"Where are we going?" Elena realizes she didn't even think to ask. It isn't until he turns off the main thoroughfare that she brings it up, wondering where he's taking them.
"It's a surprise," Damon gives her a wink. "Don't you trust me?" As soon as the words are out of his mouth, he realizes how stupid it sounds. Why should she trust him? He's a cop investigating her brother's murder as well as making her life difficult and threatening to throw her in prison if she does know anything about it. Before he can take it back and make an even bigger fool out of himself she surprises him again.
"I do...," she answers quietly as if she's surprised by her answer.
What the hell is he supposed to say to that? Since the very beginning this woman's been the reason why his wit's gone missing and still he cannot help himself, he lets her in closer, wants her closer.
Although he was practically salivating at the thought of seeing her, he didn't believe he'd find a moment's free time to see her today. Luka's news reminded him of how very badly this can end, even before it's has a chance to start. It almost certainly will...
Even if it turns out she knows nothing about the murder, it's well within the realm of possibility, can they continue dancing around each other knowing how badly she treated her brother? But then... when late morning bled into the afternoon, he looked at the clock yet again and decided that he could disappear without feeling guilty. Before he could talk himself out of it, his legs carried him to the parking lot leaving Luka behind to try to get a hold of the mysterious Annabelle, the one witness who may prove Elena Gilbert's exactly the person he's always thought her to be. It's still just a hunch, he has no proof that she did anything wrong.
When he got behind the wheel it dawned on him that it's a little later in the day than it was yesterday when she was leaving her establishment. What if she's already gone home? With his foot on the gas pedal he drove as fast as he could through the streets. The relief he felt when he saw her parked car was alarming but his mind refused thinking about it being bad.
They are silent for several more miles, Damon in his own head, Elena watching the surroundings. Only when he turns onto Idlewild Drive, she breathes out: "The park."
Damon glances at her and is mesmerized by her beaming face. She looks at him and his breath hitches because in this moment she's completely open and he knows she's genuinely happy with his choice.
"I've loved going there since I was a child..."
"I'm glad you approve," Damon's tone is lighter but she can tell he's pleased with her reaction and for some reason it warms her insides.
Idlewild Park is a large, 49 acre community park close to downtown Reno on the Truckee River. It includes a rose garden, duck ponds, two children's parks, a pool and a skate park. It holds the Reno Earth Day celebration every year and hosts the Reno Street Food truck event through the summer months.
As soon as Damon finds a parking spot, he pulls in and turns off the ignition. Hopping out, he skirts the hood and opens the door for Elena, offering his hand to help her out. She smiles at him, that gleaming smile that makes his breath catch. As soon as she's standing, he gives the door a shove, locks the car and than walks beside her into the park. Reno has the only rose garden in the state of Nevada certified by the American Rose Society. The one acre lot has 200 varieties of roses and over 1,750 total roses. The rose season begins in early June and lasts until September. The peak seasons, when the entire rose garden is in bloom, are during late June/early July and late August.
"Shall we?" Damon asks when they reach the entrance, extending his arm for her to lead the way. As much as he's itching to take her hand, he somehow manages to control the urge. The light breeze is blowing her scent, filling his senses with her. He doesn't know what it is, only that he can't get enough of it. Hypnotizing is the only word that comes to mind.
Elena points to spray of white roses, leaning over to take a deep whiff when they're close enough, her eyes close as she takes it all in. She remembers her parents bringing her and Jeremy here. When she stands upright, she notices Damon watching her, that scandalously delicious smirk on his face. What is she thinking... spending time with someone that would like nothing more than to put her in a prison cell for the rest of her life? He's just so different than any other man in her life, they're strong and they care for her, are loyal to her but being with him, it's thrilling and it makes her feel free.
She gives him a smile and then walks farther into the garden to view more of the roses. This was the place where Elijah's brother Nicklaus and his wife held their wedding. After they finish, they walk towards the duck pond, Damon buys some food and hands it to her, laughing when the ducks swim towards her when she holds out her palm. He literally feels goosebumps erupt on his skin when she flashes him a luminous smile over her shoulder.
"You like it here?"
