《Bloodsucker》


 To Whom It May Concern

    To whom it may concern,


    Umbra Harbor is under siege. Something is tormenting its citizens in the dead of night, and we are helpless to stop it. I humbly request that the Crown send aid to help rid us of this Darkness.


    The people of Umbra Harbor have begun coming to me with complaints of strange injuries, odd ailments, and disturbing visions in the night. At first, I thought perhaps it was some kind of illness due to bad meat or consuming rotten vegetables, or perhaps even the spread of Consumption throughout the harbor. However, I¡¯ve found nothing wrong with the food and the symptoms don¡¯t match.


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    There has been an increase in cases of Chlorosis. This is usually not strange, as Umbra Harbor is lacking in sunlight during this time of year, and most counties in the area are deficient of proper nutrients. However, despite being on the shore, and despite the unfavorable weather, the livestock and vegetation are rich, and the citizens have always been quite healthy.


    I cannot say for certain what is causing these problems, but I am certain that it is something otherworldly and cannot be fixed through regular medical care or sheer will. I ask that the Crown aid us. I have also sent word to the Count, and await a response as to what we can do to protect Umbra Harbor from this looming Darkness.


    If the Devil has come to the harbor, may God help us all.


    Van Helsing, MD

 Desperation

    Callum Harker was sitting at his desk, his head in his hands while he read over an old case file.


    Being a Private Investigator wasn¡¯t as interesting as he¡¯d always imagined, but he was already in too deep. He¡¯d sunk almost all of his money into opening his own office, and he had to take as many cases as he could to afford his rent.


    The ones he had to take were always so boring. Unfaithful husbands, thieving maids, missing pets¡­ just little things that made him enough money to settle his bills. He wanted something raw and exciting¡­ something high-profile enough to allow him to move out of his tiny apartment on the fifth floor of an old, rotting building in the middle of the city.


    There was a light knock on the doorway to his office, and a young man entered. He didn¡¯t say anything as he sat in the chair on the other side of Callum¡¯s desk, and Callum didn¡¯t even bother looking up¡ªhe didn¡¯t have to.


    Quinn Murray was a detective for the local police force. He had aided Callum a few times¡ªhe was the only one who took him seriously. Despite that, the police always took credit for their work, and the only way Callum managed to get paid was through Quinn.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Quinn?¡± Callum asked. He took off his reading glasses and pushed the stack of paperwork aside.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a case for you,¡± he said, holding up a folder. ¡°The department isn¡¯t taking it seriously, as usual, so I thought maybe you¡¯d like to take a look before it gets shoved away in a drawer somewhere. Maybe it¡¯ll get you out of this stuffy office for a few days. It¡¯s pretty intriguing.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you and I have the same idea of what¡¯s intriguing or not.¡± Callum rolled his eyes, but still put his glasses back on and held out his hand for the file. ¡°Let¡¯s see it, then. What is it?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a small county on the coast where the citizens have been falling ill. Apparently, a few of them have died, all from the same thing, and¡ª¡±


    Callum dropped the file onto his desk and let out a loud sigh without even looking at it. He took his glasses off again and tossed them on top of it.


    ¡°Do I look like a fucking doctor, Quinn? What am I supposed to do about that?¡±


    ¡°Would you let me finish, Cal?¡± He leaned forward and pushed Callum¡¯s glasses aside before he flipped open the folder, and Callum sighed again. It was a stack of letters, all in the same handwriting. ¡°There¡¯s a doctor who lives on the edge of the town. He¡¯s been sending us these letters for months, and they just keep getting tucked away. He claims to know what the cause is, and demands that a detective go out there to assist him. I offered, but they won¡¯t cut me loose.¡±


    Callum put his reading glasses back on and picked up the first letter, and made a face of disgust as his nose was assaulted with a pungent odor.


    ¡°They reek of garlic,¡± he said. ¡°Is this guy some kind of quack?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea who he is.¡± Quinn shrugged. ¡°He signs all of the notes with ¡®MD¡¯ at the end of his name, so I assume he¡¯s legit, but you never know these days, especially with all the snake oil salesmen passing through.¡±


    ¡°You said this town is out of the coast?¡± Callum asked, and he nodded. He leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath. ¡°That¡¯s a long way¡¯s away, Quinn.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re in?¡±


    Callum tapped his fingers on the desk, eyeing the folder. Even if turned out to be a total bust, a few days on the coast didn¡¯t sound too bad. He hadn¡¯t been out of the Capital City in years.


    ¡°Give me a few days to go through the letters,¡± he finally said. ¡°After that, we¡¯ll see. I¡¯ll need to make travel arrangements if I decide it¡¯s something worth pursuing.¡±


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    To whom it may concern,


    Umbra Harbor is under siege.


    Young Lucy fainted this morning why serving my tea at the local tavern. She claimed to have not been sleeping well, and I found small puncture wounds on the side of her neck.


    She claims she must have accidentally pierced herself with her brooch, yet doesn¡¯t recall actually doing so. She was quite pale, as well. I prescribed garlic as a means of protecting her in the future from whatever may be trying to steal her life-force away from her.


    I have known Lucy since I came to Umbra Harbor many years ago. She is a quiet woman, with many suitors, but no desire to accept any marriage proposals. While she is more free-spirited than many women of the town, she is not prone to flights of fancy, and does not humor my warnings of the supernatural at work here. It was quite difficult to get her to accept the prescription of garlic.


    Lucy is the first of three persons to fall ill with symptoms of Chlorosis today, and like the others, has been strong and healthy up until now.


    Something is draining the women of their life-force, and I am helpless to stop it. I can only do very little to try to protect the people of Umbra Harbor. I have not received any word from the Count or the Capital City. Please address our need for aid from the Crown.


    Van Helsing, MD


    Callum stayed late in his office that evening, reading carefully through each letter. They were all similar in nature, although with each one, the language grew more and more desperate, demanding that something be done to help the town.


    There were medical records of each citizen too, mostly of things that the doctor found peculiar¡ªthough the doctor himself seemed just as peculiar¡ªand prescriptions for garlic. The man liked garlic. Callum had no idea how something like that could possibly help the town with whatever was happening.


    It was a small town on the east coast called Umbra Harbor, and both men and women alike were falling ill with the same symptoms. Sleepwalking, strange nightmares, pallor, visions, bouts of fainting¡­ a few of the citizens had died from complications related to blood-loss, some completely drained of all their blood.


    The doctor had also noted he had theories as to the root of the problem, but wouldn¡¯t elaborate much in his letters. Not that Callum needed him to¡ªit was clear to him that they were dealing with a serial killer who had knowledge of the human body and its circulatory system. Despite that, the doctor spoke of darkness and evil, and Callum didn¡¯t know which parts of the stack of letters, if any, to take seriously.


    To whom it may concern,


    Today, young Wilhelmina has died. She was found in the fields, drained of all her blood, along with several of her cows. This is the first death, but the eighth case of blood-loss related events in recent months.


    Wilhemina was young, strong and healthy. She is survived by her husband Jack and their two boys, little Edvard and Jonathan. I have given Jack ropes of garlic for the boys to wear for protection. Jack wears Willa¡¯s rosary, so I don¡¯t believe he needs the garlic.


    The only wound on her body was the same as all the other victims¡ªtwo small puncture wounds on the side of her neck And yet, her entire body was drained of its blood, and no evidence that she struggled before she died.


    I am reminded of the bats of more temperate climates, but they would never survive here. If something similar to Desmodus Rotundus or the Vampyrum Spectrum are here, they are a being of Hell or an undiscovered species. Considering the size of the victims, I cannot believe it is a normal bat. I have no choice but to accept that the Devil is in Umbra Harbor.


    I have received no response from the Count or the Crown, and now the people of Umbra Harbor are beginning to perish at the hands of this bloodsucking evil. I am urgently requesting that the Capital take this matter seriously and send aid to the town. We are at the mercy of this Darkness and we need help. I have done all I can.


    Van Helsing, MD

 Dire Need

    By the time he¡¯d finished going through all the letters, Callum was exhausted, and unsure what to make of the situation. He lay on the couch on the other side of his office with his arm over his eyes, trying to decide if it would be worth traveling all the way out to the east coast. What if the doctor was really just some raving lunatic?


    He was jolted awake later in the day but a loud rap on the doorway. Quinn was standing there, looking over him with concern.


    ¡°You look like shit, Cal. You didn¡¯t go home last night?¡±


    Callum sat up with a groan and stretched his stiff back. The contents of the Umbra Harbor file were scattered across the desk, filling the office with their garlicky odor.


    ¡°It was a lot to go through.¡± He stood and stretched his arms over his head. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°We got another letter this morning.¡± He held out the envelope to him. It was the same handwriting as all the others, with same address and familiar scent of garlic. ¡°I haven¡¯t opened it yet, since no one else at the station is going to care.¡±


    Callum took it with a sigh and went to his desk to fetch his reading glasses and a letter opener. The note was much like the others, but the ink was smudged as though it¡¯d been written and sealed in too much of a hurry to let it dry. He hadn''t even signed it.


    To whom it may concern,


    The situation in Umbra Harbor is now more dire than ever. I am no longer humbly requesting that aid be sent to the town¡ªI am demanding it.


    The livelihood of our citizens is at stake, and the Crown cannot sit idly while Its people are perishing, begging to be saved. I will not await a response.


    Send the aid I have been requesting for the last eight months. Any more deaths in Umbra Harbor are on your hands. God will not open the Gates of Heaven for you if we all perish at the hands of the Devil plaguing us before you choose to act.


    ¡°Is this guy serious?¡± Callum asked as he tossed his glasses and the letter onto his desk with the others. ¡°These are the ravings of a madman¡­ each one more wild than the next. He speaks of the Devil, darkness, bloodsucking creatures of the night¡­ He needs a priest and an asylum, not a detective!¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Quinn rubbed the beck of his neck, and Callum sighed. He knew he was about to make him feel guilty. They¡¯d known each other for years, and Quinn was an easy read. ¡°Even if the guy is completely mad, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to just go and ease his worries, would it? Give him some peace of mind, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Why do you do that?¡± Callum sat in his chair and crossed his arms. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to feel for this lunatic, claiming that we¡¯re all going to Hell if we don¡¯t stop the Devil from tormenting the town?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the right answer,¡± Quinn said, ¡°but if something really is happening in Umbra Harbor, someone should help, right?¡±


    Callum let out a long, frustrated breath, eyeing the pile of letters on his desk. He wanted to help, but realistically, what could he do? Was it worth his time? What if it was just the ravings of a madman? Should he travel all the way out to the coast to find out?


    On the other hand, what if something truly was tormenting the people of Umbra Harbor? The outer counties had no real law enforcement, only the nobility who were meant to protect them, and the letters had noted that the Count wasn¡¯t doing his duty. That meant the responsibility fell on the Crown, but the police in the Capital City weren¡¯t helping either¡­ that was why Quinn had come to him for help instead.


    ¡°Alright, fine,¡± he sighed. ¡°If you can help make arrangements for travel and board, I¡¯ll go. But I¡¯m not fucking miracle worker, Quinn, okay? Don¡¯t expect me to be able to do anything if it is something supernatural.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Cal,¡± Quinn said with a laugh. ¡°I know you don¡¯t believe in any of that stuff. What¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡±


    To whom it may concern,


    I have seen the shadows of evil on my late walks home through the town, and heard the flutter of its wings in the darkness. The evil is stalking us in the witching hours, and yet, we still have received no word from the Crown. I carry garlic and holy artifacts on my person at all times, and thus have never fallen victim to the Bloodsucker, but I feel it out there, watching me.


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    The third citizen of Umbra Harbor was buried today. Young Mr. Seward was found in his room, naked and drained of his blood, with the telltale puncture wounds on his neck. He is survived by his parents, Eliza and John.


    This one was different. He had the wounds on his neck, but there were also claw marks on his body, and his throat was crushed.


    It seems the Devil is now seducing our young men, and stealing their lives away. It is getting bolder and more violent, attacking citizens both in their rooms in the night and chasing them down on the open road. We are helpless.


    Soon, Umbra Harbor will be a ghost town, and the Crown will have no port on this side of the coast.


    Help us. God had abandoned this town. Save us from the Devil.


    Van Helsing, MD


    Quinn took a deep breath, standing outside of Callum¡¯s office. It was late, and the building was dark. Everyone else had gone home. He knocked hard on the door a few times.


    ¡°Open the door, Cal,¡± he demanded. He could hear movement inside the office, but there was no answer. ¡°I fuckin¡¯ know you¡¯re in there, Harker! Stop avoiding me! It¡¯s been two weeks since I gave you that file.¡±


    There was shuffling inside the office, louder this time, and Quinn heard the click of the lock.


    When Callum opened the door, smoke poured into the hallway. Quinn coughed and waved his hand to keep it out of his face.


    ¡°Callum Jonathan Harker, what the hell are you doing in there?¡±


    Callum looked like shit. His usually neat blond hair was an unruly mess, he had dark circles under his eyes, and he clearly hadn¡¯t shaved all week.


    ¡°Don¡¯t use my full name like that,¡± he said with a scowl before turning away from the open door.


    Quinn followed him and nearly threw up from the stale stench of garlic and cigarette smoke. He rushed to the window behind the desk and threw it open, waving his hands frantically to get the smoke out and allow the cool autumn air in.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing in here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve gone over these letters a thousand times,¡± Callum said, dropping into his chair with a defeated sigh. There were notes scattered across the desk, mixed in with the letters from Umbra Harbor. ¡°Not a single damn thing connects any of the victims except these stupid letters that reek of fucking garlic.¡±


    ¡°Why are you driving yourself crazy looking for a connection here?¡± Quinn asked. He stayed by the window so he could breathe easier. ¡°Do you really need one?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Quinn!¡± Callum rolled his eyes. He leaned back in his chair and tapped his pen on the board on the wall beside his desk. It was pinned up with newspaper clippings and articles about serial killers that had each terrorized the Capital City at one point or another. ¡°There¡¯s always a connection. The Ravenswood Reaper went after single women under the age of thirty, the Bristol Basher went after men walking along the river after midnight, the Glasgow Grinner cut the mouths of sex workers¡­ something must connect the victims of Umbra Harbor. I just can¡¯t figure out what it is.¡±


    ¡°So, go to Umbra Harbor and find out, Cal. What good is it doing you, holed up in here, reading about the citizens instead of talking to them? I¡¯m sure a real person could tell you a hell of a lot more than a letter ever could.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to waste my time, Quinn! If I investigate from here, at least I¡¯m not wasting my money on travel and accommodations. It doesn¡¯t cost me any extra money to sit here and figure out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t figured it out,¡± Quinn said, rolling his eyes, ¡°and the time will pass whether you¡¯re here or you¡¯re there. You¡¯ve been cooped up in here for two weeks, and you¡¯re no closer to an answer now than the day I handed you those letters. Besides, you obviously need a holiday. Even if that doctor is a complete lunatic, you¡¯d benefit from a few days by the shore.¡±


    ¡°Is that the only reason you¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± Quinn tossed a packet of papers onto Callum¡¯s desk. ¡°The arrangements are made. All you need is to go to the station. I¡¯ve sent word ahead with payment to the local inn for you to stay as long as you need. If the money runs out, they¡¯re to contact me and I¡¯ll send them more.¡±


    ¡°Quinn¡­¡± Callum sighed, looking a bit sheepish. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that. I have enough money to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Consider it payment for taking on this job. The others won¡¯t take it seriously, but this town obviously needs some kind of help. The least we can do it find out exactly what kind of help it truly needs.¡±


    To whom it may concern,


    Young Abraham came to me very late this evening, looking disturbed and pale. He claimed to have not been sleeping well, like so many of the others, and that his dreams have been plagued by a handsome man entering his room in the night.


    He worries of the impurity of these visions, and claimed that the man in his dreams wants his blood and body equally. I have advised him to hang garlic above his bedroom window and door to stop the nightmares.


    There were no wounds on Abraham, but he claims that the nightmare felt real, and he ran out of his home before the Bloodsucker could penetrate his skin. He is one of the lucky ones so far.


    I first believed the attacked to have been focused on the young women of the harbor, but Oliver and Abraham are not, and never have been, women. It seems that this man, demon, creature, whatever he or it may be, is attacking all citizens without condition. Blood seems to be what it truly wants, so I have advised the citizens to consume garlic as often as they can tolerate it.


    We need the Crown to help us. The nobility of this county has been idle far too long. We cannot rely on the Count to protect us anymore. Please send aid from the Capital City to protect the people of Umbra Harbor.


    Van Helsing, MD

 Umbra Harbor

    Callum was grateful to finally get off the train. Not that his accommodations weren¡¯t comfortable¡ªhe¡¯d been in a private sleeper car, and the food and drink had been fine. He didn¡¯t like the lack of privacy outside of the car, though, or having to share a washroom with so many other people.


    The train station was old and dilapidated, and rainwater trickled from multiple places in the ceiling. The wind whistled eerily through thin cracks in all the old broken wood and windows, and the old floor creaked ominously under his feet. He prayed it would hold his weight long enough for him to get outside.


    No one was even there. The only indication that he was in the correct place was the large, rotting wooden sign outside.


    WELCOME TO


    UMBRA HARBOR


    Callum tried squinting to see through the mist, but there was nothing that even closely resembled a building, just trees. It didn¡¯t even seem that he was near the ocean. Where was the harbor? Where was the town? All he could see in every direction was dense fog and forest.


    ¡°I¡¯m already regretting this,¡± he muttered to himself. He shifted his bag onto his shoulder, picked up his suitcase, and headed off down the only road, away from the old train station.


    Once the station was out of sight, it was eerily quiet, the only sound coming from the gravel crunching under Callum¡¯s boots. There were no birds, no more wind, no crashing waves of the ocean. Where the hell was he?


    He felt like he¡¯d walked for hours, his bags feeling heavier on heavier, before he finally started to hear and smell the ocean. The forest opened up to farmland, and he could see the faint shapes of houses through the fog.


    The gravel path became cobblestone, and Callum put his luggage down for a moment to rub his aching shoulder. He would have hired a carriage if he¡¯d known just how far the station was from the actual town.


    The few houses he passed were all old and shabby, with boarded up windows. If he didn¡¯t know any better, he might think them abandoned, but there were animals in the fields and vegetables in the gardens. It was strange, to say the least, and Callum had the unnerving sensation that he was being watched.


    There wasn¡¯t much he could do about it, though. If the townsfolk were under attack, they were likely wary of new strangers entering the town.


    The local tavern was one of the first buildings beyond the farms, sitting at the edge of town. It was one of the only ones not pressed side-by-side to the rest of the buildings lining the streets. There were a couple of people outside, which he acknowledged with a nod, but they just stared at him warily in silence.


    The inside of the tavern was warm and cozy, and smelled wonderful. Callum¡¯s stomach growled as the scent of meat and vegetables reached his nose. He ignore the strange looks from other occupants and headed straight to the counter, dropping his luggage on the floor around him as he took a seat.


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    ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you here before,¡± the barkeep noted, placing an empty tankard in front of him. ¡°You look like you need one of these.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callum said as he watched the man fill it to the rim with ale. He placed a few coins on the counter. ¡°A hot meal would be great too¡­ whatever you¡¯ve got.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing. We get our ingredients from the farms just outside of town. Today we got some rabbit stew. It¡¯s got garlic, carrots, and mushrooms, and I got some bread my wife made fresh this morning.¡±


    ¡°Sounds great.¡±


    ¡°What brings you to Umbra Harbor?¡± the man asked. He took a wooden bowl out from under the counter and brought it to the hearth, where there was a large pot simmering over the fire. He put a few hearty scoops into it and topped it off with a thick slice of bread. ¡°We don¡¯t get many visitors, especially around this time of year.¡±


    ¡°My friend made arrangements a couple of weeks ago for me to room here,¡± Callum explained. ¡°He said he sent you payment as well. The name is Harker.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re that fella the doctor sent for, huh?¡± He placed the bowl in front of Callum with some utensils. ¡°The room is all set up. I¡¯ll help you get settled after you eat. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll want some rest before you meet up with Doctor Helsing. He¡¯s a bit much sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Well, he did sent about twenty letter to the Capital City, asking the Crown for help.¡± Callum took a large spoonful of the stew. It wasn¡¯t the best thing he¡¯d ever eaten, but it wasn¡¯t the worst. At least it was a hot meal. ¡°What can you tell me about what¡¯s been happening around here?¡±


    ¡°Not much.¡± The man sighed, his shoulders dropping in defeat. ¡°Helsing is the one dealing with it. A few people have died, but I don¡¯t really know what happened. He said I should cook with more garlic to help with this illness going around. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s talking about half the time, but I trust him.¡±


    ¡°He sure loves garlic, doesn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°I dunno what that¡¯s all about. Claims it¡¯ll protect everyone from the Devil or something. He told me to hang it in the windows and stuff, but I¡¯m not trying to stink up the place.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure something as simple as a rope of garlic is the solution to this town¡¯s problems either,¡± Callum said with a shrug. He finished his meal quickly¡ªhe was ready to bathe and sleep in a real bed for the first time in days.


    ¡°It¡¯s not much, but we are a small town,¡± the barkeep said, placing Callum¡¯s bags down just inside the door to the room. ¡°Hopefully you¡¯ll be comfortable enough while you¡¯re here. You¡¯ve got your own washroom too. Since you¡¯ll be here a while, I''ll throw in breakfast and dinner whenever you like.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too kind,¡± Callum said, looking a bit bashful. He wasn¡¯t really hurting that badly for money, but he appreciated saving where he could. ¡°Thanks very much.¡±


    ¡°Name¡¯s John Seward.¡± The man shook Callum¡¯s hand. ¡°Let me know if you need anything else. If I¡¯m not around, my wife Eliza is usually running things, and Lucy works for us. She takes care of most of the housekeeping.¡±


    As soon as John left, Callum threw his jacket carelessly over a chair and dropped face-first onto the bed.


    He recalled one of Van Helsing¡¯s letters. John and Eliza were the parents of one of the young men who had been killed in his bedroom. Why hadn¡¯t John said anything?


    John had also said he wasn¡¯t following Van¡¯s requests about hanging garlic to protect the townspeople¡ªhe was only cooking with it. Although Callum agreed that garlic wasn¡¯t the answer, he found it strange that John, especially after losing his son in the midst of the happenings in Umbra Harbor, wouldn¡¯t do what he could to protect others. Did he have something to do with the attacks in town?


    ¡°Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have eaten that stew,¡± he muttered to himself, pressing his hand to his stomach. He hadn¡¯t even been in town an entire day, and he already had a suspect. He turned onto his back with a groan and took a small pad and pencil from his pocket.


    ¡°John Seward,¡± he uttered as he wrote. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mention son who died¡­ doesn¡¯t follow the doctor¡¯s recommendations¡­ Suspect?¡±


    He got up and went out on the balcony to smoke, leaning on the railing while he stared down at the street below. It was quiet, with no one walking around outside anymore, unlike the Capital City, which was bustling at all hours of the day and night. The silence wasn¡¯t peaceful though¡ªit was unnerving. He didn¡¯t know what might be out there, lurking¡­ waiting to snatch another unsuspecting victim.


    ¡°Quinn,¡± Callum said with a heavy sigh. ¡°What have you gotten me into?¡±

 Van Helsing, MD

    The next morning, Callum packed his suitcase with all the letters Quinn had given him, along with his own notes, and headed downstairs for some breakfast. John served him a large plate of eggs with pork, bread, and vegetables, including potatoes.


