You can find the NC17 version here http://www.voy.com/39259/
CHAPTER 32 FEW MORNINGS LATER Feeling a soft kiss to her shoulder Sara smiles sleepily and turns her head "Morning."
"Morning my love." Ian murmurs sleepily "How are you feeling?" He asks
"Fine." Sara yawns stretching her arms over her head. "What time is it?"
"6:30."
"Damn." Sara mutters throwing off the covers and stands "I'm going..." She groans her head swimming her stomach rolling "Not today." She bolts towards the bathroom slamming the door behind her and reaches the toilet just seconds before she throws up.
Ian winces hearing her gag through the closed door. A few minutes later Sara trudges out of the bathroom crawling under the covers. "Feel better?"
Sara nods "Morning sickness just had to start today." She groans in annoyance
"Why don't you stay home today?" Ian suggests
"I can't. I have to meet with some witnesses this morning." Sara mutters
"Have you made the doctor's appointment?"
"Next week sometime, I can't remember when." She rubs her forehead "God I swear I'm getting forgetful."
"You should get up and get going if you don't want to be late." Ian says gently
"I know." Sara grumbles. "I'll get up... in a minute." She snuggles against Ian.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER "We got nothing new." Jake says annoyed throwing his pencil on the desk.
"We'll just have to try something else." Danny remarks
"What now?" Sara rubs her wrist as her phone rings. She flips it open "Pezzini." She greets
"Miss Pezzini this is Doctor Thompson's office."
"Oh yes."
"When you informed us you wanted to make a prenatal appointment I forgot to tell you that before your first prenatal appointment we need to do a confirmation pregnancy test."
Sara sighs "Why? I already know the answer."
"It's just the way we do things. Just to be sure. Now we had a cancellation and I was wondering if you could come in for the test in an hour."
"Uh yeah sure. How long will it take?"
"Shouldn't take more than forty five minutes."
"I'll be there. Thanks." Sara closes the phone looking at her partners who are talking over strategy. "Guys something came up. I have something I need to take care of. Can you cover for me?"
"How long?"
"Couple hours." Sara answers
"Sure" Jake nods
"Not a problem."
"Thanks guys."
"When do you need to leave?" Danny asks
"Fifteen, twenty." Sara replies looking at the file before her "How about this person... Tony Ricetti? Have we spoken to him?"
"Not yet. He's still out of town." Jake answers leaning back in his chair "I've spoken with his employer who assured me he is due to return tomorrow afternoon."
Sara nods "Is there anyone else we need to talk to?"
"We're still trying to find Mandy Halson. So far no one knows where she is exactly."
"Then we've spoken with everyone once those two." Sara muses
45 MINS LATER: DOCTOR'S OFFICE Sara sits in the exam room impatiently waiting for the doctor. 'Don't see why I need this damn test!' she rubs her wrist 'I already know I'm pregnant.'
The door opens and the doctor walks in. "Hello Miss Pezzini."
Sara nods in greeting
"Well you are definitely pregnant. Congratulations." Doctor Thompson smiles sitting down, "Now do you know how far along you are?"
"I'm betting about six weeks." Sara answers "I'm not sure though." She absently rubs her middle.
"How about we find out for sure?" Doctor Thompson suggests
Sara smiles "Sure."
"Lie back" the doctor instructs "and pull up your shirt."
Sara lies back pulling her shirt up and unbuttoning her jeans.
"Is this your first or second child?" asks the doctor as she washes her hands
"Second. We have a 17-month-old son named Zeke and a foster daughter who's 15."
"What was that pregnancy like?"
"Stressful. His father and I weren't together at the time and we didn't speak to each other until Zeke was six-months-old." Sara watches as the doctor readies the equipment. "Hopefully this one won't be as stressful."
"All pregnancies are stressful in my experience."
Sara chuckles "I know." She watches the doctor run the wand over her flat middle her eyes going to the screen. "So how far along am I doc?"
"It looks like you are at... six and a half weeks." The doctor announces
Sara smiles at the news. 'Six and a half weeks.' "How is everything?"
"It looks good." The doctor says handing Sara a paper towel. "Now I'll need to see you in a month."
Sara nods "Sure."
"Will the father be coming in with you next time?" The doctor inquires
"I'm not sure. Ian really doesn't like doctors. He spent a lot of time with them growing up and he tries to avoid them as much as possible."
"Oh." The doctor hands Sara a couple pieces of paper "Here you go the prescriptions for prenatal vitamins."
"Thanks." Sara smiles putting the papers in her inner jacket pocket "I better get back to work before my boss figures out I'm gone." She pulls her jacket on "Thanks for fitting me in."
"You're welcome." The doctor watches as the dark-haired woman walks out of the exam room.
Once out of the doctor's office Sara's phone rings. She reaches into her jacket pocket and removes the ringing phone flipping it open. "Pezzini." She greets
"Hello my love."
Feeling the Witchblade heat up on her wrist Sara smiles. "Hey."
"What are you up to right now?" Ian asks curiously
Sara makes her way through the parking lot heading to her car. "Well the doctor's office called and they had a cancellation. They wanted me to come in for a pregnancy test... which is ridiculous considering morning sickness has already started."
"Why didn't you call me?" Ian asks
Sara unlocks her car door "Sorry I was in a hurry." She gets into the car "Everything is fine." She assures "I have an appointment in a month for a regular appointment."
"What now?"
"I have to get back to work before Dante finds out I'm gone." Sara says turning the key in the ignition "Oh yeah I found out how far along I am."
"Really?"
"Mmmm. Six and a half weeks."
"Wow." Ian says stunned
Sara smiles "That's what I thought. I have to go, I'll talk to you later."
"I love you Sara."
"I love you too. Give Zeke a hug for me."
"I will." Reluctantly the two hang up.
"We'll see him soon." Sara looks at her middle then backs out of the parking spot.
30 MINS LATER: PRECINCT Sara enters the office "Hey guys."
"Hey Sara." Jake greets
"Everything OK?" Danny asks
Sara nods hanging her jacket up "Yeah. Let's get back to work huh?" She sits at her desk "So anything new?" She asks listening as her partners tell her what happened while she was gone.
EVENING: 1111 FAUST Sara enters the library where Ian is at the desk and Zeke is playing in the corner of the room behind a safety fence. She sets her backpack on the couch walking over to the desk "Hey"
"Hello beautiful." Ian leans back in his chair as Sara sits on his lap. "How was your day?"
"Pretty much normal." Sara kisses his cheek "What about you?"
Ian slips his hand under Sara's shirt gently caressing her middle "Besides missing you... talking with the architecture and contractors. They are coming up with the final drawings."
"OK."
"The contractor will start as soon as the architecture is done. Is there anything you want to change?"
"No. What about you?"
"I like what we came up with. It's big enough for kids and not so big it'll take too long to find them when they get old enough to play hide and seek. Plus it's big enough where we still have some space when we need it."
"I bet you had fun hiding in this house." Sara remarks
"Mmm I hid from Mrs. Ellis and my tutors all the time. Mrs. Ellis and Father always found me though. The tutors never bothered to look." He kisses Sara's head.
"What else did you do today?"
"Well I did some reading, played with Zeke, and thought about you."
"Oh really?"
"Really."
"Mama hi" Zeke says happily
Sara smiles kissing Ian's cheek she moves off Ian's lap going over she picks Zeke up. "How's my Zeke?" She kisses Zeke's nose "Are you going to give Mama a hug and kiss?"
Zeke nods throwing his arms around his mother's neck he hugs her tight giving his mother a wet kiss on the cheek.
Sara laughs "Thank you." She rests her forehead against Zeke's "Did you miss Mama?"
Zeke nods "Miss Mama."
"Did Daddy read to you today?"
Zeke nods excitedly "Daddy books"
"You like books huh sweetie?"
"Uh huh. Fun."
"Glad you like them." Sara kisses his nose
"Down Mama."
"Please." Ian reminds gently
"Down Mama pwease." Zeke says sweetly
Sara sets the boy on his feet watching as he runs over to the couch pulling himself up onto the couch.
"Look" Zeke grins
Sara smiles "Good job."
"Sir"
Ian looks towards the door to find Fredrick standing there, "Yes Fredrick?"
"Dinner is on the table sir."
"Thanks. We'll be right there." Ian nods
"Where's Bola?" Sara asks curiously
"She already ate. She went to meet with some friends from school."
"She seems to be getting along with the kids at school." Sara states with a smile proud of her daughter. "Come on you." Sara lifts Zeke off the couch as Ian joins them.
"No Mama." Zeke whines
"Come on sweetie you like food."
"Zeke pway"
"You can play some more after dinner. OK?"
"OK. Pway Bowa?" He asks hopefully.
"She's not here baby. I'm sure she'll play with you tomorrow. Now let's go eat dinner." Sara taps Zeke's nose with her forefinger.
"Yeah" Zeke claps his hands bouncing
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER "Hey" Bola sticks her head in the library doors "thought I'd let you know I'm back."
Sara looks up from her reading smiling at Bola "Hey kiddo. You're back early."
"Yeah well things got a little boring. Besides I'm feeling a little out of it."
Sara frowns, "You OK?" She asks
Bola enters the room shrugging "I'm fine."
"OK" Sara nods unconvinced by the girl's tone. "How's school?"
Bola sits down on the couch "It's going good. My classes are a little easy... I've read ahead in most my classes."
"Made any friends?"
"I guess so. There are some kids that I've been hanging out with."
"Good." Sara smiles "Where'd you go tonight?" She asks
"Just went with some kids from school to dinner. The others were heading to a club but I decided to come back and get some peace and quiet." She leans her head against the couch cushion "How's work?"
"Good. Things have been hard lately. We've had double the normal weird cases. I've been trying to figure out what's going on but so far no go."
Bola nods "Every so often weird things happen on a spiked level."
"I've learned that over the last few years." Sara says dryly. "Oh before I forget. The construction on the house will begin within the next week or so."
Bola nods "OK." She looks around the library "Must be looking forward to getting out of here."
"Yeah I am. I know that it isn't exactly what I wanted, but I'll deal. We'll have a house that has enough security yet it won't be like living here... it'll be a lot more family-like." Sara tilts her head "Have you thought anymore about going to see your parents?"
"No not really."
Sara nods "It might be a good idea to see them one day."
"I know" Bola nods "I just don't want to deal with either of them. They tend to cause trouble."
