Mike dropped Coreen at home and wearily headed for the precinct. What story would he have to concoct this time? He dreaded the whole ride there but was glad the killings would not return.
No one said anything on the ride to Henry's apartment. After they were settled in, Vicki announced she was going to take a shower, to clean up.
"Are you SURE you are okay," Henry and her mother repeatedly asked her.
She rolled her eyes, "If either one of you asks me again tonight, I will kill you in your sleep."
What frightened both of them, is that they knew she might do it. They both laughed as she walked away, shaking her head.
Henry politely asked Marjory if she would like anything to eat or drink.
"Got any scotch or whiskey?" Henry looked at her with utter shock.
"What?" she said, very Vicki-ish, "You never had a woman want something strong to drink?"
"No, that's not it, I just figured you as more of a wine kind of woman, but scotch it is." He sauntered over to his liquor cabinet and poured her a drink.
She watched him walk over and knew why Vicki had found him so attractive, "Nice ass" she said out loud.
Henry was almost stunned but after the events with her lately, he wasn't.
"Thanks," he replied non-chalantly.
He sat down beside her and watched her down the drink all at once, his eyes wide.
She sat the glass down on his end table and turned to him, "So, what do you plan to do about my daughter?"
She was all business right now and Henry only knew enough of her from Vicki to know to tread lightly.
"Well, I love her. I would lay down my life for her." was his first reply.
"Yes, that was obvious tonight, but what I'm asking you, Henry Fitzroy is are you going to be there for her, especially if something goes wrong? I don't know if she could handle that again. You do understand don't you?" Marjory Nelson was serious. Very serious.
He leaned into her, " Ma'am, you can bet that come hell or highwater, I will be there." He flashed a grin at her.
"Even when she doesn't want you to?" Marjory asked, grinning back.
"Well, that's just about half the time now isn't it?" Henry laughed at her. She laughed too and relaxed. Whether it was the liquor or the laughter, he didn't know and he didn't care. Vicki came into the living area again and asked what the hell was so funny.
Typical Vicki.
"Nothing dear, just getting the rundown here from your Henry." Vicki narrowed her eyes at Henry and told her with his mind I told her nothing, that's YOUR job remember...he smile at her knowing she got it.
"Mom, why don't you go shower. Henry and I need to talk." Vicki placed a slight kiss on her mother's cheek, thankful that she had been there today. Her mother, the one who gave her life, had saved it today, something she would never ever forget. Then, her mother said, "That's not ALL you and Henry need to do. I won't rush..." she winked at Henry and she sauntered off toward the bathroom...