Family Ties Chapter 23
-G-
AN – I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint some of you with the contents of this chapter, but I'll say what I have said from the start and that is … there is a plan! Stick with me, folks.
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
-G-
The room seems frozen in time, all of them in statue like positions of their last movements. Nick with bloody scalpel in his hand, Henrietta collapsed on the floor and the captain in a heap at Nick's feet. Nothing and no one move. Then a dark grey, almost black cloud emits from Renard's lips, rising up before dispersing into nothing and the room comes alive with motion again.
Nick instantly drops to his knees, turning his superior over while saying his name and covering the wound at his throat with a nearby blanket. There's no response, so he checks for a pulse, finding one before pressing the material in closer to stop the bleeding.
"Henrietta!" Nick calls and getting no reply, leaves the captain to rush over to her side. She groans as he turns her and again, he finds himself searching for material to stem the blood flow from her injury. "I've got you, I'm gonna get you help." He says and she feebly grips his hand.
"No hospitals," she gasps and he stares in confusion before she gurgles and then Woges in pain. He scrambles for his phone while keeping pressure on her wounds.
"Rosalee," he gasps out as the call connects. "I need your help. I need you to get any, all of your medical supplies and come to the address I give you, as fast as you can." He instructs quickly and relief floods him as she replies, not with rushed questions but with calm enquires of what he needs and how she can help.
It feels like it takes hours before he hears or senses anyone approaching. He tries to talk to Henrietta, keep her aware but she fades in and out of awareness, Woging and effecting the room around them. The lights flash and at one point Nick notices the flowers in the room withering up; when he looks next, they're dead. Renard remains unconscious; Nick able to hear his slow heartbeat but unwilling to leave Henrietta's side to do any more right then.
"Nicholas," she wheezes suddenly, her eyes sharp on his face as she comes back into consciousness. "Get a vial from the cabinet … take some of his blood … for Diana … we may not get another chance …" Henrietta gasps out, one arm pointing to the unconscious male on the other side of the room.
"I'm helping you first," he states as he grips her hand firmly. She almost dislodges the material helping keep her wound covered as she shakes her head.
"Please, do as I ask," she whispers and when he hesitates adds, "For Diana." Before he nods. Moving quickly, he opens the indicated cupboard and takes out a pouch, similar to what she has used at the house with his, his mother, Adalind and Diana's blood. Working swiftly, he puts the small blade aside and holds up the vial, squeezing some blood from one of the captain's injuries into it before putting a stopper on top.
"I must charm it," she pants out, reaching for it as he finishes. He goes to protest but she Woges again, the vial levitating out of his hand and into hers where it's then surrounded by light briefly. She moans as it fades and then falls limp, Nick catching the vial as he lurches towards her.
"Henrietta?" He takes hold of her hand and hates how cold she feels. There's no response and he checks her pulse again, finding it to be worryingly slow. His phone goes off and he fumbles to answer it.
"Rosalee, where are you?"
"We're just outside, but Nick, something's wrong, it doesn't feel right. I don't think we can come in." He curses and then leans over Henrietta.
"Henrietta, my friends are here, they're here to help. If you can hear me, let them in. I trust them and so can you. They're here to help." He repeats the words several times, griping her hand and tapping at her face to get her attention, and finally gets a feeble squeeze on his hand in response.
"Try again now," he says into the phone and listens as he hears dual noises come from the phone line and down the hallway.
"Nick?" Monroe's voice calls out a moment later.
"In here!" He shouts back and hears two sets of footsteps approach.
"Oh my god," Rosalee gasps as they enter the room and she then hurries to his side as Monroe stops by the captain.
"Is that-?"
"They both have multiple injuries, and are suffering from blood loss," he interrupts quickly.
"Nick, you shot him!?" Monroe exclaims as he examines Renard's body. His chest is bleeding from what looks like gunshot wounds and as Nick and Rosalee turn to look, they suddenly heal, disappearing back into the skin and leaving no mark behind. "Woah!"
"The po-possession is done," Henrietta gasps and Nick spins back to her, her eyes open but face pale. "He is him … self again."
"Henreitta, my name is Rosalee and Nick called me to help," the Fuchsbau starts. "But you have some pretty serious injuries and I really think we should take you to-"
"No hospitals," Henrietta interrupts. "Too much harm there. I can heal … heal here … with rest and time." She pants out her words, Woging and then retracting in pain. Rosalee throws a look at Nick but all he can do is shrug. He doesn't understand it either but will respect the witch's wishes.
"Ok, I have some balms and salves that could help, if you agree to me using them?" She quickly details what they're made of and Henrietta agrees to the use of some.
"What do we do with him?" Monroe asks, still tending to the captain's wounds. Nick looks at him and then around the room, trying to think it all through.
"Help me get him to my car," he says and they all look at him. "We can't have an ambulance coming here, for multiple reasons but most importantly they won't be able to find the address and get inside, plus if a report is made that'll bring too many questions our way. If I take him to hospital, I can say we were … jumped … while out following a lead for a case."
