Mel:

     If you want, you can list this as a famous first. It is the first FK
story I wrote and posted.

Thank you

J L Kerr
jlkerr7864@aol.com
Ransomed Knight
by J L Kerr
July 1997
jlkerr7864@aol.com -or- eaglesmoon@aol.com


[Timeline: third season. Nothing explicit. An unknown enemy uses
  Nick and the Metro police to exploit a vulnerability.]

[Main characters: Nick, LaCroix, Natalie, Tracy, Reese]


===
Chapter One


	"Hey Nick," said an excited Tracy as she stood up from her desk, 
quickly hanging up the telephone.
	"Yeah, what is it?" He replied distractedly. Tonight had been kind 
of quiet and Nick was trying to finish inputting some of his backlogged 
reports into the computer.
	"I just got a call from this guy who says he may have seen who 
shot Cianci. He wants to meet with us, but he's afraid to come to the 
station. He asked us to meet him at Ling Po's. That's a restaurant in 
Chinatown."
	"I know where that is. Why does he want to meet us there? 
Cianci was shot clear on the other side of town."
	"He said he would feel safer meeting us in a somewhat public 
place, but he doesn't want to be seen by anyone who may recognize him. 
Makes sense to me, what do you think? You know, this could be the 
break we've been waiting for." It was obvious Tracy was eager to meet 
with this guy.
	"Yeah, sure. When does he want to meet us?" Nick wasn't near 
as excited as Tracy. These types of leads rarely panned out, but it 
couldn't hurt to follow up, and you never knew.
	"He's waiting for us now. I told him we would be right over," Tracy 
said a little hesitantly, hoping Nick wouldn't be upset that she had already 
agreed to the time and place. 
	"Fine, let's get it over with. You tell the Captain and I'll check us 
out with dispatch and meet you at the car." Nick pushed the save button 
on his computer, logged off and then grabbed his coat and headed out 
the door. Tracy was already halfway to the Captains' office.


	Nick and Tracy arrived at Ling Po's. Upon entering they notice 
the restaurant is fairly busy for this time of the morning. The caller said he 
wanted a somewhat public meeting place, and there were definitely 
enough people here to qualify as public. Nick could sense many people 
throughout the building.
	"So, how are we going to know this guy?" asked Nick. He was 
standing with his hands in his coat pockets, casually scanning the room 
for anyone who might look like they were waiting for them.
	"He said he would be in a booth near the back. I guess we should 
head that way," said Tracy, indicating a path through the main room into 
another eating area towards the back of the restaurant.
	"Lead on," said Nick as he began to follow Tracy.
	When they reached the back, they could see the room held ten 
booths, five along each wall, with four tables placed in the middle of the 
room. There was a closed door on the back wall, obviously leading 
further back into the restaurant. As with most Chinese restaurants, the 
lighting was a bit dim, but Nick didn't have any trouble seeing that in the 
back booth, on their right, a lone man sat facing them. He had dark hair, 
was clean shaven, medium build, just an average looking guy. Then the 
man looked up and caught their eye. He straightened up in his seat and 
looked up like he was waiting for someone.
	"This must be our guy," Nick said, pointing the man out to Tracy.
	"Yeah, let's go," Tracy said leading the way to the back booth. 
Once there she asked the man, "are you waiting for someone? Us 
perhaps?"
	"That depends," said the man. "Who are you?" The man seemed 
nervous, and his palms were sweating. They could tell by the way he 
kept rubbing his hands on his pants legs.
	"I'm Detective Vetter and this is Detective Knight. May we sit 
down?"
	The man quickly stood up, "no, not here. I don't want anyone to 
see me talking to you guys."
	"Okay, where then," asked Nick a little impatiently. He had a 
feeling something wasn't quite right, but he couldn't tell what. He wanted 
to get this meeting over with.
	"Back here, it's a little more private," said the man indicating the 
door next to the booth. He opened the door and entered the room, 
holding the door for the detectives. Nick entered first, followed by Tracy. 
It looked like a banquet room. The man kept walking towards the back 
obviously expecting them to follow.
	"Where are you taking us?" asked Nick, sounding more 
impatient. 
	"There's a storeroom here, just off the banquet room. The kitchen 
is on the other side. With all the noise from the kitchen, and the people 
coming and going, no one will be able to overhear us in there." That said, 
the man opened the door to the storeroom and entered, Nick and Tracy 
close behind him.
	After they entered the storeroom, the man closed the door and 
moved towards the center of the room where there was a clearing. It was 
dark, but they could tell it was a large room. There were shelves against 
one wall, and boxes and crates stacked along the other three walls with 
additional rows of crates running up the middle of the room.
	Nick sensed something was wrong, but before he had a chance 
to figure it out, the lights came on and they were surrounded by six men 
wearing ski masks who jumped up from behind the crates they were 
hiding behind. The men were armed with large assault rifles with 
silencers attached. They were all dressed in black and gave the definite 
impression that they knew what they were doing.


===
Chapter Two


	Nick and Tracy instinctively raised their hands and watched as a 
seventh man came from the back of the room. He was dressed as the 
others, but had a distinct air that said he was in charge. In his right hand 
he was carrying a .45 automatic pistol, also equipped with a silencer.
	The man that had led Nick and Tracy into this trap, walked up to 
the leader and said, "okay, I got them here like you asked. Give me my 
money so I can get out of here."
	The leader handed the man an envelope. The man greedily 
snatched it and looked inside. "Looks like it's all here. Thanks, it's been 
nice doing business with you." The man then turned away from the 
leader, towards Nick and Tracy. "Sorry detectives, I hope you don't take it 
personal, it's just business."
	As the man started past the detectives, heading back for the door 
they entered from, Nick and Tracy heard a sharp <whift> sound. They 
were looking at the man as he was passing them, then he started to fall 
to the floor. Nick could smell the sudden sharp scent of blood. As the 
man fell, his head turned and they could see where the bullet had entered 
his skull and where blood and gray matter had splattered across the 
crates opposite them.
	Nick and Tracy were both stunned. They looked at the leader 
who was just lowering his gun. "Like the man said, it's just business and 
you know how much a nuisance witnesses can be, isn't that right 
detective?" the leader said looking at Nick.
	"What do you want with us?" asked Nick, more calmly then he 
felt. He was stunned. The calculated coldness of the act alarmed him. He 
couldn't think of what these people could possible want with him or Tracy, 
yet this was obviously planned to trap them. He looked over at Tracy and 
could tell she was terrified, but trying not to show it. She was looking at 
him, like she was expecting him to do something to get them out of this. 
With six men pointing assault rifles at their heads, there wasn't anything 
he could think of doing that wouldn't get them killed. He might survive, but 
Tracy wouldn't.
	"I am going to tell you want I want you to do and you are going to 
do it. Is that much clear? Just nod if you agree," the leader calmly stated 
looking at Nick and Tracy. Nick could sense that these men were all 
calm. There was no nervousness, no excited heart rates or agitated 
breaths. These men knew what they were doing and felt totally capable of 
carrying out their plans. Even the death of that man that led them here 
barely rated a flicker of a reaction from any of them. This frightened Nick 
more than the rifles they were pointing at them. Tracy and Nick both 
nodded in response. "Good. Then let's get started, shall we?"
	The way these men were organized, and the efficiency with 
which they were proceeding, gave Nick the idea that they must be ex-
military, or more likely mercenaries. The more he thought about it, the 
more sure he was.
	"First, my men will relieve you of your weapons. You first 
Detective Knight." The leader motioned with the gun in his hand for Nick 
to raise his arms higher. Nick lifted his arms high above his head. One of 
the men had put down his rifle and then moved forward to frisk Nick. He 
removed Nick's gun from his holster, along with his keys to the Caddy, 
and finished patting him down. "He's clean." 
	He then moved behind Tracy. She also raised her arms high 
above her head and the first mercenary removed her weapon and frisked 
her as he had Nick. Very professional, nothing personal, for which she 
felt some small relief. "She's clean." He then returned to his rifle, picked it 
up and resumed his earlier position.
	"Secondly, Detective Vetter, move over here by me," said the 
leader, motioning to Tracy. She glanced at Nick, as if to say what should I 
do? "Don't look at him detective, I'm the one you want to be listening to. 
Move over here, now," the leader said firmly.
	Tracy walked over to where the leader was standing. He 
motioned for her to turn around, which she did. This left her facing Nick 
from across the room with her back to the leader of this group.
	"Clasp your hands behind your head and get down on your 
knees," he said to Tracy. As she began to clasp her hands together, she 
felt his hand on her shoulder pushing her downwards. Once she was on 
her knees, he removed his hand. As he walked around in front of her, two 
of his men moved up behind her and placed their rifles inches away from 
her head. She was so scared. After seeing them shoot that other man, 
she didn't think they would hesitate to shoot her, and she felt helpless to 
do anything about it. She took a few deep breaths trying to calm herself 
and looked up at Nick.
	The leader walked towards Nick saying, "you detective, will do 
exactly as I say or my men will shoot her. It's important that you believe 
this, otherwise she will die. Do you believe me?" he asked staring directly 
into Nick's eyes.
	Nick stared back into his cold dark eyes and he truly believed this 
man would do exactly as he said, "yes, I believe you."
	"Good. Clasp your hands behind your head and drop to your 
knees."
	Nick did as he was told. As he dropped to his knees, two of the 
men behind moved up closer beside him and placed their rifles inches 
from his head, just as they had done with Tracy. Nick glanced up and 
saw Tracy looking at him. He still had no idea what these men wanted 
and he had no ideas that would get them out of this alive. All they could 
do was go along and hope an opportunity presented itself.
	The leader came closer to Nick and leaned down to speak in his 
ear. "Okay now detective, this is where things get a little tricky. You are to 
do exactly as I say, or your pretty little partner over there will die. There is 
to be no resistance, no heroics. Understand?" 
	"Yes, I understand."
	"Good," the leader stood up and motioned one of his men 
forward. The one that had been standing back from Nick, put his rifle 
down, picked up a small bag and moved to stand directly behind Nick. 
	The man reached into the bag and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. 
As he placed one of the cuffs around Nick's left wrist the leader again 
spoke to Nick. "Remember what I said. Behave or your partner dies."
	Nick glanced over at the leader and then back at Tracy. He could 
tell by the beating of her heart that she was scared practically to death. 
The barrels of the rifles pointed at his and Tracy's heads did not waver an 
inch. Nick had no doubt that they would kill her. He could only hope his 
cooperation would prevent this, yet he still had no idea what they wanted.


===
Chapter Three


	His left wrist was pulled down behind his back. The man then 
pulled his other wrist down and attached the handcuffs tightly, a little too 
tightly. Nick grimaced and gently tugged at the cuffs hoping to loosen 
them a bit.
	"Those are titanium. You won't be able to break them," said the 
leader matter-of-factly. Nick just stared at him in amazement. How would 
he know to use titanium?
	The man that had just cuffed him, then reached into the bag and 
pulled out ankle bracelets and used them to bound his ankles together. 
"Those are titanium also," stated the leader. Nick looked over at Tracy to 
see that she was watching him.
	As Nick looked back at the leader, he saw him motion with his 
head to the men guarding Tracy. They both leaned in holding their rifles 
closer to her head. The leader said to Nick, "I just want to ensure your 
cooperation detective."
	Nick looked a little confused, he had been cooperating. This guy 
was acting like he expected Nick to go berserk any minute. If he didn't 
think it would get Tracy killed, he probably would. It was a little late for 
that now though, he knew he couldn't break the restraints.
	Just then Nick felt a blindfold placed over his eyes. This caused 
him to pull his head away as the man behind him was trying to secure it. 
A hand came down and firmly grasped him by the hair, with the intent to 
hold his head still while the blindfold was secured. "Settle down detective. 
Remember your partner." Nick held still.
	The blindfold was secured, he couldn't see a thing. The hand let 
go of his hair. He could feel the hand resting on his head. The hand 
slowly moved down the side of his face until it was gently grasping his 
chin. "Okay detective, I want you to open wide." The hand on his chin 
calmly patted his cheek. 
	"What do you want?" asked Nick, not really expecting an answer 
but trying to buy some time so he could think.
	"If you don't want your partner to die, you'll open your mouth wide 
like I asked," was the calm and quiet reply.
	Nick's chin quivered slightly as he opened his mouth. A cloth ball 
was stuffed into his mouth. Nick tried to spit it out, but a gag was quickly 
placed over his mouth and tied securely behind his head. Nick was not 
reacting well to this. He felt the hand firmly grasp his hair again, forcing 
his head up. Nick's breathing became shallow and quickened, he felt 
completely helpless. What did these guys want?
	"We're almost done detective. There's just one more thing to do 
and you've been very good so far. You just keep being good and your 
partner will walk out of here, very much alive. If you resist, she'll die. 
Either outcome won't affect my plans in the least, so it is entirely up to 
you. Do you understand detective? Just nod your head if you do."
	Even though the leader was holding Nick's head firmly, he 
managed to nod. Nick believed they would kill Tracy and he didn't want to 
be responsible for her death.
	"Okay detective, here we go. Now remember, be good and do as 
I say."
	The man behind Nick pulled a damp cloth from a plastic bag and 
handed it to the leader. The leader was holding Nick's head, by the hair, 
firmly with his left hand. The leader took the damp cloth in his right hand 
and placed it over Nick's mouth and nose.
	The smell immediately began to make Nick's stomach react and 
he instinctively tried to pull away. The cloth was pressed solidly against 
his face. Nick tried to twist his head away and began to hold his breath.
	The leader leaned in close and whispered into Nick's ear. "Listen 
detective, remember what we talked about? Your partner over there is 
going to die unless you cooperate. Now, I want you to be a good boy and 
take a deep breath."
	Nick shook his head and tried to pull away.
	"Take a deep breath detective, or your partner dies," this was 
stated coldly.
	Nick pictured Tracy with the rifles to her head, and then very 
deliberately forced himself to take a deep breath. He began to feel 
nauseous and dizzy. The voice continued in his ear, "very good detective, 
very good. Breath deep detective, remember your partner."
	Nick took another deep breath. He fell against the leader who 
was still holding firmly onto his head with his left hand while his right hand 
was still pressing the cloth against his mouth and nose. Although he 
couldn't see, he felt the room spinning around him.
	And the voice still in his ear, "good boy detective, good boy. Let's 
take another deep breath, shall we? Come on, nice deep breaths 
detective."
	Nick took another deep breath and could feel consciousness 
leaving him. He was completely unaware of his surroundings. He felt the 
cloth against his face, the solid body that he was leaning against and the 
voice in his ear, "good boy detective. One more. Deep breath, come on, 
just one more."
	As Nick took a final deep breath, the voice in his ear whispered, 
"very good, detective, very good," and then he lost consciousness.
	Tracy knelt there staring as Nick's unconscious body slumped to 
the floor. All she could think was oh my god, oh my god. The leader, who 
was leaning over Nick, straightened up and said to his men, "he's out 
cold. This should keep him for a couple of hours." The leader pulled a 
radio from his pocket and spoke into it, "we're ready. Bring the van 
around."
	Two of the three men guarding Nick shouldered their rifles. Each 
of them bent down and grabbed Nick by an arm and lifted him from the 
ground. They carried him past Tracy, to the back door. One of the men 
by Tracy opened the back door. She could hear a motor running. 
	"Toss him in the back and wait. This will only take a moment." 
With that said, the leader turned to Tracy. He motioned to his men to step 
back. As Tracy looked up, the leader dropped a manila envelop on the 
ground in front of her. "Take that back to your captain. Tell him that I will 
call shortly after dawn and I expect everyone to be present by then. Do 
you understand?"
	"Yes, I understand," Tracy said, staring down at the envelop by 
her knees.
	The leader and the rest of his men left through the back door. 
Tracy could hear the doors to the van close and the roaring of the engine 
as it left. She picked up the envelop and stood. She looked around the 
room, the man that had lured them here was laying dead. On a crate next 
to the door leading back into the restaurant were the guns belonging to 
her and Nick along with the keys to the Caddy. She picked these items 
up and headed to the car. She decided to call this in while enroute back 
to the station.


