Page 95 of Breaking the Dark

“We can’t even begin to establish what processes or procedures were used to make this product,” Frank continues. “We’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s complex and it’s unique. And also, totally freaking sick.”

“Holy crap,” says Jessica, leaning heavily against the wall.

“Holy crap indeed. You do know I will have to report this to the authorities. I really don’t think I would have offered to let my techs bring this into the lab if I’d known, Jessica. I mean, this is shocking. The implications here are horrific, on par with cannibalism or—or eugenics. Where did you say this sample came from?”

“Well, I kind of confiscated it from a kid’s bedroom. But I’m currently investigating the possibility that the woman who made it is somehow connected to a serial killer. Google the Harlem Vampire.”

“The Harlem Vampire. Wait. Why have I heard of that? Was that on Netflix?”

“No. Not yet. But I’m going to say it’s only a matter of time.”

“So you think this vampire guy killed people to make a face cream?”

“Yes, Frank. As wild as it sounds, I do.”

Luke eyes Jessica questioningly when she walks back into his living room a moment later. He turns his hands out to her, palms up.

Jessica runs her hands down her face and groans. “Crazy case. Like I said.”

“And this vampire guy you were just talking about? He was here? In Harlem?”

“Yeah. That’s why I’m in your neighborhood. He worked at a bar on Old Broadway in the 1980s called the Upside Down. I was just there looking for Malcolm. But the whole thing’s been bricked up or something, I don’t know. I could not see a way down to the basement. And I really tried.”

“You tried?”

“Yeah. I tried.”

“Like, how hard did you try?”

“I mean, yeah, I looked.”

“Did you try and knock down any walls?”

She shrugs, wipes nacho-cheese powder from her fingertips. “Not really.”

“How come?”

“I dunno. I just didn’t feel up to it.”

Luke throws her a questioning look.

She could say, Listen, I’m just trying to protect our unborn child. Or she could just not say that and pretend like it’s not happening for a little longer. She decides to go with the second option.

“Guess I’m just a little wuss,” she says, which makes him laugh. “Wanna help me find Malcolm?”

“You want me to help with your case?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, why not?”

Luke shrugs. “Okay then, but I need to be up early tomorrow.”

“I promise you you’ll be in bed by ten.”

“With you?”