Disclosures
Dec. 17th, 2008 07:46 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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fksqueeTitle: Disclosures
Fandom: Forever Knight
Characters: Nick, Schanke, Natalie, Janette, Lacroix
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Forever Knight and its characters were created by Barney Cohen and James D. Parriott and are copyright to Sony/Tristar. None of the characters in this story belongs to me. I'm just borrowing them temporarily. No infringement intended. No profit is being made.
Special thanks to Amy for beta reading and suggestions.
Timeline: Second season, after “Blood Money”
Summary: After buying an expensive piece of jewellery, Nick finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Disclosures
by PJ
December 2008
Nick Knight studied the delicate pieces of jewellery, laid out on a velvet cloth in front of him. Picking up a ruby necklace, he held it against the lamp to assess the quality of the stones.
“Ah, an excellent taste,” the clerk commended his choice. “You will find each stone flawless, sir.”
Nodding in agreement, Nick handed the necklace back to the clerk.
“I’ll take it,” he said and reached for his wallet.
“I’m sure the lady will be pleased,” the clerk remarked and placed the necklace into a pouch.
Nick slid him a credit card and signed the receipt.
“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. De Brabant,” the clerk said and handed him the pouch.
“Thanks for doing overtime because of me,” Nick said and turned to go.
“Anytime,” the clerk replied and opened the door for him. “Have a nice evening.”
Having the pouch safely secured in his pocket, Nick jumped into the Caddy and drove from the curb.
* * *
“Hi, Nat, what have you got?” Detective Schanke greeted the coroner as he entered an exclusive jewellery store on King Street.
“Hi, Schanke,” Natalie replied and looked behind him, quizzically. “Where’s your partner?”
“Has the night off,” Schanke supplied and surveyed the scene, noting the empty safe, shattered showcases and a body on the floor in front of the safe.
Natalie tried not to look too surprised. Usually Nick asked her over for a video date after her shift when he had the night off. Turning her focus back to the task at hand, she began, “Looks like a classic raid. The victim is Daniel Fouchard, the owner of this place. He was shot in the chest and died instantaneously. Time of death, I would estimate roughly about two hours ago.”
“What was he doing after hours in his shop?” Schanke asked.
“Dunno. Inventory?” Nat suggested.
“Detective?” an officer called from the counter with the cash desk. “He seems to have stayed for a late customer. Here’s a receipt for a necklace, printed out at 8.30 p.m.”
Schanke whistled and reached for the slip of paper, his eyes bulging as he read the sum of the transaction.
“Man-oh-man, I wish I could once walk into a shop like this and buy something as fancy for Myra.”
Nat looked up from her clipboard. “It’s not the amount that counts, Schanke, it’s the thought.”
“Yeah right,” he mumbled and copied the name on the receipt into his notebook.
“Well, whoever this N. de Brabant is, he’s either a witness or a suspect.”
Natalie blanched as her clipboard slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor.
“You okay?” Schanke asked, concerned.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said quickly and retrieved her clipboard. “Just clumsy.”
“Does the name sound familiar to you?” Schanke asked suspiciously.
“No,” she snapped and proceeded to sign her preliminary report in order to keep from facing him.
Schanke turned his attention back to the officers on the scene.
“Any security tapes we might use?”
“Already checked that. They shot the camera and took the tape with them.”
“Would have been too easy,” he mumbled. “Okay folks, let’s wrap up here...”
* * *
It was already past dawn when Natalie exited the morgue, her nerves tensed to the limit. She had tried to call Nick several times, but he had his phone turned off.
As she pulled up at the loft, she gathered from the open shutters that he wasn’t home. Nevertheless, she made the trip upstairs, hoping not to be faced with a pile of ash on the floor.
“Nick?” she called as she stepped out of the elevator.
Out of habit, she reached for the remote and closed the blinds.
Hesitantly, she made her way upstairs to take a cautious peek into his bedroom. But the bed was untouched and everything neatly in place.
“Damn you, Nick, where are you?” she muttered.
She returned to her car and drove aimlessly through the streets. With a sinking feeling she finally turned onto Duncan Road and stopped at the Raven, seeing the Caddy parked right in front of her.
Trying to ignore the uneasiness in her belly, she climbed out of her car and tried the heavy iron door only to find it locked. She pounded against it, but there was no answer.
Frustrated, she returned to her car and headed home.
