The characters belong to Charlaine Harris; the mistakes are mine.
The night of ectoplasmic reconstruction has arrived, and Sookie blinks her and Eric to New Orleans.
Amelia is running around like a nervous ball of energy and Sookie looks around to see if Sophie Ann has arrived. Amelia pauses long enough to introduce everyone.
"Sookie, Eric, this is Octavia, Terry and Bob. Guys this is the Vampire Sheriff of Area 5 and his fairy princess." Sookie and Eric exchange a grin over her choice of introductions, but say nothing as she is off again.
There is a knock on the door, and Sophie Ann followed closely by Andre walk in. There are two more guards that remain outside.
"Sookie dear, always a pleasure."
"Your majesty," Sookie responds and Eric closely echoes. Eric and Andre extend a nod as Amelia finally comes to a halt and completes the introductions. Sookie takes a moment as places are set and watchers step away from the witches to listen in to them.
Octavia seems to be interesting in both her thoughts and attire. Sookie thinks that Gran will love her. Terry is kind in her thoughts, and Bob strikes Sookie as a Mormon, but his thoughts do not currently reveal his religious affiliate.
Sophie Ann to Amelia, "Before we begin, I would like a private word with my sheriff and Sookie."
"Of course, we will wait outside," Amelia says as she ushers the witches outside. Not daring to anger the vampire queen who is paying for it all and who could have them all killed.
Sophie Ann turns to Eric and Sookie with Andre at her side, "There was a reason for the delay of your notification of Hadley's death. Her murder was a shock, and it took me some time to make certain connections." Sophie Ann finishes her thought while she takes in Eric and Sookie's expressions. She continues, "I know who forced Hadley to meet her final death. His name was Waldo and he has been within my service for some time. Though not a particular favorite of mine, he was mine." Sophie Ann pauses to allow that to sink in before continuing on, "Waldo admitted that Hadley was despondent when I sent her away from the palace."
She now is only looking at Sookie when she speaks. "Waldo would leave me to believe that Hadley so devastated by the loss of my favor turned to him for help to destroy me. I do not believe this to be true. It is part of the reason why I turned her; her complete and utter devotion."
Sookie is sickened by the queen's general comments concerning Hadley, but does not allow that to show. Sophie Ann continues, "Though Waldo did not survive the questioning, I believe that Hadley stumbled onto a plot to remove me from my throne. The night before she met her final death she had requested an audience with me and I of course refused her. I had thought she had come to beg return to my favor, and wanted to help her learn her new role quickly. I learned a while after she left that upon my refusal she then requested to speak to Andre." Sophie Ann finally breaks eye contact with Sookie to look to Andre as the go ahead with his role in this.
"That is true. I was told that Hadley wished to speak to me, but she had before soon after my queen had her leave the palace. I, of course, refused her as well. Upon hearing of my refusal, she left the palace." Andre finishes with no show of emotion.
"It didn't make sense at that time because it had been some time since Hadley had requested an audience with Andre. It wasn't until the next night that I sent Andre to find Hadley, and we discovered her final death."
Sookie though feeling no love for Hadley feels great anger and annoyance right now. These two felt that Hadley needed to learn her place when it was Sophie Ann who had created it. If Sophie Ann is right and Hadley had discovered something she would have tried to warn her. Sophie Ann had never lost Hadley's devotion no matter how much it had hurt her and ultimately destroyed her. Sookie knows better than to anger the queen, "Thank you for telling me."
Sophie Ann turns back to Sookie, "Our relationship is so new I would seek to keep peace between us."
Sookie heard Sophie Ann's message loud and clear. "Again, thank you your majesty."
Eric has not spoken through this, "Do you know what Hadley might have discovered?"
Andre answers this one, "We are looking into it still. It is unfortunate that Waldo did not survive. You will be properly informed if necessary."
With that, Andre summons the witches return, and Amelia enters with a clap of her hands. Sookie can hear how nervous, but excited the witches are to try this.
