Date: Sat, 20 Jul 1996 16:43:25 -0700 From: Sherri A Forever Knight Story Whim, 00/18 Author's Note This story is takes place directly after the episode titled "Fever", and also makes reference to the events contained in the fan fiction story titled "For a Good Cause: Date with LaCroix." I should like to emphasize that this story was written purely for entertainment. I decided to go ahead and post this story to the list. If you are looking for comedic relief, this just might be the story for you. I hope you enjoy it. (Yes, Vaqueras... this *is* the story Cherri has been bragging about.) Any comments are welcome at sherric@empnet.com. Technicalities: c 1996, Sherri L. Campbell. Standard Disclaimers apply; all rights for Forever Knight characters belong to Tristar and were developed by James Parriott. No infringement is intended. Cherri Munoz is a real person, who has allowed her fictional counterpart to be inserted in this story. For the official record: I, Cherri L Munoz, give Sherri Campbell permission to use my real name in the Vachon-Cherri story she is writing. Signed, Cousin Cherri L. Munoz. Further Disclaimer: Anyone who tries to write a story using the character/self of Cherri Munoz without her permission is certifiably crazy. This story is pure fantasy and bears no resemblance to anyone living, dead, or undead. There is a Goth bar named Perversion in Hollywood, CA, however, I'm sure that a vampire named Becket doesn't now or didn't then own it. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Cherri for her constant encouragement, without which Vachon would still be stuck in her closet. Cherri's son, Daniel, for braving the wicked world of the Goth Clubs (well, okay, so he was doing it for a grade in college. I was still able to get the information about the Goth clubs...) I would also like to thank Crystal Guffey and Tippi Blevin for editing and proof-reading of this story. Any mistakes left in this story are not their fault. And, I would like to thank the creators of Forever Knight, without whom this story would never have been written. ************************************************************ Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 1/18 by Sherri L. Campbell Prologue A lone figure stood on the riverbank. Night breezes were blowing through his long hair as he stood motionless next to the small mound which held the remains of his oldest friend. The words he had just finished speaking still echoed in the night... "See you in Hell, Sailor..." A poignant phrase, an expression of regret. He felt a part of him was missing; the ache was bone deep. Vachon sighed, and looked down at the grave. "Well, Screed, this town just won't be the same." He looked back at the city skyline. Maybe it is time for a short trip. He turned and blurred into motion, leaving the site without glancing back. * * * * As he threw a few things into a carry-bag, he thought about where to go. The night was young, he could take a plane a long distance with reasonable expectation of darkness still when he arrived. Casting his mind about for inspiration, he remembered the fascinating mortal who had won the date with LaCroix at the charity auction. He felt somewhat disturbed by his reaction to the woman... but decided that he would like to see her again anyway. Thinking deeply, he recalled that she was from somewhere in Southern California. A quick trip to the auction headquarters should confirm her address. A few minutes on the phone to the airlines purchased tickets on a flight arriving two hours before dawn at Los Angeles International. Looking around, Vachon didn't see anything else he needed. With a nonchalant flip of his hair, he left the church. A minute later, he was looking through the records at the auction headquarters; finding the card headed "Lucien LaCroix," he memorized the address. Five minutes later, he was at the airport, and ready to begin his adventure. * * * * Vachon walked off the plane at Los Angeles International with a small bounce in his stride. Just the experience of flying had a rejuvenating effect. He felt remote, removed from the fresh experience of losing a friend. Dragging his duffel with him, he headed for a haven he remembered. Upon arriving he poured over a map, refreshing his memory of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Determining the location of the woman, he decided he didn't have time to visit her within the next two hours. Disappointed, he consoled himself with the thought that tomorrow, he would have all evening in which to play. ****************************************************** Comments welcome. :) Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 2/18 by Sherri L. Campbell Chapter One Cherri Munoz was frantically packing that evening. She was due to take off the following morning on a trip to Texas. The easy part was done, the clothes were in the suitcase, the books were in the carry-on. The difficulty was that there was a cape that needed finishing. She had to complete it before boarding the plane. Looking at the project with despair, she was sure she could finish, but she knew she wouldn't get any sleep in the process. Working madly, swearing when she caught her fingers with the needle, she fought the drowsiness. Deciding to sit on the floor, she knew the discomfort would assist in staying awake. * * * * Javier Vachon stretched, and rose for the evening. Leisurely ascending to the main floor, he ordered a bottle of private stock, and sat back to enjoy it, and the floor show. There was nothing quite like staying at a bar that attracted mortals; they were so fascinating to observe. Finishing breakfast, he decided that first on his agenda was to visit the mortal that had attracted him so. After that, he could visit his old haunts in the city. Exiting the bar he checked for observers; finding none, he took to the air. * * * * Cherri kept fighting the drowsiness; her eyelids kept closing of their own will. Finally, her eyes closed entirely, and she slowly subsided into the billows of the cape. It was an uneasy sleep, marred by twitching fingers, and mutters barely heard. * * * * Vachon came to rest on a dark street corner across from Cherri's house. Checking the house, he could hear several heartbeats; one was obviously a pet dog. Quietly sliding across the street, he found access to the house, and, like a ghost, entered. Vachon stood observing the unconscious woman. She lay collapsed in a swath of semi-completed cape of deep blue and red. Her fingers were twitching, and she was mumbling something that sounded like "can't sleep, I can't, no sleep". Vachon shook his head. He had never seen a mortal in such a state. Under the lines of stress engraved in the mortal's forehead, he could tell she was usually a vivacious person; obviously, she had been working under a great strain for quite a while. He thought about what his options could be. He could sense other mortals in the house. He needed to avoid arousing them. He looked around, seeking inspiration. His eyes fell with shock upon a photograph of LaCroix! Remembering the plans LaCroix had for this particular mortal, he knew he dare not bring her across. No, obviously there was no way he could interfere with this mortal. His eyes fell back upon the poor woman. He sighed heavily, and decided to leave the mortal alive. /Pity./ However, his conscience wouldn't allow him to leave her in such a convoluted, obviously uncomfortable, position. He gathered her up in his arms, and, with great ease, strode to a nearby couch. He gently laid her upon the couch, smoothing her hair back from her forehead. Laying a kiss upon her brow, he departed with a sense of regret. * * * * Cherri sat up, confused and disoriented. Her last memory was of working on the cape, and being unable to keep her eyes open. /Wait!/, as her eyes tracked crazily around the room. /I wasn't working on the cape here!/ As she stood to go in search of Carlos, she realized she had some long dark hairs caught on the button on her cuff. Her knees collapsed under her, letting her back down on the sofa. /But, but - no one in the house has long dark hair!/ Obviously, there had been a visitor... but, who? She looked around in search of clues, and found none. It was a mystery. One she was determined to solve. Nodding her head in appreciation of the difficulty, she was nevertheless determined. She wasn't a Cousin for nothing! *********************************************************** Comments welcome. :) Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 3/18 by Sherri L. Campbell For disclaimers, please see part 00/18. Thank you. Chapter Two Cherri considered her options. Casting about in her mind for any long-haired men, she thought back to her recent visit to Toronto. Her date with LaCroix? Shaking her head in doubt, she then recalled the handsome waiter. Humming in appreciation, she examined the long dark hairs, and realized they were the same length as the waiter's hair. But, she was in southern California, which is a long, long way from Toronto. With a decisive movement, she picked up the phone and dialed. Listening to the ringing on the line, her stomach tensed in anticipation of the phone conversation to come. "Bien," spoke the suave voice she remembered so well. It brought back vague shivers of fear and awe. "M. LaCroix? It is Cherri Munoz. I need to ask you a question." There was a slight quaver in her voice that she couldn't control. "Ah, Madame Munoz. How delightful to hear from you. I am charmed, as ever. Please, feel free to ask of me what you wish." The voice was charming, soft velvet over steel. "Um, yes. Th-thank you. I, um, I need to know where that waiter is... the one who was waiting on us at that restaurant." There was a small silence on the other end of the line. The steel was more obvious when he spoke. "Vachon? You seek information on Vachon?" Incredulity warred with impatience. "Just why would you need that information, Madame Munoz?" There was a distinct chill coming over the line. "I..." Cherri could feel her control slipping. The butterflies in her stomach were growing to the size of 747s. She took a deep breath, and