Book of Dracula: Book of Dracula Series, #1

By Ivan T Vincent

A dark alley, and a mysterious book brings a group of strangers and old friends together to solve a mystery entangled in history and ancient mythology to stop a series of events that will inevitably lead to the destruction of modern civilization, and lead all of mankind into a thousand years of darkness. Will they discover the key in time to stop evils own plot to destroy the world? A chase that leads the group around the world ensues, and leads members of the group to new lands and mysterios places in this epic tale of Good vs Evil.. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ivan T Vincent
• Release date: Sep 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223453130

Book preview

Dedication

To the Loving Memory of my Wife Anita Jean Vincent, and to my sister Andra Duke-Matherly, And my Grandmother Janetta Johnson-Brading all of whom I've lost along with many others in the last two years. this is for all of you too

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Preface

This book was conceptualized after I dreamed of a book that turned its owner into Dracula. Not Kidding, and I had not been watching any horror movies at the time. After studying a lot of the true history of Vlad Dracula I decided that I would like to incorporate the two and even more into this book.

Introduction

We've all heard stories about the cruelty of Vlad the Impaler, but few records exist of the real life of Vlad. So many stories have been passed down through tales of his conquests. Many people see Vlad as a hero to Romania. Over the last few decades many researchers and historians have sought out the life of the real Vlad and painted a vivid picture of the real man. In this novel I have no intention of creating an alternate version of the life of Vlad Dracula. This is a work of Fiction and while I add Gems of historic facts it is still a work of fiction. In the world of fiction anything is possible so that is my intention here is to merely take the image of the man and paint in a completely different light, and create a fresh look at the many tales of Dracula. I had originally intended on completing my first novel Time upon Time, I originally wrote in 1997 - 1998 Unfortunately all of my manuscripts and many of my drawings were lost to a fire back in 1999.

Having now lost my two long-haired dachshunds followed by the passing of my wife Anita Jean James-Vincent, and most recently the passing of my last remaining grandparent, I have decided to start writing my novels again. I would like to dedicate this book to the memory of my wife Anita James–Vincent born August 16, 1971 to August 26, 2020. I would also like to dedicate this book to my father Conrad Vincent Jr. who set my feet on the path of knowledge. Also to my Sister Andra Jean Duke-Matherly, who I lost while I was writing this book. That Being Said I found a lot of inspiration from many great writers such as Jack London, Lloyd Alexander, Jonathan Swift, Charles Dickens, and Ayn Rand, among many others. I'm often reminded of something I was once told that, if you tell 99% truth and 1% lie, you've still told a lie. So there in, I am by no means claiming that this book is truth, but that I do tend to plant seeds of truth in all of my novels. I also tend to occasionally include a hidden truth which some may come to realize at some point. A mention here of my brothers Conrad Vincent III and David W, Vincent my son Nicholas W. Klein and my mom Teresa Vincent. Anything is possible to those who persevere. Get up and do it, and don't let them tell you that you Can't! To my friends Eddie, Bobby, And Jeff and John I. and their wives. I also wish to convey that at no point do I condone any type of extreme violence and any referral to such in this book is purely meant to achieve the point of the characters or progression of the story. I also want to express an idea too many young people out there who may or may not realize is their own potential.

One thing I've always wanted to express to people is that there really are no limitations on what you can do if you set your mind to it and that many people in life dedicate themselves to one thing and only one thing, only to find out that it didn't take them where they wanted to go. As it has been explained to me the best thing about setting a goal is that it gives you a direction. While you may never actually reach that goal it opens opportunities that you never saw before and may take your life in a completely different direction than your original goal. The most important thing being said is that you never give up. One thing that you may come to learn is that you are capable of attaining many skills along the way and that your best hope lies in achieving as many of the skills that you can master as you can. It also affords you the ability to broaden your horizons and opens many other paths for you to reach your goals in life. Some of the best people in life are those who have not only stood by your side but who have given you guidance at critical moments in your life. Such as my first grade teacher Mrs. Arthur and then my seventh grade English teacher Mrs. Earther whom both at times in my life encouraged me and told me that I was a very intelligent person and that I could do anything I set my mind to.

