Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, they own me. Special thanks to Toby Whithouse and BBC3 for the playground.

Beta assistance from TJ4ev and Whimsyfox enables (most of) my grammar to pass muster for Hal. And in this case, has helped me to tease along at the threads of reveal woven in this chapter without (hopefully) breaking it wide open. Would love to hear what you think.


"Mr. Yorke, I do hope calls this early will not be standard measure. Is there a problem?" Rook answered, overly bright for someone seemingly disturbed with the hour.

"Good morning. I apologise if I have woken you," Hal replied courteously.

"Of course not. But I imagine that Miss Millar informed you I already had an early start today."

Hal gave Alex a questioning look which she responded to with a sheepish expression. "Erm, yeah. Forgot to mention that bit. Rook caught me last night."

"Mr. Yorke?" Rook filled in the pause.

"You saw Alex at the Archive?" Hal asked.

"Well, I didn't see her per-se, but yes. I was alerted by the mobile residing in her pocket. Why do you ask? Has she gone missing?"

Hal felt immediate aggravation by Rook's tone, which spoke of his belief that she had done just that.

"I knew it. He acted like he expected me," Alex shook her head. "He knows all about you Hal. It's creepy."

He restrained his irritation and responded calmly, "Alex is right here." He could imagine the smile dropping from Rook's face. At the silence from the other end of the line, Hal continued, changing the topic to the reason for his call, "We were wondering if you happen to employ a medium?"

"May I ask what this is about?" Rook's tone had returned to its usual clipped consonants.

"I would prefer to discuss that with your contact directly, if I may."

"Does this concern your mission?"

"It does if you want our continued involvement," Hal answered flatly.

Rook made a disconcerted noise on the other end of the line before replying. "We employ several individuals with heightened awareness of the supernatural world. In order to direct you to the most appropriate one, I will need to know what this is about."

Hal clenched his jaw. "Fine," he conceded. "Alex has been," Hal paused, searching for a neutral word to describe her nightmares. He resumed with, "experiencing some of my memories. I'm looking for someone who can place a shield."

"Ah. I see how that could be… problematic," Rook disparaged.

"Do you have someone or not?"

"How soon can you be here?"

"Now? We're going now?" Alex asked, her reluctance evident. Hal wondered just what exactly Rook had told her. As if the dreams weren't bad enough. But she was still here... He met her eyes when he answered Rook.

"We can be there in fifteen minutes."


They were walking towards the conference room in the Archive, but Alex stopped when she saw the grey-haired, and stocky figure waiting for them. The ghost saw her hesitation in approaching, and she beckoned with a grandmotherly smile, "Come along dear. I won't bite. Unlike your beau there. Do tell Dominic I'm here, would you?"

Alex was shocked. What was the oddly threatening ghost from the hospital doing here?

As Alex hadn't responded, Hal intervened, "Excuse me, but who are you?"

The ghost stepped around Rook while he opened the door and introduced herself. "Maggie Dan. And you're Hal Yorke. Just as easy on these old eyes as I'd hoped," she winked. With Hal momentarily stalled, she turned to address Alex. "I'm sorry to have given you a fright dear. When I filed my report, Nave caught that I might have seen you and not some snatcher. He sent me your file."

"She has arrived then?" Rook asked, his blue eyes darting around the corridor as if he expected to see some trace of his ghostly employee.

"Yes, it appears so," Hal answered. Caught off-guard that Alex already knew their Medium, he played it off with politeness. "Thank you."

"There is a call button on the table. Do let us know if you require anything else. I will see you after, if you don't mind." Rook was overly formal and courteous. He gave Hal a small nod, then brusquely departed.

"Let me get a good look at you," Maggie pushed the sleeves of her grey cardigan up and opened her arms to clap Alex on the shoulders.

"What is a snatcher?" Alex asked, ill-at-ease with the old ghost's examination.

"Ah - nasty spirits who think it's okay to go walking in someone else's shoes. It gets them in the end. Don't you worry."

"Walking?"

"Body snatchers, love. Awful business."

