Shopping with Doreen

"Vegetables, meat, and seasoning. We got the mechanical part Nemo asked for, as well as the chemical Victoria wanted. Phew, it looks like we finally have everything we need." As promised, Doreen and I went into town that afternoon.

"Are you sure you can carry all of that? I can take some of those..." Doreen says.

"Ahah, this is nothing. You're already carrying something for me." I say.

"Well, yes, but..." Doreen is holding only a small paper bag with two apples inside. I am holding five large bags filled with meats and produce in each arm. It is heavy. "...Really, I'll take some."

"No need. You said it yourself, it's a matter of etiquette for a lady to allow a man to have his moment of glory."

Doreen nods reluctantly.

Van Helsing did say I was unbelievably fast and hardy during our training.

I see a boy selling papers to people around him.

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" The boy steps in front of us and holds up one of the papers he's hawking.

I wonder if something big has happened. I'm curious, so I look at the paper. The headline makes me gasp the moment I see it clearly. "'Violent Terrorist Victoria Frankenstein Attempts Bombing Passenger Train'?!"

"'Military Technology Advisor Septima Pretorius stops would-be attack in its tracks, may have been target of **** attempt...'" Doreen says. "I see that the government has stepped up their search efforts in the hunt for Dr. Frankenstein..."

"Victoria would never try to destroy a train with people on board..."

"She did disconnect the cars, but this seems over the top. We need to come up with some countermeasures."

"We need to head back the tell the others."

"You're right. We've finished up our shopping here. Shall we be heading back?" Doreen smiles her usual smile and begins walking... In the opposite direction of the mansion.

"Doreen? What's the matter? You're going the wrong way--"

"We're being followed."

"What?"

"There are three of them. It seems they're highly trained... Progenitor, no doubt."

"Progenitor is here...?"

"Yes. But let's not give away that we've noticed them. Let's let them follow us for a bit and grow complacent." Doreen says. "Come, Mr. Caleb, let's go."

"Oh, right..."

Doreen begins walking, and I hurry to catch up. "We have a rare opportunity for some hands-on training here. Let's make sure not to let it go to waste."

"You want to train me? Now?"

"Indeed. From this point on, the danger that you encounter can only grow." Doreen says. "In order to increase your survival rate in situations such as these... A training session that is just a touch too dangerous fits the bill perfectly." I nod, trying to keep my pace even with her's. "But don't fret. At the very least, I will be sure to protect you should anything happen here. Now... How should you act in this situation?"