This story is a result of a discussion on what would make Nick tell Schanke he was a vampire. It takes place before season three but after season two ended. All Forever Knight characters belong to Sony etc. and no copywrite infringement is intended. All other characters are figments of my imagination and are not based on anyone, real or otherwise. I tried to be as accurate as possible, but took some artistic liberty. Many thanks to Patty Constantino and Kimberlee Preston, for their many contributions and help with my many questions. Thanks also to Patty for beta reading this for me. A special thank you to Jarvinia. Her transcript of Close Call as well as her quotes from other episodes, helped with this story. If you are looking for info on an episode, her site is one worth visiting. There is reference to "If Looks Could Kill", "Killer Instinct", "Forward Into the Past" and 1966". Because it happens before season three, I am ignoring the events in "Fallen Idol". Like I said, ! I took some artistic liberty. ;} Permission to archive on the ftp site, fkfanfic site and fkfanfic 2. This will also be on my web page and the address is in my signature. A Friend in Need Copywrite 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 01/16 "A friend in need is a friend to be avoided." Lord Samuel "A friend in need is a friend indeed." Latin proverb Chapter 1 George paused in his preparations. His head slightly tilted, he had an intense look of concentration on his face. If anybody else had been present, they would have heard a one way conversation. George nodded and said,"I understand. This must be a low dose, otherwise everything will fall apart. This is just a test run to see if the full scale plan will work." George continued his preperations. The canister was small, not much bigger than a pop bottle. Carefully tightening the top, George continued his conversation. "I haven't yet picked out the site. I was thinking of a resturaunt or a coffee house of some kind." George shook his head. "No, I think that a place and a time with very few people would be better for a test run. If it involves too many people, the authorities will be on alert, and that would prevent us from carrying out the larger plan." Smiling, George finished putting the timer on the canister and said, " I am glad that we agree on this. Every one has to realize that we cannot allow this to continue." "Yes, the letter is ready to send. It will go to the police station and the paper the day of the test run. Soon every one will know and everything will be better again." George put the canister very carefully in a lock box and put it on the shelf behind some boxes. He turned out the lights and left. Myra was happy. Today was going to be a great day. Jenny had the day off from school and they were going to go shopping and just be together. It was nice to be able to spend time with Jenny. Sometimes she was afraid that with their lives being so busy, she would never get to really know her daughter. It seems that children grew up so fast anymore. "Jenny, are you ready?" "Yes Mom, I 'm coming." Jenny came down the stairs as her mother was putting on her coat. As Jenny grabbed her coat the front door opened and Don Schanke walked in. "And just where are my two most favorite girls in the world going?" he said as he grabbed Jenny in a big bear hug. "Daddy, put me down." Jenny giggled as her father twirled her around the room. "Mom and I are going shopping and then having lunch." Schanke put Jenny down, and reaching out, grabbed Myra and gave her a big hug as well. "That sounds like fun. Wish I could go, but need to get some z's or I won't be any good at work tonight." Schanke looked at Myra, bent down and kissed her and said, "Be careful, I love you." "I love you too." Myra said as her and Jenny went out the door. Don headed for the kitchen. First he was going to find some breakfast and then he was off to bed. A Friend in Need Copywrite 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 02/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 "Captain?" "What is it, Sayers?" "This letter came in the mail. It is addressed 'To Whom it May Concern' and I thought you should see it. There is no return address and it is all in block letters." Walking over to the desk, Sayers handed over the letter. "Has anyone else touched this? " Captain Cohen asked. " Just you and I and the person who delivered the mail to the precinct." "Ok, make sure we have the mail carrier's prints, and I need a pair of gloves." "Yes Ma'am." Looking at the letter, she was hoping that this would turn out to be a hoax, but her instincts had kicked in and she was afraid that it wasn't. Captain Cohen looked up as Sayers came back in with a pair of gloves. She put them on and grabbed a letter opener and slit the envelope. Pulling out the letter, she began to read. With a frown, Cohen looked up at Sayers and said, " I need everyone from day and night shift in, pronto. I don't think we can afford to ignore this. Call Deidrick and tell him to bring his kit. We need to get this dusted." Sayers looked at the captain, "Yes Ma'am, right away." turned and headed out the door. Schanke reached out and hit the alarm. It couldn't be time to get up already. And that stupid alarm wouldn't go off. Half asleep he hit the alarm again, then realizing it was the phone, picked up the receiver. "Hello," he mumbled. "What! The captain wants everyone from night shift in. Did she say why?" Schanke listened intently, all thought of sleep gone. "Ok, I will call Nick." After clicking the button, Schanke dialed Nick's phone number. "Man oh Man, he is not going to like this." he said as he waited for the phone to pick up. "This is Nick Knight. I'm not in or I'm asleep. Leave a message. Don't take it personally." "Nick, wake up, this is Schanke, Cohen wants us at the precinct, pronto, as in yesterday. Come on Nick, I know you're there. Probably sleeping like the dead. I am coming over in half an hour." As Schanke started to hang up he heard a mumbled "Hello." "About time partner. Cohen wants the night shift in ASAP. Something about a letter and a threat." "Ok, I will be there." Nick hung up the phone. Just how was he supposed to get there. The sun was still up, but he had done it before. I guess I could call Nat. She could drive. With those thoughts Nick called Natalie. A Friend in Need Copywrite 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 03/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Chapter 3 George was pleased. So far things had gone according to plan. But then what else should he expect. The voice had been right from the beginning. Putting the gas in the ice cream parlor had been easy. It was set to go off at 6:00 pm. The place was small enough that there wouldn't be to many people, but there should be enough to count. Everyone would know what he knew. Chemicals were dangerous. It didn't matter how many safeguards you had. Someone always got hurt...or killed. George's smile turned to a frown. He missed them so much. His wife and daughter had been out shopping when the accident happened. When the truck swerved across the median, it struck the car and sent it spinning. They might have had a chance to live after that, but it was a gasoline truck and it started to leak. The gas flowed to the car and a spark from the engine ignited it. He hoped that they were unconscious when it exploded. In fact, that is what he prefered, the alternative was unthinkable. It was soo! n after, that he first heard the voice. It told him that it was his job to warn people of the dangers from chemical use. Since then, he had been working towards this plan and its final conclusion. With this small test run he hoped to work out all the bugs and then do a much larger building. An office building would work. But for now, all he had to do was wait for the results from this. Natalie pulled up to the loft. She waited for a couple of seconds and the overhead door opened. After Natalie pulled in, the door slid closed and the inner door to the loft opened. Nick walked out, completely covered from head to toe in coat, hat, gloves and an extra scarf to cover his exposed