"You never talk about them." Sara remarks
"What's to talk about? He's a drunk, she's a druggie. Sometimes it's the other way around." Bola shrugs "There's not much to talk about. We have an overly complicated relationship. Makes it easy to stay away and it keeps things from getting out of control."
Sara nods "It seems like that but don't you miss them?"
"Not really." She tucks her hair behind her ear "I guess one day I might but right now..." Bola shakes her head "I don't miss them."
"I guess I understand that."
"I think I'm going to head up to bed." Bola says after a few minutes of talking.
"All right. I'll see you tomorrow sweetie."
"Night." Bola says walking out of the library.
Sara rests her head on the couch cushion closing her eyes her hand resting on her middle. 'Daddy and I won't ever let anything come between how much we love you and your siblings.'
MIDNIGHT Ian steps out from behind the hidden doorway behind one of the bookcase leading up from the bunker. He stops in his tracks seeing Sara asleep on the library couch. He quietly closes the hidden door returning the bookcase to its proper position. Ian moves over the couch and reaches out gently smoothing her hair back he carefully lifts her off the couch.
"Ian" Sara mumbles sleepily
"Shh go back to sleep." Ian says softly "I'm just going to take you up to bed."
"'k" Sara mumbles burying her face in his neck.
Carrying Sara upstairs Ian enters the bedroom setting her down he carefully removes her clothes and tucks her into bed. He frowns when he hears a thud from Bola's room, glancing at Sara relieved to see she that she is still asleep he walks out of the room.
Bola whimpers tossing and turning in her sleep trapped in her mind.
Ian enters the teen's bedroom to find books on the floor that had obviously fallen off the bed in the midst of Bola's nightmare. He stands in the doorway listening as the girl tosses and turns in the bed mumbling in her sleep. Sensing her rising panic as her heart rate rises Ian moves over to the bed "Bola wake up." He gently shakes the girl.
Bola awakens with a start her head pounding. "Damn it." She mutters
"You OK?" Ian asks concerned
Bola nods "Just another nightmare." She gives Ian a weak smile as she lays back down. "I'll be fine."
"Was it about the past?" Ian asks
"No."
"What was it about?"
"I'm not sure." Bola says rubbing at her eyes
Ian nods "Why don't you go back to sleep and if you remember more in the morning we'll talk about it." He gently brushes a strand of hair off her forehead. "Think you can go back to sleep?"
Bola nods snuggling under the covers.
"Goodnight."
"Night." Bola says as Ian walks out the door.
CHAPTER 33 FEW WEEKS LATER Ian looks up as Sara walks out of the bathroom "How are you feeling?" Ian asks concerned
"Nauseous. I swear I don't think I threw up this much with Zeke." Sara mutters crawling under the covers "Is Bola up yet?"
"Yes, I just checked on her." Ian brushes Sara's hair back "I'm going to drop her off at school in about half an hour."
Sara nods "You know we need to tell her soon."
"When?"
"How about we tell her tonight after dinner?" Sara suggests
Ian nods "Have you decided when you're going to tell your friends?" he asks
"Soon. I am so not looking forward to them finding out especially Dante. I'll be on desk for forever once they know."
Ian moves over to the bed brushing Sara's hair back "It won't be forever my love, only until after she's born."
"I know. It's just I'll get bored without being out there." Sara grumbles
"You'll still be working."
Sara's about to respond when she groan bolting off the bed she runs to the bathroom slamming the door shut behind her.
Ian shakes his head
"Daddy up." Zeke calls over the monitor
Hearing his son call for him Ian stands walking out of the bedroom. He makes his way across the hall to Zeke's room entering he finds the little boy standing up in the crib.
"Daddy" Zeke says happily holding his arms out
Ian lifts Zeke out of the crib "Have a good sleep?"
Zeke nods "Pway now?"
"For a little bit." Ian sets Zeke on the floor then sits beside the little boy. He watches as Zeke looks at his toys trying to find what to play with. He looks up to see Sara standing in the doorway "Feel better?"
"No." Sara grumbles
"Mama" Zeke grins standing he runs over to his Mama throwing his arms around her legs
"Hey sweetie." Sara kneels "Did you have a good sleep?"
Zeke nods "Mama pway too?"
Sara smiles "Sure sweetie." She joins Ian on the floor watching as Zeke starts to play.
A few minutes later Bola sticks her head in the bedroom "Morning."
Sara turns "Hey kiddo. Did you sleep well?"
Bola shrugs "Somewhat."
"Bowa pway." Zeke demands
"Sorry shortie. Have school." She looks at Ian "Can you drop me off early?"
"Sure." Ian nods "I'll be right back." He kisses Sara gently
Sara nods "Have fun at school."
"Yeah right." Bola scowls
Sara laughs "See you after school."
"Day off?"
"Yeah." Sara nods "Ian and I need to talk to you after dinner. Are you going to be around?"
"I should be."
"All right." Sara smiles as Zeke throws a toy at her. "Hey what's that for?"
"Pway." Zeke demands
Sara laughs
"Later." Bola says "Enjoy." She walks down the hall a few feet behind Ian.
MIDAFTERNOON Sara sighs "Well one doctor's appointment done." She lays on the bed her arm covering her eyes.
"How are you feeling?" Ian questions
"OK" Sara shrugs "not feeling as nauseous as I was this morning. Though I am feeling a little tired."
"Why don't you take a nap?" Ian suggests "I'll deal with Zeke when he wakes from his nap."
Sara smiles "Thanks baby." She pulls off her boots and jeans crawling under the covers.
Ian kisses Sara's forehead "Get some rest."
"Stay?"
Ian nods removing his own boots he lies next to Sara wrapping his arms around her "I love you Sara."
Sara smiles "I love you too." She snuggles into his arms.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER Sara yawns walking into the library to find Ian at his desk while Bola entertains Zeke on the floor. "Hey."
"Hello beautiful. How was your nap?" Ian inquires looking up from his work.
"Good." Sara answers walking over to the desk she sits on his lap kissing his cheek. "Hey Bola how was school?"
"Good."
"Anything interesting happen?" Sara asks
"Not really." Bola shrugs looking at her parents "What about here?"
Want to tell her now my love?
Yeah. Sara stands moving over to the couch "Bola there's something Ian and I wanted to talk to you about. We were going to wait until after dinner..."
"OK. What's the deal?" Bola asks keeping an eye on her little brother as he plays.
"Well..." Sara looks at Ian squeezing his hand "I'm pregnant."
Bola looks between the two then smiles slightly "Cool. Congrats."
"Thanks." Sara snuggles into Ian's side "In about 8 months you guys will have a little sister."
"Sister?"
Sara nods "According to Lazar most Wielders had only girls. He said Zeke is the first male born to a Wielder in centuries... and he isn't sure how many centuries."
"All the next will be girls?"
"I guess so." Sara says with a smile
"So you two will be overrun by girls." Bola smirks at Ian
Ian shrugs "Oh well."
Sara rolls her eyes "So what are your plans for tonight?" She asks Bola
"I'm not sure. Probably go hang out somewhere." Bola says "Haven't decided."
Sara nods
"Zeke no" Ian says as the boy reaches for a book on the table.
Sara stands picking Zeke up "Hey no grabbing at the books." She kisses his nose "How's my Zeke?"
"Mama."
LATE THAT NIGHT "Bola took the news well." Sara remarks as she watches Ian towel dry his hair.
"Yes she did." Ian tosses the towel down the laundry chute. "I think she's getting used to being in one place."
"Yeah" Sara smiles standing she walks up to Ian wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm glad."
"As am I." He brushes his lips over her forehead. "You should get to bed. You have work in the morning."
"I know." Sara nuzzles her face into his neck. "I don't want to go to work tomorrow."
"Then don't."
"I have too." Sara sighs pulling back she kisses him sweetly "I love you."
"I love you." He murmurs
WEEK LATER Sara looks down at her wrist and frowns when she notices it flash from bracelet to half glove. 'What the...?' She blinks seeing it back in bracelet form. 'I didn't activate it.' She shakes her head "I'm going nuts." she mutters
"What?" Danny looks up hearing his friend
"Nothing." Sara silently groans feeling nauseous "Uh I'll be right back." She stands hurrying out of the office.
Danny frowns concerned. When Sara returns a few minutes later he looks up "You OK?"
Sara nods sitting down "I'm fine."
"How about we go get some lunch?" Danny suggests
"Sounds good." Sara smiles standing she grabs her jacket walking out of the office with Danny. As they sit in the back of a nearby deli Sara takes a bite out of her sandwich "So how are things?"
"Good. What about you?"
Sara shrugs "Have you heard from Jake?"
"Yeah he's good. Enjoying his time in Hawaii surfing."
"Of course." Sara laughs
"Something you want to tell me?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well you haven't asked me to go on a coffee run in a while."
Sara looks at her sandwich "Uh yeah. That's something I've been meaning to talk to you about." She looks at Danny "I'm pregnant."
"Wow." Danny says leaning back in his seat "How'd Nottingham take it?"
"As he takes everything... in stride." She smiles slightly "I think he's looking forward to making up for missing everything with Zeke."
"And how is Bola taking this news?"
"Good I guess. She hasn't said anything good or bad. Bola adores Zeke so I'm sure she'll be fine with having a baby in the house. She has just under 8 months to deal with it."
Danny smiles "Congratulations Sara."
"Thanks." Sara smiles back
After a few minutes of silence he speaks "So when are you two going to tie the knot?"
Sara looks at him startled "We haven't discussed marriage. I don't think either of us are ready for that."
"Ready for more kids but not marriage? You two sure have things in the opposite."
Sara shrugs "We weren't exactly planning Zeke or this one. Just go along with what happens. Right now I like how our relationship is."
"At least he's cut down on the stalking." Danny laughs
"Oh he still does it just not as often." Sara chuckles as she hears Danny's phone rings. She turns her attention to her sandwich as Danny talks.
"Uh yeah. We'll be there in about 15." Danny hangs up looking at Sara "Got a new body. Ready?"
Sara grabs her sandwich "Ready." She follows Danny out of the deli.
15 MINS LATER Feeling the bracelet heat up Sara frowns her eyes going to her wrist pulling her sleeve down. She turns her attention to the crime scene before her. A body lies before her throat slit as the coroner Vicki Po over it. "Hey Vic what's the deal?" She asks crouching before the body.
"He's about thirty. His throat is sliced almost to the neck."
"Weapon?" Sara asks her hand going to her wrist feeling the Witchblade heat up more.
"Jagged edged knife... I'm guessing. I won't know much until I get a closer look."
