‘Never leave any stones unturned’

(A few days ago)

When Connor had some time to himself, he decided to figure out more about Nathaniel. Just because he appeared friendly shouldn't mean he should be able to trust that ancient Vampire just like that. Just because Nathaniel said that something else killed Nick, doesn't mean he should take Nathaniel on his word and not try to find out the real story by himself.

More than he was concerned about what happened to the stranger, he felt bad for Clarice. For someone who really liked this Nick deserved closure so he decided to explore what was going on on his own. Besides, he would hate to give up on this so fast because his parents have taught him better than that. 'Never leave any stones unturned' His Dad always used to say that.

He decided to find Clarice on the campus and decided to talk this out with her. He looked for her in between periods, but he couldn't find much as he had quite a busy schedule. After his college hours, he headed for the common dormitory cafeteria where he saw her sitting all by herself, focusing on her mobile phone without really scrolling or anything. She was simply staring at it blankly. Connor stood in front of her and asked, "May I sit down"? He asked.

Clarice blinked. "Sure," She nodded as soon as she was done gulping down the saliva caught in his throat. "What brings you here?" she asked.

"Well, I am here to eat." Connor shrugged. "And I thought I'd check up on you while I am at it." he pursed his lips. "How are you doing"?

"Still looking for Nick." Clarice sighed. "Gosh if only I…" she trailed off looking frustrated.

"What?" Connor asked.

"I dunno, knew magic or something, I could make him appear in front of me, just like that." Clarice sighed.

"Yeah…" Connor nodded. "That would be really helpful." he nodded. "Do you have any of his possessions?" Connor asked.

"Sure, he was my boyfriend." Clarice shrugged. "But why are you asking?"

"I was hoping I could borrow it. If I ask my Dad to pull some string and I dunno, get me a police dog maybe I can find him?" Connor shrugged. Of course he didn't have any such plans. He simply wanted to get some sniff so that he could track Nicks's body using his own werewolf sense of smell. Of course, with a decomposed body, it'll just be harder.

"Can you?" Clarice's face beamed with hope.

"I mean, it won't hurt to try." Connor shrugged. "I can't really guarantee you though."

"It's alright." Clarice nodded enthusiastically. "I am willing to try even this much." she smiled. "If you get one of the police dogs, can you let me know. I wanna join their search."

"... Sure." With a little bit of hesitation Connor answered. "I mean, a police dog will be accompanied by a policeman. So, they might not allow a civilian to join." he added.

"Is that a thing?" Clarice was skeptical. "Besides, I knew him the best here, I should be allowed to join the search."

"Of course." Connor nodded. "I'll let you know as soon as I get the permission," he nodded. "Tell me something, Nick, he didn't have any friends or something? The way I see you excited about finding him, I don't think anyone else is."

"Nick, is known to disappear once in a while. Usually he informs me, but this time he didn't." Clarice shrugged. "His friends think I am being dramatic. That the only reason he didn't inform me is because we are now out of our honeymoon phase of our relationship." she rolled her eyes.

"That's rude." Connor furrowed his brows.

"Believe me, that's the nicest one of the comments." Clarice huffed. "I have also heard 'he is tired of me', 'he is just ghosting me' and that 'he has moved on, so should you' and stuff like that." Clarice pushed her tongue against her cheek.

"Wow, his friends are jackasses." Connor grunted.

"True." Clarice affirmed. "How did Nick ever tolerate them is beyond me." she sighed. "After you are finished, let's go to his room. I'll get you one of his shirts. Do not mix it with your scent." she huffed. Connor simply nodded at her. "Or maybe I'll just keep it with me till you actually get the approval. Why go through so much hassle beforehand?"

"Well… sure" Connor didn't know what else to say. "Maybe you can at least show me his room in case the cops approve and you aren't available at that moment?" He suggested.

"Oh I'd definitely be available" Clarice declared firmly. "But, in case I am not, you can just take them to room number 45 in building H of the Boys dormitory". Clarice shrugged. "Although, you'll need a key to enter, so maybe just call me ahead." He shrugged.

"Okay…" Connor pressed his lips together and nodded. Sure, he didn't get a sniff but knowing the room number was still an advantage. All he needed to do was sneak in later to get a sniff, and that is exactly what he did. Late at night he slipped out of his own dorm to building H and ended up in front of room number 45. Of course it was locked, but Connor knew how to pick locks, and with no trouble he was inside the room in a manner of a few seconds.

After looking around a little bit, he found a shirt that was unwashed, and thus had the highest pheromones of a werewolf. From the smell, Connor knew Nick was no ordinary werewolf, that there was more to that, but it gave him enough hint for him to pursue. Connor returned to his room, and wondered a lot, on where to begin his search.

And then he recalled that Nick went missing on the same day he met Nathaniel. Perhaps he should look around at the place where they met. Even though it was late at night, he had to leave at that very moment. His apprehension and doubt wouldn't just let him fall asleep anyways. After an adventurous scavenging, Connor finally caught the scent. He found Nick's body… and guess who was nearby? Nathaniel.