A/N: Here's chapter thirty-seven! This chapter has officially been taken over by yours truly, Velvet Velour. After all, it has been some time since people have read my writing, and, frankly, I'm quite offended. So please, I'm offering my most sensitive information to you. Do as you will with it.

Disclaimer: I feel entitled to mention that the characters in this tale may be unfamiliar to you, but seeing as they are a part of my life, you cannot have them. I'm not entirely sure why you would want them anyway because they aren't exactly angels…but, do angels really exist?

Bitter cold winds, tinged with the gravelly stench of exhaust fumes buffeted across white, delicate skin. Long acrylic nails slid through weak, straw-like hair, dyed deep blue to hide the mess of a bad coloring job. Regret for not asking for a jacket bubbled up in her mind, despite how much she knew the answer would still be no.

"Suzie." Ice blue eyes turned over a frail shoulder to see a friend, "Beth's got a catch, we can go to the coffee place if you want."

Suzie looked closer at her friend. Deep red hair, natural. A natural gift, she thought. She envied the red locks that effortlessly bounced, no matter how cold the streets were. Her face was pale and young, sharp cheekbones, natural, long lashes and bright pink eyes. She was a natural grace, life handed her a buffet of opportunities and she picked the scraps. Her eyes were lined with mascara, saddened with eyeshadow to hide the dark bags, or maybe a black eye. Her lips were painted a deep blue, matching her navy blue corset and fishnet stockings, hiked up to a pair of white tattered denim shorts. "But Archie might-"

She shook her head and gave a bright smile, "I talked to Archie."

Suzie's shoulders drooped a bit, she nodded and took her friend's hand in hers as they walked down the cracked sidewalks, "I hope Beth will be alright…"

"Beth will be fine." She said, "You know, I was thinking about dropping the whole…street act…if you…get what I'm saying."

"You were?" Suzie asked nervously, "Won't Archie…get upset?"

"I make more money from the films." She said, "And it's a lot safer. You've only been doing this…what, a few days? You probably wouldn't get it."

"Oh…no…" She said softly as she held her friend's hand tighter, "I get it."

"You should join me." Her smile was soft and motherly. It always had been. Suzie wondered what would happen if the dice were rolled again. If she got a new set of numbers, a different life. "I don't think Archie would mind."

"It…makes more…?" Suzie asked as the charming bell to the coffee shop jingled.

Her friend nodded as they sat in a booth, not ordering anything, "A ton more. It's a…kinda new business." She said, her voice dropping softer, "DMP, they call it. They do all sorts of things. I've only been in one film so far, and I've made more than I would in two nights of street shifts."

Suzie's eyes widened, "And Archie wouldn't mind…?"

Her red curls waggled as she shook her head, "You'll have to ask, but I don't think he'll mind at all."

Suzie played with a packet of spilled sugar on the table, "The film industry is really that good…?"

"It hasn't even got up off the ground yet. Hasn't even taken flight. And I got paid." She said with a smile, her pretty white teeth contrasting with her dark lips, "You'd be good for it too, Suzie. You have better vocals than I do."

Suzie snickered, her cheeks dusted pink, "You just need enough experience."

"Oh, don't give me that!" She said, "I've done more than you have."

"Quality over quantity." She said as she moved her fingers away from the white grains on the table, "Besides, dear, the drugs you use to prepare yourself really take away from the entire experience, I've found."

"It had to be a chick then…" She muttered as she rested her head on a closed fist, "Guys can never get me off right without it. They act all high and mighty, but…then the pants come off and they don't know the clit from the asshole."

Suzie laughed, "I think we've all had a few of those…" She sighed, "It was my junior year…he pulled me into his father's car…and, what can I say? He seemed to know what he was doing."

"Lucky…" Her dark blue nails slid through the shining curls, her gaze turning out the window, "Oh…" Her voice became hollow as she looked out the large glass pane, "It's Archie."

Suzie's face went even paler, if possible, as she looked out the window. Despite this, her lips curved into a sly smirk at the man who was towering over them, his arms crossed over his broad chest. She waved and winked, before curling a finger towards herself a few times in a 'come here' motion. Surely enough, he went around and entered the shop, standing before them. He was a tall and broad man, not big boned but stocky, the body of a bouncer. His hair was black, slicked back to reveal a receding widow's peak. His jawline was strong, his eyes were small and beady, the color of an oil spill. He had a coat over his shoulders, a silver fur coat that just hung loosely, supplying no warmth to himself, not that it was needed. He wore a red suit with matching slacks, diamond cufflinks and a bright golden tie that contrasted with the black dress shirt. His shoes were a rich brown color, extensively polished. When he spoke, his voice was wiry and snake-like, but it had a certain depth to it that commanded attention, "Girls…" He said lowly, "I don't think you're going to find much business in a coffee shop."

