Mike slept on and off. He awoke when a clatter on the metal bars accompanied by John screaming his name.

"Good morning to you too," Mike mumbled. Sitting up, he decided he was rather ripe and in desperate need of a shower.

"Hey, you think I could shower or something, I'm starting to make myself sick," Mike asked.

John eyed him and frowned, "Only if we are in there with you."

Mike shrugged, "Suit yourself, and hope you don't mind seeing a little self-infliction." Mike smiled and hoped that would deter them from watching, especially Jonah.

John's face flushed red while Jonah appeared downright giddy, "Well..we can stand outside, there is no exit anyway, there's no harm I suppose and," John sniffed, "you are a little odiferous."

"Thanks," Mike took in his surroundings. He felt they must be in some type of basement a s the windows were small and up high. That would explain the lack of window in the bathroom. As he followed John into the restroom, Mike could feel Jonah's eyes boring into him. Once they reached their destination, Mike smiled and began to remove his clothing. John was increasingly uncomfortable but Jonah was in heaven.

"Could you please remove your clothing in there? Jonah will get you something fresh to wear," John told him.

"Oh, you were kind enough to get my bags? Thanks," Mike snorted.

"We couldn't have evidence of your disappearance," John huffed.

"Like not showing up for my appointment? Yeah, that's smart," Mike huffed as he shut the door behind him. Looking around, he saw the restroom had the bare minimum. One towel, an old bar of soap, a generic bottle of shampoo plus conditioner and a toothbrush and toothpaste was the only thing in the small lavatory.

"Not using that," Mike muttered. He took the toothpaste and put it on his finger then rubbed it against his teeth. Mike was amazed at how wonderful that simple act felt. His mind was turning wondering who this person was that thought he had power. He remembered when he was younger, his grandmother shared stories of their family and how their name held great power.

"Michael, you are a special boy. You are the fair one, you have great power and one day, this will be valued, always remember that," his grandmother told him this often but until now, it meant nothing.

"Damn, maybe she was right," Mike said quietly aloud as he turned the shower on hot. Once he stepped in, the memory of how he encouraged them to stay away came rushing back. Sighing, he knew they would be able to tell if he didn't do the deed. After soaping up, he rinsed off and closed his eyes. Reaching for his semi-erect manhood, he thought once again of Vicki and their lovemaking. Soon, he was fully hard and began to stroke slowly at first, using the hot water for lubrication. He continued his ministrations with himself then began to thrust as his mind took over, the fantasy of Vicki being so far away yet so real at times. Within mere minutes, Mike had spilled himself with a soft moan and a few jerks of his muscled, wet body. Sweating, sated and tired all at the same time, he turned the water off, wrapped his towel around himself and opened the door. John was ignoring him as much as possible while Jonah was breathing heavily and sweating. Mike knew his semi hard member was evident through the thin towel and he was more than sure they knew what he did although he didn't care.

"Clothes?" Mike held his hand out. Jonah handed Mike jeans, a t-shirt and undergarments. Biting his lip, Jonah smiled at the wet, half-naked detective and winked. Mike rolled his eyes and closed the door to redress.

"Damn..why me?" Mike shook his head.

**

Henry took Vicki to the tunnel entrance and as he knocked, Henry sense Vicki's heart rate increase.

"Are you okay?" Henry asked with worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she shrugged.

Within seconds, the door slid open and a man, no a beast, no a man/beast Vicki finally decided took up the entire doorway. He was well over six feet, had a long blonde mane of hair and his f ace looked like a softened lion. His voice was gentle and lilting.

"Henry, my friend," Vincent hugged Henry tightly and patted his back, Henry returned the gesture.

"Vincent, it's been too long," Henry smiled.

"Far too long," Vincent responded. Vicki shifted uncomfortably.

"Who is this?" Vincent asked.

"This is the woman I send word of, Vicki Nelson," Henry offered.

Vicki stepped forward, smiled and extended her hand, "Nice to meet ya."

Vincent was surprised by her reaction to him, she was neither afraid nor repulsed. This pleased and impressed him greatly.

"Thank you," he tilted his head and shook her hand.

"Please, come with me," Vincent led the way into the tunnel.

Henry took Vicki's hand and she pulled away for an instant, frowning at Henry's offer of help.

"Vicki, the tunnels are not well lit, please, don't be stubborn," he frowned. Vicki was being stubborn, she didn't want him to hold her hand as if she were totally blind. She loved holding Henry's hand but only as a romantic gesture, not as in 'needing help". However, Henry was right. The tunnels were not well lit and she was more than sure she would stumble at some point.

"Alright," she said through pursed lips. They followed Vincent for a few minutes until they reached a large room. There were so many books Vicki figured this could rival any public library.

"Wow, impressive," she said aloud.

"Thank you, it was father's," Vincent said.

"Was?" Henry noted. Vincent nodded and you could see the sadness in his eyes.

"Yes, father slipped away peacefully about five years ago," Vincent told them.

"So, they look to you for leadership," Henry stated more than asked.

"Yes, but sometimes I feel I do not do well, however, my other half keeps me going," Vincent smiled. When he did, Vicki noticed his fangs but was non-plussed by them. Hell, Henry had four, four were better than two. The mere thought of Henry feeding from her brought a slight shudder. Vicki decided to scan over the books to keep her mind busy.

"Your other half? You're married?" Henry seemed intrigued with everything Vincent was telling him.

"Yes, we married here of course."

Henry thought a moment then said, "Catherine Chandler?"

Vincent nodded and as he opened his mouth, they heard a voice come from the doorway, "Yes."

"Catherine? But..I thought you died," Henry said.

"Well, the story of my early demise is greatly exaggerated," Catherine smiled.

This was truly going to be interesting….