Mercy in the Middle by Deb T.

'He's in the middle of her pain,
In the middle of her shame.
Mercy brings life.
He's in the middle.
Mercy in the middle.'
 
'Ask Me,' by Amy Grant
 
 
 
     Kendra Tyler stuck close to her group, once more wishing
she was anywhere but here.  She looked at her new friend,
Maddy Stuart. . .the other girl seemed just as uneasy as
Kendra.  The girl was pleased about that. . .sort of.  Kendra
didn't know what the men in this wing were serving time for,
but she really didn't care.  She didn't like the way many of
them looked at her.  It made her feel. . .dirty.
 
     "Excuse me, but what are you doing?  Those children
shouldn't be here!" a voice snapped.  Kendra turned to face
the owner of the voice. . .he was a tall man, much taller
than Kendra's father, wearing a uniform and a grim
expression.  His eyes softened when he looked at the eighth
graders, and Kendra relaxed.  A little bit, anyhow.  She
wouldn't feel better until they left.
 
     "I'm sorry. . .I was told that the entire prison was
open," Kendra's teacher, Mr. Weston, replied politely.  The
first man glowered at the teacher.  The entire wing had gone
silent. . .the banging on the bars had stopped, as had the
catcalls.  And for some reason, that worried Kendra.
 
     "It's not. . .especially not to a group of eighth-grade
kids!  Do you have any idea what kind of men are in this
wing?" the man asked.  To Kendra's surprise, her teacher
flushed and looked away.  The man shook his head and
continued, "That's pathetic.  That's really pathetic.  You
put the lives of these kids at risk, and I'm willing to bet
their parents didn't even know it.  Get them out of here,
now."  Kendra exchanged a look with Maddy.
                                                             
     "Yeah. . .get those little kids out of here," a man in a
nearby cell said mockingly.  Kendra's skin crawled from the
look in his eyes, hatred mixed with something else she
couldn't identify, and Maddy stepped closer to her
protectively.  Both girls gasped, however, when a huge man
arose from a bunk just behind the speaker.
 
     "You touch any of those kids, Mathews, and I'll see to
it that you get a taste of your own medicine," the big man
said coldly.  The prison guard took that opportunity to
hustle the subdued thirteen year olds from the wing.  The
shouting resumed behind them, and Kendra shuddered.
 
     "That man was a monster," Maddy said softly, "my aunt is
a lawyer, Kendra.  She told me once what happens to men like
that in here."  Maddy glanced over her shoulder, a cold
expression settling on her face.  For a moment, just a
moment, she looked far older than her thirteen years, as she
continued, "I just wish I could be around when that monster
gets his."  Kendra looked at her friend as they headed
downstairs, unsure of what to say.  What could she say?
 
        .                        .                        .
 
   
     She had returned to the living. . .why had she returned
to the living?  She knew she had been dead. . .could still
feel the agony as the doctors pronounced her little boy dead,
and she followed him a few seconds, few minutes later.  Time
truly didn't matter, not after death.
 
     And then she saw the drama unfolding in front of her-two
men arguing.  One man wore a uniform, the other was dressed
in street clothes.  She saw a young girl, perhaps twelve or
thirteen years of age, and then she saw the prisoner.
                                                           
     She knew that look.  She had seen that expression
before, though never directed at a child.  Seeing that look
was more than the spirit could bear.  Her hands clenched into
fists at her sides, her bright blue eyes flaming with fury.
She could feel the child's fear, could see inside the man's
mind.  And she wanted to hurt him.
 
     If I had a body, the woman thought, I could make
him pay for the way he looks at her.  But I don't have a
body, and I have no way to make him stop.  A cry of pain
drew the woman's attention from the young girl, who was
leaving the prison.  A few yards away, a man was bent double
with pain.  Urgent inquiries from his cellmate revealed that
the source of the agony was his groin. . .and the spirit
realized that she had done this.
 
     A cold smile crossed the woman's face.  It would seem
that I'm not as helpless as I first thought, she decided.
So be it.  I will make that man pay for looking at the
child the way he did. . .I will make him pay for frightening
her so terribly!  I swear it!
  
     .                        .                        .
 
      The inmate named 'Mathews' had dropped his eyes and
turned from the children as soon as his cellmate spoke.  He
had already had a taste of his cellmate's sense of justice,
when he first arrived. . .he didn't wish for a second
example.  Besides, he had other ways to spend his time.
 
     Still, that didn't prevent him from wishing he could
smother his cellmate in his sleep.  He had tried that once,
and spent two weeks in the infirmary because the big ox had
beaten the living shit out of him.
                                                           
     "Hello there," a soft voice cooed.  Mathews looked up to
see a beautiful, golden-haired woman standing in the cell,
just a few feet away from him.  His jaw dropped and the woman
continued, "You weren't expecting any company, I see.  That's
just as well. . .I have plans for you."  Mathews could only
gape at first, then it turned to a leer.
 
     In that split second, the woman's smile disappeared, and
her eyes flashed blue fire.  She hissed, "I saw the way you
looked at that child. . .saw the pleasure you took in her
fear."  Mathews pulled away, beginning to feel afraid.  How
did she know about the brats?  And who was this broad?  The
woman continued, "I have decided that you must pay for the
way you looked at that little girl. . .for the pleasure you
took in her fear.  The excitement it gave you."  Her eyes
narrowed to slits and it was then that the pain hit.  Mathews
doubled over on his bunk, whimpering.  But the pain didn't
ease. . .it intensified.  The woman repeated, "You must pay!"
Pain like Mathews had never known ripped through his body,
and for a third time, the woman said, "You must pay!"  And
then. . .then there was nothing.  Only darkness.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
     Derek Rayne looked at the clock which sat on his desk.
Two hours late, he thought, where are they?
'They' were Nick Boyle, Derek's godson Philip, and daughter
Lissa.  He was a little worried. . .and he knew if Lissa
wasn't home soon, World War Three would break out between
Drs. Rachel Corrigan and Molly Summers, who was also Lissa's
aunt.  So far, Molly's six year old daughter, Cassie, had
kept things on an even keel, but. . .  Derek smiled.  Cassie,
a tiny, dark-haired child with a radiant smile, reminded him
strongly of Lissa at that age.  Especially when she smiled.
                                                            
     "Lissa!  Mummy, Lissa is home!" Derek heard Cassie
squeal joyfully.  Derek was on his feet and headed out of his
office, even before he heard the front door open.  As he
walked down the stairs, Cassie exclaimed, "Lissa, we came for
a visit, but you weren't here!  Your daddy said that you were
on a retreat.  Lissa, what's a retreat?"
 
     Derek reached the first floor as Lissa scooped the child
into her arms.  His daughter laughed aloud as Cassie covered
her face with kisses.  Philip and Nick were also smiling,
though there was a sadness in Philip's pale eyes.  Lissa
said, "Hello, Cassandra!  A retreat is a second treat when
you've been very, very good!"
 
     "Lissa, that's silly!  Are these your friends?  Derek
said that you were with two friends. . .Nick and Philip.
Mummy said that Philip was the friend who was hurt so bad.
He looks like he's better now," Cassie said.  Derek waited
for the little girl to run out of steam before he joined his
daughter and the others.
 
     "You're right, I am being silly.  And yes, these are my
friends.  Nick is wearing the funny baseball cap. . .and
that's Philip.  Speaking of which, we should get inside, so
Philip can sit down.  He's still healing, even though he's
feeling much better now," Lissa replied.
 
     "Welcome home, Miss Elizabeth. . .Master Nick. . .Father
Philip," Duncan said, smiling at the three young people.  He
added as he glanced at Cassie, "Miss Cassie has been a very
good companion ever since she arrived, although she reminds
me of you when you were small, Miss Elizabeth."
 
     "Uh-oh," Lissa replied with a laugh, "that sounds
ominous!  Cassie, why don't you give Nick a hug?  I haven't
properly greeted my father."  Cassie cocked her head to one
side, evidently unsure of Nick, and Lissa whispered something
to her.  The child's eyes lit up and she went to Nick
willingly.  Lissa walked into Derek's arms, murmuring, "It's
okay, Dad. . .we're home, and everything is fine."

     Derek held his daughter tightly.  For the moment, that
was all he needed. . .just to hold her.  She had only been
gone a few days, but he had missed her terribly.  Her embrace
was equally fierce, and it was only Molly's exasperated,
"Well, it's about time you got home, young lady!" which broke
up the father-daughter reunion.
 
     Lissa released Derek, rolling her eyes heavenward, then
moved out of his arms to embrace her aunt.  Molly gathered
Lissa in her arms, and Derek could hear his daughter gasp.
The linguist said fiercely, "Don't you ever scare me like
that again, Elizabeth Marie Anne Rayne!  I mean it!"
 
     "I'm sorry. . .I was just trying to protect Dad.  And
I'm fine now, Aunt Molly, just a little sore.  Since I don't
think the two of you have met. . .Aunt Molly, this is Nick
Boyle, our security expert in residence.  And I'm sure you
remember Philip," Lissa replied.
 
     Molly released Lissa to walk to Philip's side.  Derek
started to warn Molly not to hug him, that Philip was still
recovering, but the linguist simply put both of her hands on
his shoulders and rocked up onto her toes to kiss his
forehead.  She said very quietly, "You've grown up on me,
Philip. . .you were supposed to stay twelve forever."
 
     "I'm sorry. . .I do hope you can forgive me," the young
priest answered with the barest hint of a smile.  Molly
laughed and very gently put her arms around his shoulders to
hold him for a moment.  Even so, Derek heard Philip gasp in
pain when the younger man put his arms around Molly gingerly.
He fought the urge to do something. . .it wasn't his place.
 
