From v4s@FKFANFIC.COM Fri Oct 2 00:40:50 1998 Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 21:25:16 -0400 From: Virtual Fourth Season To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu Subject: V4S: When Darkness Falls (01/11) Episode Number: Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season - Episode #18 Episode Title: "When Darkness Falls" "Air" Date: September 28, 1998 Author: Libby Singleton Alpha Readers: Wendy Rigney, Mel Moser, Julia Kocich Beta Readers: Wendy Rigney, Marci Cheeseman, Sandra Gray, Wanda, Valerie Gilson, clonstar@postoffice.swbell.net, Angie Lotto Jean Simon Continuity: Beth Brown The Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season is a project whereby a group of Forever Knight fans are putting together a series of stories continuing from where Last Knight left off. Participation is open to all. For more information, write to V4S@fkfanfic.com. Comments should be sent to the author or to the FKV4S-L mailing list. This story will be available in its entirety from . This story is based on characters and situations created by James Parriott and Barney Cohen and owned by Sony/TriStar. No infringement is intended. Copyright 1998 Elizabeth Ann Singleton ------------------ As her dreams fell away and the awareness of reality crept into Natalie's mind, she stretched, avoiding opening her eyes as long as possible. It'd been a restful sleep, one of the best she'd had in months. Smiling, she hugged her body pillow, remembering the pleasant fantasies of her slumber. The restaurant itself had faded from her consciousness, but the sight of Nick eagerly devouring a well-done steak remained. "Sidney!" she called, opening her eyes. A few minutes of cuddling a warm, fuzzy cat would be the perfect way to start her day. "Sidney! Kitty, kitty, kitty!" Puzzled at the lack of a familiar thump on the bed and demanding meow, Natalie sat up. As the room came into focus, she was surprised to see her dresser drawers and closet doors open with various articles of clothing in disarray. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest when the realization and feelings of violation sunk in. Reaching for the phone by the bed, she discovered there was no dial tone. "Stay calm, Natalie Lambert," she told herself aloud. She slipped a robe over her mid-thigh length Metropolitan Police t-shirt, not bothering to tie it. The living area was in no better shape than her bedroom. The book cases were practically empty, although the contents were neatly stacked on the floor. The thought of the intruders being eerily quiet entered her mind. Otherwise, surely she would've been jarred awake. Or had her sleep been that deep, her dreams that distracting? The living room phone was also dead. When she looked for her purse to retrieve her cell phone, she couldn't find it. Retrieving her coat from the floor, she searched the pocket hoping she'd slipped the phone in the pocket instead of her purse. The pockets were empty except for a stick of chewing gum. "My car keys!" she muttered before remembering they'd be of no use to her burglars as the vehicle was in the garage for repairs. She paused for a moment, her hands trembling, trying to figure out what to do. Of course, she thought, borrow a phone. Call Nick. No, not Nick, he's homicide, this is a burglary. Call the police, she reasoned with herself. Rushing through the apartment door, she barely noted that it was ajar. Once across the hall, she pounded on the door. "Missy?" The door swung open part way, stopped only by the thick carpet. "Oh my God!" Natalie exclaimed to the world at large before rushing in. Missy lay stretched out beside a smashed bust of Beethoven which had apparently fallen from the nearby, tall bookcase. Knick-knacks and hardbacks were scattered haphazardly on and around the woman. Missy's beautiful cream and coffee colored skin contrasted eerily with the dark stained carpet. Natalie knelt, feeling for a pulse in the woman's wrist although from the head injury she could tell her neighbor was dead. Despite her years of medical training, despite her years of investigating the most gruesome of deaths, Natalie felt sick and about to faint. Lowering her head more on instinct than thought, she let the blood rush back into her brain until the threat of unconsciousness had passed. The world seemed void of light and sound except for the soft drops of rain which fell against the window. Wanting to cry out for help and comfort, Natalie found herself without a voice. She grabbed the loose ends of her robe, pulling them closely around her. "Get a grip," she whispered. "You've seen worse." In the back of her mind, however, Natalie wondered if she was lying to herself. *** "It's a special preview night. Black tie. There won't be a big crowd...." Nick pulled the sound booth's extra chair next to LaCroix, placing the tickets on the control panel. "Nicholas, my answer is still no." "Most of the proceeds go to raise money for the upkeep of Pompeii!" Nick explained eagerly. "There's been vandalism. Artifacts are being stolen. They need to hire more security, beef up restoration, take steps to prevent further decay of what's been uncovered. The rest of the funds they raise will go toward hopefully excavating the remainder of the library in Herculaneum. They think there's an entire, untouched floor of papyrus *Latin* scrolls! Papyrus only lasts a thousand years on average. The lava, though, provided a certain amount of protection so there's a treasure trove of literature, of history, just waiting!" "Your enthusiasm might be admirable to an extent," LaCroix said calculatedly as he rotated his chair slowly. Nick automatically scooted his back a few inches. His master's annoyance showed in a wrinkled forehead and nose, and his narrowed blue eyes appeared threatening. "Herculaneum *and Pompeii* were destroyed nearly two thousand years ago. Some things are best left buried." Nick retrieved the tickets, standing to leave without planning on saying another word. From the force of LaCroix's statement, the older vampire meant what he'd said and there'd be no further argument of the matter. However, a sudden feeling of 'needing