continued. "I think he was here. In California." There was nothing but silence on the phone. She pulled her scattering wits together, and spoke again. "I have no proof." She looked at the hairs on her sleeve. "Well, some proof, but nothing I could point to and say that Vachon was definitely here..." Faltering into silence, all she could do was grip the phone and hope that she hadn't just committed the largest error of her life. Finally, the voice on the other end continued. "I will institute inquiries, and let you know within the hour." The click sounded quite final. Cherri gasped and let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Shaking her head, she held out one hand. It was shaking very badly. "I think I'll just go get something to drink." Speaking out loud confirmed that she was alive, and still able to think, if barely. Walking on trembling legs, she headed for the kitchen. "One hour. I bet he is punctual to the second!" ************************************************************ Comments welcome. :) Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 4/18 by Sherri L. Campbell For disclaimers, please see part 00/18. Thank you. Chapter Three Vachon stood in the shadows of Griffith Observatory,=20 watching the city. He had always enjoyed watching the=20 mortals in their busy lives. Surveying the galaxy of=20 lights, he shook his head. The town had grown so much since=20 it was the small village he had first seen in 1781. When he=20 had first been here, it had been called El Pueblo de Nuestra=20 Se=A4ora la Reina de Los Angeles de Poricuncula. It had been=20 tiny then... Remembering the view from the plane as it landed, he was=20 amazed at the industry represented by these crazy mortals. Thinking back to the stopover at the house of the=20 fascinating mortal, he was still attracted to her. She had=20 such life in her! Vachon was always interested to observe mortals, and this one looked like such... fun.=20 However, she was under LaCroix's protection. With a sigh,=20 he decided he was not interested in crossing the elder=20 vampire. Perhaps a trip back to the local haven would take=20 his mind off dangerous subjects. =20 * * * * The shrill of the phone caused Cherri to drop her mug. As=20 the hot chocolate and ceramic splattered over the kitchen=20 floor, she leaped to the phone, and picked up on the third=20 ring. "Hello?" "C'est moi, mon Cherie," spoke the expected voice. "You are=20 correct in your suspicion that Vachon is no longer in=20 Toronto. He was seen boarding an air craft heading for Los=20 Angeles. I have asked for further information, and will keep you informed." The click of the breaking connection snapped Cherri out of=20 her shock. She was hanging up the phone as Carlos walked in=20 and slipped on the chocolate mess. "Cherri! What are you doing up at four in the morning? And=20 .. and, why is there chocolate all over the floor?" "I had problems sleeping, and decided to get some hot=20 chocolate. When the phone rang, I was startled and dropped=20 my mug. I'm cleaning the mess up now!" As she grabbed a=20 mop out of storage, and began cleaning the mess, Carlos=20 spoke up. "Oh, that's okay. Well, I know I promised to take care of=20 that stuff for you this weekend while you are in Texas, but=20 I just received word I'm needed in Japan. I'll make it up=20 to you later somehow, I promise." "So, you're going to be gone for the weekend?" Carlos nodded. "Well, actually more like five days. I'm=20 sorry, love." "No problem. You're forgiven." =20 * * * * Cherri was rushing around the house, attempting to take care=20 of her list of last-minute-just-before-taking=20 -off-to-the-airport important must-do's. Muttering under her breath, she was listing off the various items.=20 "Suitcases. Check. Mail. Check. Ta..."=20 The phone rang. Cursing, she stumbled over the suitcases=20 trying to reach the phone. Finally reaching the ringing=20 instrument, she grabbed the handset. It was the airline.=20 They were massively sorry. They couldn't understand how the mix-up occurred. The apologies were piling up like firewood. Cherri finally broke into the flood of wordiness. "You mean,=20 the tickets I have bought, have had for THREE months... are=20 not any good right now? My flight is supposed to be leaving=20 in less than three hours, and you are telling me that I can't go?!" Cherri's voice was rising with each word. The=20 incipient hysteria was masking the growing rage. The airline spokesman choked, and then responded with=20 solicitous platitudes. Would rescheduling in five days be=20 adequate? Especially if they threw in a bonus ticket for=20 anywhere the airline flew? Please? Cherri thought about it. Then she recalled how cute Vachon=20 was and that Vachon was in town. "Very well, you may=20 reschedule. I expect the tickets to be here within the=20 hour." If Cherri had any idea how close in tone her voice=20 resembled that of LaCroix at that moment, it would have=20 filled her with glee. It definitely got results. Cherri hung up the phone as a thoughtful expression grew on=20 her face. Five days at home without her menfolk around=20 might be just what the doctor ordered! =20 * * * * Cherri waved as Carlos and Daniel pulled away from the=20 house. She couldn't believe it. Daniel had decided to spend=20 the next five days with friends; Carlos was dropping him=20 off. Five whole days by herself! It had been years since she had=20 sole possession of the house! Humming to herself, she=20 briskly put the house in order. Housework was a real pain;=20 however, it kept her busy while waiting for the phone to=20 ring. She had no clue as to why she was convinced that it=20 was Vachon who had visited, but she had not been surprised=20 at all by confirmation that he was in Los Angeles. If only the phone would ring. *********************************************************** Comments welcome. Please remember that all the French I=20 know, I learned from Forever Knight. :) Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 5/18 by Sherri L. Campbell For disclaimers, please see part 00/18. Thank you. Chapter Four Vachon leaned back against the bar. He watched with unwavering concentration as yet another slender figure writhed under the whip. Shaking his head, he hoped devoutly that LaCroix would never visit this establishment. "'Perversion', indeed!" he murmured softly into his drink. The two bars, the dance floor populated by the 'Goth' crowd dancing frenetically, the continuous loop of three seconds of a famous classic movie: all this would appeal to LaCroix's perverted sense of humor without a second thought. The bartender stood, polishing a glass, his long brown hair bound back by a small clip. "What was that, sir?" He inquired politely. Vachon looked back over his shoulder. "I said, this is a far cry from The Raven!" The slender bartender's eyebrow twitched. "The Raven? In Toronto?" Vachon turned and leaned forward, "You know it?" "Yes, I used to work there. When the bar changed ownership, I left. I am Miklos." Vachon hissed softly in surprise. He had heard of Miklos. "How unexpected! I am Vachon, Javier Vachon. This world is getting smaller by the day. So, when LaCroix purchased The Raven, you left?" Miklos had only a chance for a small nod, before he was called to the other end of the bar to serve others. One was a tall, menacing, spidery figure, who reminded Vachon of LaCroix. It was in the way he acted and moved. Vachon was pretty sure he was seeing the elder vampire who was in charge here. Not wanting to draw unwanted attention, Vachon decided it would be best to keep a low profile. He decided perhaps it would be best to go and renew his acquaintance with this old city. * * * * Becket turned his head and watched the younger vampire exit his bar. Beckoning Miklos to his side with one twitch of his finger, he murmured "Be so good as to apprise me of that one's background?" As Miklos complied, Becket quietly drank from an age-blackened goblet. Nodding, he made note. It was always good to keep an eye on the new 'blood' in town. * * * * Nick walked into The Raven looking for Vachon. The Anderson case was bothering him badly, and he needed some street information. As he scanned the crowd for the familiar mop of shaggy black hair, he was shocked to note that LaCroix was not only present, but was in a towering rage. It might not be evident to others, but it was quite apparent to him. As Nick had observed LaCroix, LaCroix had spotted him, and beckoned imperiously. There was no escape. He walked up to the bar and nodded at LaCroix. LaCroix turned, and walking to his office, waited for Nick to enter. LaCroix started speaking microseconds after the door slammed shut. "Nicholas, do you realize what that impetuous puppy has done now?" Nick had no idea of whom they were speaking. "Which impetuous puppy are we speaking of, LaCroix? And, no, I haven't heard of any rash actions by anyone lately." LaCroix stopped pacing and looked at Nick. "Javier Vachon," came the precisely enunciated syllables. "He has had the temerity to approach and 'bother' one of my people. He will pay for this; he will pay, dearly!" Nick was taken aback. "One of your people? What has he done?" LaCroix aimed his smoking eyes at Nick. "Nicholas, do not be dense! Vachon has been in Cherri Munoz's house, he has interfered with her life. I will *not* tolerate this!" "Cherri Munoz? The woman whom you dated after the charity auction? Why would Vachon go down to California to bother her?" "I do not know, but it will be the last blunder he makes." The chilling pronouncement by LaCroix caused Nick to swallow his defense of Vachon. There were times to argue with LaCroix, and this was not one of them. LaCroix pointed to the door, and with deadly politeness intoned, "I believe you were just leaving; am I correct, Nicholas?" Nick turned and left. It was obvious that Vachon wasn't in town, as LaCroix very rarely made a mistake in his facts. He thought with sorrow of the bravery he had witnessed in Vachon when he lay dying of the 'fever'; with a sigh, he realized this story would play itself out whatever action he took. There was nothing he