Part Three
 

Natalie was waiting by the door for the detectives to come by so she could
share some potentially helpful news.  It would have been possible to have
given them the information over the phone, but her night passed so much
better when she had a chance to see Nick.  Opening the door slightly, she
peeked down the hall.  She was having a hard time controlling her
enthusiasm. Nicholas was coming down the hall, and she felt her heart skip a
beat.  Was she more excited to give him her news or just the fact that she
would be near him again?  She was sure that her research had brought her to
a possible cure, but she had not worked up the courage to approach him yet.
The other night convinced her that she had better act soon or Nick would
lose all interest.  She was too close to finding the answer to stop now.  He
meant everything to her.  If he would give up then all her research, hopes,
and dreams would be lost.  She was drawing too near to have all this slip
away. The last time at Nick's loft was uncomfortably near to his withdrawing
from this quest for mortality.  It was important to act fast no matter what
the consequences might be.

Nicholas and Schanke cautiously opened the morgue's door, and walked in.
Natalie had grabbed a few glass slides and was pretending to be busy and
startled as they approached her.  She turned around suddenly.

"I'm so glad you were able to get here.  I put in a call to a coroner friend
of mine in Quebec about the information on GHB.  It is a good thing that I
made that call.  He told me that they had three similar cases two months ago
that were never solved.  One of the young girls did not die.  She had gone
into a coma, and she's on life support now, but she's conscience and can
talk. She was not able to help their case, but I figured with our additional
recent information we may have more of a complete picture.  I have the name
and address of her family."

Natalie held a piece of paper out to Nicholas.

He took the paper, and then handed it to Schanke.

"See where this takes you, I want to go back to Jennifer Linger.  I have a
few more questions that I would like her to answer."

Nicholas turned to leave when Natalie called him back.  She was nervous
talking in front of Schanke, but she needed to pin Nicholas down to a time
when she could retrieve more samples from him and discuss her idea for a
cure.

"Nick, do you think I could come by tonight to finish that thing we were
talking about earlier?"

Nicholas smiled nervously, but Schanke understood that Natalie was trying to
talk privately to Nicholas.  Schanke cleared his throat loudly and looked at
his watch.

"It's time for me to hit the hay.  I'll look into this Quebec case tomorrow.
Let me know if you get anything good at the girl's house.  See you guys."

Schanke waved good-bye and made his way to the door alone.

Natalie was just about to say something when the telephone rang.  She
motioned for Nick to stay as she answered the phone.

"Forensics Dr. Lambert speaking.........  Really, Are you sure?........
Thank you.  You may have been a great help.  I thought that might be the
case.  I needed your verification.  Thanks again Trudy.  Bye."

A big smile crossed Natalie's face.  "I think that this is the really big
news we've been waiting for, Nick.  That call was from one of the research
labs at the University.  I sent some samples of the braces the girls were
wearing to them, and they are an exact match."

Nicholas looked unaffected by the news.

"Natalie, that's interesting, but I don't think that a couple of teenage
girls wearing braces is all that incriminating."

Natalie stepped back, and gave Nicholas an all knowing smile.

"You would be right in most cases, but I noticed something different about
these braces.  They are special, and very expensive.  They are not steel.
They are ceramic.  They are a very unique aesthetic braces meant for
cosmetic purposes."

Nicholas was still uncertain of how this could help their case.  "Nat, even
if they were special, I don't see......"

Natalie stopped him from finishing his sentence.

"Only one company makes these, and only one Orthodontist is using them. Both
victims used the same Orthodontist.  I looked him up in the book.  His name
is a Doctor Joseph Sarrison."

Nichola's mood picked up, and he ran over to Natalie and kissed her on the
forehead.

"Nat, you are a genius.  Call Schanke and tell him the information.  I'll be
back later.  And Nat, I owe you dinner."  He gave her another quick kiss and
was gone before she could blink.

She yelled after him anyway.

"I'm going to hold you to that invitation."

Grace heard her yell, and came into the room.  She looked at Natalie and
raised an eyebrow.  "I sure hope you're talking to me, cause I don't see
anyone else."

Natalie smiled.  "I was just talking to Nick, I mean Detective Knight."

Grace laughed as Natalie blushed.  "Next time girl try it when he's in the
room.  You'll get better results."

Natalie looked around self consciously and embarrassed, "He was here." she
insisted.

Grace just smiled and shook her head.

