Date: Thu, 10 Apr 1997 22:39:09 -0600 Reply-To: Sarah Baker Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: Sarah Baker Subject: First Love (1/6) To: FKFIC-L@psuvm.psu.edu X-Status: Here's a quick season 2 story - back when Nick was still drinking Natalie's protein drinks. I still miss the '3 Musketeers'(Nat, Nick, and Schanke, that is)! The characters are not mine. They are only borrowed for fun. Please send comments to me at zeke@rt66.com. I love the feedback!! First Love (1/6) by Sarah Baker (zeke@rt66.com) "Can you tell me exactly what happened?" "Well, we were in the park, just talking, you know?" The red-headed teenage girl looked to her friend for confirmation and received a nod. Schanke tried to hide a smirk, guessing what two teenage girls alone in a park would probably talk about. "We heard a scream ... real scary like ... it sounded like, I don't know, like a scream in a horror flick, you know?" This time her blonde friend nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah," she added. Both girls jumped as the door to the interrogation room opened. Nick slipped in, closing the door behind him, and positioned himself against the wall, arms folded. The girls' eyes followed him. "This is my partner, Detective Knight," Schanke explained, gesturing with his thumb. Nick nodded. "So what happened next?" Schanke urged them to continue. The red-headed girl returned her attention to Schanke and continued. "We sat there for a second, trying to decide what to do. I wasn't, like, dying to go see what was going on, and I didn't think we should stay there, you know? So we decided to go back to Jan's house and call the police. It was real scary." Sally looked at her friend again for collaboration, but found Jan's attention focused on the detective across the room. Sally poked Jan in the ribs with her elbow, which elicited a startled glare. "Right?" "Right," Jan replied to Schanke, after recovering from the jab. "Did you see anything as you were leaving?" Schanke asked. "Yeah," Sally responded. "This guy ran out of the bushes in front of us and took off like someone was chasing him. He was really fast, you know?" "What did he look like?" "I couldn't tell. He was in black sweats with a hood and everything." "Dark blue," Jan corrected. "Was it?" Sally looked at her quizzically. "I thought it was black." Jan spoke to Schanke. "He was dressed in dark blue sweats and had on black Nikes and white socks." "Are you sure?" Schanke asked. "Yes. I was closer to him when he ran out." "Did you see which way he went?" Both girls shook their head. "He was gone before we got to the parking lot," Jan explained. "Do you remember anything else?" Schanke asked. "No," the girls replied in unison. "Okay," Schanke said, indicating that the interview was over. Nick walked to the table. "Thank you," Schanke consulted the pad in front of him, "Miss Miller and Miss Price, for coming in." The three of them rose from the table. "And if you think of anything else," Nick said, handing them each a card, "please call us." "We will," Jan responded, examining the card closely. She looked up and flashed Nick a seductive smile, her green eyes flashing. "Nice to meet you, Detective Knight." As the girls left the room, Schanke turned and rolled his eyes at Nick. "Man o' man, fifteen year old girls didn't look like *that* when I was in high school. If they had, I might have stayed a few extra years!" Nick cringed at his partner and gave his shoulder a reproachful shove. "Come on, Schank, we've got work to do." He pushed Schanke through the doorway in front of him. Nick couldn't repress a smile at finding Natalie perched on the corner of his desk, awaiting their return. Schanke was still shaking his head. "Hey, guys, here's the latest, hot off the press," Natalie said, handing Nick a folder. "Looks like our guy was David Kohl." "Why does that name sound familiar?" Nick asked, scanning the folder's contents. "Big time lawyer. Represented Johnny Gambini in the trial that ended last week. Lost his first case..." Natalie prompted. "Ah," Nick responded to the jogged memory. "Gambini got twenty-five for conspiracy." "That's the one. Think there's a connection?" Natalie's eyes shown with a touch of excitement at the intrigue. "Could be," Nick responded with a grin. "But a knife to the back isn't the usual MO of a contract hit." "True," Natalie nodded, "but it was certainly effective." Natalie glanced at Schanke who was sitting at his desk in a fog. He didn't seem to be paying attention at all. "What's up with Schanke?" Natalie asked Nick. "Schank?" Nick asked as he sat down behind his own desk. "Huh?" "What's up?" "Oh," Schanke looked sheepishly at Natalie and Nick, "I was just thinking. You know, I don't understand why girls these days are in such a hurry to grow up." "The last two witnesses," Nick explained to Natalie. "When I was a kid," Schanke continued, "girls were girls. They weren't trying so hard to be women. If Jenny looks like that when she's fifteen, I'm locking her in her room ... for good!" Nick and Natalie both chuckled. "I'm serious!" Schanke exclaimed indignantly. "I mean, come on Nick, you can back me up on this. When you were a teenager, the girls didn't grow up this fast, right?" "I don't know, Schank. It's been awhile," Nick replied shaking his head. It was Natalie's turn to try to hide a smile. "Well, I'm headed back to the morgue. Got things to do." Natalie stood up and gave Nick's shoulder a playful slap as she walked past him. "As do we," Nick said to his partner. "Maybe we should look first for a contract killer who specializes in knives." "Yeah, okay," Schanke conceded, turning to the computer terminal. Nick watched his partner, still frowning as he dove into the search. Nick felt some sympathy for Schanke; it certainly couldn't be easy to be the father of a teenage daughter ... in any century. