Title: Sanctuary – Beneath the Despair (A sequel to Beneath the Dark)
Summary: The Sanctuary family is forced to deal with the re-emergence of an old foe, then tragedy strikes and tears them apart. A/U
Pairings: Helen Magnus & Madison Cross (OFC); Ashley Magnus & Will Zimmerman.
Rating: M for Mature readers
Disclaimer: No profit or copyright infringement intended during the writing of this story. All characters other than original remain the property of creator Damian Kindler, Sanctuary 1 Productions and Stage 3 Media. Please note that this tale features a relationship between two women and if that is not your cup of tea, then go make a coffee elsewhere.
A/N: Please take the time to review and appease the Muse.
Chapter 2
The following day, Dana Whitcomb was captured on security footage leaving a private jet hangar four hours ahead of Helen's plane landing. Ashley's contact Phil relayed the information via a phone call and Henry linked into the Los Angeles traffic camera's while boarding a commercial plane bound for Vancouver.
With Henry's directions, Helen, Ashley and James followed Whitcomb's journey to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego. Unfortunately he lost the connection to the border control security cameras when the plane started to taxi and the passenger electronics jammer was activated.
Cursing worse than a sailor, Helen made the decision to find a hotel in Tijuana for the night and resume the chase in the morning by which time Henry would be home. The weary travellers reluctantly ate dinner then retired to their rooms. Helen called Madison and talked for an hour before exhaustion got the better of her and she went to sleep.
-o-
The arduous task of picking up the route taken by Whitcomb's Lexus sedan resumed Friday morning after a hearty breakfast and several cups of tea. Enlisting the help of contacts in Tijuana, Helen was back on track by eight o'clock and the black vehicle was seen on the road to Santa Ana.
From there the car had made a nine and a half hour journey along Highway 10 to Chihuahua. Once again, with the help of network associates, Helen was informed Whitcomb was seen refuelling in San Pedro, eight hours out from their current location.
Filling their vehicle, James took over driving and the trio reached the destination only to be told the black Lexus had left a hotel several hours previously.
After taking all day to break through the firewalls blocking the financial records of Whitcomb, Henry confirmed she owned a villa in the town of Acámbaro. Facing another ten hour drive, Helen located a hotel four hours later just outside Matehuala, San Luis Potosi. Her two tired companions were grateful when she arranged a meal before going to her room and finding a couple of hours sleep.
-o-
Helen sat up in bed when her iPhone shrilled in the early morning hours and she collected it off the bedside table. She viewed Madison's number and was immediately filled with dread.
"Helen," whispered Madison in a voice that sent chills down Helen's backbone which directly sent her into a panic.
"What is wrong darling?"
Sobbing uncontrollably, Madison tried to speak but failed.
"Madison, you are scaring me," admitted Helen as she listened to her wife's tortured wail on the other end. There was a rustling sound then Will spoke in a wretched tone.
"Magnus, we're at the hospital with Mason."
"Oh dear god," cried Helen in alarm. "What has happened to my darling boy?"
Choking back tears, Will explained, "Madi was holding him while he had his bottle and he suddenly started to struggle for breath, then his lips turned blue. I drove him here while Madison and Henry took turns to resuscitate him."
Helen request was a wretched plea, "Please tell me he's okay?"
"I'm so sorry Helen. The doctors did everything they could, but he's gone."
Totteringly, Helen got to her feet and screamed into the phone, "NO WILL … NO DEAR GOD … NO!"
Weeping, Will quietly went on, "It was congenital heart failure. There was nothing anyone could do for him."
Collapsing onto the floor, Helen bawled mournfully. Her chest ached with a thousand sharp stabs of pain and she dropped the phone. The muttered sound of Will's frantic entreaties pulled her out of her despair momentarily, and she put the cell up to her ear, "I'll be home as soon as I can." Ending the call, she stood and dressed in black jeans, combat boots and a long sleeved black shirt. Packing her bag, Helen left the room and went next door to Ashley.
Knocking softly she waited for her daughter to appear.
"Mom, it's one in the morning," complained a dishevelled blonde while rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Devoid of any emotion, Helen announced, "I don't care what bloody time it is Ashley. Get your gear together; we leave in five minutes."
