Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I keep saying that but it is getting more difficult to believe.

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Chapter 20

Beth let herself into Mick's apartment with the electronic key he had given her just as he stepped out of the office. His eyes lit up when he saw her.

"Did you drop off the report?" he asked, happy that she had not been stuck at the office.

"Oh yea but we may have trouble with Ben. He knows that you went to the morgue with me. I was warned that if you learn anything about Tammi's killer and don't report it your license could be in jeopardy," Beth said in irritation. "I told him you would do the right thing."

Smiling, Mick gathered Beth into a hug.

"Well of course I will…although he may not like what "the right thing" is. Don't worry Beth, we can handle it. Justice will be served once we locate this guy," he promised.

"How will we cover this up? Ben is focused on us, you in particular," Beth said anxiously.

"Let's find the killer first then we'll worry about what story we give Talbot," Mick answered. "One step at a time. Let's get over to the movie set and get some answers."

"Sounds good," Beth agreed.

They headed down to the parking garage and took Mick's car to the Dark Nightmare Pictures' movie set. At the gate, the guard gave them passes and told Mick where they could park. Getting out of the car, Mick looked around the lot, noting that it was not as large as the major studios in town. A sandy haired young man hurried over to them, waving one hand to get their attention. Instantly recognizing that this guy was a vampire, Mick placed himself between Beth and the approaching man.

"Mr. St. John?" the guy said extending his hand. "I'm Calvin Simmons, Laslo's assistant. I guess you could say I'm his right hand man. If Laslo wants something done, I make sure it happens." The earnest looking man smiled self-consciously as Mick shook his hand firmly.

"This is Beth Turner, my girlfriend and she works for ADA Talbot," Mick responded, nodding to Beth and emphasizing the girlfriend part. He let go of Simmons' hand and put a possessive hand on Beth's shoulder.

From Mick's actions, Beth figured that this unassuming man was a vampire. A happy shiver ran through her when Mick referred to her as his girlfriend. She smiled politely as Simmons nodded at her and indicated that they should follow him to a large building off to the right. As they walked, the shorter man looked up at Mick in concern.

"Is Tammi really dead?" Calvin asked softly.

"Yes she is," Mick confirmed. "How well did you know her?"

"I know all of Laslo's ladies. I do work for him. I….uh…I take care of them," Calvin said, searching for the right words. "I did see her Saturday after she met with Laslo, she was very angry. Laslo told me she was unhappy with the rewrites. I didn't see her after that and Monday she didn't show up for shooting."

"Do you think Laslo did something to her because they fought?" Beth asked.

"Oh no. Laslo would never hurt Tammi. She made the first Road Trip movie a big seller. Tammi was a valuable member of our studio," Simmons protested.

"How long have you worked for Mr. Masterson?" Beth continued. Mick's lips quirked in amusement at Beth's determined questioning, she certainly was persistent.

"Eight years. I started out as a production assistant ….basically a gofer and I worked my way up," Calvin said proudly. "Laslo likes how I keep the little things from slowing up production. Our film company makes money by putting films out quickly." They had arrived at the large, converted warehouse and entered. Calvin cautioned them to be quiet because of ongoing filming.

Inside they approached the sound stage, arriving just as Masterson called out, "Cut….that's a print". He left his chair and walked over to the three young women in shorts and tank tops who stood in a set that looked like a cheap motel room. With hugs and quick kisses, he praised the women for their performance. It was obvious that all three women relished his attention, showing no fear of his touch.

As they stopped just off stage, Laslo noticed their presence and hurried over to them. Getting a closer look, Beth was struck by the man's good looks and she felt Mick's hand tighten on her shoulder, where it had remained as they had entered the soundstage.

"Mr. St. John, I see you and your friend have found us all right," Laslo said pleasantly as he approached them. He let his eyes travel appreciatively over Beth.

"Yes…Beth Turner, this is Laslo Masterson. Beth works for the DA's office," Mick said somewhat stiffly.

Laslo took Beth's hand in both of his and smiled warmly.

"I am very pleased to meet you Ms Turner. I do hope we can discover who killed Tammi and fix things so the human authorities don't learn our secret," he said sincerely.

"I hope we can keep things under wraps," Beth agreed, feeling the draw of the vampire's personality up close. She could see why he had no trouble recruiting freshies. The light squeeze of Mick's hand on her shoulder was a clear reminder of who really mattered in her life.