Thereby I wish to confer on you to not limit yourselves to one thing in life but to open yourselves up to many opportunities and all that the world can hold for you. Never give up! Even when forces seem to align themselves to halt you from your own success, just get back up and press on forward. Dogged Persistence! It's not how many times you get knocked down that counts, but how many times you get back up!

Night Skies

The night sky hung down like a gray fog of doom from an old whodunit movie made in the 1920s in London, or some other little obscure town in the Scottish Highlands. The air was; moist, and heavy, and dank from the rains which had fallen earlier in the day, but this was New York City, the Big Apple, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The Haze was interrupted by the sounds of people out and about doing their normal business, and the churning of wheels through the water that still lay on the streets. Tourism was very popular to this area, and this is where our story begins as we focus in on two friends who are in town for a weekend getaway. Alex and Erick had just left there hotel room where they were staying for the weekend and were walking towards a popular nightclub destination that they had heard so much about called The Midnight Howl. It would be a night that would change these friends lives forever, one they would never forget! How could they?

"There it is! Erick said, with a bit of trepidation as not to seem like some excited school kid. He pointed down to the next block where they could see a line of people stretched around the corner from the popular nightspot. We are almost there, he added! Erick was once a little bit of a wild child, but not so arrogant as some of the more popular well-off people Alex had known through his life. Hurry up! he urged Alex as they approached the line that was entering the club. You know I'm really glad you came with me to New York City, he said to Alex as they drew closer. I was really worried about you for a while, and I thought you might just give up. What do you mean by that? asked Alex. Well, you know some people couldn't handle everything you went through Alex? Did you think that I would kill myself or something? Alex returned. You know I don't believe in suicide and I would never kill myself because I don't believe in it first and second I really don't want to die! Plus I missed a business deal to come up here with you. I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that! Erick returned. I just know how bad you got when Denise passed away. Anyway let's not dwell on that. I just wanted you to have some fun for once. Were almost there now Alex and look at all those people standing out there. I hear this place is really popping lots of people come here. I hear even some celebrities show up occasionally. Yeah, but don't you think the name howl is just a little bit creepy 'Midnight Howl? Nah it ain't nothing like that, answered Erick. Besides it's not half as creepy as that pendant you're always wearing," as he pointed to a small pyramid shaped pendant that hung from Alex's neck.

Yeah but Denise gave me this pendant, and I've never taken it off. Yeah I know the story, but it looks like it's missing stones from the corners. I think it's supposed to look like that on purpose, replied Alex. I don't know but that thing always gave me the creeps, Erick retorted. I've never had any problems with it, answered Alex. Let's go, said Alex, as they joined the end of the line. Meanwhile, a few blocks away from the nightclub at an old bookstore called Remy's. "Hey Mr. Remy I just found a couple of old books, and I found this old copy of Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. Yeah that's a good old book, replied Mr. Remy, as he started to ring out the young bookstore customer. I thought I got real lucky one time when I found a copy of 'Gulliver's Travels' that was printed in 1895 but darned if it wasn't the regular non-illustrated version. That book was printed in Stuttgart Germany in 1895 and the illustrated version was worth over five grand years ago. So how is your school work going Stewie? Mr. Remy asked the young man as he handed him the money for the books he purchased. It's going pretty good but I got into trouble last week with my English teacher because I drew a picture of Dracula on the blackboard. Just as he said that to Mr. Remy a wind blew the money he was holding in his hand straight behind an old bookshelf which sat next to the counter where the cash register was. They both looked a little surprised as Mr. Remy said, That was weird. I've owned this bookstore for over 20 years and I've never seen a wind come in the door like that! Just then a local older gentleman named Buzz who was a bit of a vagrant walked in causing Mr. Remy to respond, Oh that explains it; Here comes trouble he announced, as Buzz Walked in the door. Hold on a second, Mr. Remy replied, and added,You stay right there he said pointing to Buzz. Come on Stewie help me slide this little bookshelf out, as he waved Stewie over. Luckily this isn't a very big bookshelf, he added. You grab the other end and just lift a little," he said as he lifted the end closer to the register and slid it out. When he looked down he could see Stewie's money and next to it was an old black book which he had purchased from an old guy many,many years before which was thought to had been lost.

