📎A/N.  Hello my friends, we meet yet again, at the end of the weekend.  I hope you all have a safe and happy one :-)

... thanks for all your feedback and support.... and it looks like you enjoyed Murphy and Kaitlyn's kiss ;-) ... or maybe you didn't :-( ....

I hope you enjoy today's chapter.  If you do, don't forget to vote - even you silent readers.. you know you really want to push that little star ;)

Take Care

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"So?" mocked Elijah as Ambrose, Briana and Frank walked in the room, "Did you get your little errand done?"

It took all of Ambrose's will power to not lash out at the smug, self-important expression on the other Werewolf's face. "Yes, no thanks to you," he replied sarcastically.

"Actually, without my trinkets your plan wasn't going to work," Elijah drawled, "so I think it is thanks to me."

Briana's overwrought voice cut into the two Werewolves standoff, "Would you both stop it!" she cried, "You can sort out your shit somewhere else."

She headed over to the bar. With shaky hands, Briana poured herself a large glass of bourbon. The bottle rattling against the crystal as she did so. Swallowing the entire contents in one hit, she turned back to the others. "I know you are all used to that sort of thing. But that was a first for me," she said as she poured herself a second glass.

Elijah laughed. "I would have thought in your business that you would have gotten your hands dirty a long time ago."

Briana was still visibly shaken. "Well you thought wrong," she snapped.

Ambrose broke in, attempting to diffuse the escalating tension that was about to reach boiling point. "I think we all need to calm down. The job is done now."

"Do you think it will work?" asked Frank, who until now had remained silent.

Ambrose considered the question before answering. "As long as we didn't make any mistakes, I can't see why not. We'll know in a couple of days."

It better work or I can't move forward to the next stage, thought Ambrose as he joined his cousin at the wet bar.

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Kaitlyn's brain slowly registered the repeated sound of a fire alarm. The noise became more irritating and louder as the moments passed. Without opening her eyes, she flung her hand out from under the covers and deftly pressed the snooze button.

It didn't take long for Kaitlyn to fully wake. As she sat up she immediately grimaced. "Oh God, my head hurts," she groaned.

Still struggling to clear the cobwebs that were keeping her thoughts murky, she glanced at her alarm clock. It's six am, why do I feel like shit?

A glass of water and two pills she recognised as Tylenol caught her eye. How did that get there?

Kaitlyn was confused. Her mind, still groggy, was slow in catching up with her now awake state. She quickly downed the pills and sat still, waiting for the pain to subside. It wasn't long before her senses cleared and her memory gradually returned.

Images from the church fired in quick succession as she recalled the chaos from the night before. Each one in glorious Technicolour. The image of Mark's wife as they drove away was forever burnt into her memory. She would never forget the look on Theresa's face as she struggled to hold it together.

It was the epitome of a woman torn. Torn between the love she had for her husband, and the creature that she now believed was taking over his soul. It was obvious that she was clutching on to her faith to guide her. Unfortunately, there was nothing in the Bible that would help her through the pyridine shift her world had now taken. Kaitlyn hoped that the faith that Theresa had in Mark was as strong. Because, they were in for a bumpy ride until they could come to terms with what had been done to him.

Father Paul, on the other hand, was a different kettle of fish. It had initially surprised both Kaitlyn and Murphy to discover that the clergyman was also Theresa's brother.

How they were going to explain the sudden and unexpected disappearance of a Catholic Priest from a high-profile church was a mystery to Kaitlyn. However, Tim had assured her that they had a procedure in place for a 'God Squad Revelation'.

Kaitlyn didn't know what she should be more worried about. The fact that they had forcibly taken a man of the cloth, or the fact that it had happened enough times in their history that they had a name for it.

Murphy seeing her concern had assured her that the priest would be treated with utmost respect and would be okay, provided he agreed to certain terms. His assurance had alleviated some of her concerns. Not all.

It was at this point, images from the remainder of the evening came crashing back in full force. Kaitlyn brought her fingers up to her lips as the memory of his kiss swept through her being, sending shivers up and down her spine as a flush of desire ripped through her core.

