CHAPTER 19 Tuesday, November 1, 1994 Payback's a Bitch! By Michael Smith "So, they want me in New York," thought Cousin Mike. Well, I think I can arrange that. And while I'm there, I'm going to teach them what true vengeance is capable of! I called my Apt manager in New York and informed him that I would be arriving early that morning and was not to be disturbed. He understood the penalty of annoying me, and had been well paid. At least security there won't be a problem! There was only on person who had known that I owned a Powerbook, and that was foolishly misguided Knightie, Amy Denton. She must have informed Kat Feline and together they plotted this gruesome attack of wholesomeness on my system. Barney indeed, for the love the Lacroix! How could they do something like that! Something that devious does show that she has Cousinly potential though, if she survives what I'm going to do to her, I may have to remember her for conversion later. <12 HOURS LATER> There's nothing like coming home. Toronto's a nice place to visit, but between all the Knighties and Ravenettes it can get a little to soft for this Cousin's taste. There were a few things I needed to take care of before I go to the club to free my computer. I called up an old acquaintance of mine and arranged for a special meal, and then prepared to call the ladies. After checking the local gossip I found out that Kat and Amy were staying at the Holiday Inn. I "suggested" to the bellhop that he should tell me what room they were in, and he easily complied. Then just to be sure that he couldn't be convinced to betray me to the others, I eagerly fed on his hot blood. "Hmmmm...I thought, tastes like chicken!" After returning home, I quickly attached the voice modulator to the phone and dialed the number "Hello" said the female voice on the phone. "Is this Amy Denton?" I asked. "Yes, who are you and how did you get this number!" She demanded. Now she was nervous. First the dead bellhop, and now someone calls. "This is a friend" I said. "The Cousin's are planning payback for what you and Ravenette Kat did to Cousin Mike. The bellhop was just a warning and this time, they're out for more than blood!" "What are they planning" she said nervously. "And why should I trust you?" "You don't have to trust me, you can wait and be caught unprepared for their onslaught", I said. "Or you can meet me tonight, and I will explain everything. If you don't trust me, bring Kat along to have a witness." "All right, where do you want me to meet you. If you think I'm going somewhere private and secluded, your out of your mind!" "Ahh, mistrust, I love that in a woman. All right, meet me at the Mi Cong Cafe. It's on 42nd Avenue and D. It's a big restaurant with lots of people. Be at the restaurant at 7pm. It's the height of the dinner rush and there'll be plenty of people. When you get there, order the #6 special, and have Kat order the # 13 I'll have it brought to you with the Cousin's plans." "We'll be there, but if this is a setup, you'll regret it!" said Amy. After hanging up the phone, I couldn't help but laugh. This foolish girl. She should have known better than to annoy a Cousin. We have a motto that she should have learned by now. Payback's a Bitch! The restaurant was crowded as it always was. But tonight was Halloween, and the normally sedate crowd was dressed in flamboyant costumes, and acting like the night actually belonged to mortals. The fools! How little did they know, that they were mere food for Lacroix and his followers. They who thought they are blessed. Soon the Cousin's will rule this place and they will learn there true purpose. Amy and Kat arrived at the restaurant at 7:15. They looked around nervously and carefully noted all the exits. They needed an escape route if this was a Cousin's trap. When they went to the Maitre De and asked for a table he said that one had been reserved for them. They were seated and both ordered the Number 6 special. The waiter placed a note on the table and returned to the kitchen to get there orders. Amy carefully unfolded it and began to read: Amy & Kat, Your late! And with what the Cousin's have planned for you, I'd be sure to be careful about keeping a schedule. The waiter will bring your meal, and when you are done, the fortune cookie will detail the plot against you. At some point in the future I will come to you and ask your assistance. When I do, you will help me in what I ask. That is the price you will pay for this information. If you don't agree to this price then leave now, and may the Cousin's have mercy on your soul. -A Friend Amy showed the note to Kat and looked worried. "What could they be planning?" She asked, "And how can we stop them." "I don't know", said Amy. "All we can do is go along with this phantom helper and hope we have time to stop them." The meals were brought out, and the girls looked wearily at the food. Kat's meal looked similar to Peking Duck, and Amy's meal was cubed meat covered in vegetables. They shrugged and began to eat. AHHHHHHH!!!! They screamed, almost in unison. They had reached the bottom of their plates and both found my surprise. Sitting at the bottom of Amy's plate was a small collar, with a little metal tag on it. The only word on it was Nicholah. And on Kat's plate, even worse, a black feather! She examined it and knew that it could only have come from a Raven. "It was a trap!" screamed Amy. "We walked right into it!" The waiter appeared from the kitchen, and presented the ladies with their fortune cookies. They wearily opened them, and stood dumbfounded by the message: Payback's a Bitch! -- Cousin Mike I flew out the back faster than the chef could see, the only trace being a breeze, and a maniacal laughter. Now that I took care of the girls, I could go to the party and free my computer. But first, there's one small thing I want to take care of, a light snack at the Orphanage should hold me over till later. The Pizza Front By Annette Berghoff and Robert Klarmann It was definitely not Miklos' day. After all the trouble with getting the `Jack the Ripper' ready in time for the party, he felt that his place was at the bar, where he belonged. Instead, he had had to accompany two of Janette's mortal followers to the hotel kitchen, where he as a vampire felt blatantly out of place. What did the two need a kitchen for, anyway? His own task, at least, was simple enough. He only had to talk the chef de cuisine and his whole staff into forgetting their jobs and leaving the premises. The kitchen staff cheerfully oblidged at the merest hypnotical hint that this was a holiday. The chef proved to be more recalcitrant, but Miklos finally convinced him that he was in fact in the wrong kitchen, and that _his_ hotel and _his_ kitchen were `just around the corner'. "I don't know how long this new conviction will last, but it should give you the time you need for your little stunt here, right?" He turned to the young woman called Annette, who was unpacking mysterious-looking little pots and parcels. He could see bags of herbs and spices, and a phial containing some red oily liquid that somehow seemed to burn from within in an eerily mesmerizing way. As she saw him eye the phial nervously, Annette covered it, hiding a grin. "Thank you so much for your help. I don't know how we could have taken over the kitchen without your special talents," she said. Her smile and the twinkle in her eyes did much to console Miklos with his task. He edged a little closer to her side, asking amicably: "What are you two going to cook up in here, anyway? Mind if I stay as a chaperone?" As he softly touched her arm, the bag of spices that she was holding shook and sprinkled a litte pepper over her. She wiped it off quickly, but the vampire's sharp ears picked up a tiny "achoo" that did not sound human at all. He looked down at her hand in confusion. He could have sworn her silver ring had just sneezed. Robert interrupted his observations by putting a large bag in front of him and opening it. "_We_ _cook_ _garlic_," Rob said with quite some emphasis. A delicious aroma rose from the bag - delicious to mortals, that is. Miklos backed off hastily and turned slightly green. "Then I'd better get back to the club. So as not to ...distract you," he declared, before he flew out of a window. *Burning phials. Sneezing rings. Right. What I need is a drink,* he told himself sternly. "Now, was that really necessary, Rob? The guy sounded grumpy enough." Annette closed the windows and the door, muttering something under her breath. Spells had not usually been her strong suit, but since she had found her little helper ... "Hey, that `guy' is a vampire! Makes me edgy to see him flirt with you. I thought _you_ had come here to protect _me_? - And stop fiddling with that ring and lock the door, will you?" "I just did. Whoever tries to go into this kitchen won't find the door. - So in order to protect me, you piss off a vampire while he's doing us a favor? Is that your tactic? Besides, I saw you flirt with Janette. Equal rights, my dear." "But take care that it does not turn into `equal bites', okay?" "Ouch." Annette winced."Whatever you say. Just don't throw any more puns at me. Please." Rob laughed. He was already putting together the ingredients for a pizza dough. Of the two, he was the one who really liked cooking, while Annette was more into `special effects' like herbs, teas and potions. And for this job, all their talents would be needed ... An hour later, six huge pizzas calzone were in the oven and on their way to perfection. The filling consisted of spinach, two delicious kinds of cheese, mushrooms, onions, oregano, salt'n'pepper, and two entire kilos of juicy French garlic. Annette had put in herbs that would camouflage both taste and smell of the excessive amount of garlic until it had actually been eaten. The dough that covered the pizzas contained herbs and spices whose smell was extremely enticing and appetizing - which was why Annette and Rob wore plugs in their nostrils. And there had been another ingredient ... "What was that red stuff you put into the dough?" asked Rob. "I saw Miklos stare at it as if it would bite him. And we needed an awful lot of spices to hide its taste. What's it for?" "You might say it's for ... protection." Annette smiled. "It is a deep red oil made of the flowers of a herb called St. John's wort. Nowadays, it's used against mild depressions. In the Middle Ages, people said that these flowers store the sunlight of a whole summer in their oil ... and Miklos did get a bit edgy when he saw it, didn't he. Anyway, the oil contains hypericin (I don't know the English term), which raises the human sensitivity to sunlight. If you take it over a period of time, you get sunburned more easily. I used some spells to intensify the effects of the oil. And of the garlic, too." She laughed out loud. "Mortals who have eaten this pizza will not be welcome in the company of vampires. Not welcome _at all_." "That would make a good protection for the Natpackers and Die-hards," Rob said. "Better to get sunburned than bitten. Maybe even some of the Knighties might ..." "Naw, they want to be _close_ to Nick, remember ...? And Natpackers and Die- hards can take care of themselves. More or less. No, these pizzas are for the only group that really _needs_ protection. Guess who?" Robert's smile was pure evil. "I take it that we are about to `protect' our beloved Cousins." "Somebody has to," Annette replied deadpan. When the pizzas were finished, they were wrapped in foil and put in a big aroma with fresh lemon juice and changed into their clothes for the party. Rob wore a shirt and trousers of black velours leather, and he had tied his long brown hair back with a blood red leather thong. Annette's trousers were also of velours leather, but in a dark reddish brown, with matching ankle-high boots that looked disreputably soft-soled. Over the trousers, she wore a long silk shirt in a deep moss green. Her brown hair with the slight reddish tinge was cut short except for a long thin plait dangling from behind her left ear. She carefully worked a small silver sun and the feather of a raven into the plait. Of course, she wore her silver `ring'. *A pity that we'll be a little late. But it's worth it ...* A little later in the `Slaughtered Lamb': Angel, Annette and Rob had handed the pizzas over to a delivery service Janette had recommended. The pizzas would be reheated and delivered at a time when they could be sure that all Cousins were at the party - not too early, not too late. The three of them had managed to warn all Ravens and Ravenettes surreptitiously not to be in the `Slaughtered Lamb' at the appointed time. Now they were standing at the tunnel entry of the `Slaughtered Lamb', just in time to hear a loud voice in the club shout over the music: "PIZZA! Special pizza delivery! For the guests of Mr. LaCruise - that right?" Giggling softly, the three Ravens adjusted their nose-plugs and crept unseen to a spot from where they had a good view of the room. The mortals in the club had caught a first whiff of the tempting pizza smell - and it was enough, all of them rushed up to the man from the delivery service, who looked a bit ill-at-ease. They tore the pizzas out of his hands, threw away the wrapping, and dug in. Because Annette had not seen the Cousins before, Angel pointed them out - there were all the mortal Cousins, Caile, Margaret, Tracy, Mike and Lostsoul, all of them avidly devouring pizza. Rob watched with fascination how, after the first bite, they could not stop stuffing huge chunks into their mouths until the pizza was gone. "These table- manners must run in the family," he observed drily. Angel was obviously delighted to see the first vampire Cousins recoil in disgust as the distinctive smell of garlic spread in the club. Annette whispered "Bon appetit" and smiled ecstatically. "Even humans will find the smell unpleasant for two days. And did you see that vamp's face - wonderful! But now let's get _out_ of here before they see us ..." Back in the safety of the dark street, the three of them collapsed with laughter. They eventually made it back to the `Jack the Ripper' and mingled with the others to tell them how much the Cousins had liked their cooking. Annette went to the bar to tell Miklos, but something about his clenched jaws and limping gait made her change her mind ... she walked up to a group of good-looking young men instead. New York New York By Karen Knight Karen was bored. She'd done everything she was supposed to for Janette. She'd even unpacked her suitcases. Karen was channel-surfing when the idea hit her dirty little mind. Law & Order is filmed here. Chris Noth was HERE! Time put her investigative skills to work. After everything she'd done in this war, a little kidnapping shouldn't be too hard to pull off. Karen left a message for Angel that she would be "busy" until the meeting at the pub. Die-Hards in the Big Apple By L. Dawn Steele The Die-Hards had arrived in New York