Primeval fic: Bathed By Blood (5/16)
May. 15th, 2012 07:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
knitekatTitle: Bathed By Blood (5/16)
Author: knitekat
Word Count: ~3550 (of a total ~47955)
Characters: James Lester, Tom Ryan and a cast of RPs, OCs and OHs.
Pairing: James Lester/Tom Ryan
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N 1: Part of my AU Bloodverse series. Continues from Part 4 and continues in Part 6.
A/N 2: Contains details of historical fact, several individuals in the fic are based on real historical people.
A/N 3: Thanks go to Fred for the beta. Cheers, m'dear.
Warnings: Dark!fic, bloodplay, blood and gore in general (graphic descriptions), angst, hurt/comfort.
I was lying in my bed with Ryan's head on my breast as his soft snores filled the night's air but I could not find my own rest. My mind returned to the murder scene and to the statements of the residents. After seeing the area I could not shake the feeling that the murder was the work of one of my own kind. No matter my words to Ryan that shock could have caused the memory loss Mrs Green had experienced, I knew it had not. I saw no other way such a crime could have been committed beneath her window as she had since proven her claim to being a light sleeper who woke with the slightest noise. Nothing other than the power to dominate a victim into quiescence would explain what had happened, but for what purpose? Why would any of my kind do such a thing? With retainers it was not even necessary to kill to feed. I feared I faced a rabid vampire and, as with dogs carrying the same affliction, there was only one thing that could be done.
I sighed softly. I would have to contact Abberline in the morning. There would be more murders and I would inform him to send for my presence immediately. I needed to see a murder scene for myself, and within a few hours of the crime, to confirm if I truly was dealing with one of my own kind. As it was, I would have to inform the Council of my suspicions, a task I did not look forward to. Not so much that I suspected any of them of complicity, of course, but... I sighed softly. News of my investigations would no doubt reach the killer's ears once I had met with the Council... if it had not already done so.
I had sent Ryan off to study under the watchful eye of Hattie while I spent the day re-reading the witness statements. I was looking for the pieces that did not fit, the gaps in the statements or anything else that looked... I supposed wrong would have been the correct word. I perused the statement of one Patrick Mulshaw, employed to watch over the sewer works on Winthrop Street during the night, and sighed as I put it to one side. The fact he had not seen anyone suspicion or heard cries for help did nothing to answer the question of whether the killer was mortal or vampire as a hand over her mouth and lack of air would have silenced Nichols as easily as a vampire dominating her into silence. Whichever the answer was, I still saw no reason to re-question Mulshaw about the events of that night for I could not see what he would have to add to my investigation.
I continued to look through the statements, discarding most as irrelevant for discovering the killer's identity. I paused as I came to the statement of one Walter Purkiss, the manager at Essex Wharf. He and his wife slept in the front room on the first floor, a room which overlooked the murder site. Both had been awake at various times on the night of the 30th, but had heard nothing unusual during that period. I considered that statement several times before I sighed softly. Although both had stated they had not looked out of the window I knew I would have to check their story myself. If I found traces of domination I would know if the killer was a vampire, if I did not... I closed my eyes and let my head loll against my chair. If I did not it would not necessarily mean the killer was a mortal. One of my kind skilled enough to remove a mortal's memory might also be skilled enough to hide his presence. I saw no option but to hear their story for myself. But in the morning, after my meeting with the Council, so I saw no reason to mention their possible involvement while I was there.
That still left Mrs Emma Green as the only witness I definitely knew had seen the murder, and more importantly, the murderer. I pondered whether to visit her once I had seen the Purkiss', but dismissed the idea. I was almost certain I could recover the memory, whether lost from shock or taken through domination, but it was a harrowing experience for a mortal. She was old and I felt remembering the murder would be too much for her. I decided mentioning her involvement to the Council would not be a good idea, they would have no such problem in ordering her questioned and it would be an even chance whether she would survive the experience or not.
It would be far easier if I could gain the services of a Seer, one who could glean the information without the need to subject mortals to horrors. Not that I would admit to the Council that part of my reason for wanting a Seer, many of them would not understand why I was concerned with not causing harm to a mortal if I had a choice.
I hated coming here. I could feel the miasma of death at my shoulder and shivered, but I could not tarry, the Council awaited me inside and they did not like to be kept waiting. I used my cane to hit the door several times and listened to the measured treads of the butler as he approached.
