VICKY

I think I would have enjoyed the drive into Stowe even if I hadn’t been driving Colin’s vintage Corvette. The scenery in Vermont reminds me of a fairy tale; the old houses and churches peppered along long green stretches of highway, old water towers, aged barns and the feeling of being thrown back in time. Oh, how I longed for this as a kid! Growing up on the road and dealing with the loneliness of never settling in any one spot for very long, I’d hoped it would become a thing of the past once I’d married, but I’d only succeeded in finding something far worse.

At first I wasn’t really sure why I’d accepted Colin’s offer, but the closer I got to Stowe, the more the notion that just maybe I was on the brink to a true new beginning filled me with fear, both the good and bad kind. Did I have the courage to go after the kind of life I wanted? Or was I once again going to chicken out, go back to a lifestyle I long grown tired of and only hung on to for the comfort and familiarity?

Driving up along the main drag of town, I was struck by its Leave it to Beaver flavor; mom and pop coffee shops and diners, gas stations that still offered the choice of full service over do-it-yourself, independently owned apparel and shoe shops, and schoolyards with green lawns, baseball fields and swing sets. As I located the street that I was to turn onto, I noticed a beauty salon with a Help Wanted sign in the window. I made a mental note to swing by and check it out at the first opportunity; I mean, why not? I had a wistful idea that maybe someone was looking out for me, and all I had to do was believe that good things were possible, even if it wasn’t always my nature to do so.

I spotted the large white Victorian from half a block away. As I got closer I spotted Colin’s SUV in the driveway and I was struck once again by the back-in-time feeling of the local architecture and landscape. It was obvious that the owners of this great massive house had put a lot of time and effort into making it a stand out beauty. Great lilac bushes lining the perimeter, a massive still blooming Jacaranda tree in the front yard framed behind a flower festooned picket fence. As I glanced up at the great tower window I caught sight of a large gray cat sunning himself from inside. It could have been a picture postcard. And when Colin came out the front door to greet me as I pulled up along the curb, I couldn’t help but feel my heart lighten. He’d been waiting for me!

COLIN

Vicky smiled when I went out to greet her, looking a bit surprised as if she really hadn’t expected me to be here. I reckon we’re both out of our element in a way, but this is a vacation, so it’s okay to somehow feel that it’s all only temporary.

“You made good time.”

She got out of the car and smiled, pushing her sunglasses up on her head right before she leaned in to give me a hug. “It was an easy drive. I only stopped once for some coffee.”

I gave her a quick squeeze, which she didn’t seem to mind. At least, she didn’t make any attempt to move away. “You look nice.”

She really did. I like a woman who can wear a faded pair of jeans, and Vicky has the type of bum that makes ‘em fit proud. Her eyes didn’t look as tired as they had a few days ago; when she smiled they crinkled up at the corners, which I kinda like.

“So do you.”

She pulled away just then, as if maybe she’d said something she shouldn’t have, but I wasn’t going to tease her about it. She went over to the trunk and I followed after her, reaching in to grab her bags in spite of her protests.

“Give a mate the chance to play the host, will ya? I’m not your boss anymore, remember?” I winked to let her know that now I was teasing her, and she shrugged and grinned.

“I’m sorry, Colin. I guess I’m just kind of rusty at this sort of thing.”

“Well, this is a vacation, so it’s okay to allow yourself to be pampered a little. Come on inside and I’ll introduce you to Jessie and the baby. Lachlan’ll be back later this afternoon and I think they’re planning a bit of a cook out tonight.”

I didn’t tell her about the newly built outdoor grill and patio, deciding to let Jessie and Lachlan give her the grand old house tour.

As we walked up the driveway towards the front steps, Vicky turned to me. “Are you sure your friends don’t mind my staying here?”

“Of course not. Actually, it was their idea.”

She didn’t need to know that both Jessie and Lachlan were a bit surprised at first by my taking liberties with their hospitality, but I smoothed it over with the promise to help install a new kitchen sink over the following weekend and to tune up Jessie’s Volvo before Friday.

“Don’t worry luv, everything’s apples.”

