instructed, walking towards the white door. Simmons began to follow Irene, but she stopped abruptly, staring at something on the floor. Irene followed her gaze to some blood she'd failed to clean.
"No. Irene. We should bring in an officer if there is any risk to your safety, or ours. We aren't trained to deal with dangerous situations," Gloria insisted.
"No. Officers swarming the place will make matters worse. He won't attack unless provoked, and if he sees me first, he will lower his guard. Please, trust me," Irene assured the women. Both Marci and Gloria shook their heads.
"It's our job to protect you, not the other way around, Irene," Marci spoke up. "And I don't feel good about this."
"But aren't you curious? Curious about my hand? All the pieces will fall into place but we need to act fast," Irene insisted, looking at the sun, which had dropped down beneath the clouds, wedging itself in a narrow gap of clarity between two peaks.
Irene swung her front door open and stepped in with a deliberate gait, not giving the other two women time to intervene. Both women quickly followed as Irene proceeded to the basement. This was the first in a long time that she had descended them with confidence. Irene glanced behind her, to make sure Marci was close behind. Taking in a deep breath to calm her nerves, she twisted the knob, and swung the door open. She'd almost expected Cyrus to be standing there, waiting angrily. However, her path was clear. Irene put her hand behind her, reminding the other two women to stay back.
"Who're your friends, Irene?" came his voice. It didn't sound as playful as usual, which resulted in a flip-flop in Irene's gut. Cyrus stood beside the bed, his dark eyes bearing down on her.
"Cyrus, this has got to end now," Irene said with resolve. She held up a hand to silence the two women before they could speak. Irene and Cyrus locked gazes. Cyrus's eyes eventually drifted over to Marci, then Gloria, and then his eyes shot back to Irene.
"Do you think bringing…" he paused and gave the two women an appraising look, "...authorities in will stop this? Do you realize what you've done? You've brought these fine women to their doom. Shame on you, shame!" Cyrus condemned, wagging his finger at Irene with his usual theatrics. Irene heard a click as Marci flipped open her cellphone.
"Back up is on its way - don't move any closer," Marci commanded. Cyrus sighed and shook his head, bringing a hand up to rub the bridge of his nose. Irene took a step back, spreading her arms out in front of Marci.
"You'd have to go through me first, Cyrus," Irene declared. Marci whispered Irene to stand down, but Irene shook her head and didn't budge.
Cyrus slowly lowered his hand. "You realise that'd be very easy for me, right?" Irene remained where she was, keeping vigilant as usual when up against Cyrus's threats. "I save you from Gabriel and this is how you repay me?" Cyrus questioned. At the mention of Gabriel, Marci's eyes narrowed.
"Merle's sanity is in question because no one believes vampires attacked her! All I want is evidence," Irene said slowly.
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Cyrus scratched his cheek. He then looked at Marci, who was dialing on her phone.
"Evidence? I'll give you evidence!" Cyrus snapped, his tone suddenly menacingly sharp. The moment Cyrus had finished speaking, Irene was being flung to the floor. CRASH! Marci's cellphone hit the ground and shattered. To Irene's shock she heard a loud bang, forcing Irene to cover her ears and shut her eyes. As fear and anxiety ripped through her, her abduction came back to her with riveting vividness. Ireme trembled on the floor, barely sensible of the commotion and clatter around her. When she finally opened her eyes, she saw blood droplets on the floor in front of her.
With trepidation, Irene lifted her head. Her attention first settled upon a larger pool of blood and two pairs of feet, facing each other. Her view followed up the legs until she saw the whole picture. Cyrus had Marci pinned against the wall, both were spattered with blood. However, he was not looking at Marci. Irene traced his gaze to Gloria, who stood with a gun drawn and pointed at him.
Irene scrambled to her feet and leapt at Cyrus
"Stop!" Irene tugged at his arm desperately, but it was as immovable as ever. He turned his head to look at her, revealing a bullet hole in his cheek, just below his right eye.
"So this is what it takes to get you to flock to me… eh?" Cyrus said, his playful demeanor slowly returning - and as per usual, during a most inappropriate situation. Irene ignored the remark and looked over at Gloria, whose hands were shaking, but her fingers remained on the trigger.
