Ghosts of the Past XIV
Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I will never make a profit off of this show.
Thank you all for the good wishes and for your patience. My granddaughter arrived on June 27th and she is beautiful. We had a good time getting to know her and now I am home and missing her and her parents very much. Now I can get on with my story.
Chapter 14
"I would really prefer that you have nothing to do with Carrington but I'm not going to get my way, am I?" Josef said in resignation.
"I'm a big girl Josef," Kira reminded him. "I can handle one human, even if he is a Sentinel."
Josef looked at Mick for assistance.
"Can you talk some sense into her?"
"I would never dream of trying to do that," Mick grinned. "She's older than me and owns five successful clubs around the country. I happen to think she's quite good at taking care of herself."
Kira beamed at Mick.
"Hear that? The subject is closed," she stated smugly. "Now can we turn our attention back to what we should do if Douglas does come after us? I really don't want him trying to burn down my club with me in it."
"They didn't sound like they were rushing into any action just yet," Mick said thoughtfully. "And my guess is that Talbot isn't going to rush into any decision on joining them. Let's sit back and keep them under observation while Logan and Ryder alert the tribe to this newly discovered threat. They can also dig deeper and put names to the people that Kelley caught on film."
"Are you planning to continue tailing our out-of-town guests?" Josef enquired.
"I will although I would prefer to only do night duty. I was thinking of taking a quick trip to Omaha; care to lend me your jet?" Mick asked with a grin.
"I can manage that, would you care for some company?"
"I think Mr. Kelley might be more willing to talk to just one person. I'm less likely to show my teeth if he's unwilling to cooperate," Mick said mildly.
"Touché," Josef smirked. "After all, you are our resident human handler."
Beth turned bright red and Kira lightly tapped the top of Josef's head.
"Really Josef, do you always have to be so tactless?" she chided softly. "Naturally Mick has better people skills, he doesn't do all his business over the phone or on the computer."
"Hey, I get along with humans. Didn't I build Hearst College a new sports center? I can deal with lowly humans if I want," he protested grabbing her hand.
"You deal with them as little as possible unless they supply you with blood," Kira countered, her smile softening her words.
"I'll have you know that Simone is still speaking to me. Eli and Thomas like me," Josef informed her. "And Beth knows I'm fond of her." He looked at Beth and gave her his most sincere smile. "Honest Beth, I tease because I care."
"I get it Josef. I honestly don't think you can control yourself when it comes to teasing Mick and me. But we all know there is a heart deep inside you and while it might not beat anymore, it isn't mean spirited. Tease away, we can take it."
"I keep telling you Mick, she's a keeper," Josef laughed in delight as the younger vamp pulled Beth close to his side. Kira leaned down to kiss Josef's cheek and he reached up and pulled her into his lap.
With the redhead giggling in his grasp, the old vampire kissed her soundly.
"And that is a not so subtle hint for us to leave," Mick said rising to his feet and pulling Beth up with him. "No Josef….don't beg us to stay, we can tell you are going to be busy for awhile."
"Take Blondie out to dinner and then get her home early. Remember she has a job to get to tomorrow. We certainly don't want to make Talbot any more suspicious than necessary."
"Thanks Josef, I know I would have forgotten all about that. Beth will get to work on time. And you are right; I do have an affinity for humans. Having Beth in my life makes it all worth it," Mick declared before leading Beth from the room.
Beth managed to contain her laughter until they had exited the house. She doubled over as her shoulders shook in delight. Mick gathered her into his arms, his own laughter making his chest rumble in her ear. He then tilted her head back and kissed her deeply, not caring about the bright sunshine.
"Mick….the sun," Beth finally protested.
"I'm good, don't worry," he assured him as he kept his arms tightly banded around her. "Please, just ignore Josef."
"I understand Josef, he loves to embarrass me but I'm learning not to let it bother me anymore," Beth promised as she hugged him in return. "And I fully approve of the suggestion that you take me out to eat," she grinned.
