Shanghai Series

The October moon sat high in the night sky, casting shadows throughout the town. Roy O'Bannon, a little unsteady from too much whiskey, made his way through town. At midnight, the town was quiet, barren. The only signs of life came from saloon patrons on their way home for the night. Roy paid little attention to anything but his own footsteps, trying hard to remain true and steady until he was home in his room at the boarding house.

At the boarding house, Roy stumbled up the front steps, murmuring to himself. The house was dark and silent. No one was awake to hear his entrance, and Roy liked it that way. Quietly he heads up the stairs to his room. As the door to his room closes, a shadow crosses the hallway.

Shedding his coat and hat, Roy tosses them on a chair before collapsing on the bed. In seconds, Roy is out cold. He doesn't see the mysterious shadow in the corner of his room. He never hears the footsteps crossing his room. Lying on his stomach, Roy's blonde hair falls across his row. A pale, slight hand reaches out, pushing the soft hair back, revealing closed eyes.

The mysterious figure watches the sleeping man. He is peaceful and calm, his back rising and falling with each breath. His hands, large and smooth, rest on the bed beside his head. A light finger traces the soft skin. Slowly, the figure leans closer, its breath caressing Roy's ear, yet he does not feel it.

Suddenly, a shrill scream cut into the night. Roy bolts upright. He sees something move across the room. He jumps to his feet. Wide awake now, he sees he is alone. He tells himself it was all a dream.

Outside there is a loud commotion. He hears doors opening and closing in the boarding house. Roy, like the others, hurries out to see what is happening. Halfway down the stairs, Bettina Swan, owner of the boarding house, rushes in. She is pale and out of breath.

"What's going on?" Roy asks. Bettina gulps air. Her hands flail about. "It's awful. There's been a murder."

"What?" Roy hurries down the stairs to see for himself. Bettina collapses on the stairs as he passes.

Outside, a group of people stand near an alleyway. Roy goes to join them. He can see from some of the faces that something awful has happened. Several of the observers look ill. Roy pushes through the crowd. In front of him lies a young man, cold and pale on the ground. The sheriff and the undertaker kneel beside the body.

"What's happened sheriff?" one of the crowd asks.

"Is it true", another asks, "what they're saying? Did something drain his blood?"

The sheriff looks at the growing crowd. "Now look", he says, "I don't know what did this yet. But you can bet I'm gonna find out."

The undertaker turns the boys head to the side. For the first time, Roy can see two small puncture marks. The undertaker sighs.

"Are those what I think they are, Mort?" The sheriff, Tom Bush, had known Mort Crawford since they both were kids. There was no one he trusted more.

"They're bite marks. That's for sure."

A gasp is heard in the crowd. Roy looks around, unbelieving.

"Bite marks?" Roy inquires. "What kind of bite marks?"

The undertaker looks up at him. "I don't know."

The town was buzzing the next day, with talk of the young man’s death. Everyone was speculating about whom or what had killed him. Roy himself didn't know what to think. He had heard stories of vampires and such, but he had never held much stock in them. The way Roy figured it, there had to be a logical explanation for what had happened.

At the sheriff's office, Roy found Tom Bush at his desk. In his hand was a single sheet of paper. Tom didn't seem surprised to see Roy.

"'Morning, Roy. What can I do for you?" The sheriff let the paper drop to his desk.

"I was wondering if you found out anything about that guy that died last night."

"Died? You mean murdered."

"Murdered? You're sure?" Roy couldn't help himself. He was hooked.

The sheriff picked up the paper and handed it to Roy. "Here, see for yourself."

Roy studied the paper carefully. Mort Crawford had thoroughly examined the boy. There was no doubt that the marks on his neck were bites, but there was no way to tell from what. Still, the most disturbing thing was that there was no blood in the body. Lowering the paper, Roy looked stunned.

"You got any ideas, Roy?" the sheriff asked.

Roy swallowed hard. "No. Not really."

"Come on, O'Bannon. If you've got something, spit it out."