* * *
An hour before sunset, Natalie was back at the club. This time she found the door unlocked. She entered hesitantly and stopped on top of the stairs to get accustomed to the dark.
“We’re still closed,” a male voice with a thick Hungarian accent spoke from the bar.
“It’s okay, Miklos,” a sultry female voice said. “Dr. Lambert is a friend.”
Natalie turned her gaze to the door that led to Janette’s quarters and noticed a slender figure approaching the bar. She wore nothing but a robe and a sparkling ruby necklace around her neck. Even for someone who had obviously just risen from bed, Janette looked stunning, Natalie thought with a hint of envy.
“What can I do for you?” Janette inquired and reached behind the bar to retrieve a bottle and two glasses.
“I need to talk to Nick. It’s urgent,” Natalie replied.
Raising her eyebrows, Janette turned her attention to the direction of her quarters, obviously listening.
“He’s --- He will be out in a minute,” she stated and filled the glasses from the bottle.
As if on cue, Nick appeared from her quarters, freshly showered and fully dressed. He stopped in his tracks to the bar as he discovered Natalie, a guilty expression clouding his face.
He approached the bar, accepting the glass from Janette who took her own and retired into her quarters.
The hungry look on Nick’s face as his eyes followed her didn’t escape Nat’s notice. He quickly drained his glass and reached for the bottle to refill it.
“I ---“ he began.
“That’s not why I’m here,” Nat said quickly, staring at the red liquid in his glass. “Were you shopping last night at ‘Chez Fouchard’?”
Nick furrowed his brows. “Yes, why?” he asked, confused.
“Then I guess you’re in a lot of trouble,” Nat said, unable to keep the coldness from her voice. “Fouchard was killed last night, the shop’s been raided. Police found a receipt in the register with your name on it. Your real name.”
Nick stared at her, shock evident on his face.
“I just thought I’d warn you before you walk into the precinct unprepared,” Nat continued. “Your partner is looking for an N. de Brabant to bring him in, either as witness or suspect.”
“Suspect?” Nick exclaimed upset. “But Fouchard was fine when I left. I didn’t notice anything suspicious. Have you established a time of death yet?”
“Sometime between 8.30 and 10.30.”
Nick nodded, frowning slightly. “He would still be alive if he hadn’t stayed late for me. Or, if I had come later, I might have been able to stop the robbery...”
Natalie recognized the guilty tone, but refrained from offering any form of support as she usually did. Instead she said, “Well, I don’t know how you want to get out of this one, Nick.” Then she turned on her heels and walked to the exit.
“Nat!” Nick called her back.
Natalie slowed down and tuned back to him.
“Thanks for the warning.”
Nodding, Nat slipped out of the door as the last rays of the sun vanished behind the horizon.
On the way home she turned on the radio for distraction.
“Good evening, boys and girls,” the smooth voice of the Nightcrawler filled the interior of her car. “What is the greatest pleasure of a father? To see his children joined in happiness. It was about time, don’t you think?”
Letting out a sob, Natalie pulled over at the curb and brushed angrily at the tears that started to well up in her eyes.
* * *
Nick entered the bull-pen cautiously, his senses tuned to the various conversations going, in case his real name was mentioned.
“Yo, Nick!” Schanke broke into his focus.
“Hi, Schank,” he returned the greeting. “Did I miss anything?”
“We got a new case. A raid on a jewellery shop, one body,” Schanke informed him and began to fill him in on the details.
“Were there any security tapes?” Nick asked in anticipation.
“No, the perp took them,” Schanke exclaimed in desperation, missing the flash of relief on Nick’s face.
“What about the potential witness?” he asked.
“Suspect is more likely. I ran his name through the databank.”
“And?”
“Nothing. Nada! The guy doesn’t exist, Nick. He’s probably used a false name and phoney credit card.”
“Maybe he’s just from out of town,” Nick shrugged.
“Yeah, but why would a guy enter a shop after hours?”
“Sun allergy?” Nick offered.
“Very funny. I tell you Nick, that guy has dirt up his back.”
They were interrupted by the Captain’s voice, “Knight, Schanke, in my office.”
“Any leads yet?” Cohen inquired after Schanke had taken a seat, while Nick remained standing with his back against the door.
“Dayshift interviewed the staff,” Schanke replied. “Three of them left when the store closed. They didn’t notice anything suspicious, nor did they know about Fouchard’s appointment after hours. One employee had the day off and another is currently on vacation at Lake Louise. We couldn’t identify the guy who bought the necklace yet.”
