33

Everything Isn't as it Seems

Hello, y'all. I hope that all is well. Here's the next chapter. Please enjoy. And please forgive the delay in posting the chapter. It's getting closer to the holidays and people's emotions are getting the best of them. I will do my best to keep the story going as often as I can.

Thank y'all so much for reading, making this story and me a favorite, alerting, and reviewing. And welcome aboard to the new readers. As always, enjoy!

I can't believe how happy I am. I went to bed smiling and I woke up smiling. I dreamt of me and Eric. I dreamt that we had a fulfilling and happy life together. We had many adventures. There were trials and tribulations but we made it through them. We were stronger because of them. We loved each other hard and long. And regardless of how things were perceived to be between us, they were only that much better because of us. By that, I mean that the words of the world didn't bother us. They didn't make us doubt each other. We loved even harder and I can see myself loving him for the rest of my life … no matter how long that may be. I glanced at Eric as he lay next me and joy flowed through me. I know in my heart that I'm supposed to be with him. I leaned over and kissed him before getting out of the bed.

When I went to the bathroom, I saw that Eric left instructions for me to get out of the room. He stressed several times that I needed to check the cameras before leaving the room; though I had a pretty good idea that no one would be in the house. He even wrote out instructions on how I should do that. Eric left no stone unturned. He made sure that he'd covered everything for me. He'd set up an appointment for me to meet with his day man, Bobby Burnham. Thalia had everything set up and ready for me from the video feed. There will be pictures. Eric's day man is supposed to bring everything that I need. It seems that Eric doesn't want me to leave the house today, contrary to what we'd discussed last night. It's not because he's hiding me away from the world. He said that Jake and crew have some work to do for the Colonel and I'll have no one guarding me while he's resting. I'm wondering if they have to get rid of the evidence of last night's activities. I wonder what they're going to do with Dawn's body. I guess the less I know about that, the better. Anyway, I'm happy to stay inside. There's nowhere I'd rather be.

After I'd showered, I dressed in a pair of jeans and a top. I checked Eric's three hundred cameras to be sure that no one was in the house, though I couldn't figure out why anyone would risk death by coming into Eric's home. And none too surprised, Eric and I were alone. Soon after, I stepped from behind the fridge and made sure that it snapped perfectly back into place. And because I was curious, I opened the door to the fridge to see if the peek-a-boo door would open and it didn't open. "Well, turn me upside down and paint me blue." Vampires are so innovative.

I was kind of hungry but was out of luck since Eric had no food. There was no way that I could stay holed up in the house for an entire day and not eat. I'm a growing woman. I need sustenance. I needed biscuits and gravy with a fried egg on the side. Any other time, I'd hightail it to Gran's but I don't know where they are. My only choice was to go to the local grocery store and buy what I'd need. I also needed to go to my apartment to get clothes but I can do that when Eric wakes up. I threw my arms out and said, "Going to the grocery store should be okay." I went into the living room and grabbed my car keys.

When I opened the door, there was a man standing there with his fist in midair, preparing to knock on the door. He was a nice-looking man. His smile reached his eyes and he looked friendly enough. He was well dressed and well groomed. And not a bad thought in his head. "Ms. Stackhouse?" he asked.

"Yes," I said as I returned his welcoming smile.

Still smiling, he said, "I'm Bobby Burnham." He offered me his hand. "I'm Eric's day man. Pleased to meet you."

"Please, call me Sookie." I returned his hand shake enthusiastically. "And it's very nice to meet you as well, Mr. Burnham. Won't you come in?" I stepped to the side to let him enter.

He shook his head no. "I have to bring in the groceries and please call me Bobby, Sookie." He began to laugh. "Eric had me purchase almost everything that they had in the store. You won't believe how much that grocery bill was." He shook his head in disbelief. He peeked behind with a quizzical look on his face. "Are you the only here?"

"I am."

He chuckled. He looked me up and down and shook his head. "I'm almost certain that there's no way that you can eat as much food as Eric had me buy. I thought that he was feeding an army."

I chuckled as I began to step outside. "Let me help you."

"No," he said as he raised his hand. "Eric wouldn't want that. I can do it. It may take me a few hours but I'll bring them inside." He laughed at his joke.

