"Is that all?"

"It's been real quiet. No stabbin's, no shootin's, nothing," Mel said.

"Maybe there's something to all that 'miracle of Christmas' nonsense after all."

"Maybe. My dad is back in town, and he says he might stay this time. Mama almost believes him."

"Do you?" Glenn asked.

"I don't know. Well, I just came over to wish you a Merry Christmas from Mom and me. She had me bring you a pound of her famous cherry fudge. I put it on the counter, there. I'll talk to ya later. Take care o' yourself."

"Don't I always? Thank your mom from me. Merry Christmas."

Glenn closed the door, and picked up her camera case. It was smeared with mud, and ripped at the corner. She opened it, and found a scrap of paper lying on top of her long lens. She read it, then sank down on the edge of the couch.

Sadie was alive, probably thousands of miles away, in some Third World country plotting a bloody coup. Did Justin Knight know she was alive? Probably. Would he warn Glenn? Probably not. She was on her own. Should she worry? She smoothed the note out on her knee, and stared at the four words written in crimson ink.

Don't get too comfortable.

Glenn felt a tingle run along her spine. Then, a strange sense of peace came over her, like God was in heaven, and all was right with the world. Knowing Sadie was out there should have been terrifying. But, Glenn felt a kinship with her. They were sisters under the skin somehow, and knowing she hadn't drowned made Glenn breathe easier, too. They were both survivors of the Little Antietam, and she wished her well. After all, Sadie could have left something a lot more lethal in Glenn's apartment if that's what she had wanted.

"Well, I gotta give it to you, Sadie. You kept your end of the deal. Thanks for returning my gear." Glenn lifted the bag onto her lap. "Good luck, girlfriend. Keep your headlights on.

She read the note once more, and tucked it into the zipper pocket of her camera bag for safekeeping.

Don't get too comfortable.

Good advice. And, she planned to take it.

end