From sclark@best.com Tue Jul 28 11:39:29 1998
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 18:35:51 -0700
From: clark <sclark@best.com>
To: fkfanfic@merlin.darkmage.net
Subject: perchance

This story's a bit different from my usual.  It does contain violence.  I
figured I might as well warn people, in case anyone is sensitive to such
things.  Each part of the story ends with "<end part #>".  If you don't get
to that point, let me know and I'll break it up into smaller bits for you.

The time is third season after "Night in Question."  From that point I veer
off the FK timeline so everything past doesn't exist.

Thanks to Lynn Messing for a wonderful job of beta reading, as well as
support, psychotherapy and a good kick now and then to get me writing
again.  If anyone wants to do something nice for Lynn, she's riding in the
GWDFC charity bike ride this September, and would be glad to have more
sponsors.  Feel free to write me and I'll get you in touch with her.  I
also thank Kathy Whelton for giving the story a medical beta.  I greatly
appreciate that.  Thanks also to Lisa, Micki and anyone I dropped an early
copy of the first couple parts to for feedback.

Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website and the FTP site.  No other
permission is granted to repost/reprint/reuse.  If you're interested drop
me a line.  As always, feedback is welcomed.

This story is based on characters and situations that aren't mine.  Thanks
to TPTB for their use.




Perchance (01/12)
by S. Clark



Natalie Lambert pulled her Ford Taurus onto a side street and parked in
front of her favorite neighborhood market.  She wanted to pick up a few
things before heading into the Coroner's office.  She had been roped into
coming in early since half the day shift was out with the flu.  This meant
for her it'd been a rather short 'night' as she'd only gotten a few hours
sleep.  And, to make things worse, she was feeling mildly nauseous herself.

Just as she dumped her items onto the counter for checkout a little girl,
probably six or seven at most, ran into the store.  Natalie glanced back at
the door expecting an adult to follow the child any moment but none did.
Natalie looked at the child and noticed she was crying.

Nat walked away from her purchases and approached the child.  The child
visibly tensed.  Natalie dropped to one knee several feet away from the
girl and spoke to her in a calm voice.  "Hi there.  My name's Natalie.  Are
you lost?"

The girl looked up to meet her gaze and nodded 'yes'.

"We can call for some help for you.  Would you like that?"

The girl just returned to staring at the floor and didn't answer.

Natalie glanced over her shoulder, back at the storekeeper.  "Could you
call the police and report a lost child?"

As the girl heard Natalie speak she panicked.  The child turned and ran
from the store.

It took Natalie a moment to realize what had happened.  By the time she was
back on her feet the child was well out the door.

The child darted out the door and to the left.  Down the block she noticed
a tall man with short-cropped black hair, and wearing a grey suit.  The
sight of him stopped the child in her tracks.  She turned around and saw
Natalie coming out of the store.  The child stood still for a second,
scanning the area.

Natalie started down the sidewalk towards the girl.  She didn't notice the
tall man; he'd turned and was walking in the opposite direction.  Nor did
she see him raise his arm in a signal.

As Natalie drew near the child, the girl bolted out into the street.  From
seemingly nowhere, a gray sedan bore down upon her small form.  Natalie
watched in horror as the car swerved, not to miss, but to hit, the child.

The girl was struck and knocked forward to the pavement but the car just
kept going.  Its driver glared at Natalie as he passed but her eyes were
glued to the street, to the still form of the child.

Natalie was stunned with shock for a moment.  The whole scene seemed to
have played out before her in slow motion.  She jumped out into the street
and caught just the beginning of the license plate before the car swerved
around a corner.  Nat grabbed a pen out of her coat pocket and jotted down
a partial tag on her hand before moving to the girl.

She knelt alongside the child.  The youngster had blond hair, already
matted with blood from a head wound.  The pupil of one of the girl's blue
eyes was dilated; head trauma.  The other eye looked up, but not at
Natalie.

Natalie conducted a quick assessment of the girl's injuries and knew the
odds were against her.  She pulled off her coat to cover the girl, to try
to keep her warm.  She didn't want to move the girl before assistance came,
especially given the child's head injury.

The storekeeper and a few others had gathered around.  Someone had put
flares onto the street to warn traffic away from the site.  Natalie gave
orders for the storekeeper to call for paramedics and sent another onlooker
back to her car to grab her medical bag.  Even with these supplies all she
could really do was attempt to stop the bleeding and count the seconds
until the paramedics arrived.



Detectives Nick Knight and Tracy Vetter had a long night planned.  One of
their unsolved cases was a street kid.  That meant spending time cruising,
trying to find where the victim was living, and with whom the victim was
living with.  Trying to find any clues that might allow them to find the
killer and put this one to rest.

As they headed out into the night they heard another homicide unit called
to the scene of a traffic accident.  Dispatch announced that the initial
witness to the scene was Dr. Lambert.

Tracy looked over at Nick.  "We have time to stop."

Nick tried not to look anxious.  "You wouldn't mind?"

Tracy rolled her eyes.  "It's not that far out of our way.  We can stop by,
see that everything's fine and then continue as planned."

Nick smiled at his partner.  "Thanks."

Tracy had noticed her partner and Dr. Natalie Lambert seemed even closer
than usual lately, especially after Nick had gotten shot. Maybe they'd
taken that incident as a wakeup call, even learned not to waste time in
whatever relationship they kept telling everyone they weren't having.

Tracy had decided long ago that trying to figure Nick and Natalie out was
all too confusing, anyway.  But, it kept her from thinking about her own
relationship she wasn't sure she was having with Javier Vachon.  At least
Nick and Natalie didn't have <that> problem.



Natalie had been too caught up in the girl's trauma to really register the
crowd that had gathered.  Most were official.  Paramedics.  Police.  But
some were from the neighborhood, including one tall man with black hair
dressed in a gray suit who was able to find out from the conversations of
the gathered emergency workers the name of the doctor who tended the child.

Natalie and the paramedics worked on the girl on the scene for about twenty
minutes.  Then they loaded the child in the ambulance for the trip to the
hospital.

Natalie held out little hope for the child's survival.  She'd been
clinically dead for minutes.  'It would have been more convenient had I
just pronounced her here,' she thought bitterly.  'One stop shopping.'

She wrapped a blanket that one of the paramedics had given her more tightly
around her shoulders.  Her coat was still over the girl's body and she
didn't want to move it.  Didn't want to touch it.  It was the only thing
she'd been able to do that she felt had benefited the girl in a small way.
And now, she couldn't bring herself to take it away.

Natalie didn't really feel the arm lifting her up to pull her away from the
body.  She wasn't feeling much at all.  The cold.  The crowd.  It didn't
register.

"Nat."

The voice broke through her reverie.  It was Nick.  She didn't even realize
he was the one who led her away from the crowd.

"Did you see her?  The little girl?  I saw it happen.  She was frightened,
Nick.  I was trying to help her but she ran away from me.  Ran into the
street."

She slumped forward against him.  He wrapped his arms around her. Nat felt
herself relaxing.  The emotions were starting to flow.

She put her hands up against his chest and pushed herself away, probably
more forcefully than intended.  But she needed the distance.  She needed to
get through the rest of this evening without breaking down.  That would
come later.

"Nat?"  He sounded hurt.

"It's ok, Nick.  I'm ok."  She forced a smile.

He nodded, although he didn't really understand.  He reached out and pulled
the blanket more tightly around her shoulders.  "You warm enough?"

"I'm fine.  Really."  She glanced over towards the body.  "I'm warm
enough."  She held her hand up to her forehead for a moment.  "What about
you?  Did you run that little errand we talked about?"

"No."

"Nick, please?  Take lunch.  Book off.  Whatever."

"I will."  He gave her a quick kiss to the forehead.  "But only if you
promise to stop by the loft tonight."

"All right."

He grinned but noticed the serious look hadn't left her face.

"Don't forget," she admonished.

He threw up his hands.  "You've got me.  Call me when you get to the loft?"

She nodded.  "I will."

He reached out and lightly stroked her cheek.  "You're ok?"

"Yeah."  She looked over at Tracy, looking bored as she leaned against the
caddie.  "Thanks for stopping by.  Pass that along to Tracy, also."



Natalie had to spend an hour at the precinct before they were satisfied
they had all she knew about the incident.  She felt useless, not being able
to provide a better description of the car, a complete license number or
more information on the girl.  She'd hoped to be around when the girl's
family was found.  Maybe knowing their daughter had help at the end would
give them some ease.  But the child's family remained as much a mystery as
the child herself.

After a quick swing by her place to make sure Sydney was set with food and
water, she decided to head to the loft.  'Poor Syd,' thought Nat, 'left to
himself again.'  But in times of stress she found the security of Nick's
place comforting.

Although she'd taken the rest of the evening off, she'd have gladly worked
the rest of the shift and an extra if it would have undone the events of
the evening.  It was only after she'd slumped down onto the couch that she
realized she hadn't thought to bring any clothes along.  The suit she had
worn was ruined, covered in blood and dirt.  While she was too tired to
care she didn't think it'd be polite to be smelling like a Red Cross donor
center when Nick returned to his house.

Natalie took a quick shower and dressed herself in some clothes she found
by digging through Nick's closet; one of his black silk pyjama tops as well
as his red brocade robe.  Not that she was particularly fond of the robe
but it was his.  It smelled like him.  She found that more than made up for
the color.

With just a little more effort she stashed her ruined clothing in a bag and
hid it under the sink.  She'd worry about it later.  For now all she wanted
to do was snuggle under a comforter on the couch and not think about her
day.  She thought about calling Nick, but decided she didn't want to move
yet.  Besides, he'd be here soon enough.

As Natalie had concentrated on the basics of getting to Nick's loft she
hadn't noticed the gray sedan that had followed her from the station.  It
sat parked across the street from her building when she ran in to tend to
Sydney.  And, it was now sitting down the block from Nick's place.



Several hours passed before Nick and Tracy arrived back to the station.
During that time they'd made little progress in discovering much on either
the life or the violent end of their victim.

They did meet several fine members of the local society; both had been
propositioned several times.  A john even tried to pick up Tracy but she
flashed him a badge and suggested the man go home to his wife and children.
Nick gave her credit for showing a lot of poise even though he knew from
her heartbeat that the surroundings made her very uncomfortable.

Nick thought back to his discussion with Natalie earlier in the evening.
He resisted an urge to call her, in case she'd gone to sleep.  He knew it
was the best time to run his errand, one he wasn't looking forward to.

"Trace, I need to take some time for lunch.  That work for you?"

"Oh sure.  Lunch."  She sounded amused.

"And just what does that mean?"

Tracy leaned forward to speak in a tone she hoped wouldn't be heard by the
rest of the precinct.  "It means, I know you want to make sure Natalie's
ok."

His partner's misread of the situation worked to his advantage, gave him an
alibi.  Besides, it wasn't totally incorrect.  He smiled.  "You got me."

"So, stopping by her place?"  Tracy, confident she'd cracked a bit of her
partner's life, tried to use the opening for more.

"Actually, I think she's at mine."  Nick winked at her, catching Tracy
offguard.  "Anyway, I'll catch up with you later."

"Sure you will," muttered Tracy when she thought her partner was out of
hearing range.  "I'm just sure you will."



Nick parked the caddie a few blocks from the Raven, opting to fly the rest
of the way.  It'd become fairly common for Tracy to stop there of an even
to look for Vachon, and it would be a tough thing to explain to her why he
was there.

Not that he expected his talk with LaCroix to be easy, either.  His
relationship with his master had become less adversarial since the
shooting.  They'd spent a lot of time together discussing the past, working
on Nick's memories.  And, for the most part, Nick had to admit the time had
been pleasant.  Now was the time to learn if LaCroix was willing to be as
amenable on a much different matter.



