How was she going to explain all this to Jack? If she gave up Ted, Jack wouldn't believe her, and she couldn't blame him. She wondered if she was making a mistake going to see Jack instead of calling Nikki or Charles. Maybe she should have called Lizzie Fox or Judge Easter. Well, it's too late now. Let Jack make the decision.

The traffic was light at that hour, and the cab sailed along, missing just about every red light on the way. Maggie leaned back and closed her eyes. She felt physically wonderful. She even felt good mentally. Her world was suddenly right side up. She absolutely refused to wonder if it would last. It was what it was for now. She smiled when she remembered how Mickey and Minnie had run to her when she entered the apartment with Ted. Oh, to be so loved by two precocious cats even though they'd hissed their disapproval when she left the apartment.

Ten minutes later, the cab pulled alongside a parked car in front of Jack's house. She paid the driver, asked for a receipt, and pocketed it before she climbed out of the cab.

The house was lit up from top to bottom, and that could only mean Jack was home. Maybe he didn't like the dark. She didn't, either. She wondered if he was as lonely as she was.

Maggie rang the bell and waited. When it opened, she said, "Hi, neighbor! Can I come in? I need to talk to you right now. It can't wait, Jack."

"What? No cake? Aren't new neighbors supposed to bring a cake or a pot roast or something?"

"Well, yeah, but you have it backward. You were supposed to bring me the cake or the pot roast. I'm the one who is new and just moved in."

"Yeah, like a year ago. What's up? You want a beer, coffee?"

Maggie realized she hadn't eaten. She thought about the ham and the fried chicken in Ted's refrigerator. She should have taken some to go. "You have anything to eat?"

"Crackers and cheese. Some fruit. I didn't have time to shop on Saturday. How hungry are you?"

"Starved." Sex always left her starving for some reason.

"How about a Hungry Man TV dinner?"

"I'll take it. And the beer."

As Jack bustled about the kitchen, Maggie started to babble. When she was finished she said, "My source is impeccable, Jack, and don't ask because you know I can't tell you who it is. You only have till Friday to turn this around, or Bert is not going to be confirmed."

"Are you sure, Maggie?"