Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or series I am just borrowing them from their awesome creators.

Boston's witch burnings

By: Fire Wolfe

A/N: 'Telepathy or thoughts', "Speech"

Friday, March 29, 2013

Part 8 Connections where one least expects it

Maura watched Hope work. Despite the fact that these women were her friends she was still fascinated by her birthmother's care and skill. She worked calmly efficiently and with a deep respect for the dead that Maura admired. She was an example to follow. As she watched Hope Martin work she noted several similarities in their movements and style. Oddly enough it was a comfort to her because she knew Dr. Hope Martin spoke for the dead the same way she did. She showed the same care and respect Maura always strived for. It was rather shocking to hear Hope speak to the dead bodies telling them what was going to happen. When she raised a brow in askance Hope explained it only seemed polite to prepare them for what was to come. It was a habit she had gotten from one of her partners Doctor Mallard when she worked in a place where genocide was common. He had said speaking to the dead as if they were living still returned a bit of dignity to them. Hope had found that to be oddly endearing so she had picked up the habit. She blushed a little but Maura nodded and seemed thoughtful. It made sense in a way to her. She might never be comfortable with the living as patients but, the dead spoke to her so maybe it was only polite to speak to them. She filed it away for consideration later. Hope continued to prepare the tests.

"Well I have the sample now all we need to do is run the prints. It may take a while."

"Yes, they were not in any data base I know of but maybe the DNA will help."

Neither woman knew that the Wicca's DNA would send red flags up flags that would be used to explain the presence of the Council. Of course they would have other reasons for being in Boston but they would not know it just yet.

"Would you like to join me, Jane and the family for dinner we are heading for a steak house Jane is quite fond of. My father…Dr. Isle is joining us to help translate those markings. Mother well she will tag along and….Well I'd like you to come. I could use your help …professionally. I mean…your insights would be invaluable."

Hope flinched a little but nodded. "That sounds lovely. Just let me shower and change back. Caylin is with some friends this evening tutoring so it should not be a problem."

This time Maura blanched a bit. She nodded however. She wanted to love her sister and she wanted to connect but it was not easy. Her younger sister's rejection burned her deeply. She had donated a kidney to save her but, that had been more for her own peace of mind then because she wanted to help. Ok maybe not but her emotions were not certain where Caylin was concerned.

"Good, maybe we can ride together. I am leaving my car for Jane because we rode in together. She will be staying I'm sure and arrive with the others at the last minute. I however want to get there early and make sure everything is set. Mother arranged it but, this is the first time we will be using the private room and… well this is important."

Hope smiled she understood this was about more than just the case to Maura. She nodded. "Of course, can I help?"

Maura nodded and hoped Constance would not take offence. "We should go see if Angela wants to ride with us as well."

"Ok, let's change first."

Maura nodded and they both headed to grab a shower and drop the scrubs they were wearing.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

They parked in a local car port. William followed the slayers and Wicca's out of the car and gave his driver the night off. "Head on home James we can find a cab later or ride with the girls."

"Sir you can always call me. I don't mind."

William smiled at his long time driver and friend. "No have and early night. I'm sure we will be keeping you busy over the next few days. So enjoy tonight."

"Sure boss, you ladies take care." He tipped his hat and headed home not sure he liked leaving them there as it was dark in the car port. However William had slayers with him and he knew Miss Kennedy not let anything happen to him.

Caylin laughed at her boyfriend and giggled. He was so silly. They had a great study session and now she just wanted to have some fun. She let him pull her in for a kiss. She grinned at him. "Come on Luke lets go dancing park over there."

Luke saw the car park and smiled he drove in. It was dark and perfect for what he had planned. He parked the car and followed his girl out. She was one of the loveliest things he had ever seen. She was his and he decided he was going to keep her. The scare over her kidney failure was never going to happen again. He followed her out. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and took off. He growled low. She was so going to pay for teasing him.

He chased her thinking that this was a game he was not going to lose. He was going to keep her at his side forever and maybe just maybe he would let her have her revenge on her bitch of a sister and her girl. Yes that would endear Caylin to him forever.

Caylin ran off she so loved Luke. He was handsome and mature. She did not care he was allergic to the sun and had to wear dark clothing and tons of sunblock. He might be pale his hands may be cold but the look he gave her burned her to her soul. She knew he was perfect for her. Hell he even liked moonlight walks and loved poetry. How many guys did that for their girls, plus when she got sick he was still there. So many of her friends had ditched her but not Luke sometimes he was stuffy and old fashioned but she loved that. Hell he wanted to wait until she was sure because he said it had to be forever. How romantic was that?

Luke took off after the running Caylin he caught her and began to kiss her deeply. He wanted her and he began to kiss her neck she would be his. He pulled back his game face coming out.

Caylin saw it and screamed. "What…what are you?" She pulled aay scared.

"I am the vampire that claims you and you will be my bride."

"What…no, this isn't right."

"Hey lady is everything ok?" A guard asked walking over toward them.

Luke growled when he saw the lust in the guards face. He turned and before the guard could move he was on him. He pulled the man's head back and sank his fangs deep. He drank starving hoping that by drinking the guard he would gain some control. He wanted Caylin to choose to be with him.

"Luke what are you doing?" Caylin ran and began to beat at his shoulders. He dropped the guard and she pulled away running screaming for help.

Buffy and the others heard the scream.

"You know B just one night it be nice you know."

"Yeah, let's go. Kennedy you want to stay and keep the Doctor safe?"

Kennedy shook her head no. She took off and the chosen two laughed and followed. Willow ran with them. Dawn however stayed back.

William looked at her.

"Hey I don't want to get all hot and sweaty. Plus Kennedy kind of expects you to keep me out of trouble."

William gave her a look.

"What it's Tuesday and I am so not allowed to fight on that day."

The three slayers and Witch came across the wounded guard and Willow dropped down to check him. "Buffy, Faith he is still alive. Kennedy help me."

Her girlfriend cursed but dropped down to begin first aid. Faith and Buffy kept running toward the screams.

Luke stopped cold. He spun around as the two slayers came into view. He froze and cursed. "Damn it to hell." Not being a fool and having lived over three hundred years he decided retreat was wiser. He took off. He was chased by Faith as Buffy went to Caylin to help. Faith however lost him as he was very familiar with the area. He jumped down a level then ran back toward the exit to the nearest tunnel entrance. He was not about to be dusted just when he almost had his girl.

"Damn it, I so hate when they get away." She said.

She spun around and headed back to Buffy and the girl.

Caylin was panting and weak. The stress of her run made her heart race and she was scared. What was Luke?

"Hey you ok?" Buffy asked.

Caylin looked up at Buffy and nodded. "He just freaked out. I mean he never….I ….what was he?" before Buffy could explain she promptly passed out.

Buffy leapt forward and caught the girl. She was burning up with fever. 'Shit this is so not of the good.'

She pulled her phone and dialed 911 they needed help fast.

TBC….