Title: Circumstantial Evidence
Fandom: Forever Knight
Category: Romance/ Slash
Pairing: Nick/ Lacroix
Rating: Adult
Disclaimer: None of the characters in this story belongs to me but to 
Sony/Tristar and TPTB.
I'm just borrowing them temporarily. No infringement intended. No profit is 
being made. 

Special thanks to Doris for beta reading.

This is the fifth part of my "Evidence"-Series that begins with "A Piece of 
Evidence" and continues with "Evidence of Love", "Lack of Evidence" and "Plain 
Evidence".

"Circumstantial Evidence" begins exactly where "Plain Evidence" left off.


Circumstantial Evidence
by PJ
October 2003

It was early afternoon as Nick awoke alone on the floor in front of the 
fireplace. A sudden bout of panic surged through him.
"Lucien?", he cried out desperately. 
Immediately he felt his master's soothing touch through their bond. He realized 
that Lacroix was in the bathroom upstairs. As he tried to get up, a wave of 
dizziness hit him, a result from his recent bloodloss. His master had taken a 
huge amount from him while he had not received anything in return. Staggering he 
climbed the stairs and reached the bedroom.

Lacroix stepped out of the bathroom just in time to catch his child before he 
collapsed on the floor.
"Don't leave me, Lucien!", Nick whispered.
"Shhh, Nicholas. You should know by now that I will never leave you", the elder 
assured him.
"Please, take me, Lucien. I need to feel you", Nick continued urgently.
"I will do no such thing, Nicholas", Lacroix stated with emphasis. "You are much 
too weak for this kind of action. You need to replenish your strength first."
The thought of taking his child in this weakened state and hurting him in the 
process was abhorrent to him.
He sat his son on the bed and turned to the door in order to fetch a bottle from 
the refrigerator.
"Don't leave me!", Nick screamed, a touch of hysteria in his voice.
Lacroix let out a sigh of exasperation. "All right, mon fils. Take what you need 
from me then."
He urged Nick's head towards his neck and was rewarded with the bite from his 
hungry child. He let him drink until he felt his strength return, all the time 
sending reassurances through their link.
After a while Nick let go of him and shed his clothes. He kneeled on the bed, 
his back towards his master.
"Please", he repeated.

Lacroix regarded his child a moment. What an inviting sight. But he would not 
take him unprepared. Nicholas had gone through enough pain already. He would not 
add to it by hurting him in this way.
Taking a position behind Nicholas he started to lick a wet path around his 
shoulder blades and down his back. With one hand he reached around and caressed 
Nick's front. At the same time he used his other hand to prepare his son 
expertly. 
When he felt the muscles yield he entered him with a gentleness that was 
surprising to both.

Nick cried out in bliss. This was how he needed his master right now. His hands 
all over him and filling him completely. 
A protest formed on his lips as he felt him withdraw but only seconds later he 
was back where he belonged. The manoeuvre was repeated in an ever increasing 
rhythm, creating a wonderful friction that sent shivers right to his groin. 
Simultaneously his master's left hand stroked him on the front, expertly driving 
him towards the edge.
As the tension became unbearable, a hand was placed in front of him. He captured 
it and bit savagely into the wrist. The taste of blood caused him to tumble into 
the abyss. His master gave one more thrust before burying his fangs into 
Nicholas' neck and climaxed deep inside him.
After their mutual shuddering had subsided, Nick released his master's wrist and 
took a deep breath.
"Thank you, Lucien", he uttered before exhaustion caused him to drift into 
sleep.

Lacroix regarded his child with a solemn expression on his face.
Nicholas was caught in an emotional state that was a little disconcerting. It 
seemed that last night's ordeal had triggered an outlet of centuries of 
repressed emotions. He would need to pay special attention to Nicholas's state 
of mind during the next couple of nights.

* * *

When Nick awoke shortly before sunset, he felt better. He found his master 
stretched out beside him, regarding him with a questioning look on his face. 
Reaching out he drew him close for a passionate kiss.
"How do you feel?", Lacroix asked after a while of deliberate tongue duelling.
"Better, I guess", Nick answered. "Sorry for losing it completely this 
afternoon", he added slightly embarrassed.
"Never be embarrassed about the way you feel for me, Nicholas", Lacroix 
admonished him.
"It just ---. I thought I had lost you. And then I realized that I have never 
told you."
"Told me what?", Lacroix inquired.
"That I love you", Nick replied, tears forming in his eyes.
"I know", Lacroix stated, licking at the tears.
"You know?", Nick asked, slightly confused.
"You don't need to say it, Nicholas. It is evident in every drop of your blood", 
Lacroix explained. "Besides, you said it yesterday in the Park."
"You heard that?", Nick asked surprised.
"My hearing is quite accurate, you know", Lacroix replied, bending down for 
another kiss.

"Thank you for saving my life, Nicholas", he continued after a pause.
"Well, actually it was Nat who took out the splinter that was touching your 
heart", Nick explained.
"Really? Then I should express my gratitude towards her as well."

Nat. Nick sat up abruptly. "What is it, Nicholas?", Lacroix asked concerned.
"Oh my god, Nat! When did she leave?"
"I'm afraid, I don't know what you are talking about."
"Nat. She was here when I brought you in. She took out the splinter and I think 
she stayed while I fell asleep. I really don't know what happened afterwards."
"Nicholas, are you suggesting that you might have placed us into a compromising 
situation?", Lacroix asked in an amused tone.
"I'm not sure. I guess I'll find out soon enough when I see her again."
He got up and went down to the refrigerator. A moment later he returned with a 
bottle and two glasses.

