(Chapters 26-30) Adult

Forever Is Such a Long, Long Time

Vickey Brickle-Macky

          Nick drove the Caddie to the Raven and parked. The long haired, leather clad doorman nodded in recognition of who and what he was and let him pass. He went to the bar area to find Janette but he was surprised that she was not at her usual table. He went to the bar and then inwardly groaned when he spotted the bartender. It was his luck that it just had to be same blond surly guy that had given him all the grief about the house special earlier. The man saw him and frowned and started to walk away but thought better of it since this was a very special friend of the owner and he had already gotten royally chewed out by both Janette and the head bartender the last thing he wanted was a repeat. Neither was pleased to deal with the other but Nick needed to talk to Janette and he didn't see anyone else around to ask.

          "Hi," Nick said as he sat down on the barstool, "can you tell me where Janette is?"

          The bartender wanted this over with so he didn't hesitate to reply. "Out. She and some guy with white short hair I hadn't seen before went out together. She didn't say nothing to anybody, she just left. But I could tell she wasn't happy about going. And the guy, I got the impression he was a real bad character, but that she knew him real well," the bartender said leaning over the bar so Nick could hear him over the noise of the music and the crowd.

          "About when was this?" Nick asked, his face was stony as he tried to keep his rising alarm from showing. Nick leaned closer to hear the man's reply. Super hearing was not a help in this kind of noisy environment he had learned long ago.

          The guy glanced down at his watch computing the time. "I'd say, probably around nine. Funny thing, the guy showed up at dawn, walked right in without a by your leave to anyone, though I hear Anthony tried to stop him and the guy just gave him a look and Anthony backed off. The guy made a beeline for her rooms and stayed with her all day. I got the impressed she was afraid of this guy, though I don't blame her he gave me the chills, and that's rare for someone working in this place.

          "If he scared you why didn't you call someone?" NIck asked.

          "Not me, man. I knew what he was like. He like one of those Enforcer guys. I don't stick my neck out for that kind of trouble. Besides Anthony is the manager, if he wants to eject them he does. But Anthony knew enough to leave it alone."

          "And if Janette had gone hurt?" Nick questioned.

          "Then we would have done something to him," he answered. "But like I was saying, the mistress never left her rooms all day or came down to check over things before we opened like she usually does. Anthony went up there concerned and she told him everything was okay and to take charge of everything because she was busy. That's not like her. She takes a real personal interest in everything."

          Nick nodded, hoping his worry wasn't showing. Calmly he agreed with the man. "Yeah, I know. Did you catch a name with this guy?" Nick asked. He already knew but he wanted verification of his suspicions.

          "Nope, 'afraid not," the bartender replied. "Janette isn't in any kind of trouble?"

          "I'm not sure, that's why I've got to find her. One other question were there any business suits in here last night from the States? There's been another 'vampire' murder and just checking out things."

          "No, just the regulars were in, not like the other night. I'd have noticed. You can check with some of the rest of the staff. After the other night Janette made all of us be on our toes and to discourage business suits from socializing in here unless they're part of the community. These killings have got everyone on edge and the Enforcers have been seen more and more. This is not good for anyone," he said candidly, with a shiver.

          'That's an understatement,' Nick thought to himself. "Okay, thanks. If you hear anything or Janette does come back have someone call me at the station or at this number, the room number's on there," Nick told him and handed him one of his cards and had penciled in his hotel telephone number and room on the back.

          The bartender looked at the card and then pocketed it. "I'll give you a call, Detective Knight if I hear anything. What about the white haired guy? Want me to call you if he shows up?" he asked.

          "If you see him let me know too, or if you hear anything regarding him. And watch yourself--he's dangerous--more dangerous than an Enforcer," Nick warned him. He got off the stool and straightened up then he took off through the heavy crowd while the bartender watched him leave and wondered what was going on.

          Out on the street Nick debated what to do. He had hoped Janette might be able to shed some light on what was going on. The obvious question--had she seen LaCroix--had been answered. Now he was worried because she was out there in the night with him--and why? What was the game? Why did LaCroix need Janette? To gloat to or was there something else? The most important question was where? The mansion LaCroix had been using was sealed--course when had that stopped anyone, he smiled, thinking of that as a possibility of where.

There was another possibly to check out, maybe two--his burned out apartment and work. He'd check the ruins of his home first then go back to the station.

          He got in his car after a last look around at the club and at the overcast night sky and he edged his collar up against the cold blowing wind that even made him shiver. He hadn't heard the weather reports, but the night sky had the feel and look of snow coming in. Winter was not one of his favorite times. There were too many bad memories associated with winter and the holidays that were soon too come. Holidays were for mortals, for happiness, the sound of laughter, children's voices, joy and sharing, all those things he was set apart from, had been apart from all these years, and unless he could get LaCroix there would no hope for this year's holidays either.

          He slammed his door and started the car, heading for the ruins of his apartment. He had not been back there. There hadn't been time these past couple of days, or at least that's what he kept telling himself on the drive there. Though that wasn't strictly true. He really hadn't had the heart or will to see it before this. Memories again, nothing but memories, of similar loses and having to rebuild his life. Usually he just walked away and became someone else. This time he wasn't. He was going to stay see it through no matter what. Finally he pulled up by the cordoned off block. Bulldozers and other heavy equipment were already parked on the property along with a temporary headquarters trailer for the wrecking crew. He had already given the city the go ahead to clear the lot for safety sake. The crew was going to start in the morning,

          He flashed his badge to the guard on duty and explained this had been his home, the guard let him pass. There wasn't much to see. Few walls remained standing and it was a tumbled wreck. He used a flashlight to keep the suspicions of the guard down, but his own night vision was better to see the damage done and to see if there was anything left. All his paintings were gone, all his photos, the books, his momentoes, everything. All that remained were charred frameworks of some of his furniture. Nothing remained, nothing . . . . He looked around saddened, and horrified as it was worse than he had imagined. He didn't think it would bother him so much as many times as he had lost homes, things that meant a lot to him, but it did. It was closing the chapter on a life that had been, all of it because this fire had destroyed the last of his tangible reminders of who and what he really was . . . and maybe that was the way it should be . . . a clean sweep for a clean future.

          He was turning to go when the flash of something shiny in the rubble caught his eye. He reached down and picked up the gold ring--his mother's ring--now Nat's ring that had been on her finger not more than a couple of hours before. How and why was it here? He shivered and looked into the deep shadows of the ruins but he could see and sense nothing. Nick knew with certainty this was LaCroix's work. The vampire had been here and had known that Nick would come here. He had planted this deliberately and the only way he could have gotten it was from Nat which meant he had her too---but where?

          Nick raced back to the car and asked the switchboard to page Nat. He already knew she wasn't at the medical examiner's office but wanted to know for sure. "This is Eighty-One Kilo, can you put me through to Dr. Lambert in Medical Examiner's office? Over," he said into his radio handset.

          "Eighty-One Kilo, this is dispatch. Everyone has been trying to find you. Dr. Lambert is missing. No one can find her or Detective. Schanke. They never reported back in and no one can raise her on her radio. Over,"' the female voice said.

          "I copy, dispatch. What was their last known position? Over" he asked.

          "Third and Mary Streets, heading in. Over."

          "Okay, I will go to their last known position and check it out, dispatch."

          "Roger that Eighty-One Kilo. Dispatch out."

          "Eighty-One Kilo out," Nick replied, signing off and hanging up the mike. Putting the car in gear, he took off to Nat and Schanke's last known position. Third and Mary was half-way between the last crime scene and the station. He had a very good suspicion as to what had happened to them. Either LaCroix had intercepted them or some of Schanke's hidden programing had clicked in. He'd find out when he caught up with them because he wasn't picking up anything from Nat, not like the earlier carrier wave that had existed between them.

          And when he thought about most of his normally acute senses were dulled: vision, hearing, and smell all seemed off, like he had some sort of mask on or helmet on. Then he even felt heavier, more earthbound to be precise. Even his mind seemed strangely clouded, foggy, making it harder to think, to react. That was not good, he thought worriedly to himself, he needed all his abilities intact to deal with LaCroix. For good or bad the formula was working or doing something to him. He glanced at his watch almost midnight, two and a half hours until his next dose of the stuff. He took the vial out of his inner coat pocket and put it in the glove box of the Caddie for safe keeping. If it started getting rough he didn't want it getting broke in the excitement.

          If the stuff was working this fast and this well on him then what must be happening to Nat since she had already been closer to mortal than he was? He drove faster. He reached the intersection, storefronts on all corners and a fast food burger place down past the middle of the block on Mary. His gut told him to check the fast food place and see if Nat's car was in the lot. It was-- back in the back, but there was no sign of Nat or Schanke in the restaurant. He even got out and checked with the restaurant staff if they had been in before he started looking over her car for clues. On the front seat was a note addressed to him in LaCroix's handwriting. He opened it:

          Nicholas,

          I have your woman and Detective Schanke. Come to the mansion in Saddlerbury if you want them. They are safe for the moment but that is up to you how long they stay safe.

          LaCroix

          That solved the problem of where they were. Now to get to them. He got back in his car and called in. "This is Eighty-One Kilo reporting in. I have located Dr. Lambert's car. It is in the back parking lot of the McDonald's on Mary Street. Both Dr. Lambert and Detective Schanke are missing. I am pursing a lead in the case and will let you know what turns up. This is Eighty-One Kilo out," Nick said quickly into the mike and then turned it off. Stonetree was going to fume over this but this was not something he wanted mortals involved in. There were too many involved in this personal battle between him and LaCroix already.

          He drove across the city into the far suburbs of the city to the LaCroix's mansion. Nick wasn't sure what kind of money or personal magic LaCroix had used to get the place unsealed. and the yellow police crime scene tapes and barricades removed. The place was lit up, not blazing with lights as it had been the last time he had been there but it looked like someone was home. There was a sleek black car in the driveway. He recognized it as being Janette's. That explained the 'how' of how they had gotten there. He pulled the green Caddie in behind Janette's and parked and got out.