"Okay, Bobby," I said. "I'll make a deal with you. You bring them in and I'll put them away. And once I'm done with that, I'll make us some breakfast. Deal?"

His smile broadened. "How can I turn down a home cooked breakfast with a beautiful, young lady. It's a deal."

So, that's what we did. He brought in the groceries and I put them up. And he was right. There was barely enough room in the fridge or cabinets for the amount of food that Eric had him buy but we made do and I made us a great breakfast of biscuits and gravy with fried eggs. We talked and got to know each other a little. It was a great morning with great company and great conversation. And now that breakfast and the dishes were done, I needed to get to work. We needed to get Pam home. I sighed and asked, "Do you have something for me?"

"I do." He reached for the folder that he'd placed in the chair next to him. He pulled out a thick stack of papers and three CDs and placed them in front of me. "Thalia said that if I didn't get this to you, I could kiss my candy ass goodbye. So, here I am, getting this to you." He glanced down at the table briefly and said, "That is one scary vampire."

"You think so?" I asked. "I thought that she was a joy when I met her."

Bobby looked at me and frowned. "Thalia?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"The vampire called Thalia?"

"Uh-huh."

He shook his head. "I've heard her call many things but she's never been called a joy. She's anything but." He looked over his shoulder as if he'd expected her to show up. "She's a freaking nightmare. You wouldn't believe how she's terrorized me since I've been working for Eric. She's only happy when she's making my life a living hell and scaring the begeezus out of me."

Though I didn't mean to laugh at his discomfort, I couldn't help it. I'd even apologized for it. "I don't mean to laugh at you. Forgive me but I can't see Thalia doing that. I guess I'll find out once I'm around her long enough."

He fanned me off. "It's okay if you laugh. I had to laugh the first time to keep from crying but I've learned to stay away from her when she's in town. I would've avoided her this time if Eric hadn't sent met to where she's staying. Thank God she was sleeping." He shrugged his shoulders. "What can I do? It's all part of the job."

"Yeah," I said as I half listened to him. I looked through the stack of papers and glanced over the info that Thalia had sent to me. There was a lot of information. She'd given me the name of every vampire and human that is a part of Eric's retinue. She noted that she's going to set up an appointment for me to meet with the humans so that I can read them. She's going to speak with Eric about when it can be done. She and Eric are going to be with me when we meet with the vampires. She said that he wants me to meet them. They need to know who I am and what I am to him. She'd printed out the full colored pictures of the killers from Pam's house that night that I'd requested but I only wanted the one. I wanted the picture of the pale man. And there it was. She had a picture of the pale man that was pretending to be Pam's lover, Barry Horowitz. I studied his face for as long as I could. I wanted to know every inch of his face just in case I ever see him. The color of his eyes … pitch black. Thin lips. Stringy hair. Plain to look at but those eyes. They were dead. There was no sign of life in them. It amazed me that Andy wasn't suspicious of this guy. Just looking at his picture, I could see that he was everything bad. There were pictures of the backs of hands. He had tattoos on them … Death's Friend. I believed that to be true. He had the palest skin with the darkest hair. He looked scarier than some of the vampires I've met. "Where are you?" I whispered.

"May I?"

I looked up to see Bobby sitting across from me. I'd forgotten that he was even here with me. "Sure," I said. I handed him the pictures of the pale man. I was sure that Eric would be okay with since he has trusted him enough to let him come into his home while he's resting. "Have you ever seen him anywhere near Eric or Pam? Maybe you've seen him at the bar or you might remember those tattoos."

Bobby was frowning as he looked at the picture. He shook his head no. "But I can tell you where he got that tattoo. I'd know that work anywhere. I have that same script written across my back." He poked his finger at the picture and said, "The Devil's Den. That guy is a tattoo god." He then looked at me. "If anyone can tell you who this is and where he is, it's him. His name is Kev. A Russian guy. Everyone goes to him. I promise you. He can tell you anything that you need to know. Kev, he can tell you." He handed the picture back to me. "He has the memory of an elephant. Everyone that comes into his shop, always returns. He has a strong rapport with his clients. Just don't go alone. He loves to hit on blondes. He loves blondes."

"Thanks, I'll remember that," I said as I took the picture from him and placed it back into the folder.

