Jekyll…
I must find her, he thought, quickly walking through the corridors. I must know what she's up to. Jekyll searched the corridors for Kathryn, but couldn't find her. Assuming she would be in her quarters, he went there, and knocked on the door. The door opened, but no one was there. "Hello?" he called into the dark room.
"What do you want, Jekyll?" It was Skinner.
Jekyll was halfway surprised. Of course Skinner would be there. "I'm looking for Kathryn," he said bluntly.
"She's not here."
"Do you know where she is?" Jekyll pressed. "I need to speak with her."
He heard Skinner sigh. "No, I don't," he answered. "She was gone when I woke up." The door closed in Jekyll's face.
"Interesting," he muttered. "Very interesting…"
"What's interesting, Doctor?" Jekyll turned and saw Mrs. Harker walking towards him. Her high collar covered her throat where her only evidence of Vampirism was visible unless she chose to use her ability was located. She was a very proper lady, wearing everything that was appropriate for her age and marital station. "Was that Mr. Skinner in Miss Kathryn's room?"
Jekyll cleared his throat. "Yes, it was," he said. "I'm looking for her. Do you know where she is?"
"I believe she is with Sawyer," she answered, glancing over her shoulder. "I passed them talking on my way to breakfast. Will you join me?"
"Thank you, but no," he said. "I'm in great haste. There is a matter that I need to discuss with Kathryn. Perhaps later?"
"Perhaps," Mrs. Harker said, continuing to the dining room.
Jekyll continued down the corridor. Presently, he heard Sawyer's voice float through the air. "Kate, listen to me, I don't want to know your reasons, I just want to—"
"Sawyer, my reasons are you for your own protection!" she said, cutting him off. "If you don't keep your distance, I can't guarantee your safety." Jekyll turned a corner and saw Sawyer and Kathryn standing a few feet apart, both looking a bit upset. Kathryn was still in her nightdress and dressing gown. "I don't want to hurt you."
"Kathryn, I believe that's the first time I've ever heard you say that," Jekyll commented, drawing their attention. "Now that I've heard the near impossible, may I speak with you?"
She gave him a suspicious look. "All right," she said after a moment of silence. "Sawyer, I stand by what I said." She walked over to Jekyll. "Yes? What do you want?"
"Walk with me, Kathryn," he replied, walking away toward his quarters.
Kathryn walked next to him, easily matching his long stride. "I'm walking," she said. "What do you want?"
"Shh." Jekyll took her to his quarters and sat her in a chair before closing the door. "Kathryn, I need to speak to you about a matter that kept me up all night," he said, facing her.
"Oh, is that why you have dark circles under your eyes?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I would've given it another reason."
He chose to ignore the comment. "There's no denying that we have met before," he said, receiving an irritated look from her. "And there's no denying you blackmailed me. But, I can't for the life of me, remember why you blackmailed me."
"I needed supplies," she said. "I needed chemicals, and powders; the basic elements to create certain poisons. My former employer was out of commission at the time and couldn't supply me with what I needed. I saw you coming down the street, knew exactly who you were, and acted."
"There's no possible chance you could have made that decision in that split second," he said, almost cross. "How did you know I would even stop?"
"I didn't," she replied, standing and examining his quarters with interest. "But I took that chance, and I won… Why do you ask?"
He watched her with apprehension. "I had often thought about it over the course of the years," he answered. "I wish you wouldn't do that."
She looked over at him, surprised. "Do what?" she asked.
"That," he said. "Examine everything. You make me feel like a test subject."
"Maybe you are," she said. "Maybe I'm just testing you." She leaned against his dresser. "Or maybe I still have your vial."
Her comment startled Jekyll. "Do you?" he asked, slightly alarmed.
She shrugged. "Maybe," she said, casually. "I don't know. I'll have to look. I've many vials of liquids that I don't know the contents of."
"Then how do you know what you're using against your victims?" he asked.
"A lot of guesswork," she said. "And a lot of using the same poisons." She sighed. "Is there anything else you needed to talk about?"
"Yes, actually," he said. "I need to know if I can trust you."
"I'm more than willing to cooperate with you," she said. "As long as you're willing to cooperate with me, and not accuse me of certain things. You need to remember only you and I know that we've met before. You let slip that you had never heard me say something in front of Sawyer. He's a clever young man. He may figure out our little secret."
Jekyll thought a moment. "Is there any way that I can be guaranteed that you will keep your promise?" he asked.
She arched an eyebrow. "You honestly don't trust me, do you?"
"The last time I trusted you," he said, "you betrayed me. My trust will be hard for you to come by."
"I felt the ship turn around about ten minutes ago," she said thoughtfully. "Come with me while I take care of some unfinished business in Ireland, and see for yourself. What I'll be doing is a favour to several women I know there. Then you can see if you can trust me to keep my word to you." She walked over to the door. "For now, you need to relax, eat some break fast, and perhaps do a little research to keep your mind off it. Good day." She left his room, closing the door behind her.
Jekyll sighed and sat at his desk. "She confuses me greatly," he muttered.
