Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 21:16:52 -0500 From: "Robin M. White" Well, I'm finally going to do it! Swallow my fear and post and actual story (gulp). All disclaimers apply - I didn't create the characters, blah, blah, blah. However, the story is mine. I wrote this sometime during the first season, so that's the time frame for it. I have also taken a few liberties, which will be apparent in later installment. Also, an announcement: my niece and I are planning a multi-media fanzine. If you have any stories in virtually any fandom, we'd like to see them. It isn't titled yet, but we are working on that. If you would interested, you can e-mail me privately at Karmilla@aol.com. Thank you! Now on with the story. I welcome comments - only please be gentle! Fallen (1/?) "Thought I'd dreamed you up." At the sound of her husky voice, Nick turned from the window to gaze at the woman lying in a hospital bed at Mercy General. He flashed his most sincere, non-threatening smile. "No. I'm real enough. Detective Nick Knight." She grasped his extended hand, surprising him with her strength. "Julianna." She fell back to starched pillow, grey eyes closing. "I'm so thirsty. Could you..." Nick picked up the water cup, holding the straw for her to sip. He inventoried her appearance as she drank. Her right eye was swollen and multi-colored; her bottom lip was also swollen and criss-crossed with black stitches. The many other bruises and lacerations were deepening in hue. Her wrists were wrapped, along with her ankles, but he knew she had jagged, raw rope burns encircling them. "Thanks," she said after she finished. "You're welcome. I'm going to call the doctor, and later, if you fell up to it, I need to ask you a few questions." Julianna nodded, and regarded Nick through a veil of scarlett hair as he buzzed for the doctor. "I really won't be able to tell you anything about my attacker." Knight faced her, and grinned. "I don't know about that. I'm a very good questioner." Julianna sighed, and then grimaced as the doctor came in the room. "I'll be back," Nick said as he walked out the door. "Ok, Arnold," Julianna whispered, just as the door closed. Nick shook his head, smiling. She certainly was a feisty one. As he waited in the hall, Nick idly wondered why he was so often picked to be a knight in shining armor to women of questional backgrounds. Nick blinked, this reality fading out of existence, and opened his eyes to survey the tableau before him. The narrow dirt street was crowded with strong, sturdy horses, dilapidated stagecoaches, sweat-streaked men, and painted women. The sounds of racous laughter, and high, shrill giggles permeated the night air. The illumination from the many saloons, and few working street lights, imparted an eerily soft glow, but any illusion of warmth and safety was countered by loud, angry voices, and the crack of gunfire. Nicholas absorbed the nuances of the lawless town, nestled in the California foothills. He had journeyed here, not for the gold, but for the tantalizing atmosphere. He smiled, tipping his hat at the women he passed as he strolled along main street. Many vied for his company, not because he was particulary desirable, but because he had the scent of wealth. Of course, women did find Nicholas very attractive. It was a result of his condition; he often wondered what it was about vampires that mortals found so capitivating. But it was his very fascination with immortality that led to his fall. If only... Nicholas's thoughts were interrupted by the quiet strangled cry of a woman. He hurried down the street, going into a grimy alley between a very busy saloon, and a 'boarding house' for young ladies. He saw a couple of prospectors, passing a bottle of dubious whiskey between them, holding a struggling woman. One of them slurred, "Come on honey. We'll both pay for your services." "No. I do not entertain more than one guest at a time, sir. Please, release me." Nicholas was impressed by the steady sound of her voice, and the straightness of her back. She had pride and he wondered what desperate situation had led her into this life. The other man ignored her protests, and pulled her against him, unpinning her hair, caressing the dark tresses that cascaded across a creamy shoulder. "We've been in the mines all day, honey." "Then come in, and I'll personally guarantee you will receive our two best girls. After all, I'm sure one woman couldn't handle both of you." She smiled up at him, tossing her hair, and lightly trailing her fingers across his chest. The men looked at her, and offered her the bottle. She drank a sip without batting a blue eye. "No. We want you." They pushed her against the filthy back wall of the dead end alley, and one held her, while the other unbuckled his pants. "Just relax and enjoy it honey." "I believe the lady said she was not interested in you attentions, gentlemen." Nicholas stepped out of the shadows into the dim light, and smiled serenely at the two hulking men, as they looked him up and down, noting his expensive suit, pocketwatch, and freshly-scrubbed appearance. They laughed in unison. "This ain't none of your business. Go awy, or we'll shoot you, city boy." With that they turned their attention back to the woman pinned against the wall, who stared straight ahead as they began to untie her dress. The hate burning in her eyes, ignited his fury. "DETECTIVE!" NIck blinked, and the dirty alley and beautiful damsel in distress faded away to be replaced by the brightly lit hospital corridor and Dr. Jannison, who was staring at him. "Sorry, doctor. I haven't slept much in the past couple of days." That