"Okay, hold on to your horses."
"I'll meet you at the car." Moving down the hallway, Helen rapped on James' door and gave her blurry eyed friend the same instructions before heading to the rented Land Rover.
-o-
Gripping the steering wheel, Helen held herself together during the four hour trip and didn't speak once until she reached the dirt road leading into Whitcomb's secluded home.
"Ashley, have you spoken to Will since yesterday afternoon?" she asked.
"No mom, my phone is out of juice and I left the charger on the plane."
"All right, let's go surprise the bitch," suggested Helen before turning off the engine and alighting from the vehicle.
Ashley turned to James and shrugged, "Something is off."
"I agree, but your mother is nevertheless determined to end this pursuit without delay."
"You got that right."
Both Ashley and James joined Helen and followed as she ran down the gravel drive. The villa was in darkness and Helen signalled for Ashley to approach the rear door.
With guns drawn, the trio breached the building simultaneously and encountered no resistance as they moved towards the first of the three closed doors. Without waiting, Helen kicked the door in and switched on the light. The room was empty and she proceeded to the next one.
Breaking down the door, the brunette was met by a pistol wielding redhead dressed in a white negligee.
"Very clever of you Magnus," she declared while pointing her weapon directly at Helen. "I didn't expect anyone so soon."
"That fact is rather obvious. You haven't had time to organise your goons for protection."
Looking to James then Ashley, Whitcomb commented, "Pardon the pun, but it appears we have a Mexican standoff."
"Think again Whitcomb," snarled Helen with palpable hatred.
"I don't need to. It's all relatively simple really. I shoot you, you shoot me and we both die."
"I have a better scenario. I kill you before you have time to pull the trigger then leave you here to rot like you deserve."
"I doubt your precious network and government backers would approve of your course of action," countered Whitcomb with more than a hint of smugness.
"I don't give a fuck about what they'd think. This is personal and just between you and I. You've created pain for the last time you miserable selfish bitch."
"Oh come now, do you still have your panties in a twist over the incident with your wife? That was nearly two years ago and the holier than thou great Magnus has never been one for revenge."
"You don't know me that well and I'll never excuse your deplorable acts against my family and the Abnormals."
Lowering her gun, Whitcomb surrendered to the fact she was grossly outnumbered.
"You don't get off that easily," stated Helen calmly. "It's time you paid in full for all the atrocities you have committed. Because of you, I've spent the past three days wasting my time chasing your worthless arse across the world when I should have been at home."
Noticing her mother's shaking hand and escalating anger, Ashley stepped forward and alongside her, "Mom, it's over. Let's get her secured and return her to London so the others can decide her fate."
"No Ashley," protested Helen. "She has to be stopped for good. The bitch has already been given the opportunity to redeem herself and look what she did. Her escape has come at too high a price."
"What are you talking about? She has nowhere to go, she is done."
In an even tone, Helen professed, "Your brother Mason has passed away while this despicable woman roamed free."
Recognising the severity of the words, Whitcomb raised her gun, but never had the chance to fire as Helen's discharged bullet flew true and penetrated her temple.
James and Ashley watched in shock as Helen steadily pivoted and left the room. Ashley regained her senses and chased after her while James called for an extraction team.
"Mom, what the hell happened to Mason?" demanded Ashley as she grabbed Helen's arm and spun her around.
With a tear streaked face, Helen embraced her daughter and painfully told her.
"NO MOM, OH JESUS NO!" bellowed the distraught blonde as she clawed at her mother's shoulders.
The two women stayed in that position until James joined them and brought them both into his embrace.
-o-
The flight home was a blur for Helen and Ashley and the younger woman broke down when Will arrived at the hangar to take them home. The couple hugged and cried for several minutes before parting.
"Where is Madison?" inquired Helen as she tossed her bag onto the back seat of the Mercedes.
"She's still at the hospital with Henry."
"Can you please take me there Will? I need to see my son."
"Sure."
"What about Gregory?" asked Ashley while wiping her eyes.
"Biggie is looking after him at home."
"That's good," whispered Helen. "That's good."
"Did James escort Whitcomb back to London?" queried Will.
"There was no need, I killed her," confessed Helen deadpan.
