Prey for The Dead

Prologue

Oasis, Florida

His mouth set in a grim line, Abe, the leader of The Watchers, followed the muscular figure of Father John through the dense woods behind the town of Oasis. The silence lay heavy in the warm air. Streaks of sunlight snuck between the branches of the towering oak trees, highlighting the forest floor of rocks and dead grass.

This is what I’d planned for today, Abe said under his breath, staring at the priest’s stiff back. A vampire leader and a Catholic priest on a journey together to nowhere. As his shoulders slumped, the vampire’s steps slowed.

The Father strode ahead.

Dressed in a hooded black coat as protection from the glaring sun, The Watcher leader hurried behind him. Why is this place infested with horseflies? He swatted at an enormous fly. And why are we here? I don’t enjoy this one bit.

You agreed to this. The priest stood at the edge of a large boulder, overlooking the steep drop to the beach. As sweat dripped into the deep grooves on his weathered face, he wiped his damp forehead with the sleeve of his denim shirt.

I doubt we’ll find your imaginary tunnels. It must be a fairy tale told by superstitious people. Abe halted behind the priest.

I’ve explained this. Father John marched past him. Wolf has returned to free his family. We can’t let them escape the tunnels. You and I have kept this secret long enough, and now, it’s time for everyone to hear the truth.

Abe yelled, Wait, as he tore through the sparse shrubbery. I don’t believe Wolf has returned. The Dead leader won’t show his face again. Oasis has been peaceful for the past five years. Why are we looking for trouble?

Since his supposed death, Wolf has been living in a human vampire or a human. I told you this. Wolf never died. His family waits for him.

I didn’t believe it before, and I don’t believe it now. Where is he? The Watcher spun in a circle as if searching for the elusive Wolf.

Since a vamp can’t absorb another soul, Wolf’s presence had to have passed into a hybrid or a human. The priest’s words dripped with condensation. I’m not repeating myself again.

Mr. high-and-mighty vampire hunter, I have more questions. First, why is Wolf making his comeback now? His thin form trembling, Abe stomped his foot against a fallen tree branch.

The Dead are back in Oasis to help Wolf free his family. The priest pinned Abe in place with a stern look. And we can never let that happen.

Wait, a minute. Abe froze, his gray eyebrows arching high. "The Dead have also returned? His skinny face drooped. H-how do you know?"

We have our sources. The priest crossed muscular arms over his massive chest.

"Wolf and The Dead are here? Abe massaged his throbbing forehead. In Oasis?"

Wolf has been waiting for The Dead to return. Rumors have been circulating for the past few months. Father John raked long fingers through his thick mane of brown hair before striding ahead through the tall weeds. We better hurry if we want to do this today. We must be ready to climb into the tunnels. I hate to admit it, but I need your help. He hesitated before glancing over his shoulder. We must work together as we did when we destroyed End House.

Without another word, the priest strode to a clearing in the rocks and dry bush. He rolled the sleeves of his shirt above his elbows and hunkered on his knees before digging with the shovel he’d dragged from the car.

Abe stood back; his sullen gaze roamed their little corner of hell where rocks and weeds lay bare against the sizzling hot sun. He raised his face to the circling seagulls that gave soulful shrieks as they searched for scraps of food. The ocean shimmered blue and green, reflecting the sky’s changing colors. Hell disguised as paradise. The Watcher sighed. Why are you digging in this spot? He squinted at the hunched figure.

This is where the door to End House’s basement once stood. It’s important we find it.

Why is the door important?

The door will lead us through a 4-dimensional space-time continuum or Minkowski space where every object is timeless. Each object on earth maintains its shape across time—no matter where you slice into its timeline. Wolf’s family have been living at a different point in their lifelines. If we locate this doorway and step into their dimension, then we can kill them before Wolf has the chance to set them free.

Where did you hear this ridiculous story?

Father John wiped his face with the back of his hand and glared over his shoulder. My family of vampire hunters has passed this tale through the generations. One of my ancestors was present when the witch, Neva, had cast her spell. Because of their bloodlust, she banished Wolf’s family to the dungeons. Neva claimed they were responsible for the bloody carnage in their region. I read this in the books I received from my father on his deathbed.

