I regretted everything I chose to wear early into the first night of this assignment. Mostly the shoes, but each item irritated me in its own way: the turtleneck scratched at my skin, one of the dress straps kept sliding off my shoulder, the shorts beneath frequently rode up and my left sock was starting to bunch in the toe of my shoe.
And again, these fucking shoes. The heeled platforms may have completed the look but were the wrong choice for these neglected streets and sidewalks. “Why the fuck would I wear this?” I mumbled, mostly to myself.
A deep voice came through my earpiece:「“Stop bitchin’ and do your job, M. The quicker you finish, the sooner we can both go home.” 」
“You know I can only go as fast as he does, P.” And, I’ll complain as much as I want.
I was on an assignment and our boss only shared the information he decided we needed. Tonight, I was tasked to take pictures of the businesses my target, Jack Tannenbaum, entered. He was reportedly going door-to-door in a manner consistent with some sort of shakedown operation. I was to help factualize these assumptions before any further actions were taken.
P, Paul, was back at the office, and loosely listened in while he did paperwork. We rarely went places together while we were working to avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves. He was like an older brother and we knew how to get under each other’s skin. Paul could get loud when we argued and it wasn't uncommon for our fights to become physical regardless of how public.
Many of the stores, bars, and restaurants in this part of town were leasing space in historical buildings. This made it easier for me to blend in with the tourists by snapping pics of the surroundings between the more intentional shots of Tannenbaum.
The target remained in the latest shop for a while, so I kept myself busy by capturing the foot traffic on the streets until he finally resurfaced. If I looked like I was waiting for someone, it could tip him off.
He moved ahead through the intersection and took the left route. There has to be no room for doubt that he is the man in each of the pictures. I need more shots that clearly show his face as he comes and goes from these buildings. I quickly cut across a nearby alley that would let me get ahead of him.
I felt a pressure in my gut as I stepped out on the other side. I wasn’t an anxious person and I walked down dark paths often; when a situation felt off I made sure I knew why. What danger did my subconscious notice? I tried to get a good, natural-seeming view of my surroundings. I could easily encounter a threat while I was out here that went beyond my ability to defend myself and Paul wouldn’t be here soon enough to help. Stay aware.
Despite being a tourist hotspot – mostly for business trips or small groups looking to party and forget their lives for a weekend – the entire city of Cypremer was unsafe. Many locals worked multiple jobs yet remained financially desperate. It was common for people to have side-hustles, usually criminal in nature, to supplement their income.
Every person I passed could be waiting for an opportunity and there was little, if anything, that authorities would do about it if reported. A combination of increasing risks and severe budget cuts had decimated the city’s police department and citizens now relied on forms of street justice to solve conflicts. In a way, I was part of that street justice.
I couldn’t shake the notion that I had someone’s attention. Thieves and worse were looking for any sign of weakness they could leverage and I wasn’t interested in engaging. If I seemed nervous, I’d look like an even easier mark. I already checked off several of their boxes:
- Alone
- Woman(?)
- Tourist
I didn’t want to turn around more than what was normal, so I used store-front windows as mirrors to get glimpses of the crowd behind me. I repeatedly saw some of the same faces as small groups chatted and weaved through the shops at a pace similar to my target. It took a while to narrow down what could be the source of my concern, but it was unmistakable once I saw it.
Saw him. When I took a few steps forward, he followed suit shortly after. When I stopped, he stood somewhere nearby and waited. “A man’s tailing me, I’m checking it out,” I warned Paul.
「“Don’t let him grab your ass like the last job you dre–” 」
“Fuck off.” I growled, glancing in the window again to make sure the man was still there.
I got a better look at him once I turned around. I wasn’t short, but I estimated he’d still be about half a foot taller than me if I weren’t wearing these shoes. His dark brown hair was slightly unkempt and, while he wasn’t what people might call ‘stacked,’ his strength was apparent in the way he carried himself. He reminded me of the men who worked at the docks or in other similar physically tasking professions.
If dock work was what he did, he changed before coming here – he was in a simple black shirt, jeans, and sneakers, all which looked quite clean. He took my attention as an invite to approach me and his intense, blue eyes made immediate contact with mine. There was an unsettling pull to his gaze and I shifted mine lower to avoid it.