"Oh," Bobby said. "Eric also told me to give you this." He reached into his pocket and handed me a credit card.

I looked at the card and then at him. "What am I supposed to do with it?"

"Order some clothes, go shopping," he said. "Eric said that you're not going to be able to go back to your apartment just yet. He said that he'll explain that to you when he rises. He wants you to order whatever you need and have it delivered today if possible."

I shook my head no. "I can't do that. I have lots of clothes at home. Eric can go with me …"

Bobby shook his head no. "He said that your home is under surveillance." He raised his hands up in surrender and said, "He didn't tell me why. He just told me that you needed to order your clothes and whatever else you need with this credit card." He shoved it at me once more. "You have to take it. That's what the boss wants, so that's what the boss gets."

"Thanks," I said as I took it. I didn't want Eric buying me clothes when I have clothes at home but I clearly understand why I can't go home to get my things. I can't and won't let my pride get in the way of what we need to do. I placed the card on the table as I smiled at Bobby and jokingly said, "I hope that I don't go overboard."

"You won't," Bobby replied. "Eric told me to tell you to get whatever you want."

Faking the funk, I smiled and said, "Great. That's great."

Bobby and I talked a few more minutes before calling it a day. "I will let Eric know that you've done your job and all's well in the Northman household. It was really nice meeting you, Bobby." I offered him my hand once more.

He shook it enthusiastically. "It was great meeting you, Sookie. And the breakfast," he said as he rubbed his stomach. "It was delicious. You're a great cook. You're going to make someone a great wife one day."

I wanted to tell him that the man that I want doesn't eat human food but I kept my mouth shut. I didn't want to let Bobby know anything about me and Eric. Just because he had pleasing thoughts, it doesn't mean that he won't betray Eric if he gets the chance. Look at Maxwell Lee. Eric has known and obviously trusted him for many, many years and he took his sister away from him. We can't be sure of who we can trust. We have to be careful. I have to be careful. "If he loves biscuits and gravy, he's the man for me."

Once Bobby was gone, I got to work. I took the folder from the kitchen table and went to Eric's office. I had to use his computer. Thalia sent me the recordings of what happened that fateful morning at Pam's home and she said that I was going to be able to see whatever I needed to see. She's the self-proclaimed computer whiz of the vampire world. As soon as I sat at his desk, I slid in the first disc. I thought that I'd be nervous about watching Weres that I know be murdered over again but I wasn't nervous. I was okay with what I was seeing for the millionth time. I was doing my job. After last night, I know that I can't let my emotions get in the way. If it's necessary, I can cry later. Now was not the time. There was no time for tears or sadness.

I studied the murderers and they were well prepared. They did everything in sync and though it was gruesome, it was beautifully choreographed. They were well prepared when they attacked Eric's vampires and the humans. They knew where to hide and which parts of the house to hit. Maxwell trained them well. And oddly enough, they were unassuming. Their van was a typical looking black van. There was nothing about it that stands out. Nothing extraordinary … not even the name plastered on the side of it … Anna's Maid Service. But that's not what caught my eye. What caught my eye was the woman driving the van. It couldn't have been Dawn because she was already in the house. I zoomed in on her face but I couldn't make out who she was. There was something familiar about her. I couldn't tell because of the hat and the shades. The long dark hair, it wasn't a wig. If it was a wig, why would she need to wear a hat? I leaned in closer to the screen when she turned to face the people in the passenger seat. And I still couldn't recognize her.

"Dang it!" I mumbled.

I watched the discs several more times and I still didn't understand why Maxwell is mad at Eric. If he's mad at Eric, why kill all of those people? He could've fought Eric up front. I don't get it and the discs tell me nothing. I still don't know what happened in Paris. Why was taking Pam so important to him? How did he learn that Pam is Eric's sister? I'm most certain that Eric wouldn't have written anything like that down and I'm sure that he didn't brag about it. He and Pam have everyone in the vampire world believing that they are lovers. So, how did Maxwell know?

