Misdirection

Collinsport. It has become apparent that there is something far more sinister to the recent fatal animal attacks, and Lieutenant Mills, serving now as the Acting Chief of Police for Collinsport, has just discovered some very disturbing files, which has led her to a new and unlikely suspect in the murders. Aware that the local media has assigned the name the “Vampire Killer” to the unknown assailant, Lieutenant Mills is also more than well aware that she needs to find this suspect before members of the Town Council appear in her office demanding she make an arrest in order assure that the city’s tourism is not adversely affected. And, so she has decided to return to canvass the area near the scene of the latest homicide in the hopes that someone at the Blue Whale will recognize her newest suspect. But she cannot help but feeling she is racing against the inevitability that he will strike again.

The gibbous moonlight casts whitecaps on the rolling waves, glistening for a moment before they disappear into the murky black waters of the eldritch bay. From his window within the The Blue Whale, which sits at the end of the ancient wharf were the waves wash beneath the deck, which is illuminated with strands of white lights that are normally used to decorate Christmas Trees, he thinks, but are now entwined about the wooden rafters, Dr. Artemis focuses past his reflection to watch the dark waters of Frenchman’s Bay.

For a moment he thinks of mermaids—young nymphs swimming beneath those cold black waves, their blonde hair waving about like seaweed, their white flesh as white as the wave caps, their tails aqua green, rhythmically waving back and forth to keep them afloat as they hover in the sea. He thinks of their blue eyes, their ice blue eyes and they are turning to look at him – their siren eyes calling to him – as he awaits those pale lips to open as if she is about to sing him a pretty song – a lovely mermaid’s song. Only the lips part to reveal razor sharp teeth, the teeth of a Piranha. Triangular teeth that are tailor-made for puncturing and tearing—for rendering a Dr. Artemis to bone.

He shivers.

On the small makeshift stage that is really just part of the wooden dance floor the band is playing some background music while the lead singer takes a break.

Soundtrack [www.youtube.com]

Behind him, he is unaware that Hallie Stokes sits in the closest thing to a corner booth she could find, looking somewhat disdainfully at her drink, trying to remember why she ever liked this place growing up.

The band snaps their fingers.

Dr. Artemis looks up at the band – the music is not what he would have expected.

“Oh waitress.” He motions to the young woman walking through the maze of tables.

“Yes sir?” She says moving towards him. “What can I get for you this evening?” She walks up to stand looking down at him with that mermaid siren smile.

“Would you like a drinks menu?”

“No, miss.” He shakes his head, “Just a spritzer.”

“A sprtizer?”

He nods, “And I’ll have the flounder, lightly breaded with a baked potato.”

“Yes sir. “ She smiles and jots down his order.

“No sour cream. No cheese. No butter.”

“Right.”

“Plain. Nothing. Just potato. Baked.”

“You got it. ‘

He looks up at her with a smile.

“Will there be anything else?”

Hallie Stokes looks up at the sound of a familiar voice and an even more familiar order.

“The flounder that comes with a vegetable medley, correct?” He asks.

“Er, yes, that or a side of mashed potatoes.” The waitress tells him.

“Mashed potatoes not French Fries?”

“Yes – or those.”

Off to the side of the dance floor the lead singer of the band Room 2, Alison Drew, sways to the music, snapping her fingers, and though not at the microphone or in front of the band, several people near-by seem unable to take their eyes off of her.

“Oh. Well certainly the vegetables are better for me.” He thinks aloud. “Yes, vegetables it is then.”

“Very good sir.” She says and smiles and then clears away the unused menus, “Anything else, sir?”

“No, that’s all. Thank you.”

The waitress turns to leave the doctor alone in his booth as Hallie Stokes furtively slides out of her own and steps over to the waitress.

“Yes ma’am? Is everything alright?” The waitress looks concerned.

“Oh yes, it’s just I think that patron is an old . . . friend of mine. Could I—I would very much like to carry out his order to him?”

The doctor turns to notice the tall reddish blonde woman with her hair pulled back and wearing a pair of designer glasses talking to his waitress.

“That gentlemen over there? Certainly ma’am.” The waitress nods knowingly, wondering if the woman is from Sweden as she has a Swedish-sounding accent. “No problem.“

Dr. Artemis reaches into his jacket pocket and takes out a small notepad and begins to jot down a few notes. He looks back through the window and out at the darken bay.

“Oh, Miss, will you be needing another drink?” The waitress asks Hallie.

“Yes, thank you, “Hallie Stokes smiles and hands the young woman a 100 euro tip.

