In Death I Am With You
The fragile plane of her nightmare was shattered to bits as hands pulled her off the floor. Hauling her into the shower and she was assaulted with ice water. Eve snapped to consciousness against her will as she stared at the intense face of her only friend. Brent leaned over her as he held her in the shower. His face was grim and dark as he stared at her with hard eyes.
"Stop struggling Eve," He commanded and she went still. " Damn it girl you stink, clean up and I'll get you some breakfast." Leaving her alone in the shower he disappeared and she sat there totally shocked.
Slowly her mind went into gear and she remembered how to adjust the taps. The water was too hot but she didn't care. After she was clean she padded to her room and pulled on black jeans and a matching sweater. Leaving her hair to dry as it wanted she went down the stairs to the kitchen. Brent was cooking up a storm and it smelled great.
She sat on the stool around the island and looked around. " Where's Cat?"
Brent paused, looking at her with serious eyes. " Eve, do you remember what happened at work?" He spoke carefully and gently as if she were a child.
"No, why did something happen?" She sat there looking at him. " Brent what is going on? Cat is going to be late for school." She stood and moved back to the stairs.
"Cat is dead Evelyn, she died two weeks ago in a car accident with Matthew Rock and his sister." Brent came up beside her as he spoke, " Don't you remember the two detectives?"
She froze from her head to toes and stared at the stairs. " No, she is just sleeping up stairs and I have to wake her." Eve ran to her sisters room as fast as she could. " Cat! Cat! Wake up Cat!" She threw open the door and stopped, the bed was empty. The room was empty, her sister wasn't there. Eve's knees gave out and she fell to the floor.
"Brent!" She screamed as she crawled to the bed, frantically she looked underneath the bed and ripped back the covers. " Where is she Brent? Where is my sister?"
He put his arms around and held her close. " She isn't here Eve, Catharine died two weeks ago."
"No, no, no. That is just a dream, they aren't supposed to be real any more. I told myself to stop doing things like that. No they aren't happening anymore, I made myself stop." She was crying and screaming at the same time. Her head was shaking back and forth while Brent gently rocked her and made soothing sounds. " I promised Mommy I wouldn't do that anymore."
"Evelyn please," He spoke against her hair, " Please understand you have to get a grip on things. People need to talk you, there are things to be done. You are the only one who can do them." He pulled away and held her at arms length. " You are the only one who can put Cat to rest."
Eve stared at him with eyes that were dark. " It was just a dream Brent."
"No it wasn't Eve. What you saw wasn't a dream, now come on." He pulled her to her feet and out of the room. " Let's get you fed and we can sit down and talk about this."
**
Pushing the plate aside Eve was amazed at how much she had eaten. Brent was always an excellent cook and this time was no exception. He sat across from her sipping coffee and waiting patiently for her to finish and start talking. She stared at her orange juice and wondered where to start.
"For as long as I can remember I have always known things before they happened. Either it was a feeling or a dream or something like that. But I always knew. My mother told me that it was a common thing for the women in are family. My great-grandmother and my grandmother both had psychic powers. One of them could see the future like me and my mom. The other could read minds. Cat was showing that ability and I guess that is how she always knew me better then I knew myself. All the way through school I used my ability to cheat on tests and stuff. I never really understood how horrible my gift was until the last night I ever used it. It was a dream that my mother was going to die a terrible death at the hands of someone she knew. While I was at school the police came and told me she had been murdered. I knew who had done it and told the police where to find him. The man was so shocked he admitted to it and that was the end of it. At my mothers funeral I made a promise to never use my ability ever again." Eve stopped and pulled in a shaky, deep breath. " But I guess it had other plans."
Brent placed his mug on the table. " So is that why you blame yourself?"
Eve nodded. " I knew what was going to happen, both with my mother and Cat...but I had trained myself to stop listening to it. I was angry at it and therefore angry at myself. I can't change what has happened, I don't think anyone has that power, but I can try to move on. I owe it to Cat and to Matt to at least move on with my life. I have spent far too long hating myself and mourning my mother. Cat was her daughter too, she was younger then me though. After Mom died I found I resented Cat for being so young. She would never feel the pain that I felt, never understand like I did." Eve shook her head giving a sharp laugh. "But it was me who didn't understand. It was always me who was making the mistake."
