Awakenings

Melody Shaw

This is a work of Fiction. Any Person or situation that resembles real life is a coincidence. This story contains Graphic violence and sexually explicit dialogue. It is not meant for Young people.

All Rights Reserved Copyright 2003 by Melody Shaw Cover art copyright 2003 by Melody Shaw No part of the this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retreval system, without permission in writing from the writer. For information contact: MelodySBC@aol.com

I would like to dedicate this book to Tommy Shaw. Your Music has been an inspiration to for as long as I can remember. Thank-you.

Rock City Chapter 1

Oh Man, what a night!! This is what it is all about. The lights, the crowd, the musicoh the sweet, wonderful hard rockin' devil may care music. If I could just live on stage life would be good. Boy are they calling us back tonight or what? Foreigner had it right "the roar of the crowd" Here we go As the lights hit me that other part of me takes over. It is time. Time to rock these people like they have never been rocked before. "Oh Mamma, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law." beat beat (yah or lawyer) As I continue my anthem, my mind starts thinking about Debbie and that high paid lawyer of hers. "Hangman is coming down from the gallows and I don't have very long," yeah till I have no money, no house, no daught Stop this Sean, you got a job to do. "The Jig is up," right, back to business, this is the one time I don't have to think about all that. Boy, look at them. The crowd is going nuts, I think they might be louder than me. If I ever did anything right in Shard, it was writing this song. Here comes Nick with the solo. Man, can he rip it. Here it comes 1,2,3, end it! "Cat Scratch Fever," boy after all these years how does Nick do it? This man amazes me. He is a madman I think. But sometimes I think madmen have it right. He has been rockin' for so many years. But he is the greatest dad and husband too. How does he do it? I don't think I will ever understand Nick. I don't think I want to. "You Can Still Rock in America!!" You bet we can, you tell 'em Billy. My boy Billy, if two guys could be soul mates (in a platonic kinda way of course!!) we would be. Too bad he isn't a girl. Oh Man, don't let that one ever slip out. Never live that one down. But man when we get together does the music come out. At least it used to. Why can't I write anymore? What is wrong with me? OK Sean, calm down it is just all the stress. Yeah that's it. I need to get laid. Find someone to love for the night. What was that songLove in the Midnight, yeah that's it. Humwho do I seenope nope nope oh what do we have here? With girlfriends, that is good. Don't want any big boyfriends mad at me. Very nice piece of work. God, Jackie would kill me for that. Where's the roadie?

"See that girl, front row, third seat from center? Get her a backstage pass." OK, that part is easy. There he goes. Yup, she got it. She's lookin' around. Catch her eye, wink, she knows now. Boy, been a while since I have done this. As I turn I catch Chris's eye. Yup, he saw me. Man am I going to hear about this later. End of the show. Take the bows. Wave at the fans. Throw some picks. And we are out of here.

Hit the door, where are the keys? There. Now the lock, "for the lock that fits with my key". Shit can't find it. "Hang on a sec honey," I say as I try to disengage myself from the locked embrace I am in. I turn around, unlock that damn door, then let us both in. "Now where were we?" Like I would forget. Taking her hand I lead her to the bed, without any preamble. I want her nowLet's be real, I want sex now. Right now. Right here. We tumble to the bed, locked tightly together. Skillfully I get off both our clothes with willing help fromdamn, what is her name? Oh man, this is bad. Jackie would hang me out to dry for this. UmmJennifer that's it. Oh yeah god does her skin feel soft. I start kissing her everywhere. I tease the nipple lightly, there it goes, suck it hard, as my hands explore her. Yes. There it is and she is as ready as I am. She whispers, "Now Sean, please" That's all it takes. I am so ready. "Ok, hang on," as I grab the little package that is the rock star's salvation. There, now I am ready for diving in. Oh that is it driving harder, harder "brrriiiiiiinnnnngggg" "Shit!!" I say as I start to disengage myself. "Hey, let it ring" she says. "Can't, could be important. Just hold that thought," I say with a smile and a kiss. "Hello? This better be good," if this is one of the guys I am going to kill them. "Oh don't worry Sean, it is. What, did I interrupt something with one of your little groupies?" Shit. Not Debbie. I do not need this right now. I pull farther away from Jennifer and motion for her to stay quiet. "Ok Debbie, what is so important at this hour?" I get scared, "Is Ashley alright?" I say quickly. "She is fine Sean, not that I could usually get a hold of you if there was a problem" "Well, if she is fine, then what is the prob?" 6

"I wanted to let you know the hearing has been set again, and you better be there. No copping out this time or I will have my lawyer rip you up one side and down the other. You won't have anything left at all." Yeah like I have anything left now. "When is it Debbie? I will be there, I couldn't help it before you know that" Damn plane being snowed in wasn't my fault. How does she keep getting put though to my room? "Right, anyway it is two weeks from Thursday. You better be there." Two weeks. Where are we going to beshit I don't know? I have to be there though. I will find a way. "Ok, Debbie got it. Can I talk to Ashley?" Swallowing what pride was left in me, "Please?" "Sorry Sean, she is asleep. Like a normal kid, on a normal schedule." Figures, Debbie always seems to call when Ashley can't talk. And that dig about normalcy. "Ok I will call her later then. Goodbye Debbie" I ran my fingers through my hair as I put down the phone. Will I ever be free of her? Not if I want to be with Ashley I won't. Heaving a large sigh of self-pity I turned around and sawJennifer just looking at me. Shit. One thing Debbie could always do is kill a mood. "Umm, Jennifer, I'm sorry about that." "That's ok Sean, now where were we?" she smiled seductively trying to spark that mood again, but it just wasn't going to work. "Look Jen, I feel like a real shit for doing this but" She got that resigned look on her face, sighed, and said "That's ok, I understand. Ex on the phone?" "Soon to be anyway. Look, you need a ride or anything?" "No, that's ok. If I could just use the phone" "Go ahead, you sure you don't need a ride?" She shook her head as I headed to the bathroom, grabbing a pair of jeans. When I came out she was dressed, about to head for the door. Man was this awkward. "I am sorry things didn't work out, maybe next time I am in town" I trailed off. She just walked over gave me a kiss that almost made me change my mind, and went out the door. Shit. I turn around and see the guitar case sittin' in the corner. Yeah, maybe that will calm me down. Reaching for the case I notice my hands are shaking. Relax I have to relax. My eye catches the complimentary barNope not going there. I will not let Debbie take that too. The guitar, let the music do it.

What to playjust let the music come and see what happens. There we go, hum, I know that song. Oh yeah, Foolin yourself. That fits. Yuh know, I kinda miss playing these songs. Shard did do some good ones. I miss the guys too. RT, Dan, my partner in crime Bobby. I smile to myself. Yeah even Paul. So much of what happened was stupid. I was stupid. Full of myself. And Foolin myselfMoney, fame, women. Thought I had it all. Thought I was better than everyone. What did I do? Smoke it, drink it, pop it all away. OK Sean, that is enough of that. Give me the strength I can't change the past. But things are better now. I am clean and sober. I am in a band with great guys. I have a daughter who is wonderful. I am not going to think about the rest. Hey, what am I playing now? This is new, cool! Ok the chords are "briiiiiiinnnnngggggg" "Shit, not again," I say as I get up to get the phone, "What is it this time?" "This time? I haven't called yet. But I could hang up if you want." Said the female on the other end. Wait a minute this isn't Debbie. It is Jackie! "Jackie, I'm so sorry. Thought you were someone else." "From the answer I got, was it Debbie?" "What gave it away? My wonderful attitude?" "That was a clue, yeah. I wouldn't say she makes you the most cheerful person to be around" "Naw really I hadn't noticed. Anyway, so what's up?" "This rock star I know said he would call but I guess he got to caught up in all that fame and stuff and forgot." "Oops, I am just going to stick an I'm sorry note on my head. Use it when necessary." "I think you will wear it out. So how was the show?" "The show rocked!! The crowd was really into it. One of those we were wondering if the stage would be rushed, and would we get crushed in the process." "Always a good sign, sign of what I'm not sureSo has the muse hit you yet?" "Well it was about to, then I got this phone call" "What, the one from Debbie?" "No, she interrupted something else. You interrupted the muse." "Sorry. So who was she?" 8

"Her name is Jennifer" "At least you remember her name." She had to say that. "Yes I remember her name, thank you very much. Although I did just meet her tonight. Very nice girl. Unfortunately we got rudely interrupted and somehow the mood just died." "Along with a few other things?" Jackie says laughing. "Yeah you might say that." "Still making it?" Makin it. The covert way of saying have you had a drink. "Yeah, although, for a minute, just a minute, I was tempted. They don't make it real easy in a hotel room you know. Complimentary bar and all." "Yeah I know, but you didn't do it. That's what counts." "Damn, if I'm gonna let her take that from me too. So I said my Serenity prayer and picked up the guitar. Best meds in the world right?" "Right." "Well I am going to bed now, alone, sober, and get my beauty sleep. Ok Sponsor?" "Alright. I guess I can allow that," teased Jackie. "Good night, sweetie. Say hi to that big lug of yours." "Alright I will. Talk to ya tomorrow." "Yes ma'am" I say grinning, "tomorrow then." I hang up the phone smiling to myself. Thank god for Jackie. Who knows where I would be without her. Too bad she is taken. Yeah, like she would take me over gorgeous Native boy. He is talented too. Oh well, no point going there at all. Time for bed. Good night Jackie, Mom, all my good friends.Ashley. Good night.

Another day. Another town, what a life. Time to get ready to get up on that stage again. Walking back to the dressing room I hear some musicwhat is that? That is really cool. Oh yeah, I remember we have a new opening act. Maybe I will go take a look. Man that guitar isI can't even describe it. Who is that, what is he using? I get to the point where I can see, and. Wait a minute, that is a girl. Boy can she play. She sings too? Wow! Can she ever. I stand there entranced. "Who is that?" I ask one of the roadies.

"Melody Samuals and her band. Isn't she good? And gorgeous too." He winks. "Yeah, that is an understatement, on both counts." Something about her makes me stay though her whole set. As she walks off, our eyes meether overwhelming piercing green eyes. I can't move, I never want to move. Who is she, this Melody Samuals? Then the world starts moving again, although I never noticed it stopping, and she is gone.

10

There She Is... Chapter 2

"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute," I say as I put my head in my hands. Is it possible for anything else to go wrong? In the past two weeks, nothing seems be going right. For one thing, I can't seem to find a way to meet Melody. Every night I watch her onstage, and every night she is gone by the time I'm done. Her roadies say that she sleeps all day. She doesn't even do her own sound check. Not only that, but every time I see her keyboardist, Vincent, he is giving me the dirtiest look. Maybe I'm going crazy, but it's almost like she's avoiding me. The only time we seem to meet, is when she's coming off stage. And then all I see is her eyes. Those amazing eyes. Yeah, I am even having dreams about those eyes. Jackie says I should try and remember all my dreams, but these are too weird. First, I see those gorgeous green eyes, then I feel like I'm falling, there are all these colors around me, then I hear the voice. The voice that says, "my blood is your blood, we are one." Weird right? Not only that I keep having it over and over again. And not even just in my sleep. Sometimes when I look into the mirror, I see those eyes. It is like they're haunting me. But that isn't the best part, today was the final hearing for my divorce. Oh, doesn't that make for a fun day. Had to leave right after the show last night, catch a plane to New York, go to court, get told that I will be paying for the rest of my life for this and then some, catch another plane back, and do another show. I didn't even get to see Ashley. I think that's the real kicker. I feel like shit. Look like it too. I am sure the audience didn't know what to think. Not the pretty-boy tonight, that's for sure. Raising my head I look into the mirror once more to see how bad I really look. Through my bleary eyes, I once again see those green eyes. Wait a minute, that's not a hallucination... "Are you ok?" Asks Melody herself. Oh my God there she is. After two weeks of trying to meet her she shows up in my dressing room, when of course I look like shit. "Uuuhhhh, Yeah, sure," great talking there Bub, "I mean hi," I say kinda half laughing. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but you looked like you needed help?" "It's just been a really bad day." I get up and go over to her holding out my hand, " hi, I'm Sean Thompson."

"Melody Samuals" she says, as once again I look into her eyes and find myself falling. That sounds so cheesy, but I don't know any other way to describe it. I hear an echo of the voice, like a remembrance. What is it about her. She seems as mesmerized as I am. I shake my head to try to clear it little. "You know I've been trying to meet you for couple of weeks now," I say laughing. "You have?" She says kinda shyly. "How come?" "I wanted to tell you I love your music. You're a great musician, and I wanted to let you know that. I have been listening to you play almost every night." "T-thank you, you don't know how much that means coming from you." She says almost blushing. "You have been inspiration to me for a longtime, but I bet you hear that a lot." "Hey I would love to jam with you sometime." She looks at me unbelievably. "No really, I mean it. There are couple of licks I would love to learn." "Hey, you two have to leave, we are locking up the building." Says the janitor as he passes by. "Ok ok we're leaving, let me get my jacket." I grab my stuff, and we both head out the door. When we get outside I notice a big problem. "Hey, my bus is gone! Shit! Perfect ending to a perfect day." "Well you could ride on my bus, I think we're staying at the same hotel." "That would be great, I hate having to get a taxi. I still can't believe they left me. I'm going to kill those guys." I say only half joking. We get onto her bus and drive away. At first, I have a little trouble seeing. It is really dark. Then I see the keyboardist Vincent, just staring at me. "Come on, let's go to the back." Says Melody as she leads me past the rest of her band. I whisper to her, "what is their problem?" "Don't worry about them, we are kind of a closed group. I know it seems a little strange for a rock band, but we don't talk much to outsiders." Just a little strange? That is a lot strange. She takes me back into a small cubical, and motions for me to sit down. We both sit there for minute, kind of uncomfortably, until I notice a guitar in the corner. "Could you play me that lick in the third song? I really like that part and I just can't figure it out. Please?" She starts to play, and the music takes a hold 12

me. She is absolutely incredible. I lean my head up against the wall and just listen. Before I know it we're at the hotel. "I don't suppose you have time to come up and show me that?" She starts to give me that look, "no, I really mean it. I've had a little trouble lately writing, but something about your music talks to me." "Just playing guitar? You're sure?" She says with a smile. "Cross my heart, and hope to die..." I say laughing. We continue laughing all the way up to the room. She's so easy to talk to, no hidden agendas, or double meanings. Just two musicians talking about life on the road. When we start playing together, it is like Magic. Our two guitar lines intertwine like two vines growing together. What starts out as a jam, ends up to be almost like making love. I've been playing guitar almost my whole life but I've never felt like this. The music is so pure, but yet so simple. I look up into her eyes and see she feels the same. Some people call the eyes the windows to the soul, I now see in fact that is true. Now I feel like our souls are intertwining, as we stop playing but the music continues. When we come together it is almost like it is pre-destined. From the first moment I saw her I knew this would happen. Like the music that I still hear, we intertwine, and become one. I am lost. In her arms, in her eyes, in the music, like a dream, like that dream. For moment I pull back and just look at her. Yes, this is real. She is really here. As I start to continue the course we have started, I suddenly remember the rock star's friend. "Hang on just a minute Melody," I say as I reach to the bedside table. "That isn't necess... oh never mind." She says quickly. As we continue I feel us going deeper and deeper, faster and faster... "bbrrriiiinnnnggggg!!" "Shit!!!!!!!! Not again." I reach over to pick up the phone. This better not be who I think it is, "Hello" "Sean?" Debbie, once again Debbie. How did I know? "What now Debbie? What could you possibly need from me now? Haven't you taken enough?" I say. All of a sudden, I feel the phone being taken out of my hand. "Debbie, I believe it would be in your best interest to leave Mr. Thompson alone. Unless there is something wrong with your daughter then everything else should be handled by your lawyers. Your harassment of Mr. Thompson is becoming detrimental to his career. If you continue his lawyer will be filing charges against you. In the future any calls you

make that are unrelated to your daughter, will be recorded, and appropriate measures will be taken. Do you understand? Good, then good night." As Melody hangs up the phone, I just look at her. "What the..." She calmly unplugs the back of the phone and turns back towards me. "Sean, I am so sorry. I just couldn't stand you going through that again." She says sheepishly. "How did you know? And how did you know all those terms, exactly what to say?" "My uncle's a lawyer and I've worked in his law firm as an assistant. So I've kind of learned a few terms. Not to mention the way to say them. As for how I knew... Everyone knows what's going on Sean. It is the biggest gossip on the tour." "Oh... figures, I guess I'm the talk of the town huh?" "Sean, don't worry about that. It just means everyone cares about you. They are worried. Don't let Debbie upset you that much. She's not worth it. Anyway, after today that's all over with. You are a free man again. To the happy squeals of female fans everywhere." She says laughing. I start laughing too. "You're right, I need to put that part of my life behind me, and concentrate on what is here now, or should I say... who." As we pick up where we left off, I realize that for once Debbie hasn't upset me so much that I want a drink. In fact, I haven't been in this good mood in I don't know how long. And it's due to Melody. Ah yes, Melody. Once more our eyes find each other and everything else goes away. We continue where we left off driving harder and harder. I am taken to another realm. There is an instance of pain, then pleasure like I could never describe,. which lasts so long I could never keep track. When I finally drift back to reality, Melody is looking at me strangely. "What is it?" I whisper, not wanting to break the spell. "Just trying to believe what just happened. I never knew..." "I know just what you mean." I say as I caress the side of her face. I start to sit up, but I get so dizzy I can't. "What the..." "It's just been a long couple of days, I think you need some sleep." She puts her arms around me, and I start to drift asleep, the last thing I remember is her sweet voice singing in my ear.

14

Mystified Chapter 3
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" "What the..." I say, as I fight my way towards consciousness. Where am I? Oh yeah, hotel room, I must have fallen asleep, after... Melody! I look around, but I don't see her. "Bang! Bang! Bang! Hey Sean you in there?" Oh boy, it's Billy. What time is it? 10 o'clock, Shit. I look over towards the phone, what happen to my wake-up call... oh, right, she unplugged it. "Hang on a sec, Billy" I yell as I stumble my way towards the door. Opening it I lurch into the bathroom before Billy barges in. "Hey, aren't you ready yet? The bus is about to leave." "I didn't get my wake-up call. I'll be ready to minute." Why do I feel so dizzy? I splash some water on my face trying to break through the cobwebs of my deep sleep. "I see why, it helps to plug the phone in, ya know. So, who was she?" I come out and see Billy picking up a rose off the table. "Hey, give me that." I say grabbing the rose away from him. "Ouch!" Damn thorns. As I suck the blood from my finger I notice she left more than just a rose. I quickly grab the note before he can swipe that too. "Billy, can you grab my stuff in here?" I say as I head to bathroom. "Sure, so who Was she?" Billy says again, with that laugh in his voice, "well bud, You gonna tell me?" "Oh Now we are buds...What about last night when you guys left me? Huh?" I say teasingly. "Well we figured you got another ride or something when you didn't come out. Yeah, that's it," says Billy as he throws my baseball cap at me. "Luckily the other band hadn't left yet. I got a ride with them." "Them...or her? You finally met the elusive Melody didn't you? Wait a minute, that's who was here wasn't it?" I try to keep aloof and not say anything but I can't seem to help the silly grin from plastering itself to my face. "I knew it!! Man is there any woman you can't get?" "Look it's not like that..." I start to explain, but how can I when I don't understand it myself? "Oh never mind, I think I've got everything. Let's go before Nick gets the bow out."

I grab my guitar, and the rest of my stuff and start heading towards the door, suddenly I remember I hadn't called Jackie. "Shit, I haven't talked Jackie since I got back. She is going to kill me, I've got to call her." "Nick will kill you too, and he's a lot closer. You can call Jackie at our first stop. I promise. Come on, let's go." Looking back at the phone I decide he's probably right, Nick is more dangerous than Jackie, although not by much.

In the bus I get a lot more ribbing before I'm left alone with my thoughts. What happened last night? How much of it was real, and how much of it was my imagination or maybe a hallucination? I can still feel her lips pressed up against mine and just the thought of it is causing chills down my spine. Her brown hair so silky beneath my touch. So many of the smallest details are etched forever into my mind. This kind of thing doesn't happen on the road. Wham, bam, thank-ya ma'am isn't too far off, most of the time. One night stands are the norm. But this was no one night stand. The problem is I have no idea what it is. And how does she feel? Is it different for her? After Debbie I never wanted to feel again, it just hurt too much. Now however, I find myself wanting to feel. And it isn't just physical, playing the music with her was the most incredible experience I've ever had. Talking to her was the most natural thing in the world. Why did she leave? Maybe I'm wrong, maybe to her it was nothing else. Wait a minute, her note: Sean, You don't know how much last night meant to me. It has been a long time since I was able to feel like that. I am sorry I had to go. Waking in your arms would have been wonderful, but duty calls. I hope I haven't read too much into everything. The emotions you stirred in me have been dead for a long time. So dead I never thought I would feel them again. I know I look young and inexperienced to you, but looks can be deceiving. Unfortunately much of my time is not my own. However the moments we can steal away will be my most treasured memories. Until we meet again Melody 16

Well I guess that answers that question, that silly grin creeping back on my face. When the bus stops I go to the payphone. " Hello?" Says the sleepy voice on the other end of the line. "Uh oh, don't tell me you haven't had your coffee yet, right?" The mumble on the other end of the line seems to agree. "Well Jackie, you told me to call the first chance I had. This is the first chance I've had." "Well boy, I think for maybe the first time in your life you're right. Give me a second. Hey, Johnny give me some of that coffee please. Ok, I'm all yours, how did it go?" "The plane rides and the hearing sucked as bad as I thought they would. I will be paying lots for this one. And I didn't even get to see Ashley." Some of my former depression creeps back in. "That is the worst part." "I am so sorry Sean. I know how much you love her. But when you first got on I thought I detected a note of...dare I say happiness?" "Well, maybe..." that grin once more making an appearance. "OK what happened between the plane ride home and now that would get you in a good mood....You got laid!!" How does she do that? "Ok who is she?" What is it, everyone is entitled to know whom I sleep with and when? "Hum...I'll bet it was that Melody you were telling me about huh? Finally met her?" "Jackie how do you do that? Why do I even call you? You know everything before I tell you," I tease. "Yes I met Melody. Oh Man did I met Melody." "Careful, your starting to revert to cave days" she says laughing. "No you don't understand, this was more then that, this was...oh...I can't tell you. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. And if you start crackin jokes I am going to reach through this phone and smack you," I laugh. "Man you've got it bad" "What do you mean? I've got what bad?" "How to put it with out slamming on you...You hardly know her and you are falling in love with her. At least you are acting that way." "Love? No way... I mean...Come on I've only known her for a day. That isn't what I meant." "It isn't? Sure sounded that way to me. Look Sean be careful okay? You have had a really bad time lately. I don't want you getting hurt again. But I also want you to enjoy life. So go out, have fun, but watch out."

"From now on, I will be the essence of safety. But really, something is different about my relationship with Melody then anyone else I have ever been with. I just don't know what yet." "You still having those dreams?" "Yeah, even after we were together, I still have no clue about that. Oh by the way, I have your tickets and passes for Dallas next month. Just pick them up at will call, ok?" "Cool, we will be there. I can't wait to meet this Melody person. See if she fits up to My standards." "Dear, no one is up to the standards you set. But yes I want you to meet her." Out of the corner of my eye I see Billy waving at me. "I gotta go Jackie, I will talk to you later ok?" "Why do I think I have been relegated to second place... Oh well I will just have to suffer. It is good to hear you laugh again though, Sean. Bye for now." "Bye Jackie." But as I hang up the phone the words 'falling in love again' echo in my head. No way....not possible...right?

That sound check sucked. Man what was I doing? I was so off. Oh well, bad rehearsal good show right? And if you buy that one... As I walk down the hall way to the dressing room I continue to berate myself. Sleep you just need a good nights sleep. I start to think as suddenly I am whipped around and pushed face first into the wall. My arm is locked behind my back by the strongest grip I have ever felt and a hand covers my mouth. I feel the breath of my attacker in my ear as I hear him whisper, "Stay away from Melody." I try to yell and fight back but the grip is too strong. Who is this guy? Where is everyone else? I start kicking his shin with the heel of my boot, but he doesn't even seem to notice. "Continue kicking little man, and I will break this arm into so many pieces you will never play again." That hits home. He starts to bring the arm farther back almost pulling it out of the socket. I stop fighting. "That's better, good you can follow orders. If you don't stay away I will follow up on that threat. That is a promise. You are not good enough for her, and you never will be." I start to try and turn my head to get a glimpse of the assailant, to no avail. "Do you understand me? Cause if you don't I am going to have to beat it into you." Slowly I nod my head. "Good." 18

He pushes me into a closet, and as I fall I hit my head on the back wall. The world goes black.

"Sean? Hey Sean you in there?" I try to open my eyes but the lights instantly make them shut again. "Chris, dim the lights ok?" I hear Billy say. As the lights go down I once more open my eyes. "Whaattt..." I try to say. "Hey don't talk ok you got a nasty bump on your head. Don't try to move either?" Moving over to where Nick and Mike are, Billy says, "Should we cancel the show? Sean really should go to the hospital." "No!!" I say trying to sit up. Oh man that is one huge headache, and my stomach feels like it is going to be more comfortable on the floor, instead of inside me. My arm wouldn't even support my weight. I lay back down. Just then I hear a commotion outside the door. "I am going in there." I hear a female voice say. A familiar female voice. "Melody," I say weakly. Almost like she hears me the door opens and in she comes racing over to me. "Sean? Sean look at me." As I look into her eyes once again I am falling. In the haze I feel I hear her say, "Look guys I think I can help him. If it works, it means Sean will be fine and you won't have to cancel the show. It is an herbal remedy that I know. And a poultice for the swelling. " "I don't think that would be a good idea young lady." says Nick. "We will take care of Sean don't you worry." I could tell Nick was now going to try to take control. I think I would rather anyone but Nick be in control. "Mr. Tabers I know I look like I wouldn't know one end of a shotgun from another, but I do. I also know about this. Believe me I would never do anything to hurt Sean. If it doesn't work it won't hurt him. So you don't loose anything. If it does then great for everyone." I could tell Nick didn't know what to think about this 'young' girl. Hell I didn't know what to think either. "Tell you what, we will leave this up to Sean. Sean do you want me to try this? Do you trust me?" Once more looking into her eyes I found her soul, and I knew she wouldn't hurt me. To hurt me would hurt her. And she was hurting now, for me and my pain. I could see all of this so plainly. With my uninjured hand I took hers and nodded lightly.

"I have to get some things I will be right back." she kissed me lightly then quickly ran out of the room. "You can't possible let this girl do this. You barely know her." Straining not to move anything I say carefully, "Look Nick I do trust her. She will not hurt me I know that." I start noticing that my eyes are seeing in a kind of colorful haze. Kinda reminds me of a acid trip I took once. Oh great now I am having flash backs. Oh laughing is bad right now. That hurts. After what seems like forever to my aching head, but couldn't have been more then a couple of minutes, Melody comes back, loaded with stuff. "OK, now everyone out. I need room and Sean needs quiet." To my surprise the guys actually leave without a word. Wow that is...remarkable, to say the least. Melody dims the lights even farther and I see her mixing up some stuff on the dressing room table. "Sean, I want you to close your eyes, and listen to my voice all right?" As I close my eyes she starts to sing. Strange, kinda sounds like Latin. I feel a cool towel being placed on my head. The music starts to make me sleepy like a lullaby. As I drift off into a half-sleep I taste something warm on my tongue. It seems like liquid fire going down my throat. As it goes down I find myself drinking more. It feels like it is filling me completely, almost exploding within. Finally my thirst is sated and I stop drinking. I can still feel the liquid coursing through my body. Hey this feels kinda like alcohol. Shit!! I sit up quickly saying, "Melody that didn't have any alcohol did it?" Please say it didn't. "How do you feel?" Is all she says in reply. "How do I feel? How do I fe..." Hey wait a minute, I feel great. Better then I have in a long time in fact. No headache, my arm feels great, no dizziness. I am not even tired. In fact I can feel the energy coursing through me. As I stand up I pick her up and sweep her around. "How do you think I feel? If that was alcohol, it wasn't like any I've ever had before that is for sure." Laughing she says, "That was no alcohol at all. I wouldn't do that to you Sean. But I think it will cure all that ails you." "I feel like I could take on anything right now. Although some things look more inviting then others." I finally notice how close she is, and start to take advantage of that fact. "Sean, not now," she says as I continue by kissing her neck then up to her ear and suckling it, slowly breathily saying, "why not?" 20

I can feel her body start to give in then she slowly pushes me away. "Sean, we both have a job to do. We can continue this later." I see the promise sparkling in her eyes. "Okay," I say with a little boy pout coming out, "but after the show you better watch out." I can't hide the gleam in my eye. "I better go get ready, I will see you later. That is a promise." I can tell she is trying to hide behind the business atmosphere, but the passionate women is looking out through those eyes. "Yes you will. But for now we both have a job to do"

Borrowed Time Chapter 4

"That Rocked!" says Billy as we head off stage. "I think that is one of our best shows to date." I was ready to agree. "And Sean, you were outrageous! Seemed like you were everywhere at once. Thought you were gonna knock me down a couple times." "Well then get out of the way bud. If you can't keep up get out of the fast lane. Right Nick?" "You got it boy. But I'll tell you, I've never seen you play so hard and so fast. Brought a tear to my eye. Whatever that stuff was that girl gave you musta been something, that's for sure. Any idea what it was?" "Not a clue. But I do know it didn't have any alcohol in it, and I don't feel drugged. Just the best I have felt in months." "Um Sean, what happened? How did you end up in that closet?" Says Chris. "Oh yeah, well..." I say sheepishly, "I guess I should of told you. I was attacked?" "Attacked?" Say all of them at the same time. "Um... Yeah, attacked. With everything else going on I kind of forgot." Oh boy, I'm gonna get it now. "Forgot?" Says Nick shaking his head, "I'm going to get security." "Ok spill," says Billy, "tell us everything that happen." I start telling them everything. Unfortunately I have no clue as to who the guy was. Nick comes back, security guy in tow. I then get to go through the whole story again. I can tell everyone is a little frustrated at me for not saying something sooner. But with so much going on, I really did forget. Once again, I think about what the guy said. Why would someone threaten me over Melody? It just didn't make any sense. "Ok Mr. Thompson, I will get this reported, and we will up security until we know what's going on. If you remember anything else, please let us know." I can tell he thought I was just a spaced out rock star who didn't have a clue. Maybe I didn't, but at this point I really don't care. After going through our after show ritual, we are walking out to the bus, when some music catches my ear. Curious I start to follow the sound. It leads me to Melody's dressing room. I notice the door is ajar, so I quietly push it farther open. What I see stops me in my tracks. Melody is playing the strangest looking guitar I have ever seen. And the music 22

coming out of it sounds more like three guitars, or maybe even a small string section in an orchestra. I notice the fret board is much larger And there are...18 strings on it? No way! Her hands move so fast over the frets I can barely see them. I stand there in complete awe until she finishes and looks up at me, I can see in her eyes that she knows how long I have been there. "Hi, how are you feeling?" She says still with a bit of a gleam in her eye. "Great, thanks to you. And the show was amazing." "I know. I was watching," she starts to blush, "You were the amazing one out there." "You were?" Why do I feel embarrassed now? OK, change the subject... "What is that guitar? I have never seen anything like it before." "Oh this old thing?" I can tell by the way she is cradling it, its her baby. "A special gift from my mentor. More of a way to challenge myself than anything else. It takes a lot of practice." "I don't suppose...I could....try it?" I try to be nonchalant about it but I can feel my hands itching to play it. "Well...I don't know..." "Please. I have never met a guitar I didn't like." I say grinning. "Oh now you just like me for my guitar huh?" She says teasing. "Well maybe I should just take me and my guitar back to the hotel..." She gets up like she is leaving. "Oh no you don't!" I say, catching her around the waist. "Come back here." I turn her around and all of a sudden the fun goes away, and things are serious as I lean into her for the promise of a kiss I see in her eyes. As our lips meet, I forget about everything else. Our lips open to each other and I feel the gentle questing of her tongue as it slips in. One of my hands slips around to the small of her back, while the other slides behind her head, my thumb caressing the side of her face. Pulling her closer I can feel her breasts pressing hard against me. My hand slips down to feel the delicate roundness below. She feels so incredible. Our bodies start moving together, grinding, pushing, wanting the few layers of clothes to disappear. All of a sudden something hits my leg. The guitar. Oh yeah. She is still holding it. Well, we shall see about that, I chuckle to myself, as my other passion, music, starts to take over. I quickly release her, reaching around for the guitar and grab it right out of her hand. Smiling like the Cheshire cat.

