ã2004 Who am I, Will you? By: Cheryl Pillsbury As the world merged from daylight to the nighttime, the moon glistened high above surrounded by stars of crystal. A slight cool breeze blew by as we drifted downward to the center of the city. The Cameron Public House completely lit up both ways into the street. Thousands of people lined up to get in. Very loud music played rock and roll. A glitter ball hung in the middle slowly spun lighting up the dancehall. People dancing, laughing and drinking. A few were hiding in the corners enjoying some intimate time but one couple decided to sneak out the back door into the alley. He slowly lifted her upward and she wrapped her legs around him and shared a moment or two of love. She relaxed her body and shockingly stood on her feet and gazed into his eyes. She felt something under her right foot. She quickly lifted her foot and let out a tremendous scream and they quickly ran back inside to tell their friends what they had found. They did not see the bartender go outside that also happen to find it as well. He placed a box over it, and ran back inside to the bar and called the police. The bartender called the boss down and told him what he had found and he walked over to the disc jockey to make an announcement that, the club was closing. The people slowly left and they locked the doors and waited for the police to arrive. ***** Back at Nick's home, he was just rising after a long night of sleep and warm dreams. He slowly sat up, and crawled to the other side of the bed and stumbled into the bathroom. A few moments passed, a flush then the shower ran. He carefully stepped in and took in the warm feeling from the water. He washed his golden hair and then turned the water off. Carefully stepped out and dried off. He wrapped the towel around him strolled over to his dresser and picked out clothes for work. He stepped over and grabbed his watch from his nightstand then walked down the hall downstairs and into the kitchen. He grabbed an apple from the basket then strolled over to the table by the couch and a slight knock came from the door. Nick looked up and Paul strutted in and met him by the couch. Paul just grinned at him. Nick tossed his apple to him and Nick quickly grabbed another one. They slowly left the loft and rode down to his car. They climbed in and he started the engine. He carefully backed out and slowly headed for the station. Nick saw an empty space out front, so he pulled in and parked the car. They climbed out, and he locked the doors and they strolled up the stairs inside where Reese was waiting for them by Nick's desk. They saw him standing there very still and serious. They sensed it was not good news. They cautiously approached him and stood directly in front of him. "Hey, Cap." Nick greeted him. "What's wrong?" Paul asked. "Cameron Public House called." Reese started. "And?" Nick queried. "They found a burnt hand outside the back door in the alley." Reese briefed them. "Great," Paul sighed. "Kathy's on her way. Meet her there and then report back here." Reese requested. "Yes, sir," Nick answered. "Try and keep it quiet." Reese suggested. "We'll try." Paul replied. Nick and Paul quickly turned around, and left the building and walked back to his car. He unlocked the doors climbed in and he started the engine. He carefully backed out and drove to the club. As they approached the club, they saw the lab and two television cameras there. They pulled up along the curb and parked the car. As they climbed out of the car, the camera crew approached them. They pushed and shoved each other aside. One got in Paul's face, and they just exchanged ugly looks and they slowly moved aside. They carefully entered the club and noticed it was completely empty. They saw the bartender and the owner by the bar; they strolled over and announced themselves. "This is Detective Coletti and I'm Detective Knight; you are?" Nick introduced them. "I'm Gary Bouse, I'm the owner, and this is Owen Shartos, my bartender." Gary responded. "Owen, you found the hand?" Nick questioned. "Yeah. I was putting out some trash and almost right behind the door there it was. It was all burnt and totally black." He described. "Did anyone else see it?" Nick asked. "I don't know." He answered. "We had a sold out night, anything's possible. When he told me, I cleared the club out." Gary told him. "Do you use video cameras?" Paul asked. "Yes, right. Owen, get the tape." Gary requested. "Okay." Owen responded. "Will I have to stay closed till this is over?" Gary questioned. "No. But I would be more careful and keep that door guarded." Nick suggested. "Okay." Gary answered. "Here you go." Owen said handing the tape to Nick. "Thanks. Paul, hold this and I will finish it. I will go see Kathy. Meet you back here." Nick said. "Cool." Paul said. Nick slowly walked across the dance floor and out the back door where Dr. Michaels was just finishing up. She had sent the gurney away to the lab. "Hey, Kathy, what you got?" Nick asked. "Nick, hard to tell; it's a hand totally burned. I'm not sure if I can get a print of if there's any fluid left. We'll have to wait and see." Michaels answered. "Great," Nick said. "There were at least two people out here before Owen." Kathy told him. "How can you tell?" Nick inquired. "See here, don't touch, two sets of footprints, possibly a couple. One set of prints is deeper then the other. A male holding a female, she let her legs down and saw the hand. I'm guessing." Kathy replied. "Good guess. We have a tape, we'll soon see." Nick told her. "I'll be at the lab. I'll call you." Kathy said. "Great, thanks." Nick said. Dr. Michaels followed the gurney in the wagon with her car back to the lab. Nick quickly went back inside and met up with Paul who was standing by the bar writing notes in his notebook. He stood by his side and waited for him to finish. "Anything?" Nick queried. "There was a waitress on but he said she left earlier with some guy. But she'll be in tomorrow night about eight." Paul briefed him. "Cool. Let's go watch a movie." Nick suggested. "Beers?" Paul asked. "Not at the station, later." Nick said, slightly laughing. Paul pouted, "Not fair," "Oh well. Let's go." Nick said, grinning. Nick led Paul out of the club and outside to the car. He unlocked the doors and they climbed in. Nick hesitated a moment, and Paul took notice in his condition. "Need some help?" Paul questioned. "Hmm, no, sorry," Nick answered, hesitating. "What's up?" Paul asked. "Just thinking about the hand that was found," Nick said. "And?" Paul queried. Nick sighed, "It will be long case with no prints." "True. One piece at a time, remember; now, movie time." Paul told him. "All right," Nick replied. "Then beers?" Paul said, slightly begging. Nick smiled, "My place," "Even better," Paul said, grinning. Nick quickly started the engine, and carefully pulled away from the curb and slowly drove back to the station with an odd feeling in his body that he cannot seem to shake off. Paul senses this, and stayed close to Nick. He saw an empty spot out front and slowly drove in. He turned the engine off and they climbed out. Nick locked the doors and Paul carried the tape. They walked up the stairs and inside the building. Nick told Lisa where he would be if any calls came in. They entered the interrogation room and Paul set up the tape. Nick pulled up two chairs for them to sit and watch. They sat for hours and just watched the tape. There were crowds of people dancing, but mostly laughing and drinking. Paul tapped Nick's arm to look closely at the right corner. They saw a couple open and walk through the door, and didn't return until about thirty minutes later. However, they ran back through and five minutes later, Owen walked out. He too ran back and the taped ended. Paul leaned up and fixed it. "Those two saw it before Owen." Paul said. "They were cool until thirty minutes later." Nick commented. "The lighting is bad and no close ups of them. Paul replied. "They had their thrill, saw the hand, and boogied out." Nick said. "Anything else from the scene?" Paul asked. Paul sighed, "Nothing," Suddenly, the door slowly opened with Lisa peeking her head in and nodded to Nick, "Nick, line two," "Thanks." Nick said. Lisa left and Nick leaned over across the table, and pulled the phone over and picked up the receiver and pushed the button that was flashing. "Knight," Nick announced. "Kathy; I've got some stuff back." Kathy told him. "On our way," Nick said. "Well?" Paul inquired. "Doc; she got something, let's go." Nick replied. As they stood up and stretched Paul grabbed the tape Reese popped in to check on the case. "Anything?" Reese asked. "There were two people who saw the hand before Owen but no close-ups to identify them. Doc just called, she's got something. We're on our way there." Nick briefed him. "Okay, leave the tape in my office. Keep me posted." Reese said. "Yes, sir," Nick replied. Nick led the way down the hall. Paul ran into Reese's office and placed the tape onto his desk then ran back to Nick's side. They exited the building and ran down the stairs to Nick's car. He unlocked the doors and they climbed in. He started the engine and drove down the road to the Forensics building. He pulled up along the curb and parked the car. They ran up the stairs and into the lab. As they entered the room, they saw Kathy talking to Ryan very intense. They quietly stepped in and waited by her desk. Kathy felt their presence and Ryan quietly left the room. She quickly turned to face them with a very puzzled look upon her face. "What's wrong?" Nick asked. "Everything," Kathy answered. "Come again?" Paul queried. "Well, the hand is very old; the fingerprints were completely burnt off and next to none of fluids." Kathy said. "How old?" Nick asked. "A year or two," Kathy replied. "Great," Paul sighed. "I have someone coming in from California to help." Kathy informed them. "Were you able to find anything?" Nick questioned. "The shoe plaster mode, it's a new Reebok sneaker, size 10." Kathy told them. "Okay." Nick said. "I got two prints off a box near the door. If they were having sex and he held her up around his waist he would need leverage to keep her at the right height." Kathy explained. "Anything?" Paul asked. "They were a little smudged, but Ryan's trying." Kathy told him. "Is he okay?" Nick asked concerned. "A little frustrated, but okay," Kathy expressed. "Been there, done that." Paul whispered. "We're all there." Kathy expressed. "Let's go poke at the scene." Nick suggested. "Wear gloves." Kathy hinted. "Okay." Paul answered. "Thanks." Nick said politely. "I'll call you." Kathy suggested. "Later," Paul said. Nick and Paul quickly left Kathy behind with Ryan to solve the puzzle. They ran down to the car and climbed in. He started the engine and headed over to the Cameron club. Nick carefully pulled up along the curb and parked the car. As they were about to exit the car, Nick's cell phone rang. Paul left and started without him. Nick pulled out his cell phone and placed it upon his ear. "Knight," Nick answered. "Ebourn," Molly replied. "Hey, what's up?" Nick asked. "What time is the concert?" Molly's inquired. "I'll see you about six and the concert is about seven or eight." Nick told her. "Are you all right?" Molly inquired. "Just work." Nick sighed. "Sorry, see you about six. Love you." Molly replied warmly. "Love you, too." Nick said, smiling. Nick hung up the phone placing it back into his pocket and left his hands there as well. He slowly strolled down the alley and Paul noticed his mood change. He stood to face him and handed him a pair a gloves. "Work or Molly?" Paul inquired. "Both," Nick said, sighing. "Bad mix. Okay, spill it." Paul insisted. "It seems I see less of her and more work." Nick answered, frustrated. "Carla said the same thing." Paul told him. "Are they right? What they're saying?" Nick questioned. "We have been working a lot these past few months. No fun or pleasure." Paul replied. "I can't even remember the last time I even kissed her." Nick