CHAPTER 11 Monday, October 24, 1994 Put Your Sweet Lips aLittle Closer to the Phone By Elizabeth A. Scroggs Betsy walked into the back room at the Raven, to see a considerable group. She didn't recognize any of them except Janette, who approached her. "Ah, Betsy. No time for greetings, did you make the call?" "Um, not yet, I just got here, I..." "Well, what are you waiting for? I have you people around to make my job easier! Go, go! When you're done, you and the others can go shopping, it will be day soon." She dropped her cigarrette and stared at Betsy until Betsy picked it up for her. When Betsy started walking to her office, Janette stopped her. "No, go to the pay phone outside." Five minutes later, Sandra Gray's house *Ring, ring!* "What time is it? Four-thirty! Who on earth would... Hello?" The operator's nasal tone grated on the other end, "I have a collect call for Sandra Gray from a," the phone clicked over to a familiar voice, "Nick Knight. Will you accept the charges?" "Nick!" she looked over at her sleeping husband, and hushed her voice, "Of course I will!" Sandra didn't even stop to wonder why Nick would call collect. "Nick, what is it?" "I need your help" "What? What can I do?" There was a muffled sound, and then, "...here, in Toronto" By then Sandra was fully awake. "You want me to come there? Why?" Then there was a whirr and a click, and some muffled giggling. "I'm sorry Sandra, dear," a new, female voice said, "I don't have any more on the tape, I had to make it in quite a hurry. The Ravenettes just wanted to send you a wake up call. If you want to get reimbursed for this collect call, you'll have to come to Toronto to get it. You might want to come anyway, Nick's going to need all the protection he can get." "Why you..." Sandra didn't bother keeping her voice down, she was furious. "Oh, and another thing, Sandra," Betsy continued, "I dialed zero to make this call." Sandra dropped the phone and gasped. The horror! She came to her senses and picked up the phone just in time to hear the *click* on the other end. Getting There is Only Half the Fun By Lorelei Feldman Lorelei finally arrived, and got everything up to the hotel rooms where the Ravens and Ravenettes were staying. Very impressive! *Definitely chose the right affiliation! Class and style; Jeanette does things right!* She plopped down on the bed, exhausted, and wondered if there were time to take a brief rest before anything happened. She couldn't wait to meet the others, and find out how everything was going. She thought she'd made a good start, herself. Being rather new to the list and the war, she'd been uncertain of anyone's weaknesses. Still, there had to be something she could do, something that would be annoying to anyone. And it had to be done quickly, since she'd only had a few hours between getting the ticket and the time her plane left. Then, she'd thought of it. Grinning wickedly, she'd gotten the Knightie Perri's address and picked up the Yellow Pages. Quickly, she'd called up every annoying mail-marketing service: lingerie, obscene T-shirts, gadgets-you've-probably-seen-on-TV-and-didn't-want-them - then, cutesy little country-style home decorations, all of them. She'd added Perri to their lists; immediate delivery of current issues, and lifetime subscriptions therafter. Just for extra measure, she'd called AmEx and Citibank as well, and requested applications on Perri's behalf. Laughing maniacally, she'd headed for the airport. While at the airport, a thought had occurred to her, and she'd called up MCI to say she knew someone who would just love to join.... Night flights were always the best, when the cities spread out underneath you like huge, lit-up circuitry boards, and you could see all the stars you never could from the ground. Unfortunately, Lorelei never got to apreciate much of it this time. That last one kept her giggling all the way to Toronto. *** Sitting on the hotel bed, Lorelei suddenly realised that her little joke might go completely unrecognized as such; surely everyone got these annoying little things at some time or another, so what was there to connect this with the war? After all, it was hardly fun if they didn't know it was happening. Thinking quickly, she called back the mailing lists she'd notified and asked if she could make those "gift subscriptions". It might take a little longer, but then again, getting those little "notification cards" in the mail before the actual magazines might just prolong the torture, and it would make it much more difficult for the poor Knightie to cancel them. Although, the service desks did sound a little confused when she told them the gift- giver was "Ravenette". Cousin Caile Relates Her (Mis)Adventures By Caile Donachaidh Kane Well, I must say I was mightily annoyed last night when, as I sat in my dorm room fuming over my breakup with my boyfriend and working on the presentation for French class that had to be delivered at nine am the next morning, two burly men in ski masks opened my door, knocked me over the head, and carried me off. I struggled valiantly, but it's terribly hard to sink your teeth in someone's neck while your hands are being bound behind your back. I was also gagged - not, as the one "gentleman" explained to me, to keep me from yelling, but to get me to stop biting. I believe he was somewhat peeved over the near loss of his thumb. I was toted down the back stairs then, and stuffed into the back of a rather cramped mini-wagon. In the next few hours, during a long car ride in which I was allowed only *one* cigarette (the fiends!) I learned that the ends of their vile mission was to strip me naked, make unflattering jokes about my (lack of) tan lines, and at the last, disguised as garbage men, dump me unceremoniously into a New York Port Authority dumpster. I reiterate - MIGHTILY annoyed. After about an hour, I managed to chew through the gag (always knew that $6000 in orthodontistry would come in handy) and started screaming my head off. A passer-by heard my cries, and alerted the police. So, at about seven o'clock, I was fished out of the dumpster by two of New York's finest. My first words to them were "GIVE ME A CIGARETTE AND SOME CLOTHES, NOW! PLEASE!" So then, clad in only a wool rescue blanket and a NYPD jacket, I was transported uptown to HQ. All the way, I puffed madly on the Camel Non-filters I bummed from the one cop and muttered to myself about this bloody war, and boy was Uncle gonna be *very* p***ed, and damned Ravenettes have all the nerve, don't they... until I succeeded in confusing and frightening those two poor cops beyond belief. The fact that I smelled like something fished out of a NYC dumpster (which in fact I had, but so what? `Twasn't *my* fault) was not helping matters. After we arrived, I was able to take a shower and get into some "Property of NYPD" sweats, and then I was escorted in to meet the captain. As I walked in the door, I noted a box bearing the pink & orange logo of "Dunkin Donuts" on the desk and thought . He stood up, brushing crumbs from his exceptionally loud tie and extended his hand in warm welcome. Actually, he shook my arm off while saying "Just how da frig didja end up in dat dumpsta?!" "Sir," I said semi-calmly, while eyeing the carton of Marlboro 100's on his shelf, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." "Siddown, and tell me anyway." He gestured to the chair next to me. "You want somethin'? A drink? A smoke?" I sat down in the chair, and asked "Could I have a pack of cigarettes, please?" He gave me one, and a book of matches. I packed them frantically and lit one. "Now give," said the captain. "Well you see, there's kind of a war going on, amongst some friends on the Internet..." "Internet? Izzat dat computer s**t?" "Yes, sir. Well anyway, it was supposed to be just a friendly little thing, nothing more than playing practical jokes, you see, but someone, and I think I know who, has gotten a little more serious than playing." I carefully kept my mouth shut about the supernatural aspects of the war. "I see. And the boys who brought ya in - said you made mention of an Uncle of yours? And what's your name? Are ya from New Yawk? I figger you ain't got any ID, since ya were found without clothes, but... is there someone ya can call?" My thoughts raced. My family is staying out of this. What should I tell this meathead? "My name is Caile Donachaidh Kane. I live in upstate New York, and I am a student at Alfred University in Alfred, New York. I would like to call my Uncle, who lives in Toronto. Reversed charges, of course." He nodded stupidly. "O' course, ya can use this phone right here. I'll leave ya to your call, and then we can see `bout gettin' ya back home." He then left, and I pounced on the phone. I had committed the number to memory as soon as I had recieved it only days before. Cousin John had sent it on to me in an e-mail detailing the war plans. The phone rang close to ten times before I heard Uncle's voice say "This had best be important..." "Uncle??" I said. "I need help." "Caile?" His tone of voice switched from impatience to almost a purr. "What's the matter?" "The Ravenettes had me kidnapped, and thrown naked into a New York City dumpster." When dealing with Uncle, it was best to avoid lengthy explanations. I heard the smashing of glass in the background and a guttural curse that sounded something like "Damned Janette." Then Uncle came back on the line and said to me: "Everything will be fine, chere. I will wire you some money, so you can buy some clothes, and a ticket back to school. Where are you now?" "The police station. NYPD headquarters." "Ah, good. You know Nicolas and I are cooperating in this war; I will have him call the captain and make arrangements for your return." He paused. "On second thought, however,it may be best to stay away from school for a time, until all of this is over. Would you like to stay with me, for a while? I could buy your A's for the semester if you like. Besides, I could use your computer skills." My heart skipped a beat. An invitation from Uncle? Extended to a novice like myself? Oh, it was too good to be true! "Yes, Uncle, I would love to. But... I haven't any clothes! Or anything! Everything is at school!" He chuckled. "Just have Saks bill `Monsieur Lacroix'. They know where to send it. I'll fax you a letter stating that you are my niece, and that they should accomodate your every desire. Also, I will wire you the money for your ticket. And now, chere, I must call Nicolas, and then, I really must get back to sleep. Au revoir, and I will see you tonight." He broke the connection. Within the next few hours, I recieved a wire for $1500 dollars which caused the police captian's eyes to bulge out in the most vulgar manner. I also recieved a quasi- comforting telephone call from Nick, who intimidated the police captain in such a way that it made me wonder if vampires could hypnotise over the telephone. The fax from Uncle also arrived, which I used at Saks with smashing results. And then, in a wholly satisfying action, I used the leftover plane ticket money to buy several cartons of cigarettes. *** I sit writing this on Uncle's pc. He's out hunting, er... *having* dinner right now. I expect him back any moment. Ahhh. The Ravenettes have congregated only blocks away. The war has begun. Revenge is a b****, and so are angry Cousins. Sleep tight, kids. On to Toronto By Jill Bradley Jill paused as she riffled through her mail. YES! The ticket had arrived from Janette! She admired the envelope with its Raven logo in place of a return address, then began to plan frantically. The flight was in less than two hours-- Janette could have warned her, she thought grimly. Oh well, it was time to see how organized she really was. *** As the lights of Phoenix dropped away below her, Jill leaned back and drew a deep breath. She had been quite the gypsy in her youth, but it was certainly different now, with a child and two giant dogs to care for. Lucky for her, one of her potential converts was willing to stay with the troop. It was a good chance to watch all the Forever Knight videos in Jill's library. Jill smiled happily. Not only was she actually on her way to the city of the Raven, but it was almost certain she would have Alicia converted by her return. She closed her eyes, trying to rest, secure in the knowledge that she would have little rest once she arrived in Toronto. Janette would not admit it, but she would be pleased by the Ravenettes rallying to her side. Cat-Astrophe Overtakes Lisa By Lisa McDavid "No." Lisa McDavid spoke with complete calm. Too much calm, in fact. An uninformed listener might have been pardoned for supposing that the alleged Ceclor in her purse was mislabelled Thorazine. Karin, however, was not uninformed. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Lisa, I'm not asking you for the moon, just tell Larry we need him. I'm not even asking you to know why." "You've lost Susan, of course. Yes, I heard about that. Alma thought it was hilarious. They've got a pool going at the Raven, you know, on just how long it will take the Enforcers to drain you and Jennise once Dorian finds out. I believe they're timing the bets in nanoseconds." Lisa's chair creaked as she leaned back. "I'm not in it, you understand. Miklos wouldn't take a bet of less than zero." "How nice to hear you have confidence in us! Look, Lisa, what do you think's going to happen once Dorian starts personally tracing Susan?" "I hope we'll find out Susan didn't learn to shoot from the Toms River cops. Or do you happen to have a spare copier?" "Dorian'll start hauling in Susan's beta readers, that's what," snapped Karin. "And you're the only one who's been neutral so far. Even Alexandra could figure out that means you're the one she's most likely to run to. So you'd better get hold of Larry and get him started tracing her credit cards." Lisa laughed. It was not a pleasant sound. "Larry who?" "Never mind the insanity plea," Karin said. "Or have you forgotten saying blood's thicker than water?" "That was our mother. What I said was that Larry's head is thicker than Mount Rushmore. I don't know where little brother is. Somewhere sunny, I hope, preferrably getting a good tan. I told him I was through bailing him out after last time, and I meant it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I just found someone on Autocat who can read 16th century Bulgarian ...." "Lisa, Lisa, I hoped we wouldn't have to do this. I really did." Jennise's voice replaced Karin's. "Have you counted your cats lately?" "You, you -- even LaCroix wouldn't be that fiendish!" Lisa's veneer of sophistication vanished. Jennise had clearly graduated with honors from the LaCroix school of phone manners. "Why, thank you! We do try." "All right. I'll do anything. Including finding Larry." Karin resumed the phone. "I was sure you'd see reason!" "What I'm seeing is red. Ok, I'll be up there as soon as I can get a flight to Newark. If you're going to hold my cats hostage, you hold me with them." Hostage Situation By Karin Welss At Susan Garrett's apartment in Tom's River, NJ "A---choooo!" Karin winced for the twelfth or thirteenth time as Lisa Merlin McDavid sneezed pitifully into a lace-embroidered hankie. New Jersey, it seemed had brought little relief from the allergies that had plagued Larry Merlin's sister in South Carolina. Somewhere in the depths of the dim, book-lined apartment, one of Lisa's cat yowled and hissed furiously, followed almost immediately by the shrill yapping of Diego. Jennise looked up from her comic book at the sound. "Score another one for the cat. When will that dog ever learn?" Karin shrugged. Lisa sneezed again. Jennise looked longingly at the telephone, waiting for Larry to call with the information about Susan's credit cards. It was their only hope of tracing