"Out of the way, Irene!" Gloria shouted. Cyrus grabbed Marci's arm and swung her around, holding her from behind. His chin rested on her shoulder, blood dripping down onto Nurse Simmon's white coat. Marci was biting her lip and taking deep, albeit shaky, breaths as her eyes rolled and strained to see Cyrus.
"Cyrus, don't! Let her go!" Irene demanded. Cyrus twisted Marci's arm further, wrenching back her shoulder at an unnatural angle. Marci gasped in pain. His grin was hideous as he looked between Irene and Gloria. Irene couldn't imagine how he could pull such expressions without wincing, staring at the deep, bloody wound in his cheek.
"Listen up, ladies. I'll spare your lives, but only under certain conditions," Cyrus proclaimed, bringing his face very close to Marci's neck. She tensed, and glared at him, saying nothing in defiance of the tears that had welled up in her eyes. "First off, there's no such thing as vampires."
"Cyrus! I need vampires to be real! I need to save Merle!" Irene insisted, desperation creeping into her voice.
Cyrus dropped his smirk, turning to Irene. "Don't rush me, peaches, I'll get to that." Gloria's arms lowered, but she did not put her weapon away. Cyrus continued, "I don't care how, but you'll come up with some cover story that will explain that her friend was duped, but is of sound mind." Both women said nothing, each glaring at Cyrus. "Hey, am I talking to a wall?"
"No…" Marci's voice cracked. Irene could see that she had lost all of the colour in her face.
"I've got this bullet in my chest, and one marring my pretty face; if I were human I'd be dead, right? Isn't that what your science would tell you?
Marci gulped and nodded her head. "I can easily tear out your throat, so how about some cooperation? Besides, if Irene's friend gets thrown into a psych ward, she's as good as dead," Cyrus said through grit teeth.
"What do you mean?" Irene interrupted. Cyrus glanced back at Irene.
"Psych wards are a vampire's candy shop. And anyone babbling about vampires will be targeted."
Irene's arms dropped. "No…" Irene uttered, her lips barely moving.
Cyrus shoved Marci forward. She stumbled towards Gloria, who shuffled her gun to one hand, using the other to steady Nurse Simmons. Mrs. Evans glared at Cyrus, raising the gun again, now that he'd given up his leverage.
"You're a madman!" Gloria said, her voice shaking. But Irene did not see fear in her face, she saw hatred.
"You had ulterior motives in coming here, didn't you?" Cyrus sneered. Marci gave him a questioning look. Gloria glanced at Marci, and then back to Cyrus. She shook the hand with the gun, and pointed it at him.
"He's insane! He's a monster. You can't believe a word these creatures say!" Gloria insisted.
Irene had suspected something was off about Gloria, but had imagined she was in league with the vampires. But now she was seeing something different. She glanced at Cyrus, wondering if he already knew Gloria, or if he was only guessing.
"You knew I was a vampire the moment you saw me. So what is your game?" Cyrus asked calmly, despite the gun pointed at him.
"I..." Gloria worked her mouth, but was too angry to form words.
"Whoever or whatever you are..." Marci interjected, "...I cannot let you get away with this!" Marci's injured arm hung at her side, but she braced herself for another fight with Cyrus, sticking close to Gloria.
"Let? You don't have a choice. You can see with your own eyes these bullets don't deter me. You felt me strength. With only one functional arm, do you really believe you have a chance against me?"
"I…" Marci stammered.
Irene took in a deep sigh, knowing she'd made a monumental mistake. Gloria curled in her lips and fired another shot at Cyrus. This time he turned aside and it only grazed his arm.
Cyrus looked down at his sleeve and sighed. "...I've been going through so many shirts lately. And how are we going to explain the bullet holes to your father, Irene?"
Gloria screamed in rage and went to fire again, but instead of a bang was a metallic click. She screamed even louder, pressing the trigger again. Marci grabbed her arm, forcing her to lower her weapon.
"STOP IT! It's jammed! You could get all of us hurt!" Marci snapped. Gloria began sobbing as Marci carefully took the gun away and put the safety on.
"I'm sorry. I dragged you into this," Irene said apologetically.