could do at this time. LaCroix was deeply affronted. He paced and thought. Then he recalled his counterpart who owned a haven in Los Angeles. As he picked up the phone, a chilling smile spread across his patrician features. "After all, it is the least I can do." ************************************************************ Comments welcome. :) Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 06/18 by Sherri L. Campbell For disclaimers, please see part 00/18. Thank you. Chapter Five Becket replaced the phone into its cradle. It was a reasonable request, a small enough favor to do. After all, anything that placed Lucien LaCroix in his debt... couldn't be all that bad. The slow smile that spread upon his features mirrored that of LaCroix. Turning and walking into his office, he called his assistant to his side. "Jory, I need something done, quietly. That new vampire in town, Javier Vachon? Kill him." Jory nodded once, and, with quiet economy of motion, exited the office. Becket returned to sit in his wonted corner of the bar, and surveyed his kingdom. All was in order. He sat in complacency; a thin, menacing spider, in the center of his web. * * * * Jory was hunting. As all vampires do, he kept his eyes open around new vampires. He was aware that his prey was not young. But, neither was Jory. He thought Vachon was mostly a loner, although one of the children at the bar had known he was heading for the Zoo. Gliding to a silent perch on a rooftop, he searched. There. Over by the panther houses. Lifting again, he vanished into the dark night. * * * * Vachon was quietly observing the panthers. Normally, they would be kept inside. But he had heard that they would be left out for the next few weeks, while the panther houses were remodeled. He felt an affinity for the large black cats. They, too, were hunters. The wind rose, and the cats snarled. They sensed something in the night. Javier's head cocked to one side. Now, he too sensed there was more to the night, but what? With the strength and desperation born of nearly 500 years of survival, he moved. The shaft of wood missed his heart, sinking deep into his shoulder instead. He snarled, and fought with silent determination. He knew he had to win this, to survive again. The silence and desperation of the fight spun them around and around. With all of his strength he slammed the other vampire against the iron railing, again and again. They tumbled over into the enclosure. The whirling fight never hesitated. Abruptly his opponent was gone. He heard the snarling of the big cats and, with the dizzy nausea beginning to drag at him, realized the cats had grabbed the other vampire and were mauling him. Vachon knew it was time to flee. He had to get the wood out of his shoulder, and could not do so himself. With the dregs of his wits about him, he realized the other vampire probably had local sanction for his actions. He couldn't return to the haven then. The only other place he knew of was the mortal's house. With blinding speed, but slow for a vampire, he vanished. ********************************************************** All comments welcome. :) Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 7/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996. For Disclaimers, see part 00/18. Chapter Six ---------------------------------------------------------- The phone rang. Cherri dropped her broom, and snatched up the phone. "Yes?" LaCroix's suave tones came over the line perfectly. "Madame Munoz? You may relax. Vachon will not be troubling you further. If there is anything else I may do for you, please let me know." Before Cherri could say anything in answer, LaCroix hung up. Cherri slowly hung up the phone. "I wonder what he said to Vachon to make him leave?" She shook her head. "Oh well... at least I can enjoy five more days of peace and quiet before leaving on my trip... and I have the house to myself!" "What now?" she thought out loud. "I guess maybe I'll..." Her musings were broken by a quiet noise nearby. As she was alone in the house, except for the dog, and the dog was asleep at her feet... She quietly gathered herself, and listened intently. It seemed to be an eternity before she heard the noise again; it was in the garage. Picking up a poker, she ghosted to the garage. She reached the entrance, and, after quietly fumbling for the light switch, flipped it on. Her eyes quickly assessed the scene. There was somebody hunched over, head down, leaning against some boxes. She sucked in her breath, and firmly queried "Who are you? And what are you doing here?" The figure moved, painfully straightening. Cherri was shocked to realize it was Vachon. His face was whiter than was usual, even for a vampire. Her eyes took in the horrific scene. He was covered in blood, there was a stake in his shoulder, and, he was sitting in a pool of blood. "Oh Vachon! What... who?" He drew in a shuddering breath. "You must help me, please, for both our sakes. Before you can be safe from me, you must find me some blood. Please." Thinking of how to get blood for a vampire, a wounded, undeniably desperate vampire, Cherri was frantic. However, even with all the worry, she noted that he was polite, even in his need. "Don't worry, Vachon, I'll... find some for you. Can I call anyone local for you?" "No! No, call no-one! It would mean my life... yours as well!" The hoarse voice was desperate. "Shhh, shh. Okay, it's all right. I'll use my own resources." Cherri was trying to be reassuring, even around her own fear. Finally remembering the name of the blood technician she had a casual acquaintance with, she thought quickly, trying to come up with a good reason to ask for blood. "I'll be right back." Quickly moving into the utility room, she fetched a blanket, and ran back to the garage. "I know you're a vampire, but even vampires need warmth." Carefully and quickly, wary of his teeth, she wrapped the blanket around Vachon's shoulders, and quickly ran for the phone. * * * * "Eloise? This is Cherri. Hi, yes, I'm fine." Cherri was trying to control the fear and desperation in her voice. Listening to the quirky voice on the other end of the line, she decided on a line of attack. "You were mentioning the other day about how I could use blood to water my plants, and it would color the veining? I was wondering if there was someway I could get some to try this." Uneasily she laughed. "After all, I'm not a vampire, I can't go out to fetch my own!" After the laughing ended on the other end of the line, Eloise responded positively. "Oh Cherri, you are so funny, you call at 10 o'clock at night to ask if you can have some blood for your plants? Well, we aren't supposed to do this, but yes, there is some here you can have. Promise to use gloves, as blood screening isn't as perfected these days as it should be!" Cherri promised, and after some inane chit-chat, made arrangements to come straight over to fetch the blood. Running back into the garage, she leaned over Vachon. His appearance was nearly corpse-like, and she was terribly worried. His eyes slitted open, and he looked at her. The hunger and the pain were nearly more than she could bear. "Vachon, Hang on! I'll be right back. I don't know how good it will be, but it's blood!" He nodded once, and settled back to wait. * * * * Cherri tore out of the garage, desperately trying to remain calm. It was a bare mile to the hospital, and it was a struggle not to drive sixty all the way there. * * * * Cherri drove back into the garage, praying that Vachon was still ...'alive', for lack of a better term. Scrambling out of her car, she started calling. "Vachon?" Looking around, she couldn't see him anywhere. "Vachon?" The panic was beginning to build. /Do vampires disappear into dust when they die?/ She heard a small noise and, leaping to the source, realized that Vachon had pulled himself behind the boxes. His eyes opened, and all Cherri could see was green fire. There was a snarling noise, and Vachon moved weakly. His fangs were fully extended, and there was no intelligence in his eyes. Only hunger, hunger for blood. Her blood. Cherri was appalled by the sheer ferocity she saw before her. If he wasn't wounded mortally, she would be dead now. Gathering her courage, she reached into her bag, and, pulling out a liter of blood, tossed it to Vachon. The snarl escalated. Then, when he realized he had blood in front of him, he tore into it, and, within seconds, depleted the bag. He closed his eyes, then reopened them. The green fire was still there, as was the hunger, but Vachon looked out of his eyes as well. His voice rasped. "Cherri? Please. I won't hurt you... but you must remove this stake. I will not hurt you. Please?" Cherri wavered. "Have you enough control?" She was shocked to realize her voice was a tiny whisper. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "Can you control the hunger?" Vachon nodded wearily. Cherri sucked in a deep breath and, with the sure knowledge that she was crazy, walked to Vachon. Kneeling next to him, she moved his coat, and took a look at the wound. It was very bad. The stake was through the bony part of his shoulder. Muttering out loud, she stated the obvious. "I'm an engineer, not a doctor." Vachon's response caused a flutter of laughter. "If you say, 'He's dead, Jim'... I'm going to leave. Can we get on with this?" Cherri giggled slightly and, with a prayer for strength, wrapped her hands around the stake. "I'm sorry, this is going to hurt." Putting all her strength into the effort, she pulled sharply on the stake. A strangled shriek was the only result she got. The stake didn't budge. Cherri was desperate. She knew that Vachon couldn't survive much longer. Vachon drew a breath, and, on exhaling, shifted his body so he was flat on the floor. His eyes fluttered open. "You are only a mortal, Cherri. I'm sorry... you're going to have to use your feet too. Think of it as an engineering problem." He smiled very slightly, and his eyelids closed with frightening finality. *********************************************************** Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 8/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996, see disclaimers in part 00/18. Please make any comments to sherric@empnet.com. (Is anyone reading this?) Chapter Seven Looking down at Vachon, the suffering on his face unnerved Cherri. Her nausea and fright were nearly overwhelming. There was no choice though, she had to help. Taking a deep breath, she placed her foot on Vachon's upper arm. She placed her left knee upon his chest, below the wound. She wrapped both hands around the stake and, bracing herself, put her entire body into the effort. The stake shifted, but did not come out. Cherri knew she had to get it on the next try. Calming herself, she concentrated. Very calmly shifting herself to take advantage of the new angle of the stake, she drew in her breath, and released it. Drawing in a deeper breath, she exhaled as she threw her entire body into the effort of removing the stake. With a slight sucking noise, accompanied by a gush of blood, the stake withdrew from its bony bed. Reaching into her bag, she grabbed the gauze she had picked up from the store. Frantically ripping the package open, she placed the gauze on the gaping wound. Leaning on the wound, she grabbed another bag of blood and held it up to Vachon's mouth. As the bleeding lessened, Cherri realized the wound was actually closing in front of her. Feeling a tug on the bag of blood, she looked up, and realized Vachon had bitten the bag a mere inch from her hand, and was draining it. His eyes were still closed though. "Vachon?" Her voice was a mere whisper. She didn't feel as if she had the strength for a louder vocalization. His eyes opened. The green fire still glimmered, but strangely, she wasn't worried. "Any more of that? It's not fresh, but it will do..." Cherri nodded mutely and, digging another liter out of her bag, held it out to Vachon. He tried to take it, and was unable to lift his hand. Cherri realized he was still in very bad shape. As she leaned over to hold the bag for him to feed from, she realized she needed to consider where to hide a frightened, badly injured vampire. He was obviously not going to be going anywhere in the next few hours. Cherri looked back at Vachon. "You had best be thankful that my friend Eloise decided to clean out her cupboard of blood; she just had a fresh shipment in, and gave me eight whole liters!" There was no doubt in her head that she would end up feeding the whole lot to him in the ensuing hours. Cherri knelt by the semi-conscious vampire. Her mind was tumbling as she tried to think of the best place to put Vachon. The garage had windows and was obviously unsuitable. Casting her mind about, she decided the best place would be the walk-in closet in the Master Bedroom. With a little work, the place would be dark, and comfortable. Cherri looked at Vachon, trying to gauge his weight. "Hmm." /Are vampires lighter or heavier than they look?/ In a mortal, Cherri would guess someone Vachon's size at about 170. /Even on a good day, I can't carry 170 pounds of dead weight!/ Cherri looked around for inspiration. Her eyes fell upon the blanket she had wrapped Vachon in. /Aha!/ Quickly spreading the blanket out to Vachon's side, she was able to move Vachon onto the blanket. /This wasn't how I dreamt of touching him!/ As she leaned over him to straighten the blanket, she realized with shock that he was watching her. Vachon smiled angelically. "Thank you. I should heal rapidly now. There is more blood, isn't there?" Cherri fumbled for her bag, and held up another liter. "Good, I'll need it when I wake up. I will talk to you then." With that statement, Vachon closed his eyes and went still as death. Cherri looked at Vachon with dismay. /I still need to get him moved... It would have been nice if he could have helped!/ Sighing, she decided soonest started, soonest completed. Taking her bag into the house, she put the remaining liters of blood in the refrigerator. Glimpsing the string of garlic over the sink, she took a moment to take it out back. Clearing a path through the house took a few more minutes, then a few more arranging a comfortable pad out of spare blankets in the upstairs Master Bedroom closet. Returning to the garage, she gripped the edges of the blanket, and began to tug him into the house. /It certainly looks easier on television! How am I going to get him up the stairs?!/ * * * * Finally, all was in place. She had successfully manhandled Vachon into the closet, provided a pillow, and more blankets. She set a small touch-lamp within reach of his head and, grabbing the clothes she would need for the next day, closed the closet door. She then laid a folded towel as a daylight stopper along the crack. Walking back to the garage, she decided she had best remove the evidence; there was a lot of blood in there. If the neighbors saw it, there would be hell to pay. Grumbling slightly at the need for more work, Cherri fetched the garden hose and, turning the hose on, washed the garage floor. After what seemed like hours of effort, the garage was returned to its original state. Cherri staggered back into the kitchen. Staring bleary-eyed at the clock, she determined it was three in the morning. Not an unfamiliar hour for a night-owl, but not an hour to be performing any more feats of derring-do. "I don't care if there is a vampire in my closet! I'm going to go catch up on my sleep." With that determined mumble, Cherri flipped off all the lights in the house, and went to bed. "Oh, I hurt," she moaned, rubbing her back. Gradually her sore muscles began to relax. /I still don't believe I managed to get an unconscious vampire up those stairs. That blanket travois worked pretty well. Oh, well... tomorrow is another day, as they say!/ ************************************************************ Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 9/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996. For disclaimers see 00/18. Mild profanity in this part. All comments to sherric@empnet.com Chapter Eight Cherri groaned and peeled one eye open. It was daylight, but very subdued. "What time is it?" she muttered groggily into her pillow. "It must be quite early or late..." she mused as her brain started working, albeit fuzzily. Groaning again, she rolled over and gradually put her feet over the edge of the bed. Yawning mightily, she leaned over, and peered at the clock. "Five-thirty? It's 5:30 in the evening?" In amazement, Cherri looked back at the window. It was mostly shadowed, but some sunlight was streaking through. "Oh, man. I'd best get dressed!" Straightening up, Cherri was amazed to feel how stiff she was. "I wonder what I did to my back!" Doing a few stretching exercises pulled on her sore back, but she felt better afterwards. Looking around, she saw she had actually put clothes out on a chair before going to bed. Gathering them up, she wandered into the bathroom to take a shower. * * * * While brushing her teeth a half hour later, Cherri paused and looked in the mirror. She was forgetting something. But what? Looking around, she could see nothing that reminded her of whatever it was. Shaking her head, she finished with her teeth. Muttering, "Caffeine, caffeine is what I need...," Cherri headed for the kitchen. Plugging in the espresso maker and fussing with the familiar actions, she kept trying to remember what it was that she was supposed to be doing. "Damned if I know... I'm never staying up so late anymore. It certainly doesn't help me think." Pouring a cup of espresso, she realized the dog was barking. "What now?" Following the noise, she discovered she had locked Cory into the garage the night before. "Hey, dog. Here, you go out, and I'll get your food." Cherri opened the door into the yard and Cory ran out yapping. Sighing over the lapses from last night, Cherri put fresh bowls of water and dog food down. Wandering back into the kitchen, Cherri gathered up her cup of coffee and headed for the computer. "Time to check my mail... wonder what's been going on today?" Slurping on her espresso while the computer booted, she idly looked out the window. "Sure looks as if it was a pretty day! Too bad I wasn't able to go out today. Well, I guess I needed my sleep." Soon, the e-mail was downloading and her cup of espresso was empty. Looking into the cup, she decided she needed more. Getting up, she walked back into the kitchen and filled her cup. Deciding maybe she should eat something, she turned to the refrigerator and opened it. On the second shelf were five bags of blood. Cherri stood staring in shock as the color drained from her face. "Oh, my God! Vachon!" Cherri broke from her shocked stance. Grabbing three of the bags of blood, she turned and ran for the bedroom. Panting slightly she reached the bedroom. Looking about, she realized she had to make the room darker for Vachon's sake. Grabbing up a blanket, Cherri headed for the window. With brisk efficiency, she tucked the blanket around the window. There was one streak of sunlight shining through, but she decided she didn't want to take the time to find another heavy blanket. Picking up the bags of blood, she toed the towel out from in front of the closet door. