The Vampire Tour (standard:horror, 4242 words)
Author: TJC	Added: Oct 31 2008	Views/Reads: 3123/2100	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Three college girls take the New Orleans Vampire Tour and find it's far more than they ever could have imagined.... (If you're ever in the great city of 'Nawlins, the haunted history tours are not to be missed! I promise, though, this is fiction.)

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

“YES, YES,” Carolyn said finally, trying to hide her embarrassment with
a laugh.  She looked at Misha and Sandi and they too were red faced. 

“Well let us begin then,” he said with wink.  The tour group was about
ten people including the guide.  Aside from she and her friends, 
Carolyn noticed two middle-aged couples and a younger one that was so 
lovey-dovey they must have been on their honeymoon. “You may call me 
Meridian,” the guide said.  “We'll be going through some dark areas of 
the city so please stay with the group because I won't be responsible 
for your safety.”  He gave them a booming laugh that Carolyn found 
unnerving but oh so attractive. 

“This is going to be fun after all,” Misha whispered.  Sandi was nodding
in agreement. 

“How tall is that guy?”  Sandi stared at Meridian and Carolyn could have
sworn she saw her mouth watering. 

“Easily six-four, but it might be the top hat.”  Carolyn had to admit,
the tour guide was a beautiful man. 

The tall, magnificent guide took them on a stroll through the shadowy
back alleys of French Quarter and then came to a magnificent mansion 
with four beautiful pillars dominating the front breeze-way.  It was 
just a couple of blocks from Bourbon Street yet they couldn't hear the 
music and felt as if they'd all gone back in time. 

“Eerie isn't it,” Meridian said.  “How alone we feel here and yet we're
still in the heart of the city?  There's a reason for this, but first 
let me tell you about this house.....” He looked into Carolyn's eyes 
and she found herself smiling at him until Misha slapped her shoulder. 

“This grand home was once the lair of a man named Jaques St. Germaine.
He moved to our city in 1903 from France and rumor has it he left his 
native country because he was wanted by the police.....they suspected 
him of murdering some local prostitutes.”  Meridian smiled and rubbed 
the black steel of the rail that lined the yard along the sidewalk. 
“They never proved that, and New Orleans being a fairly liberal city 
welcomed him without a hassle.” 

Carolyn watched Meridian speak and moved up closer to hear his buttery
smooth voice.  She felt Misha and Sandi gripping her arms, but it was 
as if he was speaking only to her.  She knew that good tour guides had 
a way with making everyone on the tour feel this way and so she told 
herself how stupid she was. 

“Jaques St. Germaine, however, would soon make New Orleans regret his
arrival,” Meridian said with an evil grin.  “One night he lured a young 
lady to his place for a glass of wine and attacked her.  She was bitten 
all over her body and lost a great deal of blood.” 

Meridian began walking through their group and stopped directly behind
Carolyn and her friends, as they kept staring at the dark mansion. 

“The woman ran through the streets bleeding and naked.  She survived and
led authorities to the home only to find it immaculately clean, with no 
sign of trouble.  But when they searched farther into the house, they 
found several bodies, all drained of blood.  As for Jaques St. 
Germaine, he was never seen again but legend has it he returned New 
Orleans on occasion and still does to this day......” 

Carolyn felt Meridian's hand on her shoulder for an instant. 

“Come along group, there's another interesting place to see.” Meridian
was suddenly ahead of the group and leading them down another dark 
street.  There was nobody around, not a soul.  It was so weird and 
Carolyn wanted to know why.  It was a Saturday night, pleasant weather, 
it made no sense to her. 

Now the group was standing in front of a huge building with lines of
windows.  The long, massive structure was a pale white in the dark 
night under a jet black roof.  Six windows lined the roof. 

“This is Ursuline Convent, my brave group,” meridian announced. 
“Because few people will come anywhere near this place at night.  In 
fact if I wasn't well paid to bring you here I would steer clear of 
this area as well.   It's a working convent but nobody here will 
acknowledge the history I'm about to tell you......” 

Meridian again moved up toward Carolyn and her friends.  This time he
stroked Misha's arm and went on with his story, his eyes seemingly 
boring into Carolyn's. 

“In the 1800's, legend has it that in an attempt to help populate the
then somewhat seedy French Quarter with more educated, well bred 
denizens, French families were enticed to send their daughters here to 
marry. However, these families were misled to believe handsome 
deserving gentlemen where waiting here for them. Some of the girls 
found themselves raped, forced into prostitution, and even murdered.” 

Carolyn shivered a bit as she stared at the convent, Meridian's voice
telling the story filled her head with horrific images. 

“The nuns managed to intercept some of the girls at their arrival and
put them up at the convent. The girls had arrived with their trousseau 
which were shaped unusually very much like traditional coffins. So 
mockingly the girls acquired the name of “casket girls.”  Their 
trousseau were placed in the third floor attic of the convent, and were 
not retrieved until a proper suitor was found for each girl.” 

