Vampire World (VAMPIRE WORLD #1)

Vampire World Part 5 Job Hunt

JOB HUNT 

I expected to see Mr. FreeCut come bursting through the door. But no one came. As I ran through into the shadowy living room, Ernie dashed out of what appeared to be a miniature coffin to greet me, letting out a whiny scream. I hesitated, afraid that he was going to poke me with his horn. Instead, I felt his icy tongue against my leg. 

"Mr. FreeCut! Where are you?" 

I heard footsteps, and moments later he appeared. 

"What's wrong?" he asked. "Sorry I didn't hear you right away. My coffin lid blocks out most noises." 

I explained to him what I had seen. He told me to stay where I was while he went outside to investigate. He returned quite soon. 

"I didn't see anyone," he said. "It's okay though. Ernie would have gone crazy if someone had come onto the property." 

Maybe he was right? But I knew I'd seen someone...somebody checking me out.... 

I decided to forget about my stalker and go try again to sleep inside my coffin. 

I must have been successful because I woke up with my head pounding in agony from the lack of a pillow. The scarlet glow from the three suns was filtering in through the window. 

"Breakfast is ready," Mr. FreeCut called out. 

Captivated by the smell of blood, I trotted into the kitchen still wearing my nightgown and with my hair a rumpled mess. My eyes widened when I saw what was on the table. Blood eggs! But these were much bigger than the ones served up at the orphanage, and a lot cleaner too. 

"Janice, please stay inside today and tomorrow," Mr. FreeCut advised. "It's not safe to go outside without someone to show you around. I really tried to get off work today, but my stupid boss wouldn't let me. Sorry." 

I reluctantly agreed, then asked him what kind of job he had. He said he was a badly paid slave at some kind of plant. I felt sorry for him. 

"I'll give you a coupon so you can order a blood pizza delivery for lunch," he said before leaving the house. "If you get extra thirsty, grab some blood from the fridge." 

From the front window, I watched him drive off in his hideous car. After that I sat down on the hard slab and cranked on the TV. Flipping the channels, it was one violent vampire movie after another, with occasional commercial breaks advertising blood mugs, some uncanny clothing, or dark shades. 

Quickly bored with this, I turned off the TV and watched from the front window as an endless stream of black cars passed by. Then I investigated the backyard. Beautiful Garlic Moon rose above the fence. 

I glanced back at my bedroom window, through which I was still sure I'd seen a masked figure. With a small jolt of surprise I spotted something resting on the window sill. It was a note, held in place by a small stone. I picked it up and read it. 

'Janice, I've been secretly watching you. I want you to know the truth. And if you cooperate with me, you will soon discover it. Keep this letter a secret. Keep everything a secret.' 

With a rush of anger, I ripped up the piece of paper. I knew it! Someone really was there last night. Had Mr. FreeCut not seen the note on the sill? Or maybe the person had still been hiding in the yard and snuck it up there after he'd gone back inside? 

I returned to the house and slumped down on the uncomfortable couch. My surge of anger soon faded to bored and lonely. I was so restless, I could pull out my pretty black hair. I was not meant to live like this. I had just left a prison, and now it seemed like I was in another.