Lair of the Crystal Fang: An Arkham Horror Novel by S A Sidor

Author:S A Sidor [Sidor, S A]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Mystery & Detective, Dark Fantasy, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Media Tie-In
Publisher: Aconyte
Published: 2022-12-06T00:00:00+00:00

23

Fear Itself

“Talk about what?” Andy asked. “You mean Rex? Does he look bad? You can tell me.”

Dr Fern tugged the curtain closed. The chaos of the emergency ward faded into the background. A stifled moan, a shriek down a far corridor. The doctor turned; her look was grave.

“Rex is in a coma,” she said. “He hasn’t regained consciousness since he arrived. His prognosis is unknown. I could only get a snapshot of his condition from his attending physician, but it’s worrisome. I saw him briefly while I was talking to his team. They are doing their best.”

“The Lamprey got him?” Andy asked, choking on his words. “I knew it. He got us both.”

Dr Fern went on. “It looks like Rex was strangled. So, I’d say yes, the Lamprey is the likely suspect. There’s evidence of bruising around Rex’s throat. His eyes are bloodshot. He’s also been handcuffed for some time. He has contusions around his wrists, a possible fracture, and a dislocated shoulder, as if he were dragged or suspended by his arms. The police think he was held captive for a while. The mayor’s out there in the ward somewhere. We heard he was down in the sewer when they found you, inspecting this anomalous object they discovered.”

“Mayor Kane was in the sewer and neither of us got to interview him,” Andy said, shaking his head wryly. “What a story that might’ve been. Geez, if Rex knew, it would kill him.” Andy realized what he’d said. His shoulders slumped in shame. “I should keep my trap shut.”

The horror was sinking in. They’d been on the right track. The Lamprey did return to the sewers. They’d been close. Too close. Now they were paying the price for tempting danger.

“There is some good news,” Jake said.

Andy lifted his head, brightening. Jake always tried to find the silver lining in a thundercloud.

“What good news?”

“Your colleague was choked, but not slashed. It looks like you might’ve interrupted the Lamprey before they completed their attack. Rex is lucky to have his blood. You saved him.”

Andy swallowed. It was nothing to feel proud of. “I should’ve been there sooner.”

Any relief he was experiencing battled with the guilt and disappointment he felt in himself. I’m trying to win back my job, but instead I almost end up dead, and I nearly get another journalist killed. Hardly a stellar comeback. But Jake was right about one thing: Rex was a lucky guy – but only if he eventually woke up from his oblivion.

Andy touched his throat. The Lamprey had knocked him out too, and he might’ve been strangled and drained like the other victims. It could’ve easily been poor Rex and poor Andy. A couple of dead reporters down the drain, floating in the river.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Dr Fern said, offering her psychological counsel.

“You’re right. It’s water under the bridge, or down the sewer pipe. The point is to stop the murders and get the story. Did they find any clues about the Lamprey?” Andy asked.

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