* * * * * * * *

Nicholas had barely made it to the loft before the sun was up.  He had been
talking to Jennifer and her parents about every movement the two girls had
made in the weeks proceeding Melinda's death.  He knew that this Dr.
Sarrison was involved, but he needed some hard evidence to bring him in. The
conversation had gone well, and Jennifer was able to recall when the two of
them had learned about these new braces.  Melinda had been dreading the idea
of all the name calling that she was going to have to endure when her braces
would be inserted.  She was practicing trying not to smile in anticipation
of the flashy silver tracks that she would need for almost two years.  When
she and Jennifer saw Dr. Sarrison's booth at the Mall's health fair, Melinda
was sure that the answer to her prayers had arrived.  Jennifer remembered
how excited Melinda was when she discovered that she could wear braces that
were virtually invisible.  This was every teenagers dream, braces that were
impossible to detect while they made you look great.

This was how the doctor targeted his victims.  Nicholas contacted the first
victim's parents.  They confirmed that their daughter had also learned about
this product at a Mall health fair.

Last night had been a very productive night, but very tiring as well.  It
looked like they were close to solving this case, and putting this criminal
out of business.  One call to Schanke, and he would be off to bed.

Reaching for the bottle on the table in front of him, he tilted the bottle
as he watched the dark red liquid slowly fill the glass.  Settling back in
his leather chair with his glass, he felt quite satisfied that this case
would soon come to a close.  He wasted no time finishing this first glass,
and quickly refilled the glass again.  One more detail, he needed to call
Schanke so that he could talk to their prime suspect during normal working
hours . This was the perfect job for Schanke.  Not only was Schanke an
expert at questioning suspects, and seeing through their lies, he could
accomplish this at a time when the sun was still too much of a problem for
vampires.  If this doctor was hiding anything, Schanke would know it.

Nicholas sat forward in the chair and grinned.  Things were going smoothly
for once.  He felt needed as a police detective, and that he was making a
difference.  He even felt secure in his status as an elder in the vampire
community.  He had done it.  He had made it in both worlds, and he felt
fulfilled.  He even felt like paying a visit to some of his family down at
the Raven.  It must have been a few months since he had spoken with Janette
or LaCroix.  He smiled again, they will be surprised to see him come for a
social visit, and not ask for information of the darker side of life in
Toronto.  It had been too long since he had seen beautiful Janette, and
experienced her seductive touch.  Since he was going to be a vampire for a
very long time, he should probably enjoy it, and Janette was the best way he
knew to enjoy the vampire life.  It was becoming difficult remembering all
the reasons he wanted to leave his vampire family and struggle as a mortal.
The telephone rang, and his answering machine picked up.  After the beep, he
could hear that it was Natalie leaving a message.

"Nick, I'm sorry to be calling you now.  You're most likely asleep, but
could you call when you get up?  With all the excitement earlier, we forgot
that I was supposed to come by and get some samples.  Do you think I could
come by tonight?  Call me.  Bye."

Well, now he could recall one very important reason that mortality seemed so
appealing.  Natalie was enough of a reason that he really didn't need any
others.  There was still so much to consider.  Sometimes he wished that he
could have eternity and Natalie too.  If only things could be that simple.
He would miss his family if he ever became mortal.  After 800 years, being
without them would leave a tremendous gap in his non-existent soul.  Leaving
them behind would not be an easy matter.  He did not want to think about all
the complications of becoming mortal right now.  He still had not spoken
with Schank, and he was becoming more tired by the moment.

He stood up and walked over to the telephone, and dialed Schanke's home
number.  Schanke picked up the phone, and Nicholas started the conversation.

"Hi Schank.  Did you speak with Natalie?  Yeah, me too.  Listen, do you
think you could get over to Sarrison's before your shift tonight?......Let's
catch him Schank.  Also, we'll need to check Quebec about Sarrison's
whereabouts. He's only been in Toronto about a month........  Okay.  I am
going to get some rest...I'll see you later today.  Bye Schank... and
Thanks."

Nicholas put down the phone.  Everything was great.  A calm swept over him.
This case was almost solved, and he had not used his vampire powers even
once. Of course Natalie had been great.  She was invaluable at times.  Aside
from an occasionally drink of blood, he hardly felt that he was an outsider
in the mortal world.  Nicholas climbed the steps to his loft bedroom.  Being
a vampire or a mortal, there just did not seem to be much of a conflict
right now.