The door creaked open and I had my first look at the current butler. He was gaunt almost to the point of starvation; his translucent white skin stretched drum-tight over his bones. In sharp contrast to his jet black hair and eyes that lacked any white. Another servant of the Council and I had no wish to know where they had found him as I knew he was not human – at least, not entirely human. His voice was deep and sombre. “The Council is expecting you, sir. Please follow me.”
His limbs seemed barely connected to his body as he walked, he almost seemed to fall before a foot somehow twisted to keep him upright. He reminded me of a scarecrow wearing a human skin... I shook myself from those thoughts, for I had no real wish to know where the Council obtained their servants. I felt death's chill creep into my bones as I followed hard on his heels, for the sooner I spoke to the Council, the sooner I could return to the comfort of my bed and to Ryan's arms.
The butler opened a set of doors and waited for me to enter. I almost rolled my eyes at the opulence within, even greater than the last time I had stepped inside the chamber. Someone had more money than taste but I knew better than to voice that thought. This was the meeting chamber of the Council and it was wise not to upset them.
“Jamesssss.”
I turned to face the man who had called my name, smiling and half-bowing to him. “My Lord.”
I had no difficultly keeping the smile on my face as he stepped into the light. I had met this vampire many years before when I still travelled with my sire. His ruined face and twisted body no longer horrified me as it did on our first meeting. He had been most kind not to punish my slip, nor to allow my sire to do so, instead he had demanded I served him at dinner and I had soon forgotten his appearance as he had talked of the various wondrous things he had seen and read about. He was one of the elders I had hoped to meet tonight, for even though he belonged to a different Line than my own I counted him as an ally, if not a friend. He was also the first vampire not of my Line that I planned to introduce Ryan to, once his training was completed.
“To what do we owe this meeting?”
I winced slightly at the superior tones and saw My Lord swiftly smother his smile at my reaction. I rolled my eyes in response before assuming the mantle of the perfectly mannered gentleman and turning to face My Lady. She was unearthly beautiful but with her bluish skin-tone marring her appearance, no one would ever mistake her for being alive. I remembered that her personality was as cold as her appearance. She might not look like a monster, unlike My Lord, but I knew if I had made that mistake with her, I would have been flayed before being returned to my sire and his care. At least my punishment would have ended there as I was not of her Line. I had heard of another, one of her own Line, who had made a minor mistake in etiquette. I understood his sire had been ordered to continue the flaying every night for a week while denying blood and the healing it brought to the boy. It was vampires such as My Lady who reminded me just how monstrous we could become, and I feared the killer had once been like her, before he had lost his tenuous grip on his remaining humanity and become as a beast.
But that was not a thought to be mused about in these chambers, instead I cleared my throat softly. “A situation has arisen, My Lady. One that I feel the Council should be aware of.”
“Get on with it, lad. No need for fancy words. Not with me and My Lord.” The man who spoke was grizzled and blond-haired, his one eye glaring balefully out of his scarred face.
I smiled in greeting even as I thought, good, at least two of the three did not dislike me. “Hrothgar.” He never stood on principle and I imagined that upset My Lady somewhat. “Elders, I trust you know of Stoker's book?”
“Is that all you have called us here for?” My Lady did not look pleased and I could not help swallowing, even though I knew she could not harm me for requesting a meeting with the Council if I felt the need. She could, however, make life difficult, especially for Ryan when I presented him to become a full member of our society.
“No, My Lady. A murder had occurred in Whitehall. One I fear must be the work of one of our kind.”
My Lord's eyes narrowed. “Are you ssssure?”
I sighed. “Not entirely, My Lord. I regret that the savage nature of her injuries have destroyed any signs of a vampire attack.”
“Then how can you be sssssure a vampire issss resssponssssible?”
“She was killed without anyone hearing her cry out in fear or pain, without any sign she struggled for her life, My Lord. The coroner's report also notes a lack of blood – both within and without her body. The evidence all points towards one of our kind.”
My Lady quirked an eyebrow. “Dominating a mortal's will? That would indicate the killer is one of your Line, James.”
Before I could reply, My Lord did. “Assss it isssss your Linesssss, My Lady.” He smiled softly, “We can not asssssume thisssss killer belongsssss to any particular Line.”
“Well, he is not one of mine,” Hrothgar growled. “None of mine learn such tricks.” The distaste he put into the last two words had my lips twitching and turned My Lady's wrath on him. Which I knew Hrothgar had done deliberately. He took delight in baiting My Lady whenever he had the opportunity.
