A/N – Okay – second to last chapter….. Enjoy!
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Chapter 19 – Everything Good Goes Away.
I turn for the phone and pick it up on the second ring.
"Hello?" I ask. I hear nothing on the other end so I try again. "Hello?" Still nothing. Shrugging, I hang it up. It must have been one of those automated telemarketers. Looking at the clock and wonder why they would have been calling at seven in the morning. Guess their system is off.
"You got everything?" Amelia asks me as she walks in carrying the things I asked her to get me from the laundry room. I take them with a smile and lay them in my suitcase. Turning around the room, grab my list and check my bags again. "I…I think so." I say.
"Where are your costumes?" Pam asks.
"Eric is picking them up from Tara before he picks me up." I say to her. Tara wanted to make just a few more adjustments in strategic places after she saw Eric and I do a dress rehearsal the day before last. She said that a few of the hems concerned her. I thought they were fine. But I don't mess with Tara about fashion. I did that once. Big mistake, HUGE.
"What about your dress for the Gala?" Pam asks.
I turn and pull the bag out of my closet along with the shoes. "Here it is." I say.
Pam smiles. "Good."
I nod as I buzz around the room one more time, grabbing a few last minute things and putting them in my bag. Zipping them both up, I start for the door. I see Amelia grabbing my dress bag and Pam grabbing my laptop case and purse.
Dropping them by the door, I run over to the kitchen and pull out the sandwiches, waters and snacks I had prepared this morning when Eric left to gather his things at his apartment and swing by and collect our costumes. I had suggested that Eric go last night but he was having none of that. Since the first night we were together, we haven't slept apart. I honestly was glad. Selfish, I know. But glad nonetheless.
The last week and a half since we returned from New Orleans has felt like a whirlwind. Between practicing non-stop, working on our prospective projects, spending time with Crystal, Jason and the girls, our lives have been just full speed ahead.
Ana had phoned Lafayette Monday after her meeting with the judge. Apparently, Ms. Hampton had not shown up for the meeting. When her office was called, they indicated that she hadn't been in and they weren't sure where she was. Ana had said the judge was totally pissed. He called her senior partner to the carpet. He too admitted that he didn't know why she wanted to take this case. But since they all needed to do some Pro Bono work, he allowed it. In the interest of time, Judge Marcome granted Ana's motion to remove Ms. Hampton as Hadley's attorney sighting that there could be a conflict of interest since she had a connection to Victor. As we thought, the judge thought Lafayette, too would have a conflict of interest because of the issues with Bill. Ana tried to explain to him because of her current condition, the DA's office wasn't planning on prosecuting but he still wanted to play this one as straight as he could. He did allow Ana to suggest an attorney that both she and Lafayette knew which made us happy. He also assigned a patient advocate for Hadley and would be receiving weekly reports regarding her condition. When all of this is said and done and Bill is behind bars, we can revisit the issue of who is in charge of Hadley's care. Until then, yeah, we will just have to be at the mercy of this Advocate and her Attorney.
It has also been over a week and a half and nothing has been settled regarding Bill's plea. I thought this was unusual considering it was supposed to be a done deal when I agreed to talk to him. But I should have known. Nothing is easy when it comes to Bill Compton. From what I gather, they have been going back and forth about every little detail of the plea. Though Ana and Frank can speak on behalf of the state of Louisiana, they have no say on what the Feds do. Bill wouldn't give an inch until everything was written out and itemized. I think he's just dragging his feet. Ana assured me as did Laf that this kind of thing is normal. Hell, plea agreements sometimes take as long as trials according to them. What do I know? I guess everything is what it appears to be on Law and Order and CSI. Honestly, I was just anxious to get it over with so we could put it behind us. The sooner I never had to think about Bill Compton again, the better.
There has been quite a bit of gossip floating on the internet sites over the past week or so. Amelia and Lafayette have been working with some investigator to find out who they are and where they are getting their information from. But up until now, he hasn't been able to get anyone to budge. He has suggested bringing in a few friends to help him. I told Amelia that we needed everything to stay legal. She just told me to leave it to her. I guess if you are willing to hire private investigators, you are not worried about obtaining things by legal means. But some of the stuff that has been posted aren't exactly lies, but not really the truth either.
Pictures of me in high school at different functions were the first things to appear. Though, I wasn't sure why anyone would want to see a picture of me at sixteen. It didn't seem like it would appeal to anyone. The pictures of the girls and I dancing on the bar resurfaced next. Then came the rumors and well, out and out lies. There has been some speculation that Eric and I have been together for much longer than previously reported and that there are other things going on regarding Bill. Not much is being posted regarding his arrest. Just that he's been under investigation. Pam said that something was said regarding his campaign and that due to his injuries, he was dropping out of the race for now. There was something said regarding the investigation into his finances but nothing else. Evidently it is routine these days to go through campaign finances. Who knew?
This investigator also has been looking for Joceylnn in hopes that she can help the police track down Victor. Again, he's hitting a few walls. She has no family and her friends have told the police they have no idea where she would go or why she even would want to. One said that she had some secret man in her life but as of last week, that has led to nothing.
I've got a sinking suspicion that they shouldn't be looking for a person, but a body. I don't know why. But I get this really bad feeling that Victor is trying to tie up loose ends and she was one of them. He had to know that the police would look into Ms. Hampton. Or maybe he didn't. If he just thought she had been caught trying to impersonate me, then maybe the police and DA would assume that Hadley had hired herself a lawyer. Did he really not know how unstable she was? Did he care? Well in any regard, the police have no leads and this wonder of an investigator has come up with nothing. So much for being able to track everything down on the internet.
Today is Wednesday. Eric and I need to be at the convention center tomorrow for registration and setup. The competition will begin sharply at nine am on Friday and we will be going all day. Six dances over the course of the day plus a combo dance that we won't be informed about until tomorrow. Eric didn't seem too worried about it. I was a wreck. Then Saturday is the Gala. We are supposed to spend the day with his mother. Or should I say, I'm supposed to spend the day with his mother along with Pam, Amelia, Crystal and the girls. Jason and Eric are supposed to be doing guy things. Whatever that means.
"So, when are you guys coming down?" I ask her.
Pam smiles. "Stop your worrying. We will be there for the opening." She pulls me into her arms. "Amelia and I will be there first thing. Jason and Crystal said they would be there for the afternoon. Lafayette and Sam will be down late Friday and will be there for the finals. Tara said she wasn't missing a moment of it and is making JB drive her down tomorrow night so she's not late." I laugh. "Plus if anything goes wrong with the costumes she wants to be there. Alcide said he'll be there for the finals but he's not sure when." She huffs.
"What's wrong?" I ask her.
"It's…it's that chick he's dating." Pam shakes her head. "We saw them at Merlottes a few nights ago."
"What's wrong with her?" I ask. "She's seemed nice. Even offered to come and help me at Jason's house if we needed to do anything." I shrug. "She offered to come check on this house while we're away." I motion around the room and then go back to filling the cooler.
"That's just it." She says. "I don't know. When we saw her at Merlottes she was asking all sorts of questions about you, about your family. She wanted to know about things that happened with all of you growing up. Hell, she even asked Alcide if he dated you."
"Well, maybe she was just curious." I shrug again. "She may really be into Alcide and wants to know all about his younger days."