JACK

I will admit to a stressful trepidation as Natalie and I drove home to Vermont. It is my deepest hope that all we had said and committed to the day we wed … and everything promised last night as we licked the wounds we had caused each other … will prevail. That we are strong in love and the bond we are willing to uphold. The realization that our marriage, our daughter, and young Eddie could all suffer due to our mutual need for closeness has struck me hard and sure. No more will I leave my family behind and pretend that the world is as I remember it. This is the here and now and I am a man of this century. I cannot, will not ever again desert my family to play at sea. I am no longer a young man, no longer a captain and no longer in need of such adventures. I will sail again, but only with my wife and children at my side. Treasure and status be damned. I have learned what is truly important.

Chelsea was greatly excited at our return, pulling at my hair and lovingly snuggling close to my chest. Eddie seemed quiet and withdrawn and again I was reminded of the responsibilities I had taken on. I will make amends for it all. But as soon as we had unpacked our bags and enjoyed a comfortable lunch together, I had one thing I felt vital to address. My brother East must be dealt with.

My anger at his advances toward my wife was only tempered by my knowledge that I am nearly as responsible as he. What I will say and how I will speak is a mystery to even myself. As a captain, such reprimands have a protocol. In this situation, I am truly at a loss. God protect East from my fury.

But as I left the house I was stopped by the sight of poor Eddie. Such a look of forlorn can only be found on a melancholy woman or a young man of Eddie’s tender age. 

“Son, what has you so sad?” I asked and sat on the porch step beside him.

“Oh, nothin’. Just something stupid I can’t figure out.”

“Perhaps I can assist? Tell me your problem.” I watched his mouth twist and brow curl and finally he sighed and shifted to face me.

“I don’t get it. Honest. Pullo and Antony came to talk to me at the Inn. They said I did something to upset Valerie.”

“Valerie? Pullo’s pretty young daughter? What have you done, my boy?”

“Nothing! I swear. I don’t think I ever even really talked to her! Honest. But Pullo said she’s really messed up and I can’t figure out why. What am I supposed to do with that, huh?”

I rubbed my chin and thought a moment. “Simple,” I said, patting his shoulder. “You must go to her and apologize.”

“Apologize for what?” His voice squeaked. “I don’t know what I did!”

“It does not matter, Eddie. Women, especially young women, are very sensitive. You need not explain anything, simply go and apologize. I promise you, it is the only way. The only way.” And I left him there. I had East Driscoll to deal with.

As I crossed the field, pondering the advice I had bestowed and wondering the best way to deal with my brother, I saw East coming toward me. He carried a duffle and dropped it at his feet, standing firm not far from me. I moved closer but not threateningly close. God’s teeth, I had no clue what he was about to say or how I was about to react.

EAST
 
No bloody point in delayin’ it. I was ready. Even prepared to take a fist for it. Not like I deserved it, but she is his wife.

Jack’s eyes blazed but they also looked kinda compassionate. My original plan was to steal Natalie away from him. To convince her to leave him, be with me where she belonged, but fuck … that never did work so good for me now has it?

So I stood and I glared and Jack glared back. ‘Course, he waited. The bloke was a Captain and he was waiting for me to start. No point in swingin’ a fist. Best to get right to the point.

“I’m leavin’,” I said.

Jack said nothing.

I took my bag and left the farm.

Got a hundred miles from Stowe before it all hit me. Fuck I wanted her, wanted her bad and I took what I wanted. I didn’t think about anything. Just what I wanted. And now? I got just what I wanted again, didn’t I? I’m fuckin’ alone. Like I always am.

I took a room at a Motel 6 and flopped onto the mattress. He had no right to be leavin’ her behind like that. I didn’t do nothin’ any other red blooded bloke wouldn’t have done.

But … I’m not just any other bloke. I’m Jack’s brother. Natalie is his wife.

Motherfucker … I was wrong. So wrong it hurt in my chest. I’m again all alone, but a hundred miles behind me is a big family I should be a part of. It’s nobody’s fault I’m not.

Well, it’s my fault.

I shouldn’t have done it. Bloody hell, I shouldn’t have done it.

