Mercy in the Middle by Deb T. < niav@aol.com >

cont'd from Part One...
  
     Rachel hadn't wanted to admit it to Derek, but Lissa's
revelation that Adam Mathews had been a child molester
brought back memories.  She had hoped to banish the memories
of the demon Azazel's attack by watching her daughter at
play, but it wasn't working.
 
     She had dealt with the rape, for the most part, when she
confronted Reverend Hawking. . .but the memories lingered.
As a psychiatrist, she knew they would never go away, not
completely.  As a woman, she hated herself for still giving
that monster power over her.
 
     To distract herself from the memories that remained,
Rachel thought of Dr. Molly Summers.  The psychiatrist shook
her head, sighing.  Rachel understood why Lissa would be
annoyed with her. . .but this animosity of Molly's made
absolutely no sense.  It wasn't like Rachel had ever done
anything to her. . .nor was it likely that Molly knew about
what Rachel had said about Philip and Lissa's strained
relationship.  The doctor flinched.  That had been stupid.

     Lissa had forgiven her, just as she had forgiven her for
Rachel's enraged declaration to Derek after learning of her
mother's death. . .but the ex-cop had changed toward Rachel.
A lot of her warmth had disappeared.  Rachel supposed she
understood that, but it didn't make it any easier to bear.
Still. . .it was better than Molly's unreasoning hatred.
 
      .                        .                        .
   
     Derek was deeply troubled. . .not just by the telephone
call from Adrian Tyler concerning his daughter, though Derek
had an uneasy feeling about that.  No. . .there was something
else.  It even had very little to do with the animosity which
Molly displayed toward Rachel.
 
     Rather, Derek was haunted by the feeling that a
bombshell was about to hit the House.  It wasn't his Sight,
just a. . .feeling.  For the last few weeks, he had been
growing ever more certain that his daughter was hididng
something from him.  Derek wasn't sure what the nature of
this secret was. . .but it was sure to be devastating.
 
     Particularly with the enhanced bond between Lissa and
Alex. . .under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have
bothered Derek.  But. . .there was a deep sadness in Alex's
brown eyes when she looked at Lissa now, a sadness that
hadn't been there before.  Derek could only guess at the
reason for the change. . .but he didn't have to guess at the
time of the change in Alex's attitude toward Lissa.
 
     It was while Philip was in a coma, Derek thought,
that's when it changed.  Just before we had confirmation
that I was the target of the sniper.  Could Lissa's brush
with death have something to do with it?

     Derek really didn't think so. . .the question was, if
Philip's brush with death, and Lissa's shooting weren't the
reason for Alex's increased protectiveness toward Lissa, then
what was?  And how could Derek get her to tell him what was
going on?  Moreover, should he even try?  After a moment, he
decided that he would give the two young women a little more
time.  And then, he needed answers.
 
     I can't guide this House properly without answers,
Derek thought, Lissa knows that, and Alex knows that.  Alex
and I have argued about it enough times, though not as often
as I've argued with Nick about it.  I can only assume that
they have a reason for keeping their silence about this
situation.  I've never known Alex to do anything without a
reason. . .for that matter, I've never known Lissa to do
something without a reason.  Usually, a very good reason.
 
     Not that any of this made Derek feel better. . .how
could he protect his daughter, if he didn't know what the
source of danger was?  But the worst part of all was, Derek
wasn't even certain he wanted to know the answer.  He wasn't
certain he wanted to know what troubled his daughter so
deeply, she couldn't share it with him.

     While dinner wasn't exactly pleasant, there were no
incidents.  Philip had rested in the study for an hour after
the meeting, but he was obviously exhausted.  He's pushing
himself too hard, Derek thought, and if we aren't
careful, he'll be back in the hospital.
 
     After dinner, Nick and Lissa helped Philip to his room,
while Rachel took Kat home.  The little girl obviously didn't
like leaving her new friend Cassie, but the promise of seeing
her the following day cheered her up immensely.  Derek
smiled.  In a way, Kat and Cassie reminded him of Philip and
Lissa.  The age difference was about the same, too.
 
     That left Molly, Alex, and Derek in the study after
dinner with Cassie.  The six year old was sitting on Alex's
lap, playing with the researcher's long, slim fingers.  Ever
since their arrival the previous day, Cassie had been
fascinated with Alex.  Derek guessed it was because Alex and
Lissa had been so close in college, but it could have just as
easily been the researcher's exotic beauty.
 
     As Cassie amused herself on Alex's lap, Alex and Molly
were discussing the difficulties which Natalie, the newest
member of the Toronto Legacy, faced.  Derek found the topic
intriguing, because of the way Natalie had joined the Legacy.
She had been a medical examiner in Toronto who encountered
vampires, including a member of the police force.
 
     What stunned Derek was that this police detective had
been trying to make amends to society, to the world, for his
sins against humanity.  He had never met a penitent vampire,
but he supposed anything was possible.  Natalie had been
helping this detective regain his mortality and humanity.
But things went horribly, horribly wrong.   Molly wouldn't
specify the details, but Natalie was attacked by a vampire.
 
     The Toronto precept had discovered Natalie lying
unconscious in the vampire's loft apartment, near death, and
rushed her to the hospital.  Molly was equally vague on why
she herself was there, but Derek could just about guess.
                                                            
     As a result of her near-death experience, Natalie now
had psychic abilities which she hadn't possessed before.  And
while she was still adjusting to those changes within her,
she was also proving to be an invaluable member of the
Toronto Legacy House.  As Lissa and Nick rejoined them, Alex
was saying, "Like I said, if Natalie had any difficulties,
or questions, tell her to call me."
 
     "I will, Alex, thank you so much.  Don't be surprised if
Nat calls, just to sound you out.  She doesn't trust easily,
I'm afraid.  Hi, sweetheart. . .is Philip asleep?" Molly
asked.  Cassie released Alex's hands and scrambled down from
the young woman's lap, running to Lissa.  Alex laughed at the
little girl's eagerness, and Molly said with a sigh, "I keep
telling her to be gentle, that she's going to end up hurting
someone, but she's very excitable."
 
     "As long as she isn't on Philip's lap, Aunt Molly, I
really don't see a problem," Lissa replied, scooping Cassie
up into her arms.  As she had earlier, the little girl
covered Lissa's face with kisses, drawing laughter from
Derek's daughter, and Lissa continued as she hugged the
little girl again, "Yeah, Philip dropped right off.  Nick and
I made sure he wouldn't fall out of bed.  So, Cassandra, have
you been getting to know Alex and my dad?"
 
     "Uh-huh!  Hi, Nick!  Lissa, Nick took me into the
kitchen to call Aunt Natalie.  Did you know that 'Nick' was
Aunt Natalie's boyfriend's name?" Cassie asked in a rush.
Molly was levelling her daughter with a look, and Derek
frowned.  Cassie said, "But Mummy, it's true.  Lissa, is
Philip really okay?  He won't die because of the bad man?"
 
     "Yes, sweetheart, he really is okay.  He hurts
sometimes. . .well, a lot of the time. . .but he'll be okay.
You'll just have to be very careful when you're around him.
This is very important, Cassie. . .even though you like
Philip, you can't give him a squeeze.  It hurts when someone
just touches him.  But you can be gentle with him, can't
you?" Lissa asked and Cassie nodded, her face very solemn.
                                                            
     "Uh-huh," the child replied, then yawned.  She asked,
"Will you tuck me in, Lissa?  Mummy said when you got back,
you would."  A strange expression crossed Lissa's face as she
stroked Cassie's hair, and Nick gently touched her shoulder.
Once more, Derek wondered what was going on.
 
     "Of course I will, baby doll.  I'll tuck you in, and
read you a story. . .I'll even sing to you if you like.  Give
everyone a kiss good night," Lissa replied.  She placed
Cassie on her feet and the little girl kissed her mother
first, then Alex, then Derek, then she went back to Lissa.
The young woman said, smiling, "You forgot Nick, Cass."
 
     "I was gonna kiss him, too!  Night, Nick," Cassie said
as Lissa swung her up into her arms once more.  She leaned
over and kissed the ex-SEAL's cheek, then rested her head on
Lissa's shoulder again.  Nick just smiled, though there was a
sadness in his eyes which worried Derek.
 
     "Night, sweetness, sleep well," the young man said and
Lissa left the room, Cassie waving to them over her shoulder.
Nick sat down and told Derek, "Like she said, Philip is out
like a light.  Now, tell me what's going on with this new
case.  I know you didn't want to talk about it at dinner with
the kids around, but it's just us now."  Derek nodded and
began to explain what Lissa had told him earlier.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     Lissa quietly carried her daughter upstairs to her
bedroom, which was just down the hall from Lissa's own.  She
paused to check on Philip. . .he was sleeping peacefully, and
Lissa continued on to Cassie's room.  The little girl changed
into her nightgown, then crawled into bed.
                                                            
     Lissa pulled the covers up around Cassie's shoulder and
her daughter asked, "Lissa, can you pull it up to my chin?  I
don't want the vampires to get me."  Lissa nodded with a
smile and drew the sheets all the way up to Cassie's chin.
She could remember believing that as a little girl.
 
     Sitting down on the bed beside her daughter, Lissa
asked, "What story shall I tell you?  Goldilocks and the
three bears?  Snow White?  Cinderella?  Rapunzel?  Your hair
is getting long enough to call *you* Rapunzel, you know."
Cassie giggled and shook her head, and Lissa asked, laughing,
"Then what story shall it be?"
 
     "Tell me about what it was like when you were a little
girl. . .Mummy said that you didn't have VCR's or CD players
or Xena!  That's not true, is it?" Cassie asked.  Lissa
looked at her child, then started laughing.  She hugged
Cassie, which only increased the child's confusion.
 
     "I'm sorry, honey. . .and she's right.  When I was your
age, we didn't have VCR's, or CD players, or Xena.  But we
did have Wonder Woman.  You've never heard of Wonder Woman?
Then why don't I tell you about her?  She was a lot like
Xena," Lissa replied.  Cassie nodded eagerly, anxious to hear
about anyone who was like her heroine.  Lissa smiled, drawing
Cassie close, and began, "She was an Amazon princess. . ."
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     After listening to Derek's narrative about the Tyler
case, Nick had to conclude that Sandy was right to be
spooked.  While the inmate's death could have been a
coincidence, Nick found it very suspicious. . .though
fitting. . .that a child molester died the way Mathews had.
                                                           
     Not that Nick would cry too many tears for Adam Mathews.
He had no sympathy for men who did such things to children,
no sympathy for monsters who did that to anyone.  However,
the Legacy had to investigate.  Nick had only to remember
Michael Ballard to know that.
 
