I don't own Forever Knight or any of these characters.  Technically, I guess that means 
that I don't have the right to rewrite cannon as I did and I guess I could get sued over it.  
But, I don't care.  I'm writing the story I want to write and I doubt anyone that actually 
owns Forever Knight will sue me because fanfic isn't a bad thing; it's a good thing. <G>


Chapter 1



Donald Schanke was worried.  Tracy Vetter hadn't shown up for work yet and that was 
very unlike her.  Since Nick had gone solo again Schanke had partnered with her.  She 
had been Knight's temporary partner while he and Cohen had gone to escort Dollard to 
Alberta.  That had turned out to be a longer deployment because an incident had 
happened with a mad bomber and they'd both stayed to help out while Nick and Tracy 
partnered up here.  Then one crisis after another seemed to conspire to keep them there.  
When they finally returned the change had happened.  "You and Tracy should team up.  
She's got a talent for police work but she could benefit from your experience.   You're a 
great cop."

"Um, gee, Nick I don't know what to say.  Thank you."   He'd been dumbfounded.  Still 
he accepted it and it had worked out.  Tracy was so much more than just the 
Commissioner's daughter.  And Nick was still around, albeit not as much.  Besides he 
had to admit that Nick's words had pleased him.  Two years of partnering with the 
Wonder Cop had made Schanke feel like a rookie sometimes.  He was pleased to be in 
the leadership role now.  And Nick was right.  Tracy was very good.  He was happy to be 
her mentor. 

So finally, rather than waste any more time worrying, Schanke told Cohen that he was 
going out to look for her. "Good idea.  And when you find her tell Vetter that being her 
father's daughter won't save her; she's still in trouble."

"Got it, Captain."  But he had a feeling that Tracy was already in some kind of trouble.  
He went out to his car and started a search.  The first place he went to was her apartment 
building.  She wasn't there and her car was gone.  But she could still be home.  Don 
decided to make sure.  He went up to her apartment and rang her bell.  There was no 
response.  He knocked.  "Tracy, are you home?  Cohen said to tell you that being your 
dad's daughter won't save you from her wrath."  No answer.  She obviously wasn't there. 

 Going on the assumption that she had started to go into work, he drove the most likely 
route she would have taken.  He didn't see her or her car anywhere.  So he drove back 
and tried another route.  This was less likely because, although you could get to the 
precinct from her apartment by this route, the neighborhood left something to be desired. 
But she could have used it for some reason.  So he tried it.  

And he hit pay dirt.  He saw her car parked just outside of an alley.  Getting out of the 
car, he looked around.  No sign of her.  "Tracy, are you here?"  No answer but he had an 
uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.  So he took out his gun and stepped into the 
alley, all the while calling her name.  No response.  

He'd reached the end and was just about to go back when something made him check 
behind a dumpster.  That's where he found her.  She was curled up in a tight ball, clothes 
dishelved and she looked battered.  "Tracy, are you all right?"  Stupid question!  Of 
course she wasn't all right.  But was she alive? 

He knelt down beside her and noted with relief that her chest was rising and falling as she 
breathed.  But her eyes were vacant and she stared straight ahead.  Don had the 
uncomfortable feeling that he knew what had happened to her.  

"Tracy!  Tracy, can you hear me?"  There was still no response.  He gently touched her 
shoulder and she flinched and curled up even more tightly.  God, what was he going to 
do?  Then he thought of Nick.  Quickly he dialed his number.  Getting the machine, Don 
tried his cell.

Nick picked up.  "Knight."

"Nick, it's me. Got a problem.  Tracy didn't show up for work tonight and I got worried.  
I found her but there's a problem."  He turned away from her and lowered his voice.  "I 
think she's been raped and I need some help."  He gave the location.

"I'll be right there."  Nick was in his Caddy and he quickly turned it around and got there 
as quickly as possible without flying.  The Caddy screeched to a halt when he got there 
and he had to restrain himself from using vampiric speed.  "Where is she?"  Schanke 
showed him.  

"Tracy, it's me, Nick."  Again no response.  He touched her as Schanke had done but this 
time the response was more violent.  

"Nooo!  Not again!  Leave me alone!"  She beat at him with her arms and kicked out with 
her legs.  

Nick wasn't deterred.  He grabbed her hands.  "It's me, Tracy.  Nick Knight.  Remember.  
I'm not going to hurt you.  I want to help you.  You're safe."

She gradually settled down.  "Nick?"  He nodded.

Schanke came closer to her.  "I'm here too. Donald Schanke.  I'll help you too."

She studied him.  "Schank?"

He nodded.  "Tracy, you have to let us take you to the hospital.  You need care."

She shook her head.  "No!  I just want to go home."  Then she broke down and cried.  
She wanted to get out of here and go someplace where she could hide and noone would 
know about what had happened.  That place was her apartment.    

Nick stroked her hair.  "Tracy, please.  You need to go.  We only want to help you.  I'll 
call Nat for you if you like.  She can be there with you."

Tracy looked from one to the other.  Her training told her that it was the best thing.  She 
knew it in her head.  But again, every fiber of her body was screaming out to get home 
and hide.  Finally, reluctantly, she agreed.  "All right.  I'll go.  You will call Nat for me?"

Nick smiled at her.  "I'm doing it right now."  He dialed her number at the Coroner's 
Office.  "Nat, it's Nick.  Could you meet us at Toronto General?  Schanke and I are 
bringing Tracy in.  Something bad happened to her.  Thanks."  He disconnected.  "She's 
coming.  Now you."  Hesitantly she nodded.  "Good."  Nick very much wanted to scoop 
Tracy up and carry her but with where they were going, he couldn't risk it.  He stepped 
back.  "Schank, can you carry her?  I would do it myself but I hurt my back the other day 
and it's still kind of sore."

Schanke stared at him.  He could hardly believe that the Wonder Cop had admitted to 
getting hurt.    "Sure."  He approached Tracy.  "I'm going to pick you up now.  I have to 
touch you for that.  I'm not going to hurt you, all right.  Is that O.K?"  She nodded and he 
gently eased his arms under her and carried her to his car. " Nick, you follow."  And they 
made their way to the hospital.  Don did briefly wonder why Tracy had reacted more 
violently to Nick than to him.  But not for long.  That wasn't important right now.  What 
was important was getting Tracy to the hospital and getting her the help she needed.




Chapter 2



As soon as Schanke pulled up to the E.R. he was relieved to see Natalie waiting with a 
female doctor.  Good.  Nick had called him to say that he was going to call Natalie with 
more details so that they would be prepared for Tracy.  They both approached the car.  
"Hi, Trace.  This is my friend, Dr Jane Cuthbertson.  She's going to be the one who takes 
care of you."  Natalie hoped how upset she was didn't come out in her voice.   

Tracy shook her head.  "No.  I changed my mind.  I just want to go home O.K.  I'm fine.  
It wasn't a big deal."  She couldn't fall apart in front of everyone again.   She had to hold 
it together. 

Natalie leaned down to talk to her.  "Please Tracy."  She saw Nick approaching.  "I'll be 
with you every step of the way.  It's really important to do this.  You don't have to but I 
wish you would."  Natalie was pleading with her.

Tracy looked at all of them.  She knew they were trying to help but she really wished 
they didn't know.  She didn't want anyone to know what a complete and utter failure she 
was.  But they did know; she could tell by their expressions.  Why fight it?  It hadn't 
worked before.  "O.K."  Natalie gave her a small smile as Tracy got out of the car.  

Natalie followed Tracy to the exam room where Jane took over. " Tracy, I need you to 
step on this sheet and undress."  

Tracy did as asked.  She felt sore all over but it wasn't anything she couldn't live with.  
She had no choice.  As much as she wanted to she couldn't break down in front of them.  
She could do this.  She kept her composure until she saw someone enter with a camera.     
She couldn't let them take pictures because they would reveal the fang marks on her 
neck.  This had to stop right now.   It didn't matter what standard procedure was.  
  

"No.  I don't want you too."

 Natalie came over and stood beside Tracy.  "Tracy, I know this is hard for you but this is 
necessary.  It'll be all right.  I promise.  I'm here with you.  I'm not going anywhere."

Tracy was panicked.  Her mind was whirling.  They didn't know about vampires and they 
mustn't find out or they'd all be killed and it would be her fault.  How could she stop 
this?  There was no way to; she'd already consented.  She squeezed her eyes shut.  
"O.K," she whispered.

"Tracy, is there anything else that we should know about?"  Jane gently asked.

"Um…yeah…one thing.  He banged my head against the ground.  It wasn't that bad, 
though."  

Jane and Natalie looked at each other.  "Thank you for telling us, Tracy," Jane said, as 
she got started.  There were a lot of cuts and scrapes that had to be cleaned and bruises to 
be checked.  

Tracy felt like the exam was another ordeal that she could barely handle.  But she did and 
by the time they were combing out her hair she felt a little more together.  When Tracy 
was given a gown to wear she felt enormous relief at being covered.  " Can I go home 
now?"

  "I'm sorry Tracy but we're not done yet," Jane said.    

Natalie squeezed her hand.  "I'll stay with you until they are done, sweetie.  You won't 
be alone."

Tracy let out a small sigh.  She hadn't really expected them to let her go this soon but 
she'd had to ask anyway.  "How soon?"

"I can't tell you that.  It depends on what we find.  Or if you've got a concussion or not", 
Jane explained.  

"Fine."  Tracy said, flatly.   

 "I'll do all I can to help you.  We all will.  You just have to let us."  Natalie told her. 

Tracy nodded.  She got it.  Best to be calm and keep herself under control.  It had been a 
mistake to agree to come here and she wasn't going to make another by getting all 
emotional.  She was fine.



  Even with Natalie there Tracy couldn't help but feel violated all over again.  The doctor 
took blood for the H.I.V. test.  Tracy was also given the "morning after" pill.  She didn't 
bother to say that she wouldn't need it.  

" We're going to take you to X-ray to make sure you don't have a head injury."   

"  Whatever."   She nodded.   

Natalie squeezed her hand.  "Tracy, I'm going to talk to Nick.  I'll be here when you get 
back."  Tracy barely heard Natalie as she was taken away.  

Natalie went to Nick out in the hall.  'Where's Schanke?"

"He's giving hair samples because he was the one who carried her to the car." 

Natalie nodded as she touched his arm.  "I know how much you must have wanted to be 
the one to carry her."

Nick looked like he was about to cry.  "I couldn't.  I knew they'd want samples from 
whoever carried her and I couldn't take the risk of discovery."

"I know you want to help.  There is something you can do."

"What?"

"Go to Tracy's apartment and get a change of clothes.  If they do release her she's going 
to need them."

"I can do that.   I know you don't like me to use my powers unless it's absolutely 
necessary but…." Natalie nodded her understanding as Nick left.

    

 


 
Natalie went back to wait for Tracy.  Schanke came by.  "Where's Nick?"

"He left to get a change of clothes for Tracy in case she's released tonight."

"Why would they keep her?"

"Apparently besides beating and raping her, her attacker slammed her head on the 
ground.  She's in X-ray right now to determine if she has any head injury.  If not, she'll 
probably go home."

Schanke blew up.  "That bastard!  We have to catch him, Nat, if it's the last thing we ever 
do."

She patted his arm. " I know you'll do everything you can."

Just then Tracy was brought back in.  "No serious head injury."  Jane reported.  

"So I can go home now, right?"

Jane nodded.    "I'll get to work on your discharge papers.  You should come back for a 
follow up in a couple of weeks."  Tracy didn't say anything.

"I sent Nick to get you a change of clothes.  He should be back soon."  Natalie told her.  

Schanke approached Tracy."   "Tracy, I've got to ask you some questions."

"No!  I don't want to talk about it.  Coming here was a huge mistake.  I'm not making 
any more.  I don't have to talk to anybody and I won't."  

Both Natalie and Schanke were taken aback by her vehemence.   They agreed that it 
would be for the best to back off.  For now.
************************************************************************
Nick was back.  Minding the fact that he wasn't supposed to be back this soon, he 
wandered down to the lab in the hopes of gathering information that would help bring 
Tracy's attacker to justice.  "Strange, isn't it?" Nick heard one lab tech remark to another.  
"Those semen samples they collected from that rape victim that was brought in tonight 
were all blood.  Guess the guy had some kind of physical, sexual problem in addition to 
being a creep."  

Nick froze.  The rapist was a vampire!  Things were even worse than he'd thought.  He 
had to talk to Nat right away and he hurried off. 

 Nat and Schanke were sitting with Tracy.  "Hi, everyone.  Tracy, I've got some clothes 
for you.  Are they letting you out?"

"Yes, they are.  Give me my clothes."  He did and she went back behind the curtain to 
change.

"Nat, can I talk to you for a minute?  Excuse us, Schank."  She followed him out with a 
questioning look.  He got right to the point.  "The rapist is a vampire.  I overheard a tech 
talking about how the semen was all blood."

"Oh, no!  What are we going to do?"  All the blood had drained from Natalie's face and 
for once she looked paler than Nick

"Cover it up of course.  As usual."  There was anger, pain and guilt in his voice.  "I can 
make them forget.  I'll have to hypnotize the photographer too."  Natalie told him who it 
was.  "I'll also have to hypnotize your friend too.  I'm sorry."

Natalie nodded.  "Poor Tracy.  No wonder she was afraid to come here.  She must be 
terrified that we'll all get killed and it'll be her fault somehow.  That's a burden she does 
not need right now.  If we had…" she trailed off.

"Leveled with her right from the start than maybe things would be different.  Especially 
with Vachon gone.  I should have--.  Too late now.  What's done is done.  We have to do 
what we have to do.  Which means I've got to let LaCroix know."  His face screwed up 
in distaste.  

"Oh, Nick!  Do you really have to?"

"You know I do.  This is a rogue vampire and what he's done is against the code.  It's 
very bad, even by vampire standards."   Nick paused.  "He's a danger to both mortals and 
vampires alike and must be stopped.  And as much as I hate it, that means going to 
LaCroix.  He is the elder here."

"I know, you're right."  There was pain, anger and guilt in Natalie's voice as well.  "I'm 
going to go back and be with Tracy.  You'll find Jane getting her discharge papers at the 
desk."

"O.K.  I'll go hypnotize her first and then find the others and do them too.  I'll have to 
make them give me the samples.  I have no choice.  I wish…."

"I know.  We'll get through this.  All of us."  She went back to Tracy. 


Chapter 3


Natalie drove Tracy home.  They were both silent for the entire drive. 

 Natalie followed Tracy up to her apartment where Tracy dug in her pocket for her keys 
to unlock the door.  "Glad they let me have my keys back so I could get into my 
apartment.  I should really get my car, though."  

"Nick or Schanke'll take care of it.  Don't worry about that now."  Natalie was really 
worried about her.  Tracy seemed too calm, too much in control, which wasn't a good 
sign.  Tracy had broken down once and asked to go home but since then…nothing.  Not 
good at all.

"Thanks for driving me home, Nat, but as you can see, I'm O.K.  You don't have to stay.  
I know that you're needed at work."

"Tracy, it's fine.  I called them and let them know I wouldn't be coming back tonight.  
I'll stay."

"You didn't tell them why, did you?"  There was a tiny note of hysteria in Tracy's voice, 
the first crack in her facade.  

"No.  I just said there was an emergency.  I didn't say what it was."

 " Good."  The mask of calm was back.  "I'm going to go take a shower now.  Feel free to 
make yourself at home."  

