It's good to be back writing this story! And such a long chapter too! Thank you as always for such the lovely feedback you leave! I hope you enjoy it! -Jen

Chapter Two

Zoe watched her aunt through the rear view mirror as she sat in the backseat with a pout. This wasn't what she'd envisioned her night to look like. Sure, there had been pizza, but cuddling up with Agatha enjoying a Disney movie was a more ideal choice. Nevertheless she remained rather quiet as her guardian veered down the road and towards The Foundation.

"I'm sorry to drag you along." Agatha apologized, turning her head to meet the girl's stare. "But Mrs. Avery was already turning in for the night. I didn't want to ask more of her."

"Why are we going to your work?" The child inquired, tugging at the safety build as Agatha pulled into a parking space. "I thought you were done for today."

"Something came up," Agatha explained, turning the car off. "Look, it shouldn't take too long." That was a lie and she very well knew it. "You can play in the lobby on my phone. There are some games on there. You like to do those, yes? Consider it a special treat."

The young girl seemed to perk up a bit as she and the former nun exited the vehicle. Taking Zoe's hand, Agatha pulled her along considerably fast for the child's legs to keep up. Before her niece had a moment to complain, she produced her key card and slid it into the awaiting slot. It was an odd sensation, the sound of her own heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears. Oh how she had waited for this moment. Dreamed of it even.

Shoes clicking against the floor, she took only a moment to pause. Agatha knelt down eye level with Zoe. She smiled warmly, but the girl didn't return the look. She'd make it up later. Maybe ice cream or something the kid liked. There'd be time later to figure that out.

"Now I need you to be good and stay here." The woman instructed, handing Zoe her unlocked phone. "If you need anything, you just ask one of the security men. I'll be right down the hallway past a few doors, okay?" She kissed her forehead and the girl scrunched her brow making a face. "I love you."

Zoe made a remark about dying from boredom, but Agatha was too focused on much greater things. Count Dracula. The Count Dracula. As she ventured deeper and deeper into the institute, she was soon met by a crowd of scientists filing into one of the lecture halls. Almost instantly, her eyes met Jack. The doctor grinned at her, pushing past the others so that they were now face to face.

"I didn't think you'd be here until the morning." He admitted, looking her over. "Where's Zoe."

"Preoccupied out front." Agatha explained, following him into the room and taking a seat in the back. "So, how much did I miss?! Where is he?!"

In the front of the room, a large screen began to descend. Agatha watched as Dr. Bloxham made her way down the aisle causing a hush to fall over the attendees. When she stepped behind the podium, the former nun took notice of the scientist's now bandaged hand.

"What happened to her?" Agatha whispered into Jack's ear.

"Dracula bit off her thumb." The doctor replied in a low voice. "And she refused to go to the hospital too. We had to take care of it here. It was...it was hard to look at."

The woman's stomach knotted at the thought. Drinking blood was one thing, but this… If anything, it only proved further evidence that the man was a monster. She settled back in her seat, watching as the video started. A morbid part of her wished she had some popcorn to go along with this film, but it wasn't exactly that kind of tape to enjoy.

"So some good did manage to come out of the loss of my thumb." Bloxham continued, pulling Agatha from her thoughts. "We managed to detain Count Dracula while he was distracted. It wasn't an easy feat, but I would like to thank those involved." A round of applause sounded and the former nun found herself clapping too.

It was a rather curious thought trying to consider how exactly they had managed to capture the creature so easily. In the back of her mind, Agatha wondered if it was possible that the vampire wanted to be taken into the Foundation's custody. Maybe even having some ulterior motive. But then again, it was a silly idea. He'd just come out of his century long comatose state after all. How would he even begin to have such plans?

"Agatha, might I have a word with you?"

The woman looked up to see that Bloxham locked eyes with her. Throwing Jack a cautionary look, she stood up and walked towards the scientist. Trying her best not to stare at her hand, Agatha focused her attention on her co-worker's face.

"I'm glad you were able to make it tonight." Bloxham admitted, motioning for the former nun to follow her. "I know you have a lot on your plate with that neie of yours. How is Zoe doing by the way?"

"She's fine, thank you." Agatha replied, giving her a half smile. "I'm sorry about your...injury."