As shock registered on his face, Will surmised, "Oh okay, I guess we can discuss that later."
-o-
Helen stared out the window once she took a seat beside her bag and remained silent until Will pulled into the hospital entrance a short time later. "Take Ashley home and I'll be there shortly," she directed as she opened the passenger door.
"Okay Magnus."
Walking into the reception area seconds later on unsteady legs, Helen made her way to the Emergency Department. She instantly spotted a distraught and physically drained Henry standing outside a curtained off cubicle and approached.
He turned around and sobbed, "Doc, I'm so sorry."
"It wasn't your fault Henry. Thank you for all you did."
"Ahh Doc, it's just not right."
"You'll get no argument from me."
"Madi is behind the screen. I'll see you at home."
"Yes," replied Helen as she drew back the material. Her throat constricted as she witnessed her wife cradling their deceased son. Agony tore at her heart and she knelt beside the chair Madison was sitting in.
Through her tears, Madison gulped, "Our beautiful boy is gone. They wanted to take him, but I said not before you said goodbye."
"I don't know how to," admitted a weeping Helen while caressing Mason's brow.
"Fucked if I know either," cried Madison. "I've been sitting here for seven hours and I can't say the words to him."
"This is my fault entirely; I should have seen the warning signs."
Madison glared at her tortured wife, "You're not responsible. There were no indications anything was wrong. Doctor Polson said he was born with aortic coarctation. Our baby died on the operating table while the surgeons desperately tried to save him; it was impossible to repair the defect."
A mournful sob escaped from the blonde, "I should have been here to save him."
"Helen, even your medical experience couldn't have helped."
Dull blue eyes connected with blue, "How can you say that? You don't know that. If I hadn't been running after that bitch Whitcomb; I would have at least been able to try."
"I understand you are distraught right now, but you need to hear what I'm saying. Mason never stood a chance. His condition was too far advanced when his heart gave out. No amount of surgical skill was going to allow him to survive. You being here would have had no effect on the situation, so stop blaming yourself."
Shaking her head vigorously, Helen rancorously countered, "I can't accept that. My son is dead because I chose work over him."
With tears cascading down her face and her heart breaking in two, Madison calmly stated, "I won't argue about this Helen. You're being completely unreasonable."
Ignoring her wife's words, Helen leaned in and kissed Mason's head, "Rest peacefully my darling. Mommy is so sorry she failed you."
Madison's heart crumbled all over again and she wept louder, "We'll meet again one day beautiful boy. I'll always love you." Standing, she handed the baby over to Helen and departed.
She returned with a nurse seconds later and Helen passed Mason to her, "Take good care of my son."
"I will," replied the teary nurse.
Without making eye contact, Helen questioned Madison, "Have all the necessary arrangements been made?"
"Yes," answered the blonde while dabbing tissues to her swollen eyes.
"Thank you."
"Let's go home," suggested Madison.
"You go ahead. I'd like to speak with the doctors first."
"Suit yourself, but they'll only tell you exactly what I communicated to you."
"You may have missed something; I need a proper medical assessment."
Mortified by the comment, Madison sombrely walked away and took a taxi home.
-o-
Ashley ran to Madison as she entered the lobby. She hugged the other blonde tightly, "I'm so sorry."
"I know you are. I'm glad you are home."
"Where's mom?"
"She is talking to the doctors in case I failed to mention some medical mumbo jumbo."
Stepping back, Ashley wiped away her tears, "Pardon?"
"Your mother is blaming herself and suggested I didn't catch every word the doctors said."
Detecting the hurt in the words, Ashley tried to make amends, "Oh Madi, mom is in a world of hurt right now and not thinking straight."
"No, she knew exactly what she was saying."
"You wouldn't say that if you saw what she did in Mexico."
"In that case you better explain, but first, I need to check on Gregory."
"I'll go with you."
-o-
Saturday 30th January
Madison was astounded by the words coming from Ashley's mouth and finally asked, "So she killed her?"
"Whitcomb did point her gun at her first, but mom made it clear from the onset what her intentions were."
With a shake of her head, Madison recommended, "Shit, we'll need to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't hide herself away."
"You got it and this is all so surreal."
The two women continued to discuss the mission in between falling apart and comforting each other.
