Grace glanced out the window above the kitchen sink, noting the beautiful sky. It would be a nice day. She turned her attention back to the coffee maker, turning the machine on. She was exhausted, even after her first full nightas sleep in months. She smiled when her husband came up behind her, hugging her from behind and placing a kiss on her neck.

aIt was good to have you still here this morning,a he said. Grace smiled, turning his the circle of his arms. She allowed herself to be held by him, relishing the safety and security of the familiarity. Theyad been married a long time, but she still loved him very much. She couldnat ask for a more patient man. aIam so proud of you, Grace,a he said, looking down into her upraised face.

aGuess it was all worth it, huh?a She was troubled, pulling away from him to go to the fridge and see what they had for breakfast.

aWhatas wrong?a her husband, Chris asked, sitting on one of the bar stools at the breakfast bar.

Grace sighed. What indeed? aI donat know,a she said, closing the door of the Subzero, and leaning against it. aGuess itas almost like Christmas, you know? You work so hard for it, put so much time and effort into it, then December 26, itas such a huge let down. And,a she said with a sigh, aI feel I let those women down.a Chrisa brows drew, confused. aHoney, you saved their lives.a aNo, Chris, I didnat. Remmy did. Donat get me wrong,a she said, holding up a hand to forestall comment. aI donat mean it like that, but I do feel that I shouldave been able to find that bastard. I really feel like because of me those women had to suffer under the hands of that monster, Venti.a She felt the anger building, a sense of failure. Turning back to the coffee maker, she had to will herself not to shirk off Chrisa touch. Instead, she allowed herself to be held once more.

aLetas get away, honey,a Chris said, concerned for his wife. Head watched her go through college, through the Academy, and finally hired on as a beat cop. Head watched her frustrations and joys as her career progressed-head never known a stronger, more determined woman. But, in all that time head never seen her react so deeply to a case, or situation at work. Head never watched her suffer as she had with the Venti case.

Grace sighed, shaking her head. aI canat. Iave still got work to do.a She could tell Chris was annoyed, but he said nothing as he stepped away, making himself a cup of coffee.

Remmyas eyes blinked open, once, twice, on three they remained that way. She was lying in one of the most uncomfortable positions, head turned to the side, breasts crushed to the mattress beneath her. If her breasts discomfort was the worst of her problems, she would have done a jig. As it was, her entire body hurt, a sharp, stabbing pain in her back.

She tried to raise her head, but immediately stopped, groaning as she closed her eyes. Had she been hit by a truck? Slowly rolling her head, she saw a chair and a bedside table, a pitcher of water and plastic cup sitting next to it, on top. She was also surprised to see a teddy bear sitting there, a big smile on his face. He held a small balloon that read: Get Better Soon!

aOkay,a she murmured, turning her back the other way. Shead feel better soon if she knew what had happened to her. She realized she was in a hospital, the bed nearest the window empty. Her mouth was dry, lips cracking. Her tongue slipped out, sliding over the roughness. She groaned, not even enough moisture in her mouth to re-wet her lips. She glanced back to the table where the teddy beat sat, eyeing the pitcher of water. She wrapped her fingers around it, but didnat have the strength to lift it. aShit,a she groaned.

aLet me help.a Remmy looked up, grateful for the nurse who walked in. She felt so helpless. aThanks.a She drank slowly, the nurse patiently holding the pitcher, a straw tucked between Remmyas lips. Once shead had her fill, she laid her head back on the bed. aIam in a lot of pain,a she said, voice stronger with the water.

aItas almost time for more meds,a the nurse said, voice soft and understanding. She sat for a moment in the chair next to Remmyas bed. aThat was a really amazing thing you did,a she said, dark eyes smiling. aI know my family and I will always be grateful to you.a Remmyas brows drew in confusion. aI donat understand.a aCameron Sanchez is my little sister. You got her away from that monster. Youare really a hero, Remmy. I know Cameron wants to come thank you personally. I told her to wait until youare a little stronger.a The nurse stood. aIs there anything else I can get you?a Remmy shook her head, exhausted just from their small conversation.

aOkay. Iall be back in about thirty minutes with your pills. Get some rest.a Left alone once more, Remmy allowed her mind to roam, trying to recapture the moments before her injury. She shouldave asked the nurse what they were. She sighed, closing her eyes, doing her best to block out the increasing pain as she tried to relax. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Her brain was filled with a cold emptiness that was almost frightening. It almost made her think of a grocery bag, all pushed out to its limits in size, filled with something, or lots of somethings, then suddenly it was empties, leaving the bag expanded, but noting inside. She felt very open, and very exposed, but had no idea why.

