Title: Sanctuary – Beneath The Dark
Summary: Doctor Helen Magnus and her team discover more than an Abnormal and things that go bump in the night when on the hunt in Seattle. A/U.
Pairings: H. Magnus & OFC, A. Magnus & W. Zimmerman.
Rating: M for Mature readers.
Disclaimer: No profit or copyright infringement intended during the writing of this story. All characters other than original remain the property of creator Damian Kindler, Sanctuary 1 Productions and Stage 3 Media. Please note that this tale features a relationship between two women and if that is not your cup of tea, then go make a coffee elsewhere.
A/N: Cheers to my splendid proof reader Wendy Woo and please remember this all takes place in an alternative universe, so I do not follow the story line of the actual series to the letter. It's called creative licence and I use it to bring back to life characters who may have fallen to the wayside on television. Now if I could only use it to inject a bucket load of cash to SyFy so the fifth season of Sanctuary could actually see the light of day!
Chapter 16
Madison strolled into the roll call room and was immediately besieged by her fellow officers with hugs, kisses and pats on the back.
"Okay listen up everyone," announced Sergeant Rollins. "First item on the agenda, welcome back Sergeant Cross. It's great to see you here. Second, Officer Jackson you are riding with Morton. Third item, there has been a spate of snatch and run in the mall area, so be vigilant. Last item, Madi you better be ready to play hockey tomorrow night."
Madison waved an index finger, "I'll be there Sarge."
"All right, that's all and be safe out there everyone."
Bobby slapped Madison on the shoulder, "So, do I start looking for a new suit yet?"
"No you big lug and I'll let you know when."
"Okay, you want to grab some breakfast?"
"Yeah, just give me a couple of minutes. I'll meet you at the cruiser."
"No worries Sarge."
Madison ran up the stairs and searched for Grace Stewart. The five foot six blonde with green eyes was sitting at her desk and reading a file.
"Good morning Grace."
The attractive woman looked up and smiled, "Hey Madison, good to see you back. How's the leg?"
"Good as new. Listen, I'm having a little get together on Saturday night and wondered if you'd like to come."
"Sure, I'm free. Is there going to be any single guys at this party?"
"Funny you should mention that Grace. A friend of mine Henry will be there and I think you'll like him."
Grace rolled her eyes then giggled, "Well after the last jerk I dated, I'm sure your friend will be an improvement."
"Trust me when I say he is a really nice guy and you have a lot in common."
"What time and do I need to bring anything?"
"Seven and just yourself, see you later."
"Bye Madi."
Running to the front of the Precinct, Madison jumped into the passenger seat of the patrol car, "Let's roll partner. Are you and Ellen busy Saturday night?"
Bobby pulled out of the parking space, "No, what you got in mind?"
"Dinner at my house, seven o'clock?"
"It's a date."
"Great." Madison removed her cell phone from the pocket of her shirt and called Henry.
"Hey Madi," he answered after the second ring.
"Morning Henry, just calling to let you know you have a dinner date at my place Saturday night."
"Wow, thanks Madison."
"You're welcome and I'll tell you more when I see you next."
"That would be awesome. By the way, Doc hasn't left yet."
"Thanks Henry, bye." Pressing Helen's contact number, Madison ignored her partner's piercing glare.
"Good morning darling," said Helen.
"Hello sweetheart. I just called to invite you to my place for a small dinner party on Saturday."
"Love to."
"Okay, I know you are busy, so I'll give you more detail on Wednesday night."
"All right and I'll talk to you tonight, love you."
"I love you too, bye." Madison returned her phone to her pocket.
After a moment of silence, Bobby broke into song, "It's a nice day for a white wedding."
"You're freaking impossible Spillane."
-o-
Madison and Helen fell into a routine of spending time at each other's homes when one was working and vice versa. Two months on, Henry continued to date Grace after their successful first meeting and Ashley's relationship with Will flourished. Helen's research was never ending, as was the discovery of new Abnormals.
On a personal note, Madison's limp disappeared and the West Precinct won the hockey league final against the Southwest Precinct.
Helen was overseas at the time and had no sympathy for her girlfriend the following morning when they spoke via digital link up. The celebration of the team's victory had ended well after midnight and Madison was hopelessly hung-over. Her head was pressed against the keyboard and she was groaning pitifully.
"Pray tell Madison, how the dickens did you manage to get yourself into such a sorry state?"
