“That’s exactly what I thought. I ran that sample against all known mammals. I found no matches. From what I can tell, the man you killed last night was human, at some past point in his life, but something mutated him into what you encountered.”
Andrew takes in what Doc is suggesting with grave and dire realization. “I killed a fucking vampire. I don’t believe it. I mean, my sister was attacked by one, but I’ve never seen one in my life. I never thought I’d actually be face to face with one.”
“All I can say is keep up the good work. From what I’ve gathered in my tests on the subject, he could have easily killed you, had you not been armed.”
Glaring at Doc, “Think I don’t know that already.”
Doc gathers his things. As he leaves Andrew questions what Doc will do with the information that he has gathered. Doc decides that’s it’s best to keep it close and out of any official report. Doc debates informing the Chief of Police on the dangers of a new breed of thug, and hide the vampirism as a new untraceable drug. Hunter warns him to be careful, knowing that vampires may be anywhere and could be watching him.
Another dull day of sitting at home; the girls are at school and Rachel is away at work. These are the days that Andrew hates. No odd jobs, no police scanner going off, no leads on trouble; nothing. Just him, the apartment, and time itself. As he begins to drift off to sleep out of sheer boredom, his cell phone rings. Waking quickly, and making his way to the phone at the other end of the couch, “Damn solicitors.” He picks up the phone just before it goes to voice mail. “Andrew Irons, how may I help you?”
“I understand that you’re a paranormal investigator.”
“That’s what it says on the business card. How did you hear about me?”
“The local paranormal research team referred you to us after they ended their time with me.”
“So they found something they don’t care to deal with. And figure I’m dumb enough to do the job. Great. Where are you located?”
“Grove City, Ohio.”
“OHIO! Are you nuts! I’m in the middle of Arkansas. Paranormal investigation is a traditionally free localized enterprise, I’m just one person. I’m not sure I can be your man on this.”
“I understand and I’m prepared to pay you a fee and offer room and board in my guest bedroom.”
Thinking about the offer for a moment, “What sort of problem do you think you have that the other investigators feel I should take care of?”
“From the lack of support and help I’m lead to believe my family is being haunted by a demon, and since the other team referred me to you, they must have the same theory. I have no one else to call, even our church priest refused to do anything directly.”
Thinking further, evaluating what could happen and all that is at stake both for him, the girls, and the family that is reaching out for his abilities and services, “What sort of fee are we talking about,” with hesitation clearly in his voice.
“Aside from anything you desire upon arrival, I can offer room and board in my guest room, and ensure a fee of $500.”
Thinking about the offer, “Call me in an hour I need to think about it.”
“I’ve done my homework, and it’ll cost me over $300 just to get there and back. I’m planning a two day trip, with a stop in Nashville. So if I’m rooming with you, you better make it damn well worth it.”
“I understand the costs, Mr. Irons, I can ensure the $500, and do well plan to pay you more. My wife is away on business and until she returns tomorrow I don’t know our exact finances.”
Considering the promise of more money, the lack of current income of any sort, and the possibilities of the fun that may be had on the job, Hunter replies, “I’ll do it.”
Scarred at the possibilities, “What do you mean you’re off to fight a demon,” screams Rachel with the girls hugging her legs as Andrew is gathering his supplies.
“I’m not even sure that’s what it is. The client said that, not me. His priest and the local research team ran away from the haunt, so I know it’s something serious, but I’m not scared and I don’t have a bad vibe about the job so I’ll be fine.”
Jabbing with his last nightly outing, Rachel reminds Andrew of the dangers of the job “That’s what you said a week ago, and you almost got killed.”
Defending himself, “Almost, being the key word; which means I’m still breathing and he’s not. I’ll be fine hun, I know how to fight in confined spaces, you forget I was point man on many a house clearing op during my tour.”
Still unsure, “You can only cheat death so many times, I’m afraid, I’ll never be ok with you leaving for any job that involves this sort of thing, even if it gave us all the money in the world, it won’t replace you.”
Dropping a bag of ammunition, he grabs her around the waist and kisses her with all the romantic passion he can.
“EWWWWWWWW,” cry out the girls, “GROSE!”
Looking into Rachel’s eyes, “I’ll be fine, I know you worry; but I need something to do, been damn near four months since I’ve had a decent job, we can use the money, whatever it is.”
Rachel knows that there is nothing more she can do to convince Andrew otherwise, and accepts defeat. Andrew continues to pack. Unsure of what he will need, he packs his investigation gear: three small voice recorders, a camera system with six security style cameras, a run of the mill video camera, and his laptop. Not sure of what weapons he’ll need he arms himself with his trusty pistol, Remington 887, police batons, fighting knife, and other tools. He also packs his full set of body armor. With all his gear, tools, and weapons packed, Hunter sets off for another adventure.
Time, late summer. The leaves are just starting to lose their green and change color. The temperature is a good seventy degrees, light breeze, and not a cloud to be seen. Place, table next to references in the Southwest Public Libraries, Grove City, Ohio.
Finding his client’s face buried in a book, Andrew walks up to him, “So why are we meeting in a library?”
Looking up, a tad surprised that someone is standing close to him, “Sorry, when you called me I was already here, and planned on being here for awhile.”
“I see, well it’s good to finally meet you in person Mr. Newton.”
Humbled and shaking Andrew’s hand, “Please Mr. Irons the honor is mine. And please call me Jim.”
Andrew taking a seat across from Jim, he swings the book around and in front of him. He flips the book closed, saving the page with one finger, “Whatcha reading?”
“Paranormal guide book I guess,” somewhat unsure as to the full contents of the book. “Trying to see if I can get anything more on what’s been going on. I’ve been to every website, and been through damn near all the books here. Nothing seems to be of much help. Everything’s ghosts and none of it applies to me. I’m not sure what to do or think about all of it at this point.”
“Well, the best solution is to hold an investigation. From what you’ve told me though no one is interested in attempting to do that.”
With a nervous look in his eyes Jim replies, “So far.”
Assured of the needed course of action, “When you’re ready for me to start the investigation I plan to do just that. I’ll set up some equipment and wait for whatever is haunting you to show its face. After I have some materials, I’ll give them a review and diagnose the problem, if there is a problem. Then we can decide upon a course of action.”
Having some assurance, “That sounds like a plan to me. And I only have one question for you Mr. Irons-“
“Andrew or Hunter, please.”
“Andrew. Would you be interested in following me home to start?”
Surprised by the offer, “That sounds great, save me on a hotel for the night.”
After flowing Mr. Newton for a good hour, going well outside the city limits, Andrew arrives at the Newton’s home. The house that Mr. Newton pulls into is a great deal larger than Andrew had expected; not that he knew what to expect. The house is in the $500,000-$700,000 range just out of sheer size, architectural workings and surroundings. “What does this guy do for a living?”
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