         (Part 27/30)

Forever Is A Long, Long Time

Vickey Brickle-Macky

          The door swung inward before he could raise a hand to use the grinning gothic gargoyle knocker. He went in cautiously, both his vampiric senses and cop instincts on alert. He didn't draw his gun. That was an exercise in futility as the only ones it would hurt would be the two people he had come to rescue. From somewhere ahead classical music played, a string selection with the violin predominating, he followed the sound down the wide hallway to the study. The double sliding doors were wide open. He was expected. He stepped forward into the candlelit room.

          "Welcome, Nicholas, I have been expecting you," LaCroix's voice came from the right side of the room. Nick swiveled towards the sound of it. LaCroix sat behind an ornate desk in a throne like chair wearing a satiny black and silver embroidered jacket over a silky black shirt. He held a glass goblet of some dark red thick liquid before him in his hands as he leaned back in the chair. "I see you got my messages," he smiled taking a sip from his glass. It left a sticky red stain on his lips which his tongue licked across with suggestively movements. "I do love these modern conveniences. Blood in a bag, what a marvelous idea. Though it does lack the tang of getting on the hoof," he giggled, hysterically. "Would you like some?" he asked raising a pale white eyebrow as he looked at him. "Oh, that's right, you can't. It'll mess up your treatment, won't it?" he taunted waiting for Nick to say something or react.

          Nick did neither. He glared at his former mentor with a steel eyed gaze and acted indifferent to all the taunting and posturing by LaCroix. Nick knew with certainty that LaCroix knew that he and Nat were taking the cure and how he even knew that it existed in fact and not just theory bothered him. Even though it bothered him he was not going to give LaCroix any kind of wedge.

          "I'm here, LaCroix. Where are they?" he asked, his voice hard and sharp, and very tired of LaCroix's games. Nick scanned the room. He and LaCroix were alone and he could get no real sense of anyone else in the house.

          "Impatient, aren't we, dear boy?" LaCroix took another sip, then sat the glass down very deliberately enjoying every moment of Nick's discomfort.

          "Where are they LaCroix?" Nick asked again, staying by the door.

          The vampire shrugged. "Around, close. Unharmed--for the moment. But only for the moment. I wish to offer you a deal," he said grinning smugly and leaning forward, his arms on the desk as he twinned his fingers together, studying his adversary.

          "Why?" Nick was suspicious now. His eyes narrowed watching LaCroix, trying to figure out his game besides the obvious.

          "Because I chose to. Despite your attempts to kill me--which you can see have failed miserably--I still want you--and I can forgive you and let your 'friends' go free--if you return to me and give up this fantasy of yours for good of being mortal," he smiled indulgently up at Nick.

          "And if I don't?" Nick snapped back.

          "They and you die--permanently. Though I am sorely tempted to keep your Natalie. Such fire and spirit even against me. I like that," he smirked.

          "And if I give in to you they will be set free--including Janette?"

          "Yes, I give my word. And I've never broken my word to you, have I, Nicholas?" LaCroix asked seriously.

          "No," Nick told him, but he knew that LaCroix made promises and then found ways out of them. Like Angelette. . .he would never forgive him for having her killed and then lying that he had nothing to do with it. Then there was the dancer, and others. Trust him? Hell no, not ever, but he could lie and play along to figure out what the game was.

          "So what is to be your decision?"

          "What about the killings? If I come to you, they stop too. I'm surprised the Enforcers haven't tracked you down and stopped you before this."

          "We've talked. For me they are not a problem. And if you return the killings will stop because we will be elsewhere than this boring little city. The world has such more interesting places than this to be. Besides you will have nothing left to tie you to this place. Your home is gone, and your girlfriend will be allowed to go back to her boring moral life as will your partner. That's what you want isn't it their freedom and to live their lives as if you had never come in to them? I can even make sure that their memories of you are wiped clean as are all the memories and records of your time here. You will never have existed. As to Janette that will be up to her, but I fervently hope she will join us like in the old days when we three saw and did everything together. I have greatly missed that all these long years we've been apart," LaCroix said sitting back now in the huge red velvet chair and crossing his arms as he waited for Nick to make his decision.

          Nick ran a hand through his thick hair debating what to do. He wasn't that sure about LaCroix's word and that he really would let Nat and Schanke go or even Janette. Were they still alive? He wanted to see that they were alive and unharmed before he made any permanent deals with this devil.

          "I want to see them first, LaCroix."

          "How boringly predictable you are, Nicholas. I expected this. Come," he commanded with a flip of his wrist, getting up from his thronechair and going over to the solid wood paneling on the inner wall. On a table was a small statue of Mercury he grasped the head and tilted it downwards. There was a loud audible click and a section of the wall swung inward and revealed a lighted passageway beyond going downward. "I have them in the rec room," he laughed as he motioned Nicholas to follow him.

          They went down a long set of winding narrow stone steps that gradually opened up into a set of larger rooms at the bottom. The walls were finished dark paneling and natural grey stone with Renassance style paintings in gilt frames of bloody battles and religious nightmares. The floor was black marble tiled and scattered randomly were expensive Persian carpets. There were several pedastal tables and cabinets along the walls with candles and other items of a ritual nature laid casually on their surfaces.

          The main room was sparsely decorated except for several large stands of candelabras and a large black stone altar with chalices and other objects on it in the center of the room. Around the altar on the floor were painted several rings of circles each with Kabbalistic symbols and Latin lettering which Nick recognized. There were also dark stains on the floor and down the sides of the altar. He shook his head and shivered in disgust and loathing knowing all too well what had been taking place in this room and on that altar.

          "So you're back to that again?" he asked LaCroix.

          "Some of my former roommates here were. I indulged them and then showed them what real magic was. I like to keep my pets entertained," he said with a smirk, enjoying Nick's discomfort. "Mortals are so easily amused," he laughed. "Come, your friends are in the dungeon. I spared no expense in making it like the ones we knew in the old days. My associates thought it was rather well done and very inspirational for their activities," he said proudly as he unlocked an old fashioned looking wood door with iron straps.

          The door opened and it was like looking in upon some of his worst waking nightmares of the past. It was a perfect replica of a medieval torture chamber set up by the Inquisition. The old memories of that period came flooding back and Nick grew afraid for he had had too intimate an acquaintance with many of the devices within or been forced to watch others rendered apart into bloody broken heaps. He forced himself to move forward, one heavy step at a time and allowed his eyes to adjust to the reddish light mixed with torch light within which made everything look like it was dipped in blood.

          He peered through the dimness and finally saw his friends and he inwardly groaned at what he saw and what LaCroix had done to them so far. Against the far stone wall were shackled Schanke and Janette. They looked up in pain at him and threw LaCroix looks of pure loathing.

          "YOU SON-OF-A-BITCH!! LET US GO!!" Schanke yelled at him in pure hate struggling against his shackles trying to reach the white haired demon standing just out of his reach.

          "Tsk, tsk, Mr. Schanke, such fruitless bravo," LaCroix regarded him amused with crossed arms secure that he was master here.

          That made Schanke even madder. "Then take this you souless bastard!" and he spat fully in LaCroix's face and the vampire reacted instantly and hauled off and hit him across the face very nearly breaking Schanke's nose and jaw fromthe force of it. Blood gushed heavily from Schanke's nose and mouth, staining down on his white shirt front. Schanke gritted his teeth and glared murderously, then looked at Nick to do something anything but Nick stood back watching looking for an opening and there was none --yet.

          "They never learn do they, boy? We are their masters and always will be," La Croix said with disgust as he turned his back on Schanke.

          Nick had not seen Nat, and he was starting to get frantic. He could feel her but he couldn't see her. Finally he did against the opposite wall of the vast chamber. She was stretched out on a replica of a medeval torture rack, her arms and legs securely bound and stretched. She turned her head weakly to meet his eyes. Her large and swollen bloodshot eyes were filled with the torments of the damned. It was all he could do to keep himself under control. He dug his nails into the palms of his hands as he tightly clenched his fists in reaction.

          "You call this unharmed?" hissed Nick between his teeth with a low growl of rage at the state of his friends.

          "They're not dead," LaCroix threw back baiting him.

          "Release them--NOW!!" Nick ordered, his voice low and deadly.

          "Your decision first," taunted his mentor, moving over to the Iron Maiden and toying with a set of shackles hanging nearby.

          "Nick, whatever it is don't do it," begged Nat, her voice a whispery croak.

          LaCroix cocked his head interested. "Ahh, a voice of reason, but one terribly in error," he laughed.

          Nick couldn't restrain himself and went to her. LaCroix made no move to stop him and just watched him with an amused expression. "Nat, . . . ," Nick said going to her side. "I never wanted this," he said with tears in his eyes as he saw close up the horrors that had been inflicted on her. Bruises on her face, cuts, and long oozing scratches on her bare arms and legs.

          "Nick, . . . whatever it is he wants don't do it. I'd rather die and so would Schanke before we'd see you go to LaCroix as his slave," her voice was barely above a whisper.

          "Nat, if I go with him--do what he wants he'll set you all free."

          "Do you really believe him? Honestly?"

          "No, but what choice is there. You're his prisoners."

          "And you'll be his. I couldn't stand that. True death would be preferable to watching you be his slave, because he won't let me go. You know this and so do I. Kill me, Nick. Now before he can stop you!" she begged.

          He hung his head, tears forming in his eyes as fought all the thoughts in his head. "NO, I CAN'T! Nat, I love you. I can't do it. You deserve to live --not DIE!" his voice all choked up.

          "Without you--I don't want to. And if you go with him--it is death!" she argued. "If you love me then you'll do this--give me peace--please??"

          He shook his head violently, and pushed himself away. Fighting her, himself, trying to get his thoughts in focus as he looked back at her seeing all the damage that had been done and knowing how much more LaCroix would dearily love to do to her.

          She had been dressed in a white cotton shift like a medeval nightgown. Her own clothes were discarded in a heap on the floor by the rack. On her neck were fresh puncture wounds and there was a line of dried blood leading from it to her shoulder then to the surface of the rack. LaCroix had reinfected her. He looked up at LaCroix his eyes starting to glow red with rage. "WHY??" he screamed at LaCroix.