 Tracy hurried to the bathroom.  She couldn't wait to get in there and scrub herself clean.  
She felt so dirty and it wasn't a pleasant feeling.  She had to scrub away the feeling of 
him on her and--.  Cutting her thoughts off firmly, she hopped in the shower and began 
lathering herself up.  She scrubbed every inch of herself, including her hair.  It wasn't 
working; she still felt dirty.   She scrubbed even harder.  It didn't matter how long it took; 
she had to get him off her.  And she would, if it was the last thing she ever did.

Natalie was getting an uneasy feeling.  She couldn't explain it but she had to act on it.  
She went and knocked on the bathroom door.



"Tracy, are you all right?  You're taking an awfully long time in there.  Can I come in?"

Natalie.  Tracy had forgotten about her.  "No.  I'm fine.  Go away."

"Tracy, please.  I just want to make sure you're all right."

She wasn't all right and she didn't feel like she'd ever be all right again but she couldn't 
let Nat know.  "Come in."

Natalie entered and walked over to the shower.  "Trace, I just want to make sure you're 
all right.   She hesitated.  Natalie had a feeling she knew what Tracy was doing in there.

"I know."  Tracy's voice was flat and empty.   

Natalie was alarmed by that tone.    She just knew Tracy was scrubbing herself raw.  
"Trace, I think it's time to come out now.  Scrubbing your skin off isn't going to help."

 
  Then came another crack in the mask.  "It's not working, Nat.  No matter how much I 
try and how hard I scrub I can't get the feel of him off me."

"That feeling won't last.  It'll go away in time.  You'll be all right.  Come on out."

Tracy shut off the water.  Natalie handed her two towels through the shower curtain.  
Tracy wrapped herself in one and her hair in the other.    Then she walked to her 
bedroom.   Natalie followed.  Tracy turned to her.  "Are you absolutely sure you want to 
stay?  Because…you know…you don't have to."

Natalie's heart broke.  Poor Tracy was terrified of endangering her.  Natalie wanted to 
put her arms around Tracy and tell her it was all right because she didn't need protection.  
But that would only relieve Natalie's burden.  It would only add to Tracy's and that 
wouldn't be fair.  If only she and Nick had…but it was too late now.  "Yes, I want to 
stay.  Why don't you get some rest?"

"Sure."  Tracy plopped down on her bed, suddenly not having the energy to argue 
anymore or do anything else.

Natalie sat down next to her.  "I'm so sorry this happened to you." 

Tracy felt dangerously like crying again.  To counteract that she went over to her dresser 
and found some flannel pajamas to put on.

Natalie turned away as Tracy put her pajamas on.  "Nat, I don't have a guest room or 
anything.  You won't be comfortable."

"I'll sleep on the couch.  I'll be fine."  There was no way she was leaving Tracy alone 
tonight."

"But Sidney.  He'll need you."

"He'll be fine.  He's a resourceful cat.  Besides he's got enough: food, water and litter.  I 
always make sure of that.  Now go to sleep and stop worrying.  I'm here for the night."

"O.K.  Good night."

"Good night."

It wasn't very long after that when Natalie was awakened by the sounds of screaming.  
"NO!  NO!  PLEASE DON'T!  STOP IT!  She rushed to Tracy's room.  "Tracy, honey, 
it's all right.  You're safe.  It's just a dream.  It's not happening again."    

  Tracy took a deep breath and looked around   "Yes.  Right.  Of course I'm safe.    Sorry.    
I didn't mean to wake you up."

Natalie's heart broke all over again for her friend.  Tracy was shattered.   But the mask 
was already back up.  And the facade she was putting up deeply worried Natalie.  Tracy 
wouldn't be able to heal until she dealt with what happened, which she wasn't doing.  But 
Natalie couldn't force her to without further hurting her.  Especially with the 'special 
circumstances' they were dealing with.   "Are you going to try to go back to sleep or do 
you want to talk?"  Natalie prayed that she'd want to talk.

"I'm fine.  I don't need to talk.  I'm going to go back to bed."   

That was one unanswered prayer.  Natalie was forced to accept it.  She went back to the 
living room.

Tracy didn't go back to sleep.  She lay there and cried silently so Nat wouldn't hear.  She 
also tried to decide how best to handle things.  She hoped it wasn't all over the precinct 
by now but she was afraid it would be.  How could she face going back to work?  What if 
her father found out?  Dear God, no.  Not that.  Anything but that.  "Please don't let him 
find out.  I can deal with everyone else.   Don't let my father find out how badly I 
screwed up."  These thoughts started the tears flowing.  In spite of herself, the exhaustion 
caught up with her and she fell asleep.  And had another nightmare.  This time she didn't 
wake up screaming, so Natalie didn't know.  Which may or may not have been a good 
thing.



Chapter 4




"And so my dear listeners another broadcast has come to an end.  As always, I, the 
Nightcrawler am here for you all.  I will listen and offer counsel.  But alas, not until 
tomorrow night.  All good things must come to an end.  So until tomorrow night, I leave 
you with a song.  Good night."  

The song started playing as Nick pulled into the parking lot of the Raven.  Good.  His 
timing was right.  LaCroix had just finished his show.  Or maybe his timing wasn't so 
good.  That remained to be seen and Nick wasn't looking forward to it.  

He entered the nightclub and headed for the radio booth.  Hopefully LaCroix was still 
there doing whatever a radio deejay did after their show went off the air.  
************************************************************************
LaCroix sensed his son approaching.  Nicholas was very upset about something.  Nothing 
unusual in that.  When wasn't the boy upset about something?  If it wasn't one thing, it 
was another.  It probably had to do with mortals.  In any case, he was going to find out 
about it soon enough; all he had to do was wait. 


Nick came into the booth.  "And what brings you to my humble abode this evening, 
Nicholas?"

"I have to talk to you."

"I had managed to figure that out for myself, thank you very much."  

"It's important."

"I had also gathered that.  Isn't it always?  So.  Shall we get on with it then?  If you don't 
tell me what this is about soon, you will have to spend the day with me.  Ooh!  Won't that 
be fun?"  LaCroix smirked.  

Nick produced the evidence he'd taken from the hospital.  "Tracy Vetter was raped 
tonight."

LaCroix remained inscrutable.  "And this concerns me, how exactly?"

"Just take a look at the evidence, LaCroix.  Then you tell me what it points to."

"Oh, very well.  I grow weary of these games."  He picked up the evidence.  And his 
expression changed briefly before the inscrutable expression was back.  "A vampire."

"A rogue.  Which is why I've come to you.  Believe me, you were the last one I wanted 
to go to for help.  But he has to be stopped.  "

"Yes.  So, tell me, is the good detective still alive?"

"Badly traumatized but, yes, she's still alive."

"Well that should make you happy at least."

"Damn it, LaCroix!  I'm not in the least bit happy!  I didn't even want to come to you."

"Oh, I'm quite aware of that."

"I only came to you because it was the right thing to do."

"And you are always careful to do the 'right thing', aren't you, Nicholas?"

"Yes!  I make no apologies for that.  You are the elder and as the leader this does fall 
under your jurisdiction.  This rogue not only endangers everything but he hurt someone I 
care about.  He hurt her badly.  And I want him taken care of."  Nick's eyes were glowing 
gold and his fangs were beginning to drop.  With difficulty he controlled himself.

LaCroix nodded.  "I do agree that something should be done.  What about the other 
mortals?  Who else knows?"

"I took care of the hospital staff.  No one will remember anything unusual.  Only Natalie 
knows.  Schanke was the one who found Tracy but as far as he's concerned it's a human 
rapist we're looking for."

"Good.  Good.  And Detective Vetter?  Do we need to have another session with her, as 
when Vachon died?"

Nick was tempted to have LaCroix take the pain and trauma away from Tracy, as had 
been done before.  But, no.  To go messing around with an already traumatized mind 
would be too risky.  It had been hard enough that first time.  Even LaCroix's advanced 
age and power that made it possible to whammy a resistor had barely been enough.  

"No.  I'm afraid another session would do irreparable harm to her.  She's already been 
hurt enough."

"Very well.  Thank you for bringing this to my attention.  I will, of course, have to 
contact the Enforcers."

"I had expected you would.  Good night, LaCroix."

"Good night, Nicholas."

As soon as Nick left, LaCroix dropped his indifference altogether.  The rogue was back.  
The one who never could be caught.  The one who know one knew but everyone had 
heard of.  This had gone on too long.  But there were no clues to his identity.  It could 
have been anyone from any community.  That was the hard thing.  How could one find 
such a rogue?  Well the first thing to do would be to contact the Enforcers.  LaCroix 
would do just that.



Chapter 5



The morning sun shining through her window woke Tracy from her troubled sleep.  She 
lay there for a minute, then got up and went to the window.  She looked out at the view 
and then walked out to the living room.  Natalie was still sleeping and Tracy didn't want 
to disturb her.  So she walked back into her bedroom and slumped on her bed.  She felt so 
horrible.  But she couldn't let Natalie know.  It was going to be a long day.
************************************************************************
Natalie awoke.  The first thing she did was check on Tracy.  Natalie knocked on the door 
softly.  "Good morning."

Tracy turned.  "Good morning."

Tracy's face looked even worse in the daylight than it had at night She had two black 
eyes, a split lip, numerous cuts that were stitched up and bruises.  Plus there was some 
swelling.  Natalie almost gasped with shock but fortunately was able to control it.  She 
watched as Tracy got up and headed into the living room and plopped on the couch.  "Are 
you hungry?  I could make us both something to eat."

"I'm not hungry.  Thanks, anyway.  You can make yourself something if you want.  I 
don't mind."

Natalie was tempted to try and coax Tracy into eating something but knew it would be a 
bad idea.  "Do you want some coffee, at least?"  Tracy's coffee addiction was famous.  

"No, I don't want coffee either."

Just then the phone rang.  Natalie looked at Tracy, questioningly.  Tracy waved her hands 
to indicate that Natalie should get it.  "Hello.  Oh, hi, Nick.  Yes, she's up."  She lowered 
her voice.  "You went to LaCroix last night.  How did it go?  I see.  I'm not surprised.  
I'm sure it'll be taken care of.  I'm not worried about that right now.  My main concern is 
Tracy.  No, she's not doing well at all.  She didn't want any breakfast this morning and 
she needs to eat.  Plus, she's still pretending that everything's fine.  She's focusing on 
trying to protect me rather than focusing on herself.  I don't know what to do.  I want to 
help her but I'm not sure if I can.  I don't think being her friend is going to be enough.  
Yes, I'm still going to try.  All right, I'll see you later.  Bye."

Natalie went to Tracy.  "That was Nick.  He wanted to know how you are doing."

"I'm fine.  You all are making much more of this than you need to.  Honestly, I'm O.K."

Natalie could tell that was a lie but now wasn't the time to push it.  "All right.  So what 
do you want to do?"

"Get my car and go on with my life.  I should get back to work."

"Are you sure you're ready for that?  It's your decision but I'm sure if you want to stay 
out for a bit it wouldn't be a problem." 

Tracy got up abruptly and hurried to the bathroom.  Natalie followed, looking 
bewildered.  

Tracy was staring at herself in the mirror.  "I do look awful.  Maybe I should take a few 
days off.  But you don't have to stay with me.  I know you've got a life and a cat to take 
care of.  I don't want to inconvenience you."

"You won't.  And I'd really like to stay with you, if you'll allow me to.  I'm your friend 
and I just want to be able to be a friend to you, that's all.  Will you let me?"

Tracy really wished Natalie would stop with all this kindness.  It just made her want to 
cry and that couldn't happen.  But she gave in.  "O.K.  If you really want to and you're 
sure it's no trouble."

"It's no trouble at all."

Tracy knew that she should really get Natalie away from her for her own safety but 
Natalie was offering a lifeline.  And Tracy desperately needed one.  So she took what was 
offered.  It wouldn't be for very long and it might even help.  "What about your work?"

"I can take some time off.  Things are rather slow at the moment.  So now what shall we 
do?"

"I don't know.  I don't want to go anywhere."

"That's fine.  We can stay in and do whatever you want.  I do have to go to my place and 
get some things.  I know you said you didn't want to go out but you can come along.  I 
don't plan on going anywhere but there.  It's up to you."

"I guess I'll come.  I just have to take a shower first."

"Good.  I'll make something to eat.  Sure you don't want anything."

"I'm sure."  Natalie left it at that.

A half hour later they were at Natalie's apartment.  "Hi, Sid.  Mommy's home."  She 
scooped up the purring cat and gave him a big hug and lots of kisses.  "I want to shower 
myself.  I shouldn't be long."

"Take your time."  Tracy sat down.  Sidney jumped up and began rubbing up against her.  
She picked him up and cuddled with him.  Sidney started purring.  Tracy suddenly started 
crying.  She buried her face in his fur.  Sidney continued purring and rubbing against her.  

In a few minutes Tracy had control of herself again.  She put Sidney down and walked to 
the kitchen sink where she splashed cold water on her face.  Natalie couldn't know that 
she'd been crying.  She went back to wait.

Natalie soon came out with a bag.  "O.K.  Let me get Sid situated and then we can go."

Tracy helped her and then they left.  Once they were back at Tracy's she flopped down 
on the couch and lay there, lost in her own world.  

Natalie went to call Nick.  'Hi, Nick.  It's me.  I'm going to stay at Tracy's for a while.  
No change yet.  Right now she's zoned out on the couch She's not even watching T.V.  
It's still early, though.  Maybe I can get through to her.  I hope so.  Anyway, I wanted to 
ask you if you'd take care of Sidney for me.  What do you mean?  Of course he likes you.  
He's just temperamental, that's all.  Not unlike someone else I know.  No, he's not 
spoiled, Nick Knight.  Thank you.  I'm worried enough about Tracy.  I don't need to 
worry about Sidney too.  O.K.  I'll go ask her.  Hold on."  

Natalie went to Tracy.  "Tracy, that's Nick on the phone.  Is it all right if he stops by this 
evening?  He wants to get your car for you but he needs the keys."

"All right.  Tell him thanks."

"I will."  She got back on the phone.  "It's fine with her, Nick.  When you come by just 
be careful around her O.K.  She's probably feeling overwhelmed and she doesn't feel like 
she can freely express that.  So it might come out in other ways.  Just don't take it 
personally.  It's not your fault.  Bye."  

Natalie had to cut him off.  It looked like Nick was going to feel guilty about this too.  
Great.  But he'd have to look after himself.  She was too busy with Tracy.  Natalie went 
over to Tracy and sat down next to her.  Even if the only thing she could do for Tracy 
was to stay with her, she'd do it.  It was the least she could do.   




Chapter 6  


And nothing changed.  Tracy declined all offers of food.  She just lay there.  Natalie was 
trying to think of what she could do when the phone rang.  "Hello.  Oh, hi, Schank.  Yes, 
I'm staying with her for awhile.  No, she hasn't said anything to me about the guy.  I 
know you want to catch him but she's really in a bad way and that's what I'm concerning 
myself with.  I understand how you feel, believe me.  I just have to follow Tracy's lead in 
this.  I don't want to hurt her anymore than she already has been.  Nick's stopping by 
tonight to get her keys.  I know you'd like to see her as well.  It's just not a good idea to 
be here when Nick is.  The less people around her the better right now.  Wait just a 
minute."  Natalie went over to Tracy.  "It's Schanke on the phone.  He wants to know 
how you're doing."

"And he wants to stop by and see me, right", Tracy said quietly.

"It doesn't have to be tonight.  Nick's already coming and that might be enough for you.  
You don't have to see anyone you don't want to."

"I know but he is my partner.  It's not that I don't want to see him."  She fidgeted.  

"If you're not ready, you're not ready.  It's all right.  This is your time, Tracy.  You're in 
charge of it."

"Tomorrow.  Have him come tomorrow if he wants."

