Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
June 2002  
By: Patty Costantino  

Notes to reader: This fourth and final installment to my Games series
has been inspired by the characters from the Forever Knight T.V.
series and it follows my previous three stories Games Coroners Play,
Games Detectives Play and Games Strangers Play.  

Disclaimer and Characters: Nick, Natalie, Lacroix and others don't
belong to me. I am just borrowing them to have some fun.  The
characters, Sam Case, Dr. Sinclair, and Detective Barnes are my own
creation.  

Dedication: I would like to thank my beta-reader, Phylis Sullivan for
her tremendous help with my grammar, spelling, punctuation and getting
the story to sound so much better. I couldn't have done it without her
wonderful suggestions.  M.L. Wirick, (Happy Belated Birthday- hope
this meets with your expectations!) and K.C. for helping me with N&N's
relationship.  Laurel Bowman for inspiring me to continue this series.
Hugs to all of you, ladies. :))  

Content Warning: Adult for m/f explicit sexual content (Nick/Natalie).
General warning:  very mushy times ahead for N&N.     

Permission is granted to archive at FKfanfic2, FK FTP archive, N&N fic
and adult sites, and Jadfe site. This story will be archived at my
site at http:/www.expage.com/patty43. Please let me know your thoughts
about this final segment. You can email me at psmoot43@hotmail.com. I
would love to hear from you.  

*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 01/10  
************************************* 

The rays of sunlight were producing a shimmering cast on the hardwood
floor as the attractive woman's voice echoed through Dr. Maria
Sinclair's office.   "Doctor, I think I've really made progress,
especially in these last three weeks with you.  Therefore I believe
I'm cured and ready to move on with my life."   

Carefully the blond-haired psychiatrist studied her patient, sitting
in the chair across from her, the large mahogany desk being the only
barrier between them.   "Yes, I agree you've made tremendous strides
with your therapy, and I've been very impressed with your ability to
face your fears.   However..." She paused, allowing the last word to
sink in. 

The sudden emphasis on the word caused the woman to draw in an anxious
breath.  Was the doctor doubtful of her improvement?   Was she going
to suggest more soul-searching sessions?  She hoped it wouldn't come
to that.  From the beginning it had been difficult to open up to this
doctor or...for that matter... to anyone about her situation and now,
she simply wanted to get on with her life, to put everything behind
her.    

She swallowed her momentary concern and asked,  "However...what,
doctor?"  

The psychiatrist sighed, clasping her hands together on the cool
smooth surface of her desk.  "Look, let me give it to you straight.
Most people who come to me with your problems say the same thing.
After a few months of therapy, they believe their problems have been
resolved, that they are cured of their trauma and can now confront it
in the real world."   

"And?"  The woman asked tentatively.   "Have they succeeded?"   

"Sometimes, but even the strongest women have found it difficult to
overcome the guilt, shame and fears of their trauma enough to sever
their ties with therapy completely."  

"What are you saying, doctor...that we need to continue with the usual
three sessions a week?"   

"No, that's not what I'm saying," she said.  "Actually with your
progress, I believe that once a week would suffice.  However, you
should be aware that confronting these emotions in my office, in this
protective environment, is one thing.   Facing them in reality is
quite a different matter all together.  You need to be sure that you
can cope with your feelings in the real world."   

Dr. Sinclair paused, allowing the meaning of her words to enter the
woman's mind.  Then, she continued in a soft, sympathetic tone.   

"Rape...Natalie, is one of the worst experiences that a woman is
forced to undergo."   

Natalie's mouth went dry as the words reverberated in her mind.  

"Rape.  One of the worst experiences."  

Was that ever the truth!  As far as Natalie was concerned, nothing on
this planet could have been worse than what she had endured six months
ago.    And if Nick hadn't arrived at the loft when he did, who knows
what else would have happened to her.  

At the grim thought she closed her eyes against the tremor racing
through her, one of thousands since the horrible occurrence.  Though
unlike the others, this one was lighter in intensity, almost like a
butterfly flutter.   Did this mean she was getting better, that at
last she was recovering and dealing with everything properly?   

Natalie opened her eyes, as she again focused on the doctor's
dialogue,    "Rape traumatizes the victim beyond belief.   It allows
terrible feelings of debasement and defilement to live in that
person's mind, where previously, those emotions had never existed."   


Natalie shut her eyes again and crossed her arms as if to brace
against the sudden onslaught of those very emotions.    

"Debasement and defilement."   

These feelings had frequently consumed her during her recovery period.
There had been two instances, where they had become overwhelming.
Once shortly after escaping the virtual world with her attacker had
been one of those times.  Thank goodness, Nick had been there to catch
her when her breakdown had come.   She'd crumbled into his arms,
finding a brief solace in his tender embrace and loving words.   

It was only a temporary reprieve.  A week later the same feelings
returned rushing forth like a tidal wave.  At the time and at Nick's
insistence, Natalie had been recuperating at his loft under his care
when the emotions emerged with an unexpected intensity.   Immediately,
she'd had the urge and need to escape from Nick and his loft, to find
a refuge, a safe place.   Instinctively, she'd known where she had to
go:  her apartment.  

That evening, upon awakening, Nick had surmised Natalie's intentions
immediately, as the packed bags resting by the elevator were an
undeniable clue.   Without hesitation and masking her true feelings,
Natalie had launched into her pre-planned explanation for her return
to the apartment.  

"Nick, I hope you can understand," she'd said.  "For my well-being, I
need to go home.   I need to have a sense of normalcy again, to try to
put my life back together with my everyday routine.   Besides," she'd
added in an attempt to lighten the mood,  "Sidney misses sticking his
claws into drapes.  Since you only have shutters.... Well you see my
dilemma."   

Nick had smiled at her remark and said, "Fine Nat.  Whatever makes you
feel more comfortable."  

At first she had been surprised that he hadn't put up more of a fight
to have her stay.  In fact, after dropping her off at her apartment on
his way to work and kissing her goodbye, she could have sworn there
was a mixture of disappointment *and* relief in his eyes.  Yes,
relief!   She was not mistaken about it.  He had definitely shown it. 
Why?   The obvious answer was control or lack thereof.   

Three days into her recuperation, it had become apparent Nick was
experiencing restraint problems.   After waking and finding an empty
spot on his side of the bed, Natalie had gone searching for him,
discovering him on the sofa in a deep vampiric slumber.    Immediate
concern had washed over her, wondering if control was the reason for
his new sleeping arrangements.  Later, when she'd tried to broach the
subject, Nick had dismissed it as nothing.  Sensing his impenetrable
manner and chalking it up to a one-time thing, she'd let it drop.    

In the next four days, however, it had become increasingly evident
that Nick's lack of control wasn't to be a one-time incident.
Everyday the couch had continued to be his haven.   Furthermore,
during an occasional video time together on the sofa, Natalie would
catch his ravenous stares at her through amber colored eyes.   These
looks would be filled with such longing and desire; they would confuse
and excite her at the same time.  As soon as he'd notice her puzzled
gaze, he would avert his eyes, quelling the vampire.   A moment would
pass, and then turning back, he'd regard her through his soulful blue
ones, giving her one of his most charming boyish grins.   Again
nothing would be said about it.   Instead, understanding Nick's
reluctance to give into his needs in front of her, Natalie would
quietly leave the room, making some excuse.  No sooner would she
disappear than the clinking sound of bottles on the kitchen counter
would be heard, floating up the stairs to the bedroom, her normal
sanctuary during these difficult moments.  

Yes, control had become a real life issue for Nick, as self-debasement
had for her, and it was rapidly tearing their already fragile
relationship apart, a relationship that had been growing...blooming.
Oh...If they could only salvage it!   

Without warning, Natalie felt a nudge at her shoulder and a voice
drifting into her consciousness.  "Natalie, are you listening?
Natalie!"  

Slowly, she came back, giving Dr. Sinclair a weak smile.  "I'm sorry
doctor.  I must have zoned out a bit there."  She snickered.  "Kind of
like..." She was going to say Nick, but caught herself.   No use
bringing him into the conversation.  It would only complicate things,
she thought.  

"Kind of like what, Natalie?"  Dr. Sinclair asked.  

"Oh nothing.  It wasn't important.   Please go ahead with your
synopsis, doctor."     

"As I was saying, moments after a rape is committed, self esteem can
be obliterated.  It can take months, perhaps years for a woman to feel
better about herself and to come to terms with her ordeal."    

"Are you saying that this rape may have crippled me for years to
come?"   

"No, I'm only saying that for some, it takes longer to recover than
others, Natalie."   

"For some.... mmmmm.... Does that mean I have a chance at a full
recovery soon or in the near future?"   She asked her face filling
with hope.   

"It really depends on a person's ability to confront the trauma.  In
your case, you have  *two* traumas to face, the rapes and your
grandmother's abuse during your youth.  Natalie, that is a lot for
anyone to have to deal with in such a short lifetime."   

"It is a lot for anyone to handle," Natalie agreed, "but I now realize
these violations were not my fault, only the victimizers should have
been held responsible.  And that's just it!   For the first time in a
long time, I know and understand that I'm not to blame!"    Natalie
said, the sudden conviction of her words spilling out into the room.  


Dr. Sinclair nodded, respect for this woman reflected in her eyes.
"Yes Natalie, I believe you mean it!  Self-exoneration is a positive
first step towards healing in cases of abuse and you appear to have
cracked this emotional barrier.  But have you torn it wide open and
eliminated it completely?"  She paused.  "And what about the other
barriers?"   

Natalie's brow creased in confusion and worry.  "What others are
there?"   

"For starters there is the problem with distrust..." She began.    

"I don't think that's a problem any longer," Natalie said.   "Again,
with your help, I've come to understand that my distrust and
consequently self-isolation from people stemmed from my grandmother's
abuse.   I used to think that if I didn't let people in, they couldn't
hurt me like she did.   I see now that I was wrong.   Isolating myself
from people wasn't the answer.  As a matter of fact, in these last few
weeks, I've been making an effort to open up more with my friends and
coworkers," she volunteered.    

"Natalie, friends and coworkers are one thing, and don't get me wrong,
it's important to have healthy, trusting relationships with them.  But
how are your relationships with men these days?"  She inquired,
studying her patient with skepticism, as she added,  "For instance,
how about that handsome detective, who used to drop you off here?"  

Natalie glanced at the doctor in surprise.   She remembered Nick?  All
these months later?   He'd only driven her to a few sessions at the
beginning.   Regrettably, she'd put a stop to it changing her therapy
to days, the increasing frustration of their seemingly unattainable
relationship taking a toll on her.... on them.   

She sighed and asked,  "You mean Nick?"    

"Yes, he's the one," Dr. Sinclair acknowledged with sincerity.   "Such
a nice stable young man.  He seemed to be so anxious about your well-
being.  What happened to him?   Has he been in your life much
recently?"   


For a long moment, Natalie regarded the doctor's compassionate face,
resisting the urge to break down into tears over the last question.
Turning away, her eyes became distant, as she allowed her mind to
drift.  She began to imagine herself lying on Dr. Sinclair's couch,
confessing the real truth behind Nick's scarcity these days, and not
the half-truths she'd been telling her week after week.  

'No, sadly he hasn't been in my life recently.  You want to know why? 
Well...I'll tell you doctor, but it's a long story and it goes like
this.'   

'Did I ever mention that Nick was a vampire and I'm a mortal?   I
didn't?   Yeah.... I guess you could say it kinda put a crimp in our
relationship.  At least we thought so, until six and a half months
ago, when Sam, a video owner, had offered us a way to be together in a
virtual reality game.  It was like a gift from the heavens.   For
three glorious days I played this game with a very mortal Nick.   You
see I had the ability to change his vampirism into mortality.  And the
great thing was, three nights later, when Nick came to the morgue, he
was displaying these mortal traits!   Yes, somehow, in the game, his
mortality was carrying over into the real world.   Nick was becoming
mortal.   Later at my apartment I gave him the game to play, hoping
that he would continue to become mortal and we could finally extend
our relationship into the real world.'    

'But I guess it wasn't meant to be, doctor.  As he was getting ready
to leave my apartment, accidentally, I pricked my finger on a thorn
from a rose, and mistakenly, allowed him to taste my blood.  Though I
can honestly say it was the most erotic experience I've ever known,
the fleeting pleasure was bought at a price because it must have
triggered Nick's darker impulses.'   

'Soon after... when my I-so-want-to-be-mortal-and-seek-my-salvation
boyfriend decided to play the game, he elected to have the best of
both worlds, playing as a mortal in one virtual world, then switching
to a vampire in another and sipping on me.   As a result he reverted,
and by sipping on me in the game, caused me to have temporary anemia. 
Needless to say, I was a bit peeved when he told me, but I forgave
him.  Yeah Dr. Sinclair, call me a sap, a pushover...   but when he
looked at me through those irresistible blue angsting peepers and
explained his overwhelming desire to know me completely through a
flesh and blood union, my anger fizzled and I forgave the big lug.'   


'Unfortunately things only worsened.   Doctor, have I ever mentioned
my rapist's name to you?  Lacroix?   Oh...I haven't.  It must have
slipped my mind.  Anyway he is Nick's controlling master and really
dislikes me.  Why, you ask?  Call it a hunch, a woman's intuition, but
after he tried to kill me at L'Azure last Valentine's Day, I got the
distinct feeling that he didn't like me too much.   Then six months
ago, when he had Herman Muntz, a former morgue assistant, steal the
game; so he could rape me repeatedly in the virtual world, I
definitely got the impression that there was no love lost between us.'


'After that, Nick's and my relationship *really* fell apart.   Because
of his vampiric play in the game and taking a little of my blood in
reality, Nick started to have control problems around me.  Yeah, I've
gotta tell ya doctor it wasn't a good feeling!  I was beginning to
think that I looked like a cherries jubilee to him.  Although I'll
admit that part of me found it arousing whenever he looked at me that
way.  Should I be worried about this?  Is there something wrong with
feeling that way, doctor???'  

'Anyway restraint was a *huge* problem. So Nick did what he always
does best when these things happen.  He put some distance between us,
probably convincing himself that this was for the best, that he would
only end up killing me if he got too close.'      

'But hey!   That was okay.  Because guess what?  Gradually my desire
for closeness with Nick stopped.  I had my own demons to thwart, my
feelings of degradation, my distrust and fears of intimacy with men,
vampires included, all resulting from a rape that wasn't even real!!! 
So... looking back on all that has happened, I guess you could say
that our relationship is even worse than six and half months ago.  At
least then, we talked, now we barely say two words to one another at a
crime scene.  So to answer your question, I would say no, Nick isn't
in my life at all.'    

Slowly, Natalie drew her attention away from her wandering thoughts
and back to Dr. Sinclair.   Regarding her closely, she replied, "Nick
and I see one another at work, that's all."  Her voice grew regretful
as she added,   "We're just friends."   

"Really, I'm kind of surprised," she said, arching her eyebrows.
"Seeing you two together a few months ago.... well.... I had a feeling
that you were more than that.  That there was something special
between you two."   

Natalie drew in a deep breath.  "Six months ago, we attempted a
relationship of sorts, but it didn't work out.  I guess you could say
it was an illusion."   Her eyes became distant again, her voice
thoughtful.  

"An illusion?"  Dr. Sinclair asked, perplexed.  "What do you mean
Natalie?"   

"It wasn't real," she said.  "I mean we thought it was the real thing,
but our relationship has always been complicated, filled with many
difficulties and...." Her voice began to crack with emotion as she
added,  "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."  

"Are you so certain of that?"  Dr. Sinclair asked with compassion.   

"Yeah...I'm fairly certain."  Natalie replied, a trace of doubt in her
voice.   

"You don't sound convinced," she stated, and then added in a hesitant
voice.   "If I'm not being so bold, may I ask you a personal
question?"   

"Go ahead."  

"You love him, don't you."  Dr. Sinclair said.  It was more a
statement than a question.   

"Does it show?"    Natalie folded her arms across her chest, suddenly
feeling uncomfortable.  

"It's written all over your face," Dr. Sinclair smiled briefly.  

"I told you my impenetrable facade was melting away."   Natalie
returned a weak smile unfolding her arms, and then reaching over, took
a sip of tea from her mug.   

Dr. Sinclair laughed,  "You did, indeed."   

Natalie's smile faded.  "To answer your question, doctor, I love him
so much that at times, it scares me!"  Suddenly, her voice caught in
her throat, and her eyes welled with tears, as intense emotions
coursed through her.  She pulled a tissue from her pocket dabbing at
her eyes, and then took a deep breath.  "But I don't know if loving
him is the right thing to do anymore.  Maybe it would be better to let
him go."   

"Is that what you want?"   Dr. Sinclair asked sympathetically, seeing
the anguish reflected on her face.  

"No, of course not!   But maybe it's for the best.  There have been so
many obstacles in our path, especially in the last year," Natalie
explained, as her thoughts turned to Nick's numerous setbacks and
LaCroix' interference.  "Before, I used to think there was hope for
us, that we would find a way to be together...to make the relationship
work.   Even this past year, in the darkest times, I tried to keep
that hope alive pushing Nick in his quest, being strong for the both
of us, repeatedly telling myself that if he obtained it, so would I." 

