Ok, here it is, Number 2 In my Nicky series after The Only Constant Is Change. 
As always, comments and the like, are all welcome, at knightraven@clear.net.nz. 
Disclaimer: Forever Knight belongs to TPTB. Bummer. See now, if I owned the rights, I would be 
eagerly making a new series right at this very moment. Hmm.if *I* owned the rights.
 
 
Resistance, Is Futile
By K.Coleman-Tucker
Copyright 1998.
 
Continued 2 weeks after The Only Constant Is Change.
 
 
Tracy Vetter entered the station to see her partner already sitting at his desk attacking their never ending 
mountain of paperwork.
"Hey Nick. You're in early?"
Nick looked up at his partner with a half smile "Yeah, Nat brought me in so I could look over the local 
school records"
Tracy frowned in thought. "How come?"
"Nicky." He said gesturing impatiently. "I have to enroll him, and I am not just going to send him to any 
old school."
Nick had spent the last two hours going over all the public records, and a couple that weren't quite so 
public, of the three intermediate schools in his area. He had made numerous phone calls to each to 
clarify questions and to ask about policy etc. He hadn't been terribly impressed by any particular one, 
but then he hadn't been displeased either. This was a lot harder than he had first anticipated. 
Lacroix had snidely suggested sending him away to a private institution, but neither he or his son would 
be very happy with that arrangement, so it was dismissed immediately. Natalie had told him to just send 
him to the closest school and be done with it. The thought did occur to him, but again he had to do this 
right. Which meant checking out which school would best meet the boy's needs. 
When Nicky's mother had said he was intelligent, she neglected to mention their son was a potential 
genius. At least it appeared that way. Nick had spent several hours playing chess with the boy, and had 
only ever beaten him maybe five times out of the twenty or so games they had played. He was articulate 
and had a sense of perceptive of the world far beyond his young years. 
No, not just any school would do.
As it so happened, the school closest to where they lived had made it's way to the top of Nicks list 
anyway. Although close wasn't probably the best way to describe the five kilometre trek to where the 
school was in relation to the warehouse district in which they lived. Nicky would need a bike. 
This was one of the major things which had been bothering Nick. He couldn't do the normal things a 
father did for his kids, like taking them to school, or picking them up. No Saturday soccer matches or 
school sports days for him, not unless he wanted to implode in front of the entire faculty. 
These thoughts had moved to put Nick in a particularly foul mood tonight.
"Nick!" Tracy called again, rolling her eyes at the now familiar glazed look her partner was displaying. 
Nobody home.
"What!" he replied tersely.
Ooh bad mood tonight huh? Tracy thought. "I asked where Nicky is tonight?"
"Oh." Nick calmed down as he realised he'd zoned out and reached for the Thompson folder on his 
desk, and started flicking through it.
"He's at the Raven." Nick fought down the nervous reservations he felt about leaving his son alone with 
Lacroix for the first time, and continued to look through the file in his hand. 
"You left him at the Raven?" Tracy said.
"Yes."
"Alone?"
"He's not alone." Nick said snidely over the desks.
"Do you think that was such a good idea?"
Nick looked guilty and apprehensive as he shrugged.
"They'll be fine." he almost whispered.
"Whatever you say." Tracy said smiling and shaking her head.
"Look just drop it Ok?" Nick snapped. Tracy said nothing as she raised her hands in surrender.
He had dropped Nicky off on the way to the station earlier, having all but begged his sire to look after 
him while he was at work for a couple of nights.
Although Lacroix hadn't been overtly hostile toward Nicky, he hadn't exactly been friendly either. 
The pair hadn't spent much time together since the night at the loft when Lacroix had proclaimed his 
acceptance of Nicky as family, and would protect him accordingly. Their next meeting had been formal 
and played out for the benefit of the Community.
<<<---<<<
1 week earlier.
Nick followed his son into the Raven. The crowd, which was mostly vampire, quieted and parted to 
allow them to make their way toward the bar where Lacroix was patiently waiting. 
Wearing his traditional black, Lacroix had reached down to hold his grandson's head in his hands, and 
kissed him on the lips. This action instantly told every vampire present, that he was his, and to harm this 
child, would mean suffering his wrath.
It had pleased Lacroix, when the boy had reached up and held his face as he returned the kiss. Nick 
too kissed his father in greeting and support. This display had surprised Lacroix greatly, and truth be 
told unnerved him ever so slightly. Of course, his son would never see or feel the indiscretion. Maybe 
there was still hope for himself and his son to reaffirm their bond, it had grown increasingly weaker as 
they had fought each other over the past century. He held Nicks gaze meaningfully for a moment before 
leading his family to the back rooms and into his office. 
Nick and Nicky were also dressed in black, and exuding all the natural power they could muster. The 
family together had looked and felt formidable. No one would be foolish enough to interfere with La 
Chez de Lacroix.
The plan to introduce Nicky into the Community in this manner was surmised two nights previous as 
questions and rumors had been heard circulating around the Raven at breakneck speed. Any and all 
rumors which indicated dissension within the family had to be dispelled immediately.
The exhibition had been highly successful.
>>>--->>>
 
Nick had never left them alone before and was just a little apprehensive at the thought of what trouble 
his son might get himself into. 
When he and Lacroix had first met, Nicky had made a precocious and rather insulting comment which 
had almost found himself killed. This particular memory did nothing to soothe Nick's fears what so ever.
As Natalie drove them to drop off Nicky on the way to work, Nick ridding in the back well covered, 
had warned his son not to do anything like that again, and had made Nicky promise to be behave while 
at the Raven with Lacroix.
Still, he worried. 
Nick finally succumbed to the impulse he had been harboring all evening, and called the Raven to check 
up on the pair.
"Raven." 
"Patrick, it's Nick."
"Hey Nick. How's everything?"
"Good, good. How is everything there?" Nick asked the vampire emphasizing the word 'everything'.
"Oh, um."
"Patrick." Nick warned the man.
"Ok ok. Well, they started off just fine. But, then, they had a little...misinterpretation." Patrick grimaced 
at the groan he heard at the other end of the line. He hurried to add "But it's all right now. Not a drop of 
blood was shed." 
Nick sighed with slight relief but contemplated going over there anyway. He grudgingly decided against 
it. After all as long as no one was about to get hurt he would just have to leave them to work it out 
themselves. To Patrick however he said,
"If anything happens you'll call me straight away." It wasn't a question but a polite demand, and Patrick 
wasn't about to deny him. 
"Sure, right away." and after a pause added "Don't worry Nick. I'll keep an eye on them." 
"Thanks Paddy. I'll check in again in a few hours."
"Sure thing."
Nick hung up his phone and rubbed his hands over his face and through his hair, growling in frustration.
What had he been thinking leaving those two alone together!
 
<<>>Earlier that evening at the Raven.
Nick, covered by a blanket protecting him against the lowering sun in the sky, gently pushed Nicky into 
the Raven.
"Do I have to stay here?" Nicky asked for the umpteenth time. He wasn't very comfortable with the 
idea of spending an entire night with Lacroix by himself.
"Yes. I'm sorry, but I can't keep taking you into work." Nick said firmly to his son, also for the 
umpteenth time. 
"Come on it won't be that bad." He said, as much to encourage himself as his son. 
Lacroix appeared in the office doorway and moved to edge of the bar. He remained silent, and waited 
for his son and grandson to reach him.
"Well, here he is." Nick said lightly.
"So he is." Lacroix flatly stated.
Nicky cringed inside. Great, this is going to be fun. Outwardly he remained impassive.
With a final goodbye and a 'be good' look, Nick left and hurried out and into the trunk of his car before 
he could change his mind.
Nicky looked up at Lacroix. Lacroix looked down over his nose at the boy.
Over the past weeks, he had distanced himself emotionally and physically from the child. He had no 
desire to become involved in anyway with him. In fact, he had conceded to 'baby-sit' only as a way of 
collecting favor towards his own son.
Nicholas would pay highly for this effort he thought, as he looked the child over.
The boy had his arms crossed over his chest and stood staring at him with a disapproving scowl. He'd 
heard the comment the boy had made as he walked in. Well, the feeling was quite mutual. 
Nicky just stared at Lacroix, waiting for him to speak. He did not want to be here, and he wasn't about 
to hide his feelings on the matter.
"There will be rules here, of which I expect you to obey." Lacroix turned from the boy and went behind 
the bar to retrieve a glass and a healthy serving of bloodwine.
Yeah, whatever. Nicky thought keeping his face neutral, following the vampire's movements with his 
eyes.
"During business hours, the club will be off limits to you." Lacroix took a sip from his glass before he 
continued.
"And while I am working, you will not disturb me. For any reason." Lacroix turned and headed through 
the back rooms, expecting Nicky to follow, and up a set of stairs which led to the luxurious apartment 
above. Nicky followed, and as they entered the livingroom Lacroix turned to him. 
"There are many valuable and rare artifacts up here." He paused and bent down closer to Nicky. "Do- 
not- touch-anything." he whispered menacingly.
Standing again and regaining a more placid tone he continued the 'tour'. 
"You may use the television and books. The bathroom is through there." he paused, "Anything you wish 
to know?" He asked in a tone which did not expect an answer. He got none.
"Good, I shall leave you then. If you should need anything, call Patrick." he said gesturing at the phone 
on a table. Without further comment Lacroix left the child to his own devices.