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the door open. "Vach... erk!" Cherri was struck by a solid body, slamming her to the floor. The only thing that stopped the attack was Vachon's instinctive withdrawal from the streak of sunlight on her face and throat. In a vain attempt to save her life, Cherri pushed at Vachon with her hands, one of which was still gripping a bag of blood. Cherri's eyes were tightly shut. Her mind was whirling in terror, but gradually her spinning senses began to settle down and, she realized she was still alive. Taking a small breath, she opened her eyes. She was unable to move, as the weight of Vachon's body was pinning her to the floor. Her right hand was locked between Vachon's hands; he was cradling her hand holding the blood bag. She could feel his fangs through the plastic of the bag; his eyes were closed, the needy expression on his face caused her to realize the position she was in. As the bag emptied, she could feel the spasms that shook Vachon's body. Cherri could feel the blush that started at her toenails and worked its way steadily up to her hairline. Cherri realized that the bag was nearly empty. Glancing to the side, she could see another one to her left. She groped her hand out, and was able to reach it. The snarl that began to emanate from Vachon as the dregs of the blood flowed into his mouth frightened her. She quickly took the full bag and put it up to Vachon's mouth; after a slight hesitance, he bit into the second bag. Cherri transferred it into her right hand, which Vachon was still gripping. As Vachon worked on depleting the bag, Cherri looked frantically for the third bag. It laid to her right. Inches away, but infinity when she realized that she couldn't reach it with her left hand. Quietly she tried to move her right wrist out of his grip. The result was a grip that was painful in intensity. Cherri tried to choke her gasp of protest, but it escaped anyway. All movement stopped. Cherri flinched, then looked at Vachon. It was a sane Vachon that looked back at her. Cherri's relief was so great that for only the second time in her life, she passed out. As the darkness took her, she heard Vachon swearing darkly. *********************************************************** Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 10/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996. See disclaimers in 00/18. All comments welcome at sherric@empnet.com. Chapter Nine Cherri woke for the second time that evening. Drifting slightly, she realized that she was comfortably reclining against someone. /But, ... Carlos is out of town?/ The curiosity started waking her mind up, and she moved her hand. It was resting on someone's stomach. A bare stomach. Blinking furiously, Cherri twisted, and started to rise. The arm about her shoulder tightened, and prevented her from rising. Cherri turned her head, and was nose to nose with Vachon. She gasped. Blinking quietly, Vachon smiled. "I'm sorry. I wouldn't have frightened you for the world. If I had been myself..." Cherri broke in. "No! No, that's quite all right. I had no business forgetting to check on you earlier. I should have set the alarm. To allow an injured being to suffer without sustenance for over twelve hours was wrong of me." Cherri was teary-eyed due to the suffering she had inadvertently caused. Vachon looked at her with dawning respect and amazement; then, without warning, he leaned over and kissed her. Cherri gasped again, and Vachon took advantage of the parting of her lips. * * * * Cherri padded down the steps and retrieved the other two bags of blood from the refrigerator. Vachon was still too weak to move comfortably. Cherri was upset. She knew she couldn't fetch more blood from Eloise; she didn't have that many plants. Returning upstairs, she handed the bags to Vachon, then sat and leaned against the wall. Watching Vachon drink, Cherri thought furiously, then asked. "I don't understand, Vachon. Why would anyone try to kill you? You've only been here for two or three days." Vachon paused, then removed the bag from his lips. He sighed. "I never should have come back to your house. I have endangered you." Cherri shook her head in confusion. "Why?" Vachon looked down at the bag, then at his shoulder. "I... I don't know why, but as to who..." He shifted uncomfortably, and looked at Cherri. "Another vampire did this... and there is only one way it would happen. The master of this town had to have ordered my death." Cherri paled. "I don't understand, Vachon. What master of the city?" Vachon flinched. "I shouldn't have said that... but, I need your help. Somehow, I need to get back to Toronto. I... I think that if I can make amends at home, the assassins will be called off." Cherri gazed at Vachon. Her lower lip quivered slightly, and she dropped her gaze to her clasped hands. Twisting her hands in anguish, she looked up at Vachon. "Oh, no. I've caused this. I know I have." Vachon wrapped his arm around Cherri's shoulder, and rocked her slightly. "Now, none of that. What have you done that is so awful?" Cherri turned her head slightly, so as to watch Vachon out of the corner of her eyes. "I complained to LaCroix... I found evidence of your earlier visit here, and was frightened by it. I called LaCroix and asked if you were here in Los Angeles. I had no idea that it would cause you difficulty. I'm so sorry..." Breaking off in a modified wail, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed. Vachon held her, and let her cry. Mortals were incomprehensible some times, but he knew she needed the relief of tears. His mind was furiously churning, trying to come up with an escape from the trap in which he inadvertently found himself. Cherri finally gulped one last time, and pulled herself together. Soggily, she looked at Vachon. "I'm sorry. Crying won't help, will it?" Shaking her head, she wiped her eyes, and closed her eyes in thought. When she opened them, she had a steely expression and determination was written on her face. "Okay, here's what we need to do. First, we need to find you a source of food. Then, we need to get back to Toronto, and get LaCroix to rescind his order for your execution. Have you any suggestions for finding you more sustenance?" Vachon blinked, taken aback by this new facet of Cherri. /Well, when she decides to take charge, she's quite assertive./ "Well, I can drink the last of what you fetched, and probably go get some, at least enough to make do. Have you thought how I can get back to Toronto? With my injuries, I won't be able to pass as an uninjured human at this time." Cherri thought. There had to be some way. ---------------------------------------------------------- Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 11/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996. See 00/18 for disclaimers. All comments welcome. Chapter Ten Cherri's mind was spinning frantically. There had to be some way to move an injured vampire to Toronto. It was obvious that he needed more blood as well. She couldn't get Eloise to give her more without detailed explanations. She... "Hmm." /What would make a vampire heal really fast?/ Turning her head, she saw that Vachon was watching her intently. Opening her mouth to ask, she faltered. /I've done so much damage, already. Can I ask this?/ Vachon noticed Cherri begin to speak and then bite her lip. "What is it, Cherri? You have saved my life, do not fear me." Cherri glanced at him and then looked down. "I was thinking... If you could feed from another vampire, would you heal faster?" Vachon looked at Cherri. She was twisting the blanket which covered him, into knots. She was obviously planning something. He could see no harm in answering her query though. "Yes, if I drank from another, especially one older than I, the healing would be very fast. This doesn't matter though, as there are no vampires in Los Angeles I can trust." Cherri nodded once, and looked at Vachon. "I caused this damage to you by my actions. Please trust that I want to make amends. I'll be right back." Suiting actions to words, Cherri was on her feet, and down the hall before Vachon could speak. He could hear vague noises, but in his weakened state, could not make out what the noises were. He frowned in concern. Mortals were mysteries at times, and this appeared to be one of those times. "I have no idea what that child is up to, and that worries me." Leaning back, he decided to wait and see. After all, that was all he was capable of at this moment. * * * * Cherri dialed the phone with shaking hands. "I pray that what I heard while in Toronto was correct." Listening to the ringing on the far end, her knuckles were white with tension. "Coroner. Lambert." "Uh, you don't know me, but my name is Cherri Munoz. I... um, have a friend who speaks highly of you." The cool, slightly wary tones came clearly over the phone. "And, just whom is this friend?" Praying that she was right, Cherri spoke. "Vachon, his name is Vachon." Dr. Natalie Lambert's quick intake of breath was distinct. "Why would Vachon give you my name?" "He, I, he...," Cherri heard her voice spiraling up in hysteria. That would not do. She took a deep breath. When she spoke next, her voice was firm. "Vachon is injured and needs help. It is help I think only one of your friends can provide." Her voice broke slightly. "Please. He may die." The slow exhalation was the only sound that Natalie could make. /Vachon sure spends enough time on a death bed, for a vampire!/ "Where are you? I can come..." Cherri broke in. "No, no. I'm in Los Angeles. I don't think you can help. Your friend can, if he will. Please." Taking a deep breath, she rattled off her phone number. "Have him call. Please?" Hanging up, she stared in fright at the instrument. /I may have bought our death with that call./ Barely five minutes passed before the phone rang. With trembling hand, Cherri answered. "Hello?" "This is Nick. I understand you have a sick friend." "Yes. He is very sick. I think only you can help him. I...." her voice faded. She looked up at the stairs, then down at the floor. Taking a grip on her emotions, she continued. "He is in more trouble than just being sick. I...maybe, you can help with that, as well?" Her voice squeaked at the end. She hated it when that happened. Nick made some quick calculations. "All right, Cherri. Relax. I can be in Los Angeles before the night is over. Why is he... No, I won't ask now. We'll talk when I get there." Taking quick notes of Cherri's address, and directions to her house from the airport, he nodded twice, and hung up. Turning to Natalie, he was struck by her concern. "It's all right, Nat. Vachon has just gotten in over his head, nothing to concern you. I'll book off tonight and tomorrow, and be home before you know it." Radiating confidence, Nick leaned over and kissed Nat on the forehead, before striding from the lab. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 12/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996. See 00/18 for disclaimers. All comments welcome. (I dare you to make a comment... what does it take, guys?) Chapter Eleven Cherri turned and dragged herself back up the stairs. She had done all she could. Vachon looked at her as she walked back into the room. She was pale and drawn. He shook his head. "Cherri, come, sit." Vachon patted the floor beside his bed. Cherri walked over slowly, and sat. Wryly grinning at Cherri, Vachon reached out, and tugged on her hair. "You want to 'fess up what you've done? Or, do I have to wait for it?" Cherri looked at Vachon worriedly. Chewing on her bottom lip, she decided that she should tell him. "Well, not being made of money... I decided the only way to get you back to Toronto, was if you walk on the plane under your own power." Vachon looked at Cherri warily. "How are we going to manage this? I won't be able to walk easily for at least another day or two..." Cherri blinked. At last, when no other inspiration came to her, she blurted out the truth. "I called Nick. He's on his way to help you." Vachon flinched. Nick was LaCroix's, and, if LaCroix wanted him dead...."Cherri, this may not have been a good idea." "I don't care. You are injured, and you need help. I can't let you die. I won't let you die." Vachon sat quietly amidst her passionate response. "But, Cherri? What if he's coming to kill me?" Cherri looked at Vachon, her mouth open in shock. Her mind spun back into gear, and she snapped her mouth shut, then clenched the muscles in her jaw. "In that case, he'll have to go through me first!" * * * * Several hours of uneasy dozing later, Cherri was roused by a slight thump from downstairs. Glancing at Vachon, she was glad to see he was still sleeping. Quietly, she slid to her feet, and down the stairs. There was a repeated slight tapping at the front door. Cherri looked out quickly, then opened the door, reached out, and hauled the blond, blue-eyed detective inside. His hair was tousled by the wind, and, even in her worry, she noted he was quite good looking. "Nick. Before anything else... you must give me your word that you are not going to harm Vachon. Please." Nick looked at Cherri. He could see the lines of shock and worry on her face. He smiled with devastating warmth. "Cherri. I give you my word. I won't harm him. However, it would be best for all of us if we get him back on his feet quickly." Cherri stared at Nick. The luminescent quality of his smile had been almost overwhelming, and, coupled with his promise to not harm Vachon, had nearly beaten her mind to unthinking protoplasmic catatonia. Expanding his senses, Nick could 'feel' Vachon upstairs. Tugging slightly on Cherri's arm, he guided her back upstairs. Stepping into the bedroom, he could see Vachon struggling to rise. Moving quickly, he restrained Vachon and, before saying anything, bared his arm, and held it to Vachon's mouth. Cherri's eyes flared wide with shock as she saw Vachon bury his fangs deep into Nick's arm. It was difficult not to remember the sensation of Vachon on top of her, and the scrape of his fangs on her hand. Swallowing slightly, she moved to the bed, and seated herself. Several minutes later, Vachon released Nick's arm. Bending forward, he leant his head on his knees. Nick methodically wiped his forearm off, and pulled his coat sleeve down. Hearing the soft gasp behind him, he turned and looked at Cherri. "What is it, Cherri?" Wrinkling her forehead, Cherri looked at Nick. "Um. Doesn't that hurt?" Nick laughed. Of all the questions he expected from a mortal who had observed him feeding a fellow vampire, this was unexpected. "No, no, really, it doesn't hurt." Smiling slightly, he continued. "After all, you do know how vampires make love, don't you?" Cherri stuttered and blushed. "I-I hadn't really given it much thought!" Nick rose to his feet, and stepped to her side. "I am sorry, that was unfair of me." Taking her hand, he bowed over it. "Please, forgive me." Cherri blushed an even fierier shade of red. "Oh, there is nothing to forgive. I am just being silly." Trying to compose herself, she glanced at Vachon. "Will he be all right?" Nick nodded. "Yes, he'll be fine in a few minutes. However, can you tell me what happened? I need to know." Cherri looked at Nick. Nodding once, she began expounding the events of the last two nights. By the time she was finished, it was nearing dawn. "I didn't know what else to do. All I could think of, was to call you. Have you any ideas?" Nick frowned at his feet. "Well, you have managed to put LaCroix on the warpath. Once angry, it takes time to divert that anger. I'll have to think about it." Sighing, he turned to the window. "It's nearly dawn. Is there someplace safe to spend the day?" Rummaging around, Cherri fetched another set of blankets and pillows, and fixed up the other closet, as Nick indicated he would like his privacy. By the time everything was sun-proofed, and the two vampires were tucked away for the day, she was exhausted. "I hope you two have a good sleep. Goodnight, Nick. Goodnight, Vachon." As she fell into bed, she was struck by a thought. /Yesterday, I had one vampire in my closet. Today, I have two vampires in my closet. I don't think I want to know what will happen tomorrow./ Her eyes fluttered shut, and she fell into a deep sleep. In his hide-out, Nick heard the mortal's heartbeat fade to sleep. "How do I save these two? LaCroix is not terribly forgiving." Sighing, he composed himself to sleep. /Tomorrow is soon enough./ ---------------------------------------------------------- Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 13/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996, see 00/18 for disclaimers. Chapter Twelve Becket was pacing back and forth with the quick, jerky movements of a spider. The rage was self-evident on his face. "I want to know where Jory is. I want to know what has happened to him! And I want that young vampire named Vachon! Now!" Nearly spitting in rage, his voice was a lash on his subordinates. His minions vanished to tend to his requests. * * * * Simi was heading back to the haven after a night out. Her course took her past the zoo. Glancing down, she saw the panthers were pacing in the moonlight. The panthers were her favorite; she judged she had time to stop before dawn. Landing on the roof of their house, she noticed an apparent bundle of rags; peering closer, she was shocked to see Jory's favorite belt buckle gleaming in the moonlight. Sucking in her breath in shock, she knew she needed to tell Becket. As she launched into flight, she shivered, knowing how Becket was going to react. * * * * A short time later, a flying figure paused in the air, cocked his head, and settled to the ground even though dawn was approaching. His senses reported there were vampires in that house, yet he knew none of his kind lived in this area. Ghost-like, he approached the house. Listening intently, he could sense two vampires and a mortal. He didn't recognize the name "Nick", but Vachon was the one Becket was looking for. Nodding once, he grinned. Becket was going to be so pleased with him! * * * * Becket was going over the books with Miklos. It was nearly dawn, the end of the night. A commotion at the door piqued his interest. One of the young ones, one called Miguel, broke past his doorman, and trotted toward his table. "Senor Becket, Senor Becket! I have found the one you search for!" Miguel was smug with victory. Becket leaned back, a small vicious smile on his face. "Very good, Miguel; is he dead?" Miguel paused, uncertain. "Uh, no... No, senor. He wasn't alone. He was with another vampire, an older vampire. I thought it best to come tell you!" Just then, Simi trotted up to Becket's table. Panting slightly from her hurried flight and shock, she leaned over Becket. "Sir, I'm sorry, I found Jory." Becket looked at her without blinking. "And?..." Simi looked at the table top. "He's dead, sir; he has to be. I found his clothes and his belt buckle at the zoo." Becket's reaction surprised her. He merely nodded once, and refocused on the younger vampire. Becket looked at Miguel. "Now, Miguel. Another vampire? When all know I seek this one's death?" Miguel nodded. "Yes, sir. I didn't see him; however, I heard his name was Nick." Becket sat musing, "Nick...Nicholas? No, I don't recognize the name. No matter, when evening comes, you will lead a strike team against them. Vachon, and this 'Nick' will die!" Miklos looked at him, and at the younger vampire. /Nick? Nicholas? LaCroix won't like this at all!/ Knowing Becket, and what Becket was capable of, he thought he had best warn LaCroix. If anyone harmed Nicholas, all hell would break loose! Becket leaned forward to expound upon his instructions. Quickly, Miklos decided he had best leave using the excuse of closing the bar for the evening. Becket waived him off without interrupting the flow of instructions. * * * * Miklos dialed the phone number from memory. He did not look forward to the upcoming conversation. On the third ring, it was answered. "Hello? Is LaCroix there?" After a short pause, he heard the remembered voice. "LaCroix? It is Miklos. I now am working for Becket, and I think there is something you should know..." ----------------------------------------------------------- Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 14/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996, see 00/18 for disclaimers. Chapter Thirteen Lucien LaCroix paced quietly in his office. It was not anxious pacing, nor fretful pacing. It was the movement of a natural predator, smooth and silent. He was thinking furiously. /Nicholas has left town, I cannot find him anywhere. I must know where he has gone./ Stopping suddenly, he realized what he would have to do. Stepping to his desk, he lifted the handset and dialed a number. "Coroner. Lambert." "Ah, Dr. Lambert. Good Morning." He strove to make his voice as unthreatening as possible. "LaCroix?" Natalie's voice cracked. She couldn't believe he had phoned her. /What does he want?