The tinkling above the door announced her entrance, and she immediately warmed by the soft African music playing in the background, as well as incense-soft and musky. A few customers roamed around the store, which made Remmy feel fidgety, her fingers playing with some loose change in her pantsa pocket. She saw Brenden speaking with a young man, the teenager interested in buying a deck of Tarot cards. Brenden was explaining the differences between two different decks that sat on the glass top counter. She saw the young store owneras dark eyes dart over to her then return to the customer.

Remmy perused a section of charms when she was approached by a beautiful black woman in traditional African dress. Her skin was flawless, eyes large and chocolate brown. She smiled, teeth straight and very white against her dark skin.

aHello,a she said. aCan I help you?a aOh, uh, no. Iam just waiting for Brenden. I see heas busy, so I think Iall go.a Remmy gave the tall woman a weak smile then turned to bolt.

aRemmy, is it?a Remmy stopped, frozen. Slowly she turned, taking in the gentle warmth in the womanas eyes. aHow do you know my name?a aBrenden told me. Heas been expecting your return.a The woman stayed rooted, ten feet away from Remmy. Brenden walked up beside her, placing a kiss on the dark womanas cheek, then turning to Remmy with a smile.

aIam so glad youave returned,a he said, voice as soft as she remembered it.

Remmy felt trapped, even though the door was five feet behind her. The couple studied her, Brenden very much looking through her. aHow do you know my name? And donat feed me the bull like you did last time.a Brenden smiled fondly, walking over to her. aWould you join me? Iad like to speak with you. Explain some things.a Remmy eyed him and the woman, wary. aAlright,a she said at length.

aWonderful.a He turned to the beautiful woman just behind him. aFayola, please watch the front.a aOf course.a She turned to Remmy. aPlease to meet you, Remmy. We shall talk later.a Brenden placed the softest of touches on Remmyas lower back to get her moving in the direction he wished for her to go. They walked toward the back of the long store, where Brenden held a curtain aside, allowing Remmy to ender into the small room ahead of him. She looked around, noting the mural of the night sky painted on the ceiling, twilight painted on one wall, dawn on another. There was a small, square table at the center of the table, a well-worn deck of Tarot cards lying at the center of the wooden tabletop.

aAre you going to tell me my fortune?a she asked as she sat, nodding at the deck.

aNo need. You wear your soul on your sleeve. Forget your heart.a Brenden smiled at his own little joke, then quickly sobered. aCan I get you some green tea?a he asked, indicating an industrial sized pot plugged into the wall behind his chair.

aUh, sure.a She watched as he busied himself. Soon enough she had a steaming cup of tea sitting before her.

aIam glad you returned, Remmy,a Brenden said, setting his own cup in front of himself. aI hoped you would.a aThe lady out there said you were expecting me.a aMy wife, Fayola. Yes, I was. Even still,a he shrugged, adoesnat always mean we get what we want. Right?a At Remmyas nod, he smiled and sipped his tea. Remmy didnat answer. aSo, tell me about you. How long have you known you had The Sight?a Remmy was tempted to tell Brenden to go to hell and get up and walk out. She grabbed onto the edge of the table, making herself stay seated. Dark eyes followed the movement, a small smirk lifting the corner of Brendenas lip. She took a drink from the tea, her hand trebling. If Brenden were what he claimed to be, it would be the first time shead ever met anyone with aThe Sighta. Though surprisingly good, she set the tea down and concentrated on the expectant, though patient man, across from her. aIave had visions ever since I can remember. When I was young it started out small-Iad know what song was coming on the radio next, I knew my dog was going to get a drink of water, that kind of thing.a aAh, yes,a Brenden said with a nod. aI remember those days.a aThen, as I got older, it would happen far more often. It started turning more sinister, too. Some guy would walk by me on the street, and suddenly I felt the pain of the leg he broke when he was 15, you know?a At Brendenas nod, she continued. aIt began to filter into every part of my life. I really think everyone thought I was nuts. God, Iave been fired from so many jobs because of this.a Remmy stared past Brenden, back into a past that was troubling and often painful. aYep, everyone thought I was nuts.a aAnd what do you think? Do you think youare crazy?a Remmy was silent for a long time, contemplating his question. She had at one time, until shead ran away from the mental hospital her mother had admitted her to when she was 14. The last time she saw the woman. aI donat know. Right now Iam not myself, fully. I,a she cut herself off, sipping from her tea. aI canat remember.a Brenden misunderstood what she was saying. aCanat remember what?a She met his steady gaze. aI canat remember the last five months of last year. I arrived in a small town off the Interstate, Woodland, I know that much. I know I had a job, and even had an apartment. I remember the people I knew-Roman, Detective Grace Cowan. Even Matt Wilson. But I donat know why I know them. Just that I do. I woke up in a hospital, shot in the back and missing my spleen. I was told how I was shot, but I have no recollection of it.a Brenden sat back, immensely intrigued. aWhat were you told?a aThat I led the cops to rescue some women from a madman. That supposedly I had a connection to one of them.a She began to feel uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny Brenden had her in. His dark eyes studied every inch of her face, seeming to memorize her features, finally settling on her eyes.