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nick enjoyed the brightness of the sun that brought tears to his eyes when he tried to study the few remaining clouds. The cool morning breeze dried the sweat on his face that resulted from running across the open countryside. It was an absolutely perfect day! He was closing on the noises from the market at a fast walk. Nick lifted his bow and pulled it over his head and arm so that the string crossed his chest. He slowed his pace in order to perfect the appearance of a young man who had been out pheasant hunting and just happened to wander into the market place. It wouldn't do for anyone to know that his whole mission in life centered around a certain baker's daughter whose hair was the color of honey and whose eyes were the color of a cloudless sky. Nothing was more important than seeing her again, standing close enough to catch a whiff of the lavender that she applied to the beautiful golden curls that hid her luscious shoulders. Naomi. Her name bounced deliciously around in his head. Nick scanned the stands until he spotted the baskets of bread. Steam rose from several loaves, obviously just pulled from the ovens. The smell mixed with those from other stands to give the illusion of entering the dining hall in time for a great feast. It would have made his mouth water if he had not been so intent on locating the object of his desire. When the golden head appeared from behind the baskets, Nick's heart began to pound as if he were still running. He worked hard to swallow the lump in his throat and headed nonchalantly toward the stand. He even pretended to examine the mixture of vegetables available in the stand next to the baker's. Naomi grinned seductively as she watched Nicholas working his way towards her. As he approached, she glanced around cautiously. "Good day," Nick said with a slight bow. "I desire a fresh loaf of bread." "Is that all you desire?" she whispered playfully. "No," he whispered back with a grin, "I also desire the pleasure of your company, fair maiden." Naomi pouted. "But my father will not allow it." "It is not your father I wish to spend time with," he said quietly, pulling two coins from his pocket. Naomi handed Nick one of the steaming loaves. She looked around again. Reassured, she leaned forward on the stand. "Tonight I must spend time in the barn keeping watch over one of the milk cows. She is with calf and not doing well." Nick dropped the coins in her hand, lingering as their palms touched. "Tonight, then," he whispered, one eyebrow raised. Naomi tilted her head with a smile, then withdrew her hand quickly as she caught movement from the corner of her eye. Nick did the same. A burly red-headed man approached the stand carrying another basket of steaming loaves. His shirt was stained with sweat from the heat of the ovens. The full red beard that covered his face held hints of flour and hid the frown indicated by the furrow of his brow. Nothing about the man suggested friendliness. "Thank you," Nick said to Naomi seriously and tucked the warm loaf of bread under his arm. He left the stand, glancing back once to see her helping her father rearrange the contents of the baskets. They worked in practiced silence. The thought of being near Naomi had caused his knees to weaken as he was forced to walk slowly from the marketplace. As the noise faded behind him, Nick allowed himself to break into a run. He focused all of his energy on timing it so that a foot fell with each beat of his heart. It felt so good to race the rays of the sun on such a perfect day. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "I've got three possibilities here." Nick started at the sound of his partner's voice. Recovering quickly, he looked up across the desks, still smiling from the memory. "And?" "All three are suspects in mob-related killings and used knives, but none were ever convicted of murder. The old 'lack of evidence' routine. Quite a history of petty thefts and assaults on all three, though. One's in San Quentin until 2001. 'Whereabouts unknown' on the other two." "Do we have mug shots?" "But of course. And what a fine looking pair of young men they are, too," Schanke added sarcastically. Nick rose and peered over Schanke's shoulder. Schanke's sarcasm was well-founded. One man had a scar that ran across the bridge of his nose and just under his eye. Both looked like they had been around the block more than once. "Well, print it off and let's consult our witnesses," Nick said. "That's F10, right?" "Right," Nick said as he squeezed his partner's shoulders. End part 1. Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 09:58:59 -0600 Reply-To: Sarah Baker Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: Sarah Baker Subject: First Love (2/6) To: FKFIC-L@psuvm.psu.edu Please see part 1 for disclaimers. First Love (2/6) by Sarah Baker (zeke@rt66.com) The door to the sprawling suburban house was opened by a well-dressed woman, in good shape for her fifty plus years. She wore a rather snug blue dress, adorned with a pearl necklace. Conversation in the background suggested a social gathering. "Ms. Price?" Nick asked politely. "Yes. Can I help you?" Nick flipped his badge open. "Nick Knight, Metro Homicide. This is my partner, Detective Schanke. Is your daughter at home?" "Yes, I think so. This must be about the incident at the park." Ms. Price looked back at her guests anxiously, then opened the door further. "Please come in." "That's okay, Ms. Price. We can wait out here if you will ask your daughter to join us. We don't want to disturb your party." Ms. Price smile with relief. "Thank you. I'll send Jan right out." The door was closed politely. "Probably has the mayor in there," Schanke muttered as he walked around the porch, examining the shrubbery. Within a few minutes, the door opened again, and Jan Price emerged. She was dressed in very tight black jeans and a black tank top that showed off her figure. Schanke cleared his throat. "Miss Price..." Nick started. "Please, call me Jan," she said, touching his arm. Nick smiled politely, and saw Schanke turning away from him out of the corner of his eye. "Jan, we have a couple of photos that we'd like for you to look at." He stepped to the porch light and held the photos out. Jan moved closer to Nick and peered over his arm. "Suspects?" she asked. "Possibly," Nick answered. He felt uncomfortable with the young woman standing so close, by tried not to move while she examined the pictures. "Do you recognize either of them?" Jan continued to look at the photos for several minutes, then moved a half a step back. "I'm afraid we didn't see the man's face ... the one that was running away, that is. I'm sorry that I can't help." "That's okay," Nick answered, increasing the space between them. "It was worth a try. If you think of anything else ..." "I'll call," Jan finished his sentence through a coy smile. "Thanks, Miss Price," Schanke called from the steps as he led the way back to the Caddie. "You're welcome," Jan responded, watching the detectives leave. "Gee, Nick," Schanke chided, closing the car door, "I think she likes you." Nick scowled at his partner as he started the car. "Jail bait deluxe," Schanke muttered to the passenger window. Nick dropped Schanke off in the precinct parking lot after a fruitless search of witnesses. "See you tomorrow night," Schanke said, leaning into the opened door. "Yeah. I guess we'll start with Plan B," Nick responded. "Which is?" "Beats me." The two detectives shared a smile before Schanke closed the door. Nick pulled slowly out of the parking lot and directed the Caddie home. As he drove through the empty streets, his mind clicked through the witnesses they had interviewed. It stopped when he got to Jan Price. He realized that he could still smell her scent on the sleeve of his coat. She had a scent that was hard to miss; it smelled a bit like lavender. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nick opened the door to the barn as silently as possible. Poking his head through the opening, he examined the room for inhabitants, and was thrilled to find only one. Naomi sat on a stool with her back to the door. Her outline was illuminated by a lantern she hid from his view. Nick squeezed past the door and closed it quietly behind him. He tiptoed across the hay strewn floor until he was standing directly behind Naomi. She was humming softly, a tune he couldn't quite make out. Nick carefully took the rose out of his belt. He had spent an hour removing all the thorns from the stem of the perfect red bud that was just hinting at opening. He reached around her shoulder and let the rose slowly enter her field of vision. Naomi jumped when she saw the object moving toward her face. Fortunately, she had the presence of mind not to squeal. Once she realized what the object was, she took the rose from Nick's hand. She stood up and turned, inhaling the fragrance deeply. Nick stepped around so that they were both illuminated by the lantern. He smiled at the flame dancing in her blue eyes, a darker color now than he had ever seen them before. He watched her smelling the rose, as her eyes studied him from head to toe. At sixteen, Nick had made it through the lanky stage. Before leaving for the Crusade, Nick's father had made him responsible for chopping the wood for the house each morning. It was a chore that others would have done, but his father had stressed the importance of being in good physical condition when Nick joined him to defend the Cross. Even though it was impossible for Nick to join his dead father now, chopping wood was a chore he continued to assume. It gave him a link to his father, somehow. It also resulted in a muscular chest and arms, and that side effect he now appreciated. Naomi obviously appreciated it, too, as she smiled seductively from behind his gift. Nick felt his heart pounding, and wondered if he would be able to speak. He had never been this close to her, or any girl who wasn't a member of his family, for that matter, without at