"His quest?"   She asked, a baffled look flickering across her face.
"You make it sound like the Holy Grail."    

"In a way it was, doctor.  In a way it was."  She echoed pensively.  

"What was this quest of his?"   Dr. Sinclair asked, curious.  

"Oh.... Let's just say, it was a cure for a *major* impediment,"
Natalie responded surreptitiously.   "Somehow I thought that if I
could find this cure, our relationship could bloom.   Six months ago I
thought we were on the verge of finding it, that we had finally won,
but I think it was only an illusion.  We were fooling ourselves,
doctor.  After Nick's last failure and my own traumas, I found that I
didn't have the strength any longer to keep trying."   

"And now?  Do you want to try again?"   

"Part of me wants to keep trying with every fiber of my being."
Natalie said with renewed determination.   

"But?"  

"But...I'm not sure it will work out."   

"Are you afraid of intimacy?"   Dr. Sinclair asked tentatively.  "I
could understand if you were reluctant after what you've endured."    

"No.  I mean yes, a little.  But the funny thing is I'm not afraid to
try with Nick.   I've always felt I could trust him.  That he would
*never* hurt me," Natalie said emphatically.  

Studying this woman for a moment, Dr. Sinclair could see that she
possessed all the characteristics of a rape victim who was healing.
During her therapy, she had always displayed an uncanny ability to
face her abuse and rapes head on, determined to put her nightmares to
rest.  Yes, Natalie was making great progress.  She just needed a
push.  "Then do it," Dr. Sinclair said fervently, settling on her
decision.    "Don't be afraid to take risks.  You'll never know what
might have been if you don't try and you might end up regretting it.
One thing I've observed about you, you're a fighter, not a quitter."  


"I don't think you know me very well, doctor.  There were many times I
was on the verge of giving up, especially with Nick."   

"But you didn't and I don't think you really want to now.  After all,
as they say, love does conquer all."   

"Yeah, I suppose that's what they say.   But perhaps...sometimes...
love is meant to be conquered," Natalie pointed out, a slight
resignation creeping into her voice.  

"Sometimes, that may be the case.   But you won't know until you've
tried.  Don't be like others, playing a game of denial, especially in
matters of the heart.  You'll only be sorry.  Instead, take that
plunge," she said in earnest.   "You'll be glad you did."   

"You might have something there doctor," she smiled with mounting
excitement, the doctor's enthusiasm becoming contagious.  "Maybe this
game does need an ending or needs to come to an end."   

A silence ensued as Dr. Sinclair gave her a shrewd nod of approval.   

Natalie returned the doctor's nod with one of her own, feeling sudden
optimism as she mused,   'Yeah Nick, this game we've played does need
a resolution.'  All at once, though, her face creased in concern as
she thought of something else,  'But would the resolution be the right
one?'   
************************************************** 


*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 02/10  
************************************* 

"Tonight's topic, gentle listeners, is about...   Love.   A profoundly
tender, passionate emotion, to which we humans are incessantly,
irrationally drawn.  When should we deny it, when should we embrace
it?   For most, loving another is a sham, an illusion... a pretense
like a virtual reality.   It is false and deceptive, causing only
heartache, pain, suffering and for some.... It can be quite hazardous
to your health, *quite* deadly, indeed!    Denying love for another is
the truest safeguard, my friend."    

"On the other hand, disallowance of love for *ourselves* is the utmost
self-betrayal.  True happiness can only be embraced if we are
accepting of who and what we are."  

"So dismissing love's folly with another and accepting love of
yourself, embracing your true nature is the only way to *live*.   Do
you not agree it's the best way to go?  The Nightcrawler would like to
know."  His smooth seductive voice purred through the night's
airwaves.     

********************************************** 

Pulling the caddy up to the curb, Nick turned off the radio and
frowned.   This time, LaCroix' latest tirade about love had hit its
mark.   For once, Nick was beginning to believe his master was right. 
Giving into love with a mortal only caused heartache.   Surely
experience had taught him that.  There was always a price to be paid. 
And this time with this particular mortal <Natalie> ...would be the
highest price of all.  The heartache would be too unbearable.  It
would mean sure death for her and an eternity of pain for him.   Who
was he kidding?  If anything happened to her, he would be embracing
death, probably seeing his first sunrise in 800 years.  Not a great
outlook for either of them.   So wouldn't it be best to deny their
love, embrace their own separate lives and move on?   

In many ways they already had, he thought with a touch of sadness.
They hadn't been seeing much of each other recently, only at crime
scenes and occasionally at the morgue.  Whenever she was near, his
cravings to taste her blood again would escalate, the scent of her
tantalizing cinnamon nectar driving the beast into a near frenzy of
uncontrollable hunger.  It was almost like first hunger all over
again.  

Nick could tell it wasn't a party for Natalie either.  The few
occasions, where the beast did remain dormant, offering a rare
opportunity for him to reach out with a caress to her face or a touch
to her hair, would only generate a frightened shudder from her.
Pulling away abruptly, she'd make some excuse to leave or get back to
work.   During those infrequent times, he'd try not to take it
personally, understanding that rape could make her behave this way,
but it still hurt.  

The sad truth was the distance between them had grown insurmountable. 
It was probably time to move on... 

All at once, there was a tapping at the window.  Looking over, Nick
saw Detective Barnes standing there, a frustrated expression gracing
his brow.  "Detective Knight.... Nick.   Are you with me?"   

Nick emerged from the caddy.  "Sorry, Barnes.  I was just thinking
about something."   

"Like about that hole in the ozone layer?"   The dark-haired, blue-
eyed detective gave him a sagacious smile.  "Yeah...Schanke filled me
in about your perpetual interest in it."   

At the mention of his former partner's name, a brief flash of pain
crossed Nick's features before the usual impassive facade fell into
place.  Ignoring Barnes' remark, Nick turned away and began walking
across the manicured lawn towards a colonel brick home.   "What do we
have here?"   

Feeling uneasy and suddenly embarrassed by his ill-conceived comment,
Barnes cleared his throat and began filling Nick in with the details
of the investigation.   "According to the coroner's prelim report, a
Mrs. Anita Carr was shot through the head and chest, probably with a
38mm at close range.  Her body was discovered in the main hall by her
husband, Mr. Roger Carr."   

They had arrived at the entrance.  The hallway had been cordoned off
with yellow tape and Mrs. Carr's body had already been removed to the
coroner's van.  The medical examiner, Dr. Edgar was finishing up his
prelims as the detectives approached.  "Perfect timing, Detective
Knight.  You missed the whole grisly affair.  As I mentioned to
Detective Barnes earlier, TOD was approximately one to three hours
ago.  From the looks of her, the victim didn't put up much of a
struggle.   In fact, I would guess she was completely caught by
surprise by the killer."    

Barnes went on to explain to Nick.  "The angle and the close proximity
of the body to the front door would suggest she walked in on her
murderer."  He pointed to the chalked sketch of the body on the
hardwood floor.   

"By the angle, you mean her body was face up with her head near the
front door," Nick added.    

"That's right, Detective," interjected the coroner.  "Another thing,
the victim had considerable swelling from a nasty bump on the back of
her head, which would suggest she was pushed backwards into the door
by her assailant.   Perhaps the impact caused temporary
unconsciousness, enough time for the killer to shoot her and escape
the premises.   Anyhow, I'll get back to you with my final report."  

"Thanks, doctor," Barnes added, as Dr. Edgar moved past the detectives
and through the front door into the warm night.   

Barnes' eyes moved from the departing doctor's form back to Nick, who
was observing a very distressed dark-haired man, sitting in a chintz-
covered armchair in the corner of the living room to the left of the
hallway.  "That's Mr. Carr.  He's been sitting over there since we had
him check the premises for burglary."   

"Did he find anything missing?"   

"Yeah.... there's a safe upstairs in the master bedroom.  The lock was
picked like a pro.  Mr. Carr verified that all his wife's jewelry was
missing from it.  Forensics has been unable to lift any of the
intruder's prints.  From the looks of things, we're dealing with a
professional cat burglar."   

"So you don't think Mr. Carr did it?"   

"Couldn't say," admitted Barnes.   "But, if he did set this in motion,
he's been putting up quite an act for us.  He seemed so shell-shocked
by it all.    No one has been able to get much out of him."    

"Let's see if we have better luck," replied Nick, moving towards Mr.
Carr.   

Approaching him, Barnes said,  "Mr. Carr, I'm Detective Barnes and
this is Detective Knight.  We'd like to ask you a few questions, if
it's all right with you."   

Carr regarded the two detectives with a dazed expression.  "What...oh
yes.... Of course...please sit down.  What do you want to know?"   

Nick and Barnes took a seat on the sofa.  "What time did you discover
your wife, Mr. Carr?"  Barnes inquired.   

"I'd say it was about 9:00 pm.  I was in a conference at work from
5:00 to 8:30 this evening.  It then took me about 1/2 hr. to get home,
so...yes.... I believe it was around 9:00 when I found my wife.... Oh
God."  His voice began to shake.  "If only I'd been here for her,
especially after what she'd been through last year."    

Nick and Barnes exchanged questioning looks.   "What happened to your
wife last year, Mr. Carr?"   Nick asked.   

Carr wiped fresh tears from his face and ran a trembling hand through
his thick dark hair.   "A year ago, Anita had to work late.  After
leaving the office, she was assaulted and raped in the parking garage,
trying to get into her car.   Later, the police found the guy and he
was convicted and sentenced to life."    

"We'll need the guy's name to verify he's currently serving life at
the penitentiary."  Barnes stated.   

"You don't think he escaped and came after my wife, do you?"  Carr
asked, his eyebrows rose in surprise.   

"We need to check all possibilities, Mr. Carr."  Nick said.   

"Starkey.... His name is William Starkey," Carr replied.  "So help me,
if this scum did this to my wife, I'll kill him with my bare hands."
His voice trembled in anger.   

"Relax, Mr. Carr."  Barnes regarded him uneasily.  "Chances are it
wasn't him, but rest assured, we'll do everything in our power to get
this creep."    

"I wish you could have used your power, your investigative skills to
get Starkey before he'd brutally attacked all those women, including
my wife!"  He exclaimed.  There was bitterness in his tone.   "Do you
have *any* idea what my wife...what *we*.... Have gone through in the
last year?  What it is like living with a rape victim?  The endless
therapy sessions, hoping that with each one, you're wife will finally
heal.   The endless efforts at trying to boost your wife's self-
esteem, only to have her lock herself further into a world you can
never enter.  It's not a pretty picture and it's hell on the
marriage."   The wrinkles on his anguished face creased in pain.     

"Last week, she'd wanted me to move out of the house.  Naturally, I
refused.   I still had hope that we would make it.  Our marriage had
always been a strong one, built out of a deep love and respect for one
another and I kept thinking, with a little patience and our devotion
to each other, we could get through this insurmountable obstacle
together.  I was always a firm believer in love, true love conquering
all and through our strong devotion we could conquer this barrier.
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to..." Carr's voice broke on
the last word as he wiped away more tears from his eyes.  "There just
wasn't enough time," he repeated, shaking his head in bewilderment.  

There was a long uncomfortable silence as Barnes looked over at Nick
and what he saw surprised him.  Like earlier, Nick appeared to be
staring off into space, a look of anguish on his face.  Barnes jabbed
him in the side.  "Knight, are you communing with the cosmos again?"  


Nick came out of his reverie, shaking his head.  "What?"  He asked,
turning towards Barnes.   

"Never mind."  Barnes turned back to Carr and said sincerely, "We're
awfully sorry Mr. Carr to dredge up all these painful memories about
you and your wife. We need a couple more things from you if you don't
mind.  An inventory of the missing jewelry and the list of co-workers
who attended this evening's conference."   Barnes handed him a
notepad.  

"I'll have to get back to you about the jewelry, but I can give you
that other list now."  Taking the pad, Carr scribbled it down quickly
and handed it back.  "Anything else?"   

"No," Barnes got up from the sofa.  "Unless Nick has something to ask
you."  He turned to Nick and again saw him staring into space with the
same tormented look.   What was with this guy, tonight?  Barnes shook
his head in frustration and again jabbed him in the side.   "Knight,
are you with us?"   

Nick shook his head. "Yeah, I'm here."  He looked at Barnes, then
Carr.  "If we have any further questions, we'll be in touch. Thanks
for your cooperation, Mr. Carr."     

Saying their goodbyes, Nick and Barnes walked towards the exit. As
soon as they were outside, Nick began to rush towards his caddy when
Barnes called to him,   "Hey, Knight.  What gives with the
transcendental experience back there?  Are you okay?"   

Nick stopped in his tracks, spinning around as Barnes caught up to
him.  "Look, I'm fine...let's give it a rest, okay?"  There was anger
in his tone, but his eyes conveyed that same pained expression.  

Barnes held up his hands in surrender.  "Sure...whatever.  I'll check
out Carr's alibi.  Although after seeing that touching performance
back there, I gotta admit I felt sorry for the guy.  I mean his wife
was raped and they had to deal with all that.  And then this..."   

Nick interrupted him.  "Yeah, it must have been difficult for them,
but we need to stay focused on the case."  He replied with an edge of
brusqueness in his voice.   

"You're right.  When I get back to the precinct, I'll check out this
list of Carr's coworkers and Starkey's incarceration."   

"Thanks."   Nick paused.   "Hey Barnes, by the way, I am sorry about
my actions earlier.  Like I said, I've got some things on my mind," he
explained, giving him a slight grin.   

"Hey, no problem.  We all have our moments."   

"Yeah, we do," agreed Nick.  "By the way, and don't take this
personally Barnes, but why were you at this crime scene tonight and
where is my partner?"  

"Oh...didn't Reese fill you in?"   

"No, he didn't.  I came straight here from my place."   

"Reese told me that Vetter had an appointment with a carpenter at her
apartment and that she'd be running late and would meet us here."
Barnes checked his watch.    "Doesn't look like she's going to show." 


They started walking again as Barnes resumed talking,  "What gives
with the service calls?  It seems like Vetter's got one scheduled
every other night.   What's she doing over there?  Building the Taj
Mahal."   He chuckled.   

Nick shrugged in response, and then turning away, frowned.   I wish
that were the case, he thought grimly.  But he knew otherwise.   Nick
got into his car, and turned on the engine.  "See ya back at the
precinct."   

******************************************************  

*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 03/10  
************************************* 

A warm balmy breeze passed through the establishment as the woman
entered through the front door.  Pausing for a moment, her blue eyes
wandered over the rows of videos, stretching down the length of the
room, and finally rested on the elderly man in the back of the store. 
At the sight of him, she gripped the item in her hand more tightly.   
You can do this...yes... you can, she thought with resolve.   Letting
out a deep breath, she began moving towards him slowly and quietly.  

The man was placing the last video on the shelf when he had the
distinct feeling there was someone approaching him.   For an instant,
he froze, the hairs on the back of his neck becoming rigid.  Whoever
was there was moving very cautiously down the aisle, trying not to
make a sound.  Sweat broke out on his brow as he clutched at the video
still in his hand, bracing himself.  He could hear and almost feel the
person getting closer. All of a sudden, though, as if a light switch
had turned on in his head, his fright was replaced with relief.
Turning around on his ladder, he broke into a broad smile.   "Ms.
Vetter, what a pleasant surprise!  It's always such a delight to see
your pretty face in my store."    

Standing next to the ladder, Tracy gave him a nervous smile.  "You
always have a way with words, Sam.  My partner could learn a thing or
two from you."   

Sam put the last video on the shelf and climbed down.  "You mean,
Detective Knight?  He strikes me as the type of guy who has had
*years* of experience with women and could charm the socks off them." 


Tracy let out a burst of laughter, her discomfiture forgotten for the
moment.   "You've got to be kidding!  Nick Knight, charming the socks
off women?"   She let out another guffaw.  "Now granted, he's handsome
and does have this way of throwing that puppy dog look your way when
he wants something... but... experienced with women?  Sometimes I feel
that he is *clueless* when it comes to knowing what women want.  It's
like he's from the dark ages."   

Sam chuckled.  You're not far off, he thought.   "Maybe it just takes
the right woman to provide Detective Knight with a clue," he
suggested.   

"Oh yeah right!"   Tracy rolled her eyes.  "If you are referring to
Natalie, who is the right woman for him, he is still clueless.  I mean
anyone with half a brain can see they belong together.  But does my
thickheaded partner see it?  No, of course not."  Her smile faded, her
face becoming serious.  "At crime scenes, he now runs away in terror
whenever Natalie is near.  He always has some flimsy excuse to send me
over to the morgue to discuss a case with her.  It's obvious to me
that he is avoiding her.   For the life of me, though, I don't know
why."   

Uneasiness spread through Sam at Tracy's comment, but he pretended to
shrug it off.  "Maybe it isn't Nick who is doing the evading.  With
all that's happened to Natalie, she might be the one."   

