It took a while for him to properly wake the next day. His limbs felt sore and stiff. Almost as if he'd laid on them wrong or something. Jonathan's head also didn't feel entirely right. There was a dull ache that he couldn't shake. Right behind his eyes that made him not to want to open them. But, he had to. He had a job that he needed to do. So he just had to power through whatever this feeling was. It took him a couple of seconds but he managed to sit up. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he did so.

When he saw John sleeping in the armchair, he was briefly confused. Then remembered that the doctor was there to protect him. Jonathan guessed that the other man must've not seen anything unusual last night. Otherwise John would've waken him up.

Quietly, he slipped out from under the heavy blankets. Fixing the bedding immediately afterwards. Soon as he was done making the bed, he turned to wake up John. That's until he noticed something strange sitting on the nightstand next to the bed. Picking it up, he realized it was a note. One that was addressed to him. Opening it, he raised an eyebrow at the contents.

Dear Mr. Harker,

I am terribly sorry to inform you that I shall not be with you today. For I have business in town that I have to do. I shall not be back until sometime after nine tonight. We shall get to the business that we have to then.

While I am gone, please make use of my library. I am sure that you shall find something to keep yourself occupied in my absence. Again, I am so sorry that I cannot be there with you. It is highly unbecoming of me to do this. Especially considering how much of a journey you have had. But, it is something I could not reschedule for next month. If I could have, I certainly would have.

There should be food for you in the fridge. My staff have prepared breakfast along with lunch for you and your companions. I hope you find it to your liking.

Sincerely,

Vlad Dracula.

This was strange. The Count really should have mentioned this the other night. It would be something that he definitely should have spoken of. And it was weird that he wasn't allowing Jonathan to take care of the papers. Or anything else for that matter. As Jonathan could've handled that himself. The way that the Count has written the letter was also slightly alarming.

How it seems to be demanding that Jonathan read in the library. Also that the real estate agent couldn't go anywhere else in the castle. The whole 'you SHALL' felt like that. Maybe that wasn't intentional but it certainly felt like a demand. He felt that maybe he was just imagining this. And at that moment, he wished that Mina was there with him. To read it over with him and either tell Jonathan that he was overthinking it. Or confirm his suspicions. Then he remembered that John was in the room with him. Heading over to the chair, he gently nudged the doctor's arm. In a soft voice, Jonathan said,"Mr. Watson, it's time to get up."

It took a few moments before John woke up. Soon as he did, Jonathan explained that he found a letter on the nightstand. How what the Count had written made him highly suspicious. And that he was worried that he was just overthinking it. John was immediately concerned that a note was in the room. As he hadn't remembered seeing it before the figure came in. Or even after the figure had came into the room. Something that John told the real estate agent about. Along with how the other man seemed to be deep asleep. So much so that he hadn't even heard John yelling at the intruder. Something that unsettled Jonathan but made him grateful that the doctor was there.

"Can I read the note?",John asked. Jonathan was more than happy to give it to him. Watching the doctor's expression as he read it over. Looking slightly confused as he read over the thing. When John finished, he said,"It's definitely odd. Feels like he's telling you what's off limits without actually telling you what's off limits."

"It also seems odd that we haven't met this alleged staff.",John added. Something that Jonathan was feeling as well. But wasn't entirely sure how to voice it. Or that he was overthinking the whole thing. Instead of voicing this, Jonathan said,"This whole situation seems weird. He really should've told us about it."

"Especially me since I've come so far to do this job.",Jonathan muttered. It just didn't seem wise in the slightest bit. Why would you not tell someone who'd come so far for work about that? He just couldn't come up with a reason other than the Count forgot. But, Vlad hadn't mentioned that in the note. Not once. So it couldn't be that. Jonathan chewed his bottom lip as he crossed his arms against his chest. Looking into John's eyes, he continued,"It just seems so unprofessional."