I stood up from Eric's chair and went to the couch to lie down. I draped my arm over my forehead as I closed my eyes. If you really think about it, it's not going to matter why Maxwell took Pam or how he knew about Eric's and Pam's relationship. He was going to die. They all are going to die once Pam has been released. Shoot, maybe even before they let her go. He's going to kill everyone that's involved. No amount of begging is going to save them. I don't see Eric as being a very forgiving person; especially not to people that have betrayed him … and by people, I mean vampires and anyone else who'd be dumb enough to cross him. I didn't know Maxwell very well but he appeared to be a smart vampire but I guess I was wrong. But what if I'm not? What if the entire kidnapping is just a trap? What if it has nothing to do with Pam being Eric's sister? What if they don't know and they truly believe that Pam is Eric's child … which she is. What if taking Pam is Maxwell's way to break Eric … weaken him?

And that made me laugh.

Regardless of what they believe, Eric's not going to fall for some stupid trap. He's no dummy and from what I can tell, he's never been stupid either. They know that if Pam so much as has a hair out of place, they will die. They won't hurt her because their plan won't work. They can't get what they need from Eric if they do. I'll bet she's safe and sound.

I began to think about the pale man, Barry Horowitz. Another telepath. I wonder what he has to do with all this. It never occurred to me that there was another telepath in this world. Does that mean we're related? Is he a Brigant and if he is, why is he working with the vampires to destroy Eric? Maybe he doesn't have a choice. I can't help but think that Barry may not have had a choice in the life that was chosen for him. Some vampire could have accidentally stumbled up on Barry and took him as his own. After all, he's an asset. A valuable asset that any king or queen would proud to have. I wonder if …

"Well, shut my mouth," I exclaimed as I hurriedly sat up on the couch. I began to pace around the room. She lied to me! Dawn lied to me! Why didn't I realize this at first? I began pacing back and forth as my mind went back to this morning. I read her earlier that morning. I could see everything she'd done and said the night before. I could see what happened with her and Maxwell. I got her entire conversation from her mind. There's no way that someone taught her to keep out before meeting me. She couldn't keep me out of her head. There's no way that Barry told her how to keep me out of her head before she was captured. Someone told her how to do it after we'd taken her. I racked my brain to figure out who was missing from the meeting last night and nothing came to mind. I was too damned nervous about what was going to happen with Dawn that I didn't pay attention. "Why wasn't I paying attention to what was going on? I messed up. We could have had the person that betrayed us last night if he was still there."

Maybe I'm being too hard on myself. Maybe everyone was there and I just didn't notice. I don't recall seeing any strange face but then again, I wasn't paying attention. I'm sure the Weres would've recognized a stranger at one of their meetings. I reached into my pocket for my cell phone and realized that I'd left it in Eric's room. Maybe that's a good thing. It wouldn't be a good idea to call any of them anyway. We can't involve any of them anymore. Well, as far as they know. "We have a traitor in the pack." That same traitor could've been in on the murders of the vampires, humans, and Weres. They also had to a part of the kidnapping of Pam. No one can know this but me and Eric. He's the only one that I can trust.

I looked up at the wall clock. I still had several hours before Eric gets up. "Six more hours and I can't talk to anyone about what's going on. I can't go anywhere. I have no one to call." I sighed and decided to go outside to get some fresh air. "I guess that won't hurt anything."

Getting fresh air and being under the sunlight has always been relaxing for me. If I had a swimsuit, I'd sunbathe but no such luck. Being in the sunlight, it keeps me focused and that's what I needed. I sat on the porch swing and looked out at Eric's neighborhood. It was quite peaceful. The scenery was beautiful. The houses were beautiful and looked well kept. The early morning breeze and the sounds of the birds made everything seem much better. I couldn't believe that fall is just around the corner. I've always loved fall. And just like that, I was sad. Fall has always been the season that brought me and Gran closer together. We baked and gossiped. We planned the Thanksgiving and Christmas menus together. It's what we've always done. We might not be doing it this year. I don't know where she is. I don't know where any of them are. No one has tried to contact me or send me any messages through Sam. I guess it's not safe.

"Ms. Stackhouse?"

I looked up to see a round man looking at me … smiling and carrying a briefcase. "Yes?"

"I'm Desmond Cataliades. I am your benefactor." He pointed at the seat next to me. "May I join you?"

"Sure." I stood and offered him my hand in greeting. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Cataliades. Would you like something to drink?"

