The Hunter's Chronicles
For the Church
Monkey Boy AJ
“WAYNE!”
Rachel awakens to a sweat soaked Andrew, and quickly starts to calm him down by pulling him onto her, his head resting on her chest. Very softly, “Talk to me honey.”
Before Andrew can say one word, Kylie calls out in a groggy voice, “Mom.”
Andrew answers quick, “It’s ok honey, I just had a bad dream, go back to bed.”
Rachel running her fingers through Andrew’s hair, “Which dream was it?”
Andrew, calming down, yet still shaking, answers in a broken voice, “My brother. “ On the verge of tears, “I was right there. I could reach out and touch him. I could feel the presence in the shadows, but I just couldn’t see it. I couldn’t see what took him.”
“They’re getting clearer aren’t they?” Rachel tightens her grip of Andrew, as she continues to brush her hand over his head.
Calming more, gripping Rachel tight, “Yeah, they are. Every time I have it; I can see clearer; farther into the darkness, just never far enough.”
Rachel holds him close, still stroking his head, “It’s ok honey, it’ll come in time, I promise.”
The morning after. Everyone is gathered around the table having breakfast; Eggo waffles for the kids, and Jack Daniels pancakes for the big kids. The girls inquire as to why Andrew was screaming in the middle of the night. Andrew gives them the full story. Telling them how he’s frequently haunted by his past and things that he wishes he could change. Rosetta gives Andrew a big hug, and kisses his cheek telling him things will get better.
After breakfast Rachel get the girls ready for school and head out. Leaving Andrew home to clean up which gives him the time he wants to think about his last vision and why it came after so long. During his cleaning of the apartment his cell rings.
“Andrew Irons.”
“Mister Irons, my name is Father Max. I am calling to inform you that we wish to employ your services and that you should receive a package today with details on meeting with us.”
“Well I am interested in employment, but I must ask Father, who you are with and why do you wish to meet with me.”
“It will all be explained.” Father Max hangs up the phone before Andrew can ask any further questions.
“Well shit. This better be worth the trouble.”
“ROME!” exclaims Rachel grabbing the airline ticket from Andrew's hand. “What do you think this is about? I mean if this Father Max is bringing you to Rome, then I’m guessing it has something to do with the Vatican right?”
Absolutely puzzled by the receipt of the package, which included nothing but an airline ticket and an invitation to meet, Andrew replies, “I have no freakin’ clue honey. But I’m guessing that you’re right and it is from, or to do with, the Vatican. So I may as well take the opportunity and check it out, can’t hurt.”
“Yea, wish we could go with. I’d love to see Rome.”
Walking off the plane, Andrew is greeted by a priest, “Andrew Irons, I presume?”
“Yes. What can I do you for,” Andrew replies in question of how he was so easily recognized.
“I am to escort you to the car; your luggage is already aboard.”
“Ok then” following the priest, “Do I get a name?”
“No, I doubt we’ll meet again.”
The priest escorts Andrew to a black sedan awaiting their arrival at the curb; the priest opens the rear door and motions for Andrew to enter. Andrew is greeted by a hand shake as he takes his seat in the car next to another priest, “We spoke on the phone briefly; I am Father Maxamilian Lodovico. The Vatican, specifically the Holy Father, wishes to employ your services in a matter of urgency.”
Chuckling, Andrew comments, “As I thought. What is this matter? What does the Vatican want with a lowly peasant such as me?”
“We’ve learned of your encounter a few months ago with one Dean Standish.”
Puzzled, Andrew retorts, “Never heard of him.”
“Considering you put two bullets in him, I doubt either of you took time for proper introductions. The fact of the matter is, that you are one of the few people to have fought a vampire and not been killed or seriously injured.”
Surprised, yet not completely, “Ok so I’m guessing he wasn’t the only one of his kind, I mean I know that for a fact considering my sister was attacked by a vampire when she was younger; but what do you want me to do about it?”
“We’ve tracked hundreds of vampire attacks across the Church. Most have been sporadic, never more than one or two in any one place. However, as of late, the city of Porto Velho, in Brazil, has had a reported twenty attacks that fit the description of a vampire; as is one or small band of them. We would like for you to investigate these attacks and do what is necessary to prevent further bloodshed.”
“You want me to travel halfway around the world to hunt vampires?”
“That’s the offer. For now enjoy the car ride. You’ll be meeting with the Holy Father soon to discuss the details of this proposal.”
Upon arrival at the Vatican, Andrew is shown to a dorm like room; it’s small but sufficient with a decent bed, its own toilet/shower room, and space for working. He’s told to wait there and he will be called shortly to meet with the Pope. He unpacks some of his things and lies down on the bed and naps while he waits.
Father Max shows Andrew to the Pope’s chamber. As he enters, the Holy Father stands from his seat at this desk, “Ah, you must be Andrew Irons. I am Pope Alexander IX; I’ve heard a great deal about you my son.”
Shaking the Pope’s hand, “Thank you Your Holiness, it’s an honor to meet you. I am very curious as to why you’ve brought me all the way here for just a meeting.”
“Yes, well a matter such as this I wanted to meet the man that we’re sending to his possible death, and deliver a blessing if he would so allow.”
Taking a seat across from the Pope now seated at his desk, “Yes well let’s pray that doesn’t even come close to happening.”
Leaning over his desk, chin on fists, “Well, as you’ve stated you have questions as to why I’ve brought you all the way here. I do wish to meet you. I’ve heard about you from various sources, ex-military partners, clients, old neighbors, and some police records where your name was dropped. By the way you carry yourself I can see that all that I’ve read is very true and you are every bit the man you let yourself be portrayed as. Your skills are exceptional. You have faced many a peril both while you served and after. I am very impressed by your records.”
“Thank you, Your Holiness.”
“You’re very welcome. The reason I have called upon you, is that you are one of the few people in the world to have crossed a vampire and lived to tell the tale. Many of my highly skilled and trained Paladins have fallen victim to the might of vampires. Yet, you, with nothing more than military training were able to bring one down, for good. I’m still stunned by your success.”
“Luck, Your Holiness. Pure, dumb luck. When I first saw the man, I had absolutely no idea he was a vampire. All I knew is that he was assaulting a woman and needed some justice brought down on him. It wasn’t until after the Medical examiner called me that I realized he was a vampire. I have no idea what I’d do if I was to face one knowing what I was up against. Still not sure how I was able to kill him.”
“Vampires aren’t what the movies make them out to be; you’ve seen that first hand. A silver bullet to the chest will kill any person. Vampires do have weaknesses; one that you exploited, by destroying both the heart and the brain. By doing this there is no chance that they can resurrect themselves. At any rate, I have no doubt in your abilities to perform the task that I wish to set you on.”
Still a bit worried on his true skills, Andrew searches for assurance, “I’m glad you have faith in me Your Holiness, but I’m not sure I share that faith. I know my skills, and from the stories that I’ve read and heard about vampiric encounters, I highly doubt I’d last long in an actual stand up fight against one, let alone group of them.”
Copyright 2014 Monkey Boy AJ - All Rights Reserved