hey, sorry that this chapter is so short(lots of homework and such...and I have a life gasp yes I know it's a surprise)but the next one will be longer I promise with lots of Carl. It will be his shinning moment in that chapter. So i hope you enjoy. R&R.

Disclaimer: I don't own Van helsing or anyhting except Nicole.

Tick....

Tock.....

Tick.....

Tock....

The old rusty pocket watch continued it's mindless and annoying ticking within the silent carriage as it's passenger stared out of the foggy window at the most extraordinary and daunting sight. The Vatican stood before her, just outside of her dingy carriage, looming over her, and to her, mocking. But of course only she would look past it's wondrous beauty and see it's dark side. The side of having the worse sense of direction. The very thought on walking around that building it's self was enough to make Nicole cry. The memory of getting lost in her very own uncle's library (which was extremely tiny mind you) , and the humiliation after when she called an old, hag of a woman when she was 11 "mama" by accident and almost being kidnapped while helping an old man cross the street (no questions would be appreciated) was sending her up the wall.

But then the dreaded call of the driver telling her to get out snapped her back to her reality and forced her to swallow her fears and step out.

But mind you even this little task proved difficult as her foot landed on the old, breaking wooden step, that it seemed her very little weight could not sustain. But that was after her coat got caught on a lose nail, causing her to not only falling from the lack on a sturdy step, but if it weren't for that pesky nail she might have landed on her feet, but no, she landed hard on the stone ground. But this was a daily thin for her, and standing up she straightened herself and faced that figure now speeding towards her.

As the figure drew nearer, she realized in was in fact a blur of red, that made the shape of a slightly pudgy man. Frowning the figure slowed down and stopped but two feet from her, causing her to shrink back a bit at the sight of his expression. Pure annoyance.

Straighten his shoulders he looked her over and frowned.

"I'm am Cardinal Jinetter, I presume your journey was not eventful" he stated more then asked but interrupted Nicole as she was about to answer.

"either way you are late. Now follow me" he told her, beginning to walk away as Nicole, as quickly as she could, gathered her small leather bag and followed the quick Cardinal towards the Vatican with dread being the only thing on her mind...and the fact that her face we really starting to hurt.

I hate that Cardinal damn him. ah yes and I want to thank dear dear Random-Battlecry for all your lovely support, thank you and please