The waitress looks at the tip, “I’m sorry ma’am. We only accept American Dollars here.” She hands it back.

“Oh . . . my apologies” And she hands her a fifty-dollar bill.

The waitress’ eyes grow large and she beams, “Oh, my, thank you ma’am. Very generous of you.”

Dr. Artemis puts his notebook away and arises from his booth. He slips a hand into his trouser pocket and casually makes his way through The Blue Whale and over to the dance floor, which he crosses as he heads over to the band.

Hallie Stokes, watching Artemis, for a moment is shocked, thinking that he is about to start dancing by himself. She moves slowly over to the service end of the bar, where the bartender is pouring a draft beer and she stands so as to be near the kitchen to wait.

Rather than dancing, Artemis seems to be trying to talk to a member of the band.

The lead singer of Room 2 prepares now to step back up to the microphone. She sways her shoulders seductively as she dances her way back to the band and smiles at the Tim behind the drums.

She watches now as the gentleman in the dark suit converses with Hans, the lead guitar player. The doctor is asking the band to play an assortment of 80s hits; and he quietly gives the guitar player a twenty.

The waitress stops at the service end of the bar, gives a drink order to the bartender and whispers something to him as he leans forward to listen, and suddenly he begins laughing—“Oh, you are so right!” He says and starts mixing a drink. The waitress nods, gives him a wink, and then a quick glance up to the lead singer stepping back up to the front of the band and then turns away to head back to the kitchen, “Hey Pete! Check ou—“ and she says as she disappears into the kitchen.

The door, with a porthole, now closing behind her and cutting her off in mid-sentence.

Alison Drew now leisurely moves forward, looking back at Tim the drummer as she takes her place before the band. As she adjusts the mike, she can help but take notice of a young woman, sitting at the bar rail that runs along the side of the dance door, who seems to be watching her as she works with the microphone and stand. Alison smiles at her – and the young woman’s smile curls up in excitement that she has been noticed.

Dr. Artemis strides off the dance floor and walks back to over to his booth.

Soundtrack: [www.youtube.com]

The band begins now a new song.

Alison glances back at Hans.

He smiles.

She winks.

She steps up to the microphone.

Her head bowed she seems to let the electric bass wash over her as the spotlight illuminates her.

She looks up.

Her soft haunting voice suddenly causes everyone’s head to turn and look at her.

Vivica Showalter in response to the smile Alison has given her, slips off her bar stool and now begins to very slowly sway to the music.

Dr. Artemis turns around and looks at the band, “I remember this song . . . “ he says aloud.

Vivica now finds herself captivated not only by the song but the woman’s voice. She begins to dance all alone on the dance floor, her face tilted as she looks at the singer in utter fascination her mouth agape with almost child like amazement.

“So haunting . . . So beautiful . . . “ The doctor says unable to take his eyes off the singer.

Alison watches the young woman dancing as she looks into the young woman’s eyes and the girl can not stop looking at her.

It is as if she is singing just for her.

Everyone stops and looks at the singer.

Vivica smiles as she begins to slowly swivel her hips holding Alison’s gaze. She rolls her head and shoulders and clutches herself as if being embraced.

In the glow of the spotlight, her hands wrapped about the microphone, Alison smiles – and as she does so, for the young woman on the dance floor it seems like the bright lights on the dance floor and stage have all gone suddenly dim and the only light is the spot that shines down upon Alison.

The waitress steps back out through the kitchen door, “Here you are ma’am. Did you want me to bring it to the gentleman’s table for you? Or have you got it?”

Dr. Artemis suddenly blinks and notices that everyone suddenly seems to have returned to whatever they were doing when they first heard the singer’s voice. He cannot help but think of a siren’s voice. And he observes now that the singer for Room 2 seems to be looking intently at someone on the dance floor.

“I’ve got it, “Hallie Stokes smiles to the waitress and takes the tray, heading for Artemis’s booth.

The young woman can’t help herself, looking at the singer, as she feels herself falling . . . falling in love— with her.

The waitress watches as the woman carries the tray – wanting to make certain she is going to be able to make it through the maze of tables – and once she is satisfied she will, she turns and heads back into the kitchen.

For Vivica Showalter there seems to be only herself and the woman at the microphone – and this song, this song is meant only for her.

The singer’s haunting voice repeating ‘falling’.

Dr. Artemis rises up a little to see who the singer is looking at.

On the dance floor, Vivica rolls her head back her curls falling loosely around only to fall in perfect place like a Hollywood starlet.

While at the microphone Alison Drew leans forward in silence and looks back at the band.