          "I am Master here! Never forget that, Nicholas. I do as I wish to whom I wish, " the vampire shouted back smugly, drawing himself up to his full height. "I own her now--not you! I own every one of you! And what I own I keep--forever! It's your decision, Nicholas. I'm waiting . . . ," he smirked from across the room, confident in his control of the situation.

          Instead of answering him Nick grabbed up a long iron spike from the firepit and threw it like a javelin at LaCroix. Before the vampire could react to the unexpected attack it had pinned his shoulder to the wood of the rack he was leaning against. He howled in rage and pain, reacting in a frenzy like the maddened beast he was as he tried to pull the spike out, but before he could Nick was on him with another spike driving it into the vampire's other shoulder pinninghim like a bug on a specimen board .

          "NO!! HOW DARE YOU!!" LaCroix shrieked enraged like a wounded animal, fully vamped out now, and tried to grab him with his claws, but Nick threw himself back trying toget out of LaCroix's reach so that his claws tore the front of Nick's shirt and dug deep bleeding gourges across his chest.

          Nick howled in pain from LaCroix's attack. His vision became distorted as though he was in a tunnel his focusonly on LaCroix. He saw everything now through a haze of red as he became fully vamped out, his fangs and claws fully descended and ready. With a snarl of pure red hot rage he did the only thing he could think of: he attacked. He went after LaCroix's exposed neck and sank his own formable fangs down hard on his mentor's neck.

          LaCroix roared loudly in outrage at being so violated. He tried to buck Nick off shaking his head wildly back and forth but Nick held on and clamped his hands around LaCroix's head and dug his fingernails in. LaCroix howled loudly like some demented beast from the pits of hell He bucked his body and writhered in Nick's iron grasp as he tried to pry Nick loose with his hands and claws digging painfully into Nick's body and arms, tearing at his flesh. Blood was everywhere from the wounds that LaCroix was inflicting on him but he didn't feel any of it. He couldn't allow himself to. No matter what he had to do hold on to LaCroix he was not going let go no matter what LaCroix did to him. If he died so be it. Only one of them was going to walk away from this battle and he was going to do his damnest to make sure that one was him.

          Nick held LaCroix's neck in a deathlock with his teeth as he worked at draining his master completely, not stopping until there was no more blood forth coming from the bloody wound that had been enlarged from LaCroix's own struggles. It seemed to take an eternity and then some to accomplish his task. He hadn't even noticed when LaCroix had finally quit struggling. He had just kept on sucking and sucking every bit of blood until he was sure there was no more blood whatsoever left in his master.

          Finally he sensed it was over. That the vampire was dead, truly dead. He felt no life of any kind emulating from his master. With a heartfelt sigh Nick released his hold on him.

          When he was done the body hung limply, sagging heavily on the iron spikes through the shoulders. LaCroix's arms dangled down. The hands were red to the wrists. Nick was too numb to feel or even care what his own back and arms looked liked. They were both red from head to foot, he idly noticed as he stepped back and away from LaCroix's dead embrace. He was sick of his stomach, and he turned around and began to retch. LaCroix's blood was making him sick. He staggered away, throwing up the blood he had ingested. Having enough presence of mind to do it as far away from LaCroix's body as he could. He was weak and shaking when he was through. Finally, he straightened up and looked towards his friends who had been strangely silent through out it all.

          Schanke's silence was understandable when Nick saw that he had passed out and was sagging down against his chains. Janette was just staring at him horrified as was Nat.

          "Nicholi, are you. . . , " she asked her blue eyes wide and frightened.

          "Alright?" he finished for her. "Yes. I'm still queasy, but I will survive . . . I think," he said, his voice sounding weak even to his ears. "I'll get you loose," he added, pushing himself up from the floor with a hand then staggering over to LaCroix's body and going through the pockets until he found the key ring that had what he hoped were the keys to unlock their shackles.

          He debated a moment and set Janette free first, and she helped him get Schanke down and they lowered the man to the floor. His partner was still out cold. Nick left him with Janette as he went over to the rack and undid Nat's shackles. She was barely conscious and it worried him. He felt for her pulse. It was weak, very weak. Not vampire weak, human weak. LaCroix's torturing her, the battle and her own almost human fraility finally catching up to her in a rush.

          "Natalie, can you hear me?" he asked, touching her ice cold clammy face and brushing her sweat soaked hair back from her face as he regarded her worriedly.

          Her long eyelashes fluttered open and she looked around franicly until she focused on him. "Nick? . . . Nick is that you? . . . Are you okay?" her voice was barely above a whisper.

          He smiled slightly in reassurance and kissed her forehead. "Yes, I'm a little sore, but I'll make it. Don't worry about me, how are you doing?" he asked seriously. He wanted to gather her up in his arms but he was almost afraid to pick her up, afraid he'd accidently injure her worse. But he did pull her up gently to a sitting position secure in his arms and kissed her gently on her cheek. and even that made her involuntarily ouch.

          "How am I doing?" she laughed to hide her pain, "not good. He bit me, Nick. I hope the damn stuff in my system made the bastard sick," she tried to smile even though it hurt too much to. She looked over to where LaCroix still hung. "Is he?"

          "Dead? Maybe, I drained him dry-- literally and he made me sick. This time I'm going to make sure he can't come back but I have to do it alone. I need toget youall out of here before he has a chance to come back somehow. Can you stand?" he asked.

          "I don't know, I can try," she said wondering what he was up to and not wanting to know because there were only a few possibilies left to insure that LaCroix never rose again.

          Gingerly, she tried to swing her legs across the wooden frame but every moment was agony, but she made herself do it until her legs were hanging off the end. She let Nick help her to stand but it was like red hot needles were being shot through her hip joints and legs. She almost screamed aloud in pain instead she bit her lip to hold it in.

          "Nat?" he asked concerned. He could tell she was incredible pain,

          "I'll make it, Nick . . . I'll make it," she said through gritted teeth as she determinely planted her bare feet on the cold marble tile floor.

          "Janette!" Nick yelled over his shoulder.

          She came over as soon as she could. She didn't look too great herself. LaCroix had roughed her up as well. She had a black eye and a busted lip. Nick's eyebrows knit together in a frown. He started to open his mouth and say something but she hushed him with a look.

          "Don't say it," she warned.

          "I won't. I do want you to get Nat and Schanke out of here. I have to finish this and I'd rather no one be here to witness it."

          "I understand," she told him and looked over her shoulder at LaCroix's body. "Finish it--for all our sakes. I will get them out of here, I promise, but time grows short and we are far from the city," she warned looking at her watch.

          "I know. I will do it as quickly as I can, but I will finish it this time for sure," he promised them both. "Nat, go with Janette. If I don't succeed, know that I love you," he said his eyes threatening to tear as he bent down and kissed her gently on lips and she kissed him back, and they both hoped that this one would not be the last one.

          They heard a groan from the corner. Schanke was finally coming around. "Hey, what happened?" he yelled and then looked around. "What the hell happened?"

          "LaCroix is dead and now you're going to help Janette get Nat above. Can you get up? Move?" Nick asked.

          Schanke got up experimentally, rubbing his sore wrists and feeling for hidden damage. He was in considerably better shape than the two women because LaCroix had not had a chance to do as muchdamage to him. The vampire had been too interested in inflicting his vengeance on Nat and Janette. "I think I'm okay and you guys?" he asked as he walked over and saw how bad of shape they were in despite the dim blood colored lighting in the huge chamber. "Jeezus . . . . He really did some numbers on you three!" Schanke exclaimed shaking his head.

          "Yeah, he did," Nick acknowledged wearily. "Schank, I need you to help Janette get Nat out of here and then to wait for me outside. If I'm too long have them go to the Raven in Janette's car. You stay with the Caddie. If I don't come out in an hour, then go and don't look back," Nick told him seriously.

          "Nick, I don't like the sound of this . . . what are you going to do?" Schanke asked worriedly.

          "You don't want to know. Now go all of you. I don't want to give him any chance to recover," Nick said meaningfully.

          "Okay, we're going," Schanke said helping Janette carry Natalie out.

          The trio went out as quickly as they could. Natalie being the limiting factor as to how fast they could travel. When Nick was sure they were on their way upstairs he finally turned and started looking around for the items he needed to make sure that LaCroix stayed dead. He found them as he knew he would and he began his grisly task of dismembering the body completely, separating the parts and then burning the separate remains.

          A half hour latter he was finished and he lit the fires. He had found some bottles of wine in a storage area and he threw those on the fires and then started dowsing the torture chamber with the wine making the fire spread over the entire room and into the other rooms. He ran up the stairs as the fire swelled upwards. By the time he had gained the ground floor the wood floor was already on fire and the walls were beginning to catch. He barely made it out before the entranceway was ablaze.

          He flew out the front door and was hit with a blast of frigid air. Though the icy cold was blessed relief after the heat of the inferno he had just been in, it was still a shock to his system. So he had been right about snow coming in. It had just started to snow. Big white wet flakes that were coming down like someone was shaking a feather pillow out. Already it starting to dust the driveway which would also mean they would be leaving tracks--not good. In the far distance he could hear the sound of fire trucks and police sirens approaching. They had to get out of there quick or they'd be stuck there trying to answer questions that they couldn't answer.

          He was relieved to see everyone safe and waiting for him. Schanke already had the Caddie started and the heater blasting and had given Natalie his jacket to put over the thin shift LaCroix had dressed her in. She was shivering badly. Nick hated to have her move out of the warm car but he and Schanke had to tie up a bunch of loose ends and he wanted her where he knew she'd be safe and not alone.

          "Let's get out here," he told them all as he came running up. He leaned into the Caddie to talk to Nat. "I hate to do this, Nat, but I want you to go with Janette back to the Raven. I want you safe--just in case. I'll come over there later after Schanke and I get things tied up. Can you do that?" he asked her touching her shoulder.

          Her gray eyes were huge as she looked up at him still a little afraid and in shock from the night's events, but she chewed on her lip nervously and finally nodded yes, as a tremor passed through her both from the cold and from the aftermath of what they had been through.

          "Good," he said relieved and leaned down and kissed her, "I'm glad you're safe. I love you."

          "I love you, too," she said kissing him back, and let him pick her up and carry her over to Janette's car and put her in.

