| Primus:
Forever Bitten By:
Cheryl Pillsbury As the sun sets in the horizon, and the
candles lit up the room, LaCroix was resting by the fireplace drinking
his wine. A woman from the other
room strolled in only wearing a white gown.
She carried a silver tray with two wine glasses rested upon it. Carefully knelt down at his side and handed
him a glass. They carefully touched
glasses and took a sip upon the silent toast to each other. They smiled and LaCroix placed his glass down,
and lightly touched her soft cheek. “My dearest Retha.” He whispered. “Lucien, please take me. I can not bare a life without you.” She pleaded. “I do care for you.” He mumbled. “As I, PLEASE.” She begged him with a
tear gently rolling down her cheek. “Retha;” he started. Retha gently reached over and caressed
his pale face and passionately kissed his dry lips. They warmly kissed and held each other upon
the fur rug. His eyes gazed upon
her soft blue eyes and quickly closed his.
Then suddenly, his eyes were a bright green and as he snarled
his fangs shined from the glow of the fire and he carefully inserted
them into her slender neck. He
slowly fed upon her essence, and then suddenly, without warning, a woman
entered the room and saw him. She
grabbed a torch and lit from the fireplace and touched his back with
the flame. He flew to the other side and she saw his
demon face. “Saints be praised. What are you?” she uttered, “You’ve killed
my mother.” She added. “No.
We’re to live forever.” He explained. “As what, a demon like you.” She implied. “No.
I care for her.” He expressed. “No.
You’ve killed my mother.” She said angrily. She gazed upon her mother’s lifeless
body and then to LaCroix. She
cried and began to set the house on fire.
Burning her mother and LaCroix inside.
She quickly ran out into the woods to watch it burn. As she stood there, she saw something fly
out the side window and it disappeared.
She knew she had failed and sworn to avenge her mother’s death. As we quietly return to the present and
observe the Raven, it appeared to be very still. No smoke, no music, and no dancing. The sun slowly sat in the sky and LaCroix
walked around and prepared the Raven for business as usual, or so he
thought. A sudden urge filled
his senses and scanned the room. Fear
haunted his nerves and a slight noise was heard from the backroom. “Rita.” LaCroix called out. No answer, so he placed the towels and
glasses down upon the bar and cautiously strolled into the backroom. LaCroix’s eyes were filled with shock and
stared off into the distance. He
walked slowly in and before him was a painting, a portrait of Retha
with two holes in her throat with dripping blood.
He slowly raised his hand upward and touched the blood with his
fingertip and then licked it. He
sensed it was some one he knew, Rita. As he backed away, he heard a slight
sinister laugh and ran into the middle of the dance floor and looked
all around him. But, no one in
sight. He walked over to the bar and picked up the
phone and dialed the one person that could help him. “I need to see you.” He requested. He then quickly hung up the phone.
People or vampires started to enter and fill the club, but he
kept them away from the backroom. Suddenly, Nick slowly strolled in with his
hands in his pockets and reluctantly approached him. “Thank you for coming.” LaCroix said
quietly. “What is it?” he asked. “Follow me.” He asked. LaCroix led Nick into the backroom and
turned the light on. When he
did, it shined upon the painting and the blood had dried. He was shocked and carefully moved closer. “Care to enlighten me.” Nick inquired. “I have an answer, but my bar maid is
missing.” He replied. “No idea.” Nick suggested. “None.” LaCroix answered. “I’ll have to call the Lab.” He said. “I’ll clear the club for a while.” He
said. LaCroix left Nick alone with the painting.
He reached for his cell phone and called the crew in.
LaCroix returned from the dance floor. “They will be here shortly.” Nick implied. “I see.” LaCroix responded in return. “Who was she?” Nick asked. “Retha. She was a love interest of mine. From the past.” He answered. “What happened?” he questioned. “Long story.” He suggested. Before Nick could question him further,
a voice was heard echoing throughout the club. “Knight!” Schanke yelled. Nick left LaCroix to greet Schanke with
Natalie closely behind him. “Hey.
