Tracy took the top file and opened it, not really caring about the case. It was old, and there was so little to go on that it would probably be filed with the unsolveds shortly. The dead guy had been despised by many, and yet they all had alibis. It didn't seem like a case worth solving. Her cold attitude shocked her only a bit. Her perspective was changing daily and she wasn't sure anymore what was right and wrong.
Feeling Nick's eyes on her, she looked up surprised to see the intent gaze with soft gold flecks and wondered what was running through his mind now.
"Thanks, Tracy," he said.
She grinned broadly. "I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to return the favor, bro."
He laughed. "I hope for your sake, not too many."
"Nick," she asked, laying aside the folder. "I understand that you don't want me involved with the Jacobs case, but, will you tell me about it? Keep me informed? And I promise to stay out."
His smile softened and he considered her request. Then he nodded. "Fine. But, let's talk in the car."
"So where will we go?"
"To see Nat," he said. Once inside the caddy, he started to tell her what little he'd learned. "The victim was Alvin Jacobs. He was 33, from Louisiana, and we haven't learned much about him yet. We don't know why he was in Toronto, or who he knew, only that he arrived here four weeks ago and he was asking a lot of questions about you."
Tracy jumped. "Me? Why me?"
Nick shrugged. "I haven't a clue."
Tracy's heart beat twice in quick succession and her hands trembled.
"What's wrong?" Nick prodded.
"I wish I had never gone to see dad," she said, as two red tears spilled down her pale cheeks.
Nick had had similar feelings, but he thought they were over that now.
"I overheard him talking to someone on the phone, and it sounded like he was somehow involved in this murder."
"Tracy? Are you sure? What exactly did you hear?"
Tracy closed her eyes to concentrate better. Then carefully, she told Nick everything she remembered. "I don't love him, Nick. I don't even like him. But, I don't want to see him dead. I just wish he'd go away and leave me alone," she confessed.
Nick nodded and put an arm around her shoulders. "I can understand that. Tracy, tonight, when you go home, tell LaCroix everything you just told me. Alright?"
She nodded, wiping away the tears. "But why?"
"Well, for one, you don't want him to think you were keeping information from him, and for two, it will make a difference how he handles the commissioner in the future."
Nick held open the door for her, absently showing that outdated chivalry she'd accused him of before. Tracy just grinned and went in. Maybe some habits could not be changed. She didn't really mind the gossip, either. It was kind of funny.
"So why are we here?" She asked.
Nick pulled her closer and whispered softly. "Nat wants to meet you, now that you're one of us. Do you mind if she takes a blood sample?"
It seemed like a strange request. Tracy had heard about Nick's desire to become mortal again. She thought it was ridiculous, and wondered why LaCroix permitted him to search. Still, he looked so hopeful just then, and she still felt responsible for getting him in trouble. She simply shrugged. "I guess."
"Thanks, kid," he said, and grinned at her.
Natalie got up from her desk as they entered. Tracy noted that there were no bodies visible. Nick must have asked her to put them away before bringing her in. Tracy didn't mind the added consideration. Bodies no longer grossed her out, and she no longer felt embarrassed, like she had to prove herself. Now they just looked tasty.
"Hi, Tracy," Natalie said awkwardly. "I've been looking forward to this. Can you stay and chat?"
Tracy looked at Nick. He nodded. "I'll wait outside," he said.
Natalie looked surprised, like he didn't trust her with Tracy.
"LaCroix's orders," Tracy explained.
That seemed to satisfy. Nat turned up a radio. "For privacy," she explained. She knew Nick could hear through doors, but perhaps the music would further confuse him. "So, Tracy. What was it like?"
Tracy felt oddly embarrassed. Somehow, making love totally naked on the roof of the police precinct seemed perfectly normal, but trying to tell this mortal woman about her new, sensual experiences was just too weird. "What was what like? Why do you want to know?"
It was Natalie's turn to blush. "Let's just say that I've given some consideration to coming across, and I'm curious."
Tracy sat in the other chair and accepted a plastic pouch of blood, while Nat stirred her tea. Just like two friends chatting over lunch, she thought dryly. Then she started to tell Natalie, and was greatly encouraged at the woman's questions. Nat was more interested in the actual act of becoming a vampire, from a scientist's perspective, than in the sensual experience.
"I admire your courage, Tracy. I've thought about this for years, and I just can't seem to make the final commitment. I guess, because, other than having no love life, I love my life here."
"Well, I regretted it at first," she admitted then. "I think it would have been different if I'd had a vampire sister. Guys can be so obtuse and that doesn't change with eternity. I was feeling things, and no one- not LaCroix, or Nick, or Vachon, was able to help me deal with my emotions. My first week would have been unbearable if not for Urs."
Natalie stiffened at the mention of Nick's girlfriend, which irritated her further. She loved Nick, but she knew she was no longer in love with him. She shouldn't begrudge him the brief happiness. He'd had precious little in his long life.
"Urs is really a sweetheart," Tracy said gently, sensing her discomfort.