Well I'll be darned! he exclaimed, as he reached down and picked up Stewie's money and the book. I always wondered what happened to this old book, he said, as he looked over the book which was now almost completely covered in dust. He sat the book down on a little table at the end of the register which was just in front of the shelf as Stewie helped him move the shelf back against the wall. Need to dust that old thing off, he said, as they slid the shelf back. All right young man, come over here and let me get you rung out. Since you helped me move that shelf out and find that book I'll give you a little bit of a discount. You don't have to do that Mr. Remy, replied Stewie. Oh that's okay you're always in here buying books anyway, it's no big deal really. As Mr. Remy was ringing out young Stewie he had already forgotten that Buzz had been standing there and had already started walking back further into the store. Wandering around, but now a bit fixated on the book that Mr. Remy had pulled out from behind the shelf. Well you really didn't have to do that, Stewie continued with Mr. Remy. I know you have to make money too, he added. That's okay I'm about to close up shop anyway for the night Stewie. Just then another young lady walks in the door as Mr. Remy handed Stewie his books and his change. Hello I'm sorry to bother you this late I wasn't sure if you were still open but I was looking for a book, the young lady said. Well what are you looking for? Mr. Remy asked. I was looking for a 'Mitch Albom' book called: 'The five people you meet in heaven. Actually I think I do have a copy of it. he answered. It came in a load I got last week. As he pointed to a stack of books that were neatly arranged on a display table. At this point Stewie walked out and said, I'll see you later Mr. Remy! All right see you around Stewie, you behave in school now! I will!" he said as he walked out the door.

Now let's see where is that book? said Mr. Remy as he walked towards the table leading the young lady. Having long forgotten that Buzz was still in the store. Buzz had now made his way over to the little table were the dusty old book lay. The strange looking book had captured his attention since Mr. Remy pulled it out. Buzz was eyeballing the strange texture of the book which was visible even through the thick dust that covered it. He just had to have that book he thought to himself. But I'm not a thief he thought but I do have twenty dollars he thought.  I could just leave the $20 and it's not really like he is just taking the book or stealing it. Aha here it is! exclaimed Mr. Remy, as he pulled the book the girl wanted from the stack on the table. Just then the girl noticed a second Mitch Albom book called The first person you meet in heaven, and she says, Oh you have the other one too! I'll take them both, she said excitedly as she picked the second book up. Mr. Remy had completely forgotten about Buzz being in the store. As he walked towards the counter and noticed the table the book was missing and on the counter there lay a $20 bill. His gladness over helping the young lady find the books she wanted was quickly dulled. He took it! Mr. Remy exclaimed, Buzz took the book! he said in a very disappointed tone. As he sighed and shook his head. He quickly stepped over to the door and looked out in both directions and could not see Buzz anymore.

I can't believe that, he started talking out loud as the young lady stood there wondering what had happened. She looked puzzled and Mr. Remy quickly noticed her dismay. I found this old book in a collection this old gentleman sold me almost 20 years ago, and my niece Celia was helping me get the store cleaned up and I thought she lost the book. She must have knocked it off the shelf and it fell behind and slid underneath the shelf and all this time it was right there. The guy I bought it from told me it was Romanian. I honestly had never heard of the book and didn't know what it was even worth, but I'll bet that it was worth more than $20. She was mad at me for a while over that book because I blamed her for losing it. I know it looked really old and it was about Vlad Dracula. The book honestly kinda gave me the creeps, but but I am in this business to make money. That's okay I'll catch up to Buzz. He lives in this neighborhood so he can't go too far away. Oh, I understand completely, the young lady replied. I don't like it when people take things of mine either. It's very aggravating and I don't blame you one bit, she added. It is still rather disappointing after all this time to find it and then it'd just be gone again! Mr. Remy cashed out the young lady and locked up the store for the night and went out to give a quick look around a few of the local hangouts where most of the homeless and vagrants frequented. Buzz's curiosity was peaking as he walked hurriedly through some back alleys to a spot where he could sit and dust off the old book. He may not have a lot, but he liked a good book every now and then, and this book really caught his eye and seemed to draw him in for some reason. Buzz noticed an old wooden box sitting on one side of the alley and made his way over to it and sat down on the box as he flipped the book out of his coat and began to inspect it. He instantly noticed on the back a small sticker which read Mr. Remy's bookstore and the date handwritten on the sticker read 2003.

