Playlist suggestions: Hup, Kuzu Kuzu and Dilli Düdük by Tarkan

The Princess and the Sheriff

Chapter 11: MISTAKES

Nightfall had claimed the city of Shreveport, LA. In the sky was a full moon, stars twinkled like diamond chips. Lennie was in the kitchen; at the table, working on the laptop. She had been trying to sort out the details from the Shreveport email. She had read it all through the first time; but she had probably missed stuff. She'd been in shock about the opening two paragraphs. And she'd been struggling all night with that.

Eric was not a man she could ever face losing. She did not want to think of him being assassinated. She did not want to do this investigation.

It was one thing to learn that your new home land had problems. But it was something else altogether to learn that your brother was marked for death. The email only knew of the threat and said it was credible. Her sources wouldn't send her information that wasn't solid. So she knew the threat was believable. But there was no information on who issued the order or who was being sent to execute him. Not even a date. Her sources did say that it was linked to his business deals. Lennie had no idea what those were; she had to start digging around.

Lennie wasn't anxious to poke into her brother's life. He had his own life. His own business; he could even have more then one business. She had no idea how much her brother was into. Then there was the politics. Eric was Sheriff around here. People would not take kindly to her asking questions. The Sheriff was not supposed to be questioned by outsiders. It wasn't like she was asking for his autograph either. She needed to pick-apart his entire life here. Find out where the threat was, what it was tied to and remove it. People wouldn't understand she was doing it to protect him. She couldn't go around telling people there was a threat against him either. The other problem she was sorting out; how to even start getting information. She doubted Eric would just volunteer it.

She hadn't decided yet if she even wanted to tell him about the threat. He would ask how she knew; and she wasn't about to give up her sources. He would want to know why she even had information on him in Shreveport. Men like him would see that as a slap in the face. A blatant disbelief in their ability to care for what was their responsibility. He was the law around here. This was his town. Eric was protective of what was his; and that included this place. He would not forgive her if she confronted him on this. Eric didn't like admitting he was weak or vulnerable. And if she brought this to him; he wouldn't take it well. He was still a Viking; a 1000 year old man. He was raised to be the authority; the guiding force. No matter how modern he appeared to be; he was still hard-wired with very certain views of men and women.

No, she would not go to Eric with this information. She was better to investigate this herself. If and when the time ever came, she would talk to him. But first, she had to find out why he was even being targeted. Plots like this were usually tied to politics; which was enough to make her run the other way. She despised vampire politics.

It seemed logical to write an email; she'd already sent one to her sources about finding out more information. The next email was one she was struggling with. Nothing in her wanted to reach out to Alcide Hevereaux. The local werewolf wasn't a vampire fan; but he owed them. And when it came to Lennie, well, he had no choice but to help her. He owed her an awful lot. His entire family owed her. It was a guarantee he would help her; he would resent, it, but he would do it. Question was-did she want to tap into that debt he owed her? No, not really.

She did not want to even be here. She wanted to be…

Lennie sighed, where did she want to be? Anywhere but in front of this damned computer, she decided. She sighed and shut the top of the computer. Rising from her chair she gathered her Ipod and turned it off. Putting the Ipod in her back pocket as she headed to her room; movement would help her think. She knew what she was missing. She needed to go for a ride. She needed to hunt and give herself something familiar here. She needed a sense of 'this is mine'. She needed to feel the wind on her face and the sounds of an engine under her. This no-car business was pissing her off; making her restless. Eric had said he would return in two nights with cars and cell phones. Tonight was night number two and she was itching to get hold of the keys.

She knew, in her head, Alcide was the best way to get a hold of Eric's business plan. To get information about anything that could hurt him. Without Eric finding out; at least she hoped it was. But her heart was still warning her not to do it. Eric was her brother; her lover, her friend. He was more to her then she had words for.

She returned to the table; sitting down. But first, she had to write an email. Unless…

She scanned through the Shreveport email, focusing on the last half of the two page document. She found the name and address she wanted. Lennie wasn't sure if she should be happy or not.

As it was she never got the chance to think about it. Godric returned from his walk; closing the door and locking it behind him. He paused at the sight of Lennie at the computer.

"Welcome back," She said lightly, quickly minimizing the file. Lennie looked up from the computer. "Have a nice walk?"

"Yes," He crossed to her, putting his hands on her shoulders, "What has you so enraptured? You were sitting here when I left."

Lennie shook her head, "Nothing." She closed the lid of the computer, "Any word from Eric?"

"He'll be here shortly." Godric kissed her on the head. "He says he has something for you."

I have something for him too; she regretted and shook her head.

