by P. A. Lupton
“I need to know, and if I am going to help you stop him, you’re going to need for me to know.” “First you have to promise to keep an open mind. I want you to think about the things we know.” I held out my hand as I ticked of the facts of the case on my fingers, “The killer is draining the victims without leaving any distinguishing marks, there are no defensive wounds, and in two of the murder scenes we’ve found human remains
“Yes, I know all of that, what does it mean?” he replied impatiently.
“The killer can drain their blood without leaving a mark because he’s a…vampire.”
“Oh, Jesus. I knew it was going to get worse.” I watched as he fought to keep his face expressionless.
“He feeds off witch’s blood and absorbs their power into his body. There’s no mark on the victims because he can heal the puncture wounds with his blood. Somehow, he puts them into a trance when he feeds off them, which is why there are no defensive wounds on the victims, and why the only emotion I can feel from the victims as they died is a peaceful serenity.”
“Reece, I don’t even know what to say right now. You can absorb emotions off a dead victim?”
I blew out a breath and grabbed my drink. Taking a big swig, I answered. “Yeah, I can, and it often helps me to solve the murder. Although, at Morganna’s apartment I was confused, the only emotion I sensed from her last moments was euphoria. That’s why I asked you if they were drugged. The dust that we found at the scene, it was the bodyguards Nathan assigned to the girls. The reason I tried to steer you away from investigating Colin Lafferty, because I knew he was dead. He was a vampire too, and so was the other bodyguard Nathan assigned to Morganna, they were killed protecting the girls. When you kill a vampire he turns to dust.” I rambled out everything that pertained to our investigation, and then watched him as he assimilated all of the things I’d just explained.
Shaking his head in disbelief, I felt him waging an internal battle with his emotions. “This is so crazy, I want to doubt you, but somehow I feel like you’re telling the truth.”
“I have a way of proving to you that I’m telling the truth, if you want me to.” I knew it was like dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit, his curiosity would not let him pass this opportunity by.
“How?” he asked, hesitantly.
“I told you I can sense people’s emotions and gauge whether or not they’re telling me the truth.” He nodded, “Well I can also open my emotions and let you feel them, if you want me too.”
“Really? Okay...Do it.”
I stood and walked over to him. “I’m going to touch you. It’s easier that way.” Stretching my hands forward, I rested them against the sides of his temples. Then I closed my eyes and shifted all of the emotions I was feeling to him. I heard his breath catch in astonishment. After a few minutes of allowing him to read me, I pulled it back inside and moved back to sit down across from him.
“That was amazing. I felt everything you felt and yet I still knew that what I was experiencing was your emotions. Is that what it’s like for you?” With guileless curiosity, he waited for my answer.
“Sometimes it’s like that, however sometimes it’s really overwhelming especially if someone is in pain physically. Last week agent Fleming had a tooth ache and I couldn’t turn the pain off—I was popping aspirin all day. That’s also the reason why I appreciate working with mostly men. Try experiencing PMS for ten.”
He laughed aloud. “Agent Fleming told me about his tooth ache, said he had to have a root canal. You felt that?”
“Yes, but I can also feel good things as well, it’s not always bad.”
His face turned suddenly serious. “Reece this is hard for me to accept, but I believe you. I give you my word that I’ll keep your secret, and we’ll find this killer!”
A lump of emotion fought its way up my throat, but I managed to push it back down before I did something silly like cry. “Thanks Morrison, you’re a good friend.”
“So, Nathan Donovan?” All of a sudden, his lips hitched at the corner in a devilish grin, “is it serious?”
“Yeah...I think so.”
“Where is he now?” he asked.
“He’s at a late meeting with a client. Why?”
“I want to meet him again now that I know everything, so we can go over the case and see if there is anything more we can come up with.” He insisted in a tone that let me know there was no point in arguing.
“Okay, why don’t you come back for dinner tomorrow? We’ll sit down and talk, all of us together.” I said resigned to the fact that he was right, we might need his help.
He stood up to leave but hesitated at the door for a minute, “I’m glad you told me the truth Reece.” He leaned over, pressing a friendly kiss on my cheek before he left.
Nathan arrived home a few hours later. I was nervous about telling him of Morrison’s impromptu visit, but as it turned out, I didn’t have to.
“So, agent Morrison stopped by for a visit?” he asked, restraining his curiosity while hugging me.
“Yeah, how did you know?”
“His scent is in the apartment. What happened? Is everything all right?” he asked, concern lining his face. He knew I was frightened that the FBI would find out about us.
“What do you mean—you can smell him?” I blinked at him in astonishment.
“I told you our senses are immeasurably heightened compared to a mortal, and I can differentiate people’s scents. It is a useful tool.”
“I’ll bet” I wondered if I was going to discover something new about vampires every day. I relayed our entire conversation, including details about how I proved to Morrison I was a witch. “I don’t want you to worry, though. I would never betray your trust. I didn’t mention anything to him about you being a vampire.” I assured him.
“I trust you Brianna, and that includes your judgment. If you feel as though you can trust agent Morrison I have faith in you.” He was however relieved when I informed him that Morrison took the news well and vowed to keep my secret, and help us find the killer.