===
Chapter Four


	Captain Reese was shaking his head in disbelief. Tracy had just 
finished telling him what had happened at Ling Po's. Reese was holding 
the manila envelop in his hands, staring at the name written on the 
outside. "This just doesn't make any sense. Why would a group of, what 
sounds like, professional mercenaries kidnap Nick?"
	"I don't know Captain, but that's what looks like happened. These 
guys really knew what they were doing and they were definitely after 
Nick," said Tracy. She was still in mild shock from the experience.
	"Are you sure you're all right?" Reese asked worriedly.
	"Yeah Captain. I'll be fine," Tracy replied. Reese could tell by 
looking at her that her hands were still shaking and her breathing was 
anything but calm.
	"Where's Natalie? She should be here by now," said Reese as he 
paced up and down his office.
	Just then Natalie walked in. "What's up Captain. I got an urgent 
message to come here." Natalie quickly took in Reese's worried 
countenance and Tracy's pale nervousness then asked, "where's Nick? 
Shouldn't he be here."
	"Sit down Dr. Lambert. That's what we want to talk to you about," 
said Reese.
	Natalie felt her stomach quicken. She didn't like the sound of this. 
Something's happened to Nick. "What is it?" she asked as she sat down.
	"Tracy, tell the doctor what you've already told me."
	As Tracy related the events of the evening, Natalie began to 
pale. By the time Tracy finished, Natalie was sitting there with a stunned 
look on her face. She couldn't believe what Tracy just told her. "Doctor, 
are you all right?" asked Reese solicitously.
	"Yeah. So where is Nick? What are you doing? Why did this 
happen?" she asked hurriedly.
	"Well, we were hoping you may be able to help us," said Reese. 
"You and Nick are friends. Is there anything you can tell us that might 
shed some light on this?"
	"No, I can't think of anyone who would want to do this," said 
Natalie.
	"What about this envelop they left with Tracy? Do you have any 
idea what this means?" Reese asked showing Natalie the envelop.
	As Natalie looked at the envelop, she put her hand over her 
mouth and gasped, "oh my god."
	"I've dispatched some uniforms to bring him to the precinct. The 
kidnappers said they would call just after dawn and they wanted 
everyone present. I presume this means him," Reese explained. 
"although for the life of me, I can't imagine what his involvement in this 
is....or maybe I can guess."
	Natalie just stared dazedly at the name on the envelop in front of 
her-- 'Lucien LaCroix'. This can't possibly be good, oh no, not at all.


	There was a long line waiting for entrance into The Raven. It was 
a busy night and the club was crowded. LaCroix was back in his sound 
booth wrapping up the evening's broadcast. He looked up as he felt a 
presence enter the backroom.
	"Yes Marcus, what is it?" said LaCroix.
	"There are two uniformed police officers at the bar asking for 
you," said Marcus.
	"Tell them I am busy. Send them away, I do not have time for 
Nicholas's <friends> at the moment," said LaCroix with irritation.
	"I already tried to send them away. They say it is urgent."
	"Very well, tell them to wait. I will be there shortly," he said with 
exasperation. This is probably some little vexation that Nicholas has 
created just to annoy me. LaCroix put on a CD to play out the show and 
then went out into the club area.
	As he neared the bar he saw the two officers standing there. 
They looked quite uncomfortable and nervous. "Yes gentlemen, what can 
I do for you?"  he said, obviously irritated.
	"Excuse me, you are Lucien LaCroix?" said the officer, while 
looking at a card he held in his hand.
	"Yes, I am. What do you want?"
	"We've been asked to escort you to the precinct. Captain Reese 
would like to talk with you."
	"Oh really? And just what would Captain Reese like to talk to me 
about?" asked LaCroix, expressing his annoyance. 
	"We're not at liberty to say sir. We've been asked to give you a 
ride to the precinct and to tell you that the Captain says that the matter is 
urgent and requires your attendance."
	"And if I don't care to <visit> with your Captain?" asked LaCroix 
sarcastically.
	"I'm afraid that is not an option sir. We have orders to transport 
you to the precinct," said the officer somewhat nervously.
	"Am I under arrest officer?" asked LaCroix, his tone turning to 
amusement.
	"No sir. But we are under orders."
	"And if I refuse?"
	"If you're refusing, we were told to tell you that the matter Captain 
Reese wishes to discuss concerns Detective Knight and the Captain 
believes you would agree with the urgency of the situation."
	That was not the reply LaCroix was expecting. What could be 
concerning Nicholas that his Captain would dispatch two officers to bring 
him to the precinct to discuss. Reese doesn't like LaCroix, he has made 
that quite clear in past encounters. LaCroix tried to sense Nicholas. He 
seemed to be sleeping. That was odd.
	"Has something happened to Detective Knight?" LaCroix asked 
unemotionally.
	The two officers looked nervously at each other and the one said, 
"I'm sorry. We're not at liberty to say. You need to talk to the Captain."
	"Very well. I will get my coat," LaCroix said to the two officers.


===
Chapter Five


	"What is the meaning of this? Where is Detective Knight?" 
LaCroix demanded as he walked into a small briefing room followed 
closely by the two officers escorting him.
	"To answer your questions Mr. LaCroix, we don't know where 
Detective Knight is and we were hoping you could help us with the 
<meaning> of this," Reese calmly stated as he stood to face his hostile 
visitor.
	LaCroix looked around the room he had just entered. Captain 
Reese was standing at the head of a small conference table. Detective 
Vetter, whom he knew to be Nicholas partner, was seated to Reese's 
right, and next to her was Dr. Lambert. Both women looked shaken and 
pale, there was obviously something wrong here and he was determined 
to get to the bottom of it quickly. 
	Detective Vetter had her arms resting on the table in front of her. 
Her eyes were staring blankly downward. Dr. Lambert was sitting back in 
her chair, arms crossed in front of her, one hand at her mouth. She was 
nervously glancing at LaCroix, not sure what kind of reaction to expect.
	"Well, is someone going to fill me in," growled LaCroix irritably as 
he watched Reese nervously handling a manila envelop in his hands.
	"Officers, you're excused. Please close the door when you 
leave," Reese said to the two officers that had escorted LaCroix to the 
precinct. The officers merely nodded and left, closing the door behind 
them.
	"Mr. LaCroix, please have a seat and we'll explain," Reese said 
indicating a chair to his left. 
	LaCroix fixed Reese with a cold stare as he walked the few steps 
to the table and sat in the chair provided. LaCroix continued to stare at 
Reese expectantly.
	Reese cleared his throat nervously. Jeez, how can one man be 
so intimidating, he thought to himself as he was deciding how to begin. 
And just what does this guy have to do with Nick's abduction? Well, I 
guess there's only one way to find out.
	"Well, Mr. LaCroix, you know Detective Vetter and Dr. Lambert I 
take it," Reese cautiously began.
	"Yes, I am quite aware of who the ladies are Captain," replied 
LaCroix, his impatience growing.
	"Very well then. Tracy, tell Mr. LaCroix exactly what you told me 
earlier about what happened tonight."
	"Yes, sir." Tracy looked up at LaCroix and noticed that he had 
turned his attention to her. He was staring at her with those cold 
passionless eyes. Boy this guy gives me the creeps. Tracy took a deep 
breath and related the story once again.
	During Tracy's recital of the events, Natalie watched LaCroix 
closely. She thought she saw some simmering anger present as Tracy 
told how Nick allowed himself to be cuffed, but anger at who she couldn't 
say. And she was sure she saw surprise, or could it be concern, when 
she described how Nick was drugged. By the time Tracy finished, 
LaCroix seemed his usual unemotional self.
	LaCroix, on the other hand, was suppressing rage. He turned to 
Reese and said, "and that is the envelop with my name on it that caused 
you to have me brought here?"
	"Yes it is," replied Reese. "We haven't opened it yet, as it was 
addressed to you. It has been brushed for prints, and there were none. 
Now that we're all up to speed I believe we should open it and see what it 
has to say."
	"Give it to me," LaCroix quietly demanded as he held out his 
hand. Reese silently handed it to him.
	LaCroix tore open the end of the envelop. "Careful," said Reese. 
"We want to preserve any prints or evidence forensics may be able to get 
from the contents." LaCroix glared momentarily at Reese and then 
carefully extracted the one piece of paper that was inside. He lay it 
carefully on the table. It read:

'If you want him back alive you will do as I instruct. The 
Toronto Metro police will provide all the assistance you 
require, you are to contact no one else. I will call the 
precinct shortly after dawn. Be there when I call or he will 
die.'

	"I don't understand. What is this about?" asked an agitated 
Tracy.
	"I don't know Tracy, but we'll figure it out." Reese turned to 
LaCroix who was still staring down at the paper, as if he expected more 
words to appear at any time. "Mr. LaCroix, can you tell us what this is 
about and just what your involvement in this is?"
	LaCroix stood and turned to Reese. "No, I have no idea what this 
is about, however, I would like to know just how you allowed this to 
happen?" demanded an angry LaCroix. 
	"We did not just allow this to happen," replied Reese defensively.
	"It was a trap. We were obviously set up," said Tracy.
	"Yes. A trap you led him into, isn't that right Detective?" said 
LaCroix turning to Tracy.
	"This isn't Tracy's fault LaCroix," said Natalie. "You can't blame 
her."
	"I can blame whoever I chose Doctor, and the fact remains that 
she led him into a trap."
	"I didn't know it was a trap. We were suppose to meeting a man 
who ...." replied Tracy trying to defend herself from his onslaught.
	"A man that called you. A man with who you set up a meeting," 
declared LaCroix, cutting her off.
	"Look people, it doesn't do any good to blame each other. It's not 
going to change the facts. All we can do now is wait for him to call. We're 
playing this one by the book, do I make myself clear?" stated an 
exasperated Reese.
	"Of course Captain," replied Natalie.
	"Yes sir," replied Tracy.
	Everyone turned to look at LaCroix who had not replied. He 
glared at each of them in turn and then said to Reese, "as I have no other 
choice at the moment, we will do this your way, <for now>."
	"Good. Now, everyone sit down and let's get ready for when they 
call." Reese sat back down at the head of the table. Natalie and Tracy 
were still sitting in their respective chairs. LaCroix chose to remain 
standing. He turned his back to them and stared at the wall.
	"Mr. LaCroix, perhaps you could start by explaining your 
relationship with Detective Knight to us?" asked Reese calmly.
	"What specifically do you want to know, Captain?" amusement 
creeping into LaCroix' voice.
	"Specifically, I want to know why professional mercenaries would 
kidnap one of my detectives and then leave us a note addressed to you."
	"I'm afraid I can't answer that Captain. I haven't a clue why 
Nicholas was kidnapped, or what these mercenaries hope to accomplish 
with this act. Now if you don't mind, I would like some quiet so I can 
think," demanded LaCroix. 
	LaCroix could tell the sun would be rising soon. He resigned 
himself to the fact that he would be at the precinct for the day and went 
back to trying to figure out what this was about. He returned to the table 
and sat directly opposite Tracy, causing her to look up at him. "Why don't 
you tell me again <exactly> what happened and do not omit even the 
smallest detail," he commanded.
	"Yeah, sure," replied Tracy and began to recite the events again, 
only this time LaCroix continuously interrupted her with questions, 
requesting clarifications. They could all tell that this was going to continue 
until they heard from the kidnappers.