“Have you spoken to Mrs. Fouchard?” the Captain demanded.
“That’s what we wanted to do next.”
“Ask her if she has any photos of the necklace that was bought. Otherwise, check with the insurance company. Maybe we can find the person who was to receive it when we put it in the paper.”
Nick shifted uncomfortably, but remained silent.
* * *
“Cozy,” Schanke remarked as he rang the bell of the mansion.
The door was opened by a young woman who stared at them with a slightly shocked expression on her face.
“Mrs. Fouchard?” Schanke inquired, showing his badge.
“I --- I’m her sister-in-law,” the woman replied. “Elise is in the parlour.”
Nodding, Nick and Schanke followed her into an elegant room.
“The police want to speak to you,” the woman addressed an elegant lady who rose to greet them.
“Mrs. Fouchard? I’m Detective Schanke and this is Detective Knight,” Schanke introduced them.
“Please, do sit down,” she invited them. “Francoise, be so kind and bring some tea for the gentlemen.”
After Francoise had vanished, Mrs. Fouchard continued, “She’s the wife of Daniel’s younger brother. I’m so grateful for her support.”
“We’re sorry to disturb you at this time, but we need to know if there’s anything you could tell us that might lead us to your husband’s killer,” Schanke stated their errand.
“My husband called last night to inform me that he would be late for dinner because he was expecting a late customer,” Mrs. Fouchard stated in a collected manner.
“Did he say anything else? A description maybe?”
“No,” she shook her head. “When he didn’t return by ten, I grew concerned and called security to check on the store.”
“Are there any photos available of the necklace and the other items that were stolen?”
Mrs. Fouchard walked over to a desk and pulled a calling card from a folder. “This is the insurance company. They have photos of every item on file.”
Schanke thanked her and rose to leave.
“Is your brother-in-law in the same business? We might also have a word with him.”
“Oh, Robert is currently on the west coast,” Mrs. Fouchard explained. “He’s doing the acquisition for the store and travels most of his time. We expect him back for the funeral, though.”
* * *
“Man-oh-man, I’m beat,” Schanke muttered on the way back to the precinct. “At least now we have a lead.”
“What lead?” Nick asked, casting him a sideways glance.
“We should check Fouchard’s phone log. The guy probably called ahead to arrange the appointment,” Schanke stated the obvious and glanced with annoyance at his partner. “What is it with you lately?”
“What?” Nick snapped.
“You seem so absent lately. I had to do all the talking back in there. That’s not your style.”
“You know what, Schanke? You’re right. I did let you do all the work so far. Let me handle the call to the phone company. They can send the log directly to my computer and you can book off early.”
“You would do that for me?” Schanke asked, delighted.
“Sure,” Nick shrugged.
* * *
After dropping Schanke off, Nick requested the log of Fouchard’s incoming calls to be sent to his computer. His own number stood out to him like a shining beacon. He erased the line and printed the log out, putting it in his in-box.
Then he picked up his jacket and left for the morgue.
* * *
Natalie sat at her desk and looked up as she heard a shuffling noise at the door and saw Nick entering hesitantly. She knew he made a deliberate noise so as not to startle her, as if he tried not to make a bad situation worse.
“Nat?” he asked probingly.
“How’s your case going?” she asked, before he could broach another subject.
“So far I’ve been busy with damage control,” he replied sheepishly.
“But you also work on finding the killer?” she said coldly. “Or are you no longer interested in your job?”
“Of course!” Nick assured her. He still felt that what happened to Fouchard was his fault. “Nat, it’s not what ---“
Natalie raised her hands. “Please, Nick. I have no claim on your private life. You don’t have to justify to me where you spend your nights off, but would you mind telling me why you used your real name?”
Nick looked at her, slightly distressed. He hadn’t meant for her to find out about his recently rekindled relationship with Janette. He was still unaccustomed to it, himself, and he wasn’t sure how long it would last. But he hadn’t felt this satisfied in years and that did wonders for his control around mortals.
It had all started after he had solved the case of Charles DuChamp’s murder. He had spent the day at the Raven and Janette had offered graciously to ease his burdens.
“Nick?” Nat roused him from his reverie.
“Sorry, my mind was wandering,” he apologized. “People would think me corrupt if I spent more than a year’s salary on a piece of jewellery.”
“So you just pull out one of your other credit cards and all is well? Have you ever thought what might happen if people figured out who you are?” Nat snapped.