face. Nat smiled at Nick as he climbed in. Nick scowled at her. "You know, it is a good thing it is winter and that type of clothing is expected. Can you imagine the looks you would get if you did that in the middle of summer?" Nick laughed, "You are right, they would probably lock me away." "Are you ready?" Nat asked. "As ready as I am going to be. Lets go." Nick said as he wrapped the scarf around his head and scrunched down in the seat. Captain Cohen looked up as her two top detectives knocked on the door. "What' s up Cap?" Schanke asked. Nick looked at the captain and said, "Why did you bring all the night shift in early?" "Gentlemen follow me." Schanke and Nick gave each other a look. This must be pretty serious. They followed Cohen in to the bull pen. Cohen took a position towards the front of the room. She looked out at the detectives. With a sigh, she began to speak. "Gentleman, a letter was delivered to the police department today. In it, an unnamed person delivers a warning. This person says there will be a small demonstration of the dangers of chemical use. I am going to pass around copies of the letter. There is no specific mention of what kind of demonstration it will be. As you can see, the printing is done in block lettering. The original has been dusted and we are waiting for results. I want all of you to be on your toes. This person may be a quack, but we can't be sure. I know this is like looking for a needle in a haystack, and this time we don't even know what the needle looks like. Are there any questions? If not, Gentlemen let's get going. Thank you. " Nick and Schanke slowly walked to their desks. With slight frowns, both of them reread the letter. TO WHOMEVER IS IN CHARGE, I AM SENDING THIS LETTER TO YOU AS A WARNING! WE HAVE TO STOP USING CHEMICALS! THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND HAVE KILLED THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. TODAY, THERE WILL BE A SMALL DEMONSTRATION OF THE DANGERS OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY. IF NOTHING IS DONE AFTER THIS SMALL DEMONSTRATION, THERE WILL BE MORE. EACH ONE WILL BE BIGGER THAN THE LAST, UNTIL THERE IS NO MORE CHEMICAL USE. SINCERELY, A CONCERNED CITIZEN. Schanke turned to Nick. " Man oh Man, I can't believe some of the crazies out there. Do you have any ideas Nick?" "No, I don't. We will just have to keep our eyes and ears open, and hope we get a break." He looked down at the letter, hoping some clue would jump out at them. Then they would at least have a starting point. A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 04/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Chapter 4 Myra looked at Jenny. It had been a fun day. They had gone shopping, ate lunch and had a great time. To finish their day and make it complete, they were headed for an ice cream shop. Jenny smiled at her mom. "So Mom, do you think Dad will like what we got him?" "I'm sure he will, honey. I think reindeer pajamas go perfectly with the moose ones he already has." Myra smiled as she remembered what Don had said about the time he showed up at a crime scene in those same pajamas. He was trying to impress his new captain. He impressed her alright, just not in the way he intended. Jenny pushed open the door to the ice cream shop and let out a sigh. "Mom, how am I going to choose just one. There are so many delicious choices." Myra smiled at her, "I know honey, that is why I am going with the sampler." "Good idea Mom." Jenny said with an ear to ear grin. Soon they were headed to a small table with their ice cream. The shop was quiet. It was just the clerk and them. While they ate their ice cream, they listened to the music and discussed the latest trends. Unknown to them, a small canister, located in a furnace vent started to release it's deadly contents. Slowly the gas flowed out of the vent and into the room. "Are you ready to head home? Myra asked as she put the last spoonful of icecream into her mouth. She closed her eyes savoring it, as it melted in her mouth. "Just have one more bite Mom, and then I'm ready." They gathered their packages and headed for the door and home. Once they reached home, they took their packages into the house. "Mom, I am going to work on some homework." Jenny said, as she took her bags to her room. "Ok, dear, I am going to see if your dad is hungry." Myra went to the kitchen to set her packages down. On the table was a note from Don. Myra, Had to go into work early. Captain's orders. Called the night shift in. I will try to call you later, Love Don. "Jenny", Myra called as she headed to her daughter's bedroom. "Dad got called into work early, so we don't have to worry about dinner." Myra reached Jenny's bedroom door and looked in. "Jenny? Are you here?" she called out. Myra took a few steps in. On the other side of the bed, she could just see Jenny's shoes. A few steps more showed that Jenny was still wearing them and was lying on the floor. "Jenny!" Myra called out as she rushed over to her. 'Please oh Please be ok.' Myra chanted over and over to herself as she rolled her over. Jenny's respiration was very slow and her body clammy. Myra rushed out of the room and to the phone in the kitchen. Quickly she dialed the precinct and asked to talk to Schanke. "Don, please come quickly, something has happened to Jenny and I don't know what. She is unconscious on the floor in her bedroom." "Ok Myra, I will send an ambulance and be right over. Meanwhile, cover her with a blanket." Schanke said as he looked at Nick. "Myra, did you get that?" "Yes..." Myra said as she dropped the phone and fell to the floor. "Myra...Myra, are you there? Myra! Myra! Man oh Man please answer me." "Nick we gotta roll, something bad is going on at my house. I need to call the ambulance right away." "Already on the way." Nick said as he grabbed his coat. "I'll drive." Schanke thought they would never get there. It seemed as if every thing was getting in the way. 'Please be ok, please be ok.' Nick pulled the caddy up to the curb and Schanke was out the door before the car had stopped rolling. Nick could hear the sirens from the ambulance and hoped they wouldn't be needed. He put the car in park and raced after Schanke. As he crossed the threshold he heard Schanke. "Myra, wake up honey, it's me. Oh please wake up. Myra, please, please wake up." Schanke looked up and said, "I don't know what is wrong. Can you check on Jen? Myra said she was in her bedroom. It's down the hall on the left." "Sure." Nick said as he headed in that direction. Nick reached Jenny's bedroom. His hearing had picked up a heartbeat and the closer he got the faster it seemed to go. He found Jenny on the floor and reached down to touch her face. A slight shudder went through Jenny's body and Nick pulled back his hand. He reached out again and lightly touched her cheek. She was clammy. Another tremor began and seemed to go a little longer. Nick heard the paramedics arrive with their equipment and hollered. " There is one in the kitchen and one back here." He looked up as one came in the door. "What do we have?" the paramedic asked. "Female, age: thirteen. She has clammy skin and is starting to have mild seizures." Nick said. He stepped back as the paramedic started to work on Jenny. His mind was full of anguish. 'What could have happened?' As the paramedic began to get vitals, Nick went to the kitchen to check on Schanke and Myra. Schanke was kneeling beside Myra as the paramedic worked on his wife. Looking up as Nick came in, he said " How is Jenny?" "The paramedic is working on her right now." Nick said. He could hear Myra's heart start beating faster. Suddenly, a tremor passed through her body. Schanke held on to her hand and looking up at Nick, said "How did this happen? What happened?" "Why did it happen?" "I don't know, Schanke, but we will find out." Schanke was pacing the hall of the hospital. "What is going on? Why won't any one tell me what is going on?" " I am sure that as soon as they know something, someone will be out to talk to you." Nick said as Schanke passed him for the tenth time in less than five minutes. "Why don't you sit down for a while." " I can't. They are my life. What will I do, if I lose them?" "You aren't going to lose them, Schanke." Schanke and Nick looked up as the doors to the emergency room opened and a doctor in scrubs came out. "Which one of you is Donald Schanke?" he asked. "That would be me."Schanke said. "My name is Todd Whithers. I am one of the attending physicians. I want to give you a progress report on your wife and daughter. We haven't been able to determine why they are having seizures and we were unable to stop them completely." "What exactly does that mean, Dr. Withers?" Schanke asked with fear in his heart. "It means that we have put them into a coma like state to prevent the seizures from occurring. We don't have any idea how long that will last. I am sorry." "Can I see them?" "Yes, if you will come this way. I will show you where they are." "I am going to call the precinct and see if they have found out anything." Nick said as the doctor and Schanke walked through the doors of the emergency room. Nick was waiting, as about fifteen minutes later, Schanke walked into the hall. His eyes were unfocused as he tried to gain control of his emotions. "Schanke?" "Umm."Schanke said as with an effort he looked at Nick. "How are they?" "I don't know, I just don't know. Nick, I can't lose them! I can't! What am I going to do?" "You are going to wait here, while I check on another patient that was admitted to the hospital a short while ago. He has the same symptons as Myra and Jenny. I want to find out where he was. Maybe we can find out what caused this. I will come back later. Ok, Schanke?" Nick said with concern as he watched his friend sit and hold his head in his hands. Nick squeezed his shoulder and then headed down the hall. A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 05/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Chapter 5 Back at the precinct, Nick put his head in his hands and sighed. It turned out the third victim worked at an ice cream parlor. When he was found, he was the only one present. At this time, there was no way to confirm whether or not Myra and Jenny had been there. Cash receipts had been checked but so far no trace. Nick looked up as Captain Cohen stopped by his desk. "Knight, anything to report?" "Nothing major so far, Captain. As far as we can tell, if Myra and Jenny did stop there, they paid in cash. We did find a small canister set with a timer in the heating and cooling vent. It is being checked for fingerprints now. Also hoping to find out what kind of chemical was used." "I think for now, we should go on the assumption that Myra and Jenny were there." Cohen said. " If we can get some finger prints from the store or the canister, that would help track down whoever did this. Keep me informed." As she turned and headed in to her office, Nick sighed. More and more his thoughts kept turning inward. The thought that there was something he should be able to do, would not leave. As of yet he had no idea what it could be, but there had to be something he could do. Nick sighed. His shift was over for the night. As much as he hated to admit it, he missed Schanke. Missed his wise cracks and his insight. Before heading to the loft, he was going to stop by the hospital to check on him and his family. Walking into the room Nick saw Schanke in a chair between the two beds. Nick could detect no change in Myra's or Jenny's heart rate, but thankfully, they weren't having seizures. Nick continued to walk over to Schanke. Putting his hand on Schanke's shoulder and giving a gentle squeeze, he leaned down and whispered " Schanke, how are they?" Schanke looked up with red rimmed eyes, " The same, Nick. There hasn't been any change." Shaking his head, he looked at both of them, "What am I going to do, Nick? The doctors have no idea how to treat them." Tears started to course down his cheeks as he put his head in his hands. "I feel so helpless and there is nothing I can do. It is my job to protect them and I couldn't even do that." "It isn't your fault, Schanke. Whoever did this is responsible, and I promise you_ we will_ find out who it is, " Nick growled as he quickly closed his eyes, trying to regain control of the vampire. Quietly, Nick caught Schanke up to date with the information that had come in that night. After her shift ended, Natalie headed over to the loft. All night her mind had reeled with thought after thought. She wanted to talk to Nick. There was something she wanted to try for Myra and Jenny, but Nick had to agree to it. As she stepped into the loft, she called out. "Nick, I need to talk to you." Natalie listened as her voice echoed along the walls. Pulling out her cell phone, she tried once again to reach Nick. After receiving no answer, she put her phone away and sat down on the couch to wait until Nick got home. As Nick approached his loft, he could detect one heartbeat. Despite his gloomy thoughts, a slight smile crossed his face, as he recognized who it belonged to. He slid the doors open and walked over to her. "Hi, Nat." Natalie looked up at Nick, and saw the anguish in his eyes. "Did you come from the hospital?" she asked. "Yes," Nick said as he walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a green bottle. "Nick," Natalie said hesitantly, as she watched him grab a glass and pour the blood into it. Nick seemed lost in thought as he stood by the sink, looking into the glass and its contents. Natalie, wasn't sure if he had heard her. "Nick," she tried again. Slowly, Nick turned towards her. "I need to talk to you about Myra and Jenny. I think I might be able to help them, actually, it is more like_you can help them." "Nat, you know I will_not_ bring them across!" "I know." Natalie said as she frowned back at him. "I think that maybe small amounts of your blood...might stop the seizures." "Why do you think that?" Nick asked. "Do you remember the case of Norma Dean? How her body aged from the department store to the morgue. How Agnes Ferguson was desperate for the "treatment" from Dr. Jurgen?" "Yes, I do. Dr. Sophia Jurgen turned out to be a vampire, who had been giving Norma, Agnes and Bernice injections of her blood for years. So they would remain beautiful and not have to come across as she did. But Nat, they became violent without their injections." "Withdrawal. I thought about that. I think that because they had been doing this for years, their bodies became dependant on the blood and they reacted like drug addicts who are suddenly without their fix. I only want to try one or two small injections to correct the damage from the gas. From what I know of you, your blood has tremendous healing powers. I think it will only take one or two injections. Not enough to addict them to it. How is Bernice doing?" "Very well. She has adjusted to her life now, without the vampire blood to keep her young. I visit her once in awhile. Hmmm....." " What do you think? Do you want to try it? Nick? Nick?" "What!? What did you say?" "Do you want to try the injections?" "How sure are you?" "Ninety percent. There are risks, of course. I have no idea how they will react or if anything will actually happen." Natalie stood and walked to Nick by the sink. "If we do this... I will have to tell Schanke what I am. He will need to know all the risks involved. It will be his decision." "Will you have to tell Myra and Jenny, if it works?" Natalie asked. "No, besides, the fewer people that know, the less chance the Enforcers will become involved." Natalie looked at Nick with a question in her eyes. "The Enforcers are a group of vampires that make sure the code is obeyed." "The code?" "The code is the set of rules vampires must abide by. The most important one is that mortals should not learn of our existence. If they do, they are usually taken care of." Nick quickly downed what was left in the glass and set it down. In a small voice, Natalie asked, "Taken care of?" Nick looked at her, and said, "If they cannot be made to forget, then they are killed." "Oh," Natalie said. "Do they know about me?" "If they did, you wouldn't be here." Nick said. After an awkward silence, Natalie asked, "What happens to the vampire who is responsible for the secret