===
Chapter Six


	The first thing Nick noticed when he woke was a nauseous and 
dizzy feeling. There was a steady, continuous throbbing at his temples. 
He was disoriented and didn't immediately remember what had 
happened. As his thoughts began to clear, he felt mild cutting pains in his 
wrists and ankles. His wrists were crossed and bound together with some 
type of sharp wire that was cutting into his skin. Over the top of the wire 
he wore shackles that were attached to the wall well above his head. 
	He was sitting on his knees, his boots and socks had been 
removed and his ankles were also crossed and bound with the same type 
of sharp wire as his wrists and they too were shackled to the wall behind 
him. He didn't know how long he had been like this, but the muscles in 
his arms, back and legs ached and he had serious pains in his knees. 
The slightest movement on his part brought more pain and discomfort.
	He tried shifting position to ease the pain, but finally gave up. 
Nothing seemed to help. He sat limply on his knees, his back and head 
leaning against the wall behind him, leaving his arms stretched above his 
head, their weight supported by the shackles overhead.
	He was still blindfolded and gagged. As he breathed deeply 
through his nostrils, the nausea and dizziness began to subside just a bit. 
He was still a little disoriented, but the pain running through his body was 
beginning to clear his head. His first clear thought was that he hoped 
Tracy was okay, that they hadn't hurt her.
	"Well, well. Looks like someone's awake," said a voice he hadn't 
heard before. The voice was male, medium pitch, German accent. A 
pang of apprehension coursed through his body.
	"So, how are we feeling detective?" asked a voice he recognized. 
This was the voice of the leader of the group of men who kidnapped him. 
The leader grasped Nick's head by his hair and tilted his head back. With 
his other hand he took hold of Nick's chin and slowly turned his head 
from side to side. Nick tried to resist, but that just increased the pain he 
was already feeling. He stopped resisting.
	When he stopped resisting, the leader gently patted him on the 
cheek and said, "very good, detective, very good. Do you think you're up 
to making a little phone call with us?" The leaders' voice was light and 
jovial, like this was just some little game. Nick could feel his trepidation 
growing.
	The leader abruptly released him and moved away. "Remove his 
gag and get him some water. He'll need to be able to speak," the leader 
said to one of his men. Nick could sense that the room he was in was 
fairly large and he thought he could sense six or seven heartbeats. He 
was still a little disoriented, so wasn't altogether sure if what he was 
sensing was right.
	Nick felt a hand grab his head and pull it forward. As he was 
trying to get a grip on his pain, a hand reached behind his head and 
untied the gag. This same hand then gripped his chin and pushed his 
head back up. Then the German voice said, "open wide detective, and no 
biting, is that clear?" Nick opened his mouth and a hand reached in and 
removed the cloth ball that had been placed in his mouth earlier.
	His mouth was dry. The hand on his chin tightened as he felt a 
glass pressed to his mouth. "Drink" was the terse order he heard as the 
water from the glass was poured into his mouth. Not having any choice, 
he swallowed. The water was poured faster and was more than he could 
handle, causing him to choke and gasp for breath. The glass was pulled 
away. Nick coughed, causing his head to increase its throbbing and more 
pain to shoot down from his wrists and through his body.
	"Better detective?" asked the German. Without waiting for a 
reply, the German wiped the excess water from Nick's chin and moved 
away. His mouth was less dry and he found he could speak, "what do 
you want with me?" His voice came out whispery and hoarse, even to his 
own ears.
	"Like I said detective, we're going to make a little phone call and 
I'm sure they're going to want you to speak to them," said the leader. Nick 
was trying to sense what was happening. He was still blindfolded, but 
was more sure of his surroundings. There were a total of seven people in 
the room, and the sound of their heartbeats were calm. This worried him 
and again, his apprehension grew.
	The leader moved beside Nick and put his lips close to Nick's 
right ear. "Now listen very carefully Detective, I don't want any 
misunderstandings. Is that clear?" Nick tensed. "Answer me Detective." 
	"I understand," Nick managed to whisper.
	"Good. You are not to speak until I tell you to. Is that clear?" 
commanded the leader. Nick took a deep breath. "Answer me Detective, 
is that clear?" he firmly repeated the question.
	"Yes, that's clear," Nick said quietly.
	"Good. Now, when I tell you to speak, I'll tell you what to say and 
that is exactly what you <will> say. Is that clear?"
	"Yes," whispered Nick. His body started to tremble slightly so he 
took a couple of quick breaths to steady himself. He had no idea what to 
expect. He then focused on blocking out the pain, and the hunger that 
was starting to rise slightly within him.
	"Okay, here we go." The leader got up and moved across the 
room. "Go sit with him and make sure he stays quiet," were orders given 
to one of the men. Nick sensed a man come and stand next to him.


	Reese, Tracy, and Natalie were tiring of the wait. It had been 
over four hours, and nothing. Reese was pacing up and down the front of 
the room. Detectives Mills and Barkin had joined the group a few hours 
ago and had taken up stations opposite those of Tracy and Natalie. They 
had set up the necessary communications equipment and computers that 
would hopefully trace all incoming calls. Tracy and Natalie both had 
alternated between pacing the room and quietly sitting. Currently, they 
were both sitting. Only LaCroix had remained calmly seated, patiently 
waiting. He would occasionally strum his fingers on the table, but that 
was the only sign of impatience anyone noticed.
	The internal phone Reese was using to communicate with 
dispatch rang. He snatched it up and spoke rapidly into the receiver, 
"yeah, what have you found?" 
	"Nothing, what do you mean nothing? He can't just disappear off 
the face of the earth. Keep looking," said Reese frustratedly and hung up 
the phone. Turning to the expectant group he stated, "they still haven't 
found any trace of Nick. Forensics has been all over that storeroom and 
except for the dead body and the .45 slug they pulled out of the wall, we 
don't have anything to go on." And then for what seemed like the 
hundredth time he asked, "why don't these guys just call?"
	Then, as if on cue, the phone rang. Everyone's attention focused 
on the phone and the raised hand of Detective Mills. They had all been 
briefed that they were to wait for his signal before answering, to ensure 
that the equipment would be properly tracing the call. Mills signaled the 
all clear to answer.
	"Hello, this is Captain Reese."
	"Hello Captain. I trust everyone is present and accounted for?" 
emanated the voice from the speakerphone. Tracy immediately began 
signaling that this was the voice she recognized as being the leader of  
the kidnappers.
	"Yes, I believe we have everyone here that you wanted," said 
Reese as he glanced around the room, and probably a few more, he 
thought.
	"Good, then let's get started, shall we?" asked the leader using 
an almost bored tone.
	Detective Mills was rapidly monitoring the equipment while 
Detective Barkin was quickly entering commands into his keyboard. Mills 
was shaking his head indicating that they were not getting the signals 
they hoped for. 
	"You do realize that kidnapping a police detective is a very 
serious offense, don't you?" asked Reese.
	"I think we're beyond lectures Captain, and besides, his being a 
police detective is unimportant. If anything, it will make our job a little 
easier," said the leader a bit smugly.
	"And just how is that mister .... what should I call you?" queried 
Reese.
	"You may call me Mr. Black," was the reply.


===
Chapter Seven


	"What is it that you want Mr. Black?" queried Reese.
	"The usual thing for this type of situation," replied a calm Mr. 
Black. 
	"I'd appreciate it if you could be more specific Mr. Black," stated 
Reese firmly.
	"Why money Captain, lots of money. What else would we want?" 
laughed Mr. Black.
	As the conversation with Captain Reese and Mr. Black had 
continued, LaCroix had risen from his chair and was standing over the 
table staring at the speakerphone occupying the center of the table. His 
fists were clenched at his side and he looked to be barely controlling his 
rage.
	LaCroix slowing unclenched his fists and laid his hands, palm 
down, on the table as he leaned over the speakerphone. "Just how much 
<money> did you have in mind, Mr. Black?" sneered LaCroix, making the 
word money sound like a curse.
	Reese threw LaCroix an anxious look and tried to motion to him 
to be quiet. It had been discussed earlier that the initial conversation was 
to be handled by Reese, at least until they could get a feel for what the 
kidnappers wanted with Nick.
	"Ah, is that Lucien LaCroix? I was told it wouldn't take long before 
you would decide to join in the discussion," replied Mr. Black 
conversationally.
	"Told by whom, Mr. Black?" asked LaCroix. 
	"That's not important. What is important is that I am in 
possession of something that you want. The question is, how badly do 
you want it back?" asked Mr. Black, now directing his conversation to 
LaCroix. 
	Everyone in the room was staring at LaCroix. They were all sure 
that the <possession> being discussed was Nick. With the exception of 
Natalie, they were still confused as to why LaCroix was even present, 
and what his relationship to Nick was.
	"What do you want in exchange for Nicholas?" growled LaCroix. 
His hands were pressing down hard onto the table, turning his already 
pale skin whiter. Natalie was halfway expecting his stare to melt the 
phone.
	"I want $2 million in small, uncut diamonds. And I will want <you> 
to personally deliver them to me, at a place of my choosing of course," 
answered Mr. Black nonchalantly.
	Everyone in the briefing room audibly gasped at the amount of 
the ransom being requested, all but LaCroix. He slowly stood up and 
continued to glare at the phone. It could still be seen that Mills and Barkin 
were furiously working, trying to get a trace on the call, but with no 
obvious success.
	Reese recovered quickly and spoke into phone, "before we start 
talking ransom Mr. Black, I think there is a more important matter that we 
need to clear up."
	"And what would that be Captain?"
	"We want to speak to Detective Knight. We want to make sure he 
is all right, that you haven't harmed him," replied Reese.
	"Of course. Detective Knight is a bit tied up at the moment, but I'll 
walk the phone over to him and we'll let him say hello."


	Because of Nick's overly acute hearing, he was able to hear both 
sides of the conversation without problem. When he heard LaCroix' 
voice on the phone, he felt a mixture of hope and dread. Hope, because if 
LaCroix was involved, there was a good chance he would be rescued 
soon. Dread, because if LaCroix was involved, that meant these 
mercenaries must know that he and LaCroix were vampires. But then 
again, how would they know and why were they asking for money.
	The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. He 
could still feel the effects of that drug they used on him back at Ling Po's. 
It was keeping his mind a little muddled and he felt lethargic. He should 
be feeling the affects of the hunger more than he was. The fact that he 
wasn't, he also chalked up to the drug, whatever it was.
	Nick heard Mr. Black walk towards him. The German who was 
standing next to him moved to his left side. As Mr. Black crouched down 
next to him, he felt a gun barrel press against his left temple. Mr. Black 
spoke softly into his right ear, "okay detective, remember what we 
discussed. I am going to put the receiver up to your ear and I want you to 
say 'Hello, this is Detective Knight and I am fine.' Have you got that? Just 
nod."
	Nick nodded. He felt the phone receiver placed against his right 
ear, and at the same time the gun barrel pressed harder into his left 
temple. Nick took a quick nervous breath and spoke the words he was 
given softly into the phone. As soon as the final word was spoken, the 
receiver was pulled abruptly away and Nick could sense Mr. Black 
moving back across the room.
	A third man moved in next to Nick. The German with the gun 
leaned down and instructed Nick to open his mouth. Nick complied and 
the third man placed a cloth ball in his mouth and replaced the gag he 
had been wearing earlier. The third man then spoke. This man had a 
quiet soft-spoken voice. "You're being very cooperative detective. We 
appreciate that."