          Janette looked at him impatiently from behind the wheel. "I thought you were the one in a hurry, Nicholi. The fire trucks are getting closer and it will be dawn soon. We must all go and talk later," she warned.

          Reluctantly he let go of Nat and closed the door, and they waved good bye as Janette put her car into gear and took off. He hurriedly walked back to his and got in slamming the door. "Go," he ordered Schanke and they did with a squeal of tires on the wet pavement.

          They left none too soon as they had just turned the nearest corner and were halfway down the next block when the fire trucks started arriving at the burning mansion which was now blazing out of control. He could only hope that they had not been seen leaving the scene by anyone.

          "Who called in the fire?" Nick asked as they sped down the next street, wishing they could move faster but they couldn't because of the heavy falling snow blanketing the streets.

          "Dunno," Schanke shrugged gripping the wheel as they started to slip and slide down a hill. "I figure it was one of the neighbors probably. I didn't hear anything on the radio. I kept it on just in case. I wasn't going to have us report in until we got further into town but maybe we ought to radio ahead so the Captain will call off any search parties for us and Nat."

          "Yeah, but let's wait until we get on the expressway. Maybe by then we'll think of something to say to explain where we've been," Nick commented settling back in his seat worried as to what they were going to say to appease Stonetree.

          It grew quiet between them as Schanke concentrated on driving and Nick tried to figure out a way to explain this all. The silence only being broken by the blasting of the heater, the noise of the wipers on the windshield, the chunking crunch of their tires on the deepening snow, and an occasional tattoo of static and jumble of voices from the police radio..

          Finally, Schanke couldn't take the quiet any longer and the questions had been eating at him since they had left the mansion. He did look at Nick, he just drove as he asked point blank: "I take it you finished the job? He's going to stay dead this time?" Schanke questioned, afraid to ask further as to what Nick had to do.

          Slowly Nick replied, he owed his partner some sort of explanation at least. "I hope so. . . . The police will find nothing. No remains, no evidence of our being there. I was very careful. His spirit may haunt me but he will never be a threat to this world again," he said with absolute certainty as he slumped back in the seat trying not to feel any of the wounds on his body.

          Nick's damage had not passed unnoticed by Schanke. He was not feeling too swift himself but he wasn't banged up half as bad at Nick was. He was relieved to hear that LaCroix was put out of everyone's misery. He sighed, glad it was over. "I hope not.," he said, praying it was so for all their sakes. "So that lets me off the hook too?" Schanke asked turning to look at him.

          "Yeah, you're free. We all are," Nick smiled grimly watching the traffic and the weather and trusting Schanke's driving because he sure wasn't in shape to do any at the moment.

          "So do you got a game plan worked out for tonight?"

          "I'm blanking. I know we need to go get Nat's car. You can take it to the station and pick up yours. I may not have time to go in with you. Dawn's coming and the snow. It's going to be tight," Nick said truthfully, hating to leave the burden on Schanke.

          "Yeah, before when you used to do the disappear at daylight bit I couldn't understand. It still pisses me, but at least there's an explanation now. I take it the sun really does a number on you, even in this kind of weather?"

          "Actually it makes it worse as it reflects like a mirror. You saw what happened to LaCroix at the apartment?"

          Schanke shuttered. "Don't remind me. I still have nightmares about what happened there, and what happened tonight ain't going to help my sleeping none. I just hope all this damn vampire crap is over. As much as I like you, partner, I can't take any more of this stuff."

          "It is over, Schanke, all of it. Even my being a vampire," Nick told him and Schanke looked at him completely confused. To demonstrate he opened the glove department. The vial was still there. He took it out. He was a couple of hours late in taking his next dose, he hoped it wouldn't matter too much. He uncapped it and drank it down. Schanke looked at him puzzled.

          "What the hell was that stuff?" Schanke asked worriedly.

          "A cure for what ails me developed by a friend of Nat's. It's been working. Nat was almost back to normal earlier this evening, and hopefully this stuff will bring her back despite what LaCroix did to her again. This afternoon we both were able to eat real food and keep it down," Nick relayed proudly.

          "So that's the a cure for vampirism? That blue stuff? Nat told me something about it eariler this evening when we were going to the station before Janette and LaCroix ambused us." he told him, not quite believing there was such a thing.

          "This is it. It's the end of my quest. A couple of days and I should be completely normal with all that entails. No more superman stuff, I'll be just an average Joe who can even think about working the daylight shift."

          "Nahh, not you. I can't believe it, Knight. You're pulling my leg. So that stuff works?"

          "Seems too," Nick confirmed. "I won't know for certain for a couple of days. It's all very experimental."

          "I hope it works for both your sakes. Do you know if you'll stay the way you are or suddenly turn old and become dust like in the movies?"

          "That I don't know, and neither does Nat. Either way she shouldn't change or experience any severe effects. But right now I'm neither fish nor fowl and I'm not sure how much sun I can take. So unless you've got some heavy sunblock for me to use you better be stepping on it. The sun's going to be coming up soon and I still have to get to the Raven unless I want to spend the day in the trunk of this car and it's pretty crowded with stuff," Nick said meaningfully looking up at the sky which was beginning to lighten up in the east.

          "Yeah, sorry," Schanke apologized and stepped on the gas moving them through the early morning commuter traffic into the city. "So will you be staying with the force?" Schanke asked conversationally, trying to digest this latest bombshell of Nick's.

          "If I can. Nat and I are getting a house out in midtown. We should be able to move into it the next couple of days."

          That took Schanke by surprise. "You got your insurance money already?"

          "No, not exactly," Nick said uncomfortably, not sure what he should tell his friend. How well off he really was was not something he felt he could tell him--yet. His partner had had too many shocks recently. He decided to hedge a little. "I had some money salted away, actually I've had a lot of money salted away," Nick confessed.

          "I figured that out. You'd have had too to have afforded the stuff you had in your apartment. Cops don't do that good on our salaries, even single guys with no social life to speak of. So how you going to explain that one to internal affairs?" he asked curiously, wanting to know how his friend was going to talk his way out. Midtown houses were not cheap pieces of real estate.

          "I got an inheritance. That's how the deed to the new house is set up. Great Uncle Theodore left me the house and the stuff in it. Then the insurance money will explain anything else," he explained.

          "Slick, real slick, but then I guess you'd get that way after as long as you've been kicking around. That still blows me away. Almost eight hundred years, jeez. . . . No one would even suspect it looking or talking to you. How do you do it?"

          "Do what?"

          "Live like that. One life after another. How do you adapt?"

          "You just do," Nick shrugged a shoulder. It was something he just did and disn't think about. "It comes under the heading of law of survival. Some of us never do adapt to the changing world. They get stuck in one time period mentally and can't move forward. You learn to be an observer, a chameleon, you learn what makes people tick. The human animal is really not that different from what it was when I was born, it just lives in a constantly changing set of social circumstances," Nick said philosophically.

          Schanke nodded slightly to himself, understanding a little of what made Nick tick."So what made you different? What made you want to be a cop?"

          "Guilt for my past misdeeds and wanting to help people directly. I never wanted to kill anyone. I killed for king and country and for the holy mother church, but I could never wash away the blood or justify it the way I was supposed to. Even now I still see the faces of those that died by my hand both by sword and by fang and I will never be clean of their blood," Nick said sadly looking straight ahead and seeing his past meet his present in a swirl of faces and voices crying out his name over and over.

          "Wow, heavy trip you have there. Like some of the combat veterans I know from Vietnam. They used to tell me the same things. Except they weren't as sane as you."

          "And what makes you think I am?" he asked honestly.

          "Well, if you're not you do a damn good job of faking it. I begin to see you a lot better, partner. Things I couldn't figure out are making sense to me."

          "Like what?" Nick asked curiously.

          "Your views on things. You're coming from a lot of different perspectives, a lot of different ages. What throws me is that you look and act what appears to be your physical age with all the correct references for your times you supposedly grew up in. Every once in awhile you'd come up with something that didn't quite click but most of the time you appear genuine. You're a hell of an actor, Knight," Schanke complimented sincerely.

          "Thanks, I guess," Nick said, not sure what else to say. How he did it, Nick couldn't honesty tell him. He just did. Experience making it easier and easier to play his roles through history.

          "So have you thought about what am I going to tell the Captain and how are we going to clear up these vampire murders from the books? We can't tell him the truth."

          Nick grimly agreed with that. "I know. Wish there was someone we could pin it on but there isn't. The killings are over, maybe after they stop for awhile the Captain will buy that the killer moved on or quit. Then we can dump them in the unsolved files. At least the Enforcers will be glad this is over and they will go away for awhile."

          "The vampire hit guys. I haven't see any of them, but I'm sure glad from the way you guys talk about them that I didn't," Schanke shivered. "So that's the way you want to handle it?"

          "I can't think of any else to do," Nick shrugged and looked out the window grateful that it was finally over except for the clean up work on the cases. That was going to take some work to get Stonetree to back off it but it could be done.

          They finally arrived at the fast food restaurant where the car had been left. They had managed to get there in time as a city tow truck was about to hook it up and take it in. Schanke bounded out of the car flashing his badge andyelling at the guys.

          "Hey, hey!! Cool it. Jeez, leave something parked for a couple of hours and you guys want to haul it in," he yelled at them, shaking his fists in the air and pacing agitated back and forth by the car.

          "We got orders from . . . ," one of the guys tried to say.

          "I don't care diddlely who ordered what! That's my car and get your mitts off of it--compreeze?" he stormed waving his arms angrily while Nick sat in the car and just watched.

          "Sure, sure," the guy said and backed off like he had been scalded. "Take it! Ain't no sweat off of us."

          "Good," Schanke smiled in satisfaction, then he came back over to the Caddie. Nick had slid over under the wheel and had his window rolled down. Schanke leaned down, still fuming. "Do you believe those guys? Turn your back for a minute and they're ready to haul your car off--even in this mess. City's got to be desparate for mula," he said shaking his head, then regarded his partner. "So you're off to the Raven?"

          "For the day. If you need me give me a call but tell Stonetree that Nat and I will report in later. Just tell him we had a rough night or whatever, but she needs to rest. LaCroix really did a number to her."

