John and Gregory held the doors open for her. For the first time in two years, Ashley walked into the front hall of the Sanctuary. She had to admit she felt a little like a child walking into a fairytale kingdom. Behind her she could hear her dad and grandpa entering. Now she understood the awe most people showed when they stepped through those doors. Her mother was standing at the top of the steps flanked by Will and Tesla like some fairy queen. Ashley was the princess returning to her home. "Ashley," her mother breathed.
That broke Ashley's spell. Without thinking she darted forward as she let out a laugh. "Mom," she called. Her excitement was too much and she teleported to the top of the steps. She threw her arms around her mother. "God I've missed you," she said.
For a moment John could see everything working out perfectly. Then both Will and Tesla cocked guns at his daughter's head. He watched Ashley stiffen at the twin clicks. This had not been part of the plan. "Ashley," he called. She didn't loosen her hold on her mother.
"Okay," she said with a shaky laugh. "This was not the homecoming I was expecting."
"Ashley," John called again. He refrained from using any nicknames to minimize the risk. "Perhaps it would be best if you walk back down here." Ashley let go of her mother and began to walk away.
As she was moving, Henry and Kate appeared on the scene. "Ashley!" Henry called.
Ashley turned at the new sounds. As a result, her feet missed the next step and her balance faltered. John's only thought was as always to help his daughter. In a burst of light he was gathered into his arms. A second burst of light and they were back by Gregory but this time Helen was also holding a gun. "John," she said warningly.
John stiffened and he felt Ashley do the same in his arms. "Gregory," he called, never moving his eyes from the guns. "It occurs that you are probably the only one they will not shoot at so if you would, please." He gestured to the group.
"Of course," Gregory nodded. "Quite right."
John looked down at his daughter. "Are you alright?" he whispered.
"Fine," she hissed. She clutched him a little tighter. "It's all going to hell," she moaned.
"Don't you worry, little angel. Your grandfather will fix this," he promised.
Gregory glanced once more at his granddaughter before turning to the group before them. "Helen Victoria Magnus, you put that gun down this instant," he scolded firmly.
"Father?" Magnus called. She was so confused by all that had gone on. Nothing was making sense at the moment.
"And since when did Gregory Magnus align himself with John Druitt?" Tesla asked, shifting his gun to Gregory.
"Nikola Tesla," Gregory said with disdain. "You were an idiot back at Oxford too. Clearly some things never change."
Ashley let out a snort of laughter into her father's shoulder. John pressed a kiss to her hair. Nikola's glare switched to the father and daughter. John matched him look for look. "How do we know you are who you say you are?" Nikola pointed out.
"Tesla has a point," Will said. "You've both been against us before."
"Yes, when I was under the Cabal's control," Gregory snapped. The guns never wavered and he could hear a whimper from Ashley. He let out a sigh. "So you want proof do you?" Gregory looked at Nikola. "You, young man, asked three times for my blessing to marry Helen and I turned you down each time. The last time was the day after John proposed. When I informed you of that, you were so angry that you picked up a Pygmy skull from my desk and smashed it to pieces. I ordered you to leave and not return until you had your temper under better control." Tesla's gun dropped.
"Tesla would do that," Ashley whispered.
"That he would," John agreed.
Gregory turned to his daughter. "When you were eight your mother died and you were inconsolable for a month. When you were ten, you asked to see my lab for the first time. I said no. Two weeks later the maids caught you trying to sneak in. I made sure you couldn't sit for three days after that." Ashley snickered at the image. "At 13, you were caught kissing that Masterson boy from down the street. You said you wanted to know what it felt like. At 17, the first boy came to court you. You refused him after he visited twice. You said he was silly and immature." He looked hard at Helen. "Would you like me to continue? Because I'll warn you, it gets far more embarrassing for you."
Helen also dropped her gun and motioned for the others to do the same. "That's quite alright," she said softly. "I believe you."