     "I can forgive you for growing up. . .my own niece did
that to me, so I can't expect anything different from you.
However. . .just what did you think you were doing?  Broken
ribs?  A ruptured spleen?  Head injuries?  Then nearly being
smothered to death by a teenager not in control of his own
body?  Philip, we have got to teach you how to defend
yourself properly!  I can't take much more!" Molly chided.

     Aunt Molly, he hasn't exactly enjoyed the last two and a
half weeks.  Especially not when Nick and I kept making him
laugh," Lissa replied.  Molly released Philip and turned to
her niece once more.  Derek recognized the expression in her
eyes, and apparently, Lissa did as well, for she asked, "I
take it that you've met the ladies?"
 
     "I've met Dr. Corrigan and Xan, yes.  I've also met Dr.
Corrigan's daughter. . .she and Cassie had great fun
yesterday playing something called 'shadow tag.'   Lissa, you
weren't joking when you said that Alex was beautiful both in
and outside.  I've greatly enjoyed talking with her," Molly
replied, then added, "And I'm not finished with you, Lissa."
 
     "Fine. . .in that case, Aunt Molly, you can help me
carry my stuff upstairs.  I know Dad would like a few minutes
alone with Nick and Philip.  Now, as for Cassie. . ." Lissa
said, turning her attention to the little girl.  Derek
glanced at Duncan, who nodded with a faint smile.  The butler
approached the little girl.
 
     "It would be my pleasure to take Miss Cassie into the
kitchen. . .I believe Cook has just finished a batch of
chocolate chip cookies, and Miss Cassie informed me last
night that chocolate chip cookies were her most favorite
cookies in the world.  If that is agreeable to you, Dr.
Summers?" Duncan asked, turning to face Molly, who nodded.
 
     "Of course, Duncan, and it's acceptable for you to call
'Molly.'  Lissa and Philip weren't the only children who
turned your hair white prematurely," Molly said with an
impish grin.  The butler raised an eyebrow, took Cassie's
hand, and led her into the kitchen.  Molly picked up a bag
and said, "Now, young lady. . .we talk!"  The younger woman
laughed and they headed upstairs to Lissa's room.
 
     That left the three men alone in the foyer.  Rachel and
Kat were at a doctor's appointment, while Alex was at George
Saxon's apartment.  Philip asked quietly, "I take it there
have been problems between Molly and Rachel, then?"

     Derek sighed, leading his godson and Nick into the
study, and replied, "That's one way of looking at it.  Ever
since Molly arrived yesterday afternoon, she and Rachel have
been at each other's throats.  Molly called out of the blue
the day before yesterday, saying that she would be arriving.
I had a sense that something was wrong then."
 
     "You did seem a bit. . .resigned. . .when you told me
about Molly's visit.  Not particularly enthusiastic.  What
exactly is Molly's problem with Rachel?" Nick asked and Derek
sighed again, shrugging.  If only it was that easy.  Nick
must have understood, for he said, "Well, maybe it's just a
simple personality clash.  What else has been going on?"
 
     "Oh, I'm sure it's more than a simple personality clash,
Nick, but for now, things are under control.  Lissa was
always a calming influence on Molly, even as a small girl.
Cassandra is a wonderful child. . .she made friends with Kat
and Alex immediately.  Really, I can't get over how much
Cassie reminds me of Lissa at that age," Derek said.
 
     He shook himself, then said, "But enough.  I want to
hear about this retreat. . .you and Lissa worked things out,
and you can work together again, Philip?"  The younger man
nodded and Derek said, "Good. . .I'm very glad to hear that.
Now, we have just received some new artifacts. . ."
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     "I'm really glad that everything has returned to normal
between you and Philip.  Derek told me the reason for the
retreat.  I'm sorry it was necessary, but I'm glad things are
all right now," Molly said as her niece began unpacking.
Lissa responded with a tired smile.
                                                            
     "I'm glad, too.  I really hated how strained things were
between us," she said.  Lissa paused, looking at the door,
then walked swiftly to close it.  The younger woman sat down
and said quietly, "Just to let you know.  Philip knows that
Cassie is my daughter.  He's not going to tell anyone, not
until I'm ready to talk about it."
 
     "Thank God," Molly breathed.  Not that she was terribly
concerned about Philip Callaghan doing anything to hurt her
niece.  Hell would freeze over first.  She searched Lissa's
dark hazel eyes, which were so much like Derek's.  Lissa
looked a little tired, but she was hardly downcast.  Molly
asked, "Are you really all right, sweetheart?"
 
     Lissa smiled. . .it was her mother's smile, and seeing
it made Molly's heart hurt.  Even after all these years, she
still missed both Fiona and Alicia keenly.  Derek had told
her the truth about Fiona's death, and privately, Molly hoped
that Randolph Hitchcock was still alive once Derek finished
with him for what Hitchcock had done to Philip. . .so Molly
could punish him for what he had done to Fiona and Lissa.
 
     Her niece said, "Aunt Molly, I'm fine.  Truly, I am.  I
won't deny that the empty space inside my heart is still
there.  It is.  It will always be there, perhaps.  But I'm
going to be just fine.  My question is, do you understand
why I did it?  What the difference is?"
 
     It took Molly a moment to understand what her niece
meant, then she said, "Oh.  Oh, Lissa, honey. . .of course I
understand!  Leaving the police force because your
overprotective aunt asks you to, and leaving the force in
order to save your best friend's life. . .sweetheart, if I
didn't understand that, I would be a piss-poor excuse for an
aunt!  Of course I understand the difference!"
 
     "Thank you," Lissa replied quietly, "thank you for
understanding, and for not referring to my choice as a
'sacrifice.'  It was something which needed to be done, which
had to be done.  And so, I did it.  Nothing noble about it."
                                                           
     Except, Molly thought, there is something very
noble about it.  Lissa would never forgive me for saying so,
but there was a nobility to her actions.  I know that looking
in the mirror each morning would have been impossible for
Lissa, if she hadn't made the choice she did. . .but that
doesn't take away from what she did.
 
     However, she said none of that to her niece.  Instead,
she said, "Well, as long as you're okay, and as long as you
and Pip are still friends, that's all that counts.  Now,
sweetheart, tell me why you were so late in getting home!
Poor Derek was worried sick about you!"
 
     "I should explain what happened to him as well. . .
sorry about that.  What happened was, I swung by the precinct
to give Sandy her birthday present, and she got to telling me
about something that happened at the prison this morning.
One of the inmates was found dead," Lissa explained.  Molly
shrugged.  That was nothing new, no matter where you lived.
Lissa added, "Ahh, but that's not all.  The cause of death is
really, really weird, Aunt Molly. . ."
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     When Alex returned, she discovered the Range Rover
sitting in its customary space.  A broad grin spread across
her face. . .Nick, Philip, and Lis are home, she thought.
Alex's only regret was that she hadn't seen Lissa's
expression when she saw her aunt.
 
     But George had been having trouble with his plumbing,
and Alex agreed to help him.  Even after the problem was
solved, however, the pair talked.  Alex could talk to George,
about anything.  He was becoming a good friend.
                                                           
     However, Alex wouldn't tell him about the difficulties
between Molly Summers and Rachel.  That was something she had
to discuss with Lissa.  The impression she had received from
Molly, in their brief telephone conversation, was that of a
protective mother guarding her young. . .but she had a sense
of humor.  And yet, ever since her arrival at the San
Francisco House. . .something just seemed off.
 
     It's like Molly hated Rachel even before she even
arrived, Alex thought, and I doubt Lissa told Molly about
Rachel's remark about Lissa never forgiving Philip.  So why
is she so contemptuous of Rachel?  Alex wasn't sure of the
answer, but one thing she did know:  if a case became serious
while Molly was here, the San Francisco House was in for
trouble.  Molly's contempt would inhibit her ability to work
with Rachel, which would place everyone else in danger.
  
     .                        .                        .
 
      "That is weird," Molly agreed after Lissa finished
telling her about the new case, "but I'm glad that you're out
of that.  I never liked the idea of your being a cop. . .I'm
glad you're out of the line of fire."  Lissa laughed outright
as she finished hanging up the last of her clothes.
 
     "My dear Aunt Molly, that's far from the truth and you
know it!  I'm still in the line of fire. . .just a different
kind.  And you know why I became a police officer.  You've
always known," Lissa replied.  Aunt Molly nodded, a shadow

passing over her eyes, and Lissa continued, "We won't go into
your guilt again, will we?  I've explained it to Xan as well.
You're not responsible for that."  Her aunt nodded and Lissa
sighed with relief, "Good.  Now.  You can answer something
for me.  What exactly is your problem with Rachel?"

     "She's a rude, obnoxious bimbo. . .nothing more needs to
be said," Aunt Molly replied flatly.  Lissa just looked at
her aunt, who continued with exasperation, "Look, I don't
like the way she jokes around about serious stuff, nor do I
care for the way she patronizes you and Alex, and I really
don't like her dismissive attitude toward Philip!"
 
     "Alex, Philip, and I can take care of ourselves, Aunt
Molly.  Rachel doesn't mean anything by her jokes," Lissa
explained reasonably, "it's just her way of dealing with
things she can't understand.  And as for her patronizing. . .
I don't take it personally.  Neither does Alex.  Rachel
doesn't have the Sight, so it's very hard for her to
understand someone who does."  She was well aware that she
had left something out in her defense of Rachel.
 
