O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, 2 AM... "Alitalia Flight 750, nonstop from Rome, Italy, now departing at Gate 5," came the voice over the public address system. Heinkel Wolfe and Yumiko Takagi stood near the gate, trying to look calm. To the novice observer, the two looked like priest and nun waiting for another passenger. However, one would be surprised to find that the priest was actually a woman, although she did not act like a woman. Yumiko, however, seemed to be overly nervous, if her fidgeting was any indication. "Yumiko," Heinkel grumbled, noticing the other woman's actions, "vill you please calm down? Your fidgeting is calling attention to us." "I'm... I'm sorry Heinkel-sempai," Yumiko whispered, trying to settle down, "but... he scares me. I know I should be calm... but I can't help it!" "Then maybe you should vake up Yumie instead," Heinkel offered. "At least she knows how to keep calm." "No way!" Yumiko hissed, nearly panicking. "You know that Yumie's crazy! She'd kill everyone in this terminal!" "Then calm down and relax," Heinkel said. Yumiko decided to do what she said, although she didn't feel like it. It wasn't long before the person they were waiting for finally arrived... a tall priest with blonde hair, green eyes, facial stubble with a huge scar on the left side of his face. He also wore a gray cassock and gloves on his hands. "Well, Sister Heinkel, Sister Yumiko," the priest said in a warm Irish voice, "tis nice ta see you again." "Indeed it is, Father Anderson," Heinkel replied. "L-likewise," Yumiko added, forcing a smile. The priest - Father Alexander Anderson - chuckled at Yumiko's reaction. "Calm yerself, Sister," he replied. "Yer kind presence and warm smile is a blessing unto itself, unlike th't 'ellion Yumie... but even she can be dependable." Yumiko smiled nervously, hoping Yumie didn't hear that. Heinkel nodded, and then looked up to the tall priest, "Vell Father how is life for you these days?" "T' tell ye th' truth," Anderson said, sighing, "I'd rather be back at the orphanage with all the kids runnin' around than travelin' to this forsaken land. Never can get used t' a country founded by damn Protestants, if England is any indication." "No one can be perfect, Father," Heinkel added. "So... how is Archbishop Maxwell these days?" "'E's fine, although at times th' lad worries me, with all the pressure 'e 'as," Anderson answered. "However, for the task 'e 'as, it is understandable. The soldiers of God requires strong leaders, and 'e is the best one for the job." "Attention, attention. Alitalia Flight 810, with nonstop services to Rome, Italy, is now boarding at Gate 5. This is your first call," the P.A. announced, then repeated the message. All three individuals took notice of the announcement, with Anderson saying, "So, where are ye two off to?" "Another assignment, I'm afraid," Heinkel said, picking up her carry-on. "Ve vould've been here sooner, but Yumiko had to answer questions about a certain... killing that occurred tonight." "I told them the truth, Heinkel-sempai," Yumiko added. "I told the police that I was... asleep during the killing of that priest." "Ah'm certain you were, Sister Yumiko," Anderson said, patting the nervous nun on the head. "Now if you'll excuse me, Ah'd best be gettin' me luggage from th' baggage claim... if these Protestants 'aven't lost it, that is." "Let us hope they didn't," Heinkel added. "If they did, I vould not vant to know the consequences of vhat vould happen." "Indeed," Anderson said. "I'll call in t' Archbishop Maxwell and let 'im know Ah've arrived and ye two are on yer way. 'Ave a 'appy flight." "We will, Anderson-sensei," Yumiko said, finally relieved to go... mainly to be away from the tall priest. "Sayonara!" "Danke, Father Anderson," Heinkel added, waving. Anderson smiled as he waved back at the two nuns as they left for their plane. Then his attention turned back to retrieving his baggage, mainly because what he had inside couldn't be allowed normally as carry-on luggage. HANK'S BAIL BONDS, LATE MORNING... "Oh no," Rally Vincent said over her cellphone. "Roy, tell me it isn't true?" "I'm afraid it is, Rally," Lieutenant Roy Coleman said over the phone. "Last night a cleaning lady walking to work found a priest dismembered and decapitated near the rectory of the local Catholic church. Not a pretty sight, I can say this." "I can imagine," Rally said. "So, it looks like our lunch date with May and myself this afternoon is out of the question." "That's right," Coleman added. "It'll take the better part of the day gathering evidence and talking to witnesses... even though both are very short in supply. We'll have to make it next week." Rally sighed and added, "I know May and I were looking forward