Jack, guard the door, no one else in or out. Tony, hang here. Follow me.” Nick ordered politely. They followed Nick into the backroom
and saw LaCroix standing by the painting and their faces also displayed
shock. “Whose the lady?” Schanke asked. “It doesn’t matter. Someone broke in and put it here and the bar
maid is missing. Nat, check and
see if that’s real blood. Schanke,
carefully have it removed and send it to the Lab. LaCroix, let’s talk.” Nick suggested. He and Nick exited the backroom and sat
at the bar. Nick pulled out his
notebook with a pen. “Tell me about the bar maid.” Nick requested. “Rita Brand, twenty-six years old.
Brown hair, green eyes, and about five-foot-eight, and one hundred
and twenty five pounds.” He briefed Nick. “Thanks. Retha?” Nick implied. “Just a love interest from the past that
died there. Leave it there.”
LaCroix hinted. He gave Nick the back off look and don’t
ask further. As Nick finished
writing everything down, Nat and Schanke joined them at the bar. “Okay, nothing was disturbed, but I did
find this.” He said handing it to Nick. Nick took the coin and gently rolled
around and held it in the palm of his hand.
He placed under LaCroix’s eyes for him to observe it. “A coin.” He whispered. “A very old one.” He implied. “The blood on the painting was real.
I can only assume, if Rita is missing, she’s either hurt or worse.”
Nat stated. “Great.” Nick sighed. “Let’s roll.” Schanke suggested. “I’ll be out in a minute.” He requested. “You’re car.” Schanke said firmly. “Sure.” Nick answered. They quietly left the Raven with Nick
by LaCroix’s side. “Anything else I should know.” Nick implied. “Not sure.” He sighed. Nick carefully observed his surroundings
and looked to LaCroix, very quietly. “Is it possible, we’re dealing with a;”
he hinted. “Anything is possible.” LaCroix responded. “I guess. Stay in touch.” He sighed. “No problem.” He answered. Nick slowly left LaCroix behind and joined
Schanke outside in his car. Jack
and Tony returned to the station, and Natalie left for her Lab.
Nick strolled over to his side of the car and stepped in.
He played with keys and placed the right one into the ignition
and started the engine. He noticed Schanke, oddly, was very quiet. “Hey.” He said. “He’s a strange dude.” He committed. “Dude?” he inquired. “Yeah.
Why would anyone break in and leave a painting with dripping
blood on it?” he asked slightly. “That’s our job.” He said with a slight
grin. “Funny guy. Let’s go, I’m hungry. Somewhere fast.” He suggested. “Okay.” Nick agreed. As they drove away, we’re drawn to an
old warehouse downtown. A homeless
man was trying to break down the door, but failed. So he found an open window and climbed in.
As he fell to the floor and stood to see where he was, the view
was so horrible, he screamed and jumped back through the window and
found a phone. As Schanke finished the last bite of
his food, a voice came across the radio to tell them they were needed
at the warehouse. Nick turned
the lights and the siren on and drove as fast as he could there. He parked the car along the curb and they
climbed out. Nick saw Jack with
the homeless man and they entered the building to witness the horror. They saw the body lying on the floor
in a pool of blood. A small fire
off to the side and two wine glasses by her right hand. All she had on was a white robe. Natalie slowly approached the body as the
cameraman finished taking the pictures.
Schanke made a few notes and Nick followed Natalie around. Natalie placed gloves on her hands and turned
the head around. She saw two
holes and pointed them out to Nick.
She moved a little further down and came to the robe. She lifted the robe up and no clothes. Moved to the other side, nothing. Natalie gave Nick some gloves to put on and
she lifted the body onto its side and underneath was completely covered
in blood. “Oh God.” She sighed. “What is it?” Nick asked. “It looks like the wound is in her back.
