See Part 1 for disclaimer.Chapter 8
Castle Brabant 1213
Nick followed Lord deLeBarre to his father's private rooms. Standing behind one of the large pillars, he watched as the Lord banged loudly on his father's room door. Lord de Brabant answered the loud noise with annoyance. "Who dares to try to flatten the door to my chambers?" And looking up he saw Henri deLeBarre. "What do you want, Henri?"
"Anthony, I must speak to you immediately about your son!" Lord deLeBarre replied in an angry voice.
"My son? What has Nicholas done?" Anthony said with a frown.
<Typical! He would of course, suspect me of some disturbance! But this time, you are wrong, father. You are so wrong!> Nicholas thought as he watched the scene in front of him unfolding.
"No, no! Not Nicholas. Your heir, Lord de Brabant! Eitenne! It seems he thinks it is a common gesture to leave his betrothed on the evening of the engagement without even a reason as to where he was going!" Henri shouted.
Nicholas' father looked at Henri with shock on his face. <I cannot believe that Eitenne could possibly have forgotten all of his etiquette! What is the matter with my eldest?> Anthony looked down the hall in both directions and gestured for Henri to come into his room. Henri slipped in and Anthony shut the door behind him. Nicholas went closer to see if he could hear what they were talking about, but then he could guess at what they were saying. They had retreated into the inner chambers and were too far from him to be heard, even if they were shouting. Nicholas knew that his father would not let this go without some kind of investigation. He also had a pretty good idea where Eitenne was. He must warn his brother what was going on! He must protect Eitenne from the danger he was in.
Nicholas ran to his room and grabbed his cloak, and then ran out the back servant's entrance and towards the stables. It took him a few minutes to reach the stables, and once inside he started to call out his brother's name. It was then that he heard grunting and gasping coming from somewhere in the loft area. And these noises were followed by voices, voices filled with sexual lust. Telling each other what they were experiencing. Nicholas closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath.
"Tell me what you want, my dear Bartholomew. Tell me my lustful one. My heart, my love!" came Eitenne's voice within the stable walls.
"More, Eitenne! More! More! Yes! Oh, Yes!" came a soft panting young voice.
Nicholas wasn't sure that he could go any farther. These sounds were enough to sicken him right through to his stomach. And it was already in knots as it was from his father's emotional scene with Lord deLeBarre. But he had to say something! He had to warn his brother. He walked further into the stables and glanced up to the upper loft.
At this precise moment, Lord deLeBarre and Lord de Brabant walked into the stables, and seeing Nicholas' head looking toward the upper loft, they both looked to that area. There, in the loft above them was a young boy with long blonde hair, lying on his back with his legs wrapped around the waist of another, larger more muscular man who was lying on his stomach, but perched on his extended arms. And both were completely naked!
Nicholas wheeled around as the two noblemen entered the stables. <Oh, great Lord Jesus! Eitenne! I can not save you now! I'm sorry my brother. I have failed you! And there is nothing I can do!>
"Eitenne! What in God's name is going on here?" Anthony said, his voice in a rage and shaking.
"So, this is how you have brought up your children, Anthony? I would not have believed that you would allow such foolishness!" Lord deLeBarre stated through clenched teeth.
The man on the top of the other one, fell and caused them both to fall, almost going over the edge. Only Eitenne's quick reflexes stopped them from falling to the stables below. They both scrambled to find their clothes and began to dress as quickly as possible. Nicholas just stood there, tears forming in his eyes. He knew not what would happen, but he would not stay around for this. He turned to leave, when his father caught his cloak and swung him around to face his father. "What were you doing here, Jean-Phillippe? Warning your brother? Are you in this with him?"
"Father! Do not accuse Nicholas of wrong doing. It is I alone who has sinned against you and Lord deLeBarre. Nicholas knew nothing of this!" Eitenne said as he began to climb down from the stable loft.
"How dare you address me without being spoken to, my shameful hussy of a son! Did I raise you to be a man or a woman?" Anthony said, his face red and shaking. Eitenne stood at the bottom of the ladder to the loft and lowered his eyes and his head. Anthony turned back to Nicholas. "Go back to the Castle, my son. I will speak with you later!" Nicholas paused for a moment to look at his brother, and then left the stables.
As he walked back to the Castle, he already knew what would happen to the peasant lad. He would either be killed or be publicly whipped! And, Eitenne. Since Lord deLeBarre was such a powerful man in Wales, and he was much respected in the Church, he knew that there was no way he would allow his daughter to be married to Eitenne. Most likely, Eitenne would be sent away. Disinherited, and never to be spoken of again by his family. Nicholas had known that this would happen, but he hoped it wouldn't come this soon. He thought that he had time to try to persuade his brother to give up this lust. And now, for trying to warn his brother, he had placed himself in grave doubts to his father. What was he to do? Nicholas entered the Castle and went directly to his room. He took off his cloak and kneeling down at his altar, crossed himself and began to pray to the Blessed Virgin to take this terrible weight from his shoulders.