Suzie looked to her friend, who was completely speechless, frozen with terror. She turned her charming smirk towards Archie, "Well, we've attracted your attention, haven't we?"

"Very humorous, Susan. I had a word with Mister Foxx today."

Susan's smile faded, "Mister…Foxx…" She said slowly, "I was unaware you were acquainted…"

"How else do you think you got this, job, dollface?" He asked as he reached a hand forward and clutched her chin.

Her eyes darted from his tan arm, each finger bound by a golden ring of a different color gemstone, before she looked up at his face. Slightly aged and bitter as all hell, she noted, before she spoke, "Because Winnie suggested it."

"Because Winnie suggested it." His eyes narrowed as he leaned in, her eyes unwavering, "What the hell is it going to take to break you in…?" He said lowly through clenched teeth.

Susan smirked, "It'll take more than a few little boys taking the money I earn to break me."

He snickered as he stood back and crossed his arms, before turning to her friend, "Winnie."

Her red curls bounced as she looked over at Archie, "Hmm?"

"Come with me."

"Oh…um…" She swallowed hard, "Suzie wanted to ask you something…"

He raised a brow and turned to Susan, "Yes?"

"The film industry." Susan asked, "Is there room for one more?"

"There you are. Good, good, I was worried something happened to you." He turned around, his styled mop of red hair complimented his dark auburn eyes as he faced her, "Damn. You look good."

Susan stopped in front of him. She wasn't going to tell him how much concealer was under her eyes to hide the dark bags, how much eyeliner and mascara she had on to make her look anywhere near Winnie's beauty, how much red lipstick she wasted trying to find the perfect shade that matched with her lingerie. "It's been a long time, Garret."

"That it has…" He said slowly, "I would have contacted you earlier…but…I…I was sick."

Her mind absently drifted to his outfit, his red button down shirt that was half unbuttoned, his black jeans and dress shoes. Something was off. He did look paler. But…his face almost looked like it was glowing, like he was the pinnacle of health. "You were sick?" She asked, "Are you sure you didn't just lose interest?"

"Lose interest…?" He asked, "In a catch like you?" He chuckled, "That's precious. I've been busy, doll, I don't know what you want me to say. Got a gig now, agent of mine tells me you're gonna help me out with it."

"You're….tied to DMP?"

"One of the big guns, that's for sure." He said as he eyed her over, "Damn…I've missed you a lot…"

She smirked, "I can say the same. You still have your father's car?"

"Nah, had to scrap it after he kicked the bucket." He said as he reached out and held her waist, "You wanna…get a little making out done before we get to work?"

She pressed her lips to his. Something was off about his kiss. His lips felt cold, he tasted different. Bitter, calloused. And his teeth felt different, like they shifted. She stood back, "Are you sure nothing's happened?"

"Just business, sweetheart." He said as he held her hips a bit too tightly, "Let's go at it and then get to work."

"As long as you don't make me too sore…"

He mashed his lips to hers again and slammed her up against the wall, peeling his shirt off and grabbing her rear hard enough to leave bruises wherever his fingertips were. She grunted and kissed his lips back.

Tonight was a tequila night, for sure.

Tapping against the floors of the tip of the heel of Winnie's shoe rang out in the small coffee shop. Only a pair of elderly men in the corner, the shopkeeper behind the counter, and Winnie and Susan occupied the building, but the aroma of coffee beans and smoke was as impermeable as ever.

"Don't you think it's a little dangerous to be drinking so much coffee while you're already…" Susan trailed off. Her blue eyes were weary, her thin frame covered by a black leather jacket, her legs by blue torn up jeans.

Winnie shook her head. Her face was paler than usual, her eyes were completely bloodshot and listless. She reached up and rubbed one of her eyes, smearing away makeup around her eye to reveal a dark red bruise Susan knew she was concealing. "I'm fine…f-fine."

"What did you want to talk to me about, dear?" Susan asked. Her honey sweet voice that she once prided herself for, all the girls did, really, was becoming ever so slightly grated. Garret told her it was hot, it meant she was a screamer, or a smoker, or a druggie, and it added 'flavor' to her voice. She didn't feel like herself when she spoke anymore.

Winnie sniffed and scratched the back of her hand, "I'm…." She took a deep breath, "I…I think we should go back to your place." She said quickly, "T-Too many people….too many…too…too many…"

Susan shook her head slowly, feeling even more lethargic compared to her best friend's actions, "Winnie, we're all alone here, it's alright…"

"No…no…not where he can see, Suze…"

Susan gave a deep sigh and stood up, taking out a few bills from her top and handing them to the man behind the counter before she took Winnie's hand and they headed for the motel right next door.

