Polar (Book 1): Polar Night by Julie Flanders Page A

they did, what did you tell them?”
    “That I’d almost been kidnapped by a monster. I told them that he wasn’t human, he might have been a vampire…”
    “How’d they react to that?”
    “First they asked me if I’d been drinking. When I couldn't calm down, they ended up sending me for a psych evaluation.”
    “I’m not surprised.”
    Amanda frowned and slumped in her chair. “You don't believe me either, do you?”
    “I believe something may have happened to you, or that you were traumatized by something. I don't know what but...”
    “You think I'm crazy?”
    “You tell me you were nearly abducted by a vampire, what the hell am I supposed to think?”
    Amanda looked away. “I knew I shouldn't have told you. You're no different than those other cops.”
    “If by that you mean I don't believe in vampires or werewolves or things that go bump in the night, then yes, you're right. I'm no different.”
    “It's so arrogant.”
    “What is? Living in reality?”
    “Thinking you can be so sure what reality is. Scoffing at anything that doesn't fit your own experiences. Vampire legends have been around for centuries.”
    “Legends being the key word.”
    “I told you, I used to feel the same way. But now I know better.” Amanda stared across the table at him. “There are all kinds of evil out there.”
    Danny blew out a deep breath and started to get up from his chair. “On that we agree. Believe me, Ms. Fiske, I know all about evil.”
    “So that's it? You harass me until I tell you my story and then you just walk away and totally dismiss what I've said?”
    Danny nodded. “That about covers it, yeah.” He held up his hand as Amanda opened her mouth to protest. “I'm sorry I took up your time. Enjoy your holiday.”
    He shook his head as he walked out of the library and headed for his car. Now he'd heard everything.
    The temperature seemed to have dropped 20 degrees in the time he'd been inside and the snow was falling at a much heavier clip. Danny zipped up his parka and pulled on his gloves and cursed to himself as he cleaned the snow from his windshield.
    He should have realized there was a good reason his predecessor had considered Amanda Fiske a kook. Maybe he'd lost his touch. He had been so sure he finally had a lead that would break the Alexander case for him and maybe find Maria Treibel too. Instead, he had a nut spinning tales about vampires. He could almost hear his former colleagues laughing at him.
    Danny got into his car and slid into the driver's seat. He turned on the radio, and immediately switched it off when he heard the opening notes of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Merry Christmas, indeed.
    He looked up and down the street at the now closed stores, their fronts decorated with wreaths and bows and mistletoe. He heard the bells of the nearby Catholic church playing “Silent Night.” An appropriate song choice, as the snow continued to fall and muffle what little sound remained on the nearly deserted street.
    Danny shivered and turned up the heat. All of the stores might be closed, but he knew Abe’s would still be open. It better be, anyway. He wanted nothing more than a drink.

 
     
    Chapter 12
     
     
     
     
    Aleksei opened the door of his cellar and peered inside, where he saw Maria curled up in the fetal position in the corner of the room. He was fairly certain she was awake, but he was curious to see if she would acknowledge him. He climbed down the stairs without speaking and set the tray he carried on the floor next to the now empty plate he had left earlier.
    The room had been dark when he entered, as the batteries of the small lantern he had left for Maria had obviously died. She must have let them run on high. He'd have to teach her how to conserve her resources.
    Aleksei sat on his haunches and balanced himself against the wall. He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet.
    “I know you're awake,” he said. “I'm wondering how long you're going