Sara nods "Let us know what you find."
"Will do." Vicki nods
Sara stands "I'm going to take a look around." She walks around the crime scene trying to will flashes of the crime. 'Damn it.' She turns her eyes landing on a boy with shaggy light brown hair and blue eyes watching the scene with slight detachment yet interest.
*The same young man fighting a dark haired man.
"Get out of my house." The dark haired man growls
The boy fighting a large... thing.*
Sara pulls herself out of the vision filled with intense feelings yet little to see. She shakes her head her eyes going to the small crowd not finding the young man. She leans against the wall feeling her stomach roll. She closes her eyes taking a deep breath 'Not time to throw up.' She tells herself jumping when she feels a hand on her shoulder turning her head to find Danny watching her concerned.
"You OK Sara?"
Sara nods giving him a slight smile "Just a little queasy."
"Well if you want me to finish..."
"I'm fine Danny. Its not that" she looks at the body being zipped up in the body bag "its that." She nods at the garbage cans "I'll be fine."
"All right." Danny nods going to talk with a few uniformed officers.
EVENING Ian looks up as Sara enters the study. He tilts his head "Hello my love. How was work?"
"Long. Where's Zeke?" Sara sits on the edge of the desk looking around for her son.
"Upstairs playing with Bola." Ian answers with a frown "You look tired."
"I am. Ian there's something weird going on."
"How so?" He asks concerned
Sara looks at her wrist "The Witchblade's been activating without any provocation."
"What led to it being activated?"
"Nothing. I was in the middle of doing paperwork and then suddenly it was there."
"It has been a few days since you've activated it." Ian states
"That's true."
"How are you feeling otherwise?"
"Decent."
"What happened at work?"
"New case. A body found in an alley. Throat slit. Vicki hasn't done the autopsy yet. She said she should be able to do it tomorrow. There's a back-up of bodies in the morgue from a car accident this morning." She reaches out brushing a strand of hair off his forehead tenderly "How was your day?"
"Good."
Sara moves to Ian's lap smiling when he wraps his arms around her dropping a kiss to her head. "Miss me?"
"I always miss you."
Sara lifts her head kissing his cheek then returns her head to his shoulder. "Ian."
"Hmm?"
"I told Danny about the baby."
"How'd he take it?"
"Good. I'll tell Jake when he gets back. I still haven't told Gabe and the Siri's."
"And the department?"
"God knows how they'll take that but I'll tell them soon." She says
NEXT DAY "So what do you have?" Sara asks entering the morgue with Danny.
"This guy" Vicki shakes her head "he's not normal."
"What do you mean not normal?" Danny asks
"Its like his insides are that of a sixty year old man."
"And he looks about thirty." Sara states looking at the man "Any idea what killed him?"
"Serrated blade. Sharp. It almost severed his spine. One more slice would have severed his head."
"How is it this man is sixty?" Danny asks
Vicki lifts her shoulders in frustration "I'm not sure. I'm running some blood tests right now. It'll take a few days."
*Man screaming
Blood flowing*
Sara inhales sharply her head going to her head. She leans against the counter her eyes going to the Witchblade seeing the colors swirling angrily she pulls her sleeve down taking a deep breath. She closes her eyes trying to control the Witchblade and her severe need to either hurl or pass out. 'Sweetie now is not the time.'
"Pez you OK?" Vicki asks concerned at her friend's silence.
Sara takes a deep breath "I'm fine." She turns
"You look like you're about to pass out." Vicki states "Are you sure your OK?"
Sara nods giving her friend a faint smile "Just the hazard of being pregnant." She smiles at Danny as Vicki's eyes widen.
"Wow. Congratulations." Vicki says after a few seconds of stunned silence.
Sara nods "Thanks."
"I won't have any answers for this man's age for a while." Vicki states going back to business. "I don't even know who he is. There are no distinguishing marks. No ID."
"OK." Danny nods
"Thanks Vick." Sara says walking out of the morgue. "What about the neighborhood sweep?"
"Not much. No one heard anything. Its an area that no one says anything even if they do hear anything."
Sara nods "Any newcomers in the area?" She asks remembering the young man she saw in the crowd and in her vision.
"No, not anymore than the normal homeless." Danny answers "Why? Any weird vibes?"
"No. Just wondering."
"Sure Pez." Danny says
THAT EVENING "How was school?" Sara asks Bola as they sit at the dining room table.
"It was decent." She replies taking a drink of milk. "I heard something interesting."
"What's that?"
"The guy you found the other day" Bola says
"Yeah what about him?" Sara asks
"He wasn't human."
"How'd you know that?" Ian asks
"Rumors." Bola shrugs
"What was he?" Sara asks
"I'm not exactly sure." Bola admits "But there is something else I learned."
"What?" Sara asks as she hands Zeke a piece of roll.
"There's a new player in town."
"Who is this new player?" Sara questions
Bola shrugs "No one knows for sure. He just appeared a few weeks ago. I've never seen him but I have heard he's one hell of a fighter."
"Think one of you can track him down?" Sara asks looking at Ian and Bola "I need to ask him a few questions."
"Between both of us I'm sure we can find him." Ian gives Bola a slight smile.
Bola nods "I know someone who might know where to find him. I'll go see if he knows anything before I meet up with Jenna."
"When are you meeting up with Jenna?" Sara asks
"8."
"Homework done?" Ian inquires
"Finished." Bola says
"Be back by 11." Sara reminds
"I know." Bola nods "I better get going then."
"Have fun." Sara says as Bola stands "Stay out of trouble."
"I'll try." Bola grins "But trouble just seems to happen around me."
"That sounds familiar." Ian says dryly only to get punched in the forearm. "Hey."
"I'll call you if I find out anything." Bola says walking out of the dining room.
"Mama" Zeke grunts reaching for the food on his Mama's plate.
"Still hungry?" Sara laughs "You finished off a jar of macaroni and a jar of peaches and a full bottle." She cuts a piece of chicken and sets it on the highchair tray. "There you go."
Zeke grins picking up the food he inspects it before sticking it in his mouth.
Sara smiles at his action then looks at Ian to find him watching her. "What?"
Ian shrugs "Nothing."
"Mama up." Zeke demands banging on the tray.
"Just a minute baby. Mama needs to finish dinner."
"Mama up." Zeke bangs on the tray. "Up!" He shrieks banging harder on the tray.
Sara sighs about to stand to lift Zeke out of the highchair.
"You finish eating I'll deal with him." Ian stands lifting Zeke out of the highchair.
"Daddy." Zeke snuggles close.
"He just wanted someone to hold him." Sara smiles watching Zeke snuggle into his father's arms. She continues eating as Ian sits down with Zeke on his lap.
"Daddy" Zeke points at the plate.
"Plate." Ian says
Zeke frowns "ate"
"Plate." Ian corrects
"Pate." Zeke says after a moment
"Getting there." Sara says with a smile as she takes a bite of cauliflower.
"I'm leaving." Bola sticks her head in the door. "I'll be back by 11." She promises
"Have a good time kiddo." Sara calls
45 MINS LATER Bola enters the dimly lit room of the warehouse district.
"Hey kid. Long time no see. What can I do you for?" the man asks without turning around
"I need some info."
"It'll cost you." The man says
"Let's say I let you live." Bola says in warning
"Come on everyone knows that you're unarmed now."
"Fine." Bola reaches into her pocket removing some bills "This is all I can give you now but I'll get you some more if the information pans out." She tosses the money on the table as she sits down. "You know I'm good for the money."
"You are now." The man states "What do you need?"
"The new player. I need to find him."
"Why?"
"Someone needs some information that he can provide."
"The cop?"
"She's not looking to bust him."
"Wish she would." The man says
"Why?" Bola asks curiously, "Who is this guy?"
"No one really knows. Whoever he is he's taking out numerous demons."
"I heard he's a good fighter. Where can I find him?"
"He's out at night, mostly in the warehouse district. Might check there."
Bola nods "Thanks. If you happen to find him first, tell him I need to speak with him."
"Will do. And my money?"
"If this pans out I'll bring it by in a few days." Bola promises
"I know." The man nods "Its good to see you kid."
"You too."
"Any chance you'll return to your old ways?" The man asks as Bola reaches the doorway
Bola pauses "No. I made a promise to some people I have missed for a very long time that I'd stop that life. I'm not going to disappoint them."
"Too bad... you have always been one of the best."
Bola nods "Thanks." She walks out the door.
HOUR LATER As she walks through the warehouse district Bola's phone rings, she removes it from her pocket flipping it open. "Hello?"
"Hey where are you?" Jenna asks
"Damn. Sorry Jenna. I won't be able to make it. Something came up."
"Something wrong?"
"No. Just something I need to take care of. I'll see you tomorrow." Bola hangs up shoving her phone in her pocket. She frowns hearing a fight coming from an alley. She makes her way to the alley to see a boy around her age fighting someone.
"One less vampire." He says ramming a stake into the man's chest watching as he bursts into ashes.
Bola steps under the light "Well just who I was looking for." She crosses her arms over her chest.
"Who are you?" He asks warily as he sniffs the air. "You're not a demon."
"No. I've been looking for you." She watches as the young man steps closer her breath catching as she sees him in the light. 'Damn he's cute.'
"Why?" He asks suspiciously "How'd you know where to find me?"
"Rumors." Bola shrugs frowning when he tilts his head sniffing the air.
"You better leave."
"Why?"
"Because we've got company." He nods
Bola follows his gesture to find a couple men walking towards them. "They what I think they are?"
"Vampires"
"It's been a while since I've run into them but I can handle a fight." Bola assures
"Here." He hands her a stake
"You're the one who's been taking out my guys." The biggest says his face changing "Who the hell are you?" He growls
"They call me the Destroyer." He moves in front of the girl
"Mmm she'll make a tasty snack." The smaller vampire says
Bola scowls "You even think of taking a bite out of me you'll be hunted down and ripped into pieces." She ducks as the smaller vampire takes a swipe at her. She avoids the vampire's attempts at blows as the young man takes on the other two quickly dispatching them into clouds of dust. Bola grunts as the vampire manages a blow to her side.
"Hey" the guy says jumping into the fight slamming the stake into the vampire's chest. As the vampire goes up in a flurry of ash, he turns to the girl. "Are you OK?" He asks concerned reaching out to help her.
Bola nods "It's been a while since I've fought a vampire."
"What's your name?"
"Bola. You?"
"Connor." He gives her a slight smile
Bola smiles back "So Connor where you from? Not New York." Seeing his confused expression she explains, "Don't have an accent."
