CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

Lieutenant John Kelly had been immediately attracted to Lucinda Williams from the moment they had met in Paris. As Dr. van Helsing`s personal assistant at Interpol, she had been part of the search for Alucard and they had corresponded for months before Lucinda came to the United States for Carrie and Sean`s wedding.

During her visit, they had a chance to spend a great deal of time together and their mutual attraction had blossomed. Over the next four years, John and Lucinda had spent many vacations together, alternating between weeks in the United States and Europe. Yet their happiness was always dimmed by the parting; their work responsibilities kept them apart.

In the Philadelphia Police Homicide Division, John had become something of a legend. He had turned down numerous administrative promotions in the department, preferring hands-on detective work. The rank of Captain put you behind a desk, working with paper rather than people. However, his "solve rate" was such that he was able to negotiate a special role in the Homicide Division.

Inspector McGregor approved his position as a Detective Lieutenant Consultant; John was free to work on the most difficult homicide cases and to offer his expertise to any detectives who requested it. Although it had taken many months to overcome the suspicions of detectives who had seen everything, when it became clear that John had no interest in taking claim for their successes, his advice and presence became highly valued. John felt professionally fulfilled and couldn`t imagine a better place to work.

Unfortunately for romance, Lucinda felt the same satisfaction in her work at Interpol. As Dr. van Helsing`s personal assistant, she had risen to the rank of Chief Inspector and was therefore second in command of the Interpol unit charged with investigating all "off beat" or occult cases. She had gained vast experience under the Doctor`s tutelage and couldn`t imagine a better working environment.

Because of their deep respect for each other, they had been able to accept the level of commitment they were able to share. Therefore, they continued to cherish the weeks they were able to steal from their jobs, time to relax with each other.

And so, they were sitting on the Club del Doge terrace of the fabulous Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice, having lunch, when they were interrupted by the chirping of Lucinda`s cell phone.

John stood to give Lucinda privacy and walked a few paces to the front of the terrace, gazing at the Grand Canal of Venice, smiling at the gondoliers, thinking of the nights that he and Lucinda had shared.

His reverie was interrupted by Lucinda, who wrapped her arm in his, stealing a little kiss to his hand. "Sean, that was Dr. van Helsing. How would you like to continue our vacation in Paris?"