Date:         Mon, 1 Jan 1996 17:00:10 EST 
From: CINDY L BREWER <DHRC98C@PRODIGY.COM>

Hi, Being on vacation gives one plenty of time to 'dust off' old stories one 
has lying around. This one I started after watching 'My Boyfriend is a 
Vampire'. All usual disclamiers apply.

 Many thanks to Sherri Campell,for beta reading....:-)

Send all comments,virtual choclate to DHRC98C@prodigy.com 
----------------------------------------------------------------- -----
 Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 1/? by Cindy Brewer

Dr. Natalie Lambert hopped out of the coroner's car at yet another murder 
scene. This was the third murder in less than a week. It appeared they had a 
serial killer on their hands; whether it was a vampire or mortal remained to 
be seen.

Natalie ducked under the yellow crime scene tape, and knelt down next to the 
body. It was a red-haired woman, maybe twenty-five, blue eyes, attractive. 
Well, had been attractive.  Body drained of blood same as all the others. The 
media was starting to call these "The Vampire Killings". Nick hadn't said 
anything one way or the other yet, which meant he didn't know, or, was 
protecting her.

"So, what do we have?" Detective Nick Knight asked from her left.

Natalie willed herself not to jump, as she wanted to do every time he snuck up 
on her; "Same as all the others," she replied, peeling off a pair of latex  
gloves.

Nick checked the body. "Are you sure?"

Natalie nodded, "As sure as I can be without a full ex...." She trailed off, 
glancing over her shoulder.

Nick was right beside her, concern in his blue eyes, "Nat, what is it?" 
Natalie didn't answer him. Her eyes were busy  scanning the familiar crowd of 
onlookers, reporters and police.  She didn't know what it was, just this 
nagging feeling at the back of her neck. It had been there for all the other 
crime scenes. She didn't know how, just knew that somehow these murders were 
related to her.

She shook off the feeling and brushed past Nick, "Nothing, there is nothing." 
Nick watched her go, knowing that something was wrong.  He turned his vampiric 
senses on the crowd but didn't pick up anything unusual.

   The Enforcer shrank deeper into the shadows knowing that he'd have to be 
more careful. He still wondered why they had picked him to do this mission.  
And, he still wondered why now.  After all the years that Nick Knight had 
worked to become mortal, neglecting the vampire community that protected him, 
that fed him. Why now did they want him to get rid of this mortal woman who, 
as far as he could tell, was no threat to them.  She hadn't yet found a cure 
for vampirism, and, as far as they could tell, wasn't even close.

The Enforcer sighed and melted into the crowd of onlookers; it wasn't for him 
to question orders. If the vampire community wanted this mortal out of the 
way, someone would do it, if he failed.

Natalie watched Nick's Caddy disappear down the dark alley and onto the main 
street. The other technicians and assistants had left already with the body.  
She usually didn't stay this late at the crime scene, but she had decided to 
take some personal notes on the area.  Maybe that would help her get a fix on 
who this killer was.  Whether he was mortal or not.

As she made a slow circle of the chalk outline, her gaze concentrated on 
comparing the papers on her clipboard to the scene, she didn't notice the 
shadow that detached itself from the wall. She didn't see until it was too 
late, the arm that snaked around her neck.  Natalie didn't even have time to 
scream as her attacker dragged her back into the shadows. Her clipboard 
clattering to the cement was the only sound, echoing in the dark alley.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Javier Vachon glanced up lazily as Screed 
scampered back into the cavern of sewers he called home.  Screed began to hang 
a pair of rats on a line of wire suspended from the ceiling.

"What brings you to my neck of the woods, mate? Get tired of playing white 
knight to your littl' blon' fluff?" Vachon shrugged, ignoring the dig. "I just 
didn't feel like staying at the church."

Screed glanced at him, noted Vachon was in one of his brooding moods and ended 
the conversation.  The rats were much more fun when he got like this.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Nick knew it was a curse for vampires his age 
to still have nightmares. To make them regret what they've become. For Nick, 
tonight's was a doozy. Blood sweat trickled down his cheeks as Nat's face 
danced in his mind.

 "I never thought it would come to this, but I've given up on you." "What 
exactly is your intent?"

Nat's angry voice echoed through his mind.  He knew they had made up. That 
their friendship was intact. But her words still cut him like a knife. He had 
taken her for granted. It would never happen again.

Nick jerked awake, terrified by an image he couldn't remember. Taking a moment 
to compose himself, Nick heard the familiar clicking of his answering machine 
tape rewinding.  He glanced at the clock on his nightstand. Four thirty.  
Almost time to get up for work anyway.

After pulling on a pair of jeans and a red shirt, Nick went down the stairs

and opened the refrigerator. In passing, he absently hit the message playback. 
Nick took a bottle of cow's blood and uncorked it, waiting for the tape to 
play. The first message was from an all-night dry cleaners saying his suits 
were ready and could be picked up anytime. The second was from his partner 
Tracy Vetter saying she was going to be a little late tonight, she had a 
source to check out.

Nick smiled, wondering how Vachon was dealing with her naivete. The third 
message, from the Captain, made Nick's smile vanish.

"Knight, I really hate to leave this kind of message on your machine, but 
since you're not in until seven, I guess I have to.  I know how close you and 
Lambert are."

Nick's heart froze at the mention of Natalie's name. He never should have left 
her.

Reese continued, "Some maniac kidnapped her from the crime scene last night. 
There hasn't been a ransom, but nobody's seen her since. Report to me as soon 
as you come in."

 The bottle of blood slipped from his hand and crashed to the floor.

Forbidden Love Pt. 2/? By Cindy Brewer

The sun had barely set when Nick stormed into Reese's office. Tracy was 
sitting in a chair, papers in hand.  He barely glanced at her. The captain 
stood, as if preparing for a battle.

"What do you mean, Natalie's been kidnapped?" Nick demanded.

Inwardly Joe Reese winced, "Just what I said." Nick struggled to keep a rein 
on his feelings, "Are you sure? Did you check her apartment? The lab?"

Tracy nodded, her blue eyes concerned, "I called everywhere I could think of, 
Nick.  I even thought she was with you...." Nick shot her a glare that 
could've frozen Hell.

Tracy jumped back slightly, realizing she'd stepped over the line.

Reese sighed, "Nick, we searched six hours before a homeless woman was found 
and brought in.  She said a shadow came out of nowhere and grabbed Natalie 
from behind, dragging her away. That was the last anyone's seen of her."

If the color could have drained from Nick's face, it would have at that 
moment.  The Enforcers. Damn. He knew he had been lucky for too long. Now they 
were going to take it out on Natalie.

Reese sat down on the corner of his desk, studying Knight.

He glanced at Tracy before saying, "Nick, if you need to be taken off 
this......"

Nick glared at him,"No!" Reese tried again,"I know you've been through a lot 
these past months what with Schanke and Cohen's deaths, and now Natalie's 
kidnapping; anyone would need a break....."

Nick's voice was tight, "Thank you, Captain, but no.  I know Natalie better 
than anyone else. I'll find her."

Tracy cleared her throat, glancing at her watch. "Captain, I'm going to go 
check with that source."

Reese nodded absently, waving her out of the room. He closed the door behind 
her, turning to face Knight.

 "Are you and Lambert involved?" He asked bluntly.

Nick winced and turned away.  His gaze traveled over the things on Reese's 
desk: family photos, paper work. Marble paperweight.

"Our relationship is complicated." Nick replied softly.

 "How complicated?" Reese asked, then shook his head. "Never mind, I'm 
probably better off not knowing. You know who has her, don't you?"

Nick tried to keep his expression blank, "I have a hunch," he replied, 
thinking briefly of his  late partner. Schanke always hated when he 
disappeared on one of his hunches.

Reese sighed, "Just get both of you back in one piece."

Nick nodded, and walked out of the office.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Screed snorted with disgust as Tracy entered the sewer cavern. He snatched 
three rats off the line and scampered past her into the darkness.

"You're late." Vachon said from his position on the floor.

 Tracy glared at him, "I went to the church first."

Vachon was silent, barely acknowledging her presence.

 "Well?" she prompted.

 Vachon, smiled, deciding to play with her for awhile, "Well, what?" Annoyance 
crept into Tracy's voice. "Have you heard anything about my friend's 
kidnapping?"

Vachon shook his head, "No."

Tracy sat down next to the vampire. "Then no vampires were involved?" Vachon 
met her gaze, "Why would a vampire be involved?"

"Maybe Nat stumbled onto something she shouldn't have. Don't you have police 
or something?"

Vachon laughed softly. If she only knew what the Enforcers were, "Enforcers."  
He corrected her, "You'd have found her body by now if they took her."

Tracy winced and looked away.

Part of Vachon regretted causing her pain, so he gently placed his hand under 
her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, here." He paused, remembering what Screed 
had mentioned earlier in the week about the Enforcers putting out a notice on 
a mortal, "I haven't heard anything, but I will contact you as soon as I do."

Tracy forced herself to break away from his intense gaze and stood, brushing 
dirt off her pants, "Thanks", she said, turning to leave.

Vachon let her get close to the door before saying, "Be careful."

Tracy studied him for a moment before leaving the cavern.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Welcome,  Gentle Listeners.  Once again the Nightcrawler is on the airwaves 
brightening your dreary existence.  Tonight, my children, the topic is 
"Loyalty". Has a friend or employer betrayed you recently?  The lines are open 
and your Uncle is here to listen."

Nick choked back the laughter he felt at LaCroix's last statement as he parked 
the Caddy outside the Raven.

"Uncle", Nick thought, shaking his head, if only the listeners knew what the 
Nightcrawler really was.

LaCroix spotted him through the glass of the broadcast booth and started a 
long commercial. He motioned Nick toward a private booth.

"Well, this is an unexpected pleasure, Nicholas.  To what do I owe this 
visit?" LaCroix asked, as a waiter brought him his usual mix of blood and 
wine, "I assume you are still on duty since you are not enjoying yourself? 
Tell me what crime do I owe this visit to? A murder, perhaps?"

"Only yours if you have anything to do with this." Nick growled.

LaCroix raised an eyebrow, "As much as I love games, Nicholas,  I am on the 
air. I can not help you if you don't tell me what the problem is."

 "Do the Enforcers have Natalie?"  Nick demanded, moving closer to LaCroix.

LaCroix blinked, "Misplacing your mortal friend is not a reason to blame the 
Enforcers."

"One more time, LaCroix. Have the Enforcers taken Natalie, and where are they 
headquartered now?"

LaCroix stared at him, "You can not possibly be thinking of going after them."

 Nick swallowed hard, "So they do have her."

"I don't know."

Nick snarled, "The all-powerful LaCroix who sees and knows everything doesn't 
know what happened to a mere mortal?"

LaCroix glanced back at the broadcasting booth, the tape was almost done, "As 
I told you before, Nicholas. I don't know. If I were you I'd forget your 
mortal friend, and move on while you still can. But, since I know you are not 
going to do that, I will not confirm or deny your question. Now if you'll 
excuse me,  I have a radio broadcast to return to." ************************** 
"Forbidden Love" 3/? by Cindy Brewer

 Natalie Lambert awoke to pitch blackness.  Once she got her spinning senses 
back under control, Natalie tried to stand. It was only then she realized she 
was bound from head to foot, and, from the splinter cutting into her hand, she 
assumed it was a wooden chair she was tied to.

Forcing herself to remain calm, Natalie tried to figure out where she was. 
Obviously she was underground somewhere as it was cold and dank. From the 
pulsing music dimly heard, she guessed she was underneath a nightclub of some 
sort. Perhaps the Raven.

Why would somebody bother to kidnap her? She was just the medical 
examiner.......Who happened to be close friends with a vampire.  That had to 
be it, but it still didn't make any sense.  She and Nick had been trying to 
recover his mortality for the last two years.

Why now would she be a target for kidnapping? Did it mean she was getting too 
close to the cure?  For Nick's sake, she hoped so, but this was not the way 
she wanted to find out.

Natalie strained against the coarse rope that bound her wrists; somehow she 
had to get out of here.  Wherever 'here' was.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Javier Vachon glanced up from his glass of blood-wine as Nick came up next to 
him at the bar.

 "What brings you here, Knight? Thirsty?"Vachon asked with a smile.

 Nick shook his head, "Do you know where the Enforcers are headquartered? Or, 
have you ran into any, lately?"

 Vachon blinked.  "There are easier ways to commit suicide, Knight."

Nick glared at him, "Not funny. I think Natalie was kidnapped by an Enforcer." 
"Why would they kidnap the coroner?" Vachon asked, puzzled.

Nick sighed as he leaned against the bar, mildly surprised to see Miklos back 
in service; "She knew about us. She is helping me find a way back across." 
Vachon leaned back against the bar, shaking his head, "Why didn't you just 
paint a big red bulls-eye across her back?"

 Nick flinched. "She only knew about me, LaCroix, Jeanette and you." Vachon 
blinked, "Me?"

"You were mixed up with the Black Budda mess, I had to tell her you were 
here." Nick paused, "You still haven't answered my question." Vachon turned 
his attention to the swarm of dancers a few feet away, "Why would they bother 
to let me know that information, Knight?  I'm not nearly as old as you are."

Nick sighed, glancing at his watch, "The sun's almost up. Just keep your ears 
open. If you hear anything or see her...."

 Vachon waved him off, "Yeah, yeah, I'll let you know. Get out of here." Nick 
took a last look at the crowd in the nightclub and walked out the door.  It 
was going to be a long day.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 4/? by Cindy L. Brewer

Halfway back to his loft, Nick thought of Sydney. He knew he was risking the 
sun, but he couldn't help Nat during the day anyway. The least he could do was 
make sure her cat was fed.

Sydney greeted him rather loudly as soon as Nat's spare key opened the door. 
"I know, Sydney, I know." Nick muttered as he stepped over the animal heading 
for the small kitchen.

"Now, where does Nat keep your food?" She had told him once or twice when she 
had gone out of town, but now he couldn't remember.

He began opening and closing cabinets at random....pots and pans, glasses, 
plates and bowls, baking sheets. "Meow." Nick glanced up from a bottom cabinet 
to see Sydney perched on the countertop. The cat seemed to be pointing to the 
cabinet directly above.