When Helen finally returned home it was well after midnight and as expected, barricaded herself in the lab. Madison found the door locked when she attempted to enter two hours later. In frustration, she kicked the metal frame with the toe of her boot.
"Helen, open up," she demanded angrily from the other side.
Surprisingly, the door unlocked and Madison stepped inside as Helen returned to her desk to resume typing on the computer keyboard.
"You need to stop working and come to bed," suggested Madison after a moment of quiet observation.
"No, I need to remain busy," replied Helen without looking away from the monitor.
"Okay, I'll rephrase that. I'd like you to come to bed so we can talk."
"There is nothing to discuss."
"Why are you fighting me on everything I say?"
"I'm not; I am merely finishing off some research that is long overdue."
"Fine and just so you know, Bobby and Ellen will be here at ten. They will be staying overnight for the service."
The response was void of emotion, "Okay."
With hands forming into fists, Madison kept a lid on her irritation, "Is that all you have to say?"
"Yes."
Madison went for broke in trying to find a way to gain her spouse's full attention, "Do I need to get down on my knees and beg for some form of affection?"
"I am not in the mood."
"I wasn't referring to sex; I meant I need my wife to comfort me."
The words returned were close to a snarl, "I am busy."
"You closing off your emotions is a big mistake," warned Madison before storming off.
The comfort she sought was found in the corridor when she heard Gregory's lusty cry on the baby monitor she was holding.
Racing to the kitchen, she warmed a bottle then sped up to the nursery. As she approached the crib, her son was entertaining himself with the overhead mobile and cooing softly. "Hi there beautiful boy," Madison said while picking him up and cradling him in the crook of her left arm.
Gurgling, Gregory reached out to touch her sleeve.
Tears flowed steadily from a heartbroken Madison as she settled in the rocking chair and nursed her child. The baby fed hungrily before she burped him then bathed and dressed him in a fresh nappy and pyjamas.
When her stomach growled, Madison took Gregory with her to the kitchen to find something to eat.
Harry was sitting at the table and sipping from a mug, "There is leftover meatloaf in the fridge."
"Thanks, would you like a sandwich?"
"Sure, I'll take the baby."
Three minutes later, Madison ate while Gregory played with the pigtails of Harry's beard.
"I tried to talk to Magnus into eating," remarked The Big Guy.
"She has retreated into her work and won't listen."
"That is unacceptable."
"Yes, but we both know how stubborn Helen can be. I understand it's her way of coping with this tragedy and I won't allow it to continue for much longer."
"I'm glad to hear that, but you must take care of yourself too."
"I'm fine for now Harry; Master here keeps me focused."
"Do you mind if I take him for a walk around the grounds?"
"No and I know how much he enjoys his time with his Uncle Harry."
With a slight smile, Harry proposed, "I'll go fetch his blanket and toque. I wouldn't want him to catch cold so soon after being ill."
"Harry."
"Yes Madison?"
"What do you talk to him about during your walks?"
"I tell him all about the adventures his mothers have experienced and my life before Magnus rescued me."
Tears formed in blue eyes, "Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories. Oh, Bobby and Ellen will be here at ten."
"Are they bringing Renee?"
"No, so you won't be able to scare her like usual."
"That's deeply disappointing," whined Harry as she stood. "Leave the dishes; I'll take care of them when I return."
"Okay and enjoy your stroll." Madison noticed the tears in the corners of her friend's eyes and reached for his hand, "I miss him too."
"He will always hold a special place in my heart."
"And mine."
-o-
Sunday 31st January
Helen finally left the laboratory Sunday morning, an hour before the funeral service was due to begin in the small church to the east of the main building. She entered the bedroom and walked in on Madison as she was dressing in a black pants suit.
Without speaking, Helen withdrew underwear from the chest of drawers then entered the ensuite.
Madison reined in her anger and tied up her shoe laces instead of confronting her wife. Going into the nursery, she scooped up Gregory and played with him until she heard Helen exit the bathroom. Returning to the bedroom with the baby on her left hip, Madison stood in front of Helen and stared into vacant blue orbs, "Our son needs you to express some milk for his lunch. I used the last bottle earlier and we are out of formula."
"Fine," replied Helen sans feeling.