"You do look a bit messed up too," Monroe comments and after checking with Henrietta and Rosalee, the two of them shift and shuffle with Renard's body between them and make it out to the land cruiser. It's a struggle, what with the man's size and dead weight, and they definitely ding his head, and other body parts, a few times against various surfaces as they move him. He feels bad about that, but can't see a way around it in the moment.
"Stay here," Nick instructs as he closes the back door and moves to get in the driver's seat. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Keep your phone on!" Monroe calls out and he nods, seeing his friend re-renter the house, before starting the car and driving away.
Turning up at a hospital with your injured superior gets a lot of attention and they are quickly swarmed, medical professionals attending to them even as Nick, having called it in during the car ride, waits for the other officers to arrive. Most of his injuries are superficial, though he's warned he'll be feeling the pain from them for a few days, so he's quickly released and is standing waiting for news of the captain's condition when Hank, Wu and Franco arrive.
"Nick," Hank calls and he turns to them. "Are you ok? What the hell happened?"
"I'm still not entirely sure," he replies, being truthful at that. "We got a tip come through, and captain suggested we check it out. You know he's been getting pressure from the mayor's office and the media about this case. All I can say is one moment, we were fine and then the next, someone else was there and suddenly we were fighting for our lives."
"Can you give a description? Do you think this has anything to do with the Jack the Ropper case?" Franco asks and Nick sees Hank and Wu share a look. "Pogue and Meachum are on their way too, as they'll have to handle this investigation as you're involved as a witness."
"I can, yes, and I definitely think it has to do with that case," he replies but before they can discuss any further a doctor comes out to inform them of how captain is doing.
"His emergency contact has been called, as he suffered some significant blood loss from his injuries and so will need to be kept in but he's no longer in critical condition. Without being able to give out more details, all I can say is that it looks like he should make a full recovery, with time." They thank the doctor before he leaves and then return to discussing what happened, Meachum and Pogue arriving to ask questions, with Nick giving detailed descriptions when he can and offering vague minutiae for everything else.
"And he spoke with an accent?" Meacham queries and Nick nods.
"Definitely," he confirms. "It was European, maybe British?"
"Really living up to the Jack the Ripper connection," Wu notes, with a raised eyebrow at Nick.
"That's more to go on so we can catch this bastard, he's gone after us now so it's starting to feel personal. Either way, captain is going to need some time to recover and you should take some time too, Burkhardt." He opens his mouth to argue but Franco stops him.
"I think we'll all be in agreement with that. Take the time, Nick." He nods and the other officers move away, trying to find the doctor again to ask when they can talk to Renard. Nick moves to a quieter corner with Hank and Wu, as they both shoot him looks.
"What the hell happened?" Hank asks again.
"It was Jack the Ripper in the captain," he says quietly.
"What?!"
"He was being possessed," he further explains, glancing around at the other people in the hallway. "Captain was gone, not in control, it was all Jack and he wanted us dead."
"Us?" Wu picks up on.
"Yeah, I wasn't the only one he was attacking. Another female Wesen, we definitely got that right about who he was targeting." A few more people move down the corridor and Nick suddenly gets a prickling sensation, like he's being watched. As subtly as he can, he sweeps the corridor and sees too many others in the vicinity to clearly identify where the feeling is coming from.
"I think it might be best if we discuss this elsewhere." He adds in quietly and both Hank and Wu nod. They turn to go, with Nick scanning every face he sees and trying to commit them to memory, just in case. "I have to go check on a friend but afterwards we can meet, I'll call you, alright?"
Driving back towards Henrietta's, he feels a wave of tiredness and has to shake it away to keep concentrating on driving. He'd known something was amiss with Renard, had been trying to keep close tabs on the man but this? Possession? Really didn't se that coming and it again reminds him of how little he knows in this world he finds himself in.
"Nick?" Rosalee calls and he hurries through to the lounge, where she's sat next to an upright, though heavily supported by cushions and blankets, and not so pale Henrietta.
"Hey, how are you?" He asks as he comes to a stop in front of the women. The Hexenbiest smiles at him, small and strained but definitely there.
"I owe you a debt of gratitude and commendation. Your actions saved my life and I would most likely not be here now, as I am, without them." She speaks slowly but assuredly.
"Well, I have you to thank as well. Without your help, I could have been forced to do something permanent."
"So, do we get an explanation now or…?" Monroe jumps in with a raised eyebrow and Nick quickly explains the evening's events, with Henrietta adding in any details he misses, or didn't know, especially around the spirit possession parts.
"Dude," Monroe breathes as they finish and Rosalee shakes her head.
"This could have been a lot worse," she says. "From the little I've heard; spirit possession can turn very nasty indeed."
"Again, I owe you a debt, Nicholas," Henrietta coughs and he shakes his head.
"There's no need for that," he starts but she leans forward and garbs his hand.
"You have shown, through actions as well as words, that you are more than the label you wear. If you were a different man than I would not be here and I thank you as well as am indebted to you. My kind do not forget such acts." He moves his hand to cover hers and squeezes gently.
"And I'm not someone who would hold such a thing in place, just for doing the right thing."
"There are those that would disagree," she coughs out.
"Well, none of those people are in this room." He states and she leans back, looking towards Rosalee and Monroe who are watching them keenly.