"But that's just it. Alcide would start saying something about him and the guys and she would change the subject. It was like, well, if you or Jason weren't in the story, she didn't care."
"I'm sure you were mistaken." I say. "But what is this got to do with when Alcide shows up?" I ask her.
"She wanted to go down today." Amelia says.
"Why would she want to go down today?" I move the cooler over to the door.
"That's the whole thing. She couldn't give him a reason. She wanted to be there for support, she says. But when Alcide mentioned that none of us where going down until Friday, she tried to say that it would be fun to be with just you and Eric. " Pam says.
"When Alcide told her that you two would be busy and they wouldn't have time to spend with them, she got a little miffed. Then she went back to asking question. " Amelia says. "I agree with Pam. I'm not sure I like her much. Either she is way too into you or…."
"Or what?" I ask turning to look at her.
"Or she is jealous of you. Maybe even thinks something's going on with you and Alcide."
"That's just ridiculous." I say shaking my head. "There has never been anything between Alcide and me."
"Sookie…." Amelia says.
"What?" I ask.
Before Amelia can say anything, the door opens and I smile to see Eric is back. We've long since stopped ringing doorbells. Kind of defeats the purpose when he has a key.
"Hey," I say and walk over to give him a kiss.
"Hey, yourself." He says as he kisses me and wraps me in his arms. "You ready?"
I nod.
We busy ourselves getting everything into the car and locking up the house. Saying goodbye, Eric and I tell them we will see them Friday morning and head out for our drive.
We are quiet for some time. Once we pass the town line for Bon Temps, I let out a sigh.
"You okay love?" He asks me. Reaching over and taking my hand.
I nod. "Yeah, just nervous." I say.
"You have nothing to be nervous about. You are the best dancer I've ever had the privilege of having in my arms. You will be great."
"But what if you don't win?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Then we take the judge's comments and work on it for the next competition." He says. "But I think you will be surprised. You are magnificent on the floor. Your grace, beauty and the love we share will show through in every one of our steps. You have nothing to worry about."
The next few hours, Eric expertly distracted me with talk of the twins, my book, tickets he had received to go see the Ballet and a host of other things. Before I knew it, we were passing the sign welcoming us to New Orleans.
I huff. "Seems like we were just here." I say.
"I know, Love." He says as he raises my hand to his mouth. Laying the gentlest of kisses on it. Doesn't mean it didn't make me squirm. Okay, let's face it. Any contact with one Mr. Eric Northman makes me squirm.
I knew from the paperwork that we were going to be competing at the Ernest. N. Morial Convention Center. I had been there several times in my life. Mostly for events that centered around Bill or his family. I had never really seen the entire place. I mean, the Center is a lot bigger than any other I've been too. But still, I was usually whisked in and out to avoid not only a media disaster but to keep me from talking to too many people. Yeah, Elizabeth and Bill had a whole lot of confidence in me. The one and only time they allowed me access to the press, they were asking more questions about my next book than Bill's campaign. This thoroughly embarrassed Elizabeth and enraged Bill. Lorena had suggested that I be ushered into events from that point forward. Leaving her and Bill to answer any questions. I have to admit, Lorena or Hadley really seemed to be in control and never gave a hint to who she really was. I'm beginning to think more and more that she really didn't know. She really thought she was Lorena Ball-Madden.
The paperwork that Eric had me read told me where our changing room was going to be, what times we needed to be where and also Hotels in the area that we could stay in. Niall had offered his home to us once more. But with the Gala coming up, he would have more company than before, so we declined. Abby wanted us to stay with her. But Eric really didn't want to get into another argument with him right before the competition, so he declined her as well. When I offered to make the arrangements, Eric informed me that his assistant, Robert would take care of it. I had just assumed that with all the traveling Eric had done in the past, that he had membership points at one of the chains. I wanted to offer to pay half, but Eric wouldn't hear of it.
There were a lot of hotels to choose from in the area. Everything from an Omni to a Marriott, from a Hilton to a courtyard had been built in the general area to accommodate Conventioneers. So imagine my surprise when Eric took the exit for the Superdome instead of continuing to the convention center. I didn't say anything at first. I mean, I have spent time in New Orleans and I do know my way around. But Eric went to Tulane. Maybe he knew a back way to go instead of dealing with traffic.
I was quiet until Eric turned left up St. Peter's and started to pull up to a very tall, extravagant looking building. I turned to the building and back to Eric.
"Wha…what are we doing here?" I ask him.
Taking my hand again, he kisses is and smiles. "This is going to be our home for the next few days."
Before I get a chance to answer, my door opens and a gentleman with red coat and white gloves holds out a hand to help me out. "Welcome to Windsor Court miss," he says.
I take his hand and turn back to Eric who is all smiles.
***0***
Victor's POV
"Welcome to Bon Temps?" I say to the car. "What kind of freaky name is that?" I check the nav system again. Her house should be about three miles away. Great. I can get what I need and get the fuck back to civilization. This town doesn't even have a freaking center. When I looked it up on the map, I had to zoom in on it to see even a few streets.
"I fucking swear," I turn left passing some place called Merlottes. "When Rena and I get out of here, we are never hitting New Orleans, Louisiana or any of the lower states ever again. I hate these southern towns."
Yeah, I had my plan in place. I needed to get that money and I needed the real Sookie Stackhouse to get it. Enough of this playing around shit. I'll get her to hand it over one way or another. Getting her to sign a check at this point may be enough. Hell, I could take it with us to the Caymans and cash it there. Nah, I'll make her come with me to the nearest bank and get a cashier's check. Yeah, that bank down in New Orleans should have a branch up here. Well maybe not in this two bit town, but definitely Shreveport. That is only forty minutes away. I could have her there and get my ass out of here in less than an hour. That is if she doesn't cause any trouble. Then we may need to go to plan "B". I can't kill her until she gives me what I want. But I can sure as hell make her suffer. I'm not sure how much time I'm going to have with her. I look at the passenger's seat at the things I brought with me. Rope, tape and some tranquilizers that I just had from when Rena would wake with screaming fits. That should keep her quiet it she starts making trouble. If worse comes to worse, I'll take her with me back to New Orleans, get her to withdraw the money and kill her for making me waste valuable time. If she does what's she's told and gives me what I need, she may just end up with a bullet somewhere. See, Rena said I was never compassionate enough. I'm compassionate. I can fucking bend.
The rest of my plan was tricky. I needed to get in to see Rena. Shit, I shouldn't have been so hasty in offing Jocelynn. But I knew that the cops would be closing in on her. She's not one that I could count on taking a bullet for me. I swear the girl would fold and tell them everything they wanted to know. Okay, she didn't know everything. But she did know enough about Victor and Lorena to put them on a different path that I for one never wanted them on. It would have just been a matter of time. But now I have to find another way in to get her. That fucking asshole wasn't returning my calls after the other day. He called once to see if I knew where Jocelynn was. When I wouldn't give him an answer, he knew his answer. I asked him again about getting me in to see Rena. Again, he said he couldn't do it. I suggested to him that he make it happen or his little, well, habit would be out for the whole world to see. Not to mention the fact that he's been helping me keep the cops off Paulie's back for the last year. Yeah, that wouldn't go over well.