===
Chapter Eight


	At the sound of Nick's voice, everyone in the precinct felt 
immediate relief. At least Nick was still alive. Up to that time, none of 
them had really been sure, except LaCroix of course. He had known Nick 
was still alive, he would have sensed otherwise. He did not share the 
feelings of relief that everyone else did. Nick was obviously complying 
with the kidnappers demands of him and he wouldn't be doing that unless 
he was helpless to do otherwise. It is not easy, and rarely accidental, to 
restrain one of his kind. LaCroix sensed there was more to this 
"kidnapping" than was apparent, but there was nothing to do but deal with 
the immediate problem.
	"I hope that was sufficient because that's all you get, " Mr. 
Black's voice said, coming from the speakerphone.
	"Okay, fine. We're satisfied for now, so let's get back to 
business," replied Reese. "What's this about wanting $2 million in 
diamonds? Where do you think the Toronto P. D. is going to come up 
with a ransom like that?" demanded a frustrated Reese.
	"Oh, I'm sure you'll come up with something. Isn't that right Mr. 
LaCroix?" laughed Mr. Black. 
	"I will get you what you want, for which I expect to have Nicholas 
returned to me <unharmed>. Do I make myself clear Mr. Black?" 
demanded LaCroix, in what most thought was an intimidating tone of 
voice.
	"Oh, yes, well, you'll get him back, but we'll have to see about the 
unharmed part. He's been nice and cooperative up till now, so we'll just 
see how long that lasts."
	"I can assure you, Mr. Black, that it will be in your best interest to 
make sure he remains well," growled LaCroix. 
	"Yes, well you're hardly in a position to do anything about it, are 
you?" baited Mr. Black. 
	"That may be true, <for now>, but I can assure you it will not 
always be true," replied LaCroix. 
	"Is that a threat Mr. LaCroix? Are you threatening me? Let me 
suggest that threatening me is not in Detective Knight's best interests. I 
don't take kindly to threats," stated Mr. Black firmly.
	"I am sure that Mr. LaCroix did not intend his comments to be 
taken as a threat,"  quickly replied Captain Reese. "Now, about this 
ransom Mr. Black..."
	"Yes, the ransom. You have until 8:00 p.m. tonight. That's almost 
12 hours, which should be more than sufficient," stated Mr. Black 
professionally. "Oh, and Captain. In case you haven't figured it out yet, 
your job is to keep Mr. LaCroix occupied. I will be calling, off and on, over 
the next 12 hours. When I call I expect Mr. LaCroix to be present. If he is 
not, we will kill Detective Knight. Is that clearly understood?"
	"I understand," seethed LaCroix. "I will be here."
	"Good. And for Detective Knight's continued well being, 
remember that no one other than the Toronto P. D. is to be involved. If 
you have <anyone> else out looking for Detective Knight, I assure you I 
will know, and then he will die. Is that clear?" asked Mr. Black. 
	"Yes, that is clear," replied a furious LaCroix.
	"Good-bye then," said Mr. Black.
	The speakerphone went dead as Mr. Black disconnected the call. 
"So, did you two come up with <anything>?" asked Reese of Mills and 
Barkin. "No sir," replied Mills. "They were using some kind of high tech 
satellite feed that was relayed all over the place and scrambled. We 
couldn't get a fix anywhere."
	"Great, that's just great," sighed Reese.
	 "And just where are we going to come up with a $2 million dollar 
ransom?" Reese demanded of LaCroix. 
	"I'll take care of it," LaCroix said absent-mindedly. "I need to use 
a telephone."
	"Use one of these," Barkin said indicating a row of internal 
extensions set up in the briefing room. "Just dial nine first."
	LaCroix snatched up the phone and dialed a number quickly. 
Natalie and Tracy were still sitting at the table, up near Reese. Tracy was 
in a daze and Natalie wasn't much better. This is like a bad horror movie, 
thought Natalie. I'm going to wake up any minute now and none of this 
will be happening. Reese called dispatch again, only to find out there was 
still no information.
	"Yes. I need $2 million in small uncut diamonds delivered to me 
before 8:00 p.m. this evening," spoke LaCroix into the telephone. All eyes 
in the room turned to him. They couldn't hear the reply on the other end 
of the line, but everyone was paying rapt attention to this side of the 
conversation.
	"It is none of your concern <why>," he snapped.
	"I don't <care> what you have to do."
	"It doesn't matter what it costs, just do it!"
	"Yes, fine. I'll wait for your call," said a calmer LaCroix and then 
proceeded to give Felix Twist the number at the 96th precinct where he 
could be reached.
	"You mean that's it. You make one phone call and then bingo, 
two million dollars appears?" asked an incredulous Reese. "I'd like to 
know what is really going on here," he further demanded.
	"My finances are none of your concern Captain. Suffice it to say, 
I have the resources available to satisfy the kidnappers demands," 
replied LaCroix.
	The look Reese got from LaCroix obviously indicated that he 
didn't want to discuss this any further. If Reese wasn't convinced before, 
he sure as hell was now, this kidnapping didn't have anything to do with 
Nick being a homicide detective. This was definitely aimed at LaCroix. 
	"I'm not going to let this drop. I want to know what's going on. 
Why was one of my detectives kidnapped? Why was their letter 
addressed to you? Why are <you> willing to pay an incredible two million 
dollars for Knight?" demanded Reese, his voice continuously rising until 
he was almost shouting. "And why did they say my job was to keep you 
occupied? What do they expect you'll do otherwise!?!"
	"I have no intention of discussing this further," stated LaCroix as 
he sat in a chair in the back of the room and then pointedly began to 
ignore everyone present.
	While this conversation was going on between LaCroix and 
Reese, Tracy was quietly throwing questions at Natalie. "You know 
what's going on, don't you? How come you won't tell me, I'm his partner. I 
have a right to know. I was there, they threatened to kill me. That's the 
only reason he cooperated with them." Tracy paused for breath before 
continuing, "ah, come on Natalie, tell me," she further insisted.
	Natalie had barely taken her eyes off LaCroix ever since they 
had received the call. She hadn't been around LaCroix much, but he sure 
wasn't acting the way she expected. Of course, her expectations were 
based upon what Nick had told her, and he obviously hadn't told her 
everything, not even close. She knew that LaCroix was Nick's father. She 
wasn't sure why they kept that a secret, except that Nick didn't want his 
mortal friends to know his relationship to LaCroix. Considering his mere 
presence put the fear of god into most, mortals and vampires alike, didn't 
help matters. Then of course there was LaCroix' radio talk show, where 
the master vampire seemed to get his kicks verbally slaughtering all 
those who dared call in, that is when he wasn't busy taunting Nick.
	"Listen Trace, I don't know what is going on any more than you 
do. The only one who seems to know anything is LaCroix, and to tell you 
the truth, I'm not sure how much he really knows," replied Natalie, 
anxiously glancing to where LaCroix was silently sitting.


===
Chapter Nine


	Nick had heard the entire conversation between Mr. Black, 
Captain Reese and LaCroix. His head was still throbbing, but not as bad 
as when he first woke. He still felt dizzy, and the nausea had been 
replaced with a mild queasiness. And after hearing the phone 
conversation that had just taken place, he was even more confused than 
before.
	Nick tried to shift his position a little, to ease the pain in his arms 
and legs. But each time he moved, he was just reminded how helpless he 
was. As the drug was gradually wearing off, the pain his body felt 
increased. Nick leaned his head back against the wall and took a couple 
deep breaths. 
	He reached out with his senses to see what kind of information 
he could detect. He was still blindfolded and gagged, but his hearing and 
sense of smell were intact. He could definitely hear seven heartbeats. He 
could tell that three of his captors were sleeping. The others were posted 
around the room. He could distinguish Mr. Black, who was still sitting at 
the table directly in front of him. 
	The phone rang and was quickly answered by Mr. Black, "Yes."
	"Is everything going according to plan?" asked the caller.
	"Everything is right on schedule," replied Mr. Black confidently.
	"And you are following my instructions?"
	"To the letter."
	Nick had to strain to hear the voice on the other end of the 
phone. There was a strange timbre to the voice, but nothing he 
recognized. He continued listening, hoping for a clue that would help get 
him out of here, or at the very least to find out what was really going on.
	"Good, good. And how is your <guest>?" inquired the mysterious 
caller.
	"I'd say he doesn't look too comfortable, but he's behaving 
himself."
	"Remember what I told you. He is much more dangerous than he 
looks," warned the caller.
	"We've taken all the precautions you requested and have 
followed all your instructions. There have been no problems," Mr. Black 
replied impatiently. "We know how to do our job."
	"You have spoken to LaCroix?" 
	"Yes. It is all happening exactly as you planned. He is at the 
precinct where he is being forced to work with the police, and they are 
getting the diamonds. We should have them by tonight," stated Mr. Black.
	"Very good Mr. Black. You and your men have done well. I will 
stay in touch," and with that the caller hung up.
	As Mr. Black set the phone down, he turned his attention to his 
guest. Nick heard him stand up and walk towards him. Nick felt Mr. Black 
lean down and grasp him firmly by the chin. "So tell me detective, what 
makes you so dangerous that we have to keep you tied up, shackled, 
blindfolded,  gagged, and drugged, hm?" Having said that, Mr. Black 
gently patted Nick on the cheek. 
	Nick tried to pull away, but the grip on his chin tightened. "Come 
now detective, let's behave. I think it's time you took a little nap, what do 
you say?"  Nick again tried to pull his head away, and this time Mr. Black 
released him. Nick started to relax as he heard Mr. Black move away 
from him. Then he suddenly felt another hand grab him by the hair and 
pull his head back. He tried to pull free, but the grip tightened and he felt 
a cloth being placed over his mouth and nose.
	"Okay detective, this is just like before, a couple of deep breaths 
and it's hello Mr. Sandman," said Mr. Black calmly from a short distance 
away.
	Nick couldn't stop his sudden intake of breath. He felt himself 
falling into a black pit and then nothing, he was unconscious almost 
immediately.
	"Well, that ought to keep him out for a few hours," said the man 
who had been holding the cloth to Nick's face. "What in the hell is this 
stuff anyway?"
	"Our employer didn't say, but it definitely works as advertised," 
replied Mr. Black. 


	It was just past noon and the tension could be felt in the silence. 
Most everyone in the room had been up all night and it didn't look like 
anyone was getting out of here any time soon. There had been no further 
word from the kidnappers, dispatch still had nothing to report, and the 
futility of waiting was wearing thin. 
	Natalie and Tracy had been up and down, alternating between 
pacing the room or sitting at the table staring into space. They were both 
looking tired and edgy, and they had all been hitting the coffee 
continuously. Mills and Barkin were pretty fresh, having only been called 
in early and not having been up all night. Reese had spent most of the 
time on the phones. LaCroix had barely moved from earlier. He still sat in 
his chair, with his back to the room, elbows on the armrests and his chin 
resting on his steepled fingers. He was so still, he could be sleeping for 
all anyone knew.  
	Just then two officers entered with the lunches that Reese had 
ordered brought in. "Captain, here's the food you ordered," said the first 
officer.
	"Thanks, just put it on the table there," he wearily replied. The 
officers set down the food and left. "Okay everyone, dig in. It is going to 
be a long day and we need to keep our strength up."
	Everyone, except LaCroix, headed for the food. "Mr. LaCroix, 
would you like some lunch?" asked Tracy, a little hesitantly.
	"No, thank you detective," replied LaCroix. 
	"Uh, don't you think you should eat?" asked Tracy nervously.
	"Tracy, leave him alone. I'm sure he'll eat when he gets hungry," 
interjected Natalie quickly.
	"Yeah, I guess so," said Tracy.
	"Mr. LaCroix, now that you've had time to think about this 
situation, is there anything you want to share with us?" asked a frustrated 
Reese, staring at LaCroix' back.
	"I don't <share>, Captain," LaCroix tersely replied, not turning 
around.
	"Look, Mr. LaCroix, I've been on the phone for hours, we have 
men looking everywhere, and no one can find one damn clue to what is 
going on here. I know you know more than you're saying. I want to know 
how you're involved in this," demanded Reese. "Just what do you have 
Nick involved in?"
	LaCroix stood up and turned to Reese with a furious look on his 
face. "<I> did not allow Nicholas to be kidnapped. If I remember correctly, 
he was working for <you> when this happened. Responding to an 
appointment set up by <her>," he said pointing angrily at Tracy. "If 
anyone should be asking what is going on here, it should be <me> 
demanding it of <you>."
	"The kidnappers left a note addressed to <you>, this didn't have 
anything to do with <us>," answered Reese, throwing his arms wide 
indicating he was referring to the Toronto Metro P. D.
	"Stop it, both of you just stop it," yelled Natalie. "This isn't doing 
Nick, or us, any good. We have to work together on this, we can't be at 
each other's throats," she said as she turned to glare directly at LaCroix. 
	"Yes, you're absolutely right Dr. Lambert. My apologies Captain," 
said LaCroix with a slightly sarcastic tone in his voice, which Reese 
decided to ignore.
	"You're right Doctor. I guess I'm a little on edge. Waiting does 
that to a person, you know," replied Reese.


===
Chapter Ten


	Mr. Black walked back into the main room. "So, how is our 
<guest> doing?" he asked.
	"He's just starting to come around," was the expected reply.
	"Good, I think it's time we made another call to our police 
friends," said Mr. Black. 
	Nick vaguely heard the conversation through the fog in his mind. 
His head was pounding, he felt like the room was spinning and he was 
very nauseous. If there had been anything in his stomach he wasn't sure 
he would have been able to keep it down. As he was beginning to 
become aware of his surroundings, he felt sharp intense pains from his 
wrists and ankles. His mouth was dry and he felt like gagging. He 
instinctively shook his head while trying to spit out the gag, only to have 
the pain in his head intensify.
	"Remove his gag and get him something to drink," ordered Mr. 
Black. 
	Nick felt the hand grab his hair and force his head down. He felt 
the pressure of the gag release and then his head was shoved back. He 
felt a hand slap his cheek, gently at first, and then with more force as they 
tried to get him to open his mouth. As soon as Nick realized what they 
wanted, he opened his mouth allowing the cloth ball to be removed. 
	With his head still pulled back, a glass of water was brought to 
his lips and water poured into his mouth. As dry as his mouth was, and as 
nauseous as he felt, he immediately gagged and spit the water out. The 
glass came away and Nick felt a stinging blow against his cheek.
	"Let's try this again detective, I want you to swallow, not spit, do 
you understand me?" asked the German. "Do you understand me?" 
yelled the man as he slapped Nick again. 
	"Yes," said Nick faintly. His mouth was so dry he could hardly 
speak, but the man seemed to be satisfied with his answer. Nick felt the 
glass press once again against his lips and water pour into his mouth. 
This time he managed to swallow some while the rest ran out of his 
mouth and down his chin. The man abruptly let go of his grip on Nick and 
moved away.
	"I don't know. He's awake, but he's still pretty out of it. We better 
give him some more time for that drug to wear off before our next call," 
the German said to Mr. Black. "That stuff appears to have some nasty 
side effects."
	Mr. Black looked down, studying the blonde detective in front of 
him. "He's probably hungry. He hasn't eaten in close to 12 hours. Feed 
him, and once that's done, come get me and we'll make our call." That 
said, he left the room.
	 "Are you hungry detective?" asked the soft spoken one.
	Nick, his mind still clouded and confused, simply nodded. The 
pounding in his head was beginning to subside into a steady throbbing. 
Waking up felt worse this time than it did last time. He was once again 
very nauseous and queasy.
	"Let's get the detective something to eat," ordered the man to 
someone near by. "Better make sure it's something that digests easy, he 
doesn't look too good."
	Nick took some deep breaths, trying to clear his mind. The side 
effects of this drug were slow to wear off. He felt so tired, but the longer 
he was awake, the better he felt. The combination of the drug and the 
gag made his mouth still so dry, he could hardly swallow. 
	"Here we go detective, open wide," Nick heard as someone 
pushed his chin up and pressed a glass to his lips. Water poured into his 
mouth and he was able to drink most of it. His mind cleared a bit and the 
fog lifted a little from his mind. He could feel the drug still in his system, 
making him lethargic and inhibiting his bloodlust. 
	The German arrived back with a plate of scrambled eggs that he 
handed to his soft spoken companion. This man scooped some up on a 
spoonful and took Nick's chin and said, "open detective."  Nick opened, 
expecting more water, and had a spoonful of eggs shoved in his mouth. 
The spoon had barely left his mouth when Nick gagged, spit them out, 
continuing to choke and cough.
	"Son of a bitch," yelled the German, brushing eggs off the front of 
his shirt. 
	"I don't think he likes eggs," said the soft spoken man, also 
brushing eggs off his shirt.
	"Well, that's too bad, isn't it?" said the irate German to his 
companion. "Listen detective, we have orders to feed you and that is 
exactly what we are going to do. If you don't like the food, that's your 
problem, but you will eat it. Is that understood?" the German said harshly.
	Nick didn't respond. He closed his mouth tightly and turned his 
head away from the men. The German grabbed his chin and roughly 
pulled his face towards them. "Open your mouth detective," he 
demanded. Nick refused.
	The German backhanded him across the face. This was 
immediately followed by a second, then a third. The force of the blows 
surprised Nick, and startled him. The pain was immediate and he could 
taste his own blood as it ran from his nose and lips. 
	"Open your mouth detective," was the repeated demand. This 
time Nick complied. As soon as he opened his mouth a spoon of eggs 
was shoved inside. As the spoon left his mouth, a hand under his jaw 
forced his mouth shut and lips very close to his ears whispered, "chew 
and swallow." As soon as he swallowed he felt his stomach lurch. He felt 
the hand on his jaw tighten and the voice in his ear say, "I would strongly 
advise you to keep it down detective." Nick gasped for air, and forced his 
nausea down. Four more backhands, and many heated words later, they 
had managed to get Nick to finish eating.
	Mr. Black came back into the room. "What's wrong with him?" he 
asked. Nick was pressing his head back against the wall, taking deep 
ragged breaths and slightly moaning. The left side of his face was bruised 
and he had blood running down his face from his nose and the corner of 
his mouth.
	"We had to force him to eat," said the soft spoken man, "and it 
appears that eggs don't agree with him." 
	The nauseousness Nick was feeling from having been force fed, 
was all he could think about. He was so miserable he couldn't 
concentrate on anything else going on around him. Whatever pain relief 
he had been getting from the drug they had given him was beginning to 
wear off. His entire body hurt in one way or another. He didn't know how 
long it had been since he was abducted, but it felt like days.
	Mr. Black leaned down and stared at Nick. "Detective, we're 
going to make a phone call to your Captain. They're going to want to hear 
from you. Do you think you're up to talking?"
	Nick turned his head away from the voice. His headache was 
worse, and it hurt to think. He just wanted to be left alone. Nick felt a 
hand grab him by the chin and firmly turn his head back around. 
"Detective, I expect you to cooperate and do as I say. Is that clear?" 
asked Mr. Black firmly. Nick didn't respond. "Answer me detective," 
insisted Mr. Black as he roughly pushed Nick against the wall.
	"Okay," whispered Nick. Mr. Black released him and he slumped 
forward. His forearms began to throb as the weight from his body pulling 
against the shackles caused the wire to cut deeper into his wrists. He 
could feel a small trickle of blood running down his arms.


