Disclaimer: I do not own Blood Ties or any of its characters. They are Tanya Huff's creations.

Thanks to my beta, Lena!

Chapter 2

Vicki was unsure whether her blood was having any effect on Henry. His wounds were so severe. She knew the amount of blood that she could part with and still live wouldn't be enough to save him. Using her other hand, she reached into her discarded jacket, grabbed her cell and dialed.

"Coreen, I'm at Henry's place. He's been hurt. I need you to get over here right away."

A second of silence passed as the Goth processed the information.

"Alright I'm on my way."

The PI hoped that the former college student wouldn't kill herself or anyone else as she broke all the speed limits to reach them. Still, Vicki really didn't want to get too specific about Henry's condition over the phone. The girl's imagination was probably running wild from the little she had said.

Vicki began to feel lightheaded so she ripped one of the sheets and applied the fabric to her wound. Once the bleeding stopped, she wrapped the torn strip around her wrist. She would take proper care of it later.

Her fingers stroked Henry's cheek.

This has to work. It just has to.

"Give me a sign, Henry. Something to let me know this is working."

He remained motionless.

Fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. She rose from the bed and briefly looked back at Henry before answering the door. Coreen followed her to the bedroom. As soon as she saw Henry, she cupped her hands over her mouth.

"Oh my God! How long has he been like this?"

"I don't know, Coreen."

"Who would do this?"

"I have no idea. Maybe someone with a grudge or someone who didn't want to face Henry when he was awake. We'll figure that out later."

Vicki looked at Coreen. "I gave Henry some of my blood but I don't think it's enough. Would you be willing to serve as a blood donor?"

"You didn't even have to ask."

The Goth settled on the bed and inched closer to Henry. She opened her purse and retrieved a Swiss Army knife.

Vicki's face wore a quizzical expression.

"I used to be a huge MacGyver fan." The girl mumbled in explanation.

Coreen sliced through her pale skin and rested her wrist on Henry's mouth. "I hope this works."

Vicki nodded in agreement. "Me too, Coreen. Me, too."