Marci looked at Irene, her expression softening. "Don't be. I would do the same in your situation," Marci whispered, wincing again. "It's unbelievable, but with the evidence facing me..." Marci trailed off. She turned her attention to Cyrus. "I accept your terms."
Gloria looked up, eyes puffy. "I don't! I don't accept them!" She pointed a hand at Cyrus. "Vampires killed my husband! I know it was them! And you!" Gloria turned and pointed at Irene, causing Irene to jerk back.
"What did I do?"
"You... you were supposed to be the bait to lure them out. And then... then I was going to have my revenge! My revenge!" Gloria wailed as she sank down to her knees.
Cyrus raised his eyebrows, and looked down at Gloria. "...Not with that thing, you weren't." Irene was overwhelmed with the emotion in the room. But even with that, she still had room for irritation with Cyrus, which she expressed with a punch to his uninjured arm. He hardly seemed to notice. Gloria continued to heave and bawl, slamming her fist on the cold basement floor. Marci crouched down beside her, slinging an arm about her shoulders.
Seeing the raw and utter despair Gloria displayed was hard for Irene. Many mixed feelings whirled within. She was angry that this woman was using her. She was sympathetic with the woman's grief. And she felt oddly vindicated, seeing that an adult, who wasn't working for Gabriel, knew what vampires were. And, lastly, there was the guilt. This woman was in the throes of agony, and Irene had brought her into this situation. But wasn't this better? If she'd tried to shoot Gabriel or one of his men, she'd likely have been killed. Cyrus sounded as though he'd let them live. She hoped he would, at least.
Irene's thoughts were interrupted by Marci. "I will do as you say. I don't know how to make sense of any of this..." Marci said, still holding Gloria with her good arm.
"Good. Irene, why can't you be as obliging?"
Gloria's crying continued, reaching a new pitch of desperation. Cyrus rolled back his head and gave an exasperated sigh. Slowly he looked at Marci. "I have one more condition."
"What would that be?" Marci asked, her voice snapping like a whip as she placed Gloria's gun into the purse.
Cyrus grinned at her. "I'm impressed how well you are accepting this, actually. If you go back on your word, I'll just kill you - if someone else doesn't get to you first… anyway, my last condition is blood."
"Blood?" Marci echoed in dismay.
"Yes, yes, blood! Well, I really don't need to ask, but I thought I'd be polite. See, this crazy lazy shot me and wasted my reserves, and I request compensation." Cyrus smiled at her pleasantly, twiddling his thumbs.
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The sound of a car driving away roused Irene from the corner she had eventually shuffled into. She was alone in the basement. It really seemed strange now. She used to be alone in the basement frequently, either during hot spells, or to do her laundry. However, now it seemed almost eerie when it was empty.
The stillness gave Irene time to reflect. Merle's life was in danger because of her. A woman she didn't even know might be in danger. Another woman had broken down on this very floor. Irene began to feel like some sort of malicious vacuum, sucking people into the nightmare she was living. Yet, even with them facing the danger, she still felt entirely alone amidst all of it.
Swearing and shouting caused Irene to jump. Added into the mix was Silver's growling. She heard the rapid thump of tiny feet on the floor above her, and the wobble of something, maybe a lamp, being disturbed. She braced herself for a crash but none came. Cyrus's voice could be heard getting closer as he stomped down the basement steps. He sounded as though he was in pain. What could hurt more than being shot three times?
Irene looked up as Cyrus entered, washed up and bandaged. She wondered why he needed the bandages. She doubted that vampires had to worry about infection, or bleeding to death. He was tossing a bullet into the air and catching it, occasionally wincing. Cyrus looked down at her with an expression she'd never seen him wear; he looked disappointed.
"I thought you had more sense than to pull a stunt like that," Cyrus said in a very sober tone, his voice strained with pain. Irene hugged her knees, looking away. He stood there a moment, and then walked closer, squatting down to bring his face level with hers. "You aren't broken, are you? No indignant response, no angry backlash…"
"Leave me alone…" Irene said quietly. Cyrus shook his head and sighed. Slowly he rose back to his feet. He stood there a moment, but then walked away without another word.