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 beta, Lena!

Chapter 5

Henry awoke to excruciating pain. I need to feed. His head was suddenly lifted and a cup brought to his lips. The blood smelled and tasted different.

His eyes partially opened. "There's something wrong with this blood." He said weakly.

"That would be preservatives." Vicki replied. "Compliments of Coreen."

His eyes panned from Vicki to Coreen. "Thank you both for saving my life."

"How are you feeling?" Vicki and Coreen asked in unison.

Henry tried to smile but grimaced instead. "I'll live. I'll be as good as new by tomorrow. Then I can pursue the person responsible for this cowardly attack."

"Do you have any idea who that could be?" Vicki inquired.

"I have made many enemies over the years. It must be someone who doesn't know my true nature. Otherwise I would have been decapitated as well." Henry closed his eyes. Even speaking was exhausting.

"Just rest, Henry. I'll see what I can find out."

Brock had scanned the Toronto Star, The Toronto Sun and even the internet for news of Henry Fitzroy's demise. Nothing. There is no way Fitzroy could have survived that. His cell rang.

"Hi, Miss Moneypenny."

"I was calling about my transaction. I don't think it was completed."

"I'm sure your transaction has gone through but I intend to make sure to eliminate any doubt. I'll have to do some legwork and get back to you."

"I'll look forward to your call."

As soon as the call ended, he shook his head. His client was so paranoid. If she wanted to talk in code, who was he to tell her any different. As long as she paid his fee, he was willing to go along with the charade.

Vicki was about to leave when someone knocked on the door. She looked through the peep hole. A young man with short blond dreadlocks and a black messenger bag was holding a package. She opened the door grasping her asp firmly with one hand.

The young man smiled never noticing the weapon. "I have a package for Henry Fitzroy. I need a signature."

"Mr. Fitzroy isn't feeling well. Is there any way I could sign for it?"

The man shrugged. "I don't see why not. It just states signature required."

He handed her a small electronic device and a stylus. She scribbled her signature, handed it back to him and he gave her the package.

"Thanks, have a good evening."

"You, too."

Vicki examined the padded envelope. No return address. I'm sure Henry will understand.

She carefully opened the package. A small grandfather clock. No card or note. Strange. Well at least it's not a bomb. She set the clock on a small mahogany table and ambled into Henry's room where Coreen was watching over Henry.

"A package came for Henry. I signed for it and left it on the table. I'll see you later. If you need me, just call my cell."

The Goth nodded and then the PI left.

Brock's cell rang.

"This is Speedy Messenger Service calling to inform you that your package was delivered."

As soon as the automated message ended, one thought entered his mind.

Henry Fitzroy might still be alive.

Author's note: Of course Miss Moneypenny is from the James Bond movies. I couldn't resist.