Hey yourself. You get there okay? Everything going fine?

Except for the nature of the case itself…yes, everything is fine.

This was something of a routine. Hed promised her early in her marriage that even when she became an active agent and was always on the road, he was going to check in on her, to let her know that someone was thinking about her back home. It had been a terribly romantic gesture back then but, from time to time, felt more burdensome than anything else. Still, she took it for what it wasa sign that he loved her deeply.

Good. Hows Jack?

Hes Jack, she said. She knew she was sounding short, and tried to curb it. Apparently, Peter noticed, too, because he hurried up and got to the point.

So, this is awkward, he said, but I need to know for planning purposes. Theres this massive edit we need to undertake on a proposal. It needs to go out tomorrow or our bid wont be accepted. Ive told them I might be able to help. I had a look at the ovulation calendar and saw that tonight is a peak night. If you need my…er, services at home, I wont volunteer to help with the edit.

If youre asking if this case is going to have me back home tonight, Im sorry, she said. Theres not a single lead and its…well, its looking to be a very involved one. Id guess three days at least.

Oh.

Hed long ago gotten used to her sudden multiple day disappearances because of spur-of-the-moment cases and handled it like a champ. She did hear a bit of hurt in his single syllable response, though.

Im really sorry. Ill tell you the details when I can, when the case is wrapped

No, really, its okay. I didnt want to help with the edit anyway. The baby-making part, though…yeah, Ill miss that.

She couldnt come up with an appropriate response. She was suddenly back in Regency Fertility Clinic, seeing those hopeful faces and knowing that would never be her again…knowing she would likely not even be alive a year from now.

And then, like a ghost swooping into her mind, the face of Alex Lynch was in her head, smiling at her and studying her, his eyes magnified through his glasses.

What the hell is that about? she wondered.

Theres always next month, she said, finally, pushing that haunting face out of her mind.

Yeah, but is there? he said. It sounded a bit pained, and rather snappy.

Whats that supposed to mean?

He sighed on the other end. Nothing, he said. I just…it doesnt seem like youre too interested, and that makes me feel like Im pressuring you.

Not at all, she said, sensing an argument right around the corner and trying to stave it off. But we knew my schedule was going to play a part in howand ifour plans worked out.