    ¡°How is it that you have potatoes?¡± Callum asked between mouthfuls of eggs and bread. ¡°I thought only the Crown could grow potatoes in the Royal Garden.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s mostly true.¡± John slid a cup of coffee over to him. ¡°If there¡¯s one thing I can say the Count has done, it¡¯s making sure the people here are healthy and have what we need. Being allowed to grow potatoes is one of the allowances we were given by the Crown, at the request of the Count. We pay a little bit more in taxes, but we live better than most folks in this area.¡±


    ¡°And what does the Count have to gain from that?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I dunno.¡± John shrugged and looked over at his wife, Eliza, who also shrugged. She stoked the fire under the pot of stew she was preparing for lunch, then wiped her hands clean on her apron.


    ¡°I s¡¯pose it¡¯s ¡®cause healthy folks means less dyin¡¯,¡± she said. ¡°Less dyin¡¯ means more folks payin¡¯ taxes, which go straight to the Count. That¡¯s how he¡¯d benefit. He¡¯s s¡¯posed to use that money to improve the town, but nobody¡¯s seen him ¡®round here in a long time.¡±


    ¡°The Count doesn¡¯t come into his own town?¡± Callum questioned. How could he take care of anything if he didn¡¯t know what was going on?


    ¡°I think he got into it once with the doctor,¡± John explained. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what it was about, but the Count was real angry. That was years ago. Can¡¯t say I blame the man¡­ Helsing¡¯s a real piece of work sometimes.¡±


    Callum was quiet as he sipped his coffee. The Count hadn¡¯t been to the town in years, and he¡¯d ignored Van¡¯s letters, as well. It seemed strange that an argument from so long ago would prevent him from helping the rest of the town. Was the man even still alive? If the Count had died, and had no heirs, that would explain the lack of a response.


    ¡°Where does Van Helsing live?¡± he asked, and John and Eliza shared a concerned glance. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°He lives way out on the cliffs,¡± Eliza said, brushing a few stray gray hairs out of her face. She looked tired, and Callum wondered if it had anything to do with losing her son. Neither of them had mentioned it yet. ¡°You gotta go through the cemetery to get to the house. He handles all the funerals and such. The cliffs are dangerous, ¡®specially this time of year. They¡¯re pretty much damp all day and night¡­ makes ¡®em real slippery.¡±


    ¡°May I ask you a question?¡± Callum lowered his voice and leaned forward so the other tavern patrons couldn¡¯t listen in. He didn¡¯t want to upset the couple any more than they might already be. ¡°You know why I¡¯m here, so why haven¡¯t you mentioned anything about your son?¡±


    John lowered his gaze and went to work wiping down some tankards, and Eliza sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s real hard for us to be talkin¡¯ about our little Oliver,¡± she told him. ¡°He was our only child, and it was real sudden. Doctor Helsing said he didn¡¯t suffer, but seein¡¯ his body all marked up like that¡­ how could he not?¡±


    She dabbed her eyes with her apron, sniffling a bit, and John put a firm arm around her and held her close.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss,¡± Callum said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m going to do whatever I can to find out who did this, and put an end to these attacks. Hopefully, that will give you and your family some closure, and your son can rest in peace.¡±


    ¡°We appreciate that,¡± John said, still hugging his wife tightly. ¡°I know it might seem a bit cold of us to not speak of him, but it¡¯s the best we can do to hold ourselves in one piece and keep this place running.¡±


    Once he was outside of the tavern, Callum let out a long breath. He pulled out his notepad and scratched out John¡¯s name, feeling foolish for suspecting him in the first place.


    As he made his way through town, the tension was almost palpable. The townsfolk avoided him, averting their gazes and rushing out of his path without acknowledging him. He wasn¡¯t offended though¡ªhe¡¯d be wary of newcomers too if someone in town was murdering people in the night.


    On the other side of town, Callum finally got a full view of the harbor. It was strangely busy, despite the poor weather, with ships constantly moving in and out. Vendors lined the docks with freshly caught fish or vegetables and meat from their farms. No one paid Callum any mind as he headed beyond the port and out towards the hills, where the local cemetery loomed ominously above the town.


    The graveyard was surrounded by tall iron fencing, and each post was topped with a holy cross. Strange artifacts and ropes of garlic were strewn across it, too.


    Every stepping stone along the path was decorated with symbols¡­ some from various religions, and others that Callum didn¡¯t recognize. There were multiple paths that led off in different directions. One to the house, one to the mortuary, and one to a large greenhouse. Callum shuddered at the sight of the mortuary in the fog, disturbed to imagine someone living in such close proximity to a building that housed corpses.


    As he reached the small cottage, he was assaulted with the all-too-familiar stench of garlic. It seemed to be above every door and window, and it was the only plant growing in a small garden out front.


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    Callum shook his head with disdain as he knocked on the front door. The man was obsessed with garlic. There was no way this so-called ¡°doctor¡± wasn¡¯t going to turn out to be just some quack from the city, pushing his ¡°all-natural¡± remedies on innocent townsfolk who didn¡¯t know any better.


    The man who answered the door was about what Callum expected. He was middle-aged, with flecks of gray hairs in a mess of black. He looked down on Callum with critical green eyes. Once he got a good look at him, he opened the door wider. His wide collar and rolled-up sleeves revealed many scars, and he wore a thick rope of garlic around his neck.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Callum said as he nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Are you Doctor Helsing?¡±


    ¡°Call me Van. Who are you?¡± he asked. ¡°Never seen you around here before.¡±


    ¡°I arrived just last night.¡± Callum took his badge out of his jacket pocket. ¡°My name is Callum Harker. I¡¯m a private investigator from the Capital City, and I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, for fuck¡¯s sake!¡± The mad threw his arms up in defeat, then gestured for Callum to follow him inside.


    Every inch of the home was stacked high with papers and books. The whole place reeked of garlic, with ropes hanging from every window, doorway, and rafter. Van rushed around with an odd sense of urgency, gathering some of his papers into a disheveled stack.


    ¡°Un-fucking-believable,¡± Van muttered to himself. ¡°I¡¯ve been writing to the Capital City for months, and the send me a fucking PI.¡±


    Callum stood awkwardly in the doorway between the kitchen and the parlor, watching Van closely. He seemed a bit unhinged. He held his breath when Van turned his attention on him with a dark, serious expression.


    ¡°You¡¯d better be prepared for things you¡¯ve never dealt with before, Mr. Harker. This isn¡¯t just some scorned housewife getting revenge on her husband for fooling around with the maid.¡±


    He tossed the stack of papers he¡¯d collected onto the table closest to Callum. He eyed the doctor cautiously before taking out his reading glasses to have a look.


    There were notes, letters, and medical documents, all mixed in between what appeared to be pages torn from old books. Many of them depicted old myths about bloodsucking creatures of the night, stalking townsfolk and bleeding cattle dry.


    ¡°You think a vampire is tormenting Umbra Harbor?¡± Callum asked, and when Van nodded, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Vampires aren¡¯t real, Doctor Helsing. These are just old myths, meant to frighten the locals. What proof could you possibly have to support such an outlandish claim?¡±


    ¡°The proof is in the victims!¡± Van rapped his fingers aggressively on the papers. ¡°Bouts of fainting in healthy adults, puncture wounds on their necks, livestock dying of blood loss with no severe injuries¡­ Many of the citizens have claimed to have had visions of the same man, entering their room in the night to seduce them¡­ It all points to a vampire.¡±


    ¡°This is such a small town.¡± Callum removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose as he let out a sigh. He was trying to find a serial killer, and Van was ranting about vampires. ¡°How could someone like that go around town, unnoticed and unrecognized?¡±


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t.¡± Van dug out a large map of the county, draping it haphazardly across the piles of books in front of Callum. To the north, a few miles through the forest, there was a large estate. ¡°The Count of Umbra Harbor. This county has only been owned by a single person for centuries. He never visits town, never responds to letters. The only name on the deed has never been changed. When someone dies or passed on ownership, it has to be recorded and stored in the library¡¯s archives.  They keep everything¡ªdeaths, births, marriages, citizens entering and leaving the commune¡ªand not a single thing has come from the Count since the Crown appointed him, three hundred years ago.¡±


    ¡°Unchanged records are hardly proof of anything,¡± Callum noted as he pushed the map aside. ¡°Nobles have always done whatever they wanted, regardless of the law, especially those personally backed by the Crown. It doesn¡¯t mean the current Count is a vampire.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s why you¡¯re here, is it not? The Count and his estate need to be investigated just as much as the rest of the town.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Callum sighed. Did he really want to humor this man? Then again, everyone was a suspect, and he knew would have to speak to the Count sooner or later. It was his county, after all. ¡°I will visit the Count, when I can, but I am not going to go and make any wild assumptions or accusations with no concrete evidence. I assume we don¡¯t even know who lives there at this point, especially if he hasn¡¯t been to town in years.¡±


    ¡°Take these.¡± Van held out a rope of garlic and a small glass jar full of a grainy black substance. ¡°Since you¡¯re obviously a skeptic, I assume you have no means of protection.¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡± Callum asked, eyeing the jar and ignoring the garlic. He had to smell it often enough¡ªhe wasn¡¯t about to wear it around his neck too. He reluctantly took the jar and turned it over in his palm. He¡¯d never seen anything like it. ¡°Sand?¡±


    ¡°Black ritual salts,¡± Van explained. ¡°It will protect you from evil.¡±


    ¡°Salt?¡± He raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°How is a jar of salt supposed to protect me?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Harker¡­¡± Van rested his arms against a table as he let out a heavy sigh, his brow furrowed in visible frustration. ¡°You came here in response to my letter, did you not? And I have made no effort to hide my belief that something evil is tormenting this town. If you¡¯re truly here to help me, I¡¯m going to need you to be a bit more open-minded to what¡¯s happening here. I¡¯ve dedicated my entire adult life to hunting all manner of dark creatures, especially vampires. I¡¯m not a quack either¡ªI have a real medical education. Please don¡¯t patronize me while I¡¯m trying to help you.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer my question about the salt.¡±


    Van inhaled a long, deep breath through his nose, looking like he¡¯d very much like to lose his temper on Callum, but he exhaled slowly and composed himself, speaking slowly and calmly.


    ¡°Salt is a natural preservative. Evil spirits, demons, bloodsuckers, et cetera¡­ their nature is destruction, making them opposites. The black salt is blessed by protection rituals and mixed with holy herbs that have been burned inside the Circle. So, naturally, it can repel and even wound any evil creature that may try to harm you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what my pistol is for,¡± Callum said, but took the jar and tucked it away in his pocket. He didn¡¯t think it would ever be useful, but he wasn¡¯t trying to upset Van any more than he already had. ¡°So, where would you suggest I begin my investigation?¡±


    ¡°I told you, go speak with the Count.¡±


    ¡°The Count is miles from here. I¡¯ll speak to him when I have time, but for now, I¡¯d like to talk to the townsfolk. Who might I get information from about this so-called ¡®Bloodsucker¡¯ who¡¯s tormenting them?¡±


    ¡°Most everyone¡¯s encountered him by now." Van grabbed a stack of papers, flipping through them quickly. ¡°The bookshop owner would be a good place to start¡ªhe keeps the local archives. There¡¯s the town lunatic, the old fortuneteller, a few farmhands, Wilhelmina¡¯s husband¡­ throw a stone in any direction and you¡¯ll hit someone with something to say about the Bloodsucker.¡±

 Pieces of the Puzzle

    Callum headed back to town, feeling even less confident than when he¡¯d arrived. He didn¡¯t know what to think of Van, who seemed so well-educated, despite his rantings about vampires.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡± he called out to a young man who was headed in his direction. He startled and immediately turned on his heel and rushed away from Callum. A few others did the same, leaving him alone and confused.


    Most of the people Callum tried to speak to either left quicky or turned away, pretending not to see or hear him. He stood in the middle of the road and sighed. How was he supposed to learn anything if no one would speak with him? Didn¡¯t they want to know what was happening to Umbra Harbor? Didn¡¯t they want it to stop?


    The sign over the bookshop caught his eye, and he let out a breath as he ran his fingers through his blond hair. If the people wouldn¡¯t tell him anything, perhaps the archives could.


    The shop was dim and quiet, and Callum was relieved to be greeted with warm dry air, instead of the biting ocean breeze. Every wall was lined with books, and the room was filled with the earthy scent of aged paper. It brought a comforting wave of calm over Callum, who hadn¡¯t even realized just how tense he was.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    A relatively young man, barely older than Callum, was standing near the back of the shop, a stack of books tucked under his arm. He looked a bit nervous, eyeing him suspiciously from a distance.


    ¡°I¡¯m here investigating the attacks in town,¡± he explained. He kept his distance so he didn¡¯t frighten the man. Everyone in town probably feared that Callum was the Bloodsucker. ¡°Doctor Helsing said you store the local archives here.¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± he said as he placed the books down on an old cart. He brushed his hands together to get some dust off before finally approaching Callum. He reached out to shake his hand. ¡°Jasper Morris. I own this shop with my fianc¨¦, and we store the local archives for Umbra Harbor.¡±


    ¡°Callum Harker.¡± He shook his hand, then Jasper motioned for him to follow.


    He led him to the far back of the bookshop, to a staircase the led down into the basement. Down below, there were more rows of shelves, with books that looked like they hadn¡¯t been held in ages.


    They ended up in a small backroom that was stacked floor-to-ceiling with shelves and old boxes that were labeled with dates. The room was cool and dry, and looked more cared-for than the rest of the old musty cellar. Even the oldest-looking boxes didn¡¯t seem like they were at any risk of falling apart.


    ¡°What can you tell me about the most recent records?¡± Callum asked, fingering through the files in an open box that was sitting on a small table in the middle of the room. It was only dated for the last year or so, but it was almost full.


    ¡°Awful stuff,¡± Jasper said with a shudder. ¡°A lot of death, mostly with unknown causes. Helsing has been telling everyone it¡¯s a vampire, causing nothing but more panic. A few families left town too.¡±


    ¡°Do you believe in vampires?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t know enough about the world outside of this town to say they don¡¯t exist.¡± Jasper shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s an old book upstairs that¡¯s got some interesting stuff in it. I¡¯ll see if I can find it. You let me know if you need anything else.¡±


    Jasper left Callum along in the little room, and he let out a sigh. He sat at the small table, the chair creaking softly under his weight, and he took his glasses out of his pocket.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see,¡± he said to himself as he tilted the box to see what was inside. ¡°What have we here?¡±


    The records were similar to the letters that Van had sent about the state of the victims. There were also records of people leaving the town, one after losing her husband. The record said his cause of death was unknown, and Callum wondered if it had anything to do with the Bloodsucker wreaking havoc.


    He spent over an hour going through the box, but was no closer to any answer than before. Every unknown death, every mysterious symptom¡­ it all just gave rise to more questions, but the townsfolk wouldn¡¯t engage with him, and Van was convinced it was a vampire.


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    So, what was he supposed to do?


    Callum spent the larger part of the day going through the rest of the archives. Aside from the most recent records, there was nothing out of the ordinary. It all lined up with what Van had told him. Everything was there on paper.


    Everything except for anything regarding the Count.


    In fact, the only thing Callum found was the deed to the Count¡¯s estate. It was an old, yellowed paper that felt like it might crumble if he handled it too roughly. Most of the ink was faded, and it was impossible to make out the date or the smudged signature. The only clear part was the signature of one of the past Crown Princes, who was long-gone and buried. There was no way to know who the original owner of the county was.


    He finally gave up on his fruitless search. He took off his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes, aching in the dim light of the basement lanterns. He felt like all he¡¯d done for weeks was read about Umbra Harbor.


    He headed back upstairs, where he found Jasper rearranging a bookshelf. He had a large tome with black pages tucked under his arm that was tied shut with thick twine.


    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Callum said, and Jasper startled, dropping the tome and a few other books on the floor.


    ¡°Oh!¡± He knelt down and picked up the books he¡¯d dropped. ¡°Did you find what you were looking for?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± Callum stuck his hands in his pockets, feeling defeated. ¡°I have more questions than answers. It seems everyone in town has encountered the Bloodsucker in one way or another, directly or indirectly, but no one wants to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Well, most folks are wary of any newcomers these days. They¡¯re probably just afraid that the Bloodsucker might hear them or come back for them. Who knows?¡± Jasper placed the books he¡¯d dropped on his cart, then held out the large black tome to Callum. ¡°This is the book I was telling you about. I¡¯m not sure where it came from¡ªI buy lots of stuff when I travel and don¡¯t always look through the boxes. It''s handwritten, and it¡¯s all about vampires and whatnot. You can have it, or give it Helsing.¡±


    Callum raised an eyebrow at the man before he put his glasses back on and took the book. The twine that held it was old, and he untied it carefully, lest if fall apart if he pulled too hard.


    Everything in the book was written in white ink, and most of it in a language that Callum had never seen before. There were sketches of vampires and werewolves, even detailed parts of their inner anatomy in comparison to humans.


    ¡°What language is this?¡± Callum eyes, his brow furrowed while he flipped through the pages. There was no name¡­ no indication of who might have written the book or where it had come from.


    ¡°I¡¯m not terribly fluent, but I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s the old language of the indigenous people of Intuneric up north,¡± Jasper explained. He tapped his finger on a page that had drawings of two different hearts. ¡°It¡¯s similar to their language now, but some things changed over the centuries, making it a bit rough to translate. The few things that changed can sort of be pieced together through the context. For example, this is explaining the anatomy of a human heart versus a vampire one. When a human becomes a vampire, it says the heart becomes enlarged, the walls thicker, which enhances the creature¡¯s strength and speed. It accommodates for the consumption and distribution of blood in larger quantities throughout the body.¡±


    ¡°How could anyone know these things?¡± Callum asked, riffing the pages. ¡°You¡¯d have to do an autopsy to even guess what the inside of their bodies are like, and even more through studies to understand how their cardiovascular system functions. In order to do any of those things, vampires would have to be real.¡±


    ¡°I already told you,¡± Jasper said with a shrug, ¡°I don¡¯t know enough about the world so say they aren¡¯t read. I also don¡¯t know who wrote this book¡ªmaybe a madman¡ªso who¡¯s really to say? I¡¯ve never seen them, but it doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re not out there. The recent attacks are at least enough proof to be cautious when the sun goes down.¡±


    Callum shut the book and sighed. Van must have been spreading the idea of vampires for quite a while, since almost everyone seemed to believe it.


    ¡°Who can I speak to in this town who isn¡¯t convinced there¡¯s a vampire in Umbra Harbor?¡±


    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m not convinced, I just don¡¯t know what the answer is.¡± Jasper rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment. ¡°At this point, it¡¯s just as probable to be a vampire as it is to be a human or an animal. Even those who have seen the Bloodsucker himself, claiming it¡¯s some good-looking guy in fancy clothes, aren¡¯t convinced it¡¯s entirely human."


    Callum just rolled his eyes. The whole town was full of lunatics. Since when was being handsome or having nice clothes an indication of humanity?


    ¡°Your best bet would probably be the Count,¡± Jasper told him. ¡°I¡¯ve never met him, and from what I hear, he hates Doctor Helsing. He¡¯s a bit of a recluse too. That¡¯s probably why Helsing thinks he¡¯s the Bloodsucker. If vampires are real... and I¡¯m not saying they are... then I wouldn¡¯t be at all surprised if the Count was one of them. He¡¯s the only one we don¡¯t see regularly, and nobles have all the power and money to get away with all sorts of evil things, don¡¯t they?¡±


    Callum left the bookshop in defeat. He was frustrated, to say the least.


    And what about the Count? Jasper was the second person to imply that he might be the Bloodsucker, regardless of whether he was human or not. Was it just because Van was convinced of it, or was it something else? Perhaps the attacker¡¯s apparent clothing choice?


    He let out a long breath as he stretched his arms over his head and stared up at the dark, cloudy sky. He hadn¡¯t seen the sun in a clear sky since he left the Capital City.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just have to suck it up and go see the Count.¡±

 The Count of Umbra Harbor

    Once he managed to find a carriage for hire, which wasn¡¯t really much of a carriage at all, Callum headed off to meet the Count of Umbra Harbor. He didn¡¯t know who or what to expect, and his heart pounded anxiously.


    The driver, Jack, was a young, quiet man, and his two boys rode along in the back of the old cart. The older was quite chatty, while the other boy was silent. They wore ropes of garlic around their neck, while their father word a heavy string of wooden rosary.


    ¡°May I ask you something?¡± Callum questioned, keeping his voice low. He hadn¡¯t spoken to anyone except Jasper about the Bloodsucker, and he was certain that Jack and his children were in Van¡¯s letters. The man let out a heavy sigh, keeping his gaze focused on his horses.


    ¡°I s¡¯pose you¡¯re gonna ask ¡®bout me and my Willa,¡± he said quietly. He eyed the boys in the back, who weren¡¯t listening. They were engrossed in some card game while the elder of the two chatted away about the rules. ¡°I don¡¯t got any answers for ya, I¡¯m afraid. If I did, maybe little Edvard might start talkin¡¯ again. He ain¡¯t never been the same since he found his mum in the pasture, laid out like that.¡±


    ¡°You were attacked by the Bloodsucker too, weren¡¯t you? After Wilhelmina died?¡±


    ¡°Aye¡­¡± Jack placed his hand over the side of his neck and scowled. ¡°I was travelin¡¯ home from visitin¡¯ Willa¡¯s family after she died. He stopped me just outside the border of the county. I stopped ¡®cause I thought maybe he needed help or somethin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Who was he?¡±


    ¡°No idea,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°I didn¡¯t get a real good look at him ¡®cause it was so dark. He was real forward and touchy, but I turned him down. I don¡¯t care what other people do, but I ain¡¯t into men, ya know? He got real mad that I turned him down. His eyes went red, and he had fangs like an animal. He bit me too, but my rosary burned his face and he let me go.¡±


    ¡°You must have been terrified.¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t never run so fast in my life,¡± he said with a nod. ¡°Went straight to Helsing and begged for help, but there¡¯s not much to be done. He just gave me more ropes of garlic. I got ¡®em all over the house and up in the barn. They boys never take theirs off except during bathtime, and I always got Willa¡¯s rosary on me.¡±


    ¡°What do you think of Doctor Helsing¡¯s accusations about the Count?¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t never met the man, but I know Helsing and him don¡¯t get along, so who¡¯s to say? Could just be some grudge. I¡¯m not gonna point fingers¡ªI just wanna protect my boys.¡±


    Jack¡¯s horses started to grow restless as they reached a clearing in the dense forest. They refused to go any closer to the estate, despite Jack trying to get them moving.


    There was a large iron gate surrounding the property, and the rough dirt path gave way to a beautiful stone drive that led up to the house. It was enormous and surrounded by more forest. The mansion was all dark stone and black wood, giving it a threatening aura as it loomed up on the hill in the fog. Two dark stone gargoyles were perched up on either side of the gate, staring down on them ominously.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Jack said, shaking his head with disdain. ¡°I dunno what¡¯s gotten into them. You¡¯ll have to walk up to the house.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right.¡± Callum hopped down from the carriage with his suitcase, and waved to the boys, who watched him with piqued interest. He handed Jack some money too. ¡°I appreciate all your help, and thanks for talking with me. It seems most folks want to keep quiet.¡±


    ¡°Keeping my mouth shut ain¡¯t gonna bring back my Willa, and it ain¡¯t gonna keep any of them other folks from sharing her fate. I¡¯m happy to help in any way I can. You know where we¡¯re at if you need anything. I¡¯ll try to be back before sunset to pick you up.¡±


    Callum waved again as Jack headed back down the dirt path to Umbra Harbor. His heart fluttered anxiously as he turned to the old mansion, making his way up the drive.


