Call On Me

Chapter 5:

Nightfall had claimed the city of Shreveport; Eric was awake when he heard Emily came her way downstairs. He closed his journal, setting into the drawer to his left. He closed it and heard the lock click into place. He turned to the door as Emily peeked into his office and smiled. He returned it. Her hair was loose around her shoulders tonight. She wore slim-fitting jeans with high heels; the bright blue shirt hugged her body; sitting off the shoulder. She looked great and he told her as much.

"Evening," She greeted, crossing him; she leaned down and hugged him. "Are you going to Fangtasia tonight?"

"Later, did you want to come?" As of late, Emily had been going with him every night.

"Sure," She rested her chin on his shoulder, "Do you think I could get a job there?"

He frowned, looking at her, "Why?"

"I would like to earn money so I can buy things."

He considered, it was logical, "Things like?" He didn't want her to work. It didn't suit him at all. The idea of being able to spoil her with presents gave him an very human sense of happiness.

"I'll give you whatever you want no need to work."

She smiled at him, kissing his cheek. "But I still want something to do at night."

"You used to love to draw. Why not take that up again?"

She considered, "Good idea." She stood up, "Where does one buy art supplies around here?"

Eric stood, "There is a store in town, and we can stop by on the way to the club."

Eric parked in front of Artworx, the only art supply store open this late at night. He opened Emily's door and they headed up the stairs. This was also the only place to buy quality supplies, this far from New Orleans. He also happened to own it. But he didn't tell her that.

He held the store door aside, Emily went ahead of him. She crossed to the display of charcoal sticks; inspecting them carefully. The store clerk nodded to Eric as he stepped in. Crossing to the register he kept his voice low.

"Anything she wants just put it on my account."

The clerk nodded, "Yes, sir."

Eric crossed to her; she was looking at the different sketch pads. "Find anything?"

"Lots," She picked up a page, rubbing it between her fingers. "It's amazing the textures in pages. I never realized that paper could feel so different."

Eric smiled, gently running a hand through her hair. He used to do that with his wife; when he was human. It had been a long time since he'd felt so tender toward anyone.

"Buy whatever you want."

Emily crouched down at a display of colored pencils.

Eric's cell phone buzzed in his hip pocket, he took it out. It was Pam. "I'll be outside." He stepped out of the store and answered, "Pam."

"Bill has called a meeting with you; it's about Able."

Eric sighed, "Did he say where he wanted to meet?"

"His house, he's being very stubborn about it."

That sounded like Bill, "Fine, I'll head over there once I drop Emily at the club."

"I look forward to it." Pam and Emily had found friendship; it made him feel better about the whole situation.

Eric put his phone away and returned to the store. Emily was at the counter and looking very confused. He crossed to her. She looked up at him.

"What's up?" He asked.

"He won't let me pay for anything."

Eric chuckled, "I said not to worry. Do you have everything you need?"

She nodded; he picked up the bags from the counter and headed to the door. Emily followed him. Eric held the door aside; she stepped out and crossed to the car. He put the bags in the trunk and opened her door.

"Eric?" She stared into his face, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I want to," He told her.

"And?"

He frowned, "That's not enough?"

She shrugged, "I just don't fully understand it."

Eric considered for a moment, "I haven't been able to do this for anyone in a very long time. It makes me feel good. Okay?"

She thought it over; he could see it in her eyes. "Do I have to pay you back?"

He shook his head, "Never."

Emily sat in the car. He closed the door, rounding the car, he slid behind the wheel. "I have to drive to Bon Temps, tonight. Business meeting. I'll drop you at Fangtasia first."

"Don't bother, it will take you out of the way. I'll come with you."

He glanced at her, "You want to come with me?"

"Sure. I haven't Bon Temps before. It would be nice, like a road trip."

Eric was surprised at his amusement, "Alright, a road trip it is."

"I want eat first, though. Unless, someone in Bon Temps will offer?"

He shook his head, "Not likely."