"Well," Brent stood up carrying his mug to the sink. " It sounds like you are coming around." He rinsed it out and put the dark blue mug in the drain board. " I have to get home and catch some sleep. Will you be okay for now?"
She nodded, " Thanks Brent, I owe you."
He shrugged as he pulled on his coat. " Consider it a pay back for all the times you have covered for me."
Eve stood and showed him to the door, " I don't know when I'll be back but it should be some time before the next month."
"Don't rush yourself Evelyn, this isn't like your pet died or something. Take whatever time you need to adjust." Brent paused in the door. " If I might be so bold, I know you don't get out much, but there is this club called the Raven. It's small and just the place to go if you want to disappear." He pressed a match book into her hand. " Just think about it."
Eve closed the door behind him turning to look at the empty loft. The sound system sat in its case with the fifty inch screen and DVD player. Making her way to the machine she knelt down and reached for the case near it. Beauty and the Beast stared up at her in animated joy. She put the disc into the tray and watched it close. Settling into the couch she watched the musical children's film. For a moment she allowed herself to remember her sister; the smile, the eyes and the laughter. This had been her favorite movie and it would forever hold her spirit with it. Eve would never forget the first day she met Matt and Ronnie. At this time she had been picking up Cat from elementary at three thirty and had been late that day. When she had driven up in the old car she had jumped out and run for the school. Scared to death that her sister was gone, only to find her inside talking with a handsome young high school student and his younger sister.
"Hey Eve!" Cat ran over and threw her arms around her. " I want you to meet Matt and Ronnie Rock."
She had been familiar with the Rock name and was surprised to see such celebrities. She had been tongue tied and stammered in front of Matt as he smiled at her. Both Cat and Ronnie had giggled and winked at each other. They had known what Eve had never figured out. The next day Matt offered to drive Cat home after school. His offer to help had come as such a great relief that Eve hadn't paused in saying yes. At the time Matt was driving a BMW that his older brother no longer used, Cat had loved that old car. She had loved all of Matt's cars.
"Get a load of that!" Cat gushed as she hauled her sister up the shimmering red body of a super charged Italian sports car. "I wonder what it is?"
"A Lamborghini." Matt came around the hood, "My dad is lending it to me while he is Malaysia for the next three months. Want to go for a ride?"
Cat had not hesitated to jump inside the little car, " Come on Eve"
After a long look at the streamline machine Eve had gotten and held tight. Matt was an expert driver and handled the powerful car with ease as they raced down the streets of Toronto.
Then there was the Jaguar, the Bentley, the Austin Healy, Cadillac, the Ferraris, Porches and so many others. All of which Matt had shared with them without reservation or expecting anything in return. He had given them kindness when the world was against them. How come she had never invited him out for a drink or coffee?
Eve shook her head and got up, the film was over and the television sat waiting for her. She turned it off and looked down at the match book in her hand. Perhaps she needed to disappear for a bit. The club was surprisingly close so Eve decided to walk.
**
She had forgotten how beautiful the night could be; the relative peace and quiet that came with it, the coolness of dark sky and the general feeling of rest. Being in such a busy city there wasn't much to be found in the way of stars, but she liked looking at the sky anyway. Whenever she did her mind wondered what it looked like elsewhere. Around the world did the sky look the same to her as it did to someone in say India, or New York? Did they see the same things she saw or not? More then that she liked to think of the past; what did this sky look like those in the millenium before her? Did the Kings or Emperors look at this sky and think what she was thinking? What about those that lay dying in a battlefield, did they think about the sky?
These were things she had never found the answer too, mainly because there wasn't anyone from those times around to ask. Unexpectedly her mind jumped to the face of Detective Nick Knight, would he know how she felt? Another question followed: Did it matter?
Turning another corner she paused at the sight of the club. A glowing sign above a single metal door proclaimed this to be the Raven. There was no line up to enter so she walked in and paused on the landing. A set of metal steps lead down into the club filled with its dark lights and black furniture. A bar curled around a wall with a single man behind it. The patrons were more content to sit and talk rather then dance, although there was a space for that. Right now the music playing was Jann Arden's I Would Die For You.