"I was born in Los Angeles but raised in Quar-toth."
"Quar-toth?"
"Hell dimension. I was taken there as a baby." He explains
"Why are you in New York?" Bola asks as they start to walk
Connor shrugs "I wanted to see what this dimension had. I ended up here."
"Ahh that sounds familiar." Bola chuckles lightly. "I did the same thing... except I was seeking revenge."
"I managed to get mine... for a while." Connor says his voice holding a slight edge.
"I was going to go get some food. Join me?" Bola asks "Then I can explain why I was looking for you." She says when he hesitates.
"I am hungry." Connor admits
Bola smiles "Come on."
15 MINS LATER Bola leans back in the plastic seat at the nearby all-night diner as Connor eats a full plate of bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, and fruit. "You're a good fighter." She says
Connor looks at the dark-haired girl giving her a faint smile "So are you. I haven't seen many humans who can move like that."
Bola shrugs "I'm not exactly the normal human."
Connor takes a drink of his juice then speaks "So why were you looking for me?"
"Sara, she's my foster mother... well actually she's my mother, its a long story." Bola says waving her hand "She's a cop. She's investigating the death of the man... or demon that was found a couple days ago."
Connor looks down "Sorry about that. I meant to get rid of the body before anyone could find it but I couldn't get it out of there before daylight."
"I thought that might be the reason. Look Sara wants to talk to you about what happened. She's not going to arrest you."
"I can't risk it. I came out this way not only to explore this dimension but to get away from my Father's territory."
"Here's the thing, Sara can help you and she wants to. If I don't tell her about you Ian will track you down."
"Ian?"
"He's my father... like I said long story." She shrugs "Mostly Sara wants to know what type of demon he was."
"I don't know. I've never seen that kind before."
"How'd you know it was a demon?"
"I could smell the demon inside him and sense him." Connor shrugs in explanation
"Oh."
"You smell different though... not like a demon but different."
"I am different." Bola shrugs taking a sip of her coffee watching as Connor continues to eat. 'Man he's got a big appetite.' "How long have you been in New York?"
"A week or so." Connor answers "This city is a big place makes it easy to hide out."
"Mmm it is." Bola agrees
10:45PM "This is my stop." Bola says as they reach the front gate. "You didn't have to walk me home but thanks."
Connor nods "Its dangerous to be out late alone."
"I can handle it."
"So I saw." Connor says looking at the large house at the end of the long driveway. "Your place is as big as my Father's."
Bola shrugs "Ian inherited it from his Father. We live there for now but Ian's having a house built for us farther down the property. See you around?"
Connor nods "Thank you for not telling them."
"No problem. Sara and Ian are very understanding. Night." Bola presses the button to unlock the side gate stepping in she closes the gate behind her only to see Connor gone. She shakes her head before walking up the driveway.
Connor watches from the shadows as the dark-haired girl walks up the long driveway.
Bola enters the mansion as Fredrick walks into the foyer to greet her. "Hey Fredrick."
"Hello Miss Bola. How was your night?"
"Eventful. Where's Sara?"
"In the recreation room watching a movie." Fredrick answers as he hangs up her coat.
"OK."
Sara looks up to see Bola enter the room "Hey how was your night out?"
"Fine. I found who your looking for."
"Who is he?" Sara asks pausing the movie.
"I can't tell you that. Its the deal I made for getting the information."
"OK."
"He wants to be left alone."
Sara nods "I'll try."
"He only kills demons and vampires."
"How does he know what they are?"
"All he said is that he can sense them, their difference." Bola shrugs "He said the only reason you found the demon is that daylight approached too fast for him to hide the body. He said he'd be more careful in the future."
"What kind of demon was he?"
"He didn't know."
Sara nods "OK. Anything else?"
"I need some cash tomorrow. I owe the guy I got the information from some money since it wasn't a waste of time."
"I'll give it to you in the morning."
"Thanks." Bola looks at the TV "What are you watching?"
"Some old movie." Sara shrugs "Ian's on the phone with some overseas call."
Bola nods "Well I'm going to go take a shower and head to bed."
"Goodnight."
"Night." Bola calls over her shoulder as she walks out of the room.
OUTSIDE Connor watches the house for a few minutes then shoves his hands into his pockets he continues back towards where he is staying. 'She is an interesting girl.'
INSIDE Bola steps out of her bathroom and goes to the mirror in the corner of the room. She brings the comb up to her head and runs it through her damp locks. 'Wonder what Connor's story is. Why'd he leave LA and come here? He's kind of cute.' She smiles slightly 'Very cute.' Once all the tangles are out of her hair she settles on her bed. 'Wonder if I'll see him again.'
(AN: Connor is the Connor from Angel the Series on WB. I decided to put him in the fic because I thought he and Bola would be an interesting interaction. I'm not sure but I might to a fic later about Connor and Bola's relationship. Or maybe I'll integrate it fully into this fic adding Angel and the Fang Gang as well. I'll figure that out sooner or later.)
CHAPTER 34 NEXT MORNING Bola opens her locker setting her books inside glancing at Jenna as the other girl leans against the locker next to hers. "Sorry about last night."
"It's fine. What happened?"
"I needed to take care of something. Had to see an old friend." Bola shrugs grabbing her history book closing her locker.
"Well we're going to Denny's after school. Come with?"
"I can meet you there. I have to do an errand first."
"Sure." Jenna nods as they walk together to class. "Are you going to the school dance?"
"No probably not."
"Why? Mike asked you."
"I know. I'm just not a school dance type of person."
"It'll be fun." Jenna encourages
"I just don't see school dances as fun." Bola shrugs as they enter the classroom. 'Unless vodka's added.' She silently snickers.
AFTERNOON Looking around furtively, Bola enters the warehouse making her way to the back room she finds the man from the night before staring at a computer screen. "I found him. Here's the rest of your money." She tosses a couple bills on the table.
"Glad I could be of service." The man nods without turning around "You know where to find me if you need anything else."
Bola nods "Later." She walks out of the room making her way out of the building. As she makes her way through the warehouse district she rounds the corner and bumps into someone. "Oh sorry."
"My fault."
Bola looks up and smiles. "Oh hey Connor."
"Bola. What are you doing out this way? Even in daylight warehouse districts have demons that will attack."
"Relax." Bola says "I had to drop something off with a friend. I'm fine. You staying nearby?"
Connor nods "Not far. I managed to chase some demons and vampires out of a building."
"Be careful huh? The cops sometimes search the abandoned buildings." Bola informs him "Especially after there's a death."
"So warned." Connor tilts his head in acknowledgement.
"Hey what are you doing now?"
"Nothing really," Connor answers "I was thinking about going to go look for some daylight demons. What about you?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't decided."
"How did she take the news?"
"Oh Sara? She called Ian off looking for you. Which is good because Ian can find anything and anyone he wants and he would find you... give or take a few days."
"Sounds like my Father." Connor says absently
Hearing the sadness in his voice Bola speaks "How are you liking New York?"
"It is different from Los Angeles or Quar-toth." Connor says as they walk.
"What's Quar-toth like? Where is it?"
"I don't know exactly where it is. All I know is that it's a hell dimension that can only be accessed by a portal."
"Oh." Bola tilts her head looking at Connor "What is Quar-toth like?"
Connor shoves his hands into his pockets "The sky is blood red. The clouds are black. It is filled with demons... of all types and sizes."
"Must be a scary place."
"It could be."
"How'd you end up there?" When she sees him flinch she gives him a sad, knowing smile. "Sorry. You don't have to answer."
"It's just a long story." Connor shrugs as they walk in silence.
"Know the feeling." Bola smiles "My whole life is a long story."
Connor nods
AFTER DARK Bola sits with Connor on the floor of the abandoned building talking. "It's been a while since I've had someone to talk to." Connor admits shyly
"Know the feeling." Bola agrees
Connor looks out the window "It's getting late."
"Damn." Bola stands "I better get back before Ian and Sara send out a search party." She jokes picking up her backpack.
"I'll walk you home." Connor offers
"You don't need too." Bola protests
"I need to check a couple cemeteries near there." Connor grabs his jacket walking with Bola out of the building.
WHILE LATER "Thanks for walking me home... again." Bola grins at Connor "I'll see you later."
"You know where to find me." Connor smiles
Bola presses the button for the security gate as it beeps she opens it. "Bye." She says stepping through the gate.
"Bye." Connor watches as she walks up the driveway.
Sara looks up as she hears voices coming from the foyer. She looks at Zeke as she spoons up some strained beets "Here you go." She offers the spoon to Zeke as he opens his mouth. Sara smiles as he swallows the nasty smelling food.
"Sorry I got distracted." Bola says entering the dining room as Naomi walks out of the kitchen with a plate setting it before her. "Thanks."
"Where were you?" Sara asks concerned
"Around." Bola answers digging into the food.
"Jenna called here." Ian informs her "Said you weren't answering your phone."
"I turned it off. I needed some silence." She explains
"How was school?" Sara asks as she scrapes some beets off Zeke's chin.
"Same as always." Bola replies
"What did you do after school?" Sara asks
"Nothing much. Hung out." She laughs as Zeke smears baby food over his face.
Sara looks at her son and laughs as well "You silly goof." She wipes some of the beets off his face. "Guess you'll need a bath tonight." She chuckles "Are you in for the night?"
"Not sure." Bola shrugs "Have decided."
MIDNIGHT Sara sits on the edge of the pool her feet in the water as she watches Ian do laps in the pool. 'God he's incredible.' Sara thinks with awe and pride, her hand falling to her middle with a faint smile. Ian.
Hearing the plea in his mind, Ian stops his laps then looks at Sara sitting on the other side of the pool. He dives under the water quickly swimming under water to the other side. As he surfaces just feet from Sara he wipes the water from his face with his hands "What are you doing out of bed my love?" He treads water between her legs.
Sara runs her fingers down Ian's beard "Baby its midnight... come back to bed."
"I can't sleep."
"Why not?"
Ian shrugs
Sara sighs brushing his damp hair back "All right. Come back to bed soon." She leans down kissing him sweetly "I love you." She murmurs against his lips.
"I love you." Ian echoes "Go back to bed. I'll be up in a couple minutes."
"Don't be too long." Sara stands walking away.
WHILE LATER Sara yawns feeling the bed shift as Ian gets in behind her. She turns and snuggles against him. "Smell good." She mumbles sleepily
Ian chuckles pulling the covers up kissing her head "I love you."
