Even though Paiges face lit up at the idea, the thought of her daughter in this city creeped her out. It was nothing against New York for sure, but the case. Rachel was starting to understand that this case was skewing her view of the city. It made her hate the traffic that much more, and made her frustration with the endless rows of streets even stronger.

You wont be there for very long will you? Paige asked.

I just dont know, sweetie. It all depends on if

Because with Great-Gramma Tate being sick and all, I didnt think youd stay away for too long.

It took a second or two for Rachel to understand what had just happened. Somehow, Paige knew about Grandma Tate. Since shed only told Peter and Jack, it was quite clear who shed heard it from.

Did Daddy tell you about that?

Yeah. But I dont think he meant to. He looked really sad after he told me. Mommy, is she going to be okay? Daddy said it might be something real bad.

Rachel swallowed down her fury at Peter long enough to wrap things up with Paige. And as she did, she felt that she was far too close to the very real moment that might eventually come when she had to answer these same questions about herself. It made her heart ache and she could feel tears forming in the corners of her eyes. It did not help that they were speaking through FaceTime and that she could see the confusion and hurt in her daughters eyes.

You know, thats a very big topic to talk about, Rachel said. Its certainly not something we should talk about on the telephone. Well make sure to talk about it as soon as I get home. Okay?

Yeah, okay, Paige said sadly.

You go to sleep, okay? But can you put Daddy on before we hang up?

Yeah, hes right here. Gnight, Mommy. I love you.

I love you, too.

The phone was jostled a bit as Paige handed the phone over to Peter. She could tell that he was moving before he looked into the phone. She watched as the blurred screen moved from the soft darkness of Paiges room to the lights of the upstairs hallway. It shifted angles again and she saw Peters face. He was frowning when he looked into the phone and said, Rach, Im so sorry.

Jesus, Peter. Thats probably something we should have told her together! Or better yet, to have waited until Grandma Tate came to visit.

I know. It just sort of slipped out. I didnt even think of it until after it was out and…you know what? Its a lame excuse. But yeah, Im sorry.

She looked upset when she asked. How much did you tell her?