was true. Since he had found Julianna two nights ago, he had not slept a wink, worrying about her. "What were you saying?" "You can go back in, and ask her a few questions, but if she becomes agitated, stop immediately." At Nick's nod, the doctor said, "Good. And detective, get some sleep. You look almost as bad as the lady." end of part 1 Sorry about the typos in the first part. I'm new at this. Anyway, standard disclaimers apply. There is one very mild vampire love scene. Now, on with part 2. Fallen (2/?) Nick pushed the door of her room open, looking at the woman curled into a small ball under several heavy blankets. His nose wrinkled at the antiseptic scent as he entered. He walked toward the bed, scarcely making a sound on the shiny, waxed tile. "You walk the quietest of anyone I've ever met." Nick twitched, surprised that she had heard him at all. She turned to face him. "You learn to hear things Detective." She struggled to sit, arranging the blankets around the filmsy hospital gown. "Now, what did you want to ask me?" Nick moved to stand by her side and asked, "What happened to you?" She laughed harshly. "I was beaten up by a john. Happens to hookers all the time." She stared at Nick. "But, I'm sure you know that." Nick stared deeply into her eyes, glimpsing part of her soul. This life wasn't really her. "Who?" "I don't know his name. It's not like I ask my clients to fill out a questionnaire. Why are the police even wasting time on me? Whores get hit all the time." She had struggled upright, and looked at steadily, daring him to challenge her words. "But not nearly to death." Nick felt her shimmer of fear, and then it was gone like mist. "Now, tell me who it was." She glared at him. "I told you that I don't know. He picked me up, we went to a motel, he asked to tie me up. I said alright, but it would cost extra. He got carried away." She was lying, and quite convincingly, Knight thought, but he wasn't buying it. She knew exactly who it was. "If it was your pimp, we can protect you." "I don't need protection. I'm leaving Toronto anyway. It's time to move on, detective. So while I certainly appreciate you timely rescue, you really are wasting your time now." With that she laid down, turned away from him, and pulled the blankets up to her chin. Nick gazed down at her, remembering how he had found her, trussed to the bed in a cheap adult motel, terror shining in her eyes. She had fallen into his arms, weeping when he had freed her. She had begged for him to come in the ambulance, grasping his hand all the way, and pleading with him to stay once they arrived at the hospital. He sat on the edge of the bed, feeling her tense. He softly said, "even if you don't know who he is, you can describe him." "I don't remember." Julianna said without looking at him. Knight shook his head, knowing she wasn't going to talk anymore tonight, but he wasn't about to give up. ***** He hated it when his assistant looked at him like that. Like he needed paddling. "Well? What should I do?" The other man smile. "Not a thing. I'll handle it. You just concentrate on business." "I didn't mean to do it. You know how I feel about Julianna. She's not like that little whore last month." The thin, pasty man stared at the carpet, wringing his hands. The other man extinguished his cigar with thick, stubby fingers, and smiled soothingly. "I know, and I'll take care of it. You should have told me when it happened." He placed a reassuring hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I know, but I was afraid. I know you think Julianna just charges much more for the same service as a common hooker," he raised his head to look at his assistant. "But, that isn't the case. Julianna is, well, special." "It doen't matter what I think of her. The only important thing is that she makes you happy. Now, don't worry. Everything will be alright." He re-lit his cigar, and waited until his had left the room. He then calmly picked up the telephone. "I need a favor, Sergeant." ***** "Hi, Nat. Have anything new?" Nick smiled at the attractive coroner, who was also assisting him with his quest to regain his humanity. Doctor Lambert smiled in return. "Nope. I've requested a copy of the lab reports from this lastest crime scene, but it'll be a while before I receive them. Did you find out anything?" Nat knew that Nick was very affected by this woman. Facing old demons again, no doubt. Nick sighed, "No. She says she doesn't know who it was." "Well, maybe she doens't. Most prostitutes don't know their tricks names." "Maybe. But she claims she can't describe him. If someone beat you like that, would you ever forget them?" Nick sat on the edge of Natalie's desk, glancing at all the papers. "No. But she has to survive, and that takes a selective memory. Anyway, I'm doing a work-up on the semen that was collected. Do you really think this is conncected with the death of that young girl last month?" Nick shrugged. "I'm not sure. It could be circumstantial, but she was found much like Julianna. If you find anything ... " "I'll let you know." Nat smiled as Nick jumped from the desk, and quickly kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Nat. You're the best," he said as he closed the morgue door. "Yeah, yeah." Lambert shook her head, smiling. ***** Nick rushed to Julianna's room, flashing his badge to the uninformed officer. He spotted Schanke, and asked, "what happened?" His partner licked the cream filling from a doughnut off his fingers. "Someone tried to kill her. Where were you?" "Will she be alright?" Knight tried to peer around the hospital personnel into the room. "Should be. They're checking her