          "Yeah, I know. I saw. I hope she'll be okay. You better get if you want to get there before sunrise, looks like it's coming up fairly quick. Later, Partner," he said and then walked away to Nat's car.

          Nick took off in the opposite direction, breaking speed limits to get to the club despite the shushy snow on the roadways. At least the snowfall was lightening up with luck it'd be gone by nightfall. He made it to the club just in time and parked his car behind the bar by the dumpster. Nick reached into the back seat and got the bundle of Nat's clothes that had almost been left at the mansion along with her purse.

          Getting out and locking the car he opened the trunk and got one of the large plastic bags from their shopping earlier in the evening out and slammed the trunk closed. Going to the back delivery door as before he let himself in. He hurried upstairs to the rooms Janette had let them use and knocked on the door. Janette opened it after a moment or two looking very relieved to see him.

         (Part 28/30)

Forever Is Such A Long, Long Time

Vickey Brickle-Macky

          "You made it! I was getting worried. We both were," Janette said as she opened the door. She had taken a shower and put on a silky red robe and nightgown. Nick really didn't want to know what he looked like but it must be pretty bad from the way Janette stepped back from him rather than give him one of her more friendly greetings.

          "Sorry, I was so long," Nick apologized as he entered the room and Janette stepped aside to let him pass. "We had some traffic delays. How is she?" he asked dropping the bundle of clothes and the package in a chair as he walked across the room to stand by the bed. Janette moved out of way and sat down on the couch.

          Nat had been dosing but she awoke when she sensed he was there by the bed. Her face, beautiful despite the bruises, lit up when she saw him and she smiled up at him, glad to see him alive and intact. She answered him before Janette could. "I'll make it. . . . I'm just a little sore all over. Give me a couple of days and I'll be good as new," she reached up, took his hand, then squeezed it and he gently squeezed back.

          "Are you sure?" he was doubtful, noting all the purpling and yellowish bruises showing on her upper chest and shoulders under her nightgown straps. Nat had taken a shower and got all the blood and dirt washed off but all the cuts and bruises remained showing how bad LaCroix had roughed her up. "He reinfected you, didn't he?"

          She smiled crookedly. "Let's just say he tried to--he bit into my neck, but he had to quit after a second or two and started spitting my blood out and roaring in rage. Evidently, I tasted really nasty to him and he just looked at me in surprise and yelled at me angrily: you got the formula after all! Like he knew about John's stuff. I'm beginning to suspect he even had something to do with his death to stop us from getting the formula at all. When he found he couldn't bring me over is when he started beating on me. Janette tried to stop him and that's when he put her in chains. He knocked Schanke unconscious before he tied me to the rack . They tried to help me but there wasn't anything we could do. He really hated my guts because I had what he didn't have--you, your love," she said squeezing his hand again.

          "I know, he was always a sick man and the years just made him worse and worse. Are you sure we shouldn't get you to a doctor?"

          "And have them ask us questions we can't answer. No way. There aren't any broken bones so I'll just live with it," she told him firmly, and he knew she wasn't going to budge. "Though talking about needing a doctor, look a lot worse than I do," she commented critically. "Sit down before you fall down. You're making me nervous hovering like that."

          He gave her a rueful smile and sat down on the edge of the bed careful not to jostle her. "Outside of feeling like I've been run over by a truck, I seem to be holding up pretty well. I brought your clothes and your purse, along with some of the clothes we picked up last night at Sears. I didn't want any evidence of our being there left at the scene. We're going to have enough problems trying to get the vampire murders put to rest. I almost afraid to find out what tall tales Schanke is spinning to cover all this."

          "Yeah, I know," Nat said worriedly.

          "It's been taken care of," Janette said from over in the corner startling both of them their heads swiveled in her direction registering surprise and shock.

          "What's been taken care of, Janette?" Nick asked.

          "The vampire murders and tonight's little fire, of course."

          :Huh??" Nick and Nat said in unison staring at her.

          "Don't look so surprised, darlings, didn't you think it wouldn't be?" she asked calmly.

          "How? What's happening, Janette?" Nick questioned.

          She let out a bored sigh. "The Enforcers went to talk to your Captain Stonetree and explained the situation, and he in turn will explain it the mayor and other city officials. I believe there will be an official announcement about the case and then it will be closed down and nothing more will be said about it. And the public being what it is will soon forget and everything will return to normal," she explained as if were just an every day event.

          "The Enforcers went to Stonetree?" Nick asked incredulously, staring at her like she was mad or he was hearing things.

          "Yes, and don't look at me that way, Nicholi. Did you think you were the only one on the police force that we had good relations with? Didn't you ever wonder why we never get hassled here by the police or other officials?" she smiled and sat curled like a cat on the couch.

          "At times, yes," he said slowly, cocking an eyebrow.

          "It's just who you know. And didn't you ever wonder why you got away with working the night shift without any question about your skin disease and lack of verifiable background. Why you never got questioned about how you really solved your cases or got to places so quickly without a car?" she asked.

          "Stonetree knew all the time?" he asked.

          She nodded. "He's known from the beginning, just like Natalie has about who and what you are. He just didn't let you know that he knew and has rode herd on Schanke to keep him in the dark as much as possible. He also knows about this club, about me, and all the others. His daughter is one of ours," she said.

          "His daughter? I know he had a daughter and she died ten years ago of cancer," Nat said, puzzled.

          "To the mortal world she died, but I brought her over as a favor to him to save her life. You've seen her in here every once in a while, Rebecca?"

          "Yeah, she works in some medical lab as an assistant. Nice girl. That's Stonetree's daughter?" he asked, mentally making the connection and understanding why the pretty dark haired girl always reminded him of someone.

          "Yes, and she also the one I've been telling you about that has been trying to find a cure for vampirism. She'd be interested in what you know, so would a number of people in the community that are tired of the life and want to be mortal."

          Nick and Nat both digested that bit of information, along with Stonetree having connections in the community. How many more secrets were there to uncover, they both wondered? "So Stonetree has known all along, damn," he said, the edges of his mouth curling up in a smile. "I had wondered. I knew when Schanke had seen me doing something and he'd go in to the Captain and he would either chew him out or make him think he'd been working too hard. But he never said a word or gave me any indication he knew."

          "And the Enforcers are going to give him a cover story for all the murders. I can't wait to see what that's going to be, " Nat commented, having a hard time accepting all this.

          "It will be believable. It has to be to get all the media attention to die down," Janette said seriously, then she stretched and yawned meaningfully. "Well, it seems you two are doing better, so I am going to leave and get some much needed sleep and I advise you do the same," Janette told them rising from the couch. "I like a good adventure every once and a while but please, darlings, let's not have any more for a good long time. I'm getting too old for this," she said in a tired voice as she opened the door. "Later," she added and then was gone.

          After Janette left Nat looked back to Nick who was reeling just as badly as she was from all the revelations. "Stonetree knows--I still can't believe it," Nat said shaking her head. "Tonight ought to be real interesting."

          "Yeah, I'm sure. It's going to be real busy I'm afraid. Our things at the hotel ought to still be okay. I'll give them a call later. I've got us paid up for a couple of days and the diaries and the gold book are in the safety deposit box. The furniture and other things are getting delivered around six or seven and the phone company is coming at eight and the utilities are already on," he told her.

          "Mr. Efficiency, aren't we?" she was impressed. "You've been busy. Now I feel bad because I haven't dealt with my apartment. There just hasn't been time."

          "No, there hasn't been, but we will get caught up and sorted out. We're still due two weeks vacation and I think we deserve it after all this."

          "I'll second that. I hope this stuff works as I have a real urge to go lie on some warm beach and not do anything for awhile," she smiled thinking of tropical landscapes, white sands, crystal blue waters and hot gentle breezes and trying to imagine the two of them in that setting.

          "It sounds wonderful. Maybe it can be arranged," he replied thoughtfully. His own thoughts wondering what it would be like to lie in the sun. "Maybe as part of a official honeymoon?" he suggested.

          Nat looked worried down at her hand and her empty ring finger. "Nick, I lost your mom's ring, LaCroix . . . ," she tried to explain but he touched a finger to her lips, shushing her.

          "No, you didn't. . . I found this last night in the ruins of my place," he said reaching into his pants pocket and pulled out the missing ring "I thought you might want this back," he said taking her hand and slipping in to her finger, she looked up at him gratefully.

          "I thought it was lost forever. LaCroix took it off. He was angry as he knew what it was and why I was wearing it. I didn't know what happened to it. So he left it at your place?" she asked.

          "Yeah, he knew I'd come there looking for you. He wanted me to be sure I knew he had you. It's over now. It's finally over. I destroyed his body completely. There is no way he can reassemble himself and all the evidence is burned so we're in the clear."

          "I won't ask how. Are you going to be okay with it?" she asked concerned seeing the haunted look still in his gray eyes.

          He nodded. "I did what had to be done. I killed the monster, slayed the dragon. This may not atone for all my sins committed since I knew LaCroix, but it'll help those souls that crossed our paths and never were able until now to know peace. And maybe one of these days I'll know that peace myself--but not for a while--there's still too much living, and . . loving that I want to do with you. . . a real lifetime of it," he said quietly, bending down and kissing her cheek.

          She smiled and reached up to touch his face, it was warm. She looked up questioningly. "You're actually warm," she announced.

          He grinned down at her. "And I'm hungry. I took another dose about an hour and half ago."

          "The stuff's still working? Even after you drank all that blood?"

          "Evidently. I didn't drink that much. Most of it I threw up. The taste and smell of it made me sick," he confessed.

          "That's a first. Sounds like the reaction an alcoholic gets when he takes Anibuse. I did take my dose on the way to the mansion in Janette's car. LaCroix let me and thought it was amusing because he was so sure it wouldn't help me. Though he changed his tune when he bit me. The taste of my blood made him sick and it scared him. He hit Janette because she started laughing, that's when he shackled her and went after me."

          "I'm sorry, Nat, I never wanted you to get hurt.," he said touching her cheek gently with his fingertips.