LACHLAN

Normally I don’t swing by the office until the end of the day, or unless we’re between projects. With my crew heavily into the renovation of the old MacGruder mansion, most of my communicating with the office is by cell phone; Enid keeps the office running smoothly and she’s become quite popular with our clients.

Perhaps too popular. What is it with sheilas and blokes with smarmy accents? Is it the lure of the exotic? Bloody hell, Enid’s my very much beloved mother-in-law, and it just doesn’t sit right in my gut to know that she’s getting a little too friendly with our newest client, Mr. Dominguez.

I feel a sense of responsibility for this whole situation. I encouraged her to be extra friendly in the beginning because I wanted the contract, but only figured she’d be chatty in a laid back, down home sort of way. Enid has the gift of gab and will stoke up a conversation with anyone; she’ll have their life story and a partner for Canasta next Thursday within five minutes of the first hello. But I never stopped to think that she’d fall prey to the manufactured charms of a married man.

As I already said, I don’t usually stop by the office in the middle of the day when I’m on a project, but when Enid didn’t answer the phones, I got worried. I’d sussed out the situation a few days earlier, but now my suspicions were confirmed when I saw Enid arriving back from lunch, a big smile on her face and Mr. Dominguez on her arm.

Luckily, they didn’t see me; I’d parked along the opposite side of the street and watched them stroll along the sidewalk, both smiling and chatting as if they’d known each other forever. I watched for a few minutes until Dominguez dropped her off at the front door, giving a small bow as he kissed her hand in parting. I called Enid on her cell phone the moment she walked into the door.

“Hey mum, fancy a hot lunch date with your favorite son in law?”  

ENID

Leave it to Lachlan to check in on his old mother-in-law! I hated to hurt his feelings, but I had to turn down his offer for lunch.

“Oh, no thank you, honey. I just grabbed something from the little place next door. You know, they make a wonderful tuna salad.”

He sounded truly disappointed by this news.

“Oh, well, okay. I just wanted to check in on you and make sure everything was okay.”

“You just saw me this morning, silly boy. If you’re so intent on taking someone to lunch, why not give your beautiful wife a call?”

“We’re going to have steak and hamburgers with Colin and his lady friend tonight, and I don’t think she has the time right now. Think you might want to come along and join us? Jessie’s making your favorite coleslaw …”

“Oh, pish-posh. I have a Canasta date tonight. Besides, I have leftover brisket in the refrigerator.” I felt a little guilty for lying, but let the young folks have their time together. Martin had asked me to join him later at one of the local art galleries and then dinner afterwards.

“Well, you know you’re always welcome. We’ll save something for ya, just in case you change your mind.”

“That’s sweet of you, honey. Maybe I’ll have it for lunch tomorrow.”

That is, if Martin doesn’t invite me to lunch again.

CAL

You could say I’m not handling stuff so well. You could say I’m avoiding important adjustment issues. Maybe I always did, but this time it just seems safer somehow. Face it; this is way too much for a normal man to deal with. I’m supposed to believe I was nothing more than an actor’s rendition of a fictitious character on celluloid. I’m supposed to believe I was sucked through a magical portal to this perfect wonderland in Vermont. Bullshit. And, I’m supposed to believe I can start a whole new life, all over again, and make it work?

Yeah, yeah, I know they all did it. Yeah, I believe it was tough going. But hey, as I understand it, a majority of them had a pretty nice path through the rough stuff. Women. Women who soothed their sorrows and fears and took them to bed. Now why couldn’t I arrive when they were still doing that? It might have helped me sleep, if nothing else.

I’ve been pretty much holed up in this Inn. Nice place but sometimes it feels like a prison. Not like I can’t leave, it’s just that whenever I venture down to Stowe, off to Burlington of even down to Manhattan to visit the K&R brothers … I just don’t fit. No way, no how. It’s not that the world has changed all that much, it’s just that this isn’t my world … as I discovered sneaking back to Washington last week.

Nothing is really the same. Strange how it isn’t places and buildings or even climate that gives a man a sense of place. This isn’t the kinda culture shock you get when you travel to different countries or move across the continent. It’s not what’s around you that makes you belong. And before you get philosophical … it’s not what’s inside either. It’s people. Pure and simple.

