Chapter 2

On the Radar

Darkness had fallen as Viola made her way to the bookshop to do a night of inventory duty. However before she could walk to the backroom Glade came out of her office with a package in her hand.

"Oh Viola, my sun-stars, before you do inventory I need you to make a delivery for me in Shreveport," Glade sang and handed a box to her "Please take to Fangtasia. I have a few things to finish before you start inventory anyways."

"No problem," Viola said and shook her head "I will be back shortly."

"Oh please take your time, dearie," Glade said with a big smile as she watched her walk out the door.

Viola once again was on her way to Fangtasia, she never went to Shreveport as much as she did recently. She had no idea what was in the package and she didn't really want to know anyways, it wasn't her business what people bought even though sometimes she was curious. Her phone lit up and she looked who was calling and hit the ignore button. Leon had been constantly calling her and it was begging to really irritate her. She didn't want to be sucked back in with him, so she just tried to ignore it the best she could. Viola tried to keep him off her mind, and she heard another beep meaning he left yet another message.

"Oh good God," Viola mumbled angrily "I am going to have to change my number and block him, this is so stupid."

Soon enough Viola was pulling into the parking lot of Fangtasia and she didn't see anyone outside yet. She got out with the package and headed to the door which she noticed was unlocked. "Hello? Anybody here? I got a package."

"We're not open yet," A women said that had bite marks all over her.

"Don't really care, just here to drop something off for Eric," Viola said and then saw him walk out of what she assumed was his office.

"Ginger you can leave," Eric said and walked directly over to Viola with a shit eating grin on his face, "I didn't know you worked with Glade."

"Yup," Viola said and thrusted the package into his hands, "Here you go, now if you will excuse me I got stuff to do."

"What's the rush," Eric said as he was holding the package, "You should stay….have a drink…or let me have one." Viola looked at him and frowned, as he stared at her with a twinkle in his eye.

"Ummmmmm, No," Viola said "Nice try, I am not on the menu."

Eric had a frown on his face for a second before it went away and Viola didn't notice it which caused him to smirk, "I guess I can't force you," he then watched her turn to leave and walk past Pam. "Interesting." He then followed her out to her car and just as Viola was opening her car door…"What's your hurry?" he spoke causing her to jump and hold her chest as he heard her heart stop for a moment.

"Oh what the fuck man," Viola yelled and turned to see Eric standing there smiling "You trying to get my heart to stop, good god man."

"Where would be the fun in that be?" Eric smirked and Viola looked at him with suspicion "I will be seeing you around….Viola," then he took back into the club.

"I doubt," Viola mumbled to herself as she got in the car and started to drive off "It's probably bad that I find him attractive….very bad." She grumbled to herself but she kept thinking about Eric "The good lord knows I don't need any more man problems, I don't need to add any…thought it might be fun…damn it bad Vi bad Vi…." She shook her head as her phone went off and thinking it was Leon she got fired up and was going to tell him a piece of her mind enough was enough "WHAT?!"

"Ow oh geeze Viola, no need to yell I can call you back," Sam's voice said as it came through the line.

"Oh God, Sam I am so sorry," Viola apologized, "Leon's being calling and calling and I thought it was him was going to give him a piece of my mind. I am so sorry, for yelling at you darling."

"Hey don't worry about it," Sam chuckled "He's still bothering you?"

"Yea but I mostly ignore him" Viola replied and then let out a sign "So sugar cakes, what shaking?"

"Just wanted to ask…if you'd be willing to come to the bar tomorrow?" Sam asked "I mean after you wake up since I know you are gonna be late at the bookstore, so maybe the afternoon for a bit?"

"I dare say Sam Merlotte, you now my schedule better than I do," Viola teased, "That could be very freaky or stalkerish, if I didn't know you like I do."

"Sorry Viola," Sam said "So what do you say?"

"I guess I could," Viola said "If I can get my ass out of bed, so I am just going with guess."

"I will take it," Sam replied "Thanks again Viola." And then the phone disconnected.

