The explosions aren't over yet! Hope you enjoy the chapter~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 10

Two nights after the bombings, Mick sat at his office desk, trying to get more information on the tenants of the building that Natalya had pointed out. There were three companies in the building; one on each floor. On the first floor was a medical billing company, on the second an accounting firm and on the third was an investment company. Public records showed their incorporation papers, and he asked Logan to research the companies to find their owners. He sat back and wondered when Beth would get home. He had been so relieved she hadn't been hurt in the destruction of the store he didn't want to let her out of his sight. Like that was going to happen. When did I lose control as a sire?, he thought wryly.

Mick heard a knock on his office door, surprised to scent Ben Talbot. He opened the door, saying, "Hi, Ben, what can I do for you?" Mick sensed Ben was uncertain but determined. Mick hadn't had much contact with him since Talbot had learned their secret. He seemed to be accepting of them, and Mick knew he was involved with Megan.

"I wanted to talk if you have a minute."

"Sure, have a seat."

Ben handed Mick a folder. "These were sent to me in a plain envelope right around the time that list was delivered. I didn't know what to make of them at the time, so I just filed them away. Now, I think maybe Lola had something to do with it. I came across them again the other day and didn't want them to fall into the wrong hands."

Mick took the folder and thumbed through the half dozen photographs of him being run over by a car and being helped up by Beth. "Do you know who took these?" He asked, frowning.

"I don't know. Like I said I they were sent to my office. When I got them I was curious, but figured they were fakes." Ben smiled, "Now I understand, since I found out about vampires. I thought you'd better have them."

"Thanks, Ben, I appreciate your concern." Obviously, Talbot didn't know anything else. He was going to have to find out where they came from—these photos were dangerous. Now, he changed the subject. "Have you heard anything about the bombings?"

Talbot shook his head. "No, everything's still under investigation. They're doing interviews with all the owners and neighbors who might be witnesses. I'll let you or Josef know when I hear anything."

"Thanks, Ben. We all appreciate your help."

Ben smiled, getting to his feet. "No problem. I guess there's been nothing going on with Wilson? I'm getting a weekly report from Bella, but just wanted to check."

Mick shook his head. "He seems to be lying low right now. Don't worry, we won't forget about him."

"Thanks. Well, I guess I'd better go; I've got some interviews tomorrow. Say hi to Beth for me, will you?"

"Yes, I will. Is Megan back in town yet?"

Ben smiled broadly. "She got back late last night." The two men said goodbye and shook hands. When Ben left, Mick studied the photos again.

Beth leaned back in the elevator taking her up to the loft penthouse. It was early evening, but she had been up since mid-morning. The arson division wanted to question her about the explosion at the donation center since her damaged car had been found in the back parking lot. They had towed it to an impound lot, and she had cringed to see the fire-scarred vehicle. Fortunately, her laptop had been in the trunk and escaped without harm. She explained that she was the representative from Kostan Industries, the sponsor for the donation center. There was nothing untoward, since Beth made sure everything about the center was done legally and by the book.

Beth was relieved when they had finished with their questions and she was free to leave. Josef had arranged for her to use a company car until she found another. She didn't call Mick; she just wanted to get home. She clicked the remote opener, and entered the loft. Immediately, she scented that Ben Talbot had been there. She dropped her purse and went in search of Mick. The door to his office was open and she peeked through. He seemed to be studying something, and didn't look up right away, even though she knew he could tell she was there.

"Hi, sweetheart." Beth moved toward the desk, and then stopped with a sharp gasp. Ranged on the desk were the pictures that Dean Foster had taken many months ago, after the Tierney Taylor murder. "Where did you get those?" She said, alarmed.

He realized something was wrong and could feel the guilt and remorse rolling off her. "Why, have you seen them before? He asked, frowning.

"Yes. Where did you get them?" She asked again.

"Ben Talbot brought them by. They were delivered to him about the same time as Lola's list and he thought they were connected. He thought I knew what they were and I should have them." Mick stood, staring down at her, unsure of what to think. "Who took them, Beth? What do you know about them?"

Beth turned and walked back into their home, going to the kitchen to get a glass of wine. She probably should have some blood, but alcohol seemed a better choice. Mick followed her, determined to find out why the pictures upset her so much.

She stood in the kitchen, taking a deep breath and looking Mick in the eye. "Those pictures were taken by Dean Foster, the paparazzi that was following Tierney. All the others moved on after she died, but Foster kept following you. You remember the night those were taken?" Mick nodded and she took another sip of wine for courage.

"Foster sent them to me at Buzzwire and tried to blackmail me into giving him all of Buzzwire's photo ops. I knew he'd keep following you until he caught you doing something that would show you're a vampire." She looked up at him with watery eyes. "I couldn't let him….. I had to protect you, like you always protected me."