over now." Schanke stared at Nick. "Yo, Knight. Why so concerned?" "Schanke, she is a human being. And I feel responsible for her." "Well, don't. She'll just use that and stab you in the back. What is that?" He asked, indicating the small Loius Vitton suitcase Nick was holding. "Sometimes your attitude ...." Nick shook his head, "I went to her apartment and picked up a few things to make her more comfortable. When can I see her?" "Knight, don't get so involved. Do your job, question her, and if she denies knowing who it was, let it go. You'll get burned if you get to close." "Or if I don't." Nick mumbled, but his partner had already moved away to talk to another officer. Not again. He couldn't have failed again. This reality spun away, and Nick found himself back in that filthy, back alley. The two hulking bullies were lying prostrate in the dirt, the woman was busily readjusting her dress, and warily staring at Nicholas, who had turned his back so his appearance could return to nornal. Thankfully the shadows had hidden his transformation. "Thank you," she said cooly, "now what do you want?" She looked him over from head-to-toe. "At least you look clean, but I don't perform any ... unnatural acts." Nick smiled grimly, wondering what she considered unnatural. "I don't want anything from you, miss. I'm glad I could be of assistance. A lady can't be too careful." Her blue eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I don't like having any outstanding debts. I'd rather even up now, no charge. It is my night off, and I may as well spend it with you." She slowly walked toward him, a knowing smile curving her full lips, her dark hair lustrous against the alabaster shoulder and neck. "I can please you. You might even be able to persuade me to break my rule about aberrant behavior," she huskily whispered as her hands trailed over his lapel. Nicholas could feel that her desire was real, and he found himself, gazing into her deep dewey eyes. He leaned toward her, lightly brushing his lips across hers, eliciting a moan, causing her to lean into him. He skimmed his lips along her neck, his hunger flaring at the sweet scent of pulsing blood. It would be so simple ... Nicholas jerked backed, pushing her away from him, and spun around.. He could feel her confusion and disappointement. "Miss, I honestly do not want any payment from you." He heard her lifting laugh behind him. "You still think this is payment, Mr. Nicholas." "Knight!" Present reality snapped back into focus, and Nick blankly stared at Schanke, who stood in front of him, waving a hand in his face. "I'm sorry. What did you say?" "You can see her now. Ya, know, sometimes I really wonder about you Knight." Fallen (3/?) Nick burst into the room as a young nurse fluffed Julianna's pillow. She turned and smiled at Nick. "Now, don't tire the patient too much." He nodded and politely smiled as the perky blonde left. "Back so soon, detective. Peolpe will be talking." Her voice was a harsh croak, and Knight could see the dark bruise that was forming around the delicate skin of her neck. He cluthched the handle of the bag, then released it as he felt it begin to crack. "I brought you some clothes." He lifted the luggage, and her eyes widened as she gazed at the tweed tote. "You were in my apartment? Why are you doing this? What do you want?" She demanded as he placed the bag in the tiny closet. Then she closed her eyes and grimaced as she swallowed. "Only to help you." Why did these women always think he had ulterior motives? Nick sat in the straight back chair next to her bed, studying her. She was very pale, except for the myriad bruises dotting her skin with ugly patches of color. "There has just been another attempt on your life. I'd say you need my help. Did you recognize him this time?" Julianna glared at him through swollen eyes. "What do you mean, this time?" "It was the same man who beat you?" She tried to laugh, but coughed instead. She slowly took a sip of water. "No. And yes, I know who this was. An ex-pimp from my Vegas days. When I left, I ... liberated some money that rightfully belonged to me, but Rick didn't see it that way. This was his way of collecting payment." Nick blinked. "How did he find you here?" She was lying again, but why? "How the hell should I know? Maybe the pimp fairy told him. At any rate, I don't think he'll be back. He is only brave when women don't fight back. And I do, when I'm not bound and gagged." She held out her hand, showing off her long, manicured nails. "Knew these would come in handy for something." "You stratched him?" Nick sprung from the chair. "Yes. Why?" "Physical eveidence. You haven't washed your hands?" She shook her head, and Nick bolted for the door. "Great, I'll go get someone." He shoved the door open, almost knocking Natalie over. "Sorry, Nat. Maybe you can help. It would be a while before the police could get anyone over here. Can you collect some samples from under Julianna's nails?" "Sure." Nat looked at him questioningly. "She stratched the man that attacked her tonight." Maybe this would link him to the murder of that girl. "I'll go get my kit." She patted Nick on the shoulder. "I hope she doesn't mind a coroner working on her." ***** He sat in the waiting room, hiding behind an ancient issue of 'Life'. It would have to be Knight - patron saint of lost causes. Now it would be more difficult to get to her, but he would. He touched the long stratches on his face, and smiled. She was definitely a hellcat. Maybe he would get better acquainted with her before he got rid of her. He tipped his hat toward her room, and silently slipped from the hospital. ***** "Detective