“You look a little lost.” He was direct but his expression warmed while he waited for me to respond, as though he remembered he was physically intimidating and should at least try to appear friendly.
Is this encounter worth my time? Is it worth your time? Now that I’d made it known I was aware of him, this stranger should want to move on to something, someone, a little easier. The longer I stood here silently, the more it became apparent that he currently had nothing better to do than wait for my answer.
“I’m fine.” My voice betrayed the feminine look I was going for with this outfit.
His eyebrows raised briefly but my voice didn’t deter him. “I could give you directions to your hotel, if you need them. I know this city pretty well.”
You want to take me somewhere more private, of course. I’ll be lucky if all you want to do is rob me. “I know where I’m going, but thanks.” Tannenbaum was approaching and I wanted to remain ahead of him. “Excuse me.”
I stepped away from my tail and returned most of my focus to the job.
「“All good, M?”」
Why wouldn't it be? “I hope I’m not getting a blister-”
「“Shut it, ya baby.” 」Paul sounded like an asshole – he is an asshole – I heard the start of his laugh before he muted his mic.
“Make me,” I countered.
The man was still behind me, and I kept tabs on his position. He’d eventually find a better victim, my pursuer was just keeping me available to him. I was currently his back-up plan. I wasn’t going to ask Paul to rescue me every time someone interacted with me longer than they should. If this bad actor was good at what he did, and something undefineable about his presence told me he was, he also noticed the numerous opportunities I’d clocked in passing.
I captured a few more useful shots before an arm bumped into mine. You, again. I calmly glanced over at the man who had been loitering in my personal space – he got physical so he could observe my reaction, and I was careful not to give him the one he expected. If his efforts escalated and he became an active threat, I might not be thinking as clearly. It would be easier, then, for him to herd me in the direction he wanted me to go. If I even looked like I was concerned, he’d know which buttons to keep pushing.
I know what you’re doing. After an annoyed sigh, I chanced further engagement. “When your mark gets accustomed to your presence, they’ll let down their guard. Or so it probably says in some guide to crime.” I know you’re following me. I don’t care about you. Move on. The last thing I needed was for his actions to draw Tannenbaum’s attention our way. He was at least subtle, likely not wanting to draw attention to himself, either.
His laughter seemed so authentic. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”
「“Are you still being followed, M?”」
“Yes.” I answered both of them and kept my attention forward. What charming lie would you give me if I asked?
「“Do you need me to come down there?”」
I ignored Paul this time, I didn’t have a way to acknowledge him that wouldn’t give our communication away.
“Or, what if I’m out here luring people like you?” I added, my gaze shifting to him for just a second before returning to the street ahead.
Tannenbaum started to double back on his route. He no longer walked like a crooked man prepared to coerce the next business owner, and now had the second-wind strut of a person who just clocked out for the day. If he knew I was following him, he wasn’t in a hurry to create distance.
“You should throw me back.” His tone became more serious, almost like a warning.
You’re the one following me. “I’ve tried. You keep leaping back in my boat.”
The target reached his car and calmly left the neighborhood. My assignment was over, at least for tonight. “I’m done,” I said into the earpiece, then removed it from my ear. I traded the earpiece and camera for the car keys in the pack around my waist. My tail was still silently standing nearby.
“We’re all chasing something. What are you after?”
What kind of question is that? Maybe he realized I was also following someone – it wouldn’t be that much of a secret considering how long he was behind me. Or… do you work for Tannenbaum? Are you his security, shadowing him from a distance? This man didn’t seem at all interested in my target.
I didn’t owe him an answer, either way. “Save that question for our first date.” I didn’t intend to be funny but he was grinning when I next glanced over. “I’m out, ‘night.”
The same inkling I had earlier in the alley returned during the trek back to my car. The paths leading out of the business district were mostly windowless brick, and the few windows I passed didn’t reflect well enough that I could check behind me. I listened for movement and I glanced back from time to time. Nothing, no one.
My phone vibrated with an incoming call. I checked the number before I answered it – fucking Paul must need something else last minute. “What?” This better be quick, asshole.
「“Hey!”」A woman’s voice responded. She seemed a bit taken aback from my tone.「“Paul said you just wrapped up that job for the night. Sorry to ask, can you pick up a few things if I text you a list? The truck was delayed.”」
I looked down at my current outfit and sighed. I don’t want to, but… “Anything for you, Beth,” I unlocked my car and got in. “Is there enough on the card or does this need to be an I.O.U?”
