Date: Wed, 12 Jun 1996 12:57:13 -0400 From: Debbie Stevenson Disclaimers: This is a Forever Knight/ Dark Shadows Crossover taken from the remake of Dark Shadows which aired in the early part of the 90's. Therefore, it was written with that particular storyline and actors in mind. It is also my first attempt at a crossover. Tradition Forever Knight characters are not mine. The Dark Shadows characters of Barnabus Collins, Victoria Winters, and Willie are not mine. Collinsport, Collinwood, and the old Collins manor are also not mine. Victoria Winters book, The Cursed Generation is mine, and so is the excert from the introduction. This story also contains one brief mention of Immortals, therefore I must add that Highlander concepts are also not mine. What is mine is this very brief story of what might happen if Nick ever met Victoria Winters and Barbabus Collins. Special thanks to "Andi" Anderson for giving me the idea and Julie Jekel (NightDancer) for beta reading, making suggestions, listening to my crazy ideas, and then laughing at the oopsies. Beyond the Shadows A Forever Knight/Dark Shadows Xover by Debbie Stevenson Part I "Who's that?" Nick asked, indicating to the dark-haired woman signing books in the bookstore. "That's Miss Victoria Winters." Tracy said. "She just published a vampire novel-- The Cursed Generation, I think it's called. Spotting the display, she handed Nick a book. Nick thought, reading the author's blurb. Then he skimmed the teaser inside the front cover. It seemed interesting enough. As Nick and Tracy joined the line of autograph seekers, Nick perused the first few pages. By the time they stood before Miss Winters, he was completely engrossed. Tracy nudged him, grinning. "I think this means he likes it," she said to the author. Nick smiled sheepishly. "I do like it. This is really excellent writing. You write as if you've actually had experience with vampires. That's quite an effect to achieve." He handed her the book. Victoria smiled secretively as she picked up her pen. "And who should I address this to?" "Nick." Nick wondered what that smile meant. Then again, he'd known plenty of writers. Very rarely would a writer reveal his source of inspiration. Victoria handed him the book. Nick glanced at the inscription. It read: For Nick, Women and truly great writers never tell their best secrets. Love, Victoria "So," she said, smiling, "is it just "Nick" or is there more to your name?" "Detective Nicholas Knight, Toronto homicide." Nick replied, returning her smile. "Homicide? I hope you're not here on business." "Not tonight. It's been a surprisingly quiet week. My partner and I have been reduced to walking the beat. How's your book tour coming along?" Nick asked. "Very successful. I'll be able to go home soon, I think." Victoria replied. "It says here your home is in Collinsport." Nick tapped the book. "Where is that?" "The United States. New England." Tracy said, suddenly drawing attention to herself. Nick and Victoria both looked at her in surprise. "What? I heard about it in the news." Victoria's expression darkened. "Not trouble, I hope. Towns as small as Collinsport aren't in the news for being quaint." She said, hoping Tracy would say something important. "A string of unexplainable murders. The reporter said that they resembled a string of murders that happened ten years ago and that those--" Victoria cut her off. "And those murders resembled a string of murders in Collinsport from about two hundred years ago." She smiled. "The Collinsport mystery murders. Every small town has its oddities." As she spoke, Nick glanced at his watch. It was late. He took out his wallet to pay for the book. Victoria shook her head. "This one's on me. I hope your night stays peaceful." She said. "Thank you. I hope so, too." Nick led Tracy to the door. "Good night, Miss Winters." He called back to her. ****** (Victoria Winters' hotel room) Troubled, Victoria picked up the phone. "Operator, I'd like to place a long distance call... The United States... Yes, I'll hold." When the operator connected her to the foreign switchboard, Victoria began rapidly pressing buttons. The phone rang and a man answered. "Collinwood. May I help you?" He said. "Willie? It's me." Victoria said, trembling. "Miss Winters? Is that really you? Where are you?" "I'm in Toronto." She took a deep breath. "How's Barnabus, Willie?" She asked. Silence answered her. "Willie, I want to know about Barnabus. He's awake again, isn't he? "Yes, Miss Winters. About two months ago. He was very upset to find you gone." "Upset? Did he kill those people?" Victoria asked, fully knowing that he had. "How'd you hear about that?" "It doesn't matter how I heard, Willie. What matters is that Barnabus did it, didn't he?" "Yes, Miss Winters." Willie fell silent. In the background, Victoria could hear a door slamming and footsteps on the stairs. "You should hang up now, Willie, but before you do, tell me one thing. Is Barnabus still living at the old manor house?" She asked. "Yes." was Willie's answer before he hung up. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part II (The Precinct) Nick sat engrossed in Victoria Winters's book. Since he'd started reading it, he couldn't put it down. There was something about the way she wrote that drew him in. This surprised Nick, considering fiction concerning vampires usually bored him. But Victoria Winters made it all seem real. Her story could easily have been the biography of any vampire in Toronto's Community. How did she know to write the things she wrote? As he closed the book, Tracy laughed. "You finished that already?" She asked, amazed. Nick grinned. "It's very accessible." "Yeah well, I never pegged you as a horror freak." Tracy said. "I guess I still have a lot to learn about you." Nick smiled slightly. "I don't normally read this kind of stuff, but she's a good writer." He looked at the clock. Their shift was up. "Do you need a ride home, Trace?" "No, but thanks anyway. Have a nice night, Nick." Tracy left, leaving Nick alone to think. Nick glanced at Victoria's picture on the back cover. She certainly was a beautiful woman. A friendly one at that. He sighed. Their brief talk early that night had reminded Nick of how lonely he was. Nat hadn't exactly been warm of late. She always seemed cross with him and out of sorts whenever he was around. Nick thought as he picked up the phone and dialed the coroner's office. Nat was sure to still be there. "Hello?" Nat answered on the second ring. "Hi, Nat." Nick said. "Nick. How are you?" Nat asked, sounding odd and stiff. "I'm ok. I called because I wanted to know if..." He paused and swallowed hard, knowing she'd probably turn him down. "Would you like to watch a movie with me tonight?" "I'm sorry Nick. I already have plans for tonight." Nat replied quickly. "Plans?" Nick echoed dejectedly. "Yes, plans. Good night, Nick." Natalie hung up. ****** Nick walked the streets, feeling lonely and depressed. As Nick struggled with Natalie's indifference, he heard footsteps behind him. He whirled around abruptly. Victoria Winters laughed at