     At last, Derek said, "In any event, in a few days, Lissa
and Rachel will talk with Kendra Tyler.  Dr. Tyler wants to
give his daughter some time to calm down, and that is
probably the best course of action.  Nick, in the meantime, I
want you to talk with the prison officials.  Find out what
you can about Mathews.  Alex, pull up everything we have
about similar cases."
 
     "Will do.  Molly, would you like to come with me?  I
know this is a vacation for you, but I don't imagine you want
to sit around doing nothing either," Nick observed.  The
woman smiled at him, and Nick had the uneasy feeling that she
saw him as a child.  She was thirty-four, only seven years
older than he was, but that meant nothing.
 
     "That would be wonderful.  Alex, thank you again. . .I
want to check on Philip and Cassie, then I'm going to bed.
It's been a long day.  Good night all," Molly said.  She rose
to her feet and left the room after giving Alex a brief hug.
Nick watched her go, shaking his head.  She was something!
 
     .                        .                        .
  
    Sandy Horowitz hated walking at night, but her car was in
the garage.  The bus stop wasn't that far from the precinct.
And Lewis was out of town, which was just as well, given the
way they had been fighting.  Still, it would have been nice
to have him pick her up at work.
                                                            
     The bus stop was well lit, although that made Sandy
uncomfortable tonight.  She was the only person at the stop,
that made her fair game.  And there was still a tightness in
her chest from being shot in Mexico City.  Sandy still wished
she could have dealt with the bastard who shot her.
 
     "You shouldn't be alone. . .would you like me to wait
with you?" a soft voice asked and Sandy jumped.  She looked
up to see a blonde-haired woman, maybe two or three years
older than Sandy's own twenty-nine.  The woman smiled and
said, "A lone woman can't be too careful."
 
     "I wouldn't mind the company at all. . .have a seat.
I'm Sandy Horowitz," the younger woman replied with a
grateful smile.  Her companion sat down beside her.  She had
long, golden hair and bright blue eyes. . .a very pretty
woman indeed, especially when she smiled.
 
     "My name is Lucinda Hadley. . .I saw you walking from
the police station.  Are you a police officer?" the woman
asked and Sandy nodded.  Lucinda Hadley's eyes lit up further
and she said, "Oh, that's wonderful!  How long have you been
a police officer?  Do you like it?"
 
     "It's my life," Sandy admitted, "though my husband isn't
real happy about it.  I was shot in Mexico City a few months
ago, and he's been pressuring me to quit the force since
then.  I've been a cop for most of my adult life. . .  it's
part of who I am.  But Lewis doesn't seem to understand that.
Today's my birthday, and I'm alone."
 
     "Happy birthday, Sandy.  There's something else that's
bothering you, isn't there?  Are you worried about someone or
something?" Lucinda asked sympathetically.  Sandy looked
ahead for a minute, trying to decide on her answer.
 
     At last, she said, "Yeah.  There's this new case. . .a
child molester died in prison last night.  I had to tell a
friend about it while she was at the precinct tonight.  She
used to work in CAC. . .Crimes Against Children."
                                                            
     Sandy paused, then continued, "Lissa. . .you gotta
understand about Lissa.  She's not like most people.  She
sees things which other people don't see, she knows things
which other people don't know.  She was a police detective,
like me, up until two weeks ago.  Then her best friend was
beaten so badly, we were afraid he would die.
 
     "While he was in a coma, Lissa went into his room. . .
and brought him out of it.  When she came out of her trance,
she told us that a bargain had been struck.  If Philip was to
survive, she had to turn in her badge and give up her future
as a police officer.  And she did it."
 
     "Your friend sounds like a very special woman, Sandy,
and this man Philip should feel blessed to have her in his
life.  So why are you so worried about her?  It sounds like
she's very strong and very brave.  Two very good qualities to
have," Lucinda commented and Sandy smiled.
 
     "Because she was my partner at one time. . .and being
partners with someone is a lot like being married, except
your lives depend on each other.  Literally.  I just hated
seeing that look in her eyes.  She never talks about why she
went into the Crimes Against Children division, but someone
hurt her bad while she was growing up," the young woman
replied.  Lucinda's face tightened.
 
     "This someone should pay.  Children are to be loved and
cherished, not frightened and used as garbage," the woman
replied and Sandy nodded.  A number of the other officers had
wanted to take William Reynolds out and teach him a lesson,
but he was killed before that happened.
 
     "You might say he paid with his life.  Lissa's step-
father was murdered by this kid in their parish.  Someone saw
the way Lissa was being treated and didn't like it. . .it's
kinda funny, because that eventually led to Lissa being
reunited with her real father and Philip.  Happy endings do
happen.  I just wish there could be a happy ending to my
marriage," Sandy replied, sighing deeply.
                                                            
     "I wish you well, Sandy.  A bus approaches, is it
yours?" Lucinda asked.  Sandy glanced at the bus and nodded.
Yes, it was the bus she needed.  Lucinda said, "Then I'll say
good-bye.  It was nice to meet you."  Sandy smiled and
nodded, then got on the bus.  As she sat down, she started to
wave to Lucinda. . .but the other woman was gone.
  
     .                        .                        .
  
     By the time Molly awoke the following morning, her niece
and Philip had already left for St. Bart's.  She discovered
this fact when she joined Derek and Nick in the kitchen for
breakfast and coffee.  Derek was very upset that Philip was
pushing himself so hard, and Molly said, "He has to learn for
himself what his boundaries are, Derek, you know that.
Philip has always been stubborn.  Morning, Nick."
 
     "Morning.  I think that's what worries Derek. . .when
someone else is as stubborn as he is.  Actually, I think
there's only one person in this House who is more stubborn
than Derek, and that's Lissa.  She drove him to St. Bart's,
so they should be fine," Nick replied.
 
     Derek still didn't look happy, but it seemed that he had
accepted there was nothing he could do about it.  Molly
smiled to herself.  Yeah, right. . .Derek Rayne give up
control of a situation, any situation?  After a moment,
however, her smile died.  He had been forced to do just that
when Philip and Lissa had been hurt so badly.
 
     "Hi Mummy, hi Nick, hi Derek!" Cassie said, running into
the room with Bear tucked under one arm.  Molly did a double-
take, seeing the stuffed animal in the child's arms.  Cassie
did her rounds of kisses, then hopped up beside Nick.

     "Morning, baby. . .did you get that from Lissa's room
this morning?" Molly asked casually.  One of the kitchen
maids entered and smiled at Cassie.  Over the last few days,
the little girl had made friends with just about every
servant in the huge manse. . .especially Duncan.
 
     "Lissa let me sleep with Bear last night, Mummy.  Where
is Lissa and Philip?" Cassie asked, looking around with a
curious frown.  The maid poured orange juice into her glass,
and Cassie said, smiling up at the woman, "Morning, Renee!
Can I have pancakes this morning?"
 
     "Have a light breakfast, honey. . .French toast.  And
it's 'where are Lissa and Philip,' remember?" Molly gently
corrected.  Renee nodded, respecting Molly's request for her
daughter and left the room.  Cassie made a face and Molly
swallowed her laughter.
 
     "I always forget that.  How come they're not here?"
Cassie asked.  Molly gave up trying to correct her grammar.
Besides, even if she managed to suppress her laughter, Nick
was having no such luck and if he or Derek started laughing,
then it was all over.
 
     "They went into town, kiddo. . .Philip wanted to make
sure that his church didn't fall apart without him, so Lissa
went along to make sure he didn't hurt himself again," Nick
replied.  A familiar, puzzled expression crossed Cassie's
face and Molly swallowed her coffee hastily.  She knew her
battle to keep from laughing was about to be lost.
 
     "I didn't know that there were churches which had to be
held up by people.  Isn't that heavy?  Lissa shouldn't have
let him go," Cassie said, shaking her head.  Molly pressed
her hand against her mouth and squeezed her eyes shut.  She
heard laughter which she didn't recognize, and decided that
it belonged to Nick.  Of course, she rarely heard Derek
laugh.  Cassie asked plaintively, "How come everybody's
laughing at me?  What's so funny?  Alex, make them stop!"
Molly opened her eyes to see Cassie run to Alex.

     "It's okay, honey. . .be nice, guys, or you'll have to
answer to me," the young woman said warningly as she looked
from Derek to Nick and back again.  Derek wasn't laughing,
but he was grinning broadly.  Nick was laughing so hard, he
was slumped in his seat and shaking with the spasms.  Alex
shook her head and carried Cassie to her seat.
 
     "Uh-oh, now Alex is protecting Cassie, we don't stand a
chance, Derek!" Nick joked once he could speak without
laughing.  Molly felt herself perilously close to losing
control of her mirth, but she fought back the giggles.  Alex
glared at Nick, but even Molly could tell that the younger
woman was trying really hard not to laugh.
 
     "You be nice to Alex, Nick, or Lissa will beat your
butt!" Cassie threatened.  Molly buried her face in her
hands and Cassie blurted out, "You made my mummy cry!"  Molly
tried to raise her head, tried to reassure her daughter that
she was laughing, not crying, but she was laughing too hard
to say much of anything.
 
     "It's okay, Cassie. . .your mother is just laughing
really hard," Alex soothed.  She had her own laughter under
control, and continued, "I see you have Bear.  You know, only
very special people are allowed to hold him at night."  Molly
lifted her head and smiled at her niece's friend gratefully.
 
      .                        .                        .
 
      The day had not gotten off to a good start for Lissa.
She had been plagued by nightmares about her late step-
father, which was an unpleasant topic even under the best of
circumstances.  And then, as she and Philip were leaving for
the cathedral, her car died as she backed up.
                                                           
     "The engine is probably just cold," Philip had consoled,
obviously trying to ease her embarrassment.  Lissa had
smiled, started the car again, and this time, there were no
mishaps.  They had talked very little on the way, but it was
a companionable silence, rather than strained.
 
     Now, as she drew the car to a stop, Philip moaned
miserably at her side.  Lissa looked at him, worried, but he
said, "I'm fine, Lis, but I won't be for much longer.  I'd
forgotten this is the week of Cardinal Arrana's visit."  For
the first time, Lissa saw the tall, imposing black man,
dressed entirely in red, on the steps of the cathedral.
 
