The Knight of the Fallen Moon by Patrick Councilor

Niles cell phone sounded. It was already resting in his hand for this anticipated call. He took a deep breath as it sounded again. He flipped it open, "Hello…" His heart started to thunder as he heard the words. His hands started to tremble and his heart was suddenly in his throat. Tears built up in his eyes. He swallowed hard. "That is good news. I can't thank you enough." He listened. "No, I would like you to make the call." He checked his watch. "Give me thirty minutes and then make the call. Thank you so much."

He slapped his phone shut. He had to get to Frasier's. He actually ran out of the café and to his car as he felt tears run down his face next to that broad smile of his. What a glorious night this was. Oh, he had forgotten his coffee. Oh well, he would leave it just this once. When he reached his car, he was so excited he could barely get the key in the ignition.

[NINETEEN MINUTES LATER AT ELLIOT BAY TOWERS]

There was a knock at the door. Frasier answered it. "Niles, what a wonderful surprise. Did you get your phone call?"

He stepped inside. "I did."

"Well, what's going on, Niles?" Martin asked as he shut the TV off.

With a great big smile and eagerness in his voice, he said, "I can't tell you."

"What?" Frasier questioned.

Niles checked his watch. "In approximately… five minutes, all will be revealed."

"Well come in," Martin said. "Have a seat."

"I'd like to Dad, but I can't. Where is Daphne?"

"In her room," his father answered.

"Would you like me to go get her?" Frasier offered.

"Yes please. She'll be getting a phone call soon."

Frasier went to retrieve her, but fell short handed. He returned. "She's not in her room."

"Where could she be?"

Martin stood. "Relax. Maybe she's went down to do laundry or she's soaking in Frasier's tub."

"In my tub?" Frasier questioned.

Martin shot him a look that shut him up.

"I'll go knock on my bathroom door," Frasier said.

"And I'll check to see if her coat's gone." Martin hobbled over to the coat hooks.

Daphne sat in the darkness of the balcony rolling the rosary between her fingers. She was ready to give the man everything she owned. She just wanted it to be over. She was weak from crying and exhausted of all emotion.

"Daphne," Niles' voice was as soft as a whisper, almost as if the wind had carried it. He was in the doorway leading to the balcony.

She wiped her cheeks with both hands. She didn't want him to see her like this.

He walked over and squatted beside her. "Please come inside. It's a bit chilly out here." The wind was blowing his hair just a big and it was always good to see his welcomed face.

She nodded and he helped her to her feet and walked her back inside.

"There you are," Martin said.

"Oh, Daphne," Frasier exclaimed. "Thank God. We were worried. We didn't know where you were."

"She's fine," Niles lead her to the couch and sat with her. She leaned her head upon his shoulder when the phone rang.

Martin moved for the phone.

"No Dad," Niles spoke up. "I think that call is for Daphne."

She lifted her head and looked at him with curiosity.

He helped her to her feet.

She walked over and took up the receiver. "Crane residence."

Niles started to smile. He greatly anticipated her expression.

"Oh, that's nice," she said with little expression.

'Oh, that's nice?' That's it? Niles couldn't believe it.

Daphne then said. "Yes, he's right here." She held out the phone. "Doctor Crane, it's Ruby. She received the flowers."

"Oh, wonderful." He took the phone. "I'll just take this back in my room."