He drove to the club and parked; together he and Emily walked into the club. It was rocking at this early evening hour. Emily saw Pam and walked over; she hugged the woman. They shared a laugh. Eric looked around the place and liked what he saw. It was busy and he was making money. He was in a fine humor as he went to his office. Closing the door he picked up the phone. He dialed as he sat on the edge of his desk.

"Italian Imports, John speaking."

"John," Eric smiled to himself, "I need to place an order."

Emily checked her teeth in the mirror; she rubbed the last of the blood from her gums. Checking her hair and her clothes; she fussed for a moment. Once satisfied she stepped out and found Eric waiting at the doors. He had a leather coat over his shirt this time. Emily waved to Pam; the vampire nodded, and the two of them left.

Emily pressed the tuning button on the car's radio. She couldn't find anything that held her focus. After a few minutes she stopped on a classical music station.

"I will not listen to that." Eric muttered, he used one hand to change the station. Rock music filled the car.

"That's old rock," She changed the channel. The hard sounds of Nickelbacks Burn it to the ground, made her smile.

Eric shook his head but left the radio alone. "This meeting shouldn't take too long."

"Who are we meeting?"

"His name's Bill,"

"What's the meeting about?" Emily asked.

"Able's kicking up a fuss."

"Still," She scoffed as she shook her head, "Tell me why you can't just stake him and be done with it?"

Eric smiled at her approach, "He's a Sheriff, like me. It would cause a huge political storm; I don't really want that right now."

"A Sheriff?"

"The vampire authority over a designated area."

"Like from those old Western movies?"

Eric nodded, "Just like that."

"And if you kill another Sheriff, it's politically bad?"

"There are penalties for it."

"Like?"

He shrugged, "That depends on the Magistrate."

"Who?"

Eric considered how to phrase it, "He's the law enforcer for our people."

"Oh," Emily was quiet for a moment, "So we want to stay on his good side then."

"It is recommended, yes."

The small town of Bon Temps came into view; complete with sign. It was illuminated by flood lights. The sign was new; it had been replaced since the last one was destroyed. Emily looked out her window; watching the buildings go by.

"It looks…" She considered, "Like a small town."

Eric's cell phone buzzed again, he slid it out of his pocket, driving one handed. "Bill, I am in town now."

Emily looked over, curious. As she concentrated she heard the other man's voice.

"Meet met at Merlotte's, Sam has asked to be part of this."

"Sookie's boss, Sam?" Eric frowned, "I don't think it's wise."

"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important." Bill didn't sound happy, "A lot has happened since Able spoke to you."

"Like what?" Eric asked.

"Able has left bodies in town; two of them."

"How does this involve Sam Merlotte?"

Bill was quiet a moment, "One of them was a part-time waitress. He's concerned about it; his waitresses keep dying."

"Well perhaps he should move then."

"Eric, this is important." Bill sighed, "I am asking you for help with this."

"That's another favor you owe me." Eric huffed, he ended the call. Tossing the phone into the empty ashtray.

"How's Sookie?" Emily asked.

Eric glanced at her; not quite sure how to answer the question. "A human."

"And she matters to you?"

He frowned, looking back at the road. "That's not your concern."

Emily could tell he was hiding something from her. She didn't push; she didn't want to fight with him. Looking out the windshield she asked, "Are we allowed to have relationships with humans?"

"They never last; and it's a risk."

"So officially, no. But unofficially, every one does it, so it's okay." Emily nodded, "That sounds logical."

Eric smiled at her.

Parking in the lot in front of Merlotte's, Eric climbed out of the car. He opened Emily's door, she took his hand and stepped out. He let her look around a moment before leading her toward the bar. Country music blared out into the night. He held the door aside and followed her inside.

Heads turned and people stared at Emily; Eric stood protectively at her back. He didn't like the looks the men were giving her. He was amused at himself, at his sudden urge to cut all the men down.

"Wow," Emily whispered, "This is really country."

Eric chuckled, "You have no idea."