     "And I still don't like the way she dismisses Philip!
My God, he has put himself at risk to save her daughter how
many times?  And she seems to have a hard time even
remembering his name!  And that remark she made about how you
would probably never forgive Philip for the choice you had to
make. . .who in the hell does that woman think she is?" Molly
demanded.  Lissa's hands clenched into fists.
 
     "Who told you about that?" she asked.  After a moment,
she shook her head, adding, "Never mind. . .I already know.
Look, Rachel isn't that bad if you know how to take her.
Just relax. . .you're on vacation!  As for the times when
Philip has risked his life for Kat's sake. . ."  This time,
it was Lissa who fell silent at Molly's fierce look.
 
     "If someone had done that for Cassie," Aunt Molly said
in a low voice, "I would do anything for them.  And I know
you would as well.  So don't you dare make excuses for that
woman, Elizabeth Marie Anne. . .and don't you tell me that
she's been through a lot.  Your father has already tried
that, and it didn't work coming from him.  Natalie has been
through hell, too, and she doesn't cop an attitude with
anyone in the Legacy.  We won't even discuss what my sisters
went through before their respective deaths."

     "I take it that you left Natalie in charge of Toronto
House while you're gone?" Lissa asked, seizing the change in
topic before she and her aunt had a genuine argument.  Aunt
Molly closed her eyes, then nodded.  Lissa continued, "How is
she doing?  Have her powers started manifesting yet?"
 
     "Not really, but it would seem the vampire population is
lying low in Toronto.  So Nat really hasn't had a chance to
utilize her powers," her aunt explained.  Molly paused, then
asked curiously, "That reminds me, sweetheart. . .have you
told Derek about your telekinetic powers yet?"
 
     Lissa blushed and replied, "Yeah. . .I kinda had to,
when Dad saw a glass of water explode during dinner time.  I
had to tell the entire table that I have always had
telekinetic abilities.  And then, I told Dad and Philip that
was how I knocked Mr. Arkady down the stairs in Peru."
 
     Aunt Molly laughed, her blue eyes sparkling with
amusement as she replied, "Yes, Derek told me about that.
Your sense of justice is. . .well, both Alicia and Fiona
would have approved, I think.  God, Lis. . .my sisters are so
proud of you.  I hope you know that."  Lissa nodded soberly.
After her encounter with her mother in the cabin, yes, she
did know that.  She knew how much her mother loved her, and
how proud she was.  All doubts had been swept away.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
      "Hey, kiddo. . .I was starting to get worried about
you," Adrian Tyler said as his thirteen year old daughter
shuffled into the kitchen.  It was eleven in the morning, but
it was Saturday.  Still, it was very unlike Kendra, and
Adrian's concern grew when he saw his daughter's expression.

     "I had a bad dream, Daddy," Kendra replied, walking into
Adrian's open arms.  The doctor drew his daughter close,
chilled.  Kendra never called him 'Daddy,' not unless she was
really disturbed.  Adrian held her close, trying to reassure
her, and nearly gasped at the fierceness of her embrace.
Yes, his little girl was terrified by something.
 
      .                        .                        .
 
      'Terrified' wasn't quite the best word to describe the
emotions which raced through Kendra Tyler.  However, in a
pinch, it would do.  The girl didn't stop to wonder how she
could read her father's mind. . .it was something she had
always been able to do, ever since she was small.
 
     What did scare her was the dream she had, a dream about
a beautiful angel who killed people.  Only it wasn't just any
person whom this angel of death had killed, but the man who
had been looking at Kendra with such hatred the day before,
while Kendra's class was visiting the prison.
 
     It was just a bad dream, Kendra told herself,
just a bad dream, it didn't really happen.  As she
pressed her face against her father's chest, the teenager
desperately wanted to believe that.  Reading her father's
mind was one thing.  Seeing things happen in her dreams. . .
ah, that was something else entirely.
 
     She wanted to believe it was just a bad dream, but
Kendra had had these dreams in the past.  Dreams which came
true.  The night before Father Callaghan was attacked, Kendra
had awakened from a nightmare, screaming in terror.  She had
seen a horribly deformed creature attacking her priest.  The
next morning, he was savagely beaten and nearly killed.
                                                           
     But for now, Kendra clung to her father and to the hope
that for once, her dreams were just that.  The teen closed
her eyes, holding her father even tighter.  He was the one
constant in her life, the one person she could count on.  As
far back as Kendra could remember, her father had taken care
of her.  He wouldn't let anything hurt her now.
 
      .                        .                        .
    
     "There was another reason why you went to see Sandy,
wasn't there?" Molly asked her niece to change the subject,
and Lissa looked at the older woman with a half-smile.  Ever
since she could remember, her aunt had been able to see
beyond the surface of what Lissa told her to the truth.
 
     "Yes.  Sandy has been having marital problems for a
while, ever since she got back from Mexico.  Lewis wants her
to leave the police force, Sandy refuses to even consider it.
I don't like getting caught in the middle, but Sandy's my
friend.  She needs someone who willl listen to her," Lissa
explained, folding her legs under her body.
 
     "Did Nick and Philip stay in the Range Rover while you
were in the precinct?" Aunt Molly asked and Lissa bobbed her
head.  Yes, Philip had been asleep when Nick pulled up in
front of the precinct, and Nick didn't want to leave him
alone.  Aunt Molly continued, "Good.  I'm glad."
 
     "Philip fell asleep about thirty minutes after we left
the cabin, and I didn't want to wake him.  Good Lord, Aunt
Molly, it's a wonder he's not back in the hospital!  He
didn't get much rest while we were at the cabin, between the
pillow fight and Mama's antics," Lissa replied.  Although,
'antics' wasn't a good way to describe her mother's visit.
                                                           
     "Fiona. . .you saw Fiona?" Aunt Molly gasped, her blue
eyes widening with shock.  Lissa nodded, smiling gently, and
her aunt took her hands, continuing, "Tell me. . .tell me
about my sister."  Lissa squeezed the older woman's hands,
her own vision blurring with tears.
 
     "Well. . .she's at peace now, although she told me that
she will always come back when I need her.  Would you like me
to tell you everything that happened?  You know Mama. . .she
has this sense of the dramatic, so of course she had to make
a grand entrance," Lissa said with a broad grin and her aunt
nodded, blinking back tears.
 
     "Yeah, that's Fiona for you. . .just loves making her
dramatic entrances.  What did she do this time. . .appear in
the middle of the kitchen in a magician's outfit, complete
with a top hat and leotards under her black shorts?" Aunt
Molly asked.  Lissa threw back her head and laughed, drawing
a watery smile from her aunt, who continued, "I'll take that
as a 'no,' then.  So what did she do?"
 
     "Oh, we rented a few videos, including 'Independence
Day' and 'The Empire Strikes Back.'  While Nick was re-
running 'Empire Strikes Back,' I heard laughter coming from
outside the cabin," Lissa replied and proceeded to explain
what her mother had done to get their attention.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     She was satiated. . .her blood-lust had been eased by
her attack on the monster in the prison.  She drifted. . .it
had felt so good, to inflict the pain and the terror this
time.  This time?  The spirit frowned.  What had triggered
her rage?  Yes, she had wanted to protect the innocent.

    But there had been a darker desire, underlying her wish
to protect the child.  Something dark, something cruel,
something. . .  At last, the spirit gave up.  She was too
tired to think about it right now.  Later, when it was
important, she would think about it then.  For now, she would
simply be grateful that the child was safe, that she had
protected an innocent young girl from evil.
 
     For now, she thought sleepily, I must rest.  I'm
tired.  I'm so very tired.  And the spirit, who still
didn't remember her name, drifted softly back into oblivion.
She would be awakened again when another child needed her
protection from a demon in human form.  Shortly before she
had left the mortal world, she had learned that many, many
demons were cloaked in human flesh.

     In the kitchen, Cassie Summers ate cookies while the
kitchen staff fussed over her.  Duncan watched with an
indulgent smile. . .he had known whom this little girl was
from the instant he saw her.  She looked just like her mother
had at that age, and Duncan couldn't understand why Dr. Rayne
didn't see that.  Especially since she had Miss Elizabeth's
smile.  That smile flashed now as the little girl asked
earnestly, "Duncan, do you think I can call my Aunt Natalie
now?  Mummy said that we could call Aunt Nat when Lissa got
home from her 'treat."
 
     "I cannot give you permission, Miss Cassie, but if you
ask Dr. Rayne nicely, he may agree.  Would you like to ask
him now?" Duncan replied.  The little girl nodded, putting
down her cookie and wiping her mouth with the napkin Cook had
given her.  She took Duncan's hand and together, they walked
to the study.  It's not my place to tell Dr. Rayne,
Duncan thought, but I hope Miss Elizabeth tells him soon.
I am certain that Father Philip knows the truth. . .they
never kept secrets from each other when they were small.  But
Dr. Rayne should know about his granddaughter.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
     During the last few days, Cassie had observed her
surroundings with eagle eyes, a phrase she had learned from
her cousin Lissa.  It had taken her that long to discover a
few things.  First, Lissa's real daddy was nice, even if he
did seem a little scary at first.  Secondly, Dr. Rachel's
daughter Kat was a lot of fun.  And finally, Cassie had
realized that her mother disliked Dr. Rachel.  The little
girl hadn't figured out exactly why yet, or even if she
should like Dr. Rachel herself, but she could tell that her
mother didn't like Kat's mum.
                                                           
     Duncan, who had been taking care of Cassie while her
mummy talked with Lissa, said as they entered the study, "Dr.
Rayne, Miss Cassie would like to know if she's permitted to
use the telephone.  She would like very much to call her aunt
Natalie, Dr. Summers' dear friend, in Toronto."
 
