Deadly Intentions: The Dark Embrace, #1

By L J Kish

When Amber Darien was in her late twenties, a secret government agency coerced her into the role of lead physic investigator to a task force in Massachusetts. The team's primary function to which she was assigned? The monitoring and policing of energy-deficient individuals that medical science could genetically identify and were so labeled as 'vampires' because of their needs.

 

A few years after the task force was created, Amber finds herself in the middle of an unusual serial killer case. She must use her abilities and intellect to find a killer who can psychically shield themselves from being heard or seen while killing and afterward.

 

While the investigation takes place, Amber needs to deal with the vampire community. She must gain their help, traverse the misconceptions between them and ordinary people, and survive the effects of a highly advanced collar forced upon her by the unknown government agency.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L J Kish
• Release date: Feb 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201066284

L J Kish

Inspired by years of research and learning in a hybrid-genre world. L. J. Kish is a caretaker, pet parent, software developer, artist, poet, dyier and writer whose brain also tends to work in a hybrid-genre way.

Book preview

Chapter 1

We thought the worst to happen in the 19th century was the year 2000 computer bug. We could not be more wrong. The new millennia brought new breakthroughs and discoveries in various technologies. By 2026, medical science discovered a new genetic variation in humans with unique needs. They called it homo vampirous due to those needs. Ordinary people called them vampires, and these vampires called ordinary people sapiens. Some officials claimed a lycanthrope variation existed, but no one had proven it. Supposed lycanthropes often refused to undergo testing before disappearing.

Vampirism became accepted in the United States before the other nations, and vampires rapidly created large communities in state supplied zones. Several government agencies then came together to create a new and separate bureau in charge of monitoring and policing vampire-related crimes and activities. Many members chosen for their state task forces had latent skills. However, only one in a thousand showed any actual ability out of the average population. Of those, only one in ten possessed several gifts. Most psychics ignored their talents before, and they didn’t want to use them now. Those who rejected the new line of work endured bullying, harassment, or even blackmail until they accepted the positions or committed suicide.

Testing confirmed that Amber Darien was a powerful, genuine psychic, and those in charge assigned her to the state task force that had the most vampire encounters. She tried for years, before assignment, to ignore the dreams and visions she’d been having, and she rarely used her psychic abilities at all. Instead, she helped her assigned task force only after being coerced and given no other choice.

They called themselves the Massachusetts Hyper-normal Investigative Task Force, or the MaHnIT team. The beat cops pronounced them ‘man it.’ They covered the entire state and not just the city of Springfield, where their headquarters were located. The first year she worked with the team, they investigated many crimes reportedly committed by vampires but found that an average human had committed each offense. Amber wanted to rename them psycho-sapiens, for not one was normal in the same sense a sane person would be.

By the middle of her second year with the team, she’d become the most well-known psychic investigator in the U.S. She tried to keep her name and face hidden for privacy’s sake, so her off hours were her own. She had become famous. Or infamous, depending on who you talked to. The media had given her a name. They called her ‘The Oracle.’

While most cases were in their own state, other states sometimes asked for her help. Several related murders between Springfield, Massachusetts, and Hartford, Connecticut, had them going back and forth between the two cities over 2 weeks with little to no sleep. Each time they’d finish with one crime scene in one town, they’d get a call to go to another location. Amber felt tired, achy, and her mind was fuzzy. She sat in the back of an unmarked car with their team leader, Luther, who watched her as she pulled up the hood of her coat.

A small badge adorned her collar. With the hood down, it wasn’t noticeable at all. A jeweler had shaped 24-carat gold into a police shield, but a genuine amber all-Seeing Eye sat in the middle. It had been a gift from Luther and his wife almost a year earlier during the second task force Christmas party. She really didn’t know anyone then, but Luther’s wife, Lilly, made her feel a lot more comfortable. The older woman’s tan face was framed by short, curly, brown hair with silver just starting to show along the top. She told Amber that it would be fashionable if she wore something shaped like a badge not really one. It also became the trademark of The Oracle whenever she was out on assignment.

I’m sorry you haven’t had time to rest on this one, Amber, Luther said. Government officials from both states are screaming at us to catch this guy. I hear the feds are watching this case too.

Luther was a big man with massive shoulders, a thick neck, shaved black hair, and dark eyes that completed his macho look. The funny thing is, he was a sweet person. He could handle himself, and he cared for her as if she were his daughter, though he was a few years older than her. She was thirty-two, going on a hundred and fifty. At least, that’s what it felt like to her. Long copper-colored braids wrapped around her head like a crown. Her eyes were almost the same shade of green as the ankle-length dress she wore. The thick warm wool coat she wore was black and looked more like a cloak.