Bill stood up from his table, Sookie was with him. She was dressed in her waitress outfit and carried a tray under one arm. Bill paused as he saw Emily. He had last seen her buried in the ground. His eyes widened slightly. Eric tensed; instinct told him to keep the vampire away from what was his. He was momentarily distracted by Sookie; but it didn't last. His focus was on protecting Emily.

Bill approached, "Eric, thanks for coming."

"Let's just get to it." He snapped.

Bill looked to Emily, "Evening, Ms. Ashmont." He nodded his head.

Emily smiled at him, "Hi."

"This is my companion, Sookie Stackhouse." Bill indicated Sookie.

"Pleased to meet you," Sookie held out a hand.

Emily regarded the blonde human, she stared at the hand. Her upbringing dictated she respond in kind. But a part of her stopped her hand. She got a strange vibe off the blonde and didn't like it much. Emily put her arm through Eric's instead.

"Nice to meet you too," Emily felt the tension in Eric's body; she was surprised. "Perhaps we should get the meeting started, gentleman."

Bill nodded, "Of course, Sam is in his office."

Eric turned and headed down a narrow hallway. He'd never seen Sam's office before; but bar layouts had to be similar. This was the only logical direction.

Emily heard Sookie mutter, "She's a lot more like Eric then I thought."

Bill hushed her, following them.

Bill appeared at the door before Eric reached it; knocking once. "It's Bill Compton."

"Come in." A man called.

Bill walked in, Emily followed, and Eric shut the door. The office was big enough for four people. Emily stayed next to Eric, at the door.

Sam regarded the three vampires with open distaste. His gaze lingered on Emily for a moment. "Who's she?"

"None of your business," Emily muttered. "What has Able done?"

Eric and Bill both looked at her a moment.
Sam sat back in his chair, "He sent one of his people here last night. Killed three people in the course of the night; one of them was an employee for me."

"A waitress," Emily muttered, "I read about those murders a couple of years ago. Working for you seems to be fatal."

Sam frowned at her, "And who are you again?"

She ignored the question, "You don't like us, Mr. Merlotte, so why are we inclined to help you?"

He came to his feet like a shot, "People are dying cause of you!"

Emily narrowed her eyes, "Not us, Mr. Merlotte, politics. People are dying because of politics." She pushed away from the door, stepping into Sam. "Able is trying to win this pissing contest and he's going after Eric's fringe lands."

Sam shook his head, "I don't care why or who is doing it, I just don't it in my town."

"Then I suggest you move." She stated firmly, "This town belongs to Eric, this land belongs to him. If you don't like it, then go elsewhere."

Eric arched a brow but didn't say a word. He was curious to see where this would go.

"I am not going to be run out of my home by vampires!" Sam shook a finger at her, "You are the people that should leave."

"We're here to stay, so get used to it." Emily leaned in another inch, Sam leaned back. "You're not human, Mr. Merlotte."

"So what?" He glared at Eric, "Aren't you going to do something?"

Eric crossed his arms in response.

Sam looked at Emily, eyes narrow with anger. "Why do I get the feeling you're not finished?"

"This is an entrepreneurial market, Mr. Merlotte. Nothing's free." Emily crossed her arms; the posture was eerily similar to Eric.

Sam balked, "You're going to charge me for your help?"

"Something like that," Emily fixed Sam with a very steady gaze.

He stalked away from her; it was only three strides but it was enough. He ran his fingers through his hair. "You people are unbelievable!"

"You're free to make a living, so are we." She stated firmly.

"By charging people live on your land? This isn't a feudal country!"

"We're not talking about the country; we're talking about this area." Emily dropped her arms to her sides. "You want us to stop Able, right?"

"Yes," Sam snapped.

"So we are asking for something in return. Fair trade if you ask me."

"I didn't." Sam glared at her.

"Then handle it yourself." Emily shrugged, she moved to leave.

"Wait!" Sam took a step toward her, she turned back. He stepped backward.

"What for?"

"What are you asking for?" He asked through clenched teeth.

