“I’ll mention it, but it’s probably not going to happen,” Mike said and he sounded sad and very weary. “You can’t rescue somebody who doesn’t want to be rescued. And it doesn’t sound to me like Starlet wants to go back home quite yet.”

Hannah thought that over for a moment. Perhaps Mike was right. Starlet had expressed no desire to go back home and she had seemed content to stay on her corner.

“You did a good job, Hannah,” Norman said, “and so did your mother.”

“That’s right,” Mike agreed, and Hannah knew he was making a deliberate effort to be upbeat for her benefit. “You can’t save them all, Hannah.”

“I know. It’s just a shame, that’s all.”

Mike gave a humorous chuckle. “Why do you think I got out of Vice and became a homicide detective? Murderers are a lot more fun than pimps and prostitutes.”

They all stared at Mike for a moment and then Hannah burst into laughter. That broke the ice and everyone laughed.

“I’ve got to go,” Mike said when they’d quieted down. “Hannah’s tired and I’ve got an early day tomorrow.”

“You’re back at the department?” Andrea asked him, and Hannah noticed that she sounded hopeful.

“Nope. Your husband’s as stubborn as a mule, but he’ll come around eventually. I’ve just got some loose ends to tie up, that’s all.”

“And I have to read a whole chapter to Tracey.” Andrea stood up and turned to Mike. “Walk me down to my car?”

“Sure thing.”

“Both of us will,” Norman said, rising to his feet. “I’ve got an early day, too.”

Lonnie glanced at his watch. “So do I, and it starts at midnight. They’ve got me on swing shift tonight.”

Once goodbyes were said, the living room emptied out quickly. In the space of a couple of minutes, Michelle and Hannah were the only two left.

“It’s bedtime for me,” Michelle said, yawning widely. “How about you, Hannah?”

It had to be true that yawns were contagious because Hannah yawned, too. “I’ll turn in now.” She looked down at the cat who was curled up in her lap. “And I think Moishe has already turned in.”

There was a sleepy yowl from Moishe as she stood up to follow Michelle down the hall. “Come on, then,” Hannah told him. “I’m so tired tonight, you can probably steal my pillow and I won’t even notice it’s gone.”

GOLDEN RAISIN WHIPPERSNAPPER COOKIES

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F., rack in the middle position.

For the Cookies: