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You Can't Mistake My Biology
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The Butterfly Collector
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[mood] -  uncomfortable
“Do as I say, Devlin, and stay here!” Her tone was as sharp as her strides; the warning glare that Reverie followed it with pierced the younger Detective to the spot. What the hell was he thinking? Didn’t her team train her staff properly any more, or was he just out to get himself killed?
Now was not the time to think it through. It had happened faster than she had expected, and now someone’s daughter was being dragged through the crowded streets. Why hadn’t she expected him to be as ruthless in plain view after she had been tracking him for weeks? When he had caught them walking through the casino towards him he had plucked the girl from the door as if she were a rag doll. He had practically stuffed her under one arm before charging through the streets like a bull.
Reverie sucked in her breath through parted lips, a difficult task since her teeth were gritted together. Around her she could hear car horns blaring, snippets of conversations as her body moved inhumanly fast. Knees pulling up as arms swung, like some Olympic racer only she was dressed in impeccably black pants and a crisp white blouse, her coat open and flapping uselessly by her sides.
There would be no point in yelling at him to stop. Though he of course would hear it, it would do nothing to deter him, and she needed to save her energy. Instead she hunkered down slightly, using her slender shoulders to push people aside as painlessly as she could. Her heart was racing so fast that she could hear the whoosh as it pulsed through her veins. She couldn’t lose him, not when he had the girl. Not now when she was so damn close.
He turned around the corner so sharply that Reverie almost ran past the opening. It was her quick reflexes that stopped her from colliding with the metal dumpster as she spun into the blackened alley. Cursing under her breath as the toe of her shoe clipped the side of it with a metallic clang anyway, almost as an after thought. Faintly, she could just make out the muffled sounds of someone crying.
Stepping forwards, cautious of course, since she never did carry anything more than a few daggers when on foot. Reverie barely had time to react as the deeply masculine accent assaulted her ears in a whisper that seemed to come from everywhere and yet nowhere all at once. It was almost as soothing as it was eerie, as if he were a phantom of sorts. “They’ve sent someone knew for a change. Perhaps you ought to reconsider. Our next meeting may not end so amicably.”
Blue eyes narrowed, a sudden sense of pressure had lifted, like someone opening a door to a sauna. “I think I’ll take my chances.” Though the Paranormal Investigator knew that her words were not heard by the demon who went by the signature of The Butterfly Collector. Slowly she moved further into the pending darkness, acutely aware that there was something ever so slightly off by the still quiet yet insistent sobs.
“It’s going to be alright, he’s gone now.” Yet even as her hand found the girls shoulder Reverie couldn’t help believe that it wasn’t alright. What was she missing? It seemed so obvious, this nagging feeling inside pushing her to think harder. Just like a slap in the face her question was answered when the girl stood up. Oh, she would have been such a pretty teenager, were it not for the glowering yellow eyes and fangs that suddenly snapped in Reverie’s direction.
The vampire’s throaty chuckle was short lived as Reverie’s hands wound themselves tightly around its neck. Her fingers began desperately taking out her frustration on it at having been so foolishly played. He had used this vampire to manipulate Reverie’s emotions. To seek out subtle weaknesses and she had waltzed straight into it without a backward glance.
With her own growl of anger, she instead bared her own teeth before burying them deeply into the throat of the vampire she had moments before believed was human. Leaving behind a pile of ash that blew steadily away in the city breeze as she walked out of the alley, retreating back to where she had left Devlin on the side walk.
The sting of humiliation flush across her cheeks.
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Public | August 04, 2007 | Comment
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Someone At The Door
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After making sure Destiny was in good hands at the hospital, morning had approached rapidly and Dyan had found herself without time to even look for Reverie without endangering her own continued existence.
She'd gotten back to her room and discovered phone service and electricity were out completely, which made her angry, but having seen what the carnage in the streets was like, she couldn't bitch too much.
Instead, she'd just holed up in her bed and slept until nightfall which allowed all injuries to heal and time enough for workers to get the power back up. When she woke, she showered and dressed immediately, then headed for Reverie's place to see if the investigator had made it through in one piece.
She knocked at the door, somewhat impatiently, the lobby had been in disarray and she was uncertain if the young woman had even made it back here.
Reverie had made it out alright. Though her left hand had a bandage wrapped around it from elbow to wrist. She wasn't surprised of course; it was bound to happen when something with wings and talons tries to pluck you out of a growing frenzied crowd.
( Have You Seen Her? )
( Let Me. )
Reverie welcomed the embrace and shifted so that she had her arm around Dyan, holding the woman closer as she turned to nuzzle her lover's blonde hair, breathing deep the sweet fragrance of the woman's shampoo.
There was barely even a beat as Reverie said back warmly, "Something really good is that the woman I love is safe in my arms." She settled back then, into the couch and let her eyes close.
The investigator wasn't about to go to sleep, but she was getting herself comfortable so that she could stay curled up with the vampire for many hours, doing nothing in particular.
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Public | January 05, 2007 | Comment
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Need Help
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[mood] -  working
As usual, Las Vegas was busy. People of all shapes and sizes wandering around oblivious to the fact that while they all look different, not everyone was human. Or fully human, as the case may be. With a wry sigh, Reverie counted herself as one of those and kept on walking.
The strip was brightly lit like always. The neon lights pulling people off the street like insects. So many of them overwhelmed by the shiny exterior of the City that they overlooked the darkness that lay just beneath the surface.
People tended to be blissfully ignorant. Devil knows Reverie was before the ordeal that happened to her. That ordeal that meant she was no longer fully human. Not that she often complained, it was in her nature to take things as positively as possible. Keep it all in her stride. A stride that was now guiding her through the crowds and mingling her with everyone else. Going no where in particular other than to just follow her feet.
