ã2004 Immortality 101
By: Cheryl Pillsbury


The sun sat low at the far end of the sky with beautiful shades of
pink and peach with a touch of gold that shined up the sky as the
colors slowly faded.  The moon appeared high above; the stars slowly
came into view, and lit up the sky along with the moonlight.  The
cool breeze gently blew through the leaves which caused the flowers
to dance and glisten from the dew that rested upon the petals.  Their
sweet scent traveled with the wind, and gave the city a sweet scent
to sleep by.
     Down by the lower east side, the wind carefully blew through a
window which caused the shade to tap against the window.  A young man
was sitting on a small red rug with a satanic star on it.  He had a
candle lit at each point, his eyes closed, and breathed in and out
deeply.  The room was silent, but completely lit by the candles.  A
breeze from the window blew in and had blown out the candles one by
one.  He opened his eyes and looked around.  He turned towards the
window and bowed his head to the floor.  Then looked up and nodded
his head.  He carefully walked on his knees and over to his bed.  He
reached under the bed and pulled out a small box.  He opened the box
and removed the clothes.  He quietly stripped down and put the new
clothes on.  He put the box and the things back under the bed.
     As he stood stepping over to the window, the doorknob slowly
turned.  He walked quietly over to the door as it opened.  A man
stepped in and closed the door.  He grabbed the man by the neck
twisting it hard and the neck snapped like a twig.  He fished through
his pockets and found his money, keys, and the pass out of the
hospital.  He picked him up by the arms struggling to put him in the
bed and covered him up with the blankets.  He ran back to the window
and looked all around to be safe.  He carefully climbed out the
window and gently dropped to the ground.  He quietly strolled across
the lawn and came to a wired fence.  He lightly touched it, but no
electric shock.  He quickly scaled the fence and climbed down the
other side.  He looked both ways skimming across the street and faded
into the busy city.  He had vanished into the crowd of people.
     *****
     A gentle wind carried us to Nick's loft.  He had been
recovering from his ordeal, and was snuggled under the covers of his
warm bed.  LaCroix quietly stepped into the room to see him before he
had retired for the day.  He noticed the alarm was never set and
lightly tapped him on the arm to arouse him.  Nick rolled his head to
the other side with a slight grin.  LaCroix sensed a dream in his
mind.  He fixed the clock for the alarm to sound off.  As it buzzed,
he shook slightly from the noise.  He slowly woke up to LaCroix's
smiling face.
     "You forgot to set the time."  LaCroix told him.
     "Oh," Nick yawned.
     Nick slowly sat up holding his chest with a slight groan. 
LaCroix stood by and observed his condition.
     "Is there something wrong?"  LaCroix asked.
     "The ribs still hurt," Nick said.
     "Do you need a doctor?"  LaCroix inquired.
     "No, they said they would take a little time to heal."  Nick
explained.
     "I see.  If you need any assistance, I'll be downstairs
preparing the wine."  LaCroix said.
     "Thanks; I'll shower and be right down."  Nick replied.
     "As you wish, what time is she arriving?"  LaCroix inquired.
     "About six," Nick answered.
     "Good," LaCroix said.
     LaCroix left the room and strolled down the stairs to the
kitchen.  Nick slowly rose from the bed and gave his body a huge
stretch.  He rubbed his ribs and stumbled into the bathroom.  A few
moments passed; a flush, then the shower.  He stripped down
completely and stepped into the shower.  He allowed the water to
massage his sore muscles reaching up and washed his golden hair.  He
turned slightly to turn the water off, stepping out and grabbing the
towel.  He dried his entire body off and gently wrapped it around his
waist.  He strolled over to the dresser and picked out his work
clothes.  Molly was coming to visit and he wanted to look nice for
her.
     Nick fixed his hair, strolling out of his room and down the
hall, and strutted down the stairs then saw LaCroix sitting
comfortably in the chair with a glass of wine.  Nick quietly walked
over and sat down on the couch.
     "Feeling better?" LaCroix inquired.
     "Almost," Nick replied.
     "What's missing?"  LaCroix asked.
     "Molly," Nick whispered grinning.
     LaCroix laughed slightly, "She'll be here soon enough."  
     Suddenly, a knock came from the door; Nick quickly stood up
walking over to the door and opened it.  Molly stepped in and they
held each other like it has been a decade.  Nick let the door close,
escorting her into the living room; they sat down on the couch
together.  Nick poured her a glass of wine.
     "Molly, Lucien LaCroix, LaCroix, Molly Ebourn."  Nick
introduced them.
     "A pleasure," LaCroix said, kissing her hand.
     "Hi," Molly said.
     "So, you are the one who has Nicholas' heart prisoner." 
LaCroix insinuated.
     "I guess so, yes," Molly said smiling.
     LaCroix smiled, "Since he has been with you, he has become
content once again."
     "I try," Molly replied.
     "Are your feelings the same for him?"  LaCroix inquired.
     "I love him very much, completely."  Molly replied glancing at
Nick.
     LaCroix laughed, "I'm pleased to hear that."
     "It's true," Molly said directly.
     Nick quietly walked up and behind Molly, and grabbed her around
the waist then kissed her head.
     "Same here," Nick snuck in.
     "Nick, I have something to tell you."  Molly said, hesitating.
     "What is it?"  Nick asked.
     "I have to leave for France on Thursday morning.  I need to
pick up a rare statue and bring it here safely."  Molly told him.
     Nick inhaled, stunned, "For how long?"
     "I'll be home Monday night."  Molly replied.
     "I just got on my feet and you need to leave."  Nick said,
slightly upset.
     "I'm sorry honey, but it's my job."  Molly said.
     Nick exhaled, "I'm sorry, I'll miss you a lot."
     "So will I; I have two days left before I leave, let's have
fun, okay?"  Molly suggested.
     LaCroix quietly left them behind standing by the couch, and
waited for them to end their conversation.
     Nick slightly smiled, "All right,"
     "Will you take me to the airport and pick me up on Monday
night?"  Molly asked.
     "Definitely," Nick grinned in return.
     "How about, the four of us go to the Zoo with a picnic.  It
will be a lot of fun and you guys could use the fresh air?"  Molly
suggested.
     "Done," Nick said kissing her.
     "LaCroix, would you like to join us?"  Molly asked.
     "Thanks for the offer, but I can't."  LaCroix answered.
     "I've enjoyed our evening."  Molly replied warmly.
     LaCroix sighed, "As did I; but I must go and rest for awhile."
     "Are you all right?"  Molly inquired.
     "Just tired, night, Nicholas; goodnight, Miss Ebourn."  LaCroix
said bidding farewell.
     "Molly, goodnight LaCroix; pleasant dreams," Molly said.
     LaCroix smiled, "Night, Molly,"
     LaCroix strolled down the hallway entering his room and slowly
closed the door so he would not be disturbed.  Nick slowly turned to
Molly with a wide-eyed smile and a gleam from his blue eyes.
     "You made quite the impression on him."  Nick uttered.
     Molly smiled, "I'm glad; he's a very nice man."
     "That he is," Nick replied.
     "How about you?"  Molly inquired.
     Nick smiled warmly, "You amaze me everyday."
     "Really, how do you feel today?"  Molly asked.
     "The wound is healed and no scar, but my ribs are still a
little tender."  Nick answered.
     "My poor, darling, do you need special care?"  Molly insinuated.
     "From you, always; lead the way M'Lady."  Nick replied eagerly.
     Molly took Nick by the hand leading him upstairs and down the
hall to his room.  Nick gave her a little kiss on her cheek and
strolled into the bathroom.  She began to undress and pulled down the
blankets on the bed.  He flushed the toilet and strolled out of the
room with just a towel on.  He saw Molly almost naked, and stood by
where she was sitting on the bed.  She reached up and pulled the
towel.  He climbed in as she lay back and they made love all night
long.
     *****
     Down at the lower West Side, the patient from the hospital was
setting up the empty warehouse.  Candles surrounded the walls.  A
wooden table with chains at each corner.  The satanic star painted in
red laid under the table.  Red silk drapes hung from the ceiling.  A
small table stood up on a platform with copper cups and a bowl with
candles at each side.  A long white lace cloth covered the table, and
off to the right, a pile of red towels and to the left, a long
sharpened knife, with matches along the bowl and scented oils and
other rare herbs.
     He turned to face the table on the platform, lit the candles,
and prayed silently.  He removed his cloak stepping down to the long
table picking up the knife, and hid it in the jacket.  He slowly
walked out of the warehouse walking down the long alley and walked
through the park.  He saw a bench; sitting down on it, he gazed at
the stars
     *****
     Back at Nick's home, he and Molly were lying close together and
cozy under the blankets.  Suddenly, the alarm sounded off and Molly
reached over to turn it off then wrapped her arms around him.  He
slowly woke up and climbed from under the blankets.  He ran for the
bathroom and a few moments passed a flush.  Molly quickly joined him
turning around and started the shower.  They carefully stepped in and
as they enjoyed the warmth of the water, the heat intensified their
passion; made love in the shower.  Nick left the shower first and
Molly closed the door.  Nick grabbed the towel and left the bathroom.
He closed the door, walking over to his dresser and grabbed some
casual clothes.  He turned and tossed them onto the bed.  He got
dressed and tossed some clothes on the bed for Molly.  He left his
room, strolling down the hallway and downstairs to wait for Molly.
     As Nick touched the bottom step, a knock came from the front
door and Nick walked over to see who it was.  He slowly opened the
door and there stood Allen.  They extended their hands to shake and
gave each other a slight hug in friendship
     "Hey," Nick said happily.
     "Hello, Nick," Allen said grinning.
     Nick extended his hand, "Come on,"
     The door automatically closed behind them; they strolled over
to the couch and stood there to talk.
     "I only have a few minutes; I need to leave."  Allen said sadly.
     "Leave, why?" Nick queried stunned.
     Allen, with a slight pout, "I have to go back to my job."
     "True," Nick sighed.
     "But I will steal a cup of coffee."  Allen hinted.
     "Great, come on." Nick said escorting Allen into the kitchen.
     They walked into the kitchen, and grabbed some coffee that
LaCroix made before retiring.  They sat down on the couch.
     "How are you doing, friend?"  Allen asked.
     "Better, how did everything end up?"  Nick inquired.
      "Let's see; John and Philip died in the explosion."  Allen
told him.
     "What about Larry?"  Nick asked.
      "That's the odd piece of the puzzle.  He died from lack of
blood."  Allen said.
     "That is odd," Nick said puzzled.
     "And in China; they got the big Guy."  Allen said beaming.
     Nick grinned, "Even better,"  
     "True," Allen agreed.
     Suddenly, Molly slowly came down the stairs and quietly
approached Nick.  He tilted his neck backwards; she leaned over and
placed a kiss upon his wet lips.  She strolled around and sat down on
the corner of the couch.
     "Allen Straton, Molly Ebourn.  Molly, Allen."  Nick introduced
them.
     "Hello," Molly whispered.
     Allen smiled, surprised, "So you're Molly; you are all he talks
about."
     "All good I hope," Molly replied.
     "Oh yeah; well, its time to go, but stay in touch," Allen said,
standing up.
     "You too, we're planning a guy's night Friday; join in."  Nick
suggested.
     "Eight o'clock," Allen yelled.
     "Done," Nick said.
     Nick stood up, escorting Allen to the door and watched him
leave.  He casually leaned up against the door and patiently waited
for Molly.  She slowly strolled up to him and smiled very warmly.