True to her word, the nurse returned with a paper cup filled with pills. aLet me help you,a she said, again bringing the water pitcher to Remmyas mouth, the straw placed between her lips. aThis will be hard to swallow them in this position, Iam sorry.a She literally had to finger the pills into Remmyas mouth, one at a time. Finally all the pills were down, and Remmy had her fill of water.

aWhat happened to me?a she asked, indicating the pain in her back with a nod of her head. The nurse studied her, brows drawn.

aYou donat remember?a At the shake of Remmyas head, the nurse began to explain. aYou were shot in the back, protecting one of the captives you help save.a She saw the look of confusion on Remmyas face, and was startled by it. aWow. Maybe you should mention to your doctor that your memory seems to have been disturbed. Perhaps you hit your head.a aMaybe,a Remmy said with a weak smile, just wanting to be alone again.

Julie sat in the front seat of Mattas car, huddled in an oversized pair of sweats head brought her, and her favorite sweatshirt from Denver University, where shead gone to college. IT was old and ratty, but beyond comfortable. One hand was extended uncomfortably back between the seats-Skylar had a death grip on it.

Though she hadnat been gone an incredibly long time-just shy of three months she was told-everything looked so different. Yes, it was a different season-from hot, sunny skies to the overcast, pregnant clouds above her now-but everything just looked different. Even houses shead seen a million times, the same stores and the same people populating the sidewalks, all looked different. The holidays were coming up, and she wondered how many of them were shopping for Christmas? Such easy, carefree smiles on their faces and laughter in the air, no doubt.

Matt pulled the SUV into his driveway, which filled Julie twin emotions: gratitude beyond anything for being there, seeing the house again, and equal parts fear: what would she be expected to do? How would she be expected to act? Would Matt allow her to just crawl within herself? Knowing her brother, probably not.

aHome, sweet home,a Matt said, glancing over at his sister. aFor now. I think itas probably best if you stay here with us for a little while.a He studied her face, looking deeply within very dead eyes. aWhat do you think?a Julie nodded, giving him a weak smile. aI think I want to lie down.a Bonnie and Clyde just about had mini heart attacks when they recognized Julie. She was overjoyed to see them, too, grabbing them both up in her arms. She had tears in her eyes as she allowed them to lick her fears away. She smiled at Matt, silently thanking him for taking care of her babies. He nodded. No words necessary.

Dogs still in her arms, Julie walked further into the house, looking around. Absolutely nothing had changed, though she saw a large board leaning against the wall in the dining room, face to the wall.

aWhatas that?a she asked, knowing Mattas penchant for a meticulous house with no clutter.

aThis is so cool, Aunt Julie!a Skylar gushed, running over to it and turning it over. It was nearly as tall as he was.

aSkylar, maybe this isnat such a good time a Matt cringed. He had intended to put that away, but forgot in the excitement of things.

Julie walked over toward her nephew, setting her Yorkies on their feet. As she neared, she felt her heart pound and a wistful smile curl her lips. She saw the smiling faces of every one of her students, all put together in a collage. The words: WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU, MS. WILSON, THE GREATEST TEACHER IN TE WORLD!

aWe had a memorial service,a Matt said softly, stepping up behind her. aThey gave that to me at the end.a Julie reached out a hand, lightly touching the glossy faces, emotions rising. She felt so confused-happy, relieved, frustrated, and angry beyond belief. aEveryone thought I was dead,a she said, a statement rather than a question. Even Skylar remained silent, sensing all was not well with his aunt. Head been told that she had gone away for a very long time, and that he would probably never see her again.