The buzzer rang for what must have been minutes back at the loft before it
woke Natalie.  She awoke disoriented but managed to stumble over to the
security camera.  A teenager in a delivery uniform stood at the door,
holding a long florist's box and a clipboard.

"Yes?"

"Delivery for Lambert?"

"It's late."

"My instructions were to keep trying until you came to the door, M'am.  And
I didn't want to cross a," the youth looked at the clipboard, "Detective
Knight."

Natalie smiled.  It would be like Nick to have a line on the only all-night
florist in Toronto.  "I'll buzz you in.  Take the elevator up."

She went into the washroom to splash a little cold water onto her face.
The delivery man was opening the elevator door just as she got to the
kitchen.

She found it odd he didn't offer the box to her as she.  Then she realized
that anyone who comes out at this time of night probably expects to be
tipped, and tipped well.

Natalie turned towards the table to pull a couple bills out of her wallet.
She never saw the young man open the box and pull out the nightstick.  She
felt the blow as it hit the back of her head.  But a second impact, her
cheek hitting the table as she fell, barely registered. Natalie Lambert's
head hit the solid loft floor with a dull thud and her world went black

<end part 1>


Perchance (02/12)
by S. Clark



"Vetter, in my office."  Whenever Reese decided the easiest way to fetch a
detective was by a loud summons across the squadroom Tracy knew that the
Captain was not in a mood to be kept waiting.  But he was most definitely
in a mood.

Tracy entered the Captain's office and shut the door.

"Vetter, I put people together that I think will work well together."

"Of course, Captain."

"Then why is it that I find myself wondering if you and your partner ever
work together?"

Tracy tried to look innocent but it was a stretch even for her.  "I'm not
sure, Captain."

Reese sat heavily into the chair behind his desk.  "Where is your partner,
Vetter?"

"I think he wanted to check in on Doctor Lambert, Captain."  Tracy noticed
the mention of the coroner's name had a softening effect on the Captain's
mien.  "She was really shaken up tonight."

Reese nodded.  "Yeah, she's had a rough evening.  But that doesn't let you
two off the hook for paperwork.  I'm waiting for the final reports on about
ten cases.  Most important is the one on Mosby.  The Crown Prosecutors are
breathing down my neck on this one.  It's important that I get that one,
and anything else you can finish, by the end of the shift."

Tracy moved towards the door.  "I'll get right to it."

"I want you <and> your partner working on it, Tracy.  Nick did a lot of the
street work on that one when you had the flu.  It needs his input."

"Understood, Captain."

As she left Reese's office Tracy hoped Nick really did plan to hold his
break to a lunch period.  She didn't want to disappoint Reese by failing to
finish the reports.  In any case, it was time to start making phone calls.
If Nick had gone to see Natalie he should be fairly easy to find.



Tracy called.  She paged.  His pager.  Her pager.  His cel phone.  She
would have tried smoke signals if she'd thought it might have worked.
Dispatch said he was away from his unit.  Guess that meant a search party.
Not that she truly minded escaping Reese's attentive gaze for a small
amount of time.

She decided the loft was the best place to start.  As she pulled her
sensible sedan towards the parking lot she noticed movement in the back
seat.  Tracy casually pulled back into a spot and reached her hand towards
the passenger seat where she had her gun in her purse.  Her fingers inched
towards the bag, but were stopped just short in a strong grasp.

"Relax, Button," came a calm voice.  "I didn't mean to scare you."

Tracy turned around to see Javier Vachon seated in the back seat of her
car.  She pulled her hand out of his grasp and smacked him lightly on the
shoulder.

"Sure.  That's why you were hiding in my car?"

He grinned.  "Not exactly hiding.  I was hoping to see you this evening.
I, well, fell asleep."

She could swear if he'd had any color to his cheeks he'd be blushing at
this moment.

"Where we going?"  Vampire cool demeanor back in place.

"To find my partner.  I think he's at his place."  Tracy put the car into
park at stared back at Vachon.

"What?"

"I am not going to chauffeur you around."

Vachon hopped out of the back door and into the front.  "Better?"

She nodded.  "I think he's at his place.  Dr. Lambert was a witness to a
pretty nasty accident this evening, and he wanted to check on her."

"Then why not go to..."  she gave him a look that cut off his question.
"Oh.  Right."

"Anyway, he hinted he'd be there, so I'd like to check it out first."

Vachon nodded.  'Interesting,' he thought.

"C'mon," continued Tracy.  "They make a cute couple.  I wouldn't be
surprised if someday they made it all a little more permanent."

'You'd be surprised how permanent, Trace,' he thought.

"I'm not sure if you've ever met her.  I think you'd like her.  She's a
good person.  And a good match for Nick."

Vachon tried to imagine the wedding.  Being asked if you'd like to be
seated with the living or the undead.  The thrill of the reception when the
groom's guests start snacking on the bride's.  Of course, if Knight ever
did succeed with this whole mortality thing...Who knows.

"I'm not sure I'd go planning any showers yet, Tracy."

As she pouted at him he got a funny feeling it wasn't Knight she was doing
all of the planning for.



Tracy leaned on the buzzer at the loft.  "He said he'd be here."  She tried
the door.  "I never knew my partner lived in a fortress."

"Maybe we should go check her place?" he offered.  'Or I could check the
Raven,' he thought.  Knight had been there more than usual lately.

"Sure, but first, would you mind doing me one little favor?"  She put on
that 'I've got a vampire buddy' look that he dreaded.

"What?"

"See if there's a way you can get in?"

Vachon smiled.  "We don't have a warrant."  He stretched out his senses
towards the building, hoping to pick something up.  The last thing he
really wanted to do was drop in on Knight, especially Knight and a woman,
uninvited.

He could hear a heartbeat.  Human.  Very faint, though.  "But maybe I can
make an exception."

Vachon looked around then headed up to the roof.  Through the skylight he
could see someone prone.  "Dr. Lambert, I presume."  The skylight was
unlocked so he let himself in.

He wasn't prepared for the blood.  The smell assaulted his senses and
brought out the vampire.  It was all he could do to keep away from her.
She was still alive.  Her heart beat.  She was breathing.  And around her
head all of that sweet blood.

Vachon almost ripped off the refrigerator door.  He needed to feed, to help
Tracy with this.  He knew whatever Knight had would be better than nothing,
and help him keep control.  Two bottles.  Cold cow, but at this point he
didn't care.  He snatched them and headed back out the skylight, finishing
off both in moments before returning to Tracy.

"It's bad," he said in a raspy voice, fangs still descended.  "Lambert.
Call the paramedics."

After she made the call, Vachon scooped Tracy up and flew her in through
the skylight.  He set her down near Natalie then departed to the other side
of the room.

"Oh God," said Tracy.  She reached out towards her friend.

"Don't move her," warned Vachon.  "She has a head injury."

Tracy got back on the phone and made a second call to dispatch, hoping that
would help.

Vachon heard the sirens when they were still several blocks away.  "I'll
let them in," he said.  This time he used the elevator.



Nick returned to the loft with only minutes to spare before sunrise.  After
leaving the Raven he needed time to think.  So he'd left his radio off,
turned off the phone and the beeper, and just drove through the night.

As he turned the corner towards his loft he knew something was wrong.
Terribly wrong.  Two police cruisers sat outside, as well as an evidence
unit.  He pulled the car into the parking space and ran up the stairs.

As he entered the room he could smell blood.  Her blood.

Two detectives from violent crimes were inside, as well as a couple
uniformed officers and some evidence techs.  One of the detectives walked
over to him.  He recognized her, Frances Alden.  They'd been in a few
meetings together.

"Detective Knight?"

"What happened here?" he interrupted.  "Where's Doctor Lambert?"

"We were hoping you could fill us in."  She pulled out a notebook.

Nick walked over to the coffeetable and picked up the remote, closing the
blinds.  As he moved through the loft he glanced around, looking for any
trace of her.

"Where's Doctor Lambert?" he repeated, visible reserve shaken.

"She's at hospital.  She was found here unconscious, some sort of attack.
Now, if you can tell us..."

"Who found her?  What hospital?"

"Your partner, Vetter, found her.  She's with her.  At St. Mike's, I think."

Nick pulled out his phone and dialed.  No answer.  He realized her phone
was probably blocked if she was still at the hospital.

Alden was still standing next to him.  "Do you have a moment for us now,
Detective?"

"No."  He bounded up the stairs to his room, slamming the door behind him.

<end part 2>



Perchance (03/12)
by S. Clark



The phone rang.  Tracy timidly picked up the receiver.

"Vetter."

"Tracy?  How's Natalie?"

"Nick?  Where have you been?"

"How's Natalie, Tracy?"

"I don't know.  She hasn't woken since we've been here.  They ran tests.
Now she's just sleeping, I think."

"I need to speak to her doctor, Tracy."

"We'll be sure to keep you informed, Nick.  Are you coming down here?"

Nick glanced at his watch.  Past sunrise, but he knew that even without
looking at the time.  "It's imperative I speak with her doctor.  Can you
find out who it is?"

"I'm on it, Nick.  I'll call you right back."

Once that task was completed Tracy sat down, still in Natalie's room, not
quite knowing what to do next.  Natalie had been moved from the trauma
center, which Tracy guessed was a good thing.  But she still hadn't awoken.
She was just still.  Very still.

The right side of Natalie's face was covered with a massive bruise, swollen
and purple.  Her hair had been placed under a surgical cap.  Tracy knew
they'd had to shave part of it to put in the stitches.  It was hard enough
to view victim's like this when they were just strangers, but this was
someone she was beginning to consider a friend.

And Nick.  Tracy couldn't believe Nick wasn't coming in until this evening,
allergy or no allergy.  The man was clearly upset, though.  His voice was
filled with more emotion than she'd ever heard from her partner.

Vachon had taken off when the paramedics arrived.  He was having a hard
time with the blood, she could tell.  She was having trouble with the
blood.  It was even worse knowing who's blood it was.

The comprehension of what Natalie must have felt made Tracy's eyes well up
with tears.  She tried to hold them back.  After all, she was a cop.  How
dignified was it for a cop to cry?

And regardless of what else was transpiring in the universe, Tracy was sure
that unless her own death occurred, Reese would still want his reports
completed for the Crown Prosecutor's.  The easiest thing to do at this
point was stay seated in the darkened hospital room.  That, and hope for
the best.



Nick could hear the people downstairs in the loft.  He just wanted them
gone.  All gone.  He needed rest.  He needed to feed.  But above all, he
needed to be with her, to know she would be all right.  He couldn't get the
first two until the mob left the loft.  He wouldn't get the last until
sunset.

As he descended the stairway he was met by Alden.  She was waiting for him
at the bottom.  Her partner, Ben Willard, was sitting on the couch with his
feet up on the coffee table.  Nick shot the man a stern glance and he
grudgingly removed his feet from the table.

"Do you have time for us now, Detective?" asked Alden.

Nick nodded.  All he could do now was wait anyway.  He had taken care of
all arrangements needed for Natalie.  Thanks to Tracy he had been put in
contact with her doctor, as well as the hospital administration.  He needed
to ensure that she'd have the best of care, lack for nothing.  One thing
she'd never asked for or taken advantage of was his personal wealth.  Now
she was in no position to argue the point.  He'd see to it that it was used
to her benefit.

Alden flipped open her notebook.  "Good.  I need to ask you a few questions."

"Of course."  Nick seated himself in the leather chair and tried to keep
his mind on what was happening around him.

"Did you know Doctor Lambert was coming here this evening?"

"Yes.  I invited her."

"Were you here to let her in?"

"No," Nick replied.  "She has her own keys to the place.  And she knows the
security code."

