Moonlight In California
Five months have passed since Caitlin came to California, meeting several new people. It is near the begining of November and Caitlin is celebrating her third month in her own apartment. Robin called in a favor to Anthony, who was delighted to arrange a new state of the art holding area during her cycles. And a job and a couple new friends at 'The House of Fog' a semi successful new club. However phone calls from James tapered off then stopped all together.
October, 30
Caitlin got up, today was going to be a great day she just knew it. Tonight at the club all the waitress were supposed to dress up a grecian women, in fact the whole place was being decorated for a roman feast theme and Caitlin loved the fact that monsters come out. Maybe even Anthony would visit tonight. She kept on and off with Anthony, always soke with Robin and Joe and she had been so busy that she hadn't had any time for JAmes. She had taken the GED and was awaiting the results and had her temporary liscense. HEr life was finally settling down into a ruetine and becoming calm again.
There was a knock at her door, followed by Gina's voice they had met when she started. "Com' On you gonna open up or am I gonna eat both these bagels on my own?" She had whined before about not getting a key since she handed one to Caitlin. "Come on, You gotta guy in there or sumthin?" she was probably smiling when she said it. Gina liked guys and being a waitress loved to flirt with men in the club.
"Okay okay!!" Cait grouses and unlocks the door, she was still in the shirt from JAmes that she was sleeping in having begun to use it as a sleeping shirt. Then the boy shorts she always wore. "Kitchen, make coffee while I put on my face." Cait says in a growly voice and she heads to the bathroom to brush her teeth and make-up and everything for the day. Then once she was done she walked out and put on some pants and a bra under the shirt. She'd change into her 'uniform' later when it was closer to work time in the evening.
"So get this they found another body this morning. This guy is driving the cops up the wall." She was setting up the coffee and took out the bagels and went fishing for peanut butter. "Hank thinks if another one turns up near the clubn he is gonna force us to get an off duty cop or security to make sure we get to our cars safetly." She always wondered about the shirt she slept in, it looked like a guy's.
"Same M.O.?" Cait asks as she strips off her clothes and changes for the day. ONce dressed and out of the bathroom done with all her daily grooming stuff she walks into the kitchen and grabs the cream cheese for her own bagel. "Does Hank think it's been safe for the last months without a security gaurd or what?" Caitlin asks not even heating hers up. She also pulled out two eggs and put them on the flat pan plugged in on her counter. She always had to have meat otherwise the beasts urges and instincts became more prevelant. With Gina always coming around Caitlin had to be extra cautious.
"Well, there is a difference between Tony and the guys tossing out drunks and dealing with a serial killer." She mused about what kind of guy Hank would hire to protect them. "I'm kinda concerned that sometimes it has been customers and a couple were employees, almost in the same numbers." Gina was a little jealous Cait could out eat a guy and never gain a pound. "You suck you know, I eat two eggs and a bagel with cream cheese and that would be it until dinner, else I'd have to double up my workout."
"You diet too much! Besides I run all the time. To work... home from work... to my second job... home from my second job. It's not like I'm not excersizing all the time Gina. I do hope he doesn't hire someone... dubious. Maybe he could hire a cop or something... you know make sure they come around more often and have the bouncers walk you girls to the cars? or the bus stop?" Cait says putting her food on a cheap plate and turning off the oen blowing out the fire and cleaning everything up before going to the little two seater table and two mismatched chairs at the table. "Come eat." Cait said with a smile as she got her and her friend both water and orange juice. Cait's entire apartment was filled with second hand or found on the street furniture, She was saving all the money she could. To finally be able to afford her own, cafe/bar she was saving everything she could. Still wearing second hand clothing from the goodwill too.
"So, did Hank tell you what tonights costumes consisted of?" Gina said taking a seat and a sip of juice. Hank liked it when the servers showed some leg or cleveage, to him sex appeal kept people ordering. Tonight was the first night of the halloween celebration, tomorrow night was the costume party and the first would be a little more for the day of the dead. "Any idea of a costume for the party? I'm sure a naughty nurse or hottie cop would work for you. Hank says no masks though, just in case any criminal stuff goes on."
"I don't do costumes. They are too expensive. I told Hank to buy me one if he wants me to dress up so badly. I'm certainly not going to choose a different one for all three nights. Besides I have a day job too. All I have to do is wear a pin there. I don't care what I wear or how much leg or bust I show... as long as it's not stripper worthy." Caitlin shrugs as she begins to eat. She really didn't care. She just wanted to save up enough money to be able to gt her own place and soon. Her own bar. Her own life. Soon... she saved all the money she could all the time.
"You know he'll pick something you'll probably hate, last time that happened he got Crissi that Hooter's girl outfit. I'll just tell him to give me the money and I'll get something cute and hot for you then." Cait's cell rang, its ringtone indicating her other job. Gina rolled her eyes, "And I bet they want you to go in and work until its time to leave for the house." It was almost always the same, she showed them a lot of dedication.
"Hi Caitlin, I have a slight problem, Jenny's son is sick could you come in for a little bit?" Charlie owned the little mom & pop eatery where Caitlin waitressed. It was attached to his little house and while it didn't do tons of business, it had some of the most loyal customers. "I know you have to be at your other job and I wouldn't ask if I had another option." It was obvious when he said that he truly had no other options.
