Chapter 4

Later that evening, her sister got home from a three-day school trip. Claire was already at home. Her sister was living with her. No matter how hard it was for Claire to break the news to her, she finally got enough courage.

As Jane placed her bag on the couch, “I really missed you sis. I see you are still keeping the city safe and looking good as always,” she remarked.

Claire reached to hug her, “I missed you too little sister. How was your trip? You look as good as well,” Claire commented.

They both sat next to each other, “the trip was very okay. We really enjoyed ourselves. How is Adams? I thought he would be here?” Jane asked with a smile.

“I am glad the trip went well. As for Adams, he is very fine and still in love. He was here last night and left this morning. We are okay. As for the city, I wish I could say the same,” Claire replied in a sorrowful voice.

Jane looked more attentive, “why…what did I miss, tell me?” she inquired eagerly.

Claire reached to hold her hands, “it’s about our father…” Jane interrupted.

“What about our father. What does he have to do with the city being safe?”

“He has nothing to do with the city but…” she paused for a while.

Jane looked disturbed and impatient, “but what sis…what about our father? Is he okay?”

“He was found dead this morning at his house…am very sorry sis but dad is gone,” Claire said reaching to hug her.

Jane broke in tears, “no…he cannot be dead. Please tell me that’s not true,” she said as she sobbed.

With tears forming in her eyes as well, “I am afraid sis, it’s true. He was murdered last night.”

She cried louder, “why did they have to kill dad. He has never done anyone any harm?”

Claire comforted her, “it is okay sis…take it easy. I will find out whoever did this and make them pay…I promise.”

They both comforted each other through the night.

The following morning at the precinct, as Claire and her team tried to figure out what had happened; her mother Rebecca came looking for her. It was time they had the talk she had told Claire about the previous day. Rebecca called her in private. The detective took her to the interrogation room and sat down.

The very first answer Claire needed was reason for her father’s death. Her mother made it clear that, for her to understand his death; she first needed to know whom she really was.

She crossed her hands on the table looking at her mother, “as you can see, my ears are all yours mother. I am waiting to hear of who I am besides Claire Peterson.”

“You were born of the ‘vampire hunters’ blood line. This means that, besides being a detective, you are a vampire hunter by blood. You are meant to capture and kill vampires…” Claire interrupted.

“What exactly are you talking about mother? Do these creatures really exist? I just thought they were a myth,” she asked in wonder.

“I am afraid and sorry my daughter but…they do exist and very much alive. Vampires are no myths; they do exist and live amongst us. ‘Vivienda de Vampiros’ is a Spanish name meaning vampires’ dwelling. That is how and why, Kibich city is also known as the Blood city. We have been hunting and killing them for generations. That is what your father and I did and kept from you two.”

“Does this mean that, my father was killed by a vampire?” she queried looking surprised and confused.

“I am afraid but yes. I am certain that he was killed by one seeking revenge.”

She stood up from the chair, “stop right there. I think my partner and the captain needs to hear about this.”

Her mother pulled her back to have a sit, “I am sorry but they cannot know about this. No one besides the vampires and us knows about this. Ordinary people cannot know. It will just cause more trouble. How do you explain bloodsuckers in our midst?”

Claire pulled back her hand, “sorry to disappoint but I need every help I can get. These are not ordinary people. They are police officers. I am sure they will understand.”

She walked out of the interrogation room to call her partner and the captain. She found the two in the company of Hills in the briefing room. He had done the autopsy and was giving his report. She called them all, including Hills, to hear what her mother had to say. Once they were all in the room, she continued explaining.

“As I was telling my daughter here, she is a vampire hunter and yes…they do exist. Her father may have been killed by one. The strange weapons you saw are some of those used to slay these beasts. I am sure your father tried to use them. The only way this creature got that close to him is through an ambush. For a few years, they have been dormant.

“This might have caused your father to put down his guard. They are very strong and fast creatures. Without the guard, we are completely exposed and weak to them. Normally, they kill by sucking blood or just snapping the neck.

“The fact that he strangled your father means he or she is out for revenge. It was personal,” Michael interrupted.

“Wait a minute; are we surely talking about this? How could this be?” he wondered.

“I think talking about them is an understatement. Everything she says make Hills report clear. Your father’s body was a few pints of blood short and had marks on his arm. He must have drawn the blood after suffocating Peterson,” Johnson added.

“What happens to the rest of us…those without guard? Do we stand any chance?” Hills asked in fear.

“We have kept this a secret from people for eternity for that same reason…you worry too much. Panic is the last thing we need. With us, you will be safe but speak of this to no one…and I mean no one. Not even your girlfriend,” Rebecca warned Hills.

Michael took a deep breath, “so, what now. What do we do?” he asked looking at Rebecca.

“You learn as first as possible as I train you and my daughter how to kill the bloodsuckers. Your father’s death was just the first. Soon, they will leave a trail of bodies and disarray as they have always done whenever they strike. We have to be ready,” Rebecca, informed.

“I think I know where and who to begin with,” Claire notified.

“You don’t think he was a vampire, do you now? Even if he was one, how do you…or, how do we find him?” Johnson questioned.

“What are you people talking about? What do you know that we do not? Can you share with us please,” Michael investigated.

“It’s nothing much…just a guy she saw standing across the street at her father’s residence and vanished as she got out of the house to confront him,” Johnson explained.

“I am certain he must have been a vampire. Sometimes they do that. Cause trouble, death and, watch from a distance. We have much less time than I thought,” Claire’s mother, pointed out.

Hills seemed to speak to himself, “Hills, you go study forensics, how dangerous can it get or be. You will work with and around dead bodies almost… always. There is no danger there. So much for being not dangerous and no danger, uh.”