Chapter 34

Betsy groaned and clutched her head. It felt like it was going to explode. She tried opening her eyes. It was a mistake. Moaning in pain she quickly shut them again and buried her head under the pillow. She couldn't remember the last time she had been this hung over. She hadn't drunk that much whiskey. As she became more aware of her surroundings Betsy wondered how she had gotten home. She remembered leaving the club but not what happened after that. She needed to return the whiskey to Victor's cabinet before he realized it was missing.

Forcing her eyes open Betsy saw that she was in her bedroom. She looked slowly around the room. Where was the bottle? Carefully sitting up she scanned the room and saw the whiskey sitting on her dresser. She slowly stood up and then clapped a hand over her mouth. She felt like she was going to be sick. It took a minute or two before her stomach settled down enough for her to try retrieving the bottle.

Wrapping the bottle in her robe Betsy made her way to Victor's study. She paused at the door as another bout of nausea swept over her. Betsy swore to herself that she was never going to drink that much again. Ever! Her stomach under control she tiptoed to the cabinet and put the whiskey back. Maybe Victor wouldn't notice how much of his whiskey was gone. Betsy froze at the distinctive sound of a gun being cocked.

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice that you had taken my best bottle of whiskey?" Victor growled.

"You knew?" Betsy squeaked. Slowly turning around she found herself staring down the barrel of Victor's gun. Betsy screamed and took off down the hall. A bullet whizzed by her ear. Skidding into the living room she saw Artemis standing by one of the windows. She raced across the room and latched onto his arm, "Victor's gonna kill me!" she cried.

"How is that my problem?" Artemis asked looking down at her. Betsy whimpered piteously and glanced back at the door. Victor strode towards her with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Are you finally going to kill her?" Artemis asked shoving Betsy towards Victor. Betsy dropped to her knees and clasped her hands in front of her, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…please don't kill me," she pleaded.

Artemis looked at Victor and laughed. It looked like Betsy had finally unraveled the man. Victor pressed his gun against Betsy's forehead. Artemis wondered if he would actually kill her. Crossing his arms over his chest Artemis waited curious to see what would happen.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The sound of Betsy screaming followed by a gunshot jerked Anna awake.

"It would appear your friend has gotten herself into trouble," Jarlaxle remarked. Anna threw the covers back but Jarlaxle didn't want to let her leave the bed.

"Let me go," Anna hissed pulling at his arm. Jarlaxle laughed quietly and nuzzled her ear.

"What's the hurry?" The drow asked catching the lobe of her ear between his teeth.

Anna pushed at his chest, "You heard that scream. It was Betsy!" she exclaimed.

The dark elf let her go, "Let me guess you are going to rescue her from her own foolishness," he sighed. Anna didn't answer as she jumped out of bed and hurried towards the door. "As charming as I find your current state of undress you may want to put some clothes on before you rescue Betsy," Jarlaxle laughed. Anna stopped dead in her tracks flushing bright red. Grabbing her robe she quickly tied it around her, yanked the door open and rushed into the hall.

She reached Victor's study just in time to see her grandfather holding a gun to Betsy's head. "Grandpa!" Anna shouted running over to Betsy and throwing her arms around her friend.

"You're not going to save her this time Anna," Victor growled as he lowered the gun. Anna turned angry eyes towards her grandfather.

"Don't you dare hurt Betsy!" Anna growled right back. Victor muttered something about stupid females under his breath.

"Get her out of my sight. If I see her again I won't be responsible for my actions," Victor snarled while putting the gun back in his jacket. Turning his back on them he stomped out of the living room.

Anna waited until her grandfather left the room before talking to Betsy, "What did you do?" she asked. Betsy collapsed against her and sobbed.

"Apparently Betsy took your grandfather's prized whiskey," Artemis answered. Anna looked up at him.

"Not the hundred year bottle of whiskey," Anna said staring at Betsy in shock. No wonder Victor had wanted to kill her. "Oh Betsy, of all the things to take, that was the worst. You have no idea how hard it was for him to get hold of that," Anna said shaking her head in disbelief.

