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Amelia had opened their eyes, but it was too late.

They glared at my stubbornness, and, as a group, thanked their rescuers.

Evilly, I smiled at Inka as she glanced at me before following them. Such a deep love we’d once shared, now it was hate.

“Don’t come back,” I said to their backs. “Any intruder on my territory shall be killed.”

They stiffened and then left.

“James, can you start the memory swipe? I’ll smash the files and everything else on us.”

“Certainly,” James replied.

James sat Jarvis down and placed his hands on his head. Jarvis stared at James and then his head fell forward as James dropped him into a deep sleep. Amelia stood next to James and massaged his neck. Wiping someone’s memory was a tiring business and was rarely done as it severely weakened us.

I picked up a computer and went to smash it when Dick stopped me.

“They could still retrieve the data. We can do one of two things. Wipe the memory core but that’ll take ages, or smash and burn everything in here.”

I looked around. “The second option. Grab petrol and other flammable items, then splash everything in every room, not just this one. This needs to burn hot. We’ll throw the match from a distance.”

We waited an hour while James continued to wipe the memory, and then he stood.

“What is that smell?” James asked, wrinkling his nose.

“Petrol, we’re going to burn this place to the ground.”

“You’ve been busy while I worked. Best thing to do, burning this.”

James picked up the unconscious commander and slung him over his shoulder. Together, we walked to the lift and rose to the surface. I was the last one out of the building, and striking a match, I flicked it into the house and ran away.

The place lit up immediately, the fire spreading immediately. I stayed and watched as flames reached high into the sky. WhenI was satisfied that it was completely alight, I joined the others at the edge of Epping Forest.

From our vantage point, the flickering blaze in the night sky, was visible. Several explosions were heard as the underground rooms caught on fire.

“Dan, take Jarvis to the nearest police station. Second thoughts take him to one in London. Jarvis being far from here, will confuse everyone.”

Dan nodded and took the commander off James.

“One more thing, the warning that I gave the Vam’pirs does not include you. You are welcome in London as long as I live there. I’ll not hunt any of you for the help you have given so freely tonight. Drink from the guilty, not the innocent. I will put you down for that. If you ever need a safe haven, you have one. Find me. If anyone confronts you, say you are of my vein.”

Before I could change my mind, I bit into my wrist and allowed blood to flow.

“Drink,” I commanded, and they looked surprised. “If you’re of my vein, then you need a little of my blood in you.”

They all drank and then, giving thanks, left. James and Amelia remained locked in each other’s arms.

“Thank you,” Amelia said, glowing.

James was a lucky man, and I told him so. He smirked slightly.

“True friendship between us is impossible, Jacques. Yet, we might start tolerating each other.”

“That would be something indeed. The same goes for you two. If you ever need me, I will be here or within shouting distance.”

They smiled and transported away, leaving me alone. I returned to the house to ensure it was razed to the ground. Fire engines battled the blaze unsuccessfully.

I buried myself in the ground, ignoring the cold earth as sun came up. When I rose the next night, the house was a messof fallen timbers, and there was tape surrounding it, warning of danger. Through the debris, I located the missing elevator’s opening.