A/N: Well hello there. I've let a week go by without an update so accept this chapter with my humblest apologies. I wrote the first portion of the chapter, then got stuck with writer's block and a busy couple of days.
Two sets of thanks this week. The first going to my awesome beta, chisaii-kitty, and the second going to TekniCAL for sharing a hilarious story with me over PM. She's taken a note from Sookie and found an awesome way to meet guys at the gym: sing along with your iPod. All you single ladies take notes!! As a sign of thanks, I'll pimp her story Best Laid Plans, which is one of my favorites on the site. Go check it out: she just updated today!!
Disclaimer: Alexander Danger and his story line is mine, but everything else belongs to Charlaine Harris and Alan Ball.
The sun was just starting to peek through the curtains and Eric's body was slowing waking up. He was slowly stretching his limbs, letting his senses restore on their own. This morning was different from any other, a point made abundantly clear by the soft sensations traveling up and down his spine. He could feel the soft, warm breath on his neck which was replaced by equally soft, warm kisses. He finally regained his voice after clearing his throat of the dryness that had accumulated during the night.
"What are you doing up so early?"
"I've got to be by the restaurant by noon, so I wanted to get an early start."
"Why?"
"Rehearsal, plus I need like an hour to shimmy into the scrap of fabric they're calling a dress."
"I'm sure you'll be gorgeous."
"Oh, it's a knockout, but it leaves nothing to the imagination."
"I've got an overactive imagination, don't worry."
The hand that was running along his back was making its way to his hip and down his thigh. As she dragged it back up from his knee, she wrapped her hand around his cock and began to stroke lightly.
"Why imagine when you have the real thing?"
He turned, careful to stay in her embrace, capturing her lips in a kiss. Both had learned to ignore the other's morning breath, to their shared benefit. Her grip tightened, and she was rewarded when he moaned into her mouth. She pushed him down onto his back, straddling his waist. Her kisses moved to his neck, nipping at the sensitive skin, while she ground her core onto his erection. Since the beginning of their relationship, she had always been bold when there was something she wanted, and this morning was no different. She kissed him again, as she maneuvered her hips, expertly guiding his hard length inside of her.
He braced his hands on her hips, rolling Sookie over so she was on her back with him braced above her. Her hands found his ass, gaining a firm grip in an attempt to pull him deeper inside her. Their bodies had perfect knowledge of each other; where to touch, where to bite, what places would bring the utmost pleasure to both partners.
The sounds of their coupling filled the room, moaning turning into pleading for release. As soon as his thumb connected to her bundle of nerves, her eyes shot open and her body tensed around him as her orgasm washed over her. She tightened around him, bringing him to his own release. They lay in each other's arms, panting and riding out the aftershocks. He was kissing along the side of her neck, not wanting to disconnect from their current position. Climbing out of bed meant facing the day, a day he would not be able to spend with Sookie. He greedily stole every moment he could of their morning coupling.
With a sigh, she tried to move out of his grasp. "We need to get out of bed. We need to shower and have breakfast. Plus, Clancy will want to be going out soon."
"Nope. You're not leaving this bed until the last possible minute."
"You won't get any complaints out of me. I don't really need that extra work out after that."
"Besides, you're the author's girlfriend. No one will bother you about being late. Now what was that about a shower?"
The butterflies swarming Eric's stomach couldn't make him feel any worse. He knew Sookie was with the theater group at the restaurant setting up and running over the details, but he desperately wanted her with him. She had become his security blanket, making him feel better simply with her presence. She had been texting him during the afternoon, dropping little hints about the plot changes that had occurred and a picture of Stan dressed in his trench coat. He asked for one of her in costume, but she refused.
Adding to his anxiety were those pesky changes the director insisted on making. Felipe had called him at least a dozen times in the past week, insisting that he knew what was best for the murder mystery night. Since Eric had never put one on before, let alone write the plot for one, he trusted Felipe to make the right calls. He fought hard for the original ending he had planned, but was vetoed in the end by the pushy director. To make matters worse, no one would tell him the new ending. Sookie had calmed his nerves, revealing that she knew who the new killer was and that it would make for an excellent surprise.
