Title: Evidence of Fear
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 eighth part of my "Evidence"-Series that begins with "A Piece of 
Evidence" and continues with "Evidence of Love", "Lack of Evidence", "Plain 
Evidence", "Circumstantial Evidence", "Evidence of Trust" and "Unexpected 
Evidence". It contains several references to the previous stories, so you should 
read those first in order to be up to date with the plot.


Evidence of Fear
by PJ
May 2004


Nick woke to a sensation at his lower back. He realized that his master was 
sensuously licking across his skin. What a way to wake up! Next he perceived his 
aroused state, no doubt a result of Lacroix's ministrations. He shifted his 
position, intent on turning so that his front might receive equal attention.
"Ssh, lie still", Lacroix commanded and continued to stroke his fingers in lazy 
circles across Nick's lower back.
Nick sighed in compliance and focused his attention on the sensations his master 
was creating. Soon his entire backside felt hypersensitive.
After what seemed an eternity Lacroix ceased his ministrations and covered 
Nick's body with his own.
"Do you wish to be conquered?", he whispered seductively into Nick's ear.
"Yes", Nick responded with ardour, feeling his master already poised at his 
entrance. However, Lacroix's weight on his body prevented him from initiating 
anything. In anticipation he waited for his master's move.
"Pour vous, mon Nicolas, seulement pour vous", Lacroix whispered and slid easily 
inside.
Nick realized that Lacroix's former attentions had led to a perfect preparation.

Lacroix began to move, bringing Nick slowly to the edge. 
Nick tried to fasten the rhythm but his position allowed him no movement of his 
own. He was completely under his master's control. 
Lacroix reached out for Nick's hands, their fingers intertwining. 
When they reached the peak, Lacroix ceased his movements, keeping Nick suspended 
between ecstasy and fulfilment. Nick's breathing came in rags. He became acutely 
aware of his state, his perception heightened, instinctively knowing that the 
edge would be sharper with every second his release was delayed. Finally, when 
he thought he was going to burst, he found a wrist being shoved in front of his 
mouth. With an unearthly roar he bit into it and simultaneously felt his 
master's bite in his shoulder. Lacroix gave one more thrust that sent both of 
them over the edge. Nick felt himself exploding and groaned as wave after wave 
of release shuddered through him. He continued to suck his master's essence 
fiercely as he felt his own being taken from him.

Finally their swallows slowed down. Lacroix gently licked his tongue across the 
bite marks until they healed and found the same attention applied to his wrist. 
Then he slid from his child who turned towards him with a gaze of wonder on his 
face.
"How?", Nick asked in amazement.
"It's a subtle art that requires a certain amount of discipline and restraint", 
Lacroix explained.
"Which means I will never be able to acquire these skills", Nick remarked with a 
sigh.
"No, mon fils. You are far too passionate for this kind of undertaking. And I 
wouldn't have it any other way", Lacroix added and captured Nick's lips in an 
ardent kiss to prove his point.

* * *

Nick was standing in his kitchen, pouring another glass of breakfast when the 
doorbell announced a visitor. He moved over to the monitor and smiled at the 
image of Schanke stepping nervously from one foot to the other. At least he is 
not coming in unannounced anymore, Nick thought. That's definitely an advantage 
of letting him keep his knowledge.

He pulled the lift door aside and watched as Schanke cautiously stepped into the 
loft.
"Hi", he said, taking in the image of his partner, dressed in his red robe. "I'm 
not interrupting anything, am I?"
Nick smiled at Schanke's careful behaviour.
"No, Schanke. Lacroix left several minutes ago. How did you sleep?"
"Hardly", Schanke sighed and took a seat on the couch. "Two days ago I find out 
that my partner, who I thought I know well enough, has a relationship with 
another man. The next day I find out that he's a vampire. Please tell that there 
isn't anything else."
Nick had to smile at his outburst.
"I kept thinking about it the entire day", Schanke went on. "You know, this is 
the first time I can't talk about something with Myra. I feel like I'm going to 
burst with this knowledge if I can't talk about it."
Nick cast him a concerned look. He carried his glass and bottle over to the 
living room table and took a seat across from Schanke.

"I still can remove your knowledge if it is too much for you to handle, 
Schanke", he offered.
"No, that's not necessary. I'll come to terms with it", Schanke replied quickly.
He found the thought that Nick could manipulate his memory rather frightening. 
It had given him the chills as he had watched him hypnotize Lindsay. The perp 
had behaved like a puppet under Nick's spell. Although he trusted his partner, 
he did not like  to lose control over his mind. He secretly wondered if Nick had 
done anything similar to him in the past. 
Nick observed the quickening of Schanke's heartbeat.
"All right, we will see", he conceded. "And if you feel the need to talk about 
it with someone else than me, Natalie knows."
Schanke looked up surprised.
"She knows? Since when?"
"Long before I started at Metro. It's how we met", Nick explained and related 
how he had ended up on her examination table.

"Wow, that's some kind of story", Schanke said after Nick had ended. "And she 
wasn't scared at all?"
"She was fascinated. She's the most amazing woman I've ever met", Nick said.
Schanke observed his far away look.
"You love her", he stated on a hunch.
"I care about her. Anything else is not possible", Nick replied with conviction 
and took a long swallow from his glass.
Schanke furrowed his brows. "Why?", he asked.
Nick was not sure if he should explain the deeper parts of vampire physiology to 
Schanke at this stage.
"Mortals and vampires cannot be together intimately without the mortal being 
killed in the process", he stated.
Schanke swallowed, suddenly realizing that Nick was probably speaking from 
experience. He thought it better not to pursue the topic any further for now.
But he couldn't help staring at him as Nick emptied his glass and refilled it 
from the bottle.
"Does it bother you?", Nick asked, trying to get a hint at Schanke's tolerance 
level.
"Where do you get it?", he asked instead.
"It's donated", he replied, seeing Schanke relax a little bit in relief. "Most 
of it is expired blood from hospitals."
No need to tell him about the more exclusive sources his master preferred.
"And I always thought it was red wine in your fridge", Schanke said, still 
staring.