    There was nothing particularly strange about the buildings on the property. The main house seemed well cared-for, and the autumn leaves had been brushed off the front stairs. He took a deep, calming breath as he ascended, and knocked on the large wooden doors.


    He listened for movement inside, but didn¡¯t hear anything, and there was no light coming through any of the windows. He knocked again and waited, but eventually his shoulders dropped with discouragement. He really hoped he didn¡¯t make the trip out there for nothing, especially since he wasn¡¯t expecting Jack to return until sunset.


    Right as he was preparing to give up, a middle-aged woman opened one of the doors, just far enough for her to stand in it. She had a white apron over her dark dress, and a stack of clean linens tucked under one arm while she eyed him up and down.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am,¡± Callum said, removing his hat. ¡°Does the Count of Umbra Harbor live here?¡±


    ¡°He does.¡± She shifted the linens to her other arm, never taking her gaze off Callum. ¡°Do you have business with the Count?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a private investigator from the Capital City,¡± he explained and showed her his badge. ¡°I¡¯m looking into some strange goings-on in town, and was directed here to speak with the current owner. It is his county, after all.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± The woman seemed a bit nervous and unsure, looking around to make sure Callum was alone. ¡°He doesn¡¯t really like visitors. And he¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mary,¡± a man¡¯s voice called out from somewhere inside the house, and the woman¡¯s eye went wide. She stood up straighter and turned her attention to the direction of the voice. ¡°Who¡¯s at the door?¡±


    ¡°A detective from the Capital City,¡± she said. ¡°He said he¡¯s investigating the harbor, and he wants to speak with you.¡±


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t be rude, Mary. He must be tired¡ªit¡¯s a long way from the Capital City.¡±


    The other side of the wooden doors opened, and Callum found himself face-to-face with the Count of Umbra Harbor.


    He was wearing a dark shirt, tucked into finely tailored pants, under a black vest with intricate embroidery and gold buttons. His glossy shoes must have cost more than Callum¡¯s office back in the city.


    He was taller than Callum, and he had high cheekbones and prominent, upturned eyes that were a beautiful shade of amber that he had never seen, and he couldn¡¯t seem to tear his gaze away.


    The man brushed his dark hair out of his face and smiled, and Callum felt strangely bashful. He lowered his eyes a bit, feeling his face get hot. Why was he getting flustered? It wasn¡¯t like he¡¯d never seen a good-looking man before.


    The Count had thick scars that extended from his jaw down the side of his neck, mostly hidden by his shirt. It must have been a horrific wound, like he¡¯d been mauled by a wild animal. Maybe a hunt gone badly?


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± he said, holding his hand out to Callum, and it jolted him out of his daze. ¡°Bram Shelley. Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ right.¡± Callum cleared his throat and shook himself a bit, trying to rid himself of the strange feeling he got from looking at the Count. He quickly shook his hand, and Bram¡¯s grip was firm but not painful or tight like some men who wanted to show off their strength. His skin was cool and soft, and Callum found himself getting flustered again, so he pulled his hand away quickly. ¡°Callum Harker.¡±


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    ¡°Please, come in, Mr. Harker.¡± Bram stepped back and gestured for Callum to enter.


    Callum had been inside the homes of many nobles back in the Capital City, but he¡¯d never seen anything quite like the Shelley Estate. It was enormous and lavish, with beautiful hardwood floors and plush carpets. There were crystal chandeliers, suits of armor and weapons on display, large paintings covering the walls, and other exquisite items adorning every inch of the manor¡­ clearly the accumulation of centuries of wealth. Every window was draped in deep crimson curtains, creating a lovely contrast with the black walls.


    Upstairs, in Bram¡¯s study, three of the four walls were almost completely lined with bookshelves, save for the doors and Bram¡¯s desk. The other wall had an enormous, beautifully designed fireplace with more draped windows on either side of it. There was a tea tablet and couches set up in front of it too.


    The top of Bram¡¯s desk seemed to be the only unorganized place in the entire house, with piles of scattered stationery and paperwork strewn about.


    ¡°Your housekeeper seems¡­ nice,¡± Callum said, not entirely sure what to say to the man. At the present moment, everyone in Umbra Harbor was a suspect, and Helsing was entirely convinced that Bram was the Bloodsucker. Perhaps he shouldn¡¯t have visited the Count by himself.


    ¡°She is¡­¡± Bram gave him a curious look as he gestured for Callum to sit in one of the chairs on the opposite side of his desk. He gathered all of the scattered papers and tapped them into a neat stack, then tucked them away in a drawer before finally taking a seat himself. He leaned forward on the now-clear desk and folded his hands in front of him. ¡°But I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t come all this way just to make small-talk about Mary. She said you¡¯re investigating the harbor. So, what exactly are you looking for?¡±


    Callum cleared his throat a couple of times. Something about the way Bram looked at him was terribly unnerving, but he needed to get to the point.


    ¡°I was sent here because the citizens of Umbra Harbor feel that the nobility of this county are not properly ensuring their safety. I¡¯m here to analyze the situation, speak with witnesses and victims, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Victims?¡± Bram furrowed his brow. ¡°Victims of what?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to find out.¡± Callum put on his reading glasses before fishing a few papers out of his suitcase. ¡°I¡¯ve compiled a list of townsfolk, grouped together by their experiences. Chlorosis is healthy women, strange wounds, visions, encounters with a stranger in the night, even deaths¡­ Doctor Helsing has¡ª¡±


    Bram let out a long, noisy sigh, and Callum eyed him questioningly as he leaned back in his chair and rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Harker,¡± he said firmly, giving him a hard stare, ¡°I would advise you not to take direction from that man. He¡¯s nothing more than a quack, parading himself around as some highly-educated professional while promoting unsafe treatments not grounded in science. Stick with him, and he¡¯ll have you think the countryside is overrun with ghouls, or out in the harbor fishing for mermaids.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Callum was a bit taken aback by Bram¡¯s reaction to hearing about Van. He knew they didn¡¯t like each other, but apparently the hatred ran deeper than he originally thought. ¡°Eccentric habits and theories aside, he does keep extensive record of what¡¯s been going on in town.¡±


    ¡°He also has no regard for anyone but himself. He nearly killed me once by placing a rope of garlic around my neck, even after I told him not to, insisting that it would protect me. I am deathly allergic to many things, Mr. Harker, including onions and garlic. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in town, and if what you¡¯re saying is true, it¡¯s terrible and disturbing, to say the least. But you won¡¯t figure out with Van Helsing¡¯s help.¡±


    ¡°He believes it to be the work of a vampire,¡± Callum noted, and Bram seemed a bit surprised, but then he frowned. ¡°Do you believe in the supernatural, Mr. Shelley?¡±


    ¡°Just because something is unexplained, it doesn¡¯t mean there isn¡¯t a logical explanation to it, Mr. Harker. You¡¯d do well to remember that if you¡¯re going to enlist the help of lunatics like Van Helsing. Do you have any suspects? You mentioned something about a stranger in town.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Callum rubbed the back of his neck, trying to choose his words carefully. How could he question Bram without sounding like he was accusing the man? ¡°Some of the men have reported being seduced by a handsome stranger in expensive clothing, like a nobleman. But¡­ you¡¯re the only noble in this county, are you not?¡±


    Bram leaned forward on his arms again, a devilish smirk on his face. Callum held his breath as he looked him in the eyes.


    ¡°Should I be offended that you¡¯re suggesting I might be the one responsible for these apparent attacks,¡± he asked softly, ¡°or flattered that you think I¡¯m handsome?¡±


    Callum felt his face and ears get extremely hot, his heart quickening with embarrassment. He was sure he must be bright red.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant! I just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, Mr. Harker. Have a sense of humor.¡± Bram leaned back in his seat and chewed on the end of a pen he¡¯d picked up. ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s not much I can do to help. I rarely even leave this manor. Besides, I¡¯m quite far from town¡ªit¡¯d be difficult to go back and forth without being noticed, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°You never go to town? But you¡¯re the Count.¡±


    ¡°I do, just not often. It¡¯s been a while. Nearly every building is covered in garlic nowadays due to Helsing¡¯s crazed superstitions, and I¡¯d prefer to keep breathing. Mary does most business in town on my behalf.¡±


    ¡°He seems to think it will protect the citizens from vampires,¡± Callum said, and he scowled.


    ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t protect me. How am I supposed to run a county when I can¡¯t even enter the buildings? I¡¯m lucky to have Mary, but she¡¯s not the Count, I am.¡±


    Callum sighed. He had hoped to get more information out of Bram. He was supposed to be running the county. It was no wonder why Helsing had turned to the Capital City for help.


    ¡°Why have you ignored the letters from Doctor Helsing? Because you don¡¯t get along?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Bram looked irritated then. ¡°I haven¡¯t received anything from Helsing¡ªwe haven¡¯t spoken since the day he nearly killed me.¡±


    ¡°He said he¡¯d been sending letters,¡± Callum explained, and Bram rubbed his chin. ¡°He said you hadn¡¯t responded to any of the letters. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°I can assure you, Mr. Harker, that I would not be sitting idly in this manor all this time if I had any idea what was happening in town.¡± Bram stood and smoothed the front of his vest, then gestured for Callum to follow. ¡°I would never leave my county and its people to some ill fate because of one person. Mary usually collects the post¡ªI¡¯ll speak with her about it later.¡±


    Callum walked the halls of Shelley Manor with Bram while they spoke more, mostly just Callum asking questions about Bram¡¯s day-to-day routine as the Count. It seemed there were no other people working in the manor aside from Mary. She kept the entire place immaculate, and Bram thanked her for her work each time they passed each other.


    Bram led him to another room on the opposite end of the manor. It opened up into his bedroom, and Callum stood just outside the doorway.


    The room was similar to his study, full of bookshelves, with the addition of a large, four-post bed with heavy curtains. Bram went to his closet and got a jacket, buttoning it up before he led Callum downstairs and out the front door.


    ¡°Are you all alone here?¡± Callum asked.


    Bram took a pack of cigarettes out of his breast pocket, offering one up to Callum, which he took gratefully. He¡¯d been so wrapped up in his investigation that he hadn¡¯t smoked in days.


    ¡°I¡¯m not alone¡ªI have Mary,¡± he said as he lit his cigarette. ¡°It is just the two of us, but I don¡¯t need anyone else. There¡¯s no one else here to make more work for her.¡±


    It was already starting to get dark, although it was pretty much always dark in Umbra Harbor. It was raining again, and Callum wondered if he¡¯d ever see a clear sky while he was there.


    ¡°Your carriage should be here soon,¡± Bram said as he lit a couple of lamps around them. He sat down in a chair and took a long drag of his cigarette.


    There was a strange chirping noise in the air, and Callum squinted up at the darkened sky. He couldn¡¯t really tell where it was coming from, especially with the rain falling in his face and the noise echoing around them.


    ¡°What is that sound?¡±


    ¡°Bats¡± Bram told him. ¡°They come in the spring and stay until close to the end of the rainy season, when the cold weather drives the insects away. They like to roost in old attics and chimneys.¡±


    Callum scowled. He hated animals that invaded buildings. The Capital City had a terrible rat problem, and what were bats other than rats that could fly?


    ¡°You don¡¯t care to get rid of them?¡± he questioned. ¡°Does the town have no means of pest control?¡±


    ¡°Why would I do that?¡± Bram seemed offended by the question. ¡°They¡¯re mostly harmless, and they eat annoying insects. They¡¯ll be gone soon anyway¡ªthey¡¯re not pests.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Callum said with a shrug.


    While they were chatting, Jack returned to pick up Callum. The horses still refused to come up the drive, so he waited outside the iron gates.


    ¡°I won¡¯t take up any more of your time,¡± Callum said as he dropped his cigarette on the ground, putting it out with his shoe. He held out his hand to shake Bram¡¯s. ¡°Have a wonderful evening, Mr. Shelley.¡±


    Bram stood and put out his own cigarette before taking Callum¡¯s hand. Instead of shaking it, he rubbed his thumb against the back of it softly before lifting it to his lips. He kissed the back of it, flashing a mischievous grin. Callum felt his face get hot, and quickly pulled his hand back.


    ¡°I look forward to seeing you again, Mr. Harker.¡±


    Callum put his hat on and rushed out into the rain and down the drive. Bram didn¡¯t move from his spot, watching him leave.


    ¡°Thanks for coming back for me,¡± he said to Jack as he climbed up beside him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°That the Count?¡± Jack asked, eyeing the man up on the porch. ¡°He looks younger than I expected. Must be the guy¡¯s son or somethin¡¯.¡±


    Callum shivered and glanced back up at the manor. Bram was still standing on the porch, watching them leave. He pulled his jacket tighter around himself, his heart racing. It felt as though Bram could still see him, even long after they were out of view. He hoped he wouldn¡¯t have to go back there again.

 Recurring Nightmares

    Callum lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He kept rubbing the back of his hand where Bram had, thinking back on the moment. What did it mean? Was the Count flirting with him? Was he trying to charm him in an attempt to avert suspicions about being the Bloodsucker away from himself?


    He felt his face and ears get hot as he remembered the look Bram had given him. Those deep amber eyes and roguish grin¡­ He let out a long breath and covered his flushed face with his pillow.


    ¡°Get it together, Callum,¡± he demanded. ¡°He¡¯s a suspect¡ªyou¡¯re not here to flirt with the locals.¡±


    He turned on his side and closed his eyes, taking deep, slow breaths. He¡¯d been out all day, trying to find leads on the Bloodsucker and meeting with the Count. He was exhausted.


    Tap, tap, tap.


    There was a faint sound, like fingertips against glass, but Callum didn¡¯t move. It was probably just the rain against the windows. He¡¯d been in Umbra Harbor for a little over a week, and it seemed to rain at least a small part of every day, and the sky never cleared.


    Tap, tap, tap.


    He opened his eyes went the noise got louder, a bit more urgent-sounding. He sat up quickly, eyeing the heavy drapes that covered the balcony doors. Was someone out there? Was it the Bloodsucker?


    He waited and listened, but the sound didn¡¯t come again, and he lay back down. His heart was racing, and he sighed. He was getting himself all worked up over the case, and letting Van¡¯s constant ramblings about monsters in the shadows get to him.


    Tap, tap, tap.


    The sound came again, and Callum got out of bed, rushing to bed a robe on over his bedclothes. He went to open the drapes, but froze, his fingers barely touching the velvet, and realized his hands were trembling.


    Stop it, he told himself. Vampires aren¡¯t real. There¡¯s nothing out there. There¡¯s no reason to be scared.


    BANG, BANG, BANG!


    Callum cried out as he fell back on the floor. It sounded like someone was pounding their fists on the glass doors. His heart beat just as aggressively, and he placed his hand over his chest, trying to catch his breath. It felt like it might be the only thing keeping his heart from flying out of his body.


    Sitting on the floor, Callum got angry then. He got to his feet with a frustrated huff and threw the curtains open and yanked the doors open.


    It was pouring outside, the wind howling loudly, blowing water and leaves into the room. He pulled his robe tightly around himself as he stepped out onto the balcony.


    He was alone in the darkness, and no one was out of the road below. Of course, no one would be out so late, or in such poor weather.


    He startled as a lone bat flew by, dangerously close to the top of his head, then cursed under his breath. He felt foolish for allowing Van and his wild stories get to him. There was nothing to be afraid of.


    He brushed his now-soaked blond hair out of his face and went back inside, shaking his head with disdain. There was no Bloodsucker, no evil thing lurking outside his room, no monsters hiding in the shadows of Umbra Harbor. The Bloodsucker was human, and Callum was determined to find out who it was.


    In the morning, Callum sat at a table in the tavern. He had his head in his hands and an untouched cup of coffee in front of him, a half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray. He hadn¡¯t gotten any sleep, and there were dark circles under his eyes.


    ¡°Are you all right, Mr. Harker?¡±


    He looked up to see the tavern employee, Lucy, looking over him with concern. He let out a long, tired breath, then gestured for her to sit in the chair across from him.


    ¡°May I ask you a few questions, if you have a moment?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± She sat down while Callum quickly downed his coffee before pushing the empty cup aside.


    ¡°You were one of the first people to be attacked by the Bloodsucker, were you not?¡±


    ¡°I was.¡± Lucy nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t remember much about it, though. I felt faint in the morning, and I collapsed here. Doctor Helsing was the one who found the marks on my neck, but I don¡¯t recall being bitten. I assumed I had nicked myself with my brooch or the pin to my cloak.¡±


    ¡°Did anything strange occur the night before? Anything leading up to it?¡±


    Lucy was quiet for a moment, a thoughtful look in her eyes.


    ¡°Well¡­ I hadn¡¯t been sleeping well. I was having strange, recurring dreams, but I didn¡¯t think it meant anything. The first few nights, I thought I heard tapping outside my bedroom window. It was quiet usually, but sometimes it was loud, but there was never anything out there.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it was just a dream?¡± Callum questioned, but Lucy only shrugged, and his heart raced. Was he the next target of the Bloodsucker, or was he simply having strange dreams? How could more than one person have the same dreams? Was there something in the food or water that was affecting the townsfolk?


    ¡°After a few nights of that, there was one in particular when I finally went to the window. I pulled back the curtains, and there was a man on my balcony. It was a great shock, and it jolted me awake. That happened a few times.¡±


    Callum was quiet. He picked up his cigarette and lit it again, taking a long, slow drag. Was the Bloodsucker able to torment people in their sleep? Was he poisoning them? Or was he actually approaching them in the night? The Seward¡¯s son was killed in his room¡ªwas the Bloodsucker doing something to make his victims forget their encounter, chalking it all up to bad dreams instead?


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Did he ever enter your room?¡± he asked quietly, and Lucy¡¯s face went bright red. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to embarrass or shame you¡ªI just need to figure out exactly what we¡¯re dealing with here.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t let him into my room,¡± Lucy said, ¡°but I did meet him out on the balcony.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nothing happened! I couldn¡¯t even see his face, it was so dark. He was dressed like a nobleman from what I could tell. He was calm and polite, and asked me about taking a husband. I told him that I have more than enough suitors, but that I¡¯m not interested in marriage. I woke up in bed that morning, and that was the same day I fainted here.¡±


    Callum took another long drag of his cigarette and leaned back in his chair.


    ¡°Has anyone else had strange dreams like that?¡±


    ¡°Oliver did,¡± Lucy said softly, lowering her gaze. ¡°He told me about them before he died. Abraham has been having them too.¡±


    Callum returned to his room to gather up his notes and a coat before heading out. If others were having the same dream, he needed to speak to them. Lucy said that someone named Abraham was having dreams too. He recalled the name in one of Van¡¯s letters.


    He startled when there was a loud, urgent knocking on his bedroom door. John Seward was standing there, looking a bit pale and out of breath.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± Callum asked, and John swallowed hard.


    ¡°Another man has been killed,¡± he said, and Callum¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Helsing is there now, but I think you¡¯d better come too.¡±


    There was a large crowd gathered in the street outside the home, and they quickly moved out of Callum¡¯s way.


    The stench of death hit Callum as soon as he entered the house, and he covered his face with his handkerchief as he followed John upstairs to the bedroom.


    The doors to the balcony were open, the thin curtains rustling softly in the breeze. The young man was in bed, the blankets covering the bottom half of his body. There were no signs of any sort of struggle, and the victim looked as though he were sleeping peacefully. His body was scratched up and blood though, staining the white sheets underneath him.


    Van was beside the bed, examining the body with a grim expression on his face.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Callum asked.


    ¡°His name is Abraham. He was a regular at the tavern, and lived here alone. He¡¯d complained to me a few times of nightmares where the Bloodsucker seduced him. It seems they became a reality.¡±


    ¡°You think he was seduced?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so¡ªI know he did. I¡¯ll spare you the graphic details, but the proof is on the body. The Bloodsucker slept with him then killed him.¡±


    Van turned Abraham¡¯s head to the side, exposing his neck, and Callum saw the tell-tale puncture wounds in his skin.


    ¡°I spoke to Lucy just this morning,¡± Callum said, his heart racing. He had planned to speak to Abraham about the nightmares, and now he was dead. ¡°She told me that his nightmares were the same as her and Oliver.¡±


    ¡°Oliver Seward?¡± Van questioned, and he nodded. ¡°He was killed like this too. Perhaps these dreams aren¡¯t really dreams¡ªthey¡¯re indicators of who the Bloodsucker is targeting.¡±


    Callum let out a small breath, and he slowly lowered into the chair beside Abraham¡¯s bed.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Van rushed over to him, eyeing him up and down. ¡°You went deathly pale all of a sudden.¡±


    ¡°Lucy said the nightmares started with a light tapping on her balcony window,¡± Callum said breathlessly. His heart was pounding, and he felt like he might faint. ¡°I thought someone was knocking on my window last night. I didn¡¯t get any sleep.¡±


    Van swore under his breath and ran his fingers through his hair. He knelt down to be eye-level with Callum and placed a strong hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Listen¡­ It¡¯s going to be fine, all right? We¡¯ll put up garlic, lay down salt lines¡­ It¡¯s only a theory anyway. The Bloodsucker is not going to get to you.¡±


    Callum held his head in his hands and took slow, deep breaths. He needed to calm down.


    ¡°If I¡¯m being targeted, that¡¯s better, right? We can use it as an opportunity to catch this murderer.¡±


    That night, Callum lay awake, staring at the ceiling. He couldn¡¯t get the thoughts out of his head about the victims that all had the same experiences before they died¡ªthe same ones he was having.


    How could they all have the same dreams though? Were they really dreams? Was it a regular in the tavern, spiking the food and drinks with something? Even if that were the case, what were the chances of everyone having the same exact nightmare?


    Tap, tap, tap.


    He didn¡¯t even realize he¡¯d fallen asleep when he was jolted awake by the sound of tapping on the window again. He lay there, his heart pounding and his breath coming out in small, panicky huffs.


    Tap, tap, tap.


    Was it the Bloodsucker? If he got up and went to the balcony, would he share the same fate as the others? Lucy had survived her encounter, but the others, both men, had not. How did the killer choose his targets? How did he decide who to kill or who to spare?


    Tap, tap, tap.


    The tapping continued, every few minutes. It didn¡¯t get louder or more urgent, and there was no loud banging like last time. Was the killer waiting patiently for Callum?


    Tap, tap, tap.


    Perhaps it really was all in his head. Maybe it was just a branch from the trees outside, rattled by the wind and rain.


    Tap, tap, tap.


    Callum inhaled a deep breath before getting out of bed. He wrapped himself up in his robe and grabbed his pistol before he went to the balcony doors. He found himself paralyzed again, his hands holding the curtains. Did he dare pull them back?


    Tap, tap, tap.


    He shook himself and swallowed his fear, throwing open the curtains. He nearly fell back at the sight of the silhouette of a man standing outside, his eyes glowing red in the darkness.


    Get it together, he told himself. It¡¯s just a dream.


    It was dark and rainy outside, making it impossible to see the man. He didn¡¯t move, and he didn¡¯t try to open the doors. Was he waiting for Callum?