     He saw them as well, but instead of looking angry, a
wide smile appeared on his face.  He ran lightly down the
steps to join them, followed by Philip's soccer team.
Following them, at a sizable distance, was Craig Hughes.  The
cardinal said happily as he opened Philip's car door, "Philip
Callaghan, you had us worried!  And this would have to be the
valorous Detective Lissa Rayne."
 
     Lissa blushed and Philip replied, "I'm sorry for
worryin' you, Cardinal, and you're absolut'ly right.  This is
Elizabeth Rayne, formerly a detective wi' the San Francisco
Police Department.  Lissa, this is Robert Cardinal Arrana.
Hello, lads. . .I take it you've missed me?"
 
     "You take right. . .damn, Father C, you scared the hell
out of us!  We thought you were dead when we saw you in the
office!" Julio said.  The other boys nodded, looking both
worried and thrilled.  The teen smiled at Lissa and said,
"Hi, Detective Lissa. . .we're glad you're okay, too."
 
     "Thanks, Julio. . .it's a pleasure to meet you, Cardinal
Arrana.  My younger sister Maeve was quite impressed when she
met you three years ago at her graduation from grade school.
And it isn't easy to impress Maeveen, believe me," Lissa
replied, shaking the hand which the cardinal offered.  The
man grinned, revealing even, white teeth.  His dark eyes
sparkled with amusement and admiration.

     "You're something of a heroine to these boys, Detective
Rayne.  Philip, I believe these boys would like a few words
with you, so if you don't mind, I'll steal your friend for a
few moments," the cardinal said.  Philip merely smiled, and
the cardinal looped Lissa's hand through the crook of his
elbow, saying, "I meant what I said. . .you're quite a
heroine to those boys.  Word got around about you."
 
     "How so?" Lissa asked, glancing over at Philip every few
minutes.  Julio had his hand on Philip's good arm,
stabilizing him, but Lissa couldn't help worrying about her
friend.  She returned her attention to the amused cardinal
and blushed, saying, "I'm sorry, I. . ."
 
     "Have every right to be worried about him.  The church
nearly lost a fine young priest, your father nearly lost his
treasured godson, and you nearly lost a dear friend.  Don't
look so surprised, Detective Rayne, I know a great deal about
you and your family.  I'm sorry. . .it's 'Miss Rayne' now,
isn't it?" the cardinal asked, looking sympathetic.
 
     Lissa nodded, ignoring the twinge in her heart, and the
cardinal continued, "I would enjoy hearing about your
childhood with Philip. . .I understand that it was he who
gave you the nickname of 'Lissa' from 'Elizabeth.'  Is that
true?"  Lissa nodded with a smile as she began that story.
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     Philip hadn't noticed Craig at first. . .the boy had
hung back from the others on the soccer team.  But when the
youngster said shyly, "I'm really glad to see you again,
Father C. . .we were all really worried about you," the other
boys turned on him with a vengeance.
                                                           
     "You stay away from him, you stupid ass!  It's your
fault that he got hurt!" Julio said, releasing Philip's arm
to give the other teen a shove.  Craig stumbled back a few
steps, and the others followed him.  Philip realized quickly
where this was going, and knew he had to stop it.
 
     "Hey!" he exclaimed, ignoring the warning twinge in his
chest and in his side.  The boys stopped and all of them
turned to face him.  Philip continued, "Have I taught you
nothin,' then?  What about forgiveness?  Craig didn't know
what he was doin' in that office. . .if I don't blame him,
then shouldn't you forgive him?"
 
     "But Father C, we thought you were dead!  And it's all
his fault!" another boy, Max, said.  With that, they started
for Craig yet again.  Philip started forward to stop them,
but the sudden motion, coupled with losing oxygen when he
raised his voice, was too much for him.  Agonizing pain shot
through his body and Philip doubled over, even as Max cried
out in horror, "Father C!"
 
     The world spun crazily and gentle hands caught hold of
him, slowly lowering him to the ground.  Philip's vision had
darkened and there was a dull roaring in his ears.  However,
through the ringing, he could hear Cardinal Arrana say, "We
should get him inside, where he can rest.  Boys, I told you
not to upset him!  Craig, can you get his other side?  Miss
Rayne's shoulder is still injured."
 
     "You got it, sir.  Easy, Father C. . .I'm so sorry.  I
would have never come if I knew this would happen," the boy
said softly as he and the Cardinal lifted Philip up from the
cement steps.  Together, they half-carried Philip to the
cathedral office.  The priest fought to clear his head, but
he only made himself more dizzy.
 
     "It's not your fault, Craig.  Cardinal Arrana, if I gave
you Philip's pills, would you make sure that he took them?  I
need to have a little talk with the boys outside," Lissa said
quietly.  Philip smiled in spite of himself.

     "No need to ask, Miss Rayne. . .easy there, Craig, be
very gentle.  Don't jostle his arm," the cardinal said as he
and the boy carefully lowered Philip into a chair.  The older
man barked, "Don't stand there like an idiot, Douglas, get
him some water!  Don't you see the boy is in pain?"
 
     "Cardinal, here are his pills. . .make sure he takes
them both.  He should start to feel better by the time I get
back from my talk with the boys," Lissa said, then continued,
"all right, guys. . .outside, now.  All of you!"  There was
the sound of feet tramping out of the office, then a glass of
water was being pushing into Philip's hand.
 
     The young priest forced his eyes open to find Luke
Quinlan at his side, and Luke said, "I would ask how you're
feeling, but I know better.  So, take your pills like a good
boy, or you'll end up on the receiving end of Miss Lissa's
lectures. . .a fate worse than death."
 
     Philip responded with a weak grin, which faded as he
heard the argument from the corner.  He hadn't heard what
Bishop Douglas said, but he did hear Cardinal Arrana reply,
"By God, you will be civil to that girl!  As far as I'm
concerned, you contributed to the abuse she suffered at home
by keeping silent about her true paternity!"
 
     There was a low reply from the bishop and the cardinal
exploded, "That wasn't your call to make!  Fiona Summers told
you, out of confessional, that Derek Rayne was the father of
her daughter.  When she was killed, you had an obligation to
tell Derek and Elizabeth Rayne the truth.  My God, man, you
knew what kind of monster William Reynolds was!"
 
     "The cardinal is right on about that," Luke observed and
Philip looked at him curiously as he swallowed his pills.
The older priest explained, "I mean, about William Reynolds
being a monster.  I heard many of Starr's confessions before
her daughter was born. . .the only reason she stayed married
to him after Maeve was conceived was to protect Lissa.  If
even a tenth of what she told me is true. . ."
                                                           
     Philip started to reply, but Cardinal Arrana's next
words kept him silent.  The cardinal exploded, "I don't care
what you think of Elizabeth Rayne!  Father Callaghan cares
for her, and I will not allow you to upset him by calling her
a whore.  Understand me, I will make your life hell if you
try to drive him from the church!  We are in the middle of a
vocation crisis and can't afford to lose a hard-working,
idealistic young priest like Philip!"
 
     Philip blushed and Luke laughed, saying, "The cardinal
went ballistic when he heard of about the attack on you.  And
he was really furious when he found out that the bishop
wanted you at the rectory.  The cardinal is no fool. . .he
knew you wouldn't get any rest here."  Philip nodded, his
heart heavy in spite of his friend's amusement.  Why did the
bishop hate Lissa?  What did he have against women?
 
      .                        .                        .
 
      Outside the cathedral office, Lissa furiously berated
the boys for upsetting Philip.  The entire soccer team looked
ashamed, including Craig.  Lissa took a deep breath and
decided to take a chance.  She said, "Look, we never told you
about this before, but maybe we should have."
 
     "Told us what, Detective Lissa?" Julio asked, clearly
worried about whatever she would reveal.  Lissa looked at
Craig, then back at the boy who had helped to save Philip's
life in the office.  Yes, she would take this chance.
 
     "As Philip told you, Craig wasn't himself. . .an old
enemy of my father's, a man named 'Randolph Hitchcock' used a
form of mind-control on Craig.  Hitchcock wanted to make my
father suffer by hurting Philip," Lissa replied.
                                                          
     Craig raised an eyebrow at that and Lissa just shrugged.
She continued, "However, Craig resisted and was able to
thwart Hitchcock's plans somewhat, by knocking Philip
unconscious with his first blow. . .later, he fought the
control long enough to stop the beating before it killed
Philip.  We didn't want to tell you, because we didn't think
you would believe us."
 
     So, it was a little far-fetched. . .but Lissa really
didn't think they would believe the true story.  Julio
snorted, "C'mon, Detective Lissa. . .you don't really expect
us to believe that, do you?  I mean, I could believe Craig
was possessed, but mind control?"
 
     Lissa sighed and glanced at Craig again.  He nodded, and
she replied, "Well, in a way, demonic possession is a form of
mind control."  The boys stared at her in disbelief, and
Lissa continued, "You can ask Father Luke or Philip.  But the
truth is, a demon raised by my father's enemy took over
Craig's body.  It was only Craig's loyalty to Philip, because
of Philip's kindness a few years ago, which saved Philip's
life.  That, to me, makes him a hero."
 
     "You ain't shittin' us, are you, Detective Lissa?  That
really happened," Julio at last said, his brown eyes filled
with awe.  Lissa nodded in confirmation, and the boy turned
to his friends, saying, "Guys, we screwed up big time."  Now
Lissa began to relax.  The crisis was almost over.
 
     This was borne out a moment later, when Craig said
shyly, "Hey, I don't blame you.  Father C was really cool
about it while he was in the hospital, but I still feel
badly.  No hard feelings."  There were handshakes all around
and Lissa smiled.  After a moment, her smile faded.  If only
the Tyler case could be resolved so easily. . .if only she
could deal with her own nightmares and demons as easily as
these boys had dealt with the demons of the past today.  But
there was no help for it, and Lissa had to see to Philip.
That she could control, somewhat. Father C was really cool
about it while he was in the hospital, but I still feel
badly.  No hard feelings."  There were handshakes all around
and Lissa smiled.  After a moment, her smile faded.  If only
the Tyler case could be resolved so easily. . .if only she
could deal with her own nightmares and demons as easily as
these boys had dealt with the demons of the past today.  But
there was no help for it, and Lissa had to see to Philip.


