The Companions of the Night © Vivian Vande Velde

A/N: Sorry that the update took so long. But I was really debating on this... so that's why it took so long. Oh man, I think it's going to get crazy, so let me know guys! Also, ignore the ending for the last chapter. I'm removing some stuff to make it make sense.

Chapter Nine: This is It?

Kerry was alone watching T.V when Michel came out of the bathroom. Ian had asked Kerry if he could go out to buy a book at a nearby store. She was apprehensive but decided to let him. Besides, it would be easier to explain Michel being there when Ian came back rather than Michel coming out of the bathroom all of a sudden.

"Someone else here?" Michel asked, glancing at a small suitcase filled with good.

Kerry nodded, not looking away from the T.V. Honestly, she wasn't really paying attention. She was worried sick about the possibility of things going extremely wrong. "Things just got complicated," Kerry sighed, burying her face in her hands. She looked up and Michel sat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Kerry leaned on him as a friend. She needed it right now.

"Michel, if it was just me, I would have no problem following you to hell..." though that was just exaggerated loyalty, "but since the circumstances have changed..."

She felt him studying her face. "Just say the word and I'll go," he said softly.

Kerry felt guilty, but her priorities have changed drastically. "You should go."

And suddenly all of the consequences of that decision slammed into her. Michel could die, and if he died, what if they came after her and Ian was in the middle of it? What if Ian was killed too? She realized that her hands were shaking and she was sobbing uncontrollably. When she finally calmed down she felt Michel's arms around her, strong and comforting, albeit a bit cold.

He made hushing sounds, rocking her side to side. "Your imagination gets the better of you most of the time." He said, chuckling softly. "I'll go and I'll take care of it. Okay?"

Kerry nodded weakly and stood up, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry Michel." she whispers and he smiles in return. He stood up too and gently took strands of her hair, brushing it off her face.

"I'll take care of it," he repeats and kisses her forehead, and then he leans in a second time to plant a peck on her lips. Kerry had little time to cherish it when Ian walked in, food and books in hand.

"Who are you?" Ian asked suspiciously, Kerry just sighed, shaking her head slowly.

"I was just leaving." Michel offered. He took something from his wallet and handed it to Kerry. "Call me if you need help." She nodded in reply, sinking back on the couch.

"Take care of your sister," Michel said, ruffling Ian's hair on his way out. He picked up the shoes she wore last night. Blood. Kerry realized. She has stepped on it yesterday and he was taking care of it for her. There was another pang of guilt but she ignored it.

The door slammed shut and Kerry bit back tears. The realization that she had pushed him away was a bit too much. This was it, she thought. She had effectively, permanently pushed him away.

"Are you okay, Ker?" Ian asked, clearly bewildered. Kerry gave him a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm good." She'd let Ian think what he wanted. It was, after all, safer than the truth.

"What's going on?" Kerry feinted curiosity, peering over the shoulder of gathered colleagues.

"I thought you would know..." he said, surprised. "Jane has been missing for a while, there are detectives questioning the staff."

Kerry furrowed her eyebrows, "I thought she was on vacation." She was disgusted with herself, lying so well.

He just shrugged in reply. "They'll be asking you questions for sure though. Just a heads up."

" Great..." Kerry sighed, nervousness bubbling up to her core. This may not turn out well.

A/N: Yeah, short, but it's because I just wanted to even it out. Stay tuned for the explosive next chapter! Coming very, very soon!