least a dozen eyes watching his every move. They were alone, and he was nearly petrified. "It is so kind of you to join me during my monotonous duties," Naomi whispered. "How could I resist?" Nick whispered back, his smile taking on a mischievous tint. Scared or not, he was thrilled by her presence, and wanted to be closer to her. He stood still, his arms at his sides. "But will you not be bored, watching an old cow doing nothing?" she said softly, taking a step forward. Their faces were only inches apart. On cue, the old milk cow lowed and stomped her leg. The two teenagers smiled. "Your very existence prevents me from ever being bored again," Nick responded. He took a deep breath and leaned forward. Their lips met for a moment. Nick thought his heart would explode, and realized, with horror, that his knees were threatening to give out. He thought about running home as their lips parted, but lost the chance when Naomi slid her arms around his neck. She drew him in for a second kiss. Nick closed his eyes and encircled her with his arms. His whole body seemed to have found new strength and he held her tightly. The kiss was more than he had ever imagined; he felt as though they had both left the ground. When Naomi tried to pull away, Nick resisted and held her tighter until she pushed him gently back. He stared at her in wide-eyed amazement, and felt the color rising in his cheeks when she grinned playfully. Naomi placed the rose on the lantern stand, then reached up and pulled the strings that held Nick's cloak. The heavy black cloak fell to the ground with a muted thud. Nick didn't move. Still smiling, she pulled the strings that held the neck of his shirt closed. As the bow disappeared, she continued to tug on the strings, leading him slowly across the barn. Nick couldn't take his eyes off of hers, and followed, mirroring her steps. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nick clicked open the garage door. He suddenly realized how tired he was, as he pulled the Caddie in just in time to beat the rising sun. The thought of falling into bed was as appealing as a quick morning drink. End part 2. Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 10:59:00 -0600 Reply-To: Sarah Baker Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: Sarah Baker Subject: First Love (3/6) To: FKFIC-L@psuvm.psu.edu Please see part 1 for disclaimers. First Love (3/6) by Sarah Baker (zeke@rt66.com) "So did you come up with Plan B in the shower this evening?" Schanke asked. His question was followed by a noisy gulp of coffee, loud enough even for mortal ears to be offended. "Sorry," he grinned at Nick's frown. "Maybe we should see if either of our suspects ties into Johnny Gambini," Nick suggested. "Exactly what I was thinking," Schanke replied. "See? We're even starting to think alike." Nick was still cringing when he answered his phone. "Knight." He listened for a moment. "Okay. Send her back." He hung up the phone. "Looks like one of our witnesses remembers something," he explained to his partner. "Which one?" "Jan Price," Nick said with some apprehension. "Ooohh," Schanke said, rubbing his palms together and grinning at Nick. "Aren't you the lucky little detective," he teased. Nick frowned at him reproachfully, then looked up at the approaching young woman. As before, she was dressed in tight- fitting jeans, and a blouse that hugged her very attractive figure. Not too many years ago, she would have been an enticing midnight treat. Nick scolded himself for that last thought. He rose and smiled professionally, and indicated the chair beside his desk. "Good evening, Miss Price," he said. "I understand you have more information for us." Jan sat down slowly and crossed her legs. "Yes," she said. "I remembered something that happened earlier. When we first got to the park, there was a man sitting on one of the tables. He looked like he was waiting for someone." "What do you mean?" "Well, he was just sitting there. He wasn't out of breath or anything, and he had on a dark blue running outfit. I didn't make the connection, because the hood was down. I'm not even sure that it's the same guy." "Did you get a good look at him?" "Not really. I only saw his face from the side. But I did notice a big scar that ran across the side of his face, just under his eye." Nick looked across the desks at his partner. "Jimmy Browden", the two detectives said in unison. Jan's eyes lit up. "Did I solve the case?" she asked. Nick directed his attention back to her. "It's possible that you've given us a very important clue." "Don't I deserve a reward or something ... maybe a cup of coffee?" she asked Nick with a suggestive smile. Nick saw his partner's grin growing to unusual proportions, and realized that Schanke was focusing behind him. Someone else was approaching. Nick heard Natalie's heartbeat. There was a moment of silence as Nick was trying to decide how to respond to the young woman sitting in front of him. He decided that ignoring the comment would probably be his best bet. He rose and offered Jan his hand. "We appreciate you coming in." Jan pouted playfully and gave Nick's hand an extra squeeze. She then turned and left the office, exaggerating the swing of her hips. Nick let out the breath he'd been holding and dropped into his chair. Natalie emerged