"I was just about to look there. Have some patience." Nick placed the brown 
cat bowl he had found in the sink on the counter and began to pour the dry cat 
food. Sydney was now purring as Nick placed the full bowl on the floor. "You'd 
think you hadn't eaten in a week or two." Nick muttered as he absently patted 
the cat's head. He stood and saw sunlight streaming through her living room 
window.

"Well, Sydney, I guess you're stuck with me for awhile." The cat didn't look 
up from his meal.

 ***************************************************

"There's nothing?!" Captain Joe Reese's angry voice thundered. Tracy Vetter 
jumped back slightly, "We're doing the best we can, Captain. Half the precinct 
is out with the flu, and the other half working double shifts." Reese looked 
at the six or so Detectives assembled in the squad room, "I know and I 
apologize. Just that the press has gotten wind of this and the Mayor wants 
answers that we don't have." "We're looking into a few leads." Tracy replied, 
her hands absently shuffling the papers on her desk. "There hasn't been a 
ransom?" Reese asked.

Tracy shook her head, "Not yet. Why would anyone kidnap her?" Reese dismissed 
the others and placed a comforting hand on Tracy's shoulder, "There are a lot 
of sicko's in this world, Trace. Sometimes there just isn't a reason."

She nodded, glancing at the empty desk across from her. Reese followed her 
gaze, "Have you heard from Nick?" Tracy shook her head, "Not since yesterday,  
but I've been in and out." Reese nodded, "When was the last time you slept?" 
Tracy laughed raggedly, "Sleep? What's sleep?"

"Go home."

"Captain......"  "I mean it, go home. Get some rest. I'm going to need you 
here to keep an eye on your partner if we don't find Natalie soon."

Tracy nodded sadly, stood and gathered her coat and purse and left without 
another word.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 5/? By Cindy L. Brewer

************************************************************ The Enforcer, 
known as Antonius in mortal life, returned to the underground cavern, his arms 
laden with food and other necessities. He shook his head in amazement, first 
they wanted him to kill this mortal, then they tell him to hold on to her for 
a few days. Keep her alive. But he wasn't one to tell the Enforcer community 
to make up their minds.

Turning the corner, he was immediately overwhelmed by the smell of blood. 
Human blood.  It took him a moment to compose himself.  He wondered where the 
blood could possibly be coming from as the only living person down here was 
his prisoner.

The food crashed on the brick floor, as he hurried to examine her, wondering 
if one of the elders had gotten impatient and killed her while he was gone. 
Kneeling next to the mortal woman he checked her pulse. It was strong. He 
could hear it, hear her heart, now. Then he saw the source of the blood.

Her wrists were rubbed raw, lacerated, from her futile attempts to escape. 
Small rivulets of blood continued to drip onto the dirt floor. She stirred, as 
if sensing his presence.

"Who are you?" Natalie asked, her voice hoarse. Antonius didn't answer. He 
instead stood to retrieve the bag of groceries. He took out a plastic bottle 
of water.

Natalie studied her captor. At first glance he appeared to be a handsome man, 
short black hair. Piercing blue eyes. If she had to guess, she would say he 
was somewhere between twenty-five and thirty; but a nagging feeling told her 
he was much older.

"You're an Enforcer, aren't you?" He walked back over to her, uncapping the 
bottle and holding it just below her mouth. "Drink." He ordered. Natalie 
looked at the bottle warily, but took a sip awkwardly, ending up wearing most 
of the water. "Can you untie my hands? It would make this much easier." 
Antonius just stood there.

"I'm not going to try to escape. Please." Reluctantly, he walked behind the 
chair, and untied her right hand, leaving the left still bound to the chair 
back. Natalie eagerly drank the water. "Thank you", she said in a stronger 
voice. He nodded, taking position against the wall directly in front of her. 
He slid into a sitting position, those sharp blue eyes never leaving her. "Did 
LaCroix send you?"

The Enforcer shook his head, "Lucien LaCroix is the least of your worries 
right now."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love"  6/? By Cindy L. Brewer

As soon as the sun set, Nick took Sydney and the cat food and headed back to 
the loft. He was only going to stay long enough to change clothes and shower. 
He slowed down when he saw Javier Vachon waiting in the hallway.

"You get trapped by the sun, Vachon?" Nick asked, as they rode up in the 
elevator.

Vachon shook his head, "Was looking for you. Urs came up with some information 
on your friend."

The elevator stopped, and Nick handed Sydney over to the Spaniard, "Hold him 
for a minute." Vachon blinked, then held the animal at arm's length, "Whose 
cat?" "Natalie's." Nick replied, setting the cat food on the counter. Turning, 
he smiled, seeing that Sydney had made a new friend. The cat was now curled up 
in Vachon's arms. The vampire, in turn, was absently stroking the cat's head. 
"If only Nat could see this." Nick thought.

     "You said Urs had some information on Nat?" Nick prompted.

Vachon nodded as he perched himself on the end of Nick's couch, "We haven't 
talked to each other for a week or so. She told me she had heard around the 
Raven that the Enforcers had put out a notice on a mortal."

Nick walked around the couch, "Did you tell Tracy?"

Vachon shook his head, "You think I want her mixed up in this? No, I told her 
I hadn't heard anything yet." Nick took Sydney from him, "Good. I'm going to 
check in with the precinct to see if there's been a ransom demand. Thanks for 
letting me know."

Vachon stood, heading toward the door, "You're on your own with this, Knight.  
I like to keep as far away from the Enforcers as possible."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 7/? By Cindy L. Brewer

"Anything yet?" Detective Nick Knight asked as he strode into Reese's office.

Captain Joe Reese glanced up from the endless pile of paperwork on his desk, 
"Most people do knock when entering." "Sorry," Nick apologized blandly. Reese 
stood, "No, there hasn't been a ransom demand yet."

Nick nodded, glancing out at his desk, "Where's Tracy?"

Reese walked around his desk, "I sent her home, she needed some sleep." Nick 
turned and started walking toward the door. "I still have a few leads of my 
own to check out, plus I want to go back to that crime scene; maybe the 
kidnapper left something behind in the struggle."

     "Knight," Joe Reese began awkwardly, "You've been in this business as 
long as I have. Nick, you know the odds of finding her alive are not in her 
favor." Nick turned slowly, "So, you're saying, what? I should just give it up 
now? Save the taxpayers some money?" Reese shook his head, "No, I'm just 
saying you should prepare yourself for the possibility that we're not going to 
see her again." "I appreciate your concern, Captain. But I'm not giving up on 
her. I will find her, alive."

 Joe Reese sat down on the corner of his desk as he watched Nick exit the 
precinct, "I pray to God that you're right, Nick. But I got a bad feeling 
about this."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 8/? by Cindy L. Brewer 
*****************************************************

Antonius jerked awake as a 'thought message' entered his consciousness. 
*Antonius, Knight knows we have the mortal.*

Antonius blinked, glancing at Natalie who was still asleep in the wooden 
chair.

/What should I do?/ Antonius sent back. *Nothing at the moment. Knight is only 
fishing. He knows we have her, but does not know where. So you are safe for 
the moment.* /Why don't I just kill her and leave the body where Knight would 
find it?/ Antonius asked coldly. *No, that would be counterproductive. We want 
to use Knight as an example. Killing her now would only further estrange him 
from us.* Antonius drew his knees to his chest, trying to get in a more 
comfortable position, thinking hard. /What do you wish me to do?/

*Stay where you are. Do what is necessary to keep her alive. We will be in 
touch.*  The thoughts vanished.

Antonius sighed as he leaned back against the brick wall. This was turning out 
to be one of his least favorite assignments and he had a feeling it was not 
going to get any better. ************************************************* 
"Captain," Detective Tracy Vetter called excitedly, as she raced into the 
precinct,  "We got the ransom note." Joe Reese stepped away from the water 
cooler. "Finally. Let's take a look." Tracy handed him the business style long 
white envelope.

 "I haven't read it yet." Reese looked at her, "Then how do you know it is the 
ransom demand?" "I found it tucked in the door of Nick's loft when I went by 
this morning to check on him. Besides, what else would he get in the mail that 
was made out of magazine cutouts?" Tracy responded anxiously with a trace of a 
smile. "Good point." Reese replied as he skimmed the demand, "Sounds like they 
only want to deal with Nick. Make the drop at midnight." Tracy reached around 
the Captain for the nearest phone, "I'll find him." 
============================== Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 9/? By Cindy L. 
Brewer ******************

Nick parked the Caddy just outside the alley where Natalie had been kidnapped.  
Yellow crime scene tape still roped off the area. Nick tried to turn off his 
emotions as he ducked under the crime tape. It wasn't easy to do as he 
surveyed the small area. /Concentrate on the crime./ Nick thought to himself, 
/Treat it as any other kidnapping./  The silence of the night was broken by 
the ringing of his cellular phone. "Knight." "Nick? Its Tracy, I'm at the 
station. We finally got a ransom demand."

/Thank God./ "I'll be right there. Where did you find it?"

 Something metallic caught the moonlight drawing Nick's attention.  Moving 
closer, he saw a glint of gold on the jagged edge of the brick wall.

"Your loft,"Tracy was saying, "I found it wedged in the door... Nick, are you 
listening to me?"

Nick stared at the links of gold metal resting in his palm. It was the gold 
heart necklace he had given Natalie last Christmas.

 "Yes, I heard," Nick replied, "You found it in the door. Tell the Captain 
I'll be there in fifteen." He slipped the pendant into his jacket pocket and 
left the alley. ********************************************************** 
"Where's the ransom demand?" Nick asked as soon as he entered the precinct.

Tracy glanced up from her computer screen, "The lab's analyzing it as we 
speak."

Nick nodded, "What were their demands?"

"That's where it gets weird." Tracy replied, standing, "They want you to 
return to the crime scene at midnight and leave the money." Nick caught 
something in her voice. "How much do they want?"

Tracy averted her eyes, "Its an obscene amount, Nick. They can't possibly 
think a police detective could come up with it."

"How much?" Nick repeated. Tracy sighed,"Seven million." "I suppose they want 
it in cash and in a silver suitcase." Nick replied wryly.

   "I see Tracy's brought you up to speed."Captain Reese commented as he 
walked in from the hallway.

"The note said they wanted the money at midnight," Reese continued, glancing 
at his watch, "Its almost ten now. The trick is going to get that kind of 
money together in under three hours." Nick's fingers closed around the pendant 
in his pocket, "I can get the money."

Tracy stared at him,"How?"

Nick shot her a glance,"I know a few people."

Reese looked at him warily, but nodded, "Just get back here by eleven-thirty 
so we can tag the money."

  After Nick left Tracy caught up with Reese, "Captain, how is he going to 
come up with that kind of money in an hour and a half? I don't think even my 
father could."

Joe Reese paused in his office doorway, turning to face her, "With Knight, 
I've learned its best not to ask. Let me know when the lab gets done with the 
ransom note." Tracy nodded and walked to the nearest coffee machine. It was 
going to be a long night. 
====================================================== Forever Knight 
"Forbidden Love" (10/?) By Cindy L. Brewer 
********************************************************** Natalie Lambert 
awoke to the sound of dripping water. At first she thought the sink was 
linking again and went back to sleep. She jerked awake as the memories of the 
last few nights came back. "I'm still here." Natalie commented, as she tried 
to get the kink out of her back.

Antonius blinked, but that was the only reaction he gave. "Are you hungry?" 
Natalie glared at him, "You think I'm going to eat anything  you give me?" 
Antonius smiled slightly,"Poison is hardly our style."

Natalie stiffened,"Then what is?" Antonius stood, patting her on the head like 
a small child, "You need not trouble yourself with your fate. For the moment 
you are safe."

   "Why? Why am I still alive?" Natalie asked as Antonius walked over to the 
bag of food, "Do you plan to use me to lure Nick?"

Antonius didn't look at her as he continued his task, "You are full of 
questions. I had forgotten how talkative mortals are." "You didn't answer my 
question."

He finally turned to face her, "You know as much as I do at the moment. We 
might as well just relax, we're going to be here for a while."

Natalie glared at him.

In response he smiled, "Now, do you prefer apple or strawberry Danish?" 
*************************************** "Are you sure you want to be the one 
who does this?" Joe Reese asked as the stakeout team got in position near the 
alley, "I could have somebody from missing persons....."

Nick cut him off, "Thanks, Captain, but I don't want to risk Natalie's safety.  
They're expecting me." Reese nodded as he pressed the button of his radio, 
"Tracy, are you in position?" A block away Tracy Vetter stood on the corner. 
Dressed in a short pink leather skirt, knee high black leather boots, a teal 
crop top t-shirt completed the outfit.

Tracy took her radio out of her purse, "All set, Captain... and for the 
record, Natalie is the only reason I would even think of getting into this 
outfit." "Your sacrifice is noted." Reese commented. "Nick's going to be in 
position in a few minutes."

 Nick nodded at the Captain and started walking toward the dark alley, right 
hand clenched tightly around the handle of a silver-colored briefcase. -------
---------------------------- Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" (11/?) by Cindy 
L. Brewer ******************************************************** Captain Joe 
Reese hit a button on the side of his watch, illuminating the dial. It was 
twenty minutes after midnight. "Anybody see anything?" Reese asked, sitting in 
a black van across from the alley, "They're twenty minutes past the deadline." 
"I really wish you wouldn't phrase it like that, Captain." Tracy Vetter 
commented.

 "Cut the chatter." Nick snapped, speaking into the hidden microphone tucked 
in the collar of his leather jacket, "Somebody's coming."

Nick didn't need his vampiric senses to see a man coming out of one of the 
doors on the left side of the alley. The man stepped out of the shadows 
allowing Nick to see he was barely thirty years old. Unkempt red hair fell 
just above his shoulders, sharp green eyes studied Nick. The man's thin frame 
led Nick to believe he was homeless. "You Knight?" The man asked.

Nick nodded, tentatively stepping forward, "Yes." The man held up his hand, 
"That's far enough. Open the briefcase. Let me see the money. Remember no 
tricks, or the lady's dead." Nick gingerly set the briefcase on the ground, 
flipping the lid open, "No tricks."

The man nodded, "Okay. Shut the briefcase and back away." Nick stood, "I've 
done what you asked. Let me have Natalie." The man laughed, "All in good time, 
Detective."

Instinct told Nick something wasn't quite right about this. His feeling was 
confirmed when the man snaked forward and snatched the briefcase. Turning the 
man started to leap up onto the fire escape.

Nick yanked the microphone up, "Captain, it was a setup! He's headed toward 
the roof!"

