Nick plopped down onto the barstool dejectedly. LaCroix, who had been talking to the bartender, approached him wearing an openly amused look on his face. "Still no word on the Good Doctor, Nicholas?" he asked.
"No," mumbled Nick. LaCroix signaled to the bartender to serve Nick. Nick began to protest against the proffered drink, but suddenly decided that LaCroix was right; he *needed* a drink. Downing the blood and signaling for a refill, Nick said to LaCroix, "I wish I knew what to do. There just isn't any sign of her here or in Montreal."
"Montreal? You didn't tell me she went to Montreal?"
"Was that important?"
LaCroix never hesitated in saying, "Of course not, Nicholas. I was merely curious that you never mentioned it before."
Nick's eyes narrowed. LaCroix wouldn't have taken *any* interest in the fact that Natalie had gone to Montreal unless he had a reason. Paranoia set it and Nick began seeing visions of a plot by LaCroix to keep Natalie from finding his cure. Could it be possible that LaCroix had all ready known Natalie had been in Montreal? Could he be responsible for Nat's disappearance?
"LaCroix, do you know anyone in Montreal? Anyone who could have seen her?" Nick asked, trying to sound innocent and unsuspicious.
"No," the ancient vampire replied smoothly, but he also avoided Nick's eyes as they sought to make contact with his own.
Nick took that to mean that he did. "What have you done to Natalie?" Nick blurted out angrily.
LaCroix looked shocked. "I? Nothing, Nicholas. You know perfectly well that I have tried to keep my distance from the Good Doctor. And besides... what reason would I have to harm her?"
"You know perfectly well what reason, LaCroix!" Nick almost shouted. "Me! You would easily kill her to keep me at your side for another 800 years!"
They argued for a few more minutes before LaCroix forced Nick to leave the Raven.
When Nick had gone, LaCroix slipped back to his office.
Upon the desk lay a letter from Janette. Janette was in Montreal. LaCroix
thought now would be a good time to visit her there...