"Schanke", Nick said after a while. "You are staring."
"Huh? Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to", Schanke apologized. "I was just 
wondering..."
"About?"
"Those fangs I saw last night."
Nick looked to the ground, when he raised his head again, he revealed his 
protruding fangs.
"Is this what you want to see, Schanke? Take a good long look and then stop 
staring", he said in a deep voice and released a low growl.
Schanke's hair stood on edge. He moved slightly away from Nick.
Nick took a deep breath and changed back before regarding his partner with a sad 
expression.
"You are afraid", he pointed out.
"No", Schanke protested.
"Why then is your heart suddenly beating faster than usual?" 
"How do you know that? Wait, you can hear that?"
Nick nodded.
"Okay, you are right. Seeing you like that is a little frightening, but I will 
get used to it."
Nick regarded him doubtfully, but decided to leave it at that for now.
"I think it's time we get moving. I'll be right back", he said and ascended the 
stairs to dress.
Schanke remained seated on the couch, taking a deep breath. Then he took in the 
loft, regarding the numerous displays with new insight. He realized that the 
many art objects were not just a collection of someone with a special interest 
in art but probably memorabilia from Nick's own long life. He found the thought 
fascinating.

"Ready to go?", Nick asked suddenly from behind him.
Schanke spun around and gasped as he saw Nick, dressed entirely in black, 
standing close behind him. He hadn't seen him coming down the stairs. How could 
he suddenly appear behind him? Perhaps he had been too absorbed in his 
contemplations, he thought.
He picked up his coat and followed Nick to the lift.

"Mind if we pick up something for me to eat on the way to the station?", Schanke 
asked as Nick pulled out of the garage.
"Sure, as long as you don't spill anything in the Caddy", Nick replied.

* * *

Schanke returned from his trip to the all night diner, packed with several 
items.
"Schanke", Nick scolded in a strenuous tone. "I thought one of the benefits of 
letting you keep your knowledge would be that you stop eating garlic in my 
presence." 
Schanke looked at him astonished.
"Huh? Does it really bother you that much? Sorry, I wasn't aware of that."
"It makes me sick. And you really don't want to see that", he said.
Although he had meant to say the light threat in friendly banter, he noticed the 
rise in Schanke's heartrate. Despite Schanke's assurances that everything was 
okay, he was afraid. 

* * *

When they turned onto Queen Street, the radio cracked to life.
"Shop robbery near intersection of Queen and Bay. Armed suspect escaped in the 
direction of Yonge Street. All units in the area please respond."
Nick pressed the gas pedal harder and picked up the radio.
"81 KILO responding", he announced.
A short time later they saw someone running into a side alley. Nick brought the 
Caddy to a halt. He and Schanke took positions at the mouth of the alley. 
"I'll go around back", Nick announced and vanished before Schanke had a chance 
to object.

"Sure", he mumbled and proceeded cautiously into the alley.
He took cover behind a dumpster and observed the fugitive trying several doors 
for another way of exit.
"Metro Police!", he shouted. "Hold it right there!"
The perp however turned around and fired a shot in his direction.
"Damn", Schanke cursed and crouched back down behind his cover. Carefully 
peeking around the dumpster, he gulped suddenly as he saw his partner dropping 
out of the sky behind the perp who was just in the process of reloading his 
weapon.
"I wouldn't do this if I were you", Nick said and knocked the gun out of his 
hands. Seconds later he had him cuffed and proceeded towards Schanke who stood 
staring open mouthed.
"Did you ---", he began.
"Later, Schanke", Nick interrupted him with a meaningful glance towards the 
perp.
Schanke swallowed, not sure if he had been hallucinating.
Nick shoved the perp onto the back seat of the Caddy and called for backup.
Soon a police car came to pick up their prisoner.

* * *

"Did I just see you fly?", Schanke blurted out when they were finally alone in 
the car.
Nick nodded silently, a smile playing around his lips.
"Jeez, how is that possible?", Schanke asked, totally amazed.
"One of the rare benefits I really enjoy about being what I am", Nick answered.
"Uhu", Schanke remarked and realized that he had finally found the answer to all 
those mysterious disappearing acts he had observed during their partnership.

* * *

Back at the station, Schanke couldn't help staring at his partner who sat across 
from him, filing the paperwork on their latest arrest.
"Schanke", Nick said in a warning tone after glancing up briefly from his work.
"Huh?", Schanke asked.
"You are doing it again", Nick stated.
"What?"
"Stop staring!"
"Oh, I'm sorry", Schanke replied quickly, only now realizing that he had indeed 
been doing this.

* * *

Before returning home at the end of their shift, Schanke made a detour to the 
morgue.
Carefully he peeked into the lab. 
"Are you alone?", he asked Natalie who was putting away her instruments.
"For the moment, yes", Nat replied, already knowing what kind of talk had 
brought him here.
"How are you dealing with it?", he asked. "Nick said that you have known for 
quite some time."
"Schanke, I have known Nick several years and I trust him."
She did not mention that this trust had received a few cracks recently. His 
relationship with Lacroix seemed to have triggered a darker part in him that she 
had not observed before. Although it frightened her to a degree she had to admit 
that she was also fascinated by it.
"And what do you think about Lacroix?", Schanke broke into her musings.
"I don't know him that well", she said evasively. "But I'd be careful around 
him. He would do anything to keep Nick at his side."
"Do you know what they are doing, you know, when ---"
"I really don't know, Schanke", she answered, flustered. "And I don't think I 
want to know. All I know is that they are obviously biting each other at one 
point or another."
"Weird", Schanke said. "And I never noticed anything."
"Believe me, I had no idea either. This part is rather new for me as well and 
I'm still trying to come to terms with it."