Matt said nothing, just studied the small blonde, unsure what to say. He wanted to take her into his arms and never let her go, protecting her from every and anything, just like when they were kids. He knew he couldnat protect her from this, from herself and the specter head been told would haunt her steps for a long time. Not for the first time he damned Sergio Ventias soul to hell.

The room was quiet as Grace pushed the heavy door open. She saw Remmy lying on her stomach, eyes closed. She was attached to a number of machines, each beeping or blinking. It was late on Remmyas second day in the hospital, and the first time shead been able to escape work to come see her. Though Sergio was dead, there was a lot of cleaning up to do, as well as trying to see if any other cases could be linked to him. The tires on his van were linked to the tracks found at the site of Roxie Carmichaelas body, as well as Cameron Sanchezas house. Proof head been responsible for both.

She laid the flowers shead brought on the side table, gently pushing a teddy bear and balloon aside to make room.

aGee, Grace, isnat it a little soon for flowers?a Remmy murmured, her voice thick from pain medicine. The detective chuckled, taking a seat next to the narrow bed.

aHow are you?a she asked, reaching out to take Remmyas hand in her own.

aI think I survived being run over by a tank. Other than that, Iam great. Peachy-a a- keen,a Grace finished with her, a smile on her face. aIam sorry I didnat get here sooner. Weave had quite the mess to clean up, and had to get Pamela and Cameron back home.a She saw the look of confusion on the girlas face. aWhat?a aThe nurse mentioned a Cameron yesterday. Whoas Pamela?a Graceas brows drew. aFrom the house. They were captives with Julie.a Still no recognition. aYou do remember Julie, donat you?a aAm I supposed to?a Grace was extremely concerned as she looked into cloudy blue eyes. She sat back in her chair, wiping her face of expression. aDo you know why youare here?a She indicated the hospital room around them.

aI was shot. In the back.a Remmy interrupted Graceas relieve smile. aThe nurse told me.a Remmy reached for the water on the table next to the flowers, fingers tip toeing their way toward the pitcher, trying to reach it. Grace helped her, holding the straw to her lips as she drank. aDoc says I can turn to my back tomorrow. Thank god. This just isnat cuttina it.a She indicated the water could be put back on the table. aI canat explain it, Grace, itas like this weird feeling in my head. I feel like the harder I try to think, or the harder I try and envision something, the thicker the fog gets.a She met concerned brown eyes. aI feel so empty.a Grace sat back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other. aEmpty, how?a aInside my head. I just feel I donat know.a Remmy sighed at her inability to form coherent thoughts. aI feel used up, somehow. I am so tired. I know a lot of it is because of my injury, but, itas weird,a she said again. aI feel soul tired. Does that make sense?a Grace nodded with a smile, feeling quite similar herself. aYes. It makes perfect sense.a She leaned over and placed a soft kiss to the top of Remmyas head. aYou get some sleep. Iall come see you again soon.a She walked over to the door, stopping with her hand on the handle. aYouave two months rent-free, kid. Take advantage of it.a With those cryptic words, she was gone.

Remmy sighed, left alone again in her room. Her neck was about as tired of the position she lay in as any other part of her body. Shead do anything to roll over onto her back. Hell, even her side would do. aThis sucks,a she muttered, glancing over at the flowers Grace had brought her. She thought that was really nice. Even from the few feet away, she could smell their fragrant scent.

With a heavy sign of resignation, she lay her head back down on the pillow.

Chapter 27.

Julie stood at the window, her arms crossed over her chest, her second shower behind her. She hugged herself, forehead leaning against the cool grass. The dark night lay beyond, the dim lamp on the dresser across the room reflecting in the mirror-like glass. From the street light down a ways, she could see the snow falling in steady waves. It was actually quite beautiful.

The night had been nice, she supposed. She knew Matt was walking around her like he was on eggshells, and she hated that fact. She sat quietly on the couch, curled up in the corner, as Matt sat in the recliner reading the newspaper, Skylar playing video games. Her dogs hadnat left her side since shead arrived home, and in fact were lying on the bed, now. Matt had offered to stay with her, but she wanted to give it a go on her own. She felt fine, and was determined to not let that bastard win from the grave.