the previous evening. Dawn had gracefully declined the honor of trying to navigate or drive through the seemingly zillions of turnoffs on Hallowe'en night. They only got lost twice. Well, three times really, but it didn't count because they managed to find someone who looked like they knew where they were going. Calliope determinedly followed the car (while the other three bickered over which exit to take). By some accident of fate, the car led them straight to the "Chelsea Hotel". After a good night's rest, they decided to take full advantage of the opportunity. Sights were seen, food was eaten, and massive amounts of souvineers were bought. Not to mention a quick, but efficient trip to some clothing stores. Not bad for barely six hours in the city. The tip of the iceberg of course, but they tried not the dwell on that. They went back to the hotel for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Not having access to an unlimited charge card, they had done what they could. Kathy looked great in a simple black dress that was a cross between comfort and supreme elegance. Calliope and Kitty had opted for different shades of violet in radically different styles and decades. Calliope went for an evening dress in an Empire waist style, while Kitty went for a flapper dress. Dawn had managed to find a gorgeous dark emerald velvet dress that managed to make her skin look luminous instead of dead white. After all. They were Ravenettes, so they weren't semi- confined in their options of clothing color. It was time. They looked gorgeous. They each managed to stuff quite a bit of protective and offensive weaponry in their carefully concealed pockets. After all, one had to be careful on the streets of New York. Especially if you might have to get in the vicinity of fighting vampires. Dawn took a look into the small bag of Ruth's personal items she had brought. Hopefully it would help Ruth come to New York is she wanted to. She reached in and transferred the gold wedding ring and the locket into a zippered inner pocket. She want to lose these. After a quick glance at each other to ensure that they were still looking fantastic, they left the room. Destinations: "The Jeckyll and Hyde" to relax to relax a bit and meet up with a few people. Then "The Slaughtered Lamb" and "The Jack the Ripper" to check out if there were any visible effects of the broken spell. Party? By Sandra Gray Bruce and I walked into the Jekyll and Hyde, followed by the only Knightie couple in attendance, Ava Chan-Crowder and her husband Bruce. Her Bruce was different from my Bruce though. His hair was a darker red than mine--halfway between orange and brick--and he had a beard and moustache ala Charlie Sheen's Aramis in "The Three Musketeers." My Bruce had very light brown/dark blonde hair and just a moustache. Ava had long dark hair and looked Hawaiian or Alaskan. She'd written that she looked like Marilyn from Northern Exposure, but since I didn't watch that show, I had no idea if she did or not. The two of them had dressed formally for the party-- in matching black tuxes. I hadn't opted for a full formal myself. I wore a dark green (but dressy) calf-length dress. It was simply styled with loose princess lines that disguised some extra pounds, a jewel neckline, and long sleeves. I had wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible. Bruce was similarly low key in his gray suit and black silk shirt. Considering the low light in the place, I was glad I'd worn low wedge-heeled black shoes. But then I usually despised high heels anyway, mainly because I had problems with my balance when wearing them. Being 5'7", I didn't need the extra height. Inside my black shoulderbag were several stoppered vials of garlic powder and a teakwood knife-- just in case. And the picture of "LaCroix," slipped in when Bruce was busy showering. I'd made another copy of it yesterday, just in case the one I had got--damaged. And despite its ineffectiveness in my last encounter with LaCroix, I wore a cross (under my dress where it wouldn't disturb Nick). Bruce and Ava went over to the bar. For a moment Bruce and I just stood and looked around. (I hoped having two Bruces wasn't going to get confusing.) "Hey, there's Kathy with the Die-Hards," said Bruce. He headed in her direction and I followed. "Hi, Kathy." "Bruce. I didn't know you were involved in this war." Bruce glanced at me a moment. "I wasn't...until recently." I looked at my purse. "Is Dawn here too?" "Yeah, she's around...somewhere." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, we moved away. "How about a drink?" Bruce asked. "Sure, okay," I said, glad to see some evidence of better humor. Not that Bruce was *mad* exactly--he just didn't particularly want to be here. We ordered a couple of beers and found a table to sit at. I pushed my glasses up on my nose and eyed the gathering crowd. I wondered what the other Knighties were doing (getting ready to carry out their plans, I had no doubt), but mostly I wondered where Nick was. Maybe soon I'd wander off and try to find him Stepping Out By Sandra Gray Susan was dressed for the party and was slipping on the coat Nick had bought her. Nick glanced around; Ron had slipped into his bedroom for something. Quickly, before he could return, Nick caught Susan's attention. He exerted his hypnotic powers on her and said, "Tell Ron you want to fly with me." Then he released his hold on her. Ron came out into the living room and said, "Well, are we all ready to party? Susan, how about the Enforcer takes you for a quick flight over Manhattan?" He smiled broadly. Susan looked at Nick and said, "Thanks, but I think I'd rather `fly' with Nick." "He can't go near as fast," protested Ron. He came over to Nick and said, "What is this fascination you hold for women, Nick?" Nick smiled. "I don't know. My boyish charm?" "Sure you want to go with him?" asked Ron. "I'm sure," replied Susan. "Why don't you go ahead, check out the place?" said Nick. "We'll catch up." Ron probed Nick, but caught no lie. "Okay. See you there soon?" "We'll be there." Ron, satisfied, left. Nick pulled on his own jacket. Then he picked up Susan and flew with her up into the night sky. She clung to him and said, "Couldn't we have taken a cab?" "This is quicker. And safer." He smiled at her. "Don't worry. I won't drop you." A few minutes later he came down with her on a darkened street. "Where's the pub?" asked Susan. "A few blocks that way," Nick replied. "I didn't want to come down in a crowded area." Susan nodded and started to move down the street. But Nick laid a hand on her arm, stopping her. "There's something I need to do." "What?" asked Susan, looking at him. "Oh, no. Don't you pull that crap on me again." "I'm sorry. I have to." Susan tried to look away, but Nick held her gaze and began to match their heartbeats. When he was sure he had her firmly in his control, he said, "You do not remember there are such things as vampires, do you understand?" "I understand," said Susan. "You do not remember ever having written any stories about vampires, do you understand?" "Yes, I understand." Nick hesitated for a moment. Then he said, "And you do not desire to write any stories about vampires. Do you understand this?" "Yes." "You will not remember ever being hypnotized by me. And at the party, you will do only what I tell you to do." Nick released Susan from his control. Then he took her hand on his arm and they walked off to the Jekyll and Hyde. Making Speeches By Simone "Angel" Morgan Angel looked around the Jack the Ripper. She noted with satisfaction that everything had been set up according to her instructions, and all of the Ravens and Ravenettes were present. Janette had been furious when she had seen the small size of the pub. Angel didn't really care as long as there was room for everyone. Soon Janette would be arriving and the meetings would begin. Angel was relieved that she was only expected to attend the preliminary meetings, and not the main one. The Ravens and Ravenettes were supposed to mingle and enjoy themselves. Angel still had a long list of things to do. This was going to be an interesting night. It would be a miracle if total chaos didn't break out. Angel knew she was expected to make some sort of speech to her fellow Ravens and Ravenettes. She hated speeches. Why had Janette given her this job? But as she looked at the faces of her new friends, she decided it wasn't all that bad. She cleared her throat and smiled uncertainly as the group quieted. "First of all, I want to propose a toast. To us. The other pubs are filling with members of the other factions at this very minute. We achieved our goal." She smiled at the outburst of talking, laughter, and cheering. They had done well. As soon as the room quieted again, Angel began explaining Janette's instructions. "We need to mingle with the other groups and solidify some of the bonds we've broken in the past several days. The Jeckyll and Hyde is probably the safest place to go, since there shouldn't be any vampires there during the meeting. And there's lots of food there. If you're feeling courageous, the Slaughtered Lamb will be a fun place to hang out. The Cousins are a dangerous bunch, but they really know how to party. There's a marginal truce during the meeting, so we should be relatively safe from the other groups. There are a few of you with unresolved disputes. I understand if you want to go after someone, but please keep it subtle. We can't afford any renewed hostilities." "One last thing. Even though the war is probably over, there are lots of people out there who would love to pick our brains. Maybe they just want ammunition in case another war breaks out. So let's be careful while we're mingling. Look around you. These are the only Ravens and Ravenettes. They're the only people you should trust with sensitive information. `Nuff said. Go out there and mingle. Have a good time. This *is* a party, after all." With that, Angel turned and walked to the bar. It was going to be a long night, and she needed a drink. Party On! By Perri Smith Perri fidgited nervously in front of the mirror, trying not to fall off of the 2 1/2 in heels. "If I get into a fight tonight, I'm toast," she muttered to herself, spinning around to make the skirt of her long green velvet dress swing out. She checked the chain around her neck - yes, it was long enough, the cross was hidden beneath the top. "Not that I care if it makes most of them unhappy, but I don't want to upset Nick." There was a knock on the door behind her, and she went to open it. Amy and Patsy were on the other side of the door. Perri took one look at Amy's long green dress and started laughing. "Nice taste in clothes," she said through giggles. Amy laughed as well. "Thanks, yours is pretty neat too." Patsy smoothed the tails of her tuxedo jacket. "At least someone around here is original." Perri didn't even bother to respond, just raised an eyebrow in her general direction. "Where are Panthyr and Sandra?" "Panthyr's trying to finish her hair, she'll meet us in the lobby. Sandra and Bruce are downstairs trying to organize some of the other Knighties," Amy answered. "Is everything set for tonight?" "It will be," Perri told her. "I'm making the final arrangements now." "I just wish we would be able to see their faces," Patsy grinned evilly. "Personally, I'm more interested in being out of range," Perri shrugged. She closed the door behind her and they all headed for the elevators. Panthyr was waiting in the lobby with Sandra and Bruce. All of them were dressed in evening clothes. "Are we ready?" Sandra asked, checking her watch for what Perri was willing to bet was the tenth time that minute. "We're ready," she answered. "Relax, Sandra, it's a party. What could happen?" Five pairs of eyes leveled stares that varied between disbelieving and disgusted. Perri shrugged. *I've got to break that habit* she thought absently. "If we worry too much, we'll play right into their hands," she said. "Personally, I'm in New York City, I'm going to meet Nick Knight, and I plan on having fun." "Works for me," Panthyr agreed. "Let's go." *** The Jeckyll and Hyde was a small brick club in the middle of Greenwich Village. Perri got distracted by the variety of T- shirts offered, but the others dragged her into the club. It was close to closing time, and the place was emptying out. One group of people, though, was settling in. "FoD's or NatPacker's?" Panthyr asked. "One of them, the one in the black dress - she looks like Sandra and Bruce's description of Kathy," Patsy said. "I think this is the Die-Hards." "Where's Bruce Willis?" Perri muttered. Amy elbowed her. "Behave, you two," Patsy said sternly, trying not to laugh. "Come on, let's mingle." "Yes, Mom," Perri muttered again, getting another elbow from Amy. They split up. Patsy made beeline for a woman in a violet flapper's dress. She was probably heading to compare shopping notes, Perri figured. Panthyr and Amy hung back. "I need help to get through this," Panthyr said. "Anyone want to head for the bar?" Perri shook her head, but Amy was up for it. "Don't get too much, and stay on your toes," Perri warned. "Yes, Mom," Amy answered, after she was out of elbow range. Perri stayed near the entrance. There weren't enough people to turn into a barfly, her usual tactic at parties, and she was too new to the list to have any friends here. She wandered around the room, looking idly at the decorations and observing everyone else. *Better get to know the battle ground* she decided. She drifted to the upper level, named the Cannibal Cafe, and then back down without finding anything out of the ordinary, if you didn't count the skeletons all over the place and the bats. She shuddered a little -- bats were not her favorite pet. She was momentarily startled when a suit of armor she was standing next to went into seizures, but managed not to scream. The only thing she noticed about the Die-Hards was that there were an awful lot of crosses and the distinct odor of garlic coming from their general vicinity. Of course, that could have been the Knighties - no one was taking any chances, it seemed. But there was no sign of the tunnel Sandra had warned them about. An Army father had taught Perri a lot about knowing all of the ways to get into - and out of -- a place. She decided to go searching, and signaled Amy and Panthyr, who promptly began to distract the bartender. Perri went to the back of the club, the only place she hadn't checked out yet. It dead-ended -- but the bokcase on the back wall looked strangely crooked. She took a closer look, and saw a crack at the corner, with light streaming out. For a minute, she considered going back to get one of the others. But the reporters instincts that had lead her to take a two-mile walk through South Central Los Angeles to cover a protest, moved her into the tunnel alone. Party By Karen Knight Karen had been told to mingle with the other factions so she headed to the pub where the Knighties