from behind him and propped herself on the corner of his desk. "What was that?" she asked, trying not to laugh. "It looks like our star witness has a bit of a crush on our star detective," Schanke answered, not even trying to hide his chuckles. Nick frowned. "Well... I can see why." Natalie pinched Nick's cheek. "He's just *so* cute!" Nick's frown began to smolder. "It's not funny," he announced without a shred of amusement. "She's a child." Natalie laughed. "Not exactly a child, Nick. She's a young woman, and you might be her first 'older man'. Play nice, now, and let her down gently." "Natalie!" Nick scolded. "Oh, don't worry, Nick. How much more 'evidence' can she come up with?" Schanke asked. He used his coffee cup to hide his grin. "You think she made that up?" Nick asked incredulously. "I don't know," Schanke responded, putting his cup down. His smile faded. "We can check it out with her compadre." "You want to make the call or you want me to?" "Oh, please, allow me! We don't want you charming *all* the witnesses!" Schanke said indignantly. Natalie shook her head and stood up. "Well, I've got business with your captain." "About what?" Schanke asked. "Nothing to do with you two," she said, waving him off. "See you later." Nick watched her leave while Schanke dialed his phone. "Look, Nick, there's nothing else we can do on the Kohl case. We've got the APB out. We've just got to wait for results." Schanke was straightening the stack of files on his desk as he spoke. "Yeah, I know Schank. And I'm sure our suspect is half way across the continent by now." Nick stood up and pulled his coat off the rack. "Probably. But you know what? At this particular moment, I don't really care. I'm going home to a nice warm bed, and that's all I care about right now." Schanke yawned and stretched, then rose and grabbed his own coat. "I'll see you tomorrow night, partner." "Sounds good, Schank. Sweet dreams," he said as Schanke walked past him. "Nothin' but," Schanke responded over his shoulder. Nick tucked his chair under his desk, and left the station. He thought about stopping by to see Natalie on his way home, but decided that he was really too tired. Maybe she was putting sedatives in the new protein drinks. Maybe he'd skip the one he was supposed to have this morning. Nick pulled the car into the garage and turned off the engine. He sighed as he pushed himself out of the car. This was one of those mornings when he felt every bit of his age ... and that was quite a few years! Five more minutes and he'd be fast asleep. "So you live *here*?" Nick jumped at the voice and spun around. Jan Price was standing in the garage door frame. "Where did ... what are you doing here?" Nick asked, confused by her presence. "Oh, I was leaving a friend's house and saw you drive up. Just thought I'd say 'hi'." Jan strolled to the end of the Caddie and touched the tailfin. "Nice car," she added. Nick steadied himself with a hand on the top of the car. What she said didn't make sense. No one lived 'near' the loft. What was she doing here? Nick shook his head. He closed the door and walked down the length of the car. "Look, Miss Price..." "Jan," she corrected. "Miss Price," Nick continued firmly, "you should go home." "Why?" she asked, leaning back on the Caddie. She put her hands on the car behind her and tilted her head. "Your parents must be worried about you," Nick suggested. "Naw, they don't care. They're busy," she said matter-of- factly. "Aren't you going to invite me in for coffee?" Jan smiled coyly. "No, I'm not," Nick answered sternly. "I think you should go home." "What's the matter?" she asked with a pout. "Don't you find me attractive?" Nick took a deep breath and blew it out. Natalie's words were ringing in his ears. 'Let her down gently.' Gently, maybe, but firmly for sure. He didn't have the energy to deal with this right now. He stepped toward her. "You're a very attractive young woman. But you're just that ... young. I'm sure there are plenty of young men your own age that are ... interested." "Maybe, but the guys my age are kids. I've been around some. I know what I'm doing." Jan leaned back on the car on her elbows and crossed her feet. Nick was starting to get frustrated. He was already tired ... and hungry. Child or no child, she was still human, and he could hear her heart beating. She might look relaxed, but her heart was racing. And the smell of lavender was filling his nostrils. He heard the vampire whispering to him, and felt his fangs starting to appear. "No, you don't!" he hissed at her through a clenched jaw. "Go home!" Jan jumped at Nick's severity. Her eyes were wide as she backed a step away from him. Nick dropped his stare to the floor, aware that she looked at him for a moment before turning and disappearing into the morning sunlight. Nick closed his eyes, which were starting to change. He sighed with relief when he could no longer hear her heartbeat. The vampire relinquished its hold, and Nick clicked the remote to the garage door. End part 3. Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 07:19:12 -0600 Reply-To: Sarah Baker Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: Sarah Baker Subject: First Love (4/6) To: FKFIC-L@psuvm.psu.edu Please see part 1 for disclaimers. First Love (4/6) by Sarah Baker (zeke@rt66.com) "Well, we got 'im, partner," Schanke announced with more enthusiasm than Nick could imagine having at the moment. "Who?" Nick asked, removing his coat. "Jimmy 'Scarface' Browden," Schanke responded. "Remember? The case?" "Yes," Nick frowned. "Where is he?" "In holding. I've already called in the witnesses. They should be here any minute." "Great," Nick replied with an unusual lack of enthusiasm. "Hey, what gives? You're usually the one who's full of spunk at the start of the shift. Eat something that didn't agree with you?" "Maybe," Nick answered as he sat in his chair slowly. He couldn't seem to shake this grogginess. There was definitely something in Natalie's drinks that wasn't agreeing with him. He needed to talk to her. And to dump out the rest of this batch as soon as he got home. Schanke picked up his phone on the first ring. "Okay. Send them back to the observation room." He nearly tossed the receiver back into place. "Come on, Nick," he said as he jumped out of his chair. Nick rose and followed more slowly, running his fingers through his hair as he walked. When they arrived at the door, Officer Kelly was waiting with Jan and Sally. Jan's attire had changed from a tight knit top to a dark blue silk blouse. It made her look older and was no less attractive. "Right this way, ladies," Schanke said as he opened the door to the observation room. Officer Kelly nodded to Schanke and left. Nick followed the girls into the room, and Schanke closed the door once they were all inside. In the adjoining room, Jimmy Browden sat at a table, picking at his fingertips nervously. "You don't have to worry," Nick explained. "He can't see you. All you need to do is look at him and tell us if he is the man you saw in the park." Jan and Sally stepped up to the glass. Sally turned toward Nick and Schanke, looking apologetic. "I'm really sorry, but I never saw his face. I didn't even look at the guy sitting at the table when we got there, you know? It could be him. He's about the right size. I just don't know." "Miss Price?" Schanke asked. Jan turned slowly toward Nick, staring him in the eye. Her eyes were filled with anger, only barely hidden. "I'm just not sure," she said. She raised one eyebrow meaningfully and turned to follow Sally from the room. Nick felt the anger rising, like bubbles in a thick boiling stew. He realized that Jan was using her ability to identify a killer to punish him. He felt the vampire just below the surface, threatening to take control. His eyes were starting to burn. "Dammit!" Nick hissed as he dropped his fist onto the table with a thud that echoed in both rooms. Jimmy jumped. Nick stomped out of the room and the building. "Nick?" Schanke called after him. Realizing his partner had fled, Schanke looked back at Jimmy, who was asking the officer in the room what was going on. Schanke leaned on the table, then frowned as he looked down at the hole his partner had left in the tabletop. The door to the morgue flew open, startling Natalie and Grace. They both watched Nick walk in. He walked halfway across the room, then stopped to lean on the counter. He looked silently at the floor. Natalie could tell that he was fuming; he was barely in control. She guessed that Grace could see it, too. Nick certainly wasn't hiding his anger as well as he normally did. "Um, I think I'll go work on some typing," Grace said, taking a folder from Natalie's hand. She left the morgue, making a wide circle around Nick. With Grace gone, Natalie walked over to Nick. "Nick?" she asked tentatively. His eyes met hers suddenly. Natalie jumped internally at the gold flecks in his eyes. "Nick? What's going on? Calm down!" Nick closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He leaned his head back and blew the breath out slowly, gripping the counter behind him. When he opened his eyes and brought them back down to Natalie's, the natural color was restored. Nick's voice was lower than usual, due to the control he was struggling with. "Nat, there's something wrong with the drinks you have made for me." "What are the symptoms?" she asked. "I'm having trouble staying awake. And when I am awake, I'm only barely in control. I'm not getting enough blood, Nat." "And that's what you're upset about?" she asked, a bit amazed. "No," he answered. "I'm having trouble with a witness." "What kind of trouble?" Nick frowned in response. "Is it the girl from last night?" Natalie asked. "Yes. Jan Price. She's lying to us out of spite. She won't identify the suspect, even though I'm sure he's the one." "How do you know he's the right one?" Natalie asked, feeling a bit more relaxed and leaning on the counter beside Nick. "I heard her heart rate rise when she saw him." Nick released his grip on the counter and dropped his hands to his sides. "What is she upset about?" "I sent her home this morning." "What do you mean, 'you sent her home'?" Nick sighed. "She followed me home, Nat. I tried to do as you said and 'let her down gently'. She was very persistent." Nick turned around and leaned on the counter with his palms. "I got annoyed and nearly lost control, Nat. I'm sure I scared her." He shook his head and then looked up at Natalie. "I definitely scared myself." Natalie stood up and rubbed her temples with her fingertips. "I'm sorry, Nick. It's my fault. I