"The theme is a grecian feast how bad could the outfit be Gina?" Cait said quickly before she opened the phone to speak with her other employer Charlie. "Yeah that's fine Charlie, I'll just have to take two breaks to eat and rest from the job a little. I'll just be sure to have one of my coworkers cover me until I can show up. IT's no real problem, I'll be there soon." Caitlin says smiling as she said it. She really liked Charlie and his wife... even Jenny with her pictures and stories about her son. Caitlin wasn't worried about being tired though because... well tonight was all hallows eve and it was getting close to a full moon which meant she had more energy then ever. So no need to try and use an energy drink or anything she just needed more protein was all.
"Tomorrow night is the halloween party, all of us in costume. Weren't you listening to me?" Gina knew that Caitlin was gonna have her talk to one of the Brittanys to cover her at the house. "Remember Joey? he wants to take me out and wants to know if I have a friend to go out with his frat brother Marty. Can I interest you in going out with a business major from USC?" She smiled lightly at her friend, "And since you aren't going out of town until November ninth..." she let the rest trail off.
"Can you talk to either one of the Brittany's for me? I just need the first twenty minutes of my shift covered... That way I can run over and change from Charlies. Gina... you know I don't like frats... they always cause too much trouble. Where out would this be?" Cait asked, she rarely said no to Gina, if anything she would redirect the conversation and give no answer at all. She made up the fact that her 'aunt' Robin who wrote those novels about monsters and such demanded she visit every full moon cycle. It worked out really well. She finished her food quickly and put the dishes in the sink and began to wash them. Cait always kept her place clean... in fact it was very clean. If not for the mis matched nature of the place people would really notice how clean it was. She had done her best to keep her scent when in heat away... and even going towards the full moon she took steps to keep her scent to a minimum in her apartment.
"Fine I'll get a Brittani to cover thirty minutes, arrange for a good costume for tomorrow night. And in turn Friday November fourth, we four go to Gabriel's Cinema for an art flick and dinner. Oh, Hank has a neat idea, whichever server has the most money by tomorrow night closing wins three tickets to a photography session for the children's hospital charity." She got up and brought the dishes to Caitlin. Even though she really liked Caity, it took a chain to drag her out anywhere.
"Then if I win I'll give them to you. In thanks for all the trouble you cause me." Caitlin grins at her 'friend' Gina. She wasn't sure if they really were friends considering how many secrets she kept from the girl but... this was the first time she had ever been even semi close to someone without rank or men getting in the way of it. It was... really nice. Cait finished the dishes and grabbed the checkered serving outfit and blue apron that she wore to Charlie's diner and changed right in front of Gina. She was never shy and she had a ten minute run ahead of her. He needed her there soon so they weren't short handed for the morning and lunch rush.Once dressed she pulled half of her hair up and braided it before tying it off. "Come on I'll walk you out so I can lock up." Cait said with a grin, Gina by now knew of Caitlin's paranoia of locking up her place.
"How about I drop you off at Charlie's, since I have to head to the house. And if you win we will go and maybe drag your aunt along, show her a fun day." Gina had never met Aunt Robin, but Cait went to visit her eery month for a couple days. "You know you never told me where your sleeping shirt came from, I figure it musta been some guys." She wondered what kinda guy Caitlin hooked up with, other than the Anthony guy that came to club.
"It is. Thanks for the lift, I'll call Robin and see if she's up for it... Besides... Joe's coming soon... said he wanted to see how things were going now that things were finally coming together for me. I'm getting closer and closer to my dream Gina and in a couple more months... maybe six maybe ten... but it's finally coming together. I can't help but be excited." Cait said with a grin to her friend. She put her cell phone in a pocket in her fluffy skirt, she spoke with Robin and Joe often.
As they went down the steps to where Gina parked her VW beetle, she continued to ponder Caitlin and what she didn't know. "Cait, you told me some about Robin and Joe and who they are to you. What about guys you date, I mean there has to be someone you like alot." Gina hit the clicker button to unlock the doors and she got into the driver's side. Maybe Marty would sweep Caitlin up he was funny and kinda good looking, not to mention awfully well bank rolled by his parents.
"Not really no. I mean there was one guy when I first got here to California... but we lost touch and it just... I dunno it didn't work out. I can't see how it could have anyways." Cait says shrugging her shoulders. Gina was constantly on about getting a rich man who was head over heels vfor her and she supposed the time had come that Gina wanted that for her too. Not that she wanted that. She wanted a little out of the way place that was welcome for people who didn't fit in. Just like her.
Gina weaved in and out of traffic on the way to Charlie's trying to find a way to get Caitlin to elaborate. "Ya know, I understand you are driven and have an idea what will make you happy. But, aren't you afraid you'll miss out on life or even just some fun?" It might make her sound really nosy, but she liked her friend enough to want to see her find someone to care for her. It was obvious the shirt she slept in had some kind of importance to her, "Sorry if I seem like I'm trying to force you out to find someone, I worry about you girlfriend."
"I've had more then enough fun in my life Gina... I'll take nice and simple and on a path I know I can follow. I don't mind going out though. It is fun to spend a little money sometimes you're right. I just am so excited it makes me want to save more and the cost of food and everything well.. you know how it goes. If it makes you feel any better... The guys name was James... and he was a detective. I stopped some purse snatcher in a park... and that's how we met." Cait said know Gina would pry and pry until she got more and more info on the guy and the shirt. She did it every morning practically anyways.
"Here I thought it would have been a surfer, so what happened that you two lost touch? He not into the healthy living kick like you are or your family obligations every month?" She made the turn and pulled up to the curb by Charlie's and threw the car in park. The little mom and pop eatery had quite a few customers inside at the tables eating. And Charlie in an apron doing his best to keep up with the orders.