could you please leave? I'm very tired." Julianna was laying against the stiff sheets, her face pale and drawn. "You go ahead and get some rest. I'll sit here a while." Knight moved over to the chair in the corner of the room. "Alright." Julianna didn't have the strength to argue with this determined man. And she had to admit, his presence did soothe her. Nick unfolded the chair and lay across it, listening to the steady, but shallow sound of her breathing as she drifted off to sleep. As he watched Julianna, his thoughts returned to Rebecca. "Come in. Make yourself comfortable." She said as she hung her coat and removed her hat. "Thank you." Nicholas sat on a small couch, removed his hat and examined the small, elegant room. It certainly didn't look like the living chamber of a common tart, but as he looked at Rebecca, he could tell she was anything but common. "How did you know my name?" She sat beside him, smiling, smoothing the collar of his shirt. "Everyone knows your name, Mr. Nicholas. You are handsome, obviously wealthy, not prospecting, and you haven't visited any of us. We are curious as to why you are even here." She lay her head against his shoulder. He nuzzled her hair, inhaling the clean scent. "I'm an archealogist. Just passing through." "But there are no old bones around here. Surely there is another reason." An image of Lacroix flashed through his mind. He definitely wanted to avoid him. "I also study people, and this seem an excellent place to expand my knowledge." "Oh, it is. If you want an in-depth study of greed, lust, avarice, gluttony, pride ... " "Sounds as if you don't like it." "I just love it. I get to be pawed by digusting men, and then receive only a pittance of the proceeds." "Why don't you leave?" Rebecca stared at him like he had grown three heads, and then laughed. "You can't truly ever leave. And my only way out of here is a respectable husband who would be willing to pay off the rest of my contract, but what man wants a whore for a wife? I'm here for another two years at least. I'm trying to save so I'll be able to afford passage when my contract is up, but even if do manage to go somewhere else, what will I do?" "You are obviously a very intelligent, beautiful woman. There are many things you could do." "Mayeb, if I survive the next two years." Nicholas tilted her head and stared deeply into her limpid azure eyes. "Why are you here? You don't sound like a harlot." She swallowed hard, eyes fluttering closed at his touch. "My dear betrothed decided her wanted out of our impending marraige, so he left me here, penniless with only the clothes on my back, but not before he had graciously found me employment. Charles had signed me on for a five year contract. He made more in that transaction than I'll see in my entire service." Nicholas pulled her against him, instinctively responding to her unvoiced need, his lips descending to hers. She moaned his name as her fingers slipped under his collar. "Please. Love me. I need to be touched by someone with a soul." His chest constricted and he halted the kiss, ignoring her little whimper. "Wait, Rebecca. There is something you have to know." He broke the embrace, looking deeply into her eyes. "I'm not what you think. Listen, please. I don't usually tell people this, but .... I'm a vampire." Rebecca's mouth dropped open, her eyes widened in surprise, and then she giggled. "You are such a cad, Nicholas." "How do you think I defeated those men so easily?" Nicholas stood, letting his eyes glow and his fangs elongate. "I only wish I were a cad. So, you see I have no soul. I forteited it in exchange for eternal darkness." She gasped, her eyes huge. "Are you going to kill me?" "No. I would never do that. But I thought you deserved to know before this went any further." He sensed her fear, and turned, "I'll be going now ...." Nick snapped back to reality at the strangled sound of her cry. He crossed to the bed, and sat on the edge. "Julianna. It's ok. You're safe," he gently whispered. She whimpered, and then turned, her arm resting across his thigh. He smiled, gazing at her tenderly. He would not fail her too. ***** "Look, why don't you just level with me? I know you're not a common streetwalker. They don't live in penthouses." Nick stood by the window, gazing into the darkness. Julianna sighed deeply. "Nothing gets past you. I am what is commonly called a call girl. Now, please go away. Don't you have to work?" "No. On vacation." Nick turned from the window, griining. "So I can keep you company." Julianna groaned and pulled the sheet over her head. "Why are tormenting me? I have told you everything I can. Shouldn't you be solving real crimes?" "This is a real crime. And I think your beating is connected with the death of that 14 year-old girl last month." She peeked from under the bleached sheet. "Why? She was on the streets. I operate from a penthouse. We didn't have exactly the same clientele." "Precisely. We both know you didn't just get picked up by some john. This was a regular client. Why won't you tell me?" "You just don't get it! Even if I told you, you wouldn't be able to do a damn thing. This is way beyond the Metro PD. I'm going to cut my losses and get the hell out of Dodge. Just forget about me." "I don't think I can. Not when you could hold the key to solving the brutal mirder of a 14 year old kid." Nick searched her eyes. "Please, help me." Julianna closed her eyes, wincing at the pain. "I would like to, but I can't. Don't you understand? I have to protect myself. And my client is not prone to violent behavior. He had never so much as raised his voice to me before." "And