    He opened the balcony doors, and the wind blew rain in his face. He shivered a bit, and the man still didn¡¯t move or speak.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Callum asked. ¡°Why are you tapping on my window?¡±


    The strangle laughed softly, and it sent a chill up Callum¡¯s spine. From what little he could see, the man fit the vague description of the Bloodsucker. He was a tall man with broad shoulders, and he seemed to be wearing neat, tailored clothing. If he had never met him, Callum might have assumed it was Bram Shelley too.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing funny about this. Answer me!¡± he demanded, aiming his pistol at the stranger. ¡°Why do you keep coming here? Are you the one who¡¯s been tormenting this town? Did you kill Abraham?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you invite me in, and then we can talk,¡± he said. His voice sounded strange to Callum. He was sure he must be dreaming. ¡°You must really want to meet, if you came to the window again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to catch a killer, and if it¡¯s you, I¡¯ll¡ª¡±


    The man rushed at him, and Callum fell back in fear. He stopped just outside the room, and he finally got a good look at him. The man had sharp, animal-like features, and he bared fangs at Callum. His hands had long claws instead of fingernails, reaching out to grab at him, but he didn¡¯t advance into the room, and he let out a terrifying, animalistic snarl.


    ¡°You¡¯ll what?¡± he asked, then laughed again. All Callum could do was stare up at the man, eyes wide and mouth gaping while his whole body trembled with fear. ¡°You think you have the power to stop me? You think that little toy gun of yours can hurt me? You reek of fear¡ªI bet you¡¯ve never even shot anyone with that pistol.¡±


    Callum couldn¡¯t speak. His mouth was dry, and he was paralyzed.


    ¡°Leave this town if you value your life,¡± the stranger said, backing away from the doorway. ¡°Stop asking questions, and stay away from the Shelley Estate.¡±


    Right before Callum¡¯s eyes, the man¡¯s body exploded into hundreds of bats, swarming around before flying off into the night.


    Callum stayed on the floor for a long while, staring in shock at the empty balcony where the Bloodsucker had been. Was it real? Was it a nightmare? He wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.


    When he finally got up, he rushed to close the doors and curtains before going back to his bed, where he wrapped himself up in the covers and shut his eyes tightly.


    It wasn¡¯t real. The Bloodsucker is human¡ªyou¡¯re just having a nightmare. In the morning, it¡¯ll be like it never happened.

 Callum and the Count

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡± Callum lit a cigarette and leaned back in his seat. ¡°Why would he just leave like that? Why not just kill me while he had me alone?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Van threw a couple of fresh logs into his fireplace, then sat in the armchair across from him. ¡°For one, you aren¡¯t even convinced that it really happened¡ªyou said you might have been dreaming. If you weren¡¯t, and the Bloodsucker really was at your door, he can¡¯t touch you unless you let him in.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Vampires need permission to enter someone else¡¯s home,¡± he explained, and Callum rolled his eyes. ¡°The proof is in the victims, as well, Mr. Harker. The people killed in their homes showed no signs of a break-in or any sort of struggle, meaning they allowed him to enter. In all my years hunting them, I haven¡¯t been able to figure it out. They have this strange, charismatic hold on their victims, perhaps some kind of mental manipulation to keep them quiet.¡±


    ¡°The inn isn¡¯t my home, though. So, how would that apply?¡±


    ¡°Your guess is as good as mine¡ªI don¡¯t know all the mechanics.¡± Van shrugged. ¡°Maybe because you¡¯re renting the room, the rules apply. Technically, it¡¯s your room as long as you¡¯re renting it out.¡±


    ¡°He tried to attack me,¡± Callum recalled, ¡°but he stopped at the balcony threshold. He told me to leave town and to stay away from Bram Shelley¡¯s estate.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ odd,¡± Van said, rubbing his chin with a thoughtful look in his eyes. ¡°That moves him to the top of the list of suspects. Why would the Bloodsucker want you to stay away from him unless he had something to do with the attacks?¡±


    Callum was quiet. He understood Van¡¯s logic, but he didn¡¯t really think Bram was the Bloodsucker. The man was a well-known recluse, and Shelley Manor was miles from town.


    Then again, why would anyone want him to stay away from the estate if he was innocent? It wasn¡¯t like he knew anything about the Count. Was he just taken in by the man¡¯s charm? Was there any way to prove whether he had anything to do with the murders?


    Callum let out a long breath before knocking on Bram¡¯s door. He¡¯d spent over a week trying to avoid it, but no one would talk to him since Abraham had been killed. It was like the town was even more isolated than when he¡¯d first arrived. Perhaps they thought the Bloodsucker would target them if they spoke aloud about it.


    ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± Mary¡¯s brow furrowed at the sight of him. ¡°Is there something else we can do for you, Mr. Harker?¡±


    ¡°I need to know where the Count has been for the last fortnight,¡± he said, and Mary sighed loudly.


    ¡°Master Bram never leaves the estate. He¡¯s been here.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m his caregiver,¡± she stated in a very matter-of-fact tone, looking terribly unimpressed with Callum¡¯s line of questioning. ¡°Of course I¡¯m certain.¡±


    ¡°There was another attack last week¡­ a young man, murdered in his room. The night before it happened, someone came to my room, demanded that I stay away from this estate. Now, if Mr. Shelley¡ª¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s got nothing to do with it!¡±


    ¡°How can you be so certain? Most of the evidence I¡¯ve collected, along with what I¡¯ve been told by Doctor Helsing and the townsfolk, I can only assume¡ª¡±


    ¡°Master Bram has been bedridden for over a week!¡± Mary shook her head, the anger clear in her voice and on her face. ¡°I have no idea what is going on it that town, but I will not stand here and allow you to slander Bram¡¯s good name.¡±


    Callum pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a loud sigh of frustration. He was tired of going back and forth.


    ¡°Miss Mary¡­ I can only go where the evidence leads me. If the Count is bedridden, is he at least well enough to speak for a moment? I want him to be innocent just as much as you do.¡±


    Mary seemed torn, shifting her weight back and forth to each foot, but finally gestured for Callum to follow her inside.


    She led him up to Bram¡¯s bedroom, and pressed her finger to her lips to tell him to stay quiet before opening the door for him to enter. He only took a few steps into the room before he stopped short, his breath catching in his chest.


    If not for his shallow, labored breathing, Callum might have thought Bram was dead. He was pale and thin-looking, with beads of sweat on his brow. There were dark circles around his eyes, and his entire face had a deathly, sunken look to it.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with him?¡± Callum asked. He had looked fine when they¡¯d met, and now Bram looked like a breathing corpse.


    Mary sighed as she took a cloth out of a small basin of water on the bedside table. She wrang it out before using it to wipe Bram¡¯s face, and she looked sad. Her voice was quiet when she finally spoke.


    ¡°He¡¯s been like this for decades. He has a terrible illness that requires regular blood transfusions,¡± she explained. ¡°The nearest hospital is a hundred miles from here. We used to have a doctor come regularly to check up on him and to perform the procedure, or they would deliver stocks of blood and ice to keep in the cellar for when he needs it, but we¡¯ve used up our supply. Word travels fast, too¡ªthe doctor won¡¯t come here¡­ not when there are rumors of Umbra Harbor under attack by a monster that¡¯s killing people for their blood. So, for now, all Master Bram can do is rest¡ªhe isn¡¯t strong enough to travel that far.¡±


    ¡°What will happen if he doesn¡¯t get the transfusion?¡± Callum asked. Mary didn¡¯t answer, but the grim look on her face was answer enough. He let out a long breath and sat in the chair beside the bed. ¡°And it¡¯s not like you could go to town and ask, right? Not while they¡¯re all convinced there¡¯s a vampire running rampant. They¡¯d likely accuse you and Mr. Shelley.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in a real crisis, Mr. Harker,¡± Mary said softly. She reached out and brushed Bram¡¯s dark hair off his sweaty forehead. ¡°I¡¯d give him my blood if I could, but I¡¯m the only one here to care for him. I¡¯m the wrong blood type anyway.¡±


    Callum leaned forward in his seat and took a deep breath. He rubbed his face with his hands vigorously, hoping he wasn¡¯t about to regret the words that came out of his mouth.


    ¡°What about my blood?¡± he asked, and Mary raised a brow. ¡°According to my doctor back in the Capital City, I have a relatively rare blood type that can be donated to anyone.¡±


    ¡°You would do that for Master Bram?¡±


    ¡°I told you already¡ªI want him to be innocent just as much as you do. Besides, he can¡¯t help me if he dies. I¡¯d like to help, if I can.¡±


    He sat quietly while Mary rushed around, gathering the supplies they would need. His heart thumped loudly in his chest while he watched Bram sleep.


    Would his blood be enough? Why was he even going to help him? Why did he even want Bram to be innocent? It wasn¡¯t like he knew the man¡ªwas he blinding himself for Bram¡¯s sake? All of the evidence so far pointed to him. Even if he wasn¡¯t the Bloodsucker, it seemed that he had to be involved somehow.


    Not that it really mattered. He couldn¡¯t question Bram if he died, and he wasn¡¯t going to let anyone else die in Umbra Harbor if he could help it.


    Callum rested in a guest room at the Shelley Estate for a couple of days after the blood transfusion. The procedure had draining him of his energy, and Mary had offered him a place to stay.


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    He had no idea what time or day it was when he finally woke feeling rested. The room was dark, the windows draped in the same heavy curtains as every other room. He sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re finally awake.¡±


    Bram was sitting in a chair by the fireplace, and he looked terrible. He was still much paler than Callum remembered, and had dark circles under his sunken-looking eyes.


    ¡°Are you all right to be up?¡± Callum asked, and Bram laughed softly, sinking into the chair a bit.


    ¡°Not really¡ªI¡¯m exhausted. I won¡¯t overexert myself, though. I just wanted to thank you. I¡¯m quite indebted to you at this point, but aside from that, I¡¯d like to know why you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Mr. Harker.¡± He leaned forward, giving him a hard stare. ¡°We both know you weren¡¯t here just to check on me, or to donate blood to a sickly Count. So, what really brought you here?¡±


    Callum sighed. Bram¡¯s intense amber eyes made him nervous, and they seemed to stare right through him, and he didn¡¯t think he could lie, even if he wanted to.


    ¡°I¡¯m still trying to catch the Bloodsucker,¡± he explained, ¡°and unfortunately, you¡¯re currently at the top of the list of suspects.¡±


    ¡°And why is that, exactly?¡±


    ¡°You fit the description from those who have survived encounters with him. You¡¯re the only one who doesn¡¯t have a solid alibi, and the fact that I was approached and told to stay away from this estate just¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen my alibi¡ªI¡¯ve been bedridden for over a week.¡±


    ¡°I have to examine the evidence, Mr. Shelley. I haven¡¯t seen you since before the most recent murder. Even if you were bedridden, I can¡¯t say you don¡¯t have an accomplice. You said it''s just you and Mary. I know the person who came to my balcony wasn¡¯t you, but he did tell me to stay away from the Shelley Estate.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s enough to incriminate me, apparently,¡± Bram said, leaning back in his seat.


    Callum sighed again, and rubbed the back of his neck. He didn¡¯t want Bram to be guilty, but he couldn¡¯t ignore the facts of the case. So far, Bram was the only suspect.


    ¡°Like I said, I have to follow the evidence. Why would they tell me to stay away from here if it has nothing to do with you?¡±


    ¡°To make you suspect me, I presume. Perhaps it¡¯s some ploy to get you out of town, knowing that telling you to stay away would only force you to come here looking for answers.¡±


    Callum¡¯s eyes went wide. He hadn¡¯t thought of it that way before. He¡¯d been at the Shelley Estate for three days, miles away from the people he was there to protect.


    ¡°Stay calm, Mr. Harker,¡± Bram said, putting his hand up. ¡°After your first visit here, I contacted Mr. Seward and his wife at the inn where you¡¯re staying. They¡¯re the only ones in town with a phone, you see. I instructed them to call me if anything else happens. Mary told me about young Abraham, but I was too ill to do anything about it at the time. They haven¡¯t called since, so you can rest for the moment¡ªyou haven¡¯t failed to protect anyone by being here.¡±


    Callum was quiet. He got up and went to where Bram was, sitting beside him on the couch. He let out a long breath¡­ a defeated, distant look in his eyes.


    ¡°What would you do?¡± he asked Bram. ¡°I mean¡­ especially now, being aware of what¡¯s going on in your county¡­ You¡¯re responsible for what happens to your citizens. But, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here, and a man has been killed. It feels like shit, not being able to do anything.¡±


    Bram was quiet for a while, then sat up straighter as he folded his hands in his lap.


    ¡°Why did you become a private investigator, Mr. Harker?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Callum leaned back and scratched his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I suppose I just got caught up in the thrill of mysteries. My parents had a large collection of old detective novels when I was a child. I must have read them a hundred times, and I wanted to experience it all.¡±


    ¡°Has it lived up to your expectations?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he said with a dejected tone, his shoulders dropping in defeat. ¡°Nothing noteworthy has happened in the Capital City since the Glasgow Grinner was hanged, and that was long before I was even born. All I ever seem to do is help rich nobles figure out which brothel their husband has been skulking around in, or what servant is pocketing their jewelry. I never felt like my work was making a different or truly helping anyone¡­ nothing worthwhile.¡±


    ¡°And now, here you are,¡± Bram said with a low chuckle, ¡°hunting vampires up the East Coast.¡±


    Callum laughed softly, but then he frowned. He was still no closer to figuring out who the Bloodsucker was. He was running out of time, especially if he was being targeted. How could he lure the killed out without getting himself killed in the process?


    ¡°What about you?¡± he asked, and Bram gave him a curious look. ¡°Have you always lived in Umbra Harbor?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he said with a distant, nostalgic expression. ¡°I grew up far north, in an orphanage in Intuneric. When I was too old to live in the orphanage, I moved into a local brothel.¡±


    ¡°You were a sex worker?¡±


    ¡°I was.¡± Bram nodded. ¡°Intuneric is largely unregulated by the Crown. Without a family, you really only had two options back then, in a place that couldn¡¯t protect you¡ªyou could choose where to work, or you would be put to work. I chose the former, because working in a brothel guarantees things that slavery and trafficking do not. Food, shelter, money¡­ and a small level of protection under the Matron, who obviously wants her workers relatively unharmed in order to continue making money.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t a flawless system, though, and there isn¡¯t always someone around to protect you. I got hurt, fairly often, and then a client slashed my throat. That¡¯s when I left.¡±


    Callum audibly gasped at Bram¡¯s statement. The scars on his neck were from a brothel client? He looking like he¡¯d been mauled by a wild animal¡­ what the hell did they use to do it?


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me something so awful,¡± he said softly, averting his gaze. ¡°I think I¡¯d rather be homeless than¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to be homeless in Intuneric,¡± Bram said in a very matter-of-fact tone. ¡°Like I said, you can choose to work, or you can be put to work. More often that not, it¡¯s sex work or the coal mines. I chose to work, and I chose the job that had the most to offer me.¡±


    ¡°I supposed I take my upbringing for granted.¡± Callum sighed and took his cigarettes out of his pocket, passing one off to Bram. ¡°My parents were always around, and put up with all the trouble I caused. I should have been a better son to them, instead of focusing on what I wanted.¡±


    ¡°I was like that once,¡± Bram said as he lit his cigarette. He tossed the used match into the fireplace before he leaned back, slinging his arm over the back of the couch. ¡°When I lived in the orphanage, we were wild. We snuck out all the time, caused the caretakers so much grief. We¡¯d run amuck through town, taking what we wanted, bothering the townsfolk, getting into all manner or trouble. We wanted a different life. We wanted to see the work and become so much more than just orphans of Intuneric. We wanted excitement and adventure.¡±


    ¡°What changed?¡±


    ¡°We got older,¡± he stated, and let out a sad sigh. ¡°We were forced to make some unbearable decisions about our futures. Some of them escaped Intuneric, some were trafficked away, and some chose to stay and become just another part of the city, like me.¡±


    ¡°But you left, eventually. Is that when you came to Otravire?¡± Callum asked, and he nodded.


    ¡°I had intended to stop sex work entirely, but trying to survive in a strange new country alone is difficult. I got back into it when I couldn¡¯t find a place to live,¡± he explained, looking a bit ashamed of himself. ¡°I peddled myself to nobles in the Capital City, as a means to collect information to protect myself. I was given this county in exchange for my silence about my¡­ ¡®business arrangements...¡¯ with the Crown Prince. If I had to guess, he gave me this particular county because it¡¯s so far from the Capital City.¡±


    Callum was silent, smoking his cigarette while he tried to process everything Bram was telling him. Van Helsing had told him the name on the deed to the Shelley Estate and Umbra Harbor had never changed in the last few hundred years. If it had been turned over to Bram in exchange for silence, then it made sense as to why there was no paperwork. Without proof, there was no chance for anyone to question the Crown Prince or Bram about the sudden change in ownership.


    ¡°What about the previous Count?¡± Callum questioned. ¡°Surely he must have had something to say about this, even if it did come from the Crown Prince.¡±


    ¡°He died,¡± Bram stated, a bit curtly. The tone of his voice and the hard expression in his eyes made Callum a bit unnerved. He clearly didn¡¯t want to talk about the previous Count.


    ¡°Well,¡± Callum said, exhaling a large huff of smoke as he tossed what was left of his cigarette into the fire. He stood and stretched his arms over his head. ¡°I think I¡¯ve gotten enough information for one night. Your story makes sense, and your alibi checks out, for now. Perhaps the Bloodsucker just doesn¡¯t want you helping me.¡±


    ¡°I would like to help, though,¡± Bram told him. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to accompany next time you speak to any of the townsfolk. I can¡¯t go into many of the buildings, thanks to Helsing and his strange superstitions, but perhaps we can find a place to set you up in a small office.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Callum rubbed the back of his neck, shifting a bit with unease. ¡°I¡¯m still no closer to an answer, and we still don¡¯t know what the Bloodsucker is really after. It could be you.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Harker, I am the Count. I can¡¯t just stay holed up in this manor while my citizens are being murdered in the night. I won¡¯t interfere with your investigations¡ªI only intend to sit back and observe.¡±


    When Callum returned to town, he went straight to Van¡¯s. He needed to let him know that Bram had an alibi, and Van would need to ease up on the garlic and the accusations if Bram was going to spend more time in Umbra Harbor.


    ¡°Have you lost your damn mind?¡± Van asked, slamming a book down onto his kitchen table. ¡°Even if the Court has an alibi this time, it doesn¡¯t make him innocent. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re spending a little too much time with him?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Callum raised an eyebrow while he sipped on his ale. ¡°You¡¯re the one who told me to go up there when I wanted nothing to do with him! Don¡¯t you think it would be more suspicious if I suddenly cut ties with Bram?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s ¡®Bram¡¯ now, is it?¡± Van teased, and Callum felt his ears get hot.


    ¡°Come on, Van, that¡¯s not¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, don¡¯t let your guard down. Attacks and sightings are still occurring, and we don¡¯t really know if he¡¯s involved. He¡¯s still a suspect, like everyone else. Don¡¯t let him get too close¡ªvampires often seduce their victims.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­¡± Callum rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not sleeping with the Count.¡±

 Isolation

    Callum waited over a week to hear from Bram about setting up an office in town, but the call never came. It was a bit frustrating, especially since he¡¯d said he wanted to help. He hadn¡¯t questioned anyone else yet, and he felt like they were wasting precious time. What if the Bloodsucker decided to strike again? What if he finally decided to come for Callum?


    He sat at the tavern counter, drinking the night away. Not like there was anything else to do. It was the first time he gave himself a chance to relax, after being so wrapped up in the Bloodsucker case. The town had been calm, albeit a little uneasy, and there were no new sightings or attacks. Callum didn¡¯t have any strange visions or dreams either.


    He was on his third ale when the tavern phone rang. It was back near the kitchen, so he couldn¡¯t hear what John was saying, but he kept looking over at Callum. Was someone asking about him? Had the Bloodsucker returned?


    ¡°Call¡¯s for you, Mr. Harker,¡± John said, holding up the phone. Callum sighed and stood, a bit unsteady on his feet, and staggered over to the back where John was waiting.


    ¡°This is Callum Harker,¡± he said, leaning heavily against the doorway to the kitchen.


    ¡°Good evening, Mr. Harker,¡± a familiar voice answered. ¡°I wanted to let you know that I was able to procure a small office for you to conduct your business. You¡¯re acquainted with the librarian, Mr. Morris, I assume?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for you to work out of a space in the library. I¡¯ll be coming to town in the morning for you to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s all right?¡± Callum blurted, and Bram fell silent. ¡°I mean¡­ with your condition and all. How are you feeling?¡±


    Bram laughed softly, and it sent a strange chill across Callum¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Are you worried about me, Mr. Harker? You¡¯re the one in a strange town all alone, while people are being murdered around you. I think I can muster the energy to help you.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t push yourself,¡± he told him, and Bram laughed again. It wasn¡¯t a loud, mocking laugh. It seemed more like a show of endearment. ¡°Do I amuse you, Mr. Shelley?¡±


    ¡°Your unyielding concern for the well-being of everyone but yourself is captivating. Have a good evening, Mr. Harker. Try not to drink too much.¡±


    Callum put the phone down and sighed, then returned to his seat at the counter. He finished off his drink, leaving the empty tankard in front of him.


    ¡°Something wrong, Mr. Harker?¡± John questioned. ¡°The Count doesn¡¯t call here often¡ªit must have been important.¡±


    ¡°Not particularly.¡± Callum lit a cigarette while John refilled his ale. ¡°I¡¯m going to be working out of the library starting tomorrow, apparently. If you know anyone who might want to talk about the Bloodsucker, that¡¯s where they can find me.¡±


    Callum sat at the tavern table in the corner with his head in his hands, his untouched breakfast and coffee in front of him. He regretted drinking so much the night before, and getting up so early to meet with Bram.


    ¡°Rough night, Mr. Harker?¡±


    His head snapped up to find the Count standing in front of the table. The whole tavern had gone silent, everyone staring curiously at Bram, who seemed not to notice.


    ¡°Mr. Shelley¡­¡± He gestured to the chair across from him, but Bram shook his head. ¡°This is your first time in town in years, isn¡¯t it? What¡¯s the rush?¡±


    ¡°You should know by now that I¡¯m not exactly a social person, Mr. Harker,¡± he said, straightening his tie. ¡°I¡¯d prefer to get straight to business.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to wait,¡± Callum told him, picking up his fork. ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten my breakfast yet, and Eliza went through all the trouble to make it for me. I¡¯d hate to  waste it.¡±


    Bram sighed, but there was a hint of a smirk, tugging at the corner of his mouth. He sat down without arguing, and simply watched Callum eat in silence.


    Callum glanced up at the tavern windows. The sky was gloomy, just like every other day, but it wasn¡¯t dark out. From what he could recall about Van¡¯s wild ranting, vampires couldn¡¯t come out during the day. So, if Bram really was the Bloodsucker, at least he was human. Callum could handle mortal men.


    ¡°I expected your call much sooner,¡± he told Bram. He took a large gulp of coffee and sighed. ¡°I was starting to think you¡¯d forgotten me.¡±


    ¡°Now, how could I do that?¡± Bram folded his hands and leaned in with his same old devilish smirk. ¡°Did you miss me, Mr. Harker?¡±


    Before Callum could respond, the smile of Bram¡¯s face vanished, and he leapt up from his seat just in time to catch the fist of one of the tavern patrons, only a few inches from his face.


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    He was relatively young, and Callum had never spoken to him before. He had learned from Lucy that his name was William Holmwood, and he was a regular patron of the tavern. He¡¯d recently earned a reputation as the town drunkard, after his brother had been killed by the Bloodsucker.


