The next evening, my phone vibrates on the bedside table, where it sits on top of the book Jack gave me. My phone has never seen this much activity; Annie being the only one who ever calls or texts. It’s a relief to see the call is from Jack. I was a little nervous, wondering when I would hear from him again. He wants to come over. His voice sounds tired, strained.
“I’m here, whenever you want to come by.”
I shouldn’t be worried, but that’s a lie. Worrying was always a part of my mortal life. It’s a part of me, once again. Truthfully, I’m more than worried, I’m scared. There was another note in Jack’s voice. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. My gut tells me he wants to talk about more than Kathryn’s murder. This could be the end to our relationship.
All I can do is move forward and hope for the best. I will let him lead the conversation and see where it goes. If Jack wants to continue, whatever this is, I will figure out how to reveal myself and let the chips fall where they may. If his plan is to end it with me, my heart will once again be broken, but I won’t put that on Jack. Moving through the centuries alone, is daunting to say the least, but it’s not like I haven’t already been there, done that.
Alexandre would call me cowardly and weak…maybe he’s right. I’ve never been good at the whole vampire thing. It’s something I’m truly tired of. If only I could stand strong on my own. I could choose to be the master of my own fate, deciding for myself how I feel. Keeping away the dark depression, would be a beautiful thing.
Kathryn’s death caused quite the media sensation. It’s not every day a star of her caliber is found strangled in a cemetery. News vans quickly moved in and can be seen driving every which way. Looking out my bedroom window, I spot three of the logo-emblazoned vans, parked along the street in front of my house. Apparently, word has leaked about Ms. Hart’s involvement with a wealthy local, shortly before her death. This sensationalism will bring a lot of unwanted attention to Savannah, which no one here needs. This is a place where secrets go to die. Who knows what may be dredged up now.
When Jack arrives, I open the door and he quickly ducks in.
“We need to talk,” is all he says.
Talking usually ruins everything, but I keep this to myself.
“Sure.” I try to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Jack walks into the living room and I follow, making a note he didn’t take my hand. I offer him a drink, which he declines. We find ourselves, once again, on the love seat. This time feels very different.
“What’s on your mind? Is there news about Kathryn?” I ask, thinking we may as well rip off the Band-Aid and get on with it.
“To be honest, a lot is on my mind. And no, nothing yet.”
“Ok. How are you doing with this? And everyone else? I can’t imagine what it must be like.”
“It’s strange. None of the cast or crew knew her well. I certainly didn’t. James had worked with her before, may even have been involved with her at some point. He’s clearly devastated. He doesn’t want to re-cast her part and I can’t say I blame him. We will be packing up and going home as soon as everyone is cleared by police.”
“Of course.” I swallow hard, waiting for what comes next.
“But I didn’t come here to talk about Kathryn. My time in Savannah is ending and I don’t want to leave without knowing where we stand. With you constantly running out on me, I haven’t been able to gauge your feelings. When this first began you said you just wanted to have fun. Regardless of how you feel, I’m going to clarify my feelings for you and tell you what I want.”
This is the first-time Jack has taken the reins with me, leaving me relieved.
I take his hands. “I want to know how you feel, so please tell me.”
“Honestly, Millicent, your running out bothers me. I’m not sure what the story is. Maybe you have something to hide or maybe you’ve been hurt by other men. The truth is you have sent an electric current through my life. I’m thirty-eight years old and have never known a woman so magnetic. I want what we have to continue. Frankly, I want more from you.” Jack smiles, takes a breath and continues, “that was a lot for me. Now, I need to know what you’re thinking.”
I push him back against the loveseat, straddle his waist and plant a long, deep kiss on his mouth. Pulling back, I sit on his thighs. “I feel the same way.”
He puts his arms around my rear, pulling me in a little closer.
“I don’t want this to end either. I’m sorry for making you feel as if I was running away from you.” Pausing, I bite my lip, unsure of how to continue. “There are some things you need to know that may change how you want to proceed.”
He sighs. “I was afraid of that. Is it Alexandre? Honestly, I haven’t been sure of him from the beginning and there is his relationship with Kathryn to consider, as well.”
I cover my mouth to keep from laughing. “Let’s take one thing at a time. Alexandre and me? Together?”
He shrugs. “I’ve considered it over the last couple of weeks. I didn’t like the way he was looking at me during the cocktail party, like he wanted to stab me. At this point, I don’t think anything will surprise me.”