"Yeah... But Nick should try to make more of an effort to help her
through it.  Instead, he can't wait to get away, like he's afraid to
get too close to her.   I know they still have feelings for one
another, you can see the longing in their eyes when they look at each
other.  But they don't do anything about it."  Tracy blew out a
frustrating breath.   

All at once, Sam had an idea.  "Maybe we can do something about it
*for* them."   

Tracy looked at him curiously.  "What did you have in mind?"   

"Well...My wife, Emily and I are celebrating our fortieth wedding
anniversary at the Four Seasons Hotel and I...."   

Tracy interrupted as she broke into a wide grin.  "Really, that's
wonderful.  When?"   

"It depends on when Detective Knight and Dr. Lambert are on leave
next."    He gave her a knowing smile.  

"What do you mean?  Don't you have a date already set?"  She asked,
puzzled.  

"No, Tracy.  You don't understand.  There isn't going to be a *real*
anniversary party at the Four Seasons.  Mrs. Case and I celebrated our
fortieth last year.  But Natalie and Nick won't know that, they'll
think they've been invited to a real bash at the hotel."     

"Oh...I get it."   She nodded.  "So you want me to find out from Reese
and Natalie's bosses when they're off and you'll send them an
invitation to this fake affair."   

"Yes and if all goes according to plan, this fake affair will be a
real one of their own making, if you catch my drift."  Sam gave Tracy
a mischievous wink.  

Tracy blushed at the implication.  "Will this affair take place in a
particular part of the hotel?  Say the honeymoon suite."  Her eyes
sparkled with amusement.   

"I'm sure that can be arranged.  You coordinate the schedules with
their bosses so they're off at the same time, provide me with the
dates and I'll take it from there."   

"But the cost of this will be too much."   Tracy insisted.  

"Don't worry.  If things go well, it will be my wedding present to
them."   

"If that's the case, count me in for part of the expense.  I'll be
happy to help out and I'm sure Grace would love to contribute too."   

"Grace?"  Sam looked puzzled.   

"You remember Grace.  Natalie's assistant."   

"Ah, yes.  Ms. Balthazar.  She was such a charming woman and a devout
friend to Natalie.  Yes, by all means, let her know about our plans,
but please...let's keep this a guarded secret from everyone else,
shall we?   We don't want to let the cat out of the bag."   

"Mums the word!"   Tracy gave him a broad smile, which faded when she
saw where Sam's eyes were going.    He was studying the item in her
hand.  Feeling uneasy again, Tracy averted her eyes from him down to
the floor.  

"Is that what I think it is, Ms. Vetter?"  Sam asked with a trace of
amusement in his voice.   

"Ah.... Yeah.  I was returning it to you."   Tracy looked into Sam's
amused face and handed the object to him.   "I figured you'd want it
back.  I guess I kind of got carried away with it this last time.
Sorry."   

"Don't worry about it.   As long as you received fulfillment from its
use, that's all that counts."  He paused.    "Speaking of  'counts,'
how many times does this make it?"   

With her hand, Tracy began rubbing under her collar as a sudden heat
rushed from her neck to her face.  "Oh...maybe ten times."  She gave
him a weak shrug.   

Sam's eyebrows rose in astonishment.  "Ten times!   I had no idea.
Ms. Vetter I guess I'm going to have to cut you off from your virtual
reality.  It's time to face the real world."   

Tracy's shoulders slumped.  "Really?  I was hoping that I wouldn't
need that reality check for another week and you'd let me borrow the
game one more time?  Please?"  She pleaded.   

"Afraid not, Tracy."  He looked at her sternly.  

"Oh...all right!"  She voiced in dismay passing the game to him.  "I
suppose I'm becoming obsessed with it and should back off for my own
good.  Thanks Sam, for being my rock of strength."  Tracy turned
around and began to head towards the front of the store, Sam close
behind.   

"Glad to be of service.  It's for the best, you know."  He remarked
over her shoulder.   

"Yeah...I know."  She agreed reluctantly, as she arrived at the exit. 


Sam started to open the door for her, when without warning; she turned
around and seized the game from him.  Sam froze, her actions
surprising him, but only for a split second.   Recovering, he reached
for it and managed to grab a hold, but Tracy held on stubbornly.  A
tug of war ensued between them, each pulling back with the game
partially in their grasp.   

"Sam, just one more time!  Pleaaaasssse!"   Implored Tracy, pulling
with all her might.  

"Now Tracy, NO!   Give it to me!"  Sam's voice was becoming agitated. 
"We don't want to break it."   He could feel Tracy's grasp slacken.
Finally, with a look of resignation on her face, she let go
completely.   

"Jeez...I'm *so* sorry about that!  I don't know what came over me!
I'm so embarrassed!"  Her face flushed a bright red.   

"That's okay."  Sam put a comforting arm around the young detective
and opened the door.  "It happens to all of us.  You just remember:
live one day or *night* at a time with that friend of yours and
everything will turn out fine."   

Tracy gave him a baffled look as she exited.  What did he mean by
living one *night* at a time?  Did he know about Vachon and what he
was, a vampire?  He couldn't, could he?  Nah, it was her mind working
overtime again.  Still, this guy sure seemed to know intuitively about
people.   

She shook off the thought.  "I'll do that. Thanks again."  She waved
and started to walk away, and then as if forgetting something turned
back around.   "And don't worry, I'll be in touch ASAP about our
little scheme."  Tracy winked at him and departed.   

As the door closed, Sam sighed.  Glancing at the game in his hand, he
frowned.  "I think I'd better lock you up for save keeping my little
treasure."   He marched to the backroom, and opening a safe in the
corner, placed the game on a shelf.  Closing it and assuring the
combination lock was secure, he headed back to his desk.  "And now
that the door has been shut on their virtual realities," he mumbled,
thinking of his three friends,  "it's time to give *two* of them, a
reality check!"  With a final determined nod of his head, he picked up
the phone and dialed.   
********************************************************* 






*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 04/10  
************************************* 

Three Nights later:   

Natalie was wheeling Mr. Samuel Haines through the opened steel door
into the refrigerated vault when Tracy strolled into the autopsy room.
"Hey there, Trace."  She called over her shoulder.   "Just tucking one
of my patients in for the night.  Be with you in a sec."   

"Okay, Nat."   Tracy called back in her usual perky voice.  Standing
there in the sterile cold room, though, her cheerfulness soon turned
to uneasiness.    Instinctively she took a step backwards towards the
door through which she had just entered, a distasteful grimace
appearing on her face.  For all her visits to the morgue, there would
never come a time when she would ever grow accustomed to the smells of
decay laced with formaldehyde and disinfectant, and the sights of the
mutilated cadavers sprawled on an autopsy table like a slab of meat in
a butcher shop.    Morgues would always be her one weakness in her
line of work.  How Natalie could endure it day after day and night
after night was beyond her comprehension.  It took a special kind of
person to be a pathologist.  

Coming out of her reflective musings, Tracy turned in the direction of
the vault as she detected Natalie's voice drifting into the room.
She seemed to be speaking to someone.  The words were flowing out soft
and gentle.    "Rest in peace."   She heard Natalie say.   

She must be talking to the corpse.   A momentary sadness gripped Tracy
at Natalie's eulogy in the face of another violent, unnecessary death
at the hands of a madman.    A second later, Natalie emerged from the
vault, and shutting the steel enforced door, marched over to her desk.
Sitting down, she began jotting notes.   "What brings you here,
Trace?"  She asked.  Her forehead was creased in concentration, her
eyes focused on the case file in front of her.     

Tracy shook her head in wonder.  If there were a person more suited
for this job, it was Natalie.  In a moment's time, with ease, she
could shift from light humor to gentle eulogies over bodies to staunch
professionalism, always remaining detached from the death and violence
all around her.   "I came by to inquire about the Lombardi Case.  Have
you done the report, yet?" Tracy queried.  

Natalie stopped writing, and retrieving a file from a stack, handed it
to her.  "Here you go.  It's pretty cut and dry:  a brain aneurysm.  I
found traces of aspirin in the lining of his stomach.  I would guess
that he'd probably taken some Bayer for a headache, gone to sleep it
off and never woke up."   

"So I guess Nick and I can eliminate Mrs. Lombardi as a suspect even
though she was having a flagrant affair with her husband's law partner
and stood to come into a sizable inheritance from his estate."   Tracy
stated.  There was an edge of suspicion in her voice.   

Natalie leaned back in her chair, twirling the pen around in both of
her hands.  "I know it seemed kind of coincidental, but that's what it
was:  a huge coincidence.  It was clearly an aneurysm, not a homicide.
There was a massive rupture to a blood vessel in the right temporal
lobe of the brain.   If I were to hazard a guess, I would say he'd
probably had it since birth and over the years, it increased in size
until it finally burst."    

Tracy glanced down at the report.  "That's great news.  It means we
have one less case to solve.  If Nick and I could only wrap up this
Carr investigation, we'd be able to play catch up on all our reports. 
And you know how that partner of mine loves to do paperwork."   She
chuckled, but her laughter soon dimmed when she caught Natalie's
despondent look.  

As quickly as the raw pain appeared on Natalie's face, though, Tracy
saw it disappear as she reined in her emotions.   

At the mention of Nick's name, unfulfilled yearnings threatened to
consume Natalie, leaving her to feel so alone and empty.   God, she
missed him.  Missed those times watching a video with him, laughing
together at the funny scenes in a movie or crying on his shoulder over
the sad ones, always welcoming the comfort and safety of those strong
arms wrapped so protectively around her.   Missed the old easy-going
camaraderie between them, so natural and effortless like taking in a
breath of air.  Missed those compassionate blue eyes gazing down on
her with such love while in the throes of passion in the virtual
world.     Missed those beautiful expressive eyes that seemed to look
into her very soul.  Missed those firm hands...exploring...   

...'Enough already Lambert!  Get a grip!'  She scolded herself.
'You're the one who decided to keep the relationship *still* in limbo,
after your hope fizzled into uncertainty and fear.  So live with it!' 


Yeah...that was rich!  After visiting Dr. Sinclair, her hope at a
resolution had lasted until she'd picked up the phone to call Nick,
only to hang up a second later, her faith dissipating into doubt and
fear.  Fear about their endless problems, all their many obstacles.
Maybe they were just kidding themselves; their problems were probably
too insurmountable even for their strong love to conquer.  So in the
end, out of fear and uncertainty, she'd decided not to call, keeping
their relationship unresolved.   

Sighing, and with effort, Natalie dragged her attention back to Tracy.
"What about the Carr investigation?"   She asked, trying to sound
curious.   

Embarrassed, Tracy slapped her forehead.  "I forgot you weren't
involved in that case.  At first, neither was I.  Barnes and Nick did
the preliminary investigation while I was preoccupied with something."
She lowered her eyes to the tile floor, as she began shifting
uncomfortably.   

Already aware of Tracy's preoccupation with *the* game, Natalie asked
anyway, feigning ignorance,  "Preoccupied with what?"   

"Oh...I was running late because I had something important I needed to
do," Tracy answered mysteriously, giving Natalie a slight grin, her
face becoming flushed.      

"Ah...I hope it turned out well for you, Trace."  Natalie replied, a
teasing glint in her eye.   

Tracy smiled, her eyes denoting the same sparkle.  "Yeah...let's hope
so, though, only time will tell," she said, her voice still conveying
that inexplicable tone.    

For a long moment, Natalie considered Tracy's strange comment.  What
did she mean by that?    She wondered, shaking her head in
bewilderment, and then she turned back to the case.  "Now I remember
the Carr case.  The woman was shot twice in the hallway of her home.
Dr. Edgar and Grace were working on it."   

"What case was I working on?"   Grace asked, breezing into the room
carrying a tray of test tubes.   

Natalie glanced at her and smiled  "The Carr autopsy?"   

"Oh yeah...that one.  Poor woman.  Since the prelims, nothing new was
found on the body."  Grace pointed out, and then turned to Tracy.
"Any developments in the case?"   

"No, Barnes has been doing most of the investigative work.   The
husband's coworkers corroborated his story.  He was at work at the
time of his wife's murder, so he couldn't have done it."   

"Could he have hired someone to kill her?"   Natalie asked in a
suggestive manner.   

"According to Barnes, it's not likely."  Tracy explained.    "He told
me about Mr. Carr's emotional state at the crime scene.  He was a
regular Niagara Falls.  Evidently, Mrs. Carr had been raped last year
and they'd already been dealing with that when this happened and..."
Suddenly, Tracy's words tapered off as her hand flew to her mouth in
horror, realizing what she'd said and to whom she'd said it.    There
was an awkward silence, and then she continued,  "I'm so sorry
Natalie.  I don't know why I said that."   

Natalie smiled, and leaning over, squeezed Tracy's hand in
reassurance.  "Tracy, don't feel you need to apologize.  You can
mention the rape word to me.  I'm not that fragile."   She paused as a
sudden thought occurred to her, her bright smile fading.   She averted
her eyes away and continued in a soft murmur,  "What did Nick think
about this investigation?"    

For one instant, Tracy was tempted to say,   

 'Natalie, if the truth be told, his only contribution to this case
has been his insufferable moodiness.  At times this week, I've wanted
put him out of his misery shooting him with my gun.  But I'm glad that
I refrained, because yesterday, he'd finally accepted Sam's invitation
to the Four Seasons.    I say "finally" because I had to spend an
entire hour convincing him to go.  It was very stressful!   I'm
warning you, Nat if you two don't resolve your relationship by the end
of this weekend, there will be a homicide in the precinct.    And it
won't be mine!'  

Instead she replied,  "I don't know what his thoughts are about this
case.  He hasn't said much about it."    

Grace's eyebrows rose in surprise.  "You mean Nick 'first at the
scene, first to know everything' Knight hasn't already wrapped this
case up."   

"No, there's not much of a case to solve."   Tracy confessed.   "We
suspect Mrs. Carr unwittingly caught a professional jewel thief in the
middle of a burglary and whoever this guy was he didn't leave his
calling card:  no prints, no fibers, no weapon, nothing.  So at this
point, we've reached a dead end...and..."   

All of a sudden, Natalie interrupted with a sudden reply,  "Oh my
gosh!   I almost forgot!"   She bolted to her feet, glancing at her
watch.   "I'm sorry if I startled you both, but when Tracy mentioned
the stolen jewelry at the Carr residence, I remembered that I need to
get over to Birk's at the Eaton Centre before it closes to pick up
some specially ordered jewelry for a party on Saturday."   Natalie
raced to the door, and then whirling around, regarded her assistant.
"Grace, will you finish up the Haine's DNA profile for me?  I should
be back in an hour."   

"No problem Natalie."  Grace said.  A brief smile flashed across her
face as she cast a sidelong conspiratorial glance at Tracy.  "Have you
decided on the dress yet from The Bay?"  She asked.   

"I don't know.  I'm unsure of the color," Natalie admitted.   

"I think it looks stunning on you.  That shade of blue accents your
eyes.  You should buy it."  Grace said emphatically.   

"What does the dress look like, Nat?   Tracy asked innocently.    

Natalie shrugged.  "Oh...it's a long royal blue dress and comes with a
satin wrap.  But it is kind of ...It is sort of..." she stammered, as
a blush began to creep up her neckline to her face.   

Grace rolled her eyes.  "What she's trying to say is that it's a
little low in the neckline and dips slightly in the back."     

Natalie chuckled and shook her head.  "Yeah...right!  A little low cut
and dips slightly? That's an understatement!  What Grace has failed to
mention is that the dress shows so much skin it leaves *nothing* to
the imagination.  I may as well jump out of a cake at the party naked
for the little that it hides.  And besides I'd feel funny doling out
all that money for a dress that has so little material."   

"But it looks fantastic on you, and honey if you've got it, flaunt
it."   Grace declared, giving Natalie a stern look.  "After all, you
can't hide under those unflattering scrubs forever."    

Tracy laughed.  "What is it you're going to attend where this
revealing dress might be on display?"  She asked, trying to appear
nonchalant.   

"Sam Case, from Sam's video, and his wife are having a fortieth
wedding anniversary bash at the Four Seasons this Saturday evening,"
Natalie explained.  "At first, I wasn't going to go, but Grace talked
me into it."  

"Yes, Natalie's stubbornness was shining through.  She was making all
sorts of excuses for not going, but I was able to find a way to knock
some sense into that hard head of hers."   

"What did you say?"  Tracy asked.   

Before Grace could continue, Natalie piped up,   "Oh...she threatened
to fix me up with her friend's cousin from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan so
I relented."   

"I'm glad you did."  Tracy said, meeting Grace's barely concealed
smile with one of her own.    "And I hope you have a great time." 

Natalie started to leave again.  "Yeah...me too.  I suppose it's time
for me to get out there, live a little, and mix with people," she
said.   There was a look of thoughtfulness on her face as her voice
filled with regret and doubt.   Standing in the doorway, though, hope
began to return as she straightened her shoulders and gave each woman
a determined smile.   "Yeah...it *is* time to mingle with people
again."  She nodded firmly, and then disappeared down the hall.   