Hallie Stokes walks up to Artemis’ booth and stands now with his flounder and can not help the slight smirk in response to his rapt attention on the singer upon the stage.

She clears her throat.

He moves his glass of water aside as if to allow her to place his order down as he keeps looking at the stage.

“Boys, will you play.” Alison says to the band and Hans nods – even as Tim thinks here we go again.

The are all so aware of just how talented Alison is, how she mesmerizes and audience when she is at the microphone – but they are also so very much aware of how unpredictable she can be – at times walking way and leaving them to play. As she is about to do now.

Alison leaves the microphone and slowly saunters over to the young woman, “Hello. I am Alison and you . . . you are lovely.”

Hallie Stokes says now with a soft Nordic accent, “Dry fish, a dry potatoe, and dry vegetables, is that right?”

Dr. Artemis notices now the reddish blonde woman beside him with the tray.

Her eyes holding the young girl’s, Alison holds out her hand and suddenly sweeps her up into a dance that follows the slow haunting music.

“Uh. . . “ The doctor says aware that the woman is not his waitress.

Alison Drew whispers into the young girl’s ear, “You are a vision my dear?” Well aware of the her allure.

Artemis cocks my head, looking at her the woman – there is something familiar about her, as she stands with the tray beside his booth.

“Me?” Vivica says breathlessly, the woman’s eyes having captured her own.

“It’s been how many years, and your diet hasn’t varied in the slightest Arty” Hallie smiles.

Alison reaches out and lifts her chin, and smiles, taking her by the hand and leading now her off to the side of the dance floor.

The band aware that Alison is preoccupied and having seen it all before, begins now to play the gentleman’s request: 80’s dance music.

Soundtrack: [www.youtube.com]

The drum begins a heartbeat.

Hans steps up to the microphone to take the lead singer’s role.

“So . . . have you sung your whole life, or did it just happen one day for you?” Vivica asks not at all certain what to say being as she is like so totally infatuated with this gorgeous woman beside her.

“Hallie! I-I can’t believe it!” Artemis smiles and suddenly rises from the booth and hugs her awkwardly as she carefully places the serving tray down upon the table.

Alison slowly runs a seductive finger along the woman’s cheek, “No—actually I just started singing very recently.”

“My God, Hallie! It’s been . . . decades.” The doctor says beaming.

“Just started?” Vivica says amazed, “OMG! You have to be like so totally kidding me, right? I mean you have to have been singing for so much longer than that—you’re like so . . . so good.”

“That it has, and you don’t seem to have changed a bit.” Hallie tells him as she starts removing his order from the tray, and then puts the serving tray atop an empty table just opposite his booth.

Alison reaches up and with her fingertips she begins to ever so slightly brush back the stray strands of hair that lay across the young woman’s forehead, “Do you come here . . . alone . . . often? I mean—you are alone aren’t you?”

“I . . . Sure.” The doctor says not certain what he is saying as he looks at Hallie, who laughs and gives him a warm smile. “Can I have a seat?”

“Oh Yes! You know, I met David here some weeks ago. David Collins.” Artemis blurts out. “You remember David?”

“Often? No. Alone? Yes, but then again aren’t we all always alone?”

Alison smiles knowingly.

“I mean.” Vivica says suddenly not wanting to sound like she’s way too morose or anything “You see, well, we take turns you know so one or sometimes two of us can slip out for the night.”

“Slip out?”

“From School.” Oh, god Vivica . . . what are you thinking – saying—you’re going to freak her out.

Alison for a moment looks at her aware now of just how young she is – but finds herself unable to control the desire.

“Everyone comes to the Blue Whale, I guess.” Artemis tells Hallie, looking at her—and not at his lightly breaded flounder.

“And I think . . . for just starting out . . . you sing heavenly.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Alison tells her.

Hallie sighs aware of how little Collinsport seems to have changed. “Well, a town like this, it’s no wonder.”

On the stage the sax player breaks into a solo.

The waitress now arrives with Hallie’s drink and her order and places them down before her, unable to resist giving her a slight wink and a smile as she then looks back at the gentleman in the dark suit, “You two doing okay? Can I get you anything?” She asks.

Hallie smiles warmly at the waitress and tells her that everything looks just fine.

“Oh. I see you already ordered, Hallie.” The doctor says as he moves his plate closer and lifts his fork.

The waitress places a hand on the doctor’s shoulder and laughs, “Well, the food here is excellent, but we don’t give Pete that much credit of swiftness. “ She then reaches over and picks up the empty serving tray Hallie left on the table near their booth, “Will that be all sir?”