getting out?" Nick looked at Natalie with a deep sadness in his eyes. "They are taken care of too." "Oh." Natalie looked at Nick. "Thank you." "For what?" Nick asked. "For trusting me." For one brief moment, a smile lit Nick's eyes, but was quickly replaced with concern. "I will have to tell Lacroix. " "Why?" "In case anything goes wrong." "Oh." Nick put his arms around Natalie and tucked his face into her hair. "I am glad that I found you." "So am I," Natalie said as she relished this brief respite from real life. A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 06/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Chapter 6 Nick couldn't believe he was going to actually do this. After all, the fewer mortals that knew what he was, the safer they were. In his long lifetime, he had let few mortals know his true nature. To have two know at the same time was probably asking for trouble. He was now going to tell the one person that he had never, in his wildest dreams, thought he would tell. Schanke! His mind drifted back over the past few months. Everything that had happened seemed to be leading to this outcome. Schanke had come close to discovering what he was after he had to shoot that one suspect and had almost shot Nick too. His allergy to sunlight, never eating, arriving before anyone else, it had all finally added up. If Lacroix hadn't stepped in and persuaded the detective that his conclusions were due to the shooting and his current state of mind...Nick shuddered to think what might have happened. This latest incident brought everything to a breaking point. He didn't think he could count on hypnotizing to work this time. In order to help Myra and Jenny, Schanke would have to know what he was. The big question was, what would he do when he found out? He was also going to have to tell Lacroix. Just in case things didn't go right. This was turning out to be one huge nightmare. He was just afraid this was one nightmare that wasn't going to go away when he did wake u! p. Well he couldn't put it off any longer. It was time to talk to Lacroix. Lacroix smiled as he took a sip from the red liquid in his glass. Nicholas was on his way over and from the way his emotions were playing across the link, the night was going to get interesting, very interesting indeed. He took another sip and looked out across the bar. This little venture of Janette's was doing well. Maybe in a future incarnation he could try it. Nick was outside the Raven. Hesitating. Again. How he hated this. He was as nervous as a schoolboy. And he was long past that age. With a wry grin, Nick opened the door to the Raven. Glancing around the room, he spotted Lacroix at a table to the back of the room. Quickly, before he again lost his nerve, he headed across the dance floor. "Ahh, Nicholas. What brings you to this fine establishment?" Lacroix asked as he looked at his son. "Can we talk?" Nick asked. "Certainment, mon fils." "In private?" "This way, we will use Janette's office." "Where is Janette?" Nick asked. "She is out of town on business. I offered my services as manager for the duration of her absence. It is an intriguing way to pass the time." "Have a seat. Would you like some refreshment? Your particular brand of course." "Yes, please." Nick watched as Lacroix poured the bloodwine into a glass. Accepting the glass, he took a long drink. Putting the glass down on the table, Nick looked at Lacroix and said "Do you remember the problem with Schanke? When he had convinced himself that I was a vampire." Lacroix thought back a moment. "Ahh, yes, the good detective was very astute." " I need to tell him what I am." "Whatever for, Nicholas. It will just lead to problems." "Only as a vampire can I help him. Without my help, Myra and Jenny will die." "They are human, it is their fate to die." "Not this time, I won't let them. They were exposed to something that is causing continuous seizures. Right now the doctors have them heavily sedated, to prevent the seizures from happening. Natalie believes that a small amount of vampire blood will stop the seizures, without changing them physically. " "Why tell me, Nicholas?" Lacroix asked. A slight smile curved his lips as he watched his son squirm in his chair. "In case." "In case, what.?" Lacroix said with his eyebrow slightly raised. "In case something goes wrong. In case they die, or change. In case Schanke needs to forget." Nick said as he looked down at the floor. "My my Nicholas. You have thought this out much more than I believed possible. Very well. I will help you, on one condition." "What is that?", Nick said with a sigh. Why was there always a condition with his sire and any favors he granted? "No one else is to know. And if anything goes wrong, I decide how best to deal with it." "Agreed. Thank you, Lacroix." "One question Nicholas. Why?" "Why what?" "Why do you torture yourself with the petty concerns of humans?" "Because some of them are my friends. Because I never want to forget what it is like to be human." "You are not 'human' Nicholas." "I know." Nick said softly, as he got up to leave. "I will keep you informed." A Friend In Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 07/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Chapter 7 Nick sighed. He was hoping something would break soon. The fear of something bigger happening was behind everyone's frantic pace. He looked down at his desk, wishing for a clue or a hint that would help solve this case. "Nick!" He looked up as Natalie came across the room. "Forensics just sent this back. They got a small print off a part of the bomb. They have a match. His name is George Hill. There are no arrests listed for him, but he did spend some time in a physciatric ward. " "Why?" Nick asked. "A few years ago, he lost his wife and daughter in a car accident. They would have survived if the gas had not caught on fire. Afterwards, it appears he became withdrawn and started hearing a voice talk to him. Friends and family had him comitted. He was released a short time ago. And,Nick, he was also in the military and had access to chemical weapons." Natalie said as she handed the papers to him. "Does Cohen know?" "No, I brought them right over." "Let's go tell her." George was humming to himself as he worked. This one was a little more difficult to put together. Not only was it bigger, but it held more gas. He was almost ready for the next stage. This cannister was going to be put into one of the buildings downtown. The voice assured him this would make the biggest impact. If this worked__ and it should__ then his wife's and daughter's deaths would mean something to everyone, not just to him. George continued to listen to the voice as it outlined the final steps. There was a knock on the door and George frowned as he turned slightly away from the table. Who could be knocking on his door? He didn't know anyone and hadn't ordered in...??? "George Hill? This is Nick Knight, with the Toronto metro police department. We would like to ask you some questions." George's face turned absolutely white. "You said this was fool proof. That everything would go according to plan. What happened?" George looked thoughtful as the voice continued to explain its plans. A smile lit up his face. "I get it, yes, I think that would work very well. Just a moment and I will be right there." George said, as he got up. Opening the door, he looked at the police officers standing outside. Noticing that they had their weapons drawn, George slowly raised his hands as he asked, "Is there something I can help you with?" "George Hill, you are under arrest for making terroristic threats. You have the right to remain silent." As Nick continued to read George his rights, the other police officers slowly fanned out. One of them stopped at the table George had been working at. "Detective Knight, we have a problem." "What is it? "he asked as he handcuffed George. "He was working on another bomb." "Don't touch it. I want everyone out and get the bomb squad in here. Now!" A Friend In Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 08/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Chapter 8 Natalie was pacing. She