「“Business card’s fine, this time! Thank you so much, I’ll see you soon.”」
Martin’s Market was the first place I drove by. It was just a few blocks away and still open for another half hour. I parked near the middle of the lot and hurried in, grabbing an abandoned cart along the way. Beth texted her list after we ended the call – it was much longer than I expected. How long is this truck delayed?
In the end, I collected several types of leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, multiple large rolls of hamburger and packs of chicken breast, several loaves of white, wheat, and gluten-free bread and buns, large tubs of butter and margarine, and dozens of eggs. How long does this much last us? I walked past the single open lane and went through the self-checkout.
Once back outside, I stood on the cart’s frame and used my other foot to push myself forward. The lot went slightly downhill and I was able to ride the cart back to my car. A car door opened further out while I loaded the groceries in the trunk.
I peered over at the new arrival – a scraggly-looking man that walked away from a beater in worse shape than mine. He moved in the direction of the store but it was now closed; one of the clerks locked the front door after I exited. This man was performatively disinterested in my presence. That’s never a good sign.
I faced him as he approached to remove his confidence of having the upper hand. Realizing he’d been made, he pulled a gun and aimed it at my chest. Fuck, of course you’re carrying.
“Must’ve got a lot’a money to buy all that,” the man gestured to the full trunk. “Your husband got a nice job?"
I sighed, impatiently. I’m tired and want to go home. “Drop your bullshit theatrics and skip to the part where you rob me.”
He laughed when he heard my voice. “Oh! You some kinda tranny? Your boyfriend must hit you lots for talkin’ back!” I moved another bag to the trunk. My indifference frustrated the man, who shoved me with the barrel to get my attention. “Wallet first, wise-ass! Then I’m takin’ what you got.”
He wasn’t much of a threat and that allowed me to keep my composure. I held my billfold out for him and he snatched it out of my hand. He distracted himself when he reached for it and I used the opportunity to disarm him – he had my wallet, but I had his gun. I swiftly aimed it back at him. I had a lot of experience with firearms but I didn’t like using, or even carrying them.
The attempted mugger didn’t seem that worried despite his current predicament. I kept my eyes on the man while I ran my thumb over the metal, searching for… “Ah! Safety’s on.” His demeanor changed as soon as I flipped the switch. It’s definitely loaded, then. “Drop the wallet, go back to your car, and get the fuck out of here.”
He was a visible mix of angry and scared, but did just that. He no longer had a gun, at least this gun, but he still had his life. I secured the weapon after I picked up my wallet then finished loading the trunk.
The Vampire
What a boring night. There wasn’t a major event that would pack the restaurants and bars. They remained quite active, but not as busy as they'd usually be during a big game. Peak tourist season had also come to an end.
I hadn’t gotten up somewhere high in a while but tonight I sat at the edge of a rooftop that overlooked the intersection of several streets; if there was some sort of trouble I could still get in before sunrise, this was the best way to find it. Unfortunately, even most of the pickpockets seemed to be taking the night off.
Stolen novel; please report.
I debated heading home when I noticed a woman taking pictures. She was capturing the buildings and the people, the good and the ugly of this part of town. I’d been in this city for so long it was hard to still see its beauty. What was it like to see this place through a tourist’s fresh eyes?
She had on a white dress with a red pattern that went to her knees, and a thin, navy, sleeveless turtleneck underneath. I didn’t immediately see it; her dark hair was split between her front and back, and was nearly as long as her dress. She had crew-length navy socks that disappeared into red, heeled, high-top shoes and a hip pack around her waist. A little too clean to be here.
The way she’d stop and go was intriguing. Is she alone? Does she have nowhere to be? She glanced into the stores and looked around like she couldn’t find what she came for, but was making the best of being turned around by taking photos. Typical.
She headed toward a nearby alley. Is she gonna go in? Yes. Idiot. Tourist confirmed. What utopia did she come from that entering a dark alley by herself would ever seem like a good idea?
I hopped down from the roof and waited until she crossed back into the street before I got behind her. I kept my distance, didn’t want to be obvious. With some focus, I isolated the sound of her heart from others on the street; it was beating at a pace you’d expect from someone who’d been walking a bit. Meaning, if she was lost, she wasn’t concerned. Yet.