Godric left her; moving to sit in the living room. He picked the remote and turned on the plasma. A few moments later a movie started playing; he seemed to like that form of entertainment. Lennie smiled at his words, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"I'm in the shower," She said, rising from the table. Godric didn't reply. Lennie shut the door to her bedroom.

Later that night…

"Jason Stackhouse," Eric opened the conversation.

They were standing outside the building. Eric stood back from her as she inspected the Ducati 1198S bike. He had wanted to show the bike he had brought over. It was for her. It was also an opportunity to talk. This hadn't been the topic she'd been expecting. Lennie was crouched near the rear wheel; back toward him. She was still struggling with her own topic of conversation. At her silence, Eric continued.

"I don't like him hanging around you. You know he used V last year; and he's an ex-LOD member. You said it yourself in Dallas, he was dangerous. You should stay away from him; and keep him away from Godric."

She smiled, looking at him, "Jealous?"

He was still for a moment, "Yes, perhaps I am. But I am also concerned. He's not man enough for you."

Laughter bubbled out of her, she stood up. Crossing to him; she kissed his cheek. "I appreciate it, big brother."

"You said you would handle it," Eric reminded her coolly, "Dating him is your new method for handling things?"

She cast a disbelieving look at him. "Who said anything about dating him?"

"He did," Eric said pointed, "Word has gotten back to me that he's been talking about you non-stop since he arrived from Dallas."

Lennie arched a brow at that, "He has? How is that my fault?" That was a surprise to her.

"You should not have encouraged him in Dallas," Eric snapped defensively. "This isn't like you."

Lennie ignored him, "Jason lives in Bon Temps, right?"

Eric nodded stiffly, "So does his sister and Bill Compton."

Lennie frowned at the mention of the vampire. "Oh, him."

"Lennox, I know you well enough to know you're planning something." Eric put gentle hands on her shoulders; making her look at him. "Talk to me. I am the Sheriff here, I can help."

She sighed, even if it meant you knew about a plot to kill you? She shook her head, "I'm just really restless."

Eric peered into her eyes, he didn't believe her. "You could always lie very well, Lennie. But I know you."

"Well, then you know it's all for the best."

He scoffed, dropping his hands, "Yeah, sure. Just remember this isn't Dallas." He leveled a very steady stare at her. "I heard about Godric and Sophie-Ann. She's not happy; and there are whispers of revenge."

"I'd like to see her just try it." Lennie snapped. She was tired of this conversation. "Is that all you wanted?" Her tone was sharp, angry. She was so incredibly frustrated.

Everything in her wanted to tell him. She wanted to say everything she knew. But it was just too risky. She didn't know enough yet to talk to him.

Eric and she stared at one another for a long time. He sighed, holding up his hands. "I just wanted to warn you about Jason."

Lennie sighed, tugging on the hem of her jacket. I want to warn you too. "Thanks, dually noted."

"One of these days you'll have to explain the attraction to me." Eric shook his hair, "I never would have guessed you'd go for a jock."

She smiled brightly, "He's courageous and brave."

"He's…" Eric stopped, considering, "Never mind."

"Perhaps I can relate to Isabelle's desire for something fragile. When we were his age, we were battle-hard, we knew where are paths would lead. We were old, Eric. Back in our day, we weren't allowed to be fragile. At his age, we were already so old."

He gave her a long look, "You were never his age."

She punched him in the arm, he moved a little with the impact. "You know what I mean."

Eric was quiet for a moment, "Being around him reminds you of what is it to really feel."

She gave him a coy look. "I do feel," She said gently, "I feel deeply."

He grunted at that. "He breaks your heart and I'll kill him."

She stood on her tip toes, kissing his cheek again, "Godric has said the same thing; though he promised a more painful death."

Eric chuckled, "I'll just bet he did." He paused, "And what about Bill?"

"I am working on it," Lennie said coolly. She moved to the bike, kicking a leg over it. She sat down in the seat. The bike felt so good under her.

Eric stared at her; the expression made her laugh brightly.

"Is he still causing you problems?" She asked playfully, Eric grunted at that. She moved to slid the helmet on.

"I am going to talk to Godric."

Eric closed the distance between them. He took the helmet from her hands; leaning down, gently he kissed the top of her head.

"I know you're keeping something from me." He whispered against her hair, "When you're ready, talk to me about it."

Eric put the helmet back in her hands; turning he walked inside the building. Lennie sat across the bike, she stared at the helmet. Her reflection stared back at her. Part of her was angry for not having talked to him. Another part was assuring her it was for his good and for hers. She listened to the part that assured her.