"Oh," Alex answered awkwardly while Maggie stared into her eyes with a clinical focus, then cupped her face with cold hands.

"Is that your manner of employment here? To police ghosts?" Hal asked curiously. He was standing apart from them, watching as Maggie turned Alex's head from side to side, then lifted her chin.

"Naw. I'm a Jill of all trades. I worked for the department back in '72, till I died. Didn't stop me none. Rook senior was a real piece of work, but I like Dominic. Can you levitate objects?" she asked Alex, switching back to the examination at hand. Alex nodded in response. Then Maggie raised an eyebrow, turning to peer at Hal. "And you?"

"Levitate? Er, no," Hal answered with a half smile at the absurd question. Maggie shrugged then glanced back to Alex.

"And how about teleporting. Are you up to more than your remembered weight?"

"Does Hal count?"

Maggie turned again to eye him assessingly up and down. "I'd say so. Though, that was a separate question. You haven't tried that with any others of his kind, have you?"

"No... why?"

"Me neither. We didn't have any research that it was possible."

Hal raised an eyebrow. "It is the bond, isn't it?"

"Well, I'd say it's a grey area. A living thing certainly wouldn't stay that way. But vampires aren't all the way living. Nor be ye quite dead. We just need more time to research it. So far, none of our operatives wish to experiment. If the opportunity arises, however..." Maggie chuckled, then placed her hands on Alex's temples. Alex looked over Maggie's shoulder at Hal, absolutely befuddled with this examination. Was this how she was supposed to place a shield? She wondered and Hal shrugged, vaguely guessing at her question.

"I saw that," Maggie retorted with smile, even though Hal was standing behind her. "Now dear, tell me when this started."

"The connection? Or the nightmares?"

"Nightmares dear. That be why we're here."

"Only a few days ago. It was right after we used one of Hal's memories to teleport."

"I'd say that be the cause then, wouldn't you?"

"Aye, yeah."

"I knew it was a terrible idea," Hal deadpanned, but he met Alex's eyes with gentleness.

"So you opened something and you want to know how to close it."

"Can it be done?" Hal asked.

Maggie turned to look at him fully, raising an eyebrow. "Anything can be done handsome. If you have the means." She released Alex and brushed her hands. "Now you," Maggie motioned to Hal. He merely cocked his head at her and she tutted, "Yes, you're a part of this too. Chop chop."

Reluctantly, Hal took a step towards Maggie. She began the same examination she had with Alex. Hal patiently put up with the old ghost's touch. When she reached for his temples, tilting his head down to look into his eyes, she muttered, "There. That's it. Curious."

"What?" Hal asked when she released him.

Maggie stepped back to face them both. "Let's take a seat, shall we?"

Once they were settled across the table from Maggie, she folded her hands in front of her and looked pointedly at Hal. "She's lodged a bit of soul in you."

"I did what?!" Alex shouted, sitting up straight.

"It explains you two. Dominic wanted me to find out, if I could. We probably would have had this meeting eventually, regardless."

"But how could it happen? Hal was nowhere near me when I died."

"That, I can't tell. Couldn't even tell you if that's when it happened. It's something between you two. Maybe the manner of your death? Maybe finding out his involvement? Or maybe it... I don't know. A distressed soul knows no bounds. "

In contrast to Alex's shock, Hal had gone very quiet and still. "So, you're saying I'm carrying a part of Alex."

"Yes. But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Hal swallowed and didn't answer. Alex just stared openly at him until Maggie continued. "The dreaming is up to you. Both of you. It can be blocked, but it will take intention." Maggie paused, then looked to Alex. "You have to stop wanting to know."

"But I didn't -"

"Really? Did you now?" The elder ghost pressed and Alex was silent. She dropped her eyes down to the table, unable to look at Maggie or Hal. She knew the accusation was true.

"I can place a temporary block, but that would be all. You two are joined. I'd hate to inadvertently block something else and cause anyone serious harm."

"It will keep happening then," Hal stated sullenly and Alex glanced up.

