Dracula (A Modern Telling) Read online

  He kissed me and said, “Let’s get married.”

  “We are.”

  “No, I mean now. Right now. They have a little chapel here and a priest.”

  I didn’t even need to think about it. It just felt right. So I said yes.

  So I’m married now Lucy! I’m so sorry you couldn’t be here but I knew you’d understand of all people. It was a little wedding with the nurses and the priest and it was absolutely beautiful. We’ll have to do a reception for my family, but this was enough for me.

  I’m going to email you again soon but Jonathan’s waking up. I have to go check on my husband (it’s so weird to say that)!!!

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Subject: re: Jonathan

  Date: August 24, 2012

  OMG!!!! mina!!! you’re crazy, i love it!!!! i can’t wait to see you guys. you’ll be happy to know arthur’s here and is taking care of me. we’re taking long walks and going to bars and hanging out and partying and relaxing. we’ll do a double date when you get in.

  Love ya,

  Lucy

  DR. SEWARDS EVERNOTE JOURNAL

  August 20

  I know I have other patients and I know they deserve my attention and my thoughts, but I can’t seem to focus on them. Renfield is just so unusual I can’t help but be fascinated by him.

  A week after his escape attempt, he was extremely violent and the staff couldn’t feed him because he kept gassing them, making an awful mixture of feces and urine and throwing it at their faces when they’d come into his cell. But he’s quieted down a lot the past couple of days and is in his room right now as I write this, mumbling to himself.

  August 22

  Renfield has been violent the past couple days. He’s fine throughout the day and night and then right before dawn he starts screaming and biting at his restraints. We’ve had to sedate him each morning.

  August 23

  Renfield escaped again. He waited until a guard opened the door to his room and somehow he had gotten free of his straps. He pushed past the guard and sprinted out of the hospital. We had orderlies searching the neighborhood, but on a hunch I went to that church down the street. He was in the same place, talking to no one. The orderlies ran up and he didn’t fight. He just said he would go quietly.

  Lucy ‏@LWestbabygirl‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

  Uggghhh, feeling so sick. Worst part the nightmares :( Oh well, at least I don’t have to go into work

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Subject: Lucy’s sick

  Date: August 31, 2012

  Jack, hope you’re good, man. This is a little awkward considering we were both seeing her for a while, but Lucy’s really sick and you’re the best doctor I know. And yeah, I know you’re a psychiatrist but I also know you were an ER doc for a long time and I trust you. Any way you could drop by really quick and have a look at her? She’s not looking good. She’s really pale and she keeps saying her neck hurts. She’s got like some cuts or punctures on her neck, probably from clawing at it cause she says it itches all the time. It seems like she’s just getting worse rather than better.

  I’d just take her to the ER up here but the local hospital sucks. Please let me know.

  AH

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Subject: re Lucy’s sick

  Date: September 7, 2012

  Arthur,

  I came up a few days ago. You’re right about your local hospital; I’ve heard some horror stories about Patrice Medical. They also have a high rate of malpractice suits because they hire physicians who’ve had disciplinary problems in other states. Lucy told me you’d gone to see your father and she did mention that you would buy me a beer to make up for it (I intend to hold you to that by the way).

  I found Lucy and her mom there in the house and we chatted for a while and Lucy seemed in pretty good spirits. They insisted we eat lunch first as I hadn’t eaten yet and so we sat on their balcony and ate brie sandwiches. When lunch was done, her mom left. Almost as soon as the door was closed Lucy collapsed into a chair and held her hands over her face. I could tell she had been feigning strength so her mom wouldn’t worry.

  She looked anemic, extremely pale, and I immediately ordered some blood work done. I don’t have the results just yet, just a preliminary report, and so far I’m not seeing anything. She complains that she can’t breathe very well and that she doesn’t sleep, or tries not to, because she has horrible nightmares. I know she used to sleepwalk as a kid but she said she hasn’t had an episode in a while.

  I’ll wait for the final blood results but if they’re the same as the preliminary, I have no idea what’s wrong with her. I sent her to the ER and a hematologist immediately, but they couldn’t find anything wrong with her either.

  I hope you don’t think I’ve overstepped my bounds but I called an old professor of mine, Dr. Van Helsing. He’s the top hematologist in the world in my opinion. I can’t say for sure, but I think this has something to do with the blood, so Dr. Van Helsing will come down and confirm it. He’s got a long, long waiting list so he’s doing this as a personal favor.

  I guess I should warn you: like most geniuses, Dr. van Helsing can be a little abrasive. He’s a really kind man with a soft heart but he doesn’t mess around when it comes to medicine and he never sugar-coats anything for his patients. If anyone can find out what’s wrong, it’s him.

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Subject: Obscure conditions

  Date: September 6, 2012

  It’s good to hear from you, Jack. I received your email and I’ll be on the next flight there. Make certain that we do not see this young lady too late in the night because I may have to be on another plane back here the same day. If I must, however, I’ll return this weekend for a more thorough workup.

