Stoker's Wilde West by Steven Hopstaken

Author:Steven Hopstaken
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Adventure, Suspense, supernatural, thriller, horror; gothic fantasy, dark fantasy, creepy stories
Publisher: Flame Tree Publishing
Published: 2020-07-13T12:52:34+00:00

From the Journal of Bram Stoker,

6th of October 1882

1:10 a.m.

What a thrilling evening it has been! To think earlier today, I was in deepest despair on my way to heaven knows what fate in Carson City.

Miss Chase refused to talk to us in the stagecoach for most of the trip, her nose buried in her Robin Hood book. Finally, I could stand it no more.

“You have to believe me, Miss Chase,” I pleaded again. “The man I killed was leading a train robbery and was trying to kill me.”

She put her book down. “Then it should be easy to clear this all up, Mr. Stoker. You will have your day in court.”

“In a court owned by William Drumpf,” Henry pointed out. “You have to see we are being railroaded here.”

She swapped out her book for the Vellum Manuscript. “There is quite a bit of fuss over this book,” she said, flipping through its pages and looking at the incomprehensible text and unusual drawings. “Brigham Young wants it. Drumpf will rob a train to get it. Yes, it must be a very special tome indeed.”

“It is a dangerous book, in the wrong hands,” I said. “If you deliver us to Drumpf, we are as good as dead, and he will have the book, which would prove calamitous.”

“Yes, but as of now I have the book,” Miss Chase said. She lowered her voice. “And I don’t intend to hand it or you over to Drumpf.” She pulled the window shade back a bit and peered outside at the rocky landscape. “It will be dark soon, then we can make our move.”

To my surprise, she uncuffed me.

“Our move? So you aren’t working for Drumpf?” I asked.

“I am not. Nor am I a Pinkerton agent, at least not entirely. In reality, I am an operative for the White Worm Society. I believe you are familiar with our work.”

She unlocked Henry’s cuffs, and he rubbed his wrists in relief.

I have never in my life been so happy to hear the words White Worm Society. Normally they are an irritation at best, as they occasionally badger me to hunt vampires in their service. I was aware I was under their surveillance but had no idea their reach extended this far.

“It is my understanding that when it is dark, Mr. Irving will be at full strength,” she said. Henry’s eyes widened at this and she added, “Yes, I am well aware of your nature, Mr. Irving.”

“What’s our next move?” I asked.

“You will overpower me and escape. I suppose I must let you keep the book for the time being so it doesn’t fall into the hands of Drumpf,” she said. “Your wife and Oscar Wilde are currently on the trail looking for you. They should be at Mound House by now, or even on to Carson City.”

I was very surprised by this revelation, although knowing Florence I should not have been. When we failed to return, of course she would take action to find us.

“The Roosevelts have

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