was uneasy. This was such a radical treatment I just hope everything works out. She was hoping Nick would get here soon. She had told him she would wait for him at the loft. The plan was to draw a small amount of blood before going to the hospital. Natalie sighed as she heard the loft engage. "How did it go?" "He was making another bomb." Nick said as he went to the frig to grab a bottle. "I actually feel sorry for him." "What?! Why?" Natalie asked as she came closer to Nick. "He actually does hear a voice that tells him what to do. This voice told him that they could stop the chemical abuse by using these bombs as messages, so to speak. When I knocked on the door and announced our intentions, I could hear him carrying on a conversation. It was unsettling. I knew his was the only heartbeat in that house." "Oh Nick! That is so sad. He must have really lost it when his wife and daughter were killed. What happens to him now?" Natalie asked as she reached his side. "He will be charged with making terroristic threats. Murder could be added to the charges as well. It all depends on what happens in the next few days. On how well our plan will work. It will work, won't it, Nat? Please tell me that it will." "Nick, I can't do that. I can't promise that giving Myra and Jenny some of your blood will cure them of the effects of the gas. All I know is how it affects you, and how quickly you heal. But I do have an idea, that I think we should try." "What is that? Nick asked as he quickly finished his glass of bloodwine. "There was another victim, wasn't there?" Natalie said as she sat at the table. "Yes, there was. Why do you ask?" Nick questioned as he joined her at the table. "I think we should give him a little of your blood, and see if it works on him. There would be no risk to Myra and Jenny that way." "I can't do that, Nat." Nick said quietly. "Why not?" Natalie asked, looking at him. "I can not put his life in jeopardy. Not without his family knowing the risks involved. It wouldn't be right. I can't involve any more people." Nick said, as he remembered Lacroix's words. " Can you understand that? " Nick asked, reaching out and clasping her hand. "A little, I think. So, are we ready to do this?" "Yes, as ready as we can be, I guess. Will you stay with me, while I tell Schanke? I might need your support." Natalie nodded her head, "Yes, I will Nick." "How much blood do you think you need?" Nick asked. "About 4 ccs should be enough. I don't want to use very much but want extra just in case." Natalie said as she got out her supplies. "Ok. Let's get this done." Natalie and Nick slowly approached the room the Schankes were in. Both of them were very nervous and unsure of how the next few minutes were going to go. In front of the door, both paused and looked at each other. With a slight smile, Nick said. "Here goes." Pushing the door open, both of them walked into the hospital room. Sitting between the two beds, they could see Schanke. He had fallen asleep. Even in sleep he was holding tightly to Jenny's and Myra's hands. Nick walked over and lightly touched Schanke on the shoulder. Schanke shuddered as he woke. "What, what happened? Has anything changed?" "No Schanke. It is just me and Natalie. We need to talk to you. I do have some good news. We caught the man who did this." "Really?! You did, that's great! I hope they throw the book at him. The man deserves to burn for what he did." Schanke said, as he stood up. Natalie spoke up. "He isn't quite all there Schanke." "What do you mean,' he isn't quite all there'?" Schanke asked, with a touch of asperity. "He lost his wife and daughter in a car accident. They would have survived, except that the truck that hit them was a gasoline truck. When they collided, it started to leak. A spark from the car, ignited the gasoline and the car caught fire. They didn't have a chance." Natalie sighed as she continued. "Shortly after that, he started hearing a voice that told him the things he needed to do. For him, this was a way to deal with their deaths. This voice told him to make these bombs and to send the note. The goal was to stop the dependence on chemicals and I think to stop any one else from losing loved ones." "But, he hurt my family. So how was this...Wait, I think I can understand. A little anyway. I don't know what I would do if I lost Jenny and Myra. So I guess he lost it. But this still doesn't help them, I can't help them." Schanke turned back to the beds as the tears flowed down his face. Nick walked over to Schanke and put his hand on his shoulder. "Schanke...Don, I think that I can help you." "What are you talking about, Nick?" sniffed Schanke. "Maybe I should word it a different way. What I am, can help Jenny and Myra." "Ok, Nick, I'll bite. What are you?" "What an interesting choice of words to use Schanke." Natalie said as she walked over to Nick and reached for his hand. She smiled at Nick and gave his hand a slight squeeze. "Schanke, do you remember the time we were chasing a perp down the alley and you swore that you saw me fly? You drove me home in the trunk of my car. How many times have you seen me during the day? Have you ever seen me eat? Nick and Nat watched as the memories replayed in Schanke's mind. ******************************************************************** Nick's words echoed in Schanke's mind. Bits and pieces of conversations came back to him. "You drive, I'll ride... in the trunk." "In the trunk? Come on, Nick, you're not that allergic to sunshine. A tan will do you good." "Listen, I don't tan, I don't burn, I implode." "Does he seem eccentric to you?" "Nick, Eccentric? You mean the skin condition thing?" "That, yes." "You mean the only working the night shift thing? You mean the fact that he has no family and shies away from social functions, like bowling and other stuff with the cops? Still hasn't bought me one meal? Never seems to eat himself, not even doughnuts? Eccentric? Nah..." "Hey does anyone know why this guy would have blood in his refrigerator?" "Blood?" "Yeah. Blood." "Blood." ******************************************************************** "Do you remember that radio show that I listen to?" Nick asked. "Yeah, has that real creepy guy 'The Nightcrawler' on it." Schanke said with a slight shudder. "You talked to him about me once, do you remember?" "Now, why in the world would I talk to that creep? Especially about you." Schanke paused as the memory resurfaced. Suddenly he sat down, feeling as if his legs wouldn't hold him any more. "Are you ok Schanke?" Natalie asked as she hurried over to him. "I'm fine Natalie. At least I think I am. Of course I must be still sleeping. Been having nightmares lately. That must be it, otherwise..." "Otherwise, what Schanke?" Nick asked. "Otherwise... are you trying telling me that you are a vampire Nick?" A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 09/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 "Yes, Schanke, that is exactly what I am trying to tell you." Nick said. "Man, oh Man, oh Man. I can't believe that I am actually buying this." Schanke shook his head. "I have to be dreaming, I just have to." Nick closed his eyes and lowered his head. As he slowly raised his head again, his eyes had gone gold and his fangs were extended. "Schanke. Look at me." "Nick, what... Oh my god! You weren't kidding, and I'm not dreaming. This is beyond real. Does this mean you can fly? Do you really drink blood? Are you strong? Just how old are you? Is LaCroix really your master? Is Janette a vampire too?" "Whoa, Schanke. Give Nick a chance to answer your questions one at a time." Natalie said with a slight smile. "Ok. Sorry about that Nick. It isn't every day you find out your partner is a creature of the night. Go ahead when you're ready." Nick closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Even though he didn't need to, it gave him a chance to banish the vampire and gather his thoughts. "Yes, Schanke, I can fly. I do drink blood, but it is cow's blood, not human. I am strong, and I was brought across in 1228. Lacroix is the one who brought me across and Janette is a vampire. Does that cover your