Disclaimer: I do not own Blood Ties or any of its characters. They are Tanya Huff's creations.
Characters thoughts in italics
Thanks to my story consultant, Lena!
Chapter 7
She and Mike emerged from a sewer. Her right fist connected with his face. "You stupid, sonuvabitch."
Henry was chained to an X-shaped structure. His shirt was shredded. Some of his pale skin was burned. Various lacerations covered his chest. She was tied to a chair. Someone was pushing her towards him. Henry sprang forward but was held in mid-air by his restraints. Maybe it was the limited light of the room but it looked like his eyes weren't their normal color.
"Vicki," Henry whispered.
Using his back, Henry pushed himself off the floor. His arms thrashed around wildly until his bonds finally gave way. Vicki scanned the room. Where was he? Her heart felt like it could leap out of her chest at any moment. She bammed on the door. "Mike, get me out of here."
She heard a snarl. Henry was coming towards her. Some of his teeth were longer. His eyes were black. He grabbed her. Mike threw open the door. Henry sank his teeth into Mike's neck. "Stop it Henry you're killing him," she screamed.
Vicki shot up. Henry was standing near her bed. "What are you doing in my apartment?"
Henry growled and lunged for her. Just like in her dream. He grabbed her left foot. She kicked wildly with her right foot as she reached for her asp. She knocked over the lamp. Her fingers had almost touched the weapon when he dragged her towards him. She punched him in the face but it had no effect. His obsidian eyes raked over her. She struggled underneath his weight. He pinned her arms down with one hand and wrapped the other around her throat. Henry smiled with delight as she struggled less. Her eyes began to slide shut.
Henry's jaguar parked in front of Vicki's building. No words could express how glad he was that she had finally been released from the hospital. Maybe being in familiar surroundings would speed up her recovery.
As he neared her residence, he heard Vicki's heart beating faster than normal. She was gasping for breath. He streaked to her apartment and splintered the doorframe as he forced his way inside. A figure was leaning over her. His own countenance turned in his direction and smiled mockingly before diving out the window. Henry rushed to Vicki's side. Vicki started coming around.
Her terror filled eyes looked at him as she rubbed her throat. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Stay away from me."
"Vicki, that wasn't me." Henry could hear sirens. Someone must have heard the din and called the police. "I can explain. Trust me."
She mutely shook her head. Then she slowly looked up again.
Henry was gone.
Mike sat next to her. His voice was filled with concern. "I came as soon as I heard. Vicki, are you alright?"
"Nothing a good night's rest won't cure."
"Did you get a good look at your attacker?"
Her mind flashed to Henry's words. "Trust me."
"Can I talk to you alone?"
"Sure." Mike guided her into the living room.
Vicki lowered her voice. "I think it was Henry."
Even though Mike didn't particularly like Fitzroy, he knew Henry wouldn't attack Vicki. Maybe another demon was on the loose. Great, another complication to add to an already complicated situation.
"It was weird. I had a nightmare and when I woke up, Henry was there. He started strangling me but when I came to he insisted it wasn't him."
"What did you tell the detectives?"
"I said that it was too dark and I didn't get a good look at him. What's going on, Mike?"
"I'm fairly sure it wasn't Henry who attacked you."
"I don't understand. Does Henry have an evil twin?"
Mike rubbed his face. "No, I wish it was that simple. I'll try to explain once I get you somewhere safe."