"I guess I didn't get to make any formal introductions before I left, huh?" He asks and gets a smile from both women.
"We managed on our own," Rosalee comments. "But a few extra details would be nice." She moves then, going to sit on the opposite facing chair next to Monroe and Nick takes her spot near Henrietta. He listens as Rosalee details what she's done for the Hexenbiest and her prognosis, based on her observations and Henrietta's answers, of how she'll heal. She stresses that she's no medical expert, relying on her background in apothecary but this seems to reassure the older woman rather than anything else.
Nick goes on to give a brief over view of their relationship so far, with both Rosalee and Monroe keen to hear more but he becomes more aware of Henrietta's lack pf participation and tired appearance. When she begins to list to the side, even propped up as she is, he calls an end to their discussion.
"I think, if it's ok, I'll stay here tonight," he says and gets looks from everyone in the room. "It would probably be better if someone stayed with Henrietta, just in case."
"Nicholas I am fine. It will take more than a vengeful spirit to take me from my place on this plane," she comments.
"I also think it would be a good idea," Rosalee adds in. "Your body suffered some pretty significant injuries and you said you used your power to create the paralyser in the fight, so it might take longer for your body, and energies, to help heal. Having someone here in case you need help is a good move."
"I'll sleep on the couch; you won't even know I'm here unless you need me." Nick states and Henrietta huffs.
"If you are staying then you will use the guest bedroom. A couch is no place to sleep." They quickly agree and then he and Rosalee help Henrietta to her room, him leaving as she offers help in ways he knows the Hexenbiest would be uncomfortable with his presence. Heading back to the sitting room he finds Monroe trying to straighten the room up, and he quickly joins in. Cushions and blankets are replaced and he rolls the several bloody material items into a ball. The two blades he avoids touching anymore than possible, knowing he needs to wipe them clean of both his and the captain's fingerprints.
"Nick, are you ok?" Monroe asks quietly as they move side by side.
"Yeah, it all just happened so quickly. And it was so strange, hearing another voice come out of someone I know and having him stare at me like that." He puts the parcel with the blades down and moves to the cabinet he opened earlier. "Captain and I haven't always gotten along, and I doubt we'll ever be considered more than somewhat friendly acquaintances at this point, but he's never looked at me like that. Whatever that person, spirit thing was, they wanted us both dead."
"What were you doing here anyway? Cause man, that was a case of right time, right place."
"Yeah," he nods at Monroe's words, briefly thinking what could have happened if he wasn't here and not liking the possible outcome, especially considering the state of the bodies they'd previously found. "It was a coincidence I was even here. I'd come to ask about the protection spells, what she has cast around her house."
"Oh dude, those are impressive," Monroe exclaims. "Walking up to this place and feeling that? If I hadn't known you were inside and needed help, I would have turned right back around."
"It's something when you feel it for the first time," he says, remembering the sensation himself. "So, it's a good force for protecting an area."
"Or maybe people? Say another Hexenbiest?" He locks gazes with the Blutbad but Rosalee enters the room before he can reply.
"She sleeping now, and with what I gave her, at her request, she should rest through the night."
"That's good. I can't thank you enough for helping with this, literally dropping everything to come when I asked." He looks between both of his friends as he says that, hoping they can see what it means to him.
"Nick, you would do the same for us," Rosalee says. "And besides, from the little we've talked, I think I'm going to like Henrietta. I certainly wouldn't mind talking again when she's more alert, her questions about what I was mixing together to make the tonics and balms were insightful, and it's not often I get to have conversations like that."
"You really going to stay the night?" Monroe checks and he nods.
"I think it's best, I know it's probably not necessary but it'll make me feel a bit more at ease, knowing I'm here just in case."
"Well, I'll come back first thing," Rosalee offers and he accepts as he sees them out. He stands by the front door for several minutes, just thinking of all that's happened in such a short period of time. Before pulling out his phone to send several messages. First, he has to let Hank and Wu know he's not meeting with them tonight, but will update them as soon as he can, and then to Juliette that he's staying with a friend, just so she doesn't worry. He sighs before heading to his bed for the night, glad that Henrietta is ok but also knowing that this puts his situation with the captain in even more uneasy territory.
-G-
Her breath and hair swirl around him as they roll, hands clasped as they vie for position. Him on top then her, lips meeting then pulling away as breath is gasped and skin is touched. Magic sprinkles through the air and builds in intensity the closer they get.
"Please," she gasps out. "Nick."
"I've got you," he murmurs back, squeezing her close as she settles above him once more. She rolls her hips and he groans, wrapping his arms around her body and so trapping her hands behind her back.
"Don't let me go," she whimpers and he kisses her, fusing their mouths together as their bodies strain. Her heat feels so close, electricity sparking from where they touch and it all feels like not enough. He wants more. Pressing up he hears her moan and … and he wakes, unfamiliar blankets tangled around his legs.
He takes a deep breath as he settles into awareness, acknowledging where he is and what his night time visions had been like. Then wishing he'd had time with the real Adalind instead, where he could talk to her, instead of whatever his subconscious was making up. He wanted her, yeah, but right now he wanted to actually see and talk to her more.
