The Investigation of the Undead

This flow traces how Ben, Matthew Burke, and Jimmy Cody move from suspicion to empirical confirmation of vampirism.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Hypothesis

The First Hypothesis Matthew Burke recognizes similarities between Danny Glick’s condition and traditional vampire narratives. Medical Anomaly Danny’s severe anemia, strange complexion, and disappearance of ordinary explanations trouble Jimmy Cody’s medical certainty. Folklore Reenters Matt proposes Dracula as a comparative model, not as proof. The old story becomes a framework for interpreting modern evidence.

The Dead Man in the Guest Room

The Dead Man in the Guest Room Matt finds Mike Ryerson apparently dead in his guest room after hearing him invite someone through the window. Physical Contradiction Mike looks healthy rather than corpse-like, and the window is open despite having been secured. The absence of visible bite marks complicates the evidence. The Testable Theory Ben refuses both credulity and dismissal. He insists on medical examination, practical investigation, and observation of what happens next.

The Returning Corpse

The Returning Corpse Mike Ryerson rises after autopsy and confronts Matt in the guest room. Proof by Encounter His blank eyes, sharp teeth, and reaction to the crucifix provide the evidence that rational explanations could not supply. Cost of Knowledge Matt repels him but suffers a heart attack. Understanding the truth does not empower him without also damaging his body.

The Mortuary Experiment

The Mortuary Experiment Ben and Jimmy Cody guard Marjorie Glick’s body at Green’s Mortuary to test whether the dead can rise. Evidence Becomes Action They use scripture, a makeshift cross, and medical observation. The experiment rejects the distance between laboratory and ritual. Confirmation and Injury Marjorie rises, attacks Jimmy, and is driven away by Ben’s cross. Jimmy’s wound proves that vampirism is both supernatural and transmissible.

The Colony Map

The Colony Map Jimmy and Mark investigate infected homes and use a grease pencil to mark hidden victims. Pattern Recognition The smell of decay, darkened rooms, and altered bodies reveal that the epidemic has spread through households. A New Scale The investigation shifts from identifying one vampire to mapping an entire colony. Their work becomes logistical, exhausting, and morally unbearable.

September 25 1975

Early October 1975

Early October 1975

Sunday evening October 5 1975

Monday October 6 1975