"I am pleased to hear that," Laslo said releasing Beth's hand. He looked over at Calvin who was standing just off to the side. "Calvin, please go tell the girls that Mr. St. John and Ms Turner wish to speak to them. Make sure they have their next change of clothing ready so we can resume shooting after the interviews are done," he instructed.

"Sure thing Laslo," Calvin said eagerly and hurried off.

"I need to speak to Christa. Since it appears that she is here willingly I think it would be a good idea to have her contact her brother and reassure him," Mick informed the filmmaker.

"You are right," Laslo said nodding.

"I'll talk to the other two girls," Beth suggested. "Perhaps they will be more open with another woman."

"That is a good idea," Mick approved. "After I speak to Christa, I will need to talk to the other vamps on the set. How many of the tribe do you have working for you and do you know them well?"

"There are about twelve vamps working for me here," Laslo replied. "Most have been with me for over ten years. I have always believed I had good people working here."

"Has anyone shown an unusual interest in or given unwanted attention to the girls?" Mick asked.

Laslo considered the question. He had always felt his crew was a good group and it bothered him to think he had misjudged someone so badly. And because of that, his ladies might be in danger.

"Not really….Neville Trask, my sound engineer is an anti-social sort. Very surly but extremely talented. He has never threatened anyone but he has only been with me for four years so I don't know him as well as some of the others," Masterson answered.

"Is he here today?" Beth asked as she looked around the cavernous soundstage and felt a chill run through her.

"Yes, he's here, probably in his office working on the film we shot last week. Ms Turner, please do not speak to him yourself, let Mr. St. John do that. Neville is not the most social vamp and I would not trust him to behave with just you alone. He is a genius as I said but he likes to be left alone," Laslo warned her. He looked at Mick. "Really he has never threatened anyone and does keep to himself. No one has ever complained except for the attitude he gives off," he added to Mick.

"Okay, make sure he is around and I'll talk to him after I speak to Christa," Mick said firmly. "Now let's see to the girls."

Laslo escorted them back to the dressing rooms. He knocked on Melinda's door and was happy to find Darla there as well. He introduced Beth and left the three there to talk. After that he showed Mick to Christa's dressing room. He knocked lightly and then entered.

"Chrissy, this is Mick St. John, the man I told you about earlier. Your brother hired him to find you. Be a good girl and answer all his questions. And he is trying to find out who killed Tammi as well," Masterson told her.

The pretty blonde smiled and nodded to Laslo. After he left the room, her smile became more strained and her eyes uncertain.

"Did Chuck really come all the way to Los Angeles to find me? Is he okay, is my mom okay?" she asked with a quiver in her voice.

"Yes Christa, he's here. Your mother is worried and she sent him to look for you. Are you all right? Is this really what you want to be doing? Has Masterson forced you to be his freshie?" Mick asked gently as he sat next to her.

"I am fine. Laslo has not forced me to do anything. I like it here," Christa insisted, her fingers lightly stroking her arm where there were several bite marks. "I get to make movies and could even get discovered by an agent. Laslo is wonderful to me."

Mick smiled at her naïve attitude and made no attempt to disagree with her. It would do no good to argue with her, he had seen that starry eyed look on many young women in this town.

"Mr. St. John, I can't explain this situation to Chuck. I know I must keep the secret. Chuck would never understand and Mom would be shocked. How do I talk to him?" she cried in anguish. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You tell him you are fine and happy," Mick advised, patting her shoulder in comfort. "All he and your mother need to know is that you are okay. You don't have to tell them more than that. Just say you are acting."

"Do you really think that will be enough? I like Laslo, he's nice," she said with hopeful eyes and a weak smile.

Mick smiled at her. He could clearly see how smitten this young woman was with the handsome vampire. He truly hoped that Masterson would be gentle with this girl when he was finished with her or it would break her heart. There was always a danger when freshies fell in love with their vampire.

"I'm sure that your family is only concerned with your well being," Mick assured her. "Mr. Masterson has approved your calling your brother to tell him you are okay. But before you do, I have a few questions about Tammi. I hope you can help me find who hurt her."

End chapter.

Once again I thank you for reading. Mick and Beth are going to do some interviews here and maybe we will all learn more about who hurt Tammi. Or will the killer fool us all? Remember, reviews make the writer very happy and a happy writer writes faster. LOL