Jalil watched as Evelyn ate across the table at the big busy college cafeteria. His arms were folded across his chest as he leaned into the back of his chair and he reached out once or twice to sip the cooling mug of coffee before him.
Munching at her sandwich, Evelyn caught his gaze several times but quickly looked away to avoid saying anything. She knew why he was staring at her and had been wishing he wouldn’t ask what was both on their minds.
“You’re not going to tell me, are you?” He finally said when she avoided his gaze for the fourth time.
She sipped her juice then hesitated, letting it slide down her throat. “Tell you what?” she asked, feigning ignorance.
“Oohh...stop this silly pretence Eve! You damn well know what I’m talking about. In the theatre ward? The cadaver? The name tag? What did you see that scared you so? You were white with fear!”
She swallowed hard. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”
“You have never hidden anything from me Eve, why now?” he pressed on. “Am I no longer trust worthy to keep your secrets anymore?” He questioned.
“Not that...” She replied wearily. “Just that...you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She paused, searching his gentle face.
He only sighed, leaned forward with his elbows on the table and said firmly. “Don’t underestimate me, Eve!”
Evelyn sighed, leaned back against the back rest and slumped her shoulders in defeat. “This sounds crazy...but...” she began trying to carefully choose her words. “.. I think Morris Stance lived for four centuries or more...he just died six months, three weeks and five days ago.”
She waited for him to laugh but he didn’t, instead his facial expression slipped into a mixture of seriousness and anxiety. “Eve, if I didn’t know you well, I will say you sound delirious but...wait a minute! Are you trying to tell me that, that dead man we just experimented on could possibly be four hundred years old or more?”
Evelyn nodded. “...but it’s impossible, isn’t it? She asked with an unsure expression hoping he would see reasons and prove her trance wrong but he didn’t.
“Only possible for Immortals.” He answered. “but only if he is a...” his voice trailed off as the unbelievable thought of what he wanted to mention also dawned on him.
“A what?” she asked anxiously.
“Vampire!”
She gave him a bewildered look. “That’s a myth. Of course you are not trying to tell me you believe in such stories about their kind ever existing?”
“Not really, Eve.” He said. “...But I have heard such stories about them. The generation of Dracula, nocturnal blood drinkers, sleep in the day to avoid the sun, the fiery orb that is also an immortal enemy and hunt at night. They can live for centuries and have supernatural powers of speed and can subdue their victims but they are killed by stabbing a stake into their heart besides having a phobia for Garlic, the crucifix and holy water...”
“I am a medical Doctor and doctors do not believe such ridiculous stories full of superstitious lies!” She snapped, getting irritated.
“I didn’t make them up, just heard them.” Jalil defended himself. “...but unless you’ve got a better explanation of why you think our cadaver is four hundred years old.” He pressed forward and whispered. “Didn’t you notice the gaping hole in his chest? A knife can’t do that, something definitely bigger did and I’m betting it was a stake, or why do you think no one has come to claim his body, even if he did have a family they would probably have been dust four centuries ago if not more.”
Evelyn stared blankly trying to comprehend all Jalil had said when a voice shattered her thoughts. “There you are , guys!”
Kane said, placing a tray of food on the table and sitting down. He glanced at the unsmiling worried faces of his colleagues and said again. “I don’t smell that bad of Ann’s insides, do i?” when they didn’t reply, he curiously sniffed himself and added. “What the hell are you guys looking glum for, did somebody die?”
Evelyn turned to him. “Kane, do you believe in Vampires?”
Kane illogically stared at her for a while, glanced at Jalil before replying. “...Heard stories about them, but never seen one.” He paused. “Got the gift of slow youth too...why do you ask?”
“Where did you get your stories from? Movies? Books or what? She replied instead.
“Why the sudden interest in Vampires, Eve?" He countered.
“Just answer the question, Kane!” she said stubbornly.
He hesitated before he carefully replied. “The old bookshop down the street, it has a mini library at the back, Mr. Yin doesn’t let anyone into it except few of his favorite customers, that old China head knows a lot of history.”
Evelyn sprang up from her seat, grabbing her jacket from the arm of the chair. “Will you take us there?”
“Wo…wo…wo...” Kane said quickly, with his palms up and opened, stopping her. “Easy there Pumpkin! Why the hurry, I don’t know you for the superstitious type, besides it is past five already, Mr. Yin don’t take no customers when he is about to close for the day.”
Jalil also grabbed his jacket, rising from his seat. “Just take us there!”
“But I haven’t had lunch yet.” Kane said, regarding his tray on the table.
“We will get you something on the way.” Jalil assured him.
Kane began to rise reluctantly. “What about Sharon and Ann? They were supposed to meet us at the park.”
“Jalil will give Sharon and Anna a call and they will join us there.” Evelyn replied, walking away with Jalil.
“Just a bite please.” Kane quickly gave his sandwich a bite and hurried to catch up with them.
YOU ARE READING
DARK QUEST (Sample)
Vampire"I'll simply screw your friend over there." He gestured with his chin at Jennifer who was returning to the counter to place a new order. "She was practically soaking wet why rambling about the things not of interest to me. I could smell it, I can st...