him. "Don't tell me you're still walking the beat." She said, coming up to him. "No. I'm on my way home." Nick replied, falling into step beside her as they resumed walking. "And may I ask what you're doing these mean streets all alone?" "Soaking up Toronto's atmosphere, contemplating my next move as an author... enjoying the company of a new friend," she said, smiling at him. "Is that what I am? Well then, my lady, let me be your tour guide this evening." Nick smiled back at her. A half hour later, they sat on a park bench. They'd discussed so many things in that time. Her book, politics, the contrasts between big city and small town life, and the perils of law enforcement. Victoria was bright, funny, and intelligent. And just like her book, her friendly smile drew Nick in. He felt so comfortable around her, more at ease than he'd felt with anyone, except Natalie. Thinking about Natalie depressed him, and it must have shown on his face. Victoria touched his shoulder gently. "Are you alright? You look as if you'd lost your best friend." She sounded genuinely concerned. Nick felt heat rise in his face-- could this be a vampire blushing? "I may as well have. She won't talk to me anymore." "She? A girlfriend?" Victoria asked. "No... kind of... it's a complicated relationship. We work together." Nick stammered, not believing he was telling all this to a stranger. "The blond from the bookstore?" "No. That's Tracy. She's just my partner. Nat works at the coroner's office." "Nat?" "Dr. Natalie Lambert. We've been together for years... and now she just doesn't want me around anymore." Nick paused, looking confused. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this." He stammered. "That's ok. I'm a good listener. And I can't imagine anyone not wanting to spend time with you. You've been such a good tour guide." Victoria smiled at him reassuringly. "Maybe if you give Natalie some time, she'll tell you what's on her mind." Nick thought. "May I ask you a question?" He said aloud. "Of course." "Your book... it's so real. How ever did you come up with such realistic concepts?" He asked, trying to swing the conversation away from Natalie and his non-existent love life. Victoria laughed. "I thought I told you before, we never reveal our secrets... but I will hint at one thing. Re-read the introduction. It's always been my opinion that the work itself tells more secrets than the author ever will." Nick grinned at her. "I just might do that." They stood and resumed walking. They'd both fallen silent, and Nick found himself thinking about the lovely creature at his side. He wondered if she would accept an invitation for an actual date with him. But then, what would they do? Dinner was out, since he could not eat. Dancing perhaps? It'd been quite a while since he'd been dancing with anyone. They stopped in front of her hotel. "I guess this is good night." Victoria said. Nick smiled. "Not the last, I hope. Victoria, I've had--" The sound of a motorcycle pulling up beside him cut Nick off abruptly. Javier Vachon dismounted his biked and approached them. He looked Victoria over, admiring Nick's taste. Then it hit him that Nick wasn't with Natalie. He shot Nick a look as if to say "Where's Nat?" but aloud he said, "Knight! Long time no see. Who's your friend?" "I thought you left town," said Nick. Vachon sighed. "It's Tracy. I couldn't handle being without her." "Going over there now?" Nick asked. Vachon nodded, a silly grin on his face. Nick shook his head, amused. "Be warned, Javier. Tracy's still mad at you for cutting out like that." "Thanks. I'll remember to duck when she throws the lamp at me. You still haven't told me who your friend is. She's quite beautiful." Vachon grinned evilly. Nick sighed. He'd been hoping Vachon would forget about Victoria and leave. "Javier, this is Miss Victoria Winters. She's an up and coming author on her first book tour." He turned to Victoria. "Victoria, this is my friend, Javier Vachon. He's the dead beat musician who's been trying to romance my partner." Nick said, returning Vachon's evil grin. "Nice to meet you, Javier." Victoria smiled at him, extending her hand to shake. Vachon caught up her hand, but instead of shaking, he kissed her finger tips gently. "And it's an honor and a pleasure to meet you, as well." He said smoothly. Nick rolled his eyes. Javier was such a ham. ****** When Victoria excused herself and disappeared in to her hotel, Vachon turned to Nick with an amused look on his face. "I certainly hope I didn't spoil you date, Knight." He said. Nick sighed. "It wasn't what you think." "Oh? So it wasn't a date. Dinner, perhaps?" Vachon grinned malevolently. "I didn't know you had it in you, Nick." "It wasn't *that* either, Vachon." Nick suddenly had a headache. The tone of Nick's voice knocked the smile from Javier's face. "What's wrong? I'm willing to bet it has something to do with Natalie Lambert, doesn't it?" Nick nodded forlornly. "But I thought things were going well between you and her? What happened?" "I have no clue. I don't even think I did anything wrong." "What do you mean?" Javier asked, confused. According to the general opinion of the Community, Nick's specialty was screwing up relationships. "Well... it all started about the time you left on that unannounced vacation of yours. Tracy was crushed, Javier, and she confided a little in Nat. A very little, mind you. Tracy's been pretty good about keeping your secret. But I'm beginning to think that your disappearing act has a lot to do with the way Nat's been acting lately." "How so?" Vachon's expression darkened. He didn't like being blamed for Nick's failures in the romance department. Then it dawned on him. "You don't suppose Nat thinks you'll leave too, do you?" He asked. Nick nodded. "Yes, that is what I think. Why *did* you leave, Javier?" "Tracy." Vachon looked awkwardly at his feet. "I left because I love her, and I didn't think I could sit idly by and watch her shut me out of her life. Every time I'm near her, I just want to take her and kiss her. I dream of her telling me that she loves me; that she doesn't care if Daddy disapproves of me. I need Tracy, Nick." Javier explained, his words coming in a rush. Nick had never thought of Javier as harboring such feelings for any woman, let alone Tracy Vetter. After all, within the last 500 years Javier *had* left more woman than the Merchant Marines. Then there was Urs. He'd strung her along for years. Even now, Nick knew Urs still hoped to win him back. No, Nick never figured on Tracy being Vachon's weakness. That realization gave Nick a new respect for the younger vampire. "I know exactly how you feel." Nick said at last, with a tear in his eye. He looked away from Vachon, up at the stars above them. "Tell me something," he said, his voice distant. "Don't you ever worried about what might happen if you and Tracy did get together? That you might hurt her?" Nick asked, voicing his own deepest fears. Vachon shook his head. "The way I figure it, Knight, if Tracy loves me, truly... then I can never hurt her. What I fear is that she doesn't feel the same about me as I do her." Suddenly Nick snapped out of his revery. No matter what Vachon felt for Tracy, it was a bad idea to encourage him. Besides, it was stupid to compare Vachon and Tracy to his relationship with Natalie. For all Nick knew, Vachon could just be talking a good game here, and not as sincere as he sounded. He faced Vachon again. "Don't ever hurt her, Vachon. If you put her life in danger in any way, I swear to you that there won't be enough pieces of you left to regenerate by the time I'm through with you." Nick's eyes shone bright red in the night. Vachon frowned. "I knew your understanding attitude was too good to last." He said. "I said I knew how you felt. I *never* said I approved." ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part III (A few days later) It was raining hard when Nick spotted Victoria trapped in a pavilion at the park. She had no coat, and from the looks of things, she didn't have an umbrella either. Nick pulled the caddy over to the side of the road and sprinted to the pavilion. "Need a ride?" He asked, grinning. He gathered up her laptop computer and shielded it with his coat as they made a dash for the caddy. Safely inside, they both laughed uncontrollably. "You must be my knight in shining armor," Victoria giggled. "At your service, milady." Nick said, returning the warm smile she gave him. "Now," he said, in mock seriousness, "what were you doing out there in that storm?" "It wasn't raining this afternoon when I got here," was Victoria's defense. Nick looked puzzled. "You spent the entire day in that pavilion?" He asked. "I wandered around the park for awhile. Then I got inspired..." She tapped the laptop pointedly. "I guess I lost track of time." "And reality, if you didn't notice the weather changing." Nick remarked. "It's a good thing I came along when I did, or you might've spent the night in that pavilion." "I never thought of that." Victoria smiled sheepishly. "Thank you." She began to fuss over her notes, seeing if any had been destroyed by the rain. A silence fell between them, and almost instinctively, Nick turned on the radio. The NightCrawler Show was just starting. After the opening remarks from the station and sponsors, LaCroix opened by reading a few fan letters. Nick thought. ** And now friends, I have a special reading to start off tonight's reflections. I'll be sharing with you the introduction to a wonderful piece of literature I happened upon earlier this week-- called The Cursed Generation.** Nick turned to Victoria. "You don't want to hear this, do you?" He went to change the channel. "No, I don't mind. I didn't realize my book would be so popular here." She smiled, indicating that he should listen. LaCroix continued. ** "When one looks upon the rise of the morning sun, one often overlooks the darkness of the night it has expelled. There is a wonder in the birth of a new day which makes new all hopes and dreams and emphasizes the goodness of mankind. But amid this wonder lies the memory of darkness. A shadow which masks the evil lurking in every human heart. Not even the new born child is free from it. Evil, lust and desire, spring into being with the first breath of life. Such human darkness is well masked in the sunlight. But at night, it rears its head, revealing the shadows of the soul. No one knows the depths to which this shadow has infected his neighbors, unless the mask is shattered and the darkness is free to express itself. Until then, it remains hidden in the night."** LaCroix paused, allowing the words to sink in. Nick was stunned at hearing Victoria's words spoken through LaCroix. His voice lent a chill to their meaning. Nick had re-read the introduction, as Victoria had told him the other day, but he never noticed how easily these words described the vampire condition. He wondered if *she* even knew it. LaCroix continued. ** Astounding, isn't it my friends, how much this young woman knows about the human heart and soul. One wonders what darkness revealed itself to her, that gave her such knowledge? It reminds me of an ancient saying-- ** Nick turned off the radio. He thought, echoing LaCroix. He turned the caddy into the hotel parking lot. "Would you care to join me for a late dinner, Nick?" Victoria asked. Nick swallowed hard. He *was* hungry, unfortunately, not for the same kind of food as Victoria. He shook his head sadly, unwilling to turn her down, but knowing he must. "I wish I could, Victoria, but I can't tonight." Victoria's smile faded a little. Then she brightened again. "That's ok. Maybe some other time." Nick nodded in agreement as he walked her to the lobby. As before with Victoria, he felt drawn to her. The urge to kiss her goodnight overwhelmed him, but Nick forced himself to ignore it. "Good night, Victoria." He said, with a smile. He thought. "Good night, Nick... and thank you again for rescuing me." She said, entering the elevator. Nick watched as the elevator doors slide shut, then silently left the building. His mind replayed their previous conversations as well as her introduction and LaCroix's takes on it. Something troubled him deeply. ****** (Victoria's hotel room) Victoria sat at her desk, staring blankly at her laptop and notes, but her inspiration seemed to have been chased away by the rain. She turned on the radio, restlessly going through the channels. At last she found the NightCrawler and sat down to listen. LaCroix had built off her introduction and was now discussing the inner fire which motivated the soul. Victoria admired his style, but something about the broadcast chilled her. Before now, she had never met anyone outside of Collinwood who knew that same darkness. She shuddered, thinking of the rotten luck it would be if she found the same darkness in Toronto that she'd fled Collinsport to escape. Then she sighed and turned off the radio. As she readied for bed, Victoria began to remember her first few months at Collinwood. Barnabas had been so sweet and caring. Secretive. Oh yes, he had been secretive. But then, he did have an incredible secret to keep. In those days, Victoria had loved Barnabas. They went for walks, picked flowers, and had picnic lunches. Dinners at night were rare, but they were always romantic. Of course, all that had been a part of the secret. While he was romancing her by day, Barnabas was spending his nights with Dr. Hoffman searching for a cure to his vampirism. He'd have found it, too, if Julia hadn't fallen in love with him. She decided that if she could not have Barnabas, he could not regain his humanity. Then the mask was shattered and Barnabas was seen for what he really was. He was no longer the charming, wonderful man she'd believed him to be, but a monster. He was cruel, ruthless and manipulative. Seeing him this way, seeing the darkness of his heart, made Victoria wonder what she had ever loved about him. She'd left Collinsport five years ago, after it became evident that Julia would not help her cure Barnabas were he to awaken again. It seemed that the doctor's jealousy was stronger than Victoria's love. So, she'd left. Victoria explained to the imaginary Barnabas who accused her of betraying him. Nick's face flashed before her, chasing away Barnabas's disappointed frown. There was something growing between them, she felt it. But she also sensed that Nick was holding something back, perhaps because of this Natalie they'd spoke of the other night. He hadn't mentioned her since, but Victoria guessed that Nick was trying to be loyal to her. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part IV (The Raven) Nick sat in a dark corner, watching Urs dance. The bottle on his table was from LaCroix's private stock and held the highest alcohol content of any drink in the Raven. Nick picked up the bottle and poured the last of it into his glass. Then he signaled the waitress. When she arrived, he handed her the bottle and said, "Tell your boss that the gentleman who asked for this vintage requests another." She looked at Nick closely. "You sure you want that poison, sweetheart? You've had enough to kill a normal man." "Not enough to kill the pain, Gina. Nothing kills the pain." Gina left him, shaking her head. She thought *she* knew something that would drown the pain LaCroix's son referred to-- as did plenty of others from the Community. But it wasn't Gina's place to tell Nick what people were saying. It was LaCroix who brought the next bottle. He sat down uninvited and set the bottle in front of Nick. When Nick reached for it, he placed his hand firmly over Nick's. "You've been as charming as a corpse tonight, Nicholas. What's wrong?" LaCroix asked. Nick pushed LaCroix's hand aside and snatched up the bottle. "What do you care?" He snapped, filling his glass. "You think I am heartless, Nicholas? Remember that I too loved once." LaCroix said. "So, you naturally assume this is about Natalie?" Nick asked. "No." LaCroix pulled a book from his jacket pocket. Holding it out to Nick, he said, "I assume it has to do with her. Javier says you've been seen with quite a bit lately." "Has Vachon been spying on me for you again?" "Actually, Nicholas, quite a few of my patrons have commented on it. It seems they miss Dr. Lambert." LaCroix replied. "Now, tell me, how serious is your relationship with Miss Winters?" Nick shook his head slowly. "I don't know. I feel something for her, but I don't really know what it is. I am attracted to her, but-" "But is it really her you are attracted to? I'm sure you've noticed the resemblances to Janette-- her ebony hair and those beautiful eyes." With that, LaCroix left Nick and his bottle alone to sort out their problems. Not that the bottle really had all that many problems. It was empty, however, when Nick left the Raven. He barely made it home; it seems flying while intoxicated is almost as dangerous as drunk driving. ****** (Nick's loft) Nick stumbled into his bedroom and collapsed on the bed. He was exhausted and extremely intoxicated. His mind was reeling with thoughts of Natalie, Janette, and Victoria. He felt so confused-- of course, that could have been because of the alcohol. Nick thought. Such thoughts... only garbled and jumbled by the blood and alcohol he'd consumed... ran through Nick's head as he drifted into sleep. The next morning he awoke to two very painful discoveries. The first, and most obvious, vampires are still prone to hangovers. The second, it was time to confront his problems with Natalie and move on if need be. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Also, one brief explanation of my theory. I'm going on the assumption that Angelique's magic created an illusion (the vampire that brought Barnabas across did not in reality look like Josette). If you don't know this key fact of my theory, the whole story falls apart here. ********** Part V (The Raven) Nick pulled the caddy into the parking lot. He turned to Victoria. "Are you sure you want to come here? The Raven isn't my idea of a good first date." He said nervously. Earlier that evening Victoria had shocked him by saying she wanted to meet the NightCrawler. It staggered his mind to think of anyone purposely wanting to meet LaCroix. Victoria laughed gently. "Why is it so hard to believe that I admire his style?" "Because it is. I guess knowing him as well as I do makes me overlook his talents." Nick said, trying not to grind his teeth as he thought of LaCroix meeting Victoria. It was not a pleasant prospect. "Well... I still can't believe you know him personally. How did you meet?" Nick blinked. Was she really saying what he thought she was saying? "We met through a mutual friend." A vision of Janette floated through Nick's mind. "We may as well go in now. You're sure I can't change your mind? We could go dancing instead." Nick really hoped Victoria would change her mind. Victoria laughed at him again as he held open the door for her. Stepping out of the car, she kissed Nick's cheek. For a moment, time stood still between them. They stood there, gazing deeply into each other's eyes. Then... gently... Nick brushed her lips with his own. Then he led her into the Raven. ****** "There's Javier!" Victoria said, raising her voice above the noise. "You didn't tell me his band played here. Do all your friends hang out here?" "Most of them." Nick said, scanning the crowd for LaCroix. The Raven's owner was nowhere to be seen. Nick thought, as he allowed Victoria to lead him closer to the stage. A waitress stopped them. "Your usual table, Nick?" She asked. She was, of course, referring to that quiet, dark corner that Nick liked to sulk in upon occasion. "No, Gina. One up front tonight. Miss Winters wants to watch the band." He replied. Gina looked Victoria over as she led them to an open table. She smiled approvingly. "Can I get you both anything to drink, sweetheart?" "White wine for two." Nick said, pulling a chair out for Victoria to sit. Gina grinned at him, obviously glad to see Nick in a better mood. "Sweetheart?" Victoria asked as Gina sauntered away from them. She was laughing at Nick again. "For a place you seem so unwilling to take me to, you seem to come here a lot." Nick smiled back uncomfortably. Shaking his head, he said, "This is not the ideal setting for a good first date, Victoria. I can't be held responsible if it's a disaster." Victoria took Nick's hand. Squeezing it gently, she said, "Now... why does it have to be a disaster?" Nick found himself melting into Victoria's eyes. All the other people around them seemed to vanish. The drinks Gina brought them sat untouched as they talked. The night would have been perfect if Urs hadn't fainted so suddenly. The abrupt halt of the music forced Nick's attention away from Victoria. He looked up to see Javier cradling Urs's lifeless form in his arms. As Javier guided Urs to the floor, Nick came to kneel beside them. "What happened?" He asked. "I don't know, Knight. She just saw you and Victoria and collapsed. Must have been the shock of seeing you with someone other than Natalie." Javier tried to joke as he and Nick carried Urs backstage. Then he turned to Nick. "You'd better get back to Victoria, Nick." He said. Nick nodded, disappearing just