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 24
With Ashley and Will absent from Sanctuary, Madison found herself immersed in extra work while Henry also took on more responsibility and was now accompanying Helen and Madison on missions of a permanent basis. The likable Tech was overjoyed at the changes and handled himself commendably when the team tracked down an Abnormal with the gift of flexibility.
The subject was a six-year-old boy who had become separated from his family during a migration to a safer haven. The child was located some thirty miles from Old City and swiftly reunited with his distraught family.
Madison had been in awe as the group weaved their way through the meandering network of underground tunnels that connected a labyrinth of secluded beings to other catacombs in Vancouver.
Once the team arrived home, Madison assisted Henry with a full security systems diagnostics while Helen busied herself in the Lab with research.
Madison sought out her wife two hours later and entered the Lab carrying a tray containing a teapot and a plate of freshly baked scones. "Hey Helen, I thought you'd appreciate some fresh tea."
Looking up from her notes, Helen grinned brilliantly, "You read my mind darling, I was just about to take a break."
Refilling the fine china cup on the desk, Madison took a seat and waited as her lover took a small sip and sighed.
"There's nothing quite like a good cuppa to get the mind working again," suggested Helen.
Madison scoffed, "I ought to be jealous of the way you sound when drinking Earl Grey."
With a substantial smirk, Helen lowered her eyes, "I believe the noises you coax from me are quite formidable."
Madison blushed, "Uh huh."
"Cat got your tongue darling?"
"You are nothing but a tease Mrs Magnus-Cross."
"Only when it comes to my wife." Helen stood and retrieved a watch from the top desk drawer. Handing it to Madison, she explained, "I've been meaning to give you this for some time. It has a digital display for messages in case you need to be contacted."
"And 911 indicates there is an emergency back here, right?"
"Very good, you are learning fast."
Helen returned to her chair and Madison detected a slight crossing of her brows.
"What's on your mind honey?" she asked.
"I received some disturbing news this morning."
"Go on and by the look on your face it's not good."
"No, it seems that those ignorant bastards "The Cabal" have been experimenting again."
"I don't like the sound of that."
"Nor did I when I first heard of their latest atrocities."
"Wait on; it's not the feline/human hybrid again?"
"Unfortunately it is. I'm waiting for word on the location of their current Lab."
"Obviously they'll need to be shut down," pointed out Madison knowing exactly how infuriated Helen would be feeling.
"That is the plan. All this bloody chaos created by them is avoidable. If only those fools could see the Abnormals pose no threat until those twits make modifications to their genetic structure."
"But isn't it their initiative to use the Abnormals to save human life?"
"I highly doubt that is their motivation, although it certainly is control they truly seek."
The conversation was interrupted by Henry's voice on the hand held radio lying on Helen's desk.
"Doc, we got trouble. Security breach third level, southern passage. I count four heavily armed intruders."
Helen's reaction was speedy. She jumped up from her chair and ran to the door. "Lock us down Henry," she instructed over the radio. "And I need the security protocols fully operational A-SAP."
Madison followed her wife without need of direction.
"Got you on screen Doc and security breach has been recertified. I got them caught between sections three and four."
"Well done Henry," responded Helen as she called for the service lift.
Madison withdrew the 9 mm from her leg holster and waited.
As the couple entered the car, Helen quickly said, "Once we reach the level, we'll enter the hallway they are situated in from a connecting room. These people are obviously here to send us a message."
"Understood," acknowledged Madison as she checked her ammo pouches. She had sixty spare bullets plus the fifteen rounds already loaded in her Berretta.
"Two against one, those odds hardly seem fair," retorted Helen as the two women ran from the lift and into the corridor.
"Henry, status?" she asked while turning the corner.
"Doc, they have stun grenades at the ready and are positioned outside the door of the two rooms sealed off from the others."
"Let's drop in on our unwelcome guests, shall we?" recommended Helen with a wink as she entered a room to her right.
Madison stood by and watched as her wife grabbed a chair and climbed atop to open a security-sealed hatch. She hoisted herself up into the ceiling cavity and a grinning Madison followed.
The two women crawled to another trapdoor directly above the four black fatigue attired figures.
