As the dust settled and ambulances surrounded the Beaumont mansion, Elizabeth and Klaus hurried back to the refuge of Harry’s place in Rosefire. Elizabeth tended to her wounds with a dampened cloth. The bruising in her shoulder stiffened her movements. Despite the terror, the pain, and her legal marriage to Arthur Beaumont, she still sighed in relief, finally feeling safe from Lady Claudia. Klaus did not mirror her feelings. He checked and rechecked outside the windows.
Harry placed a warm cup of tea by Elizabeth before sitting next to her, helping cover some of the larger gashes with bandages. He unclasped the Beaumont choker and replaced it back with one of the Wicker crests from the mansion. She touched the collar fondly.
Vehicles raced past by the dozens, followed by crowds of people coming out of their houses to watch the spectacle unfold. Large horns blasted the news on top of cars, calling it the Beaumont Reckoning. Elizabeth gave her account to the police, but refused to speak to the crowd of reporters trying to profit from her story.
Klaus’ pacing was a constant click. He pinched his chin; his eyes focused downward. Elizabeth and Harry exchanged brief glances before Harry took his leave, taking with him the bowl of water.
“Klaus, are you okay?” Elizabeth asked. He glanced briefly at her, implying he had heard her, but didn’t want to answer. Elizabeth tried again. “What happened back at the Beaumont’s?”
“A mistake,” he growled before correcting himself. “No, more like a wasted opportunity.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Of course you don’t.”
Elizabeth cringed at Klaus’ snappy comment. “Then explain.”
Klaus swung around, irritated, “That bastard Timothy destroyed everything. Everything! I had Nikolas in my grip, she was going to time weave him!”
“Time weave? What’s that?”
“Pretty much the only way for someone to completely destroy a Time Collector. The sacrifice of blood and magic.”
“Klaus, you’re not making any sense. Please, calm down.”
Klaus slowed and took a big breath before taking a seat opposite her. He leaned forward so his elbows balanced on his knees, his face tight in his seriousness. “There are consequences to everything we do. Corrupted Time Collectors leave a rot in the people who contract with them. This rot builds with every wish, it disfigures their body, mind, and soul into a grotesque state. In the case of Lady Claudia, she had offered up Timothy as the bodement of her punishment. This is called the sacrifice, and can only be passed on to the wisher’s offspring. Timothy was to take the physical damage of her wishes, but she still carried the taint in her mind and soul. Of course, when Timothy died, the taint had nowhere to go but back onto Lady Claudia. She didn’t have much time left before the taint was going to destroy her anyway. That’s why she needed me. She had hoped to shove that taint back onto Nikolas instead, destroying him so she could live.”
Elizabeth sat up higher in her seat. “Timothy died?”
“He had wished for me to take his mother’s voice and the time owned to me would kill him. He took her only chance of saving herself by removing her voice. She couldn’t speak to Nikolas. Even with her voice back, the taint was so deep it had completely incapacitated her.”
“Oh my God! Is she dead too?”
Klaus smirked. “Nein, but she may as well be. In his overwhelmed state Nikolas decided to tear the house down. He’s always been like that. Overdramatic and irrational.” Elizabeth cringed at Klaus’ heartless dismissal. Klaus caught the look and straightened up in his chair. “What? Do you consider me cruel?”
“I didn’t say anything,” Elizabeth said.
“You don’t need to speak. I can read it on your face.”
“It’s…just heartbreaking.”
“Why are you sympathising with him?” Klaus grew defensive, hardening his voice. “Even after he tried to kill you?”
“He didn’t try to kill me.”
“So pulling the house down while you’re still inside isn’t considered attempted murder?”
“Klaus.” Elizabeth put the damp sponge back on the table, feeling Klaus’ frustration at her grow. “Why are you so mad? Is this still not a victory?”