Meridian paused.  “Other than the couples on this tour, I see three
young women perhaps in search of proper suitors?” 

Carolyn smiled nervously at the man leading the tour.  She wanted him,
as her two friends did, but when his eyes flashed deeply into hers she 
looked down and heard Misha and Sandi giggling. 

“Have any in mind?  Misha said. 

“One never knows where a proper suitor might turn up,” Meridian
chuckled.  He then went on with the tale...... 

“As I was saying,  the girls arrived with their trousseau but when some
were retrieved later they were found to be empty.  Superstitious 
townsfolk believed they had smuggled vampires here to the French 
Quarter.....That's the legend at least......but...if it is just a 
legend....why does the convent to this day seal the attic windows with 
8000 screws?” 

Meridian folded his arms and looked over the group.  He appeared to be
ten feet tall at that moment and Carolyn felt herself getting scared. 

“And supposedly every so often one of the windows will shoot open for no
apparent reason, and immediately the convent once again seals it shut.  
The people in the convent will neither confirm or deny these stories 
but most feel the caskets are still in the attic.  In the 1970's two 
photographers camped out here one night with a camera and were found 
the next morning with their throats ripped open......no sign of blood 
on them or the street.” 

“Oh god can we get out of here now?”  It was the young newly wed wife. 
Meridian smiled and motioned the group along. 

***** 

The tour ended at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop,  rumored to be the oldest
freestanding structure in the United States, supposedly built before 
the mid eighteenth century, it was now a watering hole, lit entirely by 
candle and a regular stop on all of the New Orleans Haunted History 
Tours.  Carolyn sat with Misha and Sandi at a table in the back.  They 
each drank beer and discussed the rest of their evening.  Suddenly 
Meridian was there standing over them. 

“You girls enjoy the tour?” 

“It was cool,” Sandi said. 

“Definitely, lots more fun than I'd imagined,” Misha added. 

“How about you?” He looked at Carolyn. 

“It was creepy, but I loved it too.  Thank you for taking us.”  Carolyn
kicked herself because she thought she sounded stupid. 

“You know, girls, I am having a little party, kind of unauthorized, but
if you want to come, I promise you'll be safe and have a good time.  
Some locals and I like to bend the rules a bit and have a little 
shindigs in some of the tour spots.” 

“A party?” Sandi smiled.  “Where?” 

“The St. Germaine mansion,” he whispered.  “You're all welcome but if
you don't come, please don't tell anyone okay?” 

“We won't, but....we want to come right?” Misha looked around the table.
Carolyn wasn't sure. 

“Well like I said, you're all welcome.  I'd love to have you there as my
guests.  It will be in full swing in a couple hours.” Meridian's finger 
traced up Carolyn's arm and then he walked away, disappearing out the 
door as another tour group came in and began filling the ancient bar. 
She sat there numb, flushed, unnerved beyond anything in her 
experience. 

“Carolyn?  CARE!”  Misha yelled and suddenly Carolyn was looking at her
giggling friends.  “You are so obvious.” 

“What?” 

“Come on, it's so clear you want to fuck him!” Sandi said as she downed
her beer. “Well maybe we'll let you have Meridian if he has some 
friends for us, right Meesh?” 

“Without a doubt.” 

“Guys I don't think we should go,” Carolyn cautioned.  “He kind of
creeps me out.” 

“That look you were giving him all night was not a creeped out look.” 
Misha shook her head.  “Just for once have some fun.  I know the break 
up was hard but fuck it.” 

Carolyn gritted her teeth.  She hadn't wanted to think of her break up
with Brian and was tempted to punch her friend's face in.  “It has 
nothing to do with that.” 

“Let's go and check it out and if any of us wants to leave, then we all
three leave.  Agreed?” Sandi looked around the table.  Misha nodded but 
Carolyn was still unsure. “Carolyn, you fell too hard for Brian.  Have 
some fun.  Instead of looking for Mr. Right, look for Mr. Right Now.” 

“You guys really want to go?” Carolyn looked at her nodding and smiling
friends.  “Okay,” she said finally. 

***** 

They made their way back to the St. Germaine mansion a couple of blocks
away from the Bourbon Street party.  Unlike a few hours earlier, the 
house was lit up inside and music was pumping out into the night air.  
Through the blinds could be seen silhouettes dancing and moving about. 

“See this will be a blast,” Misha said, picking up the pace.  “Come on.”


Carolyn had to admit things seemed to be festive and she began to feel
better about it.  There were obviously quite a few people inside and 
with that amount of people around it seemed unlikely that something bad 
would happen. She and Sandi followed Misha up the steps to the porch in 
front of the huge, oak front door.  Out of the darkness stepped 
Meridian. 