“What do you need from usssss, Jamessss.”
Good, the pleasantries were over with. “I have been instructed by the Home Office to investigate this crime and have informed the police that I am to be summoned immediately when another murder occurs.”
“Anything else?” My Lady's words implied I had forgotten something and I had to fight to keep my smile from my face.
“I have, of course, instructed them to leave the crime scene untouched. If they follow my instructions correctly I have hopes that the area will hold traces that will enable me to identify the killer.” I paused as I considered my next words, but to investigate properly – to have the ability to question any vampires I suspected knew something, anything of this matter – I would need the Council to grant me permission. “I would humbly request the Council's boon.”
“For what purposssse, Jamessss?”
My Lord asked quietly and I was almost certain he knew what I would request. His slight nod as I made my request merely confirmed my suspicion. “To question others of our kind, My Lord. I believe that I must be given a free hand if I am to learn the killer's identity.”
“You ask for much.” My Lady's voice was still cold. I had known she would not want to grant me that power, but I had wielded it before in my duties and had not overstepped my bounds. I was still alive, after all.
“I know, My Lady.” I waited patiently for her – their – decision. Without that boon my hands would be tied. I would have trouble even asking another vampire questions without causing offense, let alone demanding they answered me. The Council would not move against one who refused to answer, freedom to keep secrets was a written part of the Treaty which had created the Council. After all, many of my kind had long-term plots in motion which they would not want revealed.
“We mussst refussse your requessst, Jamessss,” My Lord informed my solemnly. “If you can bring ussss proof that the killer issss definitely a vampire, we may reconssssider your requessst.”
“I understand, My Lord.” I nodded, it was the answer I had expected but I had had to ask. I took a deep breath; I had not only come before the Council to inform them I suspected a rabid vampire was in our midst or to request their boon. I had something even greater to ask, a request that they would need time to fill, if they granted it, one I had not wanted to ask but now I had no choice. “I would then request the services of a Seer.” I deliberately kept my gaze on the floor as a supplicant to the Council should, even if that was not the whole reason. I knew My Lady would take my request badly, she had a hatred of Seers and I really did not want to delve into the reason. I sensed My Lord and Hrothgar exchanging looks and knew they knew it was not just good manners that kept my eyes directed downwards.
Hrothgar broke the silence. “You think the situation is that serious?”
I did not reply immediately as I chose my words carefully. “Normally, no. However, with Stoker's book...” I paused as I heard My Lady's low growl. “The Home Office and the police both believe the people will connect the crime to vampires and fear a mob will rise. If there are more murders, stories will spread and they will reach the ears of our enemies. The Witch Hunters might be quiescent, but I believe they would investigate such stories.”
My Lord sighed. “And if thisssss mob stumblessss acrossss one of our kind, esssspecially a young one, or the Inquisssssition arrivesssss on our ssssshoressss, you fear it could be a return to the Witch Huntsssss of old?”
I did not need to answer. We had all witnessed those dark days and knew humanity could easily fall into the same superstitions again. I stood silently and respectful as I sensed the Council's deliberations and held my breath for their decision. If they refused my request... I knew not my next step in this investigation. With my hands tied and without the Seer's knowledge of the future, I would remain several steps behind the killer without hope of gaining ground. I would also be blamed for not solving the murders if the Inquisition arrived to investigate, even though I had no chance to do so. I almost closed my eyes at that thought, if the Council refused this request I would have no choice but to send Ryan away for his own safety. Far enough from me that my disgrace would not blacken his reputation – perhaps to Christiana – she might not be his sire, but she was of my Line and could continue his training.
“Very well. You may have your Seer.” My Lady's voice was cold and I vowed to get the Seer out of London as soon as possible. For her own safety as much as for mine.
“Thank you, My Lady.” I bowed to her, before waiting to be dismissed from their presence.
“Jamessss. You will keep ussss informed of any new murderssss or newsss in your hunt for the killer.”
“Of course, My Lord.” I had feared I would be told to do so. The less time I spent within these damned walls the better, but I could not disobey a direct order from the Council. I waited until My Lord nodded dismissal and left with a measured tread. It would not do to show fear in these walls, any more than it would to show arrogance.