When do I get to sleep, Luther? I can’t think straight anymore. If I don’t get some sleep soon, I’ll blame everything on one of our guys.

He chuckled, looking out of the window. You’ll have to beat me to it. I figured I’d name Jerry sometime tomorrow to the higher-ups.

She laughed and looked, too. The regular beat cops pulled a man from a nearby nightclub their car sat in front of. The man matched her description, but she got angry at how roughly the cops treated him. She wanted to ask him a question, not have him harassed. So she opened the car door to stop the rough treatment. What are they doing?

Luther jumped out and headed around the car to stop her. The young man struggled against the two cops, pleading he had done nothing wrong. Short sandy blonde hair framed his pale face, and his light green eyes were wide with fear. They pulled him out of the building without a jacket. That might be why he shivered. It was six below with the wind chill, which for late March was unusual.

Pipe down, one officer said. The Oracle wants you.

Hold it, another man said as he stepped from the club. He looked like he was in his mid to late twenties, with long, black, slightly wavy hair. It hung down about his shoulders. Dark blue eyes grew stormy with anger. He’s my responsibility. If this oracle wants him, he’ll have to explain why to me.

A third man also stepped from the club on the heels of the second. Though his hair wasn’t as long or curly, he looked similar. His eyes were brown rather than blue. Also, he seemed older than the first. It surprised her that the younger-looking man emanated more power than the other. Both, like the young sandy-haired man, were vampires. She could feel the difference like one could feel the sun on their shoulders. She ignored Luther and headed for the two cops and the young man.

Amber could only imagine that she looked like death to him. He saw the black hooded figure heading his way and paled more so. The other two vampires moved forward as if to intercept her. But, instead, she heard Luther moving around her to stop them. She halted three feet from the cops, lifting her head to eye the rookies in anger. Let him go, now!

They did so, moving away. The young man regained his balance, then stood still in shocked surprise. You’re a woman!

The two black-haired men also drew to a sudden halt. They were both just as surprised, but they concealed it just as fast. Her eyes remained on the cops. I said I only wanted to ask him something. You had no right to treat him as you did. I’m sorry if they alarmed you. Were you hurt?

Her eyes moved to the young man. He held one wrist with the other hand and still looked quite shocked. But you’re a woman!

No one’s ever held it against me before, she said as she reached for his wrist. He took a step away from her, and she frowned. I won’t hurt you. Please let me see it.

It’s just a scratch, he said as he moved the one hand. I heard The Oracle was a man.

She reached forward and wrapped her right hand about his wrist. Don’t believe everything you hear. I need information from you, Daniel.

His eyes grew wide as he met her gaze. His surprise was no doubt because she knew his name when none there gave it to her. He swallowed as the more powerful black-haired vampire stepped closer. Do you expect me to let him tell you anything? You’re just itching to hunt us all down. How many people have you killed, Oracle? How many more innocent people will you hunt down because we’re not sapiens?

She frowned, releasing Daniel’s wrist once it healed. I’ve killed no one, and I only track down those who kill in cold blood.

You help them, the black-haired man almost whispered, gesturing vaguely toward Luther and the two street cops.

She could feel his anger, even though he was trying to maintain control. He was, perhaps, the most powerful vampire she had ever met. She had a vague sense of having seen him before, though it was more a case of maybe just passing him by. She wondered why she felt the need to explain what she did.

Perhaps, she thought to herself; it was because she was tired of enduring hatred for doing something she had no control over. Maybe it was because she wanted others to know what she knew. Perhaps she no longer wanted horrifying images bombarding her mind.

The other black-haired man set a hand on the first man’s shoulder. Easy, Eric.

Leave off, Morgon, he said, shrugging out from under the other man’s hand. Tell me, Oracle. Do you enjoy hunting down vampires? Do you like it when sapiens put them behind bars to die?

No, she barely whispered.

He seemed taken aback, if only for a moment. Then why do you do it?

Amber, Luther said softly.

She caught his warning and knew she couldn’t tell anybody. Only those who controlled her determined who she talked to. Topics of conversation were even more restrictive. It made getting information very difficult when she worked on a case. Most vampires had friends who insisted she not talk to them. Luther, and others she worked with, often bullied the information out of them.

Tonight, only Luther was with her. The rest of their team was back at headquarters, working on the leads they had already collected. She was sure the two rookies would not hesitate in jumping in if a fight started between them. Amber didn’t want that to happen. She needed what Daniel knew, but she had to get past Eric first. Amber remembered his question. Why did she help the police?

If I told you why, she said while leaning forward, they’d kill you.