said. "Oh, that's bad; same here." Paul replied. "I know. We'll take a mini vacation and take the girl's to the beach." Nick suggested. "Done, want me to set it up?" Paul queried. "Yeah; if you need help, let me know." Nick said. "Cool, flowers in the rooms?" Paul inquired. "Yeah, pink roses." Nick told him. "Done, let's work, because we both have dates tonight. We'll do beers later." Paul replied. "Done, you start there and I'll look here." Nick suggested. "Cool," Paul whispered. They separated slightly and examined the alley very closely. They carefully shifted the boxes, moved the wood, and gently lifted the trash. Suddenly, Paul stopped and stared at the ground. "Nick, carefully, over here." Paul shouted. Nick carefully walked over squatting down by his side and was very surprised what he had found, "What is that?" "Earring, maybe. Got a hanky?" Paul queried. "Yeah, hold on." Nick replied. Nick pulled out his hanky and lowered it to Paul's fingers. He gently placed it into the hanky and Nick put it in his pocket. Nick strolled back to his corner and Paul finished his side. Suddenly, Nick's cell phone rang again. He stood up with Paul close behind him. He pulled out his cell phone from his pocket. "Knight," Nick announced. "Nick, meet me at your place later." Molly requested, slightly upset. "What's wrong?" Nick asked. "Nothing, please," Molly replied. "Sure. I have to stop at the lab then the Raven and I'll be home." Nick told her. "Thank you." Molly whispered. Nick quickly hung up the phone, and placed it back into his pocket and displayed a very confused look on his face. "What's wrong, Buddy?" Paul asked. "Molly, she wants to meet at my place." Nick answered. "Uh-oh," Paul whispered. "What?" Nick asked. "That sounds bad. You head home and I'll handle the earring." Paul told him. "What do you mean bad?" Nick asked. "Talk later; home." Paul insisted. "All right," Nick said, worried. Paul took the hanky while Nick ran for his car. He climbed in and started the engine. He quickly pulled away from the curb and drove home fast. He pulled into his spot and climbed out. He rode the elevator up to his place and ran inside. "Molly, Molly!" Nick shouted. "Here," Molly replied. "What's wrong?" Nick asked. "Nick," Molly said, crying. "Come here, what's wrong?" Nick inquired. "Nick, my friend Terry died in a car crash last night." Molly whimpered. "Oh, honey, I'm sorry." Nick said, sadly. "Hold me." Molly requested. "Let's go sit down on the couch. Come on." Nick suggested. As he held Molly and slowly escorted her to the couch his phone rang. Molly sat down and Nick reached for the phone. "Knight," Nick answered. "Hey, buddy, I dropped that off, nothing new yet. We're off the clock so chill for the day. We'll do the paperwork later. How's Molly?" Paul asked. "Her friend died in a car crash last night." Nick told him. "Oh, man, that bites. See you tonight about six." Paul replied. "Yeah, meet me at the Raven." Nick suggested. "Cool, give her a hug for me." Paul requested. "Later," Nick said. Nick hung up the phone and joined Molly on the couch. He warmly wrapped his arm around her and she rested her head upon his chest. "Tell me what happened." Nick said. "She was on her way home when a drunk driver came speeding the wrong way and they hit head on." Molly explained. "What are they doing for services?" Nick asked. "No wake because she was so mangled, but her funeral is Friday morning." Molly told him. "I can't promise, but I'll try and be there for you." Nick expressed warmly. "Thank you. Now, what's going on at work?" Molly queried. "An old burnt hand was found at the Cameron Public House." Nick told her. Molly gasped, "Horrible," "So we're working on that, and some good news." Nick replied. "That is?" Molly inquired. "We're planning a beach trip, all four of us." Nick replied. "I need that." Molly said sighing. "Same here, but mostly, I need you." Nick said, holding her tighter. "Do you have to go back?" Molly inquired. "I'm yours all day." Nick said, smiling. "Nick?" Molly whispered. "Yes," Nick said. "Love me," Molly requested. Nick grinned, "My pleasure," Nick slowly stood up extending his hand to Molly and they slowly walked over and up the stairs. They quietly walked into his bedroom and loved each other all day. ********* Meanwhile back at the lab, an older gentleman entered the lab and observed everything in view. Kathy slowly walked into the lab and saw him leaning upon the slab. She quietly approached him. "Can I help you?" Kathy asked. "Dr. Kathy Michaels?" He inquired. "Yes, you are?" Kathy queried. "I'm, Dr. Rubert Degen, from California." Rubert answered. "Fantastic, call me Kathy." Kathy said, happily. "Rubert, hi, what's the problem?" Rubert inquired. "We have something that we have never dealt with before. You came recommended. A few days ago, a total burnt hand was found and the only thing we found was it's about one to two years old." Kathy explained. "Let's have a look." Rubert suggested. "It's behind you, under the sheet." Kathy told him. Rubert reached and grabbed some gloves and Kathy stood on the other side to observe and take notes. He picked up a wooden stick and removed the sheet. "Okay, it appears to be a right hand, totally burnt. Did you take pictures of this?" Rubert inquired. "Every angle," Kathy answered. "Okay, do you have a spray bottle with warm water and a pan to put the hand in?" Rubert queried. "Hold on." Kathy requested. "And a pair of tweezers?" Rubert added. "Got it." Kathy said. Rubert placed the pan and gently placed the hand into it. He pulled over a stool and sat down. He carefully sprayed the hand and, piece-by-piece, peeled the hand." "Prepare a tube and a slide. Maybe that will tell us how it was burnt." Rubert suggested. "Okay, wait, what's that?" Kathy asked. "Where?" Rubert inquired. "On the tip." Kathy said, pointing at the finger. "Let's see, its red, a woman's hand." Rubert replied. Kathy sighed, "Here's a slide for that." "Good eyes. Let's finish this and we'll remove a bone marrow DNA." Rubert suggested. "Let's do it." Kathy said, happily. They slowly examined, and remove whatever possible to identify the person. ************ We travel across town to a fast food place. Many people were sitting at tables enjoying lunch. One of the kids took the trash out. He picked up the bags and carried them out side in the back. He carefully tossed it into the dumpster. As he backed up, he tripped over a box. When he looked at it, he screamed in horror. The restaurant owner came running out and saw the burnt hand. He covered it and he sent the kid back in to call the police. Back at Nick's place, they're lying down in bed and held each other very warmly. Suddenly, the phone rang and Nick stretched over and grabbed the phone. "Knight," Nick announced. "Sorry guy, another hand was found. I'll be there in ten or so." Paul told him. "Okay," Nick whispered. Nick slowly hung up the phone and leaned back dreading what he must do. Leave Molly for work while she was still upset. "What is it?" Molly asked. "Work, got to go." Nick told her. "It's okay. I'll see you later." Molly told him. "Stay here as long as you need to." Nick requested. "Thanks. Love you." Molly replied. "Love you too, honey, becareful. Call me. Okay?" Nick hinted to her. "Okay," Molly whispered. Nick gently leaned over placing a kiss upon her forehead and crawled out of the bed letting Molly rest. He stepped into the bathroom, a few moments later, a flush, and turned the water on for a quick shower then climbed out. He dried off and got dressed. By the time, he walked down the hall and the stairs Paul entered the loft. Nick grabbed his things and followed Paul out to the elevator down to his car. Nick pulled out his keys and took a few to breathe. "Okay?" Paul queried. "Yeah," Nick sighed. "Molly?" Paul asked. "Sleeping." Nick answered. Paul smiled, "You beast you." "Funny, where?" Nick said, sighing. "Here." Paul replied. Nick sighed, "Let's roll." Nick put the car in drive and peeled away. Paul set up the light and siren. Nick drove rather quickly to the restaurant and then the cruisers and yellow tape. The wagon was behind the cruiser out front. He parked the car climbed out and carefully walked towards Kathy who had a gentleman along side of her. "Hey, Kathy," Nick said. "Hey, guys. Rubert, these are Detectives Coletti and Knight. This is Doctor Rubert Degen." Kathy introduced everyone. "I'm Nick, and he's Paul. What you got?" Nick asked. "It appears to the left hand." Kathy said, clearly. "Left?" Paul inquired. "We discovered the first one is a woman's right hand. This might be the left one." Kathy replied. "Any DNA yet?" Paul asked. "Still looking; I found some bone marrow, and we might be able to get some results from that." Rubert answered. "Great. The earring?" Nick inquired. "Ryan has it, nothing yet." Kathy answered. "Extra gloves?" Nick asked. "Here you go." Kathy said. "Where have you done?" Nick inquired. "Over there." Kathy told him. "Thanks. Let's go." Paul said. "Jack, bring me the owner and the kid." Nick requested. "Got it." Jack answered. Paul went one side and Nick the other. They examined everything in sight and under foot while Nick waited for Jack. "NICK!" Jack shouted. "Coming. Paul, finish up." Nick requested. "The owner, Bruce Wilcox, and this is Neil Gilson." Jack told him. "Thanks, Jack. Okay, who found the hand first?" Nick asked. "I did. I took out the trash, tripped backwards. The box moved and I saw it and screamed then my boss came running out." Neil explained. "And?" Nick queried. "He was on the ground in shock. I made him call the police and I covered it up till the cruiser came." Bruce said. "Thanks, anything else?" Nick inquired. "That's it." Bruce said. "We didn't touch it." Neil added, slightly scared. "Great, go with Jack for statements. Thanks for your help." Nick replied. "Nick, bring Doc with you." Paul shouted. "Kathy, Paul's got something." Nick said, tapping her arm. They strolled over to Paul and carefully stood by his side. "What you got?" Nick asked. "Not sure, Kathy," Paul replied. Doc knelt down and examined it closely and she used her pen to clear away the trash. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of tweezers, and carefully picked it. She then stood and faced Nick. They carefully examined it. Rubert observed the two of them and carefully joined in. He stood by Kathy's side. "What you got?" Rubert asked. "Not sure." Paul answered. "A piece of a mirror," Kathy replied. "Could be," Nick said. "Bag it and we'll run it." Kathy suggested. "Nick, over here," Paul yelled. "Coming," Nick replied. "Bring a bag." Paul requested. Nick grabbed a bag from Kathy and strolled over to Paul's direction. Nick stepped beside him and he saw what Paul found, a wallet. "You got gloves?" Nick asked. "No." Paul answered. "Kathy, Rubert, over here," Nick shouted. They slowly walked over and stood by Nick. He pointed it out to her and she picked it up. Carefully opened and looked in every pocket possible. She found some cards, a little mold, but no money or identification. She bagged it and took it with her. "Kathy?" Nick queried. "Give me the day and see me before you check in." Kathy said. "Thanks," Nick whispered. "We need time to combine everything." Kathy told him. "If you get anything early let me know." Nick requested. "Done," Kathy replied. Kathy and Rubert left with the Forensics wagon. Nick and Paul just stood in the alley and glared at everything around them. "We have a pair of hands, one earring, a piece of mirror with possible blood on it, and a wallet with zero ID; now where?" Nick inquired, frustrated. "Rubert said about a year old. What about a list of missing women in the past year?" Paul suggested. Nick sighed, "That will be huge." "True," Paul said. "But…?" Nick inquired. "Necessary," Paul answered. "My place," Nick suggested. "Beer first," Paul requested. "Cool." Nick said. They carefully left the crime scene and headed for Nick's car. He unlocked the doors and they climbed in. He fished for the keys and started the engine. Just