Free Call of the Dark (Dark Paranormal Steamy Monster Encounter) by Cassia Dureza

     “So he wants me to go where?”
         “Romania.”
         Natasha eyed her co-worker with a thoughtful, yet hesitant expression and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, sounds like this one could be dark and exotic.  So what’s there that is so interesting to our loyal readers?”
         Scott handed her a page containing a brief summary ending in a bullet point list. “You’re going to have a look at some of the unique architecture.  Take in the native culture.  And report on a local festival, mostly known for its huge bonfires, underage drinking and promiscuous outdoor sex.”
         She replied in a droll monotone, as she skimmed the list in her hand. “Will I also be chasing any leads requiring the insights of any vampires or vampire hunters in the quest to write this article?”   
         Scott leaned back in his chair and shook his head.  “I don’t think so.  You’re heading north of the Transylvanian tourist trap.  The vampire schtick has been done many times over by other travel mags.  We’re going with a slightly different angle for this one.”
         She bent over the Chief Editor’s desk with an optimistic gleam in her eyes.  Despite being possibly being sent into the middle of nowhere, perhaps it could be an assignment she might actually enjoy. “All right.  Sounds like a relaxing vacation with a huge orgy at the end.    I’m up for some Romanian strange.  When do I pack my bags?”  A brief image flitted through her mind of getting caught in a tangle of drunk, sweaty naked bodies.  She pressed her legs together beside Scott’s desk and tamped down the erotic thoughts.  Have to keep up professional appearances, at least in the cubicle zoo, anyway.
         He gave her an uneasy grin.  “You and TMI Tom are going to be there the last week in April.”
         Natasha scrunched up her face.  “Ugghh.  I have to go with TMI Tom?  Why in God’s Hell do I have to get stuck with him?”
         Scott swivelled in his chair.  “Apparently, he knows some of the language.  He knows German anyway.  Matt thinks that it will help with the article.  It’s a small village and the people you need to connect with probably don’t have a decent grasp of English.”
         She fought a tired look of mild disgust and failed.  “I’ll try to talk Matt out of it.  Anyone else but him.”
         “You can try, but I think he’s set on it.  Tom is one of our best photographers.  And added to that, he has a lot of experience travelling to rural and remote locations.  He’s the best fit for your editorial.”
         Natasha gave a long sigh of resignation.  “I’ll pack my Taser.  I just wish it was allowed in carry-on.”
         Scott laughed.  “You can always pack some sleeping pills and sneak it into his drink for the flight over if you’re that desperate.”
         She smiled.  “I might just do that.”
         From the cubicle next to Scott’s, they both heard movement as the occupant came back from a long lunch break.  A head popped up to greet them and join in the conversation.
         “Hey guys, how’s it going?  Just heard from Tara that you’re going on that assignment to Romania.  Congrats on landing that one.  It sounds like a pretty cool gig.”
         Natasha smiled wanly.  “Yeah, thanks Diane, I just heard.  I’ll be leaving in a few days.”
         Diane brushed her short dark hair out of her face and gave her a stern look.  “Why so glum chum?  Remember that urban expIorer’s paradise piece I did last month?  I got sent to Centralia.  The town stupid enough to condemn itself by burning its garbage over an exposed coal seam.  It’s still burning underground, even after 50 years. Did you forget how much I bitched about interviewing those dumb hicks that still refused the order to evacuate? Crazy ass yokels. There were sink holes and carbon monoxide vents all over that place. The best part