down the errant writer before Dorian discovered that she had vanished, presumably to evade her Interview. Why had Susan run? Now all of their carefully- laid plans might come to naught... Two hours until sunset. "Mrou!" Another annoyed squall from the cat. Diego whimpered, and let loose with another volley of yaps. "A--choo!!" Lisa was still at it. Two hours until sunset. And Dorian's feckless assistants were neatly trapped in the apartment with Lisa, her cats, and Susan Garrett's dog until then. Who, then, were the hostages? Beating The Bear By Perri Smith Perri struggled through the gate of her apartment house, carring more books than anyone should be allowed to read. She dropped them in a heap at her door, before skirting the swimming pool to check her mail. She opened the little door - and had to move fast to catch the mountain of postcards that poured out. "What the ...?" she asked quietly. "I never get this much snail mail?" She leaned against the wall and leafed through them. "You have been given a gift of a subscription to Frederick's of Hollywood? Cool! You have been given a gift of...Sledge-o- matic? Country Living? Wha-at?" She checked the name - from Ravenette. It took about three seconds to figure things out. "Damn, I *knew* that Ravenette at Berkeley was going to be hacked off! What'd she do, subscribe me to one catalog for every point we beat them by? Well, there's enough of them!" Perri forgot to keep her voice down and got a hard stare from her landlady. She smiled back innocently, before carting the postcards back to her room. A half-an-hour and three phone calls from MCI later, Perri decided she had had enough! She put on her jacket and headed back to campus and the computer lab. talk tmp_harkins@dirac.physics.jmu.edu All right, Sandra, now I'm mad. One of those Ravenette's has apparently subscribed me to every catalog known to man - including those late-night gadget catalogues and a particularly loathsome T-shirt catalog. And American Express is after me - again. "Well, you were the one who wanted in," Sandra typed back. You haven't heard the worst of it. She called MCI and told them I wanted to join "Friends and Family." They won't leave me alone! "What can I do to help?" Nothing, as far as that Berkeley Ravenette, what's-her-name, Lorelei is concerned. I already took care of her. "What'd you do?" I telnetted into her account (and let me tell you, it's a good thing I know computer science students here, breaking in without her password was a pain) and I susbscribed her to every mailing list I could find - I think there were about two hundred. If she's in Toronto with the rest of the Ravenettes, her sysadmin will shut down her account about the time it hits 2Meg over her disk space - should be by tomorrow afternoon. Sooner if the Duchovniks and those crazies on Lois and Clark are up to their usual tricks. "I think that qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment." She started it. This is getting out of control fast. We'd better let Nick know what's going on - and I guess we'd better tell LaCroix. We've got to put a leash on Janette's flunkies before they do something worse than renewing my subscription to Victoria's Secret. "I've already been in contact with the other Knighties. Don't worry, we've got plans of our own beginning." Good. Perri logged off, and sat back in her chair, stretching. It was going to take a month to pay off those computer science guys in beer and pizza, but it was worth it! Makin' a Meal By Tara "LJC" O'Shea LJC dropped her bag in the entryway of the suite, picking up a small folded note from atop the bar. LJC, We're meeting at the Raven. Dress accordingly. - Angel. She sighed, looking down at her airplane clothes. Black ribbed streach pants, low boots, longsleeved, scooped neck shirt, and green crepe tailored jacket would have to do, it wasn't as if she had brought a cocktail dress, but it was plain and dark and classy enough, she decided, wondering if she should remove he silver pentangle that she had worn so long she had almost forgotten it was there. It wasn't as if it was actually a cricifix or anything, though the meaning was much the same. And one mustn't be rude to one's hosts, LJC decided as she dropped the sparkling chain and talisman into a little cardboard box which then was dropped into her purse. She slipped her trenchcoat back on, and the fedora, and caught a glimpse of herself reflected in the windows that faced the night. The tiny smiley-face button seemed absurd, but the whimsyical little button, and the dark connatations it held thanks to a certain book, amused her enough to leave it pinned to her lapel. Locking the door behind her, she headed down the hall, he mind already on the war ahead of her, and if anyone were following her, she certainly didn't notice. The Raven - No decent hour They were already assembled at a table, chatting amongst themselves. Tara hadn't met the newbies, and introduced herself with a smile and firm handshakes. Alma pressed a drink into her hand with a brittle smile. "Hallo, darling. So nice to see you again." LJC raised the sea breeze in a toast, but the vampire simply smiled, showing her teeth, and faded back into the throng. Guessing, correctly, that the young woman with the purple streak was Angel, LJC sat down, making herself comfortable as Angel filled her in. "You looking forward to it?" Angel smiled, her eyes alight with mischief. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." LJC clinked glasses with her, and took a long sip. A Newbie Flies to Toronto By Karen Knight Karen knew she was late, but the fog in New Orleans had delayed the flight. She checked her bag and felt the reassuring courseness of the package within - a little something she picked up from a friend in the Quarter. You never know when something like *that* may come in handy, especially during a rescue. Karen follwed Angel's directions and walked into the Raven. She loved the decor. Angel introduced her to everyone, including Jeannette. Karen was impressed. There was time to play before her assignment started so she took a drink from Alma and sauntered over to talk with the men in black. Flocking to the Fray By Susan Garrett Janette stifled a yawn and glanced at the front doors to The Raven--the sun had barely set and it would be another hour or so before the club `officially' opened. Of course, there were a few scattered `regulars,' who were allowed in before anyone else, and those few souls to which she'd given sanctuary. Alma passed her, carrying a tray of drinks. Janette nodded her head toward the back room. "Are they all here?" "Most of `em," announced Alma, heading in that direction. She hesitated, gum snapping. "I'm keeping them happy, like you said. Are we going to wait for the others?" "No. I probably should take care of this now, before trade starts." Stifling another yawn, Janette followed Alma out of the main area of the bar and into the back room. It was difficult trafficking with mortals--the hours they kept were positively indecent. She didn't know how Nicola managed to put up with it. They were gathered around the table, conversation drawing to a respectful hush and then silence as she swept into the room, the left side of her dress, which was longer than the right, trailing just on the floor behind her. Janette passed by Angel and touched the streaks of violet in her hair. "Clever," she noted. "I quite like that." Moon, beside her, was wearing long sleeves and a bulky sweater. "This Antarctica," she whispered, leaning in beside the mortal and startling her. "Talk to Alma-- she'll find you something more appropriate." A glance and raised eyebrow at Alma and the blond vampiress quietly finished setting out the drinks, then headed out of the room. She smiled warmly at Betsy and made a mental note to avoid speedboats during this entanglement. Jill, the girl beside Betsy, returned her gaze nervously. On the other side of the table sat Risha, mischief gleaming in her eyes. Lorelei was beside her--Janette made a mental note to have Francis give her some of the research items Angel had mentioned that she might need. Robert, the only man in the group, sat on Lorelei's other side. He looked exhausted from his long flight, but his excitement was unmistakeable. Janette stood at the head of the table and picked up the wine glass Alma had left for her. "Alma says the others should arrive soon, we'll update them when they do. But for now, Angel--how are the negotiations proceeding?" Angel cleared her throat. "Um . . . fine. I've contacted--" "Careful!" warned Janette, holding up her hand. "Remember the last time--I don't believe anyone's infiltrated my club yet, there's no reason why they should this time, but it's best not to take any chances." "Well, then, I've made contact." Angel shrugged. "They're open to suggestions." "As usual." Janette sighed. "Well, my pets, we should have an interesting `war' ahead of us. I can't think where Nicola's mind has gone and as for LaCroix--well, he'll do what he wants, when he wants, and it's better for us to just stay out of his way, yes? But as for their followers . . . you've all been given your assignments. Nothing excessive. Remember," she met Risha's eyes in a steady glare and cleared her throat, "we have an agenda that must be followed if everything's to go as planned, a week from tonight. Be clever, be coy, be cruel . . . only if you , but do as I ask and all will go well for us. I trust of you," her gaze pierced them one by one, "to do your best. You've got a stake in this as well, this time." They were all so very solemn . . . and some--the brighter ones--were a little fearful. Janette lifted her glass to her lips as she watched them, then gestured with it toward the bar outside. "Stay, if you'd like, for a while. But I'll expect you to attend to your `projects' as soon as possible. Everything and everyone be in place within a week or- -" "Or?" asked Jill, when Janette paused and drank from her glass again. "Or we won't ." She shook her head. "That silly Cousin thought she'd bested me, pretending to join my followers, but staying loyal to LaCroix all the while. She thinks she started this war. But we know better, yes? The right word in the right ear is all it takes." Janette gestured toward the door. "So, go. If you need anything, see Alma. Angel will continue to pass along my instructions. Angel? A moment, please?" Janette moved off to the corner and waited for Angel to join her. She gestured over her shoulder. "Keep an eye on them--I can't afford to lose any this time. And with some of them so new . . . they'll try to prove themselves. They may get into trouble." "Speaking of trouble--" Angel glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice. "What about Susan? Did Nick and LaCroix go after her? Are we going to rescue her? Because if we are, we should--" Janette cleared her throat. "Susan . . . will be taken care of. Right now, you really should be more concerned about what I've asked you to do, shouldn't you?" "But . . . she's a Ravenette. She's one of ." "And she'll do what she's told, when she's told to do it. Just as you will." She patted Angel's shoulder. "Now, after you've sent off that note to my dear Goblin, you may run along and enjoy yourself. The hair is becoming- - you must tell me where you had it done. The boots on the other hand. . . well, it will be dark soon." Janette gestured toward the bar. "Go out there and mingle. Contact the others when they arrive and tell them what needs to be done." Angel hesitated, then nodded. "All right. And when I hear from--?" "You'll let me know." She continued smiling until Angel had left the room, then sat down on a chair and lifted her glass again. Mortals could be tiring. But useful. And as she finished off her first glass of the evening, Janette found herself smiling again, because batch of mortals might prove very useful indeed. At the Raven By Simone "Angel" Morgan Angel sat on her barstool, and looked around her. She had finally finished her errands for the evening, and had a chance to enjoy herself. Tara had arrived earlier, and they had discussed possible plans of action. She thought about the day ahead, trying to remember all of the things to be accomplished. She turned to Jill, who was sitting next to her. "I shouldn't be thinking about the war now. I should be relaxing. It's driving me crazy!" Risha, who was sitting on the other side of her commented, "How can you think about that at a time like this? Just look at all these men." Angel smiled as she surveyed the dance floor. The people back home were so boring compared to this crowd. There were enough guys in here to last her a year! And that's if she hurried! The sheer temptation of it was too much. She decided to run to the restrooms for a makeup check before dancing and mingling. The lighting in the Raven was perfect. Her hair seemed to glow purple under them. And there were just the right number of blacklights. Too many, and her off-white facial makeup tended to look streaky. Her lipstick and eyeliner were a bit smudged. It was a good thing she had come in here. The dark plum red lipstick set off her light features perfectly. And her outfit looked so *black*. Back home, she could never seem to get rid of all the animal fuzzies on her clothes. Her bustier top needed some adjusting. She loved how the velvet skirt looked with her stockings and new boots. She couldn't believe Janette didn't like her boots. They were mid-calf length with silver skull buckles and three inch stiletto heels. She adored them! As she left the restrooms, she felt the driving need to dance. But Janette caught her eye and waved her over. "Angel, this is my darling Jeff." she said, stroking his neck lightly. Jeff grabbed her hand and kissed her fingertips lightly. "It's a pleasure..." Janette cleared her throat, and continued in an annoyed tone. "Could you update him on what he's missed and give him an assignment?" Angel sighed, "Of course, that's what I'm here for." *Well, it could be worse, at least he's charming company.