He noticed as he flipped the book over that there were strange indentations in the front cover of the book and the shape began to become visible.  He wiped the dust away which almost startled Buzz when he saw that it was a bats face which seemed to be glaring right at him and it nearly covered the entire surface of the book, and there were indentations over its nose like something was once set into the book. The indentations in the book seemed like a triangle of some sort with spherical knobs at each corner, and the entire face of the bat seemed to protrude out from the book. Which gave the front cover of the book a very rigid surface. He pulled an old handkerchief out of his pocket and began a more vigorous cleaning of the front and back of the book. It was then that he could read the name of the book as he finished wiping the dust from it and it said Book of Dracula', and the first part of the title was between the bats ears Book Of and the name Dracula was at the bottom below the bats mouth. As he continued to wipe the dust away he heard a strange sound like a moaning sound come from down the alley. Little did he know the surprise that was waiting just around the corner for him. Erick and Alex were seated in a corner booth and the music was at a low roar, and the club was booming that night. There were people all around and some gathered in small circles, and the dance floor was full. Thanks a lot for coming out with me Alex. I'm just glad you're starting to get out of that funk you were in. Now we just have to find some decent ladies. A petite waitress approached them and asked what she could get for them. We will take two of those jumbo Tequila Sunrises you guys are known for, Erick answered. Alex just looked at Erick with a slight look of disapproval which Erick instantly perceived and said to him, It's just one. Besides our hotel is right there, Erick returned pointing back down in the direction of their hotel. That's true! answered Alex, as he submitted to Erick's suggestions, plus he didn't want to seem like a stick in the mud and ruin Erick's night. Oh, you will like these and they're not too strong!"

Interjected the little waitress, and she added my name is Amy whatever else I can get for you I will be right back with your drinks, she adds as she walks away with a little bounce in her step. Well, she seems really nice hey Erick? See I told you, Erick answered back. There are some nice ladies here.I don't know. Alex came back. I think a lot of times people are nice when they have something to gain, Alex chided. I think you just need to relax a little Alex. I know Denise was such a good person that you may have some difficulties in finding someone who can even compare to her, but maybe you'll just have to make some exceptions for someone? You know there was this girl one time that I met when I was back in Houston. We were at this club called 'The Mercedes Club' and there was this girl who walked in and it was like instant attraction. I don't know what it was, but before that I had a shy streak that was a mile wide, but when I saw her I knew I had to go talk to her. Nothing could have stopped me from walking up to her and asking her name. Her name was 'Alette' and I asked her if she would go out on a date with me. And I guess it sort of freaked her out a little, but my own forwardness was surprising even to myself. She seemed really nice and she had strawberry blonde hair and this petite perfect little body and just seemed so perfect, and had just a beautiful personality. It was like the same feeling I had when I was with Denise. She offered to meet me back up at the club the next night. Well anyway I had been dating this other girl named Debbie who was only in Houston temporarily. I used to go pick her up and her friend named Marie and we would all go to the club together. Debbie went back to Colorado where she was from and so I wasn't dating her anymore. Marie asked me if I would come and pick her up some nights and take her to the club with me. So the very next night I go up there and I meet Alette out front and when we walked in the door of the club every single guy in there was looking at her and then we sit down and we are talking and she asks me if I had been dating anyone else? I said No" which was the truth because Debbie had been gone for over a month.  Then like out of the blue here comes Marie and what does she do? She walks up to me and says I thought you were going to come and pick me up. Instantly Alette looked at me and got up turned around and walked away.