I did not breathe easily until I was once more in my carriage with the comforting sounds of hooves on cobblestones. Once hidden from prying eyes, I sighed and even let my posture slip as relief flooded through me. Of course, I now had to hope that I was correct this killer was a vampire. Now I had requested the aid of a Seer, My Lady would make things difficult if I was wrong about the culprit. I could still send Ryan to Christiana if necessary, but I was reasonably sure I could ride out the backlash from such an error. It was, after all, my role to hide the presence of the supernatural from mortal eyes, at least, it was for now.
I shook my head. No, I knew I was right and even if I was not, worrying about it would not help me. I would have to face the Council's punishment and hope that My Lord and Hrothgar would protect Ryan from My Lady's wrath if she turned on him in her rage. But I knew I was not wrong, it was a vampire committing these crimes. I just had to prove it and do so before My Lady lost patience with me.
The Purkiss' had proven to be a dead end. They had shown none of the side effects of domination and I believed they had truly seen nothing that night. It made me doubly glad I had not mentioned their names to the Council as I was sure My Lady would have had them taken and questioned and I would probably have been reading of their unfortunate deaths in the papers.
With no more leads to follow, I could do nothing but wait for the next murder and fret that I should have questioned Mrs Green myself. I had had the chance as she had seen me leaving the Purkiss' and offered me a cup of tea and some of the wonderfully tasty scones she had just made. We had been alone in her house, I could have easily dominated her and broken the conditioning, but I told myself that I had been seen entering the premises, if she was found dead or mad I would be a suspect and I could not afford that. In truth, a truth I only reluctantly admitted to myself, she reminded me of one of my nurses when I had been a boy, the one who had wiped my tears and cleaned my scraped knees. The one who I had run to for comfort after witnessing the execution of the first man I had sentenced to hang in my father's name. I had had to grow up fast as I acted in my father's stead when he had been away fighting our enemies.
I tried to read the various reports about other potential trouble spots within the Empire, but could not settle for long on any of them. My mind kept being dragged back to the murder and to the vampire who had carried out the savage act. I could not help remember the play I had seen only a night or so ago. Was this killer someone I knew, someone who presented a respectable façade to the world but, at night, turned into a monster just as evil and murderous as Mr Hyde?
I sat with my head in my hands for sometime before I hear my study door open. After a few moments, hands squeezed my shoulders and Ryan coaxed me into our bed. I let him do as he would with me as I lost myself in his attention. Desperate to forget the events of today and the mistake I feared I had made.
Author: knitekat
Word Count: ~3550 (of a total ~47955)
Characters: James Lester, Tom Ryan and a cast of RPs, OCs and OHs.
Pairing: James Lester/Tom Ryan
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N 1: Part of my AU Bloodverse series. Continues from Part 4 and continues in Part 6.
A/N 2: Contains details of historical fact, several individuals in the fic are based on real historical people.
A/N 3: Thanks go to Fred for the beta. Cheers, m'dear.
Warnings: Dark!fic, bloodplay, blood and gore in general (graphic descriptions), angst, hurt/comfort.
I was lying in my bed with Ryan's head on my breast as his soft snores filled the night's air but I could not find my own rest. My mind returned to the murder scene and to the statements of the residents. After seeing the area I could not shake the feeling that the murder was the work of one of my own kind. No matter my words to Ryan that shock could have caused the memory loss Mrs Green had experienced, I knew it had not. I saw no other way such a crime could have been committed beneath her window as she had since proven her claim to being a light sleeper who woke with the slightest noise. Nothing other than the power to dominate a victim into quiescence would explain what had happened, but for what purpose? Why would any of my kind do such a thing? With retainers it was not even necessary to kill to feed. I feared I faced a rabid vampire and, as with dogs carrying the same affliction, there was only one thing that could be done.
I sighed softly. I would have to contact Abberline in the morning. There would be more murders and I would inform him to send for my presence immediately. I needed to see a murder scene for myself, and within a few hours of the crime, to confirm if I truly was dealing with one of my own kind. As it was, I would have to inform the Council of my suspicions, a task I did not look forward to. Not so much that I suspected any of them of complicity, of course, but... I sighed softly. News of my investigations would no doubt reach the killer's ears once I had met with the Council... if it had not already done so.
****
I had sent Ryan off to study under the watchful eye of Hattie while I spent the day re-reading the witness statements. I was looking for the pieces that did not fit, the gaps in the statements or anything else that looked... I supposed wrong would have been the correct word. I perused the statement of one Patrick Mulshaw, employed to watch over the sewer works on Winthrop Street during the night, and sighed as I put it to one side. The fact he had not seen anyone suspicion or heard cries for help did nothing to answer the question of whether the killer was mortal or vampire as a hand over her mouth and lack of air would have silenced Nichols as easily as a vampire dominating her into silence. Whichever the answer was, I still saw no reason to re-question Mulshaw about the events of that night for I could not see what he would have to add to my investigation.
