Charlie Swan: Vampire Hunter

5

I went home. I had to. I couldn't follow them to their house. My life had turned upside down, but I was still the police chief. I had standards to uphold, and stalking would be a problem to say the least.
I cooked what was in my chopped, Mac and cheese, but had to force it down in the name of healthy habits. The Cullens were all vampires. The signs were all there. There was the Edward thing, the crash and his skin, and then there was the family in general. They were reclusive, they dressed in clothing that showed as little skin as possible, even in the summer.
They had established themselves in our community a few years ago when Carlisle got his job at the hospital. As the head doctor he would have access to blood. He would have access to enough blood for himself and his brood of vampires to survive off of.
I stared at the tv blankly. I couldn't remember turning it on, but Lester Holt was lecturing about something or other at me so I must have. I looked at my watch. I had hours before I would be able to fall asleep, at least two before the sun would even go down. I shook my head and stood, stretching my stiff arms and back. A walk around back might be the best thing for me to do. Maybe it would help settle my thoughts.
I grabbed my coat on the way out and nestled my hands in the pockets. My house was situated on the edge of town, allowing for quick access to the limited down town, and privacy.
I first walked my yard. It was relaitvily small, just enough mowed to allow the drive way, house, small garage, deck, and minimal green space. I didn't have time to deal with large expanses of grass to mow and I liked it that way. Almost immediately where the mowed section stopped dense forest started. If you've ever been to Washington you know how the forests are. As soon as you walk-in in the trees cut off almost all light from what little sun there is, and the undergrowth can be nearly as tall as you are. I had some small paths through my forest. Mostly made by animals, but there were a few that I maintained. One led to a small cabin in the woods that had been abandoned long ago, but I still liked to visit every now and again. The other led to the lake. The lake was a small thing, more a pond than a lake, tucked back on the edge of my property. I loved to go there to hide from my troubles in the peacefulness that surrounded it.When I go to the lake no one disturbs me.
When I reach the lake I'm surprised to see footprints in the mud. Recent foot prints. Human foot prints. They circle the lake and lead off towards the cabin. I haven't been to the lake in at least a month so I know they aren't mine, so who's are they?
My first thought is Edward. I found out his secret maybe he followed me home, but that doesn't explain how he would have found the lake. No, it couldn't be him, so who was it?
The feet where big, not a child and most likely not a woman. The tread was deep, some kind of work or hiking boots would be my guess. I was at a loss to explain them, and my place of solace had been invaded. I turned, wanting to get away from whatever was hiding in the woods when I heard a twig snap from across the lake.