Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 16:20:42 -0500 (EST) From: Susan Bennett Subject: Baby Doe - Finale (1/4) To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com --------- BABY DOE - FINALE (1/4) by Susan B. December 7, 1996 for Nick&Natpackers based on characters from Forever Knight, etc. ------------------------------ (Day 2/Nighttime, Nick's Loft) Lying in bed entwined in each other, Nick shed his first human tears in centuries. Not tears of sadness, and not merely tears of joy. They were tears of release, love, and bewilderment; and of the spiritual renewal that had been denied him for so very long. They were the tears of life. Nat held Nick close to her, captivated by the feel of his warm skin. She stroked his hair softly as she held him there, and whispered to him tenderly as his warm tears spilled onto her breast. They lay and clung to each other for hours. They cried, laughed, caressed, and made love. Human love. For hours they lay on Nick's bed, afraid to leave it, terrified that what they had might end. Nick and Nat soon fell into a shallow sleep. Natalie woke first and slipped on Nick's pyjama top. She stumbled out of bed and staggered into the bathroom, appearing a few minutes later with a glass of water. Kneeling down at the side of the bed she gently shook Nick's shoulder. "Time to wake up, Nick." Nick rolled over on his side and propped himself up on one elbow. He opened his eyes slowly and glanced up at Nat. "You're not going to throw that water in my face, are you?" Nat handed the glass to him. "Of course not. I thought you might be thirsty." She giggled and added, "after all that ...exercise." Nick took a small sip, and then a longer one. He gurgled it around in his mouth like a child. It was only water, but it tasted good. He drained the glass and set it on the table, then reached out for Nat. "Come back to bed." "Not yet!" Nat teased. "First I want you to do something." "What's that?" Nick asked. Nat lifted the remote control from the nightstand and offered it to Nick. "Open the blinds." Nick grinned and took the control from her. They looked at each other excitedly as he pushed the button. The blinds made a delicate grinding sound as they opened, and daylight quickly flooded the room. Nick and Nat were not looking at the sun though, it had been too long since they saw each other in the light of day, and that chance had been wasted. Entranced by the way the sunlight picked up the highlights in Nat's hair, Nick tugged her forward and ran his fingers through it. "You're even more beautiful in the sun." Nick leaned over to kiss her lips, and she returned his kiss fiercely. They had both waited years to be together, and now they could not part. Nick slowly undid Nat's buttons as he left tender wet kisses down her neck. "Come back to bed," he whimpered. Nat climbed enthusiastically back into his bed. She reached for the remote control to close the blinds, but Nick reached out to stop her. He kissed her ear and murmured, "I want to make love to you in the sunlight." * * * * * * LaCroix sat in the basement of the Raven, pondering the previous night's events. In his own way he had become attached to Baby Doe. He had made a decision to let Nick go, and to take the child when it was old enough. But right now LaCroix was feeling completely alone. He lost his sense of Janette many months ago, and now his sense of Nick had disappeared. LaCroix wasn't sure he wanted to remain alone, waiting for the child to come of age. LaCroix found himself wondering what it would be like to take Nicholas' blood before bringing him across. He had not had that luxury before, that being Janette's doing. While LaCroix usually thought of Nicholas as *his* child, in a way he was really *their* child, his and Janette's. Perhaps that was why Nicholas was his favourite. He sat and thought of these things, and considered his two options. Certainly the idea of taking part in Baby Doe's upbringing appealed to him - a child to mold into his own image, even before he was brought across. But Nicholas - there was a history there, a long history. Nicholas had proven quite a challenge for him. LaCroix was attracted to the weakness he perceived in Nicholas. He believed Nicholas would be easily controlled, and readily give himself to his father. Things had turned out vastly different than what LaCroix had imagined, but Nicholas had given him centuries of amusement. With a life as long as this, amusement was a necessity. LaCroix was excited by these two interesting possibilities. He took a long sip from his glass and declared, "there is no reason why I cannot have both." * * * * * * Back in the loft, the alarm clock blared out at four in the afternoon. Nat shut the bell off quickly, before it woke Nick. This would be Nat's first night back at work after her week long vacation. She wanted to get cleaned up and ready for work before Nick had a chance to lure her back into bed, a scenario which wouldn't have taken much effort on his part. Nat looked at