The Vampire as Metaphor...Book III of the (Semi) Complete Works of William Soames Walthrop...
PG 13
Summary: A lost work of one William Soames Walthrop (...aka Spike) as it was delivered at one of Cicely Addams' house parties, shortly before Will's demise. See the reference to it in "Drusilla"...
Disclaimer: All BTVS characters remain the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and all other owner/creators of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series...
Contributions to the recovery of the lost works of England's third worst poet are always welcomed...
Part XVI...
Although Miss Ana very near future (or else) Mrs. Harris nee Jenkins was reasonably willing to accept her Alex's proposal that they keep close to their berth on the Buffalo train so as not to arouse suspicion from his quarry, she was unwilling to repress her curiosity as to the nature of the hunt…
What was so important about that chit of a blonde girl and her Brit boy…?
"Business is business…An…" being the close-mouth Harris' reply.
Though as a man wise in the ways of the world. And particularly in the ways of a certain Miss Ana Jenkins, he'd come on board prepared…
And was pleased to see that Ana not only loved the ring. But frowned a bit at the expense…
His assurance that this little junket…Work and wedding trip rolled into one…Would more than cover said extravagance reconciling her to a period of relative quietude as to the nature of the "work" on this one.
Though only a period and only relative, as she admitted and he kindly, if reluctantly, acknowledged.
Wouldn't have her any other way… Though, there being matters of import involved and even a degree of risk, whatever her curiosity might be, she must at least heed his warnings to avoid prying about on her own.
"The dudes from DC and the crazy little guy aren't involved in this one, are they?" she asked.
"An?..." frown.
"Fine…No questions…" frown back.
"We might run into Mr. West out West. That crazy little Loveless isn't involved here." he muttered hastily. She beaming.
Alex…You…
And nice to know she'd not be frozen solid or drugged or held at gunpoint while the little freak Loveless ran off at the mouth about some plan for ruling the world this time. Though…
"You know if West makes one more pass at me I'm taking the family jewels." she noted.
"Eh, that's all for show with West and the ladies. You know that…" he shook head.
…..
"Well…" Elizabeth tapped fingers together as she sat next to Potter in their coach car. En route to Buffalo for the change to the Chicago train…
"Makin' any progress…?" she asked as Potter carefully scanned a page of the Book…
"Hmm-hmmn…" he nodded.
My…There's quite a fellow. He eyed the grim image of a huge red demon with large wingspan, clawed wings. Could be the poster for Lucifer himself…
Nope, some fellow named Spike, vampiral demon par excellence. Hmmn…"Awaiting release from Hell…"
Wonder how he'd make it out…Lets see. " 'το βρικόλακα διάβολος, αντίστοιχο των την ανθρώπινη αυτο, είναι μεταφέρονται και γείωση για την ανθρώπινη υποδοχής μετά το θάνατο του εν λόγω υποδοχής και την απελευθέρωση του ψυχή'…The vampiral demon, counterpart of its human self, is transferred and bonded to the human host after the death of said host and release of soul…"
(Cicely, blinking… Just where did he come up with…?)
Vampiral demons? Vampires? As in that Varney the Vampire play? He pondered, briefly eyeing Elizabeth's impatient, yet slightly nervous stare.
Well? Her look saying…
Well, book…er Book…Is probably Byzantine in origin or at least from that region. All those tales of the Impaler fellow and that virgin-drinking countess. Seems like I've stumbled on the source…
(Cicely rather nervous, contemplating…No, can't remember any books like that. She beamed…Clearly all the product of his fertile imagination…Still…Pondering…All this is just a little too… Well, possibly a hint or two from me in some way. Quick smile to William's nervous glance. Keep on, Will…Just maybe not quite so close to the mark, please?
And while I like the Slayer romance angle…Must this Slayer be a Yank and a blonde? Well, I'll suggest an alteration later…
And I think I get the allusion to her being a sharp working class girl…Frown…As opposed to say, a wealthy and useless member of the British lower aristocracy?)
Ow!...He looked up.
"Hey…" Elizabeth, frowning at him. "You can't answer a simple question? How's it going...?"
"It was…Going fine…Do you want me to read this or no?"
