Leahnora allowed the discussion to continue for several minutes before calling for order again.
"Regardless of individual beliefs," she said firmly, "we cannot ignore a potential threat to our community. Especially when connected to a confirmed murder. Therefore, I am implementing emergency security measures effective immediately."
She outlined a plan involving increased Shifter patrols, a town-wide protective barrier spell, and a curfew beginning immediately. She also announced her decision to contact an outside expert.
"Given the loss of Evangelina Coal, I have sent for Vlad Marcum, a renowned vampire hunter who has handled similar situations in other communities. He should arrive shortly."
At the mention of Vlad Marcum, Tandy Keyes's composed expression slipped momentarily, revealing a flash of panic before she quickly recovered. From his perch on Maisie'sshoulder, Bartie noticed this reaction, his keen bat senses picking up on her increased heart rate.
"Who is Vlad Marcum?" Gloria stood up.
"One of the most experienced vampire hunters in the world," Leahnora explained. "He has faced Ronald Bitterhump before and knows his tactics. If anyone can help us prepare for tomorrow night's blood moon, it's Vlad."
Throughout the hall, reactions to this announcement varied dramatically. Gwen's traditionalists nodded with approval---a professional hunter aligned with their belief in immediate action. Marty's skeptics rolled their eyes at what they saw as more fear-mongering. The middle faction seemed relieved that an outside expert was being consulted, someone who might provide a balanced perspective.
As the meeting adjourned, people broke into heated discussion groups. The division in the town was palpable---exactly as Ronald and Tandy had planned.
Tandy slipped away from the hall, her mind already working on a new problem. Vlad Marcum complicated things. If he had faced Ronald before, he might recognize the signs of an inside collaborator. She would need to neutralize him quickly, before he could share his knowledge.
Pulling out her phone, she typed a terse message to Ronald: "Complication. Vampire hunter Vlad Marcum arriving."
The response came almost immediately: "Eliminate him. Blood moon will not wait."
Tandy glanced back at the town hall, where Honey and Roam were deep in conversation with Leahnora. This vampire hunter would bring new challenges---and another unfortunate "accident" for Cauldron Falls.
Dead Evidence Walking
After the town hall, Roam and Honey carefully searched Evangelina's office, looking for any clues the dark creatures expert might have left behind.
"Tandy was definitely here," Roam said, holding up the business card she'd carelessly left on the desk. "Vampire Real Estate Queen? She wasn't even trying to hide her involvement."
Honey's fingers traced over the shattered remains of Evangelina's appointment crystal. "She destroyed something. Whatever Evangelina discovered, Tandy didn't want us to find it."
As Honey emptied the papers and remains of the satchel on the desk, a torn piece of paper fluttered to the floor. She bent to retrieve it, her eyes widening as she recognized Evangelina's elegant handwriting.
"Roam, look at this."
The note was partially ripped most likely in the chaos of her murder. Only fragments remained legible:
"...water must be freely given to maintain its power. If taken by force, the falls will turn..."
"...Ronald's previous attempt in Florida failed because..."
"...vampire coven vulnerable to the water when used with proper intent..."
"...Tandy Keyes working as inside..."
Roam's expression hardened as he read the fragments. "This confirms our suspicions about Tandy. And it gives us something else---information about the falls water."
"Evangelina figured it out before she died," Honey said softly, running her finger over the torn paper. "The water has to be freely given, not taken, and it might actually turn against the culprit."
"This changes our strategy," Roam nodded, carefully folding the scrap of paper. "Instead of just defending the falls, we can use them actively against Ronald's coven."
"We need to tell Vlad when he arrives," Honey said, a new determination in her voice. "And Maisie. If the falls water responds to intent, her connection might be even more important than we realized."
As they left the office, Honey paused in the doorway, looking back at the space that had been Evangelina's domain for over a century. "She's still helping us, even after death."
"That's Evangelina," Roam said with grim satisfaction. "Always one step ahead."