"So, do you want to tell me what happened at the radio station?", Nick asked 
while he filled the glasses and handed one to Lacroix.
"I returned to the studio and continued with the show. I was just receiving 
another call when the explosion occurred. I assume the device was placed under 
the table because that was what hit me first. I am not sure if it was placed 
there during my absence or before I started the show."
"Do you have any idea who might be responsible?"
"It could have been anyone. I am receiving all kinds of threats from people who 
do not like the program."
"Anything specific lately?", Nick asked.
"Nothing I can think of. Except ---" He paused, reflecting on something that had 
just come to his mind.
"What?"
"There was someone who did not take kindly to the fact that I had started to 
dedicate various songs and poems to my beloved lately. She was under the erratic 
notion that I had been talking to her."
Nick wondered how many hearts his master had broken by that announcement.
"Do you have a name or a phone number?", he asked intrigued.
"She calls herself Lucretia. Her phone number should be recorded in the system 
but I don't know if anything can be restored after the explosion."
"We will see to that", Nick said. "How are we going to handle this officially? 
There will be an investigation, you know. The problem is that you were on air as 
the explosion occurred. I am probably not the only one who thought you were 
dead."
Lacroix thought for a moment.
"We can convince them that a pre-recorded tape was running. I will go to the 
station tonight as usual. I assume a friendly officer will direct me to your 
precinct then for a statement."
"Yeah, that sounds reasonable", Nick agreed.

* * *

When Nick reached the station, there was quite a fuss about yesterday's 
explosion. The search crews had found the body of a technician but nothing else. 
They assumed that a recording was running at the time of the explosion. 
Unfortunately the network had neither address nor phone number of the person 
they had hired as the Nightcrawler. So there was no way to ascertain his well 
being.

Nick sat at his desk when he felt the tingling sensation that told him that his 
master was close by. He had to tighten the grip on his chair in order to keep 
from flinging himself right into his arms. Lacroix had kept their link wide open 
during their separation but Nick was relieved to have him within easy reach now.

Lacroix was led by a sergeant to their desks.
"Detective Knight, Detective Schanke, this is Mr. Lacroix, the host of the 
Nightcrawler Show that was running as the explosion occurred", the sergeant 
introduced them.
Nick stood from his desk.
"Thank you for coming by, Mr. Lacroix. Please follow me into the interview room. 
Schanke, get the Captain, will you?"

Nick quickly closed the door behind them. All he wanted to do was to press his 
body against Lacroix's. But he had enough sense to remember the observation 
screen that allowed surveillance of the room from outside. 
"I've missed you", he whispered instead. "Everything according to plan, so far?"
"Yes, they were quite surprised to see me walking down the street."
Their hands touched briefly, then they quickly separated as they heard Schanke 
and the Captain approach.

* * *

"You are a lucky man, Mr. Lacroix", Captain Cohen remarked after the 
introductions were made. "I heard your show is usually going live on air. What 
prompted you to play a pre-recorded tape yesterday?"
Lacroix leaned back in his chair, placing his palms together. "I play recordings 
on occasion. I began the show live yesterday. Then I switched to the recording 
because I had an errand to take care of", he explained, casting a glance at his 
son who stood leaning against the wall. Their eyes met. Nick knew very well what 
this errand he so casually mentioned had been. He would be forever thankful for 
his intervention in the Park.
"At what time did you leave the station?", Cohen continued to ask.
"Shortly after midnight, I assume. I did not pay close attention to the clock."
"The network told me that you had received several threats?"
"Yes, some people obviously do not like the program."
"And you were never concerned about that? Why did you not inform the police?"
Lacroix regarded her with a predatory smile. "Believe me, Captain, I am not so 
easy to eradicate. Why should I impose myself on your colleagues when I deemed 
those threats rather harmless?"
"Well, there is no denial that someone was serious. And since the attempt was 
unsuccessful, it is likely that there will be another one. We could take you 
into protective custody until we have caught the person who is responsible", 
Captain Cohen suggested.
Lacroix gave her an exasperated look. "That won't be necessary, Captain. I am 
perfectly capable of looking after myself."
"You could stay at my place", Nick offered, a genuine look on his face. "It has 
a state of the art security system and I could keep an eye on you."
A flicker of amusement appeared on Lacroix's face. "Now that is indeed an 
interesting offer, Detective. Especially the last part. I might consider to take 
you up on it."
"You should. It sounds reasonable to me", Captain Cohen commented.
"Indeed, it does. All right then, I am giving myself into your capable hands, 
Detective", Lacroix announced with a leering glance at his son who had a hard 
time keeping the grin from his face.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. A uniformed officer appeared, 
carrying several audio tapes. 
"These are the tapes we managed to procure from the network's archives", he 
stated. "The one that was running as the explosion occurred is there as well."
"Play that one first", Cohen ordered.
Nick and Lacroix exchanged a look. It was a risk to have them listen to it in 
case it gave away that the explosion had occurred live on air.

Schanke placed the tape in the recorder and hit the "play"-button.
They heard the end of a haunting song and then the clicking noise that announced 
that a telephone line was opened. "And whom have we here?", Lacroix's voice 
sounded from the recorder.
"Your last caller", a deep female voice answered. 
Then there was a cracking noise and the recording stopped.

Nick tried to stay calm. He needed to talk to Lacroix alone. 
"Do you know who that was?", he asked. "Was that one of the persons you received 
threats from?"
"Yes, she used to call in several times a week."
Lacroix browsed through the tapes on the table, reading the dates on the labels. 
He picked one out that was dated three weeks back and offered it to Schanke.
"Play this one. I believe that was the first night she called."
Schanke did as he was bid.