"Convenient," Willard muttered.

Nick glared at the man but kept reminding himself he needed to do this.  He
needed to keep involved with the investigation in order to find out what
had happened to Natalie.  How was she attacked here in his loft?  Here, in
the place she had come to for security.  He vowed that the party
responsible would pay.

"So," Alden continued, "one might infer from this that you two are close?"

"Yes."

"How close?" asked Willard, leaning in closer.

"Does that matter?" Nick shot back, voice sharp.

Alden and Willard exchanged a look.

Nick was agitated.  "What's important is a woman lies unconscious, the
victim of a brutal attack.  We need to find the assailant."

"Relax detective," said Alden.  "I would think you, of all people, would be
interested in helping our investigation.  Unless, of course, you have some
reason you'd rather not assist."

Nick rested his face in his hands for a moment before returning his
attention to the Detectives.  He was on edge, feeling the lack of blood and
stress kicking in.  He knew they were right, they needed to get started on
the investigation.  He wanted to get them pointed in the right direction so
they could find the perpetrators.  So he could be at the hospital.  "I'm
just concerned for Doctor Lambert."

Alden nodded and made some marks within her notebook.  "Ok, then.  Were you
here at all tonight?"

"Not until you saw me enter."

"You didn't call to check up on Doctor Lambert at all?"

Nick remembered he'd turned off his cel phone.  Even if she'd tried to call
him, he would have been out of reach.  "No.  I was hoping she'd gotten some
sleep.  She was the sole witness to a fatal traffic accident earlier this
evening."

Alden nodded.  "How are things between the two of you?"

"In what way?"

"Do you get along?  Any disagreements?  Recent arguments?"

"Of course not. Why would you think..."  He cut himself off.  "Surely you
don't think I was involved."

Willard piped in.  "We just need to be thorough.  After all, it's not
unheard of that the attacker is known to the victim."  The man looked at
Nick.  "Intimately, if you know what I mean."

Nick stared at the man.  He tried not to be angry that anyone could think
he could have done such a thing.  After all, the Detective was just doing
his job.  Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt knowing he'd
done worse, far worse.  Just not to her.

"You'll be available if we need you, Detective?"  Alden's voice broke
through Nick's brooding.

Nick nodded, and then wished they'd just all be gone.



Tracy awoke to a gentle shaking.  "Detective?  We need you awake now,
Detective."

She looked up.  It was one of the nurses from the ward.  "Yes, of course."

The nurse was older, had a pleasant smile.  "We need to ask you to leave
for a few minutes.  The doctor is coming in for an examination, and we have
to give our patient her privacy."

Tracy took a couple deep breaths to clear her head.  "What's wrong?  Is
anything wrong?"

The nurse patted her hand and led her to the doorway.  "There's no change,
dear.  It's just an examination."

Tracy nodded and headed out into the hallway.  She was met there by Alden,
a Detective in violent crimes, and her partner, Willard.

"Vetter, glad to see you're still here," said Alden.  "We were hoping for a
statement."

Tracy nodded.  She knew they'd be around eventually.  It was another reason
Vachon took off.  He didn't really like becoming part of the permanent
record.

Alden flipped open a notebook.  "You found Doctor Lambert?"

"Yes," Tracy responded.

A piercing scream sounded from Natalie's room.  Tracy turned and rushed in,
followed by the other detectives.

Natalie was thrashing at the bed, struggling with the two nurses who were
holding her down.

"Natalie!" shouted Tracy.  One of the nurses glared at her.  She continued
in a lower tone.  "Relax, Nat.  You're in a hospital."  Tracy grabbed her
friend's hand and squeezed it, but there was no response.  "Natalie?"

Natalie screamed again.

"She's not coherent," explained one of the nurses.  "It's like a nightmare."

"It's ok, Nat.  Relax," continued Tracy.  She looked at the nurses.  "Can't
you give her something?"

One shook her head no.  "We'd prefer not to, if we don't have to."

Natalie said something, very low, slightly more than a breath.

"What's that, Nat?" asked Tracy.

"Nick," she repeated, a little louder.

"Nat, Nick's not here."

"Nick!"  This time it came out more as a pleading cry.  "Nick!" she
screamed again.  "No!"  Another wail and then quiet.  Natalie stopped the
thrashing and was still.  Back to the eerie state of silence.

The older nurse rubbed a hand on her forehead.  "She's resting again."  The
nurse turned to the detectives in the room.  "If you'll all please leave us
alone."

Tracy turned and noticed Alden taking notes.  This situation was starting
to make paperwork look appealing.


<end part 3>


Perchance (04/12)
by S. Clark



By noon Tracy was back at the precinct.  She had promised Reese a report.
Plus she found the routine of work oddly comforting.  Work was something
she knew, and something she was in control of.

The questioning by Alden and Willard hadn't been smooth.  It was pretty
obvious they had their own suspicions, all involving Nick.  Not that she
couldn't see their point.  After all, everything happened at Nick's place.
Natalie and Nick were known to have a relationship of some kind, even if
they were private about it.  And Nick was known to have a temper.

She knew it couldn't have been him, though.  She'd been around the two of
them enough, and she trusted her read on people.  She had a feeling her
partner would walk across hot coals for Natalie Lambert.  Unfortunately,
she might just have the occasion to find out if her suspicion about this
was correct.

Her cel phone rang.  "Vetter."

"Tracy," came the voice.  It was Nick, but that wasn't a surprise.

They quickly exchanged pleasantries.  And as much as she dreaded it, she
decided it was best to let him know what's up.  Best he heard from her, at
least.

"Nick,"  Tracy started, "I told them you said you were heading to the loft."

There was a pause before he responded.  "You did the right thing, Trace."

"Yeah?"

"You told the truth.  I wouldn't want you to do anything else."

"Thanks, Nick."

Tracy relayed the events of the day.  He didn't respond, not that she
expected him to.  She wondered what it was that made him never open up to
her.

But, after all the talk about Natalie,  she needed to change the subject
back to work.  She promised to finish the report on Mosby, as long as he'd
fax the information she needed. Tracy returned to the routine of work while
awaiting Nick's fax.  Once that was taken care of, maybe, she'd be able to
sleep.



It was after noon before the last of the evidence teams left the loft.
He'd done his bit for Tracy; and he felt that he'd owe her for all she was
doing, not only for Natalie, but also for their cases.

Poor Tracy, inadvertently in the middle of all of this.  She hadn't wanted
to tell the investigators what he'd said to her the night before.  He was
glad she did, though.  After all, he was the one that lied to her about
where he was headed.  He felt enough guilt from all the lying Nat had done
to cover up for his kind.  He didn't want to make Tracy a part of that
burden, also.

The investigators would no doubt be back, and they would search more.  This
time for evidence not of the crime they'd found but for evidence that would
link him to it.  They'd question him.  From both what he had observed of
Alden's attitude and what Tracy had told him he was certain that he was
currently their prime suspect.  But he didn't care.  None of that would
help her, help Natalie.

He wandered through the empty loft.  It smelled of her.  Of her blood.  His
control was waning.  He shut his eyes, as if that could cut off the sense
of her.

He needed to feed but for some reason his refrigerator was empty.  It was
possible the evidence techs had opened it but he didn't think they would
have.  If they'd found blood in his refrigerator they mostly likely would
have taken him in.  Or tried to.

No, someone had emptied it and although he should be grateful for the
favor, he was hungry.  And the smell.  Her blood.  The smell was all around
him.



Nick took off for the Raven as soon as it was safe.  He knew flying would
be faster, but he wasn't sure if he was being watched at this point.  He
tried not to scan the area for mortals, afraid if he found one he might
find himself a little too interested.

LaCroix was not around, but the mortal bartender supplied him with several
bottles of blood.  Human blood.  He said they didn't keep cow in stock
anymore.  Nick didn't care; the beast cried for food.  He went into
LaCroix's private office and finished them off quickly, then headed to St.
Mike's hospital.

As expected, the Violent Crimes' team was present.

"Here so soon, Detective?" asked Willard, using a sarcastic tone.

He brushed past the two of them and into Natalie's room.  There she was.
Lying before him.  Lying still.  He wanted to shake her.  To wake her.
Perhaps with a kiss.  But this was no fairy story.  He was no prince.

The doctors had kept him informed of her progress throughout the day.
Still, those were just words.  It wasn't real until he could be near her.

The bruises on her face made it all too real.  Her right cheek was swollen,
dark and purple.  He realized her eye would probably be swollen shut, had
she even been able to attempt opening it.  He tried to imagine the force
needed to make such marks and it horrified him that this level of violence
had been done to her.

He walked to her bedside and stroked the back of her hand, up her arm,
taking care not to disturb the IV line they had taped in.  "I'm here, Nat,"
he whispered.  "I came as soon as I could."

"Very touching, Detective."  It was Alden.  She was standing in the
doorway.  "But we do have a few questions more for you about Doctor
Lambert."

"Can this wait?" he asked.

"Excuse me?"

His voice was tight.  "I've only just arrived.  May I have a moment?"

She moved closer to him.  "Detective," she began, putting emphasis on the
word.  "Please," she added, although it came out strained.  "If you'll just
cooperate.  We'd just like to clarify a few things with you."

His attention was back on Natalie.  He stroked her cheek.

"C'mon, Knight.  This is all just routine, you know that."

"Can you give me five minutes?"

Alden shoved her notebook into her blazer pocket.  "Delaying isn't going to
help her.  Or make things easier on yourself."  She turned and left the
room.

Willard started to say something to Knight, but noticed he wasn't paying
attention anyway.  He was concentrating solely on Lambert.  He turned and
followed his partner, leaving Knight and the doctor alone.



About an hour later Reese entered.  "I knew I'd find you here, Nick.
Dispatch said you'd booked off."

Knight remained silent.  He was seated beside the bed, holding Natalie
Lambert's hand.

Reese continued.  "Why can't you just cooperate with Alden and Willard?
I've just spent twenty minutes on the phone listening to their Captain
complain about my 'belligerent detective.'"

Nick shrugged.  "I've sat through their interviews.  I don't see how
answering the same questions over and over again will help Natalie."

Reese paced for a moment, uncomfortable.  "Nick, I hate to do this.  But I
need to ask, just once.  This wasn't you was it?"

The look of pain in Nick's eyes was enough but he answered anyway.  "No."

Reese put an arm on Nick's shoulder.  "I'm sorry.  About everything.
Whoever did this was brutal.  Inhuman.  I knew it couldn't be you, Nick."

Nick looked away.

Reese continued, "But, as I'm sure you've guessed, I do need to put you on
administrative leave.  Orders from IA.  And please, Nick.  Just talk to
them.  I explained to them about your allergy.  They've scheduled an
interview for later, 4am.  They promise to keep it to an hour."  He took a
deep breath.  "And remember, we're all on the same team."

"Of course, Captain."

"And if there's anything I can do."

The door burst open.  "Hey partner," greeted Tracy, lost behind a large
vase of white roses.  "Captain."

"Vetter."

"They had these at the nurses station.  I thought I'd bring them down."

Nick nodded.

Tracy scanned the room.  "They've moved her since this morning.  A private
room.  Pretty posh."  A few other vases lined a dresser.  Tracy added what
she was carrying to the collection, then turned her attention back to
Natalie.  "Any change?"

"No."

Tracy took a deep breath and stood near the Captain.  He smiled at her,
knowing she was trying to be supportive of her partner even if her partner
was too wrapped up in himself to see it.  This was going to be a long night.



Tracy hung around the hospital.  Reese gave her the evening off, also.  He
knew it was useless to put her on a case.  Her mind was elsewhere.  She
might miss things.  That wouldn't be of help.

