I know this is weird, showing up all of a sudden, unannounced. When I heard what had happenedwell, its been so long since Ive seen her.

She said four years. Shane kept up her guard.

Yes. Thats about right, I suppose. Have you known her long?

Long enough.

The woman desperately wanted to make peace with Shane.

You can call me Mary, if you like, she tried.

Okay, Mary. Shane stopped. What if she had gotten clean? What if she came here to start a new life with her daughter? Could she really stand in her way? She thought not.

Ive only known your daughter for a short time, but shes a good kid – I dont want her to get hurt.

Mary sat in a chair across the room. She had to be sure to handle the situation delicately. This woman had obviously become protective of her little girl.

Shane, Im sure Catherine told you things about me, that wellwere not so pleasant. Ive been a horrible person to her, I know. I only want to make it right.

Shane stared at the woman, not even so much as a single blink came to pass.

The drugs, Shane began to ask, are you still doing them?

No. Three weeks after Catherine left I checked myself into a rehab center. Ive been clean ever since.

Why didnt you try to find her? For four years

Shane looked out the window, watching a tiny swallow flutter across the paint – cracked sill.

I was ashamed of myself. I didnt think she would be able to look me in the face ever again. I convinced myself I had lost her forever.

But now? Shane asked.

But now, Im ready for her to see me. I dont want to hide anymore.

Shane turned to Mary. Thats a start.

Bette had made a visit to the hospital to deliver Shane dinner, and to get the latest update on Cases condition. She had been the same as yesterday, with no signs of improvement. It kept Shane there even more now than before. Bette walked up to her front door, juggling several blueprints from the museum, her purse, and a big gulp from seven eleven. She fished frantically around inside her purse for the key. When she found it, she jammed it into the lock, then kicked open the door. Her answering machine was recording a message: So when you get this, call me on my cell. Ill be waiting.