Chapter 11 Part 2
By BTF
The huge gaming room was busy. People were angling for the best seats so they could watch the big game. Everyone wanted to see George Devol take on this table of want-to-be winners. There were only five players and tonight’s dealer, Victoria Nelson.
Henry Fitzroy was at the main table, and as he waited for the other players to get comfortable and get their chips ready, he thought back on the events of last night and earlier this evening.
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After leaving George Devol, he and Vicki had gone in search of Mike and Coreen. Using his hunter's sense of smell and hearing, Henry was able to track them both to the back of the engine room. They found the pair behind a pile of crates, tied up and gagged, but unharmed. Henry used his vampire skills to 'adjust' their memories of events so that when they woke the next morning, they would both have a slight hangover, but no memories of how they got that way.
After putting them in their rooms, he walked Vicki back to her hidden space in his basement rooms. “You need to stay here till the game. It’s best if Becket doesn’t see you yet, we want the element of surprise. Let him think you’ve been tossed overboard.” Henry wanted her safe till sunset, and even though she didn't like being told what to do, she knew it made sense.
As the sun set Henry awoke to see Vicki looking down at him, with a faraway look in her eyes, as if she were seeing him in another time or place.
“Are you alright?” Henry asked her as he rose.
As if mentally jerking herself back to the present she said “Yes, I was just thinking that you seem so familiar to me somehow, like we’ve met somewhere before. I just can’t place where or when.”
Henry stood to face her. She was already dressed for the game tonight, wearing velvet the color of burgundy wine. The dress was low cut and off her shoulders and her hair was up off her neck and a feather was tucked neatly in the back. Oh, how Henry wanted to remove that feather. Among other things.
He stood in front of her and placed his hand on the side of her neck. He rubbed his thumb across her full, slightly parted lips. Ever so slowly he lowered his lips to hers. Finally they touched, and the kiss was better than either of them had hoped it would be. He felt like he had come home from a long journey. This was the woman he’d been searching decades for, and she was not going to get away from him this time.
Vicki stood there in Henry’s arms as if she’d kissed him before. It was where she was meant to be, she could sense it. She put her arms around his neck and drew him even closer, melding their bodies as their mouths explored each others. Vicki had never thought much about reincarnation, but as she stood there in Henry’s embrace, his tongue tasting and possessing her she knew, knew they had been together before. She felt the pull of passion long dormant coming back to life. She could feel the remembered caresses, the total surrender of their bodies to each other.
“I’m not going to lose you this time my love,” Henry said before lowering his lips to kiss and taste her neck. Vicki felt the pleasure/pain as his teeth entered her neck, and she could feel the pull on her throat as he sucked the blood into his mouth. The feeling was so raw, so sensual and so pure. A feeling of total peace started to fill her.
The pounding on the door jerked Henry’s attention away from feeding. Quickly he licked the spot that just seconds before he had been drawing in her essence from her, claiming her. “Later my love, after the game.” He whispered in her ear. And she nodded her head in agreement.
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The men were ready, except for one. The man known as Becket was just taking his seat. Henry, Vicki and George formed a triangle at the table and Becket was forced to sit next to the dealer. He didn’t mind sitting next to a beautiful woman, but as he sat and saw her face, his paled considerably.
Vicki was trying hard not to react to him, to pretend that she didn’t recognize him. ‘Let him think I don’t remember him, and throw him off guard,' she thought to herself. He obviously felt the same as he nodded his head in her direction and merely said “Ma’am.”
Henry could sense his surprise, his fear and then his anger. He looked forward to ripping out this man’s throat.
“Gentlemen, if you're ready.” It was not a question. Vicki began to deal the cards.
It wasn’t long before two of the players realized they were in over their heads and left the table, poorer but wiser for the experience. George managed to lose a couple of hands to Becket, but the pots had been small and Henry had folded without anything more than a few chips in the pots.
He knew it wouldn’t be much longer before Becket started taking risks and making stupid mistakes. He kept playing conservatively, winning the pots that would cost Becket the most money and letting George win the others. Only occasionally did they let Becket win, just often enough to keep him in the game. Finally George said, “I feel fatigued. Deal me out for the next few hands,” and he stood to leave.
“You’re leaving?” Becket was stunned; this is not how the game was supposed to go, but he tried to keep his composure. The small bead of sweat on his upper lip was the only thing giving his feelings away. He dabbed at it with a handkerchief.
“I’ll be back later to play the winner,” he said, and with that, he left the table.
“Well I guess it’s just you and me. There's no problem with that, is there?” Henry asked.
“No, no problem at all.” Turning to glare at Vicki, he said “Deal.”
Henry let him win the next couple of hands, reeling him in. He could tell when Becket had a good hand by measuring the beats of his heart. He also knew when he was bluffing, which he did quite often. This is going to be so much fun, he thought. Finally the perfect hand came his way and he knew it was time to move in for the kill.
Becket had just made a big raise, thinking he could take this hand without a bluff. He’d taken just one card and was looking at four sevens and felt cocky, sure of himself.
Henry smiled slightly and said “All in,” as pushed all his chips to the center of the table. Becket's eyes fixed on the pile. This was going to be a huge payday for him.
He barely hesitated…. “I’ll call,” and he too pushed in all his chips. Smirking, he laid down his cards, “Four of a kind, sorry.” But as he reached for the pot Henry’s hand reached out to stop him.
“Not so fast,” Henry said calmly and laid down his own cards. Becket was furious. Standing, he gasped as he saw the hand Henry had put on the table.
A Royal Flush.
He’d just lost everything.
“You, you cheated! There is no possible way you could have a royal flush!,” he yelled. The room went silent.
“And just how did I do that?” Henry asked calmly.
“She did it, she fed you the cards. She’s getting even with me.” He went on, oblivious to the crowd that was listening to him rant. He continued,
“She hates me.”
“Why would she do that? She doesn’t even know you,” Mike asked as he walked closer to the table. He’d been standing against the wall watching the game with everyone else. He stopped between Henry and Becket.
‘Move!,’ Henry wanted to scream. He wanted a clear shot at Becket if he needed it.
Mike turned to Henry, “Well? Is it true, are you cheating?” Before Henry could speak, Becket had attacked, but not in his direction. He’d headed for Vicki instead. Henry growled and pushed Mike out of the way. Grabbing Becket by the throat he pulled him off Vicki and snapped his neck just as Mike plowed into him, knocking him into the wall.
