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James nodded, lost in thought. As I walked away, James called out, “I don’t hate you as much.”

Amused, I turned back to face him.

“If Elizabeth loved you, then there is good inside of you. Jacques, you need not look over your shoulder. I am not looking to kill you anymore. Everything seems pointless now. But I have not forgiven you or what you did, but I can understand the reasoning behind it. This is a lonely life we lead.”

James began walking away. He was a sad, forlorn figure, and my heart went out to him. Like me, James had no one.

I didn’t wish to destroy his confidence in that he’d made me scared. Although James was strong, a true Vam’pir, he couldn’t have killed me, and his actions never bothered me. There was nothing to fear from James.

I swore to contact some of the more understanding ones, like Seti or Julius, to seek him out. James needed company, whether he liked it or not. He was still hunting down vampires. Word of James’s kills reached my ears, but he stayed away from the older ones unless they warranted killing.

As I approached Barrington’s house, I wondered what Sally, Barrington’s widow, held for me. I was surprised when Sally took me into a side room and handed me a parcel. It was wrapped up in brown paper and had Barrington’s handwriting.

“What is it?” I asked, not wanting to open it.

“This was discovered in Elizabeth’s old bedroom. David read it and then locked it away for you. Jacques, I haven’t opened it, it wasn’t my place to,” Sally answered.

At once, I realised what it was. Julia’s diary!

Which meant Barrington had discovered what had happened and what I was!

Yet Barrington never said anything, and I can honestly say I’d never noticed any change in his manner towards me. That, indeed, was a friend. I loved Barrington even more at that moment, and the tragedy of his death swept over me in waves.

“I, too, am aware of what you are. And I thank you for risking yourself in daylight to attend David’s funeral,” Sally said.

“Barrington told you?” I asked, amazed.

“Everything. The secret is safe, Jacques, and only our sons will be informed. Should you need anything, a mortal friend will be there for you, if others of your kind cannot help you.”

Sally turned to leave and spun back.

“David loved you like a brother. That is why he never mentioned this. Jacques, I’m unaware of what is in the book, and I do not care. You are a good and treasured friend to this household, and you’ll remain so. My children do not call you Uncle Jacques for nothing.”

Sally returned to the guests.

I swallowed a lump in my throat and exited the house.

???

That is the reason I am writing this tale, Eden. Because I loved you in a past life and lost you to death. I need you to understand and to make the choice of whether to join me. Your soul is Elizabeth’s, and I recognised it from the first moment I saw you.

For I have never stopped loving you and have mourned you for every day since Elizabeth passed. Honestly, I couldn’t bear to lose you again. If you refuse to become immortal, then I will take my own life. Not for one moment more shall I suffer loneliness.

Your soul recognised me, and I witnessed the confusion in your eyes.

The reasons for my behaviour are explained in this book. And ever since you were taken from me, I approached life with a careless attitude. On losing you, I didn’t give a shit what happened. Now I do.

When I look into your eyes, I see the unhappiness that you suffer. You are only twenty-three and are trapped in a bad relationship with an abusive husband. Free yourself from him. Join me.

Please.

For both of our sanities. Make us both happy. Come live with me. I do not deny your death will be painful, but afterwards, I swear to you I’ll make you happy. That is my heartfelt plea.

While Eden considers my offer, I’ll explain what was in Julia’s diary. It contains things that should be explained about who the Ripper was.

And honestly? Who doesn’t want to read Jack the Ripper’s Diary? Don’t tell me you have not been tempted ever since I mentioned it.

???