“I never had any problems until now,” Nick said, causing Natalie to wonder how often he did use his other credit card.
Seeing her doubtful look, he added, “Don’t worry, Nat. It will work out fine.”
“Oh yeah?” she remarked. “Are you planning on hypnotizing everyone who finds out?”
Nick straightened, refusing to take the bait. He knew she hated it when he resorted to his abilities.
“If I have to,” he said and gazed at the clock. “Sun’s coming up. I should go.”
Nat stared after him as he left, feeling a slight chill creeping up her back.
* * *
“What’s wrong, chéri?” Janette asked, licking languidly over the bite marks on Nick’s neck.
“I’ve made quite a mess,” Nick replied with a frown.
“Oh Nicolas, why must you always have regrets?” Janette purred.
“I don’t,” he assured her, kissing her wrist reassuringly. “At least not about us. But I never meant to hurt Nat. And I guess I have.”
“Mon chér, you are 800 years old. You must have picked up some knowledge of how to ease a woman’s sorrow.”
“It wouldn’t be fair,” he replied with an innocent expression on his face.
Janette let out a sigh before replying, “Ecoute, Nicolas. She’s a sensible woman. She knows what you are and that she cannot be with you the way she might want.”
Nick remained silent a moment, then he said, “I don’t think she knows that.”
Janette gave him a surprised look. “You haven’t told her?”
“I haven’t told her everything,” Nick admitted with a hint of embarrassment.
“Maybe you should,” Janette suggested. “A woman does not like to be kept in the dark, trust me.”
Nick bit playfully into Janette’s wrist and said in a rough voice, “I’ll think about it.”
* * *
It was after sunrise when Nat opened the door to her apartment. She hadn’t seen Nick all night and wondered if he were avoiding her. As she set her bag aside, she stopped in her tracks. Something seemed different than usual. Normally she was greeted by a hungry impatient cat when she returned this late.
“Sydney?” she asked tentatively and made her way towards the dark living-room. As she peeked inside, a light was switched on and she noticed Nick, sitting in her armchair.
“Nick!” she exclaimed, slightly startled.
“Hi,” he greeted her. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“So you sit here in the dark?” Nat shot back, feeling that her privacy had been imposed on.
“Sorry for intruding like this. I had wanted to talk to you. I waited in the Caddy, but when the sun came up, it was either here or the trunk.”
Nat stared at him, trying to come to terms with the idea of having an unexpected house guest for the day. With a feeling of dread she concluded, “You are leaving.”
“No,” Nick emphasized, jumping from his seat. “Why would you think that?”
“Well, considering the mess you’ve made,” Nat said, avoiding his gaze. “And there’s probably nothing that holds you here.”
“Yes, there is,” Nick objected, looking at her intensely. “Nat, do you have any idea how much you mean to me?”
Nat crossed her arms before her chest and looked at him defiantly.
“Frankly, I don’t know what to think any more, Nick.”
Her breath caught as Nick took her face between his hands and kissed her tenderly on the lips.
“I do care about you,” he stated. “A lot. And that’s why we can’t be together.”
Nat’s eyes shot open as his words pulled her brutally back to reality.
“I don’t understand,” she said, refusing to accept his statement.
Nick circled her until he came to stand behind her. She felt his breath on her neck as he said, “You deserve so much more than what I can offer, Natalie.”
She tensed as his voice turned rougher and he continued to whisper into her ear, “I long to give you pleasure beyond your wildest imagination, but it would come with a price that you’re not willing to pay.”
She gasped as she felt his teeth grazing her neck. It was the most sensual thing she had ever experienced. With effort she stepped forward out of his reach and whirled around. Her heart skipped a beat as she noticed the feral expression on his face. A moment later his features softened and his eyes returned to blue. He retreated to his seat on the couch and regarded her probingly.
Nat tried to calm the rapid beating of her heart, quite aware that he was able to hear it.
“I --- I’m sure with some restraint and if we go slowly...,” she began.
But Nick shook his head, a sad expression on his face. “No, Nat. Trust me, it is not possible.”
“But you won’t tell me why,” Nat said.
“Isn’t that obvious?” Nick shot back. “I would kill you!”
“I’m not ready to believe that,” Nat said determined.
“You have no idea what you’re asking for, Nat.”
“I think I have. And I’m upset that you’re not even willing to try.”
“There is no try,” Nick stated. “Not in this case.”
“Fine. How very convenient for you,” Nat snapped and fled into her bedroom, locking the door behind her.
