Subject: re: Games Strangers Play
Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 08:29:20 -0500
From: "Patty Costantino" <psmoot43@hotmail.com>
To: stephke@iglou.com

Hello Stephanie,

It's that time again.  I have another story to archive at your site, if I
may.  Thank you very much.

Patty

Games Strangers Play
Nov 2001
By: Patty Costantino

Notes to reader: This third installment to my Games series has been inspired
by the characters from the Forever Knight T.V. series and it follows my
previous two stories Games Coroners Play and Games Detectives Play.

Disclaimer and Characters: Nick, Natalie, Lacroix, Tracy and others don't
belong to me. I am just borrowing them to have some fun.

Dedication: I would like to thank my beta-reader, Phylis Sullivan for her
tremendous help with my grammar, spelling, punctuation and just getting the
story to sound so much better. I couldn't have done it without her wonderful
suggestions. Joyce Rauch, for helping me with the storyline, and being such
an inspiration for me to continue this series. Hugs to both of you, ladies.
:))

Extra Dedication: Goes to my husband and two children, who had to put up
with me working long hours on this third installment. They were so
supportive and patient while I wrote this part. Without their help, I
couldn't have done it.

Content Warning: Adult for m/f mild sexual content (Nick/Natalie) &
(Natalie/mysterious stranger), PG-13 violence and language.

Permission is granted to archive at FKfanfic2, FK FTP archive, N&N fic and
adult sites, and Jadfe site. This story has been archived at my site at
http:/www.expage.com/patty43. Please let me know what you thought about this
third segment to the series. You can email me at psmoot43@hotmail.com. I
would love to hear from you.

*************************************
Games Strangers Play
by: Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com
Chapter 1a/10
*************************************

Sidney was rousted from a delightful dream by the clicking of a key, turning
in the door. At the familiar sound, his gray and white striped ears rose in
anticipation; the hairs of his fur standing on end . Jumping off the sofa,
he scampered over to the front door as it swung open. There, standing in the
doorway, was his mistress and a frequent visitor of hers. The cat gazed at
the twosome through curious, green eyes.

The friend, a woman, was the first to enter the apartment, carrying a
suitcase and a brown paper bag resembling.... food? Instinctively, the
feline ran his tongue over his sharp canines, imagining what delicious
treats were contained in the bag. After dropping the suitcase on a chair,
the woman headed for the kitchen. Could she have his next meal? Could there
be some special treats hidden in that grocery bag? There was only one way to
find out.

Sidney started to follow her, and he would have proceeded; however, a sight
made him stop in his tracks. His mistress, who had been standing in the
shadows of the hall, was now walking slowly across the room. With enormous
effort and labored breaths, she reached the sofa, dropping heavily onto a
soft cushion. From where he remained by the front door, he studied her wan,
pale face. Something was wrong, terribly wrong; he could sense it.

The tabby approached her in a tentative manner, acutely aware of a tiredness
emanating from her body. As he got closer, he also sensed an overwhelming
grief, a sadness flowing from her. She was definitely not in a good mood.
Resting on his hind legs in front of the sofa, Sidney peered at the
auburn-haired woman through beseeching eyes, hoping to be granted permission
to sit beside her on the couch.

As if a mindreader, she patted the empty spot beside her, addressing him in
a soft, consoling voice. "Sidney, come to Mama."

He needed no other encouragement. In a flash, he was snuggling against her
warm body. She leaned forward to nuzzle his ears with her face, and gather
him into her arms, petting his soft fur. "There's a good boy. You only
wanted some love, didn't you Sid?" she asked, then her eyes became remote;
her voice bitter. "At least, you only strive for the basic things in this
life; not like some men."

A long sigh escaped from her lips. "You know, fella. You have very simple
tastes.. To be loved. Cared for. And of course, a good tuna meal always
helps. And.... you give so much love in return for those basic pleasures.
You don't ask for too much; you don't expect everything to fall in your
lap." Her voice remained resentful; her face distant. "You don't reach for
the moon and stars."

Frowning, an image of a particular detective came to mind; a cop who after
the events of the last two days did appear to want the moon and stars, the
best of both worlds: mortality and vampirism. She sighed again, her frown
deepening as her thoughts became more disturbing. Could it be that he
desired to reclaim only his vampiric nature? Maybe, he didn't truly want his
humanity any longer. Who could say at this point?

An oppressive silence descended on the room like a dark veil as the
upsetting thoughts continued to assail her mind. Her reverie was then
shattered by the sound of her friend's concerned voice floating into the
living room. "Natalie, were you talking to me a second ago?"

Natalie turned her head towards the figure, standing behind the double doors
from the kitchen. "What?.....No, Grace.....I was talking to Sydney about
silly, nonsensical stuff." She forced a smile, attempting to shake off her
disturbing thoughts and gather her wits about her. "It was nothing. Really.
I was just communicating with my feline buddy here. Wasn't I, Syd?" In order
to justify her actions, she leaned over, whispering in his ear about a
special treat in the grocery bag, then hugged him for good measure.

Grace walked towards the sofa with a hot mug of tea, handed it to Natalie,
and took a seat in the soft armchair next to the couch. She gazed at the
frail-looking woman, who was sipping her hot cup of tea. An anxious look
graced her brow. Since arriving at the hospital two hours ago to pick up her
friend, Grace's concerns had escalated. She had been shocked to see Natalie,
so pale and weak as a kitten, lying in the hospital bed. For five,
interminable hours, the doctors had run a series of tests, finding nothing
wrong with her. After discovering no medical problem, they 'd allowed
Natalie to be released into the care of a friend, who would stay with her
for a day or two to ensure her well-being. When she'd called Grace for help,
her morgue partner had jumped in her car, and sped over to the emergency
room so fast; one would have thought she'd flown.

During the car ride to her apartment, Grace had become worried again, not
simply over Natalie's weakened, physical condition; but also the apparent
decline in her mental state from two nights ago. At the time, Grace had
thought she'd witnessed a miracle. Natalie had practically floated into the
morgue, glowing like a neon sign. She'd suspected that Detective Knight had
been the cause of her euphoric temperament as; unbeknownst to them, she'd
happened to walk by Natalie's office, catching them in a not so 'just
friends' embrace. Now, two nights later, when Grace had entered the hospital
room, she'd beheld a different woman; a person devoid of spirit. It was
apparent that something or someone had burst her bubble. And, she'd had a
good idea who might have been the culprit since he wasn't in Natalie's
hospital room to pick her up in that bright, green tank of his, the Caddy.

Taking a swallow of hot tea, Grace came out of her musings and sighed,
peering at the vulnerable woman before her. "You were only talking to the
cat about frivolous stuff?"

Natalie studied her friend, aware of her coworker's desire for personal
information on her. However, she'd always prided herself in keeping secrets,
and erecting barriers around her emotions. Grace could probe in earnest;
Natalie would always be able to mask her feelings. 'Be on the offense.' That
was her motto when confronted with uncomfortable questions about her
personal life.

She smiled at Grace and said, "Of course. I'd know who I was talking to, and
what I was discussing, wouldn't I? I'm not that far gone!"

"I didn't mean you were crazy, honey. I thought.... It's just....I overheard
you musing aloud about 'some men striving for basic necessities.' And..it
didn't sound like nonsense to me. On the contrary, it sounded quite serious
and I thought you were referring to...ummm...I surmised you were referring
to....." she stammered, feeling suddenly awkward.

"You thought...I was referring to Nick in my conversation with Sid." Natalie
finished for her.

"Well....yes...as a matter of fact...I was." She admitted with complete
honesty.

"Why would you think I was talking about him?" she inquired, fishing for
information herself.

"Because....he is one of the men in your life, Natalie. Whether you admit it
or not!" Her voice was becoming exasperated.

"Perhaps, not any longer," she mumbled with regret. Her voice was so low;
Grace couldn't hear her comment.

"What did you say?" she asked, a trace of gentleness in her voice.

Natalie blew out a frustrated breath. "Oh...it wasn't important," then
changing the subject, she asked, "Why don't we play some Gin Rummy for old
time's sake? The cards are in the top drawer of my desk over there." Her
finger pointed to a dark, mahogany desk in the far corner of the room.

Grace shook her head and wagged a finger at her. "You think you're clever,
changing the subject; but this discussion is not over by a long shot,
missy!" Then her tone softened. "Are you really up for cards, dear or would
you rather go to bed?"

Natalie smiled wanly. "I'm okay. I've been sleeping alot for the last 48
hrs. I don't think I need any more rest for the moment. In fact, since I got
home, I've begun to feel a bit more perky. Besides, it's been awhile since
someone kicked your butt in Rummy." She teased.

Grace laughed. "Watch out! You'll be sorry you ever challenged me to this
game. Here comes the Gin Rummy Champ of the Coroner's Office to beat your
tail."

She retrieved the cards and dealt them out. Since it was a losing battle to
get Natalie to talk about Mr. 'GQ', she decided to change the subject and
disclose some of the gossip mill. "Did you hear about Herman Muntz?"

"You mean the shy, Walter Mitty lab assistant we've had for the last three
months. What about him?" she asked, curious.

"Yesterday, he was transferred to the new Coroner Medical Facility on
Lawrence Avenue in York." Grace told her as she sorted her cards.

"Why did he have to transfer so quickly? Did someone force him to move?"
Natalie picked up a card from the deck.

"I believe Herman requested the transfer himself; something about needing a
fresh start," explained Grace.

"I thought he was happy, working at our Medical Building. He told me he
could ride his bike to work; it was so close. York is miles away."

"I don't understand either. He packed up his belongings and moved there,
tonight." Grace shrugged her shoulders.

"Too bad. Kerry should have tried harder to keep him on. He was an asset to
the office. I liked his soft spoken demeanor, and dedication to the job,"
Natalie commented, discarding the two of diamonds.

"I'm not so sure he was devoted to the job. He seemed more interested in
studying your legs than DNA samples." Grace giggled. "I would say he had a
crush on you." She picked up a card from the deck and threw down the five of
spades.

Natalie snickered. "Herman was sweet to everyone; he had that kind of
disposition."

"Oh...come on, honey." She rolled her eyes. Natalie could be so blind at
times. "It was so obvious he was smitten with you. He followed you around
like a puppy dog." She drew from the deck and deposited the king of hearts
in the discard pile.

Natalie persisted. "He was being friendly," She picked up Grace's discarded
card, and giving her a wide grin, announced, "gin," as she fanned out her
ten cards on the coffee table in front of her astonished buddy.

Grace smiled grudgingly. "That hand was luck!"

Natalie shuffled and dealt the cards, acknowledging her good fortune.
"Yeah....it was just luck," then frowning, she said, "How does that old
saying go? Lucky at cards; unlucky at love. Maybe I'm destined for that
fate."

Grace reached over and patted her hand. "There, there..." She soothed.
"Natalie, everything will work out for the best. You'll see. Before the
night is over, I'm going to ensure you are so unlucky at cards that men will
be lining up in front of the morgue to win you over."

It was on the tip of her tongue to blurt out. 'I only want one man or, in
this case, one vampire to win me over.' Instead, she squeezed Grace's hand
and forced a smile. "In that case.....I wish you the best of luck in this
game."

They started to resume their play when Natalie's phone rang, interrupting
them. Natalie began to reach for the receiver, but Grace was too quick.

Cradling the phone to her ear, she announced with a bright smile. "Hello,
Natalie's other Bed and Breakfast, Grace speaking."

Natalie could detect an intermittant silence on the other end of the line,
then a hesitant voice spoke, followed by Grace's announcement into the phone
as she smiled at Natalie, "Detective Knight, what a pleasant surprise!"

At the mention of his name, every muscle in Natalie's body tensed as many
emotions coursed through her: anger, disappointment, fear and longing
(longing???). Reaching over in a futile attempt to catch her attention, she
pinched Grace in the knee. However, she ignored Natalie, swatting at her
hand.

After another series of questions from Nick, Grace spoke up, filling him in
on the events of the last two hours; her pickup of Natalie at the hospital
and stay with her for the next two days. Natalie could hear another flurry
of words as Grace regarded her with uncertainty and echoed Nick's question,
"You would like to speak with Nat?"

A wave of panic washed over Natalie at her words. She didn't have the
strength to talk to him now! Couldn't he see that? She needed more time to
think about everything. Didn't he understand? Hadn't she made herself
perfectly clear at the hospital? They could have a discussion about his
backsliding in a few days once she sorted this mess out in her own mind.

Natalie shook her head emphatically while Grace replied into the phone,
"No....I'm afraid, Detective, Natalie's unavailable at the moment.
She's.....she's.....ummmm." Grace threw up her other hand frantically,
mouthing the words 'What do I tell him?'

She mouthed the words back to Grace, 'Tell him that I'm sleeping.' For
clarity's sake, she mimicked slumber, placing her palms together against her
cheek.

"She's sleeping," she said with abruptness into the receiver. "What message
should I give her when she wakes up?"

Natalie could hear another torrent of words while Nick relayed his message.
Grace nodded, and on occasion, repeated his remarks for Natalie's benefit.
"You are very worried about her. You need to find out when you can return
something of hers. Also, you are very anxious to continue that discussion
from earlier at the hospital." The latter two requests caused Grace's
eyebrows to rise an inch in surprise and curiosity.

When he murmured one final utterance into the phone, Grace's eyebrows shot
up another inch in astonishment. Barely able to find her tongue, she
replied, "Okay....I'll relate this to her, Detective. Thanks for
calling...Bye."

After hanging up the phone, Grace broke into a wide grin. "I bet you are
dying to know what Mr. Elusive just admitted to me about you. It shocked the
living daylights out of me!"

"What did he say?" she inquired, curiosity getting the better of her.

"He wanted you to know how much he regretted everything, how much he missed
you and; to top it off.... he almost.....almost broke down that immobile
facade of his to confess his true feelings about you! He said and I quote,
'Tell her I lov...' then he quickly rephrased his thoughts to, 'I care very
much for her well-being and if it's okay with her, I'll drop by her place
tonight on my way into work'. quote, unquote." Grace folded her arms across
her chest, and with a complacent smile, waited with breathless anticipation
for her response.

