A/N Thanks to all of you who read and reviewed. I never thought I'd have a story on the site, so thanks for your encouragement.

Disclaimer: I suppose I can't claim anything, except that I'm having fun writing about Moonlight.

Chapter 2

She was still at the ADA's office and Beth wasn't making much headway with her current case. She originally wanted to work there to keep an eye on Ben Talbot to insure he wasn't pursuing anything detrimental to the vampire nation. Beth felt that was a worthy reason, but it didn't make the actual job any more satisfying. She was used to running after her own stories, getting the facts and investigating them before putting the information out to the public. At the ADA's office, she mostly confirmed evidence and put it in order for the lawyers to take to court. Not exactly exciting, but it did get some scumbags off the streets.

The job offer Josef made got her thinking. Maybe it was time for a change. She didn't think she could work for Kostan Industries, especially with things up in the air with Mick. But since Josef had someone else coming into her office, Beth could quit if she wanted. The trouble was she didn't know what she wanted to do.

Beth's cell chimed with Mick's number and her heart raced as she answered. "Hey, Mick," she said in the tone she used just for him. "How are you?"

"Okay. Um . . . I just wanted to let you know I'm going to go out of town for a few days on a case." Mick sounded uncomfortable and strained.

"Oh," Beth said, disappointed. "Can I help? I'm sure I can get some time off if you need me."

"It's not that kind of case, Beth. I'm going to have to move fast, and you know. . . "

Beth got the inference it must be vampire business, the kind of thing he wouldn't want her to be involved in. Keep the human out of it. "All right, I understand," her voice hardened. "Why don't you call me when you get back?" It hurt beyond belief that Mick was pushing her away again, but she let her anger take over so she wouldn't break down.

Mick sounded even more uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, Beth. Why don't I let you know when I'm back and we can go out for a nice dinner or something."

"Yes, why don't we do that," Beth said tightly. "I have to go now Mick, my other phone is ringing." She hung up quickly so he couldn't hear the tears in her voice. She turned off the cell phone and slumped in her chair. She couldn't keep doing this . . . . .

At the other end of the phone, Mick sighed. He knew Beth was upset with him, but couldn't help it right now. Since he broke down and told her he loved her, he knew she had expectations of taking their relationship to the next level. Hell, he wanted that too. But, each time they started to become intimate and Mick felt himself changing, wanting to bite, he panicked. What if he couldn't control the bloodlust? Mick had gone to Josef for help, but the older vampire only suggested Mick feed from a couple of freshies to make sure he was satiated before "getting Blondie in the sack," as he leeringly said.

Mick already knew about feeding fresh to stop the possibility of taking too much from Beth during passion. He thought about using bottled, but would it work as well? The problem with drinking fresh was he didn't know if he could stop once he got started. He'd been abstaining so long, he was afraid of wanting fresh all the time, and then what would Beth think? He'd seen how she looked when she saw him tasting Simone. If Mick started up again with freshies, he was afraid she would just give up and finally leave him for good.

Mick dragged himself upstairs to pack, thinking the flight to Sacramento would seem days long.

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Beth straightened up after a while, wiping her eyes. It was time to go home. She could drive herself just as crazy thinking about Mick at home as she could at work. As she packed up her laptop her office phone rang. She wasn't going to answer, but it might have been Talbot checking on the case for court tomorrow.

"Beth Turner."

"Ah, Ms. Turner. I'm sorry to bother you at work, but I wanted to talk to you." a rich male voice with a brogue said. "My name is Ewan Conley, and I'm a writer. I'm from out of town and I was hoping you could help me."

"Yes," Beth said professionally. "What can I do for you Mr. Conley?"

"I was hoping we could meet to discuss things of mutual interest."

Beth immediately felt suspicious. "I'm sorry Mr. Conley, it's rather late and I have a full day tomorrow."

"I realize it's late, but perhaps I can persuade you to meet me at the Sidebar Lounge at the Beverly Wilshire?"

"Are you staying there?" Beth asked quickly.

"No, I have other accommodations. The bar at the Beverly Wilshire is very public and I want you to feel comfortable. I assure you I'm not a crazy person or a criminal," he laughed softly. "Shall we say in an hour?"

It took her just a moment to decide. "How will I recognize you?"

"I'll recognize you, Ms. Turner. I've seen your former Buzzwire reports. I think you will find our conversation stimulating." The line went dead.

Beth hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair again. Whoever this guy was, he was smooth. She could think of a million reasons not to go, but a couple why she should: it would take her mind off Mick and she was curious. She could never refuse a puzzle.

She assessed her outfit and deemed it worthy of the Wilshire. She had dressed up that day for witness interviews with a nice silk shirt, slacks and a jacket. After a makeup repair in the bathroom, she was ready to go. Before she left, Beth put a note to Ben Talbot in her desk drawer about her meeting tonight. If anything happened, she wanted someone to know where she went.

The bar at the hotel was off the restaurant and not crowded at this hour. Beth sat at one of the small booths. The bar was a bit retro, with nice jazz playing in the background. As she glanced up from the table, a tall, dark haired man was suddenly standing in front of her, smiling.

"Ms. Turner? I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

Beth stared up at him. He wore an expensive suit, as well-cut as Josef's, she thought. His skin was pale with piercing grey eyes and something singular about him. As the moment drew out, he said, "May I sit down?"

"Oh, yes please." she said turning slightly pink.

"I'm Ewan Conley," he smiled as he took a seat, but didn't offer his hand to shake. "I hope you don't mind that I ordered us drinks." The server placed a glass of red wine for her and scotch for him on the table.

"Thank you." Beth said as she sipped her wine and studied the man across from her. He was undeniably attractive, with an Irish accent. He seemed amused by her appraisal-a little too amused, Beth thought. Time to find out who he was.

"Okay, Mr. Conley, why am I here?" she said briskly.

He smiled again, "Right to business. I like that." He leaned in toward her confidentially, "Ms. Turner, tell me all you know about vampires."

TBC

A/N Sorry this is so short and sort of a cliffie. It seemed like a good place to break it off! I'll have another chapter up soon.