The City of Darkness and Blood

Chapter 22

Jason's POV

I sat alone at the bar, nursing a cold beer on a dreary, overcast afternoon. The absence of sunlight always seemed to amplify the gloominess around me—a perfect backdrop for my current state of mind. People often say this is the day the Lord has made, but it feels more like a day of shadows and regret. Why do they say it? To inspire worship or offer comfort? Frankly, I couldn't care less. My daughter is gone, and no platitudes will bring her back. My father had been calling, but I ignored him. A familiar voice interrupted my brooding. "Jason," it called out from behind. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. "What do you want, Kendall?" I asked as she slid into the seat next to me. "How are you?" Kendall asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"What's the point of asking if you already know the answer?" I replied, taking a long pull from my beer.

Kendall sighed, her gaze softening. "Jason, I know it's hard. But it's not your fault."

I'd heard those words before, but they offered no solace. "So everyone keeps telling me," I muttered, staring into my drink.

Kendall's eyes drifted to the bracelet Chloe made for me, still wrapped around my wrist. She seemed to understand the depth of my despair. "Jason... never mind. I need to show you something," she said, pulling out her phone and showing me a list of names.

The list was of prisoners, hardened criminals. "These are inmates on Death Row. Since the 1990s, several of them have gone missing," Kendall said.

"Missing?" I asked, puzzled. "What do you mean, missing?"

"They were sentenced to death, but then they vanished, only for their bodies to show up the next day," Kendall explained, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Drained of blood."

The implication was clear: vampires. But if I told Kendall or the police, they'd think I was crazy. So, I offered an alternative theory. "So, what are you thinking?" Kendall asked.

"If someone is kidnapping these inmates and draining their blood, they must be using it for something. But why haven't the police investigated this thoroughly? Escaped Death Row inmates should be a major concern."

"Someone must be bribing the warden and prison staff. Tim and I might need to visit them," Kendall suggested. "How's Marco's wife?"

"She broke down when I told her about her husband. She cried for three hours," I said, finishing my beer.

"That poor woman," Kendall said sympathetically.

My phone buzzed, interrupting our conversation. It was a text from Silver asking to meet for lunch. "I have to go," I said, getting up and placing money on the bar. "Let me know what you find out from the warden and staff." "You know I will," Kendall said, watching as I left. I drove to an Asian restaurant called Chow Mein, where Silver had asked me to meet her. The restaurant's sign was in Chinese characters, illuminated brightly against the gray sky. I entered and approached the hostess. "Hi, may I help you?" she asked cheerfully.

"I'm meeting Silver Bloodborne," I said flatly.

The hostess led me to a booth near the windows where Silver was seated. I thanked her and sat down across from my old friend. Silver greeted me with a warm smile. "Glad you could make it," she said, her eyes twinkling.

I glanced at the glass of soda in front of me. "Diet Coke?" I asked, puzzled.

"You have to stay in shape," Silver said with a playful grin.

"Thanks," I said dryly. "What do you want?"

A food runner arrived with an appetizer of fried beef dumplings. "Want one?" Silver offered.

"I'm trying to avoid fried food," I declined.

"Suit yourself," Silver said, popping a dumpling into her mouth. "So, what have you been up to all these years?"

"Working as a private detective," I replied, sipping my drink.

"A private investigator?" Silver raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "I figured you'd be a model or something, considering how sexy you are."

I ignored her flirtation. "No thanks. Since when did you open a club?"

Before Silver could answer, a middle-aged man in a dark blue business suit approached our table. He had a familiar, politician-like smile and was accompanied by a blonde woman. "Silver Bloodborne, how are you?" he greeted warmly. "Mr. Parlor. I didn't expect to see you here," Silver said, recognizing the man and looking over at the woman beside him, "And who's this?"

"This is my lovely girlfriend, Candi," Parlor said, introducing the woman.

"Pleasure to meet you," Silver said, extending her hand.

"Likewise," Candi replied. She turned to Parlor and said, "I'll be in the car," before leaving.

"So, Silver, I'm hosting a party this evening to promote my campaign for mayor. I'd be delighted if you could come, perhaps with your date," Parlor said, extending his hand towards me. "Gregor Parlor."

His name rang a bell. I shook his hand and said, "I know who you are. You're the CEO of a biomedical research company."

"Yes, my mission is to help mankind combat dreadful diseases. It's a tragedy to see families suffer. I, too, experienced loss—both my parents died from cancer. That's why I've dedicated my life to finding a cure," Parlor explained, his voice filled with earnestness.

His dedication was admirable, but his story felt rehearsed. I kept my skepticism to myself. "I've heard so much about you, Jason. It's a pleasure to meet you," Parlor said.

"Uh... yeah. Same here," I replied. "So, what projects are you working on?"

"Cancer is among us, Mr. Adams. It devastates lives. But I have developed a special medicine that can eradicate cancer and other diseases from within the blood, making a person significantly healthier," Parlor said proudly.

A cure for diseases seemed extraordinary. "Impressive. Why haven't you announced it to the world?"

"It still requires more testing. I don't want any mistakes. The serum must be perfect. My work will change the world and save many lives," he added, checking his phone, "I must be going now. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Adams. Good seeing you as well, Silver." He tipped his black top hat and left.

I admired his dedication but remained suspicious. A cure for all diseases seemed far-fetched. Silver noticed my curiosity. "Was the interrogation necessary?" she asked a hint of disapproval in her voice. "I'm just trying to understand. His company was investigated for illegal human experiments, wasn't it?" I inquired.

"That case was dismissed due to lack of evidence," Silver said calmly.

"Is that what you think or what Parlor told you?" I pressed.

Silver bristled but didn't let it show. "He's been like a father to me. I was a young woman with nothing, and Mr. Parlor helped me. Are you going to the gala?"

"I'm not really the social type," I said, uninterested.

"Come on, Jason. It'll be fun," Silver urged.

"For you, maybe," I countered.

"Please?" Silver begged, her eyes wide and pouty.

If I had a dollar for every time she used that, look on me... "Fine. I'll go. But I won't enjoy it," I said, standing up. "I'd better get going."

"No kiss?" Silver said, slightly disappointed.

I didn't respond. I left the restaurant while she continued to eat. As I drove away, a nagging feeling told me I needed to monitor Mr. Parlor closely. It would change everything if he could cure every disease on the planet. It would probably make the doctors's jobs easier. But still, I'll keep an eye on him.