Chapter 2:
Eve shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the hem of her dress. For the past few hours, she had been studying its floral print, wondering why she had ever picked to wear such a thing. It looked childish on her, even more so with her knee socks and boots. Like a lost school girl. Dr. Hale had told her first impressions were dependent on looking as serious as you wanted to be taken as. Eve supposed she missed the mark this time.
Looking to her left, then her right, Eve studied the faces of the black-clad agents. One a woman, one a man, with expressions set in stone. They had not said one word to her the entire car ride, making it more than awkward for Eve. It was made worse when her dress insisted on riding up. If mother could see her now, she would faint at the impropriety of it. But then, her mother would never have possibly thought that her daughter would end up here, even if she was good at predictions.
Thinking of her mother made Eve's memories stir like an animal starved for her attention. She forced them away, concentrating on the silly flowers of her dress again. Perhaps when she arrived she might have time to change into something more appropriate. Though, most of her clothes were girlish things like this. Dr. Hale never liked to throw anything away, so most of Eve's wardrobe had once belonged to the beloved doctor when she was a younger woman in the sixties. Eve was not one to complain, but recently she wished to be a bit more with the times when it came to her wardrobe. She had a little money saved for emergencies that Dr. Hale had given her. Perhaps when she arrived at her new home she might boldly venture to go shopping.
Speaking of her destination…
"Pardon me, are we nearly there?" Eve asked when she could no longer endure the silence.
"Soon, Miss Winters." The female agent on her left answered without looking towards her. Eve smiled politely.
"Ah…good. Great."
She looked over to her right, the male agent pulling out a device she recognized as a cellular phone. He proceeded to –oh, what was it called– text? She was not certain but chanced to make small talk with him like Dr. Hale had taught her to.
"So, do you enjoy your work?"
The agent did not so much as glance away from the screen of his device. Eve slouched defeatedly.
"Right. Quiet."
Eve went back to looking down at herself, focusing on the large creature folded in her arms. Cradled like a babe was a sleeping toad, a grotesque thing of knotted warts and wet, green skin. It snored peacefully, and Eve felt herself grin. Bartholomew wasn't much of a familiar, but he was hers. At least she was being allowed to take him with her, for it would have broken her heart if she had to leave him behind. Of course, when Dr. Hale first found her, Eve would have much preferred a cat familiar like she had before when she lived with her family. But with Dr. Hale being allergic it simply was not possible. Ravens took too much training, and owls were rather stupid creatures despite their reputation. At least with a toad, she would never have to worry about insects pestering her. Besides, when he was in the right mood Bartholomew croaked as beautifully as birdsong.
Just as Eve was considering attempting to ask again how much longer, the agent at her right spoke.
"We are here now, Miss Winters."
Leaning past the gentleman, Eve looked out the window of the vehicle. The light of the late evening restricted her view, but she managed to notice a large, iron-wrought fence with a sign posted on a pillar.
"A waste management plant?" Eve read out loud, unable to keep out the disappointment in her voice.
The vehicle pulled up in front of an isolated building with a grass knoll before it dedicated to a small fire that sat atop of a raised pedestal. An offering Eve observed, and smiled at the cleverness of it. The building itself made little sense to her. If she could remember her history correctly, its frame was similar to that of the Art Deco movement, and yet the material of the building looked new. Fortified and rather unwelcoming. Stepping out of the vehicle when it stopped at the side entrance did little to assuage Eve of this feeling. Its gray slate coloring, small windows, and desolate face whispered such dreadful things to her.
Terrible things lay within. Sadness and monsters.
Hecate preserve me. She prayed.
Eve felt small standing in front of the steps that led to the doorway. A swarm of BPRD agents came out of the building to help her companions with the luggage. Eve had not insisted on taking very much of her own, but there were things of Dr. Hale she would not abandon. Boxes full of her research papers, crates gently harboring vials and potions, and potted plants of both strange and delicate natures. Grief crept into her as she glanced over the familiar items, but she swallowed the sob that threatened to come out.
Seeing an agent accidentally drop one of the cases, she felt a panic rise in her.
"Oh, uh, please, could you be careful with–"
"Miss Winters?" Someone spoke behind her. Turning, Eve tried her best to smile, wanting to make a good impression.
"Y-yes?"
She was met with a man of average height, build, and appearance. He had brown hair that was combed to the side, and an open face that spoke of his honesty. Eve unconsciously reached out with her power, testing the air around the man. He was a good soul. Eve forced herself to relax, reminding herself that these were Dr. Hale's allies.
"I'm Agent John Myers." He grinned politely before gesturing to the building, "And welcome to the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense."