"I wouldn't mind knowing what you're findin' out." she eyed him.
"If you'd give me a few minutes, I might have something to tell you…"
"Fine…" she glared. Sitting back…Eyeing the page he was open to… "Who's the redskin?" she asked, pointing…
" 'Συλλέκτη', πρίγκιπας της βρικόλακες…'" he quoted.
"Very funny…" she frowned. "So he's a prince of vampires, eh?" shrewd look.
He gave a rueful smile back, nodding. "Very good…So you speak Greek?"
"And read, a little…Not enough to translate that." she replied, indicating the Book. "Is it 'Spike'…The name, I mean?" she looked again at the book…
He nodded again…Staring at her…
"Yeah?...You know, he's not bad, as demons go…According to what I've heard, in spook tales, natch." she tapped at the engraving.
"Elizabeth, hows about telling me what this all is really about?" he asked. "Clearly this Book has information you and Smackles want, it's not just a priceless heirloom to be sold to the highest bidder…"
"Where are Willie and our fair lady, anyway…?" she looked round. "Guess he's still looking round to see if any friends of his are on the train…" she noted, sitting back, demure smile, folded hands.
"Lovely…" he frowned at her. "Be that way…" he returned to perusing the Book.
"Peter…" she sighed. Mustering the most innocent look she could…
"Just let me know if Smackles learns the ones who tried to kill you in New York are here so I can have a little time to duck next time, would you?" he said, quietly, reading on…The train swaying gently as it rolled along, Elizabeth resigned, after a moment's regard of his intent face to watching the passing scenery.
Some honeymoon, she involuntarily thought…
…
Marie, on Smackles' arm, in mourning yet elegant black with single red rose pinned to left bosom...Entered the car. Waving lightly to Elizabeth…Willie carefully guiding her to their seats…
Hmmn…Still with us, I see. Elizabeth smiled at Marie until they'd reached their seats.
Well, it was only a hope Willie'd need to throw her at whatever Nast has following us. And could just be a deferred hope…Long way to CA yet…
How does she manage to look utterly somber and properly mournin' yet dazzlin'. Inward sigh…Turning to frown as she caught Potter eyeing Marie over the Book…
"Ow!..." he yelped as she slammed a foot down to her side.
"Sorry…" innocent look. "My foot's asleep. I shoulda looked. Meet up with anyone?" she called over to Willie who shook his head.
"Nope…No one I know on the train. That we ran into…"
"A very interesting stroll…" Marie noted. Smiling wanly at Willie… "Your cousin knows a great deal about railroads, Mrs. Potter."
Hmmn… "Mrs. Potter…" Not really too bad, Elizabeth thought. Though some people could remember it…She eyed Peter, now returned to his reading.
"Yeah, he's an old hand on the rails…Travels all over…" she nodded to Marie.
Smackles glancing round and over Miss DeRussell's back to eye her. Then glancing Potter's way…Anything?
Progress…She mouthed.
A pretty little girl, looking pale and a bit somber, in rather elegant clothes passed them to take a seat a few rows before them…
None of the party recognizing in her the young child cleaner from the Germania they'd seen once or twice passing in the halls. Understandable, given her outward rise in status…
…..
A pronounced feeling of vertigo and the sounds of grunting men outside the crate alerted the half-dozing Vladimir to the fact that they must be changing trains…Ah, the connection to Chicago at Buffalo…
Well, at least this should mean a chance to get out and stretch legs once night falls. If Olive's little lady or my own agent can reach us…
A little pleasant conversation with a friendly fellow traveler, a look at the daily newspapers to keep up with events in the great world, a bite of said friendly fellow traveler. God, a relief just to get out of this thing for a bit…
Still, quite an amazing way to travel…Sixty miles per hour at times on certain tracks, they claim. Incredible…If Granddad had had one of these back in 1453, the Turk would never have taken Constantinople…
Such a pity Nast can't see the blessings our continued (relatively) peaceful coexistence with Humanity could bestow. Blinded by the lure of global mastery…I mean not only are they are a charming source of sex, affection, and dinner. They're our only reproductive means…We wipe them out, what future do we have?