"Don't be." The other woman chuckled. "I'd gladly give up all ten fingers if it meant capturing the bastard." She exhaled, tugging the identification card from around her neck. "Agatha, have you ever come face to face with a vampire before?" Agatha began to open her mouth to reply but Bloxham immediately cut her off with a wave of her hand. "I was only kidding."

A red beam of light glowed out of the edge of a little, white box on the door. Holding the back of her card to it, there was a click and the color turned green. Bloxham threw Agatha an overconfident smile as the entrance opened to reveal still one of the oddest rooms the woman had seen to date.

The round, intricately painted clock stretching to the near edges of the stone floor. A triangularly shaped prism-esque cell made out of thick, see through bullet proof glass. Surprisingly enough, there didn't seem to be much security around. One would expect as much all things considered. These thoughts ran through Agatha's mind as she scoped the place out. It wasn't until she saw the figure standing calmly in the center that a chill ran up her spine.

"Have you brought me dinner, Dr. Bloxham?"

Cool. Calm. Collective. Do not show emotion. Agatha followed Bloxham's lead as they entered the outside of the holding cell. Dracula's eyes never left the former nun as both women moved to stand in front of him. The scientist didn't smile as she addressed the vampire.

"Count Dracula, this is Agatha Van Helsing." She began, motioning towards the other woman. "I think you're familiar with her family?"

The way his face lit up in a mix of recognition, excitement, and menacing delight caused Agatha to feel slightly nauseated. But her curiosity again was getting the better of her. After years of yearning for this moment, it was finally opening. She'd ask Bloxham to pinch her to make sure it wasn't a dream, but that would've been inappropriate-especially since she was missing a thumb.

"Ah, a Van Helsing." Dracula smirked, taking in a deep whiff of air. "Oh, it's been so long since I've encountered one of you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Count Dracula." And she was surprised how nonchalant the words came out. "I believe our visit has been way overdue."

"At least well over a century," he agreed. "Now tell me. Whatever did happen to your dear grandfather? After we lost contact, I was rather worried."

"From what I was told, he lived a long, happy life. No thanks to you." Dracula's sneer seemed to broaden at her words. "You've caused a lot of damage, Count Dracula. Do you know where you are?"

"The Jonathan Harker Foundation I've been told." His gaze flickered over to Bloxham. "I was given a brief history lesson. And forgive me for not addressing it immediately. How is your hand, Doctor?"

"Still has the same strength to grip a stake." Bloxham remarked, pleased with her retort. "Now, if you don't mind. I'd like to show Agatha how your cell works. Just in case we are forced to take action."

"Naturally," he breathed. "Don't let me get in your way. Safety is of the utmost importance after all." There was a glimmer of mischief in his eye as he spoke, attention still drawn to the former nun. "Isn't that right, Agatha?"

Making a mental note to invest in a few more crucifixes, the two women approached a panel attached to the wall. Agatha watched as Bloxham began to fiddle with the knob and lever. Just as the scientist flipped a switch, the groaning sound of metal slats sliding against one another caused her to look up. The ceiling had opened to reveal a large hole that allowed the light from the moon to stream right into the vampire's cage. Dracula glanced upwards, seemingly unfazed by what was happening.

"I'm sure you're already aware of what this is." Bloxham spoke, motioning to the device. "But there were alterations made. If there is ever a concern, no matter how minor, of him ever endangering any of us, this can be used to release sunlight into his prison." She stared hard at Dracula. "Which would instantly incinerate him."

"An impressive invention." Dracula commented, studying his sharp nails. "I applaud you for your efforts. Now," he strode forward dangerously close to the glass. "If it's alright with you, Dr. Bloxham, I'd much enjoy some alone time with Miss Van Helsing. It's nothing personal. I'm just feeling a little...nostalgic about the family line."

As much as she didn't wish to humor him, being able to sit down and actually talk to the vampire was such a fascinating idea. Grill him. Get every ounce of what he was, what makes him tick, from his cold, dead being. But Bloxham interrupted before she could even reply.

"Agatha has other matters to attend to," the scientist said curtly. "But fear not, she'll be back eventually." Her eyes fell to Agatha, lips pressed into a thin line. "There is paperwork I need you to fill out. Some consent forms. If you wish to really be involved with this, I need to know immediately." The woman paused, then adding in a low voice as if Dracula's keen hearing couldn't pick up. "And your blood."