"Hey," she says, "no fair. You cheated." She says as she starts to pout playfully. "All's fair in love and war." I say experimentally strumming the guitar. Hum...strange tuning. "And which, pray tell, is this?" I sit down and start to figure out the tunings. Man this fret board is wide. I can barely reach the top strings. How does she do it? "I don't know, you tell me." I look up flashing her a grin. "You're really gonna try to play that aren't you?" I continue trying fingerings. This is hard. Cool! I can't imagine how long it took her to learn to play like she did. Under her breath I catch her saying, "Well maybe tonight you can." She walks behind me letting her hand slid along my shoulder, her other hand stroking my hair. Then she leans over and starts to whisper in my ear. "Let go Sean, hear the music. Let it take you. Feel it in your blood. Let the blood flow into your fingers, bringing the music with it." As she continues talking I can feel myself slipping into the zone, where you become one with the music. My fingers start to fly over the frets to match the song I hear. I take it farther and farther adding lines of music to bring in more and more. Pure music, melody and harmony mixing and twining. I go deeper into it than I have ever gotten before, losing the sense of myself. There is only the music. No, I am the music. I feel it burning through me, bursting to be free. I can hear the end coming but I don't want to stop. But what the music demands I can not deny. The last note seems to last echoing forever in my soul. As I come out of my trance-like state, I lean back into the chair for a moment catching my breath. I have never in my life played like that before. I open my eyes and turn to Melody, when I notice she is standing, with her eyes closed, in some kind of trance. "Melody?" I say softly. I reach out to take her hand. "Melody." I say a little louder. Her eyes start to flutter open. "Sean?" she says softly, a bit of confusion in her voice. Bringing her hand to her face she turns away from me and I barely hear her say, "So beautiful, I knew he had it. How can I not...?" "Melody, are you ok?" I can tell she is wiping her eyes. I put the guitar down carefully, and go to her, turning her back around. Putting my hand under chin I lift it up, looking into her eyes. "What's wrong?" "No, nothing is wrong," she says as I see her face light up, "I'm sorry, it was just so beautiful I couldn't help myself. Sean, you have such a gift. I 24

hope you know that. That kind of gift is so rare, and fragile, that when I experience it, I go into another world, the music just takes me away." "I know what you mean, I think I was there with you. But, right now would you think I was unfeeling and crass if I said I was starving, and would you like to get a bite?" My stomach having just informed me that I hadn't had anything in a while. "Actually, I am hungry too. Let's go" She flashes me a smile, then she puts the guitar in it's case. "So, your bus our mine?" "Actually, I told my bus to go on ahead, I thought I might be catching a ride with someone." Her eyes flashing. "Hum...you know I think turn about is fair play. How about we take a taxi and leave them sitting there?" My evilest grin making its appearance. "I don't think I want them around right now anyway." Laughing she says, "Sounds good to me, I don't think they like me too much right now." "Why just because you came in and took over? Then ordered them out of the room? Naw, they would never feel like that." "Hey, you know you never told me what happened, how did you get that bump on the head?" "Oh, don't worry about it, just an accident." Something in me didn't want to worry her. I still didn't have any idea what it meant though. "We are out of here." Luck must be a friend because there is a taxi waiting outside, although we found out that only the Waffle House and Denny's were open. Waffle house being the closest, it gets picked. The conversation runs the gambit: her life, my life, music, we talk for what seems forever. "I know this is kind of late, but how old are you?" I ask. I know she isn't old enough to mind telling. And I hope she isn't young enough either. "Well how old do you think I am?" She asks sweetly. "Oh no, not the trick question. No fair." "Hum...been around a bit huh? Ok I will let you off the hook. I am 23." 23?? She has such an ageless look about her. Acting so much older but looking even younger than that. "I guess I am robbing the cradle huh?" "Oh you aren't that old, only 39." "You know how old I am?" "Um....yeah, sure." I can tell she is getting embarrassed. How much does she know?

"So how long have you known about me?" I say trying to draw her out. "Oh a while. I do live in Chicago you know." I do remember her mentioning that earlier. "Kinda hard not to know about Shard there." "True, so you have been a fan that long? You would have had to be like 10 or something." "Or something." I can tell she is trying to put me off. "OK, give, just how big a fan are you?" I see the debate going on inside her as she finally says, barely looking at me, "You're not going to let me off the hook huh? Ok, ok, I am a huge fan. I have been for years." I start to laugh, great another one. "I know Debbie was a fan too, please don't think I am like her." She knew about that? "Just how much do you know about me?" "Um...Quite a bit I guess, I didn't know about your divorce problems from rumors. I already knew." "Wait a minute, I heard you are paying your own way on this tour, did you pick this band specifically to tour with?" I don't quite know what to think about this. "Sean, I think you are getting the wrong idea. I did really like the idea of touring with you. But not for this. I respect your music so much. I just wanted to be around it. This may be the only chance I get to tour, and I wanted it to be special. When the opportunity came up I took it. I never expected or went looking for anything else." Looking into her eyes I could tell she was telling the truth. I have always had the talent to see truth, although with her it seemed stronger. "Why won't you get to tour again?" "Well, my uncle is actually financing this tour, but he wants me to go into the family business. I like it but the music calls me too. He thought if I did this tour I could get it out of my system. But I only get 6 months then I have to go back." "He doesn't understand musicians does he? Once it is in the blood it never goes away." "I know, that is what makes it so hard. I really do like the business world but..." "Hey you don't have to explain to me, I have never done anything but music, except one day unloading boxes. I hated it. Been music ever since. But I have been lucky, and I know it. So what do you do, other than music?" 26

"Well, I am his assistant, and I run a nightclub, I also take care of a few other businesses, but the nightclub is my baby. I can have both worlds there. I even get up and play at times." "I would love to see you in your element sometime." I had started to understand more of her point of view, where she was coming from. As we continued to talk, I learned much more about her hopes and dreams. And she in turn learned about me. Who I was other than the person she had seen all those years. As the hours passed, sitting in that place we came to understand so much about each other. Although I could tell she was holding back some things. I knew she had her secrets. Well who doesn't? Sometimes it seemed like we were reading each others minds, knowing things before they were said. We didn't realize how late it was till I looked down at my watch. "Oh man, it is almost 5 in the morning." "5?? Oh I have to get back. We leave really early. Come on." And as quick as that she was calling a taxi and pulling me out the door. When we get back to the hotel we kiss once more. "Sean you don't know how much tonight has meant." "Yes I do, because, Melody, I feel the same." Leaving right then is the hardest thing I've ever done, but I can see her bus all ready to go. I go to my room almost in a dream. What a night. We didn't even do anything but talk really, but I will never forget it. I throw my coat on the bed as I notice something lying on it. As I get closer I see what it is, a black rose.

Come Again? Chapter 5

For the last few days things on the surface have gone pretty normally, but underneath I can feel the menace growing. At first it was just little things. Noticing that something was not in the same place, strings on the guitars breaking or being out of tune, nothing that couldn't be explained. Then one night, I came back to the hotel to find my whole room trashed. Clothes everywhere, mattress and pillows slashed, but nothing seemed missing. Then my credit cards became maxed out. All of them in the same day. All this stuff was annoying but not dangerous. But tonight, there was a frayed electrical cord running across my mic stand. If it wasn't for a roadie knocking another mic into it, who knows what might have happened. I have got to find out what's going on. Are all these things connected? Was the attack also part of this? And how does Melody fit in? That is the only clue I have at all. That the guy said to stay away from her. Melody and I have started to get even closer, if that's even possible. Even with these fears, I can't and won't stay away from her. We find that we seem to know each other's thoughts and feelings like they were our own. Unfortunately, we don't get a whole lot of time together. She was right about stolen moments. But the time we do spend together is almost like a dream. I am still having that dream, but every night I see more. Now, I hear music, the music I was playing on that guitar. And instead of falling we are floating, both of us intertwined in a glorious replay of reallife. The more I find out about her the more I want to know. I find myself thinking over and over again about what Jackie said. Am I falling in love with her? I've known her for such a short time, but we connect on so many levels. Musically, intellectually, and, yes, sexually. But there are still things she doesn't tell me. I know she is holding a part of herself back. Something keeps telling me it might have something to do with these attacks. So whether she wants to tell me or not, I need to know. Looking up into the mirror in my dressing room, I steel myself for a confrontation I don't want to have. Knocking on the door of Melody's dressing room I say, "Melody? It's Sean." As I'm knocking the door starts to swing open. Looking around I see no one is here. But I do notice the guitar. I haven't had a chance play it in the past week, but I can still feel it in my hands, the music that I made still echoes in my head. Melody won't mind if I try again, right? I pick up, 28

checking the tuning I start to play. But something is wrong. I try to remember how I played before. But I can't seem to cover the frets fast enough, or to play with the same passion. This doesn't make any sense. I can't even play something simple on it now. I hear voices in the hall, I recognize one to be Melody's. Shit, I do not want her find me in here like this. I carefully put the guitar back and head to the bathroom that connects with our dressing room. Barely getting the door closed behind me, the hear them come in. It is Melody and Vincent. "We are going to talk, now." I hear Vincent say. I start to go through the other door but something in his voice holds me back. "What do you want this time Vincent?" "I've been hearings nasty rumors about a miraculous recovery the other night. Know anything about it?" "I don't have a clue as to what you are talking about." "I can't believe you gave it to him. Do you know how many rules you have broken? When Pierce find out about this he is going to go absolutely ballistic." Pierce, who's Pierce? "Who said he was going to find out? Nobody knows what really happened. No harm done." "No harm done? And when he starts asking questions?" "He won't. And even if he does, I will handle it." "Why give it to him anyway, he wouldn't have died. Unless" "Unless what?" "Unless you actually care for him. Are your feelings clouding your judgment? Always the way with your type. You get too involved." "And you don't feel enough. If I hadn't given it to him, the show would have been cancelled. Maybe even more then one." "Oh is that your reason? It would have shortened your vacation? Yeah right." "It did no harm to anyone." "So sure of yourself aren't you? The favored child, heir to the throne. Even you can fall from grace. I am going to have to tell Pierce." "I don't think so Vincent. This happened over a week ago. Why haven't you told him by now, Huh? I don't think you have any intention of telling Pierce anything. What do you want from me?" "Your right. This in itself might not cause Pierce to doubt you, but I will be keeping my eyes open, and should I see anything elsewell then I wouldn't be so sure of myself." I hear a door slam, and I decide I better get out of there before I am discovered.

Back at the hotel, my mind is reeling from everything I had heard. As I lay back on the bed I start to go through it all again, trying to make sense of it. What the hell is going on? Who is this Pierce and what kind of hold does he have over Melody? How does Vincent fit in? Why was it so bad for her to give that stuff to me? And what was it? They neglected to say that. All I keep getting are more questions. But Melody is a part of me now. I can't just walk away. I know I should though. After what I have been though this year, this is the last thing I should be doing. But something in me keeps going back. There is a part of Melody so pure and creative, and she brings that out in me. Maybe that is why I couldn't play tonight. I just wish we didn't have all these secrets between us. What if I just come right out and ask? But what if she doesn't tell me then what. Could I bear it? And if this is a vacation from something back in Chicago then what happens when she goes home? Do I ever see her again? "Knock, knock, knock." I hear at the door. When I look through the peek hole I see Melody. Oh boy, am I ready to see her now? Opening the door I say, "Hey Beautiful." "Hey there yourself. You didn't wait for me." She says with a bit of a pout but eyes flashing. "Well, I was a little tired. Thought I would get a head start. Someone is keeping me up late." "Hummcan't imagine who that might be. Complaining?" "Not at all." I say slipping my arms around her. That is that. We quickly move over to the bed. For now my fears forgotten as passion takes over. She is so exquisite. We are skin to skin before I even realize the clothes have been taken off. As I run my hand down the curves of her body, I can feel the response in me. By now we are on the bed, as her hand reaches to take that part of me thrusting up against her. As she works her way down, her hands kneed me in such perfect rhythm, by the time her mouth joins I am almost overflowing. I try to hold back, to enjoy the feel of her mouth on me, but finally I can hold on no longer. The release is electric and, like always with Melody, seems to last forever. As she moves back up I curl around to taste that succulent place. Taking my first taste I can feel her start to shudder, as I manipulate her pleasure centers with my questing tongue. Again and again I suck and 30

tease until pulling my head up with her hands I can tell she wants me. I slide quickly up her body as I feel myself ready once again to take her. As our eyes meet we meld into each other as this moment of oneness begins. We melt into each other becoming one body and soul. Our minds are bonded together and although I doubt it later, I hear her thoughts and I know she hears mine. I drive harder and harder trying to make this last as I feel her shudder over and over. Finally I can hold back no longer and as I release, I once more feel the split second of pain I never remember later then pleasure that continues much longer than I ever thought possible. As I lay there, with her in my arms, the echoes of our lovemaking still rolling in my mind, I start to remember my doubts and fears. How can something so pure have so many problems? But I guess that is part of life. "What you thinkin about?" She asks, that husky voice causing more chills to go though me. "The most wonderful woman on earth, of course." "Well do I need to make you forget about her? Because I will." She teases me. Wanting to find out more about her I ask, "You know Mel, we have talked so much but I don't remember you talking about any family but your Uncle. So what about your parents?" "Wellthey are" Shit, put my foot in it that time Putting my arms around her tightly and kissing her hair I say, "I'm so sorry. I should have known there was a reason you didn't talk about them." "The only family I have anymore is my Uncle." She sounds so lost. OK the uncle, the one funding this tour. "OK so tell me about him, You know I don't even know his name." "PiercePierce Arlington. He is a lawyer in his own firm. He has a lot of money and power." Pierce is her Uncle?? That puts together a few pieces. "I guess you could say I am his star pupil. He wants me to take over a lot of his business for him. And a part of me wants it, wants it so bad I can taste it. But every time I start to play I hear the call of a different drummer. Sometimes I feel so torn." "There are some calls that just cannot be denied. Believe me I know." She seems to be upset but trying to put it behind her. I can tell she wants to change the subject. "So really, why didn't you wait for me?" "Well I did look for you," I say trying to figure out what to say, "but you weren't in your dressing room. But I do have a confession to make." "Oh?"

"Well when I was looking for you I noticed The guitar sitting there and Iwell" "You tried to play it?" "Strange way to put itbut yes. How did you know I couldn't play it?" "I didn't. You couldn't play it?" I can tell she knew but she is lying. Why? "Nope, I still don't understand it. It was nothing like the other night." "Well I was there the other night. Don't you know that is a special guitar, it won't play without me there." I can tell she is teasing me. Ok I will let this one go. "Ahh well that explains it. So, now you are my muse huh? I like that, you do inspire me. To many new heights. Oh shitSpeaking of heights, I forgot something. Ummm are you protected?" Man, how did I forget to wear a condom. I never forget. "Sean, don't worry, I am protected and both of us are safe. I was going to tell you it wasn't necessary before but it never seemed like the right time." I know that relief must have been written all over my face. "I guess that ruined the mood huh?" "Not at all, I like that fact you worry about me, and take responsibility. It shows you really care. As for me being your muse you are my light in the darkness. The torch to find my way back to all of the things most important too me." Wow what do I say to that? And what is so dark that she needs led back? "Stay with me" I whisper into her ear. "I hate to wake up alone." "I can't" I feel her start to pull away, physically and mentally. "Not this time, Tell me why not. I can't stand all the secrets any more. Please Melody." I plead with her. "Oh Sean, you don't understand, I would give anything to stay here with you, to be able to tell you everything. But I just can't." There it is out, we both know there are secrets. "Don't you trust me? I know we haven't know each other very long, but" "No it isn't that, I do trust you. With my life. It's impossible for me to explain. You just have to trust me." "And when your contract on this tour is up then what? Do I see you again?" I did and didn't want to hear the answer to that. I was scared to death that the answer would be the wrong one. Whispering Melody says, "I don't knowI just don't know." 32

Never Say Never Chapter 6

Three whole days in Denver. A chance to catch up with everything sounds great. Got to be sure to go see my kids while I am here. I love helping those guys to find a better way. One of the best ideas I ever had was to get involved in that. But right now I need to figure out the rest of my life. For the past few days, everything that has happened has been rolling around and around in my mind. What do I do now? When I heard Melody say those few whispered words I realized something. I was in love with her. And I knew that she loved me too. I had to do something. The " accidents" that have been happening to me were starting to get dangerous. And if they are about her, is she in danger too? I need more information, but I know I can't get it from Melody. For some reason she can't talk. So I have to find it on my own. But how? This isn't exactly my strong suit. I didn't even find about Debbie until it was too late. Debbie... What about that PI I hired? Maybe he could help me with this. I'll have to call him. But there's something else that is bothering me too. Ever since the accident, I have noticed more and more I seem to know what people are thinking and feeling. Before then I would occasionally get an idea. But now, it is worse. With Melody it's like I can see her thoughts, well most of them anyway. In a way I feel like I'm going out of my mind. This couldn't be real could it? Wait a minute, I remember Jackie talking about this. She was trying to convince me about the power of the mind that kind of stuff. Maybe I should talk to her. Hum...I should call her anyway, it has been a while. Reaching over to the phone I dial. "Hello?" A man's voice answers. Must be Johnny, the tall Native American musician who Jackie lives with. "Hi Johnny, this is Sean, Is Jackie there?" "Hey Sean, how goes it? Yeah she's here, hang on." I hear voices talking, then "Humm, I don't think I know a Sean...Used to know someone by that name but it has been so long since I heard from him...." "OK, OK, I give." I say laughing. "I'm sorry I haven't called. It has been a little hectic around here." "You mean you have been spending all you time with Melody and forgot about poor little me, right?" "Well I wouldn't put it that way..."

"I am sure you wouldn't. So what is the problem? You must have a reason for calling, what is it?" "Well...Ok this is going to sound weird coming from me but...Do you remember that conversation we had about the power of the mind?" "Power of the mind? Yeah, why do you ask?" "Well, I was wondering, do you really believe in it, or do you think it is just crap?" "Sean, I am not sure what brought this on but, yes I do believe in it. You know I am Wiccan and my religious beliefs include the powers of the self. Some people are just better than others at it. It also takes practice, just like any other skill. Ok, why are you asking me about this?" "Well...lately some strange things have been happening. One of them is that I seem to know what people are feeling, or even thinking. A part of me just seems to really know. With Melody it is even stronger. I am not sure if this is real or if I am just going crazy. Ever since I hit my head..." "You hit your head?" "Um...yeah." Here we go again. After telling her about the attack and apologizing for not telling her sooner, I continue. "But ever since then, I have been getting these strange feelings." "It is not uncommon for a trauma to awaken a power like this. With all the upsets in your life right now coupled with this blow to the head, I'd say your psychic powers are manifesting. I always knew you had the potential for it." "What?" I say incredulously. Now what is she saying? "You have got to be kidding." "No Sean, I'm not. Answer me this: has there been anything else, like are you seeing colors around people and things?" Thinking about it I remember the room after I had been knocked around. "Actually, yeah. Right after being hit I was seeing what looked like halos maybe around everyone. Thought it was from the hit, that my eyes weren't working right." "Those are called auras. They give indications of how a person is feeling or their state of mind. If you concentrate you might be able to see them whenever you wish. Look, Sean, I know this is a little hard to believe, but you are the one experiencing this stuff. Do you think it could be real? I don't think you would have asked me if you didn't. If you want, I will send you some books about it. This is a well documented phenomenon." 34

"I just don't know. But I am starting to believe it more and more. I may just need some time to think about it." "Yeah, just let it sink in that thick skull of yours. If you have any more questions just let me know ok?" "Will do and thanks Jackie." Hum...psychic, me? Well stranger things have happened. It would explain a few things. But right now I have other things to do. Looking up a number I dial my PI friend, Justin. I give him all the info I can think of about Melody, Pierce, Vincent, the attack and all the accidents. He warns me to be careful and to maybe talk to Nick about some kind of protection. Probably good advice but, me with a weapon? I don't know. Justin says he will get back to me ASAP with what he finds. Man... a big part of me feels really bad about this. Going behind Melody's back like this but if she can't tell me then I have to. She might be in danger and I can't let anything happen to her. So I have to do this, whether I feel guilty or not, right?

After renting a car I drive over to the house where the group of kids I love working with is. These guys are great. It is so hard to bring yourself out the downward spiral of drugs and alcohol, and being a teenager just makes it that much harder. If my getting them to concerts and talking to them helps them, then great. Well they were at last night's concert all right. Loudest people there by far. Love that. But I didn't get a chance to talk to them there, so here I am driving out here to see them. Feels good to do something normal after the past couple of weeks. Man I love the area here. The mountains are always so beautiful. Nature has always been a part of my life. That is why I bought my ranch. Man, I haven't been there in ages. I should go out there sometime. My horses have probably forgotten who I am. I think after this tour I may go there to take a break. At the house, I start talking to the kids trying to make time for each one. I give autographs if they want them, and play a little on the guitar I brought, but mostly I try to show them that even someone famous can make mistakes and own up to them. But most of all we can get better. We play some games, throw a little football, having fun without using anything. One of the boys, Rob, tells me something that brings back to all my problems though.

"Hey, guess who I saw last night? One of the guys from your opening act." "Yeah I know he was at the concert." "No, no, I mean I saw him around here after the concert." "Around here? You must have been mistaken." "Nope, I don't think so. It was that keyboardist guy all right." Vincent around here? Now why would he do that? "What was he doing?" "Well I saw him talking to this guy, real low life type. But that was all." "Well who knows maybe he has friends around here too." Yeah right. That would be one huge coincidence. After leaving, I start just driving, ending up at one of my favorite spots around here. It is an overlook with a great view. Grabbing the guitar out of the back I head to the top of the bluff and find a rock to use as a bench. I take a deep breath to try and clear some of the rushing thoughts from my head. I start playing as I try to touch that part of myself that can find nature so relaxing. "Some times I feel like a man in the wilderness," I start singing. Man that is a good song, especially for right now. Too bad we only did it live a couple of times. Everything starts to come into better focus for me. It has always been like that for me. Music and nature to put a perspective on life. Probably why I hung on to the ranch after moving to NY. Moving from song to song as I sift my mind through the accumulated thoughts, I finally arrive at the song I played on The Guitar. Although I can't play all of it, I run though each individual part to cement it in my brain. When I notice the sun starting to set I head back to the car. I got a date.

On the way back I stop to pick up a couple of last minute items for my date with Melody. This will be our first real date. Since neither of us has to work tonight we get the whole evening. Back at the hotel I shower and change into some black Dockers and a black silk shirt. I throw on the cologne and brush my hair out. Looking in the mirror, I decide I look presentable. Grabbing coat and gifts, I head up to Melody's room. When she answers the door it takes me a minute to say anything. I am completely bowled over. Melody is wearing a dark green dress that matches her eyes perfectly. The spaghetti straps and low cut neck show 36

ample white flesh. The skirt is mid thigh showing off her long legs to perfection. The material clings easily in all the right places. But even more than that is the overall feeling of awe that I feel for her. She is absolutely captivating. "Hi Sean, so are we going to go out or just stand here all night?" She says with that teasing half grin of hers. "Melody, you are absolutely stunning. Forgive me for starring I just can't seem to help myself." From behind my back I slowly present her with an orchid of yellow. "You recover well." she says as she takes the flower, smells it and puts it behind one ear. "Thank you," I say as I present her with an arm, "Shall we?" "So gallant Mr. Thompson, next I will be fainting in your arms." Grabbing a coat, she takes my arm and we move into the hallway. "One can only hope Miss Samuals, one can only hope."

In the car Melody asks, "So where are we going?" "Oh, just this little place I know, I hope you like Italian?" "Love it." "Good cause here we are, Diogi's Restaurant. Owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Diogi. It is a great place. Found it when we were shooting our video here." As we go in I am overwhelmed by the wonderful Italian smells, as I always am in this place. The lighting is low with most of the illumination coming from candles on the tables. There is a small dance floor with a fireplace nearby. As we walk in a short plump older woman comes out of the kitchen area. "Signor Sean!!! Ah it is so good to see you." She says in a thick Italian accent as she runs over and gives me a huge hug. "And who is this, beautiful girl? She must be something special for you to bring her here." "Mrs. Diogi, Melody....Melody this is Mrs. Diogi, the most beautiful owner of the most wonderful restaurant in Denver." "Pah, he is such the smooth talker, isn't he. Come, Come I save you my best table." She takes us to a table in a secluded corner where no one else can see us. Fussing over us she finally goes back to the kitchen. As I look at Melody in the candle light I am overwhelmed again with the knowledge that I love this woman. Whatever her secrets or problems, we will work it out. Thinking about what Jackie had said, I tried to "see" the

aura around her. As I let my eyes go a little out of focus, I notice the pale blue halo that seems to be around her. I know then that blue must be for love because my hand is also ringed by it although it is a brighter shade. Wow this stuff is really there. Although now I notice it shifting to a deeper red, and when I look into her eyes I see the passion and know that one too. As we order, then talk, I find myself being sure that we can overcome anything. Asking her to dance we head to the dance floor, and although I am sure every head looks our way I am only looking at her. When our food arrives we go back to the table and enjoy the meal. Good food, good atmosphere, great company, this is the life. After we are done I take her hand and say, "Melody, I have something for you. I want you to have something from me to always remember what we have." I reach into my coat pocket bringing out a jewelers box. I place it lightly in her hands. "I give you this with all my love, Melody." Her hands are trembling as she opens the small box. In it is a charm bracelet with three charms, in the middle is a guitar, to one side a torch, to the other a rose. "Sean, my Torch, it is beautiful." I help her put it on, the delicate chain embracing her tiny wrist. "I want you to know that I will never forget you or this evening for the rest of my life. No matter what happens, know that I also love you, and that love will last forever." The kiss we then share is that of a promise very light but very strong.

Having never been to Denver before Melody asks for a tour. So I willingly oblige. I start showing her the sites as we whiz through town. We end up on the overlook just sitting there enjoying the night. We don't say a word as we hold hands looking at the stars. We don't have to talk. I find more and more I can read what she is thinking. Knowing she wants to take a walk we do. As we look out over the city she says, "This is so perfect. If I could I would take this evening and never leave it. I know you can tell what I am thinking. So you know this is true. And if someday we can not be together, I want you to remember this, remember me like this." "Mel, don't talk like that. We will be together I promise you that. No matter what it takes." "You don't know what you are saying, Sean. I know you think that now, but if you knew..." 38

"I don't want to talk about this tonight. Tonight is for celebrating, celebrating that we have found each other in this cold world. We have time to worry, but not now." "Your right, I think maybe it is time to go back to the hotel and celebrate some more." "You know Mel, you are one smart lady." I say as we head back to the car.

On the way back I go by the meeting house I was at earlier today. I tell Melody about it. How I love working with the kids, to see the courage in their eyes. As we pull up I notice a figure walking down the street. When we get closer I recognize him, Vincent. I see him stop to talk to another guy and hand something to him, then disappear down an alley. Looking over at Melody I can tell she saw him too. "Wasn't that Vincent?" I say Hesitantly she says, "Yeah it did look like him huh?" "Any idea why he might be out here?" I see a look pass over her eyes. One I have never seen before from her, hatred. Stating her words slowly she says, "No not at all, but I will find out."

Come In and Explain Chapter 7

It's been two weeks since Melody and I saw Vincent on that street in Denver, and I haven't found out anything about why he was there. I don't know if Melody has, if so she hasn't told me. But one good thing has happened, there have been no more "accidents." I did find out one thing however, one of the roadies told me that the cord that electrified my microphone was not frayed. It was cut. But of course no one knows who did it. I keep asking myself if I should tell Melody about all these things, but whenever I'm with her I forget all about it. I also haven't heard from the private investigator I hired. I hope he comes up with some information soon. But tonight I don't think about any of that. I convinced the guys that we should leave immediately and head for Dallas after the last nights show. That way I can have an extra night to spend with Jackie and Johnny. Tonight I'm going to take Mel over to their house so she can meet them, and more importantly they can meet her. I really hope Mel and Jackie get along. The way I figure it either they get along famously or hate each other forever. I'm hoping for the former, obviously. I don't know what to do about all these secrets though. I feel so guilty about going behind Mel's back like this but what else can I do? She can't tell me and if I am getting into something I need to know, Right? Oh well, once again I put the debate off in my head. Time to go. As I head to the door the phone rings. "Hello?" "Hi, Sean, This is Justin." Justin...Oh Justin the PI, right. "Justin, I was beginning to wonder if I would hear from you. So what's up?" "Well...I found out some interesting information for you. Do you want it?" A part of me wanted to totally trust Melody but I had been hurt before and a big part of me needed to know. "Yeah, what have you got?" "Well actually quite a lot. First of all, your boy Vincent has been arrested on numerous occasions, however he has been released every time. The charges range from drug possession with intent to distribute, to assault. But the most interesting fact is that Pierce Arlington is always his lawyer." "What? You mean the same Pierce who is funding this tour?" 40

"One and the same. As for Pierce, he seems to be an upstanding citizen. Contributes to all the right charities, is a patron of the arts. His businesses are successful and he treats his employees fairly. Although he does seem to do a lot a cases like Vincent's. His owning are very diverse and I would say he is at least a millionaire. Everyone that knows him is very tight lipped though. Everyone says he is a great man but that is all. I got the feeling from a couple of people they were scared of him. But that was just a feeling." "So what about Melody's connection with him?" "Well, if he is her uncle I could find no proof of it. I did get a copy of her birth certificate. She is 23, but neither of her parents have the last name Arlington. I couldn't find out anything else though about them. As for Melody herself, she owns a club called, get this, Crystal Shard." "Crystal Shard? Like my Song? You gotta be kidding." "Nope that is the name. It does very good business too. Regular dance club on the main floor. Has a kind of mosh pit or something in the basement. But the most interesting thing is the private club." "Why is that the most interesting thing?" "Because I haven't figured out how they select their members to this club. The people I saw going up there seem to be all types. Business men and artists to gang members and some other people I don't even want to try to classify. If there is a rhyme or reason to it, I haven't seen it. When I asked they told me it was invitation only. Although I have seen Pierce go in there a lot. "Did you find out anything about Melody being the Heir to the Throne?" "Not really, I do know that she has worked for him in different businesses. She is also a pretty savvy business woman in her own right. She also takes very good care of her employees. And unlike Piece, I can tell they are all devoted to her. She manages a couple of rock groups in the area, and they do very well. The word is, if Melody likes you, you will make it. That is why her club does so well. She has the best local groups in town playing there. Although publicity for the club isn't all good. They have had a couple of deaths there, although they were handled well and they seem to be accidents." "So Justin. In your opinion what does this all add up to?" "Hey I am not here for opinions. I give you the facts and you decide what to do with them. What do you think?"

"Well...Something just doesn't seem to fit. These three people are all connected in someway, but what? How did Pierce, Melody, and Vincent end up knowing each other? They are all so different. What do they have in common? Come on Justin, I know you have an idea, off the record ok?" "Off the record....Well from what I have found out, I would have to say they might, and I mean might, be one of the families." "Families?" "You know like the Godfather..." "Oh. Families...you gotta be kidding." But was he? Some of it really fit didn't it? Like Pierce getting Vincent out of jail....Melody being the heir and Vincent sent to watch her. Why she couldn't tell me, the threats and accidents. Could that be the answer? "Look. Sean, if I am right you are way out of your league. My suggestion is to get out now. Also after I send you my bill I am out of it too. Sorry but I like my head right where it is, attached." "Hey man, I understand. Thanks for everything. Bye" "Bye" Hanging up the phone I sit there for a long time just thinking. A part of me knows it would be best if I just got Melody out of my life. But every time I think it my heart tries to stop beating. And what about Melody, is she in danger too? I have to talk to her about it. I know she would never hurt me. I head back out the door and up to her room.

At Melody's door, I hesitate, wondering if confronting her is the right thing. She is going to hate the fact that I went behind her back. I know that. But, if I don't aren't these questions and secrets just going to grow until they get so big we will be lost? I have to know. And if she is in trouble I have to help her. Steeling myself, I knock. "Hey Sean," Melody purrs in that husky voice of hers. Why does she have to look so good all the time? "Come on in, I'm almost ready." She heads into the bathroom. "You already look great, what more can you do?" I say, trying to find a way into the conversation I know we have to have. "Well, aren't you the silver tongued devil tonight. Thanks." She says coming back into the room. "Ok, all ready." She spins around, using that teasing smile. I take her in my arms and instead of the kiss I know she is 42

expecting, I just hold her tightly. I never want to let go of this, of her. This has got to work out. Pulling back a bit, Melody looks in my eyes saying, "Sean? Are you ok?" I know she feels my confusion. Time to plunge in, hoping to hell I am not about to make a huge mistake. "Melody, we need to talk." The questioning look on her beautiful face almost makes me change my mind. "What's wrong?" "I need to tell you some things..." "Sean I know all I need to know." "No, you don't. And I don't either. These secrets have got to stop. How can we go forward if they don't?" Whispering she says, "Please, don't..." "Don't you see I have to. Did you know that Vincent has been arrested before? For drug possession and assault?" "What?" I can tell she didn't know. "Yeah, although he was never convicted, because of his lawyer," watching her closely, "Pierce Arlington, who got him off every time." "Pierce? That doesn't make any sense." "Tell me about it. I especially don't like the fact he was hanging around the same neighborhood as my kids in Denver. I know that he is your 'watchdog' too. I didn't mean to but... I overheard you two talking one night about how he was going to tell Pierce about you breaking the rules by helping me." "You were eavesdropping on me?" I see anger start to creep into her eyes. Oh man, but it is too late to turn back now. "Yeah, I really didn't mean to, but when I heard the tone of his voice I couldn't leave. Melody, how was helping me breaking any rules?" "No, you can't do this Sean. Please just let it go." This is so hard, how can I go on hurting her like this? I am feeling everything she is now. But I have to go on. Something inside me won't let it go. Taking her hands, I look into her eyes and say, "Melody, I wish I could, but it's too late. You see, that wasn't an accident I had that night. I was attacked. I don't know who did it, but he said to stay away from you or he would make sure I did. Then more things started to happen. The worst one was I was almost electrocuted." "No...that's not possible...he would never..."