Helen's fingers ran over another control panel and a hydraulic door opened in the next section of building structure. Reaching in, she retrieved two gas masks and a small canister.
Madison pulled on the mask that was offered to her and waited as Helen prised open an air vent, ripped the top off the canister and dropped it onto the floor of the hallway.
Madison moved to her left when several bullets hit the panel of ceiling she was crouched over. She relaxed when she remembered the building material in that section was bulletproof.
Helen glanced at her wife and smiled prior to opening the access. Dropping through into the gas-filled section below, she observed Madison as she followed closely behind her.
Effortlessly, Madison landed on the toes of her boots and surveyed the four prone bodies.
Suddenly the steel security door in front of them slid up to reveal Henry, the Big Guy and a security team. All were wearing masks and quickly assisted Helen and Madison in relocating the trespassers to the garage.
The four intruders were bundled into the back of a black Chevrolet Express van and Bigfoot took up position in the driver's seat.
Removing their masks, the others tossed their uninvited callers' weapons into a nearby storage bin.
"Ack, ack, anywhere in particular?" inquired the Big Guy while starting the motor.
"No, I'll leave that decision entirely up to you," replied Helen knowing full well her friend was fully intending on scaring the hapless and unconscious men once they came to.
With a toothy grin, Bigfoot put the vehicle into gear and took off while the security team withdrew.
"Well done everyone," quipped a beaming Helen as she turned to Henry and Madison.
"Does this kind of invasion happen often?" asked Madison as the trio moved towards the lift.
"No, not anymore," answered Helen. "It used to be a daily occurrence, but Henry's modification and adjustments to the Em shield and security systems make it much harder for interlopers to gain access. I am baffled as to how they managed to elude the security team though."
"I'll look into and make the necessary changes Doc and I gather that was just a friendly reminder from "The Cabal" to stay out of their business," said Henry.
"Yeah like that worked," scoffed Madison.
The three returned to the third level and tidied up the mess before Helen went on a walk throughout the facility and Madison joined Henry with a stroll around the perimeter to physically check the sensor and control devices.
-o-
By six ten that evening, Helen was in possession of the site on Easter Island that was being utilised by the newest batch of Cabal scientists.
Madison joined a preoccupied Helen in the kitchen moments later, leaned over her chair, and kissed the top of her head, "Are you okay?"
Reaching up, Helen rubbed her wife's arm, "Yes Madison, I was just deep in thought."
Taking a seat, Madison asked, "Are you planning your next move?"
"Indeed I am, but we'll wait for Ashley and Will's return before acting. Whitcomb will be expecting us to retaliate straight away, but she is out of luck in that department."
"Sweetheart, you are awfully cute when you get all aggravated."
Helen's features softened, "I don't think cute is the correct word to use to describe my current mood, that woman just riles me so."
Checking her wristwatch, Madison placed her left hand on her wife's shoulder, "Don't let her get to you Helen."
"You are correct, but it just infuriates me when she sends her goons to our home."
"That's understandable. Do you want me to stay home?"
Helen turned and ran her fingers down her lover's face, "No darling, I'll be fine. You go to flight school."
Madison's eyes misted over, "If you need me, I'll stay."
Helen smiled deeply before saying, "I'll always need you my darling, but I shouldn't encroach upon your plans just because that bitch pisses me off."
Returning the smile, Madison conceded, "I love you sweetheart and will be back in a couple of hours."
Leaning in, Helen placed her lips to Madison's throat, "I simply adore you and will see you soon."
"If you don't stop what you are doing, I'll be in no condition to ride my bike let alone fly."
Giggling against the pulsating point beneath her lips, Helen licked downwards before straightening up, "Remind me where I was when you get home."
"Oh I definitely will my beautiful wife."
-o-
Ashley and Will arrived home early Monday morning and after sharing their vacation exploits in Helen's office, Will promptly announced their engagement.
Once congratulatory hugs and kissed were exchanged, Helen discussed plans to infiltrate "The Cabal" facility via helicopter and destroy data and hopefully rescue any Hybrid that may be present. Henry was to disable the security system while in the air and the team enter the building after landing on the rooftop under the cover of night.