"My what?" Agatha's brows knitted in confusion. "Why on Earth would you need that?"

"He needs to feed," Bloxham explained. "And despite what he is and what he's done, we won't stoop to his levels...yet. We'll remain as humane as one can when dealing with a vampire." She glanced over her shoulder, noting that Dracula was still watching them hungrily. "Let's go."

Reluctantly Agatha did as she was asked. Peering back one last time at Dracula, who merely waved in response, she trailed behind Bloxham, disappearing as the door closed.

"So," Agatha began as the door hissed, locking behind them. "Why is there a lack of security present in there? Aren't you concerned about what he could do?" She knew well enough what he was capable of. The stories she'd been told from her childhood. "I don't think it's a wise decision to just leave him in there unsupervised."

"All of our doors are being monitored and we're setting up a team to take shifts." The woman replied, her pointed shoes clicking on the floor. "Mind you it's only been hours since we've captured him."

"Yes," the former nun insisted. "My point exactly as to why we need to be more thorough with keeping an eye on him."

Bloxham stopped in her tracks, pausing momentarily before rounding on her heels to face Agatha. "Look," she sighed. "I am very happy you've decided to join us. And you are a very important asset to the Foundation. But I won't have you questioning my authority or my decisions, is that clear?" It was the first time the scientist had ever spoken remotely harsh to her. "Don't take being her for granted, Miss Van Helsing. Things can easily change. And I quite like you." Once more she smiled, but it lacked any friendliness. "Shall we continue? It'd be nice for you and your niece to get home at a decent hour. Tomorrow will certainly be one for the books."

Zoe hummed loudly to herself as she kicked her feet back Agatha's now dead cell phone resting beside her on the bench. She was bored. Incredibly so. And her aunt was taking much, much longer than she promised. Had she forgotten her? Surely not. But with nothing else to do, in that moment, the little girl made a conscious decision to search the place out and locate the woman. It had to be past her bedtime-not that she really minded the minute detail.

Peeking around the corner, she noticed one of the security officers sitting at the front desk. Her eyes immediately caught sight of the key card hanging haphazardly from his pocket. It was like the game "capture the flag" in school. She just needed to be sneaky enough to snatch it off of him without being caught. That wouldn't be too hard. She was awfully good at stealing an extra cookie or two out of the jar at home when Agatha wasn't looking. This was just a really, really big jar and a funny looking cookie.

Abandoning the phone, she slipped off of the bench and made her way towards the preoccupied man. Considering her age, she was a rather bright and a crafty little thing. As the guard watched his cricket game, yelling on occasion at the tiny screen on his device, she delicately plucked the card from his person and made her way towards the doors. Hopefully Aunt Aggie wouldn't be too cross. After all, she was the one who was late.

Since the departure of the two women, Dracula had been studying the circumference of his cell looking for any weaknesses in the glass. Not to his surprise, it seemed very well made. No matter, he'd figure something out. At the sound of the doors opening once more, he turned to look in the direction half expecting to see Bloxham and Agatha again. But instead, waltzing straight into the room was a little girl.

How the child had managed to sneak past the guards undetected he wasn't quite sure. But the vampire had to admit he was rather impressed. Zoe walked confidently over to his prison, looking it over with such curiosity. His lips curved into a friendly, and yet also edging on menacing grin.

"Hello," she said cheerfully.

"Why hello yourself." He responded, eyes scanning the room half expecting an entire army to barge in. Somehow they were alone. Maybe this Foundation wasn't as well thought out as he was previously led to believe. "What, might I ask, are you doing here?"

"My baby-sitter couldn't watch me, so my Aunt Aggie brought me here." She shrugged. "I'm trying to find her. She promised we'd go home soon. But it's been hours and hours and hours…" she took a deep breath. "And hours!"

"Oh." Now things were getting interesting. "So you're Agatha Van Helsing's niece?"

"Yep." Zoe nodded her head vigorously, smiling brightly. "What's your name?"

"Dracula."

The little girl gasped and the vampire couldn't help but grin wider. "Like the vampire?" She whispered, watching him with wide eyes.

"Exactly!"

She seemed to consider this new information for a moment. Then, folding her arms over her chest, Zoe furrowed her brow in an expression of comical seriousness. "Show me your fangs."