As soon as they heard the slam of the door to the morgue, and were
certain of Natalie's departure from the building, Tracy turned to
Grace and sighed.   "For our sakes Grace, let's hope she *mingles*
with one very lonely brooding detective this weekend or I will not be
held responsible for my actions."   

Grace returned the sigh.  "Yeah...me too.  And for their sakes, they
better *mingle* more than their minds together, if you know what I
mean!"  She voiced, and then exchanging knowing glances, they burst
into laughter.   


***********************************************      

*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 05/10  
************************************* 

Early Saturday Morning:  The day of the big bash.   

Nick slid the door open to the lift, and throwing his duster over the
soft leather sofa, marched to the refrigerator, pulling open the door.
Reaching in, he seized a green bottle of steer from the top shelf, and
removing the cork, gulped down the cold unappetizing blood in a few
deep swallows.  He took out another bottle, considering briefly before
drinking the distasteful bovine, then went ahead.  What was the point
in denying himself any longer?  It wasn't like Natalie would be around
for a visit any time soon, so why bother to curtail his cocktail hour
of unappealing cow's blood?     

But he did want to curtail it.  That was just it!   After listening to
Roger Carr's speech the other night, he'd begun to have some renewed
hope about him and Natalie that their situation wasn't too impossible
to overcome.   If he could only stop feeling these incredible urges,
these incessant cravings to taste her blood again, maybe he could see
her, talk to her, possibly iron out all their problems before it was
too late, like it had been for the Carr's.  But how could he find a
solution?    


Nick's introspective musings were shattered by the presence of another
vampire lurking nearby.  Looking up through the skylight, he saw the
dark familiar figure of his visitor. His pensive face turned to one of
disdain.  LaCroix!  What was he doing here?  It had been some time
since he'd seen him.  Ever since...well, since six months ago when
Nick's violent confrontation with him at the radio station had
triggered a strange appearance by a ghostly figure.   LaCroix had been
warned by this mysterious spectral being never to interfere with
Nick's life again or there would be dire consequences.  Thus far,
LaCroix had kept his word, not even venturing over to his loft to
offer taunts or teasing words.  In fact, Nick had suspected his sire
had gone away for a brief sojourn, as the waves of their connection
had grown faint recently.  

"Are you going to come in or stay out, LaCroix?"  Nick regarded him
cautiously through the clear glass.   

"I thought you would never ask."  LaCroix gave him an amused smirk,
and in the flash, stood in front of him.   

Nick turned away and moved towards the kitchen.  Retrieving a glass
from a cabinet, he poured some of the bovine into it, offering it to
LaCroix.  "Would you like some?"   

In response, LaCroix removed a dark Raven-labeled bottle from behind
his back, giving him an objectionable look.  "No thank you.  I prefer
my own flavorful vintage to that deplorable swill you insist on
drinking."   

"Lucky for you that you brought your own because it's not on the menu
here."   Nick met his master's offensive gaze with one of his own.   

"Well...maybe it should be."  LaCroix' meaningful words seemed to hang
in the air as he fixed Nick with a piercing stare, and then moving
over to the kitchen counter, opened the bottle.   He poured a healthy
amount of the ruby red blood wine into a glass from one of Nick's
cabinets.    

"What do you mean?"  He asked suspiciously as he pushed back a chair,
sitting down at the kitchen table.  

"Let us examine the facts, shall we Nicholas?  Six months ago, you
proclaimed with utter fervency that you had found your savior, so to
speak, that the good doctor represented your 'anchor' your 'hope' your
'life' and what was it?"   He teased.  "Ah yes, your 'love.'  Such a
touching pronouncement it was, indeed!"   

"Get to the point LaCroix!"  Nick demanded, his tone becoming
impatient.   

LaCroix spread his arms across the spacious room.  "My point being
that this time your love nest does not reek of death, but emptiness.
It is such a..." He paused, his eyes denoting amused smugness.
"Tragedy?   To use one of your favorite expressions."   

Nick glanced at LaCroix' complacent look, then looked away.  "I don't
know what you're getting at."   

"Oh come Nicholas.  You know what I am implying.  Your delectable
little mortal toy has flown the coop.  Although I can't say I blame
the doctor for doing so.   Your insufferable guilt-ridden state must
have been intolerable even for her, and sent her packing."   He
chuckled, and then lifting the glass to his lips, took a sip of the
dark, sparkling liquid.    

"Natalie likes her privacy and independence, so she stays at her
apartment."   

"I think not.   You never could lie very well, Nicholas," he said.
"Even at L'Azure."  His light blue eyes bore into Nick's, his meaning
clear.     

Nick regarded his sire with caution.  "Believe what you want, Lacroix.
But the simple fact is it is really none of your business."   

Lacroix moved behind Nick and dug his hands into his shoulders.
"Ah...but that is where you are wrong.  Your business will always be
my business as we belong to one another, joined at the hip so to
speak."   

Flinging him away, Nick gulped down his cow blood, and then pouring
another glass, drank some more.  "Then I give you permission Lacroix
to disassociate yourself from me, you don't have to make it your
business any longer."   

"Ah...but what would be the fun in that.  Your business has always
involved such delightful mysteries, such intriguing puzzles,
such...quaint, charming games."    He smirked.    "And the game now is
to figure out the good doctor's motive for her expedient departure
from here..." He paused, swirling the red liquid around in his glass,
and then added,  "From your life, such as it is."   

"She's still a part of my life, LaCroix.  But no thanks to you,
Natalie has had some major issues to overcome these last few months." 
Nick said, his jaw clenching, his eyes flashing in anger at the sudden
memories.   

"Ah...yes, but I don't believe she is the only one who has had
problems to quell."  

"If you mean me, you needn't concern yourself.  I'm fine."   

"Are you?"  Lacroix asked.  "I think not, Nicholas.  What I feel from
you is pure insatiable hunger.  And I believe I know why?"  

 "It's just the case I'm working on."  Nick explained, lack of
conviction evident in his voice.   "I'm just a little on edge about
it."   

"For months at a time?"  Lacroix' eyebrows rose in surprise, his eyes
reflecting doubt.   "No, Nicholas.  You've had this unappeasable
craving for longer than this latest sleuthing folly.  No, this case
isn't the reason.  But I think I know *who* is the cause.  Dr.
Lambert...Natalie.  And because of your unrelenting thirst for her,
she is now in grave danger."   

"That's ridiculous. She has nothing to fear from me."  Nick said,
forcing a confidence into his voice that he wasn't feeling.  "I would
never harm her."   

"Yes, you keep telling yourself that and you know from past experience
how it will end," he said gravely and then added,    "You don't
exactly have a good track record with your female conquests, now do
you?"  He gave Nick a discernible gaze.  

"Natalie is not just another conquest."  He spat out angrily.  

"No, I can see she isn't.  But if you truly love her, then you should
let her go.  Isn't that something you taught me?"  Lacroix asked,
understanding.   

"Lacroix, I...don't...know if I can.   It's just so difficult to let
her go.  I..." Words failed Nick, as overwhelming feelings roiled to
the surface.  He turned away, attempting to hide the emotions
threatening to consume him.   

"Nicholas, I understand.  I truly do!"  LaCroix said, his voice
actually betraying sympathy.   "And believe it or not, for once, I
don't want this to end badly for you or Natalie."   

Nick looked up in disbelief.  "Really!  And why this sudden change?"
He asked warily.   

"Because Nicholas it is quite evident that she means a lot to you.
And, if you hold her in such high-regard, then I must do the
same...although I must admit this time it is easier to do so.  She
does possess extraordinary qualities not found in most mortals.   And,
I suppose I don't want you to suffer the same agony I endured with
your sister, so I came to give you advice."   

"I don't need your counsel, LaCroix."   

"Stop being so irritatingly stubborn and listen!  Either you move on
and leave your mortal love behind, which doesn't appear to be in the
cards at the moment, or you do something about it."   

"Yeah... do something about it!  What do you suggest?  Take
her...consummate my deep feelings for her in the most intense way
possible.  Kill her.  Is that what you had in mind?"   Nick inquired,
his voice laced with sarcasm.   

"No, Nicholas.  It isn't!  And if you would let me finish, I will
explain what you need to do."   

A long moment of silence descended on the room as Nick waited to hear
LaCroix' suggestion.  Finally, clearing his throat, he continued,
"First of all, you must stop drinking that vile concoction of cow in
which you insist on partaking.   I know you keep telling yourself that
going on a drinking binge with that insufferable bovine will sate your
hunger for the good doctor, but it won't!"  He said, his voice
becoming louder than normal as he brought his fist down on the kitchen
table.  The sudden pounding on the wooden surface caused Nick to jerk
back in surprise.    

Disregarding his reaction, LaCroix went on,  "Your desire for her
blood will only grow stronger until you lose control and things will
only end badly for you both.  So I'm afraid Nicholas that you must
change that despicable menu on your dietary regimen."   
  
Nick shook his head giving LaCroix a derisive look. "If you mean
drinking human blood, forget it."   

"Nicholas, my patience with you is wearing thin," he said with
exasperation.  "Only human blood will suppress those cravings for the
doctor's blood, affording you the opportunity to be around her more
often.  I'll have a shipment of my finest sent over from the Raven."  


"Don't bother.  It won't be opened," came the steadfast reply.   

"Oh Nicholas!  When will you ever learn?"  LaCroix voiced, his temper
flaring.  "Your righteous convictions in this matter are only going to
result in deadly consequences for Natalie.  For her sake and yours,
heed my advice."  He paused.   "Or... move on.  Paris is lovely this
time of year.  In fact, I've spent the last six months there.  Such an
enthralling rush of humanity races through that glorious city of
lights.  It just sizzles with life.  I wouldn't mind returning.  We
could meet up there and forget about this entire episode here."   

"If I move on, it will be alone." Nick stated vehemently, swallowing
the rest of his drink.   

"Suit yourself Nicholas.  But just in case you change your mind, I'll
have my bags ready."  Lacroix drank down the remains in his glass and
placed the crystal on the table.  "However, since I don't believe you
will be starting another life anytime soon and will feel the need to
tie up loose ends here, I'll send the Raven-labeled bottles over to do
with them as you please."   

Nick reached out and seized LaCroix' arm.   "Why are you *really*
doing this for me...for Natalie and me?"  He asked, his tone dubious. 


"Ah...always thinking I have an ulterior motive in mind.  I suppose
after my last little scheme, I can understand your distrust.  So I
will be candid with you Nicholas.  I have grown attached to your
mortal friend since playing the game, and as a result, felt she would
be quite an asset to the community if you would choose to bring her
across.  And I would hate to see her suffer fatal consequences if you
don't take the necessary precautions."   His mouth twisted into a
self-satisfied grin.   "So you see I really do have Natalie's best
interests at heart.    Take heed, Nicholas and see that you do the
same."  He warned.   

"But LaCroix...I'm afraid of what might happen, especially after
Alyssa.  I loved her very much, but the feelings I have for Natalie
run so much deeper.  Do you really think this will work?"  Nick asked,
his voice carrying traces of hope, his eyes showing desperation.   

"So you are seriously considering bringing her across?"   LaCroix'
eyes reflected surprise.   

"Yes...but it's her choice," he murmured in a resigned voice.   

"Well, this is a surprise!   And yes it should help you tremendously
in the control department.  Your mortal wife was after all your first
attempt.  Just don't get swept up in your ardent emotional state."
All at once, his mouth curled into another grin.  "After all, Nicholas
you're almost 800 years old, you can do this properly without
failure!"   

Before Nick could respond, LaCroix was gone, disappearing through the
skylight into the warm night air.   

Nick stared through the window, from where Lacroix had disappeared,
into the pitch-blackness of the night.  Yes, he was almost 800 years
old, but after all these centuries, when it came to women and matters
of the heart, sometimes he felt like a fledgling, like a novice barely
keeping his head above water.   Shaking his thoughts from his mind, he
stood up, and headed towards the stairs.  As he ascended to his
bedroom, he mused, 'now if I can make it through Sam's party tonight,
then I'll be able talk to Natalie.'  

Reaching the bedroom, he stared at the white wall behind the bed.  All
at once, an uneasiness swept over him, as another thought came to him:
the near certainty that Natalie would be attending this affair and
their discussion would be coming sooner than he might wish.    

*************************************************  

****************************************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 06/10  
************************************* 

Emerging from the brown sedan, Natalie sidestepped the attendant,
allowing him access to her vehicle.  He slid behind the wheel, and
shifting into drive, steered the car into the underground parking lot
of the hotel.   

For a few seconds, Natalie remained under the awning of the Four
Seasons Hotel, and then taking a deep breath, stepped up to the
doorman.    He tipped his hat, saying "Good Evening" and opened the
door.   Forcing up a confidence that she wasn't feeling, Natalie
strolled through the double doors and across the wide expanse of the
elegant lobby, past the Louis XVI armchairs, the magnificent palms and
the Grecian Urns filled with colorful hydrangeas, to the front desk.  

As she approached, the desk clerk glanced up, and then refraining from
letting out a gasp, observed the vision before him.  She was dressed
in a long vibrant blue gown, which clung to her figure in all the
right places, and accentuated her deep blue eyes.  Her hair, in the
soft dim light of the room, resembled flaming rivulets of reddish gold
fire, which flowed around her lovely face and shoulders.   

As he continued to stare, Natalie pulled her satin wrap more tightly
around her shoulders, hugging it to her chest, while she asked,
"Could you please tell me where I might find the Samuel Case
anniversary party?"     

For a moment longer, the desk clerk's eyes remained on her, and then
moved to the register.  "Yes, here it is.  It's located in one of our
Executive Suites."   

"And where might that be?"  Natalie inquired, surveying the lobby to
see if she could find it.   

The clerk, watching her eyes scope the room, realized her immediate
assumption.  "Our Executive Suites aren't located on this floor.  They
are our guest rooms."   

Her eyebrows arched in surprise.  "They are regular rooms? Oh, I
wasn't aware of that.   I assumed this party would be held in one of
the ballrooms."   

"Actually, a member of the Case family is staying in one of our suites
and decided to have it there," he explained.   

"Oh, isn't that kind of unusual? "  She asked her face reflecting
bafflement, her voice skeptical.   

He shrugged.  "Not really.  Especially when the affairs are small like
this one."   

"So this is a small group?"   

"*Very* much so.  Quite intimate in fact." He gave her a broad smile,
but his eyes were cloaked in mystery.    

What did he mean by that?   She wondered, giving him a puzzled look.
"Okay, could I have the room number?"   

"Certainly, may I have your name?"  He asked, his leering eyes
wandering over her again.   

Feeling uncomfortable under his close scrutiny and incensed by his
leading question, Natalie turned angry eyes on him.  "Why in the hell
should I give you my name?"  She asked, her hands traveling down to
rest on her hips in an indignant fashion.    Simultaneously, as she
spoke, the wrap fell from her shoulders, exposing the deep décolleté
neckline of the dress.   

Like an involuntary reflex, the desk clerk's gaze traveled from her
flushed incensed face to her deep neckline, drawn like a magnet to the
rounded fullness of her breasts, the lily-white softness of her
peaches and cream skin.   He said with a slight stutter,
"It...is...a...re...quir...ed....poli...cy... of... th...is
...ho...tel."   

Again, noting the spot where his eyes had ventured, Natalie slid her
wrap back up and around her shoulders.  She then leaned over the desk,
and asked in an icy tone,    "Is it a required policy to stare like a
hungry wolf at the patrons of this fine establishment?"    

Flustered, the clerk glanced at her glaring eyes and nervously slid
his hand under his collar, a sudden dampness appearing on his skin.
"No, it isn't the policy to behave in this manner. I'm terribly sorry,
ma'am."  He paused clearing his throat.  "But I must insist on
checking to see if your name is on the guest list."   

"Oh...a guest list?"   Natalie asked, and suddenly felt discomfited as
she realized her mistake.   She gave the clerk a weak smile, drawing
away from him as her temper cooled.  "I guess I jumped to conclusions.
I must apologize as well," she said. "My name is Natalie Lambert."   

He ran his finger down the list and stopped by her name.  "Ah...here
it is.  Dr. Natalie Lambert," he stated, regarding her with a renewed
respect over her title.  "It's room 518."   

"Thank you very much."   

"Your welcome.  Have a lovely evening," he said, and still clearly
embarrassed, looked away from her.   

Natalie headed towards the elevators.  Once there, she pushed the
button and waited until one of the doors opened.  Entering, she
discovered the lift was empty and sighed in relief.  At least, for
now, no one else would be ogling her in this dress.   She could shoot
herself for allowing Grace to persuade her to buy this one.  Natalie
reached over, and pushed the button for the fifth floor.   

As she began to watch the doors close, all at once, she saw a hand
shoot between them, and instantly they reopened.   As they did,
Natalie moved to the side.  A few seconds passed and no one got on.
Bewildered, she glanced up.  Immediately, her eyes widened and her
mouth gaped.  There was Nick, standing in an elegant black tuxedo
outside the lift, his incredulous eyes peering back at hers.    