Emily nodded to Eric, "That's up to him."

Sam sighed as he looked at the blonde Viking. "Damn."

She stepped between the two vampires and opened the door; closing it as she left.

Once the terms were settled with Sam, Eric left the office. He expected Emily to be in the bar; she wasn't. Sookie looked over at him; he paused. She made a face and turned her back on him. Eric continued out the door; knowing Bill would linger and talk to her. He found Emily at his car; she rested her butt on the hood; arms crossed. She was looking up into the sky.

He crossed to the car; sitting beside her. He felt he car give slightly as he settled.

"Are you angry with me?" She asked softly.

"Not in the least," Eric reached over and took one of her hands; she let him. He kissed his lips to his mouth. "Impressed is the better word."

She looked at him, her eyes wide. "Impressed? But why? I took over, I lost my temper."

He laughed gently, "That was you angry, huh? Now that is disappointing."

Emily frowned slightly, "I bullied him."

"No, you negotiated, brilliantly, I might add." Eric pressed her hand to his cheek.

"You never did ask why I was hospitalized." She reminded him.

He shrugged, "I didn't care."

"What about now?"

He shook his head. "Still don't care." He rested his hand on his thigh; still holding hers. "This deserves a celebration." He pulled her to stand and led her to the passenger side. He opened her door and she climbed in. Eric smiled down at her, "Just curious, what would you have asked for?"

She considered, looking up at him. "I am not sure."

"Yes, you are," Eric chuckled as he closed her door.

They didn't talk much on the way back to Shreveport. Eric was delighted with himself and he was proud of Emily. At one point he reached over and took her hand. She smiled at him; it didn't quite reach her eyes. And that worried him. He wanted to ask what was upsetting her; but he wasn't quite sure he wanted to know. It would never occur to him to feel badly. Business deals were meant to make money; which this had. Although he hadn't considered the meeting with Sam and Bill to be a potential business venture; he was delighted with the results.

"I might not like the answer, but I need to know it." Eric began, "Why do you feel bad?"

Emily was quiet for a moment, "I can't just go through life bullying people."

"Why not?" He asked seriously, "It works."

She turned her head, studying his profile. After a long moment she smiled, "Yes, it does. But the question becomes, where do you draw the line?"

Eric shrugged, "The line keeps changing."

Emily watched the darkened landscape go by the window. The car was quiet; no radio and no sounds of the engine. "I have problems with aggression." She admitted softly, "Some call it anger control issues."

Eric kept quiet; she wasn't looking a response.

"Tonight, in that office, I knew I could kill him I wanted to. I could break him in half. Part of me wanted to. But I also knew I could make him give me anything I wanted. I knew within myself that I could get anything I wanted from him."

Eric silently acknowledged her thoughts.

"Power like this," She stared at her hands, "It requires a lot more control than I had thought."

He looked at her, "It does take time to adjust, Emily. I amazed at how well you've taken everything so far."

"I received good advice." She admitted, "But you know that already."

He nodded, "I do know that. But good advice or not; you are doing exceptionally well."

She sighed, "So, when do we go after Able?"

Eric considered, "I will go after him, not you."

"Why not? I am apart of your lands, right?"

Eric gripped the steering wheel tightly. "There might be repercussions for this. I don't want you involved."

"Why not?" She asked again.

He couldn't say it, not yet. So he shook his head. "Because I said so and you will do as I say."

Emily felt compelled to argue that; instead she looked out the window again. "As you wish."

Eric parked in his spot at Fangtasia. Stepping out, he came around to her side and opened the door. Emily waited while he opened the trunk and took out the art supplies. They walked into the club again.

"Can I work in your office?" She asked.

"Yes, I need to make an appearance anyway." He handed her the bags and watched as she went down the hall. He wanted to tell her the real reason; but he held back. He wasn't quite ready to admit them to himself, let alone to her.

Eric headed to the stage; settling into his usual demeanor. He took his seat on the throne and let his thoughts wander as the humans swooned at his feet.