The mention of Nick's declaration sent Natalie's heart racing with
excitement; her skin shivering with delight Damn him! In a split second, one
call expressing his concerns and feelings could make her anger melt like an
Arctic, summer thaw; he could have such a tremendous effect on her. But, she
wasn't going to relent so easily this time. Oh! No! He deserved the silent
treatment from her for a while longer. At least, until she contemplated her
next move.

Natalie regarded Grace impassively as she brushed off Nick's confession.
"Oh...you know Nick. He treats everyone the same because he cares about
people. Empathy is second nature to him."

Grace pressed her hands together while rolling her eyes heavenward.
"Oh...Lord, give me strength!" She then fixed Natalie with a stern look.
"You weren't talking to him!. I was! The stoic facade was completely gone.
He sounded frantic with worry for your well-being. Also, this was a man
consumed with remorse; he kept apologizing over and over about something
he'd obviously done to you. And, when he expressed his feelings about you,
his voice was cracking with emotion." She chuckled. "When I heard the pain
in his voice, I was almost tempted to break out in a rendition of
'Feelings'. It was quite touching!"

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Natalie's lips curled into a
broad grin at Grace's remark, then she became pensive. Maybe, it wouldn't
hurt to reveal a little to her friend about her and Nick She couldn't
divulge his secret, but talking about basic problems in their relationship
wouldn't be detrimental. Besides, her relationship with him had grown into
such an emotional rollercoaster ride: his recent setbacks, then his brief
recovery of promising mortality through her play of the virtual reality
game, then another backslide through his play of the game. Not to mention,
her ongoing fears of her inability to find a cure, triggering Nick's
eventual, inevitable move to another life, LaCroix's interference, the
constant worry of Enforcers beating down her door. The strain was becoming
too much. She needed to unburden herself to someone before it was too late,
before she had a mental and physical breakdown.

She met Grace's questioning look. "Okay. I'll admit Nick and I have let some
of the barriers down; we are attempting to move from a friendship to a
tentative relationship."

Grace slapped her hands together and smiled. "I knew it! No one can get this
ol' gal up too early in the morning to fool her! "

"Don't I know it." Natalie teased.

All of a sudden, Grace's wide grin was replaced with a bewildered frown.
"But....you said a tentative relationship. What does that mean? In my
experience, which isn't broad by any stretch of the imagination, I find you
either have a solid relationship or none at all."

"It means that we have some problems to work out before we decide whether we
can have a permanent relationship."

"What problems?" She gave her friend a baffling look. "You love and respect
one another; that's the most important thing." With a wave of her hand,
Grace dismissed Natalie's remark.

Natalie gazed at her in disbelief. "Love and respect are certainly
essential, but so many more factors enter into creating a solid,
long-lasting relationship."

"Oh.....I suppose you mean the three C's of a great relationship:
compatibility, communication and compromise." She acknowledged, her eyes
teasing.

"Yes! Exactly!" Natalie cried out. "We've been attempting to improve
communication although...." She paused. A sudden wave of guilt consumed her
as memories of an earlier conversation with Nick at the hospital surfaced.
At the time, he'd reluctantly confessed about his intake of her blood, that
he'd been sipping on her while playing the game. Her immediate reaction to
his disclosure had been anger and disappointment. It was such a crushing
defeat. His progression towards mortality falling by the wayside; she
couldn't find the strength to continue the discussion Instead, what had she
done? In her typical Lambert style, she'd shut him out, firmly suggesting
that he leave. They could discuss his setback later. When 'later' would be,
she couldn't say. But, with a sense of contriteness, Natalie had to admit
that Nick had been more communicative than she had been about this problem.

Grace noticed her abrupt silence. "Although.....what, honey?"

Coming out of her ruminations, Natalie said, "Although..... earlier this
evening at the hospital, I was hesitant to discuss a problem we were
having." She sighed. "You see, Grace. I've been attempting to help Nick make
some changes in his life which he has wanted to make and I believe he still
wants."

Grace gave her a baffled look. "What kind of changes?"

"It's complicated. I can't tell you because I've promised Nick I wouldn't
mention them to anyone. I hope you understand." Her eyes carried a plea to
Grace for no further questions. "This week, I thought we were finally making
progress towards his goal. Unfortunately, three hours ago, he told me he'd
had another setback. Normally, I would have given him encouragement,
consolation and tender-loving care." She blushed. "However, this setback was
different; he'd backslided of his own volition. In other words, he'd done it
on purpose, Grace! On top of that, we were on the brink of a major
breakthrough!" Natalie's eyes brimmed with tears and her face flushed with
anger at the memory.

Grace placed a gentle hand on hers. "Did you ask him why he'd done whatever
it was intentionally?"

"No...." she said, regretfully. "I guess I was so devastated by this latest
setback that I couldn't bear to discuss the matter with him." She shrugged
her shoulders. "I was sort of abrupt, and suggested he get out and leave me
alone."

Grace shook her head. "One thing about you, Natalie. You can sure be direct
when you want to be."

"Yeah....in this case...I was so candid, it bordered on rudeness." She
removed her hand from Grace's and folded her arms across her chest.

"Why don't you give him an opportunity to explain himself? Until you hear
the whole story, you won't be able to come up with any solutions to your
problem. Maybe, in the process of talking, you could find some way to reach
a compromise." She volunteered.

"You sound like one of these goal-reaching managerial seminars for small
businesses." Despite her melancholy mood, Natalie chuckled.

"I figured if Kerry ever let me go, I'd have another calling,. After all,
there's big money to be made in those seminars." She observed facetiously.

Natalie smiled , then became serious. "I would love to discuss compromises
with Nick, but he's not very pliable when it comes to certain solutions. In
fact, one time, when I'd broached the subject of one possible solution, he
made the decision for the both of us; I had no say in the matter. He
wouldn't even talk about it; or give me any explanations."

All of a sudden, hurt, anger and embarrassment flashed across her features
as she recalled the night in the morgue when she'd feared the world was
coming to an end. With the announcement of a potential asteroid hitting the
Earth in three months, she'd practically begged Nick to bring her across, to
be together even for a brief time. Her undignified appeal got her only firm
words of rejection with no explanation. Even though the asteroid proved to
be a hoax, and Nick's choice the right one, Natalie had been bothered by his
unwillingness to discuss or provide reasons for his decision. Also, he'd
denied her choices in the matter. Crossing her was simply not a possibility.
End of story.

She repeated in a voice, filled with anguish. "No, Grace. Nick is unwilling
to make some consessions."

"Do you think he might be more agreeable today than before to meet you half
way on this matter? Would the circumstances be more appropriate now?"

Yes, the circumstances would be more suitable today. The last time had been
inappropriate. Although part of her motive had been to live forever with
him, the other reason had been based on her fear of death. It was wrong.
But, was it right to ask now? She couldn't say; she'd have to reflect on it
more.

Natalie turned to her savvy friend, her eyes filled with admiration and
gratefulness. In a matter of minutes, Grace had shown that, with better
communication, compromises might be a possibility; their relationship might
not be so hopeless or impossible. "I don't know," she said, then smiled,
"but maybe it's time I find out."

"Good! I hope it works out. And, that I've been able to help in some small
way."

"Oh...Grace. You don't realize how much you've done for me. Simply talking
to you has cleared the cobwebs from my mind. I feel a tremendous relief
being able to get these problems off my chest." She chuckled. "Even though
you don't know what problems I'm talking about."

"Yes, it would have helped, knowing Nick's little secret, but I understand."
She grinned, then her eyes gleamed while another thought crossed her mind.
"Natalie, speaking of secrets, just what does Detective Knight hold of yours
in his possession?"

"Nothing of importance." She looked down at the floor.

"Nothing of importance, huh." Grace echoed. "Well....by the tone in Knight's
voice, I beg to differ. He made this item sound like one of the Crown Jewels
as he wouldn't relinguish it to anyone, but you."

"It was something I let him borrow for a few days," she explained, still
averting her eyes from Grace as she studied her hands in her lap.

Grace raised her eyebrows, her eyes dancing with merriment. "This object
wouldn't be black, silky and have ample lace, would it?"

Natalie regarded her in astonishment. "Grace! I'm surprised at you! What do
you think goes on between the two of us?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out!" She voiced in frustration and
disappointment.

"You've got it all wrong!"

"Too bad! For a moment, I thought you were putting that birthday present to
good use," she said, betraying obvious disappointment in her voice.

"Well, I'm not!" She stated with vehemence, then the temptation to smile was
too great as a memory came to mind. In the virtual reality game, she'd worn
that black teddy many times to lure Nick into different games of lovemaking.
After those special games, she'd come out of the virtual world feeling
breathless and desiring more, their moments together being so intense so
erotic..so passionate. Her cheeks flushed bright red at the remembrance,
then she became sober and sighed. She wasn't putting the teddy to good use
in the real world. It lay untouched in the lingerie drawer in her bedroom,
gathering dust. "Let's just drop the subject, okay?"

Grace threw her hands up in mock defense. "Okay....okay. I'll back off,
honey. I know when to quit."

"Okay, shall we resume our game? I want to have an opportunity to change my
fate from misfortune to fortune when it comes to love." She grinned, picking
up her hand and discarding the queen of hearts.

Grace picked up the discarded queen, and laying a card face down on the
pile, called out, "Gin," as she lay her cards face up on the coffee table.
Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'd say you might have a promising future
with a certain detective if you play your cards right! Or wrong, whichever
way you look at it."

"I must admit this evening is looking brighter by the minute." Natalie
handed the cards to her friend to shuffle. "Since I've been home, I've
started to feel physically stronger, too."

Grace studied her, amazed at the transformation. An hour ago, an anemic,
peaked-looking woman had sat next to her. Now, it was like Natalie had been
given ten pints of blood in sixty minutes; she looked as radiant as ever. It
was uncanny. "You do have a healthy glow in your cheeks."

"I don't think I could run in a marathan or climb Mt Everest, but I do feel
more energetic." Her face broadened into a grin.

"Maybe my winning personality and entertaining company has caused this
change." Grace teased while she dealt the cards.

"I have no doubt that you're presence has helped." Natalie noted, sorting
her cards.

For a few moments, they played their game in comfortable silence, then
Natalie turned to her friend, her face guarded in deep thought. "Grace, I
was considering something else just now...."

She looked up from her cards. "What were you wondering about?"

Natalie paused, drawing in a deep breath. "I was thinking about what you
said earlier in regards to the three C's for solid relationships. We never
discussed the third one: compatibility."

"No...we didn't talk about that one." She confessed. "What about it?"

Natalie shrugged her shoulders. "Do you believe Nick and I are compatible?"

Grace blew out some air. "I don't know the Detective as well as you,
Natalie. However, as far as common beliefs are concerned, I thinks he shares
the same social conscience as you. After all, you both undertook professions
to bring criminals to justice. And..like you, Knight strikes me as someone
with an uprightness of character and integrity." She smiled. "His name
'Knight' matches his personality. He possesses certain traits of nobleness
and honor; he could be Sir Galahad."

"No....more like Sir Lancelot." Natalie disagreed, contemplating his flaws.
"But, he does always try to do the right thing."

"Yes....and I believe he's...." Grace placed her right forefinger on each
left-handed finger while she listed each quality. "... trustworthy, loyal,
honest, principled as you are, Natalie."

"He isn't a saint."

"No.....and neither are you." She pointed out. "But, he sure possesses some
fine qualities and..... he has the most gorgeous blue eyes of any man that
I've encountered." She giggled as she resumed the game and placed a card on
the discarded pile.

"I agree, he does have capivating eyes; in fact, they can be quite
mesmerizing." She observed. Or hypnotizing, she mused, grinning as she
scooped up the seven of diamonds off the pile and discarded the two of
hearts.

While Grace reviewed her hand, Natalie became pensive again. "Aside from
some of our similar ethical beliefs, do you think Nick and I make a good
team, Grace? In other words, are we good for one another?"

She hesitated, trying to formulate in her mind the best, honest answer to
give. "Yes. You compliment one another very well. For example, you're the
only one, who can handle and ease his sullen, angry moods."

"Not always, Grace. When I try to cosset him and his relentless guilt, I
feel that I'm not always reaching him, I'm not getting through that thick
skull of his." she admitted, biting her lip.

"But, I know you never stop trying which is one of the greatest qualities
you possess: perseverance. With your ceaseless determination, you're getting
through to him. You may not always think so, but you are." She said,
fervently. "And.. he's also good for you."

"In what capacity?" Natalie asked.

"Well......sometimes...ummmm," she stuttered.

Natalie crossed her arms as her eyes narrowed. "Yes, Grace? Come on. You can
spit it out. What do I do?"

"Well......you can sure get madder than anyone I know," she said, carefully.

"I do not.....," she began, her face betraying annoyance. "Well...maybe
sometimes!" She broke into a smile.

"I don't think you get angry that often, but when you do, look out! Being
around a hornet's nest would be more comforting than your sting! I've never
seen anyone get as mad as quickly as you can. You're like a stick of
dynamite ready to go off at times....you're....."

"Okay....Okay, Grace..I get the picture; I'll admit that I can be a loose
cannon at times. What's the point?" she asked with petulance.

"The point is the good detective seems to help you to rationalize your
anger; he seems to get through to you and calm you down during those times,"
she explained.

Natalie smiled at her friend. "Sometimes, he does make me see a different
perspective after I've gotten myself all worked up." She leaned over and
squeezed Grace's hand. "I know it was difficult for you to talk about one of
my biggest faults: my temper. Thanks for being honest with me."

Grace patted her hand. "If you want more frankness, I can give you more."
Her face broke into a grin. "You're stubborn, you're....."

Natalie threw up her hands and chuckled. "Okay...enough already! I know I
have many shortcomings! Can we return to the card game before I lose all my
self-esteem?"