About an hour later, his father came into the room and saw his second son in silent prayer at his altar. Anthony knew that Nicholas had nothing to do with Eitenne's problem, but he had to display his displeasure for the sake of honor in front of Henri. He had seen Nicholas many times in the village with many different women. He had a lusty and healthy respect and love for women. He never strayed from that course. Anthony also knew that Nicholas had come to warn Eitenne, and for that he was grateful. If only he could have stalled Henri a little longer. But when Henri became aware that Nicholas was following him to the Brabant private chambers and then saw him leave through the servants area, he knew something was up. <My poor son, what can I do to protect you?> Anthony thought to himself.
"Nicholas." Anthony said quietly. Nicholas looked up from the altar, and crossing himself stood up and faced his father. "Yes my Lord, what is your will?"
Anthony at this point became so overwhlemed with emotions that he forgot respect and custom and took his son into his arms and wept bitter tears. Nicholas was surprised at this action, but tried his best to comfort his father. "My son! My eldest! My heir! Shamed! Now we must send you away! Oh, my son! Whatever shall I tell your mother?"
Nicholas said nothing back to his father, and he knew this would be an extremely grievous blow for his mother. She would bear it well as she was strong. But this would take even his mother some time to recover from. The person who will be hardest hit by this, will be his 7 yr old sister, Fleur. She would never get over the loss of her elder brother. She was closest to Nicholas, but she still adored Eitenne. He took good care of her and teased and loved her with all his heart. She would miss him terribly, as they all would. And Fleur would never speak ill of her brother, no matter what he had done. Be it against the family, or the Church!
Anthony straightened up and let go of his son. Looking at him, Anthony said, "Why did you not tell me of this condition of your brother's, my son? Why? I could have corrected the problem before it got so far advanced!"
Nicholas looked at his father, with tears in his own eyes. "I did not know until a few days ago, Father! I could not have told you anyway, as Eitenne made me swear an oath to him." And Anthony knew that an oath given to a brother must never be broken. And he gave Nicholas a weak smile.
Then his father took his usual erect position and said in a firm voice. "Your brother, Eitenne will be presented to the family with the knowledge of his"sin" and be sent to the monastery in England. He will be leaving tomorrow. And the young peasant lad will be flogged in the village centre tomorrow at noon. You, my son, as you had a part in this as well, will be whipped in front of the family to assure that there will be no further leanings toward this type of behaviour and to show your shame!" And Anthony turned to leave. Stopping by the door, he turned to look at his son and his countenence softened. "I am sorry for this harsh punishment towards you, Nicholas, but it is the way it must be. Forgive me, dear son!" Then in a stern voice with the face to match Anthony continued, "You will remain here until the servants come for you and you will be brought to the main hall."
His father closed the door behind him and Nicholas was alone. He did not care for the family sharing of the punishment and would be looked on with an air of disgust for some time to follow, but that he could handle. But not to see Eitenne, ever again! That was something that he was not sure he could handle. They had been close since the day Nicholas was born. Or so he was told. Eitenne had looked after him and had cared for him. He had stuck his neck out for Nicholas on many occasions. Now he would never see him again after tonight in the main hall. Nicholas went back to his altar, and kneeling, he crossed himself, bowed his head and continued his prayers.
Several hours later, the servants came for him and escorted him to the main hall of Castle Brabant. When he stepped into the room, he saw the entire family sitting in a semi-circle. The LeBarre family sat behind his own family. Eitenne stood with his hands folded in front of him and his head lowered, in the centre of the semi-circle. Next to him was the "whipping bench". The only member not present was his sister, Fleur, who was too young to witness this. Nicholas felt very conspicuous, as he walked to the centre of the semi circle and joined his brother, Eitenne.
Lord de Brabant rose and spoke to the Family. "Family Brabant and LeBarre. I regret to inform you of the sexual misconduct of my son, and heir, Jean-Eitenne de Brabant, who has chosen to lie with a man instead of a woman; as is expressly noted as sin in the eyes of our Lord and Maker, Jesus. I therefore, strip him of his rights to the lands and wealth of the family and take away his birthright. I do not now recognize him as my son. From this day forth, he will be known by the name, Brother Peter and will dwell in the monastry in England." At this time, he looked at Eitenne for the last time, tears starting to form in his eyes, but he fought the emotion. Eitenne did not raise his head, but continued to stare at the floor. Anthony said, "You will leave my lands at sunrise, Brother Peter and return no more."