The irony did not escape Eve's notice as she descended into the club. It made her wonder just what type this place really was. Dark and slightly gloomy it reminded her of a gothic romance novel then a Toronto night club. As she slid onto a seat at the bar she thought of Brent and wondered why he would know of this place. The bartender appeared and she looked up into his brown eyes.
"Can I get you anything?" He asked over the music.
Eve smiled at the first thing that came to mind. " A second chance."
He frowned, " How abut a beer?"
"That's a start."
Eve handed him money and glanced around at the people around her. There was a strong leaning toward dark punk culture woven through it was a sense of old world class. Taking a sip of the Canadian brew she drew in a breath and struggled to keep herself together. Cat would never get to go to a bar, and she would never taste a beer. Guilt washed over her in a heavy drowning wave. It was wrong to be here and having a somewhat good time. She had no right to it. Rising from the seat she spotted the pay phone and felt a jolt of possibility. Her fingers ran over the smooth surface of his card in her pocket. Should she do it? As she was debating it her legs walked over to the phone while her fingers dialed his number.
"Hi you've reach Nick Knight I am either incognito or-"
She slammed the phone down and stared at the black plastic, " Don't be crazy Evelyn, this guy is just a cop. Not some dark knight out of medieval France."
Turning away she walked right into a solid chest and stared up into ice blue eyes and white hair. Where she touched him her skin burned and jumped, there was something about him. She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was, but whatever it was, it was just beneath the surface.
"Looking for Nicholas?" He asked in a darkly seductive voice, his words were hot satin over cold skin. "Perhaps I can help?"
Closing her mouth Eve took a step back and rubbed her arms. " I..." Her words stopped and her mind went blank. " How do you know him?"
His lips curled into a smile and she shivered. " That is a complex question my dear, however I would be more then willing to explain it to you over a drink."
There was something in the way he said 'drink' that caused her to hesitate. But when he touched her arm lightly her skin blazed hot and she turned to liquid goo inside. Willingly she followed him to the bar where they sat together. The bartender didn't ask what he wanted, just filled a glass with red wine and handed it to him. Eve reached for her beer and sought out the cold glass. Anything to release the hold this man had over her.
"What is your name?" She asked lightly as he continued to gaze at her with those ice blue eyes.
"People call me LaCroix." He answered smoothly. "And you?"
"Eve." She whispered and couldn't look away from his eyes. Nick's eyes had been old this man had ancient eyes. Eons stretched and spanned in the cold blue depths as she gazed at him. Almost as if she looked hard enough she would see the beginnings of time and space in his eyes.
"What brings you to the Raven at this hour?" His tone wrapped around her and she felt it touch things in her.
"I didn't want to be alone anymore." Eve realized what she had said and looked away. Staring instead at the brown glass bottle of beer in her hands. "There is no one for me to be with anymore. So I thought I would come down here and disappear. Perhaps when I return the world will be more forgiving."
He asked, " What if the world will have forgotten you by then?"
She turned her head and gazed at him, " Then so be it. I can live any life I choose if there is no one around to know the difference." There was a flash in his eyes, something that sent chills through her.
For the first time since bumping into him she looked at him. His clothing was tailored and a very good make, not extremely expensive but tasteful. His black sweater was pierced at the neck with a silver pin in the shape of a sword. His black suit jacket was pressed and fit him perfectly. LaCroix didn't where a watch or any sign of a ring. There was a flash of 'I hope he's not married' that went through her head. All in all, he appeared to have a strong physique despite being in what appeared to be his late twenties early thirties.
"What brings you here LaCroix?" She asked staring again at her bottle.
"I came to see someone." He replied sipping at his wine.
"Girlfriend?" Eve again couldn't stop it from coming out and kicked herself for it. " I didn't mean that."
"No that is alright. I was here to see a friend of sorts." He glanced over her head to the back of the club.
Eve turned instinctively and saw a stunning women with dark hair and red, red lips. She was dressed in black as well and stood with her back to the wall. There was a commanding, seductive air to her. Her heart sank at the sight of the woman coming over. She was his girlfriend. Men like him always had girls like her.
LaCroix stood and nodded at her arrival. " Eve, I would like you to meet Jeanette. The Raven is her domain."
