Chapter 14 - Next Steps

Maggie walked in under the tape with Henry by her side. Both had CIA badges pinned on. Kate Lam was still standing open mouthed, not believing that Henry of all people, a civilian cartoonist was being allowed onto the worst crime scene ever. She couldn't begin to imagine what Mike would say about it. In fact Mike had given her very little information so far. Why was it that whenever Vicki was involved Mike clammed up.

"Is this really necessary Maggie, I'm not a blood hound?" Henry turned to her his hands in his pockets looking very much the prince today.

"Henry from what you have told me your abilities you could be the key that unlocks part of the mystery, I wouldn't be asking this of you but I don't see any other way. Oh look there's Vicki and Mike over there lets talk to them first." Maggie was as doggard as her daughter when it came to fighting crime they were all finding out.

"HENRY", cried Bruce flouncing over. "You do not want to go in there" Bruce grabbed Henry's arm giving it a gentle squeeze and batting his eyelashes at what he considered to be the cutest guy in all of Toronto.

"Lets look at the fabric swatches instead, constable, yelled Bruce, please bring those swatches over here".

Henry stopped in his tracks pulling Bruce up.

"My, who's a strong boy!"

Henry pulled his arm away from Bruce sharply.

"I have been asked by Maggie to take a look at the scene as my art might give me some insight into the workings of the assassins mind". Bruce looked chest fallen at his side. Henry decided to soften the blow, after all he was doing a fabulous job organizing the wedding.

"But if I was to choose a fabric I think the paisley blue would be more to Vicki's liking." said Henry giving Bruce one of his famous Fitzroy smiles.

"Oh the blue, your absolutely right. Did you know she threatened me with that baton when I suggest floral pink roses" Bruce turned on his heel and walked off in a huff. Henry didn't have time to deal with a temperamental wedding planner who thought he was hot but it did break the tension nicely.

"Well Fitzroy, welcome to the wonderful world of homicide police work". Mike walked up to Henry and pulled him to one side and whispered in his ear.

"I'm sorry you have to see this, I wish there was another way."

"If Vicki can take it so can I, but I don't know how much help I'll be. I'll do what I can." Henry looked into Mike's eyes and saw again that understanding and respect they both had for each other but refused to admit out loud.

Vicki came over to the two men in her life looking from one to the other. They were like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, both fit into her life perfectly. Now with her rejoining the police force she got to be with Mike, her friend, one time lover, protector. A man who she respected and enjoyed being around.

Then there was Henry, dark, powerful, sensual the other part of her soul. In some deep dark part of herself she would have enjoyed having both men as lovers. A girl was allowed her fantasies!

Maggie led the way inside.

Henry looked around him at the scene in front of him. He didn't react as the others had when first coming into the scene. He shut down his human mind and went in as a predator, as a vampire seeking a hunter on his territory. Walking around the scene in front of him, taking in impressions, scent, time. The others moved around as if in a dream, affected by what they saw.

"So this is what he plans to do to us" Vicki said to her mother.

"I'm afraid so my dear" Maggie put her arm around her daughter squeezing her tightly.

"I won't let anything happen to you Vicki, I took care of us once and I'll do it again". Vicki leaned into her mothers embrace allowing her to comfort her daughter.

"Well Henry?" asked Vicki moving away from Maggie and moving besides her husband to be. "You seem to be ok with this?" she said gesturing around herself at the scene.

"It's not something I'm proud of Victoria" said Henry raising up from a crouch. "I seen battle fields which make this look like a picnic, at least their not screaming for death" he finished gently rubbing Vicki's arm to comfort her and himself as well.

Vicki looked up into his eyes and smiled that certain smile of her's which said she did understand and that she loved him.