The Laboratory

Vivienne had grabbed her handbag and coat and was heading to the front of the mansion when Oliver stopped her once more. "Miss Westing, it may be a wise idea to have a driver tonight." Vivienne stopped and turned to face Oliver. Now this was even more curious. Driving was something Vivienne loved to do and although she had grown up well, having a driver wasn't something she normally did or was accustomed to. "Why is that?" She asked in interest, now very concerned about what was going to happen tonight. "It's just that tonight may be… stressful." Was all that Oliver offered. Vivienne stared at him for a moment and then nodded. Stressful.. This whole debacle was stressful.

A minute later a black SUV pulled forward to the front of the estate and the driver stepped out to open the door for Vivienne. He bowed his head, "Miss Westing, good evening." "Good evening, Thomas." Vivienne entered the car and browsed her phone once more on the drive to her company's laboratory. As a pharmaceutical company they had many outposts to conduct research as well as business matters. It wasn't often that someone at her level visited the labs as most of her work was done behind a desk, but every so often it was required of her. The car pulled up to a large stone building that looked more like a warehouse than a prestigious building for creating new vaccines or medications.

Upon entering through two large glass doors, Vivienne was greeted by a group dressed in business attire. A man who appeared to be heading the group spoke first. "Miss Westing, welcome." He had a warm smile and looked to be in his late forties or early fifties. "Thank you, Mr. Brooks." "Shall we?" He asked as he gestured them to begin walking towards a set of elevators past the large lobby. As they walked to the elevators, Vivienne spoke to Mr. Brooks. "So what is it that you wanted to demonstrate or show me tonight?" "Your uncle was a brilliant man, Miss Westing, and there's a part of the company that he worked very diligently on. I and the rest of the team here would love to give you a tour of the most illustrious legacy your uncle left."

Now this had Vivienne's curiosity sufficiently piqued. She worked under her uncle for many years at his company, this company. She had learned of so many life changing things he had created and been a part of. In the past few years though there had definitely been some secrecy. Things he wouldn't tell her, projects he was working on that he refused to allow her to be a part of. No matter how hard she tried to research, poke around and ask people, she could never find out an answer. She figured that something so top secret was secret for a reason and left well enough alone. To finally have the box of secrets open was going to be a treat for her.

Once in the elevator, Mr. Brooks swiped his badge across a keypad and entered in a code. Vivienne expected the elevator to go up but instead it began to descend. She gave Mr. Brooks a strange look who only smiled and then looked forward, giddy like a child on Christmas morning. The elevator was fast and it rushed down several floors below the surface. When the elevator doors opened, the brightly lit room pierced her eyes. Walls of glass with lots of scientists and people walking around with white lab coats. Nothing looked too out of the ordinary. Not yet, anyway.

"This way, Miss Westing." Mr. Brooks gestured for Vivienne to follow as he began to walk through the long hallway. All the rooms were made of glass from floor to ceiling so that anyone passing by could see everything happening within. "What is this place, Mr. Brooks?" Vivienne had never been down here. In fact, she never even knew it existed. It was clear that this was a secret laboratory that even she wasn't aware of. The new owner of the company didn't even know this basement of a laboratory existed or what was happening here. That in itself to her was frightening. "This is a very special research and development laboratory, Miss Westing." Mr. Brooks began. "This was the hallmark of your uncle's career and his most beloved achievement." The group walked forward until they reached a room that looked from the outside more like a hospital room. In the center of the room through the glass she could see a man strapped to a bed that had been raised up so he was more sitting. He was shirtless and breathing very heavily, looking upset and angry.

Several scientists were in the room preparing various instruments, another one typing away on a computer. Vivienne's eyes narrowed. What kind of research were they doing on a live subject. As if feeling her questions swimming away, Mr. Brooks broke the silence. "This here, is one of our test subjects." Vivienne studied the man carefully. He had a mess of brown hair atop his head and pale skin. There was something off about him and she couldn't quite put her finger on it. His eyes… they were dark, so dark that they almost appeared red. "What exactly are you testing on him?" Vivienne asked softly while she watched thoroughly what was happening in front of her. She crossed her arms firmly over her chest and as soon as she spoke the man in the room turned his attention on her. He appeared to almost growl through the glass, his eyes not leaving her.

Vivienne stared at him intently, brows furrowing. Did that growling sound come from this man? What exactly was happening here? Mr. Brooks had a smile from ear to ear. This was the exciting part, he thought to himself. Getting to show off his progress and his creations, especially to the new owner of the company. Yes, she was young but she would learn. This was arguably the most prestigious work that they did in the company. All other achievements would be overshadowed in history by what they were doing here in this basement. The man's growl grew louder until it pierced Vivienne's ears. He lurched forward but due to being strapped down he couldn't go very far. His eyes got even darker and his face began to distort. He was looking less and less human right before her eyes.

Vivienne instinctively jumped backwards slightly, her mouth starting to fall open. Mr. Brooks still hadn't answered her but even if he had she wasn't sure she would've heard him. One of the scientists drew a needle into a small glass bottle and shoved it into the man's arm, forcing it into his veins. Within seconds the man softened and laid back against the bed, eyes becoming slightly lighter as he calmed down. "What… what is going on here?" Vivienne asked breathlessly as she tore her eyes away from the man to look at Mr. Brooks. "That, Miss Westing… is a vampire."