And lets face it…Not even the so-called "Immortal" That pompous "benevolent" little jackass…Is really going to make it to Eternity…
This is our peoples future at…Ummn…Well…Stake.
Probably should put that differently to Olive…
….
Enroute Buffalo to Chicago…
An experienced Smackles having urged purchase of foodstuffs in Buffalo given his definition of food service at the upcoming rail stops along the line as one step below the worst flophouse in the Bowery in New York City, the foursome of the Potters, Smackles, and Miss De Russell were dining tolerably on purchased fried chicken and bread from a Buffalo eatery and fried potatoes and coffee from the grill counter of one of the rail cars…
Supplemented by apple pie and after dinner cigars for the men, it was quite a decent repast, Potter noted.
Elizabeth surprising him, though not Smackles, with a rather healthy appetite. Not to mention a sudden burst of maternity which startled both men as she insisted on their eating a proper meal at one of the grill counter car's tables rather than in their coach seats. Securing proper plates and cups for the party and fussing a bit over what she insisted was Potter's poor appetite…
Miss De Russell showing a rather surprisingly relaxed air at such impromptu dining as Willie noted casually…
"Would've thought you weren't so used to this sort of thing." he remarked. Eyeing her pleasantly. Frowning a bit at Elizabeth's latest urging that Potter eat "something" after his third piece of chicken, Peter eyeing his new bride quizzically…
Not an easy girl to make out…This and last night might even lead one to think she cared, a bit. Though all things considered, perhaps she's just very good at leading one to believe she cares…
"Well, I believe I have traveled this way before…" Marie replied with smile. And a slight, brief, puzzled frown. Yes, I must have…I came out to New York with poor…Father, yes…
"You ok?" Willie eyed her.
"A bit tired, I'd say…" she smiled wanly. "Perhaps I should call it a night and retire now…It's been a very long day."
Faintest stirring…I should go…I'm…Wanted? She blinked.
"I'll get a porter for your bag and walk you to your berth if you like…" Smackles got up.
Elizabeth now giving him the eye…
Rather attentive there, Willie…
"Thank you…That would be very kind…" Marie rose. "Good night Elizabeth, Peter…"
"Oh, can I be of…?"
Potter's gracious attempt to rise inadvertently, more or less, blocked by Elizabeth's faster rising… "I'm sure Willie's got it just fine. No need for you to trouble yerself, Petey. G'night, Marie…Willie, just a word? I'll bring him right back." Elizabeth pulling Smackles off…Marie politely nodding, resuming her seat by Potter…
"No funny business, Willie…She's a lady." Elizabeth hissed.
"Whatdaya take me for, Slayer?" he frowned. "I'm doin' my job and keepin' a check on all strangers takin' an interest. 'Sides, what was that just now with all the little wifey bit…?"
"He's my husband, ain't he? And brand new…I'm supposed to do the little wifey bit. We want them to go for him, right?"
"Just remember we need to find out who 'they' are and their game. You get all protective and we get nothing but a useless Brit tooth-puller/poet on our hands and no info."
Lovely thing…Marie noted to Potter, nodding at the Book. Yes, a family heirloom of my wife's, he smiled…Glancing over to where Elizabeth seemed a bit heavily engaged in conversation with Smackles…
"Leave that to me, Willie…" Elizabeth frowned at the little man. "And as for Petey, he's still got his uses with the Book and all…"
"Great…So now he's got info for them when they come for him…"
"Enough…Just take little Neil there to her berth and no funny business." glare…
"I don't deserve that, Bessie…" Smackles eyed her. "You know better than anyone I was a good man to her as long as she lived. And I wouldn't trade a day I had with her…The Council's censure be damned."
She eyed his set face. "Sorry…" she nodded finally, relaxing a bit. "But let me decide as to Mr. P…And just don't go getting yerself all mixed up with the society miss." Smile. "Promised Ma when she was dying I wouldn't let you go and get yer hart broke again, you know…"
"The Slayer'd be proud of her girl…" Smackles smiled back.
Wry look… "Though as to choice on son-in-law…"
…..
"Anything wrong…?" Smackles addressed a rather more wan Marie as they made their way to her berth in a car several from the car in which they'd dined.