*************************************
Games Strangers Play
by: Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com
Chapter 1b/10
*************************************

Dressed in a long white nightgown, Natalie stood on her balcony, sipping a
glass of orange juice while peering across the street at the deserted park,
deep in thought. After winning all four Gin Rummy games and sealing
Natalie's lucky fate with men, Grace had retired to the sofa, rapidly
falling into a deep slumber. Natalie hadn't been so fortunate. After
relaxing in a bath and going to bed, she'd laid there for an hour, staring
at the ceiling while thoughts of Nick whirled around in her mind. Finally,
she'd tiptoed to the kitchen to get some juice, and had then decided to
carry her deep musings with her to the balcony where she'd been standing for
the last ten minutes.

Natalie's gaze rose from the empty park to the night sky. Sunrise wouldn't
be for another two hours; however, Nick would be returning to the loft soon
After her enlightening conversation with Grace, part of her conscious had
wanted to pick up the phone, call him, and apologize for her outburst at the
hospital. But, the other part had refrained from doing so, knowing any
apology from her would have fallen on deaf ears. Nick would have dismissed
it and placed the blame on himself. In truth, this setback was his fault.
But, dwelling on the blame wasn't going to bring back his progression
towards mortality. At this point, they needed to admit this virtual reality
game was a failure in the cure department and move on.

However, could they really move on? Before this game had been dropped into
her hands by Sam at Sam's video, any hope at finding a cure, and
relationship with Nick had become nonexistent. The game had been their only
possible chance at a future together if Nick had become mortal. So, unless
he were willing to bring her into his world, to bring her across, she didn't
see any other solutions on the horizon. Natalie knew in her heart, she
couldn't go back to the way things were before this game. Even though
nothing had happened intimately between them in the real world, it had in
the virtual world which seemed so real. In her mind, they had crossed the
point of no return and there was no going back.

Natalie heaved a long sigh, then took another swallow of juice from her
glass. Convincing Nick to bring her across would be a challenge, something
she wasn't anticipating with great relish. If her good reasoning skills were
lacking at any time during this conversation with him, mortality would be
her fate until her dying days. She'd better come up with a damn good reason
for him to do the deed.

However, at the moment, she had other immediate concerns as she glanced at
her watch. Four thirty in the morning. Since the game was due back tomorrow,
a phone call to Nick, asking him to return it to the Video Store, was a
priority . But the timing of her call was a delicate matter; it had to be
made after he retired for the day. In that way, she could leave a message on
his machine and avoid direct communication with him.

Dawn would be breaking in one and a half hours. I'll wait another two hours
to be safe, she thought. He'll be in his death-like slumber by then, she
surmised with a touch of sadness. Natalie turned around and returned to the
sanctity of her bedroom, retrieved a medical journal from a bedside table
and began to read as the minutes ticked down to the inevitable call.

***********************************************************

Fifteen minutes earlier:

Behind a large, gnarled oak tree, a pair of eyes stared at the bewitching
vision on the balcony. The eyes traveled from the woman's illustrious,
auburn curls down to the creamy white skin on her bare arms to her
voluptuous curves. What a prize and an enthralling creature, he thought.
He'd never known anyone quite like her.

All at once, her lovely face turned away from his view as she disappeared
into her bedroom. At her departure, his face betrayed disappointment, then
his lips curled into an evil smirk at the remembrance of his clever plan. It
won't be much longer, he reasoned. Your life, my dear, is going to change
for the better and I'll have you to myself , possessing you completely.
Within a few days, you'll be mine as it should be...

"As it should be," he whispered to the deadly quiet. From the soft light of
the streetlamp, pinpoints of gold seemed to flash in his eyes in mounting
anticipation. Delicious thoughts of his perfect scheme were sending him into
an uncontrollable frenzy. Moving away from the tree, he regarded the empty
balcony. While standing on the sidewalk, his eyes closed, his nostrils
flaring in excitement while tantalizing visions of her body crept into the
dark recesses of his mind. Images of her succumbing to him, begging him for
more and more. Oh, the anticipation! He couldn't wait for the show to
begin.......

*****************************
Games Strangers Play
by Patty Costantino
Chapter 2a/10
*****************************

After leaving the precinct, and before returning to the loft, Nick decided
to drive by Nat's apartment. As soon as he pulled his Caddy up to the curb,
he heard a woman's piercing scream. It had originated from the park across
the street. Leaping from the car, he took to the air flying over a dense
area of forest. With his enhanced hearing and eyesight, he detected two
figures struggling in a dark ravine beyond the thick growth. Nick heard one
more shriek from the woman before flying into the attacker and knocking him
unconscious.

While the man lay on the ground, Nick strode over to the woman, lying
motionless and face down in the grass. As he approached her, the smell of
fresh blood hit his nostrils with a sudden force. Instinctively, his beast
emerged, his eyes turning golden and his canines dropping . Leaning over
her, the scent became stronger and more familiar to him, like cinnamon and
allspice. His eyes returned to an azure blueness; his sharp fangs receding
as his animalistic urges were replaced by dreadful feelings in the pit of
his stomach. With a measured gentleness, he rolled the woman over. His heart
lurched as he gasped. It was Natalie.

Swiftly, his eyes traveled down to her chest where a large knife was
embedded. A dark crimson spot glistened on her white nightgown and was
growing larger by the second. He could detect her shallow breathing; her
faint heartbeat. She was on the brink of death and he knew it. Cradling her
to him, he started to tremble as blood tears formed in his eyes. Then a
painful, almost primal cry erupted from his chest as he started to rock her
in his arms, the tears falling onto her nightgown.

"What should I do Nat? I can't let you go now." He murmured into her hair as
he continued to hold her close. "I need you so. You're my life." Her heart
was fading, her pulse slowing. He knew she had only moments left. What to
do? "I can't let you leave me, Nat."

His sharp canines gleamed in the dark, his eyes glowed amber as he moved
Natalie's hair to the side. His lips caressed her soft white skin along her
neck as he found the pulsating vein, then he whispered in her ear.
"Remember, I will always love you. Please, Nat. I hope you can find it in
your heart to forgive me." He inhaled her intoxicating scent of blood as he
reared his head back to strike.

For some odd reason, his movements then slowed. His head kept bending
towards her soft folds, his fangs reaching and reaching, closer and closer
to her neck , but he couldn't get there. The spicy smell of her blood was
becoming so enticing; his fangs strained to reach their mark. I need your
blood; I need you, Nat, he thought as his elongated canines almost grazed
her soft skin. I just need to get there, he reasoned. " I need to GET
THERE!" He shouted over and over until.......

Nick shouted one last time and then..... awoke, clutching a pillow in his
arms, his forehead drenched in bloodsweat. Unwrapping himself from the
mangled pillow and removing the red blotches from his skin, he shook his
head in an attempt to clear the sleepiness. As his mind sharpened and
reality set in, he let out a huge sigh. Thank goodness! It was only a
nightmare. He disentangled himself from the black, satin sheets and got out
of bed.

Feeling shaky from the dream, Nick flew down the stairs to the kitchen. He
opened the refrigerator retrieving a green bottle of bovine, and wasting no
time, uncorked the top with a trembling hand. He drank the contents in three
gulps as he tried to dispel the images of the nightmare. After drinking
another two bottles, the pictures in the dream started to fade from his
mind, but the trepidation for Natalie's safety still existed. In order to
assuage his fear, he knew he needed to hear her voice.

Nick looked at the clock on the wall.. Five o'clock in the evening. Natalie
would be waking up any moment. Retrieving a fourth bottle of cow from the
refrigerator, he poured half into a goblet, and carrying it with him, walked
over to his phone. As he reached for the receiver, a sidelong glance at the
blinking light on his answering machine told him there had been several
calls during the day.

Depressing the button with his finger, the messages began to play. The first
five were solicitors, pitching everything from more credit cards to a time
share in the Hawaiian Islands. The trip to the paradise islands caused Nick
to become melancholy. In three short days, with my reckless play in the
virtual world, a trip to Hawaii had gone from a distinct to a distant
possibility, he thought dismally.

His guilt-ridden musings were then broken by the sixth message. A familiar
woman's voice came on the machine causing his heart to beat two times in
quick succession. "Nick.....it's me. Nat," she said with tentativeness.
"Grace gave me the message that you called. She said you might be stopping
by on the way to work." She sighed. "Please don't. I know we need to talk
about everything soon." Her voice became softer. "But....please try to
understand, I need more time to sort things out, and ponder what the next
step could be for us." She paused. "So, if it's okay with you, instead of
dropping off the game to me, could you please run it by Sam's on the way to
work? Thanks and...... I'll call you. Bye."

As the machine clicked off, Nick stood there for a long moment, relief
washing over him. Natalie was safe. It had truly been a nightmare. Though,
as he remained rooted to his spot, his anxiety for her welfare was replaced
by another kind of fear: the unknown. Her message had clearly expressed that
other steps needed to be taken, now that the game had been played out. But,
what kind of steps? What direction could they take, now? At the moment,
regaining mortality was an impossibility. Their hopes at a cure for him were
dashed when his dark nature took over in the game. So what could she have in
mind?

All at once, an unsettling thought occurred to him causing his forehead to
break out into a slight bloodsweat. She couldn't be considering being
brought across again to his miserable, gloomy existence. Could she? Not
after the last time. During the asteroid crisis, fear of death had triggered
her irrational pleadings to ask. However, upon calm reflection, she'd agreed
that his decision-making in not crossing her had been the right one. Besides
Natalie valued her humanity too much to relinquish it.

And since she prized mortality above everything else, how could she even
consider being with him now? After what he'd done to her? He shook his head
in disgust and held the glass in a vise-like grip. Sipping on her in the
game, succumbing to his contemptible nature through utter selfishness, had
been the lowest form of betrayal to both of them. And.... to be so close
this time to regaining his mortality. Well....it was unconscionable! How
could he expect her to forgive him for such a detestable act and want to
have anything to do with him? At this point, he'd be lucky to coax her to
the loft with one of her nausating protein shakes much less comtemplate
another direction towards a genuine relationship.

Nick was startled out of his remorseful, self-loathing meditations by the
ringing of the phone. Depressing the conference call button on the machine,
he said abruptly "Hello."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line while the caller
recovered from Nick's sharpness. "Hello, Nick? Is that you?" the person
asked carefully.

"Yes...Who are you?" he questioned, getting more annoyed by the minute.

"Joe Reese," he announced..

Nick's irritation changed to regret. "I'm sorry, Cap. I didn't recognize
your voice."

Reese chuckled into the phone. "It's this damn cold. Makes me sound like
I've got wads of cotton stuffed in my mouth," he said, clearing his throat.
"Nick, the reason I called; I need you at the precinct in an hour. Tracy
called to say she'd be late. Said something about letting an electrician
into her apartment and coming to work around 8:00. You two were working on
that Lindsey report and IA needs it ASAP. You gotta finish it up."

Nick sighed. "Okay, Cap. I'll be there." He hesitated, looking at an object
on the coffee table as he recalled Nat's message. "I just need to take care
of one thing on my way in."

As he rang off, he reached over picking up the object in his palm. Running
his hand over the metal surface of the game, his face became sullen, his
thoughts morose. Yes...he just needed to take care of one thing; a gift
which had been attainable, now unreachable, had to be returned to its
rightful owner.

*****************************
Games Strangers Play
by Patty Costantino
Chapter 2b/10
*****************************

Nick removed another messed up report from the typewriter, crushed the paper
in his hands, and tossed it like a basketball into the mounting heap of
crumpled balls, forming in the trash can.. What number was that? Number
twenty? He shrugged his shoulders apathetically, grabbed another blank form
from the pile, and inserted it into his typewriter. At this rate, the number
of typo errors on this one report could be placed in the Guinness World
Records before the end of his shift.

The number of errors! He shook his head as his face deepened into a scowl
and his eyes took on a melancholy guise. These mistakes paled in comparison
to his blunder of three days ago. How could he have been so thoughtless, so
careless, so unconcerned about consequences? And consequences there were.
Natalie's health had deteriorated, his beast had come surging back needing
more blood than ever to quell the urges, and his relationship with Nat was
teetering on the edge. With the return of the game to Sam before his shift,
he hoped the former two consequences would improve shortly. However, the
third and latter one would take more than the return of the game to resolve
itself. It would require patience, understanding, and forgiveness from one
very spirited determined woman. He sighed and wondered if miracles could
happen; that she might forgive him.

Nick was startled out of his reflections by a bubbly, feminine voice. "Hi,
Partner.....Got that report done?" Tracy removed her jacket and sat down at
her desk.

For a response, she received a glareful look. Clearing her throat, she spoke
with caution, "Gee....Nick, I want to thank you for covering for me this
evening. I got into a bind there.....You know....with the electrician." She
laughed nervously as her words continued to tumble out, one right after the
other. "Of course, this time, I did need a repairman to fix several blown
circuits and ....as luck would have it," she shook her head, grinning, "this
guy worked the nightshift. I wasn't sure you'd fall for my excuse after the
last time. You know...the plumber!" She rolled her eyes, giggling. "I know I
didn't deceive you with that excuse. But Nick, this story wasn't made up. I
did need to have electrical work done at my apartment."

She stopped finally, glanced over at Nick, and took a much-needed breath.
His brow was furrowed, his eyes distant as he sat there.

"You didn't hear a word I said, did you!" she voiced in dismay.

Nick regarded her with disinterest. "What did you say?"

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head in annoyance. "What planet do you live
on? When you zone out the way you do, I wonder if you are part of the human
race. You can act like such a zombie at times!"

Zombie! You're not far off the mark, he thought, and gave her a wounded
look. "I'm sorry, Trace. If I'm zoning out it's because I have a lot of
things on my mind. One of them being this report."

Tracy gazed at his forlorn expression, then slapped her hand to her
forehead. How could she be so stupid? 'The other things on his mind' would
be Natalie. After last night's events, he'd naturally be worried sick about
her. But hadn't he heard about her remarkable recovery? "Nick, I owe you an
apology. I wasn't thinking. It stands to reason that you'd be concerned over
Natalie's demise." She glanced at him and could have sworn he'd cringed on
the last word.