aYouare so troubled,a he said at last, voice a whisper. He sipped his tea. aYou have a very strong, very powerful soul, Remmy. Your sight is amazing. What is your connection?

aMy connection?a Remmy didnat understand the question.

aYeah, what draws you in to your target? For instance, with Fayola she seems to be attracted to immense disappointment, failures, that kind of thing. She can sense it and tap into it.a aWhat about you?a Remmy asked, leaning slightly forward in her chair. Her interest was piqued as she was beginning to recognize that just maybe shead found a kindred spirit.

aFor me itas a little different. My gift is reading the soul of those like us. I can read you, I can read Fayola, I can always spot someone with The Sight. I spotted you, didnat I?a Remmy nodded, a sheepish grin on her face. She felt immensely better, truly disturbed by Brendenas knowledge of her. aOkay, so whatas in my soul, now?a aYouare lost. Deeply troubled. Donat block it out, Remmy. You were given a gift, allow that gift to work for you. Your mind is very much like a barded up wall right now. There is a sledgehammer leaning against it, just waiting to be utilized. Use it.a aI donat know how, and Iam scared to death if I did. What would I find on the other side?a aYour destiny,a he said simply, not batting an eye. aDonat allow the emotional pain of others to deter you.a Brenden smiled, a very knowing smile. aTrust me, Remmy. You really want to get to that other side.a ***

Julie walked around the room, fingers running across the smooth surface of a desk under one of the windows. She stopped, turning her back to the desk and looking out over the small apartment once more. Joan Watson stood in the open doorway, casually leaning against the doorframe.

aHow long did she live here?a Julie asked, eyes grazing the bed, only a bare mattress and headboard.

aNot long. Couple months. Iave got all her things packed up in the basement.a aWhy did you keep them?a Joan shrugged, a bit sheepish. aIn case she ever decided to come back for them, I guess. Same reason I havenat rented the place out.a aBut itas February,a Julie pointed out with a small smile.

Joan chuckled. aI know. I really liked the kid. She was a good egg.a Plus I feel guilty as hell.

aShe worked at your store, right?a At Joanas nod, Julie sighed, leaning against a wall. aTell me about her. What was she like?a aVery sweet. A bit quirky, but now I understand a lot of that has to do with her visions. Beautiful young woman. The most gorgeous eyes Iave ever seen.a She smiled at her next memory. aVery ballsy.a She chuckled thinking of her first meeting with Remmy, when the young woman applied for her job. She told Julie about it.