* * *

During their next shift Nick and Schanke were called to a crime scene.
Nick knew that something was wrong when he noticed Natalie's serious face as she 
looked up from the body of a fair haired man.
"Hi Nat, what do we have?"
Natalie hesitated to answer. Instead she bent the head of the man to the side. 
Nick stared at two neat bite marks. He had seen these often enough to know what 
had killed the man.
Wondering what had caught Nick's attention, Schanke crouched down opposite from 
Nick. His eyes widened as he recognized the bite marks.
"Nick, is that ---?", he began, when he was silenced by a dark look from Nick. 
He swallowed, feeling a cold shiver running down his back.
Nick turned to Natalie.
"Can you postpone your report until I have talked to Lacroix?"
"I'll try. It's kind of busy tonight. But you know I hate to cover things up."
"I know and I'm sorry."
He turned back to Schanke who was still staring at the man's neck.
"Come on, Schank, we have a lead to check out."
"Huh?", Schanke asked and followed his partner to the car.

When they were seated, Schanke asked again.
"Nick, was that what I think it was?"
"Yes, he was killed by a vampire", Nick said gloomily.
"Are you sure?"
Nick turned to him.
"Believe me, I have seen it often enough, hell, I have caused it often enough, 
to be very sure."
Schanke swallowed again. Nick noticed his elevated heartbeat and cast him a 
sidelong glance.
"But who?", Schanke finally asked.
"I don't know yet. Some rogue I believe. Nobody is so foolish to leave a fresh 
kill out in the open."
"So what are we going to do?"
"I need to inform Lacroix and then we will go through the routine investigation 
as usual. It will end in the unsolved cabinet after a while."
"But someone has to be responsible", Schanke protested.
"And that someone will answer to it, I assure you. But you have to understand 
that it is no longer under the laws of mortal justice."

That moment they reached the Raven. Nick got out of the car.
"Wait here. And I mean here outside, Schanke."
Schanke nodded, his thoughts contemplating on what Nick had just said.

Nick entered the Raven and proceeded towards the sound booth where Lacroix had 
set up his new studio. Seeing that the 'on air' sign was off, he entered. 
"Nicholas, what a pleasant surprise", the elder greeted him.
"The reason I'm here is not pleasant at all", Nick answered in return. When he 
saw that he had Lacroix's undivided attention he continued, "Someone has been 
sloppy. We found a fresh kill. The marks have not been disguised at all."
"Is this going to be a problem?"
"Not if this remains the only one. Nat can cover it up. But I want to know who 
is responsible for this."
"Certainly not someone of our nightly patrons. Although some are quite young and 
annoying, they know how to behave. I will ask around if there is someone new in 
town."
"All right. Keep me informed."
Nick turned to go when Lacroix called him back.
"Nicholas, how does your partner react to this?"
"He wants to catch the one who is responsible but I explained to him that the 
case is no longer under mortal jurisdiction."
"Very well. I will see you later, Nicholas."
Nick returned to his Caddy, surprised to find Schanke still where he had left 
him.

* * *

Natalie returned from her lunchbreak when Grace stopped her at the front desk.
"Natalie, that charming new friend of yours is waiting in your office", she 
informed her.
Nat swallowed, suddenly becoming aware of the tingling sensation in her arm.
"He's not my friend and he's anything else than charming", she wanted to scream.
Instead she resigned to her fate and stormed into her office, cheeks red in 
anger.

She found Lacroix sitting comfortably behind her desk.
"Good evening, Doctor", he greeted her and rose from his seat.
She glared at him.
"Can't you at least come without informing the entire staff of your presence?", 
she scolded him.
He looked at her, amused.
"But I thought you did not wish any surprise visits any more. Besides, do not 
mistake this for a social call. I'm here on official business. I'd like to take 
a look at your latest corpse."

Natalie led him to the cooler and pulled out the body. Lacroix studied him 
closely.
"He bares a certain resemblance to Nicholas", he pointed out.
"Do you think that's more than a coincidence?", she asked.
He shrugged. "We will know for sure when the next body turns up."
Nat stared at him.
"Do you think there will be more?"
"Who knows? Someone might be keen on catching Nicholas' attention."
"Well, whoever it is, now that you are here I can find out if we are dealing 
with a male or a female."
Lacroix raised his eyebrows.
"And how do you conclude this?"
"The distance between the marks."
She pulled a calliper ruler from her pocket and sized up the distance between 
the bite marks.
"3.5 centimeters", she announced.
Turning back to Lacroix she requested, "Now open your mouth."
"Excuse me?", Lacroix said, regarding her incredulously.
"I want to measure the distance between your canines."
"May I suggest a simpler method, Doctor?", Lacroix inquired politely.
"And that would be?", Nat asked, intrigued.
"I'm going to take a sip from you and provide you in the process with two equal 
bite marks that you may measure all you like."
"Forget it", she said, flustered. "I will find another specimen."
"I doubt it", Lacroix responded amusedly and left.

* * *

Nick and Schanke returned from a routine visit to the victim's next of kin, the 
radio tuned to CERK. Schanke listened with renewed interest now that he knew to 
whom most of the speeches were directed.
"Welcome once again, children of the night", the smooth voice filled the car. 
Schanke cast a glance at his partner who was listening intently with a smile on 
his face.
"Tonight's broadcast is dedicated to all new citizens of this fine city who have 
recently moved here. Why don't you pick up the phone and introduce yourself?"
Nick's smile broadened. His master's way of 'asking around' who was new in town 
was anything but subtle. He doubted, however, that their rogue would be so 
foolish as to call in.