"No. I've got nothing. Really." Roy's hands hung nervously at his sides.

"I've heard the stories going 'round, you know."

Roy feigned innocence. "Stories?"

"Bloodsuckers. Vampires." Things the sheriff had never considered before now. "What do you think about that?"

"Vampires?" Roy offers a nervous laugh. "You don't really believe in vampires do you?"

Tom Bush cocked his head to the side, studying Roy. "I don't, but you've got to admit, something strange is going on."

Roy though about it a minute. He certainly didn't want the sheriff to think he was a nut. The subject of vampires was simply ludicrous. Things like that existed in tall tales, not real life.

"I'm sure you'll come up with the answer."

Roy spent the night drinking in the saloon with a couple of girls. The stories and rumors were still flying around. Roy couldn't believe how caught up the townspeople were. He wasn't sure if it were fright or just morbid curiosity. Either way, he couldn't take much more and decided to head home early.

Halfway to the boarding house, Roy spotted a beautiful dark haired woman walking ahead of him in the street. She wore a beautiful red dress. Her black hair hung down around her waist. Her pale skin shone in the moonlight. Roy was mesmerized by the image.

As if on cue, the woman turned towards Roy. The sight of her face took his breath away. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She stood, waiting for him to come closer.

"Hello", she said, her voice low and sensuous.

"Hello", Roy replied. Standing before her, something familiar pulled at Roy. He felt as if he had known her all his life. "Have we met before?"

"No, I don't think so", she replied. "My name is Laverna."

She offered her hand to him. Her fingers were long and slim. Her skin cool to the touch. Roy held it lightly in his own.

"I'm Roy. Roy O'Bannon."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Roy."

"Laverna. That's a beautiful name. Where are you from?"

"Up north. My family recently moved out west."

Roy smiled. "So what do you think of the Wild West?"

Laverna took one step closer to Roy. He could smell her sweet breath. "It's an exciting place. I feel like I belong here already."

Her eyes held Roy. He couldn't look away. Laverna continued to stand inches from him, breathing him in. The sound of horse’s hooves broke the spell. Roy slightly turned away.

"I'm, I'm sorry." He felt embarrassed by his behavior yet Laverna didn't seem to mind.

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

From off to the side, a voice called out. "Laverna." Roy turned to see a man, dressed completely in black, from head to toe, standing near the alleyway. Laverna became flustered.

"I'm afraid I must go."

"Is he a friend of yours?" Roy didn't like the look of the stranger.

"You could say that." Instantly, Laverna turned to leave.

"Will I see you again?" Roy calls out.

"Of course you will." And in an instant, the two are gone.

Roy lay still, the cool night air blowing across his naked body. The curtains at his window danced in the night. A shadow crossed the window unseen.

A pale cool hand touched his warm skin. Roy stirs slightly as it traces up and down his body. Leaning in, the figure caresses his neck with her lips. Her hair falls across him. He opens his eyes.

Roy feels as if he is in a dream. The beautiful Laverna, with dark, piercing eyes, looks deep into him. A new feeling stirs within him; one of longing. His lips search for hers. They melt together in a passionate, longing embrace. Roy’s hands stroke her hair, her face. She smiles at him.

Wrapped in the passion, Roy feels he is losing control. Who is this strange woman and why I am so drawn to her? He can only surrender to the moment.

Laverna's lips brush against his nipples, his lips, his eyes. Her warm, sweet breath entices him.

"We belong together", she tells him in a voice, soft and low.

Looking into her eyes, Roy smiles. She studies him, wanting him, needing him. Parting her lips, she bares her teeth to him; sharp, canine incisors. Roy's feelings of pleasure turn to alarm.

"No", he screams, bolting upright.

Suddenly, Roy finds himself alone. The room is dark and quiet. There is no woman. Confused, Roy searches every inch of the room.

"What's wrong Roy, have you gone nuts?" he says aloud.

And then he senses it; the slightest hint of an exotic perfume. Pulling a sheet around him tight, Roy sits pressed against the headboard, waiting for morning to come.