I continued to look through the statements, discarding most as irrelevant for discovering the killer's identity. I paused as I came to the statement of one Walter Purkiss, the manager at Essex Wharf. He and his wife slept in the front room on the first floor, a room which overlooked the murder site. Both had been awake at various times on the night of the 30th, but had heard nothing unusual during that period. I considered that statement several times before I sighed softly. Although both had stated they had not looked out of the window I knew I would have to check their story myself. If I found traces of domination I would know if the killer was a vampire, if I did not... I closed my eyes and let my head loll against my chair. If I did not it would not necessarily mean the killer was a mortal. One of my kind skilled enough to remove a mortal's memory might also be skilled enough to hide his presence. I saw no option but to hear their story for myself. But in the morning, after my meeting with the Council, so I saw no reason to mention their possible involvement while I was there.
That still left Mrs Emma Green as the only witness I definitely knew had seen the murder, and more importantly, the murderer. I pondered whether to visit her once I had seen the Purkiss', but dismissed the idea. I was almost certain I could recover the memory, whether lost from shock or taken through domination, but it was a harrowing experience for a mortal. She was old and I felt remembering the murder would be too much for her. I decided mentioning her involvement to the Council would not be a good idea, they would have no such problem in ordering her questioned and it would be an even chance whether she would survive the experience or not.
It would be far easier if I could gain the services of a Seer, one who could glean the information without the need to subject mortals to horrors. Not that I would admit to the Council that part of my reason for wanting a Seer, many of them would not understand why I was concerned with not causing harm to a mortal if I had a choice.
****
I hated coming here. I could feel the miasma of death at my shoulder and shivered, but I could not tarry, the Council awaited me inside and they did not like to be kept waiting. I used my cane to hit the door several times and listened to the measured treads of the butler as he approached.
The door creaked open and I had my first look at the current butler. He was gaunt almost to the point of starvation; his translucent white skin stretched drum-tight over his bones. In sharp contrast to his jet black hair and eyes that lacked any white. Another servant of the Council and I had no wish to know where they had found him as I knew he was not human – at least, not entirely human. His voice was deep and sombre. “The Council is expecting you, sir. Please follow me.”
His limbs seemed barely connected to his body as he walked, he almost seemed to fall before a foot somehow twisted to keep him upright. He reminded me of a scarecrow wearing a human skin... I shook myself from those thoughts, for I had no real wish to know where the Council obtained their servants. I felt death's chill creep into my bones as I followed hard on his heels, for the sooner I spoke to the Council, the sooner I could return to the comfort of my bed and to Ryan's arms.
The butler opened a set of doors and waited for me to enter. I almost rolled my eyes at the opulence within, even greater than the last time I had stepped inside the chamber. Someone had more money than taste but I knew better than to voice that thought. This was the meeting chamber of the Council and it was wise not to upset them.
“Jamesssss.”
I turned to face the man who had called my name, smiling and half-bowing to him. “My Lord.”
I had no difficultly keeping the smile on my face as he stepped into the light. I had met this vampire many years before when I still travelled with my sire. His ruined face and twisted body no longer horrified me as it did on our first meeting. He had been most kind not to punish my slip, nor to allow my sire to do so, instead he had demanded I served him at dinner and I had soon forgotten his appearance as he had talked of the various wondrous things he had seen and read about. He was one of the elders I had hoped to meet tonight, for even though he belonged to a different Line than my own I counted him as an ally, if not a friend. He was also the first vampire not of my Line that I planned to introduce Ryan to, once his training was completed.
“To what do we owe this meeting?”
I winced slightly at the superior tones and saw My Lord swiftly smother his smile at my reaction. I rolled my eyes in response before assuming the mantle of the perfectly mannered gentleman and turning to face My Lady. She was unearthly beautiful but with her bluish skin-tone marring her appearance, no one would ever mistake her for being alive. I remembered that her personality was as cold as her appearance. She might not look like a monster, unlike My Lord, but I knew if I had made that mistake with her, I would have been flayed before being returned to my sire and his care. At least my punishment would have ended there as I was not of her Line. I had heard of another, one of her own Line, who had made a minor mistake in etiquette. I understood his sire had been ordered to continue the flaying every night for a week while denying blood and the healing it brought to the boy. It was vampires such as My Lady who reminded me just how monstrous we could become, and I feared the killer had once been like her, before he had lost his tenuous grip on his remaining humanity and become as a beast.
