Chapter 3

"She's absolutely right. The silver conceration would have to be high in the suspension and it would have to be pure, but yes. It's pretty ingenious of Adalind to think of it," Rosalee observed. "Colloidal Silver has been used as a natural antibiotic for well over a hundred years, but recently there's been controversy over its use. It builds up in the body. Most people just use it topically or as a rinse for an infected ear."

"But this wouldn't kill someone would it?" Nick needed to know. He looked briefly at Monroe hoping this was the answer they were searching for.

"Not one, or probably even two, of these hefty doses would be close to lethal. A second dose or a dose for anyone living with the guy would be a good idea. It's not an inoculation but a preventative,". Rosalee stated nodding reassuringly.

Nick blow out a long slow breath. "I want Monroe to take a dose. I'm not taking any chances," he finished saying to the Blutbad.

"First, I need to get my hands on more silver, but I think I know where to find some. I'll contact my supplier first thing in the morning," Rosalee said looking at the clock. It was one in the morning and Hank looked as tired as Nick felt. The nervous energy that had been driving him was spent.

"Call me as soon as you have some information, would you?" Nick requested.

"Of course," she returned with a sympathetic smile.

Turning to leave, Monroe walked them to the door. Hank discretely left the two of them alone continuing out to the car. "How are things, man?" Monroe asked gently.

Nick was exhausted and while he appreciated Monroe's concern, he didn't have the strength to analysis his situation at the moment. Adalind had been invaluable tonight and all Nick truly wanted to do was embrace a future with her, so why couldn't he? Nick shook his head trying to clear away his doubts. "I'm okay. Probably just sleep deprived. See you tomorrow. Don't forget, I want you protected," Nick emphasized as he walked out of the door.

Adalind was sitting at the table drinking some tea when he entered the loft. "I couldn't sleep," she explained with an half smile. "I thought maybe this tea Rosalee gave me for relaxation might work." Nick nodded.

"I'm going to take a shower then get some sleep, or at least try to," he replied.

"I noticed you haven't been sleeping," she responded looking down into the mug she had her hands wrapped around. Nick sighed. Yeah, it was hard to keep that from someone who slept right next to you, he thought. After acknowledging her obersvation with another nod, he started towards the bathroom when she called, "Nick, I need to ask you something." God, he hoped she wasn't going to ask him what she meant to him. Nick did care about Adalind too much to hurt her with his inability to qualify this, his lack of certainty, but he came back to the table and sat down next to her. "My powers will return, you know, and that's not the extent of it," she started still looking down. "I haven't, nor could I ever stop looking for Diana and she's a more powerful Hexenbiest than I am. After missing that part of me, my daughter is part of who I am, for the last two years if I ever find her again, I'm not letting her go for anything. Or for anyone," she added tentatively. "I'm not sure we can just deal with this if it happens."

He took a deep breath almost relieved. "I would never expect you to stop looking for your daughter, no matter what asinine decisions I've made in the past," Nick said and Adalind quickly looked up. He gave her an apologetic smile. He found his words were the truth so he leaned towards to her and held her eyes while he spoke, "Our son is proof of your devotion to Diana and, after becoming a father myself, I can't say I blame you."

"Sean said he might have found a way that we could get her back," Adalind responded in a small voice but she didn't look away. "He called the night after you got back from Germany." So this was not just hypothetical. Swallowing some of his trepidation, he maintained their gaze. She needed to see he wouldn't reject them. Nick had completely botched the last time with Juliette and he wasn't going to do that again.

"What did he say?" Nick inquired not looking away once. "Does he know where Diana is?"

"He didn't say. He just told me he would call back when he had more information," Adalind explained then paused as if there was more but she hesitated long enough to let Nick know it was more unwelcome news. "Sean said I'd have to come live with him for whatever he's planning to work." Nick felt like someone had just sucked the air out of his lungs.

"What... What did you tell him?" It was time for Nick to search her face, her eyes for reassurance. She couldn't leave.

"Of course I said "no" at the time, but I can't ignore this. I can't sleep. I haven't had much of an appetite. My little girl may be waiting for me, Nick," she pleaded with her eyes. "I don't think Sean expected me to tell you this and I couldn't guess for what purpose he's keeping you out of the loop, here." She shook her head.

"I don't like it, Adalind. Are you really thinking of moving in with him?" He asked in a voice he barely recognized as his own.

"I'm not saying I trust Sean. I'd be a fool to do that ever again, but if there is even a remote chance we could get her back, Nick, I have to try." He nodded slowly and grudgingly still looking into her searching eyes. Then she dropped her eyes again and said, "I'm sorry I put you on the spot before Germany. I've always been a little too impulsive. Now there's this... I do love you, Nick, but if it comes down to it, I'll choose my children," she finished as his heart felt like it was sinking.