Vampires of Niagara

Prelude to the Fall Sean Nathan Guinness watched the crowds weave in and out of Niagara Boulevard. His beer warmed in his hand while the sun set and waves of tourists broke against the hawkers, vendors, and peddlers. His phone beeped. “Yeah, this is secure.” “Niagara on the Lake? You sure?” He listened and cursed his luck that the virus had spread so close to populated areas. “One cluster? No problem. Send Jimmy with a team and I’ll be there in less than two hours.” Three months ago a corporate lab lost control of a BGA virus—bovine growth accelerator. This strain added a new mutation to swap the intestinal track of cows with that of bears so cows could not only add more muscle but also eat meat. Sean drained his beer and wondered how long before they couldn’t cover up the outbreak. His gun, warm against the small of his back, gave the hunter some comfort. The crowds, oblivious to their fate, comforted themselves with the evening’s entertainment: funnel cake, bars, cheap thrills. Sean pushed and shoved drunk partygoers. One spilled a Tim Horton’s coffee on his shoe, and a woman pressed a flier into his hand. “Book now for Costelo’s New Year Party! Space fills up fast.” Sean met her blue eyes and wanted to tell her his sinking suspicion that few would survive to New Years.

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