Black Blood

«Are you under dose?»

«I'm not, for God's Sakes! Is it so wrong?» I replied, offended and sullen.

«He is a Thirsty, Reb! Are you having a crush on... a monster?» she hissed in a low voice, looking over her shoulder.

She was terrified.

«This is not a typical crush; I believe this is something more physical...» I paused, «I think I am attracted by him.»

Hanna turned to the window and after grabbing my old diary from the top of the mattress, she began to leaf through it.

She was so angry that she didn't even want to talk to me.

«Why are you always choosing the most difficult way?» she asked without changing position.

«Because it is me. Rebecca Janette Cross: rebel since I was born, curious by nature and… anarchist in the blood.»

As Sebastian said.

I fought back his thought that punctually was appearing gain, I could feel it, elbowing its way just to come back to my mind.

«Be careful, Reb. Keep always your eyes open», she retorted disinterestedly, turning to me. She was reading with a frown on something I had written.

I was about to say something when Hanna placed under my nose my outbursts as a child.

«Read it!»

“Today a girl went missing. They said in the news. My mom and dad got worried. They told me not to talk to strangers and not to go near the Winterbourne family. Sebastian doesn't look bad. He is a child who comes to school with me. He is always alone. "

I had completely removed those events.

Those thoughts of mine were written on the first pages of the diary. I was still a little girl.

My best friend pointed out the date I had written along the top of the page.

«18th March, 1998», I read aloud.

«Twenty years from now, ten since then», she commented, marking the newspaper articles with her finger.

Oh my God!

«You are a genius, Hanna!» I exclaimed with joy. I hugged her and printed a kiss on her forehead.

She drew back and put on a serious expression.

«Go three pages forward.»

I did what she said without saying a word, I didn't know what to expect.

“This is an unhappy day. A very bad thing has happened. Aunt Lily flew to the sky. There is no more. Josh is always crying and Mrs. Coleman too. It's sad when someone leaves. "

Aunt Lily.

Lily Coleman was the eldest daughter of Meredith and Lukas Coleman, as well as Josh's sister. She had disappeared at the age of twenty-three, involved in a brutal car accident.

3 August 1998.

I looked at Hanna, arching my brows, I knew exactly where she was going.

«What if Lily never had an accident but simply disappeared?» I asked rhetorically.

My best friend nodded her head, letting out a smirk.

«It would mean Josh's sister dissolved into thin air like all these other girls every ten years.»

That possibility was disquieting, I vaguely remembered that period, but nothing suggested Lily was missing, she was simply dead. There had even been a funeral.

But I was a child, like Josh and Hanna, they could have told us anything and we would have believed it.

«How does this make any sense? Why still keeping us from the truth? We are adults now», I argued not fully convinced yet.

I couldn't find a valid reason that could have led our parents not to tell us the truth.

Why was my casket open?

Doubts arose in me, questions to whom I wanted to find an answer.

Hanna looked out of my bedroom's window, she was watching the street, hidden behind the dusty curtain.

«Isn't that the Winterbournes' car?» she suddenly asked.

I rushed to her side and looked over the pane of glass.

A sinuous sport car was parked on the opposite street.

I swallowed.

«This might look like», I cut it short.

Hanna was right instead, that was Sebastian's huge car. I remembered it perfectly.

«With tinted windows?» she disputed rightly disagreed.

«I don't know what to say, Hanna.»

I was no more able to understand anything.

Missing girls, Lily Coleman, the feeling that our parents were hiding something from us. The accusations against the Winterbournes, the legends about the Thirsty, were all buzzing uninterruptedly in my head, creating a din.

And then there was Sebastian, who had suddenly shown himself interested in me to the point of being seen in town. He had been looking for me from the beginning and now he also seemed to be following me.

I was counting on my survival instinct, it had never let me down, but I probably should have listened to Hanna and being careful.

That penetrating look had remained imprinted in my mind and made no sign of leaving.

I wanted to reassure Hanna, tell her that I wasn't feeding any of those forbidden vibes, except of course for professional purposes.

Sebastian represented everything I hated most in people, however, my body seemed to think differently, because although I was fighting to repress all sorts of impulses, the truth was that something had snapped inside me and my desire was nothing more but to have him.

«What is going on, Reb?»

«Help me find out, Hanna».

Chapter 6

Rebecca

I took Hanna to work at Moonlight for the evening shift.

Josh was waiting for us at the entrance, we had arranged to meet with him and spend the evening together.

«I can stay a bit longer with you, I have still time before starting», Hanna said sitting near us.

I begged my best friend not to say anything to Josh. Nothing regarding Sebastian or my strange unwarranted reactions in his presence.

She promised me she would not mention it.

Josh studied us for long moments, shifting his gaze from one to the other.