"Then let me make this suggestion," Mick countered as he led her to the car. "Let's grab some takeout from one of your favorite places and then got back to my place so that I can eat at the same time."
"In bed?" Beth asked with a mischievous smile.
"I will not argue where dinner is consumed," Mick said, his eyes flashing silver. "Let's go home Beth."
"I really do like calling your place home," Beth sighed as she slid into the seat and closed the car door.
*ML*
Beth lay in Mick's arms, feeling relaxed and satiated. Her Chinese takeout had been fantastic and she couldn't deny that when Mick chose to drink from a new artery, she felt a sense of bliss that she had never felt before. After questioning him about his actions, Mick drew her against him and explained how he didn't want Talbot seeing any new bite marks on her. Hearing his embarrassed confession she had kissed him tenderly and stoked his cheek.
"You make me feel so special," she whispered. "Just give me five minutes alone with Douglas Carrington and I will inform him just how wrong he is about vampires. I have never felt safer than when I am in your arms."
"I wish that could convince him but I'm afraid he'll just chalk it up to vampire influence," Mick said rolling her under him and kissing her. "I want you to avoid him at all costs. I'd bet money on you to convert him but I would rather you not rile the Sentinels."
"Have I ever said how much I love how you watch out for me?" Beth replied. "Mick, you are a perfect lover."
"And I love you too," he said before closing his mouth over hers again.
As midnight approached, Mick gave her a final kiss and told her he was headed to the freezer. Beth didn't argue, knowing he wanted her rested for her return to work. She let him go, aware how the sun had drained him and he needed his rest as well. Blending vampire and human hours was always going to be a challenge for them but they were both willing to make it work. She rolled over and went back to sleep until the alarm sounded.
*ML*
Walking into the DA's office the next morning had Beth glancing around, hoping she wouldn't run into Ben Talbot right off the bat. She made it to her cubicle safely and plunged into work, happy there was no sign of her boss. She might be prepared to see him but it was easier to avoid him all together.
A half hour later she heard several voices greet Ben as he arrived. Beth knew he usually arrived before everyone in the office so this only convinced her he was struggling with what he had learned on Sunday and it had given him a sleepless night. A quick check on the computer confirmed he had not been in court on a case so that told Beth that he was shaken by the information he had been given by the Sentinels.
She glanced up as he paused at his office door and their eyes locked together for a brief moment. Beth smiled sweetly, far more prepared for their first contact than he was and then she turned back to her computer. She had to stifle a small giggle as Ben quickly disappeared into his office, slamming his door harder than necessary. Round one had gone to Beth.
Two and a half hours later Beth had finished a background check on a case that was to be tried later in the month. She pushed back from her desk with a sense of accomplishment and let out a sigh. Completing an assignment was always satisfying but she was aware that this was not her first love. Kira and Mick were right; she should look for a different job. Beth had accepted this job when she had been at loose ends after leaving BuzzWire and she was grateful that Ben had given her something to do. But she had loved reporting and chasing down leads, that was what she truly wanted to do with her life. The only reason she had stayed in the DA's office was the chance to help Mick and the tribe.
"Beth," Ben's voice startled her out of her thoughts, causing her to jump in her seat.
"Damn it Ben…are you trying to give me a heart attack?" she squeaked.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Have you finished the Collin's case background yet?" Ben said with an awkward smile. "The DA just called me that the trial date had been moved up. I need everything you have on it." He tried to look calm but his eyes darted around the cubicle, unable to stay focused on Beth's face.
"I just finished it Ben, good timing," Beth said reaching for the papers in the printer tray. She slid them into a folder and handed it to Ben. "I think you have a good chance of conviction. Nothing in his alibi seems to check out and he has lied about who he was with on the nights in question." She smiled and waited for his response. It pleased her no end that Ben appeared to have swallowed his tongue.
End chapter.
I would say that Beth really did win round one of her encounter with Ben. But we will see how round two goes. The muse had that romantic bug again, hope you don't mind. Thanks for reading.