John nodded his head in agreement and folded up the note. Getting up out of the chair, he decided to take the letter to Sherlock. Telling Jonathan to come with him as he feared leaving him alone wouldn't be wise. Guessing that the Count would probably be 'asleep' at this time. But not wanting to take any chances on the off chance that he wasn't. Jonathan agreed as they headed to the room that John and Sherlock were meant to share. The door was locked, as John predicted, so he knocked until the detective opened the door. Soon as he did, John held the letter out to him. Telling the detective to read it. Sherlock took the note, unfolded it and read through it quickly. Frowning slightly as he read through the whole thing. When he was done, Sherlock stated,"I highly doubt that the Count is out doing what this note says."

"We did too.",John said. All of this just seemed entirely too strange. And felt the Count was definitely up to something. The pair weren't entirely sure of why. But John insisted that the three stick together through the entire day. Something that Sherlock had in mind as well. Suggesting they hurriedly get ready for the day. Then check the castle together as carefully as possible as a group. To try and find anyone that worked under the Count. Or any signs that anyone had worked there at all. Just to confirm or deny his suspicions of the Count. All of which Jonathan and John agreed to. Both men headed to Jonathan's room to get washed up as speedy as possible. Then dressing themselves. Soon as they were done, they heard a knock at the door. At first, they froze in place. That was until they heard Sherlock's voice through the door. Jonathan gave a soft sigh as he opened the door to the detective. Feeling relieved that the weird stranger was there. Briefly wondering how things would have gone if neither of the men were there.

A chill went down his spine at the idea of being at the Count's mercy by himself. Fully realizing how utterly trapped he would be. And wondering if he could survive that. Part of Jonathan wondered if he should ask how he survived in the book. But decided against it. Seeing is neither man seemed to remember the book very well.

And that this situation was vastly different from that one.

Putting these thoughts to the side, the trio made their way through the house. Checking each door of every room. Some, at least three of them, were locked. Some were not. The locked doors were suspicious but there wasn't much they could do about that. So they just mentally took note of which door was locked. What wasn't locked was just strange. They were just rooms filled with furniture that was covered in white sheets and dust. Mostly dust. Dirtier than they should be if he had staff working there. In fact, the sheets being there is just strange as well. But no one said anything as they continued their search. Right until they got to the library that the Count said Jonathan could use. It was a lot larger than the real estate agent was anticipating. Had a few arm chairs and a huge comfy couch for him to sit on. The room was impeccably clean and smelled very strongly of roses.

Strange, but nothing to be entirely worried about.

The trio headed back downstairs towards the dining room. Noticing that it was a bit colder than it should be. Almost as if the furnace wasn't working or something. Jonathan said,"Jeez, you'd think that the Count would be sure this place was warm."

"Wouldn't want us to freeze or something.",he continued. After all, Vlad should want Jonathan to be comfortable there. Not freezing his ass off like this. John agreed and figured that the Count hadn't thought that far ahead. That Vlad possibly hoped that Jonathan had a lot of warm clothes with him. But even with that, he wondered why the Count didn't make sure the castle was warmer. Putting this to the side, John said,"We should make some coffee. It'll help us warm up a bit more."

Jonathan hoped that the Count had a coffee pot in the kitchen. As they headed into the kitchen, they noticed that it was spotless. Suspiciously spotless. Almost too clean for something that should see regular use. In fact, Jonathan felt the space was first last night. Shoving the thought to the side, he looked for the coffee pot. Quickly finding it near the stove. Then finding mugs that they could use in a cupboard nearby. Picking three that he felt would be best to use. Immediately setting to work on making the coffee for all of them. As soon as he got it set up, Jonathan stated,"Okay, that shouldn't take too long for it to be done."

"Good, I'll go set out these pancakes that were made.",John stated, showing the container of pancakes. Then instructed that Sherlock put out the container of bacon and eggs. Which he did without complaint. While they set out the food, Jonathan got some plates and forks. Alongside some napkins just in case. Setting the table for the three of them. Then went back to the fridge to check if there was any syrup or butter for the pancakes. Sadly, there wasn't. There was creamer and milk for coffee. Which Jonathan made sure hadn't expired. Deciding to tell the other men that they were there when he came back to the table. Just in case they wanted some of that in their coffee. Going back to the kitchen, Jonathan made himself some coffee. Putting milk and sugar into it before heading back to the table. Passing John on his way back. Putting the mug down before dishing himself up three pancakes and two pieces of egg. Along with three slices of bacon. Despite being cold, they were still pretty good. Especially the bacon. Sherlock asked,"How are you feeling, Jonathan?"

