Chapter 25:

Ivy's boots were slow on the tiled floor. The noise echoing in the hallway gave her a feeling of déjà vu. It was not long ago that she had walked down the hallway to the awaiting master vampire and the missing person's case. How things had changed in such a short time.

Shifting the bundle of folders and photos from the deposit box to her other hand, Ivy knocked on the closed door to Piscary's office.

"Come in," Piscary's voice answered. Swallowing hard, she put on a neutral face. Masking her feelings from the vampire was almost impossible, but she was determined to try.

Piscary was hunched over the restaurant's ledgers that lay open on his desk and he barely raised his eyes as Ivy entered his office. "There you are," he said, no hint of anger or scolding tone in his voice. "I knew you would come around eventually." The vampire wet the tip of his finger with his tongue and turned the page of the book before him.

"I thought you would like to know what I have so far," Ivy said. She had only entered the room enough for the door to close behind her.

"Is that what you have brought me?" Piscary asked, raising his brow as he looked at the pile of papers in Ivy's arms. Sitting back in his chair, he slid the ledgers off to the side. "Well? Come in. I'm anxious to hear what has kept you so busy." The master vampire nodded his head in the direction of the chair opposite his desk.

Sitting across from him Ivy shifted nervously in her seat, thinking that his silence was an indication of his disappointment with her. His amber eyes were blank and empty as he stared at her; as unreadable as a doll's. Forcing her heartbeat to slow, she simply waited for a sign that he wanted her to begin.

Piscary's nostrils flared slightly as he scented the air. Leaning forward in his seat, he smiled delightedly at Ivy. "You seem a little tense my Ivy girl. You shouldn't push yourself so hard." He smiled to show his fangs. "Or maybe you should come to see me more often."

Ivy scars tingled sending forth trails of pleasure that resonated with every heartbeat. She stifled the urge to give in to the feelings, struggling to stay focused.

"I've had a break in the case," she said, daring to raise her eyes to meet his gaze. "It's all here in these books." Ivy moved up out of her seat to slide the folders across the desk.

"You have been busy," he said as his long fingers stretched forward to reach for it. Ivy settled back in her chair and watched as he flipped through the Hydra's ledgers. "How interesting," he said slowly as he shut the book.

There was a sparkle of interest in his stare as he looked across the desk at her. "Sirio just gave you all this? All the financials from the club?" A smile curved the corner of his lips. "Are you that persuasive as a detective?" he asked as his brow rose, "Or are you using your feminine wiles to get what you want?"

A blush rose in her cheeks as she realized what he was asking. "Neither, actually," she answered quickly. "This was in Jack Baptiste's deposit box. He meant to use it as leverage against Sirio."

Ivy stood and approached the desk. Opening the large envelope, she slid the pictures of Sirio with several high profile individuals at the club. "These pictures from the security cameras would back up Mr. Baptiste's claims that Sirio was using the Hydra for some of his shadier activities." Ivy stepped back and folded her arms across her chest. "But someone stopped Jack before any of this could be used."

The undead vampire steepled his fingers in consideration. Making a small sound of surprise, his brow creased. "Even more interesting. So what you are saying is that you think Adam Sirio made his partner disappear to keep these transactions under wraps? If this is true, Adam is getting sloppy." Piscary's face showed a glimmer of distaste.

"Sloppy with his club, his gambling, and now his partner." He sighed heavily. "The real shame will be if this human's death catches the media's attention. What will the Hydra be worth to me then?" Piscary looked down at his desk. "How did you come by this deposit box?" he asked coolly as he slowly flipped through the photos. "Not even the I.S. can gain access without a key."

"I had a key," Ivy admitted, shifting uneasily under Piscary's questioning. "I had some help from Jack's sister Danielle," she said softly as she looked down at the evidence.

Face still and empty, he looked up from the pictures. He let his gaze linger on Ivy's tense figure. "And what of his sister? How much does she know about all this?"

Hesitating, Ivy's mind raced as she tried to figure out a safe answer. Moving away from Piscary, she took her seat across from him. "She knows enough to want to cooperate," Ivy began cautiously as she met his eyes, "but not enough to want to draw attention or seek retribution."

Piscary smiled to show a glint of fang. "If only her brother were as smart as she." Taking a breath, he studied Ivy for a long moment. "So," Piscary shifted in his chair, "who else knows of this evidence?" Adjusting his cuffs, he pulled his shirt sleeves down over his muscled forearms.

Ivy focused on the crisp whiteness of his shirt against the honeyed hue of his skin. "No one," she muttered. "You told me to come to you first."

"Good girl," he said, his low voice soft. "Leave this here with me," he gestured at the files on the desk. "I'll look it over and you can pick it up later."

Taking a deep breath she met his gaze. "What about Sirio?"