as he was about to put the car in drive, his cell phone rang. He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled it out. "Knight," Nick announced. "Nick, are you coming home soon?" Molly asked. "One stop then I'll be there. Where are you?" Nick inquired. "You're place. I never left." Molly told him. "Good. I'll be home soon." Nick told her. "Thanks, love you." Molly whispered. "Are you okay?" Nick asked. "Yeah," Molly replied. "Love you, too, see you soon." Nick told her. Nick hung up the phone, and placed it back into his pocket and just stared at the wheel. "Hey?" Paul inquired. "Molly." Nick said. "She okay?" Paul queried. "Yeah, beer, and then my place; I'll have LaCroix watch the place while we're gone." Nick replied. "Cool." Paul said, calmly. Nick placed the car in drive and slowly drove to the Raven. He pulled up along the curb and parked the car. He turned the engine off; they stepped out and he locked the doors. They slowly strolled to the door and walked into the club. The room had a blue light shined all over and carefully approached the bar. The bartender gave them each a beer and sat to relax from the stress of the case. LaCroix was in the backroom and a waitress tapped on the window telling him Nick was in the room and not doing well. With great concern, he left the backroom and went to him. He too sensed the uneasiness in his body. "Nicholas?" LaCroix inquired. "Hey." Nick sighed. "May I see you for a moment?" LaCroix queried. "Sure. Be right back." Nick said. Paul smiled, "Cool." LaCroix gently escorted Nick to the backroom and showed him to the couch. Nick slowly sat down and leaned back into the couch. LaCroix sat by his side and quietly cleared his mind. "What troubles you?" LaCroix asked. "We found a pair of hands burnt, and no clue to whom it was. Molly's friend died in a car crash, and she's in pain and I can't help her." Nick blurted out. LaCroix sighed, "That's a huge burden." "Yeah," Nick replied. "Molly's pain will heal slowly, but it will in time. Just be there and listen. As for the case, just place the pieces upon a table and examine one at a time." LaCroix suggested. "True. I guess it all came at once and it was…" Nick started. "Clouded and hard to see," LaCroix finished for him. "Yeah," Nick said. "Where are you going now?" LaCroix asked. "Home, Molly's there." Nick told him. "I see. Tend to her needs and the puzzle." LaCroix replied. Nick smiled, "Thanks." "I'll be along soon." LaCroix told him. "Good," Nick said, grinning. Nick slowly left the backroom and tapped Paul on the arm. They slowly left the Raven and headed for his car. He unlocked the doors and they climbed in. He started the engine, and pulled away from the curb and quickly drove home. He pulled into his spot and turned the engine off. They rode up in the elevator and entered his place. Paul quickly headed for the computer and pulled his phone out of his pocket. As he warmed up the computer and had the lab on the phone, Nick went up stairs to Molly figuring she was resting. He looked in his room, no Molly. He looked in LaCroix's room, still no Molly. He quickly ran down the stairs and looked around. He walked into the backroom by the kitchen. Molly was sitting on a chair looking at a book with a shocked look in her eyes. He carefully approached her and lightly touched her shoulder. "Hey, you okay?" Nick asked. "Terry's funeral will be in Montreal. I'll be gone a few days." Molly told him. "Do you want me there?" Nick inquired. "Always, but you're busy with this case. It's okay. We'll do the beach trip together. We can both heal." Molly suggested. "True. When do you leave?" Nick queried. "Now, but I wanted to see you before I do." Molly replied, sadly. "What's wrong?" Nick asked. "Missing you, and this picture," Molly explained. "I'll miss you as well, and what picture?" Nick inquired. "It's you, the year is 1891." Molly replied. 'What?" Nick asked, puzzled. "Look," Molly suggested. Molly handed the picture to Nick and shocked by the image. It was he, but not he. He just stared at it and held it so tight his hands turned blood red. Molly suddenly rose from her chair and held his forearm. "Nick, let go." Molly requested, scared. "I've been having dreams of a long past with me there and this picture is one of them." Nick said, shaking. "Relax your hands. Thank you. Let's go sit down." Molly replied. They slowly left the backroom and strolled into the living room then sat down on the couch. Nick glanced over to Paul to see how he was doing. He then looked to Molly. He saw the fear in her eyes and he leaned over placing a small kiss upon her forehead. "I'm okay." Nick said. "Nick, it's been a while since I've seen you. This case has a horrible hold on you. Tell me about the dreams." Molly requested. "I see myself as a monster killing and attacking people for pleasure. They seem so real." Nick told her. "Would it be the parts that you found?" Molly questioned. "Yeah, I think so." Nick answered, hesitant. "What else?" Molly asked. "LaCroix's there also, laughing with fire red eyes and long teeth." Nick added. "Like a vampire?" Molly insinuated. "Crazy I know, but yeah." Nick replied. "Does he know?" Molly inquired. Nick sighed, "No." "Tell him. He might be able to help. I need to go. I'll be back in a few days. I'll be at my mother's house. Call me there, okay?" Molly suggested. "Okay. I'll miss you." Nick said warmly. "Me too; love you tons." Molly replied, smiling. "Love you, too." Nick said, sadly. They leaned close to each other and embrace one another with a very warm passionate kiss. Molly slowly stood up with Nick close behind. He escorted her to the door watching her leave and the elevator doors close. He strolled over to Paul to get an update of what he has done so far. He casually sat upon the stairs and looked through the rails. "How she doing?" Paul asked. "All right; she'll be back in a few days then we plan the trip." Nick replied. "Oh yeah," Paul said, snapping his fingers. "Okay. What you got?" Nick asked. "Outside of a headache, 27 men, 51 women, and about 102 children." Paul rattled off for him. "Great," Nick sighed. "37 are from this area alone." Paul briefed him. "Anything from Kathy yet?" Nick inquired. "No. She said would call." Paul told him. "Does Kathy have the wallet?" Nick asked. "Yeah," Paul answered. Nick strolled over to his table and picked up the phone. He quickly dialed up Kathy. "Forensics, Dr. Michaels." Kathy announced. "Nick, did you find anything in the wallet?" Nick asked. "Hold on." Kathy requested. Kathy left Nick on hold while she searched for an answer for him. She quickly ran back to the phone. "I'm not sure if this will help but I found a business card and the only word readable is 'Younkin.'" Kathy briefed him. "Thanks, anything else?" Nick inquired. "Morning, okay," Kathy requested. "Thanks, later." Nick answered, sighing. Nick quickly hung up the phone and walked quickly back to Paul and pulled up a chair and sat by his side. "Well?" Paul queried. "She found a business card and with the word, Younkin, on it." Nick told him. "Okay. You write, and I'll search. Ready?" Paul suggested. "Go." Nick said. "Okay, we have 23, businesses and 3 schools." Paul read to him. "Everyone was in there twenties. Try schools first." Nick suggested. "Okay. We now have Younkin High School, Younkin School of the Arts, and Younkin of Science." Paul told him. "The only one that makes sense is either School of the Arts or Science. High school is too young." Nick said. "We'll see Kathy and Rubert in the morning. Maybe they'll have more to go on." Paul suggested. "Okay. It's late, want to sleep here?" Nick replied. "Cool." Paul answered. "Night," Nick replied. "Night," Paul said in return. Nick slowly stood and strolled up the stairs down the hall to his room. He slowly walked into the bathroom and closed the door halfway. A few moments later, a flush, then changed into his lounge pants that were hanging on the rack. As he exited the bathroom, he saw LaCroix sitting in the chair waiting for him. Nick gently sat on the edge of the bed and looked to him. "Nicholas, I sensed something else was troubling you." LaCroix replied. "Ah yeah; earlier, Molly found a picture of me with a woman at my side." Nick told him. "And?" LaCroix questioned. "The picture was from 1891. In addition, I've been having these dreams of me killing and attacking people. You and I with fire red eyes." Nick explained. "I see," LaCroix paused, concerned. "Are these dreams of a past life?" Nick asked. "Nightmares mainly." LaCroix replied. "Of me?" Nick queried. "1891 was two centuries ago. I don't see how you would be there." LaCroix said. "True," Nick sighed. "I wouldn't fear. They will soon fade as well this case." LaCroix told him. "All right," Nick said. "You rest. So, will I. I shall see you tonight. We'll discuss it further then." LaCroix suggested. "Thanks. Night, LaCroix." Nick said, yawning. "Night, Nicholas." LaCroix said. LaCroix slowly rose from the chair and strolled out of Nick's room then into his room to rest for the day. Nick stumbled over to his nightstand and removed his watch. He pulled down the blankets and crawled into bed. He set the alarm for later and turned the light off. He slowly drifted off to sleep. Paul had curled up on the couch for the night. ******** The morning hours slowly passed with a golden sunrise and the sun shining all over. It slightly peeked through the blinds slowly rolling up the blankets and softly shined upon Nick's face. His eyes rolled under his lids. He slowly turned away from the sunlight. Suddenly, the alarm sounded off stretching over and turned it off. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat up in bed. He tossed the covers aside and stood up. Stretched his entire body and walked into the bathroom. A few moments passed a flush, then the shower. He carefully stepped in and soaked up the heat of the water massaging his muscles. He wrapped the towel around his waist and walked into his room by the dresser. He picked out his work clothes stepped over to his bed. Dropped the towel and proceeded to get dressed for work. Grabbed his watch from the nightstand and walked down the hall and the stairs then saw Paul curled up on the couch. Nick strolled over to the couch and tapped the bottom of his foot to wake him up. He woke up to Nick staring at him. Paul slowly sat up and stretched out his body. He stood up and faced Nick. "Hey," Paul said. Nick yawned, "Morning." "I'll shower up." Paul replied. "I'll make the coffee." Nick said. "Fully loaded." Paul requested. Nick sighed, "Always." Paul stumbled to the stairs and up to Nick's room to get washed up. Nick walked into the kitchen and prepared the coffee. Suddenly, his phone rang. He walked over to the phone and quickly answered it. "Knight," Nick answered. "Hey, we got some results back that may shine some light on the puzzle." Kathy said. "Great. We'll there about thirty." Nick replied. "All right, see you then." Kathy said. "Thanks." Nick said. Nick quickly hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen. He pulled down two mugs making his coffee and left a mug for Paul to make his. As Nick sat down upon the couch and turned the television on for some news, Paul entered the room with his. He sat at Nick's side. "Kathy called, some results came in." Nick told him. "Finally, head their first." Paul requested. "Yeah," Nick answered. Paul sighed, "Then food." "Oh yeah. Let's roll." Nick answered. "Cool." Paul whispered. They placed their mugs down on the table, and Nick grabbed his keys then his jacket leaving the loft. They rode the elevator down to his car and climbed in. He started the engine and pulled out. He quickly drove to the Forensics building. He pulled the car up along the curb and parked. He turned the engine off and climbed out. As they quietly walked in, they saw her and Rubert sitting along the side of the slab. Nick saw two stools and led the way for them to sit. "Hey," Nick replied. "Okay, let's begin. This is your file to keep." Kathy said. "Thanks." Paul