"Fine. Why do you ask?",Jonathan questioned. Wondering why Sherlock was concerned about his health. Turning to the detective, Sherlock answered,"Well, you did sleep through someone yelling at the top of their lungs last night. And your hands are trembling."

"Highly doubt it's from the cold.",he added. Looking down at his hands and they were indeed trembling a little. Worrisome. But he figured it would stop soon. Until then, he just set down his silverware. Taking a deep breath, Jonathan stated,"I guess I'm a little more stressed than I full realized."

"It's understandable. You're in a foreign country by yourself and having to rely on strangers for help.",John said as he came into the room. Setting his coffee cup in the spot to the left of Jonathan. Handing Sherlock his coffee as he continued,"That would be hard for anyone to deal with."

Nodding his head, Jonathan went back to eating his breakfast. Grateful that they understood his feelings about the situation. It felt good to know that he wasn't just overreacting or being overly sensitive. Feeling a lot better about this as they all ate in relative silence. Soon as they were done, Jonathan and John set to work on cleaning the dishes. While Sherlock cleaned up the left over foods. Putting the covers back on them and putting them in the fridge. Soon as John and Jonathan were done with the dishes, they all headed to the library. Figuring it was the only form of entertainment they had readily available. All three of them searching different aisles for what they wanted. Jonathan noticed that these books weren't put in proper order.

Or, more accurately, library order. They were just put in random places with no care for title or genre. It was weird and slightly irked him. But he continued to look for something that would be enjoyable. At least hoped to. A few minutes later, he found a few books that were mystery themed. Taking all three of them, he headed over to the couch and plopped down. Sherlock already been on the other end of the couch. Curled up around a book that looked rather old. So old that the title was barely legible. Part of Jonathan wondered what it was about, but didn't want to interrupt Sherlock's reading. So he cracked open one of the mystery books that he picked.

Scanning through it with a small smile on his face. The book wasn't that great. But it was something to take his mind off of everything that was going on. A welcome break that the real estate agent felt he deserved.

A little while later, Jonathan felt Sherlock moving on the couch. Peeking over the book, he noticed that Sherlock was getting up. Jonathan asked,"Finished with your book?"

"No, John's insisting that we eat something.",Sherlock answered as he set the book down. It took him a second to realize they'd been reading for hours. Wondering how he could easily let time slip from him like that. But put that thought to the side as he looked for something to use as a bookmark. Finding only a random strip of fabric on the floor nearby. Quickly picking it up and slipping into the spot he was on. Then hurried to follow after the detective and doctor.

Soon as they were in the kitchen, Jonathan checked what was supposedly left for lunch. Unsurprised to find it was sliced deli meats, cheeses and other sandwich stuff. But grateful it wasn't anything that they would need to heat up. As his cooking skills weren't as good as his fiance's. So making sandwiches would be for the best. Jonathan took the deli meats and set them out on the nearby counter. Along with the cheese. Setting it out, he said,"Alright. We got ham, turkey, and chicken for sandwich stuff."

"I think there's lettuce and tomato in the vegetable drawer.",Jonathan stated. Figuring they could just slice it up for their sandwiches. It wasn't anything that he was entirely interested in. As he didn't like eating lettuce or tomatoes. But he guessed that Sherlock or John might want some. Jonathan searched for the bread for the sandwiches and found it in a box. Something that he hadn't seen in anything aside from movies.

Sherlock searched around the cupboards for a moment. Pulling out two bags of chips from a collection of them. Regular and the other was sour cream and onion. Putting the bags down for everyone to eat. All of them got their sandwiches together and decided to take it to the library. Figuring they could eat their food while they read. Putting the rest of the deli meats, cheeses and other items in the fridge. Then they headed back to the library together. Soon as they did, Jonathan noticed that the book wasn't where he left it. As he knew he left it on the arm of the chair. Not directly where he had sat down. At least Jonathan thought he had. But figured that he just misremembered where he set it down. Jonathan balanced his sandwich in one hand then moved the book to sit down. Setting the plate down on his lap. Noticing another odd thing about the book. His little fabric bookmark was gone. He carefully glanced around for it and found that it wasn't on the floor. Or even on the couch.