to know' swept through Nick, the same wave which had struck him when he'd first heard about the Pompeii exhibit being scheduled for the Royal Ontario Museum. "Are not some things better remembered and shared?" Nick said softly, evenly, almost sympathetically. "I want to know, want to understand, a little more of what you went through." "Take Janette." "You know she's busy with setting up her new life," Nick said. "Besides, I offered to buy her a ticket as well, but she said she had no desire to look at dusty old artifacts no matter where they were from." "Then go alone!" LaCroix exclaimed with exasperation. Drawing in a deep breath, Nick reached out, allowing his fingers to barely touch LaCroix's hand. What he was about to say was not easy to admit, but the truth of it forced him to speak. "If it is part of your history, is it not a part of mine as well?" Nick expected at least the barest hint of a smile to form on LaCroix's face. Instead, his master only scowled deeper as he pulled his hand away from Nick's fingers. "Although your sudden sense of family responsibility is delightful, Nicholas, I am *not* interested." "I just want to understand." Sighing, he took one of the tickets and a brochure, setting them in front of LaCroix. "At least go alone, then...." Nick's cell phone buzzed, startling him slightly. He retrieved it from his jacket pocket. "Knight here." "Nick, this is Adam...." the cold, cautious tone of his partner's voice caused a wave of terror to sweep over Nick. He listened, not saying anything until Adam completely stopped talking. Even then, he remained silent a few seconds, subconsciously waiting to wake up from this nightmare. "Tell Natalie... Tell her I'll be there soon." Flipping the phone shut, he noticed LaCroix's glare had turned to the softness of curiosity mixed with mild concern. "Nat...." Nick muttered. "I know. You are absolutely radiating irrational panic...." Nick didn't stick around to hear the rest of the sentence. *** << "In my beginning, is my end." Or so Mr. T.S. Eliot once penned. Do you have moments in your past, in your beginnings as it were, that despite their importance to the being you have become, are but ashes in your psyche?>> >>--------> There had once been a great city where Lucius stood. Memories flooded into him of the grandeur and friends now buried beneath his feet. The last time he'd entered the city, it'd been riding in a chariot in a triumphant - a parade to honor his victories. The last time he'd left Pompeii, it was in a shower of ash, wonder, and, though he'd never admit it even to himself, fear. Destruction often breeds rebirth, he mused silently, not only thinking of his own change from mortal to god but of the abundant plant life which surrounded him. Lush and green, the area now serving as a tomb for countless thousands also supported a variety of animal life. In the night, however, the only sounds were those of insects and the wind. Kneeling, he picked up a handful of soil. As it fell, the hot ash had burned his newly vampiric lungs; at the time, he was still not used to the fact he need not breathe as often. Holding the soil up in his hand, palm out, he stood, allowing the wind to catch the ashy dirt. The wind, this night, blew towards Rome. Deciding Rome was as good as place as any to visit yet, he found himself surprisingly relieved at the thought. After over five decades away, there would no one who'd remember General Lucius in anything but legend. <--------<< <> (to be continued ...) -------------------------------------------- For more information or to participate in the Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season, write to V4S@fkfanfic.com. From v4s@FKFANFIC.COM Fri Oct 2 00:40:57 1998 Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 21:25:30 -0400 From: Virtual Fourth Season To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Subject: V4S: When Darkness Falls (02/11) Episode Number: Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season - Episode #18 Episode Title: "When Darkness Falls" "Air" Date: September 28, 1998 Author: Libby Singleton Part 2 of 11 This story is based on characters and situations created by James Parriott and Barney Cohen and owned by Sony/TriStar. No infringement is intended. Copyright 1998 Elizabeth Ann Singleton ------------------ WHEN DARKNESS FALLS "I... I can't believe I didn't wake up!" Natalie said. Outwardly, she looked surprisingly composed, the only sign of trauma being the tissue she wadded in her hands. Yet Nick could sense the elevated blood pressure and the rapidly beating heart as she sat behind an interrogation room table. "That's not unheard of, Nat," he said reassuringly, kneeling beside her. He placed his hand over hers, squeezing gently. He could feel the sweat, and the tenseness of her muscles. "He's right," Adam agreed. He sat across the table from Natalie, taking notes. "Even if you'd woken up, you probably couldn't have done anything." "I know," she whispered. "And I'm embarrassed about this, but not only am I thinking of Missy, I can't shake the thoughts of everything they took from me. The little bits of jewelry I have from my mother and grandmother. Laura Haynes' picture was in my purse. My brother's watch." Natalie laughed eerily, without humor. "All that compared to what happened to Missy?" Nick looked into her dry eyes. "That's...." "I know, it's normal." A deep, nervous silence filled the room. Only the air conditioner's hum could be heard. Nick nodded to Adam. Even questioning was better than the emptiness. "What can you tell us about the vic... Missy Pias?" Adam asked. "I didn't know her very well. S...she's originally from Montreal and came here in hopes of becoming an actress." Nat paused, taking a sip of water from a cup on the table. "She'd had bit parts, but mostly earned money working at that convenience store up the street from me. We passed in the hallways, said 'hi' if we met in the parking lot. Hell, a couple of weeks ago she kept Sidney when...." Natalie stood up, nearly knocking the chair over. "Sidney! The door was open.... He must have gotten out! I...I...." There was finally a crack in her voice as her