She offered to bring Nick coffee.  Dinner.  Anything.  He refused.  She was
surprised later when Vachon showed up.  She ran into him as she was leaving
the cafeteria.    He wasn't sure it was proper for him to enter Dr.
Lambert's room but Tracy assured him her partner wouldn't mind.  At least
she hoped Nick wouldn't mind.

As they got to the door of the room Vachon pulled Tracy back before she
could open the door.  "Someone's in there with them.  A doctor, I think."

"You can hear?"  He raised a finger to his lips, motioning for her to be
quiet, and nodded his head.

Vachon didn't really mean to eavesdrop but he felt he could find out more
this way than he could from Knight.  And maybe a little good news would
cheer up Tracy.  He didn't like seeing her down.

But as he listened to the doctor's report and Knight's questions he was
visibly stunned.  It took a lot to surprise a 400 year old vampire, but on
rare occasions it did happen.

After a minute, Tracy couldn't wait any longer.  "Vachon, what is it?"

"One second." The door opened and the doctor left the room, not even
noticing Tracy and Vachon as he passed.

Vachon pulled Tracy away.  No doubt that if he could hear what was going on
in Lambert's room Knight could hear him if he tried.  He waited until they
were on the first floor and even then looked around to see if there was
anyone he might know.

"Tracy," he thought of a way to phrase it, but decided to go for the direct
question.  "Did you know Doctor Lambert is pregnant?"



<end part 4>



Perchance (05/12)
by S. Clark



"What?"  It came out a little too loudly, since Tracy couldn't believe what
she was hearing.  "They never told me."  She looked at Vachon.  "Are you
sure?"

He shrugged, calm demeanor back in place.  "That's what Knight was talking
about with the doctor.  He was making sure both Lambert and the baby were
ok."

Tracy giggled.  "Nick a father.  Can you imagine?"

"No," said Vachon quietly, unheard by Tracy.  He was trying to concentrate
on what Tracy was saying, but there were just too many other questions
about this whole thing.

"...designer diapers under little GQ baby outfits?  We should go
congratulate..."  Her voice dropped off as the reality of where they were
returned to her.

"And say what?  By the way, my immortal friend out in the hallway heard..."
Vachon smiled, trying to put her at ease.

"Did you hear anything else?" she asked.  "You know, about Natalie?"

"Just the generic 'We're doing all we can' and 'As far as we can tell the
baby is fine'".  Vachon could relate to Tracy's interest in this whole
thing.  At this point he'd like a few answers of his own.  First and
foremost, whose kid was it?



Knight could hear Tracy's accelerated heartbeat as she entered the room.
"Hi Nick, is this a good time?"

"Please," he said.  He was seated next to the bed, a book in his lap.

As Tracy entered, Nick realized he sensed another presence.  One of his
kind.  He looked up to see Vachon lagging behind.

"Vachon stopped by, I hope it's ok."

Vachon shrugged, "Sorry to hear about this."

"Tracy, can you do a favor for me?"

"Sure Nick, anything."

"I've been trying to figure out who would do this.  My best guess is it was
related to the traffic accident Natalie witnessed last evening."

"The one with the little girl?"

Nick nodded.  "Can you get a copy of Natalie's statement the next time
you're in the station?"

"Sure thing, Nick.  You really think?"

"I don't know, Tracy.  Maybe someone was after me and they panicked when
they saw Natalie."  His eyes met Tracy's.  "If she was the target, I want
to make sure we get them before they get a second chance."

"Any change, Nick?  Have you seen the doctors?"

He brushed Natalie's arm again and grasped her hand lightly.  "No change.
I don't think they really know much about this kind of an injury.  I think
we mostly have to wait and see."

Tracy wanted to reassure her partner that everything would be ok for Doctor
Lambert.  Even more, she wanted everything to be ok.  But she was
struggling to find the right words to offer hope.  He started slightly as
he felt her warm hand on his shoulder.  "We're all praying for her, Nick."

He looked into his partner's eyes.  They were moist with tears.

"I know, Tracy."  He put on a faint smile.



Later, after Tracy and Vachon had left, Nick found himself thinking back to
the evening when she told him about the baby.  It was barely more than a
week ago, almost nothing by his scope of time.  But still it seemed a
lifetime away.

She'd asked him if he wouldn't mind taking her home.  So, at the end of his
shift he'd dropped by the morgue.

"Nat are you ready to go?"

She smiled, but it was a nervous smile.  "Just finished."

Nick helped her into her coat.

"I thought maybe we could swing by the lake, take a walk."

"We haven't done that in a while," he said.  "Sure.  Why not?"

He hadn't realized at the time how she'd planned it all.  Neutral ground.
Open space in case either of them needed an escape.

They'd walked a while in the quiet, hand in hand, neither breaking the
mood.  He was glad for her company.  Since the shooting he'd been spending
time with LaCroix, working on his memories.  Not all that he was
remembering was pleasant, but he did feel that he was coming back to
himself.

She dropped his hand and sat down on a bench.  "Nick, there's something we
need to discuss."

He breathed in sharply.  "What's wrong?" he asked.  Perhaps things hadn't
been going as smoothly as he believed.

"Wrong?"  She laughed and ran her tongue over her upper lip.  It was a
familiar gesture, one she always did when nervous.  "I'm not sure that's
exactly the term."

He sat next to her.  "Whatever it is, Nat.  You can tell me."

"I know."  She smiled at him and placed a hand on his arm for a moment,
then pulled it back.

"It's about us.  You and I.  That night, after you were shot.  That first
night."

He looked at her, that innocent look, but she looked down nervously, not
meeting his eyes.  She flinched when he stroked her cheek.

That evening he had thought he was human.  Hadn't considered he could be
anything other.  All he knew was that she was a part of his life.  The
woman he loved.  The woman he desired.  And he felt the same from her.  Or
at least he thought he did.

She apologized later, telling him she had no right to take advantage of
him.  He was concerned for her, for her safety.  She had jeopardized
herself, not knowing if the bloodlust, the need for possession would arise
with his passions.

But he couldn't feel angry with her, not for what they shared.  He only
felt sadness knowing they couldn't have the full relationship they both
wanted.  He had wondered what might happen if they couldn't return to the
way things were, the distance he needed to keep between them.

He slipped his hand under her chin and raised her face so he would meet her
eyes.  "We've been over this, Nat.  I can't blame you for letting me think
I was human.  I wish I could continue to believe it."

"Well, you are perhaps more human than you let yourself believe, Nick."
She noted his confused expression.  "I'm pregnant."

He let the words soak in.  There was no way, right?  He was a vampire.  How
could it be?  Was it possible?  The joy in his heart from her words stunned
him and threatened to overwhelm him.

"Nick?"  Her eyes were still on him, willing him to say something.  But he
wasn't sure how to respond.  What would she expect?  A child?  What would
the child expect?  And what of the rest?  There was so much to consider.

He let his hand drop, in shock from the news.  She looked away.  The
silence was again present, but no longer comfortable.

He stared off at the lake, not noticing the tears that had begun rolling
down her cheeks.

"And you're sure?"

"About?"

"The baby.  You're... we're..."

"Oh yeah.  I've been to see my doctor."

"And everything is... normal?"  He tried to keep too much hope from his voice.

"As far as we can tell at this point.  A normal, human baby."  She stood up
and took a few steps away from the bench.  "Look, Nick.  I never
expected..."  She stopped and took a deep breath.  "I don't know what I was
thinking..."  She wiped the tears from her face.  "But I'm not sorry."

He stood and put a hand on her shoulder.  "Nat, I don't know what to say."

"How do you feel about this, Nick?"

"Feel?  I'm overwhelmed."

"I need to know where I stand with you, Nick.  I need to trust you."

"I'm also overjoyed.  It's just..."  He couldn't find the words to continue
the thought.

Nick put an arm around her shoulder and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
"I'm here for you, Nat.  For the child."  He tightened his grasp slightly.
"Our child."  It didn't sound real.

She leaned back into him, relaxing beneath his grip.  He kissed her temple.
They stood there until close to dawn then returned to the loft for the day.

Her main fear, a very real fear, was LaCroix.  How would the ancient
vampire take the news.  While he'd never been jealous of any of Nicholas'
vampiric offspring, neither of them could tell how he would react to the
news of the human child.

Added to the weight of that burden was the knowledge the child was
conceived with the woman he had in the past denied had any claim on his
heart.  No, this would have to be handled delicately.  But soon.  If
LaCroix heard from any source other than Nick -- well, that would make the
task that much less pleasant.

Nick, seated in the dark of the hospital, looked down upon Nat's bruised
face.  His thumb lightly rubbed across the back of her hand.  "I told him,
Nat.  Just like you asked."

A single tear left a red streak down his right cheek.  He couldn't push
away the thought, 'what if I'd waited just one more night?'

<end part 5>



Perchance (06/12)
by S. Clark



Grace came bustling through the door of the hospital room.  She grinned
when she looked at Knight crumpled into the chair next to the bed.

But her moment of lightness was crushed when she saw her friend, saw all
the bruises on Natalie's right cheek.  But, most of all, her stillness.
Shallow breathing, no other movement.  Grace let out a gasp, not realizing
she'd been holding her breath.

Detective Knight started in his chair.  He looked up at Grace, her tears
falling softly.  After a quick check of Natalie, ensuring no difference
from when he had fallen asleep, he walked over to her friend.

"I'm glad you could come," he said softly.

She just nodded and smiled at him as he offered her the box of tissues.

"I tried to get here earlier, but with the family..."  Grace took a few
moments to collect herself.  "No change?"

Nick frowned slightly.  "Not really.  She has periods where she's restless.
Other than that she's been like you see her."

"She looks peaceful.  Like she's sleeping."  Grace walked over to her
friend and took her hand.  "Nick, who could have done this?"

"I have no idea, Grace.  I'm sure they're doing all they can to find out."



Nick decided it was best to get Grace out of the room for a bit.  The
emotion was heavy for both of them.  He led her to the cafeteria for a cup
of coffee, mentally mapping out a safe route he could use during the day.
They were surprised to find Tracy Vetter seated at one of the tables.

"Can we join you, Trace?" Nick asked.

Tracy jumped, startled by the intrusion.  "Of course.  I was coming to see
you in a few minutes.  Just going over the papers from the traffic
accident."

"Anything?"

"Not really.  Natalie says she was mostly focused on the little girl."  She
handed the report to Nick.

As he accepted the papers, Tracy's gaze met his eyes.  "Any news?"

He shook his head 'no' and began studying the reports.

"You know, Nick, after your performance here, you two are going to have a
bit more trouble getting people to believe your 'just good friends' line."
Grace hoped to bring the detective out of his blue funk.  Maybe thinking
about the positive aspects of his relationship with her friend would help.

Nick rested his hand on Grace's and gave it a light squeeze.  "Natalie is
gifted with many good friends."

Tracy joined in, picking up on Grace's tone.  "She's right, Nick.  You
don't have to be here all the time.  Unless, of course, there's some
special reason."  She looked at him for a moment as if expecting a reply.
"Well, just remember, the rest of us are here to help, too."

Nick paused, giving a considered glance to his partner.  What did she
suspect?  Was it possible she knew about the child?  He decided it was best
to let the thought drop.

"I appreciate the offer, Tracy.  But being here is something I need to do."
He allowed himself a slight smile but it was one that didn't really hide
the pain.  "And I don't believe I've yet thanked you.  If you hadn't
dropped by the loft last night..."  His words dropped off to silence.

Grace put a hand on Nick's shoulder.  "Don't think about that now.  We've
still got her.  She's strong, she'll come through this."

He turned to face the older woman.  "Thank you."

The frown that played across Nick's face brought more tears to Grace's
eyes.  "I'm sorry," she said.