As soon as they entered the battered motel room, Winnie went into the small bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet. Susan hung up her coat, her frame seemed even thinner than before, scratches here and there, bruises splattered on her pale skin. She listened to Winnie open pill bottles, but knew better than to stop her. Last time she tried, she ended up needing stiches.

On the other hand, Winnie never brought herself to a comatose, or even close. She seemed to know her limit and just tease it, but never had a death wish. In that strange sense, Susan trusted her. But at the same time, it felt like a knife in the back. She knew a real friend wouldn't let another fall so hard, but she didn't want another fight. She just wanted Winnie happy.

And Winnie certainly was far from happy. Rarely did she ever resort to pills. There was always something to smoke or snort, but she never went to pills unless it was something bad. Susan's eyes glossed with fear as Winnie stepped out of the bathroom with a shaky breath and sat next to her on the couch, "I'm pregnant."

Susan let the words sink in. Two dramatic words, that always caused such a heartbreaking feeling when unveiled in such a context. She was waiting for her heart to sink, her stomach to flip and her mind to whirl, but…

Nothing. She hardly felt a thing. "I thought you weren't out on the streets anymore."

Winnie shook her head, her curls looking dry, like they would disintegrate if you simply reached out and touched them. "I'm not…" Her voice was hushed.

"Then it was….someone in a film…?"

She sniffed and shook her head.

"Are you seeing someone?"

She nodded.

"Does Archie know…?"

She nodded.

Susan looked perplexed, "Does he know you're…?"

She shook her head.

"I think you should tell him." She said softly, gently putting a hand on Winnie's shoulder.

"I can't." Her voice broke, "I can't because he'll kill me…he'll kill me and the baby…"

"Do you…intend to keep the child…?"

"Of course…" Her voice shrunk.

"Were you on birth control…?"

"No…they make me feel like a sinner…"

And yet nothing else did. Not the drugs, not the sex. The protection made her feel like a sinner. "You're going to have this child then?"

She nodded.

"Archie needs to know…you can't just…go along with it and see if he doesn't notice…"

"I'll just disappear for a few months…" She sniffed, "And he won't notice…then I'll have the baby….put him up for adoption…everything will be okay…"

"Winnie, dear, what's the point of having the child if you're going to put it up for adoption…?"

The phone rang. Winnie jumped, then grabbed the scratchy blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders as she laid down in fetal position and rocked back and forth. Susan grabbed the phone, "Luckee Star Motel, Room four."

"Susan." Archie's voice was even more unforgiving over the phone, "Where is Winnie?"

"I have her here." She looked over at Winnie, "But I just spent her, you're going to have to wait a while until she's ready for any sort of production."

"Tell her to meet me in the graveyard at midnight. You're coming too."

"I just told you, she's exhausted." Susan said, "And I'm not sure my fingers will be able to hold up after tonight…"

"Damn it, Susan! This relationship of yours is getting out of hand. I can't have my girls fucking each other every night and losing cash!"

"Oh, what's the matter?" She purred, "Afraid you won't be able to pay your bills?"

"You're just a complete idiot, aren't you?" He asked condescendingly, "Your little lover boy is my employer."

Her jaw dropped ever so slightly, "You mean…"

"Mister Foxx is my employer, yes. He told me all about you, Susan." She felt her throat go dry before he continued, "It was mere coincidence that you stepped in my office and asked for a little job, because I was planning on having a chat with you about the offering myself."

"He…told you about me…? Why…?"

"Because nobody wants a whore with an A cup."

Her cheeks flushed. That's what she was, wasn't she? That's what her body was good for; cash. She was just a product for him, something he would take in or decline depending on something she had no control over. Why did she let him take the satisfaction of that? Why did she let him abuse her best friend? Why did she let him force her to sleep with the strangers of the night? Why did he get money for that? Why did she let any of it happen? "Why do you want us in the graveyard? Why can't we meet in your office?" She asked as her grip tightened around the phone. She was losing control of him, something she could always rely on. She could always twirl him around her finger with the right words, manipulate him to do or think whatever she'd want him to.

"Tick tock, girls. Keep an eye on the clock." The line went dead.

Could she? Could she really manipulate him? Or was it a ruse? She was just a prostitute. A hooker, a whore. Who was she trying to kid? She had no control over him, she was his. And she followed his every command like a dog. Just a dog, avoiding its next beating.