     "Let's go," Nick said.
     "Where?"  Molly inquired.
     Nick looking at her, "Well, your place for better clothes and
you promised a tour of the paintings from France."
     "Let's go," Molly smiled widely.
     They left and Molly drove her car while Nick followed very
close behind in his.  Molly quickly ran into the building and into
her apartment to change her clothes.  She placed Nick's clothes in a
bag locking her door and ran down the hall.  Molly walked through the
door and over to Nick's car.  He carefully stepped out of his car and
opened her door.  She stepped in and closed the door.  She tossed the
bag into the back seat as Nick climbed into his seat.  He started the
engine and drove to the Gallery to look at the paintings she promised.
     *****
     Meanwhile, at the college grounds a young girl was sitting
under a tree studying peacefully.  She was drinking a bottle of
water, but unaware of what awaited her.  Gary, the patient, sat down
and observed her every move.  Suddenly, she closed her book and
carefully standing up walking away and down the sidewalk alone.  He
followed closely behind her, but out of her view.  She sensed
something or someone was close by.  She carefully walked slow, but
looked all around her.  Her fear and the sense of terror built, and
she became scared and started to run.  She spotted an alley running
down there and he quietly followed her clinging to the wall like a
shadow.
     She ran into a wired fence, but sadly nowhere else to run, and
no place to hide.  She cried and screamed in fear, and tried to climb
the fence.  Gary came into view and stared her down.  She was so
terrified she stood paralyzed.  He reached for her pulling her head
forward and jammed a needle into the base of her skull.  She let out
a huge scream of pain then collapsed into his arms.  He gently picked
her up and carried her back to the warehouse.
     He cautiously entered the warehouse from the rear, so no one
could see him.  He laid her upon the long table and gently chained
her down.  He slowly walked to the other side and lit the candles on
the small table.  He ripped her shirt open exposing her bra and
stomach.  He then placed a finger into the scented oil touching her
forehead and stomach.  He picked up the cup of rare herbs and placed
a few on the oil.  He placed the cup down picking up a knife and cut
her forehead.  He drew an arrow pointing upward then a wave line
through it and added a dot under the wave.  He slowly went down to
her stomach.  He drew the same pattern but added two lines along each
side of the arrow.
     As she bled from her wounds, he placed a chalice near her and
drained her blood into it.  He reached for the bottle of ruby red
wine and mixed it with the blood.  He raised the cup above his head
and chanted.  He lowered it and held it out in front of his chest.
     "Grant me what I truly desire." he chanted.
     He drank it, picking up the matches and lit the dots he placed
on her.  He slowly walked around her chanting while the herbs burned
until there was only smoke.  He carefully wrapped her up in the lace
cloth and picked her up like a baby.  He carried her outside and
walked slowly to the park.  He found a small pond in the middle of
the park gently lowering her down and fixed her to look like an angel
on a bed of grass.  He stood up leaving her there and went back to
the warehouse to rest.
     *****
     Meanwhile, back at the Gallery, Nick and Molly strolled the
corridors; holding hands and observed all the details in the
paintings.  Suddenly, as he was about to kiss Molly, his cell phone
rang.  He reluctantly reached into his pocket and pulled it out.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     "Hey, buddy, we got a body at the mental hospital, Mt. Sinai
Hospital."  Paul said.
     "On my way," Nick sighed.
     "I'm at the station, pick me up."  Paul told him.
     Nick exhaled, "Okay,"
     Nick sadly hung up the phone and slowly placed it back into his
pocket.  He slowly looked to Molly with sad eyes.
     "What is it?"  Molly asked.
     "Police work, and not sure yet, but thanks for the tour and the
company was most beautiful."  Nick expressed warmly.
     "Thank you; I'll see you, before I leave," Molly hinted.
     "Definitely, bye," Nick said, kissing her passionately.
     They held each other tightly and kissed each other very
passionately.  Nick quickly left her and ran down the stairs to his
car.  He unlocked the door and climbed in.  He started the engine and
headed for the station.  As he arrived, he saw Paul standing in front
of the stairs waiting for him.  Paul quickly walked around to his
side and climbed in.  Nick slowly pulled away and drove where Paul
told him.
     "Hey, how's Molly?"  Paul asked.
     "Great and Carla?" Nick inquired.
     "Great," Paul said smiling.
     Nick sighed, "What you got?"
     "Okay; a Doctor Karlson called.  She said she was making her
rounds and she found a guard in a bed, dead, and the patient gone." 
Paul briefed him.
     "Patient's name?"  Nick asked.
     "Gary Cates," Paul answered.
     Nick paused, "Cates,"
     "Know him?" Paul inquired.
     "I've heard the name," Nick said.
     "Dr. Karlson will fill us in.  The lab guys are on their way." 
Paul told him.
     "Keep notes," Nick suggested.
     "Always.  There it is, Mt. Sinai Mental Hospital."  Paul said,
showing Nick the direction.
     "All right," Nick whispered.
     Nick slowly pulled in and parked out front near the door.  They
exited the car and he locked the doors.  They strolled up the path to
the front door.  They met up with the guard and they flashed their
badges for him.  The guard kindly escorted them to the room where the
body laid.  They silently showed the guard to stand back.  They
carefully stood in the doorway waiting for the lab.
     "Where's Dr. Karlson?"  Paul asked.
     "I'll go get her," The guard said.
     The guard quickly left them and went to get Dr. Karlson.  Nick
and Paul cautiously approached the room.  They carefully stepped in,
standing in the middle of the room and just looked around.
     "No struggle," Paul uttered.
     "Window's open," Nick said.
     Nick took a few steps towards the bed, pulling out his hanky
and carefully pulled the blanket down to see the body then saw its
condition.
     "Neck's broken," Nick replied.
     "Nick, over here," Paul requested.
     Nick turned carefully around stepping over to Paul and what he
found.
     "This guy had very strange reading habits."  Paul replied.
     A woman suddenly appeared in the doorway.  She quietly cleared
her throat to draw their attention.  As they walked slowly towards
her, the lab boys arrived with Dr. Michaels leading the way.
     "Hey, Kathy," Nick said.
     "Hello," Kathy replied.
     "Dr. Karlson?" Paul inquired.
     "Yes," Karlson said.
     "Is there a place to talk?"  Paul asked.
     "Out here, by the window," Karlson replied.
     They carefully left the scene for the lab people and they
slowly walked towards the window to do theirs.
     "You are?" Karlson inquired.
     "Detective Coletti and I'm Detective Knight," Nick introduced.
     "I was making my usual rounds and when I checked on Gary, he
was gone and the guard was in his bed.  I didn't touch anything. 
Then I called the police."  Karlson reported.
     "Tell me more about Gary."  Nick said.
     "He's been a patient here for about ten years.  He was a
professor at the College until he became obsessed with witchcraft,
mainly warlocks.  He believed in it so much, he lived it and taught
it, or tried to.  He was fired for trying to sacrifice a student." 
Karlson informed them.
     "I saw his books," Paul said.
     "He believed that the blood of virgins and a vampire would give
him immortality."  Karlson replied.
     "Weird," Paul whispered.
     "He was brought here when he killed a sixteen year old girl
using the ceremony."  Karlson told them.
     "Great," Nick sighed.
     "I'll put a file and a copy of that ceremony together for you. 
If you would follow me to my office."  Karlson suggested.
     "Okay; Paul, check in with Kathy and meet me outside."  Nick
requested.
     "Cool," Paul said.
     Nick stood up and Dr. Karlson led the way to her office with
Nick close behind.  They walked into the room, over to her desk and
picking up the file then faced Nick directly.
     "Did he have any hiding places or friends we can talk to?" 
Nick asked.
     "Call me Sandi; whenever he got out, we would find him near
water."  Sandi replied.
     "Beaches," Nick suggested.
     "No, it would be ponds, rivers, or a small lake.  He would be
near it, but not in it.  Hold on."  Sandi replied.
     Sandi suddenly remembered something, walking over to her desk
and by the phone.  She picked up her book, searching for a number and
wrote it down on a piece of paper then strolled back to Nick.
     "Here, this is his cousin.  He was the one who placed him here.
We need to get him back.  He's very dangerous.  He will kill again." 
Sandi said, firmly.
     "With your help, it shouldn't take too long."  Nick replied.
     "Great; I'll walk you out."  Sandi said.
     "Thank you," Nick whispered.
     Dr. Karlson slowly escorted Nick out of her office and to the
front door of the hospital.  As they stood on the last step, Paul
came running up to Nick all winded.
     "It looks like he's already started."  Paul said.
     "Where?"  Nick asked.
     "In the park, by the pond," Paul answered.
     "May I go with you?"  Karlson requested.
     "Sure, but please, don't get in the way."  Nick replied.
     "I won't," Sandi replied.
     "Let's go," Paul said eagerly.
     They ran into the parking lot and climbed into Nick's car.  He
pulled out his keys, peeling out of the spot and headed for the park.
He parked the car along the curb and they climbed out.  He locked the
doors, tossing the keys into his pocket and headed up the path.  As
they approached the pond they saw the yellow tape, with Reese and
Ryan standing by the tree.  They quickly walked up to them and stood
by Reese's side.
     "Hey, guys, gloves please." Ryan ordered.
     Ryan handed them some gloves while Dr. Karlson waited behind
the tape and observed from a distance.  Reese tapped Nick on the arm
and pointed towards her.
     "Oh sorry, thanks, Cap.  Dr. Karlson, Sandi, Captain Reese." 
Nick introduced them.
     "How do you do?"  Reese said.
     "Hello," Sandi replied.
     "Come on," Paul replied.
     Nick and Paul went their way while Reese escorted Sandi in to
observe the scene and help, if possible.  She carefully looked down,
saw the girl's body and quickly cupped her mouth then turned her
head.  Nick took notice and slowly made his way towards her.
     "You okay?" Nick inquired.
     "It's Gary," Sandi said exhaling.
     "Are you sure?"  Nick asked.
     "Yes," Sandi answered.
     Nick slowly made his way to Ryan to see what he had discovered,
"Ryan, what you got?"
     "I'd say about twenty-years-old, she had this symbol on her
head and that on her stomach."  Ryan showed him.
     Nick knelt down, slowly examining the body and looked at the
symbols then noticed something else.  He tugged at his jacket to draw
his attention to what he had found.
     "What's that?"  Ryan asked.
     "Burn marks; it appears he burned some herbs and scents on her.
She was bleeding, but there's no blood here."  Nick said.
     "How did she die exactly?"  Ryan inquired.
     Ryan moved Nick's eyes to her face and he carefully pointed her
lips.
     "See here, her lips are blue and her nails are yellow, poison
of some form."  Ryan suggested.
     "Let me know, call me later."  Nick requested.
     "Got it," Ryan said.
     "Thanks," Nick said standing up, and faced Sandi. "Sandi,"
     "He's performing that ceremony for immortality again."  Sandi
told him.
     "Let's go to the car. Paul, finish up here; I'll be at the
car."  Nick said.
     "Cool," Paul replied.
     Nick gently took Sandi by the arm and showed her the way to the
car.  He unlocked and opened her door and she climbed in.  As he
closed the door walking over to his side, and unlocked his and
climbed in.
     "Tell me more about the ceremony."  Nick requested firmly.
     "I didn't read it, but if I remember correctly, you need the
blood of three virgins, but the third one is mixed with an ancient
vampire, and you will gain immortality."  Sandi briefed him.
