Chapter 19

Elsa’s large frame blocked the doorway of the living room. It was impossible to see past her.  To make matters worse, she didn’t seem inclined to move.

“You can’t hide it from me,” I growled. “Sooner or later you’ll have to step aside.”

Elsa heaved a sigh. I was right, of course. She couldn’t protect me from what occurred, nor should she.  I seemed prone to run with vampires.  Perhaps a reality check was what I needed to straighten me up.

I sucked in air to help steady my nerves before I stepped forward when Elsa finally moved aside and motioned for me to pass.  I needed to see, yet I feared seeing. Would her body lay there headless?  It was how Magdalena killed the other vampires.  I squeezed my eyes shut, as if by doing so it would better prepare me for what I was about to see.

Magdalena was still kneeling over Jess’s body when I entered the room.  She seemed