     "I think that may be arranged.  Nick, why don't you help
Cassie and Duncan with that?  I think Philip has done enough
moving around for one day. . .he needs to rest," Derek
replied.  Cassie had decided that she liked Derek, especially
when he smiled, as he was now.  Nick and Philip, she wasn't
sure of them, although Philip had nice eyes.
 
     However, she said, "Thank you, Derek.  Aunt Natalie
wanted to know as soon as we got in, and when we got here,
Lissa wasn't, so Aunt Natalie wanted to know when Lissa got
in."  The words emerged in a rush, and Derek smiled as he
gently pushed Philip against the sofa.  Nick rose to his
feet, joining Cassie and Duncan.  The child asked curiously,
"Derek?  How come Philip is hurt?"
 
     "Because a mean man wanted to get back at Derek, kiddo.
He knew that Philip was very special to Derek, just like
Lissa is, and so he had Philip beaten up really, really
badly.  So badly, we were afraid that he would die," Nick
replied as he swung Cassie up into his arms.
 
     The little girl froze in the man's embrace, saying,
"That's awful!  I hope that mean man dies!  Did he try to
hurt Lissa, too?"  Cassie could remember how her mummy had
cried when she found out that Lissa had been shot again.
Cassie had cried as well.  Derek nodded and Cassie spat, "I
hope he dies!  He shouldn't have hurt Philip and Lissa!"
 
     "We'll make sure he doesn't hurt Lissa or Philip, ever
again.  Now what do you say we call your aunt Natalie, huh?
We wouldn't want her worrying about you, or your mom, or
Lissa," Nick said.  Cassie nodded, waving to Derek and Philip
as the man carried her from the room.  They both waved back,
and Cassie thought about what she had heard.
                                                           
     Mummy says that Lissa and Nick went to the mountains,
so they could take special care of Philip, the little girl
thought, and that Philip is really, really special to
Lissa.  I guess that means I should take care of him,
too.  However, there was no more time for her to think
about that, as they had reached the telephone.
 
     Nick asked, settling her on the stool beside the phone,
"Do you know your aunt Natalie's phone number, or do I need
to ask your mom?"  Cassie made a face at him as she dialed
the familiar numbers.  When Cassie started kindergarten, her
mummy had made sure she knew the number.
 
     On the second ring, a familiar voice said, "Natalie's
bed and breakfast."  Cassie giggled openly at the greeting,
and her aunt continued, "Fiona Cassandra Summers, is that
you?  Don't tell me that Lissa finally got home from this
mountain retreat of hers, and your mum is talking to her?"
 
     "Okay, I won't," Cassie replied.  It was an old joke
between them, which Natalie had started when she moved in
nearly a year earlier.  Her aunt laughed, causing Cassie to
giggle, and the little girl continued, "Lissa is home, and
Mummy is helping her to unpack.  Aunt Natalie, I met Philip
and Nick, Lissa's friends.  You know, Mummy said that Philip
got hurt. . .maybe I should take care of him, too. . ."
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     Adrian Tyler couldn't shake the feeling that something
was wrong with his daughter.  Certainly, she was reaching
puberty, and Kendra was starting to get moody.  But this was
different somehow. . .his daughter wasn't being moody, she
seemed out and out terrified by this damn dream.

     From the time Kendra was a small girl, she had always
shown an amazing aptitude for knowing what he needed, when he
needed it.  At the time, Adrian had chalked it up to a little
girl being in tune with her father.  But she was a teenager
now. . .and there were certain things he couldn't overlook.
Like her incredible ability to read his mind. . .as well as
her unusually vivid dreams.
 
     Adrian was a doctor, a scientist of the physical world.
More specifically, he was a medical doctor.  But ever since
witnessing a strange event in the hospital room of a
critically injured young priest, Adrian had been forced to
confront the possibility that there was something far beyond
the physical world.  There was absolutely no logical reason
for what had happened in Philip Callaghan's hospital room.
 
     All of that was driven from his mind, however, as his
daughter screamed.  After releasing him, Kendra had gone to
get the morning paper while Adrian finished up breakfast.
Lost in his reverie, he hadn't even heard Kendra re-enter the
house.  She stood just inside the kitchen doorway, her eyes
wide with shock as she stared at the headline.  Adrian
snatched the paper from his daughter's trembling hands and
read the headline.  A man had died, an inmate from the prison
Kendra's class had visited the previous day.
 
     Kendra whispered, her eyes wide with horror, "I saw him
in my dream, Daddy.  He was the man who looked at me
yesterday, the man who scared me.  Maddy said that terrible
things happen to men like that in prison, but she didn't say
what kind of man he was.  And then last night, I saw him in
my dream.  He was in pain, Daddy, he was in so much pain."
 
     Kendra's voice caught, and Adrian put the paper on the
table, drawing his daughter into his arms once more.  He once
more cursed Kendra's teacher for even taking them to the
prison, then cursed himself for agreeing to let her go.  But
Adrian had believed that there were lessons his daughter
could learn in the visit.  Though if he had known that child
molesters were part of the tour, well. . .
                                                            
     However, he said none of this to his trembling daughter.
All he said was, "I'm here, baby, I'm here."  It wasn't
particularly imaginative, or even reassuring, but Adrian was
in over his head.  Since nothing he could say sounded right
under the circumstances, Adrian said nothing and just held
his little girl tightly.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     Unpacking didn't take long at all. . .but there was a
lot which both Molly and Lissa needed to say.  While Molly
was thrilled that her niece was no longer a cop, she was
saddened by the way it came about. . .just as the other part
of her niece's choice disturbed her.  Molly knew Lissa had
never wanted Philip to learn that she loved him.
 
     Then again, there was a lot Lissa hadn't wanted Philip
to know. . .not the least of which was the existence of her
six year old daughter.  Lissa hadn't gone into the details
about how Philip had learned about Cassie, but she seemed to
be at peace with his knowledge.  For that, Molly was
grateful.  Now, she thought, to tell Derek!
 
     However, Molly knew that would be a much harder
conversation for her niece.  The linguist wished there was
something she could do, but there was nothing any of them
could do.  This was something Lissa had to do, alone.  Molly
hated it, but there was nothing she could do about it.
 
     Molly also wished that either of her older sisters were
around. . .she was afraid that if she had to deal with Rachel
Corrigan on a daily basis, Molly would strangle her.  Even
more, Molly cursed Winston Rayne for appearing in Toronto and
telling her so much about the psychiatrist.
                                                            
     There was no need for her to know that Dr. Corrigan had
blamed Derek for Ruth Cantwell's death when she first learned
of Winston's fatal mistake. . .it was none of her business.
But Winston had been furious with the shrink for even
thinking that Lissa wouldn't forgive Philip for her departure
from the force.  Truthfully, Molly didn't blame him.  That
had to be the stupidest thing she had ever heard.
 
     But they had made it through that difficulty, and were
good friends again.  Somehow, Lissa had accepted that Philip
cared for her, no matter what.  And Philip had accepted that
Lissa loved him enough to give up her career for him.  Molly
was unaware that she had spoken aloud, until Lissa said with
exasperation, "If I hear one more person say that. . .for the
last time, I am not a martyr!  It makes me sound like some
sort of friggin' martyr when you say that!"
 
     Molly flashed her niece an apologetic smile, replying,
"I'm sorry, honey.  But that's how I see your decision.  I
know you would make the same choice a second time, and that
you want to go on with your life.  But I'm very, very proud
of you.  I know it wasn't an easy choice to make."
 
     Lissa sighed, running her hand over her eyes, replying,
"No, it wasn't, and I'm sorry for snapping at you." Molly
just smiled gently.  She didn't take it personally.  Lissa
continued, "But it was the only one I could make, Aunt Molly.
How could I live with myself, how could I face myself in the
mirror each morning. . .if I'd let Philip die?  I couldn't do
that, Aunt Molly.  Maybe that makes me a coward, but I
couldn't let Philip die, not if I could save him."
 
     "You are no coward, Elizabeth Marie Anne Rayne!" Molly
replied fiercely.  She knew that she was over-reacting, but
she couldn't help it.  She hated it when Lissa put herself
down, as her niece was doing now.  After a moment, she
continued in a more gentle voice, "So. . .do you feel up to
talking about it now, honey?"  She knew this was at the heart
of her niece's time away from the House with Nick and Philip.
The young woman didn't respond immediately.

     "I remember the day I came home. . .I steeled myself,
Aunt Molly, for the staff to call me 'Detective Rayne.'  They
couldn't help themselves. . .it's what they've called me for
months.  Imagine my surprise when Duncan called me 'Miss
Elizabeth' as if he had been doing it forever.  No strain,
nothing like that. . .just 'Miss Elizabeth.'  And by the time
Philip came home from the hospital, the staff was calling me
'Miss Elizabeth' with the same ease," Lissa replied.
 
     Accustomed to her niece's non sequitars, Molly said
nothing, only waited patiently for the younger woman to
continue.  At last, Lissa went on, "I've been ready to talk
about it all along. . .but I wanted it to be on my terms.
Not on Rachel's. . .not on my father's. . .just mine.  And I
felt guilty about that, you know.  Especially since Dad never
pushed me to talk about it.  He and Alex and Nick, they were
there.  I just couldn't put what I was feeling into words."
 
     "And now you can?" Molly asked gently.  Lissa didn't
answer immediately. . .she was chewing her lower lip
thoughtfully, her brows furrowed with concentration.   Molly
didn't prompt her niece. . .when Lissa was ready to say more,
she would.  Until then, well. . .
 