Absently Julie released herself, a hand going to her wrist and gently rubbing it. She could feel the scabbing and slight indentation from the cuffs. Her ankles still stung, too.

Walking back to the bed, Julie realized she was more exhausted than shead ever been. Dr. Corregan had given her a prescription for a sleeping pill, but the way she felt right now, she figured shead sleep clear into next week.

aMove over, guys,a she murmured to her dogs, Bonnie glancing up at her from where her chin rested on her paws, stubby tail wagging. Clyde hopped up, giving Julie a few licks before moving to the other side of his sister as his Mommy climbed in. She didnat bother to turn out the lamp-she never wanted to be in a dark room again. She slid in between the sheets, fully clothed in sweats and a t-shirt, Julie wrapped the covers up around her shoulders as she settled on her side. She smiled as her dogs cuddled up in the bend of her legs, Bonnie resting her chin on Julieas calf.

She tried to allow her mind to relax, though every time she closed her eyes, they immediately popped back open at the slightest noise, looking around the bedroom. The door had been kept ajar, and her gaze fell on the dark space beyond. She knew Mattas room was just down the hall to the right, Skylaras to the left. She was perfectly safe. That bastard was dead. He was dead. She took a deep breath, letting it out nice and slow. Adjusting her pillow slightly, She brought her hands up, tucking them under her chin. She sighed in contentment, so happy to have them free and brought into her body. She was also happy to be fully clothed and buried underneath several layers of clothing and bedding. She could already feel herself beginning to sweat slightly, but she didnat care-she was covered. With the slight smack of her lips, she closed her eyes.

The hallway was long, slanted light coming in on either side, though the source was elusive, doors slamming shut in her face each time she tried to peer inside. She kept walking, steps cautious, one foot in front of the other. She tried to ball her fists, tried to bring them in close, but could not move them.

Panic began to set in, flooding her body like a wave. She couldnat breathe-couldnat breathe!

Julie cried out, thrashing wildly until there were two thuds on the floor. Green eyes shot open, Julie hyperventilating as she sat up in the bed, fighting with the sheets wrapped around her small frame.

aJulie!a Matt hurried into the room, flipping the overhead light on as he sat on the side of the bed. He grabbed his sisteras shoulders, shaking her gently, heart racing. aItas me. Itas Matt.a Julieas eyes finally began to focus, and she recognized the concerned features of her brother. She broke, allowing herself to be taken into her hold. The dream images were quickly fading, but the emotions they left behind were still raw.

Remmy cried out as she woke, heart racing as her eyes darted around the room frantically, looking for what had frightened her so badly. She had no recollection of what had chased her into wakefulness, but she was sweating profusely. She brought her hand up, running it through her hair, and pushing it away from her face.

She was desperately thirsty, her medicines drying her mouth out terribly. The last nurse had been kind enough to move the table close enough so she could reach it. She drank greedily, panting in between gulps. A look out the window on the far side of the room told her dawn was just around the corner. She was glad-her doctor told her today shead be turned over and allowed to sit up, the catheter removed. She was grateful-whomever invented the catheter should be shot, she was convinced.

Shot.

The pain spread throughout her body like a wave, starting at the center of her back and spreading Remmy gasped, a shot of pain stabbing in her back, and reverberating at the base of her neck. She gulped several mouthfuls of air, almost panting. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to get her breathing back under control, and trying to get her pain under control.

aMy god,a she breathed, again pushing her hair back from her face. She wanted a shower in the worst way, and was tempted to get up against doctoras orders and wash up in the bathroom. For a moment she seriously contemplated that idea, eyeing the distance between the bed and the bathroom. She moved her right leg, then stopped, whimpering as fresh pain shot up her body. aOr not.a Exhausted from her interrupted sleep and the pain medication, so Remmy closed her eyes, intending to doze. She awoke six hours later to a soft nudging from one of the nurses.

aMornina, Rob,a she muttered, voice thick from sleep.

aRise and shine, Remmy,a he smiled at her, checking her vitals. aYouave got a busy morning today. Are you ready to turn over?a aDoes a bear shit in the woods?a she muttered.

