“How is your training?” The older woman asked, abruptly.  She had arranged for Tina to attend a self-defense course with an elite instructor a year ago.

“Great, the instructor told me I’m as ready as I can for a civilian.” Tina proudly replied.  Her fit and increase upper body strength were the result of her hard work.  She gained the skills equivalent to a black-belt within the shortest of time.  It was a class that Max insisted for a just in case scenario.

“Good, good.” Max commented and nodded her head approvingly.  Everything was going as planned except a certain someone early arrival.

“Tina…” Max was about to begin but hesitated.  Her mind continued to deliberate the choice, wanting to be certain with what she was about to disclose.

“Yes, is there something you want to tell me?” Tina patiently waited for the woman to unload whatever was on her mind.  Max reached for Tina’s hands and held it in hers. 

“Tina…please listens to what I’m saying very carefully.” Casually, Max spoke while struggling to keep her composure in front of Tina.

“What…what happen?  Is there something wrong?  Are you okay?” Tina asked the serious tone of the woman was scaring her.

“Tina, please just listen.” Max shook her head disapprovingly and her words insistent.

“Oh…okay” Tina complied while anxiously remained.

“There’s a possibility that I may not come back this evening…” Tina nodded, implying that she understood the standard practice with her work “or any other evening.”  At first, she was confused by Max’s last statement but it dawn on her what she meant.  Tina’s face turned pale and the fear in her eyes apparent.

“If Shane come by, takes the baby and goes with her.”

“Shane?  Our gardener” Tina gulped, Max’s latest detail surprised her.

“Yes” Max short replied confirmed who Shane really is.  Tina sat there in stunned silence.  She could not believe gentle and quiet Shane works for Max.

“She will take you both into shelter and safeguard both your safety until…”  Max stop briefly to gauge Tina’s comprehension.  Their eyes locked.  Max waited for Tina to recognize the depth of her message before disclosing the final bombshell “until…until it’s time…your family reunited.”

“Time…reunited….what are you…” Tina repeated the statement in confusion but the intense and unwavering look on Max’s face clearly indicated something more.  Tina’s head reeled and her heart beat anxiously.  She stared blankly at the older woman’s face while her head spin and heart pound furiously to make the connection.