All blood here.” she answered. She waved in two men. The two medics came in with the gurney. “We’ll need a bag guys.” Nat suggested. One medic left to get the body bag as
she suggested. Nick quietly pulled
Natalie aside. “Any guesses?” he implied. “Well, she definitely bled to death from
the wound. As for the holes,
you’ll have to wait till I get her to the Lab.” Nat said nervously. “I’ll bring LaCroix to identify her.”
Nick requested. “Use the back door.” She hinted to him
to be safe. “Got it. See you there.” He said quietly. Nick tilted his head and gave her a quick
kiss on her head. Then he went
and met up with Schanke outside. “You okay?” he asked. “Yeah.
I think so. Think it’s
that Rita girl?” he asked. “Maybe. I’m going to pick him up to identify the body.”
Nick planned. “Okay.
I’m heading home. I’m
beat.” He said tiredly. “Night Schanke.” Nick said. Nick slowly strolled to his car and climbed
in. He drove to the Raven and
parked along the curb. He stepped
out and locked the doors. He
strolled through the door and spotted LaCroix by the bar, very quiet. He stepped up to him and lightly touched his
arm. LaCroix glanced his eyes
into his direction and then back to his wine glass. “We found a body. It might be Rita. I need you to come with me to identify her
body.” Nick explained. “How?” LaCroix asked. “She was found in an old warehouse, in
a white robe, covered in blood on her back.” Nick briefed him. LaCroix slumped over to Nick’s side and
displayed the look of horror. “Candles, wine and a fire.” He mumbled. “How did you know?” Nick asked amazed
by his words. “A hunch.” He responded. “LaCroix;” Nick started. “Let’s go. Time is short.” He suggested. LaCroix placed the glass gently down
and they left through the backroom to the backdoor. Looked all around and swooped upward to the
Forensics building. They landed
at the back door, unnoticed. Nick
led the way in and Nat was waiting for them by the slab where her body
was covered with a white sheet. Nick
nodded to Natalie to reveal her face.
She pulled the sheet back and LaCroix looked down.
He squinted his eyes and then sighed.
He glanced over to Nick. “It’s her.” He responded. “Are you sure?” he asked once again. “Yes.
How did she die?” he asked. “The results are not all in yet, but
she had a stab wound to the heart from the back and this.” Natalie explained. She carefully rolled her head and showed
the bite mark to LaCroix. “Oh my.” He sighed. “Someone you know?” Nick hinted for an
answer. “I’ll look into it.” He expressed. LaCroix swiftly left the Lab and flew
back to the Raven for his rest. “Should I worry?” she asked Nick. “I don’t know. He knows more than he’s telling.” He said
concerned. “When the rest comes in, I’ll call you.”
She said. “Okay.” He replied. Nick gave her a slight grin as he left
the Lab and also flew back to his car at the Raven. He then stepped into his car and started the
engine. He carefully drove home
to rest as well. As Nick slept,
Schanke decided to return to the warehouse and poke around. He bumped into the homeless man. He carefully walked up to him and gently touched
his arm. He jumped a hundred
feet in fear. “NO, no, no, leave me alone.” He shouted. “It’s okay. Chill. I’m
a cop. No one’s gonna hurt you.
What’s your name?” he asked. “Robar.” He replied. “Robar, okay. I’m Don. Did
you see anything that night?” Schanke asked calmly. “Not sure.” Robar answered nervously. He slowly leaned up against a wall with
a hand out to Schanke. He reached
into his pocket and pulled out a fifty-dollar bill and handed it to
him. He quickly examined it and jammed it into
his shirt pocket. “It better be worth it.” He sighed. “All I saw was a woman dressed in black
with a cape and a hood carry a bag into the building.” He explained. “And;” Schanke started. “I followed her and she laid the bag
down. But when I saw a body,
I ran.” He said terrified. “Great.” He replied. “But she did say some thing before she
opened the bag.” Robar added. “What did she say?” he inquired. “Retha.” He quoted. “What?” he questioned. “Retha. That’s it, I swear.” He answered. “Okay, thanks. Find another alley, this one is bad.” He suggested. “Okay.” He answered. As Schanke left the warehouse, we drift
off to Nick’s home where Natalie had just arrived. “What did you find?” Nick inquired. “Well, outside of the obvious, she died
from her stab wound, not the bite.” She bluntly answered him. “What?” he said confused. “Here’s the twist. It wasn’t a real bite. It’s deep enough to do the trick, but I think
it was for show. The stab wound
was made by an old iron rod.” Nat briefed him. “Was she missing any blood?” Nick asked. “Hard to tell. She really bled a lot from the stab wound.”