him sleeping soundly. "Not much effort at all," she muttered. After showering and dressing, Nat went downstairs to the kitchen. She had no idea what to feed Nick, but thought something light would be the best approach. She had kept some groceries in his kitchen, as she had spent many an evening here. Nat popped some frozen dinner rolls into the oven to warm, and set out a platter of cold sliced chicken and raw vegetables. By the time she finished setting the table, Nat heard the groan of the water pipes as the shower upstairs was turned on. Nick was awake. While Nat was waiting for Nick, she turned on the television to check the news. Nat immediately found out what she wanted to know, that Baby Doe had been returned "mysteriously" to his bed in the hospital the previous night. The unexplained movements of the child encouraged the media to change his name from Baby Doe to Baby Go. Other information Nat gleaned from the newscast included the fact he was delivered that morning into temporary foster care at an undisclosed location. Nat clicked off the television set as she heard Nick's feet thumping down the stairs. She didn't really want to even mention that Baby Doe was returned to the hospital, as that would make her think of LaCroix. Well, really she didn't want Nick to think of LaCroix. Deciding to skip the word "hospital," Nat simply said, "Baby Doe's safely in foster care now." Nick was glad to hear the news, but a dark shadow did seem to pass across his face for an instant. He didn't want to dwell on it either. "That's good." Nat met him at the bottom of the stairs. "I made dinner. I didn't really know what to make, so just eat what you feel comfortable with." "I just have to do one thing first." Nick walked over to the fridge and took out the two remaining bottles of blood. He then set them on the countertop and stood in front of the sink. Nat followed him and wrapped her arms around him from behind, she rested her head on Nick's back. Like a reformed alcoholic determined not to touch another drop, Nick made a ritual of opening the bottles and sending their contents spiralling down the drain. He turned the hot water on full and rinsed the sink clean of the blood. Nat kissed Nick's back through his shirt and gave him a parting hug as she released him. She stepped backwards as Nick rinsed the bottles. Before turning around, Nick stuffed the clean bottles in the cupboard under the sink. "So. How do you feel?" Nat asked. Nick grinned and kissed her fleetingly on the lips before replying, "I feel hungry." Nick and Nat sat down at the table to eat, Nat spending more time studying Nick than actually eating. She had a big silly grin on her face as she watched Nick fully experience each new taste. Nick encouraged her reaction with his exaggerated antics, rolling his eyes every time he took a bite. Just as they finished dinner the sun began to set. Nat laughed, "it's going to be strange closing the blinds at dusk rather than dawn." Although Nick smiled and nodded back in agreement, the thought of night coming sent a sudden cold shiver through him. Cont'd. in Part 2/4 Susan B. cd397@torfree.net Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 16:21:23 -0500 (EST) From: Susan Bennett Subject: Baby Doe - Finale (2/4) To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com BABY DOE - FINALE (2/4) by Susan B. for Nick&Natpackers based on characters from Forever Knight, etc. ------------------------------ Nick dropped Nat off at the morgue and arrived at the station shortly after seven. He was extremely apprehensive about his first night out as a mortal. Not because of any dangers he faced on the job, although he would *definitely* have to adjust his working habits. But he did fear LaCroix. He had no defence against him now, and no way to protect Nat from him either. Nick just wasn't sure what LaCroix would do, or whether he would do anything at all. He did not know what to expect, or when it would come. When Nick walked into the squad room he noticed Tracy sitting at her desk deep in thought. Her face was a little pale and her eyes puffy. Tracy had obviously been crying. She was also nibbling on her nails, and looking quite nervous and agitated. Tracy glanced up as Nick approached. "What's wrong?" Nick asked quietly. Tracy sighed, "It's Melissa's son, Nick. Can we go over and see Nat? I *really* need to talk to somebody about this." Nick was a little confused and somewhat concerned that something was wrong with the baby. "Sure. We can go right now if you like." Tracy stood up and put her coat on. "Thanks, Nick." Ten minutes later Nick and Tracy arrived at the morgue. Nat was sitting at her desk writing in her notebook when they entered the room. Nat immediately noticed that Tracy was upset, and turned her attention to her. "What is it, Tracy?" Nick felt a little awkward. "Do you want me to leave you two alone?" "No. That's okay. You may as well hear this too." Tracy smiled half-heartedly. She found a chair by the door and slid it over to Nat's