As Becket’s body slid to the floor, Henry was at Vicki’s side. She was lying on the floor, moaning. He put his arm under her and held her close. He didn’t need to see the knife to know she was dying. He could smell the blood and feel her heart slowing. There were so many people around that there was nothing he could do. His heart was breaking. He would again be left waiting.
Vicki could hear voices around her.
“He’s dead, must have broke his neck when he hit the wall, it’s clearly an accident.”
“Someday my love, someday we’ll meet again.”
“Vicki.” It was Coreen’s voice this time.
“Vicki.” It was getting louder, “Vicki, wake up.”
Vicki opened her eyes and raised her head from the desktop where she’d fallen asleep.
“Come on, the guys are here and waiting to play” Vicki looked over to the other side of the room. There were Mike and Henry sitting at the card table. Mike was eating Chinese out of a box and Henry was shuffling a deck of cards, a pile of chips stacked in front of him on the table. He paused, looked deeply into her eyes and a slow, knowing, smile spread his lips.
A switch flipped in her heart and she remembered.
“Oh Crap,” was all she said.
Riverboat Gambler
Chapter 11 ~ BTF
George H. Devol stood not three feet away from the pair. Vicki noticed his look hadn't changed much, his dark hair was still perfectly combed and his full goatee, neatly trimmed though bushy. His eyes were staring straight at Vicki and Henry and in his hand he held a small gun.
“Rumor has it you’re looking for me, and I want to know why.” Henry knew he could break this man in half without breaking a sweat, but he sensed something about George Devol that made him hold back. He also felt that it was important for Vicki to deal with him herself. “I’ll admit I never should have let that little shit Becket talk me into taking that money from you, but I paid for that transgression. Thirty days in jail, and I left town. I’ve been leading my own life since then and you have no reason to stalk me now.”
“Stalk you?! You think that's what's happening?” Vicki glared at him. “I’m doing what I was hired to do. Stop the gambling ring that has been plaguing the company that owns this boat. And you are my number one suspect.” She almost spat the words at him.
“In case you’ve forgotten, gambling is legal on the
“Not the way you do it.” Vicki snapped back.
“I’m good enough I don’t have to cheat,” he said dryly.
“Then why did you have to stea from me?”
“I didn’t have a choice. Becket was blackmailing me and that was the only way I could get him off my back.”
“Why was he blackmailing you?” Henry asked, adding himself to the conversation.
“That's hardly your concern. We all have our secrets, do we not Mr. Fitzroy?” Henry realized that Devol knew what he was, and meeting his stare, Devol raised an eyebrow, as if he dared him to deny it.
“To be a good gambler you must be very observant of people and their habits.” Devol added for good measure, “Let's just leave it at that shall we?”
Henry crooked his lips into a half smile and slightly nodded his head.
“Becket never got his money, thanks to Miss Nelson, so occasionally he’ll show up at a large game and ‘win’ a couple of high paying hands. He’s an annoyance that I have learned to deal with, but if you interfere I cannot guarantee how he’ll react. You cost him some time in jail, as well as the money.”
“Just how does this con work? I can’t picture you losing your own money,” Vicki asked. “And lower that damn gun before you hurt someone.”
Devol put the small gun inside his coat pocket. “It’s quite simple really. I’ll play a few hands and discover who the richest and dumbest player is. There is always someone who plays above his abilities.” Henry nodded and smiled in agreement. “Then I’ll feed them some low pot hands so they start feeling cocky. Becket comes into the game, then I raise the stakes just enough so the patsy makes a big bet when he has nothing. I fold, Becket wins the hand. This will happen two or three times depending on the mark. Becket leaves with money in his pocket, and the mark leaves feeling like he just had a turn of bad luck and will win more money later.”
“And what do you get out of all this?” Henry asked.
“I have the rest of the cruise to win money from anyone else stupid enough to try to beat me, and Becket leaves me alone for a few months.”
“Do you think the jeweler was murdered by Becket?” Henry asked him.
“Unintentionally, yes. My guess is he was trying to kill her,” he nodded his head in Vicki’s direction, “or frame her for the murder. He really does hate you, my dear.”
“This could play to our advantage then.” Henry added. “Does he know anything about me?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Why? What do you have in mind, Mr, Fitzroy?”
Chapter 9 - SM1234
Henry started to turn, appearing to follow Celluci's orders, but brought up his elbow and caught Celluci lightly under the chin. Holding him by the throat, Henry growled, “Sleep,” and Celluci dropped like a sack of wet sand. He picked up the detective, placing him on his bunk and while Celluci snored, Henry searched the cabin trying to find an explanation of what was happening and why. He knew Vicki was innocent of any wrong doing, just as he knew the man in South Carolina deserved to die for what he had done to the young dance hall girl. He found nothing but the telegram and some papers confirming that Michael Celluci was indeed a Pinkerton man hired to keep the deceased jeweler Worthington alive.
He was frustrated because he knew there had to be more to the story. Even she and this Pinkerton man had a connection. He hated the thought, but he needed to force someone to tell him the truth. He nodded his head in satisfaction as he thought of Coreen, Vicki's little sister. She was ripe for adventure and could tell him everything with the right kind of 'persuasion'. Henry's eyes gleamed and his teeth became pointed daggers as he thought about hunting down that tempting little morsel.
But the sun had other plans for him, and he had to hurry to make his way back to his cabin in time. He opened the door, expecting the scent of Vicki Nelson to greet him, but she was gone. Smiling, he wasn't really surprised, but it would have made things easier if she had stayed put. Barely having time to shed his clothes and get into his bunk, the sun soon took him to his death like sleep.
*******************************
With the last rays of the sun vanishing from the sky, Henry took his first breath of the night. He dressed hurriedly, knowing that time was not his friend this night. As he headed to the door, he picked up a familiar scent that made him smile. She seemed to be able to do that, even though she was frustrating beyond words. Henry opened his cabin door, turned and stepped on Vicki's toes.
“Not very graceful are you?” Was all she could manage to say as she leaned against the wall to massage her bruised toes.
Henry held her steady as she placed her foot back on the deck then he said, “I apologize. I admit to not paying attention, but what were you doing just outside my door?”
