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“Yes,” said the Super. “We think
they attended the Goths' festival, held twice a year here in town. They
may or may not have known each other seeing as they were local girls,
but it's possible they had the Goth thing in common.”
“What's all that about?”
Clare asked.
“Oh a bunch of crazy kids get all
dressed up in Gothic clothing like vampires and such and parade around the town
and have wild parties. The pubs do great business.”
“Why choose this town to
hold such an event?”
A little embarrassed,
Norris replied, “Well, it's all to do with that silly Dracula story. In
the book, old Drac was supposed to have landed here, caused mayhem
amongst the townsfolk and was chased back to Transylvania where he ended
up with his throat cut. It's all fiction of course, but you know kids
nowadays - any excuse for a party.”
“I see,” said Clare, “It's like
people celebrating the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes? His fans
often roam Baker Street in London looking for his abode.”
“That's the kind of thing,”
agreed the Super. “Old 'Holmesy' never really existed.”
“And Dracula does?”
asked Clare with a half smile.
“Well,” said Norris, “both
victims have suffered the same fate, that of bleeding to death from
wounds to the carotid artery!”
“Carotid?” asked Clare. “Not
the jugular vein?”
“That's what the coroner's
report says. What's the difference? They're both dead aren't they?”
“The difference is the
jugular vein lies close to the skin's surface on the neck. The carotid
artery lies further inside protected by neck muscles, but it carries
fresh oxygenated blood to the brain. On its return path the blood flows
though the jugular just under the skin.”
“What's your point,
Sergeant?”
“My point is Sir, that
blood from the jugular is more accessible. Don't vampires always go for
the jugular?”
“I don't know. If you say
so,” said Norris testily. “I'm not saying it was a blasted vampire but
people can become very superstitious very quickly.”
“Nonetheless,” said
Clare, “there have been two identical murders here, real murders not
fictional ones. O.K. they're in weird circumstances but no need to let
superstition start clouding judgements, is there?”
“No, I agree,” said
Norris somewhat embarrassed. “I don't believe that crap, but some people
do.”
“But we are police officers and
have a clear minded approach to things, don't we?”
“Of course, of course,”
he spluttered. “It's probably the local tourist board trying to drum up
business!”
“Now really,
Superintendent!” said Clare. “Two girls have lost their lives! Let's
not make light of it”
“Yes, you're right. I
apologise,” said Norris.
Clare continued, “Unless
we all start believing in vampires, I suggest the style of these murders
was in order to give the impression our non-existent vampire has
returned. Why, I wonder?”
“Simple,” said Norris.
“We have a serial killer on the loose and he's getting extra kicks
masquerading as a bloody vampire. |
