Anita Blake
Darrek Tinsley
Sandra Stephens

This webisode takes place after Episode 5, before Anita, Klaus, Drake and Sandra leave Pittsburgh. It leads directly into the Television movie.

Before the gathered crew leaves to hunt down Alan, Darrek seeks assistance from one of his brothers that he trusts in the Rosicrucians in creating two amulets for Anita and Sandra that will give them some protection from magical/supernatural attacks. He acknowledges that he’s not entirely certain what they will do against the strange, dark energies Alan appears to be wielding, but it’s the best he can offer. He finds a quiet, private moment with each of them, respectively, to give them their amulets. They are both presented in small black velvety bags, and hum solidly with Essence.

Anita’s amulet is a howlite skull pendant on a stainless steel chain. Darrek explains that howlite is a calming stone and is used by healers to relieve stress of all kinds. His face then grows solemn.

“There may be times before this is all over that you feel like you’re being torn apart…and my hope for you in those moments, my friend, is that you remember just how strong you really are. You are one of the bravest and best people I have ever known, Anita. I wish there was more that I could do to help you with this.”

He hugs her. “Know that I’m with you in spirit if not in body. And for what it’s worth…I’m sorry I was such a tosser regarding the whole situation with Sam.”

Anita wells up, just a little, then playfully punches Darrek on the shoulder. “You were a bit of an asshole about that,” she says, then more seriously, adds, “I wish things had played out differently. I didn’t think I had a choice.”

She holds up the pendant and says, “Thanks for this. I love it. You and Matthew keep these kids in order, and I’ll see you soon.”

He smiles. “I’ll do my best not to let things completely go to Hell while you’re away.”

Sandra’s amulet is a natural Tahitian black pearl pendant on a sterling silver chain. Darrek explains that there are many myths and legends associated with pearls, but all of them agree that they give protection, and Tahitian black pearls in particular are believed to bring hope to a wounded heart.

He hugs her and says softly, “I know that you’re hurting…and I hate it. If there was anything I could do to ease it for you, I would. You deserve nothing less than absolute happiness. These pearls are extremely precious and rare…just like you are.”

He looks at her, then leans in and gently kisses her forehead. “Be safe, dearheart.”

Sandra flushes, and gazes at the pendant for a long while, then looks up at Darrek. There’s real fear in her eyes, which for a moment he mistakes to be regarding going after Alan. Then, without warning, she grabs him and kisses him full on the mouth, deeply and passionately.

“You wanted to know why coming to my place was a bad idea,” she said. “There it is.” She puts her hand on his chest and says, “I love you, Darrek. I always have. And I’m pretty sure Emily knows it.”

She swallows hard, wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, then says, “Anyway, I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I just…you needed to know. Be well, be brave, and be true in all things. I hope to see you again one day.”

“You will.” He smiles at her, then takes her face in his hands and returns her kiss.

“I have feelings for you, too, Sandra, " he confesses. “I have for a long time. I should have told you before now, but I was afraid that you would never want to see me again, and I couldn’t bear that.”

He runs his thumb over her cheek to wipe her tears away, and then traces the outline of her mouth with his finger.

“When all of this is over, and you’re home again, I want to see you, so we can talk more, alright? And I promise you that no matter what happens, I will always be here for you.” He pauses and then whispers. “You are in my heart, always.”

He gazes at her longingly, leans in and kisses her again one final time, then steps back and lets her go.