lower chin began trembling. "I need to find him!" Nick wrapped his arms around her, hushing her quietly. Adam walked around to join him, rubbing her shoulder. "I'll call Kelly," Adam offered. "Maybe she can get a group together to help find him." "And I'll look right after we get done here, okay?" Nick said Nat nodded. "Okay." There was a knock at the door. Captain Reese stuck his head in. "Knight, can I talk to you a moment?" "Can it wait just a sec, Natalie's...." "I'm okay, Nick. Go ahead," Natalie urged, pulling away. Nick looked at her suspiciously. Although there were no tears, she hardly looked 'okay.' "Knight, now," Reese ordered a bit more quietly than his usual 'police captain' voice. Nick complied. Stepping out into the hallway, he shut the door. "Sorry, she's really shaken up." "Yeah, I'm surprised she's holding up this well. Hell knows how, though." Reese drew in a breath. "Listen. This is nothing against your skills, you're one of the best so don't get me wrong, but I'm pulling you off the case." "You can't do that!" Nick objected. "You're too close." "*Everyone* is too close to the case, Captain!" Nick argued, gesturing toward the closed door. "We all know Nat." "And you know her the best of all of us, Knight." Nick glared. The temptation to hypnotize was almost unbearable. Just a small suggestion and Reese would see his side of things. But, no, Nick reasoned, fighting back instinct. Natalie would be furious he was even thinking about hypnotism. "If you're worried about me becoming too emotionally involved...." "Becoming? You already are. I guess we all are," Reese admitted. "Tell you what, with your track record, I can't afford *not* to have you working on this. However, *Adam*, not you, is in charge of the investigation." "I'll remember that," Nick said eagerly. "Please do. And, keep in mind that not only will I be keeping an eye on you, so will Adam. Focus on the facts, not your friendship with Dr. Lambert, or I'll make you take leave for the entire investigation." Nick nodded. "I understand, Captain." "You'd better," Reese responded firmly. "Would hate to see you let Natalie down." *** The lightening sky made the apartment building seem less eerie despite the yellow 'crime scene' ribbon and the remaining uniformed officer. Still, the sight sent a chill up Reese's spine as he stepped out of his car. He'd seen countless murder sites throughout his career, but when the crime was this close to him personally, it still shook him to his very soul. "They're wrapping things up here, Captain." Reese turned at the familiar voice to see Adam approaching him. "Where's Natalie?" "With Nick, I think. Kelly offered her spare bedroom, but Natalie was still insisting a hotel would do," Adam explained. "Nick finally talked her into at least going to his place for a little while. I've got to agree with him that she doesn't need to be alone." Stifling a yawn, Reese nodded. "You look as tired as I feel. Head out and let the uniforms do their job. Hell knows I'm going to *try* to get some sleep." "Sure thing, Captain. I'll let them know I'm leaving," Adam said. From the weariness in the detective's voice, Reese knew the young detective would follow through. "Long night for everyone," he muttered to himself, walking back to his car. At times like this he wished he'd considered another career, any career. As he was reaching for the car's door handle, he heard a loud 'meow' from beneath the vehicle. Glancing down, he saw the tell-tale glowing eyes. Drawing in a deep breath, he eased down onto his knees and peered under the car, trying to remember what sort of cat Natalie owned. Not that it'd make much difference, Reese decided; to him a cat was a cat and nothing more. Still, on the off chance this might be the missing cat in question, the animal would offer some comfort to her. "Come here, cat," he said firmly. "Come here." The cat simply looked at him, then emitted a cross between a yawn and a meow. "I don't have time for this," Reese informed the animal who responded with a soft purr. Sitting up slightly, he pondered the situation. Maybe one of the uniforms had experience with cats. Of course they'd get a good laugh at the thought of a captain who didn't know what to do with a mere 'kitty.' Deciding the animal looked gentle enough, he stretched his arm out and reached beneath the car. Managing to place his hand over the animal's back, he was surprised to find the fur soft and not unpleasant at all. He'd reluctantly petted cats before, but could only recall the coat feeling coarse and dry. Gently, he started to ease the cat toward him. Pulling the animal close to him with one hand, he placed the other on the car's door to balance himself while he stood. He couldn't help but smile at the cat's soft rumbling as he started to open the vehicle's door. "Easier than I thought it'd be," he told himself. "Purring like a kitten." Or so he thought. The world suddenly became a flash of cat spit, fur, and sharp, painful claws. Fire seemed to rip at Reese's cheeks. Instinctively, he tossed the offending animal way. The cat's angry scream echoed as the animal sailed through the sky, landing on a grassy area in front of Reese's car. The cat turned, loudly spitting a farewell, ears flat against his head. The animal headed away from the area at full speed. "Damn cat!" Reese snapped, rubbing his cheek. When he pulled his hand away, it was covered with blood. "Good riddance!" (to be continued ...) -------------------------------------------- For more information or to participate in the Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season, write to V4S@fkfanfic.com. From v4s@FKFANFIC.COM Fri Oct 2 00:41:06 1998 Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 21:25:34 -0400 From: Virtual Fourth Season To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu Subject: V4S: When Darkness Falls (03/11) Episode Number: Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season - Episode #18 Episode Title: "When Darkness Falls" "Air" Date: September 28, 1998 Author: Libby Singleton Part 3 of 11 This story is based on characters and situations created by James Parriott and Barney Cohen and owned