His eyes moved from Tracy's sympathetic look to a spot on his desk. "Of
course, I'm worried about Nat's welfare."

Was his voice choked with emotion, just now? Maybe, he didn't know. "Nick,
before I came to work, I called Nat and we talked some. She sounded much
better."

He regarded her, his eyes hopeful. "She did?"

"Yeah.. whatever bug bit her, she was able to fight it off."

"Bit her?" he repeated, uncertain his ears didn't deceive him.

"Yes...bit her. and I don't mean an insect. I meant that whatever illness
she had...."

"Trace, I know what you meant." He interrupted. "Your choice of words ...."
he hesitated, and sighed, "were right on the mark. That's all."

"How so?" she asked, perplexed.

"Never mind. Let me get back to this report before Reese blows a blood
vessel. Okay?"

"Oh no, you don't! You're not ending this discussion so easily this time.
What did you mean by 'on the mark?' Do you know something about Nat's
illness that you haven't told me about?" She met his guilt-ridden look with
a stern one.

"Of course not!" he exclaimed. "I've told you everything the doctors and Nat
explained to me. Which wasn't much. She was tired and rundown probably from
pushing herself too hard. The doctors couldn't find anything physiologically
wrong with her, so they prescribed plenty of bed rest and vitamins."
Vitamins with an abundance of iron, he thought dejectedly.

Tracy studied her partner. He was hiding something. Just what he was
unwilling to admit, she couldn't say. For now, she'd back off and let it go.
However, in time, she'd get to the bottom of it. "Okay, Nick. Sorry, I just
find her illness to be so baffling, so strange, so mysterious, so..."

Nick smiled slightly and finished for her. "so intriguing? Yes..I know. The
important thing is she's recovering. So instead of putting those detective
skills to work on Nat's illness why don't you put them to work on this
Lindsey case report."

"Oh...right! Nick. The Lindsey case." She pulled a folder from her box and
smiled sheepishly. "Perhaps I should have given you this piece of
information to add to your report."

Before he could answer, Reese yelled from his office, "Knight, Vetter...I
need to see you both in here, ASAP!"

*********************************************

The Caddy pulled up behind the coroner's van which was parked adjacent to a
small shopping center. Nick and Tracy emerged from the inside of the car,
their eyes examining the grim scene before them. As they moved closer, Tracy
observed the abundance of police cars, parked down at the lower end of the
center, their flashing lights casting red spots on the black pavement like
spatterings of blood against a dark wall. Was this an omen of what was to
come? A gruesome, bloody corpse at the end of the block? Tracy felt a shiver
crawl up her spine at the onimous thought and braced herself for the worst.

She and Nick approached the last shop and pushed their way through the
crowded room. Tracy glanced at her partner, whose eyes were frantically
searching for someone, then sudden relief danced across his face as an
elderly man rushed up to them. "Nick...thank goodness, you're here!"

Nick grabbed the man by the shoulders. "Sam....Thank God! You're okay. What
happened?"

He shook his head, tears swimming in his eyes. "It happened so fast. I left
Ernie for fifteen minutes to get some cigarettes and come back to find the
place in a shambles and ....." His voice began to break as new emotions
roiled to the surface. "And... I ...found him..... back there," he stammered
and pointed to a room in the back of the store.

Nick and Tracy traded understanding looks. She nodded her head in agreement
as Nick turned to Sam and explained in a calm voice, "I'm going to leave you
for a moment in the capable hands of my partner, Tracy Vetter and do my job,
Sam. Okay?"

There was no response. However, something had filtered through because Sam
regarded Tracy through tear-filled eyes and allowed her to guide him to a
chair in the corner. Turning away from his shocked expression, Nick stepped
with care around the videos, scattered over the floor, and strode to the
backroom. Like the room he'd left, this one had also been vandalized.
Everywhere, there were computer mainframes, keyboards, and speakers laying
smashed on the ground. Wires were dangling like live snakes from every
conceivable piece of machinery. Not one component was left untouched.

In the far corner, a young, dark-haired man was squatting on his heels over
a body. Nick began to move closer, then stopped with a sudden abruptness as
the smell of fresh blood hit his nostrils causing his eyes to glow amber.
Turning away from the man and victim, he closed his eyes, and with
tremendous effort, he suppressed his vampiric urges. Moments passed until,
feeling more in control, Nick turned back to the person still hovering over
the poor lad.

Leaning over the man, Nick regarded the boy laying face down on the floor.
The kid, for he was in his teens, was wearing a pair of light blue jeans, a
plain, white t-shirt and a pair of well-worn Nikes. His arms and legs were
spread out like a fan, his face leaning to the side. Upon closer
examination, Nick noticed his eyes and mouth were wide open in startlement.
Perhaps, the killer had approached the kid undetected. There was one sign of
bodily injury originating from an ugly gaping bullet.wound at the back of
the head. A pool of blood surrounded his face and was beginning to
coagulate.

Nick cleared his throat alerting the man to his presence. "What do we have
here, Dr. Rogers?" He knew the ME worked the dayshift at the Morgue, but
with Natalie out on leave, he was probably covering for her.

The man rose to a standing position and faced Nick glumly. "My preliminary
diagnosis would be death from a single gunshot wound to the head less than
one hour ago. By the size of the bullet entry, I would say the victim was
shot with a 38 mm at close range, probably 6 to 10 feet away."

"Thanks, doctor."

He nodded and turned away from the detective, calling to an assistant to tag
and bag the victim, then he exited the room. Nick stared at the kid for a
moment longer, shaking his head in disgust. What a waste of such a young
life!

A sudden presense at his side caught his attention. He glanced over to see
Tracy giving him a concerned look. "Nick, are you okay?"

For a second, his eyes reflected anguish, then just as quickly, his face
became immobile. "Yeah...Trace. I'm fine." He glanced over her shoulder into
the other room. "How's Sam doing?"

Tracy followed Nick's gaze. "As well as can be expected. I left him with
Officer Perkins to see what you'd ascertained about the victim."

"Nothing much." Nick related to her what the ME had told him.

Tracy surveyed the mess on the floor. "By the looks of things, the perp or
perps were looking for something.or," she shrugged her shoulders, "perhaps,
they had a irresistable urge to trash the place."

"Let's go ask Sam." Nick suggested. "Maybe he can shed some light on
possible motives."

They headed towards the front where Sam was sitting in a chair at the
checkout counter drinking a glass of water. Officer Perkins was no where to
be seen. "Where's the Officer I left you with?" Tracy asked, slightly
annoyed.

Sam gestured with his hand towards the open doorway. "I told him that he
didn't have to babysit me any longer. And ....not to worry; that I was not
going to have a heart attack on his watch." He looked at them seriously. "So
what's next?"

"We'll wait to get the reports back from forensics and the morgue," she
explained. "Then, go from there." She removed a pen and pad from the pocket
of her jacket. "Mr. Casey, do you mind if we ask you a few questions?"

"No...not at all. But, you must call me Sam."

"Okay, Sam." She smiled. "How long had ErnieVance been in your employment?"

"He came to me about a month ago looking for a part-time job in the
evenings," he said. "It was a convenient place for him to work because he
lived right around the corner on Adelaide with his parents."

"We'll need that address," Tracy said as she scribbled some notes down. "You
said that you left Ernie for fifteen minutes to grab some cigarettes?"

"Yes....I went to the drugstore at the end of the shopping center. I
remember glancing at my watch when I left and returned. I was gone from nine
to nine fifteen."

"When you exited your store, did you notice anyone loitering around outside?
Any strangers? Anyone odd or mysterious, who caught your attention?" Tracy
queried.

"No, I didn't see anyone lurking around."

"Okay." Tracy nodded, then asked, "While Ernie was in your employment, did
he fraternize with any unsavory characters?"

Sam's eyebrows arched in surprise. "If you mean by 'unsavory characters',
criminals. No! Certainly not! Ernie was a quiet kid, a loner, who did his
job and left at the end of his shift. I don't recall many friends dropping
by the store to see him."

"No one?" she inquired.

"Well....come to think of it." His eyes narrowed as he rested his hand under
his chin. "There was one kid who visited a few times during Ernie's break."

"Name?" Tracy looked up at him.

"I believe the kid's name was Fred Martin."

"Address?" asked Tracy.

Sam shook his head. "No, 'fraid not."

Tracy continued to write notes on her pad. "Any suspicions that Ernie was
dealing in or using any drugs?"

"Now, wait a second!" His eyes widened in indignation. "What kinda
establishment do you think I'm running around here? There were no drugs!.
I'd know if there were, young lady." he exclaimed in a shaky voice.

Nick reached out and placed a hand on Sam's arm. "Okay...take it easy. No
one is accusing you or Ernie of running any drug operation here. These are
standard questions we would ask anyone to try to establish a motive for
killing anyone. Drugs are always a strong motive for murder."

"Okay...I understand you need to find a motive, but you're barking up the
wrong tree with Ernie and drugs. I only knew him for a month, but he was a
good kid. Clean, through and through."

"How do you know he was clean, Sam?" Tracy asked.

"Instinct." He looked knowingly at Nick when he spoke. "I have very good
instincts about people, Ms. Vetter."

Suddenly uncomfortable, Nick cast his eyes down to the ground, away from
Sam's probing eyes as Tracy commented. "In that case, I hope you're right
about Ernie; that he was drug-free."

After a moment, Nick looked up at Sam. Switching tactics in the
interrogation, he asked, "Sam, have you been able to ascertain if anything
has been stolen from your shop? Any cash? Any inventory?"

Sam shrugged his shoulders. "No cash is missing. I checked the draw while I
waited for the police. As far as inventory," he surveyed the mess around the
room, "whoever did this diabotical crime, had destruction and murder rather
than theft on his mind. But I'll check, just the same."

"Thanks Sam, and please call us if you should find anything missing or
something else comes to mind." Nick handed him a card with his cell phone
and precinct number on it.

"Okay, if something comes to mind, I'll let you know." He placed the card in
his pocket, then gesturing to the backroom, he said, "If you don't object,
I'll check out the goods in my storage room first," and walked away.

Nick and Tracy were about to turn around to leave when, from the doorway,
they heard a loud, feminine cry. "Heavens! What happened here tonight?"

Turning around, their eyes denoted surprise at the visitor who was standing
in the entranceway with a brown bag in her hand, her eyes filled with
astonishment. Tracy was the first to find her voice and speak, "Grace! What
are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be with Natalie?"

"I was and I am. Natalie asked me to pick up a few groceries and a
prescription at the drugstore. Since she lives around the corner, I came to
this mall. I figured, while I was out, I'd get a video," she paused and
fixed Nick with an exacting look, then continued, "a comedy, to cheer her up
a bit."

Her message was clear, causing Nick to flinch and look away. Satisfied her
words had affected the detective, she spoke up again shifting her gaze to
Tracy. "Anyway I started to walk towards the video store and, as I got
closer, I saw all the black and whites. So I flashed my ID and came to see
what all the commotion was about in here."

"An employee has been murdered here tonight, Grace. At the moment, we have
no suspects. As for a motive," Tracy shrugged, "theft doesn't seem to be one
of them."

"Now it does!" A voice yelled from the back of the store.

Turning around, Grace, Nick and Tracy met the anxious eyes of the storeowner
as he strode towards them. He looked at each of them, finally resting his
worried eyes on Nick. "It's gone! Oh...what am I going to do! If it falls in
the wrong hands, it could be trouble. Oh dear..." He was becoming extremely
agitated. "What am I going to do!" He repeated, moaning.

Nick patted him on the back and spoke in a calm voice. "Sam, relax and tell
us what is missing."

"The game!" he exclaimed with an abruptness, his expression solemn.

"Game?" Tracy asked, baffled. "What game?"

Sam's disturbed expression met Tracy's curious look. "It's a virtual reality
game."

Tracy rolled her eyes. "Oh...brother! Not another one of those! Don't tell
me you rent those silly, absurd games to people. As far as I'm concerned,
they're dangerous. I've seen firsthand what those things can do to people."
She gave Nick a disapproving look. "They are obsessive toys. That's what
they are!"

"This was not a toy, Ms. Vetter!" he stated with vehemence. "And I didn't
rent this game to just anyone. I have bestowed it upon certain people as a
gift, a way for poor, well-meaning souls to find peace and fulfillment
within themselves, to find their lost faith and love, if you will." His eyes
cast a brief, sidelong glance at Nick, and this stare was not lost on the
two women.

Tracy and Grace's eyes grew wide with astonishment as the meaning of the
look became clear to them. He'd given Nick the game to play! But why? Why
would Nick need to play a virtual world game to find all the things Sam had
mentioned: peace, fulfillment, faith and love? He could achieve those goals
in the real world, couldn't he?

Grace was the first person to find her voice. "Okay, it isn't a toy. It's,
as you say, some kind of faith-affirming game. So why would someone of the
criminal element want such a positive happy-go-lucky virtual reality?
Wouldn't they prefer a Rambo shoot'em up, drug infested game?"

Briefly coming out of his agitated state, Sam regarded the newcomer for the
first time. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Sam Casey. And you are?" he
asked, extending his hand.

"Grace Balthazar. I work in the Toronto Coroner's Office with Dr. Natalie
Lambert, who would have been working this case, but unforeseeable and
unexplained circumstances have left her temporarily incapacitated," she
said, shaking Sam's hand while she gave Nick a baleful glance. "I'm staying
with her through her recuperation."

"Oh dear! I hope it isn't anything serious! Please give her my regards.
She's such an enchanting, sweet person," he said. "Could you give her a
message for me?"

"Sure." Grace nodded.

"Tell her to have patience; that everything will work out for the best in
the end."

"Okay. I will." She said, shrugging her shoulders, puzzled by the message.

"Now, to answer your question, Ms. Balthazar. If used properly, the game can
have redeeming qualities, but if it falls into the wrong hands, there can be
dire consequences."

"How so?" Tracy asked finally able to speak.