  The man didn't even reach the first landing before Nick grasped his leg 
flinging him to the ground.

Nick landed effortlessly, fighting to control the vampire, "I'm only going to 
ask this once. Where is Natalie?!"

The man had the gall to smirk, "I'm not saying anything until I talk to my 
lawyer."

Nick grasped the man by the collar, slamming him against the brick wall, "You 
assume you're going to make it to the station." "Nick!" Tracy's alarmed shout 
echoed through the alley,"Let him go!" Nick glared at his partner for a 
moment, then slowly he released the man's collar. The alleged kidnapper 
slumped to the ground, whimpering. 
============================================================ = Forever Knight 
"Forbidden Love" 12/? by Cindy L. Brewer ****************** Nick was just 
about to enter the interrogation room when Reese caught his arm.

"Nick, the sun's almost up. Let Vetter and I handle this."

Nick glanced out the window and saw the sun starting to color the sky, but 
shook his head, "Thanks, Captain. I have to see this one through." Reese 
nodded, "Alright, but take it easy on him. We're dangerously close to 
conflict-of-interest on this one."

  "Why did you try to run?" Tracy was asking as Nick walked into the 
interrogation room.

The man's name was Grady Larson, twenty-seven years old. No connection to 
Natalie that they could find.

"She asked you a question, Larson." Nick growled as Larson slumped down in the 
chair, the smirk still on his face.

"I was putting the money in a safe place." Larson finally replied. "How do you 
know Doctor Lambert?" Nick asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Larson's smirk turned into a smile. "I don't. The situation was just an easy 
target." He looked away from Nick to the two-way mirror, "Easy money. Very 
easy money." "Where is Doctor Lambert?" Nick asked, his voice carefully 
controlled. Larson leaned back in the chair, "You think I'm going to tell 
you?" He paused looking Nick in the eye, "Besides, you're assuming she's 
alive."

That did it.

Before Tracy could react, Nick shoved the table out of the way, grabbing 
Larson by the shirt collar. The wooden chair toppled backward as Nick lifted 
Larson off his feet, slamming the man against the wall.

 "Nick!" Tracy began, her hand on his arm trying to break his hold, "This 
isn't going to help Natalie!"

The door slammed open as Reese quickly walked in, "Knight!" "I'll sue you for 
everything you have." Larson threatened in a strangled voice.

 Nick glared at him, but released his grip allowing the man to slump to the 
floor, "A dead man can't sue.  I promise you that is what you will be if she's 
dead." Turning on his heel, Nick stormed out of the interrogation room. 
============================================================ ======= Forever 
Knight "Forbidden Love" 13/? by Cindy L. Brewer ******************

"Welcome, Gentle Listeners. The Nightcrawler is once again on the airwaves. 
Tonight's topic has been a popular one in the past; 'Relationships'. Are you 
unsure of your boyfriend/girlfriend?  Do you think he or she is being 
unfaithful?  Or do you want to breakup with he or she and are not quite sure 
if it is good for you? Fear not, my children. Your Uncle is hear to listen to 
all your problems."

Nick reached for the Caddy's radio dial ready to switch stations, but decided 
against it. Maybe listening to other people's problems would keep his mind off 
of his own, if only for a little while.

 Reese had left a message on the machine during the day telling him he didn't 
have to come into work tonight. But he had to, it kept him from feeling 
completely helpless.  Nick had to find out what Larson's motive was to kidnap 
Natalie.

 Maybe if he apologized to the man, Larson would be more forthcoming with 
information on Natalie's whereabouts. ***************************************

"How long have I been here?" Natalie Lambert asked; the diffuse light in the 
tunnel made it difficult to keep track of time.

 Antonius glanced up from the book of Shakespeare he was reading, "Almost 
three days. Not very long."

"Maybe not for you, but for us mortals it is. I have people who need me. A cat 
that's probably destroyed my apartment by now......." Antonius nodded, "I'm 
sure someone has noticed your absence by now and your cat is being taken care 
of."

"I hope so." Natalie replied, thinking of Nick, wondering what Nick was

thinking. "What is your name?" Natalie asked, realizing she didn't know her 
captor's name.

"Antonius." He replied, not glancing up from his book.

Natalie sighed, starting to work again on the ropes that bound her. She had to 
get free and find Nick. She had a feeling he was in more trouble than she was. 
================================================================= == Forbidden 
Love (14/?) By Cindy L. Brewer 
************************************************* Tracy Vetter glanced up with 
surprise as her partner walked into the squad room, "Nick? I thought the 
Captain told you not to come in tonight." "That's right." Nick replied briskly 
as he sat down at his desk. Tracy nodded.

"I ran an employment check on Larson," Tracy said, handing him a computer 
printout, "Turns out his last job was with the police department." Nick raised 
an eyebrow, as he scanned the printout, "As what? It doesn't say here."

Tracy smiled, "There's some perks to being the commissioner's daughter. I did 
a little digging on my own. Larson wasn't a street officer, he mainly did 
office work.  Glorified messenger boy, mainly." "And he was laid off a month 
ago." Nick finished, placing the printout on his desk.

 Tracy nodded, "He was a casualty of that last round of budget cuts." Nick 
stood, "Well, we have means, motive and opportunity. I'm going to go talk to 
'our friend' again. You coming?" Tracy hesitated.  "Nick," she asked 
carefully, "Do you think there's a chance she's still alive?  Its been almost 
three days, the odds......"

Nick turned,  "I know the odds," he snapped, "We'll find her!"

It was a promise, he just wished he was as convinced as he sounded. 
********************************************

Lucien LaCroix was thumbing through an old novel of poetry in his office. He 
was looking for something to use on that evening's edition of 'The 
Nightcrawler'.

"You can come out now, my friend." LaCroix said, not looking up from his book.

 A tall shadow detached itself from the office wall and stepped toward the 
desk, "It is good to see you again. You seem to have done quite well for 
yourself." LaCroix shut the book, smiling slightly, "It suits me. What brings 
you to town?"

The shadow shook his head, "You know I can not tell you anything."

LaCroix nodded, "Enforcer patrol, then? How fascinating." 
================================ Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 15/? By Cindy 
L. Brewer ***************************************** Grady Larson jumped out of 
his chair and backed against the wall as Nick entered the Interrogation room.

"Keep him away from me!" Larson shouted at his public defender. Nick glanced 
at the young red haired woman, maybe thirty years old, "It's alright," He 
assured her, "I'm here to apologize for my actions earlier." The woman folded 
her arms across her chest, "I should hope so, Detective, after the way you 
traumatized my client."

Larson shook his head, fear in his green eyes, "He's crazy! He tried to kill 
me!" "Detective," Trisha Rauch said warningly, "It's against my better 
judgement to even let you in the same room with my client." Nick stifled a 
sigh, "Look, Ms......" "Rauch. Trisha Rauch." "Ms. Rauch, the only reason I 
came in here tonight was to apologize to your client. I have no intentions of 
starting anything."

The lawyer looked at him warily, then at her client, "You have ten minutes, 
Detective. And I'll be right over here." She replied, pointing to a chair in 
the far corner of the room.

       "You come near me, and I will sue." Larson threatened, making sure the 
table was between them.

 Nick held up his hands in an effort to reassure Larson and keep himself calm, 
"I do apologize for what happened yesterday." Larson folded his arms across 
his chest as he slumped in the chair, "Fine,I accept. You can consider your 
conscience eased now." "Look Larson, I'm trying to help you here. The Captain 
mentioned maybe offering you a deal if you cooperated."

Larson smirked, "Why should I even consider cooperating with you people?" 
Rauch walked toward the table, "Detective, you didn't say anything about a 
deal." Nick glared at her slightly, "It slipped my mind."

 "Before anything else 'slips your mind', Detective,  I do know of your 
relationship with the victim. If you come within ten feet of my client again 
without my permission, I will have you removed from this case. And have you up 
before the review board." The lawyer opened the door and motioned to the guard 
outside, "I'd like my client taken back to his cell."

The guard nodded, walking into the room and lifting Larson to his feet, "Yes, 
Ma'am."

 Larson paused in the doorway, a smirk on his face. He inched toward Knight, 
"You'll never find her,Knight." The guard shoved Larson forward, "Let's move." 
=================================== Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 16/? By 
Cindy L. Brewer **************************************** Detective Tracy 
Vetter balanced three paper cups of coffee as she maneuvered her way toward 
the interrogation room. The brown liquid nearly ended up on the floor as 
Larson's public defender barreled out of the interrogation room.

"Hey!"Tracy exclaimed, as she quickly balanced the three cups. She spotted her 
partner leaning against the door frame, "Nick, what got into her?"

Nick sighed, absently taking a cup of coffee from her, "He's not talking and 
she won't let me near him without her permission."

Tracy traced the rim of her cup with her finger, and spoke. "Because of 
Natalie." Nick winced slightly, but nodded, "I feel so damn helpless, Trace. 
Nat's out there somewhere, hurting...."

"Don't!" Tracy replied, gently touching his arm, "Don't think that way. It's 
not healthy for you, and it won't help Natalie." "There you two are," Joe 
Reese said as he came around the corner, "We have another body." Nick's head 
jerked up, blue eyes alarmed, "Is it Natalie?"

Reese winced and stared at him for a moment, "No, Nick. This one's male. Looks 
like our serial killer's back."

Tracy started walking toward her desk, "Where's the body, Captain?" "The Don 
river. Right bank." Reese replied, walking into his office. 
====================================== Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 17/? by 
Cindy L. Brewer ********************************************* Lucien LaCroix's 
old friend silently moved through the shadows of the crowded nightclub, barely 
noticed by the usual patrons of The Raven. He knew his old friend would be 
furious with him if he knew the reason he had come to Toronto. But when 
children strayed from the nest, they had to be taught a lesson. And 
unfortunately for Lucien, Nicholas had been gone for far too long. 
******************************************** Detective Tracy Vetter glanced at 
her partner as they maneuvered through the crowd of onlookers, police and 
reporters.

"Nick, if you want to go look for Natalie I can handle this on my own." Nick 
shook his head as they ducked under the yellow crime scene tape, "Thank you, 
Tracy, but no. I need to keep myself busy,until Larson decides to give us some 
clues." Tracy nodded as they approached the body.

"So, what do we have?"Nick asked kneeling next to the body, not even glancing 
at the coroner. "And hello to you too, Detective." Grace Baltazar replied with 
a slight smile.

Nick turned to his left, a sheepish expression on his face, "I'm sorry, Grace!  
I didn't even......" He paused, "When did you....." Grace smiled, standing, "I 
was transferred back from Ontario the day Natalie disappeared." Her smile 
vanished, "She didn't even know I was back. Any leads at all?"

 Nick shook his head sadly, "None. We've arrested a suspect we believe is the 
kidnapper. He's admitted taking her but won't tell us any more than that." 
Grace cleared her throat as she peeled off a pair of latex gloves, "Victim's 
in his early twenties, body drained of blood." She glanced at Knight, "I 
haven't had a chance to read Natalie's reports, but it looks like you have a 
serial killer on your hands, Nick."

"Or it could be a copycat." Tracy said, nudging her partner, "Nick, aren't you 
going to introduce me?"

 "I'm sorry! Yes. Grace Baltazar, this is my partner, Tracy Vetter."

Grace shook her hand, "Nice to meet you, Tracy." Tracy nodded, smiling, "You 
too, Grace." She turned to Nick, "I'm going to go talk to a few people. Maybe 
somebody saw something this time." Grace handed her notes to a technician 
before turning back to Nick, "I heard about Schanke and Cohen. I'm sorry, 
Nick." Nick nodded, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets, "Me too. 
Schanke's a hard person to forget. I miss him, Grace." Grace patted his 
shoulder, "So do I... Find her, Nick, bring her home. We've lost too many 
friends this year."

"We won't loose her, Grace. You have my word." Nick promised. Grace looked out 
at the river, the red and blue lights of the police cars dancing across the 
water, "I hope that's enough, Nick. I really do. For her sake." 
================================================================= ==== Forever 
Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 18/? By Cindy L. Brewer

***********************************************

As Nick and Tracy returned to the precient the latest victim was a John Doe. 
The young man had no identification on him when he was discovered.

 A young uniformed police woman approached Tracy,"Detective,this FAX arrived 
for you."

Tracy took the paper,"Thankyou."

"Anything of interest?"Nick asked sitting down at his desk. Tracy 
nodded,"Found out Larson's current address."

Nick glanced up in surprise,"I thought he was homeless." Tracy shook her 
head,"Not yet."

 Nick took the paper from her,"How did you find this out?"

Tracy smiled,"I called in a favor."

Nick blinked,"You have people who owe you favors?" Tracy glared at him 
slightly,"Very funny."

**********************************************

"How did you become an Enforcer?"

Startled Antonious glanced up at his prisoner,"I beg your pardon?"

"I'm curious....how does a vampire become an Enforcer?"She paused trying to 
shift her postion in the chair,"Do you have to be a certain age?" Antonious 
closed his book of Shakspeare,studing the mortal,"I guess you could say it was 
inherited."

Natalie blinked,"You mean its in your DNA or something?" Antonious 
smiled,"Maybe.The vampire who brought me across was an Enforcer.Since I 
learned how to survive as a vampire under him it just seemed natural that I 
would become an Enforcer also." Natalie studied him,"So you never had a 
choice?" Antonious stood,"It is not so bad as careers for vampires go."He said 
with a smile,"It can be quite exciting."

"So you are planning to trap Nick?"Natalie asked.

Antonious walked over to the bag of food,taking out a bottle of water,"As I 
told you before I do not know what the Community plans to do about your dear 
Nicholas." He untied her right hand,handing her the bottle of water,"Drink 
this.You need to keep your strength up."

Natalie took the bottle from him,"But it is true the only reason I'm still 
alive is to lure Nick here." Antonious looked away from her,"As I've told you 
many times before,Doctor Lambert.I only know what they tell me.I carry out 
orders as I get them.They never tell me anything in advance.So I suggest you 
save your energy,you'll know what is going on as soon as I do."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 19/? By Cindy L. Brewer

****************************************************

Detective Tracy Vetter returned to her apartment just after the sun rose.She 
was tired,both physically and emotionally.Not knowing what Nat's fate was,was 
starting to take a toll on her. Especially seeing how her disappearence was 
affecting her partner.