Not far behind was the laconic guitar playing werewolf known to his friends as simply Oz, carrying with him a small notebook. Protruding from between the pages were sticky tabs, a variety of colors with different dates labelled on each of them, some of them crossed out or folded over. Useless.
The whole thing was confusing, and Oz wasn't sure if he was supposed to take the book as something real or not. It seemed too make-believe, even after all he'd been through in his life on the Hellmouth. Write someone's name down, picture them in your head, and they die? It was twisted, but he knew better than to ignore these things. Someone else would get their hands on the book, someone considerably less kind-hearted, and major trouble could go down.
Which was why he was tailing Reverie, having been told if anyone would be able to help him, it'd be her. Able to hang back enough so as not to draw attention to himself, he was able to follow her on her scent alone now.
( Walking - Watching )
( Game Plan. )
Rather than standing up, she stayed where she was and fingered the edge of the menu. The blonde deciding that before taking a nap she would fill her stomach with at least one of the things she needed every day. The other was fine for at least another day or two. "It would have been nice to meet you in different circumstances too, Oz. Though I'm sure after this we'll have plenty time for trying that." It was offered with a warm smile despite the cold fact that soon people could be dying if they didn't find them on time. And find the origins of that book. "See you tonight."
"It's a date." His form of good-bye or see you later came in a nod, turning and making his way through the cafe towards the front.
That had worked out better than he originally thought it would, having prepared himself for the worst just in case she hadn't wanted to take his case. There'd been no mention of compensating her for her time, and he wouldn't have blamed her if she turned him down because of it. He must've had a lucky streak going.
Now, if only he could find where he parked his van.
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Public | December 20, 2006 | Comment
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Fallen From Grace
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[mood] -  devious
This was what Las Vegas was all about. Darkening as the sun was drowned in the sky only for that pale moon to rise. Casting everything in a silvery light of hope… When there was none. Not a single glimmer of it.
Everyone had their own demons. Their own crosses to bear and their own twisted little secrets they hid from everyone. No one was pure. No one was saved. Everyone was doomed. It was all just a matter of time before they realised.
His feet scraped the gravel on the roof, like rats scurrying across the side walk. Mocking laughter, cold and heartless sounded out like a knife clattering against a sink. Crisp, clinical and clear.
Deep wounds leaked thick crimson on his neck. His hand shook as he held it to his throat. Eyes wild and wide. “What the fuck are you?” It was gargled. Sticky red haze being sputtered out in a thick spray.
Like a red fog. Landing on clothes and skin and being inhaled deeply.
“Shh…”
One slender finger found its way against lips. Tip of tongue coming out to lick along the digit slowly. The tip being suckled lightly. Brought from mouth only to slice through the air at lightening speed.
The squelch as it was imbedded into an eyeball was only drowned out when the scream erupted from his chest. Finger being taken back and licked at once more. As if, perhaps, it had scooped up cream instead.
“No one likes a cry baby…”
Sniffing quietly, a look of disgust creased features. He tried to push himself further away. Feet digging into the roof as he shoved his body backwards. Palm up at his eye, no longer at his neck.
Leaving behind a pale, watery trail, of urine.
“You realise you just pissed yourself?”
It was sneered. Moving closer at such a slow pace. Deliberately. He wasn’t going anywhere. Not for the moment, anyway. Plans were made. Soon he’d realise this. “What the fuck are you!” It was almost spat out. Though that could be due to him almost choking on his own blood at the time.
“Oh, you don’t know?”
Another step closer. Voice being lowered as hand gripped the front of his shirt. Lifting him up again until his feet almost dangled on the ledge of the casino roof. “I’m the last person you’ll ever see.” He tried to thrash out of the grip that only further tightened.
“Let’s see if you can fly” It was whispered low. Seductively. Just as the grip loosened and gravity took its course on him. He fell with a scream that no one could really hear below. His body crashed to the side walk with a shattering crunch.
Then blew away as it turned to ash.
No one noticed.
Spitting over the edge, back of hand was wiped across mouth. A cold smirk twisting features into something almost grotesque. “Fucking vampires.”
Reverie turned, and with a full stomach, made her way back down into the casino.
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Public | November 04, 2006 | Comment
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Define Normal
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[mood] -  exhausted
Once Grace was out the door, Dyan looked at the broken chair leg in her hand and only just prevented herself from throwing it at the door after the cocky vampire. The door would probably not have survived.
She took a deep breath and let it back out in a sigh because that sound was the only thing that could express how she was feeling and allow her to decompress at the same time.
She slid over to the sipped chair and set it upright, though it was missing a leg. She rolled her eyes at it, glanced at the window and then dropped onto the couch, motes of dust floating into the air in her wake.
Reverie watched Dyan quietly, like wise sighing but only after taking a slow deep breath. She had a lot to explain, and what just happened did not help any. Not one bit.
"Look, Dyan..." The investigator began softly, turning towards the seated vampire and walking towards her. "I need to apologize for last night, and for right now." Biting her lip she dipped her head, dirty blonde hair falling over part of her shoulders. "And to thank you for standing up for me like that."
Then she remembered what it was Dyan had actually said while standing on Grace. "G-girlfriend?" Clearly she was surprised, how many vampires were likely to say that? It also wasn't a bad surprise, but still one all the same.
Dyan just shook her head at the apologies. She knew Reverie was prone to personality changes, it had just shocked her to the core to hear Grace coming from the young woman's mouth.
"You're welcome and it was no problem," came the tired sounding acknowledgement of the investigator's words. The other vampire would be dust if she showed her face here again. The elder of the two would see to it herself.
