Ghosts of the Past

Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. No…..I never have and never will but it sure holds my heart.

Hello; my Moonlight muse went on an extended vacation….. (I think she went to Hawaii) and didn't return until recently. I hope you haven't forgotten me and would like to read more of my work. This is a return to my human Beth series with Kira Starling. It allows me to explore where the show might have gone if it had a second season. I do hope some of you are out there to read and enjoy it.

Chapter 1

Beth Turner put the file she had been working on away with a sigh and began shutting her computer down for the night. It was late Friday afternoon and all she could concentrate on was the prospect of her date with Mick St. John that night. It had been so cute to listen to him try to change the subject whenever she tried to coax the plans out of him. The man was good at keeping secrets.

She sent an anxious glance towards Ben Talbot's glass walled office and wondered again what had him so distracted today. Knowing how actively Ben disliked Mick, it surprised her not to find herself part of his daily scrutiny. His focus always managed to be glued to her uncomfortably for several portions of the day but not this one. Today he sat staring into space when he was in the office.

Shrugging it off, Beth decided that letting this bother her and intrude into her weekend with Mick was foolish. Her vampire did not appreciate her boss' attention to her and often suggested she find another job but Beth liked the work and wanted to be able to keep an eye on her very suspicious boss. She knew that Josef approved of her plan even if Mick wanted to drain Talbot if he laid a hand on her.

*ML*

Earlier that morning:

Ben Talbot enjoyed getting an early start on the day, often arriving before anyone else in the DA's office. It was easier to get so much done before the demands of the day intruded and his phone started ringing. It was with great annoyance that he eyed his private line as it began to ring loudly in the quiet of the office.

"Talbot," he answered curtly.

"Have you kept our secret?" a voice he hoped never to hear again enquired. "Have you managed to learn the significance of the List?"

"I have no idea what game you are playing," Ben replied sitting straighter in his chair. "Who are you?"

"Our identity is not important right now. More will be revealed later. For now, just consider those names and be ready for further contact."

"Now listen to me," Ben responded angrily. "I do not appreciate being jerked around like this. This list of yours is a jumble of real and fictional people and I'm too busy to spend time jumping through hoops. Stop calling me," he ordered.

"Mr. Talbot," the voice said becoming stern and cold. "If you work with us, we can be of great assistance to your career. If you oppose us you will discover just how powerful of an enemy we can be. Do as we tell you and all will be well, we will be in touch." The phone line went dead, leaving Ben sitting and staring at the receiver. Angrily he slammed it down and buried his head in his hands.

Who the hell were these people and why had they chosen him? What was so important about those names? And why was Mick St. John's name on the list?

Hearing a noise outside his office made Ben look up in time to see Beth Turner enter her cubicle. Evidently she liked bating the rest of the staff in just as he did. It crossed his mind once again that if anyone could answer his questions about the list, Beth could. There were too many names on that list that were connected to Beth and he knew she could explain some of the things his mysterious caller refused to do. But the instructions to tell no one were clear and Ben was not ready to see if they were monitoring him, he would just have to ride it out.

*ML*

At the end of the day Talbot watched Beth pack up her things and leave the office. Since it was Friday night, he was sure that she would be running to St. John's arms as quickly as possible. He wondered if the date would end up at the club, Dusk to Dawn. Maybe it was time to visit the club again. He couldn't help thinking that answers could be found in the club since the owner was on the list as well. He really didn't mind the thought of seeing Kira Starling again. That sealed it for Ben, it was time to visit Dusk to Dawn once more and observe those who were linked to this mysterious list.

*ML*

The moment that Mick knocked on her door, Beth felt her heart rate increase. She rushed to the apartment door and pulled it open, a smile spreading over her face. It amazed her that after all they had been through; just seeing his handsome face took her breath away. Whether it was his vampire cool or something that was unique to Mick and Mick alone, Beth didn't know but she was pretty sure that she would never be immune to his attraction.

"Mick…..you are early," she greeted him.

"I couldn't stay away," he admitted with a shy smile. "I'm finding it difficult to even spend time in the freezer when I think of you."

"Mr. St. John, you say the sweetest things," Beth giggled as he stepped forward to pull her into his arms. Mick lowered his head to kiss her, hungrily pressing his lips to hers.