* * * * * * * *

Schanke pulled up in front of the row of expensive historical homes that had
been converted to medical offices.  For a doctor that had only been in town
for one month, he sure seemed to be doing well.  Schanke sighed as he
figured out how many life times he would have to work as a police detective
to afford a place like this.  Guess he picked the wrong profession.  He
looked down at the piece of paper that had the information that Natalie had
given him, and located the matching address.  As he walked the steps towards
the ornately carved door, he wondered how a man who was supposed to be
dedicated to helping children could actually be involved with killing them.
He also wondered how he was not going to forget procedure, and knock this
scumbag into the wall fifty or sixty times.  Pushing open the door, he
walked into a wide opened space filled with teenagers waiting to be seen.
Schanke looked all around as he approached the large semicircular desk that
covered half the room.

A young dark haired woman looked up and motioned to the page of names on the
counter.  "Sir you'll have to sign in and take a seat."

Schanke pressed his lips together, smiled and shook his head.  "No, I don't
think so!"  He pulled his police badge out, and dropped it on the sign-in
sheet.  "I'm here to speak with Dr. Sarrison.  Let him know that I'll speak
to him here or at the precinct."  Schanke turned away and replaced his
badge.  He began to whistle as he examined the art on the wall.

The young woman immediately became somber, and picked up the phone near her
chair.  Within a few moments a young man emerged from a back room, and began
to whisper to the receptionist while their eyes followed Schanke's
movements. The receptionist spoke up, "Detective, this is Mr. Mason.  He'll
direct you to Dr. Sarrison's office."  Schanke looked pleased as he gave the
receptionist a small salute, then proceeded to leave with Mr. Mason.  They
walked down a wide hall that was covered with a colorful oriental carpet.
There were large rooms on each side, each filled with an anxious teenager
and a parent.  Mr. Mason guided him to the end of the hall, where there was
an elevator hidden in the corner.

He pressed the top button as Schanke tried to act unimpressed.  The door
immediately opened, and both stepped inside.  He couldn't believe it, there
was even soft music playing as the elevator glided smoothly upwards.  Mason
pressed the button on the panel that had no number on it, but he could tell
that they had gone up at least two floors.  The elevator chimed as it came
to a stop.  Mr. Mason suddenly produced a key, and inserted it next to the
button causing the door to slide open.  They walked out into a large open
area with an intricate floor design and a large crystal chandelier suspended
from the ceiling.  Schanke stopped and shook his head in disbelief.  The
last time he'd seen a room like this was when Jenny made him watch
Cinderella at the ball. Mr. Mason continued to move forward, and Schanke
picked up his pace.  He led him to the end of a hall where two extremely
large wooden doors stood,  and easily opened them as he gestured for Schanke
to enter before him.  He tried not to be overwhelmed with the majesty of the
room.  There was a large, polished wooden desk in front of a row of several
windows that began at the floor and ended at the ceiling.  The view was
breathtaking, and he realized he must be higher than the third floor.  The
entire skyline of Toronto could be seen as the sun was setting.  He was sure
there were some colors that he had never seen before.  The windows must have
covered the entire front of the house. The rest of the room was covered in
wood.  There was a wooden floor, wood wainscot, a carved wooden ceiling, and
wooden bookcases filled with medical books.  Mr. Mason softly spoke to
Schanke trying to direct his attention away from the room.

"If you'll have a seat, Dr. Sarrison will be with you shortly.  Can I get
you anything?  A drink?"

Schanke sat down in the huge wooden chair that was covered in a rich silk
fabric.  He looked up at him with his mouth partially opened.

"Ah, Nooooo.  I'll be fine.  This is some nice place the doctor's got here.
Is he easy to work for?

Mason smiled at Schanke, "I have never known a better man, but you are here
to speak with him so you'll see for yourself."  Mason reached over the desk,
and picked up one of Dr. Sarrison's business cards and handed it to Schanke.

Schanke took the card, and pushed it into his suit jacket pocket.  "Nice
cufflinks Mason.  What are they?

"Tiger eye."

Schanke examined the different shades of colors.  "That's different, I like
them."

"They were a gift from my sister.  Her birthstone.  If there's nothing else,
I'll be leaving now."

Walking back to the huge wooden doors, he left a very awe-struck Schanke
wondering if he were in the wrong place.  After he left, Schanke took a few
moments to glance around the room.  This guy had more antiques laying around
than Knight.  Picking up an ivory chess piece from the desk, he began to
admire the work that went into the carving of the piece.  Suddenly he placed
the piece back, and began to mutter under his breath.