They had already listened to a couple of calls when Lacroix announced another 
caller.
"Yes, whom have we here?"
"Hello Lucien, what a pleasant welcome", a male voice replied.
The Caddy came to a screeching halt.
"Nick, what the hell ---"
Schanke broke off as Nick turned to him with golden eyes.
He watched as his partner jumped out of the car and vanished out of sight.
Letting out the breath he had held, Schanke climbed behind the wheel and pulled 
back into the traffic.

* * *

Nick stormed into the sound booth.
"Who is he?", he hissed.
Lacroix looked up from his desk, a little surprised to find his child this 
outraged.
"Who?", he asked.
"The one who called in", Nick said impatiently.
"Ah, that one. An old acquaintance."
"Why did he call you Lucien?", Nick demanded to know.
"Because that is my name?", Lacroix returned, rising from his seat.
"Nobody calls you Lucien, except after ---", Nick exclaimed, leaving the 
sentence unfinished.
"Listen to me, Nicholas. There is no need to be upset", Lacroix said in a 
soothing voice. He could see that his child was close to losing control.
"His name is Sebastian and I have not seen him in a century. He turned out to be 
rather annoying then."
"Why? What did he want?", Nick asked.
"He wanted what has always been reserved for you, Nicholas."
Nick stared at him. The thought that another might have received what he had 
considered his privilege alone was unbearable.
Lacroix watched the emotions play across his son's face. Right now he looked as 
if he wanted to kill someone.
"Of course his request was not granted", Lacroix continued in an attempt to 
soothe his child. "He departed rather sadly and I have not seen him since."
The relief on Nick's face was evident.
"Do you think he could be responsible for the body?", he asked
"As it turned up within the boundaries of your precinct, it seems someone is 
challenging you. Yes, it could be him, although I would have judged him to be 
more sensible."


* * *

Nick entered the morgue and found Natalie busy typing up a report.
"Lacroix was here to take a look at the body", she informed him.
"And?", he asked.
"He noticed a likeness to you."
"That would make sense if it is the one I suspect", Nick responded gloomily.
"You have a suspect?", Nat asked intrigued.
"Yes, someone I don't even know."
"That reminds me, I wanted to check something but Lacroix would not let me 
measure the distance between his canines", Nat complained.
Nick regarded her incredulously.
"Nat, the fangs of a vampire are very sensitive. If you had touched them, the 
consequences would have been more than you would have liked to handle."
Nat furrowed her brows as his words were not making any sense.
"Excuse me, I don't get what you are talking about, Nick."
Nick took a deep breath before explaining, "They are considered an erogenous 
zone. It would have turned him on to be touched there."
"Oh, my god!", Natalie exclaimed, her cheeks getting flushed again.
"I'm sure he appreciated the offer", Nick said amused. "But I'm glad he 
refused."
"Then you won't volunteer either, hm?"
"Yes, I will", he replied to her surprise. "But you know now that you should be 
careful."
"I will", Nat promised.

Nick took a deep breath, then he opened his mouth to reveal his fangs. Nat 
approached him with her calliper ruler and very carefully measured the distance. 
Nick noticed the rise in her heartrate as she touched his fangs slightly.
"3.5 centimeters", she announced. "See, no harm done."
He smiled at her and allowed himself a moment to revel in her elated heartbeat 
which was music to his ears.
Nat stared at him, watching in fascination as the gold entered his eyes.
He reached for her hand, turning it to regard the vein in her wrist. Just one 
small sip, and he would know everything. If she still had feelings for him and 
how she felt about Lacroix. Slowly he brought her hand to his mouth, inhaling 
the scent that permeated from her skin.

The lab door opened.
"Nat, have you seen ---", Schanke stopped as he entered the room, puzzled at the 
image of seeing Nick suddenly turning away from Nat. He furrowed his brow. It 
had only been the fraction of a second, but before Nick had turned away he had 
his mouth posed over Natalie's wrist, fangs clearly visible. What the hell was 
going on?
"Oh, here you are, partner", he said, casting Nat a concerned look, who appeared 
to be slightly confused.
"You know, it would be helpful if you gave me a hint of your destination before 
you disappear."
Nick turned around and cast him an innocent smile.
"Sorry, Schanke. I'll try to remember that the next time."

* * *

When they returned to the precinct, Nick discovered a wooden stake lying on his 
desk. He picked up the item, carefully peeking around that no one was paying 
attention.
"Norma", he asked the desk sergeant. "Has anyone been at my desk?"
"No, Nick, not that I can think of", she answered.
Nick shrugged and tossed the offending piece into the trash.

* * *

While Nick was taking a shower, Lacroix was busy in the kitchen preparing their 
breakfast. He thought about their previous encounter. Although he had done his 
best to distract his child from his present problems he had sensed an amount of 
doubt in his blood. He had to diffuse these doubts somehow. As he listened to 
the running shower an idea occurred to him. The mental image of his son taking a 
shower soon brought him to a pleasant state of arousal. He bit deep into his 
wrist and filled one goblet with his blood.

Nick came down the stairs, already dressed for work.
His attention was focused on a glass full of blood waiting for him on the 
kitchen table.
Feeling hungry he drowned it in a single swallow and gasped as he realized that 
he had ingested his master's blood. He was a little surprised at the desire he 
sensed in it. A desire for him and only for him.

