Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I think that FanFiction writers have earned to right to continue the saga.

Thank you for the reviews I received on the last chapter. I really do appreciate the support that some of you have given me for so very long.

Chapter 19

At Kira's apartment, Kira put on another of her gowns and looked at her reflection in the full length mirror. She was pleased with what she saw but a deep sigh still escaped her. The sheer, emerald green number fit as if it was made for her alone and it would definitely would produce to result she was hoping for but she wasn't happy to have to use this method to get the answers she wanted. Leaving the bedroom, she went to where Josef sat, pausing a few feet in front of him, waiting on his reaction.

"Stunning," Josef nodded with an appreciative smile. "Each one gets better." He reached for her but she made no move to come closer. "Kira?"

Kira shook her head and planted both hands on her hips.

"First you explain. Laslo Masterson," she demanded.

Josef eased back in his seat and closed his eyes. He should have seen this coming; he knew that Kira would not let it go. It was evident that trying to keep secrets from her would be useless when she played dirty. He admired that trait in her.

"Okay," he agreed and looked at her. She was so beautiful in that sheer gown that she had selected. "Ask your questions."

"Just what do you owe this guy?" she asked bluntly.

Josef extended a hand to her and this time she accepted his invitation and came forward, settling on his lap.

"I met Leonard Meier in New York City in the 50s. A great guy and okay actor who loved the theater. And he loved to party," Josef began and then paused, his discomfort was obvious. "We were good friends but then I met Sarah….and I dropped out of the party scene." He looked up at her apologetically, hating to bring memories of Sarah into this time with Kira. There was no better way to tell this story.

Kira nodded encouragingly and stroked one hand along his cheek.

"Go on. It's okay," she said softly.

"Well…..you know how that ended," he continued. "When she didn't wake, I panicked. I had very few close friends in New York so I called Lenny. He came immediately and helped to get the care that Sarah needed. He had been in New York for seventy-five years so he had contacts. I had never had a turning go bad like that, I lost it Kira. For two days I couldn't function…..Lenny took care of me. I owed him a warning tonight," he finished, barely above a whisper. His gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet her eyes.

Gently Kira drew his head to her shoulder and stroked his hair. She rocked slightly, knowing what telling her this cost him.

"I'm sorry Josef. I had no idea this would awaken such painful memories," she soothed. "I understand why you needed to see him before Mick did. You did the right thing."

"I don't believe Lenny killed anyone. He was genuinely shocked to hear the girl was dead," he said tilting his head back to look at her. His arms were locked around her waist. "Mick is still suspicious but he doesn't know Lenny like I do."

Kira smiled at him, her eyes glistening with emotion. She knew that it was very difficult for Josef to discuss Sarah, even with her. When Josef had returned from New York, he had been withdrawn and had refused to see her for a whole month and it had been several more before he began to act like the Josef she knew. Eventually he did tell her what happened in New York but only an abbreviated version and she could see the tremendous guilt he carried. Kira never pushed to hear more and kept this secret just as she had all his others.

Taking his face in her hands, Kira leaned in to kiss him gently.

"If you believe he is innocent then I'm sure he is. You will find a way to help Mick see that. You are a special vampire Josef," she said softly before kissing him again.

Hugging her tighter, Josef pushed the bitter memories of Sarah's failed turning deeper into his soul. Kira deserved his full attention at this moment. This woman that he had turned on a whim so long ago had always stood beside him, providing support no matter what he had done. She was perfect proof that being undead did not preclude having a heart. This lovely redhead had made a dent in Josef's life and until this moment he hadn't realized just how big of one.

"Thank you Kira. You are one of a kind my girl," he said in a voice tight with emotion.

Kira smiled and rested her forehead against his.

"Don't forget it my darling," she said lightly. She urgently wished to wipe the pain out of his eyes. "Now…..don't you think this lovely gown needs to be appreciated properly?" She smiled as a glint of humor appeared in Josef's eyes.

"I do like that suggestion," he replied as his hands slid over the thin fabric, moving up her sides. He felt her shiver with desire at his touch. "You have the most exquisite taste in lingerie my pet."