Slipping off to Washington confirmed it for me. I miss the bustle of the newspaper, I miss the idiosyncrasies of the capitol. But I missed something bigger. Relationships. Interaction with personalities I’d known and felt comfortable with. I think it’s the first time I realized how motherfucking alone I really am now. I wasn’t the most popular reporter in town, but hey, I had friends.

Not that I can’t develop those kinds of friendships here. I just, don’t know these people. Biebe’s interesting, open, a supportive, tough dude. Wade is … he’s just Wade. He’s kind of a dichotomy of himself if you ask me. I gotta admit I’m most impressed with his adjustment. How does a man go from outlaw to lawman in a quick hundred-fifty year shift? Mind boggling.

Maybe I just don’t want to adjust. Maybe I’m mourning what I lost, although truth be told, what the hell did I really have? No wife, no life to speak of, and a career this body will soon no longer have the stamina for. What was I planning to do after I retired? I did have a plan, didn’t I?

Yeah, I did. I wanted to write a book. But what I was gonna write about in that life would have been a blazing expose of Washington, D.C. Now, it would have to be a fiction. Kinda looses the oomph when I think about it that way. And besides, I don’t wanna be fucking retired yet.

I am gonna confess something here. Being a reporter was not only what I did but who I was. Can’t do that anymore. I mean, what do I really know about this world? I’d have to start at the bottom just to build my contacts. Don’t much care for New York, Washington is full of ghosts for me, and Vermont? Well get real. What can I write about in a pristine state that bans billboards, for Christ’s sake? Reporting is out. But writing, well writing is all I got left. Fiction about my reality seems hollow, without guts if you know what I mean. But fiction about some other time and place, now that intrigues me, big time.

I told you no one and nothing really gives me a sense of belonging and I sorta lied. There is someone I really feel connected with. I know, it’s stupid, he’s not even alive. When I fell into the portal, he took me on a ride of a lifetime to get me back here. Here is nice, but that ride, it was astounding. I want that.

I’ve been covertly watching TrueBlood every chance I’m alone. I can hardly believe that was the dude I met but it is. Eric Northman, thousand year old vampire who’s mastered the time portals. The idea was so exciting I fucking dreamt about it last night. And when I woke I stared up at the ceiling and grinned. Eric, I thought. You around, buddy?

At breakfast down in the dining room I did it again, closing my eyes against the bright sunlight filtering through the greenhouse glass room. Eric, where are you?

I went down to the pond because it was quiet and no one was around. I sat on the bench and this time whispered aloud. “Eric Northman. I got a proposition.”

Nothing. Then walking back I could’ve slapped myself in the head. Fuck, I’m an idiot. Daylight? What was I thinking, calling to a vampire during broad daylight?

Tonight I’m going up to that creepy left tower room. I’ll sit there and call again. I’ll get his attention … and I’ll convince him to take me traveling.

For the first time since arriving in this world I feel good! Healthy. Hungry. Even happy. I even smiled and played a few minutes with Riley’s kid in the lobby.

“I’m so glad you’re adjusting!” she said, her eyes all watery like she was gonna cry or something.

JOHN

Ever have that feeling things are going too good? There hasn’t been a problem … at least any problem I’m aware of … for weeks and that makes me antsy.

Riley’s pregnancy is going well, she’s strong and glowing but resting when she’s tired and not taking on more than she could handle. What a relief that is. She usually overdoes everything, especially when she’s pregnant. It’s great to know I don’t need to be on her back all the time. I still keep a close eye, but so far so good and only a few months until D-day.

My campaign for Mayor is looking good. I’ve got a great platform and posters and everything. I’ll be doing a debate with my opponent later this week on a local radio station. Richie is one hell of a campaign manager, for a lawyer.

Pullo and Skinner’s vineyard is showing great potential. Lach’s business with Egan and Kevin is kicking ass. Ben’s turning out to be a stellar sheriff. No one has any health issues or problems. My wife says that even Cal is starting to fit in nicely.