Eitenne bowed to Lord de Brabant and walked slowly toward the servants quarters of the Castle. Nicholas, though his head was bowed, could see his mother, who sat with her hands folded in her lap, and her eyes closed. She was quiet. Too quiet! <Oh, Mother! I grieve with you! Please don't ever forget your eldest son!> Nicholas thought to himself. Then his attention was directed to his father.
Anthony again addressed the Families. "It is at this time, that I also must tell you of the misconduct of my second son, Jean-Phillippe, who was found trying to warn his brother of those seeking his secret. I speak in defense of my second son. He has never been seen in the sex sin that has befallen my eldest son, and was acting out of results of an oath forced upon him by his brother. Do you agree with this, Jean-Phillippe de Brabant?" And Anthony looked directly at Nicholas.
"Yes, Lord de Brabant, my Father. I do agree." Nicholas said in a soft voice with his head still lowered.
"Then, as this is not a fatal, or unforgiving sin, but misguided judgement, it is the decision of the families Brabant, and LeBarre, that you be excused of your error in judgment and given the normal punishment for disobedience. Do you agree with this punishment. How say you, Jean-Phillipe de Brabant?"
"I agree with your punishment, Lord de Brabant, my father and master." Nicholas again repeated in a soft voice, his head still lowered.
"Then the punishment will begin at once. Prepare yourself, Jean-Phillippe de Brabant." Antony said, as he motioned the servants to come to his son. The turned him around with his back to his family and pulled down his breeches. The helped him to his knees and urged him to bend over the bench in front of him. Nicholas took ahold of the bench edges with his hands and closing his eyes and gritting his teeth prepared for his punishment. His father, Lord de Brabant took off his outer garment and rolled up his sleeve. Then he took the whip from the slave and came over to where Nicholas knelt over the bench. His father raised the whip and brought it down on the bare buttocks of his son. Nicholas cringed at the sting of the whip on his bare skin. His father raised his hand again and the whip once more came down on his bare buttocks, raising welts on the skin. This action was repeated many times, and Nicholas' buttocks were getting redder and more swollen with each strike hitting the now tender skin. Soon there were large red welts on each of his buttocks from the whip. Nicholas bit his lip and closed his eyes, tears rolling down his cheeks. This was not as painful as the loss of his dear brother Eitenne. And it was that thought, not the stinging of the whip that caused his grief and pain.
Sometime later, Nicholas was escorted to his bed chamber by the servants. He could barely walk from the whipping that had taken place. And once inside his bedroom, he lay down on the bed on his stomach. He wept bitter tears. Not for the stinging and soreness erupting from his red, welt-marked and swollen buttocks, but for his brother. For some time he lay there weeping softly. And then there was a gentle knock at the door. Lady Francesca opened the door slowly, and looked in on the lad she had once nursed and taken care of in his infancy.
"Nicholas? My young one? I have come to heal your wounds." When Nichola saw the face of his former Nurse, he reached out his arms for her. The middle aged woman came to his side and lifted his face to her bosom. She was the only one who could, (at this time, anyway), help heal all his wounds. She had cared for him in his boyish days and he loved her dearly. He also trusted her with his soul. "Mon Nurse! Help me! Help me to understand why?" Nicholas said as he put his head in her bosom and wept uncontrollably.
"Oh my young one! I grieve with you. But we must accept what is to be. Your brother chose his own destiny! You must not grieve for him, my Nicholas! But remember what has happened this day, and do not repeat your brother's mistake." And she coaxed Nicholas to lay back on his stomach so she could tend to his wounds. The ointment she used was soothing, but stung none-the less. And it was not very long before Nicholas succombed to the weakness of the injuries of this day. The scene with Eitenne and Ambrosia, the scene at the stables, the scene in front of the family, and the loss of his brother. He began to calm down and soon was fast asleep, occasionally gasping with the sudden intake of air caused by his sobbing earlier.
He did not notice the form of his mother some time later enter his room and move quietly over to her sleeping son. She pulled the covers over his now naked and exposed buttocks and then running her fingers through his long curly, blonde locks, bent down and kissed his cheek. "My son! We will get through this together! Be brave and remember this warning. You are all I have now!"
And then, she got off the bed and walked to the door, turning momentarily to look back at her now sleeping son with tears in her eyes. Then she closed the door, and Nicholas slept peacefully through the night.
Chapter 9
The Loft:
"Knight? Are you alright?" Mike said as he watched Nick. He hadn't commented on what Mike had told him and looked either asleep with his eyes open or dead in thought.