Susan swallowed hard as she hung up the line and turned to Winnie, "Are you awake?" her voice was hushed.

"Mmm hmm…" She whimpered quietly.

"In half an hour…we have to go. Alright?" She aside as she laid next to Winnie, taking her hands in hers, "You'll be alright, Winnie…" She said softly as she planted a kiss on the back of her neck, "I'll help you take care of the baby, every step of the way."

Uneven steps were the last of her fears, it was holding onto Winnie and making sure she didn't hurt herself falling down the hill that was Susan's primary concern. Sitting on a gravestone at the bottom of the hill was Archie, a cigar in his mouth hung loosely, he pulled it out and tapped it against the headstone as he spotted them, "There you are. What the hell did you do to her…?" He narrowed his eyes at Winnie.

Winnie shook in Susan's arm. Susan was about to speak, to defend her as she always had, but she snapped. Winnie pulled herself away and pushed Susan to the ground, "It's over, Archie!" Winnie exclaimed, throwing her arms helplessly in the air, "You fucking did it!"

Archie raised a brow, "Did what?"

She grit her teeth, then faced him, "I'm harboring your child." She said, tears streaming down her cheeks, "And I'm not aborting it."

He stood up, his face completely shocked. Susan had never seen him cast any emotion, really, besides anger. She was still lying on the ground, holding herself up on her elbows as she watched.

"You wretched whore…" He snarled through clenched teeth, "You will get rid of it."

"I will not." She exclaimed, "I'm not a murderer!"

"It's my child, and I'll gladly be the one to take its life, if you won't." Archie grabbed her by the neck.

"Enough!" Susan stood to her feet and grabbed Archie by the arm, "Don't you touch her!"

Archie's hand flew back and hit her across the face, knocking her back to the ground. Her head hit a stone and she blacked out before the 'meeting' could even be discussed.

Her eyes opened again, only she was in her room, on her bed. She sat up and rubbed the back of her head, it was extremely sore, "…Winnie…?" Her weary eyes looked around, then she jumped as she saw Garret walk in from the bathroom. She chuckled lightly to herself, "Garret…you startled me…"

"Susan…" His voice was low, "You and I are close, yes? If I told you to jump, you'd….you'd do it? For me…?"

Her eyes grew with worry as she sat up, "Yes…" She said softly, "I would….because I love you…or…I did…where…where is Winnie?"

"You're a wonderful, woman, Susan. I'd like to show you the real world. The only world that matters on this earth."

"…what?"

He laid on the bed next to her and put an arm around her waist, kissing her lips. She kissed him back, then pulled away, "Garret, I can't…I can't do it anymore…" She pushed away from him, "You're different. You hurt me." Tears formed in her eyes, "You don't treat me like you used to. You treat me like a toy…a body….I…I want to be yours, Garret, I do, but you're just…different then when we were young…"

He scooted himself closer, "Stay young with me, Susan…"

"What does that even mean…?" She whimpered, "I just want you to leave…please…" She covered herself with her arms.

He narrowed his eyes in aggravation, "I tried being nice, Susan."

"I did too." She hissed under her arms.

He chuckled haughtily before he pulled her arms away from her face. An orange glow surrounded his figure. She froze in absolute terror. It felt like her heart was being clutched by a cold, metal hand, squeezing tighter and tighter. Her eyes fogged up as he seized her shoulders and bit into her neck. An intense burning feeling took her over, almost orgasmic, if not for the fear flooding through her veins. It felt like fire, the two fangs lodged in her neck, and she gave a cry of agony before the fogged orange haze she was lost in faded away to darkness.

Like déjà-vu, her eyes opened again, though this time she heard voices. There was light pouring into the room. From the hallway, she decided. And it was unnervingly bright. She heard Garret, his voice was raised and he was yelling. He sounded like a demon, snarling and barking. There was another voice, a composed voice, never getting to the level of Garrets. And then, she felt an arm around her waist, her vision still fogged over. She was being carried bridal style, she felt an arm around her back and under her legs, before she felt cool rain land on her skin.

His voice was clearer now, her senses slowly putting themselves back together. Her eyes saw a suit, a pale face with mousy brown hair, his voice sounded aged but warm, "You're going to be alright, dear…I have no clue what you've gotten yourself into, but you're going to be alright."

With the music playing, the dream came together. She could feel the same vibe she got from them when she asked them to do the recording for her. And it was absolutely perfect. She walked around the main room, her eyes catching on the bright colors, the lights and the shining surfaces. Never had she ever imagined something of this scale could be hers. She couldn't even afford an apartment just months ago, and yet, here she was. Her own club.

