Holiday Affairs (Part 2)
David J. Duncan
December 2000

For notes, please see Part 1

Chapter 6

Meanwhile, it was a calm night in Orleans, France. Most of the lights around the Universite de Orleans were out as people slept peacefully in their homes. However, within the school's museum, a light burned in the curator's office. Dr. Alyce Harris leaned over an ancient Incan text, deciphering its exact meaning. After six months of work on that particular manuscript, she had the project almost within her grasp. The timing of that accomplishment could not have been better for she had just accepted the offer for the Night Curator at the University of Arizona. At least, she would be close to her research down in Tucson.

She decided to take a break from the manuscript. Even after years of reading these texts, her eyes still tired from a few hours' effort. Walking across the room, she opened the door to a dorm refrigerator, and retrieved a slender brown bottle. Popping the cork, she poured its contents into a wine glass, and drank deeply. The crimson liquid eased its way down her throat, and assuaged the hunger growing within her. "Much better," she thought.

She stared out of the window toward the riverbank. The Loire had such breathtaking evening views. Yes, she would miss the ambiance and charm of this city and region. However, America had its advantages as well. It had been six years since she had been on the other side of the Atlantic. Once, she was Alyce Hunter, a mere mortal. But, that was before she met Nick Knight, and his master, Lucien LaCroix. She was developing a fondness for the dashing detective and had gone to his place to talk to him. However, a killer had followed her there. The latter tried to kill her, but he was murdered by LaCroix. Then, the 2000 year old vampire had drained her as well. Everyone had presumed her dead and buried.

However, Alyce survived the experience. Seeing that she had no future in Toronto, the abandoned fledgling stole back to the museum, packed a few things, and secured the next flight for Paris. She had seen an ad in The Chronicle for Higher Education pertaining to the curatorship here in Orleans. With her knowledge and a boost from her vampire abilities, she got the position. There had been several interesting projects and over fifty exhibits which she had assisted in constructing during her tenure. But, as she reminded herself, her time there was over. It was time to move on.

She looked around her office. Most of her things were already packed away in moving crates. Her small apartment downtown was in a similar condition. Tomorrow evening, her possessions would be on their way to the American Southwest. She would leave later that night. She checked her desk once more and found that it was indeed cleaned out. The shelves were empty as well.

Then, a knock came from the door. Alyce hid the glass and the half-empty bottle back in the refrigerator before asking, "Who is it?"

"Dr. Harris, it is Dr. Martin. May I come in?" Dr. Francois Martin, her superior answered.

"Of course." she agreed and opened her door. "How are you, Sir?"

"I'm well, merci," he smiled. "Once again, I wanted to wish you well on your new endeavor. Are you sure that I cannot convince you to stay?"

"I wish that I could," Alyce stated. "But, this is a great opportunity to get closer to my research area. Don't get me wrong. I love this city and will miss everyone here...."

"Yes, I understand," he replied. "You have been a fine curator here, Dr. Harris. As the only expert on Ancient American art, you carried that era and a great share of the museum's work as well. You will be sorely missed, trust me."

"Thank you, Dr. Martin. I do appreciate that sentiment. By the way, I have finished translating that manuscript for you," she informed him.

He smiled appreciatively. This young lady was nothing if not a hard worker. Glancing at her desk, he noted the papers on the oak desk beside the manuscript. "When can I expect the final copy?" he asked.

"Within the hour," she noted. "I just need to enter a few more lines into the computer file. I'll give you a printed copy and the MS when I am finished."

"Very good," he complemented. "I knew that I could count on you. I'll see you shortly."

"Thank you. I will be up to your office shortly." she concluded, and went back to her computer.

The elderly administrator studied the outgoing curator. Yes, she would indeed be missed. Turning on his heel, he walked briskly from the office and up the stairs toward his own sanctum.



Chapter 7

Three days later, Angie, Francesca, and Natalie sat in the latter's apartment, drinking their tea, and looking over the mass of food and accouterments on the counter in front of them. Somehow, despite the loss of a week and all of the craziness since that point, they and Dave had managed to perform the research, run the errands, and acquire all of the materials.

"I sure hope that Nick likes this dinner," Francesca stated.

"I'm sure that he will," Angie assured her. "Hopefully, he will understand if we have a stripped-down version of the real deal."

Natalie stared out the window into the gray afternoon sky. Nick had been so depressed lately. It was hard to read his moods in any case. If her instincts were correct, he would enjoy the meal and the companionship. However, there was the chance that this festival would remind him of his family in a negative way as well. In any event, she appreciated the efforts which Francesca and the Duboises were putting into this venture, especially given the events of the previous month.