"Good evening, gentle listeners. Tonight's thoughts go out to all lonely souls 
out there who would like to express their deepest desires and yet have no one in 
whom they can confide. Do not despair, mes amies. The Nightcrawler will listen 
to you all for he is as lonely a soul as you are. So call me and share your 
thoughts with me."
A song started. Schanke pressed the forward button until he reached the end of 
the song.
"Good evening, my dear", Lacroix greeted his listener.
"Hello", a smoky voice with Italian accent filled the room. "My name is 
Lucretia."
"Ah, a remarkable name. I knew a Lucretia once... What is it that you would like 
to share?"
"I want to tell you that your voice is a beacon through every night for me. I 
feel so lonely and the nights are so long. But listening to you has made it all 
tolerable."
"So glad to be of service, Lucretia. Do call again if the night lasts too heavy 
on your soul."
A clicking noise announced the end of the call.
"We have another caller."
At Lacroix's nod Schanke stopped the recording.

"She used to call in three or four times a week, most times saying something 
about how she enjoyed the show or how lonely she was. Then, four nights ago she 
seemed to be upset about something I mentioned."
He fished out another tape that Schanke propped into the recorder.

"Tonight's meditation is on lost loves. The Nightcrawler is in an extraordinary 
good mood tonight because he has rediscovered something he had thought 
irrevocably lost. Have you ever experienced anything similar to that total bliss 
that suddenly arises from the depth of despair? The lines are open for 
discussion. The following song is for you, my beloved."
"Hey, I listened to that one", Schanke announced while he forwarded the passage 
with the song.
Lacroix regarded him with a piercing look. "How flattering. I am always glad to 
meet a fellow listener", he said.
"Actually it is Nick who is a real fan of your show. He always keeps his radio 
tuned to the station", Schanke answered.
"Really?", Lacroix asked, amused.
"Detective, continue with the tape", Captain Cohen ordered in a strained tone.
Schanke pressed the "play"-button.

"Yes, we have a caller?"
"Thank you for dedicating this song to me", Lucretia's voice said.
"Oh Lucretia, my dear. I am sorry to disappoint you but you are not the person 
to whom I had bestowed this title."
A gasp was heard.
"But I thought you were talking only to me."
"I'm afraid you are mistaken."
A humming sound announced the end of the call.

"She called again, later in the night."
Schanke forwarded the tape until Lacroix motioned him to stop.
"I can't bear to have you call another woman your beloved. If it is not me you 
mean, then you shall never have the opportunity to call her that again", the 
voice sounded hysterical. Then the line went dead.
"My, my, someone is in a really bad mood tonight. I suggest you calm down and 
ask yourself what is the reason for this void in your life."

"OK," Captain Cohen said. "This is something to start with. We will see if we 
can find out her full name and address. The technicians are going over the 
remains of the studio equipment right now. Let's hope that they are able to 
restore any number recorded there. What about your friend?", she asked. "Does 
this beloved you mention have a name?"
Lacroix smiled directly at his son who was suddenly looking extremely 
distressed.
"Of course. But I would like to keep it secret for now, Captain, if you 
understand. I believe that is the best solution under the circumstances, don't 
you think, Detective?"
Nick nodded, relief evident on his features.
"I see that you are a true gentleman, Mr. Lacroix", Captain Cohen said 
impressed. "I think we are finished for now. Detective Knight will take you home 
now and we will contact you in case we need you again."
Lacroix stood from his chair. "Lead the way, Detective", he said.

* * *

As they exited the interview room they saw Natalie enter the bullpen. The moment 
she saw them she abruptly turned her direction and headed towards the ladies' 
room. 
Nick and Lacroix exchanged glances. "She knows", Nick mumbled to him.
"So it seems", the elder answered, slightly amused about his son's discomfort.

Nick turned to Schanke. "I'm taking Mr. Lacroix home and will stay there with 
him, Schanke. Call me if there are any new developments."
He grabbed his coat and followed Lacroix out of the precinct.

Natalie reappeared from the ladies' room, carefully peaking around.
"You just missed Nick", Schanke informed her. "He's taking Mr. Lacroix into 
protective custody."
Great, Nat thought. Now they had official permission from the Captain to play 
house.

* * *

"You did not tell me that Lucretia called as the explosion hit", Nick stated as 
he pulled the car out of the parking lot.
"It must have slipped my mind. I was distracted at the time", Lacroix replied.
"You do realize that she probably called to make sure that you were there before 
she started the explosion."
Lacroix gave him a sidelong glance. "That is a very clever conclusion, 
Detective".
Nick continued without taking notice of the sarcastic remark, "In that case she 
is the only person who knows that the explosion occurred live on air. But the 
police does not know. She must assume she was successful in her attempt."
"And what do you suggest we should do?"
"We wait if the technicians are able to procure her number from the system."
In that moment they reached the warehouse where Nick pulled into the garage.

* * *

In the loft Lacroix retrieved a bottle from the refrigerator and filled two 
glasses.
"So", he breathed, handing one glass to Nicholas. "What does your scheme of 
protective custody entail, Detective?"
Nick grinned and sat down on the piano bench. "I don't know. What would you like 
to do?"
The elder nodded towards the piano. "Play for me, Nicholas", he requested.
Nick turned around on the bench and placed his glass on the piano.
He let his hands glide over the keys, beginning a nocturne. Soon he had immersed 
himself completely in his music. Lacroix had moved to a position that allowed 
him to observe his son. Nicholas had closed his eyes and the passionate 
expression on his face matched the music he played. Lacroix wondered if Nicholas 
was aware of the effect he was having on him.