After a 9,881-mile flight to Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island in the cargo plane, the team set about unloading the Bell helicopter and necessary equipment. Helen went about making final adjustments to several containment cages in case they were needed.
The team of eight went over the strategy a final time before boarding the helicopter with Ashley at the controls. As they approached the location, Henry opened his laptop and bypassed the buildings security protocols and Ashley landed on one of the three available rooftops shortly afterwards.
Everything went according to plan until the team was set upon by a security team of ten during their egress to the roof. During the fracas, Madison was forced into hand-to-hand combat on several occasions and was inadvertently separated from the others. She eventually found her way to the stairwell and reached the rooftop after locking then jamming the service door with a discarded combat knife.
Helen was ahead of her partner and turned to look at her when she heard the sound of boots on the surface, "Are you okay?"
"Yep, just keep going Helen, time is running out. The security system will be fully operational in less than three minutes," replied Madison while ambling forward on unsteady legs.
Scrutinising the dimly lit fifty feet that separated them, Helen stopped her progression towards the skid pad of the chopper and shouted, "NOT WITHOUT YOU I BLOODY WELL WON'T!"
As Madison neared, the doctor saw the knife handle protruding from the blonde's side. "Oh dear god," she mumbled. "You're hurt."
"PLEASE GO HELEN, THEY ARE ON THE WAY. I LOVE YOU, BUT YOU NEED TO GO NOW," instructed Madison forcibly as twelve men burst through the previously locked door.
The horror on Helen's face said it all and she didn't have time to react as Madison fell to her knees then collapsed onto the concrete surface. Helen was grabbed roughly from behind and hauled into the helicopter by Will and Ashley.
In the scramble, a bullet grazed Helen's left bicep, but she didn't feel the contact. Her heart crumbled as Henry navigated away from Madison. She screamed as she watched a Cabal operative stand over her wife while she struggled to stand and fire a round from his pistol. The blonde fell sidewards and Helen's body started to shake with shock.
Will gripped Helen's shoulders and advised her, "We'll go back for her, but not right now. We have to find another way in."
"They just fucking shot her Will, what's there to return for?" Helen squared her shoulders and set her jaw, "Whitcomb is dead. If it's the last thing I ever do, I swear I will kill that fucking monster with my bare hands."
The silence that followed was deafening and each person on board grieved for Madison in quiet sorrow.
-o-
In the wash-up, no Hybrids had been located, but Henry did retrieve all the computer data research before destroying the network. Helen and Will had gathered up all existing hard copy files while Ashley took great pleasure in rigging the Labs to explode wit a delayed timer.
It was a hollow victory for the Sanctuary family and Helen retired to her rooms to mourn alone once they arrived back home.
Will checked on her two hours later and handed her a small wooden box and envelope. He openly wept as he spoke, "Madi was prepared. She wanted me to give you these in the event something happened to her."
With grief etched deeply onto her features, Helen choked out, "Oh dear god Will, how can this be true?"
"I don't know and I'm so sorry. I'll leave you to it."
Helen reached out and grasped his arm, "Please stay dear friend."
He nodded as Ashley entered the living area. She immediately embraced her mother and bawled. Will slipped out of the room then broke down in the hallway before finding solace on the firing range.
Twenty minutes passed before Helen was able to regain her composure and open the box. Inside was a digital disc and her heart shattered into a million pieces all over again. "I can't do this Ashley," she whispered.
"You don't have to mom, just leave it for now."
"Oh god, she should never have been separated from us."
"Mom, Madi had our backs the entire time. She took out five dweebs so we could get to the stairwell. She protected us all and gave us safe passage."
"I can't go on without her Ashley."
"I know mom, I know."
The shrill ring of Helen's cell phone pierced the silence and with trembling hands, she withdrew it from the inside pocket of her jacket. "It's Madison's number," she mumbled.
"What?" exclaimed a shocked Ashley.
Helen asked coldly, "Who is this?"
"Doctor Magnus, Dana Whitcomb here. I believed you have something of mine."
"You vile heartless slapper, I have nothing of yours."
"Now, now Doctor, that's not actually a true statement."
"What we retrieved was not yours to begin with and you can't possibly have the audacity to claim ownership considering you stole it in the first place. Now that we have it, every last piece will be destroyed."