then he nearly kills you. It was touch and go for a while, you realize. You could have died, just like Mara Jenkins." "I know." She sat up, tears forming in her eyes. "But I didn't. Now I have to think about myself, and that means getting out of Toronto. I'm sorry." "What about the attempt on you life last night? That was no ex-pimp." Knight stared at her, waiting for her to dispute his words. She blinked and looked away. "You definitely wouldn't believe me if I told you who tried to strangle me. Let's just say that my client is very well connected. Even though I can't imagine he'd hire somone to kill me." She hit the bed with her fist. "Carl. He'd pull something like this." "Who's Carl?" "Nice try. But you are persistant." She smiled a little, touching his arm. "And I'm not about to give up. I have a lot of vacation time." "I have to get out of here." Julianna fell back against the pillows, and threw her arms over her face. "Why are you really doing this?" Nick sighed. "To repay an old debt. A broken promise." She nodded, accepting that. "Should of known. You do-gooders always have to find a way to make up for past mistakes. But you have already saved me. The debt is repaid, so you can feel free to go on to the next damsel in distress." Nick grinned and settled into the his chair. "Anything on TV tonight?" Julianna groaned, pulling the pillow over her head. end of part 3 Hey, is anyone out there? I would like some feedback. Also I announced at the beginning of part 1 that I would be editing a multi-media fanzine. If you, or anyone you know is interested, please, please have them contact me at Karmilla@aol.com. Fiction, art, poetry are all welcome. This part contains some love scenes. I have always believed that vampires could have traditional, and not just vampire sex. Anyway this certainly doesn't warrant an adult rating. You'll find racier stuff in a Harlequin! Fallen (4/5) "I can not believe I let you talk me into this." Julianna said as she handed her suitcase to Nick, and leaned against her cane. "I'm not going to tell you anything." "I don't expect anything in return. You were climbing the walls, and the doctor agreed to discharge you as long as someone stayed with you. I want to help." She regarded him, her head cocked. "And you don't expect anything in return. Not even a few ... fringe benefits?" "Of course not. But I do plan to keep working on you to tell me who did this to you." She did look much better after a week in the hospital. The bruises were fading, her eye and lips were no longer swollen, and she only had to use the cane until the torn ligament in her ankle healed. After all the pain, she still wouldn't tell him who had nearly killed her, not once, but twice. "You are the most aggravating man I've ever known." she hobbled to stand beside him. "Well, lead on MacDuff." ***** "Great car. Great apartment. Great decorations," She said as she examined an artifact. "Just how much are we paying you cops anyway? Maybe I should switch to a career in law enforcement." Julianna remarked as she wandered around Nick's apartment. "Archealogy is a hobby. Why don't I put you bag upstairs in the bedroom." When she looked at him askance, he said, "I'll be sleeping on the couch." "It's ok, Detective. I'll take it. I think I need to rest." She took the suitcase and slowly climbed the stairs. Nick was tempted to follow her, but instead followed her progress until she closed his bedroom door. Then he allowed his thoughts to spin backward. Nicholas sat alone in his room, thinking of Rebecca. Why had he felt so compelled to be honest with her? Instead of facing another lonely night, he could be in the warm embrace of a woman. He slammed the quill down on the desk. Damn his conscience! She never would have known that the man she was loving was really a monster. But there was something about her that brought forth his protective instincts. LaCroix would have pointed out that she was fallen and undeserving of protection. But Nicholas had learned to be nonjudgemental of another's purity, considering his own state. The accusation and fear shimmering in his eyes had cut through him. He supposed he should be pleased he could feel even pain. It was a just desert for all the pain and suffering he had caused over the centuries. How he wanted to go to her. Make her understand. But, perhaps he was destined to walk the path to redemption alone. "Hello, Detective." Julianna waved her hand in front of Nick's face and he pulled himself back to the present. "Sorry. I was thinking. What did you say?" "I wondered where your towels are?" She looked at him oddly. "I'll get them for you." "Thank you, Detective." She shook her head as Knight followed her up the stair. "And call me Nick." ***** "How could you have done that? Order someone to kill Julianna? When you know how I feel about her. Carl?" "I was only trying to protect you Mr. Winthorpe - Jason. I have been employed by this family for many years, and I have always done what is necessary to provide protection. She could destroy you and everything you hope to accomplish." "She wouldn't do that. I'll go talk to her. She will understand." Jason looked at Carl with pleading eyes. "Jason, she is a whore. She sleeps with you for money, not love or loyalty. Face the facts - she is a nice package, but not irreplaceable. And the last thing you should do is have any contact with her. And anyway, it is too late. I've ordered our man in the police department to get rid of her as soon as possible." The older man placed a comforting hand on the younger man's slumped shoulder. "Don't take it so hard. We'll find you another woman." ***** Nick wandered