And then I caught her scent. Sweet, floral – lavender. No alcohol mixed in, so she hadn’t been drinking – a mistake far too many made before venturing around on their own.
She stopped suddenly; I heard her mutter something – it was indiscernible from the other noises nearby unless I’d already been listening for it – under her breath before she turned around and looked right at me.
Ooh, I’m busted. I stepped forward; I might as well see where this goes. “You look a little lost.” I preferred to forgo a more traditional greeting.
My eyes met hers, a light green that popped against her near-black hair. I realized how intense I must appear as I studied her and reset with a deep breath. I could still hear her pulse, steady at the same rate it was moments ago. No concern for your safety? Almost anyone, at least until they were assured the other person wasn’t a threat, would respond differently. She was quick to glance away. Shy? Was she going to respond, or would she try to pretend I wasn't here until I got bored enough to leave? Sorry to disappoint, I like a challenge.
“I’m fine.” Her voice was deeper than I expected.
Is she a her, or are they a they? “I could give you directions to your hotel, if you need them. I know this city pretty well.”
“I know where I’m going, but thanks.” They did their best to hardly acknowledge I was there; their attention stayed on the people behind me, instead. “Excuse me.”
They stepped past me and continued down the street, indifferent to my presence as I followed them.
How foolish. The chase only excited me more. I thought about how I wanted our night to end. What’s under that turtleneck? How red will I make your white dress when I get my hands on you?
I hung back for a while as they continued to take occasional photos. What were they capturing? Crumbling facades? The puddles in the street that had equal chance of being a spilled drink or piss? The range of people that walked these streets? Specific people?
I wanted them to know I was there. You’re in danger, you should act like it. Let me hear your heart pound, your breath change, as the fear starts to set in. I lightly bumped their arm once I closed the distance between us again.
I must’ve pressed their ‘sigh’ button. They sighed at me. They weren’t surprised I was still there, just annoyed.
This is nothing. I’ll gladly show you how annoying I can be.
“When your mark gets accustomed to your presence, they’ll let down their guard.”
What do you mean by that?
“...Or so it probably says in some guide to crime.”
Crime? Do you think I’m planning to mug you? You’re so innocent! What was a simple mugging compared to the thoughts running through my mind? I hadn’t laughed at something this hard in a while. “Is that what you think I’m doing?” Maybe I could surprise them after all.
“Yes.”
Their ability to maintain their disinterest was impressive. But, how long could they keep it up once I had them? I’d take them somewhere no one could hear them. I want you to be aware of everything I’m doing to you. Feel everything. I want to hear you beg – beg me to stop, beg me not to take your life as you feel your blood flowing from-
“Or, what if I’m out here luring people like you?” Their eyes met mine briefly.
Oh, wouldn’t that be something. You might be holding the pole but you’re my catch tonight. “You should throw me back.” I’ll tie you up with the same line you’re using to reel me in. Pull you overboard and drag you under. How long can you hold your breath?
“I’ve tried. You keep leaping back in my boat.”
It’s my boat now.
I stayed close, even after they started to head back the way we came. There were public transport options in this area, so they must have driven their own car here. We passed the point I’d first encountered them and went on a little further before they came to a stop.
“I’m done.” They removed something from their ear.
Were they listening to music the entire time, or did they just want people to think that? I didn’t hear anything. At least they were a little smart about it. So many people go for late runs with music at full volume in both ears, deafening themself to the potential threats around them. Threats like me.
They added some things to the pack on their hip and removed their keys. Is this part already over? I was actually enjoying this slow chase. And so were they, I think; they were taking opportunities to provoke me, dare me. They challenged me to make them acknowledge the danger they were in and I was ready to accept. I wouldn’t let them get too far.
“We’re all chasing something.” I invited them to my internal conversation. “What are you after?” ‘Cause I’m after you.
“Save that question for our first date.”
What’s your idea of the perfect first date? Mine might be a little different, let's compare notes.
“I’m out, ‘night.”
You’re not out, not yet. I continued to pursue them but kept my distance. Am I smiling? I smiled often in conversation – it was a normal, human gesture. I was human once and I still needed to blend in well among them. But a genuine smile like this, one that wasn’t for display, was rare. It had to be the excitement; I couldn’t wait to get them.