"I really need to start saying no to people," Viola mumbled as she continued to drive to the bookstore. Soon enough she arrived at the bookstore and headed inside where she saw a note from Glade sitting by the registar "hmm a note 'My Little sunshine moon, I had to leave to finish a few deliveries. I trust you to get the inventory done without a hitch. Take tomorrow off, enjoy the day! Live! Dance and dance with someone else my little moonbeam. Oh, don't you think Eric is handsome as well?'….sigh…Oh Glade you old bat, crazy old bat more like it," Viola then laughed and locked the door before heading to the backroom "I swear sometimes she is trying to set me up." As she reached the back room Viola let out a sigh, it was going to take all night or well into the morning hours.

Six hours passed as Viola sat on the ground going through boxes and taking inventory, she was starting to nod off but she was almost done. She could make, or so she thought, but before she knew she was dozing next to one of the bookcases.

"Viola…come out come out….wherever you are," Leon chimed as she could hear footsteps through her house "I promise it won't hurt….much anyways."

Viola kept her hiding spot and tried to calm her heart rate, she could feel it pounding trying to beat out of her chest. As quiet as she could she was also trying to slow her breathing to maybe, just maybe make it harder and take longer to find her. 'I don't want to die, I don't want to die….well at least not like this,' she thought to herself as she held in tears 'Not like this.'

"Oh come on Vi, I'm sure you will love it," he taunted "Just like all those nights you spent with him," disgust could he heard in his voice "How could you stand him, but not me?" his footsteps got closer and soon he was on top of Viola and she felt hot breath on her neck "Hello baby, did you miss me?"

Viola let out an ear shattering scream and Leon reached for her and she moved as fast as she could to get out of the way, but he was faster. Leon grabbed her roughly, and slammed her against the coffee table, smashing her head as well. Viola groaned out in pain as her vision began to fade.

"My favorite position," Leon purred as he leaned against her and started to grind on her "Too bad you never let me try it on you before, maybe I will now. I could go for a spot number two."

"I'm going to kill you," Viola said as she felt her head smashed against the table again.

"Not before I kill you," Leon said and then flipped her over on the coffee table and sat on her waist before putting his hands around her neck, "And baby, it will be so sweet, when I do."

Viola jolted awake and knocked over the box she was counting and took a deep breath before looking at her watch, 3am. She let out a groan and got up, she would finish this one box when she got back. It was time to head home and get some sleep, actually sleep. She put the box by the cash register and left herself a note to do it when she got back and locked up shop before heading home.

Once Viola was home she saw her answering machine flashing with a new message. She put her keys on the hook before walking over and playing it.

"Hey Viola, its Sam…umm I don't know how to say this…but Sookie's Gran was murdered last night with the cat. I tried to reach you at the store but no one was there and I guess I am trying you at home….." Viola didn't heard the rest of the message before she took her house keys, locked the door and ran down the road to Sookie's house, the lights were still on.

"Sookie?" Viola called out as she walked into the house towards the kitchen and saw Sookie was on her hands and knees wiping the blood off her hands. "Oh Sook"

"Viola?" Sookie said and turned to face Viola who knelt down next to Sookie.

"Hey sweet pea," Viola said and took Sookie's hands "Here take a break, I will finish."

"No, it's alright," Sookie shook her head and Viola gave her a hard look.

"Sook, I am telling you, take a break. I will finish this," Viola said and grabbed some rubber gloves before taking the rag from her hand "Go upstairs, get some sleep, and take a shower. You have been through a lot tonight." She gently nudged Sookie towards the stairs and watched her vanish up them.

Viola let out a sigh as she turned and looked at all the blood. It was everywhere; she couldn't imagine how it was for Sookie since she was the one who found Gran. She could hear water running from upstairs and smiled before she got ready for the task in front of her. Viola started the long process of cleaning up all the blood, she knew it was going to take all night. She also knew that tomorrow there would be people over giving their condolences, tomorrow was going to be a hard day for Sookie.

