The silence that filled the room was deafening. Shane got up from the table. She walked out of the room and then came back in a minute later.

OK, I am not going to get into what you did yet. Im too angry. But Dana, what the hell does this have to do with the situation with your stalker?

She had sent me letters before this. She asked me out and professed her love, but said she knew that I was in a relationship and that she respected that about me. She respected that I was faithful and didnt let the fame get to me. She was at the hotel that night. She saw me and Michelle. She saw me take Michelle up to my room.

The next letter had a different tone. She was angry. If I could cheat on Alice, why wouldnt I have done so with her. The letters just got worse and worse after that. It was like I cheated on her by cheating on Alice.

And you didnt think this information would be relevant to Alice or to any of us trying to help you out with this?

Shane, thats why Im telling you now. I know I need to tell Alice about it. The last letter I got before I left Alice threatened that she was going to tell Alice if I didnt leave her. She threatened to hurt her.

Why would Alice believe her? She would never believe that you would cheat on her. She naively thinks that you wouldnt hurt her.

Shane, I wouldnt. I stopped it. I didnt sleep with Michelle.

Whatever. It doesnt really matter. I still dont think that Alice would believe her.

Theres a picture.

Thats perfect, Dane. Way to be smooth.

Forget it, Shane. I should have known better than to think anyone would help me now. Shit, I dont even like me.

Youre right. You do self pity better than anyone. Shane spit out. She turned to leave but stopped, Dane, why did you tell me?

Dana walked towards Shane, Because I know that I need to tell Alice and I dont know how.

Why?

Why? Because I dont know how to look at Alice and hurt her.

No, not that. I mean, why, did you do it?

Dana shrugged her shoulders, I wish I knew Shane. Ive asked myself that a hundred times and every answer is just an excuse. When it comes down to it, I was drunk and hating myself. I just did a stupid thing. I tried to make myself feel better by thinking that it wasnt that bad, I didnt sleep with her, but thats just bullshit. I kissed her, not once, but for like five minutes. And in those five minutes, I ignored that fact that I loved Alice.

Dane, what you did sucks and Im angry. You cheated on my best friend, then put her in danger by not telling her. I expected more from you. But if you want me advice, you had better tell her. It isnt going to be pleasant and Alice is going to be so angry. But if she finds out from this nutcase, itll be even worse.

I know, how do I do it?

If I were you, Id be booking a flight right about now.

—

The next morning Alice was staring in the mirror, trying to figure out what type of magic make up was going to help mask her swollen eyes. It was her first day covering the hearings and she was determined to not let this get in the way. She was in Washington to do a job. This was for her, for her career and her future. She was not going to let this stalker thing or Dana ruin it. Julia had given her the opportunity she was both looking for and scared of and she wasnt going to let it slip by.

When she heard the knock at the door, she opened it without looking, assuming it was room service. The last thing she expected or wanted was to have Dana standing in front of her.