He seemed surprised by her reply. It was open and honest. He probably expected nothing like it but was still stubborn about giving any information out. And you want us to help you?

She sighed. The killer I’m tracking targets only infants and toddlers. They’re usually found torn apart and with most of their internal organs missing. Occasionally, the parents are killed, but their bodies are always intact. I know this is not the work of a vampire. I also know that Daniel passed through the same park area by the riverside around the same time the killer did a short while ago. All I want to know is if he sensed anything strange or out of the ordinary during that time.

Eric smiled faintly. So, the great vampire hunter we’ve all heard about now stalks baby killers.

The two beat cops moved forward while Luther clenched his fists. Amber raised one hand to stop them. I can’t make you help find the killer, but I can tell the media that vampires will do nothing to help. Think about how pleasant your life will become if that gets out.

Eric scowled, clenching his own fists, and then he gestured to Daniel. One day, Oracle, you’ll find one of my kind just behind you when you least expect it.

Perhaps, she said, and then she looked at Daniel.

The younger vampire seemed to think back to his last walk. Vampires aren’t like what the movies and other media portray them. They are really just overly psychic sapiens with special needs. Vampires require blood or other forms of energy to keep themselves as normal as possible. She knew there were other, lesser distinctions, but she kept them strictly to herself. Daniel looked up and shrugged. I don’t remember feeling anything out of the ordinary.

She nodded, sensing that he was telling the truth. She turned to Luther just as his beeper went off. I bet you the next round he’s struck again.

Luther glanced at the beeper and frowned. It’s headquarters. We have to go.

Amber matched his frown and went to the car when he gestured for her to do so. I don’t suppose they could give me a couple of hours of sleep first.

Most likely not, Luther said before closing the car door. He worked his way around to the driver’s side. After climbing in, Luther started the engine and reached for his cell phone. He punched in a number and put the phone to his ear. She looked out the window at the three vampires, who continued to argue quietly over what had just happened. Then, one by one, they went back into the nightclub. Eric was the last to go. He glanced her way once more than sent her the most sinister-looking smile she had ever seen. Finally, after a few mumbled replies, Luther ended the call. Well, you were right. We need to go to Indian Orchards.

He pulled into traffic and headed for the other side of town. It was Friday night and well after rush hour, but the threat of a snowstorm kept many people off the streets. Amber stared out the window, looking at vast piles of snow already there and wondering where the next round would go. She was grateful the holidays were over, and spring was only a month away. The holidays were depressing without family to share them with, and Mother Nature did not have the same spring calendar. So she was dealing them a good and final blow.

A short while later, they walked through the door of a large townhouse. Like most crime scenes, people were doing a million things. The noise level was extremely high until she appeared. Then, it grew suddenly quiet. She was tired and irritable and wanted to turn toward a group of young cops and shout boo, but she contained herself. Luther kept her in the kitchen area until the others finished photographing everything and taking samples. They left the building once they finished, so there would be nothing to distract her.

Once the rooms were clear, Luther gave her the okay to proceed. She took a deep breath, opened herself up, and then walked toward the bedrooms. Her eyes closed as Amber glided down the hall. Everything around her was crystal clear, however, when she used her other senses. She could hear the breeze from a fan brushing around furniture and sweeping across the rug before it glided across her own bare hands. There was a warmth to the draft, which indicated a forced-air heating system was running. She removed the memories and feelings from the jumbled images she was receiving.

After removing the memories, there remained an impression of the intruder, though it was not clear. The killer could block themselves from being seen psychically, she concluded. She followed the killer’s path as if she was following the trail of a black hole. She could hide psychically, similarly, to a certain extent, but not as entirely as the killer could. Of course, she’d never practiced the technique, but she bet the killer spent many hours perfecting his talents. She’d never seen or felt anything like it unless you counted all the other recent crimes she’d walked through that he had committed.

She paused by the parent’s room for only a moment, then went to the child’s room. The door was open as she took another deep breath, then entered the room. There was blood splattered everywhere. She avoided the most extensive stain on the carpet, knowing the fabric would squish if she walked into the center. The crib lay against one wall, but she didn’t need to move closer to know that what remained of the child lay within it. Already breathing hard, she could feel the vivid memory of pain and knew the child was alive during most of the attack.

The killer literally pulled the little boy apart while he kicked and screamed. She could hear it and see it as if she was there, but she couldn’t focus on the killer. He was just a black void. Her focus moved to a smear on the wall as she tried to bring the pain and horror under control. The killer made it after tearing the child apart. She tried to control her breathing, feeling the child’s panic like it was her own.

She pointed to the striped wall. Luther, I need a picture of the mark. See if you can get it on the same scale as the other ones.

