So far, there had been no news on Ken, and Jesse wondered if he was really gone for good. Maybe he had already skipped town, and went into hiding where nobody could look for him.
Jesse called Lieutenant Rogers again, and when he picked up, she immediately said, “Are your men combing for Ken at Wartwick only?” She couldn’t conceal the anxiety in her voice.
“Yes, they are,” Rogers replied calmly. “Jesse, leave it to us. My men will search high and low for Ken, and we wouldn’t rest until we find him.”
By men, Rogers meant vampire men. Normally, a vampire search would require the skills and supernatural abilities of vampires, as they have better agility, vision and sense of smell. Searching for Ken would be quite a challenge, so naturally, Rogers would have dispatched his vampire men to conduct the search.
“I was thinking if you would be able to extend the search … nationwide?” Jesse requested, her voice slightly trembling. “Ken might have skipped town … he might not even be in Wartwick now as we speak. Being a newborn vampire, he’s bound to be curious and more adventurous … so I reckon that he might venture across the border. So can you do that, Lieutenant? Extend the search area?” Jesse knew she sounded pathetic, but she didn’t care as long as they were able to find her husband.
A heavy sigh sounded on the other side of the phone. “I can do that … but due to manpower and cost, it’s a bit difficult. But I’ll try, OK? No promises.”
“Thanks, Lieutenant,” Jesse murmured. “I appreciate that a lot. I really do.” And with that, she hung up the phone, and collapsed onto the couch, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her.
She closed her eyes tight, trying to clear away all the thoughts from her mind, but they seemed to collide against one another, overwhelming her.
All the problems seemed to have started because of one person: the mysterious vampire killer whose identity was still unknown. The killer was the one who had murdered Ken, and because of him (or her), Jesse had to turn her own dead husband into a vampire just so he could be alive again, in one form or another. And now, the vampire had killed Rellie, who was one of the most prominent vampire reporters around.
Rellie had a font of knowledge about vampires, and she might have some vital information about this vampire serial killer which could lead to his arrest. But now that Rellie was dead, she couldn’t tap on that information. All the secrets lay buried with Rellie herself.
Jesse had a sudden epiphany. As though she had been revived, Jesse sprang to her feet, and began to pace in circles. If Rellie held the vital information just like Jesse presumed, the information could prove very important to find the killer himself. But now Rellie was dead, it was hard to dig that information from her … unless …
Jesse snapped her fingers. She could bring Rellie back to life by turning her into a vampire, and then Jesse could grill Rellie about all the things she knew about the vampire serial killer.
Then, a sudden dread filled Jesse. She stopped pacing, realizing that her plan wouldn’t work at all. Rellie had been dead for more than three hours, and according to vampire law, there was no way to turn a corpse into a vampire when the time limit was exceeded.
Jesse collapsed onto the couch again, frustration swallowing her. She had been so positive that there was a way to revive Rellie, and now, gloomy clouds hung over Jesse’s head once more.
There has to be a way! Jesse screamed inside her head. Rellie couldn’t just die in vain like that. She must have known something dark and deep about the vampire. And Jesse was going to find out what was that.
After a moment of contemplation, Jesse eventually saw a solution forming inside her head. It wasn’t the best solution, but it was the only choice she had. She was about to do something she’d never done before in her entire life, and it was going to jeopardize her life.
7. Enchanted
Maggie Rails waved her hands at the soil-contained ceramic pots that dotted her hallway. Like magic, tiny green buds began to bloom and whirl around to form beautiful multi-colored flowers. Maggie had always loved nature … it was as though she was connected with it in one way or the other. She preferred to stay indoors in her own home than going outdoors where the crowd was. She was introverted, and she liked it that way.
Once Maggie was satisfied with her magical works on her new blossoming plants, she smiled, and headed for the kitchen for some tea. She glanced outside the kitchen windows, and saw the dome-shaped plant conservatory outside in her backyard, where it contained various plant hybrids which she’d created magically. She had created plant hybrids which the world had not even seen or realized possible … it was all because she used magic. Some her plant creations had petals that were shaped literally like stars, and some had whiskers and horns, and some even came in unique shades dotted with tiny beads of magical glitter.