* * *
to be continued in part 2
Fandom: Forever Knight
Characters: Nick, Schanke, Natalie, Janette, Lacroix
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Forever Knight and its characters were created by Barney Cohen and James D. Parriott and are copyright to Sony/Tristar. None of the characters in this story belongs to me. I'm just borrowing them temporarily. No infringement intended. No profit is being made.
Special thanks to Amy for beta reading and suggestions.
Timeline: Second season, after “Blood Money”
Summary: After buying an expensive piece of jewellery, Nick finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Disclosures
by PJ
December 2008
Nick Knight studied the delicate pieces of jewellery, laid out on a velvet cloth in front of him. Picking up a ruby necklace, he held it against the lamp to assess the quality of the stones.
“Ah, an excellent taste,” the clerk commended his choice. “You will find each stone flawless, sir.”
Nodding in agreement, Nick handed the necklace back to the clerk.
“I’ll take it,” he said and reached for his wallet.
“I’m sure the lady will be pleased,” the clerk remarked and placed the necklace into a pouch.
Nick slid him a credit card and signed the receipt.
“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. De Brabant,” the clerk said and handed him the pouch.
“Thanks for doing overtime because of me,” Nick said and turned to go.
“Anytime,” the clerk replied and opened the door for him. “Have a nice evening.”
Having the pouch safely secured in his pocket, Nick jumped into the Caddy and drove from the curb.
* * *
“Hi, Nat, what have you got?” Detective Schanke greeted the coroner as he entered an exclusive jewellery store on King Street.
“Hi, Schanke,” Natalie replied and looked behind him, quizzically. “Where’s your partner?”
“Has the night off,” Schanke supplied and surveyed the scene, noting the empty safe, shattered showcases and a body on the floor in front of the safe.
Natalie tried not to look too surprised. Usually Nick asked her over for a video date after her shift when he had the night off. Turning her focus back to the task at hand, she began, “Looks like a classic raid. The victim is Daniel Fouchard, the owner of this place. He was shot in the chest and died instantaneously. Time of death, I would estimate roughly about two hours ago.”
“What was he doing after hours in his shop?” Schanke asked.
“Dunno. Inventory?” Nat suggested.
“Detective?” an officer called from the counter with the cash desk. “He seems to have stayed for a late customer. Here’s a receipt for a necklace, printed out at 8.30 p.m.”
Schanke whistled and reached for the slip of paper, his eyes bulging as he read the sum of the transaction.
“Man-oh-man, I wish I could once walk into a shop like this and buy something as fancy for Myra.”
Nat looked up from her clipboard. “It’s not the amount that counts, Schanke, it’s the thought.”
“Yeah right,” he mumbled and copied the name on the receipt into his notebook.
“Well, whoever this N. de Brabant is, he’s either a witness or a suspect.”
Natalie blanched as her clipboard slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor.
“You okay?” Schanke asked, concerned.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said quickly and retrieved her clipboard. “Just clumsy.”
“Does the name sound familiar to you?” Schanke asked suspiciously.
“No,” she snapped and proceeded to sign her preliminary report in order to keep from facing him.
Schanke turned his attention back to the officers on the scene.
“Any security tapes we might use?”
“Already checked that. They shot the camera and took the tape with them.”
“Would have been too easy,” he mumbled. “Okay folks, let’s wrap up here...”
* * *
It was already past dawn when Natalie exited the morgue, her nerves tensed to the limit. She had tried to call Nick several times, but he had his phone turned off.
As she pulled up at the loft, she gathered from the open shutters that he wasn’t home. Nevertheless, she made the trip upstairs, hoping not to be faced with a pile of ash on the floor.
“Nick?” she called as she stepped out of the elevator.
Out of habit, she reached for the remote and closed the blinds.
Hesitantly, she made her way upstairs to take a cautious peek into his bedroom. But the bed was untouched and everything neatly in place.
“Damn you, Nick, where are you?” she muttered.
She returned to her car and drove aimlessly through the streets. With a sinking feeling she finally turned onto Duncan Road and stopped at the Raven, seeing the Caddy parked right in front of her.
Trying to ignore the uneasiness in her belly, she climbed out of her car and tried the heavy iron door only to find it locked. She pounded against it, but there was no answer.
Frustrated, she returned to her car and headed home.
* * *
An hour before sunset, Natalie was back at the club. This time she found the door unlocked. She entered hesitantly and stopped on top of the stairs to get accustomed to the dark.
