Read Online The Vampire's Photograph by Kevin Emerson - Free Book Online

ones, too.”
    â€œLike how many?” asked Dean.
    â€œWell, lots. I mean, there are infinite worlds. They’re all different. This one, and the other middle worlds, are the only places where things are so—solid. In most of the others, demons don’t take physical form. I mean, in some worlds, a vampire can’t even be killed.”
    â€œSo then why don’t vampires go live there?” Emalie asked.
    â€œBecause,” Oliver continued, “we can’t leave this world. We’re sort of stuck here.”
    Emalie was staring at him. Then she shook her head. “Wow. Okay. So who’s Dead Désirée?”
    â€œShe’s an apothecary downtown, in the Underground.”
    â€œThe Underground?” Dean asked.
    â€œYeah. It’s like, the center of town, for the vampires. It’s where all of our stores and restaurants are.”
    â€œLike a mall,” said Dean, “for the undead.”
    â€œPretty much.”
    â€œWe should go,” Emalie said.
    â€œWhat? No,” Oliver replied immediately. “No way—if a human ever got caught down there—” Not to mention the consequences for himself if he was ever caught bringing humans into the Underground.
    â€œHow about this weekend?” Emalie asked seriously.
    â€œEmalie!” Dean protested.
    â€œOh, come on, cousin!” She wasn’t exactly smiling, but she looked the happiest Oliver had seen her.
    â€œLook, no,” Oliver said firmly, shaking his head. “That’s not happening.” Still, amazingly, he found himself considering it. What was his problem? Emalie had him totally out of sorts.
    â€œCome on ,” Emalie urged. “It’s the only way you’re going to see that photo.”
    â€œWhy does anyone really need to see this photo?” Dean whined.
    â€œNo,” Oliver said as seriously as he knew how. The fact that the photo couldn’t be developed should have been the best news he could have heard. So why would he want to help in getting it to work? Except—he did.
    â€œWe could totally…” Emalie started.
    Suddenly, a voice shouted from upstairs, “Margie! Margie! You said we were going to eat soon!”
    Emalie’s face fell. “That’s my dad,” she said to Oliver. “All right, forget it, then.” All the air seemed to escape from her. She reached to the wall, flicked on the regular light, and then turned off the red lamp. “Come on, Dean,” she said sullenly, brushing past him.
    â€œYup.” Dean nodded, then glanced warily at Oliver. “What about—”
    â€œHe can show himself out,” Emalie said.
    â€œBut—”
    Emalie looked right past Dean, to Oliver. “It was nice to finally meet you, and thanks for the warning.” She half-smiled at him.
    Oliver felt a rush of nerves. He tried to think of something to say.
    â€œDésirée’s,” Emalie added. “Think about it. We could go this weekend.”
    â€œI—” Oliver began.
    â€œLet’s go!” Emalie’s dad shouted. She sighed and disappeared among the boxes.
    Dean awkwardly gathered the food, then gave Oliver a last wary look. He sighed and turned to go, but Oliver reached out and tapped his shoulder.
    â€œGah!” Dean gasped and dropped the bag once more.
    â€œSorry,” Oliver said flatly.
    Dean took a deep breath. “What?”
    â€œWho’s Margie?”
    Dean looked at him quizzically, then his eyes flashed toward the ceiling. “Oh, that’s Emalie’s mom.” Dean lowered his voice. “She’s been gone for two years now.”
    â€œGone where?”
    Dean shrugged. “Nobody knows.” He turned to go, then turned back. “So you’re not going to kill us?”
    â€œNo.”
    Dean nodded like he was trying to believe it, but he still had a queasy look on his face as he left. When he was gone, Oliver turned back to