She replied. “Anything else?” he questioned further. Before Natalie could answer the question,
his phone rang. He let the machine
pick it up. Natalie just stood
and listened. “Nick Knight, you know what to do.
Beep.” Said the answering machine. “Yeah, its me. Our witness said he saw a woman carry the
body in and the only word she said was, Retha. Don’t be late, chow.” Schanke stated. “Whose Retha?” Nat asked. “I’m not sure. Maybe LaCroix knows.” He suggested. “Great. His long past.” She said sarcastically. “Yeah.
I’ve got one stop to make. If
Schanke asks, a hunch.” He told her. “Okay.
See you later.” She said with a slight smile. “Always.” He replied. They both left and went there separate
ways. Nick made his way to the
Raven to confront LaCroix. He
parked his car along the curb out front.
He stepped out of the car and locked the doors.
He strolled through the front door and into the club. Where he saw LaCroix pacing the floor like
a nervous father to be. He carefully
approached him and lightly touched his shoulder to draw his attention. LaCroix jumped slightly from his touch. “What’s wrong?” Nick asked. “Leslie is late.” He bluntly answered. “Tell me.” He implied. “Leslie Hulse’, twenty-one, brown hair,
brown eyes, and about one hundred twenty pounds, and about five-foot-nine.”
He described to Nick. “How late?” Nick asked. “Four hours.” He answered. “Does the name Retha mean anything to
you?” he asked. “I don’t recall.” He sighed slightly. “That’s what the killer said when she
killed Rita.” He told him. “No.” LaCroix whispered. “The woman in the portrait, is that Retha?”
Nick asked eagerly. “Nicholas, don’t.” he suggested strongly. Before Nick could argue with him, a woman
screamed from the backroom. They
quickly ran to the sound and by their eyes, the horror was unspeakable. In the far corner was a head of a very dead
body, covered in blood and maggots.
The odor was unbreathable. Nick
pulled out his hanky and LaCroix looked away.
Nick pulled out his cell phone and dialed up Schanke and had
asked him to grab Natalie. Then
he hung up the phone and put it back into his pocket. “LaCroix, whose Retha?” he insisted knowing. “NO!” LaCroix snarled at him. “Look, I have two dead bodies because
of the Retha and it has your name written all over it.” He demanded
of him. “I can’t.” he replied. As Nick was about to answer, he turned
his head to the door to see his friends and the Lab walking in. Then he turned his head and LaCroix disappeared. “What’s up?” Schanke asked. “Follow me. Cover your noses.” He suggested. They cautiously followed him into the
backroom and saw the head. The
photographer took a few shots then left. “That’s real gross.” He said. “Okay guys, get it down, but very carefully.”
Natalie ordered trying to hold it together. The Lab boys helped Nat bring the head
down and placed it on a sheet of plastic.
Natalie very carefully examined the head, collects a sample of
the blood and the rest and made notes in her book. Schanke examined the room, and made his footnotes
as well. “Well?” he hinted. “Not much to work with. Her head was severed, and two holes on her
throat. Take it to the Lab guys.”
She responded. “This case is a personal vendetta against
LaCroix. He won’t talk.” He answered
angrily. “I hate to bring this up, but if her
head is here, where’s the body?” she questioned. “I don’t know. I’ll have to make him talk.” He said. “That could be very dangerous.” She replied. Suddenly, his cell phone rang from his
pocket. He reached in and pulled it out. “Knight. Got it.” He answered and placed the phone
back into his pocket. Before he could tell Nat, Schanke came
out to him with what he had found. “I found this behind the head.” He said. “What’s that?” he asked. “A gold charm with a white lily painted
on it. And two letters written
on the back. R.L.” he briefed
him. Nick hesitated for the moment and thought
of one name that would fit. “Retha.” He whispered. “Okay.
