Chapter seven: Never Ask

August 17….Home of Sir Hugh Irons…7:03 p.m.

Matt was escorting his aunt to a gala that was being hosted by one of her long time acquaintances, Lady Irons. His aunt and Lady Irons had gone to the same finishing school as young girls and had remained close friends since. His uncle was sick at home and when his aunt had asked he could not refuse her. His sweet aunt had been like a mother to him since his own parents had died overseas. He had put on his best clothes, in accordance to the customs and had even brushed up on the finer points of the ton's conduct. The small stud in his ear was gone and he seemed perfectly normal, the only thing he had not changed was the red strikes in his hair, but he had brushed his hair to try and make them less visible. It had been six years from his last social event on this world, and he had been extremely happy about that, but his aunt needed him and he would rise to the occasion. And speaking of the woman, his aunt was making her way towards him. She was a thin wisp of a woman, her once brown hair now elegantly spotted with strands of grey and her clothes reflected her conservative tastes. He was surprised that she was making her way to him since he had left her side to get her a drink, and then he noticed the gleam in her eyes that meant he was about to meet 'miss right'. 'Who is it this time Aunt Janette?' It all came flooding back to him why he had left this lifestyle, he hated the matchmaking. It was an outdated system; it was the older members trying to keep alive the traditions that had kept the blue bloods marrying in their own class even though many of the younger members would sooner sell their titles for a quick pound then to actually bother with it. Not that he would sell a family title, it's just that most the young women he had meet in the ton had eventually ended up being no different from girls he met, having caught a few of them doing drugs personally in his own club. He put on a smile his face. 'It's showtime.'

"Oh Matthew, I'm so glad you decided to come with me tonight. I would have been dreadfully bored. Now come along dear, I want you to come say hello to our hosts." He didn't resist his aunt as she none too gently lead him through the crowd towards the hosts. He took a deep breath, not looking forward to the meeting. Many of the other guests had stared at his hair, and he felt like a leper at best. Sure enough when they drew closer the honorable Sir Hugh and Lady Irons looked him over with as much approval as he gave to a spider. Of course Lady Irons was more forgiving of his appearance as soon as she saw his aunt. Lady Irons was once a dark blonde, now slowly her hair was lightening to a pale blonde. She was also in a conservative dress, her make up minimal and it was easy to see that both of the women had been beautiful in their youth and were aging well for being in their fifties. The two started to laugh and exchange pleasantries with genuine feeling.

"Oh Janette, I am simply delighted to see you. After I heard the news about Charles being ill I was positive you would not attend. So wonderful you could make it. How is your darling daughter Samantha?" The last comment took the conversation into a heavy air.

"Oh Samantha is doing well, she's starting her first year in our alma mater. It was so wonderful that the school started admitting for elementary level. After last year I refuse to let her out of my sight and since I live so close I have less to worry about." Both Lady Irons and Sir Hugh Irons nodded, knowing just how hard it had been when Samantha had gone missing last year for his aunt and uncle.

"Lady Dyrmire, we are just glad to know Samantha is home." Sir Hugh's voice was sincere. His aunt nodded, using her handkerchief to dab at her eyes and stop herself from getting emotional.

"Beatrice, Sir Hugh this is my nephew Matthew. He is the one escorting me for the evening." All in the group could tell his aunt was trying to change the upsetting topic. Matt extended his hand and was relieved when Sir Hugh returned the motion. Sir High was a man of very demanding presence. He was easily in his early seventies, his hair grayed in a dignified manner and his eyes showing the razor sharp intellect. He could tell Sir Hugh was a bit surprised at his firm handshake. He then gave Lady Irons a very respectful drop of his head over her gloved hand.

"This can't possibly be the same scrawny young boy that was busy at Oxford school of business just a few years ago. You turned into such a handsome young man." He smiled and thanked her for being so complementary.

"It is good to see you taking care of your aunt Mr. Vance. I hear you have a successful business, are you planning on expanding?"

"Yes, I do well for myself, as far as expanding I have yet to decide. I'm busy doing some research to make sure that it would be a sound investment." Sir Hugh nodded, and then seemed to notice someone coming towards their little party from behind him.

"That is a wise business plan. If I may be excused momentarily, I need to discuss something with Lord Raymore." He looked to his wife who gave him a nod of approval before he left their little group. Matt stayed at his aunts' side as the two women talked of light topics. Had he been paying attention he would have noticed that he was been led through the crowd towards a familiar woman. He was only brought back to the present when his aunt elbowed him.

"Matthew, meet Lady Wingates." He looked to see none other then Director Integra, a small flash of surprise in her eyes at seeing him here. "Lady Wingates, my nephew Matthew Vance. We'll leave the two of you alone." Before either of them could stop the departing women they were lost in the crowd. He realized that both older women had decided on setting the two up.

"I didn't know that the Viscountess of Dyrmire was your aunt." Integra broke the silence first, looking displeased at the whole situation. He took note of her dress, he had to admit, Integra looked fantastic in the dress, her long blonde hair pulled back slightly so her face was more visble.

