Disclaimer: Charlaine Harris is the sole owner of the Southern Vampire Mysteries universe. I'm just taking her beloved characters out to weed my garden.

Thank you all for the reviews. I can't believe there are 60 of them! Special shout out to BrooklynCali for the Bobby B. reminder….Thank you!!!!

Previously....

Since it was nearly time for supper, I thought I should scrounge to find a suitable snack for my guests. Plus, this bought me time to listen in. As I tried to make a sensible appetizer out of the contents of my fridge, I listened in, focusing on Agent Lattesta.

Searching through the fridge, I found some cheese, carrots and almonds that could be a serviceable appetizer, when paired with some Triscuits. As I pulled the crackers from the pantry, I froze, stunned by what I was hearing from the living room.

"Hmmm. This couch is more comfortable than I would have expected. I wonder how much Sookie knows about Jason's involvement with the Guardians of the Light. I can't believe that this local yokel was so protective of Sookie. Who knew? I'm sure I can work a reduced sentence for her brother if Sookie will just come to D.C. with me," thought Lattesta.

My hand gripped the box of Triscuits as though it was a lifeline. My knees felt weak, but I willed myself to be strong. Jesus Christ Shepherd of Judea, Agent Lattesta thought my brother was involved with the Guardians of the Light, possibly the same people who had nearly killed me and my friends not more than 24 hours ago. I instantly thought that Dermot was impersonating Jason, but another part of me wondered if Jason had joined their ranks as some way to rebel against all of the Supe crap that had been dumped on him.

But I knew my brother. He loved being a werepanther. He would never betray his peers, or me … just to …. To what? Connect with the last living relative he'd ever met? Connect with the relative who looked just like him and had warned him about Mel? Dermot had certainly shown more interest in Jason than Niall had, and Jason liked to feel special... Maybe Jason had somehow gotten himself involved with the Guardians? Truth be told, Jason was never the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Despite our differences and my hunch that he'd retained some resentment towards me and Niall, I couldn't believe that Jason would be involved with Dermot, especially since he knew that fairies had killed Cheryl and his unborn child.

I had to learn more.

Apparently, my best shot of learning more was sitting on the couch of my living room, critiquing my furnishings and wondering how long it takes to pour a glass of sweet tea.

As I assembled my humble appetizers on a plate and arranged the drinks on a tray my mind wandered a bit. Honestly, I was partly wishing that someone else would swoop in and help me figure this out so I wouldn't have to face this alone. I know I pride myself on being an independent woman, but I was still feeling a little vulnerable, and I had been ever since the Fae War.

A part of me kicked myself as I remembered that Eric wanted me to call Bobby if ever the FBI tried to talk to me. As much as I wanted help, I still didn't trust Bobby. I thought I'd be better off alone, and possibly trying to stall them, than I would be if I called Bobby and asked the FBI to wait. Besides, no matter how much Eric glamoured or persuaded Bobby, the fact of the matter was that the man couldn't stand me. … I wondered if I should call Sam. Of course I knew that would cause problems with Eric, but truth be told, I trust Sam Merlotte much more than any other random man, much less Eric's "day man" who happened to hate me. No matter what I do, I can count on the fact that Sam Merlotte has my best interests at heart.

Looking at the clock, I realized it was nearly 5:15. I'd left Agent Lattesta and Andy cooling their heels for nearly 15 minutes. It was time to square my shoulders, keep my head held high and feed two men some Triscuits.

Carefully, I placed the plate that held the cheese, carrots, almonds and Triscuits on the tray that also held the glasses of sweet tea meant for Andy, myself and Agent Lattesta. I walked slowly from the kitchen clutching the tray hoping that neither of my guests would key in to my uncertainty about our impending conversation, or interrogation.

I set the tray down on the coffee table before them and handed each man a glass of sweet iced tea. Before sitting beside Andy on the couch --- Agent Lattesta was sitting on the easy chair across from us, I made sure that my guests seemed comfortable. I gently gripped my own glass of tea and sank down into the couch, reveling in how the piece of furniture seemed to hug my body with familiarity. I glanced to my left and stared for a minute at the empty fireplace. In my mind's eye, I didn't see an empty fireplace, nor did I see Andy or Agent Lattesta sitting before me. Rather, I saw a roaring fire and Eric sprawled out before it on my afghan as he stared into my eyes and we … simply …. talked...