desk. Tracy sat down facing Nat, as Nick walked around and stood behind Nat. Nat's curiosity peaked. "Well?" Tracy fidgeted uncomfortably in her chair. "You're both going to think I'm an awful person. It's Melissa's baby. I've been thinking about it all day. I can't take him." "What *are* you talking about?" Nat asked. Tracy sighed, "I'm the only relative capable of caring for him, but I can't care for him. I'm not prepared for it. I'm just not ready for a family, and I really don't want the responsibility." "Oh...so that's what this is about," remarked Nat. She knew Tracy felt guilty about not wanting the baby. Nat had years of experience in dealing with the pain that guilt wrought on Nick. Support was what Tracy needed, and Nat would not contribute further to her guilt. "I know he's my nephew," Tracy continued, "but I hardly even knew Melissa." "What do you plan to do?" asked Nat inquisitively. "I've decided to put him up for adoption. But I want to do it privately. You know...check out the couple for myself." Nat felt a wild thrill of anticipation run through her as she considered the possibility of adopting Baby Doe. At first the idea seemed ludicrous, but the more she thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense. But there was Nick to consider. As though on cue, Nick put his hands on Nat's shoulders, and she eagerly lifted one of her own hands to cover one of his. Nick bent over and mumbled into Nat's ear, "you want him, don't you?" Nat squeezed his hand tightly and whispered back, "do you?" Tracy overhead their words and gawked at them. "Are you serious?" she asked, a little shocked. "We just might be, Tracy," Nick answered. "Why don't you give us a few minutes." Tracy got up clumsily from the chair and left the room, hoping and praying inside that this would work out after all. And what better people could she hope for to raise Melissa's son? She hadn't known either of them for very long, but she knew Nick and Nat were both caring, compassionate, and responsible. Natalie stood up and faced Nick. She took his hand and meekly bounced it in her own. "*Are* we serious?" Nick smiled. "At this moment there's nothing I want more than to settle down and raise a family with you." "And what about the next moment, Nick? We are talking about years of committment here. I want to do this, but I can't do it by myself." Nick hugged her. "I've loved you since the first moment I saw you, and I won't stop loving you. I told you before I wasn't going anywhere, and I intend to keep my word." Nat was euphoric. After all these years of waiting, all her dreams were coming true one right after another. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face. All she could sputter out was, "you still have to think up a name for him, Nick! We can't keep calling him Baby Doe!" Nick thought about it for a minute. "We'll give him a new name." He placed a playful kiss on the tip of Nat's nose. "After I give you a new name - Mrs. Knight." * * * * * * When their shifts were over, Nick and Nat headed home in the caddy. As they passed her street, Nat asked, "where you going? You missed my turn-off." "I just assumed you would be coming back to my place," answered Nick. "Well, Nick. I can't keep wearing the same clothes every day. I do have to go home and change occasionally." Nat giggled, "and I would like to get my own pyjamas." Nick slowed down the car and checked his mirror. He made a quick u- turn and headed back to Nat's street. He pulled over in front of her building and stopped the car. He turned to her and smiled. "Bring your things to my place, Nat. I don't want to wait until we're married." Nick leaned over and added in a low seductive voice, "and I don't want to wake up again without you in my bed." "Neither do I," Nat purred, before they got out of the car. Sydney heard their arrival at Nat's apartment door, and meowed loudly as they entered the room. Nat picked him up and took him to the kitchen to feed him. After feeding the cat, she went into her bedroom to gather up some clothes and make-up. A few minutes later, Nat reappeared from her room with a blue overnight bag. "We can come back later today or tomorrow for the cat, and to pack up anything else I need." Nick was standing by the window tapping nervously on the window ledge. "It will be light soon, and safe." Nat strolled over to him and touched his shoulder. "Nick. We can't let him make us afraid of the dark. Put it behind you. Put all of it behind you. He's made you miserable for long enough. *That* life is over. The bond between you no longer exists. He must accept that, and so must you." She made a fine speech, but her stomach felt queasy just the same. Nick whirled around to face Nat. "It is behind me, but it was my hell for a very long time, and I still remember it as such. In time the images will fade." Nat reached up and kissed him gently. "Let's go." She turned out the lights as they left the apartment. Halfway down the hallway, Nat blurted out, "damn. I forgot my bathroom stuff." She