to it. Okay, we'll try again next week. See ya." She then switched off the phone and looked at her partner, both of them sitting inside the reception room. "Looks like lunch with Roy is off today. A priest was murdered last night and Roy has to work on it. It was the one we saw on the news this morning." "That's awful," May said, and then she remembered something. "Rally," she asked, "do you think it was that priest that was accused of molesting those altar boys some years back?" "I didn't think to ask him, May... but I think he has his suppositions about it," the dusky-skinned bounty hunter added, then stood up when the bondsman she was waiting for came into the office. "Oh Hank, you're back!" "Indeed I am, Rally," Hank Jennings said, carrying an envelope, "and I was able to get you the money for that jumper you caught last week, as well as for catching Alfie." He then looked at Rally and asked, "You know... I could've written you a check for this instead of getting this in cash, Rally." "Sorry about that, Hank," answered Rally, "but I really needed to get cash for something I have to paid off... like Becky. Besides, I once worked for a bondsman who always paid in check... until one of his checks bounced on me." "I see," Hank chuckled. "Tell you what... if you need cash for something, and it's from your recovery fee, just tell me the amount in advance, and the next time you bring in a jumper, I'll get it and I'll put the rest on a certified check." "That sound's reasonable," Rally said, nodding. "Thanks. Well, I'll see you two later. Bye Rally, May." "Bye Hank," answered Rally, opening the door. May waived back and answered back in return, "See you later, Hank." As soon as the two were out, she turned to Rally and said, "Boy, it was about time you got paid. Now we can get Becky off our backs." "And getting paid for Alfie was a bonus," added Rally. "Well, we better get over to Becky's and get this over with." The two girls then turned to Rally's car... and abruptly stopped. Becky "the Nose" Farrah was standing in front of Rally's car, smiling. "So," she began, "I see you finally got paid, Rally." Rally looked as if she wanted to jump down Becky's throat and strangle her. But wisely, May darted in front of her friend and snapped, "What the hell is with you, Becky? We were on the way to pay you! You didn't have to come up here the way you did!" "That's nice to know," Becky added, still smiling. "So Rally... have you got my fee yet?" It took Rally several minutes to calm herself down before walking over to the red-headed information agent and pulled out several bill from the larger stack she had in her hand. Taking a deep breath, she began with, "Okay Becky, here you go, $300." "Why thank you," Becky said. However, before she took the money, Rally stopped her. "AND an additional $100 for your patience," she then grumbled under her breath, "although that last stunt was really pushing it... and $500 for the next time I need your help." "HUH!?!?" Becky gasped, looking at the money. "Rally, May, I don't want you to put yourselves in a bind just for my sake." "Don't worry, Becky," reassured Rally, "the main job was at least $3000, plus an additional $500 for bringing in Alfie yesterday." "Oh... so you found Alfie," Becky said. "She sure did," May added, and then said, "You know... it was a real shame Alfie turned into a thief. I heard he was once an engineer for the Army. He could've been able to get a job in the demolition business with his knowledge of explosives." "Too bad he stole all those weapons from Uncle Sam to sell on the black market and ended up getting court-martialed because of it," added Rally. "Well, that just goes to show that you cannot predict what some people will do with their lives," Becky put in. "Some of them are just bad apples, I guess. So Rally... what are you and May going to be doing this afternoon?" "Well... we were going to have lunch with Roy, but he got called-out on a murder." "Yeah," May said, "and we believe it was that priest we heard on the news that got killed." "That's sad, alright," replied Becky, and then brightened up with, "Well, how about we three go to lunch instead." She held up a $100 bill, smiling, "My treat." XXX It was an hour later; the three exited the bistro, satisfied with what they ate. "Boy Becky," Rally said, stretching, "You really know how to make a girl feel good," she then gave Becky a sour look and grumbled, "despite being a total money-grubbing miser." "Hey don't blame me, Rally! It's just my job!" Becky pleaded in her defense. "Besides," she added, "I need to save up so that I can get an upgrade on all of my computer equipment. Some of the stuff I've got right now is so old, it's way past obsolete and getting close to becoming