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Chapter 9 Click: Beginnings and Endings

A few nights later, Kira came down the spiral staircase to find Thomas at her desk, intently staring at her computer screen. She felt a rush of happiness run through her at the sight of Eli's handsome blonde son. For thirty one years she had watched him grow to adulthood and felt like a second mother to him. Having Thomas in her life had helped fill the void of never having children of her own. Eli and Rachel had included her in all the important events of his life as he grew up.

Thomas looked up and smiled as she came down the stairs.

"Kira, come look, Mick is all over the celebrity gossip sites," he announced, his brown eyes sparkling with laughter.

Kira hurried over to stand behind him and look over his shoulder at the computer. Photos of Mick and an attractive young woman were splashed across the screen. Headlines announced that Tierney Taylor had a new hottie.

"What on earth?" she said in surprise.

"Mick and Tierney Taylor the actress. He sure doesn't look happy sitting out in the sun," Thomas chuckled. "Either he's working for her of he's living a secret life. Think Beth knows he is dating an actress?"

"He's not dating this woman," Kira scoffed. She remembered Beth's breathless phone call, describing how Mick had kissed her on his rooftop. Her friend had sighed with happiness as she told her how wonderful it was. And then she had voiced her worries about Mick's reluctance to get past his hang-ups.

"Well if he's not dating her, do you think he can get me an introduction?" Thomas asked hopefully.

Kira leaned down and hugged him from behind.

"You are too special a young man to get mixed up with a wild one like her," Kira scolded affectionately. "Find a lovely normal girl who will appreciate you."

Thomas sighed; he knew that tone of voice.

"You are not my mother Kira. Do you realize when I was around sixteen, I fantasized about dating you? When Dad told me your secret I thought for sure I had a chance since sooner or later I would look old enough for you," he confessed as he twisted around to look up at her.

Kira laughed lightly and kissed him on the cheek. She had been aware of the looks he had tried to hide when he was an adolescent.

"Thomas honey, I have watched you grow from a baby and I hate to burst your bubble but I can't see you in that light," she said kindly.

"Oh I know that now Kira. But at sixteen you were my heart's desire," Thomas informed her, smiling broadly.

"You are impossible," Kira laughed, ruffling his hair. "Time to go to work."

Thomas nodded and they went out into the club together.

A half hour later Kira was working behind the bar when Mick strolled in. She caught Thomas' eye and they shared a smile.

"Well hi there little brother, you certainly have been making a splash," Kira teased, pouring him a glass of his favorite blood type.

"I thought you never watched the tabloid sites," Mick said looking uncomfortable.

"I don't but Thomas does. He is very jealous of your new lady friend." She leaned in close and whispered. "So are you really Tierney Taylor's new hottie?"

"I'm just working on security for her," Mick said in exasperation. "Do you and Josef work as a tag team?" He accepted the glass and took a drink.

"Haven't talked to Dad lately," Kira said with a wicked grin.

"Don't let him hear you call him that," Mick grinned back. "He's rather sensitive about this whole turning, re-turning business."

"Deep down I think he's pleased with what he did," Kira answered. "Just don't expect him to admit it. Now tell me about Ms Tierney Taylor."

"Nice girl; can't get a moments peace from the paparazzi," Mick said in disgust. "And they call us bloodsuckers."

"Looked like a hot lunch," Kira observed. "Too bad she's such a day person."

"It was hot. I'm heading to a party her producer is throwing for her movie," Mick replied. "I should have called Beth and invited her. She was at the restaurant this afternoon."

"Really? By herself?"

"No, she was with Ben Talbot. I get the feeling he doesn't like me much," Mick said sourly.

"Jealous?"Kira asked with raised eyebrows.

"A little," Mick admitted sheepishly. "You know how I feel about her. What is his interest in her?"

"Beth is a lovely girl, Mick and he almost died with her. I hear he's quite good looking, maybe I should ask for an introduction," Kira said in amusement.

Mick downed the rest of his drink in one swallow and pushed off the bar stool.

"Stay away from him Kira. I don't trust the guy. He's pretty sharp and we don't need him getting curious about the community," Mick warned. "I've got to go or I'll be late."