I saw an opportunity quickly planned out the next few seconds as I began my approach; I’d cover their mouth to muffle any initial shouting then compel them to stay quiet, take me to their car, and drive us somewhere vacant where it was no one but us for miles. I had a few places in mind that could work. I owned a few of those places. I’ll make you painfully aware of every mistake you made tonight. I’d force them to remember every detail but to never be able to speak of it. They’d look over their shoulder for me for the rest of their life, if I let them keep it.
They pulled their phone out and held it up to their ear. Am I made, again? Did they dial 911, or are they pretending to take a call? If it was for show, they acted well; their pauses and gestures seemed genuine as they responded. Something for work, maybe? It was a more patient tone than they’d offered me all night.
They remained in the call as they got into their car. Damn. It would potentially add too many additional complications if I tried to grab them right now. I pulled out my own phone and sent a picture of their license plate to a contact – they’d have the information I wanted before tomorrow night.
I still had several hours left of this one, so I headed back into town.
I entered one of the busier looking bars. I’d been here several times over the past few months but not enough that I’d be considered a regular. I didn’t recognize the bartender tonight, either, so I took a seat at the bar.
He greeted me but was busy preparing drinks for others, so I took the chance to examine my neighbors. A few men were there alone. A couple. And two women – possibly also together but more likely friends.
“What can I get you?” The bartender cleaned up from his last order while he waited for an answer.
“What they have looks interesting,” I gestured at the two women who were sipping on the same red drink. “I’d like to try one. Add another for each of them to my tab, if they’ll take it.”
“It’s a sour cherry margarita, is that okay?”
…I’ll try it. “Let’s do it, it’s good to change things up.”
The women, a blonde and a brunette, were eager to accept the free drink, and the bartender batch-prepared them for us.
“You two look like you’re having a good time. I’m hoping it’s the drink.”
They both laughed. What I said wasn’t that funny, but they both seemed to be a few drinks in already.
I don’t remember what we talked about, the conversation was so mundane and I tuned out often. My thoughts were still on them. I should’ve approached them sooner, before the call came in. It was my fault they slipped away. I was so close.
The ladies came separately, and we chatted for about an hour before the blonde called a ride. They hugged and kissed each other’s cheeks, a common thing here, and the blonde left. The brunette decided to hang back. I don’t know why, I can’t imagine I was great company tonight.
But, five minutes later, I had her bent over the bathroom counter. Her hair was wrapped around my fingers; my hand gripped the back of her neck and held her down against the fake marble. I was being rough but the music was loud enough to drown out most of her cries. She wasn’t the person meant to be under me tonight, just their unlucky stand-in.
It wasn’t too long before someone tried the door. The tug at the handle was quickly followed by a knock; we were in a multi-stall bathroom and I’d locked the door behind us.
“Occupied!” I growled, but knew I was running out of time.
I released her hair and covered her mouth with my hand; I tilted her head while I leaned forward, then sunk my fangs in her neck. Her warm blood flowed into my mouth while I fucked her. She didn’t fight back but I could hear and feel her muffled begging vibrating against my palm. It satisfied my hunger but wasn’t the same. She wasn’t who I wanted.
I stopped drinking shortly after I came inside her. She didn’t get the same ending – I wasn’t here to care for her needs. I ran my tongue over the bite wounds until the bleeding stopped. My hand remained over her mouth and I pulled us up from the counter together.
We observed each other through our reflections in the mirror. She led me into the bathroom on her own, but her face told me this was much more than she thought she signed up for. I was thinking more clearly now that I’d eaten; she didn’t deserve to suffer tonight any more than she already had. I turned her to face me–I needed direct eye contact. She offered it up easily and I knew the moment I had her.
?You enjoyed your time tonight.? My voice was calm, but direct, and she immediately started to relax. ?We got a little carried away and you’re going to be sore tomorrow. Eat something substantial before you go to bed tonight, and drink plenty of fluids tonight and over the next week. You’ll want to take something for inflammation when you get up tomorrow and for the next few days.? I released her from my compulsion. “Are you currently okay?”
She nodded. Her heart and breath rate had also calmed.
I slowly removed my hand from her mouth. “Lets get cleaned up and head back out there. I’ll call you a cab if you need a ride home.”