* She grabbed Jeff's hand, and led him to a semi-quiet table. "Okay, here's what's happened since I wrote you last..." Twenty minutes later, Francis came to their table, interrupting an enthusiastic conversation on whether Sisters of Mercy could stay together long enough to get out a new album. Angel noticed the vampire's approach. "I've come for the monsieur's auto keys." Jeff started to protest. "It's okay, Jeff, they're going to put it into Janette's garage, where it'll be safe. You can hitch a ride back to the hotel with us girls. Um, Francis, could you have Jeff's things put into the back rooms?" With a nod, Francis grabbed the car keys and walked away. Angel turned back to Jeff, smiling. "Well then, where were we? Oh yes, music." As she babbled, Jeff reflected that she was paler than some of the vampires in the club. "Hey, you're coming by tomorrow night, right?" He looked into her eyes, which were gleaming mischievously. Suddenly, he felt cautious, what was she up to? "Uh, yeah, that was my plan. Why?" He groaned inwardly when he saw her triumphant smile. "Janette says that Tuesday nights are kind of slow. She's letting me DJ for a couple of hours." Her excitement was contagous, and she had Jeff's full attention now. "So you're asking me if I'll help?" She laughed lightly at his question. "Something like that. I don't want to get bored in the DJ booth all by myself. You can help me pick a good gothic mix." Jeff smiled, "It would be a pleasure." Angel's leg brushed his thigh as she stood up. "I'll count on you then. I've got to go dance now. I love this song." She spun around and flew towards the dance floor to join Betsy and Karen. Jeff shook his head as he stood up and walked back to the bar. Now What? By Karen Knight Karen returned to her room and spied her luggage on the bed - she hadn't bothered to unpack before going to The Raven. She reluctantly decided to perform the tedious task. She had learned from Angel that she was to be some sort of bodyguard for Ravenette Risha. Karen needed more info. She began to unpack: Little (teeny tiny) black dress, spike heels, fishnets, "sensible shoe" (never knew when a disguise might come in handy), powerbook, portable printer, sword,sword?! Oops, wrong war. Oh well, it might come in handy. She put away the rest of her things then set up her computer. No new e-mail, surely the others hadn't gone to sleep yet! *** Later... Now she knew! Karen had been having trouble with her e- mail all weekend, pieces missing or not getting to her address, "undeliverable mail" messages. Someone, probably a Cousin, had gotten to the sysop and turned him. The others needed to know immediately! Karen took off down the hall. A Call to Arms By Dotti Rhodes I sat at my usual "away from the kids" spot - in front of the computer. With four kids it isn't easy to find a few minutes to get away to myself, but when I do it usually is the computer I run to. Soooo, another war was starting, eh? The last one I just lurked through, terribly interested but not really sure what to do. I hadn't even been sure what side I would have been on - although madly in love in Nick I had definite Ravenette leanings. Janette remindeds me of myself when I was young and single. But, as I had read through the war postings I found my leanings were definitely more towards Nick. He seemed to be the one in the most need of help anyway, I smiled to myself as I read the screens. "Okay, so I wanna be in this time and I'm definitely a Knightie but what do I do first?" I asked the screen and then my answer came in the next post. Sandra Gray was going to be coordinating the Knightie effort. I remembered contacting her once before regarding a story Sandra had written that I had really enjoyed, and we had agreed many times over the internet about Nick's character when Sandra could come up with the words I couldn't. "Good - now I know what to do first. Contact Sandy. Hmmm - I wonder if I'll get to go to Toronto. I'd love to - I've never been but it could be fun!" I thought of "Uncle" and various cousins - Cousin John for example - I'm not so sure I want to really run into them. "For Nick, anything!!" I decided. "I'm definitely in!!!" Marshalling the Cousins By John Dencoff The Slaughterhouse, Toronto John drew in his breath suddenly, taking hint of the permeating odor of inhuman meat in the air. As he alighted on the roof of the Slaughterhouse, he remembered his last trip to Toronto. When last he'd been in this city, he'd been human. He scanned the area with his expanded senses, searching for traces of the others. He would know them by their descriptions they gave in hastily-sent emails. Cousin Monica he knew well...quite recently she had been converted from the Ravenettes. He didn't think he'd ask her how Janette reacted. Not a good idea. The important thing was that she was now a Cousin. Cousins Caile and Mike were recent additions to the family. Lisa and Margaret were old friends. And Lostsoul...dear Lostsoul! It would be wonderful seeing them all again...he only hoped that they still trusted him, considering his recent crossover. He couldn't sense Laurie, Sandye, or Dennis in the building, though, and that troubled him somewhat. Karin, of course, was absent, but she had accepted a position with Dorian. She and Jenisse could be counted on, even though they were Vampyres now...but the addition of Dorian complicated things a bit. What *was* Dorian's interest in Susan Garrett? The thought of Dorian made him shiver. As a young Vampyre, John had to be very careful. Especially around the Elder Ones. Ron had taught him that...and Lavinia. Yes, he would need to contact Romulus after this meeting with Uncle. He needed to know the deeper issues. And he could trust Romulus. He just hoped that Romulus still trusted *him*. He was working on a possible cure for Nick, after all. He hoped that the Enforcer wouldn't misunderstand. After all...John was starting to appreciate the finer aspects of the Dark Gift. He was starting to *like* being a Vampyre. As he descended the stairs into the Slaughterhouse, LaCroix touched his shoulder from behind. He almost jumped out of his shirt. "Welcome, John." LaCroix smiled evilly. "Geez! Are you trying to give me a coronary?" LaCroix looked at him, shaking his head. "You must give up this temptation of thinking like a human, John. You *are* one of us, now. Come, join the others!" He pulled John inside. "Not all of the Cousins could make it out this time, due to work constraints and all, or their email-servers being down...such as Cousins Christine and Robert Reynolds, my Dark Prince; whom I must contact later...but the majority have come." John introduced himself formally to Caile and Mike, who both looked quite eager for mischief...although there was something of an anger behind Caile's bright eyes. Yes...as he felt her heartbeat, the rhythm of her breathing...she had been attacked. She wanted revenge. Mike's eyes were bright; there had always been a tiny corner of disbelief in vampyres, but it was now replaced with proof. He wanted to convert others to Uncle's cause! LaCroix looked pleased, and as he turned his eyes on his cousins, the silence was palpable. "My children...new and old...I have some news to report. Unfortuantely, your Cousin Laurie was involved in a minor accident earlier this morning. It's to my regret that she won't be able to participate this time." His smile had faded to a cold look of regret. "My gift has not been for healing, so she may not be entering this War." Cousin John and Cousin Monica looked suspiciously at Uncle, then questioningly at each other. With his enhanced sense, John sent to her: She looked a bit more relieved by that, but not much. "Something insidious appears to be going on, and I am not behind it." Uncle continued. "Laurie suddenly with an injury, Sandye with a terrible illness that defies attempts at a cure. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that someone is targeting us. We are the object of scrutiny, and I don't like it. Especially after several of us have been lured away by other factions." "You mean Sharon?" Monica offered. "Sharon?" Mike queried. "Sharon, who was a potential convert at the end of the last War, but was drawn into Natalie's group." LaCroix replied. "She would have made a wonderful addition to our family." "So what would you like us to do?" John asked. "...And let's not forget what happened to me. It was humiliating, a *dumpster* no less! I'm furious!!" Cousin Caile added. LaCroix paused a moment. "I think we should continue with what we have always done best. We should continue our efforts toward bringing others into the fold. Target them all. Knighties, Ravenettes, FoD's... perhaps especially the FoD's. They have a strong desire for feeding, why not tempt them with the rather enjoyable delicasies the Cousins can enjoy? But...never forget that the attempt must be subtle, with the aim of conversion to our side. Be clever, remember the lessons I've taught you." "Tell them about Dorian...and Susan." John interrupted. LaCroix flashed him a dark look, then continued. "Yes. All should know. Dorian has called Susan Garrett to be interviewed. But she has escaped. Cousin Karin and Jenisse are working as Dorian's assistants in this case, but they were not able to prevent her escape." "For reasons that I will not go into, I do not feel that Dorian should question her first. *I* would like that priviledge. She must know something that even the Enforcers do not...and I must have that information *first*." he smiled, his eyes bright with devious plans. "So...continue with your efforts to convert the others. Cousin Caile, seek revenge. Nothing *too* drastic, however. Simply drive the point home that we are not to be toyed with. Or manipulated." John spoke then, "And...what of the animals that you were purported to have brought across? What is to be done with them? Are Cousins Sandye and Dennis still in the fray?" LaCroix chuckled under his breath. "John, I must remember to teach you about interrupting your Elders. But later." he glared. "For now, consider the animals as my spies. We may indeed need to change them back later, but leave them for now. Something unusual is occurring there, and I need to keep a very close watch on what transpires. I believe that Sandye and Dennis may be in some danger...something dangerous even to the community at large. As yet, I do not know what it is, but it doesn't bear the marks of either Nicolas or Janette. I suspect that Janette may know, but that too is uncertain at this point." "Satisfied, John?" he smiled again. "It's not a matter of satisfaction, it's a matter of preservation." John replied matter-of-factly. "Bringing the animals across was very dangerous, Uncle. It's against the Code. It will attract the attention of the Enforcers, and I've grown rather fond of my neck." "Well, of course it will attract their attention! How better to serve two of my purposes? Believe me all, when I tell you that there is something larger at work here, otherwise the Enforcers would not have initiated an interview with Susan Garrett. It is larger, more dangerous than Wars in the past. This time we're all playing for keeps. No rabbits, no spell- checker computer-viruses, this time. Keep your objectives firmly in mind." "As I said before: Caile, seek revenge, but try also to convert her or at least get information out of her. Janette knows more than she is letting on. Mike, attempt to convert one or more of the knighties if possible. I am forming an uneasy alliance with Nicolas, so make your offers tempting. Lisa, see if you can join Dorian's team. Your skills as a librarian would be invaluable, and you can obtain information for me at the same time. Margaret, try to gather as much information as possible about Natalie's faction, the Die-Hards, and the FoD's. If you can, attempt conversions there as well. Monica, see what you can do regarding Tara. Or perhaps, see what possible information you can squeeze out of your sister. But gently. John, apparently Janette is working though a new person in your area: Angel. If *she* could be turned...or even persuaded to join us..." "She sent me a box of chocolates...with centers of garlic buds. I shudder to think what would've happened had I taken a bite." he cringed. "Perhaps you should then work more closely with Monica? Either way, the idea is to convert, but if you can't convert them, try to stall. I shall do my best to keep everyone informed of what I discover. Until then, remember what I've taught you!" In a flash, LaCroix flew straight upward, impossibly fast to see. In seconds, he was gone from the Slaughterhouse, and the Cousins went in separate ways to consider what he'd told them. John shot a toothy grin toward Monica. "We live in the same town... can I give you a lift? Heh!" "I like air conditioning, but not so much that it would permanently rearrange my hair. Thanks, but I'd rather `Fly the Friendly Skies' than the `Fiendly' skies." she replied dryly. John looked hurt, then brightened. "I can at least give you a lift to the airport!" he said cheerfully, and he took hold of her and flew up into the night sky. He regretted it later, as the deep fingernail marks on his neck took a long time to heal. ------- CHAPTER 12 Tuesday, October 25, 1994 Cousin Caile Reveals Her Nature By Caile Donachaidh Kane It's pretty late, and Uncle is out doing whatever it is he does. I have finally, after hours on the computer and the telephone, completed my revenge. I figured out who the person was behind my humiliation of this morning fairly easily: Risha, a Ravenette, who lives upstairs from me. I think she was still steamed over my recent conversion. At any rate, it was plain that she was the perpetrator. Little does she know that in junior high, the computer coordinator taught one of his favourite students the finer points of hacking. I logged into the AUVAX shortly after posting the tale of my capture and eventual safe return to the loving arms of my dear Uncle Lacroix. He told me I should get my revenge swiftly and brutally, and a similar message arrived from Cousin John not too long ago. But I have everything under control. First, I sent a message to an associate who in turn arranged for a kilo of base cocaine to be planted in her room. Unfortunately for her, there's a room check coming up this week, and she'll be here. In Toronto. Then, I logged out of the AUVAX, and proceeded on to her credit card company, her phone card company, and her bank account where I wreaked some general havoc. Then, I called my brother - one of several - and he and some friends went and carted away every last belonging in her dorm room. And gave it to the Buffalo GoodWill. That was the nice stuff. I then switched her return ticket from "Toronto to Buffalo" to "Toronto to Baghdad" and billed it to Janette. Then, I ordered over ten thousand dollars worth of mail order merchandise (such things as plaster busts of Elvis and Buffalo Bills beanbag chairs, laserdisc copies of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and various other gifts), had it sent out to sundry Ravenettes around the country, and billed the lot to...yes. Janette. In my final jab, (and I must admit that most of this has been pretty petty) I arranged for two friends, Ray and Vinnie, to break both her legs and shave her head. Services paid for by.... You guessed it! Janette. I think we're even now. Or maybe not. There is still so much fun to be had. I have not yet begun to fight. Do Unto Others Before They Do It To You By Caile Donachaidh Kane As entered in the diary of Cousin Caile 25 October 1994, wee hours Toronto, Ontario, Canada It's late, and I can't sleep. Uncle is out, as usual. Word of my vengeance has reached the cousinly community, and Cousin John just sent me a glowing message of approval. Uncle liked it as well. But here I am, in this great big house, all alone, and things are getting spooky... I'm starting to think about furthering my vengeance. I keep getting the feeling that I should strike again, before I am struck back at. I know they will, and I know this war is far from over. Uncle says our mission this time `round is to convert and gain knowledge - *not* to harm with intent. Still, my brief time with Uncle has molded me well, and I observed him from afar for over a year before coming to his side. I believe in *his* version of the Golden Rule, which is: "Do unto others before they do it to you." Ahh, Uncle. They call me vicious, Uncle, they call me scary. What am I but what they wish they could be? Free. We Cousins have no rules, we have no ruler - except our dear Lacroix, our Uncle, and once you learn to harmonise with his ways, you are not really ruled............... (the pen falls to the floor) Uncle's firm grip on my shoulder caused me to drop my pen. "Good morning, Caile," came his voice in my ear. "Good morning, Uncle," I replied, turning my head to see him. He was in head to toe black, as usual. I smiled. He smiled back. "Do you have any idea how long I've been reading over your shoulder?" I grinned at him. "Long enough, I imagine." He came around the chair and stood in front of me. "Yes, long enough. Long enough to realise how loyal, and how valuable you are. You would make a splendid vampire." "But you won't, will you?" I said with understanding. "No. I won't. You know I'm breaking the rules by having you here, by teaching you what I have in the past several hours. The Enforcers would... Ah, I shudder to think. You would be promptly destroyed. Now, the issue at hand is finding Susan Garrett. We must get to her before