          "It's okay, Nick, it really is," she assured him and turned her head and kissed the tips of his fingers with her lips. She looked up at him, seriously. "You brought my purse? The last vial should be in there. I'm due pretty soon for the last dose. But with all this blood and getting reinfected again we might have to take another dose or two just to be on the safe side. I'm glad John sent extras. Can you get it for me?" she asked making herself sit up. It still hurt, but she could live with it. She waved him away from helping her.

          Nick brought her her purse and she got the vial out. There was one dose left in it. She uncorked it and drained the vial. "Done," she said then looked at him. "Here we are worrying over me. Look at you. You're a mess. Why don't you get a shower and then let me look at your bumps and bruises."

          He grinned. He hadn't even paid attention to his own hurts. He had been so caught up in Nat's to worry about his own and what he did look like. He got up and started stripping off the remains of his clothes.

          "Hmm, . . . even bruised and banged up, you still look good," she commented appreciatively. "Too bad I'm not up to enjoying it more," she sighed laying back against the pillows. "Go get your shower before I change my mind," she ordered with a wave of her hand and he did head towards the bathroom and took his shower.

          By the time he got out Natalie was sound asleep. He did the only logical thing and crawled in next to her and fell asleep himself. It was late afternoon when they awoke.

Part 29/30)

Forever Is A Long, Long Time

Vickey Brickle-Macky

          "Hi, sleepy head," he said snuggling up against her back and kissing her cheek.

          "We really zoned out didn't we? " she laughed and stretched up against him. "What time is it?"

          "About four-thirty, I think," he answered reaching for his watch on the nightstand. He was close it was four-twenty. Then he turned back to her and she shrugged against his bare chest. "How are you feeling?" he asked, noting the bruises were still there on her face and shoulders.

          "Sore in a bunch of spots, but better. And you?"

          "The same, and hungry. Really hungry this time. I think that's what woke me up," Nick confessed as he gathered her to him in his arms.

          "Me too. They wouldn't happen to have any real food in this place like coffee, donuts? Something to take the edge off?" she asked hopefully, even though she was enjoying his holding her her stomach was growling and she needed to eat--soon.

          "Should have. They get a lot of traffic through here for sandwiches and snacks and having food is one way Janette can be open on Sundays. I'll get up and see what I can find," he said with a slight groan as he released her and scooted out of bed. He reached into the bag he had brought up and pulled out a navy sweat suit and put it on. He hadn't gotten any shoes so he put on the ones he had been wearing. The tan semi-dress shoes clashed a little but they would have to do. He transferred the contents of his pants pockets to his sweat ones, and ran a comb through his hair.

          "How do I look?" he asked.

          "Presentable--human," she said critically. "You won't scare them at least, but you're getting a noticeable five o'clock shadow," she grinned from the bed. She had rolled over on her side to observe him better.

          "Not surprising. I was thinking of growing a beard."

          She raised her eyebrow and frowned, then shook her head. "Maybe . . . , but I'll think on it while you're gone," she hinted meaningfully.

          "Okay, be back in a few," he said and left in search of food.

          After Nick left Natalie got up and stretched, instantly regretting that. It hurt too much to stretch. She staggered to the bathroom then came back and got dressed in the other set of sweats that Nick had brought up.

          He found the kitchen but the staff looked at him curiously when he started putting together a tray with sandwiches, chips, a pot of coffee and condiments. He finished and carried the tray upstairs where he met Janette in the hall still in her bathrobe and she looked at what he was carrying and just shook her head.

          "I see it but I don't believe it," she said a little fearful. "Is that all for Natalie or is some of that yours?"

          "Both of ours. The stuff does work. At least it increases our appetites. I'm not sure about the sun yet. I haven't been that brave yet Care to join us?"

          She shook her head. "No, I think I'll pass. I was coming to tell you Schanke just called and wants you to call him when you can. He didn't say what it was about."

          Nick nodded. "I'll call him in a little bit. And thank you, Janette, for helping us. I owe you."

          "I know and I'll collect--one day," she smiled meaningfully. "And for your information, you're coming across as very mortal. It's quite unnerving. Watch yourself. I'll see you later, darling," she warned him as she went back the way she had come back to her rooms.

          He knocked on the door as he couldn't balance the tray and get the doorknob at the same time.

          "Who is it? Nat asked.

          "Me," he said through the door and he heard her get up and come open the door. She brightened considerably. "FOOD!" she grinned then moved aside to let him come in and set the tray down on the coffee table.

          "It's not anything spectacular," he apologized sitting down on the couch.. "Just sandwiches and chips and coffee. We'll get something better later when we leave," he promised as he lifted the covers off the food.

          "It's fine, Nick," she smiled and poured both herself and him cups of coffee. She took the first sip of her coffee and sat back in ecstasy. "Oh, I missed this stuff." she positively purred as she reached for a ham and cheese sandwich. "Umm, not bad for someone who didn't eat for hundreds of years. You fix a mean sandwich."

          He looked embarrassed. "Just threw it together. I ran into Janette in the hall she was on her way down here. Schanke just called and wants me to call him. I forgot to ask whether he was at home or at the station. I'll try the station first and then see if he's home. He didn't say what was up to Janette."

          "Probably nothing real urgent, but you never know," she told him as she wolfed down the rest of her sandwich and started on a second.

          Nick's eyebrows rose. "Glad I made plenty. I'll call him in a couple of minutes," he promised.

          "I'll go with you."

          He just nodded and he finished off his second sandwich and washed it down with black coffee. He was waiting for any adverse reactions but so far there were none as all the food and drink stayed down with both of them.

          "There's one more dose and it's yours. We'll have to get the rest from the hotel. I didn't want to chance having it with us and something happen to it. I figured we'd be back last night. Didn't know we were going to end up here again. In fact I didn't know a lot of things were going to happen the way they did last night."

          "Nor did I, but it's done. You ready to go see what Schank wants?"

          "Any time, lead on," she told him standing up and he did too. Then they went down the corridor to Janette's.

          Nick knocked on the door. "Enter," Janette commanded and they did. "Nicholi, Natalie," she greeted warmly as she finished putting on her earrings in front of the mirror. "You came to use the phone?"

          Nick nodded. "Did Schanke say where he was?"

          "At home, I think."

          "Okay, I'll try there first," and sat down on the couch and punched in Schanke's home number. It rang three times before someone picked it up. "Myra, it's Nick Knight, is Don home?" he asked. "I'll wait." Nick waited patiently and Schanke came on finally. "Don, what's up? Okay, . . . okay. . . we'll be there. Got it. See you later," he said and then hung up the phone.

          He turned to Nat and Janette to relay what Schanke had said. "Stonetree took one look at him and told him to go home, and didn't ask him a thing. He did say that the Captain wants us in his office by nine to go over the case files. The not asking has him worried as he figures we're going to all get royally chewed out by Stonetree And there is nothing that Schanke hates worse than getting chewed out by the Captain."

          Nat grinned. "So there's nothing earth shattering on tap. That's what I was afraid of. "

          "Not so far. It's close to dusk so we should be able to leave," he told her glancing at his watch. "We've got a lot to do in the next couple of hours and we might as well get going."

          Natalie agreed anxiously.

          "Thanks again, Janette, for letting us stay here. We both appreciate it," Nick told his friend coming over to where she stood regarding them both strangely.

          "That's what friends are for and I will always be your friend. Even in this new life you are embarking on. You are really on your way to achieving all your dreams, Nicholi. I never thought it would happen but you are almost mortal now, both of you. The change is very apparent to me. You've managed to finally cross back over because I can no longer feel you as a vampire. Are you still sure that is what you want?"

          "Yes, I'm sure," he said seriously kissing her on the cheek and she looked back at him sadly.

          "Then I shall miss you. You and Natalie will always be welcome here but it will never be the same again because you are now creatures of the light and I will always be of the dark. I like my darkness too well to give it up and then too, I am a coward. Never will I be brave enough to do what you have done," she said truthfully, touching his cheek with her gloved hand. "I wish you well, my brave crusader. Now go before I cry and spoil my make up," she told them running off to her bathroom to be alone.

          Nick took Nat's hand and they left carrying the bag with their belongings. It was painful in a lot ways to leave Janette because that was his ties to the past and all he had been. He knew this would not be the last he saw of her but it would be awhile before they would feel comfortable with one another again. There were many adjustments to be worked out on both sides. Then too there was the final death of LaCroix for despite his evil Janette had loved her master and even though his death was necessary she would not be able to forgive and forget for a long, long time.

          * * * * *

          It was still light out when they left out the back entrance. They looked up at the blue sky with some trepidation but decided to chance the sunlight anyway. It was shady from the back door to the car. They walked quickly to it expecting the worse with every step and nothing happened.

          He opened the door for her and then got in himself. "Could Janette be right? Are we mortal? Really mortal now?" he asked almost afraid as he gripped the steering wheel for reassurance that this was reality and not a dream.

          "If we're not we're the next thing to it," she replied, trying to reassure him. "I want us to take another dose to be on the safe side, but it looks like she's right. So where to first?" she asked, wanting to go out and do.

          He sighed. "I guess the house to meet the furniture deliveries. It's five-thirty and I said after six," he told her starting the car and reached into the glove box and pulled out his sunglasses and put them on. "Here we go," he added as he put it in gear and they drove out of the shadowed alley into the fading light.

          Even stopping to pick up some burgers and drinks they made it to the house ahead of the furniture deliveries. They sat on the front steps and ate their food watching the deepening sunset. It was strange for Nick to see unprotected by walls or heavy curtains. Even this much light had been dangerous before for him. He was sitting there just like any other man and he was full of wonder for this miracle.

          "A penny for your thoughts," she teased, watching him, his boyish handsome face illuminated by the golden light and the light breeze ruffling his hair took her breath away. He was too beautiful to be real. She sighed, stillnot believing that this gorgeous creature wanted to spend his now mortal life with plain old her.

          Nick finally spoke, his voice sadly quiet as he looked up at the stars just peeking out of the navy sky. "I was thinking of the last time I sat like this eating a meal outside and watching the sunset. It was just after I came home and Justine and I were sitting on the turret wall watching the peasants out in the fields. We were so high up and we could see for miles. The whole valley seemed cast in shades of golds and greens, and the river was a sparkling blue ribbon. We sat and watched the sky turn from blue, to shades of lavenders and pinks with gold clouds racing across like herds of sheep. That was the last sunset I ever watched without fear until now. That evening I met LaCroix and Janette and Justine died and you know the rest," he said with a sigh, turning towards her.

