Part 7 - Attack


Leigh smiled at girl who'd come to take over the rest of the nightshift, giggling at her wild hair, the blue and purple streaks that sprang through it. She finished changing, stuffing the uniform into her bag, pulling her jacket on. "Night, Kathy," she called. "One of these days, he's going to come in you know, and see your hair!" she said through giggles, meaning the owner of the diner. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Huh! He won't catch me! Bye then, Leigh," was the muffled response as Kathy stuck her head into her locker, searching for something. "Have a good day tomorrow and good luck with that exam. You go, girl!"

Leigh laughed, slung the bag over her shoulder and pushed open the "Staff Only" door into the diner, heading between the twin rows of tables, glancing round. Only three people left, now, regulars that she saw every night. She nodded goodnight to them, waving. The pretty blue eyed blonde girl and her pale friend had left some time before. She frowned slightly. He'd been strange, very pale, and quiet, and the black clothes – well, hadn't done much for him. But she'd like to see the girl again. Her frown smoothed out and she smiled slightly as she moved towards the glass door. She pushed it open and walked out, pausing on the narrow side street to take a deep breath of the fresh night air, not seeing the two figures veiled in the shadows. The diner wasn't one of the better ones, nor was it likely to improve, being in a seedy part of town in a small side street but at least it paid fair wages, she thought, glancing back at it, the yellow light from inside spilling out onto the sidewalk.

She'd already checked her purse – for a change, she had enough money to ride the bus home instead of walking, and there was a neat shortcut to the nearest bus stop. She looked round, once – didn't hurt to be careful, after all – and started to walk, heading down the street towards an alley between two buildings. They criss-crossed this area, cutting between buildings in a narrow grid, crossing each other here and there at intervals, mainly used for the delivery of goods to the small businesses that set up regularly, only to die out after a few months.

She'd been walking for a little while when she heard the footsteps behind her, slow, deliberate. Somehow menacing. She glanced behind her, saw nothing, pulled her jacket a little more tightly round herself, and unconsciously began to walk faster. She gave a little cry of alarm when a figure stepped out from another alley ahead of her, just outside the fan of light from a streetlight. It wasn't particularly bright, dimming and guttering now. She guessed there was something wrong with it – maintenance in this area of town wasn't exactly a high priority. It was one of several on this street, the only one shedding any light out of them all.

She paused, debating whether to turn back. But the footsteps behind her were louder now – no choice, whichever way she went. She pursed her lips, hitched her bag higher onto her shoulder and started to walk again. The figure ahead was still, watching her approach. She could see him better now, thought she recognised the man from the diner. He was smiling but – something – there was something wrong with his face. When she got closer, she saw clearly what it was. Her mouth opened in shock; she tried to scream but her voice failed her. All that came out was a strangled squeak. Then she heard the footsteps behind her close in… She turned her head and saw the girl from the diner. She was smiling but the expression didn't reach her eyes.

"Don't worry," her voice was pleasant, almost crooning as she spoke. "He won't hurt you. Much. Unless I tell him to," she added.

Leigh turned, mouth open to speak. Faith's casual, backhanded blow across the face stunned her. She reeled backwards, head exploding with stars and felt the hands clamp onto her shoulders, pulling her back to rest on a firm but cold body. She shook her head, eyes streaming, looking at the slim, blonde girl in front of her. Her head slowly cleared and she gasped, "Please don't – don't hurt me," she started to cry, gulping sobs. "Please …………" She saw Faith nod. To the man behind her.

She could feel his hair, strangely soft against her skin as he dipped his head to her neck. The agonising pain in her throat was sudden, a stab then gone, becoming swiftly numb. The blood began to flow, the vampire moaning with greed. Faith watched, pleased, smiling. He wouldn't drain the girl completely – when Faith started her work, she'd still be alive. Barely. Leigh felt herself growing colder, the distant traffic noise growing farther away, darkness flickering gently at the edges of her vision. Floating gently away……