questions?" "Yes, yes it does, I will let you know if I have any more. Hmmmm... Natalie? How long have you known Nick was a vampire?" " About four years. I met him when he woke up on my examining table. He was brought in after a pipe bomb exploded in his face." Natalie said, a slight smile crossing her face as she remembered. "He was trying to stop a robbery." "Four years, and you never said a word. Never let anything slip." Schanke said with amazement in his voice. "Our existence must remain a secret. Our survival depends on it. There are those whose sole purpose is to prevent that from happening. They will do whatever it takes to keep our presence a secret from humans." Nick said somberly, "Including killing any one who finds out and any vampire that betrays us." "But that means you and Natalie are in danger from these..." "Enforcers." "Enforcers, and now, so am I. So Nick, tell me again, why did you decide to tell me you are a vampire?" Schanke said with a sigh. A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 10/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 " I told you Schanke, because Natalie thinks that what I am can help Myra and Jenny. But there are some things you should know before we try this." Nick said as he looked at Natalie. "What kind of things?" Schanke asked. "One of the benefits of being a vampire is that Nick heals very quickly. Something in the blood has a healing property to it. I haven't been able to isolate it. I think that a small amount of Nick's blood will help Myra and Jenny by healing the damage done by the gas. As far as we know, this has never been done before. There is no telling exactly how they will respond to the blood." Natalie said. "There is a chance that things could go terribly wrong. It could change them in some way." Nick said as he looked at Schanke. "Would it make them like you?" asked Schanke with a slight tremor in his voice. "No. But there might be other problems. Increased sensitivity to sunlight, changes in emotions. Other things that we have no idea of. There is a chance that it might kill them." Nick said quietly. "Or that we will have to." "No!" gasped Schanke. "Why are you telling me all this? How can I risk their lives this way?" "You are my friend Schanke. I could not stand by and watch if there was a chance I could help. But you should know all the risks involved. Or at least all the risks that we know. Have the doctors come up with anything to help them?" "No, they haven't. To be honest, it doesn't look good." Schanke said, sighing. "This may be their only hope. It has to be your decision. Natalie and I will be in the waiting room." Walking over to Schanke, Nick put his hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. "If you have any other questions...?" "Um...Yeah, I'll let you know." Schanke said, looking slightly dazed. Natalie walked over to Schanke and giving him a quick hug, said "We will help in any way we can." Natalie reached for Nick's hand as they walked out the door. To say that he was stunned would have been the understatement of the year. Schanke shook his head. I don't know, I just don't know. Reaching out, he took Myra's hand in his right and Jenny's in his left. Bowing his head, Schanke started speaking. "I know that I am not as faithful as I should be, and I am asking this for their sake not mine. Please God, what should I do? Will I damn my family by trying this attempt at a cure? Nick is a good man. Regardless of what he is and what he has done, I can sense that. What am I going to do?" With a deep sigh, Schanke raised his head. Looking at Jenny with tears in his eyes, he leaned over and kissed her. "I love you, Jenny." Releasing her hand he turned to Myra. Holding on to her hand with both of his, Schanke leaned over and kissed her gently. "I love you, honey. Please forgive me if this all goes wrong. I have to try. If there is the slightest chance that you can come back to me, I have to try." Kissing her once more, Schanke turned and left the room. A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 11/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 "Schanke is coming." Nick said as he looked towards the door. "You know there are times when I wish..." Natalie said. "Wish what?" Nick asked. "Never mind, it was silly." "What was silly?" "Wishing that I could hear someone coming like that. That way you couldn't sneak up on me." Natalie said with a slight grin. Nick smiled back at her with a twinkle in his eye. "And spoil all my fun." As Schanke walked through the door, Natalie and Nick looked at him with concern. The last few days had really taken a toll on their friend. He had lost weight, and had large shadows under his eyes. "Nick, I am ready with my answer." Schanke said as he sat down next to them on the couch. "I want you to try it. I want my family back. I need them, here with me. I know there are no guarantees with this cure and I won't blame you and Nat if anything goes wrong. I will be praying that everything goes ok." "Amen." Nick said as he reached for Schanke's hand. Schanke turned a startled look on Nick as they started to get up from the couch. "I was a crusader, Don. I may have stepped out of his light a long time ago, but I still believe. I need to ask you one question before we continue. If things go wrong...do you want me to take your memory of this away?" "You could do that? Wait a minute, come to think of it, I guess you have. No, I believe I want to keep my memories as they are. This way I know that I tried to help them in any way I could." Schanke took a deep breath, " Let's do it." With a sad smile, Schanke turned and headed out the door. Natalie reached for Nick's hand and gave it a squeeze as they headed out the door behind Schanke. As they entered the room, Schanke took his place in between the beds again. Natalie went to the corner and set her bag on the tray table and began removing her things. Nick remained by the door so that he could intercept any one before they came in. Natalie brought over two vials and began to take some blood from Jenny. "Nat, what are you doing?" Schanke asked as he watched her. "If this works, they will want to take blood samples to see if there are any changes. We can't let them find traces of vampire blood, so I need some to substitute just in case." She said as she turned to draw some from Myra. "Oh." Natalie turned to Nick. "Are we all clear?" "Yes. You can go ahead." Natalie took two more syringes and a vial from her bag. As she held the vial up to draw out some of Nick's blood the light shining through the crimson liquid cast a red shadow on the floor. A Friend In Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 12/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Nick and Schanke looked on as Natalie went to Myra's IV. She slowly injected one cc into the tube. All eyes followed the crimson drops as they slowly dripped down the tube and into Myra's hand. As one, three sets of eyes turned to the monitor that was measuring Myra's brainwaves. Time seemed to stand still as they waited for something to happen. After about 5 minutes there was a small spike in the pattern, indicating an increase in activity. Natalie looked at Nick, who gave her a slight nod and then at Schanke. He nodded as he let out a small sigh. Natalie withdrew another cc from the vial and slowly injected it into Myra's IV. Once again all eyes were on the crimson drops as they slowly dripped down the tube. When the drops reached her hand all eyes turned to the monitors. This time the brainwaves spiked several times, her respiration increased and her heart rate went up. Natalie walked around the bed and headed for Jenny's IV. She removed the wrapping from the second syringe and withdrew 1 cc from the vial. She pushed the needle into Jenny's IV and slowly pushed the plunger. The crimson drops made their way slowly down the tube and into Jenny's hand. As one they turned to Jenny's monitors as they waited for some reaction. Schanke said a silent prayer as he waited for something to happen. 