For a long moment, they stared at one another, their eyes becoming
less surprised, and more intense with yearning.  An eternity seemed to
pass as they continued to gaze at one another, and then without
warning Natalie jumped at a sudden humming sound.  The elevator doors
were closing.   Without another thought, she scrambled to push the
"open door" button.   For a moment longer, Nick remained rooted to his
spot, still gazing at her.  She was so ravishing, so beautiful.  It
was all he could do not to sweep her up into his arms.   

As he continued to regard her, Natalie began to shift uncomfortably
under his intense stare, and then managed to find her voice.  "Nick,
are you going to stand there all night or get into the elevator?"   

With some effort, Nick forced his eyes away, and entered the lift.
"Sorry, Nat.  You took me by surprise.  I didn't expect to see you
here..." he said and then added quickly,  "On the elevator, I mean."  


Natalie pushed the button to the fifth floor again.  As the doors
shut, she looked at him.  "I suppose that means you expected to see me
at Sam's party?"  She asked, surprised at the external composure in
her demeanor as a slight tremor coursed through her.   

"Yes, I was hoping..." he started, the slightest hint of desire
creeping into his voice, which turned to casualness as he went on,
"I mean...I thought I might see you at the party...talk to you...catch
up on things."  

Before Natalie could respond, the elevator bell chimed and the doors
swung open on the third floor.  Standing there, anxious to get into
the lift, were at least fifteen people.  Nick moved out of the way,
behind Natalie, as the group started to board.  They seemed to be all-
together as one young man yelled across to Natalie, "Sixteenth floor,
to the Landry suite, let the drinks pour, so we can all soar."    

There was a sudden burst of laughter as the last person got in,
pushing everyone including Nick and Natalie against each another.
The doors closed and the laughter subsided into low murmurs of
conversation.   As the elevator began to move upwards again, Natalie
was becoming aware of her close proximity to Nick, his firm cool body
being pressed up against hers, and the smell of his wonderful
aftershave drifting up to her nose.  She closed her eyes and sighed
softly as an unbearable desire for more closeness washed over her.
Like a moth to a flame, she moved backwards molding her body against
his, as her heart began racing like a jackrabbit.   

Her action surprised and delighted Nick at the same time.
Immediately, he heard her elevated heartbeat, sounding like music to
his ears.   He couldn't refrain from smiling, pleased at the obvious
effect he was having on her.  Resisting the urge to snake his arms
around her, he stood there savoring her warm body next to his,
admiring the view of her alluring curves in the dress while he inhaled
the sweet intoxicating scent of her perfume.  Incredibly, for the
first time in months, the scent of her blood no longer called to him. 
Perhaps Lacroix was right.   Maybe, the consumption of three bottles
of human blood before coming here had weaved their magic on his
control.     

All at once the dinging of the elevator bell and the abrupt stop of
the lift at the fifth floor shattered their musings.  With reluctance,
Natalie pulled away as the doors opened.  As she moved out of the
elevator into the hall, Nick felt a sudden emptiness come over him, as
he followed.  The brief tantalizing moment of closeness had come to an
end.    

Standing there, an awkward silence descended around them, while
intoxicating memories from their close contact in the elevator
lingered in their minds.  Discomfited, they looked away from each
other.  At last, Nick took the initiative, clearing his throat and
speaking up, "I believe room 518 is that way."  He motioned with his
hand down the long hallway.  They began walking, still avoiding eye
contact, not saying a word, until they arrived at the room.   

Nick knocked.  A few moments passed and nothing happened.  Baffled,
they looked at one another.  Nick knocked again, more firmly this
time, and with his vampiric hearing, attempted to concentrate on any
heartbeats beyond the door.  None resounded back, except Natalie's,
strong and still slightly elevated.  He met her puzzled gaze with one
of his own.   

"Nick, what's going on?"  She asked.   

He shrugged.  "I don't know Nat, but I can't seem to pick up any
heartbeats from inside the room."     

"What?"  Her eyes denoted surprise.  "There must be someone in there."
She looked over at the room number to be sure.  "Yeah...according to
the hotel desk, this is the right room.  There have got to be people
in there.  Maybe it's the composition of the door."   

He looked at her, puzzled.  "What do you mean?"   

"Superman had a problem seeing through lead, maybe you can't hear
through thick metal doors."    She grinned slightly.   

He gave her a look.  "I don't think so."   

"Oh come now, there's got to be a logical explanation. Try the door,"
she suggested.  

Reaching over, Nick grabbed the doorknob, and opened the door....   

**************************************************************** 



*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 07/10  
************************************* 

As the door opened slowly, exposing the interior room, the looks on
their faces became increasingly more confused.   Gradually, while the
bewilderment started to fade from their faces, their minds began to
grasp the concept that no one was there. Nick was the first to speak
again, "Do you suppose the desk gave us the wrong room by mistake?"   

"I don't think so.   Otherwise wouldn't the door be locked?"  Natalie
asked in a logical way.   

"I guess you're right."  Nick gave her one of his irresistible smiles.
"Should we enter the premises and investigate?"  

She grinned her eyes sparkling with amusement.  "Why detective, I
can't resist an offer like that.  After all...exploratory techniques
have always been my specialty." she said, and then realizing the
possible implication of her words, blushed all the way to her
hairline.   

The blush didn't escape Nick's notice.  For a long moment, he gazed at
the deepening flush on her face, as physical and emotional stirrings
threatened to surface.  God, she could have such an effect on him.
Suppressing his feelings, he motioned for her to enter.  "In that
case, after you Nat.  Maybe we'll find some answers."   

Natalie walked into a spacious living room, furnished in an English,
eclectic style of blues and greens.  Against one wall, there was a
long sofa, surrounded by several armchairs and a marble topped coffee
table.  To the right, a small dining area could be seen next to a
large bay window, overlooking the city.   Adjacent to the living room,
there was a large bedroom with a king size bed, a writing desk and end
tables, also decorated tastefully in the same colors and style.
Frosted-glass French doors, which offered seclusion from the living
room, were pushed to the side.   

As Natalie continued to examine the suite, she noticed two full
bathrooms, one off the living room, and the other next to the bedroom.
Venturing into the one off the bedroom, she saw it contained cool
marble accents around the double vanities and warm apricot tiles along
the floor and the whirlpool bathtub wall.   

After looking around, Natalie stepped back into the bedroom, moving
towards the bed.  As she got closer, her eyes caught a glimpse of
several items, spread across the bedspread.    In an instant, she was
holding one of the objects in her hands, a look of bewilderment
creeping into her face.  For a moment longer, she looked at it, still
in her grasp.   It was a silky white nightgown.  What was going on
here?  She put the negligee down and looked at the other items on the
bed.  There was an assortment of more frilly nightgowns mixed with
revealing underwear.  As she was sorting through the sea of lace, her
eyes focused on a card, lying on the bedspread.  Curious, she snatched
up the fine stationary.   Opening it, she began to read the words
silently.   

Dear Natalie and (indirectly) Nick,   

Thanks to Sam's generosity, Grace and I took the liberty of buying you
a trousseau for what we hope will be a memorable weekend.  Now, please
don't get mad at our little deception, but I'm sure that after you
calm down, you'll realize we only had yours and Nick's best interests
at heart!   Now for heaven sakes, put these items to good use, would
ya!  


Love,   

Tracy  

Disbelief shone on Natalie's face as she reread the card.
Well...didn't that just take the cake, she thought, breaking into a
wide grin.   Those two were really something!  

Still holding the card in her hand, Natalie spun around and walked
into the living room.  She saw Nick next to a large basket of fruit,
reading another note.  As she approached, he met Natalie's stunned
look with one of his own while he handed the card to her.   "I think
we found our answers," he stated.    

Still dumbfounded, Natalie could only muster enough energy to toss
hers to him.  As shock faded into curiosity, she began to read the
other message silently.   

Dear Nick and Natalie,  

Sorry about the little sham, but I felt it was necessary to get you
both together.  Now listen up!  The *games* must stop!  You need to
realize that and get on with *reality*!   

A few things you should know:  
1.  I've reserved the room for the entire night.        
2.  In the fridge, there is champagne for you, Natalie, and some
special bottles for Nick.   Please, Nick, for both your sakes, don't
be obstinate about drinking them and Natalie encourage him to do so.  
3.  A limousine will be picking you up at 8:00 pm to take you to the
Pantages Theatre.  I've reserved box seats for The Phantom of the
Opera.  Enjoy!  

                                                                The
best,  
                                                                  Sam 

                                                                

P.S. Remember love does conquer all!  

Natalie put the card down on the coffee table.  "Nick, I can't believe
neither one of us saw this coming.  They can certainly keep a secret,"
she acknowledged, and then catching Nick's sudden frown, asked,
"What's the matter?"   

"What do you suppose Sam meant by "some special bottles" in the
refrigerator?"  He questioned, worry creeping into his voice.   

Natalie shrugged.  "I have no idea, but I suppose we should look."
She marched over to a small refrigerator next to the dining area.
Opening the door, she pulled out a fine bottle of champagne,
scrutinizing it.   "Good choice of champagne."   She rested it on the
dining room table, and then reaching into the fridge again, pulled out
a dark bottle.  "And, a sparkling red wine," she commented, impressed.


At the sight of the bottle, Nick's face became grim.  "Let me see that
bottle, Nat."   

"Sure."  She handed it to him.  "Anything wrong?"   

"Nat, this isn't a vintage wine," he stated.  There was mounting
agitation in his voice.   

"Oh come on Nick.   If it isn't red wine, then what is it?"   She
asked giving him a wry smile.  "Blood?"    She chuckled.   

"Yes," he said, clearly disturbed.  "And it's human."   

"Human?"  She asked her eyes widening in surprise.   "How do you
know?"   

"By the label and ..." He opened the bottle, and inhaled, his eyes
closing and his nostrils flaring as his face took on almost a blissful
expression.  He could tell by the smell it was a robust youthful
vintage, probably donated.  He opened his eyes, and seeing Natalie's
surprised gaze, corked the bottle with quick deftness.  "And the
aroma," he added, giving her a sheepish grin.   

Natalie disregarded Nick's embarrassment.   "Sam knows about you?
How?"   She asked, puzzlement and concern climbing in her voice.   

"I couldn't say," he replied, just as bewildered and worried as she.  


"He does seem to know a lot about people," she admitted.  "And
vampires," she added with a slight grin, which disappeared quickly as
her expression turned serious.  "Nick, if he does know something about
you, isn't he endangering his life?  The Enforcers?"  She inquired,
becoming anxious.  "Oh Nick.  He's such a kind soul.  I'd hate to see
anything happen to him," she stated, distressed.   

"Relax, Nat.  If he's known about vampires for a while, he's probably
had sense enough to keep quiet."   

"So you think he's safe for the moment?"   

"Yeah ...I think so, besides if the Enforcers wanted to dispose of him
for his knowledge of us, he would have been eliminated by now."   

"Oh...that's a relief!"   She emitted a huge sigh.  "Then I'd say we
should relax and celebrate."  A smile spread across her face, her eyes
beaming with sudden exuberance as she uncorked the champagne bottle
and poured a glass.  Taking it with the basket of fruit, she moved to
the sofa, and plopping down into the comfortable cushions, took a sip.
Reaching over, she pulled a ripe strawberry from the mound of fruit
and bit into it.   She sighed contently as she took another sip of
champagne.  

Nick watched the entire scene in stunned silence, and then began to
chuckle.   

Natalie stopped eating and drinking, and looked at him.  "What is so
funny?"  

"Oh... you, over there on the sofa, eating fruit and drinking
champagne like you don't have a care in the world."   

She shrugged.  "Well...I guess I don't since I came here tonight to
*try* to have a good time.  And...damn it!  I'm going to!"  She said
firmly.   "After all, I had to put up with Grace's insistence that I
buy this dress, pay a small fortune for it and tolerate leering stares
from the desk clerk."   

He laughed.  "After all that, I suppose you are entitled to have a
good time and enjoy yourself."    He paused, becoming serious, as he
added,  "Ah... Nat, there's just one more thing I wanted to ask you?" 
His voice was growing uneven and husky.   

"What's that?"  She asked with feigned calmness, as a delightful
shiver ran up her spine at the seductive quality in his voice.   

"I could understand why you wouldn't like the desk clerk's stares, and
if I'd known, I would have ensured he'd never do that again.  But, by
chance, would you tolerate a leering gaze from someone, who admires,
respects and... loves you so?"   His voice shook with emotion, as his
eyes regarded her with longing.   

For a moment, Natalie returned the same gaze, as a powerful urge swept
over her to run into his arms and say the hell with it.   Let the
chips fall where they might.  But she hesitated as common sense took
over and her passionate yearnings were replaced with sobering logic.  
For the time being, what he needed from her was abstinence to gain
control, not a passionate interlude.  At least... not yet!    

Still staring into those compassionate blue eyes, she replied,  "Nick,
that's one of the sweetest things you've ever said to me."  There was
gentleness in her voice and love in her eyes.  Her expression changed
to concern, however, when she saw him moving towards her.   

When he reached the sofa, kneeling beside her, he seized one of her
hands, and looked at her with such intensity, it took her breath away.
He began to lean forward, his lips seeking hers.  Seeing his intent,
she swallowed her emotions and pressed her other hand against the fine
textured fabric of his tuxedo, stopping his progress.  "Nick... I
think we need to take things slowly.   At least...for now," she said.
There was firmness in her tone, but devotion in her eyes.   

Leaning over, Nick brushed a tender kiss across her temple, and then
looked at her in a thoughtful manner.    "I know we need to go slow.
But you look so radiant tonight...that for one second I forgot who and
*what* I am.   I wanted...I..." His words trailed off as he looked
down at her hand still cradled in his.  He began to rub his thumb
across her knuckles.   

With her other hand, Natalie drew his face back to meet hers, peering
into his sad eyes.  "Nick, I want the same things you do.  And I truly
believe that it is possible for us to be together, but for that to
happen, you've got to stop thinking of yourself as some kind of
monster."   

"But Nat, I am a monster, who would kill you..."   

Natalie stopped the flow of his words with her hand.  "Will you let me
finish?"   

He nodded as she removed her hand.  "As I was saying, you've got to
stop believing that you are a monster.   You need to realize that you
are a man...a good honorable man...who has this slight problem."   

"Slight problem?"  Nick regarded her in amazement, as he released her
hand and sprang to his feet.  "That's an understatement.  My slight
problem could kill you in an instant."  He began to pace, clearly
agitated.    

"Calm down Nick," she said.  "Okay I was wrong.  It's more than a
slight problem, but in my opinion, it's not so huge that you can't
control it.  In fact..." She paused.   

At her hesitation, Nick stopped pacing and stood in front of her.  "In
fact...what, Nat?"  He asked curiously.   

"You seem to be more in control tonight than I've seen you in months,"
she remarked.   "When you looked at me earlier, it was with hunger,
but not the kind you get from my arteries or in the house special down
at the Raven."   She smiled despite the seriousness of their
discussion.     

Nick returned the smile and then it dissolved into a frown.  "Tonight
is the first time in a while since I've not craved your blood, Nat...I
mean...that I still want to taste you again, but it isn't with the
same intensity as before," he admitted, breaking into an embarrassed
grin.  

"What can be accounting for this transformation?"  Natalie inquired
with curiosity.   

"Umm...well...Nat."   Nick looked away from her questioning glance and
down at the floor.   

"Come on, Nick," she said.  "Spit it out.  What gives?"   

Glancing up, he drew in a deep breath, and began to explain,  "Before
I came here tonight, I figured I might see you at this party."   

"Yes?"   

"Well...I took the advice of someone, and drank down three bottles of
human blood," he confessed, nervously running his hand through his
golden locks.  

"Ah...I see.   I suppose this "someone" was LaCroix?"  She asked.
There was casualness in her tone.   Her face was betraying nothing to
him.  

Observing her immobile façade made him more upset.  Again, he ran his
hand through his tousled hair, and then went on,  "Yes ...But Nat,
before you say anything about him, I would like to explain that
initially, I was skeptical about LaCroix' suggestion, wondering if
this was another way to get me to return to my nature.  But, for once,
I saw he had my best intentions at heart and..."    

"Nick..." She said calmly. "You don't have to explain anymore to me.
I understand."   

"You do?"  Nick gazed at her in astonishment.   

"Yes, and what I'm about to admit may astound you," Natalie declared. 
"But I think, for once, I agree with LaCroix."   

"Really?"  He asked, still surprised.   

"Yeah...really."  She shook her head, not believing it herself.    "I
didn't think the day would come that I would agree with him.  But,
look at what those three bottles have done for your control."     

"Are you saying that I should continue with this treatment, doctor?"
Nick asked in a teasing manner, giving her a tentative smile.   

"Yeah...and for starters, you should take advantage of Sam's
generosity."   She motioned to the dark bottle, and then gave him a
profound look.   

 She was met with silence as Nick stared at her, uncomprehending and
dazed.   

