Anne

“I’m fine, Dale. The docs said I might have a light concussion, that’s all,” Anne told her partner as they walked out to his car in the hospital parking lot. Dale Melon shot her a skeptical look. He’d been her partner for the last two years and knew better than to try and convince her to take it easy. That was what captains were for.

“What happened to the guy who picked me up?” Anne asked for the fourth time that morning. The police officers that had been with her at the hospital had been circumspect about Kurt’s whereabouts.

“His story checked out, so we let him go this morning,” Dale said grudgingly. “Can’t you remember anything more about last night?”

“No. If I had, I’d’ve told you the other twenty times you asked last night,” Anne snapped. She took a deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry. I should have told you where I was going last night, but I honestly can’t remember what happened after that SOB clocked me.” Dale’s rugged features softened into a warm smile. She hated lying to Dale, but Anne was sure that he shouldn’t be dragged into last night’s insanity. She was having a hard enough time dealing with what happened. Anne wasn’t sure if Dale would survive.

“I’m just glad you survived. From all the brass we collected, there was one hell of a firefight,” Dale said, driving towards her apartment.

“But no bodies?” Anne asked.

“No bodies, no blood, no DNA,” Dale confirmed, “It’s as bizarre as our murders.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t someone just letting loose with some homemade full autos?” Anne asked, “That would explain why someone would knock me out to prevent me from telling.”

“That’s what we’re telling the public, but Jason doesn’t think so,” Dale answered. Jason McMurtry had been Army CID before joining the department as a homicide detective. From the few conversations Anne had with the intense detective, it was clear he’d investigated more than one nasty battle scenes.

“Any more leads on our murders?” Anne asked.

“Just a setback,” Dale said. “Those DNA samples from the first two crime scenes came back as contaminated. We didn’t get anything.”

“All of them?” Anne asked. “How is that possible?”

“Believe me, CSU is having to answer that question right now,” Dale said, “The field people are saying they followed procedures and the lab screwed up. The lab is saying the field people screwed up the collection. Whatever actually happened, we don’t have anything to run in CODIS. Anyways, you don’t have to worry about that for a few days.”

“Paid administrative leave. Yay,” Anne said flatly.

“You discharged your weapon. That plus your medical means you’re benched,” Dale said. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you posted if anything breaks.”

“Thanks,” Anne said as he pulled into her apartment complex. Dale put his hand on her arm as she started to get out.

“Listen, try and get some rest. Please? I don’t want to have to explain to your mother why you’re in the hospital. Again,” he said, with a smile to soften the last word. She couldn’t help but return the smile.

“I will. Try that is,” Anne said. He laughed as she shut the door. She didn’t let the scowl cross her face until she was climbing the stairs to her apartment. If this Avalon stuff wasn’t bad enough, she had nothing to find her murderer. To top it all off, she couldn’t do anything. She paused for a moment. She couldn’t do anything officially, but the Avalonians said that they’d help her. Veronica’s little touch had made the doctors see injuries consistent with her cover story. Why couldn’t Veronica’s magic help her figure out who was behind her murderers?

Anne paused at her door. That was odd. Delicious smells were coming from apartment. Since she’d talked to her mom before leaving the hospital, that couldn’t be the source. She very much doubted a robber stopped to make himself breakfast. One of her exes? She doubted that, but odder things had happened. The department had taken both her sidearm and backup for the dockyard investigation. Dale had offered his backup, and now Anne was regretting refusing the pistol. She was about to creep back and call Dale when the door opened.

“It’s about time you got here,” Kurt said, “Your food was about to get cold.” Anne froze in the hallway. She was having a hard time reconciling the tall, blond German’s handsome features with the frilly, pink apron he was wearing over his clothes. “I’m sorry, did I speak in German by accident?”

“Where did you get that?” Anne asked, pointing at the apron.

“This thing?” he asked, in a mock seductive tone, “You had it in your pantry. Now, will you come in?” Anne laughed as Kurt led her into the apartment. It was a comfy one-bedroom affair full of hand-me-down furniture from her grandparents. On the table were four covered dishes and a place setting.

“Where did you get those?” she asked, pointing at the table.

“They were in your pantry, in the back,” Kurt answered, surprised at the question.

“I have covered dishes?” Anne asked as she let Kurt guide her to the table.

“Ja. Although, that would explain why they looked unused,” he answered, with a light tone. As she sat, he uncovered a plate of eggs and bacon followed by another of pancakes that looked like they were used in an advertisement.