Vicki looked away then said, “You claimed you wanted to help me. So help. Celluci and my sister are gone and I found this note on my sister's bunk.” You are not going to spoil my plans. Either you stop this foolishness or your sister and your lover will pay. Get rid of that nosy Richmond and stay out of my affairs.
Henry read the note twice then handed it back saying, “Celluci's your lover?”
Vicki looked down at her toes then lifted her chin saying, “Not quite. We were engaged, but we had a difference of opinion. No man tells me what I can or cannot do. Not him, not you and not George Devol. Get out of my way. I'll do this myself, if you're more concerned about Celluci being my lover than you are about my sister being missing.” She pushed past him and marched down the hall leading to the stairs and upper decks.
“Hell Henry.” said a mocking voice.
Henry turned to see his good friend Sam leaning on a closed door about to light a big black cigar and said, “That sums it up nicely. Hell and back again. Why do men put up with women?”
Sam started laughing, “Boy, you know the answer to that better than I do. Woman is man's curse and his blessing. We come from their bodies, feed from their breasts, then spend the rest of our lives trying to get back to where we started.”
Henry laughed at that and said, “That woman needs me more than I need her, but I can't seem to make her understand that, or that I want to help.”
Sam shook his head, “You can't make'm understand a thing. Have to show'm.” He took a deep puff of the cigar and walked down the hall mumbling to himself.
Henry thought Sam was right, it was time to show Vicki was he was capable of. He needed to find that so called student from the first night.
It was easier than he thought it would be to find the boy. He was looking around, confusion in his eyes. Henry moved with speed and reached out to snag the hapless young man's coattails, dragging him back to the deck. The young man held his head in his hands as he sat on the deck with Henry beside him. Henry growled with vampire persuasion, “Try telling me the truth.”
The sad young man looked at Henry and felt compelled to pour out his soul. “I love Coreen. I've loved her for years, but she doesn't even know I exist. I left school just to be near her. Now she's been taken away from me and I have to get her back.”
Henry's pulled in a breath with an audible hiss, “You know where she is? Who took her?”
The young man shook his head yes then no, saying, “I saw two men drag her and the Pinkerton fella off early this morning, but I don't know if they're still on board or if they were taken off the boat.”
Henry grabbed him by the shoulders, “For God's sake man, why didn't you stop them?”
He looked helplessly at his hands saying, “Someone hit me over the head, gagged me, tied me up and put me in my room. It took me all day to work my way loose. I was trying to get help when you stopped me.”
Henry wanted to knock this boy upside the head but refrained, “You should have called for help as soon as you were free.”
Rupert held out a note. Henry took it and read the following, “It's not murder I seek but sweet revenge. Stay out of my business or the little girl dies.”
Henry stood saying, “May I keep this?”
Rupert shrugged, “It's not doing me any good.”
Henry closed his eyes and focused on the heartbeats of all on board eliminating them until he found the one he wanted and followed the sound to the Captain's quarters. He stood outside the door and took advantage of his ability to hear whispers through walls.
Vicki's quiet voice pleaded, “Give me a chance to solve this. I know I can find him with a little more time. My sister and Detective Celluci's lives depend on me doing my job. Worthington was an accident. The drink was meant for me. Coreen poured it from my special bottle and there is more than one person employed on the Delta who knows I only drink from that bottle.”
The Captain said, “Miss Nelson, I know you came highly recommended but this whole situation is getting out of hand. I say we pull in and have the boat searched from top to bottom. There seems to be more people on board than can be accounted for by my crewmen and paid passengers.”
Vicki hissed, “It's personal now. My sister is involved. She came along for the ride, nothing more, and now she's gone missing too. Celluci being here wasn't planned by anyone from my company, but he's in now, up to his neck.”
The captain hesitated then said, “I'll give you until we reach the last port of call before New Orleans, then we do it my way.”
She whispered, “You won't regret this.”
And he whispered back, “I hope not.”
Henry felt satisfaction at knowing the truth about this woman. Now he could go about helping her without causing harm.
He stood leaning against the wall smiling as Vicki tried to slip from the captain's quarters. She turned to see his grin and stamped her sore foot in a fit of temper saying, “Damn you Richmond, it's rude to eavesdrop, so keep your mouth shut and wipe that grin from your face. If you're going to continue to spy at least join me so that we can finish this mess and get Michael and Coreen back.”
She moved forward at a remarkably fast pace for someone with a sore foot and Henry stepped in line behind her, grinning as he watched the rhythmic sway of her skirts. He was more determined than ever to get one good bite in before the end of this adventure.
tbc
Chapter 8
by csd1
Henry and Vicki sat quietly, each thinking about the nights events, each knowing that whatever action they took could end up with someone dead.
Henry normally didn't let that bother him, death was a part of life. Or most people's lives. He couldn't stand the thought that this beautiful, smart, resourceful woman would die at the hands of a simple con man.
Henry smiled at her, brushing a curl away from her cheek. "Don't worry Victoria, we will find a away to fix this."
Vicki laughed. "You must have more faith than I do. I've learned the hard way that nothing is ever easy."
Henry smiled back at her. "Nothing worth having ever is," he told her softly.
Vicki's eyes snapped to his, her heart beating faster, her blood flowing through her veins just as fast. Henry felt his body react to that look but tamped it down. Now was not the time. He had to learn more about what was going on, and he couldn't do that in this tiny room.
Henry cleared his throat, trying to get his body under control. "You stay here and rest, I'll go make sure Detective Celluci is allright. We left him on the top deck and I'm sure he's wondering what's going on."
Vicki licked her lips and looked away from him. "Alright." She laid down on the small bunk. "Tell him I'm alright."
Henry covered her with a soft blanket. "I will." He said.
By the time Henry stood up she was already asleep, and he smiled down at her watching her breathe. Henry had known many women in his life, but only a handful had touched his heart. The first, besides his mother, was his father's first wife Katherine of Aragon. She could have shunned him, treated him badly, yet she had been very kind to him. She had stood up to his father on his behalf more than once. It was the reason he had been so upset with his father for wanting to divorce her. She had been a strong, wonderful woman, just like this one.
Shaking off the memories, Henry went in search of the Pinkerton agent, Celluci. He went to the last place he had last seen him on the deck, but the man was gone. Henry tried to find his scent to track the man and wandered around the riverboat in a zig zag manner.