Dorian. And we must get inside the Enforcers to find out out just what is going on. It's someone high up, it's not Dorian's decision. He may have thought it was, but it is far out of his hands now. I have to contact John again, and Margaret. And YOU have something to ask me, don't you?" I sat and stared at Lacroix for a long moment. "Yes, Uncle," I finally replied. "And this is?" Of course he already knew. "Uncle - give me one last lesson in revenge." He sat down in the chair across from me, and began to chuckle. "Of course." From the Frying Pan (Part 2 of 3) By Risha Jorgensen Angel was surprised to see that Risha was still up. The suites currently occupied by the Ravenettes in Toronto came equiped with comfortable beds, and they had all been up all night after that meeting with Janette. Then Angel noticed that Risha seemed to be upset. "What's wrong?!" Risha noticed her for the first time. "@#^%&(!!" she exclaimed. "I knew that what I did to Cousin Caile was excessive, but I wasn't prepared for revenge like this!" "Calm down, and tell me what happened." "Calm down! #%%^*(%%..." [The following language was unprintable.] Finally, she calmed down enough to tell Angel what had happened. "I just got a call from my roommate. Last night, someone broke into my dorm room and took all of my stuff! Luckily, a friend of mine spotted a shirt that she recognized as mine at the Buffalo Salvation Army, and managed to buy almost everything back.Then when I tried to send her some money to pay her back, I was informed that my bank account was overdrawn, and the same with my credit card! Fortunately, I have two bank accounts, so I was able to pay her back, but now I'm broke. I had that same friend grab those few items left behind in my room, and put in all in storage under her name, so it'll be safe for now on. But when she was getting my stuff, she found a bunch of cocaine in my room. She's getting rid of it for me before this week's room check. My roommate's complaining because Barney videos and Elvis busts have been being delivered to my room since 6:00 am today. "I swear, I'm about to scream! $#$*^$%#(*^...." Angel tried to soothe her. "Okay, that WAS pretty bad. You tried to warn us about how Cousin Caile was, and we didn't listen. BUT..." she made sure that Risha was listening. "Now we know to be on our guard. From now on don't leave the room for ANYTHING without at least two of us with you. Good thing we have pretty hefty defences on these rooms. Anybody getting past the human guards will have the laser defenses to deal with. Good thing Janette thought to get the name of that company the Die-Hards used in the last war. Is there anything else out there that you need protected?" "Um... my family?" "They're an unlikely target, but we'll make some arrangements anyway." "I think that's everything." "Good," said Angel. "Oh, and don't worry about the money. I think that our expense accounts will probably cover repairing your bank account and credit, but lets wait until AFTER the war, to make sure that this doesn't happen again. Oh, and we'll fix up something to protect your family's finances, too." Risha was beaming. "Thank you, Angel. I don't know what I would have done without your help. And also, any ideas of what to do to Caile in return?" "I would have thought that you had learned your lesson by now." "Not a chance." Shopping By Simone "Angel" Morgan Angel screeched the rental car to a halt. Risha and Karen, her terrified passengers, had had enough of her driving for one day. "Why are we stopping?" queried Risha, "We don't have room for any more stuff." She was right. The trunk and two-thirds of the back seat were packed with supplies from their errand for Janette. "We have to stop here. Leslie told me about this shop. need to indulge myself after picking up all of these supplies. I mean, it's fun, but I don't have stockings for tonight. Come on, you guys'll love this place." They walked into a small shop. Risha wasn't sure she liked the looks of the employees. They seemed a bit creepy. Karen's eyes became large twin orbs as she noticed what type of merchandise this store specialized in. * Hmmm. If Angel buys extravagant things with Janette's money, maybe I should go shopping too.* Twenty minutes later Angel set her merchandise on the counter, ready to pay. "Look at these spider web stockings, Risha. Aren't they splendid?" Risha gave her a sideways glance. The cashier rang up the purchase. Three hundred eighty-seven dollars in corset, bustiers and stockings. Angel couldn't have been happier as she handed over Janette's credit card. "I'm sorry, but this card isn't working. Are you over the limit?" The three girls gave each other confused stares when the credit card was rejected. How could it be? Angel sighed, and pulled one of her own credit cards out of her purse. She didn't really care. She couldn't buy this stuff in Albuquerque. The shops were way too conservative. *** Fifteen minutes later, the girls were at the Raven. They sat in the middle of the dancefloor, their purchases spread out all about them. They were giggling as they came up with different uses for some of the more unusual items. They had just finished a spray confetti fight, and were hardly in a serious mood. Just then another trio walked through the door. Moon, Jill, and Rob had returned from their shopping trip as well. "How'd it go?", asked Karen, who looked cute after the spray confetti fight. "Um, we had some problems. We got about half of the stuff, and then the clerk said Janette's card was over the limit." The girls looked at each other again in bewilderment. "The same thing happened to us" said Angel, pulling herself out of the mess by one of the hanging chains. "I think we need to check this out. When it happened to us, I figured it was none of our business, but this feels weird." Risha spoke up. "Didn't someone mess with Lacroix's credit in the last war?" *** They were lucky Angel was so familiar credit card crises. Half an hour and many phone calls later, the problem was solved. They discovered that someone had used Janette's credit cards to buy all sorts of twisted gifts for various Ravenettes. All of the purchases had been cancelled, and luckily most of them never even got sent out. Janette would not be amused when she heard about the tampering that had taken place. No one wanted to wake her so early to inform her. The Ravens and Ravenettes went back to the rest of their errands for the day. There were still purcheses to be made. Schemes to be hatched. Revenge to be had. Negotiations to pursue. It was going to be a full day for Janette's followers. Joining the Fray By Jeff Carey On the SLU campus (in upstate NY) Jeff looked wearily at the computer on his desk, after being literally buried under homework all weekend to the point where even checking his mail had been impossible he had no real wish to see the exact damage that had been done to his account by all of his lists. Finally coming to a decision he flipped the switches and watched as the computer flew to life. Waiting till the various drive lights stopped flashing he then proceeded to access his college's internal network and from there his private account on the mainframe. Bracing himself, he moved from the base screen into the mail directory and was unsurprised at the over 500 messages in the incoming box. Whispering a prayer of thanks for its infinite `incoming' space he quickly paged through it all, deleting the obvious space wasters and skimming the posts with the more interesting titles he was fascinated with all this `war' stuff. Then, just as he was getting his account back in some semblance of order the phone rang. Cursing the intrusion he barely noticed that he had been at the computer for several hours. Grabbing the phone his attitude immediately changed as he recognized the voice on the other end as belonging to Janette. "Greetings young one, I have a job for you" Shocked at the honor Jeff could only reply "Yes Mistress, whatever you wish" and was quickly filled in on the events that had occurred between Risha and Caile. "Can you do anything about it?" it wasn't a question but a challenge! "Of course m'lady, I'll get right on it!" Jeff grinned predatorily at the phone. "Then be quick about it and then join me at the Raven when you are finished, and pick up the Coke from Risha's roommate, it may prove useful!" "What about the border patrol?" Jeff asked cautiously. "I'll handle them, don't worry" then the line clicked off. Jeff typed several long and complicated codes into his computer and was rewarded by an unusually `framed' screen... A:Jeff? What the hell are you doing contacting me! J:Aristotle, Janette needs something done. A:Then why didn't she contact me herself? J:She's busy, besides, it's just negating a little Cousinly tampering with the net. A:What area? J:Check the accounts for Risha and doubleback the tamperings on the cousin who did the tampering. A:Wait a sec, ahh, it was Caile, I'll recharge everything to her accounts, anything else? J:Do a sweep of Janette's `front' accounts and do the same thing. A:Ok, but I'll expect a big favor in the future from her for this! J:Hey, I'm just the middle-man, you want payment you deal with her! Jeff disconnected satisfied that Caile's financial life had just been reduced to dust. He looked again at his computer and wished that he could continue using it but it wasn't portable and his university's mainframe was incapable of being telnetted into in any case (it just didn't have the necessary hardware). Getting up he packed, changed into a black silk shirt and black suitpants and headed out for his car. Dumping his suitcase into the trunk of the night black jaguar and settling into the black velvet driver's seat. He breathed in the exquisitely rich smell of the black swede leather of the interior paneling and his own coat, then breathed a sigh of relief and sped off into the night... *** Picking up the Coke proved no problem as Risha had already told her roommate to be waiting for him and he was able to then make for the border where, true to Janette's promise, the guards didn't even notice his passing through. Jeff then made directly for the Raven and the sanctuary offered by its midnight Mistress. Parking in one of the spots reserved for Janette's special guests he quickly slipped on his satin cape to complete his `gothic clubbing' outfit and toyed with the medallion hanging from his neck. *It's not as if the symbols would mean anything to anyone else* he thought but then recalled the last time he had been near a vamp while wearing it. Grinning deviously he remembered how the vampire had been repulsed by its mere presence while around Jeff's neck, but ofcourse this was only because the young goth believed in his talisman, and it was such a nice assurance that vamps couldn't sneak up on him. Slipping it beneath his shirt he then proceeded to arm the car's alarm and enter the club. Inside he made directly for the back room where he knew that Janette would be waiting. The shear directness of his path and the way that the vampires in the club shied from him immediately attracted the attention of his fellow Raven/ ettes who followed him into the room where he tossed the bag of Coke on the table before Janette and asked "Now what do we do?" Janette regarded him with annoyance as she *sensed* the medallion and asked "Why must you wear that infernal thing here?" Jeff smiled "Because I'm not quite ready to be turned yet m'lady, why else?" Janette burst into a fit of genuine laughter at this remark, startling everyone except for Jeff who, after a moment of trying to contain his own humor, joined her in expressing their common amusement. A few moments later Janette regained her composure and remarked "You have done well in your task. I have just heard from my contact in Caile's bank that her financial situation makes the US national debt look like child's play! You called in one of my favors with Aristotle I assume?" when Jeff nodded she continued "Good, Angel will fill you in on everything that has happened so far" Thus dismissing everyone Janette turned back to her scheming and the Raven/ ettes went back to the main bar. Mrs. Peel, We're Needed By Sharon Himmanen Of course the phone had been ringing as she walked into her apartment. And of course it had been Natalie asking her to come to Toronto that afternoon. "Come right to my office," Natalie said. "Hey! Will I get to see an autopsy?" "Mmmm, maybe. If you're good," Natalie promised. "But make sure you meet up with Linda and Elizabeth at the airport." She gave Sharon the flight information as well as the best way to get downtown to the Coroner's Building. Luckily she had a slew of frequent flyer miles from the last war. After a few calls, she was on her way to the airport, after making sure that there was a ticket to Toronto for Selma if she wanted it. The trip was pretty uneventful and Sharon used the time to catch up on lost sleep and to think about the Raven and Janette. She was well into her third war and she had so far had only minimal contact with Janette. Tomorrow night should be interesting, she thought, although she had snorted loudly when Natalie told her about Janette's request for proper apparel. Toronto airport was pretty much like any other airport, and Sharon located the gate she needed with no trouble. Holding up her sign with Linda's name on it, she waited patiently until a medium height blond woman approached her with a broad smile and a firm handshake. She immediately wanted to know what was going on, and Sharon filled her in as best she could, while they walked to the other side of the airport to pick up Elizabeth. Elizabeth's plane was late, but she finally arrived, and Sharon again found herself telling as much of the story as she knew, although her knowledge of exactly what was supposed to happen tomorrow night at the Raven was sketchy at best. Deciding that a cab ride was quicker and ultimately cheaper than any of the shuttles, they chatted among themselves as they rode toward downtown Toronto and the Coroner's Building, which they arrived at just after dark. Natalie had told her that she'd be working late and that Grace was expecting them, so they'd get in to see her with no trouble. It was definitely going to be an interesting couple of days., Sharon thought as they climbed the steps of the Coroner's building. Lisa Cat-ches On By Lisa McDavid !@#$%^&*()_!