I was so wrapped up in my memories that I almost didn't hear Agent Lattesta when he asked, "Ms. Stackhouse….Sookie. Can you tell us why we found you unconscious on your porch this afternoon?"

Well. That wasn't the question I expected and it wasn't one I wanted to answer. How could I explain to two humans that I'd received a death threat from my part-human relative, who by the way, looked just like my brother so maybe it's the fairy Jason not the real Jason that's somehow involved with the Guardians? Of course, I couldn't show them the death threat because it looked like a To Do list to them. And yes, I just renamed Dermot "fairy Jason" in my mind and I giggled a little. Agent Lattesta and Andy stared at me, eyes wide. Andy had paused mid-bite.

I must be going nuts.

Of course Andy and his new best FBI friend were re-interviewing everyone who'd been at the Church. They weren't here because I was a freak….were they? I stifled that thought until I remembered Lattesta's thoughts about Jason and his first question. How could I explain why was I unconscious on the porch when they arrived? Before I could respond to Agent Lattesta, the horror of Dermot's note came crashing down on me like a tidal wave… I was overwhelmed and feeling like I'd been sucked under the sea, helplessly tossed about, with no hope of rescue.

After my completely inappropriate you-had-to-be-there-in-my-head laugh, I started to feel physically strange. My mind was flitting and I couldn't concentrate on Agent Lattesta and Andy's faces. My fingertips felt numb; my heart seemed to race and it felt so difficult to force air into my lungs. I was struggling so hard to breathe that I couldn't focus on my surroundings. As the oxygen left my body and I began to hallucinate, my mind wandered and wondered if Eric would come to my home to … what? … rescue me from an adult conversation that just about everyone from Bon Temps had already completed? Of course not everyone in Bon Temps had a brother or a relative who might have been involved in the bombing.

Gran's training had insured that I was sitting, demurely though fighting to control my breathing and my body, across from Agent Lattesta and Andy. I tried to slow my breathing and focus on the tray of tea and treats I'd placed so gingerly on top of the coffee table that formed an antique, wooden barrier between us. I sat just on the edge of the couch, trying to form a coherent response. Both men searched out my eyes. While ogling me like the prize-winning heifer at the State Fair, one man tried to find the familiar in my eyes while the other tried to find the unique.

I didn't know how much time had elapsed since Agent Lattesta asked his question and I'd giggled like an idiot. I pasted on my best Sookie smile and looked him in the eyes. Or at least, I think I looked him in the eyes; my vision was still blurry.

"Agent Lattesta," I said, "I can't imagine why you found me unconscious. I'm so grateful to you, and to Andy." I stared into Andy's eyes and tried to communicate just how grateful I was into that one glance. "I'm sure you understand that it's been a difficult time for me." I almost whispered my last words, hoping that Lattesta and Andy would interpret my reluctance to talk as a sign of my delicate Southern nature. … I knew that they wouldn't and that it was pathetic to suggest such a thing, but a girl can hope, right?

"Ms. Stackhouse….Sookie," Agent Lattesta said, "We need to discuss yesterday's events."

I didn't feel the need to discuss anything with him. Where did he get off investigating this anyway? The last I knew, he was stationed in Rhodes and his partner was from New Orleans.

"Sir, I appreciate your concern, but isn't this out of your jurisdiction?" I really didn't mean to provoke him, but a part of me did. It was as if I couldn't resist calling him out on my personal rights. The functioning part of my brain was hoping that I could stall until someone … fine, I admit it …. Eric … could arrive to help me navigate through this situation. Glancing quickly at my watch, I saw that it was 5:30. Sunset was in 30 minutes. "If memory serves, you're based out of Rhodes, not Bon Temps. I would have thought that Detective Bellefleur was in charge."

Well, I'd thrown the gauntlet down. Agent Lattesta looked like I'd asked him to suck bleach through a straw and Andy looked like I'd awarded him with the Medal of Honor. If I had to make one man happy, somehow I knew that Andy was my guy. Before I could say another word, Andy said, "Agent Lattesta, I want to thank you for your expertise. It's been real helpful having you here these past few weeks. But, Sookie, I mean Ms. Stackhouse, is right when she points out that the agency in charge of this investigation is the Bon Temps PD."