And the L?” he implied. “Don’t know, yet. That was Lisa. They found the body. In the alley at thirty-two, and “Cool.” He answered. Natalie and Nick left the Raven and ran
for his car. They climbed in
and he drove quickly to the address they had.
He parked along the curb and they climbed out. He locked the doors and escorted Natalie down
the alley. As they approached
the body, they saw three candles burning, and two wine glasses with
red wine at her side. She was
also dressed in a white robe. Her
hands are folded and holding a white lily with a tint of pink out lining
the pedals. Natalie knelt down and placed gloves on her
hands. She carefully lifted the
body, no blood, and no wound. “Well?” he asked. “No wound or blood.” She answered. Suddenly, they heard the sirens, and
saw some men quickly approaching them.
Natalie saw the lab boys and the gurney. “Okay guys, take her to the Lab and we’ll
see if she matches the head.” She ordered quietly. “Can you get a ride to the Lab?” Nick
asked quietly. “Yeah.
Why?” she inquired. “I have someone to see.” He briefed her. “Be careful.” She whispered. Nick quickly climbed back into his car
and drove home. In hopes that
LaCroix would be waiting for him, so they can talk.
He parked the car in his spot and then climbed out. He locked the doors and rode up to his place.
As the door closed automatically behind him, a sudden urge came
across his senses. He closely scanned the entire room and saw
LaCroix by the staircase. Nick
noticed his hand was covered in blood. “What happened?” he asked. “On my way back to the Raven, I was shot.
I need some assistance, it had garlic on it.” He explained quietly. He grabbed his cell phone and quickly
dialed up Natalie. “Nat, I need you here, and bring your
bag.” Nick said as he hung up the phone. Nick strolled over to LaCroix and helped
him to the couch. He removed
the jacket and ripped the sleeve of his shirt off. Just then, Natalie walked in and saw who the
patient was. Not exactly thrilled,
but Nick called for her. She
strolled over to the couch and sat on the coffee table to help LaCroix
with his wound. “Whose Retha?” Nick insisted. “I can’t.” he replied. “Nat, wait.” He said strongly. “Nick.” She sighed. “Nicholas.” He said in slight discomfort. “Retha.” He repeated the name. “All right.” He said. “Go ahead.” He asked politely. As LaCroix explained who Retha was, Natalie
continued to fix the wound, and pulled out the bullet. “Was she a jolted lover?” he implied. “My love, yes. Jolted, no.
Retha had asked to be brought across.
Just before I could, her daughter stopped me and Retha died while
we fought. Retha was someone
I cared deeply for.” He expressed his heart to him. “She’s out for revenge.” He said thinking
out loud. “Looks that way.” He answered. “Great.” Nick sighed. “Done.” Nat implied. “Thank you.” He replied in return. “No problem.” She responded. “Daughter’s name?” he asked. “Laura.” He answered. “Is she a;” he inquired. “A vampire. Yes.” He answered. “By you?” he questioned. “No.” he answered. “Why Rita and Leslie?” he asked. They were dressed like her on the night
she died.” He explained. “I need to go back to the Lab.” He planned
to do. “Thanks Nat. I’ll be there later.” He expressed to her. “Okay.
I’ll check this out as well.” She said quietly. “I owe you.” Nick whispered. “Big time.” She implied. “All right.” He said. Natalie left the loft, and Nick focused
his attention on LaCroix and Laura. “Anyone else missing?” he asked. “Not that I’m aware of.” He answered. “Let’s try and end this before someone
else is killed.” He implied. “Do try. I’ll be at the Raven.” He said with a slight
sigh. As Nick stepped away, LaCroix swooped
away to the Raven. Nick quickly
left his place and made his way down to the car.