«There must be something you two are denying», he declared.

I ignored him, awed by the turn that this conversation could have taken.

Instead, Hanna reached Josh across the table and grabbed him by the shoulders.

«We made a sensational discovery today», she exclaimed as if holding back those words with all her might.

Josh blinked in confusion.

I motioned Hanna to sit down and tried to keep order.

«Quiet! It's confidential information», I yelled nudging her.

She pouted and ignored me.

I hoped she could really keep my secret, I trusted her, but I knew her well and I knew how much she loved talking.

«What have you discovered?» Josh asked, intrigued by our friend's statement.

I quickly checked the surrounding environment to make sure that no one was listening to us.

«A couple of days ago I managed to speak with Frank Weather. He made coming back to my mind some episodes happened in the past. I don't know if you can remember, but those disappearances have already happened and, as a teenager, I had kept the Hazy Daily's articles. I could have searched online also, but I thought it would have been easier summing up those clippings that were left at my parents' house.»

Then, Hanna didn't let me finish.

«Three missing girls exactly ten years ago. And this is not everything: in 1998 Reb wrote about another girl that had disappeared, another ten years before. Those events have happened in a cadenced way», she enthusiastically finished. She decided to help me even though facing the truth had scared her to death.

«It is the same year... of Lily», Josh mumbled as he looked down at the table. As a child, he was very attached to his sister, it was an immense pain to bear that loss for him.

«Exactly that», I didn't know what else to say.

«Don't you think that maybe Lily might not have died in an accident?» Hanna spoke a bit carelessly.

I wanted to break her head.

A tactless question that would have inflicted further pain on Josh. But she didn't realize it, she was spontaneous.

Josh slammed his fist on the shiny table's surface.

«What are you thinking of?» he blurted out with a grim expression on his face.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to keep calm. That was the beginning of a no holds barred war, when Hanna and Josh argued, because that's what was going to happen, there was a need to take cover.

First, I had to calm myself and then I could calm them.

«Think about it», she objected.

It was necessary to stop them immediately.

«The inseparable ones, full tonight!» an unpredicted voice said.

The appearance of Gregory Tanner and Tina Harper broke the growing bickering between the two.

They were all righteous people.

Greg was the son of the inspector and Ginger.

We were born on the same day and our families often forced us to organize children's birthday parties together.

Despite the whims, in the end, we always had fun and as we grew up, we became friends.

Greg was an accomplice who deserved absolute respect. He liked technologies and had access to information that were often confidential. He had lent me his help on several occasions, he was on my side, I knew it.

Tina, on the other hand, was a quiet girl, she was the elder sister of the missing Claire Harper. The two did not get along very well, I had already spoken with Tina recently on the occasion of that tragedy.

She was sunny by nature, she faced the days with a smile, but her face didn't lie. She was hiding behind her sand-colored bangs not to show her eyes. Reddened, swollen and adorned with two purple dark circles that not even makeup could completely cover.

I thought it was hard for her family and I was sorry for their pain.

Tina and Greg had met at school, he had completely lost his mind for her and after an infinite courtship, he had managed to conquer her. They had been together ever since, having just celebrated their ninth anniversary.

«How is it going guys?» I asked acting indifferently.

Hanna stood up in a hurry, giving them the place.

«I got to go or this time your mom could threaten me with a kitchen knife», she squeaked to Gregory, winking at him.

«What were you guys talking about?» he asked us after greeting her.

I knew I could safely talk to them.

I wanted to express myself freely on the researches I was leading but I was worried about Tina, talking about the police investigations meant raising an issue in which her family was involved.

I didn't want to cause her any more pain. It wasn't necessary.

Even if...

I looked at her with a frown, she seemed to notice and smiled at me.

«Oh dear! Don't worry, Reb. I know what you're working on. We have already talked about it», she said, putting a hand on her chest.

I listened to her and told them the correlations with old cases that occurred decades ago.

«Does my dad know that you are investigating so deeply?» Greg asked, mulling over my story.

I raised an eyebrow and looked into his thin eyes turning my back towards him.

«No... and he shouldn't know», I declared, resting my chin on the closed fist of my right hand.

A crooked smile broke out on his thin face.

«He won't know. Don't worry.»

«I need some more information. Do you think your old man is willing to chat with me?» I asked Greg, who knew his father better than anyone else.

He made a mop.

«You will hardly get what you are looking for from him. Assuming he decided to listen to you, you will get nothing from him except what he chooses to tell you. He's very secretive about police investigations, he'll never talk to a reporter, even if that reporter is you, Reb.»

The commissioner was a tough man, he knew how to be respected and he managed to maintain discipline in the city. He took his job seriously and did it perfectly.

He was in charge of the small local police district; he represented the law in Hazycreek.