The next morning came quicker than Viola thought, she never went to sleep that night and had ran over before Sookie got up to her house to shower and change before she was back over. It had taken all night to clean and bleach everything. Viola called Sam and told him she wasn't working and he just laughed since he already figured that. People were crowding into the house all morning and Viola excused herself a moment to use the bathroom, she then heard Sookie yell just as she finished washing her hands ran down the stairs and saw Sookie holding a pie.

"This is Gran's pie!" she yelled and Tara walked over to Sookie and gently took her arm.

"Ok, I need to take Sookie upstairs," Tara said and Viola followed them "Just give us a little girl time, come on Lafayette." Sam looked at them concerned and Viola just gave him a soft smile.

On the way up Lafayette informed Viola what happened and a concern look was soon on Viola's face. Soon the four of them were in Sookie's room on her bed, Viola was sitting against the headrest with Lafayette leaning on her and Sookie against the other side of the headrest with Tara at the foot of the bed.

"I shouldn't have yelled like that," Sookie softly said.

"Don't be sorry for yelling at that snoopy old bitch," Tara said "She's been sticking her nose where it doesn't belong for years."

"I mean, if she be talking anymore shit, she'd be shaped like a turd," Lafayette said and the three of let out a laugh while Sookie sat quietly.

"Gran's gone," Sookie said, "She's really gone."

"Yea," Tara gently replied "She is."

"I don't know what I am supposed to do," Sookie replied "Can't even think straight."

"Well of course you can't how can you with all these circling buzzards," Tara said "You know you're not their entertainment, you don't have to dance for them, you just got to feel whatever your feeling."

I'm not sure I'm feeling anything," Sookie said "I'm just numb."

"Numb is good, numb is probably exactly what you need right now," Tara said "Stop worrying about being so damn appropriate. This is not an appropriate event."

"Thank you for getting me out of there," Sookie replied "Haven't had a single minute of silence, can't seem to block anything out right now."

"You want me to tell them all to shut the hell up," Tara asked.

"I wish it were that easy," Sookie answered.

"It is," Lafayette said and pulled out a bag from his pocket, "Your wish is my command."

"Oh no, I don't do drugs," Sookie said quickly and shook her head.

"Sook, relax, this is not drugs, this is Valium," Lafayette smile and Viola just let out a snort "Well, I'll tell you what, I will put it on your nightstand. Just in case you change your mind. I'm going to go and check the circling buzzards." He then started to get up and smiled at Sookie.

"Lafayette," Sookie called and she picked up the pecan pie.

"Would you mind taking this downstairs for me?" Sookie asked.

"I will guard it with my life," Lafayette smiled and left the room with the pie.

"Sweet pea," Viola spoke gently and Sookie looked at her, "you stay up here as long as you need." She then pulled Sookie close and hugged her.

"Does it get easier Viola?" Sookie asked in Viola's hug.

"Eventually," Viola said and pulled back slightly "Remember she never left in here," she pointed to Sookie's heart, "She is always there for you when you need. Don't forget that Sookie ok?"

"Ok" Sookie replied and Viola gave Sookie a kiss on the forehead.

"I am going to help with the buzzards," Viola said and got off the bed and nodded to Tara, Sookie and Tara were best friends so Viola knew Tara wouldn't leave.

As Viola walked downstairs Jason ran up them and she just shrugged and continued on her way when she heard a smack and then Jason running back down the stairs and out to his truck before peeling out. Viola found out that Jason had smacked Sookie, and then Tara kicked him off and he left. After that Viola decided it was time for everyone to go, so she kicked everyone out. Once the last person was out, she walked over to the dining table and saw Tara eating some corn bread.

"You know Tara, that food has some bad mojo it in," Viola said and shook her head.

"See, she is a smart bitch," Lafayette said.

"Taste like corn bread to me," Tara said with a mouth full and Lafayette rolled his eyes.

"You're going to be regretting that later," Lafayette chimed back as Viola just laughed.

