Blood ties Almost Lost

By

^v^ Ldy Julanna ^v^

Chapter 2

As Vicki entered the office with Mike. Corrine jumps up eyes wide.

"What happened? Is Henry okay?" Corrine demands.

Ignoring her questions at first Vicki man handles Mike over to the couch. Then turns to Betty and Corrine. "Henry's fine he's a little worse for wear but he'll be okay Mendoza had drained him so Mike had to make a donation. He's out in the car."

Vicki grabs Corrine's arm before she can go running out the door.

"No Corrine, he doesn't want to see anybody right now."

"Then why is he still waiting out in the car why hasn't he gone on to his apartment? Doesn't he know how worried we were about him that we worked all night?" Corrine asks.

Betty stands up, and a look of understanding passes between her and Vicki. The look is not lost on Corrine but she doesn't understand it.

Vicki looks at Betty sincerely. "Dr. Sagara, Henry asked me to tell you thank you for everything you've done he greatly appreciates it and you too Corrine he'll be around to thank you in person as soon as he's feeling more himself. Dr. Sagara gives Vicki a nod of deep understanding."

"Corrine can you drop Mike off at his house for me when you take Dr. Sagara home?"

"Yeah, but will you be coming with us? How are you getting home?" Corrine asks.

At this Vicki and Betty share another look Betty lays her hand on Corrine's arm and says. "I don't think Ms. Nelson is going to be returning to her house tonight."

Corrine looks between Betty and Vicki. "Okay that's not fair, we sat here for two days worrying about Henry and I can't even go see if he is okay because he's not up to seeing anybody but yet Vicki is going to go home with him?" Betty just smiles a secretive smile at Vicki; she steps forward taking Vicki in her arms. Whispering in her ear "Take care of our Prince my dear he's more fragile than he seems at times. Though, by now I think you know this. Don't let him lose himself; he's too special and no matter what he says he needs you remember that. Give him my love. You know how to reach me if you need to speak with someone who's in a position to understand."

Vicki returns the embrace. Whispering back. "I'll do my best thank you… I know he's one-of-a-kind."

With that Betty turns to Corrine to forestall any further whining about not getting to see Henry tonight. "Come on child let's get this man loaded in your car. This old lady's not used to pulling all-nighters anymore."

Before they can move towards Mike Vicki remember something. "Oh! Corrine did you go do that thing I asked you to do and find something for it?"

Corrine grimaces. "Yeah I got all I could and all the-" Betty and Vicki both place a finger on Corrine's lips and then point to their ears and to the door shaking their heads. Corrine's eyes grow wide. "You don't think he can-"once again they both cut her off nodding their heads emphatically. She just rolls her eyes, And hands Vicki a medium-sized wooden box that appears to be a little bit deeper than a shoebox with some ornate patterns on the lid that Vicki recognizes as Tudor Roses. Vicki gasps and looks from Dr. Sagara to Corrine. "That's beautiful where did you-" Dr. Sagara smiles at Vicki nodding with approval. "So I take it you recognize the symbol?"

"Yes I believe it's perfect." Betty nods. "I never intended to part with it because-"Vicki nods in understanding.

"But somehow I thought it was appropriate for this."

"Yes I agree. Once again, thank you Dr. Sagara." Vicki says as she watches Corrine wrapped the box in cloth and seal it in a giant Ziploc bag. Vicki wasn't sure how good Henry sense of smell was; but since she would be taking it back in the car with her she didn't want to take a chance on him smelling something before she had been able to talk to him.

"Ms. Nelson, I think after all we've been through and all we share you can call me Betty if I can call you Vicki. And remember I'm just a phone call away anytime."

Vicki nods taking the box from Corrine.

As Vicki gets back in the car Henry inquires about the box on her lap. He can't see what it is because it is covered by the cloths. Vicki just shakes her head and says.

"Let's get home first Henry… You get a shower and then we'll talk about this." Henry wandered at the soft tone of Vicki's voice but decided she had a reason.