Nick suddenly turned to Mike and said, "What?" Oh, yeah, I was listening, Mike. Just remembering something that happened a long time ago."
Mike smiled and said, "Yeah, I know. Anyway, what shall I do?" About Steve, I mean? I think that he may have gotten over his head on this."
Nick got up and walked over to the kitchen. "What can you tell me about the other members of this club? Were any of them more aggressive, or toublemakers than others?" Nick said as he turned back to look at Mike.
Mike sat there for a few minutes thinking, and then his eyes lit up and he stood up from the couch. He moved closer to where Nick was standing and said, "Damn! I should have thought of that before! And looking at Nick he said, "There was one real creep. I hated him. Always seemed to be in charge. He was, I guess the leader of the group. I mean, Steve always listened to him, and followed whatever this guy said. Which was odd because Steve never listened to anyone else. His name was Roger Arthur. Used to be on the police force at one time. I think he was fired."
Nick looked at Mike for a few moments and then walked to the phone. He dialed Schanke's home phone and relayed the message of what Mike had told him to his partner. "Schanke, we need to find the most current address of this Roger Arthur, and see if you can pull his police files. Maybe there were some reports from IA and Officer Profile that we can use to help us second guess this guy's next move." There was a pause, as Nick looked back at Mike, and then he said, "Oh, yeah and Schanke? Steve Lovejoy could be missing. He hasn't contacted his brother in two days. See if he's checked into work, or if anyone knows where he is. Thanks." And Nick hung up the phone.
Nick glanced at the windows. It was still at least 4 hours before he could leave the apartment. But he knew that Mike would not be able to contain himself for that long! He walked over to Mike and put his hand on the young detective's shoulder. "Schanke is going to try to find out all he can on this Roger Arthur, but he will need help. Why don't you go to the station and see what you can do, and if you think of any more information, let him know. I'll get myself cleaned up and dress and check to see if I come up with any valuable information on where Steve might be."
Mike shook Nick's hand and walked to the lift. He paused a moment before he entered the elevator and turned back to Nick. "Thanks, Knight. I really appreciate your help. And thanks for listening to me."
Nick smiled and replied, "That's what partners are for, Mike Lovejoy, or haven't you heard? Now get out of here so I can get cleaned up and join you later."
Mike stepped into the elevator and the door shut. he elevator began to hum as it descended. Nick turned around and headed up the stairs, toward the bathroom. <If what Mike told me was true, his brother is in a lot of trouble. I hope he does not end up at the hands of his former 'pal' Roger Arthur!> Nick thought to himself, and entered his bedroom to find clothes suitable to wear for the evening.
Abandon Warehouse near the Waterfront:
Steve was sitting in a straight back chair, glaring at his captor. His ankles were tied to the legs of the chair and his arms had been drawn around the chair back and tied behind him. He was watching the tall dark-haired man going through a large box a few feet away from where Steve sat.
"You will never get away with this, Eros. I will be missed and you know that." Steve said quietly as he struggled to get free.
"Oh, Apollo, you are so unimaginative! You always did think in the straight and narrow. That is why your conquests were so few and never very exciting." The other man replied with a sly smile.
"Come-on, man. Think! You were a cop once. Murder is something that you can never get away with! And why are you doing this anyway?"
"Can't you guess, wimp? I do it because it pleases me and because I want nothing more than to give you headaches to make your life miserable. You, a captain, and me off the force! How dare you try to outdo me?!" the dark-haired man said as he brought a knife closer to Steve's face.
"Roger. You brought this on to yourself. You were too aggressive and too sexual with the females. High school antics is one thing. But real life is different. You can't live in this fantasy world and survive! Let me go and we can talk this through. You can be hel. . . "
"Shut-up!" Roger said as he ran the knife along Steve's cheek. "Do you think I am going to sit here and listen to you go on and on? I have work to do." And Roger moved away from Steve's back to the large box. He began to retrieve items out of it and put them in his jacket pocket.
Steve struggled to get free again as he watched Roger. "No! No more murders, Roger. Please, let me go! I can help you!"
Roger turned around to look at Steve with an eyebrow raised. "Really? I don't think so, Apollo! You never were as smart as I am, and you have no idea what it feels like to capture a victim and slowly take their life. It is exhilarating! And now if you don't mind, I must take my leave of you, my dear Apollo." And with that Roger left the warehouse.