"Do you like the taste?", his master's voice inquired close to his ear.
"Yes, especially the feeling that comes with it", Nick stated with ardour.
"It is yours to take", Lacroix whispered seductively, drawing Nick over to the 
couch where he sat down and leaned his head back to expose his neck.
Nick stared a moment at the unexpected offer. Actually he was already late for 
shift but this was too tempting.
Smiling he settled onto Lacroix's lap and sensuously licked along the column of 
his neck. Then he scratched the skin slightly with his fangs and lapped at the 
small offerings of blood. Lacroix squirmed under him, his desire for his son 
clearly evident. His hands roamed across Nick's back, before opening the collar 
at his neck.
"Boit, Nicholas", he urged. "And feel the desire that is burning for you."
Nick needed no further prodding. He raised his head and plunged his fangs deep 
into Lacroix's neck.
Lacroix revelled in the feeling of being taken in this passionate way.
As he began to feel a little lightheaded, Nicholas ceased his drinking and 
pulled him to his own neck.
Lacroix immediately bit into the vein, sucking fiercely at the delicious 
substance he cherished above all else.
After a few swallows he pulled away, licking sensuously over the wounds until 
they healed.
"Sated?", he asked his child.
Nicholas nodded. "For now. Merci."
Reluctantly he stood from the couch and straightened his shirt. Once more he 
leaned over Lacroix and gave him a lingering kiss on the mouth. Then he departed 
through the skylight.

* * *

"Finally", Schanke scolded. "You know, Nick, for someone who can move that 
quickly you are often uncharacteristically late."
"Sorry, Schanke", Nick apologized. "I have been delayed by something."
Schanke took in his partner's appearance with a raised eyebrow. His shirt was 
unusually crumpled and there was a tiny dot of red on his shirt collar.
"Did you cut yourself shaving?", he asked.
Nick shot him a confused look. 
"No, must be remnants from --- breakfast", he stated absent-mindedly, unaware of 
the shocked glance he received from Schanke.

* * *

Nick and Schanke were called to another crime scene.
As they approached, Nick stared in shock at a fair haired man lying on the 
ground with a stake protruding from his chest.
Natalie was busy taking notes on her clipboard.
"Drained?", he asked in a whisper.
Nat nodded and turned the head to the side, revealing fang marks at the neck.
"I'd say he was drained first. The stake has been applied post mortem. Do you 
think someone wanted to make sure that he stays dead?"
"No, it's a message, probably a warning for me. Let's hope the media don't get 
wind of this. The last we need is another coverage of vampire hysteria."

* * *

"What about that stick?, Schanke asked when they were back in the car.
"Stake", Nick corrected him.
"Huh?"
"It's called a stake." He took a long breath before continuing. "A stake through 
the heart is one of the few ways to kill a vampire."
"But that guy wasn't a vampire, was he?", Schanke pointed out.
"No, he was mortal. Someone wanted it to look like a vampire had been killed."
"But why?"
"To make me nervous, I suppose."
"Well, I don't know about you, but it is working with me. This gives me the 
creeps."
"Me, too", Nick thought gloomily.

* * *

"81 KILO, neighbors reported screaming at Grange Park. Please respond."
"81 KILO responding", Schanke informed dispatch while Nick turned the Caddy in 
the direction of the park.
As they neared the park, he sensed a presence, but it vanished when they stepped 
off the car.
"Too late", Nick said in a grim voice and pointed to a body on the lawn.

He crouched down beside the body and took a knife from his pocket. As he bent 
over the victim's neck, intent on obliterating the bite marks, Schanke caught 
his arm to stop him, his hand accidentally getting in touch with the blade.
"What the hell are you doing, Nick?", Schanke asked in disbelief, ignoring the 
pain at his hand.
"I need to disguise the bite marks. We can't risk another victim being found, 
especially after the part with the stake."
"But Nick!", Schanke objected. "You are tempering with a crime scene."
"I know. Unfortunately it is a necessity", Nick stated in a firm voice. Then he 
proceeded to obliterate the bite marks on the victim's neck while Schanke 
watched wide eyed. The detached way Nick went about this task spoke of routine. 
Schanke wondered how often his partner had done this before.

When he was done he became acutely aware of a different scent of blood that 
permeated the air.
"Schanke, you are bleeding", Nick pointed out.
Schanke looked at his hand and saw that he was indeed bleeding from a cut in his 
hand. He got nervous when he noticed that Nick's attention was focused on his 
wound as well.
When he saw him approaching, a sudden bolt of fear shot through him. He reached 
for his gun and pointed it at his partner.
"Stay back", he said.
Nick was stunned at Schanke's reaction. It was clear that he had lost his 
partner's trust. It made him sad and also a little angry.
"Schanke", he said in a low voice. "You can't kill me with a gun. So stop 
threatening me with it and let me take a look at your wound."
"Are you crazy? After I know what you eat for dinner, of course I won't let you 
near it!"
Nick took a deep breath to calm himself. Then he focused on Schanke's heartbeat 
and said in a low voice: "Look at me, Schanke."
Schanke became aware of his own heartbeat thundering in his ears. Something 
compelled him to look up into Nick's face. But before he made eye-contact he 
remembered suddenly that those were usually the last words Nick spoke before 
people started to confess everything they wanted to hear. He realized that Nick 
obviously needed eye-contact to do whatever he intended to do.
He took another step back and shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"No, forget it, Nick. I know what you are doing and I won't look into your 
eyes", he stated.
This was not good at all, Nick thought. He should have taken care of Schanke's 
memories earlier.
"Schanke, you are acting irrational", he stated. "Let me at least take you to 
the morgue so that Nat can take a look at your wound."
"Nick, please. Just back off!"
Nick realized that Schanke was past any reasoning at the moment. Silently he 
picked up the body and took to the air, heading towards the lake.

Schanke let out a sigh of relief. Then he took out his handkerchief and wrapped 
it around his bleeding hand. Perhaps a trip to the morgue wasn't a bad idea at 
all.