@#$%^&*() Lisa McDavid yelled, crashing down the phone. "I'll kill her! No, that's too good. I'll wait until the Newfoundland cable feed goes to Bangor instead of Detroit in January. Bwa-ah-hah- hah!" "What's the matter?" asked Karin, appearing in the doorway. "Finally sneezed your brain loose?" "Mary Farrell's the matter. I thought there was something funny about the taste of that Ceclor. John Dencoff just confirmed it. Instead of anti-biotic for that infection I had, I've taken a week of something that not only negates my anti-histamine, it *boosts* my histamine production!" "Hey, with talent like that, she's wasted on the Ravenettes," Jennise observed, following Karin into the room. "Don't think I haven't told her that," said Lisa bitterly, her voice somewhat muffled in the depths of a kleenex. "Never mind, wait til January." Karin grinned. "Oh, yes. Bangor doesn't *get* Forever Knight." "Precisely, and I'm Mary's source for tapes. Just wait until she gets a mixture of Barney and infomercials and Rush Limbaugh ...." Lisa choked on an attempt to laugh sinisterly and was pounded on the back by both vampires with more enthusiasm than sound first aid technique. "Better yet -- wait til she gets parts of Forever Knight interspersed at random with things like that, especially at the end and any time Nick looks like he might be going to kiss Nat!" Karin shuddered. "No wonder Uncle doesn't trust you." "And you called *us* fiends just because we gave the cats a little vacation," added Jennise. "That's only for starters," Lisa said. "Never mind. Larry's had a word with the local Revco's computer. The real anti-histamine's on its way over here right now." She smiled with real amusement. "Larry was most anxious to help, you know. All I had to do was promise not to give Jenny Schanke a list of his addresses and phone numbers for help with her computer class." The doorbell rang. "I think I'd better get that. We wouldn't want any -- achoo! -- accidents." "We don't?" purred Jennise, with a roseate gleam in her eyes. "No, you don't." Lisa strode toward the door. "Until I get back on my medication, Dorian won't need vampire hearing to locate us. Besides, you don't really want Java cooped up much longer. He's about due for one of his diarrhea attacks." She stopped with her hand on the door knob and looked over her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm in for the duration now. Mary's much too nice to have thought this up on her own. Janette's much too afraid of LaCroix." Lisa's smile came as close as as mortal can to vamping out. "This has Miklos's mindprint all over it. I'm going to help this little comedy play out any way I can, and then I'm going to make him wish he'd been staked the night he was turned." Suprises By Jill Bradley As the afternoon wore on, Jill began to think of new ways to tormet the other side. She and Robert were in a small, dark, out of the way shop browsing through the selection of rubber insects when out of the blue, an idea came bursting in. "Robert, let's send that Knightie Sandra Gray something to chew on!" An evil light began to shine in Jill's eyes. "Remember how she says she is a cousin, but has those interesting dreams about LaCroix!" She began to talk rapidly to Robert, who began to look interested. "I don't know," he hesitated. "My girlfriend may not appreciate this." Jill pooh-poohed his fears. "She's your *girlfriend*. Surely she will forgive you--if she ever finds out!" Robert began nodding his head in agreement. Quickly they left the store, heading for the Victoria's Secret up the street. *** Later, in Jill's room, she and Moon waited for Robert to come out of the bathroom. The bathroom door slowly opened and his head appeared around the corner. "I'm not sure--" he began. Jill and Moon each grabbed an arm and pulled him out into the room. As Moon ran to get the camera, Jill smirked. "This will be PERFECT." She began to prod Robert to bend and pose provocatively. "Once we get these done, it'll be a snap to combine the pictures." *** Knightie Sandra Gray was home wondering what would happen next. The Knighties were not as powerful as some of the others and she--her thoughts broke off as the doorbell rang. Peeking through the hole, she saw a UPS truck outside and a delivery man standing at her door. She opened the door suspiciously, but the man in brown simply stood there with a package and a clipboard held out to her. "Ms. Sandra Gray?" he asked. She nodded and once again he proffered the board to her. "Sign here, please." Sandra slowly closed the door and locked it again. She wasn't expecting any thing in the mail and with the wars going on, she was leery of surprises. The package looked innocent enough, and as she shook it, she couldn't hear anything rattling. Taking a pair of scissors, she cut the string and the brown paper. A small gold cardboard box lay revealed. Hesitantly she removed the top. A notecard lay on top of the tissue, pure black with "L" emblazoned on it in white. She opened the card and paled as she read the note. "My dear Sandra, I want you as you want me...dreams can be reality. I will come to you this night. LaCroix" Sandra sank down on the floor, her heart beating wildly. Could it be--did he feel her need for him? She slowly opened the tissue paper to reveal a stunning peignoir--black, of course. But there was something else under the lace-- something small and square. She gasped in disbelief--no it couldn't be. There was a picture of Uncle, posing provocatively -- in the black nightie. All's Fair By Tara "LJC" O'Shea LJC opened up her War folder, so as to catch up on everything popsted while she was on the plane. She was very greatful Blue Max was more portable than his predecessor, Bollux, had been, given how small the tables at the Raven were. She frowned as she read what Caile had planned for Risha. This was particilarly brutal, but her wheels were already startinng to spin with ideas... Tara smiled, sipping her drink, and slipped out from behind the small table to wander over to the bar. Miklos watched her, half amused, half wary. "Can I help you?" "As a matter of fact, you can. I need a favour." "What kind of favour?" His accent as not unpleasent, and Tara smiled, despite the implications. "The kind that really requires only the minimum of fuss, and results in you and Alma netting some tasty snacks. Do you like Italian?" "As much as the next one." He continued to polish glasses, but paused long enough to meet her eyes and smile wickedly. "There are two robust young men of the names Ray and Vinnie who have been hired to do some unspeakably nasty things to our Risha. I want them taken care of, not permanently, mind you. They would be missed. But I'd rather see them a few quarts low, wandering out of here once the war is over, than joining your kind, or ending up in Nat's office." "And what do we get out of this, besides free food?" "My eternal gratitude?" "Not quite good enough, my dear." "We'll discuss prices later, after the job is done. Where will you keep them?" "I'll leave that to Alma, she always did like to play with her food." He said it in such a way that Tara knew he too liked to play, if it came to that. But she had more important things on her mind. "I'll ante up, in mine own way, you know that. But the job must be done quickly, and now, before Caile has a chance to counterstrike. There is no point in blocking one torment if she can come up with something else just as nasty just as fast. I need her blocked, for the moment." "Ordering about my staff, my dear?" Janette purred from behind her, and Tara resisted the reflex to jump. "I'm one of the veterans here, it's my job to look after the young soldiers, now isn't it? Surely you know what that's like, mmy dear." "And whom do you plan to torment, only the tormentors? Or will you wait for one of them to strike at you first?" "I'm sure they're queuing up for shots at me, I have no doubts about that," she laughed. "I can take care of myself, you know that." "You're still mortal, my dear." "And painfully aware of that, per usual." "Do you think you can stand up to any who might come before you? Even Lacroix?" "Such concern for my welfare, I'm touched." "In the head perhaps... No, you are not. But you are devious enough, I've often wandered if you have the makings of a cousin beneath your feathers." "What, and give up my well worn spot on the fence between the two? Don't be absurd, I would never limit my options that way, neither would you." "It must be tiresome, always being right." Janette glided away, back into the crowd, and LJC stared after her, wondering what the hell had just happened. She noticed the relief bartender had stepped in, and she smiled. Flight must come in quite handy, she decided, as she checked her watch. He had been gone barely quarter of an hour, but she had very high hopes. Returning to her screen to check on the progress of her fellows and enemies alike, she became lost until another sea breeze floated in the air before her eyes. She looked up to find it was in fact attached to Miklos, who pressed it into her hand with a smile. "It's done?" "Alma has the young men in question in the back room. By the time she's done with them, they'll be lucky to know what year it is, let alone who their quary may have been." "You're a good man, Miklos." "And a better vampire?" "Well, we'll see. Cheers. To war." She toasted him, and returned to her laptop, smiling.a Now that that was taken care of, she could concentrait on more pressing concerns. Susan Gets aNew Dress By Sally Norton "YEEEOWWWW!!!!!!!" A mass of howling dark fur hurled itself into Susan's chest. She fell back against the wall. "Susan," Lisa rushed over to Susan's crumpled form. "Are you OK?" "Urggh" Lisa picked up the bundle of fur and cradled it in her arms. She stroked the cat's back and spoke in a purring voice. "It's OK, Java. I'm here. Susan won't hurt you. It's OK." Susan unfolded herself and stood up. "What is that cat doing in my apartment?" She glared at Lisa. Lisa looked at Jennise, then at Karin, then at the floor. "What are YOU doing here?" Susan continued. She turned to Karin. "And YOU?" She turned to Jennise. "And YOU?" "YEEEOOWWWW" The cat howled again. "SHUT UP!" Susan howled at the cat. "Don't yell at Java." Lisa stepped back. "We didn't ASK to come here." Lisa started to whine. "This isn't my fault." "OK." Susan turned to Jennise and Karin and spoke very slowly. "What - is - going - on ?" Jennise sighed. "YEEOUUWWWW" Susan's face was a dangerous shade of purple. Jennise quickly intervenned. "Lisa, why don't you and Java go into the small bedroom. We'll explain things to Susan." "I thought I was part of this." "Lisa, please. Let us explain to Susan." "YEEEOUWWW!" "LISA. GET THAT CAT OUT OF HERE!" Susan was exasperated. She was also dirty, tired, hungry, and now, confused. This was her home. She wanted a bath. She wanted food. She wanted a cup of tea. She wanted clean clothes. She wanted quiet. She did not want a howling cat, a skulking Lisa, and Jennise launching into a long, convoluted explanation. Nor did she want Karin who sat serene and silent, sipping something red from one of Susan's wine glasses. The amused expression on Karin's perfect face annoyed Susan. This whole situation was too much. "Jennise, do NOT explain anything. I don't want to know. I just want you all to go away. NOW." Jennise looked at Susan. Susan glared back. Jennise looked over at Karin, silently asking for help. Karin spoke quietly. "Jennise, Susan needs a bath and something to eat. We can talk after she is refreshed. You go up a start a bath. I'll bring you a glass of amaretto." "Oh. Well. That's all right, then." Susan was slightly mollified. She walked toward her bedroom. "Karin, I still don't like this. Whatever THIS is." Karin swallowed slowly, savoring the liquid as it slid down her throat. She smiled up at Susan. "It's all right. We'll tell you everything. Go along now and have a long soak." "Hrumph." Susan walked off. "I might as well. You always do get everyone to do what you want, don't you." "Yes," Karin answered softly. "I do." The room was much quieter. Karin gazed into her glass. Jennise considered the floor. Moments passed. Neither vampire spoke. Java and Lisa were quiet in the small bedroom at the far end of the apartment. The only sound was the water running in the bathroom. "I think," Karin began, "one of us should take that glass of amaretto to Susan." "She's going to need it," Jennise interrupted. "She's also going to need something to eat. I'll make her an omelette." Karin stood and walked into the small kitchen. "Let's see what's in here." She began taking things out of the refrigerator. "Eggs, butter, chives. Ah, shrimp. Perfect." Karin poured a beautiful amber liquid into a delicate glass. She handed it to Jennise. "Take this to her. Tell her I'm preparing an omelette." An hour later Susan was in a much better mood. She had soaked and washed. She was dressed in fresh sweatpants and her favorite baggy sweater. She stabbed the last bite of the omelette with her fork. "You are still a wonderful cook." She thanked Karin. "Oh, I like to practice now and then." Karin smiled. Susan swallowed the last bite of the omelette. "I suppose," she said ruefully, "there is a perfectly good explanation for turning my apartment into a menagerie." She gazed at the cat asleep on Lisa's lap and her own dog, Diego, asleep on the floor under her chair. Lisa was also asleep. Karin and Jennise were awake and alert, as always. "Lisa is here under our care," explained Jennise. "Oh?" Susan encourage Jennise to continue. "We felt she might be helpful." Karin added. "I'll bet," said Susan. The explanation didn't take long. Karin was not prone to long-winded explanations. Susan looked at Jennise. "This was all your idea, wasn't it?" Jennise was startled. "Well, yes, it was. How did you know?" Susan grinned. "I recognize your touch. No one thinks like you." She chuckled. She leaned back in her chair, stretched and laughed again. "Now, what?" she looked from Jennise to Karin. "I'm afraid we're going to have another visitor." Karin looked at the clock. "Soon." "Who?" Susan was wary. "Sally." "Oh, no." Susan groaned and closed her eyes. Karin soothed, "She has your dress ready. We want to see how it looks." Karin looked at Jennise. The look they exchanged was knowing. Susan opened her eyes and looked from one to the other. "I do want to know the whole story." Susan was firm. "Ofcourse." Jennise spoke quickly. "I mean it." Karin interceded. "We agree. We won't send you to Dorian unprepared." Susan looked at the table, not seeing the dirty dishes. "I still don't know if this is a good idea. Lucinda was, well, a symbol, in a way. This could open some very unpleasant memories." Jennise eyed Susan warily. "Just how much DO you know?" Susan sighed and looked up. "Not much, really." The doorbell rang. "Ah, there's Sally." Karin spoke brightly and went to open the door. "Oh, goody," sighed Susan, "just what I want --- a corset bearer after dinner!" Jennise laughed. Sally and Susan approached the table, each carrying a heavy suitcase. "What's so funny?" asked Karin. "Do you EVER wear anything decent?" Sally demanded of Susan. "Hi Sally." Susan chirped. "How I've missed you, dear." Susan was herded back into the bedroom and told, once again, to undress. Thirty minutes later her hair was swept up and held in place by beautiful combs. She was wearing a dark blue walking suit. She gazed at herself in the mirror; she was fascinated with what she saw. "OK, what do you think?" Sally smoothed the shoulders of the jacket. Susan turned and examined her right profile. She turned again and considered her left profile. She tilted her head. One dark curl slipped out from underneath the pert little black velvet hat. The hat perched at a roguish angle among Susan't dark hair. Susan took one more step; the fabric in the train curved into a arc of rich folds. Susan looked over her shoulder and smiled at the reflection. "There's no doubt about it," she thought, "a silk bustle makes me feel elegant." Susan was grinning. "Well?" Sally asked again. Susan blushed. "I like it," she mumbled. "Oh, goody. I've been sewing myself BLIND and the best you can do is MUMBLE?" Susan took a deep breath. "Sally, I really like it . . . a lot. It's just a bit of a surprise." Susan looked at her reflection again. She started smiling, again. "I never thought I would look like this. So, uh-m-m-m." Her voice trailed off. She touched her throat and ran her hand across the neckline. Her fingers skimmed over the soft surface of the silk. "Beautiful," she whispered. "SPEAK UP!" Sally ordered. "You look gorgeous but, the effect is totally ruined as soon as you open your mouth. E- NUN-CI-ATE." Susan blinked. She turned to face Sally. "Now, what?" "Walk." "What? What?" "Yes. Walk" "Walk?" "Yes." Sally clinched her teeth. "Walk." Susan took a cautious step. Then another. Looked back at Sally. Took one more step forward. Hesitated. Took a step backward. Stepped on the dress. Lost her balance. Tried to right herself. Failed. Grabbed at the nearest object. Which happened to be Sally. Held on. Wobbled. And pulled them both down onto the floor. "Uh-h-h-h er-r-r-r ooomph. Your