Disclaimer: I don't own Being Human, and I don't wish I did because it wouldn't be anywhere near as good as it is, and it would get cancelled when I made sure Damien Molony was in every scene!

Chapter 5: Corvus frugilegus

Bethan fumbled her keys from her pocket and opened the front door. Climbing up the stairs to her flat had been the last straw, and she was more than ready for her microwave meal for one, a hot shower and bed. The glamorous life of a twenty-five year old woman she thought to herself wearily. She stumbled into the living room in the dark, not wanting to risk touching anything electric in her bedraggled state. Getting electrocuted would be the icing on the cake after the week she'd had. And it wouldn't even have been the strangest thing to have happened. Releasing a werewolf from custody by lying to her colleagues about her sexual endeavours had probably won that prize. And it had been nothing short of exhilarating.

A chorus of loud meows greeted her as Toby made his presence known, running in from the kitchen and almost tripping her up.

"Yes, yes, I know. I'm just about to feed you, just let me get my coat off before I drip everywhere." She mumbled to the cat. But he ignored her, running straight past and crouching by the sofa. "What's the matter with you?"

"I'm afraid I might be the cause of his distress." A masculine voice said from the darkness. Bethan gasped and staggered backwards, only just catching herself as her back met the wall closest to the door.

"Who the fuck are you?! How did you get in?" she stuttered, just making out the shadowy figure on the other side of the room.

"I'm very good at locks. We've spoken before Miss Arthur, on the phone a few weeks ago. My name is Mr Rook." She was sure he was smiling. He sounded as smug now as he had then.

"I haven't done any more digging." She shook her head, her breathing getting back to normal, but her heart still thumping furiously.

"That's not the only reason I'm here Miss Arthur. I believe you had a run-in with a certain werewolf and vampire a few days ago." He stated casually.

"Yes. How do you know about that? Were you there?" she questioned, trying to convince herself she felt brave.

"As I said before, I know a lot."

"Alright, then what do you want?" she asked defiantly.

"You have spirit. I like that. I admire it." He drawled, making her skin crawl a little.

"You could let me see who I'm talking to at least. You owe me that much."

"I owe you nothing. But as you wish." He hardly moved as he flicked the stand-lamp beside him on, the bright light flooding the room and making Bethan blink. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust enough to look at him, but when she did, she was surprised. He wasn't as she had imagined him. Relatively short and weedy, impeccably dressed in a grey suit. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back and the hint of a smile on his lips. The image of a gentleman. His ice cold eyes told a different story however, and she fought the urge to shiver.

"Right. Now tell me what you want."

"You're very demanding aren't you Miss Arthur. Patience is a virtue."

"How patient do you think you'd be if someone broke into your home?" she glared, feeling more confident now that she could see him.

"Quite right. Forgive the intrusion, it's just that I felt we needed a little chat, seeing as our phone conversation seems to have fallen on deaf ears."

"I told you, I stopped looking at the files. What was I meant to do, just let him change in the cells?"

"Your concern regarding that incident was misplaced. I would have dealt with Mr McNair before any unfortunate events took place."

"How can you be sure about that?"

"Because it is my job Miss Arthur. And I can assure you, when it comes to my job I am very thorough."

"Is that it then? You've come to remind me to stay away from them?" she asked irritably.

"What you do is no concern of mine. What happens as a result of your actions is though. But it's not just that. I've been watching you quite closely Miss Arthur. I'm a busy man and I don't lavish my attention on just anybody Bethan. May I call you Bethan?"

"No." came her blunt response through gritted teeth.

"Very well, Miss Arthur it is then." He smiled with infuriating charm. "I believe you have potential."

"Potential? For what?" she asked warily.

"For joining me."

"Please tell me that isn't a euphemism." His chuckle set her teeth on edge.

"I wouldn't allow myself to be distracted by such simple pleasures. No, what I want you for is something much more meaningful. You might have already got the jist of what I do. I work to cover up the clues that these supernatural creatures leave behind them. I clear up the messes they leave behind. My colleagues and I are the sole reason that you had never heard of vampires or werewolves before last month. Most humans react badly when first exposed to this world, you seem to have embraced it. Your fascination has not gone unnoticed. I'll be honest with you, my methods are sometimes a little... immoral. It's not a simple life, and it's hard work, but I can promise you exhilaration, purpose, and rather a generous benefits package. What do you say Miss Arthur. Would you rather stay here dealing with the hoodies and vagabonds of boring Barry, or come with me and do some real work?"

Bethan stared at him for a moment. She realised to her shock that she was actually considering his offer. She wanted more from life, and here he was offering it to her. She remembered what he was and shook herself back to reality.