I never got a chance to explain to her that Marie wasn't even the girl that I had been dating. It was really frustrating because I knew that I really liked Alette and I felt like she never really gave me a chance because she was probably a really good person herself and didn't like to deal with situations like that. I mean any good girl was probably going to do the same thing knowing how some men are with not telling the truth. The thing is I was telling the truth and she never gave me a chance to even explain it. I don't know why it bothered me so bad but I felt like this instant attraction to her and I just felt like it was so unfair. Nonetheless I was really angry at Marie! Alette walked out and I never saw her again and it was really a heavy blow for me and I honestly really felt there was this instant connection with her and then it was gone. I looked at Marie and said you know what you just did? She just got this dumb look on her face, and then I just walked away from Marie. I don't think I ever saw her again either after that. I know I never saw Alette again either. I didn't know where she was from and whether she was just in town shortly or even where she was from. It was one of the most devastating moments of my life. At least until the day I lost Denise. It took me a long time to get over Alette because it was just like something there and I never really got over it. Eventually I did move on and I found Denise and I forgot all about Alette! Well, almost. he added.  Man, that sounds brutal, Erick answered back! Sometimes things just happen for the better and you may not see the reason why at the time!"

The waitress showed back up with the two jumbo Tequila Sunrises, and said, Here you go, as she sat them on the table. Erick tossed some folded bills on the table and told her to keep the change. She scooped the bills up looked at them and said, Thanks a lot guys, and if there's anything else I can get you just let me know. She walks away and Erick looks at Alex and he says, So that's what it is? She's got that same little petite body huh? Reminded you of your old flame did it? Well to be honest she did sort of remind me a little of Alette. They both take a drink of their Tequila Sunrises and look out at the crowd of people. Just then a group of girls comes walking by their booth, and one of the girls looks over and sees Alex, and Alex looks back at her with his mind completely blown. It was Alette standing right there in front of him. Instantly she lets out an, Oh my God is that you Alex? Alette? Alex was in shock as was Erick at this point. She instantly began to explain to Alex that she had felt bad after their date, and that it bothered her that she never really gave Alex a chance. At this point Erick interjects and says, You don't understand he was just telling me about you, two seconds ago. Alex looks at Alette says, Well yeah I was just telling him about my time down in Houston. The strangest thing happened to Alex as he felt like his shy streak had come back. Alette looked as though she had barely aged in 20 years. Erick sensed Alex was a little taken aback and says, He was just telling me that you were one of the nicest girls he'd ever dated and wished things had turned out differently. She turned around to her friends and waved them over and began to introduce them. This is Kimmy, and this is Jennifer and Erica. I didn't catch your friends name Alex, she says. Oh, oh where are my manners this is my friend Erick. Erick this is Alette, he says. Would you all like to sit down? Alex asked. We can for a little while, answered Alette, 'but we have to go soon because Jennifer has to catch a plane in the morning she has to be back home tomorrow for her family reunion. Jennifer said Yeah sorry guys I just promised my family I would be there."

Erick slid to the back of the booth and allowed Jennifer, Erica, and Kim to slide in. And Alex slid in and Alette sit down right next to him as she looked over at him and said, You know I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for what happened back in Houston. I had just witnessed my parents divorce and my father was cheating on my mother and he was lying to her all the time so I was a little angry because he always lied to her. So I think I really projected a lot of my anger at you and I'm really really sorry, she said somberly. Alex felt as though a great weight had suddenly been lifted from off of his chest. Kimmy suddenly interjects, Yes, she still talks about you all the time, as she rolled her eyes. Jennifer tosses in her two cents. Honestly guys? Erica interjects. She doesn't talk about him that much, you all are just trying to Razz her! So, what do you guys do? Suddenly Jennifer interjects. Well, we're both entrepreneurs, Alex started, but Erick couldn't resist the chance at blowing up his friends stature so he interjects. Don't let him fool you that guys like a virtuoso at everything he does, Erick says. He can make or build just about anything, Erick bragged. Well ,don't let him fool you he's like the crypto God over here, Alex rebounds as he tilts his head towards Erick. Even now Alex had a strange feeling, like when you walked into a haunted house and it was a feeling that he could not shake. Erica asks the guys what they thought about the last election? Alex and Erick looked at each other as if to say well might as well.  We both feel as though Bill Durand didn't win the election fairly. Suddenly all the girls were exclaiming Oh thank God you're not one of them. The atmosphere seemed to feel a little lighter at that moment. Kimmy says, Yeah they cheated Tom Baron! Erick says Thank God, you had us worried for a minute!