     Rachel had been plagued by nightmares of Shamus Bloom
and Ireland all night.  When she awoke at six am, she tried
to tell herself that the nightmares had returned because of
the latest case.  True enough, Adam Mathews had been a child
molester, but it was still a violation.
 
     By the time she arrived at the Legacy House for the noon
meeting, Rachel was already on edge.  And seeing Molly
Summers did nothing to ease her tension.  The psychiatrist
gritted her teeth in preparation for battle and walked into
the library, asking, "Where are Philip and Lissa?"
 
     "At the cathedral. . .Philip wanted to make sure it was
in one piece," Nick replied, "you know Philip. . .doesn't
fully trust us mere mortals to keep things running smoothly
without him."  His smile and the affection in his voice
removed all of the sting from his words.
 
     "If you really knew the boys on my soccer team, Nick,"
Philip said, entering the conference room as Rachel sat down,
"you wouldn't say that."  Lissa was at his side, helping him
navigate the room, and it looked to Rachel like the young
priest needed all the help he could get.  He definitely
looked the worse for wear, and Rachel wondered what had
happened.  Lissa helped him to a seat near the chair and
Philip collapsed into it gratefully.
 
     "Philip, are you all right?  What happened?" Derek asked
anxiously.  Molly was silent, her blue eyes growing concerned
as she leaned forward.  Alex and Nick also looked worried as
Lissa sat down beside Philip, her bearing protective.  A
mother with her cub, Rachel thought.
 
     "He tried to break up a fight, Dad.  I brought him home
once I straightened out the boys in question, and once Philip
could walk with some degree of coordination," Lissa replied.
Rachel could see the storm clouds gathering in Derek's dark
hazel eyes, and it seemed that Philip could, too.  He lowered
his eyes, and Lissa scooted her chair closer to Philip's.
Molly rose to her feet, also ready to protect him.
                                                            
     "Philip, when will you learn that your body can only
take so much?  You are still healing from devastating
injuries, injuries which very nearly cost you your life.  I
almost lost you once, I will not permit you to take such
chances with your health!" Derek exclaimed.  Philip's eyes
dropped even further, and Rachel jumped in.
 
     "Derek, leave him alone. . .he's hurting badly as it is,
he doesn't need you to scold him," she said.  Philip smiled
shyly at her, and Rachel returned the favor by winking at
him.  Derek took a deep breath, then nodded, and Rachel
continued, looking back at Philip, "Just please be careful."
 
     "Yes, my friend, do be careful. . .please forgive me for
being so harsh," Derek said in a much more gentle voice.
Philip bobbed his head, and Derek allowed a moment of
silence, then continued, "Now. . .we have business to
discuss, I believe.  Nick, have you discovered anything in
your investigation of Adam Mathews?"  With that question,
the meeting was underway.  And with that question, the ghost
of Shamus Bloom returned to haunt Rachel once more.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     Rachel wasn't the only one dealing with her memories.
As Nick outlined what he had learned of the late prisoner,
Lissa fought back memories of her own.  The only person,
aside from Philip, who saw the way her hands clenched and
unclenched as Nick talked, was Xan.
 
     Her college roommate smiled at her, brown eyes filled
with sadness.  Lissa smiled at her.  Ever since the discovery
of the letters, Alex had been even more protective of Lissa,
as if she was trying to make up for those lost years.
                                                           
     Which was, of course, what her friend was trying to do.
It wasn't necessary. . .Lissa didn't blame her friend for
anything, but Alex felt it was necessary.  In a way, Lissa
thought her former roommate's actions went back to Julia
Walker's death in Ireland almost two years earlier.
 
     Lissa had learned the details of the other woman's
death, from Nick, Alex, and Derek, and drawn her own
conclusions.  Firstly, while her father might have made a
mistake in splitting up the team, Lissa was certain that her
father hadn't told Julia to run into the middle of an
abandoned cornfield, away from cover of any kind.
 
     Secondly, even if Derek hadn't split up the team, there
was no guarantee that Julia would have survived.  In fact,
the chances were good that, had Nick and Julia remained
together, the demon would have killed them both and taken
their keys at the same time.
 
     Thirdly, there was absolutely nothing Alex could have
done.  And Lissa knew her friend had never totally forgiven
herself for being unable to protect Julia.  Since Alex
couldn't save Julia, she was determined to protect Lissa in
any way she could.  Once more, she smiled at her friend
across the table, and Alex seemed to relax.  With Alex
reassured, Lissa returned her attention to Nick.
 
     .                        .                        .
 
     Kendra Tyler had gone to bed feeling much better after
her father told her about Lissa Rayne's abilities.  She had
known the former police officer for almost four years, but
until now, she hadn't realized that Lissa was 'special.'
Kendra didn't feel so alone now.
                                                           
     But this newly-discovered peace didn't carry over into
her dreams.  At first, she dreamed of her late mother, the
aptly-named Melody.  In the dream, her mother was still alive
and teaching Kendra how to sew.  Kendra giggled happily,
somehow knowing that her mother had been dead, but was now
alive.  Then her mother disappeared and Kendra was alone.
 
     Not totally alone, however.  She seemed to be near the
beach, and Kendra gasped as a man pressed a girl against the
wall.  The girl was crying and no matter how loudly Kendra
tried to scream, no sound emerged from her throat.  And then,
the golden-haired angel of death once more appeared.  The
frightened girl ran away and the man collapsed.  Kendra
couldn't explain it, but she was certain that the man was
dead.  Kendra could hear herself screaming then, and it was
her own screams which returned her to the physical world.
 
     It took her a moment to recover her bearings. . .she was
in her own room, in her own bed.  Sunlight was streaming in
through the window, and through her closed door, Kendra could
hear her father talking on the phone.  He seemed upset.  The
girl slipped out of her bed and dressed quickly.  In the
kitchen, her father said, "And the MO was the same as the
first?  Yeah, yeah, I know. . .I'm a physician, not a cop,
but dammit, my daughter is scared!"  Kendra knew for certain
then. . .the angel of death had killed again.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     The phone ringing interrupted the noon meeting.  It took
a moment to ascertain who was wanted, but Lissa finally
discovered her own cellular ringing insistently in her jacket
pocket.  She answered it, saying, "Lissa Rayne."  Rachel saw
Lissa's eyes go wide as she requested, "Say again?"

     The others at the table looked at her, Derek looking
very concerned.  There were several moments of silence, then
Lissa swore under her breath.  She said, "All right, I'm not
doubting you, Sandy.  Hey, I imagine it did shake you up,
especially in light of what happened last night.  Uh-huh.
Yeah.  Umm.  And you know Adrian has been asking questions?
Well, that's a long story."
 
     There was another pause, then Lissa said, laughing,
"Well, you know better than that!  Yeah.  In case I didn't
actually say it yesterday, happy twenty-ninth.  Yeah, that
makes you only a few days younger than Philip. . .we
celebrated at the cabin.  Went down to Baskin-Robbins for
some ice-cream.  This time, we didn't run into any trouble
with thugs. . .they probably heard it's not a good idea to
cause trouble on Katy's shift!"
 
     Nick smiled at that, his eyes all but disappearing, and
Rachel cast a look at the young man, puzzled.  However, she
didn't get a chance to ask Nick what Lissa meant, for the ex-
cop said, "Yeah, I'll do that.  Thanks a lot, Sandy, I hope
you don't get into any trouble for telling me."  There was a
brief silence, then Lissa laughed again, saying, "I should
have known.  Okay, I'll pass the information along to the
others.  Take care of yourself. . .bye."
 
     She hung up the cellular and said, "Well, our killer
struck again last night.  Same MO.  One of the rookies on the
beat found this young girl, shaken up pretty badly.  It seems
some guy tried to rape her, but she got away after a woman
intervened.  She got a good look at the woman. . .they found
the man dead.  Same MO as Mathews, only worse."
 
     Rachel felt a moment of triumph, that a monster could no
longer hurt innocent women, then her mind zeroed in on
Lissa's first sentence. . .'our killer struck again.' As if
she felt certain that a disease, or something, hadn't caused
the men's deaths.  Before she could point this out to Lissa,
the young woman added grimly, "Sandy got the crap scared out
of her. . .she knows the woman."
                                                             
     "You mean, she knows the woman who intervened on the
girl's behalf?" Alex asked and Lissa nodded.  The researcher
added, "How?  And how on earth did she inflict those injuries
first on Mathews, now on this new victim?"  Lissa shook her
head, sighing as she sat down beside Philip again.
 
     "I honestly couldn't answer your second question, Xan.
Sandy's car has been in the shop, and Lewis is out of town,
so she's been taking the bus.  Probably smarter to take a
taxi, but Sandy. . .well, Sandy is Sandy.  Anyhow, last
night, while she was waiting for the bus, a woman joined her
in the stop and offered to wait with her," Lissa replied.
 
     "That was very thoughtful of her. . .but isn't it
possible that this woman, whoever she is, simply thought that
two women would be less of a target than one?" Rachel asked.
Lissa responded with an exasperated look, and remembering the
last time she had annoyed Lissa, Rachel fell silent.
 
     "That's always a possibility, of course. . .but what was
so strange was, number one, the woman remained at the bus
stop when Sandy got on.  Number two, she was gone when Sandy
sat down, and Sandy was looking through the windows of the
bus as she walked to a seat.  It just seems a little weird to
me that this woman appears out of nowhere, just to sit with
Sandy while she waits for a bus.  And then, once Sandy is on
the bus, the woman disappears," Lissa replied.
 
     "Stranger still that this woman intervenes to protect a
young girl from a rapist, and the would-be rapist ends up
dead.  That's a few too many coincidences, if you ask me,"
Molly said, nodding.  Rachel privately reflected that no one
had asked Molly's opinion, but she didn't say anything.
 
     Lissa's telephone rang once more and sighing, the ex-cop
said, "Lissa Rayne."  Once more, her eyes widened and she
exclaimed, "Adrian, slow down!  You know I can't understand
you when you talk that fast!"  There was a few moments of
silence, then Lissa swore under her breath in a language
which Rachel didn't understand or recognize.
                                                             
     "Five will get you ten that Kendra Tyler had another
vision last night," Molly murmured and Alex nodded, looking
concerned.  Rachel started to tell them that they had no
proof of anything, but Molly glared at her steadily and
Rachel decided to remain silent. . .for now.
 