* * *

Natalie listened with concern as Schanke told her what had happened.
While she was equally upset to hear how Nick had simply vanished with the 
corpse, she had to admit that Schanke had overreacted when he had tried to 
threaten Nick with the gun.
While she was dressing Schanke's wound, his cell phone rang.

"Odd, I.A. want to see me at the precinct", he stated.
"Thanks for taking care of this. I'll give you a call", he promised and headed 
out of the lab.

* * *

He was called into an interrogation room as soon as he entered the bullpen.
There he found Wilkins and Jenkins from Internal Affairs waiting for him.
"Detective Schanke, we have to ask you a few questions concerning your partner 
as this case has suddenly taken an unexpected turn after the evidence that has 
been recently discovered", Officer Wilkins addressed him.
Schanke furrowed his brows.
"What are you talking about?", he asked, hoping they hadn't found out about 
Nick's attempt at hiding another killing.
"A piece of evidence has turned up that places Detective Knight on top of the 
suspect list", Wilkins replied matter-of-factly.
Schanke swallowed and turned a nuance paler, a reaction that wasn't lost on 
Wilkins.
"According to forensics, the latest killing occurred around 8.00 p.m. We know 
from the duty roaster that Knight hadn't checked in yet although his shift had 
started at that time. Can you confirm anything about his whereabouts?"
"No, he was late. Said he had been delayed by something", Schanke answered.
He did not know what to think anymore. So he tried to stick as closely to the 
truth as possible.
But the image of his partner in his dishevelled state with blood on his collar 
haunted him. 

 * * *

When Nick returned to the precinct, hoping to find Schanke in a better mood, he 
was immediately called into Cohen's office. He wondered why the Captain made 
such a serious face.
"Nick, forensics identified your fingerprints on the stake that was found on the 
body."
Nick swallowed. Then he remembered finding the stake on his desk that he had 
tossed so carelessly into the waste bin. He had been set up!
"Nick, right now I have no other choice than to take you into custody. I hope 
you will allow this without resistance", the Captain continued in a firm voice.
Nick was too dumbfounded to put up any resistance. Silently he accepted his fate 
and allowed himself to be arrested.

He realized that a consequence of his arrest would soon be a search warrant for 
his loft. They had searched it once when he had also been arrested. Only this 
time they would find human blood in his fridge. That would not be explained away 
so easily. He would most likely be forced to move on. 

* * *

A pale man with short bleached hair entered the Raven.
He surveyed the club and focused his attention on a man at the bar. It had taken 
him decades to seek him out. Confident of the reception he anticipated he 
approached him.
"Lucien, finally. I have been searching for you for decades."
"Really? How flattering", Lacroix responded unemotionally. "And what is the 
purpose of your visit, Sebastian?"
"I've asked around and I have heard that the fights between you and your son are 
quite legendary. People say that he is weak and drinks animal blood like a 
carouche."
"So, is that what people tell", Lacroix answered in a deadly calm voice.
"And I said to myself, this must be degrading for Lucien. Certainly it is only a 
matter of time until they break up completely. And then I am here to take his 
position."
Lacroix needed all his inner resolve not to strangle this insolent whelp here 
and now. He managed to remain outwardly calm.
"Are you responsible for the bodies that have turned up here?", he asked.
"They were meant as a challenge for your son so that he might have something to 
detect", Sebastian explained in a mocking tone.
"You are a fool, Sebastian. Have you learned nothing of what I taught you? It is 
unnecessary to draw attention in this way."
"But you have to admit that it was effective. They suspect him to be involved in 
this. Soon he will need to leave. Until then I shall wait in patience."
He turned with a triumphant smile on his face and proceeded towards the exit, 
unaware of the murderous gaze that followed him.

Lacroix's first impulse was to kill him instantly once he had left the club. But 
then he considered differently. He would leave him for Nicholas. As he 
considered him weak he would be in for an unpleasant surprise. No one dared to 
insult his son without consequences.

* * *

While he pondered on these gloomy thoughts, he became aware of an approaching 
heartbeat. A little surprised he discovered Dr. Lambert making her way through 
the crowd with difficulty. He curved his lips as her wardrobe as well as her 
heartbeat differentiated her so very much from the other patrons.

"Doctor Lambert, what a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the honor of your 
visit?"
"Nick has been arrested", Nat stated without preamble.
Lacroix's only reaction to this information was to raise an eyebrow. She 
continued to explain about the fingerprints on the stake that matched his.
Lacroix scowled. So Sebastian had not bluffed when he said that Nicholas' cover 
was in danger.
"Have you ascertained the time when this crime occurred?"
"Yes, it must have been shortly after sunset."
Lacroix looked pleased at this information.
"Excellent, Doctor. I am in the pleasant situation to state that he was 
elsewhere occupied by that time."
Natalie stared at him.
"Would you repeat that in front of the Captain?", she asked.
"Certainly", Lacroix replied. "However it is already close to dawn. We might be 
in need of transportation after Nicholas has been released. Be so kind as to 
meet me at the station."
Not waiting for another reply he moved through the crowd that parted before him 
towards the exit.