"Okay Schanke, get a grip.  So what if he's rich.  That doesn't prove
anything.  Remember why you're here."

A tall tan man walked in just as Schanke was finishing his conversation with
himself.  His stomach did a flip similar to the time he had eaten Myra's
honey fried sausage creation.  He hoped that he hadn't been heard, it was
not a good way to start an interrogation.

He walked straight to where Schanke was sitting, and extended his hand.

"Hello, I am Dr. Sarrison.  I hear that you wish to speak with me."

Schanke stood up still feeling slightly uncomfortable, and reached for the
doctor's hand.

"Yes, I'm Detective Schanke, Metro Police."

He noticed that Dr. Sarrison had a very dry and firm handshake, and seemed
very eager to discuss matters.  Schanke thought to himself that this guy
really knows how to play it cool.  Dr. Sarrison gestured for him to sit down
as he glided behind his desk to recline back in a comfortable looking
leather chair.  Pulling his chair in, he placed his arms on top of the
finely finished oak desk.

"Did Mr. Mason offer you anything?"

Schanke waved his hand to show he was not interested.

"Okay then, what can I do to help you Detective Schanke?"

Schanke took a deep breath and said to himself, 'Remember the two girls.
Think about what he might have done in Quebec too..' Schanke willed himself
to forget his surroundings, and he became as professional as he had ever
been.

"Dr. Sarrison.  Do you know Melinda Pryor?"

Sarrison clasped his hands together, then steepled two fingers together and
touched them to his lips.  He took a couple of moments, and appeared to be
contemplating Schanke's question.

"Yes, I do believe that she is one of my newer patients.  Is there a problem
with her?"

Schanke was becoming skeptical.

"Yeah, there's a problem...  She's dead!"

Sarrison put his hands back down on the desk, and pushed his chair away from
the desk.

"How?  What happened?"

Schanke ignored his questions as he glanced around the room, paying
particular attention to the medical books.

"You must have access to a lot of drugs, huh Doc?"

Dr. Sarrison stood up angrily.

"Detective, are you suggesting that Melinda's death is somehow related to my
work?"

Again he ignored his question and pushed even harder.  Although he already
knew this answer, Schanke asked,

"Did you also treat Cindy Hathaway, Doctor?"

Sarrison sat down feeling very shaken.  He spoke softly.

"Yes, is she also dead detective?"

Schanke felt like he had worn him down a bit, and he sprung up from his
chair.

"Dr., Where were you last night between six and eleven p.m.?"

He shook his head, then placed it in the palms of both hands.

"Am I under arrest?"

Schanke just stared at him in silence until Sarrison looked up from his
hands.

"I want to contact my lawyer.  I have nothing else to say now."  He turned
around in his chair, and stared out at the magnificent sunset that was
descending on the city.  Schanke began to leave, but then turned back to
Sarrison.

"I think you better call that attorney as soon as possible.  If I find out
that you're involved........."  He stopped, but his voice sounded like a
warning.  "Just don't leave town Sarrison."

Schanke turned and found that Mr. Mason was waiting by the door.  Sarrison
must have buzzed for him some time during the questioning.

"Detective, if you'll follow me."  He straightened his coat, and left the
room with Mr. Mason.  Dr. Sarrison never responded to his parting comments
or moved from his chair.

Schanke walked out of the elaborate building, and looked up into the
colorful sunset.  The view was every bit as spectacular from down here.  He
took in a deep breath of the evening air, and he felt glad to be out of that
showcase, and even happier to see his old car waiting for him.  Next time,
Knight could visit these ritzy folks, he spoke their language better.  He
was much more at ease with the everyday people.

Looking down at his watch, he saw that there was still another hour before
his shift started.  He had the strongest urge to go home and kiss Myra and
give Jenny the biggest hug she could handle.  Standing by his car, he
decided that instead of going home, he would do something special for his
daughter. If he went in early, he could find the time to get some work done
on that speech for Jenny's school.  Jenny was a great kid, and she deserved
to be proud of her Dad. This was going to be the best speech that school
ever heard.  Opening the door, he got behind the wheel of his car.  The key
turned, but the car sputtered and stalled.  He pushed his foot hard on the
gas pedal, and tried again.  Black smoke poured out of the tail pipe as the
car struggled to start, but then caught on.  Schanke smiled.

"Yeah, this feels just right."