     "Where do you find a vampire?"  Nick asked.
     "Crazy, I know, but he believes in this."  Sandi answered.
     "Strange," Nick uttered.
     Suddenly, Paul came running and knocked on Sandi's window.  She
rolled it down and Paul cleared his throat.
     "Hey guys; Reese got a call, and his cousin is at the station
waiting for us.  He's not happy."  Paul informed him.
     "I'm not either," Nick replied.
     "Same here," Paul agreed.
     "Take Sandi to Jack; have him drive her back to the hospital. 
I'll wait for you here."  Nick suggested.
     "Okay," Paul said.
     "I need to call LaCroix."  Nick told Paul.
     "Tell him I said Hi."  Paul requested.
     "Okay, thanks."  Nick told him.
     Sandi climbed out of the car and left with Paul.  Nick
carefully reached into his pocket, pulling out his cell phone and
dialed up the Raven.
     "Raven," LaCroix replied.
     "LaCroix," Nick said.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix exhaled.
     "Do you know anything about an immortality ceremony?"  Nick
asked.
     LaCroix inhaled, "I know of a few,"
     "I'll be there later," Nick told him.
     "All right," LaCroix answered.
     "Thanks," Nick whispered.
     As Nick hung up the phone, Paul returned climbing into Nick's
car and faced him.  Nick placed his phone back into his pocket and
started the engine.
     "Nice lady," Paul said.
     Nick sighed, "I guess,"
     "What's up?"  Paul asked.
     "Let's go to the station and meet the cousin."  Nick suggested.
     "Cool," Paul replied.
     Nick put the car in gear and drove quickly back to the station.
As they were riding, Paul picked up the file and read about the
ceremony.
     "What?"  Nick asked.
     "It's so weird, back in the thirteenth century, I think, back
when witchcraft ruled.  Many people believed if you drank the blood
of virgins you would regain your innocence and become immortal." 
Paul told him.
     "What about the vampire part?"  Nick questioned.
     "Because they were immortal, if they mixed the blood with the
virgin, the innocence would kill the evil in the blood.  That way, he
would be good but immortal."  Paul answered.
     "This will be a nutty case, no offense."  Nick replied.
     "If this wasn't really happening, that would be a great joke." 
Paul expressed.
     Nick finally arrived at the station, saw an empty spot out
front and pulled the car into it.  They climbed out of the car and
Nick locked the doors.  They quickly walked up the stairs and entered
the building with Lisa waiting for them but his desk.
     "Hey, Nick; Mr. LaBonte is in room three."  Lisa told him.
     "Thanks," Nick whispered.
     They quietly walked down the corridor to room three and
carefully turned the knob.  As they entered the room, they saw him
standing by the mirror.  Nick cautiously approached him.
     "Mr. LaBonte?"  Nick asked.
     "Yes, call me Matt," Matt requested.
     "I'm Detective Knight, this is Detective Coletti."  Nick
introduced.
     "Hi," Matt said.
     "Sit down please."  Nick requested.
     "I heard my cousin escaped."  Matt said.
     "Yes he did."  Paul answered.
     Matt exhaled, "I'll help in anyway possible."
     "How did he learn so much about this stuff?"  Paul asked.
     "My Aunt was a practicing witch.  She died when I was eight. 
Gary was six."  Matt informed them.
     "Any ideas of where we can find him?"  Nick asked.
     "He likes very old buildings, houses.  I need to know, has
anyone been hurt?"  Matt asked worried.
     Paul looked to Nick and then slowly to Matt's face, "Sadly, yes,"
     "A young girl was found in the park."  Nick told him.
     Matt shook his head, "I'm so sorry,"
     "It's not your fault."  Paul replied.
     "If he calls or contacts me, you'll be the first to know." 
Matt told them.
     Nick leaned back in his chair placing his hand into his pant
pocket and pulled out his wallet.  He reached in, pulling out a
business card and slowly handed it to Matt.
     "Call me if he does."  Nick requested handing him a card.
     "No problem, find him fast."  Matt suggested strongly.
     Nick and Paul stood up, escorting Matt out of the room and down
the corridor.  As they walked over to Nick's desk, Matt left the
building.  Just as they were about to work on the computer, Nick's
phone rang.  He stretched over and picked it up.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     "Nick?" Molly inquired.
     Nick grinning, "Hey,"
     "Carla is here, we thought Thursday for a Zoo and a picnic trip
before I leave."  Molly suggested.
     "Hold on; hey, the girls want to go to the Zoo and do a picnic
before Molly leaves?"  Nick asked.
     "Cool," Paul agreed smiling.
     "Molly, okay; I'll call you later to set up the time."  Nick
said.
     "Great, thanks and love you," Molly said softly.
     "Love you too," Nick replied in return.
     Just as Nick hung up the phone and turned towards Paul, the
phone rang again.  He reached over and picked it up.
     "Knight," Nick replied.
     "Hey; I need to see you guys."  Kathy said urgently.
     "On our way," Nick said.
     Nick placed the phone down, turning the computer to the screen
saver and slowly turned to Paul.
     "Where are we going?"  Paul asked.
     "Lab," Nick answered.
     As they stood up slowly walking away from his desk, Reese
happened to catch them strolling out of his office and stood right in
their path.
     "Anything new?"  Reese asked.
     "Michaels called; we're going there then we'll call you."  Nick
said.
     "Make sure you do," Reese insisted.
     "Sure thing," Paul replied.
     They quickly left his sight and headed outside to Nick's car. 
He unlocked the doors and they climbed in.  He started the engine and
carefully backing out he headed for the Forensics building.  As he
approached, he saw an empty spot out front and carefully pulled into
it then turned the engine off.  They stepped out of the car and he
locked the doors.  They quickly ran up the stairs and into the Lab
where Dr. Michaels was waiting for them.
     "Kathy," Nick said.
     Michaels walked up to them carrying gloves for them to put on,
"Hey guys.  Nick, have a look at this."
     They followed her over to the slab where she had a microscope
set up.  She pointed to it for Nick to look at the slide.  Nick
carefully stepped up and looked at the slide.  His eyes were confused
and looked up to her for an answer.
     "That's a deadly neuro-toxin."  Kathy told him.
     Nick gasped, "What?"
     "It appears, when he picks out his victims, he follows them
until it's safe, then grabs hold of their head and jams the needle
into the base of the skull."  Kathy briefed them.
     "What?"  Paul asked in shock.
     "Come look, put the gloves on."  Kathy requested.
     Nick walked behind Michaels over to the other slab where the
body was.  She carefully grabbed the body by its shoulders gently
rolling it over and pointed to the hole at the base of the skull. 
Nick slowly reached over and touched the wound.
     "Increditable," Nick uttered.
     "Yeah, the scented oil here, on the forehead and the abdomen,
was also mixed with Myrrh, sulfa and other herbs."  Kathy told them.
     "Were they dead before he did this to them?"  Paul asked.
     "Yes," Kathy answered.
     "At least they didn't suffer."  Nick said.
     "I'm afraid they did, some.  That toxin burns the vessels
around the stem."  Kathy replied.
     "Damn, any prints?"  Paul asked.
     "None yet; Ryan will look for those next.  I'll fax a file
over."  Kathy explained.
     "Thanks send it to Reese."  Nick said.
     "Anytime," Kathy replied.
     They quickly left the lab and Dr. Michaels behind to do the
file for Reese.  They strolled down the corridor and outside.  They
quickly ran down the stairs to his car.  He unlocked the doors and
they climbed in.  Nick sat behind the wheel and hesitated.  Paul
glanced over, taking notice and touched his arm to draw his attention.
     "What's up?"  Paul inquired.
     "Where are you going?"  Nick asked.
     "Carla's and you?"  Paul inquired.
     "Raven," Nick said.
     "I'll walk from there, she's around the corner."  Paul told him.
     "Okay," Nick whispered.
     "What's wrong?"  Paul asked.
     Nick sighed, "I hate it when kids die."
     "Same here," Paul agreed.
     "LaCroix knows about the ceremony, and I need a beer."  Nick
said firmly.
     Paul paused, "Me too, let's go."
     Nick let out a slight sigh and a small grin to Paul.  He
reached into his pocket for his keys and started the engine.  He
backed out and headed for the Raven.  He parked out front along the
curb.  They stepped out of the car and Nick locked the doors.  They
strolled up the door and entered the club.  They walked up to the bar
and carefully sat down upon the stools.  Scott happened to catch
Nick's face and slowly walked down to greet him.
     "Hey, Nick, Paul," Scott said greeting them.
     "Two beers, and is LaCroix here?"  Nick requested.
     "Yeah, out back.  I'll get him."  Scott replied.
     "Thanks," Nick whispered.
     Scott quickly stepped into the back and told LaCroix Nick was
here to see him.  He walked over and prepared their beers.  LaCroix
casually walked out from the back room and approached Nick.  He
looked into his eyes saw the stress and some sadness.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix said.
     "LaCroix," Nick whispered.
     "I trust you're feeling better?"  LaCroix inquired.
     Nick sighed, "Yeah,"
     "With Molly's help," LaCroix suggested.
     "Oh yeah," Nick said smiling.
     "Let's talk," LaCroix said, extending his hand.
     "See you later Paul, thanks."  Nick said.
     "Bye, Buddy," Paul replied warmly.
     LaCroix led the way to the back room with Nick close behind
him.  They slowly sat down upon the couch and faced each other, but
it was very quiet.  You could hear a pin fall upon a rug.  LaCroix
quietly cleared his throat and drew Nick's attention.
     "I took the information you gave me and I discussed it with
Scott.  The ceremony is a very old one.  It was believed if you
sacrificed three virgins and mixed the third with the blood of a
demon, or vampire, you would be rewarded, you would become immortal."
LaCroix briefed.
     "Drinking the blood, won't that make him ill?"  Nick asked.
     "A human or a vampire?" LaCroix inquired.
     "Human," Nick answered.
     LaCroix sighed, "Yes, eventually,"
     "So sick," Nick uttered.
     "True, where you going now?" LaCroix agreed.
     "Home, to sleep," Nick told him.
     "I'll be home later."  LaCroix told him.
     Nick sighed, "Thanks,"
     Nick slowly stood as he gave LaCroix a slight slap on the
thigh.  He slowly exited the back room strolling up the stairs to the
outside and to his car.  He unlocked the door and climbed in.  He
reached in his pocket for his keys and started the engine.  He put
the car in gear and slowly drove home.
     *****
     Meanwhile, back at the warehouse, Gary had just finished
cleaning up and was preparing for the next sacrifice.  He reached
into the basket next to the candle and removed a needle.  He
carefully placed it into his jacket pocket for easy access.  He
strolled down the hall to the front door and exited the building to
the outside.  He strolled up the alley standing on the curb of the
street and observed all the sights.
     Gary carefully crossed the street, starting to roam the park
and came across a park bench.  He strolled up to it and sat down.  He
reached into his pant pocket pulling out a piece of white paper and
began to read it.  He placed it back, folding his hands into his lap
and waited for the next victim on his list.  He slowly drifted off to
sleep on the bench, and rested there until morning.
     As the sun slowly rose into the sky with beautiful golden
colors, it woke him up to a park filled with people.  He stood up and
began to stroll down the path.  He came across a young girl sitting
on a bench studying her book.  He very quietly walked past her and
hid in the bush.  He made his way behind the bench then to her.  He
quietly stepped up to her, making sure it was clear and quickly
grabbed her by the back of her head then pushed it forward.  He
grabbed the needle jamming it into the base of her skull and she
collapsed.  He leaned her head walking around to the front of her and
sat by her side.  When no one was around, he carefully picked her up
and carried her away, hiding in the bushes and the trees.
