The Dracula theme park developers are interrupted in their brainstorming:
“Speaking of which, Vance. The plateau where the 'Dracula Park' will be built is part of the original Dacian forest.”
“Is it evocative? Romantic and dark?”
“As much as we need. But it is subject to some environmental constraints. there are about fifty oak trees that are over a century old, some of which are almost a thousand years old. The ecological activists have promised battle. They have camped at the base of the hill and…”
“In a tent in this cold? Too bad for them!”
“LaPierre, budget a few hundred dollars to dissuade those few environmentalists. And if they don't want to lay off, use 'other means.' You know what they are!”
“I know my job, Vance, and I know it well. While coming here on the plane, I tried to search for 'Dracula Park' on the internet. And among other things, I found a curious report that the ghost of Vlad Tepes haunts the woods around the city.”
“Congratulations! A good idea, LaPierre… to scare away campers, but also to create an arcane sense of anticipation.”
“Not really what I…”
(A knock at the door) “Who could it be? We're not expecting anyone, are we, Radu?”
“Not at this time of night.”
“Good evening. I'm looking for Mr. Vance. My name is Mihail Petrescu.”
“But who…?”
“I have my secrets too, LaPierre. This guy is a friend of mine. How did you find me? I arrived today from Bucharest and would have looked for you in the next few days.”
“I knew you were in Sighișoara. And what I have for you can't wait.”
Mihail was one of the three grave-robbers who ran afoul of Draka at the beginning of the story. His coat has a mended tear in it, right over his heart.
American comics don't typically depict smoking any more. Even Wolverine chews gum now.