Nick ended the piece and opened his eyes. He noticed that Lacroix had moved 
behind him.
"I so enjoy to watch you play", the elder breathed in a throaty voice close to 
his ear. Nick sat motionless as he felt Lacroix's lips on the side of his neck.
"'Watch'? You mean 'listen to' me play", Nick corrected him after Lacroix's 
words had registered in his brain.
"I meant what I said. You have such exquisite passion on your face when you 
play, Nicholas."
"You are kidding", Nick replied but soon he lost interest in the argument 
because Lacroix had started to gently nip along his vein.
"Why don't we head over to my place?", the elder suggested in his seductive 
voice.
Nick knew at once what he had in mind.
"No, Lucien, we can't. We have to be here in case the precinct needs to contact 
us", he mumbled, enjoying the sensation his master was creating.
Without paying heed to Nicholas' words Lacroix continued to whisper: "I would 
cuff you to my bed, rendering you completely immobile. Then I would arouse you 
in ways that would make you quiver in delight."
Nick's breathing had become ragged. Here his master had aroused him by the mere 
sound of his voice. He took a long swallow from his glass. Then he turned on the 
bench to look his master straight in the eyes.
"It's too dangerous, Lucien. We can't do that again." Noting Lacroix's scowl he 
added: "At least not when I have to work the next night. After what happened the 
last time, I don't trust myself in the company of mortals until I have 
completely recovered."
Lacroix nodded in understanding. He had expected his son to act this way. Before 
he could utter another reply Nicholas had drawn him close, pressing himself 
against his body. "But I would like to continue what you just started", Nicholas 
whispered in his ear. Lacroix felt his son's fangs grazing along the vein on his 
neck, mirroring the action he had applied before. He tightened the embrace and 
flew them into the bedroom.
There they gave themselves to each other and made slow deliberate love through 
the rest of the night.

* * *

It was still one hour until sunset when they sat at the kitchen table, savouring 
their liquid breakfast in companionable silence. They languidly enjoyed the 
aftermath of their encounter, their relaxed expressions speaking of passions 
spent.
The silence was disturbed as the elevator engaged. Nick quickly disposed of the 
bottle and their glasses before going to open the lift door.

He found Schanke inside the lift, packed with several bags.
"What are you up to, Schanke?", he asked surprised.
"I'm bringing your guest some food. I know you never have anything else in your 
fridge than those bottles of red wine. You certainly cannot expect Mr. Lacroix 
to join you on your strange diet." 
After spotting Lacroix at the kitchen table he asked: "I hope you like 
croissants?"
"I did not find anything amiss with what Detective Knight had to offer", Lacroix 
assured, referring to the vintage he had taken directly from his son's vein. 
Nick shot him a warning glance.
"We stopped to pick something up on the way over", he hastily explained. 
Schanke had already approached the table and started to unload his bags.
"Anyway, it never hurts to have something in store. Oh, Mr. Lacroix, if you have 
any errands to run during the day, just call me so that I can accompany you. You 
know, Nick has this strange sun allergy that detains him from going out during 
the day."
"Thank you, Detective, but I am not in the habit of running errands during the 
day", Lacroix stated with emphasis.
Schanke shrugged. Why did he have to sound so insulted?
"By the way, did Nat call you?"
Nick looked up in alarm. "No, why?"
"She came to the precinct after you left. She seemed to be troubled by 
something."
Nick glanced nervously over to Lacroix.
"I don't know what's bothering her, Schanke. I will call her later."
"OK, partner, I need to run. I'll give you an update on the investigation by 
morning."
"Thanks for the food, Schanke", Nick said and picked a fifty dollar bill from 
his purse.
"Keep the change."
"Man o man, Nick. You really have no idea how much you pay for basic food items, 
do you?"
A little unsure Nick picked out another fifty dollar bill.
"Are you kidding? I did not pay half as much. The store is called 'discount' for 
a reason."
Still shaking his head he stepped into the elevator.

Something did not match here, he thought on his way down. Schanke had worked 
long enough with his partner to know how he acted around strangers. His 
behaviour around Lacroix matched in no way to someone he had met only 24 hours 
ago. And Lacroix did not seem the type you became friends with easily. Actually, 
he did not seem the type you wanted to become friends with at all. Somehow he 
had the feeling that those two had known each other before they were introduced 
at the precinct yesterday. It would not hurt to run a background check on 
Lacroix.

* * *

Lacroix stood at the kitchen table, eyeing the food items with disdain.
"And what are you going to do with this?", he asked his son.
Nick shrugged. "There's a homeless shelter a few blocks away. They are always 
happy to receive donations."
"How generous", Lacroix remarked.
Nick pointed the remote at the blinds, the sun had just set. "Listen, I think I 
should talk to Nat while she's at home and try to explain."
"Do what you deem necessary, Nicholas. But make sure you return before sunrise. 
If her behaviour at the precinct was any hint at her mood, she might stake you 
should you be forced to spend the day at her place."
Nick did not bother with a reply but vanished through the skylight.

* * *

Natalie was glad that her shift started later this night. She had not gotten 
much sleep during the last two days, her thoughts again and again returning to 
the incident at the loft. She changed into her sweat pants and prepared a cup of 
tea. After lighting the fire in the living room she sat down on her couch and 
started to think it over again. She still had not gotten quite over the shock 
she had received at the loft. 

She had her own imaginations about Nick's former life but never had she conjured 
up the image she was forced to witness yesterday. She had always assumed Janette 
to be her rival when it came to the subject of Nick's affections. Obviously she 
had been wrong. Certainly she had seen Lacroix as a rival as well. But on a 
different level. While she had been working on bringing Nick back across he had 
been her counterpart, the one who tried to lure Nick back to his own kind. Well, 
it seems he had won in every category. She had to admit defeat.

But still, she could not fathom it. It was not so much the fact of seeing two 
males engaged in a kiss that bothered her, but the two of them. She tried to 
remember if there had been hints about this side of their relationship, 
something she had missed. She knew Lacroix was obsessed with his son. One hour 
of listening to the Nightcrawler Show was enough to tell her that. But Nick? She 
just could not imagine how Nick could love someone like him, at least not when 
judged by what he had told her about his master. That was another question she 
had started to turn in her mind. How one-sided was everything Nick had related 
to her? And how long had this been going on between them? Had he been leading 
her on the whole time?

* * *

When Nick reached Natalie's apartment complex, he hovered a moment in front of 
her living room window. He saw her sitting on the couch, staring into the fire. 
He considered a moment to enter through the open balcony door but then opted for 
the mortal way of entry. No need to upset her further by another display of his 
dark side.

