She shook her head, trying to choose the right words. Should she just blurt it out and have it done or should she ease him into it, starting with the run out at the obstacle course? No, it wasnt the case…though that was pretty awful. No, this happened before I got the call for the case. This

When her cellphone rang, she flinched. It scared her way too much. But as much as it scared her, it also provided an immense sense of relief. Saved by the bell, she thought dryly. Even then, though, she almost chose not to answer it. She had no idea when she might have the courage to get this out into the open again. She was so close to telling himto getting this massive weight off of her shoulders.

But the FBI training kicked in hard and she had to at least check the caller display. When she took the phone out of her pocket and checked the display, she saw a name she hadnt seen on her phone in a while.

Thats weird, she said.

What? Peter asked, clearly a little irritated form having their kiss broken.

Its Grandma Tate.

It even seemed odd to Peteras it should. Grandma Tate was Rachels grandmother on her mothers side. She lived in Aiken, South Carolina and over the last few years theyd only seen one another on either Thanksgiving or Christmas. Shed never felt close as far as Rachel was concerned, but whenever they did get together, there was an undeniable connection between them. When Rachels mother had passed away, it had been Grandma Tate that had stepped in as best as she could to help Rachels father raise her.

Its a little early to start planning for Thanksgiving, isnt it? Peter asked.

Rachel though so, too. And thats why she couldnt help but feel a bit nervous when she finally answered the phone on the fourth ring. Hello?

Rachel! Hello, dear. How are you?

Hey there, Grandma, she said. She hated how southern she sounded when she said it. The rural Virginia of her childhood tended to creep out on certain words, and grandma was among the worst offenders.

Its always so nice to hear your voice, Grandma Tate said. And I know its a bit late…too late to talk to precious little Paige, I assume?

Yes, Im sorry. Shes already down for bed.

Ah, yeah, I figured. And how are you? Hows work and all?

Im doing pretty good, she said. Again, she was amazed with how easy the lie came. It was almost as if she was starting to convince herself that shed never even gone to the doctorthat there wasnt a life-ending tumor residing in her head. Same old, same old. You know how it goes.