"What about him?" Piscary blinked slowly and gave her a knowing smile. "Would you have me punish him for harming a human?"

"He sent his Were to follow us. Today, after I left the bank with Danielle, the Were attacked her in the parking garage. He was trying to get this." Ivy paused. "When I tried to stop him, he turned on me."

"You shouldn't have involved yourself," he said flatly. "The Were would have tied up your loose string."

Ivy lowered her eyes submissively. "The sister has nothing to do with this. She doesn't deserve to be punished for her brother's actions," Ivy said, her voice determined. Taking another deep breath, her eyes rose to his. "I would ask you to speak with Sirio. Have him call off his hounds and leave the girl alone."

Piscary sat still in his chair as if pondering her request. Ivy's pulse pounded in her temples as she stood, tensed for his answer.

"Once again, you intrigue me. It's not like you to ask for favors on behalf of someone else. What is this woman to you?" he asked, the skin around his eyes tightening. He shrugged his shoulder watching her reaction. "What do you care what happens to her?"

Ivy flushed, not liking the way the undead vampire was eyeing her. Feeling as though she had tipped her hand, she ducked her head. "She is nothing to me, Piscary. She doesn't matter. I'm sorry if I have displeased you."

He stood from his chair and walked around his desk. "No, Ivy girl," the vampire's face softened as he ran his fingertips gently down her cheek. "You didn't displease me. You did just as I asked, and you should be rewarded for it."

Ivy looked up, feeling a spike a pleasure as his fingers caressed her skin. Smiling at her, his eyes were entirely black.

"Making you happy is reward enough," Ivy said, her voice soft and passive.

Piscary's smile grew wider as he looked at her with sin black eyes. "And that you will," he breathed, running his fingernail down Ivy's neck, making her shiver. "But not tonight."

As the master vampire pulled back Ivy took a step toward him, not wanting to break the connection. Turning his back to her, Piscary smoothed his palm over his bare scalp.

"Tonight is reserved for Kisten. I mean to find out why my scion leaves my restaurant for two days and doesn't bother to tell me where he is going." Turning to face her, he gave Ivy a directive nod. "Let Kisten know I will wait for him downstairs. He can handle dinner tonight on his own."

"As for the other matter," Piscary continued with a slight frown, "I'll have a word with Sirio and make sure we are on the same page. He has already drawn enough attention to himself and the Hydra. We don't need another dead human linked to him."

Ivy kept her face impassive and nodded her head. Leaving the office, she felt relieved and disappointed at the same time.

XXX XXX XXX XXX

Ivy carefully shut the door behind her, throwing the dead bolt. "Dani, I'm back," she called out as she kicked off her boots. Tossing her keys on the table, she slowly walked toward the living room and the muted sound of the TV.

Sighing, she pushed her hair behind her ear. The meeting with Piscary had left her confused and frustrated. She couldn't understand how she could both love and detest someone like she did the master vampire. One minute she dreaded seeing him, and the next she was upset that he was sending her away; feeling jealous that Kisten would be his and his alone tonight. When she was around him, she craved his attention, his approval. But once out of his sphere of influence, she hated her dependence of him.

She was so deep in thought, Ivy almost walked past the curled up figure on her couch. The television was on, but the volume was low. Spread out on the coffee table were various textbooks and notecards, and next to it was Dani's bag that she snagged from her apartment.

"Dani?" Ivy said softly as she walked around to the front of the couch. The blonde was nestled between the back and the arm of the couch, curled slightly on her side. Standing over her, Ivy looked down at Dani, watching the peaceful expression on her face as she slept. Her family's photo album lay open on her legs, her fingers still gripping it.

Ivy reached out and carefully took the book off her lap, setting it on the coffee table so it wouldn't fall on the floor. Turning back around, she gently eased herself down next to Dani and grabbed the remote. She clicked on the closed caption option and turned to the evening news, slumping back onto the cushy suede pillows.

Resting her head back against the pillow, Ivy turned her gaze to Dani. Seeing her here, safe, Ivy relaxed her guard and breathed a sigh of relief. If only Piscary knew what she was hiding upstairs. Her "loose string" he called her. She gently brushed Dani's cheek with her finger. "What am I going to do with you?" she whispered in the dark.

Dani stirred in her sleep, a soft noise coming from her. As Ivy watched, the dancer's eyes fluttered open.

"Oh, crap," she said groggily. "Did I fall asleep? What time is it?"

"Late for you," Ivy said with a smile. "You've had a long day."

Dani sat up to put her feet on the floor. "I'm sorry, I'll clean this up." She leaned forward and began collecting her notecards. "I thought I would catch up on some studying and I end up crashing on your couch instead." Dani stood up to grab her bag. Grimacing, she squeezed her eyes shut and put her hand to the side of her head.

"What's wrong?" Ivy pitched forward and grabbed her waist. "Here, sit down."

