Because he's a vampire, Jonathon Splinter needs to feed, hungry for blood. He seeks out young men along Lake Erie in the small town of Bitter. As Halloween approaches, Jonathon devises a plan for his next hunt with the help of his mortal lover and personal assistant, Toby Kinks.<br><br>Life grows bitter for Jonathon, though. Someone discovered his true identity and witnessed one of his bloody hunts where he not only fed but also murdered the man. Now Jonathon is being blackmailed.<br><br>With Toby’s help, Jonathon seeks out the blackmailer, and the two devise a plan in which Jonathon will hunt and feed on the man. But on the evening of the planned murder, Jonathon Splinter's bloody life will change forever.

Blood on My Hands

Once each painting was complete, Toby gave it to its appropriate owner. He collected money. He glowed. I had never seen him so happy in life.


Following my hole digging instructions for him, I left. In doing so, I told him, “Contact me if you need to.”


We hugged: simply, romantically, tongues dancing together.


He wouldn’t let me down. Never did. 3


Late Tuesday afternoon. I needed foodand lots of it. I wanted to ask Jerry “J” Winslowski on a date. Nothing too spectacular. Our history together wasn’t anything special: mediocre friendship, a few dates, some great sex. A year ago, we met at a bar called Under in Templeton, another town nestled against Lake Erie. We were never lovers. In fact, I barely really liked him because he was arrogant, narcissistic, and rude. I couldn’t count how many times he had counteracted what I had to say in any conversation, always belittling me, calling me foolish and unintelligent.


Chapter 7