Chapter 4: Camberwell

The black car carrying James came to a halt outside of a quaint little home, it sat where the road slowly switched from cobbled brick to dirt and pebbles. The obvious line between the wealthy and the poor. The driver got out and went to open James’s door, but James got out before he could.

“I can get my own things, thank you,” James retrieved all of his bags from the trunk and his hunter briefcase from the backseat as well.

The driver just nodded before handing James a key to the home.

“Good luck,” he said before getting back into the vehicle and driving off, throwing up a cloud of dust behind him.

Walking into the fully furnished house, James took a deep breath. He was finally able to take a moment away from everything, Bureau and the Church included, and just breathe. He took off his black coat and hung it by the door, putting up his hat as well to reveal his shaggy long brown hair, before running a hand through it. He brought his clothing into the bedroom and began to put it all away into the dresser and the closet.

Then James began to set up the office to his liking. By laying out his tools and the only evidence he had, he could get a better look at everything. Tacking the pictures to a board along with the list of names, he let out a deep sigh.

“Where the f*ck am I even supposed to start…” he said out loud, off-handedly.

Shaking his head, he left the office to the kitchen to see if there was food, grateful to notice the ice box and cabinets complete. He then put on a kettle and put together a cup of tea for himself before deciding to go and sit outside for a moment, using the clean country air to clear his lungs.

Stepping outside, he took another deep breath and walked to the edge of the yard to the fence. Looking out at the fields, he felt his thoughts begin to drift to that cottage. His mother’s face flashed in his mind for a moment before his train of thought was cut off.

“Are you a vampire hunter, sir?” a small voice came from the road next to the gate of his home.

James’s head immediately shifted over, but when he saw the boy, he relaxed and put a hand to his chest to calm his quickened heart. “Perhaps. Have you seen anything suspicious recently, young man?”

The boy quickly shook his head. “Oh no, sir, my mother always tells me to keep from trouble, and I would never do anything to upset her.”

James smiled softly, hearing the boy speak of his mother, and his mind flashed to a moment with his own mother.

***

FLASHBACK

“Be sure to make it home before dinner,” she said as she zipped up her son's coat.

“Of course, mother,” James replied, giggling and stomping his feet lightly with how excited he was to go play outside.

“And remember to stay away from the river,” she warned, placing a hat on his head to keep him warm.

“I know mama…”

FLASHBACK END

***

His own giggle faded out as his mind shot back to reality and to the young boy. “Ah, that is wonderful to hear. You should never upset your mother.”

The boy nodded. “Mhm! My name is Edward, by the way. Edward Taylors. My mother is Angeline.” He then pointed down a road. “My house is just over there if you ever need any company.”

James laughed softly. “James Granton. And I will be sure to keep that in mind for when I am not working.” He then looked up at the sky. “Better start walking home; I’m sure your mother would appreciate it if you were on time for dinner.”

Edward looked towards the sunset and gasped. “Oh, jeez! I didn’t know it was that late! Thank you, Mr. Granton!” He then began to run down the road. “I hope you find what you’re looking for!” he shouted before disappearing into the horizon.

James smiled again watching the boy run before putting a hand to his chest. His fingers lightly pressed on the amulet beneath his shirt. “Guess I’d better get back inside for dinner too…”

Walking back inside, he threw himself together a bologna and swiss cheese sandwich before taking a sip of his cooled tea and heading back into the office. Looking at the list of Noble names again, he remembered a detail Stanley had mentioned.

The Nobles called this in, which means they should have the information he needs to get this over with. He pinned a spot on his map and nodded. “See you tomorrow, Aristocrats,” he said as he crossed his arms and then left to get some rest.