     "I'm ready now to acknowledge a few things.  Yes. . .the
choice I was asked to make hurts.  It hurts. . .the only
comparison I can draw, and it's not a very good one. . .but
it's like the pain I felt when I flew home after Cassie was
born.  I knew I was doing the right thing. . .for her, for
you, and for me, but it still hurt.  Dear God in heaven, I
never dreamed I could love someone as much as I love Cassie!
It's a cliche, but. . ." Lissa sighed.
 
     "Sweetheart, cliches are grounded in truth.  I'm the
last person to condemn you for being corny. . .there are
times when just watching her sleep makes me teary-eyed.  The
way watching you and Philip sleep used to get to Fiona. . .I
always thought she was being so mushy, the way she would
watch you both sleep.  And then Cassie was a part of my life,
and it wasn't mushy anymore," Molly replied.

     "I know," Lissa said softly.  After a moment, she
continued, "So yeah, the choice I made does hurt.  But
dammit, what else was I supposed to do?  Watch my best friend
die?  I don't think so!  And yeah, I'm mad.  I'm so mad at
God for asking me to give up the career I loved. . .right
before I came back, Michael told me that one day I would
understand why such a high price was asked of me."
 
     "That's a scary thought, isn't it?  You were asked to
give up something that meant so much to you, so you could
understand when someone you loved went through it as well,"
Molly commented.  Her niece nodded, shuddering.  Molly put
her arm around the younger woman, drawing her close.
 
     "I can't help wondering, Aunt Molly.  I know, it does no
good, just like wondering about the past does no good.  But,
what could it be?  Will Dad need me if he's forced to choose
between one of us and the Legacy?  That's the only thing I
can think of, Aunt Molly, and it scares me," Lissa admitted,
resting her head on Molly's shoulder.  The linguist had no
answers to give her sister's child. . .just love.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     A quick telephone call to a friend in the morgue turned
Adrian Tyler's day from bad to worse.  According to his
friend, the prisoner in question had died of a massive
hemorrhage.  His genitals were mutilated beyond belief. . .it
was the coroner's opinion that they had exploded.
 
     The cellmate had no idea how the other man died. . .not
that he really cared about a child molester.  But not even a
savage beating at the hands of that huge man could have
caused the damage to the late prisoner's genitals.
                                                           
     I'm in way over my head, Adrian thought unhappily,
my daughter is dreaming about an angel of death who kills
the inmate who frightened Kendra, and that man turns up dead
the following morning.  I need help!  He thought of the
drama in Philip Callaghan's room, then Adrian dialed the
number on Lissa Rayne's business card.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
     "So, you think Sandy can salvage her marriage?" Molly
asked, her mind returning to the subject of Lissa's partner.
The younger woman sighed, sitting down on the bed beside her
aunt.  She had been wondering about that.  She had nothing
against Lewis, per se. . .but he didn't seem to understand
what being a police detective meant to Sandy.
 
     "I don't know, Aunt Molly.  It sounds terrible, and
Philip would have a few things to say if he heard this, but
I'm not sure she should try.  Lewis is a nice man, but. . .
Sandy does all the work in that marriage, and that's not
right!  I thought that marriage was supposed to be a
partnership. . .not always equal, certainly, but where is it
written that the woman has to be the one to give in all the
time?  That's what Lewis expects of her," Lissa sighed.
 
     "Then maybe it's time Sandy got out of that
relationship.  You're a realist, honey, and Philip is a
romantic.  There's nothing wrong with that. . .but you've
seen too much, heard too much, felt too much to just blindly
accept whatever you're told.  And anyone who would expect
that of you. . .well, they're not living in the real world.
If your instincts, if your heart, if your gut tells you that
Sandy should leave Lewis, she probably should.  But she has
to try to work things out," Molly pointed out.
                                                           
     "I know. . .for the sake of her peace of mind, she has
to try.  So she won't always look over her shoulder and
wonder about what might have been," Lissa replied and Molly
nodded.  Lissa hesitated, then asked, "Why did you never get
involved with anyone after Anthony died?"
 
     "Oh, sweetie, I did.  But I never gave them my heart the
way I gave it to Anthony.  He was my first love, my greatest
love.  And when I found someone who might have come close,
who could have been just as special, the man didn't like
children.  By that time, I had Cassie, so he was out of the
question, of course," Molly replied.
 
     Lissa nodded, tracing patterns on the bedspread.  She
said softly, "You know, I wish I could fall in love with
Nick.  He's smart and funny and handsome and kind. . .he
loves kids.  Perfect in every way.  But he doesn't make my
heart jump. . .there's no passion in my feelings for Nick.  I
know what love feels like, Aunt Molly, and I can't settle for

anything less.  I just can't."
 
     "Nor should you, honey. . .Derek would tell you that.
And don't worry about Nick, he'll be fine.  He's a tough
young man.  A marshmallow at heart, but he can take care of
himself," Aunt Molly replied.  Lissa nodded and rolled her
eyes as her cellular rang.  Duty called.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
     While her niece dealt with her phone call, Molly took a
few moments to study the younger woman.  There were a few
more strands of silver in the dark brown hair, but overall,
Molly didn't think she had ever seen her niece happier.
Aside from the difficulties with Philip, of course.
                                                           
     Molly had never fully accepted Philip as a priest.
Partly because he was still a sweet, awkward boy of twelve in
her heart, the age he was when she last saw him.  Part of it
was also her strong belief that Philip belonged with her
niece.  She had never let go of that belief, not even after
Philip's ordination as a priest.
 
     Moreover, given the recent events, Molly's certainty
that her niece and Philip belonged together had grown.  Lissa
had been asked to leave the force on Philip's behalf for a
reason.  What that reason was, only time would tell.
 
      .                        .                        .
 
     Lissa listened to Adrian Tyler's story with growing
concern.  Up until she had brought Philip out of a coma,
Adrian had never believed in things he couldn't see.  Now,
twice within a month, he was being forced to confront
something which he didn't understand.
 
     That wasn't what troubled Lissa, however. . .it was the
involvement of Adrian's thirteen year old daughter.  She had
known Kendra for almost four years, and this was the first
time she had heard anything about the girl having the Sight.
Kendra had never said anything about those things.
 
     Then again, Lissa admitted, I'm not her mother,
her sister, or her aunt. . .there's no need for her to tell
me anything.  I'm just a lady whose life her father once
saved.  As Adrian concluded his narrative, Lissa said, "Ok,
I understand why you're spooked.  Sandy told me about the
case when I was at the precinct today. . .it has her spooked
as well, and she's not even handling the case.  I don't
imagine that Kendra is up to talking about it?"

     "No, not yet.  She's trying to convince herself that it
was just a dream.  I'd like to, but. . .Lis, until two weeks
ago, I would have dismissed this as a child's nightmare.  But
I got to thinking this afternoon.  Ever since Kendra was a
little girl, she's had this uncanny ability to read my mind,
to always know what I needed," Adrian replied.
 
     Lissa nodded, even though Adrian couldn't see her, and
the doctor continued, his voice dropping, "That's not the
only thing.  The night before Father Callaghan was attacked,
Kendra had a nightmare.  She woke up screaming. . .I calmed
her as best I could.  I mean, she had seen a confrontation
between Father Callaghan and Bishop Douglas the previous
afternoon, so I figured that's what she was dreaming about.
I'm wondering now if there wasn't more to it than that."
 
     Lissa's senses went on full alert as she asked slowly,
"There was a confrontation between Philip and Bishop Douglas
the day before Philip was attacked?  Adrian, did Kendra tell
you what the confrontation was about?"  Her free hand was
clenched into a fist at her side.
 
     "Not really. . .you mean Father Callaghan didn't tell
you?  That's odd. . .well, he probably had other things on
his mind at the time.  I'll call you again when I have a
better idea of what's going through Kendra's mind, when
she'll be ready to talk to someone else," Adrian offered.
 
     "Thanks, that would be terrific, Adrian.  Between now
and then, if she wants to talk to you about it, don't shut
her out, don't make light of this.  If I'm right about
Kendra's dreams, your daughter will need all the help she can
get in dealing with this Sight," Lissa replied.
 
     "I can't tell her it doesn't exist. . .not after what
happened in Father Callaghan's hospital room.  How is he, by
the way?  Are his ribs and other injuries healing all right?"
Adrian asked.  Lissa rolled her eyes, and decided not to tell
her long-time friend about their journey to the mountains.
That would be counterproductive.
                                                            
     "He's feeling better, although he's still in pain.  That
will take some time, however.  Listen, Adrian, I have to run.
Call me in the next day or two, whenever Kendra feels ready
to talk to me.  Rachel will be with me," Lissa replied and
her aunt rolled her eyes, but Lissa ignored her.
 
     There was silence, then Adrian said, "Lissa, you know
how I feel about psychiatrists.  And my daughter is NOT
crazy!"  Lissa sighed, rubbing her temples with her free
hand.  She knew this would be Adrian's reaction, but she also
knew her father would insist on Rachel's presence.
 
     "I never said that she was crazy, Adrian, but it's part
of the procedure.  Yes, I do know how you feel about
psychiatrists, but it can't be helped.  Believe me, if there
was a way around this, I would use it!" Lissa retorted.
There was another silence, then she heard Adrian sigh.
 
     "I know. . .I'm sorry.  But I will state this for the
record, and tell your father I said so. . .I do not like
psychiatrists.  I have never liked psychiatrists, and
Melody's death didn't improve my opinion of them.  If Dr.
Corrigan tries to bring Melody's death, or my feelings over
my illegitimate status, into the conversation, the interview
ends.  Understood?" Adrian asked.
 