fossils." "That bad, huh?" May replied. "How much you need to earn to get that new equipment?" "At the very least," Becky answered, making a few figures in her head, "about $1200 for the basics. But what I really want is going to cost at least $5000 or more. But having to contend with things like rent, utilities and food, it's going to take a while before I can save up and get it all." "Why not just take out a loan and get what you need, Becky?" asked Rally. "I'm certain your credit score is high enough so that you can get it." "What... and have to contend with the interest rates and the fees the banks charge?" Becky replied, aghast. "No way, I rather pay for it in cash!" "Okay, have it your way," Rally said. "But don't go thinking I'm going to be your sole piggy bank for your toys," she added, chuckling. "Excuse me, Miss Vincent?" a voice called out from behind the girls. Startled, the three saw Walter C. Dolnez standing behind them. "Walter?" gasped Rally. "Becky, this is Walter Dolnez. He works for my friend Integra." "Wait a minute... are you telling me you actually got to meet your friend again?" Becky replied, stunned. "Of course, Becky," said May. "She came over to the shop yesterday just to say hello to Rally. Caught me off-guard, I can tell you that." "That's for certain," nodded Rally. "Walter, you've got a message from Integra?" The old butler nodded and answered, "Miss Vincent, Sir Integra asked me to tell you that, if you could find the time, that she would like to invite you to the consulate extension for dinner tonight at 7:30. Nothing formal, mind you... just another chance to talk some more." He then looked at May and Becky and added, "Of course, you two ladies are invited as well." Rally smiled, "I guess since I bought lunch yesterday, Integra wants to return the favor. How about it, May?" "You bet, Rally!" the blonde girl said. "How about you, Becky? Do you want to come?" "Sorry, I'd like to," Becky replied, "but I've got prior engagements to handle. Tell your friend 'hi' for me, won't you, Rally?" "Your loss, Becky," Rally laughed, then turned to Walter and added, "Tell Integra that me and May will be there. I guess you'll be cooking?" "At the very least, I will be supervising the extension staff," Walter added. "I will see you there." He then entered a Rolls-Royce parked nearby and departed. The two watched Walter depart, and then exploded in a ball of excitement. "WOW!" Rally said, "A dinner at a foreign embassy office! Sure beats pizza for dinner any day!" "You said it!" added May. "I'm glad you guys feel so," Becky commented. "However, for those of us who have to go to work every day, it's just something to envy," she added with slight sarcasm. "Besides Rally... aren't you British yourself?" "Now that you mention it," Rally replied, "you are right about that. I guess I have as much right coming there as any resident citizen here in the city. I just haven't thought of myself as British living here." "Well who cares, let's just get to the bank, then pick out our clothes for dinner," replied May excitedly. "Right. See you later, Becky." "You too as well," Becky said, waving to the two as they took off in separate directions. AT ANOTHER PART OF THE CITY... The police had just finished questioning the rectory staff about the death of the priest last night. However, they were no closer to finding out who killed him than when they started. Coleman finished talking to the C.S.U. team leader, and then headed to the rectory offices, where Captain Kevin Delany stood moping. "C.S.U.'s finished processing the scene, although it is doubtful they find anything concrete," Coleman said to Delany. "Kevin... I know you and Gladys were close to him, and that he was helping you deal with her death... but you do realize if the allegations were true about him, we would be obligated to arrest him." "I know, Roy," Delany sighed. "And I think the good father would've appreciated it if it were me that put the cuffs on him." Coleman simply nodded, then walked over to the cardinal of the diocese. "I'm afraid that's all we need from you, Your Grace," he told him. "Your cooperation was greatly appreciated." "My thanks, Lieutenant," the cardinal replied, "but I'm afraid because of this, I'm going to have to contact the Vatican to request a replacement for our priest... and that doesn't include someone to perform Mass this Sunday." "Ah believe ah can fill in fer 'im, Yer Grace," an Irish voice called out from behind. Turning around, everyone saw the form of Anderson walking up to the group. "Father Alexander Anderson," he began, bowing to the cardinal. "Ah 'ad just arrived from Rome last night and 'eard about th' tragedy 'ere. Ah'll offer t' fill fer the good father until 'is replacement arrives." The