The whole thing was making me a little nervous. I should just relax and enjoy it, but I keep feeling like something’s coming and I should be looking over my shoulder. This morning it happened.

I received a call from Terry. It’s not like he doesn’t call and check in often enough. In fact, it’s not unusual for him to call at least once a week. He chats then asks to talk with Nathan. My son loves his godfather, and at three years old he can actually carry on a semi-intelligent conversation. I never realized how much Terry misses his own son, Henry. It’s more regret for what he missed I think. My memories of my boys have altered; I’ve chosen to imagine them happy grown young men. Terry still copes with what he didn’t get to do and be as a father. Everything I see between Nathan and Terry is special and solid and real, and in a lot of ways, I’m glad about it. I didn’t expect Thorne to take such an active role as godfather. Now I can tell it will really benefit Nathan a lot. Hell, it’s good for them both.

But this call wasn’t for Nathan. It was for me. I was dead right; the shit had hit the fan somewhere. Poor Eva’s brother has been kidnapped and Terry is heading off with his team to get Carlos Menendez free. It could be days. It could be months. Either way, he wanted to be sure Eva was safe and cared for so he’s sending her to us.

At first Riley wanted to offer Eva some privacy and suggested giving her a suite, but the more we talked, the more we realized the trauma the poor woman would be facing. The last thing she needs is to be alone. Eva will be staying in our guest room. Riles is nervous and tearful but I’ll let the hormones run their course. She’ll be together by the time I get Eva home from the air strip.

I stood at my jeep and watched the Cessna land then taxi close. Eva was pale and obviously shaken. I hugged her close for several minutes before gathering her bags and bringing her home to the Inn. Neither of us said a word. Damn. This is going to be rough.

EDDIE

Apologize? Apologize? Apologize for what? I didn’t take the bus; I walked the whole way to Valerie Pullo’s house. I didn’t wanna do it, you know. But Jack said I should and I like it with the Aubreys … so, I went to apologize for something I didn’t even do.

I kept trying to figure out what I said or did to make Val so pissed off. The only time I think I ever talked to her was the last day of school on the bus. I thought, what the hell, we’re kinda family, right? I think I asked her what she was gonna do all summer. Damn if I remember what she said.

Nope. Still nothin’. I got no reason for apologizing. But fuck yeah, I’m gonna do it. It’s the only way, Jack said. It ain’t like I’m afraid I hurt her feelings or nothing because I know I didn’t. I just don’t think I want to face Pullo and Antony again like that. Those dudes are big and bad and creepy.

Okay. So I was gonna apologize. How does a kid apologize to a girl? I kicked a stone and watched it drop into a bunch of yellow and blue wildflowers. Flowers? Was that a good idea? Why not? Can’t hurt, right?

I walked onto her porch and knocked. Pullo came to the door, filling the whole space and I gulped. I didn’t run, even though I wanted to. I ain’t no coward. “Uh … Valerie around?”

She squeezed her way around Pullo and smiled real big. Out on the porch I was kinda hoping I could just shove the flowers in her face and leave, but Pullo came out and just stood there watching. Fuck, now I had to say something.

“Um … Val … uh … just … sorry for whatever I did. Here.” I reached out the flowers and thought finally the whole thing was over. But she didn’t take them. She started to cry! Oh shit! Now what?

She ran in the house and I ran off the porch. I almost crashed into Max Skinner. Where’d he come from? I threw the stupid flowers into the driveway and ran home as fast as I could.

MAX

I had to meet with Pullo before heading to Virginia on business. Granted, I didn’t expect anything other than a quick discussion of the logistics regarding a new distributor. What a treat to catch something far more dramatic right on the front stoop.

I’m not a monster, I do recall being thirteen and I certainly feel for young Eddie. I decided to take a moment to comfort Valerie too, before I flew. I admit feeling a bit left out with her new love and all. But before I did any of that I stood and looked up at poor Pullo’s baffled expression … and I bloody laughed my arse off. Thank heaven thirteen only lasts one year.

