Hunted in Darkness

Troubles

 “Kat, you’re not seriously going into work tonight? Did you hear what he said? Hearts, Kat, ripped out. You can’t be planning on going into some silly human job and putting yourself in danger?” I shook my head “I heard exactly what he said, Nick is a bright boy, and if he is right, then going into work and seeing for myself is exactly what I have to do. It’s going to be okay, Em, it’s in a hospital, they have guards, nothing is going to happen to me.” I left him pouting on the sofa as I headed to shower. I love the feeling of hot water, it clears away everything, the dirt, inside and out. I could feel the stress from the night before washing down the drain. I got out in time to leave water for Em and changed into blue scrubs for work. I walked out into the living room and flung a clean towel at Em, who was still sitting where I left him. “Your turn, smelly.” I teased. He glared for a moment, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and he rolled those ocean blue eyes at me “Fine, fine.” before walking to the bathroom he’ d just seen me leave. I waited until I heard the water start before picking up my phone and unplugging it from the charger on the counter. Nick was nearly right, he hadn’t called a million times, but the twenty missed calls did seem a bit excessive. I scrolled through my contacts until I found the listing for O&I Assoc. and hit the call button. A very professional recording on the other end informed me that my contact, Marcy Kensington was not at her desk, but if I could leave my name and a short message, that she’d get back to me promptly, so I did what the machine lady asked and hung up. Next I sent a text to Dorthea’s number, and prayed it was still good. We hadn’t spoken in a few years, understandably, because I bailed on her without really explaining that I was trying to keep her safe, and now here I was, about to ask her to put herself in more danger, I am apparently, a lousy friend. ‘Hey, D, it’s Kat, I know it’s been a minute and I hope you can forgive me, we really need to talk. Thanks hun.’ I pictured her rolling her gorgeous eyes, scrunching up her ebony nose and muttering “Vampires.” to herself with annoyance. I put the phone on vibrate and slipped it into my pocket, then dug in my dirty laundry for the dragon ring I had taken off last night. I found it and held it for a moment before depositing it on my nightstand. I needed to be available and have my senses on high alert for now, though I already missed the normalcy of wearing it and being sheltered from the chaos around me. I then dug out a black T-shirt and some sweat pants that I hoped would fit Em’s tall, but slight frame. He had already deposited his dirty laundry in my basket, some things never change. He emerged from the bathroom wrapped in my fuzzy towel from the waist down, smelling of my shampoo and soap, but also of sandalwood. I admired the sight until he blushed and then I threw the clothes at him. It was my turn to blush and look away as the towel fell from around his hips, some things never do change, I smiled to myself as my insides did a flip.“ Feel free to use the washer while I’m gone.” I teased, “You definitely don’t want to go out like that.” I met his eyes again and resisted the urge to walk over and kiss him, instead turning back towards the kitchen and pretending to fumble around in the fridge. I felt his eyes on my back, admiring my frame from behind. The clock in the kitchen said it was at 11:45, content in ways I’d forgotten I could be, with the taste of his lips still on mine. The night air was brisk and cool against my skin. I glanced around and headed left down the sidewalk. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder until I reached the lit parking area I liked to cut through to get to the entrance. Once inside I breathed a sigh of relief and headed for the elevators. Tom, the security guard looked startled to see me, but I explained about the perpetually overworked Dr. Lewis, and he laughed and buzzed me though. The smell of cold metal and death, mixed with disinfectants and preservatives is something that never leaves your psyche once you smell it. It always surprises and tugs at something in my brain. I sit down at the computer and find Dr. Lewis’s email, which I suspect was actually dictated to Nick by Lewis and sent along to me. I scribble down case numbers and locations. It’s all basic stuff, most of it being low profile, housekeeping cases. A brain hemorrhage, a heart attack. Normal. I looked in the system to see the case numbers for the unusual occupants, and decided to check them out first, so I could give my full attention to the other cases without the twinge of curiosity distracting me. Sliding open the drawer and unzipping the black plastic bag with my blue gloves on, I learned everything I needed to know at a glance. These were vampires, living as humans, their normal bodily functions either ceased or evolved to fit new purposes, confusing the human doctors and police. Nobody would ever claim these bodies, just as nobody would claim mine someday if this happened to me. They were predators hunting the world and now they were sacks of flesh and meat like the prey they took for granted. I felt pity wash over me as I stored them back away, doomed for cold case files and pauper burials. My brothers and sisters in death. I started the cases listed for me by Lewis, my heart full of dread and numbing calm. As I slid case A-678 into his drawer with findings of Cardiac Arrest due to underlying heart condition, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I peeled off my gloves and answered it. The voice at the other end was female and assured “Hello, Kat, it’s Marcy, I got your message. We know what’s going on, but we should probably meet to discuss the plan our agency has in place for protecting those of you in ...delicate ...positions. When would be a good time? I know you’re only available at night, so shall we say 4AM, and was eager to go home and start negotiations with Em. I waved goodbye to Tom on my way out and used the staircase instead of the elevator.