Chapter Eighteen: A Change of Game

Lorraine had been trying to call her mother all day at school, but she would always end up with the voicemail. She left her dozens of messages, but the lack of replies made Lorraine’s worry increase. Therefore, once the school day was over she decided to head to the hospital. While walking out of the school, she heard Aiden calling her. “Hey, are you alright? You looked worried all day.”

“It’s probably nothing, but I haven’t been able to reach my mom all day. So, I’m going to the hospital to check on her.”

Aiden nodded, “Okay, I’ll come along.” She told him okay and they walked to his car. The drive to the hospital wasn’t long and empty of any conversation. When they arrived at the hospital, she went to the reception of the ER. She approached the young woman sitting there, noticing her name tag which read Lucy Anderson. Lorraine remembered her mom talking about a Lucy from work before, so she asked, “Hello, I was wondering if you know where Nurse Suzan Dawson is? I’m her daughter Lorraine.”

Lucy furrowed her eyebrows, “She isn’t home? Suzan didn’t show up for her shift today. She was supposed to be here at nine, but she never showed up. I tried calling her but I went straight to voicemail.”

Steven was walking in the ER when he saw Aiden and Lorraine standing with worried looks over their faces. He approached them and asked, “What’s going on here?”

Lorraine snapped towards him with teary wide eyes, “I think my mom is missing.”

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It was extremely dark, Suzan tried to blink several times to make her vision clear, but to no avail. She could feel the dampness of the hard floor beneath her, the smell of something rotten. She tried to stand up on wobbly knees, and she managed to feel her way to what felt like a door to her. “Hello”. She shouted, but there was no answer.

She tried her best to remember actually what had happened. Her mind recalled what had happened in the hospital parking lot, and the realization hit her. She was kidnapped. “Hello”. She called again. “Please, let me out. I have a daughter, please.” She started knocking frantically on the door, though unsure of what she would accomplish from that.

She heard footsteps coming closer to her, so she took a few steps away from the door thinking whoever kidnapped her would open the door. She waited with bated breath, but nothing happened. The sound came to a stop in front of the door. “Remain quiet and we might just kill you quickly”

She choked on her breath and fell to her knees. She didn’t know what was happening, but the man’s voice sounded nothing short of merciless. “You say exactly what I tell you to say, are we clear?”

She tried to reply, but no words would come out. only sobs left her mouth. She didn’t know what was happening, and she simply wanted it to end.

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Lorraine was in Bates’ parlor pacing a hole into his persian carpet. “Lorraine, please sit down.” Bates told her, but she looked like she didn’t hear him. Steven had gone with them to the police station to report Suzan missing, but they told them they would need to wait for twenty four hours before filing an official report.

I just don’t understand, who could have done that?” Her question didn’t seem to be directed to anyone. Then she turned to Bates and Aiden, who were watching her as if she had lost her mind, “Could it be Cedirc? But why would he do this? I mean if he wanted to kill me why didn’t he just do it?” Aiden took a step forward towards her, he attempted to hold her hand but she pushed him away and continued on her pacing. “If he did it, can’t we call him?” she turned to Bates with wild eyes, “Tell him to let her go, she did nothing! I swear she doesn't even know that Vancsura name!”

“Hey, hey, Lorraine, look at me!” Aiden tried to calm her down, holding her by the shoulders, forcing her to look at him. “We’re going to find her. We will figure this out.”

“So, we’re all here as it seems.” The male voice of Cedric bellowed through the room, making everyone freeze in place.

“What are you doing here?” Aiden stood in front of Lorraine, shielding her from Cedric’s view. Cedric only raised an amused eyebrow and walked towards the armchair next to where Bates was standing. He enjoyed the way everyone stiffened with his presence.

“Relax.” He drew the words in a bored tone, “I’m not here to kill anyone, Mr. Knight in shining armor.” He turned to Bates, “I came here because it seems we have a little problem.” Cedric then told them about the information he gathered from the sheriff and the mayor.

“So, there’s a possibility that John Jonas is the one behind the attack? But why would he do this?” Bates asked, walking to the chair opposite him.

“Wait, why would he take my mom?” Lorraine asked moving to stand in front of Aiden.

Cedric furrowed his eyebrows, “Your mom?” He had no idea how her mother was involved in any of it, but it made him reach a certain conclusion. *“Someone else is after Lorraine.” *

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Huxley was taking a drag of his cigarette in his study when his wife, Eleanor, entered the room with a worried look on her face. “Benjamin? Any news?” She walked inside and took a seat on one of the chairs in front of his desk. He only shook his head and she let out a sigh. “I told Sam not to come home this weekend. I think it’s better if he stays away until this blows over.” Huxley only nodded his approval. If there was one thing he wanted, it would be to keep his son away from that mess in his town.

“That’s a good thing you did.”

Eleanor's face hardened, “Are you sure it's wise to use the help of this Cedric guy?” Huxley looked at her with a questioning gaze, seeing her doubt about his decision. She let out a breath, “Something about him feels off, Ben. He doesn’t feel right.”

Huxley stood up, putting off his cigarette in the ashtray, “What other option do I have, Eleanor?” They both shared a grave look, each thinking of the consequences of having vampires in the town.