===
Chapter Eleven


	Meanwhile, back at the precinct, the atmosphere in the briefing 
room was tense and quiet. Reese continued to keep in contact with 
dispatch, who continued to inform him that there was no new information. 
Conversation had been kept to a minimum, and everyone had been 
carefully avoiding LaCroix. 
	Mills and Barkin were continuing to work on the equipment they 
set up. They were pouring over a stack of manuals they had brought in, 
with the hopes of being able to figure out how to trace the next call. Tracy 
had fallen asleep at the table and Natalie had been sitting there staring at 
LaCroix' back for the past half hour. 
	Finally gathering her courage, Natalie rose and approached 
LaCroix. As she came up along his side, she could see that he appeared 
to be deep in thought. She hesitantly whispered, "LaCroix?"
	Other than a slow exhalation of breath, he made no move to 
acknowledge that he was aware of her presence. He continued to stare 
at a spot on the wall directly ahead as though she had not spoke. "Do you 
think this is someone from the community?" she asked hesitantly. "If so, 
why did they get the police involved? I thought that was against the 
rules." 
	LaCroix continued to stare, ignoring her questions. "If they're not 
of the community, how could they possibly be able to keep Nick 
restrained?" she continued. Dammit, why won't he say something, 
anything, she fumed silently. All of a sudden it dawned on her. "You don't 
know who's doing this, do you?" she softly asked. "You're really scared, 
aren't you?" the sound of fear evident in her voice. 
	"Really Doctor, melodrama does not become you," replied 
LaCroix calmly. "I assure you, Nicholas will be fine."
	"How do you know that?" she asked hurriedly. "He sure didn't 
sound fine last time they called. They said they would kill him. Do you 
think they would really do that?"
	LaCroix stood and turned angrily towards her. "I <said> he will be 
fine."
	"And if he's not?"
	"No one would dare provoke my wrath!" he quietly hissed.
	"Except, you don't know who <they> are, and they know you 
don't know," she said fearfully.
	"I assure you Doctor, I <will> know."
	Natalie was about to respond when the phone rang. All eyes 
turned towards the sound. Mills and Barkin leapt to their equipment. 
Tracy leaped from her chair, startled into wakefulness. LaCroix and 
Natalie moved towards the phone. Mills raised his hand and Reese 
awaited the signal to answer. As Mills lowered his hand, Reese pressed 
the button on the speakerphone.
	"This is Captain Reese," he answered calmly.
	"Good afternoon Captain," responded Mr. Black. "And how is 
everyone this fine afternoon," he continued cheerfully.
	"We're all just fine, thank you," replied an exasperated sounding 
Reese. "How is Detective Knight?"
	"Well, you know, he's not feeling too well right now," replied Mr. 
Black. 
	"I want to speak to him, if you don't mind," stated Reese firmly.
	"Yes, of course you would, but I think Detective Knight would 
rather speak to Mr. LaCroix. He is there, isn't he?" queried Mr. Black. 
	"Yes, I am here," said LaCroix. "I will speak to him now."


	When Nick heard Reese answer the phone, he tried to rid the 
fuzziness from his mind. He needed to be alert, but it was hard. He was 
having a difficult time concentrating. When he heard LaCroix' voice, he 
forced himself to focus. 
	Nick felt a hand roughly grab his face. A gun was suddenly 
pressed hard against his left temple. A moan involuntarily escaped from 
his throat. Lips pressed close to his right ear whispered, "okay detective, I 
will put the phone to your ear and you will tell them that you are okay, is 
that clear?" asked Mr. Black. 
	Nick slowly nodded as the pressure from the gun barrel 
increased. Mr. Black leaned his head towards Nick and placed the phone 
between them so they could both hear. Then Mr. Black spoke into the 
phone, "he can hear you, speak."
	"Nicholas?"
	"LaCroix,"  came the whispered reply.
	"Are you all right? Have they harmed you?" asked LaCroix 
gently.
	Nick didn't answer. He was confused. No, he wasn't all right and 
yes, they have harmed him. "Answer the question detective," prodded Mr. 
Black. 
	"LaCroix," came the urgent plea.
	"Nicholas, this will be over soon. You'll be all right," said LaCroix, 
in an attempt to comfort his son. "Do you hear me Nicholas?" 
	After a short pause Nick managed to weakly reply, "yes, I'll be 
okay." As the words left his mouth he felt the phone being pulled away 
and Mr. Black moved away from him. Nick's jaw was grabbed and the 
cloth ball was roughly shoved into his mouth. He felt the pressure from 
the gag as they tied it tightly around his head. Nick tried to pull away, 
growling loudly in frustration. A hand snatched him by the hair and 
slammed his head back against the wall. Pain exploded around him and 
darkness descended.


===
Chapter Twelve


	Natalie had been watching LaCroix closely. He looked like he 
was ready to rip apart anything that got near him. Just looking at him was 
enough to strike terror in all of them. She was surprised everyone didn't 
go running from the room, screaming for their lives. When she had heard 
him speak to Nick, she was amazed at his control. How could he be so 
angry, so furious, and yet speak so soothingly. 
	LaCroix knew from their bond that Nicholas was not being treated 
well. He was furious, he was enraged. How dare they harm him! his mind 
shouted. They will pay, he vowed to himself.
	"Well, as you can hear he's still alive. And he'll stay that way as 
long as you continue to do as I ask," spoke Mr. Black. "That's not going to 
be a problem, is it?"
	Reese looked at LaCroix, expecting him to respond. LaCroix had 
closed his eyes and was attempting to regain control of his anger. They 
were all upset, they all cared about Nick, but it was obviously much more 
intense for LaCroix. Reese still didn't understand the connection, but 
there it was anyway.
	"No problem," replied Reese, still distracted by LaCroix. "You 
want your ransom and we want Detective Knight. We're not going to do 
anything to threaten his safe return."
	"That's very wise Captain, and I'm sure you're sincere. Can you 
also vouch for Mr. LaCroix?"
	"Mr. LaCroix also wants Detective Knight's safe return. I don't 
see a problem here," Reese stated confidently, yet casting a worried 
glance at LaCroix. 
	"Yes, that's all well and good Captain, but Mr. LaCroix' 
reputation precedes him. He's not known for playing by our rules, 
especially when the prize is something so near and dear to his heart. 
How do I know, or better yet, how do you know, that he has not put into 
motion that which will disrupt our little arrangement?" asked Mr. Black 
curiously.
	"I can assure you Mr. Black, that even though I know nothing of 
this reputation you refer to, Mr. LaCroix has not, nor will not, do anything 
to jeopardize the safe return of Detective Knight. He has been very 
cooperative," replied Reese, as he looked at LaCroix questioningly.
	" As we discussed earlier Captain, your job is to keep him in line."
	"Just exactly what are you expecting Mr. LaCroix to do?" 
questioned a wondering Reese.
	"Well Captain, I really don't know. Perhaps you should ask the 
<General> himself," answered Mr. Black casually. "By the way, I assume 
there's no problem getting what I've asked for?"
	Up to now, LaCroix had been glaring malevolently at the 
speakerphone. He chose this time to answer in his most intimidating 
voice, "oh, believe me Mr. Black, you will be getting exactly what you 
have asked for."
	"Temper, temper Mr. LaCroix. You wouldn't want to lose your 
legendary control, now would you?" taunted Mr. Black. 
	"You will not further harm Detective Knight. Do I make myself 
clear?" demanded an angry LaCroix. 
	"You're hardly in a position to issue orders, General, and as I told 
you earlier, I don't respond well to threats," stated Mr. Black in a hard firm 
tone.
	"Then don't consider it a threat. Think of it more as a promise to 
come," hissed LaCroix. 
	"Gentlemen, gentlemen please, let's not get carried away," 
interjected Reese anxiously. "Let's not say anything we're going to regret, 
all right?" he pleaded, looking at LaCroix. 
	"Yes, the Captain is quite right. I have nothing further to say. I'll 
contact you again soon," said Mr. Black, and then the phone 
disconnected as it was hung up.
	"Just what in the hell was that about?" demanded an angry 
Reese to LaCroix. 
	"I hardly need explain myself to you," replied an indignant 
LaCroix.
	"Oh, I think you do," replied Captain Reese, equally indignant.
	LaCroix turned his back to the Captain and stalked to the 
opposite end of the room. Reese quickly looked around the room. He 
spied Mills and Barkin staring dejectedly at him. "Well, did you two come 
up with anything?" he demand gruffly.
	"No, sir," Mills replied. Barkin sat next to him shaking his head. 
	Reese looked over at Natalie and Tracy. They were both just 
sitting there staring off into their own different space. Tracy had her elbow 
propped on the table with her head resting in her hand. Natalie sighed 
and turned a questioning gaze to LaCroix. Reese also turned his gaze to 
follow LaCroix. 
	Reese sighed as he decided it best to let things alone for now. 
Give everyone a change to settle down and then he would speak to Mr. 
LaCroix, or the General, as he had just been called. Reese wanted to 
know what was going on, he hated working in the dark. Mr. LaCroix knew 
more than he was saying, and Reese was determined to get answers.


	Mr. Black stood looking down at the unconscious detective. 
Motioning to his cohorts he said, "Keep on eye on him and don't let him 
out of your sight. I'm going to get things set up for the exchange and I'll 
be back in a couple of hours."
	"He's not going to be any problem. Look at him. He's totally out of 
it," the German replied.
	"Don't forget what our employer said. He's more dangerous than 
he looks and he needs to be watched every minute. We're close to 
having this wrapped up, so there's no point in taking chances now, you 
hear me?" replied Mr. Black. 
	"Yeah, we hear you. We aren't about to mess this up now," he 
replied, referring to his soft spoken associate.
	"Good. I'll be back as soon as everything is in place. Have 
everyone ready," commanded Mr. Black.


===
Chapter Thirteen


	It had been just about an hour since they had last heard from the 
kidnappers. The tension in the room had only slightly subsided. Reese 
was restlessly pacing the front of the room. His eyes wandered to Mills 
and Barkin who had been having absolutely no luck in tracing the calls. 
The technology being used to scramble the signals was too high tech. 
Their equipment was useless. He then looked over at Tracy and Natalie. 
They were sitting next to each other near the front of the table. Both had 
their heads down and appeared to be sleeping.
	Reese looked at the back of the room and saw that LaCroix was 
still standing there, facing the wall, staring straight ahead. He hadn't 
moved in nearly an hour. Reese decided it was time to try to talk to him 
again, try to get some answers that may help them find Nick.
	Reese walked towards LaCroix. As he reached the back of the 
room, he saw LaCroix' head shift slightly in his direction. Reese took a 
deep breath and began, "Mr. LaCroix, I think it's time you told me what 
you know about this. I've been more than patient, considering one of my 
detectives has been kidnapped and had his life threatened."
	"Very well, Captain, what is it you want to know?" replied a weary 
LaCroix. 
	"Well, uh, why are you involved in this?" asked a surprised 
Reese. He had been expecting more of an argument, and then he really 
didn't expect to get anywhere. LaCroix' seeming willingness to answer 
questions now surprised him.
	"I believe you sent your men to escort me here, Captain," 
answered a slightly amused LaCroix.
	"You know what I mean," said an annoyed Reese. "Why are you 
willing to pay a $2 million ransom for Detective Knight? And how is it that 
the kidnappers knew you would?"
	LaCroix sighed, "the money is immaterial."
	"I'd hardly call $2 million immaterial. And that doesn't answer the 
why?" 
	"Nicholas and I have known each other for quite some time. You 
might say I am somewhat fond of him," responded LaCroix. 
	Reese decided this wasn't getting anywhere and decided to 
change tactics. "What was Mr. Black referring to when he mentioned your 
reputation preceded you, and why did he call you General? And what is it 
that he is afraid you are going to do?"
	"Let's just say that this Mr. Black is a man who knows more than 
he should. And none of this has any bearing on the current situation," 
calmly replied LaCroix. 
	Reese knew he was wasting his time, and besides, did any of 
this really matter. It wouldn't change anything. He had always thought 
that there was more to this Mr. LaCroix than met the eye. He seemed 
much more than a nightclub owner and radio talk show host. Reese 
admitted to himself that he was really just trying to satisfy his own 
curiosity and decided to drop it. He supposed he would find out soon 
enough, he would just see how this played out.
	"Fine, have it your way," Reese finally replied. "I guess there's 
nothing to do but wait until they call us again."
	"Yes, I suppose not. Now if that will be all Captain, I would like to 
be left alone," stated LaCroix as he walked over to the end of the table. 
Earlier he had turned the chair around so he could sit with his back to the 
rest of the room. He left the chair in this position and sat. 
	"Yes, of course," responded Reese. He watched LaCroix with his 
elbows on the armrests, chin resting on his steepled arms, eyes closed. 
Reese couldn't tell if he was napping or thinking. Either way, he marveled 
at his calm and control, especially knowing how angry LaCroix had been 
earlier.