"Hmmn?..." she stared. Hearing, or rather sensing a call. One which a somewhat bored and frustrated Vladimir…Will one of our minions ever show to release us? Was making increasingly insistent… "Oh, no…Just a bit confused as to where…" she trailed off…
Must go…Must… But mustn't… She rubbed her cheek, somewhat agitated now.
"Here…" Willie pointed. Signaling the porter following with Miss De Russell's bag and requesting the berth be made up a little better and the lady's bag placed within…
"Gotta keep 'em on their toes…Service tends to slack off along the line…" he noted.
"Thank you, Mr. Smackles…" Marie smiled, wearily. "I should be fine now. Please wish Mr. and Mrs. Potter a very good night…And yourself."
"Sure…" nod. "Good night, miss…" he stood until she'd entered the berth and closed her curtains. Moving back to the end of the car…
Quick eye to the porter watching him. "You can get about yer business…Just check in on the lady later." he handed a quarter.
"Right, sir…Night." the porter nodded. Heading on to the next car as Smackles settled into a corner.
Not that the lady seemed wrong per se…Just natural instinct made him feel her arrival had been a tad too unlikely. Probably nothing…She had no signs of bite and didn't seem the type to be bought. Still, in the Watcher game, especially when one's Slayer is one's (more or less, if unofficially) stepdaughter, one can never be…Hmmn…
Miss De Russell emerged from her berth. Fully dressed…Looking a bit disoriented…
Could be lookin' for the nearest chamber pot closet, he reasoned. Lady like that would never go out in her chemise or whatever…On a public train…
She vaguely looked round then moved toward the far end of the car, away from him. And opened the door to the next car…He moved, carefully, to the door and after a brief pause, opened it just enough to view her continuing on down the swaying length of that car to the next door…
Either a long way to find a chamber pot or whatever or…She's makin' for the baggage and freight cars…
Moan of the train whistle seeming to startle her for just a moment, Willie dropping back a bit…
…..
Vladimir blinked to see the little girl in curls solemnly staring at him. Holding the crate lid opened…
A remarkable child, a delightful child…He thought, eyeing the crowbar in her free hand she'd used to force the nails and pry the top…
"Coming out, Vladimir or are you planning to sleep all evening too?" Olive's voice.
"What time is it?" he asked, emerging. "My watch says just 5:30, New York time…"
"I thought it best we get out before sunset…" Olive noted, smiling. "In case anyone wondered about our little girl wandering about after dark…" she patted the girl who gave her a blank stare, slight smile.
"Yes…And how are you, dear?" Vladimir asked the girl politely. Cautiously examining the car for windows…Stray light…Emergency escape routes…Possible ambushes…
With the Slayer…And dear Olive…Near…Best to be prepared.
"Fine, sir…" the girl replied. "How are you?" innocent warm smile…And remarkably improved diction.
Hmmn…Very nice…He noted to Olive. Though she could do with a bit more childish sparkle, certainly not a bad job…
"I'm well, dear…Kind of you to ask. And thank you for your assistance just now…"
"Yes, you're a very good girl, Olivia." Olive nodded… "And you'd best go back to your car…Keep a careful eye on the Slayer and her friends, please."
"Yes, ma'am…" Olivia nodded. Heading off…
"And eat something for dinner…" Vladimir called. "Poor thing looks a bit peaked." he noted to Olive.
"Any sign of my own dear lady?" he asked.
"Your frail rose has done all right…Olivia said she's managed to stay with the Slayer's party…" Olive noted. "Did you summon her?"
"Just as a precaution…And mildly…In case our little Olivia had any trouble getting to us…" Vladimir, blandly.
And in case she somehow forgot to let me out after releasing you…
"Well, lets hope she doesn't attract the Slayer's attention…" Olive frowned. "Olivia hooked up the electrical wires to the coffins, by the way. We should be now have some warning if the Slayer or her minions do a little snooping back here…"
"Excellent…" Vladimir nodded.
Though just to be on the safe side, I may choose to "accidently" unhook mine. No need to find oneself frying electrically for the greater good of Lord Nast at such time as we should need to switch our daytime residences.
