Catching a glimpse of the gun-wielding assailant to Jo's left; Henry darted out in front of her, and took a shot to the chest; collapsing, and hitting the ground with a sickening thud. -They hadn't anticipated any scuffles with a gunman being that they'd just gone out on fieldwork.(Jo hadn't even worn a vest.)
Yet, before she knew it, her partner laid on the ground in front of her; their suspect running in the opposite direction. Letting the culprit go; she dropped to get knees, and clutched him tight to her chest. "No, no. Don't go. Eyes open," she cried; practically hyperventilating. "I.. okay.. Get..Suspect," he gurgled; starting to choke on his own blood. He couldn't even find the strength to raise an affectionate hand to her face, and reassuringly stroke her tear stained cheeks. "No. I'm not leaving you," she said; her bottom lip quivering as he struggled to eke out a few last breaths. "River," he gasped; the life draining from his eyes, then face. "Jo. Is everything okay?" Hanson asked; coming through to her on her walkie talkie. "The suspect got away. I need to leave work early," she replied; trying to pull herself together as Henry disappeared into thin air. ----------------------------------------------
"Hey. Rough day at the office?" Abe asked; Jo wrapping a compassionate arm around Henry as they entered the shop. "You've no idea," he mumbled. "If you'll just give me a few moments to get dressed.." He began; reaching the top of the staircase, and turning to face Jo. "Nope. I'm drawing you a warm bath. We're taking the rest of the day off," she interrupted; taking his hand in hers, and leading the way to the bathroom attached to his master bedroom. "I've died a multitude of times.. If anything, it's a normal occurrence now, I don't need.." He babbled; watching as Jo pulled her blouse off over her head, and unzipped her slacks. "Normal.. Do you hear yourself right now?" she scoffed; rustling out of her slacks, and bending over the tub to turn on the water. "Sorry I don't have any chicken soup for you. But if you're up to it, I can maybe think of one or two alternatives," she flirted; unhooking her bra, and tossing it at him. "Such as?" He grinned; obediently submerging himself in the tub of lukewarm water. "Mm. Take an educated guess," she said; removing her panties.
----------------------------------------------
-The two lovebirds stumbling into Henry's room on wobbly legs (about twenty minutes later); they collapsed down onto his bed, and snuggled close. Jo pressing her chest flush against his; she wrapped her legs around him, and rested her chin on his shoulder; clinging to him tightly, and refusing to let go. He couldn't help but chuckle at the uncharacteristically sugar-sweet gesture; pulling the covers up, over their bodies, and gently stroking her head until she fell asleep in his arm. -He'd saved her life today.. Though it wasn't such a big deal- he reflected- She saves his everyday.
-Abe was right. For the last thirty years, he'd been alive.. But he hadn't truly lived.. Not until he met Jo.
