All the characters, except Claire Brienne, are the property of TPTB. I'm only borrowing them, I'll give them back when I'm done. Promise! Claire Brienne is the property of my imagination. This story takes place somewhere in the Third Season, before LK. Special thanks to Heather Markle, my beta- reader. Justice Better Served by Rosemary Beard Copyright 1997 Parts 4-6 "Pretty straight forward if you ask me. TOD about 2 hours ago. Cause of death, well you can see for yourself. His neck was broken." Dr. Natalie Lambert said, stripping off her gloves. "There are signs of a scuffle, I would say he put up a bit of a fight. He has massive bruising on the neck. We are definitely looking at a murder. Any witnesses?" Detective Nick Knight looked at the M.E. "None." he said. "We got an anonymous phone call." Nat raised an eyebrow. Nick continued, "The motive wasn't robbery. His ID says his name was Robert Green. We are running a check for a positive ID. I'll let you know if we find anything else." "I'd better get back and get things started. See you later?" Nat asked. "I'll check in at the lab as soon as I can." Nick said taking hold of her hand and giving it a squeeze. "I want to look around a bit more. Maybe I can turn a witness." Nick looked around him. Finding a witness wouldn't be easy, not here. Most of the buildings in this area looked pretty deserted. All but one, the Raven. He had an uneasy feeling about this case. Walking back to the Caddy, he climbed in, started it up and drove off. ********************************************* *** Claire slept peacefully for the first time in weeks. She felt safe in this strange place. She didn't know why, nor did she care. As she drafted off to sleep, she told herself that she would just enjoy the feeling while it lasted. It was late afternoon of the next day when she awoke. Opening her eyes slowly, she looked around. Where was she? Little by little the memories flooded back into her mind. Quickly she pulled the blankets off and padded her way to the bathroom. She splashed her face with water and looked up into the mirror. She looked a mess. Reaching for her hairbrush, she ran it lightly through her hair and walked back out into the bedroom. On the bed was a tray and a note. The tray held her dinner and a small silver vase containing a single white rose. Claire picked up the note. It read : If you require anything further pull the cord beside the bed. You are to remain in your room, I'll look in on you later. Lucien LaCroix "You are to remain in your room." Claire read the note again. Was she a child to be sent to her room? Claire's temper flared. She would not be ordered around by him or anyone else. Walking to the armoire she pulled out a dress and laid it on the bed. Finding shoes and a bag to match, Claire prepared to join LaCroix in the club. How dare he tell her where she could and could not go. Claire hurriedly showered and dressed. Pulling on her shoes she walked to the bathroom, brushing her still damp hair as she went. She looked at herself in mirror. She had chosen a dress made of sapphire blue silk that clung to every curve of her body. Smiling she walked back into the bedroom and picked up her purse. Claire walked across the room and opened the door. In the distance she could hear music and voices coming from the club. She took a deep breath and walked slowly toward the sound. Standing in the shadows of the doorway, she looked around. It was still early but the club was already crowded. Spotting LaCroix sitting in his glass booth, Claire stepped out of the shadows. Walking slowly and deliberately toward him, she smiled and passed the booth without a word. Claire made her way to the bar and ordered a drink. Glass in hand, she walked over to a small table. Seating herself within view of LaCroix, she slowly sipped her drink. Suddenly she felt someone watching her. She looked at the glass booth. It wasn't LaCroix, he was busy with his broadcast. Scanning the room, she made eye contact with a tall, blonde man standing at the bar. Glancing quickly at the booth, she walked over and stood next to the man . "Hi," she said, smiling up at him. She ordered another drink and returned to her table. Claire sat toying with the glass. She could feel her face flushing. She wasn't use to drinking. The room felt warm. She sipped her drink and looked over toward LaCroix. He was no longer in the booth. Where was he? Claire looked around the room. Lucien was standing at the bar talking to the blonde man. Lifting the glass to her lips, Claire finished her drink in one swallow. "Oh!" she thought, "that burns." Her eyes watered and she coughed slightly. How could people do this night after night? She needed a glass of water. Standing on unsteady feet, she began walking towards