'Please let this work, Please.' Suddenly, Jenny's brain waves spiked 3 times in a row. Her respiration and her heart rate accelerated very quickly and then slowed down. She shifted in bed and let out a small sigh. Schanke leaned over and kissed her cheek and gently clasped her hand. Natalie walked around Jenny's bed and headed for Myra's. She looked at her monitors and the silent watch began again. Abruptly, Myra's brain waves spiked 4 times in a row and her breathing and heart rate increased and then slowed down. Myra stirred and let out a small moan. Schanke reached for Myra's hand and raised it to his face and gave it a kiss. Natalie picked up her things and repacked her bag. After a quick glance to make sure there was nothing she had missed, she sat down. Nick came over and leaned against the wall behind her. Schanke looked at Nick and Natalie. "What now?" "Now we wait. The drug used to keep them in a coma is dissipating. As they continue to regain consciousness, we will have a better idea of how they are reacting to Nick's blood. The seizures have not started again, and that is good." Nick put his hands on her shoulders and Natalie reached up and clasped his hands. Schanke continued to hold Myra's and Jenny's hands as he whispered silent prayers that they would be alright. A Friend In Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 13/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Most of the time, hospitals are quiet, except when death looms near. Then there is a frenzy of activity and noise. The Schanke room is quiet. This silence is one of anticipation, of hope. Very softly, a new sound is heard. "Mommy? Daddy? Where are you?" Startled, three pairs of eyes turn to Jenny's bed. "Daddy is right here sweetie." Schanke said as he reached for Jenny's hand. Tears slid quietly down his face as he stood up beside her bed. "Daddy, why are you crying?" "Because Daddy is so happy you are awake. You and Mommy have been very sick." "Oh. Where is Mommy?" "She is right here. Mommy is still sleeping. We are waiting for her to wake up." "Daddy, who is here? I can hear whispering." "Dr Lambert and Nick are here. They have been worried about you too." Nick and Natalie slowly approached Jenny's bed. "Hi Jenny." Natalie said as she reached for her hand. "How are you feeling?" "Ok. A little confused, I guess. I keep hearing things, but I can't tell where they are coming from." Jenny said with a slight frown. Nick glanced at Natalie. She looked up and gave him a slight nod and put her fingers on Jenny's wrist to check her pulse. "Jenny." Nick said, as he picked up her other hand. " What you are experiencing are side effects from the medicine the Doctors used to help you. There may be some others as well." "What are 'side effects'?" Jenny asked, with a puzzled look on her face. "Side effects are a reaction from your body, to the medicine that is inside of you. In this case, you can hear things a lot clearer and from further away. They should stop in a few days, once the medicine starts to leave your body." Natalie said as she put Jenny's hand down. "You may notice that you can see a lot farther than you did before. I would be careful playing outside for awhile. There could be a sensitivity to sunlight. Wouldn't want you to get a nasty sunburn." "Oh, Ok." Jenny said as she thought about what Natalie had said. Silence once again came to the room. This silence was one of joy and hope. Chapter 14/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 A soft moan interrupted the silence. This time four pairs of eyes turned to Myra's bed. "What...Where...Don!?" "Shh, Myra, I am right here." Schanke reached out and grabbed Myra's hand. "Don, where's Jenny? Is she ok?" "She's ok Myra. She is in the other bed." "It's ok Mom, I'm right here. I love you." Jenny said as she smiled at her, from across the room. "I love you too, sweetheart. I am so glad you are ok. Why do I feel like I've been run over with a Mack truck?" Myra moaned as she settled back into the bed. "Well... that is kind of a long story. Do you remember going to the ice cream parlor about a week ago?" Nick said as he stepped closer to Myra's bed. "Yes. Jenny and I stopped in for some dessert after our day of shopping." "Evidently while you were there, you were exposed to a gas. It sent you and Jenny into seizures that at first the doctors couldn't stop. They put you into a coma to stop them, until they could find something that would work." Schanke said as he continued to hold Myra's hand. "How did the gas get there?" Jenny asked. Nick spoke up again. "It was put there by George Hill. He lost his wife and daughter in a car accident a few years ago. A truck swerved across the lane and hit them. They would have been ok, except that it was a gasoline truck and it leaked. There was a spark from the car and it burst into flame. Shortly after the accident, he began to hear a voice. The voice told him how to plan this. He blamed chemical use for the death of his family and he thought that if he could warn other people, maybe no one else would die." "What will happen to him?" Myra asked as she squeezed Schanke's hand. She had noticed how tense he had become while Nick spoke about the gas. "He has been sent to a psychiatric hospital." Natalie said as she stepped up and took Myra's other hand and started taking her pulse. "A judge has determined that he is unfit for trial and will remain in the hospital for the rest of his life." "Poor man. To love someone that much and then to lose them." Myra said. "As I almost lost you and Jenny. I wanted to rip him apart for what he did to you. And yet on a deeper level, I think I can understand. When I thought that I had lost both you and Jenny...and there was nothing I could do to bring you back... Let's just say it was a 'hell" that I never want to go through again." Schanke said with a heartfelt sigh. "I am so glad that you are ok. I love you both so much." With a tender look, Schanke leaned down and kissed Myra. " I love you too, Don. Now, could someone please explain to me, why I can hear what is going on in the next room?" Myra said with a puzzled look on her face. Nick and Natalie smiled at each other. "On that note, Schanke, I think we will leave you three alone and you can explain to Jenny and Myra what the side effects might be from the medicine." Nick said as he and Natalie headed for the door. "Thank you so very much, Nick. Abandon me in my time of need. Seriously Nick, I don't think I can ever thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family." Schanke said as he walked over to Nick. Reaching out, he grabbed Nick's hand and pulled him into a fierce hug. "Thank you, Nick. From the bottom of my heart." "You are very welcome Don. That is what friends are for, right?!" "You've got that right buddy!" Schanke said as he squeezed Nick's shoulder and turned to face his family. Nick smiled as he watched Schanke head for his family. Turning to Natalie, he asked her "Are you ready?" "Yes, let's go." she said as she reached for Nick's hand. As the door swung closed behind them, Natalie leaned into Nick and whispered "What happens next?" "I think it's time for us to head home. I don't know about you, but I'm very tired." Nick smiled, as he whispered back to Nat. "Nick? Would it be alright if I stayed the night. I'll sleep on the couch. I find that I just don't want to be alone tonight." A tired smile lit Nick's face as he brushed his lips across the top of Natalie's head. "I would like that. I find that I don't want to be alone tonight either." Chapter 15/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 There are many stories in a hospital. In the Schanke room, it is a story of joy and relief. The doctors are ecstatic if a little bemused. Myra and Jenny Schanke have made a complete recovery and are scheduled to go home in the morning. There appear to be no side effects from their ordeal. At least none the doctors are aware. Donald Schanke knows there are a few. He wished that Natalie or Nick had some idea how long these side effects were going to last. With his wife and daughter able to hear everything in a mile wide radius, there would be no more midnight raids on the refrigerator. ' Actually, that might not be a bad thing, he thought. I may even lose a few pounds. Just as