She didn't know why she was surprised. She had seen the looks that had passed 
between Natalie and Nick when the three of them worked together.She had 
sometimes wondered why they never went out.They seemed so perfect for each 
other.

Now Natalie had been missing for nearly four days.When a kidnapping case 
lasted this long without the victim being found it usually turned out they 
were dead. She prayed that Natalie beat the odds.

"Trace,you okay?"

        Tracy nearly jumped out of her skin.It being after sunrise she hadn't 
expected him to be here,"Vachon?What are you doing here?" He closed the space 
between them,"I just came by to check on you.I know you were worried about 
your friend."

She looked at him then,"Is that why you're here?Have you heard something about 
Nat?"

Javier Vachon shook his head,gently brushing away the tears that had fallen on 
her cheeks,"Sorry,Trace.Nothing." She tried to put up a brave front,but when 
he pulled her into an embrace.Tracy Vetter broke down.

Vachon gently stroked her hair,"Its okay,Trace. Just let it out.Everything is 
going to work out." ******************************************************

LaCroix's old friend awoke early the next evening. Only those closest too him 
knew his name was Iolous.Being high up in the Enforcer community not too many 
dared to get close or even knew he exsisted until it was too late.

To mortals he appeared to be a young man in his late thirties.Brown hair was 
close cut,piercing green eyes knew everything.

        Iolous slowly walked around the posh two room apartment he had rented 
near the Raven.Normally when in cities on Enforcer business he stayed in a 
hotel or with members of the vampire community.But not this time.Even though 
Nicholas Knight was estranged from the community he still had many friends in 
it,and Iolous didn't want to step on any toes or tip anyone off as to his 
plans.

The apartment allowed him to stay close enough to the situation to keep an eye 
on his 'guest' and far enough away not to alert LaCroix. He knew from 
experience Lucien LaCroix could be a worthy adversary if given the opportunity 
and Iolous didn't want to take that chance.Not quite yet. 
**************************************************

       Detective Tracy Vetter awoke slowly to the sound of her ringing 
phone.Eyes still closed Tracy's hand fumbled for the reciever. "Hello?"Tracy 
mumbled.

"Tracy?"Her partner's concerned voice replied,"Were you asleep?"

Tracy blinked,trying to focus on the red numbers on her clock,"Nick?What time 
is it?"

"Almost six,our shift started a half hour ago."

"Oh my God,"Tracy said as she threw the covers off,"I'm sorry,Nick I must've 
forgot to set the alarm.Tell the Captain I'll be there in twenty

mintues." "Don't worry about Reese.He has enough on his mind right now between 
the press and the Mayor......I don't think he's noticed that you're late." 
Tracy relaxed a little,"Thanks for calling,Nick.I'll be there in about twenty 
minutes."

"Just meet me at Larson's apartment in half an hour." "Will do."Tracy 
replied,hanging up the phone.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" Pt. 20/? By Cindy L. Brewer

  Grady Larson's apartment,if you could call it that, was half a mile from the 
precient. It was on the top floor of a five story brick apartment building 
that looked abandoned and on the verge of collasp.

"I'd rather live on the street."Detective Tracy Vetter muttered to herself as 
she stepped over bags of garbage to step into the front hallway.

"Glad you're here,Trace."Nick said coming out of the shadows,"There's no super 
that I can find so I guess we're on our own."

 "Were you able to get a warrent?"Tracy asked as she gingerly followed her 
partner up the rickety wooden stairs. The railing was missing in places. "In 
my pocket as we speak."Nick replied as he rounded the landing for the third 
floor he prayed they didn't find Natalie in a place like this.That Larson 
wasn't the one, that this was all a mistake. But cold fear in the pit of his 
stomach told him that wasn't the case.

        "Fifth floor."Tracy announced unnecassarily as they climbed the rest 
of the stairs,"What's the number again?" Nick smiled wryly,"Five."He scanned 
the numbers,"Last one."

There was no lock,so the wooden door pushed open easily under Nick's hand. The 
apartment was small,you could barely call it two rooms,but there was what 
appeared to be a bedroom off to the left.No kitchen,no bathroom.

 No furniture,or barely any.A simple square table was the only object in the 
main room.The bedroom contained only a ratted looking matteress. "Well,he 
wasn't much for decorating."Tracy commented, clicking on the apartments 
solitary lightbulb.

"She's not here."Nick replied,his fear for Natalie's saftey escalting.If 
Larson didn't have her here alive,then where was she? He cleared his 
throat,"I'll look around in here why don't you take the bedroom."

        Tracy nodded and entered the small room  She sighed as she got a 
better look at the room.There wasn't anything to look in or under.She was 
afraid to touch the mattress,not sure what would crawl out of it.She knew she 
had to so with the toe of her shoe she kicked it away. A rat scurried toward 
the far corner,startling Tracy.

 Relaxing a little she noticed what could be a closet in the right 
wall.Flashlight in one hand,she gingerly opened the door.

Tracy Vetter screamed slightly when Natalie Lambert's face greeted her. Many 
verisons of Natalie's face.

        "Tracy,what is it?"Nick asked,quickly reaching her side.

Forcing her hand not to shake Tracy raised the flashlight's beam,allowing Nick 
to see.

"Oh my God."Nick said walking as far into the small closet as he could. There 
were pictures of Natalie everywhere.On every square inch of wall space,Natalie 
Lambert's beautifal face stared back at him. Black and white newspaper 
photos,color polorids.

"Larson was stalking her."Tracy commented in a shaky voice,"Do you think she 
knew?"

"No!"Nick replied a little too loudly,"No.She would've told me."

/Would she?/A voice echoed in his mind,/Would she have come to you with 
this?You haven't exactly given her reason to of late./

        Tracy cleared her throat,"Nick,I'm going to call this in.So we can get 
Forensic's out here." She watched for a moment as Nick's gaze rested on an 
enlargement in the center of the left wall.Natalie was wearing an off the 
shoulder blue evening dress that matched her eyes. She was smiling and 
laughing with whoever she had been with that night. Nick pulled he photo off 
the wall,his finers gently tracing the outline of her face.

"I will find you Nat.I promise you that,I will find you. No matter how long it 
takes."

***********************************************************  "Dear 
Lord."Captain Joe Reese said softly as he got his first look at Larson's 
collection,"How many are there?"

"Close to fifty,but we think more might be underneath."Detective Tracy Vetter 
replied.

"Where's your partner?"Reese asked,his brown eyes scanning the group of police 
officers and forensics gathered in the small apartment.

Tracy glanced back at the closet,"He had to get some fresh air.I think he went 
for a walk."

Reese nodded,"Well,this seals the case against Larson."          Tracy folded 
her arms across her chest,"Captain."

"Yeah?"Reese asked as he walked into the closet to take a closer look at the 
photos. She followed him in,"Do you think she's still alive?"

Reese paused as Nick walked back into the apartment,"For Nick's sake I hope 
so,but with each passing day the trail grows colder.Trace,you know the odds as 
well as I do."

Tracy sighed,"I know,Captain.I was just praying that Natalie was the 
exception."

Forever Knight Forbidden Love pt. 21/? By Cindy L. Brewer

*********************************************

It took every once of will power Nick had left to keep himself from bursting 
through the door of the interrogation room.

He knew Reese was bending every rule by letting him be there at all,he knew he 
should be grateful.Instead he just felt so damn helpless.After everything 
Natalie had done for him,had sacrificed for him........in the end all he could 
do was stand still and let others question the man who may have taken her away 
from him permanently.

        Grady Larson showed no reaction as Joe Reese slammed a stack of photos 
on the table.

"Photography a hobby of yours,Captain?"Larson asked as he leaned back in the 
wooden chair,lacing his fingers behind his head. It took a lot for Joe Reese 
to force a smile,but somehow he did,"No,but I understand its a hobby of 
yours."

Larson shook his head,not even looking at the photos of Natalie,"Nope,never 
taken a good photo in my life.Always get a picture of my pinky finger."

Reese leaned against the table's surface,looking Larson in the eye,"You might 
as well confess,Larson.For your own good. We know you've been stalking Doctor 
Lambert for the past three weeks."

Larson blinked,but that was his only reaction,"You can't prove anything." 
Reese straightened,"We have a sworn statement from the clerk at the photo shop 
two blocks from your apartment building." Larson took his hands away from his 
hand,folding them on the table,"I want a deal."

"To get something you have to give something.That's how it works,Larson." 
"Alright,I was stalking her.Is that what you want to hear?"

         Nick moved closer to the two way mirror,rage building up inside.Rage 
he hadn't felt for a hundred years.

Just when he thought he was going to break through the glass itself his fist 
closed around a forgotten item in his jacket pocket.

Natalie's necklace.

Calm slowly washed over him.Nat wouldn't want him to throw away all their 
progress.When they found her he would show her that her treatment was 
working.That he had controled the rage,the bloodlust. When they found her,he 
would tell her.

        "No,"Joe Reese replied taking a photo of Natalie Lambert off the pile 
and holding it in Larson's face,"This lady you were stalking is a friend of 
mine.A close friend. Now for the last time Larson I want to know where she is. 
Then and only then will I even think of working out a deal for you."

Larson studied the picture of Natalie for a long moment before nodding 
slowly,"I'll tell you where you can find her."He whispered. "Finally."Reese 
replied turning slowly to look at the mirror,hoping that Nick kept his cool.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 22/? By Cindy L. Brewer

****************************************************

The red and blue lights of the squad cars did an erie dance across the bare 
parking lot two blocks from Larson's apartment building. "Captain,are you sure 
this is where Larson said she was?"Nick asked Reese as they stood in front of 
a group of thirty police officers.

Reese turned slowly to face his Detective,"Yes,Nick I'm sure." "Captain,there 
are no buildings where she could be.There's not even a shed...."Nick trailed 
off as reality slowly started to sink in. Reese motioned for the group of 
officers to start their search.He turned back to Nick placing a supportive 
hand on his shoulder,"Nick,go home."

Nick shook his head,"She's not dead." Reese sighed,"Look Nick,I know you've 
been through a lot this year with the plane crash.But you have to start facing 
the possiblity that we could dig up Natalie's body here tonight."

Nick shook his head fiercely,"No!"          Reese's dark eyes were filled with 
compassion,"Look,Nick if this were my wife I'd be reacting the same way you 
are.But you have to start thinking like a cop.You've been in this business 
long enough to know what the odds are when a kidnap victim has been missing 
for this long." Nick's voice was almost a whisper as he spoke,"I 
know,Captain." Reese steered him toward the line of police vechiles,"I'll get 
an officer to take you home."

Nick shook his head,"Thanks,Captain but I can drive myself. You'll call me 
when....."His voice broke.

Reese nodded,"You'll be the first one I call." With a last glance at the group 
of officers, Nick slowly turned and walked back to the Caddy. 
*******************************************

/Antonius/

The Enforcer slowly awoke as a thought message entered his 
conscienceness,*What is it,Iolous?*

A soft chuckle then,/Ah,you've learned who I am?/

Antonious struggled into a sitting postion,*I put the pieces together* 
/Good.Its time we introduced ourselves to the good Detective./ Antonious 
glanced at his prisoner,*What do you wish me to do?*

/Just keep the lovely doctor alive a litle while longer.I think I'm going to 
enjoy playing with our dear Nicholas./ A pause,/Yes this is going to be quite 
fun./

The connection was severed.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 23/?

 Midnight found Detective Nick Knight staring out at the Don river.Sitting in 
the Caddy Nick fought to keep himself from thinking of Natalie. Part of him 
knew he was wasting time sitting there.That Natalie was somewhere waiting for 
him to rescue her,and he had no idea where to start

looking.

His cellular phone rang,escalating his fear.He knew it had to be Reese. 
"Knight."He said after the third ring.

"Nick,we've completed the search."Reese began.

Nick swallowed hard,"And?" "We didn't find her body."

Nick let out a long sigh,"That means I was right,she's still alive." "Nick,I'm 
sorry,Forensic's found blood near a trash incenerator that matches Natalie's 
blood type."

*****************************************************

'Take the next day or so off,Tracy.'Reese's voice echoed through her mind as 
she drove through the darkened streets of Toronto.

At first she had protested,saying she had to be there for Nick.The search of 
the parking lot hadn't turned up Natalie's body,but it did turn up blood near 
a trash incenerator that matched her DNA.That,and a homeless man's account of 
seeing Larson in the area two days after Natalie disappeared was enough for 
Reese.

'Take the time,Tracy.'Reese had told her,'Trust me, you don't want to be here 
when this hits the fan.'

She had agreeed,still in shock that they had lost Natalie. Tracy couldn't even 
imagine what Nick was going through.

 "Are you going to sit out here all night?"A familiar voice asked. Detective 
Tracy Vetter jumped three feet.Glancing out the window she saw she was in 
front of Vachon's church.She didn't even remember parking the car.

She tried to smile at him,"Vachon? I'm sorry,I must really be out of it,"She 
reached for the key,"Forget I was here."

Javier Vachon leaned in the window,pulling the key out of the ignition,"Come 
on."

With a sigh,Tracy opened the door and stood next to her car,"Where?" Vachon 
smiled,"You look like you need a distraction.I'll be right back." Before she 
could reply,he had vanished into the church.

Tracy glanced up a few minutes later at the sound of a motor reving to life.

She smiled seeing Vachon walk his motorcycle around the right side of the

church.

Vachon handed her the helmet,"Put this on."

She took it from him,placing the black helmet on her head,"Where are we 
going?"

He merely smiled,holding out his hand,"Do you trust me?"

She took his hand without hesitation letting him lead her over to the bike.She 
sat behind him,arms wrapped tightly around his waist,"Completely,but don't you 
want to know why I'm here?"

Vachon shook his hea,"I have a feeling you'll tell me all about Natalie when 
you're ready."

Tracy leaned against his back as the motorcycle pulled away from the 
curb.Grateful that he knew why she was there, but didn't press her for 
details.

She laughed outloud imagining her father's reaction if she told him she spent 
the night riding a motorcycle with a five hundred year old vampire.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt.24/?

**************************************************

Captain Joe Reese sighed tiredly the following night as he glanced over the 
reports on his desk.

Reports confirming that in all probabilty Doctor Natalie Lambert was dead.

This was the part of the job he hated the most, when a cop was killed and 
watching the officer's loved ones try to deal with it.

Natalie Lambert hadn't been a cop but she'd been close enough in his book.