Nicky sighed heavily and threw his backpack hard across the room onto a couch. He followed it and 
flopped down into a chair, propping his feet on the coffee table as he reached for the remote control to 
the television. He proceeded to flip through the channels for the next couple of hours.
Nicky heard the club downstairs roar to life a short time later, the bass from the music pulsing through 
the floor. 
Nicky moved around the room inspecting artifacts and running his fingers along the shelf of books. They 
were all very old, many of them first editions. He opened a door which led into a large bedroom. Nicky 
looked in the wardrobe, seeing only a few fancy woman's dresses there. Uninterested he opened 
another door. This led out into the main hallway. Nicky crept along until he reached the top of the stairs. 
Lacroix would be doing his radio show by now. 
The loud music, which was now performed by a live band, drew him down into the passage way, 
between the stairs to the apartment and the club area. 
He crept past the closed door of Lacroix's office and as he approached the soundbooth, where Lacroix 
was indeed doing his Nightcrawler show, he crouched down and crawled under the window, creeping 
forward another three or four feet, close enough to the club area to be able to see the band performing. 
He checked around him to make sure no one had seen him. Techniquely, he wasn't in the club, but he 
wasn't about to announce his presence to anyone. Seeing it clear, he sat down with his back against the 
booth wall and watched the band play. He smiled as he saw Vachon playing his guitar. The music was 
eclectic, though rough and raw in it's style. They performed well, in fact Nicky thought they were pretty 
awesome.
Nicky relaxed a little as he sat and enjoyed the music, soaking up the atmosphere.
Nicky had been sitting there on the floor listening for about forty-five minutes, when a large hand 
suddenly grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and dragged him to his feet and back towards the stairs. 
Upon reaching the living room again. He was dropped and turned roughly around to stare into the very 
angry face of his grandfather.
"I told you not to go into the club! Why did you disobey me!?" Lacroix demanded loudly while holding 
the boy's head roughly in his hands. 
Nicky felt real fear for the first time in the older vampires presence. The hands holding his head, firmly 
forced him to look into his eyes which were edged with flickers of gold. The fear however didn't stop 
him from meeting his grandfathers angry gaze defiantly. Nicky took a breath before answering.
"I didn't disobey. I wasn't in the club."
He thought then that Lacroix was going to hit him, and flinched away. 
Lacroix saw and felt the boy recoil away from him, and closed his eyes to calm himself down before 
speaking again. Still holding the boy he spoke in a low level voice.
"Apparently, I did not make myself clear enough to you the first time." he paused then firmly demanded. 
" Do not go downstairs without permission again." Lacroix drew the boy's eyes to his. "Do you 
understand?" When Nicky nodded affirmative, he released his hold, and left the room before he did 
anything, like killing his grandson, that would definitely destroy the little improvement which had incurred 
in his relationship with Nicholas.
He stood at the top of the stairs taking deep calming breaths. 
He had very nearly hit the child across the face with enough force to do some serious damage. 
He rarely lost control in this manner, and when he did, it was almost always due to his son's insolent 
behaviour. Nicholas had always pushed the boundaries of his control. Apparently it was a genetic 
condition.
Having regained his usual unemotional composure, Lacroix headed back downstairs and into his 
soundbooth.
Nicky watched Lacroix leave the room again. And when the door closed behind him, he gave the 
vampire the fingers. 
He grumbled and flopped back down on the couch, resigning himself to watch television for the rest of 
the night.
When Nick walked in the door at about 3 am, Nicky leapt to his feet. 
"Thank God. Lets go already." He grabbed his bag and quickly headed out the door past his father and 
Lacroix and down the stairs. Nick turned to Lacroix with raised eyebrows.
"Anything I should know about?" 
Lacroix glared at his son. 
"Do not start with me Nicholas. I am not in the mood." Nick threw up his hands in surrender.
"Ok." he paused before asking lightly. "Are you still on for tomorrow night?" 
Lacroix almost growled NO! and kicked him out. But instead let out a forceful sigh and glanced at the 
stairway where the boy had disappeared, then back at Nick. 
"Yes. Against my better judgment. You will owe me for this Nicholas." he said pointing a finger at Nick.
He knew his son had been desperate when he had called him at short notice earlier this afternoon. The 
woman he had hired to watch his son at night, had been involved in an accident and had been forced to 
cancel.
Nick nodded his thanks and headed out after his son.
Nick saw Nicky to bed, then headed to the fridge and pulled out a bottle. He filled a glass and took it to 
the couch and sat down.
The dilemma he had over who would watch over Nicky while he was at work, would lessen when the 
boy started school. 
Nick had worked out, that while he worked nights, he would have either hired help, friends or family 
watch over Nicky as he slept. He had asked several people if they could help, and most had said no 
problem. Vachon and Tracy had volunteered much to Nicks relief. Lacroix was still as yet undecided.
He and Nicky would spend the mornings and afternoons together, before and after school and work. 
The weekends too.
It would be more, or just as much time together as most of the other cops spend with their families. He 
had also requested the Family Schedule at work.
This was a roster which tried the best they could to give priority to detectives with families to coincide 
their off days with the weekends and holidays. Nick had felt warm and fuzzy as he filled out the required 
form to apply for the schedule. It had put him in a good mood for the rest of the night. It had made him 
feel almost...human.
So all Nick had to do now, was to choose a school. He looked over the forms which were on the 
coffee table where he had left them earlier. Nick picked up the form for St. Augustus. It was the closest 
school to their home, and it seem the best out of the schools in their zone. 
With the decision finally made he looked at the time, 6am, way too early. He would have to stay up for 
another couple of hours before he could make the call.
The nightmares which had plagued Nicky soon after his arrival, were now few and far between. Ceasing 
almost immediately after Lacroix declared his intention to protect the child and to keep the enforcers at 
bay.
Nick had felt a weight of immense proportions lift from his shoulders as well. He'd not even been aware 
of the strength of the fear he had been feeling for his son's safety, until it was gone, or at least the 
immediate threat from the community.
Nick, with great intrigue, has discovered many of the joys in parenting over the past two weeks. He 
would stand in awe as he watched the boy eat, amazed at the vast amount of food such a small being 
could devour with such ease and not get fat. 
Nick finally resorted to visiting a supermarket with Nicky, so he could choose the kinds of food he 
would like to eat. 
Nick had been stunned at the variety of food available. Not to mention how it was packaged, copied, 
pillaged, and camouflaged to appear like 'real' food.
Natalie had smacked him before torturing him with a long lecture pertaining to the four basic food 
groups and their importance to the healthy growth of a child, when she arrived that night and saw what 
they had bought. 
Apparently mortals couldn't live on sugar and additives alone. 
At 8:30am Nick called St. Augustus to enroll Nicky. He made 'after dark' appointments to meet with 
his teachers to discuss the curriculum and to assess where Nicky's education level was. With the task 
finally accomplished, he made his way to bed.
Dusk arrived once again. Nick personally made sure Nicky packed alot more things to keep him 
occupied while at the Raven tonight. He still had no idea why Lacroix and Nicky hadn't gotten on so 
well last night. Nicky was usually fine with him and Natalie, infact every one he had meet seemed to 
take to him, of course with only one exception, Lacroix. 
But then Nick wasn't so surprised Lacroix had distanced himself from the boy. 
With the experience with himself and Janette leaving, and not to mention Divia.
Nick realized as he was thinking about Divia, that Nicky wasn't much younger than the girl would have 
been when she was brought across.
Whenever Lacroix's natural daughter had been mentioned in the past, Nick had felt the buried pain flash 
across their link for the barest instant, before the mental barriers would slam up and block all of Lacroix 
from his mind.
At those times, which were extremely rare, Nick would hardly be able to detect his sires link at all. This 
loss of contact had frightened him more than he would have ever admitted to being. He was sure 
Lacroix knew, but it had been one thing his sire had never used against him, or even spoken about.
Nick dropped a grumbling Nicky back off at the Raven on his way to work.
"Hey! It's just one more night." Nick said sternly to his son as he climbed out of the car. 
"Yeah." the boy had mumbled looking at his feet.
"Please. Nicky. Just stay out of his way and do as he says. Ok?" Nick pleaded.
"Ok" Nicky said with a little more enthusiasm for Nicks benefit.
He watched Nick drive off before pulling open the door allowing the pulsing music to thunder into him.
Even though the Raven had only just opened there was already a fairly large crowd of after work 
patrons gathered. Nicky pushed his way through the mostly mortal crowd to the bar, then made his way 
down the hallway to the stairs leading up to the apartment. 
Lacroix was in his office going over an inventory list as he felt Nicky arrive. As the boy passed his office 
he called out to him.
"Nicholas!"
A small blonde head popped inside the door.
"Yes?"
"Come in." Lacroix ordered while still looking at the papers in his hand. He put them down as he shifted 
his attention to the boy standing impatiently across from him.
"You do remember the rules from last night?" he asked eyeing the child sternly, knowing full well he did.
Nicky nodded.
"Good." Lacroix lent back and steepled his fingers as he continued. "I have given the matter some 
thought since then, and I have decided you may come into my office and listen to the music if you wish. 
Only, when I am not here working of course." he added. Lacroix watched the boy smile ever so slightly 
at the news.
"Thankyou." Nicky answered quietly.
Lacroix stared at the boy for a moment longer before dismissing him with a wave. "You may go."
Nicky closed the office door behind him, smiling at the good fortune of his grandfathers willingness to let 
him leave the confines of the upper floor.