"Yeah, my father was Lord Dyrmire's brother. And yourself?"

"My Great-grandfather was knighted." Matt nodded his head, feeling uncomfortable.

"Do you want to have a quick smoke?" She simply nodded and they left the crowded room and went to the balcony where he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, handing her one, lighting it then repeating the action for his own benefit. Integra took a deep breath and let the nicotine sooth her frayed nerves. The convention of twelve had met two hours before the gala, the party being thrown as an excuse for them being at the residence and she was none to happy about the discourse.

"I didn't think you were a smoker." He shrugged, taking slow drags.

"I'm not, just every once in a while. Took it up last year actually when…well it's not important why." Integra leaned against the railing and looked over the property, feeling the calming effect of the cancer stick.

"Knowing who you are related to, I can guess. How old is she?" Matt leaned against the railing as well, the two of them not giving the other so much as a glace.

"Samantha is turning nine next month on the 21st." There was a pause, Matt taking another hit off the cigarette. He pulled out his wallet and showed Integra a picture of a little girl at what she assumed was a family Christmas event. The little girl had straight brown hair that was at shoulder length, her front tooth missing and an innocent smile on her face.

"Is she adopted?" Matt chuckled a bit at the question, knowing that most people thought that since his aunt was in her fifties.

"No, my aunt and uncle actually were thinking they would have to adopt till one day when I was sixteen my aunt found out she was pregnant. I was really happy for them. Still am." Integra gave him a small smile, biting her lip as the question that everyone in the ton had been wondering about crossed her mind. "It's alright Lady Wingates, you can ask it." Matt knew that it was the biggest taboo in the high society to ask about such things, but he felt that Integra wasn't a member of the gossip mill.

"What happened?" Matt finished his smoke off and ground out the butt. Taking a deep breath before he began the story; staring out at the trees swaying off in the distance.

"Samantha was at the mall with her nanny last year, and the next thing I know I get a call that the nanny and her boyfriend kidnapped Samantha. They wanted two million pounds for Samantha's return by the end of the week or they said we would never see her again. We liquidated everything we could but we didn't meet the deadline. They just disappeared from the U.K. and we were devastated. Police tried to find them but you can imagine how useless that is. For three months we just sat by the phone and waited for anything regarding her. I actually gave up hope, stopped going to church, and started smoking along with drinking like a fish. Then out of nowhere my aunt gets a call from the U.S. that they found Samantha alive and that we can come get her. I dropped everything, flew out first, didn't pack, and didn't even bother to bring more then my passport plus my bank card while wearing the clothes on my back. Of course my aunt and uncle were only an hour behind me. We picked Samantha up, brought her home. End of story." Integra felt her heart clench, he still seemed so upset and frustrated, his knuckles white. There must be more that was too painful to talk about, and she didn't think she wanted to know.

"I'm so sorry, it must have been awful. But how did they find her?" Matt turned to look at Integra and gave her a sad smile.

"Lina found her." Behind her glasses, Integra's eyes widened at the statement.

"How on earth did Miss Khayam manage to find her?"

"Sheer dumb luck. Lina was in downtown Los Angeles running errands for her mother, sees Samantha being dragged off by a waste of fucking flesh, goes over; starts a big scene. The next thing in the police report is that Lina had Samantha hidden in the back of Lina's car, and the woman was on the ground with a broken femur because she had tried to drag her from Lina, so Lina had tossed her to the ground and twisted her leg." Matt seemed to be in a lighter mood as he progressed through this part of the story.

"I have a whole new level of respect for Miss Khayam. It explains why you let her stay at your home. But why did she move out here to begin with?"

"Well, she had some issues back home and she needed to get away. When she told me that I offered her the chance to come here; my uncle pulled some strings at the college. If she does well this next year at Trinity, she'll have a chance to attend Oxford." Integra gave him a smile.

"Don't worry. This stays between us." He smiled back and offered Integra another cigarette. She declined yet they stayed out there on the balcony while the party progressed in the hall.

"So are you here with a date?" This question caught Integra off guard.

"No, I'm not accompanied tonight." He gave her a charming grin.

"Then do you feel up for a dance?"


9:27 p.m. ….Vance Residence

Alucard was outside the gate of the Vance residence, about to walk in when he overheard an unfamiliar music playing from inside the house. It was dark, depressing and somehow invigorating. Seras stopped him inside the gate, glaring.

"Alucard…Stop right now and leave." The seriousness in his fledglings' voice and the determined set of her eyes made Alucard laugh.

"Police girl, you can't stop me even if you used every last ounce of your strength I would still be able to swat you like a fly." Seras growled, but knew he was right. She would be squished before she was useless. Damn it she would earn everyone's respect even if it killed her.

"I'm assigned to protect Miss Khayam. You won't win this time." Alucard was surprised at Seras's boldness, stepping closer to her, each silent step making the air grow heavier.

"What do you mean police girl?" He was not amused anymore.

