Do you believe in magic? Do you think that your favorite "Forever Knight" characters believe in magic? Better wait before you answer that. This piece of fan fiction takes place late in the second season. In this story LaCroix, Janette, Schanke, Natalie, and Nicholas are about to reevaluate the paths that they have been traveling. Are they content with their chosen paths? What if they were able to fulfill their deepest desires? Each is about to discover a magic that makes wishes come true, and each will have the opportunity to experience a different path. In the end some may regret the path not taken, but all will grow, and life (or unlife) will never be the same again.

Okay, this is fantasy, but if you did not like fantasy you would not be here. We all know that the series was not beyond going outside of reality. Two episodes that clearly stand out are "Curiouser and Curiouser" and "Dead of Night." So sit back, get comfortable, and watch as some life altering events begin to play out.

My sincere gratitude again to Rosemary for her perceptive beta reading work, and for her amazing speed. She is definitely any writers granted wish come true. She has proven to be a true treasure.

As always a special thank you to my husband Neil, whose encouragement and patience seems to show no bounds. I could never adequately express how much his inspiration and support have meant. He is the source of my contentment on my own personal taken path.

Archive Permission: Permission to archive to Mel's FKFanfic Archive, and to the FK FTP site IS GRANTED. All others must ask permission.

Disclaimers: The Forever Knight characters belong to Columbia Tri/Star. No copyright infringement is intended. This story and all other characters are copyrighted by me.

Please send all comments to gwennM@hotmail.com

******

"Tonight gentle listeners, we are pondering on the allusive feeling of contentment. The word exists in our language, yet how many of us can truly say that we have achieved it? Who among us has experienced the comforting peace that accompanies it? Contentment is within all of our reach and carries no high price, yet so few of us can honestly admit to ourselves that there is not something more that we desire. Something that lurks in our hearts with each of its life giving beats.

So what is it then that keeps us from possessing this ability to be happy with our lot? Why must we always regret what has been done, and long for that which we know we can not have? Could it be the anger in our hearts that is an obstacle to our serenity? Anger that drags us down over what could have been or what can never be. Or is it, that the reasons we are never satisfied, stem from our perceived control of our affairs or the lack of it? Somehow believing that we are controlled by chance, makes us feel cheated. And believing that we are in complete control, rapidly discloses our power as an illusion.

Unless we are content to accept all that is done to us and all that we have done to ourselves, then we shall never experience the gratification that comes with true contentment. I have never seen contentment, even in those who can have it all. It seems that the word is only on the lips of those who watch the young child play, and describes those who have no capacity to think. Ignorance is truly bliss my friends, and I shall never be appeased."

Turning off the microphone, LaCroix stared at the crystal goblet in which remained only a few drops of bloodwine. The electronic lights from the sound room, endlessly reflected off the glass. Gazing at the brilliant sparkling colors that reflected from the glass, he sighed deeply. How much like the stars these colors glistened. As brightly as the reflection in her eyes that magical night so many centuries ago. If only he had never met her, for until then he had never known of love. Now, because of her, he would never again be ignorant of the pain of love lost. How much better to have never known, for one can never travel back to mend a broken heart.

Their love had been a once in a lifetime love, once in several lifetimes. How could it be that after all this time, that a day would not pass that he did not think of her? This was his obstacle to contentment. This unyielding memory of Fleur and their love. His heart became hard and cold as he bitterly murmured to himself.

"What is the value in something that only lasts a short time?"

Rising from his chair, he picked up his glass and swirled the remaining amount of human blood and wine before consuming it in one quick movement. The early morning CERK radio announcer had arrived, and already had begun to arrange the music for his shift. No words or looks were exchanged between the two announcers as always, for it was the way he had wanted it. Even with all the time in the universe on his side and his emptiness, he could find no reason to resort to idle chat. Still, this was the time of the night that allowed the loneliness of the centuries to creep in. This final lingering hour of darkness in which his solitude made him feel hollow. The weight of timeless foreverness joined with his loneliness.

As he walked past the small crew of CERK operators, he pulled on a lightweight black duster. Treasuring the knowledge that not one dared to speak to him as he took his usual path towards the back door that led into the alley. In the three years that he had exited there, it was always desolate. Infrequently, the occasional drunk would wander in, but was so disoriented that his take off into the darkness went unnoticed.

Effortlessly pushing open the heavy metal door that led into the alley, he cringed from its loud rusty squeak. No doubt that it had been a while since any maintenance personnel had braved to explore this means of departure.

Although not bothered by the cool early morning air of Autumn, he could feel the frigid breeze push against his tall imposing body. As he held the door, the light from the radio station poured into the darkened alley way. He released the door, allowing it to loudly slam close from its own weight. Comfortably, he leaned back into the shadows. Glancing towards the sky, he prepared for his routine flight home. As he gazed into the darkness, he was suddenly caught off guard and thrown against the side of the building as a man recklessly rounded the corner of the building and rushed past him. Angry about his unexpected change of plans, he began to straighten himself with thoughts of seizing the fool and teaching him some manners. However, within seconds, another stranger appeared at the alley's entrance. As LaCroix silently watched, the new intruder took aim and fired two shots into the first rude mortal that had disturbed him. Both shots struck the fleeing man in the back. As the bullets ripped through him, the man immediately fell to his knees. The gunman raced to him and easily threw him to the ground. Standing quietly, LaCroix listened to the gunman's angry words.

"What have you done with it?"

There was no answer from the man as he lie bleeding on the cold gravel struggling to breathe. The gunman sweated as it took him less than a minute to search the dying man's clothes. Frustrated, the gunman aimed the gun at his victim's face.

"Tell me what you did with it, and I won't kill you!"

A hoarse whispered voice forced its way from the dying man as he coughed and squirmed in pain.

"It's cursed. I'm already dead, and so are you."

"SHUT UP!" The gunman screamed out at his victim as he used his gun to strike at his head. The blow silenced the man, as his attacker aimed the gun one last time at the bleeding man's head and fired. The sound of the shot echoed throughout the alley, yet no one seemed to notice. Again LaCroix backed into the shadows as the killer stumbled past him and into the pre-dawn street.

LaCroix glanced down the alley with his night vision at what remained of the mortal who had interrupted his flight home. Although this had proven to be quite entertaining, he wondered what it was that had allowed this mortal to give up his life. Listening carefully for a heartbeat, he entertained the thought that he should at least be compensated by this mortal for his delay with a small snack. Some nourishment for his journey home, no reason to let a good meal go to waste. He smiled, just one for the road. The man's heartbeat was faint, and completely extinguished before he took his first step. 'Oh well, he did provide for an interesting show.' Anyway, his blood reeked of something foul. Turning to leave, his foot struck an object, and he looked down. A dark velvet pouch which was fastened tightly with a gold colored cord, lay by his feet. Reaching down to pick up the bag, he realized that this was the gunman's desired object. The object worth dying for, worth killing for. The dead man must have dropped it when he so carelessly collided into him in the dark while he rushed to elude his pursuer. Placing the velvet bag deeply into his pocket, he decided that this may be something to provide him with an interesting diversion for the day. A final glance around, and he took off into the lightening sky. All that remained in the alley was the crumpled remains of an unfortunate mortal.

******

It was only a short flight to the towering building that held his penthouse apartment. After landing on his balcony, he turned and looked back at the distant tall black shape that was the CN tower. Although there remained a few more minutes to sunrise, it was still easy to see all the buildings that crowded the city's landscape with their lighted windows. The horizon's color had almost completely lightened, and he twisted around to slide the glass door to the side and slip into his empty apartment. After securely locking the sliding glass door, he stretched out his arm to pull close the heavy darkened curtains which covered the entire length of the wall. Removing his coat and lying it over the chair, reminded him of the object that it contained as it struck the wood with a dull thump. He had to admit that he was a bit curious about the bag's contents, but his hunger drove him to seek out some sustenance before examining his unexpected prize.

Moving towards the spotless stainless steel kitchen, he smiled when he noticed that Janette had remembered to send someone over with his order. A wooden crate sat on top of the round chrome table which stood at the side of the room. After sliding one bottle up after another, he finally settled on one that caught his eye. Yes, Janette always sent a nice assortment, he would have to remember to compliment her on her choices at their next encounter. After filling one of his crystal goblets from his selected bottle, he retreated to the living room and settled back on a lavish leather chair. Again his attention became drawn to the hidden object that lay waiting for him in his coat's pocket. After a few sips, he relented to his inquisiveness, placed his glass down, and retrieved his coat. Reaching into his pocket, he emerged with the velvet bag and pulled apart the gathering at the top that held it together. His hand was too large to fit inside the bag, so he turned it upside down to empty it of its contents. A silver candlestick spilled out onto the sofa next to him, but he continued to vigorously shake the bag. Where were the jewels or the valuable coins that the mortal had thrown away his life for? The bag contained nothing else. Feeling his anger begin to build, he grabbed at the candlestick and hissed.

"Stupid mortal! This is what you died for. Nothing more than a mere souvenir in which to burn a candle. It's value in silver not much more than a few hundred dollars."

Another look at the candlestick and he realized that it was quite old, probably centuries old. Grinning, he murmured sarcastically.

"So that is your value, still hardly worth dying for." Twisting and turning the silver object, he noticed that it was engraved. Engraved in an Old Latin that he had not seen used since the Middle Ages.

"How quaint. It seems this piece of silver comes with its own story to read by the candle light that it can shed."

Perhaps this was not a total loss after all. It might make for an interesting topic on tonight's show on CERK radio. It might even be worth the few moments it will take to translate it. As he studied the inscription, two words stood out, truth and desires. Beginning to now have second thoughts on the benefit of deciphering these words, he became annoyed. What mystical dribble had someone conceived and applied to this poor piece of workmanship? Yet he persevered, after all he really would need all the words if he were to expose this as the mockery it was. Walking to the far end of the room, he picked up a notebook and a pen, and returned to the sofa to once again view the article.

The lettering was very worn, and numerous words had to be guessed at. The first line was the least difficult to decipher. He read the line as he finished writing it.

"To confront the truth that is masked in darkness."

Well, not the most eloquent words, yet not the worst he had ever seen either. Rubbing at the tarnished letters did not make them any easier to read. Even though he saw clearly, a little extra light might be helpful. He could feel that a bright sun was throwing its light on the city outside his window, but his dense curtains did not allow for even the tinniest of rays to filter through. Some candlelight might help in clarifying some of the words. After lighting several candles, he brought one near to the sofa where he worked. Handling the candlestick made him aware that it had some weight to it considering its small size. Probably one and a half kilograms of solid silver were needed to produce it. Rotating the cylinder shaped piece of metal in one hand, he allowed the glow from the candle to illuminate the etched letters as he continued to write and repeat the words.

"To obtain the desire most impenetrable,

disclose your innermost thoughts and feelings

which lay heavily in the center of emotions."

His irritation limit was about to be exceeded.

"What kind of sham is this? Some frivolous deception using paltry poetry!" Some madman's cruel version of a joke to have others believe that their wishes could come true by some sort of magical words. He had seen far too much to believe in the occult or any other form of mysticism. This was more of Nicholas's domain, he was the one to always chase after the mythological. Yes, only Nicholas would hold close to such deception. But what conversation and lunatics could this topic draw out when he presented it tonight. With renewed interest he turned back to the inscription and tried to interpret the remaining words. Picking up the pen, he completed the lines of the poem.

Then proclaim by the light of the candle that burns within

your longing desire. So that you may taste

of your yearnings just once.

If the message that one could be granted their wish were not so pathetic, he would find some amusement from it. To think that one mortal had killed and another been killed over this worthless candle holder even disgusted him. Killing was so much more than for money or a wish. Such a waste. Why kill if not for food or for power? Killing was even easily understandable if it were to calm the deep passion of anger or hatred. But to kill for this mere memento of by gone days was incomprehensible. Over the centuries, he had witnessed killing in all its forms, and there never was anything new. But it was the senseless robbing of life that eluded him. Of the thousands upon thousands of lives he had taken, not one soul had been stolen without good cause or reason. As he studied the antique, he knew that there existed no reason for the forfeiting of the life that he had witnessed. A waste, a death with no profit. He sighed, "Oh well, maybe it has some value as a candleholder, after all it is not all that painful to look at." Reaching over to one of the dozens of candles that were lit throughout the room, he pulled one from its container and placed it in the ancient silver piece. Although painful to his eyes, he found himself drawn to the luminous glow that it shed. The reflection that it cast was so brilliant that it was necessary for him to close his eyes for a moment. The candle light suddenly softened to a warm glow, and his frustration and suspicion grew.

"What manner of trickery is this? Now I am certain that I have been spending too much time listening to Nicholas's rantings of the supernatural."

Leaning back on his sofa, he picked up the words he had just translated and skeptically studied them. Cynicism dripped from his voice as he spoke.

"So there is nothing left to do but to declare my desire." He shook his head sadly.

"If only such magic existed."

As he closed his eyes, he became lost in his thoughts. A perfect picture formed of the only woman he had ever loved. His heart felt as if it were being wrenched from his chest as he recalled her large trusting and loving eyes pleading with him to take her. In over two thousand years, losing her had been his only regret. As he relived her words and her touch, he whispered in agony.

"Fleur, my only desire."

A powerful rush of wind ripped through the room, causing almost all the candles to become extinguished and startling him to sit up. Yet his attention was captured by the echoing sound of the knocking at his apartment door. Feeling slightly disoriented, he could not imagine who could be visiting him by way of the door especially at this time of day. All that he knew landed on the balcony. He must have not securely closed the balconies door, for it had allowed the air to enter, and was now causing the door to vibrate. There must be a storm brewing that had generated a breeze strong enough to extinguish all his candles. No, not all. The one in the newly acquired candle holder still burned softly. The sound of someone lightly tapping on his door came again. Not the wind, then who would dare to disturb his daytime sleep? Surely a mortal salesman would not want to be asked into his place before he had neither slept nor fed. Ignoring the knock from his door, he walked over to lock his sliding glass door. The heat from the sun penetrated both the glass and the curtains. Not wishing to feel the sun's searing rays, he felt for the door's lock through the curtains, and could immediately determine that the door had been securely locked. Uncertain of the origin of the air that had broken into his residence, he began to scan the room for other explanations. Again his focus became directed to his door as the intolerable rapping continued. Whoever ventured to disregard him like this, would surely pay. Angrily he rushed to the door and tore it open, but what he saw made him feel as he did the night that Divia his master had drained him of his blood.

"Lucien"

His mouth opened to speak to her, but no words came out. Briefly he closed his eyes as renewed pain of her lost beauty and love swept over him. Re-opening his eyes, he stared at her in disbelief. Longing to touch her, he instead backed away becoming overwhelmed with her memory. After putting a short distance between them, his shock subsided and he struggled to try and explain her presence.

"You are again in my dreams."

Calmly and with longing, she moved towards him and reached out to stroke his cheek. He pulled away as if her touch would burn him as the sun, but then he allowed her loving caress. A touch that penetrated through so many layers of pain. Moving closer to him, she whispered.

"I am not a dream Lucien. May I enter your living quarters?"

As if being awoken from a spell, he again pulled away from her. Hurtfully, she watched him resist her, yet she knew that he would have to accept that she had come for him. Turning, she took a few steps towards the opened door to close it. It was not difficult for her to see that the daylight from the hall windows was painful for him. Silently, he watched her kind actions just as the day she had tried to comfort him from his burns when they had first met. But she had been made to forget their love, and had died the wife of another man. He was the only one to have carried their love throughout the centuries. Her mortal remains had long since turned to dust. His glare penetrated her as she stood before him with only the glow from the one candle to display her beauty.

"I will wake from this dream of you soon, and I will again be tormented by your absence."

"Lucien, so much was never said, and I regret that I have only left you with several lifetimes of pain."

"No Fleur. You brought me love."

Her eyes searched his pained expression.

"But what good has come about from our love?"

Taking a small step towards her, he stopped.

"Fleur, it is not your love and purity that devours my existence. It is the absence of all that you are that has consumed me."

Tears slowly began to fill her eyes as she moved next to him and placed her head against his chest. Desperately he tried to resist her, straining to build a wall between them. Tightly closing his eyes, he tried to push away the thought of her closeness, knowing that he could never again bear the pain of losing her once more. As he stood stiff and cold, she began to sob against him. The sound of her cries dissolved his strength, and he found himself reaching down to guide her face towards his. When their eyes met, he tenderly smiled.

"If this is a dream, then I hope that I shall never awaken from it. You have again made my pain evaporate at your touch."

"Lucien, you did not receive the candlestick by accident. Our bond has never been broken. The love we shared did not disappear with Nicholas's words. Yes, I did forget for a little while, and when it all came back to me, you were gone. I searched for over a year only to return home in tears each morning. My Mother thought me overcome with grief, and quickly arranged for my marriage to ease my loneliness. I had no choice. I had lost you forever, but I never stopped thinking or loving you. Each day I prayed that you would return. When my precious André was born, I would tell him stories of the mysterious man who would one night come and make us as eternal as the stars. I never gave up hope that we would one day be together. Even as I lay dying, my love for you grew stronger. So long I have waited for this reunion."

All her words pounded in his head. Had the accident of finding the candlestick not been an accident at all? Had it granted him his wish to be with her? This was too much to assimilate, and he went to the sofa to sit down. Following him, she sat silently next to him and took his hand in hers.

"Lucien, for the hundreds of years since we have met, I have always felt your love for me. Your pining has brought you so much suffering. It has even effected you to cause others to anguish. You have harbored tremendous resentment towards my brother for trying to protect me. Did you believe that I desired this? Is this how you wanted to memorialize our feelings for one another? Is this my tribute? What level have you taken our love to?"

Tears slid down her face as he pulled her closer to him. Their love had been so special that both of them had carried it with them. He through the changing centuries, and she beyond death. Had he really perverted what they had? Reduced his feelings for her to only bitterness?