Rob chuckled. aWouldnat know. Iam going to get your bandages changed after the doctor comes in to take a look, then weall get your catheter out, and get you up and moving. Sound good?a aSounds like Heaven.a Rob patted his patient on the shoulder then left, soon to return with everything head need, and her doctor. After the doctor proclaimed that Remmy was healing well, he left two nurses to take care of her, cleaning and changing her bandages, then the three of them got her turned around until she was seated, a groan of part pain, part relief escaping her throat.

aYou okay?a Rob asked, watching Remmyas face carefully for any signs of the normal pain. She nodded, chewing on her bottom lip in concentration as she allowed the pain to settle. aOkay. Iall go grab your breakfast and meds.a Left alone once more, Remmy was able to view her room in its entirety, her body still smarting from the beating it had taken over the past few days. Shead never been so glad to sit in her entire life. She slowly, oh so slowly, reached beside the bed and grabbed the pitcher, which was nearly out of water, and sucked down the remainder of it. Her smile stretched across her face as her breakfast tray was brought in, and set on her tray, which was rolled over to the bed, and set across her lap.

aI almost forget, Remmy, someone is here to see you. I told her to wait so you can eat, and we can get you showered and feeling a little more human. Is that alright?a Remmy nodded, mouth too full of French toast to respond verbally.

aCool. Iall be back in a few. Enjoy your breakfast.a

Part 14.

Julie stepped out of the shower, intentionally turning her back toward the mirror as she quickly dried herself then tugged on her clothing-flannel pants and a sweatshirt, sized too large to define any sort of form beneath. That was one of the great things about having a brother-everything he owned was large. For the briefest of moments it made her smile, thinking back to when theyad been children. Theyad come in from a long afternoon in the snow, and were tired and cold. Matt had gone downstairs to the dryer, grabbing his own sweats and sweatshirt from the newly dried warmth, only to have a little blonde blur steal them from his hands. Head chased her upstairs, nearly running headlong into the slammed bathroom door. For years after that, whenever his clothes had come up missing, head go look through Julieas drawers, always finding them.

Julie ran a comb through her hair, shaggy and in her face. She hadnat decided if she wanted to get it cut or just let it grow. Part of her wanted to cut it all off in retaliation. She shook that childish thought away and opened the bathroom door, nearly tripping over her nephew, who had camped out on the floor, back against the wall, socked feet against the opposite wall. She couldnat believe how much head grown even in the three months shead been gone.

aWell, excuse me, little man,a she said, stopping herself with a hand on either side of the open bathroom door. aI donat think you were put on this earth to be a roadblock.a Skylar looked up at his aunt with big, almost sad, eyes. aRemember when I was little and you used to call me speed bump?a he asked, almost as though he were trying to make sure that the woman before him was really his beloved aunt and mother-figure.

Julie sensed something was up, so knelt down beside the boy, running gentle fingers through his morning-disheveled hair. aYou are my little speed bump,a she said softly, smiling at him. aAlways.a Skylar felt his chest expand, and became overwhelmed with a surge of love. He threw himself into her arms, nearly knocking her backwards back into the bathroom. aI love you, Aunt Julie,a he whispered, missing the tears in his auntas eyes.

aI love you, too, Skylar.a After a moment she pulled away, brushing a thumb over freckled cheeks, wiping away his tears. aDonat ever forget that, okay?a At Skylaras nod, she turned him around and sent him scampering back to his bedroom to make his bed with a playful swat to the Spider-Man pjs-clad butt.

Julie padded down the stairs, the smell of bacon frying and coffee brewing met her nose. She stopped mid-step, hand on the banister and closed her eyes, inhaling the fragrance that brought a million and one memories back-from her childhood, and her life before well, before. She walked through the entryway of the house toward the kitchen where Matt was standing in front of the stove, the radio turned to a country station on the corner of the counter. He was oblivious to the amused eyes watching him as he swung his hips, singing along with Brad Paisley.

