Page 20

Fang You Very Much

V lad Marcum stood in Honey's kitchen at FACTS & FIBS, carefully examining Maisie while Honey, Roam, and Bartie watched. The vampire hunter's theatrical manner had been replaced by unexpected professionalism as he examined her for signs of vampire influence.

He moved with the practiced efficiency of someone who had performed similar examinations hundreds of times before. His weathered hands were gentle as he checked the spray residue on her wrists and examined the faint marks on her skin.

"Supernatural hairspray, all right," he confirmed, sniffing at her wrist then quickly pulling back with a grimace. "Ugh, smells like a tanning bed exploded in a cologne factory. Definitely Ronald's signature scent. I'd recognize it anywhere."

Maisie, who had initially tensed at being examined, was now watching Vlad with growing fascination. Unlike her earlier encounters with strangers, she seemed more at ease, sitting up straight rather than hunching defensively.

"Can you tell how long I was in captivity?" she asked.

Vlad studied the patterns of faded spray on her skin. "Based on these layered residues, I'd say at long enough. Since you were little."

"Sounds right," Maisie repeated softly, her eyes distant. "That fits with the fragments I remember."

"Ronald's not great at memory wipes," Vlad explained, rummaging through his equipment bag. "More like memory scrambles. He thinks he's being subtle, but it's like using a sledgehammer for needlepoint."

"Is there anything you can do to help her remember?" Honey asked.

"As a matter of fact..." Vlad produced a small vial of iridescent liquid from his bag. "This might help. Anti-vampire serum. Won't restore memories overnight, but it'll start clearing the mental fog."

He handed the vial to Maisie. "Fair warning---tastes like possum roadkill marinated in gym socks."

Maisie looked at the vial skeptically. "Will it help me hide from Ronald? He can track me through the spray."

"It'll interfere with the tracking signal," Vlad confirmed. "Make it harder for him to pinpoint your location for sure."

With a determined expression, Maisie downed the contents in one gulp. Her face immediately contorted in disgust. "That's... horrific! Worse than you said!"

"But effective," Vlad assured her, watching as the spray residue on her skin began to fade slightly. "Now, tell me everything you remember about Ronald's compound and his plans for Cauldron Falls."

Maisie's account was more detailed than before, the serum already helping clear some of the mental static.

She described the mountain compound where she'd been held---a former ski resort converted into Ronald's headquarters.

She recalled the daily spray treatments, the forced attendance at fashion shows, and the way she'd been made to test water samples from various locations.

"He's been searching for this opportunity for years," she explained. "He thinks it's the key to overcoming vampire weaknesses and getting back into proper vampire society. When his scouts found Cauldron Falls, he became obsessed."

"So, I was right. He wants the falls water to create a bred of invincible daywalkers," Vlad mused when she finished. "Makes sense. He's been obsessed with overcoming vampire limitations since the 80s. His Florida resort was actually an attempt to build tolerance to sunlight."

"Which failed spectacularly," Bartie added from his perch. "Several vampires were reduced to ash. Quite the scandal in vampire circles. Ronald was laughed out of three consecutive Vampire Councils."

Vlad's eyebrows shot up. "You're remarkably well-informed for a fruit bat."

"I have unfortunate connections in unfortunate places," Bartie shrugged. "One doesn't choose one's relatives, does one?"

"Your relative is a vampire bat?" Honey asked, surprised.

"My third cousin twice removed on my mother's side," Bartie admitted reluctantly. "Frightful bore at family reunions. Always going on about his 'liquid diet' and how it keeps his coat so glossy."

"The vampire bats Ronald uses for surveillance," Maisie explained. "They're not just pets---they're actual relatives of his vampire coven. When a vampire turns, their familiar often transforms too."

"But not all vampire bats are related to vampires," Bartie clarified hastily. "Most are perfectly respectable fruit-eaters who just happen to look a bit sinister."

Vlad laughed, the sound surprisingly warm. "Your bat's a treasure, Maisie. Now, about Tandy Keyes---you mentioned seeing her at the compound?"

Maisie nodded. Her expression suddenly more focused, as another memory surfaced. "Yes! She visited several times. I remember now---she was showing Ronald maps of Cauldron Falls. He called her his 'inside witch' and said she'd make sure everything was ready for his arrival."