"He would never what, hurt me? Was it Vincent?" Melody is turned away from me now, almost talking to herself. I walk over to her and put my hand on her shoulder gently. "Melody, was it Vincent?" Whirling around to face me she says angrily, "How should I know, you didn't tell me this till now." Taking a step back she pulls back on the anger. "I wish you had told me." "Why, so you could reign him in? Why would he attack me anyway? None of this makes sense." I start pacing the room. I probably look a little insane but everything that has happen in the past month is running through my brain demanding answers. "And what is this private club you own? With the special cliental? I know Pierce is a member, I bet Vincent is too. Just what is going on?" By now my voice is way too loud and I am starting to attack her. I turn away trying to engage my controls. From behind me I hear, "You had me investigated? How dare you?" Oh boy, I think I just went too far. Taking a deep breath I turn back and say, "Yes... I had you investigated. I know it was wrong but, with the attacks and threats I needed answers, and you wouldn't, or couldn't tell me." Pleadingly I say, "What else was I supposed to do?" She says looking straight into my eyes, "You should have trusted me." The hurt I see almost breaks my heart. "No Melody, you should have trusted me. Two people cannot make a relationship on lies. No matter what it is I can take it. As long as you are honest with me. You know I would never hurt you. Or those you care about." "I know but..." I can see the confusion. "It's ok, you can tell me anything. Is it something illegal? Is that why you can't say anything?" "You would never understand." "Look I promise no matter what it is I won't tell another soul. Cross my heart and hope to..." putting a finger to my lips she stops me. "Don't say that. I couldn't stand it if you died. Sean how did it come to this? I had hoped, that for once I could have something pure. But once again I am denied." Reaching out she caresses my face. "Sean, I love you so much, I want to tell you everything, but...I am afraid. Afraid of losing you." Taking both her hands in mine, I sit us both down on the bed. "Melody, I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. But if you don't tell me 44

I am going to keep looking till I find the answers. Right now from what I have, it all adds up to one idea." "Oh, what's that?" "Ok, if I am totally off just tell me, but are you and your friends part of organized crime? Like the Godfather? I know it sounds silly but..." Laughing a little, Melody says, "Oh Sean, if only it were that. You are not going to give up though are you? I can see it in your eyes. You have to stop investigating though and the only way you will do that is if I tell you huh?" Is she really going to tell me? Worse than being a part of a crime family? Oh boy, ok Sean, do you really want to know? Looking into those green eyes, I know I would be lost without them. With a half smile, I say, "You got that right." "OK, before I tell you anything you have to swear not to tell anybody, and I mean anybody about this. This is deadly serious." She is looking straight into my soul through my eyes. "Melody I swear I would never betray you." "OK then." Getting up she starts to pace taking my former area. "I guess in a way we are an organization, almost a family. Our family has been around for eons. We are everywhere but few in number. If the rest of the world knew we existed they would hunt us down and kill us. We all start out just like you, but when we are brought into the family, we are never truly a part of your world again." "Um Mel..is this some kind of cult?" This is sounding more weird by the minute. "Cult?" she says laughing, "No we are not a cult, we are not brainwashed, or giving out pamphlets somewhere. This is so hard to explain...Pierce is our leader in Chicago, and I am the next one in line to take his place. We keep the peace so to speak. It is almost a completely different world from yours. There are many things about us that are like you. We feel, and bleed, just like you do. But there are many things that aren't the same. We don't age, Sean. I am older then you are, but because I was brought in when I was 20, I will always look that age." "No...that's not possible." My mind started reeling with what she was saying. Part of me is fascinated, but the other part wants to go hide in a corner somewhere. "Yes it is possible, and there's more much more. Remember the 'herbs' I gave you? Well they weren't herbs, it was what keeps us young and powerful. You felt that power when it filled your body to heal you.

Then it let you play that guitar so wonderfully, so powerfully, so beautifully." "No, I don't want..." "You have to hear now Sean." She seems so calm, yet sad, like she knows by telling me I am lost to her. Maybe...maybe she is right. And I can't lose her. "No, Mel, look we can just run away, ok. No one will find us." What am I saying? I am trying to stop her from saying what I don't want to hear. If she tells me, I know it will be over. "Sean, calm down. You need to know the rest now." I sit back down on the bed with my eyes closed hoping what she says will not end everything. "What you drank that night was... my blood, Sean. It is what makes us what we are. We call ourselves Kindred, but movies and books give us another name, Vampires." Shaking my head I start saying "No way, I mean that is all made up stories right?" This can't be real. I look at her standing in front of me looking so real, so beautiful. My Melody, a monster, not possible. "Wait a minute, I drank does that mean?" "No Sean you are not one of us. For that you have to die. By now none of the blood is left in your system. That is why you can't play the guitar now." Sitting back down those eyes once again touch mine, "This is not made up, this is real. I died 20 years ago. The only reason I am here is because my sire, the one who made me, gave me his blood. I haven't changed since then. I don't need food or drink other than blood. If I go into the sun it will burn me. I cry tears of blood." As I watch, horrified on one hand but fascinated on the other, I see one blood-red tear fall down her face. Reaching out, I catch it in my fingers. Bringing it closer I smell the blood. As I raise it to my lips, it tastes electric like I remember. Melody takes my hand in hers, kissing it, then she lightly licks off the last of the blood. I am so confused, I had heard about vampires, who hadn't, but real, and sitting in front of me no way. But what if...what if it is true, then what? I love her, I know she wouldn't hurt me. Does it really make a difference? "Melody...I love you. I don't care what you are. But why are you pulling away. I can feel that you are. I don't really understand it all yet, but we can work it out, I promise." I can't go though this again. My heart cannot take it. Why is she just staring at me? "Oh Sean, you still don't understand. I should have never started this. But I couldn't help it. I thought maybe just for a while I could be... human 46

again. I could feel and love, and forget everything else. Do you know what it has been like? No, of course you couldn't." Those red tears were flowing freely now. "Everything in my world is so cold, because we live so long it is hard to have lasting relationships. Many close themselves off. But I can't. Every time I play music or even just hear it, it touches my soul. Makes me feel alive once more. But when the song is over reality is there to take over. And when I hear you play, my heart is alive again. You touch the inner recesses of my soul. How can I not love you. Your gift to touch people is extraordinary, and a part of me wants always to be near that. But I know that can't happen." "Why not, we love each other. We will find a way. I know we can." "No Sean, to bring you into my world would kill you, and I cannot exist in yours." "Kill Me?" "Yes, you see my people are very secretive. We have to be. If normal people knew we were here they would hunt us down. Therefore we have rules, the rules you heard us talking about. One of them is that no one other than Kindred, or our retainers will know about us. Anyone else..." "Anyone else what Melody?" "Anyone else must be killed. You see many of us believe that humans are here to be our food. I know how it sounds but, do you worry about how the cow... I guess for you I should say chicken, feels? We do not have to kill to survive, but many do. Like every other society there are good ones and bad ones. But when our safety as a whole is threatened then it is survival. The only way for us to be together is for you to become one of us." One of them, I know my horrified look hurts her but...How could I... but if it meant we could be together...no, what am I thinking? With my head in my hands my thoughts keep going round and round. After a time I feel her hand on my head, coming underneath my chin raising me up. As she leans in and our lips meet, I feel again that link between us. I see the dream of us intertwined and heard the words, my blood is your blood we are one. Now I understand. Become one of them. Pulling away I look into her eyes seeing not a monster but my Melody. Softly I say "Well maybe I could." Melody leans back tears streaming down, saying "No, I can't do that to you. You don't know what you would be giving up." "I would have you." I say simply.

"Yes, but how long would that last? How long till you start resenting me and everything I take away? You see being who you are you would have to make Sean Thompson, rock star die. Too many people know you. You would not be able to be you any more. The people who know us the best are the most dangerous to us. And we to them." Realization hits as to what she really means. "You would even have to give up Ashley, Sean, forever," she says softly. Tears start to fall from my eyes as I shake my head saying, "No, I can't give her up. I can't. My little girl..." For a while we just sit there, Melody holding me, me holding Melody. Why can't time stop right here and never go on? After a time I say, "well maybe there is another way, maybe..." "No Sean, there is no other way. My world is way too dangerous for you. You would never survive, because there are those who would use you against me, like Vincent. And if something happened to you I would never be able to forgive myself." "So this is it? Is that what you are saying?" "It has to be, I don't want it to this way but..." "No, If we love each other then... Then..." Melody closes her eyes as she brings a finger once more to my lips, silencing me. Softly she says, "Forgive me." Opening her eyes, she looks right at me but instead of the love I am used to seeing there is something else. As I watch, Melody seems to grow larger, although I can tell she really isn't, and the part of me hiding in the corner sees the monster it has up till now only imagined. I start shaking as she reaches out to take my arm, but for once my body tries to resist. With unrelenting pressure she takes my arm. Almost seductively she says, "Is this the woman you love? The life you want to be a part of?" As I watch I see her jaw shift as fangs suddenly appear. My mind screams as I try to move to get out but can't. In terror I watch as she moves closer to my wrist, keeping her eyes on mine the whole time. Pinning me there. Gliding her cheek over my skin I notice her smelling me like a fine wine. "Yes, your blood calls to me Sean, so warm and alive. I have had it before, you know. Every time we have made love I have taken some. You didn't mind then. In fact you seemed to rather enjoy it." What was she talking about? Then I remembered the occasionally dizziness I felt, had she...? Right then, she strikes. Biting into my flesh I feel a remembered pain. Yes, this is what I felt before, all those times. But 48

once again I feel the pleasure, the lasting soul twining pleasure I had only know with her. Now I knew why. After what seems an eternity, she draws back, licking the area, as if to get every drop. She stands up and turns to face to window. Looking at my arm I see no wound. How can that be? Looking back at Melody, I know she has released whatever hold she had had on me. Quietly I hear her say, "Leave, Sean, just leave." I can tell that once again she is crying. And not being able to stop myself, or even knowing if I want to, I run out the door.

This Side of Hell Chapter 8

Outside I seem to walk forever as my mind tries to comprehend what has happened. How can this be real? Melody, my Melody, a...a monster? But I love her, don't I? How can you love a monster? How can she be a monster? I keep going round and round. This makes no sense. Maybe monster isn't the right word. She called herself Kindred. Kindred, makes it sound like a family, kin. But she is a vampire, right? And vampires are bad, evil. Aren't they? But I have never seen her do anything wrong, or evil. All she has ever done is help me, with Debbie, when I was attacked, and she helped me to feel again. Why would she do that? The only time she has hurt me is tonight. Oh, God, how could she become that...that monster. But even then she didn't really hurt me did she? I am still walking around, not dead, that's for sure. OK, Sean you have only known this woman a month. You can't let her come in and screw up your life like this. If you can get through Debbie then this should be a breeze. Shoot, Debbie is the mother of your child, Melody has barely even touched your life...right? Even as I say these things to myself I know they are not true. Somehow Melody has become more important to me than almost anything else, almost. How did that happen? Everyone else thinks this is just a fling to help me get over Debbie, but that isn't true. This isn't a rebound either. This bond I have with her is something I have never felt before. It is definitely something real and strong. Because of her I have never felt so alive, ironic that huh? She has brought me more inspiration than I have had, ever. The songs I have been working on are great. And together, when we play it is so incredible. She fits me so well. How can I give her up? Once more despair rolls over me. I don't know if I can live without her. But what choice do I have? Choice...The choice to live without Melody, or to give up everything for her. And what do I do if I can't do either? Either way I am half of myself. Melody or my life. How do you make a decision like that? Uggghh, I can't keep going around like this. I need to talk to someone. But I can't can I? I promised her, not to mention, who would believe me? Come on, oh hey man what do I do? My girlfriend is a vampire you see.... Yeah right. God, I can't handle anymore of this, I just want to forget 50

As I look around I notice I have wandered into a not so nice neighborhood. But right in front of me is a bar. For a while I just stare at it, not quite comprehending what I am seeing. The thoughts continue rolling around and around. Forget, yeah, forget. I walk into the bar. It is a small place, with not many people. Smoke fills the room. The lights are dim so I can't see all the dirt I know is there. But right now I don't care. I walk up to the bar and take a seat. "So whatcha want?" says the bartender. Throwing some money up on the bar, I say, "Something to make me forget. You choose." "Forget huh? Ok, that I can do." I watch as he starts to mix something up. I have no idea what, and I really don't care. All I can think about is getting everything out of my head. "OK, here you go, if this doesn't do it nothing will," he says as he puts a double shot glass of something down in front of me. I sit there staring at it. Hey Sean what the hell do you think you are doing? I say to myself. You can't do this, right? Is even Melody worth this? OK, hang on, you gotta call Jackie. Yeah Jackie. Getting use of the phone from the bartender I dial Jackie's number. "Hello?" "Um Jackie?" "Sean? Where the hell are you? You guys are supposed to be here by now." "Oh yeah, right dinner." I had forgotten. "Um I don't think we are going to make it." "Ok, what's wrong Sean, I can hear it in your voice." "What's wrong? What isn't wrong would be easier." I can feel the confusion getting worse. My voice sounds strained. "OK. What happened?" "Melody and I... we...umm, broke up." "Oh, I'm sorry Sean. Why?" Why? Now what do I say? "We just did, look Jackie I can't talk about it ok. we just did," I whisper. "Sean are you ok?" "What do you think? No I am not Ok. I don't know what I am." "Umm.. Sean where are you? What are you doing?" She knows, I know she knows, but instead of making me feel better, this phone call is making it worse. For once I can't talk to Jackie. I guess I am on my own.

"Look Jackie, I'll be ok. Just needed to rant a little. Talk to ya later ok?" "No Sean, talk to me now. Where are you?" I hear the hint of panic in her voice. "It doesn't matter any more Jackie, it doesn't matter." I say as I gently rest the phone back in it's cradle. The drink in front of me, calls to me. I can't deal with this. Not right now. Just tonight I will forget then tomorrow I will deal. Part of my mind sees this for the rationalization it is, but right now I don't care. Reaching for the drink I down it in one slam. Fire hits my throat as I almost cough out the alcohol. Man what did he put in this? Well anything that bad prob works that well. Motioning, I order another drink. What the hell now right? "Hey, if you do anymore of those, I am going to have to take your car keys." "Don't have a car, I'm walking." From behind me I here in a thick Texas accent, "So what's a pretty boy like you doing walking around here?" Turning around I see a big, what I would have to call, redneck, heading my way. Downing the second drink, I say, "What, is that a crime?" "Smart lip on you too huh?" Uh Oh, this could be bad. I see visions of me plastered on the wall of the bar. "Hey man I just want a drink like everyone else." "Well this here is our place and you don't fit in." "Well I don't suppose I could borrow it for the evening?" He doesn't look convinced, In fact he is lookin more and more like he's gonna use my face to stop his fist. Shit. Ok what now....humm rednecks...I know. "Hey, how's about I buy you a beer to make up for it?" He stops for a second as he considers whether a free beer is worth giving up the fight. Must be low on funds, because he starts to smile and takes a seat. "Hey barkeep, a beer for my friend here," I say. "Shoot just make it a tab." I pull out a credit card and throw it on the counter. I can tell the bartender recognizes the name on the card, but luckily he doesn't say anything. Ordering another beer for me, I start to feel the effects of my first two drinks. Things start to get a little hazy. Damn, what was in those things? Oh well who cares. From across the room I hear, in a 52

slurred voice, "Hey you look familiar...Do I know you? What a minute aren't you in the band with Nick Tabers?" Oh boy, the sound of shit hitting the fan. "Umm...yeah I guess so." Well after that all they wanted to do was hear me talk about the adventures in Nick-land. Which can be some great stories. Seems he is a hero around here. Probably the guns thing. Shoot, after all the beers I have had, I am having a really good time. I start telling them about when Nick took us all hunting, when I look up gesturing about something, and I see Jackie standing right in front of me. "Shit, busted huh?" I say and burst out laughing. She just stands there looking at me. "Hey you want a drink?" "No, I don't." I can tell by the tone she is really upset. "Come on Sean, let's get you out of here." "I don't want to go. I haven't finished telling my friends my story yet." I know my words are slurring, and all of a sudden I start to feel real tired. All I want to do is close my eyes. "Are you sure about that Sean?" I hear Jackie say. "Well maybe you're right." The bartender comes over with my tab. Standing up, at least I try to stand up, I notice Johnny is there. He comes over to help me as I sign for all the drinks and we head out the door. Everything starts to fade out as the alcohol finishes the job it started.

"No Melody!! You can't have her. No!! Why do you want her blood? Nooooo!!" I feel someone holding onto my shoulders, I struggle to get away. I have to help Melody. "Sean, it's me, Jackie. Wake-up, you're having a nightmare." "Jackie?" I say hoarsely, I start coughing and I feel like I have a spike running though my head. As I open my eyes the world starts to shift round a lot more then I remember it doing most of the time. "Where?" "You're at my place, I thought it would be better to bring you here. What were you dreaming?" The dream. As the images start to fill my head once more, my stomach decides that whatever is in it needs to be out. I whisper, "Bathroom." Jackie gets me pointed in the right direction, which is good since right now up and down are tricky. After making sure there is nothing left in that pit of a stomach of mine, I stumble back into the living room, and I lay back down closing my eyes.

"You ok?" I hear Jackie say. "Oh Yeah, wonderful." "Serves you right ya know." "I know, I know, no lectures right now ok?" "Oh I'll wait to lecture you when you are sober." Great something to look forward to. "For now, why don't you tell me what you were dreaming, I heard you say something about Melody?" "Yeah, it was that same dream, but this time we were pulled apart." Yeah pulled apart, I guess that is true enough. "There was like a glass wall between us. I could see her but...I couldn't touch her, or be with her." I feel a hand stroke my hair, "Sean?" She pulls me to her and holds me as the tears and frustration can't be held back any longer. "Oh god, Melody....What am I going to do?" After a while, Jackie pulls back a little, "Hey we will work this out. You will be ok." Although I don't believe it, somehow it still makes me feel better to hear her say it. "Somehow though I think there was more to your dream than that, you seemed to be screaming at someone else. Who was it?" I start trying to remember more of that awful dream. Bits and pieces are all I can get. "I remember, someone between me and Mel. He was holding something...I think it was...yeah a bow, Like Nick's. Oh God, he shot her. Why...how..." "Sean, it was dream, calm down. It's ok." As her words soothe me I remember something more. "Jackie he wanted her blood..." Oh shit, her blood, now what do I say? My arm starts to throb where she bit me. "Her blood? Why, Sean?" "Umm...I don't know." Holding onto my arm, I think brilliant, oh yeah she'll buy that one. "Sean, why did you guys break up? What is wrong with your arm?" Not knowing what to say I just turn away. How do I explain? Jackie reaches out and takes my arm. She seems to be looking almost through it. "Oh Goddess, Sean, is Melody a...vampire?" I am so surprised I don't realize what I am saying. "What? How did you know?" "I can see the bite on your arm, even though it looks healed, and you said he wanted her blood. Is she Sean?" "You won't hurt her will you?" "No I don't want to hurt her." 54

"Wait a minute, you know about vampires? How? What is going on here." "Relax Sean, I will tell you what I know. I have told you about psychic powers, at least some of them right?." "Yeah the auras and feelings and stuff." "Exactly, well psychic powers are used by manipulating the power within you. I have the power to manipulate the power outside of me. We call it magic." "Yeah right." I say. "Oh you can believe in psychics and vampires but mages are too much huh?" "You really mean it? You can do magic. Oh, you mean your Wiccan rituals and stuff." "Well that too, but I meant even more than that, One of the main things I can do is heal." "Well then why don't you heal my head," I say laughing, "it feels like a spike is being pounded into it." "I can't. You see, you don't believe I can, and that disbelief will hurt me if I try. We call it backlash." "But if I believe then you could get rid of this headache?" "Yes." "Humm...well at this point I think I can believe just about anything." I say half laughing. "Vampires and Psychics, and Mages oh my." "Very funny, but I don't think I will heal you. You need to remember this feelingwell." "Hey you think I will forget?? Well, I bet you can't do it. That is why you won't." I say teasingly. "Oh really." All of a sudden my headache is gone, and I am stone cold sober. "What the..." I look up to see Jackie with the cat who ate the canary grin on her face. "Well shit, guess I have to believe now huh?" "Yup, now back to that dream. I think it may have been a prescient dream, a dream about a possible future." "What? You think someone is really going to kill Melody?" "I think it may happen. The future is always changing. But if this is some kind of warning then we have to figure out what to do now." "But I don't remember anything else." "Then we will have to try a scrying to look into the future."

Jackie starts to explain as she gathers many different things from places around the room. She tells me that with scrying she can show me what I dreamed and we can piece it back together, till it is complete. We may even be able to tell where and when it will take place. Once everything is in place she has me place my hands on a bowl filled with water, and tells me to think about my dream. To my surprise I see the dream start to form in the water. The man holding the bow is Vincent, surprise, surprise. As I look I notice that the place is a dressing room, which I think is the one here in Dallas. And the bow itself is Nick's. Oh man he will go ballistic over that. Talking for a while, we decide the best way to stop this is if Vincent can't get the bow. So my mission is to make sure it is safe. Then keep my eyes open. I know I should warn Melody... but I can't face her yet, not yet. After a while Jackie goes back to bed, and although I can't prove it I think she does something to make me sleep, as once again darkness overtakes me.

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Just Get Through This Night Chapter 9

After leaving Jackie's place the next morning, I make my way back to my normal regime. At the sound check, I talk to Nick's roadie about the bow. I casually mention that since we are in Texas, he might want to keep a closer check on the bow then normal. I try to get the point across that I am not entirely joking. Hoping he takes me seriously I continue to keep my eyes open for Vincent. I know now that he is the one behind the attack and all the odd occurrences. But what I still don't know is why. Was he protecting Melody, this secrecy she spoke of? If so why might he try to shoot her? Seems where Melody is concerned I always have more questions then answers. Since the dream I have put all thought about what Melody is in the back of my mind. I will deal with it later. Right now I have other things to think about. And strangely this is helping to keep me sane. I guess I now have something I can deal with instead of an impossible situation. Because of some last minute problems I am unable to watch Melody's set. Maybe a part of me doesn't want to. I know I should check on Vincent, but...I just can't. Saying a last word to Nick's roadie I head out to do my job. The only one I know how to do. After getting used to the lights, I see Jackie and Johnny sitting in the audience. Just knowing they are there gives me a little more confidence. As the show goes on I start to worry more and more about what might be going on. The fear seems to grow as the show progresses, making it difficult to concentrate. Is Mel ok? Where is she right now? Where is Vincent? Could he be hurting her now, when I have no way of getting to her? My stomach is in knots as I try desperately to bring my thoughts back to the show. As we head off stage the first time I notice the roadies are working on fixing something, however, before I have time to investigate we are rushed back to the stage for the encore. As I once more hit the stage a blinding feeling of pure fear hits me. Stunned I stop and almost start to fall. Billy catches me, asking if I am all right. Nodding my head I go over to the mic to start singing Renegade. Through the fear it is so hard to remember this song I have sung so many times before. Finally making it through, I barely notice as Nick starts up his song, almost sleep walking my way through it. When Billy takes the mic for the last song the fear grows even more. I try to find Jackie through

the lights but I can't seem to find her. As the end of the song approaches I glance over to watch Nick as he goes to get his bow, and come back with nothing. A look of rage is on his face. No-o!! As I start heading over to the side of the stage, I feel a presence in my mind. I have felt this before, although never this far away. It is Melody, and the fear and anger I feel is hers. Throwing my guitar at a roadie, I start running and pushing my way through the bodies that have congregated outside. Making my way to Melody's dressing room, I try to open the door to find it blocked. All I can think about is that Vincent is going to kill her. I guess this gives me the strength to slam into the door to break it open. What I see breaks my heart. As I run in I see Melody slumping to the floor as the arrow I just saw fly hits her. Running over to her, I see that she has been hit in the leg with an arrow. From behind me I hear a hideous laugh. "Well, now I get both of you, wonderful." I start to turn, but as I do, something slams into my back like a well placed punch. And I start to fall. "Nooo!!!" I hear Melody say as I fall into her arms. "How dare you!" I feel Melody try to lay me down and start to rise as I hear the door once more slam open. "What the..." I hear someone say. Then the thud of a fist hitting what sounds like flesh. On my side, I notice that breathing has become very difficult, and I can't seem to feel much of anything. I hear Jackie say, "Oh shit. No, Sean." I try to say something but talking has also become difficult. "Who the hell are you?" Melody says, as she puts her hand on my face. I feel something drip onto my skin. "I'm Jackie, I may be able to help him." As they talk their voices drift in and out. I start to drift as my mind seems to be almost floating. Then I hear, "Sean, this is Jackie, I am going to try to help you, ok?" With great effort I say in a whisper, "Jackie? What happ..." I can't seem to quite finish. "Vincent shot you with an arrow, I am going to try to get it out, ok?" I can't seem to focus on anything, but I panic, "Melody, where's Melody?" "Just do it, he doesn't understand, heal him." I hear Melody say. Oh Mel you are ok.

58

"Melo.." I start to feel a tingling though my body as a warmth starts to build inside me. The pain that seemed a dull ache builds into an inferno in my chest. "Don't talk right now Sean, you are going to be ok. Don't you leave me, Gods please don't you leave me." Leave her? I love her. Maybe she thinks I don't after last night. "Melody," I gasp, why is it so hard to talk? "I won't leave you...want to ...be with.. you." I hear Jackie say, sadly, "I have done what I can, it is up to the Goddess now." "No he isn't better, you have to make him better." "I'm sorry, don't you think I would if I could? He is like my own flesh and blood. But there is only so much even I can do." "Sean listen to me," Melody whispers in my ear. "You can't die on me, ok you have to live, you have to. I couldn't go on knowing I had done this to you. Please...don't leave me. I love you Sean. We will make it work, somehow we will make it work. Don't make me make this decision. I can't let you die. Please Sean live." "Melody..." I gasp once more, " I love you..." I say as blackness overtakes me.

The feeling of floating and sense of peace fill me as the darkness starts to recede. I feel a presence slipping away from me. Someone I care about, someone who had a message for me. What message? I can't seem to remember but little pieces of it. Something about a purpose, and a choice. In this inbetween state I try desperately to hang on to the memory. But it seems to be slipping more and more away. Who was it? I feel so calm and tranquil. Who could do that for me? In a flash, I remember...Dad? I start trying to call to him, to bring him back. To put my arms around him and tell him how much I miss him... "Dad..." my voice says quietly. "Sean? Are you waking up?." The voice sounds familiar, but it isn't my Dad. "Come on Sean, you really need to wake up." I finally am able to open my eyes and the light almost blinds me. "Jackie? Is that you? Where are we?" I say covering my eyes with my hand. Man do I feel weird.

"Yeah Sean it's me. We are on Melody's bus. How do you feel?" the light recedes as she turns it out. Although it is still pretty bright in here. I can see that Jackie doesn't look very well. I can also feel her pain. "At little weird, but ok. How about you? What happened?" I reach out to take her hand, and almost pull back. The touch of her hand is very strange, like I can feel every molecule. As I watch her I realize she is crying, "I tried Sean, I really did. I couldn't do it. I couldn't heal you." Heal me? Then the memories of what happened start flooding back, Vincent, getting shot, then nothing. "If you didn't...Then what happened?" "You died Sean." Jackie says flatly, as she closes her eyes and puts her head down. "But..how..." Wait a minute....Melody. "No she didn't..." I say starting to panic. Looking up at me again, I see the sorrow, "Yes Sean she did." Closing my eyes I start to deny the possibility, how could she, Melody herself told me she wouldn't do that to me. Then I get a flash of the vision of my dad. I hear him saying there is a reason, and it would work out. I find myself calming down again. Opening my eyes again I see Jackie and put my arms around her. "It's ok Jackie, it's not your fault. I know you tried. Something tells me maybe this was meant to be." I tell her about my vision. The main thing I seem to remember is a choice. Did I choose this? As we talk about it, I start to notice this burning inside me. It feels like a claw trying to rip me inside out. Noticing my pain Jackie says, "What's wrong Sean?" "I don't know, It hurts." From behind Jackie I hear a voice, "It is the hunger, Sean. Jackie you better leave." Looking up I see Melody move forward as Jackie leaves. Our eyes lock as I see the pain in them, the regret. "Melody..." but I don't know what to say. "Sean I will explain everything, but right now you need to drink." For an instant I feel pain in my jaw. Reaching up I feel a mouth that isn't my own anymore. My hand jerks back as my finger feels the pointed incisors. Blood glistens on my finger from the puncture my tooth made. The smell of it starts to call to me. I want that blood. It fills me, consumes me. I barely notice as Melody sits down on the bed. Leaning her neck close to me, she says, "Drink, it is ok." My vision goes from the blood on my hand to what I can smell within her. Some 60

other part of me takes over as I reach out and pull her to me. The smell of blood overwhelms me like a fine perfume. Hesitating as I start to bite, Melody pushes her throat to me and says, "Bite Sean, you have to." I can hold back no more, clamping down I feel the electric liquid flowing down my throat as I instinctually drink deeply. Better then any food, drink or even sex I have ever had the blood fills me, I can feel it flowing to every pour. Finally I can take no more and I start to pull away. "Lick the wound Sean, that will heal it." Cautiously I do so watching as the punctures disappear. In disbelief over the whole last exchange I pull back and try to deal with all this. Putting my head in my hands, thoughts start whirling around. What have I become? I enjoyed that. Maybe this time it was Melody, but I knew the reality. One day soon I would have to do this to someone else. I think the fact that it feels so good makes it even worse. Is that what makes the monster? OK hold on, I know that Melody took my blood and I never even knew it. In fact I enjoyed it. I keep coming back to the vision. I feel that I was given a choice to do this, and that my Dad approved. If that is so, then maybe I am looking at this all wrong. "Sean...I am so sorry. I never..." Her voice breaks as tears start to flow. "I couldn't let you die for me." Pulling her close, I whisper, "It's ok, Mel. I know." Over and over till she calms down. Then I say, "Mel, I don't blame you, I know you wanted to save me. If anyone is to blame, it would be Vincent. By the way what happen to him?" Pulling herself back together, she says, "He ran away after Johnny hit him. Then when Nick was looking for the thief Johnny sent Nick after him. I don't know what happen after that. We had to get you out of there." Laughing I say, "Humm... I don't know who to feel more sorry for. Did Vincent still have the bow?" "Last time I saw him he did." "Then I defiantly feel sorry for Vincent. " Sitting up I notice that my clothes are ripped and bloodied. "Humm... looks like I could use a shower." "We brought you some clothes from your dressing room, and we do have a working shower." "Sounds great." I say as I snag the clothes and head to the tiny bus bathroom. As I pass by Melody I kiss her lightly and say, "Don't worry, we will work this out."

Letting the water wash over me I can feel the dirt and blood rinse away. The water is electric on my skin. My senses feel like they are in overdrive. Everything is much more intense. And if I was picking up some emotion before, now it seems to be hitting me in the face. But in a lot of ways I feel the same. At least on the inside. Getting out of the shower I go to the mirror and wipe it so I can see. The face I see is mine, almost. With what seems like almost new vision, I see all the tiny pores and creases in my face. But the most remarkable thing is my eyes. They seem to glow, as if lighted from within. Now I understand Melody's eyes. Oh man am I going to have to wear sunglasses a lot. Standing there I start to notice something else. My heart is beating. I can hear it. How can that be if I am dead? Then I remember hearing Melody's heart in unison with mine. Too many questions start crowding in my brain. Then I hear voices. Female voices in a heated, I could call it a discussion, but fight would be closer. Uh oh, Jackie and Melody's voices rise up clearly. I quickly get dressed, and head back out. "You gave no thought to what this would do to him, did you? All you were thinking about was yourself. Now he will never be part of the cycle again. His soul is stuck here, never to go on..." I hear Jackie say. "Now Wait a minute, you have no idea if that is true or not. That may be what your religion believes, but are you really sure? You know Sean. Do you really think he could be such a bad person no matter what happens to him?" "It has nothing to do with good or bad. He has been taken out of the cycle of life. You can't just rejoin that. This isn't one of your social clubs that you can quit one week then come back the next..." Stepping out of the bathroom I walk right into this cat fight...maybe not one of my smartest moves. "Hey hold on a minute, this is my life you are talking about, don't you think I should have some say in it." They both turn toward me and say, "No!" in stereo. As we each look at each other the hilarity of the situation rushes over us and we all burst out laughing. "Ok, look you two have to stop this." I say after we calm down a bit. "If anyone is allowed to be mad it would be me. And I'm not. As for what may happen or even what has happened, we can't change any of it. Remember this... ," I say taking Jackie's hands, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things 62

I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Well I think I may need to follow that even more closely now. I know this isn't going to be easy, but I have to try." "Sean, I'm sorry but to me and what I believe this is all wrong." I can feel her anger, and her guilt like it is my own. "Jackie, I remember you saying something about it being in the Goddess hands before I blacked out. Maybe this is what she wanted? How do we know? I know that the vision I had is real. Something in me confirms that." Turning to Melody, I say, "And Melody, although I didn't ask for this, I understand why you did it. Both of you need to stop taking out your guilt on each other. I need you both." Closing her eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath, Jackie says, "Wow, this is a red letter day, I can't believe I am going to say this to you, but you are right, partially. I still believe that you have been taken out of the cycle, but you are right that I don't know the Goddess plan." Turning to Melody, she says, "Melody, I don't think you did the right thing, but I shouldn't have attacked you like that. I know you love him, now don't ask me why, but you do. And I believe that anything done for real love can't be wrong." "Well I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Truce?" After a moment Jackie nods, "Truce." "And by the way, I have no idea why I love this guy either...I guess he grows on you." "Yeah like a fungus." They both start laughing, as I give them the "Hey, what do you mean look". Jackie suddenly starts to fall. Catching her I notice just how tired she really looks. Johnny rushes over to take her to the couch. Looking at Johnny I say, "What's wrong with her?" "She put too much of herself into trying to heal you. She will be all right though. She just needs to rest." "Would you guys stop talking about me like I am not here. I will be fine. Just as soon as every muscle in my body stops revolting." "Ok," I say with a gleam in my eye, "That's it. I am getting you guys a room at the hotel, a Jacuzzi suit." I see Jackie about to protest. "Nope, I will not take no for an answer. You deserve it. That is as long as we can come use it too." "Oh, I see now. But you know what? I hurt too much to even think of a good retort. Fine, ok, I'll take your damn hotel room, Jacuzzi and all."

