CHAPTER 21
I stopped one of the passing night attendants and asked where Seward's office was. He assured me that it was just around the corner. In a hurry to reach the office, I forgot to thank the attendant and continued running down the hallway like a half-crazed woman. I finally came to a door with a plaque above it reading: John Seward, M.D.
Resident Physician
I did not knock on the door; I pounded on it, thrusting my fists against it as loudly as I could. Quick footsteps from inside scampered to the door and I saw not Jack Seward, but Van Helsing standing in the now-open doorway. His eyes filled with shock and concern as they took in the state of my wild hair, fluttering nightdress, and shortness of breath. "Miss Teresa? Whatever in-"
I cut across him wildly. "It's Lucy! Something terrible is happening! We have to go to her immediately!"
Another man joined Van Helsing at the door. Jack Seward was still fully dressed, down to his shoes. It was apparent that he'd been in the midst of making his rounds and had stopped for a quick consultation with Van Helsing. Jack now drew me inside the office, closed the door, and tried to calm me down. But I resisted and continued to try to explain about Lucy. In desperation, Jack asked Van Helsing whether he should give me an opiate.
To my relief, Van Helsing said no, that he thought it better to calm my fears. While Jack muttered and voiced his disapproval, Van Helsing led us both from the office and to the outside entrance of the asylum. I later learned that he had secured a hansom cab earlier, with the intention of looking in on Lucy. He now opened the cab door, ushered Seward and me inside, slammed it behind him, and yelled one word to the driver: "Whitby!"
As the carriage cantered into the night, I was reminded of my similar ordeal upon arriving in Transylvania and became more anxious. Lucy was in danger! I only hoped that we weren't too late.