tried to cut back on the blood content slowly, but it must have been too much." She turned to Nick and touched his arm. "Look, throw out that batch and I'll make up a new one, okay?" Nick put his hand over Natalie's and enjoyed the warmth. Gazing into Natalie's eyes, he felt the last of the anger slipping away. "Thanks," he whispered. "How's the hand, Nick?" Schanke asked with true concern. Nick looked confused. "You really did a number on that table." Nick suddenly realized what his partner was talking about. He smiled sheepishly, and rubbed his right hand for effect. "Tender," he lied. "Are we feeling a bit calmer now?" Schanke asked, relieved to see his Nick back to his normal self, whatever that was. "Yes. I'm sorry, Schank." "Hey, that's okay. I wanted the toss that girl over my knee! She's obviously lying." "Yeah." Nick took a deep breath. "I think I need to go straighten this out." Nick got up and grabbed his coat. "Whatever you say," Schanke responded, kicking his chair back. Nick put a firm hand on Schanke's shoulder, pushing him back into his seat. "I don't need your help on this, Schank." "Sure you don't want some backup?" Schanke teased. "I hope I won't need it," Nick responded, poking Schanke's shoulder. End part 4. Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 18:31:27 -0600 Reply-To: Sarah Baker Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: Sarah Baker Subject: First Love (5/6) X-cc: jniemann@rt66.com To: FKFIC-L@psuvm.psu.edu Please see part 1 for disclaimers. First Love (5/6) by Sarah Baker (zeke@rt66.com) The door was opened, this time, by Jan Price. She glared at Nick from the doorway. "What do you want?" she hissed. "I want to talk to you," Nick replied calmly. "I told you I can't identify your *stupid* suspect," she said, the venom in her voice flowing freely. "What else is there to talk about?" "Plenty," Nick responded. "May I come in?" "Whatever," she said, walking away from the open door. Jan stopped in the middle of the living room and turned toward Nick, her arms folded across her chest. "Look, Jan," he started slowly, "I'm sorry if I scared you this morning. What you were doing is dangerous." Jan stood with narrowed eyes, fuming. Nick took a step forward so that he was standing an arm's length from her. "There are men out there who would have taken advantage of you. You could be hurt very badly, or killed." He stared into her eyes, trying to reinforce the seriousness of the situation. Jan stood silently, unfazed. Nick took another step forward. He reached out and grabbed her arms just below the shoulders, careful not to hurt her. Her arms unfolded, dropping to her sides. "Listen to me, Jan. You can't let your anger with me allow a killer to go free. One has nothing to do with the other. This man kills in cold blood, do you understand? You must tell us what you saw." She continued to glare at him, but with less anger. Nick was so intent on getting through to the young woman in front of him that he didn't hear the approach from behind. "You son of a bitch, get away from my daughter!" Nick spun around in time to see the bat approaching his head. He leaned back just enough to allow the end to pass so closely in front of his face that he could smell the wood. "Wait! Mr. Price ..." The man was stepping forward, releasing a second full swing, his eyes wild. There was no way to reason with him. Nick raised his hand and caught the bat as it approached his ear. With a quick jerk, he relieved Mr. Price of the weapon. Assuming this would stop the assault, Nick was surprised when the angered man lunged at him, a shoulder lowered toward Nick's stomach. Nick stepped aside. Mr. Price's shoulder grazed his rib cage. With a healthy shove to the back of the shoulders, Nick knocked the man to the floor. "Enough!" he growled. "No! Daddy!" Jan screamed, throwing herself on her father. "I'm okay." She looked up at Nick, her coolness replaced with something close to fear. Nick gritted his teeth against the anger, fighting back the Beast. Reacting to attack had brought him perilously close to the edge. The combination of a quick breath and the sight of the girl on the floor helped him win the brief battle. Mr. Price groaned as he slowly rolled over and looked up at Nick. "Mr. Price, I'm a police officer," Nick explained, propping the bat up against the wall, well out of the man's reach, and pulling out his badge. "I ... thought ... " the man mumbled from the floor. "Yes," Nick nodded his head, "I understand." Jan stopped at Nick's desk on her way out of the station. She dropped her eyes to the floor, looking decidedly younger than she had before. "Detective Knight," she started quietly. "Nick," he corrected her, touching her arm. Jan looked up and smiled. Color rose in her cheeks. "Nick, I'm really sorry." She swallowed hard. "Thank you." "Thank you, Jan, for helping us," he said, smiling at her. "Come on, Jan, let's go home." Jan looked up at her father and smiled. She nodded. Nick watched the two of them leave the station, the father's arm around the daughter's shoulders. He smiled to himself. "Well, I don't know what you said, but it worked," Schanke observed. Nick nodded. "You know, you still don't look so hot. Are you coming down with some germ that you will ultimately share with your partner, just when his days off are coming up?" "I don't know, Schank. I think I'll take off early and try to get some rest." "Not a bad idea, my friend. I'll even type up the report. How does that sound?" Schanke beamed. "Unbelievable," Nick replied, reaching for his coat. End part 5. Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 18:34:41 -0600 Reply-To: Sarah Baker Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: Sarah Baker Subject: First Love (6/6) X-cc: jniemann@rt66.com To: FKFIC-L@psuvm.psu.edu Please see part 1 for disclaimers. First Love (6/6) by Sarah Baker (zeke@rt66.com) Nick sat at the table and poured a glass of steer blood. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of the protein drink that still lingered in the kitchen, hovering over the sink. He lifted the full glass to his lips and filled his mouth, letting the cold blood slide down his throat slowly. He enjoyed the feeling of strength the lifeless nourishment sent to his limbs, and the false sense of warmth that rippled though his body. He took a bigger drink, then returned the glass to the table and stared at it. In the red glow, he saw an image of Jan and her father walking from the station. He felt their love for each other, a love that he would never share with anyone. It made him ache for times when he could feel love, emotion. Any emotion that was truly his own. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Naomi stopped at the edge of the pile of hay and drew Nick in for another kiss. His lips burned pleasantly from the feel of hers. His whole being began to burn as he wrapped her in his arms and felt her body against him. She leaned back, dropping into the hay pile with Nick's arms still around her, their lips still pressed together. After an eternity of pleasure, Nick lifted his head from Naomi's in order to catch his breath. He looked down at her barely visible golden hair, adorned with pieces of hay to make a fitting halo. His angel, in his arms. Nick's eyes rolled shut with the thrill of the tender kisses Naomi was placing on his neck and shoulder. His heart was pounding, and he felt hers pounding against his chest. He thought he would die from the sheer pleasure. With his hand, he lifted Naomi's face back to his own, locking her eyes with his. "I love you with all my heart, Naomi," he whispered, their noses nearly touching. "And I, you, Nicholas," she whispered back, her sweet breath filling his lungs. Closing his eyes, he pulled Naomi closer with his whole body, diving into a kiss that gripped his heart and soul. He felt as thought they were being lifted into the cloudless night sky together, soaring above the fields, the trees, the mountains. And suddenly Nick was flying through the air, Naomi torn from his grasp. The ground contacted his back first, knocking the wind from his lungs. "You scoundrel!" The voice bellowed. "Get away from my daughter!" Nick lifted his head and saw three or four images of the huge body barreling toward him. The face was covered by a red beard that did nothing to hide the rage. "Get out!" he yelled, shaking the very timbers of the barn. Nick rolled over and tried desperately to scramble to his feet. He was thrown back to the floor by a sudden searing pain in his thigh. He looked down to find a bloody tine of a pitchfork protruding from his leg, and gritted his teeth in order not to scream as it was pulled back out. Released from the pitchfork's grip momentarily, Nick struggled to get his weight onto his good leg and throw himself through the open door. He felt the thud as the pitchfork caught the door just above his head. The last sounds he heard as he crawled from the barn were Naomi's pitiful cries, "No, father, don't kill him!" She ended her plead with a sob. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The elevator door clicked as it shut. Nick looked up to find Natalie staring at him, a grocery bag in her arm. "Hi, Nat," he smiled. "Hi, yourself," she answered, placing the bag on the table and extracting a gallon bottle. "New batch, just for you." "Thank you," Nick said, lifting the bottle and surveying it closely, "I think." He put it back down on the table. "Looks like I'm just in time," Natalie said, shedding her coat to the back of the chair. "You must have been far away." Nick grinned sheepishly at his glass. "I guess I was. An old memory." Natalie dropped into the chair next to him, propped her elbows on the table, and rested her chin on her palms. "About?" Nick cringed a little. "My first love ... my first kiss." "My," Natalie teased, "that is an *old* memory. What happened?" "Her father caught us." Nick twirled his glass in front of him. "And?" Natalie asked, enjoying Nick's unusual frankness. "He tried to kill me, and nearly succeeded." "Wow," Natalie responded with a grin, "that's pretty harsh." "I guess," Nick smiled at her. "I think I understand his motivation more now than I did then. I might react the same way if ..." his voice trailed off as he lowered his gaze back to his drink. "Yeah," Natalie responded, dropping one hand onto his arm. She rubbed his arm until she saw a smile reappear on his face. "Can you stay for a while?" he asked, looking warmly into her eyes. Natalie thought. "Yeah, for a little while." He picked her hand up from his arm and pressed it to his lips. THE END