"Well, shall we take a little stroll and see what's on the menu?" Olive beamed. Raising an umbrella…Just in case we hit an open patch between cars…She noted. Offering her arm…
"With pleasure…" Vladimir, slight bow, taking arm…
"You might want to call off your dog…" she noted. "Unless you plan to dine with her. It might look suspicious if she comes wandering after you like a love-struck puppy…"
He frowned but nodded. Given Marie's successful infiltration no need to upset things…And she was already quite pale and wan enough at their last encounter…
"Ah, speak of the enslaved…Hello, dear…" Olive nodded to the wan-faced Marie now standing at the freight car entrance.
Hmmn...Vladimir frowned. Bit too entranced-looking there…Perhaps he'd allowed his impatience at confinement to overcome better judgment...
Still, no…Ooops…
"I'd say your friend brought a friend…" Olive frowned, catching scent as well.
"And from the way he's moving, someone a bit too well-versed in cautious stealth to ignore…"
"Marie?...Did anyone follow you?" Vladimir turned to his blank-faced minion. Who stared wanly at him…
"No…I…"
"Well, someone followed you, girl. Male and coming this way…" Olive, glaring. "Now go and find out who…"
Marie looked at Vladimir…Olive, impatiently eyeing him…Well?
"Yes, yes, dear…Go and find out…But don't give him any information about us. Forget you saw us. You were coming to check on your father's belongings here…Seeking some letters from him to read over again, that sort of thing…Go…Please…" he waved her off. She turned and stumbling slightly, headed out the car door…
"It's definitely male and not the Slayer…" Olive, carefully. Concentrating… "Just a mere human…"
"Her Watcher…" Vladimir said, firmly.
"You know his scent?..." she stared. "When did you…?"
"I know the Watcher modus operandi. It's him…Contrary to popular lore, the Watcher is always the expendable member of the team and does the initial scouting…"
"And already on to your little friend…Score one for the opposing team…" Olive, pleasantly cutting smile. Glancing round the car, clearly seeking the best defensive positions…
Vladimir shook his head…
"No…Suspicious of her appearance at such a time, yes… But he's merely being cautious…He'd have stopped Marie long ago and begun attempting to extract information if he truly had identified her state as my agent."
"Well, lets hope she can deceive him again…" Olive, lightly. "Should be no problem given your light touch with thrall…" sweet smile.
"Yes…" Vladimir, blandly… "Still…" he smiled at Olive. "I should perhaps get a look at him, to confirm my conjecture and know him for future reference…"
A Watcher who might just possibly be willing to consider an offer of alliance…?
"Unless of course you feel we should take him now…" he noted, innocently.
"Not if we don't wish the Slayer to know of our presence yet. Assuming you're right about him…" she replied, a bit dryly.
Bravely willing to risk meeting the weaker member of the opposing team, eh?…She thought, ironically.
Up to something, are we, Vladimir?
"I shall be as invisible as a fly on the wall of a dark room…Or a wisp of smoke drifting on the breeze…Or…"
"Right, right…" Olive sighed. We all know the legends of the Dracule's powers, Vladimir… "Best to get to it then. Let me know it goes, eh? I'll try the cars ahead and see if I can find anyone forgettable and alone…"
She headed off, Vladimir frowning after her…
Fine that she accepted letting me check the fellow out alone but she might have let me demonstrate my skills…
I mean…He vanished into the said wisp of smoke. It isn't every vampire who can transmute this well. Or every onlooker who gets to observe a member of the Dracule proving the clan's unique abilities…
The wisp drifted out, moving into the preceding car to which Marie had returned, just as Smackles entered…
"Mr. Smackles…" Marie smiled wanly at a staring Willie who entered the car carefully and moved up to where she stood by the opposite door. Smiling to the random passenger eyeing the two…Most either gone to their berths or hunkering down for the night in their seats…
"Ma'am?..." he nodded. "Anything wrong? Thought you were off to bed?..."
"Yes…" she looked vaguely round the car, through the windows at the passing landscape, finally returning her gaze to his rather fixed look.