the bar. The room began to spin. Claire looked up and saw LaCroix smile. That smile, that smug, self-satisfied smile. How she hated that smile. Claire turned abruptly and walked over to a man standing nearby. "Dance with me?" she asked him, her voice slurred. The man looked down at her and nodded. Taking him by the hand she led him to the center of the floor. She reached up and put her arms around his neck and began swaying with the music. She pressed herself against him as he put his arms around her waist. She closed her eyes and lost herself to the music. ****************************************** ****** "Why must you always come to me when some petty criminal is killed."LaCroix asked. Nick looked at the older man. "Because you know something about it. I'm sure of it." "Really Nicholas, this is growing tiresome. If you suspect me then make your arrest. Otherwise, leave me in peace." LaCroix lifted a wineglass to his lips and took a sip. "You really must try this. It's an amusing little. . ." He stopped in mid sentence, his gaze fixed on the couple out on the dance floor. "Whatever does she think she's doing?" LaCroix walked quickly across the floor and grabbed Claire by the arm, pulling her away from her dance partner. Claire opened her eyes and looked up. "Do you want to dance with me?" she purred as she reached up to put her arms around his neck. "I most certainly do not." he said angrily. "What are you doing?" "I'm having fun", Claire said fuzzily, humming off key, "What does it look like I'm doing." She gave him an uncertain smile. "You're intoxicated. How am I supposed to protect you if you do things like this. Don't you realize you could be putting yourself in danger?" "That's your problem." she shrugged, "You're supposed to protect me, so protect." she giggled, her arms entwined around his neck. "Protect you? Protect you from what?" Nick asked. Standing behind LaCroix he had overheard the conversation. Lucien turned and glared at him. "Nicholas, I have no time for this." he said as he attempted to remove Claire's arms from around his neck. "He's protecting me from James." she said. "Isn't that right, Lush-i-an." She patted his chest. "My hero." Nick stifled a laugh. A look of panic crossed her face. "You won't let him get me, will you?" Claire began to cry. "You promised. You said you'd help me." she sobbed. "If he promised to help then I'm sure he will." Nick said, amused at the situation. "Suppose you tell me about James, I'd like to help too." Claire leaned toward Nick. "Sshhh! Nobody is supposed to know." she said, putting a finger to her lips. "Lush-i-an is gonna be my guardian angel. He's gonna take care of James for me." she giggled. "He tol' me so." "Claire!" LaCroix said, visibly angry. Claire looked up at him. "Oops. I said something I shouldn't have, didn't I? I promise, I won't talk no more." Claire stood shakily in front of them. A look of distress crossed her face. "Oh my," she said. "I think I'm gonna be sick." LaCroix motioned for Alma. Propping up the younger woman, Alma hurried Claire back to her room. Moments later Alma returned. "She's passed out on her bed." she reported. "I think she'll be out for a while." A look of relief appeared on LaCroix's face. Walking back to the bar, he reached for his glass and downed its contents. Reaching for the bottle he refilled his glass and drank again. "Guardian angel?" Nick laughed. "That's a new one. And who is James?" he asked. ****************************************** ****** Nick sat and listened as LaCroix told him the events of the past days. Looking up at his master, the younger man's eyes took on a worried look. "You should have sent her to the police." he said. "The police have not been able to protect her. All she got from them was empty promises." Lucien paced the floor as he spoke. "What is this girl to you?" Nick asked. "What do you mean?" LaCroix demanded. "She amuses me that's all." "I think its more than that LaCroix. I saw the concern on your face when you thought she had put herself in danger. I saw the way you looked at every stranger who entered the Raven tonight. This girl is more than an amusement." Nick stood and put his hand on Lucien's arm. "I saw the way you look at her. It is more and you know it." "NO!" LaCroix growled, shrugging off his son's hand. "Its not what you think. She amuses me, that's all. When she ceases to amuse me, I'll discard her. It's nothing more." "You love her, don't you?" Nick asked, studying LaCroix's face. A look of anguish filled Lucien's face. "Yes." he whispered. "but I cannot, I will not accept it. It brought me nothing but pain before and I will not allow that again." "Then she doesn't know?" Nick could hear the suffering in his father's words. "No." Lucien said