Father Elyas Fortuna stepped into the dimly lit hallway of the Bolard Consultancy firm, his cloak slightly dampened by the persistent drizzle that fell outside.
As was customary, he was greeted with an empty hall, devoid of the usual bustle and activity. Slowly, he made his way up the winding stairwell, each step echoing softly in the silence.
His presence was purposeful and commanding, as always, but on this particular evening, there was an unusual weight and gravity accompanying his steps that seemed to hint at the seriousness of his visit.
Elyas quickly reached the lobby area and was met with a warm smile from Liz, who immediately lit up at the sight of him.
Liz radiated joy and excitement upon recognizing him.
"Elyas! Goodness gracious! Would it really kill you to stop by once in a while?! Do you genuinely think that just because you've received a promotion, you can simply neglect your friends? Ahh, poor Dunn still talks about you almost every single day. Sometimes I have to gently remind him that you don't work here anymore…"
Elyas chuckled softly and offered a helpless smile in response.
"I sincerely apologize, Elizabeth; you must know how incredibly cruel and relentless this past winter has been. No matter how hard I try, there always seems to be something or another demanding my immediate attention. I truly miss all of you dearly, and I'll make every effort to ensure that I am not a stranger to this place. Is Dunn here? I need to have a conversation with him about some important matters."
Liz raised an eyebrow, then motioned toward the hallway with a slight wave of her hand.
"Yes, he just returned from lunch a little while ago. Please give me just a moment to let him know that you've arrived. Would you like something to drink while you wait?"
Elyas shook his head gently and took a seat in one of the chairs nearby.
"That's quite all right, Elizabeth. Thank you very much for the offer, but I'm okay . "
Shortly thereafter, Elyas found himself wearing an angry scowl as he cast a pointed look at the ashtray and liquor glasses carelessly arranged on Detective Bolard's desk.
"You old fool! Didn't you promise Sharon that you would quit smoking for good?"
Mr. Bolard wore a serious and stern expression at the very mention of his wife's name, his demeanor shifting noticeably.
Elyas maintained the tension in the air for a moment before he burst into laughter, unable to keep a straight face any longer.
"It's all right, Dunn; I won't snitch. You look significantly better than the last time I saw you. I suppose the wife hasn't been too hard on you after all; perhaps I should reconsider my own choices."
Mr. Bolard felt a cold sweat trickle down the back of his neck for a fleeting moment, feeling a bit uneasy under Elyas's gaze.
"Elyas, you stupid brat! Why on earth haven't you been to the office recently? I'm going to dock your pay if this happens again!"
Elyas laughed once more, the sound echoing through the office.
"Old man, the church promoted me out of this dreary dump more than a year ago. How many times must I remind you of that fact?"
Mr. Bolard chuckled as well, fully aware of the accuracy of Elyas's statement.
"Still, you should show your face now and then; it helps to raise morale, you know? If an idiot like you can manage to succeed, then surely anyone can."
Elyas's smile momentarily froze on his face, as he hadn't anticipated receiving such a backhanded compliment!
However, Mr. Bolard didn't allow him an opportunity for a retort.
"Anyway, it's genuinely wonderful to see you, but I'm certain this isn't merely a social visit. So, tell me, Father Elyas, how may I assist you in your current predicament?"
"I wouldn't have made the effort to come here if it weren't serious, Dunn.
We've had several disappearances among the homeless individuals whom I care for. Initially, it seemed like the usual unfortunate circumstances—people either leaving the area or succumbing to the harsh realities of life on the streets."
Mr. Bolard leaned forward in his chair, his expression shifting to one of grave concern and quiet intensity.
"What other news do you have for me?" he inquired, his voice low.
"The bodies are being discovered drained of blood," Elyas stated, his voice low yet steady. "We both know exactly what that signifies. There's a vampire loose once again in the lower boroughs.
I can't ascertain whether its many or one i suspect at least two. To be perfectly honest. I am aware of at least fifteen confirmed victims at this point. These individuals have no families to raise the alarm on their behalf, so their disappearances have unfortunately gone unnoticed by the general public. But not by me."
Bolard listened intently, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Elyas. "And you're absolutely certain of this?"
Elyas nodded firmly. "I'm no spring chicken Dunn i've seen enough to know what I'm talking about. These Bloodfiends are cunning hiding among the most vulnerable, and I fear it's not acting alone in its sinister endeavors. I need your assistance to halt it before more innocent lives are extinguished. You know how perilous these beings can become if they are left unchecked and unchallenged."
Bolard contemplated the request for a moment, then nodded in understanding.
"I understand; this is indeed grave tidings, you've brought to me. I'll dispatch a team first thing tomorrow morning. Ah, do you mind if I send my new assistant along? He could greatly benefit from the fieldwork experience."
Father Elyas exhaled, a quiet relief evident in his eyes as he processed Bolard's offer.
"I will leave it entirely to your discretion, Dunn; if you vouch for him, then I can certainly trust him as well. May the Mother guide us through this dark time."
Bolard rose from his desk, walking alongside Elyas to the door, their footsteps echoing softly in the silence of the office.
"May the Mother guide us all."
"I'll be at the Catherdral should you require anything. However, please inform your cohort that they should only inquire about matters that are truly serious. It can become quite troublesome to have too many Emisarries congregating around the Cathederal .
With that, Father Elyas walked out of the office, turning to bid farewell to Liz. He hugged her briefly, before pulling his hood back up and stepping into the night.