Chapter 286 - Cleaning up a Life of Pain (2/2)

Russ began to turn away from the vampire but paused. Turning back, he studied Drake for several long moments, the vampire growing obviously uncomfortable under the scrutiny. ”Hey... um, you wouldn't want to sit in on the interviews with us, would you?” Russ shrugged. ”I know it's probably not going to be the best thing for any of us mentally... but some good may come out of it... Ya know since the vampires were involved as well...”

Drake seemed to stand a bit straighter as he nodded and began to follow after them. ”I know this is going to sound stupid considering what we're about to sit through, but thanks... It means a lot that you're willing to look past what and who I am and bring me in as a part of this...”

Poseidon clasped the young vampire on the shoulder. ”I wouldn't be thanking anyone just yet. I have a feeling this is about to get worse rather than better...”

***

Peg popped the latex gloves off one at a time, folding them into each other as he did. ”I'm bathing in straight bleach when I get home...”

Arei nodded. ”I've seen some pretty sick shit in my life, but this takes the cake...” He said as he labeled the last of the samples they'd taken. Each bag contained what they could gather of hair and teeth samples from the remaining bodies in the room. ”What now?”

”The council has requested that we bag the bodies and have them sent to cremation. They decided, given the circumstances, it would be better not to have the families identify the bodies... rather just present them with the remains once they've been IDed through DNA.” He frowned down at the ten tiny black bags lined up on the floor of the cellar. ”What about the rest of it?”

Ry searched the muck-filled room. ”Got any of that bleach with you?”

”Fuck, I wish! Might be tempted to pour some of it in my eyes just to burn away the images of tonight.” Peg replied.

”Felt!” Arei and Ry both agreed.

”You think Raven would be up for some purple flame action tonight?” Ry asked.

Arei shrugged. ”I don't know, could we do it down here without catching the whole thing on fire?”

Ry looked around then shrugged. ”Not sure... but at this point...”

Arei burst out laughing. ”Granted the kid gets on my last fuċkɨnġ nerve, I don't think burning his ancestral home to the ground is the best idea.”

Ry arched a brow. ”You sure? He's probably harassing Jos as we speak.”

Arei pretended to think about it for a few seconds longer than necessary. ”Nah... then I'd just have him up my ȧss more while he's trying to find somewhere else to live.”

”So... water magic then?” Peg asked.

”Looks like it... There's a drain in the center, anyway, might as well.” Ry replied.

Arei let out a heavy breath. ”I'm not sure which is worse... the smell of wet rot, filth, and death... or the smell of it on fire...” He gave a shudder as memories from the battlefield came flashing back.

Ry clamped a hand on his brother's shoulder. ”The sooner we get it done, the sooner it'll be over...”

”Ah... fuċk... Let's do it...” Arei growled as he stepped forward, his tattoos beginning to glow once again. ”At least we're close enough to the ocean this time...”

”It's the only pro to be had here tonight...” Peg said as he rolled his neck in a circle causing it to pop in several places, the few tattoos on his body beginning to glow as well.

All three men lifted their hands and made a sweeping motion across what was left of the horrendous dungeon room. Glowing waters materialized and began to wash through the room in a rapid current. Peg was the first to break the bond and back away. ”It's not spotless... but it will have to do for tonight. I don't think I have any more in me...”

Ry and Arei nodded. ”The worst is over. We can always come back tomorrow and finish.” Ry said.

”Or call for a cleaning team...” Peg threw out.

Arei clamped his younger brother's shoulder. ”Not a bad idea. I second that one. Fuck ever coming back to this hell hole.” He pulled out his phone and waited for Poseidon to pick up. ”Hey, let the morgue know the bodies are ready for transport along with the samples for the council.”

[Are you boys ready, then]

Arei looked over his brothers. ”Yeah... more than you can know!” He'd bȧrėly finished his words when Poseidon materialized.

”Will you all be traveling back to the hospital?” He asked.

Peg shook his head. ”I'm going home. I need a hot shower!”

”Same!” Ry said as he pointed to the floors above them. ”I'm going upstairs and seeing how much bleach and scalding water it will take to wash this place off me.”

Arei frowned. ”I better get to Jos first...” He placed his hand on his father's shoulder. ”I'm ready when you are.”

”Alright, so be it. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Peg. Ry... call me when you're done if we're not back yet.”

”Ha... If I'm still awake, sure.” Ry said as he made his way to the exit. ”I still say we burn this bitch...” He mumbled as his eye moved over the room one last time.