to the fridge and removed a bottle, taking a deep swallow. He would have to be careful around her. And where was Natalie with that food. He lay on the sofa with his head hanging off as he heard the shower start. He envisioned her naked, under the spraying water, but quickly pushed that thought from his head, and instead let himself be transported back to the gold rush days. The tap on his door was so light even Nicholas almost didn't hear it. He opened the door a crack, and smiled as he saw Rebecca standing there. He swung it open, and she shyly looked away. "Please, come in." "Thank you." She cautiously entered the masculine room, and demurely settled on the setee. "I came to apologize for my behavior the other evening." She averted her eyes, refusing to meet his gaze. He sat beside her, bolding taking her hand. "But why? You shouldn't be sorry; I should." She lifted her face and he saw the tears shimmering in her eyes. "No. I have no right to judge you. You are the same man that saved me." Her eyes dropped to gloved hands and she whispered, " That made me feel again. I'm sorry." She rose and said, "I'll be going now." "No! I don't want you to leave. We can ... talk." Nicholas gently pulled her down to the sofa. Rebecca turned to him and purred, "You know we won't talk, Mr. Nicholas." She leaned into him, coming alive as he kissed her, and worked at the small buttons down the back of her dress. He easily lifted her and carried her to the bed, laying her down as if her were made of fine porcelain. He covered her body with his ... "Hope you don't mind. I borrowed a shirt." Nick blinked to see Julianna standing at the foot of the sofa clad only in one of his shirts, with her hair damp. She loved achingly vulnerable and lovely. "Of course not." Nick sat up, clearing his head. "Dr. Lambert is bringing some food. I'm never here so I don't keep anything around." "That's ok. I'm not very hungry." She had come to sit beside him. "At least not for food," she muttered as she began to nibble his neck. She pulled away when he tensed. "You don't want me? Is it because you don't find me attractive or because I'm a fallen woman?" She looked at him, her eyes wide. "It is neither. It's just inappropriate. I'm supposed to be taking care of you, not taking advantage." Nick had stood, and he stepped back as she came toward him. "That is sweet. Take advantage of me. Maybe I'm trying to take advantage of you." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him fully on the mouth, a sound of triumph escaping as he returned the kiss, thrusting his tongue into her mouth. Nick jerked back when he heard the elevator. Nat! "What is it?" She mumbled against his chest. He pulled away. "The elevator. That would be the food." He hastily sat in a chair, while Julianna settled on the sofa, frowning at him. "Yo, Knight." Nick groaned, rolling his eyes, as his partner came in laden with several teeming grocery bags. "I'm here because Natalie had some kind of coroner emergency, like they can get any deader." He noticed Julianna, and raised his bushy eyebrows. "Am I interrupting something?" "No. She just took a shower." Nick looked from his partner to the nearly naked woman on his couch. "Why don't you find something to eat." "Sure, Detective." She grinned, enjoying Knight's obvious discomfort, and then breezed up to Shcanke. "I'm so glad you brought food." She leaned closer, placed a hand on his forearm, and lowered her voice to a whisper, "all he has is red wine, and I detest red wine." As she puttered in the kitchen, Schanke sat and gave Nick a knowing look. "Nice vacation." Nick sighed. "It's not like that. She just needs some help, and I hope to convince her to talk." Schanke popped a doughnut hole in his mouth. "You are too moral for your own good. There is a beautiful woman in you kitchen, wearing only your shirt, and you won't do anything about it." Nick stood, his jaw clenching. "Do you have anything else on the case?" "Well, there is a chance that the man she was with is the same one who killed that kid last month. And it was a different person that tried to strangle her at the hospital. Other than that, no." He glanced over at Julianna. "Think about those fringe benefits, Knight." "Shouldn't you get back to work?" "Yeah. Hasta la bye, bye." Julianna limped out of the kitchen with s sandwich, chips, and diet cola. "He is right, you know." "About what?" "Enjoying the fringe benefits." "Julianna," he sighed. "Is there someone else?" She had sat on the sofa was munching a potato chip. An image of Natalie flashed through his mind, but he pushed it away. "No. It would just be improper." Julianna laughed. "Nick, you're talking to a hooker. What do I care about proper?" "More than you're willing to admit." She sighed deeply. "Don't start that again. What exactly do you think I should do. Even if I got out of the game, it would haunt me for the rest of my life. I can never escape. I've made by bed, so to speak, and now I must lie in it. The only question is: with whom?" Nick sat beside her, taking her cold hands into his. "You can escape. Believe me, it is possible to change, to become something other than what you are." She stared deep into his eyes. "I believe you. God help me. How do you do that? Make me hope. Make me want things I can never have." "Why? You can have anything if you want it badly enough." Her eyes darkened as she smile. "Really? Well, I want you. You visited me, helped me even when I was a total bitch claiming not to want you around. And you are letting me stay here. But mostly because you never passed judgement. You see things in me that I can't." She brought his hand to her