aWait,a Julie said, holding up her hands as she tried to settle something in her head. aWhat day was that?a When Joan told her the date, Julieas mind reeled back to that day-Skylaras game. aWhat does Remmy look like?a aTall, dark hair with bright blue eyes. A bit thin.a aOh my god!a Julieas eyes widened as her hand covered her mouth. She met Joanas surprised look. aI gave her a ride into town that day. That was her.a She looked down at her hands, which trembled slightly as she remembered. She thought back to that day, to the short drive into town and how odd she had thought her passenger. Remmy had seemed to disappear for a few moments, returning to the real world with a look of terror in her eyes as shead looked at Julie. Be careful, okay? Those words echoed in Julieas mind. aShe knew,a she whispered. aShe knew even then.a aShe put so much into trying to find you, Julie. I remember the first time she had a vision in front of me, my husband and I thought she was having a seizure or something. Scared the hell out of me.a The two women were lost in thought for a moment before Joan spoke again. aYou know, once she was in the hospital, she didnat remember any of this,a she indicated the two of them. aShe doesnat remember you, Sergio Venti, none of it. I kind of wonder if it was her mindas way to save her sanity while her body healed.a aShe saved my life, didnat she?a Julie asked softly. She had heard reports that Remmy had taken the bullet meant for her, but didnat remember it. The shock and excitement from the day had been one big blur for the blonde. She saw the older woman nod.

aThat she did. Took a bullet in the back-lost her spleen.a aI owe her so much, Joan. I really hope I can thank her some day.a aIam sure youall get the chance, Julie.a ***

Remmy was on her knees, pieces and parts of the coin changer machine on the tile around her. The laundry was closed, so she had the place to herself. She had music from the musical Aspects of Love, Michael Ball singing about just how much love changes everything. She hummed along, suddenly on a musical kick for some reason. Last month it was Tori Amos.

Listening to the musicalas characters of Alex and Rose arguing, Alexas Uncle George coming between them, she continued to tinker. She was amazed at just how much she loved fixing the equipment, and how good at it she actually was. The coin changer machine was an ancient piece of junk that the Laundromat owner, Sid, had bought from a closing arcade twenty years ago. She pulled the machine apart at least twice a week, un-jamming the worn tumblers inside.

She held the penlight between her teeth as she pulled apart the final panel, which covered the jam. Finally free, she set the light aside and reached up into the channel with the screwdriver, poking until she felt the resistance shead been feeling for.

aThere you are,a she murmured, grunting slightly as she removed the screwdriver, and then unscrewed the plate that covered the fourth side of the channel. The Phillips screws gave way easy, allowing her to remove the long, thin piece of metal. Remmy nearly lost her lunch when she saw what the problem was. aOh, Jesus.a With a most amusing expression of disgust, Remmy used the screwdriver to push out the decomposing roach parts, the bug apparently getting itself stuck inside the machine where it perished.

The spider scurried out through the long, jagged crack, the barest hint of daylight coming in through it. An empty pair of shackles rests on the dirt floor, the chain snaked around one metal bracelet.

Drip, drip, drip A dog whines, scratches at the door. On the stovetop is a pan, something simmering inside. Water turns on, pipes protest.

Shower turns off, a towel snatched from the towel bar next to the sliding doors.

Drip, drip, drip Naked woman lays on the bed, arms above her head, legs together, stretched out, crossed at the ankles-looks like Jesus. A blonde head. The head turns and the eyes open. Intense green eyes stare, lifeless. The blue lips opened- aRemmy a.

Remmy gasped, startled enough to threw the machine part to the ground where it clattered loudly against the bubbling linoleum. Her heart was pounding, breathing uneven, in danger of hyperventilation. She scooted across the floor until her back came into contact with a washing machine. Running a trembling hand through her hair to push it off her face.

aMy god,a she breathed, gulping in a lungful of air. She looked around, finally spotting her bottle of Dr Pepper on top of one of the dryers. She scrambled to her feet and in two huge leaps, had it in hand and the cap unscrewed. She drank like a dying woman, eyes closing at the pain dead center of her forehead. Familiar pain.

Setting the bottle of soda back on the closed metal lid, she took several deep breaths. She thought back, seeing that face in her mindas eye again-the blonde hair, green eyes. Suddenly the lifeless eyes transformed. They blinked, a small smile curling at the lips, slowing losing their blue tint. The face was beautiful, the eyes alive and with a bit of a twinkle.

aThank you.a Remmy looked around, startled by the words that seemed to echo inside the Laundromat. She realized they were from the woman in her thoughts. Suddenly she had image after image crash into her consciousness: Sitting in the passenger seat of a small car- aBe careful, okay?a The sunlight coming in between iron bars on a window--- Dark eyes closing in ecstasy, along with the sounds of loud grunting--- Blood, the taste of it along with flesh--- Driving like a lunatic, tunnel vision as she careened around a corner onto a new street. A naked woman ran out of a house, screaming. The feel of her cold flesh against Remmyas warms hands. Soft skin. The feel of absolute terror.