When he turned back to her, it seemed his eyes finally adjusted to the dark outside. The agent stared at her hair for just a moment, as to be expected, but recovered quickly to meet her eyes.
Eve, out of habit, curtseyed. "Well met Agent Myers."
To Agent Myers's credit, he only quirked an eyebrow at her behavior before continuing.
"I know it is late, but Director Manning would like to meet with you. He has a few questions and then you can get settled in."
"Of course. Thank you. Quick question. Is he human?"
"…yes." Agent Myers replied hesitantly.
"Good. That's good." Eve sighed before explaining quickly, "It's just the way Professor Broom had described him in his letters he sounded like a ferocious hobgoblin."
"I see." Agent Myers said with a laugh, "Well, he's harmless, I assure you."
Eve decided she would like this man. Or try to at least. He was smiling at her now, and she could see he had straight and white teeth. Narrowing her eyes, she took a step closer to get a look at his ears.
"Are you human too?" She asked, curiosity getting the better of her yet again.
"Uh, I think so?"
Now Eve was smiling, albeit somewhat bashfully, "My apologies. It is just in my experience, things are not always what they seem."
"Then you will fit in here perfectly." Agent Myers gestured again to the entrance of the building, "Follow me."
With little choice, she did. The foyer of the building was large and imposing, with a symbol of a hand gripping a sword on the floor. Eve was lost in her study of it before she noticed that Agent Myers had led her into a lift. The doors closed behind them and she held on more tightly to Bartholomew. This caused the creature to wake up and croak in protest. Eve ignored him and Agent Myer's odd look as she concentrated on her breathing. Dr. Hale told her never to let herself panic. Just concentrate on her lungs, on her heartbeat, on anything else other than the sinking feeling that came with the decent. She was not trapped. It was alright. She would see the light of day again.
She just wishes she had been forewarned that the facility was underground. No matter. She would adjust. She would have to.
Nevertheless, she was grateful when the lift opened up to a long hallway. Agent Myers' navigated it confidently, leading Eve down twists and turns she could never hope to remember. She would catch glimpses at strange artifacts and caged beasts being moved around by agents. They passed rooms with glass walls that allowed her to glimpse at oddities even she had not dreamed of. From many, she could sense only mischief, some malevolence, but most of all she sensed the ages they had lived through. As for the agents themselves, she only recognized humans among them. To her memory, Professor Broom talked of there being those who belonged to the Other Kind, but perhaps she would meet them later.
Eve brought her attention to Agent Myers as he stopped in front of a door with the label 'Director Manning' in bold lettering on it.
"Come in." Answered the gruff voice to Myers's knock. He opened the door for Eve, letting her step into an ordinary office. A desk, some shelves, and filing cabinets. Nothing to hint that the person who used it was head of an organization of paranormal resources. The man himself fit the room. Middle-aged, long-faced, receding hairline, and a nice suit. He was looking over some papers in front of him, looking up only when Myers closed the door behind him.
"Ah, Miss Winters. Welcome. I was hoping to get a word with you." Despite his greeting, Eve got the feeling he was not very friendly. Extending her powers, she could feel the industry whirring in his mind. His heart and blood were mechanical, though beating with good intentions. A man tired of the world yet trying his best to fix it his way. Eve could not tell if he was a good man or a bad man but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
"How was your trip?" He asked her, forcing Eve to pull herself out of the veil of her powers. Not knowing what to say, she kept it short.
"Long."
"And what do you think of our little Bureau here so far?" He began to rifle about his desk, pulling out a lighter. He then patted his suit jacket for a cigar.
"It is…nice." Eve hesitated as she nervously watched him light the foul thing. The insecurity in her voice made Director Manning finally meet her eyes. He seemed to be scrutinizing her, judging her worth and character as she had just done herself moments ago. What conclusion he arrived at she couldn't guess. He did, however, glare at Bartholomew.
Noticing that Agent Myers had just sat himself down, Director Manning frowned at the subordinate.
"Myers."
"Yes sir?"
"Leave. Now." The Director tersely commanded.
"Oh, yeah." The young agent replied sheepishly. He gave Eve a sympathetic look before he left her alone with the Director. Eve did not have much time to miss him before the Director continued.
"Miss Winters, I'm going to cut to the point."
Oh no. Eve panicked internally.
"Day in, day out, I've got to worry about a huge demon, a fish man, a pyromaniac, a walking dustbowl, and two of Santa's helpers. If they destroy a building, it's my problem. If a bystander gets hurt in their crossfire, it's my problem. If one of them sneezes, it's my problem. You,"
He paused to point at Eve with the glowing end of his cigar.
"You, I do not want to make my problem."
Eve did not know if she should reply or nod or something. She chose to be silent, praying that the fumes of the cigar would not poison her and Bartholomew.