"I did my research Alucard…or should I say Dracula. You turned Lucy Westenra, you tried to take Mina Harker, and you turned me. I won't let you go around collecting brides again. As an officer of the Hellsing Organization, I demand you leave the property, as well as Miss Khayam alone." Seras squared her shoulders and prepared herself for the blow she knew he was going to deliver. She could hear the terrible rumbling sound that emanated from his dark chest, yet she stood firm. Minutes passed and yet no death blow came and Seras opened her eyes to see Alucard staring behind her towards the front door. Turning her head just a bit, Seras saw a little girl watching the two of them from the window next to the door. Lina came behind the child and opened the door, the two vampires seeing the two humans dressed in all black, looking like vampire impersonators. Lina had on bright scarlet lipstick, her face paler with the help of powder, dark rings under her eyes as if she hadn't slept in days, the little girl wearing lighter layers of makeup.

"Um….What are you two doing out here?" Vlad quickly composed himself and side stepped Seras to approach Lina, the child ducking behind Lina's leg. Her voice sounded a bit different and it was then he noticed the fangs in her mouth.

"Sorry, I was hoping to surprise you tonight with dinner when I was stopped. But it seems you have company. Having a game of dress up are we?" The little girl clung tighter to Lina's leg and turned away from him.

"Yeah, we were. Seras, can you stay with her for a minute so I can talk to Vlad alone. Thanks." There was an uncomfortable pause before Seras brushed past her former master and switched places with Lina as the child darted off into the living room. Lina closed the door behind her and walked just a few feet from the porch, Alucard following her. She swirled on him and seemed in to be frustrated plus pleased to see him, leaving him a bit confused. "Vlad, I'm really flattered that you came over here to see me. But I can't go out tonight." He nodded; after all it appeared that she was busy babysitting.

"I understand. Perhaps you will join me tomorrow night then? Or can I come in tonight." He was putting on all of his charm, even making sure to include his accent since she responded well to that. He was not prepared to have this weak mortal point a chef's knife at him.

"Sorry Vlad, as nice as it would be, I can't let you come in. It's not appropriate since I'm watching someone's child to have friends over without parent permission." He kept his eyes on the knife since she carelessly flung it about with her hand gestures. She realized just then that she had been brandishing it, blushing as she lowered her hand. "Sorry, forgot I had that." She laughed nervously which brought a smile to his lips.

"What were you doing with the knife in the first place?" He asked in a teasing voice.

"I grabbed it when I heard growling out here. I didn't want to be defenseless." He looked back at the house were police girl was with the child.

"What about your personal bodyguard?"

"She doesn't know Sean as well as I do." There was a pause that was for her a pain and for Alucard the first clue to the hunt. "Sorry to do this but I gotta get back inside. Swing by around eight tomorrow night and we'll go out. Bye." She pulled on his cravat to bring him down to her level. He didn't resist, unsure of her intent and had to hold himself in check as her soft lips brushed lightly over his cold cheek. It was so quick he was unsure if it had really happened because he saw her ducking back inside the house with the definite click of the lock. He stood there for a moment, bringing his hand up to his check and pressing it to the spot then drawing them away to find the stain from her lipstick.

"Till tomorrow then." He slowly left the property, Seras watching him to make sure of it.

Inside the house Lina found Samantha sitting quietly on the couch in the living room, waiting for her to come back. Lina smiled, Samantha giving a small one in return. Seras came back into the room, still unused to the sight of them dressed the way they were. The knife had been replaced to its proper spot in the kitchen.

"I don't like him. He's creepy." Lina sighed, not sure she wanted to discuss the topic with an child. Seras had to stop from nodding in agreement; planning on talking to Lina later on when they were alone.

"I know he's creepy, don't worry Sammie. He left, I promise." Samantha nodded her approval and then began to stare out the window. "Do you want to keep listening to music? Or play a board game?"

"I want to get un-scary and watch cartoons please." Lina smiled while packing up her makeup, glad to see that Samantha was ready to start coming out of the Goth mood before she needed to clean her up for her parents.

"Alright, we'll go wash the makeup off." Seras stayed in the living room, sitting down on the couch and waiting for the two to come back. When they returned, they looked normal again and they were both in pajamas. Seras sat on the small couch across from them as the little girl curled up in a blanket and watched the mind numbing humor with Lina just as actively engaged to the animated programming. Two hours passed with small chit chat and giggles at the childish jokes. Soon Seras could sense that Matt and his aunt had returned and opened the door for them since Lina had the little girl passed out on her lap.

"Oh…She's sleeping. My little angel." Lady Dyrmire cooed as she found Samantha asleep. Matt scooped her up so Lina could greet his aunt properly. Lady Dyrmire told Matt to take Samantha out to the car so she could go get back home before it was too late. Seras went to assist Matt while Lina took out the small bag that Lady Dyrmire had left with Samantha's belongings. "Thank you so much for taking care of Samantha tonight. She really wanted to see you again. Here, take it." Lina was a little surprised as she was handed a few bank notes. She shook her head and passed it back to the older woman.

"It's no problem. She's easy to take care of. I would never ask you to pay me for watching her."

Chapter End