* * * * * * * *

Nicholas pushed opened the Raven's door and walked in.  Both the music and
the dancing seemed slower tonight.  Reaching up, he pulled off his
sunglasses to get a better look at the crowd.  He could sense that they were
all young vampires who came tonight to drink and dance the night away. There
were so many of them as he comfortably eased his way towards the bar. They
were his extended family, cousins in a way.  Looking at all the young ones,
he suddenly felt his age, and needed to be near one who had experienced the
centuries as he had.  He spotted LaCroix slowly sipping from a crystal glass
at the end of the bar.  LaCroix was calling for him, and he could feel the
vibrations in every part of his body.  But it was Janette that he needed to
be with, but he could not feel her.  The bar tender placed a glass in front
of Nicholas as he approached LaCroix's seat.

"Where's Janette?"

LaCroix looked up from his drink.

"Nicholas, I am honored or should I say, that we are all honored that you
found the time from your mortal schedule to glorify us with your presence."

"LaCroix, I would like to see Janette.  Could we not play this game?"

"A game?  Oh I see.  When you are with us, we play games.  And what is it
you do with your mortal friends?  Are they beyond doubt?  What is your
reality Nicholas?  Is it Janette?  Is she your truth?  Janette has been in
Paris for the last month."

Nicholas realized that he would only have LaCroix for company tonight, and
he reluctantly sat down next to him.

"I'm not unhappy tonight LaCroix, and I would prefer to remain that way. I'm
not as out of touch with the family as you believe me to be.  I listen to
your Nightcrawler monologues every night even though I don't know why."

LaCroix called Miklos over to refill his drink, and ordered one for Nicholas
at the same time.

"It's not cow, but I'm getting the feeling from you that it doesn't matter.
I know that you are listening to the show Nicholas, and it makes me happy.
You are my son, my favorite, but you have always known that.  What you do
not know is that now is the time that you are ready.  We have waited so long
Nicholas."

Nicholas stared at LaCroix as if he were mesmerized by his words.  Words
that he longed to hear.  Words that he knew to be true.  He did not say a
word as LaCroix soothing spoke his magic words to Nicholas.

"As much as you isolate yourself from your own kind Nicholas, you are never
alone.  Like it or not, you share a bond with us, and we are your family.
And families are always there for each other, for we are the only ones who
truly understand all you have experienced.  What we have in common is
something special, that no mortal can ever be a part of.  Our lives are not
to be possessed, for we are to be the possessors.  The ties that bind us can
only be broken through death.  Never desert us Nicholas, for when you
disregard us then you shall truly be lost.  Be reclaimed.  Come back to us.
Do not deny what you are any longer.  You are not like them, though you
desperately try to be.  They will never accept you, for they can not.  They
do not really know you.  You are nothing like them.  We will always take
care of you, and always be with you.  They can never make such a claim - and
this you do know.  Cling to your true nature, for all they have to offer
will fade and die, and you will be left to watch it happen.  Our bond will
never end, you must accept this.  The sooner you do accept this the easier
it will be for you and your mortal friends.  You can not change what you
are, just as you can not stop the sun from rising.  Would you try to stop
the sun Nicholas?  To do so would only cause you to burn.  I know you not to
be so foolish.  Yet you persist in this impossible journey of yours to
obtain the unattainable, when the result is the same.  You can only expect
to burn."

A siren raced by Nicholas's loft, and he startled awake.  He had overslept
again, but his dream did not disturb him.  In fact, he felt strangely calm.
LaCroix's words from his dream were playing over and over again in his head.
The words were sweet, they were truth, they were good.  As soon as he
wrapped up this case tonight, he would stop over at the Raven and see his
real family. A thought struck him.  He was supposed to call Natalie about
her mortality experiment.  He decided against it, it would have to wait.
There was no time to call her back now.  Maybe he would see her at the
precinct...

* * * * * * * *

By the time Nicholas arrived, Schanke was well into writing his speech for
Jenny's school.  He was staring into space with a frustrated look and absent
mindedly tapping his pencil against the desk.  Nicholas quietly approached
his desk, and hoped that he slipped in without being detected.  There was
still the same stack of paper work waiting to get done, and he had not heard
any information from Quebec yet.  Schanke was supposed to have followed that
lead, but this did not seem like the best time to ask him if he had
accomplished that.  Schanke was in another world, he still had not noticed
that he had come in and was at his desk directly in front of him.  Schanke
was sweating even though he had his jacket draped over the seat, and his
sleeves rolled up to his elbows.  There were two pencils that were broken on
the desk, and a third was now being bitten in half as he watched.  Schanke's
wastebasket was overflowing with balled up papers.  There was at least as
many discarded papers on the floor as there was in the garbage.  Finally,
Schanke looked over to Nicholas.

