Van Helsing

"Do what you wish," Van Helsing said from the bed. "You can have the room keys."

 

"I want to tell you exactly what I would have to do," Edward began, "but Lestat told me not to."

 

Jinx nodded to Van Helsing, "Well, let's let them get some sleep. We can figure it out out there." she picked up a key from the table and slipped it into her skirt's pocket before walking out of the room.

 

"Why did he tell you not to?" Hannah asked carefully.

Beatrice nodded and followed Jinx, thinking about what had happened in the stables.

 

Jinx shut the door behind them and looked up and down the halls. "Well, now what?" she asked, crossing her arms across her chest.

 

"Asleep yet, Carl?" Van Helsing asked.

 

"I don't know," Edward said. "I guess he doesn't want me repeating the information to anyone because it's such an ancient secret. I just want to tell you a bit about it so you know, in general, what's going to happen when the time comes."

 

"I'm all ears." Hannah tried to smile but didn't succeed.

 

"It could kill me," Edward began. "I have to do something completely against my nature as a werewolf, something that doesn't make any sense at all. But the point is, it's rather disgusting. But I think I'm strong enough and, even without Lestat's help, we will be able to do it together."

 

Carl covered his eyes with his arm. "Almost. What is it?" he asked, almost laughing.

 

"I don't know," Van Helsing sighed. "That's the problem. I don't know what's going on. This time a year or so ago, it would be the two of us... none of these others problems. I keep telling myself to get rid of them all, to just make it two horses and that's it once more. But, at the same time, there's everything else: I like having Beatrice and her lovely horse around, no matter what's happened to her. Edward seems the only person strong enough to help me get rid of Dracula, and Hannah makes him happy, which is something that I'm very glad about, despite what everyone else thinks. Plus, Jinx... she helps, too, you know? And I have a funny feeling she hates me. There are way too many moments when I want to empty my guns on all of them and just go finish the job myself, but... I have a funny feeling that I won't be able to get near Dracula, let alone kill him, without all of them next to me. Do... do I make any sense at all, Carl?"

 

"Yes, you makes sence. To anyone normal it makes perfect sence." Carl answered, keeping his arms over his eyes. "You've made friends, real ones for the first time since well, probably me. Yeah they are vampires and a werewolf. Yeah the church will probably want you to kill them as soon as they find out. yeah you feel like you should shoot them every other minute. But like it or not, you're not going to kill any of them any more than you'd kill Lexie. Why? Because for the first time in a long time you actully have real friends by you. So... does that make sence?"

 

Van Helsing smiled at Carl's words. "You're right," he replied. "It's just a little frustrating... but I guess it's all worth it; the extra people, the excessive drama, the difficulties they bring with them... right?"

 

"Don't." Hannah said suddenly. "Please, if it has those risks, I don't want you to."

 

"I said we could do it, though," Edward insisted. "Or would you rather consider the alternative and give up: John can have you after we kill Dracula... because you can't be with me while he's alive."

 

Hannah cringed. "Okay, let's do it."

 

"Thank you, my dear," Edward laughed, kissing her cheek, relieved. "You know, you said earlier that Lestat would want something in exchange for the information... he didn't ask for anything. A little odd, isn't that?"

 

"Yes, it is odd." Hannah eyed Edward. "I don't see how I'll be able to help."

 

Carl nodded. "Yeah, odd isn't? Other people..." he sighed. "Now, I'm going to sleep if you don't have anything else you need help figuring out." he grinned and turned over, pulling the covers over his head.

Jinx leaned against a wall outside the rooms. "So, you never got a chance to tell me what's forcing you to marry that guy your father's picked out for you."

 

Beatrice sighed. "Haven't you heard of an arranged marriage? My family is poor, his is rich. It's supposed to make things better."