"I have set the scene for a couple hours before so we might need to fast forward," Amelia says.
Sophie Ann nods.
"Everyone ready?" Amelia asks as she looks around, "Begin."
The witches begin to chant in Latin and for a few minutes nothing. Suddenly Hadley appears. Even expecting it, Sookie is still startled.
The vision that is Hadley walks into the living room, and sits on a couch that is no longer there while watching an area that Sookie remembers was where the television was. The vision that is Hadley is painting her nails.
The vampires are fascinated that whatever object Hadley is touching will also be brought to view, but as soon as Hadley lets it go; it disappears.
Sookie glances over to Sophie Ann and sees the emotions on her face. Sookie wonders why she would have sent Hadley away if she clearly loved her.
Sookie glances to Andre and sees the most expression she had ever seen on his face.
Eric is still as stone, but noticing every detail
The vision that is Hadley hears a knock on the door. She turned her head in that direction sharply and a look of surprise crosses her face. She gets up to answer it, and Andre is in a position near the door.
Hadley opens the door, and on the other side is Waldo.
The vision that is Waldo speaks, but we cannot hear him. The reconstruction is obviously limited to allow us to see actions but not hear words. However, it is apparent that Andre can read ectoplasmic lips because he begins, "The queen wishes you present at the party tonight."
Andre speaks for Hadley next, "I do not want to go and watch her chose another."
Andre speaks for Waldo, "You need to grow up and do as you are told. You didn't think that she would keep you by her side for all time did you? I can see by your face you did. That is priceless. You would do wise to consider our offer."
Andre speaks for Hadley, "Not until you tell me who else is involved."
Waldo, "That is of no concern of yours. Think of the revenge that could be had. She would regret always passing you over when she is taken down, and sees you left standing."
Hadley, "I told you I need time to think about it."
Waldo, "What is there to think about? You better not try to warn her; that would end very badly for you. Besides she will never believe you if you did, your best choice is to agree and help me."
Hadley, "What do you want from me?"
Waldo, "Simple things really. Her routine, where she sleeps, that sort of thing. Only few have had those secrets shared with them. Her ultimate betrayal was forcing you away. This is your chance to get even."
Hadley, "You will have your answer tonight."
Waldo, "Jake will be by soon to pick you up; don't be late." With that the vision that is Waldo leaves and Hadley shuts the door.
The vision that is Hadley heads to her room and spends what feels like forever primping and getting ready. Everyone except Sophie Ann feels like this could be sped up, but says nothing. Sophie Ann is engrossed in watching Hadley style her hair, apply makeup, and finally get dressed. There is another knock at the door because Hadley picks up her purse and heads to the door. She leaves with the man Sookie recognizes as the crazed vampire.
"Ok witches, let's speed this up," they begin to chant faster and pretty soon a vision of a car flies back into view from the apartment.
The vision that is Jake with the help of Andre, "Hadley you have to get a grip. You are making a scene everywhere you go!"
The vision that is Hadley with the help of Andre, "But Jake I can't stand it. She refused to even see me!" With that she turned away and ran upstairs. Jake watched her go and as soon as Hadley had closed her door, Jake got in his car. He turned the car around and drove through the gates. As he reached the gate, the car stopped and Jake was dragged from the car.
No one could see who had done it, but at that moment Hadley opens the door again. Sookie thinks that she must have heard something.
"Jake?" Hadley calls.
Hadley walks back downstairs and finds Jake who has a rather large wound on his neck. Hadley sits for a minute, "I'm so sorry," she says as she bites her wrist and holds him down to drink. She then carries him upstairs.
When it was over, the witches left to eat exhausted. The vampires and Sookie return to Hadley's apartment.
Sophie Ann turned to Eric, "Would you mind stepping outside with Andre for a bit so that I might speak to Sookie privately?"
Eric looks to Sookie who nods before he departs the apartment with Andre.
"It is good to know why Hadley did what she did."
"Turning Jake is bad?"
