PART 1~ Invisible

the voice was raspy, hard from years of smoking. He couldn't seem to break the man's trance. His blank gaze, a searching stare that he cast across the room. Hey, McBain! John McBain looked directly at the older man sitting in front of him. You in or not?

John glanced down at the cards in his hand, studying them briefly, but seeming to only stare right through them. He tossed the cards down on the table. I'm out, he said. He leaned back, balancing the chair on the back two legs and running his fingers through his long dark hair. He allowed his gaze to find its way back up to the bar.

What's going on, John? the older man asked, tossing his cards down. You're off tonight.

I guess it's just... not my night, John said. Long day, that's what it is. He tried to rationalize it, to make excuses for why he had seemed so in the clouds lately. It always brought him to the same reason: The Music Box Killer. The case had completely capitalized on his life. It seemed like the only reason John was still on the Earth. But, that was the only John's excuse. The real reason his game was off was standing across the room.

He watched her intently, but if he was asked, he would completely deny it. She was hard for him to keep his eyes off of, but Natalie Buchanan was off limits... and John knew that. She was married, still married in her mind at least. But the fact of the matter was, her husband, and in Natalie's eyes, John was responsible.

the older man spoke. He extended his hand, palm upward. John reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wad of cash, handing it over. The man unfolded the bills, handing a few of them back to John. Get yourself a drink, John. he said. Looks like you need it.

Thanks a lot, Charlie, John said sarcastically. He rose from his seat, making his way up to the bar. It was still early, he didn't want to go home. So, maybe a drink would be good. He situated himself on a stool, resting his elbows against the bar.

Look at you lookin' all intense. Roxanne Balsom took a seat beside him. Business or pleasure, Johnny?

John smiled. Pleasure, Roxy. Purely pleasure. He liked Roxy. She had this strange way of brightening up a room. After a week like I had... I need a little unwinding.

John laughed softly. Natalie would hardly look at him, but knew exactly what he would order, sliding him his beer silently.

John said, not directing his comment much of anywhere.

You working' all night again, Nattie? Roxy asked her, hovering close to John.

Yup, all night, Natalie said, She returned to tending the bar.

Roxy said. Ya see... I was just askin; cuz... well I happen to know that Jessie and Antonio are coming over here... gonna invite you to a movie.

Roxy... I'm working.

I'll cover for ya. Go to the movies. Go get something to eat.

It's called being a third wheel Natalie said. I'd be getting in
the way.

Then take someone with you. Roxy clasped her hand over John's shoulder. How about Johnny?

I don't think so, Rox, John said. Natalie shook her head, completely shooting down the whole idea.

Oh get out and have some fun.

I'm working, Roxy, Natalie said. I'm working. I don't want to go get dinner. I don't want to go to the movies. She walked out from behind the bar. I don't want to do anything. She pushed her way out the front door, passed Jessica and Antonio.

Jessica turned. She looked back at John and Roxy. What happened here?

Roxy stood, walking behind the bar. She's just hurtin;. Poor
baby.

Antonio removed his arm from around Jessica's waist. I'm going to go look for her. he said. It's starting to rain, we should find her before it really starts coming down.

John stood from the barstool. I'll go.

I don't know, Jessica said. You and Natalie...

Right now she's just wandering around out there in the rain, in the dark... with a maniac on the loose. John grabbed his coat. I'll find her.

John rushed out of Rodi's. heading in the direction Natalie had gone. Antonio sat down at the bar with a sigh. Roxy pushed over a drink.

She's safe, right? Jessica asked, simply needing the reassurance that John would find Natalie. With that guy out there...

Antonio pulled Jessica closer to him, setting her on his knee. He pressed his lips up against her temple. She's safe, he said. John will find her.

This whole thing just has me a little freaked, Jessica admitted. Well, really freaked.

You guys any closer to catchin' this killer? Roxy asked. He ain't gonna kill any more of our girls.

We keep getting closer, Antonio lied. The truth was, the police were no closer to finding the Music Box Killer now than they had been months ago. But you can be sure that you girls are safe.

You promisin' to be out personal bodyguard? Roxy leaned forward towards Antonio. I can rest easy now, she smiled.

Antonio laughed. I'm glad you have that much faith in me, Rox.

Well you and Johnny, Roxy swooned with a laugh. Jessica leaned into Antonio with a smile. It's a good thing we got some responsible guys like you and John lookin' out for everybody. I just hope he can talk some sense into Nattie.

"He'll find her, Antonio assured her. He'll bring her back here safe. That I'm sure of.