          Nat dunked her head embarrassed. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

          "No, it's okay. You didn't know. I may have changed physically, but I am still the sum of all that I have lived. All those memories, all those lives, hundreds of them, not just one, and yet just one at the same time. I never really realized that until now. I wish I could wipe the slate clean, but I can't. This is the new beginning I prayed for and I'm scared now of being worthy of it, of you, of living and finally growing old. I guess Janette's not the only coward after all," he laughed bitterly.

          Her hair flew as she shook her curly hair. "No, you're not a coward. You've come this far and you'll go further if you give yourself a chance, Nick. I know you're going to have to do a lot of adjusting and I'm well aware of how moody you are. But you'll make it and I'll be right with you to make sure you do--no matter what. Did you think I'd desert you after all we've been through already? No way. I'm here for always," she said reaching over and cupping his face in her hands and kissing him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back feeling her total acceptance of him and her love. Their kiss would have led to other things had not the delivery trucks drove up. With a smile they broke apart and began supervising where they wanted their new furniture and things put.

          An hour later the trucks were gone and they locked up the house then got in the car and headed for the station to see Stonetree.

         (Part 30/30)

Forever Is A Long, Long Time

Vickey Brickle-Macky

          "This is the way it is going to go down people," Stontree informed them firmly looking from Nick, to Nat , then to Schanke, pinning then each in turn with his steady unblinking gaze. "The prep has been apprehended and is now in protective custody undergoing a psychiatric examination. He claims full responsibility for all the murders. I've already called a news conference and this will get this all laid to rest. Our killer is a transvestite entertainer who moved up here from Chicago. His name is Samuel Perkins, aged thirty-seven, stage name of Wicked Wanda working out of the Gold Club. He was draining the bodies with a pump and using the blood in some weird rituals which he thought would make him turn into a vampire. They found all sorts of posters and books on vampires and the occult in his apartment," Stonetree told them. "And we will keep to this story, is that understood?"

          "Yes, Captain," all three of them chorused, not daring to argue.

          "I know what the truth is, so don't bother to tell me. And Schanke don't ask how I know but I do. But the truth can not be known to the larger world because it'll lead to too many questions which can't be answered. I think you are aware of what all is at stake. All that is behind us. It's a dead issue. I know about Nick and I also know that he doesn't need to keep permanently working the night shift."

          Schanke's eyes bugged out as he looked at Stonetree in shock and disbelief. "You know?"

          "Yeah, Schanke, I know. End of discussion. Now to reward you all for your hard work on this case, you are all getting three weeks off with pay. And don't look so shocked, Schanke, I mean you too. It's been rough on everyone and I think you need some down time. I want you all coming back here rested, tan and fit. Any questions?"

          "Yeah, this is on the level?" Schanke asked, still floored by the Captain's generosity.

          "It's on the level. And it starts effective tonight. So go and knock yourselves out," the Captain smiled. "Though one thing, Nick. You have some certain things I might be interested in. Could you get those to me before you take off to parts unknown?" the Captain asked meaningfully.

          "Sure, no problem. We'll bring them by later tonight," Nick replied.

          "Good, I'll be expecting you." he nodded. "Now, get out of here and start having some fun."

          The trio left feeling a little shell shocked at this turn of events. They had come in expecting to be chewed up and spit out, not rewarded and their case all neatly tied up.

          "Jeez, I don't believe it," Schanke said as they got outside.

          "Nor do I. I knew something was going to happen but I didn't expect this," Nick said stopping when he got to the Caddie.

          "He said he knew all along about you--how?"

          "I didn't tell him, and I didn't know he knew until Janette told me this afternoon. Honest. Came as a shock to me. I feel sorry for the poor guy they got pegged as the killer. But it's done and if that's the way it has to be handled to call off the witch hunt then so be it," Nick shook his head disgustedly,

          "Yeah, but there is no other choice to get the masses calmed down and the press hounds off everyone's backs," Schanke agreed. "So we all get rewards for this. Myra will love this--- having me under foot for three weeks. But she has been after me to do some work on the house, so now I'm stuck. What about you guys?"

          "We can use the time. This will give us a chance to get the house ready and to take a little time off for our honeymoon. Maybe Vegas, or the Bahamas. We haven't decided yet," Nick told him and Nat looked interested.

          "Must be nice," Schanke commented wishing he could go off to some place, but he knew it was envy and canned it quickly. He had a feeling it was going to rough in a lot of ways for Nick and Nat after all they had been through and then having to get adjusted to being just a normal guy. Kind of like Superman being stripped of all his powers suddenly. "Nick, If you need any thing or need any help on your new place, give me a holler," he offered sincerely.

          "Thanks, Schank, I'll--we will," Nick said including Nat in this. "Take it easy," he said letting Nat into the Caddie.

          Schanke got the hint and began heading for his own car. "See you, Knight, Nat," he bid them goodnight, then he was gone.

          "The Bahamas, huh?" Nat inquired with a slow smile as Nick started the car. "Sounds interesting."

          "Thought it might. All that talk about white beaches and tropic seas . . . I've never had the chance before to really see it or enjoy it," he grinned. "But right now we need to get our things from the hotel, and drop off the formula and papers to Stonetree."

          They went to the hotel and packed up their belongings and checked out. They could have waited a couple of days before they moved in but Nat couldn't think of anything she did want to change about the house as far as paint or paper. That was a real first. It needed carpeting in a few places but those were mainly area throws. The dark hardwood floors were too pretty to cover up. They weren't through shopping for the house. The two remaining bedrooms still needed furniture, and there was still the den, and dining room to go and the living room was sans television, stereo, or other niceties as well as drapes and blinds in all the downstairs rooms and hallways.

          Nick had offered to hire a decorator but Nat had looked at him like he was crazy telling him she wanted a home not something out of house beautiful where you were afraid to sit down or to breathe. He had laughed and agreed after having been in such places and feeling uncomfortable himself. Nick understood Nat's need to do this herself after all she had been through, as he had that need to do, to nest himself.

          On the way back to the house they dropped off one of the vials of formula and photocopies of the papers on the formula that Nat's friend had developed to Stonetree. Nat kept the originals and what was left of the vials. She had picked up her medical bag from her car and was going to run those much needed tests on both herself and Nick before she pronounced them finally cured.

          Their last stop before the house was the grocery store. It wasn't major shopping just enough food and snacks to get through for the next day or so, along with lots of household stuff like brooms, mops, cleaning supplies. By the time they did get home the car was full, which also meant several trips to get it all out and sorted out.

          The furniture delivery people had put and set up most of the furniture in their respective rooms but it was still up to them where everything finally landed. For this evening's work the main priorities were getting the kitchen and the bedroom set up and organized. They both decided that the rest of the house could wait. as they saw what they still needed to get since their shopping had been semi-irratic. They both made mental lists as they worked as to what they had gotten and what they still needed to get.

          It was nearly dawn before they finished setting up the two rooms and the baths. They took a break finally and sat in their kitchen with cups of coffee and cinnamon rolls looking over what they had managed to accomplish. The kitchen had curtains up. The cabinets had all been washed down and lined with paper. The dishes and pots and pans had been washed and put away as had the silverware and utensils. They both agreed on getting a dishwasher installed after tonight's work.

          "It's taking shape," she commented as she looked around seeing a real working kitchen and not a bare room. It still amazed her at how quickly it was happening.

          He grinned at her taking in her look of wonderment. "Yes, it is. You look like I feel, like you don't quite believe that it's real."

          "That obvious?" she grinned back as she took another sip of the coffee and settled cross legged in the comfortable chair.

          He settled back too in the padded swivel chair with his coffee. "Umhmm. . . . You know the old saying of 'today is the first day of your life'? That's the way I feel. That today is a new beginning. I'm still a little nervous about the sun coming up, but I want to see it, face it full on, not hide like before," he said seriously watching the sky lighten up through the opened curtains facing east.

          There was still a hint of worry in her eyes as she looked at him. "I know, Nick, but we need to be careful still until we are sure it's really safe. Even John wasn't sure how well this was going to work especially with your age. I haven't noticed any Barnabas effects, but let's not push it," Nat cautioned, knowing how much he wanted to experience the sun.

          "Barnabas effects?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow. He wasn't familiar with the term.

          "The vampire on Dark Shadows. The doctor on the show came up with a cure and he tried it but he was impatient as to how long it was taking. He couldn't wait and he took a massive overdose. When he did he started aging rapidly, and there was massive deterioration of his body so that he became an ancient old man very suddenly and was dying. Then the bloodlust came back on him and he killed a woman. That's what I've been afraid of for you since the beginning--that all those years you've been around will catch up to you and you'll end up looking like some kind of mummy or worse."

          "Ohh," he said understanding. "Do you think that's still a possibility?" He had thought a lot about that possibility himself but this was the first time either one of them had voiced it.

          "I don't know," she shook her head mentally going over what she had observed so far since he had been taking the formula. "You're actually eating, you're drinking and keeping it all down. Your body seems to be functioning normally. So far there's no signs of aging. You're still a few degrees cooler than normal, but it's better than before. Your pulse is still a little slow for a human but even that is improving hourly. On the downside, you've lost your rapid healing abilities. The cuts and bruises you got in your fight with LaCroix are still there and healing at a normal rather than at an accelerated rate. I remember when you used to get all banged up and by the next day there was no evidence of anything happening to you. As to your other senses you'll have to clue me in."

          "You mean like my hearing, etc.?"

          "Yeah, I know my senses are back to normal but after what you've been used to it's got to be quite a change."

          "It is," he admitted. "It's like having blinders and earmuffs on. I can feel you but not as intensely, my awareness of everything is 'different'."

          He knew it was going to be hard explaining that to her. Already he missed what he had been able to see, hear, and feel. He hadn't noticed how much had changed until he had tried to used his inner senses to sense her and found that he could just barely tell she was near when he was in another part of the house. All the things he had taken for granted were no longer a part of him.

          "How about you? How are you doing?" he asked wanting to change the subject and focus off of himself.