* * *

Natalie was roused from her thoughts by a knock on her door. Peaking through the 
viewer she saw Nick standing in the hallway. She considered a moment if she 
should pretend to be away or asleep but then it occurred to her that he probably 
had heard her movements in front of the door. Better to get the confrontation 
over with.

With a flourish she opened the door.
"May I come in?", Nick asked hesitantly.
Nat motioned him into her living room and closed the door.

"I thought we should talk", he began. "I know you are probably mad at me."
"Mad is not the right word", she corrected him. "Disappointed is more like it. 
Sometimes I'm not sure if I know you at all, Nick. All these years you told me 
the most terrible things about Lacroix. Then you tell me you had reconciled. OK, 
it was hard to believe but I accepted it. The next thing is I find the two of 
you kissing on the floor. So, what exactly is your relationship with Lacroix?"
Nick began to fidget under her gaze.
"I told you it was hard to describe."
"Yes, I remember, you said he was like a father or a brother. You didn't say 
anything about lover."
"What we have goes beyond anything a mortal can possibly imagine. I'm sorry you 
had to find it out this way", Nick apologized. "I wanted to tell you but somehow 
there never seemed to be the right opportunity."
"Spare me your apologies, Nick. Just tell me, how long has this been going on?"
"Recently, about a week, but generally with occasional break-ups almost 700 
years", Nick confessed.
Natalie was struck by this admission. To be together with someone that long! It 
astonished her even more that this side of their relationship had never occurred 
to her before. Nothing had even hinted at this possibility, unless it was 
withheld on purpose.
"Tell me, Nick, have you been leading me on the whole time? All these years, you 
always said we could not have a relationship. I certainly did not expect that 
you have a problem with women."
"I do not have a problem with women!", Nick stated with emphasis. "You have to 
understand that vampires have a different concept of sexuality. The sharing of 
blood is more important than the physical act. Accordingly the gender is of no 
consequence."
Natalie listened with fascination. But this did not explain the two of them 
engaged in a kiss. There had to be more.
"So, you just bite each other and that's it?", she ventured more into the 
subject.
Nick had to smile at her curiosity. "No, there is much more. The more the 
partner is aroused the more pleasure we find in the blood", he explained, 
turning his back to her and staring out of the window.
As no questions were forthcoming he continued: "I told you about the blood. How 
we can feel life through it. Every emotion, your entire being transformed into 
touch and taste. To be able to share everything you are with someone. To 
experience the other's passion through the blood. There is no greater pleasure 
than that."
His voice had taken on a rough edge. He took a deep breath.
As he turned around, Nat gazed into the golden eyes of the vampire.
"I'm sorry, I need to go", he stammered through extended fangs. He did not 
bother with the door this time but escaped through the open balcony.

* * *

Lacroix looked up from his book in surprise as his son entered the loft in a 
very aroused state.
"My, my, what has the good doctor done to you, mon fils?"
"Nothing, she was just disappointed in me. I tried to explain to her about the 
blood and ended up in this state."
"Do you want me to take care of you?", Lacroix offered, rising from his seat.
"No, just hold me", Nick replied, feeling miserable.
He let himself get enveloped in a tight embrace, his face turned onto Lacroix's 
shoulder.
"I don't know what to do about Nat", he muttered. "She thinks I stood her up the 
whole time."
He turned his head and gently bit into Lacroix's neck.
Lacroix smiled at the long expected attack. Never breaking the embrace he 
settled them on the couch before he returned the bite. His son's blood told him 
that Nicholas was quite upset about his recent encounter with the doctor. He 
tried to soothe his child by sending reassurances through their link. They 
remained in the feeding embrace until Nicholas had calmed down and drowsily 
mumbled: "Thank you, Lucien".

* * *

The first thing Schanke did after he arrived at the precinct was to run 
Lacroix's name through the police records. What he found made him wonder in 
amazement. There were no records at all, not even a parking ticket. Perhaps he 
had no car. Schanke entered his name into the car registration databank. Again, 
he received the line "no matches found". In a last attempt he sent a query to 
the residential databank. Another blank. Schanke scratched his head. It seemed 
as if Lucien Lacroix simply did not exist. But the guy had to live somewhere, 
hadn't he?

He decided to go to CERK in order to see if there was any progress. Perhaps 
someone from the network could shed some light on Mr. Lacroix. At least they 
should have an address where to send his paychecks.

* * *

When Nat returned from her lunch break she noticed a visitor in her lab.
"Did you come to gloat?", she asked in an annoyed tone.
Lacroix raised his eyebrows.
"Actually I came to thank you, Doctor." At her lack of reaction he added: "For 
your assistance at the loft."
"I only did what Nick asked me to do", she defended her action. "He seemed very 
desperate. I could not deny his wish."
"Of course", he said smiling. "Nicholas has a tendency to evoke that in people. 
One just cannot bear to see him upset, don't you agree?"
Nat did not want to agree with him on anything. She casually moved to the tray 
where she had her instruments laid out. Although she knew she was no match for 
him, having her scalpel within easy reach gave her the confidence she needed to 
make it through the rest of this confrontation.