     Lissa rolled her eyes once more, but replied, "You know
better than to ask that, Adrian.  I will brief Rachel before
we go over, and tell her that Melody's death is off-limits.
I really don't see why it should even be brought into the
conversation, since Kendra was six months old when her mother
died, and she wasn't even in the car."
 
     There was a rueful laugh, then Adrian said again, "I'm
sorry, Lis.  I shouldn't judge all shrinks by one.  I'll give
Dr. Corrigan a fair chance, I promise.  I'll let you go. . .
see you in a few days.  And Lissa. . .thanks in advance."
Lissa murmured 'good-bye,' then hung up the phone.  Yes, this
was very disturbing, especially in light of what Sandy had
told her at the police station.

    "Lissa. . .what's wrong?  Why was Adrian Tyler calling
you, and what's this about taking Dr. Corrigan with you to an
interview?" Aunt Molly asked with concern as Lissa put her
cell phone back into her jacket pocket.  The ex-cop didn't
answer right away. . .she had to call Maeve and Shelagh, but
not immediately.  She didn't remember the time difference.
 
     "I'll explain later, Aunt Molly. . .I need to talk with
Dad, and then I should call Sandy.  C'mon.  I'm sure Dad will
need to know everything I do so far," Lissa replied at last.
Her aunt nodded and the two women left the room.
 
     .                        .                        .
 
     Alex Moreau returned to the castle at the same time as
Rachel Corrigan, and she smiled, seeing the familiar black
Range Rover parked beside Nick's Mustang.  Good, she
thought, everyone is home.  With a little bit of luck, Lis
and I can keep Molly under control.  I hope.
 
     She said as she joined Rachel, "Nick, Philip, and Lissa
are back. . .I know Derek will be relieved about that."
Rachel nodded, looking more than a little relieved, and Alex
debated about mentioning Molly's attitude toward Rachel.
However, she decided against it.  Until Lissa asked for her
input, Alex would stay out of it.
 
     Unless, of course, Molly ends up going too far.  One
of her major problems with Rachel has to do with Philip, and
I know how he feels about being the cause of arguments.  He
hates it. . .and he doesn't need any more stress right
now, Alex thought.  Rachel said, "Derek isn't the only one.
Katherine asked me yesterday when they were coming home.  She
was starting to worry about them."
                                                          
     "Well, I would say they're fine. . .we didn't get any
phone calls while we were out, telling us to meet everyone at
the hospital.  That's something, I think," Alex replied and
Rachel nodded.  She looked tense, as if she was trying to
prepare for battle.  Alex sighed and pushed open the door,
hoping that a battle royale would be averted for now.
 
     .                        .                        .
 
     As Lissa and her aunt headed downstairs to talk with
Derek, the front door swung open and Lissa gave a whoop of
joy as she saw her former college roommate enter the House.
She took the remaining steps two at a time, flinging herself
into Alex's arms.  Her friend laughed, hugging her and
swinging her around as if Lissa was just a child herself.
 
     "Yup, we're home, Xan, and all three of us are in one
piece.  Well, more or less.  Hi, Rachel!" Lissa said as Alex
put her back on her feet.  The psychiatrist smiled at her
warmly, a smile which faded as Molly joined them at the foot
of the stairs.  Lissa suppressed a sigh, seeing the coldness
in her aunt's eyes.  Oh, no!  Don't start, Aunt Molly!
 
     However, Molly turned her attention back to Alex and
said warmly, "It's good to see you, Alex. . .did you get
everything straightened out for your friend?"  Alex nodded,
her own smile losing some enthusiasm as she looked anxiously
from Molly to Rachel and back.  Things got even more
complicated when Derek and Philip emerged from the study.
 
     "Yeah, everything is fine. . .Rachel and I got home at
the same time, so we walked in together," Alex replied,
making an attempt to thaw some of the ice.  Lissa glanced at
Philip, who was very, very pale.
                                                           
     "You're a good friend, Alex. . .I can't thank you enough
for taking such good care of Lissa while you were in college
together.  She's often accused me of being over-protective,
but aside from Cass, my niece is all I have left in the
world.  And where I love, I do protect," Molly said,
pointedly ignoring Rachel, even as she delivered a rather
blunt warning with her last sentence.
 
     Lissa looked at her father beseechingly and Derek said
quietly, "Yes, Alex is a very good friend to Lissa, and the
rest of us. . .and she would probably like some time to wash
up before dinner.  Rachel, Lissa, I understand the two of you
have a lot to talk about. . .why don't you come into the
study?  Philip, you should probably rest for a few minutes
before you try to move again."
 
     Philip gave an unsteady bob of his head, leaning heavily
against the wall.  He didn't look well at all.  Alex gave
both Derek and Lissa a grateful smile as she headed upstairs
to shower, then Lissa took Rachel's arm, leading the older
woman into the study.  Derek was only a few steps behind,
leaving Philip and Molly Summers alone in the foyer.
 
     I wish I could stay and help Philip, Lissa thought
as she, her father, and Rachel went into the study, but I
received the rather distinct impression that he would rather
handle this alone.  And I do need to tell Rachel and Dad
what's going on with Kendra Tyler, and what Sandy told me.
Aunt Molly won't do anything to hurt Philip, and she won't
let him hurt himself.  I hope.
 
     The ex-cop resolutely turned her mind to the case at
hand. . .a little girl needed their help, and Lissa was
determined not to let her. . .or Adrian. . .down.  She had
only to remember the awakening of her own Sight, nearly
twenty-two years earlier in her mother's kitchen.  She didn't
want that for Kendra.  And for all her teasing of Adrian, the
fact remained, he had saved her life.  She was in his debt
for that.  And Lissa Rayne paid her debts.

     As the door closed behind Derek, Rachel, and Lissa,
Molly was heart-sick to see how pale Philip was.  The pain in
his eyes went beyond the injuries he had suffered two weeks
earlier, and Molly said gently, "Sometimes, Philip, the best
way to get your point across is by saying nothing."
 
     "True," the young priest replied, his face almost chalk-
white, "but it's very unpleasant to watch one friend bein' so
cold t' another.  Perhaps you'll remember that in the
future."  Molly was startled by his words and his anger, but
the poor kid was in terrible pain.  He wasn't exactly in the
mood to be tactful, and that was all right.
 
     On the other hand, Molly wasn't about to allow that to
go unchallenged.  She replied quietly, "Friends?  Philip, you
dear sweet boy, how can you call Rachel Corrigan a friend
after the way she's treated you?  When she treats you with
respect, then I'll treat her with respect."
 
     "Friendship is unconditional, Molly. . .and Rachel has
always treated me just fine," Philip replied.  He turned very
slowly toward the study door, then looked over his shoulder
and added, "And even if you haven't a mind t' care about
Rachel's feelin's, then maybe you should consider Lissa's.
She doesn't like seein' this either, you know."
 
     With that, he slowly walked back into the study, every
movement betraying the amount of pain he was in.  Molly
watched him go, both proud of his strength and compassion,
and frustrated by it.  She murmured as the door closed behind
him, "Rachel Corrigan doesn't deserve to be called your
friend, Philip.  But because I love you, and my niece, I will
try to be civil to her.  That's all I can promise you."
 
     Molly closed her eyes, sighing.  She would have to talk
to her niece later. . .she knew she had upset Lissa, but
there was something about Rachel Corrigan which set her off,
just by looking at her.  And in all honesty, Molly knew that
she would have had a low opinion of Rachel, even without
Winston Rayne's venting a few days earlier.
                                                             
     However, her visit from Winston hadn't helped matters.
If anything, it strengthened her resolve to go to San
Francisco and see how her niece was faring.  I'll apologize
to Lissa and Philip later, she thought, right now, I want
to go see about Cassie.  Molly smiled as she thought of the
child, her child and Lissa's.
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     Derek and Rachel listened intently as Lissa explained
the phone call from Adrian Tyler.  Rachel interrupted long
enough to ask, "Is there any possibility that Kendra just
dreamed about this man's death, because he had frightened
her, and he just happened to die the next morning?"
 
     "Well, that's what I want to find out.  My instinct
tells me to take this seriously, especially after hearing
about this case from Sandy.  That was why we were late
getting home, Dad, because I stopped off to give Sandy her
birthday present.  Anyhow. . .she was telling me about this
case, and it spooks her," Lissa replied.
 
     She paused as Philip hobbled into the study, his face
almost chalk-white.  The ex-cop was on her feet immediately
and she ran to Philip's side, putting a supportive arm around
him.  He leaned on her gratefully, and Lissa said urgently,
"Rachel, please get me his pills, they're in my purse."
 
     As the ex-cop gently settled Philip on the davenport
beside her father, Rachel ran to Lissa's purse and pulled the
medication out.  She tossed the bottle to the younger woman,
who neatly caught it.  While Lissa shook two pills out,
Rachel poured water into a glass.  Philip accepted the glass
with a weak smile and swallowed the pills.
                                                            
     After a few minutes, Philip murmured, "I'm fine.  What
were you talkin' about when I came in?"  Lissa shifted her
weight, allowing Philip to settle against the cushions more
comfortably, while Rachel pulled over a chair.  The
psychiatrist looked a little guilty, and Lissa guessed it was
because of Rachel's statements about Lissa never forgiving
Philip.  Given his pain, how could she be angry with him?
 
     "There was a death at the prison last night. . .an
inmate named 'Mathews.'  Adrian Tyler's daughter Kendra was
on a field trip and apparently, this guy made some threats.
Scared her terribly.  Anyhow, last night she had a dream
about this man dying at the hands of a beautiful angel of
death," Lissa explained.  Philip's eyes widened and the ex-
cop added with a sigh, "Yeah, well. . ."
 