"It was a lot of things. I gotta go save Charlie. Thanks Gina... see you tonight." Cait said with a smile slipping out the door and then running across the street and walking into the diner. "Don't worry folks the calvary has arrived! Go behind the counter where you belong Charlie I got everything from here." she jokes waving to people she knew, walking over and grabbing an apron she pulled it on before looking at the orders and quickly picking up plates and heading to the tables refilling glasses on the trips back and forth and using the tray like a pro.
"THANK GOD!" was the cheer on most peoples lips when she entered. Charlie who was sharp minded had a limp from his time in the service and did not get around very well. One of her usuals waited until she set his bacon cheeseburger down to say his usual line, "Why don't you marry me and then you wouldn't have to work so much?" Bryan was always goofing around with her like that, so today he was probably thrilled she was coming in. The TV set behind the counter was showing a piece on the killer and cautioning the people to be careful if going out to the nightlife.
"But Bryan... then I'd get bored... not doing anything for anyone, after I ran through your money you wouldn't want me anyways." she teases back refilling his water before walking away to quickly grab the next couple of orders. She had to grin though at the stories people were telling about Charlie being a waitress. She listened with only half an ear to the television. She always did but she was a little swamped with the people needed food and drinks.
About part way through her shift she got a text from Gina about tomorrow night's costume party.
Got you a Tomb Raider outfit. Shorts and Tank Top with prop guns in holsters. You will look hot! Then a somewhat familiar smell came to her, a policeman. Standing at the doorway was to uniformed policeman she had met when dealing with James months ago. They took a seat at a table near the door and opened the menus.
Rolling her eyes at the text she could only sigh at Gina and her idea's of hot. grabbing a pot of coffee and two cups of water she walked over, refilling a glass here and there before reaching the table and setting the glasses of water down. "Hello boys what can I get for you today and would you like a cup of Coffee? Probably better then what you normally drink." she says with a bright smile. Her hair was a little longer now and she was dressed in... well a mom and pop diner outfit, but other then that was exactly the same as before.
Officer Yun looked up and remembered her immediately, "Miss Caitlin? wasn't it? Wasn't sure you were still in the area anymore." She could tell by his heartbeat he was really surprised to see her. He had a different partner, a young lady with chin length black hair who looked a little puzzled. The name on her tag said "L. Manes" other than that she was a female carbon copy of Yun. "I'll have coffee and might need a minute, I'll have a diet coke and the same to take a look at the menu."
"Is pepsi alright?" Cait asked as she pulled out a coffee cup and filled it for Yun. "I was sure you wouldn't recognize me officer Yun. I've never seen you around these parts but I thought it was best to change parks. Tried going after that time and... well... I got more handshakes then miles run. I'll be sure to tell Charlie not to make your food suck like it usually does." Cait winks at him and gives a friendly smile to the female officer. Walking away completely unbothered though it might mean JAmes would come around sniffing. that would be awekward... putting it out of her mind she refilled a few more drinks and got out a few more orders before walking over and checking Bryan with his check in hand. It was the usual though, he almost always ordered the same thing. "Here you go Bryan! Whenever your ready I'll take care of you at the counter." She says with a cheerful smile.
"So, who is she?" her ears could pick up Manes question. "The last young lady that dated Banner." Yun answered simply. "He came back from a date with her and was happy, then they never talked again." He added some sugar to his coffee and took a sip. "Are you gonna tell him about seeing her?" Manes sound like Caitlin was a movie star come to life. "Nope the homicide case is taking up all his work time, and dealing with JFS is taking up his home time."
Caitlin listened with half an ear and rang out a few people and took another few plates to tables. Refilled more drinks and came back over to the table. "Well officers by now if you haven't read the menu I can recite it for you in gory detail. What'll it be?" She smiled brightly, though she didn't have a pad and pencil. She wrote it down on the check pads on the counter. She never bothered with the pad and pencil they were just weight in her pockets anyways. Charlie let her do what she liked because it worked.
Yun smiled, "Tuna melt with Fries." Mane grimaced then said, "Turkey club and onion rings." They both closed the menus and handed them back to her and smiled. Charlie was watching the three of them and shook his head, he did let her do as she would because it worked. ALthough it was the first time these cops had been there and she spoke to the one like she knew him. When things had settled a little he had told her he didn't need her the next day since Grace had a doctors appointment.
"It'll be a nice break from both jobs!" Cait laughed then wished him luck for the appointment before grabbing their food from Charlie. "Say Yun... there's been a lot of rumors about these murders. I work at a club... downtown... is this like... really serious?" Cait asks softly as she puts the plates down. She had to at least act the human part. "And... is... James okay? My life kind of swallowed me up for a while..." She says softly, she was curious but she didn't want to seem too inquisitive, nor did she want to let herself stay attatched. She wouldn't tell him the name of the club though... but maybe extra patrols would be around just because she was working down that way.
He sighed and motioned her close, "This goes no further and I will deny it if it does. James and Mike have been assigned to the case along with the task force. And to answer the second, an anomoyous source called Jobs and Family Services and they have been snooping around. So while the new boss is on his back, he is trying to keep JFS from disrupting his time with Molly." Yun looked a little irrate about the source that called the state on James.
"He's like a poster dad though? Who would call them on him? Poor guy... you know what... I'm gonna send some pie with you alright? Make sure it gets to him. It's on me." Cait leans down and kisses Yun's cheek in thanks for the info. "Thanks for the info. I swear it goes no further, enjoy your food you two!" She smiles brightly before going off the clean some tables and do her jobs some more mulling over everything he had told her.
