Walter led the Get Backers down a long, twisting hallway. Ban and Ginji kept glancing around, noting antique furniture, masterwork paintings, plush carpeting. The Hellsings were, apparently, loaded. Walter stopped in front of a random door and knocked.
"Yes?" A well-modulated voice called.
"Masters Midou and Amano to see you, Sir Integral."
"Send them in." Walter opened the door and bowed the recovery boys into the room. Ban entered first, glancing all around. A checkerboard floor, a few paintings, fireplace burning brightly and a platinum blonde sitting behind a large oak desk. Twin desk lamps provided the only other illumination in the room.
"Good evening, Midou-san, Amano-san. Welcome to the Hellsing Organization. Please, have a seat." The blonde waved to two leather armchairs set in front of the desk. Ban and Ginji walked over and sat down gingerly. The blonde lowered gloved hands, revealing a very pretty face.
"I am Sir Integral Hellsing. Would either of you care for something to drink? It is rather damp tonight, hopefully you have not caught a chill skulking around my grounds."
"You're a woman." Ban said, eyeing Integral. She folded her hands on her desk. Ginji gaped and blushed.
"Yes. Very astute of you, Midou-san. But you have not answered my question." Integral's lips twitched slightly.
"Coffee. Black, please." Ban said. Ginji finally recovered from his shock.
"I'd love some of your British tea!"
"You are in luck, Amano-san. Walter makes the best tea in the kingdom." Integral nodded to Walter, who walked over to a small bar near the fireplace. "I hope you had a pleasant trip?"
"Oh, it was great! We flew first class and everything!" Ginji chirped. This Sir Integral wasn't so bad! She was even offering them drinks! Ban shot Ginji a dirty look.
"Since you know our names and our gifts," he waved the banded arm. "I presume you also know our mission?"
"You are looking for someone you think is in my employ." Walter returned with a tray. Catching Ban's eye, the butler took a swallow from each cup before placing it in front of the respective person. When Ban frowned, Walter smiled cheerfully. Ginji sipped his tea.
"Wow! This is really good, Walter-san. Thank you!"
"Just Walter, if you please sir." Walter winked at Integral and retreated to the bar. Integral sipped her own cup of coffee. Ban, noting how everyone's eyes had shifted to him, sighed and tasted his. His eyebrows went up.
"This is good. Where did you get it?"
"I buy direct. Being an aristocrat does occasionally have advantages." Integral sipped her coffee again, then set down the silver cup and folded her hands on her desk.
"Now, what can I do for you gentleman?"
"We're looking for a girl. Her name is Seras Victoria." Ban handed Integral the school picture. Integral's lips compressed.
"Why are you looking for her?"
"Our client is an old friend. He doesn't think she's dead," Ginji added, sipping his tea. Integral handed the picture back.
"I know her."
"Do you know where she is?" Ban asked, eyeing Integral closely. She drew on her cigar, folding her hands just in front of her chin, the cigar balanced perfectly on her fingers. Ban and Ginji waited for several minutes.
"I do." She stubbed out the cigar. "However, certain arrangements will have to be made. Could you come back tomorrow evening at eight o'clock?"
"Why so late?" Ban asked. His hackles were prickling. Something was wrong.
"It is my earliest availability. You could come later if you would prefer."
"Eight will be fine." Ban tossed back his coffee and stood. Ginji looked at his partner in surprise, quickly finished his tea. Integral stood and bowed slightly.
"Until tomorrow. Good evening, Get Backers. Walter, please see our guests out."
"What about the cuffs?" Ban asked, turning his gaze back on Integral. The smirk returned.
"They will be removed at the front door. If you return tomorrow and knock politely, I do not see a need for them. If, however, you return the way you did tonight, they go back on and I will include an armed escort. Am I clear?"
"Perfectly." Ban smirked and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Until tomorrow night then, SIR Integral."
"I look forward to it. Good evening, gentlemen."