Startled eyes flickered to the young woman's face at the last thing said and the vampire gestured for her to take a seat. "In a normal day and a normal situation, I wouldn't label us at all. This wasn't a normal situation, but the word suits."
It pretty much was the truth, whether the vampire wanted an actual relationship or not. She had one and she had just named it for them. Too bad it had been more to scare off someone sniffing around what was hers, than to make the young woman happy. That irritated Dyan. One more reason to kill Grace.
( The Subject Of Fingers. )
A sideways admission as she curled into the bed and slowly drifted off as the rest of the building woke up. She was content, that was a very good thing.
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Public | October 18, 2006 | Comment
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Drinks On Me
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[mood] -  predatory
Work, work, work, all the time...
Grace eventually found the business card in the pocket of a jacket she hadn't worn in three months, then used a cell phone she'd stolen from somewhere to punch in the number, hoping that it was still current. When you needed something done, call a professional.
She really hoped the number was still functional.
"No don't walk there, he's behind you! Oh you stupid girl..." The drawer was shut with her hip as Reverie walked back into the living area. A box of take out under her arm and the new found chop sticks. Scary movie's, she mused, were all the same. When alone she shouted at the TV, like now, to the clueless blonde walking straight into the killer.
The food was set down just as her phone buzzed on the table and she almost threw the chopsticks in the air. Scary or not, noises still caused the body to jump when you were absorbed in something. Clearing her throat she picked up her cell.
"Hello?"
"Reverie?" Grace hazarded, glancing at her watch. "You might not even remember me, it’s been a little while since we last talked. Ah..."
The vampire rubbed the back of her neck, added, "Its Grace, if you do remember. I'm in need of your professional services. There's somebody I need to find before they find me, but I can't do it myself. They've got the same sensitivities, see what I'm sayin'? Between that a wariness of the sun, we've got a lot in common. Do you have time to take a meeting?"
Grace. The name rang a bell and so did the voice. Rubbing a chop stick thoughtfully against the side of her chin she nodded to know one in particular. Yes, she remembered the Vampire. The woman had quite obviously spotted her that time at Victoria's new establishment.
"I remember you, how are you?" Then she found out the reason for the call. Brows furrowed and her sharp teeth bit gently against her lower lip. "Where is this meeting taking place, and when?" All business, even if her stomach was protesting. Well... She could always eat out... Liquid style.
"Where are you now? I'm within three blocks of The Basement, which is neutral ground.It'd be better for me for us to meet there, because then certain other interested parties won't be able to cause a ruckus."
Grace placed her back firmly to the wall, keeping her eyes on the street. "If you can find the place, I'll be there within fifteen minutes. You can consider your drinks on me for the night. I'm presumin' you take cash?"
( Tell Me All. )
( Thirst. )
( The Need To Feed. )
Before pushing the door open she called over her shoulder, "I told you I would take the drinks on you literally. I'll think about business." With that said she strode out of the bathroom, leaving the vampire alone as if a discarded wrapper of a candy bar she'd just devoured.
Grace sagged back against the wall with something as close to a whimper as she'd ever made. Fuck, that was just so... How was a girl not supposed to get distracted?
She touched her fingers to the side of her neck, found blood still leaking from the bite. She licked the crimson fluid off idly, remaining where she was. Her knees were shaking. Talk about a faux pas, she guessed.
Fuck...
She'd call Reverie tomorrow; make an attempt at a proper apology. Women were so touchy. Like the woman had never hollered the wrong name in bed before. Grace exited the stall, adjusting her shirt, and then stopped at the sink to wash the blood away from the side of her neck.
"That was a hell of a woman right there."
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Public | October 04, 2006 | Comment
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Somebody Bring Me Some Water
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[mood] -  sick
Though she'd gone to bed early, Reverie did not surface again until late morning. With a cat like stretch, wrapped in a duvet, she yawned before using her hands to paw at the sticky residue at the corner of her eyes.
Sitting up and swinging her feet around, the young investigator stood up and quietly got herself dressed before heading into the bathroom. Not having a toothbrush or spare cloths and a towel, she opted for just washing her face, neck and hands before making her way downstairs to start her payment.
Lunch time had just started and aside from Nyx, there was Jo running around taking and delivering orders. The man was busy behind the bar, mostly pouring soda and juice this early, but the occasional beer popped up too.
He glanced up to see Reverie making her way down the stairs and smiled a bit. "Hey Jo, can you show Reverie where to put dishes and stuff she clears away?"
He would show her how to work the washer himself, but right now he had a stack of drinks to get out there.
Reverie, looking more awake and back to professional after tying her hair back offered a warm smile to both Nyx and the woman named Jo. Making her way over to help with clearing the plates off of tables, and almost dropping a glass that would have surely hit the ground had she not have had faster reflexes.
"Looks like I'll be your helper for the time being. Nice to meet you." It was said as she passed by, stopping short before turning back again. "They do go this way, right?" Who knew? Certainly not her.
Jo noticed the reflexes and gave a wry smile, her own instinct telling her the young lady wasn't all she seemed. "Looks like it, nice to meet you too."
She delivered a tray of food to a group of tables and then grabbed a dish bin and handed it to Reverie with a grin. "Loads easier to use this and yes, they go into the kitchen."
She grabbed her own bin and started clearing a table that had just been vacated.
( Who Would Have Thought. )
( Self Poisoning. )
( Talk Me Home. )
Dyan nodded though Reverie couldn't see her. "Yeah, I'll come by after dark and stick around till you're ok." The vampire dropped into a chair. "I want you to go to sleep now; hopefully you'll feel better by the time you wake up."