"So, what do we have, Natalie?" Angie inquired, breaking the ME's daydreaming.

"Huh? Oh, let's see. We have a pork roast, a pheasant, some roasting potatoes, two bottles of red wine, a bottle of pink zinfindel, and, admittedly as a modern touch, cherries jubilee," Natalie reported.

"Dave and I have some music as well," Francesca added. "Although, we couldn't find anything from the Low Countries on such short notice, he was able to pull some medieval Christmas music from France and England."

"Okay," Angie smiled enthusiastically, bouncing Deirdre on her knee. "So, I guess that we need to start cooking. Francesca, you want to do the pork, or the pheasant?"

"I'll take the pheasant," her cousin agreed. "I have some white wine back at my apartment for this task." Rubbing her hands together, she exclaimed gleefully, "Wait until Mama hears about this! She'll be so jealous!" Then, after composing herself, she continued, "Okay, I'm going to need about three hours to roast our friendly feast here. When were we planning on starting this event?"

"I think about 10:30 PM. The girls will be asleep unfortunately, but since Caitlin asked Dave to invite the new curator, we need to wait until then. Her flight gets in at 9:30," Angie explained.

"Well, I'll help Angie set up the apartment. Then, if it's okay, I will go to Nick's about 9:15PM," Natalie suggested.

They both nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Well, shall we get to work?" Angie agreed.

Francesca stood up and picked up the bag containing the pheasant. "Well, I'm off to warm up our friend here. Chow," she concluded and walked out the door.

Natalie shrugged, "I hope that this works, Angie. I also wanted to say thanks to everyone for this meal."

"It's our pleasure," Angie advised. "Hopefully, a get-together like this one will help Nick somewhat."

"By the way," Natalie inquired, sipping her tea. "Do you have any idea about this new curator?"

Her friend shrugged, "No, I'm afraid not. Dave hasn't told me anything about her except that she's coming in from France tonight." Then, another thought flashed through her head. "Wait a minute, I heard something about her being a specialist on Mesoamerican archaeology. She should be a welcome addition to the museum faculty," she added.

That comment caused Natalie to remember another curator whom Nick had known briefly back in Toronto. What was her name? Oh yes, Alyce Hunter. She was at the Museum of Natural History specializing in some Central American cultural studies. Apparently, Nick had also been fascinated by her...then again, there was definitely a spark between them. Due to her interest, Alyce had stumbled across a picture of Nick on a turn of the century dig and figured out that he was immortal. In any event, she was murdered by LaCroix during the struggle between him, a serial murderer, and Nick.

They had presumed her to be dead and buried. But, what if she had survived? What if LaCroix had allowed some of his own vampire blood to seep into her? If she did cross over, it would make for an interesting situation.

"Earth to Natalie," Angie interrupted her thoughts. "What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing. I was thinking of somebody that Nick knew back in Toronto. But, she's been dead for years," Natalie explained.

Angie raised her eyebrow suspiciously. There seemed to be something to her friend's concerned meditation, but decided to go along with the explanation. "Okay, if you say so. Let's get to work, shall we?"

Natalie followed her lead and moved toward the nearby pile of decorations....


Chapter 8

Three hours later, Dave parked the Subaru in the short term parking lot of the Tucson International Airport.

"Okay," he thought. "It's 9 PM, so I still have time to get to the proper gate."

After locking the car, he walked into the main terminal building, and looked at the monitor. "Flight 780 out of Dallas....780, 780, 780...." he mumbled, running his finger down the multicolored display. Then, he discovered that Dr. Harris's plane was coming into Gate 17. "Just enough time to grab a mocha on my way there," he thought as he headed for the main concourse.


****************************

Alyce studied her notes intently from the last translation which she had performed in Orleans. The syntax seemed a mystery all of a sudden, and she couldn't concentrate clearly. "C'mon, Alyce. You're just nervous is all," she chided herself. Up until ten hours before, she would not have believed that vampires could have the nervous butterflies. She checked her watch. 9:15PM. "Well, we should be on the ground soon in any event."

As if on cue, the captain's voice came over the loudspeaker, "Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen. We are about 75 miles outside of Tucson. I would appreciate it if you would return to your seats and fasten your seat belts at this time. We'll be on the ground in about 20 minutes."

She nodded to herself. It wouldn't be long now. Sure enough, the plane touched down on the runway a short time later and wheeled itself up to Gate 17.

For a long minute, all was still and then, the other passengers jumped out of their seats. The curator scanned her area to be sure that she indeed had her satchel and the packing tube which had been donated by Martin to the U of A's gallery. "Okay, time to face the music," she thought, picking up her things, and leaving the plane.