Dancers smiling, being showered with money for twirling around. Men in booths, captivated with the show, or perhaps enjoying a lap dance. She envisioned it all in the empty building. She conducted the interviews. Tomorrow was opening night, and she couldn't be any more excited. She turned towards the VIP room, something she didn't request but was granted with anyway.

Her hand slid up the railing, her gaze glossed over the design, the detail. She felt tears roll into her eyes, trying to wipe them away, "Isaac…you…shouldn't have…"

"Consider it your lucky break." He said with a small smile, sitting on the sofa.

"Why…?" She asked softly, "I don't understand why…"

"Because, I needed someone to get this place running, and it wasn't going to be me."

"No…why did you save me…Isaac?"

He crossed his legs as he thought for a moment, "I was in the right place at the right time, I suppose." He said, "I'm not usually one to run towards a damsel in distress, but when I heard that scream and saw that Sabbat…I knew there was something I could do. It wasn't much, but…I figured there was some potential in you. I'm not happy he's still out there, but saving you from whatever he was planning to do is some sort of progression, at least."

"You're my hero…" She sniffed.

There was a knock on the door, "Well, I guess that's my cue to leave. I'll be back, Susan, to answer any questions you have."

"I'll see you…" She said as he left. Someone else came up the stairs moments later, an infant wrapped in a yellow blanket in her arms. Susan felt her eyes melt as the mother and child walked in, "Winnie…" She felt as though her voice escaped her.

"Hi." Winnie gave a slight smile, "It's…been a while, hasn't it? Gosh, you look so different…hardly recognizable…"

Susan stepped forward and hugged her, sniffing, "Has it…really been nine months…?"

"Seven." She said as she looked down at the baby, "But…they…said he's a fighter…"

The little infant had its eyes shut tightly, its fists balled up. One of its eyes peeked open, it was the color of heavy storm clouds, like the clouds of L.A. "Oh…isn't he precious…" Susan whispered, wanting to hold the baby close, but know how much it would frighten the poor thing.

"Killian." Winnie said as she looked up, "His name is Killian."

"Killian…Fitzroy…" She said as the baby started getting nervous under the glare of Susan's silver eyes. He gave moan of discomfort, then she backed away and looked back at Winnie, "Is Archie upset?" She asked softly.

"No…not anymore." She said in her gentle voice, "We're engaged."

"Are you?" Her eyes widened, "I thought he was…spoken for…"

It seemed she was struggling for words, "I guess not…he told me he's only thirty eight and…single…"

"Well…as long as the baby's alright…"

"I think he'll be fine." Winnie said, "I'm going to have to get back to work soon…Archie's already in the hole now from the medical bills…I gave birth in the tub…but…" She shook her head, "He was so young…I didn't think he would make it if we didn't take him somewhere…"

"Of course…Winnie…did…you want to work for me instead of Archie…?"

Her eyes widened with hope, then dimed slowly, "I can't."

"What do you mean, you can't?"

"It won't be enough." She said with teary eyes, "I need more. If I could just be a stripper…god, what'd I'd do to be a stripper…" She wiped her tears away with her shoulder, "I should…get home…feed Killian…."

"Of course." Susan said, "By the way…Winnie…"

Winnie turned over her shoulder with a small smile.

"I'd like for you to…call me VV."

"VV…?"

"Velvet Velour, is my name…Susan was murdered the other night in the motel…I'm sorry…she…loved you a lot, Winnie…"

Winnie's smile melted, "You…aren't Susan…?"

"I'm afraid not…" Velvet smiled, "But…the sun always rises, Winnie. You don't need Susan to go on. She was weak, Winnie…she would never have made it as far as you have."

Winnie's eyes teared up, "…I'll…see you then, VV…I'm sorry for the confusion…"

"Please take care, dear…" Silence filled the room as she closed the door, leaning her forehead against the cool metal.

Her dream really had come true. She took the dice in her hands and rolled them again. Winnie ended up as a mother, a wife, something VV had always felt she would be. And VV? She wasn't a prostitute, or a porn star, or anything degrading. She was a dancer. She was an empowered woman who could bring men to their knees with just the right movements, her mind was unconquerable. No one would ever hurt her again. Not as VV. Velvet Velour's mind was something that would never be tampered with the way Susan's was. She would live on in Susan's place.

And yet.

He lived on, too, somewhere.

A/N: A tribute to the fallen was long overdue, don't you agree? Well, I'll be awaiting your compliments or constructive criticism…But please, don't leave me waiting. I've never been a very…patient girl. And in the language of romance… Tu as un coeur d'or dans une mer de ténèbres ... Ne laisse pas les ténèbres te prendre.