  The case sounds interesting. Looking forward to seeing her.

  Sincerely,

  Van Helsing

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Subject: re Lucy’s sick

  Date: September 9, 2012

  Dr. Van Helsing came and went. I’m sorry you couldn’t meet him, Arthur. I’ve heard your father is doing better but that his convalescence might take some time. Please let him know my prayers are with him and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. I know my Mormonism has always seemed strange to you but I promise that the blessings given by someone that holds the priesthood are quite comforting. I’ve seen many people’s pain abate afterward, whether real or psychosomatic. I remember your father cooking many dinners for us in college when we were broke and I’ll do anything I can to help that man.

  As for Lucy, it was a rather strange experience. Van Helsing came and immediately told Lucy’s mother to leave the room (like I said, he speaks his mind). Then he went into a fairly in-depth analysis of Lucy’s condition. I asked if I should share any of his findings with you as you’re her boyfriend and I’m guessing soon to be fiancé, and he said that I should share everything with you because, “It’s a matter of life or death. Maybe more.”

  I asked him what he meant but he was back to Lucy and not really paying attention to me. Anyway, he did a lot of blood work. I asked which labs would be handling the blood and he said he’s the only one he trusts with blood work. He’s seen a lot of innocent people convicted of crimes because of faulty laboratory work and a lot of misdiagnoses and he does all of his work himself now.

  When I drove him to the airport, he could barely talk. He would focus on a point in the distance and just be completely lost in thought. That means he’s taking her case very seriously and is devoting all his mental power to it.

  As he was leaving the car to go into the terminal, he said, “She’s lost a lot of blood. A lot of b
lood. But I spoke to the maids and none of them have changed any bloody sheets.”

  “Do you think she’s cutting herself? I asked.

  “To lose that kind of blood there must be fresh wounds. Not small punctures on her neck.” He took a deep breath. “Regardless, she is a sweet young girl. And she’s sufficiently charmed me to be involved in this case. Make sure to keep me updated. I’ll be back on the weekend if all the analyses are complete.”

  And that’s all he said to me, Arthur. You now know everything I know. I’m so sorry about your father. I can’t imagine being put in a spot to choose between two people you love and both of them are asking for you. But I promise I’ll keep an eye on Lucy and if her condition continues to worsen, I’ll call and let you know.

  Take care my friend,

  Jack

  DR. SEWARD’S EVERNOTE JOURNAL

  September 10

  The zoophagus patient still manages to keep up our interest in him. He’s only had one outburst lately and that was yesterday at noon, which is a weird time for him to grow aggressive because he’s usually calm for lunch. But luckily the nurses knew the signs and called over the orderlies to restrain him so they could give him a sedative.

  When I came into the hospital this morning I had my hands full because all the other patients were so frightened from Renfield’s screaming. I looked in on him quickly and found him melancholy. He was staring at the floor and was off in his own world. I left him alone and turned back to the other patients.

  Later:

  Renfield seems much happier. He was restrained and asked me very politely to have his restraints removed and said he would remain much calmer now. I decided to oblige and see how he did. The orderlies removed the restraints and he thanked them and rubbed his wrists. As he sat up he looked to me and smiled. He thanked me for my trust and proceeded to talk about mundane things like we were simply hanging out at a bar somewhere.

  I checked in on him a little later. He had his window open and was attracting flies with some sugar he had been given for tea he’d requested. He was eating them whole, letting them buzz around his mouth a while before chewing and swallowing.

  “Could you get me a little sugar, Doctor?”

  “For the flies?” I said.

  “Yes, yes! For the flies. The flies like it and I like the flies. Do you think you could do that for me?”

  He was so pathetic in his pleadings that I felt compelled to give him what he wanted. I had some sugar ordered for him and he was so excited he reminded me of a child. I left him alone to go check on some other patients.

  Midnight:

  I finished my shift with a three hour break to run up and check on Lucy Westernra. She seems to be doing about the same so I spoke to her mother for a while about how brilliant Dr. Van Helsing is. She seemed comforted by that.

  I came back to the hospital, and as I was walking in from the parking lot I was struck by how beautiful the midnight sky looked. Sometimes we don’t notice the minor things that can enhance our lives.

  When I entered the hospital, a general sense of depression overtook me. I’m not entirely sure I’ve chosen the right career path. I wanted to do research. That was my reason for majoring in physics and biology as a college student, and I wonder now if medical school was the correct choice after that. Would I be happier in a lab somewhere trying to unlock the secrets of the universe?

  I don’t know why, but in my melancholy I visited Renfield. He noticed me but didn’t look in my direction. He stood up from his bed and walked to the window. He emptied the box he had used to keep his spiders and flies in.

  “You’re not going to keep flies anymore?” I asked.

  “No, I think I’m done with that, Doctor.”