Jeanette turned dark eyes to her and Eve shrank back instantly. A tremor of fear went across her shoulders as she stared into those eyes. The woman extended a gloved hand, " A pleasure."
She too was French, not as smooth as Nick but still the same tongue. " Hi. Great place you have here."
"Thank you, you are new correct?"
"First time here." Eve felt her skin start to tingle and felt a jolt rip through her.
She stood instantly and found Nick Knight making his way to her. Sudden fear sent her pulse skyrocketing and she began to panic. Her mind was confused and tried to figure out her sudden fear. It wasn't Nick or any of the other two, it was something else. Something that wasn't here, yet. Her hands grabbed for support as the images smashed into her mind and twisted themselves into a bloody vision of what was coming. She saw fangs, blood, fire and screaming people. So many people. But most of all she saw LaCroix and Nick, they stood just in front of Jeanette and something burned in front of them. The image changed and she saw her self, running toward someone who was waiting for her. Her name was being called. If she could only get to them she would safe. But the vision was broken by the hands that held her, the sheer strength in them was terrifying.
"Eve, are you okay?" It was Nick's voice.
She tried to nod but found her head was being held by someone. Opening her eyes she stared into Jeanette's face. Her dark eyes held concern and fascination. Searching for him she found LaCroix on her other side and stared into his face. There was no telling what he was thinking.
"Can you wiggle your fingers?" Nick asked.
"I am fine." Her voice was rough. Clearing it she sat up and her head swam, the room dipped and spun. She felt hands grab her again and found it was Nick still. " I am just dehydrated."
The patrons were watching her with curiosity as the three of them knelt around her. Nick helped her to her feet and she was lead to a semi-private booth. Sinking into the plush seat Eve rolled her head back and stared at the ceiling. She was aware of the waiter who brought water and even tasted drinking it. Her mind was still reeling with the impact of a full on waking vision. It had only happened one other time. Her father had left the next with his research assistant never to be heard or seen from again.
"Now what happened?" Nick inquired.
She eyed him skeptically, " I doubt you would believe me Detective Knight."
"Try me." He said with a slight smile.
"I had a premonition of the future; there was a great fire and people were screaming, the three of you were there and then I was running away from something. There was a man calling my name but I never saw who it was."
Jeanette's tone was level as she asked, " What do you think it means?"
Eve shrugged, "My best guess there is going be some sort of crime that will involve all of you. In the end I will be running either toward someone for help, or away from someone."
"Any idea what the crime is?" Nick asked, his tone was dark. " Did you see any signs or names."
"None at all."
Eve stared at them and was taken back with the ease of which they were believing her. All except LaCroix. He was watching her with guarded eyes and looking withdrawn. For some reason that really bothered her.
"Any idea when it will happen?" Jeanette asked.
"Soon, very soon. Probably within the next week."
Nick glanced up at LaCroix, "What do you think?"
"I think she should go home and rest." He said plainly, " Clearly she is over tired."
Eve stared at him a long moment, there was a rush of sensation through her mind. It was enough to make her dizzy, the image was never clear and in it's wake was a headache. Standing she drew in a breath.
"LaCroix is right I am over tired." Eve glanced at Jeanette, "Sorry to have caused any trouble." Glancing a Nick she smiled, " It was good to see you again Detective."
It wasn't until she was standing in the late night air of Toronto that she allowed the images to take hold. She could see it clearly now: The building appeared closed but wasn't there was someone inside, as she moved toward it Nick appears from out of no where. She watches as he moves to run only he is too late. The building explodes and the one screaming isn't a lot of people it's the both of them. Why they are screaming isn't clear, but clearly someone they both loved was inside. The flames fade away and in her mind she sees someone else; a faint outline of a man with wide shoulders. When she sees him joy fills her heart and clearly she is love with him. But as she runs toward him, Jeanette appears and tries and to stop her. By the time Eve gets free it is too late and the man is gone. But then so is Jeanette and Nick. They all are gone and she is once again alone.
Turning in the direction of home she walks in the dark stillness of late night. Not aware of the shadow that paces her or the flash of ice blue eyes as they watch her enter her home. A passing car spills harsh light into the darkness and LaCroix is highlighted. He watches the girl until she is in bed and asleep, before taking to the sky and leaving her behind to her nightmares.