He hasn't returned my calls, the fuck. He knows as well as I, if I out him, I'm fucking Paulie. I've got enough problems with him. Now it's small shit. Okay, maybe not small shit. But definitely shit that can be made better. If I fuck his entire operation, I might as well dig the hole myself.
Pulling down the street, the Nav system tells me that the house should be on the right. Looking over, I must admit I'm impressed. I was half expecting some broken down house or perhaps a double-wide. But then again, she does write those books. Okay, I've never read them but it doesn't take a genius to know that people are going nuts for all these Vampire type books. Well, women are going nuts for them. Yeah, all those sexy vampires steaming up the pages. And to think, the same women get ticked at their men for surfing the web for Porn or Net flicking a movie. Don't see much different in it. Though, if I ever caught Rena reading one of them, I would show her that no made up character had nothing on me. She wouldn't have no need for anything but me. Can't speak for her time with Compton. Hell, if his chick was writing this stuff then, well, yeah. Compton never had anything on me. Never did.
Pulling into the driveway, I reach over for my hat and clipboard. The borrowed cable truck should give me the in I need to get close to her. Looking around, I see that she really has no neighbors. Who the hell allows a woman to live all the way out here alone? Hell, why would she want to? Getting out of the truck, I head to the door.
Walking up to the house, I mentally check myself. My hair and beard, now auburn will hide most of my appearance. The glasses will hide my eyes and the clothes or should I say uniform I borrowed along with the truck are as unassuming as the cable name on the side of said truck. I'm just a cable repair man coming to check on something. Though, I didn't really need all of the disguise. No one is around anyway.
Ringing the doorbell, I wait. Nothing. I ring it again. Nothing. I ring it again. Still, nothing. Well, where the hell is she? I know for a fucking fact that she's not in New Orleans. I called her this morning and she was at the house. Where the fuck did she go? According to Lorena, she has been estranged from her entire family for years. Why is she even here?
Moving around the side, I jump the fence into the backyard, peering in windows as I go. The house is dark. Okay where is she? Jimmying the back lock, I walk into what appears to be a laundry room. Quickly moving through the house, I search for any sign of where she would go. In the kitchen, I get my first clue. I read a paper she has attached to her refrigerator. Something about check in tomorrow morning. I roll my eyes. Tell me she's not headed back to New Orleans. Shit! Well, if she is, then where is she going to be? If she's there then this may be easier than I had originally thought.
I walk around the house until I make it back to a den and off to the side, I see another room. There I find a long desk, whiteboard and a few other things. Off the other side looks to be some kind of dance room. Well, isn't this little girl full of surprises. Deciding that the room with the desk may yield me better results, I turn to go in there. On the desk is a folder. Opening it, I find that it's the court order for Hadley Moffit. I read through the paper indicating that Jocelynn was relieved of her duties and one Desmond Cataliades would now be representing her. Shit, and there is someone named Doctor Amy Ludwig that is acting as her medical activist. I've never heard of this Amy Ludwig but I have heard of Cataliades. He is a fucking hard nose. What the hell is he doing working with my Lorena? Is she really that insane? She can't be. This has to be a big game for her. I bet she's in that hospital or whatever living it up while I'm on the run. Did she think that she could get away from me so easily? Well, first I'll deal with the real Sookie Stackhouse and then I'll deal with Rena. I need to be out of town by Sunday. If I'm here after that, I'm a dead man. Paulie has the town wired. Hell, he has the whole state wired. If he wants to find me, he will as long as I stay in his territory. No, once I get out of here, that's it. I'm gone.
Walking back through the house, I make my way back to the truck. Now I need to find out where Ms. Stackhouse is going in New Orleans. I could always stake out the convention center tomorrow, but that would be running the risk of being seen. No, I need to find out what she's up to and get her where no one would think. Perhaps I'll need to pay a visit to Compton's parents. They may be useful. Hmm, the possibilities.
Pulling back out of the drive, I retrace my steps through the town. When I come to Merlottes, I stop and decide it's the best place to start my inquiries about Sookie. It's a small town. Small towns all know each other's business.
I walk in and instantly greeted by a skinny redhead. She is made up is bright blues and gold. I get an impression of a clown when I look at her.
"Hey there," she says. "Welcome to Merlottes. Would you like to sit in the bar or the restaurant." She motions with her hands.
"Bar's fine." I say flashing her a smile. She hesitates for a moment and then her smile brightens. "Well, comeon then honey," she says. "Let's get you settled."
She shows me to a booth and leans over to give me a menu; attempting to give me a prime view of her cleavage.
She tells me her recommendation. Passing her the menu back, I tell her to bring me what she likes. She smiles again and nods. Coming back a few minutes later with a tall glass from something that is on tap. I let it sit where she puts it.
"Haven't seen you around before." She says with a tilt of her head and a pop of her hip. Why do girls think that's sexy?
I smile again. "New on the job. Just been out to the Stackhouse place to fix something and no ones home. Gonna have to track my ass back out here when they reschedule." I huff like I'm annoyed.
"Oh, Sookie," she says with a roll of her eyes. "Yeah, she's going to New Orleans with that new guy of hers Eric Northman." She rolls her eyes again. "I mean, she with Bill, right? Then she goes and finds herself a new man right when he's in the hospital. Can you believe that? I mean, I've known that girl for years. Her Gran is probably rolling in her grave right now at what that girl is doing. I mean, that guy is hot and all. But what about a little compassion?" She shrugs.
"I thought that girl was with some guy who was running for office?" I ask.
"Honey, don't you go on the internet?" She asks. "It has been all over the place. Bill Compton is running for Senate and Sookie has been seen all over Shreveport, New Orleans and Bon Temps with this new guy. They say she hasn't even visited him." She lifts her hand. "Don't that just beat all? Now she's back in NOLA with this dude dancing or something." She puts her hand on her hip.
"Dancing?" I ask.
She smirks. "Yeah, like that ballroom type dancing. I guess this guy Northman does it professionally. Personally, I'm going to watch it just to watch Sookie fall on her uppity little bottom." She leans in and says a little softer. "You just wait and see."
"Arlene, order up." I hear from the kitchen.
She smiles again. "Be back in a jiff." She says with a smile.
The red head I now know as Arlene returns in a minute with a bucket of fried, well everything. "Here you go." She says with another smile. "Lafayette's famous fry basket. Can I get you anything else?" She asks.
"Not at the moment." I say to her.
"Arlene, can you come back here for a moment?" I hear someone say. I look around her to see a man standing in the doorway to what looks like the back.
She huffs. "Coming Sam." She says and rolls her eyes. "I'll be right back, sugar." She says with a bright smile to me.
I just nod and make it look like I'm going to eat.
Once she's out of sight, I get up and am out the door. I got what I needed. I don't need to stay any longer.
So, Sookie Stackhouse is with Eric Northman. I know I saw something on one of the news feeds but didn't pay any attention to it. I was more concerned with what was happening with Compton since the accident. Surprisingly, there was very little regarding him. There was mention of a campaign investigation but that was days ago. Nothing has been said about his condition or his situation. My contact wouldn't tell me anything either.
Well, I guess I need to call in another one of my contacts. I need information on Northman and I need it fast. Who better to contact that a computer thief? Oh no, he likes to be called a hacker. Yeah that's it.