* * *

Amanda Cohen stared at the black-clothed visitor in her room. After the case 
when someone had made an attempt on his life several weeks ago she had not 
expected to see him here again. 
"What can I do for you, Mr. Lacroix?", she asked.
"I am here on behalf of one of your arrested. I might be able to provide an 
alibi."
Captain Cohen wondered who would have the dubious fate of getting an alibi from 
this man, probably one of the teens who attended the club scene on a regular 
basis.
"Let's see. And who is the person you are talking about?"
"Nicholas Knight."
Captain Cohen looked at him, astonished.
"Please continue", she said.
"Detective Knight was with me during the time he is accused to have committed a 
murder."
"I did not know that you were socializing", the Captain remarked. "May I ask 
where you have seen him?"
"We have been occupied at his loft."
"I have a statement from Detective Schanke that says that he had been delayed 
for work."
"Yes, I'm afraid I am responsible for this delay", Lacroix stated and smiled at 
her enigmatically.
Captain Cohen felt a shiver running down her spine.
"Could you elaborate on this a little more?", she asked. "Did you seek him out 
because you were receiving threats again?"
"No", Lacroix replied amused. "The nature of my visit was solely private. 
Suffice it to say that I can vouch for his whereabouts throughout the entire day 
until he left for his work which was about 9 p.m."
"Very well", Cohen replied, not quite sure what to make of that statement. 
"Thank you for coming, Mr. Lacroix. I will pass this information on to the judge 
and then Detective Knight can be released during the day."
Lacroix leaned a little closer to her.
"No, Captain. You will release him immediately. The paper trail is only 
secondary. There is no need to keep him in custody any longer."
The Captain stared at him with a blank expression.
"I will release him immediately. The paper work can be taken care of later", she 
repeated in a monotonous voice.
Lacroix smiled again.
"Good. So glad we concur, Captain", he breathed and preceded her out of the 
room.

* * *

Nick looked up from his slumped position on the bench as an officer approached.
"Nick, you are going to be released", he stated. "It seems someone had an alibi 
for you."

When Nick entered the bullpen his glance fell on Lacroix who stood at the 
entrance, a smile of satisfaction on his face.
"I do not like spending the day alone", he stated.
Then he turned and strode towards the exit. Nick had to run in order to follow 
him, ignoring the curious glances he received from the officers who had stood 
within earshot.
When they stepped outside, Nick regarded the predawn sky with concern.
"Lucien, I don't think ---", he began.
"Nicholas do you think I made the effort to get you out of the prison only to be 
stuck here with you?"
He rounded the corner where Nick was surprised to see Natalie waiting with the 
Caddy, the trunk already open.
"After you", Lacroix said and waited until his child had climbed inside. Then he 
followed and nodded to Natalie to close the lid.

"Why didn't you call, Nicholas?", Lacroix asked, his voice sounding hollow in 
the confinement.
"I was not sure if you would come", Nick stated. "I know how you hate getting 
involved with my mortal life. I guess I wanted to spare myself the risk of 
disappointment."
"Oh, Nicholas. Instead you prefer risking the necessity to abandon your life 
here?"
"Perhaps it would have been best for everyone", he said in a defeated voice.
"Nonsense, Nicholas", Lacroix objected. "Unless of course you wish to move on."
Nick considered this a moment. He actually liked his life here as it was.
"Not yet", he answered.
"Good", Lacroix said, trying to move into a more comfortable position.
"Nicholas, this trunk of yours is uncomfortably small", he complained, changing 
the subject.
"It's the biggest I could get", Nick defended his car.
"Very well, then we should use this to our advantage", Lacroix suggested and 
pressed himself closer to his son.

* * *

Natalie drove into the garage. When she opened the trunk, she let out a shriek 
as she found herself faced by two hissing vampires with golden eyes. In shock 
she slammed the trunk shut and ran outside, unaware of the snickering noises 
inside the trunk.
"I told you she would be too distracted to notice anything else", Lacroix stated 
and climbed out of the trunk.

* * *

"How was it possible that he got released?", Sebastian wondered. He had made 
sure that all evidence led to him.
It was time to put another plan in motion. He picked up the receiver and dialled 
the number of the 96th precinct.
"I have a message for Detective Schanke from his partner, Detective Knight", he 
told the desk sergeant. "Please tell him to come to the west side of 
Harbourfront Park."
Smiling he replaced the receiver on the craddle and proceeded towards the same 
destination.

* * *

Schanke entered the bullpen wearily. Natalie had informed him that Nick had been 
released and advised him to apologize for his behaviour on the previous day. He 
had spent a restless day mulling over the matter in his mind until he came to 
the conclusion that he had indeed overreacted a little bit.
A glance at their desks told him that Nick had not arrived yet. On his desk, 
however, he found a message informing him that Nick waited for him at 
Harbourfront Park. He picked up his coat and left the bullpen.

* * *

A short time later Nick entered, aware of the curious glances he received from 
his colleagues.
"Is Schanke not in yet?", he asked the desk sergeant.
She looked at him, confused. 
"Didn't you leave a message for him to meet you at Harbourfront Park?"
"Actually not", Nick replied.
"But someone called and said so", Norma informed him.
Nick rushed out of the precinct and took to the air, a feeling of dread creeping 
into his bones that he might be too late.

* * *

Schanke exited his car and walked towards the lake.
"Nick?", he called, hoping his partner would not cause him a heart attack by one 
of his sudden appearances.
"I'm sorry. But Nick is not here", an unknown voice answered behind him. In the 
same instant he was grabbed from behind.
"You are the one", Schanke stated.
"Yes, I am. You have probably wondered what has caused the death of these 
people. I give you the opportunity to experience it first hand."
Schanke felt a hand bending his head to the side. Desperately he tried to reach 
into his coat pocket.

"Release him!", a familiar voice suddenly hissed from behind him.
Schanke used the moment of Sebastian's distraction to reach into his pocket and 
grab the cross he had stowed there. The effect when he brandished it in front of 
Sebastian's face was immediate. The vampire recoiled and retreated a few steps.
Schanke turned to Nick and stared in shock at his partner. Eyes ablaze and fangs 
visible he led out a fierce growl before attacking Sebastian.
The other fought the attack off. They circled each other.
"I have heard you are weak, de Brabant. Do you think you could win against me?", 
Sebastian asked tauntingly.
"Perhaps you are misinformed", Nick stated and faster than Schanke's eyes could 
follow he flew behind Sebastian and grabbed him from behind. The other tried to 
struggle in vain to free himself.
"Now you are going to experience what it means to underestimate me", Nick hissed 
into his ear.
Schanke watched in horror as his partner raised his head and plunged his fangs 
deep into the other's neck. There was eerie silence as Nick drained Sebastian. 
After he slumped to the ground, Nick grabbed a makeshift stake and plunged it 
into the other's heart.