"I think I'll give it a miss thanks. I know what you are and I have no intention of going the same way so if you wouldn't mind, I'd like you to leave now."

"And what, pray tell, do you think I am exactly?" he smiled amusedly, but as he made his way towards her, she could see the irritation in his eyes.

"Are we really going to play this game?" She felt for the stake she had concealed behind her back. She had carried it with her ever since Tom had given it to her, and it seemed now that she had had the right idea. She held it out infront of her, and he stopped. "You're a vampire." He chuckled again, and she swallowed, her confidence rapidly vanishing.

"I am not one of those creatures. I'm human, just like you. Does that make my offer more attractive?"

"Human? Still, that doesn't matter. I'm happy where I am thanks." She answered him levelly, letting her arm drop to her side.

"You're not happy. But never mind that. You've made your choice. I must say, I'm disappointed."

"I'm sure you'll get over it. Now get out."

"Oh, we're not finished here. Now that you've turned me down, I must reiterate my earlier sentiments, except this time, you'll listen. You will stay away from anything supernatural, including the residents of that B&B. And you will never repeat the conversation we've just had. Am I making myself clear?" he narrowed his eyes and moved towards her again, closing the gap between them and maximising his height advantage.

"And what exactly will you do if I refuse? I've dealt with people like you before and you're all talk." She stared up at him, confident that if it came to it, she would be able to take him. A good few years of tackling drunks on weekend benders convinced her that he would be no problem whatsoever.

Suddenly she was pinned against the wall with her arm trapped painfully behind her back and his breath hot on her neck. She squirmed but it only made things worse.

"Does this alter your view on that front? I couldn't be further from being all talk and no action. Believe me, if you defy my warning, if you tell another soul about this meeting, living or dead, you will force my hand. I have ways of making people disappear and I won't think twice about making you next on my list, potential or none." He whispered disturbingly calmly into her ear. "Is. That. Clear." She nodded her head and he stepped back, letting her arm go. She held her shoulder as it throbbed painfully.

She wasn't sure if it was his smug smile or the fact that he'd scared her that drove her to grab the stake and swing it at his head, but swing it she did as he arrogantly adjusted his ever so slightly ruffled collar and cuffs. To her dismay, he reacted a tad too fast, catching it just inches from his temple and snatching it from her grasp. Oh shit, now I'm in trouble she thought vaguely in the silent second that followed. He tossed the stake over his shoulder and grabbed for her throat.

"Big mistake." She heard him mumble in that infuriatingly calm voice. She ducked and whirled around behind him, surprising herself. It was amazing the agility that fear could afford you. A picture of tranquillity, he removed a pair of black gloves from his pocket and deftly put them on while she planned her next move. All she really wanted was to get out – injuring him would be a bonus. The one good thing about the situation was that her job made her fast on her toes, deceptively strong and good at thinking quick. Unfortunately it seemed the same and more could be said for him.

He started towards her again suddenly, grabbing her chin with one hand and a shoulder with the other, forcing her backwards against the opposite wall and winding her. He tipped her head as far back as it would go, making it even harder for her to catch her breath, her hands grabbing at his lapels.

"You're not doing yourself any favours by struggling. Mark my words, I will wi..." she cut him off with a swift knee to the groin, making him groan and fall against the wall on top of her. She twisted away but he caught her arm and back-handed her across the face before she could get further than a foot away from him. She sprawled against the coffee table and clasped a hand to her cheek, blinking as her vision swam for a moment, long enough for him to regain his composure. "Silly little girl."

"Silly little man." She growled, snatching a wooden photo frame from the table and whirling around with it. The corner of it smashed into the side of his head, knocking him sideways. It was enough of a distraction for her to turn and run for the door. He sighed in frustration as he glimpsed her making her way out into the corridor. Following her now would be too conspicuous, and their scuffle had probably already alerted the neighbours. He felt his head where the frame had made contact and rubbed the small, painful lump that had already begun to form. Adjusting his jacket, he made his way out of the flat as quietly as possible, turning off the lamp and shutting the door behind him. He suspected that she wouldn't be returning for the night, and in any case, he knew where to find her. One thing was for sure. She hadn't heard the last of him.

"Alright, alright keep your hair on. Jesus." Alex muttered, rentaghosting to the window to see who on earth was making such a racket at the front door at this time of night. "Hal, Tom!" she shouted upstairs, recognising Bethan as she stepped back from the door to look up at the first floor windows. She felt odd as she undid the latch, having not done so since before she had died. Doors opening by themselves tended to freak people out. Bethan rushed in and slumped against the hallway wall breathing heavily and soaking wet. "What the hell happened to you?" Alex asked before remembering that the other woman couldn't hear her.