"Good night, Sir Integral!"
"Good night." Ban and Ginji left the study, escorted by Walter. Once they reached the front door, Walter did...something...and removed both cuffs.
"Thank you for your cooperation, gentlemen." Ban rubbed his wrist, staring angrily at the cuff.
"I'd love to know how you did it." Walter grinned, pocketed the cuffs and opened the door.
"I have taken the liberty of arranging a car for you. Just go straight down the path to the gates. Our driver will take you back to your hotel. Do stay on the path and do not try to wander off."
"Sure thing, Walter. Thanks again for the tea, it was great!" Ginji shook Walter's hand. Ban merely nodded.
"It was my pleasure, Master Amano."
"Please! Call me Ginji."
Integral sat back in her chair, pinching her nose under her glasses. Victoria's past was catching up with her. Just what she didn't need. A faint chill.
"Well, Alucard? What do you think?"
"Is that an order, Master?" A silky, evil-sounding voice filled the room. Integral huffed and reached for her coffee cup.
"Why else would I address you? It is all you seem to respond to." Another chuckle echoed. Behind Integral's chair, a form took shape. Tall, dark haired, clothed in red. And fangs gleaming in the lamplight.
"My, we are testy tonight. Did that Midou person get to you?"
"No more then any other arrogant male who thinks he can push me around in my own house." Integral cast a sideways look as Alucard slithered over to her desk. He sat on the edge and grinned at her.
"I am hurt. Comparing ME to such a child."
"A child with the Jagon. A child that can cast any person who looks in his eyes into a minute of bliss or sixty seconds of hell, but only once and no more then three victims in twenty-four hours."
"Fascinating, is it not? He smells German."
"You would know best."
"Of course!" Alucard planted one hand on the desk and leaned towards Integral. "You really want my opinion?"
"Of course!" Integral matched his mocking tone. Alucard's grin widened.
"The German is suspicious. He sensed something, but is too dense to realize what he was looking for. The blonde is curious. Acts like a child, but holds dark thoughts. Neither should be trusted."
"And our police girl?"
"Does not know a thing. We'll see how she reacts tomorrow night. It could be innocent, or it could be a conspiracy."
"Keep the house on alert status. They might try something during the day."
"Doubtful, but your will is law."
"If that was the case, Agent Seras would not be here." Integral stood and stretched, ignoring Alucard's leer.
"I am going upstairs. Let me know when the teams return, please."
"Sure you wouldn't care for some company?"
"If you see any, call me." Integral walked out of her study, smirking. Alucard's laughter rang in her ears.
With nothing better to do, Ginji and Ban went sightseeing. They took all kinds of pictures to entertain Natsumi; goofing with the Royal Guards, holding up London Bridge, pretending to steal the Crown Jewels. That one got them into a lot of trouble and they barely escaped being arrested.
Teatime found them at a small pub. Ginji was raving over the tea, Ban settled for a pint. As they sat outside, enjoying the break in cloud cover, Ban's eye caught a platinum blonde woman walking across the street. He blinked a few times. Was that...?
"Hey, Ban! You ok?" Ban pulled his eyes away from the blonde and looked at his partner.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He sipped his beer. Ginji looked him over, then grinned.
"You're thinking about her again."
"What?"
"Sir Integral. You've been thinking about her all day."
"You're imagining things." Ban looked away. Ginji's grin doubled in size.
"You are! I must say, I'm surprised. I thought you liked Himiko. Then again, Sir Integral is much prettier, or would be if she actually smiled. But isn't she a little old for you?"
"Shut up, Ginji."
"Maybe you and her could get away for a while, you know, after we talk to Seras-san. I could keep Seras-san company if you'd like."
"Ginji," Ban growled. The blond recognized the danger tone and backed off, holding up his hands.
"Ok, ok. But there's no harm in asking. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, you know! She's rich and titled and...OW!" Ginji rubbed his head. Ban lowered his hand and lit a cigarette.