I don't think I could have smiled more genuinely at Detective Andy Bellefleur than at the moment he put FBI Agent Lattesta in his place. If I'd know of anything that would make Andy or Halleigh happy, I would have done it, then and there. Maybe I should make them a pie. I really felt like Andy was on my side; which truly, was an odd feeling. I knew it wouldn't last when I saw the look on Lattesta's face. It was like his facial expressions moved from disgust to anger to suspicion to calm so quickly a butterfly couldn't have fanned its wings twice. Looking at his face, I knew that Lattesta was trouble, regardless of who was in charge. I thought he was just humoring Andy by having him involved.

I brought a baby carrot to my lips and crunched down, while looking Agent Lattesta in the eyes. "So, Agent Lattesta, what can I do for you?" I asked, while I chewed my carrot and looked into Andy's eyes searching for answers. I have to admit, I didn't just look into Andy's eyes; I searched his mind with my talent, in the same moment I forced my eyes into my lap and swallowed. Andy's mind wasn't particularly helpful, but I would take what I could get, although his thoughts were racing.

"I don't understand why we're here. I questioned Sookie yesterday and I know I did a good job. I don't need this asshole coming around second guessing how I conduct interviews. Maybe Sookie is right. What jurisdiction does he actually have here? I know he's been helpful before, but something doesn't seem right. I wonder when we'll be done. I think Halleigh's making fried chicken for dinner tonight."

Agent Lattesta jerked Andy from his thoughts and caught my attention the moment he stared into my eyes and asked, "How long has your brother been involved with bomb planting extremists?"

I know my eyes went wide with shock and Andy's seemed to mirror mine. Neither of us expected Agent Lattesta to take this approach.

Truly, I was so shocked that I was unable to focus my energies adequately to read Lattesta's mind. In that moment, I was as blind as Andy.

Our silence only seemed to encourage Lattesta. He said, "How long has your brother provided comfort to domestic terrorists?" I think my eyes were still so wide with shock, like Andy's, that I didn't respond. Lattesta kept talking. "Don't you think it's awfully convenient that you were in a car that wouldn't have been impacted by the blast, yet one of your lovers was in the line of fire? Isn't it true that the late Alcide Hevereaux was your lover?"

Lattesta's eyes were boring into mine seeking secrets I would never willingly divulge. My head was spinning and one word was echoing through my head, "late…..late…..late….late…." Did he know Alcide's condition? Did he really mean that Alcide was dead? How could he think that Jason was a part of this? Lattesta's words swirled through my head, making me dizzy. I tried to focus on Andy, but that was no use. No matter how much I concentrated on his face, I couldn't hear a thing. My own thoughts were drowning theirs out. Lattesta's words swirled around me as I fought to remain conscious. Anger seemed to course through my veins as I concentrated on his eyes.

"Are you telling me that Alcide is dead? Is this how you're telling me?" My voice cracked and I realized that my body had risen from the couch and seemed to confront Lattesta just by standing. I hovered over him, shouting, "You're fucking lying! Alcide is not dead! My brother had nothing to do with this! How dare you suggest otherwise," I screamed. Andy looked like I'd hit him across the face with a two by four and Agent Lattesta looked almost happy. It was his gleeful happiness that made me want to hurt him. Something welled within me, something violent and angry, and I knew, more than anything, that I wanted to hurt Agent Lattesta.

I drew my right hand back and prepared to slap the shit out of Agent Lattesta. What seemed like minutes to me were mere seconds as I hovered over him, my eyes reddening with rage as my hand braced for its eventual contact with his cheek. I let my hand go, and with the full force of all I had, I smacked Agent Lattesta across the face.

The sound of my flesh connecting with his reverberated through the room and seemed like it was amplified by the silence of my family home. There I stood, hovering over the FBI agent I'd just struck while the familiar, local police detective I'd known for decades stared at me like I'd sprouted horns. I knew I'd broken many laws, but I just didn't care, as the possibility of Alcide's death surrounded me like a storm. It couldn't be true. Alcide couldn't be dead.

I felt my knees go weak; sounds like rushing water filled my ears; I closed my eyes and felt my heart begin to break.

I collapsed on the floor.