Yun smiled brightly and they began to eat their lunch then he stood to pay the bill. And while waiting for his change leaned close, "Mike thinks it was either that Brenda chick, either that or our new boss. James is beside himself, but couldn't refuse the assignment to the case." He handed her back the change for a tip. "Well, be careful I know how you and he met and if the guy we are looking for and you come face to face, run."
"Thanks officer Yun.. and here's the apple pie... I'll be sure to follow your advice." Cait says handing him the small box with the apple pie in it, written on top was the words good luck signed a good friend. But once Caitlin was finished she was flagged down for a refill of something or another and she was gone again, work took priority over everything else. She still had to work tonight at the club too.. and then tomorrow as well.
Hours passed and Charlie closed up a little early, "I can't thank you enough for coming in to help out. Here's your pay and Bryan can make you something before you head to the other job." Charlie knew that she could make more money working somewhere else, but appreciated her loyalty to him and Grace. "Course like I said we ain't gonna be open tomorrow, so you can maybe attend a halloween party." He smiled and went and started turning chairs up on tables.
Cait began to help him turn up the tables. "No thank you for taking my in Charlie. and for letting me study for my GED here sometimes. I hope I get the answer soon... besides I'm not... one for big parties or anything. Though food sounds good if bryan could make me a monster burger that would be great!" Cait grins happily, she really liked this little diner. She would miss it a lot when she opened her own place.
She could hear the hiss of the grill and smell the meat cook. "One I can't believe she fits this in her stomach coming up!" Bryan teased and asked for what else she wanted on the burger. Charlie laughed at the name of the sandwhich and took a seat at the counter. "So, I meant to ask, you seemed to know the cops that were here earlier."
"Just one of them. Yu... He was in a park I was excersizing in when I first moved to California... I cought a pursenapper. I didn't know but he had a knife on him and I sort of jumped him from behind and then a detective running in the park ran over and Yu was there as well. He arrested the man. It was purely by chance. And all the usual onions and tomatoes and cabbage and mayonaise and ketchup and mustard. Please Bryan and thanks." Cait smiled she had no problem telling them the truth she was wondering if it would ever come out. She wasn't a hero or anything. She was just able to stop someone that one time.
After Bryan plated up her sandwhich he went to cleaning the grill and straightening up around the kitchen. Charlie jump when he turned over a couple more chairs when he saw Grace had come down from their little apartment upstairs. She was seventy-three, slight with silver grey hair, and green eyes. In the past years she was falling victim to bouts of forgetfulness as Charlie put it. While in fact she was reliving memories of a past life and more than once called Caitlin Susie after her sister.
Cait sat at the counter so Charlie could finish the tables, she was halfway trhough the monster sandwhich when Grace came down the stairs. She never minded being called Susie and acted kind which often worked, but it was only after CHarlie had explaind it to her because in the old days once anyone showed anything like weakness they were kicked out of the pack. Grace... more then likely would have been killed just to put her out of her misery of losing her mind. But once explained and once Robin explained it to her as well, Caitlin just treated her like she treated everyone else, politely, gently, sweetly.
Charlie guided her to a seat and went back to finishing up with the chairs. "Susie, don't you have a date tonight? Jared will be ever so cross if you aren't ready." Looking up Charlie shook his head, Jared was a name Grace brought up when speaking to Caitlin. Jared and Charlie had went to Korea together and only Charlie came home. He pointed to the picture of much younger men in uniform standing with two younger women.
"I know Gracie, I just wanted to eat first. The best food is made here and I don't want Jared to waste his money on me. He needs to save up." Caitlin says with a smile giving the picture a very good look over. Charlie never did tell her the story, so Cait just assumed Sue and Jared were lovers. She took another few bites and chewed quickly. that was the excuse that usually worked best. Grace would usually retort but Caitlin just had to be herself which Robin had told her was probably some of the problem. She was probably very similar to this Susie from the past and that's why she was so confused around Caitlin.
She seemed pacified by Caitlin's answer and sat and watched quietly as Charlie finshed up. "Gracie, how about you head back upstairs so I can give Susie her money and lock up for the night ok?" He kissed her cheek and watched her head back up the stairs. "I'm sorry Caitlin, she just keeps seeing Susie when she looks at you." He took a seat and Brian exited the kitchen and smiled, "You headed to the second job now Cait?"
"Yeah... Hey Charlie... Are you sure she's okay? I mean... when I first started working here she was fine... now she... She doesn't see me at all only Susie. Is it okay for her to be like that?" Caitlin asked before she was about to go through the door. She still didn't understand things completely. She missed a lot of human interaction and sometimes... just sometimes she was confused or baffled by things humans did around her. Caitlin figured she should probably ask Joe and Robin some more about it... maybe they could explain it. She could smell the greif on Charlie though... the worry and the eraction to her question. Brian she just smelled kitchen off of. The only other thing she ever smelled off him was whatever the hell toxic dump was his car. He was constantly trying to give her rides but with her sensitive nose she always refused.
"She has bad days and she has good ones." he said with a sigh. Looking up at Caitlin, "Thats why you should find someone to make you happy early. That way if this happens you remember the good even if thats all you remember sometimes. Now go on get outta here the pair of ya, you have another job to go to." Smiling at them to keep them from worrying he escorted them to the door.
Before being gently pushed out the door Caitlin turned and hugged Charlie. "It'll be okay Charlie. You're strong, call me again if you need help." She says before releaseing him and waving goodbye to both him and Brian. She turned and began to jog then run. She loved to run. She loved feeling the air pass her and her hair move, she just loved running. She wouldn't be late to her job and she might earn extra points from the boss for appearing so cutsey. If she really wanted she could wear this as her outfit but the boss would want something sexy. If Gina didn't find an outfit she was sure Anthony would send something wildly inappropriate. sometimes she played along most of the time she sent the stuff back to him.
