Me: This connects to the pale-haired twins?
Jude: With what you got from Loey, I think it must. There was intel of a duo wreaking havoc. They called themselves the princess, the prince, and the dog.
Me: The dog? You think it could be Laurent?
Jude: It’s the most information we’ve had in years. I sifted through all the reports with any mention of mad vampires and compiled an analysis. They’re all condensed to a certain area. West side of The Bronx near Claremont Park.
I freeze as I consider his words. West Bronx. Those monsters ravaged my area fourteen years ago. I lived just miles away in a government housing apartment building in the south side of The Bronx.
Me: I know the area. I should check it out.
Jude: For sanity’s sake, don’t do this tonight.
Me: Fine, Dad. I’ll go tomorrow night.
Jude: Don’t call me that again, brat. I’ll forward on any other info I find in the morning. Get some rest.
I reply back that I will and then stare out the window, a satisfied grin on my face. It’s happening. I’ll finally put Laurent to rest like I’ve always dreamed of doing. When that day finally happens, I’ll hang up my vampire slaying hat—or poncho in my case—and move my daughter out to the country. Give her a slower-paced life where I can spend more time with her. As much as I love Jude, I need out of this city. I need away from Griffin. I need to begin my life without fear and vengeance guiding my every move.
Something moves out of my peripheral. I glance down into the shadows in the alley, watching for any movement. I’d been sure the shadow moved, but I could be dreaming it. For the longest time, I watch, waiting for yet another monster to reveal itself. When no one steps out, I let out a heavy sigh of relief before closing the window.
Tomorrow, I’ll find those bastards who killed my family and turned Laurent into one of them.
In the meantime, I’ll get some much needed rest.
Castilla
“Dracula.”
I wake to the sweet voice and crack an eye open. “Do what now?”
“I want to name my bat Dracula. Like the vampire.” Mercy pets my hair and smiles at me. “Do you think Dracula can turn into a vampire?”
“I don’t think that’s how it works,” I mumble. “Besides, Dracula is just a book and movie character. He’s not real.”
“I think he is,” she sasses.
I take a moment to admire my beautiful little girl. The sun shines in through the window, making her look like an angel. “You’re feeling better this morning?”
“Aunt Loey got me a magic bracelet,” she tells me, grinning. “See?”
She thrusts her little arm at me.
“How do you know Aunt Loey got you this?”
“She always gives me presents,” she says, her voice matter-of-fact. “And they’re all magical.”
I want to remind her that magic isn’t real, but I hate lying to her. She’s just five. If she wants to believe in magic, I’ll let her.
“Was the man nice to you last night?” I ask, growing serious.
She makes a sour face. “He said he’s my daddy.”
“Do you want him to be your daddy?”
Just because I hate Griffin with my entire being doesn’t mean I want to deny Mercy anything.
“No.” She frowns. “He thinks Dracula is going to die.”
Dracula probably will die, but I would never tell her that.
“Not daddy material, huh?” I pull her to me and kiss her adorable face. “Who needs a daddy when you have me?”
“My mommy is a real superhero,” she says, giggling. “I want to be brave like you one day and fight bad guys.”
I tell everyone I’m in private security because it’s easier to explain my strange schedule. Another lie in my life, but a necessary one.
“You’re already brave,” I remind her. “You fight an invisible illness and save bats. That’s superhero material right there, baby.”
“I want a cape,” she sasses. “So everyone can see how brave I am.”
“I’m sure we can arrange that,” I say with a smile. “Why don’t you get dressed in normal human clothes for now and I’ll make us some pancakes?”
“Pancakes!” she yells.
As soon as she runs off, I burst into tears. I could kiss Loey for this small glimpse of health for my daughter. Like any other healing trinket Loey has gifted her, I know the power won’t last when removed from its home realm. But to have her behaving like a normal, healthy five-year-old, even for one morning, is enough to have me overcome with gratitude.
Vampires suck. Literally.
Loey doesn’t suck at all.
I hate that she wants me to end her one day if necessary.
Life just isn’t fair to the ones who are deserving of so much more than the hand they’re dealt.
After a long moment of feeling sorry for myself, I swipe away my tears and face the day like the brave woman my daughter claims me to be.