Reverie mumbled softly, something which sounded like "Will do," and "Thank you." Though she was almost out for the count already. Closing her phone and just laying as she had landed, the investigator fell into a restless sleep.
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Public | September 17, 2006 | Comment
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Life
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[mood] -  listless
It went smoothly. The typical pleasantries, the typical hand shake the typical announcement of unwavering faith. Yes, it had gone smoothly. The ring had been delivered personally to Mr Dalnair, the typical cheque had been handed over and she had given him a typical nod while looking blank.
Looking professional.
Black pants with black shoes, the white blouse crisp under a black jacket. Professional. Hair tied back in a sleek ponytail, minimum make-up to look fresh, and no nail polish, eyes bright and alert. Professional. Paperwork filled in, pages catalogued, case closed. Oh yes, Reverie Howell looked professional. The thing was, of course, that she did not feel it.
Looking and feeling were two very different things. Just like feeling and being were two very different things. The fact was, no one ever really knew another person. Having met Justin before, briefly, she wouldn’t have thought him to be the apparent womaniser he had been. Having spent time with Dyan she wouldn’t have imagined her to leave people in religious positions once dead.
You just never knew.
That was, she assumed, ignorance on her own part. Everyone was an animal. The difference really, between Vampire and Human was not a soul. It was the inhibition to embrace the wildness that coursed around inside. No regrets. Doing what they wished, when they wished, for no other reason than submitting to their nature.
That was the moral of the story, was it not? Involving the fox and the scorpion. It all came down to nature. It was in the investigators nature to protect her friend. Though the vampire had questioned her well. Why did it bother her so much?
Perhaps the fact that she had been attempting to get into the murders mind. Coming up with many, many things and trying to pick it all apart only to find out just how wrong she had been. Devastatingly wrong, in fact.
In knowing that, it only caused doubt to manifest regarding her profession. What if someone else she knew committed a crime that she was placed on? How many would she cover up? Did Dyan now assume that Reverie would clear her back if she found herself in trouble? What if somewhere down the line, someone found out that she had lied about terminating the vampire?
Yes, ‘what if’.
Thoughts like that had left her moping around her apartment. Not bothering to eat anything that couldn’t just be opened and ready there and then. Not bothering to check voicemails, pagers, e-mails or mail. She didn’t feel like it. Didn’t want to get out of the house or have any contact with the world.
It was like feeling betrayed, only knowing you were not. A feeling that she couldn’t pin point or work out other than being listless and melancholy.
Some believe that when a door is shut in your face, a window opens. What they don’t tell you is that trying to be optimistic is harder than people like to admit. It’s much easier to give advice than take it, just as it’s much easier to indulge in self pity than be as understanding to the next person sitting in the same boat as you.
The human condition is universal.
The investigator is no different than the rest.
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Public | July 03, 2006 | Comment
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Responsible
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[mood] -  crushed
Dyan sat on her couch, sullen and sore. An utterly ruined set of clothes were scattered through the rooms after a failed kill. She'd been out on the hunt for some trouble and picked the wrong person.
She'd taken quite a beating from the surprisingly strong man, he hadn't been large at all and it was a rare moment of misjudgement resulting in what was probably a cracked rib and clothing torn and dirtied from landing on the ground with all its detritus multiple times.
A scowl rumpled her face as she tried to lay down and found that too bad to deal with so she clicked on the TV and sat there staring at it blankly.
Keys jingled as Reverie locked her office, her case file held snugly under her right arm. The keys were stuffed into her back pocket as the file was transferred to her left hand as she began walking out of the building.
With an aggravated sigh, the blonde investigator gazed at the sky, then at her watch. It was only two in the morning. The chances were unlikely, but Dyan could be home.
With her mind set up she walked a few blocks to Dyan's hotel. Minute's later she found herself knocking on the door. The case was significantly stuck at a dead end, and Reverie was taking it personally.
The startled jerk that Dyan gave when the knock came to the door produced a pained grunt and she growled quietly as she got up to answer the door. Her movement was slow and graceless so it took a minute.
As the door swung open, she masked dismay at Reverie being the one standing there because she was at a very low point and really, it was embarrassing. She greeted the investigator as nicely as she could, "Hey, come in."
She shuffled back to the couch and settled onto it gingerly, leaving the younger woman to close the door on her own.
( Working Late. )
( What Is The Problem? )
( All About Us. )
It had apparently been too much, the rush and battle of emotions and feelings. Some of it just had to be let out before it manifested into anything else. Confusion played such a dark hand in that process. That was why she was unwilling to let it get to that stage.
So after a moment she drew the backs of her hands across her eyes and stood up. Walking into the bedroom and slipping her feet free from her shoes before getting under the covers to lay beside the vampire. "Goodnight."
Dyan listened to Reverie make only slight movements in the other room and watched her walk in and crawl into the bed in near silence. She returned the wish of a good night and draped one arm across the younger woman without permission.
"I hope you sleep well, I think you need it." Came the quiet comment, her hand touched the investigator's face quietly before the vampire settled into total stillness.
She laid there on her side, close to and touching the living, breathing woman. Listening to the sounds a live body made and being glad the young woman was still there
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Public | June 28, 2006 | Comment
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Dead End
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[mood] -  determined
Reverie reclined in her chair, warm hands pressed against her face, the soft groan was either from her or the leather she sat on but it wasn’t clear. Papers and photo graphs were strewn across every available surface of her office. Some on the walls with sticky notes stuck to them. Scrawled out messages to pin point the facts of each one.
There had been prints found on the bathroom taps, and on the inside door handle. The only match that had been found was from several dead people left outside the back of a club a few weeks before. There was, of course, no suspects. The bodies had been set up the same as Justin had been. The police report had been vague and clearly no one cared to believe what was going on. Murderers did not drain victims from there neck with hospital equipment. It just showed how ignorant people could be.