"Thank you Alex." Bethan gasped between ragged breaths.

"You're welcome." The ghost mumbled, despite the futility of the gesture. She heard doors opening upstairs as Hal and Tom came pounding along the landing and down the stairs.

"What's going on?" Hal asked worriedly before he saw the drenched police woman. "Bethan? What are you doing here? What's happened?" He stopped dead and swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on her face. He gulped and backed away a few paces. "You're hurt." He breathed without taking his eyes from her. Alex saw the problem and rushed to his side placing her hands on his shoulders. "I'm fine, I'm fine." He insisted, shaking his head and breaking his gaze. She stepped back but stayed close, just incase she needed to rentaghost him away. Bethan frowned and brought a hand up to her lip. Blood still dripped from the cut, watered down and refusing to clot because of the rain. She staggered upright and backed towards the door.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I forgot I was bleeding. I shouldn't have come here." She rambled, reaching for the latch to let herself out.

"Eh don't be daft, it's only a little bit, it'll stop soon enough. Hal's alright aren't you Hal?" Tom put a hand on her shoulder, leading her gently away from the door and towards the living room.

"Yes. Fine." Hal stuttered, giving the werewolf a pained look as he went past. While Tom sat Bethan down on the sofa, Alex disappeared to retrieve a large fluffy towel from upstairs so that the bedraggled woman could at least start to get dry.

"Thank you." Bethan said as the towel appeared infront of her. Alex sat in the armchair opposite, while Hal leant against the bar keeping a safe distance between him and temptation. Alex couldn't help but smile at him. His voluntary restraint was yet another reminder of the change in him.

"Has somebody hurt ya?" Tom asked concernedly, sitting beside her.

"A man called me a few weeks ago telling me to stay away from the files I was looking at. He found out about me helping you the other day, so he broke into my flat to warn me again. We got into a fight when I told him to leave." She explained. It wasn't exactly the whole truth, but she wasn't sure that telling them about Rook's full involvement was such a good idea. It was clear that he felt she knew too much about the supernaturals, but he seemed far more perturbed by the fact that she knew too much about him, and what he did. Telling them would only put them in danger too, and they didn't deserve that.

"A man? Who? What did he look like?"Tom asked.

"That smell." Hal frowned.

"Hal..." Alex warned.

"No not that smell. I can smell him, on your clothes, on you. I recognise that smell. The man who came to see you was in the basement when Alex's body was removed." He moved to sit on the other sofa, seeming to forget his earlier trepidation about the blood. "What did he say to you? Other humans know about us, why is he so concerned about you?"

"He said he had ways of making people disappear. I don't know, perhaps it's because I'm in the police?" she shrugged. Hal didn't look convinced, but he kept quiet.

"Getting my body back isn't worth putting you in danger. I mean, her, putting her in danger." Alex shook her head at her mistake. Hal nodded in agreement.

"I don't know why I came here, I shouldn't have." Bethan stood up to leave.

"Don't be daft! We don't mind do we?" Tom hastily stood up beside her, looking to the others for help.

"Where else would you have gone? I suspect none of your friends or family know about any of this. And no, we don't mind." Hal smiled sympathetically.

"Well, thank you. But I should go. It's late and..."

"You can't go home tonight, it's too dangerous." Hal shook his head.

"You can stay here!" Tom beamed.

"I can't, I don't want to impose."

"Rubbish! How much trouble can you cause anyway, you're only small." He chuckled.

"What about..." she nodded towards Hal, "I'm making you uncomfortable."

"You're making me uncomfortable? I don't know quite what to say to that. Five-hundred years and no one's ever told me they're worried about me killing them for my own peace of mind. I certainly never thought about it like that." He mused.

"Well, it's your home. I'm the one causing trouble." Bethan said sadly.

"Because of us. You wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for us. One night isn't going to be a problem, honestly. Of course you must stay with us." He smiled.

"Alright. This is the shot for the championship." Alex crouched down and concentrated hard. She lined her fingers up carefully, taking a moment to check the intended trajectory again, and flicked. The small paper ball soared through the air and landed with a delicate "ting" in the china mug a few metres away. "Yes! And the crowd goes wild. Go Alex, go Alex!" She celebrated quietly, pumping the air with her fist. "Shite. Boredom has turned me into the world's most tragic ghost."

She turned and frowned as she heard quiet footsteps padding down the stairs. Bethan crept into the living room, smothered in a t-shirt and jogging bottoms that belonged to Tom. Alex hadn't even been aware that he owned clothes that actually covered all of his legs and arms, but it was a good job he did. She was pretty sure lending his clothes to someone, even for a night, would have tipped Hal over the edge, almost as much as knowing there was a semi naked woman in the house. She wondered what Bethan was doing up. It was early, barely seven, and with the state the girl had been in the night before, she hadn't expected her to stir for some time.