The fragile plane of her nightmare was shattered to bits as hands pulled her off the floor. Hauling her into the shower and she was assaulted with ice water. Eve snapped to consciousness against her will as she stared at the intense face of her only friend. Brent leaned over her as he held her in the shower. His face was grim and dark as he stared at her with hard eyes.
"Stop struggling Eve," He commanded and she went still. " Damn it girl you stink, clean up and I'll get you some breakfast." Leaving her alone in the shower he disappeared and she sat there totally shocked.
Slowly her mind went into gear and she remembered how to adjust the taps. The water was too hot but she didn't care. After she was clean she padded to her room and pulled on black jeans and a matching sweater. Leaving her hair to dry as it wanted she went down the stairs to the kitchen. Brent was cooking up a storm and it smelled great.
She sat on the stool around the island and looked around. " Where's Cat?"
Brent paused, looking at her with serious eyes. " Eve, do you remember what happened at work?" He spoke carefully and gently as if she were a child.
"No, why did something happen?" She sat there looking at him. " Brent what is going on? Cat is going to be late for school." She stood and moved back to the stairs.
"Cat is dead Evelyn, she died two weeks ago in a car accident with Matthew Rock and his sister." Brent came up beside her as he spoke, " Don't you remember the two detectives?"
She froze from her head to toes and stared at the stairs. " No, she is just sleeping up stairs and I have to wake her." Eve ran to her sisters room as fast as she could. " Cat! Cat! Wake up Cat!" She threw open the door and stopped, the bed was empty. The room was empty, her sister wasn't there. Eve's knees gave out and she fell to the floor.
"Brent!" She screamed as she crawled to the bed, frantically she looked underneath the bed and ripped back the covers. " Where is she Brent? Where is my sister?"
He put his arms around and held her close. " She isn't here Eve, Catharine died two weeks ago."
"No, no, no. That is just a dream, they aren't supposed to be real any more. I told myself to stop doing things like that. No they aren't happening anymore, I made myself stop." She was crying and screaming at the same time. Her head was shaking back and forth while Brent gently rocked her and made soothing sounds. " I promised Mommy I wouldn't do that anymore."
"Evelyn please," He spoke against her hair, " Please understand you have to get a grip on things. People need to talk you, there are things to be done. You are the only one who can do them." He pulled away and held her at arms length. " You are the only one who can put Cat to rest."
Eve stared at him with eyes that were dark. " It was just a dream Brent."
"No it wasn't Eve. What you saw wasn't a dream, now come on." He pulled her to her feet and out of the room. " Let's get you fed and we can sit down and talk about this."
**
Pushing the plate aside Eve was amazed at how much she had eaten. Brent was always an excellent cook and this time was no exception. He sat across from her sipping coffee and waiting patiently for her to finish and start talking. She stared at her orange juice and wondered where to start.
"For as long as I can remember I have always known things before they happened. Either it was a feeling or a dream or something like that. But I always knew. My mother told me that it was a common thing for the women in are family. My great-grandmother and my grandmother both had psychic powers. One of them could see the future like me and my mom. The other could read minds. Cat was showing that ability and I guess that is how she always knew me better then I knew myself. All the way through school I used my ability to cheat on tests and stuff. I never really understood how horrible my gift was until the last night I ever used it. It was a dream that my mother was going to die a terrible death at the hands of someone she knew. While I was at school the police came and told me she had been murdered. I knew who had done it and told the police where to find him. The man was so shocked he admitted to it and that was the end of it. At my mothers funeral I made a promise to never use my ability ever again." Eve stopped and pulled in a shaky, deep breath. " But I guess it had other plans."
Brent placed his mug on the table. " So is that why you blame yourself?"
Eve nodded. " I knew what was going to happen, both with my mother and Cat...but I had trained myself to stop listening to it. I was angry at it and therefore angry at myself. I can't change what has happened, I don't think anyone has that power, but I can try to move on. I owe it to Cat and to Matt to at least move on with my life. I have spent far too long hating myself and mourning my mother. Cat was her daughter too, she was younger then me though. After Mom died I found I resented Cat for being so young. She would never feel the pain that I felt, never understand like I did." Eve shook her head giving a sharp laugh. "But it was me who didn't understand. It was always me who was making the mistake."