"I do, I remember my mom and dad would bring me here. Can we take a ride on the train?"
"Of course," Damon agrees, gesturing for her to follow him. When they reach the embarkation point, he pays the fee and then urges her forward with his palm against the small of her back. Once they get on, he's again mesmerized by her childlike demeanor today. Damon can't deny that it's a good day too, he's having as much fun as she is. The train starts to move and they get a larger view of the park, passing the swimming area and other parts of the park. As soon as the ride concludes, they walk out of the park and across the street to an ice cream shack. "I'm sure it's not the same caliber as The Jungle cuisine but it's still good." Elena agrees and tells the clerk what she wants.
With cones in hand, they walk back into the park and sit down on a shaded bench. "It's good," Elena mentions, tasting the delicious dessert. Damon's belly begin to burn south of his belt buckle the moment her tongue pokes out to lick the ice cream. Inside he starts to question the insanity of bringing her here. Since he can't exactly say that out loud, he licks a swath across his own mango sherbet cone. As soon as he swallows it down, he shifts his hips slightly to face her.
"You said your parents used to bring you here? Did your brother come along?"
"Yes, of course, Jeremy would come along but he would get bored rather quickly so sometimes it was just mom, dad and me." She is a little curt with her reply, wondering if maybe the only reason he invited her was to try to pry some information out of her. Although the very thought stabs a little, she decides to worry about it later, she's enjoying herself and for the first afternoon in a long time, her head doesn't hurt.
When they finish, Damon and Elena walk quietly back to his car. He holds the door open, letting her slide in before getting in himself. He puts the key in the ignition but turns to face her before starting the engine. "Do you want me to take you home or back to your car?"
"Home, I can take a cab in or have Enzo pick me up in the morning. I don't really want to deal with the rush hour traffic."
"Okay then." He starts the car and pulls onto the road to take her home. They drive in companionable silence till they reach her place just as the sun is beginning its descent in the western sky. It's a beautiful mix of pinks, oranges and yellows that hover just above the peaks of the Sierra Nevada range. Damon gets out to escort her to the door. She puts the key in the lock, opening it up. When she turns around to say goodnight, she pauses seeing the look on his face. He's so close.
Unable to look away, he leans closer still and then his mouth is on hers. She doesn't have time to protest, not that she wants to, because his tongue dips inside as his hands find purchase on her hips. The kiss is searing, burning a trail from her mouth all the way down to the tips of her toes. Her hands clasp either side of his broad shoulders and when she digs her nails in, he groans, sending a tidal wave of heat crashing through her veins.
And when they part, their chests are heaving, Damon stares at her for what seems like hours but it's really only seconds. "Goodnight, Elena." Before she can string two thoughts together, he's already pulling away from the curb.
Elena watches till his tail lights disappear then she goes into her house. Stunned and still a little out of breath, she leans against the door till it claps shut behind her. She touches her face to see if it's as hot as it feels and wispily brushes her fingertips over her swollen lips. That kiss was...
"Oh my god!" she almost has a heart attack and her hand goes to her chest when Kai's stealthy figure comes into view. "Are you insane? One day you're going to kill me... dead... when you materialize out of nowhere like that!"
Kai ignores her theatrics and comes to stand in front of her, towering above, his eyes boring into hers. "Where in the hell have you been? Enzo was this close to calling the police," he says forcefully, rubbing the tips of his thumb and index fingers together.
Elena glowers at him then steps aside to put a little distance between them. "I'm not done with you, it wasn't just Enzo, Kol's one step from tearing this town apart, Elijah left an important hearing and you don't bother to answer your fucking phone?"
Elena's still angry but she can see Kai's rather shaken himself. "What are you talking about? I do have my phone and what was so urgent that you all lost your minds?" She's searching her purse frantically.
"What happened? Are you being serious right now? You told Enzo that you were going to go home and then we find your car still parked in the VIP lot. You don't answer your phone, hell, Elena, we thought you had been kidnapped or maybe worse."
"Aren't you being a little melodramatic?"