by Sony/TriStar. No infringement is intended. Copyright 1998 Elizabeth Ann Singleton ------------------ WHEN DARKNESS FALLS "Really, Nick, I'll be fine at a hotel. I'll call a taxi," Natalie pleaded. Showered and dressed in an ill fitting sweatsuit, she felt strange, disjointed as if trapped in a surreal nightmare. The blazing fire Nick had started while she was cleaning up did little to cut through her chill. She wanted to be alone. She didn't want to be alone. In truth, she decided, she didn't know what she wanted other than to forget. Nick placed a hand on each of her shoulders, gently pushing her to a sitting position on the sofa. "I think you need to stay," he said softly, his voice nearly a whisper. "Missy's the real victim here, not me," she protested. "Besides, I've got a mess to clean up." "A mess that can wait. Besides, why pay for a hotel room when Chateau DeBrabant is the classiest crash space in Toronto?" Managing a weak smile, Natalie settled back, letting the sofa support her weary body. Secretly, she was relieved he'd made the decision for her. "How can I turn down an offer like that?" "You hungry?" Nick asked, heading for the kitchen. "I think there's a couple of cans of soup you left in the cabinet a while back. I'll heat some up." "A while back?" She twisted around to look at Nick. "Try several years ago!" "It goes bad?" "I'm sure it'll be fine. Tomato sounds good, if that's one of my choices." "It is," Nick assured her. Instead of heating the soup in the microwave, Nick pulled out a saucepan and set about warming it on the stove. Natalie always found the soft sounds of the spoon stirring soup to be soothing and settling; a sound from childhood sick days. This time, however, she wondered about the noises the murderer, or murderers, had made. She wondered if in her sleep she'd mistaken their sounds as her mother doing this and that around the house so very long ago. Or perhaps she'd unknowingly dreamed of Richard and his often rambunctious boyhood Saturday morning rampages to get to the television before cartoons started. No, Nick was in the dream, she recalled. Eating ... something, not soup though. Had he been chewing noisily? Unable to shake the thoughts, Natalie stood, looking around for something, *anything*, to do. Spying the previous day's mail tossed haphazardly where Nick had thrown it, she began stacking it in a neater pile. Un-enveloped tickets caught her eye. She retrieved them from the bottom of the stack. "The Pompeii exhibit," she said aloud. "Yeah," Nick said from behind her. Startled, Nat turned so fast she collided with the mug of soup he held. Hot soup splattered over the both of them. Fortunately, the heavy material of the sweats protected her from a burn. "Oh, my God, I'm sorry!" she said, grabbing the tomato soup soaked napkin from his hands. She dabbed uselessly at the front of his shirt. "Nat," he said. "Nat, it's okay! Here." Nick held out the mug. "There's plenty of soup left." "This will stain." "I don't care. We'll clean up later," he stressed. "Sit down and get some food in you." "But...." "Doctor's orders." Grabbing the mug, she walked around to plop back down on the sofa. A tentative sip filled her mouth with the warm, tangy taste. Appetite returning, she took several literal gulps. Nick gave her a rewarding smile, than sat in a chair opposite her. They sat in silence as she drank the soup. Nick shifted several times making Natalie wonder if he was as uncomfortable about starting a conversation as she was. "Pompeii. You said that's where LaCroix's from," Nat said. Nick nodded. "I thought that I'd be able to convince him to go," he whispered. "If he went maybe..." Nick shrugged his shoulders, unable or unwilling to complete the sentence. Nat sat aside her soup, scooting to the very edge of the sofa. When she stretched her arm, her fingers barely touched his knees. "I'm not so sure this is a good idea," she said softly. "For you, I mean." "I... I... just can't let this opportunity to learn more about him slip through my fingers." He looked away before muttering, "Divia." "It must've been awful for him, being brought across as the ash rained down," Natalie admitted. "The very process of being a vampire's victim is bad enough." Leaning back, Nat raised a hand to cover her mouth. From Nick's expression, she knew the memories of the night he'd nearly drained her were rushing through his mind. "Oh, my God, Nick. I'm sorry! I was just going to make a comparison." The initial grief and guilt on Nick's face faded. "I can only imagine what it was like for him since he won't talk about it. I've never even picked anything up about his early life when I've tasted his blood. He's refusing to go with me. I honestly thought he might at least enjoy looking at the artifacts." "Maybe they're not artifacts to him," Natalie murmured. "Wouldn't be surprised if he saw everything as stuff stolen from him by the volcano. I mean, one moment in life you're in the place you feel most secure, then the next thing you know, that security is ripped away." "You're shivering!" Nick exclaimed, moving quickly from the chair to sit down next to her. Placing an arm around her, he pulled her close. "You sure I can't get you a blanket?" "I'm not cold, at least not that kind of cold," Nat explained, trying unsuccessfully to relax in his arms. "Why don't you go with me to the exhibit?" Nick offered. "Me? Well, I'd like to, but let's go to a regular showing. I'm not sure I feel like dressing up, pretending to be rich," Natalie said. "It'll take your mind off... off...." "Off what's happened to me? I'm a coroner, I deal with murders and crimes every day," Nat insisted. "Besides, we're backed up as it is. I simply can't take a vacation day right now. It wouldn't be fair." "Surely you're not thinking of working tomorrow night?" Nick looked genuinely surprised. "Of course I plan to work. Why shouldn't I?" Natalie couldn't help smiling at Nick's expression. He looked as if he wanted to actually make list of reasons. She gazed into his weary, concerned eyes. "Look, I'll be okay. If not, I'll leave. As for the doctor's orders, why don't you go on to bed. You've got to be