     It was just as well, for Lissa said, "No, you did the
right thing.  I'll see if Rachel is free this afternoon. . .
if so, we'll be over in a few hours.  Yeah.  Okay, Adrian,
thanks a lot for calling me.  Uh-huh.  Bye."  She hung up and
said with a sigh, "You're right, Aunt Molly.  Kendra had
another nightmare last night. . .about the second murder.
Described the victim and the almost-victim perfectly."
 
     "And she hasn't seen a picture in the newspaper of
either of them?" Rachel asked.  Molly looked at her with
obvious disgust, but Rachel stood her ground.  There was
always that possibility.  Lissa shook her head silently, her
eyes flickering from Molly to Rachel and back again.  Rachel
asked, "What time do you want to leave?"
 
     "I was thinking two-ish.  In addition to the incident at
the bus stop, Sandy gave me a name. . .Lucinda Hadley.  I
think we should run the name through the Legacy database,
cross-referencing it with any sex-crimes stories," Lissa
replied and Derek nodded in agreement.
 
     "I'll get right on it. . .Alex and I haven't come up
with anything yet on the other angle, but we'll keep working
on it," Nick volunteered.  He paused, then asked very
quietly, "If this is a poltergeist activity, how do we deal
with it?  If Lucinda is a ghost, and that's what the evidence
points to, then how do we deal with her?"
 
     "Nick, if Lucinda is a ghost, then she's killing
rapists/molesters for a reason.  More than likely, she died
as a result of a rape.  If she is a ghost, and if she is
killing these men to avenge what was done to her, then there
is a chance she will go too far.  Now, what concerns me just
as much is Kendra Tyler's part in this," Lissa replied.

     "What do you mean, she might go too far?" Rachel asked,
images flashing through her mind of Shamus Bloom.  What was
too far when dealing with rapists, whether they were human or
demon?  Once more, Molly opened her mouth, doubtless to make
a sarcastic remark, but Lissa silenced her with a look.
 
     "There. . .there's a danger of her attacking innocents.
She could very well start killing all men, because of the one
man.  There's nothing we can do about what's happened in the
past, but if we can help this woman attain peace. . .then the
killings will most likely stop," the young woman replied.
 
     Rachel laughed harshly and replied, "And should we stop
her?  These men are rapists, the lowest form of life on the
planet.  If you ask me, she should be given a medal.  You
don't know what it's like, Elizabeth, to be violated in such
a way."  Molly's jaw clenched, but Lissa shook her head.
 
     "That isn't the issue. . .what I feel about rapists is
beside the point.  The next time she goes after a man, it may
be for something as simple as kissing a girl.  Do you really
want that on your conscience, Rachel?  Do you want Nick's
death on your conscience?  Or my father's?  Or Philip's?
What if she saw Nick put his arm around my shoulders and
attacked him?  What if she noticed the way Philip leans on
me?" the ex-cop asked, her dark eyes burning.
 
     Rachel had the feeling she had just put her foot in her
mouth in a major way, but couldn't think of what she might
have said to set Lissa off.  Philip said into the silence
that followed, "I'll not deny that child molesters and
rapists are the scum of the earth, Rachel.  But quite apart
from that issue is the question of Kendra Tyler.  Does she
deserve t' see these things?  She's only thirteen years old,
and she is bein' hurt by these visions and murders."
 
     "If only for Kendra's sake, we must continue our
investigation into this matter.  If it makes you uneasy,
Rachel, and you wish to remove yourself from the
investigation, nothing more will be said," Derek replied.
                                                            
     "No. . .no, I'm in.  The safety of the child must come
first," Rachel replied.  There was a slightly sardonic
expression in Molly's eyes, but Rachel ignored her.  She
continued after a moment, "I have to repeat Nick's question,
though.  What can we do for this woman, if this ghost
hypothesis is right?  How do we. . .contain her?"
 
     "One bridge at a time. . .we don't know enough about the
situation to plot a strategy," Alex said, "all we have is a
name.  Lissa, do you have any idea how far back I should go
in my search for this woman?"  Lissa shrugged helplessly and
Alex continued, "Well, would you mind if I called Sandy and
see what she can remember of Lucinda's hairstyle, what she
was wearing, anything that could give me a clue?"  Lissa just
smiled and wrote something down, then pushed it across the
table to Alex, who smiled back.
 
     "Lissa, you and Rachel are going to see Kendra and
Adrian this afternoon?" Derek asked.  Lissa nodded and Derek
continued, "We have a great deal of work to do.  Philip, I
want you to rest."  The young priest started to protest, but
Derek fixed him with a glare and said, "Don't argue with me,
Philip Joseph.  You may be twenty-nine years old, but I can
still send you to your room!"  Despite the harsh words, there
was a mischievous light in Derek's eyes.
 
     Lissa laughed, easing the tension in the room somewhat,
and said, "C'mon, Pip, I'll help you upstairs.  Aunt Molly,
where's Cassie?  Outside?"  Molly nodded and Lissa continued,
"Then I'll go collect her. . .she can stay with Philip.  I
think she would like that, since she's already becoming a
little mother toward him."
 
     "Thanks, sweetie. . .Cassie was very upset with you for
taking Philip to the church.  She thought you should have
made him stay home, especially after what Nick said about
Philip making sure the church didn't fall apart without him,"
Molly replied with an impish smile.  Lissa raised an eyebrow,
enhancing her already strong resemblance to her father, and
Molly added, "Well, you know Cass."
                                                          
     "Yes. . .I do.  Okay, Dad, if we're all done, I'll get
Philip to his room.  See you at two, Rachel?" Lissa asked.
The psychiatrist nodded and Lissa gently helped Philip to his
feet, then supported him as they left the room together.
That was a signal to the others to head back to work.
 
     Molly drifted toward the control room with Nick and
Alex, but Rachel stopped her.  The psychiatrist didn't miss
the anxious look which Alex directed at them, but Molly
nodded reassuringly.  Still looking worried, Alex followed
Nick into the control room.  With Derek making sure Philip
and Lissa had no problems, Molly and Rachel were alone.
 
     "Would you like to lose the attitude, Dr. Summers?  It's
beginning to get just a little bit old, and very juvenile.
And your niece shouldn't have to be stepping into the middle
every five minutes. . .that's not fair to her, or to anyone
else in this House," Rachel said in a low voice.
 
     Molly's eyes flashed with contempt as she retorted,
"What's the matter. . .you can dish it out, but can't take
it?  Let me set you straight on something, Dr. Rachel
Corrigan.  You may have Philip fooled into thinking that
you're a friend, and you might have Derek and Nick fooled
into thinking that you're just a sweet, helpless little
thing who can't deal with a little trouble, but I'm not
fooled.  I know exactly who, and what, you are."
 
     "And what, might I ask, is that?" Rachel asked,
returning the contempt full force.  Molly smiled coldly, and
for the first time, Rachel recognized this woman as an enemy.
Not as someone who simply disliked Rachel, but as an enemy.
And for the first time, Rachel was wary of her.
 
     "You are a self-centered, whining bitch who doesn't
deserve the great kid she has.  You think the world revolves
around you, and you really don't like it when someone else is
receiving the attention.  And the fact that Philip doesn't
gush over your beauty really gets to you, so you ignore him
until it's no longer possible," Molly replied.
                                                          
     Rachel started to interrupt, but Molly continued icily,
"You are nothing more than a phony, a fraud. . .a little girl
playing dress up.  And one of these days, your stupidity,
your inability to see the forest for the trees, will get
someone killed.  Personally, I'd just as soon that someone be
you. . .because if an action of yours ever results in harm to
my niece or my godson, I will kill you.  Slowly."
 
     By now boiling over with rage, Rachel asked, "Are you
finished?  No?  Too bad, because I have a few things to say
to you.  Ever since you arrived at this House, you've copped
an attitude with me, making smart-ass comments every few
minutes.  And quite frankly, I'm sick of it!  We're supposed
to be adults, not teenage girls, so for your niece's sake,
act like an adult!"  Molly's eyes were now ice cold.
 
     "That's something else. . .don't you dare tell me how to
treat my niece.  Lissa is the most important person in the
world to me, aside from my daughter and Philip.  And speaking
of Lissa. . .don't ever presume about what my niece has gone
through.  You have no idea!" she retorted, then jerked away
from Rachel.  She paused just long enough to let the retinal
scan do its work, then passed into the control room.  Rachel
stood in the middle of the conference room, trembling from
the confrontation.  I have work to do, she thought,
there are files to read.  Then she, too, departed.
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     "I have to do something about my aunt. . .I really have
to do something about my aunt!  She is trying her damnedest
to provoke Rachel into an all-out battle, and if she keeps
pushing, she'll get her damn war!" Lissa muttered under her
breath as she and Philip headed toward Cassie.
                                                           
     "I know. . .I'm tryin' t' calm her down, but I don't
think I'm doin' a very good job.  Lissa, d'ye know what
exactly provoked Molly?" Philip asked.  Lissa sighed, gently
easing Philip onto one of the stone benches.  He grimaced in
pain, but fortunately, Lissa didn't see it.
 
     She replied, "She and Grandfather had a little chat
while we were at the cabin, and he told her everything that's
happened since Rachel joined the Legacy.  Grandfather
*really* doesn't like Rachel, and when he didn't succeed in
turning me against her, he went to Aunt Molly."
 
     "He didn't turn you against her, per se. . .but I've
noticed a lot of your warmth toward her has disappeared.
Your relationship wi' the other members of this House isn't
my business. . .but if you want t' talk, I'm here," Philip
said.  Lissa smiled at him and sat down on the bench.
 
     "I know, Pip.  Grandfather just made me aware of some
things which I really didn't want to know, didn't really need
to know, since it's over and done with.  That sort of thing.
Oh, Pip, look at her!" Lissa exclaimed, her eyes lighting up
as she watched Cassie play, "She's amazing!"  Philip nodded
and smiled as they watched Lissa's daughter play.  Cassie was
so like her mother, in looks and disposition, it took his
breath away. . .and he wondered why Derek didn't see it.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     "Under the canopy I see them. . .side by side.  When did
she get to be a beauty?  When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it just yesterday when they were small?" Molly quoted
to herself as she watched Philip and Lissa from the library
windows.  They reminded her of her favorite song.
                                                           
     Favorite song and favorite musical.  Molly closed her
eyes.  Nick and Alex had everything under control, so Molly
had come into the library to relax.  The confrontation with
Rachel Corrigan hadn't helped at all. . .Molly had hoped it
would clear the air between them, but now she was even more
tense.  Then Derek said from behind her, "You upset Rachel."
 