  How interesting it would be to peer into Renfield’s mind. Maybe we got a glimpse recently? He had violent outbursts at dawn and at noon. Maybe some people are affected by the strength of sun, just as some are effect by the moon?

  TEXT MESSAGES FROM DR. SEWARD TO ABRAHAM VAN HELSING

  September 4: Patient is doing well, Professor. Eating and watching television now

  September 5: Patient has greatly improved. Fever is down to normal range and she was laughing and discussing a recent movie she’d seen. Her color seems to be returning as well

  September 6: She’s taken a turn for the worst. Please come at once, Professor. I’ve taken her to the emergency room and they’re at a loss. The hematologist here is average at best. I’ll hold off on informing her fiancé until you tell me otherwise

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Subject: re Lucy’s sick

  Date: September 6, 2012

  Art, I wish I had better news but Lucy seems to have gone backwards a little. My old professor, Dr. Van Helsing, is coming down and staying with me a few days and the two of us are going to be with her for the next little while. He’s taken a liking to her and has someone covering his classes so he can be here.

  I’ll keep you updated at all times.

  DR. SEWARD’S EVERNOTE JOURNAL

  September 7

  The first thing Van Helsing asked was, “Have you said anything to her lover?”

  “Not really, I just sent him a quick email. I wanted to wait to hear from you.”

  “Good job! The less he knows the better. One day he may need to know everything and we’ll tell him everything. But for now, let’s not worry him. I did want to say one thing to you, Jack. You deal with the insane everyday. You need to remember that all men are insane in their own way. Just as you deal discreetly with the insane in the hospital, you should deal discreetly with the Lord’s insane, meaning the rest of the world. Don’t tell them what you think and keep knowledge where it belongs so we can nurture it and grow it. Keep what we learn between us.”

  He placed his hand on my heart. “I have some ideas I want to run by you. But not here. Soon.”

  “Why not now?”

  “I’ve planted the germ but I need time for it to grow.” He smiled at me. “You were always a careful student, Jack. Be careful now and pay attention. This case might be one of the most interesting of our careers but I need time to process it.”

  Van Helsing had a bag with him filled with instruments and journals. He always preferred his own instruments, even though I couldn’t imagine what he needs them for since everything is done in the lab.

  I drove us to Lucy’s house and her mother let us in. Some loud, brutal music was playing in Lucy’s room and she turned it down.

  “Sorry,” she said, her voice weak.

  “What band was that?”

  “Blood Burn. Have you heard them?”

  “No.”

  Van Helsing sat next to her and I stood. Lucy reached out and grasped my hand. I … I can’t help but say that it made my heart flutter. Even sick, her beauty shines through the pale skin and dull eyes.

  But, objectively, I had to admit to myself that she looked much worse. Even from the day before. All color had left her, even her lips and gums, and the bones in her face seemed to stick out more than they should.

  Her breathing was awful to hear and Van Helsing sat motionless, not speaking. Lucy closed her eyes and just lay there, her hand slipping out of mine.

  Suddenly, Van Helsing jumped up and grabbed me and took me into the other room. He closed the door, making sure we stepped far enough away that Lucy couldn’t hear us.

  “She’s about to die, Jack. Her blood type’s B positive. What’s yours?”

  “O negative.”

  “Universal donor! Excellent. She needs blood. Lots of it and right now. Roll up your sleeves.”

  He opened the door and went out into the hall to get his bag out of the car. I realized he didn’t take my keys so I followed him, and at the door I saw Lucy’s mom open it and Arthur walk in.

  “Jack, I couldn’t wait. My dad’s doing better.” He shook my hand. “Thank you for your help.” He turned to the Professor. “And you must be Dr. Van
Helsing. Thank you so much for helping Lucy.”

  “We’re going to need your help, Arthur.”

  “What do you need? Anything.”

  “She needs blood, my young friend. And lots of it. Jack is the universal donor. What’s your blood type?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Then Jack you call that hospital you work at and get us some B positive or O negative blood right away.”

  “Doc,” Arthur said, “I’ll do anything for her. I love her.”

  “Would you die for her?”

  Without hesitation, he said, “Yes.”

  “Good boy!” Van Helsing said, slapping his cheek. “Now do exactly what I say and when I tell you to leave you have to leave. I can test you for blood type in about forty-five minutes to see if you’re compatible. In the meantime, Jack, I need my bag and then you upstairs.”

  We all headed upstairs to Lucy’s room. Arthur was asked to remain outside and Van Helsing and I went in. Lucy looked to us but said nothing; she was too weak even to speak. Van Helsing withdrew several medications from his bag and using a clean, wide gauge syringe, injected her with something that caused her to sleep. I sat next to her and stared at her, trying desperately not to lust after her, but I couldn’t help myself and I felt guilty for it. Why did the Lord have to make men such horribly sexual beings? Here’s the poor girl bedridden with some unknown disease, pale as a statue, and I couldn’t help but think of what a night of lovemaking would be like with her.