    From what Callum could recall from Van¡¯s pile of letters, William¡¯s brother was the first male victim of the Bloodsucker, and had died shortly after Wilhelmina, but before Oliver. He had been killed on the road outside of the town borders, however, on his way home from a festival in a distant county where their parents lived. William hadn¡¯t been with him because he¡¯d been at home in Umbra Harbor, bedridden with typhus for two weeks.


    ¡°Do you need something?¡± Bram asked, and the deep, serious tone in his voice made Callum nervous. Perhaps Bram was more dangerous than he appeared. He wasn¡¯t smiling anymore, and the young man struggled to pull his hand free, but Bram¡¯s grip was firm. He towered over the man, and the look on his face made Callum¡¯s heart race.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a lot of nerve, showing up here,¡± William growled through clenched teeth. ¡°People have been getting murdered for months, and now you finally decide to show your face? You¡¯re supposed to protect us!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of the situation. Mr. Harker here has filled me in on most of the details, and I¡¯m working closely with him to find the culprit and deal with them accordingly.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me laugh!¡± William tried to strike with his other fist, but Bram slapped it away like it was nothing before shoving the man away from him. He drunkenly stumbled back and hit a chair, and it only made William more upset. ¡°You haven¡¯t been here in years¡ªdon¡¯t act like you suddenly give a damn about us now! My brother is dead because you¡¯ve done nothing!¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re hurt and upset, but don¡¯t start a fight you can¡¯t win,¡± Bram warned, and he waved the man away. ¡°Go back to your drinking, and let Mr. Harker and I handle it.¡±


    William¡¯s shoulders dropped in defeat as he rubbed the hand that Bram had grabbed. He still looked angry, but tears welled up in his eyes, and he kept his gaze averted.


    ¡°Mr. Holmwood,¡± Callum interrupted, and both Bram and William turned their attention to him. ¡°I know you¡¯re frustrated with the current situation in Umbra Harbor, and I am sorry for your loss, truly¡­ but please, let me take care of it. I came here to help you, and that¡¯s what I intend to do, with Mr. Shelley¡¯s assistance.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± William spat, shooting a scowl in Bram¡¯s direction. ¡°I don¡¯t like this, but I won¡¯t interfere. When this is all said and done, you¡¯d better start taking proper care of this town.¡±


    The man went back to his seat at the counter without another word, downing his entire tankard of ale before slamming it down for a refill. Callum sighed and finished his coffee before getting up from the table.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, ¡°before more unhappy citizens try to get involved.¡±


    The office in the back of the library was about twice the size of Callum¡¯s back in the Capital City. There was a desk and some bookshelves, as well as a cabinet for files, and a few extra chairs and a couch in front of a small fireplace. There wasn¡¯t much of a view outside the window behind the desk, as the back of the library faced the forest, but there was a cool breeze that rustled the curtains.


    ¡°This is¡­ nice,¡± Callum said, looking around the room. ¡°How much is it going to cost me, though?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Bram told him. He was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, leaning against the frame. ¡°I¡¯ve made all the necessary arrangements with Mr. Morris¡ªall you need to do is let him know what you need to do your work.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re paying for it?¡± Callum questioned with a smirk. ¡°Why is that? A guilty conscience?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯d feel guilty if I killed those people?¡± Bram asked, and the look on his face made Callum frown. ¡°If I were murdering people for blood, why even bother staying in a small town like this? Sure, it might be easy for a while, but the more people die, the more guarded the others become, and the more likely it would be to get caught.¡±


    ¡°You seem to have give quite a bit of thought to this.¡± Callum sat at his desk with a sigh and leaned back in the chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± Bram said with a shrug, ¡°if this ¡®Bloodsucker¡¯ lived up to his name, needing blood to live, why kill the victims? It¡¯s not like it¡¯s easy to pack up their entire lives and go somewhere else on a whim. Why not just feed off them and let them be?¡±


    ¡°I wish I had the answers.¡± Callum rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Or at least more proof that could lead me to the culprit.¡±


    ¡°May I see the last place the Bloodsucker attacked?¡±


    Bram stood at the foot of Abraham¡¯s bed, looking around curiously. The body had been removed, but the room wasn¡¯t cleaned up. The blood-stained sheets still remained, and the balcony door were still open, the curtains fluttering in the cold breeze.


    ¡°How did Abraham die?¡±


    ¡°The Bloodsucker seduced him,¡± Callum explained, handing Bram a small stack of photos that Van had taken before he removed the body. ¡°They slept together. After that, he murdered him in his bed.¡±


    Bram had a disgusted scowl on his face as flipped through the gruesome pictures. He handed them back to Callum and sighed.


    ¡°Even with those injures,¡± he questioned, pointing at the top photo of the wounds on Abraham¡¯s body, ¡°you still think the Bloodsucker is human?¡±


    ¡°Why not? I¡¯ve seen some women who keep their nails quite long in the Capital City. They could do that kind of damage if they really tried.¡±


    ¡°Speaking from experience?¡± Bram asked with a smirk, and Callum¡¯s face got hot. He lowered his gaze quickly.


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m not interested in that kind of thing.¡±


    ¡°Not interested in sex? Or not interested in women?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s relevant to the situation, is it, Mr. Shelley?¡± He was sure his face was bright red. ¡°You said you wanted to see the crime scene, and here we are.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Bram stuck his hands in his pockets and let out a loud sigh, glancing at the blood-stained bedsheets. ¡°If it is a human, they¡¯re quite dedicated to the whole ¡®Bloodsucker¡¯ thing, aren¡¯t they? I can see why Helsing is so convinced that vampires are real. The bites, the claw marks, draining victims of their blood¡­ everything points to a vampire, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Vampires aren¡¯t real, Mr. Shelley. You told me yourself not to feed into Van¡¯s ideology on the supernatural.¡±


    ¡°Oh, believe me, I¡¯m not.¡± Bram sat in the chair beside Abraham¡¯s bed and folded his hands on his lap. ¡°Tell me, Mr. Harker¡­ do you know what the process is for preparing a body for burial?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Callum gave the Count a curious look. What was he suggesting? ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡±


    ¡°There is an instrument that you have to use to drain the blood from a corpse,¡± he explained. He tapped two fingers against the side of his neck. ¡°All of the victims have been drained of their blood, haven¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ That¡¯s why everyone thinks it¡¯s a vampire, and why Helsing is¡­¡±


    Callum¡¯s voice trailed off. Van was the only doctor in town, and he was also Umbra Harbor¡¯s mortician. If anyone would have the tools to drain blood from a body, it would be Van. Was Bram suggesting that Van Helsing was really the Bloodsucker?


    ¡°Food for thought,¡± Bram said with a hint of a smirk.

 Blurred Lines

    ¡°You¡¯ve completely lost your senses, Mr. Harker,¡± Van said. He dug through the mortuary drawers, pulling out tools, before dumping them all onto a pile on the embalming table in the center of the room. He picked up a device that had a thick needle connected to some tubing. ¡°This is what I use to prep bodies. It¡¯s much bigger than the wounds on the Bloodsucker¡¯s victims, not to mention that there¡¯s no reason in making any extra holes.¡±


    ¡°It was just a question, Van. I¡¯m trying to be thorough¡ªI wasn¡¯t accusing you of anything.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to accuse me outright. I know you¡¯re trying to do the right thing, and I know you have to consider everyone in town as a suspect, but why would I have tried so desperately to get someone out here if I was the Bloodsucker?¡±


    Callum sighed and leaned against the wall. He hoped there were no bodies behind the metal doors that lined it.


    ¡°What about your other tools? You¡¯re a doctor¡ªyou must have smaller needles. Had anything gone missing recently?¡±


    ¡°I am a doctor, and my professional opinion is that the wounds are bite marks, not puncture wounds from needles. If you look close enough, you can see the impression of the Bloodsucker¡¯s other teeth in their skin. Perhaps Bram Shelley is just trying to get you off his back.¡±


    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake.¡± Callum ran his fingers through his messy blond hair and let out a sigh of frustration. ¡°I¡¯m constantly being led back and forth. This is fucking ridiculous. I¡¯ve been here for weeks and I¡¯m still not closer to an answer than I was the day Quinn handed me that fucking case file. All I¡¯ve done is bounce back and forth between here and the Shelley Estate. There¡¯s gotta be something missing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s missing is the number of signs you¡¯re refusing to see that point to Bram Shelley,¡± Van said, ¡°because you think he¡¯s pretty.¡±


    Before Callum could argue, there was an urgent knocking at the door. They shared a concerned glance before Van rushed to answer it.


    An old woman was standing there, appearing a bit nervous. She was wringing her hands, and kept her gaze slightly lowered. Looking closer, Callum could see that her eyes had a cloudy, glazed-over look to them. Was she blind?


    ¡°Mrs. Westenra, what are you doing here?¡± Van questioned.


    ¡°My predictions are getting worse,¡± she said, and Callum raised a brow. ¡°The cards are predicting a great change, and I fear it won¡¯t be for the better.¡±


    ¡°This is Irena Westenra,¡± Van told Callum, taking her arm gently. ¡°She¡¯s a psychic, and works in town, telling fortunes.¡±


    Callum rolled his eyes. Mediums and vampires¡­ What was next, werewolves?


    ¡°Callum Harker,¡± he said, keeping his thoughts to himself, and he shook her thin, delicate hand. ¡°I¡¯m here from the Capital City, investigating the¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, my!¡± The old woman tightened her grip on Callum¡¯s hand and turned it over. She trailed one of her long fingernails across his palm, and it sent a shiver up his arm. ¡°You¡¯re treading in perilous waters, Mr. Harker. Your blood must be quite powerful if the Bloodsuckers have taken notice of you.¡±


    ¡°Bloodsuckers?¡± Callum¡¯s heart started to race, and he swallowed hard. ¡°There¡¯s more than one?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think the one in Umbra Harbor is the only one that exists, do you?¡± she asked with a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯ve never been approached by any others, considering how influential your aura radiates.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect to your craft, Mrs. Westenra,¡± Callum said, gently removing his hand from her grasp, ¡°vampires aren¡¯t real. I¡¯m here to track not a murderer, not hunt myths up the eastern seaboard.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think the two are mutually exclusive?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go talk in the house,¡± Van suggested, ushering Irena out of the mortuary. ¡°This is a grim place to be speaking of vampires and omens.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading back to the inn,¡± Callum said. He buttoned up his jacket and put his hat on, then nodded to Irena. ¡°It was lovely meeting you, Mrs. Westenra. Please, feel free to reach out to me at the library if you have any information about the Bloodsucker.¡±


    As Callum followed them outside, a bit of movement around the side of the building caught his eye. When he turned, there was nothing there, but Callum could have sworn he¡¯d see a person standing there.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Van and Irena didn¡¯t seem to notice, chatting between themselves as they headed across the way to the old cottage. Callum took a deep breath and unbuttoned his jacket. He rested his hand on his gun in its holster as he headed around to the other side of Van¡¯s property.


    He didn¡¯t see anyone around, but he was so certain. Was he being followed? Was it the Bloodsucker?


    In the back, looming in the fog, was Van¡¯s greenhouse. It was set back a way¡¯s behind the cottage, and the door was open, creaking softly as it swayed in the ocean breeze. Callum went in and closed it softly behind him.


    Inside the greenhouse, it was warm and quiet. There was all manner of plants that Callum had never seen before, and they were starting to overrun the entire greenhouse. It made it difficult for Callum to look around, and his heart was racing. He knew he wasn¡¯t alone in there.


    A small noise in the back caught his attention, and Callum drew his weapon, a bit of sweat running down the side of his face. His breath came out in small, quick huffs. He couldn¡¯t risk being caught off-guard while he was alone in a place where only Van might find him sooner or later.


    ¡°Who¡¯s in here?¡± he called out, slowly inching closer to the back. The windows were all frosted, giving the entire greenhouse the look of being completely engulfed in dense fog, which didn¡¯t help settle Callum¡¯s panicky pulse. He had to push large leaves and stalks out of his way to get through. ¡°Show yourself!¡±


    As he shoved a large plant out of his way, he found himself facing down a young woman, who put her hands up defensively.


    She was probably a few years younger than Callum. She had long, dark hair that was pinned back out of her face, and she had bright blue eyes that were fixed on his pistol with a fearful expression.


    Callum sighed and lowered his weapon, his heart still pounding wildly. His panic was replaced with anger. He shoved his weapon back into its holster and out of sight under his jacket.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± he asked. ¡°Why are you skulking around back here? You should have answered¡ªI could have shot you.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me,¡± she said quietly. She kept her eyes down, her cheeks a bit red. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to upset you. My name is Penelope. I came here with my grandmother.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Westenra? Do you tell fortunes as well?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± She shook her head. ¡°She¡¯s tried to teach me, but I never got the hang of it. I just take care of her.¡±


    ¡°Well, anyway¡­¡± Callum sighed again. ¡°What are you doing back here? There¡¯s a serial killer on the loose¡ªyou shouldn¡¯t be wandering around alone without a chaperone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re usually alone,¡± she noted. ¡°I always see you around town, trying to get people to talk to you about the Bloodsucker.¡±


    ¡°I have a weapon, Miss Penelope. I assume you have no means of protection on you, aside from a strange talisman or charm that Van or Mrs. Westenra has given you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said. She clutched an amulet that was hanging around her neck, and Callum was sure he¡¯d been right by what he¡¯d said. ¡°I just didn¡¯t know how to speak to you alone. If I approached you in town, people might get the wrong idea or think that I¡¯m being improper.¡±


    ¡°Do you know something about the Bloodsucker?¡± Callum asked, and she shook her head. Her face was a bit red as she reached out and straightened the front of his jacket. He gave her a curious look. Was she making a move on him?


    ¡°You¡¯re quite handsome,¡± she noted. ¡°I know it¡¯s a bit¡­ out of order¡­ for a woman to approach a man, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please, let me stop you right there, Miss Penelope,¡± Callum said quietly. He took her hands off his jacket and held them gently. ¡°I am¡­ incredibly flattered, and you are a lovely young woman, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°You have someone else.¡± She looked a bit sad, pulling her hands away as she kept her gaze lowered. ¡°Forgive me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± he stated, and she gave him a puzzled look, furrowing her brow. ¡°It¡¯s not that I have someone. I¡¯m just¡­ not interested. And not for whatever reason you may be thinking right now.¡±


    A wave of realization washed over Penelope¡¯s face, and she covered her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°Oh, my! I am so, so sorry. I should have realized¡­ You have been spending quite a bit of time with the Count. And the way you look at each other¡­ Forgive me.¡±


    Callum¡¯s face was the one that turned red them, his heart racing. She thought he was seeing Bram?


    ¡°The Count has nothing to do with it,¡± he said quickly. The thought of Bram¡¯s face, brandishing that roguish grin made his face and ears feel hot, but he quickly shook the image away. ¡°I¡¯m not entertaining or courting anyone currently¡ªI¡¯m here to catch a killer, not a lover.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to speak out of place.¡±


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Callum said with a sigh, then held his arm out to her. ¡°Shall I escort you back to your grandmother?¡±


    When they returned to the cottage, Van and Irena were sitting across from each other in front of the fireplace. They were quiet, and Van had a grim look of concern on his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Callum asked, and Van leaned back in his chair while he rubbed his chin, letting out a long breath.


    ¡°Something big is about to happen,¡± Irena said. She was nervously shuffling a deck of cards in her thin hands. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it will be centered around you, Mr. Harker.¡±


    Callum rolled his eyes and shook his head. More predictions? Between Van¡¯s raving about vampires and the old woman¡¯s premonitions about the future, he didn¡¯t know who was worse.


    ¡°I am here for evidence and facts, Mrs. Wenstenra,¡± he stated. ¡°Myths and fortunes are not going to assist me to apprehend a serial killer. If I start listening to the two of you, I might as well just toss out my badge and become a vigilante, because there is no justice in baseless accusations with no evidence. I can¡¯t toe the line or morality based on a hunch or a feeling from a fortuneteller.¡±


    ¡°And what will you do, Mr. Harker,¡± Van questioned, ¡°if that line becomes blurred when you come face-to-face with the real Bloodsucker. How will you handle it if the killed truly is something unnatural? What if it¡¯s someone you¡¯ve come to care about? Will you let your feelings cloud your judgement, or will you still be able to draw that firm line in the sand?¡±

 Bloody Intentions

    Callum sat at the tavern counter, sipping on his tankard of ale with his dinner in front of him. It was relatively quiet that night, and he was frustrated.


    He was tired of going back and forth between Van and the Count, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. What was he missing? Was there something he wasn¡¯t seeing? Was it Bram, like Van had said?


    All he knew was that all the victims had the same experiences with the Bloodsucker. But how did he pick his targets? There was no clear motive¡­ nothing to connect any of those who had died.


    There hadn¡¯t been anything new regarding the Bloodsucker since Abraham was killed, and Callum wasn¡¯t having strange dreams anymore. The town had gotten eerily quiet ever since Bram came to town for the first time in years. Was the killer unnerved by the Count¡¯s presence?


    ¡°Mr. Harker.¡± John¡¯s firm voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He was standing by the kitchen with the phone in his hand. ¡°Phone is for you.¡±


    Callum sighed as he stood. Who would be calling him so late in the evening? He was sure the Count had better things to do, and he was the only other one in town with a phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Cal! How¡¯s the investigation going?¡±


    ¡°Quinn Murray, what the hell have you gotten me into?¡± Callum hissed into the phone, trying to keep his voice down. ¡°This whole place is out of control. I¡¯ve got the doctor accusing the Count, the Count accusing the doctor, people dying¡­ I even had an old fortuneteller say there¡¯s vampires after me, after her granddaughter tried to court me.¡±


    Quinn laughed, but Callum wasn¡¯t smiling. He was supposed to catch a killer, not entertain the locals.


    ¡°Well, you said you were bored with your job,¡± Quinn told him. ¡°Is the doctor just as eccentric as his letters?¡±


    ¡°Yes! There¡¯s gotta be someone in this backwards town that isn¡¯t completely caught up in his crazed superstitions, but I haven¡¯t found anyone yet.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ keep me updated, if you can. I¡¯m still trying to get the boss to let me head out there for a few days. I just need to convince him that I¡¯m needed.¡±


    ¡°People are being murdered in their beds in the night,¡± Callum stated. ¡°How much convincing do they need?¡±


    When Callum returned to his seat, John approached him and refilled his tankard.


    ¡°Mr. Harker¡­ If you¡¯re looking for someone who doesn¡¯t listen to Helsing, I may be able to help you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± he said as he lit a cigarette. ¡°Some other lunatic, I suppose?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, yes,¡± John told him, and Callum sighed in defeat. ¡°He lives way out past Helsing¡¯s, on the edge of the cliffs. He comes to the town as infrequently as the Count. If there was anyone I could think of that might be involved in the recent murders, or who might be stealing Helsing¡¯s tools to do it, it''d be Renfield.¡±


    ¡°Renfield, huh?¡± He took a long drag of his cigarette. ¡°I guess it¡¯s at least worth a conversation. Not like anyone else has given me much of anything to work with.¡±


    ¡°I know the people here may seem¡­ eccentric¡­ but they mean well, Mr. Harker. We¡¯re a small town, and we¡¯re all just trying our best to survive.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know.¡± Callum sighed again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just¡­ Well, I thought I was here to catch a murderer, and all I¡¯ve heard about since I got off that train is vampires.¡±


    Bram accompanied Callum when he went to see Renfield. He¡¯d insisted on sitting in on the interviews to try to help, so he¡¯d invited him to tag along.


    Renfield lived in a small cottage, even smaller than Van¡¯s, and it was on the far outskirts of town. It sat a way¡¯s down on the cliffs in an even more precarious spot too.


    Callum practically held his breath as they made their way along the slick, rocky path down the cliffs in the pouring rain. None of it felt safe or steady, the rocks occasionally shifting under his feet or his shoes slipping, but he had to interview the man. If he waited until the weather got better, he¡¯d never get to talk to him. Plus, he was one of the only people in town he hadn¡¯t spoken to yet.


    According to Van and John, the man was a self-proclaimed vampire expert. He was more of a recluse than Bram, and no one knew what he did most days. The only real consensus about the man was that he was a complete lunatic.


    ¡°Is this really necessary?¡± Bram asked, eyeing the edge of the road. It was a long way down¡­ not a fall that anyone could possibly survive. ¡°You¡¯re risking your life trying to get information out of some madman?¡±


    ¡°At least five people are dead, Mr. Shelley,¡± Callum said. ¡°This is the least I can do to help this town.¡±


    As they neared the cottage, part of the path shifted under Callum¡¯s foot, before completely giving way.


    He couldn¡¯t react fast enough, and he found himself staring down at the rough ocean waves, crashing against the rocky cliffs, his feet dangling below him. He didn¡¯t even fully grasp the situation until he realized that he wasn¡¯t falling.


    Bram had a firm grip under his arm, and he quickly pulled him up onto the path like he weighed nothing, backing up against the rocky wall, as far from the edge as they could get.


    Callum was shaking, his breath coming out in quick raspy huffs, and he clung to the front of Bram¡¯s jacket so tightly that his knuckles were white.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Bram asked. He had his arms wrapped around Callum¡¯s back, and looked over him with concern, afraid he might collapse if he let him go. Callum simply nodded, but didn¡¯t speak, and he certainly didn¡¯t look all right. He was pale and shaky. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Just¡­ give me a moment.¡±


    They were both silent, and Callum eventually calmed, taking a deep breath. He finally realized just how close they were, his body pressed against Bram while he held him firmly, and his face went red before he pulled away.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    He turned his attention back to the task at hand while doing his best to calm his racing heart. This time, he kept close to the cliffs and away from the edge of the path, no matter how sturdy it felt under his feet.


    The little wooden cottage was quaint. Rainwater dripped off the corners of the roof and onto piles of buckets or garden tools that were rusty as though they hadn¡¯t been used in years, and the windows were dark and dusty-looking. Did anyone even still live there?


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Callum warned. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, this man is an actual lunatic, with the potential to end up at the top of the list of suspects.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± Bram told him, with more confidence than Callum could ever possibly muster for himself.


    He knocked on the door, but the cottage was dark and quiet. It made him a bit nervous. He knocked again, louder this time, and wait, then let out a heavy sigh. Had he really gone all the way out there for nothing?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said as he turned away, but then they heard the click of a lock. The door opened, just barely enough for a man to peer out from the darkness.


    ¡°Who are you? What do you want?¡±


    ¡°My name is Callum Harker,¡± Callum said, showing his badge. ¡°I¡¯m an investigator from the Capital City, looking into the recent happenings in Umbra Harbor. I¡¯m here with the Count, as well. Do you have a moment?¡±


    He eyed Callum suspiciously, but when he looked at Bram, his entire demeanor changed. He looked almost elated, and quickly opened the door to usher them in. As they entered, he rushed around the room, lighting every candle and lamp around them. The room was ice cold, and Callum shivered, but Bram didn¡¯t seem bothered by it at all.


    ¡°Finally,¡± the man said, standing in front of them. The orange glow from the candles around them made him seem even more crazed than Callum had expected. His hazel eyes were wide with excitement, focused on Bram, and he had unkempt hair and old, dirty clothing that hung off his emaciated frame. When he grinned, he revealed jagged, misshaped teeth, like he¡¯d filed them all into fangs. ¡°I¡¯ve waited years for this moment. I finally have my chance to be Turned.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Bram raised an eyebrow at the man. ¡°We¡¯ve looking for a murderer, not chasing flights of fancy.¡±


    There were shelves and shelves off books shoved into every free space, even in the kitchen, and strange items cluttered the cottage. There were tools Callum had never seen, animal skulls, and stacks of paper strewn across every surface, some even on the floor, many of them stained with unknown substances.