Natalie got back on the phone.  "Schanke, come by tomorrow.  O.K.  Good bye."  

Natalie sat down in a chair.  "You really made him happy."

"I did?  How so?"

"By agreeing to let him come and see you.  He takes being partners very seriously."

"I know."  For an instant a small grin flashed across Tracy's face and then it was gone.

"What were you thinking about just then?" Natalie asked her.

"His partners of the month award.  He showed me the one he and Nick got.  He told me 
his goal was to get another one with me.  After he whipped me into shape, of course."

Natalie chuckled.  "That sounds like him.  He's a good guy."

"Yes, he is."  She abruptly stopped and got up.  "I think I'll try to get some sleep.  Wake 
me when Nick gets here."

Natalie sighed.  How did you help someone who needed it when you couldn't be totally 
honest with them?  It seemed impossible.  She didn't think Tracy was going to sleep but 
there was nothing she could do about it.

The day passed and that evening the doorbell rang.  Natalie went to get it.  ""Yes."

"It's Nick."

She let him in.  "Tracy, Nick is here."

"Coming."  She came out of the bedroom.  "Hi."

"Hi, Tracy.  How are you doing?"

"Good.  I'm good.  I wish people would stop asking me that.  How many times do I have 
to say I'm fine?"

"All right.  You're fine."  He was sensing a raging storm inside of her, one that she was 
desperately trying to keep hidden.  Nick sincerely hoped that Natalie could get through to 
her because that storm could destroy her if it wasn't allowed to be brought to the surface 
and dealt with.  Raging emotions of: fear, shame, sadness, despair and rage were what 
Nick was getting from Tracy.  Right now rage was in the forefront.  

"I am fine.  And you're here for my keys so why don't you just take them and go get my 
car like you said you wanted to.  Unless you've changed your mind.  In which case, you 
should just get the hell out of here and I'll take care of it myself."

Her rant took him aback.  "No.  I still want to get it for you.  It's the least I can do."

"Damn right!"  There was a pause.  "I'm sorry, Nick.  I didn't mean it.  I don't know 
what came over me.  Here you are nice enough to do a favor for me and I go off on you.  
We're not even partners anymore."

"No, but we're still friends, right?"

"Yeah.  Here are the keys."  As she handed him the keys their hands accidentally touched 
and Tracy jumped back as if scorched by fire.  

Nick saw fear in her eyes and in spite of what Natalie had said, it hurt him.

Tracy seemed confused by her reaction.  "I don't know what's the matter with me."

"Don't worry about it.  So I'll have your car back for you in about half an hour."

"Fine.  I'm going back now."  She nearly ran back to the bedroom.  

Nick slumped down.  "She's in so much pain, Nat.  And she's afraid of me.  It's like she 
instinctively knows that I'm a creature like the one that attacked her."

Natalie gave Nick a hug.  Then a talking to.  "What did I tell you?  I said not to take how 
she might act personally.  So what do you do?  You take it personally.  Nick, this isn't 
about you, all right.  Just because the rapist was a vampire does not mean that it's your 
fault.  The only one whose fault it is is the vampire who attacked Tracy." 
 
"But Nat--."

"No!  Listen to me.  All humans aren't the same and neither are vampires.  You should 
know that better than anyone.  So stop it.  Tracy needs love and support right now, not 
misplaced guilt.  And if you can't provide that it's better if you stay away from her."

"All right.  I get it.  I'll see you later."  He gave her a quick kiss and departed.  

Natalie sighed.  It was too much to hope for that that talk would change Nick's attitude 
permanently but hopefully it helped a little.  She went to check on Tracy.  "Hey."

Tracy looked up.  I don't know what came over me.  Nick probably thinks I'm a 
nutcase."

No, he doesn't.  It's not like he hasn't had stress in his life."  'Is that an understatement or 
what?'

"I guess."  Tracy was shaking slightly.  

"You want to come out and talk?  About anything you want."

"O.K."

They made their way back to the living room.  Natalie was really worried.  Tracy wasn't 
sleeping well and if she continued to not eat she could get really sick.  "I'm going to 
make something to eat.  Sure you don't want to join me?"

"I'm sure."  Tracy lay on the couch and pulled the afghan over her.

Natalie fixed herself something quick and joined Tracy.  "What's on your mind?"

"Do you think everybody knows by now."

Natalie wasn't sure what to say.  "I'm not sure."

"They probably do.  Thankfully my dad's out of town and won't be back for a few more 
days."

"And your mom?"

"Don't know.  Haven't heard from her in awhile.  Things will be good as long as they 
never find out.  Or my brothers either."

Natalie remembered Tracy had two brothers who lived elsewhere in Canada.  She 
wondered if she dared to say anything.  She took a chance.  "I'm sure if they found out 
they would only care about if you were all right."

Tracy gave her a look that seemed to say 'You don't get it, do you?'  "Sure but they can't 
find out.  You wouldn't tell them, would you?"

"Of course not.  It's not my place."

Tracy relaxed until the bell rang again.  "It's probably Nick.  I'll get it."

It was.  He gave Natalie the keys and left.  Tracy took them and went to bed.  

Natalie wanted to cry.  Tracy wouldn't take support from anyone, not even her family.  
How in the world could anyone help her, least of all, Natalie?





Chapter 7




That evening screams again woke Natalie.  Again, she found herself rushing to Tracy's 
room.  "Trace?"

Tracy was sitting bolt upright in bed, shaking.  "I'm all right.  Sorry about that.  I guess 
you're pretty sick of being awakened like this.  You should probably go home."

Natalie walked in and sat down on the bed.  "If you don't mind, I'd really rather stay."

Tracy swallowed hard.  "Thanks.  I'm O.K.  Now."  

"You sure?"

"Yes."  She lay back down.  "I'm going back to sleep, see."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."  Natalie left defeated.  She knew perfectly well that Tracy 
was lying about being fine.  Natalie also knew that Tracy wasn't going back to sleep.  
However, at the moment, there was nothing she could do about it.

As soon as Natalie left, Tracy sat up again.  She wasn't going to sleep and risk another 
nightmare.  It was hard enough convincing Nat she was fine.  Another nightmare 
wouldn't help her case.  If only she had the courage to just kick Natalie out.  But she 
didn't.  As hard as this was to admit, Tracy needed Natalie's presence to make her feel 
slightly safe in her own home.    Hopefully, not for long, but she needed to know her 
friends cared about her.

Tracy got out of bed and went to the window where her self- recrimination started again.  
'What I should have done was not wait around for Schanke to come and find me.  I 
should have gotten up, called the precinct and told them I was sick or something.  Then I 
could have just gone home and cleaned up and nobody would have been the wiser.  
Instead I just lay there for my partner to come and rescue me like I was some damsel in 
distress.  And now everybody knows.'  

'I don't want them to know but they do.  They all know how much of a failure I am.  It 
shouldn't have happened.  I'm a cop, for God's sake.  I'm trained to protect myself as 
well as others.  It shouldn't have happened to me.  But it did because I wasn't good 
enough on two counts.' 

'I failed on two counts.  One at being a good cop and two as someone who supposedly 
knows how to handle herself around vampires.  But I wasn't able to.  I thought I could.  
Obviously I can't.  Vachon, where are you when I need you?  Why did you have to 
leave?  I'm a total failure and I don't know what to do next.'

She started shaking again and whimpers escaped her.  She managed to force them back.  
It was time to stop thinking.  She went back to bed but not to sleep.  She just lay there 
and tried very hard to not think.  It didn't work very well.

The next morning Tracy dragged herself out of bed and into the shower.  Then she went 
 to the living room.  "Good morning, Nat."

"Good morning.  How did you sleep?"

"Really well, thank you."

'You didn't sleep at all, did you?'  Natalie couldn't confront Tracy with this thought, as it 
would only make things worse.  "Are you hungry?"

"Nope."  Tracy went to her usual space on the couch.  

Natalie ate alone and then went to shower.  While Natalie was showering the doorbell 
rang, causing Tracy to jump.   Tracy knew it was probably Schanke but she didn't feel 
like answering.  She knew she had to, so she forced herself from the couch.    "Who is 
it?"

"It's me,"Schanke said.    

With trembling hands she unlocked the door.  "Come in."

Don walked in and barely managed to stifle a gasp as he saw her face in daylight for the 
first time.  It looked like it had been run through a meat grinder or something, what with 
the bruises, swelling and stitches.  "Tracy, how are you doing?"

"Good."  She saw his skeptical look.  It was another person who didn't believe her.  
"Really."  Tracy was determined not to lose it again and have Schanke think she was 
nuts, as Nick probably did.  Schank wouldn't want to be partners anymore if he thought 
that.  And when Nick had dumped her it had hurt.  She didn't want to be dumped again.


Schanke followed Tracy to the kitchen just as Natalie returned.  Nat greeted him and they 
all took seats in the kitchen. Schanke started talking.  "I wanted to see for myself how 
you were getting along, Tracy."

"I know.  I'm glad you came by."

"Anyone want coffee?" Natalie asked.  

"I'd like some", Schanke said.  "It's a cop's best friend.  Right, Tracy?"

For a moment there was silence.  Natalie wondered if perhaps this was an opportunity for 
them to get Tracy to take something.

"I guess it is."

"Then you'll have some too?"  Natalie tried to sound casual.  

"O.K."

So in awhile the three of them were sipping cups of coffee.  Natalie had found a box of 
doughnuts and she noted with relief that Tracy was at least nibbling on one.  It was a 
good sign.


They made small talk about the weather and current events for a bit before Tracy couldn't 
take it anymore.  "Excuse me.  I'm going to go lie down.  Thanks for coming, Schank.  
I'll see you later."  She retreated to the bedroom. 

Schanke turned to Natalie.  "She's not doing as well as she pretends, is she?"

Natalie sighed.  "No.  But at least she ate something.  The coffee and doughnut were the 
first food she's eaten in two days."

 He sighed in frustration.  "Why won't she talk to us?  We have to catch the guy who did 
this to her."

"She's not ready to talk yet.  Give her time.  She's hurting really badly."

Don sighed again.  He knew that.  He also knew that Tracy wouldn't talk before she was 
ready.  He'd asked Nat anyway because she might have known something he didn't.  "I 
know.  I can't even imagine her pain.  What about her dad?  Does he know yet?"

Natalie shook her head.  "According to Tracy, he's out of town and won't be back for a 
few days."

Don shuddered.  "I don't even want to imagine how I'd feel if someone had done this to 
Jenny.  No matter how old your daughter gets she's always your little girl, you know."

"I know.  I had a dad."

"It's a father's job to protect his daughter whether she's an adult or not.  Whether she 
likes it or not.  When he does find out it's going to tear him apart.  I wouldn't want to 
have to feel all that.  It's bad enough just being…. He trailed off.  

"What, Schank?"

"Partners.  O.K.  We're supposed to be there for each other.  Back each other up.  Protect 
each other.  So how the hell did this happen to her?  I wasn't supposed to let anything 
happen to my partner and I did."

"First of all, you didn't let this happen.  We don't know the whole story.  It happened 
away from work.  You can't be with her twenty-four seven.  It's a risky job.  Hell, life is 
one big risk itself.  It wasn't your fault.  It was her attacker's fault.  No one else."

Don tapped his head.  "I know that up here.  But in here I still feel bad."  He tapped his 
heart.  

"I understand.  You can't though.  Misplaced guilt won't help Tracy.  Love and support 
will."

"You're right.  I have to get going.  There's an event at Jenny's school and Myra and I 
have to be there.  See you later."  

Natalie hoped she'd helped.  There was a better chance of her speech helping him than 
Nick.  She was suddenly awfully tired of guilt.  There was too much of it.  Hers, Nick's, 
Tracy's and now Schanke's.  It was getting in the way of healing, that was for sure.  

Time to push those thoughts aside.  There had been a little progress with Tracy actually 
eating something.  Perhaps there was hope for more. 



Chapter 8


" You have called us here, Lucius.  And we are here because whatever it is is serious.  So 
tell us."  Hasid waited.

LaCroix bristled at the use of his original, mortal name.  No one ever used it.  No one was 
allowed to.  To most he was LaCroix.  To a select few, he was Lucien.  Lucius, the 
Roman general, had for all intents and purposes, died at the eruption of Vesuvius.  Along 
with Selene and countless others.  

But this was an Enforcer.   Even LaCroix didn't mess with them.  He quickly explained 
the situation.  

As expected, it was not welcome news.  "And why in hundreds of years, have we never 
been able to find and dispose of his threat?"

LaCroix shrugged and went on.  "I don't know.  Perhaps we didn't try hard enough.  In 
the more superstitious times of the past, we perhaps weren't vigilant enough.  In any case, 
the stakes are higher in this new modern age."

"Very true.  And isn't it interesting that after a long period of inactivity the rogue 
suddenly surfaces in your community?   And attacks your son's mortal former partner."

"Are you saying that Nicholas is to blame.  I sincerely hope you are not saying that."

"I am merely pointing out something, Lucius.  Surely that thought did cross your mind."

It had but LaCroix saw no reason to mention that fact.  However, his silence spoke for 
him.  

Hasid went on.  "This one must be caught once and for all.  And everything must be done 
to ensure that end.  You must enlist Nicholas's help.  And that means telling him the 
truth.  That is all."  Hasid and his sidekick left.

LaCroix breathed a sigh of relief.  This rogue must be caught; they were right about that.  
And Nicholas would want to be a part of it.  And deserved to be because of Tracy. 
Perhaps having a son with mortal follies could actually be helpful for once.  

At any rate, it would soon be dawn.  Nothing further could be done until tonight.  

LaCroix found himself musing over Tracy.  He'd only met her twice.  Once when the 
headless corpse had been found in his beer fridge (the work of Divia and her campaign of 
revenge) and again when he'd whammied her into forgetting Javier Vachon had died 
(another unfortunate victim of Divia).

It had been very hard to do.  But he had.  What was it about his son's mortal partners?  
He'd never admit this to anyone (except perhaps Janette) but he liked Donald Schanke 
and Tracy Vetter.  Which caused him to shudder.  Actually liking mortals?  

Not a good thing because if you liked one or two of them than that would inevitably lead 
to one looking upon them as more than just food.  A disturbing concept.  

And while the asteroid scare had driven him to admit to himself that they were more than 
that, he didn't allow himself to dwell on that too often.  Especially because now he was 
thinking about his mortal life.  Which he hadn't done in centuries.  Even when Divia was 
on a rampage, he had only been focused on trying to stop her.

But now he was remembering.  He was remembering the sun and how beautiful it was.  
How beautiful Pompeii had been.  And how beautiful Selene was.  Selene.  Divia's 
mother.  

For the first time he wondered what it would have been like if he'd had the courage to 
settle down and stay with her and Divia.  Might they have had more children?  Sons, 
perhaps?  More daughters.


Perhaps he might have moved the family to Rome and lived out his life as a mortal.  He 
might have had a different kind of immortality than what he now had.  Immortality 
through children.  

But enough of this.  He wasn't Nicholas.  What had happened was supposed to happen 
and he didn't believe in getting lost in regret.  LaCroix was happy, as a vampire and that 
was all there was to it.  Let Nicholas be the one to wallow in guilt.  If that was what he 
wanted, so be it.  LaCroix had better things to do.  Like catch the rogue.  




Chapter 9


Now that one barrier had been broken and Tracy had eaten, Natalie felt that it might be 
easier to gently draw her out a little.  "Tracy, what do you want for dinner?"

Tracy got up off the couch and came into the kitchen.  "I don't know.  It doesn't matter."  

"Sure it does.  I want to make something you'll like."  

