Chapter Amsterdam, March 30, 1899
Dear Mama,
I’ve decided to make things right with Maher. I’m going to Budapest. I don’t know how long I’ll stay, and I’d prefer not to have contact with you while I try to sort through my feelings. I’m still angry and hurt, but I hope when I get back that we can at last put all this behind us.
I love you. You’ve been a good mother.
Anneke
Dear Joren,
Please inform Detective de Haas I’m leaving Amsterdam and will no longer be available to consult on cases, effective immediately and forever.
Give my love and sincerest apologies to Inge. Encourage her in a healthier direction. It’s my hope that the removal of my influence has happened early enough that she can recover.
Thank you for all the kindness you’ve shown me. You can’t understand what it’s meant to me, or how sorry I am that my own presence in your life has not been as wholesome.
Anneke
Dear Maher,
I’m sorry. I know this doesn’t change anything, and I would never ask your forgiveness, but I want you to know: I’m going to avenge Dávid.
If my mother writes, please tell her I’m there so she won’t worry. You owe me no kindnesses, but it’s for her, not for me.
Anneke
Dear Mister and Misses van Zijl,
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write this letter. I’ve tried many times and never been able to complete it.
You should know that Berend was one of the best men I’ve ever had the honor of knowing.
He was kind, thoughtful, respectful, and altogether pleasant to work and spend time with.
He died protecting a grieving mother and her sole remaining child.
He also saved me that night, which is a sacrifice I don’t think I can ever deserve.
I wish he were still here in my place. The world is poorer for his absence, and he is in my thoughts every day.
Yours in sorrow,
Anneke Van Helsing