Nicky ran upstairs and into the living quarters. He went straight to the radio and switched it on to 
CERK to await Lacroix's show. He figured that when the show was on, Lacroix would no longer be in 
his office, so he would be able to go down and listen to Vachon's band play.
He also switched on the television and settled down on the couch to watch 'Star Trek' and some stupid 
infomercial while he waited. 
A few hours later, the instant he heard Lacroix's voice, Nicky leapt up and bolted downstairs and into 
the office. He sat himself in the large comfortable chair behind the desk, and having left the door wide 
open, he settled back, swinging the chair wildly from side to side, then all the way around, then lent 
back, relaxed and listened, embracing the energetic tones radiating from the club.
By the end of the second set Nicky had had enough. The pangs of hunger coming from his stomach 
finally over rode the draw of the live music. He hadn't eaten since breakfast. 
Getting up, he proceed to rummage around in the small bar and refrigerator that was situated in the 
corner of the office.
Nothing but bloodwine and orange juice. Nicky grabbed a glass and helped himself to a large measure 
of the juice. He gulped it down hungrily. After another helping, he decided he was still very hungry. He 
jogged back upstairs to search the rest of the apartment for any kind of food. 
Zip.Zilch. Nada. And he was still hungry. He went back downstairs and risked a peek around the bar 
to see if Patrick was there. He was, but he was inundated with thirsty customers, so Nicky went back 
into Lacroix's office.
Flopping back down in the desk chair, his elbows propped up on the desk. He contemplated whether 
or not to ask Lacroix where he kept the food. At the thought of rule number two, Not to disturb him, 
for ANY reason, he decided that wouldn't be such a good idea.
Idly he began to go through the draws in the desk. The first draw yielded nothing of interest, the second 
however, hit paydirt. Sitting right on top of a stack of envelopes, was Lacroix's wallet. Nicky looked 
nervously around before picking the leather wallet out of the draw and inspecting it's contents. It held 
perhaps 3 or 4 hundred dollars in various denominations, several creditcards, a drivers license and a 
videoclub card.
Nicky quickly took a twenty dollar bill and shoved it in his pocket, replacing the wallet back exactly 
where he had found it. He could pay him back later. Standing, he moved toward the office door and 
poked his head around the corner to see if the coast was clear. Apart from a few customers at the bar, 
everyone's back was to him. 
Casting a quick glance toward the broadcast booth, and noting the 'on air' light lit, he made a dash for 
the rear exit. 
Standing in the dark alley at the rear of the building, he scanned quickly about him to see if anyone else 
was there. Empty. He turned and headed down the alleyway. He had seen a convenience store and 
diner about two blocks from here from the car on the way to the Raven last night. All the way there he 
thought about what he felt like to eat.
Lacroix stepped from the booth half an hour later to take a break. He crossed into his office to pour 
himself a glass from his private stock. 
He paused as he entered, he had expected Nicholas to be here listening to the band play. Lacroix 
sniffed the air deftly. The boy had been here, and recently. 
Moving beside the desk to the bar to retrieve a glass, he took note of the empty glass of orange juice, 
then he noticed the second draw of his desk slightly ajar. He pulled it open. Upon seeing his wallet, he 
picked it up and opened it. There was twenty dollars missing. 
"That little whelp." Lacroix whispered angrily. Gripping the wallet in his hand he strode upstairs to 
confront his grandson. 
Entering the livingroom he sensed immediately the boy wasn't here, of which he would have felt 
anywhere in the club, had he not been to busy fuming to check.
He turned and headed back down to the bar. He signaled Patrick and when he came near he asked 
"Have you seen Nicholas?" The barman shook his head "I'm sorry Lacroix I haven't seen him all night."
Lacroix spun angrily and headed back into his broadcast booth, shoving his wallet into his trouser 
pocket. He cued up a CD to play out the remainder of his show then headed out the rear door and into 
the alley. 
Nicky had found the all-night dinner without any problems. He had ordered a hamburger and fries, of 
which he inhaled as soon as they were ready. Feeling much better, he began to walk back to the Raven. 
After walking about half a block, he suddenly felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. He froze, then 
very slowly he turned around. 
Lacroix was able to pick up Nicholas's trail easily and he followed it on foot for a couple of blocks. 
Then spotting the object of his search ahead, he took to the air, landing just behind the boy. The child 
froze as he landed and slowly turned to face him.
The boy was about to bolt, so Lacroix quickly grabbed the boy's jacket with one hand, to stop him 
from fleeing.
Stepping closer, he bent down to look in the boys eyes. Speaking with barely controlled rage. 
"What, dare I ask, do you think you are doing?" Lacroix raised an eyebrow when instead of the 
expected fear, he saw anger burn in the child's eyes. 
"What do you care?!" the boy spat. The child's insolent behaviour only served to heighten his own 
anger. Shouting now into the boy's face, eyes blazing gold. 
"I care, because, what ever it is you are doing, you are doing it with my money! I do not tolerate thief 
Nicholas, not from anyone!!"
"I didn't steal it!!" Nicky's anger matching the vampires. "I was starving! I borrowed it to get some 
BLOODY FOOD!!" he swore pulling, to no avail, at the grip the strong hand had on the front of his 
jacket. 
Lacroix just held and stared at the struggling boy for a moment. 
"Why did you not ask Patrick to get you something?" he asked a little calmer, but still obviously angry.
"He was too busy doing his own job, let alone baby-sit me!"
Lacroix pursed his lips and continued to frown in thought. His anger abating somewhat. 
He had been negligent in his duty to properly care for the boy. This bothered him immensely. 
No matter how much he had wished not to have to entertain any one person over the centuries, both in 
his mortal and immortal life, he had always prided himself in providing them with all that they should ever 
need or require. 
He had let this boy go hungry. He had failed to provide for his most basic needs. Nicholas would not be 
pleased. Lacroix let go of the boy's clothing and brought a hand to his lips, as he continued to frown.
"You have had sufficient sustenance?" He could smell the greasy odor on the boy.
"Yes." came the terse reply as he straightened his clothing.
"Then let us return to the Raven." Lacroix waited for the boy to turn around. 
Choosing to ignore the glare Nicholas gave him, he followed a short distance behind as the boy headed 
off at a brisk walk back to the nightclub.
As much as he felt like slapping the boy senseless at this very moment, he couldn't help but feel a thrill at 
seeing the blazing fire burning so bright in one so young. 
Lacroix let his eyes smile as he trailed silently behind. He obviously had his mothers quick and fiery 
temper.
Nicky headed straight for the front door of the Raven, yanked it open with a bang and strode through 
the crowd and up the stairs into the living room, slamming the door closed behind him. 
Lacroix watched as Nicholas stormed into the Raven, the crowd parted for the boy, sensing his rage, 
and the ancient vampire behind him. Lacroix surpressed his amusement, and followed the carved path 
through to the apartment. 
He was met by icy silence. Nicholas was laying on the couch, rapidly flicking through the Television 
channels.
Lacroix cleared his throat. He was unaccustomed to giving apologies. No matter how small or indirect. 
"Nicholas, I have not been dutiful in providing you with satisfactory nourishment and attention this 
evening." a long silence ensued until Nicky finally glanced up at Lacroix, a heavy frowning glare showing 
his still evident anger. Firmly he softly stated.
"I am not a thief." 
Lacroix just raised an eyebrow .
"If I were, I'd have taken a hell of a lot more than twenty bucks." he mumbled under his breath.
Lacroix heard every word of course, but decided again to say nothing as he was inclined to agree.
Nicky suddenly rose from the couch and fished into his jeans pocket. He came up with a couple of 
scrunched up notes and coins. He slapped them on the coffee table.
"And here's your damned change." he said, then fled from the room into the adjoining bedroom, 
slamming the door behind him. 
Nicky threw himself onto the bed and cried.
Lacroix scooped the money from the table and put it into his own trouser pocket. He sighed as he 
lowered himself onto the couch. He crossed his legs and ran a hand over his closed eyes and brow. 
Why did this whole episode bother him so? 
The sound of the child crying in the next room didn't help.
He was feeling a strange sensation, much like what he constantly felt from his son. Guilt? Lacroix rapidly 
dispelled the distressing thought far from his mind.
He had made a serious error in judgment in caring for the child. He should never have agreed to watch 
over him. 
Twenty minutes later he felt the arrival of his son.
Nick was just finishing up at a crime scene when his cellphone rang. "Knight" he answered.
"Nick?" 
"Patrick?"
"Yes." Patrick paused not quite sure how to begin.
"What's happened?" Nick demanded when Patrick hesitated, knowing right away why the vampire was 
calling.
"Well you did say if anything happened..."
"Tell me!" 
"Well a short time ago Lacroix came into the bar fuming, and asked if I'd seen Nicky. I said I hadn't so 
he stormed off." he took a breath before continuing. "Then the next thing I know, Nicky comes storming 
through the front door, looking like Fury herself, followed by Lacroix." Patrick tone became concerned 
"Something happened, I don't know what, but they're both pretty upset. I really think you should knock 
off early Nick." Patrick finished.
Nick sighed "Yeah Ok, I think I will. I'm finished here anyway. I won't be long. Thanks Patrick.." Nick 
hung up his phone and headed over to where Tracy and Natalie were talking over by the corpse lying 
sprawled on the ground at their feet.
"Trace, I have to book off early. Can you finish up here for me?" he asked his partner. 
"Yeah sure." Tracy frowned.
Natalie gave him a concerned look. She had seen him answer his phone.