Steve continued to try to free himself from the bonds, but he was hopelessly tied to the chair. He relaxed for a few minutes and stared into the large warehouse room. <Mike! I need you. If there was someway I could contact you and let you know what Roger is planning. If anything happens to you, little bro, I will never forgive myself. Watch your back, Mike. Please, watch your back!>
96th Precinct:
Several hours later, Knight walked into the precinct to where Schanke and Mike were discussing the case. They had found out a great deal of information on Roger Arthur. As Nick approached they both acknowledged him and then Schanke started to tell Nick what he had found out.
"Roger Arthur was a trouble maker in high school. He was suspended several times for conduct inappropriate of a student, and was involved in a couple of sex scandals. But nothing could be pinned on him and so he had a clean record with which to enter the police academy. Money too. Seems his father had been supplying money to the mayor. So I'm sure, even if Arthur had a bad record, he still would have gotten into the academy." Schanke said, as he flipped through several computer print-outs. Then he continued. "The officer profile report says that it was questionable on whether he was 'police material' in the academy but probably because of his old man he was merely left alone. He managed to get by and even passed the psychological tests. Out on the street he was know as the aggressive cop who always nailed his man. He was smart and cunning, but very brutal. He was called down on excessive force at least four times before he was suspended without pay while a street cop. Apparently he kept up this pattern until he was fired in 1994"
"I know he is doing this because of Steve." Mike said, looking at Nick. "He was angry when he was fired and said something to Captain Lovejoy about getting even. But Steve was not the one responsible for firing him. They were not even in the same units at that time. And Steve had not started to work as a Captain yet. But I know that Roger is doing this to get back at my brother. And I'm also sure that Steve is in danger somewhere. It is not like him to tell no one where he is. The 21st has had no word of where Steve is and this is the third night he has not reported in. I think that he went after Roger on his own, and managed to get trapped by Eros himself." Mike was becoming very nervous and itchy to get going on patrol and try to find Steve. For he knew that Roger had him held hostage somewhere in the city.
"Come again? Eros? Who is that?" Schanke said as he looked in Mike's direction.
Mike looked at Schanke and replied, "Roger Arthur. See, the guys gave themselves the names of the gods to further their roles as sex lovers. Roger chose Eros, because he was the God of Love. Steve was Apollo who was the God of Light. Never did figure that one out."
"Man, oh man, oh man. We are dealing with a real looney tune here. That's great!" Schanke said, as he heard this latest bit of news. Just then the phone rang on Nick's desk. "Homicide, Detective Knight. . . Yeah, just a minute."
Nick handed the phone to Mike. "It's for you, didn't say who he was."
Mike picked up the phone and said, "Detective Lovejoy."
The voice on the other end sounded like it was being disguised, but yet Mike could recognize the voice. "Hello guided muscle, you little brat!"
Mike's face took on a look of disgust and irritation as he said, "What do you want?" Nick and Schanke looked at each other, and then Nick honed in on the voice at the other end of the phone.
"Just thought you might like to know there is going to be another murder, maybe tonight, brat! But it won't be a female this time. Someone you might know, though. Just thought you might be interested." And then the phone went dead.
"Arthur, you sleaze, if. . . " Mike slammed down the phone.
"And what was that all about?" Schanke said as he looked at Mike with concern. "That was Roger Arthur! He's got Steve and he didn't tell me where! Damn! I gotta go." Mike said, starting to leave. But Nick stood up and grabbed his arm.
"Wait, Mike! That's not going to help. If you go off now in this way you are going to get not only Steve killed, but yourself as well. You don't even know where to look." Nick said as he tried to coax Mike back to his seat.
"I can't leave Steve at the hand of that murderer! I have to find out where they are." Mike said pulling against Nick's grip on his arm.
"Mike, listen to me. We do this by the book and no one gets hurt." Schanke said, as he came over to where Mike and Nick were standing. "Look, I know you are worried about your brother, but there is a proper way to handle this. This guy was on the phone long enough to record. We'll listen to it and try to find out where the guy was when he called. Then we'll all three go out and try to find him. Deal?"
Mike looked at Schanke, and then at Nick who shook his head in agreement. "Ok. But please, let's hurry. I know that Steve doesn't have much time. Arthur said he would kill him tonight." And they all walked to the sound expert area of the precinct.
About an hour later, Nick, Mike and Schanke were with the sound expert checking on the recording of the phone call. Mike was not being very patient, and could not stay still long enough to listen. But they did manage to get some background noise identified and knew that he was near the lake front. At least they knew that probably the killer would have stashed Steve in an abandon plant or warehouse near the Lake.
Chapter 10
96th Precinct:
All three detectives went back to their desks to check on any new info on the Red Scarf Serial Killer Case, and were getting ready to check up on some leads, when the phone on Nick's desk rang again. This time he motioned to Mike to answer. Mike looked at Schanke and Nick and then picked up the phone. "Homicide, Detective Lovejoy."
