"My sister," Gabriel said hollowly. "My sister."
"That is who she claims to be, Gabriel," Jinette replied.
It was some ten minutes later, and Gabriel, Carl and the Cardinal were sitting in Jinette's office. Carl was sitting quietly in the corner, watching Jinette try to talk down Gabriel, who was in a state of shock.
"Why do you not believe her?" Gabriel shot acidly at Jinette.
"I need proof- she has none."
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "I need to see her."
"I do not find that wise," Jinette replied bluntly. "She could be an evil being; this could be a plot by the devil to dispose of you."
"Oh, for God's sake, she's a tiny, frail girl," Gabriel replied heatedly. "I think I'm capable of handling myself."
Jinette glared at him. "Do not question my judgement, Gabriel. We can not afford to lose you."
"Carl's been looking after her all day, and she has not tried anything, right, Carl?" Gabriel asked his friend, who jumped at being spoken to.
"N-no, she hasn't."
"Don't you see? Godammit, she's the key to me discovering who I am!" Gabriel shouted.
"Do not blaspheme!" Jinette replied, fury etched in every line on his old face. "You are not to see her!"
"I know why you say that!" Van Helsing replied. "You tell me to keep doing my missions so that I can find out who I am. If I found out who I was, what would you have to hold over me?"
Jinette had paled and was silent, glaring at Van Helsing. Van Helsing flashed him a grim smile.
"Well, you needn't worry, I would continue to be this church's hunter no matter what I found out. As long as there is evil in this world, I am bound to hunt it."
"Commendable." Jinette seemed to have calmed down during Gabriel's speech, and was looking at him with an almost paternal look. "I apologise. I know you will always be bound to evil, and that it is a curse which haunts you. You have a hard life. I am just worried in case she tells you something which will make it harder."
"She may not even be my sister yet," Gabriel replied with a shrug. "I just need to know."
Cardinal Jinette nodded. "Okay. But you will meet her under Carl's supervision. You are free to leave, both of you."
Gabriel and Carl both exited and set off down the corridors. Gabriel seemed excited; he was trying to keep his face calm but his eyes were wide and bright.
"What do you think of her?" Gabriel asked Carl.
Carl shrugged. He muttered something. Gabriel grinned.
"The truth, now, Carl. I saw the way you looked at her."
Carl blushed.
Gabriel patted his back. "You're fond of my 'sister', aren't you?"
"Maybe," Carl replied.
They reached his door.
"Here we go," Carl said.