He climbed in and started the engine.
He quickly drove to the Forensics Lab.
He parked the car and ran up the stairs to her Lab where Nat
was working on the body and the head was on a separate tray. He quietly approached her and lightly touched
her hand. She turned the tape
off and removed the headpiece and her gloves. “How’s LaCroix?” she asked. “Fine, angry, but fine. What you got?” he asked in return. “Okay.
This is her body. She
died from decapitation, obviously. And
again, the bite for show. This
one has a new twist.” She briefed him. “That is.” He sighed. “The pellet I took from his arm and the
metal traces I found all around the neck area are identical.” She explained
quietly. “What?” he asked very puzzled. “The pellet did have garlic on it, but
its forged iron with black powder residue.
The wound when the head was removed, also had forged iron and
black powder residue.” She replied proudly. “Back then, the weapons were forged over
fires from iron.” He gave a little history story. “Did he talk more when I left?” she implied. “Her name is Laura and she’s taking revenge
for her mother’s death.” Nick expressed to her. “Is she a;” she hinted to him. “Yes.” He whispered. “Great. Now what?” she questioned. “Working on it.” He sighed. Before they continue their conversation,
Schanke peeked his head in and cleared his throat. “Hey buddy, let’s roll.” He suggested. “What’s up?” he inquired. “Body three.” He said with a long sigh. “Damn.” He mumbled. “This one’s in the alley behind the Raven.”
He told him. “Let’s go. Nat.” he suggested. “Let’s go.” She agreed. They quickly left the Lab and they headed
for the alley by the Raven. He
parked the car along the curb and they climbed out. He locked the doors and led the way to the
alley. As they strolled down
the alley, they observed the body. Again,
candles lit and two wine glasses by her side.
She’s dressed in a white robe.
Natalie approached the body and placed her gloves on. She tilted the head and found two holes and
lifted the body slightly and no blood.
Nick noticed her hands and reached over with his hanky and removed
the ring from her finger. “LaCroix’s ring.” He mumbled. “Where is he?” she asked. Nick quietly stood up and disappeared
from the scene. He cautiously went inside of the Raven, no sense of
him being there, or nearby. He
then returned to Natalie outside whose just finishing up. “Laura has him.” He whispered. “Where?” she asked quietly. “I don’t know.” He answered. “Put that away.” She suggested. “Thanks. Let’s finish up.” He said quickly. As they slowly finish the loose ends,
we move across the land to an old warehouse where LaCroix was bolted
to a wall. Garlic all around him and a gold cross-painted
on the floor at his feet. LaCroix
weakened by the scent of garlic, slowly woke up and saw his surroundings.
He looked all around and was repelled.
Suddenly, from the far left corner, Laura appeared wearing a
white robe with a white lily trimmed with pink in her hair.
Her eyes were neon green and her fangs shined from the surrounded
candlelight. LaCroix just glared at her and his anger began
to build. “Lucien.” Laura echoed his name. “Release me.” LaCroix demanded. “Not possible. You killed my mother.” She bluntly explained. “I loved your mother.” He said. “Love, you’re not capable of love.” She
said with a sinister laugh. “She was my world. I wanted her in mine.” He expressed his words
angrily. “As what, a demon. She didn’t deserve that.” She yelled. “This will not bring her back.” He tried
to tell her. “No.
But you will suffer for what you did.” She told him calmly. “You don’t want to do this.” He replied. “Oh, but I do.” She said laughing. She strolled up to him keeping her eyes
on his. Pulled a knife from behind
her back and slowly rolled it under his nose. He suddenly felt ill, garlic and holy water
was burned into the knife. She
grinned and smiled at him with a very devilish look and a gleam in her
vampire eyes, she lowered her hand downward and carefully lifted up
his hand and with a quick jerk of her hand, she slit his wrist.