"Lucien, your love has been as much a comfort for me as it has been a torment. You have chosen to sour the love you have felt. What benefit is that to you? Please do not devalue what we had. When you think of me, I have felt your anger, but our feelings were so pure, so much more than that. How did it change so?"

"Fleur, I have never been angry with you. It was Nicholas who interfered, and came between us. I wanted to love you for all of eternity."

"YES! And that is exactly what you have done. You have loved me everyday since we have met, and I you. Nicholas did not take away your love for me, it is only you who embittered what we had. Our love is truly eternal. We will share this special closeness forever. We have been together through all of eternity. I have come to ask you to feel our love the way it was when we were together, not the anger you have carried with you since we have been apart."

"If only it were that simple."

"Lucien, we have been granted a gift on this day. You now know that I am always with you. I am the love that you deny for yourself and others. Remember, it was your wish for us to be eternally in love, and we are. Do not deny others because of what we had. You will never regret feeling the good parts of love and of yourself. Yes Lucien, I loved you and I saw the good. It does exist in you even though you try so to resist it. You are not so different from Nicholas, he has picked up some of his values from you. Is it not the parent who transmits their characteristics to their children? Please Lucien, remember me as I remember you with complete love."

The pain of the empty centuries began to fade as he listened to her.

"How did I ever deserve your love, my Fleur?"

"We have been very lucky to have experienced a love so great. I love you Lucien, forever. Our love will be forever."

He had never felt such peace as he whispered.

"Yes, forever........"

Pulling her into his content embrace, they held each other until the sun vanished from the sky and the candle was completely expired.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes and pulled his head up from the sofa's back pillow. Looking around in the darkness, he could see that she was gone. A dream, just as he had expected, but this time something was different. He felt different. Her closeness could still be felt, it was as if she were still with him. As if he could still feel the warmth of her embrace if only he dared to think of it. A dream, yet so real. Could a dream be so potent as to allow a calmness to fill the empty loneliness that had been his constant companion since Fleur's induced forgetfulness? The memory of her words came back to him. Had he really turned their love into something loathsome? One as lovely and as graceful as Fleur could never be associated with such ill favor. With his eyes now clutched tightly in pain, he rubbed at his head wondering how he had managed to pervert their passionate affections. Re-opening his eyes, his view fell on the candlestick that cast a dark shadow on the glass table before him. Moving forward to retrieve the old candle holder, he felt a sharp pain pierce his finger. His attention shifted to what lay beside the candlestick. A warmth spread throughout his body and surrounded his heart. There on the table next to the candlestick lay a single white rose.

******

Nick left the red revolving light flashing on his dashboard as he pushed the Caddy's door closed. It was so much more desirable to be able to arrive at the scene of a crime early, instead of having to wait for the late summer sun to set. Turning back the clocks meant that the days were becoming shorter, but he did not need a clock to tell him that. Long Autumn and Winter days made his body feel alive with energy. The night's pull was like that of a magnet to his kind, causing him to feel restless with renewed levels of arousal. Less daylight meant more freedom, less restrictions for all he felt compelled to accomplish. He knew that Schanke dreaded the approach of the cool short days, but his own world opened up. Although the warmer days allowed him the freedom of not layering himself with unnecessary clothes, it also added extra hours of daylight. Sunlight that only weighed him down, tiring and weakening him. Even when protected and safely out of the direct light, the hours of daytime penetrated his sanctuary with its oppressiveness. The time of light, always reaching out to him and demanding that he sleep. A sleep that resembled death. Over the centuries, he had devised methods to help him maneuver during the day, but it was in the darkness that he shined. The night belonged to him, this was when he ruled. Each evening as the drag from the daylight left, the strength of his powers grew. All his senses heightened as his body prepared him for the hunt. But tonight his prey would not be his breakfast. Tonight he would hunt, but not for food. With this darkness he would search for a killer that needed to be brought to justice. With his senses still excited, he would meet Schanke his partner. Together they would try to pick up a trail, and begin a hunt that would lead them to a killer.

As he walked past Schanke's car, the disturbing feelings of investigating a crime at this particular location surfaced again. The first time was only thirty minutes ago when Schanke had called to have him join him at the scene instead of first going to the precinct. A murder only steps away from where his master amused himself as a radio announcer. A shudder shook him as he silently pleaded that this death had nothing to do with the evil creature that lurked each night at this station. Pushing the thought from his head, his attention was directed to the sound of Schanke's complaining voice. Stopping in his tracks, he couldn't stop himself from grinning and shaking his head at his partners over dramatic actions. Uniformed officers and forensic workers were scattering as Schanke yelled out directions to the poor driver of the Coroner's van who could not seem to get the wide vehicle into the narrow alley. It looked as if Schanke had once again taken control of the situation, not that anyone wanted or needed his help. From his vantage point it was impossible to determine who was becoming more frustrated, his partner or the driver. As the driver slowly backed in, the sound of metal from the side of the truck hitting the brick wall caused Schanke to slam his fist against its back door.

"Hey, where did you learn to drive?"

The driver got out, and looked at the new damage.

"I told you, there was no way I could fit into that alley, and now you just caused hundreds of dollars in repairs by your impossible directions!"

"Oh yeah, Well why don't I just do your job too? Doesn't anyone know how to do anything right anymore?"

The van driver angrily stepped closer to him, and Schanke eagerly met his challenge. At that moment Nick calmly moved between the two and pushed them apart. Nick pointed to the entrance to the alley way as he spoke to the driver.

"This is where you were trying to place the van?"

The driver nodded, his eyes filled with anger and his teeth clenched. Nick walked across the narrow opening, and shook his head as he turned to Schanke.

"The van can not fit Schank, better stick to your own job."

The driver just smiled at Schanke and turned back to his van as Nick began to walk deeper into the now lighted and extremely crowded alley. Shaking his head in frustration, Schanke caught up with his partner and pulled him to one side.

"You could have backed me up so I didn't look like a fool, Nick"

"Schanke, if you don't want to look like a fool then......." he stopped and smiled at his anxious partner and decided not to pursue the topic.

"Why don't you fill me in on the case?"

Taking in a deep breath, Schanke let it out hard as he tried to calm himself. After a minute of staring at his partner, he looked down at his notes.

"The victim is a young Caucasian male with no ID, and appears to have been shot in the back and head with no witnesses."

Nick breathed a sigh of relief. The victim was killed with a gun. That probably meant that they were dealing with a mortal killer and not a vampire. Glancing down the alley, he then turned back to Schanke.

"I can understand why there were no witnesses back here. Who found the body?"

"No one. It was an anonymous call that led us here. If it were not for that call, we might not have found him for months. Do you think any people ever come back here?"

Looking back at the side entrance to the CERK radio station, he answered.

"No Schank, no people come back here."

Both detectives made a path to where Dr. Natalie Lambert was preparing the body to be taken back to the Morgue for autopsy. Schanke finished responding to Nick's last comment as they got to the body.

"Well, here lies the one person who made the mistake of coming back here. I hope you have something for us cause there doesn't seem to be anything else."

Removing her latex gloves, Nat stood up and faced the detectives.

"This man was in bad shape, probably beyond hope."

Smiling Schanke broke into the conversation first.

"And we need a medical expert to tell us that. Man O Man Nat the guy has two bullets in his back, and his head was almost blown off. I could have told you that it was probably a bad idea for him to be making any long term investments."

Both Nick and Nat threw an annoyed glance at Schanke as Nick turned back to the doctor.

"Sorry Nat, try not to let him get to you, he is still upset over trying to have the Coroner's van become a permanent part of the scenery."

Schanke angrily glared back at his partner.

"You always think that you are the only one who can be right, don't you?"

Nat loudly cleared her throat.

"As I was saying. This man was fatally sick before these wounds. I'm going to have to run a multitude of tests, but he was already dying and it would have been soon."

Nick glanced back at the CERK's side door exit, then turned back to Natalie.

"Have you been able to come up with an approximate TOD?"

Quickly, she browsed through her notes.

"Yes, luckily that anonymous call really helps pin down a time. I can place the time of death within a two hour margin of error. Some time between 6:00 and 8:00 am this morning."

Feeling his stomach sink, all his optimism about LaCroix not being able to be involved, now disappeared. Without any hesitation he knew the time of sunrise better than anything else. Today, the sun rose at 7:20. There was plenty of time for LaCroix to have been involved or to know what happened. The thought of adding his master to his list of potential witnesses, made him shudder. This would be one interview that he would keep confidential, and hopefully if LaCroix did know something, he would tell him. The sound of Natalie's voice broke into his thoughts, and he tried to act as though he had listened to her last comments, as she asked.

"So what do you think he was looking for?"

In a flash, Schanke saw that Nick had not heard a word that Nat had just said, and he responded for his partner.

"If you're waiting for the maharishi here to answer from his trance Nat, then good luck. My opinion is that the guy got popped while trying to resist his mugger." Schanke turned to Nick. "So now that you have decided to join us, why do think the guy's clothes were so torn up?"

"He was looking for something, and he didn't find it."

Schanke chuckled. "Obviously he was looking for something, but how do you know that he didn't find it Sherlock? He had no ID, no wallet on him, remember?"

Moving closer to the body once more, he stared hard for a moment then turned away.

"The two shots in the back look like they were fired from a distance, and he was bleeding from them. Those two shots did not kill him, but they brought him down. He was being chased. Someone knew what he had, and wanted it. His clothes were torn apart in an effort to locate what the murder thought he had. It was not for money, his pants pockets have not even been touched. Whatever it was, had to have been too large to fit into his pocket. He was not looking for a wallet. The bullet that killed him, the one to the head, was done out of frustration. He did not have what the killer wanted."

Schanke clapped his hands. "An interesting story, but how do plan on proving it?"

"I don't know Schanke."

A smirk crossed Schanke's lips as he sarcastically announced loudly.

"He doesn't know? Could it be that our hero is not all knowing? What will happen to our hero now? Stay tuned fans to our next exciting episode of the amazing super-cop Nick Knight."

"Okay Schanke, now that you got that out of your system, let's see if we can locate a witness around here. Maybe even find that anonymous caller." Nick turned back to Natalie. "If anything shows up in the autopsy, let us know right away."

Nat nodded as Nick followed Schanke out onto the sidewalk in front of CERK radio. Looking at the CERK radio sign above his head, Schanke grinned at Nick.

"I'd bet my Aunt Fanny that one of the psychos that works here was involved. Isn't this that station that you listen to? You know, that Nightmare guy."

"It's Nightcrawler. Yeah, it makes the most sense to talk with them first. Let's go in and see if we can get any leads."

As they started to walk, in the coroner's driver stopped Schanke.

"Detective, I'm making sure that your name is on the accident report about my van's damages."

"That's fine with me. I plan on letting them know what kind of dangerous drivers they are hiring."

With a disgusted look, the driver turned to go back to his van, and Schanke looked over at Nick.

"He's just like you Knight, both of you don't appreciate how lucky you are that I am here."

Nick smiled.

"Oh you're wrong Schank, I do appreciate the fact that you are here directing vans, and not at the airport trying to bring in planes."

"You know Knight, you should have been a comedian instead of a cop."

Still smiling, Nick pushed open the door to the radio station and walked in with Schanke directly behind him.

******

Sometimes, the noise and the crowds of the Raven made her feel so alone, and lately these times seemed many. Why was it so easy to feel isolated even with so many around? Milkos certainly noticed her mood, for he was by her side in a moment with a fresh glass of bloodwine. But that would not be enough to satisfy her tonight, as she held her hand up to let him know that she had no interest in blood at the moment. She just watched as he laid the full glass on the bar next to her, then left without a word. Endless nights watching as mortals and vampires alike mindlessly drank and danced their time away. Eternity was made to seem so much longer this way. If only Nichola were around. A slight mischievous smile began to form across her heavily made up lips. Yes, he would be a most interesting diversion. Closing her eyes, her thoughts drifted back to their last moments together after he had so sweetly returned the painting of hers by da Vinci. Her body quivered as she relived the touches and the kisses that they shared. "Oh Nichola, if only we would share each others company more often." Even though he was far, she tried to reach out into the night and will him to her. The vibrations were there, but weakened by him trying to embrace his humanity. Yet, they were still there, their blood bond that united them as brother and sister for all of time. Holding her breath, she waited for some sign that he had felt her through their connection, but there was nothing. That being unsuccessful, she opened her eyes and glanced over at the telephone at the end of the bar. Maybe she should give him a call. After all, LaCroix had left her with the job of returning what was in that gaudy velvet bag to the place where Nichola played his little mortal games. 'The bag, now that might be amusing,' she thought as she envisioned it lying on her desk in the other room. What was in that bag? LaCroix had said that it was from a crime scene, but Nichola was no doubt too busy playing policeman to visit her. She was so bored and alone, even LaCroix had left town with some excuse that he needed time to reevaluate some thoughts. The voices and the music was becoming louder, it was absolutely maddening. Lifting the glass that Milkos had left, she slowly walked past the crowded bar as she headed for her back room.

The room was dark by mortal standards, but she had no trouble seeing as she closed the door behind her and blocked out all the sounds of the club's night life. The quiet eased her nerves, but her attention was focused on the bag. As she moved towards her desk, she studied the small bag that she had placed on top of some papers. Reaching towards it, she suddenly stopped and began to turn away. Then confidently she again approached the bag. LaCroix had not said that she should not handle the contents. There was no warning to stay away from what was inside. Surely, he would not have left it with her, and expected her to just hand it over to Nichola without first examining what it contained. This was her establishment, and she was to know of everything that passed through.

With conviction, she picked up the bag and pulled apart the cord that sealed it. Gliding her small hand into the bag, her petite fingers could feel the cool smooth metal. Smiling, she gently slid the candlestick from its pouch and placed it on her desk. Tilting her head to one side, she examined the shiny object. Not much to look at she thought as walked around her desk and sat down before it.

"A candlestick? I thought it to be much more significant than a piece of silver."

Sighing heavily, she felt so let down, so disappointed. The evening was so young, and her best prospect of entertainment turned out to be only an old piece of metal. Hopelessly, she stared at it, trying to figure out what would help show off its attributes. Maybe it would shine so to speak if it were used. In her bottom desk drawers there were always a supply of candles and match sticks. Picking out a long tapered candle, she snugly fitted it into the candleholder. At least she could relax by the candle light and be far removed from the noise of the Raven tonight. Some solitude might be beneficial for her, time to think as LaCroix had said before his trip. Striking the match, she lit the candle. The flame burned fierce, and she squinted her eyes from its brightness. As the candles glow softened, she swiftly moved her head towards the sound of laughter. A child's laughter. Rising from her chair, she quickly looked in every direction trying to determine its source. There should not be a child out alone at this hour, especially at this club. The laughter had seemed close, yet she could see nor feel anything nearby.

"Where are you honey? Come out. I promise not to hurt you."

Silence was her only answer. Most likely it was only her imagination. She laughed at herself. A child, how ridiculous. It must be decades since she has seen a child other than in movies. A sudden pain of emptiness griped her, and she grasped for her drink. But her emptiness grew as rapidly as she consumed its contents. How foolish to even think of this now. There was never going to be a child in her future. No matter how many centuries she lived. Never a child of her own to mother as only she could. Grief of her limitations poured over her, as the pain of what could never be tightened around her heart.

"I would have made a good mother if only I had a child of my own."

A gust of wind appeared from nowhere and blew all the papers from the desk, only the candlelight remained undisturbed. The laughter that she a first heard had transformed into whimpers. It was impossible, but she did hear the cries of a child. They were coming from the alley by her back door. Afraid that she might again lose track of the child, she raced to the door and threw it open with so much force that it slammed against the wall. The startled little girl began to step back until she had found herself against the wall and could go no further. Tears streaked from her blue eyes, and her long black tresses swirled around her perfect features. She was a young girl of about eleven or twelve, not a child. The girl's beauty was remarkable, and Janette extended her hand.

"Come, and we will find your mother."

The small dark-haired beauty took her hand with no fear, and entered the back room of the Raven. Once the door was closed, Janette turned to the girl, who looked so familiar, and gently asked.

"Do you know where your mother is?"

Looking up, the child smiled and her eyes glistened.

"Yes."

Janette was confused by the girl's quick response and her change of mood, but she persevered.

"Did you run away from home?"

Again the girl gave a bewitching smile.

"No, I am home."

A chill cut through the stunning vampire as she stared at her small guest. Maybe she was going about this the wrong way. She tried again.

"What is your name?"

"My name is Genevieve, but I am called Gen for short."

"Genevieve, that is a French name. Are you French?"

"Yes, I was supposed to have been born in France."

"I was born in France. You see, we have something in common. So tell me why you are here, and not at home in bed."

"I have come to be with you."

As her tolerance rapidly slipped away, her frustration was overtaking her.

"Non! Why do you do this? Have I not been kind to you?"

"Yes my Mama, you have been very kind, but there is still so much for us to do."

"Mama! Why do you call me this? I am not your Mama!"

Janette's angry words did not frighten her, as her pleading words continued.

"Please Mama. We can only share one night together. Please may I call you Mama?"

Crimson tears stung at her eyes as she fought them back, and confronted the child.

"Who are you?"

"I am Genevieve, and I am the daughter that you never had. I waited to join you here on earth, but the man you call LaCroix came to you before I could grow inside of you."

Trying to clear her head, she closed her eyes then cautiously she dared to re-open them. The girl stood before her with both small arms extended.

"Come Mama, I know that there is so much for me to learn."

Janette knew that this was impossible, yet she knew so much about her past. Again she angrily approached her.

"How do you know so much? Who are you? Someone is surely looking for you."

The young girl's features became heavy with sadness.

"Do you not recognize your own daughter? Did you not know who I was when you first laid your eyes on me? There is no one who searches for me on this night. You created me, I am your deepest desire. Let yourself feel who I am."