"All right."  Tracy searched in the cabinets.  "How about spaghetti?  I like that.  Unless 
it's too much work.  If it is, don't worry about it." 
 
Natalie smiled at her.  "That sounds great.  It's not too much work at all."

Tracy smiled back, still uncertain.  "I-I could help if you want."

Natalie resisted the urge to shout in joy.  Tracy taking an interest in doing something was 
a good sign.  "I'd love your help."

So while Natalie boiled the spaghetti, Tracy got a jar of sauce cooking.  In a little while 
they were sitting down to their meal.  Tracy didn't initiate any conversation and Natalie 
didn't want to push her.  She was just happy Tracy was eating.  

After dinner they went to the living room.  "Going back on the night shift is going to be 
hard for you if you stay much longer, Nat."

"Trying to get rid of me?  I'll adjust.  It won't be so bad.  I know I'm older than you are 
but I'm not an old lady.  I don't need frequent naps.  I'm not a cat either."

That got a laugh out of Tracy.  "Spoken like a true cat person."

"Hey, it's what I am.  And don't think that there aren't times when I don't envy Sidney.  
He spends most of his time sleeping or being catered to by me.  What a life."

"It does sound nice."  Tracy had a faraway look in her eyes.

"Trace, you O.K?"

"What?  Oh, yeah.  I was just thinking about Sparky.  He was my dog when I was a kid."

'Was he cute?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Got any pictures?"

"Actually, yes.  Come on."  Natalie followed Tracy to the bedroom where Tracy dug 
around in her closet.  "Aha.  Found them."  She took out a couple of photo albums.  "Lots 
of pictures in these."

They spent some time looking at them.  "There.  That's Sparky."  He was a medium sized 
black and brown mutt.  As for what breeds were in him, that couldn't be determined from 
the pictures.  

Tracy turned the pages and pointed out to Natalie who was who in each picture.  As 
expected, Tracy was in a lot of them.  There was one of a pink snowsuit clad Tracy being 
suspended above the ground by a bigger boy.  "That your brother?"

"David.  My oldest one.  I was six.  He was fourteen.  Every once in awhile I'd annoy 
him and he'd feel the need to show me who was boss."

"Only every once in awhile?"  Nat raised her eyebrows.

"O.K.  Fairly frequently.  He might even have tried to kill me on more than one occasion 
but the evidence was only ever circumstantial.  Nothing that would ever hold up in a 
court of law."  Tracy grinned.

"Spoken like a true cop."

"Well, that's what I am.  Was."

"You still are, Tracy.  And a good one."

"Really?  So how come--?"

"What?" 

"Never mind.  It's not important."  Tracy closed the album.  "I don't feel like looking at 
these anymore.  I'm going to bed.  Good night."


"Good night."  Natalie walked out to the living room.  Damn!  They'd almost had a 
breakthrough tonight.  Tracy had been about to say something important but she'd caught 
herself.  Natalie wondered if Tracy might make another slip.  'It can't be easy to maintain 
the facade of everything being fine.  Maybe next time I can actually get a clue as to 
what's going on in her mind.  I have to get something.  I can't help her if I've got 
nothing.'  Feeling very discouraged, Natalie got ready for bed.

For her part, Tracy was walking around her room.  She was afraid to go to sleep and was 
tired of the nightmares.  Why couldn't they just go away?  And how could she have 
almost let slip to Nat what she had?  Tracy had almost asked 'Then how come I got raped 
if I'm such a good cop?'  There was no need to ask that question; she already knew the 
answer; she wasn't as good of a cop as she'd thought.  And there was no reason to let 
Natalie know that.  Nat might have argued with her about that conclusion.  There was no 
need to; Tracy already knew she was right.  

Finally she plopped on her bed and closed her eyes.  In an effort to distract herself from 
bad thoughts Tracy remembered that day in the yard instead.

                                                           FLASHBACK






"Davie, Davie, play with me!"  Tracy ran after her brother.  

David Vetter turned around in irritation.  He had things he wanted to do and the last thing 
he needed was his stupid little sister hanging around bugging him.  "Not now.  I'm going 
to hang out with my friends."

"But I want you to play with me.  You never play with me anymore."

"I've got better things to do.  Go play with Susan.  She's your best friend."

"She's not home.  Please, Davie."

Just then their dad came out of the house with Sparky and a camera.  David got a 
mischievous glint in his eye.  "How's this for play, Button?"  He grabbed her and held 
her over the ground with his hands under her shoulders while Dad snapped a picture.  
Tracy squealed in delight while Sparky was barking and jumping around.  "Want to get 
launched?"

"Yes!  Yes!"

David marched over to a snowbank.  "Ready?"  

"Yep."

"One, two, three."  David spun her around, tossed her in, then beat a hasty retreat.  

Tracy came up.  "Do it again!"  But David was gone.  Only Sparky and Dad remained; 
the latter snapped another picture.  But Tracy kept smiling.  Sooner or later David would 
have to come home and she'd catch him then.


                                                                  END FLASHBACK



In the present, Tracy smiled.  Reliving pleasant memories was good.  That might be a 
way to keep the nightmares at bay.  It could work, right?




Chapter 10


In his room a vampire with ice blue eyes and a shaved head leaned back in his chair and 
sipped at a bottle of blood.  It wasn't quite as good as dining on fresh but it would do.  
And, of course, fresh was better when it was accompanied by pain and fear. 

He thought about his fellow vampires.  They always had to kill the mortals they drank 
from.  No self control at all.  Not like him.  Well, they used to have to.  The advent of 
bottled blood had reduced the need to hunt.  But when they did, they would always, by 
virtue of how they ate, limit themselves to one meal.  

But because he didn't kill the mortals he drank from, he could go back to them for more 
meals again and again if he so chose.

This brought his thoughts to Tracy Vetter.  She was his latest buffet and oh so very 
delicious.  Exquisite.  He looked forward to their next encounter.  He had had no idea that 
coming to Toronto would have provided him with the best meal he'd ever enjoyed.  

When he had heard about Nicholas Knight and his quest for mortality it had intrigued 
him.  Why would anyone want to give up eternal life and go back to being human again?  
He couldn't understand.  So he'd come to Toronto to find out more.

 He'd learned quite a lot.  Tracy Vetter also intrigued him right from the start.  So he'd 
set about learning as much about her as he possibly could because from the moment he 
first saw her working the streets with Nicholas Knight he had to have her.  

It had been very easy to whammy people at the precinct into giving him coveted and 
confidential information about her that he could use to his advantage.  The 96th precinct 
wasn't exactly a hotbed of resistors.  

However, as long as she was partnered with Knight it was impossible to get to her.  But 
having patience, he decided to stick around Toronto for awhile in the hope that Knight's 
regular partner would eventually come back.  He had.  The time spent here hadn't been in 
vain.  He'd learned what he needed to do to lure Tracy to him.  

It had been so easy.  All he had to do was call her up and pretend to be an informant with 
information on one of her current cases.  He'd been keeping up on things like that for the 
purpose of using it the way he had.  With Knight no longer a concern, the time had been 
right to strike.  It had been so perfect.  He'd waited for her, she'd come and he'd grabbed 
her.  Of course she had tried to fight.  It had been no use.   Her pain and fear had just 
made her all the more delicious, and the encounter more fun.  He couldn't wait to feed off 
her again.  Of course the fact that Natalie Lambert was staying with her was not 
conducive to another encounter now.  But he had patience.  He had waited before for as 
long as it took.  He was in no hurry. 


Chapter 11


Tracy was managing to get more sleep.  The nightmares still came but less frequently.  
She still didn't talk about what happened, much to Natalie's frustration.  Natalie 
understood why but it didn't make it any easier.  She wanted to help Tracy and she didn't 
feel like she really was.  But she kept trying.  Now she knocked on Tracy's door.  

"Come in."  Tracy was curled up in bed, clutching her pillow for dear life.  "What is it, 
Nat?"  

"The follow up exam that Jane recommended.  It's about time for it."

"I really don't want to."  

"I know and you don't have to.  I just thought…."  Natalie trailed off.  She wasn't sure 
what she could say.  

"You want me to go, don't you?"

Natalie nodded.  "I'd go with you."

Tracy sighed.  "O.K.  I'll go.  You've been really great to me and it's the least I can do."  

So they went.  Tracy wanted to get it over with.  But something about Jane's behavior 
struck her as odd.  "The test results came back."

"And what were they?  Did I get anything like H.I.V?"  Tracy just asked that for 
appearance sake.  

"No.  You're not pregnant, either.  And your injuries are healing nicely."   

  As Jane gave her that news that all her tests had come back negative there was nothing 
to suggest that she remembered anything out of the ordinary about that night.  It was 
almost like she'd been whammied, Tracy found herself thinking.  Could it be?  Who 
could have done it?  And was there anything else to know?  Tracy knew she had to find 
out.  

"I want to stop by the precinct.  I want to go back to work soon and I need to get back to 
it.  This is something I have to do alone."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"All right."  Natalie sensed that Tracy couldn't be talked out of this.  

They drove back to Tracy's building and then Tracy drove over to the precinct.  She froze 
with fear at the thought of facing anyone inside.  But it had to be done so she forced 
herself inside.  Tracy hated the thought that everyone probably knew what had happened 
but that couldn't be helped.  She had to make sure of something.

On her way to the evidence room Tracy ran across a uniformed policeman who 
apparently hadn't heard.  "Gee, Vetter, what the hell happened to you?"

"Little accident.  Nothing too serious."  She hurried to her destination.  She knew what 
she was looking for and where it would be.  The hospital would have turned over any 
evidence collected that night.  Tracy had to find it and dispose of it.  

Except it wasn't there.  Where was it?  What had happened?  It was dangerous for it to be 
anywhere.  Whoever had it was in danger from the Enforcers.  Unless it had already been 
taken care of.  Could this be connected to the suspected whammying of Jane?  

Tracy wasn't sure what to do next.  She didn't want any innocent deaths on her 
conscience but there was no way to be sure if there was any danger.  All she could do was 
what she'd been doing and not talk about it.  She had to leave now.  

Unfortunately Cohen saw her as she tried to make her exit.  "Detective Vetter."  

Tracy turned.  "Yes, Captain."

"I'd like to see you in my office."

"Yes, ma'am."  She followed Cohen into her office.  "If this is about the time I'm taking 
off I can come back tomorrow if you'd like."  

The captain waved her hands in dismissal.  "That's not it.  Take all the time you need.  I 
am concerned about catching the perpetrator."

Tracy looked down at the floor. "I-I can't help you, Captain.  He took me by surprise and 
I don't remember what he looks like."

Cohen studied her.  "All right.  But can you answer me this question?  What were you 
doing out there alone in that part of town?"

"I was meeting an informant.  I know it was stupid and I'm sorry."

"Did you not learn anything from the escort service fiasco?"  Tracy looked up, shocked.  
"Yes, I heard about it.  Well, I'm glad you're still here.  From what I can see and from 
what Detectives Schanke and Knight have told me, you're a damn good cop.  Just a little 
too impulsive.  I'm glad to have you on my team."

"Thanks, Captain.  I've got to go now.  I'm hoping to be back very soon."

"I hope so too."

Tracy hurried out.  That had been difficult.  She was besieged by conflicting emotions.  
On the one hand, the captain's praise had pleased her.  On the other hand, it was upsetting 
because Tracy knew she didn't deserve it because she'd lied.  Tracy could remember all 
too well what her attacker had looked like.  

But it didn't matter.  All that mattered was that her friends and family not end up drained.  
That fear haunted her almost as badly as the actual, horrific act itself.  

But she wasn't going to think of that right now.  She drove home.

"Everything all right?"  Natalie asked.

"Everything's fine.  I saw Captain Cohen."

"How did that go?"

"O.K.  I told her I wanted to get back to work as soon as I could.  She was O.K.  with 
that."

"So you're going back."

"Not yet.  I still don't feel ready but I do think I'm getting better."

"Well, I'll stay at least until you go back if that's all right."

"Are you sure?  You do have a life to get back to."

"So do you.  It hasn't been that long, Tracy.  I'm very happy that you're letting me help 
you to the extent that you are.  It means a lot to me to be able to help you."  

"Thank you.  Excuse me."  She hurried to her room.  There it was again.  Every time 
Natalie said something exceptionally kind it made Tracy want to burst into tears.  That 
was a bad thing.

To distract herself she went to go rearrange her dresser drawers.  And she came across a 
picture of her and Vachon, along with a guitar pick he'd given her.  Why had he left?  
She'd needed him and he wasn't there.  But was that his fault?  Had he really left of his 
own free will?  There was something…. She couldn't put her finger on it at the moment.  
Best not to try.  She was already feeling pretty shaky as it was.

Now without knowing that the evidence was safely disposed of was just one more thing 
to worry about.  Plus she'd have to go back to work eventually.  Should she just leave 
Toronto altogether?  That might be the best thing to do.  But Tracy knew even if she left 
that she wouldn't be able to escape.  Her father would demand to know why she was 
leaving.  Of course her friends too would also demand.  What could she tell any of them?  
Nothing that they would believe.  It was all just too much.

Tracy sighed and tried to forget as she got in bed.  'Don't think about it right now.  Don't 
think about anything.  It's too much.  I can't do this anymore.  I feel like I'm going to fall 
apart and I can't let that happen.  It won't.  I'll be all right.  Yes, that's it.  I will.  Soon 
I'll go back to work and everything will be just like it was.  I'll send Natalie home 
because I won't need her anymore.  Everything will be fine.  It just has to be.   



Chapter12


Nick and Schanke were hunched over their desks, doing paperwork.  Neither of them 
relished it but with Tracy out they were temporarily partnering up again, taking up the 
slack.  They were so absorbed in what they were doing, neither of them noticed 
Commissioner Vetter barreling their way until he was upon them.  "What the hell did you 
let happen to my daughter?"  Both of them were so taken by surprise that they could only 
stare.  Richard Vetter went on ranting, oblivious to everyone staring at him.  "What did 
she have a partner for?  To back her up and protect her.  So where the hell were you?"  

Before Schanke could answer, Cohen came out of her office.  "Commissioner Vetter, I'll 
thank you not to bother my detectives.  If you'll come into my office, perhaps we can 
have a civilized discussion."

"I don't feel very civilized right now, Captain.  But I'd certainly like to hear how you can 
justify your department."  He stormed in.

Schanke shook his head.  "He wants all our heads on a platter."

Nick nodded.  "He wants someone to blame and we're a convenient target."  

Don agreed.  "I feel for the guy.  When someone hurts your child they hurt you.  That 
kind of pain just tears you up inside."  
************************************************************************
"All right, Captain, I'm ready to hear your attempts to justify your department."

"Then you'll be waiting a long time, Commissioner.  I don't have to justify anything.  I 
understand why you're upset, I'm a parent too, but I won't have you coming in here and 
throwing your weight around.  For your information, your daughter admitted to foolishly 
going alone to a bad part of town to meet an informant.  She didn't let anyone else, least 
of all, her partner, in on these plans and this was the result."

"Are you saying my daughter deserved to be raped, that she asked for it?"

Cohen's eyes flashed fire.  "Of course not.  No one deserves to be raped or ever asks for 
it.  I'm just saying that it was not Detectives Schanke or Knight's fault.  The only one 
whose fault it is is the rapist who attacked your daughter."

The Commissioner didn't say anything more; he just sat there.  Finally he got up.  "Thank 
you for your time."  He left.  

Cohen sat back and sighed.  "I'm glad I didn't tell him that I think his daughter lied to me 
about not remembering anything about her attacker."
************************************************************************
Tracy was trying to concentrate on what was on television but she couldn't.  Her thoughts 
kept intruding.  Then the bell rang and Tracy jumped.  Incessant knocking followed this.  
"Tracy, are you home?"  