It was his turn to be taken aback. After centuries of existence, the mere aspect of a vampire struck fear in the hearts of many. Now here stood a little girl, void of such fright, demanding to see his razor sharp teeth. So, without a reason not to do so otherwise, Dracula allowed his fangs to pop out. The girl gaped at them mesmerized.

"Cool!" She exclaimed. "Oh, and my name is Zoe by the way."

Dracula eyed her with a cocked brow. "That's a harlot's name."

Zoe tilted her head in confusion. "What's a harlot?"

He smirked as the sound of panicked footsteps drew closer and closer to the room. "Ask your aunt." The Count chuckled as an out of breath Agatha sprinted through the sliding doors. "Pleasure speaking with you, Miss Zoe."

"Zoe!"

It was almost comical how Agatha's face was etched in both concern and utter relief. Roughly tugging the girl behind her, anger flared across her features as she stared Dracula down like a mother goose protecting its offspring from a fox.

"Don't you dare talk to her!" The woman hissed, nudging Zoe back once more when the girl tried to look at Dracula again. "Don't even look at her!"

"He didn't do anything, Aunt Aggie," Zoe mumbled sheepishly. "We were just…"

"Not a word until we get into the car." Agatha said through clenched teeth. Fucking Bloxham and her fucking failed security. If a seven year old could get past the system, then a centuries old vampire could get out. "I told you to stay in the lobby! You nearly gave me a heart attack when I saw you weren't there! You don't do that to me, Zoe!"

"I'm sorry…" The little girl sniffed, rubbing a hand under her nose. "I just wanted to find you."

"Give the child some credit, Agatha. She's rather brilliant for her age." Agatha's blood began to boil as the Count crouched down, trying to get a good look at Zoe from behind the former nun. "Don't cry, dear Zoe. There is nothing wrong with being adventurous. Why, the best of us are." His gaze flickered to her aunt. "Nothing wrong at all. Right, Agatha?"

She had a few choice words to say. More like an entire novel. But Zoe was in earshot and she didn't need to deal with a call from the school because her niece repeated them. Inhaling deeply, she pushed aside the idea of staking Dracula. For now. Tomorrow when they had their proper "interview" Agatha could say what she wanted.

"Let's go home." Agatha said quietly, taking one of Zoe's hands. "You have school in the morning."

"Bye, Mr. Dracula!" The little girl waved, her mouth forming a smile once more. "It was nice meeting you!"

"Farewell, child." He nodded, smirking as Agatha threw him a dirty look. "I look forward to our next visit."

She didn't look at anyone as she pushed past those standing in her way, Zoe hurrying at her side. She was pissed. Furious. Not so much at Zoe. She was a child, after all. But Bloxham. And without a doubt Dracula. Goddamn Count Dracula. Right now her fascination and wonder about him had become rage. Fury brought on by the idea that her niece could've been injured. Or worse. Now that she really thought about it, she was pissed off at herself too. Endangering her child like that. What would her brother say?

"Am I in trouble?" Zoe asked hesitantly once they were on the road.

"No." Agatha sighed softly. "No, Zoe, you're not. I just got scared...I didn't know where you went and I was worried. I don't want you wandering off again like that, okay? Especially where I work."

"Why was that man in the triangle?" The girl inquired, looking at her aunt through the rear view mirror. "Is he in jail?"

"Sort of," the woman admitted. "He did some bad things a long time ago." Not to mention that day. Though she really didn't really feel as sorry about Bloxham's thumb now. "He's going to be in there for awhile."

"Oh." And Zoe felt silent for a moment. Just as Agatha went to pull into their driveway, she spoke up again. "Aunt Aggie?"

"Yes, baby?" The woman asked, turning her head to meet her niece's stare. "What is it?"

"What's a harlot?"

Never before had Agatha ever hit her car brakes as hard as she did that night, the squeal of her tires causing the neighbor's dog to bark loudly. Fucking Dracula.

Oh Dracula, still trapped at The Harker Foundation and already giving Agatha a migraine. I'm sorry, sweet nun, it's only going to get worse from here (or better, depending on your outlook *wink wink*) Also the convo between Dracula and Zoe was roughly based off of a scene in Lucifer 1x01 between Lucifer and Trixie. Anyway, feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! I love knowing your thoughts! Until next time, stay safe and healthy! -Jen