A few strands of hair had been caught between the victim’s knuckles of his clenched fists. Justin had tried to beat her off. The funny thing was there had been saliva on his neck from the vicious bites he had succumbed too, but none in his mouth or lips.
No intimacy had been shared, yet his shirt had been removed. That was not un-common with vampires though. Seduction played had in hand with feeding, but still… Kissing was a big part of seduction. It seemed slightly off kilter that he be shirtless without having gotten something first.
Fibres had been found on his bare chest and trousers. Expensive fibres from widely bought high end names. Whoever she was certainly looked and played the part exceedingly well. Otherwise it was doubtful that Justin would have… Entertained her. He had a reputation, that much the young investigator knew just from dealing with Mr Dalnair.
Glancing over a particularly gruesome picture of the victims face Reverie sighed quietly. Brows knitting together as she studied it again. The bruising and blood splatter caused was erratic. Something had either been said or done to cause the suspect to become tangled up in a flurry of rage. It was one thing to get lost in feeding. In a kill. Yet something all together different to beat someone unconscious as you did it.
What had been the trigger to such an outburst?
Though the thing that left her more perplexed than anything was the position the victim had been placed in afterwards. It could mean any number of things. First and foremost it was a religious signal. That could mean the suspect was suffering a delusion of being a saviour. Or of course just a mockery of faith, taunting something they themselves do not believe in. Perhaps even waiting to find their own faith, and thus suffering from lack of.
The only thing that had appeared to be missing besides money from his wallet was the one thing she was to bring back. That gold ring with his initial set in diamonds. There had been no trace on it being sold or pawned at many local seedy places that certain clientele favoured. Thus it was assumed kept, either as a trophy and symbol of victory or of owning a part of the victim and making it more personal.
The only witness that had stepped forward had been some young boy working as a waiter. He’d saw Justin swoop in on a girl sitting alone but all he could say was that she was blonde and that he never saw either of them leave. Given the fact that the victim's track record consisted only of blondes it hardly came as a surprise or help.
With a heavy sigh Reverie stood up and began pacing the length of her room. No leads, no suspects, no nothing.
She went back to re-reading the reports.
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Public | June 19, 2006 | Comment
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Crime Scene
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[mood] - working
”The maid found him, I haven’t seen him yet but apparently it’s brutal. I’m flying back from a board meeting to find out what is going on. I want whoever, or whatever, did this to be terminated Miss Howell. I trust you to deliver the ring afterwards. It was a token of my gratitude to him. Gold with his initial in diamonds, he favoured it. Justin was a life friend Miss Howell, and you will be my angel of death for my revenge.”
”I understand Mr Dalnair.” Reverie snapped her phone shut just as she entered the Casino. Everyone walking around oblivious as usual. Good, it would be easier to get in and out and back home hopefully soon without having to ask witnesses. Stepping into the elevator she used the end of her pen to push the floor button. Not willing to possibly contaminate any finger prints. If there was any.
Her steps were controlled as she pushed open the door, a few people already there. Waiting for her. A pair of latex gloves being pulled on as she regarded everyone, then her eyes flickered to the body. “Alright, I want you to search the room, no surface goes un-touched. We want this done quick and efficiently people. Someone check the blood splatter, and you two by the door, get the electrostatic dust-print lifter. You’ll be checking that elevator. That’s a lot of prints. Be careful.”
Blank was how her face looked as she walked over to the corpse positioned in a prayer position on the couch. His face beaten so badly that you could barely recognise him. The throat wounds were vicious, definitely a vampire. “I want someone to find out if anyone saw him coming in with a woman. Don’t check the CCTV tapes, you won’t find anything.” Latex fingers checked his pockets and discovered his wallet. Nothing was missing except presumably cash. It was slipped into a plastic bag and sealed.
”Alright Justin, open wide…” It was whispered softly as gloved fingers pried his mouth open, a quick swab being taken of the in side of his mouth. Whoever she was, the chances were she may have kissed him in part of a seduction. The saliva would be detectable in his own if that were the case. It too was dropped into a test tube before being slipped into a plastic bag and sealed.
It went on like that for a while. The young investigator using Mikrosil to get imprints of the wounds on Justin’s neck. Hopefully in order to get some form of dental imprint of the vampire. Adhesive tape on his clothes for any particles of fabric or skin cells that did not belong to him. Everyone else was scattered about. Spraying Luminal and Ninhydrin for blood and finger prints.
The thing that caught her attention was that his ring, the pinkie one that she was to bring Mr Dalnair back, was missing. “Trophy collector.” Well… This could prove to help them find out who it was. “I want someone to check jewellers and pawn shops; a solid gold ring with the letter ‘J’ in diamonds has been taken. It may be the only lead we have right now.” Vampires were not the easiest to track, there were so many.
Through the whole thing, she couldn’t help but feel like she was missing something. His smell and cologne with a mingled scent. Perfume yes, but an underlying scent. Too diluted and dispersed for her to ever recognise it. She pushed it out of her mind until the whole scene had been searched completely.
After three hours of arriving, Reverie left to go home. The results would be sent to her and she would get the pictures once they were all developed. It was almost eleven; the sun was bright over a bright blue sky. She picked up an iced mocha on her way home.
The world continued to turn.
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Public | June 12, 2006 | Comment
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Isn't It Ironic?
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[mood] -  confused
It wasn't late, not really. Only one in the morning. Reverie neither noticed nor bothered about it as she sat, curled up on her chair with a mug of tea and a book. An old favourite by Stephen King. Desperation. Creepy and set in Nevada.