"Love you." Sara mumbles
CHAPTER 32 FEW MORNINGS LATER Feeling a soft kiss to her shoulder Sara smiles sleepily and turns her head "Morning."
"Morning my love." Ian murmurs sleepily "How are you feeling?" He asks
"Fine." Sara yawns stretching her arms over her head. "What time is it?"
"6:30."
"Damn." Sara mutters throwing off the covers and stands "I'm going..." She groans her head swimming her stomach rolling "Not today." She bolts towards the bathroom slamming the door behind her and reaches the toilet just seconds before she throws up.
Ian winces hearing her gag through the closed door. A few minutes later Sara trudges out of the bathroom crawling under the covers. "Feel better?"
Sara nods "Morning sickness just had to start today." She groans in annoyance
"Why don't you stay home today?" Ian suggests
"I can't. I have to meet with some witnesses this morning." Sara mutters
"Have you made the doctor's appointment?"
"Next week sometime, I can't remember when." She rubs her forehead "God I swear I'm getting forgetful."
"You should get up and get going if you don't want to be late." Ian says gently
"I know." Sara grumbles. "I'll get up... in a minute." She snuggles against Ian.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER "We got nothing new." Jake says annoyed throwing his pencil on the desk.
"We'll just have to try something else." Danny remarks
"What now?" Sara rubs her wrist as her phone rings. She flips it open "Pezzini." She greets
"Miss Pezzini this is Doctor Thompson's office."
"Oh yes."
"When you informed us you wanted to make a prenatal appointment I forgot to tell you that before your first prenatal appointment we need to do a confirmation pregnancy test."
Sara sighs "Why? I already know the answer."
"It's just the way we do things. Just to be sure. Now we had a cancellation and I was wondering if you could come in for the test in an hour."
"Uh yeah sure. How long will it take?"
"Shouldn't take more than forty five minutes."
"I'll be there. Thanks." Sara closes the phone looking at her partners who are talking over strategy. "Guys something came up. I have something I need to take care of. Can you cover for me?"
"How long?"
"Couple hours." Sara answers
"Sure" Jake nods
"Not a problem."
"Thanks guys."
"When do you need to leave?" Danny asks
"Fifteen, twenty." Sara replies looking at the file before her "How about this person... Tony Ricetti? Have we spoken to him?"
"Not yet. He's still out of town." Jake answers leaning back in his chair "I've spoken with his employer who assured me he is due to return tomorrow afternoon."
Sara nods "Is there anyone else we need to talk to?"
"We're still trying to find Mandy Halson. So far no one knows where she is exactly."
"Then we've spoken with everyone once those two." Sara muses
45 MINS LATER: DOCTOR'S OFFICE Sara sits in the exam room impatiently waiting for the doctor. 'Don't see why I need this damn test!' she rubs her wrist 'I already know I'm pregnant.'
The door opens and the doctor walks in. "Hello Miss Pezzini."
Sara nods in greeting
"Well you are definitely pregnant. Congratulations." Doctor Thompson smiles sitting down, "Now do you know how far along you are?"
"I'm betting about six weeks." Sara answers "I'm not sure though." She absently rubs her middle.
"How about we find out for sure?" Doctor Thompson suggests
Sara smiles "Sure."
"Lie back" the doctor instructs "and pull up your shirt."
Sara lies back pulling her shirt up and unbuttoning her jeans.
"Is this your first or second child?" asks the doctor as she washes her hands
"Second. We have a 17-month-old son named Zeke and a foster daughter who's 15."
"What was that pregnancy like?"
"Stressful. His father and I weren't together at the time and we didn't speak to each other until Zeke was six-months-old." Sara watches as the doctor readies the equipment. "Hopefully this one won't be as stressful."
"All pregnancies are stressful in my experience."
Sara chuckles "I know." She watches the doctor run the wand over her flat middle her eyes going to the screen. "So how far along am I doc?"
"It looks like you are at... six and a half weeks." The doctor announces
Sara smiles at the news. 'Six and a half weeks.' "How is everything?"
"It looks good." The doctor says handing Sara a paper towel. "Now I'll need to see you in a month."
Sara nods "Sure."
"Will the father be coming in with you next time?" The doctor inquires
"I'm not sure. Ian really doesn't like doctors. He spent a lot of time with them growing up and he tries to avoid them as much as possible."
"Oh." The doctor hands Sara a couple pieces of paper "Here you go the prescriptions for prenatal vitamins."
"Thanks." Sara smiles putting the papers in her inner jacket pocket "I better get back to work before my boss figures out I'm gone." She pulls her jacket on "Thanks for fitting me in."
"You're welcome." The doctor watches as the dark-haired woman walks out of the exam room.
Once out of the doctor's office Sara's phone rings. She reaches into her jacket pocket and removes the ringing phone flipping it open. "Pezzini." She greets
"Hello my love."
Feeling the Witchblade heat up on her wrist Sara smiles. "Hey."
"What are you up to right now?" Ian asks curiously
Sara makes her way through the parking lot heading to her car. "Well the doctor's office called and they had a cancellation. They wanted me to come in for a pregnancy test... which is ridiculous considering morning sickness has already started."
"Why didn't you call me?" Ian asks
Sara unlocks her car door "Sorry I was in a hurry." She gets into the car "Everything is fine." She assures "I have an appointment in a month for a regular appointment."
"What now?"
"I have to get back to work before Dante finds out I'm gone." Sara says turning the key in the ignition "Oh yeah I found out how far along I am."
"Really?"
"Mmmm. Six and a half weeks."
"Wow." Ian says stunned
Sara smiles "That's what I thought. I have to go, I'll talk to you later."
"I love you Sara."
"I love you too. Give Zeke a hug for me."
"I will." Reluctantly the two hang up.
"We'll see him soon." Sara looks at her middle then backs out of the parking spot.
30 MINS LATER: PRECINCT Sara enters the office "Hey guys."
"Hey Sara." Jake greets
"Everything OK?" Danny asks
Sara nods hanging her jacket up "Yeah. Let's get back to work huh?" She sits at her desk "So anything new?" She asks listening as her partners tell her what happened while she was gone.
EVENING: 1111 FAUST Sara enters the library where Ian is at the desk and Zeke is playing in the corner of the room behind a safety fence. She sets her backpack on the couch walking over to the desk "Hey"
"Hello beautiful." Ian leans back in his chair as Sara sits on his lap. "How was your day?"
"Pretty much normal." Sara kisses his cheek "What about you?"
Ian slips his hand under Sara's shirt gently caressing her middle "Besides missing you... talking with the architecture and contractors. They are coming up with the final drawings."
"OK."
"The contractor will start as soon as the architecture is done. Is there anything you want to change?"
"No. What about you?"
"I like what we came up with. It's big enough for kids and not so big it'll take too long to find them when they get old enough to play hide and seek. Plus it's big enough where we still have some space when we need it."
"I bet you had fun hiding in this house." Sara remarks
"Mmm I hid from Mrs. Ellis and my tutors all the time. Mrs. Ellis and Father always found me though. The tutors never bothered to look." He kisses Sara's head.
"What else did you do today?"
"Well I did some reading, played with Zeke, and thought about you."
"Oh really?"
"Really."
"Mama hi" Zeke says happily
Sara smiles kissing Ian's cheek she moves off Ian's lap going over she picks Zeke up. "How's my Zeke?" She kisses Zeke's nose "Are you going to give Mama a hug and kiss?"
Zeke nods throwing his arms around his mother's neck he hugs her tight giving his mother a wet kiss on the cheek.
Sara laughs "Thank you." She rests her forehead against Zeke's "Did you miss Mama?"
Zeke nods "Miss Mama."
"Did Daddy read to you today?"
Zeke nods excitedly "Daddy books"
"You like books huh sweetie?"
"Uh huh. Fun."
"Glad you like them." Sara kisses his nose
"Down Mama."
"Please." Ian reminds gently
"Down Mama pwease." Zeke says sweetly
Sara sets the boy on his feet watching as he runs over to the couch pulling himself up onto the couch.
"Look" Zeke grins
Sara smiles "Good job."
"Sir"
Ian looks towards the door to find Fredrick standing there, "Yes Fredrick?"
"Dinner is on the table sir."
"Thanks. We'll be right there." Ian nods
"Where's Bola?" Sara asks curiously
"She already ate. She went to meet with some friends from school."
"She seems to be getting along with the kids at school." Sara states with a smile proud of her daughter. "Come on you." Sara lifts Zeke off the couch as Ian joins them.
"No Mama." Zeke whines
"Come on sweetie you like food."
"Zeke pway"
"You can play some more after dinner. OK?"
"OK. Pway Bowa?" He asks hopefully.
"She's not here baby. I'm sure she'll play with you tomorrow. Now let's go eat dinner." Sara taps Zeke's nose with her forefinger.
"Yeah" Zeke claps his hands bouncing
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER "Hey" Bola sticks her head in the library doors "thought I'd let you know I'm back."
Sara looks up from her reading smiling at Bola "Hey kiddo. You're back early."
"Yeah well things got a little boring. Besides I'm feeling a little out of it."
Sara frowns, "You OK?" She asks
Bola enters the room shrugging "I'm fine."
"OK" Sara nods unconvinced by the girl's tone. "How's school?"
Bola sits down on the couch "It's going good. My classes are a little easy... I've read ahead in most my classes."
"Made any friends?"
"I guess so. There are some kids that I've been hanging out with."
"Good." Sara smiles "Where'd you go tonight?" She asks
"Just went with some kids from school to dinner. The others were heading to a club but I decided to come back and get some peace and quiet." She leans her head against the couch cushion "How's work?"
"Good. Things have been hard lately. We've had double the normal weird cases. I've been trying to figure out what's going on but so far no go."
Bola nods "Every so often weird things happen on a spiked level."
"I've learned that over the last few years." Sara says dryly. "Oh before I forget. The construction on the house will begin within the next week or so."
Bola nods "OK." She looks around the library "Must be looking forward to getting out of here."
"Yeah I am. I know that it isn't exactly what I wanted, but I'll deal. We'll have a house that has enough security yet it won't be like living here... it'll be a lot more family-like." Sara tilts her head "Have you thought anymore about going to see your parents?"
"No not really."
Sara nods "It might be a good idea to see them one day."
"I know" Bola nods "I just don't want to deal with either of them. They tend to cause trouble."
"You never talk about them." Sara remarks
"What's to talk about? He's a drunk, she's a druggie. Sometimes it's the other way around." Bola shrugs "There's not much to talk about. We have an overly complicated relationship. Makes it easy to stay away and it keeps things from getting out of control."
