As Mrs. Charlton left the panel's presence and stepped out of the conference room, the weight of the conversation still lingered in her mind. She walked purposefully down the hallway, her thoughts racing, when she spotted one of her closest colleagues, Mr. Reed, approaching. "Hello, Mrs Charlton," he greeted his expression with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "How was it?" She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before replying, "Not bad, but we have a lot of work to do." Mr. Reed nodded, sensing the gravity in her tone. "I figured as much," he said, scanning her face for more details. "Come with me," she added, gesturing for him to follow her as they headed toward her office. The urgency in her voice made it clear there was no time to waste. Once inside her office, she closed the door behind them and motioned for him to take a seat. She gathered her thoughts, trying to figure out how to break the news to Reed. He had been by her side through thick and thin, but there were things he didn't know, things she had kept hidden. What's our next move? Reed asked, leaning forward slightly. Mrs. Charlton leaned against her desk, taking a deep breath before speaking. "We need to find Tamara, the vampire who saved the child." Mr Reed's brow furrowed in confusion. Wait, Tamara? A vampire? He sat back in his chair, clearly taken aback. You never mentioned anything about a vampire, Charlton. What's going on here? Mrs Charlton could see the bewilderment on his face, and she knew there was no avoiding it now. It was time to come clean. "Reed, there's a lot you don't know," she began. I kept it hidden for a reason. About a week ago, when you first called to inform me about the attacks in the city, I had already come across something I couldn't explain. That's when I met Tamara, a vampire. But she's different from the others. She's against violence, and she brought me a human child she saved from one of the attacks. I've been keeping the child safe under my care, but I couldn't tell you not until I was sure about everything. Reed sat in stunned silence for a moment, trying to process what he had just heard. "So, you've known about these vampires for a week, and you didn't tell me?" Mrs Charlton nodded, guilt flickering across her face. I didn't want to drag you into it until I knew for sure what we were up against. But now I realize we can't fight this alone. We need Tamara's help, and we need to be on the same page. Reed shook his head, still trying to comprehend the revelation. "Mrs Charlton, if we're going to work efficiently on this, we can't keep things from each other," Reed continued, his tone firm but understanding. This is too big, too dangerous. If you've been dealing with vampires and protecting a child, I need to know everything. We can't afford any more secrets. Mrs Charlton sighed, realizing he was right. She had trusted Reed in countless cases, but this situation was different. "You're right," she admitted. I've been carrying the weight of this alone, trying to keep you and the others safe from the truth. But we're in deeper now. I need your help. Reed nodded, leaning forward again. "So, Tamara… She's a vampire, but you said she's against the others?" "Yes," Mrs Charlton confirmed. She saved a child from one of the attacks, a child who is now under our protection. Tamara seems to be different from the rest of them. She doesn't agree with their attacks on humans, and she wants to stop them. But ever since she brought the child to me, she's disappeared. I don't know where she is, but I have a feeling she's still out there, watching. Reed ran a hand through his hair, absorbing the information. So, we need to find her. She could be the key to stopping this before it gets worse. "Exactly," Mrs. Charlton replied. Tamara knows more about these monsters than we ever could. If we can find her, maybe we can understand their weaknesses and bring an end to this madness. Reed stood up, his expression resolute. Alright, we'll do it your way. But from here on out, no more secrets. We're in this together. Mrs Charlton gave a small, grateful nod. "No more secrets," she agreed. From now on, full transparency. Let's get to work.