***********************************

Dave saw the airport personnel open the doors and watched the first passengers walking into the terminal. However, at that moment, his psychic senses picked up on a strange icy feeling emanating from the plane. "What the?" he wondered. Then, he remembered where he had felt that sensation before: from Nick, Janette, and LaCroix. A vampire was aboard that plane. "Wonderful," he groused. "The last thing that Caitlin would want is an open fight between me and an immortal here in public. Well, the best strategy is to get Dr. Harris and move onto baggage claim...."

He held the sign with Alyce's name on it in front of him and waited for her to come out.

About five minutes later, he saw a slender Caucasian female with medium black hair wave to him, and start to walk towards him.

"Dr. Harris?" he asked.

"Yes. And you must be David Dubois, I trust? I remember our phone conversation. How are you?" she replied in a friendly manner, and extended her hand.

"I'm fine," he smiled and shook her hand.

At that contact, both Dave and Alyce felt a strong charge. Their senses telling them things about each other.

Alyce felt that he was not normal. This man had a strange psychic aura about him. Obviously, he had a telepathic talent. But, there was something lurking beneath the surface....something very dark and angry. This man was an enigma to her.

Dave sensed the vampire within her. But, it was more than that. The coldness had a particular vibration to it....Again, he was reminded of Nick's aura. Could she be one of LaCroix's blood children? He needed to find out...and quickly.

"Wow, talk about deja-vu," she tried to cover her disconcertedness.

"I'll say," he concurred cautiously. "Can I get your things, Doctor?"

"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Dubois. No offense, but these items are...heirlooms and artifacts. I would appreciate a hand with the luggage, however," she replied pleasantly.

"As you wish," he agreed. "By the way, you can call me, David."

"Thanks. And please call me, Alyce," she informed him.

"Sounds great," he smiled. "After we get your bags, did the museum mention anything to you about tonight?"

"Actually....yes, a dinner of some sort with you, Dr. Alvaro, your wife, and some friends?" she remembered. "I would like to come and meet everyone."

"Would you like a coffee or something?" he offered.

"Thank you, but I'm fine," she nodded. "Well, shall we?"

"Yes, I'm eager to meet everyone," she concurred as they headed for the baggage claim area.

Chapter 9

Francesca sat at her kitchen table with a glass of Chablis and watched the pheasant slowly roast in the oven. The whole apartment was filled with the aroma of the olive oil and spices seeping into the bird.

"Excuse me, Francesca," Gabrielle's voice asked from thin air.

The professor nearly jumped out of her chair. Of course, she liked her friend's company, but having that other presence around all of the time was still a new experience. "Oh, Gabrielle! Yes?" she responded.

The Bard smiled, "I just wanted to see how the preparations are going. This is a really nice thing that you are all doing for Nick."

"Well, he is our friend," Francesca shrugged. "Besides, he helped to save my life. If this little get-together makes him feel better, then it's worthwhile." A sigh escaped her lips.

"But?" Gabrielle inquired. "There's something else troubling you."

"Well, Dave and I were a little disappointed that we couldn't do more research for the preparations. We wanted to have a real honest-to-goodness medieval Christmas feast for Nick." Francesca revealed.

Gabrielle nodded, "I see. Well, I think that you are putting together a wonderful feast. And as far as the appropriate holiday custom, the spirit that you're creating is fantastic! He's sure to like it. I remember one Solstice night when Xena and I were helping people. They didn't have much either. But, it was our attempt at the celebration which counted, not the details, nor the execution of it. Besides, your cooking skills are great. This is a feast which would work with my family in Potadeia, or at the inn in Amphipolis."

Francesca blushed, "Thanks, Gabrielle. I mean it. With the music and everything else, I think that we should have some fun."

"That's the spirit! Well, Xena and I will see you all tonight. Take care," Gabrielle concluded and faded from view.

"She's something else!" Francesca chuckled and opened the oven door. Yes, the pheasant was basting beautifully. It wouldn't be long now.

*********************

Christmas Eve brought an eerie silence to the precinct. Tracy took in her surroundings and saw only a skeleton crew working around her. Sure, some detectives and uniforms were out on patrol, but for the most part, everyone was gone with their families.

When she had come back from the dead, Tracy had known that occasions such as these would be hard to bear. Over Thanksgiving, she and Nick had volunteered to work an extra shift together. Yet, Christmas was different. One was supposed to spend it around their loved ones. In her case, to everyone, save Nick, Natalie, and the Duboises, Tracy Vetter was dead and buried. She imagined that her parents would take her not being there with them really hard. Her father would work himself through the holiday. However, her mother might drink more than usual...not a healthy thought. A heavy sigh escaped from her lips as she resumed her typing.