Celluci had bounced all over the place, on a seemingly random path. Henry stopped when he tracked the scent to the Captain's office. He had a bad feeling about that particular stop and had to find Celluci's room to confront the man.
He manged to look at the log book when no one was around, finding what he was looking for very quickly. Michael Celluci, room 231. Henry headed that way, passing by people in the narrow hallway who were dressed for a night of dinner, gambling and entertainment. He smiled at several women who looked his way, but kept focused on where he was going.
Henry stood outside the door of the agent's room. He could feel the man's agitation, the frustration. He didn't bother to knock. but grabbed the handle and opened the door, stepping inside and closing it quickly behind him.
Michael looked up from where he was sitting on the side of the bed. He seemed to be reading a telegram, but stood as Henry entered. "What the hell do you want?"
Henry smiled, just a tilting up of his lips. "I want to know what you are going to do to clear Miss Nelson's name."
Celluci stood straight, shoulders thrown back. "Really?" He looked at the telegram in his hand. "I'm wondering what I should do with this." He held the soft paper in his direction. "It says that one Henry Richmond is wanted for murder in South Carolina."
Henry sucked in a deep breath but stayed quiet.
Mike smiled at him. "I saw what you did top side, so I thought I'd check you out." He cocked his head to the side, "Well, you have anything to say?"
Henry thinking fast replied, "I don't supposed you would believe that I'm a vampire who only wants to help people."
Celluci pulled out his handcuffs, laughing. "Sure I would. Put your hands behind your back. You're under arrest for murder."
By Pokeyspride
“That is none of your business” Vicki replied.
Henry looked at her with surprise and a little annoyance at her reaction, which he barely managed to keep out of his voice when he said, “Look, if you want to stay out of jail, you have got to tell me the truth!”
Vicki shot him a glare that would burn a hole through the average human being, but then her shoulders slumped and she let out a quiet breath. “It’s a long story.”
Henry chuckled and said, “I have an eternity Miss Nelson, what about you?”
Vicki looked up at him and said, “I need a drink first. Do you have any Scotch?” He walked over to a cabinet by the desk and found a shot glass and half a bottle.
Under his breath he said, “I am so glad I am a vampire." He handed Vicki a glass half full. “Ok you have your drink, now I’m all ears."
Vicki gulped down the drink, and began. “I first met George when I was 16. My father had left my mother and I was trying to help her make ends meet and go to school so I got a part time job at the local saloon, just helping out. I would take the gamblers food and drink to their tables for them, and they would give me tips." She rolled the glass back and forth between her hands. " Sometimes I could easily walk out of there with a lot of money just because they liked me”.
Henry looked at her and thought, This is a very extraordinary woman, and beautiful too. Then he forced his mind to return to the conversation at hand. Vicki told him that George was one of the regulars at the saloon on Friday nights and she would get his drinks for him, turn his cash in for chips or vice versa, so he could keep playing. “Well,” she said, “One night I was working the normal crowd, and in walked George with another guy who, at the time, was about my age .
We were introduced and then George asked if I would attend a small private game with them, after the regular one closed . He said I could make a week’s worth of tips in one night, so I agreed." She shrugged, "Everything was just like George said it would be. There were only four other players. George’s friend and I made sure the men had plenty of drinks and food. I made several hundred dollars that night.
After the game broke up, everyone had gone but the three of us." The memory still clearly bothered her, but she continued, "I was getting ready to leave when George grabbed my arms and held me still."
I heard him say, ‘"Grab the money she has in her bra, I saw her putting it there earlier." As his friend started to run his hand down my blouse, I bit his hand until it bled. When he got his hand free, he slapped me hard across the face and stole the money. I reported what happened to the saloon owner and the next night when they showed up, they were arrested for assault.
I couldn’t prove I’d been robbed but the split lip was plain to see, so they were both barred from the saloon, and it was heavily suggested that they leave town. He said he’d get even, ‘if it’s the last thing I ever do’. She sighed, "I thought he’d forgotten about me, but I guess he still remembers, huh?”
Tears started to form in her eyes and Henry took her hand then looked into her eyes. “I will not let him hurt you. I will get you out of this, your sister needs you. ”
All the while he could hear his own voice in his head saying over and over, “And I need you”.
tbc
Chapter 6 ~ Raven
Henry watched as Detective Celluci took Vicki by the arm and led her from the room, feeling a little twinge of something he never felt, jealousy. There was a familiarity in the way he held her arm. They had a connection of some kind and that irked him.
He followed discreetly, as only a Vampire could, and watched for his opportunity as he listened.
“Vicki, you of all people know I have to do this. I have to follow the rules, it’s my job. I don’t have to like it, and right now I hate it more than anything. It's bad enough that I have to pretend not to know you”
The detective slid his arm around Vicki’s slumped shoulders, trying to offer some comfort to the woman he had once loved. As she walked silently next him, she did not shrug off his arm but instead leaned into it a bit, grateful for just a moment to know she still had his friendship. It didn’t last long, though, and breaking her silence, she spat out,
“That’s exactly why we didn't work, Mike. Rules. Always the rules. Well, sometimes things happen and you have to bend them. You never bent any for me then and I don’t see you doing it now.”
Then she shrugged off his arm in angry defiance.
The Vampire smiled.
His smile faded when the soft sounds of footsteps and a rapid heartbeat caught his attention. Senses on alert he swiftly changed from his human side to become the Vampire, his blue eyes shifting instantly to black, taking on a menacing glow. Sharp, double edged fangs descended. His body took on a controlled, ominous stance that would have scared even the strongest of men.
The shadowy figure sneaked slowly along the railing of the riverboat’s front deck, pistol in one hand, a bottle of whiskey in the other. Taking a sip for courage, he looked for his chance and wondered if this night would be his last, hoping if he followed the orders given him, there might be a chance, that he'd live and he had to take it.
Pulling the colt 45 from its holster, he raised his arm to aim it directly at the pretty girl’s heart. His hand trembled. He needed more courage and lowered his pistol to take another swig from the whiskey bottle.
Watching, prepared to strike, the Vampire knew this would be his only chance, but he had to get past the detective and Vicki. He knew that he could not do so totally unnoticed. He didn't have time to weigh his options as the drunken fool aimed that pistol directly at Vicki.