Artemis was thoroughly amused. The only thing that would have made the situation more amusing would have been for Victor to actually shoot Betsy. He noticed Anna's bare feet peeking out from beneath her robe. "I'll see to your foolish friend," he said grabbing Betsy's arm and pulling her to her feet. Anna looked at him in confusion. Artemis gestured towards her bare feet, "You might want to put a little more clothes on than just a robe. I believe Victor has a guest and I would think that he would not approve of his guest seeing his granddaughter undressed," he explained.

"Oh that's right. Mr. Capone was coming to see grandpa today. I forgot," she gasped as she stood up and hurried back to her bedroom.

Artemis turned his attention to Betsy. She was a sorry sight. "You smell like a brewery," he commented wrinkling his nose. Betsy sniffled and looked up at him.

"You wouldn't have let him shoot me would you baby?" Betsy whined rubbing her eyes.

"Why would I want to stop him? You brought this on yourself," Artemis snorted.

Betsy shivered and met Artemis's cold eyes, "I was really scared," she whispered.

The assassin shook his head, "It truly is a wonder someone hasn't already killed you." Betsy's lower lip trembled. "If you start bawling you won't have to worry about Victor," Artemis warned her.

Betsy rubbed her temples, "It feels like my head is gonna explode," she grumbled.

"Serves you right," Artemis retorted guiding her to her room. Pushing her inside he turned to leave.

"Wait," Betsy said quietly touching his arm. Artemis turned towards her. "Would you please stay with me? I don't want to be alone," she pleaded.

Artemis didn't know what came over him but he found himself nodding and following her into the room.

"I'm going to take a bath. I'll be back in a few minutes," Betsy said once he sat down. Checking once more to make sure he wasn't going to leave she walked to the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Once alone she filled the tub and sank into the warm water. Silent tears ran down her face as she scrubbed herself clean. By the time she had finished dressing she had her emotions back under control. Forcing a saucy smile on her face she swaggered over to Artemis and sat on his lap.

"What in the nine hells do you think you are doing?" Artemis spat shoving her off. Betsy slid onto the floor with a thump and looked up at him out of wide eyes. He noticed that her face was free of the paint she normally wore. The assassin was surprised to find that he found her even more attractive without her customary paint. She had brushed out her hair and it now fell in soft platinum waves around her face. Why would he notice that? Hedidn't want to think about it.

"Why do always push me away baby?" Betsy asked kneeling beside him and placing her hands on his knee. He glowered at her not bothering to answer.

"What possessed you to do such a stupid thing?" Artemis asked referring to her whiskey theft.

Betsy sighed and looked away, "I was lonely," she said. Betsy hated being alone. Her parents had died when she very young leaving her all alone in the world. If Anna's grandparents hadn't taken her in she would still have been in an orphanage. She had learned at an early age that happy children had an easier life. So, Betsy smiled even when she didn't feel like smiling. Ironically acting happy actually made her feel happy most of the time. Except for those times when she was by herself.

"You were lonely," Artemis echoed.

"I don't like being alone," Betsy said smiling up at him.

Artemis just stared at her. What was wrong with this woman? She nearly got herself killed because she was lonely? Artemis preferred being alone. It made no sense to him. Why would being alone be so hard for her? That's when he noticed that Betsy's smile didn't reach her eyes. Was her constantly happy demeanor an act? The assassin studied her thoughtfully. Why would she pretend to be happy? His eyes narrowed as he took a closer look at her. He had thought her eyes were blood shot because she was hung over. He had been wrong. She had been crying and was trying to hide it. Was her happiness merely an act? He had thought she was a fool. Had he misjudged her?

"Why are you smiling?" Artemis demanded.

Betsy's smile wavered, "I'm happy baby. That's what people do when they are happy," she giggled. Her laughter died at the angry look he directed at her.

"You're not happy. Why act happy when you are not?" Artemis wanted know. He couldn't even begin to guess at the reason behind such a thing. Betsy's eyes widened as she fidgeted uncomfortably under his hard stare. She hadn't expected him to be so perceptive.

"I don't know what you're talking about baby," Betsy laughed. She stood up and straightened her skirt avoiding his eyes.

"Answer me," Artemis growled. Betsy sighed and turned away from him.