But that was not a thought to be mused about in these chambers, instead I cleared my throat softly. “A situation has arisen, My Lady. One that I feel the Council should be aware of.”
“Get on with it, lad. No need for fancy words. Not with me and My Lord.” The man who spoke was grizzled and blond-haired, his one eye glaring balefully out of his scarred face.
I smiled in greeting even as I thought, good, at least two of the three did not dislike me. “Hrothgar.” He never stood on principle and I imagined that upset My Lady somewhat. “Elders, I trust you know of Stoker's book?”
“Is that all you have called us here for?” My Lady did not look pleased and I could not help swallowing, even though I knew she could not harm me for requesting a meeting with the Council if I felt the need. She could, however, make life difficult, especially for Ryan when I presented him to become a full member of our society.
“No, My Lady. A murder had occurred in Whitehall. One I fear must be the work of one of our kind.”
My Lord's eyes narrowed. “Are you ssssure?”
I sighed. “Not entirely, My Lord. I regret that the savage nature of her injuries have destroyed any signs of a vampire attack.”
“Then how can you be sssssure a vampire issss resssponssssible?”
“She was killed without anyone hearing her cry out in fear or pain, without any sign she struggled for her life, My Lord. The coroner's report also notes a lack of blood – both within and without her body. The evidence all points towards one of our kind.”
My Lady quirked an eyebrow. “Dominating a mortal's will? That would indicate the killer is one of your Line, James.”
Before I could reply, My Lord did. “Assss it isssss your Linesssss, My Lady.” He smiled softly, “We can not asssssume thisssss killer belongsssss to any particular Line.”
“Well, he is not one of mine,” Hrothgar growled. “None of mine learn such tricks.” The distaste he put into the last two words had my lips twitching and turned My Lady's wrath on him. Which I knew Hrothgar had done deliberately. He took delight in baiting My Lady whenever he had the opportunity.
“What do you need from usssss, Jamessss.”
Good, the pleasantries were over with. “I have been instructed by the Home Office to investigate this crime and have informed the police that I am to be summoned immediately when another murder occurs.”
“Anything else?” My Lady's words implied I had forgotten something and I had to fight to keep my smile from my face.
“I have, of course, instructed them to leave the crime scene untouched. If they follow my instructions correctly I have hopes that the area will hold traces that will enable me to identify the killer.” I paused as I considered my next words, but to investigate properly – to have the ability to question any vampires I suspected knew something, anything of this matter – I would need the Council to grant me permission. “I would humbly request the Council's boon.”
“For what purposssse, Jamessss?”
My Lord asked quietly and I was almost certain he knew what I would request. His slight nod as I made my request merely confirmed my suspicion. “To question others of our kind, My Lord. I believe that I must be given a free hand if I am to learn the killer's identity.”
“You ask for much.” My Lady's voice was still cold. I had known she would not want to grant me that power, but I had wielded it before in my duties and had not overstepped my bounds. I was still alive, after all.
“I know, My Lady.” I waited patiently for her – their – decision. Without that boon my hands would be tied. I would have trouble even asking another vampire questions without causing offense, let alone demanding they answered me. The Council would not move against one who refused to answer, freedom to keep secrets was a written part of the Treaty which had created the Council. After all, many of my kind had long-term plots in motion which they would not want revealed.
“We mussst refussse your requessst, Jamessss,” My Lord informed my solemnly. “If you can bring ussss proof that the killer issss definitely a vampire, we may reconssssider your requessst.”
“I understand, My Lord.” I nodded, it was the answer I had expected but I had had to ask. I took a deep breath; I had not only come before the Council to inform them I suspected a rabid vampire was in our midst or to request their boon. I had something even greater to ask, a request that they would need time to fill, if they granted it, one I had not wanted to ask but now I had no choice. “I would then request the services of a Seer.” I deliberately kept my gaze on the floor as a supplicant to the Council should, even if that was not the whole reason. I knew My Lady would take my request badly, she had a hatred of Seers and I really did not want to delve into the reason. I sensed My Lord and Hrothgar exchanging looks and knew they knew it was not just good manners that kept my eyes directed downwards.