You know 10 years ago you wouldn't caught any of us dead talking about politics, but everything has gotten so crazy lately that it's been like front line everywhere, Erica said. Yeah some of these people are so bat shit crazy, Kimmy added in. Everyone giggled a little and nodded in agreement. Plato said 'Those who refuse to participate in politics find themselves being ruled by their inferiors, quoted Erick. Oh, I really love history and all the philosophers! Erica replied. So many people don't take the time to learn even their own history which is really stupid honestly, She added. For some reason Erick already began to feel an attraction towards Erica and thought she had a beautiful smile. He was beginning to wonder if he was experiencing the same thing that happened to Alex in Houston with Alette. What are the chances of that? He thought to himself. Yet something felt so right about this moment like it was meant to be. Yet he also had an uneasy feeling that he could not put his finger on. Have you guys been here all night? Asked Alex. Yes, we got here early because Jennifer had to leave to go home and we wanted to spend as much time here as we could, Erica says. Have you guys been here before? Asked Kimmy. No, it's our first time, replied Erick.Did you all go out on the balcony yet? She came back. No I didn't know they had a balcony, he retorted. One of my coworkers at the crypto company told me about this place and I knew they had a second floor but I didn't realize they had a balcony. We'll have to check that out later. Oh, shoot guys it's already after 11 I've got to get up in like three hours to get to my flight, Jennifer said. We've got to go! she added. Alette looked rather disappointed as She opens her purse instantly dropping a piece of paper on the floor which was an important clients number and quickly retrieves it then writes her number on another blank piece of paper and gives it to Alex says, Please call me. Alex says,

I will, I promise. Do you all live here or are you just in town for the weekend? Erica asks. We're just here for the weekend we both live in Kentucky. Alette looks and Alex and says Oh my God, what part of Kentucky? We both live in Louisville. She replies, We all live in Lexington. You mean I've been that close to you all this time since I left Houston? Alette replied, Yes, I've lived in Lexington my whole life and my family raises horses. I was in Houston visiting a friend when I met you and I was only there for a couple of weeks. Wow! That is really something! Alex replied. She replies, I know, who would have thought? We really have to go now though guys! Said Jennifer, as they all began to exit the booth. Erica turns around and sets a piece of paper with her phone number on it in front of Erick. He was surprised. He gave a little smile as she walked away and the other girls joined her. Alex watched Alette as she walked away again, but this time she turned around and looked at him and he knew that it wasn't the same as before. Wow! I've heard that word WOW so many times tonight! Said Erick. You know, replied Alex. I would've never dreamed that we would come all the way to New York City and I would find Alette again, Here! That is crazy! Erick replied. And did you see her friend Erica? She Is adorable. Yeah and I think she likes you too! What are the chances of that? I'm standing here beside myself or sitting as the case may be. I do feel a little better but I feel like something is really off. You know I was thinking the same thing earlier, replied Erick. You don't think it's the girls do you? No! I don't think it's the girls it just feels like there's something really off right now Alex answered. Like something bad is getting closer and closer to us. It didn't change when the girls got here or when they left. Let's go up and check out that balcony! Erick said as they took the last swallows from their cups and set them back on the table. I saw the staircase behind the dance floor when we came in. Alex still felt a little uneasy as they made their way up the stairs to the second floor. They could see the balcony behind a row of tables and the door in between. They walked out and a little bit of a breeze flew in as they opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony. Below was an alley, but from there you could see city lights above the lower buildings that were around the nightclub.

