Never Cross a Vampire by Stuart M. Kaminsky Page A

one in this group I’m looking for? What I know of vampires comes from some movies and reading Dracula when I was about twenty.”
    Wong got up and walked to his desk with a sigh, looking for something.
    â€œLike so many of the lower-California groups,” he said, “this one consists of individuals who are particularly ignorant of that in which they profess to be most interested, leading one to conclude that they are committed not to a belief in vampires and vampire lore but to role-playing and dressing-up. For example, no member of the Dark Knights is at all aware of the Aztec rituals that took place in this very area hundreds of years ago, rituals that are more closely allied to vampirism and its meaning than that of Dracula. The Aztecs regularly sacrificed young women and children and consumed their blood and bodies in the belief that this would prolong their own lives.
    â€œThe Chinese vampire,” he continued, still searching for something on his desk, “is far more frightening than the Transylvanian vampire or Oupire. The body of the vampire in China is said to be covered with greenish white hair and to have long claws and glowing eyes. Chinese vampires can fly without turning into animals. To prevent a corpse from becoming a vampire, animals—particularly cats—must be kept away from the body, and the rays of the sun or moon must not touch it or the corpse may receive Yang Cor and be able to rise and prey on others.”
    â€œFascinating,” I said, shifting the weight on my leg.
    â€œBut you are interested in the group,” he said, “and not in being a vampire historian. My assessment from past experience suggests that the short thin man with the New York accent is not a believer either—though, I confess, I do not know what he is trying to gain from the group. He is certainly no scholar. Ah, here it is.”
    Wong pulled out a sheet from a pile before him.
    â€œI wrote some notes on the members and planned to do a bit of follow-up, but not really very much,” he said. “Getting the names was no great problem, though I do not plan to use them in my writing. However, I thought some background on each might be useful. If you do gather such information that might be helpful and if it does not violate your ethical code, I would be glad to pay a research fee.”
    â€œI’ll think about it,” I said. “I’m not sure what my ethical code is on this thing. What about the woman?”
    â€œYes,” said Wong, looking at his sheet. “Bedelia Sue Frye. In some ways a very interesting example, totally within the role, totally the vampire during the meetings, never a break or flaw, but the vampire she portrays is not one of historical significance or myth but one of movies. A definite possibility for you, Mr. Peters.”
    â€œHill?” I said, referring to the tall guy who had said nothing.
    â€œA voyeur, I would guess,” said Wong. “Respectable by day. Likes to do something dangerous, but not too dangerous. He needs to have a secret. He is never comfortable engaging in any of the rather juvenile rituals, but he clearly gets satisfaction from watching. A possibility for you, Mr. Peters.”
    â€œAnd Billings,” I said.
    â€œA sad man unable to sustain his fantasy within his body and abilities. A sad man. But that is an observation from outside. I view his state as sad. I have difficulty knowing how he perceives his own state.”
    â€œWell, Mr. Wong,” I said, getting up on my incredibly stiff leg. “You’ve been a big help.”
    He walked over and extended his hand.
    â€œThen I take it I am no longer a suspect?” he said.
    â€œYou’re still a suspect,” I said. “The only way to get off my list is to become a victim, and I’ll still be suspicious.”
    Wong laughed.
    â€œAcademic research lost a good man when you decided to become a detective,” he said.
    â€œI