He again squeezed her hand for comfort.



The rest of the night passed without incident.  Grace and Tracy left him
alone with Natalie.  Between a few carefully placed suggestions and a few
kind words, not to mention a Metro Police badge, Nick was allowed all hours
access to her room.

Nick read to her.  He recited poems in both English and French.  He even
spoke for a while in Brabantish, relating his family history.  Many of the
nurses made extra reasons to stop by the room, drawn to the detective's
devotion to the injured woman.  They often saw attentive family members or
significant others but rarely with this level of single-mindedness.

He left after 3 am, again heading to the Raven.  It was closed, but LaCroix
hadn't changed the locks from the time Janette had owned the place.

"Nicholas," said LaCroix, coming out from the back.  "Twice in one night."

"I hope you don't mind, LaCroix."

"Not at all."  LaCroix sat beside him.  "What happened, the cow run dry?"

"I think the police will again be searching my place.  I thought it best
for all that I keep the loft ready for them."

"Quite prudent," LaCroix agreed.  He poured himself a glass.  "By the way,
I am sorry to hear about the problems for Doctor Lambert.  And things had
been going so well."

Nick looked at his master, not fully sure of his intent.

"After her great experiment with you failed, she sent you back to me.  I
believe she does have your best interest at heart, Nicholas.  Of course,
you can't say her work was a complete failure, can you.  In a way, she has
given you mortality.  Perhaps it has been worth letting you indulge her for
this time."



Nick returned to the hospital shortly before sunrise.  He almost cut it too
close, but he had made it.

After leaving the Raven, he needed time to think.  Even with the truce with
LaCroix, was he doing the right things for Natalie?  He sometimes felt he
was always taking from her.  This time he was giving.  But was it right to
give her a child, his child?

Nick knew if he tried to voice these worries to Natalie she'd tease him.
It was something they'd never had the chance to discuss.  She had enough of
her own guilt about that particular evening, feeling that she had taken
advantage of him.

But how could he regret what he had done?  How could he regret the life
that had been created?  Surely that was a gift.  A message that his soul,
while damned, could be redeemed through the gift of love.  Natalie's gift
to him.

He may not have had his memory but he had acted on instinct.  He could
remember that evening.  He tried not to, though, as it now also recalled
the beast.  But at the time his thoughts were human.  His desire was real.
Not the base needs of the beast, but the love of a man.  His love for her.
His one chance to express those needs, and it still weighed on her soul,
left her with guilt.

And now what did he have?  He may not even have her.  Nick tried to ban
those thoughts from his mind.  Even so, he was powerless to help her.

As he approached her room, he reached out to assure himself through her
heartbeat, the sound of her breathing.  Those sounds were unchanged.  He
would be able to recognize her anywhere -- through these rhythms, implanted
in his being.

Nick opened the door cautiously, sensing Natalie was not alone.

Detective Alden rose to her feet as she saw Nick enter.  "Detective, you've
returned."

He tried to enter the room but Alden blocked his way.

"If you don't mind," he said.  "I'd like to check on Doctor Lambert's
condition."

"There's a whole staff here to check on Doctor Lambert, Knight.  Why don't
we go outside and talk?"

Nick frowned.  He knew he hadn't made friends with Alden; but he also
didn't want to waste valuable time restating what little he knew.

"I don't think this is a good time."

"We had an appointment, Knight," said Alden.

Nick grimaced.  "I'm sorry, I had matters to attend to.  After I check on
Dr. Lambert, I'll have time to speak with you."

Willard approached from near the window and handed Nick a piece of paper.
"You've got lots of time."

Nick scanned the document.  "What's this?"

"Restraining order, Detective.  We've found some things that have given us
more questions than answers.  We think until you can clear up a few of
these issues, Doctor Lambert may be better without your assistance."

<end part 6>



Perchance (07/12)
by S. Clark



Nick remained posted directly outside of Natalie's room.  He'd taken a
chair from the waiting room and planted himself.

Alden and Willard had tried to remove him from this spot of sentry.  But,
as Nick clearly pointed out to them, the restraining order only banned him
from Natalie's room.

Although it was necessary for him to remain indoors now that day had fully
arrived, that wasn't the reason he remained.  One attempt had already been
made against Natalie.  He still wasn't sure of the reason.  Her safety was
paramount, which meant remaining where he could monitor her health even if
he couldn't be with her.

He'd called a lawyer to see if there was any way to overcome the
restraining order, especially as nothing had been proved against him.  The
lawyer was most clear in telling him he had no legal rights to see Doctor
Lambert, as there was no legal agreement between them such as a marriage.

Marriage.  If only she would have agreed when he had suggested it.  Maybe
he should have been more emphatic.  He let the scene replay in his thoughts.

Nick wondered at the death and destruction he'd visited upon others during
his life.  With all of that, he found it ironic he'd be speaking of the new
life he'd created within a morgue.

But he'd found out just the evening before, to his surprise, that he was,
indeed, going to be a father.  It was a decision he'd considered carefully
for the entire day.  Perhaps it was one of those decisions he should have
made before, a solid commitment.  But hindsight couldn't change the past
and he wanted to ensure he did the best in the present.

"I'm just saying it will be easier for the child," he repeated the argument.

"Nick, this isn't the middle ages.  You don't have to."  She placed her
warm hand over him and squeezed it.

'Have to,' he thought.  As if it were just a duty.  As if he didn't want to
marry her.  "You don't want me, then."

She took in a deep breath, her eyes meeting his.  "It's not that easy,
Nick.  Can you honestly say you'll be here for me, for us, until death us
do part?"

Now it was his turn to look away from the scrutiny of her gaze.  She was
right.  Maybe she didn't trust him, but she was right not to.  He couldn't
stay forever.  As it was, he often felt he'd already stayed too long.
Would he be an asset or an encumbrance?

"We've already got more than we ever thought we'd have."  He felt a warm
hand stroke his cheek.  "Please.  Let's just take this a step at a time."

He knew she was right.  The thought of his child being born into the world
a bastard chafed at him, went against his upbringing.  But he'd follow her
lead on this.  After all, she was the one taking the most risk in allowing
this life, this miracle, to occur.

And now sitting in a hallway, kept away from her, he recalled holding her.
Together, in that sterile room.  The memory of her scent, her warmth, toyed
with his senses.  He indulged himself in these chances for closeness,
wondering again if he was taking too much.  No matter how much he needed,
she always seemed equal to the challenge.  Now could he do the same for her?



Nick wasn't surprised when Reese showed up about three that afternoon.
Alden had dropped by, on an infrequent basis.  She seemed annoyed by the
kind treatment he was receiving from the hospital staff.

Nick was almost glad to see Reese.  At least the nurses would stop trying
to feed him, talk to him.  He didn't want anything but the woman being kept
from him.  And although the nurses were kind to him, what he needed was
something beyond their control.

"Nick, what did I tell you about causing problems?"  Leave it to Reese to
move straight to the point.  "Dammit, Nick, they've been all over me today.
We had a meeting set up.  All you had to do was go."

"I had things to take care of."  He looked up at Reese, knowing the excuse
wasn't going over well.  "Important matters."

"More important than your badge?"

Nick didn't answer.

Reese's tone softened.  "She means that much to you?"

Nick looked into the deep brown eyes of his boss.

"Yeah, you got it bad."  Reese chuckled.  "I knew you two were friends.
But you hid the rest pretty well."  Reese laughed louder.  "Oh hell, not
that well.  Not well at all, even.  There's gotta be three different pools
going on throughout the department on when you two are going to get
hitched."

This got a smile from Nick in spite of himself.  The public appearance of
his and Natalie's relationship was something he'd never concerned himself
with.  Some, like Schanke and Grace, had spent time trying to put them
together.  As if that assistance had been needed.  What would Schanke have
thought of their child?

Nick could just imagine the teasing he'd receive from his old partner.  The
same partner who was always extolling the virtues of fatherhood.  Nick was
sure Schanke'd take credit for almost every aspect of his and Nat's
relationship, except the child's parentage.

Reese sighed.  "Nick, have you heard a word I've said in the last two minutes?"

"I'm sorry, Captain.  I guess I drifted out."

Reese sighed.

"Captain, would you do me a favor?"

"Is it going to get us in more trouble?"

Nick winced at the implication.  He would readily surrender his badge if it
took that to ensure her safety.  But that didn't mean he expected his
co-workers to make a similar sacrifice.

"Go check in on Nat?"  Nick could still her hear heart beating steadily but
that wasn't something he could easily explain to his boss.

"Sure thing, Nick.  Then we'll talk?"

Nick nodded.  "Then we'll talk."



Joe convinced Nick to take another trip to the cafeteria.  Nick was a
little wary to leave the room unattended.  It was different when he'd had
free access.  He'd learned to take his time away from her room to coincide
with visits from the nursing staff.  He was worried that by leaving he'd be
forced away from this place, also.

Reese assured Nick he'd do his best to see that wouldn't happen.  But,
since he was up several hours early, he wasn't about to discuss things
without coffee.

Joe scooted his chair closer to the table.  "Why are you doing this to
yourself, Detective?"

"Doing what?"

Reese shook his head.  The man was a good cop, but could be so thick when
relating to other people.  "Causing such waves.  Look, they're willing to
set up another meeting, but they want you to take a polygraph test."

Nick scowled at the thought.

"A polygraph isn't the greatest thing in the world," Reese continued, "but
wouldn't it be worth it if it will convince them of your innocence?"

"Will it, Captain?  Will that be enough?  I'm their only suspect, aren't I?"

"Nick, relax."

"I thought as much."

"You do seem to be the most active lead."

Nick leaned back in his chair.  It appeared to Joe to be more a position to
spring from, than one to relax in.  "They're just wasting time."

Reese took another slug of his coffee.  "Nick, what reasons have you given
them to trust you?  If you want to help Doctor Lambert, cooperate with
them.  The system's not perfect, but it can work for her."

"What can it do for Natalie, Joe?  Can it make her conscious?  Can it bring
her back to me?"

"Maybe it can keep her safe," Reese replied softly.

"From me?" Nick demanded.  "Is that the implication?"

Nick's rage boiled beneath the surface.  Reese had seen it before, not
often, and never directed at him.  No matter how good a cop Knight was,
that didn't excuse the fact that he had a scary side to his personality.

"Do you think this will help, Nick?" Reese countered.  "They say they've
found her bloody clothes hidden in your loft.  The blood type matches
either the child from the traffic accident or Doctor Lambert; further DNA
testing to confirm whose blood it is will take days.  Witnesses said you
two argued the evening of her attack when you stopped by the crime scene.
Do you plan to go in screaming, ready to fight and pleading innocence?"

Reese slammed his coffee cup down, letting the liquid slosh out over his
hand.  He took several deep, slow breaths.  His voice was quiet when he
spoke again.  "You've interrogated people enough, Nick.  Think of how
you're coming across in this investigation."

Nick glared at him.  Eyes intense.

"Think of Natalie, Nick.  She needs you."

The blow was almost tangible.  Nick realized Reese was right.  If he kept
raging on they would think him guilty, think him capable of such an act of
violence.  And who could blame them.

His mind flashed back to Natalie.  'Will you be here until death us do
part?'  Perhaps leaving would make it easier for her.  For the child.  He
shuddered at the thought, holding in the tears that would only stain his
cheeks red, raise answerless questions.

He'd do what he must to keep them safe.  Even if that meant removing
himself from their lives.  Even if it shattered his heart.

<end part 7>



Perchance (08/12)
by S. Clark



Reese left Nick as he promised, safely seated outside of Natalie's room;
even checking on her one last time before he returned to the precinct.
Anything to leave Nick with a little peace of mind.