He had finished getting dressed, stashing a few extra of his favorite gel pens in his pocket for the countless autographs he would be signing that night. He double checked his hair just in time to hear his phone ringing, alerting him to meet Pam downstairs.
Twenty minutes later, they were approaching the rented restaurant, a new favorite specializing in classic American cuisine. Fans were encouraged to dress in their vintage finest to help set the mood. Eric was wearing a classic black tuxedo; while Pam wore a 1950's inspired dress with a tight fitting bust and full skirt. The pair walked in arm in arm, greeted by one of the hostesses for the evening. The poor girl didn't know what hit her when Amelia knocked her out of the way to seat her friends personally. Eric noticed the name tag discretely placed on her dress.
"Hey kids, name's Faye and I'll be seating ya tonight. You got a reservation?"
Eric rolled his eyes, but Amelia was insistent on staying in character. She waited with a hand on her hip, a bored look on her face. He finally relented, "Party of two, under Eric Northman."
"You mean the big time author, Eric Northman? Oh right this way, we've got the best seat in the house reserved for ya." As she led him through the tables, she would tap patrons on the shoulder, pointing him out. He would wave, shaking hands with fans that stopped him, taking the time to greet anyone who wanted him. He knew who made his career what it was.
He took in the room, noticing how it looked identical to his vision of the jazz club. The hundred lucky fans that had won tickets were seated in tables of ten with a few additional tables reserved for VIPs; those Pam or the publishing house had personally invited. Characters were distinguished with the same name tag that Amelia wore and were circling the room, mingling with the fans. Eric noticed Stan and offered a wave from the other side of the restaurant. Stan, in return, tipped his hat.
They finally reached the table, and Eric smiled at the familiar faces. Tray, Jason, Crystal, Hoyt, Jessica, and Alcide with his wife Debbie, with another woman he didn't recognize all stood to greet the two newest arrivals. The odd woman out turned out to be Isabel Davis, Stan's wife in from Texas. After everyone settled down again, there was still an empty seat.
"Are we still waiting for one more?" Eric asked.
Hoyt handed him the place card for the empty seat and it read "Guest of Honor."
"There's an empty seat at every table. The characters come around all night and sit down to talk to you. They fill you in, while giving a chance to ask questions and get clues to the murder."
Within minutes of the first course being brought out, the lights dimmed and Stan took the stage. He was met with immediate applause, smiling and waiting for the noise to die down before he began. "Hey everyone and welcome to the launch party for Danger is a Dame. Most of you know me as Alexander Danger in the movies and it's my pleasure to reprise my role tonight. Things might get a little dangerous here tonight, so keep your eyes and ears open. Are you ready to get started?"
The crowd erupted with applause again while Stan placed his trademark hat upon his head and left the stage. He was soon replaced with another actor.
"Good evening ladies and gents and welcome to my humble little club. I'm your host for the evening, Bobby Burnham. We've got some of the best jazz singers in town here for you tonight. Let's get started with our newest addition, and my new bride, Mrs. Susannah Burnham."
The red curtains parted and a lone spotlight shone down on the stunning blonde gracing center stage. It took Eric a full minute to realize it was Sookie. Her hair cascaded to her shoulders in soft curls, perfectly framing her face, highlighted with bright red lips and dark smoky eyes. She appeared to have taken Jessica Rabbit's evening gown. The bright red, floor length, strapless gown hugged every curve and was covered in sequins to catch the light. As she walked towards the microphone, her hip high slit revealed her perfectly toned legs.
She looked behind her to signal the band and she wrapped her hands around the microphone, caressing it like a lover. She began to sing, and everything else just began to fade away for Eric. It felt as if they were the last two people alive, and her words were the air he needed to breathe. She sang three songs before taking a bow and seductively walking off stage to a waiting Bobby. He took her arm, parading her around the floor. He couldn't hear what she was saying over the din of the crowd, but the smile on her face was all he needed to know she was fine. She began to laugh, tossing her hair back, her face the picture of happiness.
Pam elbowed him in the ribs to snap him out of his reverie. He jumped as he was brought back to reality and finally noticed the waitress who was waiting to take his dinner order. Looking around the table, he could see that all their friends had the same expression on their face; shock. They had never imagined Sookie acting like this.