Genevieve moved close to Janette, and wrapped her tiny arms around her mother's waist and pressed her head against her chest. Apprehensively, Janette allowed her arms to close around the one who claimed to be her daughter. This girl had knowledge of what less than a handful of vampires had ever known of her beginnings. She knew it was the encounter with LaCroix almost one thousand years ago that had made her unable to bear a child. Most astonishing of all was the fact that the girl was correct about the feelings she experienced when she first saw her. She had felt as if she knew the child, even recognized her. A sudden chill ran through Janette, it was now very apparent. The girl's looks were well known to her, it was how she herself appeared as a child. All the girl's words were true. This could not be happening, yet it was. So long she had wished for such a gift. A gift that neither LaCroix nor Nicholas with all their riches and powers could provide. Pulling the girl closer to her, she cried softly. The beautiful child looked up.

"I do not wish to sadden you Mama."

Glancing down, she began to wipe away her tears, then smiled.

"Sadden me? Non, non ma Cherie. I have never been more happy than at this very moment."

Genevieve's face brightened, and she pulled away.

"Mama, I have seen the other children who live here. They do not dress as I. Could we find more suitable attire?"

Taking a step back, Janette quickly examined Genevieve's clothes. Strange how such apparel had gone unnoticed. The child was clad only in a white loose fitting toga style garment, with only a torn cloth to tie at the waist. Lifting Genevieve's hand above her head, she slowly turned her around to evaluate her outfit. Shaking her head, she quickly sighed.

"Oh, this will not do. The very first thing we must do is go shopping. The stores will be open late tonight. We shall find something more appropriate, oui?"

"What is shopping Mama?"

Janette slid next to her daughter, and put her arm around her shoulders.

"Come, you are right, there is much for you to learn."

Guiding the youth to the back door, they exited into the darkened alley. Turning towards her daughter, her voice dropped to a whisper.

"If we are to travel together, we must fly. I will hold you close to me. Do not be afraid."

With complete trust and love, Genevieve snuggled closely to Janette's side.

"I am not afraid as long as I am with you."

Holding her tightly, Janette looked up into the stars and followed a path above the city towards the center of the town. Within a few minutes, they came across a secluded alley in which to land. The icy Autumn winds blew as hard on them on the ground as they did during their brief flight, but there were no signs that her daughter felt uncomfortable.

"You must be cold and hungry."

"No, I do not feel cold, and I do not know what hungry means."

"We are the same with the temperature, but so different about being hungry. I am always hungry, my hunger never stops. No matter how much I have, I always require more. It is good that you do not have this unrelenting need, but you must try to eat. We will get something as soon as we find you the loveliest dress in all of Toronto."

Genevieve slid her tiny hand into Janette's, as both walked contentedly from the alley. Immediately Janette turned in the direction of the stores that would carry the finest selections for her new daughter.

The store she settled on was filled with shoppers as the mother daughter pair swung their clasped hands and strolled down each aisle. The noisy crowds with their taunting heartbeats, soon faded into the background as Janette soon lost herself in the feeling of being with her own child. It did not take them long to locate the part of the large exclusive store that held the girl sized clothing. Genevieve excitedly tore from Janette's grasp when she spotted a rack filled with dresses. Removing the first dress she touched, she held it up to show her mother. Janette only grinned, and shook her head.

"Non, no white. There are so many wonderful colors that will bring out your beauty. Put it back, and we will look for something else."

After visiting many areas of the store and many different departments, they chose a dark blue silk dress and a shiny new pair of black patent leather shoes to go with it. Genevieve had even found a matching hair ribbon that was trimmed in lace. Everything was a perfect fit, and Janette gratefully left the old clothes with the sales clerk to discard. As they turned to leave through the jewelry department, all eyes were on the stunning pair. However, neither noticed for both were to caught up in enjoying each other's company. As they moved towards the exit, a striking gold charm bracelet caught Janette's eye, and she pulled Genevieve over to view it. Each heavily polished link held magnificent charms of dolls, animals, and musical instruments.

"Please let me buy this for you. Do you like it?"

"It is very nice Mama, but I only wear this one piece of jewelry. It is all that I need."

Genevieve pulled back the sleeve of her new dress, and revealed a petite white beaded bracelet that clung tightly to her wrist. Taking her daughter's wrist, Janette protested as she gently twisted her arm to the side while trying to locate the clasp to remove the simple band.

"Non Gen, let's remove this and replace it with this exquisite gold bracelet."

With great strength, Genevieve jerked her arm from Janette's grasp, and protectively held her hand against her chest while using her other hand to cover the small bracelet.

"No! I must wear this until it is time."

"Time?"

The answer to Janette's question was answered with an action instead of words as Genevieve forcibly tugged her mother away from the counter and out through the glass doors that led to the street. Surprised by the youth's sturdiness, Janette offered no resistance as the girl ran and pulled her down the sidewalk. With each hurried step, Genevieve looked into the stores windows, until she came to the window of an ice cream store, where she suddenly stopped.

"Look Mama! There are others my age in there with their Mothers. Let's go in."

Looking in, Janette hesitated, and her daughter's excitement faded as she realized the implications of what she had asked.

"I am sorry Mama. You do not come to these places do you?"

"No Gen, this is where mortal children and their parents go when they are hungry. I must go somewhere else."

"Then let's go to where you go, and be hungry together."

Janette smiled at her daughter's suggestion.

"No Gen. Let's go here. I should have thought of it myself. All children should have ice cream. I want to see you try this food."

They hurried into the store, and both approached the glass counter. The wall behind the counter was filled with pictures of sundaes, banana splits, milk shakes, and ice cream cones. The glass before them separated them from two rows of different colored ice creams. Janette pointed out the pictures on the wall and smiled as her daughter excitedly inspected all the possibilities. It did not take long for the young man who worked there to notice Genevieve's difficulty in choosing, and he walked up to her.

"If you want, I can give you a small taste of anything that looks good to you."

Genevieve turned and smiled at her Mother as Janette nodded her head in approval. The next ten minutes were spent trying each flavor.

"They are all so good, I can not decide Mama."

"Then it does not matter" Janette turned to the young clerk.

"Which is your most popular item?" The man pointed to the picture of the banana split on the wall.

"Okay, we will have one of those."

Genevieve's eyes were wider than Janette thought possible when she was presented with the long dish of ice cream covered in nuts, syrups, and whipped cream. As Genevieve finished her treat, Janette silently watched, absorbing every precious moment. After the dish was emptied, Janette leaned across the table and caught her daughter's attention.

"I have an idea of where we could go. Come let's be on our way."

Both left the store, and walked down the street lighted by lampposts that were designed to look as if they were from a past time. Soon, Janette led Genevieve onto a secluded street and held her close as they again took to the sky.

The park they landed in was empty. It was much too dark for other children, but the moon was bright and Genevieve pulled Janette towards the swings. With only a few energetic pushes, Janette had helped Gen to swing quite high very rapidly. Then taking the swing next to her, Janette equaled her daughter's level with a few short movements. As each pumped harder and harder to go the highest, their laughter filled the crisp fall air. The last of the remaining leaves on the trees began to flutter down around them as they soared through the air. After many moments, Genevieve stopped her swing and waited for her Mother to stop. Jumping from the swing, she then began to run deep into the park as Janette easily kept up with her. As she approached a large pile of leaves, Genevieve grabbed her Mother's hand and pulled her into the leaves with her. The leaves were dry, and were most likely waiting to be picked up to be disposed of. Genevieve stood up, and laughed as Janette struggled to free herself from the leaves. As she regained her balance, she startled Gen by bringing a huge bunch of leaves with her and tossing them on her. Then the battle began, with both laughing so hard that it was difficult to remain standing. Leaves flew everywhere until the once large pile was scattered throughout the park. Again Genevieve pulled at Janette, drawing her even deeper into the park. The girl's pace turned from a quick walk into a full run as they both raced up and down the leaf covered hills until they were out of breath and fell laughing to the ground. As soon as Genevieve's breathing slowed down and she felt more rested, she turned to face Janette.

"May we go home Mama? I would like to spend some quiet time with you, just the two of us."

Even though she felt surprised and confused by her daughter's request to return to the Raven, she nodded her approval.

"Of course. If that is what you want. Come we will leave immediately."

As they stood up, each brushed the pieces of leaves from themselves. Tenderly, Janette reached over and pulled a piece from her daughter's hair that she had missed and straightened her ribbon. Genevieve clung closely to Janette's side as both looked up into the sky to depart.

Feeling Genevieve's closeness as they flew was beginning to be very comfortable for Janette. Landing near the Raven's back door, they opened it to go inside. The first thing that they noticed when they stepped into the quietness of the back room was that the candle had already burned down more than halfway. Noticing Genevieve's fixed focus on the candle and her upset expression, Janette moved towards the lit candle and picked up a new one.

"I will start a new candle if you are concerned that this will soon be extinguished."

Genevieve rushed to Janette, and pulled the unused candle from her hand.

"NO! Please do not touch the candle Mama."

"Why is this candle so important to you? Why are so upset?"

Genevieve gently pulled Janette from the candlestick and smiled.

"It is not necessary to talk of this now. Let us just spend time with one another while we can."

As she looked into Gen's beautiful eyes, her heart already began to feel the longing pain that she knew she would have when Genevieve would leave. As much as she had tried to pretend that this magical night would not end, she knew from somewhere deep inside that this gift was only temporary. Desperately, she pushed away her sadness as she thought of how lucky she was to have been given each special moment with this girl. No, she would never be sad that this opportunity had been made to her. It was so much better to have this time with her, even if it was to be short, than to have no time at all. Lightly caressing the young girl's face, Janette calmly asked.

"Do you know how much time Genevieve?"

"As long as the candle burns. Please sit near me Mama, and tell me of when you were my age."

A soothing wave of peace swept over Janette as she moved towards a wide rocking chair at the back of the room. Glancing over to Genevieve, she motioned for her to come and join her. As she approached, Janette widely spread her arms apart, and Gen readily climbed onto her lap. As Genevieve laid her small head against her chest, Janette stroked and smoothed her long waves of black hair. Janette could feel her soul calmed by the warmth of the child against her as she began to speak of long gone experiences. Not once did Genevieve stir as the hours drifted by, and Janette spoke of her own childhood. Tears came as she remembered her own mother whom she had not thought of in centuries. All of the thousand year old details came back easily as she lovingly held her daughter.

Suddenly, a rush of air startled Janette awake, and with a panicked glance towards her desk she saw that all that remained of the candle was a long white stream of smoke that quickly dissipated. Looking down, she felt the emptiness of Genevieve's absence. Genevieve was gone. They must have fallen asleep together during the early morning hours. How she longed for a few more hours. Brokenheartedly, she stood up and heard the soft sound of something fall to the floor. Almost reflexively, she stooped down to pick up the tiny white circle that lay by her feet. It was Genevieve's bracelet, the one she had insisted on wearing until its time. The weight of the sadness from Gen's departure lifted as she held the tiny band close. She remembered how fortunate she was to have been granted the chance to learn how she would have been as a mother, and also to have been able to know such a wonderful child. She now knew what would have been had she not accepted the darkness from LaCroix. Again looking at the bracelet, she twisted it but found that it had no clasp. How had she removed it without breaking it? Then one of the beads caught her eye, there was a letter on it. Rapidly, she began to turn all the beads until each showed its letter. Janette clutched the tiny bracelet in her hand as she tenderly smiled. The angel that had visited her really was her child. The letters spelled out Ducharme.

******

"Damn it Knight! This is the last time that you are going around back, and I am staying out front. I'm tired of always doing things your way."

Schanke's voice was beginning to pound in Nick's head. The entire drive back to the precinct had been one long complaint about their usual procedure. Schanke had gone on and on about how his partner always came out smelling like a rose and was a hero while he was always made to feel the chump. Only messing up or going the wrong way.

"And another thing Knight. How could you have possibly got up to that fifteenth story balcony before me? I caught that first elevator up. Do you really expect me to believe that you climbed all those fire escape steps faster than the elevator could get me up there?"

Wishing Schanke would just get off the subject, Nick sighed.

"It doesn't matter Schanke, we got him. Isn't that the whole reason we do what we do?"

Schanke's voice rose in anger and frustration.

"It does matter! You're always the one to grab all the glory for yourself. This is some kind of game, and you always need to win."

"You're wrong Schanke. I only wanted to catch the perpetrator."

"Yeah, that's what you say, but when we are out there it's like you're competing with me. Or maybe I'm just in your way. Yeah, that's it isn't it? Why didn't I see this before? You never wanted a partner. You don't need one. Is that it Knight? Am I getting in your way?"

Schanke stood directly in front of Nick, blocking him from his desk while he waited for his partner's response. While trying to remain calm, Nick held back his thoughts of Schanke's behavior, and only stopped and stared at him. Finally, Schanke moved to the side and allowed his partner to sit at his desk and begin working on the paperwork that needed to be filled out. But Schanke was not ready to let this confrontation drop, and he continued to vent his frustration.

"Oh I'm so sorry, PARTNER! I was in your way again."

In exasperation, Nick looked up from his paperwork.

"We got the guy Schank. We did good. There's nothing else to discuss."

"NO, NO, NO, partner. You got the guy! You did good! And I am tired of being in your shadow!"

Staring at Schanke in disbelief, Nick shook his head, and while trying to not provoke his partner he tried one more time to settle this over-reaction.

"You're not in my shadow. We make a great team."

An irritated response was all he got for his efforts.

"We are not a team. You my friend are a one man show, and I am some clown in the background."

Becoming indignant, Nick stood up and faced Schanke.

"I'm sorry you feel that way."

"Well that's not good enough."

Both realized that the entire precinct had become deathly silent, and all eyes were on them as Schanke's last words hung in the air. Schanke's eyes began to nervously shift around the room as their stalemate persisted, but Nick never blinked once as he stared at his partner. The sound of silence was what brought Captain Cohen from her office, and she scanned the room full of officers. It was her words that broke the silence.

"What's going on out here? Don't any of you have anything to do?"

With her words, papers began to rustle, the sounds of keyboards resumed, and the low murmur of voices once again filled the room. Captain Cohen walked over to the two detectives who refused to relinquish their stares.

"And what's the problem here?"

Schanke rushed to speak first.

"It's nothing Captain."

In an annoyed voice, Nick repeated Schanke's words.

"Yes. It is nothing."

Schanke threw a vicious glare in his partner's direction, as the Captain spoke with displeasure to both of them.

"Well you two better work out this 'nothing' problem. Dr. Lambert wants to see the two of you down at the Morgue ASAP. She has some information on that murder victim from last night down by the radio station."

Picking up his jacket from the back of his chair, Nick spoke up.

"We'll get right on it, Captain."

Schanke squinted at Nick, as he emphasized each word.

"Yes...WE...will."

Cohen shook her head in disgust and turned to leave, but then remembered the other reason she had come out of her office. A dark velvet bag was clutched in her hand, and she held it out to the detectives as she spoke.

"A woman was in a little earlier and said to give this to either detective Schanke or Knight. I assume you know what this is about?"

Schanke snatched the bag from his Captain's hand, as he sneered at Nick.

"I'll take that Captain. Thanks."

Turning to leave once again she stopped, reconsidered, and then confronted the two detectives.

"Listen both of you. Settle this! I do not want to hear any more of this childish bickering."

As she walked back to her office, Schanke pulled opened the bag's cord and removed the candlestick.

"What's this supposed to mean?"

A smile crossed Nick's face as he enjoyed Schanke's look of confusion.

"I don't know Schank, but you're the one who grabbed it from the Captain. So be a detective and figure it out. It's all yours."

Both looked over as Captain Cohen closed her office door hard, and Nick turned from Schanke to pick up a few more forms from across the room before leaving to see Natalie. As Nick searched for the forms, Schanke stared at the tarnished candlestick in his hands. The lights in the precinct began to flicker, and everyone stopped for a moment then resumed their work. Then came another flicker and then all power was lost. The only sounds were the hum of the machinery winding down. Everyone seemed to freeze as a moment passed until the emergency generators turned on. But the generators only supplied a minimal amount of light, definitely not enough for the graveyard shift.

Schanke rolled the candlestick between his palms.

"Hey, I got a candle holder here. Anyone got a candle?"

The officer at the desk began to search under some boxes and called out to Schanke.

"I think there are some here in the emergency kit. Let me look........Yeah, I got one."

Turning around, he threw the candle in Schanke's direction. The candle tumbled through the darkness. Schanke nearly missed it but somehow managed to make the spectacular catch.

"Got it....thanks Morganson."

Placing the candle in the holder, Schanke then rummaged through his drawer for his old cigarette lighter. After a few tries the lighter started, and he held the flame to the wick.

Brightness exploded into the precinct, as half the officers shielded their eyes. Instantly, the flame lessened and a soft glow replaced the blinding light. Shaking his head, Schanke turned towards the desk officer.

"Hey Morganson, what kind of candle did you throw here? Are you sure it wasn't a stick of dynamite?"

A still stunned Morganson stared at the now calmly burning candle.

"I've never seen anything like that before Schanke. I don't know what happened, but I think that I will get a hold of the manufacturer."

"No, forget it. It's fine now. Probably just a fluke."

The candle's reaction caught Nick's attention, and his eyes never left the object as he walked back to his desk with the paperwork forms. Distrustfully, he reached over to Schanke's desk to pick up the candlestick, but Schanke intercepted him.

"What are you doing Knight?"

"Maybe we shouldn't be using that. It could be evidence."

"Well I'm using it. It will not hurt it. If it were evidence, then why didn't the lady say so? Just drop it Knight. You know, for just once I wish things would be done my way."

A strong breeze whipped through the precinct, causing everyone to turn and look for the opened window. Schanke turned back to his candle to re-light it, but found that it was still burning strong, somehow it had managed to stay lit. By this point, everyone was beginning to feel on edge. The power being out, the intense light from the candle , and the unexplained breeze was distracting everyone from accomplishing anything. As several private conversations began to start up around the room, Captain Cohen came out and loudly cleared her throat.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have just received an urgent call from my husband. There has been a family emergency, and I will be taking some time off. I have decided that I will be leaving Detective Donald Schanke as acting Captain in my place until my return. You are to give him all the respect that you would normally give me."