The loud sound of a gunshot-sting in her back-feel of the cold snow underneath her cheek.

With startling clarity, Remmy had the entire picture. She remembered the cold day in November, lading Grace through an obstacle course to find Julie, to save her. She remembered the naked woman running from the house, running straight to her, clinging to her, clawing at her for dear life. She remembered thinking that shead do anything to save her. Anything to protect her. Even put herself in the line of fire. She remembered the day she thought Julie had been killed, but in fact it had been Roxie. The relief when she found out Julie was alive, their embrace in the field. Relief.

aJulie,a she whispered, eyes closing with a soft sight and smile.

Chapter 33.

Julie pushed the grocery cart in front of her, already a third of the way filled with her monthly grocery items. She stopped in front of the spices, picking up a new container of oregano and chili powder. Setting them both in the basket, she began to move in when she stopped, smiling at the two figures that walked toward her, the woman pushing her own grocery cart.

aBob,a Julie said, stepping into the warm embrace of her old boss. He gave her a fatherly squeeze then let her go.

aItas funny I ran into you here, Julie. I was actually going to give you a call tomorrow once I got to school.a aOh? What about?a Julie crossed her arms over her chest, shifting her weight to a hip.

aI want you to come back, Julie. Iave got a position opening up for seventh grade, and Iad love nothing more than for you to fill it starting in August.a Julie stared at him, sudden fear and panic skittering up and down her spine. The principal raised his hands, warding off any protests.

aTake a little bit of time to think about it. Weare only at the beginning of March, so youave got a little bit of time. Okay?a He gave her a gentle smile.

aOkay. Iall think about it.a aGreat. It was great seeing you again,a Bob said, gently squeezing her shoulder as he and his wife passed on.

Julie watched them go, her heart in her throat and beating wildly. Could she possibly go back to that building? See that parking lot again? She had driven by one day, hoping to pull into a space and sit it out, let her nerves and fears scamper away. She hadnat even been able to pull off the street!

aI donat know if I can do this,a she murmured with a heavy sigh.

Groceries were put away, dinner prepared, eaten and cleaned up. Julie sat on the couch, watching the evening news as her dogs rested on either side of her reclining body. She absently ran her fingers through the thin hair atop both their heads. She wasnat listening to the news anchoras voice as her thoughts drifted back to earlier when shead run into Bob Greene at the store, and his offer. She wanted to go back to work, missed the kids terribly, and missed feeling whole again. She wanted her life back fully.

An earlier phone call to Matt to get his opinion hadnat helped, as he felt she wasnat ready. Wasnat ready for what? To stand alone all day in a classroom with her students? Ready to interact with her peers? Ready to step outside her house and shadow? She felt she was. If only she could take the first step and pull into that parking lot.

The trees whispered to each other as a soft breeze blew through the, making the water in the stream ripple. It seemed so clear, so vivid. Julie walked over to it, feeling the soft material of her dress brush against her calves. She bent down, the dress pooling around her. Reaching out, she dipped her fingers into the waters, smiling when she felt the coolness to the touch, the water lapping at her skin.

Julie stayed where she was, looking out over the water, trying to see what lay beyond, but could not. It was almost as though the boundaries ended there. She stopped, glancing to her right. Fear clutched at her heart, making her want to cry. Her blood racing through her body, crashing into her stomach. She felt the heat of her unwanted companion against her back, as hot as the sunas rays upon bare skin.

Standing, she squeezed her eyes shut, her mouth gone dry. She was afraid to turn around, afraid to face him, though he did not move. His shadow stood tall, legs spread in aggression. Julie began to tremble, a small whimper escaping her lips.

Julie thrashed, her legs scissoring beneath the sheets. Her fingers grabbed at the pillow like a pulse. aNo. Please, no a.

The shadow moved, closer. She tried to breathe, but the breath was stolen from her lungs by her intense fear.