elbow in my stomach." "You're lucky. If you're torn this dress, I'm going to . . ." The effectiveness of Sally's threat was reduced due to the fact that she was speaking into the floor. A mouthful of carpet does not aid one when making threats. Sally pushed herself up. Jennise and Karin and Lisa and the cat and the dog all rushed into the bedroom. The cat, Java, was delighted to find a pile of shiny fabric to play with. The dog, Diego, was delighted to find this new game in progress. Sally screamed and grabbed for the cat. She missed. Lisa pounced. Java slid out of Lisa's grasp. Lisa lost her balance and landed on top of Susan. "MY HAT!!" Sally wailed. "YEOW!" howled Susan. "Oh, shut up." snapped Jennise. Karin grabbed the dog by the scruff of the neck and hauled the dog out of the room. Jennise finally made a successful grab for the cat. "Lisa, get up," ordered Jennise. "Be careful," Sally yelled. Lisa glared at Sally. She rolled off of Susan and away from the dress. She sighed and stood. "Come here," she reached for the cat and started smoothing the raised fur. Lisa looked down at Sally and Susan on the floor. "You look like a ravished heroine on the cover of a trashy novel." She spoke to Susan. Susan's hair hair had tumbled down; the small black hat was tipped over one eye and her jacket was askwew. She looked dishelleved and rakish. Jennise grinned. "Lisa's right." Sally was bent over Susan straightening the fabric. She took hold of Susan's arms. "Here, hold onto me. It will be easier to get up. Step carefully. There." Susan was standing. Sally hovered, checking the clothing. "It is beautiful," Lisa spoke softly. "Yes," Jennise agreed, "it is." "And it's a perfect match," said Karen from the doorway. "Is is all right?" Susan asked Sally. "Yes, I think so." Sally answered. "Did you make a ballgown?" Jennise asked. "Yes," answered Sally. Her head was near the floor checking the hem of the skirt. "She gets a ballgown, too!" Lisa was shocked. "Why should she get such great clothes?!?!" "Because," Karin spoke softly. "She's going to need them." Karin and Jennise exchanged looks. Susan looked from one to the other. Lisa seemed to be mesmerized by the suit. "I don't suppose . . ." she began, speaking to Sally. "Sally's time is fully booked." Jennise got Lisa off. "It's not fair." Lisa sulked. "No. It isn't," agreed Jennise. "That's enough." Karin interupted. "Sally, do you need anything else?" Sally shook her head. "Fine. Why don't you help Susan get changed and put everything on hangers in the closet. Jennise will take you to the airport when you're finished." Sally nodded. "Come on." Karin pushed Lisa and Jennise out of the bedroom. "Which ballgown did she make?" Jennise asked when they were seated in the living room. "The green one." "Ah. Of course. One of Worth's best, I think." "Worth?" Lisa asked, curious. "A dress designer a long time ago." Karin explained. "Sally made a copy of one of his ballgowns. It's pale mint green and decorated with white lace." "Sounds gorgeous," said Lisa. "It is," agreed Karin. "Where's Diego?" Susan asked as she and Sally walked into the room. "Locked in the kitchen," answered Karin. "Ready to go?" Jennise asked Sally. "Yes." Sally turned to Susan. "Remember to walk slowly. You're not used to this much fabric in your skirts. Take small steps. Do not walk backwards." Sally grinned. "You've seen what happens." Susan grinned back. "Thanks," she said. "Why don't you come with us?" Jennise invited Lisa. "We can stop at the Godiva shop on the way back." "Godiva Chocolates?" Lisa breathed the words in a whisper. Jennise smiled. "Of course. Didn't Susan tell you there's a shop near here?" They left. Susan freed Diego and soothed his hurt feelings. She looked over at Karin. "I think," she began, "it's story time." "Yes," agreed Karin, "it is." Lucinda's Story By Sally Norton Susan leaned back against the cushions. Karin sat in the large overstuffed chair. She was staring into space; her face a calm mask. "Karin," Susan began, "tell me about Lucinda." Karin didn't answer. She picked up the wineglass and sipped the dark liquid. She looked at Susan and seemed to be considering. "She's decided just how much to tell me," Susan thought. Karin bent down to the leather bag on the floor and removed a small satin box. She handed the box to Susan. Susan studied the box, looked at Karin, and then lifted the lid. A pair delicate silver earrings lay inside. They were heart-shaped and decorated with intricate floral designs. A round garnet was set in the center of each heart. "They're lovely." Susan looked at Karin, questioning. "They'll be perfect with the green dress. We expect Dorian will want you to stay for some hours. He's always a gentleman. He'll invite you to dinner." "I thought The Interview would only take a couple of hours," Susan protested. "This is the first time he's interviewed a mortal. It may take a while. You'll wear the blue suit when you arrive. We'll have the green dress delivered during the day." Susan picked up one of the earrings and held it in front of her. "These are Victorian, aren't they?" "They're a Victorian design. Garnets were very popular." "They must be valuable." Karin was exasperated. "Really, Susan, I CAN afford to give a friend a small gift. It's not the Hope Diamond! I just thought they would be pretty with the dress. Leave them at home if you don't like them." "I'm sorry. I didn't mean . . . They ARE lovely, Karin. Thank you. Of course, I'll wear them with the dress. And you're right. They will be perfect. Although, I can't imagine how I'll be able to eat anything." Karin smiled. "You don't want to feel sick or faint. Of course you'll be uncomfortable . . . and probably tired. Just try to eat a little bit to settle your stomach." Susan put the silver earring back in its box. "Now," she said. "Lucinda." Karin began Lucinda's story. May 1883, Venice Lucinda Eversleigh was twenty years old when she first visited Italy. She was making an Italian Tour with her mother and her widowed aunt. The Eversleighs were from Philadelphia where they were, if not on the top of the social ladder, certainly firmly attached to one of the middle rungs. Mrs. Eversleigh, Miss Eversleigh, and Mrs. Waltham had been in Venice for a week. They were staying at the Villa Delfino, an exclusive and discreet pensione owned by Signora Pergolesi. Villa Delfino was renown for the beauty of its rooms and the charm of its owner. Signora Pergolesi was of very good family with entre into all of Venice society. Circumstances had forced her to support herself as an innkeeper but, she was certainly the most sophisticated and subtle innkeeper in all of Italy. Many people applied to stay at the Villa Pergolesi. Few were accepted. Those who did stay, paid dearly for the honour. The signora always invited at least one of her many friends to share the evening meal with her guests. At Signora Pergolesi's table, her American guests glimpsed the manners and mores of Italian society. Dorian and the signora were old friends. Many years ago Dorian had rescued a foolish young signorina from a reckless escapade. They had become friends and remained friends. Signora Pergolesi had aged; Dorian had not. She saw him irregularly. He traveled. She did not know his background or the source of his wealth. She knew he was not like other men but, life had taught the signora discretion. She valued Dorian's friendship and allowed him to protect his privacy. Dorian was invited to the Villa to dine. The signora sat him next to the pretty young American. "They will amuse one another," thought the Signora. "She will be flattered by the attention. He will be charmed by her freshness." The morning after this dinner, Lucinda sat on the loggia outside her bedroom. The pearlescent light sparkled on the water; the red-tiled roofs stretched in all directions. The air was warm and humid. Lucinda smiled. She felt light and joyous. She felt she had never been alive until this moment. Last night she met Dorian. Only last night. She thought she had known him forever and now they had finally come together. She wanted to see him again. She wanted to touch him. She wanted to run in all directions and felt that only in his embrace would she find what she looked for. Lucinda leaned back and closed her eyes. "Dorian," she said the name to herself over and over. He was her center. She remembered his voice, his laughter, the thrill she felt when he touched her hand. "There you are, my dear." Mrs. Eversleigh walked through the bedroom, breaking Lucinda's reverie. "Your aunt has suggested we visit the gardens near San Marco today. Would you like that? They are quite famous. Signora Pergolesi suggested an outdoor cafe where we might take lunch. It sounds quite pleasant." Mrs. Eversleigh looked closely at Lucinda. "Are you feeling all right, my dear? Your colour is high." Lucinda swallowed, stood, and walked into the room. "I'm fine," she answered. "It's a beautiful morning." She turned to her mother. "I would like to visit the gardens." Mrs. Eversleigh smiled. "Finish your hair. I just want to speak to your aunt." Lucinda sat in front of the mirror. "I'll see him," she thought. "He'll be in the gardens. I know he will." The three American ladies strolled slowly along the gravel path. The deep shade of the old trees was cool and comfortable. Mrs. Eversleigh and Mrs. Waltham chatted companionably, admiring the views, the walkway, enjoying everything. Lucinda's attention was on every path. She was looking for Dorian. She was distracted and gave perfunctory answers when asked for her opinion on a view or a tree. Mrs. Waltham considered Lucinda. "I think Lucinda needs some lunch. She would not eat at breakfast. She must be hungry." She smiled. "I think I would like one of those delicious cakes we had yesterday." The cafe was lively. The scene on the street was colourful. Lucinda strained to see in every direction, peering into the face of each man who passed. The two old women exchanged looks. "What is it, my dear?" Lucinda's mother inquired. She was a gentle woman, kind- hearted and understanding, but Lucinda could not answer. The meal was served. Lucinda moved tiny slivers around on her plate. Her mother and aunt kept up the pretense of a normal conversation. After they finished her aunt said, "I am rather tired today. Would either of you mind if we returned to the Villa? I think I would like a nap." Lucinda could not suppress a sigh. Her aunt smiled at her. Lucinda wanted to run back to the Villa. She thought, "He'll be there. He's waiting for me. I know he'll be there." She forced herself to take one step at a time. The slow pace set by her mother was agony. Signora Pergolesi met them as they entered the ground floor. She smiled. "Did you enjoy the garden?" "Yes, very much." Mrs. Eversleigh answered. "Signorina." The signora approached Lucinda. "This was delivered while you were out." She held out a stiff cream envelope. Lucinda's hand shook as she took the envelope. She could not meet the signora's eyes. "Thank you," she said in a tiny voice. She started toward the stairs. "Lucinda." Her mother's voice stopped her. She turned and faced her mother, her aunt, and the signora. She kept her eyes lowered. She could feel them staring at her and at the envelope. Slowly, Lucinda opened the evelope. Her hands were moist. Her throat constricted. She felt hot and dizzy. The envelope contained a single stiff card. The handwriting was florid. She smiled. "Of course," she thought. "He writes beautifully. "What is it, my dear? Who has written to you?" asked her mother. Lucinda felt light. A delicious sense of joyousness surged through her. She looked up. Her eyes were sparkling. Her face was glowing. "It's an invitation," she almost sang the words, "from Dorian." "What?" Mrs. Eversleigh was startled. Mrs. Waltham laid a hand on her sister's arm. Mrs. Eversleigh was silent. "What is the invitation?" Mrs. Waltham asked. Lucinda was smiling. "A musical performance, tonight. At the home of . . . " Lucinda looked down at the card and then up again. "Count Tommasini," she finished. Signora Pergolesi nodded. "A charming man. Most cultured." She turned to the sisters. "You will have a lovely evening. His home is filled with beautiful things and he only invites the most interesting guests." Mrs. Eversleigh and Mrs. Waltham exchanged looks. Lucinda's mother was clearly distressed. Her aunt's expression was more knowing and a little sad. "Lucinda," her mother began. "You cannot accept an invitation from a gentleman we hardly know. We only met him last night. We know nothing about him . . . " she faltered. "I know him." Lucinda spoke softly. She wasn't defiant or angry. She looked straight at her mother. She smiled. "I know him," she repeated. "Mother, I am going." She smiled again. Her face was alight. It was as if she was glowing from the inside. "I have to change," she said to the older ladies. She turned and mounted the stairs. The room was quieter and darker. Lucinda seemed to have taken the light with her. Mrs. Eversleigh sank into a chair. She looked up at her sister. "I ... I ..." she began. Her face was distressed and confused. "I don't understand. What has happened?" She looked from her sister to the signora. "She doesn't know him." Mrs. Eversleigh insisted. Mrs. Waltham sat down next to her sister. "I think," she spoke slowly. "Lucinda has fallen in love." "That's impossible!" The signora shrugged. "Yes," she said. "It is. But impossible things do happen." Signora Pergolesi left the room. Moments later she returned. A servant followed carrying a tray. Mrs. Waltham took two glasses from the tray and handed one to her sister. "Drink a little." Mrs. Eversleigh took a slip. "Lucinda," she said in a dazed voice and again, "Lucinda." Mrs. Waltham turned to the signora. "What do you know of this man?" The signora sipped her wine. "We have been friends for many years. He is a very loyal friend, has charming manners, is quite wealthy. He has a home on the Grand Canal. He's been a guest in my home many times. I've never known him to harm anyone. He's cultured, intelligent, well educated." "He's not Italian?" asked Mrs. Waltham. "No." Mrs. Waltham looked steadily at the signora. She turned to her sister. "I think," she spoke in a calm voice, "that we will accept the invitation. We will all attend the musical evening." Mrs. Eversleigh started. "Wha . . ." "My dear," Mrs. Waltham cut her off. "Lucinda is captivated by this man. She is feeling things she never felt before." Mrs. Waltham put her glass down and took hold of her sister's hands. "We must help Lucinda or we will loose her. We will talk with him. We will become acquainted. And we will protect Lucinda from doing anything foolish." "You are very wise." The signora spoke. She looked at Mrs. Eversleigh. "Dorian is not evil. He will not attempt to seduce the signorina. He may not even be aware of her feelings. He probably only thought her a charming young woman and kindly extended an invitation. He has shown me many kindnesses over the years and has never asked for any kind of payment." "There. You see." Mrs. Waltham attempted to reassure her sister. Mrs. Eversleigh was still stunned. "It's so unlike Lucinda. We've never had any of the problems with her that so many parents have. She's not rebellious or thoughtless." "No," agreed Mrs. Waltham, "but she thinks she has fallen in love. For the first time. And that can be both joyous and painful." Mrs. Waltham squeezed her sisters hand. She smiled. "You do remember." Mrs. Eversleigh returned the smile. "Yes, I'm sure you are right." The ladies stood. "Thank you." Mrs. Waltham spoke to the signora. The sisters left the room. The signora watched their retreating backs as they climbed the stairs. "Ah, Dorian," Signora Pergolesi thought, "what have you done?" Later