A short while later, she received a tap on the shoulder.

"Yes?" she asked and turned to see Captain Ramirez looking at her intently.

"Detective Brown, are you going to work here all night? It's Christmas Eve, you know," he inquired.

"I know," she nodded. "I'm going to head home in about an hour."

"Do you have a place to go for dinner?" he asked. "If not, my wife and I have an extra place at our table..."

"Oh, I couldn't!" she protested.

"Si. Yes you can. How about Detective Miles and Dr. LeBeau? The three of you are welcome if you wish to come and share our table," he invited. He scribbled down his address and phone number. "If you decide to come, just call first so my wife knows to set another place."

"Well, okay. I do appreciate it, Captain. Thank you," she accepted. "Let me check with the others and I will let you know." Watching Nick at a Catholic Christmas table, if he did accept, would be worth it in itself....

"Bueno," Ramirez agreed. "I'll be in my office for about the next thirty minutes. Let me know..." With that, he walked back into his office.

Tracy finished typing the last line of the form that she was working on. Then, she picked up the receiver and dialed Natalie's number. No answer. "I know that she's not working," she pondered. "But, where could she be? Hmmm...I still have 25 minutes. I'll give her some time and try her again....


*******************************

Back at the Dubois' apartment, Angie and Natalie finished with the last preparations for the dining area. The table was covered with a fine white cloth and the places were set with Natalie's plates and silver set.

"Those dishes are really nice, Natalie," Angie complemented.

"Thank you, Angie. They were my mother's dishes. I'm grateful that Cybelle and Dave were able to bring them here for me. Besides, consider it my contribution to this affair," Natalie smiled and looked around the candlelit room. "You and Dave have done a nice job with this apartment."

"Well, we try, thanks," Angie blushed. Then, a thought occurred to her. "Nat, what is Tracy doing for the holiday? I thought that you were going to ask her to help out."

Natalie shook her head. "Oh no! How could I have been so careless? She doesn't have anyone to be with! I have to try to reach her," she realized. "Can I use your phone?"

"Absolutely," Angie agreed and took a seat nearby.

Natalie dialed Tracy's home number first...and received no answer. "I wonder if she's still working....?" she queried to herself and dialed the number to the precinct phone.

"Brown," Tracy answered.

"Hi, Tracy. It's Natalie. I was trying to reach you....," the ME explained. "I was wondering if you've eaten yet?"

"No, I was going to make something at home. Why? You can come over if you'd like....," Tracy offered.

"Actually, I was hoping that you'd join us over at David and Angie's apartment for a medieval Christmas feast. I'm sorry that this is sort of a last minute thing....," Natalie counter-offered. "I'm going to get Nick in a few minutes. I can drop by the precinct if you'd like...."

"No, that's okay. Your complex is out on East Fifth, right?" Tracy asked.

"You've got it," Natalie concurred. "See you in just a bit, okay?"

"By the way, Natalie, the Captain has invited Nick and us to his house for dinner tomorrow. I was thinking of accepting. What do you think?" Tracy informed her friend.

"I think that will be a wonderful idea! I don't think that Nick will want to go, but I would like to accept. Just let me know the time when you get here, okay? And please thank him for us!" Natalie concluded. "Bye."

"See you soon," Tracy agreed and hung up. A smile formed on her face, and she felt a warm feeling inside of herself. She should have known better than to think that her friends would abandon her on Christmas. Putting her coat on, she crossed the bullpen to the Captain's office and knocked on the door.

"Si?" Ramirez asked. "Come in!"

"Captain, it's Detective Brown," Tracy detailed as she entered the office. I wanted to let you know that Dr. LeBeau and I will be joining you for dinner tomorrow. She wanted to thank you for the invitation."

"It's no trouble at all, Detective. Dinner will be at 4 PM. By the way, what about your partner?" he inquired.

"I'll ask him, Sir. But, I think that he already has plans," she explained. "Well, until tomorrow then...."

"Si, hasta manana! Bring your appetites! My wife loves to cook!" he advised good-naturedly.

Tracy grinned at her boss over her shoulder. Then, she left the precinct with a pleasant gait, headed for her Nissan, and headed east for the feast.


Chapter 10

Nick reclined on his leather couch and sipped on a glass of cow blood. As always, Christmas proved difficult as he watched others spending time with their loved ones. As Tracy had felt earlier, Nick's loneliness threatened to overwhelm him. It had been so long since the last Christmas when his whole family had been together.....

*************************************

[Brabant 1226]

The icy winter wind cut across the Brabant countryside putting the chill into all who dared traverse the night. Only the sturdiest of peasants trudged their way through the bitter darkness and then, in the most extreme of circumstances.....