Wow! That's really beautiful! said Eric as he peered out at all the lights that were in his view now. He looked around for a moment and realized Alex looked a little pale. Are you okay? he asked. Yeah! I feel kinda weird like lightheaded, but not really nauseated, Answered Alex. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper Alette had given him and then he pulled his phone out of his hip pocket and was beginning to put her number into his phone. He stated. This way I'll still have the number even if I lose the paper. Just then small gust of wind blew the piece of paper which he had sitting in the palm of his hand, and it went right down over the balcony and into the alley way. Oh crap! He stated. I'll be right back, he said as he went back into the building and back down the stairs he went. He walked to the door and explained to the doorman that he had to go outside for just a moment but wondered if he could get right back in? The guard said, Hold out your hand, and he put a fluorescent stamp on his hand, and said,Just show them this and you can come right back in. Thanks! Alex replied, as he walked out the door and around to the alley. He didn't feel alright all of the sudden and wondered if he should go into that alley. He peered down the alley and see there was no one there and could vaguely make out the piece of paper lying on the ground. I'll be okay he thought as he headed towards the piece of paper. Nothing here at all Alex, He mumbled to himself. In the Meantime! Buzz was walking towards the corner where he heard the moaning sound. There you are! A voice suddenly rang out causing Buzz to nearly drop the book. I knew I'd catch up to you, said Mr. Remy. As he came out of the shadow from the corner of the alley. Why did you take my book? He asked Buzz. Well I didn't really take it I left you some money for it. Buzz I don't even know what that book is worth, and I was going to have someone come in and look at it. That thing could be worth a fortune. Replied Mr. Remy. As a matter-of-fact I brought your $20 back with me and here it is, he said as he waved it in front of Buzz's face. Now give me back my book! Just then a growling deep demonic sound came from behind Mr. Remy and the corner he had come from.

Both of the men were suddenly terrified and began to run up the alley towards the main street. Then they heard it again as though it was following them and they continued to run. What the hell is that? Buzz asked half out of breath already. I don't know! replied Mr. Remy also running out of air. Just keep running, he added. Waving his hand forward as he ran as hard as an old man could. Alex walked up to the piece of paper which laid on the ground and picked it up and finished putting Alette's phone number into his phone. Then suddenly he began to hear the sounds of the two men coming up the alley towards him. He heard the growling sound that was chasing the two men as they approached. Alex placed his phone back in his hip pocket and as he did was watching these two men as they got closer to him. Suddenly he felt really lightheaded but not enough to cause him to pass out. His head was swimming, but not from the drink. He felt as though a great shadow had fallen over him. He wondered to himself, Is this were I die?  He stumbled a bit just as the two men approached him and when Buzz and Mr. Remy drew close they saw a great black shadow appear over Alex and the growl sound then came from over his head. Buzz now out of breath dropped the book and Mr. Remy and Buzz slid by Alex as they were close to the main street now. Erick had heard some of the commotion and was also worried about Alex and had already started back down the stairs himself to go out and see if his friend Alex was okay. The feeling subsided very quickly as if it had never even happened. As though something were toying with him and his consciousness. Just like that Alex was back to normal and felt fine. Buzz and Mr. Remy had both gotten about 50 feet away and were still running away. Alex ran over and picked up the book and yelled at them. Hey! You dropped your book!

As they looked at Alex they could still see the dark shadow standing behind him, and they yelled back. Just keep it! They both felt like the book didn't belong to them at that point and that it wasn't worth dying for. Erick comes from around the corner and sees Alex standing there and asks him What was that all about? Completely oblivious to the shadow that was behind Alex which had now backed against the wall and shrunk down until it was no more. I don't know man! I heard something that sounded like a dog growling at those two guys as they were running and they dropped this book and kept running. I tried to give it back to them, but they said 'Keep it!' What time is it? Alex asked. It's midnight replied Erick. That makes sense! Alex says, as he looks up at the sign 'The Midnight Howl!' Sheesh, let's get out of here man, that was creepy, he added. You don't want to go back in and get another drink? asked Erick. Not really, tonight has already been a wild experience. You're telling me, replied Erick. I can't believe you found your old girlfriend like that. Well it looks like I'm not the only one who found someone! Hey? Alex jabbed as he looked down at the book and got a strange feeling like he had seen this book before. What is that thing? Asked Erick. Peering at the dark colored book. I don't know I've never seen any books like this one! He said as he looked at the front and the bats face that now stared back at him. He flipped it over and happened to notice the sticker on the back of the book Mr. Remy's Bookstore. Maybe we'll go here early tomorrow and see what we can find out about it anyway? I think I saw that place when we were driving around earlier today a couple blocks from here. Sure thing we will do that, replied Erick. Just then the doorman had come around corner as well and asked Erick and Alex if they were okay and what was going on? We don't know these two old guys came running by and dropped this book and it sounded like they were being chased by a wild dog, but I didn't see the dog. The doorman got a peculiar look on his face and asked.Are you guys coming back in? No! Erick responded I don't think were going to come back in tonight, besides my friend here is looking a little pale. We will probably come back tomorrow night as we are in town for the whole weekend.