"Well," Brent stood up carrying his mug to the sink. " It sounds like you are coming around." He rinsed it out and put the dark blue mug in the drain board. " I have to get home and catch some sleep. Will you be okay for now?"
She nodded, " Thanks Brent, I owe you."
He shrugged as he pulled on his coat. " Consider it a pay back for all the times you have covered for me."
Eve stood and showed him to the door, " I don't know when I'll be back but it should be some time before the next month."
"Don't rush yourself Evelyn, this isn't like your pet died or something. Take whatever time you need to adjust." Brent paused in the door. " If I might be so bold, I know you don't get out much, but there is this club called the Raven. It's small and just the place to go if you want to disappear." He pressed a match book into her hand. " Just think about it."
Eve closed the door behind him turning to look at the empty loft. The sound system sat in its case with the fifty inch screen and DVD player. Making her way to the machine she knelt down and reached for the case near it. Beauty and the Beast stared up at her in animated joy. She put the disc into the tray and watched it close. Settling into the couch she watched the musical children's film. For a moment she allowed herself to remember her sister; the smile, the eyes and the laughter. This had been her favorite movie and it would forever hold her spirit with it. Eve would never forget the first day she met Matt and Ronnie. At this time she had been picking up Cat from elementary at three thirty and had been late that day. When she had driven up in the old car she had jumped out and run for the school. Scared to death that her sister was gone, only to find her inside talking with a handsome young high school student and his younger sister.
"Hey Eve!" Cat ran over and threw her arms around her. " I want you to meet Matt and Ronnie Rock."
She had been familiar with the Rock name and was surprised to see such celebrities. She had been tongue tied and stammered in front of Matt as he smiled at her. Both Cat and Ronnie had giggled and winked at each other. They had known what Eve had never figured out. The next day Matt offered to drive Cat home after school. His offer to help had come as such a great relief that Eve hadn't paused in saying yes. At the time Matt was driving a BMW that his older brother no longer used, Cat had loved that old car. She had loved all of Matt's cars.
"Get a load of that!" Cat gushed as she hauled her sister up the shimmering red body of a super charged Italian sports car. "I wonder what it is?"
"A Lamborghini." Matt came around the hood, "My dad is lending it to me while he is Malaysia for the next three months. Want to go for a ride?"
Cat had not hesitated to jump inside the little car, " Come on Eve"
After a long look at the streamline machine Eve had gotten and held tight. Matt was an expert driver and handled the powerful car with ease as they raced down the streets of Toronto.
Then there was the Jaguar, the Bentley, the Austin Healy, Cadillac, the Ferraris, Porches and so many others. All of which Matt had shared with them without reservation or expecting anything in return. He had given them kindness when the world was against them. How come she had never invited him out for a drink or coffee?
Eve shook her head and got up, the film was over and the television sat waiting for her. She turned it off and looked down at the match book in her hand. Perhaps she needed to disappear for a bit. The club was surprisingly close so Eve decided to walk.
**
She had forgotten how beautiful the night could be; the relative peace and quiet that came with it, the coolness of dark sky and the general feeling of rest. Being in such a busy city there wasn't much to be found in the way of stars, but she liked looking at the sky anyway. Whenever she did her mind wondered what it looked like elsewhere. Around the world did the sky look the same to her as it did to someone in say India, or New York? Did they see the same things she saw or not? More then that she liked to think of the past; what did this sky look like those in the millenium before her? Did the Kings or Emperors look at this sky and think what she was thinking? What about those that lay dying in a battlefield, did they think about the sky?
These were things she had never found the answer too, mainly because there wasn't anyone from those times around to ask. Unexpectedly her mind jumped to the face of Detective Nick Knight, would he know how she felt? Another question followed: Did it matter?
Turning another corner she paused at the sight of the club. A glowing sign above a single metal door proclaimed this to be the Raven. There was no line up to enter so she walked in and paused on the landing. A set of metal steps lead down into the club filled with its dark lights and black furniture. A bar curled around a wall with a single man behind it. The patrons were more content to sit and talk rather then dance, although there was a space for that. Right now the music playing was Jann Arden's I Would Die For You.