He whirled with Vampire speed, and knocked Detective Celluci out cold on his way to the drunken gambler. As he closed his fist around the man’s neck, Henry heard the bullet hit its mark. Turning, he looked behind him to see a wide eyed Vicki, hand to her shoulder, as she slumped to the ground. He could hear her heart beating in a strong rhythm, so he knew he had a few moments to get information out of the stranger first.
Turning his face back around, he held the man’s eyes with his icey cold black stare. Putting the man under his power, his deeper Vampire voice demanded, “Tell me what you know. Why is Vicki being framed and who wants her dead?”
The man shivered under Henry’s tight grip around his throat.
“Only that George Devol is on board and that pretty little thing over there was in the way. Something about a high stakes poker game tomorrow evening. She could ruin the con he has planned.”
“You will not remember what happened here tonight." Henry's voice was as dark as his eyes, "But you will remember that your life has been threatened. Leave this ship, even if you have to jump overboard to do it.”
With that, Henry let go of the man’s throat and watched him jump over the side, splashing into the murky waters of the Mississippi River. He turned and ran over to Vicki, who was still conscious. She was staring at him, disbelief mixed with pain and anger as he approached. Henry thought I better get her under control before she kills me with that look alone.
Mike had begun to stir, but the blinding pain was still to much to bear, and he slipped back into unconsciousness.
“He will be fine. Let me help you.”
Vicki threatened, “Touch me and I’ll cut out your heart with this, Vampire,” she pulled a silver coated dagger from inside her petticoat. Her mind whirled around what she had just witnessed. With all that had been going on lately when, ‘he’s a vampire’, flashed in her mind at the sight of his fangs and black eyes, she didn't dismiss it. In fact she knew it to be true.
Henry simply stared. Since becoming a Vampire, no one had ever rendered him utterly speechless, until now.
Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his safe haven below deck. Her silver dagger stayed on the ground, lying beside Detective Celluci’s hand.
Henry carefully laid Vicki on the makeshift bed, and waited for her to try and jump out of it. To his surprise, yet again, she didn’t. Instead she started asking questions. The first of which totally floored him.
“What's a Vampire doing on a Riverboat? Are you the one sent to kill me? Did you decide that maybe you want to play with your food first?”
Rolling that over in his mind a second before answering her, a drop dead sexy smile spread across his lips as he looked into her eyes, “As tempting as playing with you would be, I think you should have that shoulder cleaned up first. Will you allow me to heal it for you? That is, if I can trust you to not kill me while I do it?” He asked, a bit of huskiness to his voice at the thought of actually tasting her blood. Already, her strong heart beat sang in his ear, its distraction driving him crazy.
“Well you didn’t kill me or that drunken sharpie, so I’ll choose to trust you. For now. I might change my mind though. Even if you just saved my life, you might try to kill me later,” Vicki said, believing she was crazy to trust him. Thinking he was going to place a bandage on her wound, she pulled the collar of her dress down a bit more off her shoulder, and exposed the gash the bullet had caused as it pierced completely through the top of it. Looking up, Vicki was shocked to see his face leaning in to her.
“Whoa, wait a second,” She stammered as her heart pounded.
Henry held her arms securely as he bent his mouth to the wound on her shoulder. “Hold still.”
Trying to keep his Vampire at bay, and control the sensual emotions this could cause her, was not easy. Especially since her scent was so delicious to him, mixed with the smell of her blood, it intoxicated him. He decided that 'quick' was best for both his sanity and her well being, Henry closed his mouth over the wound. Unable to help himself, he took just a sip and savored the taste of her, knowing one day he would have to drink from her again.
Gently he licked the wound, just enough so it began to heal. He pulled away and looked at it, satisfied it would heal quickly now. Finished, he looked up at her as a sultry smile played at his lips, and his eyes held a barely contained lust. “Well, that was, ah, interesting”
"Thank you. I think," Vicki stamped out the other feelings that crowded her mind. She sat up and pulled her dress back up on her shoulder, aware of his heated gaze still on her.
Henry, not wanting to cause her more distress and threaten the slight bond they now shared asked her, “What do you know about George Devol?”
Her sudden gasp had his full attention.
tbc
Henry really did want to become more acquainted with the beautiful, fiery Miss Nelson. After all, he was always up for a challenge.
With his best smile he said, “Why don’t you have a seat. We could be here a while, while the good detective questions people.”
“No, I don’t think so!!” Vicki practically screamed.
Henry grabbed a chair, and shoved it up behind her legs; so that she had to sit down. And sit down she did. Her rear end hit the chair hard.
“Hey!!!” she exclaimed; “What the hell….”
Then in a blink of an eye he was standing in front of her with his hands on the arms of the chair, and got right at eye level with her.
He looked into those green eyes, and said sternly, “Lady, there’s one thing you’d better start warming up to, and that is that I’m about the only friend that you’ve got right now. I believe what you’re telling me, but the evidence isn’t exactly stacked in your favor right now, is it? You need someone who can help clear your name of this crime. If not,
you’re going to jail, or to the noose. That is fact. I’m willing to help you, if you’ll let me.”
He backed up, and pulled up the chair next to her. He sat down, watching the expression on her face to see if she would calm down. She put her head down, and let out a big sigh.
In a quiet voice she asked, “Why would you help me? You don’t even know me.”
“Let’s just say I think I’m a pretty good judge of character. I don’t want to see a pretty thing like you be hanged. Why don’t you try talking to me?” He quipped.
Vicki looked up at him. She noticed that he had the most beautiful blazing blue eyes she’d ever seen. Henry noticed that her heart rate increased, and grinned at her. At that moment, Coreen came over with drinks for both of them.
“I thought you both could use this.” She said sitting down at the table with them.
“Thanks little sister.” Vicki said, drinking it down in one big gulp.
“I appreciate it, but no thank you. I’m good.” He said flatly.
“Henry Richmond, this is my sister, Coreen.” Vicki stated.
“Hi. Are you going to help my sister out of this mess?” Coreen asked
“If she’ll let me.” He said.
“Vicki, let him help you. I don’t want to be left alone. I know you didn’t do this,” Coreen said as her voice quivered. She was on the verge of tears and stood up abruptly, “I’ve got to do some cleaning up now.”
She left before the tears started rolling down her cheeks.