Inside of the main castle, Sir Henry de Brabant led his family from their private chapel toward the main dining room. He was glad of the feast day for it meant a break in the world's affairs at least for a day. Between watching potential encroachment from other nobles in addition to keeping an eye on the respective affairs of the secular and spiritual states wore on him. And there was talk of yet another crusade on the part of the young king, Louis IX. The boy's mother and his regents filled the royal head with grand ideas that worried Brabant and the other nobles. What would happen to them? And to their sons? Most importantly, to their family lines? Brabant stole a quick look at his son, Nicholas. The boy was fast becoming a man. If he was sucked into the religious fervor sweeping the countryside, who knows what would happen to him in the Holy Land? How would the conflict and the events change things? Brabant felt uneasy. Something told him that if his son went on pilgrimage then somehow, the road would change him forever.

Nick, for his part, noticed his father's anxious gait and glance. It was obvious that the county's affairs were too much for one man to handle alone. Soon, he would be full grown and could help his father run things. For now, he maintained his silence, lest he alarm his mother and sisters.

The count's wife, the Lady Alais, rubbed her husband's shoulder, "My Lord, what vexes you?" she asked low, so that their children might not hear the question.

"Worldly affairs, My Lady," he sighed. "The world grows more complicated everyday. Running a county vigilantly saps a man's energy."

"Can you please relax? At least for the holiday?" she begged.

"For you, Dear Alais, most certainly," he agreed. Then, as the trope rounded the corner, the aroma of the feast awaiting them ahead wafted to his nose. "Ah, dinner awaits us..."

The family entered the dining area and took their seats. At the Count's signal, each course was brought in turn. There was pork, beef, and pheasant piping hot and seasoned with the newest spices from Constantinople and Outremer. Red and white wine from Burgundy flowed into the glasses. A grand fire blazed away in the fireplace. A minstrel played the motets symbolizing the different aspects of this feast.

Nick was thoroughly enjoying himself. As usual, the servants had prepared a first-rate meal for their lord and his family. The food's spices tickled his palate. The minstrel's tunes helped remind the young man of his devotion to God and Jesus, and that in Their company, he felt safe. No matter what happened, Nick knew that his good nature would overcome any evil in his path.

"Nicolas?" Fleur, his youngest sister, inquired. "Isn't this wonderful?" Receiving no answer, she repeated her act. "Nicolas?....Nicolas?"

************************************

Back in the present, his sister's voice echoed inside of his head, causing him anguish. Ever since the confrontation with Alti two weeks before, his flashbacks had been more intense than usual. This one was no exception.

Nick paced the diameter of the loft's ground floor. On the third lap, a brilliant white light cut through the darkness. "Who?" he asked.

The light formed into the shape of a slender young woman in a white dress. She wore a simple garland in her brunette hair. "Nicolas, Dear Brother, it is I," she stated.

"Fleur?" he asked anxiously. "I must be dreaming!"

She sighed, "No, you are not dreaming. I do not have much time, so I must tell you my message...."

"Yes. What is it?" Nick inquired.

"That you are doing the right things and that your friends and family love you. Someday, we will be together again. Persevere along the road on which you have traveled for the past eight centuries and someday, you will reach the destination. Your faith will guide you...." she indicated.

"How do you know?" he probed. "How will the Lord know?"

"He knows, Nicolas. Your faith has always been strong despite what befell you so long ago. Love others and you will continue to be loved in return. Remember that and you will one day find that which you seek. Mother and Alyssa send their love. Now, I must go," she explained and started to fade from view.

"Wait! Don't leave me alone," he pleaded.

"I am always with you, Nicolas. Remember ... Remember ... Remember......" her faint voice concluded as she disappeared from view.

Nick stared at the spot where his sister's spirit had stood for ten minutes. Then, he heard the lift hum to life. He turned to see the door open, allowing Natalie to walk over to him. "Nat, what's new?" he asked.

She studied him carefully. "Nick, are you all right?" she asked.

"Sure, why?" he replied.

"Because, you seem a bit twitchy," she told him. "What happened?"

He shrugged, "Nat, I saw a ghost tonight. It was Fleur."

"Fleur...As in your sister?" Natalie inquired. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. She stood exactly where you are right now," he explained.

"And did she say anything to you?" she demanded.

"Only that my faith would help me and that if I keep loving others, then I will be loved in return," he explained. "She also told me that she is always with me."

Natalie smiled warmly. Despite his problems, she knew that Nick's family looked down upon him warmly and would do what they could to intercede for him. "That's wonderful, Nick."