**

Tonight the soothing sounds of Enya, did her no good. Removing her purple Ipod Nano from her jacket pocket, Lennie scanned through the playlist. In her other hand; she held the keys to her new Ducati 1198S. The weight of her riding jacket felt familiar and comfortable. She hadn't worn it lately.

Tonight, she was just going to ride. The fast rhythm of Dilli Düdük by Tarkan, filled her head. Sitting for a moment she closed her eyes listening to the Turkish dance track. She had spent a lot of years in Turkey; those had been good times. She started the bike engine, it growled under. The frame vibrated under her. She was grinning now.

Opening her eyes, she slid the helmet on and raced away from the apartment building.

**

The two lane highway between Shreveport and Bon Temps was hardly a challenge. She was accustomed to the four lane mega roads of Dallas. But this did give her the option of really testing the bike.

As she raced down the road; she opened the throttle and let the bike go. The speed increased and kept going. She was close to 300 km/h and it felt fantastic. The helmet around her head wasn't needed for safety. But it did allow her to go as fast as she pleased. The bike seemed to be happiest at the higher speeds. The growl of the engine had become a soft purring. Like a very content wild cat; and it made her feel wild and fierce.

This is what she had needed. She'd spent too long going at the same pace. Eric had been smart in getting her this bike. It was the kind of machine that she could ride and it would withstand her style.

At these speeds her mind was clear; the fast sounds of Turkish dance music; kept her focused. Her mind felt relaxed; peaceful and at ease. This was the first time since arriving in this new state; that'd she felt completely, totally relaxed. While she rode, she could forget the facts turning around inside her skull. She could forget that her brother was marked for death. She could forget the conversation she'd had with Godric. He had been right when he said a war was coming. She had figured that out on her own; based off what her sources sent her. Problem was, he expected her and Eric to stand on the front lines. She shook her head, releasing the thoughts. They skittered away into the ocean of Tarkan. While she rode, she could just let go and be free.

**

A buzzing her pocket drew her attention out of the music. She slowed down; the bike didn't react well to it. The wheels tried to slide out from under her; she handled it. Spinning around in the road. She stopped the bike stopped. Putting put her feet down on the road, she balanced the bike. Pulling off her helmet, Lennie drew the phone out of her pocket. She frowned at the unfamiliar number. Taking out an earbud she pressed TALK.

"Hello?"

"Oh," Jason's voice made her smile; "Hey." There was music where ever he was, country music.

"Jason," She looked along the dark road, she was alone. "How did you get this number?" "I got a text message that said this was your number."

Eric, She thought, he'd given her the phone earlier. It was the only logical selection "What's up?" She asked.

"I thought, maybe, we could hang out?"

She chuckled, "Where?"

His voice took on confidence, "I'm at Merlotte's right now."

"I'll be right there."

Her sources had included the address in the email; she knew where it was. Ending the call she slid the phone into her pocket. Revving the engine she sped off.

**

Merlotte's Bar and Grill was a decent place; popular with the locals. The information in the file said the owner was two-natured; worth keeping an eye on. Lennie flew down the two lane road. She was surrounded by forests on either side. Through the trees she saw the glow of neon lights. Country music was a low sound against the music from her Ipod. Lennie slowed as she neared the parking lot. The gravel lot was full of pick-up trucks, older cars and felt really…redneck.

There were people gathered around a nice truck; she recognized Jason. The other man was unfamiliar. Lennie was surprised when she saw the vampire Jessica. They'd met in Dallas. Jessica was in a cute summer dress; she really played up the teenager angle. Lennie was too old in her mind for such things. But she'd used it in her early vampire life. Men weren't threatened by a teenage girl in a gown, asking for help. Lennie shoved the memories aside.

The three were watching her as she rode up to them. Settling her feet on the gravel lot, she pulled off the helmet. Jason's face brightened. His gaze slid over her slowly; taking in everything he saw. Lennie smiled softly at the approving look in his eyes. Jessica was surprised and came over; smiling.

"Hey," Jessica studied the bike, "Nice bike."

"Thanks," Lennie turned off the engine, she unzipped her riding jacket. "Jessica, right?"

The baby vampire was pleased at the acknowledgement. "Yeah, I didn't know if you'd remember me."

"Not many people like the same music I do." Lennie told her. On a whim she held out her Ipod. "You might like this."

Jessica accepted it, putting an earbud in. After a moment she asked, "What language is this?"

"Turkish," Lennie swung off the bike; settling the helmet in the seat. Jason and the other man came over.

"That's a Ducati bike," Jason mused; he studied the front end, crouching down. "Nice."

"So you're Lennie," The man smiled at her; he had warm eyes and a welcoming expression. "Hoyt Fortenberry." He offered a hand. "Jason's talked about you a lot."