“Thanks for the drinks, I had a good time tonight!” She parroted some of what I told her as she freshened up in the mirror.
I’d mostly gotten myself together by the time the bartender came with the keys.
“Out, lovebirds, this isn’t high school!” He glared at us as he held the door open.
We hurried out and parted ways.
I laid in bed after my shower and caught up with updates and group texts. I wasn’t on the social apps, these were all for work and projects. I replied to any pressing business-related questions and sat the phone down on the nightstand.
Maybe I should have stopped by one of my bars tonight, instead. Then I wouldn’t have encountered them. Wouldn’t be craving them.
They suggested, joked, that they were out there hunting people like me. That was a fun little fantasy to play out in my head: the vampire and the vampire hunter. They thought I wanted to mug them but I liked my version better.
What stereotypical vampire hunting gear would be tucked away in their bag? How quickly would the panic set in when I didn’t flinch at their cross? When their holy water or silver didn’t burn my skin? Would they be the kind of hunter that carried a wooden stake, or would they go straight to cutting off my head?
I hoped they’d have a stake – after I finished fucking their ass I could use it as a plug. Then ‘stake’ their throat with my cock. I’d sink my teeth into every major artery in my reach throughout the night.
When I was done with them, and I’d take my time, I’d leave their dead body in the middle of the street, let the city see what becomes of someone who wants to play hero. Naked and on display. Holes filled with my cum. Body covered in bruises, their own blood, and my bites. Mmm…
I woke up sometime after sunset. The person I encountered wasn’t the first thing on my mind tonight, but my priorities changed when I checked my phone and saw this among the texts:
『5:21 PM X: Marcus Z. Vogt
7845 Meadowbrook Dr., Apt. 441』
Huh. Marcus. That name didn’t fit them, but that wouldn’t matter. I made the bed after I got up then headed to the bathroom. I showered when I got in last night, but my hair was a mess from how I was laying on it. I wet it so I could fix it, brushed my teeth, then got dressed. The address was quite a ways across the city, so I grabbed the keys to my bike before I locked up and headed downstairs.
Twenty minutes later, I pulled into the apartment complex and parked in an unmarked spot near Building 4. It seemed to be a fairly quiet location despite the number of vehicles that were parked here.
I took my helmet off and scanned the lot; the car I’d spotted Marcus leaving in wasn't among them. I hadn’t decided if I would wait for them to get home. But, why not scope their place out? I was already here.
I grabbed some tools from the bike’s storage bag and looked for a way in. All of the entrances appeared to be external, so I didn’t have a shared or secured entrance as an obstacle. Good.
I headed up the stairs to the fourth level, and 441’s door was the closest once I reached the landing. I paused near the door and listened: a refrigerator buzzed in the kitchen, but no one was home. There wasn’t a TV on, or water actively running. There wasn’t someone walking around in the apartment, or sitting somewhere talking on a phone. I didn’t hear any signs of life, whether an animal or person.
I pulled the tools I needed from their case and picked the lock. It was a simple entry with no additional obstacle like a deadbolt or chain. I quickly slipped in and shut the door behind me.
The apartment wasn’t what I expected– it had all of the furniture that should be in a living space, but it was quickly evident no one actually lived here. It was remarkably tidy, as though someone came in every so often and did a thorough clean.
The kitchen was essentially bare. Their refrigerator only had bottled water inside. The pantry had a few non-perishables, like peanut butter, canned fruits, beans, and soups.
The bedroom closet had just a few changes of clothes. They were men’s clothing, but could belong to them. Still in good condition, and several still had tags on them.
The bathroom had basic necessities, mostly still in their packaging. Small, travel-sized soaps and shampoos in the shower, like you might see in a hotel.
There were faint smells of people in the apartment, but it didn’t saturate the rooms or furniture like it would if someone were living here.
And, nothing in this space smelled remotely like Marcus did the night before.
Damn.
I peeked out of a front-facing window. It was quiet enough that I would have heard someone pull in or walk up the stairs, but I didn’t like surprises. I scanned the walkway and what I could see of the parking lot. No movement. How can a complex with such a packed lot be this quiet?
I locked the door as I left the apartment and returned to my bike.
After swinging by my own apartment to drop the bike off, I returned to the neighborhood I was in the night before by foot.