"Well don't get all thankful on me now." I say, knowing I have won this round. When we get to the hotel, I get Jackie taken care of, then head up to Melody's room. We have some talking to do. When we get to the room, for the first few minutes we just stare at each other. So many questions and thoughts are running around in my mind, I don't know what to ask first. So I start with the first thing, "So now what?" Avoiding my gaze for the moment, I feel Melody turn into that business-like person she can seem to become on a moments notice. "First we need to cover our tracks, so to speak. We took care of cleaning the dressing room before we left. But we still need to find out what happened to Vincent." "Do you think he will come back?" "I don't know...I doubt it. I am much stronger then him. By now the blood that was sustaining him should be used up. You see he isn't Kindred. He is what we call a ghoul. He drinks our blood and gains some power by it, but when the blood runs out he is human again. Like when I gave you the blood. We use ghouls to protect us during the day, because they don't have that weakness. That is why he wanted to take me. He wasn't trying to kill me. He wanted to capture me and use my blood to sustain him. By using wooden arrows if he had pierced my heart I wouldn't have been able to move. But I wouldn't have died the final death." "So the wooden stake through the heart is true? I have noticed there are some things that aren't." "Right, some of the myths are true, others are not. Others have more to do with the individual person or clan." "Clan?" "Yeah...I forget how much you have to learn. I guess you need to know some of this now, I can't tell you everything in one night though. Way back when Vampires first started, I will go into that story some other time, there were not many. They were also very powerful, the blood was closer to the source. They could manipulate the blood better then we can. Using their own specialties they made the blood do things that complimented their skills. This was the start of the clans. Each of us is descended from one of these. Over the years some blood lines have been lost, but there are 13 main ones left now. You are of the Toreador line, the artists. We try to preserve and sponsor the arts. We are the creative ones. Our powers give us a greater ability to perceive the world, and to affect it. 64

But our weakness is in the beauty of all things. When something of beauty catches us, sometimes it is very hard to break free of it's spell." "Like when I played the guitar?" "Yes, I was so caught up in the music, that I would not have been able to move, even to protect myself. Sean you must be very careful of this. Especially right now. It is too easy for you to fall under that spell since your senses are heightened. They are aren't they?" "Yeah they are, everything is so much more there." "That is part of the power of the Toreador. You will also find yourself to be faster and nimbler. There are many ways you will be able to use your blood to help you. But right now our main problem is the Masquerade." "Masquerade? What is that?" "That is how we keep ourselves from being discovered. Our number one rule. The problem is you being in the band. How do we keep the guys from being suspicious? First of all I think you should ride on my bus from now on." "Humm...They will prob believe that ok. I have been bemoaning the fact I don't have enough time with you." I say smiling. "But what about sound checks and interviews... Oh shit, I have an interview tomorrow afternoon." "Oh boy, that is a big problem, can you get out of it?" "Maybe...I'll see what I can come up with. I need to talk to Billy anyway to tell him about the new bus thing, and to find out about Vincent and Nick. By the way, why is my heart still beating? And yours is too." "Well, that doesn't happen with all of us. Some of us are lucky enough to retain things like that. Also your skin is warm to the touch. Many Kindred aren't that lucky. Their skin is white as if devoid of blood and they are cold. Some are deformed. Most also can't eat or drink regular food. I can, it is another thing that makes it easier for me to work in the mortal world. We will have to find out if you can or not. Everyone of us is different in some ways. The blood makes each of us unique. We will discover together what it has done with you." All these new thoughts roll around in my head. I need to focus on the here and now. "We do have one other problem, with Vincent gone you need another keyboardist." "Shit, you're right. Any ideas?" "Actually I do have one, Johnny." "Johnny? I thought you said he was a guitarist."

"He is, but he can also play the hell out of the keys. And he already knows what is going on. Sounds like a good combo in my book." "Mine too, but I still want to hear him play." "No prob, I bet he will jump at the chance. He is really good but he is still a struggling artist. Let me go talk to Billy then we will head up to see Johnny, not to mention use that hot tub." "Sounds good on all fronts. Sean you are taking this really well." "Am I? Well don't let me think about it, then I might fall apart." I say only half kidding. "I will be right back." Giving her a kiss to remember me by, I head up to Billy's after snagging my sunglasses from my room. I take a deep breath and put my new state of being out of my head, and knock. "Yeah? Who is it?" "Me. Sean." As the door opens, Billy says, "Hey man what happened to you?" "What do you mean?" I say walking in. "Well you just seemed to disappear. Where did you go?" "Oh, I thought I saw Vincent running out with Nick's bow. I was trying to catch up to him but I couldn't find him." "Well Nick sure found him. Knocked him down. When he did the bow went flying. Nick went after the bow, and Vincent got away. We have security looking for him but there is no sign. I wonder why he took it to begin with?" "I have no idea. Neither does Melody. Although that guy has bothered me from the start. No matter what happens though he won't be back with the tour. Melody has fired him. I think my friend Johnny may take his place." "Hey sounds cool. If Vincent is smart he will never show his face around here again." "How is Nick taking it? You know we have that interview tomorrow." I say getting an idea. "Oh shit, I forgot. He is going to be a bear till he either goes hunting or gets on stage. Everyone is staying out of his way." "Maybe we should cancel. I mean it isn't a big interview. And Nick may just get a wild hair to go with us if we try to go alone. Nick, in this mood, on the radio is not a good idea." "You're right on that score. I hate to blow it off...but maybe this once. Ok I'll take care of it." "Oh I also kinda promised to help Melody teach Johnny the parts. So I am going to ride with them on her bus, ok?" 66

"Hey that leaves me and Chris with Nick. Not fair." "Well...hey if you can't handle him, no one can." I say smiling. "Besides when Nick is in a mood all my vegetarian ass does is piss him off more." "Well that is true...Ok what ever. Like I can stop you." he smiles. Looking at him I wish I could tell him the truth. But I know that isn't possible. To do so would put him into to much danger. "Oh and one more thing," I say, trying to make it seem like no big deal. "I won't be at sound check either... you know helping Johnny and all." "Now wait a minute. You can't do that. You want to make Nick worse?" "Come on Billy you know that these sound checks have become unnecessary, not to mention unproductive. All we do is fight with Nick over what to play and how. I am so glad we will be taking a break soon." "I know but come on Sean, this is part of what we do. You can't just not show up." "Look I need a break from Nick. If a couple of missed sound checks and riding in Mel's bus makes me able to continue, then what's the big deal?" Billy tries to look into my eyes, but the sunglasses get in his way. "Man, I have never heard you like this. Maybe you do need a break. I know you have had a lot of stress lately. OK, I will do what I can, but I can't promise anything." "Thanks, Billy. You are the best." "Look, you don't look so good. And what is with the sunglasses?" "Just a bit of a headache. The light hurts. I gotta go. I will see you tomorrow night ok? And thanks again, I owe you." As I head out the door I hear him say, "Oh yes you do, big time." As I make my way back to Mel's, the guilt I feel about lying to Billy comes back with a vengeance. And this is just the start. How many times am I going to have to cover-up the truth just to protect what I have become from being known? Taking a deep breath I continue. I have to do this. In fact, the truth is it is for their protection too, not just mine. Look what happen to me when I got involved in Mel's life. Couldn't the same thing happen to my friends, and family? About halfway up to the room I see Mel lugging a huge case. Catching up to her I see it is a keyboard. "Hey What you doing?"

"Well I went to get a keyboard out of the bus so I could hear Johnny play of course." "Oh right, good thinking. Well got everything squared away with Billy." I tell her about our conversation as we head up to Jackie and Johnny's room. "Good job, Sean. Quick thinking about the interview. Always good to make it seem like the other guys idea. Although the fact that Vincent got away bothers me." "Hey me too, but right now what can we do?" At the door to the suite, Johnny answers our knock. "Hey guys come on in." As he walks back in I notice Melody's appreciation for Johnny's uncovered back. OK he is a good lookin guy but hey, what about me? Stop kidding yourself Sean. Johnny has straight black hair down to almost his waist. Tall, well built, with the best parts of both of his ancestors. He may be only a local artist, but he has quite a following, so Jackie has told me. Hell, with just his jeans on even I can appreciate him. "By the way, I don't think we were ever really introduced," says Johnny. "I am Johnathon Day, and over there in the Jacuzzi already is Jackie Anderson." "And I am Melody Samuals, who hears you can play keyboards." She says as I take the box from her and start to get it in working order. "Yeah I can, not as good as guitar though. Why do you ask?" "Well I find I am in desperate need of a new keyboardist and you were recommended. So if you can impress me, I would like to offer you the job." "Um, well.. I don't know what to say." Johnny says as he glances over to Jackie to see her reaction. "It's up to you, dear. But you might want to think about the band." "I do already have a band... but the exposure would be a good thing for all of us." "It would only be for four months, and I promise you the pay will be good. However first let's see what you can do." "Ok, sounds fair." As Johnny starts to play I can feel the music start to lift me, it almost takes me away before I remember Melody's warning. He is good. Not the best but definitely better then Vincent. Before long Melody and him are in negotiations. I wander to the window and notice how alive everything looks. This is still overwhelming me. I know that I have a lot to deal with. But right now, being with people I love, I put it far 68

in the back of my mind. I turn back as part of what Johnny says catches my attention. "One thing you have to know, I don't know how to put it nicely, I have to be high all the time. I can play and perform that way though, just like I did." "What do you mean you have to?" "I just do that's all." Moving toward Melody I take her aside. "From what Jackie told me, Johnny has some really traumatic memories, something about his grandfather being killed in front of him. All he does is pot, but without it he becomes catatonic." "And you are sure he is alright while using?" "With Jackie around how could he not be?" Satisfied, Melody and Johnny finish up the negotiations. Jackie ends up being part of the package as the local masseuses and healer. "Well now that that is taken care of, time to celebrate. Jackie has had that Jacuzzi to herself way too long. I hope you guys don't mind skyclad, that is the term right?" Laughing Jackie says, "Yes it is, figures you would remember that one. I don't mind since I am already there." We all strip and head into the wonderfully warm water. Oh yeah, just a little slice of heaven. For a while we just sit there enjoying the company, and the bubbling water. After a while though other thoughts start invading my evil little mind. Hands start getting inventive under the water. Then quietly Melody slips under the water. I feel her press into me as she slowly moves her way up my legs. As she takes me in, I feel her tongue quickly race over me. I take a sudden breath when I feel her teeth lightly scrape me. Instead of hurting it makes me want her all the more. "Um Sean," I distantly hear Johnny say, "Is Melody alright? She has been under a while." Under, oh yeah the water! Gently I pull her up. "Um Mel? Are you alright? You were under for quite a while." Looking at me with a bemused expression she says, "Um Sean, we don't breath anymore Remember? At least we don't have to." Oh, yeah, right, I forgot, now where were we?" As we both start to slid under the water I hear. "OK that's enough, I believe the words are get a room?" "I did," I say smiling, "This one." I start descending once more only to hear. "And you have two others, go use one of them."

Laughing I start to get out of the tub, "You win, See ya tomorrow guys." I grab a towel and quickly get dressed as Melody does the same. Heading out the door I turn back to look at my two friends. The only two friends I can really be close to anymore. "Thanks for everything you two. I really mean it, thank you."

Getting back to the room, the passion that had started to flow before comes back in full force. I find myself hungering more for Melody then I ever have before, for anyone. By accident I rip her shirt trying to get it off her. It is almost like I don't know my own strength. But I do notice that something isn't working normally. By now I should be standing at attention, but I'm not. What the... Noticing my distraction, Melody says in her husky voice, "You control it now. Focus the blood there and it will be. But that means no more embarrassment, and it can't control you any more." She says with a teasing lilt. "It also means you can control your release, and go for as long as you like." I focus my thoughts and low and behold she is right. Now this could defiantly have some great connotations. Melody continues to show me new ways in which we can love each other now. The pleasure our fangs can bring with just a nibble is tantalizing. Without the need for breath, many interesting positions can be reached. I notice I have a lot more energy, and staying power. Our passion continues, as we exchange our minds, bodies, souls, and blood. over and over. Although I wish for this to never end, I know daylight is approaching. The sunrise I shall never see again. For all the good things I have found about my new life. That one fact brings back the reality. I will never be the same again. We quickly gather our stuff and head to the buses, so as to beat that impending sunrise. Settling back into her bed on the bus, I contemplate the fact this will be the first time I will be able to wake up with her by my side. Melody, yes, now I have Melody. She will help me through all this. As I look around the bus with it's blackened windows, I remember something. "Mel, if just giving me the blood to heal me before was breaking a rule, what about this?" 70

Hesitating, she finally says, "Yes, this is breaking a rule too, a big one. To make another vampire without the permission of your prince can mean..." "Can mean what?" "The prince can decide to kill both of us." She says turning from me. "That is Pierce right? He would kill you for saving me?" Turning back to me she strokes my face with her hand as she says, "He could but I don't think he will. You see in a way I really am his niece. His brother, Torrance, is the one who made me. So I am family. I am also his student, and he owes me. Don't you worry about Pierce, I will deal with him, when the time is right. All you need to do is learn well the things I teach you." I try to put the thought of Pierce killing both of us out of my mind, but I can't. I know that until this is settled, it will hang over me like an axe ready to fall at any moment. For a long time I lay there staring at the ceiling as I feel the bus moving, heading to the next town.

Sing For The Day Chapter 10

Standing on the balcony of our hotel, I look into night sky. I can feel the dawn's approach, like a panther, beautiful but deadly. Melody has already gone to bed in our blackened room, but something draws me. Unlike her, I have trouble falling asleep during the day. I find myself lying awake on the bus, as we travel mile after mile. Melody tells me that most Kindred feel compelled to sleep during daylight, almost a natural reaction, but not me. I also seem to wake much earlier. One of my many differences, I guess. I have found, over the last week, that in many ways my life can be the same. I am able to eat and drink normal food, although I get nothing from it. Inside I still feel the same. Except that now when I stand like this, it is almost like I am watching my own life unfold before me. I am the narrator to my own story. But life still goes on one day at a time. There are two major differences, sunlight, and the blood. Oh there are many little things. I am finding new ones all the time, but these two are the ones that cause me the most difficulty. The guys are so mad at me right now. They can't understand why I have stopped doing sound checks. Not to mention the interviews I have skipped and not spending any time with them. I hate this. Lying to them is so hard. But I can not tell them the truth. Every time I look at Billy I feel like I might as well have stuck a blade in his back. I keep letting them think I am just so in love with Mel that I am acting crazy. Not too far from the truth. How am I going to keep this up for four more months? Maybe ultra screen block would work. Yeah right. Gotta keep that sense of humor. I have to find a way to make it right with them. Before I lose my best friend. In the meantime I am learning more everyday about what I am. A couple of days ago Melody made me finally go out and find someone to supply me with the blood on my own. Up until then I had been using her band members. It seems that is part of what they do for her. They are called retainers. Normal humans who work for and help Kindred. How exactly their loyalty is retained I don't know. But they all seem to almost worship Melody. But it isn't good to keep feeding, I hate that term, from them. They are there for emergencies. It makes sense, but somehow it was easier when they were willing and understood what was going on. I also can't continue feeding from Melody. It seems there is this thing called a 72

blood bond. Evidently if you drink from the same vampire on three different nights, this bond is created. It makes you feel a protectiveness toward this person, a kind of forced loyalty. Plus it can cloud your senses toward them. It can only happen once though. And Melody has already been bonded, to a very old and evil vampire. He is gone now, but it means she can't be bonded back. I have taken her blood two times already. She is afraid if I bond to her, I will resent her, because I won't know if my feelings are true or from the bond. She says it is almost like a servitude. I think her judgment of it is clouded though. Her situation was very different from this one. I already love her. I know this. Not to mention how difficult it is not to drink from her. With the two of us it is not a need. When we both drink from each other we are made one, physically and spiritually. Her blood is of a different flavor. Almost like the difference between wine and beer. They will both get you there but what a much better way to go. One of the hardest things I have ever done was that first night of what we call the hunt. Melody insists that I don't find anyone at the concerts. She doesn't even want me to find anyone who knows me. I have ended up going to some of the worst dives I have seen in years. Melody told me there are many ways to hunt. Some Kindred actually do kill their victims, stalking them in the dark streets, and disposing of the bodies. Others use mind control to make the people willing, then make them forget. Some do use animals, although it takes much more blood for that. Seems like everyone has their own way of doing it. To me Melody's way seems the kindest. But it means actually getting other women in bed at least once a night. At one time of my life this would not have been a problem, but now I don't want anyone but Mel. She has convinced me that the others mean nothing. She also goes out to feed in this way. I am trying though. And to tell the truth it isn't that bad. At least that part of it isn't. I know that with my enhanced powers I can tell exactly the moment to bite, without them noticing more than their pleasure. Although the first time I almost really screwed up. I had gone to this nightclub. We would have said it was on the wrong side of town. Sunglasses, hair pulled back, and wearing ragged out jeans and a t-shirt. I started looking for a good prospect. There were a few women there who looked promising. It had been a long time since I had picked up women like this. Finding one alone I asked her to dance. Melody warned me that small talk and getting to know them was a bad idea. I also didn't want to take a long time, because I wanted to get back to

Mel. So instead of taking things nice and easy I tried to rush things. Finding a dark corner, I thought I might be able to drink from her there rather than find a room somewhere. As I went to drink, she noticed something. Maybe her natural instincts took over but she pulled away so fast she saw my fangs. I quickly turned away, as she pushed me and screamed. When I turned back to her I had retracted the offending teeth, and apologized as some people came running up. I left quickly so no one would think to do anything else. After that though I listened to what Melody told me and followed her instructions. It was better after that. There are a lot of rules they call traditions involved in this new world I find myself a part of. Most of them trace back to the masquerade. In fact that is the first tradition, The Masquerade. Basically don't let anyone know who or what you are. The prob is that right now Melody and I are breaking about every other rule there is. Domain is the next tradition. That the prince is all powerful and his word is law. According to what Mel has told me she had been warned not to reveal anything to me. In fact Pierce was leery about her being involved with me at all. Broken. Not to mention the fact she still hasn't told him. Which brings me to the next one, Progeny. We are not allowed to sire, make, any others without permission. Humm yup. Broken. Next is the Accounting. If you create one you are responsible for it's actions till the Prince says otherwise. Well, ok we haven't broken this one. As for Hospitality, which is when in someone else's city present yourself to that city's prince, Melody has been given special compensation because of the nature of her travels. I though, have not. Another one broken. The last one is called Destruction. This means that no one but the prince may order the destruction of another Kindred. OK, so one more I haven't broken, but I still don't think I am off to a great start. I try to talk to Mel about what Pierce will do when he finds out, but she changes the subject every time. I know she has spoken to him. She told him about Vincent. Evidently he was working for Pierce, but something happened and he went off the deep end. He is supposedly keeping an eye out for him. We have seen nothing. There are a few things I have found out about Pierce though, he is very old, like 300 years old. He was originally a noble from England. Where as we are from the Toreador clan, he is a Ventrue. They are into power, money, and being in control. Most princes are from this bloodline. They consider themselves the elite. Sounds to me more like they have corncobs stuffed in a lower orifice. But Mel actually respects him. Says he is a good leader. Well I 74

guess I will find out huh? I am not sure what is going to happen then. I try not to think about that too much though. Melody, I have only known you a short time but you have changed my life more than in the obvious ways. You have opened up a whole new world for me. Looking out over this city, in the pre-dawn light, there are things I see and hear that I never even noticed before. Within me is the overflowing potential of life. Funny it took death to show me this. I feel I have been awakened to a brave new world. I know I should go back inside. A part of me is starting to get nervous as I watch the first rays of the deadly sun reach over the horizon. But the light is so beautiful showing through the clouds. Giving the city depth by the shadows it creates. Everything around me is starting to wake, and I cannot leave. I am transfixed, by the beauty, and the awe of it all. The nervous part of me starts to yell and scream. This is death. You must go inside. But all I can do is look, mesmerized, as the sun reaches out it's rays and touches me. For a moment, it feels like time and the world have stopped, except for the sun. The agony I expect, though, is not there. What is going on? I look out into the city, facing the direct rays of the sun. As my eyes start to water, from the brightness, I realize fully that the sun is not burning me as I was told it would. How could this be? Is it because I was just made? But that is not what Melody said. She seemed so sure. Could she have lied to me? No, I would know that. In the past week, I have realized just what the restriction of living only at night can mean. Now I find this may not be a restriction at all? Looking once more out to the city, I see it alive, as an entity unto itself. Something I need to be a part of. Heading back inside, I grab my sunglasses, and go out. I start walking along the street heading nowhere in particular. Just enjoying the day. I notice things I never did before. People are much different in daylight. They smile more, talk more, they are just more open. Like they know the darkness can bring them monsters they never really believe in during the day. The other thing you don't see at night is children. I really miss that. Before Ashley was born I never much thought about kids, but now I see each child as a potential anything. That is the great thing about kids. Who knows, the child I am looking at now might be president some day. Man do I miss Ashley. Hey, I can call her today. Usually I am too busy, then it is too late to call. But now I can. Hey, this means I can do sound checks too, and interviews...I can be part of the band

again. All the worries and tension of the last week fall away as I realize what this could mean. But why? Why can I go out in daylight. Could this be a one time thing? Or is this for real and always? I have got to find out. But who do I ask? There are no experts for vampires...are there? If there are I don't know them. Maybe Jackie would have a clue though. Stopping at a bagel shop I pick up some coffee and bagels to take as a peace offering to Jackie. She hates waking up. But hell if I am going to wait today.

At Jackie's room I hear a grumble as I wait for my knock to be answered. "Hey. Hurry up it's Sean, and I bring gifts." Finally I hear, "Sean, at this hour? What the hell?" Jackie opens the door, her dark long hair mussed from, well, I will be nice and say sleeping. "What time is it? Did we oversleep?" "Nope, here you go." I say handing her a cup of coffee, just the way she likes it. Glancing at my watch, I say, "Humm, it's about 9. Drink up, I need you awake right now." "9? Wait a minute..." she says as I walk in, seeing Johnny still sleeping in bed. "Oh don't worry about him, he won't hear us. He could sleep though anything. Now how the hell are you up and around at this hour of the day?" "Good question. You tell me." I tell her about being caught on the balcony, and my interesting morning. Well interesting to me anyway. "Well...hmmm...Ummm....no couldn't be..." she says as she looks me over. Ok, now I feel like a piece of meat. "Couldn't be what?" "Well I can tell for sure you are dead. My healing powers can sense that. But, there does seem to be something... different about you than about Melody. I took it to mean that you were just new to this and your body hadn't changed all the way yet but... Now I am not so sure." "O.K. I have no idea what you are talking about." "Mmmm... Let's see how to explain this? Melody's body is changed. Her insides are totally different then a human's. Her natural organs like lungs, a heart, a stomach are not really there, at least not all of them. I can still see remnants though. Like the blood is changing her. Eating away at her if you will. But nothing in you has changed. I thought it was because 76

you had just been made, but by now there should be some kind of degradation." "All right... I am not sure I like the sound of my body degrading, but why wouldn't it? What is different for me?" "That is what I don't know. I can tell more if I can touch you. Do you mind?" "I guess not," I say teasingly, "You never had to ask you know." "Ha Ha very funny." She reaches out her hands and touching my face and hands, closes hers eyes and just seems to stand there for a long time. Opening her eyes, she looks into mine. "Well did you find out anything?" "I don't know, I think I did. Do you remember right before you died I tried to heal you?" "Yeah, I think so. I do remember you telling me about it. I also remember you saying something about it being in the hands of the goddess." "Yeah. Well maybe I did more than I thought." "What do you mean?" "Well I am finding life energy around you. You shouldn't have any. It isn't giving you life but it is sustaining your body." "Huh? Ok, now I am lost." "You like Star Trek, think of it like a stasis field. It is holding your body at a certain level. Not letting it degrade. This wasn't what I intended to happen when I tried to heal you but I think that is what is happening. The blood is giving you motion and power, the ability to function, but the magic is sustaining your body in it's natural state. And I don't see the level of magic dropping off either. So I think this is permanent. It seems to be self-sustaining." "You think? Oh so one day I could walk outside and poof I'm a french fry?" "No there would be some warning. You would feel differently. There is another problem. Because of this I think you might not have the ability to take damage as much as other vampires." "Oh, well that bites," Smiling, I say, "No pun intended." "Yeah right, you the pun master. Look at it this way. You exchange surviving daylight for getting hurt more. Sounds like an even trade to me." "You're right, I can handle that. Oh is this going to make life, or should I say unlife, much easier." "I am sure it will, Now go away and let me go back to sleep."

"Ok, Ok, sorry to have bothered you. Boy are you cranky in the morning, you witch." I say laughing. "That's right. Witch. And if you do this again I will turn you into a frog." "You can do that?" "Oh just get out of here." She says as she pushes me out the door. Right before the door closes she says, "But yes, I can." And I am back in the hallway. The rest of the day I spend taking care of all the things I had been putting off, because of all of this. I call my agent, take care of some pressing business, but most of all I call Ashley. It is so good to hear that small little voice call me daddy. Can't wait till I see her again. At sound check the guys make a big deal about me being there. Ribbing me about remembering they are there. It is so good to get back to it. It would seem boring, but to a musician it isn't. Finding that one spot that needs to be improved and working it out till it is, is such a rush. After sound check I head back to our room, I can't wait to tell Melody. She is going to flip. Going into the darkened room I head over to the bed. Looking at her, I drink in the beauty, like a fine wine. So perfect, a porcelain doll, with steel backing. Quietly I lay down next to her, and hold her in my arms till the sun sets and she wakes. "Good evening Love." Melody whispers to me. "Hi, sleepy head. Bout time you woke-up." "You have trouble sleeping again? I just don't understand it. Most of us have trouble staying waking during the day." "Actually today I didn't go to sleep. I was on the balcony, and, well the sun came up..." Sitting up, quickly Melody says, "What? Are you nuts? Are you ok?" "It's ok Mel. The sun doesn't affect me. See no burns. I am fine. I spent the whole day outside." Instead of the joy I thought she would feel, first I see confusion, then something that seems like maybe envy, then nothing, like a wall coming down between us. "What, How could that be? I don't understand." Hoping to share the joy I feel, I tell her about Jackie's theory. Though she doesn't seem as happy as me after a while she relaxes. "So you can go in the sun but you can be hurt worse than most of us?" "That seems to be the gist of it." 78

"Well that will certainly make things easier for you to hide what you are. But in the long run I don't know if it will be worth it. This isn't an easy life. And our resistance to injury is one of our greatest advantages. But I guess we will deal." She heaves a sigh as if to shake off the unpleasantness of a few moments ago. "So, I bet the guys were happy to see you." As she changes the subject, I tell her about sound check and talking to Ashley as we get ready to head to the show. But a part of me can't help remembering her reaction. Although I can sense her now, for a little while I couldn't. Did she deliberately block me out? And why?

All in a Day's Work Chapter 11

"Sean, come on we have to get to the hotel, wake-up, Sean." Melody's voice is urgent as it slices through my dreams. Oh man, I do not want to wake up. First time in weeks I have been able to sleep at night like a normal person. "Ok, I am coming." I say as I slowly get up, and grab my stuff to head to the hotel. Glancing at the clock I notice it is very close to dawn. I start to understand Melody's urgency. Because of me and my schedule Melody is having to change her way of traveling. If possible I like to be at the town we play in before sunrise. It just makes things easier, for me anyway. But it means traveling at night and either getting here before sunrise or her stuck half the night and all day in the bus. As we drag ourselves inside, I quickly make a wake-up call for noon, since I have an interview later. Carefully I blacken the room so Melody won't be injured, then fall into bed. Wrapping my arms around her, I cup her body with mine. Oh does she feel good. I start kissing the back of her neck, running my hand down the curves I now know so well. "Sean not now, I am tired." She says as she half heartedly pushes me away. "Ahh Come on, please?" I say teasingly. I reach around and caress her stomach through the thin silk she is wearing. Pushing my hand away, she says, "No Sean. Look, you may be a morning person still but, I definitely am not." With that she pulls away from me once more settling down to go to sleep. "Fine, sorry, didn't mean to piss you off." I roll over the other way. Man all I wanted was to be with her. What is up with her lately? Taking a deep breath I close my eyes and slowly drift back to sleep.

"Brrriiinngggg....Brriiinnnggg." What? Oh the phone, "Yeah?" "This is your wake-up call." Says the way too energetic voice. "What time is it?" "8:00am, Just like you asked." 80

"What!? I said Noon, how in the hell do you mix those two up? What ever. Just call back at noon OK?" "Of course sir, and I am sorry." He still sounds way too happy. Shit...boy this is going to be a good day I can tell. Glancing over I can see that Melody didn't hear any of it. Not even a muscle twitching. Man that must be nice. Great, now I have to try to get back to sleep again. If I don't I am going to feel like shit. Since I found out how different I am from most vampires I have noticed other things. Melody has taught me that by using the blood I can make myself stronger, faster, and have a greater endurance. I can also make myself smarter, more perceptive and even look better. Although from some of the remarks Melody has made I don't have the normal extras a vampire usually gets. Although I seem to heal quicker then a normal person, it is not as quickly as most kindred. Also things that don't faze Melody hurt me. Oh well, hell I didn't want any of that anyway. My eyes start to close, drifting back to sleep, into the dream I had forgotten about. Father...?

"Bang, Bang, Bang!!! Sean, come on we are late." What? Shit what time is it? 1:00, I man I am going to kill that front desk. "Hang on Billy." I jump out of bed pulling on some jeans. Stopping for a minute I get a flash of a memory, of me and my father, doing...something "Look Sean I am getting tired of this." Shaking my head I continue getting dressed. Must have just been a dream. Opening the door I say, "I know man, I am so sorry. I left the call at the desk but they messed it up. Hang on I will be right down." From the look in his eyes I can see he doesn't believe me. I quickly get dressed, run a comb through my hair, and bless the fact I don't need to eat anymore. Getting on the bus I can cut the tension with a knife. "Hey guys, I am really sorry. I left the call at the desk. Man am I going to ream them when I get back." Chris and Billy just turn away. They really don't believe me. What am I going to do? "Look Sean," says Nick, looking me straight in the eyes, "We are tired of the excuses. Are you in this band or not? We are working our asses off here and where are you? Off screwing around. Look I know you have been through a lot, but this is your job. You can't just blow it off. We

are a group, if you aren't here it hurts us. We only got a few months left in this tour. Then you can fuck your girlfriend all you want." "Hey that was out of line Nick. I know I haven't been pulling my weight lately, but that is no reason to put down Melody. How dare you?" At this point I am right in his face. "How dare I? How Dare I? I'll tell you how..." he says standing up. "Ok, That's enough." Says Billy pulling me back and stepping between us. "Billy, that's right stick up for him again. One of these days even you won't be able to excuse him." Says Nick heading up to the front of the bus by himself. Once Nick gets out of ear shot, Billy says, "Sean, he is right about one thing though. You are bringing us down. You have got to get a grip." "Hey, it isn't that bad...a few missed sound checks and interviews, that's all." "That's all? Man, maybe you have lost it. You used to live for this stuff. I'm not sure I know you anymore." Sitting down I look out the window as the bus rolls through the city to the radio station. Yeah Billy I am not sure I know myself anymore either. But how do I explain? Maybe I am changing more than I knew. Since when was music the last thing I wanted to do? Could Nick be right? I can't let this go on. Somehow I have to fix this.