before LaCroix stepped into view. A few moments later, LaCroix appeared at the table beside them. He gave Victoria his most charming smile as he sat. "An interesting evening, isn't it, Nicholas?" He asked. "I suppose you've got to the bottom of Urs's problems?" Nick asked stiffly. "Indeed I have. But before I enlighten you, Nicholas, I would love to meet your young lady." He turned to Victoria. "Hello, my dear. Has Nicholas shown you a good time?" "Yes, he has," said Victoria, seeming slightly puzzled by the obvious tension between Nick and the newcomer. Nick cleared his throat. "Victoria... this is Lucien LaCroix, the owner of this establishment. He's also the star of the NightCrawler Show.." He turned back to LaCroix. "Victoria has been listening to your show and expressed a desire to meet you. How fortunate for us that you weren't too busy tonight." LaCroix smiled at Victoria again. "I am truly flattered my dear." He paused, looking mildly amused. "Victoria? You wouldn't happen to be Victoria Winters, the writer, would you?" "Yes," Victoria looked nervously at Nick. He sensed that she was a little frightened. LaCroix had that effect on people. LaCroix continued, seeming not to notice Victoria's fear. "Then I must confess to you that I a great fan of yours as well. Come... both of you must join me in my office... where we can talk more privately." LaCroix rose, leading them to the back of the bar. ****** Javier and Urs looked up as LaCroix ushered Nick and Victoria into the office. "How is Urs feeling now, Javier?" LaCroix asked. The Spaniard answered him with a sickly smile. Then he stood and caught up Victoria's hand. Kissing her finger tips, his smiled turned warm. "It's so nice to see you again so soon, Victoria. Urs was just telling us that she's met you before." "Perhaps you'd care to tell us where?" LaCroix asked her, pouring drinks. He offered one to Nick, who refused it. Victoria looked confused. "I've never seen this woman before in my life." She stated flatly. Urs started suddenly. "But we have met. Two hundred years ago, in Collinsport. I was there, and so were you." Nick faced Victoria sharply. Then he turned to look at Urs. "What are you accusing Victoria of, Urs? She's mortal... as you can plainly see." "Is she, Nick? The way I remember it, the people of Collinsport thought she was a witch. And she herself told Barnabas that she was from another time. He believed her. Therefore he must have had a reason." Victoria thought. Victoria suddenly had the feeling she wouldn't like the answer to that question. "I... I'm not a witch." She stammered. "An Immortal, then?" LaCroix snapped. "A what?" Victoria look confusedly at the four vampires. "I don't know what you mean. I was a victim. I was sent back in time by the ghost of a dead witch." She looked each of them in the face, stopping last at Nick. Her eyes searched his. "And judging from the blase attitude you take towards such revelations... you all must be very used to such things. Why is that, Nick?" "We're vampires, Victoria. You know about vampires, don't you?" He replied coldly. Victoria thought angrily. "Not very much. Only Barnabas. How does Urs know Barnabas?" Victoria asked. It was Javier who answered. "Urs is young. She is my creation. When she was still little more than a fledgling, Urs became possessed by a witch. The witch cast a spell to summons a vampire who would do her bidding. Older vampires can shrug off such things, especially if the witch's magic is younger than they are. Since the witch could not find any vampires close enough to her to do her bidding, her magic reached across time, eventually finding Urs. Since Urs was too young to fight back, she was transported to Collinsport against her will and was forced to bring across a young man named Barnabas Collins. Then, the witch's magic sent her back to me, as if nothing had happened." He paused to look at Urs, who had hung her head in shame. Shaking his head sadly, Javier continued. "It is a great shame for vampires to allow themselves to be controlled thusly. Urs is not proud of what happened to her, and your presence here has reminded her of her shame." Victoria stared at the blonde vampire in silence. Victoria thought. Victoria knelt before Urs, ignoring Urs's reactionary hissing and bared fangs. "I'm not going to hurt you, Urs. Trust me... I understand what you are going through. Angelique... the witch you referred to... hurt many people and ruined many lives, mine included. What she did to us cannot be undone, but at least we have the satisfaction of knowing that she is dead. I wish I could tell you that there is a way to move on, of getting over what happened, but I cannot. Collinsport is town full of people whose very existence was defined by what happened two hundred years ago. Because of Barnabas, and because of the Collins family. It is a town that cannot escape it's past. Therefore I doubt that anyone from there can help you escape from it." As she spoke, Nick, LaCroix, and Javier exchanged amazed glances. All three were left speechless by the calmness Victoria exhibited. What also struck them was the wisdom of her speech. "But... why did she do it?" Urs asked finally. "Because she loved Barnabas, but he loved another. Jealousy often drives people to actions which cannot truly be explained." Victoria thought of how she'd lost Barnabas because of Julia's jealousy. Moisture gathered in her eyes, although she refused to cry in front of people she barely knew. Instead, she turned to face Nick and Javier. "So... Urs is responsible for making Barnabas what he is?" She asked them. Javier nodded. Then he began to explain the relationship between a vampire and his master-- looking from time to time at LaCroix for corrections and insight. "Of course," Nick interjected at the end of the explanation, "this situation was quite unique. Urs was far too young for the responsibility of a being a master. She barely knew enough to keep her own head afloat, let alone train a fledgling." Victoria quietly digested everything they told her. There was obviously a whole lot more to the vampire experience than Barnabas could ever have prepared her for. But tonight was not the night for her to learn it all. She stood, looking at her watch pointedly. "Nick, I think I'd better go. I'm sure my being here is only upsetting Urs." She turned to LaCroix. "And I must thank you for an unforgettable evening." The vampires exchanged looks again, nervously. "No sense in trying to whammy her, Knight." Vachon said at last. "Whammy?" Victoria asked, a puzzled look on her face. "Hypnotize you to make you forget, my dear." LaCroix answered. "But I seriously doubt you would forget tonight, would you?" He smiled at her. "No... I don't think I could ever forget what I know. But there certainly are times when I wish I could." Victoria replied, returning LaCroix's smile. ****** The ride back to Victoria's hotel was deathly silent. Nick strove to find something to say, but he was still in shock over the night's revelations. "Nick... will you come up to my room with me?" Victoria said as he