"The person, who plays the game, can devise endless scenerios in the virtual
world. If he wants to be Rambo or a drug czar as Ms. Balthazar has
mentioned, he can play those roles. If he wants to spent a day at the beach,
he can do that, too. His virtual realities are limitless. Also, he can
choose anyone to be there, and this part is important to understand. His
method of play in the virtual world can affect that person in the real
world. "

"In other words, he can hurt that person physically in the virtual world,
and that infliction can be carried over into the real world." Nick said with
such contriteness and anguish that the tone didn't escape the three people
standing around him.

"Yes, I'm afraid so." Sam acknowledged with regret.

"How about death?" Grace asked in a sober tone. "Can anyone be killed in the
real world if the person playing the game decides to dispose of them in the
virtual world?"

Sam rubbed his chin contemplating the possibilities. "I don't know. I've
never had this situation happen. I suppose that anything is possible." All
at once, the strain became overwhelming as his eyes brimmed with tears. "Oh
God! Nick! Tracy! You've must find the person who stole this game before
it's too late, before there are deadly consequences. I hope and pray you
can."

Three grave faces met his. They hoped so, too.

*****************************
Games Strangers Play
by Patty Costantino
Chapter 2c/10
*****************************

After departing Sam's Video, Grace returned to Natalie's while Nick and
Tracy visited the victim's parents. Breaking the horrible shocking news to
Stella and Henry Vance had been very unpleasant. After several tearful
breakdowns, many soothing hot cups of tea, and consoling words from the two
detectives, Tracy and Nick weren't able to gain much more new information.
Like Sam, they told the detectives that their boy was a good, fine,
upstanding kid who ran with a decent crowd. No drugs! Always a good student.

When they asked about Fred Martin, however, Tracy and Nick sensed an
uneasiness in Mrs.Vance as she spoke with care, "We met Fred once. One
evening, he dropped by with Ernie on the way to a concert. He was very
polite; he seemed like a nice kid."

Mr. Vance elaborated that, two month's ago, Ernie and Fred had met at a
party of a mutual friend of theirs. Fred was older than their son; in his
early twenties, and sharing an apartment on Wellington St. with two others.
As far as they knew, he'd been working the last year at Bill's Service
station at the corner of King and Spadina Ave.

After obtaining Fred Martin's home and work addresses from them, the two
detectives said their goodbyes promising to keep them posted on any updates,
and drove to Mr. Martin's apartment. One of the roommates, Kevin Tate, was
home and reluctantly allowed them entrance. It was a brief interview where
Nick and Tracy discovered Fred Martin hadn't been seen for several days.
According to Kevin, his latest disappearance wasn't unusual; he could be
gone for days at a time.

Tracy asked Kevin, "Weren't his disappearances kinda strange? Weren't you
ever worried about his welfare?"

"No," he replied, shrugging his shoulders in an apathetic manner. "He always
came back and...," he smiled in a strange way as he added, "he was good for
the rent on the first of the month."

Nick and Tracy exchanged looks, baffled by the lack of Kevin's concern for
his roommate, then asking and receiving a photo of Mr. Martin, the
detectives drove to Fred's place of employment. At Bill's Service Station,
they did gain some more information on the elusive Martin. A month earlier,
the owner of the service station had fired him and hadn't seen him since
that time.

"Why had he been let go?" Nick asked.

"Let's put it this way, detective," he said. "He thought of himself as a
real Don Juan with the female customers. I caught him harassing some lady,
who was waiting for a full service on her BMW. She threatened to file
charges of assault until she got my assurances that he'd be outta here." He
added, "Yeah...he was a real piece of work."

"Do you know where he might be working, now?" Tracy inquired.

"No idea," he said, then chuckled. "Maybe he's got a few hookers working for
him in the seedier side of town."

Tracy gave him a half-hearted smile. "If you think of anything else, please
give us a call." She handed him a card as she and Nick got into the Caddy.

During the car ride back to the precinct, a silence ensued between the two
detectives. At one point during the trip, Tracy had started to open her
mouth to ask Nick about his little secret: the game. It was a temptation to
blurt out: Nick, why do you play these ridiculous games? But she'd refrained
from asking. Broaching subjects of a personal nature with him were
impossible because of his uncanny ability to elude answers to questions.
Patience. That was the answer. She'd have to have patience. Only then, would
she be able to gain any information. Turning in her seat, she regarded his
immobile facade, then sighed as she turned to gaze out the window for the
duration of the ride.

************************************

When Nick and Tracy entered the bullpin, Officer McMurtney rushed up to
them. "Captain said he wanted to see you two immediately when you got back."

"Okay, thanks Pete," said Nick as they strode towards Reese's office. They
tapped on the door, then heard a bellow from within the office. "Come in!"

Nick and Tracy opened the door and entered. "It's about time you two showed
up. What took you so long?" asked Reese, frowning.

The two detectives glanced at one another and shrugged. "Prelims and fact
finders on the homicide case at Sam's Video on Victoria St. Many suspects to
question, Cap." Tracy announced.

"Well...I'm glad you're back because we have a bigger problem at the
moment," he said, his eyes grim.

"What is it?" Nick asked.

Reese sighed, and said with utmost importance. "The Commissioner called two
hours ago. A serial killer escaped from the Laurier Mental Health Clinic
yesterday. He outsmarted the staff at the center by hiding away in a laundry
truck. The orderlies didn't discover his disappearance until bed check. By
then, he'd had a three hour head start."

"Who is it, Cap?" Nick queried."

Reese gave Nick a steady look, his voice grave. "Roger Jameson."

****************************
Games Strangers Play
By: Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com
Chapter 3/10
****************************

In the shadows of a dimly lit room sat the figure of a man in a comfortable
armchair, his eyes covered with a dark shield, his head tilted towards the
ceiling as intermittent moans escaped from his lips. After a while, he
reached up with his hands and removed the visor from his face, a look of
contentment danced across his features. Then, his euphoric face was replaced
with amazement as he ran his fingers across the maze of velcro, metal and
plastic.

In these few short hours, he'd discovered how remarkable this game was to
the person who possessed it. The magnitude of control, and power was
incredible. He could decide the destiny of anyone, change events, destroy
cities, countries. The possibilities were endless. But for the moment, his
devious mind was centered on a singular plan. The fate of one beautiful
coroner.

He sat further back in his chair, crossing his legs and resting his hand
under his chin as he gave the matter some thought. How to play the game with
this intriguing woman? Should he have a good romp and dispose of her in the
first game as he'd done in the real world with countless others? No. There
wouldn't be much fun in that method of play, ending her life so quickly.
Although, it was a temptation.

Taking his time and enjoying her with extremely breathtaking slowness would
be much more satisfying for a change. Then, when he'd gained her trust and
love, brought her repeatedly to the realm of ecstasy through many virtual
realities, he'd strike, taking her life. The thought of her blissful face
turning to unrestrained terror as he snuffed out her life made his eyes
gleam with expectation. Looking down in his lap, he stared at the small game
for a long time, nestled in his hand. Now, where to take her? To a far off
land, some exotic place, island, beach? No, let's start off with somewhere
close by, somewhere earthy, somewhere....with flowers, he thought. The park.
Yes, the park with a multitude of aromic flowers and greenery around them
would be the perfect seduction scene. He smiled in delight, his decision
complete. Placing his fingers on the keyboard, he inputted the valid data.
Without another thought, he put the visor on his face; the sensors around
his fingers, and pushed the red button.

*********************************************************

Nick paced back and forth in Reese's office, then stopping in front of the
Captain's desk, he rested his hands on the hard wood surface. He was getting
increasingly alarmed. "Cap, we have to do something about this guy and fast!
He has murdered at least five women that we know about, maybe more. And
Nat!" he exclaimed, panic rising in his voice as he ran his fingers through
his hair. "He'll be looking for her. I need to get over to Nat's to make
sure she's okay."

"Calm down, Nick," said Reese. "I've already taken measures to ensure
Natalie's safety. I called her myself. Talked to Grace. Nat was asleep, but
she would let her know about the situation once she awakened. I also ordered
a surveillance team to be established across the street from her apartment
in case this creep decides to make an appearance."

"Who's on the team, Cap?" Tracy asked.

"Barnes and Foster."

Tracy's concerned eyes met Nick's frantic ones. Until moment's ago when
Reese had provided her with a sinister profile of Roger Jameson's
illustrious career, she'd never heard of the guy. After hearing about
Natalie's narrow escape from him, she could better understand Nick's anxious
state of mind. Trying to ease his agitation, she said, "They are real
professionals, Nick. The best in the business."

"Yeah...Natalie's in good hands." Reese agreed. "I've also put out an APB on
this character. All the airports, train stations, bus terminals, etc... have
been notified and composites are being distributed all over town." He
paused, giving his two detectives a stern look. "Now, I want you both to
check up on this list of leads we've gotten so far on Jameson." He handed a
piece of paper to Tracy. "Find out if any are legitimate, and if they are,
run with them."

"But Cap. Shouldn't we investigate the Laundry Distributor, who was
associated with the Clinic? Maybe the driver of that truck knows something."
Nick suggested.

"No. Already checked out by Officer Murphy. The driver told him that he
never saw Jameson leave his truck. But we know he was in there. Forensics
found hair samples on the linens in the back compartment which match
Jameson's. For the moment, the best we can do is follow up on these leads."
He gave Nick a firm look.

"Okay." Nick's eyes were less anxious, but the edginess in his voice was
still apparent. Turning away from Reese's desk, he and Tracy exited.

Nick joined his partner at their desks. "Trace, I think I should do some
investigative work." He started to put on his coat.

"The only investigative work you should be doing is here. If you don't want
Reese to blow sky high, you'll do what he says." She handed him part of the
list and met his woeful eyes sympathetically. "Look, Nick. Nat's in capable
hands. She's going to be fine. The minute Jameson shows up, if he shows up,
Barnes and Foster will have him in irons so fast; it'll make your head
spin." She picked up the phone and began dialing the first number on the
list. "Now, help me with these calls!"

Nick regarded the list and sighed. Tracy was right. What could he really do
at this point? Fly over to Nat's, and insist she stay with him at the loft
where he could offer better protection. Highly unlikely, considering the
uncertainty of their relationship and Nat's self-reliant nature. Better to
stay put for the moment. He picked up the phone and started to dial......

****************************

Natalie was dreaming. Cloudy, faint images drifted like an early morning
mist through her mind. Then, the haziness began to dissipate as she saw
herself walking through a lush green, wooded area. Stopping to gaze through
the thick foliage at the starless, night sky, she crossed her bare arms in
front of her, trying to still the feeling of panic rising inside of her, an
overwhelming fear that evilness lurked nearby. She shook her head at the
absurdity of her misformed notions while she began to walk again.

After a little time passed, she came to a clearing in the forest which
stretched out to rolling hills of green grass, long benches and cobblestone
paths. It was the park across the street from her apartment. How she'd
gotten here, she couldn't say. Confused but curious, she proceeded to walk
down the hill to a park bench.

As she approached the bench, she heard a sudden rustling noise. It had come
from a dense clump of trees to the right of her. Shaken by the sound,
Natalie began walking in the opposite direction. When she reached one of the
paths, from behind, there came an unmistakable sound of footsteps. Trying
not to panic, she increased her pace, not daring to look back. About fifty
yards ahead, there was a bend in the path meandering to the left. As she got
closer, she could detect a thicket on the left and another wooded area on
the right. Instantly, an idea formed in her mind.

As she neared the bend, from over her shoulder, she could hear the tread of
the stranger's footsteps growing louder. He was shortening the distance
between them. All of a sudden, as he'd gained in distance, she lengthened
it. With a burst of speed she didn't know she possessed, she bolted around
the corner of the path and into the dark forest. Not waiting for a second,
Natalie sprinted through the thick undergrowth of the woods, hurtling large
tree stumps and ducking low-lying branches. She never looked back. About
twenty yards into her marathon, she encountered a large hollow in the center
of an enormous oak. Without hesitation, she scooted with agility into the
deep confines of the tree, pressing her shivering body against the bark.
With some effort, she stilled her labored breaths and waited.

She didn't have long to wait as the footsteps were fast approaching her
haven. Instinctively, as the stranger got closer, Natalie moved further into
the confines of the hollow, rolling herself up into a ball. She detected his
loud, heavy breathing, telling her that he was near. She froze, her breath
catching in her throat, her heart racing a mile a minute as the man
approached her hiding spot. She didn't dare move.

What seemed to be an eternity passed as Natalie sat in a fetal position
inside the hole, praying that he would leave. All at once, her prayers were
answered, as she sensed the stranger's footsteps and breathing becoming
fainter. He was moving away from her hiding place. Then, the forest became
silent.

After remaining in her cocoon-like position for ten minutes longer, assuring
herself of the stranger's departure, she crept out of her tight confinement.
Stretching, she looked up into the night sky, and placed her hand over her
heart. As her breathing calmed and her muscles relaxed, she turned away from
her hiding place and moved towards the clearing, mindful of the branches and
stumps along the way. A calm reassurance enveloped her with every measured
step. When she reached the path, she stood there for a moment, sighing in
relief. The horrible nightmare was over; he was gone.

Taking a deep breath, Natalie turned to the right and started to walk down
the path. She continued to take slow, precise steps along the cobblestone
pathway, and as she neared the end of the walkway and heard the loud noise
of traffic around her, she smiled for the first time. She was almost home.
Veering to the left, she stepped onto another lane, lined with young
sycamore trees and proceeded to stroll down the path. When Natalie reached
the second tree, she thought she'd heard footsteps again. She froze on the
spot, her heart beating in her ears like an entire section of percussions.
Turning around, her eyes searched for the source of the noise. But her
futile search was met with silence.

For a few moments longer, Natalie stared at the darkness. After another
minute, she moved her hand to her chest and sighed, speaking aloud.
"Lambert, you gotta get a grip! It was probably a squirrel ." She shook her
head. Boy! What I need when I get home is a single malt, she mused. Then,
she turned around.

