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Part 8. Once again Edward waited for Jackson, his hand clasping the reins of a pair of black horses. It was dusk and Edward was pleased that a full moon would light their journey. Ashcroft Hall was over ten miles away, and it was a cold night, but he didn't want to run the risk of the carriage being noticed by anyone. "Sorry to keep you waiting sir," muttered Jackson. "No doubt your excuse is inadequate. Hurry up, we have a long ride," reprimanded Edward, mounting his horse. Jackson tied the bag securely to the horse's saddle and mounted the mare with difficulty. The two horses trotted out of town, then galloped across country to Ashcroft Hall. As they reached the park Edward slowed and pointed to the right of the grand house. The horses trotted in the direction Edward had indicted, their riders careful to use the advantage of tree cover as a means to prevent their presence being noticed. As they neared their objective, the men dismounted and led the horses towards a marble building obscured by foliage. Vanessa's final resting place. Wordlessly, they tied the horses to trees and walked towards the mausoleum. Jackson's skills once again procured an easy entry. Together they lifted the slab that sealed Vanessa's tomb. The tomb was empty. "I knew you would come for me Edward. They told me you would," Vanessa's voice addressed them from the doorway. "Is it not strange? In life I pursued you, now you pursue me," she continued as she walked towards him. "Am I more desirable now?" she asked, staring directly into Edward's eyes. Edward cleared his throat, killing a corpse was easy; killing a walking, talking replica of a beloved friend was not something he had anticipated. "Vanessa," he addressed the figure, "You were always beautiful." She laughed, an action that displayed her vampire fangs, instantly reminding Edward of what she had become. "Beautiful, Edward," she said flirtatiously, "But what about desirable? Do you desire me?" "I have always loved you," replied Edward, tightening his grip on the wooden stake he held. She laughed again, "Your code of conduct does you credit Edward. But my search for the truth is unquenchable." She was now standing close to him, closer than he felt comfortable with. She reached up and smoothed her hand over his chest. "I do not feel that our desires are compatible," Edward told her, driving the stake into her heart. She fell backwards, her throat emitting an animal-like scream. Only the conviction that he was restoring her soul to her prevented Edward drowning in the horror of his action. He lifted her into her coffin and quickly severed her head from her body. As they approached the end of their labours Edward became aware that someone, or something, was watching them. |