"Hey Knight, what's another word for strung out junkie?"

Nicholas watched Schanke searching for the words that eluded him.  He was
swamped with paper work, and he really wished that he could get the
information from Schanke on the date rape case before they both would be
hearing from Cohen again.  Nicholas had no idea what Schanke was talking
about, so he decided to find out so he could get Schanke back on track.

"Okay Schank, I give up.  What is another word for strung out junkie?"

Schanke looked puzzled at Nicholas.

"Knight, do you find this funny?  Do you really find that my life falling
apart is humorous?  Instead of being a good partner and helping me out, you
are taking advantage of my misfortune to amuse yourself?"

Nicholas just stared at Schanke, and shook his head.  He did not mean to
upset him, he just was trying to figure out what was his partners problem
was.

"Schank, I would really like to enjoy this torment of your life.  How about
giving me a clue as to what you are talking about."

Schanke pushed his fist against his forehead, then pinched the bridge of his
nose before looking back up at Nicholas.

"Oh come on Knight.  You know I have to go to Jenny's school, and do this
presentation thing about saying no to drugs.  After that field trip her
class had to the precinct, her principal would not let *me* say no-- to an
anti-drug lecture."  Schanke suddenly looked as if a light had turned on
over his head.

"Hey Knight, I was just thinking how this is right up your alley."

Nicholas did not even flinch.  "No Schank.  Besides Jenny will be proud to
see her father speaking, not me."

Schanke released a big sigh.  "Yeah, I sure hope you're right.  You have no
idea how much you want your kid to be proud of you.  Well you know, you just
want the best for them.  This is so important to her.  Geeze, I'd do
anything for that kid."

Nicholas felt the pain of so many lifetimes, and never a child to look up to
him.  Someone that he could love and protect as Schanke did for Jenny.

"Schank, whatever you do, I'm sure it will be great, and Jenny will be the
proudest girl in school."

Schanke smiled at Nicholas's words.

"Yeah, what am I so worried about?  Thanks Nick.  You know, you should get
your act together and settle down and have a kid of your own."

Nicholas forced a smile though his heart ripped at Schanke's words.

"You know me Schank.  I'm too unstable to settle down.  It's only the wild
bachelors life for me."

Schanke did not believe a word of what Nicholas was saying, but he decided
to just accept his words.  He gave Nicholas a half smile, and decided to not
pursue this touchy area of Nick's life.

"So are you going to help me here or what?"

Nicholas laughed, "What would you do without me?"

"I don't ever want to find out partner."

This time Nicholas knowingly teased Schanke.  "So what is another word for
strung out junkie?'

Schanke sighed, "Come on Nick, help me out here."

Nicholas walked around to Schanke's desk to help, just as Cohen came out of
her office, and did a quick glance around the room."  Knight ......
Schanke....  I'd like to see you in my office."

Schanke looked up at Nicholas.

"How do you always manage to get out of helping me?"

"I'm good Schank, just accept it."

Schanke rolled his eyes as he rose from his desk, and pushed Jenny's speech
to one side.

* * * * * * * *

"That went pretty well."  Schanke looked over at Nicholas as they closed
Cohen's door, and walked back to their desks.  Cohen was happy to hear about
all the progress that they had made in only a few short days.  All they
needed was some small amount of physical evidence to link Sarrison to any of
the crimes, and they could issue a warrant.  If they could somehow get him
to unknowingly give them a DNA sample they would have it made.  But it did
not look like that sample was going to be that easy to get.  This guy had
lot of money and clout that he would use long before they could get near
him.  For now Dr. Sarrison would be on his best behavior.  He was being
watched, and he knew it.  So one way or another the killing was going to
stop.  Schanke was pleased at the good detective work that went into solving
this crime.  Just a little patience, and they would be able to reel this
fish in.  He confidently walked over to the table to pour a cup of coffee,
and sipped at it while he was still standing there.  The desk officer turned
around, and held up his phone.

"Hey Schanke, You got a call on line three."

Schanke gulped down the rest of the coffee, and made his way back to his
desk. He sat down heavily into his chair, picked up the receiver, and
pressed the flashing light on the telephone.

"Hello, Schanke here."