cardinal sighed with relief. "Thank the good lord and the saints above! Father, your arrival has been a blessing to this congregation!" He then shook Anderson's gloved hand and added, "I will personally send my thanks to His Holiness for your offer." However, Delany seemed to look at this newcomer with suspicion. Although his faith called for trust, his police training made him wary of Anderson... and wondered why a priest would wear gloves handwritten with 'Jesus Christ is in Heaven' and 'Speak with the Dead'. XXX Anderson later on settled into a modest rooming house run by the church. Opening an envelope that Archbishop Enrico Maxwell gave him personally, he ran through the papers... papers which were Unites States A.T.F. dossiers on May Hopkins and Rally Vincent! "Humph!" he grunted to himself as he studied them, "this is what Maxwell's patron sent us... records on a 'arlot and a damned Englishwoman. Hmmm... this Vincent lass, 'owever, does seem t' be quite skilled with a gun." He chuckled and added, "Well, if she ever tries t' cross me, she'll find it to be th' last thing she does." He then stretched out and left his room... and to his destination. THE CHICAGO EXTENSION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM EMBASSY... Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing sat at her desk, going over what appeared to be an endless stack of paperwork that was forwarded to her from her home in London. Every once in a while, she would take a puff from the cigar resting in the ashtray next to her before returning to her tasks. It wasn't long before Walter arrived in the office, wheeling in a tray filled with tea, sandwiches and assorted pastries. "All the arrangements for tonight's dinner have been made, Sir Integra," the old butler began. "Still trying to figure out the right words to tell Miss Vincent about the Hellsing Organization?" "I have already done so, Walter," the blonde-haired woman finally said, taking a break from her paperwork. "I plan to do it gradually, if Rally has the patience. With any luck, I may be able to give her an idea about what I do." "It sounds like a good idea... but how in the world are you going to tell her about Alucard and Miss Victoria?" Walter offered. Sir Integra looked to her butler, paused for a bit and answered, "Hopefully, I can do so without involving them. It would be a horrible shock for her to find out that vampires actually exist... provided the unexpected does not happen." Walter had just served tea to Sir Integra when her phone rang. Picking up the receiver, she answered, "Hello? Oh good afternoon, Agent Lewis. What can I do for you?" She listened quietly, "Yes... and what have you discovered?" She listened in some more... and all of a sudden, a look of shock came over her tanned face. "No... are you certain?" she asked. More quiet. "I see. Well, I do appreciate your help. No, I do not anticipate any trouble as of yet. Thank you for your time." She then put down the receiver quite hard, placed her gloved hands on her head and slumped on the desk. "Damn it all," she growled quietly. Sensing Sir Integra's mood, Walter took a step back before saying, "I would gather it is not good news Agent Lewis had to offer." "Indeed," Sir Integra replied wearily. "Agent Lewis had just gotten word through U.S. Customs that last night Paladin Alexander Anderson had arrived from Rome at O'Hare Airport." "Oh my," Walter gasped, clearly alarmed. "And that is not all," she added, "Also last night two of Iscariot's agents, Heinkel Wolfe and Yumiko Takagi, had departed from Chicago for Rome not long after Paladin Anderson's arrival." Picking up a copy of the Chicago Times, she pointed out to a story on the front page. "No doubt those two were responsible for the murder of that priest implicated in abusing altar boys thirty years ago. However, we cannot get the local authorities involved in this matter, since it would call unwanted attention to us." "Clearly yes," Walter offered. "However, what worries me is what trouble Anderson is libel to cause now that he is here." "The same here," said Sir Integra. "But what I am more worried about is if Rally should encounter him before I have a chance to explain to her about what the Hellsing Organization is all about." Walter was quiet for a moment, and then said, "We may have to involve Alucard and Miss Victoria after all." After a long pause, Sir Integra replied, "That is what I am dreading." RALLY AND MAY'S HOME... For the better part of the afternoon, the two girls prepared for tonight's dinner. May had long ago dressed before her friend. Being a former prostitute of one of Chicago's most notorious Chinatown brothels, the blonde explosive expert knew the importance of selecting how to dress in order to