"It was nice to see her again, Nat. I do feel a little better now," he indicated.

"That's nice. By the way, Dave and Angie were wondering if you would come over to their apartment for a little while. He had some things to show you," she explained.

"Okay. We can take your car over there. Let's go," he agreed and put on his coat.

Natalie nodded happily. Oh was he going to be surprised....

Chapter 11

The baggage claim area was unusually quiet for an incoming flight from Dallas. Alyce watched the conveyor belt carefully as Dave retrieved a baggage cart from the nearby dispenser.

"Anything yet?" he asked.

"No, not yet," she shook her head. Then, the mechanism clicked into gear. "Ah, it shouldn't be long now."

"Well, just let me know and I'll put the bags on the cart," he assured her.

She smiled briefly and returned her gaze to the belt. About five minutes later, two leather-brown suitcases, a duffel bag, and a satchel popped through the little door and zipped towards them. "Here we are!" she indicated. "All of those if you would."

"Okay," he agreed and lifted each bag off in turn. Then, they loaded the cart and headed toward the parking area.

"I hope that you don't mind coming over to my apartment. The curator, Caitlin, and I thought that it might be a nice welcome for you to town. My wife is looking forward to meeting you as is Francesca," he explained.

"I appreciate the hospitality, David. After being in the air for so long, I would really like to just take it easy and get to meet some people with whom I will be working with at the University. Will there be anyone else there?" she concurred.

"A few friends, newcomers like yourself. I think that you should all get along just fine," he nodded. Carefully placing the items in the trunk, he climbed into the driver's side of the Subaru. "Comfortable? It takes a minute for the heat to crank up."

Alyce chuckled. Despite the fact that she didn't feel the heat or cold, his manner was starting to ease her nervousness somewhat. "I'm fine," she told him. "The winters in France can get brutal, much more so than here. Believe me, this is balmy weather compared to Orleans."

"I'm sure," he grinned and started the car. They pulled away from the parking lot, heading north on Campbell toward the apartment.

*******************

Natalie parked in her designated space. "Well, here we are, Nick." she told him.

"Indeed," he agreed. Looking across the lot, he noticed that the Subaru was not in its usual spot. "I thought that Dave wanted to talk to me. It doesn't look like he's home."

"He'll be here," she advised and saw a familiar red Nissan pull into the space beside them. "Well, look who else is here!"

Tracy got out of the car. "Good thing that she told me about the surprise for Nick in advance," she thought and collected herself. "Hi, Guys. What's new?" she inquired.

"I thought that you were working late tonight," he queried.

"Oh, Ramirez let me off early. So, I decided to come over and see Natalie," Tracy informed him.

"We were just going to Angie's apartment for a second. Why don't you tag along with us?" Natalie urged.

"Sounds great!" she smiled.

The three friends walked up the walk and knocked on the door.

Francesca opened it. "Hi, Everyone! Please come in!"

Nick's senses tingled. Something or someone familiar was coming closer. Another vampire. "Not him, not tonight," he sighed.

"What is it, Nick?" Natalie whispered.

"Let's get inside. It's probably just my imagination," he told her.

Both Natalie and Tracy glanced knowingly at him. Usually Nick's senses didn't lie to him. Something was about to happen. But, since he wasn't disrupting the festivities, they would not do so either. They walked into the room and were absolutely stunned. The table had a fine white cloth over it and ten chairs encircled it. Fine decorations were strung along the walls and a medium-sized Christmas tree sat in the corner. But, the smells snapped him to attention.

"What the? I haven't smelled anything like that in 500 years!" he declared.

"It smells like chicken," Tracy guessed.

"It's pheasant," Nick told her. "But, who would know how to cook it over here?"

"How about me?" Francesca laughed. "Our friend there has been in my oven all afternoon, and I have been running up my phone bill with my mother."

"Your mother?" Tracy asked. "Where?"

"In Venice," the professor explained. "She gave me the old family recipe. Nobody in America, not even my Aunt Beatrice has used this recipe. Trust me. We also made roast pork."

Nick smiled, "And the wine?"

"A fine red vintage," Francesca explained. "By the way, we prepared a special glass for you as well."

"They had an extra pint down at the morgue if you get my drift," Natalie added.

"Where's Dave?" Tracy probed.

"He's meeting the new curator at the airport. I expect them any minute," Angie explained. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Nick, he has something to show you later as well." Then, she turned her eyes toward the door. Her psychic senses picked up an unusual presence in the Subaru with Dave.

From within her mind, Xena advised, "I'm ready if need be."

Angie nodded ever-so-slightly and glanced at Francesca.

Her cousin signaled that she was ready as well. If need be, Gabrielle would be there in a heartbeat.