walked her to the lobby, finally breaking the silence. "I think we still have a lot to talk about." Nick nodded, still unable to speak. The elevator ride was equally quiet. As she closed the door behind them, Victoria faced Nick with a slight smile. "You wanted to know where I got my ideas from... now you know." She said, the smile broadening into a grin. Seeing the smile, a weight lifted from Nick's soul. He began to smile as well, and then to laugh. "I still can't believe how calmly you took all that. Nat wanted to kill me the first time she had to get involved in our Community." "Does Natalie involve herself with the vampires much?" "She tries not to, but it's kind of hard. Most of the deaths in Toronto are mistakes made by our younger members. Nat helps cover up these mistakes. Javier calls her a saint." Nick replied, feeling uncomfortable discussing Natalie with Victoria. He also wondered how they could get the evening back to where it was before Urs fainted. A silence fell between them again. Nick contemplated everything Victoria had said that night-- about Barnabas and Angelique, and about her own experiences in Collinsport. Then a thought came to him. "You came to Toronto to forget about vampires." It was not a question. Startled by the suddenness of the statement, Victoria looked at him in shock. "Yes.." She said at last. "But it seems that Fate has decreed otherwise. And to tell you the truth, I'm glad for that." "Why?" Nick sounded confused, as usual. In answer to his question, Victoria walked up to him and slipped her arms around him. "Because if my destiny had been otherwise, I would never have met you." She whispered, punctuating her statement with a kiss. Nick responded passionately, deepening her kiss. Desire and longing drove him as he continued to kiss her. Nick longed to taste her... to see what her blood would offer him. But still, he knew he mustn't. If he did, he could take too much and kill her. Or at the very least, such an action might scare her off. In frustration, Nick started to push Victoria away from him. But as he did, he accidentally caught her lower lip between his teeth, his lowered fangs cutting through the skin. Victoria's blood filled Nick's mouth. Instinctively he drank, holding Victoria tightly in his arms. Seconds passed before Nick finally released her. When he did, he seemed both worried and agitated. "I should go now..." he said, moving towards the door. "I will see you tomorrow night after work, won't I?" "Yes, of course, Nick... but, you really don't have to leave." Victoria looked confused by his actions. "Yes, I do, Victoria..." Nick kissed her cheek as he slipped out the door. ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." (Collinsport, the old Collins manor) "Willie!" Barnabas's voice echoed throughout the empty house. "Where are you?" "Coming, Barnabas..." Willie called out. As he entered the library, he muttered, "I sure wish I'd had the sense to leave town like Miss Winters did." Barnabas spun around, grabbing Willie by the neck. "What did you say, Willie?" "N-nothing..." Willie stammered. "I think not, Willie. You mentioned Victoria. What about Victoria, Willie?" Barnabas glared at the trembling man before him. "I just said that I wished she were here instead of gone." Willie said, sounding very unconvincing. Barnabas sighed and let go of Willie. The spineless worm obviously knew something about Victoria, or else he wouldn't have even mentioned her name in the first place. "So, you don't have anything else to tell me about Victoria?" He asked. Willie nodded, still shaking. "Can you look me in the eyes and say that... honestly?" Barnabas placed his hands on Willie's shoulders. The frightened man looked up into his master's eyes. Their eyes locked. "Now, Willie..." said Barnabas, his voice growing smooth and low, "tell me what you really know about Victoria." "Miss Winters is in Toronto. She called Collinwood last week and she asked about you." As soon as the words were said, Willie slumped to the floor, regretting them. Barnabas smiled, satisfied that Willie knew nothing more. "Thank you, Willie. You are ever loyal to me. I appreciate that." His smile turned into a sneer. "No, please go pack my things." "Where are you going?" Willie asked as he jumped to his feet. "Why... to Toronto, of course... to retrieve my lady love." ****** Barnabas Collins touched down in a back alley in the shadiest neighbor in Toronto. Two petty criminals were fighting over goods stolen from someone's house. His arrival startled them. One, a short man in a grungy denim coat, started to make a run for it, but he did not get far. In a flash, Barnabas had grabbed both men by their hair and smashed their heads together in one fluid motion-- killing them instantly. Baring his fangs, Barnabas drained the short man, and then his younger friend. He was gone when Tina, the local "working girl," found then later that night. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part VII (The crime scene) Nick, Tracy and Natalie stood staring at the two dead bodies. Tracy was slowly growing paler and paler, and finally she walked away. "You ok, Trace?" Nick called to her as she moved away from the dead men. She nodded weakly, then vomited. Nick smiled and Nat rolled her eyes. "She tries so hard..." Nat said. "I know." Nick said. He started to say something more, but stopped when a scantily clad woman approached them. It was Tina, the prostitute who had called in the murder. "Good evening, Tina. Nice night, isn't it?" He remarked with a smile. "It would be, sugar, if I didn't have to spend it talking to cops." She moved closer to Nick, pressing her body against his. "But in your case, I'll make an exception." She cooed. Nick looked mortified, while Natalie laughed. "I hear you found our two friends here?" Nick asked, quickly changing the subject. He indicated to the bodies on the pavement before them. Tina nodded. "And no..." she added, "I didn't see anything. I swear it." "Have you made a statement for Detective Vetter yet?" Nick asked. Tina nodded again. "Good. Be careful with you clients tonight, Tina... and keep you eyes open." "Sure thing, lover-boy... don't I always?" The prostitute walked off. Nick watched her leave, shaking his head in disbelief. How many times did Tina have to hit on him before she realized he wasn't interested? Tina, of course, was a regular at the precinct- - hauled in almost every night. The last time it was for propositioning a plain clothes police officer. Almost all the officers on the night shift swore that she did stuff like that on purpose just so she could see Nick. They all thought it was funny the way she threw herself at him. Nick, on the other hand, was not amused. Still, despite Tina's shortcomings, she did make a great informant from time to time. This time, however, Nick doubted she could help them anymore than she had by finding the bodies. Nick, like Natalie, could easily see that it had been a vampire who'd killed these men. ****** (Victoria's hotel room) Victoria was just stepping out of the shower when the phone