Dark World Read online

2

  «Yes, ma'am»

  «How many does it make it now?»

  «Probably five or six now.»

  Ruby sat listening to the people around her. Something had happened that had brought everyone out and to the diner. Something that involved the police and that random car. She thought for a moment and wondered if it could have been her brother in that car. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought from her mind. It was a waste of time thinking of someone who only got in the way of her happiness. She sighed. It had been years since she thought of him and started to wonder what he might be doing.

  Just as her mind began to drift back to her past, she was interrupted by the smell of bacon and eggs. Looking down to her table, a large plate with hashbrowns, eggs and bacon sat staring at her. Its warm aroma filled her senses and made her stomach growl with hunger. Sitting in front of that was a tall glass filled with coffee. Ruby smiled and looked to Nikky, who moved to sit in front of her.

  «Thanks, Nikky,» Ruby said.

  «No worries, love,» Nikky replied, «you looked like death. So I got the chef to whip you up something. On the house, of course.»

  Nikky winked after she finished. One of the many perks of being friends with a waitress was free food. Not that Nikky ever gave it to her for free all the time. Ruby did pay for most of her meals. However, on days like today, when Ruby was like the walking dead, Nikky would offer her a warm meal. As Ruby ate, she wondered if it was okay for Nikky to be sitting on the job.

  «Relax,» Nikky said, almost like she knew what Ruby was going to ask her. «Everyone is okay. I can take a few minutes to chat with my friend.»

  «It's really busy today,» Ruby stated, «I've never seen this place so full.»

  «Right!» Nikky replied, «it's weird. We had a line up before I even got the coffee pot on.»

  «Why?» Ruby asked, her curiosity growing.

  «You haven't heard?» Nikky asked, her voice sounded alarmed like she was really shocked. «There was a double homicide last night.»

  Ruby's eyes grew wide. A double homicide. That would make it the total murders now six in the span of a few weeks. Ruby had seen the headlines in papers and magazines about them. There was no pattern and nothing linking the victims. Almost every cop in New York was looking for the culprit. And each time they turned up empty-handed. Ruby had kept a few of the headlines, thinking it might link up with something from her past. However, much like the cops, she turned up empty-handed.

  «Do they know who was killed?» Ruby asked in a quiet tone.

  «Apparently, it was two lawyers,» Nikky stated, «they worked for some big firm, I forget the name. But apparently, they went out to celebrate a big win for their firm. And now, well you know.»

  Taking in Nikky's words, Ruby wondered if it could have been the two who had been at the bar last night. Shaking her head, she was sure it wasn't them. They would have gone straight home to drink more. However, something felt odd about it.

  «Police have confirmed the identities of the two male victims in last night's murder. Myles Anderson, 30, and Cameron Foster 31 both suffered severe wounds in the neck...»

  Ruby froze with her fork inches from her lips. Myles and Cameron. Glancing at the screen hanging in the corner of the diner, she saw them. Both were young, good-looking guys who had the world ahead of them. Looking closer to the photos, she dropped her fork and gazed widely at the images. She knew them. They had been in the bar that night. They were out celebrating something that had happened that afternoon. Ruby had kicked them out after they had stayed longer than the last call.

  «Ruby? What's wrong?» Nikky asked as she waved her hand over Ruby's face, «you look like you've seen a ghost.»

  «I...they were at the bar last night,» Ruby whispered, «I saw them. I kicked them out. I thought they'd make it home...»

  «Hey, it's okay. It's not your fault,» Nikky said softly, «they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nothing you can do about it.»

  She was wrong, though. Ruby could have called them a cab. She could have saved their lives. But, no. Instead, she closed the door behind them and left them to fend for themselves. A sudden rush of sickness fell over her as she glanced down to her food. How could she have done something so foolish?

  After saying a quick goodbye to Nikky, Ruby darted out of the diner. She headed back home, where she might feel better. Maybe a hot shower would help. Or perhaps a run in Central Park might be better. No matter what, she wanted to clear her mind. Nikky was right about one thing, there was nothing she could do about it now. The only thing she could do was try to forget about it.