"I'm OK," Dani said, head still in her hands. "I stood up too fast, that's all."

"Lay back down, Dani," Ivy said, brow pinched with concern. "I don't like this," the vampire said leaning over to look into her eyes. "You probably have a concussion. I should get you to a hospital."

"I'm fine," Dani insisted. "Please. I have some Motrin in my bag. I just forgot to take it after we ate."

Ivy sat on the edge of the couch next to Dani. She carefully pushed the hair back away from her face and gently ran her fingers over the sore side of Dani's head. Feeling the bump, Dani winced again. She reached out and gripped Ivy's wrist. "It's OK," she whispered.

"Let me get you some water. Do you want some ice for your head? I have a bag of frozen peas I can bring you." Ivy was already striding for the kitchen before Dani had time to object.

"Sounds wonderful," she said, fingers squeezing the bridge of her nose to try to ease her pain.

Ivy returned with the glass of water in one hand, the bag of frozen peas wrapped in a dishtowel was pressed between her arm and her side. In her other hand she carried a small square tin. "Here, take this," she handed the blonde the glass of water and set the peas down on the table. "I have something better than Ibuprofen."

Dani propped herself up on her elbow and watched as Ivy opened the box. "What is that? A cookie?"

"Sort of," Ivy said, snapping a small piece off the cookie and handing it to Dani.

Eyeing it suspiciously, she examined the small brown chunk. "No offense, but I never heard of a cookie being a pain reliever."

"It's Brimstone, not chocolate chip. Chew it slowly. You'll feel better."

Dani's brow rose as she cautiously took a bite. "It's good," she said making a face as she took a gulp of water. "Kind of spicy." She cleared her throat and took another sip of water. "What are you going to do with the rest of it?" she asked hesitantly.

Ivy laughed and took the glass from her. "I'll finish it, don't worry," she said taking a bite of the Brimstone. "I hate to admit it, but that Were clipped me pretty good. My shoulder's a little sore." She took a drink from Dani's glass and popped the last piece of the cookie in her mouth. "Come on, bring your peas. I'll take you to your bed." Ivy extended her hand to Dani and waited.

Taking Ivy's hand in hers, she looked up at the vampire. "Sit with me," she said softly. "The couch is so warm and comfortable." She laid her head down on the pillow and met Ivy's unblinking gaze.

"My bed is warm and comfortable," Ivy said, still grinning and holding onto Dani's hand. "And it's roomier than the couch."

"Just for a little while, then I'll go to bed," her eyes pleaded with Ivy's as she made room for the vampire. "Besides, I have wonderful memories involving us on a couch."

Ivy laughed softly and stretched out next to Dani, face to face. "Ok, it's your neck, Ms. Baptiste. Don't yell at me later when it's stiff."

Dani laughed, her body shaking against Ivy's as she placed the bag of peas against her temple. "It's worth it," she said pressing closer to the vampire. "I love having you this close to me."

Ivy brought her hand to Dani's hip, encouraging her to lean into her. Dani's body began to relax as the Brimstone started to take effect. Snuggling against her, Ivy's fingers slowly began to stroke her back. "I love feeling your arms around me," Dani murmured softly, her breath warm against Ivy's neck. "I love the sound of your voice..." She exhaled softly as her words began to trail off. Ivy knew it wouldn't be long until she was asleep again.

Ivy sighed contently as she closed her eyes. Even though she was scared to admit it, she was becoming more emotionally attached. Being around Danielle breathed new life into her; brought her out of the darkness. She felt at peace with herself and it wasn't something she was ready to give up easily.

Several minutes later, Ivy opened her eyes to find Dani watching her. "Can I ask you a question?" she whispered.

"You can ask me anything," Ivy answered softly.

"How does that make you feel, you know, when people like that guy downstairs…"

"You mean Tom?"

"Yeah. Tom." Dani nodded. "Do you like it when people look at you like that? I don't think I've ever had anyone look at me that way, and it seems to happen to you a lot," she said quietly. "What's it like?"

"Tom looks at every vampire that walks in the door like that, Dani. I'm nothing special."

"Yes you are. You beat up that Were today. By yourself," Dani's eyes were wide as she looked at the vampire. " Whenever you walk into a room, people seem to sit up and take notice…"

Ivy's dark eyes scanned Dani's face, studying her carefully. Exhaling softly, she shook her head. "It's not as glamorous as you think," her voice sounded weary. "Sometimes it can be a lonely existence."

"How?" Dani asked, reaching up to take off the cold compress. "I see the way people react to you. Most of them just about fall at your feet. "

"That's just it," Ivy carefully smoothed Dani's hair back, tucking it behind the curve of her ear. "I don't know if someone is interested in me because of what I am, or what they hope to gain from me."

"You mean people like Tom?" Dani asked softly.

