Secrets In The Bones: The Curse of Blood Bay

Eleven

The tables were sleek, shining in white with a plush atmosphere. From our spot, we had an open view of the world passing by. Ruth had cleverly concealed much of the town, presenting a picturesque facade. It seemed safe, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it might be a deceptive mirage, a mask for the real darkness lurking beneath.

Outside the 'Cruden Bay Town Hall,' an imposing bronze statue on a platform showcased men with swords projecting strength. However, a step beneath the platform revealed a disturbing sight—a pile of deceased bodies and crushed skeletons, symbolic of the town overcoming vampires. If Amos and the others saw this, it could challenge the delicate accords, illustrating the town above ground and the vampires below. Ellena couldn't hide her discomfort at the gruesome scene.

The town hall was just across, bustling with people. People-watching was a habit of mine, and even in moments of relaxation, I had to look. However, I kept an eye out for the mysterious guy from the gallery. At least the coffee was good enough to wash away the haunting images from those paintings. Glancing around, I noticed others chatting, reading newspapers, or reading books. Ellena had her nose buried in a tour guide leaflet, fully engrossed.

"See anything interesting?" I ask, feigning curiosity.

"Not really. Much the same as any other place. The port offers boat rides to explore the bay, talks about monuments, and mentions the ongoing mayoral battle between Duncan Campbell and David McNally over Montague House. Campbell wants to preserve it as a historical landmark, while McNally aims for demolition and redevelopment," Ellena reported, smirking.

"It seems we can't escape politics, even here," I comment, my thoughts drifting as I looked around the town and the road ahead. There was plenty of space for development on the outskirts and many buildings and homes. Why the concern over an old house near the cliffs? Coastal erosion and landslides could affect it in the future, but that was my perspective. Ellena grimaced again at the statue while I pondered the article she had shared—a piece connected to telluric currents. Ruth's mention of the house being above a power source fuelled my conspiracy musings.

'Ellena. Oh, Ellena,'

"What, Georgie?"

"Eh, I said nothing. I was too busy wondering if the mayor was corrupt,"

"Yeah, okay. Behave, mister," Ellena smiles, but I did not know what she says.

'Ellena. Oh, Ellena.'

"Georgie ... Knock it off, or I will get Ruth to give you fleas." Ellena looked a little more serious this time. Although I still didn't know what she was talking about. Fleas though? She had to go there.

'Oh, Ellena. Such beauty deserves to grace the most esteemed of walls,'

"Right. No jokes now."

"Ellena, I'm not doing anything," Ellena began tilting her head, acting paranoid, while I paddled in confusion.

'Poor, beautiful Elena. Why so confused?'

Ellena furrowed her brow. She wasn't kidding. I hadn't heard a thing, and Ellena was adamant I'd tried to get her attention.

'What are you looking for, Ellena? I'm already in your head. I'm right where you want me to be.'

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Georgie, somebody keeps calling my name."

"Seriously? Could it be anything Ruth did?" I sounded it out, though it seemed unlikely. The bigger issue was how it was even possible. First, I saw the guy in the black suit; now Ellena hears someone call her name.