A Thirst for Life

By Jackson Albritton

Zachary Berger lives a quiet life until he gets caught up in the web of a beautiful Vampire and her "uncle" who has ill intentions for Zachary. Little does Zachary know his family has been in this Vampires life for generations. She haunts, hunts and wants him. Zachary finds help in the form of an aging Vampire hunter and an unexpected source, a newly transformed witch. Intrigue, violence and suspicion from the French -Prussian war extends into today's timeline. Terror reigns in West central Florida.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackson Albritton
• Release date: Jul 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005999834

Jackson Albritton

Hello, I am Jackson Albritton. I reside in the Northern Kentucky area with my dog Harry. I was born in Huntington, WVA. I was raised for my first thirteen years in the beautiful town(s) of Ceredo-Kenova (Go Wonders!) until my parents moved my sister Sandy and I to the gorgeous beach town of Clearwater, Florida (Go Tornadoes!). I met my wife Colleen there (God rest her soul). She was the major reason I took up writing and my major influences have been Mickey Spillane and Roger Zelazny.I dedicate my first book to Colleen and my children Joshua, Katie Noel and my best Friend Lee who has been a virtual lifesaver and best bud for almost fifty years.

Book preview

Jackson Albritton

A Thirst For Life.

Copyright 2022 Jackson Albritton

All rights reserved

Chapter one.

The day dawned bright and clear, the sun a reddish tint. I got out of bed, relieved myself and then shaved and showered. After I dried off, I went to the closet and pulled out a suit I had bought last week. Getting out underwear and socks I dressed, combed my hair, and drank a cup of coffee. Grabbing my keys, I walked out of the house and locked up. I went to my car and drove to our office. I say our because my partner and I started Rticek and Berger Real Estate together. I am Berger, full name Zachary Berger and he is Jonathan (Johnny) Rticek. Johnny was already there when I pulled up and I hoped he had brought breakfast sandwiches with him for us. I got out, locked up and went into the office to seeing Elaine Nelson (administrative assistant/secretary) on the way to my desk. I looked over to Johnny’s desk and was pleased to see a bag from McDonalds on his desk. I set my briefcase down and walked over there. Johnny smiled when I approached his desk.

Free food never fails to gather a crowd, eh Zach?

You’re the fuckin’ genius, you tell me. I replied.

Nice mouth, kiss your mother with it?

No, yours.

He laughed and gave me the finger. I rummaged through the bag and found a sausage biscuit and a hash brown and headed back to my desk. I set the food down and went to the coffee pot. I poured myself a large cup of black coffee and went back to sit down. I checked the clock, and it was five to nine, good. I quickly ate my food and then pulled so papers out of my briefcase. I was making corrections and was lost in the processes when I heard a strange, accented voice. I looked up and saw an older, very well-dressed gentleman talking to Elaine.

I am telling you young lady; your clock is wrong.

Sir, Elaine said politely, it’s an atomic clock, it’s correct to a billionth of a second.

Do you know how much this watch on my wrist cost my dear? Certainly, more than a wooden clock on the wall.

I thought I better go up and see if I could help Elaine out before the old geezer flipped out. I got up and walked over to him and introduced myself.

Hello sir, I am Zachary Berger one of the managers here. What seems to be the problem?

Berger? Sounds Bavarian or Prussian, are you from the old country?

He looked like he was from around the Mediterranean region, maybe Spanish? Not much of an accent though.

My parents are from Germany, but I have lived here since birth.

Germany makes fine time pieces; you should purchase one from there.

Was the old dude daffy? Better handle him with care.

As Elaine was saying, the clock is an atomic clock, extremely accurate.

He pointed to his watch, a Rolex, almost gaudy in its elegance. I nodded and said very nice. But better find out what he wanted.

How can I help you Mister…

Juan Raul Bourbon, at your service.

Bourbon, that’s the Spanish monarchies name, isn’t it?

He smiled and reached out to shake my hand. I clasped hands with him and when he squeezed, I almost cried out. His grip was incredibly strong. I shook back and breathed a sigh of relief when he finally let go of my hand.

Yes, correct Herr Berger. Nice to meet a learned man.

Herr Berger? Go with it, Zach.

European history has always been an interest of mine, mister Bourbon.

Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.

Are you interested in a certain property sir; we have a few listings.

He suddenly turned dead serious. If I would have known how that would have figured in all that would happen, I would have walked out then and there.

Yes, down by the water behind the hospital, grey brick, two story. Do you know of what I am asking?

The old McPherson place we had been trying to move it for over two years. Beautiful place, a bit run down. The place listed for over two million dollars. To be able to sell it would finally be a Godsend.

Yes sir, I know it rather well, but it needs work, and it is quite expensive.

He looked at me like I had a booger hanging out of my nose. I suddenly felt sheepish.

I know it needs work, I noticed it when I drove by it. What does it sell for?

I told him and his expression didn’t change, Hmmm, odd man.

So, it is available?

Yes sir, and we can help with any financing you may need.

Would a bank check be satisfactory?

I almost choked, jeez, the guy must be loaded.