The blood slowly drained from his veins and his body. LaCroix snarled from the pain. “Oh, and a darling. You won’t heal as quick as the garlic and
holy water travel in and around the wound your ice cold blood.” Laura
explained sweetly. “You have dishonored your mother.” He
mumbled. “Oh well.” She replied. Suddenly, LaCroix felt the warm sensation
of the garlic and holy water invade his body. He grew weak and became weaker as the time
flew by. “Farewell my dear Lucien.” She said with
a kiss upon his brow. She quickly left LaCroix dying on the
floor and flew to Nick’s home. She
floated overhead observing him through the sky window. Nick had just finished reading a file and
tossed it upon the couch. Suddenly,
an overwhelming urge filled his senses and he looked all around him. Laura fell through the window and tossed Nick
clear across the room with one blow.
Nick rolled to his feet and wiped the blood from his lip. She gave him an evil look and snarled deeply
to him. “Laura.” Nick said. “Lucien had mentioned me.” She replied. “Yes.” He answered. “Delightful. However, he did not mention you.” She said
disappointed. “Where is he?” Nick asked directly. “Dying.” She bluntly explained. “What?” he said in shock. “Dying to join mother.” She expressed
with a slight laugh. “Tell me.” Nick demanded. His heart pumped slowly trying to get
Laura to expose LaCroix’s whereabouts. “I’m much too old and wise for that.
Farewell Nicholas. My sympathies to you for your loss.” She expressed
to him. “Where’s LaCroix?” he yelled loudly. “Remember the past. You’re answer you will find.” She hinted to
him. Laura quickly swooped upward and disappeared
from sight into the midnight sky. Nick
ran to the center of the room, but before he could take to flight, Natalie
strolled in from the front door. She was in shock of the mess in his place.
Natalie walked over to Nick and grabbed a hold of his arm and
his head turned towards her and he saw her terrified eyes.
Natalie took notice in the slight wound over his eyebrow. “Come, sit down.” She pleaded. Nick
stumbled closely behind her and he went and sat down on the couch. Natalie strolled into the kitchen and grabbed
a towel. She turned the faucet
on and dampened a towel. Turned
the water off and returned to Nick on the couch.
She very carefully touched the wound and gently cleaned it up
for him. “What happened?” she asked. “Ow.
Laura was here. She has
LaCroix.” He answered quickly. “Is he?” she hesitated to ask. “She wants him to suffer and die slowly.”
He mumbled. “Why you?” she asked nervously. “Challenge to find him, I guess.” He
replied. “The wounds not bad.” She explained to
him. “It’ll heal quick.” He responded. “I’m sure.” She answered with a slight
grin. “Well, she’s a vampire, new in town,
and needs a safe place to hide. She
also knew where to find him.” Nat said thinking out loud. Nick quickly rose from the couch and
Nat stood at his side. “The Raven. Let’s go.” He said. They quickly ran for the door and they
rode down to his car. He stood
by the driver side and handed the keys to Natalie. “Here, meet me there.” He replied. “But Nick.” She responded. “Please.” He begged. Nick reached over and gave her a quick
peck on her forehead and took to flight to the Raven while Natalie drove
his car there. Nick landed at
the back door unnoticed. He broke
the lock on the door and ran inside and searched all over for him and
Laura. He calmly stood there and let his vampire
senses take over. He ran into
the backroom and over to the cellar door.
He carefully opened the door with a slight creek. He slowly walked down the steps one by one.
As he descended, he could smell
blood in the air and it got warmer as he went lower into the basement. As he stepped off the last step, it was as
though he had traveled back in time.
In front of him, a fireplace with a fire roaring from it, and
the warmth of the fire filled the room.
A fur rug lying on the floor with a silver bucket and a bottle
of wine placed inside. Along
side of it was two wine glasses with a deep red wine in them.
Suddenly, from the far corner, Laura stepped in carrying a silver
rod in her hands and observing Nick’s movements. “Nicholas, you naughty boy.” She whispered. “Where’s LaCroix?” he demanded. “Here.” she quickly replied. Her vampire eyes keep Nick very still
as she strolled up to him very quietly.