	Dusk was just a half hour away. Mr. Black was smiling as he 
entered the room and called to his associates to notify them that he had 
returned. He was well pleased. Everything had gone well and everything 
was prepared for the exchange.
	"So, how is our detective?" he queried. "I assume he behaved 
himself while I was away." Mr. Black asked this last question as he 
walked over to where Nick still knelt, shackled to the wall.
	"Oh yeah, he's been quiet as a church mouse," replied the 
German. 
	"Remove his gag. It's time to make our last phone call."
	Nick had heard Mr. Black return. These last couple of hours had 
been agony. The pounding in his head had been slowly easing. It was 
now down to a dull throbbing. He was still having trouble concentrating, it 
seemed to come and go. His wrists and ankles felt like they were on fire. 
He could feel the wire and the shackles cut into him with every movement 
he made. He had been sitting on his knees for what felt like days, and the 
muscles in his legs were cramping. In fact, every muscle in his body hurt. 
He was still nauseous. It seemed to help when he leaned his head back 
against the wall and was able to take deep breaths. This was hard to do 
as his nose was stuffed up from the dried blood. The gag made his mouth 
so dehydrated it sometimes caused him to choke. The few times that had 
happened, no one paid any attention.
	Nick heard them walk over to him. He felt a hand roughly grab his 
hair and force his head down. The gag was removed and the same hand 
jerked his head back. He felt another hand grasp his chin. He opened his 
mouth so they could remove the cloth ball. His mouth was so parched it 
hurt. A glass was pressed against his lips. He drank.
	"Well, detective, ready to make another phone call with us?" 
asked Mr. Black.
	Nick slowly shook his head and asked, "more?"
	"Get him some more water," ordered Mr. Black.
	A moment later Nick felt another glass pressed to his lips. He 
greedily drank all of it. It did nothing to satisfy a distant craving he was 
beginning to sense, but it got rid of the dryness in his mouth. 
	"Okay, detective, ready now?" asked Mr. Black again.
	Nick nodded.
	"I want to hear you talk. Tell me you're ready to make a call."
	"Yes, I'm ready," replied Nick softly. His voice was hoarse and 
raspy.
	"Okay, good enough." 
	Nick heard Mr. Black dial the number. The phone was answered 
on the second ring.


===
Chapter Fourteen


	Everyone in the room jumped when the phone rang, except of 
course LaCroix. He merely stood and turned towards the phone.
	"Yes, this is Captain Reese."
	"Hello Captain. I assume all is in readiness," said Mr. Black.
	"I would like to speak with Detective Knight, if you don't mind," 
said Reese with a slight edge of sarcasm to his voice.
	"Before I put Detective Knight on, Mr. LaCroix is still there, is he 
not?" asked Mr. Black. 
	LaCroix had walked over to the speakerphone, and as had 
become expected, stood there staring at it like he could melt it with his 
gaze. "Yes, I am still here," he replied coldly.
	"I take it you haven't gone anywhere since last we talked, oh, but 
of course you haven't. How silly of me to ask?" chuckled Mr. Black.
	"I will speak to Nicholas, now," demanded LaCroix angrily. This 
one will pay dearly when I get my hands on him. And I will get my hands 
on him.
	Reese had been closely watching LaCroix. There, I could swear I 
saw it again, only for a second. His eyes flashed gold. Reese just shook 
his head. I must be more tired than I thought, now I'm seeing things.
	"Yes, one moment and I will put him on," replied Mr. Black.
	Mills and Barkin were once again anxiously working their 
equipment, just on the off chance they may pick up something. They 
knew it was a lost cause, but what else was there to do?
	Natalie and Tracy were sitting opposite Mills and Barkin. They 
were paying close attention to Reese and LaCroix. There really wasn't 
much else they could do, but wait.


	Mr. Black walked over to Nick and squatted down beside him. He 
was really enjoying this. Everything was happening just as he had 
planned. What a great feeling.
	Nick felt the phone placed next to his ear. He could tell that Mr. 
Black was leaning down so they could both hear.
	"Okay, detective, " said Mr. Black speaking loud enough so the 
Captain and LaCroix could also hear. "I want you to say hello to <daddy>. 
He's sounding a little anxious."


	LaCroix' eyes flashed in surprise. Who were these men and 
how do they know so much about him and Nicholas?
	Reese was slightly stunned. He stared at LaCroix and said very 
softly, "you're Nick's father?"
	"Oh my god," said an even more stunned Tracy.
	Natalie just put her hands over her face and let out a slight, "oh 
no."
	Mills and Barkin were just staring.
	LaCroix just glared at Reese. This was not the time to discuss 
this.


	Nick heard Mr. Black refer to LaCroix as 'daddy' and he didn't 
know how to respond.
	"Come, come detective. Let's not keep daddy waiting," said an 
amused Mr. Black.
	"LaCroix?" asked Nick nervously.
	"Nicholas, how are you?" asked LaCroix gently.
	"I'm hungry," whispered Nick.
	"They have not fed you?" asked LaCroix, a little surprised. He 
had been assuming these men were aware of Nick's nature, and who 
wants a hungry vampire around? His surprised turned immediately back 
to anger.
	"No, they ...."
	Mr. Black pulled the phone back and walked away. Nick felt a 
hand grab his chin and quickly push the cloth ball into his mouth. He had 
been caught off guard. As the gag was being placed in his mouth and 
tied, Nick yelled in frustration. The gag muffled whatever sound he would 
have made. 
	"Quiet," whispered the German. Nick growled low in his throat. 
The German backhanded him. "I said quiet." 
	Nick felt overwhelmed by frustration and despair. He wanted 
free, he wanted out of here. And he felt helpless to do anything about it. 
He forced himself to be quiet. He could hear Mr. Black still on the phone 
with LaCroix.
	"Okay, now let's get down to business," said Mr. Black. "You 
have the diamonds?"
	"Mr. Black, I will give you the diamonds. But hear me well. You 
and your men <will> regret each and every injury endured by my son. I 
will not tolerate his mistreatment," spoke LaCroix, in a very quiet and cold 
voice. 
	Mr. Black felt shivers run up his back. He shook himself and 
continued, "you will have your son returned to you alive. As for any 
<injuries>,  I'm sure he will heal quickly."
	Mr. Black paused. He was expecting a reply of some sort, but 
none was forthcoming. "I will call you again in an hour with the address. 
Be ready to meet me immediately."
	'We'll be ready," Captain Reese was heard to say.
	"Good. Until then,"  said Mr. Black as he hung up the phone.


===
Chapter Fifteen


	Mr. Black walked back over to Nick. As he looked down at the 
disheveled detective, he recalled the threats that Mr. LaCroix had leveled 
at them and how that last threat caused shivers to run down his back. 
Well, he's not going to get an opportunity to act on them, that's for sure.
	He knelt down next to Nick and carefully grasped him by his hair. 
He pulled his head back and looked him over carefully. The detective's 
breathing was ragged and uneven. He could see the bruising on his face, 
at least the part not covered with the blindfold and gag. He had dried 
blood around his nose and cuts on his mouth. Blood had also run down 
his arms from the wire cutting into his wrists. Nick was still wearing a 
white silk shirt and blue jeans. His shirt had come mostly untucked and it 
was spotted with patches of his own blood. Looking behind to his ankles, 
he could see that they were in much the same condition as his wrists. His 
boots and socks had been removed and he could see dried blood around 
his ankles and on his feet.
	"Well detective, I bet you'll be happy to get home tonight. I'd say 
it's been a long day, hasn't it?" he just looked at Nick, not expecting a 
reply. He wasn't disappointed. "Okay, detective. It's time to take a little 
nap. When you wake up, this should almost be over." 
	Nick, understanding what was coming, tried to pull away. He felt 
the wet cloth placed over his nose and mouth, and immediately recoiled. 
The pressure against his face did not let up. He couldn't stop himself from 
breathing more of the drug. With his first breath he felt overcome by 
nausea. The second breath brought darkness.


	"Yeah, good-bye to you too," said Reese into the already 
disconnected phone. He quickly scanned the room and then let his eyes 
rest on LaCroix. "Well, now isn't this an interesting turn of events. It's all 
beginning to make some sense."
	Actually, the more Reese thought about it, the less surprised he 
was. LaCroix being Nick's father certainly explained a lot. These 
kidnappers obviously knew this from the start. That's why they addressed 
the letter to LaCroix. Why LaCroix was willing to pay the ransom with no 
hesitation. And it also explains LaCroix' almost irrational rage. Reese 
thought LaCroix was going to lose it when they heard in the background 
what sounded like Nick being hit. Reese had never seen someone's eyes 
go as cold as LaCroix' had at that moment, and he would swear again 
that he saw a flash of gold. He must be imagining that.
	Reese put his hands on the table and leaned forward towards 
LaCroix. "Are you going to be all right?"
	LaCroix raised his eyes to look at Reese, "of course, Captain. I 
am always all right."
	"Well, you better be." LaCroix continued to stare at Reese. "Do 
you really think it was a good idea to threaten those men?"
	LaCroix turned away from the Captain, then reached down and 
picked up a phone and began dialing. The person on the other end must 
have answered on the first ring. "Are the diamonds ready?" After a short 
pause, "fine. Have a courier deliver them to me here, now." After hanging 
up the phone, LaCroix walked to the chair in the back of the room and 
sat. It was quite obvious he was not going to do any more talking.
	Reese turned to Tracy and Natalie. They had both been sitting in 
silence, not knowing what to say, or who to say it to. Reese looked at 
Tracy and asked, "did you know about this?" 
	"No, Captain. You know how closed mouthed Nick is about his 
personal life. He never said anything to me, and I'm his partner. You'd 
think he could trust me enough to tell me about his own father."
	"Yeah, you'd think so, wouldn't you?"
	"That sure explains why he has his radio tuned to the 
Nightcrawler. I never could understand his fascination with that show. It 
all makes sense now."
	"Natalie, you're awful quiet. You already knew didn't you?" asked 
Reese, but before Natalie had a chance to answer he continued, "you 
should have told me as soon as you knew we were going to have Mr. 
LaCroix involved."
	"Sorry, Captain," replied Natalie. There's no use denying it now, 
she thought. "It wasn't my place to say anything, and besides, it really 
wouldn't have made any difference. At least not up to now."
	"You still should have told me," he replied.
	"How come Nick never told us? Why didn't he say anything?" 
asked Tracy.
	"Would you?" replied Natalie with a somewhat bemused 
expression on her face.
	Tracy looked towards LaCroix sitting on the other side of the 
room with his back to them, "oh, yeah. I see your point."


	About three quarters of an hour had passed when Officer Nelson 
entered the room. "Sir, there's a courier here to see Mr. LaCroix."
	"Send him in," answered Reese.
	LaCroix rose as the courier entered the room. The courier walked 
over to LaCroix and set his satchel on the table. He extracted a form 
which he handed to LaCroix with a request to sign it. When the signed 
form was returned to him he removed a small bag and handed it over.  
LaCroix accepted the small bag and placed it in his jacket pocket. The 
courier then collected his satchel and left. The others had watched the 
proceedings in grim silence. There was nothing to do but wait.
	Just as the sun's last rays topped the horizon, the phone rang. 
Reese answered immediately, "yes, hello."
	"I'm going to give you an address. You have thirty minutes. 
Ready?" asked Mr. Black.
	"Yes, we're ready," replied Reese as he looked around the room.
	 "Oh, and a final word to Mr. LaCroix. You are there, aren't you?"
	"Yes, I am here," was the terse reply.
	"I expect you to arrive with Captain Reese. No coming ahead on 
your own. Trust me, you'll regret it if you do. Understand?" 
	"Yes, I understand."
	With those final instructions out of the way, Mr. Black quickly 
gave them the address and hung up.
	"Okay people, let's go," said Reese as he headed out the door.