Kai tightens his lips before moving to stand toe to toe with her again. "Do you have any idea how many people would love to hold you for ransom? You're one of the most successful business women in Nevada. And certainly the most beautiful. We always urge you to be careful, take precautions and it goes in one ear and out the other. You left your car at The Jungle, didn't tell anyone where you were going and then of all the stupid things... you go all lovey dovey with a cop, not just any cop mind you, but the very one who suspects you're complicit in a murder? Elena...," he runs his hand through his hair and snorts in frustration.
Elena finally fishes out her phone and only then does her erratically beating heart begin to slow, returning to normal. "Oh, it died. I didn't notice...," she looks at Kai with regret. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry. I didn't think of..."
"Yeah, you certainly didn't think," his tone is biting but he's already calming down as well. "Call them, please."
He hands her his phone and watches her make one to Enzo, then Elijah, who's on his way over. "We're not done talking about this," he mouths and Elena rolls her eyes.
She's sure they aren't though.
For the first time in weeks, Damon slept good. Feeling refreshed, he took a quick shower, grabbed some coffee on the way to work and arrives at his office, again before anyone else. He starts to go through some AFIS files to see if any of the fingerprints obtained at the crime scene turn anything up. Suddenly his concentration is broken when a file drops on his desktop.
"Vegas." Luka offers then moves around to stand behind his boss.
Damon confusedly looks up at him before shifting his attention to the gathered documents.
"Annabelle Zhu, 5' 4", 25 years old, no husband or kids. She's been working as a trapeze artist at Circus Circus for the last two years," Luka comments, looking over Damon's shoulder as he rummages through everything Luka managed to dig up on Elena's former employee. "Here, the date corresponds with what we know. She started at Vegas about a few months after Vicky was found dead."
Ric stands up and steps closer to the desk to have a look at the pictures, flyer, prints and her police record. "She yelled at a policeman and was turning violent?" he laughs. "Twenty bucks says she'll be only too happy to throw a fantastic story about conspiracies and murders in our faces."
"Well, I certainly hope so," Damon comments. "We need to close this case as soon as possible."
"Why?" his friend asks.
"Why? Because it's time for Jeremy to rest in peace. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Well, I was just wondering if perhaps you now have an ulterior motive," Ric drags with a grin plastered on his face.
Damon just waves him off. "Luka, get us some transportation to Vegas, preferably plane cause it's a day's drive, then go home, pack your things, we're leaving as soon as arrangements can be made," he jumps into action. He does have an ulterior motive, one that requires answers and he's ready for this case to come to a successful conclusion. It's haunted him on and off for five long years now. Maybe then he can ask her on a date without feeling this torn and stupid. Guilt. There's definitely guilt as well.
"Ok, Ric, inform Connor and go through all this stuff. Quit smirking and get to work, try to find something, anything that we may have overlooked. We'll be back tomorrow."
Ric nods, watching him to collect his things. "So," he lets himself be heard before Damon leaves the office. "Should I give your girl... ehm, suspect your best regards?"
Damon rolls his eyes and raises his middle finger, pointing it at him before walking out of the office. When he slams the door shut, a thought crosses his mind... Should he call Elena to tell her that he won't be around?
He decides not to but later he reconsiders and sends her a short text.
Out of town for business, won't be back before tomorrow.
Feeling her phone vibrate, Elena picks it and reads Damon's message. Weird. She tries to contain her surprise so as not to alert the others. It's odd though because they didn't actually make any arrangements so really he had no reason to text her. Still, the thought that he was considerate enough to do so makes her heart pick up a beat. However, the terse tone of it... She tries to brush it off and focus again on what's Elijah saying but it proves to be a futile effort.
Enzo's also present, agreeing with what he's hearing. They're discussing a contract with a vendor who's been trying hard to broker a deal with them. The man has no idea that Elijah was careful enough not to offer Mr. Kenner anything they may not be willing to comply with, it'll depend on their needs. In other words they are going to make regular purchases but they cannot guarantee the same amount of product with each order.
This is so boring. She feels so off of her game. Her eyes drift back to her phone when it occurs to her, does Damon's absence mean he's working on a new case? Or what if... what if he found a new lead in Jeremy's case? Did he receive some sort of tip that led him out of town and what does it mean for them?