Nick had found feigning sleep was an effective method of keeping the nurses
at bay.  And it gave him time to think.  From his sentry point, he was able
to hear her smooth heartbeat.  He calmed himself with the sound of her
slow, steady breathing.

A lie detector test.  Even if there was a way to whammy the person
administering the test, physical evidence would be left behind.  And
observers would most likely be in place.  He could never agree to the test.

Nick was torn between his devotion to Natalie and his need to protect
himself, his community.  What would happen to her if he was exposed?
Especially if he was unable to protect her?  Especially in her current
state.

Nick didn't wish to dwell on negative aspects.  That would only bring forth
his negative emotions.  His need for revenge, for retribution, and for
possession.

He remembered his night with her, the night they'd created the child.  If
only there was a way for them to again share themselves both in feelings
and in action.  But now it would be too dangerous for her, too dangerous
for their child.

He couldn't believe the sound of the words.  Their child.

Nick stirred slightly as he hear the door to Natalie's room open.  He
looked over to see an orderly enter.  A little off the usual schedule, but
well within parameters.

Nick leaned his head back against the wall just as another person
approached.  Someone he didn't expect, but probably should have. Another
being who did not make him either happy or content.  In fact, just the
opposite.  He opened his eyes to find himself stared at by Frances Alden.

"Playing possum, Knight?"

"Just getting a little rest."

"Mmm, hmm."  She sat next to him.  "So, why is it so important you stay
with Lambert anyway?  Guilty conscience?"

He looked at her, but didn't respond.

She shook her head.  "I don't get it.  What is it that keeps you from
working with us?  We're not so bad."

He paused before speaking, his face revealing nothing.  "Neither am I."  He
could hear her heart beating.  It was tempting.  He could try to seize
control, change things as he needed to.  But would that be suspicious, such
a sudden change of heart?  Could others easily talk her back into her
current mindset?  Could she resist?

Nick turned away, facing forward again.  As tempting as it was, it wouldn't
be worthwhile creating more suspicions.  Things were tenuous enough in
their present state.

Alden remained speaking but Nick regarded her words as background noise.
He concentrated back on Natalie.  Something was wrong.  Her breathing....

He sprung from his seat and threw open the door to her room.

Alden went silent with shock, but only for a moment.  "Knight!  You know
what the order says."

Nick's attention was solely on the orderly.  The young man had placed a
pillow over Natalie's face, suffocating her.

"Get away!" Nick commanded, his voice full of power and threat.  He lunged
at the man.

The orderly, startled, threw the pillow at Nick.  It slowed Nick enough for
him to reach the door.  There the attacker bowled over Alden, sending her
flying back into the hallway, and kept running.

Nick fought the urge to pursue, instead pushing the call button next to
Natalie's bed.  She was breathing, but only faintly.

Nick stroked her cheek and spoke in soothing tones.  "C'mon Nat.  Stay with
me.  Help is coming."

Alden burst into the room.  "What the hell was that?"

"Go see what's hindering the emergency personnel," Nick ordered.

Alden froze.

"Now!"

She rushed from the room and returned in seconds, followed by a contingent
of personnel with a crash cart.

One of the nurses gently guided Nick away.  "She was being suffocated," he
said.

The nurse patted him on the arm.  "We'll take good care of her," she said,
as if oblivious to the activity around her.  "Real good care."

Nick walked next to Alden.  "Did you get a look at the attacker?"

"You mean the license on the truck?"  She smiled at him, but lost the smile
when he just returned her look with his own stony gaze.  "Sorry.  No, I
didn't."

"I'll check with security," he looked over to the work being done on Natalie.

Alden patted him lightly on the shoulder.  "I'll do it.  We'll check the
duty rosters, too, see who was on duty."

Nick nodded, barely hearing her.  He didn't even notice when she left,
concentrating instead on Natalie's heartbeat and breathing, and the
discussions of the medical staff.



Alden returned in about twenty minutes. Knight was again seated outside the
door.  His eyes appeared rimmed in red.  He looked more tired than she'd
noticed any of the past few days.

"I didn't get any leads from security," she said.  "It appears the suspect
didn't work here."

Nick nodded.

"Is she ok?" she asked.  "Doctor Lambert?"

Nick turned to her.  "Yes.  She's essentially the same as before this
latest attack."

Alden looked away.  "We're getting security tapes from the hospital, see if
we can get a face to work with."  She met his gaze again, feeling it moving
right through her.  "I didn't get that good a look at the guy while he was
busy running me over.  If I can't confirm a match, can you look over some
shots, just to double check."

"Yes."

She knew he wasn't going to make this easy on her.  And why should he?
She'd spent the last few days making his life a living hell, on top of
whatever was happening with the coroner.

She placed a hand on his shoulder.  He snapped his eyes towards her so
quickly she gasped.  She felt for a moment he was going to remove it,
physically.  "We'll get whoever we need to involved on this.  Increase our
scope."

He didn't respond.

She shook her head.  "I still don't know how you did it, how you knew there
was something wrong with her."  She shrugged.  "But, you know..."

"I know what?"

Yes, he was not going to make it easy.  "It's possible we were a little
hasty not to listen to your theory of an intruder.  It does appear that
someone has targeted Doctor Lambert."

He didn't respond again.  Damn him.  She saw so many boyfriends, spouses,
whatever, who got off on beating up women.  Men in positions of power were
no exception.  Often they were worse.  Didn't he understand that it was
just prudent for her to start with the most likely source?

"When do you think they may have pictures from security?"  He began rubbing
his right ring finger with his left hand.

She shook her head.  "I'll get a team on it immediately."

Alden took in a deep breath.  "Look, I can't say I haven't done what I
think is right.  When it's all said and done, I can't let myself feel bad
for erring on the side of a woman's safety.  But I am willing to accept
that what's happening is different from what we originally thought."

After she left Nick had more time to contemplate his near future.  Perhaps
this attack would convince them of his innocence.  Then again, perhaps they
would consider him as an accomplice.

Whatever they decided, he knew that here and now he felt alone.  Knowing he
was so close to Natalie, yet so far removed, only augmented that feeling of
loneliness.



Several hours later Nick felt a presence.  "Hello Vachon."  He hadn't
looked up, he knew the other vampire was there.

"How's the doc?"

"Same."

Vachon nodded.  He took the seat next to Nick's.  It was the early hours of
the morning, the hallway was devoid of any save the two of them.  "I'm
sorry, you know, about all this."

"Thank you," Nick said.  "I'm guessing you helped Tracy when she found her."

"A little breaking and entering."

"A little hiding of non-evidence, too?"

"How do you drink that stuff, Knight?"  Vachon was quiet for a moment,
remembering the still form of Doctor Lambert.  "There was so much blood.  I
needed something."

Nick could understand.  He'd been stuck in the loft for an entire day,
surrounded by the sweet scent of Natalie's essence.  It tormented him, and
teased the beast.  "You have my gratitude."

"I did want to ask something."

"Yes?"

"I heard the other day, Lambert's expecting a kid?"

Nick looked at him.  "I thought I felt someone.  You told Tracy, didn't
you?"  The voice was flat, void of accusations.

"I was in a bit of shock.  Tracy thinks it's yours."  He motioned towards
Natalie's room.  "How can you be so devoted to a woman having another man's
child?"

"How could I not love something that's a part of her?"

Vachon didn't respond.

Nick thought about how much to tell Vachon.  How would the community react?
They'd most likely take the lead from LaCroix, and that matter was settled.
He decided it was best with the truth.  After all, with Vachon's current
relationship, it may be best he knew.

"Tracy is right, though," said Nick, speaking softly.  "This is my child."

Vachon looked at Nick for a full minute.  He didn't blink.

"I didn't think that was possible," he said, finally.  His voice was quiet,
reflecting a sense of wonder.

"Neither did I, Vachon.  Neither did I."

<end part 8>



Perchance (09/12)
by S. Clark



"Hey Knight."  Willard's voice was actually sounding cheery as he walked
down the deserted hallway towards Nick.  Then he looked at Vachon, clearly
not approving of his appearance.

"What do you want?"  Nick was back into detective mode.

"I brought some security pictures.  Frances will be here in a little bit,
but she gave me a collection for you to look over."

Nick took one quick flip through the stack, immediately finding the man
who'd attacked Natalie. He handed the stack back with that picture on top.
He knew by Willard's heightened breathing that he'd chosen the same suspect
as Alden.  "That's the man."

Willard nodded.  "Yup, you two match on this one."

"Any clues to his identity?"

"We've got a name and address."  Willard shrugged.  "Address didn't check
out.  Small stuff, but mostly drug related."

Nick inhaled sharply.

"Yeah," Willard continued, "Lambert may have annoyed a pretty tough crowd."



Natalie Lambert tentatively opened her eyes.  At least she'd thought she'd
opened them, but the world around her remained dark.  Dark but with little
bits of diffuse light.  It was coming clearer to her now.  She was in a
hospital, that much she could tell that from the smells alone.

She saw a figure sitting in a chair next to the bed.  Tall.  Blonde.  She
tried to speak, but found the words wouldn't come.  She was too groggy and
any attempt at sound came out incomprehensible, even to her own ears.

The person moved.  The face moved close to Natalie's own.  It was Tracy
Vetter.

"Nat," Tracy's voice was low, and sounded strange to hear.  "Nat, can you
hear me?"

Natalie tried again to respond.  This time she succeeded in making a bit
more of a croaking noise, but that was as close as she came to a reply.

Tracy hit the call button next to the bed.  "Nat, blink twice if you can
hear me."

Natalie wondered how many movies Tracy had seen that line used in.  But,
she found herself able to blink.  It did make sense for communication.

A nurse poked her head in the room.

"She's awake," said Tracy.

The nurse nodded and rushed away again.

Natalie could feel the touch of Tracy's hand on her own.  "Let me give Nick
a call, let him know."

Natalie blinked again.  "Don't," she said softly.

Tracy leaned in closer.  "What was that?"

"Don't bother him," she said, finally uttering a complete sentence.
Natalie didn't want Nick to be dragged into a hospital on some sense of
guilt or obligation.

"Are you kidding," said Tracy, tone picking up in excitement.  "I think
he'd kill me if I didn't call him as soon as possible.  He's been at your
bedside," Tracy stopped for a second, considering what to say next, "well,
as much as possible for the past couple of days."

Tracy's words came fast, almost faster than Natalie could process them.
Nick had been here?  He had stayed with her?  A couple of days?  How long
had she been here?

"Nick will be here," assured Tracy.  "He'd probably fly if he could."

Natalie's thoughts were warmed for a moment by that image.  But then
another thought occurred to her.  The baby.  What if something happened to
the baby?  Tears welled up in her eyes and began to fall lightly down her
cheeks.

Suddenly Natalie felt a flurry of activity all around her.  She couldn't
see Tracy; they must have shuffled her out.  Medical personnel were taking
her vitals, poking here and there.  Natalie felt confused and disoriented,
but mostly sad.  The activity was very draining, also, and some time during
it all she drifted off to sleep.



Natalie wasn't sure how long she'd drifted off.  But when she opened her
eyes again Tracy was gone, but there was another woman in the room.
Someone she'd met before, she thought.

"Doctor Lambert?"

Natalie tried to focus on the woman.  "Yes?"

"I'm Frances Alden, Violent Crimes.  I need to ask a few questions, if I
may."  The woman flashed a badge, and pointed across the room.  "This is my
partner, Ben Willard.  If you'd rather he not be here, I can call in a
policewoman."

Natalie looked at the man.  Yes, his face was familiar, also.  "No, this is
fine."

"I'm sorry, but we need to ask you a few questions about your attack."

Natalie nodded and shut her eyes.