"Hey you guys mind if I leave you both? I have to finish packing for work," Viola asked as she leaned against the door frame.

"Bye bitch," Tara said and ate more corn bread.

"Have fun, my goddess," Lafayette sang as Viola smiled and headed out the door and down to her place.

Glade had her yearly convention and normally Viola was able to miss it but this year Glade wasn't having it and she was being forced to go. Viola had a few more things to pack before she was going to take a flight to Dallas. Glade and Viola sat next to each other on the flight with allowed for a few strange looks because of Glade and her unique look. Viola didn't care, she stopped caring what people thought about her and who she was hanging out with ages ago. Soon the flight landed just as the sun was setting and they were on their way to the hotel that Glade had gotten them a large room to share that had to separate bed rooms at either end of the hotel room and a common room in the middle, more of a suite.

"Glade will you tell me what convention this is now that we are in the hotel?" Viola asked as she came out of her room and Glade put a few boxes on the table in the middle.

"Oh my sweet sun-moon it is not a convention but a gathering, of those who have entered the enteral night," Glade said with a smile "Also it is a fundraiser of sorts for shops like mine and those are the people we need, as much as they need us. A gathering of the one mind, body and soul."

"Sooo, that's why I had to bring that cocktail dress you went out and bought me?" Viola questioned and Glade let out a goofy smile "Why am I here? You normally go by yourself."

"Well, I've been trying to get you to come, I need my sun-moon," Glade answered and gestured to the boxes, "You always bring light into the room."

Viola looked at her questioning for a moment "As long as you don't auction me off, I'm good," she then opened the box and saw the dress for the first time. She pulled out the dress and tried not to have her jaw drop, it was a beautiful. An ankle length black dress that had a slit up to the mid-thigh, it had a built in bra that was sturdy, or at least looked it and rather large, which was good since Viola was well endowed. "This is beautiful Glade, I love it."

"Oh don't forget these shoes," Glade said and gestured to the other box and Viola opened it to reveal blue satin high heels, "The colors go perfectly together, gives it a pop."

"Thank you Glade," Viola said and grabbed the shoes as well and Glade started shoving her towards Viola's room.

"Get dressed," Glade said "We only have a little of time before it starts."

"Ok, I'm going," Viola said and softly shut the door behind her and laid the dress on the bed "…How does she know my size….wait never mind I am not going to ask that."

Viola took her clothes off besides her comfy Hans underwear, and started to pull the dress on, "Holy…it actually fits great," Viola readjusted her boobs to get them to sit perfect and realized she was showing a lot more cleavage than she normally would. "Hell she is going to sell me off isn't she?" Viola then zipped the side zipper of the dress and walked over to the mirror in her room "Huh, don't look half bad, even fits my ass," she then turned and looked at herself in the mirror. The dress only hugged in the right spots, and didn't hug any of her bad spots. Viola moved to the shoes and slipped them on and they fit perfect, just a little bit bigger to allow for comfort when moving "…Like a glove…Glade and her mystical powers. Yea I am not going to ask." For some reason before Viola let her room she thought of Eric, over the past few weeks she had been to his club delivering stuff quite a bit, their banter always made her leave there with a stupid smile on her face cussing him out. Viola just shrugged and walked out of the room to see Glade in a long yellow dress "You look great Glade, I love the color on you."

"Oh no my moonbeam, you look beautiful…imagine if that handsome Viking saw you now," Glade sang and Viola looked at her.

"Who?" Viola questioned.

"Oh nothing," Glade said and took her hand and they both headed out.

The ballroom in the hotel was massive, and beautiful. It was like nothing that Viola ever saw. It looked old, with the architecture, but still amazing with all the details and not an ounce of dust anywhere she could see. As Viola looked around she saw Glade talking to a big variety of people and she knew some weren't humans. Glade wanted Viola to observe, and just get a feel for whoever Glade was talking with, Glade had trusted Viola opinion on most things because she had a good record of reading body language, Leon was her mess up with that one, she just liked assholes. She decided to go to the refreshment table where she saw bottles of True Blood and classes of wine, champagne and punch; just as she was reaching for some punch she felt someone behind her, and she groaned inward.

