As soon as the name "Kevin Stone" was uttered, the Wright brothers, who were just about to leave the room, froze mid-stride. Their face paled, and a visible tremor ran through them. They exchanged a quick, nervous glance, then lowered their heads and swiftly exited the station without a word.
It wasn't just fear that drove their hasty retreat. Pinewood County, a small, isolated community, lacked the resources to attract or retain highly skilled individuals. So when Kevin Stone, a seasoned veteran renowned for his mastery of martial arts and fearsome reputation as a vampire slayer, arrived, he became a symbol of hope for the locals, a deterrent against the encroaching darkness.
Rumors whispered that the number of vampires he had defeated was in the dozens, if not more. His iron palms were said to crush metal and shatter stone as easily as crumbling bread.
His death, then, was a devastating blow. The perpetrator was almost certainly a powerful beastvamp, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary officers.
"Should we go investigate?" Wade asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
According to Sheriff Williams's decree, dealing with vamps was now my responsibility.
To act or not to act, that was the question.
No one had officially reported the crime, so technically, I could feign ignorance. But the truth would inevitably surface. To remain passive in the face of such a blatant act would undermine my newfound authority and credibility. I could even be accused of negligence in my duty to protect the county from supernatural threats.
But that wasn't the only reason I couldn't ignore this.
"This is too coincidental," Wade muttered, a frown creasing his brow, his eyes averted my gaze. It seemed every piece of news he delivered brought a fresh wave of trouble.
"Let's go investigate," I said, rising to my feet. I discreetly massaged my temples, trying to mask the unease that gnawed at me.
Unlike the others, I knew there was a hidden danger lurking within the Hightower Mansion: the shapeshifting fox vampire I had sent in.
Every murder it committed was a stain on my record, a potential charge against me. If it were caught by someone else, I could very well end up in a H.A.R.M. prison.
Wade steered the cruiser through the familiar streets of Pinewood County. As we ventured further east, modest row houses gave way to spacious homes with expansive yards. The wary eyes that followed us downtown softened; in the affluent eastern district, the authority of our uniforms held less sway.
Eventually, the wrought-iron gates came into view, revealing a grand mansion nestled amidst the bustling heart of the city. Its imposing facade, adorned with intricate carvings and towering columns, hinted at the opulence that lay within.
At present, only the side entrance opened a creak. The Hightower's portly butler, dressed in a black coat and a jaunty hat, stood guard, shooing away the curious onlookers with a weary wave of his hand. "Move along, move along," he grumbled. "Nothing to see here."
"Nothing to see?" a voice retorted from the crowd. "If there's a vampire inside, you should inform us so we can seek help from the authorities!"
A group of idlers reluctantly dispersed, their curiosity unsatisfied.
"There's no vamp here!" the butler insisted, his face contorted in frustration. "I've said it a thousand times already!"
"Coward! What are you afraid of?" another voice challenged from the crowd. "Haven't you seen the news? If Sergeant Kane can slay the Golden Chief in the west, he can surely handle whatever evil lurks in your mansion!"
Even a few individuals of higher social standing joined the chorus, their voices echoing the growing unrest.
"Sergeant Kane... you fools know nothing."
The Hightower family's butler looked down his nose at them, his heart heavy. He knew far more than these gossiping onlookers.
When Kane had rescued the young lady outside the city, Mr. Hightower had been immensely grateful, treating the sergeant with the utmost respect. However, it turned out Kane was a notorious gambler, and had repeatedly appeared at the Hightower's doorstep, begging for loans that disappeared as quickly as they were given. He was not a man to be trusted.
Recently, things had been quiet. But then, Kevin Stone had met an untimely and mysterious demise. Out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Hightower had sought help from a more reliable source. He went to the county executive's mansion overnight and invited the Wiry Samurai.
Though slight and looked like he could be blown over by a gust of wind, the Wiry Samurai was renowned for his wisdom and ability. He was a constant companion of the headmaster of the security school in Seattle. Even Kevin Stone, before his death, addressed him as "Sensei" and showed him great respect.
Such a person came to Hightower's house to investigate, the final conclusion was...there was no vamp threat, so Mr. Hightower did not need to worry.
As for the cause of Kevin Stone's death, the Wiry Samurai remained silent.
Yet with his status, once he'd spoken, the matter is settled. It didn't matter if Kane had real skills, even if the vamp slaying story were true, what could he do?
… …
The butler's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden surge of excitement from the crowd. They parted, whispers rippling through their ranks: "He's here! He's really here! The news was true!"
The butler's eyes widened as he saw a young man in uniform striding towards the mansion, Sergeant Kane himself, accompanied by another officer.
"Ah, Sergeant Kane... Miss Rose isn't in," the butler stammered, forcing a smile. A wave of unease washed over him. Had he not heard of Kevin Stone's reputation? Did he truly intend to meddle in such a dangerous matter?
His frown deepened.
"She's embarked on a countryside excursion," the butler continued, his voice faltering. "She won't be back for several days. If you're seeking Miss Rose, I'm afraid you'll have to return later."
"I'm not here for her," I stated firmly. "I need to see the body." I stepped onto the stone path leading to the mansion.
The foxvamp's absence was troubling, especially considering the death of a seasoned specialist. Something was amiss.
The butler hesitated. If I were merely here to extort money, the news of Rose's absence would have sent me away. But my insistence on seeing the body suggested a genuine investigation. Yet, the Wiry Samurai was still inside...
With a deliberate raise of his voice, the butler announced, "Sergeant Kane, the county executive has already dispatched someone to assist us."
Wade's eyebrows shot up in surprise, then his shoulders relaxed visibly. He let out a soft sigh. With experts on the case, there was no need for us to intervene.
The onlookers, too, seemed to grasp the situation. The Hightower family's calmness made sense now. A collective sigh of disappointment rippled through the crowd. They wouldn't witness Sergeant Kane in action today.
The butler's gaze returned to me, his meaning clear. He had offered me a graceful exit. Regardless of the truth, the blame wouldn't fall on my shoulders. All I had to do was turn and leave, my reputation unscathed.
I observed the butler, noting the anxiety and confusion flickering in his eyes despite his attempt to maintain a composed facade.
"It doesn't hurt to have another look," I said calmly, my voice unwavering.
The butler raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. This assertive Kane was a stark departure from the man he knew, a man who once shied away from any potential trouble, prioritizing profit over duty. What had caused this sudden change?
After a moment's hesitation, he relented with a resigned sigh. "Very well. If you insist, then follow me."
He turned and opened the door, but his steps faltered as two figures emerged from within.
The first was a tall, slender man, perhaps in his fifties, with long, drooping eyebrows reminiscent of Willow branches. A hachimaki adorned his forehead, and he wore a flowing black coat that accentuated his lean frame.
Beside him stood a burly, middle-aged man, his physique reminiscent of a mountain. A thick beard, like steel needles, covered his rugged face. His expression was stoic, his attire simple – a stained white shirt stretched taut over his imposing belly.
The Wiry Samurai, a serene smile gracing his lips, was about to bid farewell to Mr. Hightower when he noticed our presence at the door.
Before the flustered butler could offer an explanation, The Wiry Samurai's smile faded, replaced by a respectful bow. "This must be Sergeant Kane," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "Your reputation precedes you. It is an honor to finally meet you."
The burly man, who had been lost in his own thoughts, lifted his head, his eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to their somber gaze.