  Kai stood in the shadows watching as the police set their parameters. Around them, the city's residences had started to gather to see the aftermath of the night's events. Six people have turned up dead as of today. And no one on the police force knew why. Nothing linked the victims, except for the method of death. Two large marks on the side of their necks as well as a long slash across it. Kai had seen similar marks in the city before. Several people had turned up dead before Kai had figured out that a Vampire had been behind it. And no doubt this one was the same.

  Vampires were killers by blood. They would stop at nothing until they got what they wanted. Kai, however, saw to it that they didn't. Well, they and other supernatural beings. He was a trained hunter. His last name was feared by many in the night world, thanks to his parents. The Blackwell's were a family of hunters. They swore an oath to protect the people from the likes of monsters. Having been taught at a young age by his father, before his untimely death. Kai had taken up the family business a few years after their deaths.

  He trained hard for years hoping for a chance to come face to face with the monster that left him and his sister orphaned at a young age. He had gotten close, or so he thought. After traveling around the world for answers, he was led here. To New York City, after a tip from one of the Helsing's that the vampire he was looking for had been spotted there. It also meant a chance for him to see his sister once more.

  He let out a breath. He hadn't seen his little sister in years. Not since she abandoned the Hunters way of life and turned her back on him for a normal life. Since then, he's had little contact with her. Even though he didn't care for her reasons, he still missed having her by his side. He still missed seeing her.

  He watched as the police carried two body bags out of the alleyway and into the corners car. There wasn't much he could do now until he examined the bodies. Which might prove trickier than usual. The New York police department had several Morgues. Which meant these bodies would end up anywhere. Stretching his arms, he felt his stomach growl. It had been a few days since he had an actual meal. Canned food didn't count as food to him.

  «Excuse me?» Kai asked one of the bystanders, «do you know of any places to eat that are close by?»

  «The Midnight Diner is just up the road a few blocks. They have the best breakfasts.»

  Thanking the man, Kai headed out for the diner. His body felt excited about an actual meal. The next thing on his list was finding a place to stay, and maybe finding his sister.

  «I'll be with you in a minute,» Nikky called as she heard the familiar ring of the doors bells.

  Tossing the rag in the bin on the booth's seat, Nikky headed to the door. She paused when she saw a young, rugged-looking man standing there waiting. He was tall and thin and wore a dirty pair of jeans with an even dirtier black leather jacket. His caramel-colored hair was messy like he had just got out of bed, but his hazel eyes held her attention. They were gentle, yet strong and fierce. She felt her heart skip a bit as she gazed at him.

  «Table for one?» she asked.

  «Yes, ma'am,» he replied.

  His rugged voice sent shivers down her spine. Nervously, she led him down the aisle and to a booth. She offered him a cup of coffee and a menu and left him for a moment. She stood behind the counter with a rag in her hand staring at him. Her heart raced as she watched his eyes dart over the menu. She had never seen someone like
him before. Sure there was the odd rugged guy that came in. But they didn't share the same handsomeness he did. Placing the rag back in the sink, she headed back over to him.

  «Have you decided?» she asked.

  «Everything looks good,» he replied, «I'm not sure. What's your favorite?»

  «Uhm,» Nikky said. It was the first time anyone had asked her that. The truth was, everything was good. It was hard to pick one, «the eggs benny is good.»

  «I'll have that then,» he said.

  He smiled sweetly at her making her heart flutter more. Quickly jotting down, she rushed over to the kitchen and told them to hurry. When she returned to him with his meal, he smiled once more, and that's when she saw something in his eyes. It was a twinkle, just like Ruby did when she was really happy. Shaking her head, she thought nothing of it. Lots of people had twinkles in their eyes when they smiled. She was just overthinking things.

  «Say,» he began, «you're from here, right?»

  «Yeah,» Nikky replied, «why?»