Their first guest of honor was the club's manager, Sandy Sechrest. She held a fake cigarette between her teeth and adjusted her hat before taking a seat. She was talking with everyone at the table, revealing that the new Mrs. Burnham wasn't as sweet as she appeared. The entire staff was suspicious of her intentions with their favorite boss. He had gone on vacation to Louisiana a single man, but came home married.
Eric tried to listen to Sandy, but realized everything she was saying had been spared from Felipe's cuts and therefore came from his own writing. His eyes darted around the room trying to locate Sookie when he caught a red shimmer approaching their table. Bobby chased Sandy off, telling her to get back to work. He held out the chair for his Susannah, a seat she took happily. He walked away, telling her to be on best behavior at the VIP table.
She was reciting her lines, describing life back in Louisiana and how this was her first marriage but not first engagement. Seems the men in her life keep disappearing. As she spoke, Eric watched her lips, but barely heard her words. The bright red lipstick was entirely out of the ordinary for Sookie, but he forced himself to remember that tonight she was Susannah. She spoke with the entire force of her Southern charm, staying in character as she ignored the fact that she knew most of the people at the table for many years, if not her entire life. She rose to move on to the next table, flashing Eric a wink as she walked away.
Pam nudged him in the ribs again to get his attention. "Maybe you should make the rounds to a few tables since we're in between courses. Take a few pictures, thank your fans for coming out tonight, kiss some ass, you know the drill."
He took her advice, going to tables where the guest of honor seat was empty. He didn't want to detract at all from the building storyline. By the third table, he felt a pair of small hands caress his shoulders, sliding down his chest. He turned, to see Sookie standing behind him.
"Oh, Mr. Northman, I'm such a big fan of your books. Would you mind coming to the back office to sign a copy for me? Bobby keeps them on the top shelf, and I can't reach them myself."
He excused himself from the table, where she took his hand, leading him into the back, making sure to catch the eye of many of the guests. When they reached the office, she shut the door and was in his arms before he could take another step. He collapsed on the couch that was in the office, pulling her down with him in a kiss that left them both breathless. She pushed back, forcing herself to stand.
"As much as I'd like to rip your clothes to shreds and jump you right here, right now, Amelia and Bobby are going to be back here in a minute."
"Then lock the door, so they can't get in."
"Tempting, but it's part of the story. So is this." She reached into her clutch, putting on another coat of lipstick and kissing Eric on the neck. She left a deep print that was barely covered by his shirt. As soon as she readjusted his shirt and her dress, Bobby and Amelia came through the door.
Bobby pulled over a chair while Sookie and Amelia took a seat on either side of Eric on the couch. He discretely moved his hands to his lap to hide any sign of his arousal. Last thing he needed was a ribbing from Amelia about what was going on backstage.
Bobby started to explain the next stage of the evening, "Okay, here's the drill. Sook, you go out first, and just get right back into the swing of things like nothing happened. Eric, go back to your table, looking out of it. Most important for the both of you, act cold. Ask people if they're as cold as you are. Amelia, you know what you gotta do right? Good, let's get back to it."
Sookie gave Eric another kiss on the lips, getting back into full Susannah swing. A minute later, Eric took his mark and found his way back to the table. As he took his seat, he pulled his jacket a little closer. "Anybody else cold? I don't remember being this cold before I left. Maybe I'm just hungry."
Jason was staring at him, noticing the red print on his neck. "Did you just nail my sister at your own shindig?" That earned him a dirty look from Crystal.
"What? No, I went back to sign one of my books for Susannah."
"Signing the book, is that what they're calling it today?" He was going to continue but Amelia ran out on stage cutting off the band with a shriek.
"Someone call the cops! I just found Mr. Burnham dead in the meat locker!"
Pam laughed, leaning into Eric to whisper in his ear, "I certainly didn't see that one coming." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm, as usual. "I wonder if there's a world class detective in the house who could find the murderer."
Someone must have heard her as Danger climbed on stage to comfort Amelia. "Don't worry folks, we'll figure this one out. I'm a P.I. and I've already sent word to a few buddies on the force. We'll have some uniformed officers here soon, and we'll make rounds questioning everyone. Someone here must have seen something that can crack this case."
