Title: Fragile
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

Henry waited a day before contacting Mike. He asked for a meeting and asked to include Jo. They set up a time for mid-afternoon of that same day. Henry cursed Adam once more for putting him in this spot. He sat in the hotel room at the small table and rubbed his hands over his face. Abe was sitting on the bed watching tv. His son glanced over when Henry ended the phone call.

"You want me to come with?"Abe asked.

Henry stood gathered his jacket and walked over to Abe. He placed a hand on his son's right shoulder and squeezed it.

"No, better if I do this alone."Henry said with a shake of his head as he walked to the door.

"I'll be ready for the pickup."Abe commented as Henry left.

Knowing Jo wasn't recovered enough yet to meet somewhere Henry and Mike had agreed on Jo's townhouse. The gun in the right shoulder holster felt heavy to Henry as he climbed the steps to Jo's front door. He already dreaded the pain, hurt and confusion he'd see in her eyes. Henry didn't want to put her through more stress and sorrow but he knew she wouldn't believe him unless she saw with her own eyes. Same with her partner. Taking a deep breath Henry rang the doorbell. Mike answered the door and let Henry in.

"Doc."Hanson greeted as they walked into the living room.

Henry nodded in return and once they reached the living room Henry almost lost his nerve. He hadn't seen Jo since she'd been injured. He wasn't used to seeing her pale and weak. The detective was propped up against a bunch of pillows reclining on the large sofa. Henry wasn't expecting a warm greeting and he was rewarded. It was what he'd deserved by leaving.

"Henry."Jo said quietly.

"Jo,"Henry replied as he walked around the sofa to the coffee table side. "How are you feeling?"

"Better."Jo stated. "Though I'd like to know why I was stabbed. What's going on?"

Henry looked from one detective to the other and back again. Adam had backed him into this corner and he knew he had no choice but to continue. Still Henry knew this was going to be one of the hardest things he'd ever done.

"There is a man named Adam."Henry began as he walked to the window and looked out. "He's been following me for the last few months. "

"Is he threatening you?"Jo asked. "Is that why you left?"

"In a matter of speaking."Henry responded.

"Henry..."Jo protested tiredly.

"I'm sorry, Jo."Henry apoligized. "He is threatening to expose me."

"The questionable points on your resume?"Mike asked with a frown.

"Yes, but more."Henry acknowledged grimly.

"Henry, the NYPD can back you."Jo said gently. "You've done good work with us."

"Thank you."Henry said quietly taking a deep breath. "But there's more to my life and there's no easy way to say this but to say it. I've been alive for over two hundred years. I can't be killed."

Stunned expressions, shock, disbelief and concern.

"Doc..."Mike began.

"Henry..."Jo started.

"I knew you wouldn't believe me."Henry continued as he pulled out the gun.

"Henry, what the hell?!"Mike exclaimed taking several steps forward.

"It'll be alright."Henry said softly as he cocked the hammer of the gun and aimed it at his chest.

"Henry!"Jo shouted struggling to stand.

Henry pulled the trigger and felt himself fly backwards into the window. He heard both of his friends shout his name. Running footsteps, raised voices...then Jo's tearful face came into Henry's field of vision.

"Henry, stay with us."Jo pleaded.

"This was the only way..."Henry replied hoarsely.

"The only way what?"Jo asked.

"The only way you'd understand."Henry finished.

Henry had died enough times to know when the end was close. It was very close now. He forced himself to look away from Jo and seek out her partner. Mike looked equally shell shocked and sad his cell phone balanced between his left shoulder and ear. Then the room faded.