          She shrugged, sitting back and brushing her curly hair back from her temples. "I think I'm back to normal, but I'm not going to take any chances for a couple of days and neither should you. Stonetree gave me Rebecca's number and wants me to call her tomorrow after she gets a chance to look over everything and do her own tests on John's formula."

          "Okay," he agreed sounding a little disappointed. He had entertained the notion of going out during the daytime shopping but if she was still cautious so should he still be. "I'll behave," he agreed much to her relief. Then sometime soon they needed to get some rest. They had been at this all night. It was time to call it quits. "Are you tired?"

          "Yeah, a little. I don't think I've got the energy to tackle anything else right now. I'm for calling it quits and going to bed. How about you?" she asked, stifling a yawn with her hand.

          "It has been a long night. We can watch the dawn from our bed just as well from the kitchen table," he said rising and helping her up.

          They turned off the light and went upstairs to their bedroom which was a contrast from his stark black, white and red modern one. The furniture was contemporary carved golden oak, bright and cheerful with linens and curtains in blue and rust paisleys. It was comfortable, homey, or would be when they got through. They had both worked on it before they worked on the kitchen. There were still some clothes that needed to be hung up and put away but they could wait until later when they remembered to get hangers. Besides setting up the bed the first things to get done had been getting the heavy lined curtains up. The house had come with some blinds but the curtains were a secondary precaution until they were sure that the formula had really worked. It wasn't as foolproof as Nick's steel blinds had been but it would be effective.

          He surprised her by swooping her up in his arms. "Nick, what are you doing?" Nat laughing asked as she wondered what he was up to. She regarded him puzzled and amused as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

          "Tradition, carrying you over the threshold to our chamber," he smiled and gave her a kiss.

          "What tradition?" she laughed and shook her head over his incurable romanticism.

          "Maybe not tradition but a celebration--new life, new home, . . . new bed," he emphasized meaningfully. "I felt that something appropriate needed to be done for the occasion," he smiled giving her another kiss. Then he realized that he was not as strong as he used to be. Before she had felt like a feather when he lifted her, now she was solid. . . and heavy. He managed to carry her to bed and put her down, though not as gently nor as gracefully as he had planned. He made a mental note to not try that anytime in the future as he straightened up and felt the unexpected soreness in his limbs.

          She grinned up at him, immediately knowing what the problem was even if it hadn't dawned on him. "Heavier than you expected? " she teased.

          He nodded sheepishly. "That comes under the heading of adjustments and tradeoffs," he replied leaning down over her, his hands on either side of her bracing him off the bed.

          She traced a finger down his sweat shirt front making him shiver. Nat regarded him thoughtfully wondering how best to pursue this subject. "Nick, there's going to be a lot of adjustments for you to make. More than I think you thought of," she said seriously. "What we were doing with the garlic pills and all was more gradual while this is overnight and a lot more noticeable. You're not used to thinking and reacting in totally human ways yet."

          "Huh? You lost me, Nat?" he said laying down next to her perplexed. He had not expected a lecture, in fact he was hoping for a lot of passion on both sides. He was more than a little disappointed. Nat was going on seriously about his changes which he didn't see were going to be any problem. Evidently, she thought they were major ones.

          This was not what he had in mind.

          Nat explained snuggling up close to him and laying her head on his chest and shoulder. "Nick, you've lived at appearing human so your differences wouldn't show, but you've been like an actor playing a part, because you only had to look and act normal as long as you were around humans. Now you are one of them and that's going to take some getting used to. You've lost your superhuman abilities. Your physical responses are going to be different now, your senses are all dulled, you can't fly, you're not invulnerable, bullets definitely aren't going to pass right through you, and you can be hurt in a number of different ways. It's been eight hundred years since you've been mortal--thinking vampire could be dangerous," Nat tactfully warned.

          "Yes, doctor," Nick countered groaning inwardly, feeling his ardor considerably diminished.

          Glancing over at him, Nat realized her mistake and moved to correct it. "Killed the moment didn't I?"

          He nodded slightly. "A little. But there is truth in what you say. Truth I really didn't want to hear or couldn't hear until now. I guess there's more to this being mortal finally than I had thought. There's storybook endings and then there's real life."

          "And they lived happily ever after the big bad dragon was slain. Unfortunately, life isn't like that as much as we would like," she sighed. "I'm too much of a realist to believe that everything is going to be magically better."

          "I still want to hope. It's gotten me this far. We're alive, we're safe, and we have a future yet to live. There are many things to be grateful for. LaCroix said once that he was offering me the greatest of gifts, but he was wrong. This moment here with you, is it," he said tenderly, his hand reaching over to caress her face. "Love will always be the greatest gift for without it nothing is possible," he added as he leaned over and kissed her.

          Her arms went around his neck as she molded herself to him as she kissed him back, deeply touched by his words and the feelings rising up within her. "I believe that," she sighed happily as he started brushing kisses down her check to her jaw and down her neck. He definitely hadn't lost his touch in arousing her as she felt the fires burn brighter in her and she let herself get carried away by his tender and passionate lovemaking wanting it never to stop.

          The later that day Natalie pronounced him safe to venture outside in the full sun. She had already tried the sun with no harmful effects. That afternoon she had woke early and taken his car and go over to her apartment and pack up what was left. She arranged to have the rest of it disposed of and to break her lease, leaving him to sleep while she was gone. She had decided to try him with gradual doses of sunlight while they worked on the house inside with the curtains open. He was awake when she came back sitting in the kitchen with the curtain drawn. She could tell he was still apprehensive. It took some convincing to talk him into letting her open the curtains and let a little light in. That was a big step for him.

          He was like a swimmer testing the water to see if it was cold or not. The prohibitions and psychological effects of hiding for eight hundred years in darkness were not something he could get over overnight. It took even more talking to get him to move from the kitchen and explore the rest of the house. The hallway was shaded and dark but the main rooms downstairs were not

          With a lot of trepidation he entered the living room whose windows were still lacking in drapes or curtains of any kind. The light was coming from the west now, pouring hotly golden into the large room. He was still afraid. He had visions of sticking his finger into the light and it sizzling still or worse having a chain reaction that ended up with the complete disintegration of his entire body accompanied by his screams. He shook his head to clear his mind of such thoughts and tried to be positive and hopeful. Bracing himself mentally, he crept nearer and nearer the late afternoon sun falling in long shafts on the wooden floor of the room under Nat's watchful eyes. He stuck a finger into the nearest beam and held it there, expecting at any moment for it to hurt, start burning, sizzle, etc., . . . but it didn't. He held it there a full two minutes with no ill effects, feeling nothing on his finger except the normal warmth of the sun. He extended his full hand into it--no effect.

          Then he dared to stand fully in it, ready to flee at the slightest discomfort, but there wasn't. For the first time in ages he stood in the sun like a normal person and was unharmed. His face turned upward no longer afraid as he looked out and saw the robin's egg blue sky framed against the winter skeletons of the trees. He whooped joyfully in triumph as he spread his arms outward in benediction feeling the warm of the sunlight play over his body. He spun around like a dancer, bathing in it, letting it flow all over him. He couldn't get enough of it. Then he lowered his head and closed his eyes and mentally gave a prayer of thanks to the powers that had allowed this miracle to come to pass, and felt himself absolved of his past sins.

          Natalie watched him with clear, crystal tears in her eyes, trying to imagine what he was feeling and knowing she couldn't. His joy and awe was coming off of him in waves and she could feel his rapture like a living thing infecting her with his overwhelming happiness. She had wanted this miracle for him since they had first met and now it was coming to pass. She felt like she was falling in love with him all over again.

          The sunlight was turning his soft curled hair into a halo of the finest spun gold around his head, and his pale skin was flushed pink. He looked too god-like to be real. She had imagined him like this but the reality was even better than she had dreamed.

          Nick finally turned his radiant blue-gray eyes upon her and held his hand out. "Come," he said in a voice soft and choked with emotion. "Share this with me," he asked and without hesitation she did come to him to be gathered up in his arms. "I owe this all to you," he said. His eyes full of such worship and love she was humbled by it.

          She shook her head, not feeling deserving of his praise. "I didn't . . . ," he cut off her protests.

          "Yes, you did. Your fate in me and in the possibility that it could be done brought us this far, Nat. And your giving a damn about me and not giving up on me. I put you through hell at lot of times, but you never gave up and always pushed me to try and keep trying," he smiled, holding her.

          "It's called faith," she smiled back.

          "And you had it for both of us, thank you, my love, and have I told you recently how much I do love you?" he asked.

          "Let me see . . . ," she teased back, "ummm, not for a couple of hours at least," she giggled, feeling absolutely euphoric now.

          "Well, I do love you very, very much, and can I show you how much?" he asked, cupping his hand under her chin, brushing a finger along her jaw line sending shivers down her spine.

          Her eyebrows raised mischievously as she leaned her body into his and locked her hands together around his waist. "What did you have in mind?"

          "This," he replied as he bent his head down to kiss her putting all his heart and soul into that single kiss until she thought she was going to melt through the floor with desire. Proving that even though he may not have been a vampire anymore he was more than able to put his years of experience into making love to her.

          She looked a little stunned when they broke apart for air. "Wow . . .," was all she could manage to say as she tried to focus her eyes on his smiling face.

          "Could I interest you in a further demonstration," he inquired, his voice low and husky now. His one hand traveling suggestively over her curves was threatening to make her attack him right there and then.

          She nodded yes, incapable of talking and unwilling to protest as he took her hand and led her upstairs to their bedroom to make love in the sunlight.

          And across the world in a deep hidden cave in southern France there was a click and a hiss of escaping gas as a door opened outward on a crystalline spaceship and the next clone in the series stepped out. He looked upwards as if seeing through the layers of solid rock and licked his tongue across his sharp pointed canine teeth in anticipation. "It's not over yet, Nicholas," he giggled, his laughter echoing like thunder in the vast cavern. He smoothed down his still damp snow white hair and turned toward the exit, then he began to make his way to the surface.

          The End . . . .?

Please don't kill me for the ending--I was in a weird mood.-Vickey

The end of Forever Is A Long, Long Time:   Chapters 25-30