Yes, Maggie was proud of her creations, and she devoted her time to magical gardening. It was the only thing that kept her happy and occupied, after the death of her husband about two years ago, when he was tragically killed by a vampire during a bar fight. In unadulterated rage, Maggie retaliated by killing the vampire using magic. The vampire was magically staked at the heart by a sharp wooden arrow which Maggie had created using her power. She’d never forget the name of the vampire who killed her husband. She was Holly Pierce, a temperamental vampire who had pure hatred for humans. When Maggie’s human husband, Don Payton, made some harmless comments about Holly’s ear piercings, Holly went into a rage and punched Don with such ferocity that the impact broke Don’s skull in a sickening crunch and instantly killed him.
Maggie, of course, avenged her husband’s death by using magic to stake Holly dead once and for all. The news of Holly’s death became widespread, and Maggie was tried in the VCJ for murdering a vampire. However, after countless trials, Maggie finally walked free because she’d killed in the name of justice, not malice … and Holly was a vicious murderer who had numerous criminal deeds in her record. The VCJ decided to give Maggie a clean slate again, so Maggie moved from Townsend to Wartwick, which was just across the border, to start a new life all over again. She’d been widowed for two years since, but she managed to forget the past and indulge in her gardening hobby, and occasionally, she’d concoct some magical potions just for kicks.
As the past drifted away from Maggie’s mind, she looked down at her teacup and began to pour some tea, the aroma of chamomile wafting toward her nose.
All of a sudden, a loud pounding on the door startled her and Maggie trembled a little, dropping the teapot and it crashed onto the floor.
Who on earth was at the door? She’d never had any visitors at all since she’d moved to Wartwick, except for Connie Jenkins, who was one the friends she’d made there in the past two years. But Connie wouldn’t come to her house unannounced … she’d have called first. So who could it be?
Maggie waved her hand at the shattered teapot on the floor and the broken pieces drifted into the air, and then sailed toward the wastebasket at the corner.
Sighing in frustration, Maggie whirled around and headed for the door. The pounding stopped when Maggie jerked the door open … to see a pale woman in her late twenties staring at her, her eyes seemingly filled with hints of anxiety.
“Who are you?” Maggie asked, squinting her eyes suspiciously at this mysterious stranger who just popped at her doorstep from nowhere. “Look, I don’t know who you are and what you want … but I don’t entertain visitors … so if you’ll excuse me, I have to clean up the mess in the kitchen ..” Maggie was about to slam the door shut in the woman’s face when she grasped the side of the door, preventing it from being closed.
Maggie tried to push the door shut, but it seemed that the woman was stronger than her, unusually strong. Then, Maggie gasped inwardly, realizing that the woman was a vampire. Instantly, fear and anger fueled within her.
What was a vampire doing at her house? She had openly despised vampires ever since her husband was killed by a vampire. The sight of this vampi
re woman standing at her doorstep made Maggie want to use her magic and flung her far away.
“Listen, Maggie,” Jesse pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. “I’ve come all the way here for your help … I’m Jesse, by the way.” Jesse’s hand still clasped the door firmly, as Maggie strained to shut it close.
“How do you know my name?” Maggie gasped, and when she finally realized that she didn’t have the strength to counter-push the door, she finally released her hand and crossed her arms over her chest.
“I’ve heard about you, Maggie,” Jesse responded, her hand sliding off from the door gently. “Maggie Rails, right?”
Maggie wanted to deny that it was her, but then again, when she gazed into Jesse’s eyes, she could see anguish in them. This vampire probably meant her no harm, so Maggie let her defenses down a little.
“Yes, I am,” Maggie said heavily, creases of frustration lining her forehead. “What do you want from me?”
“Well, I heard that you’re an Enchantress, and I have a situation in which I need your help … magically.” Jesse stopped talking for a brief moment, letting her words sink into Maggie’s mind slowly.