that evening Dorian stood talking with the signora. Their conversation was cordial but, impersonal. Signora Pergolesi watched him and thought to herself, "He is thinking of the signorina. He is watching for her. I am almost invisible." She smiled and put her hand on his arm. "Be careful," she spoke gently. He looked at her but, he was distracted as Lucinda came down the stairs. She walked straight up to him. He took her hands. They smiled at each other, turned, and walked out of the Villa. The signora stood looking after them. "Lucinda never saw me," she thought. "She doesn't see anyone except him." The signora heard soft voices behind her. The two sisters were coming down the stairs. They were dressed for the evening. Mrs. Waltham smiled. "Lucinda's not in her room. We thought she must be down here." She looked to the left and the right. She continued ruefully, "I am sure she's looking forward to the evening." Signora Pergolesi waited until they reached the bottom of the stairs. She gestured to the adjoining room. The ladies followed her. "Lucinda," began Mrs. Eversleigh as she walked into the room. She stopped. Lucinda was not in the room. She looked at the signora. No one spoke. "Where is she?" Mrs. Waltham finally asked. "She left with Dorian." "Oh, no." Mrs. Eversleigh sank into the sofa. Mrs. Waltham stared at the signora. "I couldn't have stopped her." The signora spread her hands. "She didn't even see me. They only saw each other." "Where have they gone?" Mrs. Eversleigh stood and asked the signora. "I assume to the concert at the Count's home." "Please take us there." The signora looked from one to the other. "Very well," she said. Dorian and Lucinda walked slowly. The air was soft. The night was perfect. The lights on the gondolas reflected on the water. Boats filled with people passed by. They stopped and watched the passing scene. Dorian touched her hair. She touched his cheek. They stared at one another; the rest of world receded. "We might," Dorian smiled, "attend the concert." Lucinda laughed. "I have everything I want tonight." They strolled along the canal, stopping to watch, to talk, to look at one another. Lucinda was filled with happiness. She walked lightly; she laughed easily; she was delighted with everything around her. Just before dawn they approached Dorian's home. Lucinda was laughing as she stepped out of the boat. She looked over Dorian's shoulder and her smile stopped. Her mother, her aunt, and the signora were standing in front of Dorian's house watching her. No one spoke. Dorian took Lucinda's hand. They stood together facing the three older women. "Lucinda," her mother began. Then stopped. "It's very late," her aunt spoke gently. "I think we sure go back to the villa. We have been worried about you." "Oh," said Lucinda. She looked at Dorian and looked back at the women. "I did not notice the time. I am sorry you were worried. There was no need." Mrs. Eversleigh stepped forward, reaching out. "Lucinda." Lucinda started. "Mother, wait." Lucinda and Dorian looked at one another. Their gaze excluded the rest of the world. They smiled. Lucinda looked back at her mother. Her smile was radiant. "I am home. I am staying with Dorian." *** Dorian and Lucinda were together for two years. Eventually the scene with her mother and her aunt receded and was less painful to remember. Lucinda had stayed with Dorian that first night. Her mother did not understand. She was appalled and frightened. Lucinda's behavior was so far out of the norm that it mystified Mrs. Eversleigh. Her aunt seemed to understand. Lucinda never regretted her decision. She and Dorian were everything to one another. Lucinda was quite intuitive. Dorian told her many things about his life. Lucinda guessed at things he did not tell her. Over the next months, Dorian revealed more of himself. At the end of one year, Lucinda knew everything. Dorian held nothing back from her. She loved him and he loved her. They made a life together. Slowly, Lucinda took on the responsibilities of Dorian's mortal assistant. They traveled as Dorian's work required. They were happy. There were difficulties but, they managed to find workable solutions. Their relationship was intensely private. They did not associate with the vampire community. They had slight social acquaintances among mortals. Their life was in each other. Lucinda wrote to her family, especially her aunt. She felt a kinship with her aunt. Two years after they met, they returned to Venice. They were both delighted to be back. It was to be a holiday. Dorian had no appointments. Dorian had heard of a talented jeweler in Venice. He visited the shop and discussed a pair of earrings he wanted to have made for Lucinda. "They will be most attractive," the jeweler assured him. Dorian agreed. They would be much like Lucinda: delicate, sparkling, with more intricacy visible the longer one looked at them. "I am," he thought, "content." The earrings were finished a week later. Dorian and Lucinda had lately been in England and France. Lucinda had ordered new gowns from M. Worth. She was delighted with their extravagance. She planned to wear the green one that night. She and Dorian were to attend the opera. Lucinda was in her dressing room finishing her toilette. Dorian spoke from the doorway. "You look wonderful. That colour suits you to perfection." Lucinda returned his smile. "It is beautiful." She looked back at her reflection. "I think it is my favorite." She followed Dorian onto the landing. He was adjusting his tie, looking at himself in the large mirror that hung at the top of the stairs. "You do look handsome." She kissed his cheek. He smiled. "I think that dress needs something," he said. She grinned. "When did you become an expect on ladies dresses?" she teased. "Oh, I've had years of experience," he answered with mock solemnity. Lucinda laughed. "Years anyway." Dorian pretended to grimace. He reached into his pocket and removed a small box. He presented it to Lucinda. She held her breath as she opened the box; she let out a tiny sigh when she saw the earrings. "They are lovely." "Yes," he agreed looking at her face. "Put them on." "You do have perfect taste," she laughed, admiring herself in the large mirror. She whirled around, dancing. The light from the chandelier shimmered on her skirt and made the garnets shoot tiny sparks of deep red fire. Dorian was dazzled. She stopped in front of him and dropped into a graceful cursty. She tilted her head and smiled up at him from behind her lace fan. She laughed and stood, twirling around but, her foot caught in the long train and she lost her balance. She reached out, gasped, and fell. The back of her head hit the edge of a stair. Her neck broke. She was still. She lay halfway down the staircase. The beautiful pale green silk made graceful folds around her body. Dorian screamed in pain. He few to Lucinda but, he wasn't quick enough. Her fall was too sudden, too unexpected. He was relaxed and happy. He wasn't alert. He wasn't ready for danger. He knelt next to her and cried. The servants found him holding her, calling her name. *** Karin stopped talking. She and Susan sat in silence for a few minutes. Karin refilled her glass. Susan got up and left the room. She returned a few minutes later carrying a mug of tea. She curled up on the sofa. "What happened after that?" she asked. Karin took a deep breath. "Dorian went crazy. The servants contacted Signora Pergolesi who wrote to Lucinda's family. Her aunt took a boat from New York and traveled to Venice. She collected Lucinda's body and took it back to America. Lucinda was buried in the family plot. Signora Pergolesi dealt with the authorities. It all took several months. Travel was much slower back then." Karin leaned back and closed her eyes. "It's tragic," Susan spoke softly. "Yes." "Karin, I don't want to do this. It was a long time ago. You said they stayed out of the community. Probably no one knew her or just thought she was another in a long line of mortal assistants. Why bring this up? It's too painful." She paused. "Although," she started to speak slowly, "it is a wonderful story." Karin sat up. "NO!" She glared at Susan. "DON'T EVEN THINK OF IT! YOU CANNOT WRITE THIS STORY!" "Why not?" asked Susan. "I can't be in more trouble than I'm in now." She stopped. "And," she continued, "it is a great story." She eyed her laptop computer. "NO!" Susan looked at Karin. "What else is there? You haven't told me everything, have you?" Karin didn't answer. "Well?" Susan persisted. "LaCroix knew about Lucinda and Dorian." Karin said. She stopped. "Oh." "He kept watch on them." "Why?" Karin sighed. "Why does Uncle do anything? YOU go ask him!" "Uh, no thanks." Karin began again. "He didn't interfere. Dorian never knew LaCroix was watching. Uncle saw Dorian pick up the earrings and followed him home. He got into the house." "Is there anywhere he can't get into?" Susan interrupted. Karin shrugged. "Probably not. Anyway, he was in Dorian's house and he saw the accident." "WHAT?" Karin nodded. "He stayed in the shadows but, he saw the whole thing. Later, when Dorian was raging in grief and the servants had gone to get help, he stole the earrings." "WHAT?" Susan squeaked. Karin nodded again and looked at the small satin box on the table. Susan followed her gazed. Susan started shaking her head. "Oh no!" she cried. "NO!" she wailed. Susan gulped and started to hiccup. She put her head down in her hands. "OH NO-O-O-O-O-O!" Her voice trailed off. Karin waited until Susan's hysteria subsided. She spoke soothingly. "Susan. This is going to be very useful. Dorian will be unnerved." "UNNERVED!" Susan choked. "You DO have a talent for understatment! He'll be bloody bonkers!" Karin smiled. "And you, my dear friend," Karin spoke slowly, "will - be - in - control." Karin looked at Susan. Susan swallowed. "Well, yes," she acknowledged. "If he doesn't kill me," she added. "Oh, he won't do that," Karin assured her. "How can you be so sure?" Susan demanded. "Because," Karin smiled smugly, "Uncle thinks of everything." In Which Interview Arrangements Are Made By Karin Welss " I'm really worried!" Susan said. "Maybe I should have let Laurie and Sharon kidnap me after all... saving me from Dorian just to throw me to LaCroix isn't really an improvement, is it?" Karin took another sip of the blood in her goblet, and licked her lips. "C'mon, Susan, you're my friend. I you for all the help you've given me. Why do you think Jennise and I volunteered for this mission? And Uncle doesn't have anything against you-- as far as he's concerned, you've given him lots of good PR over the past year. It's really in his interest to keep you in... circulation, so to speak." Karin laughed at her own pun, and reached over for Susan's laptop. "Right..." Susan commented skeptically, nervously twisting a long lock of glossy brown hair around her finger. "But I've given Dorian good PR, too, and look where it's gotten me." "Well, an Interview doesn't necessarily mean you're doomed. As long as you haven't broken the Code, and you don't try to lie to Dorian..." Karin pointed out, as she deftly unplugged the cord from the phone and slipped it into the laptop's modem jack. The machine chittered and beeped as it booted up, and after a few seconds, Karin wrinkled her nose. "Eeewww-- Windows. I'm more of a Mac person, myself." She began to type commands, continuing in a sort of abstracted voice-- "Nick, Janette, and LaCroix all survived Interviews, right?" Susan shuddered as she remembered what had been done to LaCroix, slopping some of the tea onto the front of her comfy terrycloth bathrobe. "Barely." Karin looked at her email. She had a new message from Dorian. He'd changed his email address, she noticed. *** From: The Archivist To: jennise@dgi.com, kwelss@us.oracle.com Subject: Susan Garrett's Interview Ladies, Thank you for providing me the background materials for Susan Garrett's Interview. I will review them in detail this weekend. Good job. I intend to Interview Ms. Garrett on Monday, October 31st. Please arrange for private quarters-- Ms. Garrett's apartment will not be suitable as its location is far too well known. Regards, Dorian, the Archivist *** Karin looked up. "Your Interview is set for Monday," she said quietly. The teacup rattled against the saucer as Susan put it down on the coffee table. "This Monday? ?" Karin nodded. "Kind of appropriate, don't you think? And I'm supposed to arrange the location..." She tapped the laptop's screen contemplatively, her hazel eyes showing a glint of gold. Susan sat forward. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Karin nodded, and began to type a reply to her boss. "Uh- huh. `The Slaughtered Lamb.' It'll be perfect..." "And Nick, Janette, and... LaCroix will all be nearby." Susan finished, a ray of hope lighting her eyes. Karin gave her friend a conspiratorial smile that showed the barest hint of fang, and finished typing. *** From: The Archivist's Assistant To: Dorian Subject: re: Susan. M. Garrett Interview CC: jennise@dgi.com Dear Dorian, I will make arrangements to hold the Interview at `The Slaughtered Lamb' in New York City. I've been advised by reliable sources that this tavern has private rooms, and that the staff is very, very discreet, if you know what I mean. Directions to follow. I assume that you wish to begin the Interview at dawn on Monday? Sincerely, Karin kwelss@us.oracle.com Jennise and Karin Turn In By Jennise Hall INT. LIVING ROOM - SUSAN'S APARTMENT Karin exits the mail program and hands the laptop back to Susan. KARIN There. All set. Susan opens the earring box, runs her fingers over the earrings. SUSAN You're sure I can handle Dorian? KARIN You know more about him than most. Susan jumps ten feet at the sudden BANGING on the apartment door. KARIN It's just Jennise. SUSAN (over her shoulder) You could have warned me. She opens the door. Lisa steps past Susan into the apartment. Jennise remains outside the door. JENNISE Karin, we gotta go. We don't have much time. LISA (to Susan) Hope you don't mind a roommate for the evening. Karin gathers her things with vampiric speed. SUSAN Why don't you stay here the day. I can handle the windows. JENNISE Sweetie, there's a war on. You don't give anyone that kind of secret. You all set? KARIN I just got her calm. Then you pop in making enough noise to wake the dead. JENNISE Sorry. But we're late. Can't you feel it? KARIN I'm ready. Karin heads out the door. Jennise turns back to Susan. JENNISE Don't worry. We've made sure you have enough of the cards to protect yourself. You'll be fine. SUSAN Thanks. She closes the door. SUSAN I think. INT. JENNISE'S CAR - NIGHT - A FEW MINUTES LATER The car speeds toward a warehouse district. JENNISE (loudly) You told her pops was there when lucinda died? KARIN It calmed her down. She has no idea Uncle is behind this.. JENNISE You better hope Pops agrees. Jennise presses a garage door buzzer and drives into one of the warehouses. KARIN He's got no reason to be upset. Everything is going exactly as he planned. JENNISE And Susan is going to be stuck smack dab in the middle. Serves her right. She's a danger to all of us. Should be fun watching her worm her way out of this. LACROIX (V.O.) You ladies are cutting it pretty close. They look toward the second level. Seconds later he lands in front of him. JENNISE Had to take Sally to the airport. There was an accident. But everything with Susan is following the script perfectly. LACROIX Perfectly? Does that include the part Karin's convinced I won't be upset about? Karin nervously galnces to her blood sister for a little support, but finds only air. KARIN It's nothing really... Daughter of the Wind By Valerie Meachum Valerie had been jumpy all day, anxious to escape the shackles of the laser printer as it spit out 93 bazillion letters