Sara nods "It seems like that but don't you miss them?"
"Not really." She tucks her hair behind her ear "I guess one day I might but right now..." Bola shakes her head "I don't miss them."
"I guess I understand that."
"I think I'm going to head up to bed." Bola says after a few minutes of talking.
"All right. I'll see you tomorrow sweetie."
"Night." Bola says walking out of the library.
Sara rests her head on the couch cushion closing her eyes her hand resting on her middle. 'Daddy and I won't ever let anything come between how much we love you and your siblings.'
MIDNIGHT Ian steps out from behind the hidden doorway behind one of the bookcase leading up from the bunker. He stops in his tracks seeing Sara asleep on the library couch. He quietly closes the hidden door returning the bookcase to its proper position. Ian moves over the couch and reaches out gently smoothing her hair back he carefully lifts her off the couch.
"Ian" Sara mumbles sleepily
"Shh go back to sleep." Ian says softly "I'm just going to take you up to bed."
"'k" Sara mumbles burying her face in his neck.
Carrying Sara upstairs Ian enters the bedroom setting her down he carefully removes her clothes and tucks her into bed. He frowns when he hears a thud from Bola's room, glancing at Sara relieved to see she that she is still asleep he walks out of the room.
Bola whimpers tossing and turning in her sleep trapped in her mind.
Ian enters the teen's bedroom to find books on the floor that had obviously fallen off the bed in the midst of Bola's nightmare. He stands in the doorway listening as the girl tosses and turns in the bed mumbling in her sleep. Sensing her rising panic as her heart rate rises Ian moves over to the bed "Bola wake up." He gently shakes the girl.
Bola awakens with a start her head pounding. "Damn it." She mutters
"You OK?" Ian asks concerned
Bola nods "Just another nightmare." She gives Ian a weak smile as she lays back down. "I'll be fine."
"Was it about the past?" Ian asks
"No."
"What was it about?"
"I'm not sure." Bola says rubbing at her eyes
Ian nods "Why don't you go back to sleep and if you remember more in the morning we'll talk about it." He gently brushes a strand of hair off her forehead. "Think you can go back to sleep?"
Bola nods snuggling under the covers.
"Goodnight."
"Night." Bola says as Ian walks out the door.
CHAPTER 33 FEW WEEKS LATER Ian looks up as Sara walks out of the bathroom "How are you feeling?" Ian asks concerned
"Nauseous. I swear I don't think I threw up this much with Zeke." Sara mutters crawling under the covers "Is Bola up yet?"
"Yes, I just checked on her." Ian brushes Sara's hair back "I'm going to drop her off at school in about half an hour."
Sara nods "You know we need to tell her soon."
"When?"
"How about we tell her tonight after dinner?" Sara suggests
Ian nods "Have you decided when you're going to tell your friends?" he asks
"Soon. I am so not looking forward to them finding out especially Dante. I'll be on desk for forever once they know."
Ian moves over to the bed brushing Sara's hair back "It won't be forever my love, only until after she's born."
"I know. It's just I'll get bored without being out there." Sara grumbles
"You'll still be working."
Sara's about to respond when she groan bolting off the bed she runs to the bathroom slamming the door shut behind her.
Ian shakes his head
"Daddy up." Zeke calls over the monitor
Hearing his son call for him Ian stands walking out of the bedroom. He makes his way across the hall to Zeke's room entering he finds the little boy standing up in the crib.
"Daddy" Zeke says happily holding his arms out
Ian lifts Zeke out of the crib "Have a good sleep?"
Zeke nods "Pway now?"
"For a little bit." Ian sets Zeke on the floor then sits beside the little boy. He watches as Zeke looks at his toys trying to find what to play with. He looks up to see Sara standing in the doorway "Feel better?"
"No." Sara grumbles
"Mama" Zeke grins standing he runs over to his Mama throwing his arms around her legs
"Hey sweetie." Sara kneels "Did you have a good sleep?"
Zeke nods "Mama pway too?"
Sara smiles "Sure sweetie." She joins Ian on the floor watching as Zeke starts to play.
A few minutes later Bola sticks her head in the bedroom "Morning."
Sara turns "Hey kiddo. Did you sleep well?"
Bola shrugs "Somewhat."
"Bowa pway." Zeke demands
"Sorry shortie. Have school." She looks at Ian "Can you drop me off early?"
"Sure." Ian nods "I'll be right back." He kisses Sara gently
Sara nods "Have fun at school."
"Yeah right." Bola scowls
Sara laughs "See you after school."
"Day off?"
"Yeah." Sara nods "Ian and I need to talk to you after dinner. Are you going to be around?"
"I should be."
"All right." Sara smiles as Zeke throws a toy at her. "Hey what's that for?"
"Pway." Zeke demands
Sara laughs
"Later." Bola says "Enjoy." She walks down the hall a few feet behind Ian.
MIDAFTERNOON Sara sighs "Well one doctor's appointment done." She lays on the bed her arm covering her eyes.
"How are you feeling?" Ian questions
"OK" Sara shrugs "not feeling as nauseous as I was this morning. Though I am feeling a little tired."
"Why don't you take a nap?" Ian suggests "I'll deal with Zeke when he wakes from his nap."
Sara smiles "Thanks baby." She pulls off her boots and jeans crawling under the covers.
Ian kisses Sara's forehead "Get some rest."
"Stay?"
Ian nods removing his own boots he lies next to Sara wrapping his arms around her "I love you Sara."
Sara smiles "I love you too." She snuggles into his arms.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER Sara yawns walking into the library to find Ian at his desk while Bola entertains Zeke on the floor. "Hey."
"Hello beautiful. How was your nap?" Ian inquires looking up from his work.
"Good." Sara answers walking over to the desk she sits on his lap kissing his cheek. "Hey Bola how was school?"
"Good."
"Anything interesting happen?" Sara asks
"Not really." Bola shrugs looking at her parents "What about here?"
Want to tell her now my love?
Yeah. Sara stands moving over to the couch "Bola there's something Ian and I wanted to talk to you about. We were going to wait until after dinner..."
"OK. What's the deal?" Bola asks keeping an eye on her little brother as he plays.
"Well..." Sara looks at Ian squeezing his hand "I'm pregnant."
Bola looks between the two then smiles slightly "Cool. Congrats."
"Thanks." Sara snuggles into Ian's side "In about 8 months you guys will have a little sister."
"Sister?"
Sara nods "According to Lazar most Wielders had only girls. He said Zeke is the first male born to a Wielder in centuries... and he isn't sure how many centuries."
"All the next will be girls?"
"I guess so." Sara says with a smile
"So you two will be overrun by girls." Bola smirks at Ian
Ian shrugs "Oh well."
Sara rolls her eyes "So what are your plans for tonight?" She asks Bola
"I'm not sure. Probably go hang out somewhere." Bola says "Haven't decided."
Sara nods
"Zeke no" Ian says as the boy reaches for a book on the table.
Sara stands picking Zeke up "Hey no grabbing at the books." She kisses his nose "How's my Zeke?"
"Mama."
LATE THAT NIGHT "Bola took the news well." Sara remarks as she watches Ian towel dry his hair.
"Yes she did." Ian tosses the towel down the laundry chute. "I think she's getting used to being in one place."
"Yeah" Sara smiles standing she walks up to Ian wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm glad."
"As am I." He brushes his lips over her forehead. "You should get to bed. You have work in the morning."
"I know." Sara nuzzles her face into his neck. "I don't want to go to work tomorrow."
"Then don't."
"I have too." Sara sighs pulling back she kisses him sweetly "I love you."
"I love you." He murmurs
WEEK LATER Sara looks down at her wrist and frowns when she notices it flash from bracelet to half glove. 'What the...?' She blinks seeing it back in bracelet form. 'I didn't activate it.' She shakes her head "I'm going nuts." she mutters
"What?" Danny looks up hearing his friend
"Nothing." Sara silently groans feeling nauseous "Uh I'll be right back." She stands hurrying out of the office.
Danny frowns concerned. When Sara returns a few minutes later he looks up "You OK?"
Sara nods sitting down "I'm fine."
"How about we go get some lunch?" Danny suggests
"Sounds good." Sara smiles standing she grabs her jacket walking out of the office with Danny. As they sit in the back of a nearby deli Sara takes a bite out of her sandwich "So how are things?"
"Good. What about you?"
Sara shrugs "Have you heard from Jake?"
"Yeah he's good. Enjoying his time in Hawaii surfing."
"Of course." Sara laughs
"Something you want to tell me?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well you haven't asked me to go on a coffee run in a while."
Sara looks at her sandwich "Uh yeah. That's something I've been meaning to talk to you about." She looks at Danny "I'm pregnant."
"Wow." Danny says leaning back in his seat "How'd Nottingham take it?"
"As he takes everything... in stride." She smiles slightly "I think he's looking forward to making up for missing everything with Zeke."
"And how is Bola taking this news?"
"Good I guess. She hasn't said anything good or bad. Bola adores Zeke so I'm sure she'll be fine with having a baby in the house. She has just under 8 months to deal with it."
Danny smiles "Congratulations Sara."
"Thanks." Sara smiles back
After a few minutes of silence he speaks "So when are you two going to tie the knot?"
Sara looks at him startled "We haven't discussed marriage. I don't think either of us are ready for that."
"Ready for more kids but not marriage? You two sure have things in the opposite."
Sara shrugs "We weren't exactly planning Zeke or this one. Just go along with what happens. Right now I like how our relationship is."
"At least he's cut down on the stalking." Danny laughs
"Oh he still does it just not as often." Sara chuckles as she hears Danny's phone rings. She turns her attention to her sandwich as Danny talks.
"Uh yeah. We'll be there in about 15." Danny hangs up looking at Sara "Got a new body. Ready?"
Sara grabs her sandwich "Ready." She follows Danny out of the deli.
15 MINS LATER Feeling the bracelet heat up Sara frowns her eyes going to her wrist pulling her sleeve down. She turns her attention to the crime scene before her. A body lies before her throat slit as the coroner Vicki Po over it. "Hey Vic what's the deal?" She asks crouching before the body.
"He's about thirty. His throat is sliced almost to the neck."
"Weapon?" Sara asks her hand going to her wrist feeling the Witchblade heat up more.
"Jagged edged knife... I'm guessing. I won't know much until I get a closer look."
Sara nods "Let us know what you find."