    ¡°Doctor Helsing said that you¡¯re a self-proclaimed vampire expert,¡± Callum said, eyeing a jar of preserved tadpoles. What could anyone need those for?


    ¡°Helsing?¡± Renfield made a noise of disgust and spat on the floor. ¡°That man is the worst thing to ever happen to this place. He¡¯s made it his life¡¯s work to hunt and kill vampires, and for what? To make the master race extinct for the sake of mortals.¡±


    ¡°You think vampires are the master race?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do!¡± he grabbed a book off of a shelf, frantically flipping through the pages. It was in a language that Callum didn¡¯t recognize, similar to the one Jasper had given him. It had many graphic depictions of vampires and their victims, and some of the pages were stained with something that looked suspiciously like dry blood. ¡°Humans have always believed themselves to be resting atop the food chain, thinking they¡¯re untouchable. But they¡¯re just prey, and can never achieve what a Bloodsucker could. They have power mortals can only dream of.¡±


    ¡°What kind of power?¡± Callum asked. ¡°What might someone gain from the consumption of blood?¡±


    ¡°Extraordinary strength and speed, the ability to transform into a colony of bats, a powerful, inhuman form¡­ Not to mention their eternal youth and invulnerability. They¡¯re perfect hunting machines, and humans are easy prey.¡±


    ¡°If I wanted to listen to a madman rant about vampires, I¡¯d go hang around Helsing,¡± Bram muttered quietly. He looked utterly disgusted with Renfield and his cottage.


    ¡°Do you mind if I take a look around?¡± Callum asked, and Renfield just shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll start outside, if you don¡¯t mind. I need a smoke.¡±


    Bram sighed and chewed his fingernails while he watched Callum from the kitchen window. He was pacing outside while he smoked, something he noticed he only seemed to do when he was feeling particularly stressed.


    He supposed he was just as stressed. It had been weeks, and Callum had made no progress in his investigation, no thanks to Van Helsing¡¯s fearmongering and the mass hysteria it caused. He¡¯d come to see just how dire the situation was. Umbra Harbor was under siege, and they were thus far helpless to stop it. Two women and three men had already been killed. How many more would die? What could he do without the citizens of his county?


    ¡°I know what you are,¡± Renfield said from the doorway, and Bram closed the kitchen curtain and turned to face him.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You might have everyone else fooled, but I know you.¡± He took a threatening step in Bram¡¯s direction, a wild look in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve waited years to finally meet you, and here you are, pretending to be normal for the sake of some bastard from the Capital City. Why waste your time with weak humans? And Helsing? You of all people should know to stay away from him.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Bram said. He took a step back every time Renfield moved closer, eyeing him cautiously. ¡°You¡¯ve lived in seclusion for too long.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been secluded longer than I have!¡± he snapped, brandishing a large hunting knife. ¡°I¡¯ve thrived on the blood of animals around here for years, but now I have you. I can finally ascend to become part of the master race.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a lunatic.¡± Bram eyed the knife but stood his ground. ¡°What could anyone possibly gain from consuming blood? You¡¯re sick, and that¡¯s probably why.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sick! I¡¯m not crazy!¡±


    Renfield lunged at him with the knife, but Bram caught him by the wrist and threw him aside, against the kitchen counter. He slammed his face down on it before letting the man drop to the floor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t start a fight you can¡¯t win, Mr. Renfield.¡± Bram eyed the knife on the floor before he kicked it out of his reach.


    He tried to grab Bram by the leg, but he kicked him in the face and backed away.


    ¡°Keep your filthy hands off of me,¡± he said, his voice like a low growl.


    Before either of them could say or do anything else, Callum came rushing back inside.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on in here? I heard a crash.¡± He saw Renfield on the floor, clutching his bloody nose, and Bram was standing over him. ¡°What the hell happened?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t get anything you need from this man,¡± Bram said, sounding a bit breathless. Had they been fighting? ¡°He¡¯s not the Bloodsucker¡ªhe¡¯s delusional and violent. There¡¯s no way this is the person who seduced and killed all those people.¡±


    Callum was quiet, confused by the situation. What had he missed? He sighed, though. He agreed, to an extent, but hadn¡¯t decided for sure if Renfield was totally innocent. Even if he wasn¡¯t the Bloodsucker, he could be an accomplice, especially being well-verse in methods of draining blood from animals.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Bram said, straightening his tie. He turned towards the door, but Renfield lunged forward and grabbed him by the arm.


    Bram cried out in pain. Renfield had bitten down hard, his awful, misshapen teeth cutting through cloth and flesh. Bram¡¯s blood ran down his arm while he lapped at the wound like a starving animal.


    ¡°Get off of me!¡± Bram grabbed the man by the back of the neck before tossing him across the kitchen like he didn¡¯t weight anything. The man slammed against the wall and collapsed to the floor, Bram¡¯s blood covering his face.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Callum eyed Renfield cautiously while he gripped Bram¡¯s uninjured arm. ¡°Let¡¯s get the hell out of here.¡±


    ¡°You go,¡± Bram said as he smoothed the front of his vest. He seemed unusually calm for what had just happened. ¡°I think Mr. Renfield and I need to have a little chat.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Callum glanced down at Bram¡¯s arm. The sleeve of his nice shirt was torn up, and blood ran down his fingers and dripped onto the floor. ¡°You should get that taken care of quickly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m all right. I¡¯ll meet you back in town when I¡¯m done here.¡±


    Callum sighed. He didn¡¯t want to leave him alone with Renfield, but Bram was the Count. He was pretty much allowed to do anything he wanted. It was his county, after all. Still¡­.


    ¡°All right,¡± he said with a defeated breath. He scowled at Renfield with disgust. ¡°Just be careful. Please.¡±


    He had a terrible sinking feeling in his stomach. Renfield was laughing and licking Bram¡¯s blood off his lips. There was nothing he could do, though. He had no choice but to listen to Bram, who crouched down in front of Renfield as he left.

 Crossing the Line

    Callum lay back on his bed with a sigh, staring up at the ceiling. He hadn¡¯t heard anything from Bram all morning. What if Renfield did something else to him? What if he did something to Renfield?


    He didn¡¯t like it one bit. The laws of the outer counties were so different than the Capital City, and the lines of morality became so unclear. For all Callum knew, Bram could have simply killed Renfield, and no one would bat an eye because he was the Count.


    To Callum, it seemed terribly irresponsible to leave the matter of justice up to one person. Bram, and any noble with land under their name, could basically do anything they wanted without consequence.


    On the other hand, what if something happened to Bram? Renfield was wild and unpredictable, clearly felt no remorse for attacking Bram.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he breathed, and he covered his face with his pillow. He wished he hadn¡¯t left them alone.


    There was a knock at the door, and Callum practically leaped off the bed to answer it. Bram was there, looking a bit worse for wear, but he was just glad he was okay.


    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked. He eyed Bram¡¯s bloody arm, then examined the rest of him, He seemed all right, but he was a bit pale, and he looked tired.


    ¡°I told you nothing would happen. I just came to let you know that I¡¯m heading back to my estate. It stopped raining, so I think I¡¯ll walk.¡±


    ¡°Let me get you some bandages first,¡± Callum said, but Bram just shook his head.


    ¡°The bleeding stopped. I¡¯ll have Mary attend to it later.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least let me escort you to the edge of town.¡±


    They walked slowly, and Callum was quiet as he watched Bram. It was bright outside, despite the clouds. If only they would clear. He hadn¡¯t seen a clear sky since before he got to Umbra Harbor.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re all right, Mr. Shelley?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he said breathlessly. He definitely wasn¡¯t fine¡ªwhy was he lying? ¡°I think I¡¯ve just been out too long. Mary will be worried.¡±


    He seemed a bit unsteady on his feet too. Callum¡¯s eyes went wide, his heart pounding in his chest as Bram collapsed out of nowhere, face first onto the old cobblestone.


    ¡°Mr. Shelley!¡± Callum rushed to him and turned him onto his back, and he didn¡¯t respond or move. His face was bloody from hitting the stones too. ¡°Wake up!¡±


    He pressed his ear to Bram¡¯s chest. He nearly cried in relief to hear his heart beating, and he could feel his chest rise with his faint breathing. He was weak, but alive. Was this one of the symptoms of his illness, or did it have something to do with his injury from Renfield?


    ¡°Someone help!¡± Callum called out, and a few of the farmers came out to see what was going on. ¡°He¡¯s hurt. We need to get him back to Shelley Manor. His servant has what he needs.¡±


    They managed to load Bram onto an old wagon, and used one of the working horses to pull it. It was a rough ride¡ªthe wagons weren¡¯t built to travel the uneven forest paths. Bram would be in a lot of pain when he woke, but it was the quickest way to get him home.


    Callum sat in the chair beside Bram¡¯s bed while Mary took Bram¡¯s shirt off and rushed around to get him hooked up for his blood transfusion. Apparently she¡¯d traveled herself to collect the blood they needed from Bram¡¯s doctor.


    ¡°What the hell was he thinking?¡± she muttered to herself. ¡°Thirty years without going into town, and now it¡¯s all he ever does. He knew he was due for blood this morning.¡±


    ¡°Will he be all right?¡± Callum asked quietly, and Mary sighed. She went to Bram¡¯s windows, making sure the heavy drapes covered each one, not allowing any bit of sunlight into the room.


    ¡°He needs rest,¡± she said, ¡°and he needs to stay out of the sun. His condition makes him extremely sensitive to sunlight. He shouldn¡¯t be going out, even on cloudy days like today. I don¡¯t know why he even went into town¡ªhe should just leave the investigation of the town to you. Who knows what might have happened if he¡¯d been alone?¡±


    Callum stayed at the bedside for the rest of the day, watching closely. Bram didn¡¯t move at all, the only indication of life being his chest moving up and down with his shallow breaths. He was pale, and his face and body were bruised and bloody, between falling and the rough cart right back to the manor, but at least he was alive.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Mary asked, holding up Bram¡¯s injured arm. ¡°Did something bite him?¡±


    ¡°Not something,¡± Callum told her. ¡°Someone. I went to interview a man in town, and he attacked Mr. Shelley. The man is a lunatic.¡±


    Mary let out an exasperated breath, but didn¡¯t say anything before attending to the injury. When she was done, she collected all the bloody rags into a small basket and lifted it under her arm.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ve done quite a bit already,¡± she said as she gathered Bram¡¯s dirty clothes, adding them to the basket, ¡°but would you mind just staying with him until he wakes up? This has never happened before, but I need to finish my work and do this laundry.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± Callum shrugged off his jacket. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of him. You have enough to do.¡±


    Mary gave him a warm smile before leaving the room with the dirty laundry, closing the bedroom door behind her.


    Callum wrang out a washcloth in a basin of cool water that Mary had left on the bedside table. He used it to wipe the dried blood from Bram¡¯s face.


    Bram¡¯s bare forearms caught his eye. Aside from the injury from Renfield, he was covered in scars. They wrapped all around his arms and went from his wrists to his elbows, like he¡¯d been tied up or chained. Had he been a prisoner at some point? He ran his fingers gingerly across them, wondering what could have happened.


    Bram groaned softly and shifted on the bed with a pained grimace before he opened his eyes.


    ¡°Try not to move too much,¡± Callum said, wiping the sweat from Bram¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯ve been injured enough already.¡±


    Bram blinked a couple of times, then glanced at the IV in his arm before he sighed and closed his eyes again.


    ¡°How humiliating,¡± he said, ¡°fainting in the middle of the road.¡±


    ¡°No one saw you collapse except me. A few of the farmhands helped get you back here, but no one saw it happen. I called for them.¡±


    ¡°You must think I¡¯m pathetic. How am I supposed to run a county when I can¡¯t even spend more than a few hours outside?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that. I do think you need to take better care of yourself, though. Mary was cross.¡±


    ¡°Mary is always cross,¡± he said, rolling his eyes. ¡°She never had any children of her own, so she¡¯s babied me for decades.¡±


    ¡°How old are you anyway?¡±


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    ¡°Old enough.¡± Bram struggled to sit up against his pillows with a grunt, shifting uncomfortably. ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve been thrown around like a ragdoll.¡±


    ¡°You have, kind of,¡± Callum told him. He was a bit bruised from the trip too. ¡°All they had to bring you back here was an old hay cart. It was a bumpy ride.¡±


    ¡°I can tell.¡± Bram finally found a good position and relaxed, sinking into the pillows with a tired sigh. It was barely a moment before he fell asleep again, breathing softly.


    Callum laughed quietly to himself, wiping the rest of the dried blood off Bram¡¯s face before pulling the blankets up over his shoulders.


    Bram didn¡¯t stir again until the next morning, after Mary had changed out his blood transfusion twice.


    Callum was slumped over in the bedside chair, snoring quietly. His blond hair was unkempt, and he¡¯d removed his vest and suspenders, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He felt a cool hand brush against his face and jolted away, finding himself face-to-face with Bram.


    Bram was still shirtless, and covered in bruises. He was no longer hooked up to the blood, his arm wrapped in bandages. He had a dark bruise under one eye and across his nose, but didn¡¯t seem fazed by any of it.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Callum asked, and Bram laughed softly.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s been sleeping in that chair. You look terribly uncomfortable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll live.¡± Callum yawned as he sat up and stretched his arms over his head. He arched his back against the back of the chair with a groan, and Bram eyed him up and down. ¡°What?¡±


    Bram had that same old mischievous grin on his face, and he laughed.


    ¡°If I told you, you¡¯d just blush and run away.¡±


    ¡°Tell me anyway.¡±


    ¡°I was just thinking,¡± Bram said, chewing his fingernails as he eyed him up and down again. ¡°The way people stretch is a bit erotic, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Callum immediately lowered his arms, regretting making Bram tell him what he was thinking. His whole face felt like it was on fire, and he was sure it must be bright red.


    ¡°You almost killed yourself in town¡ªhow can you be thinking of something like that?¡±


    ¡°Should I be thinking of something else?¡± he asked.


    He didn¡¯t say anything else about it, though. He got up with a groan, moving a bit stiffly, and went to his desk, where he took a decanter and two glasses out of one of the drawers. He filled them both before he went back to his bed and offered one to Callum.


    ¡°Have a drink, Mr. Harker. I think we both deserve it after the last few days.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything,¡± Callum said, but he took the glass and drank anyway. ¡°You¡¯re the one who keeps getting hurt.¡±


    ¡°And you nearly fell to your death, remember?¡±


    Callum nearly choked on his drink as he recalled the sensation of Bram¡¯s powerful grip on his arm. He knew he wasn¡¯t light, so how was Bram so ridiculously strong? He¡¯d tossed Renfield like a doll too. Bram¡¯s raw physical strength was frightening.


    He remembered the moment after too¡­ The way Bram had held him against his body in the pouring rain, his powerful arms around his back, their hearts racing while Callum clung to the front of his jacket. His cheeks flushed a bit and quickly downed the entire drink in his hand.


    ¡°Thank you, by the way,¡± he said quickly. ¡°You¡¯re right. I would have fallen to my death if not for you.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Bram finished his own drink, then sighed as he placed the empty glass on the bedside table. ¡°You helped me, so I supposed we¡¯re even now.¡±


    Callum stared down at his empty glass and chuckled.


    ¡°Is something funny?¡± Bram asked. His face was a bit flushed. Was he drunk after one drink? Should he even be drinking with his condition?


    ¡°I was just thinking about when I gave you my blood. It¡¯s the first time in years that I felt like I was actually helping someone in a way that truly mattered, and it didn¡¯t even have anything to do with my job.¡±


    ¡°Funny how life works out sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    Bram refilled their glasses, and Callum was quiet for a while. He finished off his second drink, then let out a long breath. He felt horrible, but he figured he might as well be honest with Bram.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to head back to the Capital City soon.¡±


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t closed your case.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve examined every file, every death certificate¡­ spent night after night waiting for something to happen. I¡¯ve struggled to find proof or a suspect¡­ I¡¯ve got nothing. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on here, but I don¡¯t think I can help you. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    Callum stood to leave, but Bram tried to stand at the same time, and they collided. Callum dropped his glass and he fell back, but thankfully it didn¡¯t break because of the thick carpet.


    Bram wrapped one arm firmly around his back to stop him from falling, and Callum felt his face and ears get hot. He gripped Bram¡¯s arms and stared up at him with wide eyes, and the sensation of their bodies pressed together sent a chill across his skin.


    ¡°You¡¯re a bit clumsy, aren¡¯t you, Mr. Harker?¡± Bram asked. He didn¡¯t let go of Callum, even once he was standing firmly. ¡°It¡¯s quite cute.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been flirting with me ever since I came to town,¡± Callum said, thinking back on all the things Bram said, the small touches that put him on edge, the charming look in his deep brown eyes¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t try to take advantage of me just because I¡¯ve been drinking.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to take advantage, do I?¡± Bram asking, flashing that devilish grin. ¡°You called me handsome when you first came here.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Shelley¡­¡± Callum looked away, his cheeks flushed. ¡°You can¡¯t just¡ª¡±


    His voice caught in his throat as Bram took him by the chin, turning his head to make him look him in the eye.


    ¡°Call me Bram,¡± he said softly, and Callum swallowed hard.


    ¡°Bram¡­¡±


    He inhaled a sharp breath through his nose as Bram leaning in and kissed him. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it left him speechless and paralyzed, staring up at him. He still had his arm around his back, their lips close enough that he could feel Bram¡¯s breath on his skin.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been waiting weeks for me to do that, haven¡¯t you, Mr. Harker?¡± he asked. He wrapped his other arm around his back, pulling him against his hard body.


    ¡°Call me Callum,¡± he said, practically holding his breath. He was certain that Bram could hear his heart pounding in his chest as he leaned in again.


    ¡°Callum¡­¡±


    The way his name sounded on Bram¡¯s tongue made Callum shiver, and he ran his fingers through Bram¡¯s hair as he kissed him again. The sensation of his hands and tongue sent shudders through his entire body, and by the time he pulled away, his face was more flushed than before and was out of breath like he¡¯d been running. He pulled out of Bram¡¯s grasp and backed away, wiping a bit of spit off his lip.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be doing this,¡± Callum said breathlessly. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    Bram didn¡¯t say anything, and watched in silence as Callum started to pace anxiously.


    ¡°What am I even doing here?¡± Callum asked, more to himself than to Bram. ¡°I should never have left the Capital City. I can¡¯t help these people. I wanted to protect them, but I can¡¯t even do that. And then you¡­¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°You,¡± he repeated, laughing nervously. ¡°You just fucking¡­ stand there, all handsome and charming. How is anyone supposed to resist that? You don¡¯t even seem to think that highly of yourself, and yet, here I am, all worked up and wrapped up in my feeling, while you just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Callum.¡± Bram grabbed his arm to make him stop pacing. "Relax. I¡¯m sorry, okay? I won¡¯t kiss you again.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Callum sighed, eyeing Bram¡¯s lips. ¡°I want you to¡­ that¡¯s the problem, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Well, now you¡¯re just being confusing,¡± Bram said, furrowing his brow.


    ¡°I know! I know¡­¡± Callum ran his hands through his messy blond hair and took a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯m supposed to be investigating the harbor. Everyone is a suspect, including you. I shouldn¡¯t be kissing suspects.¡±


    ¡°You probably shouldn¡¯t be spending the night in their homes either.¡± Bram smirked. ¡°So, there¡¯s two things you¡¯ve done already.¡±


    ¡°Can you just¡­ not be so stupidly charming for five seconds?¡± Callum sat down on the edge of Bram¡¯s bed and held his head in his hands. ¡°This is going to get me into trouble, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    Callum sighed, eyeing Bram up and down. He tried to reach out to him, but he wasn¡¯t close enough to touch. As he lowered his hand, though, Bram reached out and took it in his own, moving closer to him again.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think one night will ruin things, do you?¡± Bram asked. ¡°Besides, you said yourself that you¡¯re leaving. This may be your only opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Opportunity?¡± Callum questioned. Bram gave him a mischievous grin as he reached down to unbutton Callum¡¯s shirt. His breath came out in small huffs while he just watched, unable to speak or move. He let Bram put the shirt off his shoulders, tossing it aside carelessly.


    Callum grabbed Bram by his wrists and pulled him forward without warning. He kissed him as he fell on top of him, and he arched up into Bram¡¯s touch as he ran his cool hands up his body.


    What the hell am I doing? Callum wondered. He knew he shouldn¡¯t be there. He knew he shouldn¡¯t be with Bram, or anyone else in Umbra Harbor. He¡¯d come to catch a killer, not sleep with the suspects.


    Still, he found him difficult to resist, and he wasn¡¯t sure he even wanted to. He had exhausted every avenue he could think of to try to figure out who the Bloodsucker was, and was still no closer to an answer. He was ready to close the case and move on.


    Was that the right thing to do though?


    He knew it probably wasn¡¯t He had no real obligation to help placed like Umbra Harbor, since they weren¡¯t under his jurisdiction, but he couldn¡¯t just let them die, could he? The people of Umbra Harbor were good to him. Could he really turn a blind eye to their suffering and move on with his life? Was this one of the blurred lines of morality that Van had warned him about.


    Bram pressed himself between Callum¡¯s legs and kissed his neck, and it forced Callum out of his racing thoughts. His breath came out in small, raspy huffs as he gripped Bram¡¯s arms.


    ¡°You seem a bit distracted,¡± Bram said quietly and he reached for the button on Callum¡¯s pants, and his low voice in his ear made him shudder. ¡°Am I not keeping you engaged enough?¡±


    ¡°Is that a serious question?¡± Callum asked through labored breaths, running his hands up and down Bram¡¯s muscular arms. ¡°As if it was possible for me to think of anything else right now, even if I tried.¡±


    ¡°Stop trying then,¡± he said. He ran his fingers gingerly along his jaw, and Callum exhaled a shaky breath. ¡°Worry about it in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Who says I¡¯ll be here ¡®til morning?¡± he asked, and Bram laughed softly before trailing kissed down his chest and stomach. Callum moaned softly, arching into his touch.


    ¡°Who says I¡¯ll let you leave before then?¡±

 Strangers and Secrets

    When Callum woke, he blinked a few times, then sat up with a groan. His mouth was dry and his whole body ached. He rubbed his face and let out a long breath.


    The room was dark and cool, the only light coming from the embers in the fireplace. Callum lay back down and closed his eyes, but couldn¡¯t seem to go back to sleep.


    He sighed and got out of bed. He collected his clothes from where they¡¯d been tossed on the floor and dressed quietly.


    Bram was fast asleep. He breathed softly, the blankets pulled up over his bare waist. He had faint scratches on the back of his shoulders, and Callum¡¯s face got hot as he tore his gaze away from his body.


    He didn¡¯t bother trying to wake Bram¡ªhe didn¡¯t even know what time it was. He finished dressing and slipped out of the room in silence.


    Callum didn¡¯t want to leave without saying anything, so he occupied himself with Bram¡¯s study for a while. The grandfather clock showed that it was still relatively early in the morning, so he would wait for Bram to wake while he examined his vast collection of books.


    There wasn¡¯t much that Callum found terribly interesting. It was mostly encyclopedias and field guides, and other tomes that looked like they hadn¡¯t been touched in years. They weren¡¯t dusty¡ªMary took good care of the manor¡ªbut some of them were so stiff and stuck in place that he was sure Bram hadn¡¯t been reading them.