/ Her mind gibbered in terror. /This is something to do with Nick's trip./ "Yes, Doctor. I was hoping you could answer a question for me." The suave tones rolled over the telephone lines. Warily, Natalie responded. "Well, of course, anything within reason, LaCroix." "Good. I need to know where Nicholas went. He seems to have left town without contacting me." The dulcet tones poorly masked his stiff resentment at being the supplicant in this conversation. "Oh. Um..." Natalie's mind was racing. Nick hadn't really said where he was going... but she was sure she shouldn't tell LaCroix anything. "He didn't say, LaCroix. He only said he was booking off tonight and tomorrow night. I can't help you." LaCroix's lips curled back in response. /I know this mortal is lying about something!/ "Why, Dr. Lambert! I am surprised at your response. After all, I do have Nicholas's best interests at heart." Natalie silently shook her head. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you what I don't know." The doors to her autopsy room flew open as a gurney was pushed in. "I must go; work just came in the door." With relief, she hung up the phone. /I don't know. I don't want to know. That is all the answer you're going to get, LaCroix/. With a sigh, she moved over to the body. "What've we got?" LaCroix replaced the handset. The frustration and rage were beginning to boil out of control, when the phone rang almost immediately. Allowing someone else to field the call, he returned to pacing. The intercom clicked. "M. LaCroix? The phone call is for you." Turning, he picked up the phone. "Yes?" Listening intently to the voice on the other end, he nodded quietly. "I understand, Miklos. Thank you for informing me of this problem." With a sigh, he seated himself at his desk. He had less than an hour before dawn to make travel arrangements. "Nicholas, what am I ever going to do with you?" The weariness in his voice spoke volumes. Shaking his head, he reached for his telephone. He was obviously going to have to take a private jet to Los Angeles to avert the upcoming tragedy. After making travel arrangements for a darkened jet, he pondered his options. It was obvious that Becket was raging over the loss of his henchman, and the resultant loss of face. That Becket intended the death of not only Vachon, but also Nicholas and LaCroix's mortal was readily apparent, and somewhat understandable. Reaching for the telephone, he dialed Becket's number. He at least had to try to warn him off. * * * * LaCroix settled himself into the darkened executive jet. It was not something he preferred to do, this traveling in the daytime, but it was obvious he needed to be in Los Angeles when dusk fell. Becket had been obnoxious over the telephone line. Nicholas must be preserved, as must Cherri Munoz. If that meant that Vachon must also be spared, then, so be it. LaCroix leaned back in the seat, as the Learjet powered up for takeoff. Blocking out the sounds, he began to apply his centuries of strategy and tactics experiences to work on finding a solution to this matter. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 15/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996. For Disclaimers see 00/18 Chapter Fourteen Cherri woke. With a sigh, she rolled over and looked at the clock. "Oh, no. I've slept all day, again!" With another sigh, she stared at the ceiling. "What is wrong with me?" She heard Cory barking downstairs. "Well, I guess I'd best get..." She broke off, wildly looking at the closets in her bedroom. "Oh my! Nick and Vachon!" Looking at her state of undress, she rapidly rolled out of bed and, grabbing her clothes, headed for the bathroom. A few minutes later, Cherri stepped out of the bathroom, feeling much better. Standing in front of the mirror, she was pulling a comb through her tangled locks, when she became aware that Nick was standing next to her. Stifling a small shriek, she looked at him. He was wearing rumpled black silk pajamas, and looked like a small sleepy boy. /Well, not so small, I suppose/, as her eyes traveled up from his feet. Nick smiled, as if aware of her thoughts. "Good day. May I use your shower?" Stuttering slightly, Cherri nodded acquiescence. "Of-of course. Here is a towel." Blushing furiously for no reason, she fled toward the kitchen. Nick smiled quietly, and headed for the shower. * * * * The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso a short time later. Cherri was on her second cup of cafe con latte and was feeling much more human, when the door bell rang. She jumped to her feet and went to answer it. Nick was descending the stairs as she reached the front door. She smiled at him as she swung the door open. She was taken aback at the figure on the doorstep. "LaCroix?" Her voice squeaked in surprise. Nick stopped in shock. LaCroix's eyebrows rose at their greeting. "Am I not welcome here?" Cherri swallowed, and sputtered in greeting. "I, I was just taken aback. I did not expect to see you here! Step in, please." Suiting actions to words, she tugged gently on LaCroix's arm. He smiled gently and stepped inside. Laying a small kiss on Cherri's forehead, he looked at Nicholas. "You look shocked to see me here, Nicholas. Is it so surprising that I should come to Los Angeles?" Nick stood looking at him. "I was wondering just why you chose to come to Los Angeles at this time, LaCroix? You don't travel lightly." LaCroix smiled. "Is it not obvious? I came to rescue you from your folly. So, just where *is* Vachon?" Cherri paled in shock. Looking wildly at Nick, she pleaded silently for his help. Nick shook his head slightly at her. Looking back at LaCroix, Nick spoke. "Folly? What folly is this?" He ignored the issue of Vachon, hoping it would pass. "Oh, Nicholas, do you think I don't know why you came to Los Angeles? You came to rescue Vachon and Madame Munoz. Because of Vachon's actions against Becket's pet assassin, Becket wants Vachon worse than I do. Becket, and his minions, will be arriving shortly. I would be very distressed if anything happened to Madame Munoz, or, for that matter, yourself." Delivered in quiet rolling tones, the bad news sank in like stones dropped in a stream. Nick looked at LaCroix. "Is Becket the local power?" At LaCroix's confirming nod, he suppressed a shiver. Looking at Cherri, he winced. "Becket won't care to keep a mortal alive who knows of our existence. We have to stop this somehow." LaCroix glowered at the two of them. "And, just where is Vachon?" Expanding his senses, he heard the slight movement of a vampire upstairs. Raising his voice, he called to him. "Vachon, get down here. *NOW*!" Vachon suddenly stood uncertainly at the head of the stairs. He glanced at Nick and Cherri, then stood staring at LaCroix. LaCroix sighed, then spoke. "Come down here. I won't bite." Ignoring the suddenly hysterical giggling from Cherri, he watched as Vachon descended the stairs. It was obvious that he had been badly injured, and was just recovering. "Nicholas? Did you feed him?" LaCroix spoke suddenly, looking at Nick for confirmation. At Nick's answering nod, he shook his head in despair. "Oh, Nicholas, you can't expect someone to recover off a diet of cow's blood." Taking two strides, he was suddenly standing next to the wobbly vampire. Baring his wrist, he held it to Vachon. Vachon looked at LaCroix in confusion. "I don't understand. You wanted me dead?" The scent of the blood being offered to him was nearly more than he could stand. LaCroix shook his head. "I am unaccustomed to explaining myself. I will say this once. Becket has determined to kill all in this house, and this I will not allow. Since you are a guest of Madame Munoz, who obviously is concerned for you, you are safe from me. Do you wish to feed, or not?" Vachon didn't hesitate. With avid grace, he grabbed the proffered wrist and sank his teeth in it. Gulping gratefully, his eyes closed in near bliss, he leaned against LaCroix's shoulder. Cherri looked at LaCroix and Vachon. Then at Nick. She felt strangely alien in her own house. The implied and expressed erotica inherent in vampire feeding vampire began to stir dangerous emotions within her. Nick looked at Cherri, and stepped to her side. He seemed to understand what was happening. "It's okay, Cherri. Some things are better left unseen." With care and gentleness, he guided her back into the kitchen for more espresso. A little later they were all seated around the kitchen table. Vachon spoke first. "So, what have you planned, LaCroix?" LaCroix leaned back in his chair. He was absently fondling a wine glass filled with deep red "wine". "I would rather not have to fight, yet I cannot leave Cherri Munoz unprotected here in Los Angeles. Becket is aware of this house, and of the mortal who knows of vampires. I sent him a message to call off his hunters before I left Toronto. I hope he will retreat; however, that is not one of Becket's strong points." Nicholas sat staring despondently into his glass. He was hungry, yet aware of the contents of the glass. It was not cow. He drank, then shuddered slightly. "There are few ways to stop an ancient who is determined on a course of action." LaCroix leaned over to touch Nick lightly on the shoulder. "It will work out, Nicholas, I do have a plan." -------------------------------------------------------- Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 16/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996, see 00/18 for disclaimers. Chapter Fifteen Vachon gulped down his glass of "wine." He was still shaking with the sensations of feeding from LaCroix. He now knew more about the relationship between LaCroix and Nick than he had ever wanted to know. Vachon wanted to feed even more. The scent of Cherri's blood was almost more than he could stand at this moment. He looked up, and saw that Nick was watching him with compassion and wariness. Vachon nodded, and grimaced slightly. Turning his head slightly, he focused on LaCroix. Hesitating to speak, lest he reverse the absolution he had been given, nevertheless it was necessary. "LaCroix? What do we do now?" Cherri looked up from studying her glass of Ribena. She too looked at LaCroix. LaCroix reached over, and taking the wine bottle, poured himself more to drink. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at Vachon, then Cherri, then Nicholas. "We need to decide on a course of action, and implement it within the hour. Becket will not wait past midnight to launch his attack on this house. If we decided to fight, we must kill Becket at the outset. If we decide to deceive him, we will need to make it absolutely ironclad. Either way, we will not get a second chance." Cherri took a large swallow of Ribena. Nervously, quite aware she was a lone mortal amidst three vampires, she spoke. "Could you perhaps, expound upon what you mean by 'fight' or 'deceive', M. LaCroix?" He smiled avuncularly at Cherri. It was a chilling sight. "Call me Lucien, please, Cherri. If we decided to fight, we must kill Becket, and any others who would harm us or you. If we decide on deceit, we would have to do so in such a manner as to leave you here in Los Angeles in safety, without Becket and the others being aware that you know of the existence of vampires, and let us return safely to Toronto." Cherri looked at LaCroix. "But..." She was interrupted by the sound of the front door and the back door being simultaneously kicked open. The three vampires reacted instantaneously to the assault. Cherri leaped to her feet and grabbed for some of the garden stakes she had been working on earlier in the week. The next few minutes were the craziest blur that Cherri had ever survived. LaCroix, Nick, and Vachon were all fighting savagely, the fights were marked by the sound of furniture being knocked flying, and vicious snarling. Cherri could see bits and pieces of the fighting going on from where she was standing. Just as she decided to try and help Vachon in his battle, as he was still weak, a vampire came charging at her. Cherri dodged to her left, swinging up the stake she was holding in her right hand. The vampire was moving so fast he impaled himself before he realized she had a stake. Cherri gasped, and realized that she had best drive the stake completely home. With a sharp twisting upthrust the stake was completely buried in her opponent. As the body sank to the floor, Cherri snatched another stake into her right hand, and charged to help Vachon. In moments she reached the side of the beleaguered vampire and, without pausing to think, drove the second stake into Vachon's opponent, twisting it savagely into his heart. Vachon threw the body from him, and leaping to his feet, made sure that his opponent was dead. Grabbing the third stake from Cherri's hand, he leaped toward the sound of the fighting in the front hall. Cherri followed quietly and, peering into the front hall, she watched the rest of the fighting. LaCroix had a tall, spidery vampire down and was ripping at his throat, and Nick was struggling with one at the foot of the stairs. As Nick rolled to the side, pulling his opponent with him, Vachon leaned in and plunged the stake home. In moments, Nick's opponent kicked his last. As Nick rose to his feet, the sound of breaking bones and ripping came from where LaCroix was fighting. Cherri spun and looked, and then wished she had not. LaCroix's opponent was most definitely dead, not to be resurrected. She gulped twice, and told her stomach to behave. Taking a deep breath, she looked around. "My house! Oh, no!" The damage to the furniture and fixtures in the hallway and living room was pretty well complete, not to mention there was blood everywhere. LaCroix took two steps to where Cherri was standing. Pulling her to him, he hugged her to his shoulder. Muttering quiet platitudes to Cherri, he pulled her away from the scene of carnage, and motioned to the others to remove the evidence. As he guided her upstairs, he was frowning in thought. -------------------------------------------------------- Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim, 17/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996, see 00/18 for disclaimers. Comments welcome. Chapter Sixteen Nick and Vachon walked back in the front door of Cherri's house, and surveyed their work. With the exception of one broken chair that couldn't be salvaged, they had put everything back to rights. The blood stains had yielded at last to their experienced ministrations. The bodies had been dealt with, permanently, and they were hoping that the work was done for the evening. LaCroix joined them in inspecting the results of their labor. "Well, gentlemen, this is not the result I would have hoped for, but I am glad to see that you have cleared the evidence away." Nick turned and looked at LaCroix soberly. "I believe a thank you is in order, LaCroix. I... I think we owe you our lives." Vachon nodded quietly in agreement. LaCroix frowned at the two younger vampires. "Yes, well. I believe this will point out the dangers inherent in randomly traveling on a whim. I hope that the local Community is going to leave Cherri alone with the cover story you have cooked up with Miklos." Nick looked at Vachon, then back to LaCroix. "Well, I hope the story will hold. Miklos assures me that with Becket missing, that there is no real leader. The fact that Miklos is willing to swear that Cherri Munoz is not implicated in the disappearance of Becket and the others should be enough to protect her." LaCroix nodded soberly. "Well, I have taken steps that should protect her as well. I believe another one of my marks should be enough to protect her." Vachon flinched at the reminder that he had been attracted to her despite one of LaCroix marks. LaCroix looked at him, and raised one impeccable eyebrow. Vachon just smiled nervously, and backed away toward the kitchen. "Drink, anyone?" Nick nodded and looked at LaCroix. "Well, I suppose we should make plans to return to Toronto." LaCroix strode into the kitchen. "I have that well in hand. There is a private jet waiting for us at Los Angeles International. You may both return with me." Pouring himself a glass of "wine", he looked at the two younger vampires. "Will you join me in a toast?" Just then there was a clatter of feet down the stairs. Cherri trotted into the kitchen, still rather pale. Stepping up to LaCroix, she stared at him pugnaciously. "You were trying to make me sleep, weren't you? Well, for your information, I intend to see you off on your return trip." LaCroix smiled gently. "Now, Cherri, you'll just have to wave to us from the back yard. Unless you've learned how to fly?" Cherri frowned in disappointment. "Well, all right." Looking around at the others, she noted that they were all holding wine glasses. Picking up her glass, she refreshed it with more Ribena. Looking back at LaCroix, she smiled at him, and continued. "You were proposing a toast?" LaCroix smiled at her, and responded. "Why, yes." Lifting his glass, he continued. "I propose a toast, gentlemen. To Cherri Munoz!" "Cherri!" As they spoke in unison, the three vampires raised their glasses to her. All Cherri could do was blush in embarrassment. In return, she lifted her glass to them. "I can only state that I will never, ever, forget this time with you all! Thank you!" As Nick and LaCroix retrieved their few pieces of luggage, Vachon stepped over to Cherri. "I can never repay you for what you have done for me. Not being accustomed to being in debt to a mortal, um... is there anything I can do to say thanks?" Cherri reached out and grasped Vachon's hand. "I would like to think you'll come visit once in a while? And... hmm." Breaking off in confusion, she blushed again. Vachon brushed his hand down her jaw, then lifted her chin to look her in the eye. "Ask. If it is in my ability, it shall be yours." Cherri smiled weakly and whispered. "Can I have a lock of your hair? Please?" Vachon smiled, amused beyond all reason. "Of course you may." Suiting action to words, he reached up and cut off a lock of his hair, binding the end of the lock together with a tied off hair. Reaching out, he tucked the lock of hair into her shirt pocket. Leaning over, he kissed her on the forehead. "I'll never forget you." Nick stepped to Cherri's side. "Well, if everyone is getting to say goodbye to our gracious hostess..." He smiled and gently kissed her on her cheek. "We had best be going." Cherri turned in confusion and bumped into LaCroix. Looking up, she smiled. "Thank you for helping me. I can't tell you how grateful I am." LaCroix leaned over, and brushing her hair gently back from her face, kissed her on the lips. "I, too, will never forget you. I shall visit from time to time." Cherri walked them to the back door. "I... I would really like to see you all again." As they strode into the back yard, she waved. In less than a blink of an eye, they rose into the air, and were gone. Her eyes misted over. "Good-bye! I'll see you again sometime." ------------------------------------------------------------ Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros A Forever Knight Story Whim 18/18 by Sherri L. Campbell c1996, see 00/18 for disclaimers. I hope you enjoyed this story... let me know, will you? Epilogue Vachon stood on the river bank. His long hair stirred with the night breezes. "Well, Screed, you should have been with me. I got into more trouble in Los Angeles than you would believe." Sighing, he seated himself next to the small mound that held his friend. Holding a bottle in one hand, he had his arms wrapped around his knees, and was rocking slightly. "I don't know, Screed, it got so messy that I was actually rescued by a mortal, and then by Knight, and then by LaCroix." With a second sigh, he took another drink. "I really don't know why it turned out that way. I didn't really do anything wrong, it was just a whim." Shaking his head, he looked out at the river. "I just didn't seem to do anything right, either. I... I miss you, Screed." He stood gracefully. "It's not right. You should still be here." Angrily, he shook his head, the blood tears trickling down his face. Scrubbing his face with the back of his hand, he looked at the bottle he held. Finally, he tipped it up over the grave. "For you, Sailor. For you." Throwing the empty bottle into the river, he turned and strode away. The End ----------------------------------------------------------- Sherri sherric@empnet.com FFF Save FK: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/ Teniente de los companeros del Vachon y Vaqueros