“I'm so thrilled you girls decided to come.”  Meridian touched each of
their faces, but his hand lingered on Carolyn's.  His cool touch had a 
livening effect on her skin.  She was filled with nervous energy. 

“Why are you out here?” Carolyn asked him. 

“Just getting some air and looking to see if you girls were coming down
the street.  It's pretty dark out here and I wouldn't want something 
happening to you.” 

“You'd protect us? Giggled Sandi. 

“Of course I would,” he said with a gorgeous smile.  “Three of my most
beautiful tourists, are you kidding me?” 

“Is there food inside? I'm starved.” Misha opened the door and bright
light filled the porch followed by the pounding rythyms of southern 
rock and roll. Meridian smiled and took the door, opening it wide and 
ushering all three of them into the noisy glare. 

The room began to spin and Carolyn heard the sound wash away as she
fainted, the surroundings becoming blacker than black.  She could see 
nothing, hear nothing, and she couldn't move. 

“Sandi?  Misha?  You guys?”  Carolyn's eyes started to focus in the
darkness just as a blind was raised allowing a stream of moonlight into 
the room.  Meridian stood a few feet away leaning up against an archway 
which led to the rear of the house.  They were in what appeared to be 
an antique furnished parlor and she was up against the wall unable to 
move.  At first she thought she was bound but she wasn't, there were no 
ropes or chains, but she could not come off the wall.  To her right was 
Sandi, to her left was Misha and both of them struggled as she did.  
Sound finally came to her ears in the form of her friends' screams.  
Somehow, someway they were trapped against the wall like flies on 
flypaper. 

“When I saw you girls I said to myself these three would be perfect.” It
was the calm, smooth voice he'd used on the tour.  Moving up on them 
almost as if he was floating, he stood in front of Carolyn.  She 
trembled as he cupped her face with cool, gentle hands.  As he stared 
into her eyes, the screams of her friends died away.  Slowly he moved 
his beautiful face to hers, she tried to pull away but his grip was too 
tight.  She whimpered when his lips met hers and she felt him take her 
lower lip in his mouth sucking it.  Her body was stiff with terror.  
What was happening? She couldn't speak, let alone scream. 

“You were reluctant to come here, my sweet Carolyn,” Meridian whispered
as he licked her neck.  “Caution is good, but you gave in to your 
friends.  That makes you a follower, but being that you were leery it 
also means you're brave.  Are you a brave girl?” 

“Let us go,” she said finally, surprised she could finally articulate.
“You had your fun, you gave us a good scare.” 

“Did I?  Oh wait until you see what comes next.” Again Meridian kissed
her, and she almost kissed him back, wanting to show him she wasn't 
afraid and maybe end whatever was happening, but then he pulled away 
and smiled.  “I can feel your interest in me, Carolyn.  As I can feel 
it from your friends as well.”  He turned toward the struggling Sandi. 

“Please let us go,” Sandi screamed.  “We won't say anything.” 

“Leave her alone,” Carolyn yelled.  “I will do what you want but you
leave my friends alone, asshole.” 

Once again her ears were working and Carolyn could hear the screams of
Misha on the other side.  The screams were intermixed with insults and 
pleas to be let go. 

Meridian smiled wide, revealing a set of long, sharp fangs.  As he
yanked Sandi's head back with a vicious twist of her hair, he smiled at 
Carolyn.  “Let's begin, shall we?” 

“No, leave her alone!” 

“I won't say anything, I promise,” Sandi pleaded.  “Please don't hurt
me.” 

“I can guarantee you won't say anything,” Meridian growled, pressing his
mouth to Sandi's in a violent, sadistic kiss. Carolyn screamed as she 
watched her friend struggle to get free of Meridian's vampiric mouth 
but soon blood was pouring down her neck and soaking into her 
sweatshirt, her muffled screams became exhausted whimpers and then 
silence.  The beast that was their former tour guide came off her 
friend, his mouth ringed with blood, as Sandi slumped forward off the 
wall, the lower portion of her face gone from her lifeless body. 

“Oh my god,” Carolyn cried.  She was staring at her friend's body
through eyes drowning in tears.  When she lost sight of Meridian she 
turned her head to Misha's screams. 

The vampire tore Misha's shirt open, revealing her chest framed in a
lacey bra and small crucifix.  Carolyn was screaming at him, filled 
with anger, terror, and most of all hatred.  But she suddenly went 
silent when the foul monster pointed at her throat.  Panicked, she 
didn't think she could breath. 

“You must use your nostrils, Carolyn,” Meridian laughed.  He then turned
his attention to the terrified Misha.  “These are an old wive's tale.”  
He ripped the crucifix from her neck and kissed it before tossing it 
aside. Carolyn watched in horror as he bit into the flesh of Misha's 
breasts, his strong hand strangling her at the same time.  Unable to 
get free, helpless to do anything to stop the inevitable, she watched 
as Misha's life ended in a cruel, violent way. 