     Gary quietly made his way to the back of the warehouse and to
the back door.  He carefully carried her in, strolling down the hall
and placed her upon the table then chained her down.  He walked
around to the other side pulling the small table closer to his side
and prepared her for the ceremony.  He ripped the shirt open, began
to draw the symbols upon her forehead and her stomach.  He gently
slit her throat and drained the blood into the chalice.  He took a
slow walk around her standing in front of her head, and to the middle
of the table.  He picked up the match and lit it with the candle.  As
he lit the herbs and oil on her, he began to chant and drank the
blood.  He held the chalice near his heart.
     Suddenly, Gary grabbed his stomach and dropped the chalice to
the floor.  He fell to his knees and groaned.  Suddenly, the pain
stopped and he chanted a thank you.  Gary slowly stood up, wrapping
her up in the lace cloth and carried her out of the warehouse then to
the park.  He gently laid her by the pond and fixed her to look like
an angel.  He left her there, quickly making his way back to the
warehouse to clean it up for the third and final stage.
     *****
     Back at Nick's home, LaCroix was returning from a long night at
the Raven, but very concerned for Nick's welfare.  He swooped in and
stood in the doorway of Nick's bedroom.  Nick became restless, and
started tossing in his sleep.  LaCroix walked in and observed his
movements.  He leaned over and lightly touching his forearm to arouse
him out of his nightmare.  Nick quickly sat up, and rubbed his face
of the sweat then saw LaCroix standing by his side.  Nick quickly
covered his face and curled up into a ball.  LaCroix carefully sat
down on the bed to comfort him.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix said.
     Nick exhaled in terror, "Oh, man,"
     "Do you wish to share your thoughts?"  LaCroix asked.
     "A bad dream, you gone," Nick told him.
     LaCroix scoffed slightly, "I, gone,"
     "Yeah," Nick replied.
     "I don't think so," LaCroix said smiling.
     Nick grinned, "I know,"
     Suddenly, his phone rang and gave him a huge jolt to his
nerves.  He reached over and grabbed it.
     "Knight," Nick replied still shaky.
     "Morning," Molly said.
     Nick smiled, "Hi,"
     "Are you ready?"  Molly asked.
     "For what?" Nick asked, slightly puzzled.
     "Zoo, picnic; Paul and Carla are on their way."  Molly reminded
him.
     Nick bowed his head, "I'll be there in thirty, sorry,"
     "It's okay, love you," Molly said warmly.
     "Love you too," Nick said quickly.
     Nick quickly hung up the phone and threw the blankets off his
legs.
     "Damn," Nick uttered.
     "What's wrong?"  LaCroix asked.
     "I forgot about the Zoo."  Nick told him.
     "The Zoo?" LaCroix asked a little puzzled.
     "My date with Molly; she's leaving for France in the morning. 
She won't be back until Sunday night."  Nick replied sadly.
     "I'm sorry, anything I can do?"  LaCroix inquired.
     Nick paused, "I don't know,"
     "I'm here, but its time for me to rest."  LaCroix said.
     "How about drinks tonight?" Nick asked.
     "Sure, enjoy yourself, and do be careful."  LaCroix suggested.
     "Okay," Nick answered smiling.
     LaCroix slowly stood up and left the room with Nick pondering
his weekend without Molly.  Nick slowly climbed out of bed and
strolled into the bathroom.  He closed the door and a few moments
later, a flush.  He turned quickly and ran the shower.  He finished
cleaning up walking over to his dresser and picked out some casual
clothes then got dressed.  He ran down the hall and the stairs.  He
grabbed his things off the table and ran out the front door.  He rode
the elevator down to his car and climbed in.  He started the engine
and headed for Molly's.
     Nick pulled into the parking lot pulling up front of her
building and saw them standing there waiting for him.  He climbed out
of the car and Molly ran towards him then caressed him very tightly. 
They kissed each other very passionately.  Paul and Carla walked up
to them slowly standing there and waited.
     "Inside the car you two," Paul ordered politely.
     "Hey," Nick said.
     "Fun time, then love and a bad case to deal with," Paul told him.
     "True, let's go." Nick said eagerly.
     Paul escorted Carla to his truck while Nick escorted Molly to
her side of the car.  He opened the door and she stepped in.  He
closed it walking over to his side and climbed in.  Molly noticed a
little stress in his eyes; reaching over she touched his forearm to
draw his attention to her.
     "Are you all right?"  Molly asked.
     "A bad dream," Nick told her.
     Molly inhaled, "You want to talk about it?"
     "Later, its fun time," Nick said warmly.
     "Are you sure?"  Molly inquired.
     "Yes," Nick said kissing her hand.
     Paul slowly drove up and behind Nick and tooted his horn to
draw his attention.  They looked behind and saw him there.  Nick
raised his hand and waved.  Nick started the engine, slowly pulled
out and followed Paul to the Zoo.
     After about an hour or so of driving, they came to the parking
lot at the zoo.  Paul led the way in and they parked alongside each
other.  They slowly climbed out of their cars and locked the doors. 
They escorted the ladies to the entrance and paid the way in.  They
walked, hand-in-hand, looking, laughing at everything and enjoyed the
sights and smells.
     Nick peeked at his watch and noticed it was lunchtime.  He
stopped walking then whistled to Paul to do the same.  Paul and Carla
walked up to him and stood by his side.
     "Lunchtime," Nick announced.
     "Let's go, the picnic area is to the left."  Molly suggested.
     "Okay," Nick said with a slight grin.
     This time Molly led the way to the picnic area and Nick was
very close behind.  They strolled into the picnic area, Molly saw two
benches by the pond and they quickly walked over.  Paul and Carla
took one side, Nick and Molly on the other.  Molly tossed out the
tablecloth and placed it upon the table then the men placed the
baskets down.  Molly and Carla started setting up the table while the
men opened the wine bottles.  They each pulled out their glasses,
filling them and handed a glass to the girls.  They smiled, and
laughed and toasted to each other for their friendship and love they
have for each other.  They sat down around the table enjoying the
food and each other.
     *****
     Meanwhile, back at the station, Reese was sitting in his office
and suddenly his phone rang.  He reached over picking it up and
cleared his throat.
     "Reese," Reese announced.
     "Sir, we have another one."  Jack told him.
     "Damn, call Knight and Coletti."  Reese ordered.
     "I did; no answer."  Jack answered.
     "Damn, grab Tony, and call the lab.  Have them meet us there. 
I will meet you outside.  Let's roll."  Reese demanded.
     Reese quickly hung up the phone grabbing his keys and things he
might need.  He turned the light off strolling out of the building
and into the car that Jack was driving.  They quickly drove to the
site of the body.  Jack parked along the curb; they climbed out and
Reese showed Tony to hang back keeping people out.  Reese and Jack
slowly walked up the path and to the body where Dr. Michaels and the
lab boys were working.
     The girl was wrapped up in a lace cloth, and looked like an
angel.
     Dr. Michaels reached into her bag, pulling the gloves out and
began to examine the body next.  Ryan carefully uncovered the body
then moved towards her feet and Kathy moved up to her head.  She
began to collect the evidence and suddenly noticed her neck.  She
tapped Reese and waved Ryan down.
     "Look at her throat," Kathy said.
     "That's new," Reese replied.
     "Yeah, I think; it looks like the same herbs and oil; same
symbols."  Kathy said.
     "Bag and tag everything.  Put a file together and have it ready
for Knight."  Reese requested.
     "Where is he?"  Kathy asked.
     "Day off, I forgot about it.  I'll call him tonight."  Reese
told her.
     "I'll have it ready, of what I can."  Kathy replied.
     Reese sighed, "Good,"
     Suddenly, a voice rang out and gave Reese a slight jolt to his
nerves, "Captain, over here!"  Jack yelled.
     Reese looked around and saw Jack a few feet away.  He stood up
and carefully walking towards him and stood by his side.  Jack
pointed to what he had found.
     "Footprint; Ryan, cast this."  Reese yelled.
     "Will do," Ryan answered.
     Reese took a few steps back and noticed something odd.  He
pointed towards it, but also to show Jack.
     "Hello, what's this?  Jack, get a bag and some tweezers from
the Doc."  Reese requested.
     "Yes sir," Jack said.
     Jack walked up to Doctor Michaels taking what he had asked for
and returned to Reese quickly.  Reese took the tweezers squatting
down and picked up a small silver piece of metal.  Jack opened the
bag and Reese dropped it in, sealing it.  He examined it very closely
and they carefully walked back to Doc.  Ryan passed them on his way
to plaster the footprint that Jack found.  Doc stood up to greet him
and saw what he had found.
     "Look at this," Reese said.
     "Looks like sheet metal.  He's getting messy."  Kathy replied.
     "Good, major rush job," Reese requested.
     "Okay," Kathy said.
     "I'll be in my office.  Jack, let's roll."  Reese ordered
quickly.
     "Yes sir," Jack said.
     Reese and Jack quickly left the crime scene and headed back to
the station.  Jack parked out front and they strolled inside.  Reese
went into his office and shut the door.  He sat at his desk, covering
his face with his hands and sighed quietly.
     *****
     Back at the Zoo; they were cleaning up the dishes and folding
the tablecloth.  Molly and Nick took a slight stroll to the pond and
Nick stared at the water.  Molly warmly placed her hand on his waist
and moved closer to him.
     "I'm going to miss you, a lot."  Molly said warmly.
     Nick sighed, "Same here,"
     "How about dinner when I get back," Molly suggested.
     "Done," Nick replied eagerly.
     They slowly turned to face each other warmly embracing each
other and kissed each other passionately.  Nick rubbed her back up
then down and she ran her fingers in his golden hair.  She quietly
looked up to him and smiled very warmly.
     "That was very nice."  Molly said softly.
     "Same here," Nick replied lovingly.
     "I have a ride in the morning, but I would like you to pick me
up; if that's okay?"  Molly implied.
     "All right, let us head home; share what is left of the day.  I
made plans with LaCroix tonight."   Nick said.
     "I'm glad, let's go."  Molly replied quickly.
     They held hands very tight strolling back to Paul and Carla. 
They slowly walked out of the Zoo and headed for their cars.  They
placed the stuff into the backseats and they climbed in.  Nick and
Paul started the engines, Paul pulled out first, but Nick was close
behind.  Paul stepped out of his car and walked back to Nick.
     "Where to?" Paul asked.
     "We're going to her place, she leaves in the morning."  Nick
told him.
     Paul smiled. "Have a safe trip."
     "Thanks," Molly whispered.
     "Guys night, tomorrow night," Paul hinted.
     "Yeah, Allen will be there about eight."  Nick told him.
     "Cool, later," Paul said.
     They each left the parking lot and drove their separate ways. 
Nick quickly drove to Molly's home pulling into the parking lot and
found a spot near the front door.  He pulled in and turned the engine
off.  They both climbed out; Nick reached into the back seat grabbing
the basket and locked the doors.  They strolled up the path to the
front door and arrived at her door.  She pulled out her key and
unlocked the door.  They stumbled in and Nick placed the things upon
the couch.  They removed their jackets and tossed them on the couch
as well.
     "I need the bathroom," Nick said.
     "Sure," Molly whispered.