"I should bloody well hope so," Gregory frowned. His tone had become scolding again. "Such a reception I've never had and that's the truth. Honestly Helen, I raised you with better manners. Pulling a gun on your own flesh and blood? A daughter who's only thought, I might add, was to see her mother again? I am ashamed of you, Helen Victoria Magnus, utterly ashamed. Why, I can hardly bear to look at you for thought of it. Scaring your only daughter in such a manner. Absolutely unconscionable. Now this child wants to speak you. I suggest you listen to what she has to say."
John whispered his confidence to Ashley and gently pushed her forward. She hesitated, looking back and forth from John to Gregory. John gave a slow nod and Gregory held out a hand. Ashley and took his hand tentatively. He led her out front where she faced the gazes of all she loved. Ashley felt a stab of fear at the undivided attention. Her grandfather squeezed her hand before stepping back. "Ashley," her mother called. "Is that really you?"
Ashley gave her a weak smile and spread her arms. "It's me, mom," she agreed. "I'm back."
"How?" Helen asked.
"It's such a long story," she sighed, running a hand through her hair. John coughed behind her. Ashley whipped around to meet his level gaze. She looked confused before he nodded. Ashley nodded back and turned to those on the steps. "We need to show you, actually. It's easier that way. Also there's more to your birthday present."
"Birthday present?" Magnus repeated.
"It's not every day you turn 160," John pointed out. "Ashley wanted to get you something special."
"In what way?" Nikola drawled.
"You'll have to come with us and see," Gregory countered.
All gazes turned to Magnus. "Your call," Will said.
Helen continued to look at her daughter. She had only seen those blue grey eyes so troubled once before. When Ashley had teleported to save the Sanctuary. Her eyes were so open and vulnerable. They held pain, fear, worry and such hope it took Helen's breath away. Helen held out her hand. "Show me," she commanded.
Father and daughter shared a look before Ashley appeared before her mother. She took the offered hand with a smile and teleported out. Between John and Ashley everyone was back in Italy before a single protest could be voiced.
John was bringing Kate over when Tesla was knocked down. "Will someone get the mutt off me?" he called.
John couldn't stop the smile as he saw James standing over the vampire and growling. "James," he called sharply. "Down, now!" The dog didn't move. "James!" he warned. "Here!"
The dog trotted back to his master where he sat and continued to growl at Nikola. The vampire shifted into a sitting position, glaring at John. "I should have known it was your dog," he growled.
"He's not mine," John said. Ashley came from the side of the house and James bounded to his mistress. "He belongs to her."
Ashley knelt down and began to cuddle James. "Hey there, boy," she cooed. "Aren't you such a good dog? Yes you are."
"He took down Nikola," John told her.
Ashley frowned at the vampire. "Aw, did the big bad vampire threaten you?" she asked James.
"Me?" Tesla demanded. "I did nothing."
Ashley got to her feet. "James is trained not to attack unless provoked," she stated. "You must have done something."
Gregory raised his hands. "Come now, let's not fight," he said. "We've things to do here."
"Yes sir," Ashley saluted. She took off her leather jacket, which was too hot for the warm Italian day, and handed it to her father. John took both jackets inside.
"Where are we?" Will asked.
"Do you remember that villa I told you about where I take long weekends every seven years?" Magnus asked. Will nodded. "You're standing next to it."
"This is your villa at Capri?" Henry demanded.
"It is," Helen nodded. She turned to her father and daughter. "I assume there's an explanation as to why we stopped here."
"We're here to pick up Ashley's dog," Gregory told her. "The rest of your questions will be answered when we get to our next destination."
"I didn't want James left out," Ashley said by way of explanation.
"Why is he named James?" Kate asked.
"After my sort of uncle, James Watson."
Kate nodded. "You're her daughter right?" she asked, pointing to Magnus. Ashley nodded. "And the bald guy is your dad." Ashley nodded again. "So who's this guy?"
"Meet my grandfather, Gregory Magnus."
Kate looked to him. "Kate Freelander, nice to meet you."
"A pleasure," Gregory nodded.
Kate turned back to Ashley. "No one in your family ever dies, do they?"
"No, not that I've seen," Ashley said. "I'm pretty sure my grandmother is wandering around out there somewhere." The girls shared a laugh.
John came back to where they were waiting. "Are we ready now?"
"I'm good if you are," Ashley agreed.
"Then let us continue on."
