As Eric left the tribunal, he had the underlying feeling that some things just didn't add up. Something wasn't right and he was determined to find out what was going on. Bill had said Sookie needed protection. He had commented to Bill that it sounded like an edict. But how could it be? If such an order had been given he would know about it. He was Sheriff. If anything of that nature was going on in his area he would be the first to know. He should be the first to know. As that thought presented itself he reflected on Bill's plea to the Magister. Eric had wanted to keep Sookie's involvement out of the proceedings. Having to ask a human for help was humbling enough but there was something else. Sookie was valuable. Others would think so to. To bring up that such a human had been discovered only put her in danger. Fear had caused Bill to plead his case will a little more information than was necessary. Long Shadow's betrayal and thievery would have been enough to lessen the sentence. Eric was still mulling over his thoughts and trying to decide what he needed to do next when Pam broke the silence of the car.

"You're concerned."

"Yes."
"Bill hasn't been forthright?"

"I'm not sure."

"You think it has something to do with the human."
"Yes."

"She is…unusual."

"I'm dropping you at the bar." She started to ask where he was going, but she was pretty sure she knew.

Sookie was still shaky from her encounter at Merlotte's. Some one really wanted her dead. She sat at the kitchen table and stared at the salt and pepper shakers. Sam was on the couch. They really hadn't spoken since they got home from Arlene's engagement party. She was still hurt and scared. She wasn't upset that Sam was a shifter. She was upset that she hadn't been trusted enough. She was different. A telepath. He knew that. People treated her like she was a lunatic. Crazy Sookie. For years she suffered alone. Now she finds out that Sam was carrying a much bigger secret than she was. Why didn't he trust her before? Why now? It took being the target of a murderer and accidentally falling asleep for him to say something?

She wiped her hand across her eyes and sighed. The knock at the back door startled her. She looked toward the living room and Sam was on his feet. She walked cautiously to the back door and peered through the screen. She opened the door and couldn't hide the puzzled look on her face.

"Eric?"

"Good evening, Sookie." She stepped back as he entered the house. He stepped into the kitchen and acknowledged Sam with nod. Sookie waved Sam back to the living room and he returned her dismissal with a glare. Eric noticed the exchange and then caught the unsettled emotions stirring inside her.

"Are you just checking up?" She asked as she offered him a seat.

"Yes. Bill will be back later. I wanted to make sure you were safe for his return."

She started to argue but seeing his face, she thought better of it.

"I'm…I'm fine."

"Something has happened? What?" She sighed and rested her forehead in her hands.

"I'm fine." Eric stood and rounded the table. He reached under her chin and turned her head to look at him.

"You're lying. Tell me what has happened? Has someone tried to harm you?" He could feel the anger rising in him and wasn't exactly sure why the intensity was so great.

"He was there."

"Who?"

"Whoever wants me dead! He was at Merlotte's tonight. He tried to strangle me! But I…I…." Tears escaped the corner of her eyes and she saw Eric visibly wince before schooling his features again.

"You are unhurt?" He knelt before her so he could see her face more clearly.

"I'm scared." Her admission startled him. From the short time he had known Sookie Stackhouse, he knew this was hard for her to admit. He stroked her cheek and was pleased when she didn't pull away.

"I can stay here this evening if you wish." He saw the flash of fear, then uncertainty flash through her eyes. She shook her head and whispered.

"You said Bill is coming back soon?"

"Yes." He wondered if Bill would tell her what he had to do. He was positive the woman before him wouldn't take kindly to his punishment. He was certain it would cause trouble between them. "But if…if you ever need help, I will protect you." Her eyes widened and she could only nod. Swallowing hard, she remembered her manners and stammered.

"Thank…thank you." Sensing he was revealing too much, Eric offered her a smoldering look.

"Besides, we have an agreement, you and I. You'll help me whenever I require it." His lips curved in a smile and he chuckled as she groaned.

"Damn vampires." He stood and she craned her neck to follow his eyes.

"I'll leave you. Make sure you lock your door." He grinned and she returned it with a weak smile of her own.

"Good night, Eric."

"Good night, Sookie." He pulled the door close behind him and stood for a moment. Something grabbed at his thoughts that he would be forever worried about this human. He glided off the porch and had crossed into the darkness of the woods when he saw Bill cross the clearing.