Roy dressed and quickly made his way to the saloon at first light. Peg, the saloon owner, was surprised to see him so early in the day.

"Roy O'Bannon, what brings you out at the break of day?"

Distracted and tired, Roy hesitated before answering.

"I need a whiskey."

"You sure do. You look like hell."

Peg poured the whiskey, watching Roy shoot it down.

"You have a bad night?" she asks.

"You could say that."

Peg poured another shot in his empty glass. "Well it couldn't have been as bad as poor old Carl White's."

Roy looked startled. "What are you talking about?"

"They found Carl White dead this morning, bites on his neck just like that boy."

All the color drained from Roy's face. He took the shot down in a gulp.

"You ok?" Peg asked, concerned.

Roy looked at her a moment. Should I tell her about last night, he wondered? Or would she think I'm completely nuts?

"I'm fine", he decided to tell her. "Fine."

On his way back to the boarding house, Roy ran into the sheriff. Tom Bush didn't look much better than Roy. Apparently he was getting much sleep either.

"Roy", he said, tipping his hat.

Roy spoke up, stopping him in his tracks. "Tom?"

Tom eyed Roy casually. He could tell something was bothering him.

"I heard you found another body", Roy stated.

"Yeah, old Carl White. Word sure gets around fast".

Roy laughed nervously. "Yeah, it does."

"And I suppose you've heard he had bite marks on his neck?"

"Yeah, I heard that."

Tom watched Roy for a moment. Although Roy could be flighty at times, Tom knew he was a smart man.

"I don't suppose you have any ideas about what could be killing these people?"

Roy only shook is head, as if he had no clue. He wasn't sure what to believe himself.

"What do you know about that new couple in town?" Roy asked. Tom seemed clueless. "What couple?"

"The woman said her name was Laverna; slender build, black hair, really piercing eyes. And there was this guy with her; tall, dressed all in black. I didn't get a good look at him."

Tom thought for a moment. "Doesn't ring a bell. You know anything else about them?"

"No. I just met the woman last night."

"Last night?" Tom said, almost to himself.

Roy started to get nervous. "Yeah." Tom looked at him quizzically. For a moment, Roy wanted to tell him about the weird dream he had, or thought he had, but he decided it sounded too crazy. "You know, it's probably just some couple passing through. No big deal."

"You sure? You look like you wanted to say something else."

"Nah, just need a little sleep, that's all."

With a nod and a smile, Roy headed off before Tom could question him more. The main thing he needed, he'd decided, was sleep. That would make things a lot clearer.

Feeling safe in the light of day, Roy slept till sundown. After washing off and a clean change of clothes, he headed off to the saloon, ready to drink away the night. Whatever had happened the night before was pushed to the back of his mind. He was ready for some drinks and a beautiful female to keep him entertained.

The saloon was in full swing when Roy arrived. The bar girls were busy trying to pick up a catch for the night, and the gamblers were playing lose and fast with a weeks pay. Roy was ready to jump in and join them.

Cries of "Hi Roy" greeted him all around. Ever the gentleman, Roy tipped his hat to the ladies. At the bar, he grabbed a bottle of beer before sitting down at one of the tables. Four rough looking men played a hand of poker. On the next hand, Roy joined in.

It was a so-so night for Roy. He won a few hands, lost a few, but his luck with the ladies was consistent. The women came and went, taking turns draping themselves on Roy's arms. He hadn't yet made up his mind which he would take upstairs, but the night was young.

With a parched throat, Roy headed to the bar for another drink. Peg was busy entertaining some of the men, so Roy waited patiently. Glancing around, a familiar sight caught his eye. Walking up the grand staircase was a man Roy had seen around a few times, and on his arm was Laverna. Catching sight of him, she briefly smiled. His heart began to race. Like a shot, Roy was after them.

Pushing his way through the crowd, Roy tried to keep Laverna and her gentleman friend in sight, but it was difficult. A couple of times he thought he saw Laverna turn to watch him. It was as if she were taunting him. He was sure of it.