"Ok, that sucked." says Chris, as we head back to the bus after the interview. "They really had it out for us huh?" I say. "Could it be because we were 45 minutes late? Actually I don't blame them," says Nick as he looks straight at me. "Humm, I wonder who we should blame?" "Look Nick it's over, let's just get to sound check and put this behind us." Billy says, trying to be diplomatic. "Fine, yeah let's do that, now that pretty boy has decided to join us we might be able to get some work done." Nick almost pulls out the handles on the step rail as he gets on the bus. To tell the truth I just about do the same thing. Ok, yeah, I made some mistakes but it isn't like I could help it. I am here now, right? Nick is so pig-headed sometimes. One of these days I would just like to punch him in the face. Shoot, with my new 82

found power I could. Wouldn't that be funny, little Sean decking big bad Nick? Just the thought of it makes me laugh. As we pull up to the venue I look out and see the fans already lining up, having their tail gate parties. That people would do things like that for us still amazes me. Inside I get up on the stage and look out to the seats. I always try to do this to get a feel for the place. Right now it is empty, but in a few hours, it will be filled with fans screaming and singing our music. As I start back to the side I notice a woman standing off to the side that looks familiar. Long blonde kinda kinky hair, on the short side, nicely built. Noticing my gaze she smiles and starts to head over. "Hi Sean, I'm Veronica Bradley. We have an interview tomorrow." "Oh right, Hi Veronica, how you doing?" I vaguely remember I do have an interview tomorrow. "I'm fine, I am really excited about getting to interview you again." That's right that is where I know her from. She is also a fan from way back. Did a really good job with that interview too. "Well I really enjoyed your last one. I hope this one goes as well." "You remember? I am flattered. I can't wait to see the sound check though. Gives an interesting insight you know? I was wondering when Melody Samuals would be doing her sound check. I am also going to interview her and I was hoping to get a little insight there also." "Well Melody doesn't do her own sound checks, sorry. But she is really great. Wait till you see her tonight. Her music is amazing." "So I take it you are a fan of hers?" Laughing I say, "You could say that. Well I need to get to work, see ya tomorrow, Veronica." "I can't wait Sean. See you then." Nice girl, glad to see there are still some nice journalists out there. Ok back to work. We start jamming to get a little loosened up and check the levels. People always think they are missing something by not seeing the sound checks. They don't realize they would be bored out of their skulls as we do the same little bits over and over. The music soars as I feel myself taken by it once again. I feel Chris's beat go right through me, with Billy's bass adding that low point to the scale. I feel the rhythm as it flows through my fingers to the guitar. Then Nick's melody of a guitar riff soars over us all. This is what it is all about. I look at the other guys in this band and smile. Yeah, we are good. This is what we need to remember. When I catch Nick's eye though, I see a gleam in it I don't like. Instead of the riff he is

supposed to do he goes off on one of his tangents changing rhythm and leaving us behind. Stopping at a dead halt I say, "Dammit Nick. Why can't you play it like it supposed to be played, instead of going off on your own?" With a resounding slide down the neck of his guitar he stops, and saunters over to me. "What pretty boy grew some balls? Oh I like this you telling me about going off on my own. " "Look Nick, I know I have been screwing up lately. And I am sorry about that, but come on, like none of us has ever been a little out of it? Things are working out now. Trust me I got it under control." "Trust you? Sure I'll trust you." As I look at these three guys, who are almost like family to me, I can't believe how quickly things have gotten so bad. I can tell from their eyes that they don't trust me any more. Trust me to do my part, to be there with them, I have lost it. And it is all my fault. I sadden as I realize my life will never be what it was. I will always have secrets I will have to hide from them. I remember when Melody told me to trust her. Can I expect more out of them than myself? "Come on guys let's get back to it." Says Chris, trying to keep things from going too far. When we start playing again the music doesn't seem to flow anymore. I can tell everyone is angry. Towards the end of rehearsal, Billy says, "Hey, are we going to ever work out the parts to Silence is Broken?" Nick acts like he doesn't hear as he starts putting his axe up. "Hey Nick, What about" "Sorry time to go." Says Nick once again avoiding the issue of this song. This time I am not going to take it. "Look Nick, you want to talk about not doing your part? Well, what about this? We have been trying to get you to play this for weeks. What is your deal?" "This is not a song to do live. Come on it is weak drivel compared to our other stuff." "Weak drivel? You have got to be kidding. We have released this song and we need to play it live or it will never chart." As we glare at each other my hands become fists. I am so ready to make him eat his words. I can feel the blood in me start to boil and rise up, almost by itself. "Don't you get it? It isn't going to chart anyway." "Hey guys, hang on here," says Billy. "This is getting way out of control," when he catches my eye it makes me realize what I was just about to do. No matter what I think of him Nick is my friend. Yeah we are different, very different but I do love the guy. What am I doing? 84

Spinning around I head backstage to cool off before I really make things worse. The whole way back to the hotel all I can think about is how I almost decked a friend. I am not a fighting type person. Even when I was younger. Could it have something to do with what I am now? Melody told me about the beast inside, but I just blew that off because I didn't feel any different. Maybe she was right. Pulling up to the hotel I notice something strange... really strange. There is a tow truck towing away Melody's bus. What the... I quickly head inside and run right into her bus driver. "Hey man, what happened to the bus?" "Oh Sean hi, to tell you the truth I have no clue. I went to move it to a better spot to pick everyone up and it wouldn't start. Called the service, now it is their problem." "Their problem? If we don't get that back by the time we leave... then it will be our problem, big time." I say quietly. Melody has a special bus made so sunlight can't get in, and we have a long trip to make next. Without it she is more vulnerable. "I know but what am I supposed to do? They said they would try to get it done quickly." "Fine keep me informed ok?" I say heading back upstairs. Oh man what else could go wrong today?

Strangely enough the show goes ok. I wouldn't rank it in the top ten shows by any means but, we all do our parts and it doesn't suck. Back at the hotel Mel and I decide to be quick in our hunting so we can spend some time together. Sounds good to me. Maybe today will have a good side after all. Outside I decide to take a walk and clear my head. California, even in the winter, can have these wonderful crisp clear nights. One day I should spend more time here. The cool air helps to clear my head as I think about what happened. Ok let's look at this logically, not usually my strong point but, I need to start somewhere. First of all I can not tell the guys the truth. I have got to face that and start working on this masquerade. It isn't for me so much as for them. I have got to accept that. I have to make everything look normal from the outside. Which means what? Acting normal for one. I have been so weirded out for the past couple of months it is no wonder things have gone this far. Any changes I make must be made slowly.

Walking alone I notice a club on the other side of the street. It is a little more upscale then I have been using but I could at least check it out. Inside it is very dark, the lights are dim even for me. The music is of course grunge. People are dancing, although to me it looks more like swaying, to the music. Looking around I notice a couple of groups of girls standing together. This usually means they are looking for guys. I head to the most promising table. There are four of them no older than 22 at the most. Since this is a bar I am giving them the 21 thing. But on a couple I doubt it. "Hello Ladies, how are you this evening?" I get the usual fines. Turning to the one that catches my interest, a blonde with gorgeous brown eyes, I ask, "Care to dance?" She gives me her hand and I lead her to the floor. I start doing my imitation of the normal sway this music can handle, making sure I stay very close to this young girl who has now become my prey. I guess in a way it has always been that way. Same thing, different reason. After the dance I lead her to a back corner, hoping to entice her to leave with me since you can only go so far in a club. Her skin is soft and she smells like flowers but the underlying smell of the blood is what calls me. I can feel that dangerous part of me start to wake. No, I am in control. Nice and easy. Kissing her neck I find my way to her ear, "Care to get out of here?" I whisper. I can feel my fangs pushing to come out. To taste the rich blood I can only smell right now. "Sure, sounds good." she says. It still amazes me how easily women trust me. Going in for one more long lingering kiss that promises more I take her hand and turn to go for the door but walk straight into... "Billy! What are you doing here?" "I thought that was you Sean. What the hell is going on?" "Umm nothing." I am reeling. Oh man what the hell do I do now? Turning to the girl I say, "I am sorry. I don't think it is going to work out. Maybe some other time." She shrugs, gives me a wink and heads back to her friends. "Come on we are going to talk, now. I have been standing up for you and I thought you were getting things back together, but now. Come on." Following him I try to come up with a logical reason for the situation he found me in. Ok I can come up with some but I know if I use any of them it will just make things worse. Falling back into my old ways in his eyes would be terrible. Billy is a happily married man, with the greatest wife in the world. I know he notices women but he would never act on it. 86

With the big deal I have been making about Melody, I can't deny our relationship now. Oh boy this is going to be fun. We end up at a late night dinner sitting across from each other just looking at one another. Finally Billy says, "Ok Sean I know things have been rough, are you drinking again?" "Drinking? No of course not I would never..." I hesitate as I remember that night when Melody told me what she was. "Well... there was one night... but only once. Right after the divorce. I swear. After waking up from that I remembered why I don't do that anymore," I say trying to lighten the mood a bit. Unfortunately it fails miserably. "Ok Drugs? Are you using again? With the way your eyes have been you sure look like you are on something." "Do you think I am that stupid?" Seeing the look in his eyes of doubt, I say, "Well maybe you do. But no I am not 'on' anything. Haven't done that in years." "Ok, then what? You are out of control Sean. Skipping stuff, blowing us off, cheating on Melody now, and not to mention trying to fight with Nick. If something is wrong you can tell me. We will work it out. That is what friends do right?" Looking at Billy, I can feel that I am losing a part of my life that is important to me. What do I say to him? How do I make him understand? "I was going through some rough times, but I think I am getting back on track. You have to trust me with this. I can't explain it. I know I haven't earned your trust lately, but I am going to fix that. After the past three years I can't imagine anything without you guys." "Me neither man, but talk ain't going to do it this time. You have some major ass kissing to do." "Believe me I know, so how would I look with a brown nose?" "Uggghhh, you are too much. Ok now what is the deal with tonight? I saw you literally checking out her tonsils. What gives?" "Oh that? Umm well... Ok What do you think it was? Come on?" I say laughing. "What about Melody? I thought you two were tight." "Well we are. Ok, how do I explain... Let's just put it this way, she knows." "She knows? And she is ok with it?" "Yeah, she is. Actually you could say it was her idea. Strange, I know, but there it is."

"I don't believe it. No way. You are serious aren't you?" Shaking his head he says, "Only you would find someone like that. I can't say I would like it but, each to their own. Right? Well I need to get back to that club. I was supposed to meet a friend there from Frisco. I'll see ya later alright. Think about what I said though." "I will Billy, see ya." Ok that was lucky. I have got to come up with a better cover. Billy knows me way too well. Feeling the hunger start to grow I realize I still need to take care of that. Better go somewhere farther away. Hailing a cab I head to a less respectable part of town. I ask the cabby to come back in a couple of hours giving him enough money to make it worth it. Then I start walking. In the past month I have seen parts of cities I never laid eyes on before. It still amazes me that in a country like ours this still exists. People hungry on the street, ladies of the evening, drug dealers and those buying. Even children, street kids who will grow up to be a part of this sad side of life. I know I do my part trying to help kids but it is still hard not to try to help them all. Suddenly, I hear foot steps behind me, right behind me. I try to speed up but, before I can make any distance a hand whips me around. I see two young guys looking really mean. Much more mean than I care to see. "Where do you think you are going? These are our streets. You must be new around here. Who are you?" Taking a much better look at them I realize these are vampires, like me. I stare at them with a kind of fascination. The only other kindred I have seen is Melody. But she carries her power with grace. These two are ones who use their power to threaten and scare...or hurt, others. They must be from the clan Brujah. The ones who are quick to anger, and are usually gang members. Uh oh I think I am in way trouble. "Look at him, I think the cat got his tongue. Maybe he is one of those crazy ones, and can't talk. Tell us who you are and who's side you are on, now, or it won't matter when we get through with you." "Oh, right, name...I amTorch, how about you?" "Doesn't matter who we are, now who's boy are you?" "Umm. Actually, I am from out of town. I have no idea what side is whose," I say crossing my fingers. I start looking around for some help or a place to run to but, of course there is nothing. "Wrong answer," says the first one as he slams me in the gut with his fist. My breath explodes out of my mouth as I feel what I think is a rib break. Then a fist hits may face and the impact causes me to fall 88

backwards and hit my head. I try to crawl away but, I feel what must be a foot kick me in the kidney. I can taste the blood in my mouth as I finally remember. I can use this blood, that is, if I can get the chance too. I start trying to increase my speed so I can get out of the way of their massive punches. I do avoid some but I keep getting slammed back down. Never having been a fighter it is difficult to think what to do. In just a few seconds they have me face down, kneeling on my back holding my hands behind me. "Now are you going to tell us the truth childer or do we have to take this farther?" I start to open my mouth but before I can say a word I feel the weight being lifted off of me. As I try to turn over, I hear a scuffle and running feet. By the time I get myself up, barely able to stand on my own, my attackers are gone. Disappeared. But what I notice more are the ones who saved me. For the most part I see only shadowy figures, many of them. "Who are you?" I ask spitting out the blood in my mouth. "We are ones who would see this city changed young one. We help you to show your sire of this." As I watch, one of the shadows comes forward, he is hideous. His head is bald with ears that go into crooked points. His eyes pop out unnaturally, making me think of someone in the dark a lot. The fingers on his hands are long and spindly, ending in scary looking pointed finger nails. Then I realize who they are. "Hey you are the Nosferatu. Right?" They are the ones disfigured by the blood. The beast showing on the outside, although Melody said they are one of the most trustworthy of the clans. And they seem to always know everything. "Yes young one you name us correctly. Tell Miss Samuals what happened here." As they start to go I realize something. "Wait, you know who I am?" "Yes Mr. Thompson. We know." I stand there In shock not knowing what to think. I look into the eyes of the one who spoke with too many questions trying to find one to ask. But before I can even open my mouth in thanks they are gone. Disappearing before my very eyes. Heading back down the road I stumble over some legs sticking out from a doorway. The smells emanating from him are noxious, except for one, the blood. I feel the beast within rear up quickly. It wants that blood. Now. Before I know what is happening, I am on him, drinking his life essence. I can feel the blood filling me. His heart is beating loudly in

rhythm to the driving song I hear in my head. Then it starts to slow. No! I can't do this. With the part of my mind that is still me I pull back the beast with all my will. "I will not kill this man. I won't." "But his blood is so good, I want it all." I hear a voice say. A voice I vaguely remember. "No, I am not a killer." I make another pull using everything I have within me. As the Beast pulls back I hear, "No you are not a killerNot yet." Then the most hideous laugh I have ever heard fills my head. Covering my ears I fall to the ground. "No, go away. Just go awayplease." For a few minutes although it feels more like hours I lay there. Then I hear footsteps. Quickly I get up and check on the poor guy who was my prey. He is still alive. Thank God. I pull out some money and stick it inside his shirt. I know it isn't enough but I have to do something. Running back down the street, I wonder around for a while, finally ending up where I am supposed to meet the cab, and miracle of miracles it is there. What was that? And that voiceSounded so familiar. Where did it come from? Is this now a part of me? It must be. How do you control something like that. I almost couldn't. What ifno I can't think about that. Some how I will learn. Walking into the hotel, I see Johnny in the lobby. "Hey man how goes it?" I say walking over to him. "Not bad, man. But you look well bad. What happened?" "Long story." "Let's go back to the room and get you fixed up. You look awful." "Well thanks a lot," I say laughing. I notice my clothes are ripped and I am filthy. "Yeah that might be a really good idea. Thanks." In the room I look around for Jackie. "Oh she isn't here, lots of friends in the area. She is over having a girl's night out. Which means a couple of male strip joints, lots of booze and staying up and talking all night." Laughing, I say "Yeah, hanging out with all the guys all the time, boy I bet she needs that." "Ok. So what happened?" Starting from where? This has been one shit of a day." "I don't knowHow about how come you look like this?" "OKWell I got beat up. By some street vampires." 90

"Oh manWell I hope they look bad too." "Actually, to tell you the truth, I don't think I hit them once." I say a little embarrassed. "Hey, I am not a fighter. Never have been. Has something to do with my size I guess." "Well that shouldn't matter any more. Look if you are going to survive you are going to have to be able to take care or yourself. Tell you whatI will teach you a few things. I don't know martial arts or anything fancy. But I grew up on the streets. Had to learn to take care of myself too. I mean it should be a lot easier for you. You can use your blood to make you stronger and stuff." "Yeah if I can remember to use it that is." "That is what practice is for. How about we try to find a couple of hours here and there to work on it?" "You know, I think you are right. After meeting up with those two, I am seeing it may be necessary. Ok I will try to find some time. Thanks. "Hey no prob So what else happened?" "WellI guess the other main thing is the band. I mean they don't trust me any more to hold up my end. And what do I tell them? Thank God I can go out in the sun light. That makes it a little better. You know, I almost hit Nick today? I haven't been in so many fights in my life as I have been today. Not to mention" "What?" "Well Billy caught me with a girl tonight while I was hunting. Saw me kissing her." "Uh oh not good. What did he think?" "Well for one thing he thinks I am using again. I told him I wasn't but after everything I have done why should he believe me? What in the hell am I going to do? Everyone in the band is mad at me. And you know what? They are right. That is the worst part. I haven't been holding up my end of things. I have been letting them down. But I don't know how to make things better." "Boy, tough situationto tell you the truth I had a similar thing happen to me. A few years ago I was at the top of my game musically. All the labels were looking at me and my band, Blood Brothers. But at that time I was using drugs hard. Anything I could get my hands on. Well, needless to say it made me unreliable. Well we had this one show, opening for a big name band coming through Dallas. There was going to be a bigwig from a record company there and he wanted to talk deal after the show. And I didn't show up. I had almost overdosed and was laid out on a

girl's couch. The guys couldn't find me and we lost the deal. After that we got a rep for being unreliable. Took a long time for the guys to forgive me for that." "How did you manage it?" "Well first I took some time off, and got cleaned up. Well, as cleaned up as I get. Haven't had anything but pot since. Then I went back to basics. I talked to them and showed them I was better. We started writing together again. And found that old magic. I spent most of my time around them, that is also about the time I met Jackie. After a while, they started to believe in me again. It wasn't easy, but I did it. If I could come back from that Well this should be a breeze." "You don't know Nick." I say laughing. "Back to basics huh? Not a bad idea. Thanks Johnny." "No prob, now go get cleaned up. You are a mess." Looking in the mirror I see how right he is. "Yeah, I do don't I? I think I will head up to my room now. Thanks for the talk." "My pleasure, and we will start those lessons tomorrow ok?" He says smiling a devilish grin that I do not like. "Why do I think I am not going to like this. Yeah, see ya tomorrow." Back in my room I notice something as I walk in. There are candles all around, with soft music playing in the back ground. As I walk around the corner, all the thoughts of the day disappear as I see Melody silhouetted in the bay window of our room. Her transparent chemise leaves little to the imagination. God is she beautiful. Even though I know now that one of the reasons she is so compelling is the power that radiates from her, I still find it drawing me in. "Melody" Slowly turning towards me she says, "Sean." Her slow seductive voice causing chills to race through me, "what took you" Her eyes meet mine, a frown creasing her face, "What happened?" Leading me to the bed, she helps me off with my Jacket, and sits me down. All of the pains I had forgotten in seeing her return. "More like what didn't happen. I got jumped by what I think were two Brujah. Seems they didn't like me walking around in their turf." "Oh Sean, I am so sorry. I didn't think you would run into anyone, at least I had hoped you wouldn't. What happened?" "Well, they asked me whose side I was on. When I said I was from out of town they started to beat me up. What was the about?" 92

"Hum Well it probably has to do with the type of vampires in this city. You see LA is held by Anarchs. They have little love of older vampires. I am a part of what we call the Camarilla. It is an organization created back in the middle ages to help us govern ourselves and keep the Masquerade. That is the system where one prince is over each city, and runs it with the help of the Primogen, one leader of each clan. The problem is there is a bottle neck in the system. Since we live so long most of the leaders are very old. It makes it very tough for the younger ones to have any say, much less power over anything. Many of the young ones leave Camarilla run cities and band together in places like LA, where there are no leaders. There is probably some sort of war between factions going on here and they wanted to know whose side you were on." "Oh, ok. So I shouldn't walk around here that much huh?" "I am sorry, for once I didn't think. I think we shouldn't go out hunting here any more. Wait a minute, how did you get away from them?" "Well actually I didn't. Some people helped me. The Brujah had me, I forgot to use the blood and powers and stuff. But right as I thought of it they were gone and there were these others there." "Others?" "Yeah I think they are called Nosferatu. They made the Brujah leave. Oh, they had a message they wanted me to give you." "Message? They knew about me? Did they know about you?" I can tell she is getting a bit agitated. "Yeah they knew both of us. They said they wanted things to change here. They helped me to show you that. How did they know?" "The Nos always seem to know everything. That is what they do. But I think as long as I take their request seriously they will not reveal anything." "Request?" "They want to bring the Camarilla into the city to take charge." Seeing my confused look she starts to explain. "They know I am Camarilla so it is obvious they want my help in bringing them in. They also know that by helping you and knowing about you I am in their debt. Although it is not a threat because they did help. More of a I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine kinda thing, rather than blackmail." "Oh, Well that makes me feel so much better." I say laughing. "I would hate to have them blackmail me then." "Yes you would, trust me. Always keep the Nos on your side. They are very loyal as long as you treat them well. They are so ostracized by

most of humanity they appreciate being treated kindly and fairly. Never lie to them. They will find out about it. They can be your best friends or your worst enemies. I think for now though we have friends." "Nice to know I have some anyway." "You know Sean, you don't look so good. Do you need to feed? I can call one of the band members up here" "No, I fedYeah I fed alright." "What happened? Are you ok?" Standing up, I start pacing. "I almost killed a guy tonight. Some helpless bum. I don't know what happened. It was like I couldn't stop." "But you did?" "Yeah I did, but it took everything I had in me to do it." "But that is the point, you stopped. Look Sean even if someday you don't stop I know this is going to sound bad, but you are different now. God created predators for every form of life. That is what we are. It doesn't mean we go out and kill everyone, but there is an instinct for survival in us. We need their blood. It is one of the hardest things to come to terms with. But know this, God did create us. Remember he creates everything both good and evil. I don't want to get all theological though. You are going to have to find a compromise within yourself to deal with this. Look, you are a mess. How about a nice long hot bath?" All the thoughts about vampires and killing fall away as I look at her again. "Yeah that sounds great. I have had one bad day." She starts to undress me slowly as I tell he all about the interview, the fights with the guys, Billy catching me, the bus. Leading me to the water I feel all the problems drift away as I sink down into it. Looking up, into Melody's eyes I see the candle light reflect in them as we once again lose ourselves to each other. Slowly she slips the chemise off her shoulders. I watch as it slips down revealing what my eyes so eagerly devour. Slipping down in the water in front of me, I can feel the soft curves and smell her scent as I brush my lips to her hair. Before the change, I would have been in a hurry because of demanding needs, but now the need is to hold her, and be with her. To make it last as long as possible. For a long time we just listen to the music, Melody lying in my arms. After the day I have had this is just what I need. After a while though I find my hands caressing her, as I start to kiss her neck wishing I could taste of her blood once more. Would it be so bad? To be bonded to her? Leaning forward Melody starts to drain the water as she reaches for my hand, turning on the shower with the other 94

one. She starts lathering my hair, running her hands through it. I start to try to do the same to her but she stops me. "No Love, this time let me do it for you. You have had a bad day right?" As she leads me through the shower, her light touch leaving what feels like tracers on my skin, I start wanting her more then ever, but I try to hold back, to make this last. Finally I reach the limit of my restraint. The need to feel her against me is more then I can handle. I pull her to me with the water caressing over us. Our lips meet with a passion neither of us can deny. This time I remember what my blood can do, and giving myself more strength I lift her up. Wrapping her legs around me she glides slowly down to open herself to me. Pulling back a bit I look into those fire lit eyes as we rock back and forth slowly enjoying the feel of the friction and the fire we are generating. Reaching around me Melody pulls her self slowly in, breaking contact at the last moment to sink her teeth in my neck making the feeling surge to new heights. My fangs hurt from being held back but, I know she won't allow me to bite. So I push that part down and revel in the oneness I feel. Afterwards, although I feel tired from everything that has happened, I realize I still have some good things going on in my life. Lying in bed with Melody I enjoy the fact that we don't have to travel tonight. Now I just need to fix the other stuff. "What am I going to do about the guys? I mean they don't trust me anymore, and I think Nick is going to try to send another arrow my way." "Actually Sean, This might be for the best. I mean look what happened when you got to close to me." "Yeah but, Billy thinks I'm using again." "Well isn't that a great cover? I know it is hard to swallow, but maybe you should let him think that. They are not going to cancel the rest of this tour since you only have a couple of months left. Then you can distance yourself from them. It is for their sake you know." "You're probably right from a logical point of view, but I don't think I can do that Mel. After trying so hard to get clean, lying about it like that, I don't think I can." "Well you have to do what is best. For yourself and for your friends." "Yeah now if I could just figure out what that is. That's the hard part."

The next day as I get on the band bus to head to the sound check I noticed that Melody's bus is back in the parking lot. Relief is not the word for what I feel. Earlier I had my first workout with Johnny and am still feeling it where he landed a practice punch just a little too hard. I think I have a lot of work ahead of me. On the bus though tension is still high. Yesterday is not going to be forgotten so easily I see. Looking at these guys I realize how much they mean to me. "Ok, look guys, I am sorry. I fucked up. There I said it. I know that won't make you believe me but, I plan on doing something to make it better. The reason we started playing together was because of how much fun it was. Somewhere we lost that. I don't think it is all my fault either. Four guys living together in a small area for three years are going to get on each others nerves. But you guys are like brothers to me. And I ain't going anywhere." "That's true Sean, I guess we can't get rid of you." Says Billy laughing outright. "Hey thanks a lot." I say feeling some of the tension start to dissipate. We start joking around until we get to the venue. As we are getting out of the bus, Nick stops me, "Look Sean, I really hope you mean what you said in there. And I'm sorry about some of what I said yesterday. But if it got you thinking then, hell, I guess it was a good thing huh? Just remember I plan to keep kicking your butt till it is in line to my satisfaction." "Uh Oh, hum Your satisfaction? Why do I think I am in trouble?" "Because boy, you are," says Nick as he saunters away. Compared to yesterday today is a dream. The sound check goes well. For the first time in a long time. Man I miss these guys. Melody has her interview with Veronica Bradley, which according to Melody goes well. My own interview goes much better than yesterday's. But as I wait to go on stage one of her questions keeps rolling around in my head. "What is it about you four guys that keep you together? You are very different people but yet somehow you guys really seem to click." With all the problems lately I had to really think to answer this one. I said something glib about the music bringing all our diverse personalities together, but the more I think about it, the more I think I may have hit on it. Johnny said get back to basics right? Well for us what is more basic than the music? On stage we start out rocking and for the first time in weeks it really starts to click. We are so in synch with each other it brings each of us higher feeding off the other ones. This is what the Rebels are about, music. Catching the eye of the other guys we all smile, knowing we got it again. 96

The rest of the night continues to be magic. Now if I can only figure out how to keep it. Then I know.

The next morning sitting on the bus, I have my guitar in hand, just playing around. When the door opens I look up and say, "Hey guys, I've been working on this new song. Got room for one more?"

Don't Let It End Chapter 12

As I sit here watching the road roll out from under me I see the lights of Chicago coming up. It almost feels like I'm approaching my destiny. I've been to this city so many times, but this time feels different. With the tour almost over, I find my life stretching out before me. Although things are better with the guys, it will never be the same. I have to keep way too many secrets. But I'm learning to deal with that. I'm starting to learn that my life will never be the same. But I am also learning that different doesn't mean bad. The music I have been creating lately has shown more depth, than anything I have written before. It almost feels like the blood has opened up things in my mind I didn't know existed. That is one thing I haven't lost with Billy. Actually we have been writing together quite a lot. In fact we've even talked about maybe doing an album together, since Nick has to go do a solo CD right now. But for now, that part of my life is taking a break. It is time to face my new life. With this being the last show on this tour, I will now be staying here. So many things in my life have happened in this city. This is where I got my first big break, were I found fame, Fortune, and everything that goes along with it. Now, I start a whole new life. I just hope I'm up to it. Johnny has been teaching me, if you can call it that, how to take care of myself. And, although I don't think I'm great, I am definitely getting better. Maybe now I can even hold my own. Hopefully, I won't have to prove that anytime soon. Though from what Melody says, it isn't the physical problems that I will encounter. It is the political maneuverings within the Kindred that are the most dangerous. Shoot, kinda sounds like the music business. If that isn't cutthroat I don't know what is. But I know that Melody is worried. She still hasn't told Pierce about me. But she knows she's going to have to and soon. I am sure Pierce will show at the concert. If nothing else just see Melody. She says she will take care of it. But I wonder, why is she waiting so long. Melody and I are meeting at her penthouse tonight. At some point though I need to go out to the ranch. Looks like I may be living there again. Which in itself is not bad thing. I really liked it out there. But it was too far away from the big city for Debbie. Hey, who knows maybe I can have horses again. That would be a great place to have Ashley visit. But first, I have a few other things to deal with. There is still a big chance that 98

Pierce may order our deaths. But right now I need to live on the assumption that I will live. Well, at least relatively live. But I still can't stop wondering why Melody just didn't tell him already. Is there something more to this than I know?

At Melody's door I hesitate before I use the key that she gave me. Because of our schedules it has been a couple of days since I've seen her. The excitement I feel is almost like the first day we went out. Not to mention the fact that for the first time we're on her ground not mine. We've been together for over four months now, but yet I feel strange just walking into her home. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and walk into the new playing field. "Knock knock, anybody home?" I say as I walk in. Wow, nice place. Very classy. As I look around for Melody, I stick my head in a few rooms, eventually finding my way into what must be her studio. Classic guitars line the picture filled walls. Not being able to resist, I start checking out the selection of guitars. Hearing a chuckle from behind me, I quickly turn around. "Somehow I knew you would end up in here." Says Melody. The Black silk tank top and pants slide gently over her skin as I drink in the vision I have wanted for two days. Only Two days? "Welcome home lover." whispers Melody. As our eyes connect I can feel myself slowly moving towards her. "Well Hi Yourself." I say before I give her a slow lingering kiss. Pulling back, I run my hand along her check. "I've missed you." "I've missed you too. Oh and before I forget, I have something for you. Come on." Taking my hand she leads me into what must be the Master bedroom. On the bed is a Guitar case. "Open it." She says smiling, with a twinkle in her eye. The case seems larger then normal with a jaunty red bow around it. What in the world.... Then I realize...No No way! I carefully open the lid and gaze down on the most beautiful 18 string guitar I have ever seen. Of Course only having seen one other one I don't have much to compare it with. "Melody no this is too much" I say as I reach to touch the hand carved neck and run my hand lightly over the polished wood.

"I had it made especially for you. Let's just say it is a tradition in our family. My Sire gave me mine now I am giving you yours. I good friend of mine, an artist in his own right made and carved it." I can't seem to stop myself from picking up this piece of artwork. As I turn it around I notice something engraved on the back. 'To my Torch in the night - M'. Giving the strings a light strum, I hear an echo of the dream that still follows me. I am overwhelmed. "Wow, not to bad. The Sean Thompson dumb struck." Smiling I gently lay down my new baby. "You are the greatest Melody." And I thank her in the only way I know how.

Later Melody is looking through her mail as I gaze out the Plate glass windows in her living room. What a View. It has really been a while since I spent any time in this city. I wonder how my old band mates are doing? Maybe I will have to look them up. "Hey look at this." Says Melody taking me out of my memories. "What?" "It's that interview I did with Veronica Bradley in LA and yours too. Someone must have sent them." "Cool, what do they say?" Standing up Melody hands me the papers. "Why don't you read them... All of a sudden I feel a little...shaky," she says half laughing. "Well well Melody Samuals scared. Will wonders ever cease?" "Oh just shut up and read." Thinking that pointing out the oxymoron in that statement might get me in deeper then I want to be I start reading Melody's first interview. "It is in the New Artist section: I recently had the distinct pleasure of meeting a bright newcomer to the music scene. Her name is Melody Samuals and she is without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with. While Melody remained reserved and cautious in this, her first interview, her extraordinary presence shone through in 100

every carefully worded answer to my questions. I would have to say that my first impression of Melody was amazement at the poise and elegance with which she handles herself for one so young. Unlike some other young women in her field, Melody is not a glamour seeker but rather an introspective, highly concentrated individual. Thoughtful and intelligent and extremely responsible. At a time in her life (Melody is 23 years old) when most would be riding the party train, Melody is actively involved in many other ventures. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, this level headed young woman has a lot more on her plate than just rockin' and rollin' across the country. She is owner of a Club in Chicago called Crystal Shard and is also managing several local bands. I asked her how she handled so much responsibility and she told me that it is, at times, a bit overwhelming. "But, I love it!" she adds with a quick smile. "My Uncle, who is more or less my business partner, understands my draw to music, so he is funding this tour with the understanding that I will return to my other responsibilities when I am needed." Melody's father, an immensely talented musician in his own right, taught her to play guitar at a very young age. "I can't remember a time when I wasn't playing music" she says. Her influences are rooted within the Beatles, Stones era but she has

definitely developed a style all her own. Intense, melodic yet hard rocking, her music grabs you and lifts you high. "My lyrics are not about me, but rather about the life I observe around me. I spent my youth hanging around with my father and Uncle and their friends. I did a lot of watching in the background." Currently promoting her new CD, she is opening for Rebel Sons on the last leg of their tour. I teased her that must be an experience in itself! She laughed and diplomatically agreed. "They (Rebel Sons) are an incredibly talented and interesting group! I get along with them fine even though as individuals, they are so different from one another. Nick is outgoing, Billy and Chris are casual, very nice guys and Sean is incredible. I'm actually a fan of his from way back! Hence the name of my club in Chicago." She grinned. "Opening for them has allowed me to play for a very mixed crowd. You have the screaming, half naked Nick fans, the Night Ranger fans and the Shard fans...all in one room....makes for an interesting show." When asked for word on future plans, Melody remained vague. "I'm not sure I will be able to continue pursuing music. I have so many other responsibilities." In this reporter's opinion that would be a decided loss for the music industry, but my suggestion is to get out there and see this remarkable talent now, while the opportunity is there! Veronica Bradley 102

"Not too bad actually, she must have liked you. Now let's see what she does to me." I say flipping over to the next page. HIGH ENOUGH? by Veronica Bradley There is an illumination in Sean Thompson's eyes of late. The sparkle of creativity, the energetic blaze of performing each night or possibly the glimmer of romance? Whichever reason may be leading to the effervescent fire I witnessed within Sean during our recent interview, it's working! With another CD under their belt, Rebel Sons have been out on tour promoting it for the past year. In fact, it has basically been an ongoing process for the last three years....with Sean Thompson, Nick Tabers, Billy Jacobs and Chris Mainelli working, working, working. Well, "work" is subjective...Sean says they are having "fun." There's a lot more blues in this music and it's so much fun. Billy and I were in the studio so much, we became known as the Neverleave Brothers! Then as soon as the album was done we were back on the road!" The tour has been very intense, with the boys often playing 10-12 nights consecutively before a short break. With such a hectic schedule, Sean says sometimes tensions would run high but in the end it's all about the music and "getting out there to the squeals of fans everywhere! It's a rush, I'll tell you."