I wait as the phone rings. "Mott," he says in a scratchy voice. He must have just woken up. More likely I just woke him. It is afternoon but yeah, Franklin Mott spends most of his time living after the sun goes down.
"Franklin," I say softly.
"Shit, Victor is that you?" He asks. "I thought you were dead."
"Now, why would you think that?" I ask him.
"Because the word on the street is that you fucked Paulie. There are others saying you popped two of his people. Paulie is coming to New Orleans himself. I figured if you weren't dead you would have been long gone by now." He says.
"Working on it." I say to him. "I've got a proposition for you."
"Look, Madden." He pauses. "You got a target on your back. I'm really not willing to add myself to the bullseye, ya know."
"You do me this favor and I'll gift you what you still owe me." I say to him.
He is quiet for a moment. Franklin Mott is a shifty, double crossing, drug addicted waste of space. He has been into me for over a hundred grand for over a year. Why have I not cut him off or collected? Because he sends some major players my way to supply for. He also happens to be one of the best computer hackers I've ever met. Right now I need information and he's the only one I know will get it for me."
"You can't enforce what I owe you now," he pauses. "You have no back."
"That is true. But I can also kill you. All I need is for you to look some stuff up for me. For that, I'll forgive and gift your debt to me." I say.
"I do this and you forget who I am?" He asks.
"Franklin, you do this for me and you will never see me again." I say.
"Fine, what do you need?" I hear him moving. Probably going to his computer.
"I need to know information about Eric Northman. He will be checking into someplace in New Orleans today. I need to know where he's staying, what he's doing and where he's going for the next few days."
"That's it?" He asks.
"Can you hack medical records?" I ask him.
"If they aren't locked down, I can get to them in an hour or two. If they are, a day."
I smile. "Find out what you can about a woman by the name of Hadley Moffit." I say to him.
"Fine," he says. "I'll call you in a few hours with what I know." He hands up without so much as a goodbye.
I smile and start to laugh. Yeah, it's nice to have friends in low places.
***0***
SPOV
The door opens to one of only three on the floor.
"We hope your stay with us is enjoyable." The man says.
"Thank you," I hear Eric say and then the door closes.
I am staring at the expansive sitting area of what looks to be the biggest suite I've ever seen.
Feeling Eric's hands wrap around me, I instinctively lean back in his arms. "Why did you do all this?" I ask him.
"Because," he says and kisses my neck. "You deserve the best."
Turning in his arms, I look up into his beautiful face. "But I don't need all of this." I say to him.
He kisses me again. "Sookie, I know you are nervous. I wanted us to stay somewhere out of the way and where you won't likely bump into any of the other teams. We could have stayed in my parents place. But quite frankly, I didn't want to deal with my father. Niall will be having quite a few people in town for the Gala so his place was out. I thought it would be nice. But if you don't like it, we can check out and find something else."
"No, it's beautiful. I'm just…I'm just not used to such extravagance." I say with a smile.
"Well, my darling girl," he says with a growl. "Perhaps you should start getting used to it. Because I intend you to treat you like the princess you are."
I smile at him. "What are we going to do with such a big suite, Eric?" I ask him.
He gets a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Well, we can start by thoroughly inspecting every room." He growls and moves in to kiss my neck.
I let out a groan as he picks me up and heads toward bedroom number one. We proceeded to examine and inspect every room. Some of them twice and didn't leave the room until the very next morning. Yeah, Eric sure knows how to calm me. Oh calm me in ways that you wouldn't believe.
***0***
EPOV
I had gone through all of this before, but I knew that my Sookie would be worried and nervous. Yesterday when we emerged from our room, we headed over to the convention center to check in and get all of our information for the contest.
We would be dancing fifth out of thirty teams. Less than usual but teams picked and chose what contests they wished to perform in. For a lack of a better explanation, it is sort of like dog shows. You get points for different dances during different competitions. That determines your standing in the league. If you don't think you are going to come out well in a competition, you don't compete. If you don't need the points, you concentrate on another competition. Easy as that.
New Orleans is one of the smaller competitions. New York, LA and Milan were the big ones. Many of the older and more established teams would do a few little shows but everyone goes to those. I was the same. But I always insisted on doing the one in New Orleans. It felt like home for some reason and I just had to do it. Even if my parents never came to one event, I was doing it for the home crowd and for that, I was happy.
I had reserved a private room for Sookie and I to practice in. Many of the teams would opt for the general area. But again, I knew that she was going to be nervous. I knew I made the right decision when I saw that Sophie-Anne was competing as well. I made sure that Sophie wasn't going to be anywhere near us. Not after the scene she pulled at the club. I wanted her as far away from my girl as possible. I couldn't do anything about her being around when the competition began, but I could damn well make sure that Sookie got some breathing room until then.
We had spent most of the day and nearly all night in the practice room. I had ordered a late dinner for us in our room. I knew that Sookie was going to be nervous so I made sure that the dinner was light. We were both so tired that we fell into bed after a long soak in the sunken tub in the master bathroom. She had worked hard and I was just happy to fall asleep with her in my arms.
Which didn't last nearly as long as I would have liked. Amelia, Pam and Tara had converged on us at dawn. Well we did need to be on the floor by nine and in our first costumes. When I received the order of dances, I was a little surprised that we wouldn't be having an elimination dance. However, the organizers felt that the elimination dance wasn't needed with only thirty couples. I was a little sad and relieved. Sad, because I know that Sookie's competetive edge would come out with the group dance. A little relieved because she is already so nervous, this would relieve some of that.
We would be dancing the Bolero first, then the Viennese Waltz, then Jive, Tango, waltz and finally the Quickstep. Which I have to say is one of the best I ever choreographed. The Bolero is a slow, sensuous dance that really exhibits Sookie's ballet and dance background. I think it would be the best way to come out and show the audience and judges exactly what they are dealing with.
They had started getting Sookie ready just after she awoke. I knew from experience that changing her would take more time than I, so I retired to the second bathroom to shower and put on my jogging suit. We were each given changing places at the competition. But they wanted to get her started here. I can't really complain. Felicia used to hire dressers, makeup artists and a stylist for each competition. When I suggested it to Sookie, she informed me that she would be just fine with the girls. My girl is very good in many ways. This just reminds me again.
Several hours later, we are in our first costumes waiting in line with all the other couples to be introduced. This is the first time many have seen Sookie and there are mumbles and whispers going around. Sophie is the only one that has the brass ones to open her mouth.
"Eric, Darling," she slinks over to us with a very wicked smile. "You really should have started her on something a little less competitive. I understand that Shreveport has a competition." She turns to Sookie. "It is for 18 and under. Eric may be a little old, but you seem to be just their type."
"I beg your pardon?" Sookie asks.
"You really are out of your league here, sweetheart. Take my advice. Step away before you embarrass yourself and give Eric a chance with a real dancer."
"And you believe that would be you?" Sookie asks her.
She smiles. "Of course. Eric and I would be great together." She looks me up and down. Suddenly I feel like I really need a bath.
"From the research I've done," Sookie begins. "You have never placed any higher than fourth in any competition and no higher than twelfth worldwide."
Sophie swings her head around and stares daggers at Sookie. "You bitch."