"I can't remember much," she said, voice quiet through disuse and exhaustion.

"You were attacked in Detective Knight's home?"

"Yes," Natalie confirmed.  She was certain of that much.  'But where is
Nick?' she thought.  She'd thought she'd spoken with Tracy, maybe that had
been a dream.  Maybe Nick had left.

"Did you get a good look at the attacker?"

Natalie reached for the glass on her bedtray.  Alden took it, and held the
straw to her mouth so she could drink.  "I just saw him briefly."

"Can you describe the person?"

Natalie laid her head back on the pillow, closing her eyes.  'Where is
Nick?' she thought.  She considered the possibilities, and found tears
welling in her eyes.

"Doctor Lambert?"

The detective's voice interrupted her musing, but couldn't stem the grief.
'Did they think Nick did this?  Is that why he wasn't here?  Was he,' she
allowed herself to consider the worst, 'gone?'

"I'm sorry," Natalie replied.  She opened her eyes and found Alden had a
tissue ready for her.  "Thank you."

Natalie took in a deep breath.  'The least I can do is clear his name,' she
thought.  'Even if it is too late.'  "It was a young man," she said.  "I
should have known better than to let him into the loft.  He said he was a
flower delivery man."

"You were expecting flowers?"

"I wasn't expecting anything.  I'd had a difficult evening.  It wouldn't
have surprised me if Detective Knight had sent flowers, but I should have
realized he wouldn't have disturbed me."

"Can you describe the young man."

Natalie's recall of the evening also caused her to remember the child that
was killed right in front of her.  And her own child.  "Oh God," she cried.
"The little girl."  A fresh wave of sobs rolled over her, and it took a
minute for her to regain her control.

"Dr. Lambert?" came Alden's steady voice once again.  "Shall we return later?"

Natalie pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger.  She
had to return to her professional mode.  The sooner she could impart the
information, the sooner she'd be done.  'They are just doing their job,'
she told herself.  "He was a teenager.  Tall.  Thin.  Brown hair.  I'm
afraid I was rather tired."

"Of course," Alden answered.

"May I ask a question?"  Natalie could feel her courage returning.

"Certainly."

"Where is Detective Knight?"

The two detectives exchanged glances.

"Please, I'd like to see him."  She thought of adding 'if he's here.'

Alden smiled.  "We'll get him in here as soon as we can."

Natalie could feel the tears rising.  "Please.  Tell me.  Where is he?"

Alden took Natalie's hand within hers.  "We've got him a bit occupied."

Natalie pulled her hand back.  "You thought he did this, didn't you?"  Her
strength was returning but her emotional control was weak.

Willard spoke up.  "It's not uncommon in cases like this..."

Natalie released her breath.  '"Cases like this."  Vampires and their
pregnant girlfriends.  I'm sure violent crimes handles them all the time.'

"I know what you're implying, Detective," said Natalie, interrupting his
speech.  She rested a hand over her eyes.  "I demand to see him."

Alden touched her arm lightly.  "Of course.  He's here in the hospital, but
he's working on a case.  We'll get him here as soon as we can."

Natalie nodded.  "Thank you."  She wasn't sure she believed them.


<end part 9>



Perchance (10/12)
by S. Clark



Nick entered the room quietly.  He stood at the foot of the bed, delighting
in the sound of her strengthened breathing, her steady heartbeat.

She turned her head towards him, slowly opening her eyes.  "I thought I
heard someone come in."

He smiled and walked to her bedside, tenderly taking her hand.  "Hello," he
said.  He leaned down and kissed the back of her hand.  "I missed you."

She began sobbing.  He sat next to the bed and tenderly stroked her face.
"Shhh, now.  Relax.  You're going to be fine."

Her hand wrapped tightly around his.  "The doctors haven't told me much,
Nick.  The police have been here asking questions.  I've been so scared you
were gone, so scared about the baby."

Nick nuzzled his cheek against her hand.  "They've told me you'll be fine.
The baby is fine."  He managed a small smile for her.  "We just all want
you to rest, to get stronger."

Nick wiped the tears from her face.  It saddened him to see the marks.  The
deep colors of the bruises were lightening to include sickly yellow and
greens.

"How have you been?" she asked.

He smiled.

"What?"

Nick leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek.  "You're beautiful."

This brought a fresh torrent of tears.

He let her cry, comforting her as he could, until she fell asleep.  Then as
he slipped out of her room he motioned to Tracy, who was situated outside.
She nodded and entered the room as Nick took off down the hall.

The switch went unnoticed except for the security guard stationed outside
the room.  The guard was a tall man, with short cropped black hair.  And an
ill-fitting uniform that looked at to be at least a size too small.



Nick returned to the bedside.  He'd agreed to stakeout duty.  He had to be
in this room, pretending to be with Natalie when he'd rather just be with
Natalie.  But, it did make sense to use him as the indicator of where she
was.  And, while he didn't want another attack, this target was preferable
to the alternative.

Alden was taking her shift in the bed.  She appeared asleep and he didn't
want to disturb her.  He settled back, thinking.  If only the attacker were
known Nick could take direct action.  At the mere thought he felt the
vampire threatening to emerge, wanting its revenge.

But this fight did not involve him alone.  And until he was assured Natalie
was safe, he could not find peace.

He closed his eyes, again reminiscing on their time together as mortals, as
lovers. At a time when nothing else in his life was familiar, nothing else
made sense, she was the one constant.  She was a warm and giving presence
and he knew she was a part of his life.

But that was before the reemergence of the beast.  Now, the beast knew of
his desire.  And that made the beast desire her, also.  Perhaps when the
stress of their current situation was over it would be easier for him to
reclaim his mortal feelings for her.  Perhaps.

He closed his eyes.  His thoughts of desire also wakened the desires of the
beast.  Perhaps when the stress of the current situation was over he could
attempt to reclaim his mortal feelings for her.  Perhaps.

But he couldn't imagine doing anything that would hurt her, anything that
would hurt the child.  Control was of the essence.  His own human desire
was to love her, to protect her.  Even from himself.  Especially from
himself.

Nick was so lost in thought he almost didn't register the entry of the
nurse to the room.  And perhaps he would have noticed sooner how nervous
the young man was.



Tracy figured she was in for a quiet evening, since Nat spent most of the
time asleep.  She was ready to doze off herself when the door opened.  She
looked up from her post and saw it was a security guard.

"You Vetter?" he asked.

Tracy nodded.

"They're asking for you down on the second floor," he said, motioning back
with his thumb.

Tracy set the paper down.  "I can't leave my post."

"I dunno about that," he said, agitated.  "All I know is they said to get
you there right away.  I guess some guy made an attempt, and your partner
went wacko on the guy."

Tracy's hands clenched the arm of the chair she was sitting in.  "Nick's a
professional."

"Maybe, but that ain't how he's acting from the reports I heard."

Tracy closed her eyes for a moment.  That would be her partner, never
trusting the system on personal matters.  "Are you sure?"

"They're worried up there.  They said you might be the only one who could
keep him from killin' the guy."

She grimaced.  "Ok.  Could you stay in this room for a few minutes?  I'll
have a uniformed officer here as soon as possible."

The man shrugged.  "Not a problem.  But you'd better hurry."

Tracy jumped out of the seat and headed towards the door.  She took a look
at the guard, a tall man, short black hair.  She noted his name badge.
"Thanks, Parsons."

"Don't mention it."

Tracy didn't even hear his response, she was out the door so quick.

The guard walked to the side of the bed and looked at the woman sleeping
within.  "That'll teach me, Doctor Lambert, to send a boy to do a man's
job."

He pulled out Natalie's saline IV.  "Why don't you an me go somewhere more
private?  Somewhere the job can be done right, without interruptions."



Nick was standing in the hallway outside the stakeout room when he saw his
partner running towards him.  "Trace?"  He was immediately on the alert.
"What's wrong?"

She stopped.  "You tell me.  The guard said you were going nuts on a
suspect down here."

Tracy looked around and saw two uniformed officers sitting on either side
of a cuffed suspect, a young man dressed as a nurse.  "Maybe..."

Nick's look went cold, hard.  "Have security close down all exits.  No one
in or out of here."  With that he was off.

"Oh geez," muttered Tracy under her breath.  She'd been gone from the room
for minutes at this point, and feared the worst.



Nick took off up the stairs, running, to get up to Nat's floor.  He rushed
down the hall, reaching out to sense her.  Nothing.

Nick almost ripped the door to her room off its hinges to get in.  He
looked to the bed.  Empty.

Empty meant he still had a chance.  She could still be here, somewhere,
within the hospital.

Nick was on the phone with security when Tracy came into the room.  "Hold
on," he said.  "Tracy, did you happen to get any info on the security
guard?"

Tracy thought back.  "His name was Parsons," she said.  "Tall man, black hair."

Nick relayed the information into the phone.

"You're sure?" he asked into the receiver.  "Absolutely sure?"  Nick was
silent for a few moments, listening.  "Someone will be there shortly."  He
hung up the receiver.

"What is it, Nick?"

"They don't have a guard named Parsons, Tracy.  They had one, but he was
fired a week ago for stealing from the hospital pharmacy."  His voice was
quick, relaying information but offering no hint to his emotion.

"I thought," she stopped speaking, looking at the hard mien of her partner.
"I don't know, Nick.  I'm so sorry."

Nick put a hand on her shoulder.  "I know.  But right now, we need to
search.  She has to be here somewhere."

Tracy nodded.

"I'll start on this floor and work up.  Can you coordinate with security?
Use Alden, Willard and whoever else is in the building."

"Right.  You've got it."

With that, Nick was out the door.

"Good luck, Partner," she whispered after him.


<end part 10>



Perchance (11/12)
by S. Clark



Nick hit the stairs two at a time.  He would have flown if he dared.  As it
was, it was all he could do to maintain the facade of normalcy.  He needed
to find Natalie.  He needed to call on the part of himself he had fought so
long to dismiss.  The hunter.  The beast.

He ran through the halls, barely noticing the people he was passing.  His
senses were searching for one thing.  Her.  Her heartbeat, her breathing.
Any signs of what he knew to be her.

Just by chance the next floor up in the hospital held the nursery.  Babies.
Children.  Fate yet again taunting him.  Bring him so close to a form of
mortality, only to have it snatched from him.

He moved quickly through the floor, trying not to cause any more concern
than he already saw in the faces of those around him.  The staff had no
doubt been alerted to the heightened security.  A feeling of dread, of
increased energy, seemed to permeate the building.

Nick finished the floor in minutes, but came up empty.  He knew time was of
the essence.



Tracy mentally reviewed the steps already taken.  They'd sealed the
building.  Willard was busy reviewing security tapes from the previous
fifteen minutes.  She and Alden mobilized both uniformed officers and
security to search the building.

Tracy herself was leading a team of security guards through the first
floor.  They knew the area; she could guide the operation.

'How could I have been so stupid?' she chided herself.  She tried not to
dwell on this.  But still, she couldn't help but wonder what would have
happened had she stayed at her post.

'Then again,' she thought, 'if it wasn't for me she probably wouldn't have
made it at all that first night.'

Tracy shook her head, trying to clear it of these thoughts and get back to
the job at hand.  She saw the blank expression on the three security
guards.

"What?" she demanded.

"We're done with these rooms," one said.  "Do you want us to proceed into
the next ward?"

"Of course," she snapped.

Tracy closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  'Focus, Vetter,' she said,
again trying to reinforce herself.  'Focus.  We can do this.'  Tracy took
off to catch up to her team.



Nick hit the next floor at a dead run.  Then he heard it.  Natalie.  Faint,
but she was here.  He slowed his pace, carefully following the trail.  But
the beast had the quarry in its senses.  This caused Nick to smile; the
beast enjoyed the pursuit.