They both left the stage as the waiters began coming around to the tables delivering the main course. Conversation picked up with the group of friends swirling conspiracy theories about who could have killed Bobby. Eric smirked as no one in the room, except for a select few, knew anything about the fourth book. He never even leaked details to their close friends. He noticed Isabel give him a knowing wink and he remembered Stan mentioning something about an advanced copy when they met for dinner last month. She mimed that her lips were sealed from across the table.
The guests began to eat while the police officers and Danger interrogated each cast member on stage for the entire room to hear. The list of characters and the main course drew to a close when Sookie was finally called to center stage to answer questions. He paced around her while he interrogated her.
"Mrs. Burnham, your husband's employees have had some awfully condemning things to say about you. The will found in his office was so fresh, the ink was barely dry. It made it very clear that every worldly possession would be left to you, including the club. So you better have an air-tight alibi as to your location when your husband was murdered in the freezer."
"Of course. I was with Eric Northman in Bobby's office. He's my favorite author and he was just signing my book for me. Isn't that right, Eric?"
Her eyes were searching for him in the crowd, and when they locked on he shouted, projecting his voice to fill the restaurant, "That's right. We were talking in the back room."
"I was suggesting to Mr. Northman that he should consider setting his next book in Louisiana and how I'd be more than happy to tell him all about life in my itty bitty town. We just came back to the floor when Faye came out with the terrible news that my Bobby was murdered."
"So you were in the back when it happened? Did you see or hear anything suspicious?"
"No sir, Mr. Danger. Mr. Northman and I were in the back office, that's clear on the opposite side of the restaurant from the kitchen. No chance we could have seen anything."
"That's all the questions I have for you now, Mrs. Burnham. But don't go wandering off." He turned to address the audience. "Folks, you've heard from everybody that works here and you've seen everything that's happened tonight. We're going to need your help in cracking this case. In the center of your table is a pad of paper. Write down your name and who you think killed Bobby Burnham. We'll be around soon to collect everything. In the meantime, just try and enjoy your dessert."
Jason was the first to share his opinion. "I bet it was Sookie, I mean, Susannah. Bet she killed off her other boyfriends, too."
Debbie gave him an incredulous look. "No way, she's way too nice and was on the other side of the restaurant when it happened. It had to be the cook, Bubba. He had motive and was in the kitchen the entire time."
"Nah, it was the hostess, Faye. She's way to chipper to not be a murderer," Tray added with a smile just as Amelia was walking behind him, earning him a slap to the back of the head. "Eric, you want to add anything to the conversation?"
"Honestly, I don't know who did it. The director changed the ending I wrote and wouldn't fill me in. Maybe it was natural causes. The guy was pretty hefty, it could have been a heart attack."
The table dispersed into murmurs while everyone decided who the culprit was, jotting it down on the note paper. As the waitress put down their slice of cake, she collected each slip of paper. Several of the staff members started sorting through all the papers on stage, categorizing them into piles. Amelia came back over, this time holding a folded piece of paper.
"Message just came in for you, Mr. Northman. For your eyes only."
Eric opened the sealed note, smiling as he read the message. His own plan began to form in his mind as he folded the note back up, sliding it into his pocket. He continued to eat, not saying a word of the new information he just gathered to anyone at the table. He wanted them to be as surprised as he was.
A/N2: Stay tuned for the next installment where we find out who the murderer is. Leave a review and let me know who you think offed poor Bobby Burnham.
A few discussion points:
(1) SVM readers and writers! SVM Teaser Mondays is still going strong! Get a sneak peak at what is coming up on your favorite fics! Any SVM writer can post a teaser! I post every week. Subscribe to the thread here (remove spaces): http: // forum. fanfiction. net/ topic/ 55534/19191439/1/
(2) The Cowboy Up Top 5 have been announced. Go to (again, remove spaces) http:// www . fanfiction . net/u/2114441/ to read the stories. You have until tomorrow night to vote so head on over. There are five amazing, fantastic stories to choose from so good luck choosing! It literally took me five minutes to decide who I wanted to vote for.