"Oh, no!  It's my dad."

Natalie got up from where she was seated next to Tracy.  "I could get it."  

Tracy shook her head.  "No, I should.  I will."  She walked to the door and let her father 
in.  "Hi, Dad.  What brings you by?"

"I think you know."

"Yeah, I do."

Natalie grabbed her purse.  "You two should talk in private.  I'll be back in a little while."  
She beat a hasty retreat.  

"Sit down, Dad."  Tracy turned off the TV.  

He did.  "Friend of yours?"

She nodded.  "Natalie Lambert.  She's staying with me for a little while."

"I see.  How are you?"

"I'm doing fine.  I'll be going back to work soon."

Her father stiffened.  "Are you sure that's wise?"

"What are you getting at, Dad?"

"I saw your captain tonight.  She told me you were out there alone in a bad part of town 
to meet an informant without backup and without letting anyone know of your plans.  Is 
this true?"

Tracy couldn't look him in the eye.  "Yeah."

He exploded.  "Damn it, Tracy, you know better than that!  What the hell were you 
thinking?  How could you be so stupid?  You never go anywhere without backup."

"There wasn't time.  I got a call just as I was leaving for work and he said it was about 
the O'Brien case."

"And you just had to go rushing out, didn't you?  My God, Tracy, he called you at home.  
How did he get your number?  He knows where you live."

"Stop it, Dad.  I know I was stupid.  I'm sorry.  I never meant for this to happen."

"Tracy, do you understand that you could be dead right now?  He could have killed you."

"I understand that but I wasn't.  I came through it and I'm O.K."

"Are you sure about that, Button?"

"Yes.  Believe me, I'm fine."

Richard didn't look convinced.  "This shouldn't have happened.  It wouldn't have if--."

"What?"

"If you'd taken that promotion I arranged for you and stayed in Corporate Crimes then 
this wouldn't have happened.  You'd be safe and unharmed.  But you just had to go back 
to Homicide, didn't you?"

Tracy felt as if her father had kicked her in the gut.  She'd felt that way ever since he'd 
arrived but that last remark just clinched it.  "Dad, just go."

"Tracy, I'm sorry.  I didn't mean--."

"Right.  Just go."

He stood up.  "I'm so sorry.  I love you."  He left, kicking himself.  'You just screwed up 
badly, Vetter.  That's your little girl in there and she's hurting and she needed you to help 
her, not berate her.  Some father you were.  Big help you were.'

Tracy slid down the door to land in a heap on the floor.  "I'm so sorry, Daddy.  All I ever 
wanted was to be a good enough cop so you'd be proud of me.  But I'm not; I'm a failure 
twice over.  I'm sorry.  I'm sorry."

She didn't know how long she was there crying when she heard a knock.  "Trace, it's 
Nat.  Is everything all right?"

"Yeah.  Just a minute."  She rushed to wash her face before letting Natalie in.

"How did things go with your dad?"  Natalie noticed some redness and puffiness about 
Tracy's eyes but wisely didn't mention it.  Maybe it was a good thing.  Perhaps Tracy 
was finally allowing herself to feel.  She could have allowed herself to take support from 
her father.  

"O.K.  He was kind of upset."

"I can imagine."

"Yeah.  Anyway we talked.  He's glad I'm still alive."  

"We all are."  Natalie's hopes were rapidly dissolving.  She sensed that more had gone on 
than what Tracy was letting on and Natalie somehow felt that whatever it was, it was a 
long way from healing.  "Tracy, you know you can talk to me about whatever you want 
whenever you want."

'No, I can't.  Please stop with the kindness already.'  Aloud she said, "Of course I know 
that.  You've been wonderful.  I'm grateful to you.  I'll see you later, all right."  Tracy 
retreated to her bedroom.  

Natalie wanted to scream.  How much longer could Tracy hold out?  Natalie wasn't 
looking forward to the answer.



Chapter 13



After the Commissioner left and his shift was over Schanke said goodbye to Nick and 
drove home.  He was very subdued.  Myra noticed as soon as he came into the house.  
"Donnie, what's wrong?  I know something's bothering you."

Don hung up his coat and plopped on the couch.  "Commissioner Vetter paid a visit to the 
precinct tonight.  He knows what happened to Tracy.  He wasn't happy, as you can 
imagine.  He reamed everybody out.  Finally, Cohen called him into her office.  

Myra reached out and touched Don's arm.  "Oh, the poor man.  This is quite a mess."

Don sighed.  "Tell me about it.  And that's not the worst.  After he left I went to Cohen's 
office to see if she knew anything more.  And I…."

"What, Donnie?"  Myra asked gently.  

"I found out that Tracy went off chasing a supposed informant by herself.  She didn't call 
me for backup.  So I couldn't do what I was supposed to do which is be her partner and 
watch her back.  It all worked out so well."

"Donnie, It's not your fault.  It's no one's fault but the attacker."

"I know but that's not all."

"Go on.  What else?"

"She's not talking about it.  We have no clue as to who the perp is and we can't even 
begin to try and catch him if Tracy won't cooperate."  He ran his hand through what hair 
he had.

"It must be hard for her.  She's probably not ready yet.  I understand your frustration, 
Donnie, but you have to let Tracy do what she has to do."

"Yeah, I guess.  You know when I found her she was in pretty bad shape.  I was afraid 
she was dead at first.  Thank God she wasn't.  I called Nick for help and she reacted so 
violently towards him when he touched her.  Much more so than she did when I touched 
her.  That's my only clue.  Maybe the rapist looks like Nick or dresses like him or 
something.  That's all I got.  I'm supposed to be satisfied with that and let the scum who 
attacked my partner get away with it?"

"No.  You're supposed to just be you and do your best by her.  That's all you can do."

"I guess."  He got up abruptly and headed to Jenny's room, Myra following.  From the 
doorway they both watched their sleeping daughter.  "I want to keep her like that forever.  
I don't want her to grow up and have something happen to her.  What if what happened 
to Tracy happens to Jenny?"  

"I understand honey.  I know how you feel.  I feel the same way but it's not possible.  
And it's not even really desirable."  She led him away from Jenny's room.  "By the grace 
of God, Jenny will have a good life and nothing bad will happen to her.  

"I hope so.  When Nick first pushed the idea of her and me as partners I was less than 
thrilled.  I figured commissioner's daughter equals spoiled incompetent brat.  Boy, was I 
wrong!  Tracy's a good cop and a good partner.  She didn't deserve this."

Myra smiled.  "I like her too.  And I must admit it's nice that you have a partner who 
actually accepts dinner invitations.  Jenny thinks the sun rises and sets on Tracy.  In her 
words, Tracy's 'way cool.'"  

Don laughed.  "Yeah and she's easy to cook for.  If Nick had ever accepted one of those 
invitations you'd have had a hard time trying to make something he could actually eat.  
He's got way too many food allergies."
************************************************************************
On his way home Richard passed a bar.  He thought briefly of going in.  "No, that's 
Barbara's solution to every problem; it's not mine.  Barbara.  I suppose I should see if I 
could track her down and let her know what's happened.  She is Tracy's mother, after all.  
I doubt if she'll be any better at helping Tracy than I was, though.  And I should let David 
and William know.   Maybe they'll do better at helping Tracy.  God knows I screwed up 
royally."
************************************************************************  
Tracy had another nightmare after her father's visit.  It was a different one.  Instead of 
reliving the rape she was back at the police academy, taking and failing every test she 
had.  She couldn't shoot straight, kept tripping on the endurance test and all the while her 
father was there berating and laughing at her.  She woke up shaking but not screaming.  
Thank God for small favors.  

But she was incredibly thirsty.  Tracy decided to go to the kitchen for a drink.  With any 
luck she could get there without waking Natalie.  It was dark but this was her home; she 
knew it well enough to get around.  She got a glass of Sprite.  "Tracy, are you all right?"

Damn!  She had woken Nat.  "Yes.  Just getting a drink."

Natalie stumbled to the kitchen.  "Mind if I join you?"

"No.  I'm sorry I woke you."

Natalie poured herself a glass.  "It's all right.  I'm used to late hours."  Natalie noticed 
that Tracy looked tense.  She decided to take a chance and gently probe to see if she 
could find out anything that would help her help Tracy.  "How did the visit with your dad 
go?"

Tracy looked up sharply.  "Fine.  Why do you ask?"

"I just wondered because sometimes parents and children don't communicate well.  I 
know I had problems with my parents in that area.  I think we all have."  

Tracy was frowning at her drink.  She couldn't think of what to do.  Natalie obviously 
suspected things had not gone well.  Could Tracy talk about it?  Some of it, maybe.  She 
could do it without mentioning vampires.  "Dad was upset about the mistakes I made that 
led to…you know.  Said I should have stayed in Corporate Crimes where he put me.  
He's probably right.  I certainly couldn't have screwed up too badly in there."  She took 
another gulp of her drink.

Natalie was frowning at her.  "Tracy, what happened was not your fault.  You didn't 
screw up."

"Sure I did.  Ask Captain Cohen.  Ask anybody in the precinct, they probably know the 
whole story by now.  On second thought, why go to all that trouble when I could save 
you the time and just tell you now.  Then you'll agree with them.  I got a call as I was 
leaving for work from a guy who claimed he had information on one of my current cases.  
I went to meet him where he wanted in a bad part of town without backup or letting 
anyone know and that's where it happened.  So now you know how incompetent I am."

"I don't know that at all.  Sure you made some mistakes.  We all do.  It doesn't negate the 
fact that you are a good cop."

Tracy just looked at her.  Why had she said anything?  Nat was arguing with her, just as 
she'd thought.  "You just don't understand."

"Perhaps not everything.   But Tracy, I know you.  I've worked with you, remember.  
You were the one who figured out the clue that identified Jane Doe, remember."

"Yes, but…."  

"What?  Suddenly that doesn't matter anymore?  Yes, Tracy, it does.  Think about it.  I 
don't think anybody would agree with your assessment of yourself.  Please, just give 
what I said some thought."

"O.K."  Tracy finished her drink.  "I'm going back to bed now.  Good night."

Tracy slipped into bed.  She was torn between wanting to believe Natalie and being afraid 
to.  She didn't know what to do.  She hadn't really since--.  Tracy hoped she'd figure 
something out soon.  She was tired of all this.  



Chapter 14


She and Natalie didn't speak of their conversation the next day but when the phone rang 
and Natalie moved to get it Tracy stopped her.  "It's my phone and I think it's about time 
I started getting it again.  Hello.  Oh, hi, David.  Yes, I'm fine.  Did Dad tell you?  
William too?  I wish he hadn't done that.  Because it wasn't necessary for you to know.  
It's over and I'm fine.  Yes, I really am.  You don't believe me.  I'm sorry but I can't help 
that.  No, you don't have to.  Davie, please.  O.K.  Fine.  Bye."  She hung up the phone 
with a sick expression on her face.  

Natalie was concerned.  "Tracy, what's wrong?"

"That was my oldest brother, David.  He and my other brother, William, are going to 
drive down and see me."

"You're not happy about that."

Tracy shook her head.  "I didn't even want them to know.  But my father told them.  I 
wish he hadn't done that.  Why did he?"  She sank down onto the couch.  

Natalie sat down next to her.  "Because they're your brothers, Trace.  They love you and 
want to help you in any way they can."

"Are you saying that you think my father did the right thing by telling them?"

Natalie hesitated and then slowly nodded.  "Families help each other, Tracy.  There's 
nothing wrong with that.  We all need help and support at times.  That's a good thing and 
it's a good thing to have people to give it to."  A small note of wistfulness had crept into 
Natalie's voice.

Tracy then remembered that the coroner had lost her own brother only two years before.  
She reached out to Natalie.  "I'm sorry about your brother."

Natalie took Tracy's hand.  "Thank you.  For your sympathies and for letting me help you 
as much as you have."  

For a long time they sat there in silence.  Finally Tracy broke it.  "O.K.  So they're 
coming.  Fine.  I'll just have to be ready."  

"It'll be all right, Tracy.  Remember they love you."

Tracy sighed.  "I know.  I'm just not sure if that makes it easier or harder." 

The time passed and Tracy was torn between anticipation and dread of her brothers 
promised visit.  So when the doorbell rang even though she was startled, she was ready.  
After confirming that it was they, she allowed them in.  "David, William, this is Natalie 
Lambert, a friend of mine.  Nat, these are My brothers, David and William Vetter."

"Nice to meet you, " they said to each other.  Natalie noted that David most closely 
resembled Tracy in that he was blonde and blue-eyed, although he was much taller.  
William, on the other hand, was a brunette, brown-eyed man.  He was almost as tall as 
his brother was.   Tracy was easily the shortest and smallest of the siblings.  All of them 
were fair skinned.

Natalie turned to Tracy.  "I'll leave you alone to talk."  Natalie hoped that this visit would 
go better than the Commissioner's had.

Tracy nodded thanks as she ushered her brothers in.  After Natalie had gone and they 
were all seated, David cut right to the chase.  "How are you?  And I want an honest 
answer."

"I'm doing O.K.  Nat's staying with me for now but I don't anticipate her staying too 
much longer."

"And have they caught the jerk yet?"  William wanted to know.  

Tracy caught her breath.  If Dad had talked with them at any length they both already 
knew the answer to that question as well as her non-cooperation.  She kept her voice 
steady.  "No.  And as you've both already talked to Dad, I'd suggest not wasting time you 
already know the answers to."  There.  That should put them in their place.  

David and William exchanged glances.  David spoke again.  "O.K.  You're right.  Dad 
filled us in on everything.  So forget about all that.  The important thing is how are you 
really doing?  This has to be horrible for you."

"It's nothing I can't handle.  I appreciate your coming by but I'm really all right."  She 
could tell they didn't believe her by the glances they gave to each other.  It was very 
frustrating.  Why didn't anyone believe her?  

"Tracy, we're only here because we're concerned.  Dad told us his visit didn't go 
particularly well.  I want ours to go better but I can't shake the feeling you're not telling 
us the whole truth here, Button."

Damn!  Why did David have to be so smart?  It's because he was a Vetter.  None of the 
Vetters were stupid.  "I'm telling you everything.  If you don't believe me you can go."  
She felt on the verge of crying.  

William attempted to soothe her.  "Calm down, Tracy.  O.K.  We'll let it alone for now.  
We won't push."

"Thanks, Willie."  She smiled gratefully at her brother.  Then she spoke again.  "Mom 
doesn't know, does she?  I haven't heard from her in awhile and I doubt Dad would go to 
the trouble of tracking her down.  So she doesn't know."  There was a hopeful note in her 
voice, which was soon shattered by David.

"Um, actually she's been staying with my family for a bit.  She was there when Dad 
called and she's still there."

Tracy visibly slumped.  "So she knows and she didn't insist on coming down with you?"

"It's not that she didn't want to," David went on to explain.  We just convinced her that it 
wouldn't be a good time, especially coming on the heels of Dad's visit." 
 
"You didn't say that to her, did you, Davie?"  Tracy was shaken.  "Those two are so 
competitive and they hate each other so much."  

"No.  I'm not stupid.  I grew up in the same family you did.  She'll probably want to see 
you at some point but I think she'll wait awhile."

"Thanks, David.  I'm not feeling up to dealing with her at the moment but I'm glad she's 
fine.  But enough about our screwed up family.  How's your family?  How are the kids?  
Did Luke like the dog I got him for his birthday?"

David laughed.  "He loves him.  We all do.  It's great to have a dog again.  We named 
him Copper because he kind of looks like a police dog."