“We’re still closed,” a male voice with a thick Hungarian accent spoke from the bar.
“It’s okay, Miklos,” a sultry female voice said. “Dr. Lambert is a friend.”
Natalie turned her gaze to the door that led to Janette’s quarters and noticed a slender figure approaching the bar. She wore nothing but a robe and a sparkling ruby necklace around her neck. Even for someone who had obviously just risen from bed, Janette looked stunning, Natalie thought with a hint of envy.
“What can I do for you?” Janette inquired and reached behind the bar to retrieve a bottle and two glasses.
“I need to talk to Nick. It’s urgent,” Natalie replied.
Raising her eyebrows, Janette turned her attention to the direction of her quarters, obviously listening.
“He’s --- He will be out in a minute,” she stated and filled the glasses from the bottle.
As if on cue, Nick appeared from her quarters, freshly showered and fully dressed. He stopped in his tracks to the bar as he discovered Natalie, a guilty expression clouding his face.
He approached the bar, accepting the glass from Janette who took her own and retired into her quarters.
The hungry look on Nick’s face as his eyes followed her didn’t escape Nat’s notice. He quickly drained his glass and reached for the bottle to refill it.
“I ---“ he began.
“That’s not why I’m here,” Nat said quickly, staring at the red liquid in his glass. “Were you shopping last night at ‘Chez Fouchard’?”
Nick furrowed his brows. “Yes, why?” he asked, confused.
“Then I guess you’re in a lot of trouble,” Nat said, unable to keep the coldness from her voice. “Fouchard was killed last night, the shop’s been raided. Police found a receipt in the register with your name on it. Your real name.”
Nick stared at her, shock evident on his face.
“I just thought I’d warn you before you walk into the precinct unprepared,” Nat continued. “Your partner is looking for an N. de Brabant to bring him in, either as witness or suspect.”
“Suspect?” Nick exclaimed upset. “But Fouchard was fine when I left. I didn’t notice anything suspicious. Have you established a time of death yet?”
“Sometime between 8.30 and 10.30.”
Nick nodded, frowning slightly. “He would still be alive if he hadn’t stayed late for me. Or, if I had come later, I might have been able to stop the robbery...”
Natalie recognized the guilty tone, but refrained from offering any form of support as she usually did. Instead she said, “Well, I don’t know how you want to get out of this one, Nick.” Then she turned on her heels and walked to the exit.
“Nat!” Nick called her back.
Natalie slowed down and tuned back to him.
“Thanks for the warning.”
Nodding, Nat slipped out of the door as the last rays of the sun vanished behind the horizon.
On the way home she turned on the radio for distraction.
“Good evening, boys and girls,” the smooth voice of the Nightcrawler filled the interior of her car. “What is the greatest pleasure of a father? To see his children joined in happiness. It was about time, don’t you think?”
Letting out a sob, Natalie pulled over at the curb and brushed angrily at the tears that started to well up in her eyes.
* * *
Nick entered the bull-pen cautiously, his senses tuned to the various conversations going, in case his real name was mentioned.
“Yo, Nick!” Schanke broke into his focus.
“Hi, Schank,” he returned the greeting. “Did I miss anything?”
“We got a new case. A raid on a jewellery shop, one body,” Schanke informed him and began to fill him in on the details.
“Were there any security tapes?” Nick asked in anticipation.
“No, the perp took them,” Schanke exclaimed in desperation, missing the flash of relief on Nick’s face.
“What about the potential witness?” he asked.
“Suspect is more likely. I ran his name through the databank.”
“And?”
“Nothing. Nada! The guy doesn’t exist, Nick. He’s probably used a false name and phoney credit card.”
“Maybe he’s just from out of town,” Nick shrugged.
“Yeah, but why would a guy enter a shop after hours?”
“Sun allergy?” Nick offered.
“Very funny. I tell you Nick, that guy has dirt up his back.”
They were interrupted by the Captain’s voice, “Knight, Schanke, in my office.”
“Any leads yet?” Cohen inquired after Schanke had taken a seat, while Nick remained standing with his back against the door.
“Dayshift interviewed the staff,” Schanke replied. “Three of them left when the store closed. They didn’t notice anything suspicious, nor did they know about Fouchard’s appointment after hours. One employee had the day off and another is currently on vacation at Lake Louise. We couldn’t identify the guy who bought the necklace yet.”
“Have you spoken to Mrs. Fouchard?” the Captain demanded.