rang. Wrapping her terry robe around her, Victoria grabbed the phone. "Hello?" "Victoria..." whispered a voice on the other end. Then the phone clicked in to silence. Victoria froze in shock and fear. She thought. So much had happened to Victoria in the two days since the adventure at the Raven. Nick had answered many of her questions concerning vampires. He'd explained about the Community and how it functioned, and he'd told her about the Enforcers. Nick made it quite clear that the Enforcers were not a joking matter, and he advised her to have a little to do with the Raven and it's patrons as possible. Into all of this came Barnabas. He'd found her, and she was certain he would not rest until she returned to Collinwood with him. And Victoria knew that Barnabas wouldn't play by the rules of this Community. He'd call attention to himself in the worst possible way-- if he hadn't already. Victoria asked herself, bursting in to tears. ****** Victoria called Nick at the precinct. In a frightened voice she asked him if he could come to her hotel. "Who was that?" Tracy asked as Nick hung up the phone. Nick faked a smile and lied, "An informant." Picking up his jacket, he rushed out, arriving minutes later in Victoria's hotel room. She collapsed in his arms, crying. Nick cradled her gently. "What's the matter, Victoria? Has something happened?" He asked her, running his fingers through her hair. She looked up at him. "Has there been a murder recently?" She asked him. Nick was surprised. "Yes, there was. A double homicide earlier tonight. Why do you ask?" Nick's face took on it's usual befuddled look. "Was it a vampire attack?" "Yes... Victoria, why are you asking me these things?" Nick asked, even more confused. He was now very worried. "I don't really know how to tell you this, but I think I know who the killer is. It's Barnabas." Tears welled up in her eyes again. Instinctively, Nick held her tightly to him, allowing her to bury her face in his shoulder. He still didn't know exactly why Victoria was so upset, but if Barnabas Collins was involved, Nick knew she had reason to be. "Has he done anything to hurt you, Victoria?" He asked when she quieted. "He called me tonight. He said my name and then hung up." She held on to Nick tighter. "I'm so scared, Nick. I never wanted to see Barnabas again... and now he's back. He's come for me." "How did he know where you were?" "When Tracy told me about the deaths in Collinsport... I called Collinwood. The only thing I can think of is that Barnabas found out about my call." "So now he's come for you. Are you sure?" Nick asked. "Barnabas said that he loved me and that he would find a way for us to be together. But he scares me, Nick. He's so violent. He says he wants to lead a normal life, but he never tries to change. I hate him, Nick. I wish I'd never met him." Nick cradled Victoria in his arms. She was so warm, and it felt so right to hold her. But Nick also felt regret-- regret that he'd kissed her, regret that he'd tasted her honey-sweet blood. He'd seen what was in her heart, and Nick knew that she didn't really hate Barnabas Collins. It was true that she was afraid of him, of what he was, but she loved him. Nick thought. He told himself, ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part VIII Natalie walked across the street, back to the scene of the murders. She stared down at the chalk outlines on the pavement. She thought. Shaking her head, she turned to walk back to her car, parked two blocks away. As she passed the next alley, a pair of hands reached out and grabbed her, pulling her in to the shadows. When Natalie tried to scream, a firm hand clamped over her mouth. ****** Nick stopped the caddy abruptly. "What's wrong?" Victoria asked. They were on they're way to the morgue. Victoria had insisted upon viewing the bodies. "That's Nat's car. I have a bad feeling about this. She would never leave it in a neighborhood like this." Nick walked over to the abandoned car and peered in the window. The keys were still in the ignition and a couple of files lay on the passenger seat. An uneasy feeling came over Nick, and he glanced around swiftly, using his ultra-sensitive sight and hearing to scan the darkness around them. Suddenly, a female voice sounded from the alley behind them-- a loud, agonizing scream. It was muffled abruptly. Recognizing Nat's voice, Nick raced down the alley, Victoria trailing behind him. "Natalie!!!!" Nick screamed as he saw her being beaten to the ground by a strange vampire. He flew at the vampire, pulling him off of Natalie and propelling him across the alley. The unknown vampire landed several feet away, overturning the garbage cans he fell on. Nick knelt swiftly beside Natalie. She was breathing, but she was also not moving. Worried over Nat's condition, Nick did not see the strange vampire rise from the ground or make ready to attack him. But as Barnabas Collins (which is who our attacker is, if Nick had known it) rushed at Nick, he whirled around abruptly, eyes blazing red. ****** As the two vampire engaged in battle, Victoria knelt before the injured woman. She thought. Victoria carefully examined Natalie's wounds. Barnabas had not done too much damage in all reality. Natalie was bruised, and she was unconscious-- the result of a blow to the head. Victoria checked her neck, fearing the worst. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that Barnabas had not drawn blood. Seeing that Natalie would be ok, Victoria turned to watch Nick and Barnabas. Nick was attacking Barnabas like a crazed animal, and he appeared to be winning. Victoria told her that she didn't care if Nick killed Barnabas or not. He deserved death for all the horrible things he'd done. But, as she watched them fighting, fear entered her heart. And sadness. She thought, feeling helpless to stop it. Then she wondered at her own sudden change of heart. Nick was easily overpowering the younger vampire. As Victoria watched in horror, he picked Barnabas up and slammed him against the wall. He seemed about to rip Barnabas's head off with his own bare hands. Driven by an emotion she couldn't define, Victoria rushed at them both, calling out, "Nick! Stop, Nick! Don't kill him!" She was crying. Hearing her voice snapped Nick out of the rage he was in. He dropped Barnabas, who crumbled to the ground, and stepped away from him in shock. Nick looked from Victoria to Barnabas, his eyes wide and frightened. "I have no idea what came over me. I'm never this violent." "Neither do I. I was going let you kill Barnabas, but then..." She came into his arms, both of them shaking. After several seconds, they both looked into each others eyes, and both knew the answer their odd behavior. Love. Victoria knew that Nick was completely devoted to Natalie, and Nick could not help but see the love Victoria held for Barnabas shining in her eyes. Suddenly, there came a voice from behind them. "Strange place to have a rendez-vous, don't you think?" Javier Vachon grinned at them as they whirled around. Nick stepped away from Victoria. He threw Vachon a black look. "Look around