"I didn't say that. You've got to want to control it. She's got to stop it. Next time it happens, try to redirect it or wake yourself up."

"I can do that?" Alex asked, a little cautiously.

"It takes some practise, but sure. And, I've an inkling you've already done so. They may be his memories, but they're your dreams love. You've woken yourself up each time?" Maggie asked. Alex bit her lip, then nodded.

"See? You have already started. But give me your hands. I'll see what I can do," she said as she extended hers, palm up across the table. Alex placed her hand in Maggie's immediately, and after a brief hesitation, so did Hal. The ghost's touch seemed even colder than before. An iciness seeped up Alex's wrist and turned into a brief tingling sensation. After a moment, Maggie released them.

"That's it?" Hal asked.

"That's it."

He stretched his hand, quickly tapping each finger to his thumb in succession. "Thank you."

"No guarantees, but you're welcome. Now go take care of the other thing that's eating at you." Hal shot Maggie a startled look but she just smiled. "Dominic's busy in his office and most of the other's aren't in yet. Go talk with him. I'll chat ghost business with your gal here."

"How did you know?" Hal cocked his head at her with eyes narrowing.

"I was just in your head dear. I wouldn't worry yourself about it."

Hal stood quickly, as if he wanted to retreat but then shook his head. He pushed his chair in, then looked to Alex. She raised an eyebrow, not quite sure what it was that Maggie knew he needed to do.

"I won't be long. It is likely best you weren't with me anyways," he said, which only added to her confusion. He gave a small nod to Maggie who remained seated across the table from Alex, then made for the door. When he shut it softly behind him, leaving them alone, the old ghost leaned in.

"Richard Turner dear. Things are complicated between them right now."

"Oh," Alex said, suddenly understanding why Hal didn't want her to come. He undoubtedly had noticed Richard's interest in her.

"I'd give my eyeteeth to have what you do girl," Maggie started, changing the topic. Apparently she didn't merely want to "chat" with her. Before Alex could ask what exactly the ghost meant, she added, "Oh yes, I was in your head too. To feel what you feel? Hot damn. "

"I don't understand," Alex shook her head. This was all too much. She was still reeling from the fact that Hal seemed to know he was carrying a part of her; that it wasn't just her blood. It explained so much, yet just as many questions followed. How could this even have happened?

"You're living through him, you know," Maggie answered. "And he's letting you. He let you in and has allowed you to stay there."


Richard Turner was seated, head leaned back against the concrete wall and throat exposed. Next to him was an open metal flask. Hal noted they had given him a change of clothes.

"What do you want Henry?" Richard grumbled without looking at him.

"They're treating you decently I see," Hal said, ignoring Richard's question.

"No thanks to you."

"I'm not the reason you're here."

"You've said that before. Why are you here? I've gathered enough about this place to know why I'm here. I'm a liability. Fine. But why you? What have they got on you?"

"It's not the Department. It's the situation."

Richard dropped his head to level Hal with a straight look. He took a blatant and hearty draught from his flask, then raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"This involves the Lobisomem."

Richard's face widened into an "Ah," then he took another drink, draining it. "They're the ones blowing shit up? Wonderful. So you're trying to clear your conscience. Good fucking luck with that."

"I'm trying to stop this from getting any worse. Vampires in Barry are exactly what the wolves want. A massacre. And public."

"And there goes your little stint of domestic bliss," Richard derided with a smile.

"I'm serious Richard."

Richard stood abruptly and grasped the bars opposite of Hal. " You know what I want? I want out of here. And I want your little ghost. But that's not going to happen, is it."

"I don't owe you anything. Not after what you did."

"Yes, it is I that owes you," Richard admitted bitterly through gritted teeth. "Are we finished yet?"

"No, I would ask your help." Hal paused and Richard gave a disgruntled sigh, but remained leaning against the bars. "Vampires must be warned to avoid Barry. Who will they believe, Richard? Who is best to pass along such a message?"

"Oh that's easy. But you're not going to like it," Richard taunted.

"Who." Hal repeated.