Being near the place had sparked an interest in reading the book again. She pondered if Mr King knew perhaps a bit more about the world he lived in than the majority of people. His books seemed out there until of course you found yourself struggling with a similar version of one of his creations.
Letting the book rest open over her knee she brought the steaming mug of milky liquid to her lips and sipped. Relishing the sweet warmth before placing it back down and lifting her book back up.
Dyan had gotten back to her own room, showered and changed into slightly more casual wear. The ring that had been stolen, still splattered with Justin's blood, was placed on the dresser top next to the bathroom door.
She left again and quickly found herself on Reverie's fire escape, a smile lighting her face as she watched the younger woman read her book.
She lit a cigarette and again waited to be noticed, her mood higher than a kite.
( Did Someone Get into the Sugar Bowl? )
( Culture. )
( Breathing. )
( Seduction. )
( Spoke Too Soon. )
She still had no idea what it was the young woman did for a living, but maybe it was better left unsaid for now. "Like I said, I'll be here when you get back," she promised. Plus she had every intention of taking advantage of the shower before she slept.
Maybe the timing wasn't so terrible, things had been progressing somewhere that she wasn't sure she was ready for just yet. The investigator understood though, it was very abrupt.
With an almost proud grin the blonde said, "Client. I run my own business." Not one you'd find without having very good, high contacts. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he of course did not exist. No sense in flashing it about who you were and what you did when your profession often had you taking on different identities.
"Alright, I'm sure you'll find where everything is and you can even start reading that book now." With one last smile she smoothed her shirt, checked her pockets for her cell phone, notebook, pen and wallet. Happy that she had everything she turned on her heel and walked out, closing the door quietly behind her after calling out, "Have fun!".
Dyan gave Reverie an encouraging smile and nodded at the book comment. "See you later then," but it was too late, the door was already closed.
She gave a frustrated growl, then laughed at herself and went to use the shower to its fullest advantage.
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Public | June 10, 2006 | Comment
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Not Think
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[mood] - confused
Dyan muttered under her breath as she worked to set up a row of corpses in an alley, posed as though in prayer. She was behind a busy, high priced restaurant and they were bound be found in very short order.
None of the bodies had a mark on them that would be immediately noticeable, three male, three female. She'd been being very quiet recently and it was time to cause a little trouble. A display like this was bound to make noise with someone.
When she finally finished, she was utterly filthy, the knees of her pants damp and dirt clung all over her clothing. A smear marred the fair skin of her forehead but she didn't mind. It looked at though she'd been working in a garden.
A satisfied smile before she took to the rooftops to get back to her hotel for a cleanup session.
So it was the weekend already? Reverie hadn't noticed, that much was obvious by the way she was sitting on a chair, legs folded under her and a puzzle book on the arm rest. The pen was being run over her lips idly as she looked for the answer. Then with a fluid like motion, the pen was brought down to circle a few letters before using the code to crack the sentence.
With a soft smile she stood up, tucking the pen behind her left ear and closing the book. It was held under her arm as she walked bare foot into the kitchen to fix herself a glass of water. She'd showered earlier after a work out. Now it was just a case of lazing around her home.
( Invited. )
( Oh… The horror… )
( Questions, comments? )
"Sleep well and we'll talk more." She lay flat, facing the younger woman though not touching and let her eyes close.
"Sure..." No problem. It just meant Dyan had been able to put her own mind at rest and leave Reverie as much in the dark as before. She rolled onto her side and faced the window. "Sleep
well too."
She remained silent after that. Watching the sun rise from behind the curtain before eventually falling asleep.
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Public | May 29, 2006 | Comment
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Company of the Dead
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Eventually Reverie found herself in one of the quietest places you could find in Las Vegas. Not a lonely place, but tranquil. Somewhere that beckoned silence or deep thoughts. The grass was springy, and a deep green that almost looked surreal due to the night sky.
Graveyards were surprisingly empty most of the times. She sat down on a bench half way in. Her hands resting on her thighs as she let out a soft sigh. Lost in thoughts that only she would know. Yet she didn't look troubled. She didn't look anything, except calm.
Despite her nature, graveyards weren't normally Grace's hangout of choice. But she'd been meeting somebody for business, and the demon in question would only meet her among the headstones and crypts of this secluded place. After money changed hands, the vampire parked herself on the crumbling marble of a grave marker and lit a cigarette, pondering nothing at all.
( You Lost? )
"Well, I guess we'll just have to see what happens then, huh?" Grace looked down at her boots for a minute, then at Reverie's face. "If you can find a place in Vegas called the Basement, you'll maybe-probably catch me there. We could have a beer, shoot some pool. You might even enjoy yourself."
She looked away again, went into her shirt pocket for her smokes and drew the pack out. Putting one in her mouth, she got up from the bench before lighting it, then dropped the lighter back into her pocket.
"Maybe I'll see ya, maybe I won't," she said, shrugging one shoulder. "But right now I gotta get back to Vegas. Got stuff to do before the sun comes up again." She blew smoke into the air over her head, dropped the blonde a wink. "See you around, Reverie."
She turned without another word, made her way to her car. The city beckoned and she had to get back to it.
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Public | May 23, 2006 | Comment
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Angels With Dirty Faces Part 2
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[mood] - exhausted
"But ruggedly handsome and even I can appreciate his accent." Reverie smirked lightly as she and Dyan began walking back outside to the less crowded streets. Subtly, while sorting her shirt sleeves, the investigator noticed it was only a little after midnight. A side on glance was given to the vampire.
"I think if it came down to it I'd probably be able to swing the night into my favour anyway." Clearly, she was remembering earlier while they were dancing. That slight cut to her tongue had certainly caused something to effect the vampire playing it so calm and cool by her side.