"Classic," Vlad said, nodding to Roam. "He did it with a time-share salesman in Florida, a nightclub owner in Phoenix. The Denver fellow was a real estate developer too---specialized in exclusive mountain properties."

"What happened to them?" Honey asked, though she suspected she knew the answer.

"The Florida salesman disappeared when the resort failed. The Phoenix nightclub owner is serving twenty years in Salem for multiple murders Ronald committed. And Denver..." Vlad's expression darkened. "Let's just say high mountain cliffs are dangerous places for midnight meetings."

"We need proof to bring Tandy in," Roam said. "Something concrete linking her to Evangelina's murder."

Roam pulled out the note fragment they'd found in Evangelina's office.

"Evangelina discovered something critical before she died.

According to her research, the falls water must be freely given to maintain its power.

If Ronald tries to take it by force, it becomes useless---or possibly even harmful---to vampires. "

Vlad studied the paper, his weathered face lighting up with understanding. "This changes everything. Instead of just defending the falls, we can use them as a weapon."

"Maisie's connection to the water means she could direct it with the right intention," Honey added, glancing at her sister.

Maisie looked uncertain, but nodded. "I can feel the water responding to me. If it needs to be freely given, then maybe my willingness to share it is what matters."

"That's brilliant," Vlad said, his theatrical persona giving way to genuine strategic thinking. "We'll create a trap---let Ronald think he's winning access to the falls, but instead of resisting completely, we have Maisie channel the water deliberately. Not taken but given with protective intent."

"A Trojan horse of magical water," Bartie observed from his perch. "Rather poetic justice for a vampire obsessed with appearances."

"Evangelina's last gift to us," Roam said solemnly. "She figured it out before Tandy silenced her."

"Then let's make sure her sacrifice wasn't in vain," Honey said, squeezing Maisie's hand. "We'll use her knowledge to protect Cauldron Falls."

Vlad nodded approvingly. "This might be my final battle with the orange vampire. There’s something disturbingly bittersweet about it all."

"This is all awesome, but we still need proof to get Tandy," Honey said.

"I also might be able to help with that proof," Vlad grinned, his adventurer persona returning. "Been tracking accomplices for decades---learned a thing or two about tripping them up. Give me a few hours with this Tandy sheila. I'll get her to reveal her hand."

"That could be dangerous," Honey warned. "If she realizes you suspect her..."

"Danger's my business, love," Vlad winked. "Besides, she already tried to lure me on a tour of Cauldron Falls defensive locations.' Subtle as a sledgehammer, that one."

"You need backup," Roam insisted. "She's already killed once."

"No offense, mate, but you're too recognizable. Town's Chief Inspector shadows me, she'll spot it immediately." Vlad patted his equipment bag. "I've survived three encounters with Ronald himself. I can handle one desperate realtor."

Roam looked unconvinced but nodded reluctantly. "Be careful. She's more dangerous than she appears."

"Aren't they all?" Vlad chuckled, readjusting his hat. "Now, I need to go inspect your town's defenses with a certain vampire sympathizing murder. When the blood moon crests. That's when Ronald will make his move."

He pulled out a worn pocket watch and checked the time. "Not much time to prepare, but I've worked with less."

As Vlad left, Maisie turned to Honey. "I like him," she said with a small smile. "He's ridiculous but... I don't know, there's something comforting about that. Like he's not afraid of the monsters."

Honey was struck by how much more relaxed her sister seemed. The constant vigilance and tension that had characterized her since her arrival were still present, but noticeably diminished. She was sitting normally now, not pressed against a wall or perched on the edge of her seat, ready to flee.

"How are you feeling?" Honey asked gently. "That serum seems to be helping."

"I feel... clearer," Maisie said, sounding surprised. "Like I can think without everything being shrouded in fog. And I'm remembering more --- not just the bad parts, but before. Running with you when we were kids."

"I remember too," Honey whispered. "That night in the forest, when we were separated..."

"We'll have time for those memories later," Roam interrupted gently. "Right now, we need to focus on keeping everyone safe through tonight."

Maisie nodded, her expression becoming more determined than fearful. "I want to help. I spent years being their prisoner. I want to be part of stopping them."

Bartie fluttered his wings approvingly. "Now that's more like it! From victim to vampire hunter --- quite the character arc."

Maisie laughed --- a genuine sound that made Honey's heart lift. "I don't know about hunting, but I could definitely help identify Ronald's weaknesses. His vanity is at the top of the list."