Lacroix watched her movements with inner amusement. Ah, she has spirit, he 
thought. Nicholas has chosen well.
"OK, you made your point. Was there anything else?", she snapped at him.
"Nicholas told me that you did not take well to how things have developed 
lately."
She did want to get into this discussion again and certainly not with him.
"I don't see why this should be any concern to you", she said.
"But it concerns Nicholas and so it concerns me as well. You said you helped me 
because my son asked you to. You could not bear to see him upset. You see, we 
have something in common here, Doctor. Nicholas is deeply upset right now."
"Then what do you want from me?"
"I want you to accept Nicholas' decision, so that he can be at ease without 
worrying about your thoughts on the matter. I want you to understand that the 
choice Nicholas has made has nothing to do with his feelings for you. It was 
only a matter of time until he returned to me. Of course no mortal can probably 
understand this."
"Great. I got the same speech from your son this evening. Is that the standard 
answer so that you do not have to admit your incapacity of making love to mortal 
women?"
"Au contraire, Nicholas is certainly capable of satisfying mortal women. We 
never received any complaints in that regard." He hesitated before adding an 
afterthought: "But then, most of them never survived an encounter with 
Nicholas."
Natalie swallowed. This was a subject she did not want to hear any details 
about. Then a thought occurred to her.
"But some did?"
"I remember only one. He brought her across."
This was not the answer Nat had hoped to get.
"Then it is really not possible for your kind to make love to mortals without 
killing them?"
Actually she had not intended to get into a discussion about the abilities of 
vampires concerning love but now her curiosity got the better of her. And he 
seemed to be more willing to provide information than Nick had ever been on that 
subject.
"Of course it is. With the right control and proper preparation. But my son was 
never able to ascertain this control. Nicholas is a very passionate man. You may 
take my word for that. He knows no restraints when it comes to passions."
Nat could not keep her cheeks from getting hot by his talk.
"If Nicholas has not expressed his love for you, then it was out of respect for 
your life, Doctor."
Why was it that this sounded much more reasonable when it came from Lacroix than 
Nick's attempts to explain why they could not be together?
"I ---I was not aware that it could be that dangerous", she admitted flatly.
"Ah, but you should always be on your guard, Doctor. Especially where Nicholas 
is concerned."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You have chosen a dangerous path when you decided to befriend a vampire. If you 
think you have already seen him at his worst, let me assure you that you have 
only caught a glimpse of what he is capable of."
Nat felt a cold shiver starting down her back.
Noting her discomfort, Lacroix smiled benevolently. "Au revoir, Doctor", he 
whispered and vanished from her sight.

After the shivers had stopped crawling down her back, Nat sat down and took a 
long swallow of hot tea. "No, he is just trying to get to me so that I stay away 
from Nick", she thought. However, what he said underlined the feeling of 
uneasiness that had swept through her since the early evening. The sudden 
appearance of the vampire on Nick's features and his abrupt departure had 
terrified her more than she dared to admit.

* * *

As Lacroix returned to the loft he found Nick in the same position he had left 
him, sleeping peacefully on the couch. He took up his book and settled into the 
nearby chair. 

* * *

Nick was roused by the ringing of his phone.

"That was the Captain", he told Lacroix after he had ended the call. "They have 
some more questions. I told her we would be over in 30 minutes."

* * *

Upon entering the bullpen Nick noticed a tension in the atmosphere that was 
unusual. Captain Cohen made a serious face as she led them into the interview 
room. She and Schanke set down again opposite Lacroix at the table while Nick 
remained standing behind them.
"So, did the search crews find anything?", Nick asked, eager to receive any 
news.
"Indeed, they did", Cohen stated in a strained voice. She pointed to a pile of 
cloth on the table. "Is this your overcoat, Mr. Lacroix?"
Lacroix gave the leather coat a once over. It looked a little battered from the 
explosion but it was definitely his coat. "I believe it is", he answered 
cautiously, not sure where this was leading.
"Would you mind to explain to us how you come into the possession of a bullet 
that was missing from a crime scene a week ago?"
"What?", Nick gasped, leaning on the table.
"We found it in his pocket", Schanke supplied.
"I found it", Lacroix said simply.
"Why did you keep it?", Nick asked in a shaken voice.
Lacroix looked him straight in the eyes. "As a memento", he answered.
Again Schanke had the destinct feeling that they were talking about something 
completely different.

Captain Cohen continued with the questioning.
"Mr. Lacroix, there are a few things that do not add up here. You said you left 
the station around midnight. Yet the doorman did not see you leave."
"I took an emergency exit."
"Do you always leave your coat behind when you go outside? It was a rather cold 
evening."
"The cold does not bother me." 
Nick could tell that Lacroix was getting annoyed at the turn the questioning was 
taking.
"You are aware that it is a strange coincidence that you left the station 
shortly before the explosion hit", Cohen pointed out. "I'm afraid I have to ask 
you where you were at the time of the explosion."
"I told you I had an errant that warranted my attention."
"Do you have a witness?"
"No."
"That is not much of an alibi. Under the present circumstances we cannot exclude 
that you have placed the bomb there yourself."
Lacroix regarded her calmly, too calmly for Nick's opinion.
"And why would I do that?"
"Perhaps you wanted to get rid of the technician?"
"Captain, I assure you, if I wanted to get rid of anyone, I certainly would not 
use a bomb, especially if it destroys my place of work in the process."
"I'm sorry but from the circumstantial evidence gathered so far we have no other 
choice than to arrest you. We will also apply for a warrant to search your 
house."
"Wait", Nick stepped in. "Can I talk to you for a minute, Captain?", he asked.
Cohen reluctantly rose from her chair and proceeded into the hallway. Nick cast 
a meaning glance at Lacroix and followed her out of the room.

"What is it, Knight?", Cohen asked. 
Nick focused on her heartbeat. "I want you to listen very carefully", he began. 
"Who else knows about the bullet and the coat?"
"Sam Parker from forensics and Sergeant Walters who found it."
Nick felt some relief. Damage control would not be that difficult.
"You will forget about the bullet and the coat. Lucien Lacroix is not under 
suspicion. You summoned us here to tell us about the progress on restoring the 
phone system."
He waited until Cohen repeated his instructions, then he released her from his 
control. At his peripheral vision he noticed Natalie watching him with a frown 
on her face. He cast her a look that said "stay back" and re-entered the 
interview room. The dazed look on Schanke's face told him that Lacroix had done 
his part.