"You look good enough to eat," the voice said and Viola's face harden as she took a sip of the punch and turned around.

"Nope," Viola said as she starred at him, and could tell he was a vampire and she wasn't having it, "I suggest you move along."

"No, I think you should come with me," he said again and smirked but fell when Viola just stared at him unimpressed.

"Miguel, why are you bothering her?" another voice which belong to what she assumed was another vampire who was slightly shorter than her because of her heels otherwise they'd be about the same height. He gave off a different vibe, and old old vibe, but it wasn't one of malicious intent.

"I was just saying hello," Miguel said "Wasn't I darling?"

"No, you were trying to be a perv," Viola deadpanned and took another sip of her punch "Told you once, will tell you again…..move along." She then waved her hand away from her.

"I would take her advice Miguel," the other vampire said and Miguel looked at him before walking off with a glare on his face, "You are unusual for a human."

"Probably," Viola said and smiled at him" Thank you for getting him to go, I would have hated to spill my punch…I am sorry I don't know your name sir."

"Godric," he said and Viola smiled and nodded "That wasn't your first encounter with a vampire, was it?"

"No," Viola said with a nod, "A friend of mine decided she wanted to date one and my boss has many vampire clients, I sometimes make deliveries when needed."

"Ahh, well then little one may I know your name?" Godric asked with a soft smile.

"Viola," She answered and then felt another set of eyes on her and frowned when she saw another vampire was looking at her "Oh come on, nothing to look at buddy." She growled out and huffed.

"It may be due to the fact you look and smell delicious to them," Godric said and Viola groaned "That, and many aren't using to seeing human women so attractive." Viola then let out a small laugh.

"Thank you for your kind words Godric, but I don't think I am that attractive, bout average with more meat than most men like," Viola sweetly answered. She never thought of herself as something super special and it always was uncomfortable when people pay attention. She just like to be in the background, "It's the dress Glade got me, just hides everything…..and nothing at all." Viola laughed and noticed Godric studied her for a moment, before holding out his hand to her.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked and Viola was giving him a weary look, "I don't bite." He gave a soft chuckle and Viola answered.

"I don't dance all that well," Viola responded and Godric just smiled at her.

"Non-sense, come," He then gently kept his hand still out as Viola paused a moment before putting down the punch and taking his hand and following him "Besides Glade seems to be busy, and you seem rather uncomfortable with all the attention. So perhaps a dance will ease the tension."

"Or make it worse," Viola mumbled and heard Godric laugh, "Shit, I forgot you could hear that….I am just going to shut up now."

"No need, you are rather amusing," Godric said as they got to the dance area and he put an arm around her waist.

"I don't know if that is good or bad," Viola answered as they started to dance.

"Me either," Godric smiled and Viola almost groaned but let out a small laugh instead.

"May I ask you a question, besides the one I just asked," Viola said to Godric as they moved around the dance floor, and he nodded, "Do all people smell the same to you? Or is it different bloods different smell? Sorry never had a chance to ask….figured no time like the present."

"It's alright," Godric responded and thought for a moment, "It's a combination of sorts, there are some people that smell better than others. You for example, have a strange combination of a bitter and sweet smell, it is slightly intoxicating. But don't worry, you have nothing to worry about around me."

"Well I did ask," Viola said and soon the song came to an end, and they both headed off the dance floor, "Thank you Godric, that was enjoyable."

"You dance better than you gave yourself credit for," Godric replied as he turned and notice Glade was walking over to them.

"Moonbeam!, I see you have met one of our best customers," Glade said as she got close.

"Lady Glade, a pleasure to see you again," Godric said with a slight bow towards her.

"Ah, I did see a smile on your face, lovely isn't she?" Glade said and Viola got a questioning look on her face "Oh don't worry dearie, I'm not going to auction you off."