     "Well, la-dee-da!  Sorry, Derek, I have better things to
do with my time than tip-toe around Dr. Rachel's fragile ego.
Look at them. . .dammit, I should have fought Reynolds!  I
should have never allowed that bastard to keep her!" Molly
swore, staring at the figures of her niece and Philip.
 
     Lissa was on her feet once more, gesturing wildly, as
Cassie came over to join them.  She sat at Philip's feet,
slipping her arms around his leg.  One hand came down to rest
on Cassie's glossy dark hair, and Molly blinked back tears.
It seemed so right. . .a young family on a picnic.
 
     "Lissa is fine now. . .she is with her family.  And
whether you like it or not, Rachel is also part of that
family.  Where does this hatred of her come from, Molly?  Are
you jealous of Rachel?" Derek asked and Molly stared at him
in disbelief.  Jealous?  Of a snivelling airhead who
doesn't know a poltergeist from a blitzkrieg?
 
     "No way!  I have an enchanting daughter whom I adore, a
beautiful niece for whom I would kill, a godson who would be
every woman's dream if he wasn't a priest.  I have a best
friend who would put her life on the line for any member of
my House, not just the ones who find her attractive!  She has
nothing, and I repeat, nothing I want," Molly retorted.
 
     She paused, then added, stepping closer to Derek so he
wouldn't misunderstand her, "And know this, Derek.  If her
stupidity or vanity ever gets my niece or Philip killed, I
will never forgive her, and I will never forgive you.  And if
you don't think I'm capable of making you both pay, think
again.  Lissa is all I have left in the world, aside from my
daughter, and I will protect her with my very life!"
                                                           
     "Lissa is my daughter, Molly. . .and I protect what's
mine.  You know that," Derek replied.  Realizing she had gone
too far, Molly nodded and Derek continued, "While you are in
my House, you will treat my people. . .all of my people. . .
with respect.  Or you will not be welcome here again."
 
     "I will be civil to Rachel Corrigan. . .that is all I
can promise.  But I swear to you, if she ever hurts my niece
or my godson, she will regret being born," Molly shot back.
She didn't give Derek a chance to respond. . .she turned on
her heel and walked out of the room.
 
     .                        .                        .
 
     Derek watched Molly leave the room and sighed heavily.
He knew she meant well. . .and her love for Lissa had never
been in question.  But her attitude toward Rachel was
starting to interfere with the current case.  Derek was sure
that the psychiatrist was remembering her own assault at the
hands of the demon-possessed Shamus Bloom.
 
     He looked out the window and smiled.  Lissa was still
gesturing wildly, and Cassie was laughing up at her.  While
Derek couldn't see Philip's face, Derek was certain that the
young man was smiling.  The picture seemed so right, as if
the trio belonged together.  Until he remembered that Philip
was a celibate priest, and would never have this family.
 
     But he does have us, Derek thought, he does have
us, and for now, that's what counts.  I should ask Lissa
later if she's had an opportunity to call Maeve and Shelagh.
I know they're both very concerned.  Derek smiled and
returned his attention to the two young adults and the little
girl on the lawn below his window.
                                                           
     He would never stop regretting the years he had lost
with his daughter, the years she should have been loved and
cherished.  But she had given him back those years in a
manner of speaking, with her early Father's Day gifts.  And
she was in his life now. . .there was no way Derek Rayne
would ever allow his daughter to be hurt again.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     Rachel had gone into Derek's office to ask him about
another case, but he was elsewhere.  Not ready to go back to
the files, Rachel meandered about the room.  It had been a
long time since she was last in here. . .in fact, the last
time Rachel had been in Derek's office for any length of
time, it had been the day Derek learned that Lissa was his
child.  And the pictures of Lissa he had scattered about the
room touched her deeply.
 
     There were pictures of Lissa at her graduation from high
school, of her graduation from the police academy.  However,
one picture in particular caught Rachel's attention.  At
first glance, Rachel had thought that the picture was of
Cassie, because the little girl looked just like her.  But
the caption below read, 'Lissa, 1976.' And for the first
time, a startling idea occurred to Rachel.
 
     Ever since Lissa's return home, it had seemed to Rachel
that a bond existed between Lissa and Cassie, a bond that
transcended mere cousins.  The more Rachel thought about it,
the more she believed it.  The reason why Lissa and Cassie
seemed close did go far beyond cousins, because they weren't
cousins at all. . .but mother and daughter.  Rachel
remembered Lissa's strange reaction when Rachel commented
that she wasn't really a mother, and her conviction grew.
                                                          
     Rachel's initial shock turned to outrage as she thought
about it.  All these months, she thought, all these
months, and Lissa has said nothing to us, to her family,
about having a daughter!  She gave her child, her only child
to that aunt of hers, and for what?  Because it was too
inconvenient for her to raise Cassie herself?
 
     Rachel's fury, which had been building for the last few
days between the memories of the rape and Molly's smart-ass
attitude, finally had a target.  She put down the picture and
strode out of the office.  It was time Derek learned the
truth about his daughter and consequences be damned!
 
     What she didn't see was Duncan approaching from the
opposite direction, with a slightly worried expression on his
face.  The only thing on Rachel Corrigan's mind was putting
the less-than-honest Elizabeth Rayne in her place.  Again,
consequences be damned.  Rachel didn't care if telling the
truth got her kicked out of the Legacy. . .they needed her a
lot more than she needed them!has said nothing ab
about having a daughter!  She gave her child, her only child
to that aunt of hers, and for what?  Because it was too
inconvenient for her to raise Cassie herself?
 
     Duncan saw Dr. Corrigan stride from Dr. Rayne's office
in an obvious state.  She held the picture of Miss Elizabeth
at her side, and her mouth was set grimly.  Judging from
those two indications, the butler decided that Dr. Corrigan
had realized that young Cassie was Miss Elizabeth's daughter.
Without further ado, he changed course, heading for Miss
Elizabeth, Father Philip, and Cassie.
 
     As he approached, he said smoothly, "I believe a new
batch of cookies has been finished, if Miss Cassie would like
to test them for Cook."  Cassie looked up at the two adults
and Miss Elizabeth nodded with a smile.  Cassie gave a squeal
of delight, hugged Miss Elizabeth's legs, and scurried off in
the general direction of the kitchen.  Duncan turned back to
the adults and added more seriously, "Dr. Corrigan is in a
state, Miss Elizabeth. . .she's noticed the resemblance
between you and young Cassie."
 
     Miss Elizabeth's mouth tightened, but she replied,
"Thanks for the warning, Duncan.  I'd appreciate it if you
kept my daughter out of harm's way, at least until the
shouting is over with.  If you see my aunt, please let her
know immediately what's going on.  Philip, maybe you should
go with Duncan and Cassie. . .you really need to rest."  But
Father Philip was already shaking his head.
 
     "Not a chance, Lissa!  I wasn't there for you when you
needed me most, I'll not abandon you now!  Lead the way,
m'lady," the young man replied.  Duncan smiled in spite of
himself and Miss Elizabeth rolled her eyes.  However, she
nodded and led him in the direction of Dr. Corrigan's voice.
 
     It seemed that Dr. Corrigan's strident tone had
attracted the attention of Dr. Summers as well, for the young
woman whom Duncan remembered as a pony-tailed redhead with
gum in her mouth raced lightly down the stairs from the
library, asking with concern, "Duncan?  What's going on?  I
hear Dr. Corrigan screeching.  Then again, she screeches at
anything, so maybe it's not important."  The butler
controlled his smile at the young woman's question.

     "I'm afraid you're wrong this time, Dr. Summers. . .Dr.
Corrigan finally noticed the strong resemblance between Miss
Elizabeth and Cassie," Duncan replied.  Dr. Summers paled,
doing a double-take, and Duncan asked with some exasperation,
"Is it so surprising that I realized the identity of Cassie's
birth mother immediately?  I remember that little girl with
great fondness, Dr. Summers."
 
     "Sorry. . .oh, shit.  Shit, and dimbulb is going to take
my attitude out on Lissa!  Dammit, Molly, listen to Philip
for a change!  Um. . .okay.  Duncan, thank you for telling
me, I have to go clean up after myself.  Take care of Cassie
for me!" Dr. Summers replied.  Then she headed toward the
direction of Dr. Corrigan's raised voice. . .obviously, Miss
Elizabeth and Father Philip had found her.  Duncan shook his
head, sighing with exasperation.
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     It was worse than Molly had imagined. . .Philip was
leaning against the wall, obviously in pain, but he wasn't
budging from Lissa's side.  Rachel Corrigan was haranguing
Lissa, accusing her of betraying her father's trust and
abandoning her only child because it was inconvenient.
 
     Lissa was icy as she endured the harangue.  It was only
when Rachel stopped for breath that Lissa asked coldly, "And
what gives you the right to sit in judgment on me, Doctor?
You have no right to judge me, Rachel. . .I did what I
thought was best for my daughter, and by God, I would do it
again!  Would you have preferred that I tried to raise her
myself, in an abusive environment, where my step-father would
have tried to destroy her the way he tried to destroy me?
No.  No, this was better. . .better for Cassie."
 
     "Better for Cassie or better for you?  If you hadn't
been so stupid and gotten yourself knocked up, it wouldn't
have been necessary, now would it?  You aren't fit to be a
mother. . .my son was taken from me, and you gave your child
up!  You are just as much of a tramp as your mother was!"
Rachel hissed.  Lissa stiffened and her face went white, as
if the hysterical psychiatrist had actually struck her.
 
     And Molly had had enough.  Only vaguely aware of Derek
approaching, and footsteps behind her, the linguist hissed
right back, "Who in the hell do you think you are, you self-
righteous bitch?  Insulting my sister's memory was bad
enough, but damn you, you will not impugn my niece's
reputation!"  Rachel looked away, contemptuous, and Molly
spat, "That bastard raped her, Dr. Corrigan. . .that bastard
whom Fiona married raped my niece!"
 
      .                        .                        .
  
     "Nick, I found it!" Alex exclaimed and Nick turned to
face her with a bemused look.  The young woman explained,
"I found Lucinda Hadley's obit.  I had to keep pushing the
search back a decade or so, but I finally found it.  She died
in 1962. . .she was only thirty years old."
 