Her eyes widened in horror. A tall, dark figure was standing in front of
her, blocking her way. She had no time to scream, no time to think. With
incredible swiftness, his hand tightened around her mouth while the other
gripped her waist and dragged her away from the path towards another grove
of trees.

**********************************************

Nick slammed down the receiver, frowning. "Another dead end," he muttered,
discouraged. He glanced at Tracy, who was hanging up the phone. "What have
you found out, Trace? Any solid leads, yet?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.

"So far nothing substantial on Roger Jameson." She admitted with
disappointment, then her voice became brighter. "But, just now, I was
talking with forensics. They called with results to the Vance homicide,
confirming the victim was shot once with a 38mm from five to ten yards away.
The tox report came back negative, no known foreign substances were found in
his blood or stomach. However, a fingerprint was lifted from victim's head
and guess what!"

"What?" Nick asked with disinterest as he scrutinized the lead's list.

"As luck would have it, they were able to find a match." Tracy announced.
"Do you want to know whose print was found on Vance?"

"Who was it?" His voice remained apathetic.

"Fred Martin," she volunteered. "It seems Mr. Vance's newfound friend had a
rap sheet of assaults a mile long, and two years ago, he was brought up on
charges of rape and murder of several women in Montreal. Unfortunately, the
lab had botched the DNA and semen samples, taken from the victims, so Mr.
Martin was released due to lack of evidence.

"Good, we have a potential suspect," he said. "If and when we find Mr.
Martin, we'll have a reason to bring him in for questioning, but as Reese
said earlier, the Jameson case is a priority. So let's get back to these
leads."

"Right." Tracy picked up the phone.

Nick began to do the same, when his rang. "Hello, 96th precinct," he
announced.

"Hello, Nick?" An anxious voice queried on the other end of the line.

"Yes...Who is this?" Nick asked cautiously.

"It's me Sam Casey from the video store."

"Yes, what's up Sam?"

"Nick, you told me to call if something important came to mind about this
case," Sam said into the phone.

"Yes, did you remember something?"

"Well...I don't know if this is relevent to the homicide or not, but...." he
began.

"But what, Sam?" Nick questioned, growing impatient.

"It's about this guy who came into my shop between the time you dropped off
the game and when I left for some cigarettes. I didn't give him much thought
until now."

"Why is he so important now?"

"Because, moments ago, someone dropped off a composite of a serial killer
who had escaped from the Laurier Mental Health Clinic, and if my eyes didn't
deceive me, he was the guy! He was here in my store, Nick! Roger Jameson!"

****************************

The warm hand held Natalie's mouth with such firmness that she was finding
it difficult to breathe. Her attacker was dragging her into the thick
foliage of the dark forest. Several times, she had tried to wiggle out of
his grasp, but her futile attempts at escape had only enraged and excited
him more as his hand had tightened around her mouth and the fingers of his
other hand had pressed into the soft flesh around her waist. For a few
minutes longer, they walked. Then, coming to a place less dense with growth,
where the ground was covered in a soft moss, Natalie's assailant stopped,
and turning her towards him, pushed them into the cool, fine earth. During
the tumble, the stranger's hands had never released her. His firm, solid
body came down on hers, pressing hard into her flesh.

Glancing up for the first time at her attacker, Natalie tried to get a good
look at him, her eyes moving up his body. He was tall and slim, probably
around 180 pounds, and dressed in a black turtleneck and pants. Her eyes
continued to travel up his lithe body to his face where her breath caught in
her throat. A blurry, obscure image stared back at her. She couldn't discern
any features in his face. Remarkably, he'd been able to disguise his
identity from her.

Natalie groaned in frustration under his unshakable hold as she tried to
squirm free. After a while, she became exhausted from her attempts at escape
and relaxed under his grip. Feeling her body grow slack in his hands, he
relaxed his hold on her mouth.

In a distorted voice that matched his face, he said, "I'm going to remove my
hand from your mouth. But before I do, I must advise you. Screaming will be
pointless because no one will be able to hear you."

He gripped her mouth for a minute longer, then slowly, he lifted his hand
from her face, moving it down to her left arm. For a moment, Natalie lay
there, unclenching her jaw, trying to relax the tense soreness around her
mouth. Then her eyes took on a determined, hard look, as fierce emotions
roiled to the surface. How dare he think that she would yield without a good
fight!

All of a sudden, leaning her head to the side, she let out a bloodcurdling
scream. So loud; all of Toronto would have been able to hear it. As Natalie
yelled, she pushed her body against him, attempting to release her arms and
legs. It was useless. Minutes passed as she persisted in her struggle. All
the while, he held her with ceaseless patience in his firm grasp until her
movements weakened and she grew tired, her head collapsing against the solid
ground, her shrieks becoming soft whimpers.

Time passed while Natalie lay immobilized under her captor, her face turned
away from him, her chest heaving as she tried to gulp down air to her lungs.
Then, with an intentional deliberateness, her assailant's left hand turned
her face towards him. "I told you it would be futile to scream," he said in
that muffled voice. "But I would have been disappointed if you hadn't tried.
It makes the game so much more pleasurable, don't you think?"

"What game are you talking about?" she asked, feigning ignorance and
stalling for time as she batted his hand away from her face.

"Why the enchanting virtual reality game we are playing now, Natalie," he
stated, seizing her hand in his and pinning it to her side.

"We are playing a virtual reality game?" she asked with surprise, trying
without success to remove her hands from his strong grip.

"Of course! I took the liberty of borrowing the object from a friend of
yours," he admitted, grasping both of her hands in his left one.

"Sam? You stole the game from Sam?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Not a difficult feat. In fact, it was simple really," he declared,
running his other hand along the smooth, white column of her neck, to her
collarbone and over her swelling chest, kneading the soft flesh under the
white, lace fabric of her nightgown.

Natalie's body froze as his hand moved across her front and down her side.
Bile began to rise in her throat as his hands traveled lower. Suppressing
the sickening feeling, she spoke in a steady voice which even surprised her.
"How were you able to gain access to the game? Did you kill Sam for it?"

"No, fortunately for your friend, he left the store under the temporary
supervision of his assistant," he explained, sliding his hand under her
nightgown and running his fingers along her inner thigh.

"Ernie?" she asked, her body tensing in disgust from his demanding touches
and caresses as her thighs clamped together in protest.

"Yes. I believe that was the boy's name," he agreed, roughly prying her legs
apart.

"Was?" Natalie questioned, a lump of apprehension forming in her throat as
she tried to ease away from his probing fingers.

"Yes, my dearest. Was!. Past tense. Gone. That's why I implied 'temporary
supervision.' Alias, Ernie's supervisory skills were of a short duration.
Shall we say, he went to a more 'permanent' place. Like ten feet
underground." His hand continued its upward climb into her warm, moistness,
delving into her secret crevices.

A chilling, horrifying sensation crept up Natalie's spine both at this
stranger's merciless act of murder against a poor, defenseless boy and his
warm, deliberate fingers penetrating her womanhood. "So you killed him," she
replied with bluntness, her breaths becoming shallow and rapid from his
firm, demanding touches.

"Let's just say, he was deposed of in a orderly fashion," he confessed, his
adept fingers continued to work their magic on her moist, hot core. "I'm
afraid that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Poor fellow!
However, the deed needed to be done in order to swipe the game."

He could feel her muscles tensing under his intense, relentless
ministrations. "And what a game this has turned out to be!" Her soft moans
were becoming louder as he brought her to the brink. "Filled with such
incredible, desirable sensations." His skillful fingers moved faster around
her core. "Intoxicating, ...overwhelming...breathless sensations." Her hips
were rocking in time to the rhythm of his touches, her groans more
pronounced. "A game where you can bring a lover to a place where you
totally......"

His fingers moved in and out, faster and faster in a fluid motion.
"undeniably..."

He pressed one finger to her swollen nub, stroking and touching with
firmness as her breathing intensified. "possess them!" On his last
utterance, Natalie's body yielded to his deliberate strokes, sending her
into waves of bliss.

After a few moments, Natalie came back to earth, opening her tear-filled
eyes. Ashamed of her body's betrayal for the degrading assault on her
person, she let the moisture run down her cheeks. After a while, she managed
to find her voice and said with fierce emotion, "You may possess this body,
but you will never possess my heart and soul. Only one person has a claim on
my very being!"

Enraged by her words, but able to suppress his intense emotions behind a
stoic facade, he responded with indifference, "After I've shown you my
special talents, we'll see who claims your heart, Natalie." He leaned
forward to brush a delicate kiss against her lips.

As his lips neared her mouth, Natalie felt the phlegm in her windpipe, then
without a second thought, she released the saliva from the back of her
throat and spit into his face. "That's all you're ever going to claim from
me!" she said with unbelievable venom in her voice, her breaths coming in
short gasps.

His eyes narrowed in anger as he removed the wet, sticky liquid from his
face. "You'll regret that!" Then, without hesitation, he pulled up her
nightgown and plunged deeply into her. "If anything, I'll demand your
loyalty before this night is over. I would say the good detective falls
short of this claim."

With little effort, Natalie ignored the pleasurable sensations as he moved
inside her; she instead concentrated on angering him. "You know nothing
about the 'good detective.' He's a man of honor and righteousness,
demonstrating loyalty to others. You'll never hold a candle to him!"

Infuriated, he pushed against her with a forceful thrust as his lips
descended on hers in a demanding kiss. Natalie fought his attack on her
mouth, turning her head away. His hands reached up to her face, forcing her
to look at him.

While he continued to slam into her body, Natalie's eyes took on a faraway
look, her thoughts centering on Nick as she remembered their lovemaking-his
slow, passionate kisses, his gentle touches and caresses, his soothing,
endearing words of love- it made it easier to endure. Finally, with one
final, deep thrust, her captor exploded inside her, shuddering, as he
collapsed on top of her.

For a few minutes, he lay there, his warm, heat-filled body pressed against
hers, his heavy-breaths touching her face. Afraid of losing her last meal if
she had to look at him and his distorted face any longer, Natalie turned her
head away as tears of anger and humiliation cascaded down her cheeks.

Finally, her assailant raised his head, and moving her face back to his, he
said, "After that spectacular interlude, I would say that I've gained your
allegiance, my dear."

Her eyes sparked with fury. "You've gained nothing from this encounter. You
may take this body like some pleasurable vessel, satisfying your insatiable
hunger and needs, but you'll never have my devotion."

Seething, he lifted his hand and slapped her with extraordinary force across
her cheek. "We'll see about that, Natalie."

Stunned, she moved her hand to her face, rubbing the tender skin, her eyes
flashing hatred. "You can beat me to a pulp and I won't ever submit my soul
to you."

He entered her again with such fierceness that she hit her head against the
solid, hard earth, the impact knocking her temporarily senseless. "You won't
yield? I would beg to differ with you on that score. At the moment, you're
being quite compliant."

Natalie couldn't reply, her head feeling like swirls of cotton-candy from
the brutal contact with the ground. Gradually, her mind began to clear.
While he continued to thrust hard and fast, she turned her gaze heavenward
as her thoughts turned to Nick. Oh! What's going to happen to us? What are
we going to do now, Nick?

****************************
Games Strangers Play
By: Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com
Chapter 4/10
****************************

"Games. Let's talk about games, shall we, gentle listeners?" The
velvet-laden voice purred into the microphone. "Games of an athletic nature.
Started, of course, by the ancient Greeks in a quaint, enclosed spot in the
plain of Elis in Olympia in 776 B.C. Used as a religious festival or as a
thank offering for some delicious victory, these most celebrated games
lasted five days, and included such delightful, brutal sports as boxing,
wrestling and my personal favorite, chariot racing."

His satiny words continued to filter through the airwaves. "People also
introduced games to stimulate the brain, to challenge the mind. Four
thousand years ago, board games were first marked, after which checkers, and
another prized favorite of mine, chess got their start. Originally
representing the field of battle, players would capture enemy soldiers, or
as in the case of another fascinating game-backgammon-take their pieces
through enemy territory, pillaging and ravaging their opponent.
Aaah...extraordinary times they were, too!" He sighed in contentment.

After a slight pause, his smooth, silky voice became disapproving. "Today,
however, board games are another kind of beast, tedious and inferior,
imitating peaceful aspects of life, such as buying and selling real estate
as in the sleep-inducing game of Monopoly. " He yawned for effect.

************************************************

Nick had just hung up the phone with Sam, explaining that he and Tracy would
be over to get details about Roger Jameson's appearance in his store, when
the phone rang again. "Hello, 96th precinct."

"Hello, Detective Knight?" a concerned voice asked.

"Yes, who is this?" Nick inquired with impatience as he put his coat on to
leave.

"Grace. Sorry to bother you Detective, but I'm worried about Natalie."

"What about Nat?" His eyes widened in panic.

"I can't wake her up, Nick. She's having some kind of nightmarish dream.
Moments ago, she screamed out, and I rushed to her bedside, trying
everything I could to awaken her, but I couldn't. It's wierd. It's like
she's in another place, another world, where no one can reach her."

"Okay, Grace. I'm on my way," he said. "Keep trying to get her up."

His eyes became grave while Grace's words echoed in his mind. 'Another
place, another world where no one could reach her.' The virtual reality
world? The game? Could someone be playing it with Natalie? One of their
potential suspects? Roger Jameson. Fred Martin. Or... It was too horrifying
to contemplate. Lacroix! After all, this was his style. He would delight in
taunting Natalie in a virtual world, toying with her like a puppet on a
string.

Looking up, Nick met Tracy's anxious expression with his own. "I'll explain
on the way. We need to get going."

********************************************

The nightcrawler's tone became brighter. "With the dawning of the computer
age; however, some modern games have become quite fun. Take the imaginative,
new virtual reality games. Now, there's an invention! A game where we, as
mere mortals can decide our fates through power and control, where action
and intrigue can be our coup de grace, and where relationships can blossom
and possibly grow. Oh, the scenerios are boundless! Such a marvelous
creation."