“But you are so sweet, to think so.” Alison says even as she is aware of what she is about to do, “What is your name?”

“Yes. Yes, Thank you.” The doctor tells her.

The girl blushes and looks away for a moment, “Umm . . . Vivica. Vivica Showalter”

Dr. Artemis now notices the key hanging from Hallie’s neck and his eyes lock on it for a moment.

Alison smiles and the light seems for a moment to reveal the strange sharpness to her teeth, “What a lovely name—so unique, just like you.”

“Now Arty, what did your mother tell you about staring so low?”

“Huh?” The doctor says, and then suddenly realizes what she means, “Oh.”

Hallie grins and kicks him lightly under the table.

“Ouch. Hallie.” He says, “But no. No! That key . . . “

Vivica for a brief moment looks at Alison’s teeth thinking she saw something – something that for a moment gave her pause, but, then just as quickly whatever it was is gone the moment she hears the woman’s voice and the compliment, “Oh I’m not that unique. Just a girl sent to Collinwood Sisters School for Girls . . .. “

The doctor rubs at his knee.

Hallie’s fingers reach up and touch the key, “What about it?”

“It just reminds me of a key my daughter would always wear.” He tells her.

“A school for girls,” she whispers into her ear, “Oh, now that sounds like fun.”

“Her mother gave it to her.” The doctor explains.

“Oh? You have a daughter . . . without adopting?” She can’t help looking incredulously at him – she had had such a crush on him and yet he was so oblivious to her – to any girl actually, always studying.

She had told him one day he would end up with at least four degrees.

Dr. Artemis looks at her puzzled, “Yes.”

“Oh my Arty, I guess you have grown up then.”

Hans changes out his guitar and says something to the bass player, who nods and adjusts his mike as he agrees to sing the next song.

“Her name is Jamie. She’s in Canada right now.”

Vivica Showalter, blushing looks away ” What can a girl say. You know, it is very nice to be sung to,” and she smiles now seductively back at Alison Drew.

“And you? A husband?” The doctor says slicing his fork through his breaded flounder, “Children?”

Alison suddenly looks at Vivica was if she has made a decision and takes her by the hand, “Lets take a stroll out into the moonlight.”

Vivica Showalter smiles, “Alright but I have to be back at the school at least by three as I promised the girls I wouldn’t keep them up too late . . . like I said, we have this group, you see, and each of us sneaks out, now and then . . . and we’ve worked out this system as to who goes when . . . and tonight is my night . . . oh, god, I’m talking too much—aren’t I?”

“You don’t have to worry about any of that my dear.” Alison tells her and, holding her hand, she leads Vivica toward the front door.

The band looks at one another as Tim the drummer clicks his sticks.

Alison and Vivica Showalter slip past a couple just entering the Blue Whale as they exit.

Hans takes a drink of Southern Comfort.

“I have a Sven.” Hallie chuckles sardonically.

The door of the nightspot opens again and the doctor now takes note of Lieutenant Mills: it is the first time he’s ever seen her dressed in street clothes – off duty he thinks.

“I see.” He replies to Hallie.

Soundtrack: [www.youtube.com]

Lieutenant Mills stands by the hostess and looks out across the restaurant, glances at the band as it begins a new song, and then back to the tables and booths as if looking for someone.

The sound of the surf fills the night air.

Out long the wooden planks of the old wharf, Alison leads Vivica off to the right, along the ancient docks away from the Whale. Hand in hand, she can feel the girl’s pulse quicken.

Hallie Stokes takes note of the look on Artemis face and hopes that it is in reaction to her saying she had a Sven, “Better than a Smartphone, unless he is busy with his boyfriend.” She then adds.

The doctor smiles now as the Lieutenant approaches, “Lieutenant Mills, how nice to see you again.”

Alison glances back at the Whale, noticing now that there are very few people out in the parking lot, or along the wharf walkway.

Dr. Artemis suddenly looks back at Hallie not certain he heard her correctly, “Smartphone? I don’t understand.”

“So—“ Vivica continues, “My mother and father sent me there so that way I wouldn’t be polluted by societies perversions! Can you believe that? It’s really quite ridiculous though. Right?”

Alison looks out at the rolling whitecaps of the waves washing in to splash against the wooden pylons below. “There is a nice spot just up ahead, a bench that looks out on the bay.” She says with a smile, or does she, Vivica cannot be certain, not in this light – nor can she see that Alison’s eyes have gone a shade darker.

“Lieutenant Mills, this is Hallie Stokes,” The Doctor introduces Hallie to the Lieutenant, “She’s an old friend.”

