She stopped here, realizing that he and Jack didnt even know about her diagnosis. She also wasnt quite sure how to feel about the fact that hed revealed the illness in the family to Anderson. She wasnt mad, just unsettled. It was a strange feeling.

Anderson nodded when she did not finish her sentence. Understood. And I meant what I said: Im making sure your family is being watched and kept safe.

Thank you.

She turned and left before the conversation could get any odder. She found Jack sitting out in the small waiting area outside of Andersons office. It was still so early that the receptionist hadnt arrived yet. But through the blinds, early morning sunlight peered through.

Everything good? Jack asked.

Yeah. I was just being reminded of how great my partner is.

Ah, he said, looking away in slight embarrassment. Well, I could have told you that. We didnt need Anderson to relay it.

I imagine there would be more truth coming from him.

Ouch. I keep forgetting how crabby you can be in the morning.

And we still have a two-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of us. Lucky you.

They headed down to fill out paperwork to take out a bureau car. Between then and actually getting behind the wheel, she found herself constantly thinking back to PaigePaige asleep, Paige sticking her tongue out in concertation as she lined up a shot for croquet in Grandma Tates back yard, Paige knowing nothing of her diagnosis.

You have to tell her, she told herself. You have to tell her as soon you can. You should have already told her but, well, here we are…

Yes, here we are. And right now, there was a case to solve. Shed interrupted her trip to see Grandma Tate for this, so she was going to set her mind on the case before cluttering it up with the mess she had left back at home.

Hows your grandmother? Jack asked. Thats where you were when Anderson called yesterday, right?

Shes fine. I took Paige down to see her. It went pretty well…until Anderson called, of course.

And what about the elephant in the car that is this whole Lynch and his dead squirrel situation? Are you wanting to talk that out or do we leave it alone?

She appreciated him asking. Over the past two cases, hed noticed something was wrong with her and shed snapped at him far too many times. He was trying his best to respect her privacy while still remaining a supportive partner.

I think Im leaving it alone for now. I cant let that creep occupy too much of my time if Im on a case…despite the mistake I made of consulting with him in the first place. If Anderson gives me his word that he has people staking out my house and family, thats all the security I need for right now.