Just the memory of it elicited a physical reaction. She had never experienced the level of heightened yearning as she had while in his arms. She had thought their kiss in Tudor Falls had been bliss. However, that had just been an appetizer.

Never before had she been completely and utterly swept away by the moment. All she had wanted to do was meld herself to him like a second skin. His arroused state telling her his body wanted her as much as hers desired his. Every touch from him had elicited a new set of flames, fanning out through every nerve ending. She had been lost in the escalating passion that had almost been her undoing.

Kaitlyn knew without a doubt, that had the sudden and debilitating pain not ripped through her body from their accidental bumping, she would have been more than willing to follow him down the rabbit hole he was leading her.

She was flushed, just imagining the things his talented fingers and lips were capable of. She also remembered falling asleep in his arms feeling safe and protected. The feeling of drowning in his ebony eyes that, for some strange reason, had become more hypnotic and warmer, the longer she knew him, was still etched into her brain. This feeling in itself was alien to Kaitlyn. She had no desire or need to be protected. She could look after herself, and she did the protecting, thank you very much.

In the past, she had rebelled against a man trying to dominate her.

Yet... with this man – Check that – Werewolf, she had felt a sense of contentment and security as he tended to her wounds. A set of emotions that was entirely new to her. There was no sense that he was attempting wield any influence on her. Instead, it just felt – natural.

Dismay engulfed Kaitlyn the moment she realised where her thoughts had taken her. No! Oh God no.

She needed to stop this before she became any more emotionally involved with the overbearing, demanding moody man.

The problem was, she knew there was more to Murphy than the persona he presented to the outside world. He kept it hidden and secure. However, it was being brought out more and more often lately. She was powerless to resist the man she recognised as who he truly was.

Kaitlyn knew there was no future for them, and she would be the one coming out of this broken beyond repair. She took a deep breath to fortify her emotions and stood up. I can't be emotionally involved with him, she denied, we are partners and, maybe friends. Nothing more.

Kaitlyn, forced herself to think more rationally. Supressing her erratic thoughts, she donned sweats and a t-shirt before she headed to the kitchen to grab a coffee. Satisfied that she had everything in check and back under control from the strange place her mind had taken her to.

When I see him at work, I'll just act like it didn't happen, she told herself. We were both on a high from what happened in the church. Neither of us were thinking straight.

Yeah, that was it. It was the adrenaline that gave you the most mind-blowing kiss you have ever experienced, Kaitlyn's sarcastic side scoffed back.

She stopped short as she came into view of the kitchen. Standing at the bench, pouring two cups of coffee, was the very man she had just agonised over.

Murphy glanced up at her with a warm smile that reached his eyes, "Good morning," he said as he handed her a steaming cup, "how do you feel?"

Kaitlyn faltered as she reached for the offered beverage. Her earlier decision now in jeopardy. Murphy's expression, relaxed and open, softened his otherwise stern exterior, almost making his features younger, more approachable. She recovered before he could detect her mind was in turmoil. "Not bad, just a bit of a headache."

Kaitlyn stiffened as Murphy came around the bench and closed the distance between them. "It looks like it'll heal without a scar," he said as he inspected her injury.

He was close enough for her to detect a fresh shower aroma, along with the familiar milk and honey of her shower body soap. However, still dominating this, was his pure masculine scent that was assailing her senses.

Get a grip! That bump on the head has scattered your brains to the four winds.

Kaitlyn quickly put some distance between them to settle her nerves. "I told you," she breathed out, "I'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about."

Kaitlyn was relieved when Murphy headed back to the kitchen, not having noticed her odd behaviour.

He grabbed a bowl of cereal and sat down at the breakfast bar. "I hope you don't mind," he said, "but I used your shower and helped myself to your muesli."

Kaitlyn decided that she too was hungry.

"I heard from Alpha Stanton," Murphy said after she had taken a seat beside him.

"Oh?" she said after placing a spoonful of muesli in her mouth.

"His new guests have arrived safely, and will rest up before they head out again."

Kaitlyn snapped her head around to look a Murphy. "I thought they would be staying with the Pack in New York State," she said in surprise.

"Alpha Metzger has volunteered to take them on," he said.