After a short run she arrived at the house and slipped into the employee entrance. Most of the girls waved and showed her the togas for tonight or gossiped about the costumes for tomorrow night. Gina had a towel and stuff ready, so Caitlin could use the small shower stall in the locker room. "Who remembers everything for you?" she asked with a smile pointing to Cait's toga and costume for the next night. Already the drone of the club music could be heard from the other side of the wall.
It was hard for Caitlin not to growl at her friend for acting as if she were higher in station then Cait was but she managed. Instead she let it out as a tired sigh. "I might refuse the double date to spite you now." She says instead with a sly wolfish grin before slipping into the stall and undressing completely. Cleaning up and changing into the toga quickly she was tying the sash when she heard the door click open and smelled the perfume/calogn
e of their boss. She was hoping to avoid him mostly today. After dealing with Gracie and being confused and working the extra hours and not getting to run properly she was a little antsy.
"Alright you guys gather round there are some specail things for you guy's tonight." The other girls all in above the knees togas and plunging neck lines gathered around Hank. "There is LAPD in the club tonight and will be tomorrow night as well. They are packing and are looking for the person responsible for the murders. Also, here are three tickets for the Children's hospital benefit; tickets to the remaining photography sessions with the bachelors and for the auction too. Best tally after the weekend wins."
Cait too gathered but not so closely, she didn't give him that kind of respect. Cait had to wonder though, because her toga was also split up the side to show off her legs. It didn't look like a proffesional job. It didn't really matter though Cait wondered who would be out there... If Yu would be out there or maybe James. She would be very embaressed if James really was out there... she hadn't told him directly that she worked in a club. After twisting her hair into two almost crowning braids and tieing them together to leave a low puny tail at the end Cait sighs. Time for the job. One she was good at but one that today was going to be interesting to say the least.
The atmosphere of the club was electric, Hank had hired a hot DJ to keep people on the dance floor. People everywhere, scents mixed about enough to make someone with an enhanced sense of smell go mad. Alcohol, arousal both male and female mixed with smoke and music like some sort of hedonistic storm. Thankfully she had been working on controlling, even narrowing her senses so her enviroment wod not bother her. After hearing for what seemed the hundredth time tonight about riding a spear, Caitlin made her way up to Mel at the bar.
He was in his thirties, California looker who tried acting by day and mixing drinks at night. "So, doll what can I set a hot little slave girl up with?" he teased as she set down her tray. Women fawned all over him, and he flirted back and because of that went home with big tips. Only a few people knew that Mel didn't date women, and lived with William. Between Gina & Mel they were the first nice people she met whe working there.
Gina came up and set her tray down, "I swear one more guy asks if I wanna see his chariot and I'll kill him." She took an opportunity to straighten her toga, they were barely knee length and showed quite a bit of cleveage. Mel chuckled as he filled Cait's order and putting the glasses on her tray. "Small tidbit of info ladies, there is a cop in our midst, they showed up and TOLD Hank they were coming in." Her eyes lit up, "Hear that Cait, a man with a gun and handcuffs, now that sounds fun."
"You'd love that, better tell will to buy some just in case someone needs a reminder to stay home like a good boy." Cait says with a grin. She'd been trying to find the cop but all she got was the occasion whiff of the gun oil and powder and then more arousel and alcohol and smoke. she used to have to take a lot of breaks to be able to handle nights in the club but now... by now she was pretty used to it. Though she might have to take one soon, "Mel in ten more minutes I'm gonna take a break out back." Cait says, having to tell Mel so he could cover her ass for her when Hank got pissy. Heck there were a lot of loyal customers because of Mel's way with mixing drinks. Turning to take her tray to the latest table to deliver her drinks she hoped the next ten minutes didn't take too long. for some reason tonight was very hard on her nerves.
Something unatural smelling caught her attention passing mixed with the normal people. And just as soon was swallowed up by the surrounding people, even the faint trace of gun oil was lost in the press of bodies. "Excuse me miss can I get a very bloody mary, O positive?" came a familiar voice. Anthony stood a half dozen feet away knowing her ears could pick up his voice. He as always was dressed in a black suit and pale blue shirt, smirking at her outfit.
"Tony!" Cait smiles brightly, looking over her shoulder. "Give me a few minutes!" She says in return before going to the table and handing off the drinks to the people who ordered them. Four men one girl, obviously a girlfriend. four beers and something girly and fruity to drink. She just wanted to set them down and go find Anthony again, in the club was the only time she called him Tony, many beleiving he was a side client of sorts to her. Only Gina knew they were occasional lovers. Besides there was nothing like speaking to Tony while on break out back.
Sure enough when she went out back he was waiting for her, "Hank has surely packed the house and what a nice outfit." He smiled, Caitlin had some of the nicest legs he'd seen in several hundred years. And the rest of her wasn't bad either, remembering how he screwed the little werewolf to the point of exhaustion their first meeting. Anthony's people were even responsible for her new safe room. His design could withstand the most rage she could bring to bear and could take more next month.
"I've been in worse. It's harder to deal with tonight though... it's getting close and my senses are all heightening... Tony... Just before I heard your name I thought I smelled... well I don't know what it was but did you notice... nevermind... why am I asking a hot blood watcher this." Cait laughed rubbing her cheeks to help ease some tension. "did you really need a snack? You smell like you've already fed." She says softly grinning at him, she had sharpened her senses ever since being in regular contact with him, even though that had an alliance of sorts he was the only one she trusted and so she honed her insticts to detect more and pay closer attention.