The new CD, titled "Don't Tread" is a wonderful mix of hard driving rock and bluesy guitar riffs. I asked Sean where the inspiration for the hit "High Enough" came from and he told me that was a pretty funny story. "I was living in NYC at the time and Billy was visiting me. He's in the laundry room and I hear him humming some tune. I asked him, "Billy, what is that, and he said it was just something he started hearing in his head. So, we start working it out and Nick comes in so we stop, figuring it wasn't really Rebel Sons material. But Nick says "Good song...we'll fix it up with some power guitars" A song is born! I badgered Sean for insight on the personalities of this group. Especially with the dynamic Nick Tabers....how did they all stay connected? Sean laughed and said he was aware the rumor mill had Nick and himself at constant odds, but it wasn't that bad. "Sure, we have differing views on things, but at the same time, we are both really into nature. We hang out on his reserve, stuff like that. It's fine. There are going to be some conflicts here and there...but we don't let it affect our performances. We just leave our problems at the door and put on the best damn show we can!" Sean's had a lot of practice leaving problems outside the proverbial door the last few months. With a recent divorce he admits that any conflicts rising within the band are probably mostly his fault. "My 104

mind's been off the band a bit lately..... but I'm working hard to reconcile that." And while we were on the personal side of things, I asked him about his road to recovery. Sean smiled but seriously said "Well, I used up all my party tickets. It was either clean up or give up." When I asked him if he did it alone he answered, " Nobody completely does it on their own but it's ultimately your own decision." Grateful for his own recovery, Sean has been helping out kids with substance abuse problems. He contributes some money but mostly talks with them, gives them concert tickets, listens. He hopes he can help even just a little. "They have to hit their own bottom, but maybe I can make just a bit of a difference." Knowing that Nick Tabers is under contract to do a solo album, I asked Sean what his possible plans for the future might entail. "Well" he answered introspectively, "I may take a little time off to regroup but Billy and I have also been toying around with the idea of collaborating on something. We've sort of gone down parallel paths, musically speaking, and doing something together could prove creatively stimulating." Considering Sean has been creating music for years, in one incarnation or another, Shard, solo or Rebel Sons, one has to wonder if the well ever runs dry.

"I was having trouble writing recently, having a hard time keeping focused..... but....I have always seemed to be able to find a new creative muse." And where is this current muse emerging from? Could it possibly be the engaging woman from their opening act? "Melody?" I receive a raised eyebrow and coy smile from Sean. "I admit, she has been helping to inspire me. I was mesmerized when I first heard her play and when we started jamming a little bit together...well....it was her music that drew me in at first and now I find my own flowing more freely." (He's playing it safe, but I noted the twinkle in his eyes!) I have gleaned the essence of the energy emanating from this tour, the sparkle of creativity emerging and the hint of a glow of romance. I am left with the impression that although the recent road has had its ups and downs, Sean Thompson is currently riding high enough on the wave of personal and creative satisfaction with plenty more on the horizon .

"I think she has a crush on you Sean" says Melody teasingly. "In fact in our interview we did talk a bit about you." "Yeah I know she is a fan but she handles herself well, and hell She is a good writer." noticing another sheet of paper I say, "Hey What's this?" Melody, I thought you might find these clips interesting. I know I did. I believe we should speak, Soon. 106

Pierce

Oh Shit... As I look up from the page the look of fear I see shocks me even more then what I just read. Quickly Melody looks away and heads toward the phone. "What are you doing?" "Calling Pierce, I have to. He is going to Kill me for this." "Kill you or kill me?" I ask quietly. Turning back to me I see tears in her eyes, "I don't know, that's the problem...I just don't know." Turning away from me she makes what must be a call to Pierce. "Pierce? Hello Melody Here....," surprisingly she sounds perfectly normal, with not a care in the world. "Yes I Just Arrived tonight....How are things? I believe it would be a good idea if you came here tonight....There is something we should... discuss. Yes That would be Fine. See you then. Goodbye." "Well that didn't sound so bad." I say moving to put my arms around her. Pushing away from me she goes to stare of the window. "Of course it didn't sound bad, that's what this world is all about. Saying one thing and meaning another. We have to, it is part of the masquerade and it has become so inbred in us that we do it all the time. You don't know how wonderful it is that I can be myself with you. No pretending, no pretense, just you and me." Turning towards me, I see a tear running down her face. She whispers, "please, I hope we never lose that." "And we never will, I promise." I say taking her into my arms. "Sean you have to promise me that you will do everything I tell you to while he's here. I mean it. There will probably come a point when I ask you leave. Do it. No questions. Nothing. Just do it." "Ok No problem, but aren't you overreacting just a bit? I mean come on how bad can it be?" "Sean you still don't get it. Pierce will see you as a threat, because of who you are. If he sees you are uncontrollable even for me he will order your death, mine too for that matter. And with Pierce, dead means dead. This is very serious Sean. Please don't make light of it." "Ok Melody your right. It is just still hard for me to see things like that. I guess it isn't real to me yet."

"Well it better get real, really fast. Cause reality is about to knock on that door." I spend the next half an hour thinking about what this all means. How can one man decide my fate? That just isn't right. Who is he to make that decision? In my deep thoughts I almost don't notice the bell ringing, almost. As Melody goes to answer the door I find myself with the feeling of butterflies I rarely even feel on stage anymore. "Pierce" Says Melody taking the hand of a rather older looking yet handsome man. He stands about 6 foot, with dark long hair that is slightly gray and slicked back, but that isn't what causes the butterflies to go into hyperdrive. The Presence that surrounds him is astounding.. So much so that it takes my breath away. I have to fight just to keep looking at him for I feel I don't even have that right. "Melody, is it so good to see you. It has been way to long....way too long." His voice is heavy with an English accent that places his heritage. "Yes way too long. Come I want you to meet someone." Standing up I head to meet him half way. This man who is the leader of our kind in this city. The one who will decide my fate. "Pierce, this is Sean Thompson, Sean, Pierce Arlington." As we shake hands his grip is very firm...very. He seems to be looking me over like a race horse. "Yes, I see. Under the circumstances I don't know if I can say I am happy to meet you Sean." "Like wise I am sure." I say with a smile trying to lighten the mood a bit. Although my little joke dies flat from the look I am receiving. Turning towards Melody, Pierce says, "What have you done? I told you to stay a way from him now you have done, this? What were you thinking?" In a pleading voice Melody says, "I had to, he saved my life Pierce. He gave his own for me, I had to bring him back. Vincent tried to shoot me with a wooden arrow. He wanted to keep me as his blood supply. He might have done it if Sean hadn't interfered. Remember Vincent was your operative. He is the one who went nuts." Slowing down I can see that Melody has hit her stride. She is no longer pleading but being the lawyer accusing the defendant. "You should have kept better control of him. Can you imagine the trouble it would have caused if my keyboardist had shot Sean Thompson? Think about that scandal if you please. Think of all the investigating of Vincent and of me." 108

"You do have a point, Melody, however there is a reason we have laws. And what about him. Don't you think people are going to suspect things when he doesn't go out during the day? And if I let everyone do this how many of us would there be?" "As to the first... Well that won't be a problem....he can go out in sunlight." "What??? How?" "We are not totally sure but a friend of his is a mage and she tried to bring him back with magic but it didn't work. So I gave him the blood. But we think both of them together changed things and made it possible. His body is not changing Pierce. It is the same as the day he died. Although he doesn't enjoy the strength we do he can go out in the sun. As to the rest... well..." Not being able to stay silent anymore, I say "Look Pierce, I didn't ask for this. But I am here now. I know your laws, Melody has been teaching me them. I know you can decided what becomes of me and of Melody. I want you to know though that I will do everything I can to make this work whatever it takes. I have learned a lot already and I am willing to learn more. Please, I don't want anything to happen to Melody." "Well on that point we agree. Sean what you may not really understand is that I alone do not hold your fate. Like any politician I am in my position by the support of others. If I loose their faith, I fall. So I have to be sure that my decision is fair by our laws. I do not want to punish Melody. But I don't think I have a choice here. I am sorry..." "No Pierce don't decide yet. Sean please go into the bed room I need to speak with Pierce alone." nodding my head I touch Melody's hand as I pass her. Man I don't want to leave but I know I have to. Melody is the only one who can save us now.

In the bedroom, I try to hear the conversation with my heightened senses but either they are to far, to quiet, or I am just not good enough yet. I hate waiting. Walking around the room I notice the guitar case sitting there. Well why not. Picking up I again admire the workmanship. Whoever made this was a master in his craft. Strumming a chord I hear once again that music from my dream and it starts to take me away. As I play I start to hear a voice, one that sounds familiar, saying you have a purpose, you will live. I feel a calmness overcome me as I slide into the

music. Later, it could have been minutes or even hours I come back to myself. Looking around I see Melody staring out the window. "Is he gone?" She nods keeping herself turned from me. Putting down the guitar I approach her. "Melody, Is everything alright?" Spinning around before I get to her she says, "Let's go for a ride, You wanted to go to your ranch right? Let's go now." "Now?" Starting for the door she turns as she gets there saying, "You coming?" In the car she doesn't say a word. I am not sure what to think. But I can tell she is upset. But every time I try to start a conversation she just sits there looking at the countryside as we pass by. What happened? Gods what if...No I will not think that way, I can't. Concentrating on not loosing my way through the back roads that lead to my ranch, I try not to think about the possibilities. It has been a long time since I have been out this way. I hope the house is ok. I had let the guy watching the house know I was coming so it should be in some kind of shape. As I turn into the drive and the headlights hit the familiar road memories of my years in Chicago with Shard overawe me. How many times did I make this trip? Way to many to count. As we pull up the houselights are on. It looks just like I remember. Glad to see some things don't change. "Well this is it" I say, running around to the other side of the car to let Melody out. "What do you think?" Looking around Melody says, "Very nice, kinda rustic but not overly so. The grounds are gorgeous." Inside I can tell it has been cleaned recently. Everything looks just as I left it. Although I took some things with me the feel of the place was very different from our place in New York, so much of the furniture had stayed. I had also had Debbie ship all the stuff I got to keep back here. Taking Mel by the hand I start to show her around. The tour ends on the back deck. Not being able to ignore it anymore I say, "Ok Melody what happen? I need to know. Are we going to...die?" "No ...we aren't. Neither of us. Not anymore then we already are that is. We found a...compromise." "That's wonderful Melody! I knew you could do it. So what we are going to be restricted? What?" 110

"No that's not it at all. In fact we will not be punished at all. Because we didn't commit any crimes." "Huh? but..." "At least not any that anyone will know about." "I don't get it. You said by creating me you broke the laws." "Yes creating a vampire without permission is against our laws. However, I didn't do that.. at least that is what everyone will think. You see there has been an outbreak of caitiffs lately around the country. Caitiffs are vampires either of mixed blood or of weak blood. They have no clan of their own. But occasionally one of these caitiffs are taken in by a clan, if they are similar in their way of thinking. You see that is what we will say you are... a caitiff." "What? But You said I would be protected since I am your childer..." "And you still will be. Look Sean this is the only way. Don't you see if it gets out that Pierce let me get away with this we will all be dead. This way we all live. The story will be that I found you changed while we were on tour and I took you in to cover the masquerade. You look different in your aura from most vampires due to the magic, so that you are not my Childer will be believed. Tomorrow after the show you will be introduced and that is the story we will tell. Trust me Sean this is the only way." Once again the wall is up surrounding Melody's feelings. Something isn't right. This sounds logical and she maybe right that this is the only way but there is something she isn't telling me. "What else? I can tell there is something else. Tell me I have that right." Looking into my eyes she slowly closes hers as she says, "Yeah your right, there is more. You see you will have no status, you will never have a place in kindred society. I know right now that doesn't matter to you, but in time it will." "No life or no status... I will take the no status I guess. Ok Is that all?" "Well there is one more thing...Actually you may like this part. See there is a link between us because I am your sire. We have to cover that with something else." Slowly she walks towards me, lifting her hand to run it up my arm to my neck. "You need to drink from me. That will cause a bond to be formed. Therefore covering that other link." "But you said..." "I know... I am not happy about it but it can have other advantages...Remember what it was like that first night? It can be like that every night now." Slowly she slides her hand behind my neck pulling me

closer, as she tilts back her head baring her neck to me. I can smell her blood calling to me. But I also remember how against this she has always been, why the change now? "Sean you have to." she says as she feels my resistance. She lifts her head and leans in to kiss me and there is blood on her tongue and I can taste that wonderful essence that is her older blood. After that I can't seem to help myself as I reach for her neck to claim what she is giving to me. Gods the blood in her is better then any I have tasted. The difference between fine wine and beer. I feel her sinking her teeth into my neck as we complete the circuit. I feel her completely, no more walls everything wide open. And although Melody is also feeling the pleasure of this wonderful moment, she is crying inside. Why?

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Crystal Ball Chapter 13

"What a show!" I yell to Billy hi-fiving him as I go by. "Man I will miss this." "Yeah maybe we should do another three years...." "NOT" All four of us yell in unison. "But it has been a blast, what a ride." says Chris. "I think you guys should thank me for putting up with all your wimpy crap and turning you into the true hard rockin, lyric spewing, blues riffin guys your are now." Says Nick in his way. "Yes Nick we will all bow down and thank you from the bottom of our souls." says Billy as he bows down and starts to make ungodly sounds. "Here let me spew right now for you!" Laughing we all head back to the dressing room to get showered before the last shindig before we all head our separate ways. At the party I keep looking at these guys and the crew that have been such a huge part of my life for the past 3 years. I really hate saying goodbye though. And this time it feels a lot more permenate. Melody is at my side the whole evening. Being gracious but reminding me just by her presence that we have an appointment to keep. I start saying my goodbyes, leaving Billy for last. "Hey man I need to be heading out" I say as I get to him. "What dying already old man?" "Yeah right, " say looking over at Melody, "I just have other things to do to night." "Hey you can get that any night. But seriously...we had fun huh?" "You know it. Man this has been some tour. It will be hard to top it." "This is true... but we will try, right?" I look into Billy's eyes and I see the question he is really asking. "Yeah we will do this again. How can't we? I think Nick would shoot us" "Yeah you are probably right about that. You all right though? Everything ok?" "Yeah I think I got it worked out now. Thanks" "Call me anytime, you know that right? Just remember I charge by the hour." Laughing I say "Yeah right. See ya around bud."

"Yeah you too buddy." I hear him say as I turn to head out the door starting my new life.

In the car Melody says, "I know that was hard for you. You ok?" "Yeah I'll be fine it isn't like I will never see them again, right?" "Right...you did bring the guitar?" "Yeah but I am not sure why...." "You are going to put on another performance this evening." "Huh?" "Before you are introduced I want you to play in the private club. We have musicians in there a lot for background music. No vocals just the guitar ok? I want those guys to see what you can do before you are introduced and they pass judgment on you. First impressions are always the most important. It is the least I can do for you." "Oh you really know how to settle a guys nerves huh? No pressure?" I say laughing. "Actually that might be better for me too. Playing the guitar I know how to do. Moving in those circles I haven't a clue." "Just think of them as a room full of actors and musicians trying to one up each other. That will be close to the mark." "Oh that sounds fun." "Who said anything about fun, this is business. Fun comes later." She says as she smiles evilly.

Pulling up to what I believe is the club, I see a line heading out the door as people are waiting to be let in what seems like an exclusive club. Knowing we would be coming I had dressed up in what I thought of as my dress digs. Dockers, long sleeved silk shirt and a vest. These guys were dressed to the hilt though. And they weren't even being let in. I look up and there in lights is the name Crystal Shard. I smile as I look over at Melody who after seeing my glance almost seems to blush. The name is done in almost the same way as the album cover. Hum discrete, I think laughing. I help Mel out of the car, leading her to the door. "Hello, Walter how is it going today?"

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"Miss Samuals, it is good to see you again. I heard you were having a concert tonight how did it go? Everything here is just fine and under control." "The concert was great, Walter. I am sure you are handling everything wonderfully. Walter this is a Good friend of mine, Sean Thompson. Sean this is Walter if you ever need anything just let him know." "Nice to meet you Walter." "Same hear Mr. Thompson." Leaning over he almost whispers, "I hope you had a good show too." "Yes I did thanks." I say as I wink and laugh. Heading into the club I see a few people dressed much differently then the rest of the crowd head around the side of the building. Seeing my gaze Melody says. "Oh they are going to the mosh pit. We actually have three clubs here. The pit is around the side in the basement. Maybe sometime I will take you there but not tonight. The regular club is one the first floor. It has more of the mainstream dancing and bands. Sometimes I even do concerts there. The private club is quite different. Almost like the men's clubs of old. Well you will see. Come on I will give you a mini tour before we head up there. Strangely enough I don't hear any music when I first walk in. Most clubs seem to have it blasting while you are outside. But this seems more like the foyer of a grand hotel then a club. The ceiling is vaulted. There are stairs to the left leading up, and what looks like a front desk to the right. All of a sudden someone opens the set of double doors in front of me and the music seems to rush out like it is trying to escape the bonds that have been put on it. "Oh we have sound proof walls. With three clubs we want to make sure that they don't interfere with each other. Especially up stairs. Here you can put you guitar behind the desk. Stacy watch this for us please?" "Yes Miss Samuals it is good to have you back." Smiling Melody says, "Thanks Stacy, it is good to be back." Turning to me she says, "Come on I will show you the club." Taking my hand she leads me through the doors. The wash of music once again goes over and through me. As my eyes start to adjust, I notice how many people there are. The place is packed. As we walk through though I notice we are not jostled or bumped much. Many of the people seem to know Melody as they nod their heads as we pass by. When we get to the dance floor I start to notice the theme invading everything. The dance floor is jagged looking

like actual crystal, in a percular shape. I think I have seen that before. I turn and raise and eyebrow to Mel. She just looks down smiling. As I look around I see what are probably supposed to be more "crystal shards" lit up hanging from the ceiling. The stage is towards the back and it looks to be a full stage not just a platform. Then I notice the lead singer of the band. He starts walking up a ramp that extends out from the stage up above the heads of the dancers. The platform is again shaped familiarly. I start laughing. "Don't you think it is a little over done?" I yell to Mel over the music. Taking my hand she forcibly leads me back out the doors. In the foyer she gets my guitar and shoves it at me. "Hey are you mad?" Sighing deeply, Mel says, "No not really but I was a little nervous about all this. Not to mention everything else. But to tell you truth, I am sorry to say most of the kids that come in here don't even get the reference. They just think it is cool. That song did came out before most of these guys were out of diapers you know?" "Boy you sure now how to inflate a guys ego right before he goes on huh? Yeah you are probably right though. So let's get this show on the road." As we circled around the staircase I can feel the nerves starting to jump. This is stupid I have played to thousands of people, this will be a small group. Why should I be nervous? I ignore the obvious reason, and try to reason with those butterflies inside me. At the next landing I see a desk, very posh, with what looks like a secretary sitting behind it. The stairs continue but Melody stops at the desk. "Marjorie, are there many people in the club tonight?" "Actually, there seem to be quite a few, it is good to have you back Miss Samuals. Things just haven't been the seem around here with out you." Once more Mel smiles, "To tell you the truth Marjorie it is good to be back. It was fun but this is home. Sean this is Marjorie, she is in charge of making sure no one gets in the club who is not a member. Also if you want to borrow any of the rooms upstairs for any thing you just let her know. Marjorie, this is Sean Thompson, a new... member. Please help him with whatever he needs." Smiling, Marjorie says, "Oh it will be my pleasure. Good to meet you Mr. Thompson. If you will just sign in we will get you all official and everything." 116

As she leans over pushing the book forward so I can reach it I see a generous portion of her anatomy. Smiling back at her, I say, "No it is my pleasure to meet you." I sign the book which seems covered with signatures of what I would think of as autographs, since most of them are illegible. In fact one of them is in crayons. "Oh I like this one Miss Samuals, you should keep him." " I intend to Marjorie, I intend to." The set of double doors that Melody walks towards seems somehow intimidating. However she walks toward them expectantly. Carrying my guitar, almost like a life preserver, I make the jump. Inside, it looks like a men's club of old gone slightly wrong. There are the dark walls and comfortable chairs, the fireplaces are lit, waiters in black serving tuxes, passing out drinks. Most of the people standing around are wearing suits or cocktail dresses. But after the first look there are noticeable differences. The drinks are all red, with a very thick look to them. Almost everyone is very pale like they haven't seen the sun in years. Not to mention the few people not dressed like the rest. A couple are in normal clothes, another looks right off the streets, and yet another group looks to be in gang colors. As Melody walks in ahead of me, I first see the faces smile in appreciation, as they fall to me however, I can feel the questions start to fill the room. A murmur runs around the room, as they either try to figure out who I am, or for those who know, to tell their neighbors. Having stopped cold when I entered the room I notice Melody looking back at me raising an eyebrow. Slowly I resume my entrance into this oppressing room. Following Melody I notice a slight stage towards the back. I quickly get out my guitar and sit at the lone chair. "For now don't say anything and don't sing, just play," Melody whispers, "get used to this, watch, and try to relax ok? Everything will be fine." I can tell though that she is worried. Ok Sean, This is just like any small party you have done them over the years. Just play, relax and play....I lightly run over the strings to check the tuning, close my eyes, and try to block out everything. I start to play. The strains that slowly start to come out of the guitar are soft at first, but soon start to grow. I love this guitar. The sound is amazing, so sweet yet there is a sense of calling. As sometimes happens, more and more these days, I fall into the music becoming one with it. It takes over my soul. My fingers with a mind of their own continue this music I only seem to hear in my dreams. My dreams... I always forget. It starts out with Me and Melody falling intertwining, the words 'My blood your blood we are one'

echoing. Then I am in a garden, everything is bright and lush, for the first time I recognize this place. It is my parents garden. My mom always worked so hard on it, although it never looked this good. I am walking. Someone is with me...I look up to the person beside me... "Dad?" "Yes son." says Edward Thompson, my father. The man who supported me through all the years no matter what crazy stupid things I did. The man who died 8 years ago. My dad.. "What ..How.." "That doesn't matter now. There are things I need to tell you. I think you may be finally ready. I know these past few months have been difficult. But it was necessary. You will face many things in your life you will have to overcome. Today is just one more. Do as your sire has said. There are reasons you must be separate from the rest. The differences in you are there for a reason. You are not like the rest." "But why? and why you?" "Actually you are here of your own choice. You may not remember but when you died you were given a choice, you chose to come back." "What?" But even as I said it I caught the fragment of a memory of another dream, of making a choice. "You remember now? Good that will make this easier." "But why you? This life has nothing to do with you....Does it?" Some how the thought of my parents or any other relatives being involved in this damned life filled me with dread. "What you are is still a part of this world. Never forget that. Kindred are not set apart. Yes they have their place in the food chain but is the lion better or above the sheep? No they just are. So are you. I am here because what you are becoming affects us all. Living, dead, and those in between." "Becoming?" I feel like we are talking but having two different conversations. "Yes, these first few years will just be the start. There is something coming that effects us all, and you are going to be a part of it.. What part is your choice. I was brought to you because it was thought you would listen to me." he smiles. "Although if they knew us a little better..." I laugh, my dad was never one to tell me what to do. He would make suggestions and I would do as I pleased. Although he always seemed to be in the back of my mind. Many of the changes I have made in my life in the past 8 years were started by dropped kernels of truth from this man. 118

"Actually I think I might have been listening more then you thought..." I say looking into his eyes. "Yeah son I know... I am proud of you, you know. I always have been." "Thanks... How much do you know..." "Oh Quite a bit. I check in on you and the rest of our family quite a bit. Quite a little girl you got there. You better watch out for her. She is going to be worse then you and that is saying a lot my boy." We both start laughing. This is so weird. I really feel I am walking in the garden talking to my dad.. but I know this can't really be happening. "Anyway, right now I am here to remind you that this is what you chose. And do you remember the reasons now?" "Um... something about doing something important...?" "Yeah, although this will happen a few years down the road. Right now is not going to be the best time in your life. But you will learn many things that will help you later." He stops for a minute turning away, "I wish you didn't have to go through all this actually. No parent wants their kid to get hurt. But sometimes it is the only way to learn. Be careful kid ok?" He turns back towards me putting his hand on my shoulder, "You have it within you. I know you do. And remember I am always with you." Slowly the music that never really went away starts to get louder as the garden and my dad start to fade. Finally, the club starts to come back but I still feel a hand on my shoulder. And I know that he is still there. Blinking my eyes a couple of times I start to look around at what is going on, first searching out Melody. I see her talking with a group of well dressed people, who are at the moment laughing at something. Somehow Melody seems different. Like the Mel I fell in love with isn't even there anymore. Being in the business I am I have had my share of business parties, and shoomzing. So I know the look. The ones that could charm a snake with just the look of an eye. I have never been good at that. I am more the tell it like it is live with me kind of person. But Melody, this social creature I see, going from group to group, leaving a swath of followers behind her, is the best I have ever seen. Then as I look around I notice Pierce coming in. Everyone seems to stop a minute to look at him, trying each in there own way to get his attention. However as he goes to sit in a chair that looks out on the whole room it is Melody's eye he catches. She nods to him and comes over to me. "Ok Sean show time." she says quietly.

"I thought that was what I was doing." I say laughing to myself. "Oh that was just the pre-show now the real show starts. Hold your head up. Only nod to Pierce, the rest look straight in the eye. There is a strict hierarchy here and you are about to be set in it. Follow me." I put my guitar up and follow Melody over to where everyone seems to be gravitating. Many of the people look at me and seem to be sizing me up. I feel like a piece of meat. But I look them in the eye and smile like this is the most pleasant night of my life. Taking Mel's arm I stand there trying to look relaxed. "Ahh friends how good to see so many of you here this fine evening." Says Pierce. "Although somehow I doubt it is my face you are all here to see. Come here Melody my dear. The prodigal child has returned." He stands up as Melody lets go of my arm to go to him. They greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. "My dear you have been missed." "And I have missed all of you. It was fun.. but it is good to be home." "Although the tales of your adventures have been widespread...in both worlds. Seems you are doing well, your concert tonight was the talk of the town." "Thank you. It is something I have always wanted to do. But now, " she says turning to everyone else and smiling, "It is time to get back to business. I think I have years of gossip to catch up with for just six months of time." Everyone laughs at this. Once again I see her working a very different type of crowd. "Although this time I think it is you who has some gossip... or should I say story to tell. Who is this? He seems vaguely familiar." As Pierce sits back down Melody puts her hand out to me. "Ah yes, I thought you might want to meet him." To everyone she says, "Isn't he a wonderful guitarist?" Everyone starts nodding and clapping, but it is polite at best, although I do notice some interesting looks from a couple of the women. "This is Sean Thompson, a member of the group Rebel Sons that I was touring with." "What!!! How dare you bring him here..." an older looking man says. He is dressed in what would be considered an old fashioned suit, with an ascot. "Oh, Trevor, please. He is one of us of course, what can't you tell?" "You changed him? This is an outrage!! Pierce you must do something..." 120

"You fool...do you think I would do something that stupid? For once listen before you decide to pass judgment. Unless of course you think you know better then your own prince that is...." She says smiling sweetly. "Of course not, Pierce I am sure you will handle this correctly." he says sitting back down. "Thank you Trevor, I am sure you are looking out for the good of all of us. Please tell us how this man is here, Melody. You had better have a good reason for this." "Yes of course. As you all know I have been on tour with Sean here for the past 6 months. About 2 months into it we were in Dallas. When I was coming out of the building after the performance I heard a noise. Looking around I found Sean behind a dumpster. Already changed but very weak. Not knowing who was behind this, I quickly got him to my bus to cover any problems. He was barely conscience at this point. They had given him just enough to change him. If I had left him there he would have frenzied, breaking the masquerade probably. Back at the bus I got him the blood he needed and explained to him some of what happened. By the time I got him somewhat calmed down, we had to leave, so I wasn't able to investigate. I decided to keep the masquerade. I had to take him in and teach him our ways. There was no way to stop the tour at that point, so we found ways to work around things. Sean came to learn and accept his new life. Although, he had his moments, but I won't go it to that." She says smiling at me. I can see many of the people looking at me trying not to laugh. "So I bring him here to be introduced not as my Childer but as my protg. I hope you find him acceptable." "You have taught him our ways? The traditions, how to hunt safely..." "Yes he has learned what he needs to survive." "What are your thoughts on why this happened to him?" "Well I have thought about it. Now this is just a guess but it makes sense. I think he was changed to draw attention to me. My position gives me enemies, you all know that. My going on this tour was looked down by some as childish and dangerous." I notice that a few glances were thrown toward Trevor. "So I suppose that by changing Sean like that was to make problems for me. However, Sean adapted to our life better then was expected." she smiles at me with a look of pure seduction at that point. "Either that or it was just dumb bad luck." Everyone laughs once again."

"I suppose it could be either of those explanations. Under the circumstances though I don't see how you could have done differently." "Wait a minute..." Says Trevor standing back up. "Are you saying you are going to believe this right off. How convenient. How do we know that is what happen. We know how the Toreadors have a tendency to conveniently forget to ask permission to make their childer. How do we know she isn't his sire?" "Why Trevor are you calling me a liar? How quaint." "I am not calling you anything my dear.. not yet." Rising up, Pierce says, "Ok that is a fair question. Unfortunately Melody is our only truth sayer, so we can not test her on that. However there are many here who can read the blood itself. Please test him and see if he is Clan Toreador of Melody's line." All of a sudden I feel every eye in the place on me as they 'size' me up. I wonder as I look around which of them wants to find what. Who is an enemy, who a possible ally or friend. "There is a connection between the two...However his blood is different..." Says a beautiful woman wearing an elegant blue dress. "He could not have changed that far from her in this amount of time. Melody can not be his sire." Many of the people seem to nod in agreement. I can tell however that Trevor is not convinced. "Thank you Lita, anyone else?" says Pierce looking around. "What is this Connection?" Says Trevor trying to hang on to something. "If you must know...we are bonded...at least he is bonded to me. For as you know I can not be bonded again." says Melody seeming to crack just a little showing some emotion. I am beginning to realize just how good an actress Mel is since I know what she is feeling and it is far from sadness. "Yes that makes sense," says Lita. "Anyone dispute me?" From the back of the room I hear a laugh that makes me shiver. "Dispute you? hehehehhe, who would do that dear Lita? Why would you lie deary? Interesting what the bonds of blood can be covered by though huh? Oh and Melody back already? And with boy toy in tow? I'll bet everyone is sooo happy to see you and I am sure they all told you so too. Taking notes? I would. Boy a welcome home party and I wasn't invited how droll of you old boy. So princy you gonna take her word for it Or does the pretty boy get the axe? I have one if you need it." This boy who looks 16 with a long trench coat on reaches into his coat and pulls out a 122

wallet. "Oops, what is this, Oh was that yours? Must have found it, catch. Oh well seem to have left it behind... I am sure I can find something." I realize this must be one from the clan Malkavian as I see Melody head over to this lunatic, "Oh Hood it is good to see you again. Pierce how could you not invite my friend Hood? Shame on you. Come have a drink. I think you will enjoy this." "Oh I am sure I will...I am sure I will." "Does anyone else have anything to say...What about you Sean? You have been very quiet through all this." Again all the eyes swing to me. "It has been a little difficult to get a word in edge wise." I say laughing a bit. "But although I did not ask for this life, I have learned I can be a part of this world while covering who I am. If I can do it on tour I can do it anywhere, trust me. Melody has taught me your ways...Our ways. And although I don't understand everything yet...I am learning more... every night. In fact this evening has been very...educational." I say looking over at Trevor. "I know my life is in your hands Pierce. But I also know you are fair. I didn't ask for this, but I have done my best to keep this masquerade, and live this unlife that has been thrust upon me by one of yours." "Very well, since Melody has already taken you in hand so to speak, you may continue your existence under her tutelage. But be careful. Your public image is too high, you must be careful. There are those out there who hunt us. One slip and they will be on you, and anyone close to you." "I understand. And thank you." He nods, "For now you will share hunting grounds with Melody. When I have decided you have proved yourself you will get your full standing until then you are still Childer." Lowering my eyes I nod to him as I back up to where Melody is standing. Whispering Melody says, "Not bad dear, I will make a proper Toreador out of you yet. Come on lets get out of here before the vultures start circling." We head over to get my guitar and run almost right into Lita. "Leaving so soon?" She says seductively, "I haven't even gotten a chance to say hello to your new... friend." "Lita, Sean, Sean, Lita. Better?" She says laughing. "Much...Sean it is so nice to meet you. And by the way I just love that instrument of yours, and the way you play it...well if I where human it would make me blush." she says with a wink.

"I am sure it would but a blush on that face would be beautiful...To bad that isn't possible any more. It is good to meet you Lita, but it has been a long night and I am still not quite used to the hours. I am sure you understand." Taking her hand I lightly kiss the cold hand, keeping my eyes on hers. "Oh yes I do...You are going to be fun. I am glad we get to keep this one Melody. Till next time Sean. " She blows me a kiss as she turns to go back to the group. Looking at Melody I try not to laugh as I see the expressions that passes through her face. Griping the guitar we head for the doors, passing by the guys in gang colors on our way. One of them gets up just as I pass by knocking into my shoulder. "Hey watch where you're going pretty boy." he says. "Sorry, um..." "Snake and don't you forget it." "Nope I don't think I will." "Hey don't you look down your nose at me, course how can he? He is too short aren't you pretty boy? You are just a childer, I how ever am the Primogen of clan Brujah." "Brujah huh? That explains it." The minute the words were out of my more I knew it was the wrong thing to say, but I hate being called short. "Hey what's that supposed to mean? Huh? You got a problem with the Brujah? I can give you a problem alright...." "Snake, Hey what do you think you are doing?" Says Melody stepping in between us. "No fighting here you know that." "Yeah not here...watch yourself little man. Just watch yourself." After that Melody drags me out the door . We head to a door I hadn't noticed before, behind the receptionist who winks as we pass by. It seems to be a suite. Putting down the guitar I flop into one of the chairs as the events of the past hour rush over me. "What the hell was that?" says Melody standing over me looking really upset. "I don't like being called short." I say shrugging and taking her hand. "So you piss off the most hot headed guy in the room?" Pulling her on too my lap, I say "And if I had acted afraid of him he would have loved me? I doubt it. At least now he might respect me a little. Look lets forget about that ok?" Reaching around I pull her down to kiss her...a kiss that seems to make me forget just how tired I am. 124

"Did I see a bed back there?" "Hummmm I believe you may have. Shall we go see? "Yes I think we should...Defiantly."

