Beth's only thought upon hearing the news of Josef's death had been that Mick would be needing her. Realizing the truth of loving him was liberating. The ring had come off and was lying on her makeup table. She would have to tell Josh soon but for now, she made a quick phone call explaining she would be away for a couple of days. She said when she returned, she hoped they could sit down and talk. She intended to be as gentle as possible but to tell him she had made a mistake and she hoped he would forgive her.
Josef had escaped another attempt on his life and now, thanks to Mick, they knew who was after him. But of course, being Josef, he kept his secrets and had disappeared. Luckily, she and Mick had traced him to New York and were heading out on a flight tonight to follow him. They had no idea what the connection was with an elderly real estate tycoon but with their combined skills, she had no doubt they'd find out soon enough.
Mick met her at the airport. They were catching the red eye and she was curious as to how vampires managed long flights but he just sat calmly next to her during the flight, closing his eyes and pretending to sleep. Maybe he was asleep! Mick got up once to go to the loo and when he came back, looking somewhat flushed, he smiled at her, glancing at her wrist. She looked around jealously to see if any women were coming out after him but none were. Had he smuggled some blood on board or more likely, had he made previous arrangements with the flight crew? Who knew?
She thought about having that "mercy feeding" conversation then closed her mouth. Another time. Still, her wrist seemed to tingle after that and she couldn't stop her body, so close to his, from wanting - craving - his touch and maybe even his bite.
New York turned into a bittersweet experience for her. Josef's secret was that in the 1950's he had found a mortal, Sarah Whitley, whom, upon her insistence, he had tried to turn into a vampire. Something had gone wrong and she had been in a state of suspended animation since that time. She was so young and lovely, but perpetually sleeping and would never wake up. How horrible for her, her family and especially for Josef.
Beth had read the girl's diary and it was obvious the girl was willing enough although terribly naive. But then when you're young, one doesn't think of any other possible outcomes other than what your heart desires, does one?
It was definitely food for thought. So much so that she passed on going out on the town with Mick who seemed conversely almost cheered by the thought of Josef caring so much about a mortal. But she was conflicted. Not about her love but what that love might ask as a sacrifice. No, she really had to think, and was relieved to find very few people on the return plane home.
Josh was there waiting to pick her up, looking so sweet and happy to see her. All he could talk of was this big drug kingpin case finally coming to a head after two years.
He had early court in the morning so he would just drop her off at home, if that was okay? Beth agreed, the talk could wait for another day.