Elijah shifts, giving her a light prod with his elbow and she focuses on the meeting again. "Alright, Mr. Kenner, I suggest you to take the contract with you, let your lawyer look it over, give it a thought and we'll be in touch. Or, you can give us a call when it suits you. Enzo here will arrange another meeting and I'm positive we can come to an agreement that is satisfying for everyone involved." She gets up and they all shake hands in the friendly atmosphere.
When Mr. Kenner's out of the door, Enzo walking him outside, Elijah gives Elena a look. "Was it that boring? I understand you have more interesting things to think about..."
"Okay Elijah, spare the lecture, I just couldn't stand more of his monotonous chatter."
Elijah narrows his eyes.
"...And yes, I do have more interesting things to think about," she blushes.
Elijah starts collecting the documents, his face unreadable.
Of course he knows how to get to her. Elena mentally curses but still, the guilt is there. "Look, Elijah... I'm truly sorry that you were worried yesterday. It never occured to me that I should let you know. I'm an adult for Christ sake, I don't need babysitter and I shouldn't have to check in with anyone as far as that goes. But with that clear, I simply didn't check my phone."
Elijah stops packing and looks at her. "I know, Elena, I'm not mad. The hearing was boring anyway," he smirks and Elena appreciates him trying to ease the tension. Then he turns serious and sighs. "I just wish you would be more careful. I know that everything has sort of cooled down. But my fear is that it's the calm before the storm, it's not going to last. They will find another lead and they will be ruthless again. I get that Detective Salvatore can be charming but he can also be a dangerous bastard."
Elena pauses as she comprehends what he's really saying. Be careful with Damon Salvatore. "Wait, are you telling me not to spend time with him?"
"I don't want you to get in over your head," he answers indirectly. She's just about to argue when he adds; "I wouldn't dare to tell what you can and cannot do and it's really none of my business who you choose to spend your time with, I'm just not sure if you can trust him... I don't want you to get hurt."
Before she can come up with a response, the door clicks softly behind him.
He's right, she knows, but her heart just doesn't want to listen.
When the taxi drops them off at Circus Circus, Damon pays the driver and as soon as Luka is out of the car, they walk inside together. Although Damon has been in this casino before, he is always struck by the sights and sounds. As they walk through the gambling area, they hear the tell tale bling of a slot machine when some lucky son of a bitch wins a jackpot. First thing they do is talk to security and when he asks about Anna, the guys points them to a spiral staircase. Damon asks the man not to alert her, he doesn't want to give her a head's up in case she would decide to flee. Damon thanks him, Luka nods and trails behind him. When they reach the circus area, they take a seat and watch the trapeze performers swing from bar to bar, do somersaults and other aerial tricks.
When another one climbs the pole to participate, Luka nudges Damon when he recognizes Anna from the picture in her police file. She's a very pretty young woman, her long hair is in a pony tail, petite with a curvy figure. From perusing her file, he knows she had a couple of petty theft convictions that she completed community service for in lieu of jail time. But for the last five years, her record is spotless. As soon as she finishes her routine, she grabs a towel and leaves the circus arena, Damon and Luka quickly jump to their feet and maneuver their way around the other guests till they finally find her dressing room. Damon shares a look with Luka then raises his hand and raps on her door.
When she pulls it open, Damon pulls out his badge as does Luka to identify themselves. Judging by her deer in the headlights reaction, he knows he made the right decision about not giving her a head's up about their arrival. With a slight sigh, she steps aside, gesturing for them to enter her dressing room.
"Why are you here?"
"Miss Zhu, we'd like to ask you a few questions." Damon asks and Annabelle nods. Another girl who shares the space with her leaves immediately and with her gesture, the men don't hesitate to take a seat. They came a long way to speak to her after all.
"I... call me Anna. I know nothing about what's happening at The Jungle."
Damon shares looks with Luka and turns back to the girl. "What makes you think we're here to talk about The Jungle?"
"Um... because I don't know why else cops would come all the way from Reno to question me."
"Well, you're right, we are here in relation to a case we're working on. What was your reason for leaving there?"