impress whoever may be coming. Rally, on the other hand, wasn't as fashionably astute as May. Whatever the occasion, dressing for a day at the gunshop or an appearance in court, Rally's fashion sense was lacking at best. May was forever trying to help her friend out in dressing for success... and tonight was no exception. "Geez, Rally!" she complained, "are you going to wear those shoes with that skirt? And that blouse is much too loud! I'm telling you, you sure don't know how to coordinate!" "Take it easy, May," grumbled Rally, "Walter did say it was not a formal occasion. Besides, I know how to dress myself." "Too bad your idea of fashion is knowing how to dress that doesn't let you holster show," May growled as she went through Rally's closet. "Here, try this on... and whatever you do, I don't want you to complain that you can't fit your holster with it." Then in an afterthought, she added, "And don't worry, I'm keeping my grenades under the passenger seat of the car." "Thanks for that word of encouragement," Rally chuckled. A few minutes later, May had gotten her friend comfortably coordinated, even selecting a pair of shoes Rally would be comfortable in, but still look good in an embassy. "Satisfied?" she smirked to the blonde. "Much," May nodded. "Good. We still have plenty of time, so I think we might get something for the meal tonight... if Walter doesn't object to it that is," said Rally, then both girls were distracted by the doorbell. "Now I wonder what that could be?" "Maybe Walter's here to personally take us to the embassy. Now wouldn't that be special?" offered May. "I don't think so," Rally answered, heading for the door. "We would've gotten word ahead of time." As she approached the door, she made sure the Sig P-210 inside the table near the door was handy, then opened it a crack. "Yes?" "Good afternoon, lassie," Anderson greeted, smiling. "I was wondering if I kin 'ave a moment of yer time." Almost immedietly, alarm bells went off in Rally's head. Clearly this man was a priest, but his appearance wasn't exactly priestly, namely the facial stubble. And the scar on his left cheek was equally suspicious. "Sorry, Father, but we're a little busy right now," she answered, hoping to avoid a confrontation. She then began to close the door as she said, "Maybe if you come back tomorrow..." But then felt Anderson hold the door open. "Really, this will only take a moment," the priest said, still sounding pleasant... but now that voice had an edge of a threat. "It is something to do with... eternity. Ah'm concerned th' actions you and the young lass with ye are about to do may condemn ye both t' a fate worse than death itself." Rally was now seriously eyeing the table. "Listen Father, what May and I do in this city is none of your business." She opened the drawer as she struggled to close the door. "Now if you don't mind, we've got a dinner date to go to, so if you don't mind..." "Ah know of yer connection with that Protestant whore Integra Hellsing!" Anderson bellowed, all kindness gone from his voice. "She is dangerous and it be best if you stay away from her!" "What the hell are you talking about?" Rally angrily shot back. "May, I could use a hand here!" She then threw her shoulder against the door, closing it enough to get the gun. But all of a sudden, she felt a violent kick against the door, breaking the chain and sending Rally flying across the floor. She then quickly got up and drew down on the priest, who was now holding what appeared to be bayonets in both hands. "RALLY, WHAT'S GOING ON!?!" May called out as she ran into the room, a grenade in hand. "GET BACK MAY, THIS GUY'S CRAZY!!" Rally answered, keeping an eye on Anderson. "Alright Father "Nutcase", you better get yourself out of here before I fill you full of holes!!" Unphased by Rally's warning, Anderson just glared at the two and bellowed, "Ah'm only gonna give ye this warning once, so ye better pay attention... stay away from th' Hellsing Organization if ye value yer souls! God protect ye and save ye from yer fates, Amen." He then turned around and walked away, leaving two shaken women to watch him. As soon as he left, Rally made a quick inspection of the door jamb and was satisfied that it was the chain that broke and not the frame. "What the hell was that about, Rally?" asked May, willing herself to relax. "How should I know... and what was all that he said about Integra... and what is this 'Hellsing Organization' he was blathering about?" the dark-haired bounty hunter mused, her nerves wracked. Then the phone rang, causing both girls to jump. Regaining her senses, Rally raced over the ringing device, grabbed the receiver and snarled, "YEAH, WHAT DO YOU WANT!?!" "WHOA-WHOA RALLY, CALM DOWN!" the voice at the other