Why didn’t the witch recite a spell to kill them? Why did she only banish them?

She couldn’t. Neva hadn’t grown to full power.

How did the witch understand Mink… space?

The Father shoveled as he replied, It’s called Minkowski space-time. The witch didn’t know its name since Hermann Minkowski identified it later during Albert Einstein’s time. He was Einstein’s college mathematics teacher.

And where is this witch now?

Father John’s voice sharpened. I don’t know. Stop annoying me. You’re a gnat buzzing around me.

We must hurry. The vampire leader folded his jacket’s sleeves over his elbows, exposing pale forearms. I can’t stay in the sunlight too long. 

Then keep silent, came the muffled reply.

Are you sure we could annihilate them?

A faint, I hope so, drifted from inside the hole.

As Abe hurried to the opening, his heart pumped faster. You hope so? I’m not following you if we don’t have a plan. He stood still, his body casting a long shadow over the deepening ditch. The Watcher shuffled closer to the edge, his shoes loosening pebbles that dropped into the dark abyss. The Elders gave the fishermen and their families a door for them to escape the violence in Oasis. Is it the same door?

The priest shoveled soil, building a tall mound at the vampire’s feet. Knee-deep in dirt and rocks, the priest’s reply sounded muffled. Similar to that door. That portal allowed the villagers to visit any fantasy they desired, but it didn’t control time.

He continued, Wolf planned for us to attack End House. It wasn’t our brilliant idea. To free his family, he needed both of us to destroy the house—you and me—man and vampire for the spell to work. The spell freed Wolf’s family. They’re now waiting for Wolf to open the door. Wolf is in Oasis. I know he’s here. Be quiet and help me find the entrance.

The ground rumbled, shaking leaves from the trees and birds from their high perches. The sky lost its azure hue to become a dull gray.

Wait. The priest dug faster and harder, his brown hair turning dusty from the dirt, his face alive with excitement. I hit something solid.

Abe jumped into the hole and helped him, digging with his fingers. An iron door came to the surface. Between the elaborate engravings lay an ivory skull with two huge rubies for eyes.

Help me open it. Father John used both hands to brush dirt from the skull.

Abe squatted in the hole and touched the doorknob. It turned. The vampire leader scurried from the ditch. You can search for Wolf’s family by yourself. He leaned against the nearest tree and crossed his arms. I’ll watch you dig your own grave.

The priest pulled and prodded at the handle. The knob refused to budge. He grunted and gave it a swift kick in frustration. The door moaned in response. Ruby eyes glowed red. The face on the door moved. The skull turned to him. Its mouth opened and released a black fog that smelled of death and decay.

The earth shook; birds flew from the trees in panic.

Run! Abe yelled as he ran for cover.

The priest shouted his name.

Abe hesitated and spun to the priest’s voice.

A sinkhole advanced toward him, Father John nowhere in sight. Abe backed away. He turned and fled through the forest as one tree after another toppled behind him. The ground beneath him rose and fell in rolling waves as rough as the ocean under the thrall of a tsunami. When his next step hit emptiness, the vampire grabbed at a tree. His sweaty grip slid along the trunk as he plunged into the dark abyss where sounds of laughter followed close at his heels.

Chapter 1

Moments Earlier

Linda Bennett’s illusions of paradise cloaked and comforted her as she stood at the front window of her bookshop. Sunlight filtered through the tinted glass, a rainbow of colors falling on the leather couches and chairs.

     The seaside town woke early with the dawn. Eight in the morning and tourists filled Main Street with a small group peering into Oasis By The Sea. Linda skirted the coffee table to reach the food counter on the far right wall where stands displayed cakes and pastries. She climbed onto a white-cushioned stool and waited for the first customer of the day.

