Edward made his way back up the stairs to the hotel room. His head was full of all the information he had just learned. Lestat, he began carefully. Will you help us get rid of this vampire hunter? If he threatens me, yes, Lestat replied softly. Be kind to her, monsieur, he added. She needs your help. Edward knocked on the door to the first room they had rented. "Anyone there?" he asked.
"Try," Edward laughed. "Just know the next time I see you anywhere near her... well, I wouldn't try it if I were you." He turned from Lexi and Sorin and started back toward the inn. Don't bother me right now, Lestat, Edward thought, knowing the vampire was about to speak. One more word and I will go back and rip off his arms.
Edward swallowed. He heard Lestat's calming voice in his head, and it took all his strength to control himself. "Why kill them if they mean no harm?" he asked, shutting his eyes for a moment. A growl rose in his throat, but he choked it back, clenching his hands into tight fists.
"They're not bad people," Edward retorted. "Hunting for the sake of hunting is stupid. I'll ask you kindly one more time: let them be."
"Lying to me is useless and infuriating," Edward snapped. "I want no quarrel with you right now. Just stay away from them, and we won't have a problem."
"Checking on my horses," Edward said, walking over to Lexi and Sorin. "And," he added, "telling you to stay away from my friends."
Edward reached the stables and approached them slowly, only a few oil lamps hung in the rafters for light. He saw a man in the far back, and a wave of fear passed through him. He ignored Lestat's chuckle in his head and called out: "You're not very smart, are you?"
"Thank you," Edward said, and held out his hand. Lestat hesitated for a moment, and then took it, shaking it firmly. "I owe you my life, in a way," Edward muttered, stepping back now. "I will find you later." He headed off toward the stables, trying not to let his anger consume him. Lestat's words were enough to keep in it in the back of his mind. I could so easily die from doing what he said, he thought. But I will try.
Edward growled. "No," he argued. "I..." but he sighed, knowing Lestat was right. "I'll wait till then to kill him, but you need to tell me where he is now. I want to talk to him first... find out what the hell he's doing, what's his motives... Lestat-"
Edward cringed. "I suppose I understand. Now, where is this hunter? I need to find him... now."
Edward listened carefully, his eyes widening when he heard Lestat's words. "It seems simple, in a way," he said once the vampire had finished. "And awful at the same time. But... thank you. I will repay you, Lestat, in any way I can when it's over."
Edward nodded, his head hurting even more. He ground his teeth together, ignoring the pain and waiting for Lestat to continue.
I understand, Edward replied, though he really didn't I need your help, Lestat, and you know it.
Do it, Edward snapped. I'm sorry, it's just... I can't take it. Every tie I turn my back there's something there to hurt her. I need to get rid of him because we can't live like this. You must understand. This is something I have to do. Haven't you ever loved someone and wanted to do anything for them?
No, Edward snapped defiantly, though his head was beginning to ache again. I can handle anything in my head as long as you tell me what I need to know.
"Can we talk safely here?" Edward asked after he turned to face the vampire.
Please, Lestat, Edward insisted, leaning against the nearest tree and sighing, his bare skin cool on the rough bark. I need to talk to you.
Edward smiled to himself as he shut the door behind him, walking around Van Helsing and Carl when he saw them downstairs. Last thing I need is another Spanish Inquisition on where I'm going, he thought, reaching the door and going out to the forest once again. Lestat, now! he ordered in his mind. I need to talk to you about how to kill John. Find me.
"I promise," Edward whispered, looking away from her and stepping back toward the door. "I'll see you soon."
"What kind of promise?" Edward asked with a little smile.