        Glancing out at the bustling squad room he was glad Tracy had taken 
his offer of a few days off.He knew what close friends she and Natallie had 
been and didn't want her to deal with the aftermath of this case.

And what a case this had been,Reese thought as he walked out of his office 
headed toward the water cooler.

They had started off with a possible serial killer and ended up with a dead 
corornor.

         Reese stopped halfway through his motion of putting the paper cup 
under the spout and pulling the leaver as he saw Nick Knight walk into the 
squad room.

"Knight,what are you doing here? I thought I told, no ordered you to take the 
next week or so off."Reese demanded as he took in the detective's appearence.A 
beard was starting to grow and it looked like he was wearing the same dark 
grey suit Reese had seen him in two days before.

Nick shook his head before walking over to his desk,"I don't think Larson's 
the one."

Reese stared at the vampire detective for a moment before following him over 
to the pair of desks,"Nick, have you been home at all?"

Nick didn't glance up at him as he rumaged through the files and paperwork on 
his desk,"No,there was too many leads to follow up."

Reese didn't like how this conversation was going.Not at all,"Leads?What 
leads,Nick? The case against Larson is closed."

        That got Nick to raise his head,"What?! When?"

Reese nodded,"The Mayor wants this done with as soon as possible.The Crown 
attorney came by this afternoon to interview Larson and look over the 
evidence.She upped the charge on Larson to murder one.He'll go away for a long 
time,Nick."

Nick blinked,"Captain,she's not dead."

Joe Reese let out a long sigh as he leaned on Vetter's desk,"Nick,you're too 
close to this one.You're seeing things that aren't there.The lab 
confirmed,that the blood we found in the parking lot matches Natalie's DNA."

 Nick shook his head as he gathered a few files,"I don't care what the lab 
says.I'm telling you,Captain I would feel it if she was dead."He paused,noting 
the increasing look of concern on Reese's face,"She's not dead,but if we don't 
move quickly,she will be."

Reese straightened,"Look Nick,I know how much you cared about Natalie,we all 
did. Take as much time off as you need,I've already given Tracy a few days 
off."

Nick stiffled a sigh,knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere with 
Reese.Forcing a small smile he said,"I'll consider taking a few days off." 
Reese shook his head,"Not good enough,Knight.Ethier take the time off or have 
a few visits with he police shrink."

Nick sighed,"Alright,Captain alright.I'll take the time.Just promise me you'll 
keep the case open." Reese shook his head,"I can't Nick,I'm sorry,its out of 
my hands now." "Fine,I'll find her on my own."Nick replied as he walked out of 
the squad room.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" Pt. 25/?

 ***************************************************  "Antonious."Natalie 
began quietly,"Can you untie me for a few minute?" Antonious stared at 
her,shaking his head,"I am sorry,Doctor but that's out of the question."

"Please,just for a few minutes.I'm not going to try anything.My limbs are too 
numb."

"Alright."Antonious agreed finally walking behind the chair to untie the 
ropes,"Just for a few minutes."

As the ropes fell away Natalie Lambert stood for the first time in days.Her 
legs almost gave out on her as she took a few steps but they steadied as she 
walked over to the far wall.

"Thankyou."Natalie said,but her blue eyes were scanning the area for any kind 
of a weapon.

Antonious nodded,"You're welcome."

Natalie rubbed her wrists,noticing most of the blood had dried she looked at 
her captor,"Do you have water and a cloth or something I can use?I'd like to 
make sure this doesn't get infected."

Antonious nodded as he walked over to the bag of supplies, he unconsciencely 
turned his back as he bent down to get the items she asked for. As the 
Enforcer turned his back Natalie spotted a spare brick in the corner closest 
to her.Keeping her eyes on Antonious she inched toward the wall.Clasping her 
hands around the brick Natalie crept up behind the vampire.As she did so she 
had a fleeting thought of how she could successfully sneak up on a 
vampire,she'd never been able to do so with Nick.

 But luck was with her as she raised the brick over her head and brought it 
down on the vampire's head in a spot she hoped would only knock him out. 
Antonious let out a cry of surpise before loosing his balance and falling to 
the ground.

Throwing the brick away Natalie turned and ran down the underground 
corridor,determined to get as far away as she could.

***************************************

Tracy's eyes opened as she felt the motorcycle come to a stop.She straightened 
noticing they were out of the city.

"Where are we?"Tracy asked glancing at the woods.

Vachon stepped off the bike,extending his hand to her,"About thirty miles as 
the crow flies."

She took his hand as she got down off the bike,"Its beautifal."

Vachon nodded,"This is where I come sometimes when the world closes in."He 
slipped an arm around her waist drawing her close as they walked along the 
path,"There's a clearing up ahead I'd like to show you."

Tracy smiled,"Thankyou."

Vachon stopped,looking at her,"For what?"

"For this.For not asking questions when I showed up unannounced."Tracy 
replied.

Vachon lowered his head and kissed her lightly,"You're welcome."He said and 
they started walking.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" Pt. 26/?

 Natalie ran blindly through the dark corridors which got narrower and 
narrower the farther she got.

'Thank God,I'm not claustrophobic.'She thought with a small smile as she 
turned a corridor and slammed into a wall.

Or what she thought was a wall.  Antonious's blue eyes had changed to gold as 
he looked down at her,"Did you really think you could escape that 
easily,mortal?"His voice changed from the calm scholar she had come to know in 
the last few days to that of a furious Enforcer.

It could've been her imagination but she swore she saw the walls vibrate. 
Natalie swallowed hard,determined not to let him see she was afraid,"I thought 
it was worth a try." The Enforcer grasped her right arm painfully twisting it 
behind her back,"You are very lucky,Doctor that I am under orders to keep you 
alive.I would like nothing better right now then to kill you for your 
betrayl." Natalie winced against the sharp pain shooting up her arm as the 
Enforcer nearly dragged her back down the corridors.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt.27/? By Cindy L. Brewer

***************************************************

"Are you ready to talk?"Javier Vachon asked quietly.

He pulled Tracy into his arms as they sat in the small clearing looking up at 
the stars. Tracy nodded as she snuggled against him,"I still can't believe 
she's dead." Vachon rested his chin on her shoulder,"How's you're partner 
handling it?" Tracy turned to look at him,blue eyes surprised,"How did you 
know about his relationship with Natalie?"

'Ooops.'Vachon thought to himself,'Keep forgetting she doesn't know about the 
good doctor's connection to the world of the undead.'

He recovered quickly,"You told me."

Tracy seemed to buy that,relaxing back against him,"Oh, that's right. I'm not 
sure how Nick's handling it. I haven't seen him since Reese closed the 
case.He's gone through so much this year loosing his partner and Captain to 
that awful plane crash.....and now Natalie."

Vachon's arms encircled her waist drawing her closer,"He'll pull through 
this,Trace and so will you." Tracy shook her head,"I'm not so sure 
anymore,Vachon. Natalie knew what she was doing,she could handle herself in 
dangerous situations....if this can happen to her." He rocked her gently,"She 
wasn't a cop,Tracy.She didn't have the training that you do."

Tears were now running down Tracy's cheeks,"I know."She replied quietly,"It 
just makes you wonder how safe any of us really are."

****************************************************

In the back recording booth of the Raven, Lucien Lacroix brought the 
microphone into postion and hit a few buttons. The red light came on,and the 
Nightcrawler was officially on the air.

"Welcome,Gentle Listeners....to another installment of the Nightcrawler. Your 
favorite 'Uncle' is here to listen to all your problems.Tonight's topic is 
'Romance throughout the ages'. How has it changed? For the better or for the 
worse?"

 LaCroix paused halfway through his monologue as he spotted Iolous maneuvering 
through the crowd of dancers.

He continued,even though his eyes never left the Enforcer,"But first here is a 
few scenes of Romeo and Juliet by the great William Shakespeare that might 
pique your interest."

LaCroix shut the microphone off and exited the booth.

************************************************

Detective Tracy Vetter didn't realize she had fallen asleep until Vachon's 
light kiss on her cheek woke her. She jerked upright. "How long have I been 
asleep?"

Vachon smiled,"About two hours."

Tracy stretched and turned in his arms to face him,"Can you take me home?" He 
nodded,"Whenever you're ready." Tracy stood,"I'm ready.I just came up with a 
great idea that I think will help everyone deal with Natalie's death."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt.28/? By Cindy L. Brewer

*************************************************** Screed's hightened sense 
of smell picked up a rat a few feet away from him in the sewers.Turning to his 
right the bald vampire scampered down the corridor,hearing a squeal he smiled.

"Di' ya think ya' could escape me?"He asked as he stood picking the rat up by 
the tail.

Before he knew what was happening something slammed him against the 
wall,pinning him.Once his eyes readjusted to the darkness he saw Knight's 
furious gaze.

"You lost?"Screed asked weakly. Nick glared at the Carouche,"I don't care if I 
have to pay you every last cent I have,Screed.I know you've had to have seen 
her."

Screed stared at the elder vampire,thinking for sure that Knight had finally 
lost it,"What are you talk'n 'bout,Knight?"

A 3x5 picture of a dark haired woman in her thirties was shoved in his field 
of vision. "She's mortal,Doctor Natalie Lambert."Nick explained fighting to 
keep his voice calm,"She's been missing for almost a week.I think she might 
have been kidnapped by the Enforcers."

Screed struggled in Knight's grasp,"Ain't seen nobody. I have 'eard somethin' 
that might be worth your while."

Nick loosened his hold on Screed's throat,just a little,"What?" Screed 
smiled,"That an ancient on's been seen around the Raven."

Nick rolled his eyes,"That's LaCroix."

Screed shook his head,breaking free of Knight's grasp,"Not ancient as in 
'ge."The Carouche replied cryptically as he scampered into the darkness. Nick 
stared after him,turning the cryptic line over and over in his mind.'Not 
ancient as in age.' As if a lightbulb appeared over Nick's head the answer 
came to him,"An Enforcer."He exclaimed outloud. Nick flew back through the 
tunnels, if Urs or Screed had seen an Enforcer around the Raven that confirmed 
his theory.That Natalie had to still be alive,contrary to what Reese's labs 
thought.

/Hang in there a little while longer,Nat./Nick thought as he reached the open 
skies above Toronto,/I will find you./

************************************************** Iolous walked up to the bar 
and sat down on the third stool.He sensed LaCroix walking toward him,but 
didn't turn around.Instead he signaled the bartender and requested a favorite 
drink--blood with a splash of white wine. "As the Mortals would say,What 
brings you to my neck of the woods?"Lucien LaCroix asked as he stood behind 
the Enforcer,"And twice in one week,not that I am complaining but this isn't 
exactly your type of place,Iolous." The Enforcer said nonthing,merely taking a 
long sip of his drink.

"I thought a change of pace was in order."Iolous replied. LaCroix leaned 
against the bar,"You never did mention why you were in town."

Iolous smiled,"Toronto's always been a favorite city of mine. I thought I'd 
make this trip a mixture of pleasure and business."

LaCroix raised an eyebrow,"Enforcer business?" Iolous shook his head,"Now 
Lucien you know I can not tell you anything." LaCroix thought of his son and 
Nick's question about whether the Enforcer's had his dear Natalie.He hadn't 
seen Iolous in at least thirty years and suddenly he shows up in Toronto just 
as the good doctor goes missing,"Anyone I know?" Iolous's green eyes were 
fixated on LaCroix's recording booth.He had noticed earlier that a few lights 
had gone on,"Lucien,ever hear of the phrase, 'Dead air'?"

It was then LaCroix remembered that he was on the air and that the Romeo and 
Juliet piece had only been about ten minutes long.

"We will talk again,Iolous."LaCroix promised before turning and quickly 
reentering his studio.

Iolous raised his glass a twinkle in his green eyes,"I look forward to it."

******************************************************

Doctor Natalie Lambert was beginning to hate the dark. After her failed escape 
attempt Antonious had thrown her back into the wooden chair,tieing the coarse 
rope so tight it was cutting into the newly healed cuts on her wrists. Now 
just moving her head was painful. Not that she could see anything but the glow 
of Antonious's blue eyes.The Enforcer had broken the cavern's solitary lantern 
in an effort to calm himself down.

Now they both sat in the darkness,staring at each other. "For what it's 
worth,"Natalie began trying to get a dialogue going again,"I'm sorry." For a 
minute Natalie didn't think he had heard her. "No you're not,Doctor,"Antonious 
replied,"I did underestimate you.I assure you that will not happen again."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 29/? By Cindy L. Brewer ******************

For the first time in over a week Joe Reese smiled, "Tracy, I think that's a 
great idea. Do you need any help?" Tracy smiled as she rose from his office 
chair,"Thanks Captain,but I think I have it under control. I can mark you off 
the guest list,right?" Reese nodded, "Just tell me where and when. I know 
Denise will want to be there too." Tracy smiled, then paused at the door, 
"Captain, have you heard from Nick? I've left at least a dozen messages on his 
machine, and I've looked everywhere I can think of." Reese sombered, shaking 
his head, "I haven't seen him since I ordered him to take some time off. He 
still thinks she's alive. That Larson wasn't the one who kidnapped her." Tracy 
sighed, "If you see him, will you tell him about my idea? Try to get him to 
make an appearance?" Reese nodded, "I'll try, but I can't promise anything. 
Talking with Knight is sometimes like talking to a brick wall." "Thanks, 
Captain." Tracy replied before closing the door behind her.

************************************************* Nick had just barely made it 
back to the loft before the sun rose that day.  Now he stood leaning against 
the wall watching it set. He sighed, tossing the remote on the sofa. Nick knew 
he should get in touch with his partner, he had gotten all fourteen of her 
messages. After a few minutes, Nick figured he might as well get it over with, 
he picked up his cordless phone and started to dial. He paused as the intercom 
beeped. Nick hung up the phone and walked over to the security setup. He saw 
Tracy's image on the monitor. He hit the talk button, buzzing her up; "Come on 
up, Trace. I was just trying to call you." "Finally," Tracy replied, "I was 
begining to think you disappeared off the face of the Earth."