"Oh Doctor, I wouldn't be so hasty if I was you."
"Don't tell me what to do you evil piece of shit."
"My, my Magnus, where have all your proper English ladylike manners gone?"
"For god's sake Whitcomb, you executed one of my people in front of me and you want me to be polite. Well fuck you! I don't have any intention of placing dangerous data back into your hands."
"That's such a pity Doctor and here I was all ready to make a trade with you."
Helen exhaled and scoffed, "Trade? Don't insult my intelligence Whitcomb."
"No insult intended, but I want that data returned and am willing to exchange it for something of yours in return."
Helen's patience dissipated and her anger rose, "Stop playing games, you have nothing of mine."
"I'm not too sure about that, I seem to have something you left behind."
Helen gasped loudly and her heart pounded.
"Have I got your attention now Doctor?"
Gritting her teeth, Helen calmly answered, "Yes."
"Very good. Simply put, you return the research files to me and I hand over your unfortunately injured team member."
Helen reached for her daughter's hand and squeezed, "Are you telling me she is alive?"
"That I am Doctor, but she does require urgent medical care to ensure she stays that way."
"Then give it to her," demanded Helen indignantly.
Ashley let go of her mother's hand and rushed from the room to inform the others.
"Oh no, I prefer her in her current unconscious state and posing no threat."
"You're a fucking animal Whitcomb," seethed a now wobbly Helen.
"No, I'm just a business woman and you have ten minutes to decide. Call me back on this number when you are ready to deal."
"How do I know she is still alive?"
"You don't, but by the look of the elegant wedding ring on her hand, I'm sure her husband would appreciate the return of his most attractive wife."
Helen bit her bottom lip and stopped herself from correcting Whitcomb's assumption regard Madison's marital status. Anonymity would work in Madison's favour and give Helen the upper hand, so instead she replied, "I don't need ten minutes to make up my mind. My team member is worth far more than the data."
"Very good Doctor Magnus," uttered Whitcomb condescendingly. "I will contact you shortly with arrangements for the exchange."
"The deal is off is she dies in the meantime," snapped Helen while reining in her escalating emotions.
"Of course, I'll have my people tend to her wounds without more ado."
Helen ended the call and burst into tears when Ashley, Will, Henry and Bigfoot raced into the room. "She's alive!" she exclaimed before being engulfed by everyone.
-o-
Madison remained limp during the phone conversation the late-forties red head was having on her phone with Helen. Through half lidded eyes, she scanned the room she was in and ignored the pain invading every pore of her body. She could still feel the knife blade in her side and the burning pain in her right thigh wasn't diminishing.
As she listened to the woman she now knew to be Cabal's Director of Logistics and Operations Dana Whitcomb converse overconfidently and arrogantly, Madison weighed up her options. With slow movements, she inched her fingers to her holster to find it was empty, so was her Bear close quarters combat knife sheath.
The blonde almost giggled when she realised she had a weapon embedded between the ribs on her left side. "Crap, how dumb am I?" she thought as Whitcomb put Madison's phone in her trouser pocket.
"Raul, take our prisoner down to medical and have Doctor Lowe patch her up. Nothing fancy mind you, she only needs to survive for the fourteen-hour flight to Vancouver. As soon as I have what I want from Magnus, she can expire for all I care. I'll call the airport and have the jet prepared."
"Yes ma'am," acknowledged the six-foot black haired male to Madison's right before wheeling the gurney out of the room.
Madison mapped the direction to her brain and planned her escape. The trip was short, only four doors along the corridor and into a small empty medical room. Madison made her move when Raul turned to leave. She gripped the handle of the Blackhawk knife and withdrew it as she sprang off the stretcher. The three and a half inch blade dove deeply into the man's left side and he turned to her in reaction – it was too late.
Madison wrapped her left arm around Raul's throat and pressed tightly, "That's for stabbing me and this," she explained while ripping the knife upwards and twisting. "Is for shooting me, you asshole."
In response Raul gurgled and slumped to the floor heavily.
Madison retrieved her Berretta from the back of Raul's belt as well as her knife. Pulling off her vest and black shirt, she inspected the bleeding two-inch incision between her middle ribs and grabbed a dressing from the shelf to her left. She swiftly located a bandage and wrapped up the pad, applying as much pressure as she could tolerate.