SAMANTHA

Day two of the stakeout at the Barrett house, and so far I feel more like a private secretary than a police officer on a stakeout. First Kim calls at seven a.m. yesterday morning to ask me to make sure the garbage cans are set out along the curb for trash pick up. A couple hours later, Emily calls and asks if I remembered to bring the cans back in. Around lunchtime Kim calls again and asks me to keep an eye out for his monthly subscription of Entrepreneur magazine and informs me that he’s expecting a package from UPS. It started all over again today with Kim calling and asking if his magazine had come yet, and then asking me to open his package to see if the sweater he ordered from Saks was the right shade of blue. Hello, Mr. Barrett? Couldn’t this possibly wait until later?

Egan called me this morning, and I spoke briefly with Jacob afterwards. They’ve both become such a big part of my life over these past few months and I’m facing decisions that I never thought would become an issue. Egan worries about my safety, but he’s never asked me to make a choice between him and my career – not directly, anyways. But it’s been brought to my attention how Jacob is being affected and I can truthfully say that I never saw this coming. I love that little boy and I’m aware of his affection towards me; it’s a mutual attraction. He’s causing a change in the equation where I’ve always chosen my career over romance. I’m not certain that I’m ready to face the possibility of a life without one or the other, but I’ve been getting those feelings again – that a change is going to occur either with my consent, or without it.

I think the Pomeranian puppy the department’s acquired for this assignment is the least troublesome out of everyone and everything involved with this case. He eats, plays, sleeps, poops and pees. Only problem is, he isn’t yet housebroken, so I spend a lot of time taking him out to the front yard to piddle in the grass. It wasn’t until later this afternoon when on puppy poo duty that I caught sight of the Sheriff parked just up the street. Granted, it was an unmarked car and he looked decidedly un-Sheriff like in jeans and a tee shirt with his hair tied back with a bandana, but he wasn’t scheduled to be in position until after nightfall, which was a full four hours away. Why is it that all the men in my life insist on treating me like a helpless female?

BEN

I wasn’t scheduled to stake out the Barrett house and watch over Officer DeLaCroix yet. Hell, I was supposed to be off today. So was Tracy … and that was the reason I was hunkered down in an unmarked car.

Tracy had begun the rant the minute she saw that stupid fluffy little dog. She was in love with it … she was afraid for it … she was as pissed as a rattler that I’d put the damn animal in such danger. Fuck, I’m the one in danger here. I’m the one facing hellfire should a damn hair on that mutt be damaged. What the hell has the world come to?

And speaking of the world, what the hell is wrong with Egan? Is the man an idiot, letting his woman put herself in harms way like this? I don’t like the idea of any woman bein’ a cop. Granted, DeLaCroix is better than most of the men I got on the force, but she’s a gal and shouldn’t be doin’ this kinda shit. If it was Tracy I’d’a put my foot down long ago. No way any woman of mine is gonna …

I noticed DeLaCroix coming out of the house again. She watched the dog do his thing and I laughed. Better her than me. I still don’t get the whole idea of a dog bein’ inside the house. It’s an animal, goddamnit. Leave it outside. I shivered to think about some poor idiot having to take that pooch out in the dead of winter just to let it take a piss. Not for me, that’s for sure.

She and StuntDog finally went back inside and I sipped coffee. This was gonna be a long day. Better there in the car feeling like I’m watching over something than getting my ear chewed off by my wife.

ERIC NORTHMAN

The Portals have some sort of magic, a power that rivals the power of the blood. I’d shared time in the swirling vortex with a human, Cal McAffrey, and somehow I am feeling him. It’s pissing me off. Twice I woke from my rest and heard his voice. Something tells me this is going to be interesting … and trouble.

Sure enough, the moment I was up and about the Portal pulled. I expected to arrive in the pub at the basement of the Inn as usual, but this time I was high, at least four stories above the pub. I open my eyes and glanced around. Darkness, stars and a full moon shining through the wall of French doors. Interesting. Very interesting. It seemed I was not only beckoned, but I was directed with pinpoint accuracy to an exact location I’d never seen before.

I could feel him. Cal McAffrey sat in the darkness but I could smell him, hear his speeding heartbeat and quick, short breaths. Time to get this show on the road.

I turned and glared, dropped my fangs and grinned.