"I love you with all my heart Helen, but you need to remember you have another son who needs you."
Receiving no reply, Madison departed for the church. She spoke to the funeral Director for a short time then welcome guests as they arrived.
By the time Helen joined her in the front row; Madison was an emotional wreck and clung tightly to Gregory while clutching Ashley's hand.
Three quarters of the way through the service, Madison handed the baby to Harry and stepped up to the podium. "On behalf of myself, my wife and family, I wish to thank you all for your attendance her today to celebrate the short life of Mason Robert Magnus-Cross. Although only with us for three months, Mason showed us how it felt to love deeply and unconditionally. He brought joy and happiness into our lives every day and these moments we will carry with us for all time. Mason's memory will not fade; it will live on in our hearts."
Bowing her head, Madison returned to her seat and wept. She glanced to her left and watched a sobbing Helen rise and approach the tine white coffin. Placing a white rose on top on the casket, she bent over and kissed the photo of Mason that was sitting astride the lid.
Madison heard a pitiful wail and it took a second to realise it came from her. Ashley wrapped an arm around her shoulders as Helen walked out of the church alone.
Gregory started to fuss and let out a loud bellow.
"I'll take him," offered Madison as she stood with outstretched arms. Kissing her son on the crown, she rushed after her wife.
Gregory settled once he was outside in the crisp air and Madison ran towards Helen. To her bitter chagrin, Helen turned and held up a hand.
"I can't do this," she protested. "Not now."
"I know Helen, but I need you by my side."
"I'll leave enough milk for a few days, but I have to be on my own for a while."
Mortified by the words, Madison inquired, "And what about your son?"
"I can't look at him and not see my Mason."
"He was mine too Helen, you weren't the only one who loved him."
Helen's face became a tortured scowl, "You don't understand, I gave birth to him."
Madison finally snapped as agony ripped into her heart, "Oh I understand perfectly." Entering the house, she went into the dining room and waited to receive the mourners.
-o-
The following morning Ashley walked into the kitchen to find Madison warming a bottle. She hugged her then asked, "Have you seen mom?"
"She's taken a break."
"What?"
"She needed to get away and left yesterday."
An expression of disbelief befell the younger blonde's face, "You are shitting me?"
"I'm afraid not."
"I'm going to call her and snap her out of it."
"Don't bother Ash; she didn't take her phone with her."
"Where the hell did she go?"
"I received a phone call from James earlier to say she had flown to London and was staying with him for a few days."
Ashley rolled her eyes at the news, "I'll call him then."
"Do what you feel is right, but don't mention me. After I've fed Gregory, I'm taking him and leaving."
Abject horror etched itself upon Ashley's features, "Madi no! Mom will come to her senses."
"I'm done Ashley. Your mother can't bear to look at her own child, so I'll remove the problem."
"You're going to walk out on your marriage?"
"Helen has already done that Ashley, I'm just doing what is best for Gregory."
"Please don't go. Give mom the chance to sort herself out before you leave."
"Okay, but she only gets one shot at it."
"Fair enough," agreed Ashley with disappointment.
-o-
The next night Helen arrived home and immediately left with Ashley, Will and Henry for a mission to rescue a container of Abnormals bound for Russia.
Onboard the cargo plane, Ashley got out of her seat and sat beside her mother, "Do you have any idea of how much you have alienated Madison and Gregory?"
"It's for the best; I'll only end up hurting them."
"Shit mom, you've already done that."
"I don't wish to discuss the matter any further."
"For fuck's sake, get over yourself before you fine you are alone. What happened to Mason was tragic, but unavoidable."
"I could have saved him."
"No you couldn't have. You can't even save yourself form losing your family."
Turning to her daughter with distain, Helen commented, "That's quite enough young lady."
"No it's not. You're an idiot for treating Madison like crap and after this mission is over, I'm finished with you."
"Don't talk nonsense, you're overacting."
"And you and under reacting. I can even begin to fathom the hurt you are experiencing from losing a child, but Madison can. She is broken mom and needs you in order to heal. You are too pig headed to see that and I refuse to stand by and watch you destroy the best relationship you have ever had."
Ashley got up and returned to her seat. There was no surprise when Helen didn't follow her.
-o-