Epilogue: Which Hints at Things to Come

Roxanne Claremont rolled up beside the unmarked white Ford pickup that was parked alongside a deserted mile of desert road about ten miles Las Vegas. She got out of her rented black Chevrolet, and walked over to the front of the other car. "Strange place for an assignation," She told the figure who was leaning against the hood, staring with a blank expression out into the desert. "And I don't know why you wanted me to meet you, anyway. There's nothing more I can do for you, we both know that."

"I called you out here to settle our deal." Ethan said, without looking at her, he handed her a wad of cash. "That should be enough to cover your services."

Roxanne took the cash, continuing to stare at Ethan closely. "I'll be honest; I wasn't expecting it, what with all the things you've had to deal with."

"I never renege on a bargain. That was something my wife and I held firm to."

"What will you do now?"

Ethan finally turned to face her. He was a changed man from the griefs that he had suffered. His face showed the frail signs of many sleepless days and nights spent trying to piece together what remained of his life. But in his eyes, there was a deep sadness and just underneath that, a gnawing, burning ache for revenge. "I'm going too disappear off the radar; wait for things to cool down. After about a year or so, the incident will be forgotten and no one will be looking for me anymore. After that, I intend to go after the ones who took everything from me."

"You won't be able to set foot in Las Vegas for another century, not while David Elles is still alive."

Ethan's eyes grew even darker. "I could care less about him, or any of his rag tag family. I do not even care that they were able to stop the blood ring. But they murdered my wife. It's not Vegas I will be aiming for, but LA, Josef Koston and everyone who was with him. They will suffer for what they have done."

"Koston is one of the most powerful vamps in the states, and those who he is close to will be well protected. How are you going to get revenge?"

Ethan shook his head. "I don't know yet. But, I'm patient. I can wait and plan. It's the only way I shall be able to go on with my life."

Roxanne shrugged. "Very well, I wish you good luck. Koston is certainly no friend of mine."

"And good luck to you, wherever your road may lead. Despite our differences, you were of great use, Roxanne. I hope that you will be able to find more profitable employment elsewhere."

With that, Ethan Vaughn turned, got into his car and drove off, disappearing in a cloud of dust. Roxanne watched him go and when he was out of sight, she went to her own car and got in. She dialed a number her cell phone, and waited for the other end to pick up. "Roxanne, how lovely to hear from you." said the smooth seductive voice on the other end of the line, "May I assume that you are free once again?"

"Yes, Benjamin, I am. Ethan Vaughn just left. I still don't know why you ordered me to let him live rather than just killing him. You know how our Master feels about loose ends."

"Ah, but our Master believes that Ethan Vaughn might yet serve a purpose. He is willing to run the risk of letting Ethan escape. Plus, as the Vaughns did not sell anything to him directly, he is fairly confidant that nothing can be traced back to him through them."

"So, what does he want me to do?"

"He has told me that you are to remain in the states." Benjamin Calvert replied, "He has told me nothing beyond that. But I believe it may have something to do with the slave rings in the States. I think that something big is starting, and he wants to be sure that nothing happens without his knowledge. You will know what to do when you receive your instructions."

Roxanne smiled, her enhanced senses relishing the idea of a new hunt. "Give me the targets to kill, and I will see to it when the time comes."

"Good, that is what I like to hear. Instructions will soon be sent to you on when and where to move, as well as the targets that you will be pursuing. Don't let me down, Roxanne."

"I have never done that."

"No, only because you are the best." And with that, Benjamin Calvert hung up.

THE END…. FOR NOW!

Wow, didn't see that coming. Well, maybe you did. There are some seeds laid forfuture stories, perhaps? Well, of course. I couldn't create such good bad guys and then just let them go to waste. And I actually have several ideas for the future about what could happen after this. I don't want to give to much away, since not even I know all of them and they are subject to change, but what I have right now are these: a super secret league of vampires that takes on the tasks that are too dangerous for normal vampires to carry out, the introduction of the complete Duvall family, several new enemies with snister plans, and a secret which has been kept for centuries, and one that could have an enmormous impact on not only the vampire world, but our favorite characters who live in it. Sound interesting? Then when that future time comes, I hope that you will be along for the ride.

But, for right now, we will be leaving them, and we will be going back in time to two years earlier. For my next Moonlight story, Beth's turning is going to be chronicled, as well as as a long standing blood feud between a ruthless vampire hunter, and Karlie and Josef. Along the way, questions of conscience, honor and family will be brought to the fore and put to the test. Sins of the Father should be posted sometime in the next month, since I want to get a few chapters typed up.

As for this story, thanks so much for coming along for this ride. One last time, please read and review.