He came upon a set of double doors.  She was inside.  Nick ripped one open.
He stalked inside and was met by an overpowering feeling of dread, his
strength depleted by his own evil.  The captor had hidden Natalie away
within the hospital chapel.

He could see her, sitting in a wheelchair up near the front.  Her head was
lolled over to one side.

A man, Nick now recognized him as the security guard from outside of
Natalie's room, was pacing before the altar.  He turned and met Nick's eyes.

"You can't save her," the man said, voice low and threatening.  He flashed
a semi-automatic pistol.

Nick's eyes turned to golden, then to red.  His fangs descended.  The beast
had emerged.  Nick launched himself at the man.

The man fired the weapon.  Three shots, each hitting Nick dead on in the
chest, ripping through the black silk of his shirt. Nick didn't stop.

Nick looked into the man's eyes, focusing on his heartbeat.  His victim was
equally mesmerized and terrorized.

"No," the suspect pleaded.  "No!"

Nick grabbed the man's arms, squeezing inward.  The gun dropped from the
suspect's hand as his arms lost all strength.  "Why?" Nick snarled.  "Why?"

"She...She..." the man was almost beyond rational thought.

"Why."  It was no longer a question.  Nick's voice was low.  He held the
man within his command.  And the man, unable to resist, complied.

"She was a witness.  We couldn't leave her out there, she might identify
someone."

"Witness to?"

"The girl.  We had the girl's father, but he was holding out on us.  We
used the daughter for leverage."

"And you killed her."  Nick spat the words.

The man nodded, a feeble nod.

"A small child.  Put into a state of abject terror.  Ruthlessly murdered."
Nick's eyes narrowed.  "You should know that terror."

The man gasped as Nick released him from his thrall.  He felt in full the
emotion and the dread of impending death.

The man inched back, towards the altar.  He stumbled, trying to get away
from his snarling, red-eyed attacker.

His hand fell against the cross used in the processional.  He took it from
its stand.  It was a two foot crucifix affixed to a six foot wooden pole.
He brandished it at Nick.

Nick flinched at the object.  He could feel the force, the good, of the
blessed weapon as it moved near him.  He waited for the time it was
withdrawn before he moved forward.

The attacker noted Nick's reaction to the cross.  He swung it around,
striking the Detective on the side of the head.

Nick snarled with pain as the cross hit home.  His nostrils took in the
acrid smell of burning flesh and hair.  He licked his lips and let forth a
low rumbling growl.

The man thrust forward with the cross, attempting to impale Nick.  But he
hadn't counted on the vampire's strength, even weakened as it was.

Nick shoved his arm forward, connecting with the staff.  The wood snapped,
sending the cross flying sideways.  It shattered against a far wall.

The maneuver left splinters in Nick's left arm and wrist.  Any movement
became painful, feeling as if the flesh was being pulled out from the
inside as the debris grated against the muscle and skin.

The man jabbed forward again, this time with just the wooden shaft.  Nick,
feeling the effects of the chapel and his own injuries, stumbled back.

The man drove forward, pressing his advantage.  He saw how his inhuman
attacker shirked away from the wooden staff just as he had from the
religious article.  Now things were more dangerous, though, as the
remaining shaft was only about four foot long.

Nick was being successfully herded back.  He kept his attention focused on
the wooden stake being shoved towards him.  The beast had been weakened but
still cried for blood, for vengeance.

Natalie moaned, a quiet sound, barely audible.  It was enough to distract
Nick momentarily.

In that instant the man sprang forth.  He bowled into Nick, stabbing him
with the staff.  The force knocked Nick back into a pew.

The man aimed at Nick's chest and, with his momentum, drove the stake through.


<end part 11>



Perchance (12/12)
by S. Clark



While the man's hands were still firmly wrapped around the wooden staff,
Nick grabbed his tormentor's arm with his right arm and pulled him forward.
This propelled the stake even further into himself, but also brought the
attacker closer.

He could smell the man's blood, the vital fluid of the man's being.  He
would have it even if it was his last kill.

Nick ignored the pain, focusing on the throbbing point at the base of his
victim's neck.  He could feel the intrusive wood as it poked through the
muscle just below his shoulder.  It had missed his heart but still caused
considerable injury.

Nick brought the man closer, holding him weakly with his damaged left arm.
He opened his mouth, fangs aching for the chance to rip through the skin.

He heard a sob escape the man's mouth.  It spurred him on.  Nick drew
strength from the man's terror.

Nick raised his mouth above the man's neck.  The beast urged him to plunge,
to take what was so rightfully his.

"No."

Nick closed his eyes.  He recognized the voice, but the beast was in control.

"Nick, please."  Her voice was weak.

He turned towards Natalie.  Her eyes were open, moist with tears.  Her head
was still rolled to one side.

"This isn't the way," she said.  Her tone was emphatic.

Nick struggled with himself, pulling strength from within.  If he did this,
it was over.  He would leave.

But the beast didn't care about the life of the man.  The pain and
bloodlust had made it irrational, desperate.

Nick clenched his mouth shut, driving his fangs into his lips.  He tasted
his own blood.  And with that he tasted love.

Nick pushed the man off the top of him, back onto the floor.  The suspect
landed in a heap, moaning quietly.

Nick staggered over to Natalie's chair.  "Help me," he pleaded.

Natalie nodded.  She wrapped her hands around the wooden staff. He lunged
back, but the wood, slick with his blood, slipped from between her palms.
She heard him growl in agony from the pain induced by the small amount of
movement, wood against flesh.

"I'm not sure I can," she said.

Nick turned to face her, his eyes still red.  "You can."  His voice was
low, barely more than a growl.

Natalie took in a deep breath and summoned her strength.  She locked her
fingers together, clamping the wood between her hands, willing herself to
hold on.  "Ok," she said through clenched teeth.

They tried again.  Four attempts later the wood finally fell from the spot
in his chest.

Nick closed his eyes and they returned to gold.  He looked at her.  She met
his gaze, unafraid, and smiled weakly.  "We did it."

Nick rested for a minute.  The healing was slow due to his location, but it
had begun.  He walked to his attacker.

Nick picked up the man, looking him directly in the eyes.  "You never saw
me like this," he said.

"Never," the man repeated, his voice reflecting his stupor.

"I found you here with Doctor Lambert.  You attacked me.  We fought.  I
subdued you.  You're under arrest."

"I'm under arrest," the man droned.

Nick roughly spun the man around and slapped on handcuffs.  He jerked the
man's arm, leading him towards the door.

Nick stopped alongside Natalie.  "I'll be back," he said, leaning down to
plant a kiss atop her head.

"Go," she waved weakly with one hand, giving him a smile.  "I'll be fine."

Nick pushed the man into the hall.  He scouted for the nearest phone and
gave a call into the main security office.

He shoved his suspect against a wall, face first, and took a few moments to
collect himself.  By the time Tracy and her crew came running to meet him,
his eyes were blue and the burn at the side of his head was barely visible.



Nick was sitting back alongside Natalie's bed, whispering with her in a
conspiratorial tone when Alden walked into the room.

"You're looking a bit more lively," she said to Natalie.

Natalie smiled.  "I almost feel it, too."

Alden returned her smile.  "How about you, tough guy?  You get checked out?"

Nick shrugged.  "A couple scratches is all, I'm fine."

Alden crossed her arms across her chest.  "Once again, we'll never get him
away from here."

Nick smiled, taking Natalie's hand in his own.  "And what's so bad about that?"

Alden winked at Natalie.  "Nothing, Dad.  We just want to make sure you
stay healthy."

Nick felt a swelling of pride at the mention of the word.  Dad.  In spite
of it all, the tests, the torments, fortune had seen through to bless him,
bless them. He was going to be a father.

"Believe me, it's better this way," confided Natalie.  "He can be such a
baby when it comes to seeing a doctor."

Alden nodded.  "Typical."

Willard poked his head in.  "We ready to roll?"

Alden walked over to Nick.  She held out her hand.  "Detective?"

He smiled, then shook her hand.  She returned his smile.

"I'll see you two later, if that's ok."

Natalie grinned.  "Visitors are always welcome."

Alden headed out the door.



That night, Nick was roused from a moment of reminiscing by the sound of
the door opening.  He looked up and was surprised to see LaCroix entering
the room.

"Good evening, Nicholas."

Nick sat up in the chair.

"I brought you something."  He handed a thermos to Nick.  Nick took it, a
wary look on his face.  "It's cow," added LaCroix dryly.  "I thought the
container was suited to these surroundings."

LaCroix looked at Natalie Lambert, lying still in the bed.  "You, the
Doctor, and I back in a hospital again.  This brings back memories,
Nicholas."

"What do you want?"

"Can I not visit as a concerned member of the family?  After all, shall I
not be a," he paused, searching for the term, "grandfather," LaCroix looked
very satisfied with his use of the term, "after a fashion?"

Nick sat back, glancing over to Natalie to ensure she was still asleep.

LaCroix paced the length of the room.  "You could still bring her across."

Nick stiffened in the chair.

"Of course, you would not have your Madonna and child."

"That's not an option, LaCroix," replied Nick.  He automatically moved
closer to Natalie.

"I just want to be sure you've thought through your folly, Nicholas."

Nick clenched his jaw.

"Either way, we still have our bargain, yes?"

Nick nodded.  "Yes."

LaCroix smiled, but it was a smile devoid of warmth.  The predator's smile.
"Good."

"Thank you," said Nick, "for bringing this."  He indicated the thermos.

"I'm so relieved to hear Doctor Lambert is out of danger from parties
unknown."  LaCroix tipped his head towards the bed.  "Now if you'll excuse
me, I have a show to return to."

"I'll walk you out," offered Nick.

As they exited the room Natalie squeezed her eyes together tightly to hold
in the tears. Perhaps someday she'd have the strength to ask Nick about
this discussion.  And perhaps he'd have the trust to respond.



LaCroix took off into the cool evening air.  He knew full well that the
greatest threat to Natalie Lambert's survival was and always would be his
son.

For this reason he had never fully enforced his bargain for Fleur.  He did
not believe Nicholas when his son protested against his love of the woman.
If he himself was the agent of the woman's demise, Nicholas would never
forgive him.  No, it was much more interesting to see how Nicholas would do
with his mortal so close, so dependent and so vulnerable.

Besides, their new bargain was one rife with possibility.  All he had to do
was wait.  And waiting was merely one of the many things Lucien LaCroix did
well.



Nick assisted Natalie out of the loft elevator.  They'd discussed going to
her place.  Although Natalie didn't say it, that would have been her first
choice.  But she also wanted to be with him, and she knew he could only be
at ease here.

Natalie took a deep breath when she looked towards the spot in the kitchen
where she'd fallen.  Nick squeezed his arm around her shoulder a little
tighter.

"You doing ok?" he asked.

She looked up into his eyes.  "Fine," she said.  "I didn't really expect to
feel anything."

He gave her another squeeze before leading her to the couch, making sure
she was comfortably situated.

Nick paced across the floor.  "Can I get you anything?  Tea?  Supper?
You've got to want some real food after all of that hospital food."

"Nick, you're making me dizzy."

He stopped his movement, giving her one of his boyish grins.

She patted the couch next to her.  He complied, taking a seat.

"Are you ok?" he asked again.

She leaned against his shoulder.  "I think I am, now."  She smiled,
fatigued still from her ordeals.  "How about you, Nick?"

He kissed her temple.  "As long as you're here," he placed a hand on her
abdomen, "and you're well, how could I be otherwise?"

Natalie snuggled closer and drifted off to sleep.  Safe in the arms of her
love.


<fin>
<sclark@best.com>