A soft touch to her left shoulder--- Julie cried out in surprise, Bonnie raising her head from her Mommyas hip at the sound.

Julie knew the hand didnat belong to him, as his shadowas hand hadnat moved. Turning her tear-streaked face, she saw the kindest blue eyes staring back at her. Julie let out a relieved sigh, allowing herself to be engulfed in a tight, safe embrace, her fingers digging claw-like into Remmyas shirt, holding her close. She no longer felt the shadow behind her, no longer felt the fear. She rested her head on the strong shoulder, holding on tighter.

Julie rested on her side, her legs curling into a more comfortable position, a deep sigh released as she settled into a deep, restful sleep.

Part 17.

Chapter 34.

Remmy rested her head against the cool glass, bringing her jacket up a little higher. She hated how cold Greyhound buses were. She watched the scenery whiz by, the snow melted in most areas, though some frosted grass or plains could be seen from time to time. She adjusted her headset to fit better, the music of John Lennon calming her as her heart raced. She thought back to a week ago: aHey, Monica?a Remmy called as she entered the kitchen, tossing her jacket across the back of a chair. She could hear her cousin working in her studio in the backyard. Together, they had renovated the small building, once a garage, into a paint studio for the older woman. Remmy walked to the back door, pulling it open so she could be heard calling for her cousin again.

aBe right there!a Monica called back. The music shead been listening to, wiped her hands on a wet towel, and headed inside. She was glad spring was on its way, cause shead had more than enough of the harsh Nebraska winter. She groaned at the warmth of the kitchen as she closed the door behind her.

Remmy was making coffee, her stomach in turmoil, not sure how her cousin was going to respond to her news. Monica went into the bathroom and washed up, returning to find a cup on the table filled with coffee, exactly as she liked it, and an expectant cousin waiting for her.

aHow was your day?a Monica asked, picking up the mug and bringing it to her lips. aOhh, thank you.a aIt was good. Spent some time with Brenden and Fayola after work.a aOh, yeah? How did that go?a Monica knew that the shop owners were helping Remmy learn how to tame her ability, and tap into areas Remmy hadnat known were available to her. Monica supported it, though she didnat understand it at all.

aWent well.a Remmy was quiet for a moment, sipping from her coffee. She tried to think of the best way to get into this. aMon, you know I love you, and Iam so glad you found me.a Monica studied her cousin, noting the fidgeting of her hands around the mug, the way she would not meet Monicaas eyes. aRemmy? Rem, look at me.a Slowly the younger woman looked up, blue eyes brimming. aHey, honey, whatas wrong?a Remmy felt her hands covered by Monicaas, and appreciated the touch. Finally she laid it on the line. aI need to leave. I have to go back.a Monica felt her heart stop. She had looked so long for Remmy, desperate to get her best friend and only family back. Having Remmy under her roof had made her the happiest shead been in a long while. Swallowing her own feelings, she asked, aWhy? What is there for you there, honey?a The question was soft and filled with understanding.

Remmy shook her head. aI donat know, Mon. I just feel drawn there. Itas like something is calling to me. Who knows,a she shrugged. aIt may be now that I remember everything, I just need to make sure everything is okay. I donat know.a aWhen will you leave?a aIam thinking Iall head out next weekend. I talked to Sid today, gave him notice.a Monica nodded. Though she was incredibly sad, she knew that her cousin was a rolling stone, and figured shead never rest. She pushed her chair back and stood, reaching for the younger woman. Remmy went willingly into the embrace, allowing herself to be held for a long time. aDonat lose touch again, okay?a Monica said, voice husky from emotion. She felt her cousin nod.

aOkay.a Remmy brought her legs up, heels of her boots hanging off the front of her seat, arms wrapped around her shins. Her fingers began to tap against her denim-clad legs, John Lennonas Dream playing in her ears. Before she had left Omaha, she had considered calling Joan to see if it were possible to get her job back, but changed her mind. Shead always been able to find a job at the drop of a hat, so if it fell through with the store, shead always find something else.

Forehead nearly numb, Remmy lifted her head and looked around, noting several passengers near her. She was able to watch most unobserved, so decided to put some of Fayolaas lessons to use. Surrounded by so many people, it was inevitable that she would pick up on something from one or more of them. After all, they couldnat hide their souls from her.