Luther stepped around her with a camera. I don’t see how they can be anything more than just smears.

The killer did it on purpose after the boy died, she said. It has to mean more than just a smear.

He clicked the camera, then handed her the Polaroid. She pulled a stack of similar photos from her coat and placed the new picture at the back of the pile before they all went back into the pocket. Luther snapped a second shot for the office, then eyed her sideways. How’d he die?

She really worked at shielding herself from the immense amount of violently graphic images and sensations flooding her mind. Like the others.

He was awake?

Yes, she said, looking around to make sure she missed nothing. There’s nothing else here. I need to go home, Luther. I need time to get all of this stuff out of my head, or I’ll be useless at catching this guy.

Luther nodded, hooked one of his arms through one of hers, and led her from the room. Many officers waited outside with the coroner to load the bodies and seal the house. Amber climbed into the car and slumped into the seat. Exhaustion set in, but she didn’t dare close her eyes. Amber couldn’t get the picture of the little boy out of her head. So instead, she stared out the window, trying to find anything of interest to look at. Dirty snow ran along the sides of the road and over most sidewalks. Time slowly passed. She sighed, then looked ahead.

I’ll see if I can get the collar turned down to defense mode for a few hours, Luther said.

It doesn’t matter, Luther. I’ll never be able to sleep again.

Why do you say that?

There’s a reason I didn’t want to join the task force, she whispered. It’s bad enough watching an adult get killed, but these children are giving me nightmares. I can’t even close my eyes without seeing one or more of those poor kids getting ripped apart.

Which is why we need to get this person sooner rather than later, he said. You’re not the only one who finds this case hard, Amber. I probably have similar bad dreams.

But you’re a cop, Luther. It’s part of your job. I purposely went into robotics to avoid being around other people and using my gifts, and now I’m doing this. Something has to give, or I’ll find another way out.

They were silent for a long time, and then Luther eyed her from the side as he pulled into the driveway of her home. Do nothing stupid, Amber. Something will give soon. Are you going to Anna’s baby shower on Friday night?

That’s this Friday? I thought it was next month, she said, scratching her arm in thought. I don’t have a date for it either. Kelly said everyone was to bring someone else since it’s such a posh place.

Luther smiled wickedly. There’s a new guy in the precinct who’s been asking about our team and about you. He’s seen you once or twice, and he’s already asked a lot of questions.

She frowned. I don’t like blind dates, Luther. The last one was a disaster. The guy reached for my neck, ended up in a coma, and then died.

A short laugh burst from the man’s lips. You just have to be more careful. Look, you don’t have a date, and the guy’s interested. So I’ll tell him to stop by around six to pick you up. That will give you enough time to stop somewhere for a drink and talk beforehand.

Her frown deepened. I don’t know.

That’s too bad for you. Your date will be here at six. I’ll see you before then if this person kills again. Sleep well, Amber.

Not likely, but you too, Luther, she said, and then she climbed out of the car and headed for the side door of her home. She unlocked the door, then closed it behind herself and moved further in to shut off the alarm. Then, after taking off her coat, feeding the fish, and starting the fireplace, she poured herself a glass of wine and reclined on the couch in the living room. By the time she finished the first glass, she felt a bit more relaxed.

She considered pouring a second glass but decided against it. Besides, her eyes were closing. She told herself she should go up to her bedroom, but she was just too comfortable. She grabbed one of the small pillows and stretched out on the couch, closing her eyes and allowing herself to get some sleep. How long she slept, she wasn’t sure. She didn’t know what woke her. There was a fleeting sense of something powerful, like a vampire or the killer, but it was disappearing. It was still early. The clock on the mantle said four twenty-three. She wasn’t a night person. But, of course, she wouldn’t call herself a morning person either. She rose to her feet, then made her way up the stairs.

She took the time to pick up one of the teddy bears, which had somehow fallen from the long dresser. There was a collection of them on top, though most of them belonged to one niece or nephew in their life. She’d collected them all as each child grew out of them, hoping one day to have a child of her own with which to share them. That hope died once she gained the collar. The small bear she picked up had belonged to one niece who never got the chance to grow out of the bear. She kept a hold of the bear then fell onto the big, brass bed. Without even bothering to reach for the sheets or blankets, she curled up with the stuffed toy and fell back asleep.

Chapter 2

Eric walked the halls of his estate earlier than usual. He was in a particular funk after leaving The Oracle’s home the previous night. He couldn’t get in, but he knew he’d figure it out without setting off the alarm system soon enough. There was just something about that woman that set his nerves on edge. He knew all the stories about her, though most were unconfirmed. Still, they couldn’t all be false. He stalked into the main eating hall to see who else was up. His second in command was just finishing breakfast while going over a few documents. There were several others in the room as well. He made his way to Morgon’s side, then dropped into the chair beside the man.