Schanke's eyes widened as he stood stunned with his mouth open.

"Me?"

Taking a few steps towards him, she questioned him.

"Don't you think you can handle it detective?"

Uncertain at first, he stumbled over his answer.

"Well.....yeah, sure." His confidence and his excitement grew. "You won't be sorry Captain. You just go and take care of that family problem, and do not worry about a thing here. Take all the time you need."

Looking very skeptical, she thanked Schanke as she walked back towards her office. With an ego that was bursting at the seams, Schanke turned around to face Nick. Pointing his thumb towards himself, he mouthed the words.

"My way."

Schanke's grin was so wide that it reminded Nick of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland, and it took him took several minutes to get the picture of it out of his mind.

Several more minutes passed and Captain Cohen's door swung open, and she approached her best team.

"Detective Schanke, I trust you will not abuse your new found authority?"

"Of course not Captain."

"Okay then. As my last official act until my return, I have some orders for you detective Knight. Since there was no time to find you an adequate replacement partner, you will be working solo on this radio station case. If you find that you need help, speak with detective Anderson. I have already briefed him on some of the particulars."

Nick smiled and nodded his affirmation, then addressed his Captain.

"Thanks Captain. I will be fine. We are all looking forward to your return."

"Thanks Knight." Still looking worried, she turned to face Schanke, and gestured towards her office door. "Okay Captain Schanke, she's all yours."

As she walked towards the door fastening the last of her raincoat's buttons, the desk officer called out to her.

"Captain? We're getting calls from several area stores. Lots of alarms going off, probably due to the power outage. Should we go and check them out?"

Pointing to Schanke, she pushed open the door as she spoke.

"You're speaking to the wrong person Morganson, the Captain's over there."

Schanke's mouth formed a nervous smile as everyone turned to look at him for the answer to Moganson's question. Anxiously, he slid his hands together as he thought.

"Okay, this is what we're going to do, everyone since we don't have enough light to do any paperwork." He stopped and glanced over at Nick who was busy filling out several forms, and raised his voice. "Except for my partner who obviously has the vision of an eagle." Schanke's words caused Nick to self consciously look up. Being able to see clearly in the dark, he had forgotten about the dimness of his surroundings, but Schanke's remark motivated him to put down his pen. Getting Nick's attention, Schanke continued.

"And since we have lost the use of our computers, there is little we can do here. So I want to get as many uniforms on the street as possible. I want you to check out those alarms and watch out for looters. Make yourselves visible, maybe we can prevent some problems by just being out there. So let's see, Fuller and Cameron, I want you two out around Grange Ave. Pearson and Synder, you patrol Richmond. And we'll need someone over on King street near John. Layton and Keller, you go there. Keep in touch by phone, and remember dispatch can still pass through calls."

As the six officers prepared to leave, Schanke could feel his partner's eyes on him. As he turned, Nick gave him an approving smile, but Schanke just squinted at him.

"What's the matter Knight? Run out of things to do?"

Still smiling, Nick shook his head as Schanke headed for the office usually occupied by Captain Cohen.

It was not long until the peace of the darkened precinct was suddenly shattered by the screams of a young woman who unsteadily clung to the front desk. The small amount of remaining precinct officers rapidly rushed to the front desk to help the injured woman. The woman's cries brought Schanke out of the captain's office, and he rushed to her aid. Nick was halfway across the room, but he could smell her blood from her fresh wounds. The woman collapsed to the floor before any one could reach her, and she cried out and coughed.

"Please help me.........my husband...........he's trying to kill me. He followed me here...........please, help me."

Schanke pushed his way through the officers and the detectives as he shouted.

"Move over, give her some room!"

Bending down, he picked up the woman's head and shoulders, and tried to figure out how hurt she was. It looked pretty bad to him. She seemed to be bleeding from multiple places. Looking up towards the desk officer, he called out.

"Morganson, get the paramedics here."

The woman was shaking and he tried to keep her warm with his body heat as he spoke softly to her.

"Try to stay calm. You're safe now. Can you tell us where to find the man who did this to you?"

Her words were garbled and difficult to understand as she tried to speak.

"My husband.......He has a knife..........He won't stop............He's here................Please help me........."

Schanke watched as the woman lost consciousness in his arms. Laying her head down, he pulled away and saw that his arms were covered in blood. Looking away from his arms, he again looked up to the desk officer.

"What are you hearing from the paramedics? How much longer?"

"A bus collided with a van over on Wellington Street. There were a lot of people badly hurt, and everyone was sent there. They are trying to get someone here after one of the return trips to the hospital. Every available unit is on their way to the crash scene or they are already there."

"Did you tell them we have an emergency here? She could be bleeding to death."

"I told them, they know. But I'll try again Sir."

Nicholas stood behind Schanke, and could hear the woman's heart becoming fainter. Reaching down, he put his hand on Schanke's shoulder.

"Let's call Natalie, at least until the paramedics arrive."

With a panicked voice, Schanke twisted around and looked up at Nick.

"Call her Knight! Call her now!"

Standing up, Schanke looked down on the wounded woman as Nick placed a call to Natalie. He rubbed his perspiring forehead, and tried to remember if he had ever felt more helpless.

Nicholas knew that Natalie couldn't fly, yet she miraculously arrived in under ten minutes with her medical bag. Immediately, she took control of the situation. Stooping down she lightly felt for pulse on the woman's neck several times, then lifted one eyelid to check her eyes. Blood was everywhere, but she could not find the source. She needed more information, and she looked up at all the waiting officers.

"We need to move her off the floor. Is there somewhere she can lie down and be examined?"

From across the room, one of the officer's voice could be heard.

"How about one of the desks?"

Nat nodded, and the officer used his arm to sweep off the top of his desk. Two officers carefully picked up the unconscious woman, as Schanke ran ahead and threw his coat over the hard surface. Natalie followed as the two officers brought the woman to the new area.

Seeing the pool of blood left on the floor by the woman, caused Nick to turn away and close his eyes. Painfully, he pushed away his vampire instincts as his stomach tightened, longing to taste the scent that captured his senses. Watching his partner cringe, Schanke shook his head in disbelief.

"Still not used to it Knight? Well don't go getting soft on me now."

Reopening his eyes, Nick stared at Schanke, as Natalie did what she could to stop the woman's bleeding. His partner thought he understood his reaction to the blood, but in reality he had no concept of how much he had misinterpreted. It was not repulsion that Schanke thought he saw, it was his personal struggle to hold back his desires. What Schanke had witnessed was the pain of containing the beast. Determined to overcome his demons, he gathered his strength and addressed Schanke.

"I'm fine Captain. I was thinking that I should see if I could locate this woman's husband. She seemed to think that he followed her."

Schanke shook his head.

"You have no idea who you're looking for Knight. I can't see how walking aimlessly in the dark out there will help anything."

"He may be close, I don't want to lose the trail."

"No Knight, I need you here! We're too low on manpower."

As they spoke a large man walked in with Captain Cohen pressed firmly against him. His arm wrapped around her, while his hand held a blood stained knife to her throat. In labored pants, Captain Cohen struggled to talk.

"Gentlemen.......I believe that your argument is over."

Both Schanke and Nicholas's eyes turned towards the incredible hostage situation. A small trickle of blood rolled down Captain Cohen's neck as the enraged man pulled her into the room and demanded everyone's attention.

"That's right. Like the lady says, it's over. Just let me take my wife home and no one gets hurt."

Angrily, Natalie looked up from the woman she was trying to save, and furiously called out from across the room.

"She can't be moved! Your wife is dying!"

The man pulled the knife harder against the Captain's neck causing her to gasp. Tears from pain were dripping down Captain Cohen's face as the irate husband shouted out.

"Another big mouthed woman! SHUT UP! How many bitches you got in this place? Who's in charge here?"

Stepping forward, Schanke calmly tried to reason with the man.

"Listen man. You really hurt your wife, and she's not leaving until she's well. Why don't you calm down and let this woman you're hurting go? She's done nothing to you."

Violently, he pulled Cohen closer to him, and pushed deeper with the knife.

"You think I came this far to let this all go? I'll cut her throat if I don't leave here with my wife!"

Stepping between Schanke and the crazed husband, Nicholas tried to look into the man's eyes. Seriously, he considered an attempt to hypnotize, but decided against it. His Captain was also staring at his eyes and it would be too risky. Instead he spoke soothingly to him.

"We all want the same thing. We want your wife to be well enough to walk out of here. Put down the knife, and we can work something out."

The desk officer turned around and spoke to Schanke.

"The paramedics just called, they are outside and are waiting for instructions."

A small cry escaped from Cohen as the man pushed himself forward with her.

"My wife is not going anywhere but with me. Now move or this bitch is going to be needing those paramedics."

Schanke moved to be next to Nick, and slipped a piece of paper into his jacket pocket as he pulled him to the side.

"Knight, this man just wants to be with his wife. Why don't you go over and see how she's doing?"

Understanding that Schanke had a plan, Nick quickly moved to where Natalie was standing while caring for the woman. Slipping the note from his pocket, he kept it out of sight but held it in a way that both he and Nat could view the words. Quickly, Natalie reached into her medical bag and began to fill a syringe. As the husband inched his way towards his wounded wife, he called out.

"HEY! What's she doing?"

"I'm a doctor. I am just getting your wife something to make her more comfortable."

"She don't look uncomfortable to me. Don't give her no drugs!"

"Fine." Nat placed the filled syringe down near Nick.

Stretching to look around his hostage, the man moved to where both Natalie and Nicholas stood in front of his wife. Glaring at the two of them, he spoke in commanding words.

"Now the both of you, move away! Me and this pretty little girl are going to get my wife, and then the three of us will be leaving."

Holding Cohen by her hair now, he pushed her towards the desk, but Nicholas and Natalie did not move. He squirmed to look around them, and saw that his wife was unconscious. Glaring at Nat, he yelled.

"Wake her up! I'm not carrying that fat pig!"

"I can't. She lost a lot of blood. She has several stab wounds, and she's bleeding internally."

Striking out with his other arm, he swung out and connected with Nat. Knocking her across the room, he again hollered.

"You bitches think you know everything. I'll wake her up myself!"

He had barely finished uttering his words as Nick plunged the syringe into him, and grabbed at the arm holding the knife. The man's arm snapped under the pressure of Nick's superior strength, and with the effects from the drug he slumped to the floor. Rushing to Natalie, he helped her up as the other officers ran to Captain Cohen's side. Although shaken, Cohen's wounds appeared to be only superficial, but she fell exhaustedly into a chair. Natalie insisted that she was fine, and began to apply some antiseptic to Cohen's throat cuts. Everyone surrounded Cohen, and they were taken by complete surprise when the shot rang out. The entire room of officers all turned their attention to the front of the room where a man stood with his gun raised in the air. Slowly and steadily he aimed his weapon at Schanke who began to walk towards him. The man was sweating profusely and seemed to be in much pain. His skin was deathly white, and he spoke through lips that were dry and cracked.

"Don't move any closer. I'm only here for the candlestick. I followed the woman who brought it here earlier. So I know it is here."

Picking up both hands, Schanke showed the gunman that he had no weapons as he spoke to him.

"Hey man, you don't look too good. I'm going to give you what you want, it's not worth dying for. I just don't want you to hurt anyone by accident because of how sick you are. Okay?"

The man shook his head to remove the sweat that was pouring into his eyes and to stay conscious. He was in great pain and his vision was failing, but he answered Schanke.

"Get the candlestick. Do it NOW!"

"Okay, okay. I'm walking over to pick it up now."

The man watched as Schanke blew out the candle, and held it up for him to see.

"Put it back in the bag, and throw it to me."

Removing the small amount of candle that was left, Schanke placed the candlestick into its pouch. Moving slowly towards the man, he held out his hand to the gunman while the rest of the precinct froze in their places.

"Stop! Stop right there. I said throw it to me."

Stopping a few meters in front of the man, Schanke tossed the bag so that it landed short of the gunman. Reflexively, the gunman grabbed at the bag that was out of his reach and it fell to the floor. The distraction was all the opportunity that Schanke needed to ram him and tackle him to the floor. The officers rushed to Schanke, who was already making his way up with the gun by the time they reached him.

The desk officer finally had a chance to radio to the paramedics, as collectively all sighed in relief. As soon as the paramedics entered the room, the power came back on and Natalie guided the doctors to the hurt woman. Looking down at the gunman's body in the light, Schanke became concerned and called Natalie over to look at him. Natalie moved to where the gunman lay motionless on the floor, and reached down to locate his pulse. After several tries, she stood up and faced Schanke.

"This man is dead."

"Oh come on doctor, I didn't hit him that hard."

"No Schanke, you did not kill him, but I think I know what did. Give me a few minutes to gather some samples, and until then, no one and I do mean no one, comes in or leaves this room."

Curiously, Nick walked over to where Natalie was preparing some samples from the body, and waited until she finished. Standing up she directed her voice to everyone in the room.

"I can not be one hundred percent positive until I look at these samples under a microscope, but this man has all the symptoms of the man that was murdered in the alley by the radio station. This is why I had wanted to be seen at the morgue tonight. The man I autopsied would have been dead within the day had he not been shot, and now this man seems to have the same problem. We are looking at an advanced case of Vibrio Cholerae, most call it Cholera. We have all been exposed, and must be in isolation. This entire area needs to be decontaminated."

Schanke turned to Natalie and asked.

"Nat, how bad is this? Are we going to die too?"

"No, but we have to not spread it anymore than it already has. None of us should get it, it can be prevented. We need the vaccine, and we need to know everyone who was at the crime scene or was in contact with either of these two victims."

With remarkable strength, Cohen walked over to Schanke and patted him on the shoulder.

"You did one hell of a job here tonight, Captain Schanke."

A shaking but relieved smile tried to force its way out.

"Thanks Captain, but if you don't mind..... can I have my old job back? Being in charge is not all that it's cracked up to be."

There were plenty of understanding smiles as Schanke glanced around the room. The biggest smile was on Cohen's face as she cleared her throat to speak.

"Captain Donald Schanke, with all our gratitude, I officially demote you back to the rank of detective."

"Thanks Captain. I guess what they say is true, there's no place like home."

Feeling tired, Schanke moved to where Nick was talking to Natalie, and quietly whispered to her.

"Nat, I touched the guy. Do you think that I could be the first to get that vaccine?"

"Sure Schanke"

Leaving Schanke and Nicholas to talk, Natalie went to check on the woman's condition. Before she got a chance to speak with the paramedics, Captain Cohen stopped her.

"Dr. Lambert. What do you suggest that we do now?"

"Well, as soon as I get to a phone, I will have the infectious disease department drop by with some of the vaccines and some crew to clean this place up." She turned to the paramedics.

"How is she?"

"She's lost a lot of blood. When you call, have them send three units of 'O' negative. And we need a way to get her into surgery. They can send a special van that can move her in isolation to the nearest hospital that is prepared for such conditions. But, I think she's going to make it. She's young and has a good chance. You did a good job getting her stabilized until we got to her." He pointed to the husband on the floor. "Should we do anything with him?"

"No, he is going to sleep for several hours. I'll vaccinate him, and then he can be moved to a private holding cell."

After retrieving the velvet bag from the floor, Nick brought it over to Natalie.

"This is now official evidence."

"I'll have forensics take a look at it, but by this point I doubt we will be able to get anything off it."

As Natalie went to the telephone to call for the supplies and help she needed, Nick moved to where Schanke and Captain Cohen were standing.

"Schanke, let's try to find out who is looking for this candlestick and why it is so important."

When Natalie was done with the phone, she joined the three.

"Well, everything is on the way. Great plan Schanke to take down that wife abuser. Not to mention those great moves while bringing down that gunman. I think that we should start referring to you as Superman."

Smiling at Nat's comments, Schanke looked over to his partner.

"Hey Nick, I'm sorry about all the grief I gave you. No man's an island, I guess I know that now. I never knew how good I had things. Who wants all the glory anyway? Not me. We're a team, right?"

Throwing his arm around Schanke's shoulders, Nick smiled.

"The best team around Schank!"

With an exhausted voice, Nat interrupted.

"Listen, I hate to break this up, but after I vaccinate you guys I will be leaving. I have a few tests to run at the Morgue before I go home. But you will all have to remain here and be disinfected. And in about twenty four hours you will need to be rechecked."

Looking confused, Schanke spoke up.

"Hey Nat, how come you get to leave?"

"I knew from the first victim that I was possibly dealing with Cholera, so I injected myself as a precautionary measure. And when Nick was over last night, I injected him too. So except for the two of us, you should all consider settling in for a while."

Nicholas discretely glanced over to Nat with a gleam in his eyes. She had devised a way to let him leave without it looking too suspicious. Schanke turned to Nick.

"You get to leave, you lucky dog."

"Just one of the advantages of personally knowing the doctor." He picked up the velvet pouch. "Don't worry Schank. I will make good use of the time, and find out what I can about this."

Within the hour, Natalie had received enough of the vaccine to protect everyone at the precinct. She was done there, and she packed up her things and caught up with Nick as he was about to leave. Everything took longer than expected, and it was getting close to sunrise. Noticing that Nat was about to leave, Nick waited by the door for her. Pulling her close for a moment, he whispered in her ear.

"Thanks for finding a way out for me."

She grinned, "Well I figured you had a natural immunity."

Smiling, they both turned towards the door to leave, but stopped as they heard Schanke call after them.

"Hey, can either of you see if there are any Souvlaki places that deliver?"

Natalie laughed, "Sure Schanke, I'll see what I can do."

******

After everything that had happened at the precinct last night, sleep came easily to Natalie. Having been too tired to drop off the candlestick with forensics this morning, she had come straight home. Now, as she went to make her breakfast cup of coffee, her thoughts drifted over to the velvet pouch that lay on the table near her sofa still wrapped in the plastic evidence bag. Trying to recall the candlestick proved difficult, she had only had a small chance to view it as Schanke had placed it into its container for the gunman. But what she could remember hadn't been overly impressive. She really couldn't remember it being that special, but then again she hadn't had a good chance to examine it. There must be something distinct about it, something that is very exceptional to have stirred up so much desire.