“That’s what we wanted to do next.”
“Ask her if she has any photos of the necklace that was bought. Otherwise, check with the insurance company. Maybe we can find the person who was to receive it when we put it in the paper.”
Nick shifted uncomfortably, but remained silent.
* * *
“Cozy,” Schanke remarked as he rang the bell of the mansion.
The door was opened by a young woman who stared at them with a slightly shocked expression on her face.
“Mrs. Fouchard?” Schanke inquired, showing his badge.
“I --- I’m her sister-in-law,” the woman replied. “Elise is in the parlour.”
Nodding, Nick and Schanke followed her into an elegant room.
“The police want to speak to you,” the woman addressed an elegant lady who rose to greet them.
“Mrs. Fouchard? I’m Detective Schanke and this is Detective Knight,” Schanke introduced them.
“Please, do sit down,” she invited them. “Francoise, be so kind and bring some tea for the gentlemen.”
After Francoise had vanished, Mrs. Fouchard continued, “She’s the wife of Daniel’s younger brother. I’m so grateful for her support.”
“We’re sorry to disturb you at this time, but we need to know if there’s anything you could tell us that might lead us to your husband’s killer,” Schanke stated their errand.
“My husband called last night to inform me that he would be late for dinner because he was expecting a late customer,” Mrs. Fouchard stated in a collected manner.
“Did he say anything else? A description maybe?”
“No,” she shook her head. “When he didn’t return by ten, I grew concerned and called security to check on the store.”
“Are there any photos available of the necklace and the other items that were stolen?”
Mrs. Fouchard walked over to a desk and pulled a calling card from a folder. “This is the insurance company. They have photos of every item on file.”
Schanke thanked her and rose to leave.
“Is your brother-in-law in the same business? We might also have a word with him.”
“Oh, Robert is currently on the west coast,” Mrs. Fouchard explained. “He’s doing the acquisition for the store and travels most of his time. We expect him back for the funeral, though.”
* * *
“Man-oh-man, I’m beat,” Schanke muttered on the way back to the precinct. “At least now we have a lead.”
“What lead?” Nick asked, casting him a sideways glance.
“We should check Fouchard’s phone log. The guy probably called ahead to arrange the appointment,” Schanke stated the obvious and glanced with annoyance at his partner. “What is it with you lately?”
“What?” Nick snapped.
“You seem so absent lately. I had to do all the talking back in there. That’s not your style.”
“You know what, Schanke? You’re right. I did let you do all the work so far. Let me handle the call to the phone company. They can send the log directly to my computer and you can book off early.”
“You would do that for me?” Schanke asked, delighted.
“Sure,” Nick shrugged.
* * *
After dropping Schanke off, Nick requested the log of Fouchard’s incoming calls to be sent to his computer. His own number stood out to him like a shining beacon. He erased the line and printed the log out, putting it in his in-box.
Then he picked up his jacket and left for the morgue.
* * *
Natalie sat at her desk and looked up as she heard a shuffling noise at the door and saw Nick entering hesitantly. She knew he made a deliberate noise so as not to startle her, as if he tried not to make a bad situation worse.
“Nat?” he asked probingly.
“How’s your case going?” she asked, before he could broach another subject.
“So far I’ve been busy with damage control,” he replied sheepishly.
“But you also work on finding the killer?” she said coldly. “Or are you no longer interested in your job?”
“Of course!” Nick assured her. He still felt that what happened to Fouchard was his fault. “Nat, it’s not what ---“
Natalie raised her hands. “Please, Nick. I have no claim on your private life. You don’t have to justify to me where you spend your nights off, but would you mind telling me why you used your real name?”
Nick looked at her, slightly distressed. He hadn’t meant for her to find out about his recently rekindled relationship with Janette. He was still unaccustomed to it, himself, and he wasn’t sure how long it would last. But he hadn’t felt this satisfied in years and that did wonders for his control around mortals.
It had all started after he had solved the case of Charles DuChamp’s murder. He had spent the day at the Raven and Janette had offered graciously to ease his burdens.
“Nick?” Nat roused him from his reverie.
“Sorry, my mind was wandering,” he apologized. “People would think me corrupt if I spent more than a year’s salary on a piece of jewellery.”
“So you just pull out one of your other credit cards and all is well? Have you ever thought what might happen if people figured out who you are?” Nat snapped.
“I never had any problems until now,” Nick said, causing Natalie to wonder how often he did use his other credit card.