===
Chapter Sixteen


	Tracy drove the police car through the main gate of the address 
they had been given and pulled to a stop. Natalie rode beside her in the 
passenger seat, while Reese and LaCroix sat in the back. Reese had 
ordered a couple of unmarked cars to park around the area, just in case 
they got a lucky break.
	"You two stay put," ordered Reese, as he and LaCroix exited the 
vehicle.
	"Yes sir," answered Tracy.
	"Yeah, okay," muttered Natalie.
	Reese and LaCroix proceeded on to the property. As they looked 
around, it was obviously an old junkyard. There was a dilapidated 
building on each side of them. Directly in front of them, about a 100 feet 
or so, was the beginning of a long row of junked cars. As they continued 
walking past the end of the building, they could see to their right that 
there were many rows of these cars running parallel to each other. To 
their immediate left, sitting further back was another building. Continuing 
straight ahead there were more rows of cars running perpendicular to 
those on their right. 
	"Do you see anybody?" Reese asked quietly.
	As soon as they had entered the lot, LaCroix reached out with his 
senses. He could barely detect Nick, and even then, he couldn't tell 
where he was. He did detect a definite mortal presence. "He's here," 
replied an equally quiet LaCroix.
	"Where? I can hardly see a thing," Reese said as he peered 
ahead into the deepening darkness. This whole scene was like 
something out of a bad movie, he thought.
	"There," answered LaCroix, pointing towards the building inset to 
their left.
	Just as Reese turned to look, they both saw a shadow walk 
towards them. He had come from the walkway between the buildings and 
advanced to within 30 feet and stopped. He was dressed from head to 
toe in black. Only his eyes and mouth were left uncovered by the ski 
mask.
	"You brought the diamonds?" asked Mr. Black. 
	 "Yes, we have your ransom," answered Reese. "Where is 
Detective Knight?"
	"He's here," replied Mr. Black confidently.
	"Where," demanded LaCroix.
	"All in good time, I assure you, all in good time. Let's see the 
diamonds."
	LaCroix pulled the bag containing the diamonds from his pocket 
and held it up for Mr. Black to see. "Now, where is my son," LaCroix 
again demanded quietly.
	Reese glanced over at LaCroix. After spending the entire day in a 
briefing room with him, he thought he was able to recognize the silent 
rage that was threatening to overtake LaCroix. Reese decided he better 
try to control this situation before LaCroix did something they would both 
be sorry about.
	"Okay, how do you want to do this?" Reese asked Mr. Black.
	Mr. Black observed the two men. Captain Reese was pretty 
much what he expected from a competent police captain. A bit agitated, 
but calm and in control. However, LaCroix was much more than he was 
led to believe by his employer. He could sense the raw power and the 
fury, directed straight at him. He looked into LaCroix' eyes, and he could 
feel the intimidating force emanating from him. He hoped to hell that this 
was one man he had not underestimated. He was thankful for the 
instructions left by his employer. He thought they had been a bit much at 
the time, and now he wasn't sure if they were enough.
	"A simple exchange, really. You toss me the bag containing the 
diamonds, and I will toss you this," he said as he pulled a key from his 
pocket and displayed it to them.
	"And what does that key open?" queried Reese.
	"The car containing Detective Knight," he replied as he moved his 
arm indicating the rows of cars behind them.
	"And how are we suppose to know which car?" asked Reese.
	"The car is marked. Once I have the diamonds in my hand, I'll 
show you how to find it."
	"And why should we trust you?" asked a seething LaCroix.
	"Because, you have no choice," replied Mr. Black.
	"I could take the key and kill you where you stand," threatened 
LaCroix.
	Mr. Black took an involuntary step back and looked at Captain 
Reese. He then replied with a slight bit of nervousness, "if you were to do 
that, my associates would make sure the good detective was dead before 
you could find him."
	"Okay, here is how we are going to do this," interjected Reese 
rapidly. This was rapidly getting out of control. "You," he pointed at Mr. 
Black, "will toss us the key. Then, you," indicating LaCroix, "will toss him 
the diamonds. Once you've looked in the bag, you will tell us which car 
Detective Knight is in. All right?"
	Mr. Black and LaCroix stared at each other for a few more 
moments. Then Mr. Black replied, "yeah, that will work." He then tossed 
the key to land at LaCroix' feet. Taking a deep breath, LaCroix tossed 
the bag of diamonds to Mr. Black. He then bent down and retrieved the 
key.
	Mr. Black deftly caught the bag and immediately opened them for 
inspection. "Looks like they're all here." He then placed the bag in his 
pocket. When he removed his hand, he was holding a small device.
	LaCroix narrowed his eyes as he looked across at Mr. Black. 
"Where is he?" he demanded.
	Mr. Black's employer had warned him that there was no way 
LaCroix would let him live, police or no police. He only needed a few 
minutes to make his escape, so he had devised this plan to keep LaCroix 
occupied in order to make his getaway.
	Mr. Black raised his hand with the device and pointed it towards 
the cars. "He is there," he said as he pushed one of the buttons. There 
was an immediate explosion. "He's in the trunk. You've only two minutes 
before the gas tank blows. You'd better hurry," shouted Mr. Black over 
the noise of the explosion. 
	LaCroix and Reese had turned startled eyes to their right. A fire 
seemed to be burning halfway down the second row of cars to their right. 
LaCroix gripped the key tightly in his hand and took off running. As Reese 
was right behind him, he couldn't use his vampiric powers to fly, so he 
ran as fast as was mortally possible. Fear gripped his heart as he thought 
of Nicholas trapped in the trunk of that burning car.


===
Chapter Seventeen


	Nick had been slowly waking. He felt worse than he had before. 
His head was pounding and he was nauseous. He was having trouble 
breathing, he felt stuffy and confined. His mind was foggy and he couldn't 
concentrate. After a few minutes of trying to clear his mind, he suddenly 
realized that he was no longer shackled to a wall. He was lying on his 
back in a small confined space. His arms had been pulled above his head 
and his wrists were bound to something with rope, as were his ankles. He 
was still blindfolded and gagged.
	Without warning he was rocked by an explosion. It sounded like it 
was right on top of him. The ground beneath him shook furiously and he 
could hear a roaring sound from above. He smelled the smoke before he 
felt the heat from the fire. A surge of adrenaline shot through his body 
and he struggled wildly, but quickly realized he did not have the strength 
to get free. Panic began to overtake him.


	As LaCroix neared the burning car, he could sense Nick's panic. 
Looking at the car he could see that the engine was totally engulfed in 
fire, and flames were pouring out of the interior of the car. They had not 
yet reached the trunk. 
	Having left Reese behind, LaCroix decided not to use the key. 
Instead, he just ripped the lid of the trunk off the car and tossed it aside. 
Looking into the trunk he could see Nick struggling against the ropes. He 
had not been able to free himself. No longer caring what anyone saw, 
LaCroix reached into the trunk and took hold of the ropes binding Nick's 
wrists and ripped them apart. Quickly placing his left arm under Nick's 
back he lifted him into a sitting position, then with his right hand he ripped 
apart the ropes binding his ankles. LaCroix could see the flames 
beginning to lap out from around the gas tank. He wrapped his right arm 
around Nick's waist and yanked him out of the trunk. He threw Nick over 
his shoulder and began to run back the way he had come.
	Just as he began to round the corner and turn behind the next 
row of cars, there was a large explosion behind him. He felt the force of 
the blast push them to the ground. As pieces of the burning car began to 
fall around them, he rolled on top of Nick to protect him from the falling 
debris.
	He looked up as the last of the wreckage fell. Tracy and Natalie 
were coming towards them. He raised himself to his knees and looked 
down. Nick was lying on his right side, almost in a fetal position. His 
wrists and ankles were free, but bloodied, and he was still blindfolded and 
gagged.
	LaCroix placed an arm around his chest and pulled Nick to a 
sitting position. The others reached them at that moment. Natalie 
dropped behind Nick and started to untie the knot to the blindfold. 
LaCroix took hold of Nick's wrists and removed the remaining pieces of 
rope. Nick reached up and pushed at the blindfold, Natalie had worked 
the knot loose enough that he was able to shove it off his head. Blue 
eyes blinked at LaCroix, and then quickly closed in pain. LaCroix reached 
down and pulled away the rope still wrapped loosely about his ankles. 
The gag was easier for Natalie to untie. As she removed the gag, LaCroix 
reach into his mouth quickly to extract the cloth ball, there was no sign of 
fangs. LaCroix was concerned that in his weakened state, he may not be 
in control. Nick sagged backwards, leaning slightly against Natalie, 
gasping for breath. His eyes were tightly closed and he had his hands 
raised to his head, obviously in pain. He pulled his knees up and leaned 
his head forward to rest against them.
	"Nick, can you hear me?" asked Natalie anxiously as she moved 
around more to his side. She placed one hand on his back and put her 
other hand on his upper arm. She could feel slight tremblings running 
through his body. Probably some type of shock, she thought.
	Nick didn't respond. Tracy, who had been hovering behind 
Natalie, moved to stand behind them. She asked Natalie, "is he going to 
be all right?"
	"Yeah, I think so," Natalie answered her absently. She was too 
intent on Nick. She moved her hand from his back and gently stroked the 
side of his head a couple of times. "Nick, answer me," she spoke softly 
into his ear. Her only reply was a slight moan. She looked questioningly 
at LaCroix, who was staring unblinkingly at Nick.
	LaCroix was surprised at the overwhelming emotions that were 
affecting him. He felt great concern over his son's obvious distress and 
pain, and at the same time, he was feeling an uncontrollable rage 
towards those responsible. In one moment he wanted to reach out and 
rip someone's throat out, and in the next moment he wanted to pull Nick 
to him and make all his hurts go away. As these conflicts roared through 
him, he sat in silence watching Dr. Lambert attempt to assess Nick's 
condition.
	Just then a flicker of flashing lights and movement was seen in 
the distance from behind the buildings. Tracy's radio, which had been 
noisy with conversations quieted as one report was repeated. The police 
have found the van with the suspects inside. Everyone is being called to 
the location three blocks away, Reese is already on the scene.
	"You need me for anything," Tracy quickly asks Natalie.
	"No, go ahead Trace," says Natalie. This will leave only her, Nick 
and LaCroix. Everyone else, after having seen that Nick was alive, had 
taken off after the kidnappers. As Tracy left, LaCroix also began to stand 
as if he too was going after the suspects. Natalie had seen the emotions 
warring within him and knew he did not want to miss an opportunity to 
seek his own vengeance. 
	As LaCroix started to move away, Natalie reached out and grab 
his sleeve. He turned angry eyes down to her. Unafraid, she whispered 
so Nick wouldn't hear, "don't you dare leave him!" 
	He looked at his son, his emotions torn. Just then Nick let out a 
low moan and began to rock his body back and forth slowly. His decision 
made he dropped to his knees, he reached out, took hold of Nick's arms 
and forced them down. As Nick started to resist, he pulled him up and 
into his embrace. Nick grabbed hold of the front of LaCroix' jacket and 
let himself fall forward against his chest, head resting on his shoulder.
	As LaCroix wrapped his arms around Nick and tighten his 
embrace, he could feel his son's body trembling. LaCroix placed one 
hand against the back of Nick's head and began to gently rub Nick's back 
with the other. In the long ago past, whenever Nick had been overly 
distraught, he had been able to soothe him in this manner.
	LaCroix felt Nick's fisthold on his jacket tighten. He began to 
whisper in his ear, "ssh, ssh. You're safe now. No one can hurt you. I'm 
here and everything's going to be all right." As he spoke, he began to 
rock lightly back and forth.
	Nick's head felt like it was going to explode and he was so 
nauseous he couldn't breath. He was dizzy, confused and disoriented. 
There had been darkness and pain followed by smoke and fire. He had 
been terrified and helpless. Then there was the familiar presence, ripping 
at his bonds and dragging him from danger. The loud explosion, soon 
muffled by a welcome weight on top of him. Then there was quiet, a 
compassionate hand, and all around him he could sense anger, 
frustration and commotion.