The blonde raised her head slowly and squinted at the screen with bloodshot eyes, "I'm really sorry honey, but it was a good win. We won fourteen nil and I scored eight goals and won player of the final along with highest goal scorer for the season. Afterwards we went to the bar and the beers just kept on coming. I missed having you there with me and I've never been drunk before. I guess I just got carried away." She started to cry and her head throbbed more.
Helen felt bad for berating her and smiled, "Baby, it's me who needs to apologise for allowing you to blather on like that and work yourself into a slight frenzy. Does your head hurt much?"
Wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt, Madison nodded slightly, "Yes honey and I really did miss you last night."
"I've missed you every day and I truly do apologies darling. It's not been an easy trip. The weather conditions have been appalling and every night when I have gone to my room, I have thought about you constantly. I've been dreaming about having my way with you."
A smile crept along Madison's lips.
"Go fetch yourself some water and aspirin," suggested Helen.
"Okay, but don't go away."
Helen laughed, "I won't baby."
Madison gave the brunette the little smirk, "Please don't torture me hone; it's been a long week."
"I don't believe I require a reminder of that fact darling. It's not been easy on me either."
Madison giggled before disappearing then returning with a bottle of water seconds later. She took a long drink as she sat back down on the chair in the study.
Helen watched and practically drooled at the sight of her lover wearing only an oversized SPD tee shirt.
Madison interrupted her lustful thoughts when she asked, "What time are you heading out?"
"We're cleared for take-off in three hours."
"How's your little panda creature doing?"
"She's doing remarkably well and I am hopeful of a successful relocation."
"Well I hope Paddy Panda has cleaned house for her."
Helen chuckled a the suggestion, "You've named the male Paddy?"
"Yes, it seemed only right and I call the female Patricia."
Helen continued to laugh, "Honestly baby, you're worse than Will and Henry naming the mermaid Sally because they can't pronounce her scientific name. Did you realise that was my mother's name?"
"No Helen, I had no idea and speaking of Henry, he and Grace attended the game."
"I'm glad to see those two are getting along so splendidly."
"Me too and my head feels a little better."
"Drink some more water my love."
"I'll just go grab another bottle and don't look at my ass again."
Helen tittered and nevertheless ignored Madison's instructions. She took great pleasure in observing the blonde's taut buttocks as she scooted off the chair and her shirt rose up.
Madison returned with two bottles and sat back down, "Did you enjoy the show?"
"I most certainly did."
"If you're nice to me, I may show you more."
"Oh for god's sake, this is bloody torture," lamented Helen before putting her head in her hands.
Giggling at the reaction, Madison asked, "When do you expect to arrive in Alaska?"
Helen looked at her wristwatch, "It's ten past four here now and we leave at 1900 hours. There's a ten hour flight with an ETA of 0500 hours Oslo time, so that makes it 1900 hours in Alaska and 2000 hours for you."
"Holy crap, how do you know all that?"
"Frequent flyer," replied Helen smugly.
"Honey, wouldn't it have just been easier for me to tell you it's just after seven here and add the flight time and adjustment?"
The look of frustration on Helen's face was priceless and Madison burst out laughing.
"That's quite enough of that you cheeky bugger and yes, it would have been simpler, but damn it, I'm tired and can't think straight."
"You are so gorgeous when overtired and flustered."
"Oh indeed, I must look a treat," bemoaned the brunette while brushing back her hair.
"Sweetheart, you are beautiful and when was the last time you ate?"
Helen's brows knotted as she recalled, "I think it was this morning."
"Right then, get onto room service and order something," directed Madison sternly.
"You've become quite the bossy boots while I've been away."
"Don't mess with me woman, I'm hung-over," taunted Madison cheerfully.
Turning to her right, Helen lifted the phone receiver and ordered a club sandwich and a pot of Earl Grey tea. "Happy now?" she inquired after putting down the phone.
"I am and because you have been so good, I'm about to give you a glimpse of what you have been missing while I get up to go to the bathroom."
"You wouldn't dare?" challenged Helen while silently hoping Madison would.
The blonde stood and took off her shirt revealing her naked form. She turned without a word and left the study.
In reaction, there was a loud moan from Helen followed by a muffled whimper.