I will have to take your offer to the owner and see if he is acceptable to the idea.

I will give him a check for two point five million, not a cent more.

I believe that would be fine, mister Bourbon.

I hoped so, nobody had ever bought a property that expensive that way before.

Draw up the necessary arrangements, I will be back later today to deliver payment and the title.

What? Whoa nelly.

I believe it will take more than a day, mister Bourbon, as I said, I must tell the seller your offer. But not to worry, we’ll get you processed quickly and efficiently.

Thinking he had regarded me with disdain before he practically dripped with it now.

Are you telling me I have to wait before I move into a place I am going to buy today?

Mister Bourbon, this is quite a purchase and there are steps that must be followed. Believe me, you will be in your new home very quickly.

Your ancestors would be highly disappointed in you, Herr Berger. The Hohenzollerns were a no-nonsense type of people.

He spoke as if he had known them, I was beginning to doubt his sanity. At that moment Johnny came up and introduced himself. Johnny handled all the financial aspects of the business so I knew we would be fine. I told mister Bourbon if he needed anything to please call me. I gave him my card and as I was walking away, he called out.

Herr Berger, remember to fix your clock.

I waved and went back to my desk, wishing Johnny all the luck in the world.

Chapter two.

I made it through the rest part of the day without incident and asked Johnny if he wanted to grab a bite to eat. He declined, saying he had a date with Bridgette, his on and off again girlfriend. Elaine didn’t beg off though, so we headed for the beach and some beer battered shrimp. We took separate cars because she was all business and would only stay for an hour, I wanted to relax and seeing how it was Friday there was no work tomorrow for me. Johnny handled the weekends when needed so I just might stay in a hotel. I always keep a change of clothes in the car, just like the old boy scout I had been, always prepared. We made it to the pavilion bar and grabbed a table and sat down. The waitress came over and handed us a couple of menus and took our drink order. Elaine said she wanted a seven and seven and I ordered a bud and a wild turkey. Elaine flashed me a quick smile and said she liked the way I thought but the turkey, as she called it, was too strong for her. I told her to have a shot of rum, but she declined. We were talking about our day when our drinks arrived. We toasted to the weekend, and I drained the wild turkey and took a long pull of my beer. Our food came shortly after, and we polished off three baskets of shrimp. Then on our second round Elaine steered the conversation back to our odd client earlier.

I knew he was older Zach, but I couldn’t get a feel on just how old? What do you think?

I’m thinking mid to late seventies, but he seemed much older. His speech patterns were older European. He kept calling me Herr Berger.

Yeah, I noticed it too, it was kind of cute.

Kind of antiquated if you ask me.

It is a sign of respect Zachary, don’t have a conniption.

Conniption? Who are you, my mom?

You’d like me to be your mommy, little boy.

Elaine was smart, very quick witted and great at her job. However, she could be a bit on the edgy side.

Why is that, pray tell?

I hear you like your bottom smacked.

Fuck a duck, I had dated Elaine’s roommate Cyndy a year ago and the crazy bitch had a fetish for smacking guys on the ass during foreplay. While I didn’t really mind it was not something us guys that had been her with talked about in public. While I was not calling Cyndy a slut she was well known as well, calling her uninhibited would not be far from the truth.

I seem to remember that you two have showered together, did she smack your ass too?

Elaine’s face reddened and she looked a little irked.

Why do guys always think girls have the hots for each other?

Two words, wishful thinking.

Pigs. Let’s change the subject.

Ok, fine by me.

Back to mister Bourbon, you believe he’s buying the old McPherson place flat out, paying the full amount? Must be over two million bucks.

Two point five to be exact, I wonder if the old guy is related to the royal family? I asked.

Maybe distantly, what would he want that place for?

Hey, that place was mint, I’ve heard of the guests lists of the parties held there. King George was one of the people.

Whatever, nice commission on the place.

Yes, indeed.

The rest of our conversation was usual office stuff, friends and comings and news. When we were done, she stood up and tossed twenty on the table. I told her not to worry I’d get it, but she said she could pay her own way. I shrugged and she said bye and left. I was sitting there nursing my beer when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked back and it was Andrew Jacobs, the chief of police staring at me. I said hi and asked him to sit down, seeing he was in street clothes. He did and the waitress came over with a bud for him. He must have ordered before he came over. Andrew was about fifty with a crew cut, looking a lot like the cop who used to give me a hard time when the guys and I broke the speed limit on Gulf to bay boulevard. High school, good times, mostly.

Hi Andy, fancy meeting you here.

Why numb nuts, you know I live here.

Although his name was Andrew, we called him Jaws because of a prominent one and his tough guy exterior. We didn’t call him that when he was on your case, but he seemed to be in a good mood.

Well then Jaws, I sold the old McPherson place today.

Somebody bought that joint, about time.

Foreign dude, last named Bourbon.

He better have some American cash, place needs fixin’ up.

I think he has it, wanted to give me a bank check today.

Jaws eyebrows arched and he smiled. He took a good pull of his beer and belched, classy.