Dangerous Game Chapter 14

Waking up I look around trying to remember where I am. Oh yeah Melody's club. Slowly I pull away from her, leaving her sleeping peacefully. So now what? It feels weird not to have another show to go to. Nowhere I have to be. Pulling on some clothes I decide to explore this club in a little more detail. At the door I turn back to Melody a moment just looking at her. Man, I love this woman. I can't believe just how much. How did I fall this far this fast? I guess I didn't have a choice. Love is like that. In the other room I notice what looks like an elevator. Hey why not? So I get in it. It opens into what looks like an office. Melody's office. Looking around at the pictures and degrees on the walls I wander around trying to get used to this other side of Melody. It seems so strange to think of her being in Business. Although after last night it shouldn't. She really knows what she is doing. I think the strangest thing, to me anyway, is the fact there is no showing of anything musical in here. I would think this is the office of someone in a law firm or a corporation. Not a dance club. It just doesn't seem to fit the Melody I know. Suddenly the door opens. Turning around I see the girl from the front desk last night. What was her name... Stacy that's right. "What...?" Says Stacy, looking rather startled that anyone is in here. "Oh hey Stacy right? I was just looking around. That ok?" "Oh Yeah sure Mr. Thompson. I was just surprised is all." "I'll bet. Actually I didn't think anyone would be around. You guys are here during the day?" "Um Yeah...I am actually Melody's assistant. I take care of her business during the day, while she is... um ... sleeping." "Oh Cool. I'm sorry I'm in your way. I was just being a snoop." I say winking at her. She Laughs. "No to at all, I just needed to get some keys. I have to open the back door for the band." She heads to the desk. "Band?" "Yeah a new band is coming in to try to get a gig. They have to get their stuff set up. Oh where are those things? Ahh here we go." She lifts out a set of keys and starts to head for the door. "Hey mind if I tag along?" 126

"Not at all. I thought you might want to see them." "Oh why is that?" "Well I know you are a musician. It seems like you guys always want to check out the other musicians." "Well that is true enough. Lead on, my dear. So who is this band? Local group?" "No actually they are from Dallas, called Blood Brothers" "What! Johnny's band? You have got to be kidding." I quickly head out to the main club looking around. On the stage I spot Johnny checking out the stage area. "What the hell are you doing here." I say walking up to the stage smiling. "Sean!" Johnny says as he comes over to give me a big bear hug. "Hey man good to see you." "What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were on your way back to Texas." Laughing Johnny says, "Yeah well this was supposed to be a surprise. Since I had to miss the past few months with the band Melody said she felt like she owed me. So she is going to give the band a go here in Chicago, and give us a chance for a new audience." "Way cool man. I hear the bands Melody backs do well, so who knows. And hey I still know a few people here too." I say winking. "Well if it isn't short blonde and cute." I hear coming from behind me. Spinning around I see... "Jackie!!!" I say running to her and spinning her around. "Hey put me down. I just saw you yesterday, why the big hello?" Putting her down I say "Guess it is just good to see some familiar faces." "Oh? How did last night go? You went into the lions den right? Or should I say bat cave." "Cute, yeah I got introduced.... I guess it went ok...I am still here right?" "You don't seem to sure of yourself." "I am just not sure about some of it, I need to talk to Melody...In the mean time lets get you guys set up. I haven't heard the band in ages. Let's see how youre doing." We spend the next few hours working with the band, getting set up, and jamming. Been a while since I did the club scene. Actually the Rebels did some club dates back in the beginning. Late night things just to try

stuff out. When you don't have it as your main income that can be fun. It has been a while since I have been the struggling artist. But that is the point in your career where the music is everything. You learn a lot doing that stuff. When I went solo I had another taste of it...but I still had royalties coming in from Shard to help out. But every night was a different set up, and I played in some strange places. But Johnny is still in the beginning. When everything is about the music and making it. You may worry about money...but for some reason when you start making it, it becomes a whole lot more complicated. Sometimes the music gets lost. I think that is what happened to me. I got so caught up in the business...not to mention the partying, that I lost track of the music. I think that is why Rebel Sons means so much to me. That band is all about the music. All of us, except Chris, have already had our days in the spotlight. That isn't what it is about. We do it cause we love it. Not because we have to, or we need money, but because it is fun. Yeah we had the hard moments but what family doesn't? I will miss those guys...I hope getting this part of my life in check doesn't take too long. I would love to get with Billy on that album we were talking about. But first I do have to deal with everything. Being on the road put them in danger. Until I know how to handle this new life I need to stay away from my old one. Looking at my watch I notice it is starting to get dark. I head back to Melody's room in time to catch her before she wakes. I love watching her sleep. She looks so calm and composed...nothing seems to mar the facade. There is also a touch of innocence. Sleep does that to people. It shows you their true face. Lying next to her I almost don't notice when her eyes actually open. I just know there she is with those incredible green eyes. "Evening." I say giving her a kiss. "Evening...Did you sleep well?" "Actually yes I did...Although I did get up earlier and go exploring. Ran into some old friends. Why didn't you tell me you hired Johnny's band?" "Because it was a surprise of course. What kind of surprise would it be if I told you? Anyway I thought you could use some friends around...Ones that will be totally on your side." Something about the way she says that seems wrong. "Yeah it is great to have them here, but...that is a strange way to put it." "Is it? Well I didn't mean it to. Anyway we need to talk." 128

"Oh about..?" "Last night. I am sure there are things you didn't quite understand. Also there are some things you should know." "Well that is true enough. Who is that Trevor guy? He seemed pretty uptight." "Yeah that is one way to put it. He is the Primogen of clan Tremere. The Tremere are...well very secretive and power hungry. They all work together very closely but no one else trusts them an inch. They use their blood to do a magic of sorts. Not like what Jackie does but something different. I don't understand it myself. But Trevor is their leader and he wants to be Prince. So he will do what ever he can to discredit Pierce..." "And since you are his Heir, if he discredits you he discredits him." "Very good. Exactly. Watch out for him. He will be watching you. There is no telling what he has his hand into." "Gottcha. What about that guy Hood... he was Malkavian right?" "Yup, no doubt about that. Actually Hood isn't too bad. I have worked with him a lot. As you know Malkavians are all insane. Hood's insanity is he likes to act like Robin Hood.... Hence Hood. He steals stuff from us "rich" people and leaves it for the poorer people. I usually leave something for him in the safe. I look at it as a form of charity. Oh if you want to keep something from Hood leave it lying out in the open. He won't take it unless it is locked up. Crazy I know...but he is a Malkavian. As long as you know his ways you can work around them and he actually can be a very strong ally. "You seem to look at people as how they are useful to you...don't you?" I say not sure if I like that idea. "Well...In a way don't we all? Look at it this way Sean. Kindred are just like people but more concentrated. We feel things more intensely, and the instinct to survive is honed to a fine point. Especially when it comes to Power. I think it is something in the blood." I turn away as I see more and more just how cold this new world is. How can I live like this? Is it really even living? I feel a hand on my shoulder. "Sean, love...I know this is hard for you. It isn't your nature. I hope it never is. That is one of the things I love about you." Turning me around she says, "I hope you can forgive me when I fall into that mode. You are the one who keeps me real. Without you..." "Hey... you don't have to worry about that. I am not going anywhere." Looking into those beautiful eyes I lean in to gently kiss her.

How can I doubt this? It feels so right...but...there are times when I do doubt her. Why? I don't understand these conflicting emotions. "So who is Lita?" I say trying to turn the subject back to less confusing subjects. "I was wondering when you would ask about her. She is a member of clan Toreador, like me. Although she has me on years I have her on power of the blood. You see as the blood is passed on from sire to childer it loses power. So the farther from the original source you are the less powerful you are." "Original source?" "Well that is the disputed part. No one these days knows for sure where the original source came from...however there are rumors. The one that has the most credence is that we are descended from Cain, who was thrown into darkness by God for killing his brother. That is why some of us call ourselves Cainites. As to the truthfulness of that, who knows. I myself have never met anyone who knew for sure." "Yikes, descended from Cain???" Wow, interesting thought. "So anyway my blood is more powerful then Lita's and she hates it. So even though we are from the same clan I still have to watch her. If she could find a way to bring me down, she would be the Primogen of the Toreadors." "Jeez this is worse then the music industry. And that is saying a lot. I thought there were two-faced backstabbers in my business... "Oh we have them beat hands down dear." She says laughing. "Anyway, I need to catch up on work so why don't you go out and get a snack and I will see you later. Remember where I told you you can hunt." "Yeah I remember," I say pulling on my jacket, "I think I might head over to the apartment for a change and a shower first though." I had sent some of my things to Melody's apartment since it was more convenient. The ranch was just a little far for nightly trips to the city. Not to mention I could see Melody more this way. Grabbing a cab, I end up back at Mel's. I could get used to this place. The view is just awesome. After a shower and a change I am ready for my nightly hunt. Coming out of the building though I see someone who looks familiar. No way... Vincent? What would he be doing here? But just that fast he is gone again. Shit where.... Looking up and down the street I notice someone moving very quickly more from the wake he is leaving then by seeing him. For some strange reason I head out after him. Shit this is the guy who killed me. The one who made it so Melody changed me. 130

Who made me give up so much. I don't know if it was the training that Johnny had been giving me, or an unfounded sense of competency, or just plain stupidity. Maybe some of all three. But I had to find him. At the street corner I looked around trying once again to find him. There...across the street...shit, he turned another corner.... OK where? Now I am using my heightened senses to locate him. It is dark but I can still see like it is daylight. Once again I am after him. Celerity makes me faster as the street crowds thin to almost nothing. Shit he is not going to get away this time. As he heads around another corner I get a sense of apprehension. He is turning into an alleyway. Slowing down I carefully make my way to the entrance. Something about this feels wrong...Shit, should I just leave.... But I may never find him again. With my back up to the wall I slowly look around the corner, hoping to see what I don't know. I feel stupid like I am in some cop show or something. And what I see is.... Nothing, nada, he is gone. "Shit!! God damn it," I say as I head into the empty alley. Probably went out the other side while I was playing cop. Turning around to go back I see two other guys coming in the entrance behind me. Oh Great. Now what? I try to act casual like I always run into alleys. When I see one of them smile at me with too much tooth showing to be normal. Oh Shit. Here we go again. As they come closer I look at my surroundings and casually reach for the knife in my pocket. Hey Johnny did teach me a few things. "Hey looky looky. What have we here?" Says the one who was smiling. "Looks like we caught a spy." Says the other one who is not smiling. "Spy? What you guys are nuts I am just taking a walk." I am trying to keep them from surrounding me by keeping my back to the wall. "Walk? Somehow I don't think this is your neighborhood, chum. I think you are in my neighborhood. Do you know what we do to trespassers here?" For some reason I just can't help myself. "Oh Jeez that sounds like a fuckin bad 70's gang movie can't you do better than that?" "Oh Really? A bad movie huh? I'll give you a bad movie." And he rushes at me. I use the techniques that Johnny showed me and a couple of them actually work. If I can just get out of here back to where there are people I will be fine. Just slow them down. I start pumping my strength up and make myself even faster. I actually get them lined up with a shove and

knock them both down so I can get away. Unfortunately just as I get to the opening another four guys show up in front of me, and then what has to be a lead truck hits first my stomach, then my face, and everything goes black.

132

A Criminal Mind Chapter 15

"Hey pretty boy, wakey, wakey...." I hear as I slowly come back to my senses. "Hey! Wake up!" Then a slap across the face. What the.... I try to break through the cobwebs in my mind as I try to remember where I am and what happened. Vincent!!! That's right I was following him...Then the fight. Then....nothing. So where? I try opening my eyes but I can't see. Like there is something in front of my eyes. I try to raise my hand to push it away and can't. It is tied up behind me. Then I realize I am sitting in what feels like a wooden chair tied with my hands behind my back. Shit this does not look good. "Who..??" I get out before once again I get slapped across the face. "You, Shut up. Unless I tell you to speak." Says a voice that sounds familiar. "Vince..." Slap again. "What can't follow directions? I said 'Shut up!'" I decide holding my tongue for now might be a good idea. So instead of asking I start listening to see if I can figure anything out. It sounds like there are quite a few people around me from all the footsteps. Plus they echo a lot, so somewhere big? Maybe... It smells like a trash heap, almost making me gag. Good thing I don't actually have to breathe this stuff. So probably a bad part of town huh? Well I doubt these guys would be in an upscale condo huh? Yeah Right. Maybe I can pick up something from their conversation. "Great so now what do we do with him? I mean he is under Melody's protection right? Does that mean she is going to come after us???" "Oh stop your whimpering fool. No one knows we have him. He might even be of some use. Of course he won't be useful to anyone for too much longer." Hmmm... That does not sound good. "Not that anyone will care, he is a caitiff after all. Melody will probably thank us for getting him off her hands." Everyone laughs over this... Hmmm for some reason I don't feel like laughing. "If you really believe that you are a fool." Says the voice I know as Vincent. "Melody will thank no one for taking what is hers. I can't believe you guys took him without even thinking about it. I say we give him back. For a price anyway."

"Give him back are you mad? What just an 'Oops, sorry didn't mean to beat up your protg like that.' Are you nuts?" "No No, don't you see by returning him she is in our debt. It was all a big mistake... right Mr. Thompson?" "Ummmm...yeah right a mistake." What else am I supposed to say? "See? No problem." "So we are supposed to return him for nothing...?" "Now I didn't say that did I? Ask for a 'finders fee', who knows she might actually pay it." He says laughing. "Finders fee huh? I like that. Fine we will try it your way. This time. You better just hope this works. If not...well then we will see." I hear them walk away from me then. I wish I could at least see. The other voice sounded familiar too but I couldn't quite place it. As the hours melt away I try to loosen the bonds on me, but to no avail. Every once in a while one of the guys comes over to poke fun at me. Tease me with blood I can only smell. Trying to make me frenzy. Man what is going to happen to me? Please Melody get me out of this. Please. I call to her over our bond. The bond of blood and love. Please help me. I have never felt so helpless before. I have no idea how to get out of this. If I use the blood I will frenzy, I have already lost too much. This is so out of my league it isn't funny. I am really starting to understand why Melody says this world is so dangerous. Shit. I have only really been a part of it one day and here I am. Please Melody.... You have to get me out of this... Hours later, who knows how many, I hear a door slam and foot steps that walk right up to me. Somehow I know it is Vincent, the man who killed me. The one who started this whole tangled mess for me. The frustration and anger start to build in me like I have never known before. "Well, Bub it seems like you have a big problem," he says. "Seems Miss Samuals is not inclined to pay a reward for you. And I thought she liked you better than that. Especially after all she did for you..." "What? What do you mean?" "Well we made an offer and she refused." "Refused? I don't understand..." "Ahh poor Sean. You still don't understand this world do you? She has cut you loose. You are not worth the price to her. Evidently she would rather lose you then to owe us. That is her choice, and actually I have to applaud her for that. Hell, she just proved where her loyalties lay didn't she? She will always choose Pierce and power over love. I think she may be worthy after all. But I guess that doesn't make anything better for you 134

though huh? Well, look at it this way you got a few more months of life then you would have." "So what happens to me now?" Melody leaving me for dead...no way. She wouldn't would she? It must be a trick. Has to be. She could never do that to me. Right? "Well Snake has decided that he wants you off his hands...Doesn't want his hands dirty so to speak. So after the boys here have a little fun, they are going to chain you on the top of a building so you can see the sunrise... one last time." Everyone laughs at that. Wait a minute, but the sun... they think.... Hmm last laugh on them huh? But I don't want them to know that. "No You can't!! Wait please... I have money. I can pay you. Anything please!!" Hell, maybe that will work. I hear the hesitation in his voice. "Hmmm... No I don't think so. You have been a thorn in my side for a long time now." Leaning down to me his says quietly in my ear. "Plus, remember I know all your secrets. I know who's childer you are, and I know why. You may become a powerful enemy in time, I can't allow that." Standing back up, he says, "Ok boys take care of him." For the next few minutes, although it seems like hours, I feel blow after blow rain down on me, then the teeth bite and I feel my life being drained away. I start feeling light headed, and all the pain recedes. Maybe it is better this way. If Melody would let this happen maybe I don't want to live. Eventually I feel someone lift me, but I am too hurt and drained to even try to get away. I just lay there, trying to understand what is happening to me. My whole life has come down to this. Passing in and out of consciousness, I am finally set down, my hands still bound. I feel something click around my battered wrist, as the blindfold is pulled from my eyes. "Here you go. I would hate for you to miss your last sunrise!" Laughter filters into my brain from behind me. I don't even bother to turn to look. All I want to do is fall into oblivion, to not feel any more... to end this unnatural life. And thankfully I finally do.

Slowly I wake as the morning breeze plays over my face. Hmmm. I guess I am not dead then.... Ahh the sun...my friend and every other kindred's enemy. So now what? I am sure they will come check on me tonight. So my reprieve is short. I feel a burning inside of me...a painful

burning...the hunger. I need blood. With blood I could break free of these bonds and get out before they come back....Then what? Go back to Melody? Melody...did she really leave me to die? I can't believe that...and yet, thinking about some of the things she has done I wonder. Maybe power is more important to her. How am I going to get out of this one? Suddenly I hear the sound of a metal door opening. Looking around I see a guy coming through the door on the roof. Looks like a janitor maybe. "Help me. Please help me." I cry. Hoping he won't run. Hoping he is actually a nice guy. "Who is there? What the...? Wow looks like someone did a number on you." Yeah, I can imagine how I look. "Here let me see what I can do." As he gets closer I can feel hope surging through me. I am going to get away. I can go back to my life. I can...as he gets closer I smell his blood...the blood I need...the blood I can hear pulsing in his veins. No!! This guy is helping you. I try desperately to hold on to that hunger inside me and not give way to it. "There you go," he says, using his tools to cut the ropes and the handcuffs keeping me restrained. "Here let me help you up. Hey you need to go to the hospital or something?" I am trying with all my will to hold onto the beast but when he touches me I can't help it, something snaps. It is like I am not even there. I am watching my body launch onto this poor, nice guy. Watching as I latch onto his neck sucking with every ounce of strength I have to get to the blood I have to have. Oh the blood...yes I can feel it coursing through me healing me, giving me strength. The blood I am a part of...but this man, oh god this man.... I can feel his life rolling through me...his children...his wife.... I see his life go before my eyes...then nothing.... I open my eyes and pull back. God what have I done? I expect a look of terror on his face but there isn't. More a look of wonder and maybe peace. Carefully I close his eyes.. Eyes that will never see again. I lick the wound on his neck, knowing I have to. Without thinking, I lift his body and head to the side of the building. I know that he has stood here before and contemplated doing just this. Now this is what people will think happened. And who would blame him? Dead end job. Wife he hates. Why continue anyway? Slowly I let him fall over the edge of the building. Watching as he falls and hits the alley pavement with a thud. For the longest time I just stand there, looking at this man... this man who's blood courses through me. 136

Shock...that's it I must be in shock....Looking down at the body I can't help thinking I did this...me....Sean Thompson....musician...father...I did this. How did I come to this? no...no...NO!! Run....just run. I have to get away from this. This can't be who I become. Hit the door down the stairs....Down and down that is what is happening to me. Spiraling down into depths I never imagined myself to have. Run...run away from what I did. No I couldn't have. Not me...but I can still feel his blood making me whole again. It feels so good coursing through me. I can feel the strength and the power. This is what made me....kill....that man. Kill...me a killer....NO!!! Maybe it would have been better had I died. It would be over now and I wouldn't have done this...thing. Where am I? The Garage...hide I have to hide before they find me. Before they finish the job they started....Ahh there get in and hide. Hide from everyone...the Brujah, Melody...myself. Melody how could you do this to me. Why didn't you save me? You were supposed to protect me. You let this happen. Blood tears run down my face, as I make myself as small as possible to fit in the tiny hole I have discovered. I am your Torch remember? You love me...how could you let them do this. Hour after hour these thoughts roll around in my head. One after the other. After a while nothing seems to matter anymore. That man, the Brujah, Melody... nothing. I am nothing. Nothing at all. No heartbeat, no breath, no life. Nothing. Hide just hide, become nothing, think nothing, feel nothing. "Ahh young one you learn well." I hear startling me out of the downward spiral I am in. "What..who?" I say as I start to try to defend myself. "Don't worry young one we are not the ones who hurt you. We are here to help." Blinking my eyes, I try to see in the little light there is. Then I see a...Monster! I try to get deeper into the hole. "Calm young one calm...We are not here to hurt you." Wait...these are Nosferatu, they helped me before...They aren't monsters...I am the monster...once again tears stream down. "Yes that is it let us help you, Sean." Slowly he takes my arm and starts to lead me away. "No I am not Sean...my name is... Torch."

Coming of Age Chapter 16

The difference a couple of months can make....two months of hiding, learning, of figuring out just what I am going to do. Hard to believe I am the same person. That person who was hiding in a hole and had to be rescued. Well now my innocence, so to speak, is gone. This new world I am in has remade me. I will never see the world as I once did. In a way I think I will miss that. However I don't have the luxury of rose colored glasses any more. I have faced the reality of my life, or unlife if you prefer. I am Kindred and I have to start thinking and living like one. If I don't I should have just let myself die on that rooftop. The Nosferatu that helped me, Derek, brought me back to his lair...in the sewers. Strange how you can get used to anything even the smell of the sewers. Here I have lived for the past two months. He has taken me under wing so to speak. The Nos are a very misunderstood clan. One that can't live in the mortal world, they sneak and hide everywhere. But instead of letting that life bring them down they work together and with a few others, like me, to build their own lives. Never turn your back on a brother in need. Always return a dept. Never double deal. If you make a deal with the Nos they will never turn on you as long as you keep up your side of the bargain. But don't turn on them, or you will find yourself in more trouble then you ever wanted. They know everything. At least their elders do. To find honor in a place like this is refreshing. I think that is why I have been able to stay here so long. Derek has taught me many things. I now know my way around this city like I never did before. I can get anywhere without the use of anything but my knowledge and my own two feet. Places I never even knew existed. I have also been working on my self-defense. I have found I am pretty good with a knife too. I never want to be in the position of being taken again. Being under the mercy of someone else is not something I want to repeat. It is surprising what submerging yourself in a way of life can do. I am honing instincts I never knew I had. Let Vincent and his gang try again...Let's see what happens this time. One of the most useful skills Derek taught me though is how they hide from the mortal world. This is a clan secret, one I have been privileged to be taught. It is called Obfuscate. The ability to hide in plain site. As I understand it by using this power we make people see what they 138

want to see, or not see as the case may be. I don't want you to see me, your mind passes over me, and in effect doesn't see what is right in front of you. By the same token, I can make you see someone other then me. I can look like anyone I can imagine. This stuff works great except that it won't work on cameras, or vids. They have no minds to manipulate. Also it doesn't always work on everyone. Some kindred can see through it. But if used properly it can be very useful. And why are the Nos teaching me all their secrets? Well, seems that Melody didn't leave me entirely out to dry. She asked them to help me in return for her support in Los Angles. Evidently she is keeping my 'Life' going. Business wise. I hear now and then about what I am doing....Kind of funny actually. Evidently I am on vacation in Europe...or something like that. I have written some letters to Ashley that are getting delivered properly. I know that Melody is in contact with my friends here although I have yet to receive anything from her directly. I am not sure what that means. A wall seems to have risen between us. I know she is there, but that is about all. But right now I don't have time to deal with that. It seems that things are coming to a head with the Brujah and all the caitiffs that have been made. You see for the last year all over the country, caitiffs, the kindred who are clanless, have been on the rise. More and more of them have been found. And for the most part they are of the street. The homeless, prostitutes, gang members...the usual turf of the Brujah. And the Brujah are not happy. They are calling on the princes of each city to take account of this and deal with it. If they can't...well it could be the undoing on the Ventrue Princes in America. Strange that only cities with Ventrue Princes are being effected....very strange....But if they can't figure out who is behind it, then they may fall from their lofty positions. It also seems that in Chicago things are the worst. The caitiffs have joined together under a leader, we haven't found out who yet, and are actively fighting the Brujah. Almost open war in the streets of the city. Luckily right now the mundanes think it is just a Gang war but how long till something slips? My own personal sympathies are with the caitiffs. For some reason I just can't be on the side of the Brujah. In fact I have my own score to settle with them. This 'war' giving me the cover I need to pull it off. I have decided to go after Vincent. I owe him. I owe him for many things. And it is time for him to pay. Derek warns me against revenge. Saying it will cloud my judgment. I know he is right but I have to do this. I can not go on with my life till I do. And I am ready to do just that. Evidently the

Brujah do not know if I am gone or not. They have heard of this guy Torch...who has caused them a few problems over the past month or so. But Sean Thompson...well they think they may have finished him. Sometimes I almost forget myself that I am that guy. But I can't forget that. I do have a life there that I need to get back too...soon. Lately I have been watching for Vincent. Trying to find his patterns. So I know the perfect place to take him. I want to make sure it is just the two of us this time. From what I am able to find out this guy has some strange habits. Most Brujah never go anywhere alone. He does this quite often. Although I have trouble following him when he does. He must be pretty good, or knows obfuscate himself. Whatever it is I have found one place that would be a good site to catch him alone. A parking garage, that he passes through frequently. I haven't told Derek or any of my other friends what I am up to. I have to do this alone. I guess in a way this will be my proving ground to myself. To show me if I can make it in the world or not. I know I have the skills, and the power to survive. Now I need to overcome the fear of the man who killed me. Sometimes I can still feel that arrow hitting me in the back. The feeling that started all of this. It is time to face it.

Getting there early, this being able to go out in sun light really helps, I check the place out. It isn't in one of the expensive buildings so no security cameras. All I need now is a place I can see his usual entrance from. Yup there that is good. Dark corner behind the dumpster. Now to wait. I have learned that Patience is a virtue in this line of work. Waiting I try to decide what I am going to say to this guy when I see him. Will he even recognize me? Baseball cap, dirty hair pulled back, torn jeans, dirty t-shirt, and leather biker jacket, plus of course the proverbial shades. I doubt I will remind him of the Sean he knew. The Sean who he beat up, the one he killed, the one who his gang captured and left for dead. The one who was weak, felt guilty about everything...I doubt many people would recognize me now. But I will make sure he does. He will know what he created. Hours pass as I wait, quietly, patiently. Then finally I see a dark shape making it's way through the entrance. Carefully I use my enhanced vision to make sure of my target. Yup it is him...Looking around I once more make sure we are alone. I see no one but him. This is my 140

chance...Very Quietly I stand up. Using obfuscate I make my way over to the place I have picked out. "Vincent, Your Time has come." I say quietly my voice echoing through the chamber. He immediately assumes a defensive posture, looking around. Then he spots me. I just stand there waiting for him. "Who are you?" He says. I knew he wouldn't recognize me. "What? Don't you remember me? You really should you know. You made me what I am. You made it possible for me to have this Unlife I have. For everything I have become I have you to thank." I slowly take off the shades throwing them across the floor so they skitter across under a car. "So thank you Vincent, for showing me what life is really all about." I say taking off my hat and Bowing to him. Never taking my eyes off of him. "Oh my God...Sean? Is that you?" He says staring at me in disbelief. I start to circle around him getting closer as I go. Using the blood in me to heighten all of my skills. "Sean? who would that be? The poor guy you beat up? Or would that be the one you KILLED back in Dallas? Or maybe the one you left on a rooftop to die?" At that I attack, bringing in my fist to pulverize his face. After that a punch to the stomach. He gets me with one to the kidneys. Man does he hit hard. But I am faster. For every one he hits I land at least two or three. We end up on the ground with me on top raining punch after punch down on him. Every hit feeling like vindication for all he has done. Once he stops resisting, I pull back, lifting him up by his shirt. Reaching into my pocket I pull out my knife, this is going to finish now. "Actually, the name's Torch. Not that you will ever have to remember that again." Crossing across his neck with the knife I prepare to slit his throat. "Wait, You can't you don't understand!!!" He says try to stop me. "Understand what? What is there to understand?" "You can't, I work for Pierce!" "Yeah right you may have at one time..." "No...no... think a minute...Why do you think I had them leave you on the roof? I knew you wouldn't die. I knew it. For some reason you can go out in the day but I had them take you out that way Why would I do that?" He says it fast hoping he can get it out before I finish my plans. Damn it what is wrong with me I should finish this. But I can't...what he says makes sense.

"Ok if you knew that why did you?" "Because I didn't want you dead." "Why not? You killed me before, what is one more time?" "The was an accident. Look let me up and I will explain." The first thing Derek taught me was to think, not to let the beast take hold. Ok This one is for you old buddy. I let go of his shirt letting his head hit the pavement and stand up, still holding my knife on him. "Ok talk tell me what is going on. And nothing funny, there is no hole deep enough for you to hide in that I won't find you." "Man...you have changed...I am sure you are right. Ok this is the deal, When Melody went on tour it was a perfect cover for Pierce to get one of his men around the country to check up on things. Do you know about the caitiff thing?" "Yeah I know about it. Now that is a big mess." "Right, and Pierce wanted me to try and make some contacts among the Brujah in the other towns and try to find out what was going on. I grew up on the streets so I know how things are done. When I saw what was going on with you and Melody I had to do something because she would have become suspicious if I hadn't. That was what she thought I was there to do." "Check up on her?" "Yeah right. Pierce didn't want her to have anything to do with this because everyone was watching her. But they weren't watching me. However the Brujah were being more closed mouthed then usual. They said I had to prove I was on their side. They told me to capture Melody, so they could use her blood to implicate her and Pierce. Well I was going to try and fail...but you came in and interrupted me. I was trying to hit Melody again so she wouldn't be able to come after me when you jumped in front and well I guess the rest of that you know." "Yeah you might say that." "Hey I am sorry, but I had to do what I had to do you know? Anyway I ran away and hunted down my mentor, and hid with him for a while. Letting the Brujah know that I had tried but failed in my plans. They know how powerful Melody is and they somewhat accepted me. After that My mentor finally changed me and I became one of them...of us. "Your Mentor?" "Yeah he is the one who taught me about all of this. He found me when I was a kid on the street and showed me how to use it to my advantage. He is also of clan Brujah but of the other side of it when they 142

used to be called the learned clan. I knew one day I would become his childer but I think he wanted to wait till I was older. However, Pierce and I convinced him that I had a way in only if I was clan Brujah. So I came back here and started to work my way up. I am now getting in position where I am finding out actual information. I am close to finding out who is behind all the caitiffs. You can't kill me. I am the only one in the position to find this out." "And I am supposed to just take your word for it? " "Well I can understand if you doubt me..." Laughing I say, "You understand....jeez man...After all you have done to me...sorry I just can't take your word for it." "Fine then come with me I am going to meet my sire. I am sure he can explain it to you." "Right and you lead me right to a trap. I am not as stupid as I once was." "Hey I didn't know you here and going to pull this, how could it be a trap? Fine, your right....How...hummm......I know Call Pierce. He will tell you." "Opps sorry I left my phone in my pent house apartment." "Oh Right, hey there is a pay phone right outside, come on, he will be at the club right now, you can call him there." For a few minutes I just stand there thinking. Could this be true? Could he have really been working undercover all this time. Everything he did to me an accident? Could he have actually saved my life by getting them to put me on that roof instead of something else? If even that last is true I have to at least check it out. "Fine lead the way but no funny stuff." At the pay phone he makes the call handing me the phone after asking for Pierce. Man what do I say to him? Been a while since I said hello to him, not to mention if Melody is there. "Hello this is Pierce.." "Pierce this is...Torch." "Ahh yes Torch I had heard of you, what can I do for you?" "I have a man here that says he is one of yours. I have a personal debt to repay him but if he is valuable to you will let him off the hook." "Who is it?" "The one who took my life from me."

"Ahh I see....Well Torch...I have to say he is important to some aspects of my organization....I would find it hard to replace him. He is right where I want him at the moment." "Ok I can see that. Consider it a personal favor that I let him go. Who knows Maybe I can even help him in his situation." "Thank you for letting him go...however I don't think he needs any of your help." "Yeah right well it has been interesting talking to you, please pass along my thoughts to any others you think might find it interesting." "I will, Good-Bye" "Good-bye Pierce." Hanging up the phone I turn to look at this man. This man who's life I now hold in my hand. As much as I try I can't seem to regret waiting to hear him out. A part of me is glad I don't have to kill him. Maybe I haven't come as far as I had thought. And maybe that isn't a bad thing. "Ok take me to this mentor of yours let's see if we can figure out what is going on."

144

Born For Adventure Chapter 17

"Sandy, this is....Torch. Torch meet the Sandman." Says Vincent as he introduces me to his sire. We are in an old abandoned apartment building. Vincent led me here after I let him live. I still can't believe I did that. Oh well, life is an adventure. Time to see where this one leads. Sandman huh? Looks like a regular guy. Dirty blonde hair covering part of his face. Wiry build...nothing to set him apart till you look in his eyes. They look at you with a knowing look. Makes you feel like he already knows everything there is to know about you. "Sandman...Interesting name..." "Yeah and I'm sure you were born Torch....Ok Vincent, why'd ya bring him here? I have enough problems right now without this too." "Well it isn't like I had much choice in the matter...He just about killed me....somehow he got through." "In other words he bested ya cause you still haven't figured out you've got a lot to learn?" "Yeah, well, something like that." Vincent says, quietly hanging his head. Interesting to see him like that. "You'd better realize soon that you're not the top dog any more. It's like going from high school to college. There are too many things you've yet to learn. Seems Torch here has been learnin' his share though if he bested ya." He says turning to me, "So why ya here?" "Well..." I say trying to figure out just that, "I guess to find out more about what is going on. Vincent told me some of it and I want to check it out for myself." "And why should I include you or even tell you anything? I don't know or trust you." "No you don't...But I do know some things you might find useful. I have been pretty busy the past couple of months myself. I know that the streets have to be cleaned up before full war erupts, and the Masquerade is broken." Looking around I start to notice others watching from various places around the room. In their eyes I can see the skittishness of someone used to being scared and hunted. And I realize something...."You are the one leading the caitiffs!!!" "Hmmm...actually, ya, I am. Someone had to teach 'em and protect 'em. I couldn't just leave 'em out on the street to expose us."