Nat forced a bright smile. "I'm sure she is. And I am happy for Nick. Really."
"So why didn't you ever come across to be with him? I always thought you loved him."
"I do," Nat said quickly. "I've loved him ever since he first sat up on my table. But something always held me back. I'd be ready to do it, to make the commitment, and then he'd do something really stupid, and I'd ask myself if I was willing to give up everything to be with a man who would not grow up."
Tracy grinned. She'd already noticed Nick's Peter Pan tendencies herself. Even though by mortal appearance he was a good 10 or 12 years older, and in actuality was almost 800 years older, she still saw his actions as often immature.
"So why are you still considering it, then?" Tracy asked. Natalie's heart was pulsing wildly. She had a secret and she was fairly bursting to share it. Tracy watched as emotions played across Nat's face: concern, eagerness, hope, denial. "I can keep a secret from anyone, except LaCroix," Tracy said by way of encouragement.
Nat smiled then. "Okay. LaCroix has intimated that he is interested in me."
Tracy gasped. "You can't be serious!"
Nat blushed and her smile widened. "I don't know what to think. For six hears I have hated him, blaming him for all of Nick's troubles. Now, things are changing. We're not fighting about Nick and I find I miss LaCroix's company."
"So, when would you do it? Are you getting serious?"
Nat laughed. Tracy was displaying some of the old perky youthful enthusiasm, and suddenly she didn't seem so very different. "No, I won't come across for a few years yet, if LaCroix gives me that long. Eternity is too long to make a mistake. I want to get to know him better, maybe let him court me. And, I have to let my relationship with Nick settle, so there won't be any jealousy between them."
"So," Tracy said slowly, mischief playing in her expression. "Would that make you like my little sister, or my mom?"
"Yes," Nat answered, and they laughed together.
Tracy stood. She was feeling very tired and explained that to Nat. "So, Nick said you wanted to draw some blood?"
"I do," Nat answered. "But, I suspect I should ask LaCroix first. We'll do it some other time. Okay?"
She followed Tracy to the door. Nick had pulled up a chair across the hall and kept his eyes on her office the entire time. Now he rose and approached them, trying to act indifferent, yet his innate curiosity was coming out. Nat couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him.
"Okay, Nick. We're all done talking about you for now!"
Tracy giggled. "Let's go home, partner. I'm beat."
Nick wouldn't walk her upstairs once they reached the Raven. "Oh come on, Nick," she prodded. "Forgive and forget. It's over."
He refused. "I have work to do."
She felt his protective gaze follow her until she knocked on the door and LaCroix let her in. The two men glared at each other but said nothing. Tracy sighed. She knew she had a vampire sister somewhere. If only Janette would come to visit, maybe she wouldn't feel so outnumbered.
LaCroix brought her a glass and escorted her into the living room. Soft music played over the speakers, the lights were dimmed. He seemed mellow tonight. Tracy wondered if he was missing Nicholas.
"Tell me about your evening, my dear," he asked gently.
"I had a nice visit with Natalie," Tracy began, watching his face. She thought she saw a spark of something in his cool, blue eyes, but wasn't quite sure. "Nick was there. He waited in the hallway, watching over me, but Nat wanted to have a girls-only chat."
The spark of interest fanned. He wasn't irritated with Nick, in fact, she wasn't certain he was thinking about his son at all. LaCroix's face was carefully controlled, cool, like alabaster stone, and yet she was nearly certain that his heart beat at the mention of Natalie's name. She'd have to say it a few more times and see if she was right.
"And what did the irrepressible Miss Lambert want to talk about?"
"She wanted to know what it was like to come across," Tracy said, sipping her beverage and drawing out the conversation even though she was so very, very tired. "I know that kind of talk is not allowed with mortals, sir, but Nat seems like the exception. I mean, since the Fever and all. I hope you don't mind."
LaCroix smiled indulgently. "It would be better to ask permission before you do something, but in this instance, I do not mind."
Tracy decided not to tell LaCroix just how much Nat liked him and was considering his advances. She would drop a few hints and watch. With LaCroix, she felt it would be better not to become too involved in this relationship. The parent/child/master/lover relationship was already too complicated to add "matchmaker" in to the equation.
LaCroix finished his beverage and rose. Drawing Tracy in his arms, he put her to bed.
Nick didn't return to the precinct. He'd pulled a photo id of Alvin Jacobs from a record of his visa and obtained sketchy personal information. Jacobs had no family; his sister died three years before. The incident must have shaken him, for he quit his job and had traveled extensively ever since. Nick would hit some of the nightclubs and convenience stores and see if anyone recognized him.
But after hours of footwork, he'd learned that Alvin Jacobs never went to the nightclubs, never went shopping, and so far, no one seemed to know him. He hadn't even been able to find an address for him! It seemed incredible, that in this age of technology, a man could just die, and no one would miss him.