The wisp hovering over them, diffuse…
"…But I found I couldn't quite sleep just yet and thought I might go and sort through a few of dear Papa's letters. They always comfort me. Especially now…" she sighed.
"Uh-huh…I was going to take a gander at our trunks. Lotta thieves on these trains…" he noted. "Care to have a peek together?" he suggested.
"That would be very kind of you…" she nodded, gentle but warm smile. "I was a bit nervous going in alone…"
"Come on then…Mind the connection…" he moved down to her and stepped past her to the door. They passed gingerly over the connection between cars and paused at the freight car door. He taking the lead. In case of any problems…She nodding, gratefully.
"Now that's interesting…" he noted, opening the door…
"Hmmn?..."
"It's unlocked…I gotta key from the conductor but it was unlocked." he eyed her. "You do that?..."
"Oh, no…I just came in…" she looked at the open door. "How careless of the attendants…"
"Yeah…So how were you going to get in?" he asked.
"Oh, I suppose…" she hesitated. Yes… "I thought I'd find someone here to let me in…Or get someone, a porter…"
"Lucky I happened by…" he said, dryly.
"Yes…Mr. Smackles? Is anything wrong?"
"No, no…Just interesting. So lets go have a look-see, eh?" he gave her a friendly smile…
"Yes…By all means…"
He stepped in, offering her a hand…
"Careful, dark in here…I'll see if there's a candle or a lantern…" he noted, looking back to her as he advanced. Surreptiously pulling out a small crucifix on a chain and balling a fist round it…
"Perhaps we'd better get a porter…" Marie suggested, pausing. "It's quite dark in there…"
"Eh, I found an oil lamp…Just a mo…" Willie bent over the old lamp. Pulling a box of lucifers from his pocket, he struck one…
"Always keep 'em handy when I'm traveling…You never know when or where you'll need a fire out here…" he smiled back to her.
"Please be careful, Mr. Smackles…" she urged.
"I've got her…There…" he trimmed the lamp's wick and with a bit of fiddling about soon had it burning gently. "All set now…"
"It's good you came…I never would have been able to find anything in here…"
"That's all right…Lets have a gander…" he raised the lamp gently. Cross tight in the other hand…
The faint, dispersed wisp having appeared above them in the freight car, floated along their way…Matching their speed…
"I see trunks over there…" Marie pointed.
"Right…" Willie carefully pressed on into the dark car, lamp raised. She, following…
"Oh, my…" she balked at the long, dark objects to her left. Unmistakably coffins…Five…
"I suppose dear Papa…" she breathed. Glancing at two stacked on top of each other…
"Sorry, I shoulda checked on my own first…" Smackles sighed, halted by the far end of the stacked two.
Coulda had a peek at that…
"No, it's alright…" Marie shook her head, looking away. "I just wish they'd not stack them like cordwood…I knew it would be here or the next car…"
"Trunks are back here,,,You ok?"
"Yes, thanks…" she moved to him. "You are very kind, Mr. Smackles. Your cousin is fortunate to have your help. Even if she has another protector now…" staring into his cautious face… "I am glad you came…" wan smile. "It's hard to get used to being alone…"
"Bessie can handle herself…But it never hurts to have a little help." Smackles nodded.
"I'm lucky to have met you all. I don't think I could bear this trip otherwise…I was stronger, once…But…" she drifted.
Since poor Papa…Vladimir concentrated. Hmmn, I think she actually likes the fellow…
"…Since poor Papa…" she paused.
"Sure…" Smackles nodded kindly. He moved ahead…Raising the lamp… "Here's some of yours…Wanna have a look?" he motioned her over. "Just be careful here…"
She stumbled over a loose board on the car floor and he caught her with the hand holding crucifix…
"Oh…" she jumped back a bit…Eyeing the now dangling crucifix. Averting hastily…
Oh, my…Vladimir sighed inwardly, drifting a bit to the rear of the car…
That may be unfortunate…
So, that's it…Smackles looked at her. She recovering her balance. He offered a hand which she took, steadying herself…
Nice job, whoever did it…Not a mark I can see…
"I'm so sorry…" she apologized… "I stumbled…" she stepped forward. "May I see the trunk?"