"Well, well, now you answer the phone for yourself, eh brat! Good! Cause listen up." the voice on the other end spoke with a low sensual tone.
Mike motioned to Schanke and Nick that it was Roger Arthur and they all crowded around the receiver.
"Now that you probably have shared all the information on the killings to your partners and they are listening right now, I will give you a chance to save your brother. Meet be at the Subway station near Bloor. I'll tell you want you need to know then. Come alone, brat! Don't be cocky and bring your friends. Get it? Brat!"
Mike spoke into the phone in an irritated voice. " Which subway station, you jerk? Which one?"
"Figure that out for yourself, brat! But you better be right, or your brother will not be in very good shape in the morning." And the phone went dead.
"Damn, which station did he mean!?" Mike said slamming down the phone again.
"Don't know for sure, so how 'bout we split up and check all of them?" Schanke said and they all nodded agreement. Then Schanke took hold of Mike's arm and said, "Remember, Mike. By the book, and stay in rouch at all times. You're still a target here."
Mike moved away from Schanke's grip with a huff and then looked back, and said, "Yeah, I will Schanke. Sorry!"
They left the precinct and Schanke took his car, with Mike heading for his Ferri. Nick walked to the caddy, but didn't get in right away. He watched the others leave. Then he walked a block from the precinct building and, looking around, took to the air. <It will be much faster, and this way I can keep an eye on Mike. He is in a lot of danger right now, if he only knew it.>
About an hour later, Mike was coming out of the subway tunnel and heading down Bloor, when a tall, dark-haired man approached him from behind, and grabbed his arm pulling him into the alley.
"Don't even try to move brat! And I'll take your fire-arm." When Mike didn't surrender the weapon right away, the man grabbed it from his vest brace. "You still have not learned anything, have you brat? I'm far stronger than you will ever be. And I'm also taller."
"Damn! Arthur. Where is my brother?!" Mike said, struggling to get free.
"Oh, he is very safe, for the moment, and I think that you should join him. Don't you? I mean we can't have brothers, worried about each other, can we? Let's go, brat! This way." Arthur said as he spun Mike around and placing Mike's gun against his back they proceeded down the street.
Nick had picked up on the yelling and had flown to the disturbance. Landing on the roof of a nearby bulding, he looked down and saw Mike struggling with a taller, dark-haired man. He honed in on the conversation and watched the proceedings. He could see that Mike was in no danger at the moment, and from the conversation knew that it would be best to follow them until they reached their destination. He would be able to contact Schanke and dispatch at that time and give them the location of Capt. Lovejoy and his brother. And the Red Scarf Serial Killer. As Mike and Arthur headed down the street, Nick watched from a distance, then rose in the air and followed them from above, making sure to keep a discreet distance and not to attract any attention to himself from by-standers on the street.
The two men walked a short distance, and then came to a red stingray. They climbed inside and drove off with Nick keeping a close eye on them. Before long they came to the Richard Hearn Generating Station on Cherry and Unwin and both men got out of the car. Mike was still in the clutches of the taller man, and was led into the warehouse. Nick landed on the roof and finding an open door climbed in. He listened carefully to find out the exact location of the men.
It wasn't very long before Mike and Arthur had come into a very large room. Steve looked up and saw his brother. <Damn Mike. How did you let yourself get caught by Roger!> Mike looked at his brother, who was tied to a chair and gagged. "Steve! Are you alright?"
Steve nodded that he was fine. And Mike turned around to Roger. "Now what do you plan to do with us, Arthur?"
"Why, I plan to kill you both!" But not quite yet. I think that we should talk about who is the smarter and who is not! Don't you?" Arthur said menacingly.
Nick reached into his jacket and picked out his cell phone. He dialed the precinct operator and said, "Dispatch, this is Detective Knight. Have sight of Red Scarf Serial Killer. Generating Station and Cherry and Unwin. Inform Detective Schanke, and get units to this location immediately. Hostage situation, involving Capt, and Detective Lovejoy." Then Nick replaced his cell phone to his jacket pocket and moved in closer to the location of the Lovejoy brothers and their would-be killer.
"Arthur, at least let me take the gag out of Steve's mouth! If you are going to kill us anyway, at least let us die with dignity." Mike said as he edged closer to Steve.
Roger Arthur considered this for a moment and then said, "Yes. As Apollo was once a member, he should be given that courtesy. You may proceed, brat." But Arthur still maintained poised with the firearm drawn aimed at both the Lovejoy brothers.
Mike went to Steve and took the cloth out of his mouth. "Thanks Mike."