I glanced at Nathan sheepishly, “I should also mention that Morrison is coming over for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Oh?”
“He wants to go over the case now that he knows the truth. I think he’s hoping the three of us can put our heads together and come up with some leads.
“It sounds as if agent Morrison is a good friend to you. I cannot wait to meet him under different circumstances.” He reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Today has been a long day. Do you want to go to bed?”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep. I’m way too wound up.”
His eyes heated and he flashed me a positively sinful look. “I do not recall saying anything about sleeping.” Nuzzling my neck, he leaned in and my breath hitched in my lungs.
“Well in that case I’d love to go to bed.”
Chapter 16
The next day at work, minutes passed at an excruciatingly sluggish pace. Morrison, true to his word, didn’t mention anything about my secret to anyone. In fact, he hadn’t even brought up the subject with me. Later in the day though, he did ask what time I wanted him for dinner.
“Why don’t you come by around seven?” I told him.
He inched in closer to me, conspiratorially glancing around to make sure nobody was listening. “Reece, I was thinking about everything you told me last night.”
“Yeah?” Nervously awaiting his thoughts, I felt my shoulders tense up.
“I think you owe me another rematch...without any ‘special advantages’.” He raised his fingers in air quotes when he said special advantages.
I let out a bark of laughter as he caught me completely off-guard. That wasn’t what I thought he would say.
“Of all the things you learned last night. You had confirmation that witches and vampires actually exist, and that is what you thought about? A rematch. You’ll never let this go, will you?” I chuckled, shaking my head. Ignoring
his request, I turned and walked away. “I’ll see you at seven Morrison.”
***
Morrison was always impeccably punctual. The doorbell rang at precisely seven p.m. I was surprisingly nervous about having the two men in my life meet each other, well technically they had met, but this time was different. For one thing, Nathan wasn`t being interrogated by Morrison, and now that Morrison knew my secret, this visit would much be more candid.
Calmly, Nathan walked to the door to greet Morrison. “Hello agent Morrison, it is nice to see you again.” He said politely as he reached to shake Morrison’s hand. “Please come in.”
“Nice to see you again,” he said, a little uncomfortably “And you can call me Todd.”
My mischievous laugh from the living room grabbed both men’s attention. “Do I get to call you Todd too?”
Morrison’s lips curled at the side and I felt his tension ease a bit, “No Reece, you call me Morrison.”
“Fine, Morrison, get in here I have a beer for you.” I said while handing him a cold beer.
We sat in the living room, had a few drinks, made small talk for a short time, and then moved to the dining room for dinner.
“Wow...This smells fantastic. Reece, you didn’t cook this? I thought you could barely boil water.” Morrison mocked.
“Ha ha. Don’t panic, Nathan cooked dinner.
“Nathan?” Morrison asked incredulously.
“I enjoy cooking a little.” Nathan said, modestly.
“A little? Wait until you taste his cooking. It’s amazing.” I praised.
It wasn’t until after dinner that we started discussing the case. Morrison broached the subject first. “Something has been bothering me since last night,” he began. “We already know that the killer found three of the victims…” clearing his throat, he looked at me awkwardly. “Sorry Reece, I don’t mean to be insensitive.”
“It’s all right, Morrison. Calling them victims helps me to keep my distance, helps me focus on the case.” I reassured him, warmly.
His eyes sparkled with compassion, but he nodded and continued, “Okay. He found three of the victims through the bone marrow registry, but that doesn’t explain how the killer found the first victim, Susan. How did you find her Nathan?”
I answered for Nathan, “He has a PI working on finding my family. I met with her the day you checked out the bone marrow registry—”
He gave me a scathing look, interrupting me. “That was your important appointment?”
“Yes” I said unapologetically. “I already explained why I’ve hidden things from you so don’t give me that look. I met with her, and she confirmed that she found the girls through the registry, but the first victim contacted Nathan. She knew of about our families and asked for his help. Apparently she somehow knew the killer had found her and she needed help.”
“Why did they go into hiding in the first place?” he asked.
Heaving a sigh, I thought about how to answer him. “They were hiding because they knew the family was in danger. Morrison, these four girls are not the only victims. There are five more victims who were murdered—all from my family. I couldn’t say anything earlier.”
“Why not?”
“I couldn’t tell you because the last victim he killed before Susan was...my...my mother, twenty eight years ago. She was murdered by the same vampire killing them now.” The warmth of Nathan’s hand was consoling as he stroked gently along my back. “How would I have explained I found those victims? Not to mention, it doesn’t make sense unless you know the killer doesn’t age, and how could I have explained that without you knowing the truth.”
Blowing out a breath, he leaned back on the couch. “I’m sorry Reece. You’re right.” He said sincerely. “So, we need to concentrate on how he found Sherri, since we already know how he found the others. She may be the key to finding him.”
“I was thinking about that.” Nathan said. “I found Brianna when I saw a picture in the paper of her father for his funeral announcement. Considering Sherri’s mother had leukemia, is there any chance that her picture appeared in the media? Perhaps a human-interest piece, increasing public awareness. They often draw attention to real patients, hoping to expand the number of potential donors.”
