Lethal Beauty

XXVII - Mother

[TW: This part contains content that some might find disturbing, reader's discretion is advised]

DISCLAIMER: An autopsy by nature is graphic. The depictions herein, however intense, are intended to be impressionistic and suggestive, rather than explicit or gory.

Flashes of light illuminated the interior of a small wooden house in one of Hawaii's forbidden islands. An exclusive place made available to only those who coveted an invitation, and Delbert had lived in this place after his marriage to his late wife. He was planning to relocate when he got a call from his superior. A possible vampire crime to be handled by the special task force created by the Vampire Hunter guild before their indefinite hiatus.

A crime of such gravity was rare in this place, let alone a crime executed by the immortal bloodsuckers. Silhouettes walking around and searching could be seen from the outside as Delbert approached. The door itself had distinctive claw marks, followed by bloody handprints on the cracked window and wall covered in crimson blood stains.

There was a female body. A figure almost perfect, with supple muscles in all the right places, made Delbert think that the victim must be athletic and agile. He wondered at that time as well if she was a vampire herself. But judging by the condition and state of the body, it was hard to tell. Not to mention, that she has no head.

The way the weapon severed her head bespoke of a quick death, not meant to extend the pain. Though it provided a scene that was hard to witness. Especially by a six-year-old child...

"Where's the head?" He asked.

His partner then was a senior by only a few years and in the future would be his boss---Carlisle Forster Hill. "Delighted you came."

"You don't look delighted. Where's the head?" He repeated.

"We couldn't find it," he handed Delbert a tobacco but the man shook his head. "The boy's in the living room. He wouldn't talk."

Delbert inched closer to where the living room was and found several officers surrounding the boy. Aside from the carnage, the house appeared to be ordinary. But given that the property was surrounded by forestry and a lake, creatures of the night would want to visit this place. It must be a shtriga, he thought.

Reporters were prepared to sneak in, waiting to pass by a cluster of officers but Carlisle ordered someone to get rid of them.

Delbert waved for the other officers to leave so he could be alone with the boy. He looked down on his innocent expression. There was a mixture of shock, trauma, pain, and anger in his eyes. Something bold and courageous that Delbert had not seen in a child. Sometimes, he wanted a chance to get inside the head of the victims, he might be able to get a glimpse of what happened without being too intrusive.

"I'm sorry for your loss." The boy continued to look up at him, but couldn't open his mouth to speak. "What's your name?"

He tried to speak. To motion what he wanted to convey but he was having a difficult time doing this. Delbert gave up. The boy must've been severely traumatized and not ready to relieve the experience with a stranger.

Delbert moved to the sofa to sit beside him. Fortunately, this boy felt the intent and scooted a bit further so he could have a space.

There was silence for a long while. Delbert pulled out something from the breast pocket of his shirt and handed it to the child. It was a piece of candy...

"Whatever it is you're thinking," he started, "It's not your fault. You're not to blame." When the boy remained tight-lipped, he sighed. "I want to be able to understand what you are feeling or thinking. I need you to help me understand. You can trust me. Don't be afraid."