But something about the conversation Tracy had overheard at the commissioner's house bothered him. The caller, "Turk", had answered as though he'd known how vampires would conceal a sloppy kill. And Jacobs had been killed by a vampire. But if the hitman was the vampire, then why had he botched the disposal so badly? What was he trying to do? The more Nick thought about it, the angrier he became. The only possible answer was that this vampire wanted to cause Nick trouble- perhaps another meddling elder with a grudge against him working for mortals. It was time to find this "Turk".
The name wasn't familiar. Maybe Larry Merlin could be persuaded to help. The vampire computer expert helped others to relocate when it was time to move on, managing the paper trail that would support their new identities. It was a long shot, but maybe he could help Nick uncover something about Jacobs or this Turk. After all, it was a case that threatened vampire security.
Merlin smiled at his guest. "Planning on leaving now, Brabant? Baby sister not working out?"
"No, that's not it," Nick hedged. He offered Merlin a gift of Raven private stock, which had been a gift to him. It might help his case. Merlin's eyes widened.
"This must be serious," he murmured.
"I wouldn't trouble you if it were otherwise," Nick said. He waited while Merlin chose to open the bottle and share it with him. Then the older vampire encouraged Nick to speak.
"Mortals have found someone's kill," Nick began, jumping right to the heart of the matter. Merlin was instantly alert. It was almost a vampire's worst fear; only facing a gang of vampire hunters was more threatening. "I have nothing to go on, really. Tracy overheard a conversation that a hitman, Turk, might be involved. Do you know a vampire that might be going by that name?"
"No," he said slowly. "But, you know how easily names are changed. What else do you know about him? Do you have a description?"
Nick shook his head. "I was hoping that you might use your skills to help me learn something about the deceased, at least."
Merlin shrugged. Researching mortals wasn't much fun, but neither was it challenging. After getting a few details from Nick, he began to hack away, a useful skill he had developed to perfection. Nick had scarcely drained his glass before Merlin had the access he sought.
"Alvin Jacobs' sister was Bonnie!" Merlin exclaimed.
Nick stared blankly. The name Bonnie Jacobs didn't ring any bells for him. "Why?"
Merlin whistled through his crooked teeth. "Sweet Baby Bonnie. She was Herman's newest progeny. Such a pretty little thing, but she was staked while still in her infancy."
Nick choked. "She was a vampire?"
"Are you all right, Nick? You seem a little dull-witted tonight, of course she was a vampire. So that's the link. How does that affect our Alvin, and put him in a vampire's path?"
"Do you think Herman would have done it, for revenge," Nick asked, thinking aloud.
"Herman would not have been careless," Merlin snapped.
Nick started to pace. It seemed that something about this case must be obvious, but he wasn't getting it yet. "Alvin has a job, a home, and a sister. Then she changes, becomes a vampire... maybe Alvin finds out the truth. Maybe they were more than just close."
Merlin listened, enjoying the tale, whether there was any truth in it or not.
"Some humans develop a closeness," Nick continued. "Merlin, how old was his sister- when was her birthdate?"
Merlin returned to his screen, searching for the public records. "Date of birth was February 10, 1966."
"The same as Alvin's! He called her his younger sister, but in fact, she was the younger twin!" Nick lifted Merlin's gift bottle and absently refilled both glasses. "So, Alvin suspects the change in her, through whatever bond the twins shared. Did he stake her? His own sister? That would make him a target for any vampire. But, it doesn't quite hold, not if he loved her."
"Where did he work?" Merlin questioned.
"He was a teacher at Louisiana Tech, a junior college, and was studying for his Ph.D."
Merlin then broke in to the college's computers and accessed Alvin's email. Luckily, the man had set his mail to retain a copy of all sent documents, and the seldom-used account still held the out-dated mail. For the next two hours the vampires poured through Alvin's private mail, learning more about the man than Nick would have ever believed possible.
The oldest letters were unimportant, except to show how much he loved his sister, a fact Nick already suspected. Then, after her conversion, Alvin started to seek new email buddies. Some of them used the word "vampire" in their nicknames or email addresses, which made Nick smile. A true vampire would never do such a thing. Apparently, Alvin was searching for vampires online! Many of those letters were cryptically brief, until Alvin located one called "spvh". Inside the message they learned that the name was an acrostic for "Saint Paul, Vampire Hunter".
Merlin shivered visibly. "Your man had some dangerous friends, Nick."
Nick read further. "It looks like Alvin was only trying to find help for his sister, not kill her."
"True. But he unwittingly led the hunters right to her. I wonder if he ever discovered his error."
Nick sighed. "So, we now have uncovered more or less, the mystery of his sister's demise. That still doesn't help us with his killer."
Merlin agreed. "And, charming as this is, I'd rather you left before sun-up. I'll search a little while longer. Stop by tonight before you go to work, and I'll tell you if I've learned anything new."
Nick got up to leave, rubbing at a stiffness in his back. Maybe Urs would rub it for him? The thought brought a wave of anticipation, and he had to turn away to conceal his arousal from the elder.
"And Nick," Merlin said. "Bring another bottle with you. That one seems to be empty."