Next, she dropped her fatigue trousers and was relieved to find a small calibre through and through gunshot entry wound to her left thigh. Finding some antiseptic fluid, Madison washed the hole thoroughly then valiantly fought back the agony and nausea.
Once her thigh was bandaged, she redressed and sought out Whitcomb's office. With weapon drawn, Madison opened the door and confronted the shocked woman.
The red head was standing at the side of her desk and instantly dropped the file she was holding.
Waving her gun, Madison gave firm directions, "Put my phone on your desk then step away."
Whitcomb complied then remarked, "It seems I underestimated you."
"You did and I suggest you review your recruiting requirements, you employ dumb people." Madison picked up her phone and tucked it inside her vest pocket, "You and I are going for a ride to the airport."
"You wouldn't get out of this building alive," threatened Whitcomb.
"Oh that's just not intelligent of you to suggest that. You see, I know you don't have the balls to take me on yourself. You hire goons to do your dirty work because you are a coward and will do what is necessary to save yourself. Right now I am your only avenue for survival. People like you don't make personal sacrifices, so I'm looking pretty good right about now."
A look of indignation spread across Whitcomb's face and her shoulders dropped.
Madison sneered, "Looks like I struck a nerve. Get on your phone and ask your driver to bring the car around to the main entrance, times ticking."
Again Whitcomb did as asked and a minute later, she walked out of her office with Madison by her side.
Three minutes passed as the two women make their way to the elevator then to the front lobby. No one noticed as the duo exited the glass double doors because most were preoccupied with the explosions that had occurred in the lower levels minutes earlier. People were still racing about and following the evacuation protocols and making their way to the assembly areas.
Madison gripped Whitcomb's arm tighter as she opened the door of the waiting vehicle and pushed the redhead inside. Both women settled onto the back seat of a black Lexus sedan and Madison kept the muzzle of her pistol beside her leg and aimed at Whitcomb.
"Direct your driver to take us to your private jet hangar at Mataveri Airport," ordered a slightly perspiring Madison.
Whitcomb pressed a button on the door handle and lowered the dark glass partition separating the front and rear of the vehicle. "Oliver, drop us to the hangar."
"Right you are ma'am," came the clipped reply.
Once the glass screen was raised, Whitcomb inquired, "So what do you plan on doing with me?"
"At this stage you will fly to Vancouver Airport with me. What happens after that will not be up to me, I believe you will have to answer to a higher power."
Sarcasm dripped from Whitcomb's next words, "Oh you are exceedingly loyal to your boss."
Madison snarled, "Yes I am and that concept is completely lost on you no doubt."
"Money buys me all the loyalty I require."
"Well your money doesn't seem to be working for you at the moment."
"We'll see," countered Whitcomb smugly.
"You do realise your days with "The Cabal" are over. You will not be returning to your evil plans for eradicating those who are different from you or using their powers for your dreams of world domination."
"Again, we will see."
For all her calm and bravado, Madison detected the other woman's trembling hands as she reached for her cell phone and called Helen.
Helen answered angrily, "So where is this fucking drop to take place?"
"Well a hello to you too," quipped Madison.
"Oh god darling, it's marvellous to hear your voice ... I ... I thought you were dead."
"Not quite, but about halfway there. I'll be at Vancouver Airport in approximately fifteen hours. We will be arriving on a private jet, so you may want to meet me there with some backup. I have Whitcomb with me and you might want to destroy all the Hybrid data before you leave. I am in control of the situation."
"Oh Madison, I am so bloody relieved to know you are still with us. I love you darling and am extremely proud of you."
"Back at you, see you soon Doctor Magnus."
"All right my darling, we'll be waiting."
Closing her phone, Madison looked at the alabaster skinned woman sitting opposite her and recommended, "You look like you could use a drink. Go ahead; it may be some time before your next one."
In silence Whitcomb poured herself a generous glass of malt whisky from the mini bar then reclined back on the leather seat and sighed heavily.
-o-
Madison dismissed Oliver once she ushered Whitcomb out of the vehicle. He tipped his hat and disappeared out of the car park. "We'll go aboard and wait for take-off, shall we?"