you, stupid. Does this look like a romantic tryst?" He snapped. Vachon laughed some more. "No, it looks more like carnage. Is Nat ok?" Victoria spoke up. "She's badly bruised, and I think she knocked her head on something. She's out cold." "What about him?" Vachon indicated to where Barnabas lay, still too weak to move. "That, my young friend, is your grandson, Barnabas Collins. He attacked Natalie, and if Victoria hadn't been here I might have killed him. As it is, he'll be in pain for quite a while." Nick replied. Vachon walked over to look at Barnabas. "Urs's child..." he whispered in shock. Then he turned to Nick and Victoria. "How'd he get here?" "It's a long story." Victoria said. "Well, I *do* have a lot of time to spare, you know." Vachon quipped. Nick looked from Barnabas to Natalie. He seemed to be working something out in his head. Then he spoke. "Now's not the time or the place to relate this story, Vachon. Why don't you take your unruly grandson back to the Raven, and I'll meet you as soon as I figure out what to do with Nat?" "Sure, no problem," Vachon said. He walked over and picked Barnabas up. Then he flew off. Nick thought some more. Then he picked up Natalie and carried her to the caddy. Placing her in the back seat, he said to Victoria, "Drive her to the hospital. I'll be at the Raven with Vachon and LaCroix. We have to figure out what to do with him." ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part IX (The caddy, the drive to the hospital) Natalie awoke, feeling sore all over and very groggy. Slowly, she realized she was in Nick's car... but Nick wasn't driving. It was a woman, with long, dark hair. Nat thought, sitting up. "What happened?" She asked. Victoria threw a glance in to the back seat. She smiled at Natalie. "You were attacked by a vampire. I'm taking you to the hospital." "Who are you, and where is Nick? Come to think of it, where's *my* car?" Nat demanded. "Nick took you car to your house. He'll be waiting for me at the Raven." She smiled again. "I'm Victoria Winters, Natalie. And even though you don't know me, I have heard a great deal about you. How are you feeling?" "Sore, but fine. I don't think I need a doctor." Nat looked the woman over. She frowned, still not knowing why Nick trusted Victoria with his car. Then she remembered Tracy mentioning that Nick was seeing someone new. She thought angrily. "Look," she said to Victoria, "I'm fine. You don't have to take time away from Nick to help me." Victoria glanced at her questioningly. Then she realized what Natalie must have been thinking. "I think you need to hear the whole story, Natalie." Victoria began to tell Natalie everything that had happened in the past. When she finished, she said, "Nick and I are only friends, Natalie. He loves you, not me." Natalie's harsh expression faded. She now saw that Victoria knew the pain of getting involved with a vampire. They were kindred spirits, of sorts. "What will happen to Barnabas?" She asked. Victoria shook her head. "Nick said that's what they had to figure out." She grinned at Natalie. "Want to go check it out?" Nat laughed. "Of course!!! I'm involved in this now, so I deserve to know how it turns out." ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part X (The Raven, LaCroix's office) Nick, Vachon, and LaCroix jumped to their feet, startled, when Natalie and Victoria barged into the room. Gina, the waitress, followed behind them. "I tried to stop them, but Dr. Lambert threatened to cause trouble," she said. Nick frowned. "I thought you were taking Nat to the hospital." He said to Victoria. "I wouldn't let her. I want to know what's going on." Nat glared at him. "What's going on, Dr. Lambert," LaCroix began, "is quite simple. This young hawk here," he pointed to Barnabas, who sat rigidly in a chair, "is a new addition to our Community, and we must decide what to do with him." "New addition?" Nat echoed. Vachon smiled weakly. "It's my turn to explain this, isn't it?" Nick and LaCroix both nodded. "Well, first off, what has Victoria told you about all this?" "Most of it." Nat replied. Vachon grinned. "Well then, my job's easier. Barnabas spent most of his life asleep in a coffin. He needs to be integrated into our society. Either that or we can kill him." He stated bluntly. "Anything else you want to know?" "Not really. That's kind of harsh, isn't it?" "Well, you don't want him out killing people, do you?" Nick blurted out. ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Also, yes... this story ends on and off beat. In other words, it deserves a sequel. It might get one, if I ever get around to it. This was my first attempt at a crossover and I really wasn't sure how it would turn out. Questions, comments or suggestions for a sequel would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for being so kind. Part XI (A week later) "Are you sure you'll be ok?" Nick asked Victoria. She smiled and hugged him. Nearby, Barnabas Collins stiffened with jealousy. "I can handle myself, Nick, and Barnabas, too." She assured him. Barnabas stepped forward awkwardly. "We have to get to the airport, Victoria." He said. They were leaving. Over the last week Nick, LaCroix, and Vachon had trained Barnabas to try and live in relative harmony with the mortals around him. They found Barnabas to be skeptical, but willing to try if it would win Victoria back. She'd encouraged him to talk to Nick about alternatives to drinking human blood. LaCroix and Vachon naturally warned him against it. Now, they were leaving. Nick looked at Barnabas, going over everything he knew about the strange young vampire. Barnabas led almost as isolated a life as he did. Nick thought. Finally he spoke to Barnabas, "Look, I know we haven't exactly been on friendly terms, but I do wish you well. I know how it feels to be an outsider among your own people. It's not fun. If you ever need someone to talk to--" "I'll call LaCroix." Barnabas cut him off. He *had* bonded with the ancient vampire. Victoria pulled Nick aside. "Do you think he'll change? I mean... could Barnabas ever live a life like yours, Nick?" "I don't know. With love and understanding to encourage him, he may come around. But it will take a long time, Victoria. You may not live to see it happen." Nick was sympathetic. "I know. But I'm willing to try. Meeting you made me realize that there is hope for him, even if it is a long shot. Thank you, Nick." She hugged him again. Then she said, "Have you and Nat made up yet?" Nick sighed. "She's still distant at times, but she's coming around finally. She *is* worth the wait, though." They smiled at each other, each knowing that their brief meeting was neither an accident or a mistake. For Nick, it had given him the chance to sort out his feelings for Natalie, and to see how lucky he really was to have her. Nick had shown Victoria a life beyond the shadow she'd wrote about in her novel. He gave her hope for a future with Barnabas. "Good-bye, Nick." Victoria waved as Nick walked back to his caddy and drove away. *finis* ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it."