“Now, are you ready to talk to me about this situation?” he asked.
“Look, I really told you all that I know. I just simply gave the man his drink. Next thing I know, he keels over dead.” She said plainly, “Anyone could’ve put those jewels in my handbag. It wasn’t that hard to do. I’m telling you, they were planted on me; and so was the arsenic in his drink. I have no idea how that happened either. Someone must’ve put it in immediately after I gave it to him.”
Henry just rubbed his hands over his face, and let out a long sigh. Not quite sure what to do at this point. He just knew that someone had pinned everything on poor Vicki; but why? Who would want to hurt this woman?
“Is there anyone who would want to purposely hurt you like this? Anyone at all?” He asked.
“Not that I can think of at the moment. I’m having a really hard time thinking right now,” she said. She wouldn't admit it, but she was scared.
While the conversation took place, there stood a mysterious figure in the dark corner of the saloon, watching everything. The figure was enjoying Vicki Nelson about to get hers; no one noticed though.
Detective Celluci came back over to the table and said, “All right, Miss Nelson, you’re going to have to come with me. I’m arresting you for the murder of David Worthington.”
Vicki looked as if she were about to cry as Detective Celluci started to escort her out.
“No, you can’t take her!” Coreen screamed hysterically, trying to get to her; but Henry caught her by the arm.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get her out. We’ll clear her of this crime.” growled Henry.
tbc
Chapter 4
The men in the room moved quickly to apprehend Vicki. Michael, the
gentleman that had been seated to the left of the jeweler playing cards,
was the first to reach her. As he began approaching from her side, she
let out a squeal then swung an empty whiskey bottle barely missing his head.
“Ms. Nelson I suggest that you calm yourself. This is hardly proper
behavior for a lady.”
“Well sir as you have gathered from your time spent in my presence, I am
hardly a gentle wall flower of a lady and I surely will not allow you or
any of these other men to lay your filthy hands on me.”
“Regardless of your wishes, we have to take you into custody.”
“What makes you so sure of my guilt? This room is filled with people and
anyone of them could be the culprit, not to mention there is no hard
proof that the deceased was even murdered with the exception of the word
of a drunken doctor. He could have died of natural causes. It’s possible.”
“That is for someone other than me to decide. You need to come with me
until we can clear this matter up.”
“And what gives you authority here?”
“This” With that statement trailing off of his tongue, the gentleman
flashed his badge.
“What sort of Officer of the Law are you exactly?”
“I am a Pinkerton Guard. Our firm was hired by Mr. Worthington for
protection. It seems that he was worried that this little riverboat
excursion might be harmful to his health.”
Henry sarcastically responded “Sir that might just be the understatement
of the century.”
Michael once again tried to place the iron shackles on Vicki’s wrists.
He successfully clamped one on the left side, but while attempting to
secure the other wrist, she swung with full force. The tip of the
restraints hit him square in the forehead leaving a nasty gash and a
trail of blood in its wake. The smell of fresh blood awakened Henry’s
senses and he struggled to keep the beast within him under control. The
blow to the head that Michael received left him dazed and confused
momentarily. Swiftly shaking his head, to clear his thoughts, he quickly
composed himself and began completing his task of restraining the wild
Ms. Nelson. Henry went to his side to steady him.
“Detective, I think that you are going to have your hands full with this
one. Would you like some assistance?”
“I would be grateful for your help. Thank you.”
Henry really had no desire to see the beautiful lady confined. Call it
intuition, heightened vampire senses or maybe just an unwillingness to
believe that this enchanting woman could commit such a horrible act, but
he felt that she was not the guilty party and wanted to stay with her
and help her prove her innocence. Once they reached the holding
quarters, Detective Celluci began to search through Vicki’s belongings.
When he removed the small wrist bag, he found an alarming surprise.
Inside was a leather pouch with the initials DW in fancy scroll on the
cover. The pouch was filled with various loose jewels. He knew
immediately who this small bounty belonged to and it was our recently
deceased jeweler, David Worthington.
“Ms. Nelson, would you care to explain why you have this pouch
containing these rare gemstones in your possession?”
“No I don’t care to explain because there is nothing to explain. I have
never seen that pouch in my life.”
“Please do yourself a favor and simply tell the truth about what
transpired this evening. Did you poison Mr. Worthington in an attempt to
get the jewels?”
“Detective Celluci are you hard of hearing?”
“/Excuse me/. Miss I didn’t….”
“I was not finished speaking.” The detective gave an exasperated look as
he motioned for her to continue.
“As I said before, I have never seen the pouch that you are holding nor
did I poison that man. The only thing that I did was serve him the drink
that he ordered. You have to admit that anyone at the bar or even
sitting at the card table could have slipped something into his drink.”
“Well that may be, but these other people that you mentioned did not
have his jewels on their persons now did they?”
Vicki had no explanation for that. She continued to stare at him
dumbfounded, thinking over the possibilities. Henry took the opportunity
to come to her defense.
“Sir, I know that the facts weigh heavily against the lady, but there
could be another explanation to the missing jewels being recovered in
her bag.”
“And what explanation would that be?”
“The same person that slipped the arsenic into his drink may have also
placed the jewels in Vicki’s wrist bag in an attempt to frame her for
the murder.”
“OH I see, you think that you have the case all figured out, Things are
rarely that simple.”
“That’s my point exactly. I just think that we shouldn’t be so quick to
judge that this fair lady is guilty of the crime that has been committed.”
Watching the detective ponder this information, Henry took the
opportunity to place a suggestion in his mind.
“Detective you will presume that Vicki is innocent until more
information is uncovered. Go now and investigate the crime scene and
look for other suspects while I watch the prisoner.”
Michael felt like he was coming out of a dream and gently shook his head
in an attempt to begin thinking clearly.
“Mr. Fitzroy, would you be so kind as to stay with our prisoner while I
talk with some of the other passengers?”
“I would be happy to take charge of her for you.”
“Hey now I am nobody’s charge.” Vicki stated defiantly.
“Please excuse me ma’am. No offense was intended.” Henry was trying
desperately to win over her trust and figured that while he guarded her,
it would give them the opportunity to become much more acquainted.