Madison ran to the bathroom and used the toilet, brushed her teeth, took two more aspirin and donned a sheer blue satin bra and matching g-string. She composed herself before re-entering the study then casually sat down as if her attire was an everyday outfit.
Helen was agog by Madison's appearance and the heat of desire permeated throughout her body. Taken aback by her lover's obvious intentions of seduction, she gulped and waited for Madison to take control of the situation.
"I thought I should get dressed while I was up," explained Madison nonchalantly.
"Honestly Madison, you are driving me to utter madness."
"Is that the good or bad kind?"
"Right at this very moment, it's the bad kind," answered Helen in a barely audible tone.
"And why is that?"
Helen groaned dolefully, "Because I want to kiss you and touch those magnificent breasts that are on display."
Madison allowed herself a slight grin, "Oh, so you want to have your way with me?"
Helen's composure slipped, "Too bloody right I do and it's as frustrating as all hell."
"What do you normally do when we are separated and you get aroused?"
"Are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Yes," replied Madison huskily. "But not right now, because your food is about to arrive."
Helen's brows rose in surprise, "How do you know that?"
"There's a shadow passing by the window."
There was a knock on the door and Madison took the opportunity to race to the bedroom to call Bobby and cancel their nine o'clock golf game.
Helen was eating when Madison returned and she told her girlfriend more about the hockey game while she ate.
"Are you all packed honey?" inquired Madison after Helen disposed of the food tray.
"Yes, all done."
"I really like you in that long leather coat."
"And you are very charming in that ensemble baby."
There was a tiny smirk from Madison as she raised her arms behind her head and stretched. Knowing it would have an effect on Helen, she repeated the action. "Before we were interrupted, you were about to tell me a story."
With a sly smile, Helen took off her jacket and responded, "Indeed I was, but I think you would enjoy it more if you took the computer into the bedroom and got comfortable on the bed."
Eager to give a part of herself to Helen that she had been hesitant about on previous occasions, Madison replied in a sultry voice, "I think you might be right sweetheart."
By the time she settled onto the mattress and positioned the computer on her lap, Helen had stripped down to her black lace bra and French cut briefs.
Madison grinned, "Now those are magnificent breasts honey. You're not too cold?"
"No baby, the room is heated and it's not the weather making my nipples stand at attention."
"Oh god, I really do love you."
"I love you too and I thank you for doing this."
"Don't mention it sweetheart and quite frankly, I need the release too. It feels like a much better idea when we can see each other."
"You're certain you are comfortable with this?" enquired Helen, not wanting Madison to relive a past hurt and betrayal.
"Yes Helen, I want to help you."
Satisfied with the reply, Helen commenced, "When I am away from you I usually use a memory of our love making. Generally it's the last time before we say farewell."
"Then what do you do honey?"
"First of all I make sure I won't be disturbed. Sometimes I will use the shower or climb into bed naked. It depends on where I am."
Madison sucked on her bottom lip then urged her lover, "Let me see."
Helen reached behind and unclasped her bra. Sliding the straps over her shoulders, she revealed generous swells to her lover. Her breathing quicken as the lace material fell to the floor and Madison was gone.
"Oh honey, you're so beautiful and I want you so much."
Helen smiled deeply, "I ache for you desperately darling." She reached down for the waistband of her briefs as there was a loud bang on the door.
Her eyes popped and Madison fell back onto her pillows and whined, "I don't believe this."
"HEY MOM, OPEN UP, I NEED YOU TO TRANSLATE SOME PAPERWORK," yelled Ashley from behind the door.
Helen gave her girlfriend an apologetic tilt of the head, "Sorry baby, I won't be long. HOLD ON ASHLEY, I'LL BE JUST A MINUTE."
Madison sighed loudly as her arousal diminished. She watched as her lover quickly threw on her long sleeved shirt and swiftly buttoned it up. As the doctor disappeared from view, she heard the door open and Ashley say, "Whoa mom, are you and the hotter than hot Madison getting all jiggity on the computer?"
"I swear, I am cutting off your allowance Ashley," countered Helen without humour.
"Hey now, I'm cool with you having some personal time with your lover," the young blonde giggled as she emphasised the last word.
"Ashley, please stop it, Madison can hear you."
Ashley side stepped her mother and dove onto the bed. She was confronted with a blue screen, "Oops, sorry mom. Looks like I scared your girlfriend away."
Helen's heart sank knowing how hurt Madison would be, "Well done daughter. Remind me to burst in on you and Will the next time you are copulating."