"Aside from yours truly?" Richard shrugged and then smiled. "Rosanna Bellante. Good luck with that," he turned away. Hal had expected as much from what little he had gathered, but it was good to have Richard confirm his suspicions.

"You mentioned that her recruit works for you now. How do I reach him?"

"Spike?" Richard turned back and wrapped his hand around one of the bars. "Simple. Call him. His number's on my mobile - which your blonde buddy has." Hal nodded, and began to turn away when Richard spoke up again. "Do me a favour, would you? The boy saw me get nabbed. Let him know…" Richard stalled then shrugged. "Let him know I'm not dead, alright?"

"That much I can do," Hal acquiesced. "Richard," Hal said with a small hesitation and Richard met his eyes. "This will all blow over in a few days. You'll be free to go, and we can talk then. I'm willing to renegotiate our business with each other."

"You said you wanted out. That I should start treating you like a client."

"That is correct."

"And our other agreement? What about the ghost?"

"No. Absolutely not," Hal rebutted and Richard's dark eyes narrowed. Hal was vehement but Richard's demeanour was shifting quickly into a barely repressed anger. "She is bonded to me. It likely wouldn't work," he added in an attempt to reason.

"I'm perfectly fine with finding out," Richard growled his retort, leaning forward.

"And I'm fine with you staying in here indefinitely." Hal answered calmly. "Did you gather that this Department has been around since your flirtation with Parliament? Arrangements could be made for a more permanent detainment." At the threat Richard blanched and Hal smiled, "That's what I thought."

Richard shook his head, balling one hand into a fist at his side. "I have all of London at my disposal. Not to mention the business. Look at you - you're tame! Domesticated! What have you got? Admit it! Why won't you just -" Richard huffed, then leaned into his grip on the bar, levelling Hal with an assured gaze. "One of these days you'll grow weary of playing house and there we'll be."

Hal's attack was swift. Reaching through the bars to grip Richard's exposed wrist, he yanked forward just enough to capture his throat, slamming his partner's head into the metal. Richard struggled against him, one hand clawing futilely at his arm.

"Or, I could end you right now. Find someone else to run the business," Hal whispered into Richard's ear and twisted tighter, readying to snap his neck. Richard gurgled, leg thrashing for a better purchase against the unexpected attack. "What's that?" Hal asked calmly. "You protest?"

Richard couldn't get a word out, writhing with fingernails tearing at the leather sleeve of Hal's jacket. "You know damn well what I have and what I'm capable of. No invitation. No restraint. No warning. The rules between us have changed, my friend ."

Just as suddenly, Hal released Richard, who staggered into the bars. He choked and sputtered, rubbing his throat as as Hal stepped back. Hal waited patiently while his partner regained his composure. Richard stood slowly, straightening his collar with a nervous swallow. Both men regarded each other with a neutral stare.

"You thought you had me checked," Richard tilted his head, testing his neck with a sly smile. "You're no longer the only one willing to tell the secret, mate."

Hal held Richard's gaze just long enough to not let his reaction show. "And how is Hetty?" he asked sarcastically.

Richard smiled, "She's right as rain. I'd watch myself, if I were you. She wrote you off, but there's no telling what she'll do if you come calling in her new town."

"Surely she doesn't think she can run London?"

"Oh, I don't know Henry. She's the only Old One we have left, and she's got the Council wrapped round her twee little finger. She's making promises."

"Her promises are hollow, you know that. She wouldn't be able to do it."

Richard shrugged, "Sure, I know. But the rest of them do not. Who would I be to dash such hopes?"


Alex cleared her throat, realising she had sat silent, lost in thought for more than a moment. "How did you die?" she asked Maggie in an attempt to shift their conversation.

"Does it matter? Or are you just curious."

"Curious, I guess. Sorry."

"Good. Curious is good. It'll keep you from from fading. You lived fully in your body before too I reckon?"

"Lived fully?"

"Intellectuals have a harder time of it. All that book learning, they forget what it's like in their own skin. You were athletic, indulged in your appetites."