end called out and added, "Geez Pussycat, I didn't get a chance to say anything and already you want to rip my head off! At least give me that chance!" Rally recognized the voice on the other end. "Oh... it's you, Bill," she said in an unenthused voice. "Sorry about that answer, things were jumping over here and I was still a little on-edge." "Well it's nice to know," the voice - A.T.F. agent William "Bill" Collins - answered. "Anyway, I thought I'd better let you and May know that you may have a little problem. You see... we discovered our computer database was hacked into yesterday and discovered that some files were copied, and I was wondering if you can ask your friend Becky..." "Wait a minute, Bill," interrupted Rally, "what does this have to do with me and May?" "Well... it seems that the files that were copied were of you and May," Collins answered. "We only noticed this when we got a request through Homeland Security from an Integra Hellsing for copies of those same files, so I thought..." But before he could complete what he was saying, Rally hung up. "Rally... what's wrong?" May asked, seeing the look on Rally's face. "There are too many coincidences going on, that's what," Rally said, a grim look on her face. "First this psycho priest threatens us, now I found out my friend wanted a copy of our A.T.F. files. Something smells." "I agree," replied May, the blonde now having the same look on her face. Rally then got on her coat, made sure her CZ-75 was handy, and with May following behind, headed for the garage. "It's about time I got some straight answers from Integra, one way or another!" she announced. THE CHICAGO EXTENSION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM EMBASSY, EARLY EVENING... Still worrying about the news early on, Sir Integra paced in her office, not bothering to look at the latest announcements. "I sincerely hope he hasn't tried to contact her," she said to herself. "A little worried, aren't we?" a smug voice called out from out of thin air. Startled, the blonde woman turned around to see Alucard standing behind her. "Don't worry... I'm certain Walter won't poison your guests." "It's a little early for you to be up, isn't it?" Sir Integra sternly asked. The red-clad vampire simply walked up to the window and looked at the slowly setting sun. "You know the sun doesn't bother me, my master," he replied. "You're still worried about how to tell your friend about me and the Police Girl." He turned around and added, "You should be. Humans can be so unpredictable about confronting the unknown... and the unexpected." "Well whatever it is, I want your word that you do not show yourself unless I tell you to. Is that clear, Alucard?" Sir Integra growled. "Of course," Alucard suavely answered, then returned to looking out the window. "Hmm... it seems your friend is early." "Rally?" the blonde woman gasped. "And if I'm not mistaken... she seems rather perturbed. I guess that fool Paladin Anderson must've paid her a visit... if the impressions from her mind are any indication." Sir Integra's tanned face turned pale. "No" was all she said as she raced out of the office. Alucard simply chuckled after she departed. "I wouldn't worry, my master," he said to himself. "She seems to be the strong one. I think I may like her... and maybe the Police Girl too, if I read her tastes in women correctly." XXX "Look, Miss... you cannot bring that firearm into the building!" a Royal Marine told Rally as he tried to unsuccessfully disarm her. "Leave me alone, willya? I've already had a bad experience and don't want a repeat of it!" Rally shot back. Stepping back, she decided not to make a further scene. "Okay... here!" she place the gun on the table. "Just make sure I get it back when I leave!" The Marine nodded, placing the gun in a box. A second later, Sir Integra entered the reception center. "Oh thank God you are unharmed, Rally?" she began. "Thanks for your concern, Integra," Rally snapped, then glared at her friend and added, "Okay, what the hell is going on here? A few minutes ago, me and May got an unwelcome visit from a psychopathic priest with big knives, and then I get a call telling me you wanted copies of me and May's A.T.F. files! Something's going on here and I don't like it!" She then was taken aback by Sir Integra's reaction to her outburst... looking downcast. "Integra?" she asked, her voice losing its outrage. "Is there something wrong?" Sir Integra sighed heavily and said, "Rally... I was hoping that I could avoid all this, but I am afraid I can no longer do that." She then placed a hand on Rally's shoulder and added, "First, we'll have dinner... afterwhich I will give you the whole story." TO BE CONTINUED...
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