     "What else do you know, Lissa?" her father asked and
Lissa returned her attention to him, trying to remember where
she had left off when Philip entered the study.  Somehow, he
realized this, for he prompted helpfully, "You were telling
us about Alessandria's reaction to this case."
 
     "Oh, that's right!  Yeah, this case really has Sandy
spooked and it's not even her assignment.  She's been
helping the chief with some of the rookies who were just
transferred into Vice.  She's still on light duty.  Dad, in
all the time I was Sandy's partner, I've never known her to
be spooked by anything," Lissa replied.
 
     She paused, then added, "There's something else.  The
cause of death.  According to Adrian and Sandy, Mathews'
genitals exploded internally.  That is to say, inside his
body, his reproductive organs were a mess.  There was some
external bleeding, but most of the damage was inside.  It's
like a time bomb went off inside him."
 
     What Lissa didn't say, because she knew how both her
father and Philip would react, was that the world was a much
better place without Adam Mathews.  The bastard was a
convicted child molester. . .he deserved no pity.
                                                            
     Her thoughts were interrupted when Rachel said
thoughtfully, "That is strange, but isn't it possible that
it's the result of some disease?  Have there been any other
similar deaths at the prison?"  Lissa shook her head.  She
had thought of that as well, and asked Sandy about it.
Rachel added quietly, "I'm sure they're monitoring the other
prisoners closely.  Lissa. . .what was Mathews' crime?"
 
     Lissa took a deep breath, released it, then told them,
"He was in jail for child molesting.  That's what makes the
case of death so spooky, though I didn't realize it until I
talked with Adrian.  Sandy didn't specify the crime when I
was at the precinct earlier. . .she may have thought it was
unimportant."  Which was an out-and-out lie. . .Lissa knew
exactly why her former partner hadn't told her.
 
     There was silence for a few minutes, then Philip crossed
himself with his good hand.  He seemed a little paler than he
had a moment earlier, while a hard gleam had appeared in
Rachel's brown eyes.  She said coldly, "I won't lose too much
sleep over his death, then.  Don't shake your head at me,
Derek, you've never had to counsel a victim."
 
     "The guards also talked with Mathews' cellmate," Lissa
interposed, wanting to avoid the coming argument between her
father and Rachel.  She agreed totally with Rachel, but
didn't feel like arguing with her father and Philip at the
moment.  Seeing that she had the attention of the others,
Lissa continued, "You have to understand, there is a code
among prisoners, and anyone who is in for child molestation
is fair game for the other prisoners."
 
     "So. . .the guards considered the possibility that
Mathews' cellmate killed him?" Philip asked, speaking for the
first time since assuring them that he would be all right.
Lissa nodded and Philip continued, "I know about the code.
When I go t' the prison to hear confessions and talk wi' the
inmates, I've been told of that code.  Sometimes, the
confession is about what's been done t' the child molesters
in the showers.  That's rare, though."
 
     "Because child molesters are considered fair game,
exactly," Lissa replied, nodding.  She continued after a
moment, "Anyhow, while the cellmate did beat up Mathews in
the past, and threatened to beat him up if he harmed any of
the children on the field trip, he didn't kill Mathews.  I'm
inclined to trust him. . .he has no reason to lie."
 
     "What kind of an idiot takes children on a field trip
and exposes them to child molesters?  I can't fathom that
kind of stupidity," Rachel said, shaking her head in disgust
and disbelief, and Lissa responded with a half-smile.  It was
beyond her as well, but that was beside the point.  Rachel
continued, "So, where do we go from here?  What's next?"
 
     "Adrian will call back in a few days, after Kendra has
had a chance to calm down.  The poor kid is terrified, for
obvious reasons.  Rachel, I need to warn you right now. . .
Adrian has *no* use for psychiatrists at all.  To put it
bluntly, he hates them.  It's a long story, but what it comes
down to is, after his wife was killed in a car accident, he
went to one of your colleagues, who behaved in what Adrian
considered an unprofessional manner," Lissa replied.
 
     At Rachel's questioning look, the ex-cop added, "The
idiot tried to tell Adrian that there was a correlation
between his grief over Melody's death and the traumas which
Adrian suffered as an illegitimate child.  Don't ask me where
that idea came from, don't ask me why Adrian's illegitimacy
even came up, but there you have it."  Rachel looked at her
in astonishment, and Lissa almost laughed.  Almost.
 
     "I won't even think of asking. . .no discussion of his
wife's death or his illegitimacy, not that I would even bring
that up.  Should there be a correlation between her mother's
death and Kendra's visions?" Rachel asked.  Lissa shook her
head with a rueful smile, momentarily distracted by the
conversation.  She didn't want to think about Adam Mathews,
or the way he died, or how fitting it was.  She didn't want
to think about it, because she didn't want to discuss it, nor
did she want to deal with the memories it brought back.
                                                            
     "No," she replied, keeping her mind on the subject at
hand, "no, in fact, Kendra was only six months old when
Melody died, and she wasn't even in the car at the time, so I
really don't see how there could be a correlation between the
two situations.  I'm not a psychiatrist, though."
 
     "I agree. . .but if Kendra wants to talk about her
mother, I won't change the subject.  Did Dr. Tyler tell you
anything more about her dreams?" Rachel asked.  Lissa bit her
lower lip, trying to remember what Adrian had told her about
his daughter's dreams.  Rachel said, "Don't worry about it,
honey, I'll find out from Kendra."
 
     Lissa nodded, trying not to roll her eyes at the
endearment.  When she had first come to this House, Rachel's
habit of calling her 'honey' hadn't bothered her.  She had
welcomed it, in fact. . .but now, it was starting to irritate
her.  It was one thing for Alex to call her that, or Nick.
She and Alex had a history. . .Xan had known Lissa when she
was a fragile sixteen year old college freshman.
 
     And it didn't bother her coming from Nick, because he
was her big brother.  And he had saved her life, and the life
of her daughter, that night on the docks.  By Lissa's
standards, that gave him the right to call her anything he
liked, as long as it wasn't 'munchkin.'
 
     Rachel, on the other hand. . .coming from Rachel, the
endearment was starting to sound patronizing.  And Lissa knew
how long it would take before the patronization became too
much. . .not long at all.  She was well aware that she was
young, at least in years, and that she hadn't been a member
of the Legacy as long as Rachel had.
 
     But what Lissa lacked in years, she made up for in
experience.  There were times when she felt far, far older
than her twenty-six years.  Times when Rachel, who was over
ten years older than Lissa, seemed much younger.  Not that
Lissa ever said so, of course. . .that would have been
churlish, and Lissa didn't wish to alienate the other woman.

     Which was why she gritted her teeth and ignored Rachel
when she started to irritate her.  She knew the older woman
didn't mean to patronize. . .that was the only thing that
kept Lissa from blasting the psychiatrist at times.  Lissa
said now, drawing her mind once more back to Kendra Tyler, "I
think that would be best, Rachel.  Meanwhile, Philip Joseph,
there's something you haven't told us."
 
     She levelled a hard look at her long-time friend, who
asked softly, "And what might that be?"  Lissa merely looked
at him, though she was fairly certain that he didn't even
remember the confrontation with Bishop Douglas.  Philip
asked, his expression now wary, "Why are you lookin' at me
the way you did after you remembered those dreams, Lissa?
What did I do this time t' infuriate you?"
 
     "Philip. . .do you remember a confrontation with Bishop
Douglas the day before you were beaten?" Lissa asked,
dropping her annoyed act.  Philip just looked at her
uncomprehendingly and Lissa added with a sigh, "I didn't
think you did. . .I just wanted to check."
 
     "What about a confrontation?  The day before the
beating. . .that was almost three weeks ago, Elizabeth.  And
Dr. Murray did warn us that Philip would suffer some amnesia
of the days prior to the beating," Derek said, looking from
Lissa to Philip and back again with concern.
 
     "I. . .I don't remember anythin' about a confrontation
or any kind of strong disagreement wi' the bishop.  Although
that reminds me, I need t' return t' the church.  I've been
away too long, and they'll need me," Philip replied.  This
time, both Lissa and Derek glared at him.
 
     "You may visit the church tomorrow, Philip, but you are
in no condition to return to work at the parish.  I nearly
lost you once, and I will not allow you to place yourself in
danger a second time.  Is that understood?" Derek asked, his
voice stern.  Lissa added silently, 'young man,' but kept her
mouth shut.  When Philip nodded, Derek relaxed.
                                                            
     "Derek is right. . .you need a few more weeks to
recuperate, Philip, if not months.  You haven't even been out
of the hospital a week. . .give yourself more time," Rachel
advised.  She looked at her watch, then added, "I should see
to Katherine. . .dinner is in an hour?"  Derek nodded and
Rachel rose to her feet, adding, "I'll see you then."
 
     She departed, leaving Philip to ask Lissa, "How did you
find out about this confrontation I had wi' the bishop?  Did
Father Quinlan tell you somethin' and guess that I would
remember?"  Lissa shook her head, now curiously loathe to
explain to her friend how she had learned of it.  But, she
had brought up the subject, so there was no turning back.
 
     "No, actually Adrian told me.  It seems the night before
you were attacked, Philip, Kendra had a nightmare about the
attack.  At the time, Adrian dismissed it because Kendra
witnessed the confrontation, but now he's not so sure," Lissa
replied.  She paused, then added quietly, "I really think she
has the Sight, in one form or another."
 