"Will do." Vicki nods
Sara stands "I'm going to take a look around." She walks around the crime scene trying to will flashes of the crime. 'Damn it.' She turns her eyes landing on a boy with shaggy light brown hair and blue eyes watching the scene with slight detachment yet interest.
*The same young man fighting a dark haired man.
"Get out of my house." The dark haired man growls
The boy fighting a large... thing.*
Sara pulls herself out of the vision filled with intense feelings yet little to see. She shakes her head her eyes going to the small crowd not finding the young man. She leans against the wall feeling her stomach roll. She closes her eyes taking a deep breath 'Not time to throw up.' She tells herself jumping when she feels a hand on her shoulder turning her head to find Danny watching her concerned.
"You OK Sara?"
Sara nods giving him a slight smile "Just a little queasy."
"Well if you want me to finish..."
"I'm fine Danny. Its not that" she looks at the body being zipped up in the body bag "its that." She nods at the garbage cans "I'll be fine."
"All right." Danny nods going to talk with a few uniformed officers.
EVENING Ian looks up as Sara enters the study. He tilts his head "Hello my love. How was work?"
"Long. Where's Zeke?" Sara sits on the edge of the desk looking around for her son.
"Upstairs playing with Bola." Ian answers with a frown "You look tired."
"I am. Ian there's something weird going on."
"How so?" He asks concerned
Sara looks at her wrist "The Witchblade's been activating without any provocation."
"What led to it being activated?"
"Nothing. I was in the middle of doing paperwork and then suddenly it was there."
"It has been a few days since you've activated it." Ian states
"That's true."
"How are you feeling otherwise?"
"Decent."
"What happened at work?"
"New case. A body found in an alley. Throat slit. Vicki hasn't done the autopsy yet. She said she should be able to do it tomorrow. There's a back-up of bodies in the morgue from a car accident this morning." She reaches out brushing a strand of hair off his forehead tenderly "How was your day?"
"Good."
Sara moves to Ian's lap smiling when he wraps his arms around her dropping a kiss to her head. "Miss me?"
"I always miss you."
Sara lifts her head kissing his cheek then returns her head to his shoulder. "Ian."
"Hmm?"
"I told Danny about the baby."
"How'd he take it?"
"Good. I'll tell Jake when he gets back. I still haven't told Gabe and the Siri's."
"And the department?"
"God knows how they'll take that but I'll tell them soon." She says
NEXT DAY "So what do you have?" Sara asks entering the morgue with Danny.
"This guy" Vicki shakes her head "he's not normal."
"What do you mean not normal?" Danny asks
"Its like his insides are that of a sixty year old man."
"And he looks about thirty." Sara states looking at the man "Any idea what killed him?"
"Serrated blade. Sharp. It almost severed his spine. One more slice would have severed his head."
"How is it this man is sixty?" Danny asks
Vicki lifts her shoulders in frustration "I'm not sure. I'm running some blood tests right now. It'll take a few days."
*Man screaming
Blood flowing*
Sara inhales sharply her head going to her head. She leans against the counter her eyes going to the Witchblade seeing the colors swirling angrily she pulls her sleeve down taking a deep breath. She closes her eyes trying to control the Witchblade and her severe need to either hurl or pass out. 'Sweetie now is not the time.'
"Pez you OK?" Vicki asks concerned at her friend's silence.
Sara takes a deep breath "I'm fine." She turns
"You look like you're about to pass out." Vicki states "Are you sure your OK?"
Sara nods giving her friend a faint smile "Just the hazard of being pregnant." She smiles at Danny as Vicki's eyes widen.
"Wow. Congratulations." Vicki says after a few seconds of stunned silence.
Sara nods "Thanks."
"I won't have any answers for this man's age for a while." Vicki states going back to business. "I don't even know who he is. There are no distinguishing marks. No ID."
"OK." Danny nods
"Thanks Vick." Sara says walking out of the morgue. "What about the neighborhood sweep?"
"Not much. No one heard anything. Its an area that no one says anything even if they do hear anything."
Sara nods "Any newcomers in the area?" She asks remembering the young man she saw in the crowd and in her vision.
"No, not anymore than the normal homeless." Danny answers "Why? Any weird vibes?"
"No. Just wondering."
"Sure Pez." Danny says
THAT EVENING "How was school?" Sara asks Bola as they sit at the dining room table.
"It was decent." She replies taking a drink of milk. "I heard something interesting."
"What's that?"
"The guy you found the other day" Bola says
"Yeah what about him?" Sara asks
"He wasn't human."
"How'd you know that?" Ian asks
"Rumors." Bola shrugs
"What was he?" Sara asks
"I'm not exactly sure." Bola admits "But there is something else I learned."
"What?" Sara asks as she hands Zeke a piece of roll.
"There's a new player in town."
"Who is this new player?" Sara questions
Bola shrugs "No one knows for sure. He just appeared a few weeks ago. I've never seen him but I have heard he's one hell of a fighter."
"Think one of you can track him down?" Sara asks looking at Ian and Bola "I need to ask him a few questions."
"Between both of us I'm sure we can find him." Ian gives Bola a slight smile.
Bola nods "I know someone who might know where to find him. I'll go see if he knows anything before I meet up with Jenna."
"When are you meeting up with Jenna?" Sara asks
"8."
"Homework done?" Ian inquires
"Finished." Bola says
"Be back by 11." Sara reminds
"I know." Bola nods "I better get going then."
"Have fun." Sara says as Bola stands "Stay out of trouble."
"I'll try." Bola grins "But trouble just seems to happen around me."
"That sounds familiar." Ian says dryly only to get punched in the forearm. "Hey."
"I'll call you if I find out anything." Bola says walking out of the dining room.
"Mama" Zeke grunts reaching for the food on his Mama's plate.
"Still hungry?" Sara laughs "You finished off a jar of macaroni and a jar of peaches and a full bottle." She cuts a piece of chicken and sets it on the highchair tray. "There you go."
Zeke grins picking up the food he inspects it before sticking it in his mouth.
Sara smiles at his action then looks at Ian to find him watching her. "What?"
Ian shrugs "Nothing."
"Mama up." Zeke demands banging on the tray.
"Just a minute baby. Mama needs to finish dinner."
"Mama up." Zeke bangs on the tray. "Up!" He shrieks banging harder on the tray.
Sara sighs about to stand to lift Zeke out of the highchair.
"You finish eating I'll deal with him." Ian stands lifting Zeke out of the highchair.
"Daddy." Zeke snuggles close.
"He just wanted someone to hold him." Sara smiles watching Zeke snuggle into his father's arms. She continues eating as Ian sits down with Zeke on his lap.
"Daddy" Zeke points at the plate.
"Plate." Ian says
Zeke frowns "ate"
"Plate." Ian corrects
"Pate." Zeke says after a moment
"Getting there." Sara says with a smile as she takes a bite of cauliflower.
"I'm leaving." Bola sticks her head in the door. "I'll be back by 11." She promises
"Have a good time kiddo." Sara calls
45 MINS LATER Bola enters the dimly lit room of the warehouse district.
"Hey kid. Long time no see. What can I do you for?" the man asks without turning around
"I need some info."
"It'll cost you." The man says
"Let's say I let you live." Bola says in warning
"Come on everyone knows that you're unarmed now."
"Fine." Bola reaches into her pocket removing some bills "This is all I can give you now but I'll get you some more if the information pans out." She tosses the money on the table as she sits down. "You know I'm good for the money."
"You are now." The man states "What do you need?"
"The new player. I need to find him."
"Why?"
"Someone needs some information that he can provide."
"The cop?"
"She's not looking to bust him."
"Wish she would." The man says
"Why?" Bola asks curiously, "Who is this guy?"
"No one really knows. Whoever he is he's taking out numerous demons."
"I heard he's a good fighter. Where can I find him?"
"He's out at night, mostly in the warehouse district. Might check there."
Bola nods "Thanks. If you happen to find him first, tell him I need to speak with him."
"Will do. And my money?"
"If this pans out I'll bring it by in a few days." Bola promises
"I know." The man nods "Its good to see you kid."
"You too."
"Any chance you'll return to your old ways?" The man asks as Bola reaches the doorway
Bola pauses "No. I made a promise to some people I have missed for a very long time that I'd stop that life. I'm not going to disappoint them."
"Too bad... you have always been one of the best."
Bola nods "Thanks." She walks out the door.
HOUR LATER As she walks through the warehouse district Bola's phone rings, she removes it from her pocket flipping it open. "Hello?"
"Hey where are you?" Jenna asks
"Damn. Sorry Jenna. I won't be able to make it. Something came up."
"Something wrong?"
"No. Just something I need to take care of. I'll see you tomorrow." Bola hangs up shoving her phone in her pocket. She frowns hearing a fight coming from an alley. She makes her way to the alley to see a boy around her age fighting someone.
"One less vampire." He says ramming a stake into the man's chest watching as he bursts into ashes.
Bola steps under the light "Well just who I was looking for." She crosses her arms over her chest.
"Who are you?" He asks warily as he sniffs the air. "You're not a demon."
"No. I've been looking for you." She watches as the young man steps closer her breath catching as she sees him in the light. 'Damn he's cute.'
"Why?" He asks suspiciously "How'd you know where to find me?"
"Rumors." Bola shrugs frowning when he tilts his head sniffing the air.
"You better leave."
"Why?"
"Because we've got company." He nods
Bola follows his gesture to find a couple men walking towards them. "They what I think they are?"
"Vampires"
"It's been a while since I've run into them but I can handle a fight." Bola assures
"Here." He hands her a stake
"You're the one who's been taking out my guys." The biggest says his face changing "Who the hell are you?" He growls
"They call me the Destroyer." He moves in front of the girl
"Mmm she'll make a tasty snack." The smaller vampire says
Bola scowls "You even think of taking a bite out of me you'll be hunted down and ripped into pieces." She ducks as the smaller vampire takes a swipe at her. She avoids the vampire's attempts at blows as the young man takes on the other two quickly dispatching them into clouds of dust. Bola grunts as the vampire manages a blow to her side.
"Hey" the guy says jumping into the fight slamming the stake into the vampire's chest. As the vampire goes up in a flurry of ash, he turns to the girl. "Are you OK?" He asks concerned reaching out to help her.
Bola nods "It's been a while since I've fought a vampire."
"What's your name?"
"Bola. You?"
"Connor." He gives her a slight smile
Bola smiles back "So Connor where you from? Not New York." Seeing his confused expression she explains, "Don't have an accent."