Sookie laughs. "Perhaps, but Eric has placed in the top five for last seven years. Perhaps it's you that is out of their league."
Sophie moves a little closer to us and I instinctively pull her closer to me. "It takes more than a nice pair of legs to win, girlie."
"No, it takes talent, integrity and manners. I'm not sure about your talent, but if you are counting on the other two to win, you are in for a rude awakening."
She leans back. "We'll see blondie," she says and looks to Eric. "Good luck. And when you're ready, I'll be waiting."
She turns on her heels to find her brother. Who, mysteriously is absent.
"You okay?" I ask as I turn to her.
She nods. "I'm fine. I'm sorry, Eric, but she's a real bitch."
I couldn't agree more.
I hear the music start and the curtains open to allow us in. I take Sookie's hand in mine and turn to her. I kiss her knuckles softly and look right into her eyes. "I love you."
She smiles. "I love you too."
I turn forward and take a deep breath. It's showtime.
***0***
BPOV
The DA and I have been going back and forth for days on my plea. I thought once I got Sookie in front of me, I could make her fold. She has never been strong. Okay, she may have been strong before I met her. But now, she was just my little southern belle who did exactly what I asked of her. I should have known that if the DA caught Lorena at the bank, they would have found the safety deposit box. I could argue that it was outside the scope of the investigation and get its contents thrown out. But Houke informed me the DA had acquired a search warrant for both all of my assets and Lorena's. I knew that information was going to come back and bite me one day. Hell, I should have destroyed it all when I made the changes. Especially that letter. Why the hell did I keep that letter? I know why, just in case anything was ever said. I could mysteriously "find" it. But now, they have a lot of information to bury me. Houke was right. I don't have a choice.
The only bargaining chip I had was my mysterious connection to the mob. The only other thing I had was Lorena. I suggested to Houke that we try to pin most of this on her. He informed me that she hadn't been charged. And other than her being at the bank, they have no evidence of conspiracy. It is my name on the documents, my bar number on the submissions. My box held all the information that I changed. God, I wonder if they've checked the safe in the house? If they had, well, shit. I guess it is best I make a deal now before anything else pops up. But I didn't want to make it easy. No, let them sweat a little for the information. They didn't even look into my kidnapping. Well since the guy that was driving died and I wouldn't tell them the names of the other two, no three if you want to include Lorena, they didn't have much to go on. And I wasn't giving up Victor's name until I had too. Then they would need to get me the hell out of here or I'd be dead.
They were finally letting me out of bed. However, with the guards on the door, I really wasn't free to move. Some orderly by the name of Olaf, or something like that, came in to help me into a motorized wheelchair so I could at least move around the suite I was in. I rolled out into the other room to see my full time nurse sitting in the side chair watching TV.
She looks over to me. "Would you like me to help you?" She asks.
I shake my head and move farther into the room. "What the hell are you watching?" I ask as I turn to TV.
"Oh, it's the New Orleans World Ballroom Competition." She says. "I usually go, but this year I'm working."
I dismiss that comment. Does she expect me to apologize for her having to work? She's getting paid.
"Ballroom dancing?" I ask her.
She's about to say something when I hear the announcer calling the next couple to the floor.
"Please welcome, from Louisiana, couple one-three-five; Eric Northman and his new partner, Sookie Stackhouse." He says.
"WHAT!" I scream as I watch two people take the dance floor. Sookie is in a black dress with her hair high up on her head. The man, who I've only heard of, is in a black suit.
"What the hell is she doing?" I growl.
***0***
PPOV
Amelia and I watch as Eric and Sookie gracefully move through the Bolero and float through their Vienesse Waltz. I have never seen my brother look so graceful in all the years I've watched him dance. Their programs are flawless and the chemistry between them is undeniable. Their scores are not perfect. Of course they weren't. Some Judges like to make the couples sweat. Being Sookie's first appearance, they wouldn't give her perfect scores. It's just the way it is. But looking at the leader board, they are second by two points behind Rasul Masterbon and his partner Eliza Croft. They and Eric have fought it out before for a competition. I wouldn't expect anything different this time. Except, I have to honestly say that Sookie is three times the dancer that Felicia ever was.
"Honey," I hear behind me as Sookie and Eric again take the floor to begin their Jive.
I turn to see my parents standing just off to the side. Amelia looks at me and I back at her. They've never come to a competition. Hell, I never expected to see dad. Mom, maybe; but Dad, yeah never.
"Um, what are you guys doing here?" I ask them.
"We wanted to see your brother and Sookie." Mom says and looks to my father. "Edwin, isn't there something you want to say to the girls?" She asks.
He clears his throat. "Perhaps this isn't the best time." He says and looks at my mother. I've honestly never seen him scared in my whole life. Right now he looks petrified.
My mother gives him a look that I'd seen in my youth. It was the 'don't fuck with me,' look.
"I think now would be the perfect time." Abigail Northman places her hand on her hip.
My father clears his throat again. "Yes, well, I…I'm not sure how this works, you both being girls." He looks from me to Amelia. "But I'm not sure it really matters." He turns to look at me. "Pamela, you are my little girl. I love you very much." He turns to Amelia. "Amelia, I've not been fair to you. To either of you. I see how you look at Pam and her at you. You love each other."
Amelia nods. "Yes, we do." She says softly.
"I…I would very much like it, well, your mother and I would very much like it if you would allow us to pay for your union ceremony." He says so fast that I thought I misunderstood.
"Daddy," I say softly.
"Please, Pammy-bear," he says grabbing my hand. He hasn't called me that since I was a little girl. "You were right. Your mother has been right. Hell, even your brother has been right." He pauses. "I'm a selfish, stubborn old man who thinks he's got all the answers. I have none of them. But I'm willing to listen. You're right, Pam. I don't want to lose my family. I want you all to be happy." He turns and takes Amelia's hand. "She makes you happy. That's enough for me."
I sniff back the tears. "Okay, but you don't have to."
"Sweetheart, that's what you do when your only daughter marries the love of her life." He says softly.
I look at him for a moment and then at Amelia. She smiles. "We would like that." I say to him.
He kisses my cheek softly and then turns to Amelia. "I haven't properly welcomed you to the family, Amelia. I…I'm thrilled to gain another daughter."
He pulls us both to him and hugs us in what I would balk at being a Hallmark moment. But I don't say a word. This is my hallmark moment and I don't care. I look over to my mother who is crying.
I mouth thank you to her. She smiles and mouths that she loves me.
***0***
Victor's POV
I got back to New Orleans yesterday but didn't hear from Mott's until late this afternoon. Apparently, his skills are not as first rate as I originally thought. However, he did find somethings out. Franklin's information was enough to find out a few things about our young Ms. Stackhouse and her strapping new man, Eric Northman. Northman had booked a suite at the Windsor Court for the two of them. It didn't take Franklin much time to make me a false key to the room. That was the easy part. I would just lie in wait for her, get her to give up the money and that would be that.
Information on Hadley Moffit was proving to me more difficult. I already knew that this Hadley person was Sookie's cousin. That was a total kick in the head. When I met her, she told me her name was Rena. Apparently, Rena is the name of a girl that was in foster care with her. Rena apparently escaped the horror that they were facing, while it was assumed that Hadley had perished. Somehow the police figured out that Rena was really Hadley. She was in psychiatric care and nothing else was being released. So either Rena or Hadley or whoever she was, was playing the best con of her life or she really was psycho.