“I love the taste of young blood,” said Meridian.  His hand pushed into
the open wound on Misha's chest and came out dripping.  He did the same 
with his other hand on Sandi, then moved up to the horrified Carolyn. 

Carolyn knew begging would do no good and instead shut her eyes and
waited for death to come.  Instead, though, she felt his bloody hands 
wiping her friends' essence over her face and neck..  She almost threw 
up, but was able to stop it and look at her tormentor.  “Please just do 
it,” she said. 

Meridian ripped open her shirt and wiped more blood on her chest. 
Carolyn again braced herself for the pain of a torturous death.  Then 
suddenly she was free from the wall and held in a tight grip against 
Meridian's frame. 

“You will run down the street and scream for help,” Meridian whispered
into her ear.  “If you don't I will come after you and take you to 
Ursuline Convent.  You don't want that my sweet little girl.  Now go!” 

Carolyn was pushed and felt herself fly to through the open door and
fall down the steps.  Unable to comprehend what was happening she ran 
down the dark streets of New Orleans until police intervened.  She felt 
an officer place a jacket over her and help her into a squad car when 
she lost consciousness. 

In a hospital room the next day Carolyn awoke to see police around her
bed as well as a large older man in civilian clothes.  The heavy set 
gentlemen sat on the edge of her bed,  introduced himself as detective 
Lambert and asked what she could remember.  She could remember it all. 
In a stream of excited cries she recounted everything about the tour 
and then what had happened at the St. Germaine mansion. 

“You're saying this Meridian character killed your friends?” The man
stood up.  “Your story would explain the blood on you.  It wasn't yours 
obviously.” 

“Yes, oh god he is a vampire.” Carolyn could see they didn't believe her
and she lowered her head and sobbed. 

“Call Burt Gastineau,” the detective said.  “He's in charge of those
damn tours.  Get him here and get the address of this Meridian fella.” 
Carolyn paid no attention and just shut her eyes trying hard to forget 
everything, but she kept seeing her friends. 

“Miss, would you like me to call your parents back in Arizona?” 

“No, please.  Not yet.” Carolyn realized someone had to tell the
families of Misha and Sandi. 

A little while later another man came in her room.  The detective shook
his hand and introduced him as Burt Gastineau. 

“Miss,” Gastineau said.  “You're saying you and your friends were
attacked by our tour guide, Meridian?” 

Carolyn nodded.  The man showed her a paperback about the haunted
history tours of New Orleans, opened to a photo of a man wearing the 
old world clothes Meridian had worn the previous night. 

“Was this the man?” 

“No,” Carolyn said quietly.  “I said it was Meridian.” The man in the
book was a short, squat guy. 

“This is Meridian,” Gastineau said.  “His name is Mark Rice and he goes
by Meridian for  show.” 

Two officers came into the room looking ashen.  One of them whispered
into the detective's ear. 

“Burt, I'm afraid your man Meridian was found dead in his apartment. 
Murdered it looks like, his throat was cut or something, no real 
details yet. They think he's been dead since last night.” 

Carolyn had no idea what was happening but being that she wasn't hurt
physically she was allowed to leave the hospital and go with the 
authorities to the St. Germaine mansion. She was terrified at the 
thought of returning there, but she owed it to her friends..... 

***** 

The detective, Mr. Gastineau, two uniformed officers and Carolyn entered
the home. Minutes later they all looked at her, puzzled.     “This is 
where all this mayhem took place?” Asked the detective, his voice 
dripped with suspicion. 

“Yes, it was right in here.” Carolyn looked wildly around the room.  It
was spotless, immaculate.  “My friends......were here....” 

“So we have two missing girls, and a dead tour guide in his apartment
across the city.”  The detective motioned the officers to look through 
the house. 

“Meridian was a good man,” Gastineau said. “He was a bit on the wild
side, but he wouldn't hurt anyone and I can't believe anyone would hurt 
him.” 

“He is a monster,” Carolyn spat.  “He couldn't be dead it's all some
sort of plan on his part.”  Gastineau started to argue with her when 
she suddenly stopped dead and stared at a painting above the mantle.  
The eyes, the beautiful face, the perfectly groomed beard. 

Gastineau saw her staring at the portrait.  “Miss, is this the man who
attacked you and your friends?” 

Carolyn nodded, still staring.  Entranced.  In the background the
officers screamed they'd found two bodies in a spare room. 

“That man in the portrait,” said Gastineau slowly, “is Jaques St.
Germaine.” Carolyn couldn't stop shaking. “It was painted over a 
hundred years ago.” 

The bodies found were identified as Misha and Sandi.  Their bodies
contained numerous bite wounds, mutilations and were completely drained 
of blood.  Strangely, no blood was found on the scene. 

TC 


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