Schanke furiously rose to his feet, sending the speech he had written for
Jenny flying in all directions across the precinct's floor.  His face turned
red, and his knuckles turned white as he fiercely held the receiver and
listened to the voice that was igniting his passions.  His voice suddenly
exploded into rage.

"WHAT?  .....WHO IS THIS?  HEY LISTEN ........YOU'RE DEAD!!!!!  YOU STAY
AWAY FROM HER!!!!!!  HELLO?.........HELLO?"

Schanke picked up the receiver above his head, an violently slammed it back
down onto its base.  He picked it back up again and bitterly yelled.  "DAMN,
DAMN, DAMN" as he rammed the receiver into his desk over and over again.
Schanke picked up both hands, and placed them against his temples.  Standing
there for a moment dazed, he felt as though all his strength had been
drained from him.  Then he faintly murmured.

"Oh G-d, He said he's going to kill Jenny."

Everyone at the precinct had become silent, and watched as Schanke slid down
exhausted into his chair.  Nicholas motioned to the desk officer who had
taken the incoming call.

"See if you can get a trace on that last call, and make sure that I have a
copy of that conversation on my desk in the next few minutes."

Voices and movement began to slowly return to the precinct, but still each
person remained careful and only whispered.  The desk officer busily started
the procedures to get Nicholas the requested information as fast as was
humanly possible.  Cohen came out of her office just as Nicholas reached
Schanke's side.  Schanke sat at his desk looking helpless and crushed.  His
elbows were on his desk, and he dropped his face into the palms of his
hands.

"What am I going to do Nick?  That son of a bitch just said if we don't stop
pursuing this date rape case, he'll kill Jenny."

Nicholas stood behind Schanke, and placed both hands on his shoulders.

"Schank, we'll protect her.  She'll be fine.  There is no way I would let
any one hurt her."

Schanke looked back at Nicholas, and gave him a worn out look.

"I'm scared Nick.  Maybe someone else should take over this case."

Nicholas looked away from Schanke, and glanced around the room at the other
officers who were carefully watching how he was handling this tense
situation. He knew that he could never imagine the pain and the fear that
Schanke was going through.  He never had a mortal child.  The closest he had
ever come to that was when Andri his nephew had come to live with him after
his sister's death.  That had been so many centuries ago, and he had rarely
seen his nephew nor even known him as he had grown.  He never shared the
special bond that only a parent has for their child.  A bond deeper and
stronger than anything he could compare in his many lives.  Right now, he
could only be there for Schanke, and try to make Schanke realize that he
would not rest until this monster was either dead or behind bars.  He would
do all that was more than humanly possible to make sure that Jenny would be
safe.  Nicholas released his grip from Schanke's shoulders, and moved around
in front of him and sat on top of his desk.  Cohen had made her way to
Schanke's desk by this time, and she was looking extremely concerned.
Nicholas struggled to calm himself before speaking to Schanke.  He spoke
gently, but still probingly.

"Schank, do you think you can remember what the caller said?"

Schanke shook his head.  His words came out half in tears.

"He said we either get off the case or Jenny will be next.  There's nothing
else, Nick.  What am I going to do?"

Nicholas looked up at Cohen.  He knew that this was only the beginning of a
terrifying nightmare for Schanke's family.  He did not want Schanke to burn
out now.  He needed him to stay focused no matter how difficult this was.
The caller who wanted them out, had only pushed them deeper into this
investigation.  By personally threatening Schanke, had now made it
impossible to not be involved.  He couldn't let Schanke break down.  This
would not help anything or any one.  Nicholas tried again to review
Schanke's conversation with the caller.

"Did he say if he wanted anything?"

Schanke just stared out past everyone with a defeated grin.

"Yeah, I told you.  He said to drop the investigation or we'll be
investigating Jenny's death next."

Nicholas turned back to the desk officer, and anxiously demanded.

"Do you have anything on the call yet?"

The desk officer sheepishly turned to face Nicholas, and shook his head
apologetically.

"I sorry Detective Knight.  We have everyone on it, but nothing yet."

Nicholas frustratedly accepted his reply, and turned his attention back to
Schanke as he looked up at him.  Beads of sweat had formed on Schanke's
forehead as his voice became dark and methodical.

"You got to get him Nick.  You got to kill that bastard.  I don't care how
you do it, but just do it - or I will."

Nicholas had never seen Schanke so frightened, so helpless.  Seeing Schanke
like this caused the vampire to stir inside him. The fierceness of Schanke's
anger, called to him for vengeance.  There was no way he would let his
partner down.  If only Schanke was as aware of that fact as he was. Nicholas
looked at Cohen and then back to Schanke.