Franklin hadn't found anything linking me to her other than I was married to Lorena. As far as anyone knew, we met in New York and came here to go to school. Both Victor and Lorena had no family or siblings. So there wouldn't be anyone to call. As far as they would know, I'm just as confused as they are about who she really is. That is, if she hasn't talked. Or if Bill hasn't talked. That is what I need to find out.
First I'm going to have a little chat with the Comptons. I may not chance entering another hospital. But I can see if I can get some information out of Elizabeth and William. They wouldn't want to see their darling boy getting hurt, now would they. No, I think Elizabeth Compton breast fed her son until he was twenty. He is such a freaking momma's boy it ain't even funny.
Pulling into the garden district, I park several houses down from the Compton's. It is late in the evening, around six so most of the people are in for the night and there isn't much foot traffic.
Sneaking around the back of the house, I slip silently through the kitchen. I had done this many times to see Rena. You would think people as rich as these folks would get themselves a security system. Shit, you would think they would have a dog at least. You know one of them hunting dogs for men who have never held a gun in their lives.
I turn the corner and see them both sitting in a sitting room. They seem to be watching something but I could care less. I need information and I need it now.
"Well, hello there." I say to them both.
Their heads spin so quickly, it's almost comical. I smile as the look at me and then at the gun I have poised on them. "Sorry to disturb your evening," I say to them. "I'm not sure if you remember me. I'm…"
"We know who you are, Mr. Madden." William says to me.
I smile. "Very good." I move farther into the room. "I need to have a little chat with your son. However, that seems to be a bit hard right now. So, I'm hoping, for your sake, you have the right answers for me."
"Wh..what do you need that gun for?" Mrs. Compton asks.
I smile again. "It's to keep you honest." I pause and move to take a seat in a straight back chair by the door. "Let's start with an easy one shall we? What information has young Billy shared with the nice officers regarding me and Lorena, hmmm?"
***0***
William Compton's POV
Thirty minutes have passed since Victor Madden has invaded our home. Thirty minutes of his questions about Bill, Lorena, Sookie, you name it. He is treating us like hostile witnesses. Badgering us in hopes that we will slip up some how.
"Mr. Madden, I assure you, we had no idea you were involved with anything regarding Bill or Lorena. Last we were aware of, you and Lorena had parted ways, as it were." I say to him.
He shakes his head. "Come now, Bill had nothing to say in regards to Lorena masquerading as the delightful Ms. Stackhouse? Nothing about her money or the funds your dear son has skimmed off a grieving little girl?" He smirks at me.
I shake my head again. "We had no idea about any of that until the DA came knocking on my door. Bill hasn't said anything about you. He is working out a deal with the DA and the Federal Agencies to keep all of this quiet." I say.
"We don't want a scandal." Lizzy interjects. "We just want this all to be over."
"Well, that makes two of us." He says. "Now, what do you know about the little Ms. Stackhouse. I need her assistance but I'm not sure if holding Bill over her head will help. It appears by all accounts that she has moved on." He waves the gun around. "I am hoping to meet up with her at her hotel and try to convince her that parting with a few million dollars is a small price to pay for Bill's life. However, she seems to be with a Mr. Eric Northman now. So, it appears that my plan to use your son has failed me."
"Use me," Lizzy says.
"Elizabeth, I…"
"Mr. Madden," she says without looking at me. "Sookie is like a daughter to me. We have spent a great deal of time with each other over the years. I know she is hurt and upset about Bill's betrayals. However, it doesn't mean that she will not listen to me. I became a surrogate mother after her grandmother passed. I assure you that I can convince her that this is what's best."
What the hell could she be thinking.
"From what Lorena has told me, you and Sookie has a very disgruntled relationship." Madden says.
She brushes that aside. "That is coming from a woman that was not only sleeping with my son, but saw my Sookie as a threat and an obstacle. Of course she would say I hated her. I'm sure she told my son the same thing. The truth is we had a wonderful relationship. Ever since this whole mess started, I've wanted to reach out to her. I thought it best to wait a while until everything cooled down. But I love her as a daughter. Take me with you, Mr. Madden. I will be able to make her see reason. You can have your money, you can get what you need and you and Lorena can leave me and my family alone. Bill has been injured enough in all of this."
He looks back and forth between the two of us. "You sure you can make her get me the money."
She nods. "If there is one thing my Sookie does, is listen to me. She may be angry with Bill, but she would never wish harm on William or I."
He seemed to think about this for a moment.
"Elizabeth, I don't…"
"I think that is a splendid idea, Mrs. Compton. If you would come with me, I'm sure we can clear this all up." Madden says rising. Elizabeth rises and goes to join him.
"Now wait a moment. I don't think…"
Madden turns to me. "I don't think that is a good idea." He points the gun at me. "I think you should just stay here. Oh," he says and smiles at me. "If you call the police, they're both dead."
I look at Elizabeth. I see resolve and determination in her eyes. She knows what will happen once she crosses the threshold of the house. She had taken to wearing pants since she got the ankle brace for the house arrest. As soon as she walks out, well, I will have no need to contact the police.
"Elizabeth." I say to her.
She smiles at me. "I'll see you soon." She gives me one more look and walks through the door.
"No smart ideas, Compton." Madden says. "If you love your wife and Ms. Stackhouse, I would suggest being a good boy." He says. "I would really hate to come back and kill you. It would be messy and you're not exactly someone I can cover up a murder for, ya know. But if I have to, I will. Just remember that. I'll do what I need to." He turns and walks out of the house with my wife.
How did our lives get so complicated?
I sit in my chair and wait. It's not even ten minutes before the phone rings.
I move to answer it. "Yes," I say.
"Mr. Compton, this is Ana Mason. I've just been informed that your wife left the premises. Can you tell me why, Mr. Compton?"
I sigh. "Ms. Mason, we have a situation on our hands." I say to her.
***0***
EPOV
We are kicking asses and taking names. We are down to our last dance. Most people leave an easy dance for last. At the very least, they leave one that is less difficult. We decided to go a different route. We decided on the Quickstep for our last one. Sookie has been perfect through the entire competition. Though, I know full well that some of the judges are taking deductions simply because she's new. The whole new member of the club thing really gets old. But we are only two points behind the leader. I know Rasul and he has left his Waltz for last for the very reason most do. They are tired. But Sookie and are in this to win it. I had stepped up the bar for our Quickstep and she matched me step for step. If we get deductions, it won't be because we didn't perform. I can tell you that.
Sookie was behind the screen when Pam came in.
"Hey," I say to her.
She smiles. "Mom and Dad are here. They wanted to know if they could come back before your last dance."
I huff. "Pam, Sookie and I have a chance to win this thing. I really don't need to hear his negativity right now."
She nods. "I know. But, Eric, listen, just hear them out."
I'm about to tell her know when Sookie comes from behind the screen in her last costume. "Eric," she says.
I turn and smile at her. "You look perfect, Love." I say and pull her close.
"So do you," she says as I lean in to kiss her forehead. I hear her sigh at the connection.
"Eric, they want to see you." She says. "My whole family has been here all day." She motions to the women that have been filtering in and out throughout the competition. Jason, Crystal and the girls have been back and forth to their hotel all day and Lafayette and Sam had shown up first thing. She's right but I still don't need him ruining everything.