mouth, and lightly nibbles his fingers. "Julianna, I don't want you to feel obligated." She abruptly stopped looking surprised. "You think I am willing to make love to you as payment?" She stood and took her plate to the kitchen, and leaned against the counter. "It may have been a long time, but I still recognize my own desire. I want you, not out of obligation, but because you are a gentle, caring man that makes me believe in myself. If you're not interested, say so, but don't hide behind that badge." She turned, but not before he saw the tears glimmering in her eyes. He crossed the room swiftly and pulled her against him, running his hands along her sides. "I am interested." She turned to snuggle into his embrace. "This is not pity?' Nick sensuosly smiled, and his hands roam under the shirt to cup her full breasts. She moaned and leaned into him, reaching up to meet his lips. He swung her into his arms, carried her up the stairs, and then giggling they fell across the bed. end of part 4 Sorry it took so long for me to get this last part posted, but it has been hectic around my house for the past few days! Fallen (5/5) "Don't you think it's time you told me who did this to you?" Nick traced the fading bruise along Julianna's side. She sighed, pulling the sheet tightly around her, sitting up. "You don't give up." "No." Knight watched as she wrapped the material around her body, and then he leaned back, his eyes closing as she walked to the bathroom. He opened his eyes a moment later and blinked, adjusting to the dim light provided by the kerosene lamp. Rebecca. The softness of her hair lay across his chest. He smiled, trailing his hand along her supple back. "Ummm." She shifted, her eyes slowly opening, and she smiled as he leaned and kissed her. "I didn't mean to wake you." She sat, stretching and yawning, and then snuggled into his side again. "That's ok. What time is it?" Nicholas fumbled, finding his pocketwatch. "Almost 5 am." She sighed deeply, turning to lie on her back. "I have to go." "Why?" "I do have ... a job. I have to get back to my room before sunrise. If Miss Sara finds out I spent the night with you, and not a paying client, she'll take it out of my pay. I can't afford that." She grimaced as she climbed from his bed. "I ... thank you ... What I mean ..." She faced him. "I don't expect anything other than tonight." She spun around and hastily grabbbed her dress. Nicholas came behind her, and pulled her against him. "You're going to get it anyway." She tensed in his arms. "What do you mean?" She pushed her hair back from with a trembling hand. He turned her around. "I'm buying out your contract." Her luminous eyes widened, her mouth dropped sligtly, and her hands tightened on his shoulders. "But ... why?" He nuzzled her neck. "Isn't that obvious?" Rebecca tensed and pulled away. "I can't. I appreciate the offer, but I just can't" She broke free of his hold, and struggled to get into her dress. Nicholas frowned. "Why not? I thought you wanted to leave." "I do. But not - I couldn't handle being a vampire. I'm sorry Nicholas." He laughed and embraced her. "That's not what I'm asking. Marry me." Nicholas surprised himself by asking that. He had only planned to take her away, but once the words were out, it felt so right. He would love and protect her. Rebecca dropped her hat and stood staring at him. She opened her mouth, but only one word came out, "yes." Nick blinked, coming out of the memory, just as Julianna crawled back in bed and snuggled against him. "Ok. You win. I'll tell you. My client is Jason Winthorpe. Yes, that Winthorpe, heir to the billion-dollar empire, whose father is in contention to be the next prime minister." Nick digested this for a moment. "And he had never done anything like that before?" "No. But I think he would have killed me if you hadn't arrived when you did." She trembled at the memory. "And there will be no way to prove this, even if he did kill that poor kid." "Now, who tried to kill you at the hospital?" "One of Toronto's finest. A sergeant. Didn't know him, and couldn't see the badge." "Would you recognize him?" "Yes. I'll never forget that face." Her hand gently touched the still bluish flesh of her neck. "Now, detective, what so we do?" Nick responded by smiling, and pinning her to the bed. "Think of something else?" Julianna responded by arching fully into him. ***** Sergeant Haskell smiled as Knight sped away in his caddy convertible. He had known the detective would return to the station. He was so dedicated. He dropped the unfiltered cigarette and crushed it with the pointed toe of his cowboy boot, zipped his leather jacket, and steadily walked toward the apartment. ***** "Please, get here as soon as possible." Julianna swiped at the tears as she replaced the phone. She had to leave. Nick talked a good talk, but she knew. It would be best for her, and him, if she just vanished. She rummaged through her purse and pulled out a pad and pen. She sat at the table and began to write. ***** Jason Winthorpe silented tailed the beefy policeman that Carl had hired to kill Julianna. He fingered the cold steel of the .45 he had borrowed from his father's collection. He turned the collar of his trenchcoat up, and crunched across the dirty snow. ***** Nick drove with top down despite the cold. He felt alive, marvelously alive! He came to a screeching halt in front of headquarters, and vaulted from the car. He would the pictures of all sergeants in the department, and then get back to Julianna. ***** "Hello, again." Julianna gasped, the pen slipping from her stiff fingers. She jumped up from the table, and with her hand at her