A/N- Read and review,

Quinn didn't follow me, which was good because I didn't want him to be a part of what I was about to try, especially if his sister's life was on the line. I reached the desk and encountered the same clerk from yesterday, he greeted me just as politely if not a little hesitantly.

"Hi" I begin smiling my nervous smile, "I was hoping you could find a number for me?"

He nodded,

"Of course," pulling out a pad and pen with a flourish; he waited while I gave him everything I knew about Doctor Ludwig. I thanked him politely and then opened my mind and latched onto his own. Trying to look as casual as possible I headed over to the main doors of the hotel, expecting to 'hear' him panic and call me back every step of the way.

I held my breath until I reached the front gates of the Mira Hotel before I realised I was in the clear and exhaled. Feeling dizzy with relief and clutching the wall for support- gaining me funny looks from tourists- I got to my feet and made a run for it, not stopping before I was a long, long block from the hotel.

I sank onto a bench and rested my elbows on my knees, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm my racing heart and prevent another round of morning sickness.

I had just escaped from the Mira Hotel and Casino.

If I caught a taxi to the nearest airport, I could be home by dinnertime.

I allowed myself to fantasize walking through my front door that very evening, Amelia running to give me a big hug, dinner being on the table and I would be able to spend the night sleeping in my own bed.

Before Felipe or his goons caught up with me again.

I couldn't kid myself, if I escaped now I might not even make it out of Sin city before some supe got me. Not only my life but Eric, Pam and possible even Jason's might be in danger.

As much as my heart was begging me to run and never look back, I had to stay in Vegas.

The thought of returning to the hotel right away was too depressing. I dithered on the park bench wondering what to do when a tour bus pulled up to the curb. I watched it for a few seconds before I reached my decision, standing and patting my pockets to find my purse, I got on the bus.

The tour guide was the one selling tickets, he looked above the head of a couple of Japanese tourists and grinned when he saw me. For a moment I panicked, running through my list of acquaintances to see how I knew him, then I saw an all-too-familiar leer on the guide and realised that we didn't know each other but he wanted to know me in the biblical sense.

My morals refused to let me flirt when I was pregnant, not that I'd been all that interested in flirting with strangers beforehand. I simply paid the money for a day pass and found two seats to myself up the back.

I kept my telepathy in tow and listened attentively to the tour guide, who- when not being a sleaze- managed to make the facts of Las Vegas interesting. I didn't have a camera on me, but for the day I was just another tourist. Just another normal person on holiday with loved ones waiting for me at home.

I saw every possible sight and departed at a few stops, buying the usual cheap bright souvenirs and other paraphernalia, even helping other non-English speaking tourists with their shopping. I became lost in my own fantasy and enjoyed every second of it.

It wasn't until I noticed that the clothing of the people changing that I realised how late it was. I was leaving a casino with a sweet Italian family that had adopted me for the day; I looked around for a clock and saw that it was just on ten o'clock. Sighing I waved goodbye to my new friends and stepped into the street, trying to hail a cab. I had only done it once before, but Vegas was a tourist city so I didn't have too long a wait.

The cab driver was a butch older man who didn't want to make conversation, which was fine with me, I was exhausted by the activity of the day, I wanted nothing more than to have a nice long bath and crawl into bed.

The cab stopped suddenly and the driver turned in his seat to look at me,

"You sure you gave me the right address darl face?"

I'd been daydreaming about my bath so I blinked and stared for a few seconds before I replied,

"Of course" I blush in embarrassment, hearing his opinion about women with Southern accents,

"The Mira Hotel and Casino"

"Well this is the place" he told me gesturing and confused, I slid over the seat and looked out the window, into darkness.

For a moment I thought I was looking at an empty lot, and then I saw that the hotel was there, but there wasn't a light on in the entire building. Even the large ornamental gates to the casino were shut.

Cautiously I paid the driver and stepped from the safety of the vehicle. Across the road and to either side of the casino were bright lights and loud tourists, making me feel even more alone and vulnerable as I approached the dark edifice.

At the gates I looked around for a way to get in, not sure of what I would do otherwise. Quinn's mobile number might still be in my cell, but that wouldn't do me much good, it was sitting on the loveseat in my hotel room. Then I saw the bell on the side of the gate, with the speaker above it. Eagerly I headed over, juggling my numerous bags and pressed it until I got a response,

"Yes...?" a disinterested voice came out over the speaker,

"Hi" I greeted, trying to sound confident, "My name is Sookie Stackhouse, I'm staying in the hotel...might I please come in?"

No reply, all I got was static. Close to tears, I readjusted my bags and tried to figure out what I would do...more than anything right now I wanted to call Eric and hear his voice.

"Sookie! It's me"