“Yes, you see when a vampire drinks from a drunk or junkie; they don’t get much of an effect from it, as they are mostly immune to poisons and toxins. Nightblood was specifically designed for that purpose.”

“To give vampires a greater high?” she asked.

“Exactly,” he quickly replied. “The effect on a human was several times more potent than heroin or cocaine and hundreds of times more addicting than crack.”

“That’s horrible, how long were you trapped?”

“I was held for eight years,” Dominick drifted off as if reliving those years. “I was lucky.”

“Eight years, wow, but how can you say you were lucky?”

“I survived, and others did not, but there is more.”

Dominick grudgingly took his drugs and kept mostly to himself, only associating with Sally. Despite everything he had formed a strange bond with her. He soon learned that there were a couple of dozen occupants in the lower levels. Carmela was true to her word, He could leave at any point, but sooner or later the withdrawal would hit, and he was forced to return. He tried dozens of times, but it was an impossible urge to resist, it was like breathing, hold your breath all you like but eventually you have to exhale. It was almost a month before he learned the true reason why his captors went to such great lengths. A level below the one he and Sally and the other were housed there was another area, another entire club in fact, a most exclusive club.

Dominick, Sally and they others were gathered and herded like cattle to this new level. The center looked like an arena. The outer rim was seeded with private suites that easily overlooked the center floor. Into each of these private suites one or two of the captives were ushered. Sally held Dominick’s as they were shoved into their stadium box.

“Take a seat in the back and do not speak,” Hans ordered. This was the largest man Dominick had seen in a long while; he was easily seven feet tall and quite muscular, there was also a woman in there. She was extremely attractive but there was a cold look in her eyes that made Dominick’s skin crawl. He immediately knew he was in the presence of evil.

“Make sure they are suitable Hans,” Frieda cautioned. “You do not want to upset him.”

“You two, what are your origins, where did your ancestors come from?” Hans waited for their responses.

“I’m Irish and he’s Mexican,” Sally replied. Frieda and Hans looked at each other and nodded.

“Catholics, that will do nicely,” Frieda smiled as she pointed to where they should sit. Sally guided Dominick to the back of the suite and took a seat; Dominick sat next to her and leaned in close.

“Why do they care if we are Catholic?” Dominick was careful to whisper as quietly as he could.

“I don’t know, just try to remain calm at all times, it will go easier that way,” she whispered back. Dominick was about to ask another question when Frieda turned around and looked directly at Dominick.

“You were told not to speak!”

“I would suggest you comply, or you will be hurt.” Hans added. Dominick and Sally remained quiet from that point on.

The back door of the suite opened up and a tall man walked in. He was followed by a black man in an expensive looking business suit.

“Davu, I will relay your request and offer to the Fuhrer. The offer for the rod is most generous, I am sure he will consider it.” Hulderich extended a hand to the man in the suit.

“I appreciate you taking time out of your business in New York to speak to us,” Davu took Hulderich’s hand and shook it; he then turned and exited the suite. A few minutes later Carmela entered. “I see the meeting went well.”

“Yes, my thanks for facilitating the meeting, should we conclude our business now?” Hulderich took a seat in the center chair in the suite.