With a groan he heaves himself up, grateful the guestroom at Henrietta's had an ensuite and freshening himself up as much as possible before venturing to the kitchen. He knows she has tea, a selection from what she's offered to him in the past, but he's really hoping there's coffee somewhere too. It feels not great looking around, and he's not entirely comfortable with having to almost open every cabinet in her kitchen to try to locate things, but he hopes she'll understand. When he'd hovered outside her room, her breathing pattern had indicated sleep and he doesn't want to interrupt her rest for something as trivial as his morning cup of joe.
His phone goes off as he gives up on the search and he answers it quickly, hoping the sound of the ring isn't as loud as he thinks it is.
"Burkhardt," Franco's voice greets him. "I hate to bother you but captain's awake and asking if you could visit. He's given his statement, though he wasn't able to give us any more than you already provided. Still, he's allowed visitors now and wants to see you."
"I'll head to the hospital now," Nick replies and grabs his keys so he can do just that. "Will I need anything?"
"No, we've put some officers outside his room, just in case but they'll know to expect you, and any other visitors captain might have."
"Thanks Franco, I'll let you know if he remembers anything else." He ends the call and then goes to leave before backtracking and heading up to Henrietta's room. He knocks quietly, not wanting to wake her but also not wanting to just leave when she knew he was staying the night.
"Come in, Nicholas," she calls softly and he steps inside, hovering close to the door as she looks up at him.
"I've got to head out for a while, captain is awake at the hospital," he explains. "Rosalee will be coming back and I'll return as soon as I'm able."
"You care is much appreciated, Nicholas, but I can take care of myself," she states and he gives a nod in acknowledgement.
"I know you can, but right now you don't have to," he replies and she gives him a small smile. "Will Rosalee be able to enter now?"
"The wards have accepted her, she will not have any trouble coming so you may go now, without any need to wait." He nods again before asking if she wants anything before he goes. Another smile and quiet reassurance of her abilities and he's out the door, texting Rosalee to let her know of his morning plans before starting the car to drive to the hospital.
Since the hospital is expecting him, he can go straight through and he greets the officers stationed outside Renard's room warmly, knowing how this will be seen and not surprised to see the extra security. The captain is awake when he enters, and alone other than a nurse who is writing something in the folder that then clips to the end of his bed.
Standing to the side in the hospital room, Nick watches as the nurse finishes their check and waits for them to leave, so he and the captain will be unaccompanied and can talk freely.
"I owe you some thanks," the captain says quietly once they are alone in the room.
"Do you remember much?" Nick asks and the other man looks away, shifting slightly on the bed.
"Yes and no. I knew something was wrong, and I'd started to suspect something more was involved but not this." He shakes his head slightly. "How did you?"
"Henrietta," Nick starts and sees his superior suddenly straighten up in the bed in alarm. "She's ok, I mean she's injured from you, or rather Jack, attacking her but she'll make it. Refused to come to the hospital so a friend of mine is looking after her." Renard looks away at that and sighs.
"I guess I'm responsible for our recent cases as well," he says quietly and Nick takes a step forward.
"It wasn't you though, you were possessed."
"Still by my hands," he mutters back.
"I remember a conversation we had, about how sometimes we walk in two worlds at the same time. You know what you did, even though you weren't fully in control of your actions, but can't necessarily explain it in a court of law. Sound familiar?" Nick talks quietly and meets the captains gaze squarely.
"I get what you're saying," the older man admits. "But we still have several dead bodies with no clear course of action on how to get justice."
"Give me some time, I might be able to help with that," Nick replies, a vague thought coming to him. "And it's not like we haven't had to fudge things before." Most of his cases involving Wesen really. There's been the odd few where it's been able to be clean cut, but most have some ambiguity in them, which for police reports meant to be based on reporting facts isn't all that great. The world they live in, though, makes it necessary and captain has definitely been of help in those matters. Of course, he's also added to them so there is that.
"You should know that hospital staff called your mother …" He adds and watches his reaction.
"She'll be here soon then," the captain sighs. "And not pleased. Last time was a lot for her, and for me to be in the hospital again so soon …" he shakes his head but a thought has just occurred to Nick. Renard's mother, if his mother is coming, then there's another connection, as her family link to the captain would make her Diana's grandmother.
"Does she know?" He asks quietly and gestures instead of saying anything more, making several motions he hopes his superior will understand.
"Yes, she knows about all my family connections," Renard responds neutrally but with an incline of his head. They nod at each other then, an understanding of sorts passing between them and Nick takes that as his cue to leave.
"Nick," Renard calls him back. "This doesn't change anything else. I still want my daughter." He nods in acknowledgement of the words but says nothing else before walking out.
As he leaves, he thinks of this new familial connection for Diana and what it could mean for Adalind and the royal family. He doesn't know everything but he is aware of some parts of the royal families' history and how they treated Renard as he grew up. Plus, it'll be another Hexenbiest involved and Nick's not convinced they need any more magic and mayhem added into the mix.