  «Would you happen to know where this girl lives?» he asked and pulled out an old photo of a young girl, «she's a lot older now, but her face should still be the same.»

  Nikky's eyes grew wide. The little girl in the photo looked exactly like Ruby would have when she was younger. Looking at the young man holding the photo, she wondered why he would know her?

  «Who wants to know?» she asked. There was no way she'd give out her friend's address to some random guy. No matter how good looking they were.

  «I'm her brother, Kai,» he replied, «I haven't seen her in a while, and thought it'd be nice to catch up.»

  Nikky felt a little relieved. That would explain why he shared the same aura as Ruby. She had no idea Ruby had a brother. Ruby mainly kept her family out of their conversations. However, maybe Ruby was an only child. And this, Kai fellow was a stalker. Glaring at him, she pushed the thought away. He couldn't be a stalker. Nikky smiled and gave him very detailed instructions to get to her place.

  «She might be in a bad mood, though,» Nikky continued, «she didn't sleep well last night. I think she might have had another nightmare.»

  «Nightmare?» Kai asked, «what about?»

  «Ruby doesn't talk about them much. The first time it happened, though,» Nikky paused, unsure if she should tell him.

  «Please, Nikky. What a nightmare? I might be able to help,» Kai begged.

  «She said there was a fire. Screams and some figure,» she replied, «she saw a doctor a while back. And got some sort of prescription, She thought she was better. I guess they're starting up again. I'm really worried about her.»

  «I'll see if there's anything I can do for her,» Kai said.

  She watched as Kai waved her farewell. Her heart still fluttering after he was a few feet away. No one had ever left a lingering feeling before. Smiling to herself, Nikky went back to her work. Perhaps Kai really could help her. For Ruby's sake, Nikky hoped so.

  3

  «Open the door, Ruby!»

  As the hot water washed over and the steam began to fill the bathroom, Ruby stood staring blankly at the water as it spiraled down the drain. Her muscles had loosened to the point of actually feeling relaxed. However, her mind was still on the two men who had been killed. A small voice whispered to her. It was her fault. All her fault. If she had only called them a cab. They'd still be alive. Ruby balled her hand into a fist and punched the wall beside her.

  «It wasn't my fault,» she said aloud.

  It was clear to her that the shower wasn't helping clear her mind. Still, the warmth that surrounded her was pleasant. Standing for a few more minutes, Ruby let out a breath. There was one other thing she could try. Only, it would make her shower pointless. Shaking her head, she turned the taps off and dried off.

  The ends of her hair dripped as she walked out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. She made her way across the hall and into her room. A cool breeze caressed her skin as she stood studying the newspaper clippings on the wall. Something must connect them to that night. But what?

  Throwing on fresh clothes, she turned to her mirror behind her door. Her tight black jeans hugged her legs and her white tee clung to her stomach. At least she would look presentable for work. Which just so happened to be in six hours. She groaned when she realized how early it was. Perhaps a walk in the park would be a good time killer.

  As she reached for her coat, she heard a knock at the door. Funny, she wasn't expecting anyone. She waited for a moment, thinking it was just one of those ding-dong-ditchers. However, when another knock broke the silence, she was sure there was someone waiting on the other end. She walked down the stairs cautiously. More knocks followed as she inched closer to the wall. Ruby reached out to the wooden bat that lay against the wall by the door. She always knew one day she would need it but never expected to use it.

  «Whatever your selling,» she began, «I don't want any.»

  «I'm not selling anything.»

  Whoever was behind the door was male. His deep voice lingered in the air. And for a second, Ruby thought she knew who it belonged to. She reached for the knob and waited.

  «Go away,» she demanded.

  «Open the door, Ruby!»

  As she did, she saw a young man wearing old jeans and an even older leather jacket over a grey T-shirt. Everything about him was a mess right down from his caramel brown hair to his black combat boots. Slung over his shoulder was a large bag, more than likely full of dirty clothes and other things. Ruby let out a sigh as she stood staring at him.