"Is everything all right?" she asked.
"I don't know. Patrick just called and asked me to come to the Raven. Apparently Lacroix and Nicky 
have had a few problems." Nick sighed. Natalie rubbed his arm in a rare show of intimacy, something 
they'd chosen not to display at work. 
"Ok, go. Tracy and I can handle this end." she said. Nick bent and gave Natalie a quick kiss. "Thanks. 
I'll see you at home?" he said taking a step towards where the caddie was parked.
"Sure, I'll come by after my shift." Natalie bent back down to finish her examination of the body as Nick 
headed off toward his car.
Tracy had stood quietly, watching the exchange. After Nick had left she lent down to Natalie "So when 
are you two finally going to move in together?" She asked smiling innocently.
Natalie's response was to give her an unamused glare. 
"He hasn't asked you yet has he?" Tracy said, her surprise and disappointment in her partner clearly 
evident.
Natalie stared down at the clipboard in her hand.
"I think it has something to do with his medieval upbringing, or at least I hope it is." she mused. 
Tracy shook her head and mumbled. 
"For such an immortal tough guy. He sure can be a chicken sometimes." 
Natalie chuckled, and was soon joined by Tracy. They attracted a few strange looks from the officers 
around them as the two women stood over the dead body, laughing.
Nick arrived at the Raven and headed immediately upstairs. He slowly entered the living rooms sensing 
Lacroix's presence within. The older vampire was seated on the couch, and looking all of his 2000 
years. Nick was certain now, he'd made the right choice in coming.
"You're early." Lacroix stated flatly, rising to his feet and moving to the bar to pour himself a drink. He 
silently offered one to Nick. 
He shook his head.
" It was a slow night." he lied.
"Patrick?" Lacroix simply said without turning around. Nick smiled. He never could successfully deceive 
his sire. He shifted his attention from Lacroix and scanned for his son's whereabouts. He turned to face 
the bedroom where he could hear the boy sleeping.
"What happened?" he asked the older vampire.
Lacroix sighed and sat back down on the couch cradling his wine in one hand while gesturing subtly with 
the other as he spoke.
"We had a little...misunderstanding."
Nick just raised his eyebrows and awaited further explanation.
Lacroix took a long draught from his glass before continuing, telling Nick everything which had occurred 
earlier.
"...he fled into the bedroom, where he has remained. He's not been asleep long." Lacroix said 
concluding his version of events.
Nick had sat down in a chair across from Lacroix, and he now run his hands over his face and through 
his hair before forcefully let a breath out through pursed lips. 
Strangely he didn't feel the anger towards Lacroix he had expected to. Maybe it was because he could 
discern through his body language, and their link, though he would never come out and say so, that he 
truly appeared sorry for what had occurred. 
Not to mention that he of all people now knew, that children were strange, unpredictable creatures. 
Nicky seemed to be even more so than most. It was all trial and error. This just happened to be one of 
those errors, on both his and Lacroix's parts. 
Nick briskly rubbed his thighs with his hands and rose as he sighed "Ok." he looked to Lacroix.
"Thank you for taking him tonight Lacroix."
Nick entered the bedroom and gently gathered his son into his arms. He carried the sleeping boy 
downstairs, through the still pounding club, and out into the car. Leaving a stunned vampire sitting on the 
couch, twisting the stem of his wine glass between his fingers. Contemplating his sons unexpected 
reaction. 
 
Nick entered the loft with Nicky on his hip and draped over his shoulder. He took him straight to his 
bed. 
He retrieved the boys pyjamas, and sitting up the half asleep child, he helped him into them.
Nicky lay back down, and faced the wall, curling himself into a ball.
Nick started slightly when the boy spoke.
"He hates me." Nicky stated quietly.
Nick sat down on the bed and leaned over his son to see his face before replying firmly. "No he 
doesn't." lightening his tone he added. "In fact, I think he likes you."
"I don't think so." Nicky said despondently. 
Nick sighed and lay himself down beside his son. He kicked off his shoes and crossed his legs, as he 
thought about what to say. Propping himself up on one elbow he looked at Nicky.
"If I tell you a story about Lacroix, and why he doesn't get on so well with kids, will you promise never 
to mention it to anyone ever, especially to Lacroix?" Nick said looking seriously down at his son.
Nicky was silent for a moment and then nodded. 
Nick lay back down and told his son the tale, leaving out a few of the more unsuitable details, of 
Lacroix's relationship with his mortal and then immortal daughter, Divia. 
"This is just one of the reasons why Lacroix doesn't get too close to anyone, or let anyone get close to 
him. Do you understand what I'm telling you?" Nick finished, gauging Nicky's enlightened reaction to 
what he had just been told. It was quite a story to through onto a ten year old, but it was one which 
needed to be told.
Nicky thought now he could relate to what Lacroix may be feeling, sympathizing with the loss the older 
vampire had endured. It changed the way he now saw Lacroix's cold attitude toward himself and to 
others, including Nick. He turned to Nick and nodded his understanding of the importance of what was 
essentially a very substantial family secret. 
Nick had seen the emotions flicker across the boy's face as he spoke, and was comfortable he truly 
understood the importance of what he had just been told. 
"Good. Now we have to sleep. We have an appointment at St. Augustus at 7pm tonight, to meet your 
teacher." Nicky snuggled back down under the covers.
Nick rose and suddenly tucked Nicky in so roughly and tight that Nicky couldn't help giggling as he lay 
practically immobile under the covers.
Nick smiled broadly at his son's laughter, of which had been his objective. It had been something his 
own father had done to him as a child.
It felt strange suddenly to remember such a moment. It was a time he had thought long forgotten. He 
kissed the top of his son's head and left him to sleep, turning out the light as he closed the door behind 
him.
 
"Have you everything you need?" Nick asked Nicky as the boy pulled the straps of his backpack over 
his shoulders.
"Yes."
"You're sure you don't want a ride. I can call a cab, or ask Nat to give you a lift?"
"I'm sure."
"You're sure about the route to take?"
"Yes."
"Do you remember where to go when you get there?"
"YES!"
"Ok, I was just checking." Nick held up his hands.
"Yeah only for about the tenth time today." Nicky mumbled.
It was Monday, and his first day at his new school. He and Nick had gone to the interview at St. 
Augustus, five days earlier. Nick had seemed reasonably impressed with the school, and the woman 
who would be teaching Nicky.
He hadn't really cared, but appeared enthusiastic for Nick's sake, school was all the same to him. 
Nick enrolled him on the spot, and for the next couple of evenings they went over the route he would be 
traveling to school in order to get there. 
There was also a bus he could catch if he wanted to, but it was still a kilometre and a half walk to the 
main bus route in order to catch it. So on Saturday night they had gone shopping for a new bike. 
Fun had been the order of the night, they looked at and tried out all the latest designs. Nick insisting he 
try the bikes as well as Nicky, for purely safety reasons of course. They had ended up racing around the 
warehouse size bike barn, until they were threatened to either buy something or leave. Nicky thought 
Nick had more fun than he had. He had finally chosen a classic, yet modern, silver lightweight BMX. It 
was Nicky's first brand new bike ever, and he liked it!
Nicky entered the lift, followed closely by Nick, and together they descended to the garage. He opened 
the door and headed over to where his new bike was resting against the wall. He walked it toward the 
garage door and hit the remote Nick had given him to keep in his bag.
As the door opened He saw Nick fall back into the shadows well out of reach of the sun. 
He was a little nervous about starting a new school, new kids, no friends, foreign country. But there was 
no way he was going to be seen being dropped off like a little kid. He needed to make a half decent 
impression if he was going to survive the months ahead as the new kid.
"Have fun." Nick said smiling. "I'll be here when you get home."
Nicky smiled at Nick and mounted his bike while saying, "Ok, See ya." with that he pushed off and 
headed down the street and onto school. 
He picked up the pace and began to time how long it would take him.
Nick sighed a melancholy sigh, as he watched his son ride confidently off down the road until he was 
well out of sight.
Feeling a little empty all of a sudden, he realized just how much he had become accustomed to having 
Nicky around. 
Nick closed the door against the painful glare of the morning light, and headed back upstairs, changed 
into his pyjamas and flopped into bed. Reaching over, he set his alarm to go off at three so he would be 
up and dressed ready for when Nicky arrived back home. 
 
Nicky arrived at school with about 15mins to spare. He parked, locked up his bike and headed inside 
the main building. He was to meet his teacher, Miss Ross, at the main reception desk, and she would 
take him to their classroom where he would spend the rest of the school year. 
"Hello Nicky." Miss Ross greeted him.
"Um, Goodmorning Miss Ross." 
Nicky shifted a little nervously. Miss Ross was thirtysomething and fairly pretty, not as pretty as Natalie, 
but still pretty. She had long dark hair, which she wore pulled back, and most importantly she was 
friendly. This was of importance, because his last teacher in France, M.LeCetuer, had been anything 
but. He had shouted alot, and mostly at him.
Miss Ross led Nicky into the classroom, which fell silent as they walked in. Miss Ross put a hand on 
Nicky's shoulder as she introduced him to the sea of faces. There were about thirty odd kids his age, all 
sitting in rows at individual desks, and they were all staring at him. Nicky took a breath and let it out. He 
could do this. 
"Everyone, this is Nicky Knight. He's new here today, and I would like you all to make him feel at 
home." quieter to Nicky she said.
"You can sit there next to Billy." pointing to a vacant chair halfway back, by the far window.
