Chapter 10

Beth was more than disturbed. Disconcerted. She had the most curious feeling of deja vu. This man. She knew him! But from where? Or more importantly, when? She threw off the feeling and the chagrin she felt for his rudeness, and got down to the business of tracking down the murdered co-ed's information. Crime investigation was what she had wanted since her first day at Buzzwire.

Beth didn't know why but how was it that all her senses felt amazingly turned on? She never felt any tiredness, even though she and Steve trudged through the semi deserted parking lots near Hearst's campus until dawn, looking for the co-ed's car. Persistence paid off, they found it and once again, Buzzwire had an exclusive scoop.

Maureen had been thrilled with the vampire angle and sent her off again. First to get some sleep which proved restless then off to the dead girl's apartment. She'd had to wait patiently for the crime lab boys to leave but oddly enough, now there was no sign of any further police presence.

Breaking in was easy thanks to paying attention in college. Who said you never got any practical use out of a higher education? The place seemed quiet enough but somehow her skin prickled and thinking quickly she found the vase and crashed it down on ... her mysterious stranger.

He didn't seem hurt but said "ouch". Beth got out her mace, noticing once again those senses going into overdrive at his nearness. Who was he and what was he doing here?

He seemed to be doing the same thing she was, looking for clues so when she found the blood vial necklace, she shared the picture from the co-ed's car with him. Then, Josh called and just as fast as before, the man was gone. Really, he had to stop doing that! She almost stomped her foot in frustration. Alright, Turner, focus on the case, not him!

She called Josh back, only then realizing that her mysterious stranger had purloined the necklace! If she didn't know better, she felt it was almost becoming a competition. Well, Beth Turner was known for being a tough competitor!

All she had to do was start investigating the girl's known associates and maybe get more out of Carl Davis. Digging up dirt was Buzzwire's specialty but where to find it? She smiled. You're bound to find at least one or two suspects pretending to mourn.

Something inside whispered HE will be there, too. After all, who could stay away from a good, old fashioned funeral?

And she'd give him a piece of her mind. She rubbed her eyes, realizing how tired she was. Maybe tonight, finally, she could get some sleep.

She headed home, knowing Josh would be there.