"I can never tell with you Glade," Viola sighed.

"I'd lose my best employee," Glade sang.

"I'm your only employee," Viola answered back and Godric just smiled at the two of them.

"…also true," Glade said, "Now Godric, I must steal you for a moment from my moonbeam."

"Excuse me Viola," Godric said "It was a pleasure meeting you."

"You as well, Godric," Viola answered and watched Glade lead Godric away while talking quietly with him "If I get kidnapped…I know Glade set it up."

Soon enough Viola was back up in her hotel room and looked at her phone and saw a few missed called and a few messages from Lafayette and Tara as well as an unknown number. The ones from Tara and Lafayette were about how the funeral went and the other one she hit play and wish she hadn't.

"Hello pet, I can see you blocked my number, that wont stop me. You cant avoid me forever…." And Viola immediately deleted it.

"Yea, we will see about that," Viola said and got out of the dress before laying on the bed to get some sleep, they were heading back to Bon Temps tomorrow and she wanted a little sleep, if she could get it.

"Loa you know, I do like seeing you like this," a voice said from behind Viola and she just laughed.

"Like what?" Viola replied and felt arms wrap around her protecting her.

"Vicious, it is an absolute turn on," he said and Viola could feel him at her back, rubbing against her butt.

"I can tell," Viola answered and then laughed, "Sorry, I feel like I should be crying not laughing."

"Oh but I can get you to cry out," he said and licked up Viola neck to behind her ear, "You know, you'll like it…."

Viola opened her eyes to the sun blasting in them and she just groaned and got out of bed to get ready for the plane flight back. Viola just been ignoring the seemly random dreams she keeps having before it drives her crazy.

Soon enough they were back in Bon Temps and Viola was working at the bookstore and couldn't remember the last time it was this busy. The phone was ringing off the hook and people were in and out of the store buying things. Viola was juggling cashing people out and helping them. Glade was running around the bookstore trying to keep things in stock and answering question left and right. Soon the sun set and it started to slow down, and Glade made her way back to the office to get some ordering done. Viola went and heated up some soup and sat down behind the cash register to eat, so she could still tell if someone walked into the shop, she had a small stood she could put her food on just in case. The phone then rang as Viola took a bite and she sighed before reaching to get the phone.

"Good evening, Ruby Red Collections. How can I help you this evening?" Viola answered and reconzied the voice on the line, it was Godric.

"Hello Viola, I would like to speak to Glade," He said.

"Of course Godric, just let me put you on hold a moment," Viola replied then got up from her seat and walked towards the back hall way and knocked on the slightly open office door, "Glade, Godric wishes to speak with you."

"Oh thank you my moonbeam," Glade said "Can you please shut the door while I get the phone" she then picked up the phone she had in her office as Viola shut the door and headed back out front.

Just as she got behind the counter again and brought the soup up to her lips the chimes above the door rang and Viola leaned slightly and saw Eric walking in and she groaned inwardly, but decided she was going to eat her soup.

"Hmm I've never actually been in here," Eric said as he walked around the aisles and saw Viola sitting behind the counter eating, "You know that not good customer service."

"I'm hungry, don't care," Viola said between mouthfuls of soup "besides you were looking."

"Indeed I was," Eric said as he leaned against the counter "I could use a bite."

"Har har funny," Viola said and put her soup on the stool "Any particular reason you came in for?"

"Just browsing, and to indulge in my curiosity," Eric smirked at Viola who just gave him a weary look.

"Uh-huh," Viola said and studied his face as his chin length blonde hair moved against his jaw when he smirked "I somehow doubt that."

"I figured, since you come visit me so often, I shall visit you," Eric said and Viola just rolled her eyes.

"You just come to harass me," Viola said just causing him to laugh, as he got back up and walked towards the door. "Leaving so soon?"

"Oh I got what I wanted, don't miss me too much," Eric said and then vanished out of the shop in vampire speed leaving Viola there just shaking her head.

"He is so weird," Viola mumbled to herself and went back to eating her soup.