"Please, baby, for me?" She asks.
I look into her beautiful blue eyes. How could anyone look at this woman and not want to give her the moon and stars? Yeah not me.
I sigh. "Fine, but if he starts, I get to throw them out."
She laughs. "Okay."
I nod to Pam who rushes out and returns with my parents. My mother is beaming. Yeah, she's actually beaming.
"Oh, my darlings." She pulls Sookie into an embrace and then turns to me. "You are both just, oh I don't know. It is just taking my breath away watching you both out there." She turns to me. "You two look like you belong together."
"You are doing very well," my father says from behind my mother. "You do know you are getting railroaded on those scores, right?" He says.
I laugh a little. "I am."
He shakes his head. "I don't know much about this type of thing," he waves his hand around. "But I can't see one single mistake watching you two. Not one." He holds up a finger. "Just doesn't seem right."
Sookie laughs. "Well, I am new at this…"
"You don't look it dear." My father says to Sookie in a very soft voice. "I say Eric has found himself an angel."
She smiles at him. "Thank you." She says softly.
He clears his throat. "I knew your parents, my dear. A fine man your father was. Your mother was a beauty and delight to be around. I think I can safely say that they would be proud of you," he looks at me. "At both of you. A parent couldn't help be proud."
I do believe my father just told me he was proud of me.
I nod to him and he returns it. Not a falling down show of affection, but hey it's something.
"Now, I know you will both be tired, but we thought we could go back to the Windsor after this and have something to eat." My mother says.
I look at Sookie who nods. I smile at her and then to my parents. "We would like that."
"Come Abby, let's get back to our seats. The kids have a competition to win." My father says.
"We may not win." Sookie says.
"If you don't, those judges are blind." He says.
He looks at me one more time. "Not that you need it, son. But…good luck."
I watch as they both retreat out of the area.
"That wasn't bad." Sookie says.
I look down at her and smile. "No, not bad at all."
***0***
Edwin's POV
"Oh, there they are." Abby says as we watch Eric and Sookie take the floor. Several other dancers have already finished for the evening. You could tell by their dances, and speed that they were tired. Well of course they're tired. Hell, they've been dancing all damn day. I admit that I don't know much about this stuff. But I know that there are only six couples left in this competition and my son is one of them. Someone had said that they didn't know how they were going to eliminate without an elimination round. Whatever that means. But I guess they figured it out. Because after the first three dances, they only listed ten on the leader board. Now, the last dance, they are down to six.
Sookie and Eric move to the center of the floor as they are announced that they were going to perform the quickstep. I know what that is. Hell, if I remember correctly, that dance is fast. The lights and the applause die down as the music comes up.
The song begins slow. Not sure how this is a Quickstep but just as I'm going to ask Abby, the music picks up and the two of them blast off around the floor. Not slowing for anything. Damn this is impressive.
The song is over far before I'm finished watching them. But the look on their faces and the sound of applause in the room sounds to me like everyone knew this was a winner.
***0***
SPOV
I don't think we could have performed any better. At least I didn't think so. But hey, I didn't think we made one mistake all day and our scores didn't reflect what Eric and I thought. These kinds of things have to do with paying your dues as much as anything else. Eric explained that to me when we were practicing. I just wanted to do the best I could for him. OH, and beat out that snarky Sophie-Anne. I know it isn't very Christian of me but I wanted to shut her up. Shut her up we did. She and her weird sibling were eliminated after the first round. Yeah, that gave me something to really smile about. That and the tantrum she threw backstage. I think she threatened everyone from the judges to the janitor to get the numbers recounted. It didn't and she was asked to leave the floor. Usually no one is allowed to leave, eliminated or not. We are all supposed to stay until the end. That's kind of strange. I'm sure the couples who get eliminated just want to go home and lick their wounds. I know I would.
Eric takes my hand as the six final couples return the floor. He winks at me and smiles. He knows as well as I, we nailed the last dance.
"The judges have made their decision." The announcer says. "This is highly irregular; however, it is in the judge's handbook to render this decision." He says. "We have a tie between two couples, Rasul Masterbon and his partner Eliza Croft and Mr. Eric Northman and his partner, Sookie Stackhouse."
The place goes up with applause. There are people on their feet. I swear, I don't think I've heard this much racket at a football game.
"However," the announcer says. "However," he says again to gain everyone's attention. "The judges have decided that though the rankings and points will stand, they are officially crowning Mr. Masterbon and Ms. Croft the winners of this competition."
There is mixed reactions from the stands. I look over to Eric who hasn't lost his smile. He leads me over to Rasul and Eliza. "Congratulations," he says to both of them.
Shakes his hand and then he kisses Eliza on the cheek. "You know it should be you?" Eliza says and then looks at me. "You were divine."
I smile. "As were you," I say. "Congratulations."
***0***
It takes us some time to get out of our costumes and into clothes that we brought. Instead of bringing the gowns back to the room, Tara is taking them to her car so that she can start preparing them for the next competition. I smile at her and her eagerness to help. We send everyone back to the hotel to get a table while Eric and I finish getting ready. Once we are done, I start looking for my hand bag.
"OH!" I say.
"What?" Eric says.
I start to laugh. "I was in such a hurry this morning, I forgot my bag." I say to him as we make our way out and to the car.
"Oh, I'll go get it." He says.
"Don't be silly." I say. "When we get there, just go in to meet your family. I'll go to the room and be right down."
He kisses my hand. "I'll go with you." He says and winks.
"You know as well as I do. If you go up there, we aren't coming down." I smile at him.
"And this would be a bad thing?" He asks.
I shake my head. "No, but your father is making an effort and our whole family is down there. I think it would be really rude if we just disappeared."
He pulls into the Valet and again a nice young man helps me out. Eric takes my hand and leads me through the doors.
"Let me have the key," I say to him. "I'll be down in a minute."
He kisses me and hands me the key. I smile at him because he really looks like a little boy who's having his favorite toy taken from him. "You are silly. I'll be down in a few. Go on." I push him. I hear music coming from the area I know our family is in. "Save me a dance?" I ask him.
"All my dances are for you, My Love." He says.
I hit the elevator and it opens. He watches as I get in and the doors close. He smiles at the last minute and I return it. God I love that man.
Getting off the elevator, I walk over to our room. I would have loved to have come back up here with Eric for a little alone time. After that raw call from the judges, I know he's going to need to blow off some steam. I mean, I understand. In fact, I didn't believe we would have gotten as far as we did. But that just seemed a little, well wrong. But we still have the points and I'm on the books, officially now. That's something.
I swipe the card and walk in. It is dark, so I hit the switch that illuminates the room. I instantly feel something's wrong. Spinning around, I see a man and a woman I thought I would never see again.
"Ms. Stackhouse, we have business to discuss." He says.
"Sookie I…" The woman says.
"Elizabeth?" I whisper.
"Yes, yes, greetings, love and kisses for both of you. Come Ms. Stackhouse. I've not much time and we really need to discuss this. See I have a dilemma that I think you can fix for me."
I walk into the room. I see him standing next to Elizabeth and when he moves slightly, I see the gun.