  «Is that really any way to greet your brother,» He replied and took note of the bat in her hand, «Nice to see you still have the instincts.»

  «What do you want, Kai?» Ruby barked as she tossed the bat to the wall.

  «You're really not going to invite me in?» Kai asked.

  «No,» she replied.

  «People will, not only stare but talk, you know,» Kai sneered.

  Rolling her eyes, Ruby stepped aside, allowing her brother to come in. She slammed the door shut and walked over to her fridge. Even though it was early, she needed a drink. Kai usually came with bad news. It was something she didn't need at the moment.

  «What do you want, Kai?» she asked again.

  «I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop in and see how my little sister was doing,» Kai replied.

  «You came, you can see that I'm doing just fine. Now leave,» Ruby demanded.

  «Are you really fine?» he asked, «I hear you're having nightmares again.»

  Ruby froze. How did he know about that? And frankly, how did he find her? She made sure not to have her name listed in any phone book. She even changed her number. So how was it he was here? It wasn't because he missed her. That was for sure. Kai usually only looked out for himself. That happened shortly after Ruby was old enough to care for herself. But Kai had somehow made apparent that Ruby was always by his side.

  She hated always being in his shadow. Hence, why she left. His cocky attitude was going to end up killing them both one day. And Ruby wanted to live long enough to settle down with someone and start a family. Turning back to the fridge, she pulled out a bottle of red wine. Popping the cork off, she took a swig.

  «A little early to be drinking, hey sis?» Kai asked.

  «I don't really care what you think,» Ruby hissed, «how the hell did you find me?»

  «You know, I had the nicest breakfast this morning,» he started, «at this quaint little diner. I think it’s called The Midnight Diner. And I met the nicest waitress. Nikky? I think that's what her name tag said.»

  His smug attitude got her blood boiling. Nikky was far to nice of a person for him to just use her like that. She glared at him, as he stood there with a smirk on his face. It pissed her off more. Kai knew that his cocky attitude pissed her off and pushed further.

  «She was so sweet,» he continued, «she gave me exact directions to your place. She even told me that you hadn't slept well. She's worried that you having nightmar
es again. What nightmares?»

  «It's none of your business Kai,» Ruby snapped.

  «I'm worried about you,» he said softly.

  Lies.

  Ruby felt her blood boiling more. Her body grew hotter with each passing second. Taking deep breaths, she hoped to calm herself. It didn't work. It only made things worse. Her mind raced with thoughts of how smug Kai must feel. How big he felt, standing there, acting like the older brother he was supposed to be. It pissed her off more. The lies, he didn't care. If he cared, he would have come when she had asked him to, after the first nightmare.

  The first nightmare was one of the worst ones. It had felt so real to her and left her feeling scared and alone. There was no one she could trust except for Kai. She had written to him, asking him to come and see her. She needed to talk to him about it and tried to make it that he'd come immediately. When he didn't, she had to seek out someone else. She had trusted him. And he failed her.

  Her vision focused on Kai, who came rushing toward her. His eyes were full of worry. This time he meant it. Confused, Ruby looked down at her feet and noticed pieces of glass lying on the ground surrounded by a purple liquid. A sudden stinging sensation crept up from her hand. When she looked at it, she saw small drops of crimson falling from her clenched fist.

  She jerked her hand back after feeling Kai's gentle touch on her skin. She looked to him with anger in her eyes. Even though she didn't know when it happened, she knew he was partly to blame. Why was it, whenever he was around, she would always get hurt.

  «Ruby? Are you okay?» he asked.

  The sincerity of his voice made her chuckle. Of course, she wasn't okay. She was far from okay. She was dealing with the lack of sleep she had, from a nightmare she didn't understand, and to top it all off, her brother shows up out of the blue, and suddenly she's bleeding. Why would he even ask such a ridiculous question? She wasn't okay. Her body began to tremble as tears began to swell in her eyes.