     Nick quickly strolled down the hall and into the bathroom.  He
closed the door behind him and a few moments passed, and a flush.  He
washed his hands, and opened the door then saw Molly in her bedroom. 
Molly was slowly undressing while Nick stood there watching with a
warm grin and a sparkle in his eyes.  Molly felt his eyes on her and
she slowly turned to face him.
     "Well?"  Molly asked.
     "Well, what?"  Nick said.
     "Dessert?" Molly suggested seductively.
     "Oh yeah," Nick said grinning.
     Nick stood there as Molly helped him remove his clothes.  They
slowly lay back on the bed and made love for the rest of the day.
     *****
     Meanwhile, back at Paul's place; he just closed the door after
dropping Carla off and the phone rang.  He ran for it and picked it
up.
     "Coletti," Paul announced.
     "I've been trying to reach you two."  Reese yelled.
     "Sorry, we, uhm, forgot the phones."  Paul said hesitating.
     "We have another one; Doc and I handled it.  I have the file. 
I need you and Knight here, now."  Reese ordered.
     "Okay; I'll try to find him."  Paul responded.
     "Find him," Reese said firmly.
     "Yes, sir," Paul said softly.
     They slowly hung up the phones and Paul hesitated for a few
seconds.  He shook his head because he did not want to disturb Nick,
but there was no choice.  He slowly dialed up Molly's number and her
machine came on.
     "Damn, hey man, we're in trouble.  Another girl was found. 
Finish saying goodbye to her and get to the station when you are
done, ciao."  Paul said.
     Paul tossed his things onto the couch quickly turning around
and headed for the station.  He parked his truck off to the side of
the building and quickly ran up the stairs then into the building. 
Reese caught a glimpse of his shadow, and quickly left his office
then met him at Nick's desk.
     "Where's Nick?"  Reese asked.
     "I left him a message, he'll be here soon."  Paul answered.
     "Where is he?"  Reese questioned.
     "Not sure; the message is on his cell phone."  Paul told him.
     "Here are the two files, get busy."  Reese said firmly.
     "Yes, Cap," Paul said lowering his face.
     Paul took the files and Reese slowly left him to work.  He sat
down at Nick's desk turning the computer on and began to work on the
files.  Nick suddenly walked in and sat down by Paul's side.
     "Sorry," Nick said softly.
     "No worries, how's Molly?"  Paul asked.
     "Sleeping," Nick answered.
     Paul laughed slightly, "You animal you,"  
     "Funny, let's start with the first one."  Nick suggested.
     "One second," Paul said.
     Paul finished loading in the second file so they could start
with the first file.  He clicked on that file and opened the file on
the desk for Nick to follow along.
     "Okay, here are the files.  I'll read here and you there and
let's put the puzzle together."  Paul said.
     "Cool," Nick answered.
     "Okay, the first girl; Pauline Conley, twenty-one years old,
brown hair and brown eyes.  She was an honor student at the
University."  Paul said.
     "She was sacrificed, and died from the neuro-toxin compound
found in her blood.  Burn marks on her forehead and stomach.  She was
a virgin; nothing odd yet, still looking, go to the next one."  Nick
read out loud.
     "Okay; Amber Deegan, she was twenty years old and red hair and
brown eyes.  She was an honor student as well, same school."  Paul
replied.
     "Okay, same situation, except for her throat was slit.  He's
losing it."  Nick said.
     "Control, he's rushing it.  What's left for the ceremony?" 
Paul questioned.
     "The third virgin and the vampire," Nick told him.
     Paul laughed slightly, "Vampire, I wonder who gets that honor."
     "Let's hope we get him before the next girl."  Nick said.
     As they added the touches to the file, Matt came running into
the building and headed for Nick's desk.  Reese caught his shadow and
met them there to see what had happened.
     "Gary called," Matt said.
     "And?" Nick inquired.
     "He said he is almost done.  He has chosen the third girl and
he found the vampire."  Matt told them.
     "Did he say who they were?"  Paul asked.
     "No; however, the person runs a club downtown.  I know where he
is."  Matt said.
     "Where?" Reese inquired.
     "The old steel mill warehouse at the West Side," Matt informed
them.
     "Great," Paul started and then hesitated looking to Nick. "Wait
a minute; Nick, a club owner,"
     "LaCroix," Nick said.
     Nick quickly leaned over grabbing his phone and dialed up the
Raven, in hopes LaCroix would answer it.
     "Raven," Scott said.
     "It's Nick, is LaCroix there?"  Nick asked.
     "Scott, no, in fact he's late."  Scott answered.
     "Thanks," Nick replied hanging up.  "LaCroix's missing,"
     "I'm sorry," Matt whispered.
     "Has he been there before?"  Paul asked.
     "As a child, that's where my Aunt practiced her witchcraft." 
Matt said.
     "Okay, get going and becareful.  Come back here when you're
done."  Reese insisted.
     "Got it, let's go."  Paul said.
     Nick and Paul ran out of the building and down the stairs to
Nick's car.  Nick unlocked the doors; they quickly climbed in and he
started the engine.  He peeled out of the spot and Paul turned the
lights and siren on.  About two blocks away Paul turned the lights
and siren off; Nick parked the car and slowly stepped out of the car.
He locked the doors and placed his keys into his pocket.  They both
pulled out their guns and prepared themselves for anything that might
happen.
     They cautiously crossed the street and quietly walked down the
alley then stood by the back door.  Nick placed his ear on the window
and heard nothing.  He very carefully opened the door and looked
inside.  Paul was close behind and they entered the building.  They
strolled down the hall looking in all directions.  The sights of the
room horrified them.  The ceremonial things that surrounded them
amazed Nick.  They separated and walked on each of the long table. 
They noticed the chains and blood stained wood.  Nick came across the
small table with the oils and herbs.  He just looked, and noticed no
chalice.  Paul came across a bag that was empty.  They slowly came to
the middle of the area and looked at each other.
     "The chalice is gone," Nick said.
     "So are the tools," Paul added. "Now what?"
     "You call the lab; have them come and dust.  I am calling
Scott, maybe he can help."  Nick said.
     "Done," Paul said.
     Nick stepped aside pulling out his cell phone from his pocket
and dialed up Scott.
     "Raven," Scott said.
     "Scott, has LaCroix shown up yet?"  Nick asked.
     Scott sighed, "No; I'm worried."
     "I think Cates got him for this immortality ceremony."  Nick
told him.
     "He told me," Scott replied.
     "Cates packed up; so far, there are two dead girls.  Where will
be the third one be done?"  Nick questioned.
     "Not sure, there usually all done at the same place."  Scott
answered.
     "The first girl was done right, but the second girl, he slit
her throat."  Nick explained.
     "Tell you what, come here later, and I'll have the stuff for
you."  Scott suggested.
     "Thanks," Nick said concerned.
     Nick quickly hung up with Scott and dialed up Reese to explain
what was going on.
     "Reese," Reese announced.
     "Knight, he's gone and he took my cousin LaCroix."  Nick told
him.
     "Why?"  Reese asked.
     "Not sure, we need some people here to tape the scene off. 
Michaels is on her way."  Nick replied.
     "Done," Reese responded.
     "His friend Scott knows the ceremony.  I am meeting him at the
Raven to see what he knows and if he can help.  Paul will hang here
and wait."  Nick briefed him.
     "Becareful, Nick," Reese implied.
     "Always," Nick whispered.
     Nick quickly hung up the phone walking back to Paul and placed
his phone back into his pocket.
     "You finish up here, and I'll go see Scott and we'll do food in
the morning.  We'll play catch up."  Nick suggested.
     "Cool, go and good luck," Paul said.
     Nick quickly turned away from Paul walking down the hall and
stepped through the door then headed for his car.  He unlocked the
door and climbed in.  He pulled out his keys and started the engine
then carefully pulled away from the curb heading for the Raven to see
Scott.  As he approached the Raven, he parked along the curb climbing
out of the car and locked the door.  He strolled up the sidewalk
entering through the front door strolling down the stairs and over to
the bar where Scott was waiting for him with a frosty cold beer.
     "Thanks," Nick said.
     "Okay; I've been reading up on the ceremony."  Scott started.
     "What you got?"  Nick asked.
     "Okay, the two girls were sacrificed and now he needs a third
plus a vampire."  Scott explained.
     "That's the weird part."  Nick said.
     "Yeah, I know; he had a place."  Scott inquired.
     "Yeah, the crew is there, but the chalice and tools are
missing."  Nick told him.
     "LaCroix, too; he took the book and said something about trees
and a small pond."  Scott described to him.
     "The park," Nick suggested.
     "No, that's in the open.  He needs privacy, plus a fire.  When
he drains the girl, he must drain the vampire over the fire."  Scott
said.
     "How much time do we have?"  Nick asked worried.
     "The full moon is Tuesday night; he'll wait until then."  Scott
told him.
     "We got a few days to find him."  Nick replied.
     "Look around the trees and water.  A private place and also be
able to make a fire."  Scott suggested strongly.
     "Thanks, Scott," Nick said.
     As Nick was about to sip his beer, his cell phone rang.  He
reached into his pocket and pulled it out.  He placed the mug down
and cleared his throat.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     "Nick, done here; now what?" Paul asked.
     "My place," Nick told him.
     "On my way," Paul said hanging up.
     Nick hung up his phone and placed it back into his pocket.  He
picked up the beer, and finished it then placed it back down.  He
waved to Scott and quickly walking out of the club and outside to his
car.  He unlocked the door and climbed in.  He reached for his keys
and started the engine.  He put the car in gear, and peeled away from
the curb then headed for home.
     Nick parked the car in his spot and climbed out locking the
doors.  He rode up the elevator to his place and unlocked the door. 
He strolled in and removed his jacket.  He checked his machine for
messages, and there were none.  He strolled up the stairs and down
the hall to his bedroom.  He stumbled into the bathroom and a few
moments later, a flush.  He washed his hands exiting the bathroom and
walked over to his dresser to change his clothes.  He stripped down
and put on lounge pants and a t-shirt.  He walked down the hall and
down the stairs to the kitchen.  He grabbed a beer from the fridge,
and strolled into the living room then turned the television on.
     As Nick watched the news about Cates, a knock came from the
door and it opened.  Paul stumbled in and saw Nick on the couch.  He
walked into the kitchen, grabbing the six-pack from the fridge and
joined Nick on the couch.  He too tossed his jacket on top of Nick's
on the chair.
     "Anything?" Nick inquired.
     "She'll call here.  Dr. Karlson called, and she wants to meet
you at Joe's two o'clock."  Paul told him.
     "Okay, remind me later."  Nick said.
     "Having Molly withdrawal yet?"  Paul inquired.
     Nick sighed, "A little,"
     "What did Scott tell you?"  Paul asked.
     "Cates feels my cousin is the vampire and he needs the third
girl."  Nick said chuckling.
     "Why did he leave the warehouse?"  Paul questioned.
     Nick belched, "Excuse me; it must be done in the woods near
water where it's safe for a fire."
     "Why near water?"  Paul asked.
     "I guess to purify the sacrifice and the demon."  Nick suggested.
     Paul exhaled, "Weird,"
     "True," Nick agreed.
     "What's the agenda tomorrow?"  Paul inquired.
     "Laundry and a gift for Molly and work," Nick told him.
     "Need help?" Paul suggested.
     Nick inhaled, "Laundry,"
     "Easy, we'll take it to my Laundromat.  They do it for you for
thirty bucks."  Paul said.
