CHAPTER 13

Back in Philadelphia, van Helsing`s American friends spent the last two days preparing for the trip to France.

Dr. Elaina Koss had her practice covered by a close friend and contacted her children by phone to let them know she would be out of the country. She also made one last visit to see Sami, her horse, bringing two handfuls of carrots as a treat.

Sean and Carrie drove to Philadelphia, dropping Amie and Ann at her parents. After packing for themselves and Wolfie, the two of them made a large pot of Spaghetti Alfredo with Italian sausage and a large salad for one last relaxing dinner before the morning flight.

After feeding Wolfie chicken fingers and fries and settling him in his room with his Playstation, Sean joined Carrie on the patio. Carrie seemed pensive, staring out at the Delaware River a short way in the distance.

"Is everything OK, Hon?” he asked, putting his arm around her as he sat on their love seat.

Carrie offered a soft smile. "I`m worried for Wolfie. I just have this feeling. You know how badly I felt about our decision not to tell Vlad of his birth. I think of that every day. It`s never felt right to me despite all the counsel we received from our friends. Vlad is his father; Wolfie his progeny. Before all of this adventure is over, we may need his help. If the vampire Mondrian is alive and a threat to Wolfie, Vlad would give his life to aid his son. And who knows more about Mondrian than the one who infected her, who lived with her for hundreds of years?"

Sean kissed Carrie`s cheek. "Perhaps you`re right, Hon. We`ve always known there would come a time when Vlad should be told. Maybe that time will come soon."

At that moment they heard a car entering their driveway and the two of them entered the house and walked to the front door. Sean opened the door at the first knock and they welcomed Elaina and van Helsing with hugs and handshakes.
"You two are traveling light, Abraham," said Sean. Van Helsing smiled, "Sean, I think you know women better than that! I`m sure Carrie has as much luggage as Elaina`s. The back of the limousine is packed with suitcases. With just enough room for my carry-on and laptop! My driver will bring the luggage directly to the airport tomorrow morning."

Carrie led the group to the back patio while Sean opened two bottles of wine, a chardonnay and a cabernet. The women preferred the lighter wine, while Sean and Abraham drank red wine with everything.

After pouring everyone a glass, Sean spoke, "Abraham, were you able to reach John and Lucinda?" "Yes, Sean. They indeed were in Venice. With John`s permission, he has been assigned by the Philadelphia Police Commissioner to assist me at Interpol. They`ll meet us tomorrow in Paris."

Elaina chimed in, "And have you found a hotel with enough room to accommodate us, Abe?"

Van Helsing smiled, "I`ve done better than that, my dear. The estate that Alucard leased five years ago has remained an asset of Interpol. It`s much safer and more comfortable than any hotel in Paris. Tomorrow evening we will meet John and Lucinda at our new headquarters, the Chateau d` Destin in Versailles!"