long as I don't lose them.' The story in the third victim's room is one of sadness and of frustration. There will be no miracle here. The boy from the ice cream shop does not respond to the medication that was used on the Schankes. The doctors are now decreasing the medications that were keeping him in a coma, in hopes that his body will respond in some fashion. There is an underlying fear that he will be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. Across town, there is one more story. It is in a hospital. A pysciatric hospital. Maximum security. George Hill is sitting on his bed. He should be asleep and would be, if he took the medications that were given to him. But he doesn't. He doesn't want to miss any opportunities for escape. The voice has told him that if he can escape, they will succeed in their quest to stop chemical use. It was only a matter of time. He had to do it. For them. For his wife and daughter. ***************************************************** "Good evening. Tonight's topic is one that we have discussed before. Friendship. What is a friend? Is a friend someone who stays with you no matter what is happening in your life? Someone you can laugh with? Cry with? Someone who likes the same things you do?" "Or is friendship an illusion? Do we, in our need to feel accepted... wanted, create an image, and then expect our fellow beings to fit that image? And what happens when that image is shattered? We lash out at our 'friend' in anger and disappointment." "Can we form friendships, based on truth? Can we trust enough to bare our inner being to another? Shall we discuss? Call me. I want to be your_friend." After turning the mike off, Lacroix leaned back in his chair as he recalled an earlier conversation with Nicholas. "Bonsoir, Nicholas." "Good evening, Lacroix. I came to let you know how things went." "How things went? Ahhh... yes. How are Don, Myra and Jenny?" "Very well, actually. Myra and Jenny have made a full recovery and will leave the hospital in the morning. The doctors are baffled as to why two out of the three victims have recovered and one has not. They were all given the same medicine according to their charts. They have chalked it up to a "miracle". Nick said with a sly smile. "So... everyone involved with their medical care has had their memories altered?" Nick looked at Lacroix with puzzled eyes. "Everyone at the hospital who had any kind of contact with them has been whammied. The only people who know anything are Schanke and Natalie. Why do you ask?" " Do you believe that your partner 'Schanke' can handle knowing your true nature and not betray you... betray us? Think about this very carefully, mon fils, before you answer. Schanke's life is in your hands." Lacroix said solemnly. Nick looked at Lacroix. There was more than one individual that would be affected by this, if Schanke couldn't keep quiet about vampires. "Schanke is a good friend, a good man. I believe the knowledge of our existence will be safe with him. If, for some reason, it becomes too much for him, I believe that you can correct his memory." "Very well. I will be watching Nicholas." "I am counting on it. And Lacroix..." "Yes." "Thank you, mon ami." "You are welcome, Nicholas." Lacroix said as he watched his son leave the room. ****************************************************************** Feeling slightly puzzled, but pleased, Lacroix turned his mike back on and continued with his broadcast. A Friend in Need Copyright 2003 Phylis Sullivan Chapter 16/16 Disclaimers in Chapter 1 Natalie looked up at Nick as the last words of Lacroix's broadcast faded into music. Once again, she could see that he was lost in thought. She supposed that he was thinking of Lacroix. 'I don't think I will ever understand their relationship if I live to be a 100,' she thought with a wry grin. "Nick. Nick to the 21st century. Nick!" Startled, Nick looked at Natalie. "Sorry, I was thinking." "I got that, Nick. What were you thinking about?" "About some old friends. About Lacroix and how different our views on friendship are. Or at least they used to be. I think that Lacroix has a hard time trusting anyone. Without trust as a base, most friendships won't last. In almost 800 years there are few people that I have trusted. There was Kathryn Barrington and Lily Toffler. There is you." Nick smiled and brushed a kiss across Natalie's hair. "And now, there is Schanke." "Mmmm. I remember Kathryn. Who was Lily Toffler?" "It was 1966. I was in Berlin searching for a book, called the Abarat. There was supposed to be a cure for vampirism in it. I had tracked it to a library in Berlin. But it was in east Berlin. Bernard and Lily's father was custodian of the library. They were searching for the tunnel that would let them escape to the west. I offered to show them the way, in exchange for help finding the Abarat." "What happened?" Natalie asked as she put her hand on Nick's arm. "What usually happens. Lacroix interfered. This time he turned Bernard into the police and then burned the book." "Oh no!" gasped Natalie. "Actually he burned the whole library. I rescued Bernard and showed him, Lily and their father the tunnel. That was when Lily found out about the vampire. Lily has continued searching for another copy of the Abarat. She sent me a piece of the Berlin wall when it came down." "Can I see it?" Natalie asked. "Sure, just a moment and I will get it." Nick said as he got off the couch and headed to some shelves. "Here you are. A little piece of history." he said as he sat down beside her. "Do you know Nick, it never ceases to amaze me that you have watched history unfold before your eyes. I would love for you to tell me sometime what part of history you have actually witnessed." Natalie said with awe, as she looked at the piece in her hands. "I think I would like that. Someday." "Nick, how well do you think Schanke will handle knowing you are a vampire?" "Pretty well. If for some reason it begins to give him problems, I have already asked Lacroix to take care of it. By changing his memory." Nick said quickly as he heard the small gasp Natalie let out. "Oh. Is that why you stopped at the Raven?" Nat asked a little sheepishly. "Yes. That and to let him know how things went. I felt that he should be aware of what has happened so far. I don't think my abilities in that area would be strong enough to erase a memory that important." A companionable silence settled over the loft. Natalie snuggled in closer to Nick as her eyes began to close. "Nat." "Hmmm." "How long do you think the after effects of my blood will affect Myra and Jenny?" " I can't give you an exact time, but it shouldn't be long. Anytime I have tried putting a small amount of your blood into a larger sample of human blood, it is overwhelmed." Natalie said with a yawn. "Oh. That explains it. I had always wondered why." "Wondered why?" Natalie said with curiosity. 'Finally, some information on vampire anatomy.' "Why it is necessary to drain someone almost to death, before you can bring them across. I had thought of it as symbolic. That you had to be dead to your old life, before you could begin your undead existence. I think I like the scientific view better." Nick said with a slight grin. Natalie laughed. "I told you, Nick, there is a scientific reason for everything. Including you." Once more silence settled over the loft. With their hands clasped together Nick and Natalie fell into an exhausted sleep. "Too late we learn, a man must hold his friend... unjudged, accepted, trusted to the end." John Boyle O'Reilly End Chapter 16 and the end of "A Friend in Need". Thank you for reading my first ever Forever Knight story. I hope you enjoyed it. A note: I used the vampire blood being overwhelmed by larger amounts of human blood, because it makes sense in my story. I don't recall it ever being used in the show. Once again, thank you for reading my story. Let me know what you think. Phylis Phylis (Knightfilli) N&NPacker, Knightie, Dark Knightie "Vampire is not a career choice." Bart Simpson email: phylis_s_2000_2001@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/phylis_s_2000_2001/phylis_poetry_homepage.html