The Vampire Council: Case File:1 by Steve Cunningham Page B

they’re only going to get bigger. So leave it to me. I’ll force these cracks to widen and I’ll give you your orders when it’s time to strike.’ Dirk stands. ‘Any questions?’
    The group all look at each other and shake their heads.
    ‘Alright then. It was lovely to see you all and I’ll have Max here show you out.’ Dirk walks through French doors out onto an outside roof decking as Max thanks the guests for coming and shows them the door. As the last guest exits Max closes the door and joins Dirk out on the decking.
    ‘Are you sure about all this?’ Max asks.
    ‘I have never wanted anything more than I want this. The Ana Programme will be the end of this shit life we lead.’ Dirk gazes at the sunrise.
    ‘I’ve received word our little pet failed on his mission. I thought it would be best to tell you after the meeting.’
    ‘Doesn’t matter the fact he showed up was good enough. This will shock the council into a state of panic and fear. And this is good for our plan.’
    ‘Are we all done tonight sir?’
    ‘Yes you can go. Oh, but first. Phone someone to come clean that mess up.’
    ‘Yes sir.’
    ‘Oh and the mess outside our front door too, be quick with that one, the mortals will be out on the streets soon.’
    ‘Yes sir. I’ll deal with that one now.’ Max leaves Dirk out on the decking and exits the apartment.
    Dirk continues to stare at the sunrise as an evil smile appears on his face.
     
     
    CHAPTER 10:
    TIME TO BE ROGUE
     
     
    J eff stares out of the hotel room window at the sunrise. Tessa is sat at the end of the bed scraping dirt from beneath her nails with her knife.
    ‘I still don’t understand.’ Jeff turns to face Tessa and lets out a sigh at the sight of her cleaning her nails in such a barbaric way. Tessa slips her knife back into her boot before releasing a sigh that triumphed Jeff’s.
    ‘It’s quite simple. But I’ll explain it again for you.’ Tessa leans back supporting her weight with her arms. Jeff turns back to the window at the sight of Tessa’s calmness. ‘I’m what’s known as a rogue. I’m not connected to the council in anyway.’
    A spark flickers in Jeff’s brain at the idea of leaving the council. So you can leave? A feeling of happiness shoots through his body at such an idea. He focuses his attention back on Tessa.
    ‘So it is possible to leave? I can leave and this nightmare can be over?’ Jeff can’t hold back the smile appearing on his face.
    ‘Don’t be flashing about that cheeky smile, you could make a girl just drop her panties.’ Tessa stares with a cheeky grin at Jeff whilst raising an eyebrow and biting her bottom lip. Jeff’s smile fades as a frown appears.
    ‘Stop with the joking. I want to know. So it is possible to leave the council?’
    Tessa shakes her head to get rid of her cheeky grin which is replaced by a look of seriousness as she rolls her eyes at the stupidity Jeff owns.
    ‘You can leave the council. But you can’t leave the lifestyle.’
    Jeff’s heart begins to sink. ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘The moment you decide to drop out of the council that’s it really. It’s the end. You’re now a rogue.’ Tessa begins to fiddle with her fingers. She can see in Jeff’s body language that he is not too keen on what he is being told.
    ‘Surely that can’t be any worse than working for the council. You have freedom being rogue surely?’ Jeff tries his hardest to cling onto hope.
    ‘Being a part of the council you only have to worry about being hunted by one group of people, and because there’s not that many vampire hunters compared to vampires it’s very rare you come across them especially for rookies.’
    ‘So who else is hunting you?’ Jeff spots a flinch from Tessa, he knows he has hit a nerve but he wants to know.
    Tessa looks up into Jeff’s eyes, ‘You.’
    Confusion fills Jeff. Me, what is she on about? He could tell by the stern tone of her voice that she didn’t want to discuss it anymore. But