The jingling tags of Bonnie chasing Clyde as they nearly slid around the corner into the room, finally alerted him that he wasnat alone. Matt turned, immediately turning an adorable shade of pink when he saw Julie leaning against the butcher block island, doing her damndest to not start laughing.

aMornina,a he murmured, turning back to the bacon, flipping over the sizzling strips. He shook off the embarrassment easily, remembering last night instead. Turning back to his sister, he set the spatula down on a folded paper towel, and walked over to her. He reached to gather Julie in a hug, but saw her flinch. Dropping his arms, he smiled. Donat take anything she says or does personally Itas not about you, itas about her. aHow are you today?a Julie nodded, hugging herself tightly. She worried she had hurt her brother, not intending for him to see her incredible discomfort at his touch, but she couldnat bring herself to apologize. aAlright, I guess.a She gave him a weak smile, nodding toward the stove. aSmells good.a aThanks!a Matt said, eager to get onto a safe subject. aI figured, throw some toast in the toaster, plenty of butter, just like you like it, then some eggs-a aNo eggs,a Julie said, her eyes immediately filling with fear, the sting of emotion making her blink several times.

Matt was stunned, utterly confused. aAlright,a he said slowly. aNo eggs. I thought you loved eggs? I was gonna fry them, just how you-a aNo eggs, Matt.a aOkay. Um,a he turned back to the carton on the counter, wondering what head make for the main course of their breakfast.

Julie felt her heart pound, but then she felt guilty. She could see the confusion on her brotheras face, and knew he was just trying to do a good thing for her. aHow about I whip up some pancakes?a she suggested, her enthusiasm very forced.

aYou donat have to, Jules. I can do that.a aNo.a She smiled at him, this time almost genuine. aYou keep watch over the bacon and potatoes, as I see youave got them all cubed up and spiced over there. Iall make pancakes.a The three of them sat at the kitchen table, Skylar digging into the pancakes like head never eaten them before, pouring on more maple syrup with every bite. Julie grimaced in disgust, feeling her mouth fill with cavities as she watched. She listened as Matt and Skylar spoke to each other, Skylar filling them in on his new friend at school, or his teacher this year. Their conversation and camaraderie was nice, familiar, but somehow Julie felt like she was watching an episode of television. She couldnat shake the feeling of disjointedness, like she didnat belong there, didnat have anything to add.

Chapter 28.

Remmy felt glorious. Well, that may be too strong of a word, but better for sure. She had been bathed, though an old bitty of a nurse had helped her. She mused it would have been a much nicer experience if even Cameronas sister had assisted her. She was dressed in a fresh gown with fresh dressings on her injuries and surgical incisions, and was being wheeled back to her room.

With a full stomach and clean body, Remmy allowed herself to be settled on the bed, sitting, her back against a cloud of padding behind her. She was ready for her visitor. She told the nurse as much, and he went to get her.

Left alone, Remmy was left alone with her thoughts. The nightmare that had woken her, which she still could not remember, left her troubled and feeling mildly frightened. What made it worse was she was mildly frightened by something she had no knowledge of. She recalled her conversation with Grace, whom had called her last night to make sure all was well, and remembered how the detective had looked at her, almost startled and concerned that Remmy didnat remember the women she had named: Pamela and Julie. Neither name rang a bell, though she felt as though it should. The names and any link to them, were sucked into the void that was the emptiness in her mind. Her troubled thoughts were interrupted by the opening of her hospital room door.

A woman peeked her head in, long, dark hair pulled back in a French braid. Her eyes were nearly as dark as her hair. Seeing Remmy propped up on the bed, she pushed the door in fully, stepping inside and letting the door slowly slide closed behind her.

Remmy studied her, dark brows drawn, but slowly they rose as her mouth fell open. Standing before her was a ghost of her lost, and misspent youth. She tried to raise herself, but stopped, pain shooting through her body.

aStay put. Donat hurt yourself,a her visitor said, walking over to the bed, staring down at Remmy with dark eyes, still so filled with mischief.a Without another word, the two cousins embraced, Monica holding Remmyas head against her chest, feeling strong arms encircle her waist. They said nothing, just as they never used to have to say anything.