He shook his head no. "I'm fine thank you."

"If you're here to see Eric, you know that he's sleeping, right?"

He laughed heartily. "I am quite aware of what Mr. Northman is doing right now. He has been a long time associate of mine for many years. I am here to see you."

I didn't bother to hide the confusion from my face. "Why?"

"Because you've taken your place."

Still looking confused, I said, "Okay."

He placed his briefcase on his lap and said, "I see that you are not clear in what I mean. Here. Let me show you." He opened it pulled out a little white book and a slip of paper. "These are for you." He handed them to me with a smile as he closed his briefcase. He placed it on the porch by his feet.

I took them both and stared at them for a moment; not knowing what to do with them. To honest, I was afraid of what he was giving me. "What do I do?"

Laughing, he said, "You read them, Ms. Stackhouse."

So, that's what I did.

I read the slip of paper first.

Hello, my dear Ms. Stackhouse.

You don't know me but I am fully aware of who you are. You are my great granddaughter and I am your great grandfather. I am Niall Brigant. I am the prince of the fae. I am your grandfather's father and I am sending you this letter to welcome you to the family. Now, I know that you are wondering how we know that you've taken your place in our world. If I were you, I would be wondering the same thing but I want you to know that we are everywhere. We are always watching. We are always listening. I won't put too much in this letter because I am sure you won't understand it and that is not a slight against your intelligence. From what I've seen and heard, you are a very intelligent young lady. With that said, some things need to be said face to face. I must bring this letter to an end but we will meet each other soon, my great granddaughter.

Always around,

Niall

I looked at Mr. Cataliades and asked, "What does he mean he's always watching and listening? I don't like the idea of my grandfather watching me and listening in on my conversations." I shook my head no. "I don't like that at all."

He laughed once again. "He has eyes and ears everywhere, Ms. Stackhouse. He's not a spy so whatever you do in private will remain private. He wanted to make you aware that if you ever need him, he's not far from you."

"I guess," I said as I folded the paper in half. I quickly looked up at Mr. Cataliades and asked, "What do you mean you're my benefactor?"

"I'm responsible for keeping you safe while your grandfather, Fintan, is in hiding," he said. "I am your point of contact. You will no longer go through Mr. Merlotte. Your grandfather wants to make sure that you are kept safe." He quickly added, "Not that Mr. Merlotte is a bad guy but your grandfather and I have been friends for many, many, many years. You can trust me."

"We'll see," I said as I opened the little white book. I closed it just as quick as I opened it. "This isn't for me." I tried to hand the book back to him. He wouldn't take it.

He placed my hand, with the book still in it, on my lap. "You have taken your place and with that place comes power and money. Right now, you have the money. Soon, you will have the power."

I couldn't believe what was happening. Niall has written me a letter and I've been given a bank book that has more zeros in it than I can count. I looked at my benefactor and asked, "All because I said I'm a Brigant, I get this bank book, power, and a letter from Niall? Why?"

He patted my shoulder before rising from his seat. "You'll know soon enough." He ran his hand over his round belly. "I must take my leave. I have thoroughly enjoyed your company."

"Mr. C?"

He laughed once again. "No one has ever been brave enough to call me that."

I guess it was rude. "I apologize. I never should've shortened your name without asking you first."

"It's okay," he assured me. "You can call me Mr. C because I like you."

I smiled up at him. "Mr. C, what are you? I ask because you haven't invaded my mind with your thoughts. You don't look human and you're not a vampire. I don't know how I know but I know that you're not a Were. There's this buzzing that surrounds you. What are you?"

"I'm a daemon, Ms. Stackhouse."

What could I possible say to that? Hmm. I've never met a daemon. "Well, it was very nice meeting you, Mr. C. Should I expect you to return anytime soon?"

He shook his head no. "Not in the near future but you will see me again. I do have a bit of advice for you before I go … if you don't mind."

"I don't mind," I commented.

"Be careful of those that pretend to be your friends, Ms. Stackhouse. Most can be bought. Some have been purchased. Everything isn't as it seems, my dear lady."

I stood from my seat. "What do you mean?"

He nodded ever so slightly as he turned away from me. "Have a good evening, Ms. Stackhouse." He walked down the stairs of Eric's porch without looking back.