As Roy neared the top of the stairs, Laverna was escorting her friend down the hall. She glided through the crowd of couples, negotiating the evening’s activities with ease. Roy zigzagged his way through. With a final look, Laverna followed the man into a room, disappearing from Roy's view.

"No, wait", he cried out.

People in the hall gave him puzzled looks. They didn't know what to think about this crazed man, pushing his way through the hall. Finally reaching the room he was looking for, Roy was ready to throw open the door when a hand grabbed his shoulder. Shocked, Roy turned to see the tall stranger dressed in black. His skin was pale, like Laverna's. His eyes held the same piercing gaze. Roy's blood turned cold.

"May I help you?" the stranger asked.

Roy swallowed hard. For a reason he couldn't fathom, Roy was terrified.

"I was looking for someone", Roy explained. "She went in there." Roy pointed to the door.

Smiling, the stranger lightly pushed the door open. Inside the room, it was empty and quiet. Roy's eyes searched the room. He was stunned.

"I, I saw her go in there", he sputtered.

"I'm sorry. You must have been mistaken."

Roy's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

Instead of answering, the stranger turned away.

"Wait", Roy called out. He began to follow him down the hall. Suddenly Rosie, one of Peg's girls was there.

"Whatcha doing Roy?"

Roy looked past her shoulder.

"I'm kinda busy, Rosie."

"Come on, Roy. You promised."

Frantically Roy's eyes searched, but the stranger was gone.

Tom Bush was on his way home when he spotted Roy coming towards him. He could tell something was wrong. Roy looked as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Roy spoke before Tom could summon up a greeting.

"I know how she chooses her victims", he began.

"What?" Tom was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

"The girl; Laverna. She killed those guys and she's going to do it again - tonight."

Tom put his hands up, trying to settle Roy down. "Now wait a minute. Wait a minute."

"No, we don't have time. Don't you see? She's going to kill again."

"Who, Roy?"

"Laverna. I saw her at the saloon. She pretends to be one of the girls and gets men to go with her. Then she kills them."

Tom stood shaking his head. He didn't know what to think. Roy sounded a bit like a madman.

"I don't get it, Roy", he confessed. "What's going on?"

Roy tried hard to explain. "People in town were right. Those people were killed by a vampire. I'm sure of it."

"Vampire?" Tom tried not to laugh. "Roy, you've been drinking too much."

"No", he insisted, "I haven't. I didn't tell you before, but she was in my room. She was going to bite me. I saw her teeth. Only, I thought it was a dream at first. But it wasn't a dream; it was real. She was real."

"Roy, do you know how crazy you sound?" Tom was trying hard to be understanding but this was hard to take in.

"Yes. I know I sound nuts, like a total loon, but I'm telling the truth. Right now, she's going to kill again, and we have to stop her."

"And just how do we do that?"

Roy thought for a minute. "Well, I haven't figured that part out yet."

The sheriff didn't know what to make of the vampire story, but he couldn't afford to ignore what Roy was telling him. Whether or not the woman Roy met was actually a vampire, she still could be very dangerous. He had to find her and find out if she was a killer or not.

Splitting up, Tom and Roy began searching for any sign of Laverna and the mysterious man in black. To be safe, each was armed with a wooden stake and a cross. Roy wasn't sure what he would do when he found the woman. He needed to know the truth and then he could make that decision.

Tom was busy checking every doorway and alleyway on one side of town, while Roy searched the other. The night was warm and the moon was full. Roy had just made his way past the post office when he heard a sound coming from the livery. Looking around, Roy saw he was alone. Swallowing hard, he worked up the nerve to go in.

The livery was dark. It took his eyes a moment to adjust. Looking around, everything in the room seemed to cast an eerie shadow.

"Calm down, Roy", he warned himself. "You're making yourself nuts."

He was about to leave when he noticed it - that familiar scent. He had smelled it before, in his room. The hair on the back of his neck rippled. A dark shape moved forward from the shadows.

"I knew you'd come", a breathless, female voice said.