===
Chapter Eighteen


	He couldn't think, he hurt everywhere, he was scared. Strong 
arms grabbed him and pulled him up into an embrace. He recognized the 
scent immediately. It represented safety, protection, and refuge. He 
grabbed onto it so it wouldn't slip away. As he heard the soothing words 
whispered in his ear, he closed his eyes tighter and burrowed deeper into 
this sheltered cocoon of security.
	Natalie watched as LaCroix held and rocked Nick. She could 
hear him whispering to him in french, which she could only assume were 
words meant to calm. Although not releasing his grip on LaCroix, Nick's 
body was showing signs of relaxing. 
	Natalie moved closer to Nick. "May I?" she asked, as she 
reached a hand to lightly stroke Nick's temple. With her other hand she 
held a small flashlight. She obviously planned on using it to examine Nick 
closer. LaCroix made no move to stop her. "Nick," she asked gently, 
trying to get his attention. "Nick, look at me," she prodded. 
	"LaCroix," he whispered, so low she could barely hear him. Then 
he seemed to press himself closer to LaCroix, if that was even possible. 
	"Nicholas, open your eyes and look at Dr. Lambert," gently 
ordered LaCroix. "Now, Nicholas." 
	Nick opened his eyes. He made no move to lift his head from 
LaCroix' shoulder. Natalie smiled at him and said, "I'm just going to 
shine this light in your eyes, for just a second, okay?" She reached over 
to gently lift his eyelid and then quickly flashed the light across his eye 
rapidly a couple of times. Nick jerked back from the light and turned his 
head to bury his face against LaCroix' neck.
	"Well, doctor, did you discovered something <illuminating>?" 
asked LaCroix, with a touch of exasperation.
	"His eyes are very dilated. I would guess that whatever drug they 
gave him is still very much in his system." Turning away from LaCroix she 
asked, "Nick, tell me how you feel." Nick didn't respond. "Come on Nick, 
tell me. I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong," she said in an 
effort to cajole him into responding.
	"Come Nicholas, answer the doctor," enjoined LaCroix.
	"My head hurts and I feel sick," he slowly murmured.
	"Is it your stomach that's sick?" asked Natalie.
	"Uh huh," was the muffled response. Nick released a low moan 
and moved closer against LaCroix. 
	LaCroix tighten his embrace and resumed the steady stream of 
french whisperings. As LaCroix gently rubbed a hand up and down his 
back, he could feel Nick's body once again relaxing. Natalie had leaned 
back and was extracting a small case from her medical bag. She pulled a 
small vial and syringe from the case. She inserted the needle into the vial 
and began to fill the syringe. She looked up to see LaCroix looking at her 
questioningly. "This will help. It will take some of the edge off and make 
him feel better."
	"You are sure about that, Doctor?"
	"Yes, quite sure. He's had it before, it's okay, really," she said 
confidently.
	"Very well, you may proceed," he said somewhat convinced.
	Natalie reached up and took hold of Nick's arm and gently tugged 
it towards her. Nick resisted at first, and then after a few words from 
LaCroix, gave in and let her pull his arm down. She quickly, and expertly, 
inserted the needle into a vein and injected the contents. He immediately 
pulled his arm back up and reaffirmed his hold on LaCroix' jacket. Within 
moments, LaCroix could feel the tenseness draining from Nick's body.
	"Well, Doctor, it seems to have worked," said a surprised, but 
relieved LaCroix.
	"You shouldn't be so surprised. I have learned a thing or two over 
the last few years," replied Natalie.
	"So it would seem, and for that I am grateful," he answered, 
indicating the obviously more relaxed Nick, who at that moment released 
a long sigh, turned his head to rest more comfortably on LaCroix' 
shoulder and settled his body more snugly. 
	"It would seem we're both full of surprises," she said.
	"And what do you mean by that?" he asked curiously.
	"Just that," she said pointing at him and Nick. "I'm just very 
surprised, that's all."
	"Surprise, Doctor? What! You think after almost 800 years I don't 
know how to comfort my own son!?!" he asked, obviously irritated.
	"No, no. I didn't mean that," she hurriedly answered, not wanting 
to upset him. "Look, I didn't mean anything. I'm just tired and not thinking 
clearly. Surely you can understand?"
	"Of course, Doctor," he said, somewhat mollified. "Your apology 
is accepted."
	Wait a minute, I wasn't apologizing, she thought to herself. She 
was just getting ready to respond when a police car drove up to them.
	Captain Reese and Tracy exited from the back of the car and 
advanced towards them. Tracy ran the last few feet and dropped to the 
ground next to Natalie and looked in surprise at LaCroix, who was still 
cradling Nick in his arms. "How is he?" she asked.
	"He'll be fine. I gave him something to take the edge off, it seems 
to have put him to sleep," she replied.
	Reese had arrived in time to hear Natalie's answer. He wasn't 
surprised to see Nick and LaCroix, especially now, knowing they were 
father and son. "We should get him to a hospital," stated Reese.
	"That won't be necessary," LaCroix firmly stated. "I will take him 
home, he will be fine."
	"Look, I understand how you feel, but he's been through a rough 
time. Don't you think it best if we have him checked out, make sure he is 
okay," said Reese, attempting to be reasonable.
	"No hospital," said LaCroix staring directly at Reese.
	"No hospital," repeated Reese, then shaking his head to clear it 
of some unseen force.
	"Captain," said Natalie hurriedly, attempting to get his attention 
before he regained his concentration. "I've already looked him over. It 
looks much worse than it actually is. He mainly just needs to sleep off 
whatever it is they gave him. His cuts and abrasions aren't really that 
serious and I'm sure he would be more comfortable at home in his own 
bed. I can look in on him."
	"Well, if you're certain Doctor," he said, not really convinced.
	"I am Captain, honest. You know I wouldn't do anything that 
would harm Nick."
	"Yeah, okay. But I want you to personally check in on him at least 
twice a day, is that clear?"
	Natalie smiled in relief, "yes Captain, no problem."
	"Is that a problem for you?" he turned, asking LaCroix.
	"No, that is not a problem," LaCroix responded.
	Just then Nick moaned softly and began to stir restlessly against 
LaCroix, drawing everyone's attention. His hand gripping the lapel of 
LaCroix' jacket tensed and he began to pull on it, in what appeared to be 
an attempt to burrow closer. LaCroix enfolded Nick tighter in his arms, 
and again whispered to him soothingly in french. It had the desired 
results and Nick resumed his restful slumber almost immediately.
	"If I'd have known it only took a little french to calm him down, I 
would've tried it a long time ago," quipped Tracy, followed by a short 
nervous giggle. The others just looked at her, not sharing her humor. 
"Sorry. I'm just relieved he's all right."
	"It's okay Trace," said Natalie, understandingly.
	"Captain," said LaCroix, drawing the attention of the group. "May 
I assume that since you are here, you have news regarding the 
perpetrators of this event."


===
Chapter Nineteen


	"Yes," he replied taking a deep breath, knowing what he was 
going to say was not going to be well received. "We spotted a van and 
intercepted it three blocks from here. We arrested seven men. 
Surprisingly, they didn't put up much of a fight."
	"And this Mr. Black, he was one of the seven men arrested?" 
asked LaCroix, coldly.
	Taking another deep breath, Reese answer, "no. He wasn't in the 
van. We're still looking for him, and the diamonds." Reese was looking at 
LaCroix as he was answering. There was a moment when intense rage 
and anger registered on LaCroix' face, but was then quickly gone. 
Reese suspected he knew what LaCroix was feeling, but was sure he 
would never admit to it. He just thanked God those feelings weren't 
directed at him. There was no doubt in Reese's mind that LaCroix could 
be very dangerous when angered, and looking at Nick, Reese saw a lot 
for LaCroix to be angry about.
	"You had better get him home. I'll keep you informed of our 
progress," Reese told LaCroix.
	"Yes, you do that Captain. I want to hear the very minute you 
know anything, is that clear?" demanded LaCroix.
	'Yes. I promise, I'll call you immediately," replied Reese sincerely. 
Then turning to Tracy he said, "go bring the other car around and drive 
them home. I'll go back with these guys," he said, indicating the car he 
and Tracy had most recently arrived in, "and I'll catch up to you at the 
station."
	"Yes, sir," said Tracy getting up and heading for the other car.
	"You'll be at Nick's loft?" Reese asked.
	"Yes...." Natalie started to say.
	"No," stated LaCroix. "We will be at the Raven."
	"He would be more comfortable at his loft," said Natalie.
	"He will be comfortable where ever I am," said LaCroix, "and the 
Raven is more secure than his loft. Until I know who is behind this, I 
intend to keep him near me."
	"I agree with Mr. LaCroix," said Reese, effectively cutting off any 
argument Natalie had. "What number can I use to reach you?"
	"Call the main number and you will be put through to my private 
apartments."
	"Okay, here's Tracy with the car. Like I said, I'll call you as soon 
as I know anything." Reese moved away towards the waiting squad car.
	Natalie stood up and moved towards the waiting car. She opened 
the back door and stood aside. LaCroix had scooped Nick up in his arms 
and carried him to the car. He gently placed him in the back seat and got 
in beside him. Natalie shut the door and got into the passenger seat up 
front. As soon as they were all settled, Tracy was instructed to head for 
the Raven.


	LaCroix had instructed Tracy to drive around and park in the 
alley behind the club. As soon as they had entered the club through the 
back door, Tracy headed back to the station to assist in the search for the 
remaining kidnapper. LaCroix carried Nick upstairs to his private 
apartment, with Natalie following close behind.
	They entered into a large living room. Natalie followed LaCroix as 
he walked through this room and turned right down a long hallway. When 
he reached the end of the hallway he turned right, entering the last room. 
He continued in and waited for Natalie to enter behind him. 
	"Would you be so kind?" he asked, inclining his head towards the 
bed. Natalie walked over and pulled the blankets back. LaCroix walked 
over and lay Nick down in the center of the bed.
	"I should take a look at his injuries," said Natalie, casting a 
concern look down at Nick. 
	"Yes, very well Doctor," he said stepping aside, allowing her to 
get closer to Nick. He stepped to the wall opposite the end of the bed, 
leaned his back against it with his arms crossed in front of him, observing 
her every movement.
	Looking down, his worse injuries appeared to be the cuts on his 
ankles and wrists. They didn't seemed to have healed much, if at all, 
since they had rescued him. Usually he healed much faster than this. She 
pulled open her medical bag and withdrew the supplies she would need. 
She then began to clean and bandage his wounds. Turning to LaCroix, 
she asked him, "why haven't these healed?"
	"My guess is because he hasn't fed. I am sure when he 
awakens, he will be quite hungry."
	"It may also have something to do with that drug they gave him. It 
certainly seemed to have a strong affect on him." Turning back to her 
medical bag she pulled out a syringe and a rubber strip. She wrapped the 
rubber strip around his arm and tied it tight. "I'm going to take a blood 
sample so I can see what they gave him. You don't have any objection, 
do you?" she asked, turning to look at LaCroix.
	He simply replied, "I have no objection."
	"Good." She quickly finished taking the blood sample, carefully 
labeled the vial containing the blood and then returned everything to her 
medical bag. She took out her flashlight and leaning in close to Nick, 
opened his one eye and quickly moved the light rapidly back and forth a 
couple of times. She repeated this on his other eye. Nick stirred slightly, 
but otherwise, remained asleep.
	Turning around she said, "well, he's obviously sound asleep. His 
eyes are still really dilated. The best thing for him right now is sleep." She 
stood up, picked up her medical bag and headed for the door. "I want to 
go see if I can find out what they gave him, and then I'll come back. 
Shouldn't be more than an hour or two. Will you call me if there is any 
change?"
	"He'll be fine, but yes, I will call you if there is a change," he 
replied. He then moved to walk her to the door. "I'll have Marcus send 
you up when you return."
	"Thank you," she said. As she was leaving she thought that it 
was strange how <nice> LaCroix was being towards her. He must really 
be worried about Nick.


===
Chapter Twenty


	It was shortly before midnight when Natalie returned to the 
Raven. She had been met at the bar and escorted directly to LaCroix' 
private apartment. As she stepped into the living room, closing the door 
behind her, she saw LaCroix enter from the hallway. He's probably been 
sitting with Nick, she thought.
	"How is he?" she asked.
	"He is still sleeping," was the reply.
	"May I see him?" she asked expectantly. LaCroix merely stepped 
aside and motioned with his hand for her to proceed down the hall.
	As she entered his bedroom, she saw that he was laying on his 
right side near the edge of the bed. His left arm was stretched out and 
partially hanging over the mattress. His head had slid off the pillow and 
the blankets were slightly askew. His lips were slightly parted and she 
could hear intermittent mewling noises issuing from him. His eyes were 
tightly closed and he appeared to be frowning.
	As she neared the bed, she reached out and gently stroked the 
hair back from his temple. He stirred slightly at her touch, but didn't wake. 
"He's been restless," LaCroix said quietly. He had moved to stand behind 
her and was also looking down at Nick. She also noticed that Nick was 
much cleaner and was wearing white silk pajamas. Obviously LaCroix 
must have bathed him and changed his clothes.
	"That drug took longer to analyze that I thought. It had some 
unique properties that I found interesting. It's definitely the drug that's 
responsible for his current condition. They must have given it to him a few 
times. I found that it doesn't dissipate rapidly. Although the initial effects 
will wear off, when it's readministered, it compounds itself and is just that 
much worse, but there's something else you should know."
	"Yes, Doctor?" he replied mildly curious.
	"It was engineered specifically for a vampire," she said rapidly, 
watching for his reaction.
	LaCroix turned an intense gaze in her direction. "You are sure?" 
he replied angrily.
	"Yes," was her simple response.
	"Can you neutralize its affects, Doctor?" 
	"Not exactly, I haven't had time, but I do have something that will 
relieve his symptoms until it does have time to wear off," she explained 
as she extracted a vial from her bag. She quickly prepared and 
administered the injection. 
	A couple of minutes later, they could both see as Nick's body 
visibly relaxed. His face softened and the mewling noises stopped. He 
seemed to take a deep cleansing breath and then he was still. He looked 
calm, peaceful, and almost angelic in his sleep.
	LaCroix reached down and pull the blankets back. He took Nick 
by the arm and rolled him onto his back. Placing both of his arms beneath 
him, he gently raised Nick and moved him into the center of the bed. He 
pulled the blankets back up and tucked him in. He tenderly stroked the 
back of his fingers against Nick's cheek.
	Taking a deep breath he stepped back and turned to leave the 
room saying "come, Doctor. He will sleep now." Natalie quietly followed 
him down the hall and into the living room. Once there he turned to her 
and asked, "there is no mistake. You're quite certain."
	"Absolutely certain. The drug mainly attacks those properties in 
the body that are unique to vampires. There is no mistake," she replied. 
LaCroix was staring into the fireplace with no indication that he intended 
to respond. Continuing she said, "that's probably why he was 
incapacitated so quickly. It appears to dampen the bloodlust and make 
his system lethargic throughout, in addition to causing the headaches and 
nausea."
	Natalie was just beginning to wonder if he was ever planning to 
respond when she was startled by a knocking at the door. LaCroix was 
obviously deep in thought and paid no attention. Natalie moved to the 
door and asked, "who is it?"
	"Captain Reese. I'd like to come in if I may," was the frustrated 
reply.
	Natalie opened the door allowing Reese to enter. "I thought I was 
going to have to call out the army to get in here. You weren't kidding 
about the security here," said Reese. "So, how's Nick?"
	"Sleeping," replied Natalie. "He should be fine. He just needs 
some rest."
	"Yeah, don't we all," Reese mumbled. "I'm glad Nick's doing 
okay, but that's not really why I'm here. I have news about Mr. Black," 
said Reese as he looked to LaCroix, "and you're not going to like it."
	LaCroix slowly turned to Reese and fixed him with an intense 
stare. "Tell me," commanded LaCroix.
	"We found Mr. Black about fifteen blocks from where we 
intercepted the van. He was in an alley, dead. His throat had been cut. 
Forensics is at the scene now, we're not sure that's where he was killed, 
there wasn't much blood, and he did lose a lot." Reese paused to 
observe LaCroix' reaction.
	"Continue," demanded LaCroix. 
	"Yes, well, there was no sign of the diamonds. They appear to be 
gone, but we did find something else," Reese paused for emphasis. "If 
not for this other item, you most likely would be our first suspect in his 
death."
	"And what item is it that professes my innocence," retorted 
LaCroix.
	"This," said Reese as he pulled out and handed LaCroix an 
envelop, "was found pinned to his chest, and as you can see, it is 
addressed to you, as was the first one that had been given to Detective 
Vetter when Nick was first kidnapped."
	LaCroix reached out and took the envelop. It looked identical to 
the first, even down to the handwriting on the outside. LaCroix slowly 
opened the envelop and pulled out the single sheet of paper.  It read:

'You should be happy, General. You behaved well and 
you have your son back, alive. But lest you think this was 
the end,  it is merely the beginning.'


The End

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