     "Okay, done," Nick said.
     "Molly?"  Paul inquired.
     Nick hinted, "Jewelry." 
     "A ring?" Paul asked in shock.
     "I don't know, maybe," Nick answered slightly puzzled.
     "Cool, movie and beer night," Paul suggested.
     Nick slowly stretched over his head grabbing the phone and
handed it to Paul.  He danced on the buttons ordering up some food
and handed the phone back to Nick then placed it back in place.  They
sat down watching the news and ate their dinner.
     *****
     The night winds carry us to the deep part of the park in the
woods where there is a cabin with lights on.  We travel inside and
downstairs to the basement where LaCroix is chained to a brick wall;
unconscious.  All around his body was garlic.  Cates was sitting in a
chair across the room.  On each side of the room that separated them
was a window.  LaCroix slowly began to wake up.  He suddenly felt
weak from the aroma of the garlic, and realized he was chained to the
wall.  He gazed across the room and saw Cates sitting there just
glaring at him.
     "Where am I?"  LaCroix asked.
     Cates laughed, "You are in my home."
     "Release me."  LaCroix requested.
     "Well, you see, I can't.  I need your blood to be immortal. 
You need to stay."  Cates told him.
     LaCroix hesitated, "My blood?"
     "Yes, the final part of the ritual is the blood of the third
virgin and the blood of a vampire mixed, digested, and I will be
immortal like you.  But after the ceremony you'll both be dead." 
Cates informed him.
     "I don't think so," LaCroix replied.
     "Well, it's almost dawn and the sun will shine through these
windows leaving a wall for you."  Cates replied.
     "It's unwise to anger me."  LaCroix implied.
     Cates exhaled, "Tough,"
     "You fool," LaCroix said angrily.
     "Time to find the third virgin; be back in a few."  Cates
informed him.
     As he left LaCroix alone, the sun rose shining through the
windows and left a wall for him to remain there.  Cates left the room
grabbing his jacket and walked outside to venture out for the third
virgin.
     *****
     Back at Nick's home, he had finished showering, dried off and
wrapped the towel around his waist.  He stuffed all the clothes into
the bag and realized he had two bags of clothes.  The other one was
hiding behind the door.  He dragged both bags out into his room
walking over to his dresser and pulled out some casual clothes then
dropping the towel and got dressed.  He dragged the two bags down the
hall, down the stairs and met up with Paul in the kitchen drinking
coffee.  He handed a mug to Nick before they went out to do their
chores for the day.  They placed the mugs down on the counter each
grabbing a bag, and left the loft riding down to his car then placed
the bags into the trunk.  They climbed in and he started the engine. 
Nick pulled out of the spot and headed for the Laundromat. Paul
showed him how to get there.
     Nick spotted the Laundromat and parked along the curb.  They
climbed out removing the bags from the trunk and walked into the
store.  They placed the bags next to the counter; Nick paid with his
card and quickly left the store.  Nick and Paul climbed in, and Nick
started the engine then headed for the jewelry store.  Nick parked
along the curb, climbing out of the car and headed into the store.
     Paul went on one side and Nick the other.  Nick leaned over a
display case, and stared at the jewelry he saw.  He quietly whistled
for Paul to join him.  Suddenly, a woman came out from the back
standing in front of Nick and noticed him staring through the case.
     "Hello, I'm Amy; can I help you with something?"  Amy asked.
     "May I see that please," Nick requested.
     Amy pulled out her keys, unlocking the case and removed what
Nick was looking at then handed it to him for him to examine it
closely.  Nick showed it to Paul for his opinion, and nodded his head
then looked again.
     "Yeah, it's lovely," Paul said.
     "I'll take it," Nick told Amy.
     "I'll need you to fill this out and I will place your order." 
Amy explained.
     "When will it be ready?"  Nick inquired.
     "Tomorrow morning," Amy told him.
     "Thanks, here," Nick said handing her his card.
     "Hold on," Amy requested.
     Amy walked over to the register, swiping his card through and
returned with the paper for him to sign.  Nick quickly signed the
paper handing him the copy and they quickly left the store.  They
headed back to the car and climbed in.  He placed the paper in his
pocket pulling out his keys and started the engine.
     "Where to now?" Nick asked.
     "Lunch with Doctor Karlson," Paul reminded him.
     "Oh yeah," Nick sighed.
     "Want me to stay," Paul suggested.
     "Do you want to?" Nick inquired.
     "I'll drop you off and grab your clothes and mine."  Paul told
him.
     "Cool, and come back in an hour."  Nick planned.
     "All right," Paul agreed.
     Nick put the car in drive backing out away from the curb and
headed for Joe's Place.  He pulled up along the curb and Nick climbed
out.  Paul scooted over and waved at him.  Nick turned and saw her
sitting at a table.  He strolled over to join her.
     "Doctor Karlson?" Nick inquired.
     "Sandi; Nick Knight?" Sandi replied.
     "Nick, yes," Nick replied.
     "Have you found him yet?"  Sandi asked.
     "He's definitely performing the Immortality ceremony."  Nick
replied.
     "Not again," Sandi sighed in fear.
     "Afraid so; he's killed two girls and he has my cousin."  Nick
told her.
     "I'm sorry," Sandi whispered.
     "He needs one more girl and he can finish it."  Nick replied.
     "The last time he did this, he was at the family cabin.  His
cousin might know where it is."  Sandi suggested.
     "Thanks; I'll call him later."  Nick said.
     Suddenly a waiter came over with two tall glasses of wine, and
placed them gently down on the table for them then quickly left them.
     "What's this?" Nick inquired.
     "I hope you don't mind, but I ordered these for us."  Sandi
answered.
     Nick inhaled, "Its fine,"
     "By the way, some one broke into the medicine cabinet and a
drug was taken."  Sandi explained.
     "What kind?" Nick inquired.
     "A neuro-toxin; it happened last night and I know it was him. 
He knows the way in and out."  Sandi replied.
     "Okay, did you report it?"  Nick asked.
     "I just did," Sandi said smiling.
     Suddenly Paul pulled up along the curb and tooted the horn. 
Nick looked at Sandi and smiled.
     "That's for me, thanks for the help."  Nick said.
     "You're welcome; want to do dinner?"  Sandi inquired.
     "I'm sorry, I can't; I have a special someone in my life, but
thanks for the offer."  Nick told her.
     "No worries, she won't know."  Sandi implied.
     "I would; no thank you, bye."  Nick said firmly.
     Nick calmly left her and walked towards his car.  Paul crawled
over to his side and Nick climbed in behind the wheel then drove away.
     "The clothes are in the trunk."  Paul said.
     "Thanks," Nick whispered.
     "Well?"  Paul asked.
     "Well, the cousin might know where the cabin is and she made a
pass at me."  Nick expressed.
     "What?"  Paul asked in shock.
     "Yeah," Nick sighed.
     "And?" Paul inquired.
     Nick glared at him, "NO!"
     "You're serious," Paul replied.
     "I guess," Nick said.
     "Where to?" Paul questioned.
     "She said to talk to the cousin, let's go then food and home." 
Nick suggested.
     "My truck is at your place."  Paul told him.
     Nick sighed, "Oh yeah, my place,"
     "Cool, let's roll," Paul grinned.
     They slowly drove around town heading for the South side of it
and found Matt's place.  They carefully pulled up out front and
parked the car.  Paul took notice of the door, and it was halfway
opened.  Paul tapped Nick's arm to draw his attention to the door.
     "Nick, check out the door."  Paul suggested.
     "Call it in," Nick said.
     Paul reached over grabbing the mike and called it in.  They
quietly climbed out of the car reaching up behind their backs and
pulled out there guns.  They slowly walking up the path then quietly
up the stairs and stood by the door.  Paul peeked around the corner
carefully pushing the door open more and slowly walked through the
doorway.  They saw blood smeared on the wall and heard flies in the
background.  They carefully observed every corner and every room in
the place, but there was one room with the door closed.  Nick leaned
up against the wall, Paul kicked the door in and there was Matt all
torn to pieces.  Paul gagged from the aroma and Nick helped Paul
away.  Nick took a quick peek in and felt the same way.
     Nick pulled out his hanky covering his face up and slowly
entered the room.  Paul pulled out his phone and called in the
troops.  Nick carefully walked up to Matt's body and saw the symbols
were slightly different.  He quickly left the room and met up with
Paul.
     "You okay?" Nick inquired.
     "Yeah," Paul whispered.
     Nick sighed, "Cates, damn.  Let's look around, maybe there's
something here to tell us where the cabin is."
     "I called it in, let's go."  Paul said.
     They cautiously entered the room and poked around.  They used
their pens to move things and kept the hanky's on their faces.
     "Nick?" Paul uttered.
     "Yeah," Nick answered.
     "Bingo," Paul said happily.
     "The cabin, but where," Nick questioned.
     Paul, rubbing his hands together, "It's time to search the web."
     "My place," Nick suggested.
     "Any word on your cousin?" Paul asked.
     "No," Nick answered sadly.
     Paul exhaled, "He's fine."
     As they left the room hiding the picture in Paul's jacket,
Reese and the boys came rolling in.  Reese looked straight at Nick
and Paul, and just stared them down.
     "Outside, now," Reese ordered.
     "Yes, sir," Paul replied.
     All three of them left the house as Dr. Michaels entered to do
her job.  Reese rubbed his face and the back of his head from the
stress running through his body.
     "And the reason you didn't wait?"  Reese replied, and then
added, "Thought so, go home, sleep, and report to me at four o'clock
sharp.  No excuses."
     "Yes, sir," Paul said.
     Nick and Paul slowly left Reese's sight and headed for the car.
He unlocked the doors and they climbed in.  He started the engine,
and peeled away from the curb then headed for his place to search for
LaCroix and the missing girl.
     Nick pulled in, parking the car and they climbed out.  He
locked the doors, running for the elevator and rode up to his place. 
He unlocked the front door and ran in.  Paul headed for the computer;
Nick ran into the kitchen and grabbed two beers.  He walked over to
Paul handing him one and took a big gulp then sighed.  Nick left Paul
to do his thing and went back outside to grab the clothes he forgot
then placed Paul's into his truck.  He went back up to Paul and he
was just staring at the screen.  He dragged the bags of clothes
upstairs and into his room then placed them by his bed.  He quickly
ran into the bathroom, and a few minutes passed; a flush.  He made
his way back down to Paul, and sat down on the stairs and waited. 
Suddenly, his phone rang walking over to the table and grabbed it.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     "Michaels.  Mathew LaBonte, twenty-eight years old, brown hair
and brown eyes.  The cause of death was multiple stab wounds and an
overdose of a neuro-toxin.  He had a symbol embedded in his forehead.
It was a circle with two straight lines and scented oil with herbs;
burned while he was alive.  Your friend Scott might know."  Kathy
reported.
     "Thanks," Nick sighed.
     Nick quickly hung up the phone strolling back over to the
staircase and sat down with a puzzled look upon his face.  Paul took
notice of this and tapped the desk to draw his attention.
     "Well?"  Paul inquired.
     "Oh sorry, that was Doc.  Matt died from multiple stab wounds,
and an overdose of a neuro-toxin.  She found a symbol on his
forehead.  It was burned while he was alive."  Nick told him.
     Suddenly, there was a knock on his door; he slowly stood up and
walked over to the door.  He opened the door and Scott stood looking
at Nick.  He let him in and both walked back to Paul.
     "Any word on LaCroix?" Nick asked.