“No, this is the exact opposite. This is a loss. Before, when Nikolas had Lady Claudia, he had a weakness. A thing to which he was leashed, but now he is free and incredibly angry at me. And it’s thanks to you that he now has a real chance of destroying me once and for all.”
“Thanks to me?”
“Yes, you, and your mortal life. The big difference between Nikolas and myself is that Lady Claudia was his source of power to gravitate toward but you are just a hooked hand I cannot rid myself of. He wanted his flaw, I do not.” His words hurt her as though he had reached over and slapped her. Elizabeth promptly stood and Klaus quickly followed. “No, wait, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.” He reached out and grabbed her arm. He stepped in close to whisper, but his nerves rattled his voice, revealing his panic. “I am in trouble, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth looked down at his frightened grip. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Time Collectors cannot track each other and that is how I’ve been avoiding Nikolas for all these years, but now that you and I are linked together, he will always find me. My only chance to kill him first is with the gun.”
“Can’t you time weave him?”
“Time weaving is only achievable through mortals. I cannot do it on my own.”
“I’m a mortal.”
Klaus rolled his eyes and stepped away. “It’s not that simple. I need that gun, Elizabeth. If not to stop Nikolas, then what is your purpose? What is your point in being here? He killed your mother, Elizabeth. Don’t you wonder why her? Was it on purpose? Was it an accident? Doesn’t she deserve justice?”
The memory had been buried down deep that remembering it unearthed pain. Remorse swelled up from the back of her throat. “Is revenge my purpose in life?”
“Not revenge,” Klaus corrected. “Justice. Truth.”
“Miss Elizabeth?” Harry’s voice called as he stepped back into the room. “There was a letter that came for Sir Wicker, it was marked as important.” He shuffled forward, extending out a letter. Elizabeth flipped the note over but she couldn’t recognize the sender’s name.
“Thank you, Harry.” She flipped the note over before tearing the edge open. “Lady Rose? I’ve never heard of her before.” She read over the short message.
My, how you turn my hair grey! I have tried calling you many times to no avail. You seemed quite distressed on the phone before we lost connection, and I am surprised after six years of silence to hear from you so suddenly. I worry you are in some kind of trouble (again) despite my many, many lectures. I hope you are alright.
I have managed to get word out to others travelling in your direction, they should be calling on you in the next few weeks. I am aware they have arranged accommodation at The Rap Rips down by the docks, please call on them and ease a sister’s worrying. Despite my verbal misgivings, my dear Catherine has insisted on joining them. You must take responsibility and look after her. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Margaret.
Elizabeth quickly tucked the letter into her pocket. Margaret, William’s sister, was the last person William spoke to before he died. He had warned her about Klaus, but Elizabeth couldn’t be sure exactly how much Margaret Rose knew before the phone call was cut off.
“Is everything okay, Miss Wicker? You’ve gone pale.”
Elizabeth jerked at Harry’s voice. Even Klaus seemed to be paying her too much attention, having now stopped his pacing and angled his body toward her. Elizabeth quickly nodded.
“Yes, it was a letter from William’s sister, Lady Margaret Rose.”
Klaus turned away, quickly losing interest. Harry said quietly, “That is surprising. I am aware Lady Rose and Sir Wicker weren’t on speaking terms.”
“He had tried reaching out to her before…” Elizabeth cleared her throat, not needing to remind everyone what happened to William Wicker. “She doesn’t know.”
Harry slowly nodded. “Despite not having much family left, Sir Wicker and Lady Rose weren’t very close. A long history of family turmoil, I believe. I had thought that was the reason why Lady Rose wasn’t present at his funeral. It wasn’t my place to request her attendance.” He turned toward the phone. “I will make the call. She has a right to know.”
Elizabeth settled into her chair. She elected not to tell Klaus about Lady Rose’s contacts by the docks, especially if they were sent to them to deal with him.
