IDrakula - Bekka Black [3]
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Text message from Jonathan Harker to Lucy Westenra
Text message from Mina Murray to Lucy Westenra
From: Jonathan Harker
To: Mina Murray
Subject: Phone dead
Sent: June 14 11:13 AM
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Mina,
Could barely drag myself out of bed this morning. Big flask of Romanian wine = big hangover. Coincidence?
I am going to go look for the Count and see if he has any aspirin. Hope I can keep it down. My head is throbbing, I’m queasy, and the bright sunlight hurts my eyes. All self-inflicted, I know. Doesn’t make me feel any better.
Cell battery is dead and my adapter is broken. Only a matter of time before the laptop goes, too, I guess. Glad I’m leaving soon. Will call from the Bucharest airport with my flight details. Meet me by the baggage claim?
J
From: Jonathan Harker
To: Mina Murray
Subject: Locked in
Sent: June 14 3:32 PM
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Mina,
I ransacked the house, except a few locked rooms. It’s eerie. It feels like no one really lives here. I know the place should be empty because he’s packed everything, but there are drifts of dust and tattered cobwebs everywhere. It’s like no one has set foot in this house in years. The only clean rooms are mine and the dining hall.
These giant wooden shutters are closed everywhere, too. Guess that keeps out the bats that have banged against my window all night. I am exhausted, and yes, it’s more than the hangover.
I can’t find the Count. He must have accidentally locked me in this pile of rock. Crap.
Can’t even find his servants or his daughter.
I don’t like this place. I want out.
It’s cold, and it smells bad, like something died in the walls. Except the walls are solid stone.
Miss u. Why aren’t you emailing me back?
J
From: Mina Murray
To: Jonathan Harker
Subject: You ok?
Sent: June 14 5:05 PM
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Jonathan,
I am worried about you. Haven’t heard anything since you told me about the Count smuggling dirt to the U.S. Are you sure that’s a good idea? Is that even legal? Who knows what microbes might be in that soil?
Hope you didn’t drink too much at that farewell dinner and do something stupid (like usual).
I went to the cemetery with Lucy today. It’s been exactly nine months since her mom died. At least she didn’t cry this time. I did. I kept thinking of you dying. Morbid, I know, but I got chills inside that crypt. Someday we’re all going to end up in a box. Alone.
Lucy has fallen for the premed guy! He was all she talked about. He sounds normal and stable, like the kind of guy she doesn’t usually give a second glance. I’m the one who likes nice guys, so it’s weird to see Lucy interested in one. Still, I have to admit he’s awfully hot. (I threw that in to see if you are paying attention. Were you?)
Me, I’d like to know what’s up with Renfield. He’s always been a bit creepy, but it’s awful to think of him locked away like an animal. It’s a different box from Lucy’s mom’s, but it feels as permanent and as lonely. And he’s still alive. Got the chills again.
They say he’s in isolation for his own protection. I don’t know about that, but I’m sure scared of the thought of him stalking around eating kittens. What do you suppose set him off? Was he ok when he got back from Romania last time? Maybe it’s something in the water…:)
Seriously, be careful. I want you back safe.
Miss u. C u soon, I hope.
Off to work out at the dojo! Will tell Sensei John you said salut.
Love,
Mina
From: Jonathan Harker
To: Mina Murray
Subject: Count back
Sent: June 14 8:47 PM
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Mina,
Count came back right after sunset. He’s all weird and creepy, hissing like a lizard.
It gets so dark here. Not like in the city. The dark is so thick it practically climbs down my throat and smothers me. I can’t see my hand in front of my face. Have to use a candle to get into bed. A candle. Like in a horror movie.
Tomorrow the SUV will schlep me through the bats to the airport. I hope.
Wish you were here. I can think of a few things we could do in the dark without