Stirring her coffee, she could not shake her thoughts of the object so surrounded in mystery. With her eyes never straying from the bag, she slowly walked towards the sofa and sat down before it. As she sipped her coffee her mind wandered to a comment that she had said to Nick after they had first met. She had once told him that solving a puzzle was its own reward. While that was not totally true when it came to how she felt about him and finding a solution to his cure, it was true for many other circumstances. And before her now lay a puzzle, a mystery waiting to be solved. There was something very intriguing about this candlestick, and she wondered if Nick had any ideas of what it was all about. From what she had seen last night, it did look quite old. Maybe Nick could come over and the two of them could take a look at this together and come up with some answers. After all, he was well versed in many ancient cultures. Of course having actually lived through many of them, did give him an advantage. Studying this candlestick would provide the perfect opportunity for the two of them to get together. The health department had taken over with the decontamination of the precinct, and with the twenty four hour waiting period following the vaccine, no one was allowed to be working tonight. Thankfully one of the other precincts had doubled up on their shifts to cover for them. Tonight was already her night off, and now Nick would be free as well. As she finished her coffee, the excitement of the mysterious challenge raced through her veins. This was detective work, but she was not beyond being a detective. In fact, being a detective was her job. It was her work that led to the investigations that solved many of the crimes. Every autopsy provided clues that were needed to bring about justice. Each part of the body that she dissected provided the clues and told her their secrets. It was her job to reveal all that each victim concealed. Yes, she was a detective in every sense of the word. Uncovering the answers from those who could not speak for themselves, her work provided the testimony that was obscured by death. Never before had she realized how much her job and Nick's had in common. Now, the anticipation of solving the origins of the candlestick grew strong. Her curiosity strained at her, demanding that she open the bag and examine it. If she could touch it, she could better interpret it. There was so much to learn by merely holding many of the pieces that were brought to forensics. Every item told a story, the trick was knowing how to listen. With all her inner strength, she grabbed for the telephone. If she did not call Nick now, she may never pull herself away from pursuing this quest on her own.

Glancing at the clock, she guessed that Nick had to be awake by now. She really wanted to catch him while there was still some daylight, and thereby increasing her chances that he had not strayed to far from home. Knowing that the sun would be setting soon, she quickly dialed Nick's number. Luckily he sounded awake, and did not let his machine pick up. Answering on the first ring in the very professional tone of" Knight here," she grinned and teased him about his greeting to her.

"Hello Knight, it's Natalie."

After recognizing her voice, she could hear him relax his tough cop demeanor and she continued.

"Nick, you do realize that you can not go into work tonight? I thought that it might be sort of an adventure for you to come here and we can both try to get to the bottom of where this candlestick came from."

After hanging up the phone she thought, that didn't take too much convincing.

Immediately, her eyes shifted back to the bag. Nick would not be able to be at her place until after sunset. That left about thirty minutes of unrequited curiosity to endure. There had to be a way to get her mind off the waiting object, the object that begged to reveal its secrets. With false hope, she reached for the television's remote and thought that maybe there would be something of interest to distract her while she waited. It took only two minutes to scan all the channels and discover that nothing of value existed there. Placing her empty coffee cup down, she looked over at the clock. Only twenty eight more minutes until Nick arrived and they could explore the candlestick. Shaking her head at her own impatience, she scolded herself. What was she doing? Counting minutes? This was insane. There was not one reason why the opening of this package had to wait for Nick. It may even help for her to have an advanced look, it would speed things up. Okay she could admit to herself that she was rationalizing, but what was wrong with a little harmless rationalization now and again. Feeling slightly guilty, she reached over and nudged the package closer as she eased it on to her lap. Carefully, she began to remove the plastic bag she had placed it in earlier. The velvet bag felt soft in her hand as she pulled at the cord to uncover its contents. In a second, she found herself extracting the candlestick from its pouch. She had remembered correctly about its appearance not being very special, and she shifted the tarnished candlestick from hand to hand. It definitely weighed more than a kilogram, but not by much. It did feel solid, and there was a faded inscription on it which would take an expert to decipher. That reminded her, where was Nick? She grinned, guess what they say is true, never a cop around when you need one.

Strange how the candlestick now looked so dark. At the precinct she could recall it glimmering with a silver reflection almost as clear as glass. Perhaps it was its own candlelight that had brought out its beauty at the precinct last night. That was it! Some sort of optical illusion caused by the combination of the silver base and the lit candle wax. An interesting experiment might be to use different colored candles, and each could be tested for their effect. Standing the candlestick on the table, she sighed. There was absolutely nothing captivating at all about the object. Again, she caught herself checking the time, only five minutes had passed. Maybe Grace had some information on the latest Cholera victim. Prepared with paper and pen, she again reached for the telephone and dialed the Morgue's number. Tracking down Grace was not easy, but it was worth the effort. The gun that Schanke had disarmed from the gunman was the one that had been used to kill the first Cholera victim at the radio station. And of more interest was the telephone number with a doctor's name that was found in his pocket. They hadn't had much time to track it down completely, but it was a long distance number from somewhere in Paris, France. Meticulously writing down all of Grace's words, she hung up the phone and studied the clues. How did they relate to this candlestick? Still fifteen minutes until sunset, and no closer to a solution. Frustratingly, she stared at the candlestick, the answer was not presenting itself. Intuitively she knew that the explanation rested with the use of the candlestick. It was a gut feeling, a hunch, whatever anyone wished to call it but she felt compelled to put it into action and analyze the results. Getting up from the sofa, she moved towards the kitchen. She tried to remember which drawer she had stored the candles she bought in case the occasion would ever arise for a romantic dinner. Luckily candles do not have expiration dates she thought as she found them and gazed longingly at them. After a few seconds to reflect on her loneliness, she removed the candles and the box of matches that lay next to them. Returning to the candlestick, she suddenly looked around her. A strange feeling came over her, she felt as if she were being watched. Shaking off the feeling, she inserted the candle in its holder. There was absolutely no reason to feel uneasy, yet there was the sensation that something was about to occur. It felt like a premonition, but that was ridiculous for there were no such things. Discarding her irrational feelings, she struck the match and lit the candle. The flame instantly grew into a dazzling burst of light, and she stared transfixed at it while it readily transformed itself to a soft glow. The glow seemed to fill the room with tranquillity, and her thoughts drifted away from solving her puzzle to how nice it would be for Nick to share this peace with her. The flame drew her into itself as it mesmerized her and sadness crept in to her voice.

"Why are you not here to share the candlelight with me Nick? Why must we always be in separate worlds? If only we could share the same existence."

A gust of wind burst into the room, and she shivered as it brushed past her. Startled and confused, she stood up to see which window had been left open. As she attempted to examine the first window, a sharp searing pain tore through her body. Recoiling from the window, she cried out and backed into the room. The pain began to fade as she looked down at her shaking arms. Panic almost took her breath away as she watched her burnt skin begin to heal before her eyes. Her skin was blistered and red, she had been burnt but by what? Frighteningly, she stared at the window. Nothing was there to burn her. It remained as it always did for this time of the day with the last rays of the sun streaming through the glass. A sobering theory traveled through her mind. Was it the sun's light that had injured her? How could a sunburn so rapidly appear and fade? With apprehension, she glanced down at her arms again. They were fully healed. In disbelief, she raised her hand in front of her face. Maybe something electrical produced the burns and pain, but how had her skin managed to repair itself with such speed? Cautiously, she approached the window with an outstretched arm. Holding her breath, she cringed as she anticipated more possible pain. Something near the window had hurt her, but what? Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand back into the light, and held it there as the sunlight scorched her. Smoke filtered between her fingers until she no longer could stand the agony, and retreated back into the sanctuary of the room. Curling up on the sofa, she tried to regulate her breathing as the pain subsided. Her thoughts raced. What was happening to her? Feeling her stomach tighten, she remembered that she had only had coffee for breakfast. The pain from her burns had vanished and were now being replaced with the ravenous need to fill her stomach. It had been so long since she had a decent meal, and her body was now reminding her of her neglect. Thinking back, she tried to recall the last time that she had gone shopping, there was so little food in the apartment. But hadn't there been some left over pizza from the other night? Her hunger pulled her to the refrigerator, and she eagerly reached for the half empty box and pulled it out onto the counter. Lifting the pizza box's lid allowed for a strong scent from the cold pizza to reach her. The odor both weakened and nauseated her, its smell of garlic made her feel as if she would suffocate. The coffee that she had consumed, boiled in her stomach. There was no time to reach the bathroom as she barely made it to the sink in time. Thankfully, there was only coffee in her stomach, but her body continued to rid itself of its contents long after the coffee had been purged. With most of her physical strength drained, she felt her stomach's emptiness. As the need to vomit subsided, her eyes began to tingle as though being lightly stroked with a feather. Raising her hands to her face, she rubbed at them to stop the sensation. With heaving hunger pulling at her stomach, the sensation in her eyes grew stronger and then her mouth began to feel strange too. Her hands dropped from her eyes to her mouth as she nervously ran her hands over her lips. An incredible new awareness filled her mouth as if a thousand pins were piercing her gums.

Running to the bathroom, she first went to the mirror and gasped as a monster with burning red eyes stared back at her. Her voice came out as a growl.

"NO!"

As she spoke, she caught her first glimpse of two long white fangs that were now apart of her teeth. Standing motionless, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She tried to not panic, and to make sense of the impossible. A strong hunger pain ripped through her making it almost impossible to stand. She needed to eat, no, she needed to drink! Turning to leave the bathroom, her hand automatically went to turn off the light. However the light was off, it had never been on, yet she saw clearly in the darkness. Suddenly, she heard a noise in the apartment, and she was drawn to its sound. It summoned her to seek it out, and she followed her instincts. The sound became louder as she moved quietly out of the bathroom. It was clicking rapidly, and it was so enticing. Whatever it was, it was compelling her to possess it and experience it. What was this most needed sound? Its rhythm was like music, soothing and touching her soul to great depths. Stopping in her tracks, she reached out for the rapidly clicking sound, and captured its rhythm, its scent. Sydney screeched as Natalie seized him. The frightened cat struck out with its paw and scratched her face. The cat's painful reaction shattered her resolve and roused her from her determination to consume his life. As Sydney dropped to the floor, she retreated back to the sofa more frightened by her own uncontrollable actions than anything else at the moment. Beginning to shake, she tried to restrain herself from losing control over her unrelenting craving to have blood. With all her effort, she once again began to master her desires. Although she felt her strength increasing far beyond that of any mortal, she also felt powerless to the intense hunger. The hunger was dominant, forceful, and ruthless. This compulsion to feed overpowered all reason and morality. Too fearful to move, she glanced around her apartment through the eyes of the vampire. The sun had set, and not one light was on except for the candle she had lit. Yet the room seemed lighter than the middle of the day. Then some rational thoughts kicked in, "Nick!" It was after sunset, he could help. The telephone was nearby, and she removed the receiver and began to call him once again. However all her promising thoughts of Nick's reassurances were swept away when his answering machine picked up. Listening to his recorded message with dread, her fears once again spread quickly. When the machine turned on to record her message, she pleaded for him to pick up the phone. Her imploring words went unheard, but was he on the way to see her? With no response to her pleas, she returned the receiver to its holder. Trying to settle her anxiety, she regained some control and decided to stay in one place until Nick arrived. The peace was soon shattered as a crushing sensation to feed compelled her to seek out her pet cat again. In an instant she found herself at the other end of the apartment, and she realized that she had moved a large distance in less time than the blink of an eye. Even knocking over some chairs on her way to hunt Sydney. Closing her eyes, she tried to recall how she had moved so fast. Everything was a blur, both her thoughts and her actions. If she had moved so quickly, did that also mean that she had the power to fly? Trying to recall the manner in which she had witnessed Nick and other vampires fly, she lifted her head and looked towards the ceiling. Her body became weightless, and she laughed out loud as her feet left the ground and she drifted towards the ceiling. Instinctively, she stopped before her head reached the top, and she looked down. There was less than a meter between her feet and the floor, but she was floating above her furniture. Levitating seemed so natural that she could not imagine how it never happened before. Unable to resist the sensation of restlessness, she glided from one end of the room to the other until another bolt of hunger tore internally at her. Pushing the thought of her pet away, she knew that for Sydney's safety she could no longer remain in the apartment. Staying there was too dangerous for Sydney, but what of all those outside if she dared to leave to find a source of blood? Desperately, she tried to devise a plan that would allow her to locate blood without harming anyone. Only two options came to mind, the Raven and her office at the Morgue. If she went to the Morgue, would she have the willpower to resist biting her coworkers? If she patronized the Raven, how would she explain to the others that she had spontaneously become a vampire? Neither option was perfect, but her situation was becoming serious. Although the Raven seemed to be the perfect place to appease this hunger, there would be too many to answer to. If she could only hold on to some control, it would be less conspicuous for her presence at the Morgue.

With the decision made, she was out the door and outside in no time. The brisk cold air went unnoticed as it whipped around her. As she momentarily stood outside the front of her building, she heard the heartbeat of a man walking down the sidewalk towards her. This was her test. Did she have the control? Soon she would know, soon she may be a murderer. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and clenched her fists as she tried to fortify herself against the pain of opposing what was her instinct. Her eyes began to burn as each sense sprang to life with renewed strength. Her control was weakening as the sound of each beat came closer, and the scent of his blood cried out to her needs. Reminding herself of the blood that awaited her at her office, helped her to gather the needed strength to calm the beast. She opened her eyes as the stranger greeted her with, "good evening" as he walked by. Her head nodded in reply, but she dared not opened her mouth in fear of revealing her fangs. This time she won, but would she be able to withstand the urge to kill at the Morgue? There was no time to debate the issue, the beast demanded its reward now for not killing the man. Remembering a secluded area behind her building, she rushed to the spot then took to the air.

As soon as she was high above the city, she was sorry that she had not taken her car. She was lost, nothing looked familiar to her. Where was her office building? She had flown towards Downtown Toronto, but there were so many rooftops and they were beginning to all look alike. The hunger ripped at her again, and she decided to land and take her chances by foot. Looking for a darkened area, she was relived to discover that she had landed only a few blocks from where her meal was waiting. As she arrived at the Coroner's Building, thoughts of sneaking in faded as the day shift started pouring out the front doors. Quickly she moved to the side as dozens of unaware potential victims paraded down the front steps before her. A few recognized her, and waved as they passed. Aside from being bombarded with the taunting heartbeats and tantalizing blood of the day shift people, the timing was perfect. Reminding herself of the feast that awaited her in the Morgue's refrigerator, she fended off the vampires desires and slipped into her office before any assistants showed up.

The scent of blood assaulted her as she entered the silent Morgue causing her to double over in pain. Slowly she recovered, and stopped to quickly listen for any newly arriving heartbeats. She could hear none, and she used her vampiric speed to rush to her blood supply. Tearing open the first bag she saw, she suddenly stopped. This was human blood, this is what she had told Nicholas was keeping him from becoming mortal. This glorious liquid was what she denied him, what she harassed him into denying himself. If she had only known of the pain her insistence had brought him, she would never had been so demanding. Now she realized how difficult it must have been for him to have been surrounded by such stimulation and desire. Now she knew of his pain and conviction to never partake of what his body demanded, and never to calm the need. Guilt of how she had unknowingly contributed to his suffering overcame her, but her need for the blood was stronger. Starvation would soon take control, and knowing that trying to find cow's blood would be impossible and might prove fatal for some mortal unlucky enough to be in her path, she brought the plastic bag to her mouth.

Although her body demanded the blood, her mind still resisted it. Taking a sip, she held it in her mouth afraid to swallow. But her stomach felt as if it would jump up into her mouth to retrieve what it needed, so she swallowed hard. It was cold from being refrigerated as it rolled down her throat. It was sweet, it was salty. it was ecstasy! With the first swallow, the hunger grew. She needed more, so much more. Tipping the bag, she drank as fast as she could without drowning. The bag was soon depleted and tossed to the side, and she went back for a few more. With each bag the beast within her became more appeased. Drinking blood was not about its taste, it was so much more. The blood was the magic, it provided the power. It contained the life force. It was so many feelings competing at once. It was good and bad, love and hate, joy and sadness. The blood contained every sensation to calm the soul, it was every emotion condensed and put into liquid form to be savored. As it had given life to its former owner, so did it now fill her with life. Feeling satiated, she grabbed a few more bags and slipped them into her pockets. Then she slid out the back door and into the night.

Standing near the corner behind the Coroner's Building, she lurked in the shadows and watched the world move by with her heightened senses. Colors were more vivid and she could even smell the scent from the lake in the wind that had once passed over the water. There was no desire to drink blood now, only to experience every sensation to the fullest.

The wind blew strong and she watched as those who walked on the street covered themselves as they hurried to find shelter. Moving out into the opened air, she stretched out her arms. The strong winds that pushed her clothes against her and tossed her hair were barely noticeable. There was no sensation of the cold, she never felt more comfortable. Turning herself in circles, she could not remember ever feeling more liberated, so alive. Feeling unencumbered by mortal bonds, she looked up towards the stars and soared out of the shear pleasure of having the gift of flight.

A few hours must had passed before she remembered that she had invited Nick over to examine the candlestick with her, and she headed in the direction of her home. After a few hours of soaring the starlit skies, she had become accustomed to finding her way. Landing behind her building, she hurried around to the front and was up the front stairs and through her door in a second.

Nick looked up from the telephone as she walked in smiling. Staring at her for a moment, he then turned back to the telephone and continued to speak.

"No, no cancel that APB. She's here, and appears to be fine."

Most of the lights in the apartment were now on as Nat acted so giddy that she seemed intoxicated as she jumped onto the sofa. Suspiciously glancing at her from across the room, Nick hung up the telephone as he angrily approached her.

"Half the Toronto police were out looking for you! Where have you been?"

Still euphoric from her new powers she looked up at Nick.