handed her bag to Nick, "why don't you take this down to the car. I'll just be a few minutes." Nat spun around and headed back to the apartment, while Nick headed for the stairs. Natalie unlocked her apartment door, stepped in, and flicked on the lightswitch. She stood mouth agape, and stiff with fear, at the sight of LaCroix standing ten feet in front of her. He was holding Sydney, and roughly stroking the animal's head. "Good evening, Dr. Lambert." LaCroix dropped the cat to the floor. Sydney landed on his feet and quickly scurried away. "What do you want?" Nat gasped as she backed up against the door. LaCroix spoke softly, "I want Nicholas back." "He doesn't want that life," stammered Nat. "Nicholas is my son, and I want him back," demanded LaCroix. Natalie wrapped her arms around herself. "It's time to let go of him LaCroix. If you truly think of him as your son, you must let him go." LaCroix grinned. "I think not, Dr. Lambert." He pulled out a newspaper from behind his back and blatantly exposed Baby Doe's picture to Nat. "This child means a lot to you, does he not?" "You already know he does," Nat replied. "Of course," Lacroix paused. "Would you be so kind as to give Nicholas a message for me?" Natalie's heart really started to race now, and she felt herself growing nauseous. She knew exactly what was coming. "What's the message?" LaCroix tossed the paper down to the floor in front of Nat's feet. "I will have a son. The child, or Nicholas. His choice." With those words LaCroix vanished from the room. Nat flew to the bathroom, her face clammy and pale. She hung over the toilet and was sick. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she was having difficulty catching her breath. As her nausea subsided Nat slid over to the sink and turned on the tap. She rinsed her face and mouth, and dried her face. Then she started to cry, and to shake uncontrollably. Nat made an attempt to fill up a bag with her toiletries, but it was too difficult to hold anything in her hands. Everything she tried to grasp went crashing to the floor. In a fit of anger, shock and fear, Nat flung the bag across the bathroom, raced to the door, and fled the apartment. Cont'd. in Part 3/4 Susan B. cd397@torfree.net Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 16:22:25 -0500 (EST) From: Susan Bennett Subject: Baby Doe - Finale (3/4) To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com BABY DOE - FINALE (3/4) by Susan B. for Nick&Natpackers based on characters from Forever Knight, etc. ------------------------------ Still waiting in the car, Nick checked his watch. He was just about to go upstairs and find out what was taking her so long when he heard the still familiar swoosh of a vampire. Nick was startled by LaCroix, who suddenly appeared in the passenger seat. Until now, Nick did not really believe he would fear this moment, but his mortal heart betrayed him. He could feel it beating faster in his chest. His first thoughts were of Natalie, and what had delayed her. Horrifying images flashed through his mind - Natalie dying, Natalie dead, Natalie being fed on by LaCroix, Natalie being brought across by LaCroix. It had been centuries since he had felt real fear, and it was paralysing. LaCroix could hear the throbbing of Nick's heart. He was amused by it and smiled. "You fear me, Nicholas. How ...interesting. What does that feel like - to fear." "Leave, LaCroix. I want no part of you. We are finished." LaCroix chuckled, "We are not finished, until *I* say we are finished. I want you back, Nicholas." "That's impossible, and *you* know it," Nick snapped. "Certainly you do not expect me to let you go that easily, Nicholas. I do not intend to spend eternity alone." LaCroix stared up at Natalie's apartment. "I will have you, or I will have that which you love." Nick snarled, "you wouldn't dare." "I could take her whenever I want. If you do not join me, that fact is something you will have to live with for the rest of your mortal life." LaCroix grinned, "you have until five tomorrow morning to decide." As suddenly as he appeared, LaCroix vanished. As Nick jumped out of the car, he heard Nat's voice calling out his name. He raced to meet her as she staggered down the walkway from the front doors of her building. Nick could tell from the tears streaming down her face that LaCroix had indeed visited her. She had the same numbness about her that he saw the night before, when he was still a vampire. Nick was truly beginning to think that his newfound mortality was, after all, a huge mistake. He took her into his arms and led her to his car. * * * * * * Nick and Nat arrived at Nick's loft in utter despair. The room was filled with morning sun, but it was a cold and surreal light. The warmth and happiness of the previous night, and that very morning, seemed very, very far away. Nat sluggishly removed her coat and shoes and went over to the couch. Nick followed and sat beside her. They held each other for a long, silent, and agonizing time. "He'll never leave us