     "That matches what Sandy told us. . .about thirty years
old.  Does the obit say anything about her family, or the
cause of death?" Nick asked.  Alex shook her head, chewing
her lower lip as the obit was printed out.  Nick frowned
thoughtfully, murmuring, "That's odd. . .usually, a lot more
information is given about the decedent.  Yeah, that's really
weird.  Think we should go to Derek about this now?"  Alex
tapped her fingernail against the console, considering that.
It wasn't a lot to go on, but on the other hand. . .
                                                           
     "Let's see what he has to say.  Besides, I have a really
bad feeling that we'll need to be mediators between Rachel
and Molly.  Nick. . .what's your take on Molly?" Alex asked
curiously as she rose to her feet.  Nick was silent for
several minutes as they passed through the hologram and into
the library/conference room.
 
     "She's fiercely protective of Lissa, Cassie, and Philip.
And she has absolutely nothing good to say about Rachel. . .I
don't know, Alex.  On the one hand, she's always been good to
me. . .jokes around, that kind of thing.  On the other hand,
her attitude toward Rachel is really beginning to irritate
me," Nick replied at last.
 
     Alex started to reply, then heard the sound of raised
voices.  She and Nick looked at each other, then took off
running in the direction of the voices.  The two young people
arrived to find Rachel screaming at Lissa about Cassie.  It
took Alex only a few seconds to figure out why. . .Cassie was
Lissa's daughter.  The revelation didn't stun her, as it
might have stunned Rachel, because Alex had guessed as much.
 
     However, Lissa wasn't ready to talk about it, so Alex
hadn't pushed.  She knew that when Lissa was ready, it would
be Broussard Hall all over again.  Only a second later,
obviously fed up with Rachel's attack on Lissa, Molly blurted
out that Lissa had been raped by her step-father.  It was at
the same time that Alex saw Derek approaching. . .and it was
she who saw his expression.  The researcher glanced at Nick
out of the corner of her eye. . .he had gone white.
 
     Lissa was trembling, her face white as Derek approached.
Philip stood at her side, his good hand on her shoulder
supportively.  Behaving as if he had heard nothing, Derek
asked, "Alex, Nick, you found something about Lucinda
Hadley?"  When Alex nodded mutely, Derek continued in that
calm voice, "Then I suggest we adjourn to the conference
room, where we can continue the conversation already in
progress."  Now that he was closer, Alex could see the sheer
fury in Derek's eyes, and prayed that Lissa wouldn't suffer.
 
     The others nodded and filed to the conference room.
Once they were all assembled and seated, Derek asked Lissa
very quietly, "Is it true, sweeting?  Is what your aunt said
true?"  There was an infinite amount of tenderness and an
infinite amount of pain in the question.
 
     Lissa nodded and started to speak.  She closed her eyes,
swallowed hard, reminding Alex of the day Lissa had returned
to Angel Island as Derek Rayne's daughter.  At last, with
Philip's hand on her shoulders supportively, Lissa replied
hoarsely, "Yes, Dad.  William Reynolds raped me."
 
     .                        .                        .
  
     The silence seemed to last forever after Lissa admitted
the truth of Cassie's conception.  Rachel was afraid she
would be sick.  All she could think of was her harsh words
earlier to the younger woman.  God forgive me, I was
stupid, Rachel thought, so stupid!
 
     "Tell me what happened," Derek said gently.  There was
such pain in his eyes, pain which no parent should ever have
to endure.  Rachel couldn't look at him for more than a few
seconds. . .the shame and the fury threatened to overwhelm
her.  Her own words haunted her, 'you have no idea,
Elizabeth, what it's like to be violated in such a way.'
 
     "I was eleven years old the first time it happened. . .
it was exactly a year after Mama died.  Oh God, that year was
sheer hell.  I couldn't understand why I couldn't see you or
Philip any more.  Finally, he told me that you didn't love me
any more.  That night, he raped me for the first time.
Called me a little whore, just like my mother, and told me I
had *made* him do it," Lissa said softly, bitterly.

     "Sick bastard," Nick whispered, his face very white and
very murderous.  Rachel couldn't even look at him. . .she
couldn't look at any of them.  She would have been sick if
she was forced to look in a mirror.  'You don't know what
it's like, Elizabeth.'
 
     "Yeah.  He left me alone for the most part after that.

I got through it, but oh, I was so glad to start college!   I
met Xan in Louisiana, and things started to come together for
me.  I was doing well in my classes, I had a wonderful
roommate who took care of me and protected me.  But not even
Xan could protect me when I went home," Lissa replied.
 
     "The letters," Alex said softly, tears rolling down her
cheeks.  Rachel didn't understand what the younger woman
meant at first, then it hit her. . .the letters which
Reynolds had intercepted from Lissa to Alex.  Lissa nodded,
her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides.
 
     "Yes. . .the letters.  As I said, he left me alone for
the most part after that.  He met Starr, and she kept him
occupied until he murdered her.  She went into premature
labor with Maeve, and the complications killed her.  He
killed her. . .because of me," the ex-cop said quietly.
Rachel closed her eyes.  She could guess what that meant.
 
    "Starr found Reynolds in Lissa's bedroom one night.  An
argument ensued. . .Starr went into premature labor.  While
Reynolds was calling for an ambulance, Starr asked Lis if it
had happened before.  I believe just before Starr died a few
days later, she confessed everything to Luke Quinlan," Molly
put in and Rachel saw Philip's expression change.
 
     However, before she could ask about it, Lissa continued,
"The second rape occurred when I was nineteen.  I hadn't
forgotten about the first, of course. . .but I was tired and
half-sick from the flight home.  He was waiting for me in my
room.  I tried to run. . .I tried to fight him.  But. . ."
Now the grimness in her expression gave way to pain and grief
as tears appeared in her dark hazel eyes.
                                                           
     And yet. . .and yet, the tears didn't fall.  Perhaps
Lissa was afraid that if she cried, her father would be
disappointed in her, perhaps she believed that if she cried,
she would never finish telling her father what had happened
that horrifying night nearly eight years earlier.
 
     After a moment, Lissa continued, a little more composed,
"After I learned that I was pregnant as a result of the rape,
I went into shock.  It was bad enough that I had been raped,
bad enough that I was pregnant. . .but that my rapist was my
father?  I went to the docks finally. . .I was going to drown
myself, and the child with me."  Philip's hand remained on
her shoulders, giving comfort and stability.
 
     "What stopped you?" Rachel asked hoarsely, hating
herself even as she asked the question.  She hated herself
for what she had said to Lissa, hated that bastard Reynolds
even more for what he had done to her, hated Philip for being
able to comfort Lissa when Rachel herself could not.  Of all
people, Rachel should have been able to help Lissa.
 
     Unexpectedly, a sweet smile crossed Lissa's face as she
glanced at Nick and replied, "God sent one of his angels to
stop me.  I was standing on the dock, when I heard a voice
behind me.  I turned my head, and there was a young man.  A
boy, really, barely out of his teens.  He convinced me not to
jump.  I didn't know his name. . .he only knew my middle
name.  But he saved my life."
 
     It took Rachel a moment to understand, then she gasped.
Nick said quietly, "I was on furlough.  The other guys were
being rowdy, so I decided to take a walk.  Hell, usually, I
was as rowdy as the rest of them.  But on that night. . .I
wanted peace.  I saw this girl. . .it looked like she was
getting ready to throw herself into the water."
 
     "Lissa," Philip said, nodding.  One arm was now around
the ex-cop.  Nick bobbed his head once, and Philip continued,
"So. . .you talked her int' not jumpin' then?" Nick shrugged
and Philip said softly, "That's not an answer."

     "He asked me to come down from the wall," Lissa said,
her hands covering Philip's.  Rachel looked back at her, and
the young woman continued, "He told me that he knew my life
was falling apart, but I was too strong to let things end
like this.  I asked him how he knew I was strong, and he told
me the very fact that I was hesitating was proof."
 
     Lissa paused, then continued, "When he held out his hand
to me, I didn't take it, not right away.  I told him that he
didn't understand, that he couldn't possibly understand.  He
admitted that I was right, but told me that he would listen
if I wanted to talk.  I looked into his eyes and I knew he
wouldn't hurt me.  He had such kind, gentle eyes.  So I took
his hand, and he pulled me to safety.  I remember, we stood
there, and I just shook in his arms."
 
     "All she would tell me was that her middle name was
'Marie.'  She didn't want to tell me anything else, and I was
too relieved to have her off that wall to ask for more.  She
refused to tell me what had happened. . .just said that her
father had hurt her.  Lis, why didn't you tell me then?  Was
the memory still too fresh?" Nick asked thoughtfully.
 
     "That was part of it," Lissa admitted with a sigh, "and
I had a feeling that if I told you what happened, you would
have killed him.  He deserved to die. . .no question of that.
But you were so young, Nick. . .you didn't deserve to live
with that on your conscience.  So I kept silent."
 
     To Rachel's surprise, Philip said quietly, "A very
generous thing t' do, Elizabeth.  Oh, yes, your stepfather
deserves t' burn in hell for what he did t' you, and I have
it on very good authority that he's bein' punished."  A
secret smile passed between the two childhood friends, and
Philip continued, "What happened after that?"
 
     "I started making plans.  Despite what had happened to
me, I knew I couldn't have an abortion.  I would have never
forgiven myself, even though I was certain that I would give
birth to a monster.  So, I called Aunt Molly," Lissa said.

     "I paid for Lissa's airfare, and had a word with the
president of the University of Toronto.  As Derek can tell
you, being the Toronto representative of the Luna Foundation
has a number of privileges.  By the end of the week, Lissa's
credits had been transferred to U of T," Molly explained.
 
     "So, Lissa lived with you during her pregnancy and you
took care of her?" Alex asked, her cheeks still wet.  Molly
nodded and the young researcher walked to the Toronto
precept's side.  She embraced Molly fiercely, murmuring,
"That's for taking care of Lissa when I couldn't."
 
     "Aunt Molly had help.  This Legacy House isn't the only
one that has a priest in residence.  At the time, I just
thought that Father Castellano was a friend of my aunt's.  I
realize now that he was also a Legacy member, as was Rabbi
Danilov.  They both helped me a lot.  Hope you aren't
insulted, Pip," Lissa said with a half smile.
 