said. "Okay. We have a pair of hands. They match. We were able to get enough bone marrow to run a DNA test. It's definitely female about mid-twenties. No name yet, we had to send it to another lab to run more advance tests." Kathy explained. "Her hands were cut off at the wrists. The piece of glass we found was a piece of a sculpting knife. It did have her DNA on it. The earring was not hers. It's much newer. Assuming that couple that was there." Rubert added in. "So, this is definitely a woman who was dismembered?" Nick queried. "Yeah; I also found this in the wallet." Kathy said. "What's that?" Paul asked. "The front piece to a fraternity pin." Kathy answered. "You mean like a college pin?" Paul replied. "Yes. The letters are Y and A." Rubert said. "Okay, female, about mid-twenties, hands cut off by a knife. A pin with Y ands A." Nick repeated. "Younkin for the Arts." Paul said. "That's the place." Nick said, happily. "We're going back about six months not a year." Kathy said. Nick smiled, "Great," As they finished adding the last of the results to their file, Nick's cell phone rang. He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled it out. Nick placed his hand into the middle of the slab for silence. "Knight," Nick announced. "Nick, where are you?" Reese asked. "Forensics." Nick told him. "Go back to the Cameron Public House Club. They found more. Pass it on." Reese ordered. "I will, thanks." Nick said. Nick placed his phone back into his pocket and hit the slab in frustration. They knew something was horribly wrong. "What is it?" Paul asked. "They found more at the club. Let's roll." Nick hissed in anger. "Damn," Kathy whispered. Nick and Paul quickly left the lab and ran down to his car. As he started the engine, the lab was directly behind him to follow him to the club. Paul set up the light and turned the siren on. He pulled away from the curb and headed back to the club. As they approached the scene, Jack directed them to the field in the back of the club. As they drove to it, they saw some dogs sniffing the area and filled with cops. Off to the right they saw Reese standing over the crime sight and talking with Jack. Nick and the lab carefully parked along the curbside and climbed out. They quickly headed for Reese and what was found Dr. Michaels handed them some gloves to keep things safe and them. "What you got?" Nick asked. "A foot," Jack answered. Paul gasped, "A foot?" "Yeah," Jack replied. "Okay, Rubert. Let's get to it." Kathy suggested. "Let them work, over here. A guy was out jogging and he came across the foot. He called it in." Jack told them. "Great. Where is he?" Nick inquired. "Tony took him in." Jack answered. "Anything else?" Paul asked. "They're looking. Nothing yet." Jack answered. Suddenly, from the extreme far right someone yelled out. Nick and them walked quickly into that direction to see what they had found. The horror of the crime everywhere, and upon all faces. Reese silently asked him to go back and bring Doc with him. Meanwhile, they carefully examined the body found that is minus two hands, one foot, and one head. "My God," Nick uttered, horrified. "Diddo." Paul agreed. "See anything?" Reese inquired. "Still looking, you?" Paul said. "Not yet. Whoa, hold on." Nick replied. "What you got?" Reese asked. "The knife." Nick said. "Fantastic," Kathy replied. "What you find?" Rubert asked. "The body minus a head and the murder weapon, I think." Kathy answered. "Here, put it in here. Anything else?" Rubert queried. "We just found it." Nick said. "Okay, pick a side and go every inch or so." Paul requested. They very carefully examined the body and the area around it. They gently moved the twigs, and rocks around. Suddenly, Jack yelled from about five feet from the scene. Nick and Reese ran quickly to Jack. He found some cards and a purse. Jack carefully took a few pictures of the scene and Nick picked it up and carefully carried it back to Kathy where Rubert has joined in. "Hey Kathy, Rubert. We taped it off and took the pictures for you. Jack found these." Paul told them. "In here. Thanks. Okay, guys, move it to the lab. Let's go look at the scene." Kathy said. "Follow me." Nick replied. Nick carefully escorted Kathy to the scene where the cards and pocketbook been discovered. She slowly scanned the area and saw nothing else. They left the scene and met up with Paul and Rubert. Kathy and Rubert left and followed the other cars back to the lab. Nick tugged at Paul, and they quickly walked towards Nick's car. They climbed in and sat for a few in complete silences. Nick suddenly leaned back into the seat. "What's up?" Paul asked. "We have the whole body minus a head. We have a purse, cards, but no ID. A school pin that refers to Younkin." Nick said, reading the list out loud. "She's been dead only six months. It would be a long list but we could get one." Paul suggested. "True. Let's go." Nick said. "Beers?" Paul queried, slightly pleading. "Three cases at least." Nick said, frustrated. "Whoa, why?" Paul asked, stunned. "I haven't seen Molly for over two weeks or more, LaCroix, too. This case has been time consuming." Nick hissed angrily. Paul smiled, "Same here. I'm nuts." "I agree. Now, she's away and I didn't give her the proper send off." Nick told him. "That is?" Paul queried. "Dinner and the night together." Nick replied. "Oh man. Carla and I use the phone." Paul said, shyly. Nick grabbed his chest, "That's real bad." "Yeah." Paul said, exhaling. "After this case, a big beach trip." Nick insisted. "Oh yeah." Paul agreed. "Get the list, and four cases. I'll call Molly first." Nick said. "Done. Let's roll." Paul replied, eagerly. Nick quickly started the engine and slowly drove down the roads that led to the Younkin School for the Arts. Paul spotted it and showed the direction to Nick. He carefully turned the wheel to the right and they pulled into the parking lot. He parked the caddy in the free spot near the front door. They climbed out and he locked the doors. They strolled up the path to the front door and stopped at the receptionist. "Hello. This is Detective Coletti and I'm Detective Knight. May we speak with Dean Odell?" Nick asked. "One moment please." She requested. She quickly made a small to the Dean's office. A few moments passed and a middle-aged woman wearing a suit appeared and approached Nick and Paul. "Hello. I'm Dean Lynne Odell. Can I help you?" Odell asked. "Is there a place where we can talk?" Nick requested. "Let's go to my office. Follow me please." Odell suggested. They quietly followed the Dean to her office a few feet down the hall. As they entered the room, she closed the door and sat behind her desk. They sat down and faced her in a serious matter. "What's this about?" Odell asked. "Nick Knight. A few nights ago a body was discovered, a woman and a pin with this school's letters. It seems she died six months ago. She might have been in a sculpting class." Nick explained. "That could be a long list." Odell said. "Please. We have a body and no name for her. Can you help?" Paul queried. "Let's see what comes up." Odell said. "Thank you. Paul, maybe the club has a video of that day or night." Nick suggested. "Call and see. I'll help her." Paul said. "It could be awhile. You can call from the food court. Help yourself to some coffee." Odell replied. "Thanks." Nick said. "Meet you there. Have one waiting." Paul requested. "Okay." Nick sighed. Paul remained behind with the Dean and Nick quickly left the office and slowly found his way to the food court. He walked up and got two coffees then found; a table in a corner. As he sat down, he pulled out his phone but noticed a young lady glancing in his direction. He glanced in return but dialed up the Cameron Club. "Cameron's, Gary speaking." Gary answered. "Detective Knight. Do you have a security tape of six months, December 17th?" Nick asked. "I think so." Gary replied. "Can you look and call me?" Nick inquired. "Sure." Gary answered. "Thanks." Nick said. "Excuse me, but are you a cop?" she asked. "Yes, why?" Nick questioned. "Are you working on that hand that was found?" she inquired. "Are you the girl in the alley?" Nick queried. "If I talk to you will you keep it private?" she asked, shaking. Nick inhaled, "I'll try. Coffee?" "Thanks." She said. "Have a seat." Nick suggested. "Kendall Craver. I'm an Art student here." Kendall told him. "All right Kendall, what do you know?" Nick asked. "My boyfriend and I were in that alley. I saw it, screamed and we left the alley. That's about all." Kendall explained. "We found the rest of the body, did you know her?" Nick asked. "No. However, there's an old rumor/story told. There was a substitute teacher who took up with a student and was never seen or heard from again." Kendall told him. "Does he still teacher here?" Nick questioned. "On and off." Kendall shyly answered. "Name?" Nick inquired. "Uhm?" Kendall hesitated complying. Nick smiled, "Please." "Todd, something. I don't remember. Ask the Dean, she might know." Kendall suggested. "Thank you for your help." Nick replied happily. "No problem." Kendall replied, walking away. She shyly left him at the table thinking non-stop. He slowly rose from the table and quickly made his way back to the Dean's office just as they were finishing up. Paul noticed his face. Nick approached the desk where Lynne was sitting. "Dean, a substitute teacher, six months ago, Todd something." Nick said. "Todd Zanoli. A girl filed a sexual assault against him. She left, we thought and it just lay there. Hold on." Odell suggested. Lynne returned to the computer and began to dance upon the keys. As the printer was making a copy for them, she called her secretary and asked her to bring in that file stored away. She quickly stepped in and then out again. Lynne fixed the papers for them and neatly handed them to Nick. "His name was Todd Zanoli. He taught the sculpting class with live models. It seems he made a sexual pass at a young girl. She filed it but then disappeared. We thought she had moved or left the school. He's here, at the East Wing, Room 237." Odell explained. "Don't say a word to him. I don't want to scare him off." Nick ordered. "No problem. But if it is him," Odell replied. "He's on permanent suspension." "Good." Nick said. "Her parent's address is in the file. I don't know if they stayed on here." Odell said. "Thanks for everything. We'll be in touch." Paul replied. "Thank you and good luck." Odell said, slightly avoiding him. "Thanks." Nick replied. They quickly left her office and stood outside the door. "I met the girl from the alley. She told the same story Lynne did." Nick told him. "Really? What's her name?" Paul asked. "Kendall Craver. Open the file; we need to meet the poor victim." Nick suggested. "Let's see." Paul replied. "Her name is, Anita Ledoux, blonde hair, blue eyes, twenty- three years old, then and one hundred forty-five pounds." Nick said, reading the file. "Finally." Paul said. "Gary's looking for the tape, he'll call. Let's go meet Todd." Nick replied. "Lead on." Paul said, eagerly. They carefully followed the signs that led the way to the East Wing then they read the numbers upon the doors. They finally arrived at 237 and Paul looked through the window. He saw him at the desk working on some papers. He waved to Nick it was clear. They quietly opened the door and entered the classroom. They walked up to his desk and he quickly looked up and saw them. He was slightly nervous but tried to relax. "Todd Zanoli?" Nick queried. "Yes. You are?" Todd inquired. "Detective's Coletti and Knight." Paul said. Todd exhaled, "What's this about?" "Anita Ledoux." Nick said. Todd hesitated, "What about her?" "She placed a sexual harassment claim against you." Paul replied. Todd scoffed, "It's all lies." "We believe there true." Paul replied. "Look, we dated, we had sex, and then she yelled rape." Todd said. "Maybe she wasn't satisfied." Nick suggested. "I was the best she had." Todd hissed in anger. "Maybe you killed her to stop the report." Paul replied. "I did no such