"That's what I thought when I saw him at the pound."  And for the rest of the visit they 
just reminisced about pleasant times.  The Vetter brothers were still concerned about their 
baby sister but they knew that pushing her wouldn't be a good idea.  So their visit did go 
better than their fathers had

Natalie returned after a fashion as the Vetter brothers were leaving.  "Did you guys have 
a good visit?"

"Yes.  I found out where my mother is.  She's been with David's family.  She's not 
coming down for awhile."

"That must take a load off your mind."

"It does."  Tracy went to the kitchen.  "Want some Sprite?"

"Yes.  Thanks."  So they had some.  "I'm glad things went well for you." 
 
"Me too.  Nat, I appreciate all you've done for me.  You've really helped make things 
easier on me."

"I'm just glad I could help." 
 
"You have.  I mean it."

Natalie didn't feel like she'd helped all that much.  Tracy needed someone she could be 
totally honest with.  And there was no one who fit that bill.  Not for the first time did 
Natalie wish Nick and she had been honest with the young detective.  Now it was too 
late.  



Chapter 15

"Good evening, children.  Welcome to Nightwatch with the Nightcrawler. Tonight's 
topic is safety.  It is important to us.  We all make preparations to avoid danger.  We buy 
locks for our homes and businesses.  We behave differently at night when the danger is 
heightened.  We don't go out alone at night, or, if we must, we stick to well lighted areas 
and avoid the darkness.  We even pay taxes to support a police force to protect us.  But 
ultimately, we can fall prey to danger despite all that we do.  Bad things do still happen.  
Family, friends, our loved ones can fall prey to danger despite our best efforts to protect 
them.  And that is the question for tonight.  How far would you go to protect yourself and 
your dear ones?  If someone you love has already fallen prey to danger and the police 
can't or won't do anything about it, what would you do?  Is vigilantism acceptable then?
I want to hear your thoughts.  So give me a call and let us discuss this.  

Nick, driving on patrol, scowled at the radio.  Why did he even listen to LaCroix's show?  
All it did was upset him. It always seemed like LaCroix was talking directly to him.  
Tonight's monologue was no exception.  

It seemed like LaCroix was using Tracy's rape to torment Nick.  Because the truth was, 
Nick didn't feel like turning Tracy's attacker over to the law to be handled.  Nick wanted 
to unleash the vampire in him on the attacker.  He had felt that way even before learning 
the rapist was a vampire.  LaCroix must know that and how much it bothered Nick to feel 
that way. 

LaCroix must be in his element.  Nick wasn't looking forward to speaking with him but 
LaCroix had actually called the precinct and asked Nick to meet him at the end of the 
show.  There was something important he had to tell him.  Nick had to admit that he was 
curious.  

At the end of the show he was there waiting. LaCroix motioned him to come inside.  "I'm 
sure you're wondering what I called you here for, Nicholas."  Nick nodded.  "I have 
something to tell you about the vampire who attacked Detective Vetter.  He's done this 
before."  

"You know him?"  Nick was shocked.  

"Not his identity, of course.  But he's been a thorn in the side of the Community for 
hundreds of years.  We have been unable to identify him and put an end to his threat. 
He's a rogue who must be destroyed.  Foolishly we thought because he had stopped his 
activities for about a century or so that he had either died or permanently ceased this 
behavior.  The attack on Detective Vetter is his first act in all that time.  It's maddening.  
With the whole Community knowing someone should have been able to identify him 
before this."  

Nick was struggling to digest this.  "You say the whole Community knows of him."  
LaCroix nodded.  "Then why have I never heard of this before now?"

"My dear boy, how informed do you keep yourself of Community affairs?  You have 
always insisted on keeping yourself separated.  Had you made any effort at all to keep 
abreast of things, you would have learned long before this.  But you didn't bother.  You 
were too busy chasing mortality."

LaCroix wouldn't have been LaCroix without the dig.  But that wasn't the important 
thing right now.  "So he'll do it again."  

"I would imagine so, yes.  Why should he stop?  At any rate, the Enforcers thought that I 
should inform you."

"You did talk to them."

"Of course.  You knew I would.  This is a Code violation.  They had to be informed.  We 
need to pool our resources and work together this time, Nicholas."

Nick could hardly believe he was hearing correctly.  "You do mean that, don't you?"

"Yes.  Perhaps these mortal foilibles of yours will come in handy."

"Have you told me everything you know about the suspect?" Nick was in full police 
detective mode now.

"There is one more thing. He has been known to attack the same mortal more than once."  

Nick snapped out of police detective mode and into scared friend mode.  "Then Tracy 
could be attacked again.  She's still in danger."  

"I would imagine so, yes."  

"I can't let it happen again.  I have to stop him."  

"Good luck then, Nicholas.  Perhaps you will be able to single-handedly do what none of 
us has been able to do in centuries."  Nick had already left so he didn't hear LaCroix's 
heavy sarcasm.  



Chapter 16


"I think I'm ready," Tracy announced to Natalie.  

"Are you sure?  I'm sorry.  I didn't mean…."

"It's O.K., Nat.  I know what you meant.  You've done so much for me and I really 
appreciate it but I want my life back.  I want to go back to doing the things I used to do.  I 
want to go back to being a cop.  I want to get back to being Tracy Vetter."

"I understand."  She did.  Though only separated in age by a few short years, Natalie had 
felt decades older since this whole ordeal had begun.  And to Natalie, Tracy had seemed 
so much younger than she actually was.  Almost little girl like.  But she wasn't really.

And now Tracy was asserting her right to reclaim her life.  It was a good sign but Natalie 
couldn't help but want to stay on.  But she knew she couldn't.  "O.K.  I guess it is time to 
go.  But Tracy, if you ever need me for anything else, please don't hesitate to call me.  
I'm there for you."

"Thank you so much for that and everything.  I just think going back to my life is the best 
thing I could do."  

"All right.  Then it is time for me to go home."

"I'll be all right, Nat."

"I'm sure you will.  I just worry."

"Me too.  But it is time."
************************************************************************
Natalie went back home and Tracy went back to work.  Schanke welcomed her back.  
"Glad you're back partner.  I missed you."

"I missed you too and I'm glad to be back."  

"You're O.K"

"Yes.  Don't worry about me.  I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready.  I know what's at 
stake and you can count on me."

"That's good to hear."  That wasn't the problem for Don.  The problem was that he 
wanted the guy who had done this to her and it looked like he wouldn't get him.  The 
thought of that scum getting away with it made Don's blood boil.  

"You all right?"  Tracy was giving him a concerned look.  

"Yeah, I'm fine.  Let's get out of here."  He didn't want to burden her with his feelings.  
She already had enough to deal with.  All he could do was just be her partner.  
************************************************************************
"No, Nick.  Tell me you didn't just tell me what you just told me."  Natalie was 
dismayed.  

"I'm afraid so.  I got it straight from LaCroix.  This vampire has been active for a long 
time, than faded away and just now resurfaced."  

"And he might go after her again.  What are we going to do?  I just moved out.  I can 
hardly move back in."

"I don't know, Nat.  But I'll have to think of something.  Whatever it takes, I must protect 
her at all costs.  I can't let it happen to her again.  I failed her once; I'm not going to do it 
again."

"Oh, Nick, you didn't fail her.  Why can't you see that?"

"Nat--."

"Stop it.  I don't want to hear it.  It wasn't your fault.  It was nobody's fault but the rapist.  
You have to catch him.  That's the best thing you can do for Tracy.  You can prevent it 
from happening again by catching him."

"I suppose you're right."

"I know I am."  

"All right.  But in the meantime I'll take my own steps.  I just thought of what I can do."

"What do you mean?  What are you talking about?"

"Protection.  I'll see about getting some Community protection for her.  I think LaCroix 
might arrange it."

Natalie's eyes widened.  "Are you serious?"

Nick nodded.  "For once we seem to be on the same side.  Both our objectives can be 
achieved, protecting Tracy and capturing the rogue."  

"All right.  You do what you have to do.  The important thing is to stop him and keep her 
safe."  

"And we will.  No matter what."  



Chapter 17



Tracy felt really good at the end of her shift.  It was good to be back to a normal life 
again.  It was over.  She had her life back.  She hadn't endangered anyone.  Everything 
was settled.  With any luck everyone would forget the whole thing soon.  Including her.  
Tracy wanted to put it out of her mind and so it would be kind of like it had never 
happened.  And it looked like she would have a chance of that happening.

Tracy grabbed a quick bite and was preparing to get a few hours sleep when the phone 
rang.  "Vetter."

"Hello, Tracy.  How are you?  I've missed you.  Our last encounter was such fun.  We 
shall have to do it again soon.  I'm looking forward to it."

"No!"  She slammed the phone down.  It was him.  He was telling her that he wanted to 
do it to her again.  It couldn't happen again.  She wouldn't let it.  

Tracy hurried to her bedroom to go and get what she needed to get.  Under her bed was 
her vampire killing kit.  She had garlic, bottles of holy water, crosses and wooden stakes.  
Would it all be enough?  It had to be.  She was totally alone.  There was no one to help 
her.  Vachon had left her.  

Again she felt something at the back of her mind.  Something wasn't right about that. But 
there was no time to think about it now.  She was at risk of being attacked again.  She 
wanted to just curl up and cry but she couldn't do that either.  What could she do?  Tracy 
didn't know.  That was the problem.  She wasn't at all sure she could prevent it from 
happening again and that was the scariest thing.  



Chapter 18

Somewhere in Paris a phone rang.  It was picked up.  "Bon jour."  

"Bon jour, Janette."

"La Croix!"  To say that Janette was shocked would be an understatement.  "What is 
wrong?  What have you done to my club?"  

"May I remind you that it is MY club now?  You signed it over to me when you decided 
it was time to move on.  Nevertheless, it is fine.  That is not what I'm phoning you 
about." 

Janette relaxed once she learned her beloved Raven was fine.  "What is it?"  

"We have a situation here in Toronto that we need your help with."  

"You're asking for my help, La Croix.  It must be serious."  

"It is.  The renegade has surfaced again and has attacked Nicholas' former partner."  La 
Croix explained the situation.  

"What is it you want from me exactly?"

"To watch over this Tracy Vetter and keep her safe from harm until we can catch him."  

Do I detect a note of concern in your voice, La Croix?  Be careful.  One would think that 
you actually care for this mortal and that what happens to her matters to you."  

"I care for her no more than you do for Donald Schanke."  La Croix was annoyed.  
Janette had come too close to the truth and the only thing to do was deflect her attention.  
He hadn't been around when Nicholas had insisted on hiding Detective Schanke at the 
Raven when a killer was after him but fortunately, Janette had mentioned it.  

Now it was Janette's turn to be irritated.  "Very well, La Croix.  I will come.  However, I 
need a little time to settle my affairs here.  Until then, you are on your own."  

"That will not be a problem.  Nicholas and dear Dr. Lambert have things in hand.
************************************************************************
It's so nice of you to agree to stay with me for a bit, Tracy.  It's so strange.  I'm no 
sooner back to work and then I have this accident.  Just call me 'No Brains Natalie."  

Tracy set her suitcase down by the couch.  "No problem, Nat.  It's the least I could do.  
I'm just sorry that I kept you out of work for so long and then when you go back you 
sprain your ankle.  I hope you don't lose your job."

Natalie chuckled.  "They wouldn't dare fire me.  No one knows their way around a 
cadaver like me."  This struck them both funny and they laughed.  

"If you're sure." 

"Yes, Tracy, I am.  Don't worry about it.  I'm going to go and get some rest.  Make 
yourself at home."  Natalie limped into her bedroom and picked up the phone.  "Hello, 
Nick.  Yes, she's here.  Yes, she bought it.  How long did La Croix say it would take 
Janette to settle things in Paris?  O.K.  Well, I can live with that.  All right.  Bye."  

She hung up the phone.  Faking a sprained ankle was not a difficult thing and it was one 
lie Natalie could live with.  If it helped to keep Tracy safe than that was all that mattered.  
Natalie still could hardly believe that La Croix had contacted Janette and that she had 
agreed to come back.  Even with Janette's recent brush with mortality, Natalie still 
wouldn't have bet on this.  

Of course, it was probably only because of the danger to the Community.  After all, both 
LaCroix and Janette (in spite of her brief brush with mortality) looked down upon 
humans.  They didn't care about them in any way other than as a food source.  That was 
all.
************************************************************************
Tracy didn't know what stroke of fate had given her a reprieve in the form of Nat's 
accident.  Even if it was only temporary.  When Natalie recovered Tracy would have to 
go back home.  But it was a break that she could use to figure out something.  At the very 
least she could sleep in peace and safety.  Because now, no matter what had to happen, 
Tracy knew one thing.  It wasn't going to happen to her again.  No way in hell.  


Chapter 19

Janette looked out of the window of the plane.  She could hardly believe she was headed 
back to Toronto but she was.  What was even more amazing was why she was going 
back.  She was going to protect a mortal.  

Of course things HAD changed a bit from before.  She had had a brief return to mortality 
courtesy of falling in love with the now deceased Robert and even though she was a 
vampire again, she didn't hunt.  It was easy enough to drink bottled or whammy someone 
and only drink so much, not enough to kill.  She had the necessary self-control.  Even 
though since Nick had brought her back across she was technically a fledgling, she 
wasn't.  Not really.  

Janette didn't regret being a vampire again but she didn't regret becoming mortal again, 
either.  Somehow, she just felt another chance for her would come.  

But until then there was this little problem to contend with.  Janette couldn't get over the 
fact that Nick and La Croix were on the same side.  It was kind of amusing.  

But when she thought of why she was headed there, Janette sobered.  Poor Tracy Vetter.  
Janette could empathize with the pain she must be feeling. Janette had felt it herself.  

Way back in her first mortal life she'd ended up in a brothel, forced to service lecherous 
men whether she liked it or not.  She hadn't.  That had been a nightmare life until La 
Croix came along and saved her.  She would have done anything for him, so about a 
century later when he wanted Nicola, it was not a problem for her.  And it had all come 
about simply because she'd been unable to give her husband a child.  

Well, that didn't matter now.  Someone close to Nicola had suffered what Janette had 
suffered and her undead heart went out to Tracy.  If the renegade planned to attack again 
he'd have to go through her.  She smiled in anticipation.  There was nothing she liked 
better than to feed on sexually abusing men.  It didn't matter if they were human or 
vampire, they all deserved the same.  And this renegade was long overdue for some 
payback. 
************************************************************************
Tracy entered her apartment uneasily.  She was on her own again.  Natalie had healed up 
and no longer needed her.  So now she was home.

Just then the phone rang.  Tracy didn't want to answer it but she did.  "Hello.  Oh, hi, 
Nick. Yes, I'm fine.  So is Nat.  Don't worry about me.  I know you will anyway.  You're 
sweet.  O.K.  Bye."  She hung up, relieved that it hadn't been him.  Of course, the next 
time, it might be.  Making a quick decision, she pulled the phone jack out of the wall.  
She wouldn't let him win but tonight she just wanted to avoid issue.  Later on, she'd deal 
with it.  

Tracy went and unpacked her things than went out to the living room again.  She was too 
wound up to read so she settled for the TV.  A little mindless entertainment was just what 
was needed right now.  It would be a nice evening.  


Chapter 20



The first thing Janette did after she arrived was to go straight to the Raven.  Once she was 
there La Croix called Nick, who arrived shortly after.  "All right, I am here.  Now what 
happens?"  

"First, thank you for coming, Janette.  I appreciate it."  