Alison Drew leads Vivica to the old wooden bench and pulls her down to sit beside her, “I am sorry to say . . . but your parents were right. There are a great many perversions in this world.” Her voice now almost a soft whisper lost against the wash of the surf below.

“Miss.” The Lieutenant says with a nod and offers a hand to Hallie.

“A pleasure,” She replies, shaking her hand.

“Perversions? Whatever do you mean?” Vivica asks.

“I used to do things for money, my dear. Which at the time, I thought were really very horrid. But, I have since learned that there are far more horrible things that walk the night.” Alison says softly, almost regretfully.

“I’m sorry? Horrible things?” Vivica looks at her, “I could never image you doing horrible things.”

Alison looks at her sadly.

“Hallie, this is Collinsport’s finest, Lieutenant Mills.” Artemis says, “Oh, I am sorry, Lieutenant, would you care to join us? And Lieutenant, if you are not aware, they have the most wonderful flounder platter here. I highly recommend it. Lightly breaded.”

“Actually, I’m here on business. It’s really quite fortuitous that I’ve found you.”

He looks up at her and then looks down at the platter before him, “Oh?

With a sardonic smile Hallie looks at the lieutenant and murmurs softly, with a sidelong glance at Artemis, “I’ve seen finer.”

“Sweet, sweet Vivica Showalter.” Her hand reaches out to caress her cheek. “I am so sorry.”

Dr. Artemis looks across the table at Hallie shocked and surprised by her insult to Lieutenant Mills, “Hallie. . . “

And she gives him a look that tells him she meant it and that she is not going to take it back – concerned that he still is oblivious, that he still does not understand that she wanted to have some time with him alone. If only he would figure that out.

As for the Lieutenant, well aware that she is interrupting the woman with the Nordic accent’s evening, ignores the comment, “Doctor, I’ve been looking for David Silva.”

“Silva? Well, as I said in my statement, Lieutenant, the man’s a crackpot.”

“Sorry? What do you mean Alison?” Vivica is not at all certain she likes the look in her eyes.

Lieutenant Mills expression becomes rather serious “We had to relieve him of duty after some, unpleasant disagreements. But now—the man is missing. And I have discovered some rather unsettling files he kept . . . this song . . . it always caught me as a bit creepy.” The Lieutenant says shaking her head, “Anyway, have you seen him?”

Alison Drew opens her mouth.

Her fangs glint in the moonlight as she suddenly brings them down hard into Vivica’s soft throat!

The hapless young woman does not have time to scream as she feels the teeth puncture into her flesh and she feels herself becoming light headed.

“Well no, I have not seen him since the other night.”

“The other night?”

“Yes. You know. That business at the wharf.”

“What that drug bust? Right. But what was he doing there?”

“Well, mostly he was making crazy accusations.”

Alison’s eyes roll back as she sucks the blood gushing into her mouth.

“About what?”

“Well I would rather not say.”

“Vampires?”

The doctor looks at her.

Alison Drew satiated lifts the limp weight of Vivica Showalter. Stepping over to the edge of the wharf she lifts her up all too easily.

She is still amazed at how strong she has become.

She tosses the body out into the bay.

There is a splash in the darkness.

She stands and feels the savoring rush of the young woman’s blood.

“He is obsessed with them, wouldn’t you say Doctor?”

Headlights suddenly illuminate Alison Drew as she stands alone looking out into the bay.

She flips her hair back and turns to walk back toward the Blue Whale.

The doctor turns and looks out the window and sees the headlights illuminating the singer of the band – alone on the wharf.

Lieutenant Mills pulls out her notepad, “Professionally speaking.”

Artemis seeing the singer looks for the girl she was with – but sees that the woman is alone.

Hallie Stokes eyes Mills, “Aren’t you off duty? I mean, can’t you take this evidence later, I mean Artemis has not even gotten to eat his dinner.”

Lieutenant Mills pulls out her badge, “Who said I was off duty ma’am?”

Artemis sits looking out the window oblivious to the both of them.

“Doctor?” The Lieutenant asks.

“Lieutenant . . . “ He says slowly. “ I. . .”

“Yes?”

“Lieutenant, I think something odd just happened out there.”

Alison Drew enters the kitchen and walks through it with a nod to Pete whose always watching her ass as she walks over to the kitchen door and back into the dining room of the Blue Whale.

Dr. Artemis sudden jumps up from the seat of his booth.

Lieutenant Mills looks out the darken window but owing to the interior lights of the Blue Whale one can’t see very much beyond them.

Dr. Artemis quickly rushes toward the front door.