She turned slightly to offer a dazzling smile.
Dyan knew what time it was, there'd been a small clock to the side of the piano, but yes, she had other motives. The blood scent had definitely gotten her stuck with a bit of a craving for a very specific blood type.
"I guess that truly depends what 'in your favour' might mean, Reverie," her voice silky smooth in a rare moment as she made the comment a teasing question.
She meandered along, her purposeful stride of earlier completely gone now. She contemplated taking the younger woman's hand, deciding not to for the moment. It wasn't long before they were at her hotel and standing in the lobby anyway.
( So Close You Can Almost Taste It. )
( I Have A Taste For The Danger. )
( There Goes My Self Control. )
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Public | March 28, 2006 | Comment
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Angels With Dirty Faces
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[mood] - exhausted
Dyan was apparently first to wake, in the day while they both rested, herself by nature and her companion probably more out of utter exhaustion, the vampire had drawn nearer to the centre of the big bed.
She didn't move, not in the slightest beyond allowing her eyes to open. Instead, she laid there and watched Reverie sleep on, seemingly much more at peace in this repose than she'd been when invited to stay.
The invitation was not as much innocent as the older blonde had presented it, but she knew better than to push anything if she wanted more than a moment of fun or a single meal.
It was just before dusk, she felt a little restless and more than a little hungry. She wondered if she could get out of the bed and to her regular room to get a nip from the supplies she kept there and get back without waking the other.
She doubted it.
( If I’m Smart Then I’ll Run Away But I’m Not So I Guess I’ll Stay. )
( That’s The Way I Am.' )
( Within Temptation. )
( You Could Make A Killing. )
"I keep thanking you because it's not often I have company the whole evening that isn't going to be dead by daylight, or doesn't intend me to be dead." One shoulder rose and she claimed her smokes from the table. "And thank you for walking me back, gives me a better chance at getting you to stay the day again." There was the rakish, I can have anything attitude that'd been missing before.
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Public | March 28, 2006 | Comment
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Wild Things
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[mood] -  guilty
Her jacket flapped against her legs as she ran, healed boots not clicking so much as quietly thumping on the ground as she ran. Reverie's head tilted backwards slightly, ice blue eyes locked onto something running along the top of the building she was next to. Her arms pumped at her sides, breath even and normal as she ran. It jumped, its greyish blue body soaring through the air to land a few meters away from her. It landed against a dumpster with a clatter before taking off around the corner. A few shrieks from passers by as it ploughed them to the ground to escape.
A sigh turned growl left her throat as she sped up, rounding the corner at such a speed she almost slid. "I'm sorry! Excuse me! Whoa there buddy!" They heard her but hardly saw her as she zoomed past, trying to slip in between people rather than push them aside. She ducked as a table flew at her, the creature having picked it up from outside a little cafe. It bounced and shattered behind her. It was all the distraction it needed though as it jumped onto a car that braked immediately. Tire's screeching. The thing was gone before the driver had managed to stop, and Reverie had run past before anyone saw her clearly.
Straight up the ally after the thing.
Whilst the blonde chose to pursue the creature on the ground, Boden used another method. He used the rooftops and fire escapes, body moving quickly through shadow and easing himself into a trail behind the abomination that had chosen to run rife through Las Vegas on the very night that Boden needed distraction.
His body dropped from its precarious place on a nearby ledge and clattered against the metal frame of the fire escape that brought him down into the alley. The creature having sensed movement bore mangled teeth and turned to escape down another alley that branched away from the main one it had chosen to run down.
Boden was light on his feet as he stepped over puddles of water, avoided trashcans and moved around the bodies lying in small corners. The creature was loud as it hurried to escape its followers. Something else hunted the demon, something that wasn't entirely human and Boden's attention was briefly torn until he focused on the creature that was the bigger threat.
Fingers wrapped the hilt of a knife and pulled it free until they twisted it and his body paused long enough to extend the length of one arm. The blade escaped his grip and cut through the air, the metal glinting every time a small slither of light caught the weapon as it sought a target. The knife sunk deep into a thigh and brought a howl of pain which was followed by a small thud as the creature hit the nearest wall and tugged at the knife to free it and itself in order to move once again.
"There's no getting that out," Boden remarked softly as he walked to where the demon was. Instead of reaching for the knife, his hand wrapped the demon's neck and literally pulled the demon’s body away from the ground.
( Just your presence and I second guess my sanity. )
( I'm lost you got me looking for the rest of me. )
( Love is testing me but still I'm losing it. )
Boden arched an eyebrow at the staggered way that Reverie spoke and he could feel her guilt. "You do that," He said as he stepped back and dropped his arms to his sides. "I'm sure we'll see each other soon," There was confidence in his tone and it was at this moment he ran his tongue across his bottom lip before he finally turned away to move toward shadow. His entire body was thrumming and his heart seemed to cry out for the very first time in years. He was head over heels in love and he knew the ride was just getting started.
Reverie scrambled past him, across the dead creature and was gone down an ally way before she realised she'd left her jacket. Nothing valuable was in it, maybe a few dollars, some gum and various clutters like receipts. She stopped once she'd gotten a block away. Back against a wall and arm across her eyes. Chest heaving as she tried to get a grip. Snap back to reality. Not the one where she was in love with a woman she didn't know. It wasn't right. Something wasn't right. It couldn't be. After a moment to catch her breath she ran her hands through her hair and set off towards home. To hell with finding food. "What the fuck happened to me?" It was asked skyward, but the stars merely twinkled in response.