Seeing her doubtful look, he added, “Don’t worry, Nat. It will work out fine.”
“Oh yeah?” she remarked. “Are you planning on hypnotizing everyone who finds out?”
Nick straightened, refusing to take the bait. He knew she hated it when he resorted to his abilities.
“If I have to,” he said and gazed at the clock. “Sun’s coming up. I should go.”
Nat stared after him as he left, feeling a slight chill creeping up her back.
* * *
“What’s wrong, chéri?” Janette asked, licking languidly over the bite marks on Nick’s neck.
“I’ve made quite a mess,” Nick replied with a frown.
“Oh Nicolas, why must you always have regrets?” Janette purred.
“I don’t,” he assured her, kissing her wrist reassuringly. “At least not about us. But I never meant to hurt Nat. And I guess I have.”
“Mon chér, you are 800 years old. You must have picked up some knowledge of how to ease a woman’s sorrow.”
“It wouldn’t be fair,” he replied with an innocent expression on his face.
Janette let out a sigh before replying, “Ecoute, Nicolas. She’s a sensible woman. She knows what you are and that she cannot be with you the way she might want.”
Nick remained silent a moment, then he said, “I don’t think she knows that.”
Janette gave him a surprised look. “You haven’t told her?”
“I haven’t told her everything,” Nick admitted with a hint of embarrassment.
“Maybe you should,” Janette suggested. “A woman does not like to be kept in the dark, trust me.”
Nick bit playfully into Janette’s wrist and said in a rough voice, “I’ll think about it.”
* * *
It was after sunrise when Nat opened the door to her apartment. She hadn’t seen Nick all night and wondered if he were avoiding her. As she set her bag aside, she stopped in her tracks. Something seemed different than usual. Normally she was greeted by a hungry impatient cat when she returned this late.
“Sydney?” she asked tentatively and made her way towards the dark living-room. As she peeked inside, a light was switched on and she noticed Nick, sitting in her armchair.
“Nick!” she exclaimed, slightly startled.
“Hi,” he greeted her. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“So you sit here in the dark?” Nat shot back, feeling that her privacy had been imposed on.
“Sorry for intruding like this. I had wanted to talk to you. I waited in the Caddy, but when the sun came up, it was either here or the trunk.”
Nat stared at him, trying to come to terms with the idea of having an unexpected house guest for the day. With a feeling of dread she concluded, “You are leaving.”
“No,” Nick emphasized, jumping from his seat. “Why would you think that?”
“Well, considering the mess you’ve made,” Nat said, avoiding his gaze. “And there’s probably nothing that holds you here.”
“Yes, there is,” Nick objected, looking at her intensely. “Nat, do you have any idea how much you mean to me?”
Nat crossed her arms before her chest and looked at him defiantly.
“Frankly, I don’t know what to think any more, Nick.”
Her breath caught as Nick took her face between his hands and kissed her tenderly on the lips.
“I do care about you,” he stated. “A lot. And that’s why we can’t be together.”
Nat’s eyes shot open as his words pulled her brutally back to reality.
“I don’t understand,” she said, refusing to accept his statement.
Nick circled her until he came to stand behind her. She felt his breath on her neck as he said, “You deserve so much more than what I can offer, Natalie.”
She tensed as his voice turned rougher and he continued to whisper into her ear, “I long to give you pleasure beyond your wildest imagination, but it would come with a price that you’re not willing to pay.”
She gasped as she felt his teeth grazing her neck. It was the most sensual thing she had ever experienced. With effort she stepped forward out of his reach and whirled around. Her heart skipped a beat as she noticed the feral expression on his face. A moment later his features softened and his eyes returned to blue. He retreated to his seat on the couch and regarded her probingly.
Nat tried to calm the rapid beating of her heart, quite aware that he was able to hear it.
“I --- I’m sure with some restraint and if we go slowly...,” she began.
But Nick shook his head, a sad expression on his face. “No, Nat. Trust me, it is not possible.”
“But you won’t tell me why,” Nat said.
“Isn’t that obvious?” Nick shot back. “I would kill you!”
“I’m not ready to believe that,” Nat said determined.
“You have no idea what you’re asking for, Nat.”
“I think I have. And I’m upset that you’re not even willing to try.”
“There is no try,” Nick stated. “Not in this case.”
“Fine. How very convenient for you,” Nat snapped and fled into her bedroom, locking the door behind her.
* * *
to be continued in part 2
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