As Tracy stepped off the elevator and into the loft, she was shocked by her 
partner's appearance. His skin seemed paler than usual. His blond hair was 
slightly tousled. There was at least a three-day's growth of stubble on his 
chin.  He had changed clothes, at least; he was now wearing a pair of blue 
jeans and a light blue shirt that almost matched his eyes. "Did you get my 
messages?" Tracy asked, as she walked over to the couch. Nick smiled, "Yes, 
all fourteen." Tracy winced, "Sorry, I was worried about you. Nobody's seen 
you since we found out Natalie was murdered." Nick whirled on her, "She's not 
dead!" Tracy blinked; now she was really worried, "Nick, you have to start 
dealing with this. It's not healthy." Nick stared at her, "Not healthy? Tracy, 
I've known Nat for four years. She's the best friend I've ever had; I would 
feel it if she were dead. She's still out there somewhere; waiting for us to 
rescue her." Tracy placed a hand on her partner's shoulder, "Nick, listen to 
me. You have to accept the fact that Natalie is dead. She wouldn't want you to 
keep going on about this." Nick sighed, rubbing his hand along the back of his 
neck, "Why are you here, Tracy?" Tracy took a small envelope out of her purse 
and handed it to Nick while saying, "Grace and I have decided to have a small 
memorial severice for Nat. It's set for tommorrow night. Nothing fancy, just 
all of her friends, some flowers. All the details are on the card, we'd really 
like it if you would read something." Nick shook his head, "I can't, Tracy." 
Tracy tried one last time, "You know she would want you to be there." Nick 
crumpled up the card, tossing it on the coffee table, "Can you show yourself 
out, Tracy? There's something I have to do." Tracy nodded, "Of course." She 
watched as he walked up the stairs and disappeared around a corner, before she 
turned and exited the loft.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 30/? by Cindy L. Brewer ******************

Lucien LaCroix felt his son's presence before he saw the blond detective enter 
the nightclub. He didn't move from his place behind the bar, instead, he 
reached under the counter and picked out a vintage bottle of human blood and 
set it on the counter. "Nicholas, you look like you could use a drink."

Nick picked up the bottle of blood and threw it against the display of glasses 
behind LaCroix.

The bottle shattered into a million pieces, taking several of the glasses with 
it.

Several of the mortal dancers glanced up at the loud noise. LaCroix, however, 
showed no reaction. "Did that make you feel better?"LaCroix asked in the 
amused,mocking tone Nick knew so well.

Nick snarled, "The only thing that would make me feel better, LaCroix, is to 
hear the truth. For once, I would like to hear the truth from you." LaCroix 
took a sip from his glass before replying, "The truth comes in many forms, 
Nicholas." Nick leaned forward. "I know an Enforcer has been here during the 
last week. I want to know who it is and where he is staying." "Still looking 
for your lost love, Nicholas? I thought the mortals had declared her 
dead?"LaCroix commented,enjoying bating his son.He hadn't had this much fun in 
months. Nick took in a deep breath in an effort to calm himself down. "One 
last time, LaCroix....who is the Enforcer?" LaCroix walked around the bar, 
drink still in his right hand. "I think I will let you figure that out on your 
own." Nick could feel the fury welling up inside him. "Tell me what you know, 
LaCroix!" LaCroix shook his head as he turned and walked toward the back of 
the club. "I think, dear Nicholas, this incident will be my revenge for Fleur. 
Do have a pleasant evening."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 31/?

 For a long moment Nick just stood among the crowd of dancers at the 
Raven,seething.Fighting with every last ounce of will power to control the 
vampire. To control the urge to grab a piece of wood and hunt his master down. 
Finally reason began to seep through. Nick should have known LaCroix would not 
help him with this. A part of him deep down had thought that just once he 
could play on LaCroix's human side.A human side that Nick knew was there,just 
buried.

 But no,he had to go and throw the ancient agreement about Fleur in his face. 
His face twisted in disgust Nick turned on his heel and left the Raven. 
***********************************************

Ursela glanced up from her table by the stage at Nick's abrupt exit. She had 
witnessed the whole exchange between LaCroix and Knight.

She sighed,picking up her glass of blood and taking a sip. She wondered if she 
should tell Knight what she knew of the Enforcer she had seen around the 
Raven.

A cold presence entering her mind,quelled any thoughts on that subject. /That 
would not be a wise move,little one./

Urs straightened,*Who are you?* A soft laugh,then,/That is not important. 
Consider this a warning,do not meddle in matters that do not concern you./

Ursela felt her hand tighten on the glass,*I will not say anything.*

/I hope for your sake you do not make that promise lightly. The consequences 
will be dire if you choose to interfere."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" 32/? ********************* Whispered voices 
slowly awoke Natalie Lambert. Letting her eyes remain closed, Natalie 
listened, one voice she recognized as Antonius, the other, male with perhaps 
an English accent, was unknown. "Do you think it was wise for you to come 
here?" Antonius hissed, struggling to keep his voice low. Iolous laughed as he 
leaned against the wall, "Suddenly concerned about my safety, are we Antonius? 
I'm touched." Antonius glared at the elder vampire, "Hardly,Iolous. I was 
concerned that your little jaunt over here might have put the plan in 
jeopardy. What if Knight followed you?" Iolous smiled, "You needn't worry 
yourself about Knight," the Enforcer glanced at Natalie, "Right now I assume 
the good detective is attending a memorial service." Antonius blinked, 
"Memorial serivce? So the mortals have given up on her then?" Iolous nodded, 
his smile widening, "Yes, and the fun now begins." He moved away from the 
wall, heading toward the cavern entrance, "I bid you farewell for now, 
Antonius. Keep our guest happy a little while longer; it's time I paid my 
condolences to Lucien's wayward son." 
***************************************************** Detective Tracy Vetter 
felt a chill as she walked into the small chapel where Natalie's memorial 
service was to be held. As she pulled her light blue sweater tighter around 
herself Tracy looked appreciatively around the small room. She had a feeling 
Natalie would have liked it.

A dark oak podium was the tallest structure. It was flanked on one side by an 
enlarged photograph of Natalie. On the other were flowers, all kinds, since 
neither she nor Grace could remember what Natalie's favorite had been, when 
put on the spot by the florist. Four rows of folding metal chairs, five in 
each row, completed the room. Tracy walked up to the first row of chairs and 
sat down in the one closest to Natalie Lambert's portait. "I tried, Nat." She 
began softly, her fingers absently twisting the strap of her white purse as 
she talked, "I really did try to get Nick here. I know you wanted him to be 
here. I've never seen anyone in such denial." The sound of someone clearing 
their throat caused the young woman to jump three feet. Tracy whirled around 
to find a brown-haired man, maybe thirty years old glanced at her sheepishly. 
"I do apologize, Ms......." Tracy stood, "Vetter. Detective Tracy Vetter." 
Iolous nodded, "My apologies, Detective, I didn't mean to startle you or 
interrupt, but I was looking for Nicholas Knight. I wanted to give him my 
condolences on his loss." Tracy's blue gaze met the stranger's bright green 
one as she studied him. She couldn't put her finger on it, but for some reason 
this man just seemed to have an 'old world' air, "I'm afraid my partner can't 
be here tonight." Iolous nodded in understanding, glancing at the picture of 
Natalie, "A shame, I was hoping to give him a small token of my sympathies." 
Tracy walked to the aisle, "I might see him later tonight, I'd be happy to 
give it to him." Iolous studied her for a moment, then smiled, "Very well. I 
appreciate your kindness." He replied, reaching into the inside pocket of his 
dark brown suit jacket. The Enforcer pulled out a plain white envelope, about 
the size of a greeting card. Tracy took the envelope from him. "I'll see that 
he gets this. I'm sure he will appreciate it." /More than you know./ Iolous 
thought to himself. Aloud, he said, "Again, I thank you for your kindness." He 
took her right hand in his, squeezing it slightly, "Please accept my deepest 
condolences on your loss." Tracy smiled, "Thank you." She glanced down at the 
envelope, "Who should I tell Nick this is from?" Silence was her only reply as 
Tracy found herself staring at an empty room. "Now where on Earth did he go?" 
She wondered, just as guests started to enter the small church.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 33/? By Cindy L. Brewer

  Doctor Natalie Lambert wished she hadn't overheard what she had. After only 
a week they've given up on her? She wondered what kind of evidence the 
Enforcer's had planted to make everyone believe she was dead. She knew it had 
to be very convincing to make Joe Reese declare her dead.

Natalie fought against the intense wave of fear and despair that threatened to 
overwhelm her.She had been given up for dead and the only people who knew 
where she was were Enforcers,not exactly the brightest situation Natalie 
Lambert had ever been in. As tears rolled down her cheeks,Natalie straightened 
in the chair.She refused to give up.Nick would find her, she had to believe 
that.

Right now it was the only thing keeping her sane. 
********************************

Antonious was frusterated,and that was not a good thing for an Enforcer.More 
than anything he hated being kept in the dark,espceially since this case 
involved Nick Knight. Even as a low man on the Enforcer totem pole he knew 
that Nick wouldn't have given up on his mortal so easily. He had tried to 
point that out to Iolous,but the man wouldn't listen.

 Or maybe he had listened,Antonious thought as he sat, his back leaning 
against the brick wall.Maybe that's exactly what Iolous wants to happen.He 
wants Nick to go over the edge so he can bring him in.

Antonious shuddered as the pieces finally began to fall into place,Iolous 
wants Nick to fall apart so he can become a hero in the Community's eyes once 
again.So he can renistate himself. Antonious glanced at Natalie's sleeping 
form and wondered what would become of her and himself once they outlived 
their usefulness. **********************************************

Nick returned to his loft and picked up the first object he saw.It smashed 
against the far wall in a million pieces. Unfortunately it was a rare Chinese 
vase. Nick slumped down on the couch,it didn't matter.Nothing mattered if he 
didn't find Natalie. Damn LaCroix for not helping him. Nick sighed,not that he 
had expected his master to. Who was he kidding? Nick thought slumping farther 
down into the cushions.If this was anyone's fault it was his and his alone. He 
got Natalie involved with the world of the undead and now she was paying the 
price. LaCroix had always called him a fool,Nick thought as he stood,maybe he 
was right all along.

With that bitter realization,Nick flew out of the loft's skylight. 
***************************************************

Captain Joe Reese pulled Tracy Vetter aside as the guests filed out of the 
church.Many pausing to place a white rose below Natalie's portrait.

"Have you heard from Nick at all?"Reese asked in a concerned voice.

Tracy shook her head,"Not since last night when I went to his loft.I tried to 
get him to come,Captain I really did."

Reese placed a supportive hand on her shoulder,"I know you did,Tracy and I 
believe that Natalie realizes it too."

"I'm sure Nick will come around."Denise Reese interjected as she came to stand 
next to her husband.She was a slim,petite woman in her late thirties. "I hope 
you're right."Tracy replied,"Captain,can you close up after everyone leaves? 
The Minister gave me a key.I have it here somewhere."

Reese exchanged a glance with his wife,"Sure,Trace.Where are you going?" Tracy 
rumaged around in her purse for a moment before replying,"Oh,here it is."She 
handed it to Reese,"I'm going to try to find Nick." "We'll take care of things 
here."Joe promised slipping an arm around his wife's waist,"Good luck finding 
Knight. I have a feeling you're going to need it."

Tracy nodded,reaching the door she turned back looking one last time at 
Natalie's picture before leaving the church.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" Pt. 34/? By Cindy L. Brewer

 Donald Schanke

Beloved husband,father and friend.

1956-1996

 Nick lovingly traced the letters on the cold stone with his right hand as he 
knelt next to the grave. "I'm sorry for not coming to visit you 
sooner,Schank.Things have been really crazy around here."

Tears began to clog Nick's voice as he remembered his late partner,"I really 
messed up this time,Schank and Natalie's paying for it. Reese and Tracy 
believe she's already dead but I know she's not.I would feel it if she was 
dead. I don't care what kind of evidence the labs have."

"I thought I might find you here."

Nick jumped slightly not having heard her heartbeat as she approached.He 
stood,wiping away the blood tears before his new partner saw them.

"What are you doing here,Tracy?"Nick asked wearly.

"I was looking for you.I was given this at Nat's memorial service tonight."She 
handed him the envelope,"The man said he was a friend of yours."

Nick took the envelope from her,looking it over.There was nonthing unusal 
about it,no distiguishing marks.Just a plain white envelope.

"Did you get a name?"Nick asked as he opened the envelope.

Tracy shook her head,"No,he left before I could." Nick nodded,as he took out 
the object.It was indeed a greeting card.On the face of the card was a cresent 
moon surrounded by six or so glittering stars.

Nick frowned as he opened the card and began to read the inscription. The 
handwriting was elegant,almost scripture.

         Nicholas, Wou'd you gain the tender creature? Softly, gently, kindly 
treat her, Suff'ring is the lover's part. Beauty by constraint, possessing, 
You enjoy but half the blessing, Lifeless charms, without the heart. She yet 
lives, judgement has not yet been passed. For her sake you should have taken 
more care for your secrets. For secrets are edged tools, And must be kept from 
children and from fools.

  Iolous

 "What did he look like?"Nick asked. "He was about your age,maybe a few years 
younger. Close cut brown hair,green eyes.About five foot seven, average 
build."

Nick stuffed the card into the inside pocket of his suit jacket,"Do me a favor 
and go back to the station and put an APB out."

Tracy stared at him,"An APB? Nick,will you tell me what's going on? What did 
the card say?"

Nick moved away from Schanke's grave,"I'll explain later,Tracy.Just put the 
APB out. Natalie's life depeneds on it."

"Nick,wait!Where are you going?"Tracy asked,but her partner had alredy 
disappeared into the darkenss.

 Sighing in exsperation she looked at the headstone,"How did you deal with his 
disappearing acts?"

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" by Cindy L. Brewer part 35/?

Iolous returned to his apartment near the Raven. He had set his plan in 
motion, now all he had to do was sit back and wait for Knight to come to him. 
The Enforcer poured a glass of human blood and sat down on his couch. He took 
a sip, savoring the vintage. Even someone as dense as Knight wouldn't miss the 
clues he had left behind. It was only a matter of time now. 
******************************************* Detective Tracy Vetter returned to 
the station and picked up her desk phone to place the APB. With a sigh, she 
placed the reciever back in the cradle and sank into her chair.

