“Hey, it’s gonna be okay. It’s gonna be all right.”

Tina shook her head softly. “No it isn’t.”

Shane heard the door open, close, and Alice’s voice. “Yoo-hoo! I’m home guys!” There was the quick rustle of some plastic bags and then Alice was in the bathroom. “Oh no, Tina. Not again.”

Shane pulled Tina from her, but didn’t let her go. “Come on. You’ve got to eat something. Let’s go.”

Alice turned and led the way to the kitchen. Shane and Tina followed, Tina leaning on Shane for support.

“All right, let’s see. I got crackers, ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger root, gingercrack, I dunno. Lot’s of ginger.” Alice said dramatically, clearly trying to lighten the mood as she unpacked her stuffed bags. “I’ve got Pepto, Imodium, Cola syrup, Advil, Tylenol, Ginseng, and any other herb out there, legal and illegal.”

Shane and Tina just looked on in amazement. Alice really had gone overboard.

“I’ve also got two gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream, chips, cheese doodles, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, chocolate, Twinkies, and of course” Alice smiled, pulling out two six-packs of beer, a bottle of rum, a bottle of vodka, a bottle of tequila, soda, margarita mix, and several limes. “Lots of beer and liquor.”

“Jesus Alice.” Shane said, half laughing as she walked over to the clutter. “You know it’s just the three of us right?”

Alice shook her head. “Uh-uh. Dana and the cat-killer will be here any minute.”

Tina, who had stopped crying, sat down at the table and reached for the crackers and a can of ginger ale. “The cat-killer? Are you serious Al?”

“I’m telling you she murdered Mr. P! I just need proof.”

“Slow your roll Nancy Drew.” Shane muttered, popping open a beer and taking a swig.

“You guys know she hates cats. Mr. Piddles was doing great before ‘Ton-Ton’ came along.” Alice said in a little kid voice before scoffing.

“Al, the cat was like, twenty. He was on so much medication; he barely moved! Maybe it was just his time.” Shane argued.

Alice shook her head. “Think what you want Shane. I have an instinct about these things. Reporters always know.” Alice trailed off for dramatic effect.

“Al, your last assignment was about the forty-five minute orgasm.”