I look at the man again and then to Elizabeth. She's as white as a sheet.
I turn back to the man. "You have me at a disadvantage, sir." I say to him. "You know who I am but I am unsure of who you are." Not entirely true. But I need to start somewhere.
"Forgive me, Ms. Stackhouse. My name is Victor Madden and you have something I'm in desperate need of." He says with a smile.
I look again at Elizabeth. She hasn't moved a muscle.
"What…what can I do for you, Mr. Madden?"
"Come in and sit," he says with a smile. "Let's hope this doesn't take too long."
I hope to God someone somewhere knows what's going on. Because I've no idea how I'm getting out of this one.
***0***
EPOV
I start walking away from the Elevators when I hear my phone go off. Seconds later, I see commotion at the doors and turn to see Ana and Frank walking in.
"Oh, God." Ana says as she pulls the phone away from her ear.
"What's going on?" I ask.
She shakes her head and starts telling me what William Compton had told him.
"So when she walked out of the house, it triggered the sensor." I say to her.
She nods. "They trailed it to here. But they can't tell exactly where in the hotel she is. Only that she is here somewhere." She looks to see that more of Sookie and my family has joined me.
"Eric, what's wrong?" Jason asks me.
We retell the story again, the short version this time.
"Eric, where's Sookie?" My mother asks.
"She had to go up to the room." I say to them and then turn to Ana and start shaking my head. "He couldn't…"
"What room are you in?" Frank asks me. I tell him. Nodding he turns to the men with him. They all look like they are in swat gear.
"Alright, they are going up. You stay here." He says to me.
"Like HELL!" Jason, Sam, Lafayette, me and my father all say at the same time.
"Listen, I know you're worried," Ana says. "But he is armed and dangerous. Compton said that his wife convinced Madden that she could talk Sookie into giving him the money. It was smart. She knew that the moment she was out the door the alarm would trigger. But it doesn't mean they're out of the woods. If he doesn't get his way, this could get very ugly very fast." She says.
"I'm not going to sit down here while the woman I love is battling wits with a psychopathic killer."
"Eric, please. Let the team assess the situation and then we will go from there." Frank says.
I'm about to say something else when Lafayette comes in behind me. "Let the professionals see what's going on. He may not be in there."
I look over as someone hands a sheet to Frank he nods. "Looks like our best bet."
"What?" I ask as I watch several men head for the elevator and the stairs.
"This is the security report for your room." He says holding it up. "There was an entry made at nine oh five and then another at nine forty seven." He says looking at his watch. "I'm assuming that the latter was Sookie."
I nod.
"Okay, we are going to find out where they are and what's going on. Then the team will assess the situation and decide what to do."
I'm about to say something else when my dad comes up beside me. "Son," he says to me. "Let them figure out the best way to get Sookie out of there. Let them make her safe."
I look in his eyes. They are filled with unshed tears. "I know," he says and puts his hand on my arm. "I would feel the same if it was your mother."
I turn and look at Frank. "Bring her back to me." I growl.
He nods and goes to look at someone behind me.
I can't help thinking that this is all Bill Compton's fault.
I watch as another group of men enter the building and disappear to the back.
Sometime while I'd been watching all these people move around, I'd been moved to sit. I know that our family is around me. I know that everyone is talking and saying positive things. But I can't help thinking that I just found her. I just found my love. The one person I can't live without. The one girl I would do anything for and someone is trying to take her away. She is so good and beautiful. Why does everything good go away?
***0***
Bill's POV
I am just about to go to sleep when the phone in my room rings. I don't want to answer it. I had spent most of the day watching that stupid competition. I wanted to stop but I couldn't. Sookie looked so beautiful and perfect. Her smile was for Northman and him alone. I don't think I ever saw a smile like that from her. I can't believe that she's been with him. For how long, I wonder. How long was she playing me along? How could she? How did she keep it a secret? Questions, Questions, so many questions.
"Mr. Compton," the night nurse says. "You father needs to speak with you."
I look up at her. "I don't want to talk to him." I say to her.
"Mr. Compton he said it's about your mother."
I huff and answer the phone. "What?" I ask.
"You want to tell me what you know about Victor Madden that would cause him to kidnap your mother?" He growls at me.
"Come again?" I ask.
He proceeds to tell what what's been happening.
"So where is Mother?" I ask him.
"I am on the way to the Windsor Court. They've tracked him there. They think he has Sookie now too." He says.
I go to move and realize that I can't without help. "I…I need to get there." I say to him.
"You are in the hospital, son." He says. "You can't get here. But you can tell me what you know about Victor that may help your Mother and Sookie."
"Dad I…" I start to say.
"Damn it, Bill." He screams at me. "He has your MOTHER and the woman you intended to marry. Do you have one compassionate bone in your body? Have we failed so miserably that you are as narcissistic as they think? Now stop playing this fucking game and tell me what you know! I will not lose your mother because you are trying to get a better deal for yourself from the DA."
I close my eyes. Behind them I see my mother. All the years that she was by my side. All the times she assisted me in getting me where I wanted to go. Then I saw Sookie as she was today. All light and happy. She truly looked like she was dancing on air. I sigh and start to tell him everything I know.
***0***
Sookie's POV
I blink twice. "This is all about money?" I ask him. "You are doing all this just to get my money?"
He laughs. "You are talking like money has never been an issue for you. Yeah, this is about money. I need that money and now that Lorena is indisposed, I need you to get it for me."
I nod at him. "I…you can have it. Just…listen, don't hurt anyone. I will give you anything you want. Just don't hurt me or Elizabeth, okay?" I ask.
He laughs. "She said you cared about her like a mother." He says to me.
I look at Elizabeth and back to him. "Yes, that's right. Elizabeth is like a mother to me. I would do anything to help her." I say with a smile. I'm not sure if he believes me but hey, it's worth a shot.
He looks around the room. He seems to be getting edgy. "Where is your man, Northman?" He asks me.
"He…he's waiting downstairs for me." I say softly.
"Why hasn't he come up?" He asks. "If Lorena had taken this long, I would have come up looking for her." He says.
"I…I don't know." I say and then look at Elizabeth. I can't help look at her ankle.
Madden catches my gaze. "What are you looking at?"
My eyes snap back to him. "Nothing."
He's not buying it. He yanks Elizabeth out of her seat which causes her to scream out. When she lands on the floor, he sees the ankle device. He looks at it for a long minute. "What the fuck is that!" He screams and pulls at her.
"Leave her alone." I say and go to stand.
Victor turns and points the gun at me. "Don't!" He growls. I stop. "What the fuck is this thing?" He asks again.
"It's…it's…" I can't come up with a lie.
"Why do you have a monitoring device?" He asks.
Neither of us say anything.
He growls again. "YOU BITCH!" He yells and turns the gun on Elizabeth.
"NO!" I scream.
Everything speed up and slowed down all at the same time. I picked up the vase on the table beside me. Running, I hit him with it on the head as he turned and I pointed the gun. I heard the gun go off and something hitting my arm. But I grabbed something else off the table and threw it in the direction of Madden. At the same time, I heard screaming from several different directions. Several guns firing and then someone yelling that there was a man down and we needed medics. I try to see what's going on but I can't seem to make my eyes work. I want to ask what's happening but I start to feel funny. The world starts to go gray and then black.