"I would rather laugh than cry. Are you satisfied now?" Betsy snapped walking away from him.

Artemis watched her thoughtfully. So it was an act. How strange. "Do you hate yourself that much?" he asked. Betsy whirled around her eyes blazing with anger.

"What do you know? You don't know me. You don't know anything about me," Betsy exclaimed clenching her fists so hard that her nails dug into her palms. She was answered by a small hard smile flitting across the assassin's face.

"Very well, I don't know you. Then explain it to me," Artemis prompted. He was curious. He didn't want to be curious but this was a side of Betsy he hadn't known existed. Despite himself he was intrigued.

Betsy gave him a helpless shrug and sat down on the bed, "Things are always easier when you are happy. If you are happy people want to be around you," she paused and looked at the floor, "The best way to be happy is to act happy."

Artemis considered what she said. Was it possible to become happy by simply acting happy? He seriously doubted it. "Why do you paint yourself?" he suddenly asked. Betsy gave him a blank stare. "Do you use the paint to hide who you truly are as well?" he asked.

A small smile lifted the corner of Betsy's lips, "I paint myself because I won't let anyone tell me what to do," she told him.

"Then I was right. It is a mask you that you hide behind," Artemis scoffed.

"No, it's not a mask. It's a declaration of independence," Betsy explained. Artemis stood up and walked over to her. Gripping her chin he tilted her head up until she met his eyes.

"You don't need it," he said softly. Betsy blinked in surprise.

"Did you just compliment me?" she grinned, "You really are the cat's meow." This time the smile reached her eyes. Artemis merely snorted as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet. "Are we going somewhere?" Betsy asked.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Arriving at her bedroom Anna went inside and closed the door behind her. Of all the bad decisions that Betsy made this latest was one of the worst. She chuckled quietly as she remembered the look on her grandfather's face. She knew Victor would never actually hurt Betsy. Despite his growling and threats of bodily harm he loved her.

Reaching into her dresser she fished through the drawer looking for something to wear. The image of Victor's face as Betsy kneeled in front of him flashed across Anna's mind. She leaned against the dresser giggling uncontrollably.

"What is so amusing?" A voice said from behind her. Anna dropped the undergarment she was holding and spun around. Jarlaxle was lying on his side watching her from the bed. He was completely naked save for the sheet thrown across his hips. Anna gulped and tried not to ogle him. She didn't succeed. A smile slowly spread across his handsome face. He patted the comforter. "Come," he said.

Anna shook her head, "What are you still doing here?" she hissed trying to ignore the sensual way his eyes were roaming over her body.

"Waiting for you of course," the drow smiled.

Anna glanced nervously at the door, "My family can't find you here," she whispered. The look of mischief that entered the dark elf's eyes alarmed her. "I'm serious! You have to get out of here," she hissed. Jarlaxle slid off the bed and walked towards her completely naked.

Anna waved her arms frantically, "Put some clothes on," she shrieked unable to stop her eyes from traveling down his lean form.

"I would hate to deprive you of the view you are so obviously enjoying," Jarlaxle laughed walking over to her. Anna opened and closed her mouth unable to find the words to reply. Still laughing the drow leaned towards her and then plucked his clothing from the dresser. Anna closed her eyes and prayed for patience. When she opened her eyes the drow's lips for a hair's breath from hers.

"What were you praying for?" Jarlaxle whispered against her lips.

"Patience," Anna growled. The drow grinned and kissed her nose before moving away to pull on his clothes.

Anna frowned as he positioned the ugly purple hat on his head. "Where were you hiding that thing?" she asked staring at the monstrosity. Jarlaxle raised a pale brow.

"Of all the things to confound you about me I wouldn't have thought it would be the location of my hat," he said adjusting it to sit at a rakish angle.

Anna sighed. She should have known he wouldn't answer her.

He waited until she had finished dressing before holding out his arm, "Shall we join the others?" he asked.

Anna opened the door a cracked and scanned the hallway to make sure the coast was clear. "Okay, let's go," she said grabbing his arm and hurrying him out of the bedroom.

