The officer pushed down his sunglasses revealing red iris spinning lazily. "May I see your IDs? Your vampire IDs."
Well, shit.
"You're a Peacekeeper?" Genesis asked in delight.
"Yes ma'am." He flashed a tattoo at the back of his hand. "Officer Target."
"Thank God! We're in a bit of a situation. You see-"
"What my partner here is trying to say is that we're quite happy to see you." Olivia interrupted. "Here's our ID." They both held up the back of their hand where a dark red tattoo glowed softly.
Officer Target examined the IDs before nodding in satisfaction. "What about our man here?" He asked.
"He's a newborn. Just turned yesterday. We're heading to the City Lord's office to register."
"I can see that." Target chuckled. "I'll never forget that look of confusion on the faces of the newborns. Everything isn't as they expected."
"Are we free to go?"
"Sorry, but no. While I'm sure you're not lying, we have to verify the identity of all newborns. It's standard regulation. I'd like to see your Count's turning approval."
"Unfortunately, we were attacked at our safe house and had to flee." Olivia said. "Due to this event, we don't have the approval documents on us."
"Ah." Target nodded. "Understandable. After all, every newborn is always attacked on their first day. Totally understandable."
Is that sarcasm? Ezra observed the by play taking place in front of him.
"What's going on?" Ezra asked.
In a flash, there was a gun in Target's hands, pointed at the women. "Please step out of the vehicle."
The iris of the two women spun wildly as they froze with their hands up.
"Officer, we-"
"Silence! Get out. No sudden movements or I don't know who I'll have to shoot."
The trio got out of the car slowly under the watchful eyes of Officer Target.
"You're under arrest for the illegal turning of a vampire. Come quietly. If your story is the truth, you have nothing to fear. Kneel."
They did and with a touch on each of them, black chains appeared from his hand, binding the three of them tightly to the ground.
"Phew." Target's gun disappeared and he wiped his forehead in jest. "I never thought it'd be this easy. Who knew I'd find Miss Olivia, Miss Genesis and Mr. Newborn together? Today must be my lucky day."
The three of them shared a look of confusion.
What's this dude talking about? Is he cracked in the head? Going by the other vampires I've met, that wouldn't be a baseless assumption.
"Remind me to send whoever depleted your vitality a gift basket after this is over."
"What are you spouting?" Genesis growled, tugging at the chains. "Is this a trap?"
"Apologies." Target bowed. "This, my friends, is an auction." Target spread his hands and black fog appeared and solidified into a black zone, trapping them in the tunnel. "Welcome to Target's Auction House."
"Quick question. Are we being auctioned?" Ezra asked.
"Yes."
"Okay. Carry on."
"Thank you." Target nodded at Ezra. "All who enter the auction house must know the rules. Rule number one. Discussion between bidders and products are encouraged. It does bolster the profit. Rule number two, all parties are responsible for their own refreshments. This is an auction not a party."
Is this guy for real?
"Rule number three, once an agreement is reached, it cannot be reversed." He perked up like he just heard something. "Ah. Our bidders are here."
"Let us put our hands together and welcome, Sarah of Griffin County." He gestured and a hole opened in the black zone. Sarah walked in calmly with her enchanting armour and flaming blades. "With a giant grudge against Miss Genesis, she's willing to pay a lot of cash to see justice done."
"On the other side, we have Malachi of Solomon County." Target gestured and another hole opened. A short vampire walked in, radiating an aura of hostility. Dressed in a black trench coat, he adjusted the bowler hat on his head which cast deep shadows on his face revealing only his glowing red eyes.
If he's that short now, how short was he before he became a vampire?
"Representing Count Solomon, I'm sure he's here to retrieve the super-secret object Miss Olivia stole. Whatever it is, I hope you find it." He bowed.
"Finally, we have the Flower Shop girls." A hole opened again and a trio of beautiful ladies walked in. Dressed in white gowns and with their faces shrouded by their scarves, their figures radiated with beauty. It was as if nothing could hide their radiance from the world. "They are the richest group of vampire spinsters in First City and all they're lacking is a male vampire to start their coven."
With all members of the auction present, the holes in the black zone closed up. "Welcome one and all to Target's auction house."
"Let's skip the pleasantries, Target. I want the rogue guard." Malachi spoke, his deep baritone surprising coming from someone so small.
"So impatient." The lead flower shop girl giggled. "Don't be so hasty. Let Target do his job."
"Thank you for your defense, kind madam. Let us proceed." Target bowed. "I'm sure you all have something you want in today's auction. However, we won't be selling the items individually. We'll be selling them collectively."
"Hey douchebag! We're not-"
"Shut up!" Olivia hissed, silencing Genesis.
"What is this Target?" Sarah growled. "You said I'll find what I'm after, here. This isn't what you said."
"I'm not contradicting what I said." Target waved a hand. "I did say you'll find what you're looking for. I never said you won't have other competitors for it. I set the rules here. If you can't abide by it, I suggest you leave."
Silence filled the dark tunnel.
"Let's get on with this." Malachi adjusted his hat.
"Thank you. I'm sure you all have something you want. How much are you willing to spend to get it? Let's open the floor with a hundred thousand credits."
"One million." Malachi declared, leaving a stunned silence.
What is this? Is this the power of a Count? Throwing away a million credits like its chump change. Ezra was shocked. He'd never even held more than twenty thousand credits in his hands before. Even his winnings at the casino was just fifteen thousand credits. This is insane.
"Two million credits." Sarah brandished her sword.
Is this the power of a vampire? He couldn't help but tremble. I want this. I want to be able to spend millions of credits on a short notice. I want to be able to pay off my debt like it was all a prank. Whatever happens, I'm getting out of this.
With that, the corrupt cop's auction began.