"You are not part of the team. You are here because I will keep the promises of Professor Broom, however irritating. And you will earn your keep by acting as an advisor when we come across something in your expertise."
"I understand." She muttered when it was clear the Director wanted her to respond.
The small hope Eve had thus far managed to cling onto died out. Despite the building's appearance, despite its dangerous curios, she had hoped this place might be home. She had loved Professor Broom, a kind and gentle man if ever there was. When he spoke it was warm and familiar, like a hearth. He had seen many strange and sad things in his time but talked with her as if they were already old friends. Eve had grieved his passing when Dr. Hale told her of it and hoped his goodwill would continue within the organization he had been a part of. It seemed that she was wrong.
Director Manning went on, either not noticing or not caring for the crestfallen look that overcame Eve.
"You will be given an access card to most of our levels except our high-security areas. And given your past, I thought it best if you have your own room rather than staying in the barracks with the agents."
"That is very thoughtful of you sir." Eve lowered her head respectfully, "Thank you."
"No sarcasm. I get enough sarcasm from Hellboy."
Eve frowned. She believed it to be physically impossible for her to do sarcasm. Dr. Hale had tried to tell her of its semantics, but Eve could only take words at their face value. But she would keep this information to herself.
"Yes sir."
It seemed their conversation was nearly over. Shifting from one foot to another, Eve decided to voice her principal concern.
"If I may ask, how much do the others know about me?"
"As of right now?" Director Manning shrugged, "Nothing. Most of them do not even know you are here, let alone going to live with us."
Eve did not know to be relieved or disappointed by this. Professor Broom had bragged to Dr. Hale about his associates, claiming that she and Eve would like them if ever the opportunity to meet them presented itself. That they did not yet know of her made her feel even more like an intruder. But then it might be for the best if she exercised caution.
"Might I request that it remains like this?" She asked timidly, "Not them not knowing about my being here, just them not knowing…about me."
"You mean you don't want everyone knowing that you killed over a hundred people in a fit of rage and madness? Go figure."
Eve was certain what the Director had said was meant to be sarcastic, and she did not like it. She decided to not like him as well.
"Yes. Among other things."
Again, the Director shrugged, "I will make no promises, but perhaps it would be best if certain things about you went unmentioned."
Eve supposed that was the best she could expect from the Director. After all, this man had agreed to take her in despite his wishes. He was giving her a place to stay, even if it was not the home she hoped for. A roof, some quiet, some peace. Honestly, it was more than she deserved.
The Director stood himself up, walking over to the door. He gripped the handle but did not open it just yet.
"We'll have formal introductions to the others tomorrow. I'm not sure how they'll take it, but it seems we have no choice."
Eve was about to thank the Director when he tugged the door open. The hall was empty except for Agent Myers.
"Myers will show you to your room now."
Eve left the office as quickly as she could, joining Agent Myers at his side. He looked down at her and gave her a comforting smile.
"Don't worry. He's that way with everybody."
"How charming," Eve muttered. Wait? Was that sarcasm? Perhaps she was not so hopeless at it after all.
"Come on. Your room is just a few floors below. It's not much but…well, it's not much."
Eve felt herself laugh, the first time she had done so in weeks.
"I am sure it will be satisfactory, thank you."
"You're welcome." Agent Myers told her, and she was certain he was genuine. The rest of their time together was spent in silence. Eve studied her surroundings again. The inside was much like the outside; cold, grey, and built for usefulness rather than aesthetic. Everything looked the same. She hoped Agent Myers would give her a map to this place.
Eventually, they reached a door with a keypad next to it. Handing her a piece of paper, the agent told her it was her own secret passcode and she should guard it carefully if she valued her privacy. Thanking him, Eve typed in the numbers while he looked away. When done, the door hissed open, and Eve already hated how sterile it looked. At least her things had already been brought in.
Saying goodbye, Agent Myers left her. Eve struggled to close the door, and when she succeeded she was not sure if she had locked it properly. She hated modern technology.
Eve set Bartholomew down, and the toad dragged himself away to the nearest dark corner available. She made for the bed, laying on top of the itchy wool blanket they had provided her. Inhaling, it smelled of nothing. Not even dust. The room Dr. Hale had given her always smelled strongly of lavender, though to this day Eve never knew why. How she missed it already.
Before she could stop herself, Eve could feel tears stinging at her eyes. She had swallowed her grief all day long, and now alone she mourned. She mourned for Dr. Hale, her dearest friend. She mourned for Professor Broom, for his beautiful promises. She mourned for her mother, her father, her sisters. So much loss, and yet she was still here. And here, in this cold, unwelcoming place she would stay.
Forever.
