Jackson heard someone on the stairs at 6:30 and found Sarah in the kitchen starting coffee. "Did you sleep at all?"
"No."
"Everything is going to work out, you'll see."
"You don't know that."
He held her by the shoulders, his stomach churning from her distress. "Do you believe Connor loves you?"
"Yes."
"Then things will work out. I know this is not how you planned your life with him, but I am certain, when all is said and done, you'll find this to be the best course for you both."
Connor entered and Sarah hugged and kissed him. "Morning."
His voice was raspy from his own lack of sleep. "I thought I would head to the office around eight forty-five."
Jackson patted his shoulder. "All right. I'm going to make some phone calls. Elisabeth and I will be ready to go with you."
Getting permission to turn Connor was simple, just as Jackson had expected. The Exemplars hated Victor so much, he only needed to speak to one. He was instructed to go ahead; there was no need to request an audience.
He woke Elisabeth at 7:30 and informed her of the plan.
She glanced at the clock and stretched. "Okay, I'll be ready."
Jackson had already showered and dressed. "I'll make you some breakfast while you shower."
"Thank you. How are they this morning?"
"They've been better."
"How tough is this going to be?"
He sat on the bed and held her hand. "The worst part is Sarah doesn't want it. If she were turning him willingly, it would be a lot easier for both of them."
"Will it be painful?"
"Not really. He'll be in and out of consciousness during the worst of it."
"My heart aches for them."
Jackson kissed her forehead. "I know." He cupped her face and wiped a tear with his thumb. "You know, I can't help thinking, if you were human, I would be going through the very hell Sarah is experiencing right now. I cannot imagine having to make this decision."
She placed her hand over his. "You went through your own hell with me."
"I guess… but now, knowing you're safe from Victor, it was well worth it."
Elisabeth threw her arms around him. "Oh Jackson, I love you so."
"I love you too, Legs, more than you know.
The drive to Connor's office passed uncomfortably. They all attempted small talk, but the tension was palpable. Jackson asked, "What are you going to tell your partners?"
"We decided to say I have cancer and need chemotherapy. They probably won't ask too many questions that way." After parking the car, they marched to the office, Connor sandwiched between the vampire and the werewolf. He quipped, "So this is what it's like to have body guards."