"Nick, go ahead and try Sam's specialty.  It's okay."  She nodded
towards the table.   "I know you need it.  I finally understand that."
She gave him such a beautiful smile, his heart almost melted.
Reaching over, she grabbed another strawberry and plopped it into her
mouth, leaning back into the couch.  "Why don't you pour yourself a
drink and we'll talk for a few minutes before the limo gets here?"
She patted the cushion next to her.   

Still speechless, Nick remained in his spot.  At last, he walked over
to the table, and then lifting the bottle, turned back to her.  "You
don't mind me drinking this in front of you?"  He asked, his voice
still carrying disbelief.   

"Unless you drink it straight from the bottle."  She teased.
"Besides, restraint is the important thing here, right?"      

Pouring some into a glass, Nick walked over to the couch and sat next
to her.  He reached over and ran his hand across her cheek.
"Yes...very important.  After all, we are talking about your life,
Nat.  This is the real world now, not some game."  He drew his hand
away, concern evident in his voice.  "If we are to be together, which
I'm beginning to think is possible, I need to drink *a lot* of this
stuff. "  He gestured to the glass in his hand, and then raising it,
tapped it against her champagne flute.  "Here's to a memorable, but
*controllable* evening with the woman I love."   

"Yes.  To a fabulous evening with the man I love.  And let's hope if
things progress, I'm more the appetizer than the dessert."   She gave
him a mischievous smile.     

"Exactly."  He leaned over and as his lips drew near to hers,
whispered,    "Nibbling on you rather than consuming the whole
delectable delight is my preferred choice."   


********************************************  

 
*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 08/10  
*************************************  

The black limousine pulled up to the curb's edge, and without
hesitation, the driver emerged from the dark interior of the car, and
opened the back door. Nick and Natalie got out and regarded the regal-
looking palace in front of them.  A former 1920's, vaudeville and pre-
depression motion picture theatre, The Pantages had been restored in
1989 and converted to a legitimate theatre.  At one time, it had been
home to the Pantages Circuit, and for the last few years, to The
Phantom of the Opera, the longest running, present day show with no
ending in sight.   

As they heard the closing of the car door, Nick gestured to the
bronze-colored double doors ahead of them.  "Come on Nat.  We better
hurry or we'll miss the beginning."   

Earlier in the hotel room, anxious to catch up on news in their
everyday lives, they'd waited until the last moment to ride the
limousine over to the theatre.  Now, they only had minutes to get to
their seats.  Natalie smiled over at Nick, allowing him to lead her
into the interior of the theatre. Once there, Nick motioned to the
stairs at the right of the grand hall.  "I believe the box we're
looking for is this way."   

Climbing the steps in a hurried fashion, they arrived at the top,
where an usher escorted them down another hall to their seats.  Once
inside the box, as if on cue, the lights from the chandeliers dimmed
and the overture began.   Sitting down, immediately the haunting
quality of the music seemed to capture them both in a hypnotic
spell...even Nick... as he reached over and grabbed Natalie's hand.
She smiled, and then leaning over, murmured in his ear,    "I've
always wanted to see Phantom, to get swept up into all the mystery and
darkness of the story...but only with you."  On the last words, there
was a slight tremor in her voice.   

At her sweet admission, he squeezed her hand, and whispered back in a
husky tone,  "Same here, Nat.  But we'll have to be sure to bottle
some of that mystery and darkness and save it for later."  Pulling
away, he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed each fingertip
with deliberate slowness, gazing at her with desire.   

Nick's words, the tone of his voice, his gaze and the soft feel of his
lips on her skin were beginning to produce warm, sensuous feelings
inside of her.  She returned his hungry stare with one of her own, but
she soon forced down the stirrings as she tried to pull her hand out
of his grasp.   

His lips curled into a smile at her actions, but instead of releasing
her hand, he brought it down to rest in his lap.  "Don't worry Nat.
I'll behave."  He winked.   

"You better.  Or I'll make you the worst protein shake of them all."
She threatened, but her tone was light and teasing.  

Nick grimaced, and then whispered in her ear.  "No thanks."     He
brushed his lips over her earlobe, and then turned back to the stage
as the overture ended and the show began.   

For a moment, warmed by the lingering memory of his kisses on her
skin, Natalie regarded him with a dazed expression and then snapping
out of it, also turned back to the show.   

Instantly, the passionate but heartbreaking story weaved its black
magic on her, holding her completely entranced, as the dark stirring
lyrics and music captured her soul.   By the end of the first act, raw
emotions had seized her in such a way that she was gripping Nick's
hand very tightly.   If he had been human, he would have had to be
concerned about broken bones.   

Sometime during the second act, when the Phantom and Christine began
singing The Point of No Return, again, the lyrics and music seemed to
grip her, holding her spellbound.   But unlike the other songs, this
one had a special place in her heart, as the words seemed to be
stating the obvious about her and Nick's relationship, that they too
had reached the Point of No Return.   


The Phantom sings:  
 
You have come here   
In pursuit of your deepest urge  
In pursuit of that wish  
Which till now has been silent...silent   
I have brought you that our passions may fuse and merge  
In your mind you've already succumbed to me  
Dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to me  
Now you are here with me  
No second thoughts  
You've decided.... Decided   

Past the point of no return   
No backward glances  
The games we've played 'til now  
Are at an end  

'My goodness, this is uncanny, this could be us,' she realized with
amazement.   Like Christine and the Phantom, who were masquerading as
two potential lovers, would the games be coming to an end for her and
Nick?   As if he could read her mind, she felt Nick's arm slide around
her, drawing her near. Glancing up, she caught his eyes staring at her
with total devotion.  He smiled, and then giving her shoulder a quick
squeeze, turned back to the scene unfolding before their eyes.   

Past all thought of "if " or "when"  
No use resisting  
Abandon thought and let the dream descend  
What raging fire shall flood the soul?  
What rich desire unlocks its door?  
What sweet seduction lies before us?  

A warm, languid sensation was beginning to build within her, becoming
increasingly warmer with every desirable word uttered between the
lovers on stage and gentle caress made by Nick along her shoulder.
She sighed in contentment as his hand loosened the wrap around her and
then traveled lightly down her arm.      

Past the point of no return   
The final threshold  
What warm unspoken secrets will we learn  
Beyond the point of no return   

What warm unspoken secrets would she and Nick learn?  Would tonight be
the night?  Would they reach the point of no return?  A shiver of
delight coursed through her at the thought and Nick's touch, as his
hand caressed her arm, the fine hairs on her skin standing on end.   

Christine sings:    

You have brought me  
To that moment where words run dry  
To that moment where speech disappears  
Into silence....  
Silence....  
I have come here hardly knowing the reason why  
In my mind I've already imagined our bodies entwining  
Defenseless and silent  
And now I am here with you  
No second thoughts  
I've decided.... Decided   

Past.... the point of no return   
No going back now  
The passion play has now at last begun  

Sensing her growing excitement at the suggestive lyrics and his soft
caresses, Nick cast a sidelong glance at her and smiled.  Her
breathing had become erratic, as he watched the soft, alluring
roundness of her breasts rising and falling.  The words and her
mounting arousal were having an effect on him as well.  Reaching over
with his other hand, he moved her hair to the side, and then began
planting light kisses along her neck.    

Past the thought of right or wrong  
One final question:  
How long should we two wait before we're one?  
When will the blood begin to race?  
The sleeping bud burst into bloom?  
When will the flames at last consume us?  

Natalie closed her eyes, allowing the words and Nick's slow, delicious
kisses to envelope her in a soft veil of joy and pleasure.  In her
mind, she wanted this moment to go on forever.    

The Phantom and Christine sing:   

Past the point of no return   
The final threshold  
The bridge is crossed, so stand  

Drawing away, Nick tilted her chin towards his questing lips.  Moving
his hands around to cup the sides of her face, at first he captured
her mouth in a tender, cherishing kiss.  But soon, as with the
feverish anti-climatic ending to the song, Nick's kiss became more
passionate, more intense.   Moving his hand around her head, he
pressed her closer, as he parted her lips and deepened the kiss.   

And watch it burn  
We've passed the point of no return  

As the song came to its fiery conclusion, so did the kiss.  Pulling
away, they stared into one another's eyes with intense hunger, their
breathing heavy with desire. Leaning forward, Nick rested his forehead
against hers while their breathing and emotions settled into a calm
repose.  

At last, he leaned back and cradled her face in his hand, rubbing his
thumb across her soft cheek.  "Nat, I think we are about to pass the
point of no return, ourselves," he whispered and gave her a charming
smile.  "So I think this calls for reinforcements."  He pulled a flask
out of the inside pocket to his tuxedo jacket, and giving her a look
as if asking permission, waited for her response.   

Natalie's response came in acceptance, as she returned the smile, and
seized his hand in hers, squeezing it.  Without hesitation, he
loosened the cap, and drank the sweet ambrosia down.  For a moment, he
sat there with his eyes shut, savoring the exquisite aftertaste.  'One
things for certain, Sam knew how to pick his vintages.'  He mused,
tilting the flask again, allowing the rest of the rich nectar to glide
down his throat.   Capping the bottle, he slid it back in his pocket. 


Natalie leaned close to Nick's ear.  "Better?"   

"Much..." he murmured.  "After all, as we agreed earlier,
I...we...need to keep the situation between us "controllable."   

"But I hope not too controllable."  Her voice shook with emotion.   

He brushed another endearing kiss along her temple, as he began to
stroke her hair.   "I think that can be arranged," he acknowledged,
his voice becoming seductive.  Saying nothing more, he let his hand
fall away, as he resumed watching to the show.   

Sitting there, a warm tingle of anticipation spread through Natalie at
just what 'arrangements' he had in store for them.  Forcing down her
emotions, she too turned her eyes back to the stage.   

************************************************ 
 
Back in the hotel room, Natalie sat on the sofa nursing a club soda,
while she gazed over at Nick, who was consuming his third glass of the
house special.  "Nick, for heavens sake, you're making *me* nervous!
Will you come over here and sit down...and if you want, bring the
whole damn bottle with you."   

"Okay...Nat."   He grabbed it, and with glass in hand, made his way
over to the couch.  Plopping down into the soft cushions, he poured
himself another glassful, and without hesitation, gulped it down.
Then poured another.   

He repeated the action several times, before Natalie stopped him with
her hand.   "Nick...relax...we don't have to do anything, if you don't
want to."  She said softly.    "I'm content to spend the time with
you.... to talk with you... to have it be like old times again.  It's
what I've missed most about our relationship."   

Nick regarded her with wonder, setting the glass down on the coffee
table.  Every time he thought he knew how much he loved her, she
managed to touch him even more deeply.  "Me too," he agreed, his voice
becoming thick with emotion. "But... I'm also ready to cross that
bridge if you are.  To broaden our relationship."  Sliding closer, he
scooped up her hand, and brushed a kiss across her knuckle.    

"I'm ready Nick...more than ready.  But I don't want to pressure you. 
We can take things slowly, discovering our own limitations and
stopping if need be.  And Nick..." she hesitated, as fear threatened
to surface.  She swallowed it down as she continued.     "I've also
been wondering if you've reconsidered about bringing me across?"   

"As a matter of fact, I have.  And, honestly Nat, I love you so much
that I loathe the idea of condemning you to this existence," he said
fervently, tightening his hold around her hand.   

"But Nick..." she started, becoming exasperated.   

He held up his hand.  "Let me finish," he declared.   "What we are
about to do ...what we are contemplating doing...will result either in
me sipping on you every time we're together, eventually leading to
death, or ...bringing you across.  And, since I can't bear the thought
of releasing you into death, as I don't think I can live without you. 
I..." He couldn't finish, as fresh emotions swept over him.   

"It's okay, Nick," Natalie soothed, squeezing his hand.  "I
understand.  So you're saying you would be willing to bring me
across?"  She asked, her eyes becoming hopeful.   

"Only if you're absolutely certain about this, Nat."   

"Yes, I'm positive. I want us to be together.  And if this is the only
way, I'm more than willing to go into the darkness with you.  Besides,
if you bring me across, think of all the centuries I'll have to search
for a cure for you...for me...for us."   

"Okay then...there's just one more thing we need to discuss," he
stated quietly.   

"What?"  She gazed at him through curious eyes.   

"After what happened six months ago, are you okay with this?"  He
asked gently.   

She smiled at his obvious concern over her past problems.  "I'll be
fine Nick," she assured him.  "As long as you love me, as much as I
love you, I'll be *more* than fine.  I'll be great.   I'll be on cloud
nine.  I'll..."     

"Okay, Nat...I get the idea."   He grinned.   

"All right then!"    She sprang to her feet.  "I guess I have a
trousseau to look over, so could you give me a little while?"   

"Okay, but not too long."  He warned, but his voice was light, as he
watched her go.   

Natalie turned back.  "Just drink and be merry and I'll be back soon."
She winked and slid the glass doors shut to the bedroom.   

****************************************** 

*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 09/10  
*************************************  

Thirty minutes later, Nick looked over to see the doors opening a
crack, as Natalie's head appeared.  "Are you ready, Nick?"   

"More than ready, Nat," he said with eagerness, his eyes endeavoring
to see through the frosted glass doors.   

Noting where his eyes had roamed, she laughed.  "Just as I thought.
You don't have all of Superman's abilities.  You can't see through
*this* glass."   

Nick got up and moved rapidly towards her.  "But I have his strength,"
he acknowledged.  As if to prove a point, he slid the doors back with
more force than necessary, allowing them to hit the walls with a loud
bang.   

For a second, the sound echoed through the room.   As it began to
fade, so did Natalie's laughter.  In its place came an abrupt silence
as she saw where Nick's eyes had ventured.  A tingle of anticipation
crept up her spine. "Well...do you think I made the right selection?" 
She asked in a breathless tone.   

"Oh Nat," he said, his voice growing husky.  "I think you made the
perfect choice.  You look exquisite in that nightgown."   

After some deliberation, Natalie had gone with the silky white
nightgown, the first one she'd seen, because it accentuated everything
without being too revealing.   The top was scooped in the neck and
sleeveless with small beading around the bodice and the lower half
clung to her hips, trailing downward to a side slit, which ran up to
her knee.   

 Feeling uncomfortable with his glowing praise and intense stare, she
flushed a deep crimson.    "So, I take it you like my choice?"    She
asked in a shaky tone, as a warm sensation began to spread from her
stomach to her extremities.   

Nick took a step closer to her, his eyes moving to her face.
"Oh...yes.  I like it very much, Nat."  His voice was still thick with
emotion as he stood within inches of her.  He could almost feel the
intense fire building within her, the same flame that was spreading
through him.  Not wanting to move too fast, he suppressed his mounting
desire, and reaching over, brushed his fingertips across her
cheekbone.  "In fact, you are really testing my control with that
outfit."   He said his voice still rough-edged.     

Natalie smiled, and then taking hold of his other hand, led him over
to the bed.  "Well...I can always go retrieve my pink bathrobe from my
apartment, if that would help."    

Nick sank onto the bed, pulling her down beside him.   He chuckled.
"Nat, I'm afraid that would only be a temporary solution.   It would
be discarded quickly and then we would be back where we started."  His
eyes gleamed mischievously, as he gathered her hand up, interlocking
their fingers in a loving hold.    

She lowered her gaze to their hands.  "Well...then...Nick, what do you
want me to do?"    Her voice was soft and slightly breathless.   

"Well...I can think of one thing."   

"What's that, Nick?"   She asked with a slight tremor, as excitement
began to bloom.   

"Well...for starters, can I just hold you?"  He asked quietly.   

The tone of his voice, so earnest and pleading, took Natalie
completely by surprise, her heart nearly melting.   She looked at him,
and reaching over with her other hand, began caressing his face.
"Nick, you need never ask," she murmured, and then reaching around
with her hand, entangled her fingers in his soft locks, bringing his
head down to her shoulder.   

An instant later, she felt his arms snake around her waist in a
careful, almost reverent hold, his head nestling in the hollow between
her neck and shoulder.  She leaned down and whispered in his ear,
"Nick, I'm not going to break, if that's what you're worried about.
You can hold me tighter than that."   

He raised his head and grinned.  "Sorry, I don't want to hurt you."   

"Well...Nick...I know that I'm a fragile mortal, but I don't believe a
firmer hug is going to hurt me." She smiled back, her tone light.   

"Mmmm.... You mean like this..." All at once, he gathered her up in
his arms, pressing her close to his chest.   

 "Ummm...Nick...maybe that's a little too firm," she admitted.   

He smiled, feeling her pull away.  Leaning forward, he brushed a kiss
across her lips, barely grazing them. "Was that too firm?"   He asked,
nuzzling his nose against hers, his lips remaining tantalizingly
close.  There was a low, sensuous quality to his voice.   

Natalie swallowed hard.  "No, that was just right!"  Her heart began
to pound with excitement.   

Nick lifted his hand, and cupping it around her cheek, drew her lips
towards his.  This time, he kissed her deeply and with more intensity
as he lowered her onto the bed.  Natalie moaned beneath him,
tightening her arms around his neck, as the kiss seemed to go on
indefinitely, their tongues dueling in a fiery dance.  Nick's hand
traveled down to her shoulder, then lower, to one of her full breasts.
He cupped and kneaded it, stroking the peaked nub of her nipple
through the soft fabric of her nightgown.  He heard a low groan in the
back of her throat as he continued to touch and kiss her ardently.
Then, abruptly he stopped, rolling away to his side.   