    On one of the shelves behind Bram¡¯s desk, there was one book that appeared out of place. It was a different size and color than most of the others, and it didn¡¯t have a title on the spine.


    He chuckled to himself as he reached for it. It reminded him of the old detective novels he read as a child. In those stories, he¡¯d pull the book out of place, and it would cause the whole bookshelf to move, revealing a secret passage or a hidden room. He was sure Bram had no use for secret rooms in such a large manor where he lived alone.


    As he slid the book out, it didn¡¯t open any secret passages. The cover fell open, though, revealing that it wasn¡¯t a book at all¡ªit was a box. Papers and other items clattered to floor at his feet, and he sighed.


    He knelt down to pick everything up, and two items in particular caught Callum¡¯s eye. He gathered it all up and piled it on Bram¡¯s desk before he sat and put on his reading glasses.


    The first item was a piece of paper, dated over 300 years earlier. It was the deed to the Shelley Estate, signed by Crown Prince Edgar III and Bram Shelley.


    Callum remembered the deed he¡¯d seen in the library when he¡¯d first come to Umbra Harbor. Was that one a forgery? Or was it this one? Why would the document be forged in the first place? Was it because Bram was a sex worker, having regular interactions with the Crown Prince?


    Then again, Crown Prince Edgar III was long-gone. Why would a forged document be dated so far back? Bram had said himself that the Crown Prince gifted him Umbra Harbor in exchange for his silence about their relations, so it couldn¡¯t be that Bram was just a descendant, right? There was no way that Edgar III would have been alive to give it to him. Was it a mistake? A smudged bit of ink or poor handwriting? Maybe it was Edgar VI.


    Perhaps Bram Shelley was the original owner of the county, and instead of signing it over to the Bram that Callum knew, he just assumed his identity.


    The thought of that made Callum feel sick, his heart racing. If Bram wasn¡¯t the real Bram Shelley, who was he?


    The second item that caught his attention was a necklace. It was some kind of vial, filled with a red liquid that looked suspiciously like blood. Bram condemned Van Helsing and his superstitions, so it seemed strange that he would own something like that. Perhaps it was something sentimental, but then what was the liquid inside? He hoped it wasn¡¯t really blood. Whose blood would it even be?


    His heart was pounding frantically while he flipped through the other items from the box. They were mostly invitations from the Crown, demanding Bram¡¯s attendance for meetings or balls. The dates ranged from decades to centuries, and it seemed no one had any suspicions as to who Bram Shelley really was. At what point did Bram take over the man¡¯s identity? Did he just pass himself off as a descendant of the real Bram Shelley to keep up the lie?


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking fool, Callum Harker,¡± he told himself, taking off his glasses. He couldn¡¯t believe how easily he¡¯d been taken in by Bram¡¯s charm. Whoever Bram Shelley was, it wasn¡¯t the man Callum knew, and the thought of it sent a shudder through his body. He¡¯d spent the night in bed with a complete stranger.


    ¡°Are you having fun, snooping through my personal effects?¡±


    Callum startled, dropping all of the papers onto the desk with the necklace, the empty box clattering onto the floor. Bram was standing in the doorway to the study, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed.


    ¡°What is all this?¡± Callum asked, holding up the deed to the estate. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    ¡°It seems you already know the answer to that question,¡± Bram said. ¡°Or did you need to hear if from me directly? Do you think I¡¯ll have a different answer for you than anyone else who¡¯s been trying to shove it down your throat this whole time?¡±


    Callum furrowed his brow, trying to figure out what the hell Bram was talking about. What was anyone else trying to tell him?


    ¡°What¡¯s missing is the number of signs you¡¯re refusing to see that point to Bram Shelley, because you think he¡¯s pretty.¡±


    Callum took a slow, deep breath and closed his eyes.


    ¡°Vampires aren¡¯t real,¡± he stated. ¡°I want the truth. Tell me who you are!¡±


    Bram went over to where Callum was, and he sat in one of the chairs on the other side of the desk. He leaned forward and folded his hands on the desk, and Callum practically held his breath, waiting for an answer.


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    ¡°There¡¯s probably nothing I can say to convince you otherwise,¡± he said. ¡°I was born in Intuneric in 1503. My parents died in 1513, and I lived in the orphanage until I was too old. I worked in a local brothel for about 17 years until a man named Vladimir hired me for the night. He paid an extravagant amount of money to get into my bed. I didn¡¯t enjoy it¡ªhe was aggressive and pushy, but I was young and I needed the money. He told me he was a vampire and that he wanted to keep me for himself. He wanted me to accept his blood and become his Thrall.¡±


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Callum demanded, closing his eyes again. He didn¡¯t want to hear something so insane.


    ¡°I thought the man was a lunatic,¡± Bram continued, ¡°and I made the decision to end our appointment. He was furious, saying he¡¯d never been refused, and he wasn¡¯t about to start. He turned into a monster. It was the most terrifying moment of my life.¡±


    ¡°Vampires aren¡¯t real,¡± Callum repeated. He couldn¡¯t believe how dedicated Bram was to his lie. Was he mad too?


    ¡°That was the night I had my throat slashed,¡± he said, covering the scars on his neck with his hand, and he scowled. ¡°He used me for sex and then left me to die on my bedroom floor. When I came to, I had been Turned. He kidnapped me, brought me to his castle, far north in Inghet, and kept me in chains for decades.¡±


    Bram rolled up his sleeves, showing off the scars that Callum had seen once before.


    ¡°I fled here, to Otravire, after he was executed by the local townsfolk. I spent some time in the Capital City in another brothel, and as I told you before, I was gifted this county in exchange for my silence about my ¡®business arrangements¡¯ with the Crown Prince.¡±


    Callum let out an angry huff and stood, leaving the papers and the necklace scattered across the desk.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the hell you are, but you¡¯re obviously not the real Bram Shelley. If you won¡¯t come clean, I¡¯ll figure it out for myself, and when I do, all of Umbra Harbor will know who you really are.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare threaten me, Callum Harker,¡± Bram growled as he stood, towering over him. ¡°You have no idea what you¡¯re dealing with.¡±


    He looked and sounded angrier than Callum had ever seen him, even after his encounter with Renfield. It frightened him, and he took a fearful step back, glad to have the desk between them.


    ¡°At least tell me your real name,¡± he demanded, his fists clenched tightly to stop them from trembling. ¡°If you¡¯re going to keep lying to me, I should be able to curse you out properly.¡±


    ¡°You already know my name,¡± Bram said with a sigh, all of his anger seeming to dissipate. ¡°Curse it all you want.¡±


    ¡°This paper says Bram Shelley came here over 300 years ago!¡± Callum held up the deed to the estate again. ¡°Stop lying to me. Vampires are not real. You belong in a fucking asylum with Renfield if that¡¯s the story you¡¯re sticking to!¡±


    He tried to leave, but Bram went after him, grabbing him firmly by the arm.


    ¡°Callum, wait. If you¡¯d just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Keep your hands off me!¡± he demanded, yanking his arm free. ¡°Fuck you, lunatic.¡±


    Callum left without another word, and Bram didn¡¯t follow.


    He felt like a fool. He¡¯d been taken in by Bram¡¯s charm and let himself get caught up in it all. He didn¡¯t even know who Bram really was. He felt dirty and manipulated, a tight ball of frustration in his chest the entire walk down the forest path back to town.


    Tears ran freely down his face, and he struggled to catch his breath.


    I¡¯m done, he told himself. He decided that enough was enough. As soon as he got back, he was going to pack up and get on the train back to the Capital City. He couldn¡¯t do it anymore, not in a town full of nothing but strangers and their dark secrets.


    By the time he returned to the tavern, he was exhausted, mentally, physically, and emotionally. He didn¡¯t even want to eat breakfast¡ªhe just wanted to go back to bed and pretend like nothing had ever happened before he went home.


    As his foot reached the first stair, a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to just walk by and not even say hello.¡±


    ¡°Quinn!¡±


    Callum rushed over to embrace his friend, and couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit rejuvenated. He hadn¡¯t seen him in weeks, and he felt so alone in Umbra Harbor. He hugged him tightly, and Quinn gently patted his back.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said softly. ¡°Are you all right, Cal?¡±


    He released him and cleared his throat, trying to keep his composure.


    ¡°What are you doing here? I thought the force wouldn¡¯t let you go?¡±


    ¡°I can be persistent,¡± he said with a wink. ¡°I¡¯m only here for a couple of days. How are things going?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ complicated.¡± Callum sighed and gestured for Quinn to follow him up to his room.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel so shitty about sleeping with him, you know,¡± Quinn told him. They¡¯d been talking for hours, and Callum told him everything, including his night with the Count. ¡°He manipulated you¡ªthat¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    ¡°I still shouldn¡¯t have slept with him.¡± He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. ¡°He¡¯s been a suspect since I got here, and I let him charm me into his bed. How could I be so fucking stupid? I don¡¯t even really know who he is!¡±


    ¡°So, what do you plan to do? You must have enough evidence by now to say he¡¯s the Bloodsucker, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± He tapped his fingers on the table. ¡°Most of it is circumstantial at best. The fact that he lied to me about who he is doesn¡¯t make him a murderer.¡±


    ¡°You really have been charmed, haven¡¯t you?¡± Quinn asked, and he rolled his eyes. ¡°Come on, Cal. I know you¡¯re smarter than this. Use your head. Look at everything that¡¯s happened and how it revolves around the Count.¡±


    Callum let out a heavy sigh as he put on his reading glasses, then fished a notepad and pencil out of his suitcase. He would make a list of everything that pointed back to Bram.


    First, Bram was the Count. That simple fact alone could be enough. Nobles with land and titles had many privileges, and their word was law¡ªno one could hold him accountable for his crimes because no one was above him in the eyes of the law. Even Callum trying to bring him to justice would be difficult since it was Bram¡¯s county.


    Secondly, Bram had no solid alibi. The only one who could corroborate anything he said was Mary, who was his loyal servant for decades. While there was definitely a point where Bram was bedridden, there was no way to prove if it had happened before or after Abraham had been killed.


    Then there was the matter of the man who showed up on Callum¡¯s balcony. If it wasn¡¯t a dream, there was no way Bram wasn¡¯t involved. He¡¯d told Callum to stay away from Shelley Estate, and only Mary and Bram lived there. What else could it possibly mean if Bram had no connection to the Bloodsucker? The man dressed like a noble too, and most nobles only interacted with other nobles.


    And now, there was the situation regarding Bram¡¯s true identity. Callum froze, his pencil against the paper, and his heart beat hard in his chest. Thinking back on his night with Bram, knowing that he truly knew nothing about him, sent a shudder across his skin. He swallowed hard, his eyes and throat burning as he willed himself not to cry. He had grown to care for Bram, but what was Callum to him?


    ¡°Cal?¡± Quinn asked tentatively. ¡°You okay?¡±


    Callum exhaled a long, shaky breath. Was he okay? He put his pencil down and covered his face with his hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m so fucking stupid,¡± he said, and when he exhaled a breath, it sounded more like a sob.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Quinn placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. He¡¯s the one who lied and manipulated you. Don¡¯t blame yourself for things outside your control.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t outside my control.¡± Callum threw his glasses down in frustration and rubbed his face. ¡°I should have listened to my gut and just kept to myself. I should have listened to Van and just focused on the investigation.¡±


    ¡°Cal¡­¡± Quinn sighed. ¡°You¡¯ve been here for months. Even if you really wanted to, there¡¯s no way you could possibly just keep to yourself all that time. I know you¡¯re hurt, but what¡¯s done is done. Stop blaming yourself and focus on the task now.¡±


    Just then, there was a knock at Callum¡¯s door. Van was there, and he had a grim look on his face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me someone else has been killed,¡± Callum said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± Van told him, and he gave him a confused look. ¡°The Count has gone missing.¡±

 Into the Dark

    Bram¡¯s study was in shambles. The desk and chairs overturned, books and papers torn apart and thrown all over the floor, the curtains ripped to shreds.


    His bedroom was the same. The bedsheets had been shredded, as well as the curtains. It looked like a bear had come barreling through the room.


    There was blood everywhere too¡ªBram had obviously put up a fight with whoever, or whatever, had attacked him. A few of the windows were broken, and the wind made an ominous whistle and cold air blew through the room. Callum shivered and tightened his jacket around him, broken glass crunching under his shoes.


    ¡°Where is Mary, his servant?¡±


    ¡°Downstairs with your friend,¡± Van said. ¡°She seems quite shaken by the whole thing, but she won''t tell us anything. She called the tavern and demanded to speak with you.¡±


    Callum went down to the drawing room. There was no blood in the halls... no sign of a struggle anywhere but the two rooms. It didn''t make much sense--they were on opposite ends of the mansion. Were the two destroyed room related, or was it two different incidents? The bedroom was clearly where Bram had been attacked. Had he destroyed his own study, or had an intruder done it before seeking Bram out in his room?


    Mary was sitting by the fireplace, clutching a cup of tea in her shaky hands. Her eyes were a bit red and puffy, like she''d been crying.


    ¡°Miss Mary, you can talk to us,¡± Quinn told her. ¡°Anything you could tell us would help immensely.¡±


    Mary didn''t respond, but her eyes went wide and she practically jumped to her feet when Callum entered.


    ¡°Mr. Harker!¡± She dropped her teacup onto the table with a loud clatter and rushed to him, gripping his arm almost too tightly. ¡°You have to do something!¡±


    ¡°Mary¡­¡± Callum glanced at Van and Quinn, then sighed. He knew Mary wasn''t going to tell them anything. ¡°Can we speak alone for a moment?¡±


    Quinn and Van shared a concerned look, but they didn''t protest. They couldn''t waste time arguing when Bram''s life might be on the line. Once they were out of the room, Callum locked the door and turned to face her.


    ¡°You know what happened, don''t you?¡± he questioned, and she stood up straight, a defiant look in her eyes. ¡°Mary, please, I can''t handle any more secrets.¡±


    ¡°Why should I tell you anything?¡± she questioned. ¡°So you can call me a lunatic too? Bram already told you what was going on. Why can''t you just bring him home and leave it at that?¡±


    Callum sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said reluctantly. ¡°Let''s just pretend for a moment that I believed vampires were real, and that Bram Shelley is one of them¡­ What does that have to do with him going missing? Was it Renfield? He said he wanted Bram to Turn him.¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t,¡± Mary said, shaking her head.


    ¡°No? Who took him then? The Bloodsucker? It looks like they fought for a while. None of the Bloodsuckers victims put up a fight. Nothing here matches anything that''s happened to anyone else who encountered the Bloodsucker.¡±


    ¡°That''s because they''re not Bram.¡± Mary sat back in her seat by the fireplace with a sigh of defeat, her eyes full of tears. ¡°I didn''t see who took Bram, but I do know the only person who could overpower him like that. If he''s the one who''s been causing trouble in town, this town is as good as done for.¡±


    ¡°You mean Vladimir?¡± Callum asked, remembering his last conversation with Bram, and Mary''s eyes widened in shock, but then narrowed with suspicion, a hint of anger in her voice.


    ¡°How do you know about him?¡±


    ¡°Bram told me he was executed in Inghet.¡±


    ¡°He was. Or at least, Bram thought so. It was the only way he was able to escape him and come to Otravire. He must have survived somehow. He''s the only one I know who might be more powerful than Bram.¡±


    ¡°And you think he''s the one who took him? Why would he do that?¡±


    ¡°To punish him, I suppose.¡± Mary was quiet, and she lowered her gaze. ¡°He''s probably angry at Bram for abandoning him in Inghet. He was a possessive, cruel master. It''s taken decades to break his hold on Bram, and I''m afraid he''ll return to what he was before.¡±


    Callum sat across from Mary, engrossed in what she was saying. He nearly forgot he was supposed to know that vampires weren''t real. He leaned in and gave her a hard stare.


    ¡°How he was before? You mean some kind of monster,¡± he said, and she nodded. ¡°Why would he act differently? Does Vladimir control him?¡±


    ¡°When a person is Turned, many inherit bits of their master''s demeanor, and they can manipulate their Thralls¡¯ actions to an extent. Bram was so cold and cruel when I met him. He seemed so empty. All he wanted to do was consume blood and kill humans. Being away from Vladimir, he slowly started to calm down, and he realized what he''d been doing was wrong. Because of that, he wanted to die. He thought it would be a better option than risking becoming like Vladimir. I''ve cared for him for decades and helped him break free of his master''s hold, but now¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been in Umbra Harbor with Bram for decades,¡± Callum said. ¡°Where might Vladimir take him? Is there anywhere in this county that people won¡¯t go?¡±


    Callum¡¯s heart was pounding as he stood between Van and Quinn, staring up at the old, abandoned church.


    It was deep in the forest, far beyond the edge of Bram¡¯s estate. Part of the roof was caved in from a fire, and the entire building was rotting away, overgrown with weeds and vines. The fog around them was so thick that they could only see it clearly when they were standing directly in front of it.


    There was no sound around them, save for the dripping of water from the rain. There was no wind, no birds or frogs or crickets¡­ not even a slight rustle of leaves.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t they ever build another church?¡± Quinn questioned, keeping his voice almost at a whisper. There was no real reason to be so quiet¡ªthey were obviously alone¡ªbut it felt appropriate, standing in the shadow of the church. Van just shrugged.


    ¡°This whole part of the country, not just this county, is incredibly superstitious. The church has been abandoned since long before I was even born. I heard that when it burned down, they tried to rebuild it a few times, even in different places. Each time, something stopped them. Fires, accidents, weather¡­ The townsfolk back then saw it as a terrible omen, believing that their God had forsaken them. If vampires are this place, they may have been right. Vampires can¡¯t enter hallowed ground.¡±


    Callum sighed and rolled his eyes. He was tired of superstitions and hearing about vampires. He took his pistol out of its holster and approached the front of the church slowly.


    The stairs leading up to the entrance were broken and uneven, and a few of the stones shifted under his feet, sending spiders and centipedes scurrying away from him.


    The doors were broken and overgrown with vines, making them impossible to open, so Callum had to squeeze through the bit of open space between them. The others followed, Quinn armed with his own pistol, and Van armed with a wooden stake. Callum didn¡¯t care anymore¡ªit wasn¡¯t worth fighting about, especially now when they needed to find Bram.


    Just inside the door, there was an old, mossy basin. He assumed it had once held holy water, now full of murky rainwater that dripped from the missing parts of the roof, giving life to small mushrooms and plants and crawling with bugs.


    Most of the old stained-glass windows were destroyed, presumably blown out by the fire. The only one mostly intact was at the far back of the sanctuary, and even that one was missing pieces. The depiction of the holy figure was missing its face and hands.


    As he moved deeper into the room, the floor felt unsteady under his feet. It was old and rotten, already ruined by the fire, now being eaten away in the damp forest. Cockroaches rushed out from under his feet, and he shuddered. Callum hated bugs and rodents.


    ¡°What now?¡± Van asked, and Callum nearly jumped out of his skin. He let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding and pressed his hand to his chest.


    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake,¡± he breathed as he put his pistol away, and Quinn laughed softly. ¡°I¡¯m glad you think this is amusing. We¡¯re potentially dealing with a serial killer here.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nobody here, Cal,¡± Quinn said with a sigh. He put his own gun in its holster and glanced up at the old rafters. They were covered in webs with large spiders, glistening with rainwater in what bit of light came in through the collapsed roof. ¡°There¡¯s no way anyone¡¯s been in here¡ªthere would be signs. We¡¯re probably the first people to set foot in this sanctuary in decades.¡±


    ¡°Mary said this is the only other building in the entire town. If he¡¯s not here, then¡ª¡±


    There was a strange creaking noise, and they all went silent, glancing all around. Before anyone could react, the floor collapsed under them. Van grabbed Quinn and pulled him back, but didn¡¯t reach Callum in time. He dropped through the floor, down into darkness. He didn¡¯t know how far he fell, but he landed on his back, the wind completely knocked out of him.


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    ¡°Cal!¡± Quinn called down, and Callum just laid there, staring up at the large hole in the floor far above him. His voice echoed around him. ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    Callum sat up with a groan, rubbing his back. Nothing was broken, thankfully, but there was no way he¡¯d be able to climb back up. He sighed and pulled out his matches, lighting one to try to look around.


    As he lit the first one, a few bats flew at him, and he dropped it with a cry, covering his head. The bats swarmed around him before flying up and out through the space where he¡¯d fallen.


    ¡°Damn it all,,¡± he muttered to himself, feeling around for the matches he¡¯d dropped. The ground was wet and disgusting¡ªso he gave up on them. There was no way they¡¯d light now. ¡°I think it¡¯s some kind of catacombs.¡±


    ¡°A lot of old churches have them,¡± Van said. The way his voice echoed made Callum think the tunnels must have been extensive. ¡°Don¡¯t move¡ªthe stairs are just in the back here. We¡¯ll be right down.¡±


    Callum opened his mouth to reply, but he froze as a terrifying sound came reverberating through the tunnels. It was faint and distant, but they all heard it, and Callum was certain it was the sound of a man screaming. He grabbed his pistol, his hands shaking as he pointed in the direction of the sound, or at least the direction he thought it was coming from. It was difficult to tell with all the echoes through the catacombs.


    The sound seemed to last an eternity, and a chill ran up Callum¡¯s spine. His hands were trembling and sweat ran down his face. Was it Bram? Was it another victim of the Bloodsucker?


    He was frozen there, his pistol aimed into the darkness, until Van and Quinn made their way down to him. Van had a torch, and held it out in front of them, revealing a long, dark tunnel. The light reflected off pools of water and the eyes of rats that quickly ran off, deeper into the darkness.


    The sound stopped, leaving all of them standing there in bated silence, collectively holding their breaths. Callum was the one who swallowed his fear first and stepped forward.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. He gripped his gun tightly to try to will his hands to stop shaking. ¡°Even if Bram isn¡¯t down here, something is, and there¡¯s no one else who¡¯s going to come find out what it is.¡±


    The catacombs under the old church seemed to branch off in a hundred different directions, with bats occasionally passing overhead, but most of them were impassable. Some were overgrown with deep tree roots, others covered in thick spider webs or blocked off by collapsed stone¡­ and no sign of Bram or anyone else. The tunnels were as silent as everywhere else, the only sounds were the noises the three men made as they walked, their feet splashing in old water or the dirt crunching under their shoes.


    When they reached the end of the tunnel, it split off into two directions. Van held his torch out, and the direction they needed to go became obvious.


    On the wall of the path to their left, there were dark streaks of dried blood, like someone injured had run their hands against it. There were imprints of shoes in the mud too, as well as signs that something had been dragged through the tunnel.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Quinn sighed, giving an uneasy glance down the tunnel, ¡°even if it¡¯s not the Count, someone is definitely down here.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Van said, kneeling down to look at the footprints. Callum and Quinn both looked at him, confused. ¡°I¡¯m not saying that there¡¯s no one down here¡ªwe obviously heard something¡ªbut these could be old. The rain and wind can¡¯t reach down here to wash away blood or footprints¡ªwho knows how long they¡¯ve been here?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Callum told them. He was starting to get anxious. The longer they waited, the longer Bram was in danger, and if Vladimir really was the Bloodsucker, and the one who¡¯d taken him, he knew exactly what he was capable of. He just hoped that Bram was still alive. ¡°Old or new, this is the only indication we have of anyone else being down here. No matter what is or isn¡¯t down there, we won¡¯t know unless we go check it out.¡±


    They made their way deeper into the catacombs, and the air got colder. There were no rats or bugs that deep, just cold, wet dirt and stone, and the sound of their footsteps in the mud and water echoed around them.