had gathered in hopes of making nice. Karen walked in with her date and ....mingled. She couldn't wait to get him back to the hotel. She wouldn't have to wait long, for the commotion was about to start. Perri got a good look at Karen's date (Karen had successfully "kidnapped" Chris Noth) and had to be revived. Upon being revived, Perri drooled some more and passed out again. Karen decided it was time for her and Chris to leave. Perhaps they would go to diner, or a movie, or.... none of your business. Perri, if it will help the truce at all, I promise to send Chris over when I'm done with him. Of course, that could take years. Distilled Spirits By Ruth Dempsey and L. Dawn Steele Dawn realized that by carrying Ruth's ring with her, she could hear the ghost quite clearly. She discovered this in the first pub when Ruth whispered into her ear <> When the drink was set on the table, a film of mist hovered around the edges and the level of fluid dropped. An ice cube occasionally levitated into the mist and vanished with distinct crunching sounds. After three Double Sunrises: Dawn flapped at her ear as a buzzing noize sounded. After a moment, she realized it was Ruth, giggling. <> she buzzed. <> And later: <> After five Double Sunrises, Ruth leaves Dawn for a moment...: (Jack the Ripper) Angel had been appreciatively eyeballing the waiter. As the young man brushed past, she leaned back to let the back of her head glide over the smooth muscles of his lower back. Abruptly, she straightened in her chair at a very provocative pinch. Feeling that one good pinch deserves another: she obliged. Dishes crashing to the floor shocked her into the relization that he _couldn't_ have been the pincher. An unseen giggle hovered somewhere around her head and an icecold digit ran clear up her spine. Ravenettes jumped and squealed as an ice cold draft suddenly zipped up and down their backs. Visiting Cousins yipped and NatPackers and Knighties all squawked at the same sensation. A little tornado of napkins did a merry dance the length of the bar and nearby patrons ducked as peanuts came flying with painful aim at nonlethal portions of anatomy. After seven Double Sunrises: (The Slaughtered Lamb) A sudden squeal of static stopped all conversation as the microphone of the karioki stage levitated. <> A slurred and offkey alto echoed through the room. <> "Somebody stop her!" yelled Calliope. "Why? This is just getting interesting." Dawn murmered. But Ruth stopped after the one song to send an icy breeze circling the room and making the lights blink on and off to the timing of "Shave and a Haircut: Two Bits." "No more drinks!" yelled Dawn. Despite her general attitude towards those in the material world at the present moment, she still felt oddly protective. <> came the slurred giggle. "Ruth, you're only wasting energy." Dawn kept trying to follow her progress around the room. Her new trick seemed to be "Instant Dribble Glass." <> "No, now, that's not true..." Dawn began to look around for help. Ruth sounded like she was about to cry and a mischeivous drunk is usually easier to deal with than a morose one. "You obviously cared a great deal about people, or you wouldn't have lingered to try and stop the war." <> "Ruth,please.." <> "Oh, God," said Dawn to the rest of the Die Hards, "Now she's crying." That's when the sprinkler system went off... After a few drenching seconds there was a muffled screech and in a blur of movement several of the vampires in the room (obviously wanting to protect their clothing investment) flew up to the ceiling and closed off the sprinklers. "I to try and fix this." Dawn said to the world in general. She stood there for a minute and then spoke firmly to the space that Ruth had just occupied. "Ruth? Please could you come with me? I might have a solution to your problem." Dawn walked across the room to the wax figures of the werewolf and the female victim. She quickly removed Ruth's ring from her finger, and slipped it on the female wax figure. Dawn noticed that the wax figures' dress seemed to be half falling off so she motioned for Perri. When the Knightie had come over Dawn leaned over and whispered into her ear. "I don't know if this will work, but I might need some other clothes. Could you find something for me?" "Ruth? How would you like to come down and animate this thing for a while?" The spectators watched as the figure shimmered then started to move. The wax features weren't absolutely lively, but they seemed more animated than moments previously. "Now behave yourself." Dawn snarled. Dawn Gets Some Help By L. Dawn Steele Dawn stared at the wax figure. It was marvelously done. It should have been in a museum somewhere, not stuck in a bar subject to the whims of the patrons. Presently it was animated by Ruth. The movements were jerky, but were getting smoother by the moment. The nonexistent vocal chords produced no sounds, but Dawn could still hear Ruth's voice in her head. <<>> Dawn sat down and ordered another cranberry juice from the bartender. It was closer to what she wanted than the tomato juice had been, but still... it was lacking something. Annoyed she hurridly finished the drink and "forgot" to leave a tip. What to do with Ruth? Here Dawn was, in New York, in the middle of a huge party, wearing a fantastic floor length dark green velvet evening dress and she couldn't enjoy herself! For some reason she felt "obligated" to help her. *Argh! What a nuisance!* Dawn reflected on her predicament. She was good enough at the few spells she knew, and could even improvise when a small spell was needed, but... The casting she was contemplating was far out of her capabilities. There was no way out of it. She needed help. Dawn looked down at the ring on her finger. The setting for the dark amber was silver with roses entwining the stone. It was a bit small, but would do the job as a focus agent. She fixed her eyes on the stone, and then unfocussed them. She tried to see past the surface into its' hidden depths. The room became hazy and tinged with red, and bronze shadings. Dawn formed her request in her mind and then cast it out. {{Show me who can and would help Ruth regain a body. The entity must be willing to do it honorably. Ruth would not accept it otherwise.}} The request was sent. The answer would come soon, if at all. Dawn settled back into the stool and felt in her pockets for the knives she had secreted there earlier. Her thoughts went back to the party she was missing. Or more accurately, to the men at the party. Several prospects already and the night was still young. All she had to do was slip past Kathy and Perri. *I don't know they're tagging along tonight. Maybe to make sure I won't start going after some precious Knightie or Corbie hides.* Dawn fingered the knives in her pocket again, and wondered how accurate her throwing skills were. It had been a time since she'd practiced. Images of various people danced through her head. Out of seemingly nowhere, a voice rose from her unconscious. {{Dragutin. Seek out Dragutin. The Enforcer known as Romulus can lead you to him.}} Dawn waited, but no other information was offerred. *Oh great. Find out who this Romulas character is, try to get him to contact somebody named Dragutin. By the time I'm finished the party will be over!