     "She probably does, Lissa, but we must proceed
carefully.  A child is at risk, and there could be danger to
others.  If this man's death is the result of dark magic,
there will be other deaths," Derek replied.  Lissa nodded and
rose to her feet.  The impromptu meeting was over.

      .                        .                        .
 
     The spirit had forgotten how good it felt. . .being
sentient.  She wasn't alive, no, but she was in the world
again.  There was so much she had to learn, but it seemed on
this side of the veil, there were no barriers to learning.
By the time the sun rose once more, she had learned much.
                                                            
     More than thirty years had passed since she had left
this world, and there had been many changes.  Some good, some
bad.  The spirit observed with concern how short many skirts
and dresses were, and with even greater concern, she noted
the way the young females in these clothes were regarded.
 
     Thus, during the time she once considered noon, the
spirit found herself drawn to one young girl in particular.
She was no more than seventeen or eighteen, so young and
alive.  Her clothes seemed far more modest than the other
young girls, but the spirit knew that was irrelevant.
Something would happen to her. . .soon.
 
     At a little past noon, when the sun was directly
overhead, the spirit's instinct was proven correct.  The girl
was attacked.  There was no one to help the screaming,
frightened girl. . .no one except the spirit.  Once more,
rage surged through her. . .wild, hot, and sweet.  Sweet
because this time, the spirit had the power to stop an
innocent from being hurt.  This time?
 
     However, the spirit didn't allow her momentary confusion
to stop her.  With only a little concentration, she was able
to step inside the man's body. . .and tear it inside out.  He
doubled over, screaming in agony, and the spirit drew on his
pain and fear, fed on it.  But she stepped out of his body.
Now, she would destroy him from the outside in.
 
     By now, the girl had stopped screaming, and she was
staring in the general direction of the spirit, awe-struck.
She asked, her voice shaking, "Are. . .are you an angel?"
The spirit stared back at her.  She can see me!  It isn't
just the men who can see me!
 
     And in that split second, the spirit remembered her
name.  It was such a simple, little thing, but to the spirit,
it meant everything.  She had a name. . .she had proof that
she once existed.  Gently, very gently, she replied, "I am an
avenging angel, little one. . .now go.  I will make certain
that this monster harms no more innocents."
                                                           
     The girl didn't hesitate. . .her awe now giving way to
fear, as she realized how close she had come to a living
nightmare.  With tears now brimming in her eyes, the girl ran
away, leaving the spirit. . .Lucinda Hadley in life. . .to
turn on the girl's would-be attacker.  Her hands clenched
into fists as she said very quietly, "You like the fear, do
you?  Let's see how much you really enjoy the fear."
 
     "Pl. . .please. . .no m. . .more!  I'll give you
anything you want!" the man pleaded.  Lucinda stared down at
him, contempt roiling inside her.  He really was pathetic,
just like all of them.  Just like all of his kind.  His kind?
Once more, Lucinda was startled by the thought, but didn't
allow her momentary confusion to distract her.  Here, far
away from other people, no one could hear his screams of
agony and his pleas for mercy.  Here, there was no mercy.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     After concluding her conversation with her father, Lissa
went upstairs.  She knew her aunt was with Cassie, and that
Rachel was seeing to Kat. . .hopefully, there would be no
fireworks for a while.  Lissa didn't think she could handle
that at the moment, not given her present state.  Behave,
Aunt Molly, she thought, if you love Philip, if you love
me, then please, behave yourself!
 
     She had never fully escaped the memories, of course.
They were with her every day, every hour.  Sometimes, they
hid in the back of her memory, allowing her to get through
each day.  And sometimes, she re-lived the nightmare all over
again.  That was usually at night, when she was alone.  Lissa
shuddered.  She hated the nights sometimes. . .hated the
oppressive darkness, hated being alone and afraid.
                                                          
     There was a knock at the door and Lissa jumped.  She
silently cursed herself for being so paranoid, and called,
"Come in."  The door opened slowly, revealing Nick, and Lissa
relaxed.  She smiled and said, "So, what's on your mind,
brother?  And what do you think of the rest of my family?"
 
     Nick smiled ruefully, replying, "Your aunt is something
else, Lissa. . .I haven't quite figured out what she is, but
she's something else.  And Cassie. . .she reminds me of what
you must have been like when you were a kid.  She even looks
like you."  Lissa froze and Nick asked very gently, "Cassie
is your daughter, isn't she, Lis?"
 
     He had closed the door behind him after entering, and
Lissa asked very softly, "How did you find out?"  Nick
shrugged and Lissa continued, "Philip didn't tell you, did
he?"  She hated the rising note in her voice, and fought to
calm down.  Getting hysterical would solve nothing. . .it
would make things worse, and Lissa had enough to deal with at
the moment without getting hysterical over this.
 
     "Of course he didn't tell me. . .I've seen pictures of
you, Lis.  Cassie looks just like you did when you were her
age.  She. . .that's why you were on the docks that night,
isn't it?  You had found out you were pregnant with Cassie,"
Nick observed and Lissa nodded, closing her eyes.
 
     "Yeah.  I knew what my step-father would do to me. . .
what he would do to both of us, so I decided to end it then
and there.  He couldn't ever hurt me again if I was dead.
But you changed my mind.  So. . .you saved my life and
Cassie's, Nick," she replied and Nick smiled sadly.
 
     "She's a beautiful little girl. . .you should be very
proud of her.  I know I'm proud of you.  Giving her up,
letting your aunt Molly raise her. . .that took a lot of
courage, and I know how hard it was for you," he said quietly
and Lissa barely managed a half-smile.  God, she couldn't
deal with this right now!  She couldn't deal with the
memories, with the sympathy, with the pain.
                                                          
     However, she said, "I did what was necessary, Nick.
Have you talked with Alex?"  The ex-SEAL shook his head, his
eyes narrowing.  He knew there was something troubling Lissa.
He was too smart not to know when she was shutting down.  He
knew her too well, but not well enough to know why.
 
     But he didn't push, didn't pressure her to tell him what
was on her mind.  Instead, he replied, "No, I haven't seen
her since she got home, and by the way, that was a nice save
there.  I was just coming out of the kitchen when Alex and
Rachel got back. . .I saw you heading off trouble."
 
     This time, Lissa's smile was broad as she replied,
"Yeah, well, Alex had enough to deal with. . .and Philip
would have interfered.  That's not good for his health at the
moment, Nick, confrontations only upset him.  I'm trying to
avoid upsetting him. . .we finally got our friendship back on
track, and now I'm making up for lost time."
 
     "Silly girl. . .don't you know that's not necessary?
Philip cares about you no matter what, so stop trying so hard
to protect him!  Now, tell me how Sandy is doing.  Don't give
me that look, I know she's been having problems with her
husband.  I figured that was part of the reason for our stop
at the precinct this afternoon," Nick said.  Lissa shook her
head with a smile and told him what she knew.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
     Talking with Lissa Rayne made Adrian feel somewhat
better.  He smiled. . .he had liked the young spitfire cop
from the first time he met her.  She had actually been
unconscious the first time he saw her, and rather fragile for
several weeks after, but he sensed her spirit even then.

     The ex-cop reminded him of his mother. . .his aunt by
blood, his mother by love.  He had called the woman who
raised him that once, and it made her smile.  Lissa had her
spunk, her unwillingness to take nonsense from anyone, for
any reason.  Adrian almost laughed, remembering her
admonition for him to see to Philip Callaghan as she was
being wheeled into the OR. . .she would be fine.
 
     Adrian had little doubt of that. . .but Philip had been
in good hands with Justin Mackintosh, and Adrian wanted to
see to Lissa.  She was a stubborn girl, and after meeting her
father, Adrian knew where she got it.  This time, Adrian did
laugh.  Yeah, he thought, as if you and Kendra have any
room to talk?  She's just as stubborn as you are, so don't go
busting on Lissa for being the same way.
 
     Kendra entered the kitchen, interrupting Adrian's
thoughts, and said softly, "Sorry I fell apart earlier, Dad."
Adrian smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way, and
Kendra continued, "Did you call Detective Rayne?  I heard you
talking to someone named 'Lissa' on the phone."
 
     "Yup, that's exactly right.  Sweetheart. . .I know this
is scary for you, but Detective Rayne wants to talk to you
about the dream you had.  She'll be bringing a friend with
her, Dr.  Corrigan.  Will you be able to handle that?" Adrian
asked.  Kendra sat down at the table with him.
 
     "Dr. Corrigan?  She's a shrink, isn't she?" the girl
asked and Adrian flinched.  I might have known, the
doctor thought, she's picked up my bias.  Well, I hope
Rachel Corrigan has a sense of humor, or at least doesn't
take herself too seriously.  Otherwise. . .
 
     "Well, yes, she is.  But. . .Kendra, honey, what if I
were to tell you that Detective Rayne is like you?" Adrian
asked.  His daughter looked at him, confused, and the doctor
continued, "What if I were to tell you that she can see
things in her dreams?  That she sees things which other
people can't?"  Kendra's eyes widened.
                                                           
     "Then I'm not a freak?" Kendra gasped and Adrian gaped
at his daughter.  What had he done to her, that she thought
she was a freak?  Kendra continued, "Detective Rayne. . .she
wouldn't think I was crazy?  She'd believe me?"  There was
such hope in her voice, it broke Adrian's heart.
 
     "Yes, baby doll, I think she would.  Sweetheart. . .
there's something you should know.  I hadn't planned to tell
you, because I didn't want to frighten you, but maybe I
should tell you.  Father Philip didn't come out of his coma
alone. . .Detective Rayne helped him," Adrian began.