"What did you do, Beth?" Mick demanded, afraid of the answer.

She dropped her eyes and whispered, "I went to Josef."

"Tell me." He said sternly.

"Josef said he would take care of it." She looked up at him again, squaring her shoulders. "I didn't want you to leave and start over. I didn't want to lose you."

Mick stood closer to her. "What happened to Foster?" Mick knew that his friend was ruthless when it came to enemies, and it was doubtful the photographer was still alive.

"I—I don't know, I never asked."

Mick slammed away from her, into the living room. How could Beth and Josef deceive him like this? He turned accusingly. "You knew what he would do, and you've known about this for how long? After everything that's happened, you still lied to me. I thought we trusted each other, I thought….."

"Mick," Beth began, his anger hitting her in waves. She had to make him understand. Her anguish was answered by Mick's hurt, and the room vibrated with pain. As she started to speak, Mick shook his head. "No. I'm going out." He said leaving quickly before Beth could react. She heard the slam of the stairwell door and knew she couldn't catch him.

Beth collapsed onto the floor, her emotions churning, tears chasing down her face. She wanted to tell him before, now he was so furious she wasn't sure if he'd even listen. After a few minutes of being paralyzed, she thought, Oh, no. He'll go to Josef. She knew she couldn't let Josef take all the blame for her actions. She had to get to Josef and try to explain to Mick.

Natalya wandered in the almost empty offices of Kostan Industries. . Most of the human staff was gone and not too many vampires were around either. Josef himself was at a meeting across town and not expected back tonight. Since she found the building where the rogue vampire was, she didn't have much to do but wait around and she was bored. There was nothing to do and not even her two freshies were around tonight. She didn't feel like going to a club alone. She wondered if there were any vamps left in the office she could convince to take her out.

She was in the hallway outside Josef's office when she smelled a familiar vampire. She turned with a bright smile. "Hello, Mick. How are you?"

Mick was so focused on finding Josef that he barely noticed Natalya. "Oh, hi." He made for the door of Josef's office which was empty and dark. He almost snarled, and Natalya was intrigued to feel the emotions radiating off Mick.

"Mick, what's wrong?" She came up and laid a hand on his arm. He shook her off and said, "Nothing, I need to find Josef."

"I heard he was at a meeting and wasn't expected back." Natalya's interest increased as Mick stood still trying to regain his control. She was excited by his passion and best of all, he was alone. "Mick, I don't know what's wrong, but you should probably have something to drink."

He looked at her and saw nothing but concern. With a short nod, they went to the large conference room, where there was a full bar. The lights were dim but they could still see as Natalya found the scotch. She poured him a healthy measure and asked, "Do you want some blood? I think there's some in Josef's office."

"This is fine." he said, downing it in one gulp, hoping the burn would quell some of his frustration. He looked at Natalya and gave her a small smile. "Thanks."

Natalya drew closer to him. "Do you want to talk about it?" She wanted Mick to talk, but was also scheming how quickly she could entice him down to her condo. She led him to a leather couch in an alcove of the room. He sat down, putting his head in his hands. "Beth and I had a fight."

"I know you'd probably rather talk to Josef, but I'd be happy to listen." She said softly.

"No, that's not why I want to see him." Mick seethed. "He's been going behind my back and he needs to back off."

Natalya was surprised and amused. Yes, she could definitely use this. "I'm sorry, Mick. It's always a shock when a friend betrays you."

"I thought I could trust them, but they both lied to me." He sat back, eyes closed.

Natalya rubbed his arm, getting closer. "I think I can make you feel better, if you'll let me."

He turned and looked at her, questioning. She just smiled and he fell into the dreamy green depths of her gaze and forgot about his anger. Untold possibilities lay in her look, and he wondered how he never saw how lovely and beguiling she was. Her touch was like fire and he wanted to be burned. His eyes crystaled and he growled as he pulled her toward him for a searing kiss.

Beth brushed past the security guard and made her way to Josef's office. It was dark, but she could scent Mick as well as other vampires. He must have just been here, she thought distractedly. She quickly walked through the hallways, still picking up his trail. It was stronger, and led to one of the conference rooms. Pushing open the door, it was almost dark inside but she recognized the two figures entwined on the leather sofa.

"Mick," she breathed, not believing what she was seeing. He peered around Natalya with silver eyes, his fangs apparent. He looked unfocused, with a vacant expression, not seeing her. Natalya turned to Beth, smirking and Beth fled the room blindly racing headlong toward the doors, the pain too great for her to stand still. In her rush, she almost knocked down someone.