"They will come looking for me," declared Whitcomb as she climbed the stairs of the Gulfstream V.
"No they won't. You'll be regarded as a liability once they discover what's happened and let's face it, they'll just replace you with some other idiot with a shit load of money."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Your little shadow organisation is very dangerous. The Abnormals of the world don't pose the threat that you have been brainwashed into believing. They have the right to live out their existence like humans. All you and your cronies see is the dollar signs and the possibility of power. You purport to endeavour to save mankind, but you have no concept of humanity and the fine balance between it and other species."
Madison motioned for Whitcomb to take a seat.
"By that passionate speech I'd say you've spent way too much time around the almighty Magnus."
"Yes I have and I thank my lucky stars every day. Beneath the dark I see the light and the beauty of those who don't fit the mould of normal."
Whitcomb was about to reply when there was an announcement from the pilot advising they were cleared for take-off.
"You better fasten your seatbelt Whitcomb," suggested Madison. "We've got a long flight ahead."
"You best worry about yourself; you have blood seeping through your vest and pants."
"I'll be just fine and if I happen to feel light headed, I'll shoot you first then pass out."
"You talk tough, but I wonder if you can live up to your words."
"Maybe I should just shoot you now and have you shut up, that way I can have a nice nap."
"I don't think your boss would appreciate that decision."
When the plane levelled out, Madison got to her feet and went to the galley. She returned with two bottles of water and two oranges. Passing one of each to Whitcomb, she said, "Unlike you, I treat captives humanely."
Whitcomb snarled, "I really don't like you at all."
"Fantastic, that makes us even. Now shut the hell up or I will categorically shoot you."
-o-
Madison disembarked the jet with Whitcomb in front of her. Her loss of blood during the flight had caught up to her and she was unsteady on her feet and light headed as she stepped off the last stair.
Helen's old model black Mercedes pulled up alongside the hangar and the rear door opened.
Will stuck his head out and asked, "Going our way?"
"Always," responded Madison as she pushed Whitcomb forward. "Get in and mind your head."
A black Chevrolet Express van pulled in behind and a grinning Henry waved to Madison from the driver's seat. She closed the door on the redhead and headed to the rear of the van.
Helen opened the door and Madison stepped up, "Hello there sweetheart."
"Oh god Madison, it's ever so good to see you. Now sit down and let me look at your injuries."
"That can wait, because I'd rather kiss my wife first."
In reply, Helen hugged the blonde and kissed her feverishly. Their lips and bodies remained locked in rapture until the van came to a stop inside the Sanctuary garage.
"Welcome home darling," announced Helen breathlessly as she stepped out of the vehicle.
"It's good to be back."
"We are going straight to the Infirmary and attending to your wounds."
Shutting the door, Madison kissed Helen again, "Okay honey, but first I need to do something."
"Yes, I believe I have a matter I need to attend to also."
"After you sweetie," offered Madison with her trademark grin.
Overwrought with reality, Helen pulled her closer, "I really thought you were dead."
"Ssh baby, I'm a little banged up. but right where I belong."
Wiping away her tears, Helen collected her raging emotions and moved away from the van.
Bigfoot and Will were standing on either side of Whitcomb while Henry called the lift.
Helen approached the auburn haired woman and glared, "How dare you send you ruffians to my home and threaten my family."
"All is fair in business Doctor," retorted Whitcomb self-righteously.
"Fair? You do not know the meaning of the word and to try to trade a human life for genetic madness is deplorable. Your days of plotting against the Abnormals are over. You will be transferred to the UK Sanctuary until the Executive Committee decide what to do with you. Thankfully that decision is not entirely up to me because I would not hesitate in shipping you off to Siberia."
"Lucky me," snickered Whitcomb dryly.
The anger and heartache finally broke and Helen slapped Whitcomb across the face, "Yes, lucky fucking you."
The redhead staggered backwards before regaining her posture.
Madison reached out and squeezed her wife's shoulder. Helen stepped aside and the blonde moved in closer to Whitcomb. Without hesitation, she formed a fist and punched the woman in the mouth.