Janette waved away Nick's thanks.  "Never mind that.  You want me to be a guardian to 
this Tracy Vetter.  All right.  But I need to know how much she actually knows of us.  
Does she know about you?"  She gazed at Nick steadily.  

He squirmed.  Why did he have the feeling that there was an accusation in her words?  
"She doesn't know about me; however Javier Vachon was a special friend of hers."

"Ah, yes, the young Spaniard.  Why cannot he be her protector?"

"Because he's dead, that's why, " La Croix stated.  "Divia killed him"  

Janette looked shocked but La Croix was not inclined to say anything more.  So it fell to 
Nick to tell her the whole story of Divia's reign of terror.  At the conclusion she simply 
said, " I see.  All right.  I'm here to do something and I shall do it.  Shall we start with 
giving me her address?"
************************************************************************
The phone rang.  Tracy picked it up.  "Hello."

'Tracy, I am missing you so much.  I can't stand it anymore.  I'll be coming for you soon.  
I can't wait."  

She slammed down the phone.  He wanted to do it to her again and she was totally on her 
own.  There was no one she could turn to for help.  If only Vachon were still around.  
Again Tracy felt a strange sensation when she thought about him leaving.  However, she 
didn't have time to try to figure out why at the moment.  The most important thing to do 
was to defend her.  'You didn't do a very good job of it the last time.  Some cop you are.'  
"Shut up!" She screamed.  The last thing she needed was to listen to her inner doubts and 
fears.  They did have a good point but there had to be something she could do.  Tracy 
would just have to be vigilant.  "It can't happen to me again, can it?  Please, God, no."  
And she fell on the couch, sobbing.

Outside her window a vampire hovered.  "No, Tracy, it will not happen to you again.  I 
will see to that personally."  Janette's vampire hearing had picked up every word the 
rogue had said.  She was not pleased.

But she was also feeling much compassion for Tracy.  The poor mortal thought she was 
all alone with this and she wasn't.  "To hell with what Nicola wants.  This shall not be 
allowed to stand."  With that, she flew away.  

In a few minutes Tracy heard a knock on the door.  She was terrified but managed to 
keep her voice from being too shaky.  "W-who is it?"

"My name is Janette Du Charme.  May I come in?"

Nick's sister.  What was she doing here?  Tracy let her in.  "I'm sorry I don't understand"

"May I come in?  I will attempt to explain."  

"All right.  Please."  

They settled themselves on the couch.  For a few minutes nothing was said.  Tracy 
remembered the case in which she had found out that Nick had a sister.  It had all been 
very suspicious to her but she'd agreed to back off after he'd promised that it wouldn't 
come back to bite them.  Tracy wondered if it was, in fact, back to bite her now. 

Finally Janette spoke.  "I am trying to think of the best way to put this.  I do not want to 
add your stress.  So I shall just tell you.  I think that is the best thing to do."  Before Tracy 
could even wonder how Janette knew of her stress, Janette was going on.  "I am aware 
that you know of the existence of vampires"

"H-how could you?"  

"Because I am in fact one of them."

Tracy just stared at her in shock.  'Y-you're a vampire."

"Yes."

"But you're Nick's sister.  "How could--."  It dawned on her then.  "Nick's a vampire!"

Janette simply nodded.  "Yes that is true."

The sense of betrayal Tracy felt was indescribable.  "That bastard!  All this time and he 
never told me.  He knew I knew about—but he never--.  Why?"

"I really cannot explain.  Even after all these centuries I fear I really do not understand 
him. According to what he said, he felt the less you knew the safer you'd be."

"Oh I was really safe all right."  Then something else dawned on her.  "Nat!  She must 
know."

Janette nodded.  "I believe she wanted to tell you but, of course, it was not her secret to 
tell."   

"No, of course not.  Why the hell should anyone bother telling me anything?  I'm just 
Tracy Vetter, mortal, incompetent and a failure."  The pain of betrayal was clearly 
evident in Tracy's voice.  

"I am sorry.  I did not wish to add to your pain.  I just felt that you should know that you 
are not alone."

"What do you mean?  What exactly are you doing here?"

"I was called to be your guardian.  I am to protect you from your attacker."  

"Nick called you."

Janette did not want to lie to the young mortal but she did not want to give away La 
Croix's secret.  It was not her secret to tell.  So she did not say anything and let Tracy 
think what she would.  

"So you know the whole story."

"Yes.  I was hanging outside your window when the phone call came in.  I heard every 
word he said."  

"So you know that he…wants to do it to me again."  Tracy let out a small whimper.  

'That will NOT happen, I promise you.  I will not let it.  And you are not a failure 
because this thing happened to you.  Do not say that again."  

Tracy was staring at Janette.  "You sound like you know where I am coming from."

"I do not wish to speak of my past.  Suffice it to say, I do."

"All right.  I won't ask again.  I just…I admit that I'm relieved not to be alone with this 
anymore.  I was so scared." 
 
"I understand.  You are not.  I will stay with you as long as necessary.  On one 
condition."

"What's that?"

"I never want to hear you demean yourself again.  What happened was not your fault and 
if I hear you say so again I might take it into my head to drain you."  Janette smiled at 
Tracy to let her know that that last part was just a joke.  

Tracy smiled back.  "O.K.  I'm not going to argue with you.  I know better than to argue 
with a vampire.  It wasn't my fault and I'm still a good cop."

"Good.  That's what I want to hear.  I'm glad that's settled."  Janette knew it wasn't.  It 
wouldn't be easy for the young mortal to stop blaming herself.  However, maybe, just 
maybe, Janette had started her on the road to doing just that.  "Now how about showing 
me around my new home?" 


Chapter 21


With Janette there, Tracy felt much better.  She was able to sleep better and able to relax 
more.  Things were finally getting better for her.  But there was still one little piece of 
unfinished business left.

There hadn't been a chance to catch up with it because there had been a flurry of activity 
at the precinct in recent weeks.  But Tracy had patience. She knew her chance would 
come very soon.  And it did.

One night when she and Schanke had just come back from patrol and shortly before the 
shift change she spotted him.  None other than the one with whom she had the unfinished 
business.  "Excuse me, Schanke.  I need to take care of something.  If I don't see you 
before it's time to go than bye." 

"Yeah, sure, Tracy, bye."  Don noticed that things seemed a lot better for her these days 
and he was grateful.

In the meantime Tracy had crossed the room to approach him.  "Hi, Nick.  Long time no 
see."

"Yeah.  How are you?"

"I'm actually doing better."

"Good.  Glad to hear it."

"Listen, could I talk to you?"

"Sure."

"In private."

"O.K."

She led him into one of the interrogation rooms.  They both took seats.  "What's this 
about?" he asked her.

Tracy studied him.  She really wanted to let him have it for the way he had deceived her 
but she was going to do it in her own way.  "Well first I'd like to thank you for all the 
support that you've shown me."

"It wasn't anything."

'It wasn't, was it, you liar.'  "But it was."  She then went on about it deliberately.  She 
noticed him nervously checking his watch.  "What's the matter, Nick?  Am I keeping you 
from anything important?"  

"No, not at all.  Why do you ask?"

"Well, with your sun allergy and all I thought I might be.  Sunrise is awful close, you 
know."  She gave him a pointed stare.  

"Um…yeah…right."  Nick was feeling increasingly uneasy.  "Tracy is something the 
matter?"

"What could possibly be the matter?"  

"I really don't know.  You'd have to tell me.  Is there something you want to say to me?  
I get the feeling there is."

"I would have to tell you, wouldn't I huh?  Well, maybe that can be arranged.  It's really 
very simple, Nick.  I know."  

"You know.  You know what?"  He was filled with fear.

"I know the truth about what you are.  Your sister was kind enough to tell me.  She 
thought it was about time I knew."

"Janette told you."

"Yeah.  Imagine that.  Someone I've only known for a short time was more honest with 
me than someone who I've known for over a year."

"Tracy, I'm sorry.  I just thought it was best--.

"You thought it was best!  You bastard!  You lied to me all this time.  You and 
everybody else who knew lied to me.  You knew I already knew about vampires.  What 
was the big freaking deal that you couldn't level with me?"

"I just thought…I…"

"There's no excusing this, Nick.  You knew I knew and that's all you needed to know to 
be honest with me.  You chose not to.  So, forget it.  We're done.  That's it."  She started 
to leave.  

"Tracy, no!"  He touched her arm.

"Take your hands off me, you bastard."  

"I'm sorry.  But I don't want to lose you as a friend."

"Too bad.  You should have thought of that before you decided to lie to me.  We're 
finished as friends."

"Tracy, please!  I'm sorry.  You're right.  I should have leveled with you but I didn't.  I 
made a mistake.  I honestly thought it was for the best.  I really thought that the less you 
knew the safer you'd be.  I only wanted to keep you as safe as possible."

Tracy laughed a bitter laugh.  'Yeah, I was really safe. Nick.  Look at what happened to 
me."  Suddenly something struck her.  "It was you, wasn't it?  You got rid of all the 
evidence at the hospital and whammied everyone.  Isn't that right? 
 
Nick looked at the floor.  "Yes, it was me."  

Tracy blew up.  "Do you know how much I suffered because of that, Nick?  All I could 
see was everyone I loved drained because of this and how it would all be my fault.  
Everyone dead.  Including you.  That's why I couldn't talk to anyone.  It wasn't easy for 
me.  And it might have been nice not to be all alone with this."

"You were never alone with all this, Tracy.  And I promise you, your attacker will pay."

"You can't promise that, Nick.  And I didn't know I wasn't alone with this until now.  So, 
excuse me if I'm less than impressed with you right now.  I've got to go."  She departed.

Nick was sick at heart.  She knew and it looked as if he had lost her as a friend.  Not to 
mention how La Croix would take the news.  Things were a mess.  But he vowed that his 
promise to Tracy would not be an empty one.  He would make things up to her.  Or at 
least he would try.  No matter what he had to do he was going to catch that rapist.



Chapter 22


"She hates me, Nat.  She'll never let me make it up to her.  Not that there's anything that 
I could do…I…just…" Nick put his head in his hands.  "It's such a mess.  I should never 
have come here."  

"Oh, Nick, why is it that your automatic response to trouble is to think that you should 
have never been around?  It's not and I'm getting sick and tired of hearing that same old 
song."

"But, Nat--."

"No.  The only thing you did wrong was not leveling with Tracy in the first place.  But 
she knows now and you're going to have to deal with that."

"I miss her.  She was a good friend."

"So, you're giving up on her then?  You're not even going to try and make it up to her?"

"How can I?"

"I don't know.  All I know is that I wanted you to be straight with her from the 
beginning.  You weren't and this is what you got for it.  But giving up isn't the answer.  
You don't give up, Nick.  You haven't given up hope for a cure in all the centuries you 
spent looking.  So I can't believe you're just going to roll over now.  That's not the Nick 
Knight I know."

"Maybe you're right, Nat.  She was just so angry, though."  

"Can you blame her?"

"No.  She had every right to be angry.  You're right.  I have to take my lumps and get on 
with it.  And she's still in danger.  I won't allow her to get hurt again, in spite of how she 
feels about me at the moment."

"Now that's the Nick Knight I know."  Natalie grinned.

"Yeah."  Then he sobered.  "She figured out that you must have known all along as well.  
I'm afraid she'll be angry with you as well."

"I can deal with that."  

"Tell her you couldn't tell her because I wouldn't let you.  That might help defuse some 
of her anger."  

"It might.  Don't worry about me, Nick.  I can handle whatever Tracy throws at me.  It'll 
be good for her to get it out.  She's had to keep it in for far too long.  I'll see you."  With 
that, Natalie left the loft.
************************************************************************
Tracy was just finishing up a meal when there was a knock on the door.  She didn't jump.  
"I'm getting better."  She got up and walked to the door.  "Who is it?"

"It's Natalie."  

Tracy opened the door.  "Come in."  She did.  

The two women stared at each other for a few moments before Natalie finally spoke.  "So 
now you know."

"Yes, I do.  And apparently you knew all along."

Natalie sighed.  "I did.  I'm so sorry."  

"So am I."

"I wanted him to tell you.  I…just…"

"Never mind, Nat.  I get it wasn't your secret to tell."

"But you're still angry."

"I have a right to be, don't you think?

Nat nodded.  "Yes, Tracy, you do.  I'm not going to say you don't."

"You were both keeping this huge secret from me and it wasn't necessary."

"I know.  You're right.  Look, I think I should go."  She turned back towards the door.  

"Nat!"

Natalie turned back.  "Yes."

"I'm not blaming you, not really, O.K.  I understand that it was up to Nick to tell me.  
And you stayed with me right after it happened and were a real friend to me."

"I am your friend, Tracy.  At least, I hope I still am."  

"You are.  I'm just—I need to get some stuff out."  

"I understand.  I'll be there when you need me.  And no more secrets, I promise."  With 
that, she exited.

Tracy walked towards her bedroom.  Janette was stuck in the bathroom.  "I'll get up my 
thicker curtains as soon as I can."  Tracy promised her.  "I'm sorry you're stuck in there.  
You deserve better."

An irritated voice answered.  "I've put up with much worse over the centuries.  Although, 
I don't believe I've ever been this cramped.  I suppose I will live."

Tracy had to laugh.  She couldn't help it.  It was pretty damned funny to hear a vampire 
talking about living.

Janette changed the subject.  "I see Natalie paid a visit to you."

"Yeah.  You heard our conversation, I take it."

"I did." 

"I know it wasn't her fault and she was good to me but…"

"Was it out of genuine caring for you or guilt out of having to keep a big secret from 
you?"

"Yeah.  I don't know and I'm kind of mad at her still and…"

"If it is any help I believe that while Dr. Lambert did harbor guilt with regards to keeping 
Nicola's secret from you, the overwhelming feeling was genuine concern for you.  She is 
that sort of person.  But you should probably be angry with her for a little while longer.  
Just to make sure she never does it again."  Janette gave her a fanged grin.

Tracy burst out laughing.  "You know something, Janette, I really, really like you."

"But of course.  Everyone does."  Tracy burst out laughing again.  "I too like you, Tracy 
Vetter." 


Chapter 23


"I can't go on living this way, Janette.  I'd like to be able to go back to living my life 
without fear and I can't as long as he's out there.  But he's a vampire so he'll always be 
out there and…"

"Not necessarily.  You forget that this rogue threatens our community as much as yours."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that within the vampire community there are those who are working to end 
this threat.  They want him caught as badly as you do."

"I guess that would include Nick."  There was still unmistakable hostility in Tracy's 
voice as she spoke his name.  Janette nodded.  "I'm not sure I like that.  He's done 
enough already."

"Perhaps.  But Nicola has never been one to know when to walk away."

"Great.  So I won't be able to get rid of him.  At least Vachon got that it was my life and I 
had the right to live it on my own terms.  Vachon…." Again there was a flash of 
something.

"Something is wrong, Tracy?"

"No…I…I don't know.  It's just…. Never mind.  It's probably nothing."

Janette knew it wasn't.  Since hearing the story of what La Croix had done at Nicola's 
request she had strongly disapproved.  Painful or not, Tracy's memories of what had 
happened to Vachon were hers and hers alone.  La Croix had had no right to do what he 
had done.  Nicola had no right to ask it.

If Tracy had known the truth about them and had come to Nicola on her own, asking for 
the memories to be taken away, then that would have been one thing.  It would have been 
her own choice and then it could have been done because the deed would have been 
requested from the mortal in question.  But she hadn't.  She hadn't been given any choice 
in the matter and that was wrong.

Janette shook her head.  Nicola had never understood that just by the necessity of living, 
along with that came pain.  You couldn't protect yourself or your loved ones from it 
completely.  And, to be honest, that was not really desirable either.  Everyone's pain 
contributed to who they were, as well as their joys.  If you took away one part of that, you 
were left with less than a whole person.  