"I'm afraid the technicians were unsuccessful in their effort to restore any 
numbers from the telephone system", Cohen informed them.
"How about setting a trap", Nick suggested. As he found all eyes focused 
questioningly on him he explained: "We have not yet released any information 
about the identity of the dead technician. The media only got wind that one 
person died. If this Lucretia believes that she was successful in her attempt, 
it would come quite as a shock to her if Mr. Lacroix goes on the air again. She 
might be tempted to call in. Then we should be able to get her number."
Cohen considered the suggestion for a moment. "That's a good idea in general, 
Detective, provided that Mr. Lacroix is willing to play the bait. But you forgot 
one thing. The studio has been destroyed."
"I have been thinking of setting a studio up somewhere else. You will find the 
place fitting for your purpose", Lacroix announced.
Nick shot a questioning glance at him. This was all new to him.
"What do you have in mind?" he asked.
"I have taken over the contemporary ownership of a nightclub. I can set it up in 
one of the spare rooms."
Nick looked at him incredulously. But before he could start an argument Captain 
Cohen rose from her chair.
"Thank you for your co-operation, Mr. Lacroix", she said. "Please inform us when 
you are ready. And thank you for coming by."

* * *

As soon as they had left the building Nick drew Lacroix to a shadowed part of 
the parking lot. 
"Are you out of your mind?" he began. "Janette will never allow this."
Lacroix regarded his son with an amusing look.
"Janette is out of town right now."
"But isn't it too dangerous to have the police lurking around in the club?"
"You don't have to invade the club with a legion, Nicholas. All it takes to set 
up the equipment is one technician. He can be taken care of afterwards."
It seemed logical. Nick had wondered what his master would do now that his toy 
was destroyed. He had even feared he would suggest to move on. But if he was 
willing to set up a whole new studio this meant that he was likely to settle 
down for a longer time.

"And what made you running around with that bullet in your pocket?", he ranted 
on.
"I told you I kept it as a memento. At the time I was not sure how our 
relationship would continue. I wanted something to remind me of that rare 
moment."
Nick felt genuinely touched by this admission. He stood gazing into Lacroix's 
eyes.
"Ahem", a female voice interrupted their argument. Neither of them had paid 
attention to Natalie's approach.
"If you will excuse me, I will head over to the Raven and set the plan in 
motion", Lacroix announced.
"I will come by later", Nick replied, giving his hand a short affectionate 
squeeze.

"What was that all about back in the precinct?", Nat asked as Nick turned to 
her.
"Nothing, just a misunderstanding", he said evasively.
"Nick, you just hypnotized the Captain. Don't tell me it was nothing", Natalie 
insisted.
"They suspected that Lacroix had placed the bomb there himself and they wanted 
to search his house. We can't have them do that."
"Why, does he have a skeleton hiding in his closet?"
He gave her an incredulous look. But he was glad that they were talking again 
and that Natalie had not lost her humour. Time seemed to have mended the cleft 
in their friendship.
"Of course not! But they would find out that we have known each other in the 
past."
Her curiosity peaked at this comment. But she stifled it for the moment, judging 
another question more important. It was something she had been wondering about 
from the beginning of this investigation. Obviously the Captain had been on the 
same track.
"I know he was there when the explosion hit, but why did he say he left already 
at midnight?"
"Because that's what he did. He returned shortly before the explosion and 
resumed his broadcast."
"But you have to admit that it is somewhat strange that he left the station in 
the middle of his broadcast."
"He had an errant to run", Nick quoted.
"But he has no alibi."
"Yes, he has." At Natalie's surprised look he added: "I'm his alibi."
"But you were at the crime scene at the time."
"And so was he." He hesitated to continue. He did not want to tell her this but 
she would not let it go until she had pried it all from him. "I was hunting down 
the criminal. I had lost control, Nat. I would have killed him if it hadn't been 
for Lacroix to hold me back."

Nat stared at him in alarm. She was not sure which information unsettled her 
more: that Nick had lost control or the fact that Lacroix had stepped in to keep 
him from killing. She remembered Lacroix's warning with sudden clarity.
"Nick, what is wrong with you? You did not have these control problems before, 
did you?"
"It was my fault. I had not fed properly that evening", Nick said quickly, not 
meeting her eyes. He hoped if he gave her a plausible reason she would not prod 
him into details.
Natalie considered his answer a moment. She could tell that he was hiding 
something. She clearly remembered the bruise around his wrist that evening. 
Perhaps it was better if she did not know everything.

* * *

"Good evening, gentle listeners. After a short break due to technical 
difficulties, the Nightcrawler is back on air, keeping you company through the 
night.
Tonight's topic is guilt. Guilt is a most dangerous emotion. It can create 
illusions in your mind. One of the most common illusions is the belief in a deed 
that is not done. Have you ever wished to do something purely evil? In your mind 
you are planning every detail of the deed. And when you wake up the next morning 
you have dreamt about having accomplished it. And yet, it is all an illusion, 
conjured up by an unstable mind that is wanting something. Sounding familiar? Do 
call in and share."

* * *

After more than half of the show was over and several people had called in, 
Lacroix received another call.
"Yes?"
"You are not dead?", a timid voice asked through the phone.
Lacroix nodded to the technician.
"Certainly not. Lucretia, isn't it? How did you come to that conclusion?"
"I know you were on air. I called you to make sure."
"Do you believe in ghosts, Lucretia? Because if you are so sure, you are 
obviously talking to one now. Are you ready then to face the consequences of 
your deed?"
"What do you mean?"
"I do not speak of mortal justice. Has it ever occurred to you that ghosts are 
only the excuses of our own conscience for deeds that are too horrible for our 
soul to live with? If we feel guilt about something then it is likely that 
ghosts are coming to haunt us."
"What do you want from me?" the voice grew terrified.
"Nothing in particular, just to give you a warning. It is not wise to threaten 
certain people. Some of them might come back to haunt you, even if you 
considered your attempt successful. But then you can never be sure, can you?"
The line went dead.

