Cold as Hell (Black Badge Series Book 1) by Rhett C. Bruno & Jaime Castle

Author:Rhett C. Bruno & Jaime Castle [Bruno, Rhett C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 2022-05-23T16:00:00+00:00

These creatures, Vampir, despise sunlight—no, they detest it to the point of death. Additionally, I have come to discover their vulnerability, a sort of allergic reaction to garlic and, most odd—silver.

There was a lot more, but I’d read enough.

“Fine story you’re working on,” I said, slipping my glove back on. “Never met a novelist before.”

Bram’s eyes squinted, serious as death. If he had to smile to put out a fire, the whole of Revelation would burn to the ground.

“That’s just it, Mr. Crowley. I’m not writing fiction. I’ve traveled a long way, having spent many years researching and studying all across Europe. Now, the New World has been calling my name in the darkest hours of night.”

“That so?” I asked.

“I’ve seen things . . . things most wouldn’t believe. But I bet you would, wouldn’t you? Just like our mutual acquaintance, Rosa.”

“I suppose that depends on what kinds of things you’re talking about.” I plunked a fresh bullet into a water-filled container. As it sizzled, I leaned back a bit to ensure no silver bits steamed up into my face.

Bram prodded at the paper three times with a stubby finger.

“You’re a hunter, aren’t you?” he asked.

“Aren’t we all when we’re on the range and need to eat?” I replied.

“You know that’s not what I mean.” He plucked the bullet from the water. I knew it was still hot, but he handled it anyway and spun it around. “Silver isn’t as effective against men or animals as iron. I’m not a fool, Mr. Crowley.”

“Fine.” I snatched the bullet back and leaned in close to him. “You want the truth?”

He nodded eagerly.

“It ain’t that exciting,” I said.

“Come on, then. Let’s hear it.”

“I’m with the festival.”

Bram rolled his eyes, but I continued.

“I’ve heard the rumors, too. Same as you. Figured I could spin a tale about blood-sucking monsters down south, charge some rubes a pretty penny for some silver bullets, and be on my way a few bucks richer.”

Bram rose without a word. He brushed off his pants and took one step toward the stagecoach. Then, he turned and looked back at me. “I don’t know what you are, James Crowley, except one thing.”

He paused, waiting for my response. I threw him a bone.

“And what’s that?”

“A liar.”

He was trying to be clever, but I could tell by his expression that it was feckless braggadocio. The man was disappointed. Probably spent every waking hour hunting for clues about the supernatural only to be shut down when he was sitting right beside the God’s-honest real thing. I may not’ve been a vampire, but I’d taken on a brood of the vein-drainers before. More than once. I could fill a dozen of his little journals with tales.

“It’s not only effective against vampires,” I said to him. What can I say? Rosa had me feeling generous.

He turned only his head. “Excuse me.”

“Silver. It’s good against all sorts of wicked things.”

Now his body turned too. “And practitioners of necromancy?”

“Don’t get greedy.”

Bram smirked. “You’re the . . .” He opened his journal and flipped a few pages.

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