Greg was right, I would have just aroused suspicions and I had to be invisible.

«You could try with Father Dorian, he knows both Claire and Rose, his information will probably not be as thorough as those of the police, but you could get definitely something useful out of it», Tina suggested, looking for her fiancé's approval, he nodded his head.

«Right. My uncle is more open to communication. But be sweet and don't push your hand too hard, he's a sensitive person. If you approach him properly, he will help you», he agreed.

«What is your opinion?» Josh, who had stood silent for a long time, intervened.

«I honestly think I've been affected by popular rumors. But I can't stop thinking about the Thirsty», Greg whispered, lowering his head to the table.

But seriously?

«What you have found out makes me just more suspicious about them. Yes, well, there is no evidence, but we grew up listening to those ancient stories. Everyone in Hazycreek is afraid of the Winterbournes. Maybe there is a pinch of truth», Tina asserted, expressing the same opinion.

Everyone talked about it, but no one made himself heard.

It was no longer clear where fantasy began and reality ended.

If everyone suspected the Winterbournes, then why not go and get them?

What was holding them back?

«It is too easy to justify with a legend what you cannot explain»,

I argued firmly, always supporting my position.

The Thirsty didn't exist, they were just bullshit.

Greg began handling his smartphone, plugged in two Bluetooth headsets, and handed one to me and one to Josh.

«I want you to listen this», he said with a serious face.

I motioned him to start the audio:

«We can't go on like this forever. Here young girls disappear and people ask themselves questions.»

«We have ties with them. We'll find a solution.»

«We have to get them away. I don't know how, but sooner or later the situation will get out of hand.»

«No way. It would be suicide. These are the agreements.»

I was amazed, it was a conversation between two well-known voices to me.

The first was that of James Tanner, the commissioner, while the second was that of Alan Ryder, Hanna's father, the mayor of Hazycreek.

«Why do you have this recording?» I asked, confused.

It could have meant anything, but those short lines confirmed the presence of something unspoken, masked.

«Tina and I wanted to look for the truth on our own, we had the feeling that there was little clarity about these recent disappearances, so I inserted a spy software into my dad's smartphone and discovered that he has secrets and he is not the only one», he paused briefly, during that time he looked at me in the eyes. «We also thought someone in this trade could help us. You, for example.»

The request caught me off guard. And I couldn't refuse their cooperation, it would have been stupid.

«Yeah, but I can't understand the meaning of recording one of your father's conversations», I insisted, I was trying to understand to what extent I could count on their help.

«I have often doubted him. It happens that he is introvert, that he says things in half, and there seems to be always something tormenting him. I just wanted to find out about the ongoing investigation, but I have found out more.»

«Do you think he is hiding something?» I asked, being even more careful.

«I think it's pretty obvious. As indecipherable as the conversation is, it is clear that something is happening.»

I was impressed.

How long have Greg had doubts about his father?

Was the appearance deceiving so much?

And if the mayor was also involved, what was there so obscure that had to be hidden?

Maybe I was traveling in my fantasy, building only paper castles. But I have had a hunch.

I was aware that curiosity was sometimes paid dearly, however, I did not expect to find out so many skeletons in Hazycreek's closet.

What was I supposed to expect?

Chapter 7

Rebecca

The next day, early in the morning, I reached Hazy Central Church. In the city there were two parishes and that of Father Dorian was the most popular.

I showed up at the house of God with two black furrows under my eyes, I hadn't been able to sleep. My mind didn't want to keep silence and had kept me awake all night.

I felt tired and my head was spinning, but I was not giving up, I wanted to continue the investigation at any cost. With Greg's recording the mystery had deepened and I wanted to figure it out as soon as possible.

Dorian Tanner, the inspector's brother, was a sweet and generous person who was always kind to the others. He knew how to listen to people and never denied a chat to anyone, which is why his community of the faithful was very large. He knew how to make himself loved and the role he held made him a person worthy of trust.

I hoped to get some more details from him about what was going on.

I walked to the threshold of the Victorian-style structure, like the whole Hazycreek. The nineteenth-century style had survived over the centuries and walking through the streets of my hometown put serenity. It was like being in an enchanted place where everything seemed perfect.

Only the Black Raven Hill screeched in context, its medieval walls looked tired and sad and, despite the trees hiding it, you could feel its presence hovering over us.

I entered the church, mimed the sign of the cross and headed to the altar. I crossed the main nave, lined with marble columns, which housed two rows of large benches arranged in a precise, almost maniacal way.

The building seemed completely deserted.

At that time, Father Dorian was reciting his prayers and only a few faithful, the particularly devoted ones, joined his litany.

I sat in a corner and waited for the priest to take a break. I didn't have to wait long; the man descended the three steps that raised the altar site and went to the lectern on the opposite side of mine.