     "Insulted?  Why should I be insulted that you had men of
two faiths helpin' you through the most difficult time of
your life?  Are either of them still alive?" Philip asked and
Molly hesitated.  Philip continued, "What happened?  Are they
both dead?"  Lissa was looking at her aunt as well, concern
written clearly on her face.
 
     "They were both killed a few weeks ago.  You were in the
hospital, honey, and worried sick about Philip.  I didn't
want to add to your burden.  Father Gabe gave me a letter for
you. . .I'll give it to you later," Molly replied.  Lissa
closed her eyes, obviously devastated.  The Toronto precept
continued, "Oh, honey. . .he lived a good, long life.  They
both did.  Try not to mourn too much for them."
 
     Lissa didn't answer immediately, then she continued, "In
any event, from the moment I arrived in Toronto, both Father
Gabe and Rabbi Avram more or less adopted me.  Father Gabe
told me to regard him as my uncle, and Rabbi Avram told me
that I had a new grandfather.  They were of two different
faiths, but they were like brothers."

     "Avram was eight-five when he died.  He lost his parents
in a pogrom in Russia, then his aunt and uncle, who raised
him, both died in a Nazi concentration camp.  But I never met
a more loving, more compassionate man.  When Lissa first
arrived, she often had nightmares.  Avram comforted her.
They both comforted her. . .they wouldn't allow Lissa to
blame herself for the rape.  They loved her very much. . .
just like an uncle and a grandfather," Molly explained.
 
     "Father Gabe was at my side when Cassie was born.  He
baptized her and helped Aunt Molly to make the necessary
arrangements.  And when I gave her up, he held me as I cried.
They'll be missed," Lissa said softly.  There was a long
silence in the control room, then Lissa looked at her father.
She asked softly, "Can you ever forgive me, Dad?"
 
     Derek looked at her in patent amazement and asked,
"Forgive you?  What is there to forgive?  You did the only
thing you could, and you have carried this burden for seven
years.  There is nothing to forgive, Elizabeth, nothing at
all.  In fact, I'm very proud of you."  Lissa turned red.
 
     "But I kept Cassie's existence a secret from you.  Can
you forgive me for that?" the young woman asked softly.
Philip released her and backed away.  Derek smiled at the
young man, and approached his daughter.  Be careful,
Derek, Rachel thought, she's fragile right now.
 
     "Silly one. . .I told you, there is nothing to forgive.
Dear God, the strain you must have been under. . .you weren't
ready to tell us!" he replied, resting both hands on her
shoulders.  After a moment, Derek continued, "I just don't
know if I can forgive myself.  I should have protected you."
 
     "Recriminations will get us nowhere, Derek.  We all have
regrets. . .the important thin' now is makin' sure that
Cassie doesn't suffer.  She's an innocent, just as much of an
innocent as Lissa.  She doesn't deserve t' be punished for
what her biological father did t' Lissa," Philip said quietly
and Nick bobbed his head in silent agreement.
                                                           
     "Lissa. . .was that when Reynolds threatened to kill
Derek and Philip?  When he raped you the first time?" Rachel
asked hesitantly, recalling what she had been told after the
resolution of the Hendricks case several months earlier.
Lissa nodded after the barest pause, and Rachel pressed her
hand to her mouth.  Alex was wrong, she thought, that
bastard deserved everything he got, and more!
 
     "Yes.  At the time, he told me that if I ever told Derek
about what had happened, he would kill Philip. . .slowly,
painfully, and he would make Derek and me watch.  And then he
would kill Derek.  I knew he would do it, too.  I knew how
much he hated Philip especially.  He always hated Philip,
because Mama and I loved him.  So. . .I killed them both
here," Lissa replied, touching her heart.
 
     "In order to protect them," Alex said grimly, nodding,
and Lissa smiled faintly.  There was no humor in that smile,
however. . .only sadness.  Alex shook her head and said,
"Derek, I was looking for clues to the shooting, when I
literally stumbled across the letters which Lissa had written
to me after I graduated from college.  Letters which told of
the rape. . .which Reynolds intercepted."
 
     "Because he saw the newspaper clipping which announced
your joining the Luna Foundation," Nick guessed and Alex
nodded.  Nick swore under his breath, then added, "Lis, you
should have told me.  I would have made sure that son of a
bitch never hurt another little girl again!"  Lissa looked
away, sighing, and Nick continued, "No, honey, I wouldn't
have killed him.  I would have just castrated him, then made
sure he couldn't be reattached!"  There was a stunned silence
in the conference room, then something unexpected happened.
 
     The laughter was very soft, but unmistakeable.  Rachel
glanced over at the source. . .it was Philip who was
laughing, Philip the gentle priest who would never hurt
another soul.  Unless, Rachel admitted, someone hurt a
person dear to Philip, or an innocent.  And when he raped
Lissa, William Reynolds did both.
                                                           
     The young man laughed, his eyes twinkling, "Oh, I wish I
could have been there t' see that!  I would have enjoyed
watchin' that, yes I would have!"  Derek and Lissa were both
staring at Philip in amazement, then Lissa began laughing as
well. . .although, it was a kind of laughter which Rachel had
never heard before coming from the young woman.
 
     "Remind me to stay on your good side, Philip. . .I don't
think I want to make you angry!" Lissa finally said around
her laughter.  Philip just looked at her, his eyes filled
with a mixture of laughter and pain.  Lissa whispered, "Ask
her how she knows there's a God up in the heavens, where did
he go in the middle of her shame?  Ask her how she knows
there's a God up in the heavens, she said his mercy is
bringing her life again."
 
     "That's. . .that's beautiful, Lissa, what is it?  Is it
from a poem?" Rachel asked, unwilling to break the magic
spell which had been woven around the two childhood friends.
Lissa shook her head, a sad smile appearing on her face.
Rachel started to ask the question again.
 
     However, before she could speak, Lissa said quietly,
"It's from a song called 'Ask Me,' by Amy Grant.  It's about
child molestation.  It seemed. . .appropriate."  Again, a
long look passed between Lissa and Philip, and Rachel had the
strangest sense that they were somehow communicating with
each other.  She knew that Philip didn't have the Sight, so
the communication wasn't telepathic.
 
     But instead of commenting on it, Rachel said huskily,
"Then it's appropriate.  Where do we go from here. . .Alex,
you said something about finding information about Lucinda
Hadley. . .what did you find out?"  She didn't know what else
to do. . .what else to say.
 
     Alex shook herself and answered, "I found her obituary.
She was born in 1932, died in 1962 at the age of thirty.
That's the sum total of the information. . .no mention of
family, or even when the services would be held."
                                                           
     "So we are dealing with a ghost," Rachel said.  For
once, she didn't question what was going on around her.  In
light of the revelation she had just heard from Lissa,
nothing could shock her at the moment.  Nick nodded, also
looking worried, and Rachel asked, "What do we do now?"
 
     "Now, we see Kendra Tyler.  Xan, is there a picture of
Lucinda Hadley with the obit?" Lissa asked.  When Alex shook
her head, Lissa swore under her breath.  After a moment, she
continued, "All right.  I'll have a little talk with Sandy
when Rachel and I get back from Adrian's house.  Maybe she
can find something to point us in the right direction."
 
     Rachel did a double-take. . .she and Lissa were still
going to talk to Adrian?  Rachel had felt certain the younger
woman wouldn't want to be in the same room with her, after
her faux pas earlier.  As if sensing this, Lissa added
quietly, "We have a job to do.  I'm really worried about
Kendra's involvement in this situation.  There's a particular
reason why she's seeing this. . .I want to know what it is."
 
     "Lissa, before you leave, would you mind seeing Philip
to his room?  He looks ready to collapse. . .I want no
argument from you, my friend.  You look exhausted," Derek
said firmly.  Lissa nodded and helped Philip from the room.
The precept looked at Nick, adding, "Go with them.  Alex,
would you mind checking on Cass. . .on my granddaughter?"
 
     "On our way," Alex said, heading out the door for the
kitchen.  Nick followed, giving Rachel a quick glance.  She
reassured him silently, and he raced to catch up with Philip
and Lissa.  Derek looked at Molly, then at Rachel, and the
doctor shuddered.  His eyes were as cold as the Arctic.
 
     However, he said only, "I have paperwork to finish in my
office.  I can trust you ladies to behave yourselves for a
few minutes, can I not?"  Rachel nodded, lowering her eyes,
and Molly followed suit.  With that taken care of, Derek left
the room. . .if Rachel hadn't known him better, she would
have thought nothing of his abruptness.
                                                           
     But Rachel knew the revelation about his daughter had
devastated him.  Her thoughts were interrupted when Molly
said very quietly, "I will warn you once. . .the next time
you go after my niece because of me, I will rip out your
intestines.  I don't like you, and you don't like me.  But
leave my niece and Cassie out of it!  Is that understood?"
 
     Rachel turned to the younger woman and replied, "Oh, I
understand totally.  But I want you to understand something
as well.  You keep hiding behind your love for Lissa and
Philip. . .but let's be upfront, shall we?  There's a lot
more to your dislike of me than what you've said."
 
     Molly's eyes darkened, but she answered quietly, "You're
right. . .there is a lot more.  Let's start with the fact
that you had the gall to blame Derek for something his father
did when Derek himself was just a teenager, around the same
age as Pippa.  Let's discuss the way you fawn over Nick,
patronize my niece and Alex, and until recently, totally
ignored Philip.  Let's discuss your little habit of flying
off the handle.  You have no right to be in the Legacy, Dr.
Rachel Corrigan.  None whatsoever."
 
     "Did Lissa tell you about all that?" Rachel demanded and
though she hadn't realized it was possible, Molly's eyes grew
even colder.  But of course, as soon as she asked, Rachel
knew the answer.  That wasn't Lissa's style.  So who?  Who
knew all of that about her, and who would hate her enough to
tell this woman about the things she had done wrong?  There
was only one answer, of course. . .and it forced Rachel to
confront something Lissa had told her weeks earlier.
 
     Her mind reeled at the revelation.  She remembered the
conversation with Lissa about her enraged declaration to
Derek that she would never forgive him, or his father, or the
Legacy House, for the death of her mother.  She remembered
Lissa's quiet, determined assertion that her grandfather,
Winston Rayne, the man who had actually murdered Ruth
Cantwell, had helped Lissa to escape from Victor Arkady.  And
Rachel had her answer of who hated her enough to do that.
                                                           
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