No Such Thing

Extended Family

Nora left her husband and headed to their bedroom. She lightly closed the doors behind her and went to the bench at the end of the bed. She picked her phone up from the dresser and sat. She dialed and waited. A male voice spoke on the other end.

“Van Helsing Incorporated. How may I direct your call?” The voice asked.

“Yosef, please.” Nora said. “Hold please.” Answered the voice and music began to play in her ear.

“Yosef Van Helsing.” A deep, masculane voice came from the other end of the phone. This voice demanded respect and for every intent of the word, fear.

“Pappa.” Nora started.

“Nora! Isn’t this a pleasant surprise!” Yosef’s tone lightened up and you could hear him smile.

“Good morning. How have you been?” Nora greeted in return.

“Good afternoon to you my dear daughter! Not too bad for an old man. What do I owe the honor sweet girl! I know you’re busy running that new company so this must be important!” Her father jested.

“Yes Pappa, compared to Van Helsing, everything is new.” She retorted. “Pappa, I need some information that only you can help me with. It seems we’re dealing with something that is out of our expertise. And, that is saying a lot.” her voice cracked.

“Yes dear, certainly. Anything you need. Name it.” Her father could tell this was serious. His daughter was a professional and maintained this persona when necessary. Leading him to his assumption that this issue is of great importance. Something even he may need to deal with personally. “Nora, dear. I’ll be there in less than 24 hours. I’m bringing all of my resources. Do not despair.” He hung up the phone before she could say anything else.

Nora knew her father would do this. She was hoping he would have calmed a bit in his later years but he took his children seriously. He was fortunate, each of his 5 kids went on to be integral parts of his company. Or in some cases, as hers, a great ally.

Nora grew up in a renowned family. She was the youngest of 5 and the only girl. Her ancestors built the family legacy to its highest point in the early 1800s and it has only evolved. Where the monsters were hunted for centuries, her great grandfather changed tactics. As did her husband’s great grandfather. They knew they had to evolve with the times. Of course they were not fools. They knew they would have their issues, with the more aggressive non-humans. That is where the allegiance with Paul’s family came in. Where the Van Helsings were known for hunting and riding the world of these monsters. The Gaufe family rehabilitated, relocated and ultimately just made them disappear without incident. In some cases, permanently. And, with the utmost discreteness. The families just meshed and became dependent on one another for a smooth operation. Of course Gabe and Mara Gaufe spoke with Nora’s family regularly. Whereas Paul and Nora kept their distance to avoid drama. The Van Helsings did not want their family to marry outside the line of hunters. They kept their lineage in Germany and wanted it to remain pure. But, Paul swept Nora off her feet nearly the first time they met. It was a whirlwind romance from the depth of time. And even today. 26 years later, their love hasn’t faltered. So, to avoid any drama, they kept their distance and only reached out periodically. Yosef was never against their union. He rather enjoyed watching Paul grow into the man he had become. He was proud his only daughter would be forever entwined into such a strong family. Nora’s mother, Odess, was a different story. Odess did not like the Gaufe family. She thought them to be weak, that the Van Helsing lineage would be ruined by American blood. Of course, the Gaufe’s were Irish/Scottish in descent. Their main office and family home in Northern Ireland. Ultimately, Odess was a hateful evil woman that would prefer to keep herself in the deepest corner of her castle in Norway. And, that is where Yosef leaves her most of the time. She only gets worse as she ages. Nora works closely with her siblings. They are all in the same business and use one another for support. Nora has something the rest don’t. She’s an oracle. Her, Odess, is an Oracle. It has been carried down from generation to generation in Odess’s family. Which explains why she was not happy when Nora married Paul. His family has no magical properties to support Nora’s claim to Odess’s lineage. He’s….. American. Odess has never, over 26 years of her daughter’s marriage, ever taken the time to get to know Paul and learn about him, his ancestry. To Nora’s mother, they were all just..’trash’. Sort of gives you the warm and fuzzies. Odess herself was a hard woman. The older she got, the harder she got. She had to be, she raised boys. Boys that would run the Van Helsing empire. Of course, Yosef had siblings, but they did not inherit the Van Helsing corporation. They were ‘employed’. Yosef is the eldest sibling and it was customary for the eldest to run the company. Odess planned when her first was born that he would be strong and hold the family responsibilities in the utmost respect. She had 3 more boys, knowing they would have to be the same way. Then, she had Nora. After four boys, she wasn’t quite sure how to approach raising a girl, so she just continued the way she had for years and Nora grew up strong. Odess knew her daughter inherited her gift, so she sent her away to a school for training and guidance. And, as suspected, Nora exceeded Odess’ expectations. With Nora’s training and intelligence the Van Helsing goals would be achieved. Then, she married an outsider. Someone that wasn’t even of German or even European descent. Odess was disgusted. She didn’t even attend the wedding. Although small for a Van Helsing gathering, all of Nora and Paul’s family and friends flew to the Castle to attend. Yosef made sure this was the wedding of Nora’s dreams. All Nora noticed was Paul. Odess stewed in her room, far away from the festivities. Mara attempted to visit with Odess while they were there. But Odess’ assistant continued to insist she was not feeling well and would not take visitors. The Gaufes did not push.

Nora received congratulatory cards from her mother at the birth of each of her children. Each child received cards for birthdays and holidays. Nora knew it was her father doing it. But, she never said anything to anyone. Paul knew, only because he knew his wife and his mother-in-law.

However, through all of this, the Gaufe and Van Helsing families remained strong allies and partners in the paranormal world. And now, half of the Van Helsing forces are coming to this sleepy little town. There was a murder. And Yosef lived for the hunt.

Nora now just needed to tell her husband. They were coming.