The Delacours: Part Deux

forty-two.

"You know how to deal with rippers."

"Well, my concern isn't necessarily with his mental state as much as it is with who he is. I know it's a little hard, but you really should be here." Shit...

"...I will tell you what I can do in a couple of hours. Can you handle things until then?"

"Of course." I hung up the phone and Val looked at me with her hand on her hips. Her robe was open and her hair was loosely tied in a bun on her head.

"You have to do what you have to do Magister..." Val said.

"Will you come with me?"

"Would you like me to?" I nodded.

"I know I kind of freaked out on Zane earlier, but that was just so I could go into our own backyard without him breathing down my neck. But I don't feel comfortable going across the country to deal with rippers and Brotherhood shit alone..." She sat on the bed and leaned across my legs. She rubbed her hand against my thigh.

"When do we leave?"

"I need to look up flights. There's no way we can drive there – it would take too long."

"Well... I don't know if you should be flying as pregnant as you are... You've been to Steph's office right? I can take us straight there."

"Doesn't that make you sick?"

"Yeah, but I'd rather feel nauseous than deal with the airport. You let me know when you're ready to head out, and we can."

"What about your classes?"

"Zane can do double duty. He only had two classes today and I had one test."

"Alright. I'll let Steph know we'll be there later. We should pack up some clothes for a few days – I don't know how long we'll be gone as I don't know what exactly is going on."

"Okay. I'll go get some coffee on. Unless you'd rather try and rest some more?"

"I doubt I'll be able to relax with this on my mind... We might as well just get up for the day." She helped me out of bed and I put my own robe on as we walked downstairs. After a few hours, everyone was up for the day and the kids were getting ready for school. Val and I started to pack when Zane came in the room. He was wearing his button-up and jeans with his hair tied low against his neck.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Zane, I need you to cover my classes for the next few days," Val said. "We have to go to California."

"Liz, you can't fly to California."

"We're not flying."

"And I have no choice, Zane," I said. "Steph found the ripper and there's a Brotherhood connection I guess. I know it's not ideal, but Steph and Gavin already know I'm pregnant and I still have a job to do!"

"Then let me come with you."

"Zane," Val said under her breath and shooting him a look. "We talked about this. I'll be with Liz the whole time. I know my medical magic isn't as good as yours, but I think we'll be okay."

"I just..." He took a deep breath. "You're right. I'll stay here." I walked over to him and put his hand on my belly.

"Don't worry..." I smiled. "I won't have the baby in California." He smiled back and leaned down to kiss it. He kissed my lips lightly. I brushed a few strands of hair behind his ear and caressed his cheek. He kept his facial hair neatly trimmed to his chin. "Where's Chris?"