"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 friend 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 see. He does look like one." Target chuckled. "I'll never forget that look of confusion on the faces of the newborns. So much to learn and everything isn't as they expected."
"Are we free to go?" Olivia asked.
"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. "Because of this, 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." The sarcasm in his voice couldn't be missed by anyone.
Ezra silently observed the byplay taking place in front of him.
Target frowned and in a flash, there was a gun in his hands, pointed at them. "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 three of them got out of the car slowly under the watchful eyes of Target.
"You're under arrest for the illegal turning of a vampire. Come quietly. If your story is true, you have nothing to fear. Kneel."
They did and with a touch on each of them, black chains appeared from his hand, encircling their wrists and extending into 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."
"Ah, shit." Ezra sighed. Target was one of the people after them.
"Remind me to send whoever depleted your vitality a gift basket after this is over." Target laughed.
"Fuck you!" Genesis growled, tugging at the chains. "You don't want to do this."
"Apologies, but I want to." 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."
Target grinned like he had a large audience listening to his every word. "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."
"And 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, still wearing her armor and with her flaming blades in her hands.
"With a giant grudge against Miss Genesis, she's willing to pay a lot of cash to see justice done." Target said, rubbing two fingers together in the universal sign for money.
"On the other side, we have Malachi of Solomon County." Target gestured and another hole opened. A short vampire walked in and at the sight of him, a single word popped into Ezra's mind.
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.
"Representing Count Solomon, I'm sure he's here to retrieve the super-secret object Miss Olivia must have stolen. 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 the lower half of their faces covered 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. Fortunately, we have one here with us."
Ezra glanced at Olivia and Genesis. The best outcome here for him would be the Flower Shop girls winning the auction.
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 in this place. 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 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.
Ezra stared at them. This was to be expected. Vampires all had money but the question was how much money was worth whatever they wanted from them?
"Two million credits." Sarah brandished her sword.
And with that, the corrupt cop's auction began.