"Oh yes, he was originally a Were and was assigned here by his employer. Jake was to drive Hadley back and forth between functions. If she had lived, the tribunal would have probably sentenced her to death. I was very fond of her, and mourned her, Sookie."
"Yet, you sent her away."
"I did. It is what vampires do. We do not mate for life, Sookie. I had just begun to tire of her; I grew bored. I do not mean to insult her; it is just how it was. My relationship with Hadley lasted numerous years, and that was long enough for me."
"Are you trying to say something to me, Sophie Ann?" Sookie wanting to cut to the chase.
"I am always sticking my foot in my mouth with you! No, I am not trying to suggest anything about you and the Viking. I was simply trying to speak to you about me and your cousin."
Sensing her honesty, "I must apologize, I am sure I sound pathetic."
"Not at all, of course that is where your thoughts go. The decisions you must make one day concerning Eric must weigh heavily on your mind."
"Some days it is all I can think about."
"I will say this to you. The relationship between you two has never been before. There is no story I can share from my existence that will help guide you in this. Eric is very true to you and he has already amazed the Vampire Community with his actions. You both will be much sought after in Rhodes at the Summit, but I think that everyone will understand once they meet you."
"Your majesty, it has only been a few months. It surely cannot be causing that much gossip."
"Sookie, you do not understand your worth. You're a telepath, fairy, human and have exchanged blood with Eric. The last individual that Eric gave his blood to was his child, Pam. Eric has shared a bit about how the bond feels now, and I do not understand its strength after only two exchanges. I am intrigued what will occur when the bond is completed."
Sookie is quiet with all she suddenly has to think about.
"I wish to say this to you in private. I want no witness to what I am about to say."
Sookie is looking at her intently curious as to what it might be.
Sophie Ann continues, "I need you to be on your guard at the summit. I have suspicious within my own court that another king or queen might have designs on my state. I also have concerns that there are other vampires within the area who are uncomfortable with your bond with the Viking. We must all be on our guard, but I will say this, I am more worried for the fools that take you and I on than I am for us." Sophie Ann finishes with a laugh and squeezes Sookie's hand.
Again Sookie's thoughts are scrambling with this new information and as she is pulling it all together Sophie Ann interrupts her train of thought, "We should return to our men. We have kept them waiting enough."
As Sookie and Sophie Ann walk out of the apartment for the last time, Sophie Ann turns back for one last look.
Eric and Andre are downstairs waiting, but not talking. Eric and Sookie watch Sophie Ann and Andre leave as Amelia and Octavia are returning.
Sookie chats with the two, and invites Octavia to meet Gran.
"Oh! That sounds like fun. Are you sure she won't mind?" Octavia aks.
"Not at all. Gran loves a reason to get cooking!" Sookie answers with a laugh.
"I look forward to it. Since Amelia and I have been displaced from Katrina it is difficult to take the time for fun."
"I'll be in touch soon." Sookie says, and she is looking forward to spending more time with both of them and Gran. Sookie blinks her and Eric back to his home.
"You seemed…conflicted…while speaking to Sophie Ann," Eric says simply.
Sookie tries to give him a smile, "She left me a lot to think about with everything tonight."
"Do you wish to discuss it?" Eric asks.
"No, not yet. I need to think it all through first. She did mention potential problems from within and without the state at the summit. What are your thoughts?"
"I would agree. Until we show our force, I believe we will be a target. Sookie, just you being able to read minds alone is enough to start a war, but you understand that."
"I do, and I expect trouble. We have just been lucky so far I guess. I almost wish that I had not agreed for Jason to go, but he was so hopeful that I could not refuse."
"Jason is going?"
"Yes, I think he wishes to learn more of our life together, and he and I have been separated so long that I could not say no when he expressed interest. He will have to remain with either you or I, but we can handle that."
"He realizes that besides the donors, he will be the only human there?"
"I'm sure the staff has humans as well and I will be there," Sookie adds, but Eric just raises an eyebrow at her. "I know, but we'll keep him safe, and he has the wards from the witches."
