Finally, we reach the end. Yes, it took forever but I hope it was worth the wait. This story has been a labor of love and I thank everyone who read and reviewed and everyone who read and didn't review. It will be archived at my site and at fk fanfic 2 as well as the Yahoo group. Enjoy and take care. Have a Happy Holiday.

CHAPTER 19

"I didn't see you there. How long have you've been standing there?" Asked Jill.

"From Kiss of Fire."

Esme started to laugh and laugh. "Poor Jill, alors."

Nick smiled as well.

"So, how are you feeling?"

"Like a ton of bricks fell on me, but I'm better. You want to drive me to get my car?" He asked Jill.

"Sure."

They left and Nick turned to Esme.

"So, do you want to go to my car and see the new place? You can spend the night?"

A smile from the other. "Oui."

They walked into the garage where it was dark and Nick started his Caddy.

"Nice car," commented Esme, with a bit of sarcasm.

"1967 Coupe de Ville. Largest trunk space of any auto made."

Esme gave a grin in acknowledgement.

"Ever have to use it?"

"Occasionally. One very memorable occasion was when my partner wrecked it."

"He wrecked your car?" said Esme aghast.

"Someone had cut the brake line, so I couldn't hold it too much against him. I gave a good impression of why they call me the Knightmare though." This said with a wry laugh which Esme joined.

Soon enough they were at the Center.

"Nanette's Place? Why?"

"From Natalie for obvious reasons—her caring, her medical knowledge, my debt to her. And to Janette for the former mortal life she led. I think she would approve."

Esme nodded, knowing Janette had been forced into prostitution back then.

The Center was beautiful, to Nick's point of view. All the lines in the parking spaces, the new vans, the painted mural done by children from the downtrodden Fourth Street area. They exited and entered through Nick's private back door. Up the stairs they went and Nick unlocked the second lock. Esme stepped through and gave a totally modern whistle.

"It's you," she said of the starkness of the place. She strolled around looking at the antiques and other items Nick had collected during the centuries. "Very nice, I approve. Not that you care."

"Oh," said Nick, sidling up to her, "I might. But let me show you downstairs."

Out the front door and down the stairs and into the different offices.

"This room is the day room and this is the child care area. Over here are bedrooms—each one individual with two beds. Cots are available if needed, as are cribs. Notice the kitchen—very state of the art and the pantry is very well stocked so no minestrone and Cranapple juice with bread for them."

"Minestrone and Cranapple juice?"

"That's what I was told they serve at the SAFES shelter out on Baldini Road, right up the road from the Day Labor gathering point. It's located on the grounds of the State Hospital."

A shudder from one who remembered the Bastille and how they treated insanity at one time.

"This is the tutoring center," Nick continued with his tour. "Thank you for the computers by the way. We have teachers who will come in and help with homework and also the latest programs for vocational purposes. Off this way is the voc rehab center to help those who need job skills or updating. This is the job placement office."

Esme was amazed.

"This place is astounding, Nick. It must have cost all of your fortune!"

Nick shook his head. "Not even close. I have funding for at least my lifetime," he joked.

A laugh from the female vampire.

"So, you said something about showing me the bedroom?"

"I did?"

"Well, words to that effect, oui?"

"Yes, words to that effect."

Back upstairs and into the huge bedroom with the black satin sheets.

That early morning, around 6am, Nick rose and took his shower, which Esme joined. It was a long shower and Nick was glad of the huge hot water heater. By 7:30 they were ready—tired but awake and fed.

They watched the early morning shows and then went downstairs to open the door to the first arrivals. People of all races, persuasions, and walks of life started to stream in. The new receptionists had them all fill out forms to be filed later and by mid afternoon, everyone was settled.

Nick was proud.

Dinner that night was a celebration with the backers and residents all eating together. The feast was a turkey dinner, for this was an evening of thanks giving. Midway through, around 8:30pm, Cary showed up with Jill.

"This is very nice. I don't say this often but good job chap. Good job." A snicker that couldn't be helped. "Even if they are mortals."

Jill punched him lightly on the arm. "Be nice. This is really super Nick. The bees' knees and the cats meow. You are a real good egg."

Proud did not cover Nick's feelings, elated perhaps. Nick finally felt he had found a purpose, for a while at least. He gave thanks to Above for Gilda. Who she was, he may never know. But she set him on a new life and a new resolve.

THE END……?

Authors note: thanks to my reviewers again. Especially Kyra.

My thesaurus and dictionaries and spell checker.

My beta reader—my son, Leon.

James Parriott and Barney Cohan for their wonderful show

Reno NV which I do love

Geraint Wyn Davis for his nuanced portrayal of my favorite television character. Thanks.

Susan Garrett—the dean of Forever Knight writers. The debt cannot be paid enough but here are some virtual chocolates for you.

The Reno Vamps have more stories coming. This is the first but not the last and it will not take almost 18 months to finish one.

Many many thanks to all

Kayla Gayle

Thanksgiving 2004