Chapter 447 Chapter 447
Dialogues with potential witnesses, snippets of overheard conversations, and the cryptic messages left by an unknown adversary all converge in a mosaic of intrigue.
As Tom delves deeper into the Necromancers' case, an unsettling twist throws him into a new realm of mystery. The tranquil interior of the police office, usually a haven of quietude, has becomes the stage for a series of macabre events—bizarre deaths of livestock that send ripples of fear through the community. Disturbed residents report unknown creatures viciously attacking their animals, leaving behind a trail of unnerving evidence.
The disturbing details send shivers down Tom's spine as he examines the carcasses of the unfortunate animals. Two bloody holes near their necks reveal a pattern, a sinister signature that defies explanation. The blood within their bodies has been drained, leaving behind a chilling tableau of lifeless remains.
As the community reels from these inexplicable occurrences, Tom encounters a young man whose harrowing claim plunges the city into a new level of fear. The young witness asserts that he has seen the dreaded vampire, a creature of myth and nightmare. The mere utterance of the word sends shockwaves through the already tense atmosphere.
Word spreads like wildfire, and soon, rumors of vampires become a pervasive whisper among the citizens. Fear takes hold, and the city is plunged into a collective panic. The once-cohesive community is now fractured by the specter of the unknown, a fear that snakes through the streets and homes, casting a shadow over the city's sense of security.
Tom, now faced with a dual challenge—the Necromancers' case and the escalating hysteria over supposed vampires. He finds himself at the epicenter of an uncharted investigation. The lines between myth and reality blur, and the city becomes a breeding ground for fear and paranoia.
The investigation takes an unforeseen turn, as Tom navigates the tumultuous waters of superstition and genuine peril, determined to uncover the truth behind the bizarre deaths and dispel the looming specter of vampires that threatens to plunge the city into chaos.
…....
By this time, the tension in Castra city had risen.
From the outskirts, to the rural south, up to the urban north, mothers held her children close from dusk till dawn. By night, if a single pin should drop, the echo of several bolting doors could be heard throughout the city.
So, the police had to step up.
Curfews were no longer enough.
Investigations didn't seem to help either.
So, to placate the hearts of the citizens, night patrols became the next thing. Day shifts were split up between the rookie cops. The green eyed boys in their flashy sheriff hats manned the roads by day. And at night, a host of veteran cops took to the streets, prowling the city's streets in the thousands.
In their right hands, they held flaming torches above their heads. The pillars of flames cackled silently- illuminating their paths, and keeping them at the same time. Below them, their trained horses trotted along the city's streets.
In groups of three, they patrolled the night- side by side- with grim faces and vigilant eyes.
Tom, the bravest- and quite possibly the most righteous of them all- sat upright on his black stallion, clutching the reins tightly. His spine bounced back and forth- swaying to the rhythm of the horse's movements.
On his left, and on his right, the other two officers flanked him.
They said not a single word. But in their hardened eyes, one single look reflected- eagerness. They wanted to catch any motherfu**er. Really, anyone suspicious at all. They just needed a scapegoat.
So, when the buzzing sound came whizzing over their heads, a raging fire exploded in their guts.
At once, all three sets of blazing eyes locked onto each other- sharing a brief look. With a wordless agreement, it was decided that Tom be the one to give chase. He had seniority. He had rank. But most of all, he had Charlie to avenge.
So, with his powerful shoulders heaving, Tom gave hot chase! An icy chill crept up his spine-and his puffy mustache bounced up and down upon his upper lip. Grasping the flaming torch, he caught the glint of red above him!
'A COAT?'
Both sides of his chin clenched tightly.
'Got you now!'
He leaned forward- letting the hooves of his horse pound along the blackness of the road! Tall looming black trees, whizzed past him on both sides of the road. The flying man (or woman) suddenly turned right!
"Hiyaaahh!"
Tom yanked hard at the horse's reins- forcing it to the right, leaping off the road, and breaking into the groove of trees.
"Hiyaaahh!!"
Face pulsing with rage, Tom surged forward- fighting against the low hanging branches. The rustling leaves whizzed in his ears. His feet slammed into the horse's sides, quickening the beast forward.
The smell of fresh dew smacked his nostrils. Dashing st lightning speed, he plunged forward-into the void of melting darkness before him. For a few tense moments, the canopy of the black trees overshadowed him- he couldn't see the crimson red coat!!
Desperation washed over Tom. His stomach sank, and pangs of despair clutched his heart with an icy grip;
'Heavens. . .' he wailed; '. . .did I miss him? Where did that piece of shit go?!'
With a splatter, he suddenly burst of out the throng of trees- landing on the familiar thud of the stone paved road. Tom neck stiffened- his misty eyes bulged out. A sea of blackness stretched out before him!
But it wasn't his sight that was tugging at his senses- it was his ears.
fighting?
To his far right, north east of his present location, low rumbling echoes in the din.
clang! clang!!
The unmistakable sounds of metal against metal rang in the darkness- slicing through the stillness of the night. The song of hushed blades continued- followed closely by the grunts of fighting men.
Tom's expression hardened. Under his broad sheriff hat, worrying lines formed across his forehead. Gripping the reins even tightly, he dug his soles into the horse's sides, and craned his head forward.
The black stallion leaped forward- galloping through the darkness in majestic strides. Its powerful hooves struck the earth, thundering and thundering. Its nose snorted, and its powerful neck craned forward as it charged directly into danger.
Tension engulfed the black terrain- choking the very air.
Cursing the moonless night, Tom's eyes flashed and flashed as he raged towards the battle. The horse leapt upwards- and he knew that he was climbing some sort of ledge. The loose saddle shook suddenly, and Tom wailed- nearly toppling off!
The torch slipped from his grip! It scampered down and landed on the ground, plunging Tom into the darkness.
But the cop had no time to perseverate on his fuck up! Grimacing in disgust, he snarled at the horse;
"Hiyahhhhh!!"
He clicked his tongue, and kicked it fiercely- pouring his desperation into his command;
"HIYAAAHHH!!"
The beast responded- surging forward as its rippling muscles tautened under its black hide. Tom's pleading eyes narrowed in the darkness;
'Shit. . .I need to go faster. . .if anyone else get's killed on my watch. . .'
He swallowed.
Suddenly, a couple of yards ahead, the sounds of several tree branches snapped- and he heard the unmistakable grunts of fighting men.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