Laverna smiled sweetly. Roy felt a lump in his throat. Looking at her took his breath away. Laverna stepped forward. Roy took a step back.

"What's wrong? You don't have anything to fear from me."

"Oh yeah? I bet you say that to all the men."

Laverna smiled coyly. It seemed she enjoyed the verbal dance. "I knew I had picked the right one from the moment I saw you."

"Right one? What are you talking about?"

From behind Roy, another voice spoke. It was the dark stranger.

"What are you waiting for? Let's be done with this."

Roy spun around. He found himself caught between the two vampires. He clung to the stake in his hand. The motion did not go unnoticed. The dark stranger motioned at the stake.

"I see you've been reading up. Do you really think you could drive that stake through sweet Laverna's heart?"

Nervously, Roy's gaze darted from the stranger to Laverna and back. Clearly the stranger felt in control. At the moment, Roy would have to agree.

"Maybe the stake's for you. Did you ever think about that?"

The stranger laughed. With a swift motion, the stranger grabbed Roy's hand. Twisting with great strength, the stranger forced Roy to his knees.

"You cannot fight this. Laverna has chosen you. You will be immortal."

Roy's teeth were clenched. He struggled to break the stranger's grasp, but it was too strong.

"I don't think so", he said through clenched teeth.

The stranger directed his comments at Laverna. "Come now. We're wasting time."

 Laverna stepped forward. She leaned over Roy, her fingers touching his hair. "I so wanted our time to be special. This is not what I had planned."

"Don't worry, love. There will be others", the stranger soothed.

Laverna gazed longingly at Roy. "Yes, but it won't be him."

Struggling for his freedom, and his life, Roy watched Laverna as she moved closer. Parting her lips, Roy could see the gleaming white fangs. His blood ran cold. The sound of his heart pounding filled his ears. When he felt her mouth against his neck, Roy closed his eyes.

Suddenly, the grip on Roy ended. Opening his eyes, Roy saw the dark stranger; a strange expression on his face. Laverna was standing upright, her hand to her mouth. Disoriented, Roy didn't know what to do. He tightened his grip on the wooden stake.

Like a chess piece, the dark stranger fell over, landing at Roy's feet. In his back was a wooden stake. Behind him stood Tom Bush, wide-eyed and shaking. The two men's eyes locked. Jumping to his feet, Roy stared at the stranger.

"Is he dead?" Roy asked.

Tom kneeled down, examining his handy work. Shoving with both hands, the sheriff rolled the stranger over.

"Look at that, I got him right through the heart."

"Oh my God. You saved my life. She..." Roy turned to Laverna, but she was gone. He frantically looked around the room. She was nowhere in sight.

"She's gone", Roy exclaimed.

"We've got to find her", Tom returned.

Roy looked at the body on the floor. "What do we do with this one?"

"Don't worry about it. Leave this one to me. You find the girl."

Without a word, Roy hurried out into the street. His eyes scanned the town, looking for any clue as to where she could have gone. He had to find her and kill her before she claimed another victim. Crossing to the other side of the street, a black carriage nearly ran him down. Luckily Roy jumped back in time. Stumbling to keep his feet, Roy looked up in time to see someone in the carriage - Laverna.

All Roy could do was watch as the carriage picked up speed and head out of town. He didn't know who she was with or where she was going, and there was little he could do about it. Looking back at the livery, Tom Bush appeared. Seconds after he stepped out of the livery, it exploded into flames behind him. Stunned, Roy watched the flames devour the old building and the body inside it.

"Did you find her?" Tom finally asked, watching the fire burn.

Roy could only shake his head. "No, she got away."

The two men stood silently for a long time. Before long, a crowd had gathered to watch the last of the smoldering heap. It was Tom who finally broke the silence.

"Well, at least she's someone else's problem now."

Watching him walk away, Roy found himself thinking about Laverna. How many more will she kill, he wondered. Tired, Roy wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and get a good night's sleep - vampire free. He took one last look at the livery’s remains.

"Yeah, someone else's problem."




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