The picture window drew her attention as the newspaper boy rode his bicycle, flinging newspapers at each door. Palm trees waved long fronds in the breeze, resembling dancers swaying their arms to music. The sun peeked through the leaves from a sky stroked by an artist’s loving touch in alternating shades of orange and yellow. As shop owners unlocked their doors for the day, laughter trickled inside from the passing vacationers.

Linda closed her eyes. Ever since Oasis settled into its unique rhythm five years ago, she’d been living a life of bliss. Sunny days and breezy nights became the town’s mainstay. No returning creatures to ruin its perfect image. Her dreams of paradise and happiness appeared to be at last on the horizon. A soft sigh escaped her lips.

The ground beneath her rumbled.

Linda’s eyes shot open.

The sun retreated.

Birds fell quiet.

Glasses behind the counter rattled.

Then came the explosion.

Linda flew from the stool and landed hard on the wood floor. She scrambled to her feet, brushing her blouse and skirt from the white dust coating her body. A film of it hung in the thick air. After inhaling a mouthful, Linda coughed and rubbed her burning eyes. Steadying herself, she grabbed the marble countertop.

The room shook. A gaping hole formed in the ceiling above the food counter. Ducking low, Linda ran past the hanging chunks of wallboard and stepped between broken dishes, scattered cutlery, and crushed pastries. After a second fit of coughing, she froze. Her vision blurry, she blinked. The scene, spread before her, chilled her to the bone.

In the eerie quiet, the empty bookcases stood guard in the room’s center as silent sentries over the fallen books that lay scattered across the dusty floor.

Oh no. My books.

Debris covered the store. Linda shivered. Darkness replaced the earlier rays of sunlight, throwing the connecting rooms into an oppressive gloom. Sheets of rain pelted the windows. The palm trees on Main Street swung low, their branches dripping moisture on the frantic people fleeing for shelter. The town siren bleated its warning in deafening loud bursts. Shouts and screams of panic wafted from the sidewalk.

The front door hit the inside wall with a bang. Shana Logan charged into the shop. Her ankle-length skirt swept through shards of glass from the shattered window to the side street. Oh, my god. Shana's fists rose to reddened cheeks. Wavy, red hair floated around her shoulders in disarray. So much damage…

Shana stared at the upended stools, trashed counter, and smashed cake stands before rushing to Linda. Are you hurt? She clasped Linda’s hands between trembling ones. 

I’m okay. Linda searched her face. How's your store? Linda gaze shifted to the picture window. How’s the town?

Not too much damage at my shop. A few broken bottles and beakers… Shana’s voice drifted as her gaze roamed the destroyed room. As far as I can tell, the buildings on our block are still upright.

The overhead lights flickered.

Lights are back. Shana smiled and clapped her hands. And the siren has stopped blasting.

A thundering crash made them jump.

The remaining piece of ceiling, hanging above the food section, crashed into the countertop. Glasses and pitchers toppled from the crumbling shelves behind the counter.

This can’t be happening, Linda shrieked. Tears welled in her eyes as she covered her face with shaky hands.

Shana moved behind her, pulling plaster slivers from Linda’s long brown hair. Are you going to be okay?

I’ll be fine. Linda attempted a faint smile.

Don’t worry. We’re survivors. Shana posted a huge smile on her face. We can fight whatever the demons throw at us.

What demons? Linda turned to her. Has something happened?

Shana averted her eyes as she paced back and forth, the jingling of her bangles the only sound in the thick silence. I didn’t want to upset you. She hesitated, then faced Linda. But The Dead are back. 

They can’t be. Linda held onto the one stool still standing upright. It was an earthquake. Everything that happens doesn’t have to be a major supernatural event.

Voices drifted from the doorway.

Louise Cannon sashayed toward them in a hot pink dress, as out of place in the wrecked store as a rose blooming in a desert. Her shoulder-length blonde hair bounced at her neck. What a mess. She eyed the decimated food section.

David Deer strolled in behind her, his always cheerful face sporting a frown. He stared at the ceiling before focusing gentle, brown eyes on Linda. This is awful. His hands extended, he walked toward her. Don’t worry. I’ll help you repair it.

Linda grasped his hands. Thank you. She lifted her face to his. How’s your store?

