Chapter 2 The Stranger

Nancy wasn't easily rattled, but there was something about this man that unsettled her. He looked as though he belonged to another era, with his sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her. For a brief moment, she considered turning around and walking out the door. But then she remembered why she was here.

"How do you know who I am?" she asked, her voice steady despite the thundering of her heart.

The man leaned forward slightly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "In a city like this, secrets are hard to keep. And your reputation precedes you, Detective Drew."

She wasn't sure whether to take that as a compliment or a warning. "Who are you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he gestured to the empty seat beside him. "Sit," he said, his tone leaving little room for argument.

Reluctantly, Nancy slid onto the barstool, her instincts on high alert. She watched him closely, waiting for him to make a move. But he seemed in no rush.

"I'm Lucien," he said finally, his voice low and melodic. "And I know why you're here."

Nancy tensed. "Do you? Then you know I'm investigating the murders."

Lucien's eyes gleamed with something she couldn't quite place. "Yes, I know all about them. But what you don't know, Detective, is that you're looking in the wrong places. The killer you're after... is not human."