exhausted and I know I won't be able to sleep." Nick didn't reply so they sat on the sofa listening to the hum of the appliances and the silence of the early day. Natalie tried to focus on earlier visits to the loft with popcorn, movies, and conversations about everything, yet nothing. Her mind, however, kept returning to the horrors of the most recent night, until, at last, slumber slumped her head against Nick's chest. *** By the time Nick arrived the next night at the precinct, Adam and Reese had a large map tacked to a hallway wall. His partner flipped through a clipboard loaded with reports, then carefully pushed a pin into the map. "How's Natalie?" Reese asked. Nick noticed a series of thin scratches down the Captain's slightly inflamed left cheek. "I dropped her off at the morgue. She insisted on working," Nick replied. "People handle stress differently," Reese sighed. "Maybe concentrating on her work will keep her mind off her own troubles." "Yeah," Nick said, hardly convinced. "By the way," he commented, pointing to Reese's face, "what happened?" "Don't ask," Reese muttered. Out of Reese's field of view, Adam mouthed the word, "cat" obviously fighting a grin. As the Captain's attention focused back on the map, Adam cleared his throat and continued out loud. "Since the Pias murder apparently is connected with robbery, I checked with larceny to see if they might have any similar cases. Bingo!" Adam exclaimed, tapping the map. "Over the past three weeks, there's been a string of burglaries within approximately a fifteen kilometer area. There's no set pattern as to the times of the crimes, but they all have taken place in older apartment buildings with no security other than easily opened deadbolt locks or door chains." "The only problem," Reese interjected, "is that none of the previous burglaries have involved violence. Some of the victims, like Natalie slept through it. One man did wake up, but said he asked who was there, thus alerting the perps, who fled." "So let me guess, larceny feels it's a different person or group of people," Nick commented. "Give that man first prize," Adam said. "Captain," Nick said with more enthusiasm than he'd intended. "I'd like to go back out to the apartment building. Maybe there's something we missed." "No," Reese replied, holding up his hand to stop Nick's argument. "I want you to stay here and pour over the larceny reports. Not the most exciting assignment, I'll admit, but you're good with puzzles. Maybe you'll catch a connecting thread larceny's missed. "Sure," Nick said, not meaning it. There were times when his vampiric skills came in handy. Crime scenes were one of them. Adam patted him on the shoulder. "Don't sound so enthused, partner. I'm going to take this list of addresses and check out each apartment building. If there's a clue to be found, I'll find it!" "Best get on your way, Sakai," Reese said. As Adam passed, Nick grabbed him gently by the arm. "Could you keep an eye open for Nat's cat?" "Damn cats," Reese muttered under his breath. Adam laughed. "Don't worry, if the cat's to be found, my sneezing will lead me to him." *** "Maybe we ought to save this one for the next shift," Grace said, trying to grab the chart from Natalie's hands. "No, it's the next one in line," Nat said, yanking the chart away. "I don't need to be saved from myself, I need to be saved from you and Nick!" "We're only trying to help," Grace said firmly. "You've had quite a shock." She stepped behind Nat and began to massage her shoulders. "Like I thought, you're all tense. Don't feel like you have to put on a brave face with me. I ... I know what you're going through." Grace stepped away, giving Natalie room to turn. Hearing the tension in Grace's voice, Natalie sat on the edge of her desk. She waited silently as her co-worker and friend seemed to stare into the distance. "I've been raped," Grace admitted quietly. "Oh... I...I'm sorry." "Don't worry, there was no way for you to know," Grace explained. "I'd be lying if I said I'm over it, but I decided long ago not to let the rape haunt me for the rest of my life." "Well, I wasn't raped, was I? I wasn't murdered," Nat stressed. "Nothing happened to me physically. Now let's get on with this autopsy." Flipping open the chart, Nat quickly scanned the stats. A male, age seventy-two. He'd been found, brutally beaten, in a park where he'd apparently taken his dog for an early morning walk. The dog. Natalie slammed the chart closed. She really didn't need to know all the gruesome facts in order to determine whether or not the beating had caused the man's death. After preparing the body as well as donning gloves, Natalie selected a scalpel. Natalie raised it to make the initial cut. "You know, it's kind of strange to be a victim," she said to Grace. "It isn't something you expect. One minute you're minding your own business - walking a dog or simply coming home after work. The next thing you know, tag, you're a statistic." The blade almost touched the elderly man's bruised skin, but Natalie's hand shook so much she dared not begin the cut. "All I did was wake up thinking what a wonderful dream I'd had." She tried to steady the scalpel by gripping her own wrist with her left hand. "Nat," Grace said, her voice full of warning. "I'm not so sure you should...." Straightening, Natalie turned from the body, mesmerized by the way the overhead lights reflected off the silver blade. "Not very steady tonight, am I?" she asked. "Not steady at all." The scalpel slipped from her hand, barely missing her foot as it bounced off the floor. Grace's strong hands pulled her away. She spun, her entire body now shaking. "What's happening to me, Grace?" "Nothing that isn't understandable. You're a strong woman, Nat, but you've been through a shock no matter who got the worse end of the deal," Grace insisted quietly. "You need some time to gather your thoughts, sort things out in your mind. Believe me, I *know*! For now, I think I should call Nick to take you home," Grace insisted. "N...no, not Nick," Natalie murmured. "No need to worry him. I... I'll call him myself, once I get to his place. I'm sorry." Grace hugged her. "There's