"Shit," Andy muttered as he slid down the couch and crouched beside me. He looked up to Agent Lattesta and asked, "Why the fuck did you have to tell her like that?" As he spoke, I could feel Andy trying to pull my body towards his into a position of comfort, as his eyes shot daggers into Lattesta's. He cradled me in his arms and began to rock me in an unfamiliar manner. "You knew they were close. How could you tell her like that?" Andy spat at Lattesta.

I could feel Andy's arms move around me before I had the strength to open my eyes. My body seemed to move from side to side as the thoughts from Andy and Lattesta bombarded me.

"Be OK Sookie. Just be OK," Andy thought, "Halleigh likes you. I'm not sure why, because you're a freak, but you saved her once and I just need you to be OK. I'm sorry your friend is dead. Shit this is wrong. I wonder what Halleigh would think. Fuck."

As Andy's thoughts increasingly turned to Halleigh, I focused more on Agent Lattesta.

As he looked down on me, cradled in Andy's arms he thought, "Fuck. How did this go so wrong? All I needed to do was ask her about her brother! I know he's involved! Fuck! I can't ask her about him if she's fucking unconscious. Fuck. Maybe it's good that this idiot…Andy… is comforting her. Maybe that'll make her feel safe enough to tell us about her brother. I need to see her reaction to the photographs. We'll see if she's really surprised then. I can't believe she didn't know that Hevereaux was dead. From what I've heard, they werem't involved for long. I don't understand why this would be such a big deal…."

I had been "conscious" for quite some time, but I still pretended to be dead to the world. So many thoughts were swirling through my head, I wasn't sure of the best approach. I was simply overwhelmed, and I longed for Eric so strongly it was as if every part of my body was calling for him. As Andy gently rocked my "unconscious" body, I realized that I could stall by pretending to be unconscious. Hopefully, I could buy myself enough time for Eric, or hell, any of my vampires to arrive and lend me support. I could also buy time to get my feelings under control. If Alcide was really dead, it would wreck me and rip me in two. I didn't want to feel that pain yet.

More than anything, I believed and desperately needed to believe that my brother was not involved in anything nefarious. He may be dumb as a post, but he'd never do anything that would result in such mayhem and destruction. I needed to see the pictures that Agent Lattesta had thought about. I was certain that I would be able to tell the difference between Jason and Dermot in a photograph. I knew that Dermot was the cause of all of this. I couldn't prove it, but I knew it with every fiber of my being. But how could I describe Dermot's involvement? How could I put the FBI and Bon Temps police on his trail? Deep in my gut, I knew I couldn't bring Dermot up to the men before me. They'd think I was insane and trying to concoct some nutty story to, once again, help Jason escape from the law. I'd have to handle this myself.

I waited, patiently, and pretended to be unconscious. I needed the time to think and to plan. I also couldn't believe that Alcide was really dead. As I kept my eyes purposefully shut while I lay half-sprawled on the floor and half in Andy's arms, I felt strongly that Alcide was alive; maybe that was wishful thinking.

As time passed and no one corrected my perception of Alcide's well-being, I experienced the sinking feeling that Alcide was truly dead.

I had survived another protector; another protector that I hadn't planned to outlive. Even though Alcide and I had never really been together, I'd fantasized, for the first time in my life, of marriage and children with Alcide. I'd fallen in love with the idea of him and of being a part of his wonderful family. I could feel my heart breaking as it sank in that Alcide was dead. He'd reunited with Maria Star and was at peace.

I had another funeral to attend.

I could hear Andy and Agent Lattesta's words whispering around me, but I just wasn't interested in being fully conscious at the time. There was something comforting in being half-alive, half-conscious. I was vaguely aware of what the two men in my home said, but I wasn't fully aware of what they required from me.

Thinking that I was out cold, Andy and Agent Lattesta grappled with me and placed me as gently as possible on the couch. After laying me out and smoothing down my clothes, Andy grasped my wrist and seemed to be taking my pulse. He took charge and ordered Agent Lattesta to look in my bathroom for a washcloth and to wet it with cold water. Agent Lattesta complied and I could suddenly feel the cold cloth being pressed against my forehead. I guess it was time to get up.