"There is a demon in the club tonight, it caught my scent and left being to the fact my kind due to foundation police our kind. And even though I've eaten, I could always be tempted for dessert." His gaze fell to her thighs teasing her, which was his favorite past time. She had been very thoughtful in changing things to allow him to enjoy her company more. It was obvious though that while they enjoyed sex, there was always something more that even though she denied it she wanted.
"I've got a little bit of time... As long as it's quick and all. But it'll cost... information about this Demon... and maybe a little lesson on how to get rid of it." Cait says before leaning against the back wall and raising her leg up against the wall behind her to show him a flash of thigh, blood pumping, hot and only going to get hotter. She stretched her body out in a pleasing manner to tempt him with her thigh, exhaling slowly and looking at him with the amber wolven eyes instead of her brown human ones.
Anthony knelt down and licked at her nethers, roughly tasting her while teasing her. His finger replaced his mouth as he bit into her thigh and began to drink as her fingered her sex. The meal earlier had not been very filling and Caitlin was like drinking pure adrenilian and neither would last long. He continued to feed from her until she climaxed then went back to diluting her blood with her sexual juices. Now that was a wonderful bloody mary, but he was a little concerned about her insistance in knowing about the demon.
Cait panted softly and held onto his head gently with her hands. There was never a moment she got in return something back from Anthony when he took something. "Gods Tony... the service is amazing around you." Caitlin pants out with a laugh. She knew her wound would heal quickly enough, but the rush she got from letting him feed from her was always fun and helped calm the wolf inside of her down just a little bit. Now though she wanted her information on the Demon, and how to get rid of it. She didn't like her home being threatened and she had people she needed to protect. Gina being one of them.
Standing he leaned close and kept her gaze with his own deep grey eyes. "Do not go looking for them, I do not even know what kind of demon it was. In most cases there is nothing to be done unless you have a priest on hand. And both of mine are currently tied up out of town with the rest of Decemuirum Condita." Anthony trying to distract her slipped his hand inside the top of her toga and began to tease the nipple of her left breast.
"How do you get them to leave. If I cannot kill it... or I cannot get rid of it then... What do I do? If I am attacked or my friend Gina is... I will not hesitate to try and kill it." Caitlin says with a soft moan pushing up against him. Even though he was cold blooded he could do the most wicked things and knew how to draw out her moans and her weaknesses already. "My breaks almost over anthony!" Caitlin moans leaning up against the wall heavily. Her Amber wolven eyes still watching Anthony closely.
"I will consult the archives of foundation and when you come to me tomorrow I will give you as much information as I can. But, before I divulge knowledge you will swear not to hunt this demon. Even your lycan side may not protect you from their power." He pulled lightly and uncovered her breast and slipped his tongue over her nipple. Anthony knew he had enough of Caitlin's knowledge rolling about in his head, so it would be obvious what would happen if she felt threatened.
"I cannot swear if those I have befriended are hurt and or hunted by the demon. In any other case then I promise I will not hunt the demon without provication." Caitlin moans arching her back. It wasn't really fair because she had to go back to work and knowing the demon had been there and having to work tomorrow night as well... Well it seemed Anthony once again was playing with her right where he wanted her. Though he seemed worried about her being curious about the demon.
He playfully licked and nibbled at her some more before releasing her, "There do I have to visit tonight and make sure you are too tired to hunt little puppy?" Anthony had fed from her multiple times and while he enjoyed the sex and the meal, he saw memories and her dreams shared through that blood. In a couple of those memories he saw the cop she had met and his daughter and her feelings towards them. Now he felt another emotion tied to them, a desire to protect them from some sort of danger. He made a mental note when going through the archives to do a complete check on the man who had been the first in California to sexualy enjoy Caitlin.
"Stop calling me a puppy Tony! I have to go back in! I'll come to your office tomorrow as soon as dusk hits. I start tomorrow at ten. Plenty of time for you and me to do some fun things." Caitlin said scowling at Anthony before adjusting her clothing again and getting away from the wall. "I'll get in trouble for staying out any longer Anthony... you gonna stay around and hang out for a little?" Caitlin asks softly before opening the door, the loud music poured out instantly and surrounded them in the darkness. But Cait didn't mind, she could hear the people the heartbeats and smell the sweet and desire running rampant.
"If you want information then I will be busy in the Decemuirum Condita archives looking up your demon. Foundation has strict rules about the possibilty of a demon killing for no reason. And you know anytime is a good time for you to visit, I'm between major cases right now." While Anthony couldn't go outside he still made several appearences as a lawyer in court. He wasn't cheap, but his success rate was very good so he was selective on who he represented.
"It will not be for no reason that I kill this demon Anthony. It will be for threatening what is mine. I will visit with you tomorrow then and go to work afterwards. I have... a friend who has made demands on my time tomorrow and the days afterwards. It was good to see you tonight Anthony..." Caitlin says with a soft smile before heading back inside the building and leaving the door just barely open for him if need be. She had to go back to work she would get in trouble otherwise. She just hoped there was nothing out there to smell the slight scent of blood on her.
The night ended without incident, one of the Brittani's took a slight lead over Caitlin followed by Gina. "Well, it looks like this little game is going come down to the wire." Hank was very happy and handed out the nights pay to all of them. "Now, there is a cop car in the parking lot to make sure you all get to your cars safetly and those of you who walk either get a ride or I'll call you a cab." Hank might be a little pervy, but he was very sincere about all of his employees getting home without incident.