"Sorry about leaving like that, but I had to fly." She couldn't help but laugh at her own comment.

Looking puzzled, he again approached her.

"Do you have any idea of how worried I've been? When I got here I found you gone, chairs turned over, your car still outside, your coat and purse still here, your cat scared senseless, and when I checked with my machine there was a frantic message from you!"

Looking up at him she giggled.

"Wow, did I do all that?"

"Yes Nat, now how about telling me where you have been and what happened here.!"

"Are you upset?"

"NAT!"

"Oh you are way too serious. What did I ever see in you?"

"Have you been drinking?"

"You could say that." She started laughing again. Feeling both frustrated and confused, he moved closer to the sofa and looked down at her.

"Nat, what's happened to you?"

"The most wonderful thing. I finally understand."

Bending down, he grabbed her arms and pulled her up in front of him. Still holding each arm tightly, he tried to break her of her drunkenness by gently shaking her.

"Natalie, what has happened?"

Frightfully, he pulled her towards him and held her, not knowing what was wrong. His touch calmed her, and she pulled away to look at him.

"Look at me Nick, I am different now."

Her cryptic words did not make sense to him, and his look was that of uncertainty as he tried to figure out her strange behavior. He did not know what she was trying to tell him, but he was becoming as concerned as when he could not locate her. Her words were too vague, and he did not know how to approach her. She could see his pain as he reached out to her and softly whispered.

"Natalie."

It was not necessary to say anything more. The way he said her name told her how he cared, how he had worried when she had disappeared, and how he wanted to understand now and help her. Taking his hand, she looked deeply into his eyes.

"Something has changed me Nick. I can't explain it, but I have become like you."

Cautiously he smiled.

"What do you mean that you have become like me?"

"I have become a vampire."

Shaking his head, he smiled and turned away.

"No, that's not possible."

"Look at me Nick. What do you feel?"

He shook his head again. "This is crazy."

"Why? Because you don't want it?"

Becoming angry, he pulled away.

"No! It's crazy because it does not just happen."

"Well, it did to me."

"No."

"Nick, try to sense what I am. Am I mortal?"

"Stop this! Nat, you can not wish yourself to become a vampire."

Natalie's eyes glowed and her fangs descended as she replied.

"Then explain this."

"This is some kind of a trick."

Grabbing his hand, she placed it over her heart.

"Do you feel my heart? Do you hear it beating as you normally do?"

Pulling his hand away as if the touch of her burned him, he mumbled in bewilderment.

"This can not be."

"You're right, but it IS happening."

The only reply from Nick was now silence as he suspiciously studied her. Within a few moments he could not hold back his thoughts any longer, and his resentment filled words lashed out at her.

"Who did this to you?"

Defensively, she snapped back at him.

"No one did this, it just happened."

Trying to control his rising hostility, he attempted to speak calmly.

"Do not try to protect them, I will find out."

In frustration, she once again answered.

"I have no master, no one did anything to me."

Moving closer to her he grabbed her wrist as he searched her eyes.

"Then what manner of science created this?"

"Not science, a miracle!"

Releasing her wrist, he turned his head in disgust at her comment and bitterly muttered.

"A miracle? You mean a curse!"

Using the same hand that he had recently held captive, she reached up and lightly stroked his face.

"Nick, I do not know why this happened, but for once we can be in each other's company without fear. So unless you plan on putting a wooden stake through my heart, you can not hurt me."

Seductively, she moved even closer to him as she shifted her caresses of the side of his face to his lips. Momentarily forgetting his anger, he closed his eyes to her gentle touch, but then reopened them and began to break away.

"Nat, I......" Placing her fingers over his open lips, she interrupted what he was about to say.

"We can talk later, not now." Gliding her hand to the back of his head, she drew him to her and they kissed. Surrendering to her, he pulled back to look at her then smiled. Gently he initiated the next kiss as he simultaneously pulled her dress jacket from her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. So long she had waited for his touch that she gasped at his contact, and then mirrored his actions by unbuttoning his shirt. Savoring the feel of his cool skin, she guided her hands up his chest towards his shoulders and allowed his undone shirt to join her jacket. His eyes followed the descending shirt, then slowly his gaze drifted back up the body of the woman before him until their eyes met. Luckily no words were needed, for none existed as they lovingly gazed at one another. Taking his hand, he offered no resistance as she began to move towards her bedroom. In silence they stood near her bed in the darkened room as each took turns removing the others clothes only pausing to savor the sensation of their closeness. Time moved slowly for them as they relished each touch, each caress. Then with immortal skill, he captured her hands and pulled her on top of him as they landed on the bed. Breathlessly, she pressed her body against his, and passionately kissed him. Closing his eyes, he dared not move as he enjoyed each of her gentle kisses on his body. As her kisses approached his mouth, he parted his lips, and his hands moved up her body to her head as he pulled her passionately to him to deepen their kiss. Running her fingers through his hair, she felt all her passions sharpen. Then came the unyielding desire, the hunger for the taste of his blood. As if he could read her mind, he rolled her onto her back while remaining on top of her and breathlessly whispered to her.

"Do you want to have me now?"

She opened her eyes to his words, and they burned with the sparkling color of the vampire. Turning his head to the side, she moved her wet lips to his neck. He gave up completely as she drove her teeth into him. It was the most intense feeling imaginable as everything became revealed. Everything that was in his heart and soul rushed into her with the flood of hot liquid. When he felt that he could no longer wait, he opened his mouth wide in anticipation of her glory. He swallowed deeply as her complexity, excitement, and love stormed into his body and finally exploded in his brain. There seemed to be no way he could have enough of her. He wanted her all, but knew when to stop and withdraw his fangs. Still he let his lips rest against her neck until she was finished. Her body shook in his arms from all his pleasures. There was no defense of all of his delights, nor did she want one. Gradually, her breathing relaxed as her contented sleepy eyes opened to find him gazing at her. Seeing her look back, he smiled and reached up to stroke her cheek.

"Nick, I never knew......"

This time he ran his hand across her mouth.

"Shhh, remember you said that we will talk later? It's not later yet."

Beaming with happiness, she began to float off to sleep in his arms.

"Nick, no matter what happens, I'll never forget."

As he pulled her tightly to him, she could hear his almost silent confession.

"Neither will I Nat, neither will I."

Sunlight was streaming through the open window blind at the end of the room as she opened her eyes. She could feel her heart rate rise as she frantically scanned the room for Nick. Even though she was covered, she felt cold, and a feeling of doom crashed down on her. Had everything been only a dream? Something her subconscious had conjured up? Sitting up, she rubbed her hand on the bed next to her. Had it all been her imagination? Sadly, she stood up and moved to the unshaded window. The bright early morning rays from the sun caused her to squint. Looking down, she examined the light against her skin. It felt pleasantly warm, it did not burn. Tears fell on her sun drenched arms as she sorrowfully turned away from the window to shower and dress. After her waking up routine, she opened her bedroom door, and immediately was surprised with the strong scent of something sweet. As she walked out into the other room she could see that all the blinds were tightly closed, and Nick was sitting at the kitchen table grinning at her. On the table before him sat a plate filled with chocolate covered donuts. Seeing that she noticed, he commented.

"Did you know that the donut store is open 24 hours a day?"

Caught off guard, she smiled but then remembered her dream and despondently looked down.

"You were right Nat."

With a confused look, she moved closer to him.

"Right? About what?"

Mischievously, he grinned. "About talking about things later."

Her confused expression transformed into astonishment.

"It really happened didn't it? All those things really happened!"

"Well, I do not know about everything, you were on your own there for a while. But I do know about the rest of the night."

Cautiously she looked at him.

"Then we were .........together?"

Teasing her, his grin widened. "Oh Yeah, I believe that you could say that we were together."

Her excited tone became serious again. "But I've changed back, and you knew. You went and bought donuts for me."

"Yes Nat, you are mortal again."

"How? When?"

"You changed back to your mortality about an hour after you fell asleep. I felt your temperature rise against me, and your heart begin its normal rhythm. I decided then that it was time to go into the other room."

"But I don't understand."

"I doubt we ever will understand, but something you said gave me a clue. You said that your conversion was a miracle that had just happened. And when I left the bedroom, I witnessed the last wisps of smoke from the candle."

Sighing, she shook her head.

"Sorry Nick, I'm just not following."

Standing up from the table, he walked over to the sofa and motioned for her to join him. By the time she reached him, he was already sitting and holding the candlestick. As she sat next to him, she watched him viewing the candlestick from different angles as he turned it in his hands. Holding the candlestick up to her, he asked.

"Do you see the inscription on the side?"

She did not have to look at it, she already knew it was there.

"I noticed it last night, but I do not know what it means."

"It's an old version of Latin. I've seen it used, but mostly with religious objects."

"Do you know how to translate it?"

"Not all, but I understand the essence."

After watching him daydream for a moment, she gave him a nudge.

"Well, what's the essence?"

Seriously, he turned to face her.

"I do not have a good way to explain this. Do you know the children's story called Aladdin's Lamp?"

"You mean the story where this genie can grant three wishes to its owner?" Nick nodded. "Are you trying to tell me that a genie lives in that candlestick and goes around granting wishes?"

"Probably not a genie, but I think that there may be something to the part about the granting of wishes."

Staring intently at Nat, Nick stopped and waited for her response.

"Are you saying that we got Aladdin's lamp here?"

Rubbing his forehead, he went back and studied the candlestick.

"No, but a reasonable facsimile. When Schanke lit the candle at the precinct yesterday, the whole room lit up. He had just been arguing with me about how he felt that things are never done his way. It was after his words that Captain Cohen had to leave and make him acting captain." Placing the candlestick back on the table he turned to Natalie. "Try to remember what happened before and after you lit the candle."

"The candle did light brightly at first, but Nick I would have remembered if I had wished to be a vampire."

Gently, he reached for her hand.

"Think back, what did you do and say?"

Standing up, she began to pace the area around where Nick sat.

"I remember thinking about the reason I had saved the candle. Then I lit it and then.......Oh no, I did wish for something. I said something about the two of us being in the same world for once."

Nick stood up. "And your wish was granted."

"But that's not what I meant."

Leaning over, he kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Maybe not, but it was what you wished for."

Pulling away from her, he went to retrieve the candlestick and held it up.

"Nat, the story of the magic lamp of Aladdin goes back a long way. It was a legend for centuries before it became a popular children's story. It has had many names. Think about it, a candlestick is a lamp in a way. It is a vessel that provides a holder for light in one form or another. Legends are stories that are handed down for generations, but usually they have some historical basis. What if this is the artifact that the legend was based on?"

Slowly, she shook her head.

"Listen Nick, I know that finding an explanation for last night is difficult, but I still can not accept that the answer is magic."

"Last night, you were willing to explain everything as a miracle. Magic or miracle both contradict the laws of science. Call it whatever you wish."

Accepting his words, she sadly spoke.

"But the wish did not last."

Taking a moment to think back, he whispered. "As long as the candle burns."

"Does it say that on the inscription?"

"No, it's from the legend."

Looking intently at the candlestick, she still tried to accept its magic, but then turned to Nick.

"What do we do with it now?"

"Light it. Light it again. I want to know if it will give another wish to the same person. Do you have another wish?"

She smiled, "I think I can think of something."

Going back to the kitchen, she went into the drawer and removed another candle. Moving back towards Nick and the candlestick, she nervously spoke.

"I guess I should be careful what I wish for."

Warily, she placed the candle in the holder and took a deep breath as she lit the candle. There was no intense light, but she closed her eyes and smiled. "I wish for Nicholas Knight to be cured of his vampirism and become mortal."

Quickly, she opened her eyes and stared at Nick. "Anything Nick?"

"I do not feel any different." Walking to the window, he pushed aside the drapes, and she could hear the sizzle of the sun touching his skin from where she sat. Jumping back out of the light, he turned in time to witness her disappointment. He tried to ease her pain by smiling.

"I didn't think it would work. One wish ready or not."

"Nick, you could use it! You could have that one wish."

Sadly, he looked down. "I can have it for only as long as the candle burns."

"Nick, I am not sorry for the time that I was given. I will always treasure it. I now understand so much more about what you must live with. You could have the opportunity to walk in the light. You could for a while become mortal."

"And when it is over? It will only be harder for me to go back to the vampire. No, the candlestick is evidence, and I'm taking it back to where it belongs."

With a pleading voice, she called to him.

"Nick,..........."

Holding up the information that she had written when she spoke to Grace, he interrupted her.

"You had written this about the case. So I called and spoke to Captain Cohen when you were asleep. This candlestick was on loan to the Royal Museum from the Louvre when it was stolen. It was part of an exhibit of ancient artifacts that were unearthed in a recent archeological dig. The officials at the Royal Museum want it returned to its owner immediately. I have been booked on a plane tonight to return it."

"Nick, your wish....."

"No Nat, it would not be without danger. I'm returning it. The perp from the precinct had the name and number of the archeologist who had been doing the research on this dig. He probably wanted the doctor to translate the inscription. Somehow, he knew what it could do. It will be in my protective custody until I turn it over to Dr. Chasseur in Paris."

She reached over to hold him as the sorrow of what he felt he must deny himself tore at her heart.

"You deserve a wish too Nick"

Pulling her close, he recognized that his wish would only bring him and others more regrets. With her securely in his arms, he looked over at the old candlestick longingly. There were no doubts to him that this could provide him with the chance to feel and be human again. Yet he understood that he had no right to indulge his fantasy and rearrange all the balance in the universe. What would become of the desire, the wish of a vampire? How much had he already interfered with nature by becoming what he was? Abruptly, he pulled away, and she watched as he placed the candlestick back into its velvet container. Then slowly he turned to face her again.

"I need to rest now. The flight to France leaves at 8:00pm."

******

Customs had been more of a problem in Paris than it had been in Toronto. Even armed with all the proper credentials, the candlestick drew unwanted attention. The non-stop flight had gone well, but landing during the daylight hours was unavoidable. There was no problem going from the airplane to the terminal for it was totally enclosed. The only inconvenience now would be the trip to the hotel. Luckily it was an overcast November day.

With a quick glance down the terminal, he spotted a large area that contained public telephones and headed towards them with his suitcases. It was only a few minutes wait until a telephone became free of users. Positioning his suitcase on the floor between the wall and himself, he decided to continue to carry his shoulder bag which contained his liquid breakfast. Retrieving his wallet, he began to riffle through some business cards that he had placed on top. Aristotle had given him some contacts for his visit to France, and it was time to communicate with them.

It had been so long since he had last visited Paris, and the vampire community was too volatile to keep track of. Fortunately Aristotle was a treasure of information, an endless source to everyone and everything vampire. The call went through, and it was picked up on the very first ring. The voice was that of a young woman, and he asked for the name that was written on the card. The friendly French voice turned somber as she stated that there was no such person with that name at this number. Nicholas persisted, knowing how careful their kind had to be.

"Tell him that Nicholas Knight has arrived in Paris, and that Aristotle has assured him that the proper arrangements have been made."

The line fell silent for several seconds. Then the excited voice of a man began to speak into the telephone in English.

"NICHOLA! How good to hear from you again! How long has it been?"

"Bonjour Henri, I believe it was during WW II that our paths last crossed."

The voice at the other end of the phone became sorrowful.

"Yes, yes. Not a pleasant period for my beautiful city, but let's not discuss such times. You are here, and we welcome you!"

"I'm afraid it will not be for long, it's for business."

"Of course, of course. I have made all the arrangements. You have a reservation at the Hotel Ritz. A rather nice suite if I do say so myself. You should be quite comfortable, and it is only a short distance to La Louvre. That is where your business is?"

"Yes. Thank you Henri. And for my transportation during the day?"

"I was just about to tell you that I have dispatched a limousine, with tinted windows of course, to take you to the Hotel. And Nichola, I think you will find the refrigerator well stocked for your stay."

"Again I am in your debt Henri, you have thought of everything. If you ever decide to visit Toronto, I would hope to provide the same courtesy to you."

"Thank you Nichola. I know that you mean that, but I have never had the desire to leave this city. She is my passion, there is no other like her. Enjoy your stay Nichola, and if there is anything that you require, you need only to pick up the phone. So nice to hear from you again."

The telephone fell silent, and then became disconnected. Nicholas smiled as he hung up the telephone. One more call then he would catch the limo to the hotel. Again, he placed his phone card into the machine, and began to dial the multi digit number. The call was to Schanke, he had promised that he would let him know of his safe arrival. A groggy Myra picked up the telephone after a few rings, then handed the phone to her husband. Schanke sounded tired as he spoke into the phone, but he tried to not let it show.

"Nick, are you really calling from Paris?"

"Yeah Schank, I'm here. How is everyone doing?"

"Well, it was nice to get some time off, but Jenny cried when the health department vaccinated her."

Nick smiled. "I'm glad everyone has been protected. I'm sorry I woke you. Enjoy the rest of your time off."

"Hey Nick, how did you manage to pull off this trip? The Captain insisted on sending you."

"I don't know Schanke. I'm just lucky I guess. So let me give you the name of the Hotel I will be staying at in case anyone needs to get in touch with me. I'll be staying at the Hotel Ritz, and I'll meet with Dr. Chasseur tonight at the Louvre."

"Man o man, did the city put you up at the Ritz?"

"No, I'm paying for my own accommodations. You only live once, right Schank?"

"Yeah, but that has got to be costing you partner."

Grinning, Nick ignored the comment.

"Tell the Captain that I'll call after the candlestick has officially been placed back into the hands of security here. Good-bye Schank."

Hanging up the telephone, he reached for his suitcase and walked towards the front of the terminal. Immediately, he spotted a small man holding up a cardboard sign that had his name printed on it with big bold letters. He hadn't expected the driver so quickly, but he walked up to him and acknowledged his name. The driver spoke only French, and pleasantly informed him that Henri had advised him to park at a secluded covered section by the sortie (exit). Following the driver to the far end of the terminal, Nicholas saw that the limo was parked only a few meters from the door.

