Henri – 19

 

Henri – 19

 

Henri shivered. "What if he does know I'm here and is just biding his time until I'm alone somewhere?"

 

"No one was with you at the apartment last night," Taegan pointed out. "He'd have tried to grab you then, if that was the case. We weren't exactly secretive about moving you in. And now, no one can get in without you knowing."

 

"I guess you're right."

 

"Okay,' Ransom interjected. "We have a plan we hope will work. Is there anything else we have to talk about?"

 

"Not that I can think of," Taegan replied, getting nods of agreement from the others.

 

"Then let's head out. Henri, Allyn and I will take you home."

 

"I can do that," Taegan said.

 

"Can, yes. But I want to double check the security on his place. Not that I don't trust whoever did it, if you do, Taegan."

 

"I understand."

 

As Ransom and the others started toward the front door, Taegan caught Henri's arm to stop him. "Call me, as soon as they're gone."

 

Henri nodded. "Now that I have a phone, I will."

 

* * * *

 

He did call, assuring Taegan that Ransom had stated the apartment was as secure as Fort Knox. "Allyn's picking me up around noon to go shopping," Henri added. "This is becoming somewhat of a habit—first for the barbecue, now this."

 

"Pretty soon you'll be the best dressed man in the city," Taegan replied in amusement.

 

Henri just snorted. "Not even close."

 

"When you're finished, why don't you come by the gallery? We can have an early supper."

 

"Sure. I'd like that."

 

"All right. I'll see you then." There was a moment of silence before Taegan said quietly, "Be careful."

 

"I plan on it. I don't have any desire to end up back in Xavier's clutches."

 

"If you did, I'd ride to the rescue."

 

Henri chuckled. "On your noble white steed?"

 

"Yep. Wearing silver armor and carrying a long sword. Now I just have to remember where I stored the damned thing."

 

"Don't tell me you actually own some armor."

 

"I do. Unfortunately it's only for display, so I doubt it's wearable. I got it a few years ago as a prop for some exhibit at the gallery. I can't remember which one. Oh, well. It doesn't matter. The main thing is, I would do my best to save you, if anything happened."

 

"I know you would," Henri said softly.

 

"Now off to bed with you," Taegan told him.

 

"I'm going. I'm going. You, as well."

 

"I am. Night, Henri."

 

"Night, Taegan."

 

When Henri hung up he was smiling. "I think—no, I know—I like him. And I'm pretty sure he likes me, too. More than as just a friend."