It was like it vanished into thin air. But Jonathan said nothing about it. Figuring it wasn't a big deal and he didn't want to worry the other two men over nothing. Jonathan's bookmark was missing and his book wasn't in the place he set it down. That's all that happened. There was no need to raise an alarm over tiny details such as that. So instead he just put the thoughts to the back of his mind. Reopened the book to continue reading where he believed he left off.

A couple of chapters later, Jonathan felt someone nudge his thigh. Looking to his right, he saw that Sherlock was staring at him. Using his foot to nudge the real estate agent's leg. Raising an eyebrow, Jonathan asked,"What?"

"I believe our 'gracious' host is calling your name.",Sherlock answered. For a moment, he didn't hear anything. Then he heard the Count calling his name. Sounding somewhat agitated as he called to him. Jonathan felt his stomach twist slightly as he closed the book. Setting it down along with the empty plate down near where he had sat. Making sure to not set them down on Sherlock's feet. Then he hurried out of the library to see what his client needed. Finding him standing outside of Jonathan's room. Looking quite upset for some strange reason. When Vlad spotted Jonathan, he smoothed his features into a calmer expression. Yet, there was an underlying glimmer of anger in the older man's eyes. One that sent a cold shiver down Jonathan's spine as he neared him. Crossing his arms, Vlad asked,"Mr. Harker, did you have either man in your room last night?"

That wasn't something that he anticipated from the Count. Why and how was that a problem? How in the world did he even know that John slept there? Before Jonathan could even shove that thought to the side, he found himself blurting,"How did you know if it wasn't just me in the room last night?"

Vlad's expression suddenly turned to surprise as he spluttered an excuse. Saying that the arm chair was too close to the bed. Even though it had been like that when Jonathan and John came in. When Jonathan pointed that out, he said that there were too many clothes on the floor. Which he guessed was a dead give away. But the real estate agent failed to see how that was an issue. So what if John was in his room? It wasn't like he was doing anything inappropriate. They were just sharing the room since Jonathan felt unsafe being alone. Instead of saying that, Jonathan answered,"Sherlock snores. So John just wanted a night away from him to get some better sleep."

"The armchair wasn't ideal but it was better than listening to Sherlock's snores.",he added. Hoping that the Count wouldn't ask John about this. As he hadn't talked to the doctor about it beforehand. And it wasn't the best lie in the world. But Vlad seemed to accept this as he nodded his head. Shutting the door to Jonathan's room with a soft sigh. Then he stated,"I see. I shall have to get the maid to set up another room for him."

"You two shouldn't have to share when I have so many that would suit the doctor better.",Vlad added. Jonathan only nodded his head in agreement. Feeling highly uneasy about that. After all, he would be vulnerable without the doctor being there. But, he couldn't think up a way to tell him not to. As they turned to leave, Vlad set his hand on the middle of Jonathan's back. Causing him to tense slightly as the Count walked him downstairs. A strange smile on his face as he lead Jonathan towards a room away from the library. Causing his heart to race as he asked,"Where are we going, sir?"

"I thought we would get to the documents before dinner.",Vlad answered. Giving a gentle push on Jonathan's back as he urged him to walk. Nearly making the real estate agent trip as they moved along. His mind was screaming at him to insist on not going. Tell him that they should have dinner first. Almost considering asking if the Count was hungry or not. Then decided against it. Realizing that would leave him open to an attack. And he wasn't entirely sure that he could easily fend off Vlad or not. Or that John and Sherlock would come to his defense in time. Instead, he asked,"Could we please have dinner first, sir?"

