San Francisco — 1987 Predator and Prey

Neil enters Bert’s. In spite of himself, his heart leaps at the sight of Pam. He wants his heart to be stone. He wants never to have met her. But wishes are overrun by desire. Love triumphs over fear.

The crystal necklace hangs round his neck beautiful as a promise, certain as loss. Pamela looks up. Her nostrils widen as if she smells food, as if she smells blood.

She lunges at Neil, grabbing at the necklace, tugging with all her strength. Its delicate chain is surprisingly strong. He is forced toward her.

“Take off the necklace, Neil,” Pamela hisses. “It lures them…They feel the energy, see the colors that once were white. That is why there are killings. It draws them… draws us.

Yes - us. The undead ones. We hear the lack of a heartbeat, smell the lack of blood, see the light of night in shining fangs.”