Nickolas

I walk back into the mansion knowing the sooner we found him, the sooner we could find Michael. I needed to save my sister, I was very aware that if I lost her that it would change me, that some sort of switch would be flipped and that I would never be the same. I couldn't let her die, and sure, this might have some selfish needs involved, but it was the truth.

I sigh in exasperation of the failing search before pulling out the picture once more. Looking at the middle-aged dark haired, brown eyed scraggly man I glance back up and see only a glimpse of a tall figure walking up to the indoor balcony. That's gotta be him.

"Nickolas, I think we've found him." Liz says from beside me as she follows my gaze to the man heading to the back of the balcony. I start moving through the crowd Elizabeth behind me. Taking the steps in the fastest pace I could without vamping, as Ashlynn so sophisticatedly put it.

I stop at the top of the stairs and look around the large area, the doors to so many rooms I had no idea where he could have went.

"Go straight, I saw him go through the second door." Liz says under her breath. I follow her directions down the velvet colored hall moving past couples. I walk into an office, the mahogany furniture spread throughout classically velvet space. I find him sitting on a dark leather couch his feet propped up the coffee table as he sips the lightly colored liquid from a crystally glass cup.

He notices us and a wide queer smile stretches his lips, "Ah, visitors. Well hello."

"You knew Michael Brookes, didn't you?" Liz asks from beside me, her voice completely professional. Though it didn't seem to matter because his sights were set on something behind me.

"Hmm, dark haired, dark eyes, and those lips. My niece Ashlynn, is it?" He asks, a sparkle of adornment flitting across of his lightly aged features.

I turn around to see her standing in the doorway next to Donovan, her dress replaced by a black flowing sweater cinched at the waist, knee high velvety black boots and skinny jeans making her stand out in the house full of dresses.

Her newly dark painted smile was obviously forced as she walked up to her apparent uncle and received his hug as she says, "Long time no see, Uncle James."

"She's his niece, which would make him her uncle, that would mean--" Liz mumbles under her breath to me.

"That Michael has a bother. No shit Sherlock." I reply dryly.

"God, you look like your father, Ash, from head to toe. I assume that you've been getting by just fine. At least that's what I've heard." James goes on his smile still relevant.

"I told you I could take care of myself. But I need your help." she says.

"Ashlynn Brookes asking for help, this is a new one, my dear." her uncle says amusement in his voice.

"Yes, one big surprise, now can you tell me where my dad is buried?" her voice impatient as she crosses her arms over her chest.

"How the hell do you think I would know? The Ring took care of him a long time ago, sweetie, so even if I was stupid enough to tell you, I wouldn't know." he replies calm and seemingly bored.

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this family.