Finally Remmyas curiosity and shock go the best of her. She pulled back, looking into the face of her beloved Monica as the woman sat in the chair next to the bed. She refused to relinquish physical touch, and kept the older girlas hand in her own. aWhere did you come from? Where did you go? Jesus, I thought you were dead.a Monica smiled, soft wisps of dark hair framing her pretty face. aI nearly was. Picked myself out of a gutter one day, the money Iad made the night before stolen, and decided I was going to die. Just up ahead I saw a small church, and staggered inside.a She squeezed Remmyas hands. aIave been looking for you for years, Rem. I had no idea where youad gone.a Remmy smiled, trying to hold off her emotion. Hot damn! Iave got family again. aIave been everywhere. Nowhere. Ended up here.a Her brows drew. aHow did you know I was here?a aSaw it on the news. Youare quite the hero. Itas everywhere, how you led the police to those women.a Monica smiled, pride glowing in her dark eyes. aI guess you found an outlet for your visions, huh?a Remmy studied her cousin, slowly shaking her head. Her voice was a whisper. aI donat remember, Mon. People keep telling me that, but I have no clue what theyare talking about. Iam a little scared.a Monica studied their conjoined hands for a moment before she met troubled blue eyes. Shead always wished shead gotten Remmyas eyes from their grandfather, too. aRem, I came here with the intention of taking you back home with me. Youare so important to me, and weare all the other has as far as family goes. Iave got a small house in Omaha. I donat want to lose you again.a Remmy heard the words, and they made her so happy, but then something kicked in, and her brows drew. Something something missing. She thought back over her life in Woodland, though brief it was, and tried to figure out what it was that was telling her to stay. She thought about her small apartment, which was nice, but certainly expendable. She thought about her job, which too was nice, but shead had a million of those. Yes, shead made friends, but nothing that could compare to her cousin, to her family, to her best friend.

Monica studied Remmyas face intently, hoping that shead say yes. She gave an answering smile to the blinding one she received. At Remmyas nod, Monica grinned, hugging the younger woman to her once again.

Grace was taking notes on her research for her newest case, a hit and run that had left a 10 year old girl dead in the gutter. She pushed her reading glasses up further on her nose when she was interrupted by a tap on her shoulder. She glanced up and smiled at the surprise of seeing Joan Watson standing there. Joan fell into the chair next to Graceas desk.

aHi. Sorry to interrupt you at work, but an officer showed me where you were.a aNo problem, Joan. How is it going?a Grace removed her glasses, setting them aside as she leaned back in her office chair.

aOh, fine. Iam a little bummed, though,a she said, digging into her purse and producing a small, folded piece of paper. She set it on the edge of Graceas desk. aIave lost my favorite employee. And tenant.a Grace took the paper and unfolded it. It was the check for six hundred dollars shead given Joan more than a week ago. She raised questioning eyes to Joan.

aSheas gone, Grace. I went to see her this morning, knowing she was due to be released. I had planned to take her home. The room was empty, bed freshly made. The nurse said she was released this morning, and left with her cousin.a aCousin?a Grace hadnat been aware Remmy had any family. Knowing that was irrelevant right now, she released a heavy sigh. aOh. And she left the area?a aI guess. The cousin was from the mid-west somewhere, the nurse said. I guess shead been here for the past few days.a She shook her head sadly. aI wish I didnat now. I guess I wish things couldave been different. She would have stayed, resumed the life shead made here. She had a job, place to live, friends.a Grace smiled. aBut consider her life here, Joan,a she said softly. aShe was tortured with visions of Sergio Venti, and forced to live the horrors that Julie, Pam, Roxie and Cameron did.a Grace sipped from her coffee. aTo be honest, Joan, I just hope she can find some peace.a Joan sighed, knowing Grace was right. aI feel we all let her down, somehow,a she said, her voice soft. aMaybe we shouldave been there for her more.a She laughed nervously. aHell, Iam pawning off my own guilt. Maybe I shouldave been there more for her.a Grace patted Joanas knee. aDonat beat yourself up, Joan. Remmy is one of the strongest people Iave ever met. Sheall be okay.a