Just round the corner from the room he almost bumps into a bearded man coming from the opposite direction and they both apologise before moving on. Something makes Nick look back, study the man's gait and frame while taking in his clothing. He looks like someone who could blend in anywhere and that, to Nick, makes him stand out more. There's just a sense, a feeling in the air or his instincts that Nick is learning to listen to closely. Either way, he needs to check on who's visiting the captain and a glance up to see the security cameras that line the hallway confirms a way he can do that.
-G-
Rosalee is still with Henrietta when he arrives back, the two talking quietly in the kitchen as he joins them. Henrietta still looks pale, and the area around her neck is heavily bandaged.
"How is Sean?" She asks as he takes a seat at the table and accepts Rosalee offer of a hot drink.
"Weak and in need of good rest," he replies. "He's also pretty troubled with the events surrounding his possession."
"Understandable," Henrietta says. "It is hard to find peace in actions that, while not out own, were in use of our bodies and abilities." He looks away at that and feels Rosalee's eyes on him, knowing she's thinking of his time grappling with something similar after he'd been in that fight as a zombie.
"How are you feeling?" He asks to change the course of the conversation.
"Weak and in need of rest," she parrots and he smiles a bit at that. "Rosalee here has been most helpful and I know I must listen to my body and not push past my current capacity so I may heal faster."
"I'm going to run back to the shop to pick up a few things," Rosalee says as she stands. "Henrietta has offered to help with a new tonic I've been working on and we could make a start on that if I bring the ingredients back here."
"It is most delightful to talk to someone who knows of the old ways and still has reverence for the power in the natural world around us." Henreitta smiles and Nick is glad to see the two women are getting on. "I am happy to offer my help in this pursuit, as we potentially find out new things yet undiscovered." There's a slight gleam in her eye and Nick thinks that giving her a focus, especially one that ties into her love of knowledge and power, might be more helpful than any medicine.
"I'll be back soon," the Fuchsbau states and goes, leaving him with Henrietta alone. She asks for assistance in moving to the sitting room, where she will be more comfortable, and it's as they walk together that he realises how much the attack must have affected her, as she leans heavily on him as they move slowly from one room to the next. He thinks Adalind had said that Henritta was of an age when she first mentioned her, and though her appearance might be deceiving it also brings to mind how Adalind's mother also looked younger than her age. So, she really does need to rest and recuperate in order to get better.
"Thank you," she breathes out as he helps her settle herself into the chair.
"Can I do anything else?" She smiles warmly at him as he hovers over her.
"No, Nicholas, you are doing far more than most would in your position. I really do appreciate everything you have done."
"I'm happy to do it," he replies softly. "And I'm hoping my position is that of a friend, in which case I'm doing exactly what should be done."
"Friend," she exhales out. "It is always good to have friends." His phone beeps with a message and she waves him away to answer it, picking up a book from a side table and concentrating on her own reading as he replies to several enquires from the previous day.
They stay like that, comfortable in each other's presence as they focus on other things and Nick thinks he really does like and respect the older woman. Afterall, he did somewhat just appear in her life and almost drag her into a situation that is complicated at best, and downright treacherous at worst. He doesn't want to think that way, but with Renard in the hospital and others circling around them he knows their situation will get more intricate before it eases. It makes having a safe house even more important in his mind and if he's got some time off in the next few days, he could use it to get the loft set up. Henreitta's head pops up, catching his attention, and she takes a deep, slow breath before a small smile appears on her face.
"Nicholas, we are about to have a visitor," Henrietta states and then a chime rings through the air. "Would you please get the door?" She looks expectant and he pauses before agreeing and walking to the front of the house.
On the other side of the door is a blonde woman, age hard to tell, wearing affluent clothes and a hesitant smile. It drops when she sees him and he feels a tingle of awareness, a sense of something more in the person in front of him, before she Woges and retracts just as quickly.
"You are the Grimm," she states, taking a small step back. He studies her for a moment more, thinks of Henrietta's words from before and puts together her identity.
"And you're Renard's mother," he replies, taking in the high cheekbones and regal air. There's a hint of something else and he think he might recognise a little of Diana in her face shape. "Henrietta's resting but follow me, I'm sure she's aware you're here and is expecting you now." He doesn't wait for a reply, though he sees her face shift in surprise, instead turning and walking back the way he came. He hears the door close behind him and soft footsteps as he returns to Henrietta's side in the sitting room. She's sitting up straight now, more alert, and has moved the book back to the side table.
"Elizabeth," she greets and Nick watches as the blonde moves forward to embrace her.
"I am so sorry to hear of all that's happened," she murmurs as she pulls back and Henrietta waves the words away.
"I do not hold Sean in any way responsible, he was not aware of what he was doing, or being used to do. Nicholas was here and we both survived."
"Yes, my son has mentioned the Grimm a few times but I was not aware you had such a … close relationship with him." The blonde sends him a challenging look and he simply arches an eyebrow back, keeping his face neutral. As much as Henrietta might know and like this woman, he doesn't have either tie to her and in the back of his mind he's aware that she is the captain's mother and so has much more tied to what's going on here than possibly even she realises.
"Our paths intercepted a while ago and I am happy to say merged to form a mutual confidence and acquaintance. I would even go as far to say as Nicholas is becoming as dear to me as your son is to you." He can't keep his face straight then and sends her a smile, which she returns warmly.