Schanke didn't know what to say. He had never seen his partner act so violently. 
Unconsciously he tightly grabbed the cross in his hand.
He breathed a sigh of relief as Nick turned to him and regarded him with blue 
eyes. He was sure he would have bolted had he been forced to see those yellow 
eyes again.

"Is he dead?", he asked cautiously.
"He will be once the sun has turned his body to ashes", Nick informed him. "Are 
you all right?"
"Yes, thanks to you", Schanke answered in a shaken voice. "Nick, I have to 
apologize for my behaviour yesterday. I think I overreacted a little bit."
"It's all right, Schanke. It was understandable under the circumstances", Nick 
said, relieved that he had not lost his partner's trust completely. Then he 
turned his attention back to the staked vampire.
"Schanke, I need a favour. I want to be sure he really gets distroyed. So I will 
watch him combust from the shadows of the trunk. Would you drive me to Lacroix's 
place then?"
"Sure, no problem", Schanke said.
"So, how do you feel?", Nick asked, noticing that Schanke was still a little 
tense.
"Well, I'm glad I finally found a use for this present of Myra's mother", 
Schanke said, showing Nick the cross.
Nick retreated a step.
"Schanke, please!"
"Oops, sorry, Nick. I had not expected it to be that effective."
He suddenly felt immensely relieved to have finally found a means to defend 
himself, just in case …

* * *

As the sky became lighter, Nick opened the trunk of his Caddy and climbed 
inside.
"Whatever happens, stay away from the body", he instructed Schanke before 
pulling the lid further down to prevent being exposed to the sunlight. 

Not sure what to expect Schanke watched curiously as the body of the dead 
vampire started to smoke. Then he gazed in horror as it combusted into flames. 
After a few minutes it was over and a thin layer of ashes was all that was left. 
And soon they were blown away by the morning wind that was coming in from the 
lake.
The sound of the closing trunk informed Schanke that the show was over.
He sat down behind the wheel and started the engine.

* * *

Schanke parked the Caddy as close to the front door as possible.
He got out of the car and knocked slightly on the trunk. Then he noticed that 
the front door was opened.
Nick carefully opened the trunk and dashed into the house, leaving wisps of 
smoke in his wake.
Schanke followed hesitantly.

Lacroix regarded his child with a serious face.
"Tsk, tsk, should we talk about curfew again, Nicholas? I thought we were past 
that age", he scolded and reached out to touch the slight burns on Nick's face.
Nick ignored him and turned to Schanke.
"Thanks, Schanke. You can take the car with you. I'll meet you tomorrow at the 
station."
Schanke stared a moment curiously at the couple in front of him before he 
realized that he had been dismissed.
"Okey dokey, partner. Hasta la bye bye", he answered and stepped back into the 
morning sun.

* * *

"So, is it done?", Lacroix asked, slightly puzzled at the mood he sensed from 
Nicholas.
"You know he's dead. You must have sensed it", Nick replied in an accusing tone.
Lacroix raised his eyebrows.
"And what makes you think that?"
"I drained him before I killed him. He was your son!"
Lacroix was taken aback by this statement.
"No, Nicholas, he was not", he objected.
"But I could sense traces of your blood in him."
"You are much too perceptive for your own good, Nicholas. What you sensed is the 
result of him ingesting my blood a hundred years ago."
"Why did you share blood with him?", Nick cried in outrage.
"I said nothing about sharing. I found him left for dead by hunters with a stake 
close to his heart. His master had suffered the same fate and was already beyond 
help. But they had missed Sebastian's heart. I pulled the stake free and gave 
him my blood so that he could heal. Being orphaned at this young age he needed a 
little guidance. He became quite attached to me and wanted more.
"And?", Nick asked, dreading the answer.
"I told him that I could not comply with his request."
"Why?", Nick asked, astonished. He had not expected his master to refuse what 
was freely offered, especially at a time when he had gone on his own ways.
Lacroix stepped close to him and reached out to raise his chin.
"Because I already had a son", he explained.
Nick swallowed.
"But I had left you. Perhaps he would have lived up more to your expectations 
after I disappointed you."
"The disappointment was only temporary. I was sure that it was only a matter of 
time until you returned."
"But ---"
"No buts", Lacroix intercepted him, getting tired of his child's doubts. "No one 
can and ever will take the place that is reserved for you, Nicholas. End of 
discussion."
Nick regarded his master a moment longer before his lips widened into a smile.
Then he pulled him close and gave him a demanding kiss. Lacroix responded in 
ardour, igniting a passion in his son that was soon unleashed upon him. Nick 
fiercely dragged him towards the bed where he attacked every inch of exposed 
skin.
"Prends moi", he demanded while he straddled him.
Lacroix switched their positions and complied with his child's request in a 
single thrust. They established a feverish rhythm that brought both to the edge.
"Mine", Nick cried out and buried his fangs into Lacroix's neck. He clung to him 
possessively while they drank each other's blood.
"Forever", Lacroix responded after he had released him. Nick immediately fell 
asleep from sheer exhaustion, a smile of contentment on his face.

Lacroix regarded him seriously, not sure whether he should be pleased or 
concerned about his child's behaviour towards any possible rivals. He had to 
tread carefully in the future or Dr. Lambert was in danger of suffering the same 
fate as so many others had before.

FIN