nothing to be sorry about. Give yourself a little time." "Yeah," Nat whispered. She felt embarrassed, ashamed, and very much the victim. "A little time." (to be continued ...) -------------------------------------------- For more information or to participate in the Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season, write to V4S@fkfanfic.com. From v4s@FKFANFIC.COM Fri Oct 2 00:41:12 1998 Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 21:25:39 -0400 From: Virtual Fourth Season To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Subject: V4S: When Darkness Falls (04/11) Episode Number: Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season - Episode #18 Episode Title: "When Darkness Falls" "Air" Date: September 28, 1998 Author: Libby Singleton Part 4 of 11 This story is based on characters and situations created by James Parriott and Barney Cohen and owned by Sony/TriStar. No infringement is intended. Copyright 1998 Elizabeth Ann Singleton ------------------ WHEN DARKNESS FALLS <<"Home is where one starts from. As we grow older the world becomes stranger, the pattern more complicated...." Thus, a child seeks security from this new knowledge in the arms of its parents or, perhaps, through the cuddling of a smelly, worn stuffed plaything. But what about us of more mature years? Where is security when your parents are long dead, when the beloved toy of yesteryear has long since been buried or burned with the rest of the rubbish? Is not security simply a myth you outgrow all too soon, leaving it behind with other childhood lies?>> >>--------> Although many decades marked Lucius' last visit to Rome, the city still held a certain comfortable familiarity within his thoughts. Certain landmarks had changed, but the hustle and bustle, the sheer energy, of Rome seemed eternal. he thought. His trip had left him hungry, so as he observed the sites, he also sought his evening's victim. Despite the late hours, the streets were too crowded to make a discreet kill. Passing an alley, his enhanced eyesight peered through the darkness to the more promising, less populated area on the other side of the buildings. Just as he was about to enter the passageway, he heard a mortal heartbeat approaching him. Not quickly, but steady enough to cause him to pause and turn. "Lucius? Is that you Lucius?" an old man with a cracking yet loud voice shouted. Thin and bent with inflamed joints, he shuffled more than ran, yet managed to move along at a good pace. "It is you, my old friend! The last I saw of you was in Gaul! How triumphant we were, how victorious." "Do I know you?" Lucius asked out of genuine curiosity. "Don't you remember?" the old man asked, his tone full of disappointment. "We...." "Grandfather! You should not have wandered off." A tall, lanky youth ran across the street, taking the old man by the arm. "Forgive my great-grandfather, sir," he said to Lucius. "His mind lives in the past." When he attempted to lead his great-grandfather away, the old man held his ground, managing to jerk free. "Surely you remember, Lucius. Tell Marcus! Tell him you remember Flavius!" Lucius did remember, all too well. But surely this twisted, wrinkled shell of a man before him was not the same rival general whom he had fought beside, and with, in many battles since their youth. That Flavius had been strong of mind and body, a worthy, if annoying, opponent for Imperial glories. He studied the man carefully, focusing on the green eyes. Wet and red with age, they still settled the matter about the old man's identity. "Come home with us," Flavius said eagerly. "We'll talk of old times." "Grandfather, we mustn't bother him any longer...." "No," Lucius said in a calm, friendly manner, staring directly into Marcus' eyes. "He isn't bothering me. In fact, I've just arrived in Rome and such gracious hospitality would be welcome." "Gracious hospitality," Marcus repeated. "Then the matter is settled," Flavius insisted. "Our home is not far." <---------<< <> *** Waiting for the "on air" sign to deactivate, Nick paced in front of the sound booth. His original intent had been to go straight back to the loft during his meal break to check on Natalie. However, listening to the Nightcrawler monologue made him wonder what emotions, if any, LaCroix hid. Had the Pompeii exhibition awakened memories of Divia, or were the words aimed at Natalie? Once it was safe to enter without interrupting the broadcast, Nick slowly opened the door and stuck his head inside. LaCroix's expression appeared carefully guarded, and he seemed to be blocking the link he shared with Nick. "I trust Dr. Lambert is uninjured," LaCroix asked. Nick nodded slightly, shifting his weight from his right to his left foot. LaCroix actually sounded unnervingly concerned. "S...she's okay, I guess. Shaken up." Pulling an envelope from his jacket pocket, he placed it in front of LaCroix. "I wanted to bring these by." "If these are the exhibition tickets...." "And a brochure I found," Nick explained. "Invite Janette - or go by yourself. I know you want to go." "You seem to 'know' an awful lot, Nicholas," LaCroix sneered. "You are the one who enjoys the past so very much. Take your dear Natalie since you always seem so intent on discussing family secrets with her." "No," Nick said firmly. "Do what you want with the tickets. Burn them. I don't care. I've got to get home." Without another word, Nick left. *** Coffee in one hand, flashlight in the other, Adam searched the back of Natalie's apartment building meter by meter. Although he knew the chances of finding any other evidence was slim, he was driven by not only knowing one the victims, but by the knowledge this could happen to Kelly. His fiancee lived within the area, in fact in a building only a block from one of the burglaries. Rationally, he knew the odds were against Kelly's apartment being targeted, yet he couldn't help imagining her walking in on a crime in progress. As he shined the light along a row of thickly leafed bushes, he clearly saw the reflection of two green eyes. Easing closer, he sat his cup on the ground and knelt. "Sidney kitty? Here kitty, kitty, kitty!" "Meep?" the cat sounded