Morgon glanced his way, then set the papers down. You look like crap, Eric. What kept you out late last night?

The Oracle.

Morgon raised one eyebrow. She had you held?

No. I was scouting The Oracle’s home.

Is that wise? Morgon’s voice dropped a few levels. I got the impression she wasn’t anything like what we’ve heard about, but that big cop she was with could be trouble.

Looks can deceive, Morgon. I intend to end her line of work, starting with her. Too many of our people have disappeared at the hands of people like her. It’s about time we did something about it.

You know someone else will just take her place. Besides, what if you’re wrong?

I’m not.

What if it backfires? You can put the entire estate and everyone in it in jeopardy.

Eric hesitated for only a moment and then shook his head. I’ll be cautious.

I hope so, Eric. But I don’t agree with you on this one. I think you’re wrong about her.

Eric met his friend’s gaze but didn’t show his own irritation. Duly noted.

So, what do you plan to do?

I have Justin watching her place right now. He called to say she’s moving about, and he’ll call back if she comes out and heads anywhere. I intend to watch her for a few days, see what kind of schedule she keeps and figure out how to get into her house without setting off the alarms. Then, once that’s complete, I’ll enter the place and take care of her.

Don’t be cruel about it, Eric. If you really mean to do it, then just do it. I don’t care if what we heard about her is true or not. We’re not barbarians like the sapiens. To do something they would do makes us no better than them.

Eric smiled. You’ve been listening to Zachary’s sermons, haven’t you?

I’m serious, Eric. Don’t be like them.

I won’t, he said. His head lifted as Daniel came near. What is it?

Justin called. He said the dove has flown the coop, and he’s following. What does that mean?

That means I’m going on a road trip, Eric said as he stood. He glanced around, then called over three young women who had been sitting quietly in one corner. Two were blonde, and the third a brunette. All three could have been in their early twenties and wore as little as they could get away with, considering the cooler weather. Jean, Alyssa, Maria, come with me.

Morgon shook his head. Don’t get caught, Eric.

Me? the older vampire asked, and then he stalked from the room with the three women hanging all over him. How would you ladies like to go for a ride with me?

Amber woke up later than usual, grateful that over seven hours had passed without Luther calling her to tell her another child had died. She jumped in the shower and scrubbed herself clean, then slipped into a pair of faded jeans and an old super bowl T-shirt her father gave her nearly twenty years earlier. The quarterback of the winning team signed it too. That fact alone got her a lot of offers on the shirt by most football fans. She didn’t bother to start a pot of coffee, deciding instead to pick up a cup at the local donut shop on her way to the nearest gardening store. She wanted to order the spring flowers and trees she would arrange in the backyard.

The house was part of her payment for doing the job she did. She’d never been to Massachusetts before, let alone lived there until the government assigned her to that state’s task force. The house, which seemed stark and uninviting when she first walked into the empty rooms, was finally becoming her own. She’d knocked out walls, replaced all the fixtures, and gutted the yard of all the original vegetation. The only thing left that was original was the foundation and frame of the house. With the house done, except for a particular set of furniture she’d spent the last two years tracking down and securing, she was ready to tackle the yard once more.

She pulled her Hummer, a vehicle, which she got by pure chance, through the drive-up window at the donut shop and paid for her decaf chocolate raspberry and a cruller. The teller stared at her for a moment, then handed back her change. She then drove down the street to the nearest home improvement store and parked in front of the garden section. She took her time eating her donut while waiting for the coffee to cool down a bit. A fast-looking convertible pulled up next to her big jeep.

She grabbed her keys from the ignition with one hand and her coffee with the other. As she climbed from the jeep, she shoved the keys into one front pocket, then reached in once more for the list of plants and materials she’d want to be delivered once it was warmer. When she turned around, she found the powerful, handsome vampire who had threatened her the night before. He sat in the driver’s seat of the convertible and watched her with a strangely wicked smile. Three young women were in the car with him. It didn’t surprise her.

Well, well, he whispered after rolling his window down. I thought I recognized you. Interesting choice of vehicles.

She shrugged. It gets me around.

Doing a bit of shopping?

Yes. Do a bit of stalking?

He laughed. Hmm. I didn’t expect a sense of humor with you, and I was not stalking you. I came to place my spring order. Just as it appears you have. You three will stay in the car.

One of her eyebrows rose as she headed for the garden center. It wasn’t unusual for a man to order a woman