"It wasn't any one thing. I wanted more than Reno had to offer. One day I was scouring the help wanted section in one of the newspapers. I saw all the employment opportunities in Vegas so I packed my bags and moved here. When I was hired, I first worked as a cocktail waitress and took trapeze lessons on my free time. As soon as a spot opened up in the circus arena, I jumped at the opportunity. Who in their right mind would turn it down anyway?" Her tone's a little offensive but Damon ignores it.
"It took a few months before you started here...," he conspicuously reads over his notes.
"Yes but... I wanted a new start. I stayed with my cousin Pearl till I saved up enough to get my own place."
"So, about The Jungle, your job there wasn't ideal?"
"No, it's not that but things change, circumstances change, I changed. It was my first job and I learnt a few tricks there but... when my friend died, the atmosphere grew a bit heavy for my taste."
"Why? Did you have trouble with the management?"
"No! We just... As I said, things changed."
Damon mentally rolls his eyes. "Look, Ms. Zhu, Anna, please try to be more specific. This is very important, we're here because we want to know more about Vicky Donovan's death and her relationship with Jeremy Gilbert at the time he went missing."
Anna's eyes widen. "You... Are you investigating Vicky's death?"
Damon doesn't dare to look at his rookie. This is not why they're here but if Anna thinks it's about Vicky, maybe she'll let something slip?
"Well...?" Damon tries to keep his poker face intact.
"I always thought there was something wrong with Vicky's death. She used, yes, but she was very careful. And she wanted to quit! She told me she was only staying there in case Jeremy would pop up."
"What did you think happened to Jeremy Gilbert?"
Anna once again looks unsure but Damon's stare compels her to answer. "Vicky... she thought someone played a practical joke that maybe went wrong. She said she should remember but she didn't... or at least that's what she told me."
"What was your interpretation?"
"If she did know something, she didn't say and if she was high at the time, she would hardly remember any specifics."
"Maybe she just wanted to attract attention? Be interesting?" Luka joins the conversation.
"I don't think so," Anna denies. "It wasn't like that with her. She wasn't good at making things up and was extremely bad at holding her tongue. I told her more than once that she needed to keep her mouth shut or the wrong people would hear her. And you both know what happened?"
"Who...?" It's harder than one would think to ask the question. "Is there anyone that you are aware of who may have had something to do with the joke Vicky talked about?"
This time Anna doesn't hesitate. "She didn't mention anyone but if I were to make a guess, I would say his sister, the club owner. They hated each other and if Vicky was to be believed she was all about bad things happening to Jeremy. I witnessed him having words with Miss Gilbert a couple of times before, I didn't hear anything but I could see by their facial expressions that they were both angry. I mean, it's true, he had a bad temper and was always one step away from prison but I don't think that's a good enough reason to cut him off financially."
She pauses to take a swallow of water. When she looks up, her eyes meet Damon's, "Do you?"
As a cop, he couldn't be happier. As a person, as a man, his heart is breaking.
Eva and I want to thank you all so very much. This story started out to be a short one and grew and grew. Once we finish the last chapter, we'll celebrate with a double update day!
Thank you Eva for bending over backwards and your dedication to be here with me. I love you dearly.
Chapter title: 'Sailing Dark Waters' by Midnight Choir.
Many dear friends have DE stories in progress: They're all very talented writers. Florencia7 has many brilliant DE stories. Justinia Korax: The Things She Felt When He Was Gone' is BRILLIANT. Tamilnadu09 has 'Once Upon a Nightmare'. It's outstanding. She has in fact written many great DE stories.
Salvatoreboys4ever's Captive of Her Beauty just concluded. Mariah April May: The Devil's Obsession, Marry Me Instead and her brand new one: Forget Me Not.
VitsAsh: Stumbling Upon. Starlight So: All Through the Night and Northern Star. Amazing Aisha: Marriage Built on Lies and Changing Fate. These wonderful ladies and many others are keeping the dream, the legend of Damon and Elena alive and prospering.
I did post the final chapters of 'Ripples of Fear' and 'Sex and Candy' earlier this week.
I hope you all have a safe and wonderful weekend. Thank you all again, we'll see you next time..