Secrets In The Bones: The Curse of Blood Bay

Fifteen

Cruden Bay had gone to the dark side, playing host to vampires. That much was clear. But what these bloodsuckers were up to and why was still a mystery. The old vampire who'd popped up in front of me was trying to make a connection, assuming he was what he looked like. The ring had hinted at it, and the vision only confirmed: bloodsucker.

But the big question: why? How did all these crazy threads come together? I couldn't ask Ruth for a pic of the Elder because vampires and reflections don't mix, at least from what I knew from the movies. And the supernatural world plays by its own rules. No mention of vamps doing daylight strolls in common myths.

McNally's cliff excavation threw another curveball. What exactly were they planning, especially with water levels in the mix? I thought maybe they'd dig under the town, wipe out everything below, and build something new on top. But it was a tangled mess, too many gaps and versions of the truth.

Duncan, in his usual way, offered us a ride anywhere we wanted. Ellena suggested hitting the Cruden public library to dig into the ancient bloodbath that went down centuries ago. While I mulled over the golden ring, I couldn't shake the memory of the pale dude who rocked it.

"Duncan," I started, shifting in my chair as the Scotch remnants swirled, "that ring caught my eye earlier. Looks different from what I've seen. A family heirloom, maybe?"

Duncan took a hearty sip from his glass. "This thing? Nah, I was strolling the cliffs about a year ago. Tide creeping up, sea tossing debris. Saw this gleaming in the sunshine. I figured it was my lucky day; I've been wearing it since."

"Lucky find," I mumble, trying not to roll my eyes, given what I'd seen. "So, why the library?"

Ellena cut in, "Where else to gather our thoughts? Plus, we're outsiders here. Good to know the town's history."

Duncan adds, "Good luck. The original library got toasted twenty years back. Dunno how much they saved, but rumours say old stuff might be in the basement. It might interest you. Mention my name, and you get full access. Also, if you're free tomorrow at 10 a.m. after your research, I've got someone who might drop some knowledge."

Duncan handed over a bottle of his best Scotch as we parked outside a building. It had a small flight of stairs leading to a worn-down shelter, the woodwork stretching almost from floor to roof. The same fire that gobbled up the library also hit this place. Duncan dropped this lead on us, and even though leaving seemed tempting, my conscience dragged me deeper.

Outside, Ellena turned to me, raising her eyebrows. "Georgie, what's up with your eyes back there?"

"Went black again?" I ask.

She nodded. "Yep."

"We make a weird pair, huh?" I tried to deflect. But Ellena wasn't buying it.

"That ring I asked about with Duncan," I started, "when I touched it after he grabbed my arm. Another vision."

Ellena's eyes lit up. "Oh, great. What'd you see this time?"

"I was in a massive room, an old fireplace, and a long table with food. But they were drinking blood like it was coffee. Horrifying, and I wanted it, just like in the real world. But none of my werewolf stuff worked. I was useless. About twenty people in red robes walked to the table, raising their cups. Then, the guy at the head of the table lowered his hood. Vampire."

Ellena processed that, her face showing concern. "So, all the stories are true?"

"Yeah," I admitted, the unease growing. "Saw him at the gallery today and outside McNally's garage."

"You saw a vamp at the gallery?" Ellena says, disbelief dripping.

"Not exactly," I clarified, struggling with the weirdness of it all. "A few hours later, ran into a strange guy fixating on you. Real as you or me. Later, saw the same dude turn into a vamp in my vision."