Sarah's Hunger: Part Four

"Bertie and I don't want competition," Mildred explained. "That's why we're draining your blood in this manner. No fang contact, no new vampire in our territory. Now behave and Bertie will wait until you black out before slashing your throat. Like we did to all the others. Cops in this town won't think twice about it. This is New York after all."

"Yeah, you might have gotten away with it, bloodsucker. Except you killed a cop. We don't forget that. Ever. Do we guys?"

A spotlight cut the night. Mildred shrieked. "Kill her,Bertie!"

Fangs bared, Bertie leaped, straddled Sarah and rushed to tear out her throat. A hail of silenced gunfire cut him down in mid motion. He fell, kicking and shrieking.

Mildred darted to his side, cradling him in her arms. A dozen bullet holes showed red. "Bertie, Bertie...you can't die. We're immortal," she cried.

"Nannie, it's so dark. I'm scared. Hold..." Bertie's voice faded. He shivered, struggling to sit up. Bright red blood circled his mouth, transforming the wan face to that of an evil clown. As Mildred kissed his forehead, he crumpled into dust. Rising slowly, Mildred carefully blew the dust from her gnarled crone fingers. An angry fire smoldered in her eyes. Suddenly she sprawled over Sarah.

"I'll die, she hissed, "but first I'll taste your blood and condemn you to endless night." She snapped Sarah's neck back, the jugular vein pulsing wildly beneath the gaping jaws. Sarah struggled, but couldn't break the monster's death hold. Bared and dripping fangs descended, smelling of toothpaste, blood and death.

A silver cross, dangling on a chain, halted their descent. "Back it up, Granny and keep your hands where I can see them," said a man in black.

Mildred, snarling like a trapped wolf, was surrounded by men and women in black SWAT outfits. Each carried a silver cross and a silenced Uzi.

"You ok, Sarah?" It was Mike Dulaney, the officer in charge.

"Yeah, I just need a sugar fix. My blood sugar level is about to bottom out, thanks to Junior and Nannie here. Damn diabetes." Sarah ripped the IV
tubing from her arm and dangled the bag before the vampire. "Hey Mildred, still hungry?" She tossed the IV bag to Mildred, A confused look crossed the vampire's face. "Then eat this," Sarah yelled.

The silenced .40 caliber Glock pistol rocked once, twice and was still. Mildred collapsed, wooden bullets in both heart and brain. She dissolved like a bad memory.

"So, how are you liking Vampire Patrol now?" asked Mike.

"Great," Sarah replied. "No bookings, no lawyers, no plea bargaining. Just sight and shoot. It's better than sex."

"Thanks a lot Mrs Dulaney. Maybe I should take you home and help you rethink
that last part."

"Fine by me cowboy, but first I gotta eat," Sarah replied. "Where's my candy bar?"