Natalie moaned with frustration, arching her back.  Through heavy-
lidded eyes, she gazed at Nick.  "Why did you stop?"  She gasped.   

Nick reached out with his finger and ran it down her cheekbone to
trace the outline of her swollen lips.  "Don't you need to catch your
breath, Nat?"   

In response, Natalie pulled him towards her, wrapping her arms tightly
around his neck.  "What I need is your tender loving care."  She said
fervently.   

She drew him into another deep, passionate kiss, and then entwining
her fingers in his hair, molded her body to his.  For a long moment,
Nick kissed her back with the same intensity, giving in to the
alluring warmness of her very essence, the incredible softness of her
lips hungrily seeking his, the enticing scent of her perfumed hair and
skin, and the sensuous feel of her body beneath his. Then, as before,
reason returned, and with reluctance, he drew away.   

Natalie regarded him with a concerned expression.  "Nick, what's the
matter?  Too much love all at once?"   

He kissed her fingertips.  "No, I'm fine...actually great."  He gave
her a sheepish grin, as he leaned forward to kiss her lightly on the
lips.   

"Then what's the problem?"  She inquired curiously.  

"Well... before we go any further, there are a couple things we should
discuss."  His tone was serious.   

"Okay."   

"Well...for one thing Nat, it's inevitable that I will change.  If
this frightens or makes you feel uncomfortable, you can tell me to
stop ...at least up to a point."    

Natalie turned on her side, facing him, and reached over with her hand
to caress his cheek.  "Nick, I understand and besides I could never be
afraid of you."     Catching his chin with a finger, she made him look
into her eyes.    "Because...I...trust...you.  I...love...you," she
said emphatically, and then breaking into a smile, added,   "So what
do you say?"   

For a moment, Nick was overcome with emotion as he marveled at the
level of trust and faith, which she placed in him.  Her unconditional
love was uncanny; that she could love him despite everything he had
done simply amazed him.  He didn't deserve her.  But regardless, with
sudden resolve, he matched her smile with one of his own.  "Okay, what
are we waiting for?"  He leaned forward to kiss her.   

Natalie covered his mouth with her hand.  "Nick, wouldn't you like to
get more comfortable?"  Her eyes traveled over his now very rumpled
tuxedo.   

Noting where her eyes had gone, he turned back.  "Yeah...but I'm going
to need your help."  He gave her a mischievous grin.   

"I thought you'd never ask."   She replied, and then reaching up with
her hand, slid his jacket off, tossing it across the room.  Next came
the bow tie and ruffled shirt as they floated in the air, and then
landed on the floor near the crumpled jacket.   Eager to be rid of his
other clothes, Nick then stood up, discarding his cummerbund, pants,
shoes and socks with a quick deftness.  Finally, came the black, silk
boxers, as he slid them down and away.   

Now completely naked, he stood there, allowing her eyes to wander over
him.  After a long moment of silence, a wave of self-consciousness
began to wash over him.  Embarrassed, Nick cleared his throat.
"Well...I take it this abrupt silence means that you approve?"    

"Oh...I definitely approve."  Natalie peered at him, admiration pooled
in her eyes.  And love.   She lifted her arms in a silent invitation. 
Nick didn't need anymore coaxing.  In an instant, he was beside her,
his arms slipping around her waist as he pressed her close.  Bending
over, he captured her lips in a cherishing kiss, as his hands caressed
the curve of her back.  

Drawing away, he smiled.  "Nat, as much as I love to see you wearing
that beautiful nightgown, I think it's time to let me see the whole
package."   

Natalie flushed in embarrassment.  "Sure Nick.   Only...I have one
request."   

"What's that?"  He asked, reaching over to run his finger along her
jaw line, then upwards, to touch her nose.   

"Maybe you could do the honors and help me with the unveiling?"   She
asked with a touch of shyness in her voice, her face turning a deep
crimson.   

Nick grinned wickedly.  "I'm more than happy to oblige."  With expert
agility, he slid the silky material over her head, casting it to the
floor.  Next came her panties, as he slipped them off in one fluid
motion.   He leaned over her and let his eyes travel down her body,
his expression one of wonder.   

Also feeling self-conscious, she shrugged and asked,  "Well...I
certainly hope that this *real life* viewing meets with your
expectations."   

He looked at her, his eyes swirling with adoration.  "Oh...Nat. I
think it far exceeds them.  Virtual reality was nothing compared to
what I see before me now.  You are so beautiful."   He whispered, his
voice trembling with emotion.  "You are gorgeous, magnificent...."   

"Okay.... Okay...enough already!  I get the general idea."  She
chuckled and unable to stand his embarrassing proclamation any longer,
pulled his mouth down on hers.   With earnest, Natalie began to
explore his body, running her hands across his broad shoulders, and
over to his taut, muscular chest.  At her delicate touches, he moaned
deep in the back of his throat, and parting her lips, deepened their
kiss, as his hands stroked down her neck, over her collarbone and
lower, to cup her breasts in a reverent hold.   

Natalie moaned against his lips as Nick began tracing circles around
her nipples and then releasing her mouth, worked his way down her
neck, over her shoulder and to her collarbone, blazing a trail of
kisses.  Rolling slightly on top of her, his mouth kissed lower as he
sensed the fullness of her breasts not too far away.  Placing kisses
down her front, he came to them and taking each aroused nipple into
his mouth, suckled gently, and then traced his tongue around each
aureole.   

She uttered a soft whimper at the sheer pleasure Nick was producing on
her body.  Arching her back, she pushed against his questing lips
while she continued her own explorations. She ran her hands down his
broad muscular back to his waist where she stroked his hips, then
across his backside to his firm rear where she wrapped her soft hands
around him, squeezing each cheek.  All at once, she heard a low
guttural growl and felt his attentions stop.  Looking up, she was met
with amber colored eyes, staring back at her.  "Are you having fun?"
Nick asked, his voice hoarse, his golden eyes filled with desire.   

Forcing down her own mounting desires, she brushed her hand across his
face.  "Too much, Nick?"  She inquired, concern evident in her voice. 


Nick smiled down at her through his amber eyes, his gaze amazingly
tender.  "Just give me a minute, Nat.  I'll be fine."  After a moment,
as his eyes returned to their normal blueness, he leaned forward
finding her lips again in a languorous kiss.  As their tongues danced
slowly around each other, one of his hands slid down to cup her breast
while the other one moved lower, finding the soft spot of her inner
thighs.  Slipping between her legs, he dusted his fingertips over the
silky smoothness of her skin, and then wandering up, brushed his
fingers over the wiry curls of her mound.   Releasing her mouth and
resting his hand against her lower side, he whispered against her
lips.  "Tell me if this becomes too uncomfortable for you."   

Deeply touched by his unexpected concern, but also aroused by his
actions, Natalie could only sigh back against his lips.  "I
will...Nick."  She managed, as she pressed against him, feeling his
arousal around her legs, the intoxicating sensation nearly driving her
over the edge.   

In the meantime, Nick resumed his delicate explorations, as he slipped
a finger into her sensitive core, probing and finding her center of
desire.  In and out, with slow deliberation, he began to move within
her causing a soft moan to escape from her lips.  Delighted with her
response, he began teasing and touching one of her nipples with his
other hand while he rained kisses over her face, down her neck and
over to her shoulder blade, whispering tender endearments along the
way.    Intensifying the pressure, he began easing his finger in and
out of her, faster and faster while he swirled his palm around her
peaked nipple and kissed his way up to her earlobe, nibbling on the
soft skin.   

Natalie felt sure she was going to explode as he shifted his movements
and began rubbing and massaging her with another finger,
simultaneously moving the other one inside her, faster and faster, all
the while blazing kisses and caresses across her feverishly warm
flesh.  Feeling her grow tense beneath him, and sensing her
approaching orgasm, he found her lips again as he began to kiss her
deeply and passionately.  It was enough.   A second later, she reached
the ultimate crest, crashing over into spasms of rapturous delight.
Her body was lost to the incredible sensations as tremors coursed
through her.   

Some time passed, while she drifted back to reality.  The kiss became
less intense, their tongues dancing together in a more languorous
motion as she caressed his backside with the same slow movements.  At
last, cupping her face with his hands, he drew back.  She opened her
eyes to see his pleased boyish grin.  His eyes were still blue with
only flashes of gold.  "How did I do?"  He murmured against her cheek.


"That was incredible, Nick...stupendous...sensational..." She
whispered against the slightly rough stubble on his chin, dusting her
fingertips along his back, and up his arms.     

"I aim to please," he replied, his voice low and uneven.   

Concerned by the tone in his voice, Natalie turned her face towards
him.  She was guessing that he was on-the edge, fully aroused.
Seconds later, her hypothesis became a far gone conclusion as he began
raining kisses over her eyelids, nose, cheeks and lips while he
pressed down, grinding his hips into hers.  His kisses and the power
of his arousal against her were sparking a desire to feel him inside
her.  But first, she wanted to touch him, to give back some of the
pleasure he had bestowed so unselfishly on her.  Her hand started
drifting downward, but soon she felt his fingers move to stop her,
catching her wrist.  

 "Nick, let me touch you."   She implored.   

"Nat, I can't wait any longer.  I need you...I want..." He said, his
voice raspy and deep.   

Natalie smiled at him with adoration.  "I want you too," she said
ardently, as she turned her hand to entwine her fingers with his.   At
the same time, her legs parted, opening like a springtime flower, her
hips rising to meet him, pressing against him.   

Nick gazed at her, matching the same expression as hers.  He reached
over to cradle her face with his other hand.  "Nat, I promise I won't
hurt you.  Everything will be okay," he said.  There was a strange
fearless calm in his voice, and a rare untroubled look in his eyes.   

It warmed her soul and calmed any fears that she might have had up to
this point.  Now, she knew without a doubt that this could never be
wrong, that loving each other was the right thing to do.    Squeezing
his hand, which lay nestled in hers, she looked back at him with a
firm resolve.  "I know Nick...we need only to love one another." She
murmured.   

Her words were like a balm, spurring him on.  He slid inside her
easily, as they came together in a wondrous union, moaning against
each other, the slight friction causing a ripple of pleasure to rush
through them.  At the same time, it also unleashed the vampire.  Nick
lifted his head and regarded her through amber-colored eyes as he
caressed her cheek.  "Don't be afraid, Nat."   

In response, Natalie locked her arms and her legs around him, holding
him close, while she gazed up at him with unconditional love.
Momentarily overcome with emotion, he leaned forward to brush a tender
kiss across her lips, as his hands slipped around her back.  "I love
you," he said simply, and then leaning forward, his mouth found hers
again.  He kissed her with care, mindful of his fangs, as he began
moving within her.   

From the first, they moved as one.  At the beginning, with slow
deliberation, as Nick eased in and out of her, taking his time, then
faster, as Natalie's hips moved with him, increasing the pleasure,
taking them higher and higher toward that point of no return.   

Natalie's senses were reeling as she felt his firm body pressing down
on hers, his coolness moving inside and against her, touching and
rubbing, while his hands and mouth worked their magic, covering her
burning flesh in delicious kisses and gentle touches.    

The world around them seemed to grow distant, as they became aware
only of each other, moving together in a sensual fluid rhythm.
Incredible sensations were bombarding Nick as he felt her lightly
sweat-laden skin pressed against him, her satiny smooth legs and arms
around his hips, and her moist heat surrounding him like a warm
cocoon.  He continued to move in and out, faster and faster with more
intensity as Natalie pushed against him with her hips, rocking
together in a continuous fluidity.   

At one point, Natalie felt sure she was going to explode, and then the
world began to shatter around her in a kaleidoscopic brilliance of
colors, while she catapulted into a sea of utter bliss.  Time seemed
to slow down, as the exquisite sensations went on, rushing through her
like a never-ending tidal wave.   

Nick could feel her quivering spasms beneath him while he began to
smother kisses along her throat, brushing his lips over her smooth
supple skin.  With measured gentleness, he penetrated her flesh with
his fangs, while he completed one final thrust into her heat-filled
core, falling against her as he shuddered in climax.  Drinking her
sweet nectar, he became increasingly overwhelmed with the magnitude of
her love and faith in him.  It seemed to envelope him like a warm
blanket.   Oddly, sudden calmness followed, something he had never
experienced.   

Natalie was settling into voluptuous ease, feeling Nick's kisses
against her neck, his hips pushing against her flesh as he continued
to thrust into her, when pain swept over her.  Though sudden and
sharp, quickly, it faded into ecstasy, flooding her body and senses in
a way she'd never known.    The pleasure was almost too unbearable as
intense images began assaulting her.   She saw Nick on horseback in
the bright sunlight, his numerous conquests, his crossing, their first
meeting, and their memorable times together, bantering in their old
ways.  She sensed his moods, his compassion, his fear of hurting her,
and his guilt.  But most of all, she felt his recent fearless resolve
and devoted love to her, as their thoughts and emotions merged into
one soul, one mind.  Never before had she felt such completeness as
she did now with him at this moment.    

Natalie felt him drawing away from her throat, as she wrapped her arms
more tightly around him, holding him close while shudders continued to
pass through him.  She could feel his lips pressing kisses along her
throat and sighed in contentment.   Lifting her hand to his head, she
began stroking and entwining her fingers in his tousled hair.   

Minutes passed, as they continued to kiss, stroke and hold one
another, and then drawing away, Nick raised his head, and gave Natalie
a warm satisfied smile.  "Have I told you how much I love you?"   

"Yes, but you can always tell me again."  She locked her arms around
his neck, pulling him down into a tender kiss.   

The kiss went on, and then cupping her face with his hands, Nick
pulled away. "I love you so much," he said, his voice shaking with
emotion as he drew her into his arms, hugging her to him.  "You mean
everything to me."     

"Nick, I love you too," Natalie replied, her eyes brimming with tears,
as emotions roiled to the surface.  She buried her face in the crook
of his neck.   

Feeling the dampness on his skin, Nick looked up, anxious eyes meeting
her tearful ones.  "Are you okay, Nat?  Did I hurt you?  I'm so sorry
if I did."  He blurted out as he brushed the tears away with his
fingertips.   

"Nick I'm fine.  In fact, I'm more than fine" She said, breaking into
a wide grin.   

"Then, why the tears?"  He questioned, still concerned, as he
continued to rub his hand across her wet cheek.   

 "It's just that I'm so happy."   She said, as fresh tears formed in
the corners of her eyes.   "*You* make me so very happy."   Her voice
was quivering with emotion.   

"Oh, Nat..." he began, his voice catching in his throat. Swallowing
hard, he managed to continue,   "You've brought me so much happiness. 
I can't begin to tell you."  

"Well.... Then I guess we can say we're happy, happy, happy."    She
laughed, trying to lighten the mood.    

 Nick smiled and gathered her in another embrace.  A few more minutes
passed, as they remained locked together, and then Natalie pushed away
as a sudden idea came to her.   "Say Nick, do you realize what
happened?"   She asked, her voice filling with wonder.   

"What?"   

"You stopped in time."  Natalie gaped, mystified.   

"I did, didn't I?"  His expression and tone were betraying disbelief. 
"In fact, I was kinda surprised," he admitted.   

"Why?"   

"Because when I drank your blood, I felt a calm descend on me.  That's
never happened before," he confessed, gathering up her hand.  He began
to kiss each fingertip.   

"Well...you did consume a lot of Sam's special brew before we..." She
responded, allowing the words to trail off as he continued to dust
kisses around her fingers.   

"Yes, but I don't think that was the reason," he replied, drawing his
lips away from her hand and interlocking his fingers with hers.   

"What then?"  She asked.  

"I don't know.  But in 800 years, I've never felt that way before," he
admitted, his voice becoming thoughtful.   

"Maybe, my blood has some magical ingredient in it for calming
vampires," she said, a touch of wryness in her tone.   

"I didn't think you believed in magic, all that mumbo jumbo."  He
teased.   

"Normally I don't, but at one time I didn't believe in vampires
either."  She smiled.   

"True."  

Natalie's smile faded as a thought occurred to her.  "We should run
tests on you to see if my blood has affected your physiology," she
said, her manner becoming serious.     

"Okay, but for now, let's go to sleep."  He suggested.  "We can
discuss this later."   He rolled to her backside, pulling her against
his body.   

"Okay.  Sleep sounds good.  I can do sleep."  She agreed, snuggling
close to him.   

She felt his hand stroke her hair, as her eyes grew heavy.
"Goodnight, Nat."  She heard him say as she began drifting off.   

"Goodnight, Nick." She managed before succumbing completely to sleep. 


************************************** 


*************************************  
Games Coroners and Detectives Play  
By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com  
Chapter 10/10  
*************************************  
Slowly, Natalie awoke to the rays of sunshine caressing her skin,
casting golden beams of light on her legs.  She stretched and then
smiled as she began to recall the events of the night before.  Had it
really happened?  Had she and Nick finally broken down those barriers
and made love?  All at once, as if in answer, she felt a small twinge
of discomfort in her leg muscles, as a spasm hit.  She smiled. Yep, it
had definitely happened.    