throat wilding looked around the room for an escape. Haskell smiled, unzipped his jacket, and removed a very large, ugly gun. "Don't make any sudden moves Julianna." He motioned with the weapon. "Come over here. Let's get better acquainted." "Nick will be back any minute." She glared at him as she scurried to sit in one of the chairs." "Fraid not. He was heading to the station. We have a while." He knelt beside the chair and lightly caressed her face with the gun. "How this happens is entirely up to you." "You're going to kill me anyway. Why should I further degrade myself?" "You are a whore, plain and simple. If I were a paying client ..." He shrugged threading his hand into her hair, pulling her face close to his. "You couldn't afford me. Not on a cop's salary. Oh, I forgot. You're on the Winthorpe family payroll. Perhaps you could afford me." She twisted away from him." Haskell stood glancing around the apartment. "Bedroom upstairs?" He grinned when she looked away, then grabbed her by the arms, hauled her up, crushing her body to his. "Let's see what is so great." "No," she whispered, struggling against him. He had her arms pinned, so when he kissed her, she opened her mouth a little, sucking his lower lip, and then biting as hard as she could. The salty metallic taste of his blood filled her mouth. He yelped, and released her. "You bitch." As she tried to run, he lunged, grabbing her shirt and pulling her back. He spun her around and slapped her hard, reopening the wound on her nearly healed mouth, and dazing her. "For that, this will be much more difficult for you." He dragged her to the couch and threw her across it. He unzipped his jeans and stated tugging them down. "Hold it right there." Haskell turned his head and said, "Mr. Winthorpe, what the hell are you doing here?" "Step away from her, or you'll never be able to rape anyone again." Jason lowered his gun to just below the sergeant's waist. "Now, slowly slide you gun to me." "You wouldn't." Jason shot the lamp next to Haskell, and again motioned for him to relinquish his weapon. Haskell glowered at the younger man, but slid his gun across the floor. Jason bent and picked it up. "Sit down. So much as flinch." "Julianna." He sat on the sofa beside her, wincing as she pulled away. "Jason?" Her voice sounded as if her tongue was too thick. "Yes. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to ... Can you ever forgive me?" He buried his face in his hands, weeping. "Thank you." She lightly touched his hand, hearing police sirens in the distance. ***** Nick sped home. The report of gunfire at his residence had frozen the blood in his veins. As he careened around corners, his mind relentlessly reminded him of another failure. He sighed impatiently as he gave into the memory. Nicholas arrived at the brothel just after sundown, amid a flurry of activity. Deputies milled about, controlling the rowdy crowd, and the sheriff was talking to the madam. He pushed his way to the front. "What happened Miss Sara?" She turned to him. "One of the girls." Nicholas steadied himself against the fear pounding through his veins. LaCroix. He was here. Nicholas frantically looked around, but didn't see him. He fought his way to the back of the house and came to stop in front of Rebecca's door. He could smell her blood but forced himself to enter. He slowly walked and stood beside the bed, moving the sheer veiling that surrounded it. Her pale, lifeless body lay there. He caressed her hand, and brought it to his mouth for a tender kiss. He closed his eyes and pulled her in for one last embrace. Nicholas slowly lowered her back to the bed covering her with the white sheet. He then closed the door, and searched the room, finding an old wooden cane. He sat beside her again, smoothing the dark curls. "Rebecca." He stood, and raised the wooden cane high above his his head. "Forgive me." He then brought the cane down. Her body jerked convulsively, and then settled into a peaceful existence, as her soul was freed. Nick jolted back to the present amid the sound of LaCroix'a laugher at yet another loss. As he stopped in front his building, he prayed he had not failed again. ***** "Quite a story." Nick lowered the evening edition of the newspaper, and studied Julianna. "Yeah. I can't believe Jason went public, confessing to the murder of that girl. And trying to keep my name out of it." Julianna stared out the window at the Toronto sky. :I think he did care for me. Maybe I was more than a whore to him." Nick gathered her into his arms. "I have told you that. You just have to believe." She relaxed against him. "I am beginning to." She broke free of his embrace. "Did you repay that debt?" Nick thought of Rebecca and sighed. "Maybe. Some old hurts we can never be rid of. We just have to live with them." "Nick, thank you." She hugged him and pulled him down for a kiss. "I have to leave. I could never have a normal life here. You wouldn't believe my clientele. I need a fresh start." "I know." Nick smiled through the pain. He had wanted to free her from a life of bondage, and now she would soar, only without him. "I hope you overcome whatever is binding you. And maybe, one day ..." She smiled as she grabbed his hand, and pressed a kiss to his wrist. She then released his hand. "Goodbye, Nick." "Farewell, Julianna." He smiled, watching her leave his life and thinking of oneday. After she had left, he stood by the window, staring into the velvet darkness. When would he be free? He had come a step closer, but redemption was an ongoing process. Maybe when he had atoned for his past, then he would be able to regain his soul. Maybe ... one day.