Driving in the Dark
Later that night, Mrs Charlton and Mr Reed drove in silence through the dimly lit streets of Uptown City, their car slicing through the thick cloak of the night that had settled over the city. The headlights barely illuminated the rundown buildings and abandoned alleyways that lined the streets, casting long, eerie shadows that seemed to move with every bump in the road. Mr. Reed glanced nervously at Mrs Charlton, his fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"Why do we have to go at night on this dark street?" he finally asked, breaking the silence. "It could be dangerous." Mrs. Charlton's gaze remained steady on the road ahead, her jaw set with determination. "Yes, I know," she replied. I chose to go at night because I sense this vampire operates during these hours. We need to find her on her turf. Mr Reed sighed, glancing out at the desolate streets. Hmm. This place looks unsafe. Mrs Charlton gave a quick nod. I understand, Mr Reed. If it feels too dangerous for you, you can stay in the car, and I'll handle this alone. I won't be far. Reed hesitated for a moment, the words weighing on him as he considered her offer. He wasn't thrilled about the idea of her going alone, but the truth was, the growing dread made him uncomfortable. "Okay," he muttered, though his reluctance was clear. As Mrs Charlton brought the car to a stop at the edge of the dark street, she took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and focus. Without a word, she jumped out of the car, her gun ready in her hand. The cool night air hit her face as she moved cautiously down the narrow, deserted street. Each step echoed softly against the concrete; her senses heightened, scanning the shadows for any movement. Mr. Reed watched her disappear into the gloom, his heart beating. The car felt like a bubble of safety, but something gnawed at him; the realization that it wasn't right to let her go alone. A wave of guilt and self-doubt washed over him. He couldn't leave her out there to face whatever was lurking in the darkness alone. With a determined sigh, Reed opened the car door, stepped out, and quietly followed Mrs. Charlton. His footsteps were cautious, almost soundless, as he tiptoed down the narrow street, his gun ready in his hand. Mrs Charlton had moved several meters ahead, her silhouette blending into the shadows as she pressed forward. Reed quickened his pace, making sure to stay within sight, feeling the tension in the air grow with each step. The street was quiet, too quiet until, suddenly, there was a rustling sound from the far side of the alley, barely audible but unmistakable. At that moment, a newly sired vampire named Mr. Martins crouched in the darkness, his hunger overwhelming him. His senses were on high alert, and the fresh scent of human blood flooded his nostrils. His eyes flared with a dangerous red glow as he spotted Mrs. Charlton moved closer, unaware of his presence. This was his chance. He bared his fangs and prepared to strike. Just like Mrs. Charlton drew near, Mr. Martins launched himself from the shadows with lightning speed, crashing into her and knocking her to the ground. She hit the pavement hard, her breath catching as the vampire loomed over her, snarling, his eyes burning with hunger. "Get off me!" she growled, struggling to push him away. The vampire, stronger than any human, pinned her down, his fangs mere inches from her neck. Mrs. Charlton fought back fiercely, using every ounce of her strength to keep his teeth from sinking into her flesh, but it was a losing battle. As the vampire's teeth drew closer, Reed appeared from behind, his heart hammering in his chest as he took in the horrific scene. Without thinking, his eyes landed on a steel pipe lying on the ground nearby. He grabbed it, sprinted toward them, and with all his strength, he swung the pipe, knocking the vampire off from Mrs Charlton just in time. The vampire staggered back, momentarily disoriented, as Mrs Charlton gasped for breath, scrambling to her feet. But to their horror, Mr. Martins stood up again, completely unfazed by the blow. His eyes burned even brighter with rage as he roared, preparing to charge at them once more. Just as he lunged toward them, a figure darted out of the shadows. Tamara. She moved with inhuman speed, slamming into the vampire and pinning him to the ground with effortless strength. Her eyes glowed faintly, but unlike the red-hot fury of Mr. Martins, her gaze was calm and controlled. "Stay put, or you die," Tamara hissed at the vampire, her voice cold and steady. To Reed and Mrs Charlton's astonishment, the vampire stopped struggling. His rage seemed to melt away under Tamara's command, and he lay still, subdued. Mrs Charlton, still catching her breath, exchanged a quick look with Reed before turning to Tamara. "You've got good timing." Tamara gave a small nod, keeping her grip on the vampire. You need to be more careful. He's not the only one out here.
Tamara reached into her jacket and pulled out a small pack, its contents thick with a dark, reddish substance. She tossed it casually toward Mr Martins, who had been watching her warily from where he kneeled. "You can have this," Tamara said. Without hesitation, the vampire scrambled toward the pack, tearing it open and greedily gulping down its contents. His wild eyes, which had been burning with hunger and aggression, began to settle as he drank. Tamara watched him closely, her gaze unflinching. Never attack or hurt humans again. Do you understand? Tamara commanded, her voice low but firm. Yes, yes. Dominos, Mr Martins mumbled, his voice weak but obedient. Now you can leave. In an instant, the vampire disappeared, vanishing with supernatural speed into the night, leaving Mrs Charlton and Mr. Reed stood in stunned silence. Tamara turned her attention back to them, her expression calm. "I guess you wanted to see me," she said, her tone neutral, but there was a hint of knowing in her eyes. Mrs Charlton nodded. "Yes." "Okay, follow me." The three of them made their way into a dark, narrow alley before reaching a small door. Tamara unlocked it and led them into a modest, single-room apartment. Once inside, she flicked on the lights, revealing a simple but tidy space, a bed tucked against the far wall, a kitchenette in the corner, and a small table with a few chairs. Tamara sat down and gestured to the chairs.