Storyboard #11 - Part 2

6. Nick meets Monica at a diner where he grapples with the idea that the redness of ketchup will help him consume a plate of French fries. Monica gives him a few words of encouragement, then they begin to discuss the two murdered men from the 12-Step group. Monica admits that she sponsored both men and Nick asks her just how close of a relationship she shared with them. When Monica becomes offended by the suggestion that she was less than professional in her behavior, Nick apologizes, stating that he just wanted to establish the rules. Monica easily forgives him and vows to be there for him whenever he needs her support.

7. When Nick returns to the precinct, Nat notices how rosy his cheeks are. He proudly informs her that it must be due to the French fries he ate, "With lots of ketchup." He goes on to tell her how big a help Monica has been to him. When he confesses that he feels that this is it and he's in recovery, Nat warns him not to get his hopes up too high. They drop the personal conversation when Stonetree appears and asks about the murder case. From previous findings, they know the killer is female, so Stonetree asks if there are any women linked to both victims. Nick informs him that Monica Howard was sponsor to both men and is now also his sponsor.

8. On his way home after another 12-step meeting, Nick realizes he's being followed. It turns out to be Monica who simply wants to talk to him. He invites her over to the loft where she notices a painting he's been working on. He calls it his beast. "Ah, the beast within," Monica muses. "Good description for it, isn't it?"

9. Monica's own beast begins to emerge as she starts to make sexual advances towards Nick, telling him how much she needs him physically. Nick is momentarily tempted, but doesn't feel right about her attempts to seduce him. When he draws away from her and tells her to go home, she becomes indignant and warns him against getting self-righteous.

10. "Monica, don't do this to me," Nick pleads when she continues to aggressively pursue him. "I helped you with your addiction," Monica counters. "Why can't you help me with mine?" Nick pushes her away and firmly demands that she go home. Insulted by his rejection of her, Monica tells him that there's no cure for the beast on his back and that he'd better learn to deal with it. Haughtily, she lets him know that she'll go elsewhere to find the kind of relief she's seeking.

11. As soon as Monica leaves, a vision of LaCroix appears on the landing above to taunt him. "Come on, Nicholas, where is it? The last bottle? Think." As Nick tries to think, the phone rings and he listens as Schanke leaves a message on his answering machine. Stonetree wants him to bring Monica Howard in for questioning because of her arrest record for giving "massages" at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Nick remembers that he hid an emergency bottle of blood in the fireplace as Schanke continues with a more personal message, apologizing for his reaction to Nick's confession about his addiction. "You're my partner," he says sincerely, "and I'll take you anyway I can get you." Completely off the wagon now, Nick responds with a half-snarl. "Good."

12. Nick goes to the Raven where he begins drinking heavily. (Janette's special wine mixture?) He tells Janette that he's revamping himself, that he's a vampire and proud of it. "To hell with the mortal world." When Janette asks why the change of heart, he replies, "Their weakness, their false hopes, their lies." When Nick allows his eyes to turn golden, Janette suggests that he go dance to work off some of his anger. He does as she suggests, picking a young mortal who had been eying him from the dance floor. While Nick is otherwise occupied, Janette puts a call in to Schanke to let him know where he can find his partner.