“When did you do all of this?” Anne asked.

“Well, after your Freunde from the police were done questioning me, I came here,” he said. “Erik told me when you’d be discharged and so it wasn’t hard to have breakfast waiting for you. I very much doubted you’d have anything to eat at the hospital. Fortunately, you had all of the necessary ingredients in your kitchen.”

“What are you talking about? I haven’t done shopping in ages,” Anne said as she took a bite of the pancakes. Damn, they were good. Then, her police instincts finally made their appearance. “Wait, how did you get in?”

“Detektivin Hearst, I am a trained intelligence operative,” Kurt said, “Do you really think your locks posed that much of a challenge?” His tone was joking, but Anne felt an icy pit in her stomach. Kurt read her expression and his own face grew serious.

“Detektivin, after last night’s events, we needed to make sure that Arem didn’t have someone waiting for you when you came home. Since I was already tasked with watching you, it made sense for me to do so,” Kurt said, “Until this is resolved, you may as well get used to the idea that we will need to periodically sweep and secure your apartment.”

“Until this is resolved? You don’t mean helping me with the murders. You mean until I get dragged to this Avalon,” Anne said quietly. Please don’t let him say it.

“Probably, but that will be Erik’s call,” Kurt said, bluntly. Anne cringed at the words. His blue eyes melted into warm sympathy. “It is horrible when things beyond your control destroy your life. Especially when those things weren’t even known to you. I would change that, but I can’t. So would any of the Avalonians. All I can do is promise to protect you as best as I can and do whatever I can to make your life a little better.” Anne fled from the table into her room.

Damn it all to hell, she wanted to be angry at him. She wanted to scream, and rail, and maybe throw things at him. How dare he look at her with those eyes! Why did he have to be so truthful? Anne yelled a long string of curses at the door. Suddenly exhausted, Anne walked over to her bed and flopped down. Why couldn’t Kurt be more like Erik? From what Anne had seen so far, she was pretty sure she could get a hate on for Erik. Kurt, on the other hand, was confusing all of the instincts built up over a decade spent on the police force. At some point in her rumination, Anne fell asleep.

Erik

Erik and Lady Maritza descended back down the stairs with neutral looks. Lady Maritza motioned for her two guards to follow her as she walked out of the house. The woman didn’t even so much as look at Anne or the others as she stormed out. Erik was just glad she was gone. Damn nobles always managed to screw up an operation.

“The others gave you the basic history?” Erik asked. Anne nodded. “Good. Lady Maritza is going to help us smuggle you out of the city. Apparently your fellow cops are looking for you.”

“What do you mean, smuggle me out?” Anne asked.

“We need to get you back to Avalon to figure out why the Dark Towers want you so badly,” Erik answered.

“No,” Anne said, gripping her pistol tighter, “I’m not going to let you take me.”

“Are you insane?” Erik asked, exasperated, “Do you remember the monsters you fought at the warehouse? Do you want those things popping up in the city looking for you? We can protect you in Avalon.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got a serial killer running around out there,” Anne said, “Unless it was one of those monsters doing the killing, I’m not going to leave until I’ve caught the bastard.”

“Erik, stop,” Samantha said. Then she turned to Anne. “If we can help you find this killer of yours, will you consider coming back to Avalon with us?” Anne thought it over for a moment, and then nodded.

“Good, then might I suggest that Kurt take you home so that you can call your people,” Samantha said, “He can also take the night watch tonight.”

“Night watch?” Anne asked.

“Anne, you’re going to need one of us nearby in case Arem tries again,” Samantha said. “Kurt can watch you tonight. One of us will meet you in the morning to discuss these murders of yours and see how we can help catch the killer.”

“What am I supposed to tell everyone?” Anne asked.

“You’re smart. You’ll come up with something,” Veronica said, walking over to Anne. The small woman touched Anne’s head and murmured a string of sing-song words. Anne felt a rush of heat that dissipated quickly. “There, that should help.”

“Detektivin, if you will follow me,” Kurt said, with a low bow. Damn it. On anyone else, the gesture would have been cheesy. The German just pulled it off with a dashing charm.

Anne

Anne followed Kurt back out of the house. He led her over to the garage and opened the passenger door of a beige sedan with a flourish. Anne smiled.

“You know, I can open the door myself,” Anne commented as she sat down in the car.

