What We Do In the Shadows: "Jen..."

What We Do In The Shadows: "Jen..." Part LXXV...

What We Do In The Shadows: "Jen..."

Summary: There are unexpected consequences when Laszlo seeks a new human familiar...

Part LXXV...

Poughkeepsie...

"Yes..." the grim-looking mid-thirtiesish governess?/housekeeper?/voluntary familiar? eyes the waiting, smiling Jen at front door.

"Hey. I was by to leave my card the other day...I spoke to Miss Acura."

"I know who you are, minion." Grim tone. "Begone or my natural pity for the enslaved will be overcome by my need to protect my niece from the likes of you and your foul Master...Or Mistress."

Jen blinking... "Now, just a minute..." annoyed tone.

Hmmn...Probably would have been better to go with "are you crazy, lady?" but she can obviously sense the Master's hold, so...

"Go! Now! And tell your foul Overlords..."

"Aunt Bess! That's enough!" a voice from the stairs behind her. Althea in blouse and khakis descending, hair pulled in bun. "Hey, Ms. Steinecke."

Aunt?

Dracula's...Sis? Jen stared at the woman.

Well, could be just an affectionate title for a familiar. I sure don't sense vamp...Though she does have something...

"Hi, Althea. Ummn...Sorry to bother you..."

"They sent you, huh? It's ok, Aunt Bess." Althea urged the older woman back. "Mrs. Steinecke isn't here to hurt me. What's up?" smile.

"Don't invite her in!" Aunt Bess, insistent. "Even if she weren't the minion of a vampire you'd be granting access to in her person, we never let strangers in the house, Althea."

"I'm fine right here." Jen notes. "Look, I just came by to follow up about the other day and to drop off a letter."

"What...Letter?" Aunt Bess, scornfully.

I wasn't born yesterday, cutie. In fact, it was a week ago, 574 years ago.

"Dad's not back from his trip." Althea eyes her. "And I really don't think he's inclined to move. We like being out of the city."

"Well, I do think we could find you something nice a little closer and better value but..." Jen sighs.

I know my mission to deliver Master Nandor's letter is primary but I never like to lose a potential client...

"Well, I'll tell him that when he's back...Who's the letter from? Your guy?" steady gaze.

"No, but I am married...Not to..." pause.

"I understand." Althea, kindly nod. "That must be hard. I know you must love them both, now anyway."

"Makes one weep. Give me the letter and get out." Aunt Bess, coldly, extending hand.

"Stop it, Auntie. The poor girl can't help herself, you know that. You've been there."

"And I know what duplicity she's capable of..."

"I can handle this, Auntie. Jen, how's about we go sit in the backyard, ok?"

"Althea!"

"I can handle this." Firm look.

...

"Is there anything else you can tell me?" Guillermo, to Dr. Acura, as they walked outside the cathedral, several family members greeting Guillermo kindly, a few somewhat grovelingly, suspecting he was now the one to touch in future, one or two including a scowling cousin Enrique, grimly eyeing him.