asking for money that all had be be signed, stuffed, and mailed by Thursday afternoon. Sometime she really had to do something about that habit of making herself indispensible at work...except that every time she tried to teach someone else how to deal with the Jurassic monstrosity they called a database, they wanted no part of it. It was her baby, and today she *really* hadn't wanted it. No matter. She was home now, and free to act on Natalie's request for her presence, along with that of the other NatPackers, at some sort of powwow at the Raven tomorrow night. She'd never quite made it to the Raven last war--probably a good thing, she'd managed to get Janette quite annoyed enough at her in Nick's loft, criticizing her callous indifference to her "followers". Valerie swore to herself there wouldn't be a repeat of that, although from what she'd heard Janette was up to the same old game, suddenly conveniently forgetting Susan's existence the second she had drawn Dorian's attention. Dorian. She couldn't help a little shudder at the thought. She was dreadfully worried for Susan, but there was also a suspicion that the Empress of FKFIC wouldn't be the only hapless writer to fall headlong into this enigmatic "loophole" in the Code. Valerie herself hadn't been very active lately, but recent revelations about Janette's history had echoed to closely her own speculations on the subject nearly two years before. Eep. ANother icky thought...something else for Janette to hold against her. Maybe she wouldn't be the best person to have at this meeting after all... "Focus, kiddo, it's gotta be done." Critically Valerie examined the haphazard pile of stuff next to her dumped- out dance bag, clutching at the silver-and-lapis-lazuli pentagram around her neck for the umptieth time, jsut for a little dash of stability. Clean underwear, anti- perspirant, toothbrush--wouldn't do much good to be "properly dressed" by Janette's standard if her personal hygiene fell by the wayside. Black velvet leggings, pirate shirt, conch belt, more silver gypsy jewelry than she usually wore in a week these days. Moderate heels, enough to accentuate her height without making her walk like Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. All her makeup was at the theatre, since she had no use for it in everyday life; Janette would just have to put up with a naked face in her precious club. As an afterthought, and not really certain why, she tossed in her Art Nouveau Tar, a small pouch of various pet crystals. Glancing at thehe bookshelf, she eyed Llyr, her atheme, and decided to slip it into the small purse she had substitued for her usual Dreaded Bottomless Bag.The weight of the small pewter dagger was comforting, though she fervently hoped the blade would stay right where it was. "Guess that's it," she sighed, topping off the dance bag with the mobile physical therapy unit that normally lived in it: a couple Ace bandages, a chemical cold pack, adhesive tape and Band-Aids galore, neosporin, Ben-Gay. That, too, she hoped would be an unnecessary precaution. With another sigh she pulled out her car keys, mentally steeling herself for the 8-hour drive to Toronto "You won't need those." "Who the hell...?!" A heartbeat ago she had been alone; Jack and their British houseguest Karen were off exploring the various bookstores of Columbus, taking a break from Karen's steady devoural of the FK tapes downstairs. Now there was a strange man standing in her cluttered bedroom. Llyr was out of her purse in a flash, but the man made no move either toward or away from her. "You won't need that either. I'm no threat to you." "Yeah?" Valerie kept t blade at ready, meeting hte intruder's gaze far more steading than she expected. "So how about an explanation?" He gave her one, and by the time he was finished she still wasn't certain whether to put the dagger away or clutch it tighter. Dragutin! She'd heard the name only once, in the cryptic post John had sent in the aftermath of the last war by way of apology for trying to make a meal of her in Nick's apartment. This guy was a crony of that Enforcer, not just a vampire but a wizard to boot. And he was trying to tell her *her* power was needed, that she could go to the NatPack/Raven summit because it was important but that she too figured into the tangle of fate involving Susan, Dorian, and the Enforcers. "Like hell I do!" she snapped in response to that one. "There's nothing `fate' about it. What there *is* is a friend of mine in danger because your paranoid Code can't deal with her knowing things she has *no* intention of using against you!" "It isn't *my* Code," Dragutin objected. "You know what I mean! Susan and her stories are no threat to the vampire community, and I'll bet Dorian knows it! He's just covering for some agenda of his own!" The mage looked at her sharply. "What made you say that?" Valerie opened her mouth to answer, closed it, opened it again, and admitted, "I have no idea." "Just like you had no idea why you wrote that Janette had been a prostitute." "That was a nightmare I had to get out of my head! And for gosh sakes, *don't* mention it to her--I'm hoping she hasn't noticed that story." "But you may be certain Dorian has," Dragutin pointed out. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." "Don't you throw that at me! That's my phrase! That's for Creepy Crowley Clone from my old dorm and the rest of the nuts who think they can use magic for whatever they want. I'm a simple witch. I don't push what I don't understand when I don't belong." Dragutin shook his head. "Sometimes it pushes at you, child. A witch, yes, but you have never been simple. This knowledge comes to you without your asking, and it pulls you into the midst of this game. You have to recognize your power and learn where you *do* belong if there is any hope for Susan and for the rest of you who pluck our lives out of thin air and put them on paper." "That's what Dorian wants, isn't it!" "I don't know." She didn't know whether to believe him, but there was no hint of a lie about him, and far more often than not she *knew*. It wasn't that unusual, lots of people did that, including Natalie... "Oh, cripes, Nat's going to *flip* about this one! Just what she needs." "Circumstances will force her to recognize her power soon enough," Dragutin predicted. "For now, it's your turn." Valerie thought it over; it only took a second, really. It was a risk to trust this person, but the prospect of rescuing Susan was worth it. First, though, she had to answer the summons--the Susan issue would be a part of this meeting, she was sure, but there were other issues she knew nothing about as yet, and she knew with leaden certainty that they were equally important. She had only time to wonder what Jack and Karen would think when they returned to find her gone as expected but Angelique the Wonder Metro still parked outside, and to fervently hope Janette had never read "Silent All These Years". Then her bedroom vanished abruptly, replaced by Grenville Street outside the Coroner's Building. After a stunned second, she asked, "Can I learn that?" "First thing, if I have anything to say about it. We will discuss that soon." "That was just you? No Trump, no nothing?" "You speak of the gate card you had of the Raven that destroyed itself? No, such things are only obstacles." "Oh." Valerie wondered briefly what her Amber-gamemaster fiance would think of his masterpiece being called an "obstacle"; but since it had gone kaput for no discernible raeson several weeks ago she suppoed Dragutin had a point. "Well, let's see if we can get in to talk to her." Amy Joins In (Helps Out) By Amy Denton I hung up the phone with bang and looked at her cat, Snowflake, (the FoS's). "That little demon." I muttered at the cat. "How could he even suggest such a thing for either Sydney or Tara." Glancing at the clock on the mircowave, I saw it was 7:30 p.m. (Houston time) I thought. "First thing, though," I said, speaking to her cat again,"is to find the number for Toronto information. Geez, my phone bill is going to be obscene." Picking up the phone again, I dialed the number for information and then dialed the number for long-distance information. Since this was an out-of-country call, I had to do a little tap-dancing to get the number for Toronto information but finally I did. While I was waiting for Toronto information to come on, several things ran through my mind. My talk with Cousin Mike had been quite informative and he had told me a lot of his plans and ergo the Cousin's plans untill he remembered what faction I was in. Then he had shut up and refused to say anything else, but he had said enough. I had a good idea of what he was planning for 2 Ravenettes and Sydney. Finally, Toronto information came on and I asked for the number for The Raven. After receiving the number, I asked for the operator to connect me simply because I had no idea of how to place an out-of-country call. The phone rang and rang and rang and finally after the 6th ring, someone picked up, someone male, with a European accent. "Hello?" "Is this The Raven?" I asked, unsure as to whether I had actually reached my goal. "Yes. We aren't open yet. Call back in a couple of hours." I paused,< well no time like the present> "Is a Tara O'Shea or an Angel Mercedes there?" "No." "Do you know if they will be there?" "No." I paused again. "Any more questions?" -Click-!!! Like a lightbulb turning, I recognized the voice on the other end of the phone. Miklos!!! "Hello?" "Yeah, I'm still here. Listen, I need a message given to both Tara O'Shea and Angel Mercedes. Would you do that?" "Depends on what the message is." "All you need to tell them is that Cousin Mike is planning something devious for them. Something involving ducks,I think, for Tara and something worse for Angel. Just tell them to be carefull." "Who is this?" "A concerned friend." "Why should I tell them this?" I felt like putting my head down on the table and banging my head. "Because I went through a lot of trouble to make this call and I would really appreciate if you would tell them. Will you or do I have to call back later and talk to them myself. I know they'll be there sooner or later. I'll just keep trying. It would be easier if you relayed the message." Silence on the other end, then the sound of muffled voices. "All right. I see that they get the message." "You've got it written down?" "Yes. Any other messages you want relayed?" "No, that's all. Thanks. Bye." "Good-bye." Click. The line disconected and as I sent the phone back in the cradle. I wondered More Cats and Airports By Windy L. Treese "Julian, I'm home. Is Betsy back yet? She hasn't been home for two days now. I have to go to Toronto to." Mrmph. "You're right. I'll take and charge the ticket to Janette. After all you are Betsy's cat, even though you are a knightie. Well, I'l call Nick and let him know he has to pick me up at the airport." The phone rang about 6 times before the machine clicked on. "This is Nick Knight, I'm either in bed or incommunicado. Leave a message at the hasta la bye-bye." "Nick I know you're either undead or incommunicando but you better get you're caddy-driving self to the toronto airport at 9pm tonite or I'll call Don andMyra for a ride. Love to hear your explanation for that. See you then." After quick packing and charging some tickets to a certain female vampire I was off to BWI. From The Frying Pan (Part 3 of 3) By Risha Jorgensen "Sigh." Risha sat in the Raven Club, board to tears. Nothing seemed to be happening today. Sure, they had all gone shopping today (and Risha had picked up the _tastiest_ little black dress along with all the party supplies), but she had been stuck in the Raven for HOURS. She couldn't even go out to explore Toronto, since the possibility of Caile taking more revenge still remained. That stopped her. "Wait a second. I still need to get Caile. Her response to my... little trick went WAY over the top. I'm under orders not to do anything to nasty, but..." Risha picked up the phone. "She'll _hate_ this!" A little over three hours later Caile got a call from _her_ room- mate Amberlee. "They did WHAT?!? That b**** Risha must be responsible. Now I'm _really_ mad." Meanwhile, back at the dorm, Amberlee stared helplessly at pink: pink curtains, pink rugs, pink sheets and pink blankets (with lots of pink lace), and lots of pink posters covered with little furry bunnys on pink fields of clover. Shaking her head in disbelief, she started on the long task of hauling all of their real stuff out of the closet (where it had all been neatly stacked) and getting rid of the horrible pink stuff that the room was drowning in instead. On Rudeness By Karen Knight Karen went back to her hotel room. She had a lot of things to do for Jeanette, but there was one thing she had to take of first. Karen had walked into Jeannette's office. "Excuse me, Jeannette. I'm Karen Knight. No, no. I'm a Ravenette. I just read my e-mail and there was a rather rude comment from a hopelessly immature person regarding simple mistakes made some of us new to the list." Jeannette raised her brow "Yes? And what do you want of me?" "Only your permission to arrange for someone to teach the child some manners." "But of course, you have my permission. Use my phone." With the Devil dancing in her eyes, Karen picked up the phone and dialed. "Some people must learn the hard way," she thought. Mission Accomplished By Karen Knight Karen saw the red message light on her phone blinking. It was Andre. She had taken care of the rude poster effectively. Andre could be such fun! Karen began to unpack her shopping bags. She hoped Jeanette would be pleased. Earlier, she had sent off the package of 70's disco music, complete with clothes (bell bottoms, large gold chains, etc.) Poor Cousin John - she almost felt sorry for him. *** Cousin John opened the package with some trepidation, though the card stated it was from Cousin Lisa. He saw the 45s he saw the...NO! Bell bottoms! Polyester! His vampire fashion senses reeled. He felt heimself getting weak, weaker....And he was down. Dawn Gets A `Hauntin By L. Dawn Steele Dawn was watching "Father Figure" on TV. A station out of London, Ontario was still showing the first season episodes and she was using the opportunity to get all the episodes. Canadian length of course. The apartment was still a mess. Astrophysic books were littered across the floor and the kitchen was a cluttered with dishes. *I should have looked at my new assignment tonight. I'm going to regret taking a couple hours off tomorrow...* *Hell! All work and no play makes Dawn a very dull graduate student...* Out of Dawn's sight, an article on Raman shifting had started to flutter and move across the floor, as if in a strong breeze. *Off goes the pause button... I wonder if I should check my email. There another war going on. Dawn, Dawn, Dawn! Get ahold of yourself! You have time to get involved in a war.* In the kitchen a small plate started to wobble. *Still... I could check if other Die-Hards needed any help. There was that strange suicide in Toronto. Ruth was a Die-Hard, wasn't she? With a war going on, you can't really trust the police's conclusions.* As if the recent thought had given it impetus, the "wind" stopped bothering the china and moved over to the entertainment center. The piles of video tapes started to tilt, and then dozens of tapes spilled onto the carpet. "Hey! What's going on here?" Before Dawn's disbelieving eyes, a white shape started to materialize in her living room. It gradually assumed a shape about 5 feet in height and seemed to be wearing a trailing white gown. Suddenly Dawn had images of wedding cakes. <<>> "Ummm. I can handle this. If I can handle vampires existing, I can handle a ghost in my living room." <<>> "Are you trying to say somethin