flatly. ********************************************* *********** Claire woke the next morning. Opening her eyes, she winced at the light coming through the window. Her head ached and her mouth felt as if it were full of cotton. Pulling back the blankets she realized that she had been completely undressed. Quickly she pulled on her robe and walked over to the window. Claire pulled the shutters closed and locked them tight. She stood there for a moment, her hand on her forehead, remembering her actions from the night before. "How could I be so stupid?" she said out loud. Walking into the bathroom she turned on the shower. Stripping off the robe, she stepped under the warm water. Tears began to form in her eyes. She had put herself in danger this time. She remembered telling someone about James. How could she be so reckless? Lucien had offered her his help, and now he could be in danger as well. When would she learn to think before acting? That had always been her trouble. She was impulsive. "No more!", she said to herself. She would just have to learn to be more cautious. "Next time....", she thought. But would there be a next time? If James had sent someone after her, then he probably knew she was here. She had only added fuel to the fire with her drunken babbling. Claire knew what she must do. She had to leave, to find another place to hide. The thought of leaving this place frightened her. She liked it here. It had only been a few days, but as strange as it seemed, she felt at home here. For the first time in years she felt as if she belonged. And Lucien had been kind enough to offer her his protection. "Lucien", she thought. There was something about him, she couldn't quite put it into words, but... "NO!" she said."I can't even think about it. I've done enough already. Better to leave, then to put him in further danger." Claire turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. Wrapping her hair in a towel, she put on her robe and walked back to the bedroom. She got out her suitcases and put them on the bed. Claire pulled on a pair of sweats and an old t-shirt. Opening the door, she walked out into the hallway. The building was quiet and empty. She walked into the club and went behind the bar. Opening the beer fridge, she pulled out a bottle of orange juice. Her mind was racing, planning her exit. She didn't here LaCroix enter. "Up a little early aren't we?" he said. His words echoing through the large room. Claire started and almost dropped the bottle. "Must you do that?" she asked angrily. "Can't you announce yourself without scaring a body to death?" "You look terrible." he said, a wicked smile on his lips. "A little hungover are we?" "Thanks, you're too kind." she said sarcastically as she returned the bottle to its home. Then she took a deep breath and faced him. "About last night." she said softly. "I'm sorry, it was a foolish thing to do. But I was angry. I'm not a child, you know." "Yes, I noticed." he said, seating himself in front of the bar. "That dress you were wearing certainly removed any doubt." Claire could feel herself blushing. She walked around the bar and sat down next to him. "I've decided to leave. I've put you in danger as well. I can't stay here any longer. It's me James wants, I couldn't live with myself if he hurt anyone else." Claire looked up into Lucien's face. There was a strange, almost hurt look in his eyes. Reaching out, she touched his cheek. Instinctively, LaCroix pulled away from her touch. Claire sat there looking into his eyes. "I'm sorry." she said. She took his hand in hers. "I'll miss you. You've been so kind to me. I just wanted to say Thank You." Without thinking, Claire leaned toward him and gently kissed his lips. She got up from the stool and started to leave. Lucien reached out and took hold of her arm. "Claire." he whispered. She turned and looked at him. There was a light in his eyes she had not noticed before. Lucien pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I'm afraid I can't let you go." he said, as he released her lips. "Don't worry. I can protect myself, and you from James. We'll go to Europe, if you wish." he said. "I have friends who will help us. I could show you things no mortal has ever seen." Lucien held her close to him. He would not give her up. He'd walked away from love once, he would not do so again. Claire looked up into his face. "Is this possible?" she asked herself. She had known him such a short time, yet her heart told her that she loved him. He was willing to leave everything to be with her, to assure her safety. Claire put her arms around his neck and drew his lips to hers. She lost herself in the feelings he awakened in her. Again and again they kissed. She had never known love like this. "Oh," she moaned as Lucien's lips