alone, will he?" Nat sobbed. "I'm sorry, Nat. I didn't think it would be like this," replied Nick. "I just didn't ...think." "He told me he wants you back, Nick. He said that if he can't have you, he'll take the baby." Nick put his arm around Nat and pulled her to his chest. He rubbed her back gently. "I received a similar message. But LaCroix prefers to hold you over my head." Nat rubbed the tears away from her eyes. "We should leave Nick. Today. We'll go away, where he'll never find us." "I know from experience that LaCroix is relentless. If he wants to find us - he will find us." "My God, Nick. What are we going to do? I can't lose you to him. Not now. Not ever!" cried Nat. Nick lifted her face and looked deeply into her eyes. "You won't lose me to him. I promise you that. We will think of something." Nick helped Nat to her feet. "Let's go to bed and get some sleep. Then we'll decide what to do." * * * * * * Nick woke up shortly after sunset. He removed Nat's arm from his shoulder delicately so as not to wake her. He then pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt, and headed downstairs. Nick called into the station to let them know neither he nor Nat would be in that night. Then he called the Raven and spoke to LaCroix. After hanging up the phone, Nick set about preparing tools for the imminent confrontation with LaCroix. They were tools a mortal would use against a vampire - holy water to subdue, and a sharp wooden stake to destroy. It would have to be a wide wooden stake. One wide enough to rip LaCroix's heart from his body. He would not fail this time. As Nick was working a piece of lumber, planing the end of it into a deadly point, he heard Nat's footsteps coming down the stairs. Nat strolled over to him and gazed at his handiwork. "That is your plan?" Nick glanced at her for a second. "I have done this before. It will work." Nat knelt down beside Nick and rubbed his shoulders lovingly. "But you were a vampire then. You're mortal now." "What else is there to do, Nat?" Nat felt tears slipping from her eyes yet again, "I don't know." Feeling the stake was sharp enough, Nick set his work aside. He got up and walked to over to his desk. Nick pulled his gun out of the drawer. "Nat. Come over here." Nat picked herself up off the floor and went to Nick's side. "What's this for. You can't *shoot* him. We already know that won't work!" Nick almost smiled as he reached out for her. He held her tightly in his arms. "It's not for LaCroix. If something happens, if I don't succeed, I want you to shoot me." "What!" Nat screamed and struggled to back away. Nick held her firmly and wouldn't let her move. "Please, Nat. I can't go through that again. It would be worse this time, much worse. LaCroix is much more powerful than he was when I was first brought across." "No, Nick," Nat whimpered. "If he brings you across, we can make love again, you will be cured again." "I can't take that chance, Nat. It took centuries for me to get to the point where my faith could be restored. I would awaken overwhelmed with evil and bloodlust. And somewhere within that mire, my faith and love for you would be trapped, possibly for eternity. I can't bear the thought of that." Nat's body wracked with grief as yet more tears escaped her eyes. The thought of having to kill Nick was unbearable to her. Nick finally released his tight hold on Nat, but she would not release her grip on him. In an effort to comfort her, he finally grinned reassuringly. "Don't worry. It won't come to that." Nick held her for a few minutes longer, until her latest bout of tears had ended. Nat listened carefully and watched closely as Nick explained how to use the gun. She prayed that she wouldn't have need of it, but Nick was sincere in his desire to be killed rather than to be brought across again. Nat knew in her heart that if it came to that, she would not fail him. After finishing the quick lesson, Nick handed the gun over to Nat. She walked across the room and put it in her purse, then came back to him. "When do you plan to confront him?" "Just before dawn," Nick replied, "at the old Church out on Britannia Road." "LaCroix agreed to meet you in a Church?" Nat asked a little astounded. Nick managed another grin, "It *was* a concession on his part, I must admit." Cont'd. in Part 4/4 Susan B. cd397@torfree.net Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 16:23:18 -0500 (EST) From: Susan Bennett Subject: Baby Doe - Finale (4/4) To: archiver BABY DOE - FINALE (4/4) by Susan B. for Nick&Natpackers based on characters from Forever Knight, etc. ------------------------------ Nick and Natalie arrived at the old one-room Church just before sunrise. It was a small brick structure, and sat just off the roadway. The area was surrounded by open land in all directions. Nick slipped the wooden stake under his coat, and the flask of holy water into his pocket. He and Natalie slowly got out of the car. Inside, the church was dark and musty smelling. There was only one window and it was placed over