CHAPTER TWO

" You have burdens my dear…but you will be free." Lorne continued, " that I promise you." He paused, " They never did find your parent's killer did they?"

" No…there was no murder weapon or no fingerprints."

Lorne finished his drink " You found them." He said, " in their living room."

" It was awful…I went into therapy-"

" Therapy was a waste of time. No physiatrist could understand what was like. But I could."

" How is that?"

" You still have nightmares…" his own nightmare came flooding back. But it wasn't his nightmare…it was hers. Somehow they were sharing the same dreams.

" You got all that from my humming?"

Lorne nodded, " Your parents killer will be caught…he is nearby."

A chill went up her spine, " He is?"

" Closer than you think." She went quiet, " I didn't mean to scare you honey, but he will be caught." He decided not to tell her anymore. He didn't want to terrify her. This man was not someone he'd want to meet in a dark alley.

Abigail looked behind her after getting a sense she was being followed. There was no one there so she continued on her way. She wished she had caught a cab but it seemed a waste since the Caritas was only a few blocks from her apartment. She kept walking and heard a rustling sound. " Who is following me?" she demanded, whirling around and almost bumping into Lorne.

" Lorne, you scared me." She said, her heart thumping.

" I didn't mean to…but I wanted to walk you home. The streets aren't safe."

" Thanks…I was actually getting a bit creeped out. I thought someone was following me."

" It could have just been me." Lorne assured her. She really shouldn't be walking on her own at night. Not while he was lurking about.

His eyes followed her every move. She was alone. He walked at a safe distance behind her, keeping to the shadows. He was advancing quickly towards her when someone walked by him. He saw the man join her and the two continued walking. She wasn't alone after all but he still watched-and followed.

" Did you want to come in? For a drink or something?"

Lorne didn't feel like going back to damaged Caritas just yet. He nodded and stepped inside and Abigail closed the door behind him. She rustled up some leftovers and she asked if he wanted some. They sat down on the couch, eating, drinking and chatting.

" Did you hear something?" Abigail asked just as Lorne was telling her how he came to LA.

" Hear what?" Lorne listened and he heard footsteps outside her apartment door. " Expecting anybody?"

" No…it's late." She stood up but he stopped her.

" I'll check it out. Stay here." and went to the door himself. He opened it and went out into the hallway. He walked further down when he heard footsteps behind him. Before he could turn, he felt a dull blow to his head. The intruder fled and Lorne went back inside, grabbing a handkerchief from his pocket.

" Good grief Lorne, you're bleeding!" she grabbed a paper towel and pressed it to the wound.

" I'll live. I've had worse, believe me."

" I'll get some bandages. Did you see who it was?"

" Didn't get a good look at him." Lorne replied. She disappeared into the bathroom and came back with a small med kit. She sat him down and started to dress his wound.

" He could come back… I don't feel safe her anymore." She taped the bandage to his wound and packed up the kit.

" I don't feel right leaving you here while there's an intruder about…why don't you come back to Caritas with me?"

" Do you have…room?"

" Sure, don't worry about that." Lorne finished the rest of his drink.

" Just let me pack a few things."

She packed a backpack and followed Lorne out of her apartment. He explained on the way how his Caritas got damaged by a gang who hunted vampires and demons…but along the way got lost on their mission.

They walked back to his place. She looked over her shoulder every few minutes but they weren't being followed. Maybe the intruder saw Lorne for who he was and got scared.

You should be scared too…you are in the company of a demon. She reminded herself. But who can get scared of Lorne? Sure he had green skin, horns, red eyes and lips but he was so warm and friendly. And he wanted to help her. She trusted Lorne more than anyone else at the moment.

" Home sweet damaged home." Lorne said opening the door with his keys and letting her in.

" I'll show you upstairs." He took her backpack and lead her up the winding staircase to the second floor. Up there was his kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

" Oh you don't have a spare bed." She realised after he showed her the second floor. She glanced at the recliner chair in his bedroom, " is that chair comfortable?"

" Yes but not for sleeping. My bed is big enough for the two of us." He said and she looked at him, raising her eyebrow.

" Don't worry honey I won't try anything. We've only just met." He grinned and went to fix them a nightcap.