* <<>> "I'll take care of it." Dawn asked Perri to watch over Ruth. She didn't want the animated wax figure to be exerted too much. No point in letting Ruth rip off an arm or a leg trying to get the figure do something it wasn't capable of doing. "Perri? I think I know where I can scrounge up another dress for Ruth. Could you watch her for a couple of minutes?" Perri wasn't biting. "Are you up to something? Pulling a stunt while we're in Cousin territory is *not* a good idea." Perri was more worried for the Cousins than for Dawn at the moment, but she didn't mention that. "I'm sure I'll be fine." Dawn fingered the smallest knife in her pocket. *Romulus, Romulus. Sounds like a vampire to me. I wonder if Alma is around? She'd probably be willing to part with some information with the right incentive...* "You are up to something," Perri said flatly, then sighed. *What the hell...* "Can I help?" Dawn looked at her with speculation. "That depends on how good you are at finding information." Perri just looked at her. "I'm a reporter." Dawn grinned somewhat maniacally. "All right. Kathy can look after Ruth, and we'll go on a little information gathering trip." Looking for Romulus By L. Dawn Steele Perri and Dawn had left the Slaughtered Lamb a few minutes earlier. Dawn was blithely unconcerned but Perri had spared a worried glance at Kathy and Ruth. Dawn might be acting a bit... strange, but having a animated manniquin walking around... She sighed and decided to go with it. After all, she'd accepted vampires... They had decided to venture outdoors instead of seeking passage through the no doubt crowded tunnel system. It was only a few blocks to the Jeckyll and Hyde. Perri wanted to report in to Amy and Sandra, and get updates on who had done what to whom. Someone in the Jeckyll and Hyde might have heard of "Romulus". The Jeckyll and Hyde was crowded. Nat-Packers and Knighties were everywhere. The odd Cousin or Ravennette also wandered around. Dawn was a bit subdued. The air outside had a faint chill and her floor length dress was sleeveless. Irrational thoughts soon speeded up again as the warmth seeped into her bones. She headed off to the bar for a raspberry punch while Perri checked out the Knighties for some information. Perri looked around the J&H for some familiar faces. Unfortunately, the palce was filling up and most of them weren't. She pulled up the floor-legth skirt of her dress, cursed the heels again, and pushed her way into the crowd, until she finally found a Knightie she knew. "Linda, you finally made it!" The woman in the midnight blue gown turned around and spotted Perri plowing through a knot of laughing Nat Packers. "Hi Perri! Yes, I drove in from Philadelphia a few hours ago." "Where's your husband?" Linda smiled conspiratorily. "I left him at home with the kids, told him I was coming to New York to visit my relatives. I think cousins count." Perri laughed. "I don't think these are the kind he had in mind. What's been happening here? I've been skulking around in the other clubs." "Living dangerously, are you?" "You have no idea," Perri groaned. "Well, we had a brief problem with the sound system, but Ava and her husband Bruce fixed it right up. It's good to have people who know electronics around." "Let me guess," Perri did her famous Karnak the Great impersonation. "Barney and other annoying theme songs." Linda nodded. Perri sighed. "Wish they'd get some originality going here. I expected better from the Corbies than ripping off our stunt. I wish Ava and Bruce had been here earlier to help us rig their club." "I wish I'd been there to see it." "From what I heard, it was great." Perri looked around and finally found Sandra. "I've got to go talk to Sandra. See you later?" "I'll be here." Perri dove back into the crowd, using skills learned at many a frat party to elbow people aside without spilling their drinks. She only got sidetracked a few times, once by an absolutely gorgeous man in a green shirt that matched her dress. She was tempted to take the drink he offered, but duty called. Reluctantly, she kept plowing her way through to Sandra. Finally at at her friend's side, she directed a few pointed questions her way. Dawn watched Perri talk to the Knightie coordinator. Perri seemed to be getting stubborn about something, judging from the look on her face. Sandra finally gave in and told her what she wanted to know. Perri nodded, and walked away. After the discussion with Sandra about just *why* she wanted to find out about a vampire, given her somewhat ... ambivalent feelings towards them, Perri finally spotted Dawn by the fireplace trying to get warm. The fire looked like a goor idea - after what Sandra had told her, she was feeling a little chilly -- and it wasn't bacause her dress had no shoulders. Surprisingly enough Dawn didn't seem to be going after the cute guy who was sitting a couple of tables over. Or perhaps she had gone through and over him... "Dawn? I found out who Romulus is. You're probably not going to like it." "Why? Is he in Japan? If he's in New York, then I'd like him even if he had horns and a six foot tail." "No. No tail." Perri spoke slowly and carefully, as if to a very young child, or a very drunk sorority chick. "He's an Enforcer Dawn. trouble, bigger than we were looking for. The kind've vampire you want to avoid at all costs. Kathy told me about some of the items you've got in your apartment in Hamilton. You don't want to meet him." "I don't really care. If he can help us with Ruth..." *I can get back to partying* Dawn pulled up a chair for Perri and gestured for her to sit down. "So he's in New York. That's good. How close?" Perri wished she had accepted that seven-and-seven, not to mention the guy. "He's upstairs. In a back room by the Cannibal Cafe." Dawn stood up. Instead of hours upon futile hours of searching, Romulus had practically dropped into their laps. "I'm really glad you came to these parties Perri." Perri snorted. "I'm not." The two women started upstairs. Perri was ahead of Dawn she didn't notice her lean over the railing for a moment. You could see almost all of the entire bar. Just below Dawn was a gargoyle. It seemed to be talking to a couple of Nat- Packers in fancy ball gowns. Dawn leaned over and carefully dropped one of the better weighted knives. It flew down and struck precicely in the middle of the gargoyles skull. It stopped talking mid- word and it's red eyes lost their evil light. *I've never liked demons. Nasty things.* Dawn quickly caught up to Perri, who had turned around and was watching her with exagerrated patience. Dawn gave her a *who, me?* look and ducked past her, stopping just outside of a large wooden door. Within moments after knocking the doorknob turned and they found themselves facing Romulus. "Good evening ladies. How could I help you?" Perri swallowed hard as she came face-to-face with her first Enforcer. Perri didn't seem too willing to continue the conversation so Dawn jumped right in. "We're looking for a vampire by the calling of Romulus. Would you be him?" Romulus gestured and the two women enterred the room. As Dawn passed him by the doorway a questioning look entered his eyes. It was quickly followed by an amused gleam. "And just can I do for you?" Live from New York By L. Dawn Steele The door was slammed shut behind them. "How do you like that?" Dawn muttered. She couldn't put much venom into it though, a major problem had just been solved. Or would be soon. Whatever. "Manners have gone right out the window here," Perri agreed. "However, I don't feel like flaming an Enforcer about courtesy during war, so let's just go find Ruth. It's probably your fault anyway. He obviously didn't want you to talk to Susan, especially with the way you've been acting lately." The went downstairs into the main section of the Jeckyll and Hyde. Nat-Packers and Knighties were still swarming around and having a good time. Dawn thought she even glimpsed Natalie, but she wasn't sure. The dress the woman was wearing was almost... provocative. Dawn and Perri headed for the bar, where Dawn ordered a cranberry-ribena punch drink. *It's still not what I'm looking for... I'm thirsty tonight.