"Right here's a crate with your name…" Willie patted it. "I can get something to open it if it's the one you want…I see a crowbar over there…" he waved the lantern to the side.
"I'm…" she paused… Papa's letters?...Where? "…Forgive me, Mr. Smackles, you're very patient…I'm just a bit unsure as to which…" she stared, trying to concentrate…
Now that is a sweet scene…Vladimir thought, hovering. Nice to see the girl can see past externals to true character…
So unfortunate he had to be carrying that crucifix. I hate to have to nip a budding romance…Still, this could be a Hell-sent chance to acquire an ally. And since what dear Olive doesn't know need not harm me…Perhaps…
"Maybe this one…?" Willie suggested, tapping at a trunk with Miss DeRussell's initials and addressed for California transport…
"I don't know…" she replied vaguely. "We can look…" she pulled at a bag by her side and fumbled in it, finally pulling out a key. Offering it…
"Right…" he tried the key. The trunk unlocked and her managed to open it slightly… "Have a gander, miss…"
"Mr…Smackles?" Willie whirled to see the dark figure in suit facing him…Making gravely polite bow…
Backing away slightly at the crucifix now displayed…Averting head…
"Oh, dear…" Vladimir sighed as Marie turning as well grabbed the crowbar Willie had set down and slammed it down on the back of the little man's head as he faced Vladimir, crucifix outstretched…
"Master…" Marie staring wanly…Dropping crowbar…
Hmmn…Should have thought to make her a bit less ready to come to my assist before venturing on diplomacy, He eyed Smackles on the floor…
…
A frowning Olive heard Vladimir's somewhat doctored account of events…
Pity the poor fellow had been so quick to sense Marie's enthrallment and had confirmed his own nature by use of crucifix…He noted. And no choice but secure him before he took Marie back to interrogate her with the Slayer…
Marie standing by him, blankly staring at nothing…
"Well, then we have no alternative…We take him and see what he knows…" Olive insisted, eyeing the now-reviving Willie. Bound and gagged and set in seating position on the car floor against a wall by Marie at Vladimir's request. There being no time to remove him for a secure conference before his partner's return. And no other way to limit her suspicions…
Olive went over…Shaking the groggy Willie to a nearly conscious state… "Wake up, little man!" she slapped his face. Eyeing him as he opened eyes and stared round…
"So…The Slayer's latest Watcher, I presume…" Olive smiled warmly at Willie.
"You do know we weren't fooled by the Brit idiot the Slayer's strapped on." she beamed.
"Lady…" Willie stared at her innocently. "I don't have a clue what you're talkin' about…What are you and yer dude here…" glance to Vladimir who gave slight sigh…
Sorry ole fellow…Really. Both about the nipped romance and the possible alliance…
"…About?"
She stepped close…Grabbing him by the throat with one hand, lifting him..
"You bureaucrats of the Old Order are all alike…" she hissed. "Toadying to the Powers That Be in the world…Worthless little nothings…But the Revolution will come, soon now…"
"Olive…" Vladimir shook his head. She glared but set Smackles down…
"Be glad to man the barricades, lady…" Willie choked out. "I'm no tool of the Powers…"
"Funny little man…You'll smile even more when I finish with you. From here…" Olive put a hand on his left side, just at the stomach level… "…to here…" she drew a line across his abdomen to the other side.
"Olive…Sir, I hope you haven't mistaken our unfortunate lapse in hospitality for any true ill will…Specifically intended I mean." Vladmir, politely. "If I may introduced myself properly…"
"Good afternoon…I am…Dracula…" polite bow.
"You seem a little young to be the Impaler…" Willie noted.
Why does everyone say that? I'm no older than Grandpa when he took command of his forces…Vladimir sighed. Oh, well…
"Thank you…And you are of course of the Royal Council of Watchers?"
"Willie Smackles…Of New York City…Never heard of any 'royal council', friend…"
"Sir…" Olive frowned. "I'm sure you know time's limited here but we can dream up a few very decent quick tortures…"
"Olive, please…" Vladimir put up a hand. "Mr. Smackles is just following standard protocol…"
"Aristocratic manners…Lovely…Turn him and be done with it or let me..."