Caitlin sighed deeply, going to the back room and changing quickly. Once in short shorts and a tank like normal she was ready to run home. After the demon was chased off and Anthony assured her wouldn't be baack in a while she didn't feel like hitching rides with the cops. She didn't want to get tangled up in the cops again, she was so close to her dreams and her aspirations... even just hearing about James earlier was enough, she didn't want anything to get really involved so she could just continue living with her life.
"You wanna ride?" Gina asked as she began to change as well out of her toga. She had classes tomorrow and didn't really wanna drive home alone. At least if Caitlin accepted she would be more than half way to her place. Not wanting to admit that the idea of a serial killer scared the bejesus out of her. Caitlin in retrospect always seemed very sure of her self and she admired her for that.
"I was gonna sneak past the cops and the bouncers and just run but... If you really don't mind then please drop me off." Caitlin says with a thankful smile, she could smell the fear from Gina and it made her... so much weaker to her and much more... well... edible. Caitlin knew they had to make a detour to a burger place so she could get some food. this was not good. She forgot to munch to keep the urges down. that and whenever Anthony had a bite it always made her a little more wild.
She smiled and nodded to her friend, "Only you would want to sneak past those assigned to protect us." Caitlin was an odd sometimes, but then again thats why Gina liked her. Once they were changed they headed out to Gina's beetle with a cop car sitting close at hand. "SOmetimes I wonder what dating a cop would be like, ya know the handcuffs and guns and stuff." she said with a smile. She liked bringing this kinda stuff up to Caitlin, she had some unique ideas.
"Much like you would date a sadist or masochist I suppose." Caitlin said taking a peak without making eye contact. She wondered who it was asigned to watch them at the club, but she hoped that they got to a place where she could eat soon. As for the guns and such Caitlin had a lot of that she was trying to get out of and away from. She finally had stopped looking over her shulder for Marcus.
She unlocked the car and got in waving to the police beforehand, "So, where to my friend?" They backed out and turned the car towards the college campus, which would take them to several places to eat and Caitlin's apartment. Flipping on the radio to the college's talk radio station they heard the DJ talking about the killings and opened the phone lines to listeners opinions. "Man, the cops don't care, I heard the last four vicitms were all black... The DJ quickly squelched the caller with the true statistics of the victims.
"Burger bigshot, I think... that about yeah... that'll do. I have got... anyways so I'm going to be doing some research and stuff. God I hate talk radio's and stuff." Caitlin says ordering the two largest burgers and large fries and a medium drink. It was what she ordered occasionally, and only during those times that she was nearing the times she 'visited' her family for the time being. She often ate a lot nearing the time.
Gina shook her head at the amount of food Caitlin could wolf down in a sitting. "So, where did you go with that guy during your break?" she had seen them slip out the back into the alley. His name was Anthony 'something or other' which she assumed was a old italian family name. "I'll have the grilled chicken sandwich and diet coke, thanks." she smiled at the guy behind the counter. She was really happy about Hank's announcement that both of them were in the running for the tickets, it sounded like a lot of fun.
"An old friend... haven't seen him in a while so He wanted to talk. Why do you always want to know about everything I do anyways?" Caitlin asks finding it strange that someone who was clearly not an alpha could be so nosey and everyone was completely okay with it. It disturbed her a little how much she saw around her go against her instincts. Often she evaded Gina's questions and or changed the subjects because Gina... maybe the same level or lower she did not have to answer if she didn't want to. It was something Robin kept trying to break her of.
"It could be becasue as close as we are I barely know anything about you." she said in a defensive tone. Caitlin always tried to squirm away from questions, and honestly it always made Gina wonder how close they were. She took a bite of her sandwhich and chewed thoughtfully. Looking at Caitlin and not understanding exactly why she seemed to like being alone. Wasn't there anyone that could make her show what was behind her stoic desire to be alone.
"Not true, you know my favorite color, my favorite jogging park. You know I'm loyal and dedicated to my jobs and to my dreams... isn't that enough?" Caitlin asks softly between one sandwich and the next. She hated these kinds of talks becvause she knew she wasn't normal and didn't really know how to interact in a very human fashion to them. Robin had been helping her work on that but Gina always made her feel slightly threatened as if... if she knew too much something bad would happen.
She took a long sip of her soda and sighed, "facts aren't the same sweetie. It's like you're a CIA operative or something, you just seem unwilling to show your feelings." Gina wasn't sure why she was laying this all out now, Caitlin was her friend, but sometimes it just felt like she was alone in this friendship. "I mean where you go jogging isn't exactly like how I told you I felt horrible for flirting with Professor Grey to get a better grade on my english paper." She cringed remembering the short skirt and cleveage revealing shirt, and letting him leer at her in his office.
"My background is something I worked hard to get away from. Really hard. I just want this life to be the life I remember more then the other one Gina, but if you really want to know... I was in a biker gang. For a long time. Not a good one that goes to rallies and such... I mean the ones who broke up bars and possibly killed a person... I don't know though as one of the girls I wasn't put in those situations. I show all my feelings to you Gina, but I don't know how normal people live so I'm learning how." Caitlin says softly finishing th last hamburger, she figured that was the safest story she could come up with that was as close to the truth as she could get. "Besides at least you didn't have to behave like a dog and whoever behaved the most got to be the leader. Things here are so different then what I'm used to that I'm trying to figure them out." Cait says munching on some fries with a shrug.