"How interesting," Elizabth says, looking between the two of them. "I'm guessing my son is unaware of this?"
"He knows we're acquainted," Nick replies. "Anything beyond that is frankly none of his business."
"I would beg to differ, as my son has talked about you many times. I believed you to have a good relationship, based on what he has said previously." She cocks her head to one side, studying him and he meets her gaze evenly.
"I have much respect for the captain of my precinct and a good working relationship with him there. I wouldn't say the same, or even that it's that clear cut, in the other side of our lives." Henrietta huffs out a laugh at that and the older blonde turns back to her friend.
"I'm sorry to delve straight into politics. I haven't even stopped to ask how you are?"
"I am fine, as I said Nicholas was present to stop any fatalities occurring and introduced me to some of his friends, who have been nothing but kind and helpful. The lovely Fuchsbau has even given me a remedy for help with my aching joints that seems to be working wonderfully." Elizabeth turns to stare at him again.
"Friends with a Fuchsbau? Aiding and even saving a Hexenbiest and Zauberbiest? I know my son mentioned you were different but this is unheard of, especially for a Grimm."
"I try not to judge people off stories written in books, but rather by their actions of today," he replies and watches as a smile spreads across her face. "That's not to stay I'm unaware of the information said stories can provide and that they might hold true, just that I'm willing to give people a chance before taking any, shall we say, executive action." The smile drops slightly but he gets a nod in what he thinks might be admiration.
"I can see why you like him," she mutters to the other Hexenbiest and Henrietta laughs. "Still, I wonder if he would give us a few moments? I would like to catch up with my dear friend privately." He checks with Henrietta, who nods with a smile, before leaving and heading to the kitchen. Pulling his phone out he goes through his list of things that need to be bought and then rings through to Hank to check in with the investigation process.
Normally having forced time off just drove him mad, sitting doing nothing had never really been his style, but now he appreciates the time so he can focus on other aspects of his life, like getting set up at the loft, brushing up on his familiarity with the terms and accords of previous Grimm interactions with the Wesen council and actually taking the time to talk things through with his friends.
"There's no new leads, from what I've overheard," Hank says. "But another body was discovered down by the river, cut to the throat but no abdomen injury so it's still up in the air whether it's connected to the Jack case or not."
"Any other of the same details?"
"Female, known to be a prostitute, so yeah, I think they're right in making the case that it's connected. Time frame is a bit loose, in comparison to the other bodies we discovered though. Do you think we can ask captain about it?" He sighs, shaking his head even though Hank can't see him.
"I doubt we'd get much, from the little I know he wouldn't have been fully aware of what he was doing or even where he was. It sounds like every time Jack, or rather the spirit, took over then Renard experienced a blackout, only able to tell something was wrong because of the missing moments in his memory." He explains. "We could-" A commotion from the other room halts his words and he hears Hank saying his name as footsteps race towards him and Henrietta's voice calls out. Elizabeth flies into the room, glaring at him and gesturing almost wildly.
"My granddaughter?" she exclaims loudly. "You are keeping my granddaughter away from my son?!"
"Hank, I'll call you back," he mutters into his phone before ending the call and turning to glare right back. He hears Henrietta call again, both their names in the mix.
"Who do you think you are?" She demands, face harsh in her fury, and he steps right up to her, feeling his own emotions bubble closer to the surface.
"I'm one of the people keeping her safe," he grounds out. "Unlike your son, who is no innocent, ill-fated father figure. He's made his own moves in all this, resulting in Adalind not trusting him and turning to others for help."
"Keeping his child from him!" She exclaims.
"Keeping her away from the rest of his family," he stresses. "You remember them? And how they treated you and your son?" She looks away at that and he again hears Henrietta. "Look, we can continue to discuss this with Henrietta, I really don't want her moving about and possibly injuring herself further." He brushes past the blonde and walks quickly to Henrietta's room, almost stomping in his haste and feeling irritated at her for sharing this knowledge.
"Nicholas," she gasps out as he approaches her, blanket pulled back and clearly on the verge of getting up. "I did not mean to reveal this in such a way."
"You were going to keep your involvement a secret?" Elizabeth asks, hurt and something other emotion clouding her voice as she joins them. "You were going to keep my granddaughter from me?"
"We are keeping her safe," Henrietta replies. "Elizabeth, you of all people must understand what that family is capable of. They were interested in Sean only until more male heirs were produced and then you both were cast out, almost killed. Now, this child is the first in the next generation, you know how they see bloodlines and succession. Their awareness and attention on Diana are not for her own good, but theirs."
"Diana?" The blonde rocks back on her heels. "That's her name? Diana?" Nick shoots a look at Henrietta, still feeling angry that she shared information that, in his mind, wasn't hers to share, not until they talked to Adalind. But he can see that it means something to Elizabeth and he doesn't know her well enough yet to be able to tell what she'd do with it.
"Named after the Goddess of the moon and the hunt." He supplies softly and she meets his eyes before nodding.
"A good name," she murmurs. "What is she like?"
"Beautiful," he says simply, not wanting to offer anything more. Elzabeth turns to the other witch but she seems to have sensed Nick's stance on further information sharing and says no more.