#
Elizabeth stood at the threshold of the Raps Rips motel the following day, staring up at the large twin doors leading into the low star establishment. The noise from the docks pressed up to her ears, surrounding her with the grunt of working fishermen and the crashing of waves. The letter did not reveal a lot of information about the contacts Lady Rose had sent, nothing beside a woman’s name: Catherine.
Elizabeth walked inside the motel foyer of the Raps Rips and into the heavy fog of second hand smoke. One man stood behind the front desk in what appeared to be a throne made of newspaper stacks. Keys, pens, and business cards scattered across the front counter. Behind his head was a switch board with fifteen different light bulbs aligned in columns of five. One of the lights turned orange, following by a quick three ring whistle.
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Excuse me? I am looking for a guest.”
“Name?”
“Miss Catherine Rose.”
Without taking his eyes off the newspaper, he reached across and picked up a clipboard as though to read it before tossing it back onto the table. “Nope.”
“You didn’t even check.” Above their heads, footsteps paced the room upstairs. Muffled voices rose into an argument, before the distinct thump of a falling body shook the roof. The orange light promptly changed to red. Without peering away from his comic, the man picked up a phone and said, “Clean up, room 22B,” before hanging up again. The light changed green.
“Your room will be ready shortly.”
“I don’t want a room. I’m looking for a guest staying here.”
“If you don’t want a room, then get out.”
“I just need your assistance.”
“No room, no service.”
Elizabeth pushed away from the counter. “Incompetent.” She made her way back outside. She had only gotten a few steps away when a voice called her back.
“You must be her.”
Elizabeth turned as a man around her age approached, his hands tucked into his pockets and ice blue eyes peered beneath shaggy brown hair. Over the top of his vest and tie were sleeves of knives, bullets, and holstered twin pistols. Immediately, Elizabeth felt weary.
“You’re looking for Catherine, yes? We’ve been waiting for you.”
She carefully nodded. “Who are you?”
“Hudson, an acquaintance of Lady Rose. Are you here alone?” His eyes shifted out across the busy street. Elizabeth nodded again. “If you would like to follow me, I can take you to her.”
“Take me where, exactly?”
Hudson indicated over his shoulder. “She’s visiting family.”
#
The chaos of the docks brought stark contrast to the sombre emptiness of the Memorial Park. Grave stones peppered the lush fields, breaking up the sea of green much like frothy waves hitting the shore. Hudson led Elizabeth toward the graveyard before indicating for her to wait. In front of her father’s grave stood a lone woman. Hudson touched her back. She turned and wiped her tears away. He whispered to her, immediately swinging her around to face Elizabeth.
The family similarity was striking. Elizabeth didn’t share many traits with her half brother and sister, but the Wicker gene proved strong in her and Catherine. Despite Elizabeth carrying the white hair and blue eyes, and Catherine inheriting long, twisted dark brunette curls matching with green eyes, they could almost be mistaken for twins.
At her approach, Catherine’s demeanour changed. She straightened her back, forcibly concealing her vulnerable side. She reached out and gently touched Elizabeth’s white locks, smiling fondly at a memory they didn’t share. “Miss Elizabeth Wicker, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Elizabeth smiled back. “You too, Miss Rose.”
“Catherine Rose-Wicker but please just call me Catherine. My mother informed me yesterday to my Uncle’s passing. It breaks my heart I couldn’t be here to say goodbye. It’s not until they’re taken away that you realize the importance of family.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Uncle William did speak fondly of you. I’m sorry we have to meet under such awful circumstances.”
“He spoke to you of me?” Elizabeth stepped back. It was a strange thought, in her household the topic of William being her biological father was strictly taboo.
“On the rare occasions that we did chat, yes. Couldn’t believe you were legitimate, but now that I’ve seen you with my own eyes, all of my doubts have been put at ease.”
“Are you okay?” Elizabeth asked.