I can fix it. Lost a few expensive vases though. David shrugged as he stepped back and let go of her hands. He climbed over chunks of wallboard and paused in front of the cracked counter. Awful. As he shook his head, dust flew from his curly, brown hair.

Louise ran fingers through straight hair, without a drop of plaster to mar its silky perfection. I was lucky. My store has no damage.

Shana glared at Louise. Nice. You’ve upset Linda. The Dead are back. And you’re cheerful. She snorted.

The Dead? Louise screeched.

The Dead have returned to Oasis. Shana threw Louise a smug look. I heard them mentioned yesterday.

Linda turned to Shana. Where did you hear this?

Louise and David sidled closer.

Shana snapped a hair band from her wrist and secured the auburn waves into a ponytail, taking her time as they watched. I overheard Todd talking to Sam.

They turned at the sound of footsteps.

Todd Morrison climbed through the jagged strips of ceiling, littering the floor, his boots crunching them to dust. He came to an abrupt stop beneath the overhead hole, a harsh look on his handsome face. His gaze lighted on each of them until he spotted Linda. Todd hurried to her, his chiseled features becoming harder and more pronounced. Was anyone hurt?

Linda shook her head.

He moved to her side, grasping her small hands in his larger ones. Are you okay? Todd lowered his head and stared into her eyes, his broad shoulders dwarfing her petite frame.

Yes.

Todd locked eyes with her, then brought her into his arms. I’ll take care of your store. Don’t worry. Linda nodded as she rested her head on his firm chest.

How’s the rest of town? Was anyone hurt? David asked.

We found no major damage. Todd stepped back from Linda. The Sheriff and his men will check on the residents’ homes.

Shana cleared her throat. Are The Dead back?

Todd’s eyes narrowed on Shana. Why do you say that?

I overheard you and Sam speaking, Shana replied. Do the other human vampires know they've returned?

His face an unreadable mask, he said, You misunderstood. Todd strode away. His hand clasped the doorknob as he turned to them. I’m riding with Sam and his men to the residences. Wait here until I return with any news. The impatient wind slammed the door shut behind him.

Shana mumbled to herself before running after Todd.

We aren’t getting involved again, Linda yelled to Shana.

I know you want Oasis to be a paradise, but it will never be one, Shana replied over her shoulder. She twisted the knob as the storm waged its bitter battle against her. Shana was soon lost in the crowds of people racing across Main Street.

Should we follow her? Linda swung around to David and Louise who stood close together watching her.

I guess so. David’s voice sounded strained, deflated.

We’re not her keepers. Louise frowned, brushing a drop of dust from her pink dress.

Well, I’m going after Shana, Linda responded.

Fine. David scowled. But you can’t go alone. He grabbed Louise’s hand. We’re coming with you.

Linda rushed through the doorway.

Louise grumbled but followed David.

A second explosion hit, and the town went black.

Chapter 2

Pandemonium ruled the day on Main Street. Beachgoers—dragging blankets and towels behind them—joined the melee of people gathered at the entrance to the park beside the busy boardwalk. Tourists and residents ventured from buildings and shops to locate the source of the blinding lights, crisscrossing the woods behind the town. Linda joined them. Shocked faces greeted her on the crowded sidewalk as lightning crackled and sparked in the muggy air.

Linda shivered despite the warm breeze. What’s happening? she asked Louise and David, who stood beside her.

Look. David pointed toward the forest, his round face excited beneath wind-blown curls. Bands of lightning converged over a single spot. That’s where End House used to stand.

Shana hurried toward them, the wind lifting loose strands of red hair into the air. Damn. I’ll get my car.

Linda stepped back. I’m not going back there.

Louise clutched David’s arm, her blonde head barely reaching his wide shoulders. I don’t want to go. Let’s wait here. Her voice moaned in unison with the wind’s hollow breath.

Okay. We’ll take it slower this time. David’s words belied his eager expression as he wrapped muscular arms around Louise’s trembling body.