thing." Todd insisted. "Where were you on December 17th of last year?" Nick asked. "That was months ago. I don't remember." Todd answered. Nick inhaled, "Try." "Let me look at my calendar." Todd requested. "Be my guest." Paul said. He leaned over, and flipped backwards in his calendar and came across December. "I went to the mountains with my two friends. We went skiing." Todd told them. "Can you prove it?" Paul queried. "I have pictures at home. We stayed at the Hilton Motor Lodge. I have the receipts at home." Todd said, smirking. "Where do you live?" Nick asked, directly. "216 Tenor Lane, South side." Todd answered. "See you about four." Paul replied. "Fine." Todd said firmly. Nick smiled, "Have a nice day." "Right." Todd replied. "Here's my card if you remember anything else." Nick insinuated. Nick and Paul slowly left the classroom as the students were entering. They made there way out of the school to Nick's car. They quickly climbed in, and sat for a few and exhaled a long sigh. Paul shook his head around and turned to Nick. "I'm starving with a headache." Paul said. "Same here." Nick said, inhaling. "Food, please." Paul said pleading. "You're on." Nick answered eagerly. Nick pulled out his keys and started up the engine. He put the car in drive, and headed for the nearest restaurant and pulled into the parking lot. He found a free spot and parked the car. Climbed out and he locked the doors. They strolled inside and a hostess sat them at a booth. They ordered up some pizza and two bottles of water. She left was writing it all down. "This case is crazy." Nick said, mumbling. "Okay. Square one. Anita was killed six months ago, dismembered." Paul replied. "We have Todd, a sub-teacher and Kendall Craver from the school. She told me about him." Nick said. "Thought one, he raped her and went nuts." Paul suggested. "Two, jealous boyfriend saw her and got mad." Nick added. "Nah. He would have killed Todd." Paul replied. "How about jealous girlfriend and saw them. She got rid of the competition?" Nick queried. "Two possibilities. He did it to end the claim or a girl to win the contest." Paul replied. "True," Nick sighed. Paul smiled, "Yeah, food." The waiter brought their food and two sodas. He placed the pizza in the middle and handed them each a glass. They made a silent toast then ate it rather quickly. "How about we visit the family, maybe they know something. We can get the medical records and see if we can positively say its her." Paul suggested. "Good idea." Nick agreed. "Let's roll. The address is outside in the file." Paul told him. Nick exhaled, "Okay." They tossed some money onto the table then left the restaurant and headed for Nick's car. He unlocked the doors and they stepped in. He started the engine and Paul found the address in the file. Nick gave it a quick glance, and pulled out and headed there fast. He slowly drove down the road and found the house. Carefully pulled into the driveway and turned the engine off. They slowly climbed out and strolled up to the front door and Paul rang the doorbell then waited patiently. Suddenly a woman came to the door and looked at them very closely. "Can I help you?" Janet asked. "This is Detective Knight and I'm Detective Coletti. Are you Janet Ledoux?" Paul asked. "Yes. What's this about?" Janet inquired. "You're daughter Anita." Paul replied. "I'm sorry. Please come in." Janet said, surprised. They carefully passed her as she closed the door behind them. She quickly escorted them to the living room where a gentleman was reading the newspaper. She stepped over and tapped him on the arm. "Have you found Anita?" Janet asked. "We think so. We need her medical and dental records to identify her." Nick said, softly. "What, no," Janet said, slightly crying. "I'm sorry, we thought you knew. We found a woman's body and it seems to match Anita. We need to be sure." Paul explained. "Oh-no." Janet whispered. "I'm Norman. We'll do that." Norman said. "Can you remember anything about that night?" Nick asked. "She had a date with Duane Bauman at that Cameron Club then she disappeared two days later." Norman told them. "Do you know Todd Zanoli?" Paul asked. "A teacher she had a crush on." Norman added on. "Any fights with family or friends." Paul asked. "She had a huge fight with Kendall." Norman answered. "About what?" Nick questioned. "Duane was her boyfriend but Anita dated him as well." Janet said. "The famous triangle." Paul commented. "I'm afraid so." Norman agreed. "Any threats against her?" Nick asked. "They both did." Norman replied. "What about Todd?" Paul questioned. "He harassed her, but nothing more." Norman answered. "She filed a complaint and it ended there." Janet added. "I see." Paul sighed. "Please have those faxed over to this number and we'll call you with the findings." Nick suggested. "Thank you." Paul replied. "Thank you for the help. We'll show ourselves out." Nick said. They quickly left the house and walked out to Nick's car. They leaned upon the hood of the car and stared at each other. "Duane was two timing Kendall." Paul said. "Motive, jealousy." Nick suggested. "True. Or he got tired of her or she had a surprise for him and he got mad." Paul added. "This case keeps changing." Nick said, frustrated. "I hear you." Paul sighed. Suddenly, before Nick could utter another word his cell phone rang. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the phone. "Knight," Nick announced. "On your way, drop in." Kathy requested. "On our way," Nick said. "Doc. Let's go." Nick put his cell phone back into his pocket and they climbed in. He quickly started the engine, and pulled out of the driveway and headed for the Forensics building. As he approached the building, he parked the car along the curb and turned the engine off. They jumped out and ran up the stairs into Doc's lab where they saw Rubert leaning upon the slab with a file and some hot coffee. They quietly walked in and stood by his side. Hey. She'll be back in a minute. All the test results are back from my lab in California." Rubert said. "And?" Nick queried. "She's positively been identified as Anita Ledoux. We matched the bone marrow DNA with the DNA on file from six months ago. And she was at least six weeks pregnant." Rubert told them. "I knew it." Paul said, clapping his hands together. "We found the fetus in her womb and we ran the test to be sure. She was." Rubert replied. "Great. Is it possible to do a paternity test?" Nick asked. "Not sure. We saved the fetus. If we had fresh semen samples, maybe." Rubert suggested. "Great," Paul hissed angrily. "We can do it here, but get a warrant to use it as legal evidence in court." Rubert said. "Done." Nick replied. "That's why she called you." Paul said. "Cool. The parents are faxing her medical and dental records to you." Nick replied. "Perfect." Rubert said. "Let me know and I'll call them." Paul replied. "Thanks. Tell Doc call me later." Nick requested. "Okay." Rubert replied. They quickly left the lab and ran down to Nick's car and climbed in. "Where to?" Paul asked. "I need some sleep before I go nuts next." Nick answered. "True. About ten or so." Paul inquired. "Yeah, I guess." Nick said, yawning. Nick quickly started the engine and pulled away. He drove Paul home then slowly drove to his home. He parked the car in his spot turned the engine off. He climbed out and locked the doors. He rode up in the elevator to his place and entered the living room as the door closed behind him. He tossed his jacket onto the chair. Placed his keys, badge and gun onto the table and flopped onto the couch. He placed his forearm over his eyes and sighed. Suddenly, his nose picked up a heavenly scent that he has not inhaled in awhile. He slowly sat up and looked around him. He stood up and looked towards the staircase and there he saw Molly wearing one of his shirts. She had a warm smile upon her face and he returned the smile. He found a little energy, and walked quickly up the stairs and spun her around and kissed her passionately. She took him by the hand and escorted him to the bedroom where they made love all night long. ********* The hours passed slowly. Nick and Molly held each other very tight all night. Warm smiles shined upon their faces. The sun peeked in, and woke Nick up, and looked to Molly and gently stroked her hair. She woke up to Nick's sparkling eyes. She warmly stroked his dry lips and his chest and cuddled up as close as possible. "It's been so long." Molly replied, squeezing him tight. Nick exhaled, "I'm really sorry." "We both have been very busy." Molly said, sadly. "True. I have one question to ask you." Nick hesitated slightly. "That is?" Molly inquired. Nick smiled, "How do you feel about living together?" "It's a great idea. Do you mean us?" Molly queried. "Yes." Nick whispered. "Why?" Molly asked. "I love you very much, we would be together, share our lives and everything we have and enjoy. And we won't be coming home alone." Nick told her. Molly smiled, "Sounds like marriage." "Yes it does, you're right." Nick said, directly. "Nick, are you asking me to marry you?" Molly inquired, stunned. Nick smiled warmly, "Molly, will you marry me?" "Can I have a little time to think about it? It's a huge step." Molly requested. "Please. Let me know." Nick said. "You'll be the first." Molly told him. "I love you." Nick said, grinning. "Love you too. Time to clean up and get to work." Molly told him. Nick smirked, "Race you." "You're on." Molly smiled happily. As they inhale the warm concept of marriage and shared a shower; Paul knocked upon the door and no answer. He tested the door and waltzed in. He heard the shower and he too inhaled Molly's perfume. He displayed a smile walking into the kitchen and made some coffee then walked over to the couch sitting down turning the television on waiting for Nick and Molly. After about thirty minutes or so, Nick and Molly came walking down the stairs holding hands. Nick shyly escorted her to the door, and Paul watched them very closely. "You call me, okay?" Nick whispered, grinning. "I will. Our beach trip?" Molly queried. "As soon as the case is closed." Nick told her. "Until then. Love you darling." Molly said, squeezing him. "Love you, too." Nick replied. They kissed each other very warmly. He watched her leave and the elevator doors close. He then closed the door and saw Paul standing a few feet away with a smirk on his face. "What?" Nick asked. Paul smiled, "You did it." "What?" Nick asked, hesitating. "You finally asked her." Paul said. Nick smiled, "Yes." "And?" Paul queried. "She needs time to think about it." Nick replied. "That's good I guess. Fantastic man. I'm thrilled." Paul said, smiling. "Carla?" Nick inquired. "The beach trip." Paul said, giving in. "Cool. Maybe a double." Nick suggested. Nick sighed, "Maybe." "Okay, reality." Paul said, clearing his throat. "I got Duane's address. Let's roll." Nick told him. "Food, I'm starving." Paul replied. Nick inhaled, "I can see that." "Funny," Paul replied. "Haha," Nick chuckled slightly. They slowly exited the loft. As the door opened, LaCroix was standing there. Nick silently hinted to Paul he wished to talk to him alone. Paul went down the elevator and LaCroix closed the door. "Nicholas?" LaCroix queried. "Hey. I'm planning a special trip, will you?" Nick asked. "No problem." LaCroix answered. "Thanks. Will you be here tonight?" Nick inquired. LaCroix inhaled, "Why?" "I need to talk to you about something very important." Nick expressed happily. "I see. Eight?" LaCroix requested. "I'll try. Thanks." Nick sighed. LaCroix passed by him and Nick quickly left the loft. LaCroix sensed something very different about Nick. He left for the upstairs to rest and Nick stepped into his car and fished for his keys. He started the engine and Paul showed him the address. Nick pulled out and headed for Duane's house. He parked the car just out front. He turned the engine off and they stepped out. They stood by the hood of the car. "What's the plan?" Paul asked. "I'll take the front, and you go out back." Nick briefed him. "Cool, have fun." Paul replied. Paul very quietly walked around to the back of the house and Nick strolled up to the front door. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently. Suddenly, an older gentleman answered the door. "Yes." He said. "I'm Detective Knight. I would to like to talk to Duane." Nick requested. "I'm Henry, his uncle. He's in his room. Come in." Henry complied. "Thank you." Nick said. Nick stepped through the door. He followed Henry to Duane's room. He knocked on the door. "Duane?" Henry inquired. Duane shouted, "Busy." "Detective Knight is here for you." Henry told him. "Why?" Duane asked. "Get out here." Henry yelled. Duane hesitated, "In a minute." Duane cautiously opened his window and carefully started to climb out. Paul stood up, placed his hand upon his back, and scared him where he froze. "Going somewhere?" Paul queried. "No." Duane sighed. "No. Nick, open the door." Paul shouted. "I thought so. Come on, its time to talk. Let's go." Nick said. "Got nothing to say." Duane announced. "Really. You read him the right's stuff and I'll get the car." Nick told him. "Thanks. Let's go. Do you wish to join us?" Paul inquired. "I'll follow you. What did he do?" Henry asked. "He's being charged with murder." Nick explained. "What? Let's go." Henry replied, stunned. They slowly left his room and as they approached the front door, he placed handcuffs on Duane and escorted him to his car. He put him in the back with Paul. Henry went and got his car. Nick climbed in, and started the engine and pulled away with Henry close behind. "I didn't kill anybody." Duane said. "Anita Ledoux." Paul replied. Duane gasped, "Anita. She's back." "Yes, and she's dead." Paul told him. "I dated her, but I didn't kill her." Duane said firmly. "She was pregnant." Nick said. Duane surprised, "She was?" "Yours?" Paul queried. "I didn't know, honest." Duane said, starting to cry. "Willing to take a test?" Paul asked. "Anything, but…" Duane paused. They finally arrived at the station and parked out front. Henry pulled into a spot close by. They exited the car and walked up the stairs and inside. Reese was standing by his desk waiting. Nick waved Lisa down to follow him. Reese sat with Henry to observe through the window. Nick with Duane in handcuffs with Paul and Lisa directly behind them entered the interrogation room. Nick helped him sit and Lisa took notes. Nick sat in front of him and Paul along side of Duane. "Okay. Duane we know you were seeing Kendall and Anita. She was seeing Todd Zanoli. Anita was pregnant." Paul bluntly explained. "It's not mine. Yes I was dating the two of them." Duane said. "Why?" Nick asked. "Kendall and I were growing apart. She blamed Anita. But I met Anita after she was with Todd." Duane briefed them. "Were you two sexually active?" Nick asked. "Yes, but due to an accident in my early days. I can't father children." Duane said, shying away. "The child must be…" Paul started. "Todd, I guess. He's the only one I know of she was with." Duane said. "Who would want to see her dead?" Nick asked. "I don't know. Please believe me, I didn't hurt her, I loved her." Duane replied. "All right," Paul replied. "Lisa, type it up. Duane signs every page before you leave. I'll send your uncle in." Nick told him. "Thanks." Duane said, sniffing his tears. "Thanks for the help. Lisa, I need a copy." Nick replied. "Okay." Lisa said. Nick and Paul left the room while Henry entered as his nephew began to cry for the loss of Anita. Nick and Paul walked back to his desk. They sat down and finished entering the notes into the computer. He suddenly slammed his desk and Paul leaned over. "Hey." Paul whispered. "One piece is missing and can't see it." Nick said, frustrated. "Okay, home. Sleep to clear your head. I'll see you in the morning. Besides, it's almost eight and your cousin is waiting on you." Paul told him. "Damn, later," Nick uttered. "Ciao," Paul replied. Nick slowly stood up, and strolled out of the building and headed for his car. He unlocked the door climbed in and he started the engine and slowly pulled away and drove home. He carefully pulled into his space and parked the car. Climbed out and locked it up for the night. He rode up in the elevator to his place. He entered as the door closed automatically behind him. He stumbled to the chair and placed his jacket upon it. Walked over to the fridge and grabbed a beer. Stumbled to the couch and flopped upon it. He turned the television on and snuggled into the couch. As the television got louder, LaCroix heard the voices upstairs and he strolled out of his room and to the railing. He saw Nick and swooped down to Nick's side. "Nicholas?" LaCroix inquired. "LaCroix, hello," Nick said. "You wish to discuss something?" LaCroix queried. "A lot," Nick sighed. "I see," LaCroix replied. LaCroix carefully stepped around and passed by Nick. He sat by him on the couch sat side ways and faced him very seriously. Nick exhaled, smiling, "Well, I did it." "Did what?" LaCroix asked, hesitating. "I asked Molly to marry me." Nick said, grinning. LaCroix smiled, wide, "I see. And?" "She's thinking about it." Nick replied. "It's a major step." LaCroix told him. "I know, but?" Nick sighed, shyly. LaCroix inhaled, "Scared." "Very much so," Nick replied, yawning. "Do you love her?" LaCroix asked. "Very much so," Nick replied, smiling warmly. LaCroix exhaled, "Trust that and the fear will fade." "I'll try, thanks." Nick said, yawning still. "My pleasure; next?" LaCroix inquired. "This case. Too many turns, suspects and motives." Nick said, rubbing his face. "Sounds like a headache. I have been reading and hearing about it." LaCroix told him. "And?" Nick queried. "Definitely revenge, but someone is protecting someone." LaCroix explained. "Doc found out she was pregnant but it's not Duane, it must be Todd's. Who would kill to protect that?" Nick questioned. "Who would lose in the end?" LaCroix asked. "Not sure." Nick answered. "Sleep, read and think. Let me know what Molly says. Night, Nicholas." LaCroix replied. "Thanks and I will. Night," Nick whispered. Nick followed LaCroix up the stairs. He entered his room then the bathroom. A few moments passed, and a flush. Walked back to his dresser and pulled out a pair of lounge pants and a t-shirt. Stepped over to the bed stripped down and changed his clothes for bed. He tossed them into the chair and he pulled the blankets down. He slowly crawled into bed, fixed his clock removed his watch and turned the light off. He slowly drifted off to sleep with a crowded head. ************ The hours passed rather quickly. The sunlight peeked through the blinds, and slowly rode up the bed and softly tinted his face. He slowly rolled over as his phone rang. He stretched over and picked it up. "Knight," Nick announced. "Sorry, Nick. The results are back on the knife. The one print we managed to get does not match Duane or Todd, or the club and restaurant people." Kathy told him. Nick exhaled, "What?" "Is there anyone else?" Kathy queried. "Only Kendall, but…" Nick said, pausing. "But what?" Kathy asked. "Why would she?" Nick questioned. "Well, Anita was pregnant by Kendall's boyfriend, she got mad." Kathy suggested. "He's sterile. It was Todd's." Nick answered. "Did anyone know about that?" Kathy inquired. "I don't know. Thanks Kathy, I'll get back to you." Nick said, frustrated. Nick quickly hung up his phone lying back in bed and stared at the ceiling with everything rolling around. Downstairs, Paul knocked then entered the loft. He did not see him anywhere so he yelled out his name. He began a slow search around the main floor. Suddenly, Nick came running out of his room and leaned upon the railing. Paul saw him and walked up the stairs to his side. "Nick?" Paul queried, scared. "The oldest trick in the book and we didn't see it, but Kathy did. Damn," Nick said, pacing the floor. "Yo, Nick?" Paul inquired, holding him. "Anita was pregnant, but Duane is sterile." Nick said. Paul exhaled, "Yeah, its Todd's." "Yeah. If he didn't tell anyone about his condition including Kendall, What if…" Nick suggested. "No way; too easy," Paul said. "The print they got off the knife, no match to anyone we talked to. She's the only one not tested." Nick said. "Oh man. How do you want to handle it?" Paul queried. "Let me clean up and we're going to school." Nick said, eagerly. "Cool, free breakfast." Paul said, happily. "Make some coffee. I'll be down in a few." Nick requested. "Done," Paul said. Nick walked back to his room to get all cleaned up and a change of clothes. While Paul stumbled around and made the coffee, Nick jogged down the stairs and into the kitchen. He grabbed two mugs and he set them next to the pot. He then strolled over to his phone, and picked up his list and dialed Duane's residence. "Hello," Duane answered. "Duane?" Nick inquired. "Yeah," Duane replied. "Detective Knight, one question." Nick requested. "Yeah?" Duane queried. "Did anyone know about your condition?" Nick asked. "No." Duane answered. "No one at all." Nick questioned. "My mother doesn't know." Duane told him. "Thank you." Nick said. "Why?" Duane queried. "I'll explain later. Thanks." Nick answered. Nick quickly hung up the phone and turned around to Paul's face and him holding two mugs of coffee. Nick took one, and sipped it slowly savoring the flavor and inhaled the aroma." "Well?" Paul asked. "No one knew. Not even his mother." Nick said, grinning. "Okay, theory. She got pregnant by Todd, and Kendall found out. They thought it was Duane. She went nuts; killed Anita to protect Duane because of love." Paul explained. "It fits." Nick replied. Paul exhaled, "Its nuts." "Any other ideas?" Nick inquired. Paul hesitated, "No, not yet." "Kathy's got a print and it doesn't match the guys." Nick said. "How are you going to get a print from Kendall?" Paul asked. "She talked to me about the night at the club. What if we had a statement for her to sign, give her a pen to use? They could use that." Nick suggested. "A set up, cool," Paul replied, grinning. "Let's go to the computer, its already in the file. I'll just print a copy." "Sweet," Nick said. Suddenly, as he clicked to print it out his phone rang. He quickly walked over and answered it while Paul waited for the copy. "Knight," Nick announced. "Ebourn," Molly said. "Hey," Nick said, grinning. "I changed the concert tickets for tomorrow night. Can we make it?" Molly inquired. "Yes we can. We are planning the ending to this long case. We'll do the concert then the beach." Nick told her. Molly exhaled, "I'm counting the days." "Me too. I will call you later. Love you." Nick replied, warmly. "Love you too; night," Molly whispered. "Night," Nick said. Nick slowly hung up the phone and rejoined Paul at the computer. "Well, it's done. Molly?" Paul queried. "Concert tomorrow night," Nick said. "Let's do this, drop it off, jewelry stop and men's night." Paul suggested. "Okay. I'll ask my cousin to join in." Nick replied. Paul smiled, "Awesome," They quickly put the mugs into the sink and Nick grabbed his things off the table and walked to the door. They rode down the elevator to Nick's car. They climbed in and he started the engine. He pulled out and head for the school to find Kendall. ************ Meanwhile at the Raven, LaCroix was in the upstairs room preparing it to be livable. Suddenly, an old friend swooped in, and stood in the doorway and observed his movements. As LaCroix turned around, he saw Scott staring at him with a slight confused look upon his face. "LaCroix," Scott said. "Scott; always a pleasure," LaCroix replied. "Same here; what are you doing?" Scott asked. LaCroix smiled, "Preparing to live here." "What about Nicholas?" Scott asked, concerned. "He has asked Molly for her hand." LaCroix told him. "Finally," Scott said, exhaling. LaCroix grinned, "Yes," "Are you all right with this?" Scott inquired. "I'm very proud of him. That he has found what he had searched for; for centuries." LaCroix replied. "Same here; you do know what's next?" Scott queried. "What's that?" LaCroix