Feb 2008

Chapter 157An Answer that Beckons

The city was like the fields below me, but both more and less alive. Instead of the soft sounds of creatures in the night, perhaps some digging, skittering or flying, there were people, police and ...

Police...

It was a bold thought but perhaps I could simply walk into a police station and ask for my mother. Regardless of the time, if someone nice was sitting there, they'd at least give me some information on where she was kept. If she was still kept.

A very bold thought. But often it was the simple things that worked. I knew I should also keep a lookout for Khuna and Valerie. But I had no idea where they were going, so I might as well keep myself busy for the moment until I had a better idea.

I sincerely hoped they wouldn't do anything stupid.

It took me a while to find the main Police Station in the center of town. It wasn't easy finding a way down either. The streets here were all very well lit and covered with store-fronts. Each with their own camera. Something I really didn't need.

Finally, an alley presented itself for my descent. Luckily this alley was devoid of any annoying factors such as people, camera's or windows. My landing was safe, silent and secure and when I exited the alley I barely got any looks at all. I walked two more streets to the actual station and looked inside before I headed in.

The woman behind the desk looked upon me not unkindly. If I asked politely and calmly she might tell me. I still wasn't sure, but I looked normal tonight. The blood of the girl from the disco still coursed warmly through my veins. And my clothes were cute, but normal. Well, not exactly 'common', but I probably looked like an easy-going schoolgirl.

The time might be a problem though.

It was already almost 1 am, something she would certainly frown upon, but I had an idea. I'd been traveling and just arrived by train. Stayed with an aunt or something. That sounded good...

With a deep breath I headed in.

It was really quiet here, making me wonder if the police actually worked at night. Well, they did, at least the woman did.

I walked to the counter silently. "I'm sorry, but can I ask something?"

The woman looked up slowly, a little surprised. "Yes, what can I do for you?"

"Eh, it's a little complicated, but my mother was arrested, I think, a month back and I'm not sure where she is right now."

The woman shrugged, wasn't she going to ask me about where I've been, or why I didn't know?

"Name?"

"Myriam Taylor, with a Y." This felt too easy.

"She wasn't detained, just taken for questioning. She's been released a day later or so." She looked up with a bit of surprise. "Didn't you know that?"

I shook my head. "I was with family and only just got back, she hasn't called..." I let my voice trail on purpose, as if it was important to me. "I'll just check if she's at home. Thank you."

The woman looked up. "And you are?"

"Amy Taylor, her daughter."

She woman smiled kindly. "Ah, I see. Good luck." And went back to work.

Gently I left and walked around to the alley again. I didn't expect her to be free again. But what was she questioned about? The woman had looked quite preoccupied with her work, and she might not have given me this much information if she was more alert. She didn't even ask about the time!

Hidden from the common view I ascended into the air, my thoughts roaming with all kinds of things. But foremost an interesting notion came to me. I should check my old home. Not that I expected my parents to be there, but maybe I could find something there.

At least I had a direction...

But as I hovered over the city once more, lower this time, I heard a noise that attracted my attention.

A female voice, asking for someone to stay away. It surprised me that this was the first time I ever heard anything like it. It surprised me that I hadn't heard it before. But I decided to see what was going on, and if I could do something. Anything.

But as I got closer I started to recognize the guy assaulting her. He was playing with her as if she was a prey, his prize, his food. I recognized him as part of Kryss' group. One of the four I pushed out of my way when I escaped. I came to a horrible realization.

He was about to feed.

About to kill.