“P.C. Harbottle, P.C. Franks, I wish I could say it was nice to see you again, but unfortunately I’d be lying,” I stated as two familiar, uniformed police officers headed in my direction, crossing the living room where David’s murdered nurses still lay.
I’d first met the pair in the aftermath of Conn’s death, on the night the Bloodied Hand had attacked Milbank House and Fenn’s pack had first come to protect us. They hadn’t been particularly friendly then and I wasn’t expecting a better response in the wake of the murders.
“Miss Salix, it seems you’ve once again gotten yourself tangled up in a grisly crime,” Harbottle noted, her expression cold.
“Darcy, or Mrs O’Dowd if you’re feeling formal,” I corrected her. “And I haven’t gotten myself tangled up in anything. A member of my cohort has been tortured and killed by a suspected cult comprising of at least one rogue vampire and a number of vigilante humans. Humans and vampires have died here. Humans and vampires are responsible. Now, we can either work together for the good of everyone or you can damn well get out of my way.”
Franks flipped open his notepad and scribbled something on a blank page; something no doubt meant to incriminate me. His gaze then raked over me, appraising.
“And what makes you believe there was human involvement?”
“A vampire is dead. One of our sentries, no less...”
Franks cut me off before I could finish my explanation, “And wasn’t Mr Peters captured and tortured by one of your own kind? Were you not a slave to a vampire master? It appears vampires have a skill for harming other vampires.”
“Occasionally” I replied, irritation hardening my tone. “Much as humans occasionally murder humans. However, the vampire who held my co-Sire is dead, as is my former maker, that narrows our list of suspects considerably. My cohort is currently under attack from a band of warlocks called the Bloodied Hand. The same band of sorcerers which attacked the house on the day we first met. We believe they are spreading cult beliefs among the human populace to breed hatred towards us and our allies. A small minority of rogue vampires are working with them, but for the most part they are human.”
I paused, casting a scornful look at both officers, “Doesn’t it strike you as odd that the nurses show no sign of bite marks. We have limited donor numbers at present and a limited stock of bottled blood, thanks to attacks on our storage facilities by an alliance of sorcerers and misguided mortals, so do you really believe vampires are going to kill mortals without feeding under present conditions? The humans were killed with weapons, most likely knives or daggers, not by fangs or brute strength. A vampire has no need to use such weapons against mortals, we’re strong enough without them, but a human? A human is more likely to rely on a sharp blade.
“Additionally, look at the bodies. Look at the discoloration caused by pooling blood. These women were murdered hours ago, sunset or earlier. How would a vampire murderer get here if working alone? A car with heavily tinted windows will give you something to track, something unusual to ask witnesses about, but most likely any vampire was in the back of a van or under cover while mortals drove. Mortal assistance is the cheapest, easiest, and least suspicious method of getting a vampire from a to b before sunset. Look at the clues, officers, it is highly unlikely that vampires were working alone here.
“Were there vampires involved? Yes, I have reason to believe rogue vampires are involved with the Bloodied Hand. Were only vampires involved? Of course not. Insinuating as much only shows your ignorance and willingness to disregard the evidence to further your own narrative.”
“Haven’t lost that high and mighty attitude, then?” Harbottle sneered.
“You know this bad-cop, bad-cop routine isn’t working in your favour, right?” I retorted, straightening. “You know everything I know, and I have to get my sentry’s body home before sunrise. We will assist in your investigation and expect your co-operation in ours. Please keep me informed of the arrangements for David Adams care, as I would like to ensure his needs are properly provided for. Now, if you will excuse me...?”