Maggie laughed as though it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. “Enchantress? Who’re you kidding? I don’t have any powers … sorry.” With that, she tried to swing the door shut again, but instinctively, Jesse heaved the door with both hands using her super strength. The impact caused Maggie to stumble backward and collapse on the floor.
Instantly, Jesse knelt down and tried to help Maggie get back to her feet, but Maggie refused her help. “I’m sorry, Maggie,” Jesse apologized, the sincerity flashing in her eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you …”
“I don’t need your apology or anything,” Maggie bristled, the anger boiling in her eyes. “Now please leave.”
Jesse didn’t want to intrude further, so she slowly retreated to the door. And in the corner of her eyes, Jesse saw the picture of a smiling couple on the wall near the staircase. Maggie looked much younger back then, and she was standing affectionately close to a bearded man whom Jesse reckoned was her husband. She’d heard stories about Maggie Rails, alright … how she lost her husband to a vampire, and how she avenged her husband’s death by killing the vampire herself. It must be painful for Maggie to endure the pain of losing someone whom she loved so much.
“What are you looking at?” Maggie demanded, her voice turning harsh.
“I’ve heard about you, Maggie,” Jesse persisted. “About your husband … who was killed by a vampire …”
The mention of the death of Maggie’s husband triggered those painful memories again, and caused Maggie to seethe.
“You have no right to bring up the past, or talk about my husband,” Maggie fumed, her eyes narrowed like a fierce tiger. “Why can’y you just leave me alone? Why do you have to be so difficult?”
Maggie raised both arms, and waved them wildly in the air. Instantly, Jesse was flung backward in the direction of the door, her body rolling down the doorsteps and landing on the filthy gravel pathway.
Jesse sprang back up to her feet as if the magical toss didn’t inflict any pain on her at all. Then, she zoomed back into the house before Maggie had the chance to shut the door close.
“See?” Jesse’s eyes widened. “You are an Enchantress, and you’ve just proved that by magically tossing me through the air.”
Maggie folded her arms across her chest. “Yes, so I am an Enchantress. But I do not wish to have this conversation with you any longer … so please leave before I turn you into a potted plant.”
Jesse gritted her teeth, wondering if it was even remotely possible for Maggie to turn her into a potted plant … but Jesse guessed that it must be a white lie just to intimidate her into leaving the house.
But Jesse had to explain her visit, and she had to convince Maggie that she was here for a good reason. “Look, Maggie. Let me tell you why I’m here … OK? My husband was killed by a vampire just like yours was … and he was killed in the most tragic way …” Jesse’s voice trailed off, as the emotions got to her.
When Jesse explained the side of her story, Maggie’s eyes started to soften, as she felt as though she could somehow connect to Jesse’s story in some way. Maggie didn’t say anything, but continued gazing at Jesse, waiting for Jesse to finish her story.
“Yes, my husband, whose name is Ken … was killed by this vicious vampire whose nickname is Catan. And until now, no one can identify this vampire serial killer, who has claimed more than hundreds of innocent victims in Wartwick alone. I’ve tried several attempts to nab this killer, but trust me, it isn’t an easy mission. Catan is extremely smart and powerful, and elusive … to catch him is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.” Jesse paused briefly, hoping that she didn’t speak too fast and made Maggie confused in the process. But Maggie was listening attentively, the expression on her face hinting that she was feeling sympathy and sadness.
“I thought that I’d lost Ken for good,” Jesse continued, her eyes getting watery. “I tried every possible human way to revive him, but I couldn’t …”
There was a glint of realization in Maggie’s eyes, and Maggie finally said, “Let me guess … you turned your husband into a vampire?”