- Location:Home
- Mood:
curious - Music:Far Away
Chapter 3
Henry was determined to get to know this woman better. He had never in his life been turned away. He was still in a bit of shock. He watched her walk back over to the man, then head toward the bar. Henry decided to stay back a bit and listen in. With his unique ability to hear so well, he thought it best to avoid more contact at this point. He could vamp her, but immediately shook the idea from his head. No, this was different. Henry wanted her to come to him willingly.
"Coreen, give me a whiskey, quickly," Vicki ordered the girl behind the bar. She looked no older than twenty. She was in similar saloon dress, though not as flashy as Vicki's. Her jet black hair was pulled away from her face as well. It was slick, no ringlets. Henry noticed her makeup was rather different.
It almost reminded him of being in Egypt. She had lots of that dark eyeliner they used there. Vicki didn't seem pleased with Coreen’s choice of makeup and she let it be known. Henry found the conversation amusing.
"Coreen, why the hell do you put that on your eyes? Makes you look like a soiled dove." Vicki admonished her.
Coreen rolled her eyes as she poured the whiskey. “Whatever, and stop calling me that! And you really shouldn't curse, momma wouldn't like that." Coreen hated that word "soiled dove". Saloon girls offered companionship and dancing. In return, men would lavish them with gifts or money.
Soiled doves or ladies of the line, as they were also known, were in it for the sex and the money. Vicki never offered any kind of sexual favors and she wasn't about to let her little sister Coreen do it either. They made good money doing what they did; marking up the whiskey and dancing with the lonely men, nothing more.
One man had made the mistake once before of thinking them to be soiled doves. When he left with only one testicle intact, Vicki was sure that mistake would not be made again.
Vicki clicked her tongue at her younger sister, "I don't know how we are related, because you drive me crazy." She did drive her crazy but she loved her anyway.
"Thanks! I do my best." Coreen said sarcastically. Vicki took the drink, swirled around and left. Henry laughed as Coreen stuck her tongue out at Vicki behind her back. With one hand holding her petticoat, the other holding the drink, Vicki called out over her shoulder. "I saw that."
Coreen's eyes went wide. Henry watched Vicki put the drink down in front of another man. She glanced Henry's way, only to turn back to the man, laugh at something that wasn't remotely funny and put her hand on top of his. Another man came up behind Vicki and asked her to dance. The first man nodded his approval.
Off they went, with Vicki looking over her shoulder at Henry. He didn't know why, there was no explanation, but he was suddenly very jealous. Henry watched them walk over to the very small dance floor. The man Vicki had given the drink to got up and moved to another table of men. They all looked to be gamblers.
He thought maybe he should join them, thus giving him closer, albeit safer, access to watch Vicki. Henry watched Vicki dance as he made his way to the table.
Vicki watched Henry walk towards the table. “Damn him!’ she thought to herself, pursing her lips. As the man she was dancing with swayed her around, she kept an eye on Henry. She watched him sit with his back to the wall, and introduce himself to the group. ‘Great, just great,’ she thought.
When the dance ended, the man handed Vicki some money, tipped his hat and headed to the bar. Vicki tucked the money into her bosom then marched over to the table where this Richmond fellow had made himself comfortable.
"Howdy boys, " Vicki said purposely avoiding Henry's gaze. Henry smelled her desire, heard her heart race and yet her face was masked. She was good, he'd give her that.
"Howdy, Vicki," one of the men said.
"You met our Vicki yet, Mr. Richmond?," one of them asked.
"Yes, I have had the pleasure," Henry smiled at her. She finally looked at him and her heart sped up even more. What the hell was wrong with her? He was just another man, wasn't he? Vicki slid in beside the man she had been talking to earlier. They had all learned that he was a jeweler and headed for a big show.
The other men had various professions; one was a lawyer, one a doctor and a much younger man said he was a student. He looked a little older than Coreen. Henry immediately felt deceit in him. He was lying.
"So, Mr. Richmond, what is it you do?" Vicki asked slyly. Henry wanted so much to tell her what he could do, but didn't want to be punched this time instead of slapped. Henry, ever the gentleman, simply stated the obvious. "I'm a gambler."
Vicki snorted. "Oh, that's a valid profession," she said. All the men at the table laughed except Henry. He blinked at her wondering just what to make of her.
"Our Vicki here, well, she speaks her mind, sir. Hope you can handle that." The lawyer said.
"I can handle anything that comes my way." Henry said with confidence. Vicki raised an eyebrow.
"Really, I hadn’t noticed? Care to dance then?" Henry had never had a woman ask him to dance. The men at the table were apparently quite used to her; they all waited for his response.
"I wouldn't turn her down if I were you," the doctor said with a grin, twirling his mustache absentmindedly.
"I wouldn't dream of missing this opportunity." Henry stood up extending his hand to her being polite; she took it as being in charge. Vicki didn't do men in charge.
"We'll see who’s missing what after the dance." She stood up on her own. As she and Henry were talking the jeweler took a sip of his drink, gasped then slumped over.
"Oh my God!" Vicki turned to see that he was ashen, and looked at the doctor.
But before he could take a look at the man, Henry quietly said “He’s dead.” He couldn’t say that he’d heard the mans heart stop.
"HELLOO!!!???" She said, pointing to the fallen man. The doctor snapped to and reached over to his neck.
The riverboat had become so quiet, you really could hear a pin drop.
"He's dead." The doctor verified. “I’ll have to examine him to be sure of the cause, but I don’t think it was heart attack” Everyone in the room looked at Vicki.
"What the hell are you looking at me for?"
"Didn't you bring him his drink?" The doctor asked suspiciously.
"Yes. So?" Vicki stood her ground. They all looked at each other slowly then back to Vicki
"Only thing that kills that quick and quiet is arsenic, high dose too."
Vicki suddenly realized they were accusing her of murder.
"Guess I'll have to wait on that dance huh?" Henry said.
If looks could kill, Vicki most definitely would have been guilty of murder.
Chapter 2 by ccrulz
Well, well. Henry thought to himself, this could be a lovely trip. He
watched the woman make small talk and flirt. She might have looked as if
she were interested in the man, but her body language and scent clearly
showed she wasn't. By all appearances, she was a saloon girl. It was
unusual, but not uncommon, to keep the gentlemen guests company. Her
thick chestnut-blonde hair was swept up onto her head, with a few
ringlets left around her face; they seemed to fame the most beautiful
face Henry had seen in many years. Her lips were full and pink, her
hazel eyes dancing with mischief.