What charge was she supposed to put out on this man as a reason to bring him 
in? All she had were her partner's rantings about Natalie's life depending on 
it. Tracy shook her head sadly as she got up to get a cup of coffee. This was 
just desperation on Nick's part, the man more than likely had never even met 
Natalie Lambert. At the gravesite, Tracy had felt her partner's pain and 
anger, but putting an APB out on this man wouldn't help Nick. It would only 
encourage his delusions. He had to deal with the facts sometime. Natalie 
Lambert was dead. They had Grady Larson in custody awaiting trial. Case 
closed. As she placed her pink coffee mug down on the desk Tracy saw that her 
computer clock read almost two a.m. Shrugging on her light brown jacket Tracy 
decided to go home and attempt to get some sleep. She would try to find Nick 
again tommorrow night. Hopefully by then reality would have begun to sink into 
Nick's thick skull. ************************************************ After 
leaving Tracy, Nick flew over to Vachon's church. He landed on the sidewalk a 
few blocks away. Nick took the card out of his pocket and read it again. 
"Iolous." Why did that name sound so familiar to him? Try as he might, he just 
couldn't place it. With renewed determination, Nick placed the card back in 
his pocket and flew the rest of the way to Vachon's church; perhaps the 
younger vampire would know who this Iolous was.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" pt. 36/?

 Javier Vachon lay on his back on the floor of the church, wrench in one hand. 
With the other he wiped grease away from his face. The spainard looked once 
again at his motorcycle,trying to figure out what was wrong with it. "I think 
its on the other side." Vachon blinked,then found the source of the voice 
standing just inside the church's doorway.Knight did not look good.

Javier eased himself into a sitting postion,"What's on the other side?" Nick 
almost smiled,walking over to the bike,"The loose wire you're looking for.I 
think you'll find that's the reason the engine's not turning over." Vachon 
stood and walked to the left side of the bike, sure enough he now saw a 
dangling black wire.How the hell did Knight know that was what he was looking 
for? Shaking his head,Javier knelt down next to the bike. "Aren't you going to 
ask why I'm here?"Nick inquired. Vachon didn't glance up at him,"Well,I know 
you didn't come all the way over here to talk auto repair." Nick nodded,"Have 
you ever head of a vampire called Iolous?" Vachon blinked,standing to meet 
Knight's curious blue gaze,"Iolous?"The long haired vampire repeated,"The name 
sounds familiar." Nick sighed,"Yeah,to me too,but I can't place the name." In 
pure frusteration Nick's right hand shot out and hit the seat of the bike. The 
bikestand was no match for a vampire's strength, the motorcycle toppled to the 
floor with a loud crash.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" Part 37/? ------------------

Captain Joe Reese walked into his office, deciding to leave the lights off for 
awhile. He had a killer headache and he hadn't heard a thing from Vetter about 
whether she found Knight or not. With a sigh, Reese sat down in his deskchair 
and absently picked up the file folder that was lying open. It turned out to 
be the file on Grady Larson. Reese slammed the folder back down on the desk; 
even with the Mayor and the commissioner breathing down the crown attorney's 
neck they still wanted to do this case by the book. Larson would await trial 
like everyone else, which meant he wouldn't be on trial for at least six 
months. Reese ran a hand wearily over his face, Hell, maybe by then Knight 
would have dealt with Natalie's death and be at the trial. Reese shook his 
head as he turned on his desk lamp, yeah right and a snowball will form in 
Hell. It was then Joe noticed a small black box sitting just a few inches from 
Larson's file. With a frown, Reese picked up the box and held it to his ear. 
"Well, it's not ticking." After the whole thing with Vudu he wasn't taking any 
chances. "Anderson!" Reese called, catching the young black-haired officer's 
attention. "Yes, Sir?" The man asked, stepping into the darkened office. Reese 
held up the black box, "Any idea where this came from?" Officer Paul Anderson 
thought for a moment, then nodded, "Yes, Sir. I believe I saw a messenger 
leave it on your desk a few hours ago." Reese raised an eyebrow, /Messanger?/ 
He waved Anderson out, "Thanks." "You're welcome, Sir. Have a good night." 
"Uh-huh." Reese replied absently, as he carefully lifted the laquered lid off 
of the small box. Nestled inside was a gold coin, about the size of a Kennedy 
fifty-cent piece. On the front was a half sun setting below the horizon. Taped 
to the back of the coin was a note addressed to Knight. Reese frowned, /Wonder 
why Knight's recieving coins?/ He shrugged and placed the coin back into its 
box. /Must've been delivered to me by mistake./ Taking a chance that Knight 
might actually have turned on his cellular phone, Joe Reese picked up the 
receiver and began to dial. ***************************************** With a 
sheepish expression Nick instantly began to help Vachon stand the bike back 
up. "Sorry." Javier glared at the older vampire, "Whatever you're dealing 
with, don't take it out on the bike, okay?" Nick nodded, backing up from the 
motorcycle and he began randomly walking around the main room of the church. 
Looking at the paintings and furniture. "Do you think this Iolous might be 
your Enforcer?" Vachon asked as he knelt next to the bike, pliers in one hand. 
Nick turned to look at him, "It's the only thing that makes sense. Especially 
that line in the poem about 'Justice not being given yet'." Vachon blinked, 
"What poem?" Nick pulled the card out of his jacket pocket and handed it to 
Vachon, "Someone gave Tracy this at Nat's memorial service." Vachon read the 
poem once before handing the card back to Knight, "If the Enforcers do have 
her, why haven't they killed her yet?" Nick shook his head, "I don't know. 
Maybe they don't know all she's tried to do for me yet or......" He trailed 
off as his cellular phone began to ring. "Your pocket's ringing." Vachon 
commented before turning his attention back to the motorcycle. Nick glared at 
him before flipping the phone open, "Knight." "Well, mark this day on the 
calendar. I actually got through to you on the first try." Joe Reese replied. 
Nick smiled, "What's up, Captain?" "First, did Tracy find you?" Reese asked. 
Nick nodded, "Yes, she caught up with me at the cemetary." "How are you doing, 
Nick?" "I've been better." "Yeah, well, Nick, a package for you was left in my 
office by mistake tonight. You might want to drop by later and pick it up. The 
coin looks pretty valuable." Nick blinked, "Coin? What does it look like?" 
"It's a gold coin. Looked like it had the setting sun on the front and there's 
a note addressed to you taped to the back." Nick felt a coldness start to wash 
over him, his grip tightened on the handset, "Captain, I'll be there in 
fifteen minutes. Don't let anyone else near it. This could lead us to 
Natalie." "Knight........" "Just humor me on this one, Captain. I don't 
believe she's dead and this coin sounds like the clue we've been waiting for." 
With that statement Nick collasped the phone and flew out of the church's door 
before Vachon could even ask what was going on. ------------------------------
----------------------------------- ----

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" part 38/? 
************************************************ Nick practically flew through 
the squad room, barely acknowledging the greetings that came from fellow 
officers. Reese saw him coming and motioned him into the office. "Is that it?" 
Nick asked, seeing the small black lacquered box sitting in the center of 
Reese's desk. Joe Reese nodded, picking up the box and handing it to Knight. 
"Do you have a coin collection I should know about?" Nick shook his head 
absently as he tossed the lid back on the desk. He picked up the gold coin and 
held it up to the light for a better look. He frowned upon seeing the setting 
sun design, knowing it had to be from the Enforcers. Why send him coins? He'd 
never heard of them doing anything this elaborate before. Usually the poor 
vampire didn't know what hit him. "The note's right here." Joe Reese said as 
he picked up a small piece of folded paper from his desk. "Would you mind 
telling me what this has to do with Natalie?" Nick took the note from him and 
immediately recognized the handwriting as being the same as the card Tracey 
had got. This made him more determined than ever to find out who exactly this 
Iolous was, and why he had kidnapped Natalie.  Nick focused his attention back 
on the note. In Latin was written a single paragraph:

Nicholas, I believe you are slowly putting the pieces to this puzzle together, 
but I thought I'd give you a little help and have some fun in the process. 
Time is running out for your friend; if you wish to save her, you will follow 
my instructions to the letter. I have left riddles along with similar coins in 
various places in Toronto. You only have twelve hours to decipher them and 
follow the trail of coins to your beloved. To begin the hunt I have left you 
an easy one: A young man dropped into town this way.

"The airport." Nick said out loud as he came up with the answer to the riddle. 
Reese looked at him with concern. "Nick, what's at the airport?", the older 
man asked with a frown. Nick tried to smile, "No time right now to explain, 
Captain. Have to go find Natalie." Before Reese could open his mouth to reply, 
Nick was gone. Joe Reese shook his head sadly as he sank down into his chair. 
/I didn't want to do this, but it looks like it's time to call in the police 
psychiatrist./ Reese thought as he picked up the phone, /Knight's becoming 
more delusional by the day./ 
********************************************************** In his darkened 
office behind the broadcast booth, Lucien LaCroix sat at his oak-paneled desk 
looking over The Raven's books. Normally, he left this kind of thing to his 
accountant, but the mortal was away for the week. Something about a relative 
dying. LaCroix frowned as he read the total number of 'wine' bottles they had 
in stock. That number was far too low for the number of sales they had. Lucien 
closed the books with a loud thump. Someone was stealing from The Raven. When 
he found out who the fool was, they wouldn't have time to scream. Putting the 
books back in their place, LaCroix exited the office and followed the back 
hallway to a set of stairs. Closing the purple door behind him, Lucien 
followed the winding stairs down to the wine cellar. 
***************************************** Nick manuevered through the crowd of 
tourists and businessmen as his blue eyes scanned the bustling airport. He 
spotted a bank of lockers near the reservations desk of the airline that 
Schanke and Amanda Cohen had taken that fateful night. On a hunch, he examined 
the lockers. He scanned the row of lockers, hoping one had a key still in it. 
Nick paused at a locker at the far right end, it was open just a little. He 
smiled ironically at the number on the metal plate: 1228. Flinging the door 
open, Nick saw a similiar black box. Nestled inside was another sun coin and 
another note. ********************************************* LaCroix absently 
swatted at a tangle of cobwebs at the foot of the staircase. He hadn't been 
down here very much since Janette had left him the club. Bottles of all shapes 
and sizes rested in oak racks nailed to the walls. Lucien started walking 
along the right wall, looking for anything that appeared amiss. He paused near 
the corner of the room.There was one particular bottle sitting at an odd angle 
in the row of bottles closest to the corner. He gripped the neck of the bottle 
to put it back in its proper place when he realized it was stuck. Applying a 
little more strength, LaCroix twisted the bottle, just a little, hoping that 
would dislodge it. Instead, he heard a click, and then the groan of machinery. 
Lucien LaCroix raised an eyebrow as he watched the whole wall slide open, 
revealing a hidden corridor. "Fascinating."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" part 39/? By Cindy L. Brewer

Captain Reese glanced up at the knock on his office door. He waved Vetter in. 
"Hey, Captain, has Nick reported in for his shift yet?" Tracey asked. Reese 
shook his head, "I wouldn't expect him back tonight, Trace." Tracy sighed, "So 
he still thinks someone is holding Natalie captive?" Reese nodded, "If he 
doesn't snap out of this soon, Trace, he's going to lose his badge." 
*********************************************** Lucien LaCroix followed the 
newly discovered corridor for a few feet until it dead-ended. He frowned, 
seeing a wooden chair with a rope dangling from it. Moving closer he now 
smelled human blood. LaCroix bent down to examine the small pool of dried 
blood behind the chair. /It looks like the good Doctor was held here 
recently./ "I should have known you were beind this." Nick Knight growled, his 
eyes instantly turning from calm blue to the brilliant gold. "Nicholas....." 
LaCroix tried to say, but Nick had a grip on his throat and held against the 
far wall before the elder vampire could form the next word. "I don't know why 
I'm surprised." Nick continued, his grip tightening on his master's throat, 
"You always vowed to get revenge for Fleur. Think of this, LaCroix, or should 
I call you Iolous, would my sister want Natalie hurt?" LaCroix's eyes widened 
at his son's statement. So Iolous was behind the good doctor's kidnapping and 
possible murder. He knew that his old friend had been up to something by his 
sudden visit, but never dreamed it was something like this. "Nicholas," 
LaCroix began in a strangled tone, "I assure you I had nothing to do with the 
good Doctor's disappearence." Nick however was only seeing Natalie's broken 
and bleeding body lying somewhere. His grip tightened on his Master's throat. 
"Why do I find that hard to believe?" LaCroix grimaced, "Nicholas, if I wanted 
to kill your Natalie I would've done so a long time ago,"He paused becoming 
strained,"Or have you forgotten what happened at the Azure?" Nick's eyes 
narrowed as he remembered how LaCroix had lured Natalie to the expensive 
resturant and forced Nick to deny his love for her so his master wouldn't kill 
her, or worse, bring her across. "Of course I remember," Nick growled, his 
voice echoing strangely in the small cavern, "Natalie wouldn't be in this 
situation if I had been able to tell her how I felt about her." LaCroix raised 
an eyebrow, "Are you really that naive, Nicholas? It's because she knows how 
you feel about her, that she is in this situation. No matter how you tried to 
protect her, the Enforcers still found out about it." Nick let go of his 
master, forcing himself to move away from the elder vampire, "So Iolous is an 
Enforcer.", He said softly. "Very good, Nicholas, you receive a gold star." 
LaCroix replied in a stronger voice, his right hand massaging his throat, "You 
can move to the head of the class."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" Part 40/? By Cindy L. Brewer