Nicky casually moved to the desk and sat down, placing his bag at his feet. He turned to the boy he 
assumed was Billy and gave a little half smile. Billy quickly looked down at his empty desk avoiding any 
more contact. Nicky glanced around the room until his attention was drawn to his teacher speaking at 
the front of the class. 
"Ok people, were starting with math this morning (class groan), so get out your books and turn to 
chapter 4." Nicky pulled out the new books he had been supplied with and found the appropriate 
chapter. Good he had already done this at his old school at least he wont have to try and concentrate 
too much for the next hour. 
The morning passed fairly quickly and soon lunchtime came around. Nicky followed his classmates to 
the cafeteria to buy some lunch. He looked around the room as he stood in line waiting to be served. 
The room was filled with tables most of which were full. Carrying his tray, he opted to sit at a table that 
was empty accept for one. He recognised Billy from his class. 
"Mind if I sit here?" Nicky asked. Billy looked hesitant for a moment, then shrugged 
"Whatever." 
Nicky sat down across from the boy and began to inspect his food. Billy was watching him pick his 
food cautiously with a fork and eventually said. 
"You're better off not knowing." he stated. pointing his own fork at Nicky's tray. 
"I had a feeling that would be the case." Nicky replied looking up and smiling at Billy. Billy almost smiled 
back.
A couple minutes of silence passed as they ate.
Billy ventured a question to the new kid who actually had the guts to sit with him. Mind you he probably 
didn't know why everyone else wouldn't.
"So, you're not from around here are you?"
Nicky looked back up at Billy and nodded his head as he swallowed his mouthful.
"No."
"Where you from?"
"Persan."
Billy frowned "Where's that?"
"France."
"Oh."
Billy paused for a moment then asked
"So, do you like hockey?"
Nicky smiled broadly. 
"Yes." 
Billy smiled back equally as wide, and a new friendship was born.
Nicky and Billy parted company at the school gate, having exchanged phone numbers, and both headed 
off home in different directions. Nicky took his time riding home, reaching it just after 4pm. Nick was 
waiting for him when he opened the lift door into the loft. 
"So how was it?" Nick asked.
"It was all right." said with a hint of surprise in his voice. He really had quite liked it. Making a new 
friend on the first day was a pretty big achievement in his book. Nicky headed straight for the fridge to 
find something to eat. 
"Well, come on, tell me all about it!" Nick sat at the divider as he watched his son prepare a huge 
sandwich. 
Nicky continued to pull items out of the cupboards. He shrugged at Nick as he buttered the bread.
"It was, a normal day. We did math then science then history then we had lunch." Nicky gave Nick a 
sarcastic wide-eyed look and added 
"Lunch was very exciting. Then we did PE then we did French then I came ho...Ahhhhh!" Nicky 
screamed as he suddenly found himself hanging upside down. 
Nick growled menacingly at his son as he held him by the waist and shook him until the boy was 
laughing uncontrollably punctuated by the odd screech as Nick feigned dropping him on his head.
"I want DETAILS!!" Nick roared.
"Ok!,Ok!, Ok! I'll tell you! Just put me down!" Nicky submitted loudly and Nick complied. 
After they had calmed down, and Nicky was seated at the table eating his snack, Nicky told Nick 
about what he was studying in each subject, and what his teacher and the other kids were like.
"There's this one kid, Billy, he and I had lunch together." Nicky paused before asking. "Can I invite him 
home to play one day?" Nicky asked tentatively, unsure if Nick would allow strange mortals into his 
house.
"Yes of course, just give me a little warning first. Ok" Nick smiled, glad Nicky had made a friend so 
quickly.
Nicky smiled back "Great thanks." and took another giant bite from his sandwich.
Nick left for work right after Vachon arrived to stay the night with Nicky. Nick had been a little hesitant 
at leaving his son with the carefree Spaniard, but soon saw that they would get on fine together. Nick 
made sure though to tell Vachon to make sure Nicky didn't coerce him into saying up too late. It 
wouldn't do to have Nicky falling asleep in class on his second day of school.
Nick sat down at his desk and reached for his top 'active' file. Tracy came in a moment later clutching 
her precious cup of coffee and joined him in going over the current case notes for any clues.
"Looks professional to me Nick." Tracy asked her partner as they studied at a set of rather gruesome 
crimescene photos. 
"I agree." Nick threw the photos on to his desk and stood grabbing his coat as he went.
"The print Nat found on the body belonged to Thompsom. He was the 'suicide' last week, and it just so 
happens that Thompson was an employee of 'Five Star Importers'..." 
"...Which just happens to be owned by one Marcus Gulliano." Tracy finished. Rising and donning her 
own jacket.
"Come on, lets go pay the reputable Toronto business man a visit." Nick said as he and Tracy headed 
out of the station, to follow their one and only lead.
Nick had surmised that Thompson had killed the unidentified man that had been found shot in the face 
earlier the week before. Both Thompson and the unidentified man had died on the same night. But 
Thompson's body hadn't been found until a few days later. Nick figured that someone, most likely mob 
related, was either trying to create an elaborate cover up, or that a deal had gone terribly wrong. He 
was betting on the latter.
"I'm Detective Knight and this is Detective Vetter." Nick introduced themselves and held his badge up 
to the middle aged woman, dressed in a housekeeping uniform, who had had opened the front door of 
the mansion they had pulled up to moments before. 
"Is Mr. Gulliano home? We would very much like to speak with him." Nick said smiling congenially at 
the flustered woman. 
"One moment please." The woman disappeared inside for a minute then reappeared and motioned them 
inside. "Please follow me, Mr. Gulliano will be with you momentarily."
She led the detectives into a large library where they took a seat on a comfortable over stuffed couch to 
await the arrival of Gulliano. 
"Would you care for refreshments?" the woman asked the pair politely.
"No, thank you." Nick said as he settled into the luxurious surroundings with practiced ease. 
Tracy watched with fascination as her partner seemed to mold into the surroundings as if he belonged 
there. But then he had hadn't he.
Her conjecture of her partner ceased, as a handsome dark haired man in his forties entered the room. 
"Detectives, my apologies for keeping you waiting. How can I help you?" he said lightly though still 
exuding the wealth and power he was capable of welding.
"Mr. Gulliano," Nick had stood, followed by Tracy, when Gulliano entered the room. He held out his 
hand to the man. Who took it. "I'm Detective Knight and this is Detective Vetter. We would like to ask 
you a few questions concerning one of your employees." Nick said getting straight to the point.
"Ah, Vetter? As in commissioner Vetter?" he asked turning to Tracy.
Tracy sighed inwardly. "Yes that's right." She wasn't about to divulge anymore information to this man, 
although he probably knew just who she was before he had asked.
"Mr. Gulliano" Nick brought the interview back on track. "Mr. Carl Thompson was an employee of 
yours, is that correct?" 
Gulliano sat down in a chair opposite the detectives and gestured for them to sit as well. 
"Yes he was. Very unfortunate business. I dislike my employees not being happy in their work and lives. 
I was very upset to hear of his suicide." 
Gulliano put on a very convincing show of the concerned employer. Nick knew otherwise though, all he 
had to do was prove it.
They had been talking for a short time, when a short man, looking for all the world the part of an 
accountant and financial adviser, came in to whisper something in Gulliano's ear. He avoided all eye 
contact with the detectives. 
Just as the accountant was leaving, Gulliano stopped him " Oh, and Paul, Pick up something for my 
kid's birthday will you." Paul raised his eyebrows in question.
"Anything to do with hockey, he loves the game you can't go wrong." Gulliano said turning to Nick with 
a smile. Nick returned the smile politely. 
The interview continued for another few minutes with all the predictable comments made by both 
parties. Nick and Tracy left with little information and a lot of questions. They headed back to the 
station to write up the notes of the interview and to go over the case notes yet again looking for an 
angle.
 
A week had passed since the meeting with Gulliano, and Nick and Tracy still had nothing on either the 
Thompson or the John Doe cases.
"Knight!, Vetter! in my office." Reese called as he strode by.
Nick and Tracy followed him inside and waited as he took his seat and sorted through the stacks of files 
piled on his desk.
"Are you getting any where on the John Doe?" he asked still shuffling paper.
"No, not yet." Tracy answered.
"Right, I want you to put it on the backburner."
"But Cap...!" Nick exclaimed. before being cut off by Reese.
"Do you have any evidence implicating Gulliano or Thompson?"
"No." Nick grumbled.
"Then drop it. That and the Thompson case as well." Reese stopped Nick from protesting again by 
raising his hand and giving him a stern look.
"I've given you as much time as I could Nick. File it as suicide and move on." Reese went back to the 
work on his desk, and after a moment glanced back up at the pair still standing there, and exclaimed 
loudly.
"What are you two still doing here! Work. Now!"
Nick and Tracy slunk out of the captains office and flopped dejectedly back down at their desks. Nick 
picked up the case files for the John Doe and Thompson and threw them into his out box.
"Damn it!" he exclaimed angrily.
"I really thought we could have had him Nick." Tracy sounded as despondent as he felt.
"Yeah well, without solid evidence..." Nick gestured frustratedly and let out a low growl which turned a 
few heads close by.
Before they had too much time to wallow in their loss, the captain came to their desks, handing Nick a 
slip of paper. 
"This just came in. Deceased female, found in the kids sand pit at Bellevue Park. It's all yours." He left 
as quickly as he had come. 