The drive to the hotel was as pleasant as the flight, and although dim through the darkened glass he was able to see the beauty of the city. After arriving at the hotel, the driver brought his luggage to the front desk. As the driver began to depart, Nick stopped him.

"You have been a tremendous help," and he reached over to hand him a tip. But the driver politely informed him in French that it had already been taken care of and he quickly and quietly departed.

The trip had been tiring, and he was glad to finally be settling into his suite. After removing his bottled breakfast from his bag, he carefully placed it next to the others in the suite's refrigerator. The other bottles all turned out to be human, but with all Henri's kindness he was not about to complain. After unpacking, he went to lie down on the plush bedspread that covered the king sized bed. The day had been weighing heavily on him, and it felt good to rest. Henri was correct, the room was magnificent. It was spacious and richly decorated. The heavy dark drapes were a special comfort to him as he lay thinking how fortunate it was that Dr. Chasseur had been only able to meet with him after dark. The doctor and Captain Cohen had arranged for him to deliver the artifact directly to the Museum. He was to meet Dr. Chasseur outside the classroom where the doctor was instructing one of the free classes that the Louvre offered to the public in the evening.

As he closed his eyes, thoughts of Natalie's pleas for him to use the candlestick for a wish filled his mind. Longingly, he looked over to the table near the bed where he had placed the velvet bag. No, tonight the candlestick would be returned to its rightful owner. Clearing his mind, he allowed his body to relax and fall into a deep sleep that only the daylight hours brought to his kind.

******

Nicholas stepped out of the Hotel Ritz and onto the darkened streets lined with their glowing street lamps. Closing his eyes briefly, he took in a long deep breath of the cold Autumn air. Immediately his senses were filled with the magic of Paris, and he knew that it had been too long that he had stayed away. No matter how many lives he had lived or how many places he had traveled to, Paris was always in his heart. This was his home, the place where he had grown into manhood. This was the land of his people, and despite all its hardships throughout time, it always regained its beauty.

Evening was becoming earlier with each passing day, and even though it was dark there was still an hour before he was to meet with Dr. Chasseur. Yearning to fly again over the skyline, he still chose to walk and absorb all of the cities flavor. With only a small detour from the Louvre, he could visit the glory of the Seine River and its seemingly endless splendor. A wave of loneliness swept over him, as he passed dozens of young couples walking hand in hand along the tree covered paths that bordered the river. How many days throughout the centuries had he walked the river banks with Janette? Being here now by the river without her, seemed unbearable. Glancing between the street level and the level of the water below, he saw remnants of a time long since past. The massive retaining walls with its huge stone blocks, were decorated with large iron rings that had been so familiar in his mortal days. Many were clearly visible, but most were blanketed in ivy. How could he feel so homesick while in his homeland? There was something that he would need to do before he returned to Toronto. He needed to go home, he needed to remember where he came from. To make peace with what remained of his mortal life. Turning away from the view of the rows of trees that leaned towards the river, he began to walk in the direction of the Louvre.

Nicholas knew that the Louvre was located on the Seine's River Right Bank, and was not far from where he was. Even though decades had passed since his last visit, he knew that the Louvre had remained unchanged. But as he approached the front entrance, he was bombarded by the sight of a glass pyramid. It was lighted from the inside and outside, and surrounded by a fountain that shot up long streams of water. It was spectacular. The new look against the old, should have conflicted, yet it did not. The two were harmonious together, and he liked the new addition.

Once inside, he remembered the long hall like entrance whose walls were filled with so many paintings of the greatest artists of all times. It was easy to feel in awe in the presence of such masters. Looking up, he was happy to see the high arched ceilings that were mostly glass still graced the majestic entrance. The hours posted at the front of the Louvre had listed that the museum would be closing in less than an hour, yet it was still very crowded. Noticing an information desk, he made a point to walk over and ask where he would find Dr. Chasseur's office. The woman looked up, and spoke to him in English with her French accent.

"Are you Detective Nicholas Knight?"

Taken back, he nodded and she continued.

"Dr. Chasseur is expecting you. If you will wait in the first Salon that is on the right, I will make sure that the doctor comes to you as soon as the class is dismissed."

Nick smiled still slightly stunned that his appearance was that anticipated. He strolled down the hall, spending a few moments on each work of art. Finally, he reached the end and saw a large elegant room on his right. On the brass plaque of the outside wall, was written Salon #01, and he walked in to wait. Glancing around the grandeur of the room, he saw old wooden furniture that was glossy enough to reflect his image and a large crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling. The furniture looked to be a few hundred years old, and had once been owned by royalty. It was easy to become lost in the time period with all his memories, and in no time he noticed that he was the only one left in the room. The entire building was quiet, and he looked down at his watch. Closing time had been ten minutes ago, and he wondered how much longer it would be until Dr. Chasseur would be meeting with him. Moving his hand to the side of his raincoat, he patted the pocket that contained the candlestick and pouch. Just reassuring himself that it was still there. As he began to once again lose himself in the art of the room, a feminine voice called his name from behind.

"Detective Nicholas Knight? I'm Dr. Chasseur, and I have been waiting a long time for this meeting."

Before he could move, he froze in his place. Recognizing the woman's voice and the familiar vibrations of the vampire, he turned in shock.

"Alyce?"

She smiled. "Then you do remember me."

"I thought you were dead."

"I was dead, but then I came back."

Hurtfully he looked at his sister. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to, but I was afraid of the one who did this to me. I felt I had to leave and start a new life." Sighing, she walked closer to Nick. "I work here now, and it is wonderful. I now have the time to do and see so much more than I could have ever dared to dream as a mortal. I am well known here. It was I who made sure that your Captain Cohen sent you to deliver the candlestick."

Staring at her, he shook his head feeling very overwhelmed.

"Your name, I should have known. Chasseur is French for hunter."

She smiled again. "I guess I should have been more discrete, but I couldn't resist."

"So I'm here because of you?"

"Yes, and because of the candlestick. We really do need that back."

Reaching into his pocket, he produced the velvet bag. Handing it to her, he spoke softly. "It is fine, but you should check it so I can return home."

She shook her head. "Not yet. Hold on to it for a little while longer. Do you think we could go to my office. I wouldn't mind a bit more privacy."

Still dazed by her presence, he nodded as she turned to leave. He followed in stunned silence.

When they got to her office, she closed the door behind them. Pointing towards the walls she explained.

"I asked for an inside office, so I never have to worry about any windows. Most want offices with windows so I was given this right away." Gesturing to a red upholstered chair she pleasantly continued. "Please sit down."

Astonished, he sat down, his eyes never leaving her. Sitting in the chair next to him, she reached for his hand.

"I know this is a shock for you Nick, so just give yourself a little time. I really would like to get to know you better. We are related in a way, aren't we?"

Looking deeply into her eyes, he squeezed her hand. "We are brother and sister. The one who bit you is called LaCroix. and he is our father."

"He meant for me to die, didn't he?"

"He would not be angry that you have become one of us."

She looked relieved. "Maybe one day we will meet."

Nicholas nodded his head, and for a few moments only stared at her. Finally he broke his silence. "Are you happy Alyce?"

"Nicholas, I have not been a vampire very long, and my lifestyle has not changed very much. I still love the nights, especially here in Paris. Now I have endless years to do the work I enjoy, and I have never felt more content."

"Have you killed?"

Her smile faded as she closed her eyes for a moment as she thought back.

"Yes, in the beginning. My hunger compelled me to seek out blood. I didn't think and did not know what else to do. So I did what came naturally, until I met another who showed me how to buy and store fresh blood so I would not need to hunt. I have not taken a life since."

"You should have come to me, I could have helped you. It was the killing that has made me wish for my return to mortality. It has been so long since I have walked in the light."

"Please forgive me for asking, but how old are you?"

"I have walked on this Earth for almost 800 years. LaCroix has been a vampire for almost 2,000."

Now it was Alyce's turn to be silent as she tried to imagine existing through so many time periods. Her words were filled with astonishment as she spoke to her brother.

"I have met others here, but none as old as you and LaCroix."

Releasing her hand, his gaze fell towards the floor.

"Nick, I am sorry if what I said has upset you. There is so much I do not know."

"Your words have not upset me Alyce." Reaching into his pocket again, he pulled out the velvet pouch and placed it on the desk. "Where did this come from?"

"It was from a dig in Egypt. We think that it has been buried for over three hundred years."

"Do you know what it is? Do you understand the inscription?"

Thoughtfully she spoke. "Yes, the inscription. It has seemed to stir up quite a bit of trouble. I understand that many believe it to have magical powers."

"You do not believe?"

"I did not say that. It can grant its owner one wish."

Looking away from the pouch, he suddenly turned to look at her. "You have tried it."

"No, but I know that it works. That would make it rather valuable to the mortal world, but I have no need of it. I already have all that I want."

Looking away, he closed his eyes in pain, but reopened them when she spoke.

"But you do not have what you want, do you Nick? You are unhappy with what you are. You feel that something is missing. What is it that you feel is lacking?"

Resentfully his words poured out. "Only my soul, my heart, my life."

"Oh, I see. Then tell me why in the short time that I knew you, I fell in love with you? And what did it say when you let that jade cup crash to the floor to save me? I thought that it said that you cared enough to give away the wish you most desired to save my mortal life. You fought at the risk of death to save me from falling into harm's way. You did not take my blood even as I willing offered it to you because of your convictions. With all these qualities, how do you believe yourself to be without a soul and a heart?"

"I have lived a long time and have seen much. There is no hope for me. I am damned for I am responsible for so much tragedy. I will always be on the outside of all that is mortal."

"I see what is wrong. You Nicholas have not resolved your past, so it keeps interfering with your present. I wonder, when you came into the museum tonight, what were your thoughts of the glass pyramid?"

Recalling his thoughts, he felt puzzled but answered her. "It was strange to see it at first, but then it seemed to belong. It began to feel right, and it was pleasant to look at."

"So you accepted it even though it was foreign from everything that surrounded it?"

"Yes."

"You Nicholas are like the glass pyramid. You act as if you do not belong because of what you are. But when you are surrounded by the old and familiar, you enhance it just as the pyramid outside only enhances this old museum. It does not diminish its setting just as all that you are does not lessen those around you. You compliment each other, both are needed."

Looking away, he reached for the velvet bag and handed it to her. "I should be going, please check the item."

Smiling, she placed her hand over his hand that held the bag, and pushed it back towards him.

"I know that it is fine, you brought it so it could be no less. Thank you for bringing it back, but I see there is something else that you must do before returning it. You must light the candle and resolve your past. You need to do this so that you can deal with the present. You do want to light the candle don't you?"

"Yes, but everything I do brings about pain."

"This will not cause harm, but it will help you to end some of the pain you carry. Do what is in your heart. Let me help you now as you helped me. Take the candlestick. I will be here tomorrow night when you return with it." Squeezing his fingers over the bag she continued. "I believe that you told me that the past is too easy a place to hide. And wasn't it you who also said that if you dwell on yesterday you have no today, no tomorrow? Nicholas, you must light the candlestick."

Standing up, she bent over and kissed him on the forehead then left the room. After a few minutes in silent thought, he too got up and left her office.

Engrossed in thought, he walked down the street past people laughing and talking at sidewalk cafes. Was he hiding in the past as he had accused Alyce of doing when she was mortal? He had felt nostalgic on his way to the Louvre tonight. Was this early sentiment a reflection of his dwelling in the past? Maybe he did find the past an easy place to hide, and maybe he did blame most of his problems on it, but would wishing for a day in the sun ease his regrets?

As he walked along the wide sidewalks, he spotted a small empty table at one of the cafes and sat down. Someone was there in a moment, and he ordered some red wine. He needed time to decide about what to do with the candlestick. While in Toronto he was determined to not wish for a day in the sun, but now so close to his home his judgment was starting to waver. It was possible that more harm would come from not choosing to wish. Maybe there was something to gain in expressing his mortality in the place that he felt he had lost forever. He gazed into the deep red color of the wine that the waiter had placed before him, and in his meditation he considered all the pleasures of his long lost mortality. If no one would be harmed by this as Alyce had said, then even the small amount of time that the candle provided would be better than nothing at all. It was a certainty then, tomorrow at the height of the day, he would light the candle. There was so much to consider, most importantly would be the timing. If he timed it right, the candle would go out and revert him back to the vampire just as the sun would leave the sky and bring him the security of the night.

Leaving the wine on the table, he went to look for a secluded spot. Just once while he was in Paris he needed to fly over the city and relive all of its magnificence. Then there would be time to go back to the Hotel and plan for whatever the new day and his wish would bring.

******

Even as the drive for blood roared to life inside him, he continued to prepare for the impact of his forthcoming actions. There was no way he would fill his stomach with blood before his conversion to mortality. Rolling the candle between his palms, he estimated that he would have about five hours before the beast would reclaim him. Much thought had gone into the timing of this scant reprieve before he had allowed himself a few hours of sleep. Again, he looked over at the clock. In another few minutes, he would attempt to fulfill a part of himself that for centuries had been denied. Decades he had actively spent searching for a way to recapture all that he had lost at LaCroix's hands, and now only minutes separated him from his deepest desire. As his anticipation grew, he could barely withstand the passing of each second. Closing his eyes, he remembered the drug that Natalie had thought to have been his cure several months ago. The time he had spent in that drug induced world, he had wasted, only ending up being sick not only while taking it, but for days afterwards. Even his mind had been affected, his thinking had been mostly irrational and paranoid. This time he had prepared. This might be his last chance to experience mortality, and to come to terms with what he was. His reminiscing lasted longer than he had expected, and he was surprised to see that the time he had chosen to light the candle had already passed by a minute. All his attention became focused of the candlestick. The candle had already been placed in its ancient holder as he approached it within the darkness of the room with some matches. With an uncontrollable shaking hand, he struck the match and steadied himself as best he could until the flame touched the candle's wick.

The foreseen brilliant illumination burst through the room as he reflexively protected his eyes. Before he was able to uncover his eyes, the intensity of the flame had changed into a dull glow. Without any hesitation he looked hard into the flickering light and proclaimed.

"I wish to be as I once was before I became a vampire. I wish to be mortal again."

Standing strong and still, he was motionless as a gust of wind pressed against him and then swirled throughout the room. As soon as the stillness of the room returned, he began to feel his heart pound in his chest. The rhythm was becoming stronger and faster. His breaths became short and rapid as he almost cried out in happiness. A warm sensation began to return to his skin, and he reached to draw back the heavy drapes that had protected him. With one quick movement the drapes were pulled aside and the sun completely immersed him. The brightness made him wince, but he stayed until his eyes adjusted. Then he looked down at the dazzling city that lay below. His attention became directed to the sun that covered his body. Feeling its warmth against him, he remembered with amazement how precious the sun was. Moving next to the window, he pressed his hands against the glass, and gazed at the sparkling reflection from the Seine. It was as if he were in a wonderful dream, but he had already spent too long in the room. Now he needed to be outside with people, mortal people. Grabbing his coat from the chair, he was outside as fast as his mortality allowed. There were so many places to go, and he had to rely upon mortal transportation to get him there.

The doorman from the Hotel had a private taxi waiting for him. The plan was to have some very ordinary mortal experiences before trying to find his old home. But his stomach pulled from hunger, and as he got into the taxi he laughed. The driver curiously looked back, and Nick smiled at him and spoke to him in French.

"I'm hungry for food! Isn't that wonderful?"

The driver gave him a strange look, and Nick unsuccessfully tried not to smile as he continued to speak,

"Take me to the finest restaurant in Paris."

Accepting this second response, the driver turned back towards the front of the car. So food wasn't going to be his first priority, it was still on his list. With his stomach growling, he watched all the wonders of Paris through the taxi's clear windows and he hoped that the wait for real food would not be too long.

The restaurant was busy when Nicholas arrived, but he was relieved to discover that the offering of extra money here and there provided him with a nice table and very prompt service. Not knowing what to choose from the menu, he had the chef create a plate with a sample of everything that was readily available. There was no time to wait for anything too complicated to cook. Even though he did not recognize most of the food on his plate, he enjoyed the different flavors and textures, all were very satisfying. When the dessert cart was displayed, he had to try everything on it. As for the wine, he was not sure why it was so tasteful. He had only the finest wines mixed with his blood, but never had they been so flavorful. Could it be that mortality had returned his desire for good food and drink, or could it be that only in France could such good wines exist? He really hated to eat and run but there were so many places left to see and experience. Leaving the restaurant, he was immediately spotted by the taxi driver that he had asked to wait for him. Bringing the taxi to the curb before him in a moment, Nick stepped in and the driver turned to ask for the next stop before he had a chance to close the door.

"The Eiffel Tower," he enthusiastically blurted out. The excitement of feeling alive was barely containable. The Eiffel Tower was a powerful site when lit up at night, but seeing it in person in the sunlight had for a long time been a personal fantasy. After walking around the huge work of art, he went to the top to view the city by daylight. Surely this was a special treat that he would never forget, but time was slipping away so much faster than he had anticipated. As he rode down the towers elevator, he began to eliminate in his mind places that were on his mental list. Moving in mortal time was so much more time consuming than flying. Strange that when he was a vampire and time did not matter, he could move almost as fast as the speed of sound. But now as a mortal when every second counted, he was forced to slow down when time was limited. When he reached the bottom of the tower, he saw his taxi waiting across the street and began to run towards it. Hopefully, he would be able to see a few more places before going to see if anything remained of the de Brabant mansion.

The traffic on the street was heavy, but he patiently waited to cross with a large group of French citizens. As he thought about his next adventure, a young woman pushed past him and rushed into the street directly into the path of a large truck. With the lightning fast reflexes of a police detective, he grabbed at her arm and pulled her out of harms way. Everyone turned to watch as the woman fell to the ground crying and pounding her fists into the sidewalk.

"NO! NO! NO! Why did you stop me?"

Nick knelt down next to the woman. "Are you all right?"

Angrily she shouted, "YES! Thanks to you! Why didn't you let me die! Why didn't you mind your own business?"