    The tunnels didn¡¯t branch off anymore, and they found themselves at the end. There was just one door, kept shut with a large iron padlock. Callum¡¯s heart started to race again. Was the Bloodsucker waiting for them on the other side?


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had to do this in a long time,¡± Van said. He handed off his torch, which was starting to die out, to Quinn, and he knelt down in front of the door to try to pick the lock. He made a noise of disgust as he put his knee in a puddle of mud. ¡°I¡¯m getting too old for this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about this,¡± Callum said, stepping back from the door. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach and every inch of his body was on edge.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit late to be having second thoughts now, don¡¯t you think, Mr. Harker?¡± Van asked, still fiddling with the lock. ¡°You want to turn back when we¡¯ve already come this far?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re chasing a serial killer.¡± Callum ran a shaky hand through his messy blond hair. ¡°We don¡¯t really know what we¡¯re dealing with right now¡ªhis M.O. was never kidnapping. Are you prepared for what might be beyond this door?¡±


    Van sighed, his arms dropping in frustration as he turned back to look at him.


    ¡°Are you?¡± he asked, and Callum swallowed hard. Was he?


    The truth was, he wasn¡¯t afraid that the Bloodsucker might be waiting for them. In fact, he wasn¡¯t even concerned anymore about whether vampires existed. Bram was missing¡ªthat was real enough for Callum. And the thought that Bram¡¯s corpse might be on the other side of the door was really what gave him pause. Was he prepared for that?


    ¡°Cal¡­¡± Quinn placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be all right. We¡¯re going to find the Count and get the hell out of here, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he breathed. He took a few deep, calming breaths with his eyes closed. ¡°Okay.¡±


    A loud metallic sound reverberated all around them, making them jump, and Quinn dropped the torch. It landed in the mud, extinguished with a loud hiss as they were engulfed in darkness.


    The noise came from the other side of the door. It sounded like chains being shaken, and there were loud thuds, as well as snarling, like a large animal. The men were all quiet, listening to whatever it was thrash and growl.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound human,¡± Van said quietly, but went back to picking the lock anyway, and the sound stopped.


    Callum reached out his hands in the pitch black of the tunnels feeling along the wall. He touched something that quickly scurried away and he pulled his hand back with a noise of disgust.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see a fucking thing,¡± he complained, and he nearly jumped out of his skin when something grabbed his jacket. He shouted in surprise and jumped, hitting his back against the wall.


    ¡°It¡¯s just me,¡± Quinn said, reaching out blindly until his hand found Callum¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he groaned, rubbing his shoulder where it had collided with the stone. His jacket was damp now, and he hoped it was only water. ¡°You scared the shit out of me.¡±


    ¡°We are vastly unprepared for this,¡± Quinn said. ¡°But I suppose we¡¯re past the point of no return.¡±


    There was a loud click, and Van let out a breath.


    ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered, tossing the lock down into the mud. He tried to push the door open, but it was difficult to budge. It was old and rusted, and there was mud surrounding the bottom. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose either of you have ever kicked a door in?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a P.I.,¡± Callum told him, ¡°not a gangster.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Van sighed loudly. ¡°I really am getting too old for this shit. Just be prepared for whatever might be on the other side of this door.¡±


    Callum drew his pistol, pointing it in the direction of Van¡¯s voice. He hoped that there was at least some light inside to see by.


    ¡°Ready.¡±


    Van took a deep breath, then grunted as he kicked the door. It swung open, slamming against the stone wall with a deafening clang.


    Callum was the first to rush in, with Van and Quinn close behind him. They all froze in the tracks, their eyes wide. Quinn covered his mouth in horror.


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Van breathed, clutching the cross he wore around his neck.


    There was almost nothing in the room, save for a few lit torches on the walls, and a chair bolted to the floor.


    Bram was slumped over in the seat, and his wrists had thick shackles around them. They were connected to a heavy iron chain that was secured to the floor between his feet. His skin was cut up and bloody, probably from trying to twist and pull free, and fresh blood dripped down his fingers onto the ground.


    There was blood everywhere. The whole room reeked of it, and it stained every surface, Bram included. His clothes were torn up and filthy, and it was impossible to see the extent of his injuries through all of the dirt and blood. Did it all belong to Bram, or was this where the Bloodsucker took more victims?


    Bram¡¯s neck was bleeding, staining the collar of his open shirt. He had dark bruises around his throat, like he¡¯d been strangled, and there were dozens of tiny puncture wounds¡ªthe tell-tale mark of the Bloodsucker¡¯s attacks.


    His breath came out in quick, raspy huffs, and sweat mixed with blood and ran down his face. He wasn¡¯t conscious, but still wore a pained grimace.


    Van was the first to move. He shook his head in disdain and went to Bram, attempting to pick the locks of the shackles. It snapped Callum out of his shock, and he rushed forward, dropping his pistol.


    ¡°Bram!¡± Callum took his bloody face in his hands, looking over him with concern. Bram¡¯s skin was ice cold and clammy.


    Bram groaned, but he didn¡¯t move or open his eyes. Was he dying? The thought of losing Bram, despite their arguing and their differences, was too much for Callum, and tears filled his eyes. His throat burned and he willed himself not to cry.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen some fucked up things in my life,¡± Van muttered, still trying to get the lock open, ¡°but this might be one of the worst. What the hell has the Bloodsucker been doing to him down here?¡±


    Callum looked him over as best as he could in the dim torchlight, but Bram didn¡¯t appear to be injured anywhere else. So, whose blood was all over him? There was no way anyone could heal from the kind of wounds that would have bled that much.


    ¡°There,¡± Van said, the shackles clattering to the floor at Bram¡¯s feet, then he eyed him cautiously. ¡°We¡¯ve got to get him up. We¡¯re sitting ducks in here, and we don¡¯t know where his kidnapper is.¡±


    ¡°Bram, come on,¡± Callum begged, his voice hoarse. He slapped his face lightly, and Bram groaned again. ¡°Wake up!¡±


    His eyes shot open as he inhaled a sharp breath, and before anyone could react, Callum was on the ground with Bram¡¯s hands around his throat. He looked wild and panicky, sitting on top of Callum, baring his bloody teeth while he breathed heavily.


    Van leapt to his feet, grabbing Callum¡¯s pistol off the ground.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Callum demanded, putting his hand out to stop him. Bram¡¯s grip was weak, and he could still breathe. He grabbed his arms gently, afraid of aggravating any injuries might have. ¡°Bram, it¡¯s okay. The Bloodsucker isn¡¯t here.¡±


    He growled like an animal, tightening his grip on his neck. Callum coughed a bit, but Bram¡¯s hands were shaking, and he couldn¡¯t keep up the pressure. He was out of breath, and the sudden movement had caused his neck to bleed more.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Callum said softly. He reached up and pressed his hand to the bite marks on Bram¡¯s neck. The skin there was hot, and Bram gasped at the sensation of Callum¡¯s cool hand against it. It seemed to pull him out of his panic, and his shoulders relaxed a bit.


    ¡°Callum¡­¡± He leaned into his touch a bit, but then quickly pulled away, shaking his head. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have come here. You have to leave!¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Callum sat up slowly, rubbing his lower back. He was covered in dirt, and now he had Bram¡¯s blood on him. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving without you.¡±


    ¡°We?¡± Bram looked around, and narrowed his eyes at Van. ¡°Helsing.¡±


    ¡°Now is not the time to hold a grudge, Mr. Shelley,¡± Van told him. He put his empty hands up to show Bram his palms. ¡°I don¡¯t even have any garlic on me.¡±


    Callum sighed and got to his feet, then reached out to Bram.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the hell out of here,¡± he said, but Bram didn¡¯t take his hand. He shook his head, and he looked sad and scared as he backed up against the chair where he¡¯d been chained. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Bram opened his mouth to say something, but another voice filled the room, and he looked even more terrified than before.


    ¡°Unfortunately, you won¡¯t be going anywhere.¡±

 Blood Payment

    They turned their attention in the direction of the voice, and both Callum and Van let out a simultaneous gasp.


    The Bloodsucker was standing in the doorway, blocking their only exit. His red eyes glowed in the darkness of the catacombs, and he had a sinister grin on his face, flashing his sharp fangs. He had long claws instead of fingernails, and they were clenched around Quinn¡¯s throat.


    Quinn gripped his wrist, trying to pull his hand away, and the Bloodsucker had his other arm twisted painfully behind his back.


    ¡°Let him go,¡± Callum demanded. He took a step forward, but the Bloodsucker clicked his tongue and dug his nails into Quinn¡¯s skin, and he hissed in pain.


    ¡°Get off of me!¡± Quinn struggled, unsuccessfully, and a bit of blood ran down his neck where the claws dug in.


    ¡°You¡¯ll drop your weapons and behave like good boys if you value his life,¡± the man threatened. He eyed the wooden stake in Van¡¯s hand. ¡°One wrong move and I¡¯ll rip his throat out.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Callum asked, putting his hands up to show the man he was unarmed.


    He glanced at Bram, who was sitting on the floor against the chair where he¡¯d been chained up before. His chest heaved with quicky, panicky breaths, and he had a strange look in his eyes, like he wasn¡¯t even mentally present anymore. Sweat and blood ran down the side of his face, and he was trembling. Was it because of the Bloodsucker?


    ¡°Vladimir Poenari,¡± the man said, and his grin got wider, ¡°but the locals have taken to calling me the Bloodsucker.¡±


    ¡°Why are you preying on this town?¡± Callum asked. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother asking him that,¡± Van told him, never looking away from the man as he dropped his stake on the ground. ¡°He¡¯s a vampire¡ªall he cares about is consuming humans to satiate his hunger.¡±


    Vladimir laughed, and the way it echoed around them sent a chill up Callum¡¯s spine. How were they going to get out? They needed to get Quinn away from him, and they needed to get Bram out. Would they be able to do it? He was certain they wouldn¡¯t be unscathed, but could they at least escape with their lives?


    He shoved Quinn away from him, and Callum grabbed him, pushing him behind him protectively. Both their pistols were on the ground¡ªwould he be able to grab one of them? He had no idea what Vladimir was truly capable of.


    ¡°What a fantastic day I¡¯m having,¡± Vladimir said with a grin, eyeing Callum up and down. ¡°I get to punish little Bram for running away, and I get a full three-course meal that came to me on its own.¡±


    ¡°We have no intention of being consumed by you.¡± Callum eyed his pistol by Van¡¯s feet. At least if he tried to get it, Quinn wasn¡¯t in the line of danger anymore.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Vladimir said. He took a threatening step forward and lifted his hand, showing off his claws. They had Quinn¡¯s blood on them. ¡°Even if you did manage to get it, what makes you think that little gun of yours could do any damage?¡±


    ¡°Why are you worried about me grabbing it if it won¡¯t hurt you?¡± Callum asked, and his smile went away. The look in Vladimir¡¯s eyes made his heart race in fear, and he pointed one long, bloody claw at Callum.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll kill you last,¡± he said. ¡°You can watch me kill everyone in this room, and then, when your face is contorted with grief and fear, I can consume that precious, rare blood of yours that little Bram loves so much, and he¡¯ll get to watch the life leave your eyes.¡±


    "What are you talking about?"


    Van lunged at the Bloodsucker, pulling another wooden stake from under his coat. Vladimir scowled as he caught him by the wrist, twisting until Van was forced to drop it. He growled in pain, trying to pull free, and Vladimir bared his fangs.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯d like to die first.¡±


    ¡°Not a fucking chance!¡± Van pulled a fistful of black ritual salts from his pocket with his free hand and threw it in the man¡¯s face. Vladimir shouted in pain and released him as he backed away, rubbing his eyes.


    While he was occupied by Van, Quinn and Callum rushed to retrieve their weapons off the ground. They surrounded the Bloodsucker, who was still blocking their escape route.


    Vladimir laughed, still rubbing his eyes. When he lowered his hands, the skin around his eyes was a bit red, and blood ran down his face like tears. He was terrifying to look at, and Callum¡¯s courage was faltering. He¡¯d spent months in Umbra Harbor trying to convince himself and everyone else that vampires weren¡¯t real, but there was no way Vladimir was human.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to regret that,¡± he told Van. He bared his fangs as he let out a sinister, animalistic snarl.


    He tried to go at Van, but Callum pulled the trigger of his pistol, and it let out a deafening bang that echoed all around them and made his ears ring. Vladimir stumbled and hit the wall, gripping his arm, and he shot a hateful glare in Callum¡¯s direction.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callum asked, pulling back the hammer again. ¡°I thought my weapon couldn¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the hell out of here,¡± Van said. He grabbed Bram under his arm and hauled him to his feet, and Quinn kept his weapon fixed on Vladimir while he moved towards the doorway. Callum didn¡¯t move yet. They needed to get Bram out.


    Vladimir laughed and rubbed his arm, and the bullet fell in the dirt. The end of it was flattened, like it had hit a wall, and the shoulder of his shirt had a hole, but there was no blood or injury.


    ¡°Nice try,¡± he said, ¡°but I¡¯m done playing with all of you now.¡±


    Before anyone could react or even see him move, Vladimir was between them and the doorway again, a sinister grin on his face. He took a fistful of Quinn¡¯s hair and yanked his head back to expose his throat before sinking his fangs deep into his skin.


    Quinn cried out in pain, trying to push Vladimir off of him, but he wouldn¡¯t budge. Blood ran down his neck and soaked the front of his shirt while he struggled.


    ¡°Get away from him!¡± Callum ordered, his gun aimed at the Bloodsucker. He couldn¡¯t pull the trigger though. His hands were shaking too much. What if he hit Quinn? ¡°Let him go!¡±


    Vladimir laughed as he drank Quinn¡¯s blood greedily, and Callum started to panic. His heart was beating hard in his chest, and he felt out of breath, like he¡¯d been running too long. How could he save Quinn? Could he save him?


    ¡°I said get away from him!¡± Callum lowered his weapon and pulled the trigger. It hit Vladimir¡¯s leg, and his knee buckled a bit, but he didn¡¯t release Quinn, and angry tears filled Callum¡¯s eyes. He threw his gun to the ground with a cry of frustration.


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    Bram was standing back, his gaze lowered. He looked tired and broken. There was no way he would be any help. The terrifying display of brute strength Bram had demonstrated in the past would be no use to them. Was it because he only did what Vladimir told him to do? Had he been under his control the entire time?


    "Let him go," Callum said quietly, putting his hands up. "Take me instead. You can kill me if you want, just let Quinn go."


    Vladimir released Quinn and shoved him into Van. He fell to his knees, clutching his wounded neck, and his eyes were wide with fear as he made eye contact with Callum.


    The Bloodsucker turned his full attention to Callum then. Quinn¡¯s blood ran down his face, and he grinned, baring his blood-covered fangs. Callum hoped he could keep him busy long enough for the others to escape the catacombs.


    ¡°I supposed I can consume you first,¡± Vladimir said. ¡°You should have left town when I gave you the chance.¡±


    Callum took slow, deep breaths, trying to will his body to stop trembling as Vladimir approached him. He had never been more terrified in his life, but he needed to protect the others. It might not buy them much time, but at least they could regroup somewhere outside of that tiny room where they were all trapped.


    He inhaled a sharp breath as Vladimir grabbed him by the front of his jacket, and Callum never broke eye contact with him. He didn¡¯t dare look anywhere else. He didn¡¯t want to see Van or Quinn¡¯s face while he gave himself up to this murderer. He couldn¡¯t look at the broken expression on Bram¡¯s face. He hated this man, but he wasn¡¯t going to let anyone else die if he could help it. He closed his eyes as Vladimir leaned in, his icy breath on Callum¡¯s neck.


    The pain of the bite never came though. Instead, the room was filled with the familiar chirping that Callum recognized as bats. They swarmed all around the room, and both Van and Quinn ducked down, shielding their heads.


    Vladimir made a noise of annoyance, swatting at them as they circled around him, forcing him to step back from Callum.


    Van took the opportunity to try to have another go at the Bloodsucker. He tried to get him in the chest, but Vladimir twisted around while he tried to wave the bats away, and the wooden stake went deep into his back instead.


    He growled in pain and clutched his injured shoulder before he spun around and lashed out at Van with his claws, throwing him back against the wall. The stake was deep in the back of his shoulder blade where he couldn¡¯t reach, but he tried anyway, clawing at his own back while the bats continued to harass him.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Callum asked Van. He had large gashes in his arm from the Bloodsuckers claws, but he didn¡¯t seem all that bothered by it. He just shrugged and wiped the blood away as best he could.


    Van snatched one of the torches off the wall and gestured for them to follow him. Quinn rushed out, but Callum stopped short at the door, his eyes wide with shock.


    ¡°Where did Bram go?¡±


    ¡°Who cares?¡± Van asked, grabbing him firmly by the arm. ¡°If he already escaped, there¡¯s no reason for us to stay here and get killed. Come on!¡±


    Callum took one more concerned look around the empty room, stained with blood and now full of swarming bats while Vladimir struggled to get them away from him, and no trace of Bram besides the blood on the chair where he¡¯d been chained up. He swallowed hard, a bit hurt by the thought that Bram would just run off like that, but he couldn¡¯t dwell on it. He pulled the door shut and scrambled to get the lock out of the mud. It clicked shut, and he left the Bloodsucker trapped inside with the bats.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked, looking over Quinn with concern. He was clutching his bloody neck, but he nodded.


    ¡°As long as you can still walk, worry about any injuries once we¡¯re out in the sunlight,¡± Van demanded, pushing past them. He walked quickly, taking long strides, and they had to walk faster to keep up with him. Callum stayed a few paces behind, listening for any hints that the Bloodsucker might be coming after them again.


    Callum eyed Van as they rushed back through the catacombs, stumbling and slipping clumsily through the mud. Van had said he¡¯d dedicated most of his life to hunting all manner of dark creatures, including vampires. How many horrors had he witnessed to be so calm when Callum couldn¡¯t even get his heart to stop racing?


    They didn¡¯t stop until they were back in the old church. Callum let out a long breath of relief, struggling to catch his breath.


    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake,¡± he muttered. He could hardly believe anything he¡¯d just witnessed, and where had Bram gone? Had he really fled the catacombs and left them all behind?


    ¡°Vampires can¡¯t come out in the sunlight,¡± Van said breathlessly. He wiped the sweat from his face, but just ended up streaking his skin with dirt instead. They were all a mess, and Van seemed to be the only calm one. ¡°We¡¯ll go back to town and attend to our injuries and regroup, and then we¡¯ll come back and deal with the Bloodsucker when we¡¯re better prepared.¡±


    ¡°Better prepared?¡± Quinn rubbed the side of his neck where Vladimir had bitten him and scowled. ¡°Is that a fucking joke? You think we can come back and fight that? What the hell even was that thing?¡±


    ¡°I just told you.¡± Van rolled his eyes, fixing the front of his shirt and jacket. ¡°It was a vampire. Did you think I was kidding when I told you there was a Bloodsucker tormenting the town? You read all my letters.¡±


    ¡°I just thought it just was some M.O. for a serial killer!¡± Quinn let out a loud, frustrated sigh. ¡°How are we supposed to take on something like that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not.¡± A menacing laugh echoed around them, and everyone¡¯s eyes widened in terror.


    Hundreds of bats ascended from the hole in the floor where Callum had fallen earlier. They flocked all around the group of men, screeching and flapping while they all tried to swat them away.


    As the bats cleared, Vladimir was standing in front of Callum, who took a fearful step back. Bram was on the ground beside him, unconscious, being dragged by the collar of his shirt.


    ¡°Callum!¡±


    Quinn put himself between Callum and the Bloodsucker, drawing his pistol, but Vladimir slapped it away like it was nothing. It flew out of his hand and down into the catacombs where no one would be able to retrieve it before he struck Quinn in the stomach. He gasped, his whole body going tense as he gripped Vladimir¡¯s arm before he slumped forward.


    Callum shook his head in disbelief, tears running down his face as he struggled to breath, staring at Vladimir¡¯s bloody claws sticking out of Quinn¡¯s back.


    ¡°Let that be your final warning,¡± Vladimir said, looking at Callum. He was no longer smiling or laughing¡ªclearly not amused by the morning¡¯s events. ¡°Leave this town, or I¡¯ll kill you along with little Bram and everyone else in Umbra Harbor.¡±


    He dropped Bram on the ground before pulling his clawed hand out of Quinn¡¯s stomach. Blood spilled everywhere, and Quinn dropped to his knees. He licked the blood from his hands before he turned into a colony of bats before their eyes. They flew out of the old church through the broken roof, vanishing deep into the forest.


    Callum knelt down to catch Quinn as he fell back. Quinn¡¯s breath came out in small, shallow huffs, and more blood soaked his clothes with each one. Callum shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it tightly around him.


    ¡°Quinn!¡± He pressed his hand firmly against the wound as blood seeped through his jacket. ¡°Fuck¡­ You¡¯re gonna be fine, all right? You¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± Quinn said softly, leaning heavy on Callum. He closed his eyes and coughed a bit, grimacing in pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go to sleep!¡± he demanded, and Quinn opened his eyes a bit, and Callum¡¯s heart started to race more. What could he do? They were miles from any help. ¡°We¡¯re gonna get you out of here, just stay awake.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Harker¡­¡± Van was quiet, his gaze lowered and shoulders dropped in defeat. ¡°We can¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Bram groaned in pain, shifting a bit before he opened his eyes. He sat up slowly and clutched his head in his hands. He didn¡¯t seem any more injured than before, but he was still covered in blood, so it was impossible to tell.


    ¡°Cal,¡± Quinn said, his voice so quiet that even Callum barely heard him. He placed a bloody hand over Callum¡¯s and forced half a smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not okay!¡± Callum pressed his face against Quinn¡¯s shoulder and sobbed. ¡°You should have just let him kill me!"


    Quinn didn¡¯t respond, and his hand slipped off Callum¡¯s, hitting the floor with soft thud. He exhaled one last breath, the half-smile still on his face as he closed his eyes.


    Callum hugged his lifeless body and screamed in agony. He couldn¡¯t breathe. He was so sad and angry, and he didn¡¯t know what to do anymore. Why did Quinn have to be the one to pay with his life after everything the Bloodsucker had done?


    Bram seemed to finally be out of whatever daze he¡¯d been in when they were in the catacombs. He sat on his knees and reached out to Callum, a sad, sympathetic look on his face.


    ¡°Callum¡­¡±


    ¡°Get away from us!¡± Callum shouted, slapping Bram¡¯s hand away from him. He glared at him, his entire body shaking with anger, and he could barely speak through his sobs. ¡°Haven''t you done enough?¡±


    Bram was the Count, and he¡¯d done nothing for months while the Bloodsucker had tormented the town. He stayed holed up in his manor, allowing Vladimir to get more powerful and more comfortable, and now Quinn was dead.


    They¡¯d faced down the Bloodsucker, and Bram had done nothing. If he¡¯d acted sooner, they wouldn¡¯t be there, and Quinn would still be alive. The thought filled Callum with so much anger that every inch of his body hurt, and he couldn''t stop trembling.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who should be dead,¡± Callum growled through clenched teeth, and even Van seemed shocked by the statement. Bram looked like he''d just been slapped in the face. ¡°Just go back to your estate and hide away! It¡¯s what you do best.¡±