Tracy rose, followed by Nick who stood slowly, sighing and reached for his coat.
"Come on lets go and get this over with." she said leading the way. 
 
 
Nick dragged himself out of bed and into the shower. He had to get up today, Nicky was bringing Billy 
home to play. Nicky had taken the bus this morning so that he and Billy could catch a cab back home 
after school. Nick had arranged for one to be waiting for them at the school gate.
Nick dressed and went downstairs. He flipped on his computer to check his e-mail and to work on the 
Gregg case. Marisa Gregg, found raped and strangled to death in a sand pit two nights before. The 
scene of the crime had made Nick feel sick. To think that anyone could commit such a sick act in a 
children's playground made him feel an almost desperate need to hunt this guy down and tear his head 
off. 
Only now did Nick really understand how Schanke felt when their cases were child related. They would 
send anger and fear coupled with revulsion rushing through his body. Thinking back he now thought 
Schanke handled himself with great restraint. He however, was building a rather ruthless reputation for 
being intolerant to offenses against children, what ever the crime may be. 
Many other detectives with families were the same. Nick just seemed to scare the living daylights out of 
the offenders, not to mention some of the detectives, with much greater success. 
Nick smiled when he heard the lift kick in accompanied by excited chatter. The lift door opened and out 
stepped Nicky followed by a wide-eyed boy.
Billy was shorter than Nicky by a couple of inches though was stockier, without being overweight. His 
hair and eyes were a rich brown.
Nicky headed straight to the fridge, as per normal, while Billy stood and stared at the vast room.
"This place is so cool!" the boy exclaimed.
"I'm glad you like it." Nick said turning in his chair from the computer to face the boys. 
Billy jumped a mile at the sound of his voice. Nick had been out of their line of sight sitting at his desk in 
the far corner adjacent to the lift. Nicky walked over to Billy and looking from Billy to Nick he said 
"This is my friend Billy Gulliano." Nicky waved at Nick and added "This is Nick." 
"Hello Billy. It's nice to finally meet you." Nick smiled, careful not to belay any of the shock and 
apprehension he suddenly felt at hearing the boy's name. It could just be a coincidence
"Um, Hi." Billy replied tentatively.
"Come on" Nicky said handing Billy a sandwich and pulling his sleeve." Lets go to my room and play on 
the computer." Billy happily followed. 
Nick dove for his own keyboard to bring up the file on Marcus Gulliano. A few minutes later he let his 
head drop into his hands. Damn. Under known kin, was the name William Marcus Gulliano, son.
Nick shut down the computer and went back up to his bedroom. He spent the next hour deciding what 
to do about the fact that his son's first and only new friend, just also happened to be the only son of 
Marcus Gulliano, who was quite possibly the Godfather of Canada.
At six p.m., the front door buzzer sounded. Nick answered it "Hello?"
"Ah, yes hello. I'm Billy's mum. Am I at the right place?" a blonde woman in her early thirties stood at 
the front door. Nick watched her fidget from the safety of the security camera. 
"Yes, you are. Just get in the lift and take it to the second floor." Nick smiled at the woman's unspoken 
confusion and slight disapproval. He couldn't blame her. A warehouse wasn't exactly on every parents 
top ten places list of where to send their kids to play.
Nick opened the lift door as the lift stopped and stepped back to allow Billy's mother to enter. 
"Hello, I'm Nick Knight, Nicky's Father." He introduced himself to the woman whom on closer 
inspection was quite beautiful. She was staring around the loft with the exact same expression her son 
had shown earlier. Nick smiled again. 
She finally noticed Nick and started "Oh. I'm sorry. Katrina Marks. I'll tell you, this place looks nothing 
like you would expect from the outside." She said shaking Nicks hand and taking a couple more steps 
into the loft. 
"Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment." Nick said lightly. Katrina gave Nick a smile.
"Thank you so much for letting Billy come over. He doesn't have many friends and it was a treat not to 
have to rush home from work to meet him." Katrina said. 
"It was no problem." Nick replied. 
Katrina and Nick talked for a few minutes before calling Billy out from Nicky's room where they had 
enconsed themselves, glued to the computer. 
Nick had asked some discrete questions and found out that she was no longer married to Gulliano, and 
that the man rarely saw his son. She was a solo mum, who worked an eight to three job at a publishing 
company downtown. Both Billy and his mother seemed nice enough, which was only making it all the 
more painful as he thought of the decision he had made earlier concerning his son's and Billy's 
friendship. 
"So what do you do for a living Mr. Knight." she asked.
Nick hesitated before answering. Now was as good a time as any. 
"I'm a homicide detective." he said seriously, letting his voice portray the fact he knew who she and Billy 
were.
"Oh" she sighed heavily. "And you don't want Billy to come over or be friends with your son anymore, 
right?"
"It would be unhealthy for both of them, and us." Nick tried to explain his reasoning. "As a police officer 
it could be..."
"...uncomfortable to be seen with a known crimelords only son." she finished for him.
Nick nodded solemnly.
"Billy!!" Katrina called out. 
"I'm sorry, about this..." Nick started to apologise.
"Billy!!!" she called again anger and desperation rising. Then to Nick she said "Don't bother detective, 
I've heard it all before."
Billy and Nicky came in, unaware of the tension filling the room as the adults fell silent.
"Come on we have to go. Say goodbye to Nicky."
"See ya Nicky. Thanks for having me Mr. Knight." Billy said. The boys waved to each other.
"No problem Billy." Nick said. unable to look at his mother.
The mother and son entered the lift and silently left. 
Nicky went and sat down infront of the television, happily watching the Discovery channel. 
Nick watched him for a while, then slowly went over to the couch and sat beside him.
"Nicky, I need to talk to you about something." Nick said to get his son's attention.
"Yeah? What about." Nicky was only half listening, the other half was drawn by the breaching whales 
on the screen. Nick reached for the remote and switched off the TV.
"Hey! I was watching that." Nicky exclaimed when the picture died.
"What I have to talk about is important." The tone of Nicks voice drew Nicky's attention and he looked 
at Nick concern creasing his brow. 
"It's about Billy." Nick went on.
"What about him?" Nicky asked suspiciously.
Nick took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I don't want you to see him anymore."
"Pardon?"
"Billy is the son of a very powerful man, who doesn't always do business inside the law." Nick told him. 
Nicky just stared at Nick with a stunned expression. 
"It could be dangerous for you, or I, to be seen with him." Nick watched his son's face as his emotions 
and thoughts flicked across it at warp speed.
Nicky stood up and walked away a few feet. When he turned back to face Nick he had rage in his 
eyes, but when he spoke it was almost a whisper.
"No."
"No?" Nick rose to his feet and stepped towards Nicky, whom backed away.
"No, I won't do it." Nicky stood with his head bowed but his eyes looked straight into Nicks.
"I'm sorry Nicky, but you will have to do as a ask." Nick remained calm, expecting this response. 
Unfortunately it was the breaking point for the ten year old.
"NO! I won't give up my only friend just because you say so. You are NOT my father. You can not tell 
me what to do!!!" Nicky was red with fury, his fists were clenched tightly, and he was breathing heavily. 
Nick had had enough.
Nicky had been denying he was his father ever since they met, and It had been going on long enough. 
Nick grabbed the boy by the shoulders, with just enough force to hold him in place.
"Let me go!!"
"No" Nick growled. His temper rising. "You are going to listen to me."
"Why should I? Everything you say are lies!!" Nicky was still shouting.
"I have never lied to you!" Nicks voice was rising now too. Nick bent down to look into his eyes.
"Yeah right!!"
"No matter what you may think, I am your Father, and you will do as I say!!!" Nick was shouting now 
too. Loudly.
"No, you're lying!!" Nicky was almost hysterical and was thrashing his fists against Nick's arms, 
struggling against the grip on him. Nick just kept hanging on.
"You're lying!! She wouldn't lie to me!! SHE WOULDN'T LIE!!" Nicky was crying, tears streaming 
down his face as he wrenched himself from Nicks grasp and ran into his room violently slamming his 
door.
Nick stood there, his anger falling away, stunned at the revelation as to why his son had been rejecting 
him all this time. 
Thinking it had always been himself not being there for Nicky when he was younger, or something else 
along those lines. But this. Nick shook his head, why hadn't he thought of it? It had been too simple, 
that's why. Nicky couldn't believe his mother would ever lie to her only and beloved son. 
Nick lent back against the counter where they had ended up in their struggle. He covered his face with 
his hands and breathed deeply. After a few moments of thought, he rubbed his face and ran his fingers 
through his hair sighing shakily.
He wanted to go in and comfort his son, but he knew Nicky needed a bit of time to cool down and 
think things through.
Nick walked over to the phone and called Natalie. She should be at work by now. He was already late. 
"Natalie's Bed and Breakfast."
"Nat?" Nick's voice was rough with emotion.
"What's wrong?!" She knew that tone. It meant no good.
"You remember that honeymoon Nicky and I were on?" Nick said.
"Yyyes."
"It's well and truly over." Nick sighed into the phone.
"Oh Nick." when he didn't say anything else she asked 
"What happened?"
"Before, or after we finished screaming at each other?" Nick said.
"Oh no. Nick, what did you do?!" Natalie asked sternly, demanding an answer.
Nick told Natalie what had happened, and after she finished chewing him out over the phone she 
announced she was coming over. Nick checked in at work and booked off sick for the night, much to 
Tracy's annoyance since she knew damned well he didn't get sick. He then called Vachon to tell him 
not to bother coming over tonight. Afterwards he flopped down on the couch and dropped his head into 
his hands. 