The she bypassed him to the far right wall and turned the light
on. Nick’s eyes were filled with
shock and horror. LaCroix was
still bolted to the wall and sat in a pool of blood, his own. As Nick attempted to go to him she flew by
him and sliced his arm with the silver rod.
He grabbed a hold of his arm, and then quickly looked to Laura
with his vampire eyes. His fangs
glowed from the light that surrounded the room. “What kind of vampire are you? That had garlic and holy water burned into
it.” She explained in fear. “A whole new breed.” He answered with
a slight snarl. “NO!” she screamed in anger. Laura took to flight and plunged into
Nick and they the hit. They snarled
and growled while they fought. Nick
grabbed her by the throat and lifted her about two feet from the floor. Just as Nick got a hold of the rod, Natalie
walked in. She screamed by the
sight before her eyes and Nick plunged the rod deep into Laura’s ice-cold
black heart and screamed from the pain, and she imploded into dust. Nick looked at Natalie with his green eyes
and then swooped over to LaCroix. Not
realizing the chains were covered with garlic and holy water, he used
his vampire strength and broke them in pieces.
LaCroix collapsed into Nick’s arms.
Nick felt his life force fading fast, and with that he lifted
his arm up to his mouth and with his fangs he tore open his wrist and
placed upon LaCroix’s lips. The
blood poured from him in hopes to revive LaCroix.
Nick shook him and tapped his face to arouse him, suddenly his
body had a jolt and he began to feed on Nick’s blood. Suddenly, from a distance they could
hear the sirens of the police and everyone arriving. Natalie looked to Nick and realized she could
not yet touch him. “I’ll try to hold them off.” She said. “Thanks.” Nick struggled to answer. Natalie left the room and them alone.
Nick felt a slight weakness in his body and he quickly pulled
his wrist away and raised it to his mouth to seal the wound.
He closed his eyes and he retracted the vampire back inside of
him. He took his sleeve and cleaned
off LaCroix’s face. He slowly sat up and looked all around him.
He grabbed his arm and noticed the wound was completely healed.
Then he touched his lips and quickly looked behind him and saw
Nick sitting there staring at him. Nick
stood up and helped LaCroix to his feet. “Nicholas.” He sighed. “You all right?” he asked with great
concern. “I think so. Laura?” he inquired. “Destroyed.” He answered. “Did you?” he implied. “Yes.” He mumbled. “Thank you. I guess I owe you.” He replied. “We’re even.” He said with a slight grin. Suddenly, Natalie and Schanke entered
the room and were amazed by the view of the past. “Knight, what’s the scoop?” he asked. “Later. I’m tired.” He replied. “Hey, did you know a Jamie Paro?” he
asked LaCroix. “She was my other bar maid.” He responded. “Was is right. We found her body an hour ago. Same story on her, sorry.” He briefed. “I’ll come in later to do the paperwork.”
He pleaded. “Where’s the spooky lady?” he inquired. “Dead.
She through herself into the fire and Natalie can confirm that.”
Nick said quickly. “Yes, I will. When I finish my report.” She replied. “But;” he started. “I promise.” Nick said. “Six sharp. I’ll pick you up.” He planned to do. “Done.” Nick agreed. “My people will clean this, I need to
rest. Nicholas;” he hinted to
him. “Go ahead.” He said with a slight sigh. LaCroix left the room and strolled up
the stairs. Nick and Natalie
strolled closely behind and went outside.
They stepped over to his car and gazed upon each other. “What a night?” Nat added to start the
conversation. “Yeah.” He answered. “I’m glad its over.” She replied. “Till the next one.” He bluntly said. “Nick.” She said with a slight laugh. “Sorry. My place for a nightcap? I need a drink.” He suggested. “Want me to drive?” she asked. “Yeah, I’ll ride in the trunk.” He said
with his boyish grin. “Thought so.” She sighed in return. Nick slowly leaned over to her and kissed
her very warmly and he stepped to the back of the car and climbed into
the trunk. Natalie slid into
the driver seat and turned the engine on and headed for Nick’s home
for some rest. |