"I was born in Los Angeles but raised in Quar-toth."
"Quar-toth?"
"Hell dimension. I was taken there as a baby." He explains
"Why are you in New York?" Bola asks as they start to walk
Connor shrugs "I wanted to see what this dimension had. I ended up here."
"Ahh that sounds familiar." Bola chuckles lightly. "I did the same thing... except I was seeking revenge."
"I managed to get mine... for a while." Connor says his voice holding a slight edge.
"I was going to go get some food. Join me?" Bola asks "Then I can explain why I was looking for you." She says when he hesitates.
"I am hungry." Connor admits
Bola smiles "Come on."
15 MINS LATER Bola leans back in the plastic seat at the nearby all-night diner as Connor eats a full plate of bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, and fruit. "You're a good fighter." She says
Connor looks at the dark-haired girl giving her a faint smile "So are you. I haven't seen many humans who can move like that."
Bola shrugs "I'm not exactly the normal human."
Connor takes a drink of his juice then speaks "So why were you looking for me?"
"Sara, she's my foster mother... well actually she's my mother, its a long story." Bola says waving her hand "She's a cop. She's investigating the death of the man... or demon that was found a couple days ago."
Connor looks down "Sorry about that. I meant to get rid of the body before anyone could find it but I couldn't get it out of there before daylight."
"I thought that might be the reason. Look Sara wants to talk to you about what happened. She's not going to arrest you."
"I can't risk it. I came out this way not only to explore this dimension but to get away from my Father's territory."
"Here's the thing, Sara can help you and she wants to. If I don't tell her about you Ian will track you down."
"Ian?"
"He's my father... like I said long story." She shrugs "Mostly Sara wants to know what type of demon he was."
"I don't know. I've never seen that kind before."
"How'd you know it was a demon?"
"I could smell the demon inside him and sense him." Connor shrugs in explanation
"Oh."
"You smell different though... not like a demon but different."
"I am different." Bola shrugs taking a sip of her coffee watching as Connor continues to eat. 'Man he's got a big appetite.' "How long have you been in New York?"
"A week or so." Connor answers "This city is a big place makes it easy to hide out."
"Mmm it is." Bola agrees
10:45PM "This is my stop." Bola says as they reach the front gate. "You didn't have to walk me home but thanks."
Connor nods "Its dangerous to be out late alone."
"I can handle it."
"So I saw." Connor says looking at the large house at the end of the long driveway. "Your place is as big as my Father's."
Bola shrugs "Ian inherited it from his Father. We live there for now but Ian's having a house built for us farther down the property. See you around?"
Connor nods "Thank you for not telling them."
"No problem. Sara and Ian are very understanding. Night." Bola presses the button to unlock the side gate stepping in she closes the gate behind her only to see Connor gone. She shakes her head before walking up the driveway.
Connor watches from the shadows as the dark-haired girl walks up the long driveway.
Bola enters the mansion as Fredrick walks into the foyer to greet her. "Hey Fredrick."
"Hello Miss Bola. How was your night?"
"Eventful. Where's Sara?"
"In the recreation room watching a movie." Fredrick answers as he hangs up her coat.
"OK."
Sara looks up to see Bola enter the room "Hey how was your night out?"
"Fine. I found who your looking for."
"Who is he?" Sara asks pausing the movie.
"I can't tell you that. Its the deal I made for getting the information."
"OK."
"He wants to be left alone."
Sara nods "I'll try."
"He only kills demons and vampires."
"How does he know what they are?"
"All he said is that he can sense them, their difference." Bola shrugs "He said the only reason you found the demon is that daylight approached too fast for him to hide the body. He said he'd be more careful in the future."
"What kind of demon was he?"
"He didn't know."
Sara nods "OK. Anything else?"
"I need some cash tomorrow. I owe the guy I got the information from some money since it wasn't a waste of time."
"I'll give it to you in the morning."
"Thanks." Bola looks at the TV "What are you watching?"
"Some old movie." Sara shrugs "Ian's on the phone with some overseas call."
Bola nods "Well I'm going to go take a shower and head to bed."
"Goodnight."
"Night." Bola calls over her shoulder as she walks out of the room.
OUTSIDE Connor watches the house for a few minutes then shoves his hands into his pockets he continues back towards where he is staying. 'She is an interesting girl.'
INSIDE Bola steps out of her bathroom and goes to the mirror in the corner of the room. She brings the comb up to her head and runs it through her damp locks. 'Wonder what Connor's story is. Why'd he leave LA and come here? He's kind of cute.' She smiles slightly 'Very cute.' Once all the tangles are out of her hair she settles on her bed. 'Wonder if I'll see him again.'
(AN: Connor is the Connor from Angel the Series on WB. I decided to put him in the fic because I thought he and Bola would be an interesting interaction. I'm not sure but I might to a fic later about Connor and Bola's relationship. Or maybe I'll integrate it fully into this fic adding Angel and the Fang Gang as well. I'll figure that out sooner or later.)
CHAPTER 34 NEXT MORNING Bola opens her locker setting her books inside glancing at Jenna as the other girl leans against the locker next to hers. "Sorry about last night."
"It's fine. What happened?"
"I needed to take care of something. Had to see an old friend." Bola shrugs grabbing her history book closing her locker.
"Well we're going to Denny's after school. Come with?"
"I can meet you there. I have to do an errand first."
"Sure." Jenna nods as they walk together to class. "Are you going to the school dance?"
"No probably not."
"Why? Mike asked you."
"I know. I'm just not a school dance type of person."
"It'll be fun." Jenna encourages
"I just don't see school dances as fun." Bola shrugs as they enter the classroom. 'Unless vodka's added.' She silently snickers.
AFTERNOON Looking around furtively, Bola enters the warehouse making her way to the back room she finds the man from the night before staring at a computer screen. "I found him. Here's the rest of your money." She tosses a couple bills on the table.
"Glad I could be of service." The man nods without turning around "You know where to find me if you need anything else."
Bola nods "Later." She walks out of the room making her way out of the building. As she makes her way through the warehouse district she rounds the corner and bumps into someone. "Oh sorry."
"My fault."
Bola looks up and smiles. "Oh hey Connor."
"Bola. What are you doing out this way? Even in daylight warehouse districts have demons that will attack."
"Relax." Bola says "I had to drop something off with a friend. I'm fine. You staying nearby?"
Connor nods "Not far. I managed to chase some demons and vampires out of a building."
"Be careful huh? The cops sometimes search the abandoned buildings." Bola informs him "Especially after there's a death."
"So warned." Connor tilts his head in acknowledgement.
"Hey what are you doing now?"
"Nothing really," Connor answers "I was thinking about going to go look for some daylight demons. What about you?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't decided."
"How did she take the news?"
"Oh Sara? She called Ian off looking for you. Which is good because Ian can find anything and anyone he wants and he would find you... give or take a few days."
"Sounds like my Father." Connor says absently
Hearing the sadness in his voice Bola speaks "How are you liking New York?"
"It is different from Los Angeles or Quar-toth." Connor says as they walk.
"What's Quar-toth like? Where is it?"
"I don't know exactly where it is. All I know is that it's a hell dimension that can only be accessed by a portal."
"Oh." Bola tilts her head looking at Connor "What is Quar-toth like?"
Connor shoves his hands into his pockets "The sky is blood red. The clouds are black. It is filled with demons... of all types and sizes."
"Must be a scary place."
"It could be."
"How'd you end up there?" When she sees him flinch she gives him a sad, knowing smile. "Sorry. You don't have to answer."
"It's just a long story." Connor shrugs as they walk in silence.
"Know the feeling." Bola smiles "My whole life is a long story."
Connor nods
AFTER DARK Bola sits with Connor on the floor of the abandoned building talking. "It's been a while since I've had someone to talk to." Connor admits shyly
"Know the feeling." Bola agrees
Connor looks out the window "It's getting late."
"Damn." Bola stands "I better get back before Ian and Sara send out a search party." She jokes picking up her backpack.
"I'll walk you home." Connor offers
"You don't need too." Bola protests
"I need to check a couple cemeteries near there." Connor grabs his jacket walking with Bola out of the building.
WHILE LATER "Thanks for walking me home... again." Bola grins at Connor "I'll see you later."
"You know where to find me." Connor smiles
Bola presses the button for the security gate as it beeps she opens it. "Bye." She says stepping through the gate.
"Bye." Connor watches as she walks up the driveway.
Sara looks up as she hears voices coming from the foyer. She looks at Zeke as she spoons up some strained beets "Here you go." She offers the spoon to Zeke as he opens his mouth. Sara smiles as he swallows the nasty smelling food.
"Sorry I got distracted." Bola says entering the dining room as Naomi walks out of the kitchen with a plate setting it before her. "Thanks."
"Where were you?" Sara asks concerned
"Around." Bola answers digging into the food.
"Jenna called here." Ian informs her "Said you weren't answering your phone."
"I turned it off. I needed some silence." She explains
"How was school?" Sara asks as she scrapes some beets off Zeke's chin.
"Same as always." Bola replies
"What did you do after school?" Sara asks
"Nothing much. Hung out." She laughs as Zeke smears baby food over his face.
Sara looks at her son and laughs as well "You silly goof." She wipes some of the beets off his face. "Guess you'll need a bath tonight." She chuckles "Are you in for the night?"
"Not sure." Bola shrugs "Have decided."
MIDNIGHT Sara sits on the edge of the pool her feet in the water as she watches Ian do laps in the pool. 'God he's incredible.' Sara thinks with awe and pride, her hand falling to her middle with a faint smile. Ian.
Hearing the plea in his mind, Ian stops his laps then looks at Sara sitting on the other side of the pool. He dives under the water quickly swimming under water to the other side. As he surfaces just feet from Sara he wipes the water from his face with his hands "What are you doing out of bed my love?" He treads water between her legs.
Sara runs her fingers down Ian's beard "Baby its midnight... come back to bed."
"I can't sleep."
"Why not?"
Ian shrugs
Sara sighs brushing his damp hair back "All right. Come back to bed soon." She leans down kissing him sweetly "I love you." She murmurs against his lips.
"I love you." Ian echoes "Go back to bed. I'll be up in a couple minutes."
"Don't be too long." Sara stands walking away.
WHILE LATER Sara yawns feeling the bed shift as Ian gets in behind her. She turns and snuggles against him. "Smell good." She mumbles sleepily
Ian chuckles pulling the covers up kissing her head "I love you."
"Love you." Sara mumbles