Gently Beth wiggled in his grasp after a few minutes and pushed back against his chest.

"I need to breathe Mick," she gasped, her eyes glowing at him. "What brought on that intensity?"

"I haven't seen you in two days and phone calls are just not the same as holding you," Mick confessed, his eyes locked on hers.

"Dear Lord….you always say the right thing," she sighed.

A deep chuckle rumbled in Mick's chest as he released her after a quick second kiss. She took a couple of steps backward. "So St. John, what is the plan for tonight? Am I dressed appropriately?"

Mick let his eyes travelled over Beth from head to toe slowly and then he nodded. From her low heeled boots, jeans and navy V-necked sweater that showed off her curves, Mick couldn't help thinking she was beautiful. Everything about her made his senses swim and it took great control not to let his vampire loose and overwhelm her.

"Do you always beg for compliments?" he asked in amusement as he struggled to keep control.

"Only from you handsome," she giggled again. "Where are we headed tonight?"

"That my curious lady is a secret. Do you trust me?" he asked trying to keep a straight face. "By the way…..you look perfect."

"Of course I trust you," Beth assured him, her eyes alight. "And not to bring the spirit of the evening down but I should tell you that Ben was in a very strange mood today. It concerns me," she added, not liking changing the subject but knowing she needed to share this with Mick. Ben's strange behavior all day had been bothering her and if she didn't say anything it would only come up later when she didn't want it to.

"Maybe he is plotting another way to yank my license," Mick said trying to lighten the mood. He observed that Beth did not rise to the bait and he could tell that she was bothered by this subject. Her heart rate was increased and it was not because he was standing next to her. This was a very real concern to her. "You are worried a lot by this, aren't you?" he added.

"From the day I started working at the DA's office, Ben has treated me differently from others in the office. I have always thought it had to do with my relationship with you. But today he ignored me the same as everyone else in the office. It was eerie to see him sitting at his desk staring at nothing," she said soberly.

Mick reached out for her and drew her close to him. He leaned down to kiss her gently on the forehead and then held her back a bit to gaze down into her eyes.

"I am sure that the job is just getting to him. I am happy to know that he is not focused on you all the time," he told her seriously. "Pardon me that I am not upset that he ignored you today."

"I am serious Mick," Beth protested.

"I am sorry but I would rather not discuss Ben Talbot tonight," Mick told her softly. "I really would like this evening to be about something I can share with you. Would you like a little peek into my past?"

"Well now I am really intrigued Mick," Beth responded in a light tone. "Just what have you planned?"

"I am taking you to the movies," he answered.

"You and me…alone in the dark…..why Mick, how romantic of you. What film?"

"That Ms Turner would be telling and ruin the surprise. Have you eaten? We can go somewhere first, we have plenty of time," he informed her.

"You really do enjoy watching me eat, don't you?" Beth laughed.

"I enjoy being with you," Mick said seriously.

"Well, I will not say no to a burger," she answered with a smile.

"A burger for my lady…..your wish is my command," Mick said gallantly and reached for her coat. After helping her put it on, he guided her out of the apartment and down to his car.

An hour later, Mick sat back sipping the last of his Scotch as Beth finished her burger and side salad in a bistro not far from her apartment.

"So just what are we going to see?" Beth asked.

"Why do you want to ruin the surprise?" Mick asked as he handed the waitress the payment for the meal and then assisted Beth from the booth. She pouted and batted her eyelashes at him. "Okay….here's a hint. Last month you said you never saw this film."

"Last month! That's no hint," she exclaimed.

Mick just smiled and led her outside to the Mercedes. Beth searched her memory, trying to recall the conversation as Mick drove to Century City and parked a block down from a small theater whose marquee glowed in the night.

Beth's eyes lit up as she read the sign.

"The Maltese Falcon….oh Mick, this should be such fun," she said in delight as they got out of the car. The fact that this was a film from his human years touched her deeply. He had not been kidding when he said he was sharing his past. Taking his hand they eagerly headed up the block for the theater.

End chapter.

I do hope that you are still out there and willing to read my story. I realize I have been gone a long time. I have missed you. Thanks for reading, please let me know if I am welcomed back.