"They're getting ready to converge on me," Henry told Abe. "If not today, then soon," he predicted.
Knocking on the shop's glass entrance door prompted Abe to first investigate who was knocking. "Guess it's today," Abe said. He offered to tell their visitors, Jo and Reece, that he was not home.
Henry raised his hand and lowered his head. "It's all right, Abraham. Let them in."
vvvv
The muffled voices of Abe greeting Jo and Reece caused Henry's heart to race. They really were here and much sooner than he'd thought. Much sooner than he wished. He fought to calm himself as he heard them coming up the stairs. 'Best to get it over with,' he told himself. He smiled politely at them as they slowly approached him.
"Ladies," he began, displaying his widest grin. "How nice to see you both." He directed them to seat themselves on the couch and for Abe to bring them all something to drink. His back was to them as he watched Abe go into the kitchen to prepare a pot of tea. Although he knew it wasn't good manners to remain turned away from company, he found himself fast becoming rooted to the spot.
"Um .. Henry?"
Jo's voice helped compel him to turn and face them. "What is it you wish to know, ladies?"
The two women looked at each other then back at him. They could see the anxiety in his eyes mixed with resignation and defiance. No. Resolve. They could only imagine that he may have been in this position before and that he was determined to get through it as best he could. Jo couldn't help but recall the look in his eyes when she had confronted him with that old black-and-white photo of a beaming couple with their infant son. At that time, Henry had looked more frightened but somewhat relieved. Although his explanation that the man in the photo was his grandfather, it had not been convincing enough for her. They had almost immediately had another case drop on them and in the months following, he had chosen not to offer any further explanations about the photo. She had, therefore, chosen to wait until he was willing to tell her the truth.
And so they'd come to this moment. He looked strangely, hopefully, more willing to answer their questions. Jo wryly wondered if it was because of her boss' more authoritative presence. Maybe, she thought, she should have brought Reece with her back then when she'd confronted him with the photo. Reece wished that they had planned this meeting a little better. Jo, however, felt oddly encouraged at his seeming willingness to cooperate. She left her seat and went to stand in front of him.
"It's not so much that, Henry," she told him. After a slight pause, she admitted, "Well, it sort of is, but ... "
Reece now stood slightly behind Jo. "It's more that we want you to know that whatever problem you're having, whatever it is that you feel the need to ... keep hidden from everyone except your roommate," she began.
"We've got your back," Jo finished for her. "A-and if you want to talk ... to either one of us about it, whatever it is - "
"You can," Reece assured him, finishing Jo's thought. The two woman smiled briefly at each other, realizing that maybe they were more properly prepared than they thought. Henry wasn't running away; he looked slightly more relaxed than he had at first. This appeared to be going well. Reece took in another breath and released it. "But if you never want to talk about it, we understand and accept that," she told him. "We ask just one thing."
Henry waited expectantly, hardly breathing. Hardly believing what he was hearing. They weren't going to demand any answers? Just ... wanted to reassure him that they would support him no matter what? Why, he could be a murderer, a fugitive from justice, an international jewel thief! Was he really going to get off that easily?
"We want you to stop taking chances with your life, Henry," Jo told him. "We're all a team and we care about each other."
"You promise to stop jumping in front of bullets and making yourself a target for muscle-bound strong men," Reece began, "or you're relegated back to the morgue."
Jo took his hand and squeezed it. "And one day if you want to talk, really talk ... we're here."
A smile worked its way slowly across his face. This was going to be easier than he thought. Merely promise to "behave" from now on, let them as law enforcement officers take the risks in future field investigations and he was off the hook to divulge any of his secrets? He studied both women then looked over his shoulder at his son, who was standing with one hand resting on the kitchen island and his other on his hip. Abe's look implied that he would support any decision he chose to make but he'd also made it clear that he thought his father should just come clean with them. Henry sighed, accepting his fate, and motioned for both women to retake their seats, which they did.
"As much as I appreciate everything you've both said," he started, "it wouldn't be fair for either of you to leave without knowing the truth." He waited as Abe brought in the tea service and set it down on the small table near the couch. While Abe served them, Henry continued. "There's much to tell. And it could take some time," he warned them.
"We're all ears," Reece replied with a smile.
"Are you sure, Henry?" Jo asked, concerned.
"No," he quickly admitted and just as quickly added, "I never am when it comes to others learning about ... my condition."
Condition? That meant he was ill in some kind of way, physically or mentally. Physically, he looked fine except for that strange scar tissue on his chest. Okay, mentally. He has a death wish for some reason. Maybe this intervention could serve to help rid him of it.
"I'll be in my room if you need me," Abe said and turned to leave.
"Well, seeing as how you're a big part of my long story," Henry told him, "I'd very much like for you to remain." Abe smiled and nodded. The two men brought in a chair from the kitchen table and seated themselves facing the women. Henry managed a more genuine and relaxed smile as he gazed into Jo's eyes. "Let's start with that old family photo, shall we?"
Reece frowned, slightly confused. "Family photo?"
"Oh, you're gonna love this," Abe assured her teasingly.
Jo settled back with a satisfied smile as she maintained her gaze at Henry. "I can't wait."
vvvvvvvv
Sorry for the shortness of this chapter but I wanted to get this posted while I get over my latest bout of writer's block. Thank you all for your patience and continued interest. This tablet I'm using won't allow me to italicize anything, either.
Wash hands often, stay safe and healthy.
