AllyahHabitica02-04-2021

Written By: Allyah

Finish the Story - My name is Miranda Harkness and for four hours a day, I work as an online computer tech helping inexperienced users navigate their systems. I get paid well enough to cover the basics, which is all anybody ever really needs. Mr real job comes when the sun goes down. Unfortunately, vampire hunting doesn’t pay well. At least not until now…

that someone had told a little birdy of their existence. The general population may still be blissfully unaware that they have more to worry about at night than run-of-the-mill crimes, but the elites of the city have been acting careful lately -- really careful. At least there’s an upside to the apparent inequality in knowledge. I’d made ten times my normal salary the last couple of months.

I propped my foot on the window sill and leaned back in my chair to admire the view. My gaze took in the various warm reds and browns of the familiar brick wall of the adjacent building. Who needs a new office? Nothin’ better than saving money for a rainy day. As if on cue, water started peppering the window. What the…that came out of nowhere.

I made my way to the window and craned my neck to look outside. The water stopped and I opened the window to the small balcony.

“Lovely day, Mrs. Kalinovich,” I said to the woman hunched over her potted plants, hose in one hand and a trowel in the other.

“What?”

“I said, ‘LOVELY DAY, Mrs. Kalinovich.”

“Ah, yes dear, I’m fine.”

Good talk. I pull my body back inside the window just as I hear a knock on the door. As I turn, it opens to reveal a short, balding man in his usual tweed suit and his unusual bunny slippers. I lift an eyebrow.

“Can’t even open the darn door for an old man, can ya’?” He notices where I’m looking. “Oh, scudbuckets! Well, nevermind that. I’ve got important news.”

“Good, I hope. News, that is.” I good English speak.

He winces at my words and I have a moment to wonder if it’s because of my English or because the news isn’t good.

“It depends on how ya’ look at it. You’ve got a job.”

Well, that didn’t clear anything up. “I’m aware I’ve got a job, MacCarrick. You’re currently standing in my office.”

“No, I mean ya’ve got a job proposition of the, uhm, nightly sort.”

I fake gasp. “Shh! The bunnies will hear you! We can’t expose them to such an indecent discussion!”

“What?” he asks.

“What?” I return.

“What?”

“Never-mind,” I say despite the temptation to keep going. The elderly never seem to understand me.

“Oh!” He’s looking down at his slippers now. “Hah! Yes. Very funny.” Or maybe they do. “Well, yes, to business. I received one call from the secretary of one Mr. O'Reilly requesting your presence at his abode at your earliest convenience. ‘Earliest’ was heavily stressed.”

“What is it concerning?”

“He didn’t say.”

“How much is he paying?”

“He didn’t say.”

“So why should I go?”

“He didn’t say.”

I stared at him.

“But it doesn’t look like you’re doing anything else and it’s free to have a talk.”

“You’re right. Might as well check it out. Thanks MacCarrick.”

“Just don’t forget the finder’s fee.”

“Do I ever?”

He looks up at me from beneath his brows.

“I don’t forget. I’m just a little late sometimes!” I try to convince him.

“‘A little late’ might mean someone my age never gets their due, lass!”

“Right. Sorry. I’ll do better.”

He nods and shuffles to the door leaning heavily on his cane. I’m suddenly ashamed of myself. Being too wrapped up in my own affairs was no excuse to delay my obligations. I really would have to do better. He’s made it to the door before I remember I still need something.

“Wait! I still need the address!”

I see the shadow of a smile touch his face and the glint in his eye immediately puts me on edge.

“Why, lass, you already know.”

“Do I?” I ask cautiously.

“Everyone in this city knows Mr. O'Reilly.” His face betrays nothing but, somehow, I know he knows.

“Right.” I feel faint as he closes the door behind him.

Why had I not connected the dots on the first mention of his name? Why would he hire me with the resources he has? And why is one of the most powerful and influential vampires in this part of the country looking for a vampire hunter?

There was no way I could meet O’Reilly at his house. It could be a trap although why he’d bother with a small fry like me is unclear. I’d give MacCarrick time to get back to his house and give him a call since the old nut didn’t “believe” in cell phones. It was definitely not safe to meet a vampire at night in his own house, let alone one with as much sway as O’Reilly had but I would probably survive a meeting with his secretary during the day at a coffee house.

Probably.

Category: Stories_from_02-2021

Category: Stories_from_2021