Looking up at the crowd that was gathering around them, he told them to move on as he helped the woman to her feet. Still sobbing, he walked with her to a nearby bench and sat next to her. As much as he wanted to help her, his time in the sun was rapidly disappearing. Trying to get her attention through her sobs, his police training kicked in.

"Could you please give me your name and address so I can have your family come for you?"

Bitterly she hissed, "Leave me alone. You have done your good deed, now just let me alone!"

"I can't leave you like this. I want to help."

"No one can help me. It's too late. Please let me alone."

Looking down at the watch on his wrist, he felt torn. This day would most likely be his last ever as a mortal. Maybe he could find someone to stay with her and help her. Turning to her, he spoke calmly.

"Stay here, and I will send someone to help you okay?"

The woman nodded through her tears as Nick walked back towards his reserved taxi which waited to whisk him off to the next exciting location. The driver would probably know of someone to send to help this woman. There must be many places that dealt with attempted suicides. Certainly he was not the best to handle this. Halfway to the taxi, he looked back at her quivering body and acknowledged to himself that he could not just walk away. Turning, he ran back to where he left her.

When he got back to her side, she looked up.

"I thought you were leaving?"

"I am leaving, but I want you to come with me."

Confused, she looked at him through tearful eyes. "Why are you doing this?"

"I want to spend some time and learn who you are. Come with me." He held out his hand.

"I don't even know who you are."

"No you don't. Maybe I'm a crazed killer. Then I would be saving you the trouble of killing yourself."

A small laugh escaped through her tears, and he smiled as she reached for his hand.

"My name is Marguerite, and I think that you have more to fear from me."

"Marguerite, I'm Nicholas, and I'll take my chances."

The driver did not even pay attention to his new passenger as they both slid into the back seat. Nick instructed the driver to drive around the city so they could see as many places as possible. However, first on his list was the stop at Rue de Rivoli. Here was where a statue of Joan of Arc had been erected. For a moment he stepped out of the taxi, and stood before the monument which displayed her on her horse. Holding in his pain, he remembered touching her innocent young face which was filled with faith even at her immature age. Now over five hundred and fifty years later, he stood in the light before her as a mortal. Even in her inexperience she had believed that he could regain his faith. Although he still had a long way to go, her words did not seem so impossible now. He did have some faith, and somehow he hoped that she knew of his reformed convictions. After leaving the statue of Joan of Arc, he never again left the taxi without Marguerite. Over and over again Nick would see something interesting and would have the driver stop so that he and Marguerite could get out. They raced through what he knew was necessary to last him several lifetimes. Although they talked when racing around the different sites, she was silent each time they returned to the car. With his energy fading, he noticed a spectacular cafe and had the driver stop. Turning to his unexpected guest, he politely asked.

"Will you help me choose a dessert and wine. I am new to your ways."

She nodded and Nick helped her out of the car, and they went to find a table. Watching her as she expertly ordered, he was taken by her beauty and strength. Why would she try to end her life? He caught himself staring at her. Her long brown curls reminded him of Natalie, her poise reminded him of Janette. It had been wonderful sharing so many of his favorite places with another. Everything on his list had been visited except for one. Soon he would walk the land of his mortal life. It would soon be time to go home, and feel the warm ground as he remembered it.

Noticing that he was staring at her, she felt uncomfortable as a look of sadness returned to her face. "I see your plan Nicholas. You are trying to run me around until I die from exhaustion."

"Marguerite, why do want to die? I want to understand."

A darkness fell over her. "This is not your problem."

"I know that. I also know that you are beautiful, intelligent, and fun to be with. Why are you trying to escape this life?"

"I need to end my pain. I can no longer live with my guilt, and I am a danger to many. I have made too many mistakes. I have followed the wrong man, and he will never let me live my own life. I have to escape, but why do you run?"

"What?"

"Did you think that I did not notice that for the last two hours we have raced from one place to another? You are rushing to take so much in. You are acting as if these are your final hours to live."

Sitting back in his chair, he was stunned at her perception. Reaching over to her he caressed her face.

"In a way these are my final hours. I must return to another life that you would never understand, but I would never throw my life away. No matter how much pain, or guilt, or even being under another's control, I would never take my own life."

"I am different then. I would rather take my life than live what another demands."

Taking her hand in his, he looked deeply into her eyes. "You are strong Marguerite. You must not give up, you must fight this man."

Closing her eyes, she smiled. "Either way I will die."

After these words, he could not get her to talk and they finished their desserts and drinks in silence. When they stood up, he pulled her in the direction of the waiting taxi, but she held back as she finally spoke.

"Here Nicholas is where I leave, my house is nearby. Go and finish what you must, and thank you for trying to help."

Moving close to him, she kissed him on the cheek. They looked deeply into each other's eyes. Each felt the despair of the others soul, and they kissed. They kissed deeply, as they felt the need for each other. Desperately they knew how much alike they were being trapped in lives by their own mistakes. They kissed again and again with each kiss lasting longer. With each kiss their desire grew.

They were still holding hands, as this time she pulled him, but in a different direction from the taxi. He followed her until they reached a large townhouse where she unlocked the door and they went in. Once inside, they immediately embraced and hungrily kissed until he pulled away. Breathlessly he whispered to her.

"This is not right. I would be taking advantage of you."

"Are you certain that it is not I who would be taking advantage of you?"

Kissing him again, he passionately returned her kiss. Then stopped her.

"I can't"

She looked lovingly into his eyes. "You love another, don't you?"

Briefly he closed his eyes as his thoughts drifted to Natalie and their love making only the other night. Natalie was his true love. How could he betray her? She reached over and caressed his face and his words sounded almost like a plea.

"Please stop before I change my mind."

"Nicholas, this is not about love. This is about now and surviving. This is our desperation. I need you and you need me as well right now to grab onto life. There is no one else in the world right now. There is only you and me. We both need to feel alive for one last time."

Passionately, he pulled her into his arms. They both clung to each other as if each moment was their last. Trying to lose themselves in the moment. Not thinking, only feeling their desire to experience life and each other.

Each of her fiery kisses drove him to pursue every part of her as they fell to the floor. Giving to each other and taking what they needed. The suns rays brushed across their bodies from the window above them as their bodies moved together as one. Their passions consumed them as a fire. They gave all of themselves and they received all that they needed. As they separated she looked at her impassioned partner.

"Thank you for staying Nicholas. Thank you for caring."

Reaching out to her, he again tried to help.

"Marguerite, I'm a police detective in my Country. I may be able to help you with this man who controls you."

"No Nicholas. There is nothing that anyone can do. I have seen you look many times today at your watch, you must go."

As they both began to re-dress, Nicholas would not let it end. "I can not walk away. I'm afraid for what might happen. Please let me help."

"It is not safe for you to know who I am Nicholas. You must leave before you are in any danger. Please let me do what I must so this will finally end."

"Do you think that I would just walk out of here knowing what you are intent on doing?"

Frustrated, she paced to the other side of the room. There was no other way to convince him to leave other than by telling him the truth. Once he knew there was no other way, then he would have to agree with her decision.

"Fine Nicholas. I will tell you everything, then you too will know how trapped I am. But you must promise to leave here and forget me afterwards for your own safety."

Nick sat on the sofa and said nothing as she began to tell her story and worked to control her emotions.

"When I was very young, my parents promised my hand in marriage to a very powerful man who provided them with much wealth in return. When I became old enough to marry, I saw that he was evil and I wanted nothing to do with him, so I ran away. I lived on the streets for several months, and no one knew where I was. One night, I returned home to find that my family was gone. A different family was there, and I knocked on the door and asked the woman who answered of my family. She turned white with fear, and told me that my parents were dead. They had been shot when they refused to tell the whereabouts of their daughter. Everyone knew that they had gone back on their promise. She told me that my siblings had all been kidnapped at the same time. And that word on the street was that only my return would guarantee their safety. That night I went to my future husband's house. I pleaded with him to release my siblings, and he agreed. The only way for me to accomplish this was for me to agree to be his wife. He instructed his lawyer to come in, and I signed a paper to agree to marry him. After the lawyer left, he picked up his phone and called to have my brothers released. I never saw them, but I was assured of their safety. After his phone call, he came to me and slapped me across the face so hard that I fell to the floor. He pulled me up by my hair and beat me for what seemed to be hours. This he said was what I was to remember if I ever thought to run away again. The next morning, a priest was brought in to marry us. The priest never said a word about how I could hardly stand and that I was covered in blood and bruises. My mouth was so swollen, that I was barely audible to affirm my vows. I knew that I could never escape, and that I caused the death of my parents. I soon learned that beating me would become one of my jobs as his wife especially when he was drunk. He would always have me stay when it was decided that he would kill someone. Many times he would have me watch. I was used to lure some of his victims to the house. It was my fault, and there was nothing I could do to stop him."

Reaching over to push away her tears, he firmly spoke. "These things that he did, were not your fault."

"Many people including my Mother and Father died because of me, there is no other reason." Her tears stopped as she tried to gather her strength. "So now that I've told you this much, I guess I should finish. I soon realized that I could no longer live in his world. So a few weeks ago, I found my chance to run away. It was not long until word reached me that my siblings were again in danger. I called him and he told me that he would wait until tomorrow for my return. Then, he would start to kill one each day until I had no family left. He said he would have them die with great pain, and I believe him. I have witnessed him enjoying such acts before."

"Why don't you go the police."

A small bitter laughed escaped. "My husband is the chief of police, no one would dare to oppose him. I will not go back to him. If I die there would be no reason to harm anyone else on my account. So you see Nicholas that death is my only way out."

"Things can be done. There is protective custody, and witness protection plans."

She laughed again. "Yes, I shall have his men protect me."

Pulling her close, he whispered to her. "There has to be a way."

Slowly she pulled away from his embrace. "He knows that I am here, so I must take care of my problem soon."

A thousand thoughts raced through his head. He would need to call Toronto, and figure out a plan. But could anything be accomplished before Marguerite's family was destroyed? The options were scarce, she was correct. As he thought, the sounds of heavy pounding at the front door erupted. Moving towards the window, she looked out to see who was at the door and then turned to Nicholas.

"It is all right. It is my friend, and I trust her."

Marguerite opened the door, and an out of breath woman rushed in. "Thank G-d you have not done anything to yourself. Have you heard the news?" She stopped briefly to catch her breath. "The police chief has been killed in an explosion in his car. Your husband and those who worked for him are dead." Finally she caught her breath and hugged her friend. "Marguerite, don't you see? You are safe now, and your brothers too. We are all safe now."

Tears again began to fall from Marguerite's eyes as she turned to face him.

"You saved me Nicholas. Because you prevented me from dying in the street and remained with me, I now have a chance for a life. You must be an angel that heaven has sent."

"I do not know if you are right about heaven, but I am happy for you Marguerite."

"One day maybe I will learn to accept all of the guilt. Nicholas, do you know how to live with the guilt?"

He smiled at her. "I'm still working on it."

Time was rapidly slipping away from him, and he went to pull on his coat. Marguerite ran to him and embraced him. "I know we will meet again someday."

"I hope so. I have to go back to my old life soon, but I will never forget all that you gave me. Goodbye Marguerite."

Opening the door to leave, she called after him. "Do not say goodbye Nicholas. One day our paths will cross again, right?"

"Right."

Closing the door behind him, he looked up into the sky. It was late in the day, and he ran to the taxi that had remained for him.

So much had happened today, and his thoughts raced as fast as the taxi that drove him out of Paris and towards the southern part of the Country. He could not remember another time when he had so desperately wished for the power of flight. The driver got him to the location that he had asked for with only thirty minutes of sun left in the sky. After paying well for his personal taxi, he dismissed the driver and began to walk off the main road and into the overgrown fields. From past experience he knew that little more than the foundation and rubble remained of his mortal home, but he needed to feel close to it as a mortal one last time. Aside for the loss of the building, the entire area was unchanged. After the death of all of his family, the property had been handed down to him. Throughout the centuries he had made sure that the taxes were always paid so that it would remain undisturbed and carry the de Brabant name. As he walked in the last remnants of glistening sunlight towards what he felt to be his reconciliation between his contentment and regrets, he envisioned the memory of long ago mortal walks towards his front door. As if time had not moved, he imagined his mother greeting him while his little sister happily played with the set of wooden animals that he had carved for her. Seeing the broken down building in the distance, he felt driven to run through the weeds and leafless trees. His human heart beat fiercely, and his breath quickened. As he approached his home, he found a clearing, and he stopped to rest and let the sun shine warmly against his face. Its soothing sensation of warmth was far more gratifying than he had remembered. He only hoped that he would be able to hold this memory for eternity. Allowing only a few precious minutes to indulge himself in the warm feelings of the sun and being home, he stood up and took the last steps to his former house. It was only crumbling stone, but as he faced its remains he let it fill him with a peaceful calmness. As he watched the flickering shadows of the tree's branches against the few standing stones, he spoke out loud.

"I have returned to you as a mortal. I have waited so long for this moment."

Sitting down against the disintegrating stones that once helped to support his front door, he looked across the vast acres of now unused land. When he had lived here, there had been golden fields that he would run through as a boy. As he grew, he had learned how to ride his horse in those fields. They were also the place where he first learned of love with the stableman's daughter. A smile crossed his lips as each kind face from his youth vividly came back to him as he gazed into the horizon. Growing up here had been a rare gift, and he knew that he had been truly blessed by being given those years. Picking up a handful of the pieces of gravel that lay near the deteriorating wall, he let it sift through his fingers. What was once there was now gone, reduced to sand and dust. It was only a house, and it was not the stones that formed it that held any significance. It was the people who had lived there that made his memories meaningful. They would always be a part of him, and they were good. A part of him still contained their goodness, and with his immortality, he could perpetuate their qualities for all of eternity. All he was today could not be separated from his past. It was all his experiences, both mortal and immortal, that made him what he was at this time. Looking towards the west, he watched the sky change from the lightest of pinks to the rich dark colors that accompanied the setting sun. Had he lit the candle early, he could have seen the sun rise but this was equally as beautiful. It had been a while since he was actually sorry to see the sun go down, and now darkness came with great speed. As his mortality persisted, he stood up trying to locate a long forgotten trail. There was only one more place to visit, and it was not far from the house. Seeing in the darkness as a mortal was not easy, but he did not allow the dimness to stop him. Guided only by memory, he walked towards a grove of trees past the northern side of the house. With the darkness came the cold, and he shivered. Thinking he had lost his way, he tried to almost blindly feel around in the blackness, but tripped and fell to the ground. The pain from the fall suddenly began to disappear as he pulled himself back up and felt the transformation back to the vampire begin to take place. Within a few minutes, he was no longer cold and could see in the dark. His mortality was leaving, and as he looked down he saw that he had stumbled to the place he had been searching for. With his body reverting back, he could feel his heart rate slowing and he tried to ignore all the physical sensations as he looked down at the grave of his mortal sister.

"Fleur, I pray that you have forgiven me for stopping your one true love from making you eternal. In all the years since that has happened, I have never known if I had done what was proper. I miss you and Mother so. I will always remember your kindness and purity."

From behind him a voice grew strong.

"You forgot to mention her innocence Nicholas."

Startled, he turned abruptly to see his Master slowly walking towards him.

"LaCroix! What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"This is no time to exchange remarks LaCroix."

"I quite agree, and to answer your question, I too came to pay my respects."

Calming down, he moved closer to where his Father stood.

"LaCroix, I am sorry for how I reacted with you and Fleur, but I am not sorry that she is not one of us. At that time, I thought I knew what was right, but I did not know then, and I still do not."

"Yes, I heard you. You know Nicholas, I do believe that you loved Fleur as much as I. It seems that love does not always take us down the correct path. I too miss her. I miss her touch, her beauty, and her closeness, but I never lost her completely. As long as I live, she lives with me. I know that now."

"You seem at peace here at Fleur's grave, are you no longer angry?"

"When the anger was removed from my heart, I felt serenity. My revenge would only dishonor her."

Nicholas placed his hand on his Father's shoulder then walked over to pick the last of the wild flowers. Moving back to the grave, he gently laid the flowers on the dirt then turned to leave. LaCroix knelt down and removed a white rose that he had sheltered in his duster. With care he laid it next to Nicholas's wildflowers as he softly spoke.

"Until next time........ and forever."

Stopping at LaCroix's words, he waited for his father to join him.

"LaCroix, do you have plans?"

"It has been a while since my last visit, I thought I would spend a few more days in Paris. And you?"

"I'm meeting an old friend and returning something to her, then I will be on my way back to Toronto."

"Then we should part company now. Drop by my apartment or CERK when you can, I think we should talk." He turned to leave, then turned back. "And Nicholas, I trust that your time as a mortal was worthwhile?"

Feeling both surprised and impressed, Nicholas said nothing as LaCroix smiled, looked up into the sky, and was soon out of sight. With one last glance at his past, Nick took a path through the cloud filled skies that led to his Hotel. After a quick trip to his room, he retrieved the candlestick and its velvet container and placed them deeply in his pocket. With the candlestick secure, he walked out of the hotel and towards the Louvre. Seeing the large glass pyramid that now graced the museum's entrance made him smile. Its presence was so natural, that he now wondered how the older part could have ever existed without it. Alyce was right, the old and the new could live in harmony.

This time as he entered the Louvre, he knew where he was going. Slowly he made his way to Alyce's interior office, then sat down to wait for her. When she walked through the door, he rose to greet her. Gazing at her in delight, he took both her hands and brought them to his lips to kiss.

"You are a different man tonight Nick. Does this mean that you took my advice about the candlestick?"

"I brought it back to you. Maybe one day you will make a wish."

"I might. Can you stay for a while and talk?"

"Yes, I would like that."

Withdrawing the velvet bag from his pocket, he placed it in her hands. "You knew it would help me."

"No, I only knew that you would find your way if only you would try" She stopped for a moment and smiled. "I bet you had a fantastic day. Why don't you sit down and tell me all about it. So, was it interesting?"

Contentedly, he broke into a smile.

"I thought so!"

The End