Dark Realms(60)
“What’s that smell?” I whispered in horror, stopping in my tracks. It was worse than garbage that’s been baking in the sun and dog shit – combined.
“Oh, hell, I don’t know. Let’s go find her bedroom,” he mumbled, his hand over his nose. “Just stay behind me.”
We searched the cabin until we found a room that appeared to be her bedroom. On the full-sized bed were two open suitcases and piles of women’s clothing, ready to be packed.
I looked at Nathan. “What now?”
“Kitchen.”
I followed him out of the bedroom and we both gasped in horror the moment we entered the kitchen. On the floor, next to the refrigerator, lay Abigail – her neck ripped open and her lifeless eyes fixed on the ceiling. We both shrieked and then ran like hell out of the cabin, back to his Mustang.
“Oh, my God, we have to call the cops!” I cried. “That was horrible!”
“Did you see her eyes?” he choked, his face whiter than my dress. He pulled his phone out and dialed nine-one-one. After he hung up with the police, he started the engine.
Dizzy and afraid of puking, I opened my window to let some fresh air in. “I guess there’s no question that vampires are involved, now, is there?”
“Hell no. Let’s get out of here and call mom when we get back to the cabin. The police told me to stick around, but screw that. They know where to find us.”
“I agree.”
He kicked up rocks as we peeled out of the driveway and I closed my eyes, trying to get the image of Abigail’s body out of my head. If Ethan was responsible for that, there was no way in hell I’d want to see him again. As far as I was concerned, it was time to talk mom into leaving town.
Chapter Twenty-One
A squad car stopped by our cabin an hour later, asked us several questions, and then left. Because we didn’t want to sound crazy, we didn’t mention a word about vampires.
“That must have been so horrifying,” said mom, who’d stopped back home after we’d called to let her know what had happened.
“Her throat was torn apart, mom,” said Nathan. “There was blood everywhere. It was just… crazy.”
Sighing, she picked off a piece of lint from her jean skirt. “Maybe it was a bear or a mountain lion that attacked her.”
Nathan’s face darkened. “Or maybe it was a vampire.”
She groaned. “You’re not going to start with that business, again, are you?”
He sighed. “Look, you know us. We aren’t making it up, mom. This Ethan dude, he literally flew out of Nikki’s room.”
“He’d better think twice before he sneaks into your sister’s bedroom, again.”
He smiled grimly. “Mom, if we aren’t careful, they’ll be bloodsucking lovers for the rest of eternity. No lie.”
Mom burst out laughing. “You’re so melodramatic.”
I knew she still wouldn’t believe the vampire story, and part of me didn’t blame her. I was still having a hard time accepting it, myself.
“Listen,” she said, looking down at her watch. “I’m going to be late for my eye appointment if I don’t leave. Are you both still going to this town barbeque?”
Nathan and I looked at each other.
“We should,” I told him. “Duncan’s expecting us and I’m afraid that Ethan is coming back later. He might hurt you.”
“Nikki, if you think someone is going to hurt your brother, then you call the police right away!” snapped mom. “I mean, seriously!”
“Mom,” said Nathan. “The police can’t stop this guy.”
She rubbed her forehead. “Well, we’ll talk about this later. I’ll see you at in town. Have your cell phones on you.”
After mom left us, I called Duncan and told him about finding Abigail.
“No shit? I wonder if Ethan was responsible for killing her.”
“I don’t know. I mean, he didn’t actually seem like a killer to me.”
Duncan paused. “Even so, if I catch that guy anywhere around you, I’m going to pound his head in.”
I smiled. “You’d do that for me?”
“Damn right,” he replied. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re my girl now.”
“I like that sound of that,” I replied, softly.
“Oh, hell, my dad’s calling me. Look, I’ll see you guys around four o’clock. Call me if you have any problems. I can’t wait to see you. I thought about you all night.”
“Me too,” I replied, although I’d been thinking about how I’d pretty much cheated on him, even though I’d been a victim myself. I only hoped that he wouldn’t find out about it. He was such a sweet guy and didn’t deserve to be hurt.