Disclaimer: The characters in this story are the property of CBS and are only used for fan related purposes. Any recognizable dialogue from the series included is used only to further the story.
--
Sacrifices
--
Assuming the role of Trish's grieving fiancé, he purposely leads Jimmy and Abby out of the trees. His plan—his father's plan—is in its last stages and Wakefield has already brought Trish's body to the church. He's following the obvious trail, leading the last victims to their death.
Or something like that.
The tears he cries when he sees the way that Wakefield has displayed Trish's body are real, the anger even more terrifyingly so. For all their bonds, through their blood and that spilt by countless others, the two men have never fully agreed on one thing.
His father thinks you have to kill everyone you love in order to be free and Henry, he believes that to an extent. His love for Trish has led him to take her life—but this mockery, her body splayed out on the altar as a sacrifice, it strikes him deep. For a heartbeat, until Abby's sincere regrets remind him that his love for her is even greater than his anger, he forgets himself.
He remembers just in time for his father to enter the church and attack Jimmy.
It's all part of the plan. Like J.D., Abby Mills has been given to him by John Wakefield to kill.
And then the Coast Guard arrives—the whir of the helicopter blades above is resounding—and all he can hear is Jimmy—Jimmy, Henry seethes—yelling for Abby to run. She listens, and is gone before Wakefield orders him to follow.
Henry doesn't need his father's order. He would follow Abby anywhere.
He doesn't know what takes place back at the church—he doesn't care—because, when he finds Abby, he's stumbled upon the girl in the middle of fearing for that damn Jimmy; he never fully understood why his father let him live in the first place. He tells her what he's hoping is the truth—"Wakefield got him"—and he stalls her by asking one question he never should have asked.
His question provides her with the something that has been bothering her since she left the boathouse; his question proves to be the one misstep he's made. The flare hanging limply in her hand, her brow furrowed as she starts to see what she's been missing, she finds the holes in his story and quickly, quietly, she's demanding answers.
He still hasn't found the words to deny the truths she is implying when Wakefield—without Jimmy, Henry notes in jealous relief—arrives like a phantom behind her. Stealthy and silent, he nods at Henry. This is what they've been waiting for.
This is what John Wakefield has been waiting seven years for.
His knife is already in his hand, the blade released from its spring, and he brings it out in front of him. "It's okay. It's over," he tells her honestly before pushing her safely to the side.
The point of his knife finds its home in Wakefield's heart without a second thought.
He didn't understand, Henry tells himself as his father stares up at him in dying disbelief. The master killed by the apprentice, and he doesn't understand. He calls his son's name, the knife digs a little deeper, and Henry feels the tears return.
But Wakefield never understood, he knows. Love isn't a crime to be paid for in blood. It's something wonderful. When you find it, Henry believes, you have to do everything you can to hold onto it.
Like murdering an entire wedding party—and the only family you ever had—for the one girl you want to be yours forever…
--
H-Henry…
Author's Note: Here's the fourth ficlet in this set. I found it interesting to write about Wakefield and Henry's relationship, and maybe wonder what really went on behind their elaborate plan. In fact, it seems like something that could be further explored... eventually ;) Until then, there's only one more chapter left to this. It should be up fairly soon. Thanks, as always, for reading!