Natalie arrived at the loft about an hour later. She had calmed down by now and when she saw the 
state Nick was in as he sat on the couch, she dropped her coat and bag on the kitchen bench as she 
passed and went straight to him and gathered him into her arms. 
Nick pulled away after a few minutes.
"Thanks for coming Nat." Natalie held one of his hands in her own and ran her thumbs across the palm. 
Nick rubbed his eyes with the other.
"I don't think I can handle this Nat." he said quietly.
"Yes you can." she responded confidently. "You made a really hard decision Nick. One I don't 
completely agree with, but I understand your reasoning. It would be very hard, for you, especially as a 
cop, to be connected in any way, to a man like Gulliano."
"I don't know if I made the right decision Nat. They have become such good friends in such a short 
time..." Nick floundered, doubt clouding his mind at his choice in handling the whole situation.
"Have you talked to him yet?"
"No, I thought he might want to be alone for a while." Nick said.
"Good idea. Just don't leave it too long." Natalie warned.
Nick put an arm around Natalie's shoulders, and she sunk into his chest curling her feet up under her.
"How long can you stay?" Nick asked. 
"Not long, I'm on my dinner break."
They sat holding each other for a while until Nick finally sighed and pushed himself to his feet. Natalie 
watched as he steadied himself and headed into Nicky's room. 
Nicky was sprawled out on the bed, with his head under his pillow. Nick gave a small smile at the petty 
avoidance tactic. Nick sat down on the edge of the bed letting his hands drop over his knees. He didn't 
say anything for a long moment. 
"I've thought about this situation with Billy...and I think there might be some way of working things out, 
so that you can still be friends." Nick said quietly. Nicky stirred slightly, but didn't say anything.
"I'm also sorry about yelling at you like I did." Nick turned so that one leg was resting up on the bed. 
He pulled at the pillow on Nicky's head forcing it way from his face. "Come on, talk to me."
Nick saw the tears start anew on his son's face and gently rubbed his back. 
Nicky swallowed heavily then whispered. "Why? Why did she lie to me?"
"She was trying to protect you."
"From what? You?"
"Partly, but mostly from yourself. She didn't want you longing, or hurting for someone, she thought you 
would never meet."
"So she said you were dead."
"Yes."
"But I hurt and longed for you anyway." Nicky said in barely a whisper.
"But I'm here now." Nick lent over his son, still caressing his back soothingly.
"But she's gone."
"Yes."
"And it's my fault." Nicky began to cry again at the admission.
Nick stopped rubbing, stunned at what his son had just said.
"How is it your fault?" he asked gently.
"If I hadn't been born, she wouldn't be dead. She would be immortal." The boy was sobbing now, his 
body shuddering as Nick picked him up off the bed and pulled him to his chest. He too was crying.
"No, it's not your fault Nicky. She loves you, and gladly gave her life for you." Nicky sobbed harder, 
and Nick held his son tighter, and stayed that way until the boy drifted off into an exhausted sleep.
Nick tucked Nicky into bed and went back out to where Natalie was still waiting. Wiping the 
bloodtears from his cheeks as he went. Natalie rose from the couch and he fell into her embrace. 
"How could he think that Nat?"
The tears ran down his face, once again, and he didn't care. 
"It was all he could allow himself to believe." she whispered rocking from side to side.
An hour later Natalie headed back to work, leaving Nick sound asleep on the couch.
A few days later Nick and Nicky were once again coexisting happily. The morning after their row, 
Nicky had rushed full steam from the house with the excitement of telling Billy they could still be friends. 
Billy's mum had called Nick at work later that night and gave him her heart felt thanks.
Nick also went straight to his captain and appraised him of the situation he and his son had found 
themselves in. 
Reese had been a little apprehensive at first, but eventually understanding. Just glad his detective had the 
brains to tell him what was going on. It was a hell of a lot better than hearing it as a inherently harmful 
rumor later on as the proverbial hit the fan.
 
Nick was sitting at his desk filling out his endless A7 forms, when his phone rang. "Knight, 96th." He 
answered distractedly while still writing. 
"Nicholas."
Nick dropped his pen in surprise at the voice.
"Lacroix." Nick said, stunned his sire would call him at work. His mind began to race with the reasons 
as to why Lacroix was calling. 
"Is there something wrong?" he asked, suddenly alert.
"No, no, I was just going to inquire about the boy. Is he well?" Lacroix asked casually.
Nick opened and shut his mouth still utterly stunned. 
"Ah, Yes he's fine. We had a rough week. But we came through it all right." Nick told Lacroix.
"Good. I haven't seen you for a while Nicholas." Lacroix said icily, in his usual manner of summons.
"No. I'll come by after my shift ends." Nick said his curiosity brimming at Lacroix's sudden interest in 
Nicky's well being.
"I will be expecting you." Lacroix hung up the phone. Nick stared at the phone in his hand as he slowly 
placed it back on it's hook. What did he want? Nick wasn't quite sure what to make of the 
conversation.
Finishing his paperwork in record time, Nick booked off a early.
Nick arrived at the Raven not long after Lacroix had finished his show for the night.
Lacroix met him at the bar and offered him a drink. 
Nick accepted, the pangs of hunger in his belly telling him he needed it. Lacroix signaled to Patrick, who 
bright over a new bottle and poured Nick a glass. 
"I hope this one will meet more with your approval." Lacroix said disgusted. Nick sniffed at the drink 
before him. Human. Smiling he picked it up and drained it in one gulp and reached for the bottle which 
Patrick had left on the bar. 
Lacroix sat next to Nick at the bar, amused at his son's hunger. His son had been starving himself for far 
too long. Sipping at this own drink, they sat in silence for several moments. 
"Nicky started school this week at St. Augustus." Nick said in order to start some kind of conversation, 
as much as informing Lacroix of his son's latest activities. 
"I trust his education will be adequate." 
"Yes I believe so. It's a good school. Though I'm sure he would benefit from some added tuition. 
Especially with his history." Nick added coyly hiding a smile by taking a sip from his glass.
"Well, you know I will always be of service in that regard, Nicholas."
"Thank you." Nick said politely as he took another swallow of his bloodwine before putting it down and 
turning to the composed vampire beside him. 
"In fact why not give him a lesson tomorrow night?" Nick said a little too cheerfully.
Lacroix slowly turned to his son. He frowned slightly and held his son's now nervous gaze.
"Surely you jest, Nicholas." 
"Please Lacroix, I'm desperate. Don't make me beg! " Nick pleaded.
Lacroix couldn't help but let the corners of his lips rise at the thought of having Nicholas begging at his 
feet. 
"I was under the understanding you no longer had to work on the weekend. Am I mistaken?" Lacroix 
asked coolly. 
"No, you are not mistaken." Nick sighed. Lacroix mistook nothing.
"The captain is making me work Saturday to make up for the early nights and days off I've taken over 
the past month." Nick said his tone pouting.
Nick suddenly slipped from his stool and dropped to his knees at Lacroix's feet. "Please Lacroix" 
Lacroix stood over his begging son and allowed himself a half smile of amusement at the pathetic sight 
his sons theatrics produced. Some of the vampires close by tried hiding their grins behind raised glasses 
and hands. Lacroix allowed them their humor at Nicholas's expense. Lacroix waited an excruciating 
length of time before answering with a sigh.
"Very well. Bring him when you must."
"Thank you you're a lifesaver." Nick declared jumping to his feet. 
Lacroix turned to him abruptly. 
"There's no need to be insulting Nicholas." he said sharply.
"Wha?...Oh sorry." 
Lacroix hid his amusement at his son's repentant gaze. Nicholas rarely appreciated his sense of humor.
Lacroix returned to the bar to reclaim his wine. 
"Till tonight then. Good day Nicholas."
"Good day Lacroix" 
He left Nicholas, to finish his bottle of bloodwine, before he too left for home.
Lacroix sat in his office and reached for the thick phone book he kept in the bottom draw of his desk. 
As he did so, a piece of parchment caught his eye. Reaching back into the draw he slowly pulled out a 
letter, Sarah's letter. He had forgotten he had put it there. Chastising himself for his selective memory, 
he lent back in his chair and rubbed the fine paper in the fingers of one hand, gently caressing the words 
which lay upon it.
Sarah had been his adopted daughter. She had been more vampire than mortal, but still, she had been 
ostracized from the community. That was, until he had saved her. He still ridiculed himself for committing 
such an altruistic act, he usually left such things to Nicholas. But she had displayed such a rare demeanor 
of strength and fire within, he could not deny her. He had recognized it the moment he had seen her 
struggling for her life.
Sarah was also Nicky's mother. Lacroix sighed as he thought of their last parting. It had been 
unpleasant, and had hurt him more than he would ever admit, even to himself.
 
London, 1969.
"He is impure! He is nothing but a half-breed! Kill him Henry. For if you do not, I shall, and I will not be 
as merciful!"
She knew that voice! It's gravely rich timber could never be mistaken for anyone else.
Lacroix.
Sarah remained frozen in place as she fell witness to the conversation between the two vampires. One 
of whom she had thought a friend, a father. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. A rage she 
never knew she possessed welled up inside of her.
"All right! All right. I'll take care of it."
"Yes, you will."
She heard the displacement of air as Henry left. After a few moments of silence, and she to was about 
to depart...