Henry assumed her status as a saloon girl by her appearance. She was
wearing a very colorful dress, shiny royal blue. Her dress came barely
mid-shin her bell shaped skirt revealing brightly colored ruffles
underneath. She had black net stockings, black kid boots and Henry could
swear he saw a pistol tucked between her bosoms. Her dress was off the
shoulder, exposing much more of her than most women would allow in this
day and time. Henry watched in fascination, in awe of her beauty really.
His thought was why such a beautiful woman would be in this type of
situation? The woman caught Henry staring at her. She narrowed her eyes
at him, and then turned back to her male companion.
Henry continued looking unable to tear his gaze away from her. Something
about her was incredibly intriguing. She caught him once again looking
at her and decided to confront him, even though it might mean losing out
on a little extra money.
Henry was thrilled to see her coming his way. ‘Good’. He thought. ‘She
has seen me, so much better than what she has there.’ such arrogance!
"Excuse me. Is there something I can do for you besides have you staring
a hole through me?" she spat out at him, her arms crossed over her now
heaving bosom.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Henry Richmond." He went to take her
hand, to kiss it, but she quickly jerked it away.
"Uh..no, I don’t think so. What the hell do you want?" ‘Ooo, cursing
too’. Henry thought this might be interesting.
"I didn't get your name Miss..? "
"I didn't give it." She said flatly.
Henry tilted his head at her, she was a mystery. Most women just fawned
over him, this one was different, she was strong willed and a challenge.
"I'm sorry, let me start over. I was just noticing that you did not
appear to be enjoying yourself." Henry was trying a different approach.
"Maybe I could offer you say, four times what he's paying you?" Henry
used that sexy smile of his to try and win her over.
The woman looked back at the man she had been talking to, shrugged her
shoulders at him and turned back to Henry.
"Name's Vicki," she stuck out her hand to shake his like a man. ‘Odd’ he
thought. "And cash up front, no credit."
"Before services are rendered?" Henry smiled wickedly. He wasn't
thinking off color, just teasing her. He just wanted to enjoy her
company and rescue her from complete boredom.
Vicki drew a sharp breath in, reared back and slapped him across the face.
"Look mister, I don't know what you think I do, but I DON"T DO that. I
just keep lonely men company.” She lifted her short petticoat, spun on
her heels and left, heading back for the other man. In reality, Vicki
was intrigued by this man too, but she wasn't about to let him know.
Henry stood there stunned. He looked over at Sam who was busy taking notes.
"Let's see. Tom’s best friend? No can't be a girl. Wild berry woman
there," Henry realized Sam was taking notes on the slap he had received,
“okay, full of fire, yeah," he snapped his fingers, "Huckleberry, Huck,
that's it.” Sam chuckled to himself.
Henry was so thrilled to have contributed to this man's writing career...
Riverboat Gambler
Chapter one by btf
Delta Darlin’
Henry Fitzroy walked into the game room of the Delta Darlin’ and pulled out his gold pocket watch from the forest green silk vest he wore. The watch face confirmed what he already knew it was
However, there was nothing ordinary about Henry. He wore his shoulder length brown hair tied back with a thin strap of black leather to match his suit. The black contrasted nicely with his while ruffled shirt and green vest. The chain of his watch fob glistened in the light. He replaced the watch in his pocket, next to the small derringer he carried there as well. He didn’t need the gun for protection, he could kill a man with one hand, but it was a part of the ‘costume’ for the identity he’d chosen.
This was the first night on the cruise from
“What’ll it be Mister?” the burley man behind the bar asked as he wiped the bar with a wet towel.
“Beer” was his only answer. No one noticed if you drank (or rather didn’t) like they did a shot of whiskey. Looking around the room Henry spied a familiar face. Putting a coin onto the bar he picked up his drink and headed to the table in the corner.
The man sitting there was in his late 30’s with dark, curly hair and a bushy moustache. He had a bottle of whisky and a glass in front of him, and a small stack of papers that he seemed to be putting in some sort of order. Henry caught his eye and smiled as he walked to the table.
“Hello Sam, I did not expect to see you heading south this time of the year. Isn’t it a bit warm for you to be heading to
The man smiled back and took a puff of his big cigar.
“Well, well. If it isn’t Henry Richmond as I live and breathe. Sit down son.” And he motioned to the chair opposite him. “Hell yes, it’s too damn hot and it’s only the first of May. It’s going to be a horrible summer, but you know you got to go where the work is.”
“Are you still dabbling in writing” he asked as he looked at the man’s notes.
“I’m trying, but I got some ‘speaking engagements’ that my publisher wants me to do first. Can you imagine people paying good money to listen to me tell stories?”
“I’d say it was money well spent.” He said as he took a ‘sip’ of his beer.
“Well I’m working on one now that you might like, since you inspired it.”
Henry cocked an eyebrow in question.
“Remember last year when you told me about your visit to your Aunt’s, and she made you whitewash the picket fence?” Henry nodded; he’d spun a tale to cover a childhood he hadn’t had. “Well it got me thinking and I decided to enhance it a bit and turn it into a book. Having a darn time getting them to publish it too.” He added. “Hope you don’t mind but I changed your name too, Henry Richmond just sounded to formal for a kid.
“So who am I in this story of yours” the idea was quite amusing to Henry.
“Well I’m thinking it should be something easy to remember and fittin’ of a kid being punished by his Aunt, something simple like Tom. What do you think son?” he swallowed a shot of whiskey.
“I think I’ll have to read it someday, and I’m honored you enjoyed the punishment more than I.”
“You will son, you will.” He continued “Say you gonna try your hand at some cards tonight?”
“I thought I might just do that, and if you’ll excuse me I’ll see if they are starting a game.” Henry rose and with a nod of his head turned to leave the table.
“Hey Henry, don’t forget your beer” the man called to Henry.
“That’s alright its warm now anyway.” Henry laughed.
“Don’t blame you there boy, never could understand how you could drink that stuff when you could have a good glass of whiskey.”
Henry headed to the other side of the large room, his eye on a table in the back with a wall behind it. He looked around the room and a tingle hit his spine. Standing in a corner by the piano was a couple deep in conversation. The man was unremarkable but the woman was something else entirely. She had a shapely figure and the prettiest face Henry had seen in a long time………
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