The City of Darkness and Blood

Chapter 20

Moments later, Chief Vlad stood on the rooftop of the Solomon City Police Department, rain still pouring down in relentless sheets as she clutched her umbrella, its fabric straining against the wind. The city below was a shimmering blur, the neon lights glistening like jewels through the downpour. Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps behind her broke the night's solitude. She turned, her eyes widening in surprise as she jumped at my sudden appearance, irritation flaring across her features. I could see her annoyance brewing as she narrowed her eyes at me. "You called, Chief?" I asked, stepping closer, trying to ease the tension.

"I did. What took you?" she replied, her tone laced with impatience that she struggled to mask.

"I had to stop at Gold Hook's place," I said simply.

Her eyebrow arched, clearly aware of the implications. "Right. Take a look at this," she said. The Chief handed me a case file, water droplets running down its edge. "The victim is Marco B'Wanna. He was out on parole for armed robbery but disappeared last week. His body was found at the Knights trainyard two days ago. The puncture wounds on his neck suggest he might have been stabbed with a knife or something similar," she continued.

I examined the crime scene photos closely, the stark contrast of the darkened images against the city's bright lights. The wounds didn't resemble typical knife marks; they looked more like bite marks. "When was he last seen?"

"At Blood Moon, the new nightclub in town. It's quite popular," Vlad explained, her voice steady despite the grim information.

With the new lead in hand, I returned the file to her and started to walk away. "Wait!" she called out, her voice echoing slightly against the rooftop. I paused, knowing what was coming next. "Why did you do it?"

I understood her unspoken question but didn't look back or respond. Instead, I grappled away into the night, leaping from the rooftop into the rain-soaked streets below. A vampire was likely behind this murder—a detail I couldn't openly share with Vlad. I recognized the victim as my client's husband. Now, I needed to find the responsible party. My investigation led me to the Blood Moon Club.

I arrived in my armored muscle car, the Dark Rider. Its engine rumbled with a low growl, echoing the darkness around me. Derek had built it from his auto shop, and I was grateful for his skills after we'd patched things up over the years. The club's exterior was flashy, a neon beacon starkly contrasting the rain-soaked streets. As I stepped inside, the heavy metal music pulsed through the air, the thumping bass vibrating in my chest and the chaotic energy washing over me. The interior was a labyrinth of shadows and vivid colors, illuminated by striking red and purple lights that danced across the walls like blood on a canvas.

The air was thick with the scent of sweat and smoke, mingling with the sweet aroma of overpriced cocktails. The decor blended opulence and gothic flair: plush velvet couches in deep crimson and black lined the walls, while chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals refracting light like shattered dreams. The bar, a long slab of dark wood with intricate carvings, was stocked with an array of colorful bottles that glimmered invitingly. Patrons, dressed to impress, moved through the club in a haze of exhilaration and indulgence, their laughter mingling with the clamor of clinking glasses and shouts of excitement.

I navigated through the crowd, my instincts sharp as I scanned the room for the club's owner. As I moved upstairs to the second floor, I could see the crowd below dancing and enjoying themselves—a scene of chaotic hedonism wrapped in dark allure. My attention was drawn to a familiar voice, rich and alluring. "Never thought I'd see you here," the voice said. I turned to see an incredibly stunning woman with a well-toned, hourglass figure. She wore a body-hugging, blood-red dress with a plunging neckline. She exuded confidence and sensuality, while her long sleeves added a touch of elegance. Her high heels accentuated her well-defined curves, making her legs look impossibly long and inviting. It was Silver Bloodborne. I hadn't seen her in years, and she looked absolutely amazing.