Roughly three months had passed since Dracula's discovery of Zoe's clandestine conversation with Quincy Harker. He was quite surprised the namesake of the Foundation hadn't made his move yet. However, him lying dormant was possibly even more unsettling than cropping up suddenly. The vampire was now in his eighth month of pregnancy.
He was a bit slower at this point, but hadn't lost his charismatic charm, and wicked sense of sarcasm. He continued to feed off the English citizens, however, found himself suddenly yearning for Romanian blood. But perhaps it was the castle itself he yearned for the most. Even though he'd manage to evade Harker, and with Zoe covering for him, he remained wary.
Feeling his son's solid jabs and kicks beneath his skin, he winces slightly. Yet, somehow, this brought him a sense of comfort, but with Harker lying in wait, the ease was only temporary. He gives a small smile and makes his way towards Frank's designated study. The man's stringy mop of hair was soon creating a blind spot as he wrote, and yet, never bothered to push it out of the way. Perhaps he liked a challenge. Dracula cleared his throat lightly.
"Working on your poetry, Frank?"
The quip giving the poor man a start, damn near causing him to fall from his chair. He hears him curse under his breath, the vampire proceeding to softly chuckle.
"You could give 'ah guy 'ah bit of warning before doing that (exasperatedly finally pushing the strands behind his ear with a sigh) 'an no, I wish it were that simple"
Dracula cocks a brow inquisitively, Frank's whole demeanor seemed to have shifted. It was almost as though he felt guilty for something. He bites his lower lip, reaching for a file that was partly obstructing the document underneath, he gives a heavy sigh.
"I hate to be the one to tell you this...but, Harker overturned your legal proceedings..you have to return to isolation"
"What?!"
The vampire snapped. He couldn't believe his ears. Through the 123 years of loyalty with Hawkins & Wentworth, never had he felt so betrayed. However, the tribunal and deceit worked hand in hand. On further reflection, he couldn't even bring himself to admit how wronged and manipulated he felt. Regardless of their longstanding history, the legal system was far from keeping your best interests at heart. Frank nervously adjusts his glasses, before lightly clearing his throat.
"I really am sorry. It was out of my ha-"
"Why didn't you stop him?!"
The vampire demanded, feeling the vexation mounting. Mentally trying to calm himself, the built up stress and anger wasn't good for the baby. Whom currently was downwards and putting pressure on his lower back. He suddenly snapped his eyes shut, bracing himself with both hands at the corner of the desk. A hiss of pain escaping his lips.
"Are you alright?"
Frank inquired concerned. Dracula simply nodded and eased himself upright again. Chuckling lightly.
"Yeah, baby seems to think my lower back is a headrest"
Frank pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and chuckles lightly. However, this didn't take away from the unfortunate remaining bit of news that had yet to be conveyed. He exhales sharply.
"They...they found traces of blood at what they're calling a "crime scene". No body, but unfortunately. Stray traces from another source...were linked to you"
The vampire's heart immediately froze. This couldn't be happening, it was unraveling faster than he could blink. He'd always been so careful, covering his tracks. Except this time, dammit, how could he be so stupid? Frank was right, even though he had brusquely cut him off. The matter was out of his hands. He feels the light pressure of the lawyer's hand on his lower shoulder blade.
"I really wish the outcome was different"
Frank commiserated. The man was like a rare gem, to find a sympathetic lawyer amongst the sharks, was like a sheep among wolves. The vampire exhales deeply.
"I know, Frank. So do I.."
Suddenly, it hit him. How in the world did they find a match leading back to him? Zoe had drank his only vial containing his blood. At least, that's what she claimed. However, if her recent behavior was anything to go by, claims were about as watertight as as a sieve. He rubs the back of his neck anxiously, cautious not to apply too much pressure with his pointed nails.
"Does it say how they obtained this link?"
Frank's attention shifted back to the document, giving an abrupt sniff and again, readjusting his glasses. Watching as his eyes scanned the wall of text diligently. Yet another sigh escaping him.
"I'm afraid not. Looks like this is Harker's playground now, so to speak"
The vampire's eyes narrowed. A hand brushing over the area his son had shifted. A small smile appearing.
"That's a shame, really. Him of all people should know I don't play well with others"