"No I guess not...So I guess in a way I am one of you too." I say grinning. "After all, Melody found me after I was changed by who ever is behind this....right?" By the look in his eyes I can tell he knows the truth, but he says, "Right...Are ya asking for my protection?" "Well... not so much your protection as maybe joining your cause? Let's say I have a vested interest in finding out the truth and setting things straight. I want to help and I think I could be of use. My friends have taught me well." Looking at Vincent he says, "So they have...But how do I know I can trust you?" "Well first of all if the other Brujah are behind it, I have a score to settle. Not to mention the fact that I owe Pierce for my life...if you know what I mean. I would like to clear him if I could. You know my friends and I follow their code. If I give my word, I won't break it. If you don't believe me, ask them, they will vouch for me." Hoping the Nosferatu would back me on this. They are sometimes funny about people outside their clan. "Not bad...but I am supposed to believe that you won't try to go after Vincent again?" "Why should I. I already beat him....I could have killed him if I had wanted to. But I didn't. Sometimes personal feelings are outweighed by other things." "Interesting, you see things it usually takes others many years to see." "Actually it isn't that strange at all. I was changed when I was almost 40, most of the people I've seen have been changed in their 20's. Let's face it, at 20 hot blood is all you have. But I can look past that." Laughing Sandman says, "That is true. All right Torch, I'll let ya in. We will be watchin ya however, so watch your step." "No problem, I have been doing that for a while now." "I'll bet ya have," he says extending his hand. Taking it, I shake his firm cold hand, sealing the deal. "Now down to business. We know the Brujah are behind part of this. However we haven't been able to find any proof. Also we know they are workin with someone else. The way the blood can't be traced isn't something that the Brujah can do. We have speculations, but no more than that. We need to catch 'em in the act. Preferably also with concrete evidence. Ok what have you got?" 146

"Well, I have been watching the Brujah lately. For some reason I am interested in what they are doing." "Yeah I'll bet you are." "Let's see...they have been doing all the regulars...Roughing homeless people....Keeping their turf clear.... Some of them have been hanging out at a hotel called the Wayfarer." "Yeah I know the place...real gem there. Pay by the hour." "Right. It's kinda strange though...I thought they might be using it to feed. But I don't think so. They just seem to hang around it more than they actually go in. Just doesn't fit." "Do you think maybe they are going to use this place to find new victims?" "Could be...I can't think of any other reason they would suddenly be hanging around there." "True...Well that's the best lead we have so far. Ok they haven't made any new caitiffs in a couple of weeks. This thing seems to go in bursts. Lots in a few days then nothing for a couple weeks." "What if they are getting the blood from someone else. Maybe every couple of weeks. They use it all up quickly then they have to wait for new stock." "Yeah that could be it. Fits the pattern. We're coming up on the two week mark. We should check out this hotel. Vincent, see if you can find out anything on the Brujah end." He gets up and starts going around to different people giving them places to go. Finally he gets back to me. "Thanks for your help Torch, this could be the break we are lookin for." "Actually I was thinking I could help on the stake out too. I am really good at hiding these days." I say smiling at him. "Well if you're sure you can keep out of sight. We don't need to tip 'em off by 'em seein you." "Don't worry, that is one thing I have learned to do very well. I do not want to get caught by them again, believe me." "Fine, I take it your friends taught you their gift?" "Yeah they did." "Well then I would like you in the hotel itself. I don't have anyone else with that ability." "No problem. We are starting this tomorrow, right?" "Yeah no point in startin tonight, we will have to hope we aren't too late." "Fine I will be there tomorrow."

"You know this could last a few days." "Yeah, well, I will cancel all my pressing engagements. I have so many these days." "There is that. Good luck Sean...I mean Torch." Looking in his eyes I see that he does know way too many things. I guess the Nos aren't the only ones who deal in secrets. I nod my head at him and smile acknowledging his 'slip'. Turning around I head back out the door thinking what in the hell are you getting yourself into here Sean? Are you insane?

Yup, insane is the word. Insanely bored. Stake outs always seem so exciting in the movies. In real life they are boring. I have been in this dump for two days now just watching who comes and goes...and nothing. Oh I have seen a few of the Brujah hanging around but they haven't done anything. Man this place is bad. Roaches everywhere and I don't want to think what else. The lobby...if you can call it that is basically a desk covered by a screen to try and keep people from stealing, and the stairs going up. There are a couple of dilapidated chairs that I don't think have been sat on since the 50's. I certainly wouldn't try. I have basically set myself up in a corner with the You-don't-see-me thing going on. This place is worse than the sewers. It is more the feeling of down and out then the actual place though. The people who come here are on their last legs. They have nowhere else to go. And their faces show it. No joy, or happiness here. When they look up it is with the deadest look I have ever seen in a persons' eyes. These people might as well be dead. The first night in here I made the mistake of touching one of the chairs. All of a sudden I felt really weird. It was like I was seeing someone. Someone I had never seen before. But I knew them...well sort of, more like I felt what they were feeling for a split second. Kinda freaked me out. Believe me they weren't feelin good. I asked Derek about it later. He said it was probably this thing called psychometry. The reading of objects. Lets me pick up the residue of the last few people who touch the thing. He said something about it usually only working when you really try, but strong emotion will sometimes jump out at you. Well what I felt 148

was definitely strong. Man that was Not fun. Took me a while to get it out of my head. What am I doing here? Me, the guy who's never done anything but music, on a stake out. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. But in the last couple of months things have changed. I'm not the person I used to be. That person really is dead. But hopefully, this new... life, will find a way to be good too. At least now I can take care of myself. I don't have to depend on anyone. Not anyone. That's one thing I am really learning out here, the only person you can trust is yourself. And then only sometimes. No telling what you might do when the beast rears up. Yeah, the beast, that thing that sits inside of me and demands things of me. Makes me do things I would never contemplate doing, never would have done anyway. Like I said, things have changed, in more ways than one. Then, there is Melody. Wish I knew what was going on there. I thought we were so in love, then she drops me, when I needed her most. She warned me there were two sides to her. But I didn't understand, then. Now, I do. The coldness, the emptiness, I feel in myself is reflected in her actions. Like I said, you can't depend on anyone but yourself, even in love. As I look around again, I notice a young girl heading up the stairs. I can feel the despair emanating off of her. Sad to think a girl that young, barely more than a child, would be here. But in the past couple of months I've seen more and more just what this world really has to offer these children who find themselves lost and alone. Suddenly, I notice one of the Brujah following her. Shit, this could be it. Swinging into action, I quietly and carefully follow after them, making sure I see what room she enters. As I do I notice that the Brujah has stationed himself at the end of the hall. I quickly make my way back outside to give my contact the information. "Hey, looks like they found someone. Room B-12, young girl, just a kid actually. One of them followed and is stakin out her room." "Yeah, I saw him go in. Good goin on the room number. Get back in there and see what else you can find out." "You got it." I say as I head back inside. I assume that all the rest are getting in position just in case this really is coming down. When I get back to my post, I notice that the traffic of the place has increased. Rush-hour at the whorehouse. Which makes my job of harder. A few minutes later, I catch a glimpse of who I think is another Brujah. Carefully making my way over to the other side of the room, I notice even more. Some seem to be with mortals, others seem to be alone or following.

I head up the stairs to the room of the first girl that I saw, just in time to see the door swing closed. Great. Now what do I do? Looking around I still see the Brujah the end of the hallway. If I open the door he will see it. Shit, I should know what to do. As long as I don't bump into anyone or open any doors, I should be invisible. Even to the Brujah. But if they see me, I'm toast. Especially since I'm supposed to be dead. Okay Thompson, you gotta deal with it now. As I frantically try to come with a way to get in the room, out of the corner of my eye, I see another Kindred entering the hallway. But this is no Brujah. Carefully, I make my way over so that I am right behind him. As he enters the room, so do I. "So, I see you have her ready. Good, I'm glad you can handle a least your part of the mission. This time anyway." Says the unknown Kindred. "Hey, I can handle my part, always have, always will. Now, have you got the stuff?" I notice that the girl is lying on the bed, and from the blood involved looks like she's almost dead. This has got to be it. Poor girl. "Of course I have it," he says reaching into his coat jacket, "we Tremere never fail." Shit, the Tremere, I should of known. Trevor, the Tremere Primogen, trying to get rid of Pierce. Now that makes sense. And from what I hear, they can do all kinds of things with blood. Which would be how they are erasing any traces of where the blood came from. Carefully, the Tremere extends the package over the mouth of the girl. Making sure only a small amount makes it into the mouth of the girl. I know I'm supposed to wait but I can't seem to stop myself from trying to stop him from making another one. Using the blood I make myself quicker and knock the package of blood from the Tremere's hand. Luckily, I make it, stopping them from progressing this curse any further. Then all hell breaks loose. I try my best keep my eye on the package, since that's the proof we need. But suddenly, there are Kindred everywhere, Brujah, caitiff, Nosferatu and more. Looking around I spot the Tremere trying to duck his way out the door. With my invisibility shot, it is a lot more difficult wading through the masses. But finally I make it to the door where luckily my prey has gotten caught. Unfortunately, he is caught between two caitiffs who don't seem too willing to let him see the light of the moon again not to mention the light of day. 150

"No, we need him alive!" I yell as I'm running towards them. But when I get there I can see I'm too late. He disintegrates before my very eyes. "Shit, now what?" Then I remember the package. Rooting around inside his clothes, I find it. Yeeeesssss! Finally, we're gettin somewhere. Now to get out of here, relatively alive.

Renegade Chapter 18
As I finally make it outside I remember the girl I left up there dying... Oh Man...I can't just leave her. But how can I help her? I can't get back up there. I need to get this packet of blood to the Sandman. Why do I care anyway? She is cattle right? Shit. Even as I say it I know I don't believe it. Right. So? Ahh, I pick up the receiver on a payphone near me and hit 911. "Please state the nature of the emergency." I hear the bored voice on the phone say. You would think these guys would at least sound interested. "Yeah, there is a big fight over at the Wayfarer. I think some people are hurt. Get some help over here fast!" "Sir what is your name?" "Just get some help out here. Gotta go." I hang up. I may still be a softy but I ain't stupid. Then I start running.

At Sandman's place I finally slow down. Took a while to get here since I was trying to make sure I wasn't followed. Looking around I head in. "Hey you made it back. What about the others?" I hear from the room to my left. "I don't know.... I had to get out because I found something. Looked like they were holding their own though. Although they seem to have forgotten that we need witnesses." "Shit... but it's understandable. These are the guys that took their lives...most of them don't have the experience like you did to look beyond that." "Yeah believe me, even with my experience that was hard." "Yeah I am sure it was... So whatcha got?" "I saw them about to do it. It's the Tremere, they are working with the Brujah. They were about to change this girl..." Hope she is going to be alright..."But I stopped them. Then all hell broke loose, and I grabbed this." I pull out the packet of blood to hand to him. "No, you keep it the less people that touch it the better. We need to get someone to read this." 152

"Read it?" "Yeah some of us can read objects, tell who touched them, what they were feeling..." "Oh right psychometry. I can do that." I say, sounding like it is no big deal. Yeah right. "You can? Well then what are you waiting for?" "Um oh right..." I guess I still don't quite think like these guys yet. Ok read the object...I only did this by accident before. Let's see, Ok, focus on the object. I hold my other hand on top of the packet of blood and try to latch onto who had it before me. I feed it a bit of power from my blood...Yeah right now I am seeing the guy I got it from. Oh he does Not feel nice. I wonder...can I go back farther? Who had it before him...Wait yes... Looking up at Sandman I smile and say, "We got him."

Well this should be interesting a Meeting of the Primogen of Chicago. Primogen are the leaders of each clan. They, with the Prince run the city. Lucky me I get to watch, not that they'll know this. Only Pierce and Sandman know I'm here, oh yeah and my friends who showed me the back way in. How'd I ever get so lucky as to end up with the Nosferatu as allies? Well I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Strange to be back here. Yeah that's right I am back at the Crystal Shard, Melody's club. Seems like a million years from that first night when I was introduced. Although it has only been two months. And Melody...seeing her again...I can feel her coming. I know she will probably know I'm here...I wonder what she will say to me when we finally see each other again. Right now I have no idea...Shoot I don't even know how I'll react to her. I should hate her for turning her back on me...and a part of me does, but there is another part of me that will never be able to hate her. Is it just the bond? This damn blood bond? Melody told me that one day I would resent it. Has it come to that already? I need to focus on business right now. Then there she is.... Man she always looks good. My hungry eyes drink her in. But I can't do this now, Melody will have to wait. Blah Blah Blah All these formalities. Can't these guys ever just get to the point? Besides Melody, Pierce is there, looking as stoic as ever. Oh and Snake...the leader of the Brujah, the one who left me to die. As I glare at him Donovin, the Nos leader catches my

eye. Right keep it cool, I nod to him. Who is the kid? Oh yeah Hood, the Malkavian. Crazy crazy Hood....Yeah somehow that guy always seems to show up in the right place at the wrong time. I assume the other woman here is the leader of the Gangrel. I don't know much about her since they keep to themselves so much. That leaves Trevor, Tremere Primogen. Yeah my favorite guy in the world. A smile starts to cross my face just as Pierce finally gets to it. "It seems there has been another attack of the makers of the catiff here in Chicago." "Well what are you going to do about it, Pierce?" Says Trevor. "Once again sit on your heels and do nothing?" "What do you think I should do Trevor? Kill them all I suppose?" "Well, what are they but pawns?" "Yes, but who's pawns are they? That is what we must find out. First though I have a new Primogen to introduce." Everyone starts looking around in confusion. I can see in their eyes they are trying to figure out what is up. Is someone being replaced? That is the fear I see in many of them. A loud bang makes everyone turn toward the doors as they slam open. "Sandman! What the hell are you doin' here?" Says Snake as he stands up, knocking over his own chair. "Ah here he is now. Everyone, this is Sandman the new Primogen....of the Catiffs." Pandemonium breaks out as everyone starts speaking at once. Everyone demanding to know what this means to them. "Everyone sit down. Now!" Says Pierce. I can tell he has used his dominance to control the room. "Sandman will you please take a seat?" A servant brings another chair to the table making everyone readjust. "You can't truthfully mean to give them a place in the city?" "Why not Trevor? They are Kindred. By giving them a place it puts them under my control just as all the other clans are. You told me I needed to do something." I can see everyone trying to figure this out. Eventually they will all realize Pierce just got another power base and some of them have given it to him. Whoever did this just miscalculated. However I believe the show has just begun. "Well now that we are all here. There is a report to hear. You see I haven't been ignoring the situation. Sandman let's have it." As Sandman stands up he looks around at everyone, making sure he catches all their eyes. "Well, been a long time everyone. Nice to be back." 154

He looks distinctly over at Snake. Who is trying in vain to avoid looking at him. Wonder what that is about? "Now for the past few months I have been in conjunction with the Prince holding an investigation into this matter. Not just in Chicago, all over the country. We know there has been a coordinated effort everywhere to pull this off. Now we know how." "Oh really? And how did you manage that?" says Trevor. "Well I had one of my men infiltrate into their organization of course. Actually let me bring him in." Sandman heads to the door and opens it, Vincent is standing there. "NO!!" Says Snake as he tries to get to the door and Vincent. Strangely enough Hood, the kid, blocks his way. "Why Snake is there a problem?" says Pierce. Snake looks from Pierce to Sandman, to Vincent, then back to Pierce. "My Prince I need to speak with you...Privately." "Why of course Snake. Please everyone make yourselves comfortable. This shouldn't take long." He heads to another set of doors, I know now to belong to a smaller conference room. Man the tension in the room is thick enough to cut with a blunt butter knife. Everyone glaring at each other, trying to figure out whether to run or who to blame. As I watch though, I see Melody heading toward my corner. Uh Oh. I know she is very powerful and might be able to see me. With our bond I am sure she knows I am here. She ends up stopping right in front of me with her back to me. God she smells good. "Torch....it is good to 'see' you again" She whispers. "I have missed you." "Really? Have you? You have a funny way of showing it. Now is not the time though." "No. You're right it isn't. Please don't leave till we talk though...ok?" With that last part her voice breaks and I can almost believe she actually cares...almost. "Fine." I say...I know we have to talk. After this is all over I need to get my life back, and I need to start by dealing with Melody. After a few more minutes Pierce comes out alone. Everyone looks at him trying to see what is going on. Are they next? Man, paranoia city. I suppose everyone here has done something that would get them in trouble. Pierce calls one of his Gangrel guards to stay with Snake in the other room then resumes his place. "Well that was interesting....Anyone else need to talk to me?" He looks at each of them in turn. "I suppose I should tell you that Snake just

confessed to his part in this scheme. He is naming names. One in particular." He says as he stares at Trevor. "Me?" Says Trevor, "Are you mad? Me work with that filth? You can't be serious?" "Quite serious. Snake has stated that this is all your idea. That you set everything up." "And you believe him? You are as crazy as the Malkavian over there. I had nothing to do with any of this. It is absurd to even think it." "That is your final word?" "Yes it is." "Fine, let the record show I gave Trevor the chance to confess. Now Sandman, what other evidence do you have?" "Other evidence?" Shouts Trevor. "What are you talking about?" "Trevor you just told me your 'final words' now sit down and shut up! Did you truly believe I had nothing but the word of a Brujah...No offence Sandman." "None taken, Pierce. Should I go on?" "By all means." "Well as I was saying I sent Vincent here undercover touring with Melody and her band. He made contact with many of the Brujah around the country. You see Snake thought Vincent was his retainer. So he started using him to send messages and blood all over the country. The thing we couldn't figure out was where the blood was coming from. We all know that the blood itself was untraceable. That isn't an easy thing to do. I figure a Blood mage had to be involved. That would probably be the Tremere. But I had no proof." "Because it isn't true!" says Trevor, although he is sounding a little on edge for some reason. Humm I am enjoying this. "Until now that is," continues Sandman. "Yesterday there was an attack at the Wayfarer Motel. My people were there. We had been waiting for such an attack, so we could try to catch them at it. We succeeded. One of the people there witnessed a Tremere about to give the blood to someone. But he stopped them. Sorry Pierce, my people were a little overzealous in trying to stop them. A few of our kind where killed." "Defense of the Masquerade, I understand. Please continue." "If they were killed, then again you have no proof but the word of a catiff. And what is that? Nothing, you have nothing Pierce." My turn...This is going to be fun. "Is this nothing?" I say as I walk out of my corner holding up the packet of blood. "This is the blood they 156

were going to use to change the girl at the Wayfarer. I took it from the Tremere to stop him. I am the only one to handle this packet till now." "Thank you Torch. I have called in Archon Valious to read this packet. As you all should know Valious is Toreador Justicar's Archon. Do any doubt his authority?" Justicar's Archons, I have been told about them. They can even overrule the Princes in their own cities. There is one Justicar from each clan. Each Justicar has Archons to do their work for them. To rule over disputes, like this one. Although I could have read the packet, who would believe me? I am a no one. Just another catiff cast off. I am starting to see what Melody meant about prestige. As I look around I can see that everyone is wondering what is going on. That Pierce would bring in a Justicar on this means it is big. God these people are so skittish. Is this what it means to have power and prestige? No thanks. Humm no one seems to be disputing it. Pierce walks over to the door and welcomes the Archon in with a handshake. "Archon Valious, thank you for coming. I hate to bother you for this, but with other cities being involved I thought it a good idea." "You did the right thing Pierce." Says a rather tall man with a definite European cast to his face and voice. Just looking at him I can feel his power and age. He must be one of the really old ones. Man, I would never want to meet him in a back alley. As he walks in he looks at everyone and everything, like a predator walking into new territory. "Everyone this is Archon Valious." Everyone stands up in greeting as he walks forward. "I have already told him of what has transpired. Plus he has been monitoring this meeting." Oh they do not like that, I think laughing. "You are sure you are the only one to touch this?" Says Valious to me. Gathering my courage I look at him and say, "Yes the last person to hold it before me was the Tremere who was trying to change the girl." I really need to find a way to check on her... "Very Good." He says picking up the packet from the table where it was lying. He closes his eyes and starts to read it. At least I assume he is reading it. It isn't like you can actually see something like this. Man I hope I am right. A lot hangs on this. If I was wrong...well I don't even want to think about it. It seems like everyone is in a temporary stasis field. Not moving or even breathing. Not that we have to.

After a few minutes the Archon looks up and says, "It is done. What I have seen can not be disputed, What I judge will not be challenged. I charge Trevor Monthopolise of the Tremere, Leader of the Chantry House of Chicago with breaking the laws of the Camarilla. To wit the Making of Childer without the permission of the Prince in the attempt to break the Masquerade. The Condemned knowingly and willingly committed this crime against not only this city but many others. Therefore it is my duty to strip Trevor Monthopolise of any and all power and prestige he may hold within the Camarilla. Furthermore I pass the judgment of Blood hunt upon Trevor Monthopolise, not only in Chicago but everywhere our Power reaches. Let his blood pass back to us to give those he wronged their due. I do so Deem this with the power given to me by the Camarilla through my Justicar. Let no one dispute my judgment." Wow....well I don't think I will dispute it...even if he was talking about me. Everyone is just sitting there stunned, even Trevor. I guess this is why most of the Kindred fear the Justicars. If an Archon is this bad, how bad would they be? I don't even want to think about it. Finally Pierce breaks the silence. "Thank you Archon Valious, your judgment is fair. I appreciate your help in this matter. Chicago is in you and your Justicar's debt." "Yes, well I must return now. I leave it to you to carry out my judgment." He once again takes Pierce's hand then turns and leaves. As he does Pierce turns back to face the Primogen. "Very well that is done. Trevor you have one hour to do as you will before I call the hunt down on you, starting now." "You will pay for this Pierce. My Clan will avenge me. Never will you sit easily upon your throne." Looking around at everyone else, he says, "Fools don't you see he is just trying to take more power for himself? That is all the Ventrue ever want, power. You are just pawns to him. Now he is accepting riff-raff in as our Brothers what is next? Giving our retainers prestige? You will see you will...." "59 and still counting..." Says Pierce. Whipping his head around he glares at the Prince, but he gathers his papers and quickly heads to the door. "Oh and Trevor tell your Clan that they will have no Primogen in this city till they find someone I will accept. I would hate for the Tremere to lose their place in Chicago permanently." At that Trevor storms out of the room. One of the servants closes the doors behind him. Everyone now looks to Pierce. Man talk about a court room drama.... 158

"Let it be known that the Brujah Clan will also be without a Primogen till someone is found to fill that slot that I can accept. Now I would formally like to thank Sandman for his help in this matter. Without your help we would have never have found the truth. Thank you." Sandman nods accepting the accolades. "I realize there were others that helped in this matter. I leave it to you to pass my thanks on. Also when you deem it feel free to present your charges to me for recognition. Although I believe I can take care of a couple myself now. Vincent, Torch please stand before me." Huh? Ok fine I am not going to say anything now that is for sure. As I head toward Pierce I see Vincent doing the same and we lock eyes. This is the man who killed me and caused me so many problems. And now we are together...at least in this. I don't think I will ever like this man. But at least I don't think he is my enemy any more, for now. "Both of you have gone above and beyond what is expected. You have shown through your actions that you understand and respect our laws. I therefore grant you full status as a Kindred in this city. You are no longer childer. You now have the responsibilities of a full member of our society. Your mentors should be proud." Turning to everyone he says, "Please welcome Vincent and Torch into our family. They are now one of us." Ok....Well I didn't expect that. That's cool. There is some polite clapping, and congrats to us and our sires. Sandman starts congratulating Vincent. Things seem to be a bit hazy as I look around the room. I am not sure why then I remember as my eyes finally fall to rest...on Melody.

The End Chapter 19

As I look out the window I can feel the madness in the city start to grow. It has started, a blood hunt. Usually Kindred are forbidden to kill others of our kind, but when a blood hunt is called the person becomes open season. The thing is if a vampire drains another of all their blood they also gain some of their power. It is called Diablerie. It is the only way to move closer to the source of the power once you are changed. Out there somewhere Trevor is running or hiding for his life, as many of the Kindred in the city hunt for him hoping to be the one to gain his power. So how come I'm not out there huh? I guess I just don't have the stomach for it yet. Snake is out there too, although he has only been banished from the city. He may be able to find another place within the Camarilla, or he may have to find another group entirely, like the Anarchs in LA. Two Primogen in one night... interesting times I have walked into. Hard to believe that less then a year ago I didn't even know the Kindred existed, and now here I am deep in the middle of this web. The changes in me are hard to see from the outside, I still look basically the same, but inside...I think of the innocence I used to have, and I miss it. But I will never look at anything in quite the same way again. I have lied, fought, stolen blood not to mention other things, even killed. I never thought myself capable of such things. But now it is a part of me, the beast within. All that stands between that beast and the world is my will. My ability to deny it what it wants. I must do what I can to never let that beast control me. I have to control it. I have to. I can't become those things I saw in the club tonight. Only worried about the power others can bring them. Never trusting. Always hiding themselves from everyone. My time on the streets taught me how easy it is to fall into that trap. I almost did. I could have easily killed Vincent that night. Instead I listened and because of that we got the actual bad guys. So maybe there are things I can do, things I can make better. Looking out into the city I shudder to think what it would feel like to be in Trevor's place. I can almost feel sorry for him. Not wanting to see or think about it anymore I pull away from the window, and turn to see Melody sitting and watching me. My eyes close as my head falls back and I take a deep breath trying to find what to say to this woman. 160

Looking up straight into her eyes, I say one simple word that says it all, "Why?" Standing up she heads to the window to take my former place, avoiding my eyes, "Why what?" "Oh which one? Well lets start with why did you leave me with the Brujah? Was I just a liability like they said?" "No of course not! I wanted to come after you...but Pierce told me about Vincent to keep me from doing it. He said Vincent would get you out of there, and he did...right?" I think back to the night they left me on the roof of that building. Vincent knew I wouldn't die from the sunlight. Although at the time I didn't know he knew. All I knew was I had to get off the roof before the sun set. When that guy came and set me free... "Yeah he got me out of there all right." "See no problem. It worked out. Everyone thought you were gone, the Nos did me a favor and took you in. I took care of everything. I didn't leave you with the Brujah, I knew you would be safe..." "Safe? Yeah real safe." I say, starting to raise my voice, "Do you have any idea what happened to me? What I did out there? No, I can see you don't. You closed yourself off so you wouldn't feel me didn't you? That morning on the roof I killed a man...a man who tried to help me, an innocent. They had drained me before they left me there you know. I had to have his blood. I couldn't stop myself. God Melody, do you know what that did to me? When Derek found me I was so out of it I couldn't even function, I wanted to die. I didn't know how to live with myself after that. Shoot sometimes I still don't. Look at what you have made me. " "Sean I am so sorry," I see she is crying now. That is not fair, "Maybe I should have never changed you...I am so sorry. If I had known..." "What? You would have come after me? No you wouldn't have. You would have never changed me? Yes you would have. One thing I have learned is you can't change things. You just have to live with them. I am learning to do that. One day at a time right? Humm that sounds familiar...is there a 12 step program for vampires?" "Sean stop it..." "Stop what? You don't like the new me? Oh and by the way, the name is Torch. You oughta know, you gave it to me." "This isn't you Sean. It's just the mask you wear. Just like I do..." "How do you know? I have changed..."

"Not as much as you would like everyone to think. We all wear masks. Look at me. You think the real me was sitting in that room helping to sentence a man to final death? Or is this the real me...the one I am with you?" "To tell you the truth...I don't know. I guess that is the question I need answered." "Look at me, look into my eyes, you will see the truth, I can't hide it from you." Slowly I turn to look into those deep beautiful green eyes, and once again, just like it always was I lose myself in them. I feel myself falling. The walls we had put up slam down, and I can feel her again, oh my Melody... "No!!! It isn't real." I say pulling away from her. "You are doing something to me, just like you always did." "Sean I have never used my powers on you, never. I don't want a puppet. I want you. I know you felt it just now. I have missed you so much. You touch a side of me no one else even knows exists. I need you, or one day I am going to lose myself in all this. I will become that mask you see out there. Please come back to me....please..." A part of me wants her so much, but I still have doubts. I look at her standing there pleading with me, I know this is the most she has ever opened herself to me or probably anyone, and my heart melts. I can't stand it anymore. "Oh Mel, I missed you so much." I say as I take her into my arms and start kissing her all over. However that new part of me stands apart watching the old me start to make love to Melody. He just shakes his head, and smiles. I know that as time goes on I will become more and more like him. Distrustful, jaded, hard...not able to feel anymore. Right now though I want to feel, I want to enjoy what I can. If it doesn't work out with Mel...well I have started over before. As she sinks her teeth into my neck I feel the overwhelming desire to taste her blood once more...but I hold back. If I drink her blood the bond she holds on me will get stronger...I pull back, no I'm not going to do that. I think it will be better that way. Interesting...a coherent thought during sex...Maybe I am not so far away from my other self as I thought. Now that is a truly disconcerting thought.

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Once again I find myself in my mother's garden, I must be dreaming again. Looking around I see the roses she worked so hard to keep beautiful. They always smelled so good. You could smell them all over the yard, and somehow I still can. This place brings back such a feeling of piece. I know that back in the real world this garden is still there at home, but somehow I doubt I will ever go there again. How can I face my mom? After what I have become? "You will see her again because you love her. And she will accept you because she loves you. That is the key you know, love." I turn and once again behold my father. "Dad, it is good to see you again. But how can you say that? After what I have done...." "It doesn't matter. You aren't a bad person son. Right now you have had some hard times. Had to do things that are difficult to except. But you didn't do them because you were evil, did you?" "No, but..." "Well there you go then. Not to mention you did stop the bad ones. Now I can't say I am happy about what you did...but you don't have to mention that to your mother." he winks. I kill a man and he winks? Ok this is weird. "Look Sean, you have a hard road in front of you. And you will do things that normally I would have been mad as hell about you doing. But I have seen what will happen without you. And I don't want that world to exist for my grandchildren. You'll make this world better. You're already doing it." "What do you mean? I was just trying to survive. I didn't help anyone." "Didn't you? What about the girl in the hotel? Or the other kids they would have taken?" "Well..." "You didn't have to do any of it. In fact you had to convince that Sandman to let you help. But you did. Do you think any of the rest of them would have thought to call an ambulance? Or check on the girl afterwards? The answer to that by the way is No." "Well you might have a point there. But what about the guy..." "You could have done better there...However, now you know what it feels like to take someone's life. You won't do it again lightly will you?" "No I won't. I don't ever want to have to do that again."

"Ok then you learned something. See most of your kind would have gone Hey that was easy, and just continued. But remember sometimes you will have to do things, weather you think they are right or not. But I have faith in you to make the right decisions." "Glad you do dad. Me I am not too sure of anything." "By the way, nice to see you with a good right hook." I remember the times he tried to teach me to take care of myself and laugh. "Yeah well I guess I needed a reason to learn. I should go see my bothers." We both laugh as we continue to walk around the garden. For a long time we don't say anything. Then he stops and turns to face me." "I know you can do this. At times it will be hard. But the strength is within you. Just remember yourself, don't let go of who you are." "I won't dad, and thanks." He smiles, gives me a pat on the back and starts to walk away. Things get hazy as I feel myself drifting away. Many things run through my head as I watch him get farther and farther away. All the things that have happened over the last year run through my mind. But one thing stands out. One thing that keeps repeating. Remember yourself. As I wake up I check the clock, 2pm, good great time to call. Dialing I cross my fingers hoping they are there. "Debbie? Yeah it's me. Is Ashley there? Thanks....Hey Hunny it's me daddy....

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Epilogue
Well that's how it happened. How I got into this crazy world of the supernatural. Vampires, Werewolves and Mages oh my...Sorry I digress. You see I didn't write this down until much later, now in fact. When is now you say? Well I am much older now, in numbers anyway. Still look the same though. That can be rough sometimes when an old fan thinks they recognize me. I just tell them it is the family resemblance. See Sean Thompson died a long time ago. He had too. Of course he had a great career before he did. But you know that. I recommend going to your own funeral if you can, it is quite funny. Anyway, I am sure there are many questions out there. I might even answer some of them. That was the last time I saw my dad. I guess he figured I had the idea. Or maybe I just made him up. Maybe I needed someone to tell me it was ok. Although much of what he said did come to pass, so who knows. As for Melody and me... well forever is a long time you know. I think I will tell the rest of that story some other time. If I told it now this epilogue would become another book. But let's just say she is still in my life even now. As for Ashley well I kept her out of all of this and she had a very normal life, if you can call living with Debbie normal. In fact I still check in on her family from time to time to see how they are doing, but of course they don't know about me. You know this life can be very lonely. But I have been lucky and found a lot of friends over the years. If not for them I might have turned into that beast I feared a long time ago. Man was I a wimp or what? Funny to think of that as me. Although to tell you the truth, deep down I guess that is still who I am. I still worry about all the innocents that get hurt. In fact it is part of my job now to protect them. I still keep my hand in music, mostly studio work and producing, but for the most part I work to keep the bad supernaturals from hurting everyone else. Because I have learned that all people no matter what you are can be both good and bad. I don't care what color, religion, or species you are, there are always good ones, and always bad ones. I like to think I am one of the good ones. Now that people are learning about our kind, it is making it harder and harder, to keep the piece. That is part of why I am writing this. I figure if you can read about it, maybe understand something about it, it will help you to except. Knowledge is the key to everything right? Blind Hate is one of the worst evils out there. Because we can do something about it. So

don't look at your neighbor and wonder what he is...Wonder who he is. Is he a good person? If he is, does anything else really matter? Ok I will get off my soapbox now. Hey I like it. It makes me taller. Anyway, let me know what you think. I know there is an email address around here somewhere. If you liked this story I have hundreds more. I am thinking of calling them the Torch Chronicles. Yeah I know kinda corny. But hey that is who I still am. And who I will always be. Life is Good, Sean Anderson (Thompson)

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