the alter. It was a huge stained glass depicting Jesus on the cross. But the colours were thick and murky with age and grime. Even in midday very little light would pass through. There was no electricity in the building, but there was a rack of candles on a table just inside the door. Nick scrounged through his pockets for matches, finally found some, and began lighting the candles. As the soft light filled the Church, Nat took Nick's hand and they stepped further into the room. LaCroix was already there waiting. "I trust you've made a decision, Nicholas," LaCroix crooned. Nick squeezed Nat's hand before letting go of it and approaching LaCroix. When he was within five feet of LaCroix, Nick whipped out the flask of holy water and threw it over him. "Yes I've made a decision - to destroy you!" Nick immediately snatched the stake out of his coat and lunged for LaCroix. LaCroix stepped aside and laughed. "The damage I sustain from holy water is insignificant, Nicholas. If you want to kill me with holy water, you will have to drown me in it." Nick swung wildly with the stake trying to get LaCroix, but LaCroix just toyed with him, stepping safely out of reach with each thrust. LaCroix soon grew tired of the game and seized the stake from Nick. He broke it with his hands and tossed the pieces to the floor. "That will be quite enough, Nicholas," LaCroix snickered. "It's getting late. Let us do what must be done." Nick was devastated. His last hope was that Natalie would follow through for him. LaCroix spoke solemnly, "you will give yourself to me freely, and your ...family, will be left alone." Nick nodded his head in resignation. "You give yourself freely?" growled LaCroix. "I give myself under duress," Nick fired back. "Let me say goodbye to Nat." "Very well," LaCroix said. "It makes no difference now. Look at the time you have already wasted, Nicholas. The sun is up, and we will be stuck in this dreadful place the entire day." Nick backed up a few steps and turned to face Natalie. When he reached her, he held her in his arms as tightly as he could, but it could never be tightly enough. Her tears flowed freely, and his own started to fall. He nuzzled her ear and whispered softly, "remember I love you, and I will always love you. Keep that with you, always." They shared a lingering kiss, neither wanting to separate from the other. LaCroix soon grew impatient and demanded Nick join him. Natalie touched Nick's face as he backed away from her. She sobbed, "I love you. I won't let you down." Nick returned to LaCroix and stood beside him, not taking his eyes off of Nat. LaCroix glared at Natalie. "You took him from me. I now reclaim him." "He will resist you!" Nat shouted through her tears. She covertly removed the gun from her purse and readied it to fire. "Perhaps he will try to resist me, in time. But how much time? That is the question, Dr. Lambert. And it could be a very long time indeed." With one arm LaCroix grabbed Nick around his upper chest, and used his other arm to hold Nick's head back and bare his neck. Natalie aimed the weapon at Nick's heart. LaCroix grimaced at her. "Your devotion is admirable, Dr. Lambert, but I assure you that weapon is quite useless. He will be mine before any *permanent* damage is sustained." "Natalie, do it now!" Nick begged, as he struggled to see her face one last time. LaCroix chuckled loudly. "Not even God himself can save you now, Nicholas." LaCroix's eyes changed colour as he extended his fangs and prepared to strike. "God forgive me!!!" Natalie screamed as she fired the gun at Nick. The Church roared with a thunderous sound as huge shards of glass came crashing to the floor. Nat missed her target, but had hit the stained glass window. The blazing light of the sun poured into the room, filling it with a brilliant, hot light. LaCroix looked for somewhere to hide, but there was nowhere to hide. He screamed in pain as the sunlight seared his ancient flesh. The acrid smell of that burning flesh filled the room and stung the nostrils. Billows of thick grey smoke emanated from him. LaCroix fell to the floor, writhing in agony. And then he was no more. * * * * * * As LaCroix's remains lay turning to ash on the floor of the Church, Nick staggered over to a stunned Natalie. "My God, Natalie! Why didn't I think of that?!" "I didn't think of it myself, Nick. I was aiming for you!" Nick laughed in relief and held her arm as they walked out of the Church, "I'm glad you're a lousy shot." When they were in the car, Nick leaned over and kissed Nat passionately. "I almost lost you." Nat returned his kiss. "No, Nick. I almost lost you. You will never lose me." She nibbled on his ear and whispered, "let's go home and make love." Nick grinned. As they started driving away, Nat smiled. "I shot Jesus, Nick. I suppose, in a way, regardless of what LaCroix believed, God was able to save you." "It *has* been a week of miracles," Nick replied. "First I felt human. Then I was human. Now I am free." -- The End -- Susan B. cd397@torfree.net