Allyn and Ransom – 31

 

From the balcony on the other side of the concourse, Grigore watched the young man he had been seeking and nodded slowly. I knew I would eventually find you again if I was patient. Now, perhaps, I'll find out what makes you so different. What makes you the one who will be, if I'm correct, the ultimate prey for the hunt.

 

Then he glanced down at the people the young man had been with just moments earlier. Unless I miss my guess, the girl is his sister. There is a family resemblance. That could come into play if I need something to convince the lad to come with me.

 

With that thought, Grigore moved swiftly around the balcony to where the young man stood. Coming up beside him, Grigore said, "I've finally found you. I was beginning to think you were a figment of my imagination."

 

The young man turned slightly, apparently puzzled. Then he smiled. "The masked ball."

 

"Indeed. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Gregory. Gregory Nichols."

 

"Allyn Warwick." Allyn held out his hand.

 

"A pleasure to see you again," Grigore said. "I've thought of you several times since the ball and wished I'd had the nerve to introduce myself then."

 

Allyn dipped his head momentarily. A gesture Grigore would have found appealing if he was looking for a sexual partner for the evening.

 

"I'll admit," Allyn replied, "I've thought of you as well."

 

"Pleasurably, I hope."

 

"More like wondering who you were and why, for a moment, I felt a connection between us."

 

Grigore smiled. "Perhaps because there was one?" He looked around, seeing couples were drifting up to the balcony. Probably, he decided, to be alone with each other, away from the crowds. "If you are willing, maybe we can find somewhere more private to talk. I would like to get to know you. That is, if you're interested in knowing me as well."

 

"I think I am. Where do you suggest?"

 

"It's a lovely evening, and I think I saw grass and a fountain only a brief walk from here."

 

"Sounds delightful. I should say good night to my friends though."

 

Grigore nodded. "If you wish. I'll wait for you outside."

 

They walked down the stairs together, with Allyn going to join his friends. Grigore, rather than leaving as he'd said, followed Allyn, staying out of his sight. He needed to know what the young man was telling his companions.

 

"I'm going out for a breath of fresh air," Allyn said to the trio standing there. "It's too damned hot in here."

 

"Just be careful. Don't let some handsome man pick you up and drag you back to his lair without letting me know first," the woman said. "You know I worry about you."

 

She had the same something Allyn had. A special vibrancy. For a moment Grigore debated taking her as well, until he looked at the man beside her. It was obvious from only a glance that the man would never let her out of his sight. Perhaps another time.

 

"You're just an overly protective sister," Allyn replied to her with a laugh. "I think I'm the one who should be worrying. I'm not certain yet that I really trust John."

 

That brought laughter from everyone. Then, telling them he'd see them later, Allyn made his way to the front door of the terminal. Grigore moved swiftly, wending his way through the people beginning to leave to beat the rush, since it was almost midnight and the ball was winding down. He managed to exit before Allyn. When he saw him come outside, Grigore joined him and they strolled down the drive toward the fountain a few hundred yards away.

 

"I think we could have stayed inside and had more privacy," Allyn said with a laugh, glancing behind them.

 

"I agree," Grigore said, although that wouldn't have fit in with his plans.

 

They were about to step onto the grass when Grigore said, "Do you mind? I'd like to leave my jacket in my car. It's right over there." He pointed. "It's really too pleasant out here to be so overly dressed."

 

"I don't mind in the least. Maybe, if it's okay with you, I can leave mine there as well?"

 

"Of course." Grigore put his hand in his pocket as they walked to the car. Opening the back door with his free hand, he waited for Allyn to lean in and set his folded jacket on the seat. Then, with one swift movement, Grigore plunged the sedative-filled syringe into Allyn's arm. Allyn tried to back out and stand, looking at Grigore in shock. It only took one hard shove to send Allyn sprawling across the seat. Grigore lifted Allyn's legs inside, slammed the car door closed, and got into the driver's seat. As he turned on the car, he heard a low moan. Much to his surprise, when he looked at Allyn, the young man was still conscious, if only barely.

 

You should have passed out the moment the tranquilizer hit your system. You are stronger than you look. I have chosen very wisely indeed.

 

Grigore noted—moments after he drove away from the airport—Allyn was well and truly comatose. He had one stop to make, to return the borrowed car, then he would take his prey back to the estate and the basement room which would be his jail until sunset. Then…the hunt would begin.