"I am sorry I told you in such a way, I was not trying to upset anyone nor put any of us in danger. Sean is aware of his daughter and wishes to meet her but we have yet to agree to a plan that would enable that to happen safely, for all involved." Henrietta speaks slowly.
"And who gave you that authority?"
"Adalind did, when she's done what she has to protect her child!"
"Elizabeth please, arguing amongst ourselves does nothing when we face a much bigger threat still out there. You know the royals, know what they are capable of. Can you really blame Adalind for doing all that she can and seek protection from those that are able to help her? Diana, she is beautiful but so much more and she deserves to have a life without being constantly hunted."
"I want to meet her," Elizabeth states with steel in her words.
"We have begun trying to arrange a meting for Sean as well, I am sure working together we can make this happen for you both." Henrietta supports and Elizabeth looks away.
"This is … if you would excuse me for a moment." She says and walks quickly from the room. Nick turns to Henrietta who sighs heavily.
"That was not what I intended," she admits.
"What were you trying to do?" He asks, voice sounding harsh in the room.
"Reassure a friend, I guess. There is more going on here than you see, Nicholas."
"That may be but it's still not ok that you've involved another person in this situation. She might be related to Diana but that doesn't mean she gets to have all the information, up front, without us even letting Adalind know. This is more than just a … custody battle, per say."
"I understand, Nicholas, and all I can do is apologise. I did not mean to set this into motion as I have." He sighs and nods as he runs his hand through his hair, not wanting to upset her any more. A clink and hissing noise reach his ears and he turns to face the doorway as he concentrates on the noises in the other room.
"Nicholas?" Henrietta asks and then follows his gaze. "Oh no …" Nick moves then, rushing down the hall and into the kitchen, moving swiftly through the space until he gets to the sunroom attached, where Elizabeth stands over a cauldron. She drops something inside as he watches and the liquid inside hisses and spits.
Something passes over him then, like a shiver running down his spine and he remembers a similar sensation from earlier on in the week, having brushed it off at the time due to the case he was focused on but now he wonders if it was something else.
Elizabeth looks confused, disappointed and frustrated all at once, her attention keen on the cauldron in front of her as she checks everything over and Nick suddenly understands what she's attempting to do.
"It won't work," he states quietly and she glances up at him. "You won't find them that way." The words ring with his confidence and, almost, authority. She glares at him and he doesn't drop his gaze, even as Henrietta stumbles into the room behind him.
"Why, Nicholas, have you been holding out on me?" Henrietta enquires. "Have you done some casting of your own recently?" It might not have been all that recent but if he understands anything of magic, anything of what Adalind and Henrietta have shared with him, then intent is one of the strongest ingredients in casting and spells. And his intent hasn't changed, has probably even gotten stronger. He feels it with a certainty in his bones, in his vey core. He will protect them and shield them.
"You won't find them," he repeats and Elizabeth deflates, letting the ladle fall back into the potion.
"You are truly protective of them?" She asks and he nods.
"We both are," Henrietta adds in. "And we are willing to help you but not if you go behind our backs, or attempt to deceive us in any way."
"Henrietta-" Elizabeth starts but she holds up a hand to halt her.
"Elizabeth, my dear, we have known each other for a long time … I consider you a dear friend. But for this child, I will do what I must to protect her. If that means keeping secrets, even from old friends such as yourself, then that is what I will do." The two Hexenbiests just stare at each other and the room lapses into uncomfortable silence.
The tense atmosphere is interrupted by the chime from the front door and Nick leaves the two to their staring contest as he goes to answer it. Rosalee and Monroe are on the other side and he sighs as he lets them enter the house.
"Oh, am I glad to see you," he mutters and they glance at each other before they step forward.
"Everything ok Nick?" Rosalee asks.
"Renard's mother is here." He says quietly and both give him shocked looks.
"Here, here?" Monroe checks and he nods.
"Does she know ... ?" Rosalee starts and he doesn't need her to finish the sentence.
"She does partially and now she wants to know more," he replies.
"And, we're ok with that?" Monroe asks back and Nick shoots him a look. "Ah, right, not ok then, got it." He leads them down the hallway and back into the kitchen, where the atmosphere is no less tense. Henrietta and Elizabeth are both stood staring at each other, the cauldron off to the side still emitting the odd hiss and spark. They both turn at their entrance and Henrietta offers a smile.
"Rosalee, it is good to see you again."
"I thought I had warned you about using too much energy too quickly? You should still be resting, after what happened, so you can recuperate." Her tone is gentle but also reprimanding and Henrietta shrugs elegantly.
"We can move this to your sitting room," Elizabeth offers. "I do not wish any further pain to come your way." They all shuffle back through to the other room and watch as Henrietta settles back into her seat. "I do not believe we have met," she says, looking towards the married couple in the room.
"This is Monroe and Rosalee," Nick introduces. "They are friends of mine and came to help when Henrietta was injured." The blonde nods before suddenly Woging, causing the other Wesen in the room to do the same in reaction. The all retract after a moment and Eliazbeth shares a grim smile.
"A Blutbad and Fuchsbau, how interesting." She comments. "And friends with a Grimm."