I blinked open my eyes and took in such a strange site. If you'd ever told me that Andy Bellefleur would be gently pressing a cold washcloth on my forehead in an attempt to soothe me, I'd have said fairies, vampires and werewolves were real. Since fairies, vampires and werewolves are very real, I guess it's possible that Andy Bellefleur would try and provide me, Sookie Stackhouse, barmaid and telepath extraordinaire, with comfort. I have to admit it freaked me out a bit. Andy's eyes looked so concerned, that I couldn't help but whisper, "Thank you."

As soon as I opened my eyes, Andy removed his hand from my forehead, leaving the washcloth in place, and quickly scooted to the far side of the couch. Apparently he just wasn't comfortable being that close to me when I'm awake. That's OK. Andy had more than helped me out, and I was grateful for his kindness.

Sighing, I pulled the washcloth off of my forehead and righted myself. Andy and Agent Lattesta looked at me with probing eyes. Andy still seemed concerned, while Agent Lattesta seemed conflicted. As I got my bearings, I concentrated on Agent Lattesta's thoughts.

She still looks pale. I wonder if she'll pass out again when I show her the photographs. I need to know more about her brother's involvement. This case could make my career. I'm so glad I convinced my supervisors to assign me to the New Orleans field office as a roving inspector when Sara was shot. It'll be awhile before she's up to returning to work.

I was so tempted to just ask Agent Lattesta to show me the photographs already, but I definitely didn't want to tip my hand. It's infinitely better --- for me --- for him to think I'm some kind of psychic, rather than a telepath. I took a deep, calming breath and glanced at my watch before turning my gaze to my guests. It was 5:55. In five minutes, the sun would set. I wondered how long it would take Eric to come to Bon Temps from Shreveport. I desperately wanted him by my side before discussing the photographs.

For a few minutes, we all sat and stared at each other. I continued to dab the cool washcloth on my forehead and the back of my neck. I certainly wasn't going to be the first to break the silence. Andy seemed to glance at Agent Lattesta, as if waiting for a cue. When Agent Lattesta didn't respond, Andy said, "Sookie, how are you feeling?"

"I'm OK Andy. This has all just been a big shock. I can't believe that Alcide…." I couldn't finish my sentence. I just couldn't say out loud that Alcide Hevereaux was dead. I wasn't ready for that.

"Sookie, I'm sorry you had to learn about your friend so abruptly." He glared at Agent Lattesta. Ever the professional suck-up, Andy said, "We'd assumed you'd already heard the news."

"Obviously, I hadn't."

It may have sounded harsh, but I wanted to put Agent Lattesta on the defensive, as best I could. His mind kept obsessing about photographs and his right hand twitched constantly, reaching for the briefcase sitting on the floor to the right of his chair. Each time he reached for it, he jerked his hand away, thinking not yet.

I took a sip of tea and suddenly felt warm and comforted. Drinking sweet tea must have reminded me of Gran. It was like that one sip of tea wrapped me in a blanket of love and I was protected. With the confidence that I wasn't alone in spirit, I looked at my guests and asked, "Gentleman. I think I'm done fainting." I flashed them my best reassuring smile. "Why don't you ask me the questions that brought you here today?" I took another sip of tea for strength.

Agent Lattesta cleared his throat and finally allowed his right hand to grasp the handle of his black leather briefcase. Pulling it into his lap, he opened it and withdrew a thin manila folder. He shut his briefcase with a click and returned it to the floor by his side. His hands traced the outline of the file and a smirk seemed to form with his lips. He was excited.

I peered into his mind and heard, "Focus on her face. If she knows his activities she'll give it away in her eyes. Just focus on her face. This is how they make the big cases. You can do this."

I tried to keep my face as neutral as beige paint, but I knew that if Agent Lattesta showed me a picture of Jason or Dermot with the people who killed Alcide, I wouldn't be able to control my emotions. In a sick slow-motion movement, Agent Lattesta purposefully placed the folder on the coffee table, just to the left of my tray of snacks. As his fingers curled and moved to open the file, there was a knock at the door.

A/N: So…. Who's at the door? Thanks again for the reviews and alerts and for sticking with me! A special thank you to Mrs. Northman is in order. If she hadn't reviewed today, I think I would have kept putting this chapter on the backburner. I know this took forever to get to you, but I've got to say, this chapter tried to kill me. So, please let me know what you think.