Jarlaxle's grin widened as she snuck him out of her room. She was such an amusing little thing. He noticed that she was moving a little stiffly. She must still be sore from the night before. He had been surprised at the strength of her response to him. The drow had known that she desired him but she had responded much better than he expected. To his surprise he realized that he already wanted her again. How strange. He thought that once he had her his desire would have disappeared. But contrary to his expectations he wanted her even more now. He supposed he would just have to take her with him when he returned to Faerun. The dark elf never willingly parted with treasure.

Anna didn't like the look in the elf's eyes. He looked far too pleased with himself.

"Where are we going?" Jaraxle asked as she led him through the house.

"To find Betsy. She got herself in trouble…again," Anna groaned.

"What did she do?" the drow asked.

Anna rolled her eyes. "Took my grandpa's most expensive bottle of whiskey," she answered. Jarlaxle's eyes sparkled with amusement. He could imagine the response that would have gotten.

"I can only assume Victor was less than pleased," he remarked.

Anna sighed, "He tried to shoot her," she said. Jarlaxle doubled over with laughter. He laughed so hard that Anna was forced to stop and wait for him to collect himself.

Wiping his eyes Jarlaxle said, "By all means, let us find your friend." So that had been the sound he heard earlier. The drow very much wanted to find out what exactly had happened. He suspected there was more to the story than Anna was telling him.

They found Betsy slumped in a chair in the living room as Artemis chided her.

"Victor should have shot you. Perhaps then you would think before acting," Artemis was saying.

"Artemis! That is not nice," Anna said as they walked into the room. Artemis barely spared them a glance before glaring at Betsy again.

"Whatever made you think I was nice?" Artemis snarled not taking his eyes from Betsy's woebegone form.

Lizzie burst into the room, "What happened? I have never seen Victor in such a state," she exclaimed.

"All I did was take some whiskey," Betsy cried turning big sad eyes towards Lizzie.

Lizzie rushed over to Betsy, "Oh dear, are you alright?" she asked pulling Betsy into her arms. Betsy promptly burst into tears. "There, there I'm here now," Lizzie soothed.

Artemis glared at Lizzie and Besty. Throwing his hands in the air he stalked out of the room. He had as much foolishness as he could take for one day.

Jarlaxle touched Lizzie's shoulder, "May I have a word with you?" he asked. Lizzie looked up in surprise. "I believe Anna can take care of Betsy," the drow said. Lizzie nodded wondering why he wanted to talk to her. Jarlaxle turned towards Anna, "If you would be so kind," he said.

"Of course," Anna said walking over to Betsy. Laying an arm around Betsy's shoulder Anna helped her to her feet. She wondered what Jarlaxle wanted to talk to her grandmother about.

Jarlaxle waited until Anna and Betsy had left the study before turning his attention to Lizzie.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Lizzie asked.

"I need to contact Faery," Jarlaxle said.

"Why?" Lizzie asked. Even though Victor had told her the drow was not evil she couldn't shake her suspicions. Something about Jarlaxle felt off. She couldn't put her finger on it but she was certain that the dark elf did not have their best interests in mind.

Jarlaxle tossed her a charming smile which only made Lizzie more suspicious. Reaching into his cloak he pulled out an ancient leather bound journal. She couldn't hide her surprise when he handed it to her.

"What is it?" Lizzie asked not taking the journal.

"It is what brought Anna to me," the drow answered. Lizzie took the journal and then dropped it like she had been burned. "As I thought you are sensitive to magic," Jarlaxle noted in satisfaction as she cautiously picked it back up.

"I've never felt magic this strong," Lizzie whispered running her fingers along the cracked leather binding.

"I do not know why Anna was sent to me but I do know that her appearance was not an accident," he said. "The journal is both a spell and a clue. According to what I have read I need to contact faery if I am to save Faerun."

Lizzie turned the journal over in her hands marveling at the magic emanating from it. She looked up at Jarlaxle and wanted to know, "Why do you care what happens?"

"My good woman, you wound me," Jarlaxle exclaimed.

"If you want my help, answer my question," Lizzie told him.

Jarlaxle's smile faded, "Because even if all the races of Faerun fall prey to this illness I will not," he said seriously.

"And then you would be truly alone," Lizzie realized. Against her better judgment she told him, "Alright I'll help you. The best time will be at the witching hour."