Kaitlyn's confusion at the change in plans must have been evident on her face, as Murphy began to explain the reasoning behind the decision. "Abraham Metzger, is the Alpha of the pack in Texas. Of all the Alphas in the Alliance, he's the one with the most knowledge of Christianity," said Murphy. He paused before continuing, "In fact rumour has it that his great grandfather knew your Jesus."

It was Murphy's turn to look confused when Kaitlyn let out a sudden snort of disbelief. "Yeah right," she scoffed.

"You are aware how long we live?" he said indignantly, "Alpha Metzger's original pack migrated from Judea over a thousand years ago."

Kaitlyn grew quiet, unsure of what to say or how to react. Mathematically it was possible that a Werewolf's great grandfather was alive two thousand years ago. But to actually claim to have met one of the most significant historical figures and one of the most worshiped, was a big ask for her to believe.

Even more than accepting that Werewolves are roaming the earth and have been for quite some time? her subconscious threw back at her.

Kaitlyn didn't get a chance to reply. Her phone saved her from getting any deeper into the conversation. "Good morning boss," she said thankful for the diversion.

Kaitlyn was stunned once Doug began speaking. She listened in silence, wavering between disbelief and hope with each word from his mouth. She could see that Murphy, also able to hear the conversation, was rooted to the spot. However, his expression was firmly in the disbelief camp of thought.

The only words uttered by Kaitlyn throughout the entire conversation was, "Are you sure?"

The moment Kaitlyn finished the call she locked eyes with Murphy, whose expression mirrored her own. "You don't think it's him do you?" she whispered.

His look, combined with his standard grunt, spoke volumes.

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They were on the road within thirty minutes. Murphy having miraculously produced a suit from the back of his vehicle changed, while Kaitlyn showered and got ready in record time. Both Kaitlyn and Murphy, for the majority of the drive, remained quiet. Both deep in their own thoughts, unsure what they were walking into.

As they pulled up to the crime scene, Kaitlyn spied Tony emerging from his vehicle. He waved and made his way towards them. "Looks like our search is over," he said happily after greeting Murphy and Kaitlyn.

"That remains to be seen," grunted Murphy as he made his way to the crime scene manager.

After flashing their credential and signing in, Kaitlyn and Tony caught up with Murphy, who was speaking to the first officer on the scene.

The officer was checking his notes as he spoke. "Someone called in the tip. When we turned up, we found the wolf caged up behind the house. When we tried to speak to the owner, we found the door open. After calling out and not receiving a reply, we proceeded to the dwelling where we found the victim. As per procedure, we did a sweep of the house to check for any other occupants. It was at this point we discovered the basement and its contents."

"Has anyone disturbed the scene?" Murphy asked.

The officer shook his head. "No sir. The crime scene guys are already here. They did a sweep and they are waiting for you before processing the scene."

Murphy, Kaitlyn and Tony donned blue booties over their shoes before entering the house. Upon seeing their arrival, the crime scene investigator in charge took over from the first officer, and relayed what little he knew.

They were led through a dark corridor which opened out to a foyer leading to the rest of the house. A body hung from an exposed beam in the high ceiling, a thick rope wrapped around the dead man's neck. Kaitlyn noticed a chair which lay a short distance away where it had been tipped. Urine pooled on the hardwood floor directly below the body. The stench was so overpowering it had Kaitlyn bringing a gloved hand to her nose in an attempt to dull the stench.

"The body is typical of suicide," intoned the CSI lead, "so far there is no evidence of foul play. We've identified the Vic as a Harold Belcher - age fifty-one."

After they had inspected the area and were satisfied, the crime scene lead guided them through a door which led to the basement. "It's what we discovered down here was the surprise," he said as he disapeared down the stairs.

Following behind them, Kaitlyn and the others, gingerly made their way down the rickety stairs. A flickering light bulb, hanging from an exposed chord, the only light source to guide them. As they descended the stairs, a putrid odour wafted up to greet them.

As they reached the bottom, Kaitlyn took a moment to let her eyes adjust. The first thing she noticed was three crime scene techs, impatiently waiting for the go-ahead to commence processing the scene.

The second was the contents of the room behind them.

"Fuck," said Antonio quietly from beside her.