 Nick sat heavily down on the wooden chair, taking one of the sun coins out of 
his pocket. "Iolous?"Nick mused turning the coin over and over in his 
hand,"Why do I know that name?" LaCroix stared at his son,"You really don't 
remember do you?" Nick stared at the elder vampire,"No,"He replied shaking his 
head,"Should I?" ***************Berlin,Germany 1944************* Nicholas 
Terrey walked down the foggy cobbled streets of the old city,hands shoved deep 
in the pockets of a short dark brown jacket. His sensative hearing picked up a 
women's scream. Alarm in his blue eyes Nicholas took to the air. He flew a few 
blocks before he found the source of the sound. In an alley between a bakery 
and a grocery, a young woman with shoulder length black hair was trying 
unsuccessfully to out run a secret police jeep. More on instinct than common 
sense Nick landed directly in front of the jeep. The vechile came to a 
screeching halt, several German curses filled the night. The woman tripped 
over a loose stone and fell.Nicholas quickly moved back to her,his blue eyes 
never leaving the jeep. "Are you alright?" The woman nodded,too frightened to 
speak. Nick could now see the numerous bruises on her face and arms,"Have they 
done this to you?" The woman only stared back at the men in the jeep, her 
black eyes wide with fear. Nick took that as a yes.He postioned the young 
woman in the saftey of the bakery's doorway and walked to confront the 
soliders. "Why have you done this?"Nicholas asked in German,fighting to keep 
his eyes their normal color. The leader stepped out of the jeep,gun at the 
ready. He was a dark haired man in his late twenties/early thirties.He 
smiled,but it didn't quite reach his green eyes. "This is no concern of 
yours,"The solider replied aiming the gun at Nick,"I suggest that you move 
along and forget what you've seen here." Nick smiled taking a step closer to 
the young man.The hairs on the back of his neck began to rise and Nick now 
sensed a greater evil than the Nazi's,"I'm afraid I'm not going anywhere." 
"Either you are a fool or very brave.Either way, my friend,this will be your 
last night on this Earth." **************************************  Nick shook 
himself as the memories began to fade,"I never knew his name."He stood turning 
to look at his master,"Do you think he's been harboring a grudge all this 
time?" LaCroix smiled,"When you're a vampire,Nicholas, as you well know,time 
means nonthing. A grudge can fester." Nick nodded,"If you didn't kidnap 
Natalie,what are you doing here?" LaCroix raised his right hand,gesturing at 
the wine bottles,"I found this corridor while I was doing inventory." Nick 
laughed bitterly,"You're doing inventory? Why am I having a hard time 
picturing that?" LaCroix only smiled,"The mortal was away for the week. 
Something about a dying relative." Nick nodded absently at the 
explaination.The memories of that time in Germany were becoming clearer to him 
now. *********************Berlin,1944************ The young woman came up 
behind Nick placing her hand on his upper arm.Her black eyes were pleading as 
she looked at the trio of S.S. police. "Let him go on his way.He was only 
trying to help me." "Stay back."Nicholas hissed at her,pushing the young woman 
behind him. Nick ducked his head;when he raised it his blue eyes were now 
gold.Fangs were

extending. "I think it would be in your best interest,"Nick said, hoisting the 
solider up by the collar,"To go back the way you came.Forget about the young 
woman and myself."His voice dropped,"You saw no one tonight." The solider 
laughed,dropping the gun.His green eyes changed to gold and he broke himself 
free of Nick's grasp landing lightly on his feet. "There's only one way you or 
I are leaving this alley tonight."The solider replied his fangs extending, his 
hands coming up in a fighting stance,"Or do you only fight mortals?" Nick 
glared at him before turning back to the young woman,"Run."He ordered. The 
young woman only looked at the two vampires with pure terror. "GO!"Nick 
shouted. That seemed to get through to her.The dark haired woman turned and 
ran down the alley as fast as her feet would take her. The solider vampire 
smiled,"Now that you've done your good deed for the day would you care to get 
on with this?" A sudden breeze made both vampires look up. Lucien LaCroix 
stood next to the wall of the bakery shaking his head at his wayward son. 
"Nicholas,you never seem to know when to not get involved." Nick didn't look 
at him,"She needed my help,LaCroix. I don't expect you to

understand." LaCroix looked at his son for a long moment before stepping 
inbetween the two vampires. He pulled the solider over to the other side of 
the alley. "He's not worth it,Iolous."LaCroix said, putting a restraining hand 
on his old friend's shoulder,"He's a mere fool,let him leave." Iolous forced 
the anger away for the moment,turning to look at the older vampire,"Why 
LaCroix? Why does he matter to you?" LaCroix smiled,"No matter what childern 
do,they are still your childern." Iolous nodded, looking back at Nick,"Alright 
my friend, but only because I owe you."He clasped LaCroix on the 
shoulder,"Keep a better grasp on your son,Lucien. One of these days he could 
get himself in trouble."

********************************************** "You never really told me how 
you got him to back off that night."Nick said turning to face his master. 
LaCroix looked past him,"Iolous and I are old friends." "So he obviously 
wasn't always an Enforcer."Nick replied looking once again at the sun coin. 
"Just because he's only been an Enforcer for a short time, do not make the 
mistake,Nicholas, of underestimating him."LaCroix warned, starting to move 
toward the entrance to the corridor,"Iolous is much older than you and more 
powerful."

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" (41/?) By Cindy L. Brewer

Nick tossed his master the sun coin,"Have you ever seen a coin like this?" 
LaCroix caught the coin effortlessly.After holding it up to the light,the 
elder vampire shook his head,"No." Nick stood,"They're breadcrumbs from your 
old friend, Iolous." "Breadcrumbs?"Lucien repeated turning the coin onto its 
back,"Sounds like Iolous.He does like to have his fun." Nick's blue eyes 
narrowed into slits,"At Natalie's expense." LaCroix studied him,"You really do 
believe she's still alive, don't you?" Nick nodded tightly,"With all my 
heart." Lucien looked back down at the coin,"Perhaps now you understand how I 
felt about your sister."He replied, bitterness in his voice. Nick walked over 
to his father,"For once can we put our differences aside? Will you help me 
find Natalie before Iolous hurts her or anyone else?" LaCroix looked at him 
for a long moment before nodding,"No matter how out of control he 
is,Nicholas,he is an Enforcer. Where there is one,others can not be far 
behind." Nick's blue eyes narrowed,"I am not afraid of the Enforcers. If they 
wanted to take me out of the picture they would've done so a long time 
ago.Natalie has helped our community. She's protected us." LaCroix smiled,"You 
do not have to defend her to me,Nicholas, I am well aware of what the good 
doctor has done for this community."He paused holding the sun coin out,"Have 
you recieved any more of these sun coins?" Nick nodded taking the one Reese 
got out of his pocket,"This one was deleivered to Reese's office by mistake." 
LaCroix looked at him with concern,"Does he know of us?" Nick shook his 
head,"No.He just knows that these coins may lead me to Natalie." LaCroix 
nodded,"Lets go up to my office.Perhaps if we put our heads together we can 
figure out what our good friend Iolous is up too." 
*************************************************** The fog slowly began to 
lift from Natalie Lambert's mind.With an effort she opened her eyes. 
Antonious's face swam before her.One moment she saw one of him,then there was 
three. "You drugged me?!"Natalie exclaimed as she slowly pieced together the 
symptoms she was feeling. Antonious smiled,"You brought it on yourself.If you 
hadn't tried to escape.We could've moved you without these extreme measures." 
Natalie blinked,"You moved me? Why? Where are we?" Antonious shook his 
head,straightening to his full height,"As you Mortals are fond of 
saying,that's for me to know and for you to find out." Natalie finally took in 
her surroundings.She was once again tied to a straight backed wooded chair. It 
appeared they were in a run down hotel room. Pale,stained brown carpeting was 
under her feet.Bright pink and gold flowered wall paper was starting to peel 
in places.There was no bed,just a simple cot against the far wall. Natalie 
looked back at the Enforcer,"It was Nick,wasn't it? He got too close so you 
had to move me." Antonious didn't answer her.He pulled out a leather bound 
book from a small canvas bag and settled into the only other chair in the room 
and began to read. Natalie watched the Enforcer and hid a smile. She knew that 
Nick was coming.That had to be the only reason they moved her. She had to 
believe that.It was her only hope. 
***************************************************** Javier Vachon walked the 
motorcycle around the front of the church.After Knight left,it had taken him 
only a few minutes to get the bike back in working order.It was a perfect 
night to take it for a test run. The hairs on the back of his neck began to 
rise as he sensed another vampire. Turning toward the street,he relaxed seeing 
a familiar face. "Hey Urs,what's up?"Javier asked as he used his right foot to 
lower the kickstand of the bike. Urs walked over to her master,concern in her 
eyes,"Javier, have you seen Nick tonight?" Javier smiled,"You need to work on 
your timing,Urs.You just missed him." Urs sighed in frusteration,"Did he 
mention where he was going?" That got Vachon's full attention,"No,why? What's 
wrong?" Urs pulled a small black box out of the pocket of her leather jacket 
and handed it to him,"A man pulled me aside at the Raven tonight.He asked me 
to give it to Nick.I went by his loft and he wasn't there.I called the 
precient and they said he wasn't on duty." Curious,Vachon took the lid off of 
the box.He took the gold coin out and held it up to the street light. Urs 
walked behind him so she could get a better look at it,"Why is somebody 
sending Nick coins?" Vachon put the coin back in its box and replaced the 
lid.He shoved the box in his pocket and got onto the bike. "Stay out of 
this,Urs.Trust me."Vachon said as he kick started the motor,"I think I know 
where to find Knight. I'll give it to him." Urs walked over to the bike 
covering his hand with hers,"Javier,what's going on?" Vachon stiffled a 
sigh,"Knight's gotten mixed up with the Enforcers,Urs.Just trust me on this 
one,stay out of it." Urs nodded backing away from the bike.She watched from 
the doorway of the chruch as Vachon drove out onto the street and turned left. 
"Be careful."Urs whispered.She watched the taillight of the motorcycle untill 
it disappeared.Then she took to the air.

Forever Knight "Forbidden Love" (pt. 42/45) By Cindy L. Brewer

 Lucien Lacroix settled into his desk chair,"Nicholas, if you keep this up you 
will wear a path in the carpeting." Nick's expression turned sheepish.He 
stopped and stood in front of LaCroix's desk,"Sorry.This whole thing is 
starting to make me a little crazy.All I see when I close my eyes is Natalie 
lying somewhere hurt,waiting for me to find her.I just feel so helpless!" 
Lucien saw the pain in his son's eyes and vowed that Iolous would pay for 
causing it.One way or another.

 Nick glanced at Vachon before walking over to LaCroix's desk.With a smile he 
waved his right hand in front of his master's eyes. "LaCroix? Are you still 
with us?" Lucien snapped to his feet,"Of course."He paused spotting the young 
Spaniard,"Vachon,when did you get here?" Javier Vachon wisely hid a 
smile,"Just a few minutes ago." Nick cleared his throat,"Vachon was saying 
that someone had given Urs a

package?" Vachon nodded taking the black box out of his pocket,"Yeah, she told 
me a man pulled her aside at the Raven and gave this to her.Telling her she 
had to give it to you." "Is it another one of your coins,Nicholas?"LaCroix 
asked walking around the desk." Nick took the box from Vachon,"Yes,"He replied 
taking the coin out.The paper was tapped to the inside of the box this 
time,"And another riddle."

****************************************************** "Well,don't keep us in 
suspense,Nicholas."LaCroix said as he leaned back against his desk,"What does 
it say?" Nick's blue eyes didn't move from the small piece of paper as he 
began to read,"Where can you be above the clouds,but still have your feet on 
the ground?" With his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket Vachon looked 
from one vampire to the other before walking toward the door. "Vachon,"Nick 
said quietly halting the younger vampire,"Thanks for dropping this off and if 
you see Tracy...." Javier waved him off,"Yeah,I know.Keep her as far away from 
this as possible." "Thanks."Nick replied with a small smile. Vachon nodded 
mumbling,"No problem."as he opened the door. The Spaniard stopped,turning 
back,"Knight,I know I have no right to ask you this....but I think this Iolous 
guy might have been watching Urs for the last few weeks......." "Don't 
worry,"Nick replied,"We'll keep an eye on her." "Thanks."Vachon replied 
quietly. He glanced over his shoulder,"See you

around,LaCroix." "The CN Tower."Lucien said after Vachon had closed the door. 
Nick stared at the older vampire,"What?" LaCroix smiled,"The answer to your 
riddle.Part of the CN tower is above the clouds." "Of course."Nick exclaimed 
nearly smacking himself on the forehead,"The observation deck." "So what is 
your plan of action,Nicholas?" Nick placed the sun coin and its note back in 
the box as he shook his head,"I'm not quite sure.What I do know is that I will 
get Natalie back.No matter what it takes." Nick Knight paused at the 
door,turning back to face his father,"Thankyou,LaCroix for all your help." 
LaCroix nodded walking around the other side of his desk and sitting down in 
the chair.His soft words halted Nick at the door,"Be careful,Nicholas. 
Remember a snake is at its most dangerous when it's cornered." 
*************************************************** Confined to one place for 
so long was turning Natalie's thoughts to desperation. She had never seen her 
captor fall asleep.Maybe Enforcer's don't sleep,that's what makes them such 
good hunters. Perhaps she could trick him into taking a nap and sneak out.Or 
at least get to a phone to call Nick. Natalie let out a startled scream when a 
strong hand clamped down on her right shoulder.Her blue eyes snapped up,only 
to find Antonious still sitting in the chair,book in hand. "I do 
apologize,Doctor.Did I startle you?" Antonious jumped to his feet,the book he 
had been reading hit the hotel room floor with a loud clatter. "Are you 
testing my defensive skills,Iolous?"The younger Enforcer asked,sarcasm making 
his voice deeper than normal. Iolous smiled,"If I had been my dear Antonious 
you would have failed miserably." Antonious studied the elder 
vampire.Something was not right about this surprise visit.If he didn't know 
better,he'd swear Iolous had finally gone over the edge. "Why are you 
here,Iolous? Has there been a change in plans?" Natalie Lambert felt a chill 
race up and down her spine as she watched the two vampires stared each other 
down. Iolous was the first to break the silence,"Not that I have to explain 
myself to you,Antonious.Yes,there has been a change in plans." As he 
spoke,Iolous knelt behind Natalie's chair to untie her bonds. "Alright,Doctor 
you may stand up now."Iolous said as he undid the final knot. 
"Iolous,"Antonious warned,"I don't think its wise to untie her......" Natalie 
took advantage of Iolous's momentary distraction and in one movement she 
picked up the chair and threw it at Iolous's hunched form.Then she elbowed 
Antonious hard enough in the stomach to cause the vampire to loose his 
balance. Without a look back,Natalie turned and ran for the door. After a few 
precious seconds of fumbling with the door handle.She was free. Unfortunately 
she only got as far as the ice machine three doors down before Iolous was in 
front of her. "Doctor,I thought you were brighter than that."Iolous said as he 
grasped her arm painfully,green eyes flashing with anger. Natalie held her 
ground,refusing to allow him to see her fear. "This whole madness stops 
now."Natalie said firmly,her hands clenched into

fists. Iolous blinked,"I beg your pardon?" Antonious landed to Natalie's 
right.He knew he was taking a huge risk with the Enforcer community by making 
the stand he was about to make,but at the moment he saw no other choice. "I 
believe I'm in