“That’s an interesting theory, you could be right. But I don’t think that will help us.” I said. “Even if we find out Susan Marcone’s picture was in the news, it’s too widespread. We can’t exactly hunt down every person who purchased a newspaper, or saw her on the news. Maybe our best bet is to ignore how he found the first victim. We’ll have more luck tracking him through the registry. Find out who had access to the list and we narrow our focus.”
Morrison and Nathan silently considered that.
“Are you okay Morrison?” I asked, noticing he pulled his brow worriedly. He didn’t answer me he just stared straight ahead contemplatively.
“Morrison!” I called, louder this time.
“Yeah, sorry Reece I was just thinking.”
When he said nothing more I prodded, “about?”
“I was thinking about a way we might be able to draw the killer out, make him angry.” Suddenly, he flashed an impish grin.
“I don’t know if I like that look on your face.” I said wearily.
“You certainly have my undivided attention. What is your idea, Todd?” Nathan leaned with rapt focus toward Morrison.
“I was thinking about the unbinding spell Brianna told me about, the one to restore her powers. I don’t know much about magic, but if you have an unbinding spell, the reverse must be possible. In order to unbind something you have to bind it first, right? Morrison stood and paced, looking curiously to Nathan.
“Yes I know how to perform a binding spell. It is more complicated than an unbinding, and you need ancestral blood to ensure its success. Why do ask?”
“Ancestral blood? So you can’t just bind any witch, you need blood from family first?”
“That is correct.” Nathan cocked his head with interest.
“The killer’s power comes from draining Brianna’s family and stealing their power through their blood.”
“So maybe it would be possible to bind the power he stole using my blood?” I finished, catching Morrison’s train of thought.
Nathan sat there for a few minutes mulling over the suggestion until his lips finally curved in a devious smile. “I believe I could do it— with Brianna’s help.”
“Binding the power he stole would weaken him drastically, that alone would be helpful.” I was so excited about the idea I could hardly contain it, “Morrison, great idea.”
“It could really piss him off Reece,” Morrison warned, “and it sounds as if he already knows where you are. This could be dangerous.”
I rolled my eyes. “I can take care of myself Morrison. I hope he gets pissed off and comes to find me. That bastard murdered my family and I want to see him dead for what he’s done to them.” As an FBI agent, I was supposed to believe in justice, but there was no way that I was prepared to leave this man alive.
“This will not be an easy spell to perform.” Nathan muttered distractedly, now consumed by his plans. “It will require both of our power, Brianna. And it will take a while to gather the necessary ingredients.”
“What sort of ingredients do you need? Maybe I can help.” Morrison offered.
“Soil from each of the victim’s graves, for starters,” Nathan pulled out some paper and a pen and began jotting down a list. “Five of the victims are buried in Denver, but three of them are out of town. You and Brianna could get the soil from the burial spots of the current victims since, as a suspect, I probably should not be seen at their graves. I will get the soil from his previous victims’ graves.”
“Sounds good.” Morrison agreed.
“We will also need some herbs and other supplies, but I can purchase those items.” Nathan said. “I have the hair samples Lisa took from Leslie, Sherri, and Morganna. Can you get any hair or DNA from Celia?”
“I can get something.” Morrison answered.
I turned to Nathan, a little impatiently. “When do we do the spell?”
“Unfortunately, we have to wait until Friday evening. It will take us a few days to gather the ingredients. Also, like I said, this spell will require a great deal of power from both of us, and it will require plenty of time to recuperate afterward.” Absently, he traced circles along my hand. The soft caress had tingles shooting up my arm and through my system. It gesture was tender, but still caused a clenching need in my belly, and for a moment I forgot we had company.
“Ahem...” Morrison cleared his throat not so subtly. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but can I watch you do the spell?” he asked eagerly.
I looked to Nathan and shrugged, I would leave this decision to him. “I do not see a reason why not. He already knows we are witches...and I believe he is trustworthy.” Nathan gaze never wavered from Morrison’s.
Morrison nodded his head in acknowledgment.
Despite his preliminary misgivings about Nathan, I think Morrison had really started to like him. He had good instincts, so his initial distrust of Nathan was understandable. After all, he was hiding something. Just not the something he’d originally thought. Morrison seemed content to trust my instincts about Nathan’s innocence. Now that the distrust was gone, they got along quite well. In fact, I was surprised when I decided to turn in for the night, Nathan and Morrison stayed up to play pool in Nathan’s game room. I fell asleep listening to the muffled sounds of their voices and laughter, and I found myself pleased that they liked each other.
***
The remainder of the week was eventful. Travelling to different cities, re interviewing witnesses and following up on whatever leads we could. Of course, while we were in each city, Morrison and I visited the gravesites of the victims. I brought a plant to each one. It was the first time I was visiting their graves and knowing that they were my cousins, I wanted to pay my respects. The second, more practical reason for the plants: I thought it would look less suspicious to be digging up soil if I were planting flowers.