Sitting across the narrow aisle from her was a woman, probably no older than 30. Her shaggy, but short brown hair had lighter highlights, though they needed to be touched up, the dark color underneath coming through. Her gaze was fixed on a laptop computer, set up on her lap, fingers typing at ridiculous speeds. Tapping continuing, the woman looked over at Remmy, dark eyes smiling politely before returning to her task. Obviously feeling somewhat nervous from the scrutiny, the woman reached out her left hand, placing it atop the backpack that sat in the empty seat next to her.

Amused, Remmy turned her gaze elsewhere, not getting anything from the woman, anyway. Instead, she turned her attention to the man sitting in front of the typing woman. He sat in the seat on the aisle, the majority of his profile visible to seeking blue eyes. She remembered seeing him get onto the bus at the last stop-weather-beaten skin, tan from too many seasons outside. His baseball cap was worn and just as weathered as he was. A short-sleeved button shit was tucked into blue jeans, work boots completing the outfit. He reminded her of a farmer.

Movement caught her attention and her gaze dropped, noticing a large, thick hand that was tapping lightly on his left thigh. She watched it for a moment, before looking back up to his profile. He turned, glancing at her over his shoulder, smiling with a curt nod, then turned back around front.

Remmy gasped when he faced her- The room is empty, a few pieces of trash littering the carpets, still multi-colored from imprints left by the furniture that had been there just last night. He sat alone on a small, wooden cabinet that had been left in the middle of the room, head in his hands. Hot tears streamed between his fingers Remmy sent a sympathetic glance the manas way, feeling his loss and confusion. More images began to come- Yelling fighting crying broken shards of a glass tossed into the trashcan Remmy closed her eyes, breathing deeply, forcing the images down, strong, iron bars of her mindas making pushed them down as they slid into place with an audible clang. Opening her eyes, she returned her gaze back to the man, trying to get something from him, anything. Nothing. The brunette grinned, resting her head back against the glass.

Julie adjusted her grip on the steering wheel, blowing out a loud breath. She sat parked across the street from the school, eyes glued to the parking lot, filled with cars as a school day was in session. Her gaze was drawn again and again to the two parking spots that were forever burned into her memory-one for her white Miata, the other for the blue van with the plumber logo painted on the side. Now a deep red Suburban and small, blue Toyota were parked in the two spaces, but in her mindas eye, she was still there, trying to unlock her car and climb inside.

She took a deep breath, again feeling the large hand wrapping over her mouth and nose. Her chest heaved as she sucked in air as the old her tried desperately to breathe.

Running her hands through shaggy hair, Julie started the car and headed for the opening of the parking lot. As she got closer, just about to pull in, fear took over and she gunned the engine, nearly hitting the chain link fence surrounding the parking lot as she squealed out.

aFuck!a she yelled, pounding the steering wheel with her hand. aGoddamn you, Sergio Venti!a she yelled, ignoring the strange looks from her fellow drivers as she headed back toward home. She stopped at a stop sign, watching as a Greyhound bus pushed through, the large bus groaning as it turned toward the bus depot, which was outside of Drewas Drug.

With a long sigh, Julie took her turn on the 4-way, disheartened.

Remmy was wide awake, and more than thrilled that her long trip was finally over. The bus pulled into the small parking lot, Drewas Drug lit up in orange neon. A young girl stood outside the store waiting-the bag at her feet was telling.

The air brakes whooshed into the late afternoon, the driver taking his time with paperwork before he rose from his chair and climbed down the three short stairs, stepping out into the day. Remmy stretched as good as she could in the confines of her seat, groaning at the stiffness in her legs and butt. Shead do anything for a hot shower and good meal.

Gathering her Army duffel bag, she scooted toward the aisle, pushing her way into the line of fellow passengers, lining up to either face their final destination or just to step off the bus and stretch their legs. Finally it was her turn to step off the bus. Remmy held her bag in front of her like a shield so she wouldnat bang anyone in the back of the head with it, slinging it to her back in the wide open space of the parking lot.