Gina frowned and set her drink down and reached out to Caitlin's hand, "Hun, I'm sorry, I just thought you were trying to keep me at arms length. I REALLY like being your friend and hope you feel like you can talk to and depend on me. So, any plans for tomorrow before work? I have a friend who is gonna show me some nontoxic beauty products." She picked up the sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. Suddenly, a squad car went flying by lights and sirens blazing, "Wonder where they are going so damn fast?"
"I have a very bad feeling about it. I have some business with my friend Anthony tomorrow actually. I'm not holding anything back from you Gina... I've just never had a friend before. You know I think I'm gonna jog home... I feel a little bloated. Text me when you get home safely okay?" Cait said softly with a smile as she grabbed her small backpack and her jacket not that she ever needed it, she never got cold really but she had to prettend to be human. She was worried Gina might try to get closer and spend even more time with her now though, she didn't need it. She liked things the way they were other then this apparent demon running around.
"You be careful! I'm not gonna be happy if you go and get hurt!" she shouted after her. Following the police cafr was an easy job and sure enough they were at an alleyway where a small group was crowded around. As she got closer she picked up two familiar scents, James & Mike were both here as was the smell of blood. A group of patrolmen were keeping people away so the crime scene wasn't contaminated. Already a TV crew was pulling up and getting ready to do a live remote.
Caitlin got close enough to get a good whiff. Inhaling deeply, she wanted more information on this demon and if she had to do a little research on her own then so be it. His scent should still be around, though the blood was strong in her nose Cait could tell her stomach was peirceds and there had to be a large part of her eaten, it smelled a few hours old... not long after it was chased out of club fog then. It made her want to growl, now that she was in her own place she was going to set a territory and she was going to keep it clean. This was her area hers alone. She would tolerate no hunting and no mindless killing of anything not human.
"Ok kid whatta think?" she heard Mike ask and could just see them down by a dumpster. James was sporting a light beard (kinda popular now) and a leather jacket, she could see his badge hanging around his neck and his gun at his waist. "Same M.O. as the others, but not as public as the others either. Either the perp had to hurry or was concerned about being caught, I'd wager he does the killing hidden like this and drag the victim to where he wants it found. What's the look for Mike? Didn't you eat or something?"
"No asshole, and I know you did cause I saw Yun bring you that piece of apple pie earlier." he said with a small grin, obviously playing with him. "Well, all I know is it was from someone who considers themselves my friend. Next time I'll ask my unknown friend to send two cheeseburgers and a order of fries, along with a positive female influence to make the social worker leave us alone!" He stood and removed his latex gloves, "Harry, make sure you photograph everything and have forensics do a full work up before sanitation hoses the blood away."
'Your wish is my command.' Caitlin grins to herself, while there was only a small trace of the demon the blood covered it almost more affectively then in the club. Tomorrow though... before seeing Anthony Caitlin was going to make a special delivery. Perhaps... she could do something to help him and in return he could help her. It was nice having him around but she needed to mark her territory and get things straightened out before she thought of taking on a man especially when she was getting so close to ehr goal of renting a cafe/bar and furnishing it. For now though there was a demon in her territory she had to take care of.
"So what are your plans for our ass chewing tomorrow partner?" Mike asked with a wry smile. They ducked the crime scene tape and headed to their car, ignoring the questions posed as they walked. Caitlin could still make out the conversation as they slowed and James went to the drivers side. Without saying anything and just smiling James made Mike groan. "Do I even really want to know, cause Randle is looking for excuses to give us ass chewings."
"I'm not going in this morning, I'm gonna crash on your couch and spend the day with Molly. Breakfast, and then go feed the ducks at the pond and anything else I can spend time with her at. Then later tonight get her a bath and bring her over to your house for a story and bed. Then off to my next club assignment and overdue ass chewing from my asshole boss." James's tone was frank and very rebelious and Mike groaned again.
Once the car doors closed, James turned the motor over and headed down the block before making a left turn. The reporter was dishing facts to the camera to be used in breaking news in the morning. Channel twelve news was always on top of this killer, and in many cases making the public feel the police weren't doing enough to protect them. The crowd was quickly dispersing since the body had been removed by the medical examiners office.
Cait knew better she stayed in the shadows away from the people and was going to check the scene after everyone had left. She wanted a better whiff of this demon to size him up or figure something out. As for the boys well a late night before the midnight shift began order was going to have to be the best she could do. Even then she'd have to beg Charley and the Bryan to open up and make the food special, she'd have to tell them they were for Robin and Joe or something.
It was a good while before the cops and everyone left the scene, Gina had text her to let her know she made it home ok. Entering the alley she could feel a wrongness there, like one would believe evil walked there. The spot where the body laid was still wet from the water used to wash the blood away, little puddles of water mixed with trash from a spilled trash can laid about. A funny smell cut through the air like someone had spilled a vial of ink or broke a pen. Something else caught her attention, just under the bottom of a dumpster was a little piece of fingernail.
Cait gout a little bag, she sometimes carried them with her, not often but she was getting used to doing it more and more often, just in case. Grabbing the fingernail she took a whiff before sealing the bag, this was somehting for Anthony. Her spine shivered and her wolf part of her wanted to leave, nothing was right in this area of the alley. Either dark magic which she had run into a few times or a true demon was loose. Either way, she needed to find out what it was and how to kill it. Once finished she put the baggy in her bag and began to run home. She needed the excersize to help let some of the creepiness of the alley out of her system. Soon enough she was home and texted Gina she was safe and was asleep soon after with her alarm set early.
Moonlight: Dreams & Demons pt2
Stumble!