     "No, not yet," Scott replied.
     "I'm getting worried," Nick said.
     Nick slowly walked over to the desk, and picked the paper with
the new symbols on it then carefully handed it to Scott.
     "Do you know this symbol?"  Nick asked.
     "Yeah, it's a curse," Scott replied.
     "It was burned on Matt's forehead."  Nick said.
     "It's a curse that he and his family will burn in hell."  Scott
briefed them.
     Nick slowly stepped back over to the desk and placed the paper
down.  He looked to Scott and sat hard on the stairs.  He let out a
loud sigh in stress.
     "Great, this lunatic has LaCroix."  Nick uttered.
     Before anyone could comfort him in his fearful thoughts, his
phone rang.  He stood up, and ran for the phone then picked it up.
     "Knight," Nick sighed.
     "Hey, Nick, is Paul with you?"  Reese asked.
     "Yeah, what's wrong?"  Nick inquired.
     "We have a girl missing.  Rebecca Fiske.  She's twenty-one
years old and a college student at the University."  Reese told him,
"Any word on your cousin?"
     "Not yet," Nick answered.
     "What's Paul doing?"  Reese inquired.
     "Trying to locate the cabin he might be hiding in."  Nick
explained.
     "Keep me posted," Reese insisted.
     "Okay," Nick sighed.
     Nick angrily slammed the phone down in place walking over to
Paul and Scott and told them the bad news.
     "Third girl is missing; Rebecca Fiske twenty-one," Nick said.
     "He has the third sacrifice plus LaCroix."  Scott replied.
     "But he's not a vampire," Nick replied.
     "In his mind, he is.  He will place those two together in a
room.  That could be very bad."  Scott said.
     "Why?"  Nick asked.
     "He will give them both the neuro-toxin and sacrifice them both
together."  Scott answered.
     "That is bad," Paul uttered.
     "Yeah, I'm here to help in any way possible."  Scott told them.
     "Can't do much until we know where we're going.  Tomorrow, I
pick up Molly and we'll meet at the office."  Nick replied.
     "Mind if I stay, and finish this," Paul inquired.
     "No, night, guys," Nick said frustrated.
     Nick slowly stood up carefully turning around on the steps and
walked up slowly then strolled down the hall to his bedroom.  He
stumbled over to the bathroom closing the door half way, and a few
moments passed; a flush.  He strolled out walking over to the bed and
sat down.  He set the alarm and kicked off his shoes and socks.  He
slowly lay back and covered his eyes with his forearm.  He slowly
drifted off to sleep but a little restless with the concern of
LaCroix.  Paul and Scott worked all night on the mystery of the cabin.
     A few hours had passed and his alarm went off.  He slowly
leaned over turning it off and rolled back onto the bed.  He
hesitated for a few, sitting up and rubbed his face then the back of
his neck.  He stood up stumbling into the bathroom, closing the door
half way, and a few moments passed; a flush.  He quickly turned
around turning the shower water on and stripped down then carefully
stepped in.  He placed his face into the water and just let the
warmth of the water massage his achy muscles.  He turned around and
washed his golden hair.  He leaned over turning the water off and
carefully stepped out.  He stretched for the towel drying his entire
body off and wrapped the towel around his waist.  He strolled out of
the bathroom and over to his dresser in his room.  He grabbed some
work clothes and tossed them onto the bed.  He dropped the towel and
got dressed.  He strolled down the hall and the stairs.  Paul and
Scott heard the creak in the stairs and glanced up at him.
     "Mercy," Paul replied whistling.
     "Thanks, only call if it's a five."  Nick said.
     "Got it, give her a hug for me."  Paul replied.
     "Okay," Nick said.
     Nick strolled over to the table picking up the things he needed
and strolled to the door then left them there to work.  He rode down
to his car and he unlocked the door.  He climbed in and started the
engine.  He carefully pulled out and drove rather quickly to the
airport.  He parked the car and turned the engine off.  He stepped
out locking the doors, and placed the keys into his pocket.  He made
his way to the front door, noticed a woman selling flowers; strolling
over he bought a dozen roses for Molly.  He entered the airport and
looked at the board to find the gate.  He strolled to the right and
arrived at the gate to wait for her.
     Suddenly, people started to walk out and he stared into the
hallway looking for her.  Molly suddenly appeared and the sparkles in
their eyes shined up the entire building.  She ran to him and they
embraced each other very passionately.  They hugged and kissed each
other very warmly.  She placed her feet down and he handed her the
flowers.  She smiled from ear to ear.
     "I missed you so much," Molly said glowing.
     "Same here, too much," Nick said happily. "I'm so glad you're
home."
     "Me too, let's get my bag and go to my place."  Molly suggested
eagerly.
     "Done," Nick said quickly.
     They strolled over to the baggage area picking up her bags and
walked slowly out of the airport, hand in hand.  They made there way
outside, Nick led the way to his car, and opened the trunk then
carefully placed her bags inside.  He walked over to her side
unlocking the door, and she climbed in then closed the door for her. 
He strolled over to his side climbing in and placed the keys into the
ignition.  Nick glanced in her direction returning the same glance
and they kissed each other very passionately.  He started the engine
carefully pulling out and headed for Molly's apartment.
     Nick slowly pulled into the parking lot and found a spot near
the front door.  He carefully parked the car and turned the engine
off.  He stepped out of the car moving over to her side and opened
her door.  He opened the trunk removing her bags and slowly walked up
the front door of the building then down to her apartment door. 
Molly pulled out her key unlocking the door and they stumbled in. 
Nick placed the bags by the couch and they removed their jackets. 
Molly gazed into his eyes like it was the first time taking him by
the hand and slowly escorted him down the hall then into her bedroom.
She turned slowly and faced him with a warm look in her eyes.
     Molly led the way down to sit down on the bed and Nick followed
closely behind.  She leaned over kissing him passionately; Nick
returning the kiss, and slowly lay on the bed, then made love like
they never had before.
     *****
     Meanwhile, back at Nick's place, Paul and Scott were still
working on the computer and trying to find the cabin.  Paul became so
frustrated, and hit the desk with both fists.
     "Damn," Paul yelled.
     "What's wrong?"  Scott asked.
     "I have tried every camp ground; hiking trails, everything, and
nothing came up."  Paul said frustrated.
     "Can you bring up a map of the area where the second girl was
found?"  Scott asked.
     Paul sighed, "Yeah, hold a second."
     Paul danced upon the keys and slowly found the map with the
location of the girl.  He pointed out the spot showing it Scott, and
examined the map very carefully.  Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he
rubbed his dry lips.
     "Got it," Scott replied.
     "Yeah," Paul said.
     "Scan each area, especially along the water."  Scott requested.
     "Okay," Paul complied.
     Paul danced upon the keys once again and searched each dot very
carefully.
     *****
     Nick and Molly cuddled up under the blankets with smiles a mile
wide.  They slowly turned towards each other and held on tight.
     "I missed that," Molly whispered.
     "Same here," Nick replied, winded.
     "Want to do dinner," Molly suggested.
     "I'd love to, but LaCroix was taken and we're at the end, I
hope, of this case."  Nick told her.
     "I read about it, but I didn't know he was taken."  Molly
replied.
     "Yeah, if he knew he was related to a cop," Nick hesitated.
     "I understand; when the case is done, all three of us will do
dinner."  Molly planned.
     "I will ask him, but we'll definitely do that."  Nick smiled.
     Molly grinned, "Great,"
     "I may have a surprise for you."  Nick said hinting.
     "For me," Molly surprised.
     "Yes," Nick whispered.
     Molly implied, "This wasn't it,"
     "No, it's better."  Nick said.
     "No way," Molly replied exhaling.
     Nick grinned, "Thank you," 
     "No, thank you," Molly said giggling.
     They giggled and grinned at each other, but sadly, they climbed
out of the bed and stumbled into the bathroom turning the water on
and climbed in to have more fun then cleaned up for the day.
     *****
     Meanwhile back at Nick's place.  Scott finished opening the
windows and Paul was still punching the keys.  Suddenly, he let out a
loud sigh and clapped his hands together to draw Scott's attention. 
He quickly walked over and stood by his side so he could see the
screen.
     "Got it," Paul yelled.
     "Where?" Scott asked eagerly.
     "I was looking at the new map.  I went back some years. 
There's an old abandoned hut in the deep end of the woods where the
pond starts."  Paul told him.
     "I'll check it out, you call Nick."  Scott said.
     "Don't touch or do anything.  You might set him off."  Paul
suggested.
     "I'll try to wait."  Scott said.
     "GO," Paul yelled.
     Before Scott adventured outside looked out the window and saw
the sun was just about down.  He quickly snuck out and took to flight
in search of the hut.  Paul strolled over to Nick's phone and
searched for Molly's number.
     *****
     Meanwhile at the hut, Cates entered the room and looked in on
LaCroix.  He was asleep, but left him there.  He strolled over to the
girl and peeked at her.
     "Hello, how are you?"  Cates inquired.
        "Please, let me go."  Rebecca cried.
     "No," Cates answered walking over to LaCroix and tapped him on
the shoulder, "LaCroix, are you still with us?"
     "For the moment, release the girl."  LaCroix requested.
     "No, you sound a little weak."  Cates said chuckling.
     Cates took a few steps away from LaCroix standing there and
faced him.  He slowly reached into his pocket pulling out two needles
and fanned them out for him to see.  He leaned over to the girl
forcing her head forward and jammed the needle into the base of her
skull.  She let a loud scream and passed out cold on the floor.  He
walked over to LaCroix glaring at him, and stepped to the back of him
then jammed the needle into his arm.  LaCroix clinched from the burn
of the needle.  Cates tossed the needles onto the floor, and stepped
on them, breaking them.  He slowly left the room and him there to
suffer a little.  He walked over picking up the girl, and LaCroix's
vision was blurry, but noticed she had not moved.  He tried to break
the chains, but failed.  He slowly exited the room and left him alone.
     Cates carried Rebecca out of the room and outside where the
table was waiting for her.  He gently placed her on the table and
chained her down.  He began to prepare her for the sacrifice.  He
drew the symbols and placed the herbs upon her.  He slit her throat
and drained her of her blood.  He took the knife and the chalice then
strolled into the house.
     Suddenly, as Scott was observing all of this, Nick and Paul
arrived to help him.  Scott sensed them there and quietly walked up
to them.
     "Hey," Scott said.
     "Well?"  Paul asked.
     "They were given a shot and she was on the table over there. 
He just went inside for LaCroix."  Scott told them.
     "Paul, you get the girl, and Scott and I will go inside."  Nick
suggested.
     "Let's go," Paul said.
     They quietly separated and went to do their jobs.  Scott and
Nick slowly made there way to the hut peeking into the window and no
one in sight.  They quietly walked into the hut carefully observing
every corner and every room.  Nick noticed the slightly opened cellar
door.  He reached behind his back pulling out his gun and walked
quietly over to the door.  He opened it and no one there.  He slowly
walked down the stairs with Scott close behind.  He looked all around
and saw nothing.  They walked over behind the stairs and saw LaCroix
lying on the floor in a pool of blood.  But the horror before him; he
dropped his gun, and ran to LaCroix lifting his head up, but saw no
movement in him.
     Suddenly, from a dark corner in the cellar, Cates strolled into
the center, and caught Nick with LaCroix.  Nick's face filled with
hatred and fear, but noticed he did not have his gun, and saw it
lying on the floor.  Cates approached him and stood about two feet
away.