Mike looked at Steve with concern in his face. He hadn't called him Mike for a very long time. "How on earth did you manage to get yourself caught by this lunatic?"
"He wasn't watching his back, brat! That's how. Isn't that one of the things they always teach you at the police academy, Stevie old pal?" Arthur said with an amused smile on his face.
"Arthur, let my brother go! You have me, you don't need him. Let him get out of here. You already have a hostage to bargain with." Steve said with an imploring voice.
"But you always said your brother was such a pain, Apollo! I would think you would want me to torture him a little?" Arthur said in a playful tone.
"Damn Arthur. Stop calling me that! Do as I say." Steve said, and then thinking, added as politely as he could, "Please! As a favor from one Lusty Sex Lover to another. We were good friends, once Eros."
"Yeah, once, Lovejoy. Before your high and mighty actions on the police force. You tried to show me up every way you could. You will pay for that grand captainship. I give the orders now, not you." And Arthur moved in on the brothers.
At this time, Nick flew suddenly down near the room where the brothers were and in a few seconds was moving quietly, unheard behind Arthur. He put his fingers to his lips to keep Mike and Steve from giving him away to his target. But Arthur somehow sensed he was there and wheeled around to look.
This was time enough for Mike to untie Steve from the chair. Nick stood in front of Arthur with his firearm aimed right at his attacker. "Drop your weapon Arthur and put your hands on your head. Do it now!" Arthur stared into Nick's eyes and slowly began to lower his weapon. But Mike suddenly lunged for Arthur as both Steve and Nick yelled, "No! Mike!" but Mike was almost on top of Arthur.
Suddenly Arthur spun around as Steve, seeing his drawn weapon, shoved his brother out of the line of fire. But he was not fast enough for himself. Arthur fired his weapon several times, and hit Steve in the chest and stomach. Steve was thrown backwards against the wall of the warehouse.
Nick was on top of Arthur in a flash. Mike ran over to his brother who lie against the wall, clutching his chest and gasping for air, the blood coming in gushes from his gaping wounds.
Nick, now in full vampire persona, eyes flashing and fangs gleaming had a firm grip on Arthur who looked at him in horror. "That is the last mistake you will ever make, Roger Arthur!" And, taking his hand, Nick moved in on Arthur's jaw, pulling it with great force toward the side. There was a loud crunch sound and Arthur's eyes rolled in his head, as Nick snapped the man's neck. Nick let go of Arthur, and his body slumped to the floor.
Mike stared at Nick from over his brother's body. "What are you?" Nick looked at Mike for a few seconds with his eyes still gold and fangs still extended and said, "You need have no fear of me, Mike Lovejoy."
Mike heard a groan coming from his brother and turned around. He lifted his brother's head trying to help him breathe easier. "Steve, hang in there, help is on the way." Nick now blue-eyed and fangs retracted, reached for his cell phone and dialed dispatch. "Detective Knight. Officer down, corner of Cherry and Unwin. Send paramedics immediately." And he replaced his phone to his jacket pocket.
Mike was holding Steve's head as his brother looked up at him. He was having a hard time breathing, and he was in great pain. Nick could see that Steve wasn't going to make it, and he could also see that Steve wanted to tell Mike something but was having so much difficulty breathing from the pain, and injuries he couldn't talk. Nick bent down to Steve and taking his face in his hands, focused on Steve's eyes. "Capt. Lovejoy! Look at me!" Steve slowly looked into Nick's face grimacing. Nick continued his fixed stare, and said, "There is no pain. You feel no pain and you can breath normally. Do you hear me?"
After a few seconds, Steve acknowledged Nick and then his breathing became less labored. Mike looked on with total shock and awe. <What kind of being is Knight?> Mike looked back at his brother, and the frown left Steve's face. He looked at his brother and said, "Do not be sad for me, Mike. I have been satisfied with my life. I have no regrets, except that we were not better friends, instead of just brothers. I do love you, Mike." And Steve paused for a moment then said, "Take care of my son, Danny, for me. See to it that he does not end up like his old man."
Mike looked at his brother and said, "No, Steve! Don't talk like this. The paramedics will be here soon. Hang in there! Don't you dare leave me!"
But Steve's face took on an expression of peace as he again looked into the tear-filled eyes of his brother. "I will always watch over you, little bro. And I am very proud to have a good police officer for a brother." And then Steve's expression faded and his mouth gaped open. Mike stared and said softly, "Steve? Steve? NO!"
Nick looked at Mike and put his hand on Mike's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Mike."