"Erm…" Alex shifted in her seat. Talking with this matronly old ghost about her "appetites" was definitely not comfortable. Especially after learning she had been in both her and Hal's head.

"No mind," Maggie smiled warmly. "Not likely you'll have much to worry for fading anyhow. You've got yourself the strongest anchor I've ever laid eyes on. Lucky girl."

"Lucky? I'm not so sure about that," Alex shook her head. She was only half listening, her thoughts still circling through what Maggie had told them, but in context with everything from last night she was downright reeling. Some of the awful things about Hal she had known from the very beginning. Cutler had told her directly that her date was the most skilful murderer he had ever met. But that was right before Cutler murdered her in a sick tribute, so it hadn't really quite registered. How could she have lost a piece of her soul and not known? Was it when she saved Hal in London? Ever since then, their bond had grown, strengthened and spread. All long before the nightmares had started. But also, Alex remembered the first time she had sank into sleep with him. It had felt so right, so... complete.

"What do you mean?" Maggie queried, pulling Alex's attention back into the room.

"Hal…" she started, then shook her head, not quite sure where to begin. "He's had such a terrible past. I've felt bloody barmy for even thinking I could love someone like that. But maybe it's not me at all," Alex paused, realising as she said it what the crux of her anguish was. Maybe, she didn't really love him. "Maybe its just this supernatural bond shite."

"Are you crazy for caring for someone who cares for you?" Maggie asked.

"He's killed so many people!" Alex shook, then took a deep breath.

Maggie regarded her, then gave a forbearing sigh. "I hate to disenchant you dear, but what you're feeling isn't from the bond. I t doesn't rule your emotions. For either of you. If you love him, then there's only yourself to look to."

Alex furrowed her brow, not sure she could even begin to hear what Maggie was telling her. The ghost sighed, noticing her turmoil. "We've all got our demons dear. Yours just happens to dwell within someone your soul finds compatible. And that is a mystery quite beyond the experience of this Department," she stated with a shrug, then placed her chin in hand. "Now, what I'm curious about is how this link even happened. Was there a moment when you knew?"

"Knew what? That I was tethered to a cocking vampire?" Alex huffed uncomfortably.

"Knew when it was him," Maggie answered.

"I, uh… don't exactly," she stalled. Alex remembered when Hal had shown her, placing his thumb to her palm and making their connection undeniably obvious. But she had felt irrationally drawn to him even before then. Hal told her that he had known from the moment they first touched after her death.

"Oh but I think you do. I think you know exactly." Maggie pressed, leaning her elbow on the table casually despite the weight of her words.

"I had… given in to despair," Alex started, hesitantly. She didn't care to recall those loathsome hours she had spent alone in the basement. "I was back from the other side, but trapped with my body - trapped in this terrible nightmare I couldn't wake up from. I kept trying to avoid it. To not see it. But there it was, and I couldn't seem to get away. I thought I'd be somehow locked down there forever. Destined to haunt this stupid basement where I'd been murdered," she gave a little laugh. It seemed absurd now, but her terror at being trapped had been very real. "When Cutler came back and opened the door and there was Hal... I knew then that I wasn't stuck. I knew then that I could leave. If he could leave, then so could I. Somehow, I knew that he was the way out."

"You felt him, then?"

"No, I wanted to kick the living shite out of him honestly," she laughed. "I hid. I didn't want them to see that I was still there. But then… watching his face when he saw my body? The sheer depth of his despair, it wracked through me. I couldn't look away. It was like… being stuck next to a car wreck."

Alex took a deep breath, shuddering past the memory, and Maggie let her be. She sat silent, waiting for Alex to feel ready to continue, but there wasn't anything else. That was it. If that was the moment a part of Alex's soul had gone out to Hal, then it seemed like such a small, sad and inconsequential thing. She almost couldn't believe it.

A distressed soul knows no bounds. Maybe this really was her fault. Certainly not on purpose, but her own nonetheless. She had wanted Hal. And she still did.

And knowing that frightened her more than anything.