"Dear…A word…Pardon us, Mr. Smackles…" he led Olive aside as she glared at him.
"What is this?"
"Dear…This calls for a delicate touch, don't you think? We have an excellent chance to have an agent close to the Slayer. And we need intelligence…"
"A Watcher won't thrall as easily as your girlfriend, idiot…" Olive glared. "They've been trained and use protections…"
"Thrall may not be needed here. Give me a moment…Alone…As you say he probably has some protections and will not turn easily either…Without some element of consent…But we may find him willing to consider other options. Just a moment to appeal to reason, dear…All I ask…"
"Fine…" she fumed. "But tell him I will rip him open…Tout sweet...If he doesn't change his tune one way or the other."
"Thank you, Olive…"
She frowned again but turned on heel and went out the rear door…
"Nice lady…" Willie nodded pleasantly. Trying to stretch ropes a bit…
"Impatient…I'm sure she was a very nice person in her way when alive though…" Vladimir nodded.
"Yours?..." Willie eyed the still Marie. Standing dazed and blank…
"Yes…A useful observer on your activities…" Vladimir nodded. "Though quite human…"
"So I gathered…"
"Watcher…?" Vladimir hesitated. Straining to listen…Good, she did leave the other car… "There's not much time for you, you know…"
"No deal, friend. Immortality's not what it's cracked up to be…" Willie shook his head. Looking the gent up and down…
Vladimir shrugged…Faint smile… "You might be right at that. But…Suppose I said I might be willing to 'lose' you. If you could guarantee me the Slayer's protection and assistance…?"
"Now there's a surprise. And I don't get one often…" Willie noted, eyeing him.
"You might be further surprised, Watcher, to find my goals are not in disharmony with yours. I don't wish Nast to succeed at the Hellmouth. I'd even be willing to give up use of its powers myself if the current balance could be maintained between us…" Vladimir, earnestly. "The fate of both our peoples is at risk here…"
"Nice…" Smackles nodded. "So…?"
"Bring the Slayer to me…Marie can let you know when I'm alone here. I can help her to destroy Nast…And keep the Hellmouth neutralized…"
"Maybe we'd best keep to our own paths…" Willie shook his head. "If you mean it, then there'll be two tracks to getting the job done…"
Vladimir sighed… "I see…Perhaps you're right, but unfortunately in that case, I must look to my own safety and not arouse suspicion from Nast's agents. I trust you understand…"
"Sure…" Willie smiled. "All part of the job, you know…"
Vladimir returned the smile. And gasped at the cloud of smoke from the smoke canister Willie had managed to work free and drop…
Damn…He shook his head at the cloud, blindly groping for Smackles. Who was shaking off the ropes that had bound him with a bit of contorsionist's trick and making for the rear car door…
These humans…
He caught the scent and moved quickly but stealthily…
Lord, I hear Olive's footsteps pacing again in the other car beyond. Better make this quick…
Hasty leap in impossibly lupine maneuver…Just as Smackles had reached the far door…
He shoved the door as Willie tried to slam it and threw it back, knocking Smackles back onto the connector between the cars. Hanging for dear life…
Vladimir paused, carefully weighing the options. A leap might not be so good an idea given the small target…Eyeing the track below with its passing rail ties…
"We seem to be at a bit of a stand-off, sir…" Vladimir called, eyeing Willie, desperately clinging, feet struggling for a hold. Ah, he glanced to the side down the rails ahead… "But I see a turn coming which I doubt you'll be able to manage. You do have a choice, yet…If you would care to take my hand…?"
"No, thanks…" faint shake of head. Struggling to hold on…Rails passing below at breakneck speed…
"I understand…If it is any comfort, my friend…" Vladimir paused. "I assure you as a gentleman I meant what I said as to my intentions regards the good of both our peoples...And the young lady had no idea what she was doing in assaulting you here."
"So I figured…" Smackles nodded. "But thanks…"
His legs were slipping. The tracks inches away…
"I'll see she has no memory of her role in what happened…" Vladimir called, brief touch of hand to head in salute. "Farewell…"
The train lurched, making a sharp turn…
…