“Family burials are old scars reopening. It is always hard, but does not cut so deeply anymore. Wicker blood carries short lives, weak hearts. Uncle William carried the disease, as did his father and grandmother. It was a truth he accepted many years ago, one we’ve all grown familiar with.” Something shifted behind Elizabeth’s back, catching Catherine’s attention. Catherine quickly glanced at Hudson who nodded, acknowledging her concern. “I see you’ve gotten my mother’s letter, so you must be aware of why we are here. How much did Uncle William share with you, exactly?”
“What do you mean?”
“In regards to his problems.”
Elizabeth stilled. Is she talking about the Collectors? “Enough to understand the dangers they impose.”
“I see. Are those dangers still present?” Elizabeth wasn’t sure which one she was talking about, Klaus or Nikolas, and her hesitancy to reply was mistaken for fear. “You can trust us, it’s what we do. We destroy the supernatural. Witches and Bactes mostly.”
“Bactes?”
“Short for Bacterial Infested Creatures. They are monsters who enjoy spreading disease wherever they nest. Nasty things, have caused thirteen plagues so fair.”
“And you hunt them?”
Hudson stepped closer. “Yes, tracking down Bactes and witches are easy enough but Collectors, Collectors are nearly impossible to find. That is, of course, unless they are silly enough to show themselves. Speaking of which.” He swivelled and fired one of his guns over Elizabeth’s head, causing Elizabeth’s shoulders to snap up to her ears in shock. She spun around to see his target just as Klaus stepped out from behind a nearby tree. The bullet skimmed the bark, missing Klaus by a hair. “Are you enjoying the show, Time Collector?”
Klaus’ attention didn’t shift from Hudson’s face or the gun. He barely flinched. Elizabeth looked between them, startled at Klaus’ presence and scared Hudson would try to shoot him again. She reached out and gently tried to lower Hudson’s aim. “Please don’t.”
“Which one are you?” Hudson demanded without dropping his arm.
“Dietrich, Klaus Dietrich.” Klaus stepped closer. “I am, was, Sir Wicker’s apprentice.”
“And Collector Nikolas Vorx?” Catherine asked. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know.”
“You know of Nikolas?” Elizabeth turned back around. “How?”
“All Guardians know of Nikolas Vorx. He’s an infamous legend.”
“More like an infamous idiot,” Klaus muttered under his breath.
“Guardians?” Elizabeth questioned.
“It’s what we are called, this entire organisation we are a part of. Uncle William and I shared a common interest in hunting down the supernatural. He had special interests in Collectors though, and was understandably interested in learning how we managed to trap them.”
“Trap them?” Klaus repeated, his voice sceptical. “That’s not possible.”
Catherine’s grin spread up to her eyes. “We’ve got our secrets, as I’m sure you have yours.”
“So you hunt all kinds of Collectors? Not just the corrupted?” Elizabeth asked, breaking up the stare down between Hudson and Klaus.
“Collectors are an unnatural balance to our world. They are beings without a soul, just weapons of mass destruction. They are incredibly dangerous tools and are threats we cannot ignore.”
The muscle in Klaus’ jaw clenched. “Sounds like the humans are the ones you should be hunting.”
“An army of humans can’t do nearly as much damage as a single Collector.”
“History begs to differ.”
Catherine smiled at Klaus’ comment, before reaching over and lowering Hudson’s gun. He obeyed without hesitation. “I believe we are about to make history ourselves.”
“Am I to be exterminated?” said Klaus.
“Not at all. In fact, I was hoping for a truce. With your help, Klaus, we can finally stop Time Collector Nikolas Vorx. There are three other members in our group. I would like you to meet them.”
“As thrilling as that sounds, it isn’t exactly wise to invite a Time Collector to a Guardian’s party.”
“You will not be known as a Time Collector to them. Only Hudson and myself know of your true nature. Come by the Raps Rips tomorrow, I’ll get the rest of the group caught up.” As Catherine and Hudson turned to leave, she quickly turned back, giving Klaus one last look. “I’ll be interested in seeing exactly what you can do, Time Collector.”