The irony did not escape Eve's notice as she descended into the club. It made her wonder just what type this place really was. Dark and slightly gloomy it reminded her of a gothic romance novel then a Toronto night club. As she slid onto a seat at the bar she thought of Brent and wondered why he would know of this place. The bartender appeared and she looked up into his brown eyes.
"Can I get you anything?" He asked over the music.
Eve smiled at the first thing that came to mind. " A second chance."
He frowned, " How abut a beer?"
"That's a start."
Eve handed him money and glanced around at the people around her. There was a strong leaning toward dark punk culture woven through it was a sense of old world class. Taking a sip of the Canadian brew she drew in a breath and struggled to keep herself together. Cat would never get to go to a bar, and she would never taste a beer. Guilt washed over her in a heavy drowning wave. It was wrong to be here and having a somewhat good time. She had no right to it. Rising from the seat she spotted the pay phone and felt a jolt of possibility. Her fingers ran over the smooth surface of his card in her pocket. Should she do it? As she was debating it her legs walked over to the phone while her fingers dialed his number.
"Hi you've reach Nick Knight I am either incognito or-"
She slammed the phone down and stared at the black plastic, " Don't be crazy Evelyn, this guy is just a cop. Not some dark knight out of medieval France."
Turning away she walked right into a solid chest and stared up into ice blue eyes and white hair. Where she touched him her skin burned and jumped, there was something about him. She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was, but whatever it was, it was just beneath the surface.
"Looking for Nicholas?" He asked in a darkly seductive voice, his words were hot satin over cold skin. "Perhaps I can help?"
Closing her mouth Eve took a step back and rubbed her arms. " I..." Her words stopped and her mind went blank. " How do you know him?"
His lips curled into a smile and she shivered. " That is a complex question my dear, however I would be more then willing to explain it to you over a drink."
There was something in the way he said 'drink' that caused her to hesitate. But when he touched her arm lightly her skin blazed hot and she turned to liquid goo inside. Willingly she followed him to the bar where they sat together. The bartender didn't ask what he wanted, just filled a glass with red wine and handed it to him. Eve reached for her beer and sought out the cold glass. Anything to release the hold this man had over her.
"What is your name?" She asked lightly as he continued to gaze at her with those ice blue eyes.
"People call me LaCroix." He answered smoothly. "And you?"
"Eve." She whispered and couldn't look away from his eyes. Nick's eyes had been old this man had ancient eyes. Eons stretched and spanned in the cold blue depths as she gazed at him. Almost as if she looked hard enough she would see the beginnings of time and space in his eyes.
"What brings you to the Raven at this hour?" His tone wrapped around her and she felt it touch things in her.
"I didn't want to be alone anymore." Eve realized what she had said and looked away. Staring instead at the brown glass bottle of beer in her hands. "There is no one for me to be with anymore. So I thought I would come down here and disappear. Perhaps when I return the world will be more forgiving."
He asked, " What if the world will have forgotten you by then?"
She turned her head and gazed at him, " Then so be it. I can live any life I choose if there is no one around to know the difference." There was a flash in his eyes, something that sent chills through her.
For the first time since bumping into him she looked at him. His clothing was tailored and a very good make, not extremely expensive but tasteful. His black sweater was pierced at the neck with a silver pin in the shape of a sword. His black suit jacket was pressed and fit him perfectly. LaCroix didn't where a watch or any sign of a ring. There was a flash of 'I hope he's not married' that went through her head. All in all, he appeared to have a strong physique despite being in what appeared to be his late twenties early thirties.
"What brings you here LaCroix?" She asked staring again at her bottle.
"I came to see someone." He replied sipping at his wine.
"Girlfriend?" Eve again couldn't stop it from coming out and kicked herself for it. " I didn't mean that."
"No that is alright. I was here to see a friend of sorts." He glanced over her head to the back of the club.
Eve turned instinctively and saw a stunning women with dark hair and red, red lips. She was dressed in black as well and stood with her back to the wall. There was a commanding, seductive air to her. Her heart sank at the sight of the woman coming over. She was his girlfriend. Men like him always had girls like her.
LaCroix stood and nodded at her arrival. " Eve, I would like you to meet Jeanette. The Raven is her domain."