Kira reached out and covered his hand with hers.

"I was teasing Mick. Beth is only interested in you my friend. If you would quit holding her at arm's length you would see that," Kira reminded him. "Let Beth get close, let yourself be happy for once."

Mick gave her a boyish smile and nodded. He withdrew his hand and touched her cheek lightly.

"I will remember that. You are a good friend Kira," he said warmly.

"Enjoy your party," Kira smiled. "I'll follow your exploits on TMZ."

Mick laughed and walked out.

*****

It was a sad thing for Kira to learn that Tierney Taylor died that night at her party. She knew that Mick would feel responsible but she felt better when she heard that Beth and Mick were working together to find the killer. Sooner or later Mick would have to let Beth know how deeply he cared. If it would not cost her Mick's friendship, Kira would have sat Beth down and spelled everything out to her.

Two nights later the news was filled with the facts that Jason Abbott; Tierney Taylor's producer had been the one who had killed her. Video showed Mick handing Abbott over to the police and Kira smiled seeing Beth alongside him.

It was almost closing when Beth walked into the club. Kira noted her worried expression and took her back to her office.

"Beth do you need something?" she asked in concern.

"No, I'm okay," Beth said with a weak smile. "I feel like I just made a deal with the devil and I guess I'm looking for confirmation that I've done the right thing."

"What did you do?" Kira asked as they sat on the couch.

"I told Josef about the photos Dean Foster has of Mick being hit a car and he agreed to take care of him. Kira…..have I signed a man's death warrant?"

"What photos?" Kira said taking Beth's warm hands in her cool ones.

"The other night Mick was hit by a car that might have been aimed at me. Dean Foster was there and he took pictures, then he contacted me. He threatened to keep following Mick unless I fed him exclusives from BuzzWire. I went to Josef and he agreed to deal with him," Beth explained. She paused and looked uncomfortable. "I know Josef will have Foster killed and it's my fault."

Kira paused, thinking how best to answer Beth. She understood why Beth felt guilty about going to Josef but Kira could not create any sympathy for a blackmailing photographer.

"Beth…..this Foster sounds like a leech. I'm in total agreement with Josef on how to deal with this human. Vampires don't have the option of pursuing human justice to protect our secret," Kira told her. "You did the right thing bringing this to Josef."

"Mick has protected me and cared for me for so long, I had to do something. Foster would not have backed off, he would have continued to follow and photograph Mick. He would have learned his secret," Beth said quietly.

"Then let go of the guilt Beth," Kira instructed. "Our world is bound to clash with your human morals at times. We don't kill indiscriminately and those that do are punished. But we must protect ourselves or we will be exposed."

Beth nodded, she understood Kira's meaning even though it made her uncomfortable. She knew exactly what she had been doing when she contacted Josef and she would not try to stop him at this point.

"I also plan to quit BuzzWire," Beth announced.

"What?"

"Josef pointed out that as long as I'm a reporter and linked to Mick, he will be open to scrutiny," Beth answered.

Kira growled softly.

"How do you feel about this?" she asked in concern.

"With Maureen gone, BuzzWire has changed. This Lewis character wants to go completely tabloid. He has no shame and I don't think I can work for him. I will not risk Mick's secret," Beth said honestly.

Kira hugged her tightly.

"Oh, Beth….. I know how difficult this is for you," she sympathized. "You made the right choice but it is so unfair. Mick will be grateful."

Beth nodded, she had worried about the choice she made at first but had accepted the consequences of her actions shortly after Josef had left her apartment. Deep down she knew that she would make this sacrifice for Mick; it was the right thing to do.

"I'm going out to dinner tomorrow night with Mick," Beth told her.

"That is wonderful Beth," Kira smiled in delight.

Beth sobered for a moment.

"I asked Josef not to tell Mick about our arrangement about Foster. I don't want him to feel guilty about the man's death. Please Kira; don't tell him what we've done." Her eyes pleaded with Kira to keep this between them.

"I can keep a secret," Kira assured her. "Trust me."

"I do," Beth smiled back. "Thank you."

End chapter.

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