On the Far Side of Darkness by R. C. Graham

keep the monster in its cage. “If you do that, Dr. Metaxas,” I inform her with a cold voice, “I’ll have to talk about what I know of you, and I have more than allegations.” The last sentence is a lie, but she’s unskilled at this sort of power game, and I’m sure I could get evidence within twenty four hours.
    The blood drains from her face. She knows exactly what I’m talking about. Helen tries to brazen it out though. “I duh, don’t know what you mean.”
    “To use an American idiom, Dr. Metaxas, Mandy has been banging you. I know this. She’s got her hooks into you and it’s her behind this silly attempt at manipulation.”
    Maureen grows even paler and her eyes fill with tears.
    I feel not the slightest pity and exasperation breaks into my voice. “My God, woman! What are you thinking?!”
    “You don’t understand,” the Dean whimpers. “I can’t deny her. She tells me I want her and I do. She tells me I like it when she fucks me and I do.” The tears start to flow freely now. “She tells me I like her in my bum and I do. God, I’m so ashamed! But I can’t help myself.”
    I snort in contempt. “That has nothing to do with me, Dr. Metaxas. You’ve made your bed, now you sleep in it. You can bring the allegations to the board. As I pointed out, your case is weak. Even if you do succeed, I don’t care. Let people think what they want of me.
    “You on the other hand have a great deal to lose. Your career, your position at the university, your future and your husband.”
    I can see her collapse inside as I speak to her. She shrinks in her chair. The emotional agony she feels reduces her to a quivering heap.
    My anger bring me to my feet and I tell her, “End it, Helen. Your entanglement will come out and sooner than later. You can’t keep a secret like that. If you don’t end this affair, it will destroy you.”
    “I can’t!” comes out in a wavering, quiet wail.
    “Good night then, Dean,” I tell her.
    She makes no notice. Her shoulders heave and her tears pool on her desk.
    I shake my head in fury and pity as I leave her home.
    I head to Poet’s Walk. I need peace now. I hate that the world can bring such pain to people and I hate even more the fact that I had anything to do with it.
    If anyone disturbs me, they won’t have time to regret it.
     
    * * * *
     
    I have to clamp down on myself when I rise from the ground. The day’s rest has not calmed me much. My mind still roils and what I am is dreadfully close to breaking free.
    My evening’s ritual helps. The simple rhythm of it soothes me.
    My toilette finished, I check my messages. Again there is only one, but it’s from someone I didn’t expect, Diane. She’s discovered I never answer during the day. The time stamp shows she called barely after the sun came up. Five minutes earlier and she would have caught me.
    “Georges?” Her voice is thin with terror. She’s gasping as her chest is squeezed with fear. “Some, something happened. A dream, dream, I think. Can’t remember.” She pauses to pull in a shuddering breath. “I’m scared, Georges. Don’t know why. I think I lost something. Don’t know what. Please, please, answer the phone. I need you.” There’s a long pause and then a click sounds as she hangs up.
    I’m gone from my haven, not even bothering to lock the door. In spite of my resolve to end our relationship, I have to go to her. My lover needs me.
    The speed and strength of my kind means I can take a direct route, through yards, over fences and roofs. I’m careful not to be observed but not fussy about courtesy or property. The trip is barely ten minutes.
    I knock on Diane’s door and she answers.
    “You!” she hisses with utter venom. Her eyes narrow with fury and lips curl with loathing.
    I can’t keep the astonishment from my face. If she had appeared wrapped in bandages and trailing dust I would have been less surprised. Without thinking I extend my hand and step towards her. My love