Van Helsing

'Well, we have food here in this room, and we were hoping to all eat together, but our other lady seems to have gone missing. We also have our... third lady, Beatrice, out at the stables. Can hardly get her away from those horses..." Where the hell is Hannah?" he thought.

 

"It's a little talent of mine," Edward whispered back reluctantly. "Don't ask how or why or when, because I won't tell you. Anyway, even Van Helsing is worried about her now, so..."

Edward got up out of his bed carefullly, pausing and clutching his forehead as all the blood rushed to his temples. "I..." he began carefully, shoving off Van Helsing's helpful grip on his elbow, "I have to go find Hannah now. I hope everyone can excuse me."

 

Jinx would have been mad but she just set the idea of having her mind read aside and gently, but firmly, pushed him back to his seat. "No, you are not going anywhere. You'll pass out or something. And then we'd have to go find two people." she shook her head, "Stay, I'll go get her." she turned to walk out of the room.

Carl listened to everyone, a little puzzled, but taking it all in non the less.

 

Hannah blinked her eyes open. It took her a moment to register her surroundings, but when she did, she sat up bolt-right.

 

Elijah's father laid a careful hand on the girl's shoulder. "You might want to slow down, miss. You're in rough shape."

Elijah came back with a fresh cut of meat and a glass of water. "Oh, you're awake. I'm sorry if I frightened you earlier." He set the food on a small bedside table. "I'm Elijah, by the way. Elijah Von Cullen."

 

Hannah couldn't wipe the expression of fear off her face. She knew she had to get away from these people before she lost it again. "H- Hannah Rose." She managed to keep her voice fairly steady, but forgot to use her fake name. "I... appreaciate what you're trying to do. But I really have to go."

 

"Ah, Jinx, dear," Van Helsing began, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "If Edward thinks he can go, let him... he'll just go crazy in here if he stays."

 

Edward caught Jinx's eye and didn't know what to say.

 

Elijah couldn't take his eyes off Hannah. "Dad... could you give us a moment alone?"

His father nodded and left for the front room.

Elijah spoke in a low voice, "You're one of them, aren't you?"

 

Hannah went rigid. "One of who?" She asked dumbly.

 

Jinx looked at them both calmly, "Alright, but don't die. she'd murder us." she shrugged off Van Helsing's hand and leaned on the wall again, a thin smile on her lips.

Carl looked around at everyone. "Did I miss something?"

 

"I'm glad I figured it out now." Elijah said, still speaking quietly. "You're eyes, how cold you are," He paused. "How beautiful you are." He smirked at the look on Hannah's face. "How long has it been since you've 'eaten'?"

 

"Thank you, Jinx," Edward said, tripping slightly as he walked to the door and out of the inn.

Where would she go? Edward thought to himself. He saw all the people walking around him, and reached out to touch their thoughts.

It's getting late, I better get home...

... if my wife saw me, I'm going to be killed...

... the butcher shop better be open soon, I need to feed the kids...

... she had the largest...

... I can't believe what people stay in that alleyway... best stay away...

Edward turned toward the alleyway himself. That's where she would go, he thought. She'd want to be on her own, and this is dark and almost empty...

As Edward walked, he almost reached the end of the alleyway and saw no sign of Hannah. He saw a butchershop down at the end of the alleyway and headed toward it, thinking to ask for help if anyone had seen her.

His arm ached furiously, making his head spin as he reached the front door and knocked. Shaking the pain and dizziness out of his head, he waited for someone to open the door.

 

"So... Carl..." Van Helsing began, as an awkward silence fell. "How is your life... here in Rome... friends, work, love life, stories to tell... hmm?"

 

What is he getting at?! Hannah tensed even more, if it was possible, at the question. "I... I don't see how that's any of your business."

 

"Oh... you know." Carl grinned, "Same old same old." he waved off handedly, "No fun without being able to go on adventures with the guy and his gun. Have any luck killing things lately?" he asked back.

Jinx wasn't really listening now, keeping her face calm and interested while her mind wandered.

 

Elijah's hand went to the small bedside table, lightly touching a cross. "You don't seem to understand." He looked back at Hannah. "I've killed a few of your kind before, I could just as easily do it to you. But," He met her eyes. "You seem different." His head turned at the sound of a knock.

Elijah's father answered the door. "Can I help you?"

Elijah turned back to Hannah. "I could be asking more difficult questions."

 

Oh God... I've got to get out of here....Hannah's head spun. "I know you could be." She spoke steadily though her fear. "Either way, I'm not answering."

 

"Ah, I see," Van Helsing laughed at Carl's vague answer. "Invent anything new lately?"

 

"Yes," Edward said, trying to smile and letting go of his arm. "I am looking for my... my fiancee... she wandered off a little while ago and I think she went this way. Have you see her?"