“DOCTOR!” The Lieutenant says, “I have not finished speaking with you!” Her irritation clearly taunt in her voice as she can not contain her frustration at the man’s apparent disregard for Law Enforcement and his refusal at times to be questioned.

Hallie Stokes slides out of the booth and hurries after him, “What is it Arty?”

Alison has a seat and smiles the band—“This is a really great set boys.”

The bass player looks at her, “You ready yet?”

“In a second.” She says and seems now to be more than slightly high.

“Stop!” The Lieutenant runs after them.

Several patrons, watching the sudden commotion, turn to look at the man in the dark suit as he runs for the door and is followed by two women.

The waitress turns now, uncertain if the gentleman and the lady have not attempted to leave without paying – but sees the Lieutenant following them.

“I’ll be right back, Hallie! Stay here!” The doctor tells her as she steps outside the Blue Whale into the sea scented night air.

He quickly strides down the wharf in front of the Blue Whale and takes the right to follow the old wharf walkway. Hallie following him not at all certain what has gotten him so upset.

“Doctor Artemis, stop! Stop right there. Police!” She holds out her badge and gives chase – not at all uncertain he is not in some way protecting Silva.

The doctor heads down the wooden planking, listening to the surf washing below, as he pulls a small pocket flashlight out of his inner jacket pocket and shines it along the wharf as he proceeds down to the old bench.

He stands looking around at the wharf, the bench, shining his light all around, then steps over to the wooden railing and looks out into the water.

Lieutenant Mills hurries up beside him and grabs him by the shoulder, “Doctor Artemis! Are you deaf, or do you just have no respect for members of Law Enforcement?”

Hallie Stokes steps up beside Artemis in an attempt to black the Lieutenant from him, “Artemis, what is it?”

“Lieutenant!” The doctor says his voice filled with concern.

“What is the matter with you? I can certain tell you one thing sir, when you are being interviewed by the police, it is NOT considered the best of things to run off like some kind of a madman!” The Lieutenant tells him, the wind whipping at her hair.

“I spotted that woman,” He now tries to explain, “That singer – the one with the band. She went outside with another girl . . . “

“Whatever your thoughts on that matter, it happens, Doctor. That is not illegal.”

“But then, when the light hit her. . . the headlights of a car, Well. . . “ He says, staring out into the dark waters of the bay.

“Well? What?” The Lieutenant asks.

He points back at the Blue Whale, “And now she comes back alone.”

“And?”

“And it makes me want to look closer.” He tells her as he turns to keep searching the wooden planks of the ancient wharf.

Hallie Stokes looks at Artemis, “The way you were staring at her on the stage earlier, I would have thought that would have made you happy.”

‘What is it you think you are looking for?” Lieutenant Mills asks, her hair trying to stop the wind for blowing her hair into her face, obscuring her vision.

“I will tell you when I find it – “

“NOW! Doctor.” Mills’ irritation having grown as she has a missing suspect and here she is out on the wharf because of . . . what? Some lesbian lover’s breakup.

The Bass player looks at Alison, “It’s a good crowd tonight – really would be better if you were in the mood to perform, you know.”

“Yes, I know.” She tells him, “Sorry.”

“Just a moment, Lieutenant.” He says running the beam of his flashlight over the bench seat.

“Artemis, what has gotten into you?” Hallie asks growing concerned now.

“Look Doctor Artemis. I am at all interested in Silva because I think he is a missing person, but because I believe he may be the murderer we have been looking for – now are you going to help me? or not? Chasing after skirts, while perhaps your idea of a priority, is not mine. Now please answer the question.

“I will help you gladly, but first things first.” He tells her.

Hallie draws her suit jacket around her a bit from the breeze looking at him as he continues to search for – she is not certain what.

“I tell you that girl went out on this wharf and she did not come back. Now do you see her?”

“Arty, she probably just went home.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about. But if she did not, then she probably left, like most people do.”

“She would have had to come back this way, past us.” He turns to the Lieutenant, “The ONLY other way off this wharf is in the water!”

“Doctor Artemis. Tell me, how does this concern you in the slightest? So what – two women come out – they have a fight. . . and from what you say, perhaps a lover’s fight. I’m looking for a murderer, doctor. I don’t have time for your particular fetishes.”

“Are you a police officer or not?” He demands, “I tell you I suspect foul play.”

Alison begins to sway to the music feeling the hot blood rush.

“I think that warrants an investigation.”

Hallie Stokes grimaces displeased at all his attention being spent on some strange woman, she turns away, “I’m going back inside,” and she walks off. Nothing seems to have changed with him she sighs.