Simone dropped her papers, righting herself. "Beth, what's wrong?" She grabbed Beth's arms, seeing the tears streaming down her face. Beth couldn't speak for a moment, and then said, "He's in there with her—he's touching her, kissing her…" Beth was on the verge of collapse and Simone shook her gently.

"Who, Beth? Do you mean Mick?" Beth nodded, unable to say it out loud. "Where?"

"In the conference room. That Natalya, she just laughed at me." Beth gasped.

Simone's narrowed her eyes. Josef had told her Natalya was trouble, but how could Mick get sucked in? Simone was a fighter and she knew Beth was too, but now her friend was in shock. "Are you sure you weren't mistaken?" One thing Simone knew was how much Mick loved Beth. She couldn't imagine him being unfaithful.

Beth was still dazed, but the tears had almost stopped. Her insides were ripped apart and she couldn't think or function. Her only thought was to get away, as if movement would stop the agony.

"I saw them. I need to go, Simone."

"Oh, no you don't." Simone pulled her to Josef's office. Opening a drawer in a sideboard, she took out a wooden stake and handed it to Beth. "Are you going to let that bitch take your man?"

Beth shook herself, Simone's words finally getting through to her confused mind. What was she thinking, running away in hysterics like some teenage bimbo? She hadn't run from the seedy motel when Mick had needed her blood. That was the biggest leap of faith she'd ever made in her life, even more than being turned. They had been through hell and lost too many people for her to give up. She had to show Mick she would fight for him.

Beth's feet moved of their own accord and she stalked toward the room. She barely heard Simone talking to someone behind her. She pushed open the door and saw them again, and coldness engulfed her as she plunged the stake into Natalya's back. The older vampire didn't make a sound as she slipped from Mick's lap onto the carpeted floor. Mick stayed sitting on the sofa, his eyes glassy. He looked dimly at Natalya but didn't move.

"Mick," Beth said sharply. He still didn't say anything and didn't look at her. Beth stiffened, she felt nothing from him. That's it then. Anguish gripped her and she turned to leave in despair. Simone saw her and tried to speak but Beth swept past her and disappeared out the door.

Simone entered the conference room, followed by two security guards. She glanced at the still body of Natalya with contempt. "Put her somewhere safe until Josef gets back. Don't take out the stake."

"Yes, ma'am." One of them responded. All of Josef's staff knew that Simone was to be obeyed as if it was Josef speaking.

Finally, Mick stood trying to clear his head and looking dumbfounded. He watched the guards remove Natalya, and thought he could scent Beth. "What's going on?" He asked.

Simone gave him a thunderous look and slapped his face. "You bastard!" She spat out.

Mick backed up. "Simone? What the hell?" He had no idea why she would attack him. "What's the matter with you?"

"Don't give me that, you son of a bitch. You just destroyed my friend. How could you?"

Mick looked confused and questioned, "What are you talking about?"

Simone crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a poisonous look. "I'm talking about you playing grab-ass with Natalya on Josef's new leather couch."

"What?" Mick rubbed his eyes. What was she talking about? "I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, I don't suppose you remember Natalya all over you with your tongue down her throat?" Simone sneered.

Mick blanched. He had a vague memory of Natalya speaking with him about Josef and Beth, then nothing until he saw Simone. "I—I don't remember anything like that."

"Sure." Simone looked at him skeptically. "And you don't remember Beth staking that bitch?"

Now Mick looked panicked. "Beth was here?"

"Damn straight—she jammed a stake into your little playmate." Simone said grimly.

Oh my god, Beth saw. He still didn't remember being with Natalya, but if Simone and Beth saw him, it must be true. Why couldn't he remember, what was wrong with him? He started to pace running his hands through his hair. Was he going crazy? He needed to see Beth, his anger over the Foster photos forgotten.

Simone watched him with creeping uncertainty. He seemed sincere. Sure, he had been kissing Natalya, but his frantic concern about Beth had her wondering. He hadn't even asked what would happen to Natalya. "Mick," she said tentatively, "what do you remember about tonight?"

He stopped, turning toward her. He explained quickly about the paparazzi pictures, and how he and Beth had fought. "I came over here looking for Josef and ran into Natalya. All I remember is sitting in here talking to her, then seeing her on the floor, staked." He shook his head again. "I couldn't have been drugged, it wouldn't happen like that. I have to find Beth, to tell her…..to explain. Do you know where she is?"

His torment touched Simone and as unlikely as it seemed, she believed him. "I'm sorry, Mick, she just ran out. Try calling her, at least she'll know you want to find her."

Mick nodded bleakly and glanced at the clock. It was just midnight and so much had happened in a few hours. It was going to be a long night and he had to find Beth.

TBC

Don't worry about Mick and Beth—into every story a little angst must fall, right? Next, Josef finds the bad guy, or does he?