Chapter 2- Puncture Marks
717 Words
Malcolm entered the hospital with the Detective Chief Inspector. The chief went to speak with the doctor while I stared through the window at the girl of about twenty with brown hair and brown eyes. As her coloring came back, it had a tan to it.
Malcolm said, “Thought you were going home.”
“I was until she came.”
Chief said, “Come here, Kilton.” I stepped forward on hearing my last name to where he stood with the doctor.
“Where did she come from?”
“Came staggering out of the woods about two miles north of Darton on road 77. She wore a red tattered dress. Appeared desperate and disoriented.”
Chief rubbed his face. He looked at the doctor.
“Same marks?”
Doctor said, “Yes, puncture marks on the wrists and neck. No sign of any other injuries. She is just like the others.”
Others? There were more like her?
“No memories of where they have been, how she got here, or what happened to her. Like Kilton said, very disoriented.”
“Name?” Chief looked at me.
“Brittney McKarmen. Was reported missing by her college roommate three weeks ago. Last seen was Albetos. I have someone bringing in the college roommate. Maybe help spark some memories and give me a moment to ask her questions.”
Chief rubbed his neck. “Good. Good.”
He turned away. I followed him.
“Sir, you said there are others. How many?”
“Four others. All the same. Low on fluids. Disoriented, and all wearing a red dress with the same puncture marks.”
“Is it the perpetrator's calling card?”
“Must be.”
“But why let the victims go?”
Chief stopped at the elevator. “Figure it out and let me know. I’m assigning you and Malcolm to Brittney. Try to get something useful from her.”
The elevator door opened and he stepped in.
“Good luck, Kilton.” The door closed.
Malcolm came running up.
“Adira, she’s awake.”
I quickly walked back to Brittney’s room. Her eyes were open and she appeared confused. The nurse was speaking calmly to her. I entered.
“Hey Brittney, I’m Adira. I was the one that found you.”
Her eyes flicked to mine, but she said nothing.
I walked forward and sat at the edge of her bed.
“How are you feeling?”
“Tired and thirsty.”
The nurse retrieved water. She said, “You’re going to feel groggy for the next twenty-four hours until we can get your fluids up. But you are in safe hands.”
I nodded. “Brittney, I'm a detective, and I’d like to help you.” I pulled a red dress out of the bag. Her eyes got big.
“Can you tell me where you got this dress?”
Brittney lunged forward and grabbed my wrist. Her hand trembled against me. Her face paled.
“They’re real! It's not stories anymore. They’re real!”
Her body started convulsing. The nurse pushed the alert button. More nurses entered. One pushed a fluid through her IV. Brittney relaxed, and her eyes drew down. Soon, she fell asleep.
Malcolm entered the room as nurses busied themselves. He took her wrist. There were two puncture marks on her wrists.
“Animal bite marks?” I asked.
“Possibly. It looks like a spider bite.”
“It does, except these are bigger and wider apart. Too big for a spider.”
Malcolm moved her hair. “Same thing.” A teasing smile grew on his lips. “Lack of fluids, fang marks.” He snapped his fingers. “I got it.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
“Vampires.”
I punched him hard in the gut. He doubled over.
I said, “Don’t be stupid. This is serious.”
He chuckled. “I’ll take some pictures and take them down to our friends to see if they know any creatures who could bite like this.”
As Malcolm snapped his pictures, I was reminded of the man I had arrested earlier. Had he not acted like a creature? Brittney’s mysterious words rang in my head. They’re real. It’s not stories anymore.
- Writer