“You’ve had a very bad night,” Kurt said, “Please allow me to try and make it a bit better.” He closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. Anne leaned back in her seat. A very bad night? That was an understatement.

“Where would you like to go?” Kurt asked as he climbed into the car, “Home? Your office? The hospital? Dinner?” There was a slight mischievous glint in his blue eyes as he said the last word.

“Home, I guess,” Anne said, pushing down a long-forgotten flutter in her stomach. Damn it, this guy kidnapped her. I don’t care if he is pretty to look at. And the accent is kind of cute. No! His employers want to take me to another world.

“I am truly sorry that you are involved in this, Detektivin Hearst,” Kurt said. Anne could sense something more in his words than a simple apology.

“Who?” Anne asked, guessing.

“Meine Mutter und mein Vater” Kurt answered quietly, “Sorry, my mother and father. I was four.” Anne could see an intense pain in Kurt’s eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Anne said, reaching out to Kurt’s shoulder.

“We all have our personal tragedies,” Kurt said, “They help make us what we are.” The pained look was replaced by a knowing one. Anne suddenly felt very uncomfortable. How much did these people know about her? Did they know about that? From the look in Kurt’s eyes, they did. Kurt must have read her expression, because he quickly turned away. “I’m sorry, Detektivin.”

“So what should I tell my superiors?” Anne asked, quickly changing the subject.

“Simple is best,” Kurt answered, “Elaborate stories tend to have holes that others can open and unravel the whole thing.”

“Yeah, my mom was always–” Anne stopped, “Oh my God, if my mom thinks I missing, she’s going to be out of her mind.”

“Calm down, Detektivin,” Kurt said, “Think this through. Your mother will soon know her daughter is fine. Better to concentrate on how you are going to explain tonight’s events.”

“You don’t know my mother,” Anne said.

“I know that she raised a remarkable woman,” Kurt said. Anne’s cheeks heated at the unexpected compliment. “I think she’s stronger than you would like to give her credit for.”

“Maybe,” Anne said, not ready to accept that idea.

“Why did you go to that warehouse?” Kurt asked.

“I don’t know. Something about this case. I just needed to see the murder scene again,” Anne answered. A concerned look flittered across Kurt’s face. “What?”

“Something pulled you to the scene?” Kurt asked. “Remember to tell Samantha when you see her tomorrow. It may be your own instincts, or it could’ve been someone luring you into a trap. At any rate, begin with you going back to the scene of the latest murder.”

“I went back to the scene,” Anne began, “Then I was attacked. It would explain some of these injuries and my smashed radio.”

“Do you know who attacked you?” Kurt asked.

“No, I can’t remember,” Anne said, “I just remember you.”

“Well, that’s a pleasant thought,” Kurt said, “What do you remember about me?”

“That you found me outside the docks and offered to help. All I could think was getting home,” Anne said.

“Why not the hospital?” Kurt asked.

“Because I’m stubborn,” Anne answered, “I kinda have a reputation for that.”

“Well, that should work. Good thing too,” Kurt said.

“Why?” Anne asked.

“Because we are about to get pulled over,” Kurt answered. An instant after he spoke, brilliant blue and red lights erupted around them. It wasn’t just one police car. The entire area was suddenly swamped with police.

“This should be fun,” Kurt said.

Anne

“POLICE! Drop your weapons!” Anne screamed at the two men as they came into the room. Both were dressed like SWAT and holding stubby submachine guns. They professionally scrutinized the scene and lowered their submachine guns. Anne glanced at Erik. He didn’t look confused or tense. He just looked annoyed. Anne guessed that the two tactical guys were also Avalonian.

“Police? What the hell are the police doing here?” asked a woman’s voice. A tall, statuesque woman walked in behind the two tactical guys. Anne swallowed hard and lowered her own pistol. That elegantly coiffed brunette with the hard blue eyes was Mrs. Maritza Holland, the wife of if not the wealthiest man in the city, definitely one of the top five. Mrs. Holland was a big player in the society circles and could squash Anne’s career without breaking a sweat. So, why was she here?

“You! What the hell are you doing here?” Mrs. Holland asked as she caught sight of Erik.

“The Saint’s work,” Erik quipped. The two tactical guys traded a wary look, but Mrs. Holland didn’t seem fazed.

“And you kidnapped a cop? Then, you use one of my safehouses? Are you out of your mind?” Mrs. Holland asked, storming over to Erik.