"Who your son also has an, shall we say, interesting relationship with. As well as owing Nick for saving him from being possessed by a spirit and murdering a lot of people," Monroe snarks back and the older woman glares at him.
"Perhaps if we all took a seat then we would be able to get comfortable and talk with more ease." Henrietta cajoles and everyone takes to a chair except him. He's feeling too antsy to sit, wanting to keep mobile just in case so hovers in between the chair Rosalee and Monroe share and where Henrietta sits. "Thank you, all. Elizabeth, everyone here is welcome in my home and so, given a sense of shelter and security. I do not wish for any more scenes of violence to occur here so I must ask that we all attempt to get along."
"I understand, my dear friend, but you must see my side in this situation, while you may know these people I do not."
"You do not trust my word? And the tales you have heard about Nicholas from your own son?" Henrietta queries and the other Hexenbiest nods before then abruptly standing up. Nick shifts at her movement and all eyes are on her.
"A son who I should return to," she says. "And we can meet again, when emotions have cooled and we have all had time to think about our actions." She nods towards them all then leaves and Nick sees her out before returning to everyone else.
"Ok, I mean, what just happened and who does she think she is?" Monroe asks and Nick just shrugs, knowing they haven't seen the last of Elizabeth just yet.
-G-
The colours mix and swirl and he can feel Adalind before he sees her, that magical sensation so familiar to him now, moving to intercept her as she hurries towards him.
"Nick, something is wrong, I felt it first the other day, and again just earlier, someone is trying to find us!"
"I know, or at least I figured that out too," he replies. "I was there for one of them, that's how I realised what, what happened before was." She jerks in his hands and gazes up at him.
"You were there? For when someone was looking for us magically? Why?"
"Before I tell you, please just listen to all I have to say. I know it's going to upset you but, trust me, ok?" Worry settles over her face but she nods slowly.
"I do trust you," she says quietly and he feels a thrill of joy at the admission. "I'm listening."
"Ok, what you felt, what we both felt was someone looking magically for Diana. I don't know who it was first but I was with the second. It was Elizabeth, Renard's mother." She opens her mouth at that but he cups her hands in his and squeezes gently, non-verbally asking her to stay quiet for a bit longer. "I was with her because she came to visit Henrietta, there was an incident where both Renard and Henrietta were hurt and he ended up in hospital, from which Elizabeth was contacted. Short version is he was possessed and the spirit inside him was on a female Wesen killing spree. I managed to stop him, and end the possession, but both he and Henrietta got hurt in the process. When his mother found out, she came to visit both Renard and her friend and Henrietta ended up telling her about Diana."
"She had no right to do that!" Adalind bursts out.
"I know, I agree. I don't know how the conversation happened but Henrietta is apologetic about it so it might have been accidental. It led to us explaining how we were protecting you and neither Henrietta nor myself offered her any further knowledge of Diana or you, other than her name. That led to her attempting to cast a calling spell, I think, and is what we felt. I told her that it wouldn't work and that you were both protected." He watches as she takes his words in and then sighs, leaning into him slightly at the motion.
"I guess I should have expected something like this," she comments. "Though they weren't physically close when I was with him, his mother was one of the few people he talked about with genuine fondness. I know they keep in contact a lot and if she hadn't found out from you, he surely would have told her."
"Maybe he already did and we just gave her more information." He offers. "But she's not finding out anything else without your permission. She has also expressed interest in meeting Diana."
"There's just so much …"she trails off and looks unsure.
"Nothing is happening without your consent. Take some time, talk it over with my mom and we'll try to get more of a feel from Elizabeth and what she may do. Then we can discuss how we move forward." He says, trying to sound as reassuring as he can.
"I just don't know," she murmurs and he pulls her closer, hands rubbing up and down her upper arms.
"I know, I get it, just trust me?" Her hands come to rest on his chest and she looks up at him as sparks of magic occur from her touch. The muted colour scheme around them shifts and changes and he can feel the start of her fading away from him.
"Trust isn't necessarily the problem," she says, her words diminishing as she does till there's nothing but darkness around him.
-G-
"Sean Renard is in hospital again," Rispoli announces as he enters the hotel room. Kenneth looks up from his study of the document in front of him.
"Oh? What's happened to the bastard this time?"
"The details are unclear, but he is not in critical condition." Rispoli responds and the prince blows out a breath.
"Well, that is a shame to hear." The comment is said with an eye roll.
"What is interesting is that the incident did involve the Grimm, who was also at the hospital but did not require further treatment so was released."
"Now, that is thought-provoking," Kenneth says as he leans back in his chair. "Do we have eyes on him yet?"
"We have done pre-liminary surveillance but have nothing in place on a more permanent basis." He lists the address they have done a drive by of, the people present noted and the vehicles associated with them.
"Set it up then, men on rotations so we have eyes on this Grimm. I want to know where he goes, who he sees and just how much time he spends with my dear cousin. Who we should send some flowers to, hmm? Let him know we're thinking of … family."
-G-
AN – We're moving forward now, and before you say it, I know there wasn't a lot of Adalind and Diana in this chapter, but we'll catch up with them next time. As always, love hearing what you think and thank you for reading!