softly. "That's it, Sidney. Come on," Adam said in the same coaxing voice he'd often heard Kelly use - usually on him. "Here kitty, kitty, kitty." Sidney stood, taking an inquisitive few steps. "Meow?" "Yeah, I'll make sure you get some kitty nibbles." Adam placed the flashlight beside his coffee, freeing both hands. "Kitty, kitty, kitty," he repeated, wiggling his fingers. After a large, loud mixture of a meow and a yawn, Sidney began walking toward him. Adam was reaching out to grab the cat when he noticed his eyes were beginning to water. "Oh, no!" he managed to say before his itching sinuses produced a loud sneeze. He lunged for Sidney too late. The cat was already heading into the street. An oncoming car squealed to a stop, peeling rubber and missing the animal by less than a half-meter. Snatching the flashlight as he stood, Adam took off after Sidney. "Kitty! Kitty! Kitty!" he shouted between sneezes. His voice echoed into the night. "Kitty! Kitty! Kitty! *ACHOO!* Damn it!" Adam managed to keep Sidney in his sight until they entered a vacant lot and his foot caught on something, sending him thudding to the ground. Muttering numerous curses under his breath, he clutched his twisted ankle, rocking with the pain. At least, he noted, it didn't seem broken. He stretched the leg completely out and leaned back. When he put his hands on the ground behind him to support himself, his left hand fell on something cold and plastic, no doubt what caused the fall, he decided. Shifting, he managed to turn his head to find he'd tripped on a camcorder. Adam used his flashlight to turn the object over without smudging more any finger prints. The open video tape compartment revealed a tape. "A coincidence, or a clue?" Adam pondered out loud. (to be continued ...) -------------------------------------------- For more information or to participate in the Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season, write to V4S@fkfanfic.com. From v4s@FKFANFIC.COM Fri Oct 2 00:41:19 1998 Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 21:25:45 -0400 From: Virtual Fourth Season To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Subject: V4S: When Darkness Falls (05/11) Episode Number: Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season - Episode #18 Episode Title: "When Darkness Falls" "Air" Date: September 28, 1998 Author: Libby Singleton Part 5 of 11 This story is based on characters and situations created by James Parriott and Barney Cohen and owned by Sony/TriStar. No infringement is intended. Copyright 1998 Elizabeth Ann Singleton ------------------ WHEN DARKNESS FALLS The sound of voices woke Natalie with a start. For a horrible moment upon opening her eyes, she didn't know where she was. She sat up, looked around frantically trying to focus on something, anything, familiar. Her location, like her thoughts, seemed a dim blur. Only the sound of the name "Nicholas" jarred her to her senses. Nearing the point of hyperventilation, Nat collapsed back onto the pillow on Nick's bed. She tugged the sheets and blanket tightly around her as she listened to the voices drifting up from downstairs. "....The chocolates are merely a nicety, I assure you," LaCroix said evenly. "I understand that it is considered a comfort food, as this bottle should be to you." "Don't tell me you're *that* concerned about Nat," Nick retaliated. "You know me better than that, Nicholas," LaCroix chastised. "*You* are the one I'm concerned about. "Why?" "Because I care about you, whether you realize it or not. All this worry and fret over a mortal who, I'm sure you'll agree, has proven in past events she's quite capable of taking care of herself. Certainly more so than you." There was a beat of silence. Natalie could picture Nick's expression of stubborn anger. "If you've come over here to argue...." "Oh, really," LaCroix said, chuckling. "I am visiting, you seem to be the one full of hostility. Of course these mortal tragedies always do seem to upset you so." "At least I'm doing something about the problem, not avoiding it," Nick snapped accusingly. "Pray tell," LaCroix replied with boredom clearly in his tone, "what ever do you mean?" "I'm helping Natalie the best I can instead of avoiding the situation. You, however, won't even go to a damn exhibition with me because you don't want to face your past!" "What is dust, is dust, Nicholas," LaCroix stated as if a college lecturer. "Unlike you and your constant digression into the world of those long turned to such, *I* care to live in the here and now." 'Uh, oh,' Nat thought, reaching for Nick's robe. She could hear the tension building in LaCroix's voice, even sense it to some degree. "Okay, that's it!" she called from the top of the stairwell. "I'm trying to sleep." "My, my, Sleeping Beauty awoke without even a kiss," LaCroix quipped. "Considering your passion for deep sleep in most dangerous circumstances...." "Leave her alone!" Nick growled. "In fact, why don't you just leave?" Natalie asked, walking down the steps. "I think it'd be better for all of us." LaCroix's eyes grew wide with amusement as Nick stepped between him and Nat. "Indeed?" "Yes," Natalie said firmly, stepping around Nick. "Indeed." "Are you sure there is nothing I can do to be of assistance in this most trying of times?" LaCroix asked. "Yes," Natalie replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. "You can go now." LaCroix nodded. "Whatsoever the fair doctor wishes, the fair doctor shall have," he said slowly, reaching into his jacket's inner pocket. "These belong to you, Nicholas. Do with them what you will, but do not force them back upon me." He set the Pompeii tickets on an end table. In a flash, LaCroix was up and through the skylight. Natalie felt Nick's embrace, but could not respond. Feeling faint, she leaned against him, lowering her head to stare at her bare feet. "I can't believe I just did that," she whispered. *** With difficulty, Nick watched Natalie gaze upon picture after picture of burglary suspects. Her expression was one of unwavering non-recognition. As each photo flashed past on the computer, she shook her head slightly. Although they were in a private