Eric wraps Sookie in his arms and holds her sensing her confusion and her need to think. He simply holds her until it time for his day time rest. At some point, she falls asleep, but he leaves her be; wanting to keep her by his side.
The next day, Sookie is still tired. She lets Gran know that she is staying with Eric to catch up on rest. As Eric rises the next night; he checks his phone since he hears Sookie in the kitchen.
"Hey you," she says and he can feel that she has worked through whatever it is that was bothering her last night. Her feelings are of happiness tonight.
"Hey yourself," he whispers as he pulls her into his arms and they share one of those kisses of theirs.
She steps away to finish eating, and Eric begins, "I have been hesitant since you arrived to use your telepathy. I thought it might be beneath you and your station to use your skills to make my life simpler."
Sookie showing her surprise, "You didn't have to do that. I would help you with anything. What is this about?"
"I have been unable to locate Bill. He contacted Pam the other night since he had been out of the area, to inform her that he was returning. He was to check in with me tonight as he and I have unfinished business. However, I just received a text from Pam that she is unable to locate Bill. She is looking into it more, but we need to meet her at Fangtasia."
"I understand that he is a registered vampire in your area and that you are ultimately responsible for him, but he could be behind all that has been going on with Hadley and Sophie Ann. Why do we care if something has happened to him?"
"You're right, but I have been in contact with Sophie Ann in regards to Compton's disappearance the night you met her." Eric gives Sookie a smirk and Sookie gives a little laugh.
"Our relationship with Sophie Ann has been smooth so far, and if I am to remain in control of Area 5 with little interference from her; we need to keep her happy."
"I agree, but that doesn't answer my question. Why do we care if he could be behind the threats to the queen and Hadley's death?"
"I get the feeling that before you became known to Sophie Ann, Compton was a favorite of hers. She sent him to bring you to her, and even though that failed; I believe there was more to their relationship."
"Eric, I'm still confused. You think they were lovers?"
"I don't know. We will wait for what Pam can dig up, and then see what we do know."
Pam arrived shortly after them at Fangtasia later on.
"Eric, Sookie," Pam enters the room in greeting.
"What do we know?" Eric asks quickly.
Pam begins, "We know that Bill disappeared the night that you," she indicates Sookie, "met Sophie Ann. We know that he boarded a plane to Nevada. He remained in a holding room at the airport until night fell. I am not able to discover who he met with, but he left a few hours later. It appears that Lorena," she pauses to see if Sookie knows who she is; sees that she does and continues, "summoned him to Mississippi. They had been apart for some time, but that is what I know. Everywhere Compton has went he has commented about his connection to Sophie Ann and tries to convey that he is important to her. He refers to a special project. He landed in Mississippi, and that is where he said he was when he called to check in. When I woke, he had yet to confirm his arrival. I checked, he was not on the plane."
"Look, why don't we simply call Sophie Ann and ask her?" Sookie asks.
"Because if he was working on something that Sophie Ann wanted kept quiet, she would not appreciate being questioned on it. At the same time, we have felt a level of peace after her humiliation, but that is not to say that she would not take the opportunity to get even. It will appear that I am a weak Sheriff if I cannot keep Compton under control and safe especially, if he was taken or is being held because of this special project."
"But this could be all part of his plan. He creates the appearance of importance so we come running."
"I agree, Lover, but none of our questions can be answered without him. I hate this, but this could be exactly what Sophie Ann needs to destroy us all. Has she hinted anything to you at all?"
"Nothing. What if Lorena has simply refused to allow him to leave?"
"Again, we need Compton for that."
"Have you tried to reach Lorena?"
Pam answered that one, "I have, but no response."
"What about a local sheriff or the King?" Sookie trying to exhaust all possibilities.
"We do not know the level if any of their involvement. We do not need to upset the peace between the states. We just need Compton back."
Sookie thinks for a moment and looks at both Eric and Pam, "Looks like we need to go to Mississippi."