Chapter 9 - Confession is good for the soul

Driving Maggie back to her hotel Henry glanced in her direction. He believed her, he had to for Vicki's sake.

"You will have to tell Vicki all of this Maggie" said Henry. "You have been protecting her to long and she will hate you for it."

"Tell her, tell her I'm the reason her father walked out on us 23 years ago. God Henry she's going to hate me either way." Maggie let out a breath and massaged the tight spot between her eyebrows in a very familiar gesture.

"She can take it, believe me when I say that. Victoria is the strongest woman I have ever known. You should have told her earlier. Your lies have caused her to shut down a part of herself to love"

"Ok, Henry, ok" said Maggie in defeat dreading the upcoming conversation and feeling the tingles of guilt at being the cause of her daughter's past failures in relationships.

"How many people have you killed Henry in all these years as a vampire" said Maggie feeling spiteful

"Not as many as I would have killed had not chosen this life as a Vampire and become King instead. Kings and rulers have always killed far more men for far less reason" replied Henry with a touch of the royal arrogance.

"Your avoiding the question."

"I don't have to answer to anyone!"

"And your marrying my daughter, interesting". Maggie decided to leave it at that feeling she had won the last round.

Henry and Maggie walked into the hotel together. Henry was to guard behind them with his superior hearing and sense of smell. Maggie had her gun within reach for a quick draw, her loose jacket covering the holster.

Reaching her hotel room she walked to a large package on the table, opened it and began to take out a vast array of military grade weapons including incendiary devices.

"Henry, your about my size, have you ever used a gun before"

"Of course target practice thats all, but your not suggesting I wear one now"

"I don't suggest, I insist. Your fast but you need to be close to damage or kill. He might not make the mistake I made and allow you that luxury. Here is a small one which shouldn't cramp your style. "

Maggie took out a Glock 18 and handed it to Henry who stepped back from her glaring. "I haven't used a gun to fight in 489 years and I'm not going to start now!" growled Henry.

"Fine" she said ramming the gun back away. "Get your head blow off, just make sure you push Vicki out of the way before" she finished realized she wasn't going to change his mind.

"How did you get these weapons here on the plane" he asked curious?

"Thank god for UPS Henry. Courier companies never check the merchandise. I sent it ahead, even I can't get that much fire power onto a plane." Maggie turned and gave Henry a quick grim smile.

...Vicki...

Vicki was excited and a little nervous to hear the knock at the door. Round two with mommie dearest was coming up. She had no idea why her mother was acting so strange but knew she could get to the bottom of it.

"Vicki, Henry decided to pick me up on the way here, wasn't that sweet. We've had a nice talk" said Maggie pushing past her and not looking her in the face.

"My god Mom, what happened to your face" said Vicki concerned at the bruising developing across one side looking in shock at Henry.

"Door frame would you believe, silly me, jet lag and all that" Maggie walked into the apartment refusing to discuss it further with her daughter.

"Close the door Henry and lets have that little chat now why don't we" said Maggie bitterly.

...Later...

Vicki sat stunned on her couch. Tears were making there way down her face.

"So your dad left because he couldn't take it anymore, he left because he didn't want to go into deep cover. He didn't want a wife who was an agent and killer, disappearing for months at a time." Maggie continued.

"I'm sorry Vicki, I joined when I was so young Vicki, I thought I could solve the worlds problems, I thought I was making a difference. I hadn't planned on falling in love and having you, hurting you by dragging you into this life.

Twenty three years ago when all hell broke loose and I was given the chance to get out. To get out before we were all killed and I took it. Your father broke inside and couldn't leave the life he had built, his community, family and friends. Please forgive me" she begged.

Vicki stood up and brushed aside Henry's arm as he went to comfort her, hugging her arms close to her sides.

"I'm going to need time to take this all in. Please both of you keep to yourselves for now, I don't think I can handle it"

"Vicki, said Henry walking to stand near her but not touching. We all have to face the danger together. You trusted me once please trust me again".