By Jodi Marie Johnston
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Forever Knight (though if I did, things would have turned out differently!), they are property of Sony/Tri-Star and I am merely borrowing them and promise to put them back relatively unscathed when finished with them. No copyright infringement is meant and I incur no financial gain by the posting of this story. It is merely for entertainment purposes only.
All other characters are my creative works.
Chapter. Six
Nick headed into the Raven and found it was wall to wall with vampire wanna-bes and witches. He headed over to Jeanette who looked a little out of sorts from behind the bar.
"Hey Jeanette. What is with all the new blood?"
"These people, they just appeared out of no where and they are taking over my club!"
"I don't think things are that dire yet. Besides you could use the business."
"Nick these aren't normal people. They recognize us! They have to leave."
"What are you talking about...?" Nick trailed off as he saw Mrs. Santiago and Mr. Jackson arrive together at the club.
"How did the word get out so quick?"
"Nicola what are you talking about?" Jeanette said.
"Hang on Jeanette."
Nick headed over to Maria and John. Both of them looked nervous but met his gaze head on, unafraid for a change.
"What are you two doing here?" Nick asked.
"Just out for a night on the town." Maria said.
"What are you doing here detective?" John asked.
"I know the owner of the bar."
Some of the new people waved to Jackson and Santiago, who nervously smiled back. It was as if everyone here knew one another. The more Nick looked around the more magical symbols of multiple cultures he saw in jewelry and tattoos of the bars patrons.
"What are and all your friends doing here?" Nick asked.
"We were told that this place was safe for people like us." John said.
"Who told you that?" Nick asked even though he knew the answer.
"Nightshade of course. She said that this was the best place for us to be until the police caught the gunman." Maria said.
"She did, did she?" Nick said.
"Yes she did, and I know she would never send us somewhere unsafe. Now that there is a mad man targeting witches and practioners we need a place to come together. Since you're here I guess that proves that it is safe." John said.
"Trust me this place is far from safe." Nick said.
"We trust Bell, so good evening to you detective." Maria said pulling John with her to a table where the group of human witches stood huddled around a pitcher of ale.
"When did you talk to her?"
"Not long ago."
"She called you?"
"In a manner of speaking."
"Did she tell you about Good Friday?"
Both John and Maria froze so did everyone in earshot.
"I take that as a yes." Nick said.
Across the way Jeanette was staring at him as if she was trying to burn two holes in his brain.
"Excuse me." Nick said getting up and heading over to the bar.
"So Nicola, are you going to take care of it?" Jeanette asked.
"They need a safe place, Jeanette. There are people hunting them."
"Witch hunts in this day and age, who would have thought."
"We knew those hunts all too well didn't we?"
"Yes we did."
"But they will bring their hunters here and I cannot have that Nicola."
Nick was silent for a moment and Jeanette read him well. She cursed in French.
"When are they coming?"
"Tomorrow. These people will help us."
"Yeah right."
"We have a common enemy Jeanette. They know this. They know us. So do the hunters who call themselves the 'Left Hand of God'."
"Mon due'" Jeanette said. She recognized the name.
"What is it Jeanette?" Nick asked.
Jeanette had gone a pale white, paler that he had ever seen her. She was afraid.
"Jeanette what do you know?"
"I have herd of the Left Hand. They supposedly killed a group of enforcers."
"What? When?"
"A few weeks back in LA."
"Why was I not told?"
"Nicola, you separate yourself from us. I cannot keep you up to date on all the points and gossip. Beside you do not want to hear it."
"I would have wanted to know this."
"Well now you do."
Jeanette and Nick stared at one another. Both angry and both trying to keep the golden glow from rising to their eyes in front of so many humans. Even so Nick could feel his fangs dig into his lip.
"What is your plan?" Jeanette asked.
"We are going to have one chance at this. Their leader is going to come to the attack on the club tomorrow. If we kill him we kill the LGH."
"Then do it."
"I'm not sure I can."
"Nick this is not the time to be weak or pretend you are a human cop. If these mortals come for us blood will fall. You must be ready to fight since you apparently set the stage."
"I did not choose the club they did."
"The witches?"
"No the LGH."
"Nicola how did you learn this? I have spies everywhere and I have heard nothing of this."
Nick sighed. "Bell."
"That strumpet? You cannot trust her. She is not even human."
"Common enemy Jeanette…"
"Don't give me that moral crap. How do you know that she did not bring this fight to our doorstep? To my doorstep?"
"Does it matter Jeanette? The fight is here and we will fight or die and I know you aren't ready to die yet."
"Neither are you Nick…" Jeanette trailed off and stared across the room. Nick followed her gaze and saw Bell sitting there at a table reading a book. Jeanette got up to go after her but Nick stopped her.
"Let me deal with this."
"Fine." Jeanette snarled.
Nick headed over to Bell who took no notice of him until he spoke even though he knew she knew he was there.
"What are you reading?" Nick asked.
"101 Ways to a Brighter Life." Bell said tossing the book down on the table.
"Any good?"
"Nope, but hey you never know when one paragraph may make the book. This one is all about getting outside yourself to ease your pain and that never works."
"Why did you send those people to this club?"
"Can you think of a place less likely be unable to deal with an AK-47 attack?"
"Its dangerous for them here!"
"Not in the least. Most have been here before, they know the rules."
"I heard your had a little talk with Natalie." Nick said.
"Yup, rattled her cage a bit though. She needs to get a new perspective."
"You like to do that don't you?"
"Like what?"
"Screwing with people's lives."
"Well I figure that if I make this life so unbearable, maybe, just maybe, that person will get on to living the life they truly desire."
"Does that really work?"
"Sometimes."
"Who are you?"
"Lets not go around in that circle again. Besides it's almost dawn. You all need to turn in for the day."
"That means your people have to leave."
"I don't think so."
"Jeanette doesn't like you."
"Like it matters. There are only her guests and the witches I invited left here. Once she locks up they will prepare the barrier spells."
"Do you really think those will work?"
"It can't hurt. Now be a good vampire and break the news to your sister."
"And if I don't?"
"Then you are on your own. When the LHG comes they will only find vampires. You will lose."
"How can I believe you?"
"Its too dangerous not to believe me."
"I think I beginning to dislike you."
"Again that does not matter. You made your choice at the station. Now live up to it."
Nick stared at her. She watched his eyes burn golden yellow.
"You do not know who you are dealing with."
"Quit making your scary face. We have other things we need to do to prepare the way."
With that Bell walked away from him over to a group of witches. By now both races had separated into two groups and were staring at one another. The witches stood behind Bell and the vamps were looking to Jeanette for permission to spill some blood. Nick headed over to Jeanette and broke the news. The witch began to lay their spells and the vamps headed into the basement. The Raven closed and Nick knew he would not be going home today. Making a quick call he filled in Natalie and joined the other vampires.