left hers and traveled down her neck. "It been so long, you feel so good." She pressed her body closer to his. "Is this real?" "Yes, Claire, its real." He breathed into her ear, before returning to her lips. Claire's body was responding to Lucien's caresses with a fury that surprised her. "Make love to me Lucien" she begged. LaCroix stiffened, "I cannot." he said sadly. Claire drew back from him, a hurt look on her face. "Why? It's James, isn't it?" she said. "No, my dearest love. It is because of what I am." Claire looked at him, puzzled. "Whatever it is, we'll work through it." She said, "I know we can overcome any obstacle." LaCroix released her from his arms and walked across the room. "It's not that simple," he said. Turning to face her, his eyes golden and his fangs bared. "I am not like you, a mortal." he growled. "This is what I am." "That's how you could be so sure that James wouldn't harm me. Isn't it? You were going to kill him." Claire said in a whisper. "You're a.... a.." "Vampire" he said, his eyes returning to normal. "a killer, a monster. Are those the words you're searching for?" He turned from her, unwilling to see the look of horror and hatred on her face he knew would be there. Claire didn't know what to do. She never in her wildest dreams expected this. She had fallen in love with a vampire. But that wasn't possible, they didn't exist. Yet here he was. She felt numb. How could this be happening? She looked at him as he stood with his back to her. Her mind told her to run, to escape, yet she loved him. Vampire or not, she loved him. She knew she held his happiness in her hands. Her heart went out to him. She wanted him, no matter what happened she wanted to be with him. Summoning her courage, she walked to where he stood. "Lucien", she whispered. "Look at me." LaCroix stood motionless, his heart full of anguish. How could he face an eternity alone after knowing love again. Slowly he turned and looked at Claire. "Lucien" she began. " I love you, I don't care what you are, I only want to be with you." LaCroix looked at Claire. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. Claire put her arms around his neck. "My precious one." he said, as his lips met hers. ****************************************** ****** "Incompetent fools!" a voice snarled. "How could they botch such a simple job." His dark eyes flashed with anger. "I all but handed her to them on a platter! Do I have to do it myself?" He threw the newspaper down in disgust. He walked over to the desk and picked up the telephone. "This is Hilliard. Book me on the next flight to Toronto." James slammed down the receiver and stormed out the door. ****************************************** ****** Claire and Lucien spent the afternoon making plans. The club would be left in Miklos' capable hands. Together they would tour Europe. He would teach her the ways of the night, and then he would bring her across when she was ready. LaCroix was taking no chances this time. He would give her the choice. Later that night they would tell Nicholas of their plans. Lucien would release Nick from his control, and he and Claire would spend the rest of eternity together. Claire never imagined she could be so happy. Several times she sought the shelter of Lucien's arms to reassure herself it was in fact true. The sun was beginning to set and the club would soon be open. Lucien began the preparation for opening. He would use a recorded broadcast and he and Claire would be on their way after midnight. Claire returned to her room and packed her bags. She was so excited that she couldn't sit still. She hurried to find Lucien and help with the last minute details of the trip. She opened the door to his office and found him talking on the phone. He was making travel arrangements with a shipping company to send several large trunks to Europe. Claire giggled, she knew what these were for. LaCroix looked at her frowning. Putting her hand over her mouth, she stifled another giggle and went over to kiss him on the cheek. LaCroix placed the receiver back in its cradle and gathered her into his arms. He kissed her forehead and looked down at her small face. Her eyes were lit with love and happiness. He could easily imagine eternity with her. She was so unpredictable, he would never grow tired of her. Claire untangled herself from his arms and walked to the window. It was dark outside. She was beginning to love the night and all it held. Turning around she smiled wickedly at him. "You are such a passionate man, we have so many things to discover together. Will eternity be long enough do you think? What will we do with all that time?" she laughed. "You are incorrigible." he said smiling. He took a step towards Claire as a blinding flash erupted from behind her.