Getting up off the bed, Ashley apologised, "I'm really sorry, just call her back."
"I seriously doubt she will be in the mood to talk. Not everyone is as crass as you are. Now where is this translation that you so urgently needed?"
Ashley pulled a folded piece of paper from the back pocket of her jeans and handed it to her fuming mother, "I think it's a bill of some sort."
Glancing over the sheet, Helen replied, "It is the departure tax. Leave it with me and I'll take care of it when we get to the airport. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to call Madison back."
-o-
Madison had heard enough and severed the comlink. Turning off the laptop, she went into the bedroom and called Bobby.
"Hey Madi, what's up?" he asked.
Madison's reply was terse, "Nothing, have you cancelled golf yet?"
"No, I was just about to phone."
"Good, leave it. I'll see you at the Club at eight forty five."
"Ah ... okay. Are you sure you are all right?"
"I'm fine, just a little hung-over is all, see you soon."
"Bye Madi."
Closing her cell, Madison collected more suitable underwear then headed for the shower.
-o-
Helen cussed when her call to Madison went to voice mail, "Damn it. Oh darling, my sincere apologies for my daughter's unacceptable and uncouth behaviour. Can you please call me back as soon as possible? I love you Madison." She waited for seven minutes before talking a cold shower and redressing.
By the time she reached the airport her anger at Ashley had not dissipated and after paying the outstanding bill, boarded their plane to check on the condition of Patricia. The flight to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was quiet and Helen took the opportunity to immerse herself with notations in her journal.
-o-
After eighteen holes of golf Madison was exhausted and declined her friend's offer of a late lunch.
"Sorry buddy, I need to go home and get some sleep."
"When is Helen due back?"
"Probably not until Friday."
"That explains your rotten mood then."
"Yeah, sorry about that Bobby. Hopefully I'll get to spend some time with her soon."
Bobby put his arm around her and stopped her from opening her vehicle door. "Madi, I love you like a sister and please don't take offence to what I'm about to say, but you really need to work out a way to be with Helen more often. You belong together and you really are a mess when you are apart."
Madison turned and looked at her best friend, "I know and I'm working on it."
"Don't feel obligated to stay here in Seattle. You deserve to be happy and I believe you can have a wonderful life with Helen."
"I completely agree with you." Madison pulled her wallet from her jacket. She withdrew five twenty dollar bills and handed them over, "You win, I'm asking."
Bobby took the proffered money before hugging her, "That's just great."
"I'll let you know when we have to shop for a suit."
"I'm stoked for you and I refuse to wear baby powder blue."
Madison tittered, "Oh don't worry buddy, that colour scheme is definitely off the list. Now let me go so I can get home to bed."
Bobby happily kissed his friend before releasing her.
Madison turned on her cell phone as she walked into the house thirty minutes later and was immediately alerted to Helen's missed call. Opening her voice mail, she smiled while listening to the apologetic message. Checking the time, she knew Helen would still be in the air for another six hours, so sent her a text before showering then crawling into bed.
-o-
Hearing her message notification, Helen reached inside her jacket to retrieve the vibrating phone. Her face lit up with a huge smile as Madison's name sailed across the small screen. Opening the folder, her breath caught in her chest and her heart raced: Sweetheart, you & I have a date tonight. I'll be waiting in bed for your call. We have unfinished business. Always in love with you, Madison.
Helen settled back in her seat and checked her watch. There was less than six hours before landing and she needed to speak to Ashley before then.
Ashley was currently asleep with her head resting on Will's shoulder, so Helen stood and approached their seat.
Will looked up and smiled, "I guess this is the moment when you need to chat with Ashley?"
"Yes Will, I need to make amends."
Caressing Ashley's cheek softly, Will said, "Ash, time to wake up."
The blonde snuggled into his shoulder, "Just five more minutes please baby."
Pushing Ashley to her left, Will moved out of his seat and allowed Helen to sit down. "All yours Magnus," he said before walking down the aisle towards Patricia's cage.
Ashley opened her eyes, "Hi mom. I'm still sorry."
Helen reached for her daughter's right hand, "I know you are darling and I overreacted because you interrupted a very important conversation with Madison."
Sucking on her bottom lip, Ashley replied, "I shouldn't have carried on like a brat."
"No you shouldn't have, but it's done now."