********************************************

Grace studied Natalie's sleeping form, her brow creased in worry and
puzzlement. After hanging up with Nick, again she'd attempted his
suggestion. To awaken her. But, it was impossible! She'd called out to her,
practically yelling in her ear, and tried to shake her like a rag doll with
no success.

Presently, with her hands on her hips, Grace continued to regard her friend.
At least, Natalie hadn't screamed again. That frightful shriek had made
Grace's blood turn cold with fear. Finally, after tossing and turning in her
sleep for a while, Natalie had calmed down.

"What can you be dreaming, honey, that's gotten you so upset?" Grace
whispered to her with concern.

Her question was met with silence.

Baffled, Grace walked over to the chair in the corner, and picking it up,
moved it next to the bed. As she sat down, her eyes centered on Natalie's
motionless hand. She reached over and gathered it in hers, stroking the fine
hairs in an attempt to keep her friend's unsettled mood appeased. "Don't
worry dear, Nick's coming. If anyone can help, he can."

Looking up at the ceiling, she added a silent prayer, at least, I hope
so......

****************************************************

The silky voice continued, "Finally, to my attentive listener, there is
another type of game. A game, not found in The SkyDome, or in an
insufferable ladies bridge circle, or a Playstation extravaganza with little
Joey and his appalling, gum-smacking, tumultuous playmates. No, this game is
the game of hypocrisy. It originates from the human psyche where people use
their mind, soul and spirit to play games with others, to deceive and fool
them in order to gain their trust. Or, in some special cases, to humor
someone to carry on a task at hand. Do you know of such phonies, gentle
listeners? Have you been a victim of such shameless pharisaism? The
Nightcrawler wants to know."

****************************************************

Tracy's hand reached over, turning off the radio. "How can you listen to
that creep?"

Nick turned his head in her direction. Before he could respond, Tracy
blurted out. "Yeah....yeah. I know! He's an acquired taste." She shook her
head. "In my opinion, he's tasteless!"

"If you listen to him long enough, Trace, he grows on you," Nick replied.

"Yeah....like Athlete's Foot," she said, grimacing.

There was a lull in the conversation as Nick drove his Caddy towards Sam's
Video while Tracy stared out the window. Nick had planned to drop her at the
store to question Sam about Roger Jameson's sudden appearance while he'd
continue on to Natalie's. Flying to her apartment would have been his
preference, but eluding Tracy had become a problem. With the added delay, he
hoped that Nat would be all right.

He took a deep breath, relieved about one thing. Lacroix's live monologue
demonstrated that, if someone were playing the game with Natalie, at least
his sire would be off the hook, he'd have an alibi. The simultaneous
execution of his radio show and an indulgence in the virtual world would be
impossible. Even with his supernatural skills, LaCroix couldn't undertake
that unbelievable feat.

That left two possible suspects. Roger Jameson and Fred Martin. The latter
person was a unlikely possibility because of the inopportunity for him to
meet Natalie. On the other hand, Roger was an ostensible suspect; he would
have been acquianted with her, had a motive and means, and a very twisted
mind to toy with her in this manner. As these disturbing thoughts ran
through his mind, Nick's concern for Natalie's safety only increased.
Instinctively, he pressed his foot to the accelerator.

Tracy noted the increased speed. "Nick, don't worry. Nat will be okay."

Nick eyed her anxiously. "I hope you're right."

As they sped along the highway, another silence ensued, then turning in her
seat, Tracy regarded her partner. "Nick, I was wondering about
something...." she began awkwardly.

"What?" He saw her shift uncomfortably in her seat.

"About the Nightcrawler's topic this evening."

"What about it?" His voice became wary.

Feeling self-conscious, she gazed at her hands, resting in her lap. "He was
discussing games, particularly virtual reality games."

"So?" Nick shrugged.

Tracy looked at him, rolling her eyes. Dragging information out of Nick
could be such a chore.. "So..... this Vance homicide involves a virtual
reality game, a game that you played." There, she'd said it!

Nick met Tracy's significant look, evenly. "Okay. I'll admit that I played
Sam's game.

"Why did you play it, Nick? Especially, after the last one. I mean you'd
seemed so obsessed with that vampire game. Granted , you'd solved the case,
but it was so difficult to keep you on track." She remarked.

"Tracy, I'll confess the last game was addictive, but, as you've said, I did
solve the case with the help of the game and, in the end, I threw it away."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Really! You got rid of it? Why?"

"Let's just say, it was detrimental to my health." He admitted, forcing a
smile.

"If you relinquished that game, why did you pick another one? What did Sam's
game have that the other didn't?"

Well..for one thing, he thought, a certain, voluptuous hot-blooded coroner,
who'd possessed exceptional talents in exploratory techniques other than
surgery. A lovefest-filled week of eroticism, unleashed passion and
uninhibited sex between a lonely, love-starved detective and coroner.

"Therapeutic qualities!" he voiced aloud.

Tracy's eyes reflected doubt. "What therapeutic attributes? I don't suppose
you mean the ones which fulfill those needs Sam mentioned like: serenity,
faith, and love."

Tracy looked at Nick. Did he really think that those kinds of desires could
only be obtained through a stupid game? She shook her head in surprise. At
times, her partner could be so thick headed. "Nick, you can attain those
desires in the real world, you don't need some silly game."

Oh, Tracy. If only that were true, he thought with remorse, that he and Nat
could tackle their many obstacles, achieving that goal. However, it was best
for her to think otherwise as he eyed her with sadness and said, "You're
right, Trace. Those needs are reachable in the real world. At the time, the
game was just a healthy, fun outlet."

"Oh I get it. Boys with their toys," she commented, her voice edged with
disapproval.

Nick forced a smile. "Well....yes. But, whatever my motive was for using the
game, it wouldn't be the perp's," he remarked, becoming serious. "His reason
would be different from mine."

"You're right!" She agreed. "So..you're saying we should concentrate on
discovering his motive, and by doing so, hopefully catch a killer."

"Yes....exactly!" he exclaimed, then having nothing more to say, he drove in
silence.

As Nick turned away from her, she frowned. He'd done it again to her! In his
typical shrewd way, he'd veered the conversation in another direction,
ending a discussion about his personal life. Disgusted, she shook her head,
then glancing out the window, looked at the Toronto skyline as they drove
the rest of the way to Sam's in silence.

****************************

Nick flew up the steps to Natalie's apartment, and landing at the front
door, pounded on it, waiting with impatience for Grace's appearance. After
an agonizing delay, she opened the door. "Nick, thank God, you're here!"

He rushed into the room. "Any luck, Grace? Could you wake her?"

She shook her head. "No! This dream or nightmare has her under some sort of
bizarre, hypnotic spell. I can't break it!"

Nick saw her frightened eyes. "Okay. Take it easy. I'll give it a try." He
began to walk down the long corridor to Nat's bedroom as Grace followed.

"I don't know what you can do that I haven't tried," the voice behind him
declared in frustration. "I've done everything except attempt to awaken her
with a kiss."

As Nick entered Natalie's bedroom, he turned around in puzzlement at Grace's
statement. "What do you mean by that?"

She rolled her eyes. Didn't this guy know anything? Or was he that clueless?
"You do know the tale about Sleeping Beauty, don't you, Detective?"

She saw the baffled look in his eyes. Oh! Brother! He was sure gorgeous, but
dense! "A wicked Queen placed a princess and an entire kingdom under a spell
of endless sleep until one day, a prince came along to awaken her from this
deep slumber with a kiss."

Again, she was met with his bewildered expression as she explained, "I
didn't think I was Natalie's Prince Charming, if you know what I mean."
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Grace winked at him. "Perhaps, you
might have better luck?" She offered, smiling.

He regarded her with sternness. "Maybe. But.... just the same, could you
give me a minute with Nat?"

"Oh, sure!" She nodded towards the hallway. "I'll be in the living room if
you need me."

After Grace walked away, Nick turned towards Natalie. She was lying on the
bed in a deep trance-like sleep. As he watched her steady breathing while
she slumbered, his breath suddenly caught in his throat. She had changed so
much from the hospital. Unlike last night, when her skin was the color of
alabaster, there was presently a healthy, rosy glow. The transformation was
remarkable, providing him with some semblance of ease. At least, he had been
correct in his assumption about the game; it's side effects were only
temporary.

A moan elicited by Nat stirred him from his thoughts. He rushed to her side
and sat down next to her on the bed. She was lying on her back, tossing from
side to side. Beads of perspiration had gathered on her skin, soaking
through her white nightgown. To the unaware observer, it would have seemed
that Natalie had succumbed to flu-like symptoms with an elevated fever
instead of effects from a virtual reality game.

With tenderness, he took her hand in his. "Nat, it's me, Nick. Can you hear
me?" His other hand reached over and caressed her sweat-laden forehead. She
groaned in response, her head turning from side to side.

Leaning forward, Nick grabbed her shoulders, shaking them gently at first,
then with more force. "Nat, listen to me. You have to snap out of this!
Grace is concerned about you. I'm worried about you. I need you, Nat. You've
got to come back to me." He had her in a sitting position, his arm securely
around her waist, the back of his hand rubbing her cheek as he was met with
another moan.

Releasing her for a brief time, he strode into the bathroom, and dampening a
washcloth in-what he hoped was-lukewarm water, returned to her with it. He
wiped her face, neck and arms with the wet cloth, all the while, trying to
bring her out of her deep slumber with soothing, comforting words.

After countless attempts to awaken her, Nick stopped his ministrations,
letting out a discouraging breath. His thoughts moved to other alternatives.
If her eyes were opened, then hypnosis might have worked. Despite being a
resister, under her current, dream-like state, he would have probably been
successful. Slapping her was out of the question. He could never bring
himself to inflict any more pain on her than he'd already done. What to do?

Fortunately, a solution wasn't needed as Natalie took a sudden deep breath,
her eyes fluttering open. For a long moment, she stared at Nick with glazed
sleep-filled eyes while her mind absorbed her surroundings. Gradually, she
realized where she was. She was in her bedroom with Nick. Oh! Thank
goodness! She was far away from that virtual world. Smiling with utter
relief, tears brimming her eyes, Natalie snaked her arms around his neck and
pulling him down on top of her in a warm embrace, began raining kisses over
his face. "Oh, Nick. I'm back from that awful place. Thank God! You don't
know how desperately I was trying to get away. It was such a nightmare."

It took Nick a moment longer than Nat to recover from her wakefulness and
sense her delightful, warm arms around him like a snug cocoon. Not that he
didn't mind. He was simply stunned in a pleasant sort of way. After a slight
hesitation, he reciprocated, and wrapping his arms around her waist and
drawing her close, brushed kisses over her forehead, eyelids, nose and lips.
"I didn't know what to do. How to wake you up. Are you okay?"

"Now, I am," she murmured between kisses. "I wanted you to find me, but I
couldn't escape. I couldn't find my way back."

"ssshhhh...Nat." He soothed, rising up on his arms as his hand reached up to
brush some unruly curls from her face. "You're safe now. Don't worry, I'll
make sure no harm comes you."

Nick leaned forward, capturing her lips in a long, tender kiss. Natalie's
arms tightened around him, molding him again to her body as their kiss
deepened and intensified by the second. Ice-hot, breathless sensations were
coursing through her as he pressed his firm, muscular body against the thin,
satin material of her nightgown. She moaned in his mouth, running her hands
through his thick blond hair. This is who she needed, longed for and
desired. How could she have ever doubted it? Nick was her life. He would
make her forget. His love and strong arms would wipe the hellacious memories
from her mind.

Nick knew this moment wasn't right; it was too dangerous for her. He
responded anyway, matching his mounting passion to hers, sliding his hand
between them as he cupped her breast through the soft fabric. Her skin was
so soft and pliable under his gentle touches; her scent so intoxicating like
a field of wild flowers....She was so alive....so warm....so
incredible....so....

"Ahem," a voice called from the other side of the room. "Excuse me, you two.
Detective, I know I suggested the Sleeping Beauty approach to awaken
Natalie, but don't you think you're carrying it a bit too far!"

At the sound of Grace's voice, Nick buried his head in the hollow of
Natalie's neck like an ostrich's head in the sand, trying to hide from Nat's
assistant and praying she would magically disappear.

When Grace was greeted with silence, she folded her arms in front of her.
"Well...I'm waiting with baited breath for your answer, Detective."

Nick pulled away from Natalie, and gathering her hand in his, helped her to
a sitting position. "I like to be thorough when tackling a problem, Grace."
He rose from the bed, and slightly flushed, turned around to meet Grace's
amused look with a sheepish grin.

Natalie stood up, her cheeks inflamed with a mixture of desire and
embarrassment. Oh. Great! With Grace's ability to spread gossip like a wild
fire, by tomorrow, this little tryst would be broadcasted throughout the
precinct and the morgue. Perhaps it would be on the 6:00 news. But suddenly,
she didn't care. Nick was here with her and nothing else mattered.

She met Grace's mischievious grin with one of her own. "Yeah, you know Nick.
Always the thorough detective! He needed to brush up on his investigative
skills." She poked him playfully in the ribs and winked at him, then picking
up her pink bathrobe, she walked around a startled Grace into the hall .
"You guys coming or not?" she called to them as she sauntered to the living
room.

****************************

Natalie sat on her sofa, drinking her second cup of coffee. Thank goodness
for caffeine! She knew it was only a temporary solution, but she didn't want
to yield to dreamland anytime soon. No more Bedtime for Bonzo for her!

As she rested on the couch next to Nick, he and Grace provided her with an
update to all the recent events-Roger Jameson's escape, the virtual reality
game theft and Ernie Vance's murder at Sam's Video. And while all this was
happening, she was being raped by that monster in the game. Oh God, she'd
been raped, abused and taunted. It was horrible; it was nightmarish. She
wanted to put it out of her mind, to forget the gruesome images. She
couldn't think about it now; she just couldn't!

The worse thing was she'd never recognized the attacker. With every game
they'd played, and there had been several, he'd shielded his face,
preventing any possible ID from her to the police. She shivered at the
memories.