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Public | March 02, 2006 | Comment
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In Dreams
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[mood] - crushed
The past few nights had been strange. Dreams were different. Reverie had been waking up, heart pounding and sweating. Feeling more and more wild as if her common sense was slipping away. Though when she woke up this morning she realised why she felt so fevered when she slept. This morning she remembered who exactly she was dreaming about. It was startling...
The woman from the little bar in Searchlight.
Within an hour she had been showered, dressed and read the morning paper. Her denim jacket was shrugged over her shoulders and left open to show off the soft cream top underneath. It was straps at the back and sleeveless. A set her pale faded blue jeans off just nicely. The tan coloured short healed boots making the outfit complete. Casual, but striking in its own laid back way.
Another hour and she was stepping out of her car and walking purposefully into the little bar. Those ice blue eyes travelling all over before settling on the woman. A deep breath was taken as her heart swelled and threatened to burst from her chest. Lord she was beautiful.
Julie had just opened up the bar for the day barely a half hour ago, not even her regular card players were in the building yet. She was leaning against the counter, with the paper spread out in front of her and sipping her morning orange juice, thinking about her love. She couldn't get that vampire out of her head, the un-dead woman was almost all she thought about and filled her dreams at night. Julie was at a loss of how to find her again, but she knew they were meant to be together.
When the door opened her eyes looked up to see the pretty Scottish woman who d stopped at the bar a few days earlier walk in. Julie had no idea what had brought the other woman here this early in the morning, maybe she'd stayed at one of the motels?
"Good morning," Julie greeted her with a smile as she straightened, "what can I do for you?"
( Not meant to be. )
Julie frowned as Reverie left. She'd really hated doing that and it had obviously been hard on the poor woman. A bottle of Vodka was removed from the back counter and a generous helping poured into her orange juice. Sometimes doing the right thing sucked.
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Public | February 26, 2006 | Comment
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Dead End
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[mood] -  frustrated
The pen tapped against Reverie’s note pad for a few seconds longer before it was angled up and caught by her teeth. Her room was a mess, strewn with pictures, documents and sticky notes. Something wasn’t adding up. There was something there that both her and Ms Shelby had missed. She just knew it. Could feel it.
The late lunch had gone well. Apparently all three victims were missing their internal organs. The problem with that was how did they get removed without any incisions? According to the morgue reports it was as if they were removed as cleanly as they would have been through surgery. Only of course without any actual surgery taking place.
They couldn’t find a suspect or a motive. No request or threats for money tended to rule out quite a lot of people. Instead they were stuck. With three dead bodies, and no clue as to why. The only connection all three had was Mr Draper. Unless of course it was Mr Draper, except for the fact that he was then killing off his own business and that was far too ridiculous. Especially since he had alibi’s for the time of the crimes and appeared rather distraught.
She rubbed her stinging eyes with her fingers and let out a soft sigh. The pen being discarded to the desk with a quiet click as she grabbed her Jacket and made her way out of the building. She was hungry, and her concentration was shot because of it. A quick glance at her watch was given and she gave a bitter smile. “Midnight snack it is then.” With a few quick steps she disappeared up an alley and became at one with the night.
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Public | January 06, 2006 | Comment
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Chance Encounter
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[mood] -  mischievous
The folder with the morgue information was placed on the inside seat next to Reverie as she ordered an iced mocha for herself. It was only ten thirty in the morning and she planned to skim over the reports and get her own notes made up before going to that late lunch with Ms. Shelby. First she was going to take a moment to breathe, get organized and have that coffee.
Flipping her phone open with the pad of her thumb she hit the call button when Kael flashed up onto her little screen. Waiting until it clicked to his voicemail she spoke quietly, but the smile carried into her voice, “Kael, its Reverie, how is the rest of the new year going? Thank you again for New Years night. Unfortunately I’m calling to find out about the weapons, I appear to be in demand again and have been asked to work with another. It’s quite gruesome really, but I’ll answer any questions you might have just not on the phone, I trust you understand. Anyway, would be great to hear from you and try not to work too hard, keep smiling.”
With that said and done her phone was closed and slipped back into her pants. Her coffee being brought over and she smiled softly at the woman. Searchlight was far better for quite time than Vegas, that was for sure.
She didn't mean to eavesdrop, she really didn't. But she heard Kael's name when she passed the blonde woman's table, then couldn't help but hear the friendly tone of the message she was leaving. Quinn lifted one eyebrow, scrambling to remember the name Kael had mentioned. Something odd, she recalled that much. Rainbow? Romaine?
( The Hot One. )
( Unusual. )
"What can I say, it’s a thing." Quinn shrugged back amiably. "The lawyer stuff, I mean." She drank a healthy sip of coffee, then asked, "Did you have a run-in with somebody up there? Some rude jerk or something?" She shook her head sympathetically, rolled her eyes a little. "That's why I try to stay out of the club scene for the most part."
"To be honest I haven't actually ventured into a club yet, I haven't been in the mood yet. I probably sound like a bit of a buzz kill but I've been enjoying the quite scene lately." Reverie lifted her eyebrows slightly at the almost bitter tone Quinn had. "I hate to do this to you but I have to get going. It was nice meeting you though, and drink up, coffee was on me." She smiled warmly at the woman as she stood up and clutched the folder smartly to her side.
"No, hey, it was nice meeting you too," Quinn said, lifting her cup in a vague toast. "Thanks for not, like, screaming and running away from me or anything. I don't mean to be weird at people, it just kind of...happens," She shrugged yet again, accompanied it with a smile.
She kind of hoped part of their conversation wouldn't get back to Kael. The whole thing about Reverie being 'the hot one' still rang in her ears, and she coughed quietly into her cup. "Maybe we'll run into ach other again at some point. Nice talking with you, Reverie."
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Public | January 04, 2006 | 3 Replies | Comment
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