asked. "Grandchildren, Grandpa." Scott said, smiling. "Goodbye, Scott." LaCroix said, exhaling. "I'll be downstairs." Scott told him. LaCroix laughed slightly, "Thank you." "Later," Scott said. ************* Back at the University, they had just arrived and he parked the car out front. He turned the engine off and they climbed out. He locked the doors and strolled up the path through door. They slowly walked down the corridor to the Dean's office and lightly knocked on the door. The Dean answered and they stepped into the office as she closed the door. "Hello." Odell said. "Hello. We need to see Kendall Craver." Nick requested. "The reason?" Odell queried. "She gave us a statement and we need her signature on it." Nick said. "You know; paperwork." Paul added. "Yes I do. Hold on a moment." Odell requested. She picked up her phone, and dialed her secretary and had asked her to page Kendall to report to the Dean's office. "Have you solved Anita's mystery?" Odell asked. "Not yet." Nick answered. "But we're close." Paul replied. "I see," Odell said, hesitating. "Where Anita was a student, would you mind signing this paper as well? It's a paper saying she was last seen here." Nick requested. "Sure," Odell said. "Thanks." Nick whispered. The door slowly opened and Kendall stepped in seeing them. She suddenly became nervous and stood along side of the desk near the Dean." "Is there something wrong?" Kendall asked. "No. I just need you to sign your statement for me." Nick said, calmly. "Oh, sorry; sure," Kendall said. "Here you go. Thanks." Paul replied. "You may go Kendall." Odell suggested. "Thanks." Nick said. Kendall quickly left the office and Nick and Paul politely exited the office as well. They quietly closed the door and strolled back to his car. Nick placed the two pens into his hanky and handed them to Paul. "Was it me or was the Dean a little nervous?" Paul inquired. "She was." Nick said, thinking out loud. "I wonder why." Paul replied. "I got her prints as well. We'll soon see." Nick said, smiling. "Where would she fit in?" Paul asked. "Let Doc find out." Nick answered. "Cool. Grab beers along the way to your place." Paul replied. "Yeah, and LaCroix should be there by then." Nick told him Paul exhaled, "Awesome," "Changed your word?" Nick inquired. "No, why?" Paul queried. "Just wondering," Nick whispered. "Cool." Paul said, laughing. Nick smiled, "Better." Nick parked the car along the curb and turned the engine off. They climbed out and he locked the doors. They ran up the stairs to Kathy's lab. They quickly walked in and saw Rubert warmly kissing her. They both grinned and Nick cleared his throat to draw their attention. Rubert peeked over her shoulder and he saw them feeling shy. Kathy saw his face, and slightly turned her head. She saw them standing there with smirks upon their faces. They quickly separated and walked up to them. "Hey, guys. We're…" Kathy started. "Don't explain; it's okay." Nick said, grinning. "Thanks. What can I do for you?" Kathy asked. "Remember that print?" Paul queried. "Yeah," Kathy replied. "Try these and see if they match." Nick suggested. "The green one?" Kathy questioned. "Kendall Craver and the red one is Dean Odell." Nick explained. "We'll call you." Kathy said. "I'll be at home." Nick told her. Kathy exhaled, "Okay." "Thanks and good luck." Paul said. "Thanks." Kathy replied. They slowly left the lab and them alone to continue. They ran down to the car and Nick unlocked the doors. Climbed in and he started the engine. Nick looked carefully around him and pulled away from the curb. He pulled into a spot in front of the liquor store. Paul jumped out and ran in. He came out with a case and gently placed it on the backseat. He climbed into his seat and Nick drove away to his place. He parked the car and they climbed out. Paul grabbed the beer and Nick locked the doors. They stumbled into the elevator and rode up to Nick's place. He opened the door and it closed automatically behind them. Paul placed the beer on the table and Nick walked up to his room and into the bathroom. A few moments passed, and a flush. LaCroix was resting in his room and heard the noise. He quietly exited his room and stepped through the doorway as Nick came out of the bathroom. "Nicholas, are you all right?" LaCroix asked. "Yeah; very tired," Nick said. "And?" LaCroix queried. "Molly." Nick whispered. "I see. Are you concerned about her response?" LaCroix questioned. Nick exhaled, "Yeah." "If it's meant to be, you will be with her." LaCroix told him. "If she says no?" Nick inquired, scared. "Will you stop loving her?" LaCroix asked. "No." Nick answered. "Then love her no matter what happens." LaCroix replied, smiling. "True. We're having beer night, care to join in. He's asking Carla on our beach trip." Nick replied. "A lot to celebrate," LaCroix said, smiling. "Come have a few." Nick said, slightly pleading. "All right," LaCroix said, grinning. Nick led the way downstairs to the living room where Paul had two bottles waiting for them. They each picked one up and touched the bottles for a toast, and drank them fast. Paul slowly walked over to greet them. He was holding a paper with a grin on his face. Nick just glared at him. "What?" Nick asked, slightly nervous. "Hey, Lucien; thanks for joining in. Let's have fun shall we," Paul suggested. "Thank you." LaCroix responded. "What have you got?" Nick asked. "You said the Dean was nervous when you said we almost had it solved." Paul said, with a devilish grin. Nick hesitant, "Yeah," "Here's why. Read and be shocked." Paul said, happily. Nick took the paper and began to read intensely. Paul nudged LaCroix on the arm to watch him. Nick read and walked. Walked and read then suddenly stopped dead in his tracks and stood directly in front of Paul and slowly glanced into his eyes with a slight grin. Nick surprised, "No way." "Oh yeah," Paul said. "Unbelievable," Nick replied, stunned. "But true. I'm willing to bet her print is on the knife." Paul said. "You're on." Nick agreed. "Cool. Let's see, dinner on you at the beach." Paul suggested. "Done," Nick agreed. Paul smiled, "Cool." Nick and Paul touched bottles in a toast to seal the bet. They sat on the couch while LaCroix sat in the chair and observed them. Nick turned the television on and they watched a western until they fell asleep. LaCroix waited for them and he quietly retired upstairs before dawn. ************ The hours passed quickly and his phone rang. He woke up stretching for the phone and sat up rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Paul peeked through one eye to watch his mood. "Knight," Nick said. "Hey, Nick, results are in. I put a file together for you and Jack's on hold for you with Tony." Kathy said. "Great. Be right there in a few." Nick replied. "Thanks." Nick quickly hung up the phone and tapped Paul on the foot to wake him up. "Yeah," Paul whispered. "Results are in. You make the coffee and I'll shower then you." Nick said. Paul yawned, "Cool." Nick walked up the stairs to his room and into the bathroom. A few moments passed, and a flush was, and started the shower. Stepped in and got all cleaned and refreshed. Turned the water off stepped out and grabbed his towel to dry off. He walked into his room, and grabbed his clothes and proceeded to get dressed. He then grabbed his watch and walked down the hall down the stairs, and Paul passed by him and he decided to be next. Nick stumbled into the kitchen and made himself a mug of coffee. He went sat on the couch and waited for Paul. Suddenly Paul arrived and clapped his hands together to draw Nick's attention. He smiled and grinned. Nick placed his mug down upon the table and stood to face him. "Remember the bet?" Paul queried. "Oh yeah, let's go. After the lab I need to stop at the jeweler's" Nick said. "Me, too," Paul said, grinning. "Are you really serious about Carla?" Nick asked. "You and Molly?" Paul inquired. Nick grinned, "Beyond words. "Same here and the beach trip are all booked. Two cabins along the water front" Paul told him. "Cool, lead on." Nick said, happily. Nick grabbed his things off the table and quickly left the loft. He rode down the elevator to his car. He unlocked the doors and climbed in. He started the engine and pulled out of the spot. He quickly arrived out front of Forensics and parked along the curb. They climbed out and ran up the stairs to the lab. As they entered, they saw Kathy and Rubert with Reese in the background. They all gathered around the slab to quietly discuss the file and its contents. "Are we all here? Let's begin the round-up." Paul requested. "Kathy, you start." Rubert said. "At first one hand was found, then the other and lastly the body, but no head. I had Rubert come and help us with this case considering we've never had such a case before." Kathy said. "Rubert," Paul said. "It's definitely female, about twenty years old and about 125 pounds. She was also pregnant. I found the dead fetus tissue in her uterus. We ran a bone marrow tissue and she was positively identified as Anita Ledoux who disappeared six months ago." Rubert reported. "Nick." Reese replied. "We talked to everyone involved so we had thought that it would be jealousy." Nick said. "But we're not so sure, but someone is protecting someone." Paul added on. "Protecting, but not for the reason we thought. Read this." Kathy suggested. Nick took the file opening it so he and Paul could read it. Shock and amazement filled their faces. "No way." Paul whispered. "In creditable." Nick commented. "Read on, she's done it before, three years ago but no evidence." Kathy replied. "Man." Paul said. "Jack and Tony are waiting outside. I'm here because I couldn't believe it myself. I would have never thought of that." Reese said. "Let's close this up." Paul said. "A mini vacation Cap." Nick hinted. "You got it. Oh, Nick, heard any word yet?" Reese asked. "After vacation, maybe," Nick said. "Keep me posted." Reese requested. "Sure, Cap. Let's roll." Nick said, happily. They quickly exited the lab and Paul waved for Jack to follow them. Nick unlocked the doors and they climbed in. He started the engine and led the way to the school. They pulled up along the curb and parked the cars. They climbed out and met at Nick's side. "Wait out here in case they decide to run." Nick ordered. "Sure thing," Jack said. "Thanks." Nick said. Jack and Tony hung outside like, Nick suggested. Nick and Paul slowly walked up the path and inside. They strolled down the corridor to Dean Odell's office. Paul lightly knocked and she opened the door. She nervously let them pass and closed the door behind him. Paul stood by the chair and Nick quietly stood behind her. "Is there a problem?" Odell asked. "Page Todd Zanoli to your office," Paul requested. "Why?" Odell questioned. "We have a warrant. Do it." Nick said, firmly. Dean Odell took the phone and paged Todd to her office. She then frightfully handed it back to Paul of which he hung it up. "Amazing, the oldest trick in the book," Paul said. "Mom protecting her son because he has no control," Nick replied. "Yeah," Paul whispered. "I love my son. I would always protect him." Odell shouted. "Protect yes, not kill two women and the babies." Nick hissed in anger. "You don't understand." Odell sobbed. "You're son is close to ten-year and children out of wed-lock would be bad." Paul said. "Yes." Odell whimpered. "He was also up for a promotion to teach as a professor at a higher school." Nick added. "Please, stop." Odell pleaded. "Why, you didn't. Is Kendall next?" Nick asked. Suddenly, the door opened and Todd peeked in and saw them and her in tears. He quickly ran for the outside with Nick close behind. Paul held the Dean and used his phone to tell Jack he escaped. Jack ran to one side and Tony the other. They ran down the sides of the building. Nick ran as quickly as he could, Todd tripped over a stone and fell. Nick leaped into his direction and they rolled and fought. Todd managed to get a few punches in and he grabbed Nick's gun from under his jacket. As Jack and Tony