Jeanette turned dark eyes to her and Eve shrank back instantly. A tremor of fear went across her shoulders as she stared into those eyes. The woman extended a gloved hand, " A pleasure."
She too was French, not as smooth as Nick but still the same tongue. " Hi. Great place you have here."
"Thank you, you are new correct?"
"First time here." Eve felt her skin start to tingle and felt a jolt rip through her.
She stood instantly and found Nick Knight making his way to her. Sudden fear sent her pulse skyrocketing and she began to panic. Her mind was confused and tried to figure out her sudden fear. It wasn't Nick or any of the other two, it was something else. Something that wasn't here, yet. Her hands grabbed for support as the images smashed into her mind and twisted themselves into a bloody vision of what was coming. She saw fangs, blood, fire and screaming people. So many people. But most of all she saw LaCroix and Nick, they stood just in front of Jeanette and something burned in front of them. The image changed and she saw her self, running toward someone who was waiting for her. Her name was being called. If she could only get to them she would safe. But the vision was broken by the hands that held her, the sheer strength in them was terrifying.
"Eve, are you okay?" It was Nick's voice.
She tried to nod but found her head was being held by someone. Opening her eyes she stared into Jeanette's face. Her dark eyes held concern and fascination. Searching for him she found LaCroix on her other side and stared into his face. There was no telling what he was thinking.
"Can you wiggle your fingers?" Nick asked.
"I am fine." Her voice was rough. Clearing it she sat up and her head swam, the room dipped and spun. She felt hands grab her again and found it was Nick still. " I am just dehydrated."
The patrons were watching her with curiosity as the three of them knelt around her. Nick helped her to her feet and she was lead to a semi-private booth. Sinking into the plush seat Eve rolled her head back and stared at the ceiling. She was aware of the waiter who brought water and even tasted drinking it. Her mind was still reeling with the impact of a full on waking vision. It had only happened one other time. Her father had left the next with his research assistant never to be heard or seen from again.
"Now what happened?" Nick inquired.
She eyed him skeptically, " I doubt you would believe me Detective Knight."
"Try me." He said with a slight smile.
"I had a premonition of the future; there was a great fire and people were screaming, the three of you were there and then I was running away from something. There was a man calling my name but I never saw who it was."
Jeanette's tone was level as she asked, " What do you think it means?"
Eve shrugged, "My best guess there is going be some sort of crime that will involve all of you. In the end I will be running either toward someone for help, or away from someone."
"Any idea what the crime is?" Nick asked, his tone was dark. " Did you see any signs or names."
"None at all."
Eve stared at them and was taken back with the ease of which they were believing her. All except LaCroix. He was watching her with guarded eyes and looking withdrawn. For some reason that really bothered her.
"Any idea when it will happen?" Jeanette asked.
"Soon, very soon. Probably within the next week."
Nick glanced up at LaCroix, "What do you think?"
"I think she should go home and rest." He said plainly, " Clearly she is over tired."
Eve stared at him a long moment, there was a rush of sensation through her mind. It was enough to make her dizzy, the image was never clear and in it's wake was a headache. Standing she drew in a breath.
"LaCroix is right I am over tired." Eve glanced at Jeanette, "Sorry to have caused any trouble." Glancing a Nick she smiled, " It was good to see you again Detective."
It wasn't until she was standing in the late night air of Toronto that she allowed the images to take hold. She could see it clearly now: The building appeared closed but wasn't there was someone inside, as she moved toward it Nick appears from out of no where. She watches as he moves to run only he is too late. The building explodes and the one screaming isn't a lot of people it's the both of them. Why they are screaming isn't clear, but clearly someone they both loved was inside. The flames fade away and in her mind she sees someone else; a faint outline of a man with wide shoulders. When she sees him joy fills her heart and clearly she is love with him. But as she runs toward him, Jeanette appears and tries and to stop her. By the time Eve gets free it is too late and the man is gone. But then so is Jeanette and Nick. They all are gone and she is once again alone.
Turning in the direction of home she walks in the dark stillness of late night. Not aware of the shadow that paces her or the flash of ice blue eyes as they watch her enter her home. A passing car spills harsh light into the darkness and LaCroix is highlighted. He watches the girl until she is in bed and asleep, before taking to the sky and leaving her behind to her nightmares.