Nick noticed her sudden tremors. Concerned, he reached over and touched her
shoulder. "Nat, are you cold? Do you need a blanket?"

"No, Nick. I'm fine." She gave him a faint smile.

>From the time they'd parked themselves in the living room to the present,
Nick had been fussing over her like a mother hen, getting her coffee, a
pillow, slippers. As special treatment from him didn't come along very
often, she was taking advantage of it, soaking it up like a sponge. "A
moment ago, I was thinking about my nightmarish dream. Because it was so
terrible, I had a sudden chill," she explained.

>From the chair next to Natalie, Grace reached over to pat her hand. "I'm
sorry, honey. It must have been awful." She paused, then asked, "Do you
think this nightmare you had went beyond a dream?"

"What do you mean by that, Grace?" She eyed her friend suspiciously.

"You know what I mean. You aren't fooling me, Natalie with that
I-don't-know-what-you-are-talking-about tone of voice. I know about the
game, the virtual reality game. Sam told me all about it. So was someone
playing it with you?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.

Natalie sighed and looked at Nick, then Grace. "Yes, someone was playing the
game with me."

"How do you know for sure, Nat?" Nick asked, grabbing her hand in his. An
uneasiness was settling on his mind. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear
anymore.

"Because the guy, my attacker, told me he was playing the game. He knew all
about it!"

"Could you identify this person, Nat?" he questioned.

Natalie shook her head. "No, somehow, he was able to masquerade his
identity. His voice and face were distorted."

"How do you know it was a guy, honey?" Grace asked innocently.

Natalie cast her eyes down to her lap. Damn! Why did Grace have to be so
thorough with her questions! "I just know!" she voiced, her jaw clenching.

"If he were able to disguise himself so well, the guy could have been a
woman," Grace stated.

"I know this person was a man because....." Natalie's hand gripped Nick's in
a vise-like hold as she met Grace's curious eyes with her shameful ones.
"Because.....he raped me!"

For a brief moment, there was a startled silence as the weigh of Natalie's
words sunk in. Nick was the first to speak.

"I'll kill him." His voice seethed with anger.

Looking over at his face, Natalie's breath caught in her throat. His eyes
were glowing amber with flashes of red. With her elbow, she jabbed him in
his side to get his attention. When he gazed at her again, his eyes were
returning to blue.

She gave him a look like you'll-do-no-such-thing. "Nick, calm down. I know I
went through an ordeal, but killing this guy isn't the right and just way to
approach this problem. You and Tracy need to catch this criminal and put him
behind bars. Let the Judicial System take care of him."

Grace sighed. "How can you say that Natalie after what this guy has done to
you? The rape probably isn't even admissible in a court of law. Do you think
the judge is going to allow a virtual reality game to become part of the
evidence? If so, how will proof be shown to the jury? Is there a recorded
tape which can be played back showing the rape?"

"No, there isn't, thank goodness. But the perp can be indicted for Ernie's
murder. There's plenty of solid evidence to put him behind bars for life,
right Nick?" she asked, looking at his distant expression.

Nick was still trying to adjust to the fact Natalie had been raped. Even
though it was virtual reality, and technically it hadn't happened, in Nat's
mind, it had. Someone had touched her, put his filthy grimy hands on her
body. It sent another wave of rage through him, just thinking about someone
hurting her in this fashion.

All at once, he felt another jab in his side. Regarding her, he acknowledged
in a quiet tone, "Yes, I suppose there is sufficient evidence."

Grace shook her head again. "Well.... even though in this case, the perp was
playing mind games, if it were me, I'd want to see the guy suffer as much as
I did."

"No, you wouldn't, Grace. Revenge isn't the answer. It doesn't ever change
what has already happened." she said, exchanging a meaningful look with
Nick. He squeezed her hand in understanding. He wouldn't kill the guy unless
he was forced to. But, given the chance....

"I suppose you're right, Natalie. Vengeance isn't always what it's cracked
up to be," Grace admitted, then she regarded Nick. "I guess, based on Roger
Jameson's past exploits with Natalie, he's your prime suspect, Detective?"

"He seems to have the motive and means at the moment," Nick affirmed.

"Well...he isn't the only possibility." Natalie regarded both of them with
seriousness.

"Who else could it be, Nat?" asked Nick.

"Fred Martin," she said.

Natalie was met with two bewildered faces.

She regarded them and sighed. "About two weeks ago, I was in the Video
store. Sam wasn't there and Ernie and his friend, Fred Martin were. They
were at the counter, talking while I was perusing the tapes and were keeping
their voices low. Every once in a while; however, I could hear what they
were saying."

"What were they discussing Nat?"

"Me." Natalie rubbed her fingers nervously over Nick's knuckles as she
spoke, "They were talking about me or I should say, Mr. Martin was
discussing me."

"What did he say about you, honey?" queried Grace.

"I believe his exact words were 'Dr. Lambert would probably be a great lay,
don't chu' think.' After which, Ernie grabbed Fred by the collar and
threatened him with bodily injury if he so much as laid one finger on me. At
the time, I was flattered by Ernie's magnanimous gesture, and after Mr.
Martin left, I told him I was grateful."

Nick sighed with regret, draping his arm around Natalie's shoulder in a
protective way. "I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping he'd never laid eyes
on you."

"So where do we go from here, Nick?" Natalie inquired.

Nick glanced at his watch. It was four in the morning. He needed to pick up
Tracy. But he didn't want to leave Nat at her apartment. He turned to face
her and took both her hands in his. "Nat, I gotta meet Tracy at Sam's, but I
would feel better if you came along and stayed at the loft with me where I
could offer you more protection, at least, in the real world."

"But...Nick. I'm safe here. The police are right outside." Natalie began to
argue.

"Honey, Nick is right. You should go with him. If that perp wants to get to
you, those officers aren't necessarily going to stop him. Besides Schanke
told me once, Nick's place is like a fortress; it's difficult to
infiltrate."

"Well....." Natalie regarded her friend, then Nick. "I can't fight you both,
so I'll pack a few things and be with you in a sec." She got up and started
to walk towards her bedroom.

"And while you're packing, Natalie, don't forget that birthday present in
your top right hand drawer." Grace advised in a teasing manner.

Natalie turned around, meeting her gleaming look with mortification. If her
face could have turned any redder, she would have looked like a beet. "I'll
pack some essentials for this trip, but not that one. Okay, Grace!"

"Okay...I was only making a suggestion. Besides, I thought that item was an
essential." Grace regarded Natalie, then Nick as she winked."

"Grace, there is a killer on the loose and you're giving me wardrobe tips,"
she said with exasperation.

"Or maybe you could say, lack of a wardrobe." Grace chuckled.

"Oh, brother!" Natalie exclaimed, then turning away from them, she strode
into her bedroom.

****************************
Games Strangers Play
By: Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com
Chapter 5/10
****************************

After emerging from the elevator into the loft, Natalie stood there for a
long moment with a faraway look on her face while Nick moved past her with
her suitcase and some groceries, depositing them on the sofa and kitchen
counter, respectively. Turning away from the kitchen, he studied Natalie's
distant look with concern. Since leaving the apartment, she'd become less
talkative, more aloof. There were underlying tempestuous emotions brewing
under the surface of that remoteness; he just knew it. He could feel it; he
could sense it. And he knew he needed to break through her emotional barrier
soon before she retreated further into a shell.

Nick wasn't sure when Natalie's turbulent state of mind had unfolded. When
they'd left the apartment to pick up Tracy, she'd seemed calm and focused.
It was on the way back to the precinct that the change had materialized.
During the ride, she'd become very quiet. Tracy had filled them in about
Roger's appearance at the Video store. There hadn't been much more to
divulge about him. He'd shown up at the shop about fifteen minutes after
Nick's departure and about two hours before Mr. Vance's murder. Like any
customer, Roger had strolled up and down the aisles, glancing at videos,
occasionally looking over at Sam and smiling, never saying a word. After
about ten minutes, he'd left.

It wasn't until Tracy mentioned Roger's attire-a black turtleneck and
pants-that Natalie's mood had really taken a turn for the worse. All of a
sudden, Nick had heard a sharp intake of breath next to him, and glancing
over, noted the wariness and agitation in her eyes which were brimming with
fresh tears. When pressed gently by him, Nat had steeled herself against her
inner turmoil enough to tell them, "It was nothing." Afterwards, she'd
turned her tear-filled eyes away from them, looking out the window the
remainder of the trip. The gesture had said plenty. She didn't want to
discuss it anymore. Sighing with frustration at Natalie's steel resolve,
Nick had continued to drive to the precinct in silence.

When they'd arrived at the police station, Natalie's chaotic state of mind
hadn't improved much. She'd insisted on waiting by the exit for them, on the
outskirts of the bullpin as if she didn't want anyone to see her. In order
to avoid a confrontation, Nick had agreed, leaving her briefly by the door
to go to his desk.

Once there, and out of Natalie's earshot, he'd turned to Tracy and explained
about his, Grace and Natalie's discussion at her apartment, providing
details about someone playing the game with Nat and her run in with Fred
Martin at the video store two weeks ago.

After hearing about Natalie's virtual reality ordeal, Tracy could understand
the bizarre mood swings. And as far as Natalie's encounter with Fred Martin
was concerned, Tracy had replied with regret. "I thought he might be the
less likely culprit of the two. Now, knowing what we know about Natalie's
unexpected meeting with Mr. Martin, he could be our perp. He seemed to want
her in the worst way and what better way than in the game."

Tracy had glanced up at Nick in time to see his body flinch at her words.
Swiftly, she'd changed tactics and suggested. "Why don't I give his
roommates a call, and inquire about this guy's hangouts. Maybe, we'll have
some luck and find him at one of them."

After agreeing to this strategy, they'd gathered up their lead lists on
Roger Jameson from their desks, planning to work on them during the day and
promising to be in touch if there were any new developments in the case.
They had then departed.

Once in the Caddy again, the ride to the loft was met with more unspoken
words as turbulent emotions had coursed through both Nick and Natalie; his
from a sense of helplessness to break the barrier, hers from the
aftereffects of the terrifying game. They'd stopped briefly at the grocery
store to pick up some food, coffee and No Doz for Nat, then driven to the
loft.

Now, with mounting anxiety, Nick remained frozen like a statue against the
kitchen counter, watching her distant, troubled face. He knew that the game
was the root of the problem, and that she needed to talk about it. But how?
How could he get her to open up about it? How could he break through that
disturbed visage?

Moving away from the kitchen, he approached her with care and asked in a
voice filled with gentleness, "Nat, do you want to talk? I'm here if you
want to."

He was met with silence, her immobile face staring at the wall in front of
her as he continued walking towards her, talking in a soft voice. "I want to
help you, Nat, but you need to tell me what's bothering you."

He was again met with complete muteness as she still gazed at the stark
white wall. He was now inches from her, talking in the same soothing tone.
"Do you want to talk about what happened in the game?" He reached over and
touched her shoulder as he spoke the last word.

At his gentle touch and words, suddenly it was like a typhoon had crashed
down on her. Waves of terrifying memories from the game consumed her. She
began to shake uncontrollably as emotions roiled to the surface. Her chest
heaved once, then a sharp anguished cry escaped from her lips as the tears
rushed from her eyes like a broken dam. God! The pain was unbearable. How
was she ever going to endure this agony?

Nick saw the abrupt transformation in her face before she crumbled. With
adroit swiftness, he gathered her up in a tight embrace, feeling the tremors
flow through her body as her cries echoed through the quiet loft, coming in
deep, aching spasms upon his chest. For a long time, she remained cradled in
his arms, his face buried in her hair as the tears continued to rush down
her face onto his blue shirt. His heart ached for her as he attempted to
console her with whispered, endearing words of love and encouragement,
running his hands through her hair.

Finally, her cries turned to soft whimpers as she began to calm down. With
an immense slowness, she moved away from Nick's tear-stained shirt,
regarding him through blurry eyes. What she saw in those eyes took her
breath away. Total devotion. Total faultlessness. Total love. His reverent
expression worked like a balm over her broken, shattered soul as her
breathing returned to normal.

Finding her voice, she said, "I guess I kind of lost it there. I can't
remember the last time I cried like that. Geez, maybe never." She reached
into her pocket, and retrieving a tissue, blew her nose. "I'm sorry Nick. I
didn't mean to alarm you. It's just that...it's just that...." She couldn't
finish as her voice broke.

Nick tightened his arms around her, bringing her head to his chest and
pressing her closer. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Nat. You've done
nothing wrong." His fingers moved lightly through her hair, stroking the
thick waves, trying to calm her tattered state.

It felt so good to be in his strong, capable arms; his fingers entangled in
her hair; his soft, comforting words embracing her mind and soothing her
soul. Natalie wanted to remain like this forever. Gradually, she looked up
into his concerned blue eyes and spoke, "I keep telling myself I've done
nothing wrong; that the perp was responsible for how this virtual reality
game was played out. But, a part of me feels that if I'd never laid eyes on
the game, this never would have happened. Ernie Vance would still be alive
and I wouldn't have been......raped!" On the last word, her voice cracked as
the sobs welled up inside of her, sending her into another crying jag.

Nick continued to hold her in a close embrace, entwining his fingers through
her hair while he whispered into her ear. "sssh, Nat. It's okay. Don't blame
yourself for what happened. It's not your fault. Whoever this guy is made
the choices to murder Ernie Vance and hurt you. Not you!"

As she stood there in Nick's arms, listening to his words sink into her
mind, she knew he was right. It wasn't her fault. And that knowledge
provided her some sense of comfort as the tears subsided again. She removed
another kleenex from her pocket, and wiped her nose. "Yes, I know you're
right, Nick." Natalie sighed, averting her eyes from him as she studied the
buttons on his blue shirt; then with some reluctance, she admitted, "I guess
I don't feel very good about myself, so self-reproach is coming easily to me
at the moment."

Nick lifted her chin with his hand, forcing her to meet his stern gaze.
"There is nothing you should be ashamed of Natalie."

She brushed his hand away from her fa