Jesse nodded, the tears rolling erratically down her cheeks. “Yes, I did. I’ve never wanted to turn my husband into a vampire … until the time was right. I love him the way he is … in his adorable feeble human form. But in order to keep him alive, I had to do that. And after he was turned into a vampire, Ken became hysterical and he couldn’t adapt to his sudden transformation as a vampire … He needed to feed on human blood so badly, but I wouldn’t just let him hunt innocent humans down the streets … so I decided to bring him to the woods to feed on animal blood instead without hurting the humans. But eventually, I lost him … and I don’t know where he is now or if he has even begun to feed on humans.
“And that is why I’m so angry whenever I think of the vampire who killed my husband. If it wasn’t for Catan, this wouldn’t have happened at all. Yes, I’ve confronted Catan before and have tried to either arrest him or kill him, but I failed at both attempts. Catan is just too powerful beyond words. And that is why I need to find Catan as soon as possible because he has caused so many deaths and agonies. He needs to be brought to justice as soon as possible.”
Seeing that Jesse was getting a little overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, Maggie finally gestured for Jesse to take a seat in the living room. It seemed that Maggie’s defense had gone down, and she was warming up to Jesse as her story unfolded.
Jesse trembled with the weight of emotions within her. “And then, Catan had to go and kill Rellie, one of the star reporters at Satellite News. Have you heard about Rellie’s death?”
Maggie nodded her head weakly. “I heard it over the radio. It’s really … tragic.” Maggie waved at a rattan chair at the corner and it glided across the living room toward her. She plopped down on the chair, attentively paying attention to everything Jesse had to say.
Jesse filled in Maggie on all the details of Rellie’s death, and how she could be the key to unraveling the secrets that may lead the authorities to Catan’s hideout. “Unfortunately, Rellie is dead, and we can’t dig those secrets from her anymore. I wanted to turn her into a vampire so she could tell me what she knew about Catan, but I’m afraid I was too late to do that, as her death has exceeded the time limit for vampire transformation. And the only person I could think of to revive her is you …”
Maggie stared at Jesse for a moment as though she were crazy. There was an awkward silence hanging in the air, and Jesse waited patiently for Maggie to respond.
Maggie finally spoke after what seemed like almost an eternity. “What makes you think I can revive her?”
“Well … by magic,” Jesse said dryly, clasping her hands together for a ray of hope that it was possible to bring Rellie back to life through magical means.
Maggie sprang up from her seat, her eye
s filled with mixed emotions. “I-I don’t think it’s possible to do that. I’m sorry … I won’t do it. And I can’t.”
“There has got to be a way. I’ve heard stories about Enchantresses bringing the dead back to life through magic … Those stories are real, right?”
Maggie paced back and forth in the living room, her mind burdened with a train of ceaseless thoughts. Then, she stopped, and turned to look at Jesse. “Don’t you think that if it’s possible to do that … I’d have revived my own husband a long time ago? I loved him so much, and I still love him … but I didn’t revive him. I just let nature takes its course. I won’t let magic interfere with fate. Sometimes, it can bring negative consequences, which could be far worse than you’d have imagined.”
Jesse heaved a sigh, getting up to her feet. She edged closer toward Maggie, hoping to change her mind. “But what if the pros outweigh the cons? Maybe there could be tiny consequences due to this revival, but would they be so horrible compared to the hundreds and hundreds of innocent people dying on a frequent basis due to this vampire serial killer? If we don’t revive Rellie and find the truth about Catan, we’d never be able to nab him and he’d still be free to roam the streets and kill innocents. Do you want that to happen? Think for a second!”
Maggie collapsed back on her seat again, burying her head in her hands, clearly overwhelmed by the conscience tugging at her heart.
Jesse, exhausted from all the talking, plopped back down on the couch, hoping that Maggie would come to her senses and at least try to do what was right.
After several moments of unbearable silence, Maggie finally opened her mouth. “You’re right … it is possible to bring back the dead through magic. It’s possible … but there are consequences, and you have to bear with them. About a decade ago, I’ve actually revived a dead friend of mine, who was killed in a tragic car accident. Yes, I successfully revived him, but not without any consequences …” Maggie trailed off, her eyes filled with the pain of the haunting memories.
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