The technician smiled triumphantly.
"I've got the number."
He passed a paper to Nick. "All you need to do now is find the name and 
address." 
Nick called the precinct to arrange for the databank search and a warrant. Then 
he headed over there himself, leaving Lacroix at the Raven.
They were on the right track. Lucretia's words had been as close to a confession 
as they could get over the phone. It would be sufficient to apply for a warrant.

* * *

Schanke and Nick sat at their desks when a sergeant stepped up to them 
announcing that they had the address. While Nick went into the Captain's office 
to give her an update and to retrieve the warrant, Schanke lifted the receiver 
from his phone and punched in a number, a dazed expression on his face.
"The address is 1680 Dufferin Street, Apartment 4B", he informed the person on 
the other end of the line in a monotonous voice.

* * *

Lucretia Botero opened the door to find a tall, pale faced gentleman in the 
hallway.
"Yes?", she asked. "What can I do for you?"
Curiously, she eyed the white rose in his hand.
"Good evening", the man greeted nonchalantly.
The sound of that voice caused her to freeze in her movements. After a moment of 
staring at him she slowly retreated backwards. 
"You", she stammered. "You are dead!"
Lacroix smiled. "That, my dear, is a matter of perspective."
She continued to stare at him, only marginally perceiving how he closed the door 
with a sharp retort and advanced her slowly.
"I -- I called to make sure you were in the studio when I pressed the button."
"I see." His voice took on an icy touch which matched the shivers that were 
running down her back.
"What do you want?", she managed.
"Only to give you what you desired most", he replied cryptically.
At her lack of response he clarified, "To put an end to your lonesome nights."
"Oh", she breathed, clearly flattered now. Mixed emotions were warring on her 
face, a natural fear of this intruder and the longing to have her secret fantasy 
fulfilled.
"But be warned. Nothing is freely given. The question is, are you willing to pay 
the price?"
"Everything", she stammered, not able to resist the seductive lure of his voice 
any longer.
"Good", he breathed. "Because the price I'm talking about will be your life."
He sank his fangs into her throat and drained her before she could utter another 
word of protest.

As she sagged in his arms he carried her into the bathroom and placed her into 
the tub. From the kitchen he retrieved a knife which he used to slice her wrists 
placing them above the drain. A last faint stream of blood issued from the 
wounds finding its way down the drain. Placing the knife beside her hand he 
observed his handiwork. It would do for now. On an afterthought he left the rose 
beside her body.
Satisfied he left the apartment and returned to the Raven.

* * *

Nick and Schanke drew their guns and took their positions beside the door. 
Nick knocked and called: "Miss Botero, Metro Police. Open the door."
No sound was coming from within.
Nick knocked again, then he kicked in the door.
The apartment seemed forsaken. As they searched from room to room Nick perceived 
the faint odour of blood coming from the bathroom. As he opened the door he 
stopped in his tracks. A woman was lying in the bathtub, her wrists slashed by a 
kitchen knife which must have slipped her hands.
Schanke entered behind him.
"Suicide?", he asked.
"Obviously", Nick sighed. Then his eyes fell on a white rose that was lying 
beside the body.
He turned to Schanke.
"Call the coroner, Schank."
While Schanke returned to the living room to make the call Nick bent over the 
body to take a closer look at the neck. Two neat bite marks told him all that 
had transpired here.
"Lacroix", he sighed. How the hell did he find out the address?
He picked up the rose and hid it inside his coat pocket.

* * *

Nick entered the Raven and found his father at the bar.
"You've taken revenge", Nick stated placing the white rose on the counter.
Lacroix regarded his son. It had been a risk to take matters in his own hand. 
Would this be the end of their new found peace? He hoped not. It had been his 
right to take revenge. That woman had inflicted a serious injury on him, not to 
mention the humiliation he had suffered in needing to be saved by a mortal.
"Nicholas, you did not really believe I would stand aside?"
"Would you have renounced your revenge if I had asked you to?"
"You did not ask, Nicholas."
Nick sighed. It was useless to pursue the topic any further. The deed was done. 
He should have known that his master would solve the matter on his own. The 
eagerness he had shown to co-operate with the police during the investigation 
should have raised his suspicion but he was too glad to have him around all the 
time to notice any ulterior motive. 
"How did you know where to go?"
"Detective Schanke was kind enough to inform me", Lacroix stated calmly.
"Why should he do that?"
Then it hit him. "Of course. I never should have left you alone with him. You 
did it when you altered his memory."
"I took the opportunity to add a few suggestions", Lacroix admitted.
Nick looked up in alarm. "A few? What else?"
"Nothing that justifies your alarm, Nicholas. I only did you a favour."
"What else, Lacroix?" Nick pressed.
"I told him to stop dropping in unannounced and to bring obnoxious food into 
your loft."
Nick could no longer keep his smile at bay.
"Pragmatist", he scolded.
"So I assume the case is closed?"
"Yes, forensics found several tapes of your show and enough equipment that 
matched the explosive device she used at the studio. Her death was listed as 
suicide. Although I'm afraid Natalie has other suspicions."
"Will that be a problem?"
"I hope not."
"And what about you, Nicholas? Are you having a problem with it?"
Nick considered his answer a long time. He did not like what Lacroix had done. 
But neither could he have stopped him. Was it worth to sacrifice their new found 
relationship for the ill considered deeds of a mad woman?
The answer was no.

"Let's go to your place", Nick suggested the meaning evident in his voice.
"You have the next night off?" Lacroix asked in a casual tone.
"I have the night off", Nick affirmed.
"Good." The way the single word was breathed caused Nick's pulse to beat twice 
in anticipation. 

FIN