* Perri thought about it, then got a drink for herself. She had a feeling she was going to need all the help she could get."You know, we should have brought Ruth back to the J&H with us," she thought out loud. "I wasn't sure how well a wax figure would stand up to moving around too much." "Still. They're in Cousin territory. You never know when they'll decide to attack." "Kathy's pretty good with a sword. I slipped a knife before we left." "Where'd you get them? And are you storing them? I saw that little episode with the gargoyle you know." "It's a magic pocket. Great for swords and knives. Figured out how to make one while watching "Highlander" one night." Perri smothered a laugh. "You'll have to teach me that one. Are you going to answer my other question?" "No." They both looked around the room for a minute before getting up to head back outside. As they were nearing the door Dawn snagged a white shawl that was lying on a table. Back in the Slaughtered Lamb, Kathy and Ruth were having an animated discussion. A really animated discussion. As in person-to-person. No long-distance calling needed. Perri cursed loudly, almost fainting from shock, and even Dawn was momentarily silenced. Ruth's new body was gorgeous. Long black hair and a body straight out of the sixties B movie. "Ruth? Hi, I'm Dawn." "Dawn! Nice to see you in person. You look kind've funny from the other side of the veil you know." "Haven't been there yet." A brief period of silence followed. What do you talk about when someone's recently come back from the dead? "So. Did you get to meet Elvis?" The others just looked at Dawn. "Hey! I thought that's what everybody wanted to know!" Perri started to laugh helplessly, giving in to absurdity. The others started to ignore her in favor of getting acquainted. *That's what I get for trying to break the ice.* Dawn was pouting. *Ruth's back from the dead. Great. So why don't I just slip off and take care of business?* "...Jeckyll and Hyde... Janette got Natalie this great... do you think that... when?... We really should get you something else to wear... getting back? ... the Cousins..." Meanwhile Dawn was thinking about what to do with the rest of the evening. Without having to worry about Ruth, she had quickly reverted to having the amusement span of a 2 year old. *I'm bored. Maybe we can redecorate...* "Hey guys... How about we get some blood and brighten up the walls of this place?" Dragutin to the Rescue By Ronni Katz Dragutin stared into the still waters of the man-made lake and sighed. He had NO desire to go to Romulus's New York flat - it was much too crowded now that The Enforcer had Nick and Susan staying with him. Besides, the silly War Romulus had gotten himself into was of no interest to the Mage. He had his students, his studies and responsibilties to the Order to occupy his time. As he stood in silence, a name came into his head. The name was then followed by not words but *feelings* - something he knew meant an untrained Mage was trying to reach out for help but was too raw in the use of his or her Mind powers to call forth using their voice. He as schooled enough in the Sphere of Mind to *know* from whence the call came and, without hesitation, Dragutin vanished from his place by the lake and then was just simply *elsewhere*. He found himself in a bar and face to face with the finest wax sculpture he had ever seen. It almost looked *alive*. "Hey! Who are you?" a woman inquired from behind. Dragutin turned to face her. In the instant his dark eyed gaze met hers, he *knew* her name. "Do not be afraid, Kathy," he said softly. "Dawn called out to me. She needs my help." "You're Romulus?" The Mage looked pained for a brief moment then said, "No. I am Dragutin. Romulus is...a friend." "Dawn went off looking for him. Is he a wizard?" "Mage, is the correct term and, no, he is an Enforcer." Kathy blanched. Dragutin noted this and said, "He won't harm Dawn. Besides, I think the poor spirit trapped inside this wax body would like to be restored as quickly as possible. Thst IS why I was called here, wasn't it?" "Can you help Ruth?" "The fact that her Spirit is still here tells me, yes, I *can* restore her. It was not her time to leave this plane of existence." "Thank God!" Kathy said relieved. "Ruth has a husband, a life. This was never supposed to happen." Dragutin approached the wax figure, crackling blue lightning springing from his fingertips, saying quietly, "By the time Dawn returns, it will be as though this tragedy never occurred...." Revelations and Awakenings By Ruth Dempsey Her nose itched. She didn't know where she was. She wasn't sure what she was doing. She was also a little blurry on just she was, but she could focus on one thing. Her nose itched. "Come back Ruth," intoned a male voice over her head. Ruth... Minor book of the Old Testament The story of two widows adrift in a patriachal society Remembered mostly for Chapter One, verses #16 - 21 "Entreat me not to leave thee...etc. etc." "Come back Ruth." Ruth; derived from the Hebrew Meaning "the Faithful One." or "the Truth" As in the phrase , being one of The Hebrew names for the Holy Spirit. "Come back Ruth." She was Ruth? She was Ruth. "No," she moaned. "I can't. I have to warn..." "You did," said a female voice. "You warned Dawn about the spell. She's broken it." "NO!" she sat up, squinting at the blurry figures bending over her. "No! You don't understand -- now they'll . They'll know!" "Who?" commanded the male voice. "Who?" "I'm going to get a real headache without my glasses," Ruth complained."I can't see a blessed thing." "Who's back?" insisted the male voice. "The Nightstalkers!" Ruth cried. "With that spell you gits were so busy fighting each other you never noticed them sneaking up on you! Now is going to be in deep sh- sh- sh-ATCHOO!" she exploded in a sneeze. "ATCHOO! Oh, God, where's the cat? ATCHOO!" "You're allergic to cats?" female voice managed to make it sound like leprosy. "Doh," said Ruth, her nose congesting. "Bud, I'b addergic to feeh)0*0*0*powder! ATCHOO! Tahd abod a cosbic seds of hubor... God leds be cob bah frub da dead ad leaves be wid all by addergies...ATCHOO!" Someone handed her a kleenix and she blew her nose. "Listen, there's a whole bunch of people. They call themselves "Nightstalkers" They're against vampires. They're going to be hunting vampires -- and the people who have any affection for them!" "Why?" Ruth squinted up at the man. "Do I know you?" "Dragutin." "Ah," she said. "You're one of the walkers. Obliged I'm sure. I don't know, it had something to do with Archives and someone named Lucinda. I found a picture in the Univesity Library's private collection....Oh, damn, everything's all blurry. Green eyes... he had green eyes and he killed me the way you squash a bug." "Why?" "Because the Nightstalkers want to provoke a war between the living and the dead!" Sometime later: "Hey! I thought that was what everybody wanted to know!" "I'm not up to seeing without my glasses," said Ruth crossly. "Anyone got a mirror? Hmm, I