Ch 33

Sookie stood there speechless.

"Fucking vampires." Sam said throwing another book against the wall.

"Sam, I-I don't know what to say."

"I should go to her. This woman can't be that fearsome."

"Sam, she sounds concerned. If Eric spoke to you in person-"

"You said before that he's a liar. Why should I trust him?" Sam faced was bright red.

"Sam, go. We'll take care of things here. Trust Kerrie, I think she knows what she's doing."

"Kerrie and Declan have been through far to much, I can help- we... crap, for once I don't know what to do."

"Trust her." Sookie said grabbing Sam's hand and giving it a squeeze.

"So I need to make everyone believe we are broken up and she's back with Eric." Sam said taking a deep breath.

"I guess so. The next time I'm at Fangtasia I can ask him." Sam shook his head.

"Don't get involved." Sam walked out the back door as Sookie returned to her tables. Tara who was refilling drinks her some of Sookie's customers looked to Sookie who was frowning. 20 minutes before closing the bar was pretty much empty except for Jane Boathouse whose son was on his way.

"So she just dumped him then." Tara said crossing her arms.

"Yea, I guess she wanted to go back to Eric." Sookie was doing her best to spread the story so Sam wouldn't be subjected to doing it on his own. Tara helped Sookie close up and Sookie slipped a note in Sam's mailbox letting him know what she told Tara so he could back the story and to let her know if he needed anything. Sookie arrived at her house to see Bill sitting on the porch.

"Bill, I- I think I want to be alone tonight."

"Sookie, what is the matter?" He asked standing up.

"Kerrie broke up with Sam. He's not doing good." Bill tried to look surprised.

"Oh, I see. What happened?"

"I guess she and Eric are back together. Sam's not taking it too well."

"Would you like me to check in on him?" Sookie shook her head.

"No, when Sam is upset he likes to be alone." Bill nodded.

"I will go then." Bill said as he began to walk away.

"Bill, I love you." Sookie said suddenly as Bill turned to look at her.

"And I love you Sookie Stackhouse." Bill gave her a nod and walked into the woods towards his home.

Sookie went in the house and sat on the couch. She sat in silence for a few minutes before going to get ready for bed. She lay awake for several hours trying to figure out who would scare Kerrie. The red haired witch seemed so strong and confident, something Sookie wished she could pull off all the time. If Kerrie and Eric were worried so could only assume this vampire woman had control over a lot of people. As much as she wanted to ask Bill she decided against it, Bill hated Eric and what if this woman was in contact with Bill. After hours of tossing and turning Sookie fell into a restless sleep. The next day Sookie woke up to the ringing phone.

"Hello?" She said tiredly.

"Sookie, sorry to wake you. I just wanted to let you know I'm ok. Will

you be able to cover for me for a few hours? Terry is going to cover the bar until I come in."

"Sure, take as much time as you need. We'll be fine."

"Ok, thanks." Sam hung up as Sookie dragged herself out of bed. She went outside for a little while to work on her tan before she needed to be at work at 11. Since it was 8 she figured she could stay outside for an hour or two. Sookie dozed off but woke in time to turn over. Around 10 she went to shower and get ready for work. Sookie walked into Merlotte's at 10:45 to see Terry sweeping up.

"Hi Terry." Sookie said weakly.

"Hi Sook." He said not looking up. At 11:30 customers started coming in. At around 4 Sam appeared looking semi ragged and wearing the same clothes from the day before. When he noticed Sookie looking at him he frowned and went to his office. When she had a minute Sookie made her way to his office and knocked.

"Come in." Sam mumbled. Sookie opened the door to see Sam changing his shirt. "I went to New Orleans just to see for myself. She's fucking Eric." Sam said his face red.

"Who told you?"

"I guess she's the talk of New Orleans. I met up with some weres and they confirmed it. Two of them work at Blood in the Quarter and they saw her with him. They all knew who she was and of course no one is going to forget Eric." Sam picked up the letter. "This is all lies. Fuck." Sam said grabbing at his hair.

"I'm so sorry." Sookie said looking at her shoes. She wanted to comfort him but she doubted Sam would like it.