Content to mull over everything for a little while longer, Natalie
remained, sprawled on the bed, as the sunlight continued to pour down
on her.  She closed her eyes and sighed in contentment.  The rays felt
so good against her skin.  So inviting...so warm...Warm! Oh my gosh!
She opened her eyes as she shot up to a sitting position.  The sun!
Nick!  We forgot to close the drapes!   

Natalie glanced over at him with concern.  She could see that the
sun's rays were creeping towards his feet.  In an instant, panic swept
through her as she scrambled out of the bed, moving faster than she
thought possible to the window.  Pulling on the cord, she closed the
drapes with quick agility, and as the beams of sunlight began to
diminish, so did her anxiety.  Once the room was shrouded again in a
grayish darkness, she turned back to the bed, closing her eyes in
relief.    

A moment passed as calmness returned, and then opening her eyes again,
she regarded Nick.   He was lying on his back, his hands drawn to his
chest.  Smiling, she stepped closer, allowing her eyes to travel over
him, to savor the moment and look at him undetected.  He was
magnificent, even in his vampiric slumber.   

Gradually, as her eyes continued to roam over his body, her smile
started to fade into a puzzled expression.  Moving closer, she could
see there were obvious changes in his physiology.  His chest was
rising and falling at faster intervals, still too slow for a mortal,
but assuredly far more regular than before.  And she could actually
hear him emit a light snore every few minutes.   

Surprised, Natalie sat down on the bed.  After a moment, she slid next
to him and began to study his face.  Even in the dim light of the
room, she could see that his cheeks were flushed in color.   Although
her knowledge of vampire physiology was limited, Natalie knew vampires
only appeared this way for a couple hours after feeding.   It had been
at least six hours since Nick had fed from her and Sam's vintages, so
what did this mean?    Was it what they had been hoping and searching
for?  Was he becoming mortal?  All at once, her heart began to race at
the possibility.  Calm down, Lambert.  It may be nothing!  She thought
as she swallowed hard, forcing down her excitement, and then turning
back to Nick, continued with her examination.  

Reaching out, she brushed her hand across his cheek with care, trying
not to wake him.  She could tell his skin was warmer to the touch,
again not as warm as a mortal's, but certainly warmer than before.
Now, too excited to conduct her examination in a slow, painstaking
fashion, she moved her hand swiftly downward to his neck, checking for
a pulse.  She could feel the slow, intermittent beats under his skin. 
Again, not a normal human pulse rate, but faster than his usual one.  

Her own pulse rate began to quicken as she continued to work her way
downward.   This time to his chest, pressing her ear against his taut
muscles.    Like his pulse, his heart rate was slower than normal
human, but the intermittent beats were more frequent than before. From
the looks of things, he was becoming human.  But was this only a
temporary situation?  Would he revert?  And what was causing this
transformation:  Sam's special bottles?  Her blood?   What?   Her mind
was a jumble of questions, coming fast and furious like a train down
the tracks.    

Unexpectedly, Natalie's thoughts were interrupted as she felt a pair
of hands reach down, and pull her up, sliding her across warm flesh,
while she heard someone calling her name.  She looked up to see Nick
staring back at her, a warm smile flickering across his face.  "Nat, I
must say this is a wonderful way to wake up in the morning with your
soft hair on my chest.  Do you know what that does to me?"   

She returned the smile.  "No, what?"  She asked, feigning ignorance.  

"This."   He pushed against her with his hips.   

"Oh," she responded, blushing.   

Nick reached up with his hands to cradle her face, pulling her down
into a searing kiss.  The kiss went on for a time, deep and passionate
until Natalie finally pushed away from him.  "Nick, I have something
exciting to tell you."   

"What can be more exciting than what we are doing now," he answered,
as he pulled her towards him and began kissing his way down her
throat, while his hands wandered down her back.    

Again, Natalie drew away from his demanding lips.  "Nick, I want you
to listen now!"  She voiced.  This time, there was a bit more firmness
in her tone.   

It got Nick's attention.  Concerned, he looked up at her.  "What is
it?"   

She took a deep breath and began,  "Nick, I've discovered
something...something unbelievable."   

"What?"  He asked, trying to remain composed, as he heard the
excitement building in her voice.   

Natalie seized one of his hands and placed it over his heart.  "Do you
feel anything?"   

An eternity seemed to go by, before Nick spoke again.   "Nat, I can
hear my heart beat!"  He exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment.
"I'm mortal?"  He asked with a mixture of confusion and incredulity in
his voice.    

"I don't want to get your hopes up," she began, trying to remain calm.
"But while you were asleep, I conducted a brief examination and I
gotta tell ya, you seem to be crossing back over.  Your metabolic rate
is still slower than the norm, but you are definitely showing shades
of mortality."   

"I can't believe this, Nat," he declared, still dumbfounded.   "How
can this be happening?"   

"That's the million dollar question," she responded, her expression
reflecting bewilderment.   " I don't understand it either unless it
has something to do with the consumption of Sam's bottled variety.
Maybe he put something special in it that we know nothing about.  We
should ask him."   

"Okay, but I don't think he's the reason I'm changing."   

Natalie shrugged her shoulders.  "It could be my blood.  You did
mention that mine had a calming effect on you."   

"It did and it has never happened to me before," he confessed,
sounding baffled.   

"Well...we won't know until I run those tests on you."  She declared,
her voice becoming serious.   

"Okay.  We'll do that, but for now...I have a better idea."   He gave
her a wicked smile, slipping his hands around her backside.   

"Oh... And what did you have in mind?"  She grinned back.   

"Come here and I'll show you."  He reached up and pulled her down,
bringing her lips towards his... 

*********************************************** 

The gray haired man swung his head in the direction of the front door
as two people, a man and woman, entered, their faces combing the room
in search of someone.  "Can I help you?"  He asked placing his
newspaper on the desk.   

The woman came closer.  "Yes, we are looking for Sam.  Is he here
tonight?"   

"No, he isn't," he replied.   

The man approached.  "Will he be in later this evening?"   

"Fraid not.  He's gone."   

"The woman stared at him, confounded. "What do you mean...he's gone?" 


"Look lady.  He's left...he's gone for good.  In fact, he sold me this
place.  I've been after him for a year to buy it, but he said he
wasn't ready yet for retirement, that he needed to take care of a few
things."  He leaned in closer to them.   "Between you and me, I
believe he was trying to help someone.  But, whatever it was, Sam must
have resolved it yesterday because he called me to say he was ready to
sell and move on."   

He saw the man and woman trade confused glances.  Turning back, the
woman then asked,  "Do you have a forwarding address for Sam?  We
really would like to get in touch with him.  We are friends of his,"
she explained.   "I'm Natalie Lambert and this is Nick Knight."   She
said gesturing to the man next to her.  

The elderly man's face broke into a wide grin.  "Oh... Sam said you
might be dropping by.  When you did, he wanted me to give you this."
He handed Natalie a sealed letter.  "He wanted me to tell you that it
would explain everything."   

Natalie took the envelope.  "Thanks...Mr...."   

"Oh...excuse me.  I'm Charlie...Charlie Madders.  I've been a friend
of Sam's for a long time.  He's a terrific guy.  Always seems to have
this uncanny ability to see the true nature in people, like a sixth
sense."   

"Yes... he does appear to have that special ability."   Nick agreed
and then added,  "Well...thanks for everything."   

"And if you ever hear from Sam, please send our regards."  Natalie
said.  "Tell him, that he was right.   That faith and love do conquer
all."   

"Okay...I'll mention it if I ever see him."  He opened the door.  

"Well.... it was nice meeting you."   Natalie said, as she started to
exit, and then caught Nick's immediate hesitation at the desk.
Curious, she walked over.  He was looking at a newspaper.  "What is
it?"    

"Look at this, Nat."  He gave her the paper.  "Read it," he said, a
touch of surprise in his voice.   

Natalie looked down at the headline, as she began to read aloud.  

'International Jewel Thief Has Been Caught.   

'The Renowned Jewel Thief, Sir Benjamin Hastings, a fugitive for the
past six months, was apprehended last evening, while attending a
performance of The Phantom of the Opera at the acclaimed Pantages
Theatre.  At the time of the arrest by Detectives Tracy Vetter and
Edgar Barnes, Hastings' escort, a Miss Pamela Rose, was wearing a rare
blue diamond necklace, thought to resemble the Hope Diamond.  It was
considered a valuable piece, recently stolen from the Anita Carr
collection.    In fact, "it was this jewel that led to Hasting's
arrest," quoted Vetter, who had also attended the show.'   

'Sitting two rows behind Hastings and Rose, the necklace caught the
Detective's eye immediately.  Certain it was the same one listed on an
inventory, provided by Mr. Roger Carr, Mrs. Carr's husband, the
Detective left to call for backup.  "During the intermission, my
friend and I detained Hastings and Rose for questioning," explained
Vetter.   "When Detective Barnes arrived, Hastings attempted escape,
but was apprehended by the police four blocks away." '  

'Later, a search of Hastings' home led to the discovery of more
jewels, valued in the millions.  Hastings and Rose will be held with
no bond, pending trial.  I guess you could say even fake Hope Diamonds
can lead to ill fortune, bringing down the most elusive criminals.'   

Natalie glanced up from the newspaper. "Tracy is turning out to be an
astute detective, isn't she?"  She commented, wonder in her tone.  

"Yes, she is."  Nick agreed, still amazed.   

 "But how did we miss all the commotion at the theatre?"   She asked,
perplexed.   

"Well...Nat...At the time, we were kind of occupied, weren't we?"  He
gave her a telling look.   

Natalie blushed.  "Yeah...I guess we were."  She turned to Madders,
offering him the paper.  "Sorry to take your newspaper.  Nick is a
detective and his partner, Tracy Vetter, is the one mentioned in this
story," she explained.   

"And quite a story it is," Madders commented, taking his paper.  "You
ought to be very proud of your partner, Detective.  She sounds like
she possesses good investigative skills."   

"Oh...Among other things."  Nick acknowledged, exchanging another
understanding look with Natalie.   

"Yes...She also possesses unbelievable conspiracy skills."  Natalie
added wryly.   

"Well...Mr. Maders...We've kept you long enough."   Nick said, opening
the door for Natalie, as he added,  "Thanks again."    

"No problem," Madders replied as he watched them exit.   

************************************************  

Natalie watched Nick as he turned the envelope over in his hand
several more times.  "Aren't you going to open it?"  She queried
anxiously.   

Nick peered at her, as she sat across from him in the Caddy outside
the video store.  "Yeah..." He gave her a broad grin.  "Sorry to keep
you in suspense."   He slid his finger along the seam of the envelope,
pulling out the letter.  Unfolding it, they could see it was written
on fine stationary in an elegant handwriting.  Nick began to read
aloud,   

'Dear Nick and Natalie,   

'If you are reading this letter, you are aware that I've moved on, as
my work is done here. And, when I say, 'here,' I mean on earth.   You
see, I'm what you might call an angel, specifically a guardian angel.'


'Now I know this information must be difficult to grasp, especially
for you, Natalie.  (Always the scientist, aren't you my dear.)  But it
is true.'    

Putting down the letter for a moment, Nick chuckled as he looked at
her.  "He knew you well, didn't he?"   

She gave him an embarrassed grin.  "Well...I suppose I can be a
skeptic sometimes," she said and then prompted,  "Keep reading Nick." 


He looked at the letter again and read on.   

'When I became a seraph 200 years ago in the year 1798, a council of
elders allowed me to choose one person to help.   Naturally I chose
you, Nick.  Why, you must be asking yourself?  Well... I saw your
steadfast determination to choose your own path in regaining your
mortality and seeking redemption even under the captivity of Lacroix'
dominance and control.  Sometimes, as I watched you these past two
centuries, I was amazed at your ability to endure the relentless
taunts and the incessant deceptions.  Each time, you seemed to bounce
back, trying to remain hopeful and optimistic.  And, I knew that one
day, you would find the right person to renew not only your hope
permanently, but to give you the most special gift of all, her love
and faith.  Of course, as you may have guessed that person was
Natalie.'  

Nick reached over and squeezed her hand as he resumed reading.  

'Also, by returning this love to her, you must realize that your faith
has been reclaimed and you are changing.   Yes, that's right Nick.
You *are* slowly becoming mortal again.'  

'Let me explain.  When a vampire meets the mortal destined for them,
the ingestion of their blood will transform them back to mortality.
Each time, the vampire drinks, he or she will take less and less until
the conversion is complete.'    

Natalie regarded Nick with a look of astonishment.  "So, it is my
blood that is crossing you back over."    

"Yes, it seems that way," he answered, just as stunned as she.  He
resumed reading.   

'So...you see Nick if you stay the course, you will ultimately receive
your long awaited wish.  And now in closing, I would like to wish you
both a long, happy life together and remember that the greatest thing
you'll ever learn in life is to be loved and to love in return.
Treasure your moments together.   

                                                   Best Wishes   
                                                      Sam      

Nick placed the letter down on the seat, as a long silence ensued, the
air thick with their turbulent emotions.  Minutes passed and as their
feelings settled into a quiet calm, Nick reached over and grabbed
Natalie's hand.  "Nat...I can't believe this is happening.  Why me?
I'm not worthy of any special treatment.  You only have to look at my
tarnished past to see why I don't deserve this...I...don't deserve
you...I..."   

Natalie leaned forward, and pressing her lips against his, kissed him
long and hard and passionately.  After a while, she pulled away.   He
broke into a broad smile.  "Why did you do that?"     

"I knew you wouldn't listen to reason, so I had to find a way to get
you to quiet down."  Her lips curled into a wide grin.   

"Well...you succeeded," he said, still smiling.    

"Nick..." She began quietly.   "Don't question why you've been given
this gift.   Just accept and enjoy it.  Live for today and tomorrow." 
She reached over and squeezed his hand.   

"Okay...I'll try Nat...but..."   

"No...buts...Nick," she stated firmly.   

"All right."  Nick agreed as he turned on the engine.  "Where do you
want to go?  My place or yours?"   

"Well...that's a line I can't refuse," she commented. "How does my
place sound?  At least I have food at my apartment."   

"Okay, that sounds good because ...believe it or not...I think I could
actually eat an egg," he admitted with surprise, as he shifted into
reverse and drove the caddy out the parking lot.   

Natalie placed her hand on his forehead.  Her eyebrows arched in
surprise.  "You are much warmer than this morning.  I don't know Nick,
but I think your conversion is imminent."  She said, excitement
climbing in her voice.  

"If that's the case, you'll have to make me a big breakfast when we
get to your place."   

"You're *really* hungry for food?"    She asked, clearly excited.   

"Yes...I am."  

"Nick. That's great news!   Okay... I'll make you breakfast, but don't
get used to it."  She warned in a teasing tone. "You've got to learn
to cook for yourself.  After all, I'm not your beck and call girl."
She smiled at him, her eyes lit with amusement.  

"I know you aren't."  Nick smiled back as he reached over to turn on
the radio. They continued to drive in a comfortable silence, as Celine
Dion's voice filtered through the airwaves:   


A New Day Has Come. ... 
I was waiting for so long   
For a miracle to come  
Everyone (you) told me to be strong  
Hold on and don't shed a tear  

So through darkness and good times  
I knew I'd make it through  
And the world thought I had it all   
But I was waiting for you   

Refrain:   

Hush now  
I see a light in the sky  
Oh it's almost blinding me  
I can't believe I've been touched by an angel  
With love  

Let the rain come down  
And wash away my tears  
Let it fill my soul  
And drown my fears  
Let it shatter the walls  
For a new sun  
A new day has come  

Where it was dark now there is light   
Where there was pain, now there's joy   
Where there was weakness, I found my strength  
All in the eyes of a boy (girl)   

Refrain   

As the song drew to a close, and they approached Natalie's place, Nick
knew in his heart that his new day...his new life...could now begin
with her, his true angel of love...(even if she wouldn't be his beck
and call girl!)  (g)  

****************************************** 

The End   


Notes to reader: I didn't want to divulge the songs until they were
used in the story, so I thought it would be okay to mention the
disclaimer now rather than at the beginning. Andrew Lloyd Webber's The
Point of No Return and Celine Dion's A New Day Has Come don't belong
to me. I was just borrowing them.  

Also, the Pantages Theatre changed its name to the Canon Theatre a few
years back. I gained all my information on the Theatre and the Four
Seasons Hotel from a Toronto Tourist web site.  

Thanks again for taking this journey with me through my series,
especially if you made it through my lengthy installments. I really
had fun writing this piece of fiction. I hope you had fun reading it.
Let me know what you thought. Did you like the outcome? Nick's
mortality versus Natalie's conversion to vampirism? Since this story
took place between the episodes of Games Vampires Play and Human
Factor, I thought it would be kind of neat for N&N to discover the
cure before Janette. Anyway, thanks again for reading.