     "Well, father and son, amazing," Cates said grinning.
     "It's over, you're going down," Nick said angrily.
     Cates exhaling, "No, you're going to join him,"
     Cates reached into his pocket pulling out a needle and showed
it to Nick.  He realized he could not reach his gun so he watched in
horror.  Suddenly Scott came from behind grabbing the gun off the
floor and aimed it at his head then fired the gun point blank into
the back of Cates head.  Cates fell to the floor like a rock; LaCroix
woke up from the noise, and sat up facing Nick.
     "Take it easy," Nick said.
     "I'm fine, the girl?" LaCroix stuttered in pain.
     Before Nick could respond to that question, Paul entered the
cellar to see what happened and heard the question, but shook his
head at Nick.  Nick then turned to LaCroix and sadly shook his.
     "Too late," Paul said
     "Damn, Cates," Nick said.
     "Dead," Paul replied.
     "Good," Nick whispered.
     In the distance; they heard the sirens approaching, so Paul
left them there in the cellar and moved outside to greet them and
inform them what had taken place.  Nick looked to LaCroix with deep
concern, and would not leave him.
     "LaCroix?" Nick uttered.
     "Go; I will see you at home."  LaCroix said.
     Nick puzzled, "He said, father and son,"
     "Later, Nicholas; Scott will tend to me."  LaCroix insisted.
     "All right, thanks Scott."  Nick whispered.
     Nick slowly stood up strolling over to the stairs climbing up,
and went outside to join Paul and the guys.  Scott helped LaCroix to
his feet and brushed him off.
     "What are you going to tell him?"  Scott asked.
     "Not sure," LaCroix said exhausted.
     "But, you are his father," Scott told him.
     "But…?"  LaCroix started.
     "Let's go, we'll talk on the way."  Scott suggested.
     "All right," LaCroix whispered.
     Scott guided LaCroix to a window taking to flight and left the
scene.  
     However, outside Reese was standing by the body with Dr.
Michaels at his side.  She was examining the body and collected the
evidence needed for this body.  Reese waved a hand and told them to
stand aside.  They met up by a tree.
     "Talk boys," Reese ordered.
     "We're too late for Rebecca, but my cousin is okay.  Scott, his
friend, took him to a doctor."  Nick reported.
     "Good, Cates?" Reese inquired.
     "He saw me with LaCroix, he pulled out a needle for me and
Scott grabbed my gun and shot him dead.  His body is inside in the
cellar."  Nick told him.
     "Jack, Ryan, Cates body is in the cellar."  Reese yelled.
     "I'm glad this is over."  Paul said.
     Nick sighed, "Same here,"
     "Relax tonight; paperwork in the morning."  Reese requested.
     "Sure, let's go."  Nick said.
     "My truck is at your place."  Paul told him.
     They slowly walked to Nick's car unlocking the doors and
climbed in.  Nick fished for the keys and started the engine.  He
looked around and pulled away from the nightmare he had to endure. 
They sat down very quiet and relaxed while riding in the car.  They
finally arrived at Nick's place.  He pulled in turning the engine off
and climbed out.  He locked the doors while Paul climbed into his
truck, and pulled out and away then headed for his own home.
     Nick rode the elevator up to his place, and unlocked the door
then entered.  The door closed automatically behind him.  He tossed
his jacket onto the chair and he saw LaCroix sitting on the couch
waiting for him.  Nick carefully sat down next to him and quietly
cleared his throat.
     "Are you all right?"  Nick asked concerned.
     "Yes, you?" LaCroix inquired.
     Nick exhaled, "I've been better,"
     "Nicholas, when your family died, I was your only existing
family member.  So I've cared for you since you were young."  LaCroix
explained.
     "How did he know?"  Nick asked.
     "The way you were holding me; he saw that you and I are close."
LaCroix told him.
     "True," Nick sighed.
     "Thank you; how's Molly?"  LaCroix inquired.
     "She's back, we're having dinner tomorrow night, care to join
us?"  Nick asked.
     "I need to rest, how serious are you now?"  LaCroix questioned.
     "Very," Nick smiled.
     "Really, I see," LaCroix said calmly.
     "You need some rest and so do I.  I have paperwork, and pick up
the gift for Molly then dinner, let's go."  Nick suggested.
     "A gift," LaCroix concerned.
     "I'll tell you on the way up."  Nick replied.
     They slowly stood up, and Nick led the way to the stairs and
they discussed the gift for Molly.  LaCroix strolled down to his room
and closed the door.  Nick strolled into his and over to the
bathroom.  He closed the door half way, and a few moments passed; a
flush.  He washed hands and exited the bathroom.  He strolled over to
his dresser and pulled out his nightclothes.  He tossed them onto the
bed stripping down and got dressed for bed.  He pulled the blankets
down climbing into his bed and reached over to set the alarm for
midday.  He turned the light off rolling over and drifted off to a
deep sleep.
     The hours of the night passed into day rather slowly and Nick's
alarm went off.  He slowly rolled over and turned it off.  He rolled
back and relaxed a few moments.  Suddenly, his phone rang and reached
over then grabbed it.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     "Hey sleeping beauty, you're late," Paul said.
      "It's ten o'clock," Nick replied.
       "Look again," Paul requested.
     Nick slowly turned his head and looked at the clock, "Damn, I
must have set it wrong, be right there."
     "Coolness," Paul replied.
     Nick quickly hung up the phone and strolled into the bathroom. 
He closed the door half way, and a few moments passed; a flush.  He
turned and started the shower.  He carefully stepped in and savored
the warmth of the water over his muscles.  As he finished with his
hair; he leaned over turning the water off.  He carefully stepped out
and dried off his entire body.  He wrapped the towel around his waist
walking out of the bathroom and over to his dresser then picked out
work clothes.  He tossed them onto the bed and dropped the towel.  He
got dressed stepping over to his closet and grabbed a shirt.  He
buttoned the shirt on his way down the hall and the stairs.
     Nick strolled into the kitchen grabbing an apple and over to
the table and grabbed his things then left the loft for the elevator.
He rode down to his car and unlocked the door.  He climbed in and
started the engine.  He pulled out of his spot and headed for the
station.  He saw a spot off to the left side of the building and
parked the car.  He climbed out and locked the door.  He ran up the
stairs and walked down to his desk where Paul was waiting for him.
     "Hey, I'm sorry," Nick said.
     "Hey, Cap and Doc are waiting for us in the room, let's go." 
Paul suggested.
     "Lead the way," Nick said eagerly.
     Paul quickly led Nick down to the interrogation room.  Paul
slowly opened the door letting Nick pass by following close behind
and closed the door behind him.
     "Okay, people, wrap up time; Dobler Mental Hospital called. 
Dr. Karlson said thank you for all that was done."  Reese expressed.
     "The guard suffered a broken neck upon Cates escape.  Matt
LaBonte died from multiple stab wounds.  Pauline Conley, Amber
Deegan, and Rebecca Fiske all died from a neuro-toxin injected at the
base of they're skulls during the sacrifice."  Kathy reported.
     "Thanks, Doc; Nick, your cousin?" Reese inquired.
     "He didn't receive the full dose so his doctor was able to
prevent it from killing him.  He's at home resting."  Nick answered.
     "Glad to hear it; Paul?" Reese questioned.
     "Nick just has to sign and it's closed."  Paul said.
     "Good, do that and put it on my desk fast."  Reese requested.
     "Yes, sir," Paul complied.
     Reese and Dr. Michaels stood up and left them sitting there. 
Paul reached into his pocket pulling out a pen and handed to Nick
along with the papers.
     "Here; you sign and I'll put it on his desk."  Paul said.
     "Cool," Nick replied.
     "Did you pick it up?"  Paul inquired.
     "Oh yeah," Nick said grinning.
     Nick carefully reached into his jacket pocket pulling out a
black velvet box and carefully opened it then showed it to Paul. 
Paul took the box and rolled it around under the light.  It shined,
and shimmered and gave a glow in his eyes.
     "Oh, man, that's real nice," Paul said smiling.
     "Think she'll like it," Nick said a little nervous.
     "Oh yeah, here; let me know how it goes."  Paul requested.
     "Always, done," Nick said.
     "Great, give her a kiss for me."  Paul suggested, "I'm on my
way to Carla's,"
     "Have fun," Nick said.
     "Always; you too," Paul replied in return.
     "Always," Nick grinning.
     "Enough, it's getting hot in here."  Paul said fanning his face.
     "True," Nick agreed rubbing his forehead.
     "Tomorrow night, your place?" Paul suggested.
     "Eight o'clock?" Nick replied.
     "Done, ciao," Paul said leaving.
     They both left the room and headed out.  Paul went to Reese's
office while Nick left the building and headed for his car.  He
unlocked the door and climbed in.  He started the engine, and backed
out then headed for Molly's.  He pulled into the parking lot and
found a spot near the front door.  He carefully pulled into it and
turned the engine off.  He climbed out of the car and locked the
door.  He strolled up the path, through the door and walked down to
Molly's door.  He gently knocked upon it and waited patiently for her
to answer.
     "Hello," Molly said.
     "Hi," Nick said smiling.
     Molly stepped up to him wrapping her arms around his neck and
they kissed each other very passionately.  She slid aside letting
Nick pass by and closed the door.  He walked over to the edge of the
couch and waited for Molly.  He noticed the wine bucket by the couch
chilling.  He gently escorted Molly to the couch picking up the
bottle and popped the cork.  He saw the glasses on the table,
carefully pouring the wine then placed the bottle back into the
bucket.  He joined Molly on the couch close and very warm.  As they
sipped the wine, he reached into his pocket pulling out the box and
held it out where Molly could see it.  Her eyes filled with shock. 
Molly carefully placed her glass onto the table and looked at him.
     "Nick?" Molly uttered.
     "For you, it's time," Nick said.
     "Nick, I…"  Molly started.
     Nick inhaled, "Please, just open it,"
     Molly slightly hesitant, "But…"
     "Please," Nick whispered.
     Molly very nervously took the box and held it with shaky hands.
She slowly opened the box and was completely surprised.  Her eyes
filled with tears of joy and happiness.  Nick sat and observed the
vision he saw.  He gently reached over and took the box.  He removed
it from the box and held it in his fingers.  He picked up her left
hand and placed the ring on her finger.
     "My heart upon your finger a ruby red heart with two diamonds
along each side; we are now a couple," Nick said warmly.
     Molly stunned, "Nick, I…"
     "I'm in love with you and I needed the perfect way to tell
you."  Nick expressed.
     Molly exhaled, "You sure did,"
     "Was I wrong in doing so?"  Nick inquired.
     "No; I'm just so surprised."  Molly replied.
     "A pleasant one I hope?" Nick inquired concerned.
     Molly teary-eyed, "Oh yes; I just thought,"
     "If I wanted to ask you to marry me, we would discuss it first.
I would not surprise you, unless you want me to."  Nick told her.
     "We'll discuss that," Molly said warmly.
     "Why the tears?" Nick asked.
     "Tears of happiness, I too, am in love with you."  Molly shared.
     Nick glowing, "Great,"
     Molly slowly leaned over to him kissing him very passionately
and leaned back then smiled in his eyes.
     "Let's show each other what this ring means to us," Molly
suggested.
     "Lead the way M'Lady," Nick said eagerly.
     Molly took him by the hand leading the way up off the couch,
and down the hall then into the bedroom.  They slowly undressed each
other and made love all night long.
     

END