BONUS MATERIAL

Similar to Finding Mr. Hyde, here's a little "special features" bonus for you.

Alternate Suicide Notes
Vera's suicide note always had a very strict structure, but the five line poem went through several revisions. Here is the original and the one I almost ended up using.

Original Version
Love was never my problem
You gave me the only thing I thought I didn't need
Did you really know me all along?
In phoenix flames, he burns inside my veins
All I ever wanted was to feel alive…

Version Two
Lingering whispers of you hang off my lips
You'll never feel her heartbeat like I do
Don't grieve for me; not that I expect you to
In an ethereal fire, I soar on phoenix wings
Always alive on the currents between your lips and hers

Deleted Subplot: Sara
I followed Sara for a while until I decided it was too much and took out her subplot, which she pretty much summarizes anyway in chapter eight. Her discovery of the website was originally part of that subplot, and she was going to wake up the next morning after Nick had removed it and realize that she could finally move on. But since Greg had the drugs and the baby to deal with, Sara's subplot was unneccessary and reduced to just the scene with Nick and the website and the summary she gives Greg. Don't worry, you didn't miss much, it wasn't that interesting anyway.

Unused Character: Warrick
I really am sorry that Warrick didn't play a bigger role. I didn't mean to sell him short. I like to include all the characters in a story, or at least try. But to be honest, he didn't fit anywhere in this story, so I didn't want to try to stick it in and make it awkward.

Sneak Preview: Salam

Summary: While investigating the brutal murder of a Muslim woman, Nick and Greg find themselves caught in a hostage situation and Sara is enlisted as a negotiator. Misunderstandings lead to further deaths. Dealing with racism, hate and ignorance, the team has to make sure everyone comes out of this alive. Team friendship.

Excerpt:

Greg felt someone pressing up against his shoulder and looked down to see the redheaded teenage boy who was trying to hide behind him. Greg gave him a reassuring smile and tried to give the kid a little courage, although courage was scarce to be found in any of them, including Greg.

"It'll be OK." He repeated the mantra of denial he had whispered to Nick an hour earlier, and though there was no way he could know if things would be OK or not, the redhead seemed to smile up at him, encouraged by these simple, empty words. Greg saw the freckles standing out on his pale cheeks and felt a strange affection for the kid. He ruffled his hair. He had always wanted to be a big brother to someone. At the lab, everyone treated him like the youngest in a big family. It felt nice being depended on. Looked up to. Even by a stranger.

"Three… Two… One."

Greg's hope was shattered with that single sound. It didn't sound like a gunshot to him, or even a firework this time. It sounded like a pop, as if from a toy gun or someone popping open a champagne bottle. He had forgotten completely about the one hour rule. He knew he shouldn't have been a hero. He knew he shouldn't have shoved himself to the front of the line. He knew he shouldn't have thought of himself as a big brother. Who could he ever protect, someone as powerless as him? Someone who could be destroyed with one gunshot that didn't even sound like a gunshot…

"Salam" is a statement on the animosity bred by the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. It's a lesson on tolerance and understanding and deals with heavy isuses. It will be rated 'M' and posted soon. It is NOT a statement for or against any particular side of the conflict itself, though multiple opinions are expressed via different characters. It is a commentary on violence and hatred, and emphasizes the need to remember there are two sides to every story, each with valid points to them. Sorry for the shameless plug, but... yeah.

Credits:

Thank you, sincerely, to all of you reviewers, but especially those who have read all three of these stories from beginning to end (From Slither to Phoenix). I'm afraid if I list you I'll forget someone, but if I do just mention it and I'll edit you in so... Kegel, PisceanPal23, necira, Kristafied, indusgirl1313, ilovekc... If I forgot you, I didn't mean it. This trilogy got a little tedious, and I know the end seemed a little rushed, but I think I wrapped things up nicely, and thanks for all your words of encouragement. Hooray!