"I bet Madison is pissed at me?"
"I doubt it Ashley, she's not one to hold a grudge. I'll ask her tonight when we chat."
Smirking broadly, Ashley promised, "I won't come anywhere near your tent."
"That's very generous of you and I'm sure Madison will appreciate the gesture too."
"Things are fairly serious then?"
Smiling brilliantly, Helen squeezed Ashley's hand, "Yes, tremendously so."
"Do I get to be flower girl?" taunted the blonde.
"You're a tad too old for that position and it's a little too soon to be engaging in such flights of fancy."
"Don't tell me the thought hasn't crossed your mind mom?"
With dimples deepening, Helen answered, "Oh only about a hundred times."
"Really, so what are you waiting for?"
"Well, I'd like to actually be asked first and there are some substantial issues that would need to be discussed."
"Ah yeah, I didn't think about that. So, does that mean if Madison asks I can expect a little baby brother or sister?"
Helen grinned warmly at her daughter, "You never know."
"This is super cool mom."
"On that, one would have to agree."
Mother and daughter spoke for another twenty minutes, before Helen went and joined Will. Patricia was doing well and showed no signs of stress or adverse reactions to the sedation and moments later, Will returned to Ashley while Helen resumed her notes.
-o-
The ringing of her phone woke Madison from a deep sleep and she focused her blurry vision on the nightstand and reached for the technology playing "Hot Legs". "Hello sweetheart," she mumbled.
"Hello darling. I am sorry to wake you, but it was far easier than a text. Besides, I wanted to hear your voice."
"It's okay honey. I assume something has gone wrong?"
"Yes I'm afraid so. One of the team members Aaron has experienced a fall and broken his legs. I am at the hospital in Anchorage now waiting for his surgery to finish."
"It was a bad fall then?"
"Yes, poor chap shattered both femurs and ankles and requires the insertion of pins," explained Helen.
"Damn, that's not good."
Helen sighed, "He will be in hospital for several days before he can be transported home."
"I assume you won't be home until then?"
"You know me too well baby."
Madison groaned, "Ah ... yes."
Helen heard the soft moan, "Oh Madison, I am frightfully sorry."
Laughing, Madison replied, "It's fine honey."
"Love, I have to go. The surgeon is headed this way."
"Okay, I love you. Stay safe and I'll talk to you soon."
"I love you too. I'll call you when I can, goodbye."
"Goodnight sweetheart."
It was another four days before Helen finally called to say the team was on their way home and another two passed before Helen arrived back to Sanctuary after making arrangements for around the clock care for Aaron.
Unfortunately, Madison was two days into a four day tour and unable to visit Old City. By the time she finished her fourth night, Helen had been summoned to assist the UK Sanctuary in London headed by Doctor James Watson.
Madison accepted two overtime shifts just to stay busy and was partnered with Bobby on the second night. The twosome responded to a robbery in progress at a jewellery store in the early morning hours and after turning off the headlights, Madison coasted the patrol car into a darkened alley a block away from the store with the tripped silent alarm. The two officers ran the short distance and carefully entered via the jimmied side door with torches and Glocks pointed forward.
Madison hand signalled for Bobby to cover her as she approached the showroom. When he nodded, she proceeded forward. Her flashlight shone on two men dressed in black coveralls filling duffle bags with jewellery from the display counters.
"POLICE FREEZE," she announced as Bobby stepped in beside her. "Stop what you are doing and put your hands above your head where I can see them."
"Fuck," remarked the larger of the two perps. "You told me you cut the wires." He dropped his bag and raised his arms in surrender.
The smaller man looked at Madison and sneered, "I'm not going back to fucking prison again."
Madison moved in front of Bobby as she watched the perp pull a 357 revolver from his bag then yelled, "GUN!"
The taller thief dropped to the floor and covered his head.
Depressing the trigger on her weapon as the robber discharged his gun, Madison watched him fall to the ground clutching at his right shoulder. The force of the bullet struck Madison in the chest and sent her careening into a cabinet. She felt the sticky warm blood running down her face and her eyes quickly filled with the red fluid.
Dropping her torch, she observed as Bobby kicked away the handgun then cuff and frisk the two thieves. Reaching for her radio, Madison called for an ambulance and backup. Dispatch confirmed the emergency vehicles were on the way as she slumped forward and greeted the floor with her face.
-o-