Whitcomb doubled over and Madison snarled, "By the way, if it was up to me, I would have shot your sorry ass on the plane. Oh and here's one last piece of news, I don't have a husband; I have a beautiful wife and that was for causing her, our family and the Abnormals hell all this time."
Whitcomb straightened up in time to see Madison take hold of Helen's hand and enter the lift.
The door closed and Madison collapsed into her spouse's arms, "I think I'd like to sleep in tomorrow morning."
"I prescribe breakfast in bed my love."
Madison managed a weak smile, "And you?"
"Most definitely."
-o-
Once Helen had cleaned Madison's wounds, she set about sealing the laceration between her fifth and sixth ribs. "You were very fortunate the blade missed vital organs and only nicked costal cartilage."
Reaching out, Madison touched Helen's hip, "I was very lucky sweetheart and having my own private doctor doesn't hurt either." She kept her hand in place, not wanting to lose the comforting contact.
"The gunshot wound to your Quadriceps Femoris muscle has slightly damaged your Vastus Medialis and was close to severing your femoral artery and nerve."
"I guess you really are my lucky charm sweetheart."
"So tell me how you managed to escape."
Recounting the events in detail, Madison slowed her speech as Helen tied the last suture, "I'm so tired baby. Is it okay if I go to sleep now?"
"Of course it is. Don't fight the sedative darling. I'll be right here with you."
Closing her eyes, Madison gave into the beckoning slumber and mumbled, "Where's Ashley?" She drifted off and didn't hear the reply.
"I've no idea love." Helen pondered the question herself as she grabbed her phone.
Her daughter had fled Sanctuary the moment she was informed Madison was alive. Up until then all of Helen's calls had gone unanswered.
"Hello mom," Ashley replied softly.
"Where the hell are you?"
"In the garage and I'm sorry I took off."
"Would you care to explain your behaviour?"
"I just needed to get away. How is Madi?"
"Come to the Infirmary and see for yourself."
Ashley wavered for the briefest of moments then walked towards the elevator, "I ... can't."
"Ashley, she is going to be just fine and asked about you."
The younger woman's voice choked with tears, "My heart broke when I thought she was gone."
"I know my darling, so did mine, but she is home now and we must concentrate on that jubilant fact."
"And my heart tore into two when you screamed in the chopper."
"At that precise moment, I was under the impression I'd lost her and a part of me died, but thank goodness everything is going to fine now."
Ashley closed her phone and entered the medical room a short time later. She embraced her mother and they both watched over Madison before talking.
"I don't ever want to feel that pain again," admitted Ashley while sniffling back more tears.
"I agree, so I'd like you to go see Sylvio Rudd and purchase new vests for everyone. Money is no concern; I want the best on the market with the absence of gaps in the side seams."
"I'll go first thing in the morning and I'm overjoyed to have Madi home."
"As am I darling."
"Hey Ash," murmured Madison. "I'm sorry I scared you."
Fresh tears cascaded down Ashley's face, "Yeah well don't do it again. I don't ever want to see my mother in so much agony again."
"You got it."
Bending down, Ashley kissed Madison's forehead, "That was too close Sarge."
"You're telling me. Do you want to give me a hand up to the bedroom?"
"A wheelchair is a more fitting option," suggested Helen. Realising her wife wanted to speak privately with Ashley, Helen added, "I'll be up in a minute darling. I have to clean up here first."
"Okay sweetie."
Gradually, Ashley aided Madison upstairs then helped her into the bathroom, "You sure you'll be okay on your own?"
"Yes and before you go, tell me how your mother was?"
"After wailing and screaming she closed off and retreated here. I've never seen her like that and when Will gave her the disc and letter, she couldn't look at either."
"I'm really sorry Ashley."
"It wasn't your fault Madi, that honour belongs to Whitcomb. I'm just relieved you are alive."
"So am I and thanks for the reality check."
The younger blonde stepped in and embraced Madison, "You are more than welcome and I'll see you later."
"I love you Ashley," countered Madison in a broken whisper.
"I love you too," wept Ashley as she backed out of the room.
When Madison was left alone, she stripped off the hospital gown then inspected the waterproof dressings. Turning on the water, she stepped in under the jets and sighed as the water washed away the dirt and blood from the past two days.
-o-