Jarlaxle's smile was back in place, "Perhaps you would be so kind as to explain," he said.

"3:00 AM is the witching hour," she explained pointing to the hands on the clock.

"I am indebted to you," the dark said sweeping her a bow.

"Don't take this lightly. Contacting Faery is dangerous. The Fae are capricious. It is impossible to know what they will do," Lizzie warned handing the journal back to him. Jarlaxle bowed again and inclined his head in understanding. "One last thing," Lizzie said drawing his attention, "I want you to leave Anna alone."

"Why?" Jarlaxle asked in surprise.

"This is no future for Anna with you. The only thing you will bring her is pain," Lizzie told him.

"Perish the thought! I only have her best interests at heart," the drow declared. Lizzie didn't believe him for a minute.

"I mean it. That is the price of my help," she said.

"Of course, if that is what you wish," Jarlaxle lied. He had no intention of leaving Anna alone. She was his and it wasn't in his nature to part with what was his. Lizzie nodded and left the room. She had taken him at his word. The fool. Still it would in his best interest to avoid Anna until after he contacted faery.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jarlaxle silently made his way through the dark house. It was unlikely that Lizzie would have told the others of their conversation. She was obviously hoping that by helping him she would free Anna from his clutches. The dark elf smiled in the darkness. It was not a nice smile. The poor woman had no idea what she was dealing with. Making a deal with the drow was like making a deal with the devil.

He found Lizzie in the back yard beneath a large weeping willow tree. She was carefully arranging several pieces of wood on the ground.

"What are you doing?" Jarlaxle asked as he came up behind her. Lizzie shrieked dropped the branch she was holding as she spun around.

"When did you get here?" she gasped clutching her chest.

"I startled you, my apologies," Jarlaxle said sweeping her a bow. Lizzie shook head as she crouched down to continue arranging the sticks. Once the wood was properly arranged she positioned three candles and then leaned back to scrutinize her work. Satisfied she stood and turned to face the drow.

"This ritual is dangerous," Lizzie told him sternly. Jarlaxle inclined his head and waited for her to continue. "Stand to the side over there," she instructed pointing to the right side of the willow tree. Once the dark elf had moved to where she indicted she said, "You must remain silent while I preform the ritual. If the ritual is interrupted it may go very wrong or it may not work at all." The drow nodded in understanding.

"I am familiar with rituals. You need not be concerned," he assured her.

Lizzie took a deep breath and closed her eyes clearing her mind off but the task at hand. Once she had focused properly she lit the candles and began to chant.

"Hail and Welcome O Sacred Sidhe
Ye Gnomes of the North
Keepers of the Earth and its bounty
I humbly beseech you to join in this my Rite of Summoning," Lizzie bowed before continuing.

"Hail and Welcome O Sacred Sidhe
Ye Sylphs of the East
Keepers of the Air and inspiration
I humbly beseech you to join in this my Rite of Summoning," she paused and bowed again.

"Hail and Welcome of Sacred Sidhe
Ye Salamanders of the South
Keepers of Fire and strength and passion
I humbly beseech you to join in this my Rite of Summoning," Lizzie bowed again sweat breaking out on her forehead.

"Hail and Welcome O Sacred Sidhe
Ye Undines of the West
Keepers of Water and all its mysteries
I humbly beseech you to join in this my Rite of Summoning," as she bowed the drow could see the lines of stress on her face.

She moved to center of circle and said, "Hail and Welcome." The chant complete Lizzie moved out of the circle. She took a deep breath and waited anxiously to see if it worked.

The temperature suddenly dropped raising goose bumps along Lizzie's and Jarlaxle's arms. The air around them shimmered fairly vibrating with energy. The surrounding darkness became pitch black and all sound ceased save for the sound of their breathing.

Wind erupted from the circle blowing out the candles and nearly knocking them off their feet. As the wind died down a shining figure appeared in the circle.

"Who dares to summon one the Sidhe? Speak now," the figure demanded as the air began to shimmer with its power.

Author's Note: Almost done! One or two more chapters and I will wrap this up! Hopefully you liked this chapter. Please review. Thanks.