Hrothgar broke the silence. “You think the situation is that serious?”
I did not reply immediately as I chose my words carefully. “Normally, no. However, with Stoker's book...” I paused as I heard My Lady's low growl. “The Home Office and the police both believe the people will connect the crime to vampires and fear a mob will rise. If there are more murders, stories will spread and they will reach the ears of our enemies. The Witch Hunters might be quiescent, but I believe they would investigate such stories.”
My Lord sighed. “And if thisssss mob stumblessss acrossss one of our kind, esssspecially a young one, or the Inquisssssition arrivesssss on our ssssshoressss, you fear it could be a return to the Witch Huntsssss of old?”
I did not need to answer. We had all witnessed those dark days and knew humanity could easily fall into the same superstitions again. I stood silently and respectful as I sensed the Council's deliberations and held my breath for their decision. If they refused my request... I knew not my next step in this investigation. With my hands tied and without the Seer's knowledge of the future, I would remain several steps behind the killer without hope of gaining ground. I would also be blamed for not solving the murders if the Inquisition arrived to investigate, even though I had no chance to do so. I almost closed my eyes at that thought, if the Council refused this request I would have no choice but to send Ryan away for his own safety. Far enough from me that my disgrace would not blacken his reputation – perhaps to Christiana – she might not be his sire, but she was of my Line and could continue his training.
“Very well. You may have your Seer.” My Lady's voice was cold and I vowed to get the Seer out of London as soon as possible. For her own safety as much as for mine.
“Thank you, My Lady.” I bowed to her, before waiting to be dismissed from their presence.
“Jamessss. You will keep ussss informed of any new murderssss or newsss in your hunt for the killer.”
“Of course, My Lord.” I had feared I would be told to do so. The less time I spent within these damned walls the better, but I could not disobey a direct order from the Council. I waited until My Lord nodded dismissal and left with a measured tread. It would not do to show fear in these walls, any more than it would to show arrogance.
I did not breathe easily until I was once more in my carriage with the comforting sounds of hooves on cobblestones. Once hidden from prying eyes, I sighed and even let my posture slip as relief flooded through me. Of course, I now had to hope that I was correct this killer was a vampire. Now I had requested the aid of a Seer, My Lady would make things difficult if I was wrong about the culprit. I could still send Ryan to Christiana if necessary, but I was reasonably sure I could ride out the backlash from such an error. It was, after all, my role to hide the presence of the supernatural from mortal eyes, at least, it was for now.
I shook my head. No, I knew I was right and even if I was not, worrying about it would not help me. I would have to face the Council's punishment and hope that My Lord and Hrothgar would protect Ryan from My Lady's wrath if she turned on him in her rage. But I knew I was not wrong, it was a vampire committing these crimes. I just had to prove it and do so before My Lady lost patience with me.
****
The Purkiss' had proven to be a dead end. They had shown none of the side effects of domination and I believed they had truly seen nothing that night. It made me doubly glad I had not mentioned their names to the Council as I was sure My Lady would have had them taken and questioned and I would probably have been reading of their unfortunate deaths in the papers.
With no more leads to follow, I could do nothing but wait for the next murder and fret that I should have questioned Mrs Green myself. I had had the chance as she had seen me leaving the Purkiss' and offered me a cup of tea and some of the wonderfully tasty scones she had just made. We had been alone in her house, I could have easily dominated her and broken the conditioning, but I told myself that I had been seen entering the premises, if she was found dead or mad I would be a suspect and I could not afford that. In truth, a truth I only reluctantly admitted to myself, she reminded me of one of my nurses when I had been a boy, the one who had wiped my tears and cleaned my scraped knees. The one who I had run to for comfort after witnessing the execution of the first man I had sentenced to hang in my father's name. I had had to grow up fast as I acted in my father's stead when he had been away fighting our enemies.
I tried to read the various reports about other potential trouble spots within the Empire, but could not settle for long on any of them. My mind kept being dragged back to the murder and to the vampire who had carried out the savage act. I could not help remember the play I had seen only a night or so ago. Was this killer someone I knew, someone who presented a respectable façade to the world but, at night, turned into a monster just as evil and murderous as Mr Hyde?
I sat with my head in my hands for sometime before I hear my study door open. After a few moments, hands squeezed my shoulders and Ryan coaxed me into our bed. I let him do as he would with me as I lost myself in his attention. Desperate to forget the events of today and the mistake I feared I had made.
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