I slowly joined him.

«Good morning, Father Dorian», I began with a bright smile and narrowed eyes.

He noticed me and returned surprised.

«Good morning to you, Reb. What brings you around here?» he asked me kindly.

I looked down.

I went hunting for news, it was part of my profession and questioning people was the first source of information. But that was the part I least liked when my questions got uncomfortable. In spite of my feelings, it was all part of the package and, with guilt, ready to scratch my chest, I accepted that side of my job too.

«I was wondering if I could spare a few minutes of your time. You know, Mr. Sullivan is a pretentious guy», I explained with a calm and gentle tone. I made an effort to wear the same mask I wore every day at the editorial office.

Father Dorian raised an eyebrow and adjusted the neck of his cassock.

«Come, let's sit down», he invited me, showing the way to the first bench in the row.

«What would you like to know?» he said, pressing on me that pointed look typical of all Tanners.

«You knew the two missing girls? Claire and Rose» I asked as I retrieved a pen and paper from my bag.

Father Dorian looked up and moved his sight to the left, he was remembering.

«They were two good girls. Very active in the community and caring for children. They were two angels», he whispered with a mild and sorry voice. He sighed.

«What do you think is going on? It is not the first time that in Hazycreek similar facts are happening.»

The priest hesitated, blinked several times and made a grimace with his nose.

Did I say something wrong?

«Nothing is given to us to know. Not yet, there is only the hope that the two girls are still alive», he finally answered after having gathered his ideas.

I tightened my eyes and studied Father Dorian.

I made him uncomfortable.

«A lot of people in town believe that the Winterbournes are behind the disappearances, what is your position?»

I had dared again; it was a low blow on my part.

A precise question with no way out.

Father Dorian stirred, seemed struck by a tremor that lasted a few seconds, widened his eyes and stretched out his mouth.

«They are Devil worshippers! They are not allowed to enter the house of God», he raised his voice and its echo rang out through the church and slowly faded away.

I became suspicious.

«I did not ask you this, father», I urged him while maintaining a polite and respectful attitude.

«Don't ask too many questions, Reb. Don't venture into dangerous terrains. Protect yourself and forget the Winterbournes. Now excuse me, but I must resume my daily duties. With permission.»

With that stern earful, Father Dorian, liquidated me and quickly holed up in the sacristy.

I wasn't satisfied with that exchange of words. I had discovered nothing useful except the fact that Dorian Tanner had felt oppressed by the turn our dialogue was taking, and had preferred to run away.

I rubbed the corners of my eyes and, after putting the notebook back in my bag, I got ready to leave Hazy Central Church.

I walked slowly and bitterly, I had also altered a good and peaceful man like Father Dorian.

I had to not attract too much attention, not arouse suspicions and, of course, not get people angry.

«Nobody is talking. The truth is concealed. Buried.»

It was a whisper, soft in sound, dark in tone. It tickled my neck behind my ears, drawing all my attention.

A figure dressed in rags was sitting not far from me. She was bent over and seemed to be praying. She had the hood over her head, and, for the moment, I hesitated.

I approached cautiously.

«What does it mean?» I asked in a low voice.

The strange person looked at me.

I had a gasp.

It was Mary Weather, Frank's crazy sister. Her face was covered with wrinkles, her hair was damaged, frizzy and grey, her eyes were dark covered with a sort of patina as if they were suffering from cataracts, they looked dull, sad.

«While fools stay in fear, who decides, is lying.»

Another enigmatic sentence.

It was for this kind of thing that the city community had decided to push her away. It was difficult to converse with her.

I reflected a few moments, I thought that Mary might be the only one who did not have prejudices or second ends, she lived in her strange occult world and did not participate in the city's life.

I smiled.

«Is there something you'd like to tell me?»

The woman nailed me with her blank glance and forced me to look into her eyes.

«Don’t trust the Black Blood. The Black Raven Hill is infected. Walk away, Reb, or people will call you crazy.»

She awkwardly got up from her seat and walked quickly out of the building.

That was a weird day.

Everyone was telling me to let go and stifle the burning desire that was keeping me searching.

It would never happen.

It was precisely this attitude that pushed me forward.

Sometimes you get angry when you have something to hide. And when you have something to hide it means those secrets are real, unspoken information or untold events, something so wrong that it is better to bury over time. Here: Reb J. Cross would have solved the mystery and revealed all those secrets.

I needed a break to clear my head and regain strength, I continued to feel weak.

«Reb? What are you doing here at this time?» Hanna asked as soon as I walked into the Moonlight.

«Take me some coffee. A lot of coffee», I told her with narrow eyes as I headed to the usual table.

She burst out laughing as she was working to serve me.

I sat down on the chair, turning my back to the entrance. I recovered my tools and began to view my notes.