Well alright you guys have a good night and watch out for those wild dogs, the doorman returned jest-fully rolling his eyes to them as they walked away back toward their Hotel. For some reason the walk back seemed like it took less than half the time that it took them to walk to the club. I don't know about you Erick, but I actually feel pretty good about tonight! Kind of like my life finally took a step back in the right direction again. I just still can't believe that I ran into Alette after all this time, and not even in the same city then find out that she has not been that far from me all along! That's such a trip! I know you're not kidding because I was stunned that she walked in right after you were telling me all about her, that kind of thing just doesn't happen! Replied Erick. I know it's weird, Alex returned! I'm not really one of these big time conspiracy theorists, but that was a truly mind-boggling experience. Alex said as he opened the door to the hotel lobby. Did you find her phone number? I almost forgot to ask. Yeah, I put it right into my phone so I wouldn't lose it again. That's a good idea! I think I'll do the same, Erick replied as he pulled out the piece of paper with Erica's phone number on it, and punched it into his phone. I'm going to go to the hotel computer room and surf the internet a bit and look for other stuff to do here! Erick said. "Alright, I'm going up to my room and lay down and I'll come and get you in the morning, and maybe we'll head over to that bookstore and see if we can figure out what this book is.

Book Of Dracula, he said out loud in a jovial tone of voice. Just then a wind blew right through the lobby and blew out some of the candles that were sitting on the tables in the waiting area. He and Erick both gave a weird look to each other as Alex entered the elevator and shook his head and said, 'Naah! as Erick mirrored his sentiments. As the elevator went up to the seventh floor where Alex's room was he again felt a little light-headed. Maybe it's just the elevator pushing all my blood out of my head he thought to himself. The elevator reached his floor and he exited towards his hotel room door he began to feel a little lightheaded once again as if there was a dark shadow over him. He quickly retrieved his door key from his wallet and swiped it and entered his room. He began examining the book as he walked towards his bed and the curious texture of the cover as he wiped his other hand over the surface of the front cover of the book. The 'Book of Dracula, he spoke out loud as he also noticed the indentations above the bats nose. He opened the book to glance through its contents briefly and noticed that it was all in a strange language. Thinking out loud again he questions what he was viewing, Odd that it has English letters on the front cover but a foreign language inside? He shook his head and set the book on the TV stand of the hotel room and sat back on his bed for a brief moment and rubbed his face and head. He quickly stands up walks to the bathroom and then walks over to the sink and washes his hands and splashes water on his face looks in the mirror and says aloud What a night! He makes A deep sigh and as he turns and begins to walk back into the other room and he catches a quick glance of a dark figure standing in the mirror. He quickly turns again and sees only himself in the mirror now. He shakes his head again and says, Okay Alex it's been a long night and you need some sleep, and Now you're seeing things, he added. Then his thoughts quickly returned to the events of the night and seeing Alette again. I would never thought that I would see her again after Houston! He thought, yet it gave him an uncontrollable sense of excitement that he had not felt in 20 years. He was filled with a profound sense of joy and smiled as he just flopped onto his bed just as he hit the bed there was a banging on his door. Hold on," he yelled out as he quickly hopped back up and went to the door and when he opened the door the hallway was empty. He looked both ways down the hall and there was clearly no one there a strange expression washed over his face as he shook his head and closed the door again.

Once again he went over to his bed and flopped down on it still a little puzzled. Just a few seconds later someone begins banging on the door again except a little harder and he could hear a voice outside the door. Alex! Alex! He recognized Erick's voice he quickly went back to the door and opened the door and Erick came in the door abruptly. Alex started to say, Thank God it was you! I thought it was kids playing again in the hallway or something. What do you mean kids, this floor is only adults and no kids on this floor, and I specifically asked for is floor? Erick responded. Well maybe one of the kids came from another floor, because someone was banging on my door just a minute ago. "Don't tell