corner of the office, he couldn't help feeling as though all eyes in the precinct were focused on them. "Just take it slowly," he said softly. "We know you were asleep, but maybe you'll remember someone who might have been casing your apartment building." "Work's been so crazy, I really haven't noticed anything but the alarm clock," Natalie admitted. "I'm a coroner, for God's sake. You'd think I'd automatically pay attention to things. Do you really believe they might have cased out the building before breaking in?" "In most of the cases, the occupants weren't home," Nick explained. "The one other instance where they did enter an occupied apartment, the man's car was in the shop." "Like mine," Nat whispered, looking upward at Nick. "But Missy...?" "Came home early," Nick explained. "She told her boss she felt like she was coming down with something. We're guessing she walked in on them." "There but for fortune, huh?" Nat said, choking slightly. "I'm sorry. None of these pictures are familiar in the least." "Nat, it's okay," Nick said quickly. "This isn't a test or anything. Maybe we should stop for now." "Hey, guys," Adam said. He approached from his desk, grinning. "The lab just about has that video tape playable. They said the picture isn't good, but might be enhanceable." "Video tape?" Nat asked, rubbing the back of her neck as she stood. "Nick didn't tell you?" Adam asked, looking at Nick with annoyance and surprise. Nick shook his head. "I found a camcorder *with* a video near your apartment building," Adam continued, ignoring Nick's gestures for him to shut up. "Could be a coincidence, but the camera was reported stolen from one of the first burglaries." "I'd like to see the tape," Nat said firmly. "The lab's still trying to clean the picture up," Adam explained. "Wasn't in very good shape." "And there's probably no need for you...." Nick started to say. "Nick, if I need to see it, I need to see it," Nat protested. "Anything to help." Nick took her arm, trying to guide her back to the chair. "Why don't you sit back down and let Adam get you some coffee or something. You're getting upset." "Hell, yes, I'm upset!" Nat snapped, standing up. "Who wouldn't be after all that I've been through! You've got to stop trying to protect me, Nick! Listen, I know you are trying to help, and I'm touched, but you've got to let me be a so-called 'possible witness.'" Her words stung. Nick blinked, trying to hide the emotional pain. "You *are* the witness, Nat," he said. "There's just no need to make this any harder than it already is for you. Right, Adam?" Instead of the immediate agreement Nick sought, Adam shrugged. "Maybe Nat's not the one who needs a break, partner? Why don't you go check with the lab. I'll finish up here." Nick nodded, realizing Adam was right, but not about to admit it out loud. *** <> >>---------> The old man would not shut up. In truth, Lucius did not mind as it kept him from being forced to make boring small talk. Flavius currently was offering commentary, once again, on Nero's glory. Not only had Flavius become a drooling, toothless old man, but Lucius could easily tell the man was, indeed, quite senile - or perhaps insane. Lucius could see little difference between the two infirmities. In his glory, Flavius had been worthy, now he was only pathetic. Although he'd retired with the wealth that came from serving the Emperor, Flavius had never achieved the power that Lucius had so eagerly sought in his mortality. "Excuse me, Grandfather," Marcus interrupted. "Would either of you care for more wine?" "Wine. Now that is one thing I did miss about our campaigns," Flavius rambled. "Nothing ever matched our fine, Roman wines. Everything else is swill, don't you agree, Lucius? Winemaking is not an art for barbarians. Ah, but the women! How they fought...." Tuning out Flavius' tirade, Lucius stared down at his still full mug. He occasionally raised it to his lips for appearance sake. Although the vapors were delightful, he had no urge to take even the smallest taste. But the slave woman who now waited for him to hold out his cup for more wine, she was very tempting indeed. "No more wine. I am quite satiated in that regard." The slave woman nodded before turning to Marcus's cup. As she poured, she glanced over her shoulder at Lucius. For the briefest of moments, their eyes met. Lucius smiled slightly; perhaps she'd be his evening meal. Due to her focus on Lucius instead of the matter at hand, Marcus's mug began to overflow, splattering the wine all over his toga. He immediately leapt to his feet, backhanding the slave woman. Although she was flung several meters backwards, she did not fall nor drop the wine container. "You clumsy fool!" Marcus shouted. Lucius immediately stood, stepping to the side of the slave girl. The entertainment was most amusing, but he did not want the girl harmed - yet. "An accident, I'm sure. Perhaps you should go change. Your presence will be missed, but I am enjoying your great-grandfather's company and stories." "If you are sure." "Very," Lucius assured him. Marcus nodded, leaving the room. Lucius rushed forward, gently taking the slave girl's arm. He stared deeply into the woman's eyes. "When I leave, slip away and meet me in the street. Be discreet." "....Discreet," the woman repeated softly before following Marcus. Lucius turned, curious to see the old man's reaction. Flavius seemed unaware of the mini-drama that had just taken place in front of him. "....Was the finest horse I'd ever taken into battle. Remember him? A fine stallion...." Lucius thought. <---------<< <<....Even the oldest friendships ... and rivalries ... seemingly built on the strongest of foundation, can, like a civilization, be destroyed by either the stroke of fate or by time. So what, dear listeners, is the point? Victory, of course. But such a triumph over destruction does not come without pain, without the greatest of suffering. Ask yourself if you truly have the ability to win such a battle....>> (to be continued ...) -------------------------------------------- For more information or to participate in the Forever Knight Virtual 4th Season, write to V4S@fkfanfic.com.