"Come, show yourself." Lacroix had detected the spying presence.
She stepped from the shadows, her eyes amber with fury. 
"Sarah!" Lacroix seemed genuinely surprised and smiled at the sight of his adopted daughter. He took a 
step towards her then froze as he sensed the rage pulsing from her.
Realizing she must have heard his words to Henry, he attempted to reiterate.
"Sarah, my dear..."
"Don't." She spoke, softly, calmly.
"You are upset." Lacroix observed.
"You bastard." Sarah moved closer to Lacroix.
Lacroix raised an eyebrow, then frowned. But said nothing. Instead he slapped her across the face. 
"Never speak to me in that manner again." he said his voice calm, belaying the gold now flashing in his 
eyes.
"You needn't worry. I shall never speak to you again Lacroix." Sarah picked herself from the ground, 
brushing off her muddied jeans. With a last glare at the ancient vampire she took to the air and out of his 
life.
"Sarah!" he shouted after her. He could have chased her down, but he had hesitated too long, she was 
gone.
Lacroix remained standing outside in the alley. His hands shoved deeply into his coat pockets. It began 
to rain, still he stood there. He remained until the rising sun forced him to take shelter.
<<>>
Lacroix snarled and pushed the forlorn thoughts from his mind. He threw the letter back into the draw 
whence it came, and slammed it shut. 
Reaching for the phone book again he flipped through it until he found what he was looking for. He 
stabbed the number into the phone. 
"Yes, I would like an order to be delivered." he told the unfortunate person at Georgio's Deli who 
answered the phone.
"What would you like to order Mr. Lacroix" the young man asked.
"I don't know! What ever a ten year old eats!" Lacroix barked into the receiver.
"Ah, yes sir no problem. It will be delivered by midday, sir."
"It had better." Lacroix hung up the phone. Angry at himself for letting his thoughts of Sarah effect him 
this way. He was much too old to let such things bother him. 
He left his office, and went to yell at the staff a little to let off steam. 
Patrick sighed when he felt Lacroix's bad mood and quickly grabbed the more expensive bottles of 
blood wine and liqueurs and put them safely away in a cupboard under the bar.
Nick had been surprised at Nicky's easy compliance at spending the night at the Raven. In fact he 
actually seemed to be happy about going. He decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and not think 
about what caused the sudden change in attitude. Maybe he had done the right thing in telling him about 
Divia. He hadn't been sure earlier, but now it seemed to have done some good.
Unknown to Nick however, was that the story about Divia had done something, but not only in 
changing his son's perception of his grandfather, but it had also prompted Nicky to begin listening to the 
Nightcrawler. Nicky had found a Walkman, while exploring the storage area of the loft, and had taken 
to listening to Lacroix each night until he fell asleep. 
Nicky gathered his homework together, he had a history assignment to do on Ancient Rome. They were 
learning about the rise and fall of the infamous Empire at school. 
He had taken it upon himself to look up some extra reading in the school library. 
Careful not to be labeled a nerd, he didn't let anyone who knew him, see what he was doing. Brains 
were never thought of too highly in any country apparently. Not by kids anyway.
So along with the books, he put in his usual games and his lighter reading material of Batman comics.
Natalie had found them very amusing when she first saw them. She had clutched her stomach tight and 
laughed when he told her he had found them in amongst Nick's storage. Nick hadn't found it at all 
amusing, and had just sat there brooding as his son and lover, rolled around on the couch and floor. 
When Natalie saw his pouty response, it only served to make her laugh that much harder.
Nicky waved a final goodbye to Nick as he entered the Raven by himself. Vachon saw him enter and 
moved to guide him through the large crowd. 
"Hey, Little Nikito!" he greeted the boy. 
Nicky smiled widely at the vampire. "Hi Vachon! You playing tonight?"
"But of course!" They had to scream at each other in order to be heard. "Come on I'll get you through 
this sardine can!" 
Nicky smiled and laughed as Vachon lifted him up onto his shoulders to keep him from being 
accidentally stepped on, and danced him over to the bar.
"Thanks Vachon!" Nicky said as he was put on his feet. 
"Lacroix went on an errand, he'll be back soon. So if you need anything you just come and find me, 
Ok?" Vachon told the boy.
"Ok, thanks."
Nicky left the noisy club and headed upstairs. It was about 8 o'clock and the Raven had yet to get into 
full swing. There were a couple of bands playing tonight as well as Vachon's. He was looking forward 
to hearing them. 
Nicky put his bag down on the coffee table and pulled out his homework to do while he waited. 
He had been hard at it for about half an hour when his grandfather entered the room. 
"Hello Grandfather." Nicky said glancing up from the sentence he was writing.
Lacroix froze and raised an eyebrow at the informal greeting. He wasn't quite sure if he approved of 
being called 'grandfather'. But he let it pass for now and continued into the room.
"Good evening Nicholas." he replied. He drew closer to the table inorder to see what the boy was 
working on.
Both eyebrows went up this time. "Ancient Rome?"
"Yes. I have to do an assignment for history class." Nicky said without looking up.
"Is it not a little advanced for your age?." Lacroix wasn't too sure these days, but he didn't think most 
ten year olds studied Ancient Rome.
"Yes, but Miss Ross is taking an advanced class twice a week and I'm in it. She started Ancient Rome 
a couple of weeks ago, but I think I've just about caught up." Nicky said without a trace of modesty.
"This was your first week of school was it not." Lacroix asked. 
"Yes." 
Perhaps Nicholas's boasting about his son's intelligence was not as exaggerated as he had first believed 
Lacroix thought to himself. 
Lacroix picked up one of the text books from the table and flipped through it as he sat on the couch 
beside his grandson, who was on his knees on the floor in-between the couch and the table leaning over 
his work.
Only one of the three books Nicky had were any good. Lacroix threw the others on the floor out of 
reach. When Nicky just stared up at him with a raised eyebrow, he sat forward in his seat and opened 
the remaining text to the relevant page.
"This is the most accurate account of the Era. Although the interpretation of the dwelling layouts are 
incorrect, you should be able to ascertain the relevant information you need." 
Nicky looked at the book laid out infront of him, then up at Lacroix. 
"The sketches are wrong? How?" he asked curious. Lacroix explained the errors in the book and went 
on to tell him a little more about the culture. Nicky listened avidly soaking up very word like a sponge. 
He frowned in thought when his grandfather finished.
"How do you know all this stuff?" he asked curious.
"Because, I was there." Lacroix stated matter of factly.
"Really?" Nicky gasped in disbelief.
"Yes."
Nicky, wide eyed sat and absorbed this new information. He had known Lacroix was old, but not that 
old. 
"Wow, you must be old." Nicky whispered before he could stop himself.
"About 2000 years actually." he said smirking at the boys expression of wonderment.
Nicky thought about that for awhile and after doing some mental calculations, that would put Lacroix's 
mortal life within the age of the Roman Era, he cautiously asked the vampire a question. 
"When you were a boy, did you go to school?" Nicky knew from his studies, that only the wealthy were 
schooled.
"Yes, of sorts. I had a personal tutor." Lacroix started mentally at the sudden personal question. Though 
he should have expected it, since they were talking about that aspect of his life. But he had buried it long 
ago, in fact he had never spoken of his childhood with anyone, ever. 
He had been born into a wealthy family. His father had been a ruthless man, with no time or wish to be 
with his son, other than to make sure he was raised in the manner appropriate to his parentage and 
status in life. His parents were killed when he was about nine years of age, and he had been adopted by 
a General in Caesar's Army.
He went on to the academy, and made a name for himself. He rose quickly up the ranks.. It wasn't long 
until he too was hailed as General. 
Nicky felt Lacroix wasn't to comfortable speaking about himself, so he stuck to questions about the 
Roman Era, and avoided anything personal.
They talked for over two hours, until Lacroix had to leave to fulfill his duty to the Nightcrawler fandom 
of Toronto.
Nicky leapt to the stereo and tuned it into CERK to listen. He settled into the comfort of the couch and 
was rapt by the rich mellow voice of the Nightcrawler. 
"Good evening to you all gentle listeners. The question for tonight is, How well do you truly know 
yourself. Has your past determined what you are today? Has it shaped and molded how you perceive 
yourself and those around you? Or has the passing of time, left you to carve your own way? Let us 
discuss. I avidly await your call."
A few minutes, some dialogue, and two songs later, Nicky chuckled as some poor fool, who was 
obviously lacking a major cranial organ, called in. He was deadmeat.
Nick finished his makeup shift before Lacroix finished his show. So he went straight up to the apartment 
to seek out his son. He entered the room to see Nicky lying on the couch laughing. He heard Lacroix's 
voice coming from the stereo shredding some mortal in his usual superior manner.
"I thought you would be downstairs listening to Vachon?" he asked the boy.
Nicky just shrugged and started collecting his things together. 
"Have you eaten?" Nick asked. Not really checking up on his father.
Nicky went over to a fridge under the bar and opened the door, showing Nick it's contents. 
"I ate as much as I could. I think I'm going to pop!" he said smiling and patting his stomach. Nick smiled 
with him as he saw the still considerably stocked fridge. Lacroix certainly wasn't taking any chances this 
time.
Nick followed his son downstairs and toward the club. As they passed the sound booth, Nicky smiled 
broadly and waved to Lacroix, who was busy speaking into the microphone. He gave them a dismissing 
half wave. But he kept his eyes fixed on the pair, until they vanished into what was left of the night.
 
FINI.