"Morning. Are you hungry?" she asked, deciding to ignore the fact that Bethan couldn't hear her. She followed her into the kitchen, opening the doors to the cupboards that contained bread, cereals and crockery to show her where they were.

"Oh. Hi Alex, I wondered if you were here. Thanks, but I'm not hungry." Bethan smiled politely.

"You should eat something." Alex said, sounding a little more motherly than she was comfortable with. She flapped the doors to illustrate her point.

"Well alright, I suppose I should eat something really."

"That's the spirit." The ghost grinned. "Why are you up though?" She watched as Bethan put some toast in, and walked over to the radiator to see if her uniform had dried overnight.

"Well that's a relief. At least I won't have to walk around the station damp today. Bit creased but never mind." She mumbled, examining her black trousers. Alex stared for a moment in shock before striding over to the fridge and spelling out NO in the black and white domino magnets. "It's alright, I'll be fine. He's not likely to turn up there, it'd be a bit bold considering he seems to like sneaking about." Bethan shrugged, buttering her toast calmly.

"Are you mad!? He turned up at your flat and beat you up last night."

"And it's not as if he actually really hurt me or anything. Actually, I kind of provoked him."

"He still hit you. And he told you he could make you disappear. That's pretty blood scary isn't it? He took my body and did God knows what with it. What if you're next?"

"Besides, if he does contact me again I could try asking him about your body. I'll just convince him that I'm not going to tell anyone about you and... him, and then I'll see if maybe he would return it to your family. It's worth a shot."

"No, it's not! Just stay here, it's much safer! Ok, so there's a vampire and a werewolf in the house, but Tom wouldn't hurt a fly, and Hal's a big softy really. Don't tell him I said that though..."

"And I can't exactly sit around here all day. You've already done enough. I'll be out of your hair soon."

"But I don't want you out of our hair, I like having you around. Except for the fact that you can't sodding well hear me! Bugger this!" Alex growled, rentaghosting upstairs to Hal's room. "Hal." He jumped awake, grimacing when he saw her.

"What."

"Bethan's going to work."

"I don't care." He mumbled sleepily, pulling the covers over his head.

"Hal! Oi!" she kicked the mattress, making him grunt. "Did you not hear me? Bethan is going to work!"

"Work? She can't be serious?" He sat up and rubbed a hand over his face, trying to wake himself up. "Have you tried stopping her?"

"It's a little difficult with her not being able to hear me and all." Alex sighed exasperatedly.

"Right. Of course. So I take it you want me to go and speak to her?"

"That'd be nice yes." She replied impatiently.

"Why can't Tom do it? He's better at talking to people and being... nice." he complained waving a hand at her dismissively.

"Have you ever tried waking Tom up before eight? It's like shouting at a rock." She folded her arms irritably. "Come on Hal, it's important. And if you don't hurry up, I'll rentaghost you down there without a t-shirt on, and you know how self-conscious you get if you're not dressed properly infront of women." He crossed his bare arms over his chest instinctively and looked up at her anxiously.

"Fine. Give me a moment." He muttered, throwing back the covers and taking a t-shirt from his wardrobe. By the time they reached the kitchen, Bethan had almost finished her toast. She looked up as he came through the door.

"Morning." Her smile vanished as she noticed the serious look on his face. "She went and got you didn't she." She mumbled, looking very much as if she was expecting a telling off.

"Yes she did. What are you thinking? What if he comes back today?"

"Well what else am I meant to do? I can't stay here forever, I'm going to have to leave eventually."

"She has a point Alex." He sighed, turning to the ghost. "We can't make her stay." He saw her raised eyebrow and almost laughed. "Alex! We can't, don't even think about it."

"Fine! But tell her she has to come back here after work. We need to sort out some kind of plan." Alex jumped up onto the worktop and folded her arms sulkily.

"Alex says you have to come back here after work. I'd do as she says if I were you, she's scary when she's determined." The ghost glared at him as he turned to smile at her.

"How's this. If I hear from him today I'll come back. But it'll be fine, he wouldn't dare. I was just scared last night, that was all. Thanks for letting me stay, it was very kind of you all." Bethan smiled gratefully and took her now empty plate to the sink.

"No problem. Now can I go back to bed?" he asked Alex.

"No. You failed." She pouted.

"Right. I'll be seeing you then." He walked back into the hallway, ignoring her.

(Hope you enjoyed that! Three guesses as to who the cat is named after by the way folks!)