They arrived in London after a two-hour plane ride. It had actually been very nice for them... well almost all of them. Van Helsing had been able to get a little bit of sleep, though it was not easy since he could not stop thinking about his child. Nicola and Dracula had both spoken about a plan. They were slightly familiar with this doctor and had a good idea of how to handle it. Poor little Carl didn't have such a good time. Though it was nice to see all the new technology, the plane ride itself was unpleasant. As he left the plane green faced and ill he turned to Van Helsing,

"Now I know the meaning of the term air-sickness."

"How many properties do you own exactly," asked Carl as the taxi drew up outside the Count's London residence.

"A fair few," Dracula admitted with a smile as he rang the bell.

The door was opened by a servant who suddenly became very flustered, seeing his employer.

"M…my...my…Lord. We weren't expecting you. I'm afraid the house…not everything is prepared for you…"

"It's OK Jameson," said the Count as he stepped inside, taking of his gloves, "just do the best you can. It is only a party of four so you need prepare only my state room and two guest rooms." He paused and smiled at his butler. "You know I'm not going to kill you don't you – I did tell you I'm human now didn't I?"

Jameson bowed his head and stuttered. "We received the cable, my Lord, but…but...n…no…no-one knew if it was true."

"Well it is," Dracula said patting his manservant on the shoulder, unhappy to see the man wince. "You have nothing to fear from me anymore."

"This change is…remarkable," continued Jameson, feeling bolder. "I take it you are…pleased..?"

"Yes, very," answered the Count. "May I present my guests…first, my friends Carl and Gabriel Van Helsing..." He gestured for them to step inside which they did and both smiled in return to Jameson's bow then he held out his hand to Nicola, "and this is Nicola, my bride…my wife I should say."

Nicola stepped towards Jameson and held out her hand. "I'm very pleased to meet you Jameson," she said with a winning smile.

Jameson stared at her a moment before replying. "Congratulations on your marriage," he said at last, "may you be blessed with many happy years."

"Yes, yes," Dracula said impatiently. "Listen Jameson, we are here on an important mission of sorts, please see that the rooms are made ready then organise a meal for us; as quickly as possible please. We are in great haste!"

"As you wish, my Lord," the man said quickly before speeding off down the corridor.

Dracula gestures them through into a morning room decorated in full Victorian splendour. Once they were inside he excused himself.

"I will be back in a moment, my friends. I just need to go and move one of my bags."

"Surely one of the servants will do that?" questioned Carl. "Should we come and help move our bags?"

"Oh no," Vladislaus replied, "the servants will do it. There is just one that I would prefer the servants not to touch, that's all…I'll be right back." With that he headed swiftly out of the door. Carl and Gabriel exchanged questioning looks but Nicola just sat there staring out of the window. The two men stood and left the room to sort their things out in their sleeping apartments She knew what was in that crate and thought it best that the others remained in ignorance for as long as possible.

After a moment, Vladislaus returned with the large crate in hand. He placed it on the floor and gave a sigh. Nicola smiled slightly and walked over to him.

"That is remarkably heavy," he said to her, brushing a strand of hair out of his face. "The next time we bring something like this, we ship it." Nicola kissed his forehead gently.

"Are you sure bringing this was a good idea?" She asked quietly, not wanting to bring Carl or Van Helsing into this. "You do realize what could happen...to us and Arene."

Dracula held his bride in his arms. "Do not worry, my love, I know what I'm doing." He gave her a smile. "Besides, when am I going to get another chance to try something like this?"

Nicola smiled and kissed her husband. He certainly had a wild nature when he wanted. Most of the time he was very affable, but from time to time... She sighed.

"What am I going to do with you, Vladislaus Dracula?" she asked playfully.

"I don't know - what?" he asked, smiling back at her.

"Hey!" Carl called, walking over. "There you two are! We were looking for you..." He seemed to blush. "We got lost."

Van Helsing walked over and joined them, his eyes went to the enormous crate.

"What did you bring?" he asked out of wonder.

"Oh, nothing," the count said plainly. "Come, we should dine and then start looking for Jekyll."