Was that Elaine I saw driving off? Are you screwing her, Zach?

God no, her roommate was enough for me.

The ass slapper, bet you had a good time then.

Had, she got sort of bitchy near the end.

Keep you peter out of the payroll if you’re smart. Well, look who I’m talking to.

Jaws was always a ball buster, but he was fair and never malicious. He did his job and expected you to not cause trouble, at least on his watch. I had gotten my first ticket from him which seemed like a hundred years ago. I drank the last of my beer and he surprised me by asking me if he could buy me another. I said yes but last one for me.

Relax Berger, I’m off duty and I know you can hold your liquor. I bet you’re staying here on the beach tonight, right?

Correct, that’s why you’re the cop and I’m not, thanks.

He motioned to the waitress, holding two fingers up.

How’s your mom doing Zach, is she doing ok after what happened with your dad?

Mom and dad had emigrated from Germany back in the sixties, had me and dad had worked on the charter fishing boats for years. He had retired a year ago and strangely after busting his ass off captaining boats he had died of a sudden heart attack three months ago. My mom had taken it very hard, but I never saw her cry. I stop by about two to three times a week to check on her.

She’s fine Jaws, thanks for asking. She’s pushing me to settle down, really wants grandkids.

You, a father, lord.

You got that right.

The waitress came back with two beers, and we clinked bottles. Both of us took a sip and he said he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

Best beach in America, Zach.

Yep, scenery’s nice too.

I hear ya, but me being a married man I don’t look.

Sure, me being an intelligent guy I’m not believing you.

We both laughed and talked for a while and when our beers were done, he got up and left while I settled Elaine’s and my bill. I went to my car and got my bag out, strolled to a nearby motel and got a room. I went in, showered, and changed into shorts and tee. I locked up the room and went strolling down the sands just enjoying the sun and sea breeze. When the sun went down, I headed for Indian Rocks beach via uber and found a little pool tournament going on. I joined in but got bounced out in the third round so I tried to cosy up to a cute little brunette, but she wasn’t interested. Just another, normal day in my life. Which was going to change rapidly and not all for the better.

Chapter three.

I woke up the next morning and took a shower, checked out of the motel, and drove to a nice breakfast place off highway nineteen. I ordered three eggs, home fries, bacon, and toast. Just as I was getting ready to dig in my phone rang. But being a slave to tech due to my profession I answered, mistake. Johnny was on the line.

Hello John, what can I do for you?

Zach, this guy Bourbon is loaded! I know from just three financial institutions he has above thirteen million dollars in assets.

So, his check won’t bounce, why is this interrupting my breakfast.

He called me, ten minutes ago, he has been I contact with the seller, and he wants to get the keys for him. Quickly, he will, as he said, make it worthwhile.

What is his big hurry? The bank’s closed.

McPherson called me also, he said to give mister Bourbon the keys.

Had the world gone nuts? Everybody was in a hurry and my breakfast was getting cold.

Call Bourbon back, have him meet me at the office in an hour, no earlier. I am hungry.

Ok Zach, thanks.

He hung up and I went back to my food. I finished quickly but had two cups of coffee so when I arrived at the office Bourbon was not far behind me. I unlocked the door and went in, turned off the alarm and went over to the cabinet. I got the keys out and handed them to him. As our fingers brushed together, I was suddenly in a dream like world. It was foggy and people were speaking German I had the feeling someone was close to me that frightened me. I looked around and saw a lady walking towards me, she had scarlet hair and dark eyes. She was beautiful but frightening and as soon as she was near, she vanished. I came back to the real world and Bourbon was staring at me intently. I shook my head and let go of the keys.

Thank you, Herr Berger. Are you alright? You look as if you had seen a ghost.

I am, uh, fine mister Bourbon. Sorry to startle you.

I was not, young man. You were.

My apologies, please be careful nosing around the old place. I will have a list of people to clean the place for you, we try and keep it clean, but vagrants sometime break in.

I believe the house is just about ready enough for us to move in.

Us? Mister Bourbon? Somebody staying with you?"

He looked irritated for a second but recovered quickly.

My niece may visit soon.

Your niece, okay. Does she have red hair?

He stared at me, and it was a cold stare, I felt it.

Why do you ask that?

Berger, you’re a dumbass.

It was just a feeling, never mind mister Bourbon. Is there anything else I can do for you?

The keys are all I needed, Herr Berger. Thank you, I have left a small gift for your firm with mister Rticek. Good day, sir.

He turned and walked out of the office and disappeared. What an odd man, what an odd vision. He had been surprised by my question and I knew my feeling was right. What was going on?

The day passed quickly and later that night I was at home when the phone rang. I checked the caller id, and it was Rachel, a friend of mine from high school and college. We had dated for a while when she had first started as a pharmacy rep, now she was close to done with veterinary school.

Hi Rachel, what can I do for you?

Just checking if you heard the news.

Who’s getting married now?

No, silly. There has been a murder.

Really? Where?"

Police found a body down off of Myrtle Avenue.

Were they shot, stabbed?

"I don’t know, Jaw’s didn’t