“Just so we’re clear--I’m not involved with Alexandre or anyone else.” Jack’s shoulders visibly relax. “And regarding Kathryn, if you’re thinking he hurt her, he would never do something like that. I’ve lived with the man most of my life, and he wouldn’t hurt a fly. James however, was clearly obsessed, unbalanced, and much more likely, if you want me to point out suspects.”
James’ breakdown yesterday, mostly convinced me of his innocence. But, I need to throw suspicion off of Alexandre.
He shakes his head vehemently. “No way. You’re reaching. He genuinely cared for her.”
“Right, I’m sure he did. Maybe, they don’t have crimes of passion in England?” I move off his lap, annoyed.
“I guess you have a point, there,” he pauses. “That poor girl. No matter what, she didn’t deserve her fate.”
I take his hand, “No, she didn’t.”
“Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do for Kathryn now, and this isn’t helping. The police will find her killer. Let’s talk about us moving forward. You said there are things I need to know. Like what?”
“I need to show you. After all, seeing is believing.”
He looks genuinely perplexed.
“How am I going to do this?” speaking more to myself than him.
“Do what?” His shoulders are tense again.
“Come into the kitchen with me.”
I jump up, taking his hand. Maybe Annie was on to something. It may be gruesome, but how else am I supposed to do this? He’ll never believe me if I tell him. Sometimes you have to see the unbelievable in order to believe it.
Jack doesn’t say anything as we go through the door to the kitchen. Telling him to sit on the stool, I move around the counter, so we are facing each other. I select a small paring knife from the knife block and set it next to the sink.
“Are you squeamish around blood?”
“Why? Is this where the stabbing happens? Is Alexandre behind me?” He’s trying to be humorous but is clearly getting nervous, his foot taps wildly.
“Jack, I can’t really think of any other way to do this. I’ve never done it before.”
“Done what? You’re freaking me out, Millicent.”
My eyes are steady on his. “I’ve never revealed myself to a human before.” I pause, letting that sink in for a moment.
Jack laughs uncomfortably. “What the hell are you talking about, Millicent? Did you just lose your mind, or did I? A human?”
This may not go well. However, I have gone too far to stop now. I’ve no choice but to continue and hope this all comes together.
“You hate it when I leave before dawn. Did you ever wonder if there was a specific reason why? Have you ever wondered why I’m so cold to the touch?”
Now, I’ve succeeded in making him think I’m insane. The look on his face says it all, but something is registering.
“Are you going to tell me you’re a vampire? Jesus, Millicent. You can just say you didn’t want to stay with me.”
He puts his hands on the counter, about to push himself up. I put my hands on top of his, maybe a bit too forcefully. “Sit down and watch. I’m not crazy, but in a minute, you may think you are.”
We stare each other down for a few seconds. Finally, Jack resumes his seat. So blindingly fast, he can’t even see me move, I grab the knife with my right hand and slice into my left forearm.
Jack grips the counter with one hand and covers his mouth with the other. I think he may scream or be sick, but he doesn’t move or make a sound. His eyes are big as saucers as he stares at my left arm. I’m holding it over the sink to catch the blood that pours out. It isn’t necessary for long as the deep wound knits itself back together in seconds.
Jack, eyes wide and with his hand still over his mouth, leans in for a closer look. He sees what’s happening, but it’s hard to tell what’s real. When the wound has fully healed, I wet a towel and sponge off the blood that still lingers on my arm. Revealed underneath is perfect, untouched skin. Jack leans over the counter, grabbing my arm. He reaches out with his other hand and feels the skin, turning and twisting my arm to see all sides. I wait silently for him to process what he’s seen.
“It’s not possible,” he whispers.
“It is. Open your mind and accept it. The world is full of the unexplainable, Jack. I think you know that, don’t you?”
He releases my arm and puts his head in his hands. “Millicent, if you are messing with me, I swear I will leave this house and never speak to you again.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you. Besides, how could I fake what I did?” I take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I explain how when he called the other night, I was in the bath tub and had to wait until the sun went down, so I could sneak out the back door of my own home.
He looks at me. His mind is working again. “The others. Alexandre and Annie?”
“The same as me.”
“That’s why you asked if Kathryn had been drained of blood?”
“Yes, and that’s why I know for a fact Alexandre didn’t kill her. Why would he strangle her and not drink her blood? It makes no sense. We also don’t harm the innocent, which Kathryn was.”
He stares at me with unblinking eyes. I’m afraid he’s going to run, instead he nods, closing his eyes. He’s probably about half way to believing me.
“There’s more and I’m prepared to share it all with you when you’re ready. Will you jump down the rabbit hole with me?”