“The detective was the reason we’re here,” Erik answered, “Your safehouse was the closest when we were ambushed picking her up.” Mrs. Holland looked over at Anne with an intense scrutiny.

“Detective, are you alright?” Mrs. Holland asked.

“I think so ma’am,” Anne answered, surprised by the question, “Are you an Avalonian?” Mrs. Holland whirled on Erik.

“Exactly what did you tell her?” Mrs. Holland asked.

“We were in the middle of explaining who we are when you came bursting through the door,” Samantha snapped, and then looked mortified as Mrs. Holland glared at her.

“Lady Maritza, can I speak with you privately?” Erik asked.

Lady Maritza? Anne thought to herself, Exactly who is this woman, and why does everyone but Erik looked cowed by her?

I’m not sure we can answer that right now, but yes, she’s important in our world, Samantha answered in Anne’s mind, Sorry, but you’re ‘yelling’ your thoughts right now.

“Very well,” Mrs. Holland answered. She motioned for her two guards to remain as she followed Erik upstairs.

“So where were we?” Samantha asked, “Oh yes, the barrier came down in 1635, and we started our centuries-long war with the Dark Towers.”

“Um, should you be telling her this?” one of the guards asked.

“Yes,” Samantha answered, “Of course, the early years were dark. We had no idea of how to fight the Dark Towers’ monsters. They’d swept away our few outposts and pushed us back to the walls of Avalon. Then a coalition of psychics and magic-wielders helped to defeat the Dark Towers army at our walls. We learned how to fight. If In the years since, we’ve allied with the Elven Empire and the Dwarven Kingdoms. We managed to not only push the Dark Towers back, but actually managed to capture one.”

“We also had a lot of help from Britain and America,” Veronica admitted, “We couldn’t have reclaimed Freesport without their help.”

“The governments know about Avalon?” Anne asked.

“With the elves’ help, we managed to establish a stable gate on a South Atlantic island. Technically, we belong to the Commonwealth for diplomatic purposes on this world.”

“Then why have I never heard of any of this?” Anne asked, agitated.

“The Treaty of London,” Veronica answered, “The governments kept us quiet and we keep the monsters from coming over to this side.”

Erik

“Explain yourself Jaegar,” Lady Maritza demanded as soon as the master bedroom’s door was shut.

“The elves handed us intelligence that the Dark Towers had a major operation starting, and it involved that woman,” Erik answered, “The Saint asked me to get a small team together and deal with the woman.”

“So why is she here and not dead?” Lady Maritza asked.

“Because she’s not a summoner nor a bargainer,” Erik answered, “We don’t know why the Dark Towers wants her. So, I went to collect her tonight and ran into a snatch team led by Arem.”

“That’s impossible. That elf is dead,” Lady Maritza said, her face paling.

“That’s what I thought too,” Erik said, “But I saw him tonight. I fought him. It was Arem. He demanded that I hand over that woman to him. Not a chance in hell. We need to find out what’s so special about her, and that is probably going to mean getting her back to Avalon.”

“That may be more difficult than you expect,” Lady Maritza said, “Your little firefight drew official notice.”

“What notice?” Erik asked, “There shouldn’t have been any bodies for the police to find. Death breaks the connection with the Earth’s wild magic and forces the monsters’ bodies back to Avalon.”

“Bodies no, but the police managed to recover lots and lots of spent bullets, casings, and the destroyed radio of the detective downstairs. They are in a frenzy to find her. Getting her out of the city, much less to Avalon Island will be challenging,” Lady Maritza explained, “You should have come to me as soon as you landed in this city.”

“You weren’t supposed to know we were in the city,” Erik said, “This was supposed to be a quick hit and extract. Everything we had said that she was working with the Dark Towers.”

“Are you sure she isn’t?” Lady Maritza asked.

“Samantha is, or the detective would already be dead,” Erik said. “I trust my people.”

“I’m sure your people are trustworthy,” Lady Maritza said, “What I don’t understand is why the Saint would trust you. Especially after the Commandant Affair.” Erik managed to get his sudden anger under control, but Maritza could see the blow had landed.

“You’d have to ask the Saint,” Erik managed, “He recruited me back into Blackguard for this mission. And since you are now aware of the job, are you going to help us extract, or do I have to do this myself?”

“Oh, I’ll help,” Lady Maritza said, “If for no other reason than to get you out of this city before the Americans realize what’s going on.”