Shana dashed across the street to her red Fiat. I’m going by myself if you’re too scared. She jumped into the driver’s seat and revved the engine.

The Sheriff’s car raced past them. Sam’s stern face showed through the driver’s window.

Hop in, let’s follow Sam, Shana yelled from her window.

Tourists jostled Linda as they rushed past her. Main Street became a mob scene with panicked people flocking to their cars. Upended garbage cans rumbled along the sidewalks. She glanced at the traffic light as it swayed back and forth in the increasing winds, a ghostly silhouette against a sky taking on a purplish tint.

We might as well go. It’s not any safer here, David said in Linda’s ear before dashing with Louise across the street and piling into Shana’s back seat.

Linda hesitated as people rammed into her before making her way to Shana's car.

Shana floored it and pulled into traffic and pedestrians, heading north to the forest.

Linda grabbed the door handle. You’re driving too fast.

Shana didn’t answer but faced forward, gripping the wheel as she took corners fast, knuckles white, tires squealing in protest.

Linda glanced back at David and Louise, who sat huddled together holding hands.

The country road wound past mansions, hidden behind tall gates and hedges. Their car emerged from the woods and approached an empty plot of land, overlooking the ocean. Shana pulled alongside Abe’s three sons. The vampires wore rifles and revolvers beneath long coats, flapping open in the wind.

Two hybrids, Gregg and Ryan, muscular bodies armed and ready, ran from their car, parked farther along the road to join The Watchers.

A third hybrid joined them. Sam strapped his Colt 45 Smith to his leg and holstered a spare revolver beneath his blue Sheriff’s jacket. Shana made a move toward him, but Sam frowned and shook his head. Shana stepped back. Gregg and Ryan approached him with picks, shovels, and miscellaneous digging equipment.

A hand cupped Linda’s shoulder. She turned to find Todd standing behind her, his favorite Beretta M9 strapped to his hips; and from beneath his black leather jacket jutted his holster, holding his Colt Python. His eyes remained fixed on the flashing lights in the sky. A picture of a warrior ready for battle came to Linda’s mind.

This will get dangerous. Todd stroked her cheek with his thumb. Stay here with your friends and don’t follow me. Please. I’m serious. He rubbed his lips against hers before joining his fellow hybrids and Abe’s family.

Linda stood beside her friends while Todd led the men through burning bushes and flying rocks. Do you think the house will reappear? she asked David.

David shouted over the moaning winds, How can that happen? End House fell into the ocean. He moved to follow the other men, but Louise yanked him back.

The winds grew stronger and colder.

The group moved back in unison, turning their faces from the flying debris.

Linda inched closer to David. Right before End House disappeared, I noticed something strange. The left side of the house remained standing a few moments before it dissolved into the ground.

You think a section of End House lies buried beneath us? He shook his head. Too weird—even for this town.

Why didn’t you mention this earlier? Didn’t you think it was important for us to know? Shana grabbed Linda’s arm.

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I didn’t want to frighten you. Linda turned to Shana. We’d been through enough, and I feared I’d imagined the whole thing.

Shana tilted her head to the side. Okay, but you could have told us sooner.

Thunder boomed in the moist air. The sky darkened to black without a hint of color or clouds.

Detaching himself from the cluster of men, Todd ran toward them and shouted, We can hear Abe and Father John's cries from the tunnels.

Sam raced from his car with heavy ropes clutched in his hands. After stringing two of them around the trees circling the hole, he threw them into the pit. Faint voices echoed from the dark void, taking on the words help us.

Todd ran to the edge and yelled, Grab hold of the ropes, and we’ll lift you. I’ll be on the third one. He threw off his jacket and jumped into the hole with a line tied around his waist. The ground shook. Dirt tumbled into the hole, burying him.

Linda’s heart jolted.

Sam removed his jacket, tied a rope around his waist, and lowered himself to the spot where Todd had disappeared. He dug at the dirt with his hands. First Todd’s fingers, then his head appeared. The ground rumbled, covering both heads beneath a pile of rubble.

Louise shrieked.

Shana sobbed as she positioned herself at