Remmy looked around, trying to get her bearings in the small town of Woodland. It was a mild March day, the sky blue, fluffy white clouds floating around. She set her bag down, shrugging her jacket off and shoving it inside the duffel before slinging it up on her shoulder again, and heading out of the parking lot.

This time around, Remmy actually had money, so she found her way to the Daysa Inn on Fremont Avenue, rather than the rat trap shead stayed in the first time. Securing herself a room, she showered, allowing the warmth to seep into her muscle and bone, a soft, low groan escaping at the wonderfulness of it all. Once she was freshly dressed, she grabbed her wallet out of the duffel before shoving the big green bag underneath the bed, sliding the black leather into the leg of her cargo pants, and headed out. She was anxious to explore some of the town that had been home for a short time, though longer than any other before going home with Monica. Monica.

aCrap.a Remmy stepped out onto the street, digging her cell phone out of her pocket, flipping it open and dialing her cousinas number. A quick conversation let Monica know Remmy was safe and sound, and she would call her later. Remmy wanted to explore.

Grace had nearly chewed through the No. 2 she was using to write her report. Brian had taken crappy notes, leaving her with the task of playing Colombo just to translate what happened.

aIncompetent idiot,a she muttered, bringing the page up to get a closer look at the particular word in question. Thinking perhaps it said eloquent instead of elephant, she hit the deletion key on the computer keyboard and typed in the new word. aDamned incompetent idiot.a aHey, Cowan,a one of the other detectives called from the hallway. The dark woman glanced up, daring someone to interrupt her when she was almost finished. aYou got someone here to see you.a aDamned incompetent town,a she muttered, shoving her chair back and tossing her glasses to the desktop. She walked down the hall, rolling the sleeves of her button up dress shirt, the warm day making it warm in the building. Heading into the lobby, she looked around for someone who looked like they were waiting for someone. She stopped I her tracks, shocked to see a very relaxed-looking Remmy sitting in one of the plastic chairs.

aIall be damned,a she murmured, walking over to the beautiful young woman who glanced her way upon hearing the voice. Remmy stood, grinning from ear to ear as she met Grace halfway, their embrace tight and filled with deep respect. When they parted, Grace held the younger woman by the arms, looking her over like a mother hen. aYou look fantastic,a she said, smiling warmly.

aThanks. I feel fantastic.a aWhat brings you back? I think everyone thought maybe you were just a figment of our collective imagination, or something. Come on.a Grace led Remmy back through the inner workings of the police department, finally giving her a seat next to her desk, and a cup of bad coffee in front of her.

aI think I needed some time away, some time to heal-physically. And mentally.a She met coffee-colored eyes. aHow is Julie?a Grace was surprised and very pleased to hear that name upon Remmyas lips. aSheas doing well, from what I understand. I go see her from time to time. I know her brother and nephew keep her busy. Word has it she may be teaching this coming fall, but I donat know.a aIam really glad to hear it.a Remmy knew she hadnat answered Graceas initial question of why she had returned, and honestly, she had no intentions of answering it. She wasnat entirely sure, and when she tried to think about it, even during the long bus ride, she still came up empty. aHow about Pam and Cameron? Everyone make it okay? No one hurt?a aNo, maaam,a Grace said, shaking her head. aYou and Venti were the only ones hurt. Physically, anyway. Pam went to Texas to stay with her son, and Cameron moved in with her folks, went back to college part-time, I hear.a She stopped, taking in the young woman before her. aI was really worried about you, Remmy. To be perfectly honest, Iam not entirely who suffered more last fall-the women, or you.a aNone of that matters anymore, Grace. Itas over.a aYes it is. My marriage thanks you for it, too.a Remmy laughed outright, catching the attention of a few officers roaming around. aWell, listen, Iave got a few stops to make today before the sun goes down, and I get to crash the for the night. Sleeping on a bus for two nights does not cut it.a aOkay.a Grace stood, walking Remmy to the lobby and giving her another hug. aYou stay in touch, okay?a Grace gave Remmy one of her cards, her cell number jotted on the back by a borrowed pen from the desk sergeant. With a promise and a third hug, Remmy left.