Or vampire.  Janette knew her experiences as a mortal had contributed to the kind of 
vampire she now was.  And her experiences as a vampire had also shaped her.  No, no 
matter what everything in her life was hers.  She owned her experiences, no one else did.  
And if anyone had tried to take any of it from her they would have had a real fight on 
their hands.  

Nicola had no right to do what he had done.  But of course, he thought he had the right 
and he thought he was in the right.  That had been enough for him.  He was very 
impossible at times.  

Yes, he had his good points.  After all, Janette had been his wife for centuries.  But 
finally, even she had had to get away from him.  He had been a bit much, even for her at 
the end.  And he had not taken it at all well. 

But now that was all behind them.  They were friends.  But it didn't look like he had 
learned anything at all.  

"I have to do something."  Tracy suddenly said.  

"Yes, you do.  You have to be a part of bringing him to justice."  

Tracy looked shocked.  "You agree with me?  No one else will."

"That does not matter.  Only justice matters.  I think the best way to catch him is with the 
right bait."

"Meaning me."  There was a slight tremble in Tracy's voice.

"Yes.  It has to be arranged properly, of course.  You will have to be protected and then 
fabrications have to be made to satisfy your mortal friends so this will be a closed matter, 
once and for all for everyone."

Tracy nodded.  "I understand.  I am willing to do this but…I'm still scared."

Janette nodded.  "Naturally.  But I promised you I would not let it happen to you again.  I 
mean that.  I will be nearby and nothing will happen to you.  But the decision on whether 
or not to do it must ultimately be yours."

"I know.  Thank you for recognizing that.  You seem to be the only one who does.  I wish 
I'd known you before."

"I, too, wish I had known you before.  You are one of the few mortals who I actually 
like."

Tracy laughed again.  "I feel so privileged."

"As you should.  But now what is your decision?"

"I'll do it.  I have to.  It's the only way I can get closure and put this part of my life 
behind me once and for all."

"I have no doubt that you will be able to do that very thing.  You are very strong."

Tracy blushed.  She didn't know what to say to that.  She finally settled on a simple, 
"Thanks."



Chapter 24

"Absolutely not!  How could you even think it?"  Nick was horrified.

Tracy bit down her irritation and attempted to reason with him.  "Because it's necessary.  
I want my life back, Nick, and if the only way to get it is to act as bait than that's what 
I'll have to do."

"But it's dangerous.  You could get hurt again."

"News flash, Nick.  I've been in danger ever since this happened.  He's wanted to do it to 
me again and again.  That's no secret.  I'm not going to sit around and wait for it in fear 
anymore.  It's time to take action."

"I will be nearby.  Nothing will happen to Tracy."  Janette promised.

Nick still looked uneasy.  He got up and paced around Tracy's living room.  "Look, 
Tracy, I was wrong about not being honest with you.  I should have been.  I'm sorry 
about that.  Let me make it up to you.  Let me catch him."

"And how are you going to do that, Nick, exactly?  According to Janette this vampire's 
been at large doing his thing for quite some time.  Nobody has caught him.  No, it looks 
like this is the only way."

Natalie nodded.  "She has a point, Nick.  I don't like it either but…"

Tracy laughed bitterly.  "I'm not exactly thrilled about this myself but it's the only way.  
I'm going to be armed and once the vampire is taken care of it'll be over."

Janette took up the explanation of the rest of the plan.  "Once he's gone then we contact 
Aristotle.  He has contacts in the States and some are in the news media.  A fake story 
will be circulated about the capture and killing of a rapist in the States.  That story will 
make its way to your precinct.  Once it does, Tracy will identify the dead rapist as her 
attacker.  Thus the case is closed for the mortals as well."

"It's a good plan."  Natalie had to admit.

"I guess…I…just…"

"Nick, it's what is going down whether you like it or not."  Tracy told him.  "I'm taking 
charge of my life and destiny and that's all there is to it.  You really have no right to say 
anything about it."

Nick looked pained.  "You're right.  I don't."  Everyone in the room looked at him in 
shock.  "I made mistakes.  My intentions were good but they were still mistakes.  I'm 
truly sorry and I hope someday you can forgive me and be my friend again."

Tracy gazed at him steadily.  "Maybe.  I'm not going to rule it out for the future.  But 
right now I need some time."

"O.K.  That's fair enough" Nick took a deep breath.  "Let's just do it."


Chapter 25


So Janette went back to the Raven because it was a sure bet that the rogue had been 
watching Tracy all this time and knew she was protected.  But now that she was 
seemingly on her own again, it was likely that he's start stalking her again.  Tracy wasn't 
looking forward to that.  On the other hand, if this all worked out the way it was supposed 
to then she'd never have to worry about this vampire again.  And that was a worthwhile 
goal to go after.

Tracy did her best to stick to her routine.  It was hard when you were waiting for the 
other shoe to drop but she did.  Fortunately she did not have long to wait.  

One night, not long after Janette left, on one of her nights off, the phone rang.  "Hello."

"Hello, Tracy.  Now that your little bodyguard has departed, how about you and me 
getting together?  I think you'll find it even better than our last encounter."  There was 
laughter on the other end.

Tracy fought down the urge to scream and slam the phone down.  Instead she played it 
like they had planned.  "I am so tired of this.  I won't live in fear any longer.  If you want 
me, why don't you come and get me."  The laughter stopped.  "I mean it.  Come to me or 
better yet, I'll come to you.  Where?"  There was no answer.  "Coward.  Well, if you 
change your mind, you know how to find me, I'm sure."  She slammed the phone down.

That had been so hard.  Now if only he would take the bait.  No time to worry about that 
now.  She still had her part to play.  She dialed the cell phone number Janette had given 
her.  "Janette, it's Tracy.  Yes, he made his move.  I'm going out now.  Yes, the city park.  
You'll be there, right?  O.K.  See you then."  Tracy hung up and hurried to arm herself.  
This time she'd be prepared. 
************************************************************************
Janette clicked the cell phone off.  "It's that time.  I must call--."

"I'll call Nicholas," a smooth voice told her.  "And then we'll go."  

Janette stared at La Croix.  "You're coming too?"

"But of course.  I have to see this threat eradicated and to do that I have to be a part of 
this."

"All right."  She handed him the phone.  La Croix quickly did what he wished and then 
handed it back to her.  "Shall we go now?"  Janette nodded and they took off.

La Croix's reason for going had been explained in a satisfactory manner.  It was the truth, 
after all.  But, if in fact, another reason was also to help provide closure for a mortal he 
secretly liked—well—there was no reason for anyone but himself to know that. 
************************************************************************
Tracy got out of her car and began walking.  She was nervous but she'd just have to trust 
that her backup were nearby.  But they were vampires and if they weren't--.  No!  She 
wasn't going to think like that.  They'd be here.  They had to be.

She fingered the stake hidden under her coat.  And if they weren't—well—at least she 
was armed this time.  Tracy resisted the urge to run back to her car and drive as fast and 
as far away as she could.  

And then that voice.  "Hello, Tracy."  And out of the shadows he stepped.  He was just as 
she remembered him: tall, no hair, cold blue eyes and broad.  He was easily three times 
the size of Tracy.  "Shall we get on with it, then?"

"Just try it.  Just you try it."  

Before she could say another word he was by her side and had grabbed her.  His hand 
over her mouth cut off her scream.  "I have you now.  Oh, this will be so good.  Better 
than before.  It was very considerate of you to come to me.  Shall we dance now?"

Tracy fought but she was no match for him.  She couldn't get to the stake.  Where was 
everyone?  They were supposed to be here.  They'd let her down and now it was going to 
happen again.  She should have known better than to trust vampires.  You couldn't trust 
them; you couldn't trust anyone.  'No, please.  Not again."

"Let her go."  That voice.  Out of the darkness.  It was Nick.  

Now Tracy saw him and Janette appear, fully vamped out.  They were here.  They hadn't 
let her down after all.  

Using the distraction to her advantage, She pushed herself away from her assailant.  

He seemed to be taken with the two vampires.  "Protecting a mortal.  How quaint.  But 
not really necessary.  I wasn't planning on killing her, only having some fun."

"Your fun is over."  Janette spat at him.  Then she and Nick rushed him.

It was a tangled mass of: fangs, limbs and glowing eyes.  And the fight was brutal.  
Slashing, snarling and biting.  

By this time Tracy had recovered her footing and clasped the stake in her hands.  She 
longed to drive a stake right through his heart but she couldn't risk harming either Janette 
or Nick.  It wasn't fair.  He had hurt HER and she should be the one to stake him.

Stake him.  Something about that wanted to emerge from the back of her mind.  What 
was it?  What was it about staking?  

There was no time to dwell on it.  There was a fight going on.  "Give him to me!"  Tracy 
suddenly shouted.  

She was heard, of course, and Janette, for one, was happy to oblige.  Getting a firm grip 
on the rogue, she shoved him towards Tracy.  "He is all yours."

"You bastard!  I'll show you," Tracy shouted as she brought the stake down straight 
through his heart.  There were bloodcurdling screams heard.  There were the rogue's 
death screams and Tracy's.  Tracy's were triumphant at first but then they changed 
because suddenly that thing in the back of her mind surged forward and her memories 
returned.

Tracy saw herself and Vachon.  He was sick and begging her to stake him.  She wasn't 
going to and she had turned to tell him that but she still held the stake he had given her in 
her hand.  And he rushed at her and—NO!!!!   

He hadn't gone away as she had thought.  Vachon had died.  She had killed him.  How 
could she have forgotten?

As if in answer, another flashback assaulted her.  Nick's loft.  She was there.  He was too.  
And also someone else.  That La Croix guy.  Yes, she could see him clearly now.  He was 
doing something to her mind and Nick was letting him.  She didn't want it done but they 
were doing it anyway.  She hadn't been able to stop them from—Whammying!  They had 
whammied her into forgetting what had happened with Vachon.  How could they?  

Everybody was still and just staring at her.  "You!"  She confronted Nick.  "I remember 
now about Vachon and what you had done to me.  How could you?"  

They were all standing over the corpse of the rogue.  "I just thought it was for the best.  I 
wanted to spare you pain."

"That's a laugh.  Spare me pain.  You did a bang up job of it, you know.  You lied to me 
to 'protect' me and look what happened.  Now this.  You and him, you violated my 
memories.  That's like mind rape.  Oh, my, God.  That's what it is.  You raped me.  I was 
raped twice but at least he", she pointed to the corpse, "wasn't someone I thought was a 
friend.  How could you, Nick?  How could you?"  The words ended in a scream of agony.

Janette rushed to her side and glared a t Nick.  "What is it the mortals say?  The road to 
hell is paved with good intentions.  Will you never learn?"

Nick looked ashamed.  "I guess not.  I'm so sorry.  I never looked at it like that, Tracy, 
honest.  I always seem to do the wrong thing when I only wanted to do the right thing."

"It doesn't matter.  Don't you see?  You had no right at all to do what you did.  I hate 
you.  I hate you."  Tears were streaming down Tracy's face.  "How could you?  How 
could you?"

"I'm sorry.  I just thought it would be best for you to forget and not have the pain 
anymore."

"You thought.  You thought it was best.  Who the hell are you?  My father.  I don't think 
so.  You had no right, no right at all.  Just like my father you think you know what's best 
for me.  You don't.  You don't know anything at all."  And with that declaration, Tracy 
grabbed the stake out of the corpse and lunged for Nick.


Chapter 26


And out of the darkness came another looming figure.  And this one stayed her hand.  

Tracy was furious.  Who in the hell dared to interfere with her desire for revenge?  

A calm, smooth voice spoke.  "I'm sorry but I can't let you kill or injure my son.  I 
realize that you are furious with him and rightly so.  I, myself, have often wanted to kill 
him.  Or at least hurt him.  But I don't and I can't let anyone else either.  Sorry." 

Tracy looked up at the figure.  It was Lucien La Croix, the Nightcrawler and Raven 
owner.  She stopped suddenly and said, "So, you're a vampire too.  You're all a bunch of 
liars and if I had my way I'd stake every one of you."

To the amazement of everyone there, including Natalie, who had also appeared out of 
nowhere, La Croix did not attack Tracy.  Instead he only laughed.  "Yes, well, we have to 
do what we have to do to keep the Community secret.  In any case, I'm too old to be 
killed so easily but you do have spirit.  And my daughter', he nodded at Janette," seems 
to like you.  Besides, there are other ways to take vengeance, are there not?"

Tracy glanced at Nick, who looked so much like a kicked puppy that she suddenly 
couldn't hate him anymore.  "I guess there are but what good would it do?  It doesn't 
change anything."

La Croix shrugged.  "It would bring satisfaction."

"Maybe but I'm just so tired of it all of a sudden.  I just can't do it anymore."  Tracy 
dropped to her knees and suddenly started crying. 

 Everyone moved to comfort her but La Croix stopped them.  He approached her and got 
down to her level.  "If you would deign to stop that sniveling, I have an offer for you."  
Tracy was curious and looked up at him.  He went on.  "My son had me take your 
memories of Vachon without your consent.  He was wrong.  I am not.  I offer to take your 
memories of the trauma you suffered away.  Only with your consent, of course.  If you 
consent, it will be as if it had never happened."

Tracy shook her head.  "It wouldn't work.  It's on the record.  Other people know."

"My dear, that can be easily fixed.  Records can be removed or altered; non-resistors can 
be made to forget.  Even resistors can be made to forget, as you, yourself found out."

"Except it didn't take with me, remember.  I felt something was wrong and now it all 
makes sense."

"Yes, but with your consent it would be different.  Because this would be with your 
consent, it would take.  So, it is really up to you.  Do you take my offer or not?"

Tracy thought about it.  To have no memory of the rape at all would be almost as if it had 
never happened.  And from what La Croix was saying, it could be made to not have 
happened at all; at least officially, anyway.  

It was so tempting.  Her life could go on as it was before.  How wonderful that would be.  

But then she rejected that option in her mind.  It had happened.  Nothing could change 
that.  Even if she did allow him to make her forget, it would still have happened.  It was a 
fact of her life now.  

What mattered now was how she dealt with it.  That was going to change.  "Thanks, but 
no thanks.  It was a tempting offer, I admit but the fact is, it did happen to me.  It's a 
trauma but it's mine.  And I will choose on how to deal with it.  Nobody else."  She gave 
Nick a significant look.  "I'm going to find a support group and I am going to reclaim my 
own life on my own terms.  Is that understood?"  Everyone nodded.  

There was something akin to respect in La Croix's eyes.  But of course, that was 
impossible.  La Croix didn't respect mortals and he never would.  "Very well.  I accept 
that."  They had both risen to their feet by this time.  To the utter disbelief of everyone 
present, La Croix bowed and kissed Tracy's hand.  "Everything that happens to us makes 
our life our life.  Even missing one thing, no matter how bad, is missing a vital part that 
makes us who we are.  And that is not a good thing."  He too, gave Nick a significant 
look.  "Very well.  I bid you all adieu."  And with that he flew off into the night.

Those left just stood there, stunned.  "Was that really, La Croix?"  Natalie asked.

"It would seem so," Nick said.  "He's certainly different now, it seems."

"Perhaps not so very different, after all."  Janette had come over to stand beside them.  
"We have to start cleaning things up and taking care of it."

Tracy nodded.  "Yes, we do.  And tomorrow my new life begins."

Up in the trees a few feet away, La Croix nodded.  "Yes, it does, my dear, yes, it does."  
Then he flew off.



                                                                 The End.