Newspaper clipping from The London Press from December 1, 1899

“Rich Banker Found Dead in Purfleet Home”

By John Henderson

Michael Jones, age 34, was found dead in his home last Friday night.  Police arrived to a scene that could only come from someone’s nightmare.

Scotland Yard is now interrogating neighbors about the grisly homicide.  The newest neighbor is the foreign and lovely Ms. Lupa, who was often seen in Mr. Jones’s company and resides in Carfax Abbey.  Therefore, she is taking the brunt of the investigation.

When I interviewed a neighbor, who shall be named Mrs. X (because of requested anonymity), she said Ms. Lupa was nowhere to be seen on that night when asked if she saw Ms. Lupa at all on Mr. Jones’s property.

Mrs. X- and several others- have reported seeing a rather large black dog roaming around the premises.  A reward by Scotland Yard has been posted for the capture of this beast.

“Yes, he did have a taste for exotic and wild animals,” says a friend of Michael Jones, “Yet, he went to the zoo to look at the creatures because he liked to sketch.”

If anyone has any information on the black hound or the murder of Michael Jones, they are encouraged to contact Scotland Yard immediately.

Diary of:

Mina Harker

December 3, 1899

Dear Diary,

            Last night, the new neighbor, Ms. Lupa, had another raucous party.  It kept me, Johnathan, and our son, George (who is five years old), up late into the morning hours.  Therefore, I went next door to talk to her.

            As I approached the abbey’s gates with little George in tow, I saw a sign that read: GUARD DOG ON DUTY- ENTER AT OWN RISK! I picked up George and bravely pushed open the gates.  Reaching the front door, I knocked three times and waited.

            Suddenly, I heard a deep growling from behind me and ever so slowly I turned around.  There stood the biggest, blackest dog I had ever seen!  Around its neck was a heavily made spiked collar.  When it barked at us, I screamed.  That is when a heavily built man came to our aide, grabbing the dog by the collar and yelling at in a foreign language.

            When the man stopped yelling, the dog ran off somewhere to hide on the property with its bushy tail tucked between its legs.  “Sorry ‘bout that, Ma’am. Luna is quite different at this time of the month. You won’t find another guard dog like her anywhere! The trick is to make sure they are part wolf.”  At this, he chuckled like it was an inside joke.

            “Now, what can I help you with, Ma’am?” Holding out her right hand, the man shook it gently.  “My name is Mina Harker. My father’s, Dr. Seward, sanatorium adjoins the abbey’s grounds, and for the past two nights we- my family, the patients, and I- have heard Ms. Lupa’s parties. Therefore, I need to speak to her.” 

At this request, the man looked uncomfortable.  “I’m afraid, Ma’am, Mistress Lupa is out for a couple of days. However, Mrs. Harker, I can pass along the message that you would like to speak to her when she returns. My name is Alnurfo Huer, and I will escort you out of the gates.”

            We left Carfax Abbey; however, I could hear two dogs growling and snapping at each other.  I will not come by myself unattended next time.