"I'll get him Schank.  I swear to you, I'll get him."

Nicholas walked back to his desk and sat down.  Captain Cohen was at his
desk in an instant.

"Knight, I want to see you in my office, NOW!"

She turned and headed for her office without waiting for any response from
Nicholas.  Nicholas watched her walk away, and thought it best that he
follow even though he was sure that he was not going to be happy with her
orders.  As soon as Nicholas entered the office Cohen closed the door.  She
had been standing by the door anticipating trouble, and she was not about to
put up with it.  She stood facing Nicholas with her arms crossed across her
chest.

"Knight, I know how you must be feeling now.  Schanke is your partner.  But
we have procedures around here that * will* be followed.  We'll get Jenny
the necessary protection.  But, I will not have you personally taking the
law into your own hands.  If you have any reasonable suspicion about any
one, then bring him in.  I do not want you to act on your own.  In fact, it
might be a good idea to have the both of you off this case as of now."

Nicholas stood stunned for a moment.  Would she really take them off this
case?  He realized that he had most likely come on a little too strong when
he had spoken to Schanke.  This case could not go to any one else.  It was
too close to being solved or at least he had thought so only twenty minutes
ago. He would do what he wanted involving this case, but he could not let
Cohen know that. Taking a deep breath, he gathered his strength.

"You're right Captain.  I'm sorry.  I guess I got carried away for the
moment. I will do everything by the book.  You have my word.  I know you
will make sure that no harm comes to Jenny.  The case is still ours, right?"

Cohen gave Nicholas a distrustful glare.

"I know you will do this by the book Knight.  You will handle this the
correct way.  I'll be closely watching your every move.  Now go back and
work this out with your partner."

Nicholas walked slowly back to his desk, never looking away from Schanke who
was hunched over his desk.  He was determined to make sure that this mortal
killer would be brought to justice.  Just what justice, he was not sure yet.
Mortal or vampire justice?  It would be a decision that he was sure he would
be comfortable with either way it went.  He just could not think of one
reason why when he caught up with this man that he should not be drained of
every last offensive drop of blood.  Nicholas knew that they had their work
cut out for them.  Two young Toronto girls dead, and now Schanke's daughter
the target of this man who was responsible for this reign of terror.  So
many feelings were flooding his thoughts.  Feelings that he had kept at bay
for the last 100 years.  The vampire was trying to resurface, it pulled at
what was left of his fragmented soul.  It cried out for justice.  To satisfy
the emotional pain with the taste of this criminal's vile blood.  Why should
he debate with what the vampire demanded?  Why should this evil he longed to
destroy be allowed to exist?  His body ached to just allow the vampire to
take care of the problem. He could hear LaCroix's voice enticing him to give
in to the need.  Wouldn't the world be a better place?  Wasn't this his
goal?  Nicholas stood up.  He knew he needed to get out and get some air. He
grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair, and walked over to Schanke.

"I spoke with the Captain.  She's going to make sure that there will be
someone watching Jenny until we catch this guy.  I don't know what you want
to do or even what you are up to doing, but I am going to continue with the
case. He knows we're close and on to him or he wouldn't be making threats.
Go home and talk with Myra and Jenny now, and let them know what to expect
until he's caught.  You should be with your family now, Schank.  I'll handle
things here."  Nicholas bent over closely to Schanke and whispered in his
ear.

"Remember what I said.  I'll get him!"

Schanke smiled and nodded.  He knew his partner meant every word he said.
Patting Nicholas on the arm, he sat back in his chair, and gestured for
Nicholas that it was fine for him to leave.  It was time to make himself
strong, and go home and not let Myra or Jenny know how terrified he really
was. The best thing to do was to make sure that they knew that there was a
threat, and that all threats were to be taken seriously.  A police unit
would be assigned to watch their house for a while until this was all
cleared up.  It would probably be good to have Jenny stay home from school
also, just to be on the safe side.  Jenny would have the best protection the
department had to offer, and Nick would keep his word.  He was confident of
that.  Schanke watched as Nicholas walked out of the precinct.  Picking up
the battered receiver of his phone, he dialed his home number.

"Hi Myra, I'm going to be coming home early tonight..........Yeah, I'm fine.
Wait up for me, okay.  We have to talk.  I'll be home soon.  Bye."
 

End Part Three
 

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