thought so. When you said the wax figure came from the Wolfman exhibit; I remembered that one of the female leads in the earliest film was Nina Foch. Yep, I now bear a resonable resemblence to a young Nina Foch. The four sizes smaller I can live with, I'd like to know how I'm going to explain the four extra inches. In fact I'd like to know how to explain of this to my family." "But they don't know," said Kathy. "Yes, they do," Ruth put aside the mirror. "Because Tara O'Shea has a I appeared as a ghost in the room; so she called MaryAnn McKennon; MaryAnn McKennon called Hilda Marshall; Hilda Marshall called Grace Meisel and Grace Meisel was kind enough to drive to Rochester with her husband to break the news to Jack face to face. It's nearly killed my mother." "Never underestimate the power of a fan network," remarked Dawn. The Tunnel of New York By L. Dawn Steele The Die-Hards entered the Jeckyll and Hyde. It was a place for "adventuers and mad scientests" so Dawn figured she belonged on both counts. The bar had stayed open to serve supper to the New York crowd but there were small signs on the door to indicate that a private party would be taking place in the next couple of hours. The inside of the pub was fairly interesting, and they spent some time just figuring out what was on the walls. Since it was almost time for the bar to start kicking people out, the bar wasn't very crowded. The odd waitress was wandering around but Dawn didn't see anyone else in evening wear except them. Dawn left the other Die-Hards and decided to check out the back of the club. The invitation from the Ravenettes had said there would be a meeting place in the center of the three pubs. That implied that there must be some sort of connecting corridors. Hey! It was New York. If there were underground tunnels, maybe she'd get lost and end up meeting Vincent and Father... Dawn sneaked past the bartender and headed to what appeared to be the back of the building. She turned a corner and found herself in a dead end. There wasn't even a hall closet. *Hmmm... No closet, no doors, no signs of this ever being boarded up and it's clean. There's been traffic through here.* Dawn started to examine the corner more carefully. The very end of the wall was brick, so she started to push on each in succession. Finally she found one that seemed to give when she pressed on it. *Got it! Fourth row up, and five bricks from the left.* Dawn hesitated. She might not have another chance to explore the tunnels before everyone else arrived. The other Die-Hards would cover her absence if noted. After taking a last peek around the corner she pushed firmly on the brick and then stepped back as a medium sized door swung from hidden hinges. The corridor was dark. Dawn pulled out a penlight from her pocket and examined the area just inside the tunnel. No sign of a light, but a flight of stairs downward started after a small landing. She pointed the penlight at her feet. Dawn was hoping that her night vision would be good enough to get by on the reflected light. She started down the stairs. One flight, Two... Bottom. Dawn checked the walls carefully. Hidden beside an elaborate wooden carving was a small switch. Dawn flicked it on, and was only half surprised when a series of what appeared to be electric lights in old gas lamps fixtures started to light up. Dawn put away her penlight and pulled out what appeared to be a pair of black leather gloves. She put them on and closed the catches at the wrists. She closed her hands into tight fists and three spikes shot out of the top of each gloves. They looked like shorter (and wooden) versions of Wolverines' claws. Dawn relaxed her hands and the spikes shot back into their hidden compartments. The corrider stretched on for quite some time, but finally ended in what appeared to be a large circular room. The walls of the corridor had been brick, but in here... It looked like a room within a European castle with black stone blocks. Dawn checked it out. It was spacious enought to easily contain 50 or 60 people. A few wooden benches lined the wall, and in the center of the room was a large circular table with chairs all around. They appeared to be made of some dense wood such as oak. The three corridor ends connected with the large room so that they were each equidistant from each other. At the end of each corridor there was a large metal shield hung on the wall. Three different devices to help guide the way. Except for the shields the room was perfectly symmetrical. You couldn't tell from any point in the room which direction you were facing. It was quite dizzying. If someone took away, or switched the shields there would be massive confusion as people went down the wrong corridors. Dawn went up to one of the shields. It had an image of a man in a bloodstained Victorian cloak. A small surgical knife could be seen in his hand. She hesitated for a moment then went on... The end of the corridor had a spiral staircase. Just before Dawn went to the top, she found the light switch and turned it off. Darkness enfolded her and she moved up the stairs slowly. The massive steel door at the top had a handle and swung open easily when Dawn tried it. The Jack the Ripper. Dawn looked around. There didn't seem to be anyone else there. On this side the door wasn't concealed, but rather it was at the far end of a large closet with what appeared to be a collection of the waiters and waitresses jackets. Being a little bit paranoid, Dawn checked the other side of the door handle. It was locked. She quickly pulled out a small metal bar and jammed it into the lock. It wouldn't close now until she took the bar out. Dawn left the closet and entered the main section of the Jack the Ripper. The bar definitely had a darker atmosphere, and she thought she saw a glitter of knives in a case. Here, as in the Jeckyll and Hyde, the workers were busy opening cases and getting the place ready for the private party. Dawn had almost decided to return downstairs again to check out the third corridor when she felt a large hand on her shoulder. "And what are you doing here Young Lady? Would you like to see Janette?" The voice was male, smooth and had a faint accent. Dawn risked a glance around. It was Miklos. "No. That's fine. I was just checking the place out." "And what group are you with? The Nat-Pack perhaps? Janette does not spies. Perhaps she would like to see you..." "Uhhh. Actually I'm a Die-Hard. I thought I'd just see what the bar looked like before it got filled up with people." "Die-Hard? I am not familiar with that one. Perhaps you would like to tell me about it over a drink?" Dawn was nervous, and perhaps she over-reacted to the situation. Of course Miklos recover... Still breaking his kneecap and jabbing wooden spikes into his throat was a bit extreme. Dawn left the bar in a hurry. She ran into the back room and started to pry the metal bar out of the door lock. Looking over her shoulder she caught a glimse of Miklos entering the storeroom. He was limping and his eyes matched the blood still pouring out of his neck. The door swung shut in his face, and Dawn raced back to the relative safety of the Jeckyll and the Hyde. She had made a good first impression. Amy and Company Go Exploring (Part 1 of 2) By Amy Denton I looked around the Jekyell and Hyde seeing who was there. Knighties, a few Nat-Packers, an occasional Cousin and a group a Ravenettes. The place was filling up nicely but the music was just a little too loud for my taste.