Nick's senses jumped to full alert as well. Apparently, whatever had set his senses off earlier had just arrived. He concentrated on the car's headlights through the window. He discerned Dave's aura in the car, but there was a cold spot as well. The vampire wasn't LaCroix, but he knew that it was one of his blood siblings. It wasn't Janette or Francesca either. So who could it be? He could also pick out his friend's cautious mood concerning his passenger. Well, in any event, they would know in the next few minutes....

Dave opened the door. "Hi, Folks! How's everyone tonight?" he asked.

"We're fine," Tracy advised him. "How are you doing?"

"I'm getting better, thanks. Still dealing with the aftereffects of our adventure," he replied. "Nick, how are you?"

"Fine. Is this what you wanted to show me?" he grinned.

"Partially, yes," Dave chuckled. "I do have something else as well as we're eating. But, we do have another guest. Dr. Harris, would you like to come in?"

"Yes," Alyce agreed. Then, her senses picked up on the presences in the room. "No, it can't be! Nick?" she thought and walked into the apartment. Sure enough, there he was.

"Everyone, this is the new curator....," Dave started.

"Alyce Hunter?" Nick and Natalie wondered aloud.

"No, she's....," Francesca started.

"Nick Knight?" Alyce wondered aloud. "It's you!"

"But how?" Natalie asked. "LaCroix killed you."

"No, he brought her across," Nick corrected her.

"Well, obviously," Tracy jumped in.

"Why didn't you let me know about your situation?" Nick asked his newfound friend.

"Because you didn't want to bring me across...and you and Dr. Lambert seemed so happy together. What happened to your partner...the overweight man...Schanke wasn't it?" Alyce sighed.

"He died last year," Natalie explained. "Tracy took his place. And there's room for everyone where friendship's concerned."

"Amen," Dave concurred. "Believe me, we're all unusual enough around here. What's one more in the group?"

"You knew?" Alyce queried him.

"Since we shook hands at the airport," he revealed. "I also knew that you're no threat. Believe me, I have seen some threatening vampires in my time. You're not one of them."

She looked at Nick who told her, "He's faced LaCroix in the Raven and has lived to tell about it."

Francesca and Tracy looked at everyone.

"Wait a minute!" Francesca demanded. "Her name's Alyce Harris."

"In a manner of speaking....My real name is Alyce Hunter. When I left Toronto to go to Orleans, I became Alyce Harris. Everyone thinks that I'm dead and buried up in Canada," she detailed. "I'm sorry about the confusion, Dr. Alvaro. Everything else on the vita was correct. You can trust me."

"Please call me Francesca," she agreed, apparently satisfied at the explanation.

"Well, I have a few questions left," Tracy stated. "Nick didn't tell us about your role in the Raven affair, David and Angie. What happened that night?"

Dave shot Nick a glance. "Should I?" he thought.

Nick nodded, "Go ahead, tell her."

Natalie sat down. "This ought to be interesting," she thought to herself pessimistically.

"Well," Dave began. "We responded to LaCroix's challenge during one of his Nightcrawler broadcasts. He wanted to face Xena alone at the Raven."

"So, what does that have to do with you?" Tracy demanded.

"I took Janette on...and fought her to a standstill before backing off," he continued.

"Xena did face LaCroix. Tracy, Alyce, can I trust you both with something?" Angie jumped in.

"If you keep my secret, I can keep yours," Alyce agreed.

"Sure, at this point, why stop?" the detective shrugged.

"Okay, everyone cover your eyes," Angie advised and pulled the sword from its scabbard.

A second later, Xena stood in her place. "Okay, you can look now," she instructed.

Tracy uncovered her eyes. "Xena! But...but...what about Angie?" she stammered.

"Angela and I share the same body," Xena explained.

"But what about the bank robbery?" Tracy pushed. "I have to arrest you, you know!"

The Warrior Princess stared at Dave and rolled her eyes. First, Steve Petersen and now, Tracy. What was it with these twentieth-century authorities anyway? "I had nothing to do with the robbery. I stopped it," she explained.

"And what about the guard?" Tracy continued.

"He was already dead," Natalie explained from the couch. "A gunshot wound to the head approximately ten minutes before Xena appeared. Witnesses, the bank video camera, and ballistic evidence will support her innocence, Trace. Face it, she's a hero."

"Well...." Tracy stewed. "I suppose that since you did help us against those creeps recently, I could give you a chance." She turned to her friends. "You knew about this too, didn't you?"

"Uh, yeah," Nick admitted. "But, I had my reasons for keeping it from you until now."

"You could have told me two weeks ago as I was pulling your tail out of the fire!" Tracy protested. "I suppose that's par for the course in any event."