Mike looked up at Nick with a tear streaked face and said, "Thank you, Nick. I don't know what you are, or how you did this, but I thank you for helping remove Steve's pain and allowing him to speak to me. I will never tell anyone what I have seen or what you are. It will always be our secret."
And Nick smiled at Mike. Then he walked slowly to the door of the warehouse as he heard sirens in the distance. Schanke would be here in a few minutes. He turned to look back at Mike who was bent sobbing over the bloody body of his brother, and Nick's mind again went back to another time in his past. . . . .
Castle Brabant 1213 (servants chambers)
Very early in the morning, Nicholas slipped from his room to the servants chambers. He found his brother Eitenne lying on a mattress on the floor, staring at the ceiling. He came into the room as quietly as he could. Then made his way over to Eitenne, and sat down beside him, (none to easily as his bottom was extremely sore.)
Eitenne looked up at Nicholas and smiled. "You risk a great deal coming here, little one. But I am glad" Eitenne said as he took his brother into his arms.
"I could not let you leave without saying goodbye. Even if it means another whipping." Nicholas said as he hugged his brother. "I shall miss you terribly, my brother."
Eitenne, now with tears in his eyes said softly, "And I will miss you very greatly, little one."
After a few minutes, Eitenne released his brother and they both sat upright. He looked at his younger, fair-haired brother and said in all earnestness. "Never forget who you are, little one. You are a Brabant, and you must conduct yourself accordingly. Do not make the mistake I have made. Always show that respect to Father."
Nicholas looked at Eitenne with tears in his eyes and said softly, "I will strive to be all that Father wishes of me, Eitenne."
Eitenne looked sadly at Nicholas and then continued, "Please take care of Mother for me Nicholas. And see to it that she is always cared for. And to little, Fleur, watch over her for me in my absence. Tell her that I will always love her, even if we are apart. I shall miss her very much."
"I will do this for you, Eitenne, And you will be proud of her one day. She will make a wonderful wife and mother in the future." Nicholas said to Eitenne.
"Yes, of that I have no doubt." Eitenne again gave his brother a big hug, and then releasing him, he said, "Now you must go, little one, before you are discovered here."
Nicholas rose and walked to the far end of the room, then turned again to look one last time at his elder brother. "Goodbye, Jean-Eitenne, heir to Brabant, and my brother."
"Goodbye, Jean-Phillippe, little one, heart of my heart." Eitenne replied. And Nicholas went out the door, and slipped quietly passed the servants back to his own room.
Several hours later, Nicholas stood at the window of his private chambers and watched the processional leave for the monastery of England. He watched his brother, Eitenne leaving his life forever. Suddenly there was a weak knock at his door. He said softly, "Enter." The door swung slowly open and a small, brown-haired little girl entered. She ran to Nicholas with her arms reaching out to him. Nicholas picked up his sister and held her close to his chest for a few moments. Then he pulled back and looked into her eyes. "Fleur, my beautiful little sister. What are you doing here?"
Fleur looked deeply into her brother's sky blue eyes and said, "I wanted to be with you to say goodbye to Eitenne. Is it alright if we watch him leave together?"
Nicholas smiled and said, "Yes, my dear sister. We can both bid our brother farewell from this window, where no one can see us. And no one can hear how much our hearts are breaking, but each other." And as Nicholas carried his sister over to the window, she flung her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder. As they watched the processional departing their lands, Fleur raised her small hand and whispered, "Goodbye Eitenne! My brother! I will always love you, and I will never forget you!"
Epilogue:
Raven:
The evening after the funeral of Steve Lovejoy, Nick walked into the Raven. He needed some rest and relaxation from the past few weeks. Janette was waiting for him. She knew what he had been through with the murders and the memories of his long dead brother, Eitenne. She had closed the Raven this night so they could be together. She wanted nothing more than to ease his pain. Janette walked over to him with her arms extended in welcome. Nick took her into his arms, and held her. She was the ony one now that truly understood him and would always be there for him. He hated to admit this, but she was almost a replacement for the family he had lost so long ago. His Janette! The dark-haired beauty, that was so full of compassion and understanding.
Slowly, they walked toward the back rooms. And Nicholas knew that he would at last have peace. As long as he had his Janette. And as the door shut behind them, the Raven stood cold and dark. But above in the light of the sky there were two faces looking down on the loving couple. Yes they were creatures of the night, but they were not evil. And they knew that Janette would help Nicholas gain the peace he so desired and deserved. Fleur and Eitenne smiled at their brother. "Dwell in peace, Nicholas."
Finis
"Love means never having to say you're sorry!"
Sue
DkKnight/IB/DkTrinityComments can be sent to me at suwwhit@ccp.com. All comments welcomed and appreciated.
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