"Thank you Josef, I shopped with you in mind," Kira purred huskily, her own fingers moving to unbutton his shirt.

With a soul that felt much lighter, Josef rose to his feet, holding Kira. He bent his head to kiss her gently and then headed to the bedroom. It was his goal to make sure that this lovely woman knew he appreciated her.

*M*M*

Eight thirty came early the next morning and Beth began to think she really had to adjust her sleep habits. She had left Mick, telling him to get some freezer time before they went to see Laslo Masterson. She had to go into the office and hand in her report to Ben. The last thing she wanted was to have Talbot wondering what she was up to. While Ben had not given her a deadline, Beth was aware that this was an active police case and dragging her feet would only raise suspicion.

At her cubicle Beth organized and quickly printed out her report on Tammi Montgomery. She carefully skirted the fact that it had been a horror film that the girl was working on and made no mention of Dark Nightmare Pictures. Beth hoped the lead Mick had found would get them answers before the police got around to checking the smaller studios. With slow steps she went to Ben's office and knocked before entering at his invitation.

"Here's what I've learned so far," Beth said handing him her report. "I have an appointment with another contact later today."

Ben looked her over carefully, he could see how tired her eyes looked and wondered what kind of hours she was keeping.

"Thanks Beth. I'm sure this is very thorough. Perhaps from here on out we can let the police continue this investigation," he suggested.

"But Ben….I've all ready set up this interview and the person is expecting me. I'm sure the police have enough leads to follow so I can cover this," she protested. "I like finishing what I have started."

"All right Beth," Ben agreed with a smile. He certainly admired her fire. He paused, not sure if he wanted to bring up this next subject. The wisdom of asking questions that brought up her personal relationship with St. John always gave him an uncomfortable feeling, but he decided to plunge ahead. "And what information has St. John gathered about Ms Montgomery's death?"

"Mick?" Beth asked in surprise. "Why do you think Mick has anything to do with this?"

"I'm not stupid Beth. Carl Davis saw both you and St. John leaving the morgue on Monday evening. Did you call him in to work this case?" Ben accused.

"I did not ask Mick to work my case," Beth said indignantly. "Mick has a missing person's case that has some circumstances very similar to how Tammi went missing. We think it might be the same guy who is involved. Mick just came along with me when I spoke to the morgue attendant," Beth added defensively.

"So St. John isn't investigating Ms Montgomery's death?" Talbot asked skeptically. "Who is he looking for?"

"I don't believe I can violate his client privilege by telling you that Ben," Beth said coolly. "We are not sure if the two disappearances are connected and I can't tell you what Mick hasn't told me." She wanted to add that given that fact that their quarry was a vampire Ben wasn't likely to get the answers he expected.

"Okay, I get the privilege business," Ben said dismissively. "But you tell St. John that his PI license does not allow him to keep information from the police when it involves an ongoing investigation. If he wants to keep his license, he will report what he learns," the ADA warned.

"Mick will do the right thing," Beth said stiffly. "He always does."

"He often skirts the edges," Ben responded.

"I'm not going to argue with you Ben. Mick has always assisted the police. I have to get going if I'm to keep my appointment," Beth said quickly and left, hoping it didn't look like she was running away.

Ben watched her walk away, his eyebrows knitted together in a frown. Beth had not told him everything but what was she hiding and why? He had figured St. John would get involved with this case whether Ben liked it or not, but there was some concern that the PI had a similar case. The last thing Talbot wanted to learn was that they had a serial killer on their hands.

Beth's stomach churned with dread as she drove back to Mick's place. Side stepping Ben's questions had been tricky and now she knew he was very focused on what she and Mick were doing. How would they cover this up once they discovered the killer and dealt with him? It would be more than just a matter of calling the mysterious Cleaners, of that she was sure. How would they fool a man as smart as Talbot and not have him take away Mick's license? Beth's worry had her anxious to get to Mick and talk to him. They certainly had their hands full.

End chapter.

The plot thickens and now we have to get to the movie studio and see what we can learn. I do hope that you are enjoying the story. Thank you for reading.