"That's not fair, Tracy," Francesca disputed. "Look, things were happening too fast for him to stop and say that `Oh, by the way, Angie's Xena, so please don't arrest her.'"

"And I suppose that something happened to you as well? Next, you're going to tell me that you're Gabrielle, her sidekick," Tracy scoffed.

"Well, now that you mention it," Francesca agreed. She concentrated and, after a medium teal flash, the Warrior-Bard appeared.

"Does this satisfy you?" Gabrielle inquired. "Look, Tracy, we're not the villains here. I'm here keeping Francesca alive as Xena's doing for Angela."

"We just want to survive here, fighting only when necessary....." Xena added.

Tracy looked at everyone. Getting used to a new vampire and two women warriors was definitely going to take some time. At least, Gabrielle was on the straight and narrow. She would keep her friend on the same path.... "Okay, you win. I won't say a word," she conceded.

"Well, now that we have that episode out of the way, can we proceed to the table. Nick's other surprise is waiting...." Dave urged.

Except for Xena and Gabrielle, everyone took their places around the table. The two warriors walked into the bathroom and a moment later, Francesca and Angie walked out to join the others at the table.

"So, what's with the two empty chairs?" Tracy asked.

"For our other two friends," Angie told her and motioned with her hand as the spectral images of Xena and Gabrielle sat down with them. "I'm glad that you could join us."

"We're happy to be here," Xena replied cheerfully. "Dinner with friends is always nice."

"On that note," Dave announced and stood up. "I want to make a toast. To friendship. Look, Folks, it's been a tough month. But, we've all hung together and gotten through it all. Let's keep supporting each other no matter what. Nick, I wish that this could be a little more elaborate, but given the situation last week, well, it's the best that we could do...."

"Thank you. This is just fine. It's the thought that counts. The food and companionship is here. There aren't any medieval minstrels for hire as far as I can tell...." Nick assured him.

Angie handed Nick a remote control. "Press play, Nick if you would," she suggested.

"Okay," he agreed and did so. The stereo in the corner opposite to the Christmas tree came to life and played a preset tune.

"You shouldn't have....," he told them. "But, I love it."

"What is it, Nick?" Natalie asked.

"The 'Geodonis area'. It's one of my favorite Christmas songs from my childhood," he explained and leaned back to listen to the music.

The group ate in silence, choosing to allow Nick to experience the carols one after another until the CD selection finished.

"Thank you," he smiled to his hosts. "I haven't had this type of celebration in a while." A single red tear creased his cheek. "Excuse me, I have something in my eye."

Natalie handed him a tissue. "It's okay," she told him.

"Don't worry about it," Dave advised. "That's what friends are for. Now, everyone, please dig in!"

Around the table, everyone did so. The mortals enjoying the cooked meats and vegetables. The two vampires consuming their raw chunks of meat in the blood glaze. The two spirits watched these events with joy. The meal was a true celebration of the holidays between friends from both near and far....


Conclusion

Two hours later, the last dishes were cleared from the table and the group sat in the dining room, drinking either coffee or wine, and enjoying each other's company. No matter what happened tomorrow, it had been a good Christmas already.

"Thanks for allowing me to share in this wonderful meal," Alyce told Dave.

"It's really no trouble," he assured her. "Welcome to Tucson and the University of Arizona."

"From all of us," Nick added.

"Right," Natalie concurred, rubbing his shoulder. "At least now we'll have a chance to get better acquainted."

"I would like that very much. Thank you," Alyce beamed.


******************************

Across the room, Tracy walked out of the kitchen with a fresh cup of chocolate-raspberry coffee. One thing about Dave and Angie, they certainly appreciated good coffee. She savored the hot liquid.

"It's something, isn't it?" Xena asked. "The coffee, I mean."

The detective turned to her right and saw the spectral image of the Warrior Princess. "Xena? Sorry, you made me jump."

"I wanted to thank you for your trust," the Thracian warrior expressed.

"Well, if Nick and Natalie think that you and Gabrielle are all right, then I'm willing to give you a chance," Tracy replied. "Besides, you did save their lives."

"Thanks for that at least," Xena stated. "Now, go and be with the others." With that, she disappeared.

Tracy walked back over to the others and sat on the couch beside Nick and Natalie. Together, the group talked, laughed, and enjoyed themselves far into the night. For such interactions make the holidays more worthwhile for mortal and immortal than presents ever could.


THE END


(**I hope that you enjoyed this tale! To everyone on the list, thanks again for all of your support! Look for the stories to be posted on my new site at
http://Dante_6.tripod.com/stories/dubois.html . Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!**)

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