The room had an aura of romance.  Shadows danced on the walls from candles lit throughout the room, the sheer canopy billowed from a gentle breeze coming through the open window, the subtle scent of incense wafted through the room.  The beauty of it all was in sharp contrast to the horrors that had recently occurred.  The corpse of a young girl was thrown carelessly on the floor,  drained of all blood.  Nick and his newest creation lounged on the bed, drowsy from their latest meal. 
 
"Mmmmm" he whispered as he nuzzled her warm neck.  "So what do you think, my pet?  Young blood is the sweetest."
 
"It was good Nicky.  Can we try a boy next time?"  She draped her leg around his hip, pulling him closer.  "I've heard they're very yummy too.  Did you hear that?"
 
"I heard nothing.  Now, let me show you something else."  He rolled her onto her back, burying his head in her neck. 
 
She hovered outside the window, just out of site, grimacing as she watched Nick ravage his lover's body.  Slipping back into the shadows, she faded into the night.
 
 
"No, no, no!  Do it again."  Howie closed his eyes in frustration.  His latest protege was trying desperately to learn some new choreography.  They had been at this for hours with little progress.  His head dropped to his hands as the complex steps were missed again.  "Stop" he roared, grabbing the young man by the throat and lifting him off the floor.  "If you want to live to see tomorrow, you'd better start concentrating.  There are many others who could take your place.  Now do it again and do it right."  He dropped the gasping young man to his feet, ignoring the terror in his eyes. 
 
"I-I-I don't think this is going to work out Mr. Dorough.  Maybe I should go."
 
"Perhaps you should."  The young man grabbed a towel and started for the door.  He was dead before he could take two steps.  His lifeless body slumped to the floor as Howie wiped the blood from his lips.  He never saw the shape within the shadows.
 
 
He flirted shamelessly.  Women were gathered around him, hoping against hope that he would notice one of them.  He chose his victim as carefully as a wolf culls a sheep from a flock.  She was a little homely, a little shy, someone who blended into the woodwork.  He flashed his smile and knew in an instant he had her.  She was flattered, overwhelmed that he had chosen her.  She would be dead within the hour.  No one would even notice she was gone.  He didn't notice the stranger sitting at the bar, nursing a gin and tonic.
 
TBC.......


SEX and the Backstreet Boys go hand in hand.