approached them, a gunshot rang out and they paused for a second. Ran even faster and saw Todd ready to put Nick down. They yelled for him to freeze. Tony fired his gun and Todd went down like a stone. They carefully approached the scene. Tony checked on Todd and Jack knelt down to Nick. Jack gently rolled him over and saw him shot in the shoulder. He whipped out his hanky and mike and called for an ambulance. After Paul secured the Dean in the car, he ran to Nick and saw him lying on the ground. In complete fear, he ran to him. "Hang in their buddy. I'll stay, you to take the Dean in." Paul said, shaking. "Okay, let me know." Jack said. "I will," Paul said. "Thanks. Tony, wait for the lab." "Got it." Tony answered. As Paul pulled out his cell phone Reese appeared on the scene. Paul dialed up the Raven club. "Raven." Lacroix replied. "Lucien, meet me at the hospital with Molly and Carla." Paul requested. "What's happened?" LaCroix asked. Paul exhaled, "Nick's been shot." "On my way." LaCroix said, terrified. They hung up and LaCroix called Molly and explained the situation to her. The ambulance arrived and they loaded up Nick with Paul in tow. They drove as fast as humanly possible with the lights and siren on, to the hospital where the doctor and a few nurses were waiting. They arrived and wheeled him down to the operating room where Paul sat alone. Paul sat upon the bench very quiet, but mostly scared for his friend. Quietly LaCroix, Molly, and Carla arrived and saw him sitting there not moving. Carla sat by his side with the others facing him. "Paul," Molly uttered. "We went to arrest the Dean and Todd. He ran and they fought. He got his hands on Nick's gun and it went off. He was shot in the shoulder. He was not moving. I'm…" Paul explained, teary-eyed. "It's okay. He'll be just fine." Molly whispered. "Have you heard anything?" LaCroix asked. "Not yet. It's been over an hour." Paul answered. "Lucien," Molly whimpered. LaCroix warmly took Molly into his arms to comfort her as Nick would. A few moments of silence passed and a doctor dressed all in green came strolling through the doors and saw them. He had a very grim look upon his face. "Mr. Coletti?" Doc asked. "How is he?" LaCroix inquired. "You are?" Doc queried. "Lucien LaCroix, his cousin." Lacroix said, proudly. "I see. Well, we removed the bullet. There was no damage to any vital organs. We'll keep him overnight to be sure. He'll be fine, just needs time to heal." Doc explained. "Can we see him?" Molly requested. "A few minutes, he needs to rest." Doc insisted. "Thank you." LaCroix said. "He's in recovery, follow me." Doc suggested. The doctor quietly walked them down the hall to the recovery area. As they approached a shocking look upon their faces and Molly shed a few tears. LaCroix could only look and watch. They carefully walked up to his bed, and covered with tubes and monitors. Bags of fluids and blood pumped into him. He appeared pale and weak. Molly sat down and leaned close to him. She rubbed his head and stroked his hair. LaCroix slowly lifted and held his hand and stared into his face. Paul and Carla stood at the foot of the bed. Nick's eyes began to flutter slightly and slowly squeezed LaCroix's hand. LaCroix felt the pressure and grinned with relief. He too squeezed slightly in return. He watched closely as Nick slowly opened his eyes and looked up at him with his grin of joy. He saw Molly and her sad red teary eyes. He slowly smiled at her, and reached over and wiped the tears from her soft cheeks. "Nicholas, you had us very concerned." LaCroix told him. "Sorry," Nick whispered. "Nick." Molly whispered. "I'm okay." Nick said, smiling. "Hey partner, you get some rest and we'll see you in the morning. Oh, next time you don't want to do the paperwork, just say no, okay." Paul replied. "Okay." Nick said. "Molly?" Paul hinted." "One moment. Nick, I'll come back in the morning. You get some rest. Do you need or want anything?" Molly inquired. "Just you; love you." Nick said, smiling still. "Love you too, darling." Molly replied. Molly gently leaned over, and placed a kiss upon his forehead and warmly smiled at him then painfully stepped away with Paul and Carla. They quietly left the room leaving Nick with LaCroix by his side. "LaCroix," Nick said. LaCroix inhaled, "Yes." "Take care of Molly for me." Nick requested. "My pleasure; are you in any pain?" LaCroix asked. "No; just very tired." Nick said. "That's the drugs. They will take good care of you. Rest and I'll return tomorrow night." Lacroix replied. Nick whispered, grinning, "Thanks." "Night, Nicholas, rest now." LaCroix replied. LaCroix stood by Nick until he fell asleep. He quietly left the room and bumped into the doctor who was coming in to check on him. "Mr. LaCroix, will you sign these?" Doc queried. "Those are?" LaCroix asked. "All the medical papers for his care while he's here." Doc told him. "I see no problem. Do everything possible to protect him." LaCroix told him. "You must love him very much." Doc said. LaCroix smiled, "Like a son." "You're cousins right?" Doc inquired. "Yes." LaCroix answered. "Does he have any other family?" Doc asked. "No. I'm his only family. I raised him since he was about eight or so." LaCroix told him. "You did an excellent job." Doc replied, smiling. "Thank you, goodnight, doctor; take care." LaCroix said. "Night," Doc said. As the doctor passed by LaCroix as he entered the room to tend to Nick and his needs. LaCroix peeked in for one more glance at Nick. He slowly strolled down the corridor and outside. He glanced all around him at the mid-night sky filled with sparkling stars and moonlight shined everywhere. He took to flight to home and stood in Nick's room, very sad and quiet. Scott was waiting in his room he heard him and sensed him close by. He stepped out into Nick's room and stood by his side to comfort him. For LaCroix felt true pain for Nick as he lay in a hospital bed helpless. The days passed as everyone visited him. Nick slowly built up his strength that he was sitting up eating and no pain. The sun was setting as Molly entered the room. She saw Nick sitting up, and finished eating dinner. She strolled in and straddled the edge of the bed. Nick carefully leaned over caressing her and they kissed each other very passionately. "Hey, you look much better." Molly said, smiling. Nick grinned, "That's because you're here." "Thanks. When can you come home?" Molly asked. "Tomorrow and then the beach trip." Nick answered. "Did the doctor say it was okay?" Molly questioned. "Outside of you, the best recovering medicine yet." Nick replied. "Great. Paul said it's all set. We leave Saturday morning and we'll be gone a week." Molly told him. Nick exhaled, "Perfect," "Excuse me. Don't mean to intrude." LaCroix said. "You're not. I'm tired. I'll pick you up in the morning." Molly said. "Great," Nick said, warmly. "Love you." "Love you too, need clothes?" Molly inquired. "Yeah," Nick whispered. "I'll stay at your place and bring you all clean ones." Molly told him. "Thanks." Nick whispered. "Bye. Hello Lucien." Molly said. "My pleasure; Nicholas," LaCroix replied. "Hey. Did you pick it up for me?" Nick queried. "Yes. It's lovely. Paul has it and he will pass it to you on Saturday." LaCroix explained. "Great," Nick said. "I trust you're healed?" LaCroix inquired. "Yes. Thanks for everything." Nick replied, warmly. "I'm relieved. Get some rest and I'll see you at home." LaCroix said. "Okay, night," Nick whispered. "Night, Nicholas." LaCroix said, grinning. LaCroix left him as he slowly drifted off to sleep. The hours of the night slowly passed. The sun quietly peeked into his room and shined upon his legs. Molly slowly stepped into the room carrying a bag of clothes for him. She noticed he was still asleep. She quietly walked in, and placed the bag in a chair and sat upon the bedside. She sat there, and gazed upon his face and smiled. She lightly touched his soft cheek and he slowly opened his blue eyes returning the same gaze. He smiled and silently said her name. "Morning," Molly said. "Hey," Nick whispered. "How are you feeling?" Molly asked. Nick smiled, "Better." "The doctor will be in for you to sign some papers and we can go home." Molly told him. "Home," Nick whispered. "Yeah," Molly said, smiling. "I like that idea." Nick replied. "So do I." Molly agreed. "Excuse me. Nick, how are you?" Doc asked. "Better." Nick answered. "I can see that. Well, this is for protection against infection, and this is for any pain or discomfort you might have. Just sign here and here." The doctor explained to them. "Thanks." Nick said. "No work for at least a week. Call me if you need anything." Doc requested. "Thanks." Nick replied. "Take care of him." Doc told Molly. Molly smiled, "Always, okay, need help getting dressed?" "Yeah, I'm one hand short." Nick said. "My pleasure," Molly said, grinning. "Uh-oh," Nick whispered, hoping. Molly stood up helping him up and out of the bed. Molly helped him dress, and packed up his things. They slowly strolled out of the room down the halls and outside to where Paul and Carla were waiting. They applauded as he came towards them. He hugged, and greeted warmly. Nick noticed Paul's truck was packed and so was his caddy. "What's this?" Nick asked. "Beach time, buddy," Paul said. "Now?" Nick queried. "What better way to recover." Carla added in. "True. Lead on. We may get there as the sun sets." Paul said. "That will be perfect." Nick said. "For what?" Molly inquired. "You'll see. Come on." Nick grinned. "Okay." Molly replied. "I'll drive and follow you." "Let's roll. Nick, come here." Paul requested. The ladies left and Paul quickly took him aside. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a black velvet box and handed it to Nick. "LaCroix gave me this for you." Paul said. "Thanks." Nick whispered. "This will be Carla's." Paul said, showing him. Nick smiled, "Nice," "Let's go, our ladies wait." Paul replied. They quickly climbed into their cars, and Paul pulled out first and Molly pulled up behind him. He led the way to Hanlan's Beach. They drove for hours enjoying the scenery. Nick slept most of the way. As they approached the cabins, the sun was just setting. They parked and went for a slow stroll across the beach. Gazing upon the sunset made up of pale pinks highlighted in gold. A soft warm breeze gently blew by them and accented their eyes as they gazed upon each other like for the first time. Nick and Molly carefully stood by the water line and gazed upon the waves crashing along the shore, as they embraced each other. "You look like heaven out here." Nick said, warmly. "Thank you. I love you so much." Molly replied, lovingly. "Molly, I love you so much. You are warm, caring, trusting, honest, open and a complete joy to me. I have asked you once before. Allow me to ask again." Nick requested. "That is?" Molly queried. "Molly Ebourn, will you marry me?" Nick asked. "Yes, I will marry you." Molly said, with tears in her eyes. "I love you. You will always be happy and loved." Nick told her. "Yes, we will." Molly said, embracing him. "And, this is for you." Nick said, showing her the ring. "Nick, it's beautiful. Would you please?" Molly said, crying, giving him her hand. "It's my honor." As he placed the ring upon her finger, one diamond in a gold setting, they embraced each other very warmly and passionately and kissed each other. Paul quietly cleared his throat to draw their attention. "Yes." Nick said, slightly teary-eyed "Well?" Paul queried. "How's this?" Molly said, displaying her ring. "Awesome. Carla?" Paul suggested. "Us too," Carla said. "Fantastic!" Nick said, smiling. "We have a lot to share and celebrate. Let's go do dinner and party, my treat," Nick said. "Yes it is. Lead on." Paul agreed. "The Lighthouse," Molly suggested. "Perfect," Nick said. "Come on." Paul replied. After a very long and difficult case and a huge scare for everyone, they were finally able to enjoy and share the most important time in life. Of which they will always remember, and treasure for all time.