"I'm rather hungry and I work better fed then on an empty stomach.",Jonathan added. Giving a nervous grin as the Count examined his face. And for the most nerve wracking moment, he thought the man would refuse. Force him to go with him. Instead, Vlad gave a polite smile. Then apologized for not considering Jonathan's needs. Letting go of his back as they headed to the library. Nearly making Jonathan breathe a sigh of relief. Doing his best to calm his pulse as they neared John and Sherlock. Who looked rather uncomfortable with how close Vlad was to him. Not that he could blame either of them as Vlad ushered them to the dining room. Not caring that they brought plates into the library. Or even really paying attention to it either. Sitting all three of them down at the table. Which was strangely already set. Despite how little that the Count had been home. As, from their perspective, he'd only been back just then. Instead of saying this, they just took a sip of their drinks. Red wine, just like last night.

Unlike last night, the food was already laid out for them. It was roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and lots of other cooked vegetables.

While they ate, Vlad asked Jonathan about his day. Every single personal thing about him. Deliberately ignoring the other two men at the table. In a way that was obvious to either of them. Not so subtly telling them that they didn't care about them. Vlad questioned,"So, your fiance. What's she like?"

"Mina's a wonderful woman that I'm so lucky agreed to be my wife someday.",Jonathan answered. A big goofy grin coming to his face at the memory. How much he goofed up the lines that he had written on flash cards. Nearly dropping the ring that he'd spent so much time finding. With Lucy's help. A beautiful white sapphire in a silver band. She was so happy that she immediately started bawling. Telling him 'yes' then putting the ring on before hugging him. Calling Lucy only a few seconds afterward. Jonathan had heard her squealing in response. It was the sweetest thing in the world. He added,"She's kind, smart, and is the funniest person I know. I think I'd be completely lost without her."

Sherlock rolled his eyes at this and John shot him a look. Sternly telling him to stop it without really having to say it. Jonathan would've started laughing if he hadn't noticed Vlad's expression. Again, it was 'calm' but there was that underlying anger that Jonathan could see. Though, he wasn't entirely sure why. Instead of saying anything, he dug into the chicken that was prepared. Tasting rosemary instead of paprika like the other night. He wasn't hungry for it but figured Vlad would be suspicious if he didn't eat. The detective seemed to pick up on Jonathan's nerves and subtly glanced at Vlad. Noticing the look on his face as well. Vlad asked,"Surely, you can't be serious?"

"I am. She's my rock and I'm hers.",Jonathan answered. Keeping the goofy smile on his face as he ate. This seemed to slightly annoy the Count as he drank his wine. A cold feeling washed over him as they ate dinner in silence. Tension hanging over the air like a dark cloud. When it was done, the Count quickly cleaned the table. Telling him that the chef would clean the dishes. Then he nearly dragged Jonathan out of the chair. In a stern voice, Vlad stated,"Now, Mr. Harker. Let's get back to the matter at hand."

"I believe we should get to it before midnight.",he added. Keeping a firm grip on the real estate agent's arm. When both his companions tried to object, Vlad said,"Gentlemen, I'm not leaving you to your own devices. I promise that I have something in mind for you both."

Stopping for a moment, he looked towards the stairs. In a gentle voice, he called three women's names. And for a brief moment, Jonathan thought it would be like the previous night. No one would come and he'd make some excuse. But to his surprise, three beautiful women came down the stairs. Each lavishly dressed in gorgeous dresses that nearly reached the floor. They were a blonde and two brunettes. The blonde had the brightest green eyes that he had ever seen. While the brunettes had dark brown eyes. Their dresses were of similar style but different colors. Pink, blue, and purple. Vlad stated,"This is my wife, Geraldine."

The blonde gave a polite nod of her head. Smiling more than before. Point to the two brunettes, he added,"My daughters, Dorothy and Cornelia."

The girls also nodded as well. Smiling just as politely as they stared at the men. John introduced himself and Sherlock as the trio neared them. Acting as a strange barrier between the men and Jonathan. Who's arm was starting to hurt from the tight grip Vlad had on it. The Count stated,"Darling, please show our guests to the den and make them comfortable."

"Mr. Harker and I have some business we must attend to.",he added. Giving Jonathan's arm a not so gentle yank as he forced him to walk. Not even really listening to his wife agree to what he said. Jonathan felt his pulse quicken as he was dragged towards the room. Chewing his bottom lip as he glanced back at his companions. Unsure of what was going to happen. But found himself wishing that John would follow after them.