"There are a lot like him out there. People desperate to be needed and wanting in the worst way to be noticed." Ivy ran her fingers through Dani's hair, being mindful of her temple. She loved the silkiness of the dancer's thick tresses against her skin. "What makes you ask that?"

"I just don't understand how someone like you can want to be with someone as ordinary as me…" Dani trailed off as she looked down, too embarrassed to hold Ivy's gaze.

Ivy cupped Dani's face in her hand, tipping it back slightly until she met her eyes once again. Smiling, she slowly drew her thumb across her cheek. "It's very hard to find a person who gives freely of them self and only asks us for our love in return," she said, her voice like grey velvet. "And rarer still, someone who gives us their trust. Someone like you," she whispered as her thumb stroked the corner of Dani's mouth. "You're the special one."

"You've been so good to me," she said, green eyes not blinking. "You've done so much…"

"Wait until you get my bill," Ivy said trying to lighten the mood.

Smiling, Dani gazed at Ivy for a few seconds before shifting closer to her, pressing her lips against Ivy's. Her hand reached up to cup the vampire's face and her lips parted, allowing Ivy to deepen their kiss.

"What happens next?" Dani panted breathlessly as she pulled back, her fingers still buried in Ivy's hair.

"Whatever you want to happen," Ivy said with a dusky voice. Her teeth glinted in the dark as she leaned closer. Tilting her head, she placed a kiss on Dani's cheek, slowly trailing her lips down her jawline. "We can go to my room if you feel up to it…" She smiled against Dani's skin as she nuzzled her throat.

With a shiver, Dani's hand slowly pulled back. "I mean what happens next for me," her voice was distant, telling Ivy her thoughts were on more serious things. "I have school to finish, a job I have to get back to." Her eyes searched Ivy's. "Do you think Adam will leave me alone?"

"I plan on making sure he does," Ivy said. "One way or another." Her voice was firm and confident as she propped her head up on her hand. Looking down at Dani, her eyes grew stormy. "Vampires have a way of policing each other. It keeps the other species happy and we don't get hunted."

"Let's face it," Dani said, "the I.S. can't do anything to Adam without my brother's body. Regardless of what was in the deposit box, it's still all speculation." Her half-lidded eyes watched Ivy's expression.

Ivy's confidence faltered. "No, the I.S. can't do anything without that. But there are other ways…"

Dani's breath slipped from her and she closed her eyes. "No."

"What do you mean, no?" Ivy asked, brow furrowed. "It's not up to you, Dani. This whole investigation has been set into motion…"

"Don't pursue him for me," she said quietly. "I know what I said when we first met. That I didn't want anything swept under the rug. I understand things better now. I see how things work with people like Adam." Sighing softly, she paused a moment. " I want to live my life, Ivy. I'm sorry for my brother, but he made his choices and I can't keep hiding from them. To pursue Sirio will only make it worse." Her eyes were solemn as she looked at the brooding vampire.

"You have done what you have promised me you would do. You found out what happened to Jack, and I appreciate everything. For you to try to do more, it's not worth the risk. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you. I don't want to lose you. Lose this." Dani reached up and stroked Ivy's cheek lovingly. "You can't keep watch forever. You have a life, a job. It's not fair to you."

Ivy's lips parted and she breathed, "I don't care about that. I want to do this for you."

Dani smiled. "I know you do." Leaning closer, she rose up to gently kiss Ivy's pouting lips. "But I have had to take care of myself and others for a long time. I have to go back tomorrow."

"You could get away for a few weeks," Ivy whispered, her voice soft and pleading. "Use Jack's money and go somewhere until this is finished…"

"It will never be finished. Not until Jack's body is found. And then there are no guarantees his death will be directly tied to Adam. Should I put my life on hold and just go hide somewhere?" Dani gave Ivy a sad smile. "The Baptistes may be a lot of things, but one thing we are not is cowardly. But, maybe, after the boards are over," she shifted on the couch and gently pulled Ivy's waist, drawing her down on top of her. "Maybe the both of us could stand a vacation. Somewhere nice. Away from here."

"Dani…"

"Did I mention we are also very stubborn?" Smiling, she ran her hands up the back of Ivy's shirt, pulling her weight farther down upon her. "Let me win this argument," she murmured as her lips moved against Ivy's skin. "You said trust is important to you. You have to trust that I know what's best for myself as well."

Ivy shuddered as Dani's lips dusted across an old scar. "This isn't fair," she said breathily. "You're trying to distract me." Knowing it was fruitless to try to push the issue, Ivy gave in to the seduction.

"Is it working?" Dani asked, her breath hot against Ivy's throat.

Dipping her head down, Ivy smiled crookedly. "Let me get you off this couch and I'll show you," she whispered against Dani's lips.

Eyes half closed, Dani smiled. "Lead the way."