Lennie shook the hand. His palm was hot against her cold hand; his palm was calloused with hard work. He had a strong grip for a human. She liked him.

"Nice handshake," She said, "You can tell a lot by a person from their hands."

He blushed and looked at his hand, "Thanks."

Jason stood up, he watched her with open interest, "Good to see you again."

She smiled at him, "Same. I never did thank you for your bravery on the roof."

He shrugged, "I wasn't really thinking about it. There's just something about a hot girl that I like."

Lennie chuckled, "Well, it was good of you."

Jason put his hands in his pocket, "So your dad, is he okay with you being here?"

She laughed happily.

Jessica handed back the Ipod, "How many languages do you speak?"

Lennie put it in her jacket pocket. "Lots, I've had to learn them over the centuries."

Jessica's eyes widened, "Centuries!"

Hoyt gave her a stunned expression; he looked to Jason. "Wow, that's a lot."

Jason shrugged, uncomfortable, "Well, let's go inside, I need a beer."

Lennie gathered her helmet and followed them in; Jessica walked beside her. "So…"

The young vampire paused, "Jason says that your Eric's ex."

"Not exactly his ex. We kind of…" Lennie paused; there was something in the girl's tone. "Why do you ask?"

Jessica shrugged, "The Eric I know is a real…well, he's kinda cold, you know?"

Lennie nodded, "He can appear that way. But he's not, really. He's actually very sweet. He's wonderful. But it takes a lot for him to show it; he really has to care about a person."

Jessica was quiet for a minute. She glanced at Lennie, her eyes showed she wanted to ask a question. But she held back. Lennie smiled, she had a hunch what it was. Leaning over she whispered in her ear.

"Yes, he is and yes, it matters." Lennie smiled at her as the girl laughed, covering her mouth with her hands.

**

They entered the bar; Hoyt and Jason already had a table near the pool tables. There were plates of fresh food on their table. The two men sat down. Jessica sat next to Hoyt. The only chair left was positioned away from the door. Lennie hesitated. She wasn't comfortable sitting with her back away from the entrance.

Jason looked up, his fingers in his mouth as he licked ketchup from them. "Does our eating bother you?"

She shook her head, "I don't want to sit with my back to the door."

The three people before her exchanged glances. Hoyt stood up, offering his chair. "Take mine. I don't mind where I sit."

He moved his plate and beer glass; Jessica stayed where she was; they were still side-by-side.

Lennie was grateful and nodded; she took his previous seat. Unzipping her jacket so that is as fully open; she looked around. There were stuffed animal heads over the bar; the bar was busy; waitresses moved around with small trays. The place was pretty busy considering the small town it was situated in. But it had an incredibly country feel to it. The snob in her was disgusted at this place. She felt like she had splinters in her feet just from walking in here. But the rebel in her loved it. It was real, authentic. She liked the people she watched. They were comfortable with each other. There was no tension or separation of the classes here. Everyone who sat here; knew everyone they saw. It was a family place. She liked it.

"You can put your helmet on the table," Jason told her, "No one's gonna care about it around here."

"Thanks." Lennie did as he suggested; shrugging her jacket off. She put the keys to the bike in her jeans pocket.

A red-haired waitress came over with her tray; she had a harried expression. Her eyes were sad; but a fiery spirit shone through.

"Another pitcher?" She asked, nodding to their nearly empty one. She paused as she saw Lennie. The woman looked her over. Unconsciously she stood taller, pushing her chest out a little more.

Lennie recognized the posture; the woman was intimidated by Lennie's looks.

Jason nodded as he popped a fry into his mouth. He glanced at Lennie, "Do you want a TruBlood?"

The waitress' eyes widened just a little. "You're a vampire?"

"I am, and no thank you. I don't drink that stuff."

Jessica looked at her interest, "Lucky you."

Lennie glanced at her, as the waitress quickly gathered the pitcher and walked off. "You drink it?" The thought disgusted her and she let it show.

"Bill won't let me drink anything else." Jessica pouted a little. "Eric did."

Lennie couldn't stop her mind from switching to planning mode. Jessica was a potential way to tray Bill. Despite the fact the vampire seemed nice and in need of a friend. She was weak; easy to trap. It wouldn't be hard to trick her. Lennie filed that away in case she needed it.

"Hey, Lennie," Hoyt drew her focus back to the group. She looked at him, "You ever play pool?"

She smiled; she was a master at the game. "A little."

He stood up, "Come on."

She stood up; she knew Jason was watching her butt as she walked away. It amused her to no end. A flicker of her wondered if he would taste as good as he looked. She shook the thought off and focused on the pool tables.

**