“Hallie, I’m sorry.” He calls out to her.

“What? There is no crime here? Did you see one?”

“I tell you she came out here and did not return.”

“What, you were watching every moment?” The Lieutenant asks, “Didn’t turn away for a moment, didn’t introduce me to your girlfriend, didn’t take a bite of your flounder? Looks, we can all go looking for a woman that went for a swim later, but I’ve had just about enough of your Massachusetts bulls**t and I certainly don’t like how you seem to think that you can just come up north and run things.”

“Swimming at this time of night? And in a polluted harbor?” He asks incredulous.

“Are you in this with Silva?”

“What?”

“Are you in this with Silva. He wears a Miskatonic University lab coat.”

“No-Lieutenant I am NOT iyou are jumpsing to conclusions.”

“Just like you are doctor. Just like you are.”

The waitress is relieved to see the reddish blonde return. Hallie Stokes strides back over to the booth and settles at a table as she takes a drink.

Soundtrack: [www.youtube.com]

Hallie watches as the singer steps forward and the band begins playing another song.

She is amazingly attractive, Hallie has to admit, there is something about her that is mesmerizing, but then again, she is a performer.

The singer steps up to the microphone and begins to sing.

Lieutenant Mills turns and walks back down the wharf toward the Blue Whale,

Far off beyond the lights, near a buoy, a dark shape sinks below the wave caps.

Artemis stands looking at the bench, then at the railing once again but begins to get nervous now that the Lieutenant has left him there all alone.

Reluctantly, the doctor gives up his search and follows in the Lieutenant’s wake.

He re-enters the Whale, following only moments behind the Lieutenant, and he looks over at the girl singing—and then, suddenly spots Hallie sitting at his booth. He walks over to her, “I’m sorry about that, Hallie. I thought I saw something.”

Hallie Stokes shrugs, “When they finish this set, maybe you can meet her.” She says disappointed.

“What? The singer?”

“Yes.”

Dr. Artemis turns and looks over at her again. “No, no Hallie – it is just I thought . . .”

“Maybe you and David can get back together again to play the Hardy Boys.” She says – feeling that nothing has changed.

Alison’s voice seems haunted as she sings.

He looks at her bathed in the hot spotlight and whispers to himself, “Death Swimmer. . . “

“Although I must say you certainly seem to have an eye for women lately.”

Dr. Artemis looks at Hallie, “Lately? I haven’t seen you in forty years, Hallie. How would you know about my interests?”

“By lately I meant tonight.”

He looks at the key again, “Where did you get that, if I may ask?”

“This?” She holds it up; “I found it in the attic of my flat.”

“Attic? How odd. Do you know who lived there before?”

Lieutenant Mills, not about to let the doctor know, has radioed in a patrol boat to investigate the ‘swimmer.’ It may be nothing – but she can’t ignore the possibly – and with this ‘vampire killer’ running free, she needs to make certain. It will take some time to get there.

In the meantime, she has called for some backup and goes though the kitchen door to question the staff.

“Some old woman.” Hallie shrugs.

Hallie, I want to apologize about my behavior before. I’ve been under a lot of stress . . . Maybe we can get together with David one of these days. Would you like that?” He asks.

“I suppose,” She sighs, “And if I may ask?”

‘Yes?”

“What kind of stress does a librarian have to bear?”

“You’d be surprised.”

Hallie Stokes chuckles, “Did they put all the bibles in the fiction section again?”

Artemis smiles, “That’s an old joke, Hallie.” He looks at her, “However, I’m afraid I must go now. It was nice seeing you again, Hallie.”

He then takes another look over at the band, “I do love this music.”

“Nice seeing you as well Arty,” She smirks, “And yes, they certainly do have nice. . . assets.”

“Goodnight, Hallie. I hope I see you soon.”

“Good night Arty.” And before she lets him walk away she slides out of the booth and walks over and hugs him.

He hugs her back, and Hallie smiles as she feels his hug a bit tighter than just that of a friend.

The bass player notices a police officer walking out of the kitchen – and wonders of Hans has been out scoring coke again.

“I will see you soon – I promise.” And he heads to the door, still certain that there is more to be discovered about this singer, as he looks at her on the way out.

Artemis stops at the door as two officers enter. He looks back at the Lieutenant as she is pointing in one direction and then another to the officers. He feels much better now – she is at least investigating – and she is heading over to the stage.

He waves over to Hallie.

Alison watches him and there is a hint of a smile.

He takes one last look one at the singer, and then it hits him – what triggered his reaction . . . that terrible look of smug satisfaction.