"That's putting it mildly," she replied as she headed further into the room.

On one side of the room, was a wall adorned with knives of varying shapes and sizes. They were placed in pristine order and equidistance apart.

A stone bench table dominated the centre of the room. Kaitlyn's eyes grew wide as she took in the decomposing body adoring it. More accurately, the decomposing body pieces. A series of movements alerting her to the fact that it was teeming with maggots.

In contrast, a second wall was laden with newspaper clippings. Some yellow with age. Others, crisp and fresh. As she got closer, Kaitlyn could make out they each shared a common theme - The Boston Wolf Killer. Scanning the stories, she realised that they included not only the most recent killings but extended back to the first set from twenty years ago.

Kaitlyn's breath halted as her gaze fell on the grainy and faded image of her father. She felt the familiar tightening of her chest as she scanned the article, her pulse increasing exponentially as the words began to disintegrate and swim before her eyes.

She jumped slightly as she felt Murphy come up behind her. "Just breathe," he said softly so that none of the other occupants could hear. His soothing voice giving her the anchor she needed to subdue her emotional state.

"You both need to take a look at this," Tony called out.

Refocusing on the task at hand, Kaitlyn made her way to the table where Tony was standing.

Taking a closer look at what the detective was pointing to she quickly scanned the contents, "This is a confession," she murmured in surprise.

"Yes," Tony proclaimed gleefully, "we have our man."

"What makes you sure that he's not just some crackpot?" she asked, confused at the contents of the letter. Kaitlyn had a bad feeling that seemed to be growing from somewhere deep.

Kaitlyn frowned as she surveyed the room, Somethings not right. It just feels too ... perfect.

"There's too much information in there for it not to be," Tony said. He then pointed to the contents of an open cigar box that had been left next to the confession, "Besides, we kept the fact that he took jewellery off the Vics from the press. There is only one way he knew that," he finished.

Kaitlyn had to admit. On the face of it, they had their killer. There was a wolf caged out back. A cut up body which in all likelihood would tie to organised crime. The dead man was the right age. He appeared to have information that only the killer could possibly know. And to top it off, he had left behind evidence of his involvement.

The problem was - she was positive that the dead man dangling from the ceiling was not Elijah.

"That fucker is taunting us from the grave!" Tony said after having read the entire contents of the three-page confession, "Listen to this – 'The FBI and police are getting too close and I will not be taken alive. I will not give you the satisfaction. My only consolation is that you will never find the last three victims. I have gone to my grave still staying one step ahead of you. I will see you all in hell.'"

Kaitlyn, ready to refute the claim, held her tongue. On the face of it, the evidence was overwhelming. She realised that it would look strange if she began questioning the validity of it until after it had been processed.

In any normal circumstance, she would be elated. This is far from normal.

By the time they had finished, the morning had moved into the afternoon. Throughout that time, Kaitlyn had not had a chance to question Murphy to get his take on the situation.

To his credit, he had worked the building as he would have done in any other situation. On occasion, she had detected him sniffing the room and objects. Each time she had diverted Tony's attention away from her partner so he could work unimpeded.

It wasn't until they were in the confines of his Escalade, returning to the city that she had a chance to speak to him without being overheard. "I am assuming that Harold doesn't double as Elijah?"

Murphy's hands tightened on the wheel, indicating is frustration. "Not even close."

"Staged?"

"Yes," Murphy confirmed, "and by Werewolves."

"Elijah was there?" Kaitlyn said in shock.

"No. But those trophies were real and could only have come from him," his voice grim and foreboding.

Kaitlyn considered the ramifications. "So how did they find a patsy that would match the profile we were after? One that the authorities would fall for hook, line and sinker?"

"That's what worries me," Murphy admitted, "That is not something Elijah would ever do. He's managed to team up with Werewolves that know what they are doing. The only question is - what are they up to, and why?"

The feeling of dread that had been simmering all day, suddenly lurched and escalated, to the point that Kaitlyn suddenly fell ill.

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A/N ... well well ... what is Ambrose up to???  

... and what do you think of Kaitlyn's internal battle? ;-)

... and just to check how many of you are reading this... what do you see in this chapters image?? 

Take care and don't forget to vote.

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