Alison notices the officer motioning to her.

Artemis steps out of the Blue Whale.

The band looks at each other and begins to play as Alison steps away and over toward the policewoman.

Soundtrack: [www.youtube.com]

Alison steps over to Lieutenant Mills, her walk seemingly in time to the music,”Yes?”

“Sorry to interrupt your gig Ma’am, but I’ve just a few questions. This shouldn’t take long, “She shows Alison her badge.

“Oh, my—what is it officer? Something wrong?” Alison says looking at the badge.

“Firstly, have you seen a man wearing glasses, lab coat, and messed up hair? Goes by the name Silva?”

“Why – yes, actually.” Alison says stepping down the side steps leading down from the dance floor and stage. “Why?”

“It’s part of our investigation into these murders.” Lieutenant Mills tells her, “Where and when did you last see him?”

“MURDERS! Oh . . ”

Lieutenant Mills quarks an eyebrow, “Yes. . . murders. You seem a bit shaken up by that fact.”

“Oh, well murder – I mean, that’s so . . . ” She shivers, “Scary you know – because if you’re looking for this guy . . . I mean, he was just outside.”

“Outside?” The Lieutenant suddenly having a bad feeling, “When?”

“Just – I guess what fifteen minutes ago. Well, you see . . . I met this really nice girl . . .” She gives the officer a look, “Well one thing lead to another—you know—but I found out she was only seventeen.”

Alison Drew sees the look Lieutenant Mills gives her and she holds up her hands: “I swear when I found out I said, hey you need to go home,”

“That isn’t what I asked you Miss . . .”

“Yes, well, as I was saying . . . and so I was going to get her a cab, but then this guy walks up on the wharf and says he is with the police.”

Lieutenant Mills sighs and nods slightly to herself. Yeah, SIlva would pull that. “Your name Miss?”

“Drew. Alison Drew.” She says taking a seat on a barstool.

“So tell me miss Drew, what did he say to you?”

Hallie Stokes sips her drink, grimacing at how thin it is compared to what she drank in Oslo.

“He said, ladies it is late to be out. And I said, I work here. And then, he looks at Vivica – and I told him she should be going home as she was only seventeen and it was getting late and he said well he was with the police and would see that she got home safe.”

Lieutenant Mills takes out her pen and note pad and begins to write everything Alison is telling her.

“I mean he had a badge, he showed it to me and all.”

“So he had a badge.” The lieutenant frowns and writes something down, “Curious . . . did you get a number?”

“No.” Alison says, “I mean – I thought he was with the police. He flipped open his wallet and had something that looked official. I did ask him his name and he said Officer Silva. Is this guy dangerous?”

“Possibly. If I where you, I’d say to have a friend with you when you go home tonight.”

“Oh, okay—sure, I will have one of the band. I mean, you – oh” She looks up suddenly, “You think he—might . . . he might come looking for me, or something?”

“Probably not. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t worry too much about it.” Mills tells her, “Now, could you tell me about the girl he took off with?”

“Well her name was Vivica I am sorry I did not get her last name. She said she was at the Collinwood Sisters School for Girls and that was when I found out she was seventeen.”

Lieutenant Mills writes things on her pad, “Ok. Could you describe her?”

“She was very attractive, a light brunette, sweet, a very sweet girl. ” She says, “She was wearing a light blouse and plaid skirt.”

“Brunette. Anything else? Eye color? Facial structure?”

“Blue eyes—very blue eyes.” Alison says, “She had an oval face. She was my height.”

“Ok. Thank you. If we need to know any more, we’ll contact you Miss Drew.” Lieutenant Mills said and motions toward one of the officers, “Please, do be careful.”

She closes the notepad and puts it away.

“I will—I promise you.”

Lieutenant Mills nods, ”Goodnight Miss Drew.”

“Good night officer. I do hope everything is alright.”

As she walks away, Mills says under her breath, “So do I”

“Officer Anderson, let’s head over to the Collinsport School for Girls.” She tells the approaching Officer Steve Anderson.

Alison Drew: watches as the Collinsport